Selipar Jepun dan Botol Mineral? 10 tips untuk mengembara...

Berikut adalah beberapa tips yang boleh kongsikan... Actually banyak, tapi ni kira yang paling penting. Kalau ada tips yang lain, boleh lah tambah dalam ruang komen di bawah...

1. Buat sedikit kerja rumah atau cari info tentang tempat yang kita nak lawati tu. Masa operasi, admission fee (jika ada), kafe etc. Kalau tak faham, macam mana nak menikmati pemandangan atau sejarah tempat tu. Nanti jangan komen "Huh, nampak tiang-tiang besar jer..."

2. Check weather forecast untuk tarikh yang kita nak pergi melawat tu. And then, pack lah baju yang bersesuaian. Nak mengembara ke negara omputih ni, tak perlu bawak baju banyak2 sebabnya cuacanya sejuk, kurang berpeluh. Rugi berat and tempat dalam luggage... nanti nak tarik bag tu pun satu hal jugak. 

3. Bawa selipar jepun. Yang murah2 jer, or yang kita rasa tak nak pakai lagi. Kenapa? Sebabnya, kadang2 hotel yang kita tinggal tu, especially budget hotel or hostel, bilik air and tandasnya di luar bilik tidur. So, dengan selipar tu, boleh lah bawak mandi. Takkan berkasut pulak nak pergi mandi... kalau ada tempat, boleh lah bawak balik. kalau luggage dah penuh, tak lah ralat sangat nak tinggalkan selipar jepun tu...

4. Bawa botol air mineral kosong. Kenapa? Boleh dijadikan botol air minuman. Tak perlu lah bwk jenama Tupperware. Sebabnya, at the end of our trip, boleh buang terus. Tak perlu nak susah2 bawak balik rumah. Kat Europe, susah nak beli air mineral. Kalau jumpa, harganya dalam €2 gitu. Yelah, kalau dah convert duit RM tu, mau sentap jugak, ye tak? So, bawak botol mineral tu. Sampai hotel/hostel/BnB, boleh masak air and penuhkan botol tu. Lagi satu, toilet Europe ni tak de pili air. Manalah tahu, sesiapa yang desperate tu, boleh lah isikan air dalam tu untuk bersuci... 

5. Aktifkan penggunaan kad kredit and ATM card(s) anda. Lebih baik cucuk duit daripada ATM daripada ke money changer... Ratenya lain. Lagipun matawang RM jarang diterima...

6. Kalau nak tempah hotel etc, make sure tempahlah daripada website yang legit. Contohnya Booking.com, Hostel.com and Hotel.com. Kebanyakkan hotel budget kat Europe tiada lift. So, make sure tanya dulu keadaan hotel tu jika ada sakit kaki tak boleh naik tangga tinggi-tinggi. Kalau nak buat tempahan sewa kereta or tempahan ticket, lebih baik buat daripada Malaysia lagi. Sebabnya harga di internet lebih murah, and kadang-kadang ada promotion. So, boleh jimat!

7. Bawaklah beberapa plastic bag (carrier bag).. Untuk bekas baju kotor or untuk shopping barang makan. Sebabnya, ada supermarket kat Europe and UK akan charge kalau nak plastic bag. Taklah mahal, dalam 5-10 pence setiap satu. Untuk menggalakkan pengguna untuk melindungi alam sekitar... Sumbat jer beberapa kat poket luggage. Kalau nak pakai, keluarkan. Kalau tak pakai, boleh buang jer lepas tu.

8. Kepada wanita, elakkan lah pakai kasut tumit tinggi. Sebabnya jalan-jalan di Europe ni kebanyakannya jalan lama, batu-bata. Bukan sahaja nanti sakit kaki, tapi merbahaya, takut tersandung...

9. Isu-isu keselamatan. Biasanya Europe ni selamat tetapi kena senantiasa berjaga-jaga. Elakkan lorong-lorong sempit dan kawasan gelap. Kat Paris, sila berhati-hati dalam Metro sebab banyak penyeluk saku. Sila peluk bagpack anda. Jangan pakai backpack anda dibelakang (seperti biasa) di dalam Metro. Jika travel dengan teman, pastikan anda saling memerhatikan barang masing. Dalam kita asyik menikmati pemandangan sekeliling, jangan lupa ada juga yang memerhatikan kita. Dan jangan terlalu ramah dengan orang yang kita tak kenali... 

10. Bawalah bekalan ubat. macam panadol, ubat tahan sakit or vaporub. Tapi tak perlulah banyak2. Cukup untuk keperluan sepanjang tempoh percutian. Sesiapa yang makan ubat yang specially prescribed for you, sila bawak surat pengesahan doktor. Mereka ni sangat2 particular mengenai drug's control. 

Bukan niat nak menyusahkan atau menakut-nakutkan korang, tetapi bila desperate, benda2 kecik macam ni lah yang buat kita susah. And again, ini just perkongsian sahaja... Bukannya wajib macam kena bawa passport and wang...

Enjoy your trip!

Longchamp Le Pliage "Shopping" S (Tote in Small)

I bought a new Longchamp Le Pliage...

Image from Longchamp UK website

Longchamp Le Pliage "Shopping" S (Tote in Small)

Colour: Taupe

Dimension: 25 x 25 x14 cm

High street price: £59

Airport price: £50

For more information, please click here

December Beauty Haul - Benefit

Suddenly, I becoming obsessed with Benefit... This month I bought three Benefit products...

The POREfessional - Primer / Pore Reducer Balm (22mL) set. 

With It's Potent eye cream (3g) and "That Gal" brightening face primer (7.5mL)

High street price: £24.50

Airport price: £20.80

Watt's up! Soft focus highlighter for face (9.4g)

High street price: £24.50 

Bought: £22.05 (I bought it from John Lewis with 10% discount)

Hydra Smooth Lip Color in Fling Thing (3g)

High street price: £15

ASOS price: £11.25 (with 25% discount during Christmas shopping promotion)

So far, I am really happy and satisfied with the quality of each product. They got a lot of positive reviews from beauty bloggers... But a little concern on the prices. Even though Benefit has really cool packaging and naming, is quite expensive if you calculated based on the volume. Benefit sells less volume compared to other brand.

Well, definitely, these are not going to the last...

To fellow students, subscribe to UNIDAYS and get 10% on Benefit... 

Longchamp Bag Hunt at Paris

Discover Paris Magazine

For my second trip to Paris in 2013, I aimed to buy Longchamp bags. I did 'homework' vigorously on what, where, how to shop... This is my experience...

My first Longchamp stop was at 404, Rue Saint Honore, Paris. Pretty decent boutique with full collections. I was looking for long handle large shopping bag but unfortunately, it was not available. Well, no problem as I just arrived and I have two more days to go.

The next day, I went to La Vallee Vilage (a sister outlet as Bicester Village, Oxford UK). I went there by special tour bus that costed me €22 return. We were given a special Ralph Lauren voucher and three VIP voucher each. These voucher enable you to have additional 10% discount in all shops. My mind was spinning like a top, planning to splurge at the Longchamp boutique or maybe MK. The Longchamp boutique is situated near the customer service kiosk. So, Longchamp is the first designer brand that you will see. I went it and my heart sunk. Just 4 designs of Le Pliage! Are you kidding me? And to add to the heartbreak, no long handle... I asked the sales assistant about the available stock. She explained that they were experiencing a shortage of Le Pliage stock due to the high summer holiday demand. OMG! I just crossed the English Channel for nothing. So, to mend a broken heart, my husband bought me the available Le Pliage; orange (small) and light green (medium) short handle. The price? Incredibly cheap! That was made me super frustrated and little bit furious because I can't buy Le Pliage at the cheap price. I can't remember the price as I lost the receipt. From estimation, the price (before 10% VIP discount) for the small Le Pliage was €28 and Medium Le Pliage was €36. If you're looking for the leather Longchamp bag or any other collections, you might be lucky but not Le Pliage. Recommended but just count your blessing when you go there.

La Vallee Village Directory

Printemps Paris Advert

When I went back to Paris, I rushed to Printemps (equivalent to London's Harrod's). Because of that day was Saturday, I have to go there before closing time because Printemps is close on Sunday. Printemps is really big shopping complex; even has 2 or 3 seperate buildings. They have 2 Longchamp sections; on the ground floor and lower ground floor. The lower ground section has more collections than the ground floor- so, you should head to lower ground level. My experience? Horrible! Both on the customers and also the sales assistant- especially the cashier. I went there during weekend, obviously the complex was swarmed by tourists. Rude tourist. I would not named their nationality; I don't want to be racist but their attitude just like monkey tried to grab a banana. One of them even tried to take a bag that I was holding. Even when a sales assistant told them that they have to wait to be served, they just barged in and still demanded for the bag. Idiots!

The 'useless' discount voucher (front)

The price at Printemps is RRP. In Printemps, they have a system. You will choose the item that you want and they will write it on a piece of ticket. The ticket has 2 parts; you will hold the first part and the second part will be pass on to the store room. Then, you bring it to the cashier and pay. Simple isn't? But not, when you were cramped with hundreds of customers like a sardines in a can. Communication can be tricky and could lead to heated arguments. I do understand after hours of working, and tried to explain to non-English/French speaking tourists, you tend to break at some point, but don't take it to another customer... Well, never ever again going to shop at this place. Better to go to a smaller Longchamp boutique. Printemps gives this 10% discount voucher to foreign visitors but it cannot be use with Longchamp merchandises.

The 'useless' discount voucher (back)

Hurm. I bought Le Pliage in Lilac ♥ at Printemps...

In conclusion...

From my point of view, there is no difference between buying Le Pliage at UK and Paris although Paris has the outlet at La Vallee Village, but again count your blessing if you're looking for Le Pliage collections. With a weak GBP to Euro conversion, just spend your money at home... As I discovered, buying Le Pliage at Heathrow Airport is cheaper.

p/s- you need to spend at least €175 for 12% tax return. Only eligible for non-EU tourist(s).

Edinburgh - Shilla Korean Restaurant Part 2

Just uploaded pictures of our recent visit. You can read about this restaurant on my previous review here.

Travel with style: Longchamp Le Pliage Travel Bag in Fir

The size is 45 x 35 x 23 cm (RRP £67). As you know, Le Pliage is totally a brilliant bag. Although it looked like a square bag, it offer a lot of space and doesn't add up to the scale as the bag itself is really light. So you can save you luggage weight allowance there. Plus point!

(Secret: There were two A2 sized paintings, travel documents, compact camera, DSLR, some clothes, chips, water bottle, and a lot of cheeses in the bag)

Travelog: Amsterdam - My top 10...

I just came back from Amsterdam; my second visit. I'm not going to write billions of words describing about my holiday, just 10 short conclusions...

#1 Accommodation in Amsterdam can be expensive depending on the season. I went there during Easter weekend. The city was packed by tourist and coincidently there was a fun fair at Dam Square, in front of Madame Tussauds. I stayed at Rozengracht area for €75 per night (twin room with shared bathroom). I guess that's okay looking at the location. You can find cheaper option outside the city area. A lot of hostel in the city area accommodated by young tourists / travellers  it might not suitable for family. 

#2 The self service machine in the train station doesn't accept foreign credit/debit cards. You have to buy your train ticket(s) from the counter with additional €0.50 charges. But you can use your debit card at the counter. You can buy tram ticket from the conductor or tram driver. They only sell 1 hour and 24 hours tickets (for unlimited journey). 

#3 Food. Not many options - just standard European cuisine. A lot of steakhouse - can be expensive. Also have a lot of kebab house. Allocate €10-12 per meal per person. Be careful on the price and additional offer, as a lot of restaurant didn't include the service tax (10%) and government tax (17%). The bread they serves you is not free. You might be surprise when you received your bill. Do ask if you're not sure before ordering. Amsterdam is famous for this particular chips/fries. Not that delicious, just plain chip with variety of sauce choices; €3-5. 

My favourite is the Indonesian food. In the centre of Europe, I'm hankering for Malay cuisine. I found this restaurant; Iboenda at De Clercqstraat 65, Amsterdam (tram number 13 and 17). This place serves authentic and halal Indonesian food. Price range €9-12.50 per person. Also offer set menu. Open from 2 pm 9 pm.

  Set Menu: White rice, 2 options of vegetables, egg sambal (chilli sauce) and 2 options of meat. Price €9.95

#4 Don't bother to walk around the city to find the cheapest cheese(s) and souvenir(s). The prices are basically the same; maybe 10-50 cents difference. Better to spend the time visiting city attractions. The best place to find all your souvenirs is Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market) at Singel River between Muntplein and Koningsplein in the city southern canal belt (Tram 1, 2 and 5). 

Typically they sell 3 fridge magnets for €5. Cheap! Also have simpler one for €1. You can sample free cheese in the shop. The seller are really generous with the amount of samples :) A lot of marijuana-theme merchandises sold such as ash tray, t-shirt, mug, paper weight even an ice tray. It’s up to you check first whether it is legal to bring back such merchandise(s). But official merchandise at museum shop can cost €5 and above. Maybe due to copyright. 

The most famous brand Henri Willig

#5 Red Light District - Next to Dam area. Overrated. It was totally different ambiance compared to my 2011's visit. Less crowded. Maybe because of the timing... I heard the authorities implement more stringent 'selling policy' towards visitors. Definitely the place for 'that' type of people. Tourists / travellers with children don't worry about this area. It is well 'protected' by red light post around (marking) the area. So you can know if you're entering the area. You must be careful when touching other people in that area. Your clothes / coat might contact with that 'thing' and might get you into trouble during immigration inspection. It is better for you to avoid the place. You can't even take photo in the area. 

#6 Careful with the Amsterdam's traffic flow especially for those with kids. Traffic in Amsterdam is madness as cars, trams, cyclists and pedestrians are sharing the same route. Extra precaution with the cyclist! 

#7 City attractions. There are a lot of museum in Amsterdam. Sadly, all museum charged admission fee. Even Rembrandt's reproduction paintings at Magna Plaza (shopping complex) has admission fee. So plan ahead which museum / attraction that you want to visit. The queue could be crazy. For example, people queuing for 100 meters ++ just to enter the Anne Frank House - its not even the original house. Start your day early and if you have chance to buy tickets on-line, do it!  

#8 Communication. Not a problem. Most Dutch speaks English very well. Just be careful with tickets and deals (combination tickets) terms and conditions. It might create a major misunderstanding. Read any small print carefully so that you buy the best promotion. 

#9 Shopping. Not much but Amsterdam has more American brand outlets compared to the UK. The souvenirs are more cheaper than Paris. 

#10 Expenses. In my opinion, holidaying in Amsterdam is still considered as affordable for both for single traveller or family, as long as you doing your 'homework' about what you're going to do. 

Amsterdam is really beautiful with unique architecture. Just pray that the weather has mercy on you during your trip. 

Travelog: Just Arrived In Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport is situated about 10 km from the city centre. Basically although it stated as international airport, the airport is quite small compared to other UK international airport. But I like it because of the size, it easier to navigate yourself around the terminal - you don't have to walk far, less energy used :)

When you arrived, there are several options that you can opt to your next destination. The cheapest is taking the public bus; Lothian Buses Service 35 (from Stance 21) at £1.50 for adult and 70 pence for children 5-15 years old (as 24 March 2013) single way. This service will not go through Princes Street but will go through Grassmarket, Scottish National Museum (Chamber Street), Parliament, Hollyrood Palace and will end its service at Ocean Terminal - a shopping complex adjacent with now-decommissioned Royal Yacht Britannia. The whole journey from Airport to Ocean Terminal will take approximately 11/2 hours depending on the traffic. The operational hour is from 5 am until midnight. If you're not sure, make sure that you ask the driver about your destination before putting in your money into the cash box as the driver cannot refund your money. Lothian Bus use the exact fare system for cash fares.

Stance 21

Welcome aboard...

Inside...

The second option, you can take the blue coloured express bus called Airlink Service 100 (in front of domestic arrival area - Stance 19) that will bring you direct to city centre; ends at Waverley Train Station / Princes Street. It cost £3.50 single adult and £2 for single children. You can buy open return ticket for £6 for adult and £3 for children. The journey takes around 20-30 minutes to city centre. After midnight, this Airlink service will be replaced by N22 (Night 22) - pink coloured bus. The Airlink bus is equipped with free wifi so you can update your status to people back home.  

Both services (35 and Airlink) have wide area and luggage racks fitted with CCTV for safety reasons. So, you don't have to worry to leave your bag downstairs if you want to sit at upper deck enjoying the view along the journey. The buses are buggy and wheelchair friendly.   

Lothian Bus 35 Route (Google Map)

The next one is taxi. Taxi stance is situated near the domestic arrival area. As usual, the rate is the most expensive and you have to pay airport surcharge. If arrive late at night or early in the morning, and not sure about taking the public bus, it is better to take the taxi. I once took the taxi back home at 9.30 pm. 5.5 miles journey cost me £15.50. 

If you're renting a car, there are several companies with a lot of choice situated about 5-10 minute walk from the terminal. You will pass the taxi stance and just follow the direction to the rental information kiosk. I suggest that you book your car before arriving to Edinburgh to secure the car that suit your need and budget. Don't worry, Edinburgh Airport is equipped with clear signboard and the staff is happy to help any inquires.  

There will be a tram services from the airport to city centre in the near future.

Travelog: Making Your Way Around Edinburgh...

Edinburgh is a beautiful city. As long that you have strong legs and the weather is fine, you can cover almost the all-major city attractions in 1 day. The trick is you must be travel savvy. There are clear signboards for you to navigate your way around Edinburgh, friendly pedestrian area but be careful with the cobbled road. A lot of people tripped due to uneven surface while their enjoying the view. Edinburgh is a pleasant place to walk around. The only enemy is the weather. If you have space in your luggage, bring a disposable raincoat. Edinburgh can be tricky when it comes to weather even in summer. You can experience 2-3 types of weather in 1 day... If you need a raincoat, you can buy cheap disposable raincoat at The Works; small shop next to Scottish Home Store (formerly British Home Store), in front of Royal Scottish Academy. The Works sells the cheapest fridge magnet offer in Princes Street. Umbrella is not really helpful due to the strong wind, as Edinburgh is situated near sea. And obviously, you don't want to 'loose' one hand on holding the umbrella while taking your precious pictures.

The most important place to start your holiday / sightseeing is from Princes Street. The best option is to stay in the city. So you can save time of travelling into the city centre. But this can be tricky because of the accommodation's rate around city centre is quite high especially during Edinburgh Festival even for Bed & Breakfast (B&B). What is not expensive during Edinburgh Festival? So, for you guys who planning to visit during Edinburgh Festival, prepare on overpriced drinks and every inch of city centre is filled with people. Well, more on that later. No frill hotel can cost nearly £80-100 per night during August compared to £20-30 per night during off season. There are Travelodge and Easy Hotel situated at Princes Street but I strongly advised you to book early. Way... Way... Way early! 

But if you're staying outside the city centre, afraid not as the bus services Lothian Bus has really good connections with affordable prices to suit your need. Click here for more information. There are several companies. Lothian Bus is the biggest company and owned by the Lothian's local authorities - covering almost all area in Edinburgh city; 70 services/routes with 650 buses. First Bus comes second; the fare depending on your distance and serves area outside the city centre. If you're going to Livingston Designer Outlet, you have to take First Bus (service number 27&28) from Princes Street- more on that later :)Most bus services will serve Princes Street. So, you can travel from your hotel/hostel and directly go to Princes Street. You can learn about the route and other services from the Lothian Bus pamphlet at the airport, railway station, Lothian Bus Travel Shop (at Hanover Street) or any shopping complex information kiosk. Ticket price as 24 March 2013 is £1.50 for adult single journey (any distance) and £3.50 for adult day ticket (unlimited journey). Lothian Bus use the exact fare system for cash fares; so be prepared. If you're staying longer, maybe more than 7 days, you can opt for RidaCard - a prepaid bus pass with unlimited journeys. Adult price cost £17 per week + £3 for the card. Students (including Edinburgh based university students only) cost £13. There is no group ticket for Lothian Bus :( The newest environmental friendly bus occupied with free wifi; so you can tweet, check in your FB status or post Instagram pictures while travelling. Before I forget, all tickets are only valid until midnight. If you're travelling after midnight, night bus ticket fare £3 will be applied - limited services.  

You know you're in Edinburgh / Scotland when you hear the sound of bag pipes. Apart from miles of high street shopping you can go to Princes Street Garden, Scottish Monument and National Gallery of Scotland. And then, make your way up to Royal Miles heading to Edinburgh Castle. Along the Royal Miles; there are a lot of cafes, bar, restaurant and souvenir shop (almost 80%). The price of the souvenir is mostly the same form one shop to another shop. There are also street performers. Previously they welcomed any amount of donation but lately they put a price of least £1 donation. Hurm... There is no harm of not donating of ignoring them, but it is a good gesture if you can donate some especially when you're taking their picture of taking picture with them. Just beware, if you're are in hurry, do not stay near the performer especially who doing magic trick because they will 'borrow' your thing like your shades, cap or your pen just to make you stay longer to watch their performance. I'm not into this magic trick things because they are really, really amateurs and they just spent a lot of time talking rather doing the trick. Sometime, they took nearly 20 minutes just to perform 1-2 tricks. I'm more into music as I really appreciate bag pipes musicians.

You can take the hop in hop off bus - a double-decker bus with open air upper deck. It cost £12 per adult, £5 for children £11 for student, £11 senior (60+) and £28 for family (maximum of 2 adults and 3 children) - unlimited travel during operational hours. If you're travelling alone or with partner, you can save by buying Lothian Bus day ticket and travel to the attractions by using public bus. It may increase your travelling time especially if you're going to Parliament and Holyrood's Palace (bus number 35 and 36). But public buses are in abundance amount and frequent around Edinburgh, it will not create any major problem. If it is too late or you're too tired to take the public bus, you can take the taxi/black cab situated next to Waverley Station. As anywhere in rest of the UK, this cab is expensive although all of them are using meter. So, plan your journey wisely. Or you can call private hire company; licensed normal car that operates like a taxi (they have proper plat number). This company offer cheaper rate (up to 30% off) from the taxi but because of this company services' based on passenger's request/calling, you might have to wait 10-15 minutes due to availability and you can't hail them like taxi.

Edinburgh City Private Hire: 0131 477 4000.

Travellers with car... It is not advisable to drive into the city centre. Not to mention the sky rocket parking charges (£3-4 per hour depending on location) but the traffic in the city is crazy due to tram construction. Not to mention people who tried to cross the road during red light. Parking summons cost £60. If you pay within 14 days from the issued date, you will have 50% off. You can pay on-line. There is no way you can dodge the penalty as the parking officer will take pictures of every inch of your car... There are free Park and Ride parking area. Travellers from south and motorway M8 can use Riccarton Park and Ride (next to Heriot-Watt University). 

Enjoy Edinburgh!