The Beginning of Barcelona Trip

Before I left to Barcelona, I stayed over at the 007 Travelers Hostel in Bristol which cost 15 pounds for one night.

Took the RyanAir to Barcelona. Bye bye UK.

Had my simple brunch.

By the time I reach the Girona airport, I waited for my friend to arrive from Newcastle. Suddenly, it turns out she miss her flight because of the bus service problem. Therefore, I was on my own, with my aching left foot, in Barcelona.

Took the metro train to the Barcelona Urbany Hostel for 3 nights. All together cost 76 pounds for 3 nights.

After having a nice shower and relaxing for a while, it's time to explore a bit for half of that day itself. It really is the perfect weather.

Like I said, I use public transport like the metro to the places I wanted to go. I bought the 4 day travel ticket which cost only 31 euros to use any bus or train within Barcelona.

I reached Barceloneta and there it is.....

Port Vell.

Had my first local meal, Seafood Paella for lunch and dinner by the port.

Then, I continue on to walk along the port while taking more photos.

Next stop.....Espanya.

I had a nice mug of beer to quench my thirst before continuing my journey.

I entered to this very building which leads me to....

the shopping heaven. XD I would come here for my 2nd visit just to window shopping this whole area.

Then, I move to the terrace, the very highest floor, where I'm standing to see the whole view of the Espanya area.

I waited around Espanya till the late evening. The reason is because there is the Magic Fountain which has light and music. It happens every weekend between 9.30 - 11.30pm from October to May. However, during that evening, it suddenly rain heavily. Even worse I had to go around because there is the car event. Keep on walking while my left foot is aching.

In the end, I had reached my destination and I was amazed with the Magic Fountain. Even though the rain continue on until I was soaking wet, I still continue to take pictures and videos of the Magic Fountain to end my day.

This is just the beginning of my Barcelona trip.

There is more to come about my eye-opening and inspiring things that I see throughout my whole trip. Wait for it.

-lu yin-

Aziatix "Cold" MV

Just recently heard this song after my Barcelona trip. What do you think of this? You like "Go" or "Cold"?

-lu yin-

I'm Back

Yup, I'm back from Barcelona.

The days pass by with my sore left foot while walking around Barcelona. Seeing the sceneries and architectural buildings before my very eyes. Truly breathtaking.

Made a new friend from Quebec, Canada.

Saying simple words like Hola, Si, No, and Gracias. Managed to roughly understand what the locals are saying with body language. XD Most of the people like in the tourists place can speak English (Thank goodness)

Tried the local foods like Seafood Paella and Tapas.

Truly an amazing and challenging trip for me.

Will upload the photos as soon as possible....right after my long afternoon nap and resting my sore foot so it would be in speedy recovery.

-lu yin-

To Barcelona

Barcelona~ Here I Come~

-lu yin-

Bad Nerves and Tension Are Out

Everybody has the tension. I mean the anxious and nervous scenario when the results or whatsoever you want to know. It's like knowing whether you have got through the next round in the competition.

Me? Yes, I've been anxious and nervous on certain things since young.

For the past few weeks, I was nervous about my few assignments results. One is that I really worked hard while the other, which is the presentation, I did really bad.

All I could do is wait and wait and wait and wait. While I'm waiting, I was a nervous until my hands are trembling. My heart was beating fast and sometimes I couldn't breath properly.

What I do to calm my nerves? Listening to Yiruma's piano music while being in my own personal world to calm down. Sometimes, I eat ice cream to cool off. I even went to work out and yoga yesterday. Throughout the days, all I do was chanting. Chanting that I can get through this. Chanting that everything is gong to be ok. Well, of course I tell myself to be fine and don't be like a person who worries too much.

Today is the day when I get my results. I was yet again anxious. Breathing slowly and trying to imagine that I was listening to the ocean breeze. Telling myself that not to worry.

When I got back my results, I did pass my results but I was a little bit disappointed. At least, I pass. Everything is fine. These results telling me that I have to work hard.

This means I have to really work hard on my final year project. This means I have to really work hard on my path of my life with faith and determination.

All I could say is this: I finally get this tension and bad nerves out of it. I can calm down. There still more things that will come in my way and I have to face them. Therefore, again, work harder with faith and determination.

-lu yin-

PS Few more days to go. Looking forward to the Barcelona trip. Hahahahaha. 

A "Sign" That I Feel Thankful For

Something extraordinary happen today.

Yes, at first I was excited about the cooking lesson. Was excited of what I'm gonna learn to cook new dishes. But it turns out that at the very last minute, when I was at Gloucestershire College, the class was canceled because not many people show up. That time I was slightly disappointed.

After a walk in the park in Cheltenham and a nice Wether's Original milkshake (it taste really really good), I decided to go for the SGI-UK planning meeting. Before that, I couldn't attend because I was supposed to go for cooking lesson. Since the cooking lesson was canceled, I might as well go for the SGI-UK planning meeting to fill up my time instead of going back home and being with my laptop in bed.

I attended the meeting and it was truly a wonderful conversation with leaders and members. I chanted whole heartedly with full of fate and hope. After the meeting, one of my senior sent me back home.

On the way back home, we had an engaging conversation which is related to my future. As in what I'm gonna do after studies etc. We still keep on going with this conversation right in front of my house. My senior gave me useful advice about my future career that I always hope for. Advising me to have determination to go for any related possibilities that are available. It was truly an inspiring conversation I've ever had. It gives me the sense of realization and motivation.Yes, I aim for my future dream career but for now I have to focus on my studies and dissertation first.

To me, I think I was given some sort of a "sign". Yes, I was disappointed that the cooking class was cancelled. Then again, this led me to attend the meeting and have a truly inspiring conversation with members and leaders. I feel thankful about it. I truly am. The word "determination" is kept in my thoughts and I'm gearing towards what I want to do.

Summer is coming. The English roses are welcoming the season while the sun is shining. A lovely weather. While I'm busy doing my dissertation, I'll be visiting my juniors in Liverpool during summer. Also, I will also be doing some traveling when I'm free. Looking forward to this summer. =)

-lu yin-

Aziatix "Go" Full MV

Aziatix "GO" Full MV is out.

Credit: Aziatix

Was really into the song so much.

Go Go Go Aziatix.

Support you all the way. = )

-lu yin-

It's All About Timing and Balance

Over the weekend, I was sick in bed. Yup, the 2 in 1 sickness (fever and cold). I've tried my very best to get well. Let it be drinking chicken and egg soup, salad, green tea, and other thing which is light and hopefully can cure my sickness.

Yesterday, I did attend the Young Women Division meeting in Stroud. Even though I was sick, I still have the commitment to attend the meeting. We started chanting for like an hour, exchange our point of views about Ikeda Sensei's essay about the Ikeda Kayokai, and most importantly each of us say some determinations and what kind of results we will get by the end of May. You could say what results which proofs our hard work and effort to achieving our goals in our daily lives. It was truly a great experience of sharing with other members. I did not regret on doing this. Thank goodness that I got out of the house and do something instead of being a patient in bed the whole day.

Today, I was basically doing the things I need to do then doing my leisure stuff. Bought groceries in the morning and then working on my assignments which I need to hand in next Tuesday. Nadiah came over to house to get the "kaya" from me. She also did help me out with the budget plan since making a budget plan is not my great strength of doing it because I'm really no good at accounting. Anyway, thanks for the help. Going to continue on working on the assignments tomorrow. Hopefully, all my hard work on doing these assignments will be able to raise my marks higher.

Leisure time? You could say that I was watching movies and dramas. I did chat with a few friends, of mine through Skype. Jen, who is my dear SGI sister from Australia, gave me useful advice of determination in life. I look up to her a lot and yes I do miss her very much. Also, updating my blog like what I'm doing right now. This is what I need to destress from loads of assignments. I'm sure you would do the same of how to destress from the amount of work you have been doing. The brain needs a physical and mental break from work.

Well, as you can see, all the things I did is all about timing and balance. There's the time of arrangement of what needs to be done. There's the time when one person needs to rest for a while and then continue on with what we are suppose to do. Let's say when one person is really really tired, he/she needs to rest before getting ill. Like me, I learn my lesson: Never overwork. If you continue, to work like crazy, you'll probably end up like me who is sick and being a patient in bed. Again, the balance and timing is important which applies to taking care of your mind and body physically and mentally.

I'm gonna stop here. Will continue my daily things on everyday basis tomorrow.

Time to eat some healthy fruits so I can get better as soon as possible.

-lu yin-

PS I can't wait. I'm going to Barcelona, Spain in a few weeks time.

Tangled

This is my most favorite Disney movie of all time. Rapunzel, the lost princess, wants to the the floating lanterns which happens every year on her birthday. She went to the kingdom with the help of Flynn Rider while the evil, greedy woman is away.

The one thing I find it really funny is Maximus the horse.

Whatever he does, I lol-ing all the way.

Not to forget, the cute and adorable Pascal, Rapunzel's best friend.

The most mesmerizing part which I watch it so many time, because I love it, is the floating lantern scenario while Rapunzel, Flynn, and Pascal are on the boat. Truly romantic.

This leads me to my favorite soundtrack. Of all the soundtracks which I had heard from this movie, "I See The Light" is the most beautiful song I've ever heard. It makes my heart flutter and think "this scenario is truly romantic".

Again, this is a truly romantic Disney song.

This movie truly gives me the mix of emotion. From laughing, being happy, felt the movie is romantic, being a little bit emotional at one part of the scene etc. It is an all in one mixture worth watching Disney movie.

This really deserves a 10/10. I'm going to watch this again.

-lu yin-

Rio

This is story of the Blue Macaw bird, Blu. When young, he was caught by some baddies. When he reached Minnesota, he was found by Linda. Then, they became best friends forever kind of scenario. About 15 years later, Linda owns a bookshop.

Suddenly, this wacky professor came out of no where and ask Linda to come along to Brazil. He actually want to make Blu mate with Jewel, the female Blue Macaw.

Isn't that sweet?

They caught by the baddies and also met with the evil bird, Nigel.

Basically, Blu and Jewel just have to escape the baddies, with the help of their friends, and go back to where they came from. Like Blu wants to be with Linda. The only problem is that Blu can't fly. Along the way, Blu and Jewel relationship becomes even more better.

For this movie, it's like you're regular Disney movie which is the good guys win and the bad guys lose. Friendship and romance are in this movie. The part which I like about is Raphael, the toucan, saying "It matters what's in here (heart)". To me, it means whatever you aim for is come from the passion and commitment you want to achieve. This movie gives a few pointers about the "moral" of the story.

There are quite some good plots in the movie. I love the songs which are sang by the two birds.

Really addictive songs.

Overall, this movie deserves a 8/10.

By the way, there is the Angry Birds Rio version. I played a few levels of this game before with my aunt's iPad. Yet again, it is truly addictive. When I get my hands on a new phone, I'm really going to get that game. Really badly want that game.

-lu yin-

Gnomeo and Juliet

The cute romantic version of Romeo and Juliet. Well, with gnomes of course.

Remember when during our either school and/or college days? One of those year we learn about the good ole' Shakespeare's tragic love story, Romeo and Juliet.

I used to have that during my drama class in the college days. We act with the modern English, not the traditional English. I read the traditional English one once and it's a bit confusing. I mean with the old terms like thy, thou etc.

It's basically two of the families are against each other. Both Romeo and Juliet love each other. Then, the ups and downs come like someone died or even father refuse Juliet to see Romeo and so on. I find it sad and touching while reading the play of Romeo and Juliet.

For Gnomeo and Juliet, it's different. Aren't they adorable? XD Sometimes, I do feel excited when Gnomeo and Juliet are together. Not to mention, for Gnomeo, he's just handsome especially with his slight of British accent. The overall plot is similar but the end is different. Guess what it is?

I believe this movie is aim for families including the children so that they could understand how the actual story goes. This movie was made in an entertaining way. As usual, we do love happy endings of every single fairy tale movie we watch. Yes, some parts of the movie are very amusing especially the cute little ones like the mushroom, little gnomes, and little rabbits.

For this movie, I give 8/10.

-lu yin-

Sucker Punch

Stepfather sent Babydoll to the mental house after her mother's death. Meets up with other girls and be a club dancer. Try to escape the crazy house by dancing and ends up in her illusion while her friends get the 4 items.

This so called dark action movie is not my favorite at all.

The plot of the movie is way out and I almost fall asleep. Even though there are hot chicks in action in a dream world while Babydoll is dancing to create illusions to the bad guys but still it almost bores me to death on the plot of the story. All I could hear the same line from the imaginary guy saying : "One more thing." And the next thing you know, is killing zombies, dragons, robots etc. It's a really confusing and boring storyline.

My rating: 4/10

-lu yin-

Burlesque

A small town girl, name Ali, came to Los Angeles to make big dreams of her. Going to her own path of life. She ends up being in the Burlesque Lounge. From there she becomes a performer with her amazing voice. Relationship with Jack, jealousy from rivals like Nikki, friendship, and family bonding with Tess and the dancers in the Burlesque Lounge.

What I like about this musical is the music and dance itself. Imagine that you are in the Burlesque Lounge, watching the performance as audiences. You have a nice Martini by your side while you enjoy the hot and sexy performances. You also might enjoy the wonderful vocals from the singers like Cher and Christina Aguilera.

All I can say is it's the best musical I have ever watch.

If this comes out as a West End Musical Production, I would definitely absolutely watch it. I'm sure you'll do the same in thinking "I'll definitely want to watch this live musical especially when it's in either at Broadway or London.".

I give a rating for this movie 8/10.

I only like the music and the dance itself. The plot of the story is almost the same like any other musical such as Fame. Kind of like going for the dreams.

Again, I do love the music and dance. I would definitely enjoy the live show like this one.

-lu yin-

William & Kate Royal Wedding

Today is a very special day. The whole world is watching a live royal wedding.

Credit: E News Online

I was totally amaze with the stunning Alexander McQueen wedding dress which was wore by the bride, Kate Middleton.

Choirs were sung, vows were exchanged, speeches from some very important people (eg bishop), and many more at Westminster Abbey.

William & Kate finally become a newly wedded couple. They have become the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Credit: Kate Middleton The New Princess Facebook

Sat on the royal carriage and head back to Buckingham Palace. They wave to the crowd who are cheering and wishing them happiness in marriage.

People gathered outside the Buckingham Palace to see the royal wedded couple and their families at the royal balcony.

William and Kate had the balcony kiss twice.

Credit: E News Online

They finally went back inside the palace and have their lunch reception. Delicious meals and awesome wedding cake while enjoying performances (which I can't see @ @). Oh well.

It truly a memorable royal wedding like a fairy tale. Imagine it is like "Beauty and The Beast" or any other Disney princesses tales/movies scenario.

Congratulations to William & Kate. Have a happy and loving marriage life.

By the way, there is a movie about their love life. Was surprised about it.

-lu yin-

Thai Food Take Away

Whenever I feel lazy to cook, I decided to have take away food instead.

I had Thai food takeaway from the restaurant where I had dinner with my family previously. I had dinner after the "Hidden Lives" at Widden Primary School where students, families, friends, and teachers had the 25th anniversary celebration.

I bought two dishes and one Jasmine rice.

 Thai Yum Beef Salad

Tom Yum Seafood Soup with Jasmine Rice

The dinner I had was delicious.

I also got delicious prawn crackers which was included. Going to eat them later for midnight snack.

Tomorrow is the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. I realize that Kate Middleton is really beautiful. Most of the people are anticipating this amazing event. Looking forward on watching this international event through YouTube.

-lu yin-

'Hidden Lives' at Widden Primary School

Let me give a brief introduction about "Hidden Lives". This is a community arts and oral history project taking place at Barton and Tredworth, Gloucester. It is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. It is led by the Gloucester Theatre Company in partnership with Gloucestershire Archive and the University of Gloucestershire.

It is basically sharing our own personal story/memory/experience with others. Sharing stories about their daily lives especially in the area of Barton and Tredworth.

You can know about the project at Facebook and the blog.

I am currently volunteer as an event organizer for this event.

This evening, I was at the Widden Primary School.

The school itself was opened by Her Majesty The Queen in 1986. A school which its open to children from different cultural background, families, and homes.

Today, this school celebrated the 25th anniversary. Students, teachers, ex-students, ex-teachers, friends, and family had come together to celebrate this memorable day.

"Hidden Lives" came to this school to not only allow people to share their memories and stories about this school but also to create awareness about this project. This project allows people to be part of it by attending variety of events related to this project, being volunteers (like me) for this project, and being contributors of this project by sharing their stories with others.

Variety of ways were done to share personal memories: One Minute Memory (fill in the form including your best memory you ever had during the days at Widden Primary School, audio recording, and video recording. These are based on what are the stories/memories which people had in Widden School.

This is where people sit on the "hot seat" and answer this question:

It's either the best memory or the worst memory. It's basically sharing the stories. Most of the kids are interested of sharing their stories through video recording.

This mini apple pie was given to me by one of the students from Widden Primary School. So sweet. They even give me coffee.

Overall, the event was successful. A lot of people including the youngsters are interested about this project.

The next upcoming event of this project is in the middle of May. Looking forward to planning this event.

It's great share our personal story and experience with others.

-lu yin-