Live it up in Brno

Sipping on my 'Flat White on the Rocks' in Skog Urban Hub café in the heart of Brno while escaping the summer heat. Summer in Europe is erratic – one day you’ll be wrapped in your newly bought leather jacket from Primark, feeling bad about child labour; but the next doubting your buy while the sun threatens to turn you three shades darker. The beauty of seasons, they call it.

It’s my 45^th day in Europe and in an hour, I’ll be leaving for Krakow, Poland, one of my most awaited destinations. I can safely say that I am still not homesick yet but I wished I could bag my parents along to enjoy the rawness of Eastern Europe. The stigma of girls travelling Eastern Europe alone is still very strong, even within the region itself. Or is it for the fact that I am too blinded by optimism and plagued by fatigue that I do not anticipate any impeding dangers? Well, obviously that is not to say I roam around the streets in the wee hours and walking up to drunkards, trying to befriend them at their most irritable state.

As pretentious as I may sound, I am so inspired to start writing again, as soon as I walked into this café. It exudes the calming aura needed for mental stimulation and draws your inner emotions, if you have any to begin with.

I don’t believe in ‘travelling to settle and finding yourself’ anymore. The oxymoron is senseless and after 6 years, I am going to admit this: you need familiarity, you need shelter, and you need routine to figure yourself out. Don’t get me wrong and write me an anti-thesis paper. Read on. I do not at any time mean that you lead a mundane life without challenges but I’ve realised I can’t be fleeting; I can’t be finding myself at a place I don’t even belong. I can't be exchanging baggages - leaving some and picking up new ones - and want the new ones to fit. You can’t switch off and expect to be enlightened one day. You can’t disconnect and expect to be ‘found’. You need to find your core. You need to be self-aware.

And that’s the challenge. It took me 6 years.

As Breathe Carolina would sing, “if you came looking for gold, you won’t like what you see”, is a quote that I live by now; and it’s one of the mentalities I hold on to so tightly, enjoying every moment I have here. It’s almost subconscious but we humans tend to actively seek enjoyment though it seems that if we are to enjoy anything then we must not have to think about it. The reason why I am consciously enjoying myself is because I’ve stopped justifying my actions or the level of happiness it’ll bring.

"Live it up in Brno"

12 Magical Destinations for a Dreamy White Christmas 2014

December finishes the year with the Christmassy glory, as glasses filled with red wine clinked amongst the chatterings of ‘New Year’s Resolutions’. Christmas for some of us may be as simple as gathering with loved ones and stuffing our faces with Roasted Turkey and Cold Ham; but for others, Christmas will only begin when they have the real deal - Rudolf-like red nose, glistening treetops, sleighs covered in snow… White Christmas that is.

Stuck in our tropical climate, we can only fabricate White Christmases scenes with plastic Christmas trees, foam-bubbles, or more tragically, staring at the snowglobe we bought from a souvenir shop.

Those who have decided to live your White Christmas dream this year end in the Northern Hemisphere, these are the best locations for your magical moment.

Salzburg, Austria

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With average maximum temperature of frosty 3 degree celsius, a proper ‘White Christmas’ is a definite in Austria. Salzburg is a winter wonderland with the merry bustle of the Salzburg Christmas market located at the food of Hohensalzburg Fortress, along with the countless ringing of church bells.

Although there is only 2 hours of sunshine, many smaller scales events are happening around the city; ranging from Christmas markets filled with warmth, to adventurous winter skiing, to enjoying the peaceful glow of the cities, cuddled with loved ones as the eventful year comes to an end.

Edinburgh, Scotland

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Internationally known for its hilltop castle, cultural festivals, and Hogmanay street party, Edinburgh is a destination that will warm your heart in the wintry weather during the Christmas season. The gusty climate with occasional snow while events like live music and spectacular firework display on George Street make the city more magical than it already is.

Weimar, Germany

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If you want a mellow, party-free Christmas, Weimar is the place for you. This UNESCO World Heritage town is where the first Christmas tree was erected. Do you also know that the famous Christmas carol, ‘O Du Fröhliche’, was first composed here by Wilhelm Hoffman to cheer up the poor children of the town in early 1800s?

Nuremberg, Germany

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The heart of Nuremberg’s Old Town will morph into a Christmas city with more than 180 snow-covered market stands, shining as Germany’s most famous Christkindlemarkt. This little town of wood and cloth with more than 400 years of tradition is endowed with the high chances of snow in late December.

Tallinn, Estonia

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‘Champagne Showers’ kind of snow covers the roof of the medieval old town and outdoor candles fill its cobblestone lanes with glowing snow. Bask in this fairytale atmosphere from December to the first weeks of January at Town Hall Square in Tallinn, keeping warm with Estonian food and drink of the season, shopping at handicraft specialists’ shops, and even visiting mini zoos and snow sculptures for kids.

Winter calls for exciting sporting opportunities such as outdoor ice rinks and ski tracks.

Montreal, Canada

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Winter chills add to the snuggly, romantic atmosphere as frost fogs bistro windows and snowflakes sparkle against glittering skyscrapers and a few struggle to tickle your nose before they melt away forever. From Fort to St Urbain, await the annual Santa Claus Parade that will bring out your childhood fangirl mode.

Montreal is not a city of concrete jungles, you can indulge in various winter activities such as cross-country ski, riding snowmobiles and horse drawn sleigh at Mont Royal, and even ice fishing within the city itself!

Reykjavik, Iceland

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Sure the name of the country does help in creating the atmosphere and makes your nose turn Rudolf-red at the thought of it, but Iceland is no blizzard climate. There are no shortages of winter activities to keep visitors entertained and Reykjavik’s main Christmas market is definitely the one at Ingolfstorg Square with Yuletide music; nothing will beat a White Christmas amongst these toy house looking buildings.

You might want to try glacier hiking too.

Moscow, Russia

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Unlike Europeans celebrating on 25th December, Christmas is marked in January under the Orthodox calendar. However, Christmas spirits will not pale. Red Square will be littered with stalls representing European and Russian cities selling traditional Russian souvenirs - Tula Gingerbread, shawls from Orenburg, and Khokhloma painted wooden tableware.

Snow? It will stick around till spring.

Prague, Czech Republic

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Old style Christmas markets with red-roofed huts at Old Town Square will dazzle you with their enchanting lights and the romantic city streets with the festive spirits. Concerts and performances fill the halls of Prague’s theatres and churches. Spot random ice skating rinks erected in various locations around the city as you strut down the lanes in your layered coats.

Aspen, Colorado, USA

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White Christmas is not a dream, it is a certainty. Powdery snow covering the four majestic mountains, Aspen is one of the world’s most famous ski destinations. Before you retire for the night in the brightly lit posh hotels, enjoy all sorts of cheery activities from concerts to street entertainment to sleigh rides. It is as if you spent your White Christmas from a selected postcard.

Helsinki, Finland

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Be sure to gather round Senate Square at 2pm to see Santa arrive by tram along with the mayor of Helsinki. This is a page out of your storybook where singing carolers line the streets alongside real reindeers and snowmen.

Lapland, Finland

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Of course, the most surreal destination for the last. Do you know Santa Claus comes from Finland? If you already knew, then what are you waiting for? Meet him in his office at Santa Claus Village in Lapland! Live your childhood dreams and forget about people telling you Santa Claus doesn’t exist, because you get to talk to him right here!

For more travel inspirations, click here.

14 drop-dead gorgeous cemeteries for everyone, dead or alive

As you continue to bask in the spooky spirits of Halloween, and gradually get annoyed by articles about ‘haunted places’ for your thrill, take a moment to honour the dead in these beautiful settings.

Many would think you haven’t really seen a culture until you see how they live, and also dealt with death. Generations have put in lots of time in providing their loved ones an eternal resting place in bliss and serenity. Cemeteries tell us how people died, but also how they lived.

Cimitirul Vesel, Sapanta, Romania

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A different way to look at death that departs from the prevalent belief that deaths are solemn. This town believes in the immortality of the soul and death as an anticipation for a better life. Earning the name Merry Cemetery from its festive of colours, it is also known for tombstones with hand-painted describings in poetic manner; snippets of their past lives.

La Recoleta, Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Labelled as ‘City of The Dead’, its beauty can be appreciated alongside Argentina’s history. This cemetery is the final resting place of the families of the greatest prestiges and power when Yellow fever hit in 1870s. Out of the 6400 vaults, some contains the graves of notable people like Eva Peron, Presidents of Argentina, the founders of Argentine Navy, and granddaughter of Napoleon.

Okunoin Cemetery, Mt Koya, Japan

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Okunoin Cemetery, Japan’s largest, is one of the most sacred places and popular pilgrimage spot as it homes the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. Established by him in year 819, he was believed to lie in eternal meditation since. Okunoin Cemetery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004.

God’s Acre in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA

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Tucked amongst Poplar, Locust, Maple, and Dog-wood trees is oldest colonial cemeteries in America; containing graves of people from the Rhinebeck past. This cemetery reflects the Moravian belief that everyone is equal, hence location of the next burial is determined by the next open space.

American Cemetery, Luxembourg

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Established in 1944 when American soldiers liberated the spot from German occupation on September 10, 1944, Luxembourg government made it a permanent resting place for the fallen, many of whom from the Battle of Bulge and advancement to the Rhine River, without any charge or tax. The chapel at the entrance depicts military virtues; speaks very much of the history of the cemetery.

National Arlington Cemetery, Virginia, USA

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Both cemeteries and memorials to Americans of national importance - Presidents, Supreme Court Justices, countless military heroes - containing more than 400,000 people of America and 11 countries. It was first established in 1860s during the Civil War and recently expanded for the large numbers from World War 2, Vietnam War, and Korean War.

Saint Louis Cemetery, New Orleans, USA

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Stroll through the past and present of this city and be greeted by the rusty decorative ironwork; crosses and statues blatantly jutting out from the tombs. This cemetery is a combination of three Roman Catholic cemeteries constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries. The above ground tombs are due to the city’s struggle with high water table.

Green Wood Cemetery, New York, USA

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Landscaped with an array of tree species, shrubs, and marine vegetation this highest point in Brooklyn is not only a heaven for more than half a million people since 1840, but also a haven for botanists, historians, art lovers, and birders. Its imposing yet luring enchanting entrance was built between 1861 and 1865.

Zentralfriedhof Cemetery, Vienna, Austria

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First opened in 1874 to accommodate the increasing population but now, you can stand within a few yards of Beethoven, Gluck, Hugo Wolf, Mozart amongst many others. However, since this is a cemetery, their graves are not pointed out to prevent disturbance to others resting around them.

Punta Arenas Cemetery, Punta Arenas, Chile

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One of the most visited places apart from the museums, by those who wished to learn about the history of the city. Punta Arenas cemetery lies at the entrance of the city and is home to the main families that gave origin to the entire population. You might have noticed their European heritage as you stroll beside the trimmed cypress trees, but you can sense the new lives and love created for this city.

Westminster Abbey, London, England

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In the heart of London lies a 700 year old building that is living pageant of the British history. Britain’s most significant honours were buried here, including generals, admirals, politicians, doctors and scientists such as Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. Of course, it is home to the resting Royal family of England.

St Andrew Cathedral, Edinburgh, Scotland

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St Andrews Cathedral reigns the history of medieval churches of Scotland since its construction in the 12th century, being one of the largest and most magnificent. The cathedral is encircled by the monastic enclosure walls of the graveyard.

What’s more when this is the place where Prince William met Kate Middleton during University?

Santa Maria Magdalena De Pazzis, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

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Wedged between the city walls and the Atlantic ocean is a colonial era cemetery that provides a peaceful respite from the hustling of the city. Be smitten by the immense span of blue hues as you come to the final resting place of many of Puerto Rico’s most prominent natives and residents.

Waverley Cemetery, Sydney, Australia

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Perched at the top of the cliffs between Bronte and Coogee, contains graves of many significant Australians such as Australia’s first Prime Minister, Sir Edmund Barton, and poet Henry Lawson. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean since 1877, this cemetery is home to 200 war graves from various past conflicts.

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16 Swimming Pools You Wouldn't Mind Getting Wet For

Growing up in a tropical country, it is only innate to want to strip to your bare minimums - trunks and bikinis - and take a dip in the chilly cold waters that will rejuvenate you and elevate your mood instantly. However, that being said, we city dwellers are no longer amused and intrigued with confined pools that overlook skylines of cities or olympic sized pools to do our laps. Yeah, that’s pretty much the lack of amusement we get when we are already home to world-class Marina Bay Sand’s infinity pool.

A perfect dip would encompass something out of the norm; something that blurs the dichotomy between nature and development. A swimming pool so natural, so breathtaking; literally as we try to stay afloat in this astounding, oxymoronic endless yet confined pools.

Hanging Gardens Ubud Resort, Bali, Indonesia

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Suspended over the surrounding lush jungle, this stunning split level infinity pool lined with Batu Chandi Stone gives swimmers an immersive feeling of floating amidst nature. Heated upon request, you can indulge in ultimate pampering; while detaching from your stressful mind.

Belmond Hotel Caruso, Campania, Italy

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Perched on the highest point of Advello Cliffs at 365 meters above sea level, Hotel Caruso’s heated infinity pool commands a picturesque view over the Sorrento Peninsula. Picture perfect with the surrounding sea, sky, and mountains.

King’s Pond @ Four Seasons Hotel, Ka’upulehu, USA

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Swim through the man-made aquarium carved out from natural black lava rock that is 200 years old! Borrow complimentary snorkelling equipments and sunbathe with 3500 tropical fishes - redlip parrotfishes, yellow tangs, unicorn fishes, spotted algae rays, just to name a few. Also, this pool is filled with 6.8 million litres of natural springs and ocean water.

Velassaru Maldives Resort, Maldives

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An infinity pool that extends from your usual sandy beach of a private island straight into the glistening waters of the turquoise sea, bringing tropical paradise to a new definition - peace and serenity. Behold the unsurpassable beauty of the Indian Ocean as the sun blurs with the sea in the horizon while you indulge in poolside cocktails.

Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, Maldives

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Jumeirah Dhevanafushi stands on a small underwater sandbank, extending 850m from the main island. Each room comes with a private pool, and you’ll feel as if you own the blue hues of Indian Ocean. With spotlights so subtly installed in the infinity pool, feel the reflecting connection with the starry night.

Giola Lagoon, Thassos, Greece

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If you’re a staunch believer of ‘beauty only for the hardworking’, this natural phenomenon is made for you. Giola Lagoon is a pool carved into the rocks, with water flowing in from the open sea. This seaside pool is quite a trek but to compensate your aching limbs, you’ll get to soak in water warmer than the sea and your own amazement with Mother Nature.

Villa Katikies, Santorini, Greece

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27 spectacular suites with indoor and outdoor jacuzzis are built on the cliffs of humbling beauty Oia. These suites speak very much of contemporary style and cycladic architecture. You’ll involuntarily awe at the majestic view of the Caldera as you relax and find inner zen against strains of the soft background music with your favourite cocktails from the infinity pool bar.

The Lalu @ Sun Moon Lake, Taichung, Taiwan

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No better position to be in as this warm outdoor pool gives a bird eye’s view of Taichung. Overlooking legendary Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan mountains is in the East and plains in the West. From the green landscape to the calm waters; all within your panoramic view.

Villa d’Este Hotel, Cernobbio Como, Italy

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The hotel pool is set on a platform that sits on the glittering water of Lake Como. This is beyond the aesthetically pleasing view. Villa d’Este Hotel was built in 1568 and was home to Caroline, Princess of Wales. However, fret not, the sense of formal regal grandeur and historical importance of this hotel remains till date.

Bondi Icebergs, Sydney, Australia

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With the sea water spilling in sneakily from bigger waves and its proximity, Bondi Icebergs is almost part of the endless ocean.

Although the pool is slightly cooler than the ocean, who are we to complain when we don’t have to spend loads just to enjoy the touch of fun in nature?

Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa, Grindavík, Iceland

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It is no wonder that Blue Lagoon hogs the must-visit of Grindavík, Iceland. More than just a social scene in the aquamarine coloured, unchlorinated water heated by geothermal power plant adjacent, Blue Lagoon is a year round, hypnotising experience when you soak in the unique natural combination of minerals.

Lava pool, Porto Monoz, Portugal

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Bounded by lava stones and filled with clear water, this natural occurring pool of 3800 square meter is your perfect summer vacation. With lifeguards on duty, you can drop your fears and enjoy those wave pools created naturally.

Pamukkale Thermal Pool, Denizli, Turkey

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Also known as Cotton Castle for its entrancing snow-like beauty. The beauty of baby blue waters against the crystal like terraces is sublime. This surreality has been a natural wonder since 2nd BC and is a roman equivalent of a health spa. What’s more when you can find Roman ruins underwater as well?

The Cambrian, Adelboden, Switzerland

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Watch the beauty of Swiss Alps undress as you soak in the soul-soothing terrace hydrotherapy pool. The view is equally impeccable across all seasons; green lush or snowy capped mountains in every direction.

Adventure-lovers will be further thrilled by the ski hill right beside the hotel!

Chongwe River House, Lower Zambezi, Zambia

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More than just a visual feast, as nature has been brought into the house. All furniture in the house are made from nature, the fallen ones of course. The dichotomy between the large pool and the Chongwe River right beside is blurred as the wildlife roam freely in the background.

Amangiri Resorts, Canyon Point, Utah

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Tucked in a protected valley lies a secluded resort with a central swimming pool that is one of the few hangouts of famous Hollywood stars. As if you are filming a James Bond movie, what surrounds you is a lofty landscape of deep canyons and towering plateaus. The boundless beauty your eyes are set on dates back to a geological past of 180 million years; evoking sentiments of raw ancient settlement.  

For more travel inspirations, click here.