Habitually, before my first visit to a country, my mind will doodle out a drawing, showing me how that country will look like. This drawing picture the overview of the nation’s building, its background and the color of the skies. Istanbul, Turkey, had my mind stuck. I have not the slightest idea on how this place will look like. With that, I didn’t expect much out of Istanbul and even thought of staying in because of the rushing rest hours.

The first few kilometers out from the airport changed my mind. The lake, I couldn’t not love a place with that ocean blue water. A cruise on the lake brings in the words of scenic, rich and lively. A place which is visually charming.

“The biggest mosque in the world, it glows. Like you will see a short fat king walking out from the great doors of this palace- looking-like place. Its grey façade gleaming mystically- The night of Abu Dhabi is like stretches of ECP in the night. The very fact that it is a dull looking city in the day translates its beauty at night. With all buildings here painted pale white, its façade shines into define lines in the night. “

Never found a chance to place the above note I penned down months ago and felt this is a good place to slot it in. The Blue Mosque came as the famous one, but the feeling this Abu Dhabi mosque gave, etch till now.

Arhhs. I am not completing the Istanbul entry. There is a sentiment about some things in life, about folks who came and left.

A verse that caught my heart: I don't have oodles, but I have enough to keep me happy.

Be blessed, my reader.

Alright, ready to blog again. An entry in English as Mel expressly requested for. This is a short flight to Shanghai. Met up with a friend, Julian, who have permanently moved to China. I was surprised at his decision initially but later realized he had a reason to be there, as his mom is there. Who doesn’t want to stay closer to their families ya.

It was an afternoon flight, therefore when I reached the hotel and finished my usual stuff of (removing make-up & take a good shower), it was already 345pm. Didn’t had time to visit the famous Qi Pu Lu and needless to say, didnt buy much things. Got back and met up with Julian for dinner. This is the exciting part.

“Let’s go to this place that my mom’s friend recommended, we just have to take right outside the hotel”
“Sure, I’m hungry. What’s the place name?”
“Yu Shuen”

So we happily chit-chat and took our walk. A walk that took us approximately 20mins and with a few attempts of locals trying to give us their impression of where Yu Shuen is. We couldn’t find the place and I made the decision to walk back to the hotel where most eateries are. (In case he doesn’t know that I get mad when my stomach starves)

“Aye, I think this is Yu Shuen”
I’m like; he better hopes it is not because it is just on the RIGHT side of the hotel entrance.
And IT IS.

*!#$3&*!! Luckily, those plates of Shanghai food on our table was delectable… If not… I might physically punch somebody for the first time. Haha. All in, it was an enjoyable trip so much so that both of us had plan on what to do next for my next visit. I’ll close this entry with pictures =)

This pair of cold dishes are light and yet flavourful. A pity I forgot to ask what type of vegetables it was

Shanghai Noodles.

haha, Xiao Bai Cai.

And, this is from Breadtalk China. what a bu-shuang looking birthday cake
This Zha Jiang Mian meimei must look like me lor.