Life of a Lil Notti Monkey

Garden of Versailles

2012-02-02T09:07:00.000+08:00

Man and his best friend were wondering....how are they gonna walk this 800 ha of land

there are a total of 50 fountains
200,000 trees
210,000 flowers planted annually...

due to aesthetic and also disease/overgrown reasons

the Garden of Versailles have gone through a few re-plantations
seriously I can't imagine the $$$$$ spent just on its garden alone..

guess during the French Revolution, the People must have been so mad
where the King and Queen were living lavishly while their People were suffering mad
however the People did not loot any items at all during the Revolution
amazing isn't it?
this will never ever happen in Malaysia!!!
*no...not the Revolution part, the looting part HAHAHAHAHAHA*

instead the People sold all the exquisite items and furniture in the palace
the $$$$ was later used to build more hospitals, schools....
there were so many items to be sold that the sale took a year to complete
hahahahahhahahahaha

beautifully lined trees
were trimmed in such manner
they called it manicured trees

it's really nice to be out there on a Sunday
u can even bring your bicycle in and cycle at the restricted zone
after all this place is so HUGE

poor JS & me walking on our two tiny feet....
huffed and puffed again

so many labyrinths in its garden
there's alwiz a prize at the end of the tunnel....
with beautiful sculptures and fountains
u'll never be disappointed
:))))))))))))))))))

helloooo????? gosh there's no one here on this path....are we lost???? will we ever come out????
helloooo~~~~~~~~ woooohoooo~~~~~~~

but the whiff of food lead us here
ho ho ho ho ho

oven baked potatoes with woodfire!!!!!

there's plenty of toppings u can choose from
melted cheese, sour cream, crispy bacon, curry, or just plain with loads of butter

what amazed me was this potato vendor...
he can speak Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, French, Italian and Spanish

I couldn't resist chicken curry toppings
it was sooooo goood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
the taste was very authentic northern Indian curry with loads of spices

the potato skin was crackling good
aaaAAAAAhhhhhh comfort food....just wat I needed :)))))))))))))

found a cold marble bench to nom nom nom
look at the size of ONE POTATO

JS can't stand me....eating whenever opportunity arises
even if it means eating in public like this

in the end, guess who stole all my crispy potato skin?
T_T
I was famish....u shouldn't steal food from someone who's famish and hungry

then my amazing hard working nose brought my elsewhere along the labyrinth
DESSERTS!!!!!!!!!
JS came out fr the public toilet....saw me....and gave me that typical look
-_-"
he stood there momentarily for a few seconds while all I could do was gave him my sweetest grin
tee hee hee.....dun like that lar~~~~~it was as though I was caught red handed doing something forbidden :P

I got cheated!!!! it wasn't the same size as advertised!!!!!
hmph!!!!!!

and we watched another sunset together
seated on another cold marble bench

Garden of Versailles is even more beautiful during summer
that's when all its 50 fountains are working
it would be a sight to behold

okie to be continued tmrw.......
told ya this place is huge

:))))))))))))))))))

My 1st Rowing experience at Garden of Versailles

2012-02-01T09:38:00.000+08:00

what a beautiful sight
the Grand Canal at Garden of Versailles
*yes only a canal not a lake nor river*

Built between 1668 to 1671, it was meant to be a canal for "Rowing Parties" during the King's time
the canal itself covers an area of 23 hectare
it measures 1.5km in length and 62 metres in width

seeing all the small white boats moving aimlessly on the Grand Canal,
Monkey insisted she wanted a boat ride too

"I want I want I want!!!!"
JS T_T

it's not an expensive ride....but JS was crying inside...
wanna know why???

HE had to row the boat
:P
well u lurve to exercise, so now is the opportunity
tee hee hee

while I was enjoying the beautiful view, low sunshine, and watching other couples having their lil picnic onboard
aawwwwwww so romantic and sweet :)))))

but JS & Monkey are really not that a romantic couple
:P
we are a damn-power-competitive couple

Seeing how JS maneuvered the lil boat so easily.....

"I wanna row I wanna row I wanna row!!!!!"

JS >.<

after much unconvincing-convincing words of mine.....he finally had to let me....reluctantly....

so we shifted place....tried to balance the boat while we moved

and him holding on to the paddles as tightly as possible...

"Don't drop it or we'll need to row ourselves back with bare hands OK???"

"Okie dokie, JS don't u worry.....I've got this OK????"

JS then did his lil prayers and shut his eyes.....

hoooo yaaaa.....haiiiii yaaaaa...

huffed puffed.....

gawd the paddles are so heavy!!!!!!!!

JS: "Monkey....can u pls row straight?"
"there's isn't a rear view mirror how do u expect me to see??? grrrRRRRrrrrr?"

JS slaps forehead
JS: "Monkey.....pls look behind u......"

BANG!!!!
!@$*&@%@$)*%!)%*!)*$@$)

as usual Monkey blamed everything except herself
"Why is this wall here? GRRRRRRRR"

JS then offered to row the boat back to safety
"No no no.....u sit still there...I've got this...."

JS sat there in amusement
wondering how am I gonna solve this problem

I almost wanted to give up and walk out
kekekkekekekkekekeke
but JS saved the day!!!!!

soon we were enjoying the beautiful scenery
basking in the afternoon son

clear blue sky
and seagulls flying around

HUFFED!!!!!!!

PUFFED!!!!

HUFFED!!!!
rowing is hardwork man....

HUFFED PUFFED!!!!

JS continued to smack his forehead
"Monkey, we are not moving at all....... "
JS -_-" big time

*yea...he's right, look at the sequence of pics of me huffing n puffing*

"it's the current!!!!! we are goin against the current..."
JS triple smacked forehead
"this isn't a river...there's no current my dear...."

ohhhh........ >.<
ya kar???

after much argument....
we exchanged roles again.....

JS rowed so professionally and fast....
he knew when to look back and steer to boat clear outta other inexperience rowers like me
kekekekekekkekekekkekekeke

Monkey is better off.....enjoying the scenery
and singing

ahahahahaahhaha yep I entertained him with a french song.....in my broken french
and the song has to go..."Je ne veux pais travailler~~~"
translates to "I don't want to go to work today...."

JS ~.~"

Whenever he's this HAPPY, I'm super duper EPPY!!!!!
:)))))))))

this is how u should enjoy a lazy Sunday
go to the park
spend some time with loved ones

or chill out with ur mates...
doin catch-up
or just be like us...go row some boats
hahhaahhahahahahaha

or go disturb some cute beautiful animals
hehehehhe
mind u, they are HUGE

before my horrible french song can finish....JS rowed us back to the jetty already
on the background is the Palace of Versailles

extraordinary-ly beautiful!!!!!
no wonder it's the HOME of Marie Antoinette

ooooo come here kitty kitty~~~~
over here.....
:))))))

if this swan can talk....he'll go:
"I heard fr my mates, u did not feed them and they got cheated by ur hand gestures so u can have their photos taken........"
tee hee hee.....

and soon the 45 minutes ride was over :))))

but our visit at Palace of Versailles isn't over

for there's 800 ha of land for us to discover

there's still the Summer Palace of Marie Antoinette

and all the beautiful manicured gardens here

with its even more beautiful sculptures and fountains

:)))))

to be continued again......

:)))))))))

Je Ne Veux Pas Travailler.....

Je Ne Veux Pas Dejeuner~~~~

Je Veux Seulement T'oublier

et puis je Fume~

I am so sad about Malaysia Airlines

2012-01-31T09:17:00.000+08:00

Yup I know...today's posting is supposed to be a continuation from Versailles
then this silly Monkey forgotten to upload pics from the other computer
last time it was one computer for the whole household........those were the days
Today, there's 5 to be used among the 2 of us
sometimes it got so confusing I forgotten which file in which folder in which computer

just like last nite, I was seeking hi and lo for important photos to be submitted to a publication
"Where is it???"
JS: "errrr I think it's in the iMac."
"NO it ISN'T!!!!"
JS: "definitely not in the Macbook Air. Maybe u can try the Macbook Pro."
"grrrRRRRrrrrrrrrrr................."

so back to Today's posting...it's gonna be Airline food
many ppl despised food served onboard
coz it's pre-packed food which was cooked like hours earlier, or days????
while some ppl really enjoy airline food coz every airline has got some special menu

well, I'm neither.....it depends...
I'm a bitch coz I'm choosy...usually I'll ask wat they gonna serve, checked their menu
then decide to have it or not....
later if I see other ppl are having some yummy food then I'll change my mind
:P beeaaatttchhhhh

One thing I never turn down is MAS's satays...
coz it's yummy
well....allow me to rephrase...it USED to be yummy until 2011
now wat??? did u change caterer? or recipe? or more like CUT COST???

it's so disgusting these days...are those chicken hair on the meat???
wat happen to nasi impit/ketupat that u used to serve???
sometimes I get my piece of onions and well in this case there isn't...
only the 1st pic on this blog has got a slice of the white onions coz it was fr a different route/flight

and notice the first pic looked more appetizing???
agree???

and what happen to the satay sauce???
there's more peanut butter innit now
:(((((
not the way Malaysian Satays should be unless I'm in Garuda Airlines and they are serving Indonesian Satays...
*well indon satays has got more peanut butter in their sauce*

Since the satays were untouched, I had to settle for main course
well u gotta feed a hungry stomach don't ya?
judging from its looks u know it ain't yummy rite?
my local mamak has got better food than this

in the end I was left hungry, nibbled all my fruits
*while JS was bz nibbling nuts like a squirrel*
when they served dessert and cakes...
I was already smacking my forehead....
sorry no pics, coz I couldn't be bothered anymore...

just shocked!!! what happen???
since when did the food standard became this bad???
well it wasn't one of the best airline food...but tolerable...and now....
I'm gonna find time to write to MAS this week...
oh wait...I wrote to them 4 months ago with regards to my loyalty card and no one has gotten back to me....and I re-wrote to them 2 months ago...
*bangs head*
**why should I be the one banging my head??**

my most shocking revelation was NASI LEMAK
MAS has got wonderful nasi lemak...and I alwiz alwiz look fwd to it!!!!
it has got the best sambal and the rich grains cooked in creamy coconut milk

and now....the sambal is gone....only prawns cooked in chili sauce
the creamy rice is now....errrr slightly brown spiced ginger un-nasi lemak rice
wat happen to my crispy anchovies and fried peanuts???

*bangs head*

:"(((

yeah I am an ungrateful bitch for all the complains
when some kids elsewhere are dying of hunger
and here I am whining about food

ok wait till u pay for your ticket and got these in return
especially when u've been flying with them for so many years
and noticed how the standard dropped year after year

as at 1st January 2012, MAS has cut 7 more routes to save costs
Adios Rome
Goodbye Capetown and Johannesburg
Tata Buenos Saires and also Dubai
:"((((

this isn't the way to save an ailing company
even the head steward was telling me this in deep sadness in his eyes
"......:((((......management decision....despite majority opposition....."
I gave him the :(((((( face too...

I will definitely head to Kiasu-Land to get my connecting flights next time
Singapore :)))))))))))
well I can't vote any airlines as the best coz there's so many more I haven't been into
even those that I've tried, each has got their own specialty in terms of service and hospitality
and price too :)))

so in the mean time, I better learn to "fast" like JS on board
*or nibble on nuts*
especially on 13 hours flight when food is a problem...

oh wait...I can fly with so many other airlines...
Emirates :)))) Etihad :))))
KLM :))))) Thai Airways :))))
Singapore Airlines :)))))
Cathay Pacific :)))))
and even Qatar Airways :))))))
and yes I WILL FLY WITH AIR ASIA TOO!!!!

MAS pls buck up!!!
and this was only FOOD...
I haven't go to the part where u are never on TIME
and u change ur planes configuration as u wished n passengers only got informed upon check in....wat can we do by then??? this is a SCAM!!!!
gRRRRRRrrrrrr

Read about really old posting of some airlines:

*Cathay Pacific*

*MAS: Mana Ada Standard*
*MAS's Nasi Lemak last time!!!! was so good*
*another miserable meal onboard*

Palace of Versailles, France

2012-01-30T09:39:00.000+08:00

Beautiful clear blue sky
we woke up early and took the city fast train 20km away fr Paris to Versailles
with good planning, we skipped the slow train, hopped into the fast one and arrived 18 minutes later and to beat the daily's massive crowd. we were there by opening time 9 am

Can't choose a better day to visit this palace
Sundays are the day when most places are closed for commercials/ shoppings
so museums and sight seeings are the best bet :)))

from the train station there is another 5 minutes walk
along the huge boulevard we caught glimpses of Palace of Versailles
never imagine it could be this big!!!!!
even our cameras can't fit this whole place in!!!

the main HUGE steel gate leading to the courtyard
these days there's a separate entrance for visitors so the main gate is perpetually closed

once u r in the courtyard there's another GOLDEN gate
phewwwwwwwww
well after all it is the WORLD'S LARGEST PALACE *by total ground measurement*
**Forbidden City in China is the largest by total building measurement**

the camera couldn't fit in the front facade so we snapped just a quarter of it
need a wide angle lense for this
I felt like a Queen already just by standing majestically there

the other side with beautiful gold trimmings on its roof

started out as a hunting lodge/ chateau for King Louis IV
it was then turned into a PALACE
and the royal family then resided here until the French Revolution

it was also King Louis IV who moved his government and court into Versailles
so we can truly said that the French Monarchy was ruled from this very palace

*pic stolen fr the web*
the main facade and the top floor is the King's chamber

part of the front facade was under restoration
Palace of Versailles was declared a UNESCO site in 1979

The queue was not that long despite the massive crowd
coz the ticketing booth was automated just like an ATM machine
just select ur language and a couple of more buttons, deposit ur $$$$ and voila!!!!!
soon we were on our way exploring this huge place with glee :))))

the Royal Chapel
wooooowwww so grand~~~~~~~
my eyes were not on its beautiful Gold organ
nor the roman columns
and all its exquisite marbles adorning its wall
or the sculptures embracing it

but on the painting on its ceiling
the paintings depicts the King as the chosen one by God to rule the Earth

more beautiful paintings commissioned by His Royal Highness to important painters during his time
u wanna have an idea how big this place is????

behold.......it has got:
2,300 rooms
2,153 windows *poor maids*
1,500 drawings
15,034 engravings
2,102 sculptures
67 staircase
5,210 pieces of furnitures

I guess numbers are just numbers
u just need to be there to marvel at its beauty
and imagined how to live the life of French Monarchy back in those days
when ppl are starving...has got no food....ppl r dying of plague....the Hundred Years' war etc
well that explains the French Revolution and how the Queen was guillotined in public
*well Malaysia Government, this will soon happen to u*

Paintings of King Louis IV and all his successor

the emblem and symbol of France back in those days...
the Fleur de lis
it's actually a lily
but these days...everyone called it...Louis Vuitton's logo
-_-" ppl pls go read up and educate urself.....Louis Vuitton tsk tsk *smacks forehead*

are those real candles up on its chandelier???
as u can see not every inch of its wall were not adorned with richness
it's either plastered in beautiful rich colored wallpaper
or priceless paintings

soon we were moving slowly at the famous Hall of Mirros
it's a long narrow hall/passage way
served as a function hall and also waiting room for guests

*pic stolen fr the web*
the majestic Hall of Mirrors minus its visitors hahahahah
it's a very beautiful ballroom

on one site it's full of mirrors like the above
nope Monkey wasn't on the line but was listening to the audio guide in english

I dunno wat is this with French....they think we are Japanese and alwiz handed down Japanese guide/brochure/catalogs etc to us
gone are the days where France is thronged by the Japs...it's so passe ok???
these days...it's the chinese

this was very important!!!!!
else JS won't take the trouble to capture this pic :P

this table is holy moly important!!!!!
it was the very same TABLE and CHAIR used to sign the TREATY OF VERSAILLES
that ended WORLD WAR 1
yes WW1

squeezing our way through into the King's Chamber
but this room is called the Bull's Eye Salon
notice the round window at the top?

this room was used by courtiers as a waiting room before entering the King's Chamber next door
it's so confusing...there's so many rooms with so many doors leading to so many places
they need a map here with exit signs just in case of fire :P

woooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooowwwwwwwwww
wat a beautiful view from this window
to the garden and a lake
yep the view from the Queen's room

the Queen's chamber
also the very same bed Marie Antoinette slept on
yes if u were wondering...her bed faces that nice window with that beautiful garden specially created for her

spot that small white door on the right of the bed?

it was an escape door
the very same one she used to escape and hid in the King's room with His Royal Highness during the French Revolution in 1789

I was reading on their daily royal etiquettes and it was quite elaborate
every morning the Queen is received here with a grand ritual after the maids cleaned her
this very same chamber was occupied by 3 different Queens of France and Marie Antoinette being the last one before she was beheaded in public during the French Revolution

all 19 Children of France was also born on this very same room
the child birth of all of them was another HUGE ritual
phew....I don't want to be a Queen anymore~~~~~

that very same room has for this fantastic view!!!!!! The "Orangerie"
GAHHH I WANT!!!
what a beautiful garden!!!!!

OMG!!!!!

what a luxury!!!!!
JS I WANT!!!!

he said Monkey can only snap a memorabilia of this~~~~
with Berr of coz :)))))))))))))
mind u this is only a small section of the Gardens of Versailles

the entire property has got A HUGE HUGE HUGE garden
no no no....allow me to re-phrase that....GARDENSSSSSSSssssssssssssssssSSSSSSSSSSS
not Garden....O.O

and all this beautiful bronze flower pots that discolored over time
so many of them~~~~

and all the beautiful angelic sculptures
not to mention fountains

now it's time to explore its gardenssSSSSSssssssss
check out the background :P
gardensssSSSSsssssssssssss

wah!!!! JS we need a bicycle!!!!
really!!! look at this place!!!!
we will never finish it by today

there's the summer palace to visit and another villa/chateau of Marie Antoinette!!!!

*pic stolen fr the web*

hmmmm....where are we now???

Latona Fountain with beautiful sculptures

tee hee hee I was bz amuzing meself with the beautiful swans
they came coz they thought I m feeding them :P

after a while, the 1st swan knew it and don't bother to come to me anymore
kekekekkekekekeke
can see the swan's expression like hmmm ceh!!!! -_-
while the 2nd one was smiling :))))
can u see it?

and so we continued our walk around this 800 hectare of gardens~~~
WAT??? 800 ha is 8,000,000 m2
O.O

hence this post will be continued tomorrow
:)))))))))

Laduree, Paris

2012-01-28T10:40:00.000+08:00

ohhhh this elegant exquisite name is alwiz associated with MACARONS!!!!
well they are after all the FATHER of MACARONS!!!!

okie technically macarons was invented ages ago, but it was Laduree who got this idea of using 2 pieces of macarons and sandwiched them in between fillings of lovely ganache

Laduree was established in 1862 by Louis Ernest Laduree
they were bought over by the Holder group who also owns PAUL bakery
with such takeover, one can expect massive investment and heavy expansion
so Laduree is available these days in almost important cities
like Geneva, Monaco, Zurich, Tokyo, UK, US, Italy and also a few Arabian countries

today they have expanded to more tea salons, pastry shop, ice cream parlour
and their very first beauty lines of makeup will be launched next month in JAPAN!!!!
all the makeup collection will be inspired from the lovely colors from all its Macarons creations

usually in betwee shopping or sight seeing, we'll take a coffee/tea break

in any country that we visit even in Asia
so in Asia we'll do the Asian style
*read bout our Thai tea break in Bangkok last year here*

Coffees in the middle of the day is compulsory for us :P
yep we are coffee addicts...without one in the morning, the entire day gonna be unproductive
so another cuppa in the afternoon or after meals are like a booster
however we dun have coffee after 5pm, unless it's a decaffeinated

generally most ppl do tat
this has prompted Starbucks to revamp its business module
it has been announced this week that they will be selling a different type of brew - alcohols
else the number of customers decline as the sun sets....
I wonder if this gonna happen in Malaysia...hmmm....

now let's set our eyes back to Laduree and this sweet lil tart
Lemon Tart
there's too many items I wanna stuff my face with...but I can only choose one
*esp with JS's slitted eyes staring at me*

I'm a sucker for tarts so tarts it'll be
but...but..there's so many tarts!!!!
GAH from apples to berries to cream based, custard ones, with toppings and meringues
GAH!!!!!
decisions decisions decisions

it's even more difficult that getting a nice pair of shoes or that oh-ahhh-bag
coz if I really like them, i'll just get the same in different colors
*which I usually do*
but with food....it's perishable and my tummy has got such limited storage...
maybe 20 years down the road, scientists would have invented an external stomach
*u know the way how external disk works*

the lemon custard fillings were silky smooth....
once it's on ur tongue the curd just glides and danced in ur mouth
almost like eating butter
bit with a lemony tang

only setback was it's way too sweet but french lurve their pastries SWEET!!!!

but still better than the Greeks....I get toothache eating Greek pastries
its crust was pretty good too

perhaps time to horn my baking skills and try some other tarts again
the oven at home been zzzz way too long
tee hee hee

Do take some time and visit their beautiful lady-liked website
so u can continue to drool at their products :P
www.laduree.fr

Mount St Michel, France

2012-01-27T08:43:00.000+08:00

a picture of Mont St Michel, beautifully composed by JS
we only brought one camera to visit this place, while the other one was left in Paris
been using Paris as our base this trip.....even the bellboy at the hotel know us that we'll leave heaps of luggage for them as we journeyed to other cities and countries

I alwiz joked with them in my horrible french, not to hurt their backs with my super-heavy-can-die luggage bags *all 8 pieces*
they shrugged it off and luffed out loud coz it's part of their job

Since I dun have a camera, an iPhone can do too :P
make use of wat u have and surprisingly the iPhone 4s takes fantastic pics

oh...I should re-phrase my sentence...
with such FANTASTIC VIEW any tom dick and harry can snap amazing pics with any tom dick and harry gadgets :P
agree?? :))))

my friend told me it looked like Disneyland hahahahahaha
indeed....prollie Walt Disney got inspired by it?

Mount St Michel had been a fort since the ancient time
against the...well who else....the English
coz this sea = English Channel
and from the top of this mountain, u can see Southern Britain

Okie Dokie.....time to scale the mountain!!!
yipeeeeee

I can say we've almost scaled every mountain we could during this trip
taken all sorts of jelly-fying cable car rides
eaten everything
drunk the best wines
hiked and climbed for the 1st time in my life
very rewarding :)))))

Looks like mission impossible
hey Mr. Sea Gull, can u take me up there????

the entire place was built around this rocky island back in the 6th century
due to erosion the surrounding rocks gave in to sea water and only stronger ones like granites remained
this erosion process took millions of years since the dinousaur age

so basically u r marveling at the creation of GOD and Nature
the rock island I meant....the rest of the structure was built by human's hands *of coz*
we are given the most precious thing = LIFE
with it, we can do a lot of wonders
so folks never give up in life :)))))

Mr. Sea Gull tried to fly but the wind was too strong
he just flapped his wings and the wind carried him motionless like this
so cute :P

it's like flying a kite....where it stays motionlessly on the sky
but this one has got an altitude of 30 cm above ground *remember Johnny English and his helicopter ride?"

and Monkey must not give up too
started walking towards the fort at the top like a hero with JS tailgating behind

I felt like I was transformed back to medieval time

everything changes but nothing changes.....sounds familiar?

it's like ur lips changed, but ur kisses never age

as I stomped my feet happily I was brought back in time

to experience the same feeling as those ancient ppl did

how they went about life on this lil small rocky island

horses galloping on the rocky pavement

the sounds and sights of children running

and the harsh weather they endured here

Today, it's thronged with tourists and pilgrims around the world

rows after rows of souvenirs shop selling pointy pokey Mount St Michel memorabilia

this reminded me of Duomo in Milan case back in 2009

*click here to read how farnie it was*

so I guess souvenirs can be harmful after all huh?

While JS was tail-gating me.....Monkey was tail-gating this doggie

it was so wet and slippery, she fell down so many times

poor doggie

in fact the best shoes to visit Mount St Michel is actually gummy boots

coz this place is alwiz full of seawater :P

well u never know

admiring the rocks

stacked by men

survived through the centuries and WARS

I touched it and they felt so cold

it's as though it's telling me the stories it endured and survived

Bee Boo Bee Boo Bee Boo *sound of the ambulance's siren*
huffed puffed
taking a 30 seconds break

JS was rolling his eyes and comparing me with those white hair aunties and balding uncles
"look at them!!! they r so much fitter than u!!!!"
grrrrRRRRrrrrrrrrrr

Climbing the last bit before reaching up to the abbey

due to the weather condition, the rocky walls are alwiz covered in moss

wow wat a giant water tap!!!!!!!!

is this for the fire brigade????

and wat a tiny door

were they hobbits????

huffed and puffed

okie.....almost there.....the last few steps to go!!!!!

huffed....puffed......

u can see there's lesser ppl on the pic as we ascend...coz many of them gave up halfway and sat on those benches

ekekekekkekekeekkekeeekek

so folks, visit and walk the Earth while u care fit and able :)))))))

Okie to be fair....I took some short breaks too :P

pffffttttttttttttt

tee hee heee

what????

finally.....

WOW~~~~~~ I was so scared but still wanna look down

the mainland with a temporary connection/bridge to the rock island

this will be destroyed soon bcoz the government will be building a small pedestrian hanging bridge to connect this small island

They realised with this connection road, it has jeopardised the environment

water and sediments sat on the bank

nothing moves....

really bad for the environment

a small stream of water heading out to the sea

years ago, u can only reach this island by foot when the tide is low

due to tourism and commercialisation they have built the connecting road

and now they have decided to destruct it

well.....

let's hope they'll find a solution soon before all the sediments gonna accumulate here till Mount St Michel is an island-no-more!!!!!

the Abbey of Mount St Michel

the gold statue of Archangel Michael at the top of the spire

he was mentioned in Christianity, Judaism and Islam

it has alwiz provoked such curiosity in me when it comes to these 3 religions

a friend actually encouraged me to do more readings and learning on those 3

being a lazy me...I opt to visit Israel anytime instead :P

ok ok ok I've promised u, I'll go and do more readings about it :)))))

jelly-fied terrified horrified look

GAH!!!!!!

those ppl down there were so tiny :P

on a clear day u can see the southern port of Britain

it's such a strategic point as a fort

no wonder it was never conquered even during the hundred year wars

with smaller fort posts surrounding this tiny island

"Hey look we can walk down there!!! I wanna go I wanna go I wanna go!!!!!"

JS -_-"

we spent about half an hour up here

speechless

nothing to say when ur mind, eyes and soul were busy absorbing all these

the winter chill air hit our face

moisture and humidity fr the sea coated our hair till it's damp

beyond this....we stood motionlessly staring at the view

:)))))))))))

JS said if he's an soldier, he wanna be stationed on this post/corner

hahahahahahahahaha

coz it has got the best view of both sun rise and sun set

but I was bz pointing at those small lil ppl down there walking on the sandy banks/beach

and yelled..."hey come back!!!! the tide is gonna come up soon!!!! come back!!!!"

JS: "Don't think they understand english.....someone will get them...dun u kepoh."

next to the abbey was a beautiful courtyard with an even more beautiful garden

this garden has got a beautiful view too...

wat a bliss

I just wanna sit down here with a cup of coffee and a good book

perhaps it's time I get down to those books on religion

just the right ambience

GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

okie don't worry, there was a sheet of glass there

else the wind alone can blow me outta this courtyard

trying his hands on some mechanism

it actually moved!!!!!

shhhhh pls don't tell the caretaker of this place...

we were not supposed to touch anything :P

the wheels is a pulley system to transport things from the bottom of the rock island up here

it has got a wooden track

Later, we explored the whole place including nooks and corner where no tourists go to
its beautiful herb garden
its storage
catacombs
inside the medieval abbey
basically everywhere

I'm still as mischievous as alwiz
since young I'll walked all over my school which was an old convent
including areas forbidden to anyone
coz there's just too many ghost stories that certain corners were sealed....
but this Monkey....tsk tsk tsk....she's the GREATEST GHOST in school lar!!!!

then we arrived at the back door of the rocky island...
"Hey look....more paths to more places....let's go!!!!"

leaving civilisation behind, which was pretty medieval as u can see fr the pic above
both JS & Monkey walked down to have better look and feel of the English Channel

then JS stopped Monkey
nope...he didn't see any ghosts or some dead ancient warriors without his head

it was this....DANGER KEEP OUT!!!

we checked our respective watches...and saw that there's only one more hour left before the TIDE comes in!!!!!!

yea there's a tidal schedule/table, u must alwiz check before going anywhere around this island

and that includes parking ur car at the right place

u dun want it to go drowning in the sea water...

insurance dun pay u know!!!!

the Tide comes up to this level 2x a day

there's 2 tides a day

well if u wanna read more about tidal system, pls google it

certain seas in the world has got one tide a day

while some don't even have TIDE at all!!!!!

but on a normal one it's usually 2x

at the back of the island there's more post guards tower like this
with really large hooks to anchor big ships
so this was a dock back then
:))))
I'm so glad we walked here and discover these

only set back was the sand was soft and muddy
there's a lot of warnings of quick sand
so we didn't wanna take the risk
after all there's only 2 of us back here and even if we yelled, no one can hear us except Mr. Sea Gull

so we watched sun set together
and watch the tide comes in
:))))))))

what a beautiful sight......
aaaaaAAaaaaaaaa

later we hurried ourselves to catch the last bus back to Rennes
else we gonna be stranded on this rocky island for the nite
the last bus leaves at 5.30pm

What a memorable journey up to Mount St Michel
We were so happy to be here :)))))
and hope u had enjoyed this posting

for more readings, go to their official website:
www.ot-mountsaintmichel.com

Journey to Mount St. Michel, France

2012-01-26T09:22:00.000+08:00

*pic stolen fr the web*

Remember this??? when I posted about it months ago *click here to read*

gosh how time flies and that was almost 2 months already

so today we will share with you on our journey to this wonderful mystical place

Mount St. Michel

It's alwiz wise to ask a local where to go and what to do

in fact this place was never in our itinerary until we asked Monsieur Denis of Bollinger Champagne

we wanted to venture somewhere new in France and of interested worthy sight seeings and FOOD!!!!

food alwiz have to be part of its package hahahahah

Monsieur Denis then recommended a few small town

especially Rennes a lil town in North West of France

it's a place where he'll go for relaxation

and so after that conversation, we hit the internet to find more information

JS was so eager n keen that he dragged Monkey straight to the kiosk to get First Class train tickets

it's alwiz good to plan early bcoz when u purchase early, ur First Class ticket is only half price

HUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

booked our hotel in Rennes and read more about interesting places there

soon pics of Mount St. Michel were plastered all over my iPad

"Hey look!!! I saw this on TV before!!!! we must go!!!!"

yeah I know we were so prompt rite?

it's alwiz our style to hit one city, find out more from locals and venture to a new place.

it happened in Barcelona and now in France.

so 2 weeks after the above conversation....and also after venturing to other places in France, UK and Spain.....we were once again back in France and all prepared for Mount St. Michel!!!

the fast train takes about 2 hours to Rennes, one of the most connected city in Brittany

from there u can hop onto a bus to Mount St Michel

Bus station was just across the road fr the train station

here I was waiting at the bus with some tourists from Japan

Mount St Michel is very famous among the Japanese bcoz it is a sister city of Hatsukaichi in Hiroshima

the surrounding, topography and visuals were highly used in Japanese Games

some games also featured a replica innit

Remember the lyrics to Year of the Cat by Al Stewart?

"and the bus and the tourists are gone"

heheheheh if u dun plan ur trip well and check the schedule, this will happen

we were reading on some travel forums, some tourists were stranded coz they missed the last bus or train at certain smaller towns

JS & Monkey alwiz alwiz alwiz find the most efficient connections between trains to trains or to buses

well even flights so that we dun waste time

our 11.30 bus came early and left on the dot!!!!
very punctual :))))
u need to prepare exact change for the driver
they dun speak english but one can communicate in the international universal language - hand and sign language.....hahahahahahaahahaha

the bus was very clean and comfortable....
even the windows were spotless!!!!!
can't remember the last time I took public bus but this ride was a very comfortable one
they even make us wear seat belts.....no standing up while the bus is moving...
else the driver will stop the bus and come to ur seat until u r buckled up!!!!
Safety is no small matter here >.<

the journey was a pleasant one with beautiful sights along the countryside
weather in Brittany is alwiz like this
over cast sky, gloomy and wet
coz it's near to the sea, to be precise the English Channel

an hour later.....we skipped happily outta the bus and screamed...
"WE ARE HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEAYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!"

what a beautiful sight!!!!!
beyond words....
in fact the bus went all the way and stopped us at the foot of this mount
but we walked back towards the mainland to snap more pics

it was very windy, even JS's short hair were flying in flurry

hahahahhaahhahahahahhahahhaa

he couldn't open his eyes

it was indeed very very very windy~~~~~~~

even the seagull can't open her eyes

kekekekekekkeke

and when they fly.....they just flapped their wings....and stay motionless on the air

they dun move.....coz the wind was so strong they had to flapped harder to move

else it's just a stationery flying bird on the air

it was a weird sight hahahahahahahaha

it almost noon and we were hungry

kluuuuu kluuuuuu kluuuuu~~~~~

with only 41 inhabitants on this island

meaning to say only 41 ppl live in this island u can't expect much right?

but wrong.......

there's hotels and restaurants and facilities

we went to the famous La Mere Poulard that specialised in omelette

u must be wondering....wat's so special about it

created by Annette Boutiaut in the late 19th century, this place is also a hotel

she invented this quick egg omelette to satisfy hungry visitors and it became a staple of the restaurant these days

we took some time to watch the process :)))))

hmmm the Chef has got such good complexion

flawless almost like he's wearing makeup with a tint of rose blusher....

see that huge tub over there?

it's a damn HUGE TUB of BUTTER!!!!

Brittany is also famous for butter

the best butter in the world comes fr here :))))

beautiful fresh eggs were cracked into the copper bowl to be whipped ferociously by the Chef

he used 2 whisks to add more power to his whisking efforts *macam double motor hahahaha*

and whipped in as much air as possible to make them fluffy

it's almost like making egg souffle :))))))

each cast iron pan were dunked with a generous spoonful of butter

then the whipped eggs were poured in...

and cooked in the open wood fire!!!!

wuahahahhaah my stomach(s) were crying in joy!!!!

can't wait to sink my teeth in them :))))

our appetizer of vegetables terrine and tartare
nothing to shout about coz our minds were so locked onto those EGGS!!!!!!

my LOBSTER OMELETTE!!!!!
ohhhhh look at that :)))))
it's fluffy and airy on the inside
while the outside was crusty with some burnt off the cast iron
while the lobster was so fresh and delicious

when u tear them apart....ohhhhh myyyyyy gaawwwddddd

while I was hearing "oooiissshsiiiii des ne" fr the next Japanese table...

u can only hear OMG on my table :P

if I have this for breakfast every morning...

sigh....to die for....totally worth coming here for :P

the omelette has got sufficient seasoning and taste

u can actually smell the eggie goodness innit...

each omelette is served with potatoes bacon casseroles
French prefer to use Staub instead of Le Creuset
I see more of Staub at their departmental store

I'm a slow eater...coz I enjoy my food thoroughly
every morsel every bite
and I'm alwiz appreciative towards invention, creativity, taste and ingredients being put together for any dish

while JS is the total opposite, he eats everything in such lightning speed
so usually he'll spend the rest of his meal time, snapping ugly pics of me chomping food in such unsightly manner -_-

again we were seated next to very important ppl
but don't think they are alive anymore hahahahahhaa
the above autograph was signed in 18th June 1910

the wind was crazily strong outside
while we were in the comfort of a warm room with a nice fireplace
:)))))

there's also an open air terrace/courtyard at the top floor which u can sit
but on that day it was closed due to the weather

JS ordered an apple dessert done 3 way
some apple mousse jelly, apple crumble and baked apple

I had a really yummy gooey chocolate cake :)))

well after all these yummy food we need to burn off all the calories intake

wat's better than to climb up Mount St Michel

:)))))

to be continued tomorrow.....

so do come back to read about it :))))))

Hey take some time and visit their website below

watch the video on the preparation of the omelette....

oh so heavenly :))))

c'est delicieux!!!!

La Mere Poulard

Grand Rue BP 18,

50170 Mount St Michel,

France.

Tel: 02 3389 6868

http://www.merepoulard.com/en

Los Caracoles, Barcelona

2012-01-25T10:35:00.000+08:00

Los Caracoles = snails...
when an establishment is named after a dish, u bet it has got to be the die die must eat dish
huahahahahahahahaha

closed friends actually warned us that this place is like a tourists trap
full of them
but added that a few of their dishes are pretty good
in fact Cal Pep *read bout it here* was also full of tourists

I guess when u a famous and well known internationally....this will definitely happen
and we went to Los Caracoles with an open mind.

being kiasu, we went there early before the dinner crowd begins at 9pm
oh yes...ppl here in Barcelona have their dinner at 9pm onwards
coz they need to do tapas first from 6-9pm

but no country can beat Greece when they have their dinner at 10.30pm
I almost zzzzz face down on my grilled fish back in Athens!!!!

Los Caracoles has got multiple dining hall separated
it's rustic and full of decos, memorabilia hung on walls,
photographs with autographs of famous personalities around the world dated more than 50 years ago
this place was started back in 1853 so can u imagine the wall is almost collapsing with the number of framed pics on its walls!!!!

My EYES darted left n right....and saw yes!!!!!
Roast suckling pig
teee heeeeee heeeee heeee eheeee

well whenever u r in Barcelona, must try this
they also have a variety of yummy grilled sea produce
but JS and Me decided that this is gonna be a token dinner
after so many nites and weeks of indulgence
to the point that we were scared of FOOD
yes it did happen :P

I m seated among politicians, superstars, celebrities :))))))
noticed the puffed up face??? well u kenot NOT gain weight when u r eating like this
:P
JS was counting calories as he chomped his meals while I was bz deciding wat to eat/have for our next meals
pppfffftttttt~~~~~~

so adorable!!!!
their bread in the shape of a snail :)))))

however I must say, that Catalan bread is so different from the French
not as fine as french
well I have to say that French are more artisans when it comes to food
Catalan are more hearty and rustic :)))))

some nites we just need to go alcohol-free
so alcohol free = coke *I call it American Wine*
hehehehehehehehehe

yummy yummy!!!!!
it's actually deep fried Scallions :)))))
so sweet :))))))
I can this whole plate on my own
yummier than deep fried onion rings

aaaaAAAAaaaaaa
the Caracoles = Snails!!!

it didn't have that usual earthy notes
good texture....very good I must say with crunch n bite
the sauce was rich, slightly spicy with wine notes
yummy and just mopped everything up with ur snaily bread :))))

suckling pig :))))))
the skin looked so normal but then so so so crunchy bcoz it's thin!!!
eaten with some fennel relish and grilled tomatoes

the meat was juicy and soft
surprise surprise no fat at all
I mean that layer of fat underneath its skin
its skin was crackling, while JS & Monkey were fighting over it with forks then our fingers
"Mine mine mine!!!! I'm famish!!!!"
well food do taste better when u r fighting over it don't cha?

Los Caracoles's industrial kitchen
JS fell in love with it
-_-"
"WAHHH I LIKE!!!!!!"
-_-"

look at its stove......flat for grilling all sorts of food
while the round ones are for pots and pans
notice the amber red color on the stove, they used wood fire
I wished they could open it for us to see but the kitchen was breathing fire and hot
after a brief moment were scrambling out.....
phewwww working in a kitchen like this is no joke!!!!

running out to the cooler bar area!!!!!
which is also the main entrance of the restaurant

it's fun coz they positioned the kitchen in between the dining hall and the bar
so all diners will have to walk through its kitchen first
wat a fun experience :)))))

wood fire grilled and flamed chicken~~~~
T_T
I wanted this, but JS no eat chicken
I can't even do take-away home to hotel and chomp chomp coz he can't stand the smell of chicken
T_T

thought situated at some small lanes near to La Ramblas, u kenot miss it

with its oven on the outside

Los Caracoles

Escudellers 14,

Barcelona 08002.

Tel: + 933 012 041

www.loscaracoles.es

Welcoming the Dragon 2012

2012-01-23T09:32:00.010+08:00

*pic fr wallpaper buzz*

Gong Xi Gong Xi
time to be merry and to stuff me tummy wif more food :P

Beautiful wishes to all of u,
Good Health be upon u,
Happiness and Joy!!!!

as for the wealth, success, money...well u have to work for it
kekekekekkekee

If u r wondering, it is not the Dragon year yet...
the actual day is 4th Feb 2012 and the Dragon will enter at 6.23pm
we call it...the Start of Spring

Do some readings and research folks
for the Chinese Astrology has got very interesting history, calculations etc
if u want me to elaborate more, it's gonna take very long
kekekekekekkekekeke

Gong Xi Fa Cai!!!!

Alkimia One Michelin Star

2012-01-20T09:33:00.000+08:00

We are not really a fan of molecular gastronomy
call us old and conservative but we do have our reservations on it

El Bulli the brainchild of Ferran Adria has been perpetually permanently closed

for ever and ever and ever
yes it's closed if u r still thinking of goin there someday
we were late for.....say....4 months

it is now undergoing renovation and will only reopen as an academy
reason being, El Bulli wasn't making money for the past years so they decided to close it

well with that kind of military drill and wastage on ingredients
one can imagine the amount of white asparagus used just to make one single pearl that burst in ur mouth in just under miliseconds....
sigh....

Dining in Barcelona is pretty affordable, well in Paris it will cost 3.5 times more for the same type of food and courses
so after much research and readings, we decided to make reservation at Alkimia = Alchemy in english

helmed by Chef Jordi Vila
a young talented chef who won many accolades of awards
one of the very few to modernised spanish and catalan cuisine here
he is said to be the next Ferran Adria

a deconstructed piece of Iberico ham and tomato inside the glass

Jordi Vila remove the essence off *god knows how many tomatoes* and placed them back into the glass shot with olive oil and seasoning
the crisp piece of ham was funky
so as part of the traditional courses of a Catalan Tapas, u have the ham and tomatoes...so this is it!!!

basically u can say Chef Jordi Vila is playing with techniques and creativity
using the basic ingredients
and re-intepret the traditional cuisine into a modern molecular Catalan cuisine

*Barcelonians don't consider themselves as Spaniards...they are more European and called themselves Catalonians*
**just like how Parisiens defined themselves instead of French**

another small bite of appetizer which I forgotten what it was
after the first shot of food, our expectations grew higher at Alkimia
one can't expect what to be laid on the table after such a funky 1st appetizer
even after reading from its menu....coz the menu looked so normal

there's 2 degustation menus u can choose at Alkimia

there isn't ala carte *dun say I didn't warn u*
there's the Alkimia Menu with 11 courses

and the Traditional Menu with 7 courses
coming to such a creative place with a molecular chef, u better try the Alkimia menu

even the bread was so yummy

with persimmon, nuts and some other dried fruits innit

I couldn't stop myself from piling on them

GAH!!!!!!

Tomatoes Trinxat with Codfish
it looked so pretty :))))))))))))))

usually this dish is also served at any Tapas outlet
so I have to re-iterate that dining here is like doing a high-end-tapas

but with a different format and intepretation

the fish were sous-vide I think coz it was soft and melt in ur mouth type
with crispy crumbs on top, sweet sourish tomatoes that gave this fish a different dimension

lastly those green colored garnish that came with it...
IT WAS MIND BLOWING

I was like "Wat Was THAT?????"
apparently it's some undersea algae/seaweed/chlorophyll life form

it has got a very crunchy texture and hollow body with a tang of sweetness innit

Spaghettini with seafruits

the "pasta" was made from zucchini

with loads of weird creature fr the sea

weird does not necessary mean bad but "unexplored" coz it was so new to me
including some alien looking mollusc fr the sea

the taste profile was outstanding bcoz it was like eating directly from the SEA!!!!
sweet and savoury with good texture
my only complain....I WANT MORE!!!!

next was a mushroom dish depending on the fresh ingredients of the day at the market
so there was a mixture from small to huge and variety of thickness all cooked into one
that includes that lil piece of crispy chip was made fr mushrooms

and its frothy juice
very earthy taste, even a non mushroom eater would be surprised

pickled oyster with glazed pork cheek and sauteed spinach

first of all who the hell pickled an oyster??????
but Chef Jordi Vila did and he managed to maintain its taste profile and texture
it has got a sourish taste with a slice of pickled lemon

to be eaten with the glazed pork cheek

it was a very generous portion of cheek....the whole piece of cheek each person!!!!!

when u positioned ur knife to cut it...no efforts needed...

it was almost like eating Sea Cucumber

However I found it to be too rich...well it's a damn piece of yummy succulent soft pork cheek!!!

maybe that's why the Chef used pickled oyster to balance the richness of the cheek

astounding texture of the cheek

Pieces of cuttlefish on its ink sauce

and GINGER!!!!

wow wat a surprise

well in any Tapas courses, cuttlefish cooked with its own ink is quite common

but using GINGER??? it's so Asian and he pulled it with flair

I thoroughly enjoyed this one
by separating the ink and the while cute cuttlefish actually made this dish more palate-able

instead of downing a plate/bowl of black squirmish errrr sea creature

Dublin Bay prawn with onions

just slightly grilled to maintain its natural taste
at this point, we were quite full already

especially eating late...

Spaniards/Catalonians don't eat dinner till 9.00pm

and their very first seating starts at 8.30pm

so this meal proceeded till midnight....hahahahahaha

Fish of the day with onions and black olives!!!

my favourite

just by looking at the color of the fish u knew this dish is worth every single drop of ur drool

hahahahahahahahahah
by the way it's a red mullet found only in the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea

wow so pretty!!!!!
how do I begin?
Special Chickpeas with its skin

chickpeas are usually served before your main course in any Tapas establishment

so when this arrived, we knew main course is lurking nearby

hahahahhahahaa

later, broth were served together with the soft chickpeas

a light, heartening and yummy dish

Beef wtih mustard seed and deep fried onion rings!!!!

all the other seafood-based dishes were too oustanding that it outshone the beef
I don't mind another plate of fish hahahahhahaa

Tomatoes and cucumber gazpacho with sheep milk ice cream

this was rather weird...when we first saw it at the menu, we requested it to be changed
but the Maitre' D that we must try it because it's "different"

yep indeed it was different

too different that we couldn't accept it

yeah tomatoes and cucumber goes well

but then not as dessert

hmmm prollie the Catalonias eat this way?

the next and the last course redeemed itself
chocolate fondant with "burned" rum ice cream
despite hugging our tummies....everyone finished their piece of chocolate fondant

:))))))))))))

more desserts~~~~~

I forgotten wat it was....:P
sorry heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee :D

deep fried dough coated with sugar
another street-food served all over Barcelona just like churros
ohhhh I love Churros will post about it soon

so nice but I was just too full!!!!

but not this one!!!! ice lollies aka ice creams with nuts coated with white chocolate!!!!

nice :)))
yes the card is even nicer....I don't have it -_-

by invitations only :'((((

u can buy a house with it

Overall food experience was pretty good

they could improve on the service though
I mean for a Michelin starred establishment, there's no excuse not to be able to speak proper english
or at least communicate with your diners or serve the ladies first -_-

wine list...hmmmm nothing interesting but then again we are not so adventurous esp when it comes to Spanish wine...they have good cavas though!!!!

Alkimia Restaurant *One Michelin Star*
C/Industria 79,

Barcelona.
Tel: +00 34 9 3207 6115

www.alkimia.cat

Black Virgin of Montserrat

2012-01-19T09:09:00.000+08:00

after the 3 hours hike, we needed FOOD
so just simple quickie ones like grilled sausages with grilled herbed eggplants
*they served it with a sliced of lemon and mind u at a cafeteria*

with a bag of yummy chips

:))))))))))))

our next stop was Santa de Maria Monastery to visit the Black Madonna
one of the very few black Madonna in Europe
ooooooOOoooo that's interesting, coz I've never visited one before

the climb to its altar was quite mesmerizing with beautiful paintings on the dome,
sculptures on all sorts of marbles
how intricate!!!!!

ohhhh there she is!!!!!!
said to be carved in Jerusalem *but no confirmation on this*
visitors took turns to touch that lil globe she's holding on her right hand

*pic stolen fr the Web*

the Child Jesus sat on her lap
both the statues were protected with a bullet proof glass except her sphere
which I touched with care
:)))))))))))))))))

Later JS & Monkey sat inside the church for ages
well we tend to do that in every churches/cathedrals/chapels that we visit,

in silence......finding solitude? maybe.....
perhaps this is how it feels like to near to God?
God....are u there???

if u are here...there's nothing more that I could ask for

I am grateful to be in this World

and it is my duty to take good care of myself and loved ones
and to make full use of myself because u have already given me the most important elements which was......
LIFE
to be able to live....to laugh....to eat....to love and be loved

beautiful carvings and artwork on the ceiling of the monastery
it makes u wonder the skills and creativity involved in those days to build all these

moreover to build buildings all around this serrated mountain
to haul up materials, manpower, water etc up here....
it's amazing huh?

the more I look at it, the more astonished I was
hmmmm...........
so when there's a will there's a way
never ever give up in Life as u sail towards ur destination
do not let obstacles hinder u from your goals in life
there is no failure.....ppl fail coz they give up

a tiny cross sat at the edge of the jagged mountain
it was a really great day
very very good to be here
and this trip was one of the highlight in our itinerary

time to turn jelly again to descend down the mountain
this time no more mist nor fog to cover the valleys
the low sun was shining strongly casting shadows of Montserrat over its neighboring highlands

another cable car on its way up passed us by
I was standing next to the window this time
trying to surpass my fear for heights
having conquered my fear for errrrr 5 mins.....I felt proud
teeeee heeeee eheeeeeeee

then we looked back at Montserrat
if there's opportunity, we will definitely return
yes returning to hike up its PEAK!!!!!
:)))))))))))))
we'll come back prepared yea...with my lunch box and hiking gear :D

then we waited a couple of minutes for our city train back to Barcelona
:))))))))))))))

What a beautiful day!!!
we sat quietly next to each other inside the train

mesmerizing over the wonderful experience we had in Montserrat
and my very first hike in my life *hiak hiak hiak*

for more information on visiting Montserrat:
www.montserrat-tourist-guide.com

Ermita de St. Joan, Montserrat

2012-01-18T09:03:00.000+08:00

View of the Monastery

I thought we were at the top of this serrated mountain while at the monastery
until......JS said we are gonna head up some more

O.O
then my legs turned jelly again for we are goin higher
GAH!!!!!

later I found out the highest summit of this serrated mountain is Saint Jeroni
standing tall at 4,055 feet
I gave him this look O.O over and over O.O

JS: "What??? Mount Kinabalu is 13,455 feet high u know!!! this is nothing!!!!"
:(((((((((((((((((((((((

Furnicular de Sant Joan

the last bit we have to take a funicular to go up
coz there's no way u can go up on your own
it was so steep I almost fell off my chair about 65 degrees
also the steepest funicular in the whole of Spain

built in 1918, it has been modernised these days with glass roofs and windows for a panoramic view as u ascend up
it was a short journey of 6 minutes and I couldn't bear to look down at all

Once at the top, not the summit coz there's still another 1.5 hours hike
we were looking around n choosing the simplest route
there's 3 trails/hike which u can do

however we wanted to explore the caves and dwellings of the Hermitage of Montserrat
this whole rock mountain is a National Park

JS: "Monkey u coming??? hurry up!!!!?"
Monkey grumbled grumbled grumbled

ok that was a fake :P
JS was just posing for a pic but he had to climbed up this rock a few feet high
he was so agile like a errmmm monkey?

so the actual hike was like this!!!!!
I was so EPPY EPPY!!!!!
big wide trail for me to stomp, hop, skip about

lalalalalalalalalalalalalala~~~~~~~~~

beautiful rocks for me to cam-whore with

and we had a good Geography Lesson on the way up as we climbed
both Monkey & JS were competing on who has got the best knowledge on Rocks/Stones
Volcanic vs Conglomerate stones
types of sealives and shells stucked onto those rocks aka fossils

only thing we can't decipher was which dinosaur age were these stones from

see I told ya both of us are very competitive
but JS was very sweet and walked slowly to accommodate my tiny feet *I walked too slow*
heeeeeeeeeeeeee thank u for bringing me here yea....

there was another old trail with steps circulating these huge rocks
with no handles at all
we didn't wanna risk our lives and use that route...it was a shortcut
in the end we took our own sweet time to hike and enjoy the beautiful view :)))))

JS screamed he's at the TOP
-_-"
nope we were definitely not at the top yet
but from here u can see the whole of Catalonia

Monkey: "Hey come back!!! dun stand too near the edge!!!!"
and my legs got jelly-fied again
*again, is there such word :P*

I tip toe-ed and walk closer to enjoy wat JS saw fr his perspective
WUUUUUAAAHHHH nice but I'm too scared!!!
how did we climb up here?
GAH!!!
and my body was frozen unable to move...
JS had to pull me down to continue our hike

Monkey: "Where are we heading to now?"
JS pointed out to those huge rounded stones
"see those lil caves in that rock? we gonna climb up there."

pffftttt huffed puffed!!!!!
>.<

ok...ok...almost....and I saw this lil chapel
but then it was still quite some long way to go

we didn't wanna miss every bit of it and snapped so many pics of this place
hope u guys will enjoy it as much as we did :))))))))))))))))

WOW I think I can see my hotel from here KEKEKEKKEKEKEKE
JS frowned.........."u silly, we are facing inland....Barcelona is on the other side!!!!"
-_-
hey dun be so serious lar....kekekekkekeekke

taking a short break while enjoying a panoramic bird eye view
at this juncture JS took our his half-eaten foot long sandwich and began chomping
me = :"(( I didn't pack lunch :"((
well the view is enuff to feed me hahahahahahaha

Our hike continued....and we were inside those hermitage caves
homes to the hermit monks almost a thousand years ago

they've must been so tiny!!!

and how did they climbed all the way up here, built a chapel, home and reside here a thousand years ago???
there wasn't any funicular nor cable car!!!!

Later we descended that huge piece of rock and tried the 2nd trail to another huge rock
Can u see those tiny holes that cluster of rocks there???
well WE WERE THERE!!!!

I seriously KENOT believe it that we've climbed there!!!!!!!!
OH MY GAWD!!!!
it has to be the achievement of 2011!!!! kekekekekkekekeke

Berr was here too!!!!
:)))))))))))))))))))

Looking at those rounded rocks...I am still pondering how did we got up there???
it was quite scary though
on our journey up, we saw many Rock Climbers too, for this place is famous for this type of sports

Berr, Monkey, Rabbit and JS were here!!!!

The view from the other Rock Mountain

the lil house down there is the station for the funicular
I think it's totally worth all the trouble of getting up here
wat a spectacular view and experience
*jelly-fied experience kekekekeke*

for every beginning there is an end....
after 3 hours up here, basting in UV rays we think it's time to go down
hehehehehehehehe

we still need to get down to the Monastery to see the Black Virgin of Montserrat
I am so glad we did this :)))))))))))
What an adventure :)))))

so to be continued tomorrow.........
yes there's more to show....heheheheheheh
enjoy all the pics!!!!

Montserrat, Spain

2012-01-17T09:03:00.000+08:00

*pic stolen fr Wikipedia hehehehehe*

such jagged mountain can put FEAR to so many ppl
it looked so odd on this rather flat terrain of Catalonia
hence it is called MontSerrat = Serrated Mountain

and JS promised Monkey we will go climbing on this very beautiful sunny day
O_O
Climbing??
C.L.I.M.B.I.N.G????
O.O followed by >.< then :'((

it was rather early and I was shivering from the cold coz I was under-dressed
this mountain range was so misty and shrouded with clouds!!!

there are a few ways to get to Montserrat
tour bus, trains, funicular, cable car

we decided to be more adventurous, took the city fast train = 45 mins fr Barcelona
it stops directly at the cable car station and was really convenient
the ticket is a combo ticket so u basically need to show them ur single ticket for all your rides

we reached there about 9.40am and had to wait for a bit *in the cold*
coz the cable car only starts operation at 10am

yeah I know....my dress code and shoe-code and bag-code definitely not for climbing
:P

the cable car service was constructed on 1930 by the Germans
wow it's 80 years old!!!
is it safe???

even the cable car itself looked so 30s
there's even a name for this - Aeri de Montserrat

with a span of 1350m it takes only 5 minutes to get up to the mountain
the steepest climb is about 45 degrees
and Monkey is a person who's very very very afraid of heights.....GAH!!!!
*frankly I had the most cable car rides in Barcelona, from city centre to parks, crossed ocean etc*

when the 1st batch of "kiasu" visitors got into the cable car, everyone wanted a view while I was clinging onto the middle :P
yep the kiasu visitors are all asians, mostly Japanese

then as the cable car swayed its way slowly up
u can hear bones rattling.....well that's mine
not fr the cold but FEAR

Montserrat was covered with clouds and mist
and our cable car gonna penetrate through all of that!!!!

Montserrat is a very holy site...

one of the holiest in Spain
it was identified as the location of the HOLY GRAIL by Arthurian myth

well I don't really know if it's a myth or not but each year thousands of pilgrims thronged this holy mountain

then we emerged from all the clouds and mist and saw the serrated rocks
WAHHHH it's so sunny up here!!!!!!
My body began to warm up and I feel so much better :)))))))))))

before I know it, we are soon approaching the station
it's not the top yet but the holy Monastery is there with Abbey Monks
we gonna pay them a visit hehehehehehehe

Montserrat is also very popular with Escolania Boys Choir
it is the OLDEST boys' school choir in Europe

then JS tapped my shoulder to turn my head back
and this was wat I saw.....
worth all the bones-rattle-rattling

BEHOLD!!!!!!!!!

WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

:)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
*I don't need to write anything to describe the pic above*

with more serrated rocks everywhere!!!!
I didn't know where to feast my eyes upon!!!!

by then FEAR was gone and I was walking freely inside the 1930s Hitler-opps-I-mean-German-made cable car
trying to absorb all the beautiful scenery

the ride proved to be too short...
only 5 minutes -_-
but the amazing panaromic view...I can immerse innit for 5 hours
:)))))))))))))))))))))))

OKIE time to gather ourselves...I mean myself...
need the blood to drain back to my jellied legs
I felt so much better when my tiny feet touched the solid ground

yep when u are afraid of height that much....u really need something solid to stand on
but it didn't last long, coz for the entire day we were on this serrated mountain overlooking the plains thousands of feet down there....I felt so jelly-fied again
*is there such word?*

so I gotta feed myself first
JS had a foot long baguette with cheese and ham
*his favourite*
which he ate half, packed it into his bag to be continued when we were doin our hike
so u see he got a "packed" lunch for his hike....
and silly me being a virgin hiker didn't bring anything....only a small bottle of water
but trust me I was feeding on the sights and view...didn't need food at all!!!!!

after breakfast I was still WAH WAH-ING outside at the view
before JS pulled me to continue our visit
how can one be bored at this view????

as we continued the walk, I kept on looking back
hehehehehheheheehhehee

*pic stolen fr the Web*
First stop - the Abbey of Montserrat

the story has it...back in 880 a group of small children saw bright lights descending on this mountain
at the same time they heard angels singing with beautiful music which moved them so much and filled their hearts with so much joy
they ran home to tell their parents
the adults then went to the same site and experienced the same for about a month
so this was the sign from God they said.....

I'm not a Christian nor a religious person but standing there then
listening to the monastery church bells - which can be heard throughout the mountain
and the beautiful sights already moved me to tears

Santa Maria de Montserrat Monastery
they were having a church service then, so we decided to come back later to visit the Black Virgin Mary
*more about this on my next posting*

When I looked up, there's a lil sneak peek of the serrated mountain
with beautiful clear blue cloudless sky

JS then proceeded with lighting candles for his sister and late father

Dear Saint Veeny.....may u get well soon and all of us are with you......all the time
:)))))))))))))))))

Ignatius of Loyola in spanish it's Ignacio de Loyola
he was the founder of Society of Jesus

there are a few hotels up here.....
they are quite decent :))))))

my eyes kept on staring at those pinkish rock formation
so weird and yet so beautiful

before I have more time to admire its beauty ....
JS said: "Ok let's continue our journey and hike up."
O.O
I thought this was the highest point.....but looks like we gonna go up further!!!!

okie I will blog about it tomorrow....Montserrat part 2
hehehehehehehehehe

I am finally home after all these~~~~

2012-01-16T09:14:00.000+08:00

*pic stolen from event organiser*

Fireworks at the closing dinner and awards presentation 2 nites ago
I would like to start this posting with a "booming" pic
which was also stolen elsewhere
coz I didn't bring my camera, and the only gadget I've got there was my phone and iPad

and last nite Monkey touched down safely in KLIA fr the Mystical island at freaking 8.45pm
looking red, fatique and hungry~~~~~
trust me, the food in Langkawi could be better but it just didn't.....

*pic stolen from event organiser*

Buoys being prepared by the men every single morning
these were set out in the sea as "markers" for the race
they have their very own special speed boat that fetched them out to the sea
and floated at special designated position

well I guess they uses GPS to place them
coz the sea is so vast and it seemed so "lost" out in the open
everyday there's different races at different location around the island

*finally my own pic fr my iPhone hiak hiak hiak*

everyday the weather is looking like this....overcast early in the morning
followed by very very hot sun in the afternoon and ended up with RAIN
GAHHHHH
but this year the Regatta enjoyed very very very good wind
well in sailing u need wind dont' cha?

something I really need to post up about the hospitality on this island
everyone is so so so warm and welcoming
the Locals here are a true living example of 1Malaysia
there isn't segregation of colors, races, religion but everyone is a Malaysian here

Locals here worked as a team, together to achieve their goals
there isn't the lazy bums nor the calculative one
they worked overtime for the event with dedication
but most of all they worked so happily and joyfully with each other

Life isn't hectic
they can find time in between work and lunch hour to fetch their kids to fro school
home to work is 10 minutes away
everywhere is just so near away
and not to mention the island is also duty free

hot steamed rice, deep fried fish cooked in spicy sambal sauce with baby starfruits, stir fried cabbage with vermicelli and chili onion omelette

the above was actually "staff food"
meaning food cooked for working team members to be eaten
and definitely not for Monkey bcoz I am not considered their working member

after 3 days suffering from the "customised event" menu....I think I had enuff
*u know the usual ang moh food like chicken chop, burgers, steaks, fries, sandwiches etc*
guess my face showed so much....they actually asked me if I dun mind eating their "staff food"
and I had to ask wat's the food like for "staff food"
*hey Monkey be thankful and just eat...dun b choosy*

"Staff food" are usually served on the catering stainless steel trays to be picked up buffet style
whenever the staffs have got time to eat
and not to mentioned, served inside their hot wet kitchen

the team was SO SO SO SO SO SO DARN NICE & SWEET
they actually served it like the above to me!!!!!!!!
on a nicely roundly cut banana leaf the size of a plate
with extras like cut tomato and cucumber, topped with fried shallots and 2 pieces of papadam
I mean it's not like something gourmet but their kind thought of serving it this way

oooOoooooo trust me the "staff food" was so much more delicious than the usual chunky burgers with thick fries!!!!!
plus they didn't charge me for it -_-"

"it's staff food...it's free!!!!"
Monkey: "but I'm not even staff & took your portion plus u have got nothing to eat!!!"
"Nvm I had fried rice today :))))"
Monkey: "but u still need to charge me coz I ORDERED it"
"It's OK I'll serve the same for u tomorrow.....think it's chicken tmrw"

:)))))))))))))))))))))))))))

*pic stolen from the event organiser*

everyday all the international teams took onto the water with new determination
amid the ferocious winds, some team suffered broken sail, disappointments and lost hope
they had a great time
bcoz everyone is just so so friendly here
it's almost like there isn't a competition at all!!!!!

and finally newcomer Hooligan won the Regatta
leading the points everyday, they really deserved this

*pic stolen from Event Organiser*

and on the Final Night, it was the prize presentation
with Guest of Honor - Tun Dr. Mahathir and his beloved wife Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah
among the Royalties, all the Panglima panglima and more Tuns and Tunkus, Tan Sri Datin Sri
the list was loooOOoooong

we had a good weather that evening, watched the sunset over the horizon together
with laughter heard over the deck
yep the dinner was held under the starry starry nite at the deck with a swimming pool by the harbour

*pic stolen from Event Organiser*

and the final prize presentation to Team Hooligan
can u spot Tun Dr Mahathir next to the owner of the boat Mr. Blackmore
Mr. Blackmore is also the skipper for his team

*pic stolen from Event Organiser*

after all the formal speeches and prize presentation
it was time to let ur hair down and partay!!!!!!

well at this Duty Free island the alcos never run dry!!!!
the tap kept on flowing golden liquid be it champagne or beer
drink all u want till u can't drink no more

*pic stolen fr Event Organiser*

I've alwiz like fire blower though I've already know their tricks
hahahahaha
he actually let everyone try on it

and before I know it, the pool was full
hahahaha they were actually dancing inside the pool
arms were waving, hands were splashing, heads were swinging
guess they had too much to drink
and if u r not too careful and stand too near...
u might as well got urself pushed/pulled down
the above pic was taken METRES away with zoom hahahahaha, hence the quality

didn't matter where u came from Australia, NZ, America, Europe, or Asia
everyone had a great time and made so many new friends

Westin Resort & Spa

the next day......everyone was trying to be sober
the skippers and their team were busy washing and tying their boats
to prepare for its sail back to their home country/ next destination
Yacht Club staffs were busy unpacking and washing
and us....busy dismantling our showcases as well
ready to be shipped back to Switzerland

we managed to finish early and steal some time to chill out at Westin
of coz we didn't stay at Westin
hahahahhahahaha
at this peak period, it's just too expensive
prollie another time or at least for the final nite we'll stay here

yummy looking San Har Hor Fun at Westin
it looks yummy huh?

the hor fun was excellent with "breathe of fire"
but the huge ass prawn wasn't fresh and as usual a "heavy" complained was lodged
the waiting staff actually push the head chef out to explain to us
poor chef, he looks like he couldn't handle us so we weren't too hard on him

well another year another regatta
till we meet again folks!!!!

Excerpt from Event Organiser on a story with all the BOAT/Team name innit!!!
very creative!!!!

Once Upon a Time……

At long last all the racing in at the Royal Langkawi International Regatta had come to a close for 2012. The FREEWIND sent all the boats happily to shore where it was time to head to the CABARET in PHOENIX. The noise from the HI FI there could easily cause a TANTRUM for the whole ROYAL QUEENSLAND YACHT SQUADRON! SMYSTERY to me how NINA and EVELINE could happily dance the JING JING with a drink of BAIANA in each hand!

At the bar NIJINSKY was in BEAUX ESPRITS to be sitting next to MATA HARI and KAMALA. Then in walked that RASCAL SKANDIA, which we all suspected was only a NOM DE PLUME for WARISAN DUYONG. Nevertheless, he complained in FORTISSIMO voice how HAFFIMAN had gone out and lost MY TOY.

We knew that SMU didn't MIND THE GAP at SEA LEVEL so when he tucked the SKYBIRD into his KATSU it was inevitable that VIRGO and UTARID would come running out to meet him.

Meanwhile, that HOOLIGAN JELIK said goodbye to TEAM LANGKAWI and took a rocket out to URANUS to use the ATM for some money to get chicken at MYA/KFC at the megamall FANTASIA.

:))))))))))))))))
well I know it doesn't make sense but it was still good
:)))))))))))))))))

Food Foundry, Section 17

2012-01-13T08:00:00.000+08:00

A certain Si Fu discovered this place and introduced it to us
we came here after the sumptuous lunch which was within the vicinity, erm like walking distance away?
so no excuse not to come to Food Foundry

drooling at the above pic of Mille Crepe?
heheheheheehe

every layer was of equal thickness
one of the best Mille Crepe we ever had
plus it wasn't so sweet so it's really yummy
and moist

one more final pic to whet ur appetite
hmmm I know u r cursing me now hehehehehhehe

since to order just a slice of Mille Crepe isn't enuff we had to order another slice of Tiramisu
yup tiramisu not cheese cake
really good mascarpore cheese and so different fr the rest

Food Foundry is a quaint little cafe at Happy Mansion
serving local and western food
I would love to try more of their cooked food next - pasta, chicken gordon bleu and cajun chicken burger
oh yumsss!!!!

Food Foundry
BG-8, Happy Mansion,
Jalan 17/13,
Petaling Jaya.
Tel: +603 7955 3885
www.facebook.com/foodfoundry

I miss my Roomies!!!!

2012-01-12T08:00:00.000+08:00

My Roomies cam-whoring while Ms. Monkey was in the fitting room
notice the camera on Nee Lee's hand?
these ladies are naturals kekekekeke
sorry this posting took so long, pics was taken back in October :P
if I dun put it now.......it'll never will

Mee Mee, Nee Lee and Shell Shell
we were actually out celebrating Nee Lee XXth's birthday
after the yummy lunch we went shopping and ended up at this boutique with a nice fitting room
and a comfy couch to sit the ladies with a huge ass mirror for the to cam-whore
hehehehehe :)))))))

Finally Monkey came out fr the fitting room and we had a Happy Shot together :)))))
I've never seen them for the past 2.5 months and really really really extremely miss them!!!!!
sigh.....we must get together soon ok!!!!

:))))))))))

First Resolution Done!!!

2012-01-11T08:00:00.000+08:00

I looked at it from the far right corner...
hmmmmm......then dashed to the left corner to have another view

hmmmm again and thinking to myself....
this is it...I have finally managed to part ways with many other pairs of my shoes
to maintain the current ones

so let's crossed my fingers and hope no more new arrivals anytime soon
coz obviously u can see there are more shoes hidden behind the front-liners
kekekekekekekekekeke
and all the boots which were at another separate racks -_-"
*this one will be phase 2*

it wasn't an easy resolution but I did it
:))))))))))))
*beaming with pride*

so wat about u?
any resolutions for the year?
or at least something that u want to achieve and improve on?
:)))))

Siu Siu Restaurant, Seputeh

2012-01-10T08:00:00.018+08:00

oh....my....mother of all!!!!!!
the yummylicious to die for Yuet Gong Hor translates to "Moon Shine Flat Rice Noodle"
*this translation reminded me of "clothes that pokes eyes", if u dun get it, read it here click*

the beauty of this dish was it's so simple but to achieve this results, it takes years to master
basically the flat rice noodle is quite similar to char kuey teow but much silkier
the "breathe of fire" was amazingly thunderous!!!
almost like the cook put charcoal into the dish hahahahaha
topped with crunchy crispy pork lard
lastly, crack an egg while the noodles were still pipping hot

to eat it, u need to mix the egg and "cook" it
a must order whenever u come here

the char siew here is the sticky caramelised type but not overly sweet
some ppl like it sweet some like it burnt
but I think this place achieved a balance of both

stir fried bitter gourd with crispy pork aka "siew yoke" in black bean sauce
it's not too oily as I find other places drenched them in oil and fat
this is just nice and both the pork and bittergourd still has got texture innit

oh yea.......
steamed organic free range chicken with homemade ginger garlic sauce
I don't know if it's the chicken or the sauce
both were so competitive but definitely paired so well
the moist smooth chicken meat and the spicy gingerly garlicky sauce in oil

Cheng Loong Choi something in between spring onions and chinese chives
I dunno wat do u call this in english
just simple stir fried and it's really good

stir fried potato leaves in sambal chillis
its stalks were fat juicy and non fibrous - was a surprise to me considering its size

hua hua hua hua~~~~
my all time favourite
crispy deep fried squid loaded with salted egg yolk, curry leaves and chili padis
anytime very very welcome!!!!!

another hua hua hua for me was this deep fried thinly sliced pork belly in nam yee
nam yee = fermented beancurd
crispy and I was popping them like pop corn!!!!

this didn't look appetizing but it was darn good!!!
homemade toufu cooked in minced pork and chopped long beans

soft like toufu-fah
then I noticed that the other skin was brown coz it was pre-fried first
it has got very good fragrant too!!!!

Hokkien mee with mixture of bee hoon and fat noodle
there's crispy pork lard served separatedly on the sides

but we came for this
Claypot Crab Rice
oooOOOooooo

the pics speak for itself
huhuhuhuuhuhuhuhuhuhuhu

in the end the Grains were gone
with the crab still sitting happily on the pot
yep, we r not Crab eaters :P

Siu Siu Restaurant
15-11 Lorong Syed Putra Kiri,
50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +6016 309 8038
Closed on Monday

Monkey is away.....

2012-01-09T08:00:00.000+08:00

Haul up the canvas

Set the sail

check ur steering gear

clean ur deck & hull

and off we go......

sailing out of the mystical island of Langkawi

judging fr its color...

u know that this is team Malaysia!!!!

Harimau nggaauuummmm~~~~~~ RAWRRRrrrrrr~~~~

Team from around the world will congregate again to snatch the much coveted trophy of this regatta

from United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Denmark, Norway.....phewww where else??? oh Thailand and Malaysia....

Monkey is away again *GAH*
for work this time

I know...I'm hardly at home
and the postings been laggin way way way behind....

from all the pics above *stolen from organiser* heheheheh
u can see the adrenalin of a Regatta

so with all these rush and hectic schedule, there's no chance for Monkey to blog
but dun worry......I promised to prepare scheduled postings for all of u to read till I come back
:))))) so u'll have something to read this entire week

so Bye for now...
hope everyone is doin great
for I'll be burning for a full 7 freaking days
drowning myself with nothing but cheap imported beer and seafood
cheers folks *hic*

:)))))))))))

Casa Batllo by Antoni Gaudi

2012-01-05T08:59:00.000+08:00

We arrived at 43 Passaig de Gracia and looked up at the weird looking building
yep we are at the right place
this is it!!! this is the building we wanna visit

the building that sticked out like a sore thumb among its neighbour
for its irregular shape and facade

we looked up and saw how weird it was....
like a screaming circus among its boring peers

I wouldn't say it was built by Antoni Gaudi
*the one that was killed by a tram while crossing the road on his way for Sunday mass :"(((*
he merely renovated an old apartment into this!!!!
this magnificent beauty which is now the National Treasure

but back at his time, it was considered something too unorthodox and beyond their time
The public dun get it.......it was an eye-sore....and not a sight to behold...
they called this....the House of Bones
sigh......

every part of this home has got a meaning

behind every curves, every tiles and every colour
be it for aesthetic or functionality Mr. Gaudi managed to integrate them all

Antoni Gaudi was commissioned to renovate and re-design an existing apartment
for a middle class family - Josep Batllo back in 1904
WOW I dun wanna imagine wat high class ppl stay in those days :P

the facade is so remarkable and iconic
with the skeleton venetian mask-liked balconies
now I know why they called it House of Bones coz it does looked Skeleton-ey

Notice the broken tiles/mosaics piece in waves of different colors?
Gaudi designed it to depict the colors of the sea from a bird eye's view
*Barcelona is next to the sea*
it is the color of the sea during a sunny day, a cloudy day, a stormy day and during a calm day
look at the pic again.....it's like the reflection of the Sun on a waving undulating Mediterranean Sea

the Apartment/House is now a museum open to public *only since 2002*
having being maintained and owned privately, it's entrance fees was above the normal but trust me, it's worth every penny u have in ur pocket!!!

Seen here in the above pic, Monkey was inspecting every nooks and corners like a foreman
I was busy gasping and oohhh-ahhhh-ing and marveled at the refurbishment works of Gaudi
"Oh my GAWDDDD look at that!!!! this guy is a perfectionist!!! He's a crazy architect!!!!!"

The window that u see above faces the main high street of Barcelona
we were on the 1st floor
it was designed in a way with no obstructed view of the street plus...do u notice there's no LINES n its windows??? it's all CURVES
CURVES in all dimension 360 degrees
I pity the carpenter guy :P

the windows can be opened too
there's a mechanism innit, when lifted the whole panel with all the windows opened unisonly
T_T
how did he do that? and mind u, the windows are all curved!!!!

the story behind this main room was...he wanted to depict the undersea world
with beautiful corals, colors, shapes and textures

*pic stolen fr the web*

this is how it looked like at nite!!!

so magnificent!!! beyond words :))))))

the main hall was really designed "to see and to be seen"

Gaudi thought of everything for the house including its ceiling
look!!! there's really no straight lines!!!! everything are curved!!!
it even has got a SeaShell ceiling light

inclusive of all the knobs in the house
dun care window knobs or door knobs

later we found out that there's no mould that he could use to make the knob
he actually use the soft plaster material, put his hands innit as though he's opening something to create a mould for all the knobs in da house
hence all knobs fit perfectly into any hands, any palms
coz it's very very VERY ERGONOMICS

I put my Monkey palm on it
there's a place fitting my THUMB perfectly
my fingers rested peacefully on it
and my chubby palm feels good on it
:))))) didn't know opening a window could be an ART hahahahahaha

and bcoz of that, I had the tendency to touch everything in this house haahahhahahaha
"Hey look look look.....!!!!" and started touching everything including those with warnings signs
JS -_- pengsan....and vowed never to bring this Monkey out again......
"Orang Kampung" he said....

designed to looked like the Gills of Fish
it's actually to ventilate the house
when it's too cold, just shut them
else push its lid opened and u can feel the fresh air rushing in
oooooo how clever!!!!

all the fresh air came fr this "Air/light Well"
not only did it provide air, it also provides the source of life - LIGHTS
balconies has got a "net" design, looks like fishing nets

the mosaic tiles used at the top has got a darker colors
and it has got a gradient from darker at the top to brighter at the bottom
the logic behind this was there's more lights at the top, so u dun need such bright tiles
and u need lighter colored tiles at the bottom to diffuse more lights

so at the end, u achieved this results....of an evenly colored "Air Well" with uneven colored tiles

hahahahhah u get my drift? :P

also noticed that the windows at the top are smaller

it gets bigger at the bottom bcoz u dun need so much of lights at the top

bigger windows allow more lights in

at the bottom of each windows, there's the "Fish Gills" air ventilator

even the "Air Well" was not spared from curves
the tiles had to be broken into perfect angle to cover its "curved" walls

can u imagine all the meticulous work
and the number of tiles broken to meet the perfect match to its curved walls?
I wanna faint thinking of it

and after assembling them, it has to look this good and symmetry!!!!!
at this point I can confirm that Antoni Gaudi is either a perfectionist or he is just a mad architect

inside the same air well is the lift shaft and staircase
he built a mirror separator that looked like the above
so as u ascend and descend it feels like u are inside WATER!!!
he's really crazy to have thought of this.....for a middle class family....-_-"

*pic stolen fr the Web*

at this juncture I wanna belt out "Under the Sea" by Sebastian from the cartoon Little Mermaid

and I can't help singing it in my lil heart

coz I felt like I'm in one

:)))))

everything about this home is so organic....and ergonomic....

and functionality with aesthetic beauty

the handle on every stairway was moulded accordingly to a human's hand

so as u ascend/descend holding on to it...u feel like one

with the stairs...

yeah sorry to repeat this but I need to stress it again....ONE with the Stairs

*makes me wonder how it feels like sitting on the toilet bowls of this home*

at the top of the floor we looked out at the opposite apartments and saw how it was like originally

the original apartment was actually built by Antoni Gaudi's teacher - Emilio Salas Cortes

I felt like a mermaid popping out fr a beautiful giant clam at the balcony

look at the tiny balcony with white shell!!!!

aaAAAAaaaaaa

*Under the Sea continued to play in my head*

hahahahahahhahahahaa

we continued our way up to the top floor with this Arched parabolic corridor
it feels like we were inside a Whale
the arches were the bones of a fish/whale/sea creature
this area used to be laundry section of the house

we climbed our way to the rooftop
OMG!!!!!
why would anyone wanna design such a beautiful rooftop????
look at the chimneys!!!!

chimneys for all the fireplace and for the kitchen
designed with broken colourful mosaic/tiles on it

Antoni Gaudi never fails to mesmerise and surprise ppl huh?
and because of that Casa Batllo is now a World UNESCO Heritage Building

from the top we could see the whole street and its neighbourhood
hmmm now wat is this that's blocking my view in front of me???
I'm too short I need to hop a lil to see the street downstairs

GAHHHH wat is this???
it's like the back of a DRAGON!!!!
on a ROOFTOP!!??!?!?!?!?!

just look at the detailing of the tiles
the colors.... to create the depth and dimension of the dragon

man......at the facade facing the main street....the scales were beautiful laid
those scales = roof tiles
-_-"
sweat man!!!!!
We risked our lives to snap this pic for we had to lean against a railing to capture this for u!!!!

Antoni Gaudi was the reason we went to Barcelona
*okie lar the food as well tee hee hee*
yes I have yet to blog bout his other works....u can just spend one week here visiting his works
it's everywhere in Barcelona
from the beautiful Sagrada Familia Cathedral to more private homes

he was a Man beyond his Time
hence no one could understand him
well I alwiz believe Extraordinary People are Eccentric
and u can't just be eccentric...it's almost u have to be born with it

I was so sad to read his story
dedicating his lives to all this beautiful arts and remained single
working non-stop
and got run down by a tramp >.<
since he's eccentric, he dressed really shabbily and no one could recognised him

thinking that he was a beggar, nobody....not any passer-by, took him to the hospital
in the end, a kind policeman sent him to the hospital with a taxi
with no documents on his body, he was not being treated
not until 2 days later, when finally...somebody recognised him and gave him proper facilities & treatment

but it was too late....

I think Life is the most powerful and precious element u ever own
doesn't matter you are rich or not
so treasure it and make full use of your Life
:))))))

for more information on Casa Batllo
www.casabatllo.es/en/

Life of a Lil Notti Monkey

Garden of Versailles

My 1st Rowing experience at Garden of Versailles

I am so sad about Malaysia Airlines

Palace of Versailles, France

Laduree, Paris

Mount St Michel, France

Journey to Mount St. Michel, France

Los Caracoles, Barcelona

Welcoming the Dragon 2012

Alkimia *One Michelin Star*

Black Virgin of Montserrat

Ermita de St. Joan, Montserrat

Montserrat, Spain

I am finally home after all these~~~~

Once Upon a Time……

Food Foundry, Section 17

I miss my Roomies!!!!

First Resolution Done!!!

Siu Siu Restaurant, Seputeh

Monkey is away.....

Casa Batllo by Antoni Gaudi

Alkimia One Michelin Star