Europe Adventures! UK, London

Hello, guys! sorry, i have disappeared for like the longest of time. I just couldn't get around to find time to blog but that aside and here I am with the continuation of my Europe trip.

After spending another 2 - 3 days in Belgium, Brussels, our next stop was to the UK, London. Can I just say I was super happy and excited to tour around London. Mainly because almost everyone there speaks English and it was so so much easier to converse there.

However, allow me to rant and complain a little about the customs at the London check point. We took an overnight bus from Belgium, Brussels to London.  Upon arriving at the Customs at the British border, we did the usual procedure and have our passports check and stamp and all. However, what shocked me the most was how different the carry their checks at the customs there. It could be how it is done in the UK or it could just have just been an unlucky day for us and the checks we received was horrendous and traumatizing.

My friend was the first to go have her passport checked and we saw and heard the questions my friends were bombarded with.  We thought it could possibly she had rotten and the officer had a bad day and wanted to make things more inconvenient. However, as each of us stepped up to each different security counter we were hit with the same amount of questions, I felt as though I was hit with an avalanche of never ending questions. There were questions I never thought played any significant part in my entry to the country.

* Disclaimer: This is not a personal vendetta against how the checks were conducted, I just wanted to highlight this part of my trip as I have never experienced such stringent checks done before on me nor has my friends experience them before. It was a very interesting but also scary experience*

However, putting that story pass my time in London was FANTASTIC! I mean my first day started out awesome and we had such a lovely breakfast and the people were so warm and lovely.

Do head to Flatiron and the Muffin Man for the most amazing food ever. the above picture of the steak I had was at Flatiron and I loved it so much I went there almost every day.

I only spent 3 days in London and how I wish I can spend a much longer time in the UK and have the opportunity to travel around the country more. The shopping and food in London were Fan- freaking- tastic.

We even saw the touristy sights like the big ben, the Palace and much more.

Outfit:
Top: Jacket(ZARA)
         Long Sleeve - TOPMAN

Bottom: Jeans - TOPMAN

Shoes: Lacoste

Social Media:
Instagram:@paintdaze
Twitter:@ralph_royall
Tumblr/Snapchat:@xiaoroooka
Business email:roydonralph@gmail.com

Europe Adventures! Belgium, Brussels (Day 4)

DAY 4: Belgium, Brussels

Belgium, Brussels. What a magnificent place to visit, I can say that it is one of my most favorite place to be in. We headed to Brussels via Ryanair from Rome and arrived in the beautiful Brussels in the late morning.

Upon arrival, we had to figure out our way to our accommodations and let me just say that we should always trust ourselves in directing the directions and not others. Seriously trusting yourself is better than others as we were kinda lost and wasted so much time in finding our hostel.

We were staying at Van Gogh Hostel and let me just say that if you ever want to find cheap accommodation and yet living in comfort that is the hostel you go to. I chose to stay in a single bedroom where I get to have the entire room to myself. Whilst my best friend whose main purpose in visiting Brussels was for her school project had her rooms selected for her. You can definitely choose to stay in a 4 bedded room or 6 bedded room for cheaper stay and coupled with the company of other fellow travelers who you can potentially befriend. Being an introvert I enjoy not talking to strangers but be my guest if you guys enjoy making friends you can thus always opt for the shared rooms.

For our first day in Brussels, my best friend did not have to head to the university to do her project. Hence, we made our way to the famous Grand Place. Not knowing what to expect we were awed by the village-ish setting. Walking aimlessly we somehow ended at the Grand Place Square. It was said to be the most beautiful square and I cannot deny the fact and it is indeed it was so captivating and beautiful.

Whilst at the square we saw someone holding an umbrella stating "Free-Tour" and being Singaporeans when we saw the word " Free" we immediately signed up for it. The tour is not part of any organization rather it is a non-funded association. Hence, the tour guides earn their income off of tips from the tours they give. I would highly recommend you guys to part take in the tour as it was super informative and gave my friend and me an overview of the Grand Place itself.  Hence, the next time we visited we simply took the tour route around Grand Place.  The tour guide also recommended which place we can go to get the iconic Belgium Waffles and the Belgium Fries. Let me say that I can totally understand why they are so iconic! I could never taste waffles and fries the same way ever again ( might have exaggerated a bit too much- but nonetheless true).

Please stay tuned for the remaining of my Brussels adventure and my London and Paris Adventure.

Outfit:
Top: Jacket(Pakar) - Thailand ( Union Mall)
        Grey Jacket - HiStyle
        Striped Long Sleeve - H&M

Bottom: Jeans - Uniqlo

Shoes: Lacoste

Social Media:
Instagram:@paintdaze
Twitter:@ralph_royall
Tumblr/Snapchat:@xiaoroooka
Business email:roydonralph@gmail.com

Europe Adventures! Rome, Italy (Day 3)

DAY 3: Rome, Italy

Third Day in Rome and I am already falling in love with it! I am captivated by each and every corner of the place as I stood out in the cold open air I felt super relaxed and serene.

Okay, that maybe a little too exaggerated but seriously Rome is beautiful. Waking up as early as we could to cease the day we headed out to our first stop. We headed to Saint Peter's Basilica. Let me just say I did not expect the queue to be mad long but it was, the queue looked like Nagini from Harry Potter! Luckily with the right company, the queue moved pretty fast, what were 2 hours felt like minutes.

When we finally entered the place I was in total awe. It was such a magnificent church with astounding decorations and architecture. Every inch of the place was carefully thought out and details of the place were flawless. It was massive and every moment in there I found new art and statues to admire. The first level of the church was where the masses are held I suppose and there was multiple alters. On the second floor, it was a tomb of the popes and photography was not allowed.

                                 

After which we headed for lunch nearby and set forth to the Trevi fountain and the Spanish steps. I had a very interesting experience at the Trevi Fountain as we saw a naked man standing right smack in the middle of the Fountain. He had a flower crown and was doing some sort of dance. It was too amazing to not look away. I do enjoy how I get to experience little gems of craziness, a different kind of craziness from Singapore.

Our day was short as we did mostly walking and shopping and we had a plane at 7 am to Brussels so we have an early night.

Though my time spent in Rome was short but I am glad I was able to experience as much of beautiful Rome enough for me to be in love with it!

Please stay tuned for Brussels adventure and I will be heading to London soon on 1 May 17 and the off to Paris and I cannot wait for what adventures are installed for me!


Outfit:
Top: Jacket(Pakar) - Thailand ( Union Mall)

       Blue Long Sleeve - Topman

Bottom: Jeans - Uniqlo

Shoes: Lacoste

Social Media:
Instagram:@paintdaze
Twitter:@ralph_royall
Tumblr/Snapchat:@xiaoroooka
Business email:roydonralph@gmail.com

Europe Adventures! Rome, Italy (Day 1 & 2)

DAY 1: Rome, Italy

Having something called loner phobia, I will have serious anxiety when I have to do tasks alone.  I have to take a plane from Singapore to Rome alone and which included a 5-hour transit in China.

Upon my arrival in Rome at around 7 odd in the evening, I took a "cab". It cannot be categories as a cab simply because, in my opinion, it seemed more like a licensed cab service as the vehicle did not look like the typical cabs where it runs on a meter. Basically, my "cab" fare came up to 240 euros. The best part was I was cheated by another 200 euros. I was basically distracted by my luggage where the driver placed it somewhere far from my reach and while I was fumbling to reach out my cash to pay him I was eyeing on my luggage as well.  I remembered clearly that I gave the driver a 200 euros note and a 100 euros note. However, he claimed that I gave a 100 euro and a 10 euro and being a lousy multi-taker I did not check; long story short, I basically paid 440 euros for a freaking cab. What a way to start my first night in Rome!

The hotel was another horror story, as I could not locate where the hotel is at. Thankfully, my God's grace I coincidentally met the neighbour and she helped me call the reception guy and brought me to my hotel. She was super friendly and allowed me to experience the caring and kind side of the people in Rome.

Day 2:

When my best friend (Jolyn) and her friend arrived on the second day to the hotel late in the morning. we had an entire itinerary planned and immediately ceased the day. We headed first to the Vatican museum and to out horrors the line was horrid and long. However, the waiting time was tolerable as we basically chatted and played some games while waiting in line.


                                                                     Vatican Museum:

Upon entering the museum, it was so overwhelming. It might be super bimbotic of me to mention and even state such facts but the museums in Rome is on a totally different level than in Singapore. I mean the buildings' architecture is so astounding. Not only does the museum look breathtaking from the outside but the details inside the museum is flawless, from the roman statues to the flooring and paintings are simply authentic and literally oozing with culture and history. We were basking ourselves for what the museum has to offer and from the start to the end we were not disappointed.

After which, our stomachs began to call for us and we heading to a nearby restaurant for some authentic Italian food! It was so delicious and I can never doubt the authenticity and the flavours of the pasta.

After a hearty lunch, we headed to the Roman colosseum, one of the 7 wonders of the world. Stepping foot into the arena that the gladiators used to fight was simply amazing. What more can I say about the colosseum other than amazing! Definitely, a place that offers multiple photoshoots though ><

We then headed to the Roman Forum where it used to be an ancient city as I was told. We did not explore much of the place as we were exhausted from the queuing and the uphill walking. So we took a very short tour of the place and then headed back to the hotel to charge our phones before getting dinner.


                                                                Roman Colosseum:

Roman Forum:

After dinner, my best friend and I went to do some shopping but did not realize shops closes so early at 8 plus in the evening. Maybe we are too used to the night shopping life of Singapore. However, our night did not pathetic. My best friend brought me to meet her Italian friend as a coffee house and we chatted for quite a while.

My first two days in Rome has been decent and definitely wonderful. Please stay tuned for my third day in Rome and my upcoming posts on my Brussels adventure!

For more daily and quicker updates of my Europe adventures, head down to my Insatagram!!!


Outfit:
Top: Jacket - Zara
       Turtle Neck - Topman

Bottom: Jeans - Uniqlo

Social Media:

Instagram:@paintdaze
Twitter:@ralph_royall
Tumblr/Snapchat:@xiaoroooka
Business email:roydonralph@gmail.com

One Of Those March Days!

March! I have to say it is one of my favorite month of the year, and you may ask why. Well this is my birthday month and for some reasons this year for my birthday I am not that excited, maybe probably I am turning older by the year and I am definitely not looking forward to that.

Okay but for real, this month is jam packed with multiple awesome movies and for one Logan the movie is out this month.

*PS: Spoiler Alert*

Let me just say this is one of Hugh Jackman last movie he'll be acting as wolverine! I mean what is wolverine without Hugh Jackman acting as him! We have grown and love wolverine the vulgar and yet soft side of wolverine.

The movie logan was just an awesome ending to the end of Hugh Jackman as wolverine. Can I just say that right before the movie start I told my friend that he will die in the end and I am not only happy that I was right but also shocked that they actually have him dead? I mean come on wolverine as we know it never dies he is so tenacious.

However, I must say that I am not liking the fragile and sick version of wolverine it was shown in the movie. On the other, hand wolverine's aggressiveness can be seen and translated in Lura her daughter. Can we have a moment and appreciated how great that little girl was portraying the aggressiveness of wolverine as we grown to love.

I hope they will make a movie about Lara and the rest of the children soon. Though the days of Hugh Jackman playing as wolverine is over but this does not mean that this is the end of any wolverine marvel inspired stories and the countless plots I can think of are endless.

Being inspired by Lara jean jacket I created my very own version of paring my jean jacket with a red long sleeve shirt and to highlight the contrast of the jean-themed, even more, i chose to wear a pair od denim jean as well.


Outfit:
Top: Jean shirt - Yishion
      Red Long Sleeve Shirt - H & M

Bottom: Jeans - Uniqlo

Social Media:
Instagram:@paintdaze
Twitter:@ralph_royall
Tumblr/Snapchat:@xiaoroooka
Business email:roydonralph@gmail.com

Europe? OMG!!

I can't believe its happening!!! I am finally heading to Europe in late April this year! I'll be travelling with my beloved bestie to Rome, Belgium, London and Paris!

I have only dreamt about heading to these places for the longest time and it's finally happening.

I am sorry for the short post but I am just too excited to keep it to myself. If any of you guys out there have awesome places for me to visit in the countries I mentioned earlier do let me know and I'll be sure to give it a look!


Social Media:
Instagram:@paintdaze
Twitter:@Ralph_royall
Tumble/Snapchat:@xiaoroooka
Business email:roydonralph@gmail.com

Chinese New Year!

Chinese New Year(CNY) is about to come to an end, and the lazy pig in me chooses now to write how my CNY went.

For any of you guys out there who are not familiar with CNY which is a festival celebrated by Chinses where we welcome the new year based on the Chinses calendar and along with the year's presiding animal zodiac. There are 12 zodiac animals and the year 2017 is the year of the rooster. The day before the start of the new year, also know as Chinese New Year's eve. It is a tradition that we have to gather around with all of our family and relatives and have a meal together, which is commonly known as the reunion dinner. This gives the opportunity for all to sit down together and have a meal together and be happy with each other's company, this can be the same as how some of you guys have Thanksgiving Dinner.

As we welcome the first day of the new year the younger generation will have to say prosperous phrases to their elders, basically showering them with words of blessings. In return, they will give you a red packet with money and return similar words of blessings back to you. For the younger generation especially the children love this occasion where we get to receive money, whilst the married adults have to give out money to us youngsters.

To me, CNY gives me the opportunity to meet my relatives where we could not have the chance to see each other in the rest of the year due to our busy schedules and commitments.

 We are given one or two days of holidays to do our visitations and celebrating this joyous occasion. What's more, we get to wear new clothing and eat lotsa food!!! A season to get fat in my opinion, as there will be galore of food and treats in every house you go!

I had a rather pleasant CNY and I hope all my Chinese peeps out there enjoy their CNY as well. Before the CNY ends hurry and enjoy this season of prosperity as we welcome the new year.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Social Media:
Instagram:@paintdaze
Twitter:@Ralph_royall
Tumble/Snapchat:@xiaoroooka
Business email:roydonralph@gmail.com

Outfit:

Day 1:
Top: Shirt- American Outfitters
Bottom: Pants- Topman

Day 2:
Top: Black phoenix Sweater- H&M
Bottom: White Jeans-H&M

Day 3:
Top: Brown Shirt- H&M
Jean Jacket- Yishion
Bottom: White Jeans-H&M

New Puppy?

Remember how I said my goal for 2017 is to be more spontaneous?

Well, I spontaneously got a pet puppy. The breed of this puppy is a Japanese Spitz which I bought from someone. It is a 2-month-old puppy named Chiyo and she has been staying with me and has been part of the family for about 3 weeks now.

Honestly, being a total noob and amateur in the knowledge of puppies and did not expect that puppy care can be so difficult! I mean there was many things I did not know about, such as the constant crying at night as the puppy might be experiencing separation anxiety from his mother and littermates, also the most annoying puppy biting which can really catch someone off guard!

I mean I definitely cannot call myself a puppy expert now but I kinda got the hang of it now! Doing my best to get my puppy used to a fixed schedule and do the basic training of sitting, staying and what not.

Having this new puppy entering my life is definitely for a fact that it has changed my life drastically and for the better. I start to see myself spending lesser time on my phone, computer and going out lesser(which saves me a tonne of money) as I have the responsibility to look after the puppy. This includes playing with her which forced me to exercise which I hate a lot! I can say my lifestyle has become more scheduled.

Having a new puppy is somewhat equivalent to having a baby.  The same amount of attention and care you give to a baby is the same as what you have to give to your puppy. Looking after a puppy is not and never will be easy (In my opinion at least).

Follow:@auntychiyo if you want to view puppy pics:)



Social Media:
Instagram:@paintdaze
Twitter:@Ralph_royall
Tumble/Snapchat:@xiaoroooka
Business email:roydonralph@gmail.com

Goodbye 2016! Hello 2017!

We have made it guys! we have survived 366 days of 2016 and now we have entered the year 2017! Oh my, how time has passed so quickly and I do hope you had an awesome 2016! I kinda have mixed feelings about 2016 as I had a wheel of a time travelling but also experienced the worst parts of it with proof of one or two or maybe three blog posts rants about I how was just feeling super depressed and down!

Allow me to review my year in 2016 and maybe some of you guys can relate whilst some of you guys can sit back and grab a popcorn and enjoy this "epic" movie drama!

In the year 2016, I have been to at least 3 countries, finished my national service, officially entered adulthood as I celebrate my epic 21st birthday and also made new friends and had a rocky relationship!

First off,  on 25 March 2016, I took a step into adulthood and celebrated the most epic birthday party of my life as I celebrated my 21st birthday! I had the best time of my life as I had my army friends stayed over with me on 23 March in a chalet and we partied until the wee hours of the morning. On 24 March 2016, I hosted my party and invited all my family and friends over and the chalet was packed with all my loved ones at that very moment of 2016 I felt I was so blessed and overjoyed to be surrounded with the people I loved and loved me back (I have blogged about my 21st birthday).

The next milestone of my 2016 was my ORD day which is the day I became free of national service and out of the army life and hello civilian life again (I did blog about my freedom). It was so epic as the day was filled with tears of joy and sadness. Joy because I am finally done with national service and sadness because I have made the coolest bunch of friends I never imagine I would make! They are the ones you see every day when you go into camp and share the same pain and gossip. Though my national service life may sometimes be tough but with friends like them, they'll help you pull through it and made everyday worth coming!

In 2016, I have travelled to Krabi, Thailand with my secondary school mates (My Krabi Blogpost). I have also made a short trip to Malaysia with my relatives and the most epic and awesome trip would be the Australia trip with one of my national service mate! In 2016 I did solemnly tell myself to be more adventurous and travel more and I am so proud of myself that I managed to do that!

Now for the ugly parts of 2016 which made me felt that maybe 2016 is a bad year for me! I have my heart broken which I blogged about it (which I do not wish to elaborate further here) and had troubles with my school, which I have quit. I was so depressed about life and questioned myself what will be my next step in life and what should I do. I never had that problem as I did not have any trouble enrolling in a school and for the very first time, I felt lost and directionless. I am the type of person that needs a plan and loves planning everything out and see through my plans. However, in 2016 I was basically just lost and have no clue what to do next.

2016 has indeed been a roller coaster ride for me, and I do not dare say that I am ready for 2017 but I am intrigued what it has planned for me after the epic ride of 2016! My goal for this year is that I hope to finally find a direction in my life as I walk through 2017 and finally get enrolled in a university of my goal and the course I wish. I also will want to travel more again. I hope to better relationships (friends, family and even in the love aspects), love a little less hard, be more spontaneous and ultimately find joy and happiness in whatever I do.

2016 it has indeed been epic and I realised I used the word epic a lot in this pots but it was indeed epic and there's no other word to describe it!

2017 I welcome you and please be nice:)


Social Media:
Instagram:@paintdaze
Twitter:@Ralph_royall
Tumble/Snapchat:@xiaoroooka
Business email:roydonralph@gmail.com

Outfit:
Top: Gret Top -uniqlo
Bottom: Jeans -uniqlo