BLACKPOOL

I started learning dancesport less than two years ago due to un-satisfaction of the monotonous work at my job. I never thought that there will be one day I can see myself dancing a competition at Blackpool, at the same monument of the Winter Gardens where the world's best dancers once won their championship titles. This is a moment of a dream come true, or even a dream that I never dared to dream.

I will not love my time in Cambridge as much as I do now if I was not a member of CUDT. This team of talented, motivated, supportive, fun, and wonderful people make me feel so lucky I came to Cambridge. Lots of love and appreciation for CUDT. 

Photography by Simon Halliday

Photos (4th and 13th) by Jeremy Coulon

Photo (12th) by Lisa Bernhardt

Practice like you have never won. Dance like you have never lost. 

PAMUKKALE

The final highlight of Turkey: Pamukkale, or the cotton castle. I have seen pictures of Pamukkale floating around the internet and on Pinterest years ago, and was fascinated by how beautiful some places on our planet could be. 

Pamukkale is formed due to the carbonated minerals left behind from the flowing water of the hot springs. Walking down this large piece of white terrace makes me want to start singing "Let it go" as it feels like I am at a snow kingdom.

The majority of the sight has been shut down for preservation and only a narrow portion was open for tourists. The surface was not as pleasant to walk on as it seems. I still managed to walk deeper in and soak my feet in the warm spring water and enjoy the last bit to Turkish sunshine before I head back to England. 

Let it go, let it go, can't hold me back anymore. 

MARS LAND

The most highly picture-exposed landscape, Cappadocia. I have to seldom pinch myself to make sure its real, or I might confuse myself as being on another planet. The landscapes and fairy chimneys or"mushrooms" are formed by erosion and fulfills my imagination of what Mars may look like. We only had a short two day trip in Cappadocia so we decided to take the red tour to hit the most popular sights efficiently, such as the Goreme Open-Air Muesum, Love Valley, and Pasabag. This was unfortunate as I would really enjoy hiking on these landscapes if I had the time. 

Location stamp. I've been to Mars. 

ISTANBUL DIARY

Snap shots from my time in Istanbul, Turkey. It has been a month since my time there but I am slowly, but steadily arranging the pictures to be posted. Despite how beautiful the european architectures can be, it can become somewhat similar after a while and an infuse of Turkish culture became a good choice for winter break. Turkey is unique not only due to its history and immersions of various cultures; the people, the mosques, the bazaars, the spices, and the kebabs are as significant as well. One can never appreciate Istanbul enough without reading its stories and I spend weeks studying materials and looking through documentaries to understand this land better and still fascinated by its every corner as I am there. 

Napoleon: “If the world was only one country, Istanbul would be its capital!"

To the moon and back, remember?

The highlight of my turkey trip was the experience of flying on a hot air balloon on top of this incredible landscape of Cappadocia. Waking up at 4:00 a.m. in the morning was the only downside but we wanted to get there before sunrise. Despite it been -10 degrees fahrenheit, the excitement could easily make me forget the cold. The way up into the sky was unbelievable stable and smooth, slowly floating up before you notice it, nothing like a plane ride. Once up and above, you can only be facinated and thankful for everything you see. Pictures speak louder than words…… enjoy. 

BLUE MOSQUE

Known for its elegance of blue tiles across the ceilings and interior, Sultan Ahmed or the Blue Mosque still stands in old town of Istanbul as one of the center of attraction. Being my first tour sight and my first mosque visited in my lifetime, it set my Turkey trip with a start of ongoing admirations.

I was hoping to arrive extremely early morning before the usual crowds of visitors but was unfortunately unable to make it being the lazy me as usual. Despite unable to see the mosque solely, it still was my favorite attraction in Istanbul. Not only am I fascinated by its exquisite beauty, the architecture itself somehow releases a charm that you cannot help to approach it and quietly take in its spirit. The scenes of faithful Muslims kneeling onto the floor with their prayers, touch my heart and enriched my soul.  

DENIM ON DENIM

Majestic Filatures Turtleneck Undershirt/ Forever21 Denim Shirt/ Zara Jeggings/ Stella Luna Boots/ Alpaca Coat/

Outfit number one that I wore during my memorable trip to Turkey during my winter break.  I was expecting a warmer temperature but it turned out to be the same as England, and I had to layer myself to keep warm. At least I got some vitamin D from the sunshine which we do not see so often here.

Packing for a trip can be a headache, especially when you are moving around from place to place and from hotel to hotel. I fit in a weeks worth of winter supplies in just a carryon luggage and I am extremely proud. Talking about wise packing! Most of the item I brought along is a combination of blacks, denims,  leather jackets, and a lot of accessories to change the look. By wearing a different scarf makes the overall outfit look completely different even though its the same basic coat underneath. I shall be updating more details of my days in Istanbul.