[Prequel] 2017: My handbook

Posted in Familia, Galpals, Happenings, Holiday, Wanderlust by Aqilah Halim

Warning: Heavy image post ahead.

2016 has been another blessed year. So much good in goodness and blessings in trying times.

Started new year’s trip with Prague.

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Welcomed 2016 in Vienna with -13°C.

When we thought it couldn’t get any colder, we were slapped with non other than

-18°C.

Went back to uni to continue my final project.

(This picture is uh, y’know, in case people think all I do is travel and not do any work.)

Then comes Spring, a very much needed break,

Met up with Irna in Oxford before heading to

Amsterdam, our choice of destination. No regrets.

Back in uni, finished our final project, dissertation and graduation show. Graduated.

Went back to Brighton.

Got travel scholarship to Munich – my first personal holiday destination since I got here. Felt good to be back.

Went to few other places before

Dubai.

Home.

Vietnam and few other places.

So many blessings… my heart is full.

Will continue in a bit, my McSpicy is here.

As always, with me…

Food > errthang else.

21Jul2016

Where there’s food. There’s me.

Posted in food, Holiday, Wanderlust by Aqilah Halim

Now that fasting month is over, I can finally bring myself to upload a place that is dear to me.

During the last spring break, my cousin and I went to Amsterdam because, well, we needed a break and I wanted to soak myself in a place with colours – saving this post for later.

When I told my brother that I’ll be heading to Amsterdam, he immediately told me to visit Albert Cuyp Market. Ok, no. He insists on it. It’s as if if you don’t visit the market, you haven’t been to Amsterdam. Pfft.

I was about to go all ‘chill dude’ on the Albert Cuyp market hype when he brought out my favourite ‘F’ word – FOOD.

😶 ➡️ 😍

Did someone say FOOD!?

Not only that, he added a bonus on top of the word ‘Food’. It was SEAFOOD.

This sister is sold.

We even looked through Google Maps to find the shop. Our coordination was definitely not in sync. But that’s not the point.

The rain that followed us from England made the market close earlier and not willing to stay in the cold any longer, we left with snacks and no seafood.

But, where there’s food, there’s determination people!

We went back on our last day and while still searching for the seafood shop (what’s up with it being all secluded man!) in the cold, we stopped here and there for some street food like this handmade bread

I was sold at handmade. It was delicious beyond word.

We had fried chicken and what not too along the way but that’s not the point right now.

We almost gave up and as we were walking back towards the tram station, I found the flippin seafood shop!

My gawwwddd…. This was so difficult to find!

Hallo seafood! *waves frantically*

We ended buying quite a lot for two. Hey, with all the effort that we went through, in the rain, cold and whatnot, we totes deserve it.

I totally recommend this place to all seafood lover like me. We bought quite a lot and it was still cheaper than buying two kebab meals. Kebabs here are soooo expensive compared to London. *mengapakah?*strokes imaginary beard*.

BUT!

D’you know what’s the next best part to having seafood dinner in our warm and cozy room?

This shop is not the place where my brother had his seafood gastronomy activity.

BAHAHAHAHA.

Just where in the world did my brother eat?

#themysteryliveson

🌍: Albert Cuyp Market, Amsterdam, Netherlands/Holland

10Apr2016

ambiguous

Posted in Happenings, Holiday, Wanderlust by Aqilah Halim

Pre headscarves days, I’m used to being asked if I’m Chinese or occasionally Caucasian (Yeap, I know. Go ahead. You have my blessings to roll your eyes).

They never get the ethnicity right. But that’s ok. Even I’m confused about myself! Bahahaha >.<

Ever since staying in England, typical questions I get is slightly different. They sound like, “(Are you) Malaysian or Indonesian?” The tone they ask in is a self-assured tone that I MUST be one of the two.

People don’t bother thinking about Singapore. At all.

After a few months, I give up and naturally reply, “Malaysian.”

~~Sorry for the white lie, God!~~

If I say ‘Singapore,’ I’d have to explain myself. Literally. Ain’t nobody got time for that. Gimme my fried chicken!

Last Tuesday has been an interesting day for me.

———————-

Act 1, Scene 1

*In a park*

We were taking pictures in the park and moving from one spot to another.

I saw a group of Muslim ladies shifting my belongings to the side of the bench to make way for her to sit.

I immediately went over to grab my belongings… you know…. to not be a nuisance is part of my life motto.

I smiled at one of them as picked my bag and my cousin’s coat when one of them asked, “Uzbekistan? (Are you from) Uzbekistan?”

My eyes just widened to my surprise and I politely shook my head. After exchanging smile, I left.

Not too sure which part of me looks Central Asian. The eyebags I guess. Bahahaha.

———————-

Act 2, Scene 1

*At a kebab shop, buying dinner.*

Staff: Are you girls from Bangladesh?

😳😳😳😳😳😳😳

Well, that was clooooose.

Act 2, Scene 2

Staff: What’s your name?

Me: Aqilah.

Staff: Aqilah. Aaaa-qil-lahh. You muslim?

Adduusssss. *Smacks head*

Bang, Kebab tu cepat gulung. (Bro, can you please wrap the kebab a little faster.)

Taking deep breathe because I must’ve looked like a nun.

I guess, prior experiences with these funny questions makes me immune to em. But in some instances, like that day, will never cease to amuse me on how people try to figure out ‘what you are’ and ‘where you’re from’.

Gonna make a cape which says, “MUSLIM. SINGAPOREAN. MIXED ETHNICITY. NOT A TERRORIST,” and tie it behind my back as I explore a new city on my next travel. Wherever that may be.

But first,

Allow me to enjoy my ice-cream. or, ice-creams.

———————————————————————————-

Back to uni this week. Thank God no more Monday class – no Monday blues. 😅

Will update more on this trip later on. Till then,

🌎: Amsterdam, Netherlands.

22Mar2016

2 things

Posted in Holiday, Wanderlust by Aqilah Halim

to do during white winter …

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Eat an ice-cream and

2. Write your name on the snow! *winks*

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Gahhh… It’s so so cold today. Some (or a lot of) snow could really make the coldness more bearable.

>.<

——————————-

🌎: Buda(pest), Hungary.

17Feb2016

somewhere colourful

Posted in Holiday, Wanderlust by Aqilah Halim

So…. I’m feeling under the weather today. The somber mood makes it worse.

Gonna crank my sanity level up with this memory.

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As we were making our way up to Prague castle, we passed this open area and the pastel buildings caught my eyes.

Look at the buildings and the colours, people!

I mean… LOOK. AT. IT.

One of the first places I’ve been to with colourful buildings was Burano Island in Venice. The buildings were so bright and colourful that it shouts for your attention. But this…. very muted, calming and has its own charm.

I did what any narcissist who loves colours and buildings do.

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