Stavanger, Norway (Preikstolen fjords)

While I was in Oslo, me and my friend took a night train to Stavanger. Norway has no doubt the BEST TRAINS in Europe. We were each given a blanket, inflatable pillow, eye covers and also ear plugs. I remember not paying more than 50£ for a return trip. My initial plan was to head to the Kjeragbolten fjords but I did not realise that there were no public transports after summer!! I was so disappointed :( Thank god we had a backup plan!! The Pulpit Rock is still open accessible via public transport, so that is where we headed.

On the day upon arriving in Stavanger, we decided to head straight to the habour to take a ferry then a bus which will bring us to Preikstolen. We took the earliest ferry over! So our mentality is that we want to walk fast so that we won't capture too many people in our photos. 

The hike to Preikstolen wasn't a tough trail. It takes about two hours per way but we manage to hike up faster than expected.

At first, I felt that the trail was easy as there were wooden planks for us! Then, I reached a point where there were many rocks on the trails. Some weren't flat, and Ive tripped countless of times! The bad weather on the previous day made it worse. Some parts were slippery and slimey,

YAY! I was dumbfounded when I was up here! It was just before the Preikstolen Rock. That amazing feeling.. It was so dangerous but my curiosity just keeps me closer and closer to the edge.

We stopped and took a little rest, enjoying the view right in front of us. This concludes the BEST fjords I've ever seen.

This was took on the Pulpit rock. There were so many people up there!!! So we actually formed a queue just to take a picture without capturing anyone. It was funny when you see some people trying to do funny poses at the edge!!

Aftermath, we took our time to hike down. Please visit the place early!! We passed many tourist trying to hike their way up in mid afternoon.


Stavanger was a little small cozy town. We stayed in a hotel which includes breakfast. Was good but we splurged to stay in a hotel as there wasn't many hostels in the city centre. The breakfast kinda makes up for it.

That beautiful street just behind our hotel!!

We could have took the bus but we were trying to scrimp and save in Norway. (Was so expensive) I ate a burger king meal for almost £12. Still couldn't believe it, In Norway, I've seen 0 beggars. That explains how wealthy they are.. hmm

Our walk took about 2hours!!! We were really slow and we went to a huge supermarket while heading back. Those journeys made my legs so strong!! I don't even feel any aches in my muscle anymore hahahaah!!

Hope you enjoy my little post!

Till then!

Aachen, Germany

Aachen, a lovely city in North Germany, is reachable by train from Brussels within an hour! I was excited because this is my first time being somewhere alone and I think this is a good place for solo travellers. 1day is good! I manage to travel around the entire city by foot, and did not spend a cent on transportation! I booked an accommodation from Airbnb which is less than 30£ for a night. 

 Im always early for breakfast!!

Puppenbrunnen, known as the 'fountain of puppets'

 There was a market that is right in front of Aachen Rathaus. They have little cafes, food store, bratwurst and a fresh food market

 Aachen Rathaus

 

I love to sit outdoors in summer! Just with a beer or tea, I could people-watch all day.

 That beautiful cathedral! It was so huge that I really couldn't capture all of it! I tried to find ways to get a panoroma view but I failed. 

 Aachen theatre

 Elisenbrunnen

 Not missing out that 1euro Gelato!

I've been to Germany many times but did not manage to get those yogurts due to hand-carry baggage constrains. I lugged back half a dozen of movenpick yogurt back to London!! I did researched that Aachen also has a Lindt Factory outlet?! So, for chocolate lovers out there, you may want to get that out! 

Till next time xx

Brussels, Belgium

Belgium, checked!

I have always want to visit Brussels, the world of waffles, speculoos and chocolates. Brussels is only a 2hour train ride from London St Pancras. I decide to book Eurostar in advance, which cost me £60 return. Manage to meet Jasmine for a day there! 2days in Brussels will be more than enough!

Upon arriving at the train station, we took the metro to Atomium. 

Indulging with Mussel frites and steak frites!

 The Grand Place in Brussels. There were tons and tons of chocolate shops, souvenir shops, cafes, and pubs around this area! It is a must visit when in Brussels.

  Liege waffles

 Begian waffles with Speculoos ice cream!!!

Maison J Dandoy has the best waffles! There were 2kinds of waffles- Liege and Begian! Liege waffles are the ones with sugar bits in it, with a chewy texture! I've always mistaken the 'Liege waffles' as Belgium waffles!! Begian waffles are the ones with light and crispy texture!! 

Begian waffles are definitely my favourite ;)

When arriving in Brussels Midi station, I purchased a map which cost 0.50pence. In the map, there were points that will bring you around Brussel's comic trails! Ive looked up online that there will many tours that will bring you to all the comic walls in Brussels too! But... why will you go on a tour when you can explore yourself with a map? It is free isn't it! Don't waste money on tours when your feet can take you everywhere! 

Manneken Pis! I am told that they will actually dress the sculpture on certain dates. Maybe you can do some research before visiting :)

Thats all for Brussels! We only spent less than a day exploring this city. I think a day will be sufficient for Brussels and maybe it will be good to explore Bruges and Antwerp while visiting Brussels. I chose to go Germany(Aachen) next, which was an hour away from Brussels. Will blog about it later :)