Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Part 3: Reykjavik, Iceland

The next part of the trip


I have no idea how many waterfalls we went in total in the entire trip. Having said that, I enjoyed every waterfall I went to. There's something unique in each and every one of them. I love this place, the Guldfoss The Waterfall. It's very refreshing


When you follow a tour, be prepared to start the day early. Super early because everything is packed within a few days. I have been to quite a few countries during winter. Winter nights are of course longer then the days. However, I have not been to a country with just 3 hours of day light everyday during winter. This is Seljalandsfoss. If I am not mistaken, this is already 8am. And here we are, without sunlight. This can get a little depressing


We then spent the next 2 hours here in Skogarfoss Falls. It's relatively long. We don't need that long. Yeah, another waterfall haha


The sun is starting to show itself. This is Reynisfjara Halsanefshellir. This is a great place to take picture haha


The famous black sand beach, Vik, The waves can get aggressive. Hence, always look back, or make sure someone is watching it for you. There was a case previously where a tourist died. Such a way to die. Tragic.


Skaftareldahraun. Lava. It was just 5 minutes stop. Nothing much here


When I arrived here, it felt like I've been transported into a whole new world. Very scenic, a whole new level of beauty. Jokulsalon, Glacier Lagon.


Skaftafell National Park. hehe. Amazing. But, I couldn't feel my feet and fingers anymore.


We left all these beautiful places, like a dream come true. Throughout the entire trip, we have not seen an actual sun light. This was the best the weather could do for us. Woohoo anyway hehe


The reason why some people visit Iceland is for their Blue Lagoon. From a mile away, we smelt sulfur from the Blue Lagoon. It's that strong. Then, it comes together with sunset. You can enjoy all you want here, complement with winter. It's just SO damn good. The moment you try to wash your hair, you feel like crying. I had to wash and wash and yet still as rough as sand. In the end, I had to keep washing for the next 3 days before it went back to its original form. My god. It comes with a price

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Part 2: Reykjavik, Iceland

After spending a night in Copenhagen, we took a flight to Reykjavik. The flight was 3 hours. I had a culture shock in the airport in Reykjavik. It feels so much like a domestic flight when it isn't. The moment we got off the plane, it's already the baggage claim and then to the souvenir store. Right after that, it's the exit of the airport. There's no immigration for us, except if you are a US citizen.


Super early in the morning, we were brought to this place. The reason many people visit Iceland is for the Northern Lights. It's either you're lucky, or you're not. This is a Northern Lights Center, an introduction to Northern Lights of countries with Northern Lights and how it happens


After the sun goes up a little, we arrived at Thingvellir National Park. Diving is permitted here in certain areas. It's a World Heritage park before. It's known for its history and geology. Ooh, I was freezing.


We were given 20 minutes in this park, quite ridiculous. We had to sprint all the way up back to the coach. Damn!


Here we are at Laugarvatn Fontana. It's filled with natural minerals and the center they have has steambath and pools.


This is where they make their own lava bread. They dig it to the ground and leave it for 24 hours. A day later, voila, the bread is ready. And omg, it's so damn good. Thank God I don't live there. I'll gain weight in a week. Just imagine the smell of the bread, spread with butter. Damn.


Next step, to Geysir. Regular eruptions at every 8-10 minutes


Look at the people and the camera, trying to capture D moment hehe

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Part 1: Copenhagen, Denmark

I embarked on a journey to Iceland some time ago. I bought a ticket to Copenhagen, then another flight to Iceland. Before that, on the way to Copenhagen, I stopped by at Dubai for a night. So, I got to be in 3 different countries hehe.


 After a night in Dubai, here I am! In Copenhagen, Denmark


This is the Christmas market, obviously only happen during the Christmas season for about a month


This is where everyone goes. The highlight of Copenhagen. Well, we didn't have the time to go. It was just for a night here before we flew off to Iceland, our main destination


Christianshavns Kanal in Danish. It's not that difficult to guess. Christianshavns Canal in English. Chtistianshavns refers to a neighborhood.


The wind was really strong, we were freezing. It's about time we find some shed.


What's next? Brunch time!


This is still within the Christianshavns area


Boat rentals are popular for sightseeing but of course, for other purpose too


Then, we arrived here, Nyhavn. It's almost sunset. To begin with, there wasn't much sun that day anyway. The prices here is a bit to the high scale. There are restaurants, cafes and bars around with a rich and vibrant culture.


Saturday, May 4, 2019

Part 6: Seattle, Washington

It has been awhile now. I've been so busy that this has been neglected. Oopsie. Guess I'll continue and I'll be more active these days, just because of what just happened. A snap preview is that I am unemployed now due to the change of business strategy. My company decided to shut down the whole site in Kuala Lumpur, or rather Petaling Jaya. Hence, I am now actively looking for a job, hoping to secure one by July. Having said that, the job market is rather slow. The response has not been promising. At the same time, with the competitors right now, I am trying to be as positive as I can, considering the people around me, I think I'm okay.

We had an underground walking tour. It's the only way to tour the interconnecting tunnels. Check the website for the schedule.


"Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints." The famous quote by Chief Seattle and as you can tell, the city was named after him.

Some of the pictures took during the tour


With the family. In Fremont. Ooh my stomach expanded


This is one of the attraction in Seattle. Ballard Locks. So, all these boats, big and small had to wait for the bridge to open for them to cross over. The purpose of this is to maintain the fresh water of Lake Washington and Lake Union above sea level. It's also to prevent the mixing of sea water of Puget Sound with the fresh water from the lakes. Besides that, it is also to move the boats from the water level of lakes to the water level of Puget Sound an vice versa. Here, you can also see the migration of the fishes. Unfotunately, it wasn't the season when I was there

Being an Asian, this is a must-go place haha. The first ever Starbucks. In fact, they actually moved a few doors down from the original shop.


I used to watch many Bruce Lee's movies when I was growing up. So, visiting his graveyard is something I would wanna do. Bruce Lee and Brandon Lee side by side in Lake View Cemetery. We asked a group of tourist to take a picture of us. They declined. Not sure if they are from China or Taiwan. Bruce Lee is not going to follow you home


I've never been so happy going to a cemetery


My last walk with Rocky before I flew home that night. He's such an adorable giant.