tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19547691776548882832024-02-21T09:52:00.259+08:00Dream to Travel it...A space to document the insights and thoughts on my travelling journey....
Let the journey begin!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-49238494069459145062018-10-06T08:15:00.000+08:002018-10-06T08:15:08.920+08:00Dear Diary.....Golden Circle Tour Part II (Southern Iceland)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmu0dI3Wx15LY_5jGhQOAor_B0u9CkwUEeO2-eL6xS0Qhk8pOtKz0ElLMNsJjaMW6ciZPH006_zDEj5kT5d0fLXXxFNFKgjEjGVv-5isIj4Gm9Sees1DE5Ef9PI2PkOl6_U481GyNWAQ/s1600/I1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmu0dI3Wx15LY_5jGhQOAor_B0u9CkwUEeO2-eL6xS0Qhk8pOtKz0ElLMNsJjaMW6ciZPH006_zDEj5kT5d0fLXXxFNFKgjEjGVv-5isIj4Gm9Sees1DE5Ef9PI2PkOl6_U481GyNWAQ/s1600/I1.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Dear Diary,</span><br />
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was another itinerary-packed day travelling through the Golden Circle of Southern Iceland! Filled with excitement for the day, every
one in our tour group had woken up way earlier than the scheduled time. My husband and I were surprised to see that we were one of the last few to gather at the breakfast corner, with the rest already happily helping themselves
to the breakfast buffet spread! </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After filling our tummies, we eagerly boarded the van and zoom off to the first destination of the day - Jökulsárlón (or glacial
river lagoon). This glacial lagoon is right next to Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier and it is formed naturally from the melted glacial water. The chunks of icebergs floating on the still and blue waters are from the
surrounding Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, part of larger Vatnajökull Glacier. The lagoon is getting bigger each year, with more and more blocks of iceberg crumbling from the ever decreasing glacier into the lagoon. Most of
the icebergs are milky white, with some appearing blue as a result of the interplay between the light and the ice crystals. The stillness of the water coupled with the huge chunks of bluish white icebergs resulted in a phenomenal
sight, one that made me wonder if I was still on planet Earth. This unusual sight is also the reason for it to be a popular filming spot! With the winter sun barely risen from the horizon, the whole place was dominated by
the “blue-ness” of the water and it evoked an eerily calm aura! It certainly felt surreal to be there!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KRJAHP6ZEMvf_jrzCoYChnwgLJ9GDmpAowiAYiWenpBe1qwKdWjdjpTleUdYFX74yyIXAaW9BmVjk9PgF_lscCYu0YrBry-uIDuacARHe2j2F7Xii099OuQc2SHvOIY4cd3tgqNJ6Q/s1600/I22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KRJAHP6ZEMvf_jrzCoYChnwgLJ9GDmpAowiAYiWenpBe1qwKdWjdjpTleUdYFX74yyIXAaW9BmVjk9PgF_lscCYu0YrBry-uIDuacARHe2j2F7Xii099OuQc2SHvOIY4cd3tgqNJ6Q/s1600/I22.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a magnificently "blue" sight at Jökulsárlón </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6usuAnNKoJBwfF2scqC1doBwBHhP99n8DaPutjMBX_L8Qc816kmWCwJ7MPiAnsWq2EHGA-3tmiMiuy8VBMHhWVu_agxzXeE2T_7arwSN5Um88kp1dIiSmYz4hpJuxighEcRGkU1kcw/s1600/I21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6usuAnNKoJBwfF2scqC1doBwBHhP99n8DaPutjMBX_L8Qc816kmWCwJ7MPiAnsWq2EHGA-3tmiMiuy8VBMHhWVu_agxzXeE2T_7arwSN5Um88kp1dIiSmYz4hpJuxighEcRGkU1kcw/s1600/I21.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmfJ-x7gMFvn33q8qZ6omvO3xbSFuTHzC-6qDbDOvN8vsfHjLg33qbzOHeT0UcWTYZX_-ZBHItpqe-PMK-9Jtle3dnkqjTOz0aLdwc06rpxcThHAxIQcWKH5G9BSmHQQRD3A5HPP05w/s1600/I20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmfJ-x7gMFvn33q8qZ6omvO3xbSFuTHzC-6qDbDOvN8vsfHjLg33qbzOHeT0UcWTYZX_-ZBHItpqe-PMK-9Jtle3dnkqjTOz0aLdwc06rpxcThHAxIQcWKH5G9BSmHQQRD3A5HPP05w/s1600/I20.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The smaller chunks of icebergs floating to under the bridge and into the Atlantic ocean...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our second destination was a short drive from Jökulsárlón - the Diamond beach. The smaller chunks of iceberg from Jökulsárlón
are constantly being carried away by the water currents and would float under the bridge on ring-road 1 into the Atlantic ocean. The Atlantic waves would then crash them back onto the black volcanic beach, hence forming the
Diamond beach. Melted and shaped by the Atlantic water and waves, the ice crystals on the Diamond beach looked like smaller and polished versions of the icebergs seen in Jökulsárlón. The ice crystals located all over the
black volcanic beach really looked like diamonds created by Mother Nature and it was absolutely a scene that I will never forget!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKL4PjgiqkQRVjc2jvB5Cf5ow2AqjXNlVyektHiUOFGzmgvOjsgrlFbY9TZwyaKLD9Odmy_4e6QKqCeMhQNuXU__PLjAswPeMSMiS-pYYk18roq_pKlzYBeIXC4qF-RPXHfhJLSb4kw/s1600/I2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKL4PjgiqkQRVjc2jvB5Cf5ow2AqjXNlVyektHiUOFGzmgvOjsgrlFbY9TZwyaKLD9Odmy_4e6QKqCeMhQNuXU__PLjAswPeMSMiS-pYYk18roq_pKlzYBeIXC4qF-RPXHfhJLSb4kw/s1600/I2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mesmerizing diamond beach!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlR8fvRxcHKq7Onn4kL5EIavPxv8g5y7ZHpDACT1GIYXwmQYqPfSvol6LTTQv4v20jAbGJEC5isUaztnE2KuDtd8MZZ_9pNpR03oXehsoDuSVklzxfi6pF1ToA268GcRHvholzrm4Pw/s1600/I23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlR8fvRxcHKq7Onn4kL5EIavPxv8g5y7ZHpDACT1GIYXwmQYqPfSvol6LTTQv4v20jAbGJEC5isUaztnE2KuDtd8MZZ_9pNpR03oXehsoDuSVklzxfi6pF1ToA268GcRHvholzrm4Pw/s1600/I23.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After spending some time posing with and taking tons of photos of the “diamonds”, we were ready to set off to our next destination
- Vatnajökull glacier (for our ice cave tour). We drove into Vatnajökull National Park in our van before switching over to a 4*4 jeep which brought us to the foot of the glacier after a crazily bumpy ride. There, we had
to put on our crampons and helmet and hike a distance on the glacier........................................................................................only to realize that we cannot enter the ice caves as they were all
melting and had tons of water gushing out of them. What a disappointment!! Well, the only consolation was that we got to do a second glacier hike and see many interesting ice formation along the way!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JP9zo6rCvtJms9_XtUY1Xgn9mymTehTWWBTC-x5jScNR09ZxcFVpwJbUtQgRhoGd_2UhQzbsLzczn0CyfiVuuFq4Gpv8Mf0qu-xa873Val00f7Ne1oMN5YO2KcSS_PoVT-ZRBacwVw/s1600/I3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JP9zo6rCvtJms9_XtUY1Xgn9mymTehTWWBTC-x5jScNR09ZxcFVpwJbUtQgRhoGd_2UhQzbsLzczn0CyfiVuuFq4Gpv8Mf0qu-xa873Val00f7Ne1oMN5YO2KcSS_PoVT-ZRBacwVw/s1600/I3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 4*4 jeep</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQ4onTQ4UieautZRBP_RP45etgQQn8ejDr2g5vVpkROCCW2NDoQXnXnu_pt5u3nePDhTmTY9jySdUYjUpWUGR8ERWSWJHeQgo_YLZLFRGb1sF-De6oIW3SjvjJcXoPBLRXtQEQpwhSg/s1600/I4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQ4onTQ4UieautZRBP_RP45etgQQn8ejDr2g5vVpkROCCW2NDoQXnXnu_pt5u3nePDhTmTY9jySdUYjUpWUGR8ERWSWJHeQgo_YLZLFRGb1sF-De6oIW3SjvjJcXoPBLRXtQEQpwhSg/s1600/I4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helmets for our hike and ice cave tour...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5U3cm4RLQRsPyWyDJBieQrGWw2V1tJm9KpJuctysOLIZ2XCrtjHeq2Sb9-HC8pRIv5y59ZDZlKz6yo6O31oMkxKlf00FovB2ECX3IFYxnz6mgdAzUWsL01eTWKmMyMdQGnDK27Z50A/s1600/I5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5U3cm4RLQRsPyWyDJBieQrGWw2V1tJm9KpJuctysOLIZ2XCrtjHeq2Sb9-HC8pRIv5y59ZDZlKz6yo6O31oMkxKlf00FovB2ECX3IFYxnz6mgdAzUWsL01eTWKmMyMdQGnDK27Z50A/s1600/I5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the foot of the glacier..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6v8DJS6nJM5Z7Zbnt3XnIztm7EZXgHen9YQBnRwcHNT3cUE6dwzHLMCO3q4xIEdLPoYCwx8ujbL1G91TjN24sF-uCNU5rMVbqQ4c7xx2ET-p3tVTecJEbl0SsSfOuTaXpv3PX3KmZxw/s1600/I8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6v8DJS6nJM5Z7Zbnt3XnIztm7EZXgHen9YQBnRwcHNT3cUE6dwzHLMCO3q4xIEdLPoYCwx8ujbL1G91TjN24sF-uCNU5rMVbqQ4c7xx2ET-p3tVTecJEbl0SsSfOuTaXpv3PX3KmZxw/s1600/I8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rock solid glacier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhinVDASRuxc-vYE6o1Z_5cs-ya9X-23VRMBI3cp39fmyQ3e6Cuyaw-_F3202sL3zWyo9u-Y6JGsgAtftHqbeFFEpr1K3bPiQgf6VVYGGaU3k7rPv4tCQ017zwBs7If2wI1X5BiYfw1w/s1600/I9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhinVDASRuxc-vYE6o1Z_5cs-ya9X-23VRMBI3cp39fmyQ3e6Cuyaw-_F3202sL3zWyo9u-Y6JGsgAtftHqbeFFEpr1K3bPiQgf6VVYGGaU3k7rPv4tCQ017zwBs7If2wI1X5BiYfw1w/s1600/I9.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our guide warning us about the big gaping hole in the glacier...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYUzLrLAElK1jzFvUIR5RADxE0QffVwo1ByLJPMvl6JKIwLJmGk4dGroWf6eAJFjhqoI-2FnNteXbHDqTL8bmwhxZ22gaRkQUej1JLzQQa97yUKx9kH0yGR2IKGw1PUovdbBjaVeNZQ/s1600/I7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYUzLrLAElK1jzFvUIR5RADxE0QffVwo1ByLJPMvl6JKIwLJmGk4dGroWf6eAJFjhqoI-2FnNteXbHDqTL8bmwhxZ22gaRkQUej1JLzQQa97yUKx9kH0yGR2IKGw1PUovdbBjaVeNZQ/s1600/I7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Underneath the glacier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fu-RNw62j_rLmqmRdsEZzXhnykjhkUAxiKZerZB4LwT1Q5Ot9WFMKfYD5VPvVzMlCxsdg68A9PW-rzSmyhn2mgkpFVSN7sL9K6BqegUimHd-1tueWc_HtV_5ixesSglLxu5yZr6-wA/s1600/I10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fu-RNw62j_rLmqmRdsEZzXhnykjhkUAxiKZerZB4LwT1Q5Ot9WFMKfYD5VPvVzMlCxsdg68A9PW-rzSmyhn2mgkpFVSN7sL9K6BqegUimHd-1tueWc_HtV_5ixesSglLxu5yZr6-wA/s1600/I10.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ice cave which we were supposed to be visiting :(</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIn0Pb5DMP_RJ-cXcIs1MPzyuWbZU7MyKKvvhJbrSP-J_rpuwXaiUQpUScAFdtleqR-Xw6PeVHQydA2zvGeMc_Iz6Bbvn82kufBZLOhuYT617yPTCfGAtERyctiXqmBNM5ECRjIamMw/s1600/I11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIn0Pb5DMP_RJ-cXcIs1MPzyuWbZU7MyKKvvhJbrSP-J_rpuwXaiUQpUScAFdtleqR-Xw6PeVHQydA2zvGeMc_Iz6Bbvn82kufBZLOhuYT617yPTCfGAtERyctiXqmBNM5ECRjIamMw/s1600/I11.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting ice formations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW54D4_EuW5FIr_bgE0Wojyw7H9dEa9d8RwA6a_sIGZBgAzNwI6r7nrvTKHoNZrwcn6ZKufXCqkFf_ojSv9ize-es5O8sTof3ULW44kK0l74B9tEM_lqsS3-4f1gWfcZ8a8ZkKS_Phkg/s1600/I12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW54D4_EuW5FIr_bgE0Wojyw7H9dEa9d8RwA6a_sIGZBgAzNwI6r7nrvTKHoNZrwcn6ZKufXCqkFf_ojSv9ize-es5O8sTof3ULW44kK0l74B9tEM_lqsS3-4f1gWfcZ8a8ZkKS_Phkg/s1600/I12.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj794YaEeuCnB0DaQcSMf2sUuoMfhDIuJOKq2ixoPhYoxjiPxcH8cmjTzq4QINtuFanNq_LINoUDd7AHpIsK04is0pmgp4ZPF4n6PQQ-n6KyGm2QfibW_45P4k52XIAcLpxRHTmqvrLGQ/s1600/I13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj794YaEeuCnB0DaQcSMf2sUuoMfhDIuJOKq2ixoPhYoxjiPxcH8cmjTzq4QINtuFanNq_LINoUDd7AHpIsK04is0pmgp4ZPF4n6PQQ-n6KyGm2QfibW_45P4k52XIAcLpxRHTmqvrLGQ/s1600/I13.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvM8Twyo4_2mg1ki9tzy6h7iyehLF0l0WW0KiAKV3tJnJ6NA58fFtRhILn4DuS2jeG_2Dj_CXM2Jyc1QJsWYbXWaa2vfz1lWmiAPEs6FbULus8LfZ9wRhU9Up4UA9_x8BoT65VQ1csw/s1600/I14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvM8Twyo4_2mg1ki9tzy6h7iyehLF0l0WW0KiAKV3tJnJ6NA58fFtRhILn4DuS2jeG_2Dj_CXM2Jyc1QJsWYbXWaa2vfz1lWmiAPEs6FbULus8LfZ9wRhU9Up4UA9_x8BoT65VQ1csw/s1600/I14.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous view of Vatnajökull glacier </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hungry and disappointed at not being able to enter the ice caves, we made a pit stop for lunch at a small cafe. Did I mention that food
is very expensive in Iceland? Yup, there, my husband and I had the most expensive burger to date and it most certainly did not help in uplifting our already downcast spirits!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYE8KtMSkU0_mfFkOekuIcCpRXvdQK_uGaG9IYR-jwRv0nOWAJD7BNOXDbOeFf_GGOiT7ew557mQZX7pvLeB4A00dq1lEa4M2Y-6uM4zCiP8Gc8bBNDNWqMg4wrwKRUyXiqDheJzJKA/s1600/I15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYE8KtMSkU0_mfFkOekuIcCpRXvdQK_uGaG9IYR-jwRv0nOWAJD7BNOXDbOeFf_GGOiT7ew557mQZX7pvLeB4A00dq1lEa4M2Y-6uM4zCiP8Gc8bBNDNWqMg4wrwKRUyXiqDheJzJKA/s1600/I15.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The less-than-impressive burger for lunch...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As we drove off from the pit stop, our guide mentioned that we had covered all the places planned for today and in view that there was
still some time left before the sun sets, he had made arrangements with our driver to head to another additional surprise site. Upon hearing this great news, all of us started clapping and cheering for our guide and we were
once again filled with anticipation for what is in store at this next location.</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Along the way, our driver decided to make a short stop at the Skeiðará Bridge Monument and our guide started to explain to us about
this monument when we had all gathered around it. The monument, made up of remnants of the Skeiðará Bridge, was once part of the Icelandic Ring Road and allowed people to drive across the Skeiðarár Sandur (a wide plain
of black volcanic sand marbled with creeks of run-off from the Skeiðarárjökull glacier). However, in 1996, the eruption of volcano Vatnajökull melted a portion of the glacier which resulted in massive floods. The flood
water, carrying with it the huge chunks of icebergs, crashed into the bridge and destroyed it, creating a gap in the main ring road around Iceland. This monument has from then on, served as a reminder of the powerful forces
of Nature. Although this site had quite a grim history, it was surprisingly also a nice spot to view the öræfajökull glacier and the accompanying Mount Hvannadalshnúkur (highest mountain in Iceland). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrjVMdbuF2yVWZIkfH7LOT7VSl_mPG2C9xVQOYzmFfluXGx17Dk6bpSt5UunpXvU53Pfw56zoobzzFycrd4BOCIkiNXqBk0_76HuuFK3NTu19Lhbcmr30r277W05NjQNmDpv6Kacv-w/s1600/I17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrjVMdbuF2yVWZIkfH7LOT7VSl_mPG2C9xVQOYzmFfluXGx17Dk6bpSt5UunpXvU53Pfw56zoobzzFycrd4BOCIkiNXqBk0_76HuuFK3NTu19Lhbcmr30r277W05NjQNmDpv6Kacv-w/s1600/I17.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Skeiðará Bridge Monument</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlweIB9CC4Tgj4avlCpR5EkElMA8r_mBenWHgJ0pajK0zvPkCXQjQLpFU8aS9QSxNyevbW-u5ONDL2arpmlrTMfSvzU6IJOkPL1b77k55762wHuJ1-0hc8wnvqkK_X2ZGXMZ6oIm_sg/s1600/I16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlweIB9CC4Tgj4avlCpR5EkElMA8r_mBenWHgJ0pajK0zvPkCXQjQLpFU8aS9QSxNyevbW-u5ONDL2arpmlrTMfSvzU6IJOkPL1b77k55762wHuJ1-0hc8wnvqkK_X2ZGXMZ6oIm_sg/s1600/I16.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of öræfajökull glacier and the accompanying Mount Hvannadalshnúkur </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were left to ponder over the destructive forces of Mother Nature seen in Iceland while travelling to the last destination of the day.
Our guide refused to let us know where we would be heading to and only reveal the location of this mysterious place when we were approaching it. We were visiting Fjaðrárgljúfur, a massive canyon that is about 100 meters
deep and about 2 kilometers long! At the time of our visit, the whole place was still covered in snow. It was quite a hike to get to the top to have a better view of its depth. With the sun setting in the background, snow
covering most of the cliffs and surrounding land as well as the stillness of river Fjaðrá located in the depths of the canyon, it felt like time had come to a stand-still in this place! Again, as with the previous few other
sites that we had visited, Fjaðrárgljúfur is yet another place whose beauty is beyond description!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB-Qg2jIBh-_TxUFCEF5t3DzJonqYjXsnRtPB4Q3TPy1GXccRVy07UNCbxpfxjmAHwfjcSF_vTd_T9if2YckXp54vr-EAkYhGcBOECed1GGXC_cgeJJYRk-3re3F_5sxBzsD0yrLFFQ/s1600/I18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB-Qg2jIBh-_TxUFCEF5t3DzJonqYjXsnRtPB4Q3TPy1GXccRVy07UNCbxpfxjmAHwfjcSF_vTd_T9if2YckXp54vr-EAkYhGcBOECed1GGXC_cgeJJYRk-3re3F_5sxBzsD0yrLFFQ/s1600/I18.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow covered Fjaðrárgljúfur</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAnR2G5cYpRr5uSFx78FHojx0GkqVL6AokKdsRf4KL85y733_tj2FfLjVjmLaD9RVb7YU4Ksyymn6lDjhZOoVYz2Ckgby8RO1X1bCHQ92J73mnLQQFQCasFTQ3FwoW5UIS6V0B7Xvag/s1600/I19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAnR2G5cYpRr5uSFx78FHojx0GkqVL6AokKdsRf4KL85y733_tj2FfLjVjmLaD9RVb7YU4Ksyymn6lDjhZOoVYz2Ckgby8RO1X1bCHQ92J73mnLQQFQCasFTQ3FwoW5UIS6V0B7Xvag/s1600/I19.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8WD-xNMeW71NNEVC9O5hkZXGD8w0ipJdTTm_aWdb26L8WhWguO6ge_kBK3sOB00O4_Qq0Y_TU3FMdAkLrjJO-bHAb4qtXzlQ4C-xxGymuPRbaLDimacqrZf2a0ydx17KBg15LBZ9dw/s1600/I24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8WD-xNMeW71NNEVC9O5hkZXGD8w0ipJdTTm_aWdb26L8WhWguO6ge_kBK3sOB00O4_Qq0Y_TU3FMdAkLrjJO-bHAb4qtXzlQ4C-xxGymuPRbaLDimacqrZf2a0ydx17KBg15LBZ9dw/s1600/I24.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uj60uqz87iBSmu8-EVuIJO_Z7PUjPI2GsVFDbe5qcNeM44BgVo_ozC17lTlQXT4r1TCLABry9MeZhLq2FhM8sJXy6ZeVVyJH7Ye3BexszLuWUDfwOqwj60NqXWpUHGtGiHdc2s5nWQ/s1600/I25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uj60uqz87iBSmu8-EVuIJO_Z7PUjPI2GsVFDbe5qcNeM44BgVo_ozC17lTlQXT4r1TCLABry9MeZhLq2FhM8sJXy6ZeVVyJH7Ye3BexszLuWUDfwOqwj60NqXWpUHGtGiHdc2s5nWQ/s1600/I25.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All in all, although this day had been an emotional roller coaster ride (with all the excitement and joy of visiting many awe-inspiring
and out of this world landscapes of Iceland, the disappointment at not being able to visit an actual ice cave and the grim moment of realization of the effects of the destructive forces of Nature), my husband and I were still
glad that we chose to go on this tour and we certainly look forward to more exciting adventures planned for the next day!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yours Truly,</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Claire</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">---------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Related Posts:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/09/dear-diaryreykjavik-and-northern-lights.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Reykjavik and Northern Lights (Iceland)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/09/dear-diarygolden-circle-tour-part-i.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Golden Circle Tour Part I (Southern Iceland)</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-11538823170028562152018-09-22T09:21:00.000+08:002018-09-22T09:21:28.756+08:00Dear Diary.....Golden Circle Tour Part I (Southern Iceland)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqV6zFsBaBAZ_DZBq2tI00JBToykt6uzbZLwdG6qOlujsTAxU4Uc584w404AAreXVMKhSRPb3C2FNhV8HJzfeO_LIKN-nvDrJ9gGlzJY4WSOVe3tKeW0XVPjac5zBbxzZBucxado0_cw/s1600/I8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqV6zFsBaBAZ_DZBq2tI00JBToykt6uzbZLwdG6qOlujsTAxU4Uc584w404AAreXVMKhSRPb3C2FNhV8HJzfeO_LIKN-nvDrJ9gGlzJY4WSOVe3tKeW0XVPjac5zBbxzZBucxado0_cw/s1600/I8.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dear Diary,</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This day was the day that my husband and I had looked forward to the most ever since we touched down in Iceland - the day when we embarked
on our Golden Circle tour. Filled with anticipation for the tour, my husband and I woke up super early and managed to pack our stuff, check out of our accommodation and waited at the pickup point way ahead of the scheduled
timing. Even then, it was not a long wait before we got onto our ride and joined the rest of our tour mates on the journey to southern Iceland!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our group consisted of 17 people including our driver and guide and the travel van was our main mode of transport for the next few days.
When we board the van, we could see that everyone was as excited as we were for the trip and all of us could hardly wait to see the extraordinary landscapes of Iceland!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKMn0IYnscHCUHxjfIJD5vaIBJ1Ly5WzIuRUVTsNCC5KXqLtPqNR_HXu7qDyK2Qmizm9bbEDaFhWwzsWhVtB33fs8cx_ZskMXf7Pgw7EzP8z2kn9NXQ6hJo6Xt4IPsKAQE2UpWmBRxw/s1600/I15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKMn0IYnscHCUHxjfIJD5vaIBJ1Ly5WzIuRUVTsNCC5KXqLtPqNR_HXu7qDyK2Qmizm9bbEDaFhWwzsWhVtB33fs8cx_ZskMXf7Pgw7EzP8z2kn9NXQ6hJo6Xt4IPsKAQE2UpWmBRxw/s1600/I15.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seljalandsfoss<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After what seemed like a long drive from Reykjavik, we arrived at our first destination for the day - </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Seljalandsfoss</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, the most visited waterfalls in Iceland with a drop of 60 meters. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Seljalandsfoss<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">is unique in that it had a pathway that
stretches all the way around the waterfall. We had long heard of this waterfall and seen many beautiful photos of it in the social media but were quite disappointed when we actually saw it with our own eyes. It was without
a doubt that the waterfall had a very majestic and impressive outlook with its towering height and the forceful speed of the water. However, the brown and barren land surrounding it made it lose some of its aesthetic appeal.
Furthermore, the pathway behind the waterfall was still covered in ice and was very slippery. In view of that, my husband and I decided not to venture there to minimize risk of falls. Our attempts to take a </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">selfie</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> when standing
at a closer proximity to the waterfall (but still quite a distance from it) was also hindered by the tons of water splash as the waterfall crashed onto the pond of water located at the bottom of the cliff. We were left drenched
and without a proper photo - what a way to start the day!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4Bpj9Pa4nG50_v4d2bb_Gs2MoWfTsDB7eKHMfXD8DonV7lRn5BqZe24z_V51VUVjXkoH71CzXG4qKwcooRP6cw8J4IA8d18uoOqZrv5Q3SYmqkFSNHfjc-lU1BLCMyYnzEnFJXCVig/s1600/I16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4Bpj9Pa4nG50_v4d2bb_Gs2MoWfTsDB7eKHMfXD8DonV7lRn5BqZe24z_V51VUVjXkoH71CzXG4qKwcooRP6cw8J4IA8d18uoOqZrv5Q3SYmqkFSNHfjc-lU1BLCMyYnzEnFJXCVig/s1600/I16.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that water splash!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Disappointed, we slowly made our way back to the van and it was a short drive before we reached the next destination - Skógafoss (another
popular waterfall, situated on the Skógá River in the south of Iceland). Our eyes literally lit up when we saw this next destination. the landscape here was drastically different from that seen at the previous stop. The
land surrounding Skógafoss was covered in snow! The white snow coupled with the dark colors of the land against the backdrop of the massive Skógafoss evoked a rather surreal feeling and the scene was just gorgeous! Skógafoss,
with its towering height of 60 meters and width of about 25 meters, had an impressive outlook that was not inferior to that of Seljalandsfoss! I had finally understood what my friends meant when they said that the landscape
in Iceland can differ quite a lot from one location to another. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tGHQCPhIqgXqSI_TxVqrS9_PUqrso727mbUmIYTK-D4QsNc1hJI_Z02qA6ptw5Qvpt4Li0I8LlMcTEABOmzQpS87oKqh7KCHRrMCb84XAQBhLnRiIbeP26NyEDoSOYx-H0yVdedgVw/s1600/I17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tGHQCPhIqgXqSI_TxVqrS9_PUqrso727mbUmIYTK-D4QsNc1hJI_Z02qA6ptw5Qvpt4Li0I8LlMcTEABOmzQpS87oKqh7KCHRrMCb84XAQBhLnRiIbeP26NyEDoSOYx-H0yVdedgVw/s1600/I17.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skógafoss </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoPJyecReIUp3IKglG16RB2WRuxsBCme04F8pogBxi3hZcFSeZqKn58Y19O9IxDeeXhVpMMTG9P96qF5a9Ad9pw54J1y1Mth3R-NaA3Fcq9W84aurfHvMqWSHk4q7eD-SFP5wBUNyXA/s1600/I18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoPJyecReIUp3IKglG16RB2WRuxsBCme04F8pogBxi3hZcFSeZqKn58Y19O9IxDeeXhVpMMTG9P96qF5a9Ad9pw54J1y1Mth3R-NaA3Fcq9W84aurfHvMqWSHk4q7eD-SFP5wBUNyXA/s1600/I18.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The state of my camera lens after visiting the two waterfalls :(</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Skógafoss had given us a new lease of hope and we started to be more optimistic about what is in store for us for the rest of this
day. It was another long drive before we arrived at the third stop for the day - Sólheimajökull, a glacier in southern Iceland, between the volcanoes Katla and Eijafjallajökkull. It was time for some glacier hiking! I had never seen a glacier prior to this and everything around me seemed very new and interesting, I was literally getting quite overwhelmed with this mysteriously
beautiful sight! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjl8NuuaK2lmtzCtK-F9FedA9od44bb-MkB5Lj5AT3pFsrOFHBYfu6hdCbL0RQApWhk1OAkYWfvS4q9OfDgfmjJWMNrf2noiYeUzM556zPwcFjQ53vE7BwyyVuVeSK0M36GWbL2Jn9Lw/s1600/I2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjl8NuuaK2lmtzCtK-F9FedA9od44bb-MkB5Lj5AT3pFsrOFHBYfu6hdCbL0RQApWhk1OAkYWfvS4q9OfDgfmjJWMNrf2noiYeUzM556zPwcFjQ53vE7BwyyVuVeSK0M36GWbL2Jn9Lw/s1600/I2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sólheimajökull</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For safety reasons, our group was further split into two, with each group following a different
glacier hiker guide. Our guide was a rather stern young chap who led us to the a spot where the glacier hiking equipment were neatly arranged on the floor. Following his prompt instructions, we each picked up a set of hiking
equipment and followed him to another spot further up. There, our guide demonstrated to us on how to put on the crampons and the correct way to use the glacier hiking stick. After a brief lecture of the safety aspects to
note for the hike, our group proceeded on further into the glacier. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaKKt8Jlj88nMgFOEkZ0p06qedJN3pGZJep-s3Q7Yl6NEay-k367fj5XTdBZhbmPH4UgFZCIDsfvWO53Ou9Wv5aAUL-Dw8GX87jbJV7G3BNaONVGcrdi-ds-pK3Ozr_aniH4lnbc_1A/s1600/I1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaKKt8Jlj88nMgFOEkZ0p06qedJN3pGZJep-s3Q7Yl6NEay-k367fj5XTdBZhbmPH4UgFZCIDsfvWO53Ou9Wv5aAUL-Dw8GX87jbJV7G3BNaONVGcrdi-ds-pK3Ozr_aniH4lnbc_1A/s1600/I1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The glacier hiking equipment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Right from the beginning, I was lagging behind as I found it rather difficult to walk with the crampons on. Noticing my struggles, my husband suggested for
me to step harder onto the ice so that the crampons can have a better grip and thus allowing me to walk with more ease. It worked! I no longer had to struggle with my crampons but rather was able to admire the view of the
glacier up close! Along the way, our guide showed us many things - including a huge hole that went all the way down (it would be disastrous if any one was to fall in), how clean the glacier was (by breaking off a small chunk
of glacier ice and popping it straight into his mouth) and the proper setup for an vertical hike up the huge chunks of glacier ice blocks (and for us to take our “hiking” photos). It was a fascinating and interesting hike
and unlike the many others that we had experienced! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmLSDg3yF48tRNTJqFGDrlAXZp8sbd_qlZ3t0PtgevMcIXBM4P0-Ulaq-2kgh1fElfNR1Hpu8A18UQY0tsa8NmNJ3FE1OEvUpJxLEeyj57KLJf9kCwaJw8BP9CjDFbyEjXnT2AAf6Bg/s1600/I5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmLSDg3yF48tRNTJqFGDrlAXZp8sbd_qlZ3t0PtgevMcIXBM4P0-Ulaq-2kgh1fElfNR1Hpu8A18UQY0tsa8NmNJ3FE1OEvUpJxLEeyj57KLJf9kCwaJw8BP9CjDFbyEjXnT2AAf6Bg/s1600/I5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The glacier...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7n9WYZbtTbQ9MTjEhTVzpiUAKcklW0JAiRXOaTFEu8Y_RUEmNzxxZKbzSNoGXyWedRxEEutt7d-eHZQv0V2PFfZukI7b0keo3uX5DAnIkc4m84WAfEcyEklVhh9YtSuErFNvvdwmn3g/s1600/I4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7n9WYZbtTbQ9MTjEhTVzpiUAKcklW0JAiRXOaTFEu8Y_RUEmNzxxZKbzSNoGXyWedRxEEutt7d-eHZQv0V2PFfZukI7b0keo3uX5DAnIkc4m84WAfEcyEklVhh9YtSuErFNvvdwmn3g/s1600/I4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Certainly would not want to fall into that hole....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reaching the top of the glacier, we were given some time to take some photos. The view was phenomenal. At this point in time, the sun was already setting and the sun rays
reflected on the glacier was one of the most beautiful sights that I had ever seen! I knew I should have brought my camera up with me on that hike! Nevertheless, looking out into the glacier, I became lost in this natural
landscape which seemed to stretch for endless miles and suddenly everything just seemed so insignificant compared to it! It was certainly a wonderful and therapeutic experience! </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3x76P8dSizDkMPDqwz9Ji3oUOuDEdSRLEoTZ9qO3AuN1ImdzkwztJf4ezqDajLYFtmg6AcDZ0vbXvRZhMkUMd2eY194653Hl7vr7cSycIpKbE62e-CU_3EodoqSO0u-9q7oFSxuovA/s1600/I3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3x76P8dSizDkMPDqwz9Ji3oUOuDEdSRLEoTZ9qO3AuN1ImdzkwztJf4ezqDajLYFtmg6AcDZ0vbXvRZhMkUMd2eY194653Hl7vr7cSycIpKbE62e-CU_3EodoqSO0u-9q7oFSxuovA/s1600/I3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous view!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij13A8GQ5rQVoESi80hXWhcD3CWx94JbmvNsBuJp7Cjr4UJF6udM7ZREHyIKP6bBQKeMlsb_ZzzCGoGuIRr4fwfK8awXZMtf3OsFutHsgRIW7X6L7n3NrQAiwtvHbfECedIZvUKk7pHg/s1600/I6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij13A8GQ5rQVoESi80hXWhcD3CWx94JbmvNsBuJp7Cjr4UJF6udM7ZREHyIKP6bBQKeMlsb_ZzzCGoGuIRr4fwfK8awXZMtf3OsFutHsgRIW7X6L7n3NrQAiwtvHbfECedIZvUKk7pHg/s1600/I6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I felt like I was walking through an ice cave...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJ-y0xDjc7PU773UAPMkhvdZwRwTe-eLE6fwcea1Iv5h56Dxc0t49Qogngca6cnP1rhGELBUUDzWgMdX_Aqr4K-O73wk2DM2bnGuNlYqJZ0rs0reHLzfjyvQPV2RRrUpBOo1FeaUmew/s1600/I7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJ-y0xDjc7PU773UAPMkhvdZwRwTe-eLE6fwcea1Iv5h56Dxc0t49Qogngca6cnP1rhGELBUUDzWgMdX_Aqr4K-O73wk2DM2bnGuNlYqJZ0rs0reHLzfjyvQPV2RRrUpBOo1FeaUmew/s1600/I7.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKy5mKkXBUYLp_UVw9xgA47UjnTjEyGy7XYHpOfLm6rHqJhRK9m03xVwoko6N_IH15Cdghmowov0YIn5EMDemZskHacTpbQpH_tqu7QYzF8RjTQEXhVLCzgJHS-MT0tleENcv09l4fg/s1600/I9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKy5mKkXBUYLp_UVw9xgA47UjnTjEyGy7XYHpOfLm6rHqJhRK9m03xVwoko6N_IH15Cdghmowov0YIn5EMDemZskHacTpbQpH_tqu7QYzF8RjTQEXhVLCzgJHS-MT0tleENcv09l4fg/s1600/I9.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After taking tons of photos at the glacier, we made our way back to our van where everyone was desperate for a rest after hiking for
close to 3 hours. It was yet another long drive before we arrived at the final destination for the day - <span style="color: #545454;"> </span>Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, situated under the mountain Reynisfjall near the village Vík. This beach is famous for the basalt sea stacks (or Reynisfjara),
its black sand and the massive sea waves. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV37V8_reuaFmtGImtH-wl4dhyphenhyphenZVbFJn_YnrxKV_yMMUhuPO-z1sdO160iEiWAw-dc1YOsCS3NRlx-sAYcUSXaxVbSMJ0FwG69iIILow7W7Bavy4jC7rNhMvQpDrWEYCClJe03qTkF5A/s1600/I10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV37V8_reuaFmtGImtH-wl4dhyphenhyphenZVbFJn_YnrxKV_yMMUhuPO-z1sdO160iEiWAw-dc1YOsCS3NRlx-sAYcUSXaxVbSMJ0FwG69iIILow7W7Bavy4jC7rNhMvQpDrWEYCClJe03qTkF5A/s1600/I10.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QJFa-htOg5do6bFJoSKWWZT5hrgVI9q1SooDcRuHFqnOOyuCE_ItV_2UmoS1jT87z9xsayq8v5nishDk6vRIUw2CowTvYNsG2krz3SWAFyIXsexAf7gATASslB05R7NT7hWfUEahag/s1600/I11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QJFa-htOg5do6bFJoSKWWZT5hrgVI9q1SooDcRuHFqnOOyuCE_ItV_2UmoS1jT87z9xsayq8v5nishDk6vRIUw2CowTvYNsG2krz3SWAFyIXsexAf7gATASslB05R7NT7hWfUEahag/s1600/I11.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The basalt sea stacks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXhVoDa_JospS_q6igWkQc4ZD5NklIO4K8nnNUBToLHRFfjl1HO8IA-f11rFGuD83jhD0GLC8NCFFoKNjwqwPqGc-vEtgL_wXNGrKJYr4cEYtRZOI605htvBwc4u5h1cdd2Kd49syQw/s1600/I13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXhVoDa_JospS_q6igWkQc4ZD5NklIO4K8nnNUBToLHRFfjl1HO8IA-f11rFGuD83jhD0GLC8NCFFoKNjwqwPqGc-vEtgL_wXNGrKJYr4cEYtRZOI605htvBwc4u5h1cdd2Kd49syQw/s1600/I13.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magnificent!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The waves were seriously huge and our guide had warned us not to get too close as there were cases whereby people were swept away by
these waves. Without venturing too near to the coastal lines, my husband and I started to explore the basalt sea stacks and it was just fascinating how such beautiful structures can be found in nature itself! We spent some
time admiring the view and the sea breeze before the cold got to us and we had to make a dash for the cafe nearby to warm up (my camera got fogged up due to the rapid change in temperature as well!).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMStq9UbKJRYcTfwehD_W39aVCI0gWUMuP9v4GV_bNpGcG80SJR69xnPQDLcVpZS-DPrESUnwktvCf1mNd1PyeIwt7s6JE9gZGmZBUQWe9aK4CCaZli_qP8Xl-r6ZmhPeaIjuyXKthA/s1600/I12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMStq9UbKJRYcTfwehD_W39aVCI0gWUMuP9v4GV_bNpGcG80SJR69xnPQDLcVpZS-DPrESUnwktvCf1mNd1PyeIwt7s6JE9gZGmZBUQWe9aK4CCaZli_qP8Xl-r6ZmhPeaIjuyXKthA/s1600/I12.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that huge wave!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5hBxo8cuxacyVnxmr0EsXTzudqf5jP8_SS1urTUiT7WHBjEwb_nyIGJsGSSlGknJv_8WpC0lV_ugZrFchO59O4YwceB2H_F3HQLFZg8uBnC3nebEeZcWaWQ3w089CRAc0nhh3I5m9w/s1600/I14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1e1e;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Dyrhólaey Cape in the distance...</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5hBxo8cuxacyVnxmr0EsXTzudqf5jP8_SS1urTUiT7WHBjEwb_nyIGJsGSSlGknJv_8WpC0lV_ugZrFchO59O4YwceB2H_F3HQLFZg8uBnC3nebEeZcWaWQ3w089CRAc0nhh3I5m9w/s1600/I14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was only the first day of the tour but my husband and I had already had so much fun and we were feeling very blessed to have the
chance to see the beauty of Iceland with our very own eyes! We are certainly looking forward to more exciting adventures for the next day....stay tuned!!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yours Truly,</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Claire</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">---------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Related Posts:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/09/dear-diaryreykjavik-and-northern-lights.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Reykjavik and Northern Lights (Iceland)</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-72846113151616695732018-09-15T09:55:00.000+08:002018-09-15T09:55:19.160+08:00Dear Diary.....Reykjavik and Northern Lights (Iceland)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgiUrc2Oi-zt7Ya6QQP4W0m7fht7JNE42a1HokqCmtQMdg_CLrU0iNvkj7TmcuSHYMvhPtCP5_XL2NILyFQqhH5XuBMv9lC63Q1zYHlTl35m9GUdP6po_Y8L84aUbUb1qkEKTFyaC2A/s1600/I8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgiUrc2Oi-zt7Ya6QQP4W0m7fht7JNE42a1HokqCmtQMdg_CLrU0iNvkj7TmcuSHYMvhPtCP5_XL2NILyFQqhH5XuBMv9lC63Q1zYHlTl35m9GUdP6po_Y8L84aUbUb1qkEKTFyaC2A/s1600/I8.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dear Diary,</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All the various photos of the stunning Northern Lights appearing in the various social media has brought back fond memories of our trip
to Iceland! It was yet another impromptu week-long trip to Iceland in the hope of fulfilling our dreams of dancing alongside the Northern Lights! Having long heard of many friends raved about the extraordinary beauty and uniqueness
of the landscape in Iceland, my husband and I were full of anticipation for the trip. However, we soon realized that one week was probably too short a duration to cover all that we want to see in Iceland! Furthermore, as it
was during the winter season, with the unpredictability of the Icelandic weather and unfamiliarity of driving in snow and ice, we decided to join a local tour group! The only downside of this decision was that we were only
left with 2 days to explore Reykjavik and to go for the Northern Lights hunt! :( </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOhYiNLS9mcwrCt2D035PEYy8BjCL3p-64GaLvHINNiqdrdzLDxSQ4M2IvpV5iDRsAq_QZwtv_XaiUN-6fVS-r2Yy6Ze7m5soHaJbSXvbFU4QzLebIOlOmaG31FcvaquwpVL20tfgvQ/s1600/I9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOhYiNLS9mcwrCt2D035PEYy8BjCL3p-64GaLvHINNiqdrdzLDxSQ4M2IvpV5iDRsAq_QZwtv_XaiUN-6fVS-r2Yy6Ze7m5soHaJbSXvbFU4QzLebIOlOmaG31FcvaquwpVL20tfgvQ/s1600/I9.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful street art in Reykjavik</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We touched down in Iceland in the afternoon but as daytime is short during the winter, it was dark by the time we reached Reykjavik
and we were quite disappointed that we did not get to see much on this first day. Our disappointment was made worse when we got news that the Northern Lights hunt for the night had to be cancelled due to poor weather conditions.</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaUAn2I9D4FfmHzpEaka0kzUKFJTr9op8kf6zB7oJnR8SXLTiABwwleeXV_LYANlQ7kv-aI9JZiPD8ftZIFKlBuOVTeSDaZm7kLAA9tk1V9OPTqAeY8B2pEkJhZ-kl6QRQEpSE09MVA/s1600/I10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaUAn2I9D4FfmHzpEaka0kzUKFJTr9op8kf6zB7oJnR8SXLTiABwwleeXV_LYANlQ7kv-aI9JZiPD8ftZIFKlBuOVTeSDaZm7kLAA9tk1V9OPTqAeY8B2pEkJhZ-kl6QRQEpSE09MVA/s1600/I10.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hallgrimskirkja church looking rather mysterious at night!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In a bid to shake off all that negativity, we headed back to our apartment after a brief walk in the city center to cook our dinner.
Looking at the prices of the restaurant food and even that of the fresh food in the supermarket, we were glad that we had the option of cooking our own meals by picking an accommodation with a kitchen as well as packing several
staples and ingredients in our luggage! After dinner, we then headed to bed, vowing to wake up earlier the next day so that we can have more time to accomplish the things that we had set out to do and see!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-------------------------------------------------------------</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Waking up earlier than usual the next day proved to be quite a challenge, especially on a cold winter day! With the sky still dark,
the inertia to get out of the warm and comfortable bed into the cold and windy streets was one of the strongest to date! However, as we do not have the luxury of time, we eventually dragged our lethargic bodies out of the
apartment.........and headed straight to a nice and cosy cafe for breakfast!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LBdP9RuvS84RDiWh7vgarjksPS7v6bFc5kqnWeQheLELgEctc8rk_kgvYZyarNl78d8y8W-vlqUutPg64yLQdy56VZOwsSij3BEVpjuyjqSn9S-KfzJH3_eWMonmFVps43uzfD5G3w/s1600/I11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LBdP9RuvS84RDiWh7vgarjksPS7v6bFc5kqnWeQheLELgEctc8rk_kgvYZyarNl78d8y8W-vlqUutPg64yLQdy56VZOwsSij3BEVpjuyjqSn9S-KfzJH3_eWMonmFVps43uzfD5G3w/s1600/I11.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgz-Sgg7M1id_0dsPz3A04PxCrZRg2Nrrc44ic-4JrvmfDpEGTOmYl-8xg9xePu0P-p5QSKwfzl_raoxNIdCmzuA3eCYO-Uh76TeHM_BBQ7V9oKQM2roOe9IdZcLQzAu3PL8VhVi7pOA/s1600/I12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgz-Sgg7M1id_0dsPz3A04PxCrZRg2Nrrc44ic-4JrvmfDpEGTOmYl-8xg9xePu0P-p5QSKwfzl_raoxNIdCmzuA3eCYO-Uh76TeHM_BBQ7V9oKQM2roOe9IdZcLQzAu3PL8VhVi7pOA/s1600/I12.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute pancakes :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a nice and hearty breakfast and with the sun slowly rising up from the horizon, my husband and I proceeded to explore the city.
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, had a rather modern and sophisticated outlook. As we walked around, we were constantly amazed by the uniqueness of its architectures. The exterior of the Hallgrimskirkja church looks impressive
with its towering height and resemblance to the basalt rock columns and the huge pipe organ located in its interior was certainly mesmerizing!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4fGl-dKLnrquMlXVmB4AyGWJ-jTw6mOYHslofN7u6Xvt_aGR8xsUzF7_KKTXlAkliaVZIgXgqsrSJYIGmI0kEN_1G7VQRl8r6zwziqvNUSI-wzOxxe7XApcN35YbDHmDQvea8BJvog/s1600/I2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4fGl-dKLnrquMlXVmB4AyGWJ-jTw6mOYHslofN7u6Xvt_aGR8xsUzF7_KKTXlAkliaVZIgXgqsrSJYIGmI0kEN_1G7VQRl8r6zwziqvNUSI-wzOxxe7XApcN35YbDHmDQvea8BJvog/s1600/I2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hallgrimskirkja church looking very different during the day..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsl_P2I3Jbm8Q00P2FYW9oH2rg9tZ19skhRb7l18alcSsTbCpg42yBOcH1rVGMOJlCRskeTrM32j9tu98mNYLZTqjG2J43xe6t2DdoHDUxxQmuJ45xZr10S-T91Qm0W24yIGsx3GyAg/s1600/I3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsl_P2I3Jbm8Q00P2FYW9oH2rg9tZ19skhRb7l18alcSsTbCpg42yBOcH1rVGMOJlCRskeTrM32j9tu98mNYLZTqjG2J43xe6t2DdoHDUxxQmuJ45xZr10S-T91Qm0W24yIGsx3GyAg/s1600/I3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The huge pipe organ inside the church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Along the harbor, the Harpa Concert Hall, whose geometric shaped glass panels bore some resemblance to the basalt columns, was one
eye-catching architectural structure! Located a short distance away lies the Sun Voyager sculpture, a boat-like structure which was set against the beautiful backdrop of Mount Esjan. It would have been nice to stand there
and admire the view if not for the sudden downpour of rain that left us quite drenched!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaufK4AMX5UVg5_gAi5tnP_qvdeCNUHpPcdpQMNR2S5lduhpKytLTBE96ebVnt_AjKFohd4Gzmzkwntg_rJY3t6_QUcP5LcIdtZM2g5Mo_oVApzMq7g1M_9eYvwb0ryFRV3XpqZzjDAQ/s1600/I17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaufK4AMX5UVg5_gAi5tnP_qvdeCNUHpPcdpQMNR2S5lduhpKytLTBE96ebVnt_AjKFohd4Gzmzkwntg_rJY3t6_QUcP5LcIdtZM2g5Mo_oVApzMq7g1M_9eYvwb0ryFRV3XpqZzjDAQ/s1600/I17.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The artistic Harpa Concert Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_FNN80qQ93Gz8dyuYe3gd-GnQ-Snsa1E4Ocj6-nKA4opUpue7pC9zwPiFw_czk3l_u73NS4WcgS4Y2wEez1TiY97mXNLPC2Q3Yig7ZC0VxBztQYCxzr1JEgvTTuaxkxlWfx0n5IsiQ/s1600/I1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_FNN80qQ93Gz8dyuYe3gd-GnQ-Snsa1E4Ocj6-nKA4opUpue7pC9zwPiFw_czk3l_u73NS4WcgS4Y2wEez1TiY97mXNLPC2Q3Yig7ZC0VxBztQYCxzr1JEgvTTuaxkxlWfx0n5IsiQ/s1600/I1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun Voyager Sculpture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Time seemed to have sped by as we walked along the picturesque streets of the city, admiring its awe-inspiring buildings and just soaking
in the crisp and cooling winter air. Before we know it, it was time for lunch and we went straight for this particular restaurant that caught our eyes (and stomach) with its signature fish soup and fish of the day dish. The
fish soup was creamy and filled with seafood flavor with a tinge of sourness from the tomatoes and vinegar - a very refreshing and unique taste. It also contained a generous amount of sliced fish. We also ordered the grilled
fish of the day and it was delicious. The outer layer of the fish was grilled to perfection with the inner portion still retaining its moist, fresh and tender mouth feel! My husband and I could literally feel the ocean surrounding
us as we indulged in this “fishy” Icelandic cuisine!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3aBb9Q3OkqwogXSrPf356pXhxEnI1JzABR7meN1hkOeX-A3W6qZUdwnVfWmg-SmWwTQFz6eObGPnEXB81yrKryuMXKn4tmL9Ddrm6l-T2v46px9fXLXBIoiOOXo1UUxQYnthySTBwA/s1600/I5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3aBb9Q3OkqwogXSrPf356pXhxEnI1JzABR7meN1hkOeX-A3W6qZUdwnVfWmg-SmWwTQFz6eObGPnEXB81yrKryuMXKn4tmL9Ddrm6l-T2v46px9fXLXBIoiOOXo1UUxQYnthySTBwA/s1600/I5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy fish soup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHV0Ejf-TF996GGw9WZMWqE1Ulb-l2B8m_xMVlS3OvMVfeCZyWQX08p0Ooo9R1NpWfzls_Easzy1lgRjL8X1M1vGRdvr1FoPdvyEsbmbGL7f33qBNKReVjZ4-49rIBlXkJPtw11jiXGA/s1600/I4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHV0Ejf-TF996GGw9WZMWqE1Ulb-l2B8m_xMVlS3OvMVfeCZyWQX08p0Ooo9R1NpWfzls_Easzy1lgRjL8X1M1vGRdvr1FoPdvyEsbmbGL7f33qBNKReVjZ4-49rIBlXkJPtw11jiXGA/s1600/I4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grilled fish!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were glad to have filled up our tummies and obtained adequate rest time for our legs during this lunch break before we went for our
city tour. Our guide was a local, handsome and young chap who had a great sense of humour, making it a joy to follow him as he shared with us the unique history and folktales of Reykjavik. The most interesting thing that he
mentioned was that majority of the locals believed in the existence of elves. They also believed that the various huge rocks or stones lying around were the home of the elves - moving them could only be done after seeking
the approval of the elves, otherwise bad things will happen to those who touched their homes! Not only did he also gave a good history of the various significant landmarks in Reykjavik, he also tried to teach us some common
Icelandic phrase (which I found it extremely difficult to pronounce!). It was an afternoon well spent which left us with a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Reykjavik! :)</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUwbC8UWL_naiPC499V2FySn3LSNCG4WjqTsNOh9R9AGXXjD3hY7NIIEU-15wAA0yuH3dug2xaiYHB2ziP768P1OvwHXbALJzI6y5J5OtCSRBUI-2rYxQCZ8A1qohqvzUEOJxt3LN6A/s1600/I18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUwbC8UWL_naiPC499V2FySn3LSNCG4WjqTsNOh9R9AGXXjD3hY7NIIEU-15wAA0yuH3dug2xaiYHB2ziP768P1OvwHXbALJzI6y5J5OtCSRBUI-2rYxQCZ8A1qohqvzUEOJxt3LN6A/s1600/I18.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our city tour...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUdi2bl3D8uUtHmmj7_vi_UhJn5iZepaJrxRUcIWddqXajH2zZZiCLfi8nP-WEKbw_NSXnhf3XDbUDmjLb1vAnbb0AIMsY8J7LMZSNeXXfVTy5UXl5-P3Sqj1fz0v71XvxuEc4ILvKg/s1600/I6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUdi2bl3D8uUtHmmj7_vi_UhJn5iZepaJrxRUcIWddqXajH2zZZiCLfi8nP-WEKbw_NSXnhf3XDbUDmjLb1vAnbb0AIMsY8J7LMZSNeXXfVTy5UXl5-P3Sqj1fz0v71XvxuEc4ILvKg/s1600/I6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These timber houses in Iceland were built with imported timber and corrugated iron from Denmark</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-hBnRaHyQgdgJSom_hcGHHYA-LDItZLpSijXK_ubt6nbuD7Vz8Bo7Hfq8QOYyyxDaleicRnUFQkmm456AEFtAXVE38C2d1sSrwwZ35yhVZv99KtHoo0Ipj9v0OdPbjFq5gszsmvg5w/s1600/I7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-hBnRaHyQgdgJSom_hcGHHYA-LDItZLpSijXK_ubt6nbuD7Vz8Bo7Hfq8QOYyyxDaleicRnUFQkmm456AEFtAXVE38C2d1sSrwwZ35yhVZv99KtHoo0Ipj9v0OdPbjFq5gszsmvg5w/s1600/I7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stone which was believed to be the home of the elves</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6nUqRE_7F6UrIC-UCSUFqNEumYlnzoq49C1rx7wK5VOoTgVv4O8oBwbfRDdBP1AM6IoCQ0fujAL4eME4A92FLHE8oVUEB6w8z52UxPr055x8tsPiXU4uqPnI0-hr3LTMShnhiU_mCA/s1600/I13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6nUqRE_7F6UrIC-UCSUFqNEumYlnzoq49C1rx7wK5VOoTgVv4O8oBwbfRDdBP1AM6IoCQ0fujAL4eME4A92FLHE8oVUEB6w8z52UxPr055x8tsPiXU4uqPnI0-hr3LTMShnhiU_mCA/s1600/I13.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iceland's main church which has been in existence since 1847</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYHe3wbo9t15FNXfoPEL1GQc7Tdf5XOVjky3TIsuyrav-3Sry3QJhhdQZg8FvrUzF4k73YUhPw_-K22nMgfTZ5Kp6DnnC1NU3TVyr0IRy4HUc2Q4XTUxLEooy5196cPrQ0oHTOFH4JQ/s1600/I14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYHe3wbo9t15FNXfoPEL1GQc7Tdf5XOVjky3TIsuyrav-3Sry3QJhhdQZg8FvrUzF4k73YUhPw_-K22nMgfTZ5Kp6DnnC1NU3TVyr0IRy4HUc2Q4XTUxLEooy5196cPrQ0oHTOFH4JQ/s1600/I14.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parliament House</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqc-paqJBT8s-OzsiOet1OTAVLW68pczmSfVCKUM4MWz5AQh4hMYtA_OPVrqxOhyVU7Uv_mzWBzUMNDtr9swpbzZFTy0g9rphyWLvu7g_hGbGhcqq1d2tc4wGHC1qZGhTcqIbqmVwrjA/s1600/I15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqc-paqJBT8s-OzsiOet1OTAVLW68pczmSfVCKUM4MWz5AQh4hMYtA_OPVrqxOhyVU7Uv_mzWBzUMNDtr9swpbzZFTy0g9rphyWLvu7g_hGbGhcqq1d2tc4wGHC1qZGhTcqIbqmVwrjA/s1600/I15.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Unknown Bureaucrat statue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhB3RmHkjgmrySQzhJNfbbqPQJg1BBt3w2obtsx6nP-AmBqsCFAqvEUG9jdIeyZlEO6zxftjanmhPixXHB-K79GmdvdJF2ujIPG3JjXTBnOqW7z-wu9si_HwmAlNQdPVEwePlfOaUMA/s1600/I16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhB3RmHkjgmrySQzhJNfbbqPQJg1BBt3w2obtsx6nP-AmBqsCFAqvEUG9jdIeyZlEO6zxftjanmhPixXHB-K79GmdvdJF2ujIPG3JjXTBnOqW7z-wu9si_HwmAlNQdPVEwePlfOaUMA/s1600/I16.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">City hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With no news from the tour group that we signed up for and this day being the only day left available for us to go for the Northern
Lights hunt, we were about to lose all hopes of ever seeing the lights when we received an email stating that the Northern Lights activity was at its peak and that the hunt will proceed later tonight! Hurriedly, we rushed back
to our apartment for a quick dinner and started to prepare for the exciting hunt later on! </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the designated time of 9pm, we were already waiting in front of our apartment for our ride to catch the Northern Lights. It was quite
easy to tell when was a good day to try and catch the lights as we could literally see many others (just like us), standing in front of their accommodation, waiting patiently for their ride for the night! Several vans came
and went before ours arrived and we boarded the van excitedly and were welcomed with the excited chattering of those who were already in the van. </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our driver-cum-guide was an experienced photographer who had been organizing tours like the Northern Lights hunt and tours around Iceland
for many years. Equipped with a walkie talkie, our guide was constantly communicating with the other guides to locate the best spot to watch the Northern Lights. After leaving the city, we drove for quite a while in the darkness
before we managed to locate a particular spot. There, we saw a faint streak of green lights floating in the sky and everyone got off the van to admire it. Our guide started setting up his camera and proceeded to help each
and every one of us to take photo with the lights! </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgUIQU9rHREPHqQh65FoXKAUeQBC0X4gVsMmevYRZ42u0C67OT38LNyP7WvIng_6efaeKxS3EOYKF5y2fBHHletgLBcYq75DW5Yjja9e_qLfRyd4sBVWWTCRCfn1oFEANt69TfWpsHw/s1600/I19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgUIQU9rHREPHqQh65FoXKAUeQBC0X4gVsMmevYRZ42u0C67OT38LNyP7WvIng_6efaeKxS3EOYKF5y2fBHHletgLBcYq75DW5Yjja9e_qLfRyd4sBVWWTCRCfn1oFEANt69TfWpsHw/s1600/I19.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The faint Northern Lights at our first stop..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the lights started to fade away, our guide decided to try and find another spot. It was another long drive in the dark (which I had
absolutely no idea how our guide was able to navigate in the dark so confidently) before we came to our next location. It was completely dark when we got off the van and looked up in the sky when suddenly bang! - a bright
wave of green lights started dancing above our heads. The view was phenomenal, nothing like I had ever seen before! The initial dark sky was suddenly lighted and filled with energy and life! It was as if the lights were doing
a joyous dance to welcome all of us to Iceland! All of us cheered and clapped when we saw this awesome display of lights and we just stood in silence with eyes fixated on the lights for the whole duration that it was there.
It was only when the lights vanished as suddenly as it had appeared that we slowly proceeded to board the van. Northern Lights - another item ticked off our bucket list! It was certainly a night to remember for all of us and
I was glad that I was able to witness this phenomenal view alongside my husband! </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PZhysTPA2GHwF4VdgU5kPt2SW3_4e_wnvVkR908SMO0nxd5TkjnPVSFA8DA9wW1vN8gQPkFaF0ICjdTsjH2_jH5eS-S9QBNC5USX0AsACBrk7_GKtW9xTjdf68N385CVtgjKpFKSWw/s1600/I20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PZhysTPA2GHwF4VdgU5kPt2SW3_4e_wnvVkR908SMO0nxd5TkjnPVSFA8DA9wW1vN8gQPkFaF0ICjdTsjH2_jH5eS-S9QBNC5USX0AsACBrk7_GKtW9xTjdf68N385CVtgjKpFKSWw/s1600/I20.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only photo that I managed to capture of the dancing lights at our second destination of the night!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Physically tired but mentally very much alert and heart pumping hard from all the adrenaline rush earlier on, we finally reached our
apartment and it was time to call it a day. We were really fortunate to be able to see the Northern Lights with our very own eyes and we really could not wait to embark on the Golden Circle tour around Iceland scheduled for
the next few days. Stay tuned~</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yours Truly,</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Claire</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-25760382315054355622018-09-07T07:22:00.000+08:002018-09-07T07:22:46.109+08:00The Art of Travels - Part III (Arts of the World)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPj-73wEmWbBhtOQIoni1edAuhdbeL8yPDn9vzutzHEEXl0vzt1_3n8WVwd1vayrKeLYwwlO7XsoU1-FYHqBoSvtVXACx-pm11tUYwowYhCVVOhk4mvGG7GSVNpFDtnbWG564wlSTjA/s1600/A16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPj-73wEmWbBhtOQIoni1edAuhdbeL8yPDn9vzutzHEEXl0vzt1_3n8WVwd1vayrKeLYwwlO7XsoU1-FYHqBoSvtVXACx-pm11tUYwowYhCVVOhk4mvGG7GSVNpFDtnbWG564wlSTjA/s1600/A16.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street Art, London</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Looking back at my travel photos, I realized that I had compiled quite a collection of street art photos from the various countries
that I had visited. Some might wonder why the obsession with street art? Well, I am not so sure myself. Ever since my husband and I moved to Europe and started travelling more, our travel goals seemed to have evolved into one
that allows us to see the unique parts of our travel destinations and street art seems to fit that bill! We would still make it a point to visit the main tourist attraction sites whenever we travel to a new place but we would
be constantly on the lookout for unique street art along the way. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvNRcN2f6roqTt_HPbDziEwKD8G7W1bIMEMF5U_oAfuBNakSssG7pJIdScvIX9LK_YhcEGXtCmNoQXMzTUnIMjFBeD20QY9srm7dQRXHPZf84iVP02sp4_w3AQzsg-x_3fAgRdoH6aw/s1600/A21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvNRcN2f6roqTt_HPbDziEwKD8G7W1bIMEMF5U_oAfuBNakSssG7pJIdScvIX9LK_YhcEGXtCmNoQXMzTUnIMjFBeD20QY9srm7dQRXHPZf84iVP02sp4_w3AQzsg-x_3fAgRdoH6aw/s1600/A21.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street Art, Paris</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As mentioned in my earlier post, I do feel that art and travel goes hand in hand and I personally feel that it is even so for street
art. Most of us travel to venture out of our comfort zone, to explore and discover new things that cannot be found in our homeland. However, now with globalization, we can easily see the outside world from the photos and videos
posted on social media without even the need to step out of our house. To me, it would be quite meaningless to travel all the way to another country just to see things that appeared exactly the same as the photos seen on
the various social media. Street art, on the other hand, adds color and vibrancy to a place. Furthermore, a new piece of street art can be easily painted over an existing one, which thus allows for the injection of a whole
new outlook and new elements of surprises to the same region! It is this form of fluidity that motivates me and my husband to travel more!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBKckMrxMH6RJHqTozCgwGorWtFHdTkZB_cvGMfTcX8G_Yt1bJnMhnATPSztzNocEyCiWCGrYqzJ54dWZYdp2hAm2_uNQcPL3h9OVLAyYUPjLRZIfmni37vHLz_GqMl68Jf0mGiSObQ/s1600/A26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBKckMrxMH6RJHqTozCgwGorWtFHdTkZB_cvGMfTcX8G_Yt1bJnMhnATPSztzNocEyCiWCGrYqzJ54dWZYdp2hAm2_uNQcPL3h9OVLAyYUPjLRZIfmni37vHLz_GqMl68Jf0mGiSObQ/s1600/A26.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street Art, Singapore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We had noted the transition of the haphazard graffiti into beautiful art murals in the many places that we had visited. Today, street
art is still a rather controversial issue with some countries becoming more open to it and letting these form of art create a more lively and colorful outlook to the region while others still frowns upon it and view them as
a form of vandalism. Regardless of how the world see street art, my husband and I just purely treat them as art pieces and as a way to better understand what the locals are trying to express in a rather creative format. As
an amateur painter, I also find inspirations from these various street art and I always find myself having the burning desire to pick up my painting brush after coming across some interesting art on the streets!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are certainly many more gorgeous art pieces waiting to be discovered and it is my greatest wish to be able to find them while
travelling to the different corners of the World! With that, I would like to end off this “Art of Travels” series with some of my most valued street art photos that I had taken so far. Hope that you have enjoyed this series
thus far and feel free to share with us your thoughts on this topic! Cheers :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Brussels</u></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-SAxrbVUQdtWaeRcXuAaj9rZDRGvBm1kE6-7Y2We-V-jPH_35e4Q7yHlKS2GcmPCevfj9RSULUR3W79p05oOloiTZseb6DbIM28a6Gf5oIyjH1irlqngZfIbC8MWuao5EkVhSALS_A/s1600/A1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-SAxrbVUQdtWaeRcXuAaj9rZDRGvBm1kE6-7Y2We-V-jPH_35e4Q7yHlKS2GcmPCevfj9RSULUR3W79p05oOloiTZseb6DbIM28a6Gf5oIyjH1irlqngZfIbC8MWuao5EkVhSALS_A/s1600/A1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1IjFLz40VQPFQBajd3ks6y3o7JACzQUydQ0lXxv3569gBpYeopDsIzlT-u_hRTu4gf8A-pUEeICzLssYnJ2nNmcK2fUWvMQwfoL13tX8HBk05gzaK8xUuaG8rNiHLAaZYxXBDx_QpA/s1600/A2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1IjFLz40VQPFQBajd3ks6y3o7JACzQUydQ0lXxv3569gBpYeopDsIzlT-u_hRTu4gf8A-pUEeICzLssYnJ2nNmcK2fUWvMQwfoL13tX8HBk05gzaK8xUuaG8rNiHLAaZYxXBDx_QpA/s1600/A2.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Dublin</u></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoX0osSSerqYTDcfc8gB3D-gP_A1O352O_ifVrycCAkKEF3Cmag74rHCnbw5JJ8GsZUQbiyzFYR53q6ZDZNOKcvaowIjORrvmiBzA78pYXaL2kWLNvKffVj9jjAXFC5dTiLRyCXZv5rg/s1600/A3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoX0osSSerqYTDcfc8gB3D-gP_A1O352O_ifVrycCAkKEF3Cmag74rHCnbw5JJ8GsZUQbiyzFYR53q6ZDZNOKcvaowIjORrvmiBzA78pYXaL2kWLNvKffVj9jjAXFC5dTiLRyCXZv5rg/s1600/A3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6HZ6_Zgr-NYpYFrRCvO5-3fjpTHT83TGjwh8amf6PrZ0Su9pQVjJTfgyH0ilz9HuIi7mcQwv1f_UDR7fTvTXfyOAoTndyIovqOAxGV9OQwXFpVmLiovufq2UbE6TaZPDtmQIqpD_cA/s1600/A4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6HZ6_Zgr-NYpYFrRCvO5-3fjpTHT83TGjwh8amf6PrZ0Su9pQVjJTfgyH0ilz9HuIi7mcQwv1f_UDR7fTvTXfyOAoTndyIovqOAxGV9OQwXFpVmLiovufq2UbE6TaZPDtmQIqpD_cA/s1600/A4.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Iceland</u></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbO22_bldIs8kHLPBWErIrUprIXHLEaK3Gl1mJOO3wqmS0Wf_pZ-Si8q4S7zNnGx8nJWHdqy7B_aVhUzm7VzLuZNWGAemrqMsg-hFXTYgLsycGmQfTJFiyVzIU34unizRohU9ZxZsGqw/s1600/A5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="227" data-original-width="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbO22_bldIs8kHLPBWErIrUprIXHLEaK3Gl1mJOO3wqmS0Wf_pZ-Si8q4S7zNnGx8nJWHdqy7B_aVhUzm7VzLuZNWGAemrqMsg-hFXTYgLsycGmQfTJFiyVzIU34unizRohU9ZxZsGqw/s1600/A5.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNP8WTmX3LJ5_7R_eQmD3qO3TGQfdmagpIF4iJiHK1ShX59l8AlCl33LS5UOwOMWfDISzTMTIU_dEFzx8nx52eglLzMih-aHxtqaZJ7s8IdchSXR0vZOiHTnPe9ZDgMhAbHyWUk4bzQ/s1600/A6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNP8WTmX3LJ5_7R_eQmD3qO3TGQfdmagpIF4iJiHK1ShX59l8AlCl33LS5UOwOMWfDISzTMTIU_dEFzx8nx52eglLzMih-aHxtqaZJ7s8IdchSXR0vZOiHTnPe9ZDgMhAbHyWUk4bzQ/s1600/A6.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2Rdix49HjWYATvKPLm9v4RosvQ9AirnGquYJAMERDG4DYToA9a32Uc0WC1Vk5bZ3dpsA-Wv9E85msGEUS7a9Wfe-Iv6Aypy0tiE9Wb62STVbOUoLzE_VndJ_Ic5pS5cM9-GIIOzKMQ/s1600/A7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2Rdix49HjWYATvKPLm9v4RosvQ9AirnGquYJAMERDG4DYToA9a32Uc0WC1Vk5bZ3dpsA-Wv9E85msGEUS7a9Wfe-Iv6Aypy0tiE9Wb62STVbOUoLzE_VndJ_Ic5pS5cM9-GIIOzKMQ/s1600/A7.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Istanbul</u></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLMzh7N0gzSCjo8XHUWYtna6RopHObVpwfUM1jdhJW0SB-qm7ixALJo_H9WhI5N1VBtLVUvb87ngSb-qz7u9Yny8xb2mkSDj0GcCtEPddcA1yQnQpM-tyAi55nuXlVKvLm1z5LPmPlA/s1600/A8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLMzh7N0gzSCjo8XHUWYtna6RopHObVpwfUM1jdhJW0SB-qm7ixALJo_H9WhI5N1VBtLVUvb87ngSb-qz7u9Yny8xb2mkSDj0GcCtEPddcA1yQnQpM-tyAi55nuXlVKvLm1z5LPmPlA/s1600/A8.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwu3qWBFNAjlxHEs1XFV9EWY96Ho-lms9pivuA5ta4EeRgChor1P1pnmE8Z7dQ_tRyJP0unNluqedLj65Vtl54xCY_RYHammsyFTHKmIvCeq6Fd0gjwvUOR8g4iad2zo-zdYxJPkRzsQ/s1600/A9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwu3qWBFNAjlxHEs1XFV9EWY96Ho-lms9pivuA5ta4EeRgChor1P1pnmE8Z7dQ_tRyJP0unNluqedLj65Vtl54xCY_RYHammsyFTHKmIvCeq6Fd0gjwvUOR8g4iad2zo-zdYxJPkRzsQ/s1600/A9.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWTP5XW6NWcRdIT2PEq7d9uYTDKjm-3JSCOQUftGg3kww9sKJNEUNrENnRzRbnaPBtHAyYSUO2usMdqgrWEtpQTDn2-Jdr0D113pvwsU5J1xUygREb6fJ3sTqn6J6egTg7hM7Dar_oQ/s1600/A10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="401" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWTP5XW6NWcRdIT2PEq7d9uYTDKjm-3JSCOQUftGg3kww9sKJNEUNrENnRzRbnaPBtHAyYSUO2usMdqgrWEtpQTDn2-Jdr0D113pvwsU5J1xUygREb6fJ3sTqn6J6egTg7hM7Dar_oQ/s1600/A10.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Lisbon</u></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVGrRA7tj3WlX8TOQQKa7Q91ZwZvHVYHkNcypvZOwhILSEwOwmkKuNxRune9ifaGTJqf-Sai8Y6LkT-2-XlPvOZWOFEMWPbL9xVrO2LPP50unZKvGnISL4okpEq340f1O-aTBP0QwSg/s1600/A11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVGrRA7tj3WlX8TOQQKa7Q91ZwZvHVYHkNcypvZOwhILSEwOwmkKuNxRune9ifaGTJqf-Sai8Y6LkT-2-XlPvOZWOFEMWPbL9xVrO2LPP50unZKvGnISL4okpEq340f1O-aTBP0QwSg/s1600/A11.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HTgwUGZUX4zjOZ-BNkzeeJTJHPywDz9doVD1cQgZgvxGdR5fmr_kzuuVuHmBQa8SCno3t_scujDkCOhOEhmT0HAZ-Qn1y4q_U71rEDx5NlqQdq5sdcAeRpHo-JToRBZjtfGNfK5-jw/s1600/A12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HTgwUGZUX4zjOZ-BNkzeeJTJHPywDz9doVD1cQgZgvxGdR5fmr_kzuuVuHmBQa8SCno3t_scujDkCOhOEhmT0HAZ-Qn1y4q_U71rEDx5NlqQdq5sdcAeRpHo-JToRBZjtfGNfK5-jw/s1600/A12.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>London</u></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiiDbt6nlpmqpIqldcvIda8CaKk2dmLZNHTmoUjP39I7o9uazJKckLUkX4hlap8YrBc3GdUHNjGQVQMWT2GZvhmh74O_dnhtpNrTxt6KdLNHT5wSlV1HjI8_AEC5bnq3vZIdAzBCsjg/s1600/A13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiiDbt6nlpmqpIqldcvIda8CaKk2dmLZNHTmoUjP39I7o9uazJKckLUkX4hlap8YrBc3GdUHNjGQVQMWT2GZvhmh74O_dnhtpNrTxt6KdLNHT5wSlV1HjI8_AEC5bnq3vZIdAzBCsjg/s1600/A13.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfuH10jutFKtBIMSHZN4imIiAVHUHOhtFeSI2_skdcJCn2yV7obDgSYCm80I3bzJw0ts9wz43aJ2hP0JODrMsOWHoAul5LP2kmv55qqa7yTxJPpf9lQSExTPdPjoXBJ5Pu-GPbxLT8Q/s1600/A14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfuH10jutFKtBIMSHZN4imIiAVHUHOhtFeSI2_skdcJCn2yV7obDgSYCm80I3bzJw0ts9wz43aJ2hP0JODrMsOWHoAul5LP2kmv55qqa7yTxJPpf9lQSExTPdPjoXBJ5Pu-GPbxLT8Q/s1600/A14.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_0zKeItrf1fIiLz7PqYMGvjv6PpcciAn2-yw_l2hoifErDKAPExPNBGHgFnHmi4DR4CHOTbQlLB-63d4oD3fQrPmUaVTnVVMYX_7y0PXpvlrPQelidQogMOBwq26gMblwtUolwjBkQ/s1600/A15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_0zKeItrf1fIiLz7PqYMGvjv6PpcciAn2-yw_l2hoifErDKAPExPNBGHgFnHmi4DR4CHOTbQlLB-63d4oD3fQrPmUaVTnVVMYX_7y0PXpvlrPQelidQogMOBwq26gMblwtUolwjBkQ/s1600/A15.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Morocco</u></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQ7k31y86-nrbf3aNynMZqurvTYZUIM5Ap8pEwehoqmqq1QLZsTym0Ku8aU-fSox5UjkZnaOAVgSmTZ71p-RxagomwhhIr3Nw9ZiULfQwf1KzX0KPH8-pQar5V0RLPV1oP5RgQoe0ow/s1600/A17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQ7k31y86-nrbf3aNynMZqurvTYZUIM5Ap8pEwehoqmqq1QLZsTym0Ku8aU-fSox5UjkZnaOAVgSmTZ71p-RxagomwhhIr3Nw9ZiULfQwf1KzX0KPH8-pQar5V0RLPV1oP5RgQoe0ow/s1600/A17.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQ_58VemerS6uWLcfRmqqBZxxB-nrDJsdovtZJlk34L33BsxYkJU_8q8AyruD-1DC2vW5W9w8SAV_qv-y_8RneRw7SctGAqtoGqQ9pSvszt5xnSbUdxPHgSFZh3QAxBy6IO1P2YX7aw/s1600/A18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQ_58VemerS6uWLcfRmqqBZxxB-nrDJsdovtZJlk34L33BsxYkJU_8q8AyruD-1DC2vW5W9w8SAV_qv-y_8RneRw7SctGAqtoGqQ9pSvszt5xnSbUdxPHgSFZh3QAxBy6IO1P2YX7aw/s1600/A18.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Paris</u></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kuxZF6mc-A3RlMArmLKQDQ87_AiKYK3pCXGGo8E-BlK6VTBU9VOoMFPpNikhBHwOhxZHrcR59KrBVc67jf_qq9QHnvXkRq4W92E9iSJrDjErsWYjrTYNgqVNbeiT3U02Y3rkOrtf3g/s1600/A19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kuxZF6mc-A3RlMArmLKQDQ87_AiKYK3pCXGGo8E-BlK6VTBU9VOoMFPpNikhBHwOhxZHrcR59KrBVc67jf_qq9QHnvXkRq4W92E9iSJrDjErsWYjrTYNgqVNbeiT3U02Y3rkOrtf3g/s1600/A19.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90Evj1fJiYTBrnzPprTCeXIV3bpmj_KZxXKTdzxxIHW9d10zqzpIzhfMzG0_XCdz-rviDGmNRFN30AIIarNjJ2r4r4jzdVr9ddkFedfDKgwSk1-P6w70t5D1XvTuArTZg9WF_2MQwHg/s1600/A20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90Evj1fJiYTBrnzPprTCeXIV3bpmj_KZxXKTdzxxIHW9d10zqzpIzhfMzG0_XCdz-rviDGmNRFN30AIIarNjJ2r4r4jzdVr9ddkFedfDKgwSk1-P6w70t5D1XvTuArTZg9WF_2MQwHg/s1600/A20.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6t6BpomR8GUmWIr3yFN-NhsXCUMQOEwpOd9vDEM8Qn7JoYzW6Aqi10TneVAtLekerJmuvwBOWnMnJTfc4-xYrskREqID-C8tco5AKiPcAUT7lR7GmKrKAnuqKIyreeeDItijihtn5w/s1600/A22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6t6BpomR8GUmWIr3yFN-NhsXCUMQOEwpOd9vDEM8Qn7JoYzW6Aqi10TneVAtLekerJmuvwBOWnMnJTfc4-xYrskREqID-C8tco5AKiPcAUT7lR7GmKrKAnuqKIyreeeDItijihtn5w/s1600/A22.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmY7ruFw4UyECw6bTRr1jViN-aMhWnL1m_Luh7lSw4tpcekOpsVZZ9mMNYc9YLB6ZLW1OLnMDlci4Fry7GPxbiBwqDAXTJVwVwRBoqhUQBgd9QCFjwHzL_CtBNBA0XXV_0Cpigh-rdeQ/s1600/A23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmY7ruFw4UyECw6bTRr1jViN-aMhWnL1m_Luh7lSw4tpcekOpsVZZ9mMNYc9YLB6ZLW1OLnMDlci4Fry7GPxbiBwqDAXTJVwVwRBoqhUQBgd9QCFjwHzL_CtBNBA0XXV_0Cpigh-rdeQ/s1600/A23.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxePRzRlI3GDUhcYzCNOpci0khreZXx8OBINMBKv7XLxFh0-mEZ29CoNoQVmbie3IHlOnZ264rpSUgkgwN5Bo_a6aHB6KXSqrtzbQUGU-JdPmcK_AHr6DoqEBB_OvSbmNmFKCS_Uc8Yg/s1600/A24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxePRzRlI3GDUhcYzCNOpci0khreZXx8OBINMBKv7XLxFh0-mEZ29CoNoQVmbie3IHlOnZ264rpSUgkgwN5Bo_a6aHB6KXSqrtzbQUGU-JdPmcK_AHr6DoqEBB_OvSbmNmFKCS_Uc8Yg/s1600/A24.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Singapore</u></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Msr0ybgPFjcQK0AWvqQwVGAum2Q0F0AN_Wv30lz1tZ23g1MXzcS0f6r8gRiSFV6Jbw0HDbP31nWhdF9zm6UENrENj7U49ftPZXW98Gv_YEI_-DxF1l9enkzqs1rr1OtnC9Vrh7nfeg/s1600/A25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Msr0ybgPFjcQK0AWvqQwVGAum2Q0F0AN_Wv30lz1tZ23g1MXzcS0f6r8gRiSFV6Jbw0HDbP31nWhdF9zm6UENrENj7U49ftPZXW98Gv_YEI_-DxF1l9enkzqs1rr1OtnC9Vrh7nfeg/s1600/A25.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaapWmb57NNPm_Jf_pcybh5kZW5tmz-bRud6K4CkF7NkD-fte9oX5o0lyxRUIek6YtiQ9ii9lbbQyxMhB7p-QepCjfegVgihUwDeq4lWEFvDQamoWlfjXjdhLid2QtP0WmhyMEhPHPEA/s1600/A27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaapWmb57NNPm_Jf_pcybh5kZW5tmz-bRud6K4CkF7NkD-fte9oX5o0lyxRUIek6YtiQ9ii9lbbQyxMhB7p-QepCjfegVgihUwDeq4lWEFvDQamoWlfjXjdhLid2QtP0WmhyMEhPHPEA/s1600/A27.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJqFALRrCai9SVR870Mqbl8DQLapALWRK5jye2ga-c70lJyqowh7VMp50xIYYGtZGQIyAMppz46wbEU4xWiRJsgMh7I9b4hyrj3Mk4YjOv439yVnkPIlqhRpmzDiLafpCd8LzjLNnVg/s1600/A28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJqFALRrCai9SVR870Mqbl8DQLapALWRK5jye2ga-c70lJyqowh7VMp50xIYYGtZGQIyAMppz46wbEU4xWiRJsgMh7I9b4hyrj3Mk4YjOv439yVnkPIlqhRpmzDiLafpCd8LzjLNnVg/s1600/A28.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLQ2oTCdhhLenGiy89QWR8fDo9OZVnC2lE7K_ICdtumD5avDCZiLS4lc7wj2-is9bdDx8Az_82DBu5vyyM__jyGvyS4NmDZ38jX-Xj8fwqXCAgL_8KYnus-27M1K1y3-o-kHq5CU1Sw/s1600/A29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLQ2oTCdhhLenGiy89QWR8fDo9OZVnC2lE7K_ICdtumD5avDCZiLS4lc7wj2-is9bdDx8Az_82DBu5vyyM__jyGvyS4NmDZ38jX-Xj8fwqXCAgL_8KYnus-27M1K1y3-o-kHq5CU1Sw/s1600/A29.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-715402193718832822018-08-24T09:49:00.001+08:002018-08-24T09:49:37.270+08:00The Art of Travels - Part II (Chartres Light Festival)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZcqUNsj_i9RGUE_xNujbzh5L9LTUveKosdAJ5Hwqg6_Vf1KMsA9fWTiuQ7DrXcIZUnnaDTlOfwC02MtqU1e1tmdyHAHkF9MaYjPWLSbhJK6l08-5vFA4dHhBH5e7kliSIOX-qTdQAA/s1600/C18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZcqUNsj_i9RGUE_xNujbzh5L9LTUveKosdAJ5Hwqg6_Vf1KMsA9fWTiuQ7DrXcIZUnnaDTlOfwC02MtqU1e1tmdyHAHkF9MaYjPWLSbhJK6l08-5vFA4dHhBH5e7kliSIOX-qTdQAA/s1600/C18.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It will be September soon and whenever this month approaches, I will be reminded of how much fun I had at the Chartres Light Festival
2017, a night where the creative use of lights decorated the city of Chartres and turned it into one giant art masterpiece! Chartres Light Festival is into its 15<sup>th</sup> year this year, with the first light show being showcased in 2003. Since then, every year, the city will provide more than 200 consecutive evenings
of light shows from April to October, with the main light festival event being held on a particular Saturday in September.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeG0ZLqkzZUBiQYERNmRzxazXkWOGPX04jwri0PM6bRM2RwvyOJC3jDixXOY92dSsYjfjU8gpGgktPV7EUxr3W01U6fPf58mEz1Fwco5Bfvy9wzdh_gSQl-Hx21zwK8g2LPR3-qChUw/s1600/C15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeG0ZLqkzZUBiQYERNmRzxazXkWOGPX04jwri0PM6bRM2RwvyOJC3jDixXOY92dSsYjfjU8gpGgktPV7EUxr3W01U6fPf58mEz1Fwco5Bfvy9wzdh_gSQl-Hx21zwK8g2LPR3-qChUw/s1600/C15.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely and scenic view in Chartres!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of all the light festivals that I had attended, I was particularly impressed by the grand scale of the light festival in Chartres! With
more than 20 monuments and major attractions in the city being illuminated with artistic lights and music, it literally felt like the whole city had come alive and partying alongside the tons of visitors from all over the
world who had specially made a trip down for the event!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNglvyhjSywWjZ9_vOoSROa2o1yLqbQNByA9rDLdR8CGdrm_0Vd955yi2D6XmSoQos9W99FsKCLgQweAmoyjLhNlAuSLUHB5vm21Ia0Ez6dYrR3Tfe6O7Ykme9hKPRH2IDa17vcW5t_Q/s1600/C12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNglvyhjSywWjZ9_vOoSROa2o1yLqbQNByA9rDLdR8CGdrm_0Vd955yi2D6XmSoQos9W99FsKCLgQweAmoyjLhNlAuSLUHB5vm21Ia0Ez6dYrR3Tfe6O7Ykme9hKPRH2IDa17vcW5t_Q/s1600/C12.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My husband and I had planned a weekend trip to catch the light festival at Chartres and we even managed to coax some friends to join
us for the event. We arrived at Chartres train station in the late morning and proceeded to head out to do some exploration of the city after dumping our bags in the hotel. It felt like a normal small city in France, with
little or no hints of the exciting events to come once night falls. Our first stop was to Chartres Cathedral, the famous landmark in Chartres. The cathedral, built in the Gothic and Romanesque styles, has been listed as a
World Heritage Site by UNESCO and I could see the reason for it as we got closer to it. With its towering height, well preserved exterior, and impressive stained glass window, its majestic facade has undoubtedly drawn many
visitors towards it!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillHsPEs506IB7V7HPthC9mfBWyocUOfK_5vQI_EUWNzJIdw5C3AWJKvPaR3DTZq70QJWiNad7vNZHigvIfeADT3WegETMK0pj4sEEo1eIhiKUiBjkEM8_lRZhK4uwdJwf-pn44vMY9g/s1600/C3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillHsPEs506IB7V7HPthC9mfBWyocUOfK_5vQI_EUWNzJIdw5C3AWJKvPaR3DTZq70QJWiNad7vNZHigvIfeADT3WegETMK0pj4sEEo1eIhiKUiBjkEM8_lRZhK4uwdJwf-pn44vMY9g/s1600/C3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chartres Cathedral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxqgBfjgCzLDNkiSyxt_t0Qlapf-UXBcYph34fjx1dlm1tCSGB8CMpdJVUbIFr9SjKHNxZZP-60xVw0JSbkHp_3EtzBXtdwHepCyV24qZKCnkCQpW88X0bz2JyPNyjVMkkvAna4s_sA/s1600/C4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interior of Chartres Cathedral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxqgBfjgCzLDNkiSyxt_t0Qlapf-UXBcYph34fjx1dlm1tCSGB8CMpdJVUbIFr9SjKHNxZZP-60xVw0JSbkHp_3EtzBXtdwHepCyV24qZKCnkCQpW88X0bz2JyPNyjVMkkvAna4s_sA/s1600/C4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnR7qx8zWbntwpmbCI8JzFDKQIJ4jFYfrqgzPUZSfUZLNbhZ5erBQin1ni_0-09SVA6Y8Ny8k7H-O8Nh7lFG1LGLCrq_iA04L2ZgHykShoK_V46Vy2DMfI0ytDNw_4nNjhlGLLIDQBQ/s1600/C5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful stained glass window</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7t3g9LhGUhx6aytydstZ6SyDKhnkC5tUNfVsFjkLCSMf22HoyVCoB0XWMuPhJK66uLwyNGqhAJy8GPkRDLC8HHlCdNn-SePMWFNBvDmP95eBU0cBBpKpqnueUU1AQ3kbIsacfvdfHjQ/s1600/C6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7t3g9LhGUhx6aytydstZ6SyDKhnkC5tUNfVsFjkLCSMf22HoyVCoB0XWMuPhJK66uLwyNGqhAJy8GPkRDLC8HHlCdNn-SePMWFNBvDmP95eBU0cBBpKpqnueUU1AQ3kbIsacfvdfHjQ/s1600/C6.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7wrG1zkbZcygRaVx7fkS_uOzTLyKcFZNkUjtcHGHpmginTPGODn95v6iLWno0O4KY1IAoEY02Tn39qK0b6K5FqaeeOLJfkROa90PVT82u2-Op1RNStpE77jwqMkbPYGJDNIK-BivdA/s1600/C7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7wrG1zkbZcygRaVx7fkS_uOzTLyKcFZNkUjtcHGHpmginTPGODn95v6iLWno0O4KY1IAoEY02Tn39qK0b6K5FqaeeOLJfkROa90PVT82u2-Op1RNStpE77jwqMkbPYGJDNIK-BivdA/s1600/C7.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5AWYciNuHa_S4x1D7kBlPrbXOaylMpWOS3uhQkE6lyPncJBcDVAp59z4B7LO0Hh8CL9Rs69ZbxO_-0XW51l7LBl0IOfbEJ9n2YHW8ouGG72O81M2abPKeA5Khaa53fQyp8n0GpW-CJg/s1600/C9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5AWYciNuHa_S4x1D7kBlPrbXOaylMpWOS3uhQkE6lyPncJBcDVAp59z4B7LO0Hh8CL9Rs69ZbxO_-0XW51l7LBl0IOfbEJ9n2YHW8ouGG72O81M2abPKeA5Khaa53fQyp8n0GpW-CJg/s1600/C9.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other side of Chartres Cathedral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After exploring Chartres cathedral, we continued on our relaxing stroll through the city. Chartres is really a beautiful place to be
in, with a good mix of the old and new building facades, the small alleys lined with cute cafes, the lively market place and the numerous well preserved monuments for visitors to explore! While walking, we chanced upon Saint
Pierre church, whose massive and impressive outlook caught my attention immediately! The church was huge and we had a great time admiring the stained glass windows and the fine details carved out all over this beautiful architecture!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzGCqxIrGo4CTfcda4ngJlUuEU4PGKYfZZiGYt-Gx7BGRoPfnyhv8sGlNqws0n_YdcKvCtAhVv-4_SbOiT1tUj9EaWwoodlgM8UMjdvY2ccv6dj2rY6DA7xlv5qniqtaPyS0HIMOHAQ/s1600/C1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzGCqxIrGo4CTfcda4ngJlUuEU4PGKYfZZiGYt-Gx7BGRoPfnyhv8sGlNqws0n_YdcKvCtAhVv-4_SbOiT1tUj9EaWwoodlgM8UMjdvY2ccv6dj2rY6DA7xlv5qniqtaPyS0HIMOHAQ/s1600/C1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute cafe lining the small alley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNbENhVZiOio3wr9gylcWcl4iH1AcYRSlhEhUEXgo80cpjzX2eELvrFWCAgu1rSqLMlEUe6QVPvWomsiQgYvQyMtq0IuT9Rd34mO8pVzBoakNsw0G_LwXiRYk1LqI5nImGDtkDPJaBA/s1600/C10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNbENhVZiOio3wr9gylcWcl4iH1AcYRSlhEhUEXgo80cpjzX2eELvrFWCAgu1rSqLMlEUe6QVPvWomsiQgYvQyMtq0IuT9Rd34mO8pVzBoakNsw0G_LwXiRYk1LqI5nImGDtkDPJaBA/s1600/C10.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lively market place</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuS18RmLHGAinQiH5P1teJmjpNx4Di64MeyA-JWpSeOjCCbVS2sZd_5H3dxkj4XavGLab_Md0ML5RbJ41OXwZCtmiPIJIh0IVboARY8mThPCMJMTDCOP4stuqgX8PwDFWWlBVMjViLNw/s1600/C17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuS18RmLHGAinQiH5P1teJmjpNx4Di64MeyA-JWpSeOjCCbVS2sZd_5H3dxkj4XavGLab_Md0ML5RbJ41OXwZCtmiPIJIh0IVboARY8mThPCMJMTDCOP4stuqgX8PwDFWWlBVMjViLNw/s1600/C17.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saint Pierre church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideT3v3__2r2GdPlgtKF7YuJj4VR4GkLBqmXCJbKAqiKzq2Ej3l9OAeHYzGrowUqZWZWfNShnCP34mGfchN0WOHfVHaLjWHcH6UNmVdNJeZTJNEsrz0ONR2lhFEY8BF0xvYemidyTrlA/s1600/C16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideT3v3__2r2GdPlgtKF7YuJj4VR4GkLBqmXCJbKAqiKzq2Ej3l9OAeHYzGrowUqZWZWfNShnCP34mGfchN0WOHfVHaLjWHcH6UNmVdNJeZTJNEsrz0ONR2lhFEY8BF0xvYemidyTrlA/s1600/C16.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We decided to head back to the hotel for a short rest after lunch so as to conserve our energy for the light festival later at night!
While walking back to the hotel, we noticed that the locals were starting to set up the props for the night event later on and it just make us all the more excited about it!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmk1QMQPlgcU2vxtB1yon3Fv8hR08woEFOp8dDwl07cXnP1_4vVzqMaUgtDkQNKQQXBsEkQqF7a_FkMhfaNYCEQZT8wK-67uyOsbLLCeWQPVsvtQ7ZsQkQ4HJzx1Pb41z8tWqRa0IIwg/s1600/C13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmk1QMQPlgcU2vxtB1yon3Fv8hR08woEFOp8dDwl07cXnP1_4vVzqMaUgtDkQNKQQXBsEkQqF7a_FkMhfaNYCEQZT8wK-67uyOsbLLCeWQPVsvtQ7ZsQkQ4HJzx1Pb41z8tWqRa0IIwg/s1600/C13.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14gzsJlM5c8UroT0PjeYwU9Z2FgyCrmpX1ITpmPyqEACWuT-wjzR46LDSGJc3Wo4OEgPJoohQ7rjY0m29MH863V0tSmPjDE_nDOKCOBDaAUQSyX6HzFDrT_c_7egkaVD5FlVWzKzpuQ/s1600/C14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14gzsJlM5c8UroT0PjeYwU9Z2FgyCrmpX1ITpmPyqEACWuT-wjzR46LDSGJc3Wo4OEgPJoohQ7rjY0m29MH863V0tSmPjDE_nDOKCOBDaAUQSyX6HzFDrT_c_7egkaVD5FlVWzKzpuQ/s1600/C14.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After what seems like a particularly short rest (we could hardly rest as we were too hyped up for the event!), it was time for the city
to come to live and the light festival started off with a bang! The first show of the night was held right smack in the city center where two men stood on a platform and showcased a duel dance routine involving electric currents,
catching everyone’s attention with its catchy music and mesmerizing illumination produced by the currents! The dance was both horrifying and exciting at the same time due to the danger and excitement of incorporating electric
currents into the show! Although there was a huge crowd gathered all around the platform, I was totally caught up in the captivating show, with no recollection of what was going on around me! It was a brilliant start to the
night’s event!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6KlSP0kDK3b8CjNdZ38MInYskdbxmwdpGIEN38buWzlsEDY6irFXVWAxyI0snzhf0fKMLlbH_gqJn4pd3IkIqrKvP3U7l_3OpWgwrU9tMEmMKgwNNcJfEYeUz6ggjIa8aeL_QThRAg/s1600/C28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6KlSP0kDK3b8CjNdZ38MInYskdbxmwdpGIEN38buWzlsEDY6irFXVWAxyI0snzhf0fKMLlbH_gqJn4pd3IkIqrKvP3U7l_3OpWgwrU9tMEmMKgwNNcJfEYeUz6ggjIa8aeL_QThRAg/s1600/C28.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The electric current dance routine...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once the show ended, it was free for all to wander around the city and explore the many monuments that had been illuminated with laser
lights. I have never been this excited as I keep switching from staring at the light displays in awe to frantically clicking away on my camera! To me, I could hardly fathom how it was possible to inject so much details onto
the seemingly ordinary architectures with just the use of laser lights alone. The buildings all looked absolutely different from how it was during the day and I was certainly very impressed with this effect! It was also definitely
a night to remember for a photo enthusiast like me! It is time to let the photos do the talking...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-HZ6MOrgpr8oNWW60LPXRj9fZjIUmTcnfHvrWg97KkkDulSMOB8OHP8_ab2tByamZ2cvuhchP3x8sGyJi0pMOZphq42_zy1yLxK_wZoZp9l7SZMivRJSykE8dk-zJoq7a1Z9ER2QOQ/s1600/C19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-HZ6MOrgpr8oNWW60LPXRj9fZjIUmTcnfHvrWg97KkkDulSMOB8OHP8_ab2tByamZ2cvuhchP3x8sGyJi0pMOZphq42_zy1yLxK_wZoZp9l7SZMivRJSykE8dk-zJoq7a1Z9ER2QOQ/s1600/C19.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUCYo6Lq3h_Ad1_9rbAUsvtbeptuMgnp1E15fHYnJZP_7oQDP652WY4Jv2tl6eusYHvUU4kOARn3X8LDpbimYfz2_uMk-L0dgFJIP3qSHaeaqAi2fqdWUkiqQP1QrZoq8oM4fzDxTiA/s1600/C20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUCYo6Lq3h_Ad1_9rbAUsvtbeptuMgnp1E15fHYnJZP_7oQDP652WY4Jv2tl6eusYHvUU4kOARn3X8LDpbimYfz2_uMk-L0dgFJIP3qSHaeaqAi2fqdWUkiqQP1QrZoq8oM4fzDxTiA/s1600/C20.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKhLqOyjtiFd8gH1fm__8iueCx7KvdfiMODIazmMW2ciozmQHi4-0hI-nuXZHtQpJul2zvRa0CBp3Qr62mJ6DxhyI9vR0GzdYQDLYigPubQOjbP73VQeD4j1osaFdZWJr4OoeVIshEQ/s1600/C21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKhLqOyjtiFd8gH1fm__8iueCx7KvdfiMODIazmMW2ciozmQHi4-0hI-nuXZHtQpJul2zvRa0CBp3Qr62mJ6DxhyI9vR0GzdYQDLYigPubQOjbP73VQeD4j1osaFdZWJr4OoeVIshEQ/s1600/C21.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOaLUNXbquU8E_FvoI2kKRVaMwHGLXjs4DZQu95DcF6r2Sah2qU7sH0ggoZwzlOEemFpzK7Jam6Sb7z9-0cDtK5nalea6rVHJtEagbBF5jPZt9c_J99TrC7Scp3bQsqYd54YfUAE-1Q/s1600/C22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOaLUNXbquU8E_FvoI2kKRVaMwHGLXjs4DZQu95DcF6r2Sah2qU7sH0ggoZwzlOEemFpzK7Jam6Sb7z9-0cDtK5nalea6rVHJtEagbBF5jPZt9c_J99TrC7Scp3bQsqYd54YfUAE-1Q/s1600/C22.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPx7UWfF3HfNDr7nwEzNLEE3umfAjnyZrnHCq_t5c4OzIQGa3_Kf6Ja-hrZp83USR2Lk4IQWj79ZsqrKS_6_HGwT7DAY6SL59n8HJGkGP80lOjmqlSMNQ5cJtbT57ZyiKOEB9ksY6SQ/s1600/C31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPx7UWfF3HfNDr7nwEzNLEE3umfAjnyZrnHCq_t5c4OzIQGa3_Kf6Ja-hrZp83USR2Lk4IQWj79ZsqrKS_6_HGwT7DAY6SL59n8HJGkGP80lOjmqlSMNQ5cJtbT57ZyiKOEB9ksY6SQ/s1600/C31.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRmgm6JatiJssSYNRUfa-Ic1LWx_cwM0CdR2u_0q-cDusGIFe4oJJVoLET-v2Tj857RtvKdJ18jb_9N29335057RNBRPEjDOWj6TYcCtu5VT_ih45n0SL18ZkmsMkBUp070kyvQ74qA/s1600/C23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRmgm6JatiJssSYNRUfa-Ic1LWx_cwM0CdR2u_0q-cDusGIFe4oJJVoLET-v2Tj857RtvKdJ18jb_9N29335057RNBRPEjDOWj6TYcCtu5VT_ih45n0SL18ZkmsMkBUp070kyvQ74qA/s1600/C23.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5R9Ne_pVDZCYO9C5E_FjxpYEYRQWY7oM817OTSuSYlwkW_gfgh0VpfEBKC5L3CRKcBjV7yiLaV-1GRKOyjsbW3O2TyENLKgfR8Fydq2by1OlzTyG1wPHoMDP75mEFN76Isg8d_zrR7w/s1600/C25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5R9Ne_pVDZCYO9C5E_FjxpYEYRQWY7oM817OTSuSYlwkW_gfgh0VpfEBKC5L3CRKcBjV7yiLaV-1GRKOyjsbW3O2TyENLKgfR8Fydq2by1OlzTyG1wPHoMDP75mEFN76Isg8d_zrR7w/s1600/C25.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpSNzRfB3ZeopVOQyDA33VAWbwU3WRgHr-qEpdkrQUsHNaKH91PL0uHc4OdYCcarOXTSSy0QRYb9l3VOroygJEl0ecOZg51cf15XMtgcQzdx9PIjaHVozXAAoEYvimg0cw9KpmRq9CQ/s1600/C26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpSNzRfB3ZeopVOQyDA33VAWbwU3WRgHr-qEpdkrQUsHNaKH91PL0uHc4OdYCcarOXTSSy0QRYb9l3VOroygJEl0ecOZg51cf15XMtgcQzdx9PIjaHVozXAAoEYvimg0cw9KpmRq9CQ/s1600/C26.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7Ama2Ch9mn5pJNcMl1S5MdtNUOENB2HynM5D3hrZwSJjAI8XxEE9K1BaEv1sikBwgOGrI_wOw8uSlVyrnKoXANY0klcvD204lMUWMt7gHdwrrN6hXElLkpjQngw2fUxqvK46H3e6SA/s1600/C27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7Ama2Ch9mn5pJNcMl1S5MdtNUOENB2HynM5D3hrZwSJjAI8XxEE9K1BaEv1sikBwgOGrI_wOw8uSlVyrnKoXANY0klcvD204lMUWMt7gHdwrrN6hXElLkpjQngw2fUxqvK46H3e6SA/s1600/C27.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67O5cTdzDkLCRs6rJrYCPnQjpNL2nJS4vdO92dtP5JLOZJNU4sYPgcqn8lgG-U36u0luHXqAy4n7yTDi2plW3jYio3FHRvFHgQHJplZUwmSrD98vKBRrYmGzDMnS_pXiaabJ-M454cg/s1600/C24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67O5cTdzDkLCRs6rJrYCPnQjpNL2nJS4vdO92dtP5JLOZJNU4sYPgcqn8lgG-U36u0luHXqAy4n7yTDi2plW3jYio3FHRvFHgQHJplZUwmSrD98vKBRrYmGzDMnS_pXiaabJ-M454cg/s1600/C24.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlZLUdKIeNOmG_kJ4xUHWWTVL-yheTjDPz192n4YW9n8wIIfyUOFBFtuEhZxQqOxv2UNKLmLoizlwuWwN7brzJfWVsOSfcpzaDE97gmj1QJ2pjcsS7g1jgnOgWv9LkLxRbPiryJi2vQ/s1600/C29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlZLUdKIeNOmG_kJ4xUHWWTVL-yheTjDPz192n4YW9n8wIIfyUOFBFtuEhZxQqOxv2UNKLmLoizlwuWwN7brzJfWVsOSfcpzaDE97gmj1QJ2pjcsS7g1jgnOgWv9LkLxRbPiryJi2vQ/s1600/C29.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx48yhYeQmtLtu8u2PUNjJW_MtstVt7PLk6OLWOIOzykqMD6i3LhuA9aRPVo46WahMqMdfvb8ZX5AI3B-9ErC_ItVv_lTDTlUOrp-A3YSm2czeVijrTe4MVZJ97qgNX-AfnR7cAaVAQA/s1600/C30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx48yhYeQmtLtu8u2PUNjJW_MtstVt7PLk6OLWOIOzykqMD6i3LhuA9aRPVo46WahMqMdfvb8ZX5AI3B-9ErC_ItVv_lTDTlUOrp-A3YSm2czeVijrTe4MVZJ97qgNX-AfnR7cAaVAQA/s1600/C30.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hope that you have enjoyed the photos and be dazzled by the impressive light displays that I had captured of Chartres Light Festival
2017. If you are interested to head down to Chartres for the light festival, it will be on 15 September 2018. Have fun, take lots of photos and do share with us! Cheers!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-83282666714068169762018-08-17T08:38:00.000+08:002018-08-17T08:38:27.220+08:00The Art of Travels - Part I (Bardalo II)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA4h-akY0TakBd7UeWgVYLvepezY48ML-JItzWBR1Ezo3GtxeVbjnex5H-eS5RpG8rvn0lvd_CQ5ooLnp1YRUkfcfTlyALMnQVB7RlILGSWg6Y3MXtEfHKo-PbmXtvQcytsY6qgLnQ-Q/s1600/Art2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA4h-akY0TakBd7UeWgVYLvepezY48ML-JItzWBR1Ezo3GtxeVbjnex5H-eS5RpG8rvn0lvd_CQ5ooLnp1YRUkfcfTlyALMnQVB7RlILGSWg6Y3MXtEfHKo-PbmXtvQcytsY6qgLnQ-Q/s1600/Art2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My own attempt at being creative ;P</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have always been fascinated by all kinds of artworks and this fascination continues on even while I am travelling! To me, art and travelling
goes hand in hand and art is another aspect from which I can obtain a better understanding of the culture of the place that I am visiting! Art, is in itself, a creative form and in order to appreciate it, one would have to
think out of the box and in a rather creative manner. I found this approach relevant and helpful when trying to understand a new place when travelling. It helped me to see that new place from all corners and opened up new perspectives
which makes travelling all the more interesting! </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehKXcrerOMao_VPt0o2kT_brKEZFtymRq25CkJWAGRw4ozWkXvEHilGfXIxo5oBsn4wXVWS2mLCdVekxOR4HUR1-F8pwsRIaKpZBzcrWCtDCbnSPX-0ZyYL3pQ9Rm46LAX09tbCIgAg/s1600/Art4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehKXcrerOMao_VPt0o2kT_brKEZFtymRq25CkJWAGRw4ozWkXvEHilGfXIxo5oBsn4wXVWS2mLCdVekxOR4HUR1-F8pwsRIaKpZBzcrWCtDCbnSPX-0ZyYL3pQ9Rm46LAX09tbCIgAg/s1600/Art4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street art in Singapore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaW3f07QXNb5PmrqGX7joa0sJQkSob8xYkvZ8BR-b_ZGxOimfKQIn-9OqiIpxIvdIqmvS2x9-sNzvAi6PcUYZiB7pEAbK8wmA9V5tjsXn-2FH_0tExxMXjmle7u3u8zhlGTKe3hhk7Ig/s1600/Art3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaW3f07QXNb5PmrqGX7joa0sJQkSob8xYkvZ8BR-b_ZGxOimfKQIn-9OqiIpxIvdIqmvS2x9-sNzvAi6PcUYZiB7pEAbK8wmA9V5tjsXn-2FH_0tExxMXjmle7u3u8zhlGTKe3hhk7Ig/s1600/Art3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing art on the buildings in Paris!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have recently came to appreciate street art and some of these street arts that I came across while travelling had left me dumbstruck
and just in awe by what was captured by my eyes. Since then, it had become a game of treasure hunt whereby I find contentment in being able to see the beauty hidden in our surroundings! Art is everywhere and if you keep a
lookout, you would be able to find it in the least expected places.</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1IPQF1LoPp6CP-KRHrb71g9TCpSCi9ckhWyiafDUG0YF7UlPQwe8GVu8Ew0vAF5qg2PXdhbo840J_PTXsrluwfkLbCeiCC0sibhtExJCntyQdNFiR68nTRTsZNHtmxr3CffQEoVauA/s1600/Art5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1IPQF1LoPp6CP-KRHrb71g9TCpSCi9ckhWyiafDUG0YF7UlPQwe8GVu8Ew0vAF5qg2PXdhbo840J_PTXsrluwfkLbCeiCC0sibhtExJCntyQdNFiR68nTRTsZNHtmxr3CffQEoVauA/s1600/Art5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art found in the least expected place, Singapore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of all the various street artists, there is this particular street artist whose works I had started to follow and he is none other than
Bardalo II, a Portuguese artist. It was his latest project “Big Trash Animals” that had caught my attention. In this project, he basically collects large waste materials (such as damaged bumpers, burnt garbage cans, tires,
and other appliances) and assembles them to form a huge realistic animal form. Bardalo II started this project to draw attention to the current problem of waste production, where there is a generation of a huge amount of materials
that are not reused resulting in pollution that ultimately has a negative impact on planet Earth!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fuDlqKj1oUtQ628Iac55SA8c-q5K4qEhv1XJpOFS3q4op7Rkta8tgE49eOxKgAyBe6gjgx4Suen7FlV5u4WeRiWwky11FASs10mO1ViiuGqOMhxYcEGDI3-IFQuyvoR2vbwbOjDyjQ/s1600/Art1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fuDlqKj1oUtQ628Iac55SA8c-q5K4qEhv1XJpOFS3q4op7Rkta8tgE49eOxKgAyBe6gjgx4Suen7FlV5u4WeRiWwky11FASs10mO1ViiuGqOMhxYcEGDI3-IFQuyvoR2vbwbOjDyjQ/s1600/Art1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bardalo II's "Red Squirrel" in Dublin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bardalo II’s artworks are hard to miss due to the sheer size of the mural and his artworks are displayed in many countries (which
resulted in a personal goal of trying to locate as many of his artworks as possible while travelling). I find his artworks mesmerising mainly because it really takes a lot of creativity to create an animal mural
out of things that had been deemed as trash and doing it in a way that makes people forget about everything else but just to focus on the beauty of the artwork. </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVquD2Xpj3m-phbHqATHQyIC833Ru3k06Wz0EH8cFHM8FwZmGrlb30PexHZgrsguWRGZGlwoj_tCMZn4nIBtjvePy0FMvu0NS9djdVixs7sMU9xEiwn_61fmw_CipEVpljpFEy9uW8Wg/s1600/Art6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVquD2Xpj3m-phbHqATHQyIC833Ru3k06Wz0EH8cFHM8FwZmGrlb30PexHZgrsguWRGZGlwoj_tCMZn4nIBtjvePy0FMvu0NS9djdVixs7sMU9xEiwn_61fmw_CipEVpljpFEy9uW8Wg/s1600/Art6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bardalo II's "Big Racoon" in Lisbon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPGqI_2VSCsmqF5qUeWHOs_c9O0OjyvCn3vfksHUm8KzH4XS7smT927mcm7D2MfSohWkwzldlhwlJtmz3PTAoMV5tBssM5a9NHMVDnbNH6wWaig86JO2naftJsc-ObNvkfuBuj2Gq0g/s1600/Art7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPGqI_2VSCsmqF5qUeWHOs_c9O0OjyvCn3vfksHUm8KzH4XS7smT927mcm7D2MfSohWkwzldlhwlJtmz3PTAoMV5tBssM5a9NHMVDnbNH6wWaig86JO2naftJsc-ObNvkfuBuj2Gq0g/s1600/Art7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bardalo II's "Plastic Fox" in Lisbon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7IunlP0l2-LmBKpAia0dWpwVJ01mtjSaP09-ZnPWKRg4RJ4cyau_ZWvnSNf0vFmFjMKdkBrzrE9e_kzTWziDjCKlRN_eTz6n644YQrrkCJjcPhPXvsKEYQZJSqpSBav6VEJFaYtl9A/s1600/Art8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7IunlP0l2-LmBKpAia0dWpwVJ01mtjSaP09-ZnPWKRg4RJ4cyau_ZWvnSNf0vFmFjMKdkBrzrE9e_kzTWziDjCKlRN_eTz6n644YQrrkCJjcPhPXvsKEYQZJSqpSBav6VEJFaYtl9A/s1600/Art8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bardalo II's "The Beaver" in Paris (Note: the man in the photo as reference to the size of the artwork)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hope that you have enjoyed the artworks presented in this post. Do look forward to the upcoming coverage of street art found in the
various different countries! Cheers! :)</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-88170962161343079142018-08-10T08:21:00.002+08:002018-08-10T08:21:29.100+08:00To travel or not to travel, that is the question to ask thy wallet...or not?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9xx6pkCYIHaaqEm0i9Q-AJ7dEHvirVYGCFkYkzZzu7RMUgfwDOWYR4fO2XF7Yw0EpIXeHn2P-t_wj4oMf3kYh8IBQae4R5TYS9LbGY7wWEe1ckwwZQNusk1KnBOyJGJ0GCBqKjrolA/s1600/A5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9xx6pkCYIHaaqEm0i9Q-AJ7dEHvirVYGCFkYkzZzu7RMUgfwDOWYR4fO2XF7Yw0EpIXeHn2P-t_wj4oMf3kYh8IBQae4R5TYS9LbGY7wWEe1ckwwZQNusk1KnBOyJGJ0GCBqKjrolA/s1600/A5.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To many, travelling means having to fork out large amount of money which resulted in them not travelling as often as they would like to.
But is that true? Is there really a need to spend a large portion of your savings on your travels? Are there ways to get the most bang for your buck so that you do not have to compromise on your travelling experiences? Well,
my husband and I do have some tricks up our sleeves that has enabled us to keep our travel spending in check and we would like to share them with you!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="Normal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Prior to the trip</span></span></b></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In a typical scenario, one would usually follow the sequence of first deciding on the travel destination, followed by online booking
of the relevant flights and accommodation and ta da, the trip is set! Or is that so? Well, you could actually save quite a bit if you tweak that routine slightly. </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For us, we will “<span style="color: blue;">F.A.R.T.</span>” prior to the trip to make sure that we are getting the best travel deal possible! Wait, what? No, I know what you are thinking of but
that is not the case, it is just an acronym for “flexibility”, “apps”, “research” and “time”. </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">F</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">lexibility</span></span></b></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is a common practise to fix a travel destination so that the planning that follows can be done seamlessly. However, by being fixated
on a particular destination, one would be subjected to a limited range of flights and accommodation available and no matter how costly they may be, one would have no choice but to make do with this high cost. </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is a common knowledge that every country has its own high and low tourist season, and generally the flight and accommodation will
be cheaper during the low season. But why do we still want to travel to places during their peak tourist season? Wouldn’t it seem like a better deal to be able to enjoy all the perks of travelling to a foreign land without
the need to fight for space with tons of tourists and better still, at a lower cost? </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although it may be true that there are many alluring reasons for the influx of tourists to particular travel destinations at specific timing
of the year, there are still many wonders to be uncovered during the low tourist season of the same said destination. Furthermore, there might be other even more interesting activities awaiting you during the low season! With
the world so big, saturated with many different places to travel to and explore, by exercising flexibility in your travel expectations as well as travel destination choices, you will find that you have actually opened up a
lot more cost-saving options! </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjaeRkI5EKntCAz9vdfCIVB9L4zT8C-u4b7QoHk1ZszwJmt5lYutLek6F31QHRwcSED6k3TC40xr8jqYk-qGK81qdKUaX2XftnV7qrXlWPnwx1ipiBbNjbzCIoqETvf8W4HAX-Sb0xQ/s1600/A3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjaeRkI5EKntCAz9vdfCIVB9L4zT8C-u4b7QoHk1ZszwJmt5lYutLek6F31QHRwcSED6k3TC40xr8jqYk-qGK81qdKUaX2XftnV7qrXlWPnwx1ipiBbNjbzCIoqETvf8W4HAX-Sb0xQ/s1600/A3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Travel goal: To be as flexible as the Tower of Pisa ;P</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With a change in mindset, my husband and I will usually select “anywhere” as our destination on the flight booking apps when planning
for a trip. This will generate a list of destinations for us to have a rough gauge of the travelling cost to these different destinations. If a particular flight booking app does not have the “anywhere” option, we would
manually key in several different destinations and compare the travelling cost. </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To step up the game, we would also be flexible in our travelling dates by playing around with the travel to and fro dates within a two
week time frame. You would be surprised by how great a difference in the transport cost travelling a day or two earlier or later could make! With just these two methods alone, we could then make an informed decision on the
most cost-effective destination to travel to for that particular time of the year. </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, things does not end here as we will usually shortlist two to three destinations from the list of destinations generated. Thereafter,
we will use the hotel booking apps to have a general feel of the accommodation cost at the selected destinations. The destination that we finally decided on will be the one that is most cost-effective in terms of both flight
and accommodation cost! In short, rather than allowing our travel destination limit the flight and accommodation choices, we have allowed our flight and accommodation choices to pinpoint to our travel destination!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Bonus tip #1</u></i>: Be careful when selecting flights with the lowest cost, especially for flights at very weird timing of the day. The main reason being if the flight is scheduled for very early in the morning or
very late at night, there might not be any public transportation to the airport and thus would require travelling by taxi, which can be quite costly in some countries! Hence, when selecting your flights, do factor in the transportation
cost of travelling to and fro the airport as well - the cheapest flight might not be as cheap as it seems in the end! </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">A</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">pps</span></span></b></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Flight/accommodation booking apps can make trip planning a much easier task. We have found these apps extremely useful in providing
the data that we need to be flexible about our travel destination as mentioned earlier on. Our usual go-to app for flights is “skyscanner”, which will scan through all the available flights and list them out in order of
their cost. Although there is the option to book the flights directly through skyscanner, we would usually not book through them but through apps or website which offered loyalty programme. Some of these apps or websites include
“Expedia” or “booking.com”, which basically rewards customers who always do their travel bookings through them, either in terms of points (to be redeemed later on) or flight/accommodation cost at discounted rates.
If you are already a user of such apps/websites, I would recommend to stick to them as sometimes their members’ price or rewards scheme can be quite attractive which is useful in cutting down on the travel expenses. These
apps/websites, apart from being good sources to check out the accommodation prices of the selected destinations, may also offer greater discount if both flights and accommodation are booked through them. Of course, with so
many different travel apps and website available, there is a need to be prudent and only go for the reputable ones so as not to fall victim to online scams.</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Bonus tip #2</u></i>: Using a credit card that offers rebates or websites that offers cashback for purchases done through them would be like adding a cherry on top of a great travel deal!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Bonus tip #3</u></i>: If the trip is more or less confirmed with no reason for a change in plans. you may consider booking the non-cancellable rooms as they are usually cheaper than the cancellable ones. A good thing
to look out for when looking through the accommodation option would be to opt for one with free WIFI in the room and free breakfast. This may seem trivial but being able to have access to the Internet might be essential to
prepare for the next day’s itinerary in the comfort of the room and a good breakfast also enables you to have the energy for the day’s exploration. Furthermore, hotel breakfast also ensures that you can start your day
at your scheduled timing and not be left at the mercy of the opening hours of the outside bakeries or restaurants.</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">R</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">esearch</span></span></b></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If time permits, it would do some good to research on the travel destination. As bulk of travel expenses are spent on transportation,
food and admission tickets to attraction sites, doing some brief research on these might help to save some money. The public transport system is different in different countries and it would be good to have a clear idea of
how it works prior to arrival. Having some knowledge of the public transportation system would allow for travelers to make informed decision about the most economical transportation to and fro the airport, the most value-for-money
public transport to utilize out of all the various options and whether to pay cash for each individual ride or to get a day transportation pass. </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUblvwp8suYK8biqKlm69vDIVPos20aXOAjBtLyQAcdgv7NnQIBlgSFpGHzHdrU_3ssfobe2y9UN0oti1Iengx3d07PXhJkzH7wZzMVRVhOOX_yv-x7aXqznSKli-Kcylrvm2xo-fPg/s1600/A1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUblvwp8suYK8biqKlm69vDIVPos20aXOAjBtLyQAcdgv7NnQIBlgSFpGHzHdrU_3ssfobe2y9UN0oti1Iengx3d07PXhJkzH7wZzMVRVhOOX_yv-x7aXqznSKli-Kcylrvm2xo-fPg/s1600/A1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be aware of the public transport system of your travel destination!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Bonus tip #4</u></i>: While researching on the public transport system, making a mental note of the hotels that are located in close proximity to the tourist attraction sites to visit would help in prioritizing the
choice of hotel accommodation. Choosing a hotel that are within walking distance to the attraction sites can minimize the use of the public transport and hence help to save some money!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As for food, we usually read through travel forums or google review sites to identify the most value-for-money eateries. It would be
a bonus if we managed to find information on the eateries that the locals usually frequent. One such example would be the hawker center in Singapore, where it is usually packed with locals and offering delicious food that
are around 3-4 times cheaper than those in restaurants! If there are no information that we can find online, we will usually ask the hotel staff or even locals that we meet during the trip on the eateries that they usually
go to - nothing beats getting information directly from the horse’s mouth!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKP77pGYB7rUUbxSErFCLsGzwhIWzhKI-zGTaISU2-jnlrf4cWKw9kwiZD2nF8Xx-m6LLBZOc69W_YwclG1ARLgm9pzl2jqEi21XVUSkrL-tyRnEaAhnIoVpe3N6IUaJQu41tdx1_QA/s1600/A8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKP77pGYB7rUUbxSErFCLsGzwhIWzhKI-zGTaISU2-jnlrf4cWKw9kwiZD2nF8Xx-m6LLBZOc69W_YwclG1ARLgm9pzl2jqEi21XVUSkrL-tyRnEaAhnIoVpe3N6IUaJQu41tdx1_QA/s1600/A8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having the best churros at this cafe frequented by the locals :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Bonus tip #5</u></i>: Try to keep an open mind about which eateries to visit while travelling because in some places, the best eateries are often not mentioned online and which are only known to the locals! Although
equipped with a list of eateries to head to during our travels, my husband and I will still be on the lookout for these “hidden” eateries! Once we have identified one of such eateries, we will step in to explore the place
slightly (looking out for signs like reasonable food prices and whether the customers seemed satisfied with the food) before making a bold move to dine in there. More often than not, we have had the most delicious and value-for-money
meals in such eateries!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Apart from transportation and food, payment for admission tickets to the various attraction sites is another major money-draining area
of a trip. As most tourist attraction sites worldwide have made their site information available online, it would be good to do some online research and check out for promotional bundled admission ticket deals to the various
attraction sites as well as checking out if there are discounts for tickets purchased online instead of at the attraction site counter. It might also be good to try and use credit cards that offers rebates when purchasing
admission tickets online. Although all these savings does seem trivial, when these little savings add up, it an help save a lot of money!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Bonus tip #6</u></i>: Try to look out for special dates whereby there are free entrances to the attraction sites (for example, most museums and major tourist attraction sites in Paris offer free admission on the first
Sunday of the month) or discounted tickets at certain time of the day (some museums might offer discounted admission tickets at night on certain days of the week) and plan your visits accordingly!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXiiNWRNmFT5BjEUmAQ8pf4dETWd7-egGZaiLp3sU7MGnJxu6PTYNnmQZbH-kkO9ePk-WaO8zOa07yaib_I7YOqsa9mf2DU7mkKyMyOkrhJN-t6qtWJXHVgfrjImcAGRh_WMpA5igng/s1600/A6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXiiNWRNmFT5BjEUmAQ8pf4dETWd7-egGZaiLp3sU7MGnJxu6PTYNnmQZbH-kkO9ePk-WaO8zOa07yaib_I7YOqsa9mf2DU7mkKyMyOkrhJN-t6qtWJXHVgfrjImcAGRh_WMpA5igng/s1600/A6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look out for free admission to the Louvre in Paris to catch a glimpse of Mona Lisa!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">T</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">ime</span></span></b></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As mentioned earlier on, we would usually allocate a time frame of two weeks to schedule in our travels so that we can afford to find
the cheapest flight and accommodation option of the week. In addition, we usually do not wait till the very last minute to book my flights and accommodations as the price will usually go up nearer to the actual date. Planning
earlier in advance would also enable us to have more time to find the best deal, hence time is the essence in more savings when planning a trip!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBKBi3wFRxI0ttxwrheP601GGnTzHKKXl2JqEyG7GunV3rJwfyOgQ8nd80TAC6D-5u_-MJ5gif3B3RueMGn0C0vr8nq5nYrvhIMBWeLMNF5AtvrGLOhnEfTZErwOore2KLG1_dCux1g/s1600/A2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBKBi3wFRxI0ttxwrheP601GGnTzHKKXl2JqEyG7GunV3rJwfyOgQ8nd80TAC6D-5u_-MJ5gif3B3RueMGn0C0vr8nq5nYrvhIMBWeLMNF5AtvrGLOhnEfTZErwOore2KLG1_dCux1g/s1600/A2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tick tock....tick tock...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Bonus tip #7</u></i>: Sign up for frequent flyer programs so that you can get the first hand alerts on promotional flight deals which can be quite attractive at times!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="Normal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During the trip</span></span></b></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So then, are these cost saving tips only applicable to the planning stages of the trip? What if you are already on the trip and would
like to save some money along the way as well? Well, fret now, as we do have another set of cost saving tips to use during the trip and that is “<span style="color: blue;">S.T.O.P.</span>”, which stands for “sim card” “tours”, “offbeaten paths” and “packing”.</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2DqWX6vf6KE9MCA4_3PONQps-K7x35NAqmtxBBCvhyphenhyphenm8F6BaCzdK27SB-H6pQF3nSmGiXshMbSExwmyDjt8NGw5kgDz2oxzQ_1l_dUYWaHiFkUxo51f3ERLYLhu8SfuJvaXXxfrIog/s1600/A9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2DqWX6vf6KE9MCA4_3PONQps-K7x35NAqmtxBBCvhyphenhyphenm8F6BaCzdK27SB-H6pQF3nSmGiXshMbSExwmyDjt8NGw5kgDz2oxzQ_1l_dUYWaHiFkUxo51f3ERLYLhu8SfuJvaXXxfrIog/s1600/A9.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learn more about the local lifestyle while travelling :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Even before we “<span style="color: blue;">S.T.O.P.</span>”, we would evaluate the living standards of our travel destination upon arrival. Why do we even do that? Well, having a rough idea of the standards of living would enable us to know roughly if
the cost of transport, food, souvenirs and other items are going to be more or less costly from where we came from and in turn, we would know how much local currency we would need to exchange for at the money exchange counters.
It would also prep us to make mental evaluation of whether the cost that we are paying for in any instances are reasonable. There are many ways to evaluate but the one that we use most often is to compare the price of a MacDonald’s
set meal. The set meal at MacDonald’s are more or less similar in different countries and since MacDonald’s can be found in almost anywhere in the world, we find it to be a rather useful gauge of the standard of living
in different places!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">S</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">im card</span></span></b></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Staying connected, whether is it with our travelling partners or to the world wide web, is a necessity during our travels. Even though
many telecos have the international roaming option which offers users the convenience of using their own telephone sim card, it can be quite costly to use them. Hence, whenever we touch down on our travel destination, my husband
and I would usually start looking around for an appropriate local sim card to be used during our travel period. More often than not, this local sim card will come in handy when we are lost and require the use of google maps
to find back our bearings or to book admission tickets online or even to call and make reservations at restaurants. It is definitely a less costly way to stay connected as compared to the use of international roaming!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Bonus tip #8</u></i>: When travelling to different places within the same continent, try to find a sim card that can be used in the various different country of the same continent as that sim card would usually be more
budget friendly as compared to buying individual sim cards for use in each country. In the event that the local sim card is too costly or difficult to get, fret not as you can still use the free WIFI back in the hotel or public
areas to do all the necessary googling as well as screen-shot a series of maps of the places to visit for the day as references.</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">T</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">ours</span></span></b></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes, while travelling, we might identify certain places that are located quite near to where we are but which can be a hassle to
travel to. Hence, for cases like this, we would usually look out for local tour agencies that offers day trips to the places that we are interested to visit. Of course, there is a need to evaluate if the cost of these day
trips are reasonable but so far, we had enjoyed all our day tours which enabled us to visit places out of the city and saved us the trouble of figuring out how to get their on our own. I guess paying slightly more for the
intangible convenience is certainly justifiable!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Bonus tip #9</u></i>: Many countries (especially in Europe) offer “free” walking tours around the city, usually led by one of the local volunteers to share the historical stories of the city as well as to bring
tourists through the major landmarks. At the end of the tour, tourists are free to tip these volunteers as they deem reasonable. We had joined many of these walking tours and have found these tours useful in getting to know
more about the place that we are visiting! It also saved us the hassle of having the look up the history and significance of the various important landmarks located in the tourist attraction sites! Furthermore, meeting like-minded
people who are interested to find out more about the place of visit is indeed an added bonus!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">O</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">ffbeaten paths</span></span></b></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although there are often a list of “must-see” attraction sites in every country, my husband and I are not the type to follow the
conventional ways. We prefer to explore the offbeaten paths and will try every possible means to explore places that not many people are aware of. Often, when we return with stories of discovering a unique place which even
the locals are unsure of, there is a sense of accomplishment knowing that we manage to do things differently. Furthermore, as these offbeaten paths are not as well known, we usually have the whole place to our own, without
the need to fight for space with tons of other tourists. Having the luxury of exploring a place at our own pace in our own little space certainly make such exploration all the more wonderful!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aLjJlj3Gko_ao9BKwTT_d9o_t41iYIee53y5rXTtyQp4-YUsGkLTo14im8y4FUm2rXt3MNQV-mHFqCjJpvi40FOipPFv5DxJvUnZjsSAPNfXHZZJbJCuBAE1AgjrgNB8LV3T9hJnXA/s1600/A4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aLjJlj3Gko_ao9BKwTT_d9o_t41iYIee53y5rXTtyQp4-YUsGkLTo14im8y4FUm2rXt3MNQV-mHFqCjJpvi40FOipPFv5DxJvUnZjsSAPNfXHZZJbJCuBAE1AgjrgNB8LV3T9hJnXA/s1600/A4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure which path to take....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Bonus tip #10</u></i>: Do make sure to do sufficient research on the offbeaten paths before embarking on it to so as to minimize risk of running into any danger!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">P</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">acking</span></span></b></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most budget airlines impose a fee on checked baggage and hence for all of our travels, my husband and I would usually try to pack all
our stuff into our own cabin bag so as to save on the checked baggage fees. However, regardless of whether we are taking an international flight or a budget airline, we will still stick to one cabin bag each because (a) we
can avoid having to wait at the baggage carousel and can leave for the city straight after exiting the immigration checkpoint and (b) it is easier to travel with less baggage! </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We will also usually pack an additional item when travelling on a budget airline and that is food! Most budget airlines charge extra
to cater food on board and we often find the food selection to be quite limited as well, hence most of the time, we would pack our own food to have on board. This not only helped to save some money but also ensures that we
are fuelled up on food that we actually like and which indirectly translates to a great beginning of the trip when we touch down! </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Bonus tip #11</u></i>: My husband and I will usually pack some instant food or snacks to bring along for our travels in case the food at our travel destination is not to our liking or the cost of living is too high to
be always eating out. This little habit of ours not only helped us to save on our travel expenses, but it has also armed us with enough food stores to fuel our energy needs especially when travelling on the offbeaten paths
where it might be difficult to get access to eateries.</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PesXkbAEv8rZ92nfT_P9tP5G6h5nulezkWTB3DkbZ9ls9j4muh34Zqz5n79JaBqH5KgqTY_2-Xn2h885cPZkaVinVx6kjZF1cqZY7H_VB0AQJMmqS2p076fLHHzuoCsP6zcIo2jv3g/s1600/A7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PesXkbAEv8rZ92nfT_P9tP5G6h5nulezkWTB3DkbZ9ls9j4muh34Zqz5n79JaBqH5KgqTY_2-Xn2h885cPZkaVinVx6kjZF1cqZY7H_VB0AQJMmqS2p076fLHHzuoCsP6zcIo2jv3g/s1600/A7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Try something different when travelling...you never know what exciting surprise awaits you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, there you go - our “<span style="color: blue;">F.A.R.T.</span>” “<span style="color: blue;">S.T.O.P.</span>” strategies for getting the best bang out of our buck for our travels! What are some of YOUR strategies to save money while travelling? Feel free to share with us in the comment section below!
Looking forward to hearing from you! :)</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-80861324590697269532018-08-03T10:48:00.000+08:002018-08-03T10:48:28.907+08:00#random_thoughts........Avignon and the lavender adventures<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptnaF4UGQ_8nnmaYgwB-N7wl9NJr_iYclm_547O0ErL3mTOxyBjiImlLfbv7iB6CtBMPgHAaP7FlmTgTjadXfGP12YVGIgYX0vLPTBryp-MbbzUSJzYggp-GbJeMOUgU0bS8RdkfMqA/s1600/A4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptnaF4UGQ_8nnmaYgwB-N7wl9NJr_iYclm_547O0ErL3mTOxyBjiImlLfbv7iB6CtBMPgHAaP7FlmTgTjadXfGP12YVGIgYX0vLPTBryp-MbbzUSJzYggp-GbJeMOUgU0bS8RdkfMqA/s1600/A4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavenders in Roussillon...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why was Avignon chosen to be the home of the Popes?</span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizgdLynegMd4JV5jfSMpDVMtjIclC-Kn4RJqMhR8UZ8uj8zlSmCpQipR-tk1JPnGfBSoFtrI0oLVh9U83tXpLWINsHyJ055Jr9zQvTIfZ8FLGKw7xWsrl_r1y5CS5QJQrMgcLM4HB2g/s1600/A10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizgdLynegMd4JV5jfSMpDVMtjIclC-Kn4RJqMhR8UZ8uj8zlSmCpQipR-tk1JPnGfBSoFtrI0oLVh9U83tXpLWINsHyJ055Jr9zQvTIfZ8FLGKw7xWsrl_r1y5CS5QJQrMgcLM4HB2g/s1600/A10.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avignon city...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why are there so many art displays placed inside Palais des Papes?</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-KKNpeJyCnlyCaL2OhBYRtSWNxqpx0nFzr8IK9Bv9ITHAM7BIYdRmJlFOx7_jG_ugS4_gODcyqLhDuvN7rl9mJ_2sykMk3DvCpVw4JyBA3sWjm8YhnL07hwYuXx1Vkmw38kgc9xeLg/s1600/A2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="455" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-KKNpeJyCnlyCaL2OhBYRtSWNxqpx0nFzr8IK9Bv9ITHAM7BIYdRmJlFOx7_jG_ugS4_gODcyqLhDuvN7rl9mJ_2sykMk3DvCpVw4JyBA3sWjm8YhnL07hwYuXx1Vkmw38kgc9xeLg/s1600/A2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RS6L8DysrwzZ2Whzj3GWG8pNiv2MoOOH6_XxGBa3O8Ufm7FTOFNpsJ2f0RPhdcNm6Yf5omuvoBBWDE2Kz1tG0cx4CNvALcUHsziWxpGXLIvVXc7gr5jb7p6GSjWRbdgcG4U3deMfog/s1600/A1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RS6L8DysrwzZ2Whzj3GWG8pNiv2MoOOH6_XxGBa3O8Ufm7FTOFNpsJ2f0RPhdcNm6Yf5omuvoBBWDE2Kz1tG0cx4CNvALcUHsziWxpGXLIvVXc7gr5jb7p6GSjWRbdgcG4U3deMfog/s1600/A1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculptures in Palais des Papes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wondered who was the genius who came up with the idea of lavender ice-cream, would love to thank him/her for creating this favorite snack of mine! *yums*</span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWPNUe1HNiKYL5d3kpC4UFFg8brG49VPEf1WzjIB7JgT34RGtG16R2U-oDP4MlOiN4T7-XElU8CQgvHWkfcwXlC4UB-ZnFsBskVwktTmInTQx_59DtwbAn4gl2wI8-6BMAgVk7QHayw/s1600/A9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWPNUe1HNiKYL5d3kpC4UFFg8brG49VPEf1WzjIB7JgT34RGtG16R2U-oDP4MlOiN4T7-XElU8CQgvHWkfcwXlC4UB-ZnFsBskVwktTmInTQx_59DtwbAn4gl2wI8-6BMAgVk7QHayw/s1600/A9.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender flowers!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Considering the fact that our visit was during the peak of the lavender season, a mere day away from the Avignon Festival, coupled with the fact that many parts of Avignon were listed <span style="text-indent: -18pt;">as UNESCO world
heritage sites, we were pleasantly surprised that Avignon was not </span>as crowded as we had expected it to be!</span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYnQDz2uh8IZPk19ioQ1JtB0t2_SDEQg5GbVaWsEs_oP4d3ze3EZ66eVAi07OXMGS1oiwnmw4Ktl3JdgXynzApSr-muc1NYRs1nBGChQGrzhma2pV7hRtY_ZCN-GCUH8xoe-OZx4WlA/s1600/A6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYnQDz2uh8IZPk19ioQ1JtB0t2_SDEQg5GbVaWsEs_oP4d3ze3EZ66eVAi07OXMGS1oiwnmw4Ktl3JdgXynzApSr-muc1NYRs1nBGChQGrzhma2pV7hRtY_ZCN-GCUH8xoe-OZx4WlA/s1600/A6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pleasant view of the walled Avignon city on a bright and cheery day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do people really make it a point to dance on the <span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Saint-Bénézet bridge?</span></span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhat8aMyaEsx2R3OnJdzoDtvWzpGqzRZOtg4ZY0swff80MkfLxP_HCQan_4pPBRZqBUvUsyqTOK0v-wf1CALNxYKLsvB1je0XFqBjemB1Xm8U7LrfHHvf25NShcbrXCpc46WK9W56b2ZA/s1600/A7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhat8aMyaEsx2R3OnJdzoDtvWzpGqzRZOtg4ZY0swff80MkfLxP_HCQan_4pPBRZqBUvUsyqTOK0v-wf1CALNxYKLsvB1je0XFqBjemB1Xm8U7LrfHHvf25NShcbrXCpc46WK9W56b2ZA/s1600/A7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let us dance on Saint-Bénézet bridge!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have always find it fascinating that Nature has its own store of natural color pigments (as what we <span style="text-indent: -18pt;">had seen in Roussillon)!</span></span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hUfh2InjOR8s1S-3ljfiYKrL8IqavJ7U1Gs4CztAVMAtJDc7NYQGnwuUuhwF06mpOjYvWtUaExRUPldhsrhgX7yejCj2dNNNTXaRn-rmLwwXFC_2bqGqua6FYZZYH-FJR2nuZuWMLQ/s1600/A5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hUfh2InjOR8s1S-3ljfiYKrL8IqavJ7U1Gs4CztAVMAtJDc7NYQGnwuUuhwF06mpOjYvWtUaExRUPldhsrhgX7yejCj2dNNNTXaRn-rmLwwXFC_2bqGqua6FYZZYH-FJR2nuZuWMLQ/s1600/A5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ochre cliffs in Roussillon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What exactly is it about the Proven<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">ce region that makes it so suitable to grow lavender </span>flowers?</span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZUR8mqk0oZr0EeHY1dJ1ZZb1Az0eRzNKaXnhgHIIotXLS-U_ow11B_VMLBY2vs-n0IMnaN_ouyXHtUSjWdk2jnTpMqzu92wrZO_duFM-H4cOyzR22bqEjC25EFizWxpbXneVCmzCqA/s1600/A3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZUR8mqk0oZr0EeHY1dJ1ZZb1Az0eRzNKaXnhgHIIotXLS-U_ow11B_VMLBY2vs-n0IMnaN_ouyXHtUSjWdk2jnTpMqzu92wrZO_duFM-H4cOyzR22bqEjC25EFizWxpbXneVCmzCqA/s1600/A3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many lavender fields that we visited!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is just so much to see in the Provence region, a weekend trip is certainly not enough!! <span style="text-indent: -18pt;">We will be back!!</span></span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxE2fjJrxrUKNyvqvGG8QuhOSgJuzfAxZ395blibybtwd5AWqSziP__gI06FVXvWioGAD58Dq7p7v91tNr7O-GvNFgoVyv8PdhFEufb3IDbjk1hbtqc8grE7hZt7F4DiOARreCtF9sKQ/s1600/A8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxE2fjJrxrUKNyvqvGG8QuhOSgJuzfAxZ395blibybtwd5AWqSziP__gI06FVXvWioGAD58Dq7p7v91tNr7O-GvNFgoVyv8PdhFEufb3IDbjk1hbtqc8grE7hZt7F4DiOARreCtF9sKQ/s1600/A8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were abundance of sunflower as well!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CYspuOFVT_Hed-noirh1P8AO7p4PIh6ZZJv3GOwkPkWq6ND-AvR36acBtaxtYcQqCdS3h4Eaan2EuJNOvuZjOt7NInlNR63rzZGT8fUmorUueK86zBE4i4yc5EdEqER18FvrKOBK3Q/s1600/A11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CYspuOFVT_Hed-noirh1P8AO7p4PIh6ZZJv3GOwkPkWq6ND-AvR36acBtaxtYcQqCdS3h4Eaan2EuJNOvuZjOt7NInlNR63rzZGT8fUmorUueK86zBE4i4yc5EdEqER18FvrKOBK3Q/s1600/A11.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just let me chill and stay here in Avignon!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-76957998016253015562018-07-20T10:28:00.001+08:002018-07-20T10:28:32.338+08:00Dear Diary.....Lavender fields, Gordes and Roussillon (France)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwscmkYEpg31yE8R0f7kvuBq9rT0XPSYaPc1EBQedjMXqT2dakrf51nlgMi9Pt0POY_j56PJhyphenhyphen7QZHjd5ZZ3UKPvtG6H2m1HaLeHFTpwCU0ErQX61k5JqTFchdOLkrS_c2kgOHipUHQA/s1600/A10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwscmkYEpg31yE8R0f7kvuBq9rT0XPSYaPc1EBQedjMXqT2dakrf51nlgMi9Pt0POY_j56PJhyphenhyphen7QZHjd5ZZ3UKPvtG6H2m1HaLeHFTpwCU0ErQX61k5JqTFchdOLkrS_c2kgOHipUHQA/s1600/A10.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dear Diary,</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was with excited hearts that my husband and I embarked on our guided tour to visit the various lavender fields
near Avignon. At the appointed meeting time, our friendly lady guide met us at the doorsteps of our hotel and brought us to this little van where the rest of our tour mates were gathered in. We were a small group of eight,
with travelers from America, England, France and other parts of Europe. My husband and I were the last to board the van, and once all of us were settled in, our guide started to brief us on the itinerary for the day as we
zoomed along the expressway towards our exciting journey for this day!</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was a pleasant drive and all of us were immersed in the beautiful and scenic views along the way on this bright
and sunny day. Time seemed to have come to a standstill and before we know it, we had reached our first destination - a photo point against a gorgeous backdrop of the town Gordes. There were many tour buses and private cars
lined up against the road near this photo point and everyone was trying to get a nice photo with the mesmerizing old village that is perched on the southern edge of the high Plateau de Vaucluse. With it white and grey-stoned
houses spiraling around the rock where the village is set, it is no wonder that Gordes has been listed as “one of the most beautiful villages of France”!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJOq8D3Al75pWBF4cVnkJbq2LULbyKCehs38Wkl_-0qL_BKPvVpWEhxSFYBQZCwveGXQVzu5IeIW_qxaKq68CN-Jznt-bwIh3tnJv2Nvdv5vuEPsC8IljleLvui2lavjiy_ooIZ7rYA/s1600/A1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJOq8D3Al75pWBF4cVnkJbq2LULbyKCehs38Wkl_-0qL_BKPvVpWEhxSFYBQZCwveGXQVzu5IeIW_qxaKq68CN-Jznt-bwIh3tnJv2Nvdv5vuEPsC8IljleLvui2lavjiy_ooIZ7rYA/s1600/A1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gordes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Looking out towards this magnificent view while standing at the edge of the photo point, all the hustle and bustle
of this very crowded spot seemed to drift away and I was just in awe by all that my eyes could take in. It was a humbling scene and one that drew out all my artistic inspiration - I would have taken out my drawing equipment to sketch out this scene if not for the fact that we were on a guided tour and had only a limited amount of time to spend at this spot!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9H3IhUOflhSqBULKBkTpy2MeWNsNR6vYf5X1pYDw4nnLgd_-JohyeedcScD_Pxy0wz4_V9e0JgNGIvrNsNHAxYJkgcP77sudgiNOvm-1MSIZ9mek1Jb3tcJCID9LZzXFPSQTIyvubw/s1600/A2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9H3IhUOflhSqBULKBkTpy2MeWNsNR6vYf5X1pYDw4nnLgd_-JohyeedcScD_Pxy0wz4_V9e0JgNGIvrNsNHAxYJkgcP77sudgiNOvm-1MSIZ9mek1Jb3tcJCID9LZzXFPSQTIyvubw/s1600/A2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous view that can be seen from Gordes...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After spending a good duration of time taking in the gorgeous landscape of Gordes and with tons of photos taken, we
continued on our journey. Along the way, our guide was explaining to us that the harvest of the lavender flowers do not all occur at the same time as the flowers will bloom at different rates in different lavender regions.
She continued to emphasize that hence, it was important to plan the route well so that we do not end up in a bare field where the lavender flowers had all been harvested. Our guide was very familiar with the locations of the
lavender fields and had made it seemed so easy to be able to drive up to a random field blooming with lavender flowers! All thanks to our guide, we managed to make several pit stops whereby we had the whole lavender field
to ourselves! It was just amazing! I was actually standing on a lavender field, breathing in the air filled with lavender scent and seeing with my own eyes the rows and rows of purple floral against the backdrop of a clear
blue sky - something that I had only seen on postcards! At one of the lavender field, our guide even picked out some samples of the floral and explained that there were two variations of the flowers - lavender flower and
lavadin flower. Lavadin is a hybrid flower and is larger, has longer and more pointed flower spikes as compared to lavender. Regardless of the breed of flowers that we were looking at, my husband and I were just very thankful
to be able to immerse ourselves in this purple wonderland!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDfJpZ5G1hlwTJCRrSSE8P2sRemrE4LCseore07kHZEy0ihW65FtUGJ6LyLp5AOWJFMCpeRRVMkpETMuod-shiMOIKoIFMzrx2cjdBtuZv56ejmorgo5H_W0pyC9Nx4Sko_7wA6Gteg/s1600/A8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDfJpZ5G1hlwTJCRrSSE8P2sRemrE4LCseore07kHZEy0ihW65FtUGJ6LyLp5AOWJFMCpeRRVMkpETMuod-shiMOIKoIFMzrx2cjdBtuZv56ejmorgo5H_W0pyC9Nx4Sko_7wA6Gteg/s1600/A8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lavender field!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WBUj-l9kF-nKIE2jTVov8Igv6HonnX_Nn4QzHMGCY-EHmteCa6_Jm0iUNM-nsE3WLWjV7twJbFMQUtY9NQ4lQdtJgk2WWte5G5YuWPMOVbpNXGYmUZu5Upuup7HkDaiEyQi8BeRNCg/s1600/A9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WBUj-l9kF-nKIE2jTVov8Igv6HonnX_Nn4QzHMGCY-EHmteCa6_Jm0iUNM-nsE3WLWjV7twJbFMQUtY9NQ4lQdtJgk2WWte5G5YuWPMOVbpNXGYmUZu5Upuup7HkDaiEyQi8BeRNCg/s1600/A9.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a postcard-like scene!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was a fun-filled morning hopping from one lavender field to another and
the most memorable one was perhaps the stop made at the famous Senanque Abbey. The Abbey, located near the village Gordes, was built in the 12th century for Cistercian monks who came from the Ardèche region of France. And boy, this place was so crowded! We arrived at the abbey in the late morning and by this time, the abbey was already filled with people. The main road leading to it was jam packed with tourist
buses and private vehicles. It was so bad that our guide had to drop us off first before she went in search of a parking space. As we walked closer to the Abbey, we soon realised the reason for which many were drawn to it.
Situated in a small valley surrounded by hills, the heather-gray stone abbey with its rows and rows of the purple lavender flowers certainly emit a strong sense of tranquillity! It was a pity that we were only given enough
time to take a walk around the Abbey before we had to continue on with our tour. It would have been nice to be able to explore the interior of the Abbey, another time perhaps!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OdChmId0npOKO4ifmETdOtDGA_Du3HEgNrHK0aGXN9QMORG06hQlxBItEhs4TwheULyW8h2zslK-yQcfm8pPaCY90KJ6T9JbLFe9_l96vb6fS1gTSnGBWEao_t447gGdSb5Yh_UzMg/s1600/A3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OdChmId0npOKO4ifmETdOtDGA_Du3HEgNrHK0aGXN9QMORG06hQlxBItEhs4TwheULyW8h2zslK-yQcfm8pPaCY90KJ6T9JbLFe9_l96vb6fS1gTSnGBWEao_t447gGdSb5Yh_UzMg/s1600/A3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender field in front of Senanque Abbey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After exploring the lavender fields, our guide drove us to the village Roussillon,
which happened to be our last destination for the day. There, we were finally given some free time to explore the village on our own as well as to shop for some lavender products to bring
back home! Roussillon, situated on the land of one of the biggest ochre deposits in the world, is famed for its distinctive red cliffs and its wide palette of beautiful natural color pigments. The streets of the village were lined with houses donned with the various ochre shades varying from light yellow to dark red and coupled with brightly colored shutters and doors, creating a very
playful and lively outlook to the village!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVE81vlabIC9zeFswnmIfo-MU2e740YAmlxd7rZ6zgxtAdS7jMl2hUYZRgTpzt8jJGqNkQ0d2hyphenhyphenC1QmvojmcRGZ1gNxd7OJzxk_cHPzB1ZqxjEk0v1REd68X_siZFPt0-l2746G1kxA/s1600/A4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVE81vlabIC9zeFswnmIfo-MU2e740YAmlxd7rZ6zgxtAdS7jMl2hUYZRgTpzt8jJGqNkQ0d2hyphenhyphenC1QmvojmcRGZ1gNxd7OJzxk_cHPzB1ZqxjEk0v1REd68X_siZFPt0-l2746G1kxA/s1600/A4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roussillon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2h8LtLOyxEHswGKHJtasFibjX-6AQC62Sw8sCMO-ZqsQFAiQ4Fy7R6gkTcB25IcfABbN1F9S-y8wT_DrKAVEzNZ3G7NuIvV-AQZsX-PJUY2Xbj6ttOADY03S5il_HXi83XQ8O7kzUXg/s1600/A6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2h8LtLOyxEHswGKHJtasFibjX-6AQC62Sw8sCMO-ZqsQFAiQ4Fy7R6gkTcB25IcfABbN1F9S-y8wT_DrKAVEzNZ3G7NuIvV-AQZsX-PJUY2Xbj6ttOADY03S5il_HXi83XQ8O7kzUXg/s1600/A6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring the village....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9PliIMlpjIYZWnsvWH3vV6hQ3sC7Vvql12eBNJNoP-6nCavYcerW4qHJlTowWEphduavaFWaDcIhPS7qeLChaYt1KLpe9FguMnJyzoJXa6hWhP5r2hzW75XmwSpn8bskeqkv-OiQag/s1600/A7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9PliIMlpjIYZWnsvWH3vV6hQ3sC7Vvql12eBNJNoP-6nCavYcerW4qHJlTowWEphduavaFWaDcIhPS7qeLChaYt1KLpe9FguMnJyzoJXa6hWhP5r2hzW75XmwSpn8bskeqkv-OiQag/s1600/A7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Admiring its beautiful architectures!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My husband and I had great fun just walking through the windy streets of Roussillon, armed with a lavender ice-cream
cone in our hands to combat the hot weather, and taking time to admire the architectures of this charming village! Prior to this trip, we had heard of the “Ochre trail”, which is a path through the marked out ochre land
that winds through the earth pillars and hills carved out by water, wind and by the hands of man. It was certainly a pity that we did not have enough time to go for the Ochre trail as it would have been so interesting to really
explore this Orchre land in greater details! Well, I guess that had just given us all the more reason to make another trip to Roussillon in future! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqdgi1AV2S_jaB7utvIId5_VA9sWPBkR2O1SlZIm6TxFWcGK_XKPGdIwkZ6bwYOO1e6AN8YdFlTKdVnDylVyUTYAv7_TG_UH5eulEFKiOMhVn0k18s77CUNlQwqW2kIpGV50DnNgQUQ/s1600/A5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqdgi1AV2S_jaB7utvIId5_VA9sWPBkR2O1SlZIm6TxFWcGK_XKPGdIwkZ6bwYOO1e6AN8YdFlTKdVnDylVyUTYAv7_TG_UH5eulEFKiOMhVn0k18s77CUNlQwqW2kIpGV50DnNgQUQ/s1600/A5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely ochre color of the cliffs...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPkLo8KpjSEG9-V7AZXa7EPqVApMBWDyBdgMea5NqQ3KrBe_2FtnBeOlVKf59A_EddkgN9ii-i5rCIy4uEzNALNcqny-zBrdIWKCPcEuAlaCbmlPmlFoeFdCf5gM2qgVuYMhA21VrEg/s1600/A11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPkLo8KpjSEG9-V7AZXa7EPqVApMBWDyBdgMea5NqQ3KrBe_2FtnBeOlVKf59A_EddkgN9ii-i5rCIy4uEzNALNcqny-zBrdIWKCPcEuAlaCbmlPmlFoeFdCf5gM2qgVuYMhA21VrEg/s1600/A11.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Immersing myself in this beautiful scene....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Time seemed to pass very fast on this day and before we know it, we had come to the end of our tour. We had a very
fulfilling and fun time exploring the lavender fields and the various scenic spots along the way, all thanks to our wonderful and informative guide who was armed with a well-planned itinerary and route! This trip had also
stirred up our interest in doing a self-drive tour of our own! Well, who knows, we might just have one of such tours very soon!! Till then, let me continue to reminisce on all the fun that we had at the lavender fields......</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yours Truly,</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Claire</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">----------------------------------------------------------------</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Related post:</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/07/dear-diaryavignon-france.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Avignon (France)</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-24465902260286248232018-07-13T08:25:00.001+08:002018-07-13T08:25:41.067+08:00Dear Diary.....Avignon (France)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHvjclOCeCTHJsRUxXugva7H-8PJ6XwoywtEb9iGpj0c-D-CKCF0mBuF7YA3FplvqvAVFE5Fj9tq3Li_6rP4h4wfkoGZSXZ_ipcfklne_I3qvHn8WqUwavaHDNrqr9-wktvuCefW6dw/s1600/A6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHvjclOCeCTHJsRUxXugva7H-8PJ6XwoywtEb9iGpj0c-D-CKCF0mBuF7YA3FplvqvAVFE5Fj9tq3Li_6rP4h4wfkoGZSXZ_ipcfklne_I3qvHn8WqUwavaHDNrqr9-wktvuCefW6dw/s1600/A6.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dear Diary,</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was the time of the year when the lavender fields in Provence started to spring to life, blooming with rows and
rows of the eye-catching purple floral and filling the air with the delightful and mesmerizing lavender scent! The lavender season in Provence usually starts from end June till early August when the lavender flowers are
harvested. Having had some spare time in hand during the lavender season, my husband and I decided to make a weekend trip to Avignon! We had allocated a day to explore Avignon city and the following day for our guided tour
with a local tour company to visit the lavender farms (including a stop at the famous Senanque Abbey) as well as to the villages of Gordes and Roussillon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZziL6jWV8A0rSGNzZYqsaHgpQYGWHjp2wlYsWyWp5P8FVhfwKwSXJT9kROfcCGs1ETqmBRdNFhFFUqHZ4klt5Eck5riDcu-rXOo_NMVmKTYAYZ6RXNTG2VWLX57kd8cwLYv881rr2w/s1600/A19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZziL6jWV8A0rSGNzZYqsaHgpQYGWHjp2wlYsWyWp5P8FVhfwKwSXJT9kROfcCGs1ETqmBRdNFhFFUqHZ4klt5Eck5riDcu-rXOo_NMVmKTYAYZ6RXNTG2VWLX57kd8cwLYv881rr2w/s1600/A19.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fortified walls of Avignon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As mentioned in the previous post, my husband and I are not big fans of driving (though it does allow for more flexibility
and convenience when travelling) and hence we decided to make Avignon our base since it was easily accessible via train. Our hotel was located within the city center, which made it possible for us to explore this quaint little
town on foot! After putting down our luggage in the hotel, we proceeded on to explore the town and we were greeted with the bright and cheery summer sun - certainly marking a good start to our trip! Our initial impression
of Avignon was that it was a quiet and nice place with many scenic spots! </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_HCdmZPrLDKlmvVn6glIe2RhJpSKqBIaBNTlbTFOPFVw5mVKDw3H_3tITkCHBwXdnUrck3SzW0JuTyczasJZKq31UoQncmjCB7Nma1tqmNSv_6XLzcBGxeCixHaLVZSRncodT4I9tA/s1600/A10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_HCdmZPrLDKlmvVn6glIe2RhJpSKqBIaBNTlbTFOPFVw5mVKDw3H_3tITkCHBwXdnUrck3SzW0JuTyczasJZKq31UoQncmjCB7Nma1tqmNSv_6XLzcBGxeCixHaLVZSRncodT4I9tA/s1600/A10.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocher des Doms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our first stop of the day was to Rocher des Doms, a public park that is situation
on top of a hill. It was a pleasant walk, with the cool morning breeze brushing against our skin, our ears filled with the bright chirping of the birds and our nostrils filled with the wonderful smell of Nature! When we reached
the top, we were gifted with the beautiful view across the Rhône river where the Saint-Bénézet bridge could be seen in the foreground and Fort Saint-André in the background! Looking upwards, the sky was in a beautiful shade of baby blue, with many cotton-candy-like clouds floating in the
air! It was just an amazing feeling standing at the top of the hill admiring this gorgeous naturally crafted landscape painting!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NKYeS-bsIFKRZ2AaYb0GWfZ6pvRu_KfcXUaBak2SJJkxtuGoAPU3-j664On1Eow-Fb0GJLeRVUPyEsRmF5HAzGEZdqxPGGlrHys6dcb48TvqWupMHKIVtIvg_lnl497mAdZI2xwhSw/s1600/A11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NKYeS-bsIFKRZ2AaYb0GWfZ6pvRu_KfcXUaBak2SJJkxtuGoAPU3-j664On1Eow-Fb0GJLeRVUPyEsRmF5HAzGEZdqxPGGlrHys6dcb48TvqWupMHKIVtIvg_lnl497mAdZI2xwhSw/s1600/A11.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Philippe-le-Bel tower as seen from the top of Rocher des Doms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-zqhqedC-YkFj6YaeqrsNXFt2sWxXpLNC9MgA2kA3ydQe2RrkRUeA90FXDeA9P-CFBhyphenhyphenGViNDzlC1TqRPXMm2mw528xfRfDjbjGq_60J4m4gOz8izPiU97lRGr7Ye0wrIe4QsgPAdQ/s1600/A12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-zqhqedC-YkFj6YaeqrsNXFt2sWxXpLNC9MgA2kA3ydQe2RrkRUeA90FXDeA9P-CFBhyphenhyphenGViNDzlC1TqRPXMm2mw528xfRfDjbjGq_60J4m4gOz8izPiU97lRGr7Ye0wrIe4QsgPAdQ/s1600/A12.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort Saint-André in the background...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgjTRgdsl9HtYG6fd7csbgEyKHf8osTka9g4kKX49A5d3BSUSi1xWiwgU5Eh-_h9nhkW33rEncQT0t3YcjvdQAinMN-RxbcepbizKg8w3fNCKfvdphwVct2R87snzaTWpSzWSf0BQ3w/s1600/A18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgjTRgdsl9HtYG6fd7csbgEyKHf8osTka9g4kKX49A5d3BSUSi1xWiwgU5Eh-_h9nhkW33rEncQT0t3YcjvdQAinMN-RxbcepbizKg8w3fNCKfvdphwVct2R87snzaTWpSzWSf0BQ3w/s1600/A18.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saint-Bénézet bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCSlSmMPtMo3qu-WL6-zdrvnGo7fUxqVONyiWICBEPB2lrgeGs7VUsc-uAh4rBaEs1paDg-D7f9GIE_kmMNuhmHSvP1SxHXbgINWVS5l329Y2AyJnn-YD97DdceKA9xxpOB3rffh11A/s1600/A13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCSlSmMPtMo3qu-WL6-zdrvnGo7fUxqVONyiWICBEPB2lrgeGs7VUsc-uAh4rBaEs1paDg-D7f9GIE_kmMNuhmHSvP1SxHXbgINWVS5l329Y2AyJnn-YD97DdceKA9xxpOB3rffh11A/s1600/A13.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up photo of Saint-Bénézet bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As we descended from the hill, we arrived at the Avignon Cathedral. The golden Virgin Mary statue located at the top
of the cathedral against the backdrop of a clear blue sky was definitely eye-catching. At the entrance of the cathedral, there was another platform with a centralised sculpture of Jesus on the cross, surrounded by sculptures
of His followers and angels. These sculptures and statue certainly added another layer of charm to the cathedral! From the platform, apart from being able to admire the sculptures, we were also able to have a closer look at
the exterior of Palais des Papes situated on the left of the cathedral as well as a bird eye’s view of the plaza square located at the foot of the cathedral. It was as if I had the best viewing position in the theatre, with
all the actions and on-goings happening at the plaza square streaming live in front of my eyes! I could literally just stand there the whole day, doing nothing but people-watch!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi109feh5cdpN4B00n2ogCDfKfO_uq8FkhWkScZIJIV0ThETnoSuNnLRH8E-jtbURtr67lp2XXiuzHI_ltGFuFdrkYpHr_aY6JICghXlXllq2bvwbOZZUB3Z-UhDnnr6OcTddeTGgB8cw/s1600/A8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi109feh5cdpN4B00n2ogCDfKfO_uq8FkhWkScZIJIV0ThETnoSuNnLRH8E-jtbURtr67lp2XXiuzHI_ltGFuFdrkYpHr_aY6JICghXlXllq2bvwbOZZUB3Z-UhDnnr6OcTddeTGgB8cw/s1600/A8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art sculpture in front of Avignon Cathedral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGH0cnOum8R072Nn4qYXQ9XD0IFI7fIa_9I6jkEEbAMdRhDjPlE71l9A4dAYvS2LBH44GoasoSfaUIGvjQhIx9Blh5Z90HuMu-Hq9lkIx_J_JHajj2jVo_lR4uLay3-mUe1HZ59PmSA/s1600/A9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGH0cnOum8R072Nn4qYXQ9XD0IFI7fIa_9I6jkEEbAMdRhDjPlE71l9A4dAYvS2LBH44GoasoSfaUIGvjQhIx9Blh5Z90HuMu-Hq9lkIx_J_JHajj2jVo_lR4uLay3-mUe1HZ59PmSA/s1600/A9.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Virgin Mary statue and sculptures of Jesus, His followers and angels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWKxjoVCLGCeQM0HIgyCCJNqgoVxV2i3blONvbfGs6UMOPetd9bPM4Gina2ldn2JcMzdsj766M4xFuncNFuEQ-_-EiOHrKOvyfNF3ci1NSJwtaKAay65DExOvNwVGB4suqkJJZaGlZw/s1600/A17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWKxjoVCLGCeQM0HIgyCCJNqgoVxV2i3blONvbfGs6UMOPetd9bPM4Gina2ldn2JcMzdsj766M4xFuncNFuEQ-_-EiOHrKOvyfNF3ci1NSJwtaKAay65DExOvNwVGB4suqkJJZaGlZw/s1600/A17.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of Avignon Cathedral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYAdNOyKacF299r7XClRO3gqkKCd9RY4fVWOWvGuYxI6m8aYJzdSpG0hoIjBv7VnOsM-WZj1T7_oS5KvLn4Aw2eDXRZ757rOLvuEKSIoNrrFfHYSg2J40zxLeFaG1Y11W2vvrJZPidQ/s1600/A16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYAdNOyKacF299r7XClRO3gqkKCd9RY4fVWOWvGuYxI6m8aYJzdSpG0hoIjBv7VnOsM-WZj1T7_oS5KvLn4Aw2eDXRZ757rOLvuEKSIoNrrFfHYSg2J40zxLeFaG1Y11W2vvrJZPidQ/s1600/A16.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Palais des Papes (or Palace of the Popes) was huge, had a very majestic exterior appearance and is of great significance
to Avignon. In 1305, Pope Clement V fled Rome because of the chaos that took place after his election and moved the Papal Curia to Avignon. T</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">hen, the construction of Palais des Papes started off on the foundation of an old bishop palace and </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Avignon became the home of 9 successive Popes in the 14</span><sup style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> century, with each Pope leaving his mark on the building. When the Popes returned to Rome in 1377,
the building remained in the hands of the antipapal forces for a few years before it was returned to the authority of the papal legates in 1433. While under the papal control, the building started to deteriorated and it was
further damaged by military occupation and subsequently vacated only in 1906, when it became a national museum. Today, the palace consisted of two main sites being joined together - the old palace of Benedict XII and the new
palace of Clement VI, and which together they formed the largest Gothic building of the Middle Ages. This palace, rich in its historical significance and which stood as a mighty symbol of the church’s influence on the western
Christian world in the 14</span><sup style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> century, has now been listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX9BGHPiJXp8663MZgQPqVH4MMm_Urk9licVUnXsdQ7LXxsZGZQiteI1NTkrzoeyKGHOFs0rSF4StY04Kjcer7oAE8P5tsYYpGz-ZJ8LhcvjUDZtaxrvskrfO3Ul4lAnzk_t0Fk3oIw/s1600/A7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX9BGHPiJXp8663MZgQPqVH4MMm_Urk9licVUnXsdQ7LXxsZGZQiteI1NTkrzoeyKGHOFs0rSF4StY04Kjcer7oAE8P5tsYYpGz-ZJ8LhcvjUDZtaxrvskrfO3Ul4lAnzk_t0Fk3oIw/s1600/A7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The majestic exterior appearance of Palais des Papes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the start of our visit to Palais des Papes, we had watched a short video clip depicting the above mentioned history
of the palace and were immediately intrigued by all the sequence of events and we could not wait to explore the palace. However, when we entered the palace proper, we were kind of disappointed as there were (a) little or no
information to guide us on the different areas of the buildings (which would definitely be helpful to provide some sense of direction in this huge piece of land), (b) the interior of the palace being wiped clean of its original
content and filled instead with the presence of art displays or sculptures in several areas of the palace and finally (c) the erecting of scaffolding and a stage in preparation for the Avignon theater festival within the
palace (which contributed even more to the confusion of lost sheep like us wandering about and trying to find an alternative pathway around the scaffolding). However, despite all of that, the gorgeous panoramic view of the
city as well as the close-up look at the Virgin Mary statue of Avignon Cathedral at the terrace of the palace soon made us forget about all the disappointments! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfD8wAGRqZAVJtRQwQX3eHNwdCgCyAVrX3P3MV2R6baUOc8vBlSi_foEKx7sTllHYS0TNXU-h6OcwKkHyPDc6MA1uAwXhxOTxLMIbtmagV1H8emsg_0t76jvpO-BhMWCSbqvpPLZZLQ/s1600/A14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfD8wAGRqZAVJtRQwQX3eHNwdCgCyAVrX3P3MV2R6baUOc8vBlSi_foEKx7sTllHYS0TNXU-h6OcwKkHyPDc6MA1uAwXhxOTxLMIbtmagV1H8emsg_0t76jvpO-BhMWCSbqvpPLZZLQ/s1600/A14.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of Palais des Papes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2g2ens5xQ4-h9aT7pYs4LoFvVK1QcYVqeLSbZJKDyEZJrzd_0Qr1iCRXQS8vHnpTws77u4zo3gtm1yafr_Xx3XsYestxdEiEf5xLhcvFRmS4F6135eFqXodTP28zWSBOc91Yry5ZM-w/s1600/A1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2g2ens5xQ4-h9aT7pYs4LoFvVK1QcYVqeLSbZJKDyEZJrzd_0Qr1iCRXQS8vHnpTws77u4zo3gtm1yafr_Xx3XsYestxdEiEf5xLhcvFRmS4F6135eFqXodTP28zWSBOc91Yry5ZM-w/s1600/A1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4_71T5MZ7eG0Rj9D_zU6unfXRBJrD9KaK8nFIRXo7CavyW4mnpBVwVuBfe52raEiUGa1K1wONBkUJwGatzlmwM58meaHzm6V1BvO9it2psEtwkWMwM1czGbfZ1aahWXcRewKYrS4IA/s1600/A23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4_71T5MZ7eG0Rj9D_zU6unfXRBJrD9KaK8nFIRXo7CavyW4mnpBVwVuBfe52raEiUGa1K1wONBkUJwGatzlmwM58meaHzm6V1BvO9it2psEtwkWMwM1czGbfZ1aahWXcRewKYrS4IA/s1600/A23.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDUtBjDiMthbCKeFZsPzKelIDlvCJtxrlWmb3jfK_Xw09vjK56D7l4wxmXSwcekSeWe01q6ehTcLjJwCobCZySuGIE6HiPDvEykm16lknKUR5558FJee5ulQEjGoX0eIbpP5I1V2ROQ/s1600/A24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDUtBjDiMthbCKeFZsPzKelIDlvCJtxrlWmb3jfK_Xw09vjK56D7l4wxmXSwcekSeWe01q6ehTcLjJwCobCZySuGIE6HiPDvEykm16lknKUR5558FJee5ulQEjGoX0eIbpP5I1V2ROQ/s1600/A24.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZP7d2Za09LC2ep9YFEFxQJ5S-4JeYwYaye4yScrNEFEq8vRKwtad2G5j3BrjVM1MZr1TdMqogF9rwRMzEXhlUwQ45N_c5tk0GIC1oBqxvh40FiJE-Y30wuQi3YKjGMwdMopuU9RQew/s1600/A25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZP7d2Za09LC2ep9YFEFxQJ5S-4JeYwYaye4yScrNEFEq8vRKwtad2G5j3BrjVM1MZr1TdMqogF9rwRMzEXhlUwQ45N_c5tk0GIC1oBqxvh40FiJE-Y30wuQi3YKjGMwdMopuU9RQew/s1600/A25.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDWPHQNb7Pa9hg3tUVV3YCpBqCu3vCfLDRcS0ZOH0Q-GgXmsnI5ZvHupNcJD_qy8PhZgFBShC-f-0e-P0gMMgphVPgHYEhjqi6kl0dJ1-K3MceLiwpPnAciXXjhzj-9nXjNTnHGDcaA/s1600/A26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDWPHQNb7Pa9hg3tUVV3YCpBqCu3vCfLDRcS0ZOH0Q-GgXmsnI5ZvHupNcJD_qy8PhZgFBShC-f-0e-P0gMMgphVPgHYEhjqi6kl0dJ1-K3MceLiwpPnAciXXjhzj-9nXjNTnHGDcaA/s1600/A26.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portraits of the Popes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXrggTf8fl4PngQ1ZpaTPp3drPkETMVVTe5nEKjc4wvg4OdjbyO8Cb7-T_FCYCscLR_bJ3M08bv9DqIahcIRGgQ3eFagvC9O_unUD44xgQUR3LJtIQvyRrTNRMvW0FgXcMtXN7DSyyw/s1600/A15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXrggTf8fl4PngQ1ZpaTPp3drPkETMVVTe5nEKjc4wvg4OdjbyO8Cb7-T_FCYCscLR_bJ3M08bv9DqIahcIRGgQ3eFagvC9O_unUD44xgQUR3LJtIQvyRrTNRMvW0FgXcMtXN7DSyyw/s1600/A15.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random art displays in Palais des Papes...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2zCqPZjQMZ1CW9DBbntuo5qy_uGslFm9UZujaSIa_Tv6Q3CPrAmrPV_hQeD0P9T_zPDpBY7JlhBM8QtX8NLUpBi1drAUEj2rdGqAIXMmlUGu8K-VzZ0GHYMe3V7bxyM3DcP_gdZlFw/s1600/A21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2zCqPZjQMZ1CW9DBbntuo5qy_uGslFm9UZujaSIa_Tv6Q3CPrAmrPV_hQeD0P9T_zPDpBY7JlhBM8QtX8NLUpBi1drAUEj2rdGqAIXMmlUGu8K-VzZ0GHYMe3V7bxyM3DcP_gdZlFw/s1600/A21.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wTxxVXfotasat1pplNgnLd89c5TqrgrDoq6i6nMr6QT715iwdLHpVrE6zjshDUY5sVbV_aF6GIojmeJh9_X6lXPHOWqFoGky-9Q1NIRcTXNx1CG-cLeMQMiYrWuZgTZg2z9Z9IVn2Q/s1600/A22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wTxxVXfotasat1pplNgnLd89c5TqrgrDoq6i6nMr6QT715iwdLHpVrE6zjshDUY5sVbV_aF6GIojmeJh9_X6lXPHOWqFoGky-9Q1NIRcTXNx1CG-cLeMQMiYrWuZgTZg2z9Z9IVn2Q/s1600/A22.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw88m58QK_kGvj06TY7yS_HY5jF57SvbCKIaYRdKWNe3FW2csDbAj7M-d1KLzWBZzAKF337LXtXthuN5x_SP82_v2VEeyCJqlQQ9EbrKJGyj-99_LMU1zht_Jvfg90qNgSAnjF2Tvs9g/s1600/A2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw88m58QK_kGvj06TY7yS_HY5jF57SvbCKIaYRdKWNe3FW2csDbAj7M-d1KLzWBZzAKF337LXtXthuN5x_SP82_v2VEeyCJqlQQ9EbrKJGyj-99_LMU1zht_Jvfg90qNgSAnjF2Tvs9g/s1600/A2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up look at Avignon Cathedral from the terrace of Palais des Papes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi811EqSv0xJ6iPc0MwYoJu75cyPlanlPgShmGNz2mcqauUF40gf1LiFC3fm07Y-x6fib0s5jaYyapreDzvrvqUbM9AiB3cZfjy3QDEXaa3pFG2lfeZC4NhsvxeBeDa28sorrEixvCQbQ/s1600/A3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi811EqSv0xJ6iPc0MwYoJu75cyPlanlPgShmGNz2mcqauUF40gf1LiFC3fm07Y-x6fib0s5jaYyapreDzvrvqUbM9AiB3cZfjy3QDEXaa3pFG2lfeZC4NhsvxeBeDa28sorrEixvCQbQ/s1600/A3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous view of the city...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having explored the main attractions of Avignon city, we spent the rest of
the day wandering about the small alleys of the city center, having a peek at the beautiful and lively restaurant-filled square at Place de l’Horloge, crossing Édouard Daladier bridge and having a nice and quiet stroll
along Rhône river before heading back to the hotel for a good night rest! It was a pleasant first day of our trip and we really had fun exploring the grounds of Avignon city. We certainly
do look forward to the lavender field tour that is to come....</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsF7PLlTJMOLgxTOf95_zRip-eIzZcMBSzveJeBlA0Lb_T_KKPpH2Bjgli6iXu91xtGVZbhrLALT11NqbvTTxcIhCz4zYBT1PZy_yQ-EIaPyyZT4BVI7eeu20WdQXzoCT9y5itcKD1A/s1600/A2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsF7PLlTJMOLgxTOf95_zRip-eIzZcMBSzveJeBlA0Lb_T_KKPpH2Bjgli6iXu91xtGVZbhrLALT11NqbvTTxcIhCz4zYBT1PZy_yQ-EIaPyyZT4BVI7eeu20WdQXzoCT9y5itcKD1A/s1600/A2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel de Ville...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDR4thr1g86U0EJAMU7ZCT-9k5_Tx5D5MSHPmHbxZ3ctZmzEbXf-TVRTa6VIXn94k8DmFcsmgrVL3mFWprWp3Jz6fQKgJMk-eJxxnQqWzTeGi4gHw48xH5akx2h9h9EyZB6v2spHL3Dw/s1600/A4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDR4thr1g86U0EJAMU7ZCT-9k5_Tx5D5MSHPmHbxZ3ctZmzEbXf-TVRTa6VIXn94k8DmFcsmgrVL3mFWprWp3Jz6fQKgJMk-eJxxnQqWzTeGi4gHw48xH5akx2h9h9EyZB6v2spHL3Dw/s1600/A4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opera theatre</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLB-LfV0SRzZlWGBTv1cc8NIaqh7gCKsxNzA-47306m_Lr1vk7i54lGszw5zcUb7EjPVtsAKR09tqfVO5AWnffN7zXiYXCd29DJnaJ03ISrGoiuq_WwbtOenabrsxdU5h0NDH4jb4GAA/s1600/A3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Place de l'Horloge (Clock tower square)...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLB-LfV0SRzZlWGBTv1cc8NIaqh7gCKsxNzA-47306m_Lr1vk7i54lGszw5zcUb7EjPVtsAKR09tqfVO5AWnffN7zXiYXCd29DJnaJ03ISrGoiuq_WwbtOenabrsxdU5h0NDH4jb4GAA/s1600/A3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TN4TJzP0aqNQqIBOsMMzDAsOfc768d1d106775yja_GG8sJEA4SMNbep0AO0gqfXCVT9_10Khjxl18wcZXQYGOkyS5B7SI-LyXb1xszsaQJCjS1WFX_PUwptB_1ZXpTTC_jMXmdqeA/s1600/A20.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice that the clock tower is barely visible from the square...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TN4TJzP0aqNQqIBOsMMzDAsOfc768d1d106775yja_GG8sJEA4SMNbep0AO0gqfXCVT9_10Khjxl18wcZXQYGOkyS5B7SI-LyXb1xszsaQJCjS1WFX_PUwptB_1ZXpTTC_jMXmdqeA/s1600/A20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TqlaSD3GCNVM6Rzr443MI-2BnZyGbCIPOJoGtZhWShHeBwmkqY3IxWNllcsJqspUiYSMJVPzSU70YMXIfBRMRDp6IEq58LtXaufH8fuHHqVsN4X1_xOwqiyePl6XkAuWhaIc5oZplA/s1600/A1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely alleys of the city..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TqlaSD3GCNVM6Rzr443MI-2BnZyGbCIPOJoGtZhWShHeBwmkqY3IxWNllcsJqspUiYSMJVPzSU70YMXIfBRMRDp6IEq58LtXaufH8fuHHqVsN4X1_xOwqiyePl6XkAuWhaIc5oZplA/s1600/A1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxHe4mTodQGZJzw_MlrKcVvftGfELGxn_lxwN2N5_XjEY0STcckc-PbEG0pRL7OAZT1mav7iW_i1VtbiQNEe8e9MO12MfuAS0OQAnQsbx56Z6YX700jdnOlog3W2RBkI085cASKUg7g/s1600/A5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxHe4mTodQGZJzw_MlrKcVvftGfELGxn_lxwN2N5_XjEY0STcckc-PbEG0pRL7OAZT1mav7iW_i1VtbiQNEe8e9MO12MfuAS0OQAnQsbx56Z6YX700jdnOlog3W2RBkI085cASKUg7g/s1600/A5.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvQY2kY-A5HbdxDSlWzq3-enodlDU-Jz2Ug5Z6p2Emk3gi4MzkkW48M1KT7905WlTvoQImAher_aGzRuYdxI5Vb5HuWK0pAY8kwDCyPAF2iFssYpiJi-Bf4Jb4v8H6NmM0dLivQ5edw/s1600/A27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvQY2kY-A5HbdxDSlWzq3-enodlDU-Jz2Ug5Z6p2Emk3gi4MzkkW48M1KT7905WlTvoQImAher_aGzRuYdxI5Vb5HuWK0pAY8kwDCyPAF2iFssYpiJi-Bf4Jb4v8H6NmM0dLivQ5edw/s1600/A27.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Real dog vs fake dogs..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Llw3YFgdgLWkFAjSp2wshpzJD_vB018XwYhGfGY7qun8m5KXEQVG4yZAZje457wrlwEoeKX4o4AuqfNh3Bnu22yRY5u-PXgC8AQc66E_Ei5nn4XZPezfzFHhHjuE5_Xgtg6PLXidig/s1600/A28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Llw3YFgdgLWkFAjSp2wshpzJD_vB018XwYhGfGY7qun8m5KXEQVG4yZAZje457wrlwEoeKX4o4AuqfNh3Bnu22yRY5u-PXgC8AQc66E_Ei5nn4XZPezfzFHhHjuE5_Xgtg6PLXidig/s1600/A28.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yours Truly,</span></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Claire</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-51957767686457165472018-07-06T10:50:00.001+08:002018-07-06T10:50:21.766+08:00 Guided tours or free-and-easy style of travelling? Part II - A guided tour to Morocco<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGk7GUjzZb2HEIWQrH2senayEhZw54VKjs6JaCMPcmge9ZFtKHqKSaOeeoqgQYbk7-6wN3WJ7cAn4y8GSorPHQ4R3PTjiIrigo57gdn8XGROlvefyhyphenhyphen93EU-DQI16dd1iGvPv4bw5Reg/s1600/M4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGk7GUjzZb2HEIWQrH2senayEhZw54VKjs6JaCMPcmge9ZFtKHqKSaOeeoqgQYbk7-6wN3WJ7cAn4y8GSorPHQ4R3PTjiIrigo57gdn8XGROlvefyhyphenhyphen93EU-DQI16dd1iGvPv4bw5Reg/s1600/M4.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Following on from my previous post that compared guided tours with free-and-easy style of traveling, in this post,
I will run through my considerations and highlight the main key take-aways of joining a guided tour for our recent trip to Morocco. Despite previously stately that going free-and-easy was our preferred way of travelling, my
husband and I still ended up signing up for a tour package to Morocco. So why the change? Did we want to do things differently? Have we figured out something that makes one style of traveling more superior than the other?
Well, as in all my other posts, we believe that the key to making a trip enjoyable is to select a choice that is most suited for that particular trip. In this case, we have decided that joining a guided tour was the best option.
The two deciding factors that pushed us to sign up for the tour package were time and safety. Other considerations that further fueled this decision included ease of traveling within Morocco, presence of a local guide / experience
driver and presence of group mates with common travel interest. </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Time constraint</span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWAbrwnsQAankdJ_33Nb_VfufY7kTuqDyaSF0NN6HIf45EdOIhd_MyBAESkNQZgqnljo6vKS_wKQW66sk6QT_mYkKeJPu6xVR0_p7Fshfo07yh8-CVQcEAaltCy4-UCFy7z34K1pfLg/s1600/M8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWAbrwnsQAankdJ_33Nb_VfufY7kTuqDyaSF0NN6HIf45EdOIhd_MyBAESkNQZgqnljo6vKS_wKQW66sk6QT_mYkKeJPu6xVR0_p7Fshfo07yh8-CVQcEAaltCy4-UCFy7z34K1pfLg/s1600/M8.jpg" /></a></div>
<u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We decided to head to Morocco towards the end of our Europe tour - which translated to lots of packing of our stuff
to be shipped back to our home country. This indirectly resulted in us not having as much time to research on the places that we would want to visit in Morocco or to plan our route accordingly. There were many places in Morocco
that we desperately wanted to visit and as we did not want to give any of those destinations up owing to time constraint, a tour package that can provide a succinct overview of Morocco in a condensed amount of time sounded ideal. </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Safety concerns</span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94YxgUF0gsCv3_YShD-cYRZaVkklL5t8q1k33onzXvpCkeRExGQecyIqw4Qydazu8LdverbbRNbhxh89AlT8WD10Q9_WcaWwsXtrv49eSvcoGpYRhZz8gzDb0A1eo6NKoGKQEx_aL0g/s1600/M3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94YxgUF0gsCv3_YShD-cYRZaVkklL5t8q1k33onzXvpCkeRExGQecyIqw4Qydazu8LdverbbRNbhxh89AlT8WD10Q9_WcaWwsXtrv49eSvcoGpYRhZz8gzDb0A1eo6NKoGKQEx_aL0g/s1600/M3.jpg" /></a></div>
<u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Safety is always a priority when it comes to traveling for both my husband and I. Although many have mentioned that
Morocco is a relatively safe place for free-and-easy travellers, we were still not confident of traveling on our own in this foreign land as we had came across quite a few horror accounts of travelers who had just returned
from Morocco. Furthermore, it would be our first time traveling to the African continent and we were not sure what to expect and questions as follows started to pop up in our heads:</span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Would the language barrier be a huge problem for us? </span></li>
</ul>
<ul type="disc">
<li align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How reliable are the public transport system there since there is a need to cover mountainous paths and long distances
between places? </span></li>
</ul>
<ul type="disc">
<li align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Are things done differently in general, i.e. what are the dos and don’ts for each region?</span></li>
</ul>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In view of these concerns, joining a guided tour with a well-thought travel route and experienced guide knowing how
to deal with unexpected situations on the ground seemed like a better bet!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ease of traveling within Morocco</span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimE8-3rwo52MiX6ww6UmH7i8nYaXDSp_AKAiBMRMDzOBDSM4DiuLmFbI3XQk9T-1_N0LHsDdPWTsf4XxJFwsF6bfODKVHKgMufGbIipjnpKvm5fqCNkQY0xaka1l5EI9Ua-xKsHmPE7A/s1600/M1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimE8-3rwo52MiX6ww6UmH7i8nYaXDSp_AKAiBMRMDzOBDSM4DiuLmFbI3XQk9T-1_N0LHsDdPWTsf4XxJFwsF6bfODKVHKgMufGbIipjnpKvm5fqCNkQY0xaka1l5EI9Ua-xKsHmPE7A/s1600/M1.jpg" /></a></div>
<u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In Morocco, there is a need to travel long distances to get from one town to another and travel routes have to be
planned carefully so that accommodation options are within reach when night falls. Joining a guided tour would take away all the worries on route planning and we would enjoy the ease of traveling from one town to another.
I realized the importance of this when I fell sick on the trip and had wanted nothing more than to rest on the van during the long road journeys. If we had been traveling on our own, we would not have the luxury to do that
and we might even have to fret over getting onto the correct public transportation to get to our destinations. Furthermore, in every country, there are just some places that are only known to the locals and apart from taking
care of all our transportation for the trip, our local guide would, at times and if time permits, lead us to photogenic and off beaten places that only the locals know. Through this, we could easily see another side of Morocco
without the need to wander about or getting lost trying to find unique places to explore. </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Presence of a local guide / experienced driver</span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0k1CMacH1n_8iVGua6Bl80v_6PFmNBwzO8Qvp7YSdWXd6wZDQuQr_OykWMn7HgszCG7DCIdq3oPP8cRBqC5mMCBe7S06DZ6IlObe3g0yuJ9S04msDyN2pUTlIcUl_A230_wYH5GOQGA/s1600/M7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0k1CMacH1n_8iVGua6Bl80v_6PFmNBwzO8Qvp7YSdWXd6wZDQuQr_OykWMn7HgszCG7DCIdq3oPP8cRBqC5mMCBe7S06DZ6IlObe3g0yuJ9S04msDyN2pUTlIcUl_A230_wYH5GOQGA/s1600/M7.jpg" /></a></div>
<u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Joining a guided tour would mean the presence of a tour guide who will provide information and history of the places
of visit. In the case of our Morocco trip, a local guide was assigned to us and not only did we get to know more in depth about the place of visit, we got to know it from a local’s point of view! In addition, the presence
of a local guide also fulfilled our desire to interact with the locals and to know more about the culture and way of life through these interactions. Apart from our local guide, we were also assigned an experienced local driver
for whom we were grateful for many a times when we had to navigate through the treacherous mountain roads. I certainly cannot imagine entrusting my life to any other random drivers if my husband and I had decided to tour Morocco
on our own! Owing to the presence of our guide and driver, my husband and I need not bother about doing any in depth research for this trip or fumble about liaising with the hotel or making advance booking for tickets to the
various tourist attraction spots and could literally just sit back and enjoy the trip where everything is taken care of!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Presence of group mates with common travel interest</span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRfEN8uzdJmZAqCNLyRPvFzXrz7sEVIcg-d_5Mxy_ZhAcpzVTHh024ibGLt1R9YI6GWOD6utmvhQ5MJRkLTAeMU3ati2V2SJi9PM4Xd4sCpjfezfFAnpEft0Xta8ThQVndGpgs5b5EA/s1600/M5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRfEN8uzdJmZAqCNLyRPvFzXrz7sEVIcg-d_5Mxy_ZhAcpzVTHh024ibGLt1R9YI6GWOD6utmvhQ5MJRkLTAeMU3ati2V2SJi9PM4Xd4sCpjfezfFAnpEft0Xta8ThQVndGpgs5b5EA/s1600/M5.jpg" /></a></div>
<u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Other than the fact that there was safety in numbers, it was also quite fun to travel in a group. Apart from having
someone to help my husband and I to take photo (we seldom have couple photos when traveling on our own), we are basically grouped together with people with the same travel interest. It was especially enjoyable when we take
turns to share our travel experiences with the group whenever we sat down together for a meal or for a break. There was also strength in number, especially when we want to negotiate with our guide on alternative places to
explore!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Draw backs of joining a guided tour for our Morocco trip</span></u></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Even though we decided to join a guided tour, there are inevitably some drawbacks to it as well. For one, there is
less flexibility be it in terms of places to visit, the amount of time given to visit a particular site or the choice of restaurants for our meals. The best example of such inflexibility was during our trip to Fes. As listed
on the day’s itinerary, we were scheduled to visit the shops selling local products even though most of us were not interested in purchasing any and would rather spend the time exploring more of the other parts of Fes or
to proceed on to Chefchaouen. The need to cover all the places stated in the itinerary within the short seven days tour often also resulted in a rather rushed trip. On certain days, there were so many places packed into a
day’s itinerary that it literally felt like we were rushing from one place to another, with just a touch-and-go approach to the visits. Thankfully, there were other days where the pace was slower and we could make use of
the time to ask our local guide about the places that we visited in a hurry. </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDlSoligF4P_DhxstnxG_hYWbk3j6MrapeGmChyphenhyphenrebFQFZiEIdQflDFi8mxJW95WQUfLYQM1oiHKqPQpqdUr3N5IkvDh_IVtjHeUSyDm0xquT0cK5mshcLci6cvmc9bmiZmdCxjmspA/s1600/M9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDlSoligF4P_DhxstnxG_hYWbk3j6MrapeGmChyphenhyphenrebFQFZiEIdQflDFi8mxJW95WQUfLYQM1oiHKqPQpqdUr3N5IkvDh_IVtjHeUSyDm0xquT0cK5mshcLci6cvmc9bmiZmdCxjmspA/s1600/M9.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just want to take a break...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A cooperative spirit among members is important for the proper functioning of a tour group. Another draw back of a
guided tour is that there might be the presence of some “black sheeps” who will spoil all plans for the whole group. A good example of this would be some of our tour mates wandering off by themselves during the first two
days of our tour which resulted in our guide having to spend time to relocate them and hence having lesser time to guide us through the place of visit. Fortunately, this “phenomenon” only lasted for the first two days
of the trip and everyone started to be cooperative for the good of the whole group thereafter!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR60LE_ci_RCK7012ewZ4JSqajnhy6TTRkfzd9C8PbkBfqsfTpBTBzttMGQayvAY-khOg3SCLImQ8UrkshfDjfsVrunM8SPmYRSNd2et28eiEX6C0EK2lNwO3Sd4FdPc6_r3wBrdFXWA/s1600/M2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR60LE_ci_RCK7012ewZ4JSqajnhy6TTRkfzd9C8PbkBfqsfTpBTBzttMGQayvAY-khOg3SCLImQ8UrkshfDjfsVrunM8SPmYRSNd2et28eiEX6C0EK2lNwO3Sd4FdPc6_r3wBrdFXWA/s1600/M2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glad that everything turned out well!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lastly, the price attached to a package tour can be a huge drawback as well. If we were to be calculative, it would
be quite evident that the cost of joining a package tour would be higher than the total amount of money we would have spent if we had traveled on our own. However, in this case, we figured out that that extra cost had saved
us quite a bit of trouble and was definitely money well spent!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmwIGVFbYvBHJgulj7gSGLomXlIJkYNdudYoj85V8Ueyl_Qb7nkRvx2Fo1hpIhqbtCSPGHhFu6plu4KCZz_Qzn7uWJUX_fVoa1dpH8LRXvAul0AV5KKFsmkFo7eGrr-c8SHoaqPgq3Q/s1600/M6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmwIGVFbYvBHJgulj7gSGLomXlIJkYNdudYoj85V8Ueyl_Qb7nkRvx2Fo1hpIhqbtCSPGHhFu6plu4KCZz_Qzn7uWJUX_fVoa1dpH8LRXvAul0AV5KKFsmkFo7eGrr-c8SHoaqPgq3Q/s1600/M6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The precious memories are for us to keep...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In conclusion, given the variety of traveling style, there is a need to weigh the pros and and cons of each traveling
mode to identify the style that best fit a particular trip. For our trip to Morocco, the perks of joining a guided tour definitely outweighs its drawbacks and my husband and I were glad that we made the decision to join the
package tour which enabled us to have such an enjoyable and unforgettable trip. Would we continue to stick to guided tours for our future trips? Well, we will definitely go through the mentioned considerations again and who
knows, we might even try other styles of traveling.....</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 0.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Related posts:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/01/guided-tours-or-free-and-easy-style-of.html" target="_blank">Guided tours or free-and-easy style of travelling?</a></span><br />
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/05/dear-diarycasablanca-morocco.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Casablanca (Morocco)</a></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/05/dear-diarymarrakesh-morocco.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Marrakesh (Morocco)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/05/dear-diaryouarzazate-morocco.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Ouarzazate (Morocco)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/06/dear-diarytodgha-gorge-and-sahara.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Todgha Gorge and Sahara Desert (Morocco)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/06/dear-diaryziz-valley-kasbah-asmaa-hotel.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Ziz valley, Kasbah Asmaa hotel and Ifrane (Morocco)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/06/dear-diaryfes-and-chefchaouen.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Fes and Chefchaouen (Morocco)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/06/dear-diaryrabat-morocco.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Rabat (Morocco)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/06/randomthoughtsmorocco.html" target="_blank">#random_thoughts........Morocco</a></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-30863697139397601932018-06-29T07:54:00.000+08:002018-06-29T07:54:31.237+08:00#random_thoughts........Morocco<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PUNVJ6gjbAUS2_jUIeb1lLtfpvDvkbdwjAAoHn0fCyfNk6KejQ9Z07zmLaa7OlRbRfP0g0MVJe0IPYAOK5M_hDdAgYk_1nnRR70PzmYII5AFm4PB_5b2SdzeMhSObEYuYGyYqZ0g0g/s1600/M5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PUNVJ6gjbAUS2_jUIeb1lLtfpvDvkbdwjAAoHn0fCyfNk6KejQ9Z07zmLaa7OlRbRfP0g0MVJe0IPYAOK5M_hDdAgYk_1nnRR70PzmYII5AFm4PB_5b2SdzeMhSObEYuYGyYqZ0g0g/s1600/M5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mohammed V Square</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Being the largest city and business centre of Morocco, I bet many have mistaken Casablanca to be the capital of Morocco...</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfnk7v-Xw7lSvtAw8xWaLKR6_6Rrc_hVa5f3LGpQj9q-4VOroIc58nhEaaDvaMA6hxUFuOOkRVYuWo1rrNzT7bF9mPnvAKr2MwhuJGaKNXAT20IN8SNnFXPpgn1jGksX4gNEMIXF_OA/s1600/M1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="537" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfnk7v-Xw7lSvtAw8xWaLKR6_6Rrc_hVa5f3LGpQj9q-4VOroIc58nhEaaDvaMA6hxUFuOOkRVYuWo1rrNzT7bF9mPnvAKr2MwhuJGaKNXAT20IN8SNnFXPpgn1jGksX4gNEMIXF_OA/s1600/M1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The busy streets of Casablanca..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">The landscape of Morocco can change quite drastically from one region to another, ranging from land with lush vegetation to desert barren land to snow capped
peaks of the Altas mountains and not forgetting the sandy beaches along the coast...</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5idZBm9UgmhrGNbwymv-u7IM1aErkte_B11I-ph-iv9ndmoCcC1nc3ikaDqg3rYBnlDwK9AMK8y6cedddkvgZi_uKHVBOpHwJsoajWdj1JNSzsh8Nm_wzPzAPn8NumgpNhn4gatSZrg/s1600/M10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5idZBm9UgmhrGNbwymv-u7IM1aErkte_B11I-ph-iv9ndmoCcC1nc3ikaDqg3rYBnlDwK9AMK8y6cedddkvgZi_uKHVBOpHwJsoajWdj1JNSzsh8Nm_wzPzAPn8NumgpNhn4gatSZrg/s1600/M10.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziP9cdyZjHDtxX0QqxzJwGzqR3xWGvVPd5p2WfWMhKYyiP4bKCSvK3HfMul7a1uftSUQJfE8thOn24VJKlubDMBVY9h1XL3QJfxXdiaVhWvDrLLdixgvGpL393xlP1WdmwMNXRpiTIw/s1600/M3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="549" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziP9cdyZjHDtxX0QqxzJwGzqR3xWGvVPd5p2WfWMhKYyiP4bKCSvK3HfMul7a1uftSUQJfE8thOn24VJKlubDMBVY9h1XL3QJfxXdiaVhWvDrLLdixgvGpL393xlP1WdmwMNXRpiTIw/s1600/M3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Why do the men in morocco wear a robe with a hood?</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHQ5rLkIjeDJkgneSoJxl500ZgYlbK4KVVmEvLTjNtbJJCooB3UthqSAiA9OZRtLYSfIllaXwhjBot1tPnWmnCAQi4i5vGfyVKe_0OEC8FvmgpzCcPsU6wsOzoOo4Ny1Zm4YMHHJsjw/s1600/M4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHQ5rLkIjeDJkgneSoJxl500ZgYlbK4KVVmEvLTjNtbJJCooB3UthqSAiA9OZRtLYSfIllaXwhjBot1tPnWmnCAQi4i5vGfyVKe_0OEC8FvmgpzCcPsU6wsOzoOo4Ny1Zm4YMHHJsjw/s1600/M4.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Who cares for the cats on the streets of Morocco?</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIKAxLGF4_q7Zk_3F2CZBiZXbpze4yCBANWijJCdatqsQOt7ZLLFY5vHL-sj3MXbDuxg9SCG_69IJNpR5iiuDEulbJfRck67q5dSIp042tS8GIjac3Tdxl3XJHqyB8bT61bZlBU7Xqg/s1600/M11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIKAxLGF4_q7Zk_3F2CZBiZXbpze4yCBANWijJCdatqsQOt7ZLLFY5vHL-sj3MXbDuxg9SCG_69IJNpR5iiuDEulbJfRck67q5dSIp042tS8GIjac3Tdxl3XJHqyB8bT61bZlBU7Xqg/s1600/M11.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qIqrGcP1OF4i8x8B1QDAH6m5oFHbHadfNWZ0GJVWnY6LaDdaxp3UogoY07ZoMyHSUi4XHFsHcnarc1o_XuduJbb9IffQ2n9-hP99QtBZB8Wi00-0C4ESvu_ajvH2sFSoTJzO1CM_QA/s1600/M2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qIqrGcP1OF4i8x8B1QDAH6m5oFHbHadfNWZ0GJVWnY6LaDdaxp3UogoY07ZoMyHSUi4XHFsHcnarc1o_XuduJbb9IffQ2n9-hP99QtBZB8Wi00-0C4ESvu_ajvH2sFSoTJzO1CM_QA/s1600/M2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What? You mean I have to earn my own keep? T_T</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Was the Todgha Gorge really carved out by river that once flowed through it?</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJD5qHVm7XxNwRktJmQt4pbk0HNJNaV-GtPPcuy34mUpvwYR22QADS9xZmtVHWCFIMrjRiC0On20B-7eC59YYyfSHT5V55LtvfYyhKwJE_gmSvFvZwPUUeYQZF018COH2VlC5Xg1w5tg/s1600/M8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJD5qHVm7XxNwRktJmQt4pbk0HNJNaV-GtPPcuy34mUpvwYR22QADS9xZmtVHWCFIMrjRiC0On20B-7eC59YYyfSHT5V55LtvfYyhKwJE_gmSvFvZwPUUeYQZF018COH2VlC5Xg1w5tg/s1600/M8.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQIInKyDLAEKEIhFOYTr5Rxs-GnFbxKlBgfvjKUQbqPeWm_VTygDr0axChJpOMqRqF889Upm_1PenyJfRuZFwfO-htEH882E2zY3cgfP9dAQbCU3DQHyPNROOdXDR7FMNbXOcvJbGSg/s1600/M7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQIInKyDLAEKEIhFOYTr5Rxs-GnFbxKlBgfvjKUQbqPeWm_VTygDr0axChJpOMqRqF889Upm_1PenyJfRuZFwfO-htEH882E2zY3cgfP9dAQbCU3DQHyPNROOdXDR7FMNbXOcvJbGSg/s1600/M7.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">If each visitor to the Sahara Desert were to bring some of the fine sand out as keepsake, would the sand in the desert eventually run out?</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzr3LPKZGzuxydmXdMKzhQhpCJCkMuUnoO2EwmzXNuSnixINg46bw5us_O5JCH0Mqk7qSCVY00QwYxcoVqL3NkS94GCij2CyShF7gmZ1BprxDc5US9maPIlPuggFPMNLwcgWDlyYX52Q/s1600/M9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzr3LPKZGzuxydmXdMKzhQhpCJCkMuUnoO2EwmzXNuSnixINg46bw5us_O5JCH0Mqk7qSCVY00QwYxcoVqL3NkS94GCij2CyShF7gmZ1BprxDc5US9maPIlPuggFPMNLwcgWDlyYX52Q/s1600/M9.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The magnificient Sahara Desert!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">There is a certain charm to the elaborately decorated doors in Morocco...</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI54ASNb4T_kGN7WM7onj7Vtd5QoSxc19L-p8xTiu3F-2oKlOJLQ3qybiWRPtqv7KJR9Orv7EE1tGb6Vzvj10HgGULMcDp4qwjJApdWTVJkh62sNjqsQuhGHTXcrmNXEoFUn9_k2xINQ/s1600/M6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI54ASNb4T_kGN7WM7onj7Vtd5QoSxc19L-p8xTiu3F-2oKlOJLQ3qybiWRPtqv7KJR9Orv7EE1tGb6Vzvj10HgGULMcDp4qwjJApdWTVJkh62sNjqsQuhGHTXcrmNXEoFUn9_k2xINQ/s1600/M6.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhz0dAIzk8u9NNdaDRf9EkwjN4d0D9Kz0_Co9wvSjlRomAjnb4slgH3rTMBNlJAPO2rDPXATIlgVYSGjFwGBhSu5JqPuTxoeNi13RcsjnEw-OJzWzNjz0Q36qyA-TJhL6BJRwoGoC7cg/s1600/M13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhz0dAIzk8u9NNdaDRf9EkwjN4d0D9Kz0_Co9wvSjlRomAjnb4slgH3rTMBNlJAPO2rDPXATIlgVYSGjFwGBhSu5JqPuTxoeNi13RcsjnEw-OJzWzNjz0Q36qyA-TJhL6BJRwoGoC7cg/s1600/M13.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Why are the walls in Chefchaouen painted blue? Why blue and not other colours?</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuqxe1awQZgORcgvIMYy1h5VFAqaxaKxPNpVSdJmI-Dk6p7CEgiWdLtvoE9sHp4GsXGWGUwiL9CybVUX-DC6fA0gPk8kmxqPxv7beswBwroQ_DEXRlXtvOXbGl7ZDY3PMI05QC8CnJQ/s1600/M12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuqxe1awQZgORcgvIMYy1h5VFAqaxaKxPNpVSdJmI-Dk6p7CEgiWdLtvoE9sHp4GsXGWGUwiL9CybVUX-DC6fA0gPk8kmxqPxv7beswBwroQ_DEXRlXtvOXbGl7ZDY3PMI05QC8CnJQ/s1600/M12.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wWreEdFxEFQl9VUaP7VtHfqx5noWOV7f5LTe0nsFZEl6gNz9LoSSrLrhOO16kmFV2dY4__UxSLyU4nN3UcB2ZCUHqnPbMxjZXtZI81T8yP60YYNhOV5j8t5DaA7RrtwJjYu-P9HOjw/s1600/M14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wWreEdFxEFQl9VUaP7VtHfqx5noWOV7f5LTe0nsFZEl6gNz9LoSSrLrhOO16kmFV2dY4__UxSLyU4nN3UcB2ZCUHqnPbMxjZXtZI81T8yP60YYNhOV5j8t5DaA7RrtwJjYu-P9HOjw/s1600/M14.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-------------------------------------------------------</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Related Post:</span><br />
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/05/dear-diarycasablanca-morocco.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Casablanca (Morocco)</a></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/05/dear-diarymarrakesh-morocco.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Marrakesh (Morocco)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/05/dear-diaryouarzazate-morocco.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Ouarzazate (Morocco)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/06/dear-diarytodgha-gorge-and-sahara.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Todgha Gorge and Sahara Desert (Morocco)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/06/dear-diaryziz-valley-kasbah-asmaa-hotel.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Ziz valley, Kasbah Asmaa hotel and Ifrane (Morocco)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/06/dear-diaryfes-and-chefchaouen.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Fes and Chefchaouen (Morocco)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/06/dear-diaryrabat-morocco.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Rabat (Morocco)</a></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-32003079841145990422018-06-22T08:19:00.000+08:002018-06-22T08:19:57.023+08:00Dear Diary.....Rabat (Morocco)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0sk3ODNbQn5Ac_ar-NdMyuLAykqCHv4dWIEB91EB1lglH7RyGJtTwAdVuOYJrTEJ9cKvRdOhqzrzUubfHIzxP8rd8K6hsNubcllTC7vyzq_DhjrYa5XMaeztegTqUcyNAhuklmF-MQ/s1600/M5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0sk3ODNbQn5Ac_ar-NdMyuLAykqCHv4dWIEB91EB1lglH7RyGJtTwAdVuOYJrTEJ9cKvRdOhqzrzUubfHIzxP8rd8K6hsNubcllTC7vyzq_DhjrYa5XMaeztegTqUcyNAhuklmF-MQ/s1600/M5.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Dear Diary,</span><br />
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It has been a week spent in Morocco and this day marked the end of our tour in this beautiful country. Rabat was the only destination
on our itinerary for this day as majority of our time would be spent on the long journey on the roads. In order to have sufficient time to tour Rabat and also to make it in time for our flight out of Morocco, we set off from
Chefchaouen much earlier than usual at around 6am. It was so early that we had to request for the hotel to pack our breakfast for us to have it in the van. It was pitch dark when we walked out of our hotel to the van and Chefchaouen
was eerily quiet at such hours, nothing like the bustling and lively place that we had seen the day before. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xvyUL4_L-B2tKH3L0GnpH1sMrcF1eYu5qrzE6xi0Tp804NAcOcsh29uDrDFSFFbAJvxsZtupsijYbdVR2bEi3bE5aGHbEmgLWT7qf-MjLS4bHs43IhINDicJwXwbshxCWlz80oDqhA/s1600/M10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xvyUL4_L-B2tKH3L0GnpH1sMrcF1eYu5qrzE6xi0Tp804NAcOcsh29uDrDFSFFbAJvxsZtupsijYbdVR2bEi3bE5aGHbEmgLWT7qf-MjLS4bHs43IhINDicJwXwbshxCWlz80oDqhA/s1600/M10.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hassan tower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most of us went back to sleep the minute we board the van and after what seems like a super long drive, with our breakfast untouched,
we woke up to a cheery sight welcoming us to the Rabat - the capital city of Morocco! Our first stop in Rabat was a visit to Hassan tower, which is a minaret of an incomplete mosque. The entrance to the whole area enclosing
the Hassan tower, several of the erected walls and columns of the uncompleted mosque and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, was guarded by two guards on their horses. They were dressed in their elaborately designed uniforms and it
was interesting to see how the guards were trying hard not to be distracted by the tons of tourists trying to take photo with them. Upon entering, we could immediately spot the Mausoleum to our right and the numerous rows
of columns of the mosque to our left. The minaret was located on the extreme left, situated behind the rows of columns. It was originally intended to be the largest minaret in the world but was left half-constructed when the
construction of the mosque was halted after the death of its commissioner, Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur, the third Caliph of the the Almohad Caliphate, in 1199. The current height of the minaret is only about half of the originally
intended height. With this huge land space, filled with the numerous columns of the mosque and the half-constructed red sandstone minaret, we can only leave it to imagination on the scale of the mosque had it been fully constructed!
It is no wonder that this site has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, given its importance as a historical and tourist attraction in Rabat. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGWI0brIWOqlGrE8YbykIho8r9b5GNQ2z5yni8_HKxITgRE7kEzsZEBCacYZezAu6RNjyJb4viwCCkjSVcjJ0JXsqxz_TqWKvRWohN8wSpzOmLnpHvJAZPXS3tUp5xnJqA4IoLKK4LA/s1600/M4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGWI0brIWOqlGrE8YbykIho8r9b5GNQ2z5yni8_HKxITgRE7kEzsZEBCacYZezAu6RNjyJb4viwCCkjSVcjJ0JXsqxz_TqWKvRWohN8wSpzOmLnpHvJAZPXS3tUp5xnJqA4IoLKK4LA/s1600/M4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guards on horses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWOGc0duBwyFO4iIkmzR7HqkPj5VCwyPtVdUV2tHCYGkoWdfxJKo3u-WRBbSlYH5YW6txpsEIhLVnpZNPMZShxyG0dKybKcrKglOp5m_-zoN3WbIBQndk7ixv-Y6oSaSkS0mD975xgg/s1600/M9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWOGc0duBwyFO4iIkmzR7HqkPj5VCwyPtVdUV2tHCYGkoWdfxJKo3u-WRBbSlYH5YW6txpsEIhLVnpZNPMZShxyG0dKybKcrKglOp5m_-zoN3WbIBQndk7ixv-Y6oSaSkS0mD975xgg/s1600/M9.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The columns of the uncompleted mosque and Hassan tower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjis1jg5qScvwfqCFnJb8ERpwYQMeVkNvhm5_BN2jSRPPuNAdkjT9vwh2fNzqWLXlN7Jmcu-zoxTYssmFD7Gsmq-TQUQxFbpR9F_wacmXxEF5oOD8rRcmRIz_LGDUiL01ItC0kbuKuz_A/s1600/M7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjis1jg5qScvwfqCFnJb8ERpwYQMeVkNvhm5_BN2jSRPPuNAdkjT9vwh2fNzqWLXlN7Jmcu-zoxTYssmFD7Gsmq-TQUQxFbpR9F_wacmXxEF5oOD8rRcmRIz_LGDUiL01ItC0kbuKuz_A/s1600/M7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The erected walls meant for the mosque</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Walking to the opposite end of Hassan tower, we arrived at the foot of the stairway leading to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, which contained
the tomb of the Moroccan King and his two sons. It was a stark contrast to the incomplete mosque that we had seen earlier. The exterior and interior architectural design of the Mausoleum was stunning, with a great amount of
details incorporated into its construction as shown by the many delicate cravings and exquisite tile designs all around. The close proximity of the grand Mausoleum and the humble uncompleted mosque, each with a different
fate and charm, certainly does evoke mixed feelings and thoughts to those who visits and what’s more, when set against the backdrop of a clear blue sky, it is truly an unforgettable sight! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvkztChN3BpSn13R0bymje9Lzj3kLAsiAAus8qnq1nHsfTUTqyhXs9XeXSRVxhe5vuPvd3fhHq5vr0zDCBp8BAKTx6-4yAfc-ER9eXAQHYiNt5wiLyl-yH7o75LRo6h8MdasYWC2qzg/s1600/M6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvkztChN3BpSn13R0bymje9Lzj3kLAsiAAus8qnq1nHsfTUTqyhXs9XeXSRVxhe5vuPvd3fhHq5vr0zDCBp8BAKTx6-4yAfc-ER9eXAQHYiNt5wiLyl-yH7o75LRo6h8MdasYWC2qzg/s1600/M6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mausoleum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVbhJDba1ka6A03bfJMmRluXJH1hFtD0nag3fatISy-9PbGeo2psLkSKjZx0y8oXjWUyOAe89jjsmT84Peh2CEJUFaLmEeqCgpuvo6-LF8Xi1NqCiUr6wrP1mOcY_3ho57XoaCwfpOw/s1600/M8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVbhJDba1ka6A03bfJMmRluXJH1hFtD0nag3fatISy-9PbGeo2psLkSKjZx0y8oXjWUyOAe89jjsmT84Peh2CEJUFaLmEeqCgpuvo6-LF8Xi1NqCiUr6wrP1mOcY_3ho57XoaCwfpOw/s1600/M8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the amount of detail that goes into the roof!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bidding farewell to the Hassan tower, we ventured off to visit the final destination of this whole Morocco trip - Rabat old town (or
Medina). As with most old towns in Morocco, Rabat Medina is walled up as well. However, as we walked through the fortification walls of Rabat Medina, we realised how different it was as compared to the other old towns that
we had visited. The pathways within the walls of Rabat was cleaner and neater, with some of the smaller alleys bearing some resemblance to that seen in Chefchaouen. It was also less crowded and messy when compared to the other
old towns. As we ventured further into the Medina, we arrived at a doorway which leads to an edge overlooking the sea. It was a relaxing moment just enjoying the sea breeze and watching the tides go in and out. This last lookout
point also served as a good reminder of the scene at the Miami beach of Casablanca that we visited on the first day of our tour. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbuIXG-9AZtVUrSK1baIPnHArJtrCeciLcC-4LAh253YFc3tZWCEm45ZPsM9dLT9n4b9av-s1_DlXlDe2TCYI5elALSw5lvaPXYAZD-aToDZP3G-Ff3ABBw7xmJBEyfmotunNk9Kvjw/s1600/M11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="541" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbuIXG-9AZtVUrSK1baIPnHArJtrCeciLcC-4LAh253YFc3tZWCEm45ZPsM9dLT9n4b9av-s1_DlXlDe2TCYI5elALSw5lvaPXYAZD-aToDZP3G-Ff3ABBw7xmJBEyfmotunNk9Kvjw/s1600/M11.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fortification wall of Rabat Medina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eHXH5eBI4qCbsPHDLyqxdMnInWIL3sLdqPoUkHqDAv1jg4DGPaAI2sd9uSLVaMoto6sljIzilvM8-UXySPDQT5qqhMp1xFe-bx4f6r-M6499t7hcmB_83awSoVNCdPspwbgxD_9Ulg/s1600/M16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eHXH5eBI4qCbsPHDLyqxdMnInWIL3sLdqPoUkHqDAv1jg4DGPaAI2sd9uSLVaMoto6sljIzilvM8-UXySPDQT5qqhMp1xFe-bx4f6r-M6499t7hcmB_83awSoVNCdPspwbgxD_9Ulg/s1600/M16.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kM24HQUpAV0WMyIReS7NEEkYrbJcu6lZ-0l-6GSk2iWmB-HKf-h6qI1C1CbiwCQEdmRXPwYMhwSvqEjxTzqEFd-DL8SvWg-FInZDwhkhplwBdW-xE03-3sQJS0jWnCpIMNzgSfhTkg/s1600/M13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kM24HQUpAV0WMyIReS7NEEkYrbJcu6lZ-0l-6GSk2iWmB-HKf-h6qI1C1CbiwCQEdmRXPwYMhwSvqEjxTzqEFd-DL8SvWg-FInZDwhkhplwBdW-xE03-3sQJS0jWnCpIMNzgSfhTkg/s1600/M13.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A striking resemblance to the doors in Chefchaouen!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrz-dOnt9FDfcTonDVuA87ev2b5v6DEEsjRIeZQkZSqFZlT0J4HhX1XcIvcGimdbG51kkUwgGFDVMgsd1yoYkfd1A_Ex4qeMFKK6m6MQKOb2Ihnt3iFHV74Dj8VEcsRhBTuQZsrrJxTg/s1600/M15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrz-dOnt9FDfcTonDVuA87ev2b5v6DEEsjRIeZQkZSqFZlT0J4HhX1XcIvcGimdbG51kkUwgGFDVMgsd1yoYkfd1A_Ex4qeMFKK6m6MQKOb2Ihnt3iFHV74Dj8VEcsRhBTuQZsrrJxTg/s1600/M15.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmN9N7TOGam7-wQ-bMw-FGgcRDInWLFhHiV2_Ssmc7DxzYim2Xr6vN1ghDLpbOcPp0hm4J3JpMdu4QOwq4eraL35hPRoz6VFfERz3qhgp8K7y_yi6J1HLEvLcYLLMsSvIIKL4KVEaCw/s1600/M17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmN9N7TOGam7-wQ-bMw-FGgcRDInWLFhHiV2_Ssmc7DxzYim2Xr6vN1ghDLpbOcPp0hm4J3JpMdu4QOwq4eraL35hPRoz6VFfERz3qhgp8K7y_yi6J1HLEvLcYLLMsSvIIKL4KVEaCw/s1600/M17.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the alleys too?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXtK1MldK7SLsHRG1NghzyV6xmF-6Wd7gHFuHwzBZrOEYciuYZER4A54jLhfxz4Pe8zKhMJ4aCMORcqKJzlCsvsKYuM46bX9raZSAmAf5LBvl-NAydXRmTu-zfFcpVm-yPKQvkImiiQ/s1600/M14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXtK1MldK7SLsHRG1NghzyV6xmF-6Wd7gHFuHwzBZrOEYciuYZER4A54jLhfxz4Pe8zKhMJ4aCMORcqKJzlCsvsKYuM46bX9raZSAmAf5LBvl-NAydXRmTu-zfFcpVm-yPKQvkImiiQ/s1600/M14.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big waves crashing into the shore...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLVZo3JzhaJOafMEmDfVk1kxyplhmfgD1eRzx8Dzgl_eiRSY0sHptSRgHrh7hoZskf-sa56Zsue33Qa9ySQTxge_ZNS5WggMJhXgTi3crapkbwq9aBy02a8KC_uPIwEScLq3SvpEUJQ/s1600/M1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLVZo3JzhaJOafMEmDfVk1kxyplhmfgD1eRzx8Dzgl_eiRSY0sHptSRgHrh7hoZskf-sa56Zsue33Qa9ySQTxge_ZNS5WggMJhXgTi3crapkbwq9aBy02a8KC_uPIwEScLq3SvpEUJQ/s1600/M1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We had certainly came one full round and explored Morocco rather extensively. The view and experiences that we had in Morocco were beyond
words and is something that my husband and I were glad to partake and to have as cherished memories! Morocco, you have been a superb host and we are certainly looking forward to our next trip back. Till then...ciao for now.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9PKNrcz-kXUVfAmHQn7Q-SOIeRw9FIFn8mK0Vcu0xoyXpeZ16-QpuLh84VPbVMsxOeEHPkKmadal0TWFF2Lxaohzx2BV2eMUuf9z6SftUmcFMRxAABnQAWV0ghupdI1c_RVBuxMoKg/s1600/M2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9PKNrcz-kXUVfAmHQn7Q-SOIeRw9FIFn8mK0Vcu0xoyXpeZ16-QpuLh84VPbVMsxOeEHPkKmadal0TWFF2Lxaohzx2BV2eMUuf9z6SftUmcFMRxAABnQAWV0ghupdI1c_RVBuxMoKg/s1600/M2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2leVIEv6RkIgDw5zE4W_26cDDJANjsEQrA54BnRJLMkyQp1SfZuNS8VrQg_RVDE85O0cps0ZJxJCb6LbR2k74cnMoCq_pNuTzAmexHma2tQjCifu573PgfrBWo7TCpIrtqAIa8HMQZw/s1600/M3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="519" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2leVIEv6RkIgDw5zE4W_26cDDJANjsEQrA54BnRJLMkyQp1SfZuNS8VrQg_RVDE85O0cps0ZJxJCb6LbR2k74cnMoCq_pNuTzAmexHma2tQjCifu573PgfrBWo7TCpIrtqAIa8HMQZw/s1600/M3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye Morocco!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yours Truly,</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Claire</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Normal">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-------------------------------------------------------</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Related Post:</span><br />
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/05/dear-diarycasablanca-morocco.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Casablanca (Morocco)</a></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/05/dear-diarymarrakesh-morocco.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Marrakesh (Morocco)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/05/dear-diaryouarzazate-morocco.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Ouarzazate (Morocco)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/06/dear-diarytodgha-gorge-and-sahara.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Todgha Gorge and Sahara Desert (Morocco)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/06/dear-diaryziz-valley-kasbah-asmaa-hotel.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Ziz valley, Kasbah Asmaa hotel and Ifrane (Morocco)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/06/dear-diaryfes-and-chefchaouen.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Fes and Chefchaouen (Morocco)</a></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-11094904403958641382018-06-15T08:50:00.000+08:002018-06-18T12:03:20.326+08:00Dear Diary.....Fes and Chefchaouen (Morocco)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskeAzoDzsxvau0bSIvmudlanleClQ7XA9L5WSxEL0mIsSumJiTPt9GGt5rf1-oLSR7dCzRS3qwjz1m_eRLzS3-mukWGHQ7rog8ElMDg29E_w_d01AlvsVFBoptjLr5a_WLyD2e32MAg/s1600/M30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskeAzoDzsxvau0bSIvmudlanleClQ7XA9L5WSxEL0mIsSumJiTPt9GGt5rf1-oLSR7dCzRS3qwjz1m_eRLzS3-mukWGHQ7rog8ElMDg29E_w_d01AlvsVFBoptjLr5a_WLyD2e32MAg/s1600/M30.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="Normal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dear Diary,</span></div>
<div class="Normal">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This second last day of our tour was literally a day full of ups and downs. Many of us, including myself, had succumbed to either the
common cold or stomach flu and the mood in the group was rather down at the start of this day. After a quiet breakfast at the hotel, we proceeded to board our van to head to the old Town of Fes. Many of us had expected this
day to be a relaxing one as Fes was the only item on the itinerary.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhA6oOmGciWrX_mFoSeKsrtRzgolSTKJbMgMQKw5w5BlnoE9VgdtCyZn4dHf7SMXnQWMXQuPL-v1iHGPE3Y9Ei1PS9DQsuu_dazPAi2y45IUMO6RKcHwlUVa5s4dSDS2U_wFpkP7Bvw/s1600/M7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhA6oOmGciWrX_mFoSeKsrtRzgolSTKJbMgMQKw5w5BlnoE9VgdtCyZn4dHf7SMXnQWMXQuPL-v1iHGPE3Y9Ei1PS9DQsuu_dazPAi2y45IUMO6RKcHwlUVa5s4dSDS2U_wFpkP7Bvw/s1600/M7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The expression on this cat pretty much sums up our mood for this day...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, due to concerns that it would be too rushed to cover two towns (Chefchaouen and Rabat) and make it in time for our return flight
out of Morocco the next day, our guide decided to push forward the tour of Chefchaouen to this day. Upon hearing this, there was quite a commotion among our tour mates as Chefchaouen is the place that all of us had wanted to
visit and explore the most out of the three remaining towns and we would want to visit it in good weather conditions rather than on this forecasted rainy day. The commotion lasted throughout most of the journey with some even
suggesting that we forgo Rabat totally so that we can have more time at Chefchaouen. This suggestion spiraled down to a crazy debate over the fairness of striking out one item on our itinerary due to the lack of foresight
on the person who planned this itinerary. The initially gloomy mood started to erupt into one that is filled with anguish and frustration and the commotion just got louder with time, definitely not the best condition for those
who were feeling unwell to rest in. Eventually, our guide made the decision to stick to the plan for visiting both Fes and Chefchaouen today and to leave Rabat for the next day. We could only secretly pray hard that the weather
would turn for the better when we reach Chefchaouen!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75Mw8rMS-6qAaqtbGoFZIC1PI8fokOn0QCrsnuOjhCkEu-fg2e-qJ8yP_dJtgEp567xWOflRhpx2YTnlGa35SsuuvXx9KYxIlyDbV9ZHD5fbmI3UR3PieT0Yw0vGP0R5ePDUTT6MQeQ/s1600/M15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75Mw8rMS-6qAaqtbGoFZIC1PI8fokOn0QCrsnuOjhCkEu-fg2e-qJ8yP_dJtgEp567xWOflRhpx2YTnlGa35SsuuvXx9KYxIlyDbV9ZHD5fbmI3UR3PieT0Yw0vGP0R5ePDUTT6MQeQ/s1600/M15.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Fes old town</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The short journey from our hotel to the old town of Fes felt like eternity as the whole van was filled with an awkward silence after
all that commotion. Upon reaching the entrance to the old town, everyone was eager to get out of the van and into the open space for some breather. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoxztfbqYWFY_EvHa-pGYRfsrxhTIH64602LYPld1TZ_tfqzxtAdcT2Ts_LV-swZrQW31eOWkwS9BHqinF9k1tq0e0nZkppwOQCotw1r50T51xOvongKwUcxpW9kl-7xyAsZG1aEhDQ/s1600/M11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoxztfbqYWFY_EvHa-pGYRfsrxhTIH64602LYPld1TZ_tfqzxtAdcT2Ts_LV-swZrQW31eOWkwS9BHqinF9k1tq0e0nZkppwOQCotw1r50T51xOvongKwUcxpW9kl-7xyAsZG1aEhDQ/s1600/M11.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Royal Palace in Fes...great spot to take photo!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxM-BUEbmqMrJb2stHu7SPFoDXrE3SAduNeFG7VZCwi1N0oNC0dKXTp6-T4KbS0kSUZnKPHTWJz8tPkDNJ7YvSPGL6937L2WqxoHRfjFDqWQupmE49nrRmYJvbNmlDIIYcUp-qNPoqw/s1600/M12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxM-BUEbmqMrJb2stHu7SPFoDXrE3SAduNeFG7VZCwi1N0oNC0dKXTp6-T4KbS0kSUZnKPHTWJz8tPkDNJ7YvSPGL6937L2WqxoHRfjFDqWQupmE49nrRmYJvbNmlDIIYcUp-qNPoqw/s1600/M12.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the vibrant colors!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The dead silence and awkwardness was broken when we were joined by a Fes local guide. He was a young and handsome chap and certainly
did wonders in lifting the cloud of negativity surrounding the group. When the Fes local guide started to go into detail with regards to our route for the day, we all started to get rather hyped up and excited over the tour
and had completely forgotten about the argument earlier on. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-T3cSCzaJ9xcXg4W_u0nSZv45sa1w166eaAmRJTbPaI4QbBLwZmrNBmowgC9NCJBzTJsMzFew0FS8wHGoPqRxDEBR82Rhi9U65B8xM4XOI3vTWKSh1sdXo5HzYL0AP1LCl6HZzxr7PA/s1600/M8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-T3cSCzaJ9xcXg4W_u0nSZv45sa1w166eaAmRJTbPaI4QbBLwZmrNBmowgC9NCJBzTJsMzFew0FS8wHGoPqRxDEBR82Rhi9U65B8xM4XOI3vTWKSh1sdXo5HzYL0AP1LCl6HZzxr7PA/s1600/M8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saw many interesting doors while walking along the maze-like alleys...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjH7HgIMVNdC9UnX7xbPmpjwmIvF3PLDUOzONuGaa6cILf9ccO9nq_J-uWM0KOtyZrgZD4jtucMIZNZfbTINNWipAyIfQ2RnjD-Ng3xCGfiCIws3ns6Bt7Y1e9F4HdEiD5YSoDSI_CQ/s1600/M9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjH7HgIMVNdC9UnX7xbPmpjwmIvF3PLDUOzONuGaa6cILf9ccO9nq_J-uWM0KOtyZrgZD4jtucMIZNZfbTINNWipAyIfQ2RnjD-Ng3xCGfiCIws3ns6Bt7Y1e9F4HdEiD5YSoDSI_CQ/s1600/M9.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More colorful doors...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Prior to this trip, I had done some research on Fes and had noted that it was a chaotic and messy place with numerous scams on tourists
reported on the Internet. However, the old town of Fes was nothing like what I had read about in this early hours of the day. Most of the shops were not opened and there was barely anyone in sight. This was probably a blessing
in disguise as we did not have to deal with any touts and could safely wander about and explore the old Town of Fes in peace. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgloBJfHEpk6RX5_KX3ePgrR9-2WSkn3qHIIrrvo-y4mTs13Z5N4kaXtxlBlREhsGNMrWJbQYp_G8AguFVJrd_lucG0rZZS-uua5LFr2Y-7RLZMZDTC-tvItvl2p0J1kF7U8PGEbCJw/s1600/M14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgloBJfHEpk6RX5_KX3ePgrR9-2WSkn3qHIIrrvo-y4mTs13Z5N4kaXtxlBlREhsGNMrWJbQYp_G8AguFVJrd_lucG0rZZS-uua5LFr2Y-7RLZMZDTC-tvItvl2p0J1kF7U8PGEbCJw/s1600/M14.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The narrow alleys...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwc5dj48IlaUuactvW36lJVyppSXOARM3zXTvcRR9234pPI2O8-7sN23KpR9GLORkVZ942PYOZW2aJvaUlfaYp_boZJOaqtNVGBhA9_QmcEIM_dfx-a8_N-4flFT9fMcSmQVC2sK7cMA/s1600/M16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwc5dj48IlaUuactvW36lJVyppSXOARM3zXTvcRR9234pPI2O8-7sN23KpR9GLORkVZ942PYOZW2aJvaUlfaYp_boZJOaqtNVGBhA9_QmcEIM_dfx-a8_N-4flFT9fMcSmQVC2sK7cMA/s1600/M16.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4JUAiUNs9bPw-_Vp0UJrysWWSFl6ig617Q78XaV8adSjVtJqOAYsq3Gs5um6I29CONCU6tF8-n7Cb9YPme3PHoFNsLGj_Ooe3UDJLwm8okzRnmcbmoDzoqqqum30brpSaBsDuAgr4A/s1600/M17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4JUAiUNs9bPw-_Vp0UJrysWWSFl6ig617Q78XaV8adSjVtJqOAYsq3Gs5um6I29CONCU6tF8-n7Cb9YPme3PHoFNsLGj_Ooe3UDJLwm8okzRnmcbmoDzoqqqum30brpSaBsDuAgr4A/s1600/M17.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Tt_OAfBq7S-H-7DSQe3H7LiMj9WkF887RHoV-jiqYzqLJX27EMfig1gL9IixDMxZYE1PzLYHojUO_VH84yIn6quLps17VDbdrVwn0Dt7q06lfaFa_Y1e1p8QAjWFPKaBMuzEh5L2Dg/s1600/M18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Tt_OAfBq7S-H-7DSQe3H7LiMj9WkF887RHoV-jiqYzqLJX27EMfig1gL9IixDMxZYE1PzLYHojUO_VH84yIn6quLps17VDbdrVwn0Dt7q06lfaFa_Y1e1p8QAjWFPKaBMuzEh5L2Dg/s1600/M18.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This alley was considered wide...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-z73sOGeoy7fN9spPgFlH1gTgXp4s6DTh1Dl1F3YuHrEXf3Y6AwYt6K7QqteusixGcxz0JzKAR7Ap7Fxe5N-9j_wOwXMmyNSCfaRebaNrpZYnuB30jUtJ7Ls2XSGJMWORz8nsANARQ/s1600/M19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-z73sOGeoy7fN9spPgFlH1gTgXp4s6DTh1Dl1F3YuHrEXf3Y6AwYt6K7QqteusixGcxz0JzKAR7Ap7Fxe5N-9j_wOwXMmyNSCfaRebaNrpZYnuB30jUtJ7Ls2XSGJMWORz8nsANARQ/s1600/M19.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sneak preview of what to expect at Chefchaouen?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As we walked through the narrow alleys of the old town, it finally dawned on me as to why did the local Fes guide kept emphasizing to
follow him closely and not to wander off on our own. It was literally like a maze inside the old town and we could have easily gotten lost with one wrong turn. The alleys were so narrow that we had to walk in a single file
and it certainly did not help that these poorly lighted alleys were littered with rotting trash. Thanks God for our local guide!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ms0wf-4erEOudQVGSqWdxgY2sg9Mvblrxiwf1YJ3mn4mANWCp7HPtfTemfEyhiuVdfJZerD6_8qdttLsb8UHz2I16wphfEufpmReQcOZt4WxK-gv5gbTW14vxb8oE3H_iIRPixQ3gQ/s1600/M1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ms0wf-4erEOudQVGSqWdxgY2sg9Mvblrxiwf1YJ3mn4mANWCp7HPtfTemfEyhiuVdfJZerD6_8qdttLsb8UHz2I16wphfEufpmReQcOZt4WxK-gv5gbTW14vxb8oE3H_iIRPixQ3gQ/s1600/M1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance of Al Quaraouiyine Mosque </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Winding through the small alleys, we arrived at our first stop - the leather tannery (with some stops in between to view the exterior
of the mosque and Islamic colleges along the way). Although the tannery is the place most frequently associated with scams on tourists, it was also the place that I had been looking forward to visiting here in Fes! There were
many online horror tales about scams by some “friendly” locals offering to lead the way to the tannery only to demand a fee upon arrival at the destination or that some tourists were held hostage after they refused to
purchase anything or pay a fee after viewing the tannery. Some reviews even mentioned that the smell inside the tannery is unbearable and it certainly did not help that even our guide had advised us to put on a face mask if
possible. Bracing myself for the worst, we were led to the viewing terrace located at the top floor of the leather shop. From the terrace, we were able to have a bird’s eye view on the tannery on the ground floor. Being
wary of the potential revolting smell, I took a quick sniff and realized it was not as bad as expected and in fact, I was able to breathe as per normal! Heaving a sigh of relief, I kept my focus on the tannery. At first glance,
it would seem like we were viewing an whole area <span style="background-color: white;">filled wit</span>h oversized painter’s palettes filled with various different colors. Upon closer look, we could see the workers hard at work, soaking the various hides with the
dyes and laying them out to dry thereafter. It was indeed an amazing sight and it is no wonder a visit to the tanneries is a must when visiting Fes!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWu2utjVXZ-DTs1_6KnUzDcyDtSgveBCRD2oCz6ysR4PKaE35X-E-7567YwkSUCkEZEjixLqq0CXfDs567cJhsYPIgp8H6pJKdczBgQDq4MP-yAsEQzqO7CDqzTtbE6y3CDWoxgg5aKQ/s1600/M4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWu2utjVXZ-DTs1_6KnUzDcyDtSgveBCRD2oCz6ysR4PKaE35X-E-7567YwkSUCkEZEjixLqq0CXfDs567cJhsYPIgp8H6pJKdczBgQDq4MP-yAsEQzqO7CDqzTtbE6y3CDWoxgg5aKQ/s1600/M4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the tannery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFVV2Eqnwla1nGJh9id58L4OtzwwdRtaEV-yrTNWfudAiCvlh6gXlcEtlwnk5ZKtz-RUZ1Ybr-9NsqymY83_b-RAb0dFQzvU1UYw_acPfj7hmX3rhIw2T4443nf-AgKRiGtEllLzZ-w/s1600/M20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFVV2Eqnwla1nGJh9id58L4OtzwwdRtaEV-yrTNWfudAiCvlh6gXlcEtlwnk5ZKtz-RUZ1Ybr-9NsqymY83_b-RAb0dFQzvU1UYw_acPfj7hmX3rhIw2T4443nf-AgKRiGtEllLzZ-w/s1600/M20.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Workers hard at work</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After viewing the tannery, it was time for the leather shop owner to showcase his variety of leather goods and as my other tour mates
were excitedly trying on and purchasing the leather products, my husband and I (who are not so much a fan of leather products) found a bench and just sat down and admire the colorful leather products surrounding us. It was
also interesting to observe how the Moroccans interact with tourists and how they adapt their business strategies to different individuals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1BNa0vfh6Vhzz5gCL9e8RIq8-saCY9SuLCfHx9SvC3ngOwuGp_Wi8Q0qeGL0R6K6Vzd2AbHExR-cXWm36gqv0RzP82l5vowE2crYNyGSZJnT8IHDFtEjLPOz9m2moTBtps0sWXTUog/s1600/M5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1BNa0vfh6Vhzz5gCL9e8RIq8-saCY9SuLCfHx9SvC3ngOwuGp_Wi8Q0qeGL0R6K6Vzd2AbHExR-cXWm36gqv0RzP82l5vowE2crYNyGSZJnT8IHDFtEjLPOz9m2moTBtps0sWXTUog/s1600/M5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moroccan leather shoes...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihV-8NOSmPUMNr0ljzedganxBp93zmMbtfcrRHtOXLyBat-XpWAksFYD8ki3SQUpepiKyvnbHkdC-VPwjSDvWEUUAVDi-tXCmzAq0SPsMJohkerky9flf5EQ12_-TzEUZ7CrZeVjB3Ag/s1600/M6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihV-8NOSmPUMNr0ljzedganxBp93zmMbtfcrRHtOXLyBat-XpWAksFYD8ki3SQUpepiKyvnbHkdC-VPwjSDvWEUUAVDi-tXCmzAq0SPsMJohkerky9flf5EQ12_-TzEUZ7CrZeVjB3Ag/s1600/M6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the other leather products</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next shop that we visited was a weaving shop where the owner tried to attract our attention
by introducing to us the weaving machine that was used to weave his products (such as cushion covers and scarves). However, it seems like the products in this shop did not have that much of an appeal to us and many of us either
just wandered about halfheartedly or were just taking a rest at the benches provided. My husband and I were feeling quite stuffy in the shop and had decided to step out for some fresh air and many of our tour mates started
to follow us out in no time. I guess this action might have irritated the owner as he started to become quite hostile to us and chased the rest of our tour mates out of his stop. It was at this point in time that we decided
as a group to cut short the tour at Fes and to head to Chefchaouen instead. We were even willing to forgo a sit-down lunch and make do with a grab-and-go lunch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG19JWoyNfSFZjcqeMjIVu2SaFEOtcSYIulsHAFZoTppr4lZsO0t-g_mnM6PTVo5uV2itk-n4rVvMSD-W5GYbdxviZ63fCsEEwq-meUX8KmBww1l7rQXtoTXGK3ulX40Fw3Bagd573oA/s1600/M2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG19JWoyNfSFZjcqeMjIVu2SaFEOtcSYIulsHAFZoTppr4lZsO0t-g_mnM6PTVo5uV2itk-n4rVvMSD-W5GYbdxviZ63fCsEEwq-meUX8KmBww1l7rQXtoTXGK3ulX40Fw3Bagd573oA/s1600/M2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The weaving machine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmirVfp3vOrE6fErGGnaf95sFcg8knaHFIsgoa4iDcsPlSpW-xtcN7hvRqh5X_LB5nlnG9PAGcf0T71Opsx_ZN5e4IESHKabmIlpI9W7pr4Q5RXm_kHEtlJYveLA8jTGSGzmsQ3Gt95w/s1600/M3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmirVfp3vOrE6fErGGnaf95sFcg8knaHFIsgoa4iDcsPlSpW-xtcN7hvRqh5X_LB5nlnG9PAGcf0T71Opsx_ZN5e4IESHKabmIlpI9W7pr4Q5RXm_kHEtlJYveLA8jTGSGzmsQ3Gt95w/s1600/M3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful scarves and cushion covers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After making known our request to our guide, she gave us some time to buy some snacks for lunch before we board our van. She also mentioned
that we would still have to make a rest stop so that our driver can have his lunch. Happily, we boarded the van and head off for Chefchaouen. However, just as we left Fes, it started to rain and the rain became heavier and
heavier as we travelled on. We were quite disheartened and the excited chatters at the start of the journey soon quietened down as everyone started to pray very hard that the sky will clear up by the time we arrived at our
destination. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EpdcSX7dlTthu5XoquyCgqQ7r5zfa7BOlBOZMG2nIIfLy8_AFqXl3vRqsZePoDCUEiWLj4_asrqrYf2GK-Vweky3_kbdMmu01beF9mygA_KEczF_LDrgGzc3GSH5i7ECkwIzPumpBA/s1600/M26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EpdcSX7dlTthu5XoquyCgqQ7r5zfa7BOlBOZMG2nIIfLy8_AFqXl3vRqsZePoDCUEiWLj4_asrqrYf2GK-Vweky3_kbdMmu01beF9mygA_KEczF_LDrgGzc3GSH5i7ECkwIzPumpBA/s1600/M26.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic view of Chefchaouen (try to locate the blue town)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lo and behold, we are indeed a very blessed group because the rain actually stopped when we were approaching Chefchaouen. Our dismay
turned into relief and we started cheering and everyone was in high spirits again. With the weather turning to our favor, our driver decided to make a stop along the roads that provided a good view of the blue town - Chefchaouen.
The whole town, though small, still stood out because of its vibrant blue color! The stop at this viewpoint certainly made all of us more excited then ever!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepD3cxE96zEgY2ROpq3X27SINXMDkjTJ8uxXTeTDT5GNL_skqnZnf7v5NAIFloBpzhq_KyPcolD8eS-DDcC7OMjVvHOnbCurCbALOlrPU7DOvrkUUf7_Cr3WXjQGs9BlKZngfj3bYvA/s1600/M27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepD3cxE96zEgY2ROpq3X27SINXMDkjTJ8uxXTeTDT5GNL_skqnZnf7v5NAIFloBpzhq_KyPcolD8eS-DDcC7OMjVvHOnbCurCbALOlrPU7DOvrkUUf7_Cr3WXjQGs9BlKZngfj3bYvA/s1600/M27.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did you manage to spot this in the above photo?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yb-ZHQlze91VdsR37uSDqhcQ4Qvmjrhsc5V7zDU8MOcMqCvVNDaCVzg7r-q55bBvP3qFa6japSWS3dFx5s1m4ah6ZozoPe5StMG9uoyibIYUjtHeyzIBekU-2wXiYSncv137ZZa05Q/s1600/M37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yb-ZHQlze91VdsR37uSDqhcQ4Qvmjrhsc5V7zDU8MOcMqCvVNDaCVzg7r-q55bBvP3qFa6japSWS3dFx5s1m4ah6ZozoPe5StMG9uoyibIYUjtHeyzIBekU-2wXiYSncv137ZZa05Q/s1600/M37.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After checking into the hotel, we eagerly made our way out to explore Chefchaouen and just as we stepped out of the hotel, a huge rainbow
was seen hanging in the sky as tho it was welcoming us to the blue town. It was a clear sign that our stay in Chefchaouen would be an excellent one!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFzdsGp9ZV91xy-EEB3quFEHXEvzVoE1Ci7UeqXqJRmPFZPzv-su8_rXZhKSdpyusoSSoaeppsfIwHLhyfQzTyO9P4JwebSriA_RWhGPQLAT6KdKyTodbKLhS-rXiyR1TFQNyV_isiQ/s1600/M22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFzdsGp9ZV91xy-EEB3quFEHXEvzVoE1Ci7UeqXqJRmPFZPzv-su8_rXZhKSdpyusoSSoaeppsfIwHLhyfQzTyO9P4JwebSriA_RWhGPQLAT6KdKyTodbKLhS-rXiyR1TFQNyV_isiQ/s1600/M22.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rainbow to welcome us!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The main square of the town was just minutes away from the hotel and from there on, there was just this one path that will loop back
to the main square. My husband and I strolled along the path and we really enjoyed admiring the vibrant blue surrounding us. There are many tales of why the walls of the buildings in Chefchaouen were painted blue, though one
can never be sure which is the actual reason. One of the more popular theory was that the blue kept the mosquitoes away while another is that the Jews introduced the blue when they were escaping from Hitler in the 1930s. Whatever
the real reason may be, the blue walls of this town is certainly stunning and I am thankful to be able to explore this beautiful town and to get to experience its charming side! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_F8wlUcQ63JIWKUqeHNZGjtzSngrgl5opbxsCQk9fF-n7mk9jma7nKM1UwBSQjnZYoORiNMSTrU4CYbW8s4mEHen9bjgQsSaeBuOsHHUkfVyQf4PP6aoE4-sjEOlHwUDOng8JpFfPA/s1600/M21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_F8wlUcQ63JIWKUqeHNZGjtzSngrgl5opbxsCQk9fF-n7mk9jma7nKM1UwBSQjnZYoORiNMSTrU4CYbW8s4mEHen9bjgQsSaeBuOsHHUkfVyQf4PP6aoE4-sjEOlHwUDOng8JpFfPA/s1600/M21.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Mosque in Chefchaouen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4BN1ek5Veu0hXXSVx7qr1SpGxKcjk-7HnvbuPD43BH4qDKP9pshRrc0HyjFVJul9ntf6vvAH4VwchFJG6mZdN0Xgx0Qvqn_RHXyQuEMRLi74LLvzGSkdz74KPWKSLacfaT5bM0yQBw/s1600/M28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4BN1ek5Veu0hXXSVx7qr1SpGxKcjk-7HnvbuPD43BH4qDKP9pshRrc0HyjFVJul9ntf6vvAH4VwchFJG6mZdN0Xgx0Qvqn_RHXyQuEMRLi74LLvzGSkdz74KPWKSLacfaT5bM0yQBw/s1600/M28.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the street art is in blue!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PEPlMOMQnt37dmJPqJ67Uloqxn5ddejRuLYl_HmvSc50bgi5PDdTw0eQ4bX4_UdFWfpxe8esAaVPTfagcyG8dYaIIxvSU0KxmWsTZz9oH154NvBLEvRVyd69TjZV61fli_DiBRAPcw/s1600/M29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PEPlMOMQnt37dmJPqJ67Uloqxn5ddejRuLYl_HmvSc50bgi5PDdTw0eQ4bX4_UdFWfpxe8esAaVPTfagcyG8dYaIIxvSU0KxmWsTZz9oH154NvBLEvRVyd69TjZV61fli_DiBRAPcw/s1600/M29.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of the blue walls...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7p19PW36Y_xih-1fybB-dDSkHVYvrT8et9RxqYNpe4rYWaBtQqwhReqPF6ibuH3rX7kv-KVgge1Gdcjr1fximX1fzYvqRj5u0vvw01Pf4mzqivtVcLaunX_o95xiK0N3SBNZVSSv9fw/s1600/M36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7p19PW36Y_xih-1fybB-dDSkHVYvrT8et9RxqYNpe4rYWaBtQqwhReqPF6ibuH3rX7kv-KVgge1Gdcjr1fximX1fzYvqRj5u0vvw01Pf4mzqivtVcLaunX_o95xiK0N3SBNZVSSv9fw/s1600/M36.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3LDs2t3GJhbqouInzO75f8HAEb76L7sMeCsmaDyGe1FVsECroEagVU1nG0G0CCvVFFIC1ngPDp1jHoHXEE2isFCwa7S3zOVwG6fTBZ2p6iK3iqAKh2CzVdUlfsZ-8m8UscznMKo87w/s1600/M35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3LDs2t3GJhbqouInzO75f8HAEb76L7sMeCsmaDyGe1FVsECroEagVU1nG0G0CCvVFFIC1ngPDp1jHoHXEE2isFCwa7S3zOVwG6fTBZ2p6iK3iqAKh2CzVdUlfsZ-8m8UscznMKo87w/s1600/M35.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't it just looks like a painting?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRA3HXYN7E1r5qiDknBPJDwQff2VHnXx_ObKapZ53HF09CtvlLdGXDYQO1qv1XMBiZ6h1-sdROsz9HKypoyfxejP1j2WjQpBBs2stN3pSVSc4HMgGJPLs9ZA1WBTlrnqKuRkht4-v8WQ/s1600/M34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRA3HXYN7E1r5qiDknBPJDwQff2VHnXx_ObKapZ53HF09CtvlLdGXDYQO1qv1XMBiZ6h1-sdROsz9HKypoyfxejP1j2WjQpBBs2stN3pSVSc4HMgGJPLs9ZA1WBTlrnqKuRkht4-v8WQ/s1600/M34.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have the place all to ourselves because of the rain (which stopped just when we arrived at Chefchaouen)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasHejVKhTncm2p-j0if6d9jLWsAXMdp8Df7ZFmn4fwWURlLhN7tpK95Qby8kyq-h4nYkshT59ijyVZWNQsR_W_zMDdwXMnlVMyquxpdkpyT1SMA1okeTI3R69o6dm6DD_0ATlO7etmQ/s1600/M32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasHejVKhTncm2p-j0if6d9jLWsAXMdp8Df7ZFmn4fwWURlLhN7tpK95Qby8kyq-h4nYkshT59ijyVZWNQsR_W_zMDdwXMnlVMyquxpdkpyT1SMA1okeTI3R69o6dm6DD_0ATlO7etmQ/s1600/M32.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although the path can be covered in less than 1 hour, my husband and I really took our time and even stopped and admired every little
alley that branched out from the main path - you never know what to expect at these off beaten roads! It was a fun time of photo-taking and I must say I have never had this much blue in my photos ever! We are so glad that the
rain had stopped just in time and that we were able to explore Chefchaouen and admire its splendid beauty!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMC0iJ69xsaKoPSCKEJfPSUH9TnSN4YMWF-WXrHmeM9NhyphenhyphenlWRwLb9m1M-14mt7wk1pxzfkJqMXcAqlWHAS1vLqlPbJ__4B81GdbKS6uTj-Kh-IprNOmfnoJUWhpJXHe5U4d5KmZHcVyg/s1600/M23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMC0iJ69xsaKoPSCKEJfPSUH9TnSN4YMWF-WXrHmeM9NhyphenhyphenlWRwLb9m1M-14mt7wk1pxzfkJqMXcAqlWHAS1vLqlPbJ__4B81GdbKS6uTj-Kh-IprNOmfnoJUWhpJXHe5U4d5KmZHcVyg/s1600/M23.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIauE_yYJESvxZmYChzFO_Hvgnmguf5aSHOYZVun_Bewo_-FJzmR_1dpNQ5vlSDqinHjqAgGWJijkj7rzdsz8Wzbb2TMTspZ8pCoIc-sH6EI970uRVQJR2b5n4urH65aMxvRCpC_Kow/s1600/M24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIauE_yYJESvxZmYChzFO_Hvgnmguf5aSHOYZVun_Bewo_-FJzmR_1dpNQ5vlSDqinHjqAgGWJijkj7rzdsz8Wzbb2TMTspZ8pCoIc-sH6EI970uRVQJR2b5n4urH65aMxvRCpC_Kow/s1600/M24.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love these blue doors!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmi5VSllHb9ExSB_8Pf8PPdKsA6Pvorv_XMdrCkMUn0ecxcnP9gljYMSdnBprMBm541w89U-bMhgcdhL9WsHfkirdcqL1ceQsbjUhhXk37Y1brNcBczBW7Gn3XeSi6uOv3sq8X0uumA/s1600/M25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmi5VSllHb9ExSB_8Pf8PPdKsA6Pvorv_XMdrCkMUn0ecxcnP9gljYMSdnBprMBm541w89U-bMhgcdhL9WsHfkirdcqL1ceQsbjUhhXk37Y1brNcBczBW7Gn3XeSi6uOv3sq8X0uumA/s1600/M25.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiGMDq13V7-QoaMIqOkKP6fulVqQQ4vok-ySWmsMHSoqsm5PCK83_Y38Zz6uI-0dqwYPJhz24cjf8f30HVJpEfpu-rwdN2fKaqOXuZh54O684psOvvuIB70t9kRswqREl4nOLacHArA/s1600/M31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiGMDq13V7-QoaMIqOkKP6fulVqQQ4vok-ySWmsMHSoqsm5PCK83_Y38Zz6uI-0dqwYPJhz24cjf8f30HVJpEfpu-rwdN2fKaqOXuZh54O684psOvvuIB70t9kRswqREl4nOLacHArA/s1600/M31.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are you feeling the blues already?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall, this day had been like a roller coaster ride, with adrenaline and emotions running high and low throughout the day, but most
importantly, it is another day of the tour that my husband and I will remember in time to come, and we are indeed grateful to be able to explore two more wonderful towns of Morocco! Looking forward to what’s in store for
the last day of our tour.....</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yours Truly,</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Claire</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-------------------------------------------------------</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Related Post:</span><br />
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/05/dear-diarycasablanca-morocco.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Casablanca (Morocco)</a></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/05/dear-diarymarrakesh-morocco.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Marrakesh (Morocco)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/05/dear-diaryouarzazate-morocco.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Ouarzazate (Morocco)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/06/dear-diarytodgha-gorge-and-sahara.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Todgha Gorge and Sahara Desert (Morocco)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/06/dear-diaryziz-valley-kasbah-asmaa-hotel.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Ziz valley, Kasbah Asmaa hotel and Ifrane (Morocco)</a></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-32802136967852239092018-06-08T08:16:00.000+08:002018-06-14T12:35:27.682+08:00Dear Diary.....Ziz valley, Kasbah Asmaa hotel and Ifrane (Morocco)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeueK6r6dn8yaj5TbrccoCa6kPt3Ddww20UtRy7hYt98m47Ivgn-80pNe48RhZT0SNp7IRm6-BROdwT5sZ59QrryjmyDRr6RVYWPUsN299_Cvu4W2NO7XGNp5AtDrB-f-927lku6D3w/s1600/M4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeueK6r6dn8yaj5TbrccoCa6kPt3Ddww20UtRy7hYt98m47Ivgn-80pNe48RhZT0SNp7IRm6-BROdwT5sZ59QrryjmyDRr6RVYWPUsN299_Cvu4W2NO7XGNp5AtDrB-f-927lku6D3w/s1600/M4.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Dear Diary,</span><br />
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was going to be another day spent mainly on the roads as we ventured from Merzouga to Fez, with stops at the top of the Ziz valley,
Kasbah Asmaa hotel and Ifrane along the way. After a hearty breakfast, we hopped onto our van and set off on the road. Blessed with good weather and surrounded by the boundless and gorgeous landscapes along the way, it was
no wonder that everyone was in good spirits. What a great start to the day! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9_Hyx0qh-tFcPlPeygqT_kRE8mG8zWSkxu6BCPfx7amjWTmRwsVcvNDFq3IObdtggs506JRCYqOBZALsNMPNCV84G62SAksXCA2ctj5NW0ZtNWzRkoXH2Q65k0H4k-nKzo2j0u0KRQ/s1600/M5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9_Hyx0qh-tFcPlPeygqT_kRE8mG8zWSkxu6BCPfx7amjWTmRwsVcvNDFq3IObdtggs506JRCYqOBZALsNMPNCV84G62SAksXCA2ctj5NW0ZtNWzRkoXH2Q65k0H4k-nKzo2j0u0KRQ/s1600/M5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magnificent sights on the roads...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsa2Ir2LXauyo-MDC2K5fwtVuKZW4ikIWWUEqzBC91pOXlrSdNh6JPvPVvFYJzEajHCezyhXzlKO3pREBthHyJTzAa-NSl3bM1bUazkRNzYsDYkvdHZ5SatXnsDMdOrtJ4Oh2dGQSIqg/s1600/M6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsa2Ir2LXauyo-MDC2K5fwtVuKZW4ikIWWUEqzBC91pOXlrSdNh6JPvPVvFYJzEajHCezyhXzlKO3pREBthHyJTzAa-NSl3bM1bUazkRNzYsDYkvdHZ5SatXnsDMdOrtJ4Oh2dGQSIqg/s1600/M6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow capped Atlas Mountains...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a few hours on the road, losing ourselves in the ever-changing landscapes of Morocco, we arrived at a photo-point overlooking
the Ziz valley. The area was big and spacious, which provided ample space for us to stretch our stiffened joints from the long journey. As we ventured further towards the edge of the cliff, we were rewarded with a panoramic
view of the Ziz valley. It comprised of a whole stretch of fertile land filled with countless trees and rock formation, a stark contrast to the barren land surrounding it! It was a gorgeous sight and as we were the only group
there, we could totally enjoy this marvelous place to our hearts’ contents! There was even a made-shift stall where the locals were selling their harvested red dates. Our guide, who had been ever so enthusiastic about introducing
the Moroccan food and culture, purchased a box of red dates and let us try it on the van. It was sweet and fleshy and certainly made a good snack! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1ohmPXGeFQ5YZhaLinMQnmAobAgl_ZvSvd3gIg4TfMSt88fAR4lvgkmHLat39VCgVMS2LKZ9hNB0iotNzFNkuHyPLTgqg4oChFKZSy7pPpEQpke9CzZbuDPa3yMpu2ipXtThLp6rAg/s1600/M15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1ohmPXGeFQ5YZhaLinMQnmAobAgl_ZvSvd3gIg4TfMSt88fAR4lvgkmHLat39VCgVMS2LKZ9hNB0iotNzFNkuHyPLTgqg4oChFKZSy7pPpEQpke9CzZbuDPa3yMpu2ipXtThLp6rAg/s1600/M15.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ziz valley...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPU0-NXBCwIw2sOl2AKkAse9AEb234plqkaItkbIDDGVBmo8PRxCAM-EcYjG4NKMy1cUiYum-tk70rFV8sGzvnP8n1TzzMDyW_M9vbS_NOhD4gfEcWBmMgnaJiOxfc-GHvNfkJYV1qpA/s1600/M16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPU0-NXBCwIw2sOl2AKkAse9AEb234plqkaItkbIDDGVBmo8PRxCAM-EcYjG4NKMy1cUiYum-tk70rFV8sGzvnP8n1TzzMDyW_M9vbS_NOhD4gfEcWBmMgnaJiOxfc-GHvNfkJYV1qpA/s1600/M16.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">..which spanned across a large area..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1ffLYYtheNQOMIy0pe3j6tXFv01IIzg6suUWDHl40DEEkPmLW2iRDEBnRDKxy8SROF2HRB32Ip0n3nsGs-BhKZtK6rlhDEemO0e5rnFgcQeGqWZGOdCwRX3qxOuFu7n5FxVAVPvnng/s1600/M18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1ffLYYtheNQOMIy0pe3j6tXFv01IIzg6suUWDHl40DEEkPmLW2iRDEBnRDKxy8SROF2HRB32Ip0n3nsGs-BhKZtK6rlhDEemO0e5rnFgcQeGqWZGOdCwRX3qxOuFu7n5FxVAVPvnng/s1600/M18.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More gorgeous sights along the way...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pdQ9P-vQox_Emh544gwjRah60BmCwao1_2S5o_CGUK9lUH7QPMQ-uXIvSfUAnjgBAaDuyAo5AuouTUfS8uk0_dgBvpZb17CpsBXHp9SsjoEZ_gebsVi9o4YNXI-ETRRvTSMmB8H6vg/s1600/M19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pdQ9P-vQox_Emh544gwjRah60BmCwao1_2S5o_CGUK9lUH7QPMQ-uXIvSfUAnjgBAaDuyAo5AuouTUfS8uk0_dgBvpZb17CpsBXHp9SsjoEZ_gebsVi9o4YNXI-ETRRvTSMmB8H6vg/s1600/M19.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't it just breathtaking?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Satisfied with such a breathtaking view, we continued on our journey and it was another good few hours drive before we arrived at our
lunch destination - Kasbah Asmaa hotel. The hotel looked like a small castle built in the middle of nowhere. Its exterior appearance was impressive enough to make one take a second look. However, by this time, our luck with
good weather seemed to be used up as the sky started to be covered with dark clouds. As soon as we alighted from the van, the strong gushes of wind started to throw all of us into panic mode as we desperately tried to make
a dash for the hotel entrance and away from the relentless wind! This sudden change in weather has certainly dashed all my hope of being able to take a good photo of the exterior appearance of this beautiful hotel without
being blown off by the wind!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsPfwPgGK9sDWOiutAFzgtDeT_Jm5gBl_XTWgAbQO81Pw6Li3gsENGobzyoeUcLujRxPxSop2iLLbNkweURUtcGUgveTrwM8oNZbWtvptos3FqgabtB9ysSY9129bvXXNyQydDWXLvA/s1600/M7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsPfwPgGK9sDWOiutAFzgtDeT_Jm5gBl_XTWgAbQO81Pw6Li3gsENGobzyoeUcLujRxPxSop2iLLbNkweURUtcGUgveTrwM8oNZbWtvptos3FqgabtB9ysSY9129bvXXNyQydDWXLvA/s1600/M7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kasbah Asmaa hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjl7BKv-VPRfQKLeFWe_SN7sCJB_GdHvCalU9yoJlsTco9qauMWs12jubVIeFSPSD1wyKLzapoXiYsEleqObytxknDiAASeK_S5kecb9O1NkVZdjVcmLdvc7EgjiL9tRbSnCGNhpbGxw/s1600/M8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjl7BKv-VPRfQKLeFWe_SN7sCJB_GdHvCalU9yoJlsTco9qauMWs12jubVIeFSPSD1wyKLzapoXiYsEleqObytxknDiAASeK_S5kecb9O1NkVZdjVcmLdvc7EgjiL9tRbSnCGNhpbGxw/s1600/M8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at how the trees were bending under the strong winds..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBVRPTfgsucInTk5HAwRHG0bG8iK1gGMosrz748tloWhrpcRD1ea5LTeEVMNCj6KFtfP5vYGS6Kw1vsRjLmEtCv5zp4hEsDgjVtk7KnPQ_CrpeFb1awjRX4G_k7iQ9SWgFSOcFGFE0A/s1600/M10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBVRPTfgsucInTk5HAwRHG0bG8iK1gGMosrz748tloWhrpcRD1ea5LTeEVMNCj6KFtfP5vYGS6Kw1vsRjLmEtCv5zp4hEsDgjVtk7KnPQ_CrpeFb1awjRX4G_k7iQ9SWgFSOcFGFE0A/s1600/M10.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright and sunny on this side....dark and gloomy on the opposite side of the hotel...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back in the warm interior of the hotel, we were ushered to a nice corner to have our lunch. My husband and I decided to be more adventurous
with our food choices and opted to have the Moroccan brochette (or kebab) as well as the hotel’s speciality - fresh trout. The food was awesome! The brochette meat was tender and juicy and the trout was fresh and tasty -
the perfect comfort food for this cold and windy day! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyjA16YDDYRuEssImzncaOQwlgKUlCx0QXOAbrsxVlFbnFjOTZLLVwUIQdvqlvmQxet-2SFyxUFihbD4yY9YHenFdCjWM2EDgq5XslC9hNYPuHCnVAHCmAUJGz5hEipjdzkQrucX4GA/s1600/M9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyjA16YDDYRuEssImzncaOQwlgKUlCx0QXOAbrsxVlFbnFjOTZLLVwUIQdvqlvmQxet-2SFyxUFihbD4yY9YHenFdCjWM2EDgq5XslC9hNYPuHCnVAHCmAUJGz5hEipjdzkQrucX4GA/s1600/M9.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of the hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdinLLzQeByGIWs-iG3wcdv0u9FaFtC3lG_uisMVmF9YOW3vTBH_n30HcVlYzE6_euSN585r7N4VvwWUePwhUo6d2zxRZTjOMCUkiZYPYlH4oND_63D42IMe4d5A6wwk-_OipVgPGSuw/s1600/M11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdinLLzQeByGIWs-iG3wcdv0u9FaFtC3lG_uisMVmF9YOW3vTBH_n30HcVlYzE6_euSN585r7N4VvwWUePwhUo6d2zxRZTjOMCUkiZYPYlH4oND_63D42IMe4d5A6wwk-_OipVgPGSuw/s1600/M11.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy bread that comes with our main course..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiY5WewNQWO6M8VE_fTKGK0MHhCTaoC8earfhm2eFYjOYAMH-ZBpL06qOOStcIlGkdpmRVGAlhTDD78uJrXZgu_aSRnP0RuRA-1Z7R0lfB-x5rfp8g-ZTNtE2kyEMFmU8rEiz_VWdXQ/s1600/M12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiY5WewNQWO6M8VE_fTKGK0MHhCTaoC8earfhm2eFYjOYAMH-ZBpL06qOOStcIlGkdpmRVGAlhTDD78uJrXZgu_aSRnP0RuRA-1Z7R0lfB-x5rfp8g-ZTNtE2kyEMFmU8rEiz_VWdXQ/s1600/M12.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegetable soup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqq0PsFkjm__4RylHF2btH-rvrEP6aC0oNqDYzYVRV5CNkVAAP2Ls13_7WeyLkFc-ujA9ihOuRrUS6HG2k1yf0guMeKYdKBvHuXkrGktJxzHiqpxPEFeEfbLdMuXFRRqGnPho_gZeTVA/s1600/M13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqq0PsFkjm__4RylHF2btH-rvrEP6aC0oNqDYzYVRV5CNkVAAP2Ls13_7WeyLkFc-ujA9ihOuRrUS6HG2k1yf0guMeKYdKBvHuXkrGktJxzHiqpxPEFeEfbLdMuXFRRqGnPho_gZeTVA/s1600/M13.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moroccan brochette</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvvEUy3_2BQcmfBQmwri_njFxGWVR-xtdTkFqGHaVb7S2-_bZy-Ro3bCl9cJ2AQkaaG_Y1Fa0aX-SGoxmZspmRY9GB45qvU3Oj2YNE75FFokyul6P4u_7vy_Cq4o5Tp8FpiRwcfqMxQ/s1600/M14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvvEUy3_2BQcmfBQmwri_njFxGWVR-xtdTkFqGHaVb7S2-_bZy-Ro3bCl9cJ2AQkaaG_Y1Fa0aX-SGoxmZspmRY9GB45qvU3Oj2YNE75FFokyul6P4u_7vy_Cq4o5Tp8FpiRwcfqMxQ/s1600/M14.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fresh trout</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With tummies filled, we headed off to our next destination - Ifrane. This next stretch of our drive proved to be very challenging for
our driver as he had to navigate slowly through the roads with poor visibility brought on by the heavy rain. The heavy lunch paired with a nice and rainy weather soon started to make my eyelids feel heavier and before I know
it, I had dozed off into a sweet afternoon nap! By the time I woke up, we were already approaching the entrance to Ifrane. Upon entering Ifrane, we noticed some soldiers standing guard outside a particular enclosed area to
which our guide explained that that is actually the royal palace. The next thing that caught my attention was how much this small town resembles an European town, with its European-styled architectures and floral species. The
place was very quiet, clean and neat and was totally different from the other major bustling Moroccan towns like Casablanca or Marrakesh that we had visited! This current modern town was established by the French administration
in 1929, which explains for this striking difference in the layout and outlook of the town. According to our guide, Ifrane generally has a cooler climate as it is located at an elevated point, which thus also made it a popular
location for people trying to seek relief from the hot summer heat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuzQnzSz0Hw5SH5FHnH3OZjIZ8gnBvE3fYFvdJcCJ67EC2YB-1_927IYemqi5GVimS_J-n5uvuK5pkWNdIGl7c2M0mu-c3N39dKq1E3gs3pq5YfySDtCebiK9qQyVgSUS9CxOT5SdpA/s1600/M2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuzQnzSz0Hw5SH5FHnH3OZjIZ8gnBvE3fYFvdJcCJ67EC2YB-1_927IYemqi5GVimS_J-n5uvuK5pkWNdIGl7c2M0mu-c3N39dKq1E3gs3pq5YfySDtCebiK9qQyVgSUS9CxOT5SdpA/s1600/M2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold and foggy at Ifrane...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkY5-13uaEIB887yd0iBCXRr38yNOHajLGqvacFxqeIPfV9UefGxcIwjJlphokgTEP3c-YM2AWZJy064bxLQ-oWGkMCh8dwP4aT14if16VaLBZZd5Ezugd_nSVueKzl7sP_CqtZg4ZQ/s1600/M1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkY5-13uaEIB887yd0iBCXRr38yNOHajLGqvacFxqeIPfV9UefGxcIwjJlphokgTEP3c-YM2AWZJy064bxLQ-oWGkMCh8dwP4aT14if16VaLBZZd5Ezugd_nSVueKzl7sP_CqtZg4ZQ/s1600/M1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lion statue in the centre of Ifrane...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although much has been said of its beauty, it was a pity that we did not get to witness that side of Ifrane. The charm of this town
was dampened by the wet and cold weather and we ended up taking a short rest at a cafe as the heavy rain made it almost impossible to explore the town. Perhaps, we would see it in a different light in a better weather condition!
When the rain became lighter, we decided to continue on with the journey to Fes for dinner and to turn in for the night.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvtuEtHKJc0znIpe0ahtNJ9Wbhcv-vbQ-U8NGZYPGNac45eVFhitE0uupxivcemHAveylEebHlsC-hfNqzCrCAX5BbsLp-9wTClNYw7u-UES8MGFIF3LPkYeJfzWLTdSht7Bu_CiJew/s1600/M3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvtuEtHKJc0znIpe0ahtNJ9Wbhcv-vbQ-U8NGZYPGNac45eVFhitE0uupxivcemHAveylEebHlsC-hfNqzCrCAX5BbsLp-9wTClNYw7u-UES8MGFIF3LPkYeJfzWLTdSht7Bu_CiJew/s1600/M3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain, rain go away....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The wet weather and the extended duration on the road had made this day seemed monotonous when compared to all the fun that we had at
the Todgha Gorge and Sahara desert the day before. Nevertheless, the amazing sights of the Moroccan landscape never fails to perk up my spirits and make me look forward to seeing more of it....</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yours Truly,</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Claire</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Normal">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Related Post:</span><br />
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/05/dear-diarycasablanca-morocco.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Casablanca (Morocco)</a></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/05/dear-diarymarrakesh-morocco.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Marrakesh (Morocco)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/05/dear-diaryouarzazate-morocco.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Ouarzazate (Morocco)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/06/dear-diarytodgha-gorge-and-sahara.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Todgha Gorge and Sahara Desert (Morocco)</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-37907806545167917022018-06-01T08:10:00.000+08:002018-06-08T08:40:43.340+08:00Dear Diary.....Todgha Gorge and Sahara Desert (Morocco)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnU3w8jxo2XBuatk_hgneskAQLH_jRbZPGO_OMzYfNeAZqwWAHqvgEngR1tWrTQsz8fLX63tcQI89kP4yEwfuqQPaa22JecGH9gTlDvS1IGs-OkDDPI78yvnxKDYRKBak6x04VkrUyQ/s1600/M2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="600" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnU3w8jxo2XBuatk_hgneskAQLH_jRbZPGO_OMzYfNeAZqwWAHqvgEngR1tWrTQsz8fLX63tcQI89kP4yEwfuqQPaa22JecGH9gTlDvS1IGs-OkDDPI78yvnxKDYRKBak6x04VkrUyQ/s640/M2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dear Diary,</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was at the midpoint of our week-long Morocco tour where travel fatigue was supposed to be setting in, however, this was the day that
my husband and I looked forward to the most. You might be wondering what was so special about this day...well, this was the day when we finally head to the Sahara desert!! I have heard about Sahara desert since I was a child
and the closest that I could get to it was through television programs and movies. It felt like a dream that we are actually going to step foot on the place which I had yearned to visit for the longest time possible!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With hyped up spirits, we were filled with much anticipation for the places that we will be visiting for this day! My husband and I
did not even need to rely on the hotel morning call as we woke up earlier than the scheduled time! When we arrived at the hotel restaurant to have our breakfast, we were surprised to find most of our tour mates already there
and everyone seemed to be in an unusually happy mood! It was certainly a great start to the day!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyLUPP-DZODieyfiWmoQBIsvcXSb5R7W5oGH7uMpt7oMM92y01dZx6p4_mqCAqtpcVZMGTiqYjXiJ6utt5wv7w6s2ths5uJU0hKs6glRbGqwequ0JEN2DhmXE-5RaUvELTMUlmtAKew/s1600/M7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyLUPP-DZODieyfiWmoQBIsvcXSb5R7W5oGH7uMpt7oMM92y01dZx6p4_mqCAqtpcVZMGTiqYjXiJ6utt5wv7w6s2ths5uJU0hKs6glRbGqwequ0JEN2DhmXE-5RaUvELTMUlmtAKew/s1600/M7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View along the way...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_l9EfFSEFQ0UfxRR4tSRyw_QqqNpzy8YwjjL1Swe16ZoSwWC9Bkvw-DJmZVtf0auyABBIctNE7g28O72EPI_5LKlnq0P6f8gHaegmDckkBqXxKJRcs2-_3YtdeSSEpKE4czmKgoQ3Ng/s1600/M8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at all the cactus...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_l9EfFSEFQ0UfxRR4tSRyw_QqqNpzy8YwjjL1Swe16ZoSwWC9Bkvw-DJmZVtf0auyABBIctNE7g28O72EPI_5LKlnq0P6f8gHaegmDckkBqXxKJRcs2-_3YtdeSSEpKE4czmKgoQ3Ng/s1600/M8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After the sumptuous breakfast which fueled our bodies with energy for the day, we boarded our van. As we headed off on our journey
for the day, the endless chatters continued on and everyone became even more excited when our guide showed us how to tie our shesh or scarves into a Tuareg turban in preparation for our trip to the desert. It was necessary to
cover most of our faces to prevent inhalation of the fine desert sand. The chattering got even louder when majority of us expressed our disappointment that we did not bring along a suitable scarf or manage to purchase the
shesh beforehand. We only calmed down after our guide mentioned that we would be able to purchase the shesh at the rest stops along the way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowMNuMm0SnEqS-wgof4E5sAUVOUWUZwBwGbzamDgmG0qaNQU3UVQKMo_lYQ2RFfyJSM3V8YUb-lyUXsbAVBLDGh8__qHP2ZYqXDsS4fmLu6sYqeAlJCR37m6rYo1lbXyzsxHhArsJKA/s1600/M6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowMNuMm0SnEqS-wgof4E5sAUVOUWUZwBwGbzamDgmG0qaNQU3UVQKMo_lYQ2RFfyJSM3V8YUb-lyUXsbAVBLDGh8__qHP2ZYqXDsS4fmLu6sYqeAlJCR37m6rYo1lbXyzsxHhArsJKA/s1600/M6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful view at one of the rest stops...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With assurance that everything is well on track, everyone started to settle back into their seats as we traveled to the first destination
of the day - Todgha Gorge, a series of limestone river canyons located in the eastern part of the High Atlas mountains. When we arrived at the gorge, we were simply in awe by how magnificent the place was! With towering canyon
walls closing in to a mere 10 meters from each other and a small glacier stream located at the bottom of the gorge, it was an unforgettable sight! While walking through this breathtaking gorge, I cannot help but felt insignificant
when compared to these gigantic landscapes of Mother Nature. My mind seemed cleared of all thoughts as I walked along the river stream, taking in the beauty of this place to my best ability. The calm and serene aura of this
place certainly has a therapeutic power to calm one’s mind!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdtm3eJIQVHoSIpwxINMy_366DwhTvO1C8e_AIPJDN1J5TDJyJ5ZSuQB3wN9IKDyjEq3A_QiciDNG-TL6XhuBhQCv17Un2vLqbVYBLEcK8ySAzysnO5E28fy6OgxtQBzuosO5M0n29w/s1600/M9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdtm3eJIQVHoSIpwxINMy_366DwhTvO1C8e_AIPJDN1J5TDJyJ5ZSuQB3wN9IKDyjEq3A_QiciDNG-TL6XhuBhQCv17Un2vLqbVYBLEcK8ySAzysnO5E28fy6OgxtQBzuosO5M0n29w/s1600/M9.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The towering canyon walls..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9ykfiVh92-F0JY3U_lnVx3-sGn35RfBy7h7o6JdTe07aj7ae7hH-PvwCUapzSeX6A1009aQibko91ciGO2AgZvvAIUgu_Ms6leRyQrtBiHF8gvPQy6TtZYMN7JWUNQWaC31Ti4FNHA/s1600/M10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and everyone appeared very small in comparison to these gigantic structures...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9ykfiVh92-F0JY3U_lnVx3-sGn35RfBy7h7o6JdTe07aj7ae7hH-PvwCUapzSeX6A1009aQibko91ciGO2AgZvvAIUgu_Ms6leRyQrtBiHF8gvPQy6TtZYMN7JWUNQWaC31Ti4FNHA/s1600/M10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGIYAiHTMLjulUSx9R-8N_Z-5Bpc6JSZuL7QtuIKZtfSbA0pZ1bzBb9_5LllYojPow_4EjVKMRteQYqyQxdJs1ZkSybubsrYgVD5u4AcmXnFpVQpyFGWxLOBRXXDxJ8MCYjZXPDo_8w/s1600/M11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The small glacier stream...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGIYAiHTMLjulUSx9R-8N_Z-5Bpc6JSZuL7QtuIKZtfSbA0pZ1bzBb9_5LllYojPow_4EjVKMRteQYqyQxdJs1ZkSybubsrYgVD5u4AcmXnFpVQpyFGWxLOBRXXDxJ8MCYjZXPDo_8w/s1600/M11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were left to wander about the Todgha Gorge for a good one hour before we had to set off for our next destination. With unwillingly
hearts, we boarded the van and took to the roads. We made several rest stops along the way (including one for lunch) and as promised by our guide, all of us managed to purchase the shesh for use later at the desert at one
of the rest stop. After travelling for quite some time and losing ourselves in the mesmerizing view along the way, we arrived at our hotel in Merzouga in the late afternoon. We were given time for a short rest in our hotel
rooms as the scorching sun made it a bad timing to head to the desert. As it slowly approached 4.30pm, our guide gathered all of us at the hotel lobby where we then took the 4 by 4 jeep out into the desert. It was quite an
interesting sight as everyone had their Tuareg turban on and we looked like a group of desert wanderers!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lSymZdWI8Svf4qE7JNiYQ6WpTuIK2cKJ-B2UO43f3VvojRc9HXjyNwqZFeKVqDM25izQZz7o1tbQ_xbYAySB7PQ7M183a-uL3txmJH9AxJlVq0P5vbonxEF7oJttRgLav8tPmULGqg/s1600/M12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lSymZdWI8Svf4qE7JNiYQ6WpTuIK2cKJ-B2UO43f3VvojRc9HXjyNwqZFeKVqDM25izQZz7o1tbQ_xbYAySB7PQ7M183a-uL3txmJH9AxJlVq0P5vbonxEF7oJttRgLav8tPmULGqg/s1600/M12.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding the camels to the sand dunes..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A bumpy half an hour drive took us to the place that we so desperately wanted to visit and it was just such an amazing feeling when
we came face to face with the magnificent Sahara desert! The gorgeous sand dunes that seemed to roll into eternity was just so awe-inspiring that it even had the effect of making the noisy chattering in the jeep come to a
standstill! Everyone was literally dumbfounded by its beauty!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7W_XTEWMA1UQkvyHRKlQzc02Xe9OO_y1Lyy1fJvtdRNzaENcdxYNj89Vs3Q2i3HNYiJhuwk2Yp0u9XRRomzuVUvpFhqpdJgtEEjTjenOyljpNw1fTVFg21zRSqW_74bgdKmWY-pdgkw/s1600/M13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7W_XTEWMA1UQkvyHRKlQzc02Xe9OO_y1Lyy1fJvtdRNzaENcdxYNj89Vs3Q2i3HNYiJhuwk2Yp0u9XRRomzuVUvpFhqpdJgtEEjTjenOyljpNw1fTVFg21zRSqW_74bgdKmWY-pdgkw/s1600/M13.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The person in blue for reference on how massive the sand dunes of Sahara Desert were....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When we alighted from the jeep a short distance from the sand dunes, we were greeted by rows and rows of camels tied together by a rope
in groups of four. Slowly, one by one, we got onto the camel and shouts of horror by the rider seated on the camel’s back could be heard in synchronised manner when the camel stood up from its seated position. When it was
my turn to get onto the camel, I finally understood how horrifying it was when the camel stood up. It was literally like a roller-coaster on the camel’s back as I was tossed back and forth as it rose to its standing height.
Still in shock by the brief moment of roller-coaster ride, I struggled to maintain my balance as the camel pressed forward in its trek towards the sand dunes of Sahara desert. When I finally found my balance and gotten used
to the rhythmic motion of the camel, it then dawned on me that I am actually riding a camel into Sahara desert - an item that was going to be ticked off my bucket list!! I could hardly contain my excitement and was just soaking
in all that the desert was offering to us! It was an experience beyond words and as I looked back towards my husband (who was riding on the camel behind mine), I could tell that he was enjoying this moment as much as I did!
The visit to Sahara desert was definitely the highlight of this trip and an experience that will be forever etched in our memories!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAPzKVCrF5_mRajT-X0kIm0fHiQXmZrs3gBtc3mbuNbrcYxZvODXHI5Niqzg_K1oK7f5LUXKMyUOH-07se3ToYigDu80CmAeOFdov869taunQjKNs67kw_CGmp6MDVkaBOoFhkpLBmg/s1600/M15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAPzKVCrF5_mRajT-X0kIm0fHiQXmZrs3gBtc3mbuNbrcYxZvODXHI5Niqzg_K1oK7f5LUXKMyUOH-07se3ToYigDu80CmAeOFdov869taunQjKNs67kw_CGmp6MDVkaBOoFhkpLBmg/s1600/M15.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hardworking camel which brought me up the sand dunes :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-lkjhurQitR5AGAgqaOi54WoiWgODvbZDCqpzIecxbgklLZd90o1SsVoo7bPfglXRoTIGp33wDzvZde4mynuYLPqRm8uAz2q64Ax34D2NZBvq72iNobm4lFwIQ5oR71mtwplLfVGyw/s1600/M17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-lkjhurQitR5AGAgqaOi54WoiWgODvbZDCqpzIecxbgklLZd90o1SsVoo7bPfglXRoTIGp33wDzvZde4mynuYLPqRm8uAz2q64Ax34D2NZBvq72iNobm4lFwIQ5oR71mtwplLfVGyw/s1600/M17.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our shadows...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLCKSOog1-TP9FfMIqDlYQkhtxUapwZ6QJYRjAzZdi_GvGz2cak58w60iBVuWw4MVab846ZgLYJZfpH7yoSS4INkgVIweKMwrYI927oQ7XtCd74vhvPCfC495tMULewv-8MIzgpXh6Q/s1600/M5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLCKSOog1-TP9FfMIqDlYQkhtxUapwZ6QJYRjAzZdi_GvGz2cak58w60iBVuWw4MVab846ZgLYJZfpH7yoSS4INkgVIweKMwrYI927oQ7XtCd74vhvPCfC495tMULewv-8MIzgpXh6Q/s1600/M5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trekking upwards..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With a slow and steady pace, the camel brought us closer and closer to the sand dunes and I was busy making mental photographs of this
beautiful places (and of course some real photos as well!). Surrounded by nothing by the fine sands of the desert, I seemed to be able to locate my inner peace quite easily and with a mind cleared of the influx of random thoughts
from the trip to Todgha Gorge, this day has been the most relaxing and peaceful one thus far!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDq6iMibHhNmBZ_u9J6N5sLmd-jecJhrKYwatvd9ym1pMOFtamzcMsrHuSBEpXyInBCXWOW9IJ1IqmaQwj5LpPiqhLEW7aAEmvKOOGlnae2KKTWk0Lm13eRjDtlPgvOSJkk4Vi7CrtIQ/s1600/M3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDq6iMibHhNmBZ_u9J6N5sLmd-jecJhrKYwatvd9ym1pMOFtamzcMsrHuSBEpXyInBCXWOW9IJ1IqmaQwj5LpPiqhLEW7aAEmvKOOGlnae2KKTWk0Lm13eRjDtlPgvOSJkk4Vi7CrtIQ/s1600/M3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camel taking a break...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When we reached the peak of the sand dunes, we alighted from the camels and the camel guide (the person pulling our row of camels) gestured
to us to follow him. While walking through the camels’ rest area, we managed to catch a closer glimpse at these lovely animals who had worked hard to bring us to up the sand dunes and I cannot help but whispered “thank
you” to them! Trekking further up the sand dunes, the camel guide lay down a carpet on the fine sands and indicated to us that this is where we will sit to admire the sunset. As there was still time before sunset, the camel
guide started to guide my husband and I to take a series of jump shots on the sand dunes. It was such a fun and lovely feeling to jump and land on the soft sand! I could hear my other tour mates having fun running and jumping
about on the sand as well. A few of them were even shouting at the top of their lungs as their camel guide pulled them down the slopes of the sand dunes on the makeshift carpet sand sled! Having had enough fun playing about
on the sand, my husband and I settled down and sat on the carpet provided to admire the sunset. Watching the sunset together with my husband has always been something that I wanted to do and I was glad that we had the chance
to do so on this trip! It was a heartwarming feeling as I leaned on my husband’s shoulders and quietly watched as the sun which illuminated the sand into this golden color slowly creep its way down below the horizon! It
was indeed a good ending to this fun-filled day!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPk9aD5zVwJQZMLIvvh0fBMfjBi_AnROHtfD52grZK0kCk_5QXtxAGyqPRuF2tbTe6zycNUvwQ3-Ejttd_coS5bgUR7raKPM2WqsOg-3aLgrdniJZWnZMuJmNdYOOWmuNnaCGdHvUJw/s1600/M4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPk9aD5zVwJQZMLIvvh0fBMfjBi_AnROHtfD52grZK0kCk_5QXtxAGyqPRuF2tbTe6zycNUvwQ3-Ejttd_coS5bgUR7raKPM2WqsOg-3aLgrdniJZWnZMuJmNdYOOWmuNnaCGdHvUJw/s1600/M4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The sky soon started to turn dark as we made our way back to our camels which then brought us through a slow and quiet journey back
to the jeep pickup point. By the time we reached the jeep, the sky was completely dark and I must say that I was quite impressed by our jeep driver who seemed to have a way to navigate the direction in complete darkness! While
chattering with our tour mates on the journey back to the hotel, our driver suddenly pulled over at a random spot and gestured to us to head out and look up into the sky. Heading his advice, we looked up and saw a clear sky
decorated with countless stars that looked like precious jewels! It was indeed a very rare and spectacular sight for city dwellers like my husband and I! This was not part of the itinerary but it certainly added on to the
joy and excitement that we had for this day!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a quick dinner at the hotel, we returned to our rooms for a good night rest. As we turned in for the night, my husband and I were
still in awe by all the amazing and gorgeous sights that we had seen in just this one day and with contented hearts, we slowly drifted into dreamland...</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yours Truly,</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Claire</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Related Post:</span><br />
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/05/dear-diarycasablanca-morocco.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Casablanca (Morocco)</a></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/05/dear-diarymarrakesh-morocco.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Marrakesh (Morocco)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/05/dear-diaryouarzazate-morocco.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Ouarzazate (Morocco)</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-4626813097417495172018-05-23T07:49:00.000+08:002018-06-08T08:39:12.560+08:00Dear Diary.....Ouarzazate (Morocco)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_z_fou0q0u67n31mzB2UWc6w-D-26dITnh_5Rb08oUXzSAWCQt9w4OxkjA602QkNAB2-1gz7F1RiyGbDy6HSjiaSQf9ONlTO0fHcdiKmYAzpAq5aBHEjrzuZQ2XkiQfIRMv_kkMY0lA/s1600/M7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_z_fou0q0u67n31mzB2UWc6w-D-26dITnh_5Rb08oUXzSAWCQt9w4OxkjA602QkNAB2-1gz7F1RiyGbDy6HSjiaSQf9ONlTO0fHcdiKmYAzpAq5aBHEjrzuZQ2XkiQfIRMv_kkMY0lA/s1600/M7.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dear Diary,</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Day 3 of our tour took us towards the direction of Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. It was a long drive from Marrakesh
through the Atlas Mountains, where we made a few pit stops along the way and got the chance to admire the beautiful landscape all around. The highlight of the whole journey was catching a glimpse of the famous Tizi n’Tichka
pass, a high mountain road pass located in the High Atlas Mountain at an elevation of 2260 meters above the sea level. This road, which is usually open all year round, can sometimes be closed when avalanches and heavy snowfall
blocks up the path during winter. “Tichka” means “it’s difficult” and I can easily see how it got its name because even on a bright and sunny day in spring, it was still a slow and nerve-wrecking drive up the Tizi
n’Tichka pass. We were glad to have a skillful driver who managed to manoeuvre the twists and turns of the windy and rather narrow road with little or no room for errors. The view of the vast barren hilly land surrounding
the snake-like Tizi n’Tichka pass is absolutely stunning and we were in awe as we stood at the top to admire the view!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiW8445ZTCWIopHifr0FdX7js5N7OOD1rQcy3rjjgKHKPN-DrHDX5-7nDZ2LUGDJcYt1xHzDNjij9lAe1fgJI8mfuD2hc252_JSmA2zYDNhWcttXHYW6MENXLpmJc9F_QuOE-zAKg0w/s1600/M12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiW8445ZTCWIopHifr0FdX7js5N7OOD1rQcy3rjjgKHKPN-DrHDX5-7nDZ2LUGDJcYt1xHzDNjij9lAe1fgJI8mfuD2hc252_JSmA2zYDNhWcttXHYW6MENXLpmJc9F_QuOE-zAKg0w/s1600/M12.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small villages along the slope of Atlas on the left and the eroded colored rocks of Tiz Imguer on the right...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieS69Dq5mLBBQH74WtqxZ917q99s0TGZXopsYUPbNAbPMv2XCstAJGS4HCSN_Kj8ZFX207ksYfS-WArwjybE_hdda8DHJq7mO-RBKQwr7lRMtkqyrvTo9x99bF0FAtU2R2rupWLFJLbw/s1600/M17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieS69Dq5mLBBQH74WtqxZ917q99s0TGZXopsYUPbNAbPMv2XCstAJGS4HCSN_Kj8ZFX207ksYfS-WArwjybE_hdda8DHJq7mO-RBKQwr7lRMtkqyrvTo9x99bF0FAtU2R2rupWLFJLbw/s1600/M17.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barren ridges along the mountain roads..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQN74_-m93MR26DnTb0ec1U-g0dItcIsI-4HXkRmBEsp_03s4QmVpDgdtaFph4z29w7ydSTisQlT0M9WCqZ89B_GgW3tVqgSFw4ZVq0xqOX8F4_VN5Zct4KXPTV6HVJSXTzvWZAXCpzA/s1600/M13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQN74_-m93MR26DnTb0ec1U-g0dItcIsI-4HXkRmBEsp_03s4QmVpDgdtaFph4z29w7ydSTisQlT0M9WCqZ89B_GgW3tVqgSFw4ZVq0xqOX8F4_VN5Zct4KXPTV6HVJSXTzvWZAXCpzA/s1600/M13.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The snow-capped mountains...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnXhOYWkTvHLMD7u3R-bptqheNt_OKH-hfcIerF7n2B7yAFjvCdEv39-rH0nChMsB1m5tMT6_J_5T8w1paoWvGcHPZauV4LN4rDwWuAJefacB1KXBJoWLqCj5mVF3FJE_NesTzdbgGw/s1600/M1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnXhOYWkTvHLMD7u3R-bptqheNt_OKH-hfcIerF7n2B7yAFjvCdEv39-rH0nChMsB1m5tMT6_J_5T8w1paoWvGcHPZauV4LN4rDwWuAJefacB1KXBJoWLqCj5mVF3FJE_NesTzdbgGw/s1600/M1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous Tiz n’Tichka pass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZn174IndDcpyzYXBMz5rrdK9RmQMWXawhESm3NjFqXRn2ol-DDhKgzLWkZiv80fzWAu6kM1Usa-ESDm5zeXsGz-sJcbSwOa-NSbblayOT6s8U1-VFdpS8XN3Y7ovBT7zncRG2u9Aww/s1600/M14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZn174IndDcpyzYXBMz5rrdK9RmQMWXawhESm3NjFqXRn2ol-DDhKgzLWkZiv80fzWAu6kM1Usa-ESDm5zeXsGz-sJcbSwOa-NSbblayOT6s8U1-VFdpS8XN3Y7ovBT7zncRG2u9Aww/s1600/M14.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of cactus on the slopes..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was another short drive through the mountain roads before we arrived at a small restaurant for lunch. By this day, some of our tour
mates have had enough of the Moroccan dishes and secretly sneaked out of the restaurant in search of other cuisines nearby. Our guide nearly had a heart attack when she realized half of our tour mates were not at their allocated
tables and only managed to calm down after getting a message from them that they were having lunch at another restaurant located nearby. For the rest of us who stayed behind, it was a good time of interaction where we got
to know more about each other and exchanged opinions on how the tour had been so far. I guess this is one perks of joining a guided tour - interaction with people from different parts of the world being brought together because
of our common interest in travelling!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vf3i5tJC1nMk9vkGQ-W_t-8TfjwfxXbBHEzAeX-Hs3kt15vEdW4WZaaLl3NnUfRV0_ieDjOgb7WEW8vwlrdEatpeytroCirqSv0qOj4IZwK5ujqzefJ3gfaZXmgTUbi34sB3zJ35dg/s1600/M15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vf3i5tJC1nMk9vkGQ-W_t-8TfjwfxXbBHEzAeX-Hs3kt15vEdW4WZaaLl3NnUfRV0_ieDjOgb7WEW8vwlrdEatpeytroCirqSv0qOj4IZwK5ujqzefJ3gfaZXmgTUbi34sB3zJ35dg/s1600/M15.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting a glimpse at how Argan oil is being extracted at one of our pit stop...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1yFxvZLCIGh6auzIJy1PShbgzrrOrhu7ImMKdWYL7HPtUhb5KYnt4spVx5Tzq8kScLwYjWEW8sDX24NUHWTo_MJ-XB-YWRD0FHCAsILg240ffxq8dQnpVXfBueYCihqP2uNeEWR7kA/s1600/M16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1yFxvZLCIGh6auzIJy1PShbgzrrOrhu7ImMKdWYL7HPtUhb5KYnt4spVx5Tzq8kScLwYjWEW8sDX24NUHWTo_MJ-XB-YWRD0FHCAsILg240ffxq8dQnpVXfBueYCihqP2uNeEWR7kA/s1600/M16.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Souks on the other side of the road...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With high spirits and tummies filled, we headed off to the Ksar of Ait Ben haddou, a beautiful UNESCO site. This Ksar or traditional
Mud Brick city, lies on the edge of the High Atlas Mountains and is made famous by its many appearance in films such as Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. As our van was unable to enter the narrow alleys, we were made to alight
at the main road and had to walk a short distance to reach the river bank of the Wadi Mellah, located opposite to the Ksar. This location allowed us to come face to face with the impressive towering Ksar, which also spurred
everyone to make frantic attempts to take as many photos as they can of the magnificent view! There were two paths to reach the Ksar - one was a short walk across a rather modern bridge and the other one was via some makeshift
stepping stones placed in the river water. Thankfully, our guide chose to lead us across via the bridge. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiju3gPFieIffINepXh21MpCHx1MNBAcP7uaKC5Wfbp9Wd4eD7PedaMLUNp_LDaNSBj1-67f_DLosX9ybKoVy1GtSeIZlys1oHYjWU_krvdhCwx2XE2kLoWe3MKfI73u6nra67zr6BS2g/s1600/M18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiju3gPFieIffINepXh21MpCHx1MNBAcP7uaKC5Wfbp9Wd4eD7PedaMLUNp_LDaNSBj1-67f_DLosX9ybKoVy1GtSeIZlys1oHYjWU_krvdhCwx2XE2kLoWe3MKfI73u6nra67zr6BS2g/s1600/M18.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you spot the bridge that connects the river bank of the Wadi Mellah to the entrance of the Ksar of Ait Ben haddou?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0XmZoL713a92DoPLhH-1UOEb2EP8kO1lW6Vq8ikrOFWIDmtcN4eU8qI0cNk2OrzNnYw9GvmKo1mqBveXd-3hjA-YUSLQOnCzOzl1TLJ4jWzZyrq0Yf7pGT7r04PTBiBv1kHQBXAFog/s1600/M19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0XmZoL713a92DoPLhH-1UOEb2EP8kO1lW6Vq8ikrOFWIDmtcN4eU8qI0cNk2OrzNnYw9GvmKo1mqBveXd-3hjA-YUSLQOnCzOzl1TLJ4jWzZyrq0Yf7pGT7r04PTBiBv1kHQBXAFog/s1600/M19.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ksar of Ait Ben haddou..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When we reached the entrance of the Ksar, we had to climb upwards on a rather steep path through the narrow streets and
low arches before finally reaching the Treasury at the very top. We had been told that we would be rewarded with a stunning view at the top, however, it was so windy there that I could hardly keep my balance. One of our tour
mates almost lost her cap to the winds in a futile attempt to pose for a photo at the top! Seeing no point in staying there and not wanting to be the subject of constant torture by the relentless wind, we decided to descend
almost immediately after we reached the top. Overall, the Ksar of Ait Ben haddou looked quite impressive from afar, however we were quite disappointed by the lack of information about this wonderful place as well as how commercialized it had been with the presence of the many souks selling touristic souvenirs along the way. Nevertheless, the whole hike was quite an enjoyable one for me mainly due to the rather photogenic characteristics of the Ksar.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97MQp-LO8VWpxHdomDbgHVicjIvrGYVVfm4Gt6esw1dzf2HlwjKgf6Kl-vhPGnxgty1Po3XEK5-lc0YoP8Eet5n_tx2l218V_kgth23fEEtGvRL5y9NMfwxa5khJX_qoAYJQEdFCdtQ/s1600/M20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97MQp-LO8VWpxHdomDbgHVicjIvrGYVVfm4Gt6esw1dzf2HlwjKgf6Kl-vhPGnxgty1Po3XEK5-lc0YoP8Eet5n_tx2l218V_kgth23fEEtGvRL5y9NMfwxa5khJX_qoAYJQEdFCdtQ/s1600/M20.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The low arches that we had to go through</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LYM0RN9xgdz9N64V6M2otz1thl-sL_Re46h-qavnZurBjMvZlms80eXYzm4kkSY_eLLZPrYevBqbu-hAjDQZZI6YKuXbp8jZMJHy4rotFS0rLwdu8qM-AY1CwPigodDecdSTHtz7Pg/s1600/M24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LYM0RN9xgdz9N64V6M2otz1thl-sL_Re46h-qavnZurBjMvZlms80eXYzm4kkSY_eLLZPrYevBqbu-hAjDQZZI6YKuXbp8jZMJHy4rotFS0rLwdu8qM-AY1CwPigodDecdSTHtz7Pg/s1600/M24.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The locals tending their souks along the walkway inside the Ksar of Ait Ben haddou</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVIffUmZZw2IZYpn7p5pr9M_3YIELLo-UC3xs1jYCS5LSvkOlCM27Za-0MMoDZiyQlMggaBTa7Xah-UNzDdTGIjfryCS4rUjpNrba41x2kZwmsoMm1i47dj38tLa7cUBCWq1qoYUimQ/s1600/M23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVIffUmZZw2IZYpn7p5pr9M_3YIELLo-UC3xs1jYCS5LSvkOlCM27Za-0MMoDZiyQlMggaBTa7Xah-UNzDdTGIjfryCS4rUjpNrba41x2kZwmsoMm1i47dj38tLa7cUBCWq1qoYUimQ/s1600/M23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the top..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiDu1nwbzwVuaRUdRCEUVlbUlbETiCBFl-5HrhtDR9QgnjCN4PoCm_LDloK0voUhbp9ZbFu5s5b229tID_VSi5rVamN2hML9ch_WdMBtPJmIhHoXeyBtsbh7x3UQVlOb1dfoxZUGYUQ/s1600/M22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiDu1nwbzwVuaRUdRCEUVlbUlbETiCBFl-5HrhtDR9QgnjCN4PoCm_LDloK0voUhbp9ZbFu5s5b229tID_VSi5rVamN2hML9ch_WdMBtPJmIhHoXeyBtsbh7x3UQVlOb1dfoxZUGYUQ/s1600/M22.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the opposite bank from the top...notice the makeshift stepping stones at the bottom of the photo..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was rather late in the afternoon by the time we arrived back at our van. The cool air-conditioning in the van provided much relief
to us from the scorching afternoon sun and the comfortable seats were much needed to rest our aching joints from the treacherous hike at the Ksar. With many of us drifting off into a sweet afternoon nap, we drove off to the
last destination of the day at Ouarzazate (also fondly known as Morocco’s movie mecca for its movie studio facilities and the beauty of its locations). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLl58DPYxrkJDVRikWgXeswW8ILQRO9HBLJ7eZ5NKf1TRP1XDN2gMuS41ykDpJZerh1TNe_cfJG6BHnP44CPCDdzhpl3ARcfqJofaizEtHBKITDDh_hlp9ShE4tbJIyM5Pk7rYtBV6gw/s1600/M11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="321" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLl58DPYxrkJDVRikWgXeswW8ILQRO9HBLJ7eZ5NKf1TRP1XDN2gMuS41ykDpJZerh1TNe_cfJG6BHnP44CPCDdzhpl3ARcfqJofaizEtHBKITDDh_hlp9ShE4tbJIyM5Pk7rYtBV6gw/s1600/M11.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The landmark that signals entrance to Ouarzazate..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Upon arrival, there was some miscommunication regarding this final destination for the day. Our
itinerary showed that we were supposed to visit the cinema museum (a former movie studio), whereas our guide had been told to bring us to Kasbah of Taourirt (a fortress set against the backdrop of the Atlas mountains). After
much negotiation and since the two sites were literally just located on opposite sides of the main road, our guide decided to split our group into two, with one group heading to the cinema museum while another group headed
to the Kasbah. Being a huge movie fan, my husband and I opted to follow the group to the cinema museum. It was certainly an eye-opener to see the various props and makeshift sites that appeared on the various films and we
certainly had lots of fun role-playing alongside these props. It certainly did help to have a guide with us to correlate the props and sites with the movies that they had appeared in. We were even brought to this room where
there is a showcase of the filming equipment and even a mini theater featuring a short commentary about the filming situations that used to take place in this studio. All in all, it was a rather enjoyable time exploring
the different areas of this museum although it would have been better if there were more information about it being made available to us.</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gpybkUYGyLPxIhyphenhyphenpUEGlbOLeC8xvEYrYimTYMgOacNKZK-kexo_WaaYMAnYhZfglNwG-TY9sRyYvm0gi7kzpU28BbsCxKnnwYA8Nqexv-Nnq3bEkrVgYfUnlV1cucNkb2-gTpH8sFQ/s1600/M8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gpybkUYGyLPxIhyphenhyphenpUEGlbOLeC8xvEYrYimTYMgOacNKZK-kexo_WaaYMAnYhZfglNwG-TY9sRyYvm0gi7kzpU28BbsCxKnnwYA8Nqexv-Nnq3bEkrVgYfUnlV1cucNkb2-gTpH8sFQ/s1600/M8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinema Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBiI0txaX4QRkRWynyE3UqHmaVudlS9VRX8_LYZMmFy7-hzRLYGMWZTMzWyDU-NIWjUOkvul-exBMIuXCHXnXe5Wy91G1jNhyY2QmqljqABe1WA4o2ysJHNDfJo1EvDb2p1TgR1CeaJg/s1600/M10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBiI0txaX4QRkRWynyE3UqHmaVudlS9VRX8_LYZMmFy7-hzRLYGMWZTMzWyDU-NIWjUOkvul-exBMIuXCHXnXe5Wy91G1jNhyY2QmqljqABe1WA4o2ysJHNDfJo1EvDb2p1TgR1CeaJg/s1600/M10.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kasbah of Taourirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmox8HbBGC1LMD_O6iSPquX689wPPu5LgifTR2zqvOZ5gyIhda3Hv0oP4vuh0xWFMieppUXbvQF2LPvpvlKYXv-vblHGgBbhS5HRfMH0nk14_VjX3kEdQ7tslvnTFvJzKjCjSf1W9jpg/s1600/M3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmox8HbBGC1LMD_O6iSPquX689wPPu5LgifTR2zqvOZ5gyIhda3Hv0oP4vuh0xWFMieppUXbvQF2LPvpvlKYXv-vblHGgBbhS5HRfMH0nk14_VjX3kEdQ7tslvnTFvJzKjCjSf1W9jpg/s1600/M3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the cinema museum...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dh8WJ-quRsMgqa6T3SzJEekHouaXrHjsDktopYYZ526R3IlolJ4S0UQJU8H99HUrLFIaGeL5mccB-o2bAZQP4BoRTbpFd9ewNQ6Xiktn5BZ7sIk_mckofDJbfUSxGDztu0yKA_Ninw/s1600/M6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dh8WJ-quRsMgqa6T3SzJEekHouaXrHjsDktopYYZ526R3IlolJ4S0UQJU8H99HUrLFIaGeL5mccB-o2bAZQP4BoRTbpFd9ewNQ6Xiktn5BZ7sIk_mckofDJbfUSxGDztu0yKA_Ninw/s1600/M6.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUg8bqKMSlpt4E_SqUs43JQjm3GkVKeB_7bGaOjKcdKY3eSEaFcEnz3zmWcyswZpo8B0kA0MEu2lhxdMcKsrMT6rt1PUm9E2oAk5Cmo8kO5zgVDw1FIDRtfc05eFR3zPMCmVAAWeNdmw/s1600/M9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUg8bqKMSlpt4E_SqUs43JQjm3GkVKeB_7bGaOjKcdKY3eSEaFcEnz3zmWcyswZpo8B0kA0MEu2lhxdMcKsrMT6rt1PUm9E2oAk5Cmo8kO5zgVDw1FIDRtfc05eFR3zPMCmVAAWeNdmw/s1600/M9.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBb6tsi-KQgyV-6ekiOtbYN2Z3QAflDHQ2shWCYMYCO2EI4PmL7SM6u1f4SErIxPwH0DRc4lrzGE1Pbg3pmStOZlK2xqC7E4SBDxUBMFuSOp0sYL8ntIE2q9Q0py4e_gEf4fbTTd2sA/s1600/M4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBb6tsi-KQgyV-6ekiOtbYN2Z3QAflDHQ2shWCYMYCO2EI4PmL7SM6u1f4SErIxPwH0DRc4lrzGE1Pbg3pmStOZlK2xqC7E4SBDxUBMFuSOp0sYL8ntIE2q9Q0py4e_gEf4fbTTd2sA/s1600/M4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old filming equipments..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEYXgpIdSO0f80CeMkMJVDWdQKYxqQ30mziUk2nsm_bF4v6qBCR6KuX74X4O22PY-KZZCEZ5xgLn0lsKpL1ls-jC7A9GTW_NL3J9WooGTxh0HdW9MkbUdAboF2Gq1XRTqwyKhwhCY1w/s1600/M5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEYXgpIdSO0f80CeMkMJVDWdQKYxqQ30mziUk2nsm_bF4v6qBCR6KuX74X4O22PY-KZZCEZ5xgLn0lsKpL1ls-jC7A9GTW_NL3J9WooGTxh0HdW9MkbUdAboF2Gq1XRTqwyKhwhCY1w/s1600/M5.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By the time we are done exploring the cinema museum and the Kasbah, it was close to dinner time and time to check into the hotel for
a good rest to prep ourselves for all the adventures the next day! This day had been an exciting one - from the adrenaline rush at the Tizi n’Tichka pass, to the many breath-taking moments at the Ksar of Ait Ben haddou and
finally, the excitement at the cinema museum, this tour is starting to get more and more interesting! We are already looking forward to all the adventures lined up for us in the next few days to come! But for now, it is time
to hit the bed...Zzzz....</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yours Truly,</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Claire</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Related post:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/05/dear-diarycasablanca-morocco.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Casablanca (Morocco)</a></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/05/dear-diarymarrakesh-morocco.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Marrakesh (Morocco)</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-65423550372020062422018-05-15T20:13:00.000+08:002018-05-15T20:13:37.806+08:00Dear Diary.....Marrakesh (Morocco)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4H-zP6kszgMS_DS885r0sY0noL35-YrP43pcK0DHKDiyOC9uar2g02K3OEnx0GHDlhJu_bkl8PP_dvV1N2bw_FJ_Z3HlGWmAnM_jaqbf59Y-KQIjV3G5fJoUhZsMA26QuCs6NFAv6g/s1600/M26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4H-zP6kszgMS_DS885r0sY0noL35-YrP43pcK0DHKDiyOC9uar2g02K3OEnx0GHDlhJu_bkl8PP_dvV1N2bw_FJ_Z3HlGWmAnM_jaqbf59Y-KQIjV3G5fJoUhZsMA26QuCs6NFAv6g/s1600/M26.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Dear Diary,</span><br />
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With a tight schedule to keep to for this day, our guide had informed us the night before that the hotel will provide a morning call to us at 6.30am and we would have to finish our breakfast and get ready to board the van by 8am - it was just too much of a hassle to have to keep to a time frame for everything!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The plan for the day was to head to Marrakesh, with a slight detour to the airport to pick up the misplaced-but-fortunately-now-found luggage of one of our tour mates who had flew in from the UK (the poor girl had to spend the night at the airport because of this!). </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All in all, it took us close to 3 hours to reach Marrakesh and as we were driving into this “Ochre city”, the red walls of the buildings started to capture all of our attention. It was a totally different sight to that seen in Casablanca! According to our guide, Marrakesh has seen a huge tourism bloom in recent years, with many foreigners purchasing these red-walled resorts as their holiday homes. We could definitely see why with its distinctive sea of red-walled houses, where the beautiful modern architectural buildings complemented the old historic buildings, this place evoked a much more serene and calm atmosphere - a perfect place for people to have a nice vacation in! </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyIbSTAZ5BR0vHaZ_X7tG4D8YwFXCvORoKcNwzMCI0MIr4A19uBtxrHUdGImHFwC5-JftzGR64OzXnNsI-ZfmknkjEJDpDDTkNPOkJTRZwu-ah5qhR7-IZNZHQN05NiGr9bjc9NSzVg/s1600/M1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyIbSTAZ5BR0vHaZ_X7tG4D8YwFXCvORoKcNwzMCI0MIr4A19uBtxrHUdGImHFwC5-JftzGR64OzXnNsI-ZfmknkjEJDpDDTkNPOkJTRZwu-ah5qhR7-IZNZHQN05NiGr9bjc9NSzVg/s1600/M1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful entrance to the restaurant..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhST0KcabUiglwObqRlH-HOxPdQf7flxWviOePwNeocgFTcnKzC8zVsxYJFmMxx4UL8NQSPF-O0q-yEh1EnDXZq1WoLi7shU3RcdS-dJKsBeYIw5WoYDq7EA4ysMUrNolzrDU5YhYKrsA/s1600/M4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhST0KcabUiglwObqRlH-HOxPdQf7flxWviOePwNeocgFTcnKzC8zVsxYJFmMxx4UL8NQSPF-O0q-yEh1EnDXZq1WoLi7shU3RcdS-dJKsBeYIw5WoYDq7EA4ysMUrNolzrDU5YhYKrsA/s1600/M4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wonderful view that we had while dining at the terrace of the restaurant...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first stop of the day was to a restaurant that had a beautiful terrace with a good view of the city. Prior to this trip, I had googled a list of food to try in Morocco and decided to try the beef tagine for this particular meal. It was definitely a good choice! As the clay pot containing the meat stew made its way to our table, the wonderful smell of it filled my nostrils and made my mouth water! With much anticipation, my husband and I eagerly tucked into the food. It was heavenly with the tender meat stew literally melting in our mouths, releasing the robust flavours contained in it! I can now totally understand why tagine has been rated the number one food to try in Morocco! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Iy0vsEqbQNypOpX0bxgCcel4ZGdRTBy2U1x0qzTBQXlbJAZlObLQBm4vKEnIzhOru1s_9gWM_pPqHFPrgdZpC8jVzZ1Trwy6ucMXhf3p_qwKha9KNxjxmFwXkuXIadDKrkFGz3WvPA/s1600/M2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Iy0vsEqbQNypOpX0bxgCcel4ZGdRTBy2U1x0qzTBQXlbJAZlObLQBm4vKEnIzhOru1s_9gWM_pPqHFPrgdZpC8jVzZ1Trwy6ucMXhf3p_qwKha9KNxjxmFwXkuXIadDKrkFGz3WvPA/s1600/M2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The delicious tagine!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvL1rdGOuyIJSWHyZaxuvbJXbSmO4CFsnE_n5xJLmnPPGaAKKa3SSHVRUpv4DclLixsWEmZA747dmbHmyU11NEqxS3wOrrdd06CqD8ShfRpCeXe0kl9T5TlXPMHuMx9Pfj6NiM0SG1rg/s1600/M3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="565" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvL1rdGOuyIJSWHyZaxuvbJXbSmO4CFsnE_n5xJLmnPPGaAKKa3SSHVRUpv4DclLixsWEmZA747dmbHmyU11NEqxS3wOrrdd06CqD8ShfRpCeXe0kl9T5TlXPMHuMx9Pfj6NiM0SG1rg/s1600/M3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">..served in these cute clay pots..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After spending about an hour or so in the restaurant, with views that were truly a feast for the eyes and tummies filled with the delicious Moroccan cuisine, we made our way to our next destination - the Majorelle Garden, a botanical and landscape garden created by the French artist Jacques Majorelle. This place was later on purchased by fashion designers Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé, which has now been thankfully opened to the public. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPzreBWB3aj0wf8ywWEsUd4wnw0MwZWZ2QRhZCcX5lbBhqERG5w0lO0t5vy8aNClkhqVUYV3eSo64CybZ3EZhRsLUWr-ttdvNaVFJ9fhkA3VdcFuQYG37BTrJEz_4bZz3BmAo1fNfbQ/s1600/M14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPzreBWB3aj0wf8ywWEsUd4wnw0MwZWZ2QRhZCcX5lbBhqERG5w0lO0t5vy8aNClkhqVUYV3eSo64CybZ3EZhRsLUWr-ttdvNaVFJ9fhkA3VdcFuQYG37BTrJEz_4bZz3BmAo1fNfbQ/s1600/M14.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The iconic villa inside the Majorelle Garden..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZCO4K-d9GEepkBsUADgpt0pmo6YaMIghG4bSSC8DaVdUlL5DJO6gFFlLJAMRpk5IrSwt1OmNO1KQ8GWVVskroaH-nfCJxN-yAhllUqWrqL_aMSSLtsuhOSpnajv9R1e9k6QdMjIuHA/s1600/M5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZCO4K-d9GEepkBsUADgpt0pmo6YaMIghG4bSSC8DaVdUlL5DJO6gFFlLJAMRpk5IrSwt1OmNO1KQ8GWVVskroaH-nfCJxN-yAhllUqWrqL_aMSSLtsuhOSpnajv9R1e9k6QdMjIuHA/s1600/M5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the bold cobalt blue color used!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTkrGPyrXRuF8x9n4kblM0KROO8qWsdL-HA7mNpgN8g7o3bYV4-x1gBpr5HQwU5Yz-6Am2iq2hC3lj1feExc2uvW9RWfh_osc08iR9LuUl1Gg0KnT44tOOorWOnc0olyCTSnYUWXjXA/s1600/M16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTkrGPyrXRuF8x9n4kblM0KROO8qWsdL-HA7mNpgN8g7o3bYV4-x1gBpr5HQwU5Yz-6Am2iq2hC3lj1feExc2uvW9RWfh_osc08iR9LuUl1Gg0KnT44tOOorWOnc0olyCTSnYUWXjXA/s1600/M16.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDoiI6LUMIPqa90FN2bqHNvVhl9Z56ZBPBniGWdDoICHkM9ohRYNK0c28M1zR26w5T3mGLSsqcydNDFv_QVJojgwek-og0wppPwCJ0IWvTkGCBML7EGomGNp0aIfxY-XXzMgpjxVRhw/s1600/M15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDoiI6LUMIPqa90FN2bqHNvVhl9Z56ZBPBniGWdDoICHkM9ohRYNK0c28M1zR26w5T3mGLSsqcydNDFv_QVJojgwek-og0wppPwCJ0IWvTkGCBML7EGomGNp0aIfxY-XXzMgpjxVRhw/s1600/M15.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The garden is beautiful, however, it was packed to the brim with tourists! When we arrived, all we could see was the long queue of people waiting to get into the gardens. Luckily for us, our tour guide managed to get us all in in no time (perhaps having prior arrangements with the people mending this place). The unique shade of bold cobalt blue used extensively in the gardens was a stark contrast to the red walls of the buildings surrounding it. The colourful floral and varied cactus species definitely added to the charm of the gardens. It would have been a joy to just sit and chill on the benches inside the garden if not for the hustling and bustling that comes with the loads of tourists being ushered in with every passing minute. Once we have had enough of fighting for space with the tons of people inside the gardens, my husband and I cut short our exploration and headed for the exit to meet up with our guide. There was after all no way we could properly admire the beauty of the villa or the garden when there is just a non-stop influx of people trying to get the perfect photo of themselves in front of the iconic spots. Perhaps our views would change if we were to visit this place again during the non peak period!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORL-3B8UI2A90QLgWUOhH4gGgbnu8IbKZglahLrOpV2ZWOLdL_BDbHjjH4WI4_2BR5GOTFtXjG5KQHaeiQXd0oFcqmS5bUS8wEx4sTvwA351ScgUrpzZr7DaqYIWJQAkohhzn8IvypA/s1600/M6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORL-3B8UI2A90QLgWUOhH4gGgbnu8IbKZglahLrOpV2ZWOLdL_BDbHjjH4WI4_2BR5GOTFtXjG5KQHaeiQXd0oFcqmS5bUS8wEx4sTvwA351ScgUrpzZr7DaqYIWJQAkohhzn8IvypA/s1600/M6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted a bird on one of the cactus..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLvb9QPhd4mwn6jmGB82Myu8VoqMxqrWHEE5EY1Q_s4izT3Mxe3LJcTZ1b_QpFD76mBazzOdpiphZLyvfOE0UBAMxeGEmSJg-TcOme7K-g_XK-kzWTZkfQUuTiToY1Toh6wU9tVgD9g/s1600/M7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLvb9QPhd4mwn6jmGB82Myu8VoqMxqrWHEE5EY1Q_s4izT3Mxe3LJcTZ1b_QpFD76mBazzOdpiphZLyvfOE0UBAMxeGEmSJg-TcOme7K-g_XK-kzWTZkfQUuTiToY1Toh6wU9tVgD9g/s1600/M7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other variety of cactus.. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqw9dJCoR7ffq4yuoRp6iSjU7cyROdhNXWbWEIzbYAY0FabfNfaAquD1QEusc-J4Ne3GXZqnpwAoijdICrBgJzSPjFdSD9i6k-6hzXXFQEoG9YvGaBGkKJfVLRFvtn-O-7eS580V79Xg/s1600/M17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqw9dJCoR7ffq4yuoRp6iSjU7cyROdhNXWbWEIzbYAY0FabfNfaAquD1QEusc-J4Ne3GXZqnpwAoijdICrBgJzSPjFdSD9i6k-6hzXXFQEoG9YvGaBGkKJfVLRFvtn-O-7eS580V79Xg/s1600/M17.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another lovely walkway in the garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From the gardens, it was a short drive to Bahia Palace and just as we were about to enter the palace, our tour guide realized that one of our tour mates was missing. You could literally seen the instant look of horror on our guide’s face and it was just moments ago that she had confessed that she was not familiar with the roads in Marrakesh and it would be a disaster if any one of us went missing. Our tour guide has previously explained to us that it is illegal for someone who is not from the city to act as guides for tourist. As our guide is not from Marrakesh, we were joined by another guide from Marrakesh. Without any means to contact our missing tour mate, our guide and the Marrakesh guide had no choice but to let us into the palace to wander on our own first while the two of them went on a frantic search for the missing person. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0QzcGlSYRsM6V6wjoMrW4BVy6IE_mqw3BaFkRSRDqdv6rl0d1yyArDqgcEcJ_cVcgm6p-0FJ9rfdKRJ10WOzQB4E3J8AgntxXHjm9iSNVWGwNCFovheC044Ubmm68eyVaixrUia4qw/s1600/M24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0QzcGlSYRsM6V6wjoMrW4BVy6IE_mqw3BaFkRSRDqdv6rl0d1yyArDqgcEcJ_cVcgm6p-0FJ9rfdKRJ10WOzQB4E3J8AgntxXHjm9iSNVWGwNCFovheC044Ubmm68eyVaixrUia4qw/s1600/M24.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The palace is certainly full of colors...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rPs6pGsGnkdPQ09pGnJ7qfhBHXHp5twxPvsY6F-QQP0fi-1swCCU6QX1nC62uBO5WVKE_yLPeEHQfoPiXwJTPyq-1g0O3jkbOd0iMyR84dbaW5v818PbEHbVOsVFA0Cf0fUhP9YXDQ/s1600/M18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rPs6pGsGnkdPQ09pGnJ7qfhBHXHp5twxPvsY6F-QQP0fi-1swCCU6QX1nC62uBO5WVKE_yLPeEHQfoPiXwJTPyq-1g0O3jkbOd0iMyR84dbaW5v818PbEHbVOsVFA0Cf0fUhP9YXDQ/s1600/M18.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and excellent workmanship! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRSlI_ecBUxKMGcoVKGZEB60WIO1SOTz4IwnP3-IIRMde04DolJL8pgWnivLPqljSqdqoss_caAt1eXBhX3CjwCosmG-Ykpi8v4B5Znnynj2tk72DooRi0F8Dkfb9bXPhEw1ouJtStw/s1600/M19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRSlI_ecBUxKMGcoVKGZEB60WIO1SOTz4IwnP3-IIRMde04DolJL8pgWnivLPqljSqdqoss_caAt1eXBhX3CjwCosmG-Ykpi8v4B5Znnynj2tk72DooRi0F8Dkfb9bXPhEw1ouJtStw/s1600/M19.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWMJznYOvePgaZpkLDoZPBrWdd4_Dy4hohKpGavzqwmqf8UBRoEfKCdTgC-Sw5LQCZDROsqfVsXcBYujMnKNg5oIwZeYyqJ-B3pG7_hViEK8YiTdgq-p5BQK2pXKNtXiWnN5Mjg9iPw/s1600/M20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWMJznYOvePgaZpkLDoZPBrWdd4_Dy4hohKpGavzqwmqf8UBRoEfKCdTgC-Sw5LQCZDROsqfVsXcBYujMnKNg5oIwZeYyqJ-B3pG7_hViEK8YiTdgq-p5BQK2pXKNtXiWnN5Mjg9iPw/s1600/M20.jpg" /></a> </div>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With no guide to lead us around the palace, we decided to take things into our own hands. We ended up being guides for ourselves - it was certainly an amusing sight as one of us read out the information about the palace stated on the Internet as we moved from one section of the palace to another! This was actually the first time in which the whole group actually came together and helped each other out. Unfortunately, it was difficult to fully understand and appreciate the history of the palace without a proper guide with the limited amount of information that we could gather on our own and it was not long after where we dispersed and wandered off to do our own exploration of the palace. Personally, the architectural design and craftsmanship of the palace is just stunning and the use of bold colours, especially at the back courtyard of the palace, just made the whole place radiate with charm! It was really a pity that not much written information about the palace was made available there. By the time our guide arrived back into the palace with our missing tour mate, it was near the closing time of the palace and hence there was no way the two guides could have walked us through the different sections of the palace. Nevertheless, I found myself enjoying the walk through the palace as although the Bahia palace was visited by many tourists as well, it was much bigger and hence less claustrophobic than the Majorelle Garden.</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7erke-3NLXOMN2DUeDIqwugRJ9JEeK0Ao4on79krRbp2IG3ebCf9pmckW4WjzWyqhmt5iWO7f9BTX4AR1Xv1dqhbZCAIdJvggDTmZofOx-5nICpajc2uv8FVg3xm9S3rkOGo9QVIrYQ/s1600/M21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7erke-3NLXOMN2DUeDIqwugRJ9JEeK0Ao4on79krRbp2IG3ebCf9pmckW4WjzWyqhmt5iWO7f9BTX4AR1Xv1dqhbZCAIdJvggDTmZofOx-5nICpajc2uv8FVg3xm9S3rkOGo9QVIrYQ/s1600/M21.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back courtyard of the palace </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciYu8kkS99N10FT6IhYPy1DGknNSAgmpfFrVMfxeNjBBKFFZVAbJDO96iG74R-lAOa5h-tlvBu-54qDAF6Zu3c55nRdszmWm3L10VHCEjPGn6_pJQtd6f24tv2Dn_2w7Jp_1cHHD92g/s1600/M22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciYu8kkS99N10FT6IhYPy1DGknNSAgmpfFrVMfxeNjBBKFFZVAbJDO96iG74R-lAOa5h-tlvBu-54qDAF6Zu3c55nRdszmWm3L10VHCEjPGn6_pJQtd6f24tv2Dn_2w7Jp_1cHHD92g/s1600/M22.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filled with cold bold colors!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8vsO34MrwdHPjWwiEvIAoza06vClC9vdkdIcn4T8CBp_lNc66_pCxVhqpnsXwFQ5oZY8yAQo8oE_mgfwzGHyl52jrCe34Jh_XTuN4sX24RgGYMR1fu5bGw9AnF0Ey4_jZhaz6A-pfQ/s1600/M25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8vsO34MrwdHPjWwiEvIAoza06vClC9vdkdIcn4T8CBp_lNc66_pCxVhqpnsXwFQ5oZY8yAQo8oE_mgfwzGHyl52jrCe34Jh_XTuN4sX24RgGYMR1fu5bGw9AnF0Ey4_jZhaz6A-pfQ/s1600/M25.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From Bahia Palace, we soon made our way to the Koutoubia mosque, whose name was derived from the Arabic word for “bookseller” - namely because sale of books and manuscripts used to be done near it. According to the Marrakesh guide, the first mosque built at this site was erected by the Almoravid. Subsequently, it was destroyed when the Almohads took over the rule of Marrakesh. In its place, they built another mosque, which was unfortunately found to be misaligned and not oriented towards Mecca. A second mosque was then built to overcome this error, hence making Koutoubia to be a double mosque. It was a pity that non-Muslim visitors were not allowed into the mosque but the exterior appearance of the mosque, especially that of the 77 metres tall minaret, was impressive enough for me to keep pressing down on the shutter button of my camera!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsZkVllz11hG27jIaUF31BYOnsexg1df-Qxdix3_8Tuyw97lkvpNDNEozZxwEVxYo9be-Q6W0rki1_aZfQDJXql_Fpih-orn7T7OQDWLJ-rnSpfiQnZ67YPXFnt_GhnyKwp0LtyQ1sw/s1600/M8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsZkVllz11hG27jIaUF31BYOnsexg1df-Qxdix3_8Tuyw97lkvpNDNEozZxwEVxYo9be-Q6W0rki1_aZfQDJXql_Fpih-orn7T7OQDWLJ-rnSpfiQnZ67YPXFnt_GhnyKwp0LtyQ1sw/s1600/M8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koutoubia mosque</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our final destination for the day was to Jemaa el-Fnaa, a large square and market place in the old city of Marrakesh. We were given some time to wander around the square on our own and oh boy, this place is a huge maze and mess! The main square was predominately occupied by drinks seller, snake charmers and tents selling street food. Although fascinated by the range of activities happening at the square, my husband and I felt quite disturbed by the constant hassling by literally all the stall owners that we walked passed. It came to a point when we got so tired of dodging and saying no that we just walked straight pass them without even acknowledging them. To be honest, we did not feel very safe walking in the square and was in a heightened state of alertness looking out for pickpockets, snatch thieves and even the local women who are said to demand money after forcefully drawing henna on your hands. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixPYel9F9gk2Tlsi4S8LS1z6mzzQ2ss7Uvs3mpVPltzSiXWXFRFztwrGVYuNTVDDtTL6OBGAHrARPybfognG9vzUYSZlD9TZurs2cRRQK81P9owVFtdzHC3ylRVPRwAKsplespmTcpw/s1600/M27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixPYel9F9gk2Tlsi4S8LS1z6mzzQ2ss7Uvs3mpVPltzSiXWXFRFztwrGVYuNTVDDtTL6OBGAHrARPybfognG9vzUYSZlD9TZurs2cRRQK81P9owVFtdzHC3ylRVPRwAKsplespmTcpw/s1600/M27.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange juice anyone? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWrkCimcPOHhKfQmH2u0TBJw8tZ364vwTXPs__85k7QxJwd9iCd-BSxhrlDvx8GWulqn5NWJ9ji1qSSIMHv2BtYc7L2i8TJVmFARhQOhiEWZgtJE2ZXaCfSEWb_0WYhEDyN_BiU8mYA/s1600/M28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWrkCimcPOHhKfQmH2u0TBJw8tZ364vwTXPs__85k7QxJwd9iCd-BSxhrlDvx8GWulqn5NWJ9ji1qSSIMHv2BtYc7L2i8TJVmFARhQOhiEWZgtJE2ZXaCfSEWb_0WYhEDyN_BiU8mYA/s1600/M28.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main square of Jemaa el-Fnaa during sunset..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Still, our curiosity soon took over our fears and we ventured deeper and deeper into the maze-like plaza. My husband, who had earlier on boasted of his confidence in being able to remember the route back, soon had his confidence wavered when we realised we were walking around in circles and appearing in places that did not seem familiar. Anxiety soon turned into panic when we realised that we are lost in the maze-like souks. Frantically, we started to pick up our pace and try to retrace back the path to where we started off. It was after a while of zig-zagging along the narrow alleys that we managed to come across a sign that pointed towards the main square, where we eagerly followed and only heaved a sigh of relief when we arrived at the main square and spotted the tall minaret of the Kutoubia mosque (the structure that we had made a mental note to look out for when we have to find our way back to the group meeting point). </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4FhuS5DZCLvQy3_7lmVSinbDz-ezEjXq5cTg58f0YA0FxLDUydo0kxTsuyKzLQTt77i_L9ML5Ly9Ldob9XvzniNeRr1jKjdD6wFxmI6i8MYhfZOjUSTytWliUuAByBEqJcgM24OJHQ/s1600/M10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4FhuS5DZCLvQy3_7lmVSinbDz-ezEjXq5cTg58f0YA0FxLDUydo0kxTsuyKzLQTt77i_L9ML5Ly9Ldob9XvzniNeRr1jKjdD6wFxmI6i8MYhfZOjUSTytWliUuAByBEqJcgM24OJHQ/s1600/M10.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We ventured deeper...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-gAA9zD12YRPhS6TwtCJrOPa8WDgJLjT90GD-E-UFQNVZRUdvOdxr69zrbh-pgI1ejVj20FzXiBB8p-CsB1RqmCKmVsGFuREz1GtV-PmgC00yG0l-19_Y-8ml7rrxf-e4Swftg776A/s1600/M11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-gAA9zD12YRPhS6TwtCJrOPa8WDgJLjT90GD-E-UFQNVZRUdvOdxr69zrbh-pgI1ejVj20FzXiBB8p-CsB1RqmCKmVsGFuREz1GtV-PmgC00yG0l-19_Y-8ml7rrxf-e4Swftg776A/s1600/M11.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">..and deeper into the maze-like plaza!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoldxvj9K_jXpUuPgY_HCFZ4zwIcHUb8CWA9GttqS-SmwqSNzsaSS-CjMKJpxF4KuC41EauM5ZrXhBq1kcoGzgjcjxN4e8CJr0Oxn0H_MCh8WKG0EdMQzHjpg9yp7po2YZs1YPQYwaGA/s1600/M12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoldxvj9K_jXpUuPgY_HCFZ4zwIcHUb8CWA9GttqS-SmwqSNzsaSS-CjMKJpxF4KuC41EauM5ZrXhBq1kcoGzgjcjxN4e8CJr0Oxn0H_MCh8WKG0EdMQzHjpg9yp7po2YZs1YPQYwaGA/s1600/M12.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting to get lost in this messy place... </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8axzEjBx394f5_OXGa_fw_3H-CfAfC0ldbbqQJz2np7QxMvId-mhn2jGnFvlWZEoe6UCOfsU1L5_EUXbJThBbUxQuE5O67clhgdbl7QcWKJfGO1AZkurMSfXi3Zw4qY6OhmFBaIBkRw/s1600/M13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8axzEjBx394f5_OXGa_fw_3H-CfAfC0ldbbqQJz2np7QxMvId-mhn2jGnFvlWZEoe6UCOfsU1L5_EUXbJThBbUxQuE5O67clhgdbl7QcWKJfGO1AZkurMSfXi3Zw4qY6OhmFBaIBkRw/s1600/M13.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and ended up having to frantically find our way out of this maze... </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That was it! We have had enough of the all the mental stress endured in Jemaa el-Fnaa and all that we want to do now is to board our van and head to our hotel for a good night rest! </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For this second day of our trip, there were still quite a fair bit of mishaps that happened but we could feel that everyone on this tour is slowly appreciating the need to be cooperative and to keep together as a group (especially after a stern warning from our guide on the way back to the hotel). Marrakesh, on the whole, was a much lively place with more things to see as compared to Casablanca with probably the main drawback being the lack of information on the various places that we visited. Still, things are starting to look positive and hopefully, this tour will get more interesting and fun for the next few days to come...</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yours Truly,</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Claire</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-----------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Related post:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/05/dear-diarycasablanca-morocco.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Casablanca (Morocco)</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-31801713151489215752018-05-02T16:17:00.000+08:002018-05-02T16:17:17.521+08:00Dear Diary.....Casablanca (Morocco)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-hefot17PWYwTnGMybdbUWsEiCh21lQS_wig4YiUNK6_39cLAaC8jJt95U8H5kLPpvR-HyZTu10ask6uUjWs9ShY9X-InQosMniv2dEyKnVZA0L8x3sjyaZuADtwLhW_yARVWJi9cw/s1600/C3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="600" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-hefot17PWYwTnGMybdbUWsEiCh21lQS_wig4YiUNK6_39cLAaC8jJt95U8H5kLPpvR-HyZTu10ask6uUjWs9ShY9X-InQosMniv2dEyKnVZA0L8x3sjyaZuADtwLhW_yARVWJi9cw/s640/C3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Streets of Casablanca!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dear Diary,</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was after a period of deliberation that my husband and I decided to take the plunge and signed up for a 1 week guided tour to Morocco.
As mentioned in my previous post, we usually prefer the free-and-easy style for our travels but we decided to do things differently for this trip (more on the reasons and main take-away for this decision in a later post
:))!</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our journey began in the wee hours of the morning...</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Being night owls, it was a struggle for my husband and I to wake up at the ungodly hour of 4am! Barely awake, we moved in a zombie-like
manner to wash up and get ready to hop onto the taxi to the airport. Everything was a blur and I could hardly recall how I made it through the customs in such a drowsy state - my mind must have been a blank throughout! The
short nap on the plane to Casablanca was much needed and we were totally concussed until the delicious smell of the on-board meal seduced us to leave the rosy dreamland and to open our eyes to reality. Hungrily, we devoured
the food in seconds (it was after all breakfast time and we have not had anything to eat since 4am!). Satisfied in terms of sleep and satiety, we soon found ourselves becoming very excited for this trip - stepping foot on the
African continent was never part of the plan of our Europe tour this time round but somehow we managed to squeeze this trip in :)</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was not long before we arrived at Casablanca and while on the way to the baggage carousel to retrieve our luggage, both of us could
hardly contain our excitement - exclaiming and laughing like school children being all hyped up for excursion trips! However, upon seeing the currency exchange offices lining the walkway, we were soon thrown back to reality.
As the Moroccan dirham is a closed currency, there was no way we could get hold of it outside of Morocco. I was certainly very uncomfortable with not having any local currency on hand at that point in time. While contemplating
whether to exchange for some of the Moroccan dirham, I realized that I could access the airport’s <span style="background-color: white;">WIFI</span>! Thank God for modern technologies! After a quick search on the forums and checking with our guide (who was waiting for
us outside the airport), we decided not to worry about money for now and happily we exited the airport to meet with our guide, a pleasant Moroccan lady.</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The air was crisp and cooling and my husband and I were just soaking in the Moroccan atmosphere as we waited for our other tour mates
to arrive. We were told that our group consisted of 16 people, with a few of them flying in from other parts of Europe and would join us at a later time. Excitedly, we boarded the minivan and was on our way to Casablanca!
Aware of our needs to get hold of the Moroccan dirham and other essentials like water and snacks, our guide communicated with the local driver who swiftly drove to one of the random streets along the way which has a bank and
supermarket located. Some of us waited in the van while the rest proceeded on to get what they needed. Soon, armed with everything that we needed, we made our way to our first destination - the Miami beach of Casablanca!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi62Xd4FF6QMIJRX-M11sOq9m2cQZtjoohvbu2nBNSvf-HlNy1co3-WkpGydpGsqvnZPF2nRAsEUzHQlDkAPTujDwYMzavY2mFLBHzrnOESF9gO1mjWra50yfkBEv573FccW3OWkt_ZA/s1600/C8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="600" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi62Xd4FF6QMIJRX-M11sOq9m2cQZtjoohvbu2nBNSvf-HlNy1co3-WkpGydpGsqvnZPF2nRAsEUzHQlDkAPTujDwYMzavY2mFLBHzrnOESF9gO1mjWra50yfkBEv573FccW3OWkt_ZA/s640/C8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely view of the lighthouse and the sea..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was a scenic stretch and our tour guide led us to one of the restaurant along the street facing the beach where we all sat down to
have lunch. My husband and I tried to explore the place after a quick lunch and were rather disappointed when we realized there was nothing much to do here. It was a further letdown when we saw that there was quite a bit of
construction works being done at the other end of the street. This stopover was perhaps fitted into the itinerary just so that we can have somewhere to go for lunch. Nevertheless, it was quite therapeutic to just watch the
waves hitting the shores of the beach :)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After lunch, we took a short drive to Hassan II mosque, the only mosque in Morocco that is opened to non-Muslim visitors. Our excitement to visit
the mosque was dampened by a slight sense of annoyance when our guide mentioned that our itinerary only covered a visit to the exterior of the mosque and there would be a need to pay to enter it. We were annoyed not because
we had to pay to enter the mosque but rather it should have been pointed out much earlier so that we could have exchanged for more Moroccan dirham for such expenses. Nonetheless, my husband and I decided to visit the interior
of the mosque and to be more prudent with our remaining cash along the way till we locate another currency exchange office.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNPuhAURtX9q-OD5N2xy5EUJWYC_RR2aGT_vda2DL9vUjLQDevlJk4mVHBOk679VtDmew2cKGPw9oA60wRnk7J57boE0SZr1DHwyc9L-L-FL79CghdTAmYhVQE7ZSPi19zvlTON5o8A/s1600/C1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNPuhAURtX9q-OD5N2xy5EUJWYC_RR2aGT_vda2DL9vUjLQDevlJk4mVHBOk679VtDmew2cKGPw9oA60wRnk7J57boE0SZr1DHwyc9L-L-FL79CghdTAmYhVQE7ZSPi19zvlTON5o8A/s640/C1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hassan II mosque</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PAHTXVYtywAFLuVmqlQ6ANbPnyvzCcl-ypMEvi6fm6railUxpIcFAzZV8DSSSRUkYoD-QodGCQNgq15UPqepJilA8FWJ698t6G91upLtVUzUcH4FVoOEaNg3VxnWb-TgwJ_UkpylLw/s1600/C9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="424" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PAHTXVYtywAFLuVmqlQ6ANbPnyvzCcl-ypMEvi6fm6railUxpIcFAzZV8DSSSRUkYoD-QodGCQNgq15UPqepJilA8FWJ698t6G91upLtVUzUcH4FVoOEaNg3VxnWb-TgwJ_UkpylLw/s640/C9.jpg" width="452" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slowly exploring the exterior facade of the mosque..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSL3V2lLG7MQyBP1_V1sJnP2viXkytz7Blm6vth5fOUj3wFIHDGJGBxMCKv2kZoEwK_VhGKVKzW_dx3kjjFXCWrO8fxh1gVewfL23vdGw7HhdiE6Hec1lVaqMbGwurWTkygB3hiBppg/s1600/C10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="424" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSL3V2lLG7MQyBP1_V1sJnP2viXkytz7Blm6vth5fOUj3wFIHDGJGBxMCKv2kZoEwK_VhGKVKzW_dx3kjjFXCWrO8fxh1gVewfL23vdGw7HhdiE6Hec1lVaqMbGwurWTkygB3hiBppg/s640/C10.jpg" width="452" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Mosiac</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hassan II mosque was already quite impressive from afar but it was only when we walked closer that we became aware of its majestic scale.
However, there was some chaos just before entering the mosque as some of our tour mates had wandered off on their own and our young and perhaps slightly inexperienced guide was having a hard time keeping all of us together.
Hence, about half of us entered the mosque first while our guide went on to find those who had wandered away. Wandering about aimlessly inside the mosque, my husband and I decided to stand near to a group with an english-speaking
guide. According to this guide (and later on supplemented by our own guide), we realized that this mosque is the largest mosque in Morocco and second largest in size to the mosque in Mecca, an ambitious structure to be built
in Morocco, commissioned by King Hassan II. It was also interesting to note that majority of the locals actually contributed to the construction funds of this mosque when the government lacked the funds for such a major project.
Some unique features of the mosque include: the tower part of the mosque (minaret) is the tallest in the world at 210 metres; the building is built partially on land and partially over the Atlantic Ocean and the roof of the
prayer hall is retractable (which illuminates the hall with daytime sunlight and allows worshippers to pray under the stars on clear nights). Most of the construction materials for this mosque was extracted from all over Morocco,
with the exception of the Italian white granite columns and the 56 glass chandeliers and its grand interior is a matching fit to its magnificent exterior appearance and aura! A visit to Hassan II mosque was definitely the
highlight of our stay in Casablanca and a walk inside this majestic mosque did us good in forgetting all the chaos and anguish felt prior to this!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3Akc_oN6xHGTeVdUkYMcb2RmEN-PE31ccWCk2uA2N5uUtyHu3hF64ZaZnbBTR4TrXk9ONKmdJpH17AsGyZmb_V-lejjgC2j9aTT_JVrJkZj3mrvF0Xe878WftgMPGjZwgao4PjYWog/s1600/C11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="424" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3Akc_oN6xHGTeVdUkYMcb2RmEN-PE31ccWCk2uA2N5uUtyHu3hF64ZaZnbBTR4TrXk9ONKmdJpH17AsGyZmb_V-lejjgC2j9aTT_JVrJkZj3mrvF0Xe878WftgMPGjZwgao4PjYWog/s640/C11.jpg" width="452" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of the mosque (prayer hall)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>
<br />
<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqp-Td3z-obtYELSOuF1wuVjvoIg6ATpAYWSrbotCvPKAz7GOIxQTqJ94tqKFqi74-e-ftNsfUUTcWhhtF_ek9Y3dAFvWXpDs2mftT70DrK7cyZaveg6kydp5ry5MeEGRvPcPbx8Uaw/s640/C12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other end of the prayer hall..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnIPpqtoAtT6dcjFaXTrB5a1ghKcAYVytmo9lgeuMJ2ZskTTYkZNiQMidRELl6OI_nxLBPqbkqdjw3RVg3jkzSC4c5nkZEoplPtK9CLZ5DTiVEWDAxVl03JZ0VOXRESJThusmerUd1g/s1600/C2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnIPpqtoAtT6dcjFaXTrB5a1ghKcAYVytmo9lgeuMJ2ZskTTYkZNiQMidRELl6OI_nxLBPqbkqdjw3RVg3jkzSC4c5nkZEoplPtK9CLZ5DTiVEWDAxVl03JZ0VOXRESJThusmerUd1g/s640/C2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at all the details!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihe8hkAFwrhcIbidcBb6mW_qBJDemzqOSqMLfJTgJpiHiGrFHzOZg3aWUkyv7w82DJ5HMiyfnJlAi5vTacrftliFTlaLOwCzkzT1ofe51GrHb0G_N9JczX9H1KJK3zCQtRHu32uMqQJw/s1600/C4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihe8hkAFwrhcIbidcBb6mW_qBJDemzqOSqMLfJTgJpiHiGrFHzOZg3aWUkyv7w82DJ5HMiyfnJlAi5vTacrftliFTlaLOwCzkzT1ofe51GrHb0G_N9JczX9H1KJK3zCQtRHu32uMqQJw/s640/C4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The washing area located at the basement..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Still in awe of the awesomeness of the mosque, we soon found ourselves making a quick stop at the Mohammed V square. The square was, in my personal opinion, just a bustling square with LOTS of pigeons - certainly not a place we would want to stay for long as my husband has this fear of being whacked by an on-coming flying pigeon (it is still a mystery to me as to why he has such a fear in the first place...). Some of our tour mates were having quite a bit of fun posing and taking photos with the pigeons though and after they have had enough fun, we proceeded on to our hotel for a short rest.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQoR7RXYGwSzKkEzzJWA2JYITGmpF0UraUuyaBRM9Y3lQAkvwcYxRFfT-VgouSGvxr70t8Icdg8_jlF6VrYCGWxXpiOgbPlc8BXLJMkwhBxPBhBZmbCLE-v1MXJxgJ67nv6cnIsMzpA/s1600/C13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQoR7RXYGwSzKkEzzJWA2JYITGmpF0UraUuyaBRM9Y3lQAkvwcYxRFfT-VgouSGvxr70t8Icdg8_jlF6VrYCGWxXpiOgbPlc8BXLJMkwhBxPBhBZmbCLE-v1MXJxgJ67nv6cnIsMzpA/s640/C13.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tons of pigeons at Mohammed V square..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Being the inquisitive type, my husband and I were not contented to just laze around in the hotel room and decided to head out to do some exploration of our own. Lo and behold, just as we stepped out of the hotel, we spotted a currency exchange office with rather decent rates. Hence, we decided to exchange for a bit more Moroccan dirham just in case we had other unexpected expenses like the one we had earlier in the day. We continued to wander about on the streets of Casablanca where we spotted a bustling street behind the city wall - it was the old town of Casablanca! Much as we were tempted to explore this part of the city, the fear of getting lost, the chaotic main road that we absolutely have no idea how to go about crossing it and the fears of not being able to rejoin the group in time resulted in us turning away from it. Now, thinking of it, we should have been more adventurous and at least take a quick peek so as not to have any regrets later on - definitely something for us to take note for our next trip to Morocco!</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAg-ZBF3o-EPIkn6WyOuBUjq83Z1-QhJ0LwEwM58LbJ9eDA0MZ_IMFKT0MFpM9JKXaOPgR6g5jMIrmm1JRRs64RGw_PmkxnEjfMeSd6nQCb6t92XB8zeV8UDBAYflGX4SofsrvPdLzw/s1600/C5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="600" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAg-ZBF3o-EPIkn6WyOuBUjq83Z1-QhJ0LwEwM58LbJ9eDA0MZ_IMFKT0MFpM9JKXaOPgR6g5jMIrmm1JRRs64RGw_PmkxnEjfMeSd6nQCb6t92XB8zeV8UDBAYflGX4SofsrvPdLzw/s640/C5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted this lovely street art while roaming around the streets of Casablanca..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After the short rest, our group headed off to the final destination for the day - Rick’s cafe, a place made famous by the American black and white movie “Casablanca”. To be honest, the interior of this cafe is very nice and it was absolutely a great place to take beautiful instagram photos! But like any other famous cafes, the drinks were not cheap and there was a greater selection of alcoholic drinks than non-alcoholic ones (pretty ironic for a muslim country and a bummer for non-drinkers like me!). My husband and I were both coffee-lovers and we were quite disappointed when we were told that coffee and tea were not served at the time of our visit. It was pretty anticlimactic because it would have been such a wonderful experience sipping our much needed coffee in such a beautiful place! Oh well, we just had to make do with soda for now... It was not long after when people soon started pouring into the cafe and we could see that the waiter were quite overwhelmed with the crowd as they struggled to juggle between settling the bills for existing diners and taking orders from those who had just arrived at the cafe. It was at this point that we all decided it was time for us to call it a day and leave this chaotic place.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcVh58OfRNakOB3atmaXVKlkrpt9f43TuIuTj3tiA4N7p92bidaCTxxIp8UCk-CuTekZ76rGnfSPVAM6W-QwZhHjEmI__Q_QfjR8uF9goX5C3R8p8b35CYOb2Q5p8bwiA2m1jwc8zGw/s1600/C6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="424" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcVh58OfRNakOB3atmaXVKlkrpt9f43TuIuTj3tiA4N7p92bidaCTxxIp8UCk-CuTekZ76rGnfSPVAM6W-QwZhHjEmI__Q_QfjR8uF9goX5C3R8p8b35CYOb2Q5p8bwiA2m1jwc8zGw/s640/C6.jpg" width="452" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted a rainbow on the way to Rick's cafe...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0MJKv6xgmQMGUPs5Go3p5t5lcQ__Wa8gHchKWSXPG9vtul9Cv_XbfmM8fXXIZXupsVEVvIZhMyvfzNq3pE4yi8qJfPSDwa2LbMNpCUsmRhuajbGHQd9dwSryS4DdQPcaoM21dysgnw/s1600/C7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0MJKv6xgmQMGUPs5Go3p5t5lcQ__Wa8gHchKWSXPG9vtul9Cv_XbfmM8fXXIZXupsVEVvIZhMyvfzNq3pE4yi8qJfPSDwa2LbMNpCUsmRhuajbGHQd9dwSryS4DdQPcaoM21dysgnw/s640/C7.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we are...at the famous Rick's cafe..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKU4AOKop52mRMdB0MhRTmGp2lTAwLXl1ARcImP3sDsDRaxP-5U6jTC3eHa8lAW3FlD6xFHfaoFaGZXCCZ9KkuluGz8Cb5tLBfV4zKQwVkv6-ojdvi-UJB5Bf3McjEzV75m4JGrDoRA/s1600/C14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="600" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKU4AOKop52mRMdB0MhRTmGp2lTAwLXl1ARcImP3sDsDRaxP-5U6jTC3eHa8lAW3FlD6xFHfaoFaGZXCCZ9KkuluGz8Cb5tLBfV4zKQwVkv6-ojdvi-UJB5Bf3McjEzV75m4JGrDoRA/s640/C14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of Rick's cafe...where there is the showing of the film "Casablanca"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="600" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sXQ8fS8I1OJkYSm5H-TLiorRQwVC_1VJAbmXu0eczdZW9YbNCmHe-kVUhiGLxkg7CMWcr8P7K3c2Y3wYJlveWJCexiyR5FaJVutU6ZPvr_Pqp_-_GNAgWiWKpsvQ8fUEXA7B8NFM9A/s640/C15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the variety of alcoholic drinks available at the cafe...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After leaving the chaotic cafe, we headed back to the hotel for dinner (included as part of the package tour). It was a modest buffet
spread and we were tucking into our food when one of the hotel restaurant staff asked us for our beverage choices. With no mention from the staff that these beverages would incur additional cost and us thinking that it was
part of dinner, we randomly pointed to two bottles of drinks that they had on their trolley. After dinner, we went back to our room to rest for the night when suddenly we heard someone banging on our room door. Upon opening
the door, my poor husband was instantly yelled at by the restaurant manager for not paying for the drinks that we had consumed. Bewildered and with no chance to explain ourselves amidst the angry yells of the manager, my husband
had to raise his voice before the manager calmed down and accepted that it was all a big miscommunication. We were finally able to rest after settling the bill, with fingers crossed that no other “mishaps” will occur for
the rest of the night.</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall, it was a long and eventful day in Casablanca. Things certainly did not go as well as we had hope it would be with quite a fair
share of chaos and random mishaps occurring throughout the day. To us, it certainly did not paint a rosy picture for this trip but it was after all just the first day - we can only hope that things will get better as the day
goes by.....</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yours Truly,</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Claire</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-----------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Related post:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/01/guided-tours-or-free-and-easy-style-of.html" target="_blank">Guided tours or free-and-easy style of travelling?</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-58286892784156860682018-04-25T15:58:00.000+08:002018-04-25T15:58:50.879+08:00What is travel fatigue and how to overcome them?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzoPAWJiCKVX9_4-6IjIlG-0j5jL1mf68vs5KEX-CDOxkSVYiP54mtUCk0GFRXsU3hH8ZdsTvg1CgPCK581e4UXE6odikbObih_lxZST26cGrw1lOn8nEVcchxs2A1wX3w9zQw3LUBQ/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="565" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzoPAWJiCKVX9_4-6IjIlG-0j5jL1mf68vs5KEX-CDOxkSVYiP54mtUCk0GFRXsU3hH8ZdsTvg1CgPCK581e4UXE6odikbObih_lxZST26cGrw1lOn8nEVcchxs2A1wX3w9zQw3LUBQ/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have you ever felt constantly tired after a period of travelling? The initial excitement of going on a particular trip has worn off and
you cannot bring yourself to explore yet another must-go touristic site? Do you suddenly feel that all the places you are visiting looked more or less the same and cannot help but wonder why you want to visit all of them in
the first place? Are you puzzled over how much you preferred sleeping in over going for the walking tour that you had signed up for with much enthusiasm at the start of the trip? Are you already sick and tired of the local
foods and delicacies whose photos had never fail to make you drool while you were planning the trip? Do you just wish that you are back at home now? Well, all these could be signs of travel fatigue, a point in time during
your travel when your mind is suffering from information overload coupled with the physical exhaustion of the travel which eventually leads to the body shutting down emotionally.</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I, for one, have fallen victim to travel fatigue several times. Believe me when I say that I love to travel, to explore and experience
the different cultures all over the world, to taste the local delicacies, to see the many wonderful man-made architectural wonders as well as to immerse in the beauty of Mother Nature. However, despite my love for travelling,
I too, am not spared from the clutches of travel fatigue.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78dTuoypweTFk83L_pntHD1RcPG4mO11nMIJ_XfYR9IJwKhanCKeu9rv1JUaA-pVCe2GXHe0tiy_vRox1YB8Z2CEkQjnRtSIfUTmA_plMEZ7astWr4hznWFpaVMqSqYb5_G1mXu0Jjg/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78dTuoypweTFk83L_pntHD1RcPG4mO11nMIJ_XfYR9IJwKhanCKeu9rv1JUaA-pVCe2GXHe0tiy_vRox1YB8Z2CEkQjnRtSIfUTmA_plMEZ7astWr4hznWFpaVMqSqYb5_G1mXu0Jjg/s400/1.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, are there any remedies for travel fatigue? Well, as travel fatigue affects everyone in many different ways, with its onset and duration
varying among different individuals, it is important to slow down and observe when and how one starts to feel its onset. Targeted approaches can then be applied to overcome it. For me, my strategies to overcome travel fatigue
can be expressed by the acronym P.R.E.S.S.:</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u></u></i><u><b><span style="background-color: cyan; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">P</span></b><i>revent the possibilities of developing travel fatigue</i></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><i><br /></i></u></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBz0MzDAtwSkE5yE-uC48CYgn-KzzXqs0Z6EPD8xVKSOs9YqP92dlkYqQ5m9X6TdI-tiS1r35ZQtNrh4NOWZoiSAo8oj3QNDy1y6v6hn10sYkNs2zKazNobVpiM_KHG0es7YoVbuAu6g/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="566" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBz0MzDAtwSkE5yE-uC48CYgn-KzzXqs0Z6EPD8xVKSOs9YqP92dlkYqQ5m9X6TdI-tiS1r35ZQtNrh4NOWZoiSAo8oj3QNDy1y6v6hn10sYkNs2zKazNobVpiM_KHG0es7YoVbuAu6g/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><i><br /></i></u></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have always believed in the notion “prevention is better than cure”. Hence, after a few episodes of struggling with travel fatigue,
I figured out there is a need to identify my triggers for travel fatigue and to prevent them from occurring. For one, I noticed that I tend to fall prey to travel fatigue with an increase in the duration of my trip. After a
few trial and error, I finally figured out that a short trip covering only one location might be better for me as compared to a two weeks long trip covering multiple destinations. The need to adjust and adapt to different
systems in different countries over and over again in the same trip proved that it could get quite overwhelming for me at times. This often resulted in me seeing things in a blur and not enjoying the trip at all! Hence, for
now, my husband and I have opted to do weekend trips to just one particular location each time more frequently. We found ourselves enjoying our trips much more after making this change.</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Other than shortening the duration of our trip, we also looked at other aspects that would aid us in preventing the onset of travel
fatigue. The two most prominent aspects were making sure we had proper rest and ensuring we had adequate nutrition prior to the trip. In the past, I used to spend quite a bit of time trying to perfect my trip itinerary (often
at the expense of my sleeping and meal timings) and I would end up feeling mentally and physically exhausted at the start of the trip. The exhaustion coupled with the sudden influx of external stimuli and having to rapidly
adapting to changes during the trip often resulted in two scenarios: (1) my body slowing shutting down emotionally in response to all these stimuli = onset of travel fatigue; and (2) my immune system cracking under all these
pressure = me falling sick during the trip = instant trigger for travel fatigue! Hence, in order to prevent all these from happening, I have learnt to take things easy and to give priority to good rest and good nutrition prior
to a trip!</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u></u></i><u><b><span style="background-color: cyan; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">R</span></b><i>elax</i></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><i><br /></i></u></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEvbD_-ICmvqGDPxnCskOMQIfZDs4GbGICa8JVvoc753N6S0l1qY5tw6AnQ7lDihGoSl_6pWbnyrRvS2ujG-Xq235yaklOI7FIYOUyW5vqcpR-A9_h4v9AFC24lA4w6S5hZIwom-X9Q/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="533" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEvbD_-ICmvqGDPxnCskOMQIfZDs4GbGICa8JVvoc753N6S0l1qY5tw6AnQ7lDihGoSl_6pWbnyrRvS2ujG-Xq235yaklOI7FIYOUyW5vqcpR-A9_h4v9AFC24lA4w6S5hZIwom-X9Q/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><i><br /></i></u></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what happens when we still suffer from travel fatigue despite all the preventive measures taken prior to the trip? Relax is the
key! What better way to overcome the mental stress of trying to figure out how things works, navigating our way around in a foreign land and struggling with language barrier during a trip than to take it easy and learn to relax?
As a perfectionist, I tend to want to make sure that I covered all the places that I had identify prior to a trip and this has undeniably caused me much unnecessary mental stress. Over time (and with constant reminder from
my dear husband), I soon start to learn to relax and to go with the flow of things without getting all fussed up and obsessed over my itinerary. By learning to take things easy, not only have I reduced the probability of a
bout of travel fatigue, I have also had the time to really observe and immerse myself in the culture and way of life of the places that I am visiting. That, to me, is without a doubt how travelling should be!</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u></u></i><u><b><span style="background-color: cyan; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">E</span></b><i>at</i></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><i><br /></i></u></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLtk-HEYm9ub83V1sAlHhfURE0zPYmXu2PHiQu87AbH_i19YbLISv7ayAdBbXmjQwA75qSYEAknNh_NQM-jsg2mbtj-euAxtsJ8MThfAeGvDRustveklZ0RvtV2t76zTAjtRM56fyAQ/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="440" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLtk-HEYm9ub83V1sAlHhfURE0zPYmXu2PHiQu87AbH_i19YbLISv7ayAdBbXmjQwA75qSYEAknNh_NQM-jsg2mbtj-euAxtsJ8MThfAeGvDRustveklZ0RvtV2t76zTAjtRM56fyAQ/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><i><br /></i></u></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Food is an important element of a society and in order to learn more about the culture of a place, we often made it a point to try out
the local delicacies during our travels. However, food preference is still after all very subjective and undeniably, there were instances when the local foods were not to our liking or we became quite blasé to the local cuisine
after a while. So, when that happens, do we not eat at all? Well, it is definitely not wise to do so. Travelling itself can be quite strenuous and food is important to provide us with the energy to continue with our exploration.
Without proper nutrition, physical exhaustion would soon be joined by travel fatigue. Worse still, when I suffer from travel fatigue, my appetite drops further and soon, a vicious cycle starts to form and the fatigue would
just worsen with time. In the past, whenever we got sick of trying out the local cuisines coupled with the fact that we needed more time to cover all the places that we had planned for the day, my husband and I would just forgo
lunch just so that we make it to all the various touristic sites. However, we did find that this arrangement usually get us down in no time. We have since made it a point to have proper meals during our trips and are enjoying
ourselves more than ever! We have also now made it a point to always bring some familiar snacks or instant foods with us to satisfy our picky taste buds for instances when the local food is not to our liking. To us, a trip
can only be truly enjoyable when our tummies are filled and body fuelled with the energy and nourishment from food!</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u></u></i><u><b><span style="background-color: cyan; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">S</span></b><i>leep</i></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><i><br /></i></u></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiGqJvQlAyNF7fj-NmcyjKJloelSbzMhIg4i2HBpTlSfsAIqflISKrU5qzKBydvlVK-xCZbXXhYQyi5Layg5ZNuTKp76M89nBBNj7BRpDRRhRQrhsHh89utHpQSlFHq5Hti9DZ9nsKQ/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="566" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiGqJvQlAyNF7fj-NmcyjKJloelSbzMhIg4i2HBpTlSfsAIqflISKrU5qzKBydvlVK-xCZbXXhYQyi5Layg5ZNuTKp76M89nBBNj7BRpDRRhRQrhsHh89utHpQSlFHq5Hti9DZ9nsKQ/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><i><br /></i></u></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sleep is very important to my husband and I. Poor sleep often resulted in our brains not being alert enough to react promptly when required
and causes a lot of mental stress over time and this coupled with the physical exhaustion from inadequate rest often triggers the onset of travel fatigue for us! Hence, for all our travels, we usually opt for travel accommodations
that can allow us to sleep comfortably at night to prepare ourselves for the long day of exploration the next day. For travels where jet lag is unavoidable, we also try not to pack too much into our itinerary for the first
few days as priority is always given for our body to have the proper rest that it needs!</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u></u></i><u><b><span style="background-color: cyan; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">S</span></b><i>low down your itinerary</i></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><i><br /></i></u></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qzaXcEl7dcLE_T7jQBYnRtYFP27i79skX5NG1-Zx6VvFLfYfVsFOgC4OALFwPXE-haZdNUaZWR0E7a0nLE_EVC6wh-AE2yF4sxzcDCCr0l5Xwue2yM4pE_4Nqv-z3y2JaUjB84fxew/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qzaXcEl7dcLE_T7jQBYnRtYFP27i79skX5NG1-Zx6VvFLfYfVsFOgC4OALFwPXE-haZdNUaZWR0E7a0nLE_EVC6wh-AE2yF4sxzcDCCr0l5Xwue2yM4pE_4Nqv-z3y2JaUjB84fxew/s400/4.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><i><br /></i></u></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What good will come out of sticking to a fully packed and rushed itinerary when one is starting to feel the onset of a travel fatigue?
We have figured out (the hard way) that there is no point in doing so as we will only be going through the motion of checking off places on the list and not enjoying the sightseeing at all! Slowing down on our itinerary seems
to have a positive effect on overcoming travel fatigue for us. At the very onset of a travel fatigue, we will usually slow down our pace, put aside our itinerary and find a nice cafe to just sit and chill (sometimes even at
the expense of having to give up visiting one or more of the touristic sites on our list). We found this method to be very effective as we will be ready and more enthusiastic for more exploration after that and the sense of
enjoyment for the rest of the trip actually increases as well!</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, for me, “P.R.E.S.S.” is the way to overcome travel fatigue. How about you? What are some of the methods that you found useful
in combating travel fatigue? Feel free to share with all of us in the comment section below! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">---------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Related post:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/02/what-are-your-considerations-when-it.html" target="_blank"><span id="goog_2093874450"></span>What are your considerations when it comes to choosing accommodations for your travels?</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-72822307796118424112018-04-18T16:07:00.000+08:002018-04-18T16:47:41.112+08:00#random_thoughts........Malta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dnB-4h3VsNu_0LSurkiG-LyHSpOAtyUvJ5MwG9lQI28rUm_WWKm2WsLvRK6bgC3m68JJ1AW03a6_al50CwKjIdHVybgk9su_OGEDjE-Fo4td6LkyvFs91AMd5lySBZVQUtE6mBI_rw/s1600/M10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dnB-4h3VsNu_0LSurkiG-LyHSpOAtyUvJ5MwG9lQI28rUm_WWKm2WsLvRK6bgC3m68JJ1AW03a6_al50CwKjIdHVybgk9su_OGEDjE-Fo4td6LkyvFs91AMd5lySBZVQUtE6mBI_rw/s640/M10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Malta is beautiful in summer, but I will probably revisit this place in spring or autumn - the summer heat is really unbearable!</span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NrwsaHxvFqqS1J89lYpDa9bd8L_ez8uqF9m57itUf7lrVBHmzsPuoZ8IjspOAYKSDzPgegxoNDLHbBsGzxMMxZ8ILh3p3NUf8Z6Uji2R6YyO237tokvYDpeTsTKXdqTEL5W7ukKemg/s1600/M5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="500" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NrwsaHxvFqqS1J89lYpDa9bd8L_ez8uqF9m57itUf7lrVBHmzsPuoZ8IjspOAYKSDzPgegxoNDLHbBsGzxMMxZ8ILh3p3NUf8Z6Uji2R6YyO237tokvYDpeTsTKXdqTEL5W7ukKemg/s640/M5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quaint little cafe on the charming streets of Valletta :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If only there is a metro train system connecting the different parts of Malta....</span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-dHceMIvPguPbKXep2nIZDBO_hUMvc4A0tXemP5NLK0dtF63NnWI-Ve3RRfcbjlyr3O-HyhJEBRVLv3BMNQ0jO9Cwc2zJ5mkC9FKwsTPJO1JdY3R4_eKrpW-ur8Iy8QvJQkc7cp_-Q/s1600/M6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-dHceMIvPguPbKXep2nIZDBO_hUMvc4A0tXemP5NLK0dtF63NnWI-Ve3RRfcbjlyr3O-HyhJEBRVLv3BMNQ0jO9Cwc2zJ5mkC9FKwsTPJO1JdY3R4_eKrpW-ur8Iy8QvJQkc7cp_-Q/s640/M6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful doors!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why is it so difficult for us to buy bottled water in Valletta???</span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRILaAIMtEupUYBitywpEhH8DV5VeTFo5RAiINn6cfxXbcxYj4HmcQB8k2USo2TgJVR2EV2duvLuXVbAzylVJZKSKVr7WBgP-sVQ8KhljBVrfPAWJz8qDPmVJDai5JwLTmRI68dmAIlA/s1600/M1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="500" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRILaAIMtEupUYBitywpEhH8DV5VeTFo5RAiINn6cfxXbcxYj4HmcQB8k2USo2TgJVR2EV2duvLuXVbAzylVJZKSKVr7WBgP-sVQ8KhljBVrfPAWJz8qDPmVJDai5JwLTmRI68dmAIlA/s640/M1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My water ration...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Five days is probably too short a duration to cover all the interesting places in Malta..</span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NV5_TpbFzrL-OQnXMfp79BiiVjPx07aH_tMQSSvEsL2ZVppbh4tV6WjS3RksXhceQhwHSwAHfZl43zhZyyxjBZPiLpMlKkJFM_tj5PdJq41Mn-qBkz383xdLsA8zn-5OkmTfqhUd_w/s1600/M4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NV5_TpbFzrL-OQnXMfp79BiiVjPx07aH_tMQSSvEsL2ZVppbh4tV6WjS3RksXhceQhwHSwAHfZl43zhZyyxjBZPiLpMlKkJFM_tj5PdJq41Mn-qBkz383xdLsA8zn-5OkmTfqhUd_w/s640/M4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the uniqueness of the buildings here...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is a certain charm to the narrow alleys in Valletta!</span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0sKJrZJnLZYnEcy4jj7O8ybFyvE8qX64U2wAY5bsiygWjn5EXtuML1GQNiX_PMEheMoe5OEs7T0QkVuvcuGjs_3aYJhB6TguNKfTXDJZWcmkdvfnXLxZvMTtsN2hnb-53DXJxD_t6w/s1600/M3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0sKJrZJnLZYnEcy4jj7O8ybFyvE8qX64U2wAY5bsiygWjn5EXtuML1GQNiX_PMEheMoe5OEs7T0QkVuvcuGjs_3aYJhB6TguNKfTXDJZWcmkdvfnXLxZvMTtsN2hnb-53DXJxD_t6w/s640/M3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charming little alley...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There were hardly any trees to provide us with the shade that we desperately needed on these hot summer days...*sweat*</span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLF57jEUwcqmUiPSau1NH7SQsFZ3l4sj_axw5WFmy5OsnLpHXnPWCtCDuKq0lr90YGBqtvHcGPC-5ap6bPVSy8mjpH2sdrrtZ89pGWk27LK04PgYQl9LReFkAsg2QYvmsxiXeHf3jZEg/s1600/M8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLF57jEUwcqmUiPSau1NH7SQsFZ3l4sj_axw5WFmy5OsnLpHXnPWCtCDuKq0lr90YGBqtvHcGPC-5ap6bPVSy8mjpH2sdrrtZ89pGWk27LK04PgYQl9LReFkAsg2QYvmsxiXeHf3jZEg/s640/M8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All I can see is land...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The locals are actually a very warm and friendly group of people, though they may look very stern at first glance ;P</span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaLmaM2yk3m9VTZgdgbmnOTQ4wAYvN2Z2vSb0s5J5msBNQfBCVLisDgFkL9Z3-ckCnkQ0uq85j1dNmuwhCyVORjgGnGA_kHHkjcsfoXmwK3dJveOUydc49_gXEhrw9kWke6YtUDlxeg/s1600/M7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="376" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaLmaM2yk3m9VTZgdgbmnOTQ4wAYvN2Z2vSb0s5J5msBNQfBCVLisDgFkL9Z3-ckCnkQ0uq85j1dNmuwhCyVORjgGnGA_kHHkjcsfoXmwK3dJveOUydc49_gXEhrw9kWke6YtUDlxeg/s640/M7.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just strolling...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have had the best KFC in Malta!</span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3D_Dl9TJG1INRGsyT4lPKBxSPwCiz_P0FcHNg2a0tzvgMKcRHoV_RNMH6Bt28Vys7aJApOZWa4zPoQQ09T1tyI7d2YirSPruQwW9SGNmCazQ9w4jFiXMu6_hsNNYkLZI2q6F8tpKMw/s1600/M2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="464" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3D_Dl9TJG1INRGsyT4lPKBxSPwCiz_P0FcHNg2a0tzvgMKcRHoV_RNMH6Bt28Vys7aJApOZWa4zPoQQ09T1tyI7d2YirSPruQwW9SGNmCazQ9w4jFiXMu6_hsNNYkLZI2q6F8tpKMw/s400/M2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yums!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div>
---------------------------------------------------------</div>
<div>
Related posts:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/03/dear-diarymarsaxlokk-malta.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Marsaxlokk (Malta)</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/04/dear-diaryhagar-qim-and-mnajdra.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park + Blue Wall and Grotto viewpoint (Malta)</a></div>
<div>
Dear Diary.....Comino Island</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-62780949601177496232018-04-11T14:34:00.000+08:002018-04-20T18:44:55.992+08:00Dear Diary.....Comino Island<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRDh5OKCqrQyclcEnUO8DltHpzP_KruqjN5-AT-2eRzsbTdD3ZQ3mGYJa5FYnI7Epyp-yfZ1MQqF3QK_UB0hhLnTuEtuYRtDkGQMpq1KeZUYrY0Kd0Cbi-EPAizw09S6w_pse9KCYAQ/s1600/M12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="196" data-original-width="500" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRDh5OKCqrQyclcEnUO8DltHpzP_KruqjN5-AT-2eRzsbTdD3ZQ3mGYJa5FYnI7Epyp-yfZ1MQqF3QK_UB0hhLnTuEtuYRtDkGQMpq1KeZUYrY0Kd0Cbi-EPAizw09S6w_pse9KCYAQ/s640/M12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dear Diary,</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On this bright and sunny day, my husband and I woke up feeling all hyped up and excited about our trip to Comino Island. The ride to
and fro on board a cruise ship was included in our ExplorePlus tallinja card and we could not wait to utilise this perk! It was also on this day that we reckoned we could finally take a nice break from all the walking - to
just enjoy ourselves on board and take in the beautiful view sailing on the crystal clear waters of Malta! Well, let’s just say that it was not as relaxing as we had expected...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYMZgPHeN2iWqek7l3M_GDKnVBEL56gDMtqN-udHOOShgj6UkNeby1C6P-rtap3GSqsVtRJeMRrr202L6dk8tWabgRT0k-sWkz6XEz-ALSrIgZiy6rYZUZGIvRT1aRMtx_MoV20pSYA/s1600/M1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYMZgPHeN2iWqek7l3M_GDKnVBEL56gDMtqN-udHOOShgj6UkNeby1C6P-rtap3GSqsVtRJeMRrr202L6dk8tWabgRT0k-sWkz6XEz-ALSrIgZiy6rYZUZGIvRT1aRMtx_MoV20pSYA/s400/M1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The small ship from Valletta to Silema</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The cruise ship that will bring us to Comino island was by the company “Captain Morgan”. We were told to board the ship at Silema
and to get there, we had to take the Valletta ferry service - a short boat ride between the Valletta harbour and Silema harbour. The “Captain Morgan” cruise ship departs from Silema daily at 10am, cruising pass several
harbour bays and finally docking at Comino’s famous blue Lagoon where there will be an allocated free time for us to either sunbath/swim at the blue lagoon region or to head inland to explore the island. The cruise ship
will then depart from Comino Island at 4.30pm and bring us back to Silema. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-qi8NGCzjQKnt17RqH1iWhuBzFsVxNSS5qMxrSnGXhyneS3xE6JW_8EbH-86ZwuDTMS3jfCSLGbnGFLJE_HiHRYqOmqLmPK6EyRPU4p0Y4BeR2cuPIdM6ezaZf6iD_KUIFXM7z1Saw/s1600/M2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="500" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-qi8NGCzjQKnt17RqH1iWhuBzFsVxNSS5qMxrSnGXhyneS3xE6JW_8EbH-86ZwuDTMS3jfCSLGbnGFLJE_HiHRYqOmqLmPK6EyRPU4p0Y4BeR2cuPIdM6ezaZf6iD_KUIFXM7z1Saw/s400/M2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our "Captain Morgan" cruise ship...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As we only had this particular day to venture to Comino island, we most certainly did not want to miss the ship. Hence, we headed off
from Valletta much earlier than was required. It turned out to be a great decision as there were some confusion over which cruise ship to board. There were just too many “Captain Morgan” ships docked at Silema harbour!
After a while of asking around, we finally found our cruise ship. As it was a free-seating arrangement, we decided to make our way to the open-air upper deck of the ship and found ourselves comfortable seats in a corner with
a great view of the sea. Soon, crowds of people started to stream in and fill the ship. After a delay of almost 30 minutes, we finally set sail for Comino island. Prior to departure, we were told that there will be an audio
commentary highlighting to us the various landmarks that we will pass by during the 2 hours journey. Unfortunately, it was quite noisy at the upper deck and we could hardly hear the commentary. In the end, we gave up trying
to figure out what was said and just admired the nice sea view and the cooling sea breeze on this hot summer day.</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Halfway through the journey, we started seeing people heading to the lower deck and arriving back up again with cups of drinks and it
was only when a Spanish lady sitting next to us explained that we were entitled to a free flow of drinks that we understood what was going on. We also heaved a sigh of relief as we can finally break free from having to ration
our water supply! Did I mention that it was a nightmare trying to buy bottled water in Valletta? There was even one night when we were so desperate for water that we tried drinking tap water - bad idea as the mineral taste
of the tap water was too much for us to handle! There were not many major supermarkets spread out across Malta as do most cities that we had visited. For the rare few mini-marts that we came across, they were always closed
as we were either there too early in the morning or too late at night. What a bummer! Well, it was good thing that we now had free flow of drinks on board to keep us hydrated on this hot day! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3JXVcZt8swStKKr-A8e1QLAgeV6ZGSjaduPDKt1zKPH6P8W7iuwbym57KWtejbN9nqGVZUKmfQ553AwVO1XK_F1nf9OzXqG840OLHWYxRF5V7ch43F68uy5B_kZYZulH61XowS55VA/s1600/M3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="354" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3JXVcZt8swStKKr-A8e1QLAgeV6ZGSjaduPDKt1zKPH6P8W7iuwbym57KWtejbN9nqGVZUKmfQ553AwVO1XK_F1nf9OzXqG840OLHWYxRF5V7ch43F68uy5B_kZYZulH61XowS55VA/s400/M3.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lunch...with extra protein added....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We arrived at Comino island at around noon time and were given instruction to head to the lower deck to get our lunch. We were expecting
a cold buffet spread but it was nothing like it at all! By the time we got to the lower deck, there was already a long queue for the food. Each of us was given a plate and the ship crew would dish out some pasta, a slice of
ham and some bread onto our plates. Carefully guarding the miserable plate of food that took great efforts to obtain, we soon found a seat at the lower deck and started tucking into our food. To my horror, halfway through,
I actually found a huge bee trapped under the pile of pasta! Horrified and filled with disgust, I hurriedly pushed the plate out of sight and at the same time, struggling to stop myself from kicking my husband who had jokingly
commented that I had extra protein added! Thankfully, we have had the habit of bringing snacks with us wherever we go and it was at that instant that I was extremely grateful for that extra weight in our bags!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvaaufbbA_fVjsn0u1pVvBGARUmDTr8fHuAP653K8WleneV48J0c0gPl6NMa6l-xqfj-RpoOqzb5GSqcO8HauZodAjLFAtoLnOgln_zDsSe9eHzPadrWK7y-lGQeFRI3XE8yXM8Kl8A/s1600/M8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="500" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvaaufbbA_fVjsn0u1pVvBGARUmDTr8fHuAP653K8WleneV48J0c0gPl6NMa6l-xqfj-RpoOqzb5GSqcO8HauZodAjLFAtoLnOgln_zDsSe9eHzPadrWK7y-lGQeFRI3XE8yXM8Kl8A/s640/M8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another reason for us to get away from the blue lagoon...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After that unpleasant lunch episode, my husband and I just wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle on the ship. We soon found
ourselves on the island, armed with only two small bottles of water, a few snacks and a small guide book on Comino island (which was on loan from our Airbnb host). The land was mostly barren with not much shade from the scorching
sun and we decided to follow one of the faint walking paths. Apart from the massive crowd found at the blue lagoon, the other parts of this island are very quiet and surreal. There were literally no one else in sight other
than us - it was hardly a surprise coming from the fact that there are only 3 permanent residents on this island! We were feeling both glad (that we are finally away from all the noise) and anxious (at being the only two humans
in that pathway) as we explored the place. As we were expected to be back at the ship by 4pm, we spent the next 2.5 hours walking along the foot path (occasionally deviating slightly from it and ended up getting lost), taking
lots of photos, enjoying each other’s company on this empty piece of land and just enjoying the view all around the island. Despite the fatigue and sun burn from the walk, it was truly an enjoyable walking trip in what
seems like a place of our own!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLR71xDFzCj0ZULosShPkUWCMb4Bd2mgAGQNfmSTFZU112CbxhjxCFTDcotDV8IisLyZe3vtwz_vbtgSZlVJfGu9tXOAenCQ0LusHSlDktblTf778q9zOTBQEQN0Ohc-mKWQHUSkzb3Q/s1600/M4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="500" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLR71xDFzCj0ZULosShPkUWCMb4Bd2mgAGQNfmSTFZU112CbxhjxCFTDcotDV8IisLyZe3vtwz_vbtgSZlVJfGu9tXOAenCQ0LusHSlDktblTf778q9zOTBQEQN0Ohc-mKWQHUSkzb3Q/s640/M4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Literally no one else in sight on the island..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOduhJH_VImCFedDow6UILabjH4Dc-IYweAxJ_tDcfEFBSUIibJgP-Un7yJxp7KjdXy-pkk638CT5pQe6Ob1ej7Pv8qUkQ3edOtIvrEjVz4dWfmSkMl1RAVnMiowjctB4U0ahFG5zCQ/s1600/M6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="500" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOduhJH_VImCFedDow6UILabjH4Dc-IYweAxJ_tDcfEFBSUIibJgP-Un7yJxp7KjdXy-pkk638CT5pQe6Ob1ej7Pv8qUkQ3edOtIvrEjVz4dWfmSkMl1RAVnMiowjctB4U0ahFG5zCQ/s640/M6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Marija Battery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtQo2S7oj21xgKGo1tfduSzKcxUn-NcMJglkILprS6vv9Ip5W-j1OQyqUZwt7NqGLCghVoTTgEjMYfuljTVcX2-3NrSYiW4e_SxSkroQL-DRSUMppWOUlft_uxaTebbYOBWH14rWf-g/s1600/M9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtQo2S7oj21xgKGo1tfduSzKcxUn-NcMJglkILprS6vv9Ip5W-j1OQyqUZwt7NqGLCghVoTTgEjMYfuljTVcX2-3NrSYiW4e_SxSkroQL-DRSUMppWOUlft_uxaTebbYOBWH14rWf-g/s640/M9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Marija Tower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqHNenlzoGIbthzzICUFvj-L_FIE6Tq1rKJfcA0OINFFjwNnE_-eThXnr5sO9NSRl-GJJ84Kx1Ezkxu7W0th-DD9nv1Pd0ZVCbDkwcfkw-jZ7J36LHcqx9LmUYxCgvX7j_-bKqEHwkw/s1600/M10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="440" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqHNenlzoGIbthzzICUFvj-L_FIE6Tq1rKJfcA0OINFFjwNnE_-eThXnr5sO9NSRl-GJJ84Kx1Ezkxu7W0th-DD9nv1Pd0ZVCbDkwcfkw-jZ7J36LHcqx9LmUYxCgvX7j_-bKqEHwkw/s640/M10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely clear waters surrounding the island..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgierLGCuv9ACd630FTKs1jM58zsSAXm95sIYXl6DO0FQhMb5jAi1m8iyfdPvkvIRSFE5Dr4aBhyphenhyphenezwqcIroC_L6IVy_ekT8_1SPAb3fNwwN6GIwyH5Ylyuljr0XRK8dGmt3xGFhiAFQ/s1600/M11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="500" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgierLGCuv9ACd630FTKs1jM58zsSAXm95sIYXl6DO0FQhMb5jAi1m8iyfdPvkvIRSFE5Dr4aBhyphenhyphenezwqcIroC_L6IVy_ekT8_1SPAb3fNwwN6GIwyH5Ylyuljr0XRK8dGmt3xGFhiAFQ/s640/M11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such scenic views...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall, we felt that although there were quite a few issues with the cruise ship provider that did not quite meet up to our expectations,
having a positive mindset and outlook has enabled us to enjoy it nonetheless! At the end of the day, the gorgeous view of the crystal clear blue water around Comino island seems to have the magical effect of making everything
seemed worthwhil</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e </span>- certainly ending our Malta trip on an excellent note! :)</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yours Truly,</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Claire</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">----------------------------------</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Related Post:</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/04/dear-diaryhagar-qim-and-mnajdra.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park + Blue Wall and Grotto viewpoint (Malta)</a></span></div>
<div class="Normal">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-35027969800512258732018-04-04T17:02:00.000+08:002018-04-20T18:41:40.856+08:00Dear Diary.....Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park + Blue Wall and Grotto viewpoint (Malta)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqCEeF4FkoC44O4x_Mzk_LCt5io_Yw5TFhAO3YutXAUBkWlWbdoDieJcLFFCdsun-XKckin9yvR4SS8nKtpEZZwPcnUsOj-ThABMUfZTUhIY0QbTbwMh2k8WLR-f8i5q67T3-h2Pjuw/s1600/M5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="533" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqCEeF4FkoC44O4x_Mzk_LCt5io_Yw5TFhAO3YutXAUBkWlWbdoDieJcLFFCdsun-XKckin9yvR4SS8nKtpEZZwPcnUsOj-ThABMUfZTUhIY0QbTbwMh2k8WLR-f8i5q67T3-h2Pjuw/s640/M5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dear Diary,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The second highlight of our Malta tour brings us to the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park, a place that we had identified as one of
the must-go places for this trip. So what is the deal with this park? Well, a quick goggle revealed that this park is an archaeological site that comprises of the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra megalithic temple complexes, built out
of massively large stones. What is fascinating about this site is that these prehistoric temples had been claimed as the oldest free-standing structures on Earth (dated as far back as possibility between 3600 - 3200 BC) and
that they are still so well preserved. Furthermore, it had been discovered that one of the prehistoric chambers of the Hagar Qim temple complex holds an elliptical hole which is in alignment with the Summer Solstice sunrise
- on the first sunrise of the summer, the sun’s rays can pass through this hole and illuminate a stone slab inside the chamber. </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oFLoytB7DOEZpEtEiFPPwPHyTTCJvlyGu2ctPrHbpNg5L3r6szMaOorsQ3sPmIiZ4aabXQl9Q4Ex5QnS49ornGeEzmUTexM5jXm1WzMovvq3srHrViMqBxymm0swMVMCy-Vbq2eA6A/s1600/H4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="533" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oFLoytB7DOEZpEtEiFPPwPHyTTCJvlyGu2ctPrHbpNg5L3r6szMaOorsQ3sPmIiZ4aabXQl9Q4Ex5QnS49ornGeEzmUTexM5jXm1WzMovvq3srHrViMqBxymm0swMVMCy-Vbq2eA6A/s640/H4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hagar Qim temple complex</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On our arrival to the actual site, we were glad to be able to seek refuge from the hot summer sun at the ticketing office. There were
hardly any queue and we managed to purchase our admission tickets (which allowed access to the two temple complex sites and the visitor center) in no time. Happily, we were ushered into one of the air-conditioned theater where
a 3-dimensional animation gave us a brief history and hypothesis of the functions of the temples. Walking out from the theater, we were allowed to roam around in the visitor center which provided posters with more written
facts and miniature models of the temples. Our relief from the blazing sun was short-lived as we made our way to the first site - the Hagar Qim temple complex, located a short distance from the visitor center, on a hilltop
that is to the south-west of the village of Qrendi and overlooking the sea and the islet of Fifla. Although the open-sided shelter protecting the site provided some shade from the harsh sun rays, the smoldering heat of the
summer sun could still be felt. However, despite having to deal with the unwelcoming weather, my husband and I were in awe by what we saw - the neat formation of the gigantic stones created a very majestic aura and we could
only imagine how grand it must have been back then when it was still a functional temple. We spent quite a bit of time at this site, appreciating and marveling at the ingenuity behind the creation of the different areas of
the temple complex. </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9DLSFrlBy4uLTX10KBr1QpXquvbZQ-JkQYmU8splxyevZmfM3uVvbzVOnAhQgp6Ie6TBs2Gk0um6eL_xEueSyjFSvY-ghsRZkr8g3ARtMZQh7miWX5DuxZaww1LdNQ72iFjZp6VpTA/s1600/M2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="331" data-original-width="533" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9DLSFrlBy4uLTX10KBr1QpXquvbZQ-JkQYmU8splxyevZmfM3uVvbzVOnAhQgp6Ie6TBs2Gk0um6eL_xEueSyjFSvY-ghsRZkr8g3ARtMZQh7miWX5DuxZaww1LdNQ72iFjZp6VpTA/s400/M2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miniature model of Hagar Qim temple Complex</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmnvr72ZJnDIogB3vuZKxkuVcqDhykU6wUdp6mRixRDE5kxhRWCcLiyV4osi7k1Hd8Ud_iLv_7EM2ah6CUwrFHLwOiOCaKV9nsxpivN3WxwzUTKJ2waogA13i8UkMd4SBU0b9flRKyA/s1600/H1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmnvr72ZJnDIogB3vuZKxkuVcqDhykU6wUdp6mRixRDE5kxhRWCcLiyV4osi7k1Hd8Ud_iLv_7EM2ah6CUwrFHLwOiOCaKV9nsxpivN3WxwzUTKJ2waogA13i8UkMd4SBU0b9flRKyA/s400/H1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge stones of Hagar Qim temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoRnq6e9c0Qf3XOuoKfwJtOAGfiBzgaajrMtnBY4Kc2Vu-wMksMuGegnbYAQSXRghaTR3hejb2x96hwU_tBYq-Q7_XMbls8TSOLpJlgP6D_e2RzDfPsF607xmA8tU5DvTJeiB4uFhgg/s1600/H2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="533" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoRnq6e9c0Qf3XOuoKfwJtOAGfiBzgaajrMtnBY4Kc2Vu-wMksMuGegnbYAQSXRghaTR3hejb2x96hwU_tBYq-Q7_XMbls8TSOLpJlgP6D_e2RzDfPsF607xmA8tU5DvTJeiB4uFhgg/s400/H2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance of Hagar Qim temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyzUydKbGUJqmUwWoXCNJ2LL2IxCnAfNeIJ20KLvyCKGhqAEH7G6fvbaO3uC3dsUGABlGUvTeNd6uAHLJLBtRlDUu8U3qFjVaPo3xnGKu4VQpcNlfab3w_GPqkvUuqYbXqR-0QlC_qg/s1600/H3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="533" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyzUydKbGUJqmUwWoXCNJ2LL2IxCnAfNeIJ20KLvyCKGhqAEH7G6fvbaO3uC3dsUGABlGUvTeNd6uAHLJLBtRlDUu8U3qFjVaPo3xnGKu4VQpcNlfab3w_GPqkvUuqYbXqR-0QlC_qg/s400/H3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the chambers of Hagar Qim temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjct-jt_LeXcmxXWzdoM0O7bwl8sNHv_rNHc3OBDL9UwsGu7JctgSUJgkGaVA10dAGDwj8rra3KSsNJgGFDwbbI5voWghzIzK63E_PfrWmKEAENMkRv-WKELXBVPPBKZsJ-f5yXwKjNWQ/s1600/M4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="533" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjct-jt_LeXcmxXWzdoM0O7bwl8sNHv_rNHc3OBDL9UwsGu7JctgSUJgkGaVA10dAGDwj8rra3KSsNJgGFDwbbI5voWghzIzK63E_PfrWmKEAENMkRv-WKELXBVPPBKZsJ-f5yXwKjNWQ/s400/M4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The long passageway to Mnajdra temple complex</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />After we are done exploring the Hagar Qim temple complex, we made our way to the Mnajdra temple complex that lies just 500 meters away, at
the bottom of the hill. The two sites were connected by a long passageway and although we could have easily paid a small fee to hitch a ride on the buggy to the entrance of the Mnajdra temple complex, we decided to make our
way there by foot. Bad idea! It was literally the worst decision made as we felt every bit of our body melting under the hot sun with each step that we took. After what seems like an eternity, we finally reached the Mnajdra
temple complex. It had a much simpler design as compared to Haga Qim temple complex but it was still awe-inspiring nonetheless. </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaO2buwpiBxHoJ8Mr0vfyaIaolzam8rKbwom5qYxmLA0cJdhwyu2YmHI_0YlOlkdIzMIHQJHl3YXiFjc6qkcHgzqUoZndZXijULBr4C06GCXAvHMPulvW_fB6FUQWtw9NJ3bjrAh0lA/s1600/M3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="533" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaO2buwpiBxHoJ8Mr0vfyaIaolzam8rKbwom5qYxmLA0cJdhwyu2YmHI_0YlOlkdIzMIHQJHl3YXiFjc6qkcHgzqUoZndZXijULBr4C06GCXAvHMPulvW_fB6FUQWtw9NJ3bjrAh0lA/s400/M3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miniature model of Mnajdra temple complex</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2RMxZH7mZZ_vtt9raTXyeqNXK2clqOsAwcJblkmggEotSYkAi_JDmQGGwqprahBtBkDGPHh3GK1iS4vPfJCO-xtwQUg7hV7BzD1aBDLJ9YABiz-NIGMeenFIDCkQkEUUSV6XlbuIPQ/s1600/M3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2RMxZH7mZZ_vtt9raTXyeqNXK2clqOsAwcJblkmggEotSYkAi_JDmQGGwqprahBtBkDGPHh3GK1iS4vPfJCO-xtwQUg7hV7BzD1aBDLJ9YABiz-NIGMeenFIDCkQkEUUSV6XlbuIPQ/s400/M3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance of Mnajdra temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeVMyRYXbfSWRwKV6gcIcWC5Vf_0vENs1PC2ezXy-CJVb7JoGPgPrNLdiYwYPAr-LIlRJ2PW_zS78bxP4NYlMUbrRyABgI0uNgmV5NQcBliYgrJArHFkCKdXzI3sFQvCF2BK1K2BHNA/s1600/M2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="202" data-original-width="500" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeVMyRYXbfSWRwKV6gcIcWC5Vf_0vENs1PC2ezXy-CJVb7JoGPgPrNLdiYwYPAr-LIlRJ2PW_zS78bxP4NYlMUbrRyABgI0uNgmV5NQcBliYgrJArHFkCKdXzI3sFQvCF2BK1K2BHNA/s400/M2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overview of Mnajdra temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmQujoiLMXiAEhcv1JGFUn7wu9kAVt5pI45UVb25OZC3qv0GTksuiwrhSErOOSYJb7lW4H5jQqotJXkZVRutvsDL8JMoEWw56SBEF1pXYugOCH2qSAsurwkTaC_xnh8mYNZWGED38EQ/s1600/M1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmQujoiLMXiAEhcv1JGFUn7wu9kAVt5pI45UVb25OZC3qv0GTksuiwrhSErOOSYJb7lW4H5jQqotJXkZVRutvsDL8JMoEWw56SBEF1pXYugOCH2qSAsurwkTaC_xnh8mYNZWGED38EQ/s400/M1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the chambers of Mnajdra temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzFkuFqYQzcO14cDdO1doPjUvZJh4CKFgxEiYxbJ98xObl0YamRyt5Syo2CGojAzJ-8_78haFIct32XenwZARRE198HpaLDV7Lbyru0s448SJGt_jQTdCiXe30o67HN1dX3H5E7qH1w/s400/M4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large stones of Mnajdra temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Walking through these two archaeological sites, it was as if we were taken back in time and we cannot help but marvel at this wonderful creation while at the same time pondering over who, how and why were these temples built for. We finally understood why this park has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the reason for its fame as one of the more
popular places to visit in Malta! </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwkpYhyphenhyphenosjRffFQ3LPNw5m5Ej3H42cvFi7vadfHb50XDI34pbhSpgjo0HeJfeG9RhgXgvoWyc4finXpi7oWlluAYmKkGFn3EqIKERvyUikg7c1459fc6la4Y9wLbKbCW9Dn1Mxlwy8Q/s1600/M6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="533" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwkpYhyphenhyphenosjRffFQ3LPNw5m5Ej3H42cvFi7vadfHb50XDI34pbhSpgjo0HeJfeG9RhgXgvoWyc4finXpi7oWlluAYmKkGFn3EqIKERvyUikg7c1459fc6la4Y9wLbKbCW9Dn1Mxlwy8Q/s640/M6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the view seen from the Blue Wall and Grotto viewpoint</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Still in a daze from the visit to the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park, we proceed to make our way to the Blue Wall and
Grotto viewpoint, a short 10 minutes bus ride from the park. However, the supposedly shortest journey of the day turned out to be the most frustrating one. The unbearable heat in this super hot afternoon had already drained
away most of our energy and we were so looking forward to feeling the cooling breeze of the air-conditioning on the bus but for some reason that day, the bus was delayed. After 1 hour of wait, some of those waiting with us
for the bus decided to take the 30 minutes walk under the hot sun to the Blue Wall and Grotto viewpoint. My husband and I decided to follow suit after waiting for close to 1.5 hours and bid farewell to those who continued
to wait at the bus-stop. But as we walked towards the halfway mark, the bus which we had waited for so dearly suddenly appeared and we could only watch helplessly as the bus zoomed past, with those passengers whom we had left
behind at the bus-stop waving at us with huge smirks on their faces. It was at that moment that both of us wanted to beat ourselves up for not enduring it and waited for a bit longer for the bus. But nevertheless, we decided
to press on with our walk and we were greeted with a wonderful and gorgeous scenery when we reached the viewpoint - a small consolation to our weary hearts and a huge relief to all the frustrations that we faced to get there!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1oZ8pjHlu47hh71dSqx035PWZtkk5fZn0j8_KmyL5YpPL6g6zdZylE7QoMIEfGo7ryP5fSkgQ_V_KEbylKHK4DUooWPrCh5fEEQso-9aWuKUF7_FFZ212BpBOdymc6eq_4NibLYQ0w/s1600/M1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1oZ8pjHlu47hh71dSqx035PWZtkk5fZn0j8_KmyL5YpPL6g6zdZylE7QoMIEfGo7ryP5fSkgQ_V_KEbylKHK4DUooWPrCh5fEEQso-9aWuKUF7_FFZ212BpBOdymc6eq_4NibLYQ0w/s640/M1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Blue Wall and Grotto viewpoint</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was also at this point that we realized it was going to be quite difficult to cover all the touristic sites that we have planned to
do on this short trip to Malta. Why is that so, you may ask? Well, it all boils down to the fact that the bus journey to and fro these places takes up far too much time (duration ranged from a minimum of 30 minutes up to
2 hours) and any delays in the arrival of the public bus is going to further lengthen the commute duration. We would have to think through our itinerary again for the next few days and be selective about where to explore. But
for now at the end of this day, all we want to do is to have a nice shower and a good night’s rest....</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yours Truly,</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Claire</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Related Posts:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/03/dear-diarymarsaxlokk-malta.html" target="_blank">Dear Diary.....Marsaxlokk (Malta)</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-13827600658911201782018-03-28T17:18:00.001+08:002018-04-20T18:44:34.938+08:00Dear Diary.....Marsaxlokk (Malta)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrgW-EE_19BVuXKKNSfzpszBnTFKgnhAPE8xtJ7kH93zPTeaU3WXsCghqB_maJt0IXUqtbl2OCz9n9AcYnWPhdNxiS6CBNVwy9Col1IZD6RMENotpPyLq6MRRet37H1Cbg_OkmNSD3Q/s1600/M5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="467" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrgW-EE_19BVuXKKNSfzpszBnTFKgnhAPE8xtJ7kH93zPTeaU3WXsCghqB_maJt0IXUqtbl2OCz9n9AcYnWPhdNxiS6CBNVwy9Col1IZD6RMENotpPyLq6MRRet37H1Cbg_OkmNSD3Q/s640/M5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dear Diary,</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don’t you feel that the winter season this time round is longer and much colder? Well it does to me! Brrr.... This cold winter is
really making me miss my summer travels, in particular, the trip to Malta!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Prior to my visit to Europe, I have never heard of Malta. It was only when my husband suggested to head there for a summer holiday that
I took notice of this place. Malta is one of the largest islands in an archipelago (cluster of islands) in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African Coast. The country comprises of five islands, with only
the three largest ones being inhabited. With its typically Mediterranean climate (mild winters and warm summer), awe-inspiring landscapes (such as the prehistoric temples and fortresses) as well as a distinct Maltese society
created as a result of centuries of foreign rule by various powers, Malta is indeed a very unique place to visit!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQFMyqB_xT21-saH2dA5LfqkKbh_pAJt_MLlCa128sMZiBkrz3B9hmGU3YwCqJDjMRx-wObLTrYdyAp6hjMikMoq2FLd0cudohS3pGJhM640X0oksia6GSg4516ptUdAv-o4ESiHUEg/s1600/M2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="467" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQFMyqB_xT21-saH2dA5LfqkKbh_pAJt_MLlCa128sMZiBkrz3B9hmGU3YwCqJDjMRx-wObLTrYdyAp6hjMikMoq2FLd0cudohS3pGJhM640X0oksia6GSg4516ptUdAv-o4ESiHUEg/s640/M2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bearing in mind all the considerations for the mode of transport to Malta as well as considering its geographical position, we reckon flying into Malta would be the most straightforward method. With regards to transportation
within the island, there is no railway or metro system in place and the inexpensive public transport system includes bus services on land and ferry services to and fro the different islands. </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To pay for the public transport rides, there were two options that we could choose from - either paying in cash for each individual
trip or purchasing one of the several versions of the tallinja card which could be used to tap in and out each time we board the public transport. We eventually settled for the ExplorePlus tallinja card which allowed us to
have 7 days of unlimited travel on the public transports (including transport to and fro the airport), 2 trips on the Valletta ferry as well as a choice of either a full-day tour on the hop-on, hop-off buses in Malta or a
boat trip to Comino island. (<i>Note: The bus system in Malta can be quite confusing and it might be good to buy a map indicating the bus routes. Alternatively, you can download the “tallinja
app” on your smart phone, which will give you the best bus routes to travel on when you type in the departure and arrival points.</i>) </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As for accommodation, we chose to stay in an Airbnb apartment in Valletta, the capital city of Malta. With most buses passing through
Valletta, it is definitely a convenient point to access the various tourist sites situated all over the island. </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After putting down our luggage, we decided to head to Marsaxlokk, a colourful fishing village in Malta. </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtB7UarAkEzeANorjnaP-H05dQDwxE18GsoTJPkZw0T-rZN0MIY5AD4vRSKHbgDTsqjtDZqA_NH9yX79UJi4LopZdVuyQ1JcI8Kr0sjNOrCP03Y-vYlrjiapAanbMNlJbyNo78TRwWw/s1600/M7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="580" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtB7UarAkEzeANorjnaP-H05dQDwxE18GsoTJPkZw0T-rZN0MIY5AD4vRSKHbgDTsqjtDZqA_NH9yX79UJi4LopZdVuyQ1JcI8Kr0sjNOrCP03Y-vYlrjiapAanbMNlJbyNo78TRwWw/s640/M7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marsaxlokk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />We have heard that Malta is a popular place for holiday-makers to visit during the summer and had expected to see tons of them in Marsaxlokk.
However, surprisingly, it was rather peaceful and quiet there, with only a few locals sitting around and enjoying the beautiful sunset. It was a small village but my husband and I really enjoyed walking along the harbour bay
and taking in the picturesque view of the colourful boats with the backdrop of a gorgeous sunset! Such is life indeed! It was also here that we had the best seafood ever! It was indeed a wise choice to head to a fishing village
for a nice seafood meal! </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRol1h1yvvE1t7RVvJ8BOhTJonGhQfAO682Z7qYBXEm9QkqEi7IJvSns5WG53JDrsxwynho0nUuH4CspftY-xXsVPS0f3lnkWKYLygijk2hUsENWepSRWDNTnxA6x5F-38llFHf7qfGw/s1600/M3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="350" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRol1h1yvvE1t7RVvJ8BOhTJonGhQfAO682Z7qYBXEm9QkqEi7IJvSns5WG53JDrsxwynho0nUuH4CspftY-xXsVPS0f3lnkWKYLygijk2hUsENWepSRWDNTnxA6x5F-38llFHf7qfGw/s400/M3.jpg" width="355" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The delicious clam spaghetti</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskqnAoc7XdJwZQpwf1-t5O2Jy5AYbNOts-5wD16C6tYvM2qRhS0ambL6SDkhMnTTIiwIH_AtQ2qEg_xelsmfjlKs-GRU_tlTRTpltFS4MO7b3iHpWC0YGwRC8YqxXH4wBr4xIi4xVUg/s1600/M4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="580" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskqnAoc7XdJwZQpwf1-t5O2Jy5AYbNOts-5wD16C6tYvM2qRhS0ambL6SDkhMnTTIiwIH_AtQ2qEg_xelsmfjlKs-GRU_tlTRTpltFS4MO7b3iHpWC0YGwRC8YqxXH4wBr4xIi4xVUg/s640/M4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seafood platter :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After dinner, as the sun has set and the streets were poorly lit, it was literally impossible to explore the place further and we decided
to take the 40 minutes bus ride back to Valletta. We had wanted to have an early night rest when we were back at our accommodation but the hot summer sun had warmed up the house quite a bit and we felt like we were being baked
in a hot oven. It certainly did not help having four fans in the house as they were all blowing hot air at us. It was a nightmare! Reminder to self: always choose our travel accommodation carefully! </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHI31vPB7pgsY9A1MSrVNTp_v4ehYxyb1A9fxFohO9qZ42m4IM_qvtIOFPBRHcc12wVQQ5e8mU1GZdFdBO4m79Qo0vV7Jpw3AbcgR8281fyIkJORXdtAv7fBNBYHRahj-UdUwBy4ESWw/s1600/M6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="350" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHI31vPB7pgsY9A1MSrVNTp_v4ehYxyb1A9fxFohO9qZ42m4IM_qvtIOFPBRHcc12wVQQ5e8mU1GZdFdBO4m79Qo0vV7Jpw3AbcgR8281fyIkJORXdtAv7fBNBYHRahj-UdUwBy4ESWw/s640/M6.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parish Church of Our Lady of Pompei, Marsaxlokk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, despite not getting enough rest for this trip, the beautiful scenery that Malta had to offer on this first day of our trip
was enough to let us look forward to the rest of the trip....</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yours Truly,</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Claire</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">----------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Related Post:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/02/what-are-your-considerations-when-it.html" target="_blank">What are your considerations when it comes to choosing accommodations for your travels?</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954769177654888283.post-15460080261968963792018-03-21T10:30:00.000+08:002018-04-21T02:09:41.473+08:00Should I travel by plane, train, bus or.....?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQmLyTq-j83Osez4hmV474iqGx5o5CUJj9ixhfuisotdNmBVPMeWat6Xl3-QV0O1giK-evleeVW7RwD4wgoynkWn2ig-SAcuowJzgBINBqz5cb2dFZwp4e3K4gOtPBmWDXWvDb8LZ_w/s1600/T1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="450" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQmLyTq-j83Osez4hmV474iqGx5o5CUJj9ixhfuisotdNmBVPMeWat6Xl3-QV0O1giK-evleeVW7RwD4wgoynkWn2ig-SAcuowJzgBINBqz5cb2dFZwp4e3K4gOtPBmWDXWvDb8LZ_w/s640/T1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Following on from my previous post on the considerations involved in choosing the right travel accommodation,
the next big ticket item for a trip would be the mode of transport to bring one to the travel destination. There are many options such as self-drive, taking the train, boarding an airplane, sailing on a cruise, taking a bus
and even cycling or walking (if one is adventurous enough). With so many options to choose from, how do we decide which is the best mode for us?</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For my husband and I, we usually rely on three main modes of transport - airplane, train and bus. Although self-drive is a popular choice
of transportation, the lack of confidence in our driving skills as well as the lack of familiarity of the roads in a foreign land resulted in us not utilizing this mode. Based on our experiences, we would like to share with
you the various thought processes that we go through to pick the mode of transport that is best suited for each trip.</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cost</span></span></u></b></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As with all other aspects of a trip, cost is usually the first consideration that we look at. When it comes to cost, there are different
prices tagged to the different modes of transport. With the exception of travel promotions, the cost of travelling on an international flight is usually the highest, followed by the cost of travelling on a budget flight or
travelling by train. Travelling by bus is usually the least expensive option out of these three choices. In most cases, the cost is usually inversely proportional to the duration of the commute. </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some questions that we usually ask ourselves when deciding on the budget for our mode of transport to our destinations would include:</span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">· How much can we afford to spend on transport to our destination? (after taking into consideration the rough estimates of accommodation cost and daily living expenses)</span></i></div>
<div class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">· <i>What are some of the hidden cost of the transportation that has to be factored in?</i></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Similar to accommodation cost, we tend to be also prudent with regards to the cost involved for our mode of transport. This is crucial
so that we do not burst our budget and end up having to scrimp and save on food and visits to the touristic sites at our destination. To ensure that this cost stays within budget, we also have to look into some other hidden
costs as well. For example, some budget airlines would impose hefty charges on checked luggage and it might be useful to consider the possibilities of travelling light in such cases. Bringing on board our own snacks and drinks
would also help to minimize additional charges on some flights/trains for meals on board. In addition, sometimes, the airport or bus/train station is located far way from the city center and transportation to and fro would
be necessary. Hence, in cases like this, such additional transportation cost would also need to be factored into the transport budget. </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkT5JJCDmQuIZ2T6A8fpr-c5YJVrRXFKOUvzkCTE7ToOvvDE4ewlQhyiKkk75s0bREWNY9U0n8rUcCvxNRAgognpo5cjE4Ewz4NyNBchcQ3su8brrMb0nRf7PmO6Srml9xcpvcaJPR0g/s1600/T3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="450" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkT5JJCDmQuIZ2T6A8fpr-c5YJVrRXFKOUvzkCTE7ToOvvDE4ewlQhyiKkk75s0bREWNY9U0n8rUcCvxNRAgognpo5cjE4Ewz4NyNBchcQ3su8brrMb0nRf7PmO6Srml9xcpvcaJPR0g/s640/T3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Comfort</span></span></u></b></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As with travel accommodations, transportation should be comfortable enough to mark a good start to a trip! Imagine having to be stuck
for what seems like an eternity on a bumpy ride in a cramped environment with super uncomfortable seats - I would surely need some time to recover from the journey before being able to start my trip proper! </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When assessing the need for comfort for our transportation between countries, we usually ask ourselves the following questions:</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">· Will any discomfort on the journey be too long for us to bear?</span></i></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">· For overnight transports: Will we be able to get a good night rest on this mode of transport?</span></i></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">· Is there a great price difference between the different classes of transport?</span></i></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Generally, the need for comfort during our commute from countries to countries depends on how long the journey is. A slight discomfort
on a short journey is definitely something my husband and I can tolerate. However, for overnight transports, where it is crucial for us to get a good rest in order to be ready to explore places the next day, we would not hesitate
to pay a bit more for a more comfortable ride!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Occasionally, my husband and I might also opt for a higher class of transport if there is no huge differences between the different
classes of transport! Of course, this random indulgence have to stay within the transport budget that we have decided upon prior to the trip! If it is within the budget, why not? ;P</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdb6fi4AIEpXKJidRC0KyH0xqqaOAWP_IEsWmgTNItH1Pj8Xc4xJRGGSw1xXN2SlHVO8BedBF52vsh54fNb29GGotr9d12yuqq1dNQ_jBGa0SJK-Xy_7QNOmwuAzeznYozbT3anuCOg/s1600/T2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdb6fi4AIEpXKJidRC0KyH0xqqaOAWP_IEsWmgTNItH1Pj8Xc4xJRGGSw1xXN2SlHVO8BedBF52vsh54fNb29GGotr9d12yuqq1dNQ_jBGa0SJK-Xy_7QNOmwuAzeznYozbT3anuCOg/s640/T2.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Convenience</span></span></u></b></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Convenience of a particular mode of transport, is another crucial yet often neglected factor to consider. All modes of transport will
eventually bring us to the country of our destination but we must also consider the proximity in which it will bring us to the actual sites that we will be visiting during the trip! </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some of the questions pertaining to convenience that we will ask ourselves include:</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">· What are the transportation options to get to our destination?</span></i></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">· Upon arrival, how far are we away from the city centre?</span></i></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">· Is there a need for additional travelling to get into the city centre? If so, is it easy and straightforward to do so?</span></i></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">· Do we have to be at the station/airport a few hours in advance for security and border clearance?</span></i></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">· Are there amenities (toilet, snack bars etc) available?</span></i></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is important to determine what transportation options are available to bring us to our destinations. We can only make comparisons
when there are two or more options available! My husband and I generally prefer travelling by train or bus than by plane. However, travelling by bus or train is not without its cons. For example, when we travel by bus, we would
have to do additional preparatory work to identify the bus-stop to alight at. During the bus journey, we would also have to be on the constant lookout for the particular bus-stop lest we missed it and end up having to walk
quite a distance to our destination. For trains, although the stations are located nearer to the city centre, most of them tend to be at the fringe of the city and hence there might still be the need to navigate a short distance
to the city centre. </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Despite all these, we still feel that travelling by train or bus is more convenient than travelling by plane due to two main reasons: (1)
the bus/train stations are usually located nearer to the city center as compared to the airports - hence requiring lesser time to travel to the city center; (2) there is definitely a need to be at the airport a few hours in
advance for security and border clearance whereas for most bus/train stations, there is only the need to be there 15-30 minutes prior to departure - lesser time spent at the transportation stations means more time to spend
exploring places! </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For us, we would also think about the availability of certain amenities when considering convenience of a mode of transport. Amenities
such as toilets or snack bars are readily available on trains and planes. However, not all the travel buses have such amenities. For these buses, such amenities are only available when the bus stops at certain kiosks along
the way for commuters to have their toilet breaks or to purchase some snacks. To me, I usually have a stronger preferences for the modes of transport that has such amenities easily available so that instead of waiting till
the arrival at the next kiosk, I can use the toilet as and when there is a need to and I can easily purchase food to satisfy my hunger at any point during the commute. </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having said that, convenience, is by itself a rather subjective factor and ultimately, it all depends on what one feels is essential
for a smooth commute to the destination! :)</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmISsQTlw8Ebm33b1Li7VzqINzVcKLt5wcvef5FJ3aCaMY8It0fhRCTiFp_00q38KMHbi4MRqbZprdd0IsBxpkaADJ9cdxkfcasQhNjxV4bbRE3omjKBhBypShZwnYHD94G1c3F4VRxw/s1600/T4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="450" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmISsQTlw8Ebm33b1Li7VzqINzVcKLt5wcvef5FJ3aCaMY8It0fhRCTiFp_00q38KMHbi4MRqbZprdd0IsBxpkaADJ9cdxkfcasQhNjxV4bbRE3omjKBhBypShZwnYHD94G1c3F4VRxw/s640/T4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Time</span></span></u></b></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Apart from the above mentioned three <b><span style="font-weight: bold;">C</span></b>s, there is another consideration that we would give equal emphasis to when it comes to transportation, and that is <u>Time</u>. With that, I refer to the duration of commute to our destinations. Time is certainly an important consideration and we want to fully utilise it for
our trip! </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some of the questions that we usually ask ourselves pertaining to transportation duration includes:</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">· How much time do we have for the trip?</span></i></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">· Will we face any problems if we arrive at our destination too early? </span></i></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">· Are there any additional benefits in opting for the longer duration transportation mode?</span></i></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is always important to assess how much time we have allocated for a trip. For example, when we only have a limited amount of time
to spend on a trip, we would usually search for the mode of transport that would bring us to our destination in the shortest amount of time. This is crucial so that we can spend more time exploring places rather than spending
it on transportation. However, on the other hand, when we are not as pressed for time, the modes of transport with a longer travel duration such as cruise or sleeper trains can be better options as we can enjoy the slow pace
of the journey and enjoy the beautiful views along the way. Such overnight commutes are also good ways to save on accommodation!</span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although arriving earlier at our destination means that we have more time to explore the place, it could also pose some problems that
might dampen our moods. In a few of our travels, we arrived way too early at our destination and realised that most of the shops and restaurants remained closed and as it was still too early to check into our hotel, we were
left wandering aimlessly on the quiet streets. Hence, when selecting the mode of transport, it would be beneficial to do some research to have a rough understanding of the opening hours of shops and restaurants and whether
they are open on Sundays and public holidays (most of them remain closed during this period in Europe). </span></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, to sum up with regards to all the considerations that I have mentioned, I have come up with a table comparing the three main modes
of transport that my husband and I usually use for our travels:</span></div>
<div class="Normal">
</div>
<div class="Normal">
</div>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" style="width: 666px;">
<tbody>
<tr height="20">
<td style="border: solid Black 1.0pt; padding: 0.0pt 0.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="73"><div align="center" class="Normal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border: solid Black 1.0pt; padding: 0.0pt 0.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="94"><div align="center" class="Normal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Time </span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border: solid Black 1.0pt; padding: 0.0pt 0.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="101"><div align="center" class="Normal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cost</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border: solid Black 1.0pt; padding: 0.0pt 0.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="113"><div align="center" class="Normal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Comfort level</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border: solid Black 1.0pt; padding: 0.0pt 0.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="285"><div align="center" class="Normal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Convenience</span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height="63">
<td style="border: solid Black 1.0pt; padding: 0.0pt 0.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt;" valign="center" width="73"><div align="center" class="Normal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bus</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border: solid Black 1.0pt; padding: 0.0pt 0.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt;" valign="center" width="94"><div align="center" class="Normal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Long commute duration</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: solid Black 1.0pt; padding: 0.0pt 0.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt;" valign="center" width="101"><div align="center" class="Normal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Low cost</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: solid Black 1.0pt; padding: 0.0pt 0.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt;" valign="center" width="113"><div align="center" class="Normal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">High (for short journey); Low (for long journey)</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: solid Black 1.0pt; padding: 0.0pt 0.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt;" valign="center" width="285"><div align="center" class="Normal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Average - Good (No need to be at station hours prior to departure, usually located within city center, amenities not readily available (tho some buses may have built
in toilets))</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height="48">
<td style="border: solid Black 1.0pt; padding: 0.0pt 0.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt;" valign="center" width="73"><div align="center" class="Normal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Train</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border: solid Black 1.0pt; padding: 0.0pt 0.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt;" valign="center" width="94"><div align="center" class="Normal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Can be short or long, depending on destination</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: solid Black 1.0pt; padding: 0.0pt 0.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt;" valign="center" width="101"><div align="center" class="Normal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Can be low or high, depending on destination</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: solid Black 1.0pt; padding: 0.0pt 0.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt;" valign="center" width="113"><div align="center" class="Normal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">High</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: solid Black 1.0pt; padding: 0.0pt 0.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt;" valign="center" width="285"><div align="center" class="Normal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Good (amenities readily available, no need to be at stations hours before departure, usually located near the city center)</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height="78">
<td style="border: solid Black 1.0pt; padding: 0.0pt 0.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt;" valign="center" width="73"><div align="center" class="Normal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Airplane</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border: solid Black 1.0pt; padding: 0.0pt 0.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt;" valign="center" width="94"><div align="center" class="Normal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Short commute duration</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: solid Black 1.0pt; padding: 0.0pt 0.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt;" valign="center" width="101"><div align="center" class="Normal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">High cost</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: solid Black 1.0pt; padding: 0.0pt 0.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt;" valign="center" width="113"><div align="center" class="Normal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Average - High</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: solid Black 1.0pt; padding: 0.0pt 0.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt;" valign="center" width="285"><div align="center" class="Normal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Poor - Average (Amenities readily available, need to be at airport hours prior to departure for clearance, usually located far from city center and hence additional
travelling cost to travel to and fro the airport)</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="Normal">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How about you? What is your favorite mode of transport and what are your main considerations when it comes to such selections? Do feel
free to share with us in the comment section below! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Related Post:</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://dream2travel8.blogspot.com/2018/02/what-are-your-considerations-when-it.html" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">What are your considerations when it comes to choosing accommodations for your travels?</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11847024651143163046noreply@blogger.com22