November 27, 2010
Winter Wonderland in Annecy!
While in Lyon it was snowing lightly with only small specks of snow falling, the entire ground in Annecy was filled white with snow! It was winter wonderland for us, where we trudged happily in the snow, had snowball fights, built a huge snowman, made snow angels and behaved like little kids who have never seen snow before. Annecy is amazing, it's a small little city but its so beautiful and picturesque, especially its lake with the Alps in the backdrop. It was really a blessing that we decided to make a trip down to Annecy from Lyon, what an awesome experience not to be missed!
November 25, 2010
Lyon, the gastronomical capital of France
Despite my anticipation for Paris, my first footprint in France was not in Paris, but in the second largest city of France, Lyon. I travelled alone for the first time and it was quite an exciting adventure on its own! Talked to two interesting Philippinos while taking a train down to Lyon from Milan, journey got delayed due to the snow, reached Lyon St Exupery station late, could not purchase the shuttle tickets to Lyon Part Dieu station from the self-help machine, managed to seek help from a friendly stranger given the language barrier, finally reached Lyon Part Dieu station, ran for the metro which closes at midnight (it was 11.45pm when I reached), did not have change to buy my metro ticket, thought I was doomed before I FINALLY met Sherlyn!
Since my purpose of the trip was to meet Sherlyn (whom I finally got to meet on exchange after many attempts!), I must admit I had little knowledge about Lyon and little expectations prior to the trip. However, the city did not disappoint, and I really enjoyed my trip to Lyon and Annecy a lot. I experienced snow in Lyon for the first time in my life, and the feeling was so, so surreal! The touch of snow felt so soft and despite the cold, I don't think my excitement will die down anytime soon. :) This trip was also the first time I travelled with so many people - a huge group of 9, and I must say it makes travelling a lot livelier and more fun. Since Lyon is also known as the gastronomical capital of France, we ate a lot! We watched an Indie live band concert too - Arcade Fire was rocking the house down that night!
Finally reached Part Dieu train station...
...and met Sherlyn!
Picturesque Lyon
First French treat
First contact with SNOW!
Miniature Model and Cinema Museum
FOOD GALORE begins!
Macaroons!
All the salmon goodness in a cake!
Really fresh oysters!
Sea urchin!
ARCADE FIRE concert!
Since my purpose of the trip was to meet Sherlyn (whom I finally got to meet on exchange after many attempts!), I must admit I had little knowledge about Lyon and little expectations prior to the trip. However, the city did not disappoint, and I really enjoyed my trip to Lyon and Annecy a lot. I experienced snow in Lyon for the first time in my life, and the feeling was so, so surreal! The touch of snow felt so soft and despite the cold, I don't think my excitement will die down anytime soon. :) This trip was also the first time I travelled with so many people - a huge group of 9, and I must say it makes travelling a lot livelier and more fun. Since Lyon is also known as the gastronomical capital of France, we ate a lot! We watched an Indie live band concert too - Arcade Fire was rocking the house down that night!
November 19, 2010
November 17, 2010
November 13, 2010
Hola Barcelona!
People always say, "Your exchange in Europe will not be complete if you don't get pickpocketed in Barcelona." Lucky or not, my exchange partner could actually strike that off the list. It was also a pity we didn't have time to explore more of Barcelona because the weather was really great at about 19 degrees, which was certainly welcoming for a change! Imagine being able to wear slippers and shorts and go to the beach!
BUT. I'm now proud to say I've watched a football match at Barcelona Camp Nou! It was really an awesome experience for me- I've always been a Spain supporter (yay to our newly crowned World Cup Champion!), so to be able to watch a match in Spain itself is like a little dream come true! Seeing world famous football players like Messi and Villa do their dribbles, passes and tricks up close in real life felt really surreal (would be perfect if I get to see Torres!).
We managed to get tickets for the Barcelona FC versus Vilareal match with pretty good seats- we were seated really near one of the goal posts, so for the second half of the match, we got a really clear view of Barcelona's goals! The boys were really hyped up about the match, excitedly shopping for their favorite players' jerseys, beanies and scarfs at the merchandise store before the match! The atmosphere was really different when you were there at Camp Nou itself, everyone was so passionate about the game and the team they support (although majority of the audience are Barcelona FC fans). We clapped, we cheered along, we got mad when the players missed the opportunity to score, we waved the white handkerchiefs when the referee underperformed. When Messi scored, everyone did the 'kowtow' action and shouted "Messi! Messi! Messi!". Villa is a rising star, he was everywhere in the field and put up a good performance. It was a goal-filled match with the final score of 3-1, a worthwhile match to watch! I could imagine how the crowd would be like at the Barcelona FC versus Real Madrid match, it's gonna be the match that everyone is looking forward to!
Opening of the match
BUT. I'm now proud to say I've watched a football match at Barcelona Camp Nou! It was really an awesome experience for me- I've always been a Spain supporter (yay to our newly crowned World Cup Champion!), so to be able to watch a match in Spain itself is like a little dream come true! Seeing world famous football players like Messi and Villa do their dribbles, passes and tricks up close in real life felt really surreal (would be perfect if I get to see Torres!).
We managed to get tickets for the Barcelona FC versus Vilareal match with pretty good seats- we were seated really near one of the goal posts, so for the second half of the match, we got a really clear view of Barcelona's goals! The boys were really hyped up about the match, excitedly shopping for their favorite players' jerseys, beanies and scarfs at the merchandise store before the match! The atmosphere was really different when you were there at Camp Nou itself, everyone was so passionate about the game and the team they support (although majority of the audience are Barcelona FC fans). We clapped, we cheered along, we got mad when the players missed the opportunity to score, we waved the white handkerchiefs when the referee underperformed. When Messi scored, everyone did the 'kowtow' action and shouted "Messi! Messi! Messi!". Villa is a rising star, he was everywhere in the field and put up a good performance. It was a goal-filled match with the final score of 3-1, a worthwhile match to watch! I could imagine how the crowd would be like at the Barcelona FC versus Real Madrid match, it's gonna be the match that everyone is looking forward to!
November 6, 2010
✈ Brussels & Brugges
Hello November!
We traveled to Brussels & Brugges over the weekend and met up with our friends who were exchanging in Dublin again! Belgium was a good choice for a short weekend getaway, to chill and indulge yourself with treats like chocolates, waffles and fries! The temperature was beginning to dip, wind was awfully chilly during our visit.
Manneken Pis
Beautiful Brugges
The Belfry
Provincial Court
We actually spent a couple hours at the fun fair just so we could accumulate enough tokens for a Kakashi figurine, and later went on a bumper car ride which I haven't gone for since I was a kid! I love cheap thrills like that!
Mini Europe! The downsized attractions are so cute!
Dedication to Italia
Mini Big Ben!
MINI EIFFEL ♥
Mini Arc de Triomphe
We traveled to Brussels & Brugges over the weekend and met up with our friends who were exchanging in Dublin again! Belgium was a good choice for a short weekend getaway, to chill and indulge yourself with treats like chocolates, waffles and fries! The temperature was beginning to dip, wind was awfully chilly during our visit.
Brussels Town Hall
We actually spent a couple hours at the fun fair just so we could accumulate enough tokens for a Kakashi figurine, and later went on a bumper car ride which I haven't gone for since I was a kid! I love cheap thrills like that!
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