The Walk Up To Edinburgh Castle

After a good night sleep in Edinburgh, we woke up feeling very refreshed and I told Aaron that we must stay two nights here... there are more tourist spots to be "explored" here in Edinburgh and secondly, I was feeling kind of fatigue too... but not wanting to be a "wet blanket", we continued our sightseeing in town...

We wanted to go up to see the castle...

but halfway walking up, we realized it was the wrong way up.. lol..

 

after some enquiry, we found the correct way..

 

Yehhhh.... doing some "jingling" on the road! hahhaa.... 

up and up we went....

It was here when a handsome "ang mo" approached me

and asked whether I need to have my picture taken...

He thought I was alone...

 

Since he was so friendly, I said "Sure... please take a picture of me...."

Too bad I didn't take a picture of him instead!

At that moment, my SIL came out from the souvenir shop...

and too bad, he went off after that.. hahaha....

 

from the castle above, we took a picture of Edinburgh... 

 

another angle....

The Panorama View....

Same smile?

One for the album...

Picture taken by a young Korean girl....
 

Getting Away on the Fly: How to Make Last Minute Travel Work

Nothing builds excitement in a nine-to-fiver like the prospect of a quick getaway – on vacation that is. You can check out http://www.expedia.ca/p/multi-deal/last-minute-travel-deals.htm?langid=4105 and daydream to your heart’s desire, but how about just making it work? You can juggle meetings, presentations and reports, on top of the kids’ soccer practice, ballet and science fair, so what is stopping you from slapping together an amazing mini-vacation on the fly? Nothing! Take these tips and put them into action.

Stay Flexible

One of the most important components of last-minute travel is keeping an open mind and being flexible about both the actual travel and your destination. Maybe your husband isn’t yet outfitted with a passport, so you can’t take advantage of that amazing flight deal to Ireland – no biggie. Work with what you have, and stay open to travel at any time of the day, because you never know at what time of day or night that great deal is available.

Put Time on Your Side

If you’ve been storing away sick days or vacation days at the expense of your mental health, stop making excuses and make reservations for a pool-view junior suite instead. It might seem impossible to just halt everything you have going on, but if you can get the time off work, or even arrange to send in a few things remotely, you’ve won half the battle (the toughest half). 

Use Your Smart Phone in a Smart Way

Thanks to smart phones, we’re all connected to the Internet 24/7. This comes in especially handy when you find yourself somewhere you’ve never been before, with no idea what to do. Even locations that seem specific can leave you puzzled; for instance, you go to Las Vegas to gamble and party, right? But which casinos should you visit? And what clubs are cheapest? And how do you know which buffet to hit up? Visit travel advice sites like Yelp or Urbanspoon for the skinny on the best of where you are.

Keep On Walking In Edinburgh To Kill The Pain

I am putting most of my pictures here in my blog... just in case, I lose my folder, I still have my pictures in my blog, right? Sort of a "Back-up Plan", one of my friends used to say and now I am following it... :)

Continuing our walk in Edinburgh town before the shops are closed for the day...  I was not feeling very well on this day but despite the "pain", I still carry on walking...(if I stop, the pain will come back so I rather walk... till energy turns flat)... Ok, in case you all still wondering what "pain" I have, it is something to do with ladies'... so ladies, if you want to know, let me know through email..... hahahaa...

Behind us is a monument....

 

Scott Monument

 

Here I am lifting up my hands...

but with invisible fingers...

 

Along the main road....

 Ok... time to go back to rest our weary legs...

It was a 15 minutes walk back to the guest house...

Round the World Trips: Top Five Must-See Spots

A round the world trip can be found on most people’s agendas, whether it’s just a pipe dream or something that is becoming a reality. In this day and age, with the economy the way it is, people aren’t always able to globe trot but if you’ve got a slush fund that has ‘vacation’ written all over it, take the opportunity to take your annual leave and fly with it.

Depending on how many destinations you decide to see during your trip, it’s possible to enjoy a round the world trip without risking losing your job. By taking 2 or 3 weeks off work, just like you would for a summer jaunt in the Canaries, you can see much more of the world than you could ever imagine seeing in one go. Take your pick from some of these must-see locales. 

South East Asia

Whether it’s Thailand holidays that take your fancy or you’re hoping to stop by Vietnam during your trip, South East Asia has plenty of incredible options to add to your itinerary. From scuba diving off the coast of Phuket to spending an afternoon in the hustle and bustle of the Philippine capital, Manila, there’s something for everyone.

You can’t beat this corner of the world for azure waters, golden sands and tranquil coves. If you want to enjoy your own piece of paradise, make sure South East Asia is part of your schedule. 

Australia

Heading down under is one of the most popular additions to a round the world itinerary and it’s easy to see why. Its cities, such as Sydney, are rich in culture and experience while Queensland offers a perfect opportunity to be at one with nature with tropical rain forests of Cape Tribulation meeting the golden sands and the Great Barrier Reef within moments.

Head inland to the Outback for a chance to ogle Uluru while also catching sight of the proud Aboriginal natives. 

South America

A hub for adventure, South America is full of Bucket List-worthy itinerary fillers. From trekking through the jungle to embark on the Inca Trail to discover Machu Picchu, to feasting your eyes on the incredible sight of the Angel Falls in Venezuela, South America is a perfect addition to any round the world plans.

Of course, let’s not forget the other continents and subcontinents – Africa and India are full of hidden gems which beg to be added to your once in a lifetime adventure. You just have to research and decide on which ideas suit you and your dreams.  

Guest post by M.Catherine

Endless Walk In Edinburgh City

After our meal, we did some walking again before the shops closed for the day!  (Didn't I say it is nice to travel and at the same time, losing some weight?  :) 

This time we walked to another row of streets leading to the main road....

 

The cars are parked in the middle of the road....

Similar statues along every intersection...

and down to the Main Road where the Happening is....

Let's take a picture of the shopping bags!

 

Mine only one..... small bag! 

 

at the intersection going to the City Hall...

or is it the Gallery Hall...

I forgot..gosh!

  

Maybe Aaron can tell me... which is which... 

 

a long way to walk ....

 Part of the China troup... :)

 

Peter and Paul again....

Along the main road...the trees are still barren...

 

Well, I couldn't walk much then...

Need to take a seat and rest for awhile..

And enjoy the cold wind... bbbrrrrrrrrr...

Rick's Wine And Dine Bar, Edinburgh

Of course, my first choice would be Chinese food.. but unfortunately, it was closed when we passed by.. and next to the Chinese restaurant is Rick's wine and dine!  We did a "survey" first before we entered, the picture displayed in front of Rick's was a lamb shank rib... it looked "gorgeous" for just 10pounds and so in we went.... 

Actually we walked down a few steps... the ground floor is a boutique hotel...

 

my exhausted and hungry face shows it all...

only 10 pounds per set dinner...

 

Aaron ordered lamb set dinner..

for starters, pumpkin soup with garlic bread..

 

oh oh.... a small portion of stewed lamb...

Aaron's face when he tasted his dinner... :)

 

My SIL's set of tempura vegetables  for starters..

 

and carbonara spaghetti...

 

Mine is fish patties for starters

and green curry chicken with fragrance rice!!

 

The rice is anytime compatible with our Siam fragrance rice..

Ok, now you all know I am a "Rice Bin!"

Must have rice even when I am there!

For 10 pounds per person, I think it is pretty cheap for locals... right?

We cannot get a set dinner for RM10 here, for sure!

Shopping In French Connection, Edinburgh

After taking "5".. we didn't waste much time and soon we stretched our legs by walking around the Edinburgh town....Our guest house is very convenient, just a short distance and there are shopping malls, tourist sights, restaurants and dining places around each corner....
Aaron told me that if we come by in Edinburgh again, we must stay in this Queens....

Here we go again..... Walking!

the roads are not tarred... something like Italy, so Aaron said..

 

the Intersection to our guest house..

Though the weather is sunny and yet, it is so cold...!!

oopps... my eyes were tired then??

 

oh, but they opened again when we saw French Connection!

See who is quicker than me???  hahahaa...

while the auntie and nephew shopped, I took pictures from the top floor...

A nice and peaceful town ... as usual...

and soon it was time for dinner....

We went to Rick's!