The Gothic York

This was a typical cloudy morning when I first stepped on York. It is another old city where it has a rich heritage and offers a wealth of historic attractions. When passing through its lovely pavements, it is recognized by its walled city and most of the buildings remain as the old days. I went straight to the Clifford's Tower from York Railway Station. It is part of the York Castle. Reaching the top of the tower gave me a first glimpse of this antique city.

Lucky though, the sun peeped out from the cloud and stayed for my companion for the rest of the day. I was blessed and made a short walk to York Minster. I walked pass The Shambles Street, which was an inspiration to the film "Harry Potter", where Potter buys magic stuffs from. 

York Minster was under construction when I was visiting, but it still looked magnificent both interior and exterior. It has a wide decorated Gothic nave and chapter house. I was blown away by its perpendicular Gothic style chapter house.

I also made to the top of the Minster Tower! It was a tiring experience that we had to climb up the spiral steps. There are 275 steps and we made it non-stop!! So proud of myself haha~ However, it was a breathtaking view and worth a climb.

Finally, I made my last stop at St. Mary's Abbey. It is a ruined church locates near the York Minster and lies in the present Yorkshire Museum Garden. It is also where squirrels and birds made their homes. 

Canterbury, The Time Machine.

The word "Canterbury" has been intruded in my mind since Grade 6. It came from a literature book from school, The Canterbury Tales. Since then, I always wanted to visit the Canterbury Cathedral and the famous leaning house.

 "... a very old house bulging out over the road... leaning forward, trying to see who was passing on the narrow pavement below..." Charles Dickens, 1849

Canterbury is so charming by its antiquity. Everything is like just pop-up from the literature book. Walking along the High Street made me feel like being in the 14th century. You could also find street artists doing art in every tiny corner of the street.

The Canterbury Cathedral is always a priority to the Canterbury Must-Visit List. It is one of the oldest Christian structures in the UK. It is grand and so delicately built in its architecture. I was feeling so minute when standing inside the Cathedral.

Canterbury is a place buried with history and stories, dreams and journeys. These stories are long-lasting and remarkable in every person in Canterbury, apparently to tourists as well. That's me! I WILL be back and longing to write another story too!

The Oysters Town -- Whitstable, Kent

Just 30 minutes bus journey away from the city center of Canterbury, locates Whitstable. It is a seaside town on the north coast of Kent. It is famous for its oysters and is popular for its maritime heritage, which is celebrated with the annual oyster festival.

It was a nice experience to have a seaside brunch picnic with your bestie on a 6°C sunny day. Although we were freezing, we did enjoy ourselves a lot. It's been long to have such a gentle touch with the nature, sounds from the wind and birds; waves beating the shore; exciting kids and couples taking their puppies a walk; as well as warmth from the Sun.

The town is purely tiny yet delicate. It is small, but cozy. Shops are petite and vintage. We found a tiny studio by the beach. The artist there is so friendly and artistic. 

Accidentally we bumped into a Farmers' Market. They sell organic products such as jam, veggies, breads, juices, etc. We bought a slice of chocolate cake, which was so smooth and rich. 

Whitstable is highly recommended to seafood lovers for its annual oyster festival in summer (usually late July till early August). Moreover, it is best for family excursion, as a one-day trip by the beach for chilling. I really had a marvelous memory here, so what are you waiting for? 

Nottingham Bonfire Night

"Remember, remember,
the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot,
We see no reason why
Gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot."

The Bonfire Night is an annual event celebrated over the UK. Every year the 5th of November, the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot (a secret plan to overthrow the king in 1605), Guy Fawkes is remembered. This year in Nottingham, the location of this significant event is held in the Forest Recreation Ground. Besides from the Bonfire and the Fireworks, there were also a Funfair and Children's small fireworks display at earlier times.

It was the first time I attended the Bonfire Night. I was very excited and I was well-prepared with my camera. But I was sort of missed out the bonfire part because I was late. When I arrived, the fireworks celebration was about to begin.

To understand more about the Bonfire Night, I did a little bit of research. A typical schedule of the Night is first to lit huge bonfires and burn the effigy(statue) of Guy Fawkes, which is made out of old clothes stuffed with paper or straw. After that, magnificent fireworks are let off. This is a reminder of the Gunpowder Plot. There are also traditional food for Bonfire Night.

The night was wonderful and I swear I will be an early bird next year to witness the whole process of the Bonfire Night.

The following song was kept on looping in my head the whole night.    

A Throwback To Taipei

This is a going to be a throwback post, which is picking some of my old memorable trip with my beloved ones, to share with y'all and it also matches today -- our Throwback Thursday!

I had a summer vacation with two of my bestfriends to Taiwan last May. It was such a spontaneous decision right after our final year exams.

This is the rural area in Taipei. We had a long way trip by train to finally get there. It is famous for its railway, where there are lots of tourists would take photos in it. It is also being so famous after a film casting there. We were attracted by its bits of vintage atmosphere.

The next destination that I would like to share is a place like an old village, where people were used to live in like a neighbourhood.

The Taiwanese Government has much concern on local art and creative industry. Therefore, this place has now turned into a handicraft and DIY products trade market, which is called the 'Simple Market'. Those products selling there are all handmade and unique. But be aware of that the Simple Market is only open on weekends. There are also indoor and outdoor cafes for visitors to chill around, having a nice chat with friends and family. There are also workshops and music concerts in particular dates. I appreciated that this place has become a combination of old and youth, where it is an area of old buildings and at the same time it attracts lots of young people to gather here or even start off their tiny businesses.