Day 1 [7-Oct]: Paris

Shortly after putting my luggage in the luggage room (not time for checkin yet), I went out on my exploration. As I did not have mobile data connection, all I can do is depend on the cached maps on my tablet and just walk aimlessly. It was only about 12pm+ and the next item in my itinerary is a boat tour down seine river at 3pm.

I was trying to search for a restaurant called Jardin d'en Face or the other one called Le Buffet near the hostel. Apparently, I think the first one is closed for good and I couldn't find the other one. Both were rated good in tripadvisor. Too bad then. I ended up walking a big round in Montmatre district and ended up in the same metro station I came from to go to the hostel. Along the way, I saw Eglise Saint-Jean-Evangeliste (eglise means church) and took some photos. Along the way, I bought Orange prepaid card and €10 worth of topup. Unfortunately, it's at a convenience store and the guy was too busy to help me (or there is not much he can help).

Day 1 [7-Oct]: Travelling from airport to hostel

And so I'm in Europe for the first time. And finally in the city I wanted to visit so much for the longest time. It's like a dream came true! Landed in CDG airport terminal 2 and was looking around for a booth that sells Orange prepaid card....nothing in sight, tough luck. Headed for the train station to take RER service (reasonably cheap and fast compared to other options). Before I bought the tickets, I visited the toilet and was slightly amused as the height of the urinal. It was almost too high for me. 10cm higher and I will be screwed. LOL

Tried using the ticketing machines to buy my train ticket to the city, but found out that it only accepts coins and it doesn't accept SG credit cards. After I asked for help to get to the city at the train station, I was told that the train station was closed for servicing over in terminal 2. The guides in the airport guided me to take the shuttle service to terminal 3. At terminal 3, I noted the station is closed as well. Asked for help again and was told to take a replacement bus service to go to the next nearest RER station to take the train.

During the train ride, a basker hopped on board and was playing some musical instrument. What a nice way to start my holiday! He asked for tips after playing and I dropped all the coins I had, which was only EUR 0.7. About 30mins (maybe less) after the train ride, I ended up in Gare du Nord station and struggled my way to find the right metro line to transfer to. It was quite a walk to switch line and this station is a gigantic interchange with so many metro & RER lines stopping here. Took M2 and alighted at Blanche.

The first thing I saw when I exited Blanche station is Moulin Rouge. Ya, this is the red light district area. Since I don't have prepaid card, I had to rely on the cached maps in Google Maps on my tablet and navigate my way to the hostel. Alas, I managed to find Plug-Inn hostel. Phew!

Day 0 [6-Oct]: SG - Helsinki - Paris

Took a quick bite (dinner) at the MRT station and took the long MRT ride to the airport. Unluckily, I did not get a seat on the train throughout the whole journey.

Reached the airport super early (about 8:45pm) though the flight is scheduled at 11:35pm. Hanged around awhile since the monitors weren't showing any checkin counter for my flight. But....even at 9:35pm, it still wasn't showing any checkin counter. Decided to walk over to the Finnair row and alas, it's already open for checkin. But the summary screen monitors were still not showing anything for my flight. Whatever.

All ready to go!

My bags are all nicely packed for the long trip! I kinda overpacked on the side of caution though. I've never started a trip with 13kg luggage before. And my hand-carry bag is about 5kg!



And I found my EIGHT year old textbook! I think that's when I started dreaming about visiting Paris one day. Et c'est maintenant!

2 Days Countdown....

I'm flying off to Europe in 2 days time! Getting exciting. =P

I started packing last sunday and bought quite a number of carry cases from Daiso to keep things neat...



Decided to get another bag (smaller size) which is lockable for daily use and here's my packing status now. =)

Bintan 2011

Cell Group retreat in Bintan =)

KL 2011

A collection of photos from several biz trips to KL in 2011...

Beijing (Aug 2011)

A short trip to Beijing during late Aug 2011...



Airline: Hong Kong Airlines (transit at Hong Kong)
Hotel: 四季御园国际大酒店
Places visited: Forbidden City, Great Wall of China (居庸关), 北京奥林匹克公园 (view of Olympic Stadium & Swimming Pool), 明十三陵, 金殿商城, Beijing Bona Jade Museum, 欢乐谷, 秀水街, Temple of Heaven, 同仁堂, Tian'anmen Square, Beijing Zoo, 颐和园

Sydney (March 2011)

Photos from my biz trip in March 2011....



Airline: Qantas Airlines
Accomodation: Star City
Places visited: Sydney Aquarium, Wild Life Sydney, Taronga Zoo, Sydney Tower, Circular Quay, Opera House, Darling Habour, Bondi Beach, St Andrew's Cathedral, Hillsong Church (City Campus), St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney Fish Market

And I really really loved fresh seafood at the Fish Market and chocolate spread from Guylian cafe! There are only 3 Guylian cafes in the world, and 2 of them are in Sydney! And I was fortunate enough to stay in Star City's serviced apartment and the location was fantastic!

Philippines (Aug 2012)

For work purposes, I flew over to Philippines via Cebu Pacific Air and stayed in Somerset Olympia in Makati City  for almost 3 weeks. During week nights and weekends, I managed to visit several malls like Greenbelt, The Landmark, Glorietta 3, SM Makati, Robinsons Place Manila and SM Mall of Asia. I also did some souvenir shopping over in Balikbayan Handicrafts. On one of the long weekends, I managed to do a bit of sightseeing. I started off with San Agustín Church.