Jewel of The Middle East (Jerusalem, Israel)

Pull & Bear coat / vintage turtleneck sweater / Zara pants / H&M boots / Mango aviators

Nativity Church

King David's Tomb

Inside of the King David's Castle today

Entrance to The Arab Souk (market)

Old City of Jerusalem

"Israel didn't fail to give me a jaw-drop."

Moving from Egypt to Israel was like finding a utopia. It was such a different sense of amazement. I've always admired The Middle East and I happened to have the chance to travel to some of the beautiful countries, but Israel didn't fail to give me a jaw-drop. I was wonderstruck. And still am.

"The atmosphere was serene and reeks of history. The perfect balance, modern yet historic."

As we drove to The Holy City, Jerusalem, I couldn't stop pressing my face against the glass just to make sure I wasn't at any fashion shows. I was simply stunned by the fact that the streetwalkers were so astonishingly stylish in their unique sense of style, passing by our bus. It was like a fashion parade – and it wasn't even New York. The girls were all in the longest, chic yet classy coat and leather boots. Their hair was not even crappy at all (keep in mind that it was late, wet, and freezing), even gorgeous. After the staring and gazing, I realized how their style is modestly classy, elegant, yet effortless. It's amusing to see these people transform in term of fashion in this beautiful old city which – still until today, is known for its history. The atmosphere was serene and reeks of history. The perfect balance, modern yet historic. As they walk nonchalantly in style, with the old stone walls behind (oh and ZARA across the street), I captured this beautiful contrast. A scene of the perfect clash that reveals the beauty of Israel.

"It was like a fashion parade – and it wasn't even New York."

Last Day in Egypt and Light-Packing Problem

Pull & Bear coat / Uniqlo turtleneck sweater / Stradivarius pants / Forever 21 scarf

The view from my room.

Breathtaking view from our hotel.

Light-packing is definitely not a piece of cake, when all I think about was anything but the initial function of clothing. When we were asked to only take a few pieces of clothes with us as we were heading to St. Catherine, I was doomed. What? My clothes are my photo props, silly.

"What? My clothes are my photo props, silly."

St. Catherine is a small town in Sinai. It was a tremendously beautiful town, with all the mountains as the skyscrapers. Exceptionally amazing, yet extremely cold. We were supposed to climb up Mount Sinai at 3 am–well Moses did, so why couldn't we?! However when we reached St. Catherine at about 2.30 am in the freezing cold night, we just couldn't think we could make it. Moses rocked.

Regarding the limited-outfit situation, I ended up bringing the same pants I wore the other day, heat-tech turtleneck sweater, and a scarf to add a hint of color. This coat with faux quilted leather sleeves is super comfy and pretty warm. It's got a quite thick sleeveless lining which is removable. I can definitely wear it to fashion shows. So versatile.

"I can definitely wear it to fashion shows. So versatile."

I was very much gonna miss Egypt, since it was our last day before we headed to Israel. It felt so heartbreaking to leave the country; I sincerely pray for Egypt and for the sake of the people.

Nevertheless, enjoy these kick-ass view of Egypt!

P.S: And what is it with Egyptians? I swear the guys were so incredibly tall and good-looking; such an eye candy that they can fly to Indonesia and marry the celebrities straight away.

The Great Pyramid of Giza and Post-Vacation Syndrome

vintage sweat tunic / Stradivarius trousers / H&M boots / MANGO aviators

abandoned theme park

I've been a few weeks having what they called as the 'post-vacation syndrome' or 'post-vacation blues' whatsoever. Honestly, I don't know such thing does exist until I googled it (thank you Mister), but indeed–it really does exist. Perhaps it was just me to simply refuse to admit that it was the end of my perfect trip. Half of my heart and soul and mind were still there, I was all over the place. I do realize that I was only left for 12 days. But it occurred to me that this unpleasant 'disease' has been affecting my routines in these past weeks brutally (I'll blame it as an excuse to my absence of posting).

"But it occurred to me that this unpleasant 'disease' has been affecting my routines in these past weeks brutally."

Oh, back-to-reality.

While every girl's dream is to be in Paris, I dream of the Middle East. There's something truly enthralling about this part of the world that intrigues my curiosity. Their history and culture have always been enticing for me to dig more, as it gives me another perspective of seeing the world. That's what keeping me from coming back.

While every girl's dream is to be in Paris, I dream of the Middle East. 

Last year, I came to see Turkey, or as they called it Turkiye; one of the most breathtaking places on earth. This winter, I got the chance to visit Egypt; the country I never thought I would have a chance to see, a country that I never thought would change my life. I've read that a few countries may issue travel warning to Egypt, I feel lucky mine doesn't. Looking through tabs of traveling websites with quite terrifying informations, it did give me the chills. However, once I enter the city, all my guessing is wrong. My reluctance fell apart. I love this city in a different way, more likely to feel compassion and amazed. Cairo is such an incredible city despite what they have been through lately. Every side of the city told stories that lied behind the dusty walls and beneath the ruins. Even so, in my eyes the city magically turns alive with its story. Artistic details of their buildings, beautiful Egyptian carvings on the walls, amazing silhouettes of the domes, and of course their typical palette of deep red and gold as the big part of the story.

However, once I enter the city, all my guessing is wrong. My reluctance fell apart. I love this city in a different way.

After hours of flight, we transferred to Kuwait before our next flight to Cairo. Never have had winter in my life, clearly I was freezing once I stepped out of the plane. As the next day coming, I couldn't bare my to see one of the Seven Wonders of the world, the great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. While this experience was truly exciting, sadly I found them surrounded by dense fog. Oh mother nature, how could you be so mean. Still, looking at those kick-ass triangles felt spectacular. We were so lucky that it wasn't snowing at all. As some of you might have heard, Cairo just witnessed its first snowfall in 112 years, and this happened just before we came! The weather was awful. There was torm clouds appeared over The Pyramid and Sphinx; they were shown covered in snow, all white and... well, odd. On second thought, thank you mother nature.

As the weather forecast kept warning me, Israel would be much colder than Egypt. So, I was keeping my coat untouched in my luggage until we reached Israel. (well if you must know, it IS cold; I was wearing 3 layers.)

Can't wait to share more stories and pictures with you.