We're all going on a summer holiday...

My mom's favorite artist of all time was due to play his farewell tour this month throughout the UK and Europe. Seeing that it was our last chance to ever see him in concert, the girls in the family flew over our fair country and over the Atlantic for a chance to catch Sir Cliff Richard live in concert.

Due to classes at uni, I was the last to fly out (and also the first to return home). Being the student that I am, I took the cheapest flight available to me that ended up looking like this:
Vancouver to Chicago, Chicago to Stockholm, Stockholm to Paris.

I was lucky that I was able to spend the day in Stockholm.
Although it was quite cold (just above freezing when I arrived in the city at 8:30am), I was able to discover quite a few amazing spots. I walked across the numerous bridges that connect the different parts of the city centre, enjoyed many coffees to warm myself up, came across the Nobel Museum by pure luck, and enjoyed a fantastic lunch in a quaint plaza.

Then it was onwards to Paris and the search for a hostel for the night before catching the train to my hometown. After getting on the wrong end of my fast-train (the TGV), I arrived safe and sound in Noyers S/Cher.
It was amazing to be back "home" after being away for the last 11 years. Looking at the rolling hills, the roman roads, the vineyards, the cobblestone streets, the houses built into the cliff, all of this brings back so many childhood memories.

After a very brief stay in France (just over 36 hours) it was a quick jaunt across the Channel to London where Mom and I spent a few days exploring the city; a first for both of us.
Trust us to find two amazing Malaysian restaurants within a 4-day period. If you are in London and craving some Malaysian food, check out "Makan" on Portobello Road, just past the train overpass.

Then it was onwards to Manchester for a few days culminating to THE concert of a lifetime for my mom. Sunday October 18th: Cliff Richard and the Shadows, live in concert.
It was fantastic. I grew up listening to his music and watching his movies so it was a trip down memory lane once again. I was surprised to realize how many songs by the Shadows I knew and loved. It was great to see my mom enjoy herself so much. We even stuck around by the back gate after the concert to catch a glimpse of Sir Cliff before heading back to the hotel.

All in all, it was a fantastic trip and definitely worth the long flight out and back.