Thursday, December 31, 2015

My List of TOP 3 Korean Unique Waffles

1. Cherry Blossom Bread: Eating Flower


image by Choiyunjin

the cherry blossom bread(벚꽃빵), A lot of people would queue up at some street stall in Jinhae during the festival,  for more than 30 minutes, just to get their hands on this must-eat delicacy. Filled with adzuki beans paste with a kick of Cherry Blossom extract, it is a delightful treat which is not too sweet and smells like the cherry Blossom.

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

KOREA: Jinhae Specialty -- Cherry Blossom and Bread

image via www.koreanfilm.or.kr
Early April is the time when the Cherry Blossom trees will come into full bloom and covered the whole city in a color of pinkish white. There are a lot of Spring festival events nationwide, but Jinhae has long been known to host the best.

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Korea/Seoul/ Itaewon: O-Shake

Korea/Seoul/ Itaewon: O-Shake

This is not your ordinary shakes. The "O-Shake" will open your eyes to some crazy shakes you might never ever thought of!

Monday, December 28, 2015

Korea: The Keyboard Waffles, Breakfast for Geeks!



Techno geeks, rejoice!
The innovative chefs at the Nexon Computer Museum had transform your favorite breakfast forever in a geeky way. Thanks to these techie waffles, we could never look at our breakfast the same way anymore.

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Korea: My 5 encounters with Cakes, cupcakes and Macarons.


This is not a guide, it is more of a sharing. I want to know more from you too! Kindly comment below to help me discover more worthy bakeries/ cafes in Seoul!

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Korea: LINE Friends Flagship Store and Cafe

FIRSTLY, Happy Boxing Day!
I hope you found the present you always wanted under the CHRISTMAS TREE!

Line Friends Flagship Store Garosugil Korea

The Japan originated LINE app is one of my favourite messaging app to use JUST because of all those cute characters. If you are a LINE user and crazy about the LINE stickers too, don’t miss the LINE Friends Store and Cafe!

Friday, December 25, 2015

Korea: SMTOWN COEX Artium

FIRSTLY, MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!
PERHAPS THIS POST IS MEANT TO BE A CHRISTMAS POST 
FOR ALL SMTOWN FANS.

Although I do listen to some good Korean songs, I am not a die-hard Kpop fan so this whole SM-related building is a little bit boring to me (to be honest). Although, I am sure it is very popular among Kpop fans. So I will jump straight to my point—the cupcakes.


Thursday, December 24, 2015

Korea (Originated in Japan): Crystal Water Droplet Rice Cake


Is this just a clear drop of water? No, listen to me, you’ve got to see it to believe it—hands down the most unique dessert I’ve encounter! It’s called the “mizu shingen mochi”, originally created in Japan. Unfortunately during my last trip to Japan, I did not have a clue about it’s existence. Therefore, I oath to try it in Korea instead.

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Korea: The Menagerie

Instagram: @dance99w 
I’ll admit it: I have a soft spot for cute things but do not doubt my statement when I say this: The Menagerie is arguably the tastiest cupcake shop in all of Seoul !!

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Korea: Monster Cupcakes


When you meet the right person, everyday is Valentine; When you are in Monster Cupcake, everyday is Halloween! All the designs of the cupcakes are inspired by classic horror movies: Chucky? Ghost Buster? Night before Christmas? Sesame Street? It will certainly bring back all the nightmares you had as a kid, but this time, with a sweet tone!

Monday, December 21, 2015

Quick Guide: Istanbul, Turkey

Get around the city: 

1. Tram: Purchase tokens from the machines at the stations. 2 TL each. All transits are included (counted as single journey).
2. Bus: İETT city public buses accept tokens, while private buses (green and white) only take Lira.
3. Taxi: Always ask for a price quote before you hop on.
4. Metro: Uses tokens.
5. Walking: Istanbul is a fantastic city to explore by foot, however, prepare good walking shoes as some of the streets are cobbled and some are slopes. Get a map of the city from your hostel.

Savings: 

1. Purchase a "museum pass" (valid 3/5 days ) if you are interested in museums. It allows you to skip queues.
2. An "Istanbulkart" can save you a lot of money if you are planning to stay more than 3 days and you know you are using a lot of public transit. It is an electronic refillable card used on buses, trains, and ferries!Several people can share 1 card.

Accommodation: 

Book a hotel in the Sultanahmet district.
Recommendations: Cordial House (I find it cozy and welcoming)
OR If you have more than 1 travel buddies, you can save more by renting an apartment on RoomoramaStayful, AirbnbTravelpony. (click on the orange link, sign up to get discounts and free nights.)



Culture: 

1. Dress modestly when visiting religious establishments. Prepare headscarves if you are visiting mosque.
2. Wash hands and remove shoes before entering a mosque.
3. Haggle for the best price in Bazaar. However, do not overdo it. 

See: 

Topkapi Palace
Hagia Sophia
Sultanahment Mosque (Blue Mosque)
Obelisk of III. Tutmosis
Basilica Cistern
Grand Bazaar
Spice Bazaar
Taksim Square
Dolmabahce palace
Süleymaniye Mosque
Galata Tower


Must Do: 

1. Enjoy a Bosphorus cruise.
2. Visit a Hamams.
3. Watch the Whirling Dervishes performance at the Galata Mevlevi Lodge.
4. Walk the Walls of Constantinople.
5. Haggle in Grand Bazaar.
6. Buy a Turkish Ice cream. Experience the fun. 


Must Eat:  

1. Balık ekmek at Eminonu pier.
2. Baclavas and turkish delight at Hafiz Mustafa.
3. Kebab at Sultanahmet Buhara Kebab House.




Thank You for Reading! 
This post is based on my honest opinion and personal experience. 
 If you have more suggestions/ updates, feel free to share with us by commenting below!

Sunday, December 20, 2015

Turkey: FREE things to do in Istanbul

1. Watch people getting prank. 

Dondurma or Turkish Ice cream is a special kind of ice cream that contains orchid root extract, making it chewy and stringy. The sellers will play tricks on customers when serving those ice creams.

2. Learn about different types of Turkish sweets through a glass window.


Saturday, December 19, 2015

Turkey: What to eat in Istanbul

I always make a MUST-EAT list before I travel to any places. This is my list for Istanbul (updated after the trip):

1.  Dolma Köfte

www.nefisyemektarifleri.com

Friday, December 18, 2015

Turkey: 5 days in Istanbul

@littlemisshappyfeet
Historically also known as Constantinople and Byzantium, Istanbul is not an unfamiliar name for Malaysian students, especially those who took "Sejarah" seriously during SPM. Imagine my excitement when I saw all that I learnt about came to life in front of my very eyes.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

1 day in Niagara Falls State Park

@littlemisshappyfeet
After exploring so many SPLENDID National Parks in Utah, Arizona and California, we were excited to meet all the excitements awaiting in the Niagara Falls State Park. From red rock canyons, towering orange natural-bridges and miles of sand dunes, it took a drastic change the moment we were greeted by the roaring waterfalls in view!

Monday, December 14, 2015

Texas: Few hours in San Antonio

@littlemisshappyfeet

I was only here for 4 short hours (waiting for another bus departing to Austin). San Antonio is a colourful city. Anyone visiting here should not miss the famous River Walk.

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Road Trip: Death Valley, Nevada

@littlemisshappyfeet. Photo Credit to Matt.
I thought the Largest National Park in the US outside of Alaska would be a good idea during my SUMMER road trip. Without thinking any further, I added this stop into the plan. How did it turn out? It sure was one "HELL-u-v-a" ride!

Friday, December 11, 2015

The Capital: 2 days in Washington D.C.

@littlemisshappyfeet
Washington DC is the capital of US. You've seen it in various shows, movies, drama, so I assume that you are not unfamiliar with it: a hub for American politics and history. Most of the attractions are packed on the National Mall, this makes Washington D.C a walking town. You can also pick up a bike (multiple location) . Since it is one of the most popular destinations for school field trips, do expect crowds during holidays.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Texas: 2 days in Austin

There is like no other place in the world like Austin! Just be yourself no matter how weird you thought you are, because you might just be contributing to the society in"Keeping Austin Weird"!

Monday, December 7, 2015

Tennessee: a Few hours in Memphis

courtesy to seriousstartups.com
Memphis-- not only it is the largest city in Tennessee, this city is named "Home of the Blues". One interesting fact is: Elvis Presley used to live in Memphis (Graceland , to be exact.)

Saturday, December 5, 2015

New Orleans: the French Quarter

courtesy of travel.nationalgeographic.com
When I thought no city can top Memphis live-music scene, I was completely wrong. In New Orleans, the city of jazz, there are live music band everywhere: from Bourbon street to parks to Jackson Square, sending everyone dancing on the street like no one’s watching!

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Orlando: Swimming with Dolphin and Stingrays

courtesy of discovery cove
The Discovery Cove came under "Splurge" in my recent trip to the United States. When we were deciding on which theme park/ day resort are we gonna spend time in, we came down to the final 2: Disney World or Discovery Cove. As I've been to Disney, and theme parks generally do not impress me, this is not a tough decision to make.