BARRY ISLAND

Planning for a short summer day trip?

I would recommended you to go BARRY ISLAND.

I live in Cardiff. My friends and I wanted a short getaway from Cardiff so we went to Barry Island which is just 50 minutes away from Cardiff by train. Here is my experience in Barry Island.

The time I went to Barry Island is during Spring time. To me, it is quite cold as there is still some cold sea breeze.

Many people would thought that Barry Island is an island. Actually Barry island is a bay. Most activities are centred at this Bay which is called Whitemore Bay.

Panaroma View of Barry Island

For some people like me would refer Barry Island as a beach. For beach lovers, you can just spend time sun bathing at the same time watching the breathtaking sea view.

What would be great is to have fish and chips meanwhile sitting on the sand enjoying the sea view. There are several fish and chips shop in Barry Island. The one that I had tried is the O’Sheas.

Some sneak preview of the restaurant.

O'shea's is said to be the award winning fish & chip cafe in Barry Island. It served freshly cooked fish & chips since 1946. They also serve fresh coffee, ice cream, burgers, pies, pasties and famous for the Irish curry.

The one that I tried is the classic Fish and Chips and the Curry Chips. 

The Curry Chips

Fish and Chips

 I could say the fish and chips and Curry Chips are awesome. I think the price is reasonable for a big portion. The price for a small fish cod and chips is 4.25 pounds and the Curry Chips is 2.50 pounds. If you are in Barry Island, you must give them a try. 

O'Sheas
1 Western Arcade, Barry Island, CF625TQ
Tel: 01446734307
Nearest Train Station: Barry Island

After some greasy meal, it's time to have some ice-cream. You can get ice-cream everywhere in Barry Island. I can say most of the shops sell ice-creams. 

Rashberry Ripple, Shockolate and Dairy milk ice-cream.

After you regain your energy, maybe you would like to explore the other part of Barry Island. There is another path going up a small hill next to the beach. You would see some greenness along the path. For people who lives there, they like to bring their dogs jogging around.  

It looks like a small park

There's some chairs for people to enjoy the scenic view of Barry Island.

You could see the whole Barry Island up this hill.

Another view of Barry Island.

Some stones around the cliffs

I would advise you to cautious if you want to do fishing. The rocks are uneven and may trip you down. 

Fishing

Barry Island Pleasure Park

To let your summer more exciting, Barry island Pleasure Park is ready to fun filled your day.  I wouldn't say much about this as I didn't go there during my visit. Anyway, it is just a minute walk from the beach. The pleasure park has over 50 rides and attractions for all ages. The entrance for the park is free and ride tickets are available from ticket booths at the park. Each rides are counted by tokens. Prices are available in this link

Barry Island Pleasure Park

Openings: 12.30pm- 8pm

Tel:  01446 732844

Nearest Landmark: Barry island

There are several ways to get to Barry Island from Cardiff.

Bus

You can take the 95 or 95A bus from bus stations in Cardiff 

 Barry Island | Barry | Dinas Powys (95) /Penarth (95A) | Llandough | Cardiff | Heath Hospital

Train

Stop: Barry Island 

Last but not least, how could you miss a jump shot at Barry Island with your friends!

Hope everyone enjoy my post as well as your trip to Barry Island.

 

REVIEW: CHEZ TOI IN VATICAN

It is undeniable that the accommodation in Rome are expensive. When we were planning for our trip to Rome, one of the challenges was deciding on where to stay. Choosing your accommodation in Rome depends on several factors: budget, objective of the trip, time of visit, and where you are coming from or heading to. If you are thinking of having a relaxing and convenience trip, I recommend you to stay in Chez Toi.

Chez Toi is an apartment which can stay a maximum of 8 people.  There's 2 rooms in the apartment. On room which has a queen size bed and two single beds. Meanwhile, the other room has 1 king size bed and a single bed. Of course there's also a kitchen and a bathroom connected to the living room. It's a great place for a group of friends or family planning to stay in Rome for few days. Below are some pictures about Chez Toi during my stay with my friends.

Room 1: A queen size bed with 2 single bed

The rooms  literally are designed to feel like home. The beds are comfortable and new which add extra bonus to the apartment. 

Room 1: Single bed, Television and Cupboard

Room 2: King size bed and a single bed

Room 2: Small Television and towels are provided.

The bathroom

 I am surprised that the toiletries and washing soaps are provided. One unlucky thing that me and my friends encountered was there was no hot water when we showered. Furthermore, the toilet was always flooded after we shower. However, we complained to the owner of the apartment and they apologised to us many times. I believe that they will fix these problems soon. 

The small living room

 Free WiFi is provided. Although the website stated that the apartment is air-conditioned, I think the air-con is not so strong. As we went is the beginning of the summer, there's still some cold breeze from the outside so for us air-con was not essential. 

The kitchen which has most of the kitchen essentials and a small dining table

 I love the way they arranged their stuffs. Pots, pans, plates, bowls and cutlery are all provided. They even provide us some fruits and frozen food in the fridge.

Tea and Coffee are also provided. 

Stove and Oven are provided. Perfect to heat up take away food. 

A good thing of staying in Chez Toi is the proximity to the train station. The nearest station is the Cipro station which takes about 5 minutes walk.  It's at a strategic place as it is about 10 minutes walk to Vatican City. If you and your friends are on a budget trip, I think Chez Toi is one of the places that is reasonably-priced. Moreover, there are also many shops and restaurants nearby the apartment. It is convenient for us especially when we are hungry during the midnight. I would also recommend the Chinese Restaurant nearby the apartment. They also provide take away services. 

Overall, my stay in Chez Toi is brilliant. I feel like home when I am at Chez Toi as they had provided everything. The apartment was clean and well maintained. One last thing the owner is also friendly and approachable. 

Chez Toi In Vatican

Della Meloria 27, Vatican City - Prati, 00136 Rome
Phone: +393288390090
Email: cheztoiinvatican@gmail.com

Nearest Landmark: Vatican MuseumNearest Station: Cipro

REVIEW: RISTORANTE CINESE "NEW TOWN"

Bored of having Italian Cuisine in Rome? 

Well, I would recommend you to try this Chinese Restaurant in Rome. 

For an unknown restaurant to be attracted by the customers is the setting of the restaurant. For me, I would prefer an unhurried social experience with plenty of time interacting with my dining companions. Therefore, the restaurant setting should be the one that encourages relaxed conversation and enjoyment of food and wine. 

Ristorante Cinese "New Town" has a classic chinese design in its resturaurant. I think it is suitable for a casual dine in or a formal dine in with your companions. A good environment isn't sufficient. Below are my few recommendations and reviews about the dishes that I had tried. 

Sizzling Linguine 

I don't actually quite remember the Italian name of this dish but I know the noodles used are Linguine. If you're bored of having Linguine with pasta sauce, why not try this fried Linguine. I couldn't deny that this is one of my favourite dish. The Linguine is served on the sizzling pot gives a brand new taste of the Linguine.

Spicy Pork

 For those who loves spicy food, I think this dish is not spicy enough although the name is Spicy. However, this dish gives a nice combination. For instance, the soft mushrooms and pork are cooked together with capsicans which gives a slight sweet taste and a crunchy feel of cashew nuts.

Mixed Vegetables

 Normally I wouldn't try mixed vegetables as most restaurants will use the vegetables that are not fresh to cook. But these vegetables are just to fresh. For this dish, it is a combination of carrots, cucumbers, wood ear and cabbage. 

Lemon Chicken

 I never expected that the Lemon chicken will be so crunchy. With some lemon sauce in this dish, it makes the whole dish not to dry and added some lemon taste in the chicken. Don't worry, it's not too sour. It feels like a taste from my home. Love it!

Sweet and Sour Fish Fillets (Pesce Fritto in Salsa Agrodolce)
5 Euros

Not many Chinese Restaurants can make such a good sweet and sour. I was amazed by this Chinese Restaurant that they made such brilliant sweet and sour fish. A good sweet and sour fish must not be too red. If it is too red, I could only say that they added too much colourings and flavourings instead of using the raw materials to make. Moreover, this dish is served mainly fish. Some restaurants serve this dish with 80% of flour (crispy part) and 20% of fish. In the other words, we are eating sweet and sour flour instead of sweet and sour fish. For a Chinese Restaurant in Italy, I think this dish would be good enough.




Just an additional information, we will always be charged tax in Italy. I was amazed when I am being charged sit down tax in Venice. For this, they charge cup tax. 1 euros for each cup. 

Sashimi set (20Euros)

There is also a list of Dim Sum to be served daily. I have tried the steamed dumplings (Ravioli Cinesi Al Pore) and I think it is quite delicious. The pork inside the dumpling is quite juicy which made the whole thing just great. You can get this in a price of 2.80 Euros. Besides serving Chinese food, they also made good sushi. The sushi is quite nice and the ingredients are fresh. For Sashimi set, you can get a price from 15 euros depends on how many sushi per set. For sushi lovers, I think you can give a shot!

Some dishes I recommend as well : Fried ice-cream (gelato fritto) , Special Fried Rice and Spring Rolls (Involtini Primavera)

Overall, I think the price is affordable in such meal. They also have a variety of dishes to make your meals interesting. 

Via della Meloria, 15, 00136 Roma, Italy

Openings: 12pm to 12am

Tel. 0639733747

Nearest Landmark: Vatican City

Nearest Station: Cipro

JUMPSHOT

My favourite jump shot in front of the Colosseum, Rome, Italy.

Photocredits to Charllyn Ng

ADVICE BEFORE LEAVING TO ROME

If you are thinking of heading to Rome, here's some advice before you go.

Firstly, Research should be done thoroughly. This is to prevent money being squandered.
Bare in mind that Rome is a place which is crowded with tourist along the year. The que at ticket counters for attractions such as Colosseum, Palatine Hill , Roman Forum and Vatican museum is always so long.

For those who doesn't like to que for more than 5 hours, I suggest you to join the tour. You can find and book a cheaper tour before you leave to Rome or you can find them on the spot. There are many people wandering around asking you to join their tour. 

There are 2 types of tour: skipped the line or walking tour. For the walking tour, the price range is about 35 euros to 40 euros for Colosseum Package (includes Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum) if you find on the spot. I believe you can find a cheaper price online for tours before you go. The normal admission ticket fees is 12 euros (for non EU)  including Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Inside the Colosseum

Colosseum was built in the era of emperor Vespasian and completed by his successor Titus.

Colosseum was first built as a venue to entertain the royal family. As a result, the poor became mad and lead a battle against the royal family. In order to solve the problem, the king decided to build the Colosseum and gave out free tickets for the Romans.

The Colosseum generally was used in 3 sections. In the mornings, Colosseum as a site of general performance. In the afternoon, it was used for public execution. In the evenings were the battle between the gladiators. Colosseum is then partially ruined due to the damage cause by devastating earthquakes and stone-robbers.

The overview of Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is the ancient city of Roman. Palatine Hill and Arch of Constatine are in Roman Forum.

Another thing I want to point out is Vatican city. There's two entrance in Vatican City. One is at the Vatican Museum and another is from the St. Peter Basilica. The admission ticket for the Vatican museum and Sistine Chapel is 16 Euros. I would suggest people to buy the tickets online 60 days before your visit. The que to Vatican museum is  very long every day. Same as the Colosseum tour, you can find skipped the line tickets or walking tour around the Vatican city.  The entrance from the St. Peter Basilica is free. 

The entrance from Vatican Museum

Inside the St. Peter Basilica

I personally think that tour is a waste of money. Most of the tour guide in Italy do not speak fluent English or have a strong Italian accent. Many information that is explained can be browsed in the internet. For the Colosseum tour, the tour guide will just explain to you outside the Colosseum and will not bring you in showing you around inside the Colosseum. For Roman Forum and Palatine Hill as well, the guide will explain to you at a corner but not bringing you around to explain every single detail. Therefore, if you are not a history person, I suggest you not to follow tour as you might find it kinda bored.

GELATO in ROME

If you are in Italy, how could you miss out GELATO

Here's a view from me about GELATO in Rome.

My trip to Rome is just like less than 3 days. I love eating ice-cream or Gelato. I had tried my best to eat every best Gelato in Rome.



Some of you have been wondering 

what's the difference between Gelato and Ice-cream?

Gelato is actually the Italian word for ice-cream. Gelato is normally denser, and milkier in texture yet has a soft elastic texture, while ice cream feels richer and creamier.
Lay man terms: If you tilt the Gelato, it will not fall. 

The difference depends upon three factors: fat, air and temperature. 
Gelato is made by churning it in a lower speed as compared to ice-cream. As a result, it is not so dense as not much air is whipped into the mixture. 

FACTS ABOUT GELATO and ICE-CREAM:
-Gelato contains about 25 to 30 percent air while ice cream can contain as much as 50 percent air
-Ice cream is typically served frozen, gelato is typically stored and served at a slightly warmer temperature, so it's not quite completely frozen.

But one thing ice cream and gelato do have in common: you won't be able to resist just one more scoop!

1) VENCHI

Flavours: Nougatine & Cremino 1878


I have this in Rome Fiumicono Airport. I think this is one of the best Gelato I ever had. One thing I realise is the colours are not as bright as other Gelatos. No bright green for the pistachio or vivid pink for strawberry. Is it a good sign? I think the shades are the exactly the same as the fruit they come from.

Venchi is a company producing fine Italian chocolate. I would suggest to try their chocolate flavoured Gelato would be the best choice.

Via degli Orfani, 87 - 00186 Roma   
Tel. 06 69925423   
Openings: Everyday 10.30 - 24.00   
Nearest Landmark: Pantheon

Craving of Gelato before you leave Rome, here's one inside the airport.

Aeroporto L.Da Vinci - Terminal 1/3 - 00054 Fiumicino
Tel. 06 65017412 
Openings: 9am- 9pm
Nearest Landmark: Rome Fiumicino Airport (Terminal 1 or 3)

2) OLD BRIDGE

Couldn't get a perfect picture as the Gelato melted so soon under the bright sun

A visit to Vatican city,  the world's smallest country is a must when you are at Rome. Craving for Gelato near Vatican city? Well, you're on luck. 

Old Bridge serves one of the best scoops and the prices are affordable. You can get 2 scoops from a price of 2.50 Euros for a normal cone which I think it is the market price for all Gelatos. La Gelateria Old Bridge only uses whole milk, cream and fresh fruits in its famous ice-cream. I would suggest you to try their fruity Gelatos.

One thing I don't like about is the que is always so long. Well, this shows that a good Gelato deserve a wait. 


Viale Bastioni di Michelangelo, 500192 Roma Italia

Tel: +39 06 4559 9961

Openings: 9am – 2am
Nearest Landmark: Vatican City (near San Pietro)

3) GROM

Before my trip to Rome, I have read through Singapore's famous blogger Lady Iron Chef. One of his post is about the Rome's Best Ice- Cream. 

On our way to Pantheon, we passed by Groom and decided to give it a try. Initially, Groom gave me an impression of korean ice-cream instead of Italian Gelato. They have korean words written all over the shop and their Gelatos are covered with lid. One thing I dislike is I couldn't have a good view of the texture of the Gelato before deciding what flavour I want. 

Since it is recommended, I decided to give Pistachios and Crema Come Una Volta since they are voted as Grom's classics. However, the taste did not fail us. The texture and the flavours are so natural. I went back to did some research, it is actually one of the famous Italian gelateris in Italy having outlets in Florence, Venice, Milan, Rome and New York. 


Via della maddalena, 30A
Tel: +39 06 68210447
Sun to Thu: 11am – 11pm, Fri & Sat: 11am – 12midnight
Nearest Landmark: Pantheon

4) MELOGRANO

Melograno is situated near the Trevi Fountain. There are lots of Gelatos around Trevi Fountain which you might get confused and wondering which one has the best Gelato.

I would recommend Melograno as their texture is good and their flavours are refreshing. 
With a price of 2.50 Euros you could get doube big scoops which I think is worth the price if you're considering a budget trip. By comparing the cone with my face, you could see the size of the Gelato.  This was also the most generous portion size for gelato of my entire trip. 

I tried the Pistachios and lemon flavour as it is highly recommended. It's worth a shot!

Piazza di Trevi 101, 00187 Rome, Italy
Tel: +39(0)6 6792802
Nearest Landmark: Trevi Fountain


I hope that I have more time to try more of Gelatos. If you are in Rome, definitely must try these Gelatos!