Euro Travel & More

Friends also say tht when we go for vacation – we women are the ones who loved shopping but how untrue it is because whenever we go on vacation – the spouse is always walking around the mall looking for xbox deals from electronic stores.  And shopping from coast to coast in Canada – one can find one of the best deals for your xbox games and gadets from one store or another.   When it comes to electronics I find that shopping in Canada is a lot more cheaper than in the States – and even though our loonie is stronger – their games are still a little higher than us.  But you will noticed that in different parts of Canada – you can get different deals – so if you are like us looking out for deals all the time -  you have to be patient and shop everywhere you are vacationing in.

Many years ago – when I was studying in Glasgow – I met a wonderful girl in the University of Glasgow – from Malaysia, when we graduated she stayed in UK and got married years later.   Her spouse and her had their wedding at the Belfast Castle – and it was a truly magnificent wedding.  We – her oldest friends from the good old days – gave her a huge box for a present and in it were prenatal vitamin – yes a huge box of it !  You see my girlfriend wasn’t getting any younger – so the prenatal vitamins were to encourage her to start a family immediately.  We had so much fun that night  – it was one silly/joke present and another and another.  But the groom and bride was a good sport and let us have our fun.   Food was good too – the castle catered the wedding reception and I bet they weren’t cheap.   Want to be a princess for one day – the Castle is out for hire – minimum 2 hrs.

The best friend’s spouse is like mine – they both travel a lot for work and we both didn’t know what to get our spouse’s for Christmas.  But both men loves to eat when they travel – trying new food and of course – they entertained a lot as well, so we decided that we should give them something they can use while they were traveling  – not a laptop – and not a kindle but mens fat burner.  It’s not even to make fun of them for putting on weight and eating a lot – but you and I know – that when you are traveling – you kinda eat whatever you can get a hold of – and when you are entertaining  – you also eat whatever is put on your plate.   If you think that the airline food is not fattening and bad for your diet – think again – because they sometimes sit for hours – on end on the plane doing nothing.  So yes  – we bought fat burners and made them carry it with them every time they travel from now on.  Genius!

The Peninsular of Malaysia offers many world class location not only for diving – but other sea sports as well.  If you are in Malaysia – you pretty much can take a nice train ride up the peninsular – and it’s known that Asians love to travel for the weekend and short breaks.  When I used to live in Asia – we would always be going to Langkawi or Tioman for our short break.  The train rides are cheap – for those who don’t want to fly or take their own car – I can’t say that much for the West – for train rides are usually as expensive.

I have taken train trips before but not long ones or for a vacation – so I am told that taking a train trip isn’t that bad – and since the kid wouldn’t go on the airplane this year – because of watching some movies – we’ve decided to explore the possibility of a train trip instead.   Many people uses the train these days for their business trip – my ex boss was doing the same thing this year too.  Why?

Less hassle he said – and the train trip always proved to be on time and he gets to upgrade his sleeping cars all the time – the food on board was good and now they even have Wi – Fi on some of the trains – now that has got to be a bonus.  But wait a minute – what about the kids? what can they do?  on board a train? nothing one cannot do on the plane – that was what my travel agent told me – and plus you get to have pit stops too.  Meanwhile, travelers considering long-distance train trips this summer can take advantage of new programs and package deals — amenities that provide a pleasant counterpoint to the service cutbacks and increasing indignities of air travel.

Yah right..! i hear you saying.. but it’s true.. you can get the upgrade if not .. a more comfy seat.. without paying more .. so help me GOD..!  These days, the airline seats feels like motorcycle covers donch they..?? These days .. to fly economy is just asking to be tortured.  Not only are the padding so thin.  And the seats seems closer.. and they always seems to be overbooked.

But did you know that economy fare can be upgraded for free to business or first class.  So look for the Y-UP and the Q-UP fares that allows you to do it.. but they’re not fully refundable. Buy them online (e.g., search for “all types” of business class fares on Travelocity), by phone from your airline, or through travel agents.  A great tip to know eh.

I missed Taipei and the last time I was there, i had my fill on Taipei night market.  For those who loves food, you will know exactly what i mean.  But Taipei is not all about food of course, there are the observatory building that you have to visit and many more.

Look at these sausages..!!! humongous..!!!

Intestines.. duck tongues and pig brains and noodles.  Adventurous enough?

The Shilin Market which in  my humble opinion is bigger and longer than the ladies street in Hong Kong. You can find just about everything here.. and even cheaper.. and less rude ppl.. than those in Hong Kong.

Taipei 101 is the landmark building in Taipei.  It is located in the Xinyi District and you need to go up there and take a look because it is the world’s 2nd tallest building.

Just outside the entrance of Taipei 101

Dublin is know for being the most expensive cities in Europe but now, one can go to Dublin at a much lower price because of Air Lingus – this carrier is a lot cheaper than others.  The city is not really small .. but it is compact enough to travel around the attractions by food and most attractions like the National Gallery is free.

The Trinity College is highly recommended and don’t miss it now.  You can find awesome Book of Kells made by Celtic monks in the Middle ages on display .. and they are a staple of city life .. and the historic palace bar is great for those who love game days.  Hughes you can find local musician .. and they are pretty awesome.  Since even the winter is quite mild.. you can go just about anytime.

Another must not missed if you love food is Thorton’s,  a Michelin starred restaurant. And of course shopping, shopping, shopping at Kildare Village and buy lots of cashmere like i did.

Dublin Tram