TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE DIARIES

Spain and the Mediterranean in general are a different world altogether in Europe. Life, as well as business just tends to go slow, and in the afternoon depending on which sector, things may not only dawdle but stand still. Which is perhaps the reason why countries down south are the best places in Europe, apart from the climate of course, to holiday. In addition, the food is great. Plus there is culture. Oh yes, did I say it’s relaxed? Yep, we got it. Everything can wait while you enjoy that glass of chilled sangria or have your 30-minute siesta nap. Disfrutar de la vida! Nevertheless, let me tell you a little observation I had at the Girona train station. I queued up at the ticketing office to buy my train ticket to Carcassonne, France. It was close to mid-day and the ticketing area started to become really busy, unfortunately there were only two cashiers open. Although at the back of the office I could see five more people milling about on their desks. I have no idea what...

Let's back track in time, to Christmastime last year =) Light Dinner at Ron Gastrobar Website: Ron Gastrobar In December of last year, Bru and I went to celebrate our holiday season's dinner which was just a few days before Christmas at Ron Gastrobar in Amsterdam Zuid. This is a relatively new restaurant last year and quite famous as well because the owner is the Netherland's renowned and crowned 2-star Michelin topchef Ron Blauw (from the Ron Blauw restaurants). Ron Blauw Restaurants have ceased operations though and as told in the local news the acclaimed chef wanted something else in his career. He found a new mission. He wants to bring haute cuisine to everyday people by making it affordable. I can only think along the DISRUPT logic. Many businesses in general nowadays have adopted this type of philosophy in order for them to stay competitive in the market. Although I am not sure if this was his goal. When you are accomplished in your field, sometimes money is...

Taken from the tower of Gaudi's Sagrada Familia... The entrance to the tower is a separate fee and you are taken up by a lift and you have the option to take the lift back down or hike the stairs. I like to keep my life simple so I took the lift both ways. Views from the Sagrada Familia tower were spectacular! More information about the towers here: Sagrada Familia Towers What makes it more spectacular than it already is... was because I went there at the end of the day. The sun was bellowing its last breath and from afar I could see the horizon changing its colours from blue to orange and yellow. Breathtaking. The pictures I took doesn't really do justice to what I have seen and experienced. I love panoramic views like these. Sometimes I wish I am an eagle that flies above cities and places. As I fly to my next destination, I look down to appreciate the gorgeous views and contemplate on the restless scene of everyday life below me. Somehow the views and...

Last year I had a typical Singaporean farewell dinner at Wang Cafe in Singapore Changi International Airport. Farewell Dinner at Wang Website: Wang Cafe On my last day in the country I was really craving for some spicy LAKSA fare whilst the family were hankering for some warm and hearty noodle soup. It looks like we are all in for the same treat. Soup. And Wang Cafe in the airport just fits right to the bill. Wang was not a bad choice all. I quite enjoyed the dinner soup and looking at the pictures now I am missing real Asian food. The KAYA spread on a toast was another typical Singaporean treat to reckon. Sweet yet it can grow on you if you are not watchful =). And how can I forget the KOPI and TEH? Mee Siam is served with its signature sweet-sour gravy and an ingredient mix of tau pok, hard‐boiled egg and bean sprouts over thin rice noodles. SisterJ and Myrrh had each of this. Yellow noodles served with Wang’s sweet‐spicy gravy and garnished with tau pok, ha...

Or Rheinauhafen located just south (walking distance actually) from the historical centre in Cologne, Germany has been transformed into a business slash cultural center. The area used to be a commercial dock with old warehouses but now it is an upmarket location in Cologne. There are office spaces, hotels, cafes and restaurants and expensive modern penthouses. Just have a look at the types of cars parked under the Kranhaus buildings. Anyway, it was a quick visit to Cologne and glad to see something different this time. Travel Period: May 2014 Destination: Cologne (North Rhine Westphalia), Germany Keep in touch and follow me on Facebook: Travel & Lifestyle Diaries by Dutched Pinay Travels Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)