tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69303510512375191962024-02-19T19:46:36.476+08:00I Don't Do BoysOnly men who think I'm gorgeous, true?Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.comBlogger731125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-17418222764185678832018-07-27T11:21:00.003+08:002018-07-27T11:21:41.571+08:00Trying to Blog Again<br />
So.<br />
<br />
After someone talked to me, and I got a nice birthday present, I decided to start over.<br />
<br />
Please, if there is anyone still reading this, or have not removed me from their reading list, drop by here:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://behanis.wordpress.com/">https://behanis.wordpress.com</a><br />
<br />
Its a very new blog. This time, I'll try not to fall off the bandwagon.<br />
<br />
Thank you.<br />
<br />
<br />Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-8322818055124375752016-03-07T11:44:00.000+08:002016-03-07T11:44:38.494+08:00How Old Am I?<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="font-size: 13.696px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm turning 27 in July this year and the only time I don't feel 24, is when another acquaintance gets married/engaged/have a kid.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.696px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.696px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Which is perhaps, once a week to be honest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My biological clock went on silent mode, not sending me those "Let's have a baby" notifications all my unmarried friends are getting. - Thank god.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.696px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.696px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I feel 27 when someone gets married/engaged cause there is this part of me deep inside that seems to send out a melancholic notification - "When is it my turn?" but then I hit the snooze button right away and focus on my next trip.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.696px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.696px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I feel 35 when a "well-meaning" relative/acquaintance ask me when I am gonna get married cause obviously I have to soon since my 23 year old female cousin just did last week. I try to not be rude to these people but here is the reply that comes up in my head:</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.696px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.696px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Let me just call up the 10 guys who is on the waiting list to just set up an appointment with my parents so we can discuss and barter the terms. Like, obviously I have a line of men just waiting to get married to me and the only reason I am still single is cause of my ego/need for independence/to sow wild oats/want to accumulate more money. LIKE OBVIOUSLY."</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.696px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.696px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My mom have come up with a nice reply to those questions:</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.696px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.696px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Oh why, do you have someone to introduce to Hanis?"</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.696px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.696px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It kills the questions, kills the busybody and slays it all. Thank you mom.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.696px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.696px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am thankful for my colleagues who just scoff and say I am still young.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.696px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I do feel young.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.696px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/170/F2CD3FA790CB45DA3448FE0DCC5D7438.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px;" /></span></a>Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-85177830310217875862016-02-25T08:43:00.004+08:002016-02-25T08:43:51.252+08:00Ehem.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am back.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/170/F2CD3FA790CB45DA3448FE0DCC5D7438.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></span></a></div>
Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-88688319917852416712015-06-13T21:19:00.001+08:002015-06-13T21:19:14.084+08:00A New Start, Not the End.<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hey there,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The reason I haven't been posting on here much is because I feel like I have to censor my thoughts and opinions posted online at times. This is more due to work and future work you know?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I decided to start a new blog dedicated to travel and food. The two things I love, especially as I realised being a travel writer is a dream of mine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Please visit my new <a href="http://www.sayahanis.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For those who wants to know the url, it is:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">www.sayahanis.wordpress.com</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'll try to blog on here once in a while, if I can come up with a non scandalous topic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thank you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lots of love.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/170/F2CD3FA790CB45DA3448FE0DCC5D7438.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-8075245714519485562015-03-18T21:07:00.000+08:002015-03-18T21:07:05.418+08:00Make, Make Me Up.<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My name is Hanis. And I am becoming a makeup ... addict.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Not to the point where I don't leave the house without some on. Or the point where people won't know me if I don't wear any. But to the point where I end up buying 3 tubes of NYX Soft Lip Matte Cream because I justified the need of 3 different shades.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Note: There is no such thing as too many shades. There will be a time where you would feel like wearing an orangey lipstick. Or a fire engine red.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It started with a impulsive buy around Ramadhan last year where I told myself I might need a proper lipstick, just in case. So I got myself Silky Girl Moisture Boost in Wine Red.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Note: A dark purple red colour can do wonders for you, and its a great start for a strong colour but not something bright.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It then moved on to me buying a new tube of mascara. A tub of Loose Powder for the face. And before I knew it (Actually I was aware of every single purchase) I was owning quite a number of makeup items. I was even ordering stuffs from the Makeup Revolution UK website as it was cheaper and have more items than the Malaysia ones.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">At the last count, I had:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">A Beauty Blender (amazing near flawless foundation applicator)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">A 12 piece makeup brush set (I only use 6)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">A blush palette</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2 eyeliners</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">BB cream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Primer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">4 mascaras</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2 eyeshadow palettes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Some highlighters</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Some individual blushes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">A make up fixing spray</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">9 shades of lipsticks</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">And of course, makeup remover.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I am planning to buy more, especially a finishing powder, a green primer (for redness) and maybe some bronzer. (Yes Moke, I need that).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Before you start to imagine me in very thick makeup, do stop. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I usually wear makeup to work. Foundation, eyeliner, mascara, highlighter, lipstick and blush. For dates? I skip the eyeliner, lipstick and blush because I don't want to reapply lipstick and wonder if my eyeliner is still okay.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I go to the gym and shop barefaced.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I still think I am gorgeous without makeup but wearing some at times I choose to feels like dress up for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Note: Sometimes I go out with a thin layer of primer + bb cream to cover up the way my skin gets red sometimes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">On the note of my skin, its in a pretty good condition due to supplements and antibiotics. I also make sure to cleanse and use face masks when I can (or don't fall asleep first).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am still a novice about this whole thing (still can't draw a straight eyeliner line on my left eye) and can be found watching tutorials on youtube while I am on the train ride home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">No contouring for me, as that is really misguiding people and I don't want to do that. Anyway, this is the most recent update about me and I swear I'll post the HK and Istanbul posts once I can use the computer at home.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/170/F2CD3FA790CB45DA3448FE0DCC5D7438.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-33526648571980457752015-02-16T11:48:00.002+08:002015-02-16T11:48:54.486+08:00Night of 15th February. <br />
I dreamt of you. After that first conversation twenty three months ago. It has been quite some time that I shed tear at the thought of you. In fact, been quite some time I had any emotions over the thought of you. Apart from the usual "God, why is he so beautiful?" whisper in my head when I see a picture of you.<br />
<br />
I dreamt that I was waiting for you. Not waiting for you to come to me, but for me to obtain closure. To look you in the eyes, smile and thank you for the inspiration you unknowingly gave my muse. No mention of how I used to curl up from emotional pain over a guy I have never met in person. No mention of how I once thought you were perfect. No mention of the bad and ugly side that lays hidden under the rock.<br />
<br />
I dreamt that I had nerves made of steel as I stood in front of the door, watching the people leaving the building. I had my phone in my hand, fingers gripping the sides as I told myself to not run away. My eyes were torn between searching for you and looking at the ground. Oh I was scared to my bones, scared of the reaction on your face.<br />
<br />
I dreamt that I missed you. That you have taken another route. Despair filled the holes in my soul as I gave up. My shoulders sagged with dissapointment as closure had escaped my grasp. I walked to a bus stop, fingers digging into my palms as I wonder if I could dig up enough courage for another attempt in the future.<br />
<br />
I dreamt that we saw each other at the same time. Your brows dipped slightly as you stared at me, recognition dawning. My breath got caught in my throat, held back the vowels of your name. Your lips quirked upwards slightly before you said my name.<br />
<br />
"I was looking for you."<br />
<br />
"You were?"<br />
<br />
"At the .. front door."<br />
<br />
"And here I am."<br />
<br />
I dreamt that you were so beautiful.<br />
<br />
I woke up.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/170/F2CD3FA790CB45DA3448FE0DCC5D7438.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-53965700332157644332015-02-05T17:01:00.002+08:002015-02-05T17:01:54.278+08:00Still Whole, Just Crumbles. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't like giving up on people. Some would say I am shameless or just don't get a hint.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I believe in 2nd and 3rd chances.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I believe that people can change their minds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But sometimes, when it is just you who keeps messaging first it gets tiring. When its always you who suggests an outing, you feel a bit hurt after a while and wonder if the agreement was because of pity/boredom and not actual interest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sometimes, there are no replies to seen messages.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sometimes, I delete the conversation and tell myself to ignore them. Most of the time, I fail.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And once in a while, after all that I have tried and dejection felt, I just delete the number. And wait to see if they would message me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sometimes, they don't.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sometimes, I can just feel the disinterest buzzing from those signs I have read about in articles.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And I feel that tingle of pain. And wonder, if its my fault.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Maybe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, I finally give up. They might not notice or they might with a "Finally". But for those who do reach out to me, with even the most feeble attempt, I grip back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sometimes being me is a door to a world of hurt. And I wonder why haven't I crumble into pieces.</span>Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-12035181222123933652015-02-05T10:08:00.003+08:002015-02-05T10:08:44.878+08:00After Hong Kong. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKq5J2ERa4JtgMjGqf9vnEWSEzqiwdLbfHOTZTwqv4QA_rFvN8ju639wYyS7IJlLmPOTajiTaeYEElSavbB1lYiOcsq5gHKc3Li0X4O9m25Q-2vbAqqvXfhlk-86gPZzzO5VZ8_oJLXI8/s1600/IMG_20150201_205340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKq5J2ERa4JtgMjGqf9vnEWSEzqiwdLbfHOTZTwqv4QA_rFvN8ju639wYyS7IJlLmPOTajiTaeYEElSavbB1lYiOcsq5gHKc3Li0X4O9m25Q-2vbAqqvXfhlk-86gPZzzO5VZ8_oJLXI8/s1600/IMG_20150201_205340.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Good morning Malaysia.<br />
<br />
I am currently at my desk in the office. 24 hours ago, I was still in Hong Kong and busy trying to cram everytime into my luggage.<br />
<br />
I was in Hong Kong for 5 days 4 nights and it was fun. Here are some observations:<br />
<br />
1. Google Maps is very very helpful. Trust me on this.<br />
<br />
2. The train system is amazing.<br />
<br />
3. If you like beauty products, you would go crazy seeing all the Sasa stores.<br />
<br />
4. Halal food is available, but most are of the South Asia type, with some Arab food. I have no idea what's the usual price range for non halal food but the halal ones are quite pricey.<br />
<br />
5. So, bring lots of bread, biscuits, tuna spread, instant noodles and so on.<br />
<br />
I shall go in more details after I finish my Istanbul posts which is taking time because the pictures are in my brother's computer and its hard to choose and copy and paste using my phone.<br />
<br />
Hong Kong posts, will be more helpful as in directions wise and so on.<br />
<br />
Okay, time to not fall asleep.Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-72427275750432266382015-01-18T11:29:00.001+08:002015-01-18T11:29:25.994+08:00Istanbul- Day Three<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Day 3 - 2nd November 2014.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Did you know there's an average of 3 million visitors at Istikal Cadessi on a weekend day?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"WHATTTTTT AND WE WALKED THROUGH THAT?!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The morning started with us cooking some sausages that we bought from the Turkish grandmother. Along with some bread and cheese. It was a way of cost efficiency for us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/544939_10152394201627452_4579242702872839531_n.jpg?oh=a1fc0f7e530ff37d8e525200861b600d&oe=552D7B6A&__gda__=1428405132_1fd1bbc01ed078674085483d71c6e016" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/544939_10152394201627452_4579242702872839531_n.jpg?oh=a1fc0f7e530ff37d8e525200861b600d&oe=552D7B6A&__gda__=1428405132_1fd1bbc01ed078674085483d71c6e016" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We decided to go towards Galata Tower, on the other end of Istikal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was about 9am when we left, and Istikal was still all empty apart from people like us, and the shopkeepers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Note: The amount of cats that distracted us everyday is a lot. Mainly cause Eli is a cat lady and Turkish cats are so fluffy and friendly. Stray Turkish cats like me more than my own.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As we walked further from Taksim Square, the shops became more traditional and there were fresh juice shops, where they press it in front of you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Eli: I want promegranate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hanis: APPLE.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The apple juice was very yummy, but .. the promegranate was very acidic to me that I coughed and my eyes teared up. But Eli really enjoyed it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We then got to a crossroad, and had no idea which one to take. Help came in the form of a man sitting at a table in front of this Cultural Museum.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He spoke English.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And was selling tickets for a Whirling Dervish show later that day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Imagine the look on our faces when we saw the note stating "Sunday only". We glanced at each other, made some comments on how it must be our luck to walk by here today and BAM bought two tickets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Where is Galata tower?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"You go straight and it would be on your right. You will not miss it."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The sun was bright, the air was cool and thankfully we did not miss the tower. Nor the long line to go into it. We took pictures and decided to skip paying the entrance fee and climbing up the stairs.</span><br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10675610_10152409743027452_7657446289021075535_n.jpg?oh=42da7fad14b054d1e3c220f10b0b6bce&oe=55365A66&__gda__=1433194547_aeba1eda522782156b5129ee7fa4b6ed" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10675610_10152409743027452_7657446289021075535_n.jpg?oh=42da7fad14b054d1e3c220f10b0b6bce&oe=55365A66&__gda__=1433194547_aeba1eda522782156b5129ee7fa4b6ed" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We walked down another alley, more quiet and peaceful. I stopped by a grocery store and bought a drink I keep seeing people drink over there.</span><br />
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<a href="https://scontent-b-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/1456746_10152409739992452_6049010154516698583_n.jpg?oh=30361e1491d8fa06f1cc61d46a6cf8cb&oe=55638437" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-b-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/1456746_10152409739992452_6049010154516698583_n.jpg?oh=30361e1491d8fa06f1cc61d46a6cf8cb&oe=55638437" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was a .. salty yogurt drink. An acquired taste. Well liked by the locals. (Apparently this is one of the drinks to try if you're daring enough.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I managed 2/3 before declaring defeat. I did not acquire the taste for the drink.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Eli spotted a place overlooking the sea between the two continents, so we walked over there, crossed a main street and basked in the sun. But then, we wanted to get even closer, so we walked down a pavement beside the busy road. It was about 10 mins downhill before we had to cross two busy roads and found ourself at a park/small pier area.</span><br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10574440_10152411650127452_6135253861143975179_n.jpg?oh=85af2d682496894f71cfed7487c8c982&oe=5527AA25&__gda__=1433273233_96489c06590d2af1ca5d50f8b032ce4c" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10574440_10152411650127452_6135253861143975179_n.jpg?oh=85af2d682496894f71cfed7487c8c982&oe=5527AA25&__gda__=1433273233_96489c06590d2af1ca5d50f8b032ce4c" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There were people waiting to get on a boat, and we bought some nuts and sat on a bench while watching an old man feed the pigeons.</span><br />
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<a href="https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/l/t1.0-9/10337729_10152409742602452_5508427355739025683_n.jpg?oh=f0f8fc24c58608b44b763dc19fe97662&oe=55614EAA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/l/t1.0-9/10337729_10152409742602452_5508427355739025683_n.jpg?oh=f0f8fc24c58608b44b763dc19fe97662&oe=55614EAA" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">THEN IT HAPPENED.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Remember how in Istikal you can walk any alley, as long as it is in the right direction, you can just cut through anywhere and arrive where you want?</span><br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/1526159_10152411650602452_8906612594393248859_n.jpg?oh=e0f18f05ade839d71aee21d6c856a765&oe=552BF2D3&__gda__=1428475414_189538263ccf49084435241fc9d9abb4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/1526159_10152411650602452_8906612594393248859_n.jpg?oh=e0f18f05ade839d71aee21d6c856a765&oe=552BF2D3&__gda__=1428475414_189538263ccf49084435241fc9d9abb4" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, never ever use that logic away from the Istikal Cadessi.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We got lost, because we decided to use another way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"We can just go uphill here, then cut to the right and go up and voila."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Voila my foot.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was okay until we found ourself in a part of town we have never seen before. But there were shops, I remember looking into a kitchen appliance store and ogling the big mixer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We then decided to climb uphill between some residential flats to cut through.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It felt ghetto. Old women looked at us from their windows while we huffed and puffed up the cobblestone path.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Youths stared.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We got to the top, take a left and it was a dead end.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cue: mortified laughter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was ready to roll and die before going back down when we looked the other direction and saw that the road led out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cue: relieved laughter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It took us another 30 mins of walking before we got to a cafe 10 mins from the apartment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The cafe was recommended by the apartment owner, for being cheap and it was. What I had was, two grilled boneless chicken thighs, salad, rice and grilled vegetables. Add on a bottle of Coke and it was around .. 12 Lira.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I promptly fell asleep in the apartment before Eli woke me up to go to the show. It was a scramble of getting ready, and we both power walked to the place, dodging the crowd of Istikal and basically, just being badass.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The show was .. amazing. It was moving. It left me breathless as I listened and watched. As they whirled around. It went on for 45 minutes and it was 40 minutes of ... I felt like I was part of something great.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We then decided to make it an early night because the next day would involve a trip to the Asia part of Istanbul.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Power walked again and then we saw it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We saw something that made us cross from one side to the other, risking our limbs through the Sunday night crowd.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was a window display, full of chocolate bars.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let me describe the scene in detail.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">White, dark and milk chocolate bars. With assorted kind of nuts; almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And it did not look like chocolate bars with nuts. It looked like nuts with chocolate binding them together.</span><br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/10486048_10152409746087452_1260207769394875261_n.jpg?oh=d079e9b188b812ff8de06407f684fae6&oe=552E6F18&__gda__=1428556102_b433fac77c7d01bdd0057b4983c94a5c" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/10486048_10152409746087452_1260207769394875261_n.jpg?oh=d079e9b188b812ff8de06407f684fae6&oe=552E6F18&__gda__=1428556102_b433fac77c7d01bdd0057b4983c94a5c" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And we stared, wondering if the display is a lie because surely ... no one will sell that much nuts in a bar of chocolate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I peeked in to look at the price and squealed:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"The big bar is 14 TL"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Note: Funnily enough, both of us was quite restrained from buying sweet stuffs over there for some reasons. We kinda regretted that the moment we got home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We got dinner from the same place we had lunch, but I decided to get pilaf rice from a cart outside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pilaf Rice Cart:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A cart found on the sidewalks, filled with pilaf rice, chickpeas and pieces of grilled chicken. A serving of rice is 2TL, and they will sprinkle pepper and offer mustard. Add on chicken and it will cost around 5TL. Its a simple, plain but fulfilling meal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While waiting for the man to wrap up my rice, two little kids stared at the food hungrily. They looked like the beggar kids we see at the Cadessi. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My heart was tugged. I asked the man to wrap up another serving for them. He raised his brows, nodded and did it right away. I waited, just in case.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The little boy got demanding, asking for tons of pepper and mustard.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://scontent-b-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10369991_10152409745502452_4723456812145803495_n.jpg?oh=d1987c8848bec069e14111377ca7effa&oe=55233CFE" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://scontent-b-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10369991_10152409745502452_4723456812145803495_n.jpg?oh=d1987c8848bec069e14111377ca7effa&oe=55233CFE" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dinner was enjoyed at home, in a heated up apartment while we made plans for the next day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/170/F2CD3FA790CB45DA3448FE0DCC5D7438.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-1700025805097493812015-01-16T10:49:00.002+08:002015-01-16T10:50:25.594+08:00A Letter to Someone. <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Dear You,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
It was an amazing 3 months of being friends with you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
I want that to be the first thing you read cause I know you know this blog exists. In fact, you had snooped through it and commented on the idiot I once dated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
How are you?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
Its been a month, half a month since I have given up. Logic and some persuasion from worldly friends told me that you're doing the right thing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
Its either that, or you're just being a first class asshole. (I prefer this one because it lets me be angry and pissed off at you, hence tons of evil wishes are sent to you via my thoughts).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
Today I realised why I was so intent in believing the worst of you until another friend made me see the other possibilities. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
When I am angry at you, I don't have to admit that I miss you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
I don't have to admit that I miss the conversations we had in the mornings, and the way you can get serious within a moment from being funny. The way you would ask me my opinion because it interests you to know how a Gen Y might think.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
That career advice you gave me? What if I needed more advice in a year or so? Who should I turn to and ask, knowing the answer will be made of honesty, experience and no bullshit at all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
That love/life advice you sternly word out to me. I was wide eyed, showing my age when you told me that someone's refusal might not have to do with me, but its just them not looking for anything at that time. And then you added on; "Why bother with people who are not interested in you? Move on, to the next."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
Oh how ironic that one is now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
I miss you because you made me realise the kind of person I want to be. The kind of person I want to be with.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
I read somewhere that some people are meant to be in your life for a short time, but would affect you greatly. I think you're one of those people.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
I might have given away the hand painted note book I chose for you in Istanbul. I still have the postcards though. I considered sending it to your office, but that just screams "Stalker Chick" so if you want it, just inform me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
And oh, those jokes I always make? I never meant it. I'm too selfish for that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
Before I fully let myself feel sad, remember that song you got me hooked on?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
I have to admit, I listen to it and think of you. Every time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
Sincerely,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
Hanis.</span>Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-88319128989463535552015-01-12T11:29:00.004+08:002015-01-12T11:29:57.826+08:0012th January 2015. <br />
I owe you guys Istanbul Day 3 until Day 8 but I have been really busy lately, with finishing up my accounts at work and transferring to a new department.<br />
<br />
I promise I will try to get Day 3 and Day 4 typed up and posted before I go off for my Hong Kong trip.<br />
<br />
Yes, you read that right.<br />
<br />
Hong Kong trip, end of this month with the family. It would be our first trip abroad as a family since we came back from Saudi (umra' trip) in Jan 2012.<br />
<br />
Of course, my objective is Hong Kong Disneyland followed by shopping for bags and shoes (does not need to be branded, all I want is pretty).<br />
<br />
I haven't really looked up where else to go, or made any plans because I have been tired and lazy (Dad is doing research) so if any of you have been there before do give some suggestions.<br />
<br />
And if any of you know Halal places over there, that would be really helpful because I do not want to resort to eating Fillet O Fish burgers, bread, canned tuna spread and instant noodles all the time over there.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I have realised that the travelbug has bitten me because it seems that I wanna go everywhere. My initial plan was:<br />
<br />
Hong Kong in Jan with family.<br />
<br />
Krabi in May with friend.<br />
<br />
Seoul in November with a group of backpackers.<br />
<br />
Greece in October 2016 with friend (Mama keeps going "Nope nope nopee").<br />
<br />
But then, I can afford it but it will be killing any leftover savings because my travel fund = savings.<br />
<br />
Mama even said "Imagine you fall in love and want to get married after buying your tickets." because its kinda the ... norm here for people who want to get married to completely devote their savings for the wedding.<br />
<br />
I was like:<br />
<br />
Nope nope nopee.<br />
<br />
Ain't gonna happen. Ain't gonnna sacrifice my travel dreams.<br />
<br />
Haha.<br />
<br />
Korea seems .. not do-able this year but maybe someday or with the family one day.<br />
<br />
Here's to a year of savings and travelling and planning.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/170/F2CD3FA790CB45DA3448FE0DCC5D7438.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-49233955530786844482014-12-06T16:34:00.000+08:002014-12-06T16:34:34.355+08:00Istanbul-Day Two<b><u><br /></u></b>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>Day 2- 1st November 2014</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is must be said that we made all our daily plans while having our breakfast/lazing around/getting ready.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We decided to not go to the Sultanahmet area (all the main attractions are there- Grand Bazaar, Haga Sophia and so on) during the weekend so we would just stay in Taksim for the weekend and explore slowly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Eli was the map reader, route decider because I could not read a map unless it was Google Maps.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-b-hkg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/10802059_10152409734857452_7354927956402196320_n.jpg?oh=8578a32d3c7505472705b0dc3b7c1f7c&oe=55126801" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://scontent-b-hkg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/10802059_10152409734857452_7354927956402196320_n.jpg?oh=8578a32d3c7505472705b0dc3b7c1f7c&oe=55126801" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SO YUMMY. I WANT SOME.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We both declared that the biscuits we bought last night was perhaps Hera's gift to us. It was the moonpie kind, where there is some biscuit covered in marshmallow covered in dark chocolate. But this one had coconut flakes on it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">AMAYZING. (Any Malaysians reading this and planning to go to Istanbul, please email me so I can give money and ask you to buy a box of the biscuits)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We decided to look for Istikal Cadessi, a hip and happening avenue 1.4km long. How can we miss that place, right?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, armed with a zipped up brown hoodie, gloves in my bag, money slipped into various pockets, digital camera, bottled water, wet wipes and everything us girls might need, we left the house at 8 am ish.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Note: Sport shoes/Converse would be appropriate. I used my gym shoes and I think have walked more in those 8 days as compare to total usage before this.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We decided to walk, and just take lanes that looked nice. We enjoyed the architecture of these buildings and think we found the British Embassy .. but the lower floor was a tattoo parlour.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So maybe not. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We came upon the Istikal Cadessi, without knowing that was the place, and walked down towards what will later be revealed as Taksim Square.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We saw 3 Starbucks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/10734184_10152411641747452_2990342291434976041_n.jpg?oh=b821f8913e16b6f463c2a4dce3de848f&oe=5502239C&__gda__=1427458599_44c1b63fe71b6e3780478d0bc348a4a6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/10734184_10152411641747452_2990342291434976041_n.jpg?oh=b821f8913e16b6f463c2a4dce3de848f&oe=5502239C&__gda__=1427458599_44c1b63fe71b6e3780478d0bc348a4a6" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headbands. Eli bought 4.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/10382978_10152411641232452_60272830712305643_n.jpg?oh=1f7b3a95def71c3c9b4644685e87c137&oe=551C7756&__gda__=1427917488_607f131997f861398e90bf09c48c6364" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/10382978_10152411641232452_60272830712305643_n.jpg?oh=1f7b3a95def71c3c9b4644685e87c137&oe=551C7756&__gda__=1427917488_607f131997f861398e90bf09c48c6364" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"We should buy for the apartmenttt"<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/1452033_10152409735497452_2069279839273461291_n.jpg?oh=7d84815e5643a1abc157f8c4dbc13706&oe=5506FD5A&__gda__=1425953951_23890adefb1a0c5b9dd9cc370a58bd49" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/1452033_10152409735497452_2069279839273461291_n.jpg?oh=7d84815e5643a1abc157f8c4dbc13706&oe=5506FD5A&__gda__=1425953951_23890adefb1a0c5b9dd9cc370a58bd49" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There were flower stalls near the Square selling fresh flowers and also headbands. A man stood with thermos of hot water and packets of tea/coffee for sale. A group of policemen (very very attractive ones) were in the area and Eli pulled me back from gawking and taking their pictures.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yes, by this time I had my camera out and was taking pictures of the pigeons. People were feeding them and I was trying to not get too close.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10671335_10152411637622452_3699100017379120616_n.jpg?oh=27b1ad7494c4724c925c7db68030a095&oe=5506CDFE&__gda__=1428176299_75efc2823b445b731e49e3f111a8a0a6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10671335_10152411637622452_3699100017379120616_n.jpg?oh=27b1ad7494c4724c925c7db68030a095&oe=5506CDFE&__gda__=1428176299_75efc2823b445b731e49e3f111a8a0a6" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taksim Square. People feeding pigeons.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/63968_10152411637247452_2137224809764090608_n.jpg?oh=1fa6e00650727cbe28865892594c6d1c&oe=5514BC45&__gda__=1425793824_60df056934a57cf37f771fef1a87953f" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/63968_10152411637247452_2137224809764090608_n.jpg?oh=1fa6e00650727cbe28865892594c6d1c&oe=5514BC45&__gda__=1425793824_60df056934a57cf37f771fef1a87953f" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A group of local kids asked for me to take a picture of them, and said "Internet" when I showed them.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-b-hkg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/q81/p417x417/10432158_10152411639727452_5289906082871653895_n.jpg?oh=2cc8363a31ab144be084b4ccb1a41e9e&oe=5515DFF9" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://scontent-b-hkg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/q81/p417x417/10432158_10152411639727452_5289906082871653895_n.jpg?oh=2cc8363a31ab144be084b4ccb1a41e9e&oe=5515DFF9" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from the monument in the picture below.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-a-hkg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/10500519_10152411635877452_2432582997046397046_n.jpg?oh=715c1749873cd6629bd76cb430b6908f&oe=550AA592" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://scontent-a-hkg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/10500519_10152411635877452_2432582997046397046_n.jpg?oh=715c1749873cd6629bd76cb430b6908f&oe=550AA592" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We walked a bit more, doubled back and took pictures at the monument before Eli chose to buy some of the headbands.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-b-hkg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10519641_10152411637762452_8194184676471155098_n.jpg?oh=0e4f7155d81ef0b148f238097d4a6ee0&oe=551A583D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://scontent-b-hkg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10519641_10152411637762452_8194184676471155098_n.jpg?oh=0e4f7155d81ef0b148f238097d4a6ee0&oe=551A583D" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We then decided to "See if the coffee is the same here as back in Malaysia" and risked our lives to cross a busy street to go to the nearest Starbucks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/1619139_10152409735287452_8392188106473822099_n.jpg?oh=715c8f6e24e6c5d342d9106d16c263a9&oe=5510C696&__gda__=1427631955_a24b458209b98514bc483794b8d694e3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/1619139_10152409735287452_8392188106473822099_n.jpg?oh=715c8f6e24e6c5d342d9106d16c263a9&oe=5510C696&__gda__=1427631955_a24b458209b98514bc483794b8d694e3" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't even describe that cake we had. It has a banana taste, with some cream and walnut I think.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was the most beautiful Starbucks I've been in. All wooden floors and amazing deco and furniture. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And the pastry selection? I even drooled at the cake with chocolate covered raspberries on top when I did not even like raspberries.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Verdict: Coffee was better, and the heater in the Starbucks was good enough that I unzipped my sweater.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After an hour of people watching while sipping on my latte, we decided to continue "just walk down any lanes we want to." before grabbing lunch and resting for a while.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You should know that the next hour had no planned route at all. We merely stood at an intersection and go:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Which one looks more interesting?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/1528460_10152409736077452_4483995911910186068_n.jpg?oh=3e27acab40f88e6692e4d56682239ffb&oe=550DDB0F&__gda__=1425904036_bbed3bd412833e6acfb36b0ca072362e" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/1528460_10152409736077452_4483995911910186068_n.jpg?oh=3e27acab40f88e6692e4d56682239ffb&oe=550DDB0F&__gda__=1425904036_bbed3bd412833e6acfb36b0ca072362e" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random hidden alley. Look at how pretty the building is.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And that has led to us coming across many interesting stores:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. A store that sells pickled vegetables, all pretty in bottles. We went in out of curiosity and came out with a bottle of olive oil (me) and cranberry oil (Eli).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. A small bookstore that sells Turkish books or English books translated into Turkish.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10486048_10152409737022452_3959155060304773565_n.jpg?oh=72aea0f79a1f759867775505c1a62da9&oe=551704DC&__gda__=1426724657_db7178eb0518f3edc706908d58d6be41" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10486048_10152409737022452_3959155060304773565_n.jpg?oh=72aea0f79a1f759867775505c1a62da9&oe=551704DC&__gda__=1426724657_db7178eb0518f3edc706908d58d6be41" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/150146_10152409735217452_249215254042860650_n.jpg?oh=3f4ae37267b74ed0cf5cf9059159a6e3&oe=5501076D&__gda__=1428103236_0049d6ce97d67c693bcb82b21de510f9" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/150146_10152409735217452_249215254042860650_n.jpg?oh=3f4ae37267b74ed0cf5cf9059159a6e3&oe=5501076D&__gda__=1428103236_0049d6ce97d67c693bcb82b21de510f9" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eli, in her element. Its a pretty small store.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I wish I can read Turkish."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Buy a book you have the English version of then."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That was how I convinced Eli.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3. A small art gallery with a fat black and white cat resting on a cushion. The owner called it a physco. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4.Gawked in front of the dairy sections of a supermarket and was tempted to buy something with eggplant and cheese.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5. A cafe with cushions outside for dogs and cats.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We then realised that in order to get back to the general area of the apartment, we had to do an uphill climb.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So we did, and came across another Mango and Zara. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lunch was decided to be bought from the cafe beside the kind Turkish grandmother's store because the night before, we had our noses pressed up against the display window.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The guy spoke English. Enough to explain every single dish there is and to ask if we wanted to eat there or to pack it up. With a hand motion of wrapping up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What we had:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/1016466_10152409735677452_3385656207191600756_n.jpg?oh=313b9e2acd2584fb9427e6f3ff0298bc&oe=54F97AD0&__gda__=1428157717_3594739a700bf1168682b0ad79e99cce" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/1016466_10152409735677452_3385656207191600756_n.jpg?oh=313b9e2acd2584fb9427e6f3ff0298bc&oe=54F97AD0&__gda__=1428157717_3594739a700bf1168682b0ad79e99cce" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food: Two rice, 9 stuffed mussels, eggplants, chicken, two sodas.<br />Total: 34 Turkish Lira if I am not mistaken.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Rice, chicken cooked in some kind of tomato sauce, eggplant cooked with beef.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We also before that bought stuffed mussels sold on the street side.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Note: Although our parents told us to not eat street food ... come on. We want to taste Istanbul, so we did.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The mussels, were stuffed with a kind of sticky rice cooked with herbs and they provided lemon wedges as well. AMAYZING.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While eating and moaning in delight, we decided to rest before going out around 4pm to get dinner.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Rest = Me napping while Eli smoked and looked up the fish market in her guidebook. I helped a bit by asking Google what should we eat in Istanbul.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"It says Balik Pazari is the place to go. Fish market that is in one of the lanes perpendicular to Istikal Cadessi."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We both looked up Google Maps and somehow, read it differently. Like, totally differently.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We also at that point of time did not know that the Cadessi is:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. 1.4 km long</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. Has about 3,000,000 visitors on a weekend day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3. Has about 4 Starbucks, 4 McDonald's, 3 KFC, 2 Burger King.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am sure you can guess what happened.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Guess.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yeap, we got lost and walked around a lot. Before we decided to walk the opposite direction, and further on. Before finally stumbling into it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let me tell you that while we were searching, we had to power walk because if you didn't, you might just get trampled by the crowd. The number of people left us breathless and we had to stop at the sides to catch our breath.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Note: Amount of hot guys were astounding too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We walked down the sloping lane, surrounded by seafood restaurants and fishmongers. There were few other lanes from those, and one was mostly for bars.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10805709_10152409738187452_866287063277714293_n.jpg?oh=65a53c7ea3933aef9e1f879ad58bbb1b&oe=5511DA31&__gda__=1426454030_1ed24af0bc675443c3d88b82c6a070f9" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10805709_10152409738187452_866287063277714293_n.jpg?oh=65a53c7ea3933aef9e1f879ad58bbb1b&oe=5511DA31&__gda__=1426454030_1ed24af0bc675443c3d88b82c6a070f9" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common tourist gifts. But, I was worried on how to fit these in my luggage.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We stopped at a store that sell teas, bowls and spices, and Eli, using her charms and language skills, asked one of the attendants where are the shisha bars.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Note: The guy was interested in her coloured contact lenses.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Are you hungry yet, Hanis?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Nope. Shisha time?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Yeah. The guy said from the Balik Pazari arch, go left for 250 metres, and it is on the right."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Seeing as we are not professional walkers, we were stumbling blind guessing the distance. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We were giving up and decided to stop at a corner into a lane for a breather when, as the theme of our trip, we found the place by accident.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There were very comfortable sette chairs for us to sit on. Eli ordered apple shisha, and I decided not to break my shisha cherry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. Mama will kill me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. The cold was already giving me pre-asthma attack symptoms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But man, the smell of the shisha was so good that I was closing my eyes and inhaling the scent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While Eli was trying to choose the shisha she want, I had my phone unlocked in my hand, and what the waiter did and this is pretty normal there apparently, took my phone and logged into the cafe's wifi and typed in the password.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Imagine the look on our faces when he took my phone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Most cafes and restaurants has Wifi and if the waiter does not grab your phone from your hand, just ask them if they have wifi and they will be happy to type in the password.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had apple tea. AND IT REALLY WAS SOOTHING ON THE SOUL.</span><br />
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<a href="https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/1558407_10152409736122452_2365289277379728082_n.jpg?oh=50e81cd8b824b05f33a376714232bd8a&oe=550D9976" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/1558407_10152409736122452_2365289277379728082_n.jpg?oh=50e81cd8b824b05f33a376714232bd8a&oe=550D9976" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was warm and juicy, and really hit the spot. Eli had cinnamon tea, really strong. We enjoyed sitting outdoor, at 5pm (dark already), enjoying the cold and warmth of tea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then, we got hungry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We went back to the seafood lane and went into a cafe, all warm and bright and decided to order:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fried Mussels and Calimari Rings.</span><br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/1455105_10152409738217452_1523656521783559351_n.jpg?oh=77599ac6bf171d2e3a35ab84272ce59c&oe=54FFDF70&__gda__=1426460960_655315b3d937cb22da86ab9d09f5c7e8" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/1455105_10152409738217452_1523656521783559351_n.jpg?oh=77599ac6bf171d2e3a35ab84272ce59c&oe=54FFDF70&__gda__=1426460960_655315b3d937cb22da86ab9d09f5c7e8" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They came with a garlic creamy sauce, and of course there was free bread on the table and a bowl of pickled small peppers.</span><br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1503448_10152409738867452_7514235176001860527_n.jpg?oh=dae8e9cf767fadb21a6ac86aac6c419f&oe=551ABD0E&__gda__=1428135735_38e7dcbd97dbdf3382bbe0f12c7d1801" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1503448_10152409738867452_7514235176001860527_n.jpg?oh=dae8e9cf767fadb21a6ac86aac6c419f&oe=551ABD0E&__gda__=1428135735_38e7dcbd97dbdf3382bbe0f12c7d1801" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Surely not cili padi (spicy small peppers us Malaysians love)." - Famous words said by Hanis before she bit into one.</span><br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10646633_10152409738597452_7955476144017838412_n.jpg?oh=4a8b703099b898ac026b92685577835a&oe=55092663&__gda__=1427850382_009f17836f7dd1f4bf7655c62b5bf3b9" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10646633_10152409738597452_7955476144017838412_n.jpg?oh=4a8b703099b898ac026b92685577835a&oe=55092663&__gda__=1427850382_009f17836f7dd1f4bf7655c62b5bf3b9" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was really really spicy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The food was really filling and we stumbled back home, proud of ourselves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was still jetlagged so by 8pm I was snoring in bed, and wide awake at 3 am (9 am in Malaysia). This was the pattern for half of the trip there.</span><br />
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<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/170/F2CD3FA790CB45DA3448FE0DCC5D7438.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-61237586502763621562014-12-04T17:14:00.002+08:002014-12-04T17:14:28.079+08:00Confession No.69<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And oh how the stars</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> had all fallen out</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Broken and glistening</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">with the promises</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He had whispered</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Into her ear.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/170/F2CD3FA790CB45DA3448FE0DCC5D7438.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-90493000665964442252014-11-29T17:29:00.005+08:002014-11-29T17:29:51.852+08:00Istanbul - Day One<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Day 1- 31st October 2014</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our flight was at 2.15am, and we arrived at the airport (KLIA) around 10.30pm ish with parents, brothers and a concerned boyfriend in tow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I remember my parents acting as if they are sending me off to go study in Istanbul for 6 years, instead of 9 days. Both of our parents (Eli and I) expressed their worries, but as I have thought out loud so many times since March:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"WE HAVE BOUGHT THE TICKETS SO NO CANCELLING."</span><br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10410614_10152388904402452_2048651943352689253_n.jpg?oh=709f0314f7742d759e30225af1ee6a97&oe=550E3B9B&__gda__=1423011213_6bbc147eb7e340e3624eeac1e6ee73fd" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10410614_10152388904402452_2048651943352689253_n.jpg?oh=709f0314f7742d759e30225af1ee6a97&oe=550E3B9B&__gda__=1423011213_6bbc147eb7e340e3624eeac1e6ee73fd" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We boarded the plane around 30 minutes before take off and I told Eli to "wake me up when its food time" but my body knew that already and I woke up 5 minutes before snack time (A chicken curry pastry thingie .. yucks) and breakfast (Omelette,sausage and mushroom. The bun with the butter and cheese spread was to die for.).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The plane landed at Abu Dhabi airport about 8 hours later, and we had a 3 hours transit at Terminal 3.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Verdict: Tons of people. And if you're wearing a jacket be prepared to take it off during the scanning process. If you're like me, hijab and jacket wearing, make sure to wear a long sleeved shirt underneath.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once we got passed that, we were in the tax free zone but with no UAE dirhams. There's 2 restaurants (Burger King and an American theme one) with a small foodcourt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Note: We hung out in the women surau (praying room), and since it was early early morning, there were not many people praying then. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The lines to boarding could be quite confusing because the gates were nearby to each other and there is not much space for a long queue. We had to ask several people if we are in the right line.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 hours flight and we landed in a rainy Istanbul. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">An interesting note on the landing: If I am not mistaken, the runway starts/ends right at the cliff edge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We were greeted by rain, coldness and wind that blew my scarf over my face. By the time I walked down the stairs and scuttled into the small bus that will take us to the terminal, my fingers were numb.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"No one said anything about the wind."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">By the time we got into the airport, so grateful for the heated air ... we got lost and walked right past the Passport Controls because we were </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. Amused by the advertisment for "The Sabah Post", a local paper in Turkey (I assume) while Sabah is a state in Malaysia.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. Trying to kill the unfounded fear that Malaysians actually need a visa after all. (This is after each of us had checked multiple times on the Malaysia Embassy side and Turkey Tourism Board side.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once we were lining up (not so long because we were among the last to get off the plane + a lot of counters + gotten lost for 10 minutes gave the crowd time to disperse), another fear popped up in our minds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"What if they think we are mail order brides for ISIS?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I looked at Eli from the corner of my eyes and decided her various piercings and colourful hair would make her look less likely as a candidate than ... me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But of course, less than a minute at the counter and I was skipping away to the Arrivals Hall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There was an information counter, and he told us we could take a shuttle (train), bus or taxi to go to the Taksim Beyoglu area. We decided on taxi aka most expensive but easiest.</span><br />
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<a href="https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/1798019_10152409734422452_1028170712282133168_n.jpg?oh=5cea032cef930d5293d333b4a88de19b&oe=5504F52A" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/1798019_10152409734422452_1028170712282133168_n.jpg?oh=5cea032cef930d5293d333b4a88de19b&oe=5504F52A" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10462824_10152409734357452_2669460005381321575_n.jpg?oh=fbab7f9b3f2365251405925f473107b0&oe=5508D830&__gda__=1426765606_030247529adf8a01fb344eb5e2612107" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10462824_10152409734357452_2669460005381321575_n.jpg?oh=fbab7f9b3f2365251405925f473107b0&oe=5508D830&__gda__=1426765606_030247529adf8a01fb344eb5e2612107" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And this led to one of the two freaky/bad moments we had in Istanbul.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The place was hard to find, and eventually the taxi dropped us near the Euro Plaza hotel, which is on the map we printed from Dogan Studios. He waved his hand in the general area and said the place is nearby.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And went off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was drizzling and cold. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We texted the manager (Who only spoke turkish) and texted the owners about being lost, but the messages did not go through.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We were in front of a kebab store (Doner is the name for kebabs) and I went in to buy some for us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ever watched Taken 2? Yeah, I kinda felt I was gonna be taken because the men in the store looked like in the movie.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hot + bad guy vibe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Or maybe cause they were dark, broody and said nothing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I pointed to the menu, having no idea what I am ordering and just said "Two".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A man took out two skewers of beef, put it on the old fashioned grill and started to chop up tomatoes and cabbages. He took out soft flatbreads and toasted those before wrapping it around the beef and veges.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">7 Turkish Lira for each.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Eli said my face looked really worried while in the store, but she herself was worried about being lost that she could not laugh at that moment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Across the street was a grocer, and the owner was kind to get one of his helper to take us to the apartment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The boy, late teens perhaps spoke a bit of English and I found out he is Sulaiman and was from Syria. The route he took us through .. was through back alleys and there was the fattest furriest cat on a car (Eli and I both exclaimed in delight but it was more of a way to distract ourself from thinking we are being kidnapped.).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While waiting awkwardly in front of the apartment, a man appeared who is a friend of the manager, and he spoke English and said Soner was shy to meet us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Aww.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He helped us carried our heavy bags up 2 flights of tight round staircase and gave us our keys.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Note: He was definitely a Turkish Delight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The moment the door closed and locked, we both collapsed on the floor and laughed in relief.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Apparently I was not the only one who was thinking of just staying at the Euro hotel if we got conned.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For the next half hour, we got stuck to our phones and the Wifi to inform worried parents/boyfriend that we are safe.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10468064_10152411635502452_5687335993794705885_n.jpg?oh=059d47a6c53b0ffeaaa9a8b3e1956df3&oe=5513F662" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10468064_10152411635502452_5687335993794705885_n.jpg?oh=059d47a6c53b0ffeaaa9a8b3e1956df3&oe=5513F662" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One view from the kitchen window of the apartment. See the middle high building? At night it has fairy lights.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1505576_10152392298687452_5129774823815826308_n.jpg?oh=bbf43b83e456b2656610a3951ff30bb6&oe=551BDDE4&__gda__=1427520221_57a223ea6ec58e9ce07893e02413494b" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1505576_10152392298687452_5129774823815826308_n.jpg?oh=bbf43b83e456b2656610a3951ff30bb6&oe=551BDDE4&__gda__=1427520221_57a223ea6ec58e9ce07893e02413494b" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View from our bedroom window.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">By that time, it was 3pm ish and we both decided that we should start exploring the next day. Before it got dark, we bundled up and walked 4 minutes to buy some grocery necessities.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">From the cutest Turkish grandmother ever.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Note: My only experience of the Turkish grandmothers are during umra' and well .. they can be pretty mean especially in shoving themself into narrow spaces in the saf.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She spoke no English. And found us amusing as we bought a carton of mineral water, bread, sodas and biscuits. A guy in the store helped with the prices by writing on a piece of paper.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It got really dark at 5pm, and both of us pressed our faces against the windows and wonder if we are playing it too safe (By few days later, we were going out at 7pm and coming back few hours later).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So what did we do? Enjoyed our kebabs (Mystery meat we first labelled it until we found out it was Spicy Beef) and was amazed by how full of beef it was. Made some hot Milo (3 in 1 packets brought from home) and we patted ourselves on the back for arriving safely.</span><br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/170/F2CD3FA790CB45DA3448FE0DCC5D7438.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-17561456789080981862014-11-15T09:57:00.003+08:002014-11-15T09:57:39.953+08:00Istanbul: The Basics.<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Location: Istanbul </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Date: 31st October - 8th November</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We started planning the trip in March, and by the first week of April we had bought the tickets and paid the 25% deposit on the apartment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Flight Details:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ticket Price: RM2,056</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Airline: Etihad</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/10410614_10152388904402452_2048651943352689253_n.jpg?oh=a6e183bef80a288be45470610198cf64&oe=551D3301&__gda__=1427758334_3e8da8fab17754bffec58e5c71239a89" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/10410614_10152388904402452_2048651943352689253_n.jpg?oh=a6e183bef80a288be45470610198cf64&oe=551D3301&__gda__=1427758334_3e8da8fab17754bffec58e5c71239a89" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Details: A layover of 3 hours on the trip there, and 7 hours back. Both at Abu Dhabi airport. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Total flight hours (one way): 12 hours ish. This is from Malaysia.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This was the cheapest option, as well as the shortest ish duration of layover.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Apartment Details:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Price: 300 Euro for 8 nights (This is a off peak season rate) and for 2 people. If its 3 people, 10% increase and 4 people (max) its 20%.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Location: In a quiet street in the Beyoglu area, the apartment is an old 4 story building renovated to accomodate 5 units (1 being the basement level) with 3 different rates.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfPF9HxkhRH4L6nJphWNoaCmK8FvjfbkR3gP1pK6USA4-PfL9WAOb2jhu-XIDHQ9172cUSljSZwzTEp6PA634ORzV9DMAcSE64kwSTUSMLmBFC24ss02U_OJKCKRO5CbBHrnGQ74lJhQ/s1600/DSCF0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfPF9HxkhRH4L6nJphWNoaCmK8FvjfbkR3gP1pK6USA4-PfL9WAOb2jhu-XIDHQ9172cUSljSZwzTEp6PA634ORzV9DMAcSE64kwSTUSMLmBFC24ss02U_OJKCKRO5CbBHrnGQ74lJhQ/s1600/DSCF0098.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bvALK6IJ8CpgcUIw6fhg7GhooNAB0HTVb6SheP99IPd81U9fUcq9ow5LzxaPZbOyKzweqJFt0LVfCs5EVZxiyuqd4g51j6bqQgHrI7rMRT3hq5YNga-o80bwvp4g7xCFXS6JX99pXbI/s1600/DSCF0100+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bvALK6IJ8CpgcUIw6fhg7GhooNAB0HTVb6SheP99IPd81U9fUcq9ow5LzxaPZbOyKzweqJFt0LVfCs5EVZxiyuqd4g51j6bqQgHrI7rMRT3hq5YNga-o80bwvp4g7xCFXS6JX99pXbI/s1600/DSCF0100+-+Copy.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Apartment</b>: One bedroom, one bathroom, one living room with a small dining area and a kitchenette. It came with a small stove, coffee machine, water heater, washing machine, iron and board, hairdryer, wireless internet, tv and satellite, heater, air-conditioner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Opinion:</b> I really liked the apartment, though our taxi driver found it impossible to find and dropped us off about 300 metres away. (It cost about 60-70 Turkish Lira from the airport to the apartment and vice versa) Its not suitable for family with kids, and people who are really particular aka would like a proper hotel. But if you are like my friend and I, who did not want a hotel but want our own bathroom, the apartment would be great.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Link</b>: <a href="http://www.rentarooministanbul.eu/english.html" target="_blank">Dogan Studios Istanbu</a>l. It is owned by a couple, who lives in Germany. The units are managed by a local shopkeeper. Semih and Semra (the owners) are really friendly and helpful because I remembered asking them questions like "Is there a lift?" and "Is there an iron and board?" to which the answer was no and yes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Payment</b>: It was made via Paypal, and the remaining 75% could be paid before you arrive or you can pay in cash to the manager (Soner who only speaks Turkish).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Next post, I would be talking about the expenditures, travelling/public transport, obtaining food, weather and all.</span><br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/170/F2CD3FA790CB45DA3448FE0DCC5D7438.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-1642743559647163462014-11-11T16:26:00.001+08:002014-11-11T16:26:16.499+08:00Istanbul, From the Soul.<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I arrived back in Malaysia at 2.30pm on Sunday, and I think I nearly cried because apparently I missed how green Malaysia is.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrR4IZT925zmG4FrY7A9dBKYmDPJ5d_P0XzJZnGTYbu0zy-ylwrwBoUvDin3z3mMu8IC65E09V6ZuI0y5VaSYh_vddMfJ6yyaYOhhSRG0tJ2jJdNnOYpWwkz3sJ-Gxkw3dOHZWgFGMGw/s1600/DSCF0136+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrR4IZT925zmG4FrY7A9dBKYmDPJ5d_P0XzJZnGTYbu0zy-ylwrwBoUvDin3z3mMu8IC65E09V6ZuI0y5VaSYh_vddMfJ6yyaYOhhSRG0tJ2jJdNnOYpWwkz3sJ-Gxkw3dOHZWgFGMGw/s1600/DSCF0136+-+Copy.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Istikal Cadessi, mid morning on a weekday. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Istanbul was ... amazing. I think it was a city that called to my soul. A city full of history, culture and an amazing combination of the old days and the modern days. I think there were times that I nearly stopped right in the middle of the busy Istikal Caddesi (a 1.4km long avenue) and just let the spirit of the place flow into me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know, cheesy. But making Istanbul my first ever travel destination was like getting that first perfect boyfriend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The one who remembers how you take your latte, and that your dessert should be chocolate, or apple based. The one who hold your hand while you visit those hidden art galleries, and let it go when you're reading because he knows you need your freedom when you do that. The one that can look at you, and read your soul. The one that you had to let go because it was just not the right time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I briefly half seriously considered just staying there, teach English/Malay and get myself a nice Turk guy (they are really really attractive, in general. With their beards ala' hipster style, and glasses, and those eyes). But then Mama decided to remind me that I would be cut out of the will if I don't come back as scheduled.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Would I go back? Definitely.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Maybe in few years' time, after I go to couple more places (which has to be decided).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">About a year before the Istanbul trip was planned, I asked someone who just came back from there what he thought of it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I fell in love with it."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Slowly or quickly?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Both ways."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was the same for me too.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/10402709_10152409787232452_9034383836995116135_n.jpg?oh=8eebcf1e49f11a29a780d408d9ebeafc&oe=551D504E" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/10402709_10152409787232452_9034383836995116135_n.jpg?oh=8eebcf1e49f11a29a780d408d9ebeafc&oe=551D504E" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Waiting to check in luggage. Last picture in Istanbul.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/170/F2CD3FA790CB45DA3448FE0DCC5D7438.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">P/S: I will be posting more pictures and blog about the trip.</span>Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-54645072552432741152014-11-09T05:07:00.001+08:002014-11-09T05:07:12.097+08:00Confession No 68<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiLsX8Gu599RHaT1tg1ZrwMmns_xlv5z0mlfTKElvGKsQOzqDYabsu_CPRGMkzhkR9bTl5UnD2SFMykx_1EdQwwJZetKbxhu_LpA7IMWe38rDo1UHy93vyJc_-h0K1KjOxfeMQsiPu8s/s1600/20141109_010054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiLsX8Gu599RHaT1tg1ZrwMmns_xlv5z0mlfTKElvGKsQOzqDYabsu_CPRGMkzhkR9bTl5UnD2SFMykx_1EdQwwJZetKbxhu_LpA7IMWe38rDo1UHy93vyJc_-h0K1KjOxfeMQsiPu8s/s1600/20141109_010054.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abu Dhabi International Airport</td></tr>
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As I sit, awaiting for the connecting flight, I wonder if you will be here, waiting for the same. Would you smile, I wonder. This fantasy of mine.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/170/F2CD3FA790CB45DA3448FE0DCC5D7438.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-7959901360238169632014-11-07T02:36:00.004+08:002014-11-07T02:38:09.444+08:00Confession No.67<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheor8rG2_LKFVJ79q5drqdbDT6ozGr393yJMWfovjGc4DQmX_m1rtPrd0IT_-KHqQJTiPWMQKPgTNZIT81IoaB6jwDy0fZTj_Wk0YG93RMfs9311lTrQyLmGsJvm48JK2uxfrJPdoVogU/s1600/IMG_20141104_175916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheor8rG2_LKFVJ79q5drqdbDT6ozGr393yJMWfovjGc4DQmX_m1rtPrd0IT_-KHqQJTiPWMQKPgTNZIT81IoaB6jwDy0fZTj_Wk0YG93RMfs9311lTrQyLmGsJvm48JK2uxfrJPdoVogU/s1600/IMG_20141104_175916.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee shop. Upon Istikal Caddesi. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I have,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Visited and greeted this city,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sat and stood upon many spots,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Walked and climbed the lanes,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dined and sipped upon establishments,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And for every single moment,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And I do mean every single moment,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wondered,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you were once here too,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Doing what I am doing,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And thinking of that unrequited feeling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/170/F2CD3FA790CB45DA3448FE0DCC5D7438.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></span>Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-77668118354589429262014-11-01T14:33:00.001+08:002014-11-01T14:33:15.242+08:00Hello From Istanbul!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are currently in Istanbul. So cold, windy and rainy. Here is the view from the bedroom window and the kitchen windows. I will be uploading more pictures on my Instagram, hanisgorgeous. Follow me there!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOzuCuWknFgPParWAcKGnhpIlJ9jdd4SCuDlolsUM9KPQU2Lx3yIPBjSOmrFq7s3S38TD_ehn2398LbXDFjhgmOJT4kORlCrmZFsc-wPm85DhH0fQObShLfr58Z3eL7O7fNBPW_yf1Go/s1600/IMG_20141101_101511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOzuCuWknFgPParWAcKGnhpIlJ9jdd4SCuDlolsUM9KPQU2Lx3yIPBjSOmrFq7s3S38TD_ehn2398LbXDFjhgmOJT4kORlCrmZFsc-wPm85DhH0fQObShLfr58Z3eL7O7fNBPW_yf1Go/s1600/IMG_20141101_101511.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdNNrF3RKUftv_n4FOVaKKgfHe3DzShyphenhyphenldGnhkzzQ5vYBTcg5Qgfxh7kanDsJHz4WhE7m_BVO1At7tWCFCKe8wMElyAiik7o-dHmk_zm2I-OuCDa3gx-naYwCbQyx9UxV0J2caXxuavI/s1600/IMG-20141031-WA0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdNNrF3RKUftv_n4FOVaKKgfHe3DzShyphenhyphenldGnhkzzQ5vYBTcg5Qgfxh7kanDsJHz4WhE7m_BVO1At7tWCFCKe8wMElyAiik7o-dHmk_zm2I-OuCDa3gx-naYwCbQyx9UxV0J2caXxuavI/s1600/IMG-20141031-WA0015.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/170/F2CD3FA790CB45DA3448FE0DCC5D7438.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-9230059509789884622014-10-26T18:07:00.000+08:002014-10-26T18:07:30.033+08:004 Days.<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 days to go and I am in a bit of a panic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Why?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some of the vital pieces of clothing I need for my trip , I ordered online. And they are not here yet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"WHY DID YOU BUY THEM ONLINE?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>1. Jeans from Dorothy Perkins.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You see, my size for pants from that store is either 18S or 20S. And no, S does not mean small. It means short , leg-length wise. None of the stores I went to had those sizes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Why not get an 18R and get it altered?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brilliant idea. If I could wear something other that bootcut because the rest tends to hug my calves.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While ordering, on 8th of November, the site was very confident in saying "The latest your order will arrive will be on the 20th."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">26th and not still here. And since I had to take the cheaper delivery, I could not track the order. And the FAQ? Not helpful. It finally mentioned that sometimes, "2 weeks are the minimum." which it did not say at all while ordering.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Contact us." means I have to call them. No email.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brilliant.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. <b>My jeans jacket.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On the 11th, I went to Fat is Fab bazaar, a plus size clothes bazaar and saw the most amazing jeans jacket but my size was not available.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So the seller offered to post it over. I was delighted, paid for it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This all happened via Whatsapp.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>14th</u></span><br />
<br />
"<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hey, have you posted my jacket?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I'll post it on Thursday."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>21st</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Hey, have you posted it?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No reply.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>23rd</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Hey there, I was wondering if you have posted my jeans jacket yet? Thank you.|</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 hours later- "Hey there, I don't know if you're reallly busy or I'm not getting your replies but if its the latter, here's my email. I need the jacket by next week. Thank you."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Hey, yes. I'll give you the tracking number tonight. Busy at the factory."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>25th</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Hey, can I have the tracking number please?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No reply till today. I have been really polite and patient because I know how these clothing businesses can be really busy and some of them are also studying so they have to divide their time. But, come on. I have bought stuffs from many online shops and they usually update me if the stuff shows signs of being late, or it comes on time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A particular nice shop even texted me asking if I've got my stuff already because she was worried. She didn't text me a week later, but the day after I got the parcel and I admire that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Man, I am close to losing my temper. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">*takes deep breath*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When people ask me what sites I plan to visit in Istanbul, I just go "The usual places. The local scenes you know."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I got a confession.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For someone who loves planning and making checklists, I kinda have not researched on where to go, and what to eat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know, terrible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But, at least I have done most of my shopping apart from 3 things I can get at Mydin on Thursday, and also the jeans and jacket. I might have even tried to compensate for that by buying a nice handbag/sling bag type and a sweater.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I got a question for you guys.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How much money would I need for food + transportation + entrance fees at Istanbul? I would be staying there for 8 nights and accommodation is paid for already.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thank you.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/170/F2CD3FA790CB45DA3448FE0DCC5D7438.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-64659069635422495512014-10-22T19:40:00.000+08:002014-10-22T19:40:06.598+08:00Bound.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">To read the first part: <a href="http://keepthisonealiveinstead.blogspot.com/2014/10/void.html" target="_blank">Void</a>.</span></div>
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He curled his fingers over hers, his head tilted forward till he could see the doubt in her eyes. His throat was dry and grated with words too reluctant to be voiced.</div>
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<br /></div>
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"I'm half elated."</div>
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<br /></div>
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"And half?"</div>
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"Scared."</div>
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<br /></div>
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The word were whispered against the shape of her lips, his breath stolen away by this succubus that had been haunting him for months. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Of corrupting me?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"It was never corruption that scares me."</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"What was?"</div>
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The etchings on her skin glowed warm under his fingertips, a nod against the softness of her neck as he trembled, ever so slightly.</div>
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<br /></div>
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"Us being bound together, in the ways of legends."</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/170/F2CD3FA790CB45DA3448FE0DCC5D7438.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-58071083181883342232014-10-20T20:19:00.000+08:002014-10-20T20:19:06.399+08:00Void.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She tilted her head back till the edges of her curls rested on her hips. Her eyes gleamed with the knowledge she had obtained as her lips formed a sardonic smile. She ran her fingertips along the lines of her palm and lets out a sigh.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"It seems, that you are too late."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Too late for?"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"To corrupt me."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With a flick of her wrist, she showed him the marks of pleasure she had obtained. Show him the differences in patterns, the accumulation of exposure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Aren't you glad?"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Why should I?"</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Her smile took on the shape of pleasure as her fingers reached forward and slipped between his.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Your excuse is void now."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/170/F2CD3FA790CB45DA3448FE0DCC5D7438.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-16218415588686431502014-10-20T20:08:00.000+08:002014-10-20T20:08:01.176+08:0010 Days. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It seems that Istanbul is in mere 10 days. Our flight would be around 3.15 am, and I expect to look like a bedraggled participant of the Amazing Race. If it is possible, I would like to wear tracksuit pants, a t-shirt with a cardigan pulled over it. Feet in comfy socks and slippers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But nah. The only thing my vanity would let me do is skip the contact lenses and just put on my glasses. Which is a big deal, because it has come to the point that most of my friends have no idea I am blind as a baby bat as I never wear my glasses outside the house.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am quietly excited. Thanks to the mighty deities of the working life, where work will pile up 3 weeks before you are bound to take 9 days off, and not the 4 months before where you spent most of your time staring at the screen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And no, contrary to popular perception, I have not packed my luggage yet. But, I do have about 8 check lists:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>1. To Print</b> - Stuffs like a copy of my passport, the e-ticket, a copy of my identification cards, few copies of my contact details and also a map of the Malaysian Embassy there.(Bro: In case Taken 2 happens to you, you have to know where to escape to)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>2. To Query</b> - I am very thankful that the apartment's owner is a soul of patience because I keep asking if there's an iron (yes), towels(yes), lift (no) and so on. I have also asked about using a local sim card (not advisable as it tends to not work in foreign phones), roaming (too expensive) and the sockets there (two pins, people).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>3. To Do</b> - Paying the rest of the rent via Paypal (do not transfer the money from the bank account linked to Paypal to Paypal because the latter does not have the option to pay in Euro, hence your bank will have to do it), flu shot (for winter and parents who worry), inform my debit/credit card provider that I shall be using the cards abroad.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>4. To Buy</b> - This one is the longest, to no surprise.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">i) Pepper Spray, contact lenses, toiletries (refer to ii), bag for toiletries, international adaptor and of course clothes and shoes (Never have I had a better excuse to splurge and buy from the online Dorothy Perkins website, "The stores do not have my size Mama").</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ii) I am a Toiletries aka things you can buy at the drugstore/pharmacy junkie. In fact, when I went to Outward Bound School, I had a small orange bag that was well stocked with everything one might need in the jungle. I swear I get a rush everytime I opened it and took out the sanitiser/baby wipes/mosquito repellent/sunblock.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>5. To Pack</b> - Has three lists: Luggage, Hand Luggage (Backpack + Handbag) and Toiletries Bag (which will be put in Bagpack).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think you can already imagine the things in these lists, but I would make sure to throw in a pashmina in my bagpack.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I got one more weekend to go before the trip, and I guess it would be filled with last minute shopping such as: Sweater, charger, prepaid number, toiletries and maybe a small bag. And of course, a half hearted attempt at packing. Who am I fooling, everything would only be packed 30 minutes before going to the airport.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mama is worried about our safety. Dad is worried we would get lost. Lil Bro is worried our asses will be Taken 2.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Eli is worried that we would look like potential brides for the IS. I am worried that my weight will increase from all the food.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Typical Hanis.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/170/F2CD3FA790CB45DA3448FE0DCC5D7438.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px !important;" /></span></a>Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-26730953352976790772014-08-23T06:09:00.001+08:002014-08-23T06:09:15.146+08:0068 Days. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEa4nq76fd7IycQi_ZwcFUPNxGqw3KngwNUpbPQcSwFanaX_toltbEK33gp8DY62UzZPryNkzYe-90cW-Ghy0aQANjJZTyKuaYm8mfuMTJDQu-CRFMQXPIXZuqXX2H93MwSiuuk7o-lo/s1600/Screenshot_2014-08-23-06-05-10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEa4nq76fd7IycQi_ZwcFUPNxGqw3KngwNUpbPQcSwFanaX_toltbEK33gp8DY62UzZPryNkzYe-90cW-Ghy0aQANjJZTyKuaYm8mfuMTJDQu-CRFMQXPIXZuqXX2H93MwSiuuk7o-lo/s1600/Screenshot_2014-08-23-06-05-10.png" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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I started the countdown at 218 days, and now its at 68. My level of excitement is slowly increasing. The number of checklists I have drafted is increasing as well.</div>
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Clothes I Need to Buy.</div>
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Stuffs I Need to Buy.</div>
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What to Pack in my Hand Luggage.</div>
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Questions on Istanbul.</div>
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Pre-Trip To-Do.</div>
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What I Will Eat There.</div>
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What I Will Do There.</div>
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And so on.</div>
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Do not misunderstand me, because I ... well, I realllly enjoy writing out these lists. I wrote out the 3rd one while at a seminar few days ago and decided that one must definitely pack a snack in case of emergencies. </div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Snacks in Hanis' Hand Luggage Ideas</b>.</div>
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A bar of chocolate.</div>
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Sweets.</div>
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A tupperware of sliced bread.</div>
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A can of tuna spread.</div>
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A can of Pringles.</div>
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And a zip locked bag of something healthy.</div>
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Yesterday, I submitted my application for the holiday. 9 days in total, from 30th Oct right till 11th Nov. It was approved few hours later and made it a bit easier for me to breathe.</div>
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Now, the things I should do in the next 69 days:</div>
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1. Get vaccinations for flu as it will be winter then.</div>
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2. Obtain a coat.</div>
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3. Shoes.</div>
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4. Find out what to bring to airport to get ticket. - Recheck ticket details.</div>
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5. Phone roaming.</div>
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6. Visa charges.</div>
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7. Make a list of questions to ask.</div>
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Which reminds me of a list I haven't written.</div>
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<b>Things to Do 10 Days Before</b></div>
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Which probably would made up of:</div>
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Print directions.</div>
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Print tickets.</div>
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Download map app.</div>
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Download Turkish language app.</div>
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Buy paracetamol/anything to do with possible minor pain/discomfort.</div>
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But yes. I'm really excited for this. Its like the butterflies you get days leading to the first date with that dream guy of yours. </div>
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68 days, do be easy to me.</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/170/F2CD3FA790CB45DA3448FE0DCC5D7438.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6930351051237519196.post-15050811647342636142014-08-18T20:51:00.003+08:002014-08-18T20:51:31.000+08:00Food Cravings<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>1. Time: Around brunch time of Monday.</b><br />
<b>Location: Office desk.</b><br />
<br />
So, here I am fasting on a day that feels so miserable for 3 reasons. One: My tummy and back hurts. Two: Signs of an asthma attack an hour ago. Three: I am hungry.<br />
<br />
Because of the way my tummy is hurting, soup comes to mind. Hot yummy soup that comes from a Campbell tin. Yes, I am hopeless against those.<br />
<br />
I then remembered that there is a can of Seafood Chowder at home.<br />
<br />
My Top 3 Campbell Soups<br />
<br />
i. Potato and mushroom soup.<br />
ii. Seafood chowder.<br />
iii. Potato soup.<br />
<br />
And do you know what goes best with a warm bowl of soup? Garlic bread.<br />
<br />
<i>Hanis' Garlic Bread</i><br />
<br />
Melt some butter (baking butter if you can) and mix with minced/chopped garlic and dry herbs.<br />
<br />
Note: Do add the garlic bit by bit because you do not want the taste to bite down.<br />
<br />
Brush on your choice of bread, stack sideways together and wrap in foil, with a small opening on top.<br />
<br />
Pop into an oven (140-150 Celcius) for about 20 minutes to make it fragant, warm and soft with a hint of crisp on top.<br />
<br />
Now, imagine dipping a piece of that bread into the thick, warm soup before eating it.<br />
<br />
My tummy just grumbled.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Time: Around tea time on Monday</b><br />
<b>Location: Office desk</b>.<br />
<br />
I have a container of red sauce in the fridge. Its still there because it had the misfortune of being a bit salty. Yesterday, I used some to make lazy pizzas.<br />
<br />
<i>Lazy Pizzas</i><br />
<br />
Using the garlic bread recipe, toast the bread slices in the oven on one side. Flip over, cover with red sauce, chopped mushroom/tomatoes/capsicum/any deli meat of your choice.<br />
<br />
Sprinkle generously with your choice of cheese.<br />
<br />
Pop back in oven for 15 minutes at 150 Celcius. Or until the cheese melt and bread is a bit crisp.<br />
<br />
But today, I wanted nachos. You know, with those tortilla chips buried under the sauce, chopped tomatoes and capsicum. And all hidden away under melted cheese and enjoyed with sour cream.<br />
<br />
My tummy just grumbled.<br />
<br />
Of course, you can buy a tortilla wrap and just cut those into tiny pieces and cook in the oven for 30 minutes at 120 Celcius until they become crispy. Voila'!<br />
<br />
Now just put them in an oven proof dish, put some sauce and chosen vegetables and grate cheese all over it.<br />
<br />
I figure the oven should be around 150 Celcius until the cheese ooze and melt.<br />
<br />
You can always choose what to put in the oven:<br />
<br />
i. Tortilla chips with melted cheese, to dip into sauce and condiments.<br />
<br />
ii. Vegetables sprinkled on top of baked nachos.<br />
<br />
Its 19 minutes till work ends, and I know what Mama has prepared for the feast (More like dinner).<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Beef noodle soup.</b><br />
<br />
Bits of beef, tripe with juicy fatty parts cooked in a clear soup with some spices. The soup and beef are eaten with glass noodles and rice cubes.<br />
<br />
Condiments: Fried tofu, chopped fresh herbs, crispy fried shallots,some green veges and dollops of a sauce made from blended bird pepper, soy sauce and lime juice.<br />
<br />
It would be hot, spicy, succulent and so so tasty.<br />
<br />
2 more hours to go till I can break my fast.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/170/F2CD3FA790CB45DA3448FE0DCC5D7438.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Hanis.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16236855718618295259noreply@blogger.com3