Sunday, 19 October 2014

Rome Diary: Remains of ancient Rome

My first visit to this grand ancient city - a history of more than two and a half thousand years, being referred as "The Eternal City" ~ Roma Aeterna.

One of the highlights in Rome, an ancient domus discovered underground - truely an unforgettable journey through time. The archaeological remains of ancient Roman houses uncovered beneath Palazzo Valentini are now on permanent display, adding to Rome's already rich historical and artistic heritage. Visitor can see walls, rooms, peristyles, kitchens, baths, furnishings and decorations all come back to life, taking a virtual tour of a great Domus of ancient Rome.
Finally, a virtual reconstruction of the column gives you a close up look at the bas-reliefs and the story they tell of Trajan's military campaign: the conquest of Dacia, present day Romania.

Plan your first stop at Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini and I am sure it's going to make the entire trip more surreal.
Column of Marcus Aurelius

The most stunning church in Rome, none other than Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano. This is the oldest Christian church in the world and was commissioned by Constantine the Great.
Am charmed by all the beautiful sculptures in there.....

Here's my OOTD !! White on white on white ;)
Top & Skirt: Zara, Sunnies: Rayban Aviator, Sneakers: Converse
Dance like nobody's watching ..... <3

Rome - 17th July 2014

Saturday, 27 September 2014

Paris Diary - Light Up Eiffel

Guess it's time to get back my writing groove and blog about my trip to Europe. Hoping to maintain a weekly momentum so let's start with a short post this weekend :)
Arrived in Paris on the 14th July, just in time to celebrate Bastille day. Right !!! Now you know how late I am in this post !! Even with this long gap, I can vividly remember the time when the fireworks light up Eiffel Tower !! It's mesmerizing.. <3

Just before the sun sets..... #nofilter 

How beautiful can she be..... 

Pictures can't seem to justify the beauty still.. You've got to be there !!

I know exactly where my heart is........

You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one <3

My outfit of the day:
Sunglasses: Rayban Aviator, Top: H&M, Pants: ASOS, Pullover: Stradivarius, Shoes: White Sneakers

Do you know that Galaries Lafayette is not just a massive departmental store... You can get a magnificent view of Paris on it's rooftop too !!
My favorite building in Paris, known as Palais Garnier in recognition of it's opulence and it's architect - Charles Garnier.

You'll get to see Montmartre too if you really zoom in :) #nofilter again !!

Just 1 night in Paris before we leave for Rome the next day... You'll get to see more of this lovely city when we are back from Italy... <3

So who is there this weekend for Paris Fashion Week ?? I wish I was.....
"Paris is always a good idea" - Audrey Hepburn

Sunday, 31 August 2014

Tokyo Part 2 - Food vs Culture

The world's capital of gastronomy. For those who didn't know, Tokyo tops Paris with more Michelin Stars and better food. With it's 2013 guide, Michelin has again affirmed that the "muse" has relocated to Tokyo !! Here's to some of the restaurants I have been missing since then ;) Let's forget about the calories for the time being though...
Kozue in Park Hyatt, Tokyo. Great food with an amazing view !! On a clear day, one can see Mount Fuji from the hotel’s exquisite contemporary Japanese restaurant. The menu features only the finest seasonal ingredients for the hearty, home-style dishes which are uniquely presented on beautiful earthenware, porcelain and lacquerware created by noted Japanese craftsmen.
Set lunch including dessert and tea
The special red bean jelly
the amazing panoramic view
Reservation is a must to make sure you have the window side table ;)

When you talk about Japanese cuisine, what comes into your mind first?? Sushi !!! If you ask a Japanese where is the most luxurious sushi restaurant in Tokyo, most people might answer KYUBEY
You will be surprised to eat sushi with salt not soy sauce here. Highly recommended !!! KYUBEY or KYUBEI serves the best sushi I have ever tried, from hating tuna into loving tuna ;) Well, best quality comes with a high price too... If I remember correctly, 10 different types of sushi per person cost around 120SGD. Having said that, it's totally worth a try ! Now I know what real sushi taste like ;)
Meet our amazing sushi chef ensuring all fishes are impeccably fresh and expertly sliced
This is heaven !!
Best Unagi I ever had ;)



Oh,, live prawns is one of the dishes as well :)

Simply love the authentic setup of this restaurant !!


Other than the amazingly fresh fishes, what really blew my mind off is this "supposed to be" ordinary Tamago. People say that you can judge a sushiya by its tamagoyaki, and Kyubey is no exception. Sweet and almost cake-like, it is served towards the end of the meal (with or without rice). Theirs includes ground shrimp, which lends a fluffy, lighter-than-air texture and enhances the flavor of the egg. The secret is the level of fine grinding and slow roasting, accomplished by hot coals placed atop the egg mixture and moved carefully along until it is set.
After trying this tamago, I have never ordered any tamago since then. Guess there is no need to mention their outstanding customer service. MUST TRY !! Five stars for food, ambience and service.

Just in case you are wondering, it's not really necessary to pay a bomb for good food as well. This random restaurant we found in Shinjuku is pretty impressive too ;)
Here's a video of the preparation.

 And the final dish ;)

After all these countless calories, let's engage in some fats burning activity... We are lucky to have visited Tokyo in May, having the chance to experience one of the biggest event - Sanja festival. It is considered one of the wildest and largest Shinto festivals in Tokyo, held in honor of the three men who established and founded Senso-ji(the ancient buddhist temple in Asakusa).
Held on the third weekend of every May at Asakusa Shrine, over the course of three days, this festival attracts 1.5 to 2 million locals and tourists every year !!!
These miniature shrine - "mikoshi" weighs approximately one ton and cost 40million yen to construct. Each needs about 40 people dispersed evenly to safely carry them.

Take a look at the half deflated Asakusa lantern for the "mikoshi" to pass through...

A glimpse of how crowded it was

This video best illustrates why it is considered the wildest and largest Shinto festival in Tokyo !!
fyi, most of the guys are half drunk... How fun is this :D

No OOTD from me on this post, guess it's maybe more interesting to look at their "Outfit of the day" instead. How's that ?? Any inspirations ?? Haha

This concludes my lovely holiday in Japan - with shrines and temples that are world heritage sites, lively festivals, an abundance of nature and not forgetting all those divine dishes !! Hope you have been enjoying my blog so far. Next up on my trip to Europe.... Xoxo