Week 4-Italy

I refuse to post pictures of the Vatican not because its holly or sacred (which it is); its more about me finally seeing it in person which made me realize how pictures cannot depict the grandeur and scale of this place. So its better for me not to post them and just let others imagine/see/experience it themselves.

But what I am willing to share is that I found the most romantic place... Venice. I was only there for a day, but within that 24 hours I left my heart there. This place is just gorgeous and filled with so much culture, love, art, and friendly people.

I was able to wake up early to beat the crowds and millions of tourist to actually see and really seeee Venice for itself and its so much better than having people standing around taking pictures.. and me holding my camera, taking pictures of people taking pictures, which is the ugliest, most unartistic scene ever. And once I made pass the narrow alleys, pass the gorgeous canal I made it to Saint Marks Square. Soooo taken back by its beauty (but not the ugly construction that was going on).

My Venice would not be complete without some yummy gelato. Gelato is THE Italian fast food. I probably had gelato from morning to evening after every meal i had, and it was so worth it. Honestly, would not mind having low fat italian ice cream as fast food; its much more healthier and tastier than MickyDs.

Venice is totally worth the 2nd trip, breakup trip, honeymoon, etc. Totally sad that I am only recalling memories of my trip and writing this entry. So I rewatched Casanova to reminice about it and heath Ledger. Venice, I will be back... sz

Week 4-Barcelona

I finally see why people in Europe in general are much more happier than people back home. Its not just their nightlife that makes Spain one of the hot spot destinations for many, but its also their lifestyle. It doesn't seem like people are constantly stressed working a 9 to 5 job or just constantly in a rush to get to places or the fact that they have to drive in 2 hour traffic to get home... they just enjoy their life and dance the night away and start again the next day. I personally would not mind. I wished I paid more attention in AP Spanish, otherwise, I managed to use my limited and broken Spanish to converse with locals.

finally got my hands on legit paella and it was soo yummy, actually made me realize how bland and boring Asian rice is (not trying to say it’s a bad thing) But sitting by the harbor, eating paella with the wind blowing away sweat accumulated from a hard day of walking- it’s a feel good day

Before this trip, I had no idea who Antoni Gaudi was until I arrived, seeing his distinct and unique architecture… I am officially a fan of his work and after spending a whole day in Barcelona, I was able to just spot them from miles away and know that it was the work of Gaudi.

And it didn’t hurt that people in Barcelona are just so good looking both males and females… definitely a country I want to come back and chill the F*** out when im so tied up with the stressful school life back in sd

Week 3- Beautiful Brighton

Brighton is one of those towns that go unnoticed because of all the hype people hear about London and how fun it is. And as much as I love the sights in London, it is nothing like the shops and goodies at Brighton, which I adore.

Ive been living off of sandwiches for the past week and finally found a coffee shop that I love. Its no corner bakery, but its definitely yummy and fulfilling.

Love seeing parents pushing strollers around all over Brighton. English babies remind me why I love kids and hope that one day Ill have one of my own. This little girl was just staring at me when I was looking through pictures and I decided to capture her.

And it doesnt hurt that the Royal Pavillion is just shining at night in Brighton.

Week 2-YO SOY ESPAÑOL ESPAÑOL ESPAÑOL

Finally got the chance to watch the world cup finals at a pub and i was totally shocked at how big the spanish culture here... The crowd and its chants totally got me going; i find myself chanting with them every though I didnt know any of the lyrics or what they were chanting about, sigh really wished I could use some of my four years of Spanish learning back from high school.

Tried to blow the horn to wake this knocked out Netherlands guy up; and we tried multiple times and he was still asleep... must be too ashamed knowing that his team would loose. Seriously, the Netherlands were playing dirty in the 1st half of the game.

The pub was jam packed with tons of Espana fans and this was nothing like watching the NBA finals and cheering on the Lakers. It was way bigger than that... Most of the time i was singing YO SOY ESPAÑOL ESPAÑOL ESPAÑOL even though I was Asian American. Since the game, I find myself attracted to Spanish futbol players hot just from the way they move on the field. Have you seen their legs? HOTTTTTTTT

Any single soccer players out there? -sz

Week 2-Some Stones and Finally, The England I Know Of

Seeing Stonehenge is one of those things you would only go once, but definitely not the second time or anymore times. The only fun thing about seeing the stones was that there was an audio guide with it so I got some interesting facts, but otherwise, stonehenge is pretty much what you see in pictures and in my pics--just stones. In fact, I found the surrounding area with grassland and sheep much more interesting and beautiful. I would post more pictures of the stones, but every picture angle is the same--just stones.

Once I got to Bath, I realized it was the epitome to represent England in pictures and media. Buildings were ancient, but so well preserved and its awesome to see that the Brits actually built a cute little tourist like town around the Roman Baths.

The water is actually much more dirtier than what it seems. Lydia tells me that she actually saw mold in the corners, which is disgusting. Hope the Romans back in the B.C. era did not bath in that SH**.

Went to a candy store (just like the one from Harry Potter)... Total fantasy land for me and I got to buy some mint chocolate treats for homies back home, but only to find that it melted on the way back. On top of that, I am so tempted to eat it myself. I think Ive come to realize that ice cream stores and sweet shops are Bath's version of Arcadia's Boba stores. And for the Boba addict that I am, this is good, trying new sweet drugs.

-sz

Week 2- Food Fantasma

For the past week since I landed in UK, I think Ive been living off of sandwiches, sandwiches, and more sandwiches. Really miss the days when I actually cooked and actually had the materials to cook. Not that food is bad, I'm just skeptical about what the Brits sell here... Should I try it? What is in it? And when I do go out to eat, I usually find the diamond in the rough

Went out into town to try some English Breakfast at Bubble Kitschen and Yes, they actually serve grilled mushrooms for breakfast.

Spanish Tapas for dinner... Just cant get enough of it even when I promised myself that I would not try the same restaurant twice. Had to break this rule just for La Tasca...
And with a cup of Sangrias, my dinner is good to go!

-sz

Week 1- Art Appreciation

Whats so great about the UK is that they preserve their historical buildings and they actually promote art along with these buildings and its no surprise that people actually stop by at art galleries and observe them for hours (I actually stood in front of my favorite Van Gough's Sunflower, appreciating the artistry and reminiscing my 3rd grade replica of it)

Amazed at the intricacy and detailing of these art pieces, and what about the time to sit there to draw it and paint it under this weather? Props to this guy

So jealous that these dancers got to dance in the fountain with the 1000 year old Somerset Mansion surrounding them; this is art blended with history at its best

Missing dance

-sz

Week 1- Whats in Town?

Because my school is located in the countryside, well i wouldnt say farm, but its pretty secluded, the closest town that has shops and a actually a LIFE is in Brighton, which is ___ (fill in the blank and decide yourself)

Pub crawl: ink, lucky voices, geisha, and honeyclub

Weekend Excursion- London Exploring

I have to remind myself that it is summer and London is flooded with tourist so Im bound to be pushed and shoved in lines and in crowds, but its disappointing having to get bad shots of these nice places because of, well, American tourists, who dont know any better; oh well, this will not be the end of London trip

Highlight of the trip would have to be going on the London Eye and getting breathtaking views and our accidental stumble into Piccadilly Circus, but only to discover that it is the UK and the English people like to close shops at 7 or 6 even if its a Friday. I just dont get it: they love to drink, smoke, get tattoos, have awesome nightlifes, but they cant afford to keep food and shops open a lil longer? I dont get it...

Props to the Brits for preserving history and showcasing it to the public; WA is definitely something they should be proud to showcase

View from the London Eye of the great city of London, which by the way has been standing for a good 1000-2000 years and preservation of these historic buildings is just gorgeous

Ended the day tired, exhausted, and just trying to find some peace and happiness...

-sz