A Relaxing Weekend in the Land of Smiles

The last time I went to Phuket was before Tsunami, but on surface, nothing seemed to have changed much since then. What has changed most...is perhaps my perspective of things and to a certain extent, the more aggressive attitude of Phuketians....

During the last trip, the focus was mainly on doing as many activities as possible and buying cheap souvenirs for friends back at home. But this time round, all we yearned is to have a peaceful time and taking a break from the hectic life of work and marriage preparations! And we certainly managed to achieve that, with great seafood and a totally heavenly stay at a quiet boutique hotel hidden amidst the busy Patong Beach. Only bummer was the persistent rain on the last day, which spoilt my plans to suntan!!......but it's also thanks to this rainy day that allowed me to take a few dramatic photo...

4 swimmers braving the strong waves

Panoramic shot of Karon Beach

Notre Dame ....probably the most happening place in Paris

On my 2nd night in Paris, I met up with Xian-Jun, who happened to be there for meetings too. hahaha..........it is purely concidental, we didn't plan it that way. Although we only had 1 night and 1 day before he set off for Italy, it was fun exploring this romantic city together

One of our favourite places has got to be the Notre Dame. When I went there for a visit 2 years ago, it was a very hectic stopover and I didn't have much time to walk around. This time, I saw it in a totally different light. As dusk falls and with so few people around, I feel that it is the best way to see this interesting and awe-inspiring architecture. Only pity is I could not see the stained glass, which was said to be the most beautiful in France, inside the Cathedral.

Across the street, the atmostphere is so different. There are musicians performing on the street, lotsa pubs and restaurants selling different kinds of yummy food, and a few tourist traps popping up here and there. Very very lively place!!

Okie....tired again.....zzz time soon. Will post more next time. Beginning to think perhaps Facebook is a better portal to post all that photo .......Blogging is slow....but hmm blogging every Sunday night has become abit of a ritual too....

The Famous Notre Dame, looking very impressive in the dark

Intricate carvings on the exterior of Notre Dame. Can you imagine how long it would take to complete the whole cathedral? Simply amazing....


More complicated looking carvings

Street musicians by the river near Notre Dame. They have definitely captured the attention of a huge crowd.

This cute couple caught my eyes as they cuddle together to enjoy the music in this cold cold night...

Street scenes at Notre Dame. How I wish I was staying at this part of Paris, rather than the minscule budget hotel at the outskirts of Paris....

There is alot of such cafes in France and I like nothing more than to enjoy a cup of hot latte and a good book while I was there.

For once I tried to exercise restraint at all those tempting tourist traps so as to save $$ for my LV/ Longchamp bags. hehe.......I succeeded......but end up nvr buy anything for colleags and friends. Oops.....feel a tiny bit bad.

Charms of Montmartre

Topped by the white Sacre-Coeur Basilica, Montmartre is the highest Paris hill at 130 meters. Besides Eiffel Tower, Montmartre is the place to come for the best view of Paris, be it day or night. It is somewhat touching to see Sacre-Coeur Basilica overseeing, and guarding the city.

Paris, was the place I was in for the past 1.5 weeks. (Mind you, i was on a work trip....certainly not rich enough to go there for vacation hehe).... Although I wouldn't say it is my favourite city, it has a certain charm and I would love to be back one day, to explore every corner, glamourous or not, and to take time to take nicer photo.

Today was the first day back at work...how tough it was trying to balance between urgent and/or important work. For the first time in 5 years, I truly feel like calling it quits....Anyway, enough of negativities!! After a hard day at work, it is very therapeutic to look at some of the photo I've taken and doing some minor touching up. Haven't had time to edit all yet, will just share a few that I've taken at Montmartre first. Look our for more photo taken at the other typical places like Louvre, Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower (wink)...and Toulouse!

View of Paris from Montmartre

Sacre-Coeur Basilica

Another view of Sacre-Coeur Basilica

One of the paintings I really love, which portrayed a typical cafe found in Montmartre.

Caricature Artist @ work. Such great likeness right? I've heard that some artist will make quick drawings of tourists and force them to pay....doubt she is one of them. =)

Another artist...din see his work, but he sure got the "sey"....