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!

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 Roomorama, Stayful, Airbnb, Travelpony. (click on the orange link, sign up to get discounts and free nights.)

Read more: 10 Golden rule to score a FREE hotel stay

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

Read more: 5 days in Istanbul (Itinerary Sharing)

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. 

Read more: 15 FREE things to do in Istanbul

Must Eat:  

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

Read more: What to eat in Istanbul (15 MUST EATS)

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!

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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!

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@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.

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"!