Gaudilona aka [Barcelona]- Part I

Dear pipsqueaks,

I’ve been thinking for a couple of days now, and I haven’t figured how to recap our trip in Barcelona. Should I do a more structured set up or a journal-like walk through? Then, I decided that I shall approach this city with how Gaudi does: with a flow.

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The next morning was a lazy one. Even with full acknowledgement that we are running a bit late, we still took our showers enjoyably and made the most out of what they called “breakfast”. I think we all came to the agreement the only thing that tasted like anything was the toast, so we squeezed in a second serving. Not before long, we were on street side trying to flag down a taxi as their bus network didn’t operate this early (eh hm, 9am) on a Sunday. Minutes passed and panic began to surface on our faces as we didn’t expect to take this long to hop on a taxi. Finally, a daring fellow in the yellow zoomed by on the other side of the road, did a quick u-turn, and stopped swiftly before us.

“Where to?”
“Airport, please. How fast can you get us there?”
“Don’t worry. We’ll get there in time.”

(Goodbye...FOREVER! Just kidding~)

He wasn’t kidding when he said he’d get us there on time. We arrived with enough time to avoid running like headless chickens to check-in and through security. Actually, at that point, I still had no clue where we were flying to, and I had wanted to keep it that way. Except, the security officer saw us in a rush and made a comment, “Heading to Barcelona? You better hurry!” So, we’re zipping to SPAIN?! Wicked~ I think I skipped all the way in.

Wandering around the [UK]: Edinburgh Castle to Glasgow

Dear pipsqueaks,

This morning was yet another rushed one as we were informed by Ivy the approximate schedule: in order to return the car at the designated shop in time, we would have to leave within the hour. First thought, “so much for getting to enjoy the castle a bit”. A light walk around to the lake, and sing on the top of our lungs for no one can hear us. Maybe even dance a little to our own tunes. That would have been perfect. But, sadly, the dream bubble ‘poofed’ into non-existence above my head. Well, hopefully there will be a next time at some beautiful castle somewhere in the world.

(one last picture with Glengarry Castle before we go)

Having driven like madmen, we still couldn’t make it to the closing time at the designated shop. Then, with a few phone calls, we found out that instead we could return the car at the airport- which was closer to where we were- without the limitations of time. That meant we could’ve stayed a little while longer at the castle to enjoy the view! But of course, those thought were all too late. We were already near. After a quick return paperwork, we hopped on the next bus back into town. No trouble at all.

Wandering around the [UK]: Trains & Castles

Dear pipsqueaks,

Today was my birthday, and really, I had no plans in particular to celebrate this day that marked the milestone of 25 years. But then again, this whole trip was in highlight of that already, so there was no reason to over-do it all. Then, what did we do this day?

The thought of taking it slowly and just enjoy the day was quickly waved off by le sister entering the dorm room, hurrying us along. Suppose we had to leave right away in order to make it on time to something. “If you don’t wanna know, then don’t ask. Just hurry up.” In no time, we were speed-walking from the hostel to our car- which Ivy decided to care less and parked in the opposite direction of the street.

With the best formation possible- Ivy on wheels and me on map- we were zooming smoothly to our destination. Except this time, I couldn’t even guess what we were actually doing until we neared a train. Why were we at a train station anyway? Yes, we arrived at Fort William, where every Harry Potter fan would know, is the platform to board The Jacobite should one wish to see the famous HP Viaduct. Remember that iconic scene of the Hogwarts Express making its way to Hogwarts? That’s the one. So you can imagine how excited the whole train was when we were first informed of us nearing the viaduct. In sheer panic to grab my camera and phone, I didn’t have one decent picture to my name. But, the best part about traveling in a group? Someone’s bound to have succeeded in taking a picture worth sharing. A 2-hour train ride for a 2-minute photo session, which by the way would only have been worth it if you brought a multi-capture camera, was seriously too hot to bear. At a short stop, Ivy geniusly bought some ice-cream, which was EXACTLY what we needed. Yum, I could still taste that rich chocolatiness. 

(waiting for the 2-minute window for pictures!!)

Wandering around the [UK]: Edinburgh

Dear pipsqueaks,

Actually, I didn’t really get a chance to appreciate the hostel that we had settled in the night before because I was overly upset at some preparation details. But anyway, problem solved so it was all good. This super chillax hostel called Caledonian Backpackers had it all: a lounge area with ample power plugs for all electrical needs, multiple laptops and computers for people to share, many entertainments including a pool table, various board games, and last but not least, a beanie movie theatre! How cool is that?! I do regret not making time to go down and just enjoy whatever was playing, but we didn’t have all the time in the world here in Edinburgh, so we made the most of our trip out wandering. In terms of rate and security, according to my sister, it was definitely leaning more towards expensive in price per bed, but facility and security were up to par. You couldn’t simply just waltz in, and the reception- though looking as if they could care less- was very polite and friendly. For example, this one night about 1am, I had suddenly remembered I left my camera in the charging station in the lounge area, but everything was closed. So I headed to the reception and they organized someone to help me retrieve my camera. My ratings for this hostel:

Bed: 3* (not exactly the most comfortable bed, but for a hostel, doable)

Shower & Washroom: 3* (didn’t really expect the shower and the washroom to be in such close proximity, but it was okay clean and hosted hot showers)

Facilities: 5* (I could stay in all day with all the things they had for entertainment; extra stars for the charging station made available for everyone to safely lock up their electronics for charging while out or sleeping. Totally impressed)

Convenience: 4* (the location was central enough for us to walk out and find food within a short time, yet not too clustered among busy streets; public transit was about a 10minute walk, though we didn’t really need to use it as everything was close by)

(sure makes Edinburgh feel like a place for creative souls) 

Wandering around the [UK]: London to Edinburgh

Dear pipsqueaks,

Finally after a week and a half of work- yes, even if it were the Olympic Games- I was so ready for a looooong break away from being a super PA. Let's just say, I was everywhere and anywhere I was needed. So, in return, I want a vacation where I need not to worry about a thing. The deal: my sister does all the planning and decision-making for our Europe trip this time. For the most part, I didn't know where we were going or what we were doing until someone or something hinted our next destination...so in full trust, I caught the next Ivy's Private Tour out of London!

But, where to? It wasn't that much of a surprise when she had asked the train station customer service if we could make it on the next train to Manchester. Even so, I knew Europe was a pain for foreigners who would like to pre-purchase any transportation. Even with her visa card, she couldn't buy the tickets online, so the only other option was to purchase at the station. Problem? There's no discount buying in person! So what is the real message here? It's only on sale for Europeans. Thanks for the hospitality! Anyways, as I was saying, back at the ticketing machine, we bought our ride to Manchester and ran like the wind to catch the train in time.

   

(can you spot the Vancovuer 2010 presence?)

Good Service

Dear pipsqueak,

This has got to be the first time when I truly feel that there is really no hope in some people- specially this one particular "new" addition to my life. Whether this is an accepted addition or not, I'll leave that open for you to decide. So, what could have possibly happened for me to want to write about this? Well, the sheer "OMG Facepalm" factor did.

This morning was an exciting one as I knew there would be live worldfeed available for viewing of a particular tournament. When I clicked in, actually not a surprise, it was malfunctioning- tagged with a messaging stating the feed problem. Okay, fine. So I waited for some time to see whether the situation would improve. Nope. So the next thing to do was to inform the person responsible.

"Hey, there's something wrong with the worldfeed. Check it out."
"What are you talking about?"
"You know, the worldfeed on our channel?"
"No, I don't know."

(paused while I waited for her to say something productive..."

"Never Let Me Go"

Dear pipsqueaks,

*Spoiler alert: the following talks about the movie "Never Let Me Go", though with great care, some details will be necessary. If you don't plan to watch the movie, then continue on!

Tuesday nights had been re-officialized as my Gossip Girl night since the beginning of the new season, so unless absolutely necessary, I wouldn't miss it for anything. It was definitely a good timing to start the season as I won't be going anywhere within the next month or so, hence my total appreciation that the series have come back to keep me company on Tuesday nights. My weekly dosage of the scandalous lives of the Upper East Side socialites keeps me happily amused.

However, tonight had a different turnout. Upon returning from the gym, I had switched on the TV to find it screening the Fox Movie Channel, when a movie had just begun. I've always been a movie lover, so of course, seeing unfamiliar scenes, I stopped to wait for the title. "Never Let Me Go"? This looks like...oh yes, it had been on preview many times months coming, and I've always wanted to watch it. Finally, it's playing! But, what about Gossip Girl? Well, I can always ask my best friend what happened- She's the Gossip Girl Go-To person, so she can fill me in on this episode later.

Weekend Food Binge in [PJ]

Dear pipsqueaks,

Last weekend was honestly the most random weekend ever. From a friendly steamboat dinner to a full-fledged 3-days of non-stop eating- another period in my life where I have not once felt the cravings of hunger. One might simply ask, "why don't you just stop eating?". Well, to think that the opportunity may not present itself as easily the next time, I think you would dig in too.

An invitation came in some time Saturday afternoon wondering if I had plans for dinner, and being me, I would never second-guess joining any food parties. So, at a blink of an eye, we were digging into a steamy pot of all sorts. I haven't had steamboat (aka. hot pot) in a very long time actually. To be fair, that "very long time" is with reference to how often we had it when I lived at home. Hot pot is convenient and flexible to everyone's liking. Want some udon, done. Want some veggies, done. Yet, that's not even the best part. It's the whole experience surrounding a pot of food and bonding while we enjoy our favourite family time- indulging in food paradise. But anyway, I can't wait for November when I get to go back for some good old' Papa Sung Seafood Restaurant :)

[London 2012] Olympic Games

Dear pipsqueaks,

Truth be told, it may have pinched a little, but I really didn’t mind missing out on the World Championships test event in London last year, or the All England 2012. However, I’d never settle if I weren’t able to attend the Olympic Games. In a way, it had been the cherry-on-top for me throughout this whole adventure that unfolded early June last year. At a blink of an eye, I went from totally miserable in Taiwan, to completely clueless in Vancouver, to optimistically functioning in Kuala Lumpur. Yes, the doubt was there when I first entered the office, uncertain whether my position would secure my trip to the Games. Fortunately, within the allotted amount of time, I was able to prove myself. Before I know it, on 25-July, I was boarding the British Airways flight enroute to London!

(I know, I love my job too :P )

Yes, I know you’ve probably heard this a million times, but I’m gonna say it anyway: it was an event not to miss. A must, almost, to be there. Feels nice to be able to say that when I’m on this side of the fence :P Okay okay, I’ll keep on with the story. So yes, definitely a different treatment going as a representative than a local organizing staff or etc. They really do have everything quite well prepared. As soon as we landed, we were greeted and led to the accreditation counter to validate our passes. I gotta say, I look horrendous in my photo with a super noticeable farmer’s tan on both arms, but meh. As long as it gets me to where I need to go, no one actually examines them too closely anyway. Following the well-organised Olympic Family arrival scheme, we hopped on the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station, boarded a super adorable London taxi, and shezam! We were at the doorstep of our stay for this amazing journey that is about to light up like a baby fire on a wick of fantabulous firework display.

(they are so ready...so are we!)