Hello Moscow, I am Coming

Welcome to Moscow, Russia

The sky was blue.
You can see high-rise buildings and didn’t see it I’m honestly super sad eyes underground. We are here we are in Moscow. I smile as I recorded moments before we landed in Alaska from the capital city of Russian Federation.
One of my dreams comes through.

***

“We will be meeting with the Ministries on August 21st and be leaving the country on the 22nd evening. So, let’s get everything ready and keep in touch with the Embassy in Moscow.”
We just finished our regular meeting gearing up to all the activities and events scheduled for our office. I was beyond excited when I found out that I would visit Moscow, the Capital city of the Russian Federation. Although it's going to be an official working visit for two days, but I know I will at least be able to see the famous Red Square and Kremlin, and complete my collection of Matryoshka.

The famous Matryoskha

I remember almost 9 years ago, back in 2010, when we were about to visit this magnificent city. Known as one of the most beautiful capitals, Moscow has long been captivating our hearts for its beauty, history and more. We planned our journey meticulously in Geneve when suddenly we heard the news that bombs exploded in Moscow's famous subways. We cancelled the visit as we had young kids traveling with us. Since then, I haven't got a chance to visit or even plan to visit the city again. Now, in 2019, my dream comes true! This visit is truly like an answered prayer. 

We flew from Jakarta through Istanbul and reached Moscow the following day at 2 PM.

The weather was beautiful and it's just a lovely summer where people can comfortably go out just wearing t-shirt, short and sandals. Perfect for me as I don't have to bring too many jackets and stuff. 

As we landed in Vnukovo International Arport, I know the adventures start.

Anyway, what do you have in mind when you hear Moscow or Russia?

Tsar? KGB? Red Square? Kremlin? Putin? Borsch? 

Or all of them?

In my case, it's all of them!

As I have mentioned above, we were so ready to visit and explore Moscow before so I have spent sometimes reading and understanding the enigma and the rich history of this country. Moreover, while I was in New York City, one of my very best friends, Andre, was raised in Moscow and speaks Russians fluently. So we used to spend times in Veselka, the famous Russian - Ukrainian 24-hour cafe in Hell's Kitchen that becomes super famous after being one of the scenes for Ocean 12 (Go check it out!).

A view in Red Square

Come and watch my YouTube video welcoming myself to the heart of this iconic city.

Wait for more details and stories here as I'm coming back with more.

Wonderful Wednesday with My Purple World, Oh My Heartsie Girls and Friends

Welcome to Moscow, Russian Federation

Cheers from Moscow, Russian Federation!

As I have probably mentioned to you before, I am heading to Moscow, the capital city of the Russian Federation for series of meetings and dialogues with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
I have to say I am super excited as this will be my first time to visit this iconic city!

Our Embassy in Moscow, Russian Federation

So many plans I have in mind but obviously I will go with the flow as I'm here for work.I sincerely hope I will get to see the landmarks that make Moscow famous worldwide.

As I landed in Vnukovo International Airport, I practically enjoy the vastness and unique ambience of the city. You can tell I am beyond excited!

So, before I share more, let's join the weekly party we have here with My Purple World, Oh My Heartsie Girls and Friends.

Welcome to Wonderful Wednesday!!
We always get a head start each week and our Co-Hosts choose from the previous week’s links and we are featuring 7 blogs on week #169!! I am sure that you will find it both fun and interesting to meet and make friends with our Co-Hostesses and Bloggers through our party and we appreciate your visit today!

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Bunaken, North Sulawesi - Revisited

Bunaken, here we come!

Welcome back and happy to have you all here again.

Honestly, I am not yet fully moving on from the hype of the official attempt of Guinness World Records for the longest human chain, the most people scuba diving simultaneously and the longest unfurled flag underwater held in Manada, August 1 - 3, 2019.

But then I know I have to share more beauty of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, to all of you.

As we finished the official attempts, my diving club decided to go diving in Bunaken.
Bunaken has been been long famously known for its amazing underwater park.
This National Marine Park is the home of millions of marine creatures, flora and fauna, which are not only beautiful but also rare and protected. Bunaken is also famous for its walls, reefs, underwater caves and more. 


I fell in love instantly when I visited this place for the first time in 2012 and coming back in 2013 and 2019.
I have to say I can never get enough of it and even plan to come back with my kids :).

We were lucky enough to see many turtles in the spots where we dived.

Before I share more details, let's see the beauty of Bunaken, above and under water.

My DM, Poxy

One of my fellow buddy, Ivan, posing in front of my camera

Manado Tua

Happily posing with my medal from the official attempt of GWR

Mini me enjoying the ride

First stop, Fukui point

Bunaken Island, lunch break

Stick around for more stories, photos and details about my diving trip in Bunaken, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. 

Never get bored with it!

Istanbul in Colors - New Airport and Photo Album

ISTANBUL

I don't know exactly how many times I have visited Istanbul.

I kind of lost tracks of my visits and transits in this mesmerising city.

Historical architectures with elaborated designs, turquoise ceramics and delicious chicken adana kebab are only a few things that make me so fond of this city.  

The long history of this very city, dotted with intrigues, love stories and adventures, is truly an invaluable lesson. 

Not to mention the clear blue sky and plush green trees. 

Colourful, exotic spices, one-of-a-kind souvenirs and friendly people of Istanbul add more  I-heart-you feeling whenever I am around.

Morning at the Germain Fountain, next to the Blue Mosque

Since I travel quite frequently to Geneva and New York City for works, I have been using Turkish Airlines a lot.

I have to admit that the route as well as the ticket fare are friendly.

And that means I have to transit in Istanbul.

Well, happy to do so. 

a piece of history..

As I have the chance to see its many faces, I tried to see different part of the city.

I have been walking around Sultanahmet area for God knows how many times,  letting myself being timelessly absorbed to the glory of the past. 

Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Basilica CIstern and Topkapi Palace have been my favorite historical spots. 

Moving further, I have walked acress Galata Bridge and took a ferry ride on Bosporus, all done in different seasons of the year. Besides enjoying summer sale in Taksim Square as well as Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, I was lucky to reach Dolmabahce Palace and enjoyed the grandeur of Ataturk's palace. Mind-blowing intricate details and rich history never fail to amaze me.

Busy Istanbul. the city and Marmara sea..

This time, as we landed on the European side, the location of the new Istanbul airport, we got to see the city from the other side.

We took the bus from the airport, heading straight to the historical part of Istanbul, Sultanahmet Area.

We had a brief stop at Eminönu, right across the Spice Bazaar.

The glistening reflection of Marmara sea welcomed us merrily that morning, as ferries ad boats started their journey of the day.

A lovely summer morning indeed.

feels like stopping by and joining the walkers..

Speaking of the new Istanbul Airport, I have to say I am impressed!

It's huge!

It certainly looks modern and uses cutting-edge designs that pay attention to beautiful details here and there. I love to see the ceilings and how they are brilliantly reflected on the shiny floors. Not to mentions lines of world-brand shops and vintage collection Turkish items you can find in the airport. I guess I will definitely continue my adventures in the airport alone on the next visit. Oh, and the Turkish Airline lounge, as always, is a five-star one. I never miss my time to have a little break here enjoying my fresh orange juice, pide and lentil soup, while enjoying Andy Williams concert on the theatre. Heaven!

The new Istanbul airport..

Well, now..let me share more snaps taken with my iPhone while enjoying my transit in Istanbul. As colourful as ever, I wish you enjoy it even more than I do. 

You know, whenever I see all these wonderful craftmanships, I feel like taking them all home LOL. And I have to remind myself that I already got more than dozens of small bowls, sets of big ones and 2 table lamps. 

So, that's why I keep coming back to Istanbul.
Tell me which one is your favorite ... the food, the souvenirs, the architectures, or else!

Cheers and till the next adventure!