Europe Day 4 (PART 2): Budapest, HUNGARY
Wednesday, 20 Dec 2006
Aftter Slovakie, we follow the course of the Danube River to Eastern Europe most cosmopolitan city, Budapest.
The place we stayed
Here is a very interesting toilet. may be it's my ignorance but I've never seen this before and hell I know the right way of using it or more accurately, the right way of sitting! We stood there, staring at it and scratching our heads...... and finally GAVE UP! What the hell, we don't come here and stare at the toilet! But trust me, this toilet design is NOT very user friendly!
Budapest by night
Budapest Castle
Splendid panorama from Gellert Hill.......
Vajdahunyad Castle
Vajdahunyad Castle was built between 1896 and 1908. Various parts of the castle illustrate the different styles of Hungarian architecture. The castle is an imitation of the Castle of Vajdahunyad in Transylvania, which was built in the 15th century (today Hunedoara, Rumania).
Today, the castle serves as an Agricultural Museum.
Jak Chapel
The statue of Anonymus
It is located opposite the largest façade facing the courtyard of the Vajdahunyad Castle was a chronicler in the 13th century. His face hidden in his monk's hood symbolising the fact that the identity of the chronicler is unknown even today, there is no further information about him than that he worked at the royal court. His first history book "Gesta Hungarorum", written in Latin on the ancient Hungarians which mostly based on earlier chronicles, contains the Hunnish-Hungarian cycle of legends, the history of the Magyar Conquest and of the first kings of the House of Árpád.
Labels: travel/adventure
Europe Day 4 (PART 1): Bratislava, SLOVAKIA
Wednesday, 20 Dec 2006Today we left Czech into Moravia where Napoleon established his headquarters during the battle of Austerlitz. Before arriving into Hungary, we had our 2 hour lunch stop in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.Lunch at the Christmas Market, Old Town Square
The Christmas Market was packed with people.....
So many people......
Enough for picture taking, I WANT MY LUNCH!!!! Grrr.....!!
Dessert time......
A stroll through the city
After the meaty, oily and sweety lunch, a good walk is essential to at least burn some off if not all. Here are some random snaps of the beautiful capital.......
Grassalkovich PalaceThe Grassalkovich Palace (or the Presidential Palace) built in 1760 is the seat of the President of Slovakia.
The cute palace guards. I like their colourful outfit, makes them look like those little toys!
Bratislava Castle
The Medieval Bratislava Castle is the most noteable building in Bratislava. The castle is now serves as an important museum.
Labels: travel/adventure
Europe Day 3 (PART 2): Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC
Tuesday, 19 Dec 2006Moldau Lunch CruiseIn the afternoon, we boarded a private boat to see beautiful vistas of Prague during a one and a half hour cruise along the Vltava river. We had lunch with aperitif, drink and live music entertainment. It is one hell of a heaven!
Our first time trying aperitif...it tastes little bit like...er....coughing liquid medicine
Beautiful Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge (originally called the Stone bridge or the Prague Bridge) is the most prominent feature in Prague. It is a famous historical bridge that crosses the Vltava river. The bridge which was to be a substitute for the Judith Bridge that had been destroyed started its construction in 1357 under the orders of King Charles IV (hence the name of the bridge), and completed in 15th century.
Charles Bridge is demarked by two unequal towers. A younger one was built in sixtees of the 15th century in late Gothic style. The older one which is the main tower, namely the Old Town Bridge Tower, is one of the most striking construction of its kind in existence.
According to a legend, said that workers used to add raw eggs into mortar so that the sandstone blocks can be fixed together solidly.
The bridge served as a trade route between east and west Europe in the old ages. Nowadays, it is a heaven for craft, souvenirs and trinket stalls. There were musicians playing their music while you enjoying the beautiful views. The ambience is truly memorable!
Labels: travel/adventure
Europe Day 3 (PART 1): Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC
Tuesday, 19 Dec 2006
After breakfast, we had our morning sightseeing with a local guide featuring Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, The Old Town, The Jewish ghetto, and the Astronomical clock.
Hradcany Castle
Also known as Prague Castle, built around 850AD by the Premyslid family. It is the largest medieval castle in Europe and the ancient seat of Czech kings throughout the ages.
Changing guards at the entrance of the Prague Castle.
St. Vitus Cathedral
St. Vitus, located within Prague Castle was an early romanesque rotunda founded by Wenceslaus I. The Cathedral took almost 600 years to built. It is an excellent example of Gothic architecture and is the biggest and most important church in the country. Nowadays, the Cathedral houses the crown jewels and tombs of Bohemian kings.
Jewish ghetto
The town hall is the center of the local Jewish community. The building is best known for its two clocks. Upper one with Roman numeral markings and the lower one, with Hebrew numbers and hands that turn counterclockwise, just as Hebrew reads from right to left.
While we were admiring the Jewish Town Hall, something caught my eyes.......
Yeah, our very own Malaysia manufactured vehicle, Proton! I still think it looks rather different than those we have back home, or is it my short memory?
The Old Town Square
27 Protestant leaders were executed in Old Town Square in Prague on June 21, 1621
Church of Our Lady before Tyn
A dominant feature of the Old Town Square
The Astronomical Clock Legend
It is once the envy of all Europe.
According to one legend, the clock was constructed by Master Hanus. The Prague councillors were so delighted by the exceptional design that they sent their men to blind Master Hanus to avoid another beautiful structure been built for other towns. One day, the clock needed reparation and master Hanus was the only one who could do it. However, instead of repairing it, Master Hanus destroyed the mechanism of the clock to get his revenge. The clock hadn't been working for a long time, until someone able to repair it was finally found.
The clock is still working well today!
Labels: travel/adventure
Europe Day 2 (PART 2): The city of a hundred spires - Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC
Monday, 18 Dec 2006
The fairy-tale city is one of Europe's most beautiful capitals, with 6 hundred years of well preserved architecture. Prague, to me is a beautiful city full of spookiness. I guess it’s the combination of the ancient buildings, night lighting, some legends, the winter chill and the gloomy weather that makes this city kind of ghostly. It is, I think the perfect setting for vampire movies. Prague is also the most unsafe city of all that I have visited. Another family in our group had someone broke into their hotel room while they were all out enjoying dinner. Thus, unless it is a group tour with a local guide, we refrained ourselves from exploring the city on our own at night.
Arriving into Prague
Dorint Novotel
This huge heart shape thing, hanging in the middle of the hotel is a very special vocal amplifier creation. You can actually talk another person standing at the other side of the heart (approx 10 m apart) right through the hole at the centre of the heart. The amplified voice is so good that it feels like the other person is talking right at your ear!
Our room.....
Strahov Monastery
This monastery of the Premonstratensians Order founded in 1140 is one of the oldest monasteries in the world. Though it was raided several times, its 800 year old library still belongs among the most important in Bohemia. The building is now serves as a monastery and a museum.
Taking a break at a local bar
I know, I know, the clip is too dark but this is the best I could do with my camera :(
Quiet street in Prague
The white error shows the flood level when Prague had their worst flood a few years back. Scary!
Kampa Island
Kampa island, also known as the Venice of Prage is a little island on the Vltava River. The island is separated from the left bank, just to the left of Charles Bridge by a narrow stream called Certovka (Devil's Stream) where many watermills used to be. Kampa island is an unexpectedly peaceful part of Prague.
Millrace ancient waterwheel
Charles Bridge at night
A view of National Theatre from Charles Bridge
Prague Castle
The Old Town bridge tower is often considered to be one of the most astonishing civil gothic-style buildings in the world
Labels: travel/adventure
Europe Day 2 (PART 1): Munich, GERMANY
Monday, 18 Dec 2006
Early start today. We had an orientation tour of Munich, capital of Bavaria featuring Nymphenburg Palace. Guess what? It was SNOWING!! YES, SNOWING!!!
Nymphenburg palace
Nymphenburg palace is a Baroque palace in Munich, commissioned in 1664 by the electoral couple Ferdinand Maria and Henriette Adelaide of Savoy to celebrate the birth of their son, Maximilian II Emanuel. The palace was the summer residence of the rulers of Bavaria.
Streets in Munich
Konigsplatz (King’s Square)
The plans for the Konigsplatz were drawn up by Leo von Klenze in 1812 in anticipation of Munich's expansion which took 50 years to build. It was Hitler’s favourite parade ground. Today however, the area around Konigsplatz is today the home to the Kunstareal, Munich's gallery and museum quarter. Concerts of top artists like Dido and Paul McCartney also have been held here.
Siegestor
Siegestor, completed in 1852 is a monument and reminder to peace. Sitting on the top of the arch is a statue of Bavaria with a lion-quadriga.
Eternal flame monument
This monument with eternal flame (yes, real flame burning 24-7 365 days!) is a memorial to all victims of National Socialism(NAZI).
Marienplatz
We're back to Marienplatz again, this time in our tour group. Although we had already explored here ourselves yesterday, we're thrilled to be back here. It looks definitely different and nicer with the snow flakes........
Lion is the symbol of Bavaria
Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church)
The oldest church in Munich, known locally as Old Peter. It was burned down completely in 1327, was restored and extended with many side buildings and the bell tower, then destroyed again in World War II.
On a good day, it is worth climbing the 300 steps to the top to get a good view of the city. We didn’t do it that day, it was kinda foggy and misty so don’t think we could see much anyway.
Allianz Arena
A soccer stadium in the north of Munich. 2006 FIFA World Cup was held here.
A lunch stop while we're on our way to Prague.....
Prague, we're coming to see you!
Labels: travel/adventure
Europe Day 1: The city of Oktoberfest - Munich, GERMANY
Sunday, 17 Dec 2006
We arrived into Munich Franz Josef Strauss International Airport at 08:30. Weather was overcast and reasonably cold.
We met our Globus tour director Briggete and the bus driver Claudio on arrival. We were then taken to our hotel.
We had the whole day at leisure so wasted no time, we decided to explore the city.
Gasteig
The first landmark (the brown building in the background) we saw coming out of our hotel. Gasteig is a cultural centre which hosts the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra.
Isar river
Isar river, 295km, is the fifth largest river in Bavaria, Germany. The name Isar appears to be derived from the Celtic word Isaria (meaning torrential).
Isartor (Isar Gate)
The Isartor was built in 1337 comprising a tall main tower, two front towers and a bailey. It was also belongs to the medieval fortifications erected under Ludwig the Bavarian.
Munich Christmas market at Marienplatz
You'll find yourself surrounded by a variety of stalls selling local food, mulled wine, sweets, cakes, crafts, crafts and beautiful Christmas decors!!
Fischbrunnen (Fish Fountain). The famous Fish Market was once held here, thus the name.
Neues Rathaus (The New Town Hall)
The Neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus was built in 19th century and it is the building dominating the Marienplatz. At the centre of the building is the famous Glockenspiel (carillon), the greenish part that contains interesting figures. These figures dance 3 times a day at 11:00, 12:00 and 17:00 hrs in celebrating two history events. One section of figures performs the Schlaffertanz (cooper’s dance) to commemorate the end of the plague in 1517. The other part re-enacting a famous tournament that was held in Marienplatz for the royal weddings in 1568.
In front of the New Town Hall is a golden Virgin Mary statue. The half moon under Her feet symbolizing the fall of the Turks who occupied Munich.
Altes Rathaus (The Old Town Hall)
The Old Town Hall which is located on the north of Marienplatz, opposite the New Town hall was built in the 15th century and was rebuilt after it was bombed in World War II. It is now served as a toy museum.
Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady)
This Catholic cathedral topped with two “green onion” domes is the largest church in Munich and dubbed the symbol of Munich. The cathedral can hold around 20,000 people.
The construction began in 1468 and completed in 1488. However, the two onion domes were not added until 1525.
The Frauenkirche was constructed from red brick in the late Gothic style. The original design for the two towers were to top with pointed spires but were never built due to lack of money. Thus the two domes added in 1525, which somehow are mismatched stylistically with the rest of the building.
Kaufingerstrasse
Shopping street stretching from Marienplatz to Karlstor .
Michaelskirche (St. Michael Church)
Michaelskirche is located close to Karlstor and Frauenkirche. This largest Renaissance church north of the Alps was constructed in 1583 by Duke Wilhelm.
Karlstor (Karl's Gate)
Karlstor represent the entrance to the Historic City Centre
The giant pretzel
Deutsches Museum (German Museum)
Deutsches Museum is the world's largest museum of technology and science.
That's for today. There's a welcome dinner waiting for us at our hotel!
Labels: travel/adventure
Taking off to Munich
Saturday, 16 Dec 2006 We flew with Lufthansa to Munich. Our flight departed at 23:59, Changi Airport.
Approx 13 hours later, we arrived into Frankfurt for transit. Local time was 06:00.
Europe has implemented new regulations for hand luggage.
Only a maximum of 100 ml liquid can be carried on the plane. All liquid stuff is required to be sealed in the plastic bag provided for security checks. No exception to my lipgloss (-_-)
…..and no mineral water is allowed, even if it is an empty bottle!! Very troublesome. Well, thanks to those terrorist attacks!! (>_<)!!
After the stringent security checks, we're finally heading off to Munich at 07:30 am. Wheeeeeeee!!
Labels: travel/adventure
Eastern Europe trip summary
We visited Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria and France. The 12-day trip was good and in reasonable pace. We were pleased with Globus. We had our leisure time at each destination to do whatever we want if we chose not to join their optional excursions. The weather, well not quite what I expected. It was cold but not much snow in sight. There was some snow flakes and frost and that was it. It was apparently the warmest winter in don't know how many years. In Salzburg, they had snow started in October 05 through to April 06, but this winter, not a sight.
The locals were good though not as friendly as Kiwis. I suppose the state of mind as a result of communism is still widely adopted.
Most of the locals we dealt with could understand reasonable amount of English which makes our trip free of language difficulties. People were elegantly dressed most of the time, from high heel boots to full length fur coat and some, walking with their snobbish looking dogs. Designer apparels and accessories from tip to toe!
We visited the infamous Christmas market in every country and had local sausages/hot dog for lunch almost everyday. That's the cheapest food available and still costing us 3 Euro each, equivalent to NZD 6!! Hell! The locals drank hot wine to keep warm and we drank our self-filled tap water (yes, the tap water is safe).
These iron curtain catholics countries are full of well preserved baroque and gothic buildings, which, each has it's own story to tell......
Cars are driven on cobblestoned roads.....
I felt like I was being brought back to hundred years.
The Christmas spirit was unbelieveable. I love Christmas but I've never had such a strong emotion about it. The winter chill, the Christmas markets, the people, carols/songs, street decors, horse carriages and the traditional architectures all added to a perfect Christmas ambience.
All in all, the trip is an eye opener for me. My favourite place of all? VIENNA!!
p/s: Brace yourself for my next coming posts. Make sure you don't drown in the sea of photos!! (^_^)
Labels: travel/adventure
Back to work today
....dragging my heavy feet with my sleepy face....and the bleak weather...sucks!!
Labels: notepad
I'm back!
......back to my little nest, back to reality, back to my working life. Sigh! The 4 week holiday was not short, but doesn't seem to be enough. It's never enough!
My biological clock has gone nuts! Switching like 4 times in a month! My whole lifestyle is now in a mess :( That's really shit ok!
I brought back a mountain of goodies of course. Shoes, clothes, glasses, bags, DVDs, blah blah blah and all never ending list. It took me the whole afternoon to unpacking all my stuff and only now I have a little bit of time to update my 'frozen' blog.
Ok, so what did I do in Kuching for the past week? Hmm.....LOTS!! Well, needless to say much, what else can you do in Kuching but EAT. Nothing but eat, eat and eat! I had 6 meals a day almost everyday. Food in Kuching is just too good to pass. We gluttons eat like there is no tomorrow. I managed to complete my whole list of "food to eat" (no kidding man, I had my list all drawn up even before I left NZ!) And in no time, I've gained back the 1.5 kg I lost in a day while returning from Europe the week before. How and why? FOOD POISONING!! Damn it! Vomitting more than 10 times in the plane and serious diarrhoea. My condition was so bad that I almost miss the plane. NOT FUNNY!
Anyway, back to Kuching. I didn't shop much in Kuching. Too tired to shop when dragging a full stomach all the time. I felt too heavy to walk, to try out dresses and clothes, even to browse around. Haha! We also caught up with some friends over a table of food/drinks! Apart from our usual kopitian, restaurant and food stalls, 4 more eating places have been added into my "been there done that" list - Exza, Mango Tree thai restaurant, Rock Road Seafood restaurant and Sin Soon Lee Seafood restauran at Ching San. I've also tried some wild taste - goat, wildboar and the turtle like river creature (don't know what it is called). The taste? Not bad! Not bad at all!
A night with durians
My favourite orange meat wild durian!
Yum~~~~I was on cloud 9~~~~
with my niece, very chatty cute little gal
Lunch @ Sin Soon Lee Seafood restauran at Ching San
The Malay kid on the far right in blue shirt was pestering us for "car watch" money. Apparently this is the experience that one can never missed at Ching San! We ignored him.
View from the restaurant
The beach was full of this kinda weird looking amphibian
My nephew
Pandan coconut. It tastes so much nicer than the normal ones.
Fried squid with dried chilli
Grouper - 石斑魚
Crispy pan fry egg with oyster! (my favourite!!)
Mussels steamed with Chinese wine
When we were back to the carpark, the Malay kid was still persisting with his "car watch" money. We gave him RM2 but he insisted RM3!! (O_O)!! What the hell? He didn't do shit (car watch is just a name for free money) and still wanted more?! We didn't gave in and drove the hell off there!
Buying crabs on our way back
5 meaty crabs for RM20 only!!
Catch up with friends @ Exza
Family photo portrait session
Gone the old specs
My new specs! Shocking pink colour frame with a bit of glitter!House of horror?
Came across this house when we were driving pass a street. I thought this kinda scene would only be seen in those Hong Kong movie? 
If you can't read Chinese, it basically says "pay back the money you owe". Must be from those loan sharks.
Labels: family/friends, travel/adventure
Budapest Castle
Jak Chapel 
