Well, thought I might as well fill you guys in on how the holidays went. I had fun in Europe along with China, though due to the European holiday being a tour, we didn't have enough time to explore everywhere. But it was still good - especially with my mother, aunt and cousin too!
First up from Australia, the plane made a momentary stopover at Guangzhou, China. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to leave the airport so we had no choice but to explore a bit, and sample some fare. Then afterwards we left for overnight, and to avoid the repeat of Ireland back in 2003, I took some sleeping tablets with me. Much better! We then arrived in Paris, France, but we mainly stayed in the hotel due to the fact the staff wouldn't help us with exploration (I knew I should have taken the translation printout with us)!
The following day later, we took the tour bus to Switzerland. Unfortunately due to arriving late, we only did a momentary round of shopping, but on the plus side, I got myself a Swiss Army Knife, and Mum and I got some chocolates too to give to relatives and workmates! Along with photos of the Swiss Alps the next day, I finally got to play in the snow for the first time in thirty years of my life! Okay, it was a short stop at a service station, but it was fun - especially chucking snowballs! Next time I'll give snow angels and a snowman a try!
Arrived in Italy after the snow fun that day, in Milan first for lunch and shopping (mmm, realy Risotto Milanese)! Didn't stay too long due to the crazy New Year's Eve preparation, and we then stayed in Venice after. With the next few days of fun in Venice (despite the rainy weather cancelling some plans, but we got to go on a Gondola ride, shopping and lunch), Rome (Colosseum was cool, no gladiators though), Vatican City (I felt enlightened), Arezzo, and. Florence (home of leather and Renaissance structure and history).
It was then on the 4th we returned to France, starting with Monaco (site of Princess Grace Kelly and damn, that's quite the luxury), Nice (enjoyed garlic snails and frogs' legs in particular), Cannes (film festival site), and then Avignon! Lots of food were involved nonetheless! We finally returned to Paris, said farewell to our fellow tour company, at dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant (France played a role in some of Vietnamese cuisine) and then the four of us had a private tour throughout Paris, were we got to see the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arc of Triumph, Alexander Bridge, and of course the Cathedral of Notre-Dame itself! The only regret was that I never got to go to the Le Souffle restaurant (featured in Luke Ngyuen's France), but next time, I'm going there!
Heading back to Guangzhou, Mum & I separated from my aunt & cousin due to my aunt having to get back to work on time. For the next few days we ate, met relatives for shopping (Tianhe Shopping Mall in particular) and eats, also rode on a cruise to and back along the Guangzhou River, took photos and explored at locations like Canton Tower, Nanyue Kingdom Palace Archaeological Site, Lychee Bay, Shangxiajui Street, Shamain Island, Yuexiu Park and the Guangdong Museum. I got in some gym time at least! Alas, the trip came to an end as we then headed for home. I'm gonna miss the places!
Along with Year of the Dog celebrations, finally getting a new computer, and seeing the movies 'The Greatest Showman' and 'Black Panther' there's also my 31st Birthday! Bugger, how time passes! Other than dinner at a restaurant last night, today I received a lovely milk-based recipe book, did a bit of shopping for myself, treated myself to market food once again, and meet up with my sister and brother-in-law not only for a sushi dinner, but we just saw 'Love, Simon'! What a heartwarming coming-of-age story it was! Thank goodness I was taught tolerance and watched shows like Queer Eye, and the film showed that there's love no matter what orientation you are!
Well, time for bed. What a fun day it was, but from now on, for my 2018 resolutions...
- I will save up more money.
- I will contribute my recent patisserie skills whenever I can to my job.
- Find a girl of my choice.
- Get along with family more.
- Live healthier, like going to bed right now.
- Read more books, and not sit on my ass in front of the computer screen and phone so much.