The other side of Catalunya: Barcelona

Normally a visitor will spend about 3 to 4 days for a vibrant city like Barcelona. Initially I thought two days would be sufficient to cover Barcelona. But somehow, if a friend would ask me, I would recommend at least 3-5 days to really experience the different facets of this city. Nonetheless, we have managed to compact all the major attractions during our short two days visit. Here is our adventure:

3rd Oct 2009 (Sat), Barcelona : The first arrival

The 1.5 hour train journey from Girona went by swiftly. By the time we’ve arrived Plaza Catalunya, near La Rambles where the Barcelona’s very own ‘Oxford Street’, it was almost 8pm. After choosing a Hard Rock Café t-shirt, A & I walked around the city amidst the large crowd in search for our hostel. After about 20 mins walk, we found and checked into our little home. We left our bags and headed in search for some 'tapas' in one of the restaurants nearby. We chatted till about 9-10pm, and then we walked to the beach with a quest for the Baja Beach Club, a pub which my manager recommended before I left.



4th Oct (Sun)- Barcelona’s main attractions

We woke up in the morning and geared with small bags, excited to begin our real exploration of Barcelona, a city with bustling activities.

During out almost 12 hours exploration, these are the places which we have visited:

Cathedral
Located right behind our hostel, this cathedral proves not only a convenient but worthwhile stop over. The ongoing mass during the morning made our visit even more enriching.

Casa Bastlo –An impressive masterpiece of Gaudi with the organic theme. I really like the architecture and design in and out of the house. I felt as if I was in an undersea world, being ‘lost’ inside the bluish architecture. Even the aged lift left me in awe.

Casa Mila- Another astounding architecture of Gaudi. This brownie building gave me an impression of huge mushrooms from the outside.

Sagrada Familia – This church was never completed up to today. Nonetheless, monies are invested in maintaining and restoring the original design of Gaudi. The inside of the building with the very unique pillars resemble trees with brances in a massive forest. It was indeed a brilliant masterpiece. Hence it is no wonder that until today, it was never finished because the building requires many talents and planning from many facets of skills including engineers, architects and renowned designers.

Park Guelle-This is an impressive open park with many Gaudi’s sculptures and architectures with the frog being the icon of Barcelona as you can see in many postcards. We walked around the park , visited the Gaudi museum, listened intensively to a pair of passionate and talented violin and keyboard players in the square, and finally climbed to the top of a hill, where we witnessed the bird view of the true Barcelona. It was amazing!

La Ramblas - We came back to La Ramblas with an attempt to visit another Gaudi building but it was closed for construction. Nonetheless, we overcome our disappointment with another Spanish specialty, 'paella' a.k.a seafood rice.

Musical Fountain - We took the metro to Espanya to have a taste of the quieter and romantic side of Barcelona- the musical fountain. We waited until 10pm, but somehow, the show never materialized. We have no choice but to leave with disappointment. It also means that we left with another reason to come back. :)

Beach near the Olympic City - Despite the disappointment and exhaustion, we left for the beach at the Olympic City with a final attempt to search for Baya Beach Club, but to no avail. Instead, we visited some other pubs nearby, but later decided that we were simply too tired and instead return to the hostel.

5th Oct (Mon) –Barcelona – Final Call
We woke up pretty early with a last attempt of getting a sneak preview of Barcelona’s other gems. We dropped by at some places and took quick snapshots before heading to the bus stop to catch our bus to Girona. Here are some of our final destinations:

Musuem Picasso - We walked passed the museum which could be easily missed as it was located at a very small lane, dwarfed by this big city. As it was Monday, musuems here are mostly closed- another tip worth mentioning to anyone who wish to visit these places in Barcelona.



Arch of Triumph (AOT) – The arch simply reminds me of Paris and India where their very own AOT attract tourists like honey and bees. It makes me think that perhaps if Malaysia or UK could have build their very own AOT, many tourists would come flooded to the place. Ahh, sometimes, life can be just so superficial!

Plaza Citta Musical - The bulding was not as impressive as I have expected, at least during this short visit. It is supposed to be an old building but somehow, it looks more like a modern architecture, which appear to be an ordinary piece of work. Or perhaps I have expected more after appreciating Gaudi's work in comparison.

Finally,before we hopped on to our bus for the Girona airport, we've managed a brief , but satisfying 30 mins visit to the ‘Gaudi Cascada’ located just 15 mins walk at a park nearby. We took a quick snapshot and ran back to the Nord bus station, grinning with much contentment.

The Catalunya Experience - Girona

2nd Oct 2009 (Fri) – Girona

I took the 8.50pm plane from London and arrived at the Girona airport at about 12 mid night. I met A, who flew from Paris for our weekend rendezvous. After getting lost for a while or making the dawn discoveries of the town in our very own way, we’ve managed to reach the hostel at about 1.30-2.00am. :)

3rd Oct 2009 (Sat) - Girona

After barely a few hours but sufficient sleep, we headed to the broken wall on the east side of the town to start our very own discoveries. The central location of the hostel and the accessible size of Girona allowed us to visit the attractions by foot without much hassle. During our 7-8 hours exploration, we have managed to visit two Cathedrals and even witnessed a local wedding. We had our brunch in a cafeteria at the square in front of one of the Cathedrals. We took our time slowly, enjoying every moment of the medieval city views, while savoring the toasted sandwich and a hot cup of cappuccino.


Hah, for a moment I felt life is beautiful! Beautiful weather, nice company, great medieval environment (always my cup of tea) and most importantly I am on holiday, away from the busy lifestyle for a moment! :) A good catch up with a friend from faraway in a place I want to be with the sunny weather made the trip even more enjoyable. What more could I ask?

We walked up the remains of the medieval walls and towers towards the Arabian bath, John Lennon garden, and headed back to the opposite directions to the medieval town itself. Girona itself is a nice place for shopping whilst strolling through the small lanes which brings out the locals' culture and life. The architecture of the buildings resembles some of the smaller cities in Italy and they have equally fascinated me. Strolling through the labyrinth of the Jewish quarters also brought back the imagination where, when and how the Jews once lived many thousand years ago. Throughout all the strolls, I have never once felt without the mystical aura of the medieval town.


On the bridge, we were trapped in between the Onyar River which separates the city from the old and new.. Being the usual artistic and sentimental me, I can’t help imagining myself in a time clock. Over to my right were the modern office buildings where our train station is situated. Over to my left were the historical sites, buildings and the colourful old houses and the ever impressive small lanes in between the medieval buildings. The lanes, lamp posts, doors and old architecture of the aged buildings never failed to amazed me. Like many old medieval towns, filled with priceless thousand years of histories and hidden (untold) stories, I’ve grown accustomed to Girona.

London's old and new buildings

18th Sep 2009- Gherkin Tour

Thanks to H, we were able to visit the Gherkin or aka Swiss Re building, the city skyscraper located right at the centre of the main financial district. H, worked in the building and therefore has the privilege to bring max 5 friends to wine or dine at the top floor of this landmark. After going through the security scanning, we went up to the 40th floor with two transits at Floor 34 and 39 to meet the rest of our friends, A, H, F and A. At the club, we witnessed the 360 degrees of the London's night view. It was beautiful. This building was completed in 2003 and opened in April 2004 and has since symbolized the prime of the new high rise construction boom in London. Apparently, the bullet-like building has also became one of the most pronounced architecture in the capital. I was rather surprised to see some tourists hanging outside the building, admiring the designs whilst taking photos and discussing about the unique structure. I could never have imagined that this landmark could have drawn quite a handful of tourists' attention given my initial perception that Gherkin was merely an office building. A visit to the Gherkin has changed my mind. Gherkin is spectacular, a renown place where city bankers and professionals in suits work hard and chill out after hard days work with great companies, cold beer, good food and obviously the stunning night views, overlooking the Tower Bridge, river Thames and other skyscrapers, while reminding the patrons of the city's culture and status.

20th Sep 2009 - Tower Bridge

In conjunction with the London Free Open House and with F's booking, B & I were fortunate to step into one of the London's oldest buildings, the Tower Bridge. The Tower Bridge was built in 1894, which took 8 years and approximately GBP1.184 million to complete. Based on the marvelous engineering concept of its ages, Tower Bridge has since been hailed as one of the most renowned London icon. The visit to the top of the bridge where we toured the East and West walkways while savoring the awesome city bird's view left us dumfounded. Also, the art of feeding ourselves with the history and the mechanism of the bridge were really inspiring. The visit of the place was capped with the finale at the engine room which displayed the tools and machines used in lifting the bridge.

20th Sep 2009 - City Hall

Across the river, we were contemplating whether to head to the Tower of London which was on the other side of the river or the City Hall. Finally, we've decided to visit the City Hall, the home of the London's government where the London's Mayor, Assembly and support staff are based. The slight slanting see-through spherical shape building is supposed to symbolise the transparency of the London government. We went to the 9th floor of the building where we managed to capture amazing views overlooking the Thames, Gherkin and Tower Bridge. Apparently, these views were supposed to remind us, the visitors and the employees alike of London's status as a vibrant and world class city.

As we ascend down from the 9th floor building by walking through the spiral stairway, I can't help admiring the inner architecture and design of the staircase. The photos captured on the spirals should explain what I really mean. The downward walk ended in a mini art exhibition of paintings by mouth and foot painters. The artwork were really good and some touches my heart.

The tour was capped with a final visit where the bicyles were displayed as the city is encouraging the residents to cycle to work in an attempt to be more environmentally friendly. The city map which was intact to the floor was pretty impressive and the different types of bicyles displayed were also an eye opener.

During the tour, there was a quote which says "If you are tired of London, you are tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." (Source: Boswell's Life of Johnson). I can't agree more. Considering the activities that I have spent in the city during the past weekends and the coming weekends, London is just never short of things to do.

The Mayor's Thames Festival 2009

12-13th Sep 2009

This event is meant to celebrate London’s greatest natural assets, the River Thames. The festival took place annually on the River Thames itself, at the open spaces, riverside walkways and bridges from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge and beyond. As the venue was within walking distance from our home and being an art lover, we’ve decided to immerse ourselves in the city’s cultural life.

We started with the art exhibitions at the OXO Tower which showcase some 200 schools’ students’ works in collaboration with some cutting edge professionals. The arts exhibited were from UK, Eastern Europe, India, Vietnam, Brazil, Mexico and Far East in China.
Then, we headed to the river sidewalks along the River Thames where we witnessed the high profile arts events which transform the open spaces to some of the best street arts, cultural dancing and music, choirs and mini orchestra, circus, carnivals, art illuminations and installations, carnivals and finally some food feasting.


On our way back we could see some of the participants of the Night Processions gathered and prepared themselves with their make-ups and costumes. We have managed to capture some good photos in the background of some loud, lively music. As it was still about 1.5 hours before the actual processions and we were freezing cold due to the strong wind, we’ve decided to go home and wind down with a cup of hot tea, before heading for the cream of the event, the fireworks, which stunningly capped the festival.




Like art and music, the fireworks have its very own composer. Mike Jones, the winner of the Montreal International Fireworks Competition in 2007, which equivalent to the Olympics in the fireworks world, has designed and drawn inspirations from Italy, Spain, China, Taiwan and US to display this year’s fireworks stunning effects with such a fine, dynamic movements and pyrotechnic noise. Overall it was a brilliant event, which has impressively portrayed the colourful and vibrant cultural life of London.

MSPME 2006 reunion : A Nostalgia

22nd-23rd Aug 2009

After 3 years of our embarkment of a Masters course in Strategic Project Management (European) a.k.a MSPME 2006, seven of the 26 scholars have finally made it to the rather nostalgic rendezvous at the Regent Park in London on a beautiful sunny Saturday. The date of this historical event is 22nd Aug 2009.

As it has been almost a month passed, the news may not be 'new's anymore as most of fellow mates have already blogged about the event. As my intention of writing is certainly not to repeat the sequence of the events, venue, impressions or the members who came, but rather to mark this historical date in my blog so that I can cherish the memories kept unspoken in my heart should I look back later in my life. I can write about many things, but I reckon for this reunion, I am just lost for words.

Nonetheless, please feel free to read the impressions of the event left by my fellow mates which has brought seven of us together after three long years.

Han's : http://wondrousessence.com/atimeaway/?p=1007
Fiona's : http://fiogblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/summer-summer.html
Jas's : http://jas-studytravelogue.blogspot.com/2009/08/london-and-out-mini-reunion.html

As for my impression, words are just so inadequate to convey my feelings. I can't really explain how blessed, glad and thankful I am to be able to join this course, get to know these people and then unexpectedly being able to meet some of them after 3 good-forsaken years!

MSPME 2006 has brought us together, first in Scotland, then in Milan and finally in Sweden. MSPME has brought some of us together again on the 22nd Aug 2009, this time to a park in London, followed by a chill out session at The South Bank, capturing every moments of shared laughter; chattering away and rekindling past memories, with the night stars and River Thames as witnesses.

I hope to mark another day in my blog for the next MSPME '06 reunion, with the hope of seeing more family members.

I miss you all and wish you all the best, regardless where you are. God bless.

The Meaning of TRAVEL- North Wales

“Travel is about HOW, not where you go. It's about technique and attitude of learning how to work with the moments to make greater discoveries with greater depth. It's more than merely being somewhere far from home."

I first came to know about North Wales when the mention of Snowdonia came to life from a friend. We have talked and discussed about it many times at different occasions but somehow the trip was never realized until recently. The approval of our leave has actually made the final call for us to go for it.

Due to our daily busy life commitments, we never really have the time to plan and research ahead. Nonetheless, the very few weeks before the departure gave us ample time to make the necessary train and accommodation bookings.

We have decided to discover the Snowdonia area, covering the North coast, lakes, castles and mountains. This eventually led us to three places: Bangor, Caernarfon and Llanberis, which were pretty comprehensive considering that we did not make a detailed plan, which I personally think it is good in a way because it gave us rooms for flexibilities to discover, without much expectations. We opt to follow our heart.

Bangor (1st Sep 2009, pm)

After arriving at about 11.30am by the 3.5 hours train, we have finally reached one of the Wales’ oldest cities. As we stepped out from the train, we can hear people speaking Welsh and see Welsh language written on signboards. Suddenly, we felt ‘foreign’. It is as if we were not in UK because we were so accustomed being surrounded by English speakers. B even mentioned that he felt like he is in Greece!

‘Bangor’ got its name from the protective fence which encircled the 6th century (525 A.D) monastery which was built by Deiniol, the first bishop in Bangor. In an attempt to explore Bangor in half a day, we visited the early cathedral which was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott who also designed the London Albert Memorial and also the Bangor Musuem located just across the cathedral. The museum displays a good collection of the Welsh Art, archaelogy and costumes.



Caernarfon (1st Sep 2009, pm – 3rd Sep, am)

After exploring the Bangor city and the historical sites, we left for Caernarfon which is about 20 mins bus ride from Bangor. Caernarfon is the heartland of nationalist Welsh-speaking Wales. This town is known to be long associated by Welsh with the eastern capital of the Roman Empire. To date, one can still visit the Segontium Roman Fort remains and museum to witness the Roman influence.
Being able to check in to a cute little three-bedroom house located by the coast and within walking distance to the castle and the town, left us much convenience to explore the attractions anytime we want and the privilege to drop by our little home for the delicious hot home cooked food. On our first day, with no particular plan, we’d decided to explore the town. Caernarfon is pretty small, which makes it easily assessible. We stroll along the coast, watching the sunset with welcoming views of the dramatic skyline despite the strong wind. We’ve managed to capture many spectacular photos. It was just so beautiful! It was also then that I began to fall in love with Wales - slowly and unexpectedly...







On our second day, we went to the Caernarfon castle. From outside, the castle seems not as huge as it was inside. Again, I’ve learnt not to “judge a book by its cover”.


Caernarfon castle, one of the world heritages, a royal place, has every reasons to claim its supremacy as iron ring of all castles. Built in 1283 by Edward I who started the work, this castle was claimed as the military stronghold. With its majestic walls and towers elegantly built behind the walls it is not surprising that it was only seized once. Caernarfon castle is also the place where Prince Charles was investiture as Prince of Wales in July 1969 when he was only 11 years old. This event further emphasizes the importance of this site. We have also visited two musuems in the castle which are Museum of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and the Prince of Wales Exhibition.



Llanberis (3rd Sep, pm – 5th Sep 2009, am)

The initial plan and the highlight of the trip is actually the Snowdon(Eryri) Mountain which is 1085m or 3650 feet high. Snowdon Mount is the British highest mountain. On our first day we explored the lake around Llanberis. The tranquility of the lake and surroundings were inexplicable. I felt that I was indeed in a village with no Debenhams, not even a Tesco express or Sainsbury local. We strolled along the lake, visited the National Slate Museum where we witnessed demonstrations of slate splitting by former quarry workers, passed the Electric Mountain and simply relaxed while savoring the views of the majestic mountains, still lakes and mystical castle. During those moments, I felt so calm and peaceful, away from the busy life of London.



We have decided to save the last for the best-The Snowdon Mountain. We wanted to experience the steam train ride up to the mountain as we thought that it would be a classic experience. I am glad that we took the ride as along the way, we have enjoyed the marvelous views of the Wales mountains and lakes which we could not have done, should we have decide to turn back from hiking, given the misty weather and strong wind at the summit.



Upon descending the mountain, we took the time to explore other areas, initially wanting to visit another village. However, after minutes of unplanned walks, we came to the ruins of the 13th century Dolbadarn Castle. I could actually see the castle from the lake and just simply stroll by the village from afar and to be honest it was much more impressive than I have imagined. It was not as huge as Caernarfon castle, but it has the inexplicable mystical aura. It was quiet and rather deserted with only two visitors who were about to leave when we arrived. Nonetheles, the castle was uniquely 'different'.

Bangor (5th Sep, pm)

We left for Bangor after breakfast, nearing to lunch time. The 45 mins journey by bus from Llanberis to Bangor gave us the opportunity to have the final feel of the North Wales' country life. Also, another thing worth mentioning during the trip was the people. I like Welsh as I find them, particularly the bus drivers and tourist information workers friendly and generally helpful. I reckon the lifestyle in the countryside has somewhat influenced their way of life which are laid back, down-to-earth and honest. These attributes remind me of Malacca, my hometown, which could be a reason contributing to my liking of this place.

Arriving at Bangor late in the morning gave us a couple of hours to explore the Victorian Pier where a very interesting, cute, little dome looking tea house sits. We walked through the pier and enjoyed the 360 degrees view of the open sea. Then we left for the Penrhyn castle, another heritage, located near Bangor. After that we took a bus back to the Bangor town, grabbed fish and chips on the way to the train station and alas, we boarded the train to London. Admittedly, I left with a heavy heart, But I knew one day that I will come back, for Wales has planted a very special feelings in my heart. AS a matter of fact, North Wales has taught me the deeper meaning of travel.



If you wish to see some of the photos during the trip, please go to the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3511469&l=2ee1253c96&id=714250843

A date with Michael Nyman

Tue, 25th Aug 2009

I've made a date for Michael Nyman. I have a date with him at the BBC Prom No. 54.

If anyone has heard about the sountrack 'The Piano' may have known this composer. 'The Piano' is one of my facvourite sound track. For anyone who hasn't heard of this beautiful piece of music or watch the movie, just go to the link below for the sneak preview.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dPS-EHl-FE&feature=PlayList&p=D04795CB497A1229&index=3

I came to the Royal Albert Hall, however, not being able to listen to this piece, but his other pieces which are the 1982 Paul Greenway's film 'The Draughtsman's contract', the world premiere 'The Musicologist Scores', 'Six Celan Songs-Blume, Psalms' accompanied by the soprano Anu Komsi who sang the German poems and finally his grief stricken and haunting memorial piece 'The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover'.

The scores, played by Michael himself, proved to be very original. Michael actually based his style on Handel and Purcell music, yet I find him really original, with his very own style.

I have been to about five Proms this season. Each prom portrays its own kind of style. I must say that I really fancy Michael Nyman's music. Having watched the movie and listened to one of his masterpiece 'The Piano' somehow made this date special.

I met him face-to-face; a petite guy but with gentle features. I must say Michael Nyman is really talented! Sir, if you happen to read this, I would like to tell you that your music presented in the Prom 54 were excellent and beyond commercialism. You've mentioned your regret that you are best known for your film works including 'The Piano'(source: The Metro dated 24/8/09). However, I can testify that after witnessing your performance at the Prom 54, you have left me in awe! The music scores are just brilliant and I love it. Well done, sir!