Places to Explore

Boston

2008-08-23T01:32:00.001-04:00

It has been a long journey and I'm glad to be at a place where I don't
have to run constantly. It'll be a while till this blog gets updated
as school begins real soon and I have no big travels anytime in the
near future, except for travels within New England, New York or
California. However, there will be a new blog dedicated to the
abstraction of things I see in life. It's still a work in progress and
in the meantime, I'll be revisiting this blog to fill in any gaps I
might have left out now that I'm beginning to upload my pictures. Till
then, I'm signing off for the weekend.

Paris

2008-08-16T07:48:00.000-04:00

Being my second time in Paris (actually third, but the first one didn't really count as I was only in the city for a few hours), I've began to like Paris more. Such a beautiful city, with its grand avenues, majestic buildings and this time, I was able to enjoy Paris in a quiet relaxing environment, as most of the local has gone off for holiday. It was a different side of Paris I've never seen before. I'm off the London now to spend a few days before heading off to Boston next week. Overall, it has been an amazing trip and Paris was definitely a good city to end my grand tour.

Lisboa

2008-08-13T12:57:00.000-04:00

Lisboa (Lisbon) has been a great city. Chic, bohemian, edgy, and gritty, those are just a few words Lisbon portrays itself and walking around the city has also showed me the colorful and artistic side of Lisbon. With new urban development, modern infrastructures and facilities, Lisbon is also preparing its citizen for the future. It was unfortunate for me that I only spent a short time here as there are still much to know about the city, its culture and its citizens but that, however I'll leave it till next time. I've arrived at Paris today, and will be spending the rest of the week here.

Andalucia Spain

2008-08-10T08:58:00.000-04:00

The region of Andalucia is quite captivating. With its mountainous backdrop of the Sierra Nevada, cities like Granada inspires the traveler to close their eyes and relive the past of the great muslim rulers who made Granada their sanctuary. Scents of citrus trees, exotic wildlife and sounds of water flowing through the fountains and pools in the palaces of The Alhambra in Granada stops the lone traveler, who is passing by the region in search of eden should look no further. I based myself in Sevilla, an hour away by train from Cordoba and three hours away from Granada. A visit to these three cities is a must for travelers visiting this part of Spain. Words can only describe the sights but one must be in presence to experience the sounds of horses' hoofs drawing the carriages on the city streets, the magnificent landscape and sounds of water flowing in the courtyards of the many palaces and churches around the region. All three cities are quite amazing on its own and doesn't fail to impress travelers who wants to experience a different side of Spain. I leave Spain for Portugal today inspired by its beauty, its culture and its architecture.

Sunset? Sunrise?

2008-08-08T01:40:00.001-04:00

It's actually sunrise at 7.30 in the morning in Spain. Amazing!

My First Cinqo

2008-08-08T01:33:00.001-04:00

I had to catch a 7am train earlier today and decided to stop by the cafe at the station for a cup of coffee and a croissant. Later, I asked for the bill, took out a clean, crisp 10 euro bill I had acquire the other day from a vendor and paid one of the staff (we'll call her staff one). When I got the change back, it was 5 euro short. I told them the change is incorrect, and of course no one spoke a word of english and Staff One kept saying I gave her a 5 euro bill, and I kept saying no. Staff Two (She) who was handling the cash machine at the moment of course believe Staff One, but my question to her was how was she supposed to know when she was also taking another customer's money without paying attention. (I was standing at the cashier witnessing the situation at that moment) This went on back and forth, me speaking english and them speaking spanish. (Apart from everything else they said, I only understood the number 5)

The whole situation was so ridiculous and I stood at the cash machine till Staff Two came back and still kept telling me no, I gave them a 5 euro bill. Minutes passed and the only male staff walked in and seems to be asking what was going on. Staff Two and him were talking and somehow Staff Two took out a receipt from the customer before me, both of them looked at it and Staff Two took out a 5 euro bill and gave it to me without saying a word. And she didn't need to because clearly she wasn't paying attention and it was her fault, the other customer got more change than he needed, of course he didn't complain. I walked out saying "Gracias".

Valencia

2008-08-07T05:47:00.000-04:00

Well, it has been a relaxing past two days at Valencia, and now I'm at Sevilla, in the Andalucian region south of Spain.

Valencia is architecturally a stunning city, crowded with its many Beaux Arts and medieval architecture. The city center, the old city is small and most major attractions are within a 5 - 10 minutes walk. Compare to its neighbor city of Barcelona, Valencia is nothing like it, though they are both less than 3 hours away by train. Valencia is smaller and signs of its medieval part can still be appreciated by taking a stroll along its narrow streets and alleyways. In terms of the city's architecture, if Gaudi was to Barcelona in the 20th century, then Calatrava is to what Valencia is in the new millennium. The City of the Arts and Sciences is a leisure and learning complex that houses many of Calatrava amazing architecture. It is also one of the largest leisure complex currently being build in Europe and consists of a performance center (second picture above), a science museum, botanical parks, an oceanography museum and a new agora (not sure what it's going to be used for) that is under construction at the moment. The land that the buildings are build on used to be a river that runs along the northern part of the city and since the mid 20th century, the river has dried out and has since been replaced with botanical gardens and sports facilities. It is certainly one of the most environmentally interesting use of land and resources.

The heart of Valencia has never been about its beaches. However, the closest beach to the city is only a 20 minutes train ride away and it is one of the nicest beach I've seen so far. Compare to the city beaches in Barcelona, it might not have the best water sports or activities along the beach, but the fine soft powder sand is enough for me to appreciate its beauty.

I arrived at Sevilla late last night, but between Barcelona, Valencia and Sevilla, some might say that Valencia is too sterile or too clean and has lost its old charm within the old city. Even the central market seems organized, brightly lit and a pleasure to walk around. The building facades seems to have been clean or freshly painted. In either case, Valencia is still a beautiful city to spend a few days at. I enjoyed my two days at Valencia, and the reason being (apart from its architecture), there were very little or no foreign tourist. Things may change at the end of the month as the city is preparing to host the Formula One race.

As for me, my trip is coming to an end soon. From Sevilla, I'll be taking day trips to Granada and Cordoba during my time here. Next week, I'll be heading to Lisbon, Paris and ending my adventure in London.

Train travel in Spain sucks!

2008-08-04T03:39:00.000-04:00

When those words from the title came out from me, I can't believe it either. First of all, getting a train ticket in August is impossible. The one night I tried to get a ticket in advanced, there were 250 people in front of me! I went the next morning, the line was short, only about 3 people ahead of me, but of course, I couldn't get the ticket I wanted because it was fully booked. I had to do a different route instead.

Secondly, the day I arrive to catch my train, everyone's luggage had to go through the xray machine! What's ironic is, they don't have a metal detector. So they don't allow guns, knives, explosives, etc (the usual) but they don't have a metal detector for passengers?! I could have took out my pocket knife and put it in my trouser's pocket and would have gotten away without any problem.

Thirdly, boarding the train is a pain. Passengers can't wait in the platform and had to wait in line till the gate opens. That's actually fine but the whole process is like boarding an airplane* where there's actually an attendant who takes your train ticket, scans it and give you your ticket/pass. What's annoying is people who buy their tickets online has problems with the documents, and as a result, is holding up the line.

Why can't it be a simple process, just like any other country where one can just go on to the designated platform, hop on board to the coach and seat assigned, wait for the conductor to come up to you, ask for your ticket, checks it and stamps it, and you're on your way to you next destination.

*( Riding the train in Spain is indeed like flying on board an aircraft. They have entertainment on board the train, and a crew members who passes out earphone is a little box. (Pictured above) One of the reason I take the train is because I don't have to wait in line and go through the security at the airport. Oh, and the crew member do actually kick you out of your seat when you're not sitting at your assigned seat. I actually don't care how good the service is as long as it gets me to my next destination. Life can be so much better when you don't try to complicate things. )

Adios, Barcelona

2008-08-04T02:54:00.000-04:00

Barcelona is truly a colorful city, and it is not just because of Gaudi's architecture, but it's also the people and culture that encompasses this amazing city. The city is equipped with modern facilities and has a great public transportation system. Though it is not the largest city in Spain, (only the second) it is a huge city with many districts to explore. The old gothic district is probably where tourists hit most, but it is worth exploring the districts outside the old city to get a feel and culture of the city. However, I can't comment on how liveable the city would be because of my short visit, but as far as I can see, the city seems easy to get around, and there are activities, leisure centers and parks built for the residents of Barcelona.

What should I get today?

2008-08-02T13:08:00.000-04:00

In some of the metro stations in Barcelona, they have this huge vending that will sell you anything from a can of coke to a bottle of shampoo. Very handy for backpackers and travellers alike who just got in to the city and needed the essentials. This one is in Maria Cristina metro station.

Performing on the streets

2008-08-01T17:37:00.000-04:00

Through my 2 months journey, I've encounter a lot of street performers. From Denmark to Italy, I've seen the Statue of Liberty, an Egyptian pharoah and many other lifeless performers who just stands on a pedestal to have their picture taken by pedestrians, even after someone gave them some money. However, it is in Barcelona that the streets performers here are by far the most creative and interactive I've seen yet. Above along the street of Les Rambles, we have the Invisible Man. They were also a gargoyle, a vampire, a Asian lady who dresses up with baskets of fruits and vegetables on her, an angel, a guy cycling with a puppet skeleton and the list goes on. My hat off to the city of Barcelona for such great inspirations.

Ola, Barcelona!

2008-08-01T06:47:00.001-04:00

Got in to Barcelona late yesterday and will be spending a few days to explore the city. But first stop, the temple of the sacred family (Sagrada Familia) by Antoni Gaudi.

Me and my bike: Part II

2008-08-01T03:46:00.000-04:00

Took a hilly 25 km bicycle tour to the Chianti Hills for some Tuscan landscape and wine tasting as well as a tour of an old villa owned by the Rossi family (of the Martini brand).

Siena

2008-07-31T01:31:00.000-04:00

Siena - a town that has drew many inspirations to architects and urban planners worldwide, mainly for its town square, the Piazza Il Campo. (Pictured top) I can't put my mind on why that is, could it be the history, the scale and relationship to the users or simply the fact that it is famous for its twice annual horse race around the square, or all of the above? In either case, Siena is a beautiful town with a breathtaking view of the Tuscan Hills that surrounds it.

Cinqueterre (5)

2008-07-27T16:53:00.001-04:00

The 5 towns along the northwest coast of Italy begins with the northern most town of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Together they are known as Cinqueterre (Five Towns). Each of the towns are within a few minutes ride by train, but they are also linked by foot paths between each town. The foot paths were once the original connection between the towns. It has now been recognized as a National Park and is protected under the UNESCO heritage site list.

I took the pleasure of taking the train up to Monterosso and started my 10km hike to the southern town of Riomaggiore. My total journey hike with stops between the towns of Vernazza, Corniglia and Manarola was 6 hours. (The stops at Monterosso and Riomaggiore are not included in the total journey) Each town has its own characteristic and are very different from each other. Monterosso seems to be the largest town (probably because of the sandy beach) and Corniglia is probably the smallest (also possibly because the beach is difficult to reach as you have to hike down). However, my favorite town between the five is probably Corniglia. It may not have the best looking architecture, but it is charming in its own little way. It is also the only town that sits on top of a hill rather than perching on a cliff like the other towns. The path from Vernazza - Corniglia path is also one of the most scenic, but it is also one of the hardest trail to tackle as the path are rocky and dangerous during wet weather.

Interestingly enough, I was lucky to experience some Mediterranean rain shower while walking along the path from Vernazza to Corniglia. The Vernazza - Corniglia path is also the longest followed by the Monterosso - Vernazza route (only about a few kilometers shorter but it takes the longest because of its high altitude hike). The shortest path is between the town of Manarola and Riomaggiore, better known as the Via dell' Amore (path of love).

The five towns are not difficult to reach (about an hour train ride from Pisa Centrale) and I highly recommend a visit as well as taking a hike between the five towns. It is also advisable to bring comfortable shoes and be cautious when hiking as some path are really narrow. It has been quite a rewarding day being able to enjoy and experience a natural and man-made wonder.

(Picture above is the town of Manarola)

My name is Lucca

2008-07-27T01:59:00.000-04:00

Took a side day trip to Lucca yesterday and I have to say it was really nice to get away from the crowds in Florence. There's a lot of history to Lucca but I won't bore everyone with that, however the one interesting and major attraction to Lucca is the old city wall that has protected Lucca from invaders in the past. Unlike old historical wall I've seen in other cities that are mostly destroyed or quarried for building materials, Lucca's wall is still standing, partly because it has been ramped and converted into a beautiful path and park for strollers, cyclist and the locals to enjoy. There are other interesting parts of the city such as the trace of an old roman amphitheater and a tower overlooking the city with a small garden at the top floor. All in all, it was a relaxing day as I fell asleep in the park for most part of the day.

Under the Florence Sun

2008-07-26T05:04:00.000-04:00

This post is a probably a bit late but I've been in Florence since Wednesday afternoon. Florence is actually a beautiful city if you can look beyond the crowd of tourists. For the past 2 days, I've walked around the city and have visited 2 of the most popular and crowded museums in Florence, the Accademia (which houses the statue of David by Michelangelo) and the Uffizi (which has the 2 famous painting by Botticelli).

Looking into the eyes of David inside the Accademia does not even compare to the replica in the Palazzo Vecchio. Though the statue was originally made to admired in an exterior setting (like the replica made standing outside the city hall), in the Accademia, you're looking at the statue through the eyes of Michelangelo. Or maybe it was just the lighting or the interior setting that makes David unresistable to the eyes of the public
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The Uffizi has a really good collection of arts but of course everyone visits it for Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus' and the 'Primavera'. Both are equally beautiful paintings but I wish they didn't have the glass panel covering the paintings. Its was too difficult and distracting to really admire and study the painting as it was intended.

Florence is a small city. The scale of the city actually reminds me of Boston as it is very walkable and most major sights are within a 15 minutes walk. Coming from Rome to Florence, I think of Rome as New York City and Florence as Boston.

Leaving Rome

2008-07-23T05:03:00.000-04:00

It has been a fantastic long week in Rome. Got to visit ruins, places, paintings, sculptures and churches that I have only seen on slides in art history classes before and am now able to experience them in person. It was brilliant! A lot of the old buildings like the churches and the colosseum do need to be experienced in person to realize just how massive that structure is! I have attached to this post a trusty map that had got me around Rome for the past week. The highlighted areas in orange and red are streets and places that I've walked on. For orientation purpose, the big red circle on the lower right (next to the grey/orange patch) is the Colosseum. The big red patch on the upper left is the Vatican.

There are just too much to see in Rome. I think I've only covered 20% of the churches dedicated to Santa Maria. But as it has been said before, "a lifetime in Rome is not enough". I'm on my way to Firenze (Florence) for a week in the Tuscany region. More Santa Maria to cover and hopefully will be able to see David.

Lost in Rome

2008-07-20T17:16:00.000-04:00

There are just so many churches, so many piazzas and so many archaeological sites to cover in Rome that it seems ridiculous to post every single sights. However, the one thing I bumped into was this guy drawing the Birth of Venus by Botticelli in the middle of the sidewalk near the Pizza di Spagna. His artwork is amazing, but he has also written some pretty interesting directions and information for tourist. Below are his words.

"Everyday lost tourists keep asking me the same questions, here are the answers ...

1. Piazza di Spagna: 2 minute walk down Via Condotti.
2. Piazza di Popolo: At the end of Via del Corso.
3. Trevi Fountain: Walk 500 meters up Via del Corso and on your right you will find Piazza Colonna. Turn left off Via del Corso after you pass the column in the center of the piazza.
4. Pantheon + Piazza Navona: Same as Trevi directions but turn right off Via del Corso after you pass Piazza Colonna.
5. Colosseum: It's too difficult to explain, so go to the Pantheon instead.
6. St. Peters + Vatican: Walk down this street in front of you until you reach the river and follow it to your left, cross the bridge with the statues on it then simply follow the trail of African guys selling fake Prada handbags.
7. Nearest McDonalds: So........you travel to a new country to experience a different culture famous all over the world for its food and wine and you want to eat at McDonalds.
8. Hard Rock Cafe: It's somewhere near Piazza Barberini
9. Nearest ATM: There is one behind Fendi. "

Why so many people?

2008-07-17T13:05:00.000-04:00

Why are there so many people sitting on the steps at the Piazza di Spagna?

Exploring the ancient relics at the Vatican

2008-07-17T11:49:00.000-04:00

Spent the whole day at the Vatican today, visiting St.Peters Basilica and the Vatican Museums. This whole place is huge, especially the museum! However, it does have a rather good or probably one of the best collection of paintings and antiquities from the Roman classical periods. And there is of course, the Sistine Chapel, housing one of Michelangelo finest paintings. It is worth the visit, just to see and experience the scale of the church and the frescos inside the church and museum. I suppose with no internet in the old days, people have a lot more time to explore the fine arts, and time probably wasn't a big issue back then.

Ciao Roma!

2008-07-16T11:14:00.000-04:00

Well, finally made it to Rome. I'll be here in Rome till next Wednesday, hopping around the ancient sites to modern Rome.

The Amalfi Coast: IV

2008-07-15T12:56:00.000-04:00

My last stop at the Amalfi Coast is Atrani before heading up north to Roma. Unlike the bigger town of Amalfi next door, Atrani is small, yet it is full of life. From its facade, you might think that Atrani is a sleepy town, but hidden behind those thick walls are narrow secret passageways and steps leading to different parts of the town as well as paths leading to Amalfi; this is where the energy of Atrani can be found. From within this passageways, you may find people catching up about their day, donkeys carrying loads up the steps and small piazzas where children plays. There is of course a main piazza where the locals would gather during the night, but life during the day takes place inside the labyrinth of Atrani. I'm glad Amalfi is getting its full attention from the tourists because that leaves Atrani to be appreciated as it should be, a hidden gem.

Dog on a scooter

2008-07-14T15:38:00.000-04:00

If you look closely to that white fluffy dot on the lower left side of the scooter, that's actually a dog, not a stuffed toy!

The Amalfi Coast: III

2008-07-14T10:28:00.000-04:00

This is the town of Atrani, where I'll be staying for 2 nights. Its a quaint little town, only 200 meters next to the bigger town of Amalfi.

The Amalfi Coast: II

2008-07-13T12:58:00.000-04:00

Sorrento is less than 10 minutes away by train from Sant Agnello. It is a bigger town, but I much prefer the small town quality and the slower pace at Sant Agnello.

The Amalfi Coast: I

2008-07-12T14:35:00.000-04:00

I think this will be a series of posts dedicated to the Amalfi Coast. My first stop is at S.Agnello, a town just before Sorrento. I'll be spending 2 nights here and I head to Amalfi and Atrani next. Both towns are about 90 minutes away from Sorrento by bus. It has been such a long tiring journey today but a rewarding one at the end of the day.

Crazy lady on the train to Sorrento!

2008-07-12T12:00:00.000-04:00

Noticed how no one is sitting around her. It is because she starts shouting nonsense once a while.

On the road to Sorrento

2008-07-12T09:32:00.000-04:00

I've finally arrived at Italy and am on the regional train from Brindisi to Sorrento. Things have been going smooth so far and I've met some new American friends. One of them will be starting his freshman year at Berklee College-small world indeed. However, I nearly missed one of my train connections at a small town called Foggia. I didn't even know it was a train as it has only 2 carts and it was so short!! I thought it was a service train until I noticed someone running to the train with his bags. Funny moments you experienced while you're traveling in a foreign land.

Crossing the Ionian Sea

2008-07-11T10:29:00.001-04:00

Well, I'm off to Italy after spending a week in Greece. The best part in Greece was visiting the island of Santorini. I'm sure the other Cyclades island is nice too, but Santorini was special. Wish I didn't have to leave it but there's still a long way for me to go. This time, I was able to get a cabin and hopefully get some good rest before my 2 weeks journey in Italy.

On the road to Patra

2008-07-11T06:10:00.000-04:00

If you're one of the lucky person who gets a seat on the right side of the bus (seats are automatically assigned with purchase of ticket), the view along the way to Patra are simply amazing! You'll see the coast lined up with olive plantations and houses facing towards the crystal clear blue water of the Mediterranean.

On the road to Patra

2008-07-11T04:10:00.000-04:00

There are some parts of Greece that reminds me of home in Malaysia. It is chaotic, congested, dirty and the city streets are filled with scooters flying by. I have nothing against Greece, but I really cannot imagine a city like Athens, which hosted the 2004 Olympics and the country of Greece who gave birth to western civilization and democracy can be so backwards.

Leaving Santorini

2008-07-10T01:48:00.000-04:00

It's difficult to describe the island of Santorini so I'll just let the pictures do the talking. It's sad to leave this special island, but it has certainly been a relaxing four days, hitting the black beaches in Perissa and enjoying the views from Fira and Oia. Now I have to head back to dirty old Athens before continuing my journey to the Amalfi Coast, Italy.

More on Santorini

2008-07-08T09:57:00.000-04:00

Found in Santorini: I heart Santorini

2008-07-08T04:44:00.000-04:00

Found on the phone booth next to a bus stop. The message says " If you are a woman interested in meeting a 39 years old guy for a discreet and free relationship call me or send me an SMS at 6972591014. Thank you and lots of kisses."

Santorini

2008-07-07T06:24:00.000-04:00

Not much to say except it's hot and sunny!

My view: Off to Santorini

2008-07-05T15:31:00.000-04:00

Getting to and getting around the greek island is such a pain in the ass. It pays to book early, but online booking has a surcharge of 25 euro and there were no availability for the Sunday ferry I had planned. And online booking has to be done four days in advance. Instead I had to do an overnight ferry on Saturday and through a travel agency. The ticket for deck seat costs only 30 euro (one way) but its an overnight ferry, so for that price you don't get a cabin, which is why I'm lying on the floor to get some shut eye. Another tip, travel agent can charge up to a maximum of 5 euros per ticket for service, so ticket prices may vary. My return ticket from Santorini to Athens costs 27.50 euro and I bought that from a different agency, however it is also a different ferry company.

My next task is getting to Italy from Greece. There's no way any of the ferry from Santorini could connect with the ferry to Italy (the port is 4 hours away from Athens), so I'll be staying in Athens for another night when I get back. There also seems to be limited availability on that ferry (which is surprising-are there really that many people travelling to Italy? It is a huge ferry!) From the advice of the travel agent I talked too, I might have to go straight to the port and get a deck seat. So another long journey ahead.

Found: Stray Dogs?

2008-07-05T15:12:00.000-04:00

There seems to be a lot of dogs lying around in Athens. I'm not sure if they are stray dogs as they have a collar on them. But I'm been sitting and watching him for a good one hour no one has approach the dog.

Athens

2008-07-05T13:36:00.000-04:00

What can I say? Athens is a congested, polluted city. Except for the archaeological site like the Acropolis, the museums and the history behind the greeks, there's really not much to do here. There are parts of Athens which can be unsafe to walk around, and you just need to be constantly on the lookout of everyone around you. A day or two in Athens is more than enough to see the major sites.

A New City: Berlin

2008-07-03T17:32:00.000-04:00

Berlin has been through so much for the past century. I knew about the war and the history behind it, but I never expected the scars the war have left behind to be cut into the city so deep. There are very few old buildings left in Berlin, as most of them have been hit by bombs during WWII.

Berlin is constantly changing, with new buildings coming up every so often. The city skyline is crowded with cranes at work. But speaking of new buildings, much of the old classical building can be quite deceiving as they were built in early 20th century. Basically, they were built to look old. A good example right now is the construction of the Old Royal Palace. The royal palace was originally demolished during the communist period and was replaced by a social building. This communist social building is now being demolished (picture above) and a replica of the Old Royal Palace will be build on its old site. All the details, building plans and statues were dug up from the archives and will be rebuild to look like the original.

Its an interesting city no doubt, with a rich and brutal history. But Berlin is a city that looks at the present and towards the future without destroying its past.

Easy?

2008-07-03T09:11:00.000-04:00

Flying easyjet is no easy task. Though check in time is usually 2 hours before flight, I'd advise getting there 30 minutes earlier as by the time you get to the front of the line, your check in counter would have already opened an hour later. (Waiting time may vary from different airports and flight schedule. )

Me and my bike

2008-07-03T07:21:00.000-04:00

I had a few hours left in Berlin and rented a bike for a little stroll around the city. It was a great ride visiting sites I didn't have the chance to see before. Actually the guy who rented the bike was really nice. Not sure if he has the best price as I didn't get to shop around but it was near the hostel I was staying and even though I only rented it for 3 hours, he was very flexible with the time (an hour late was fine) I have to return the bike. He also owns a small cute cafe and its where I rented the bike. Overall it have been great fun!

Celebrating Capitalism At Its Greatest

2008-07-03T05:27:00.001-04:00

Happy 4th of July! The New American Embassy here in Berlin is celebrating the 4th with a grand opening. As you can see, the embassy (on the left) is located next to the Brandernburge Gate in Berlin. Seems like there's going to be a big feast and a concert or some sort tomorrow. I see Burger King paired with some Sam Adams.

The Theatre

2008-07-02T16:28:00.001-04:00

Who sells alcoholic drinks in a cinema? The Germans do.

World Travelers

2008-07-02T16:01:00.001-04:00

I really don't understand why certain people who travels to foreign countries expect the same quality, service and quantity that they do back in their home country in a cafe or restaurant. We all know the value or the euro againsts other currency right now, but why complain when you already know it is going to costs you xxx amount. The one good thing in Europe is that prices are readily displayed for the consumers. There's no hidden tax costs or any additional service charges (except for certain conditions) that will change the displayed prices. As for service, most Europeans enjoy their leisure time. You don't have to rush to order your food when you're sitting down waiting for the server to assists in your order, and you're not expect to leave right after you've finished your meal. I think some of you would know who I'm speaking of so I'll just leave it to your wild imagination. People are hard to understand.

Scandinavia: The Nordic Countries

2008-07-02T03:24:00.000-04:00

For the past month, I started my trip at Copenhagen, Denmark - Stockholm, Sweden - Helsinki, Finland - Talinn, Estonia - Rovaniemi, Finland - Honningsvag + Nordkapp, Norway - Tromso, Norway - Bergen, Norway and ended my Scandinavia tour in Oslo, Norway. I'm currently in Berlin for a few days before heading down south to Greece.

To say which Scandinavian country is best to visit is difficult as all of them have its own unique quality but I can say that Stockholm was my favorite city, followed by Bergen and Copenhagen. All three cities have one thing in common which I find comfortable and it is the scale of the city in relationship to the people and its daily activities.

Helsinki was okay but it might have helped change my mind if the weather was better, however it is an interesting city in comparison to its Scandinavian neighbors. The city doesn't have the many tall conical shape church towers like Stockholm or Copenhagen, nor does it have the Scandinavian / Viking architectural influence and motifs just because it was not part of the Viking culture. In fact, Finnish itself is a completely different language from Norwegian, Swedish and Danish. From Helsinki, I took a side trip to Talinn, the capital of Estonia and one of the Baltic states. It was only a 2 hour ferry ride between the two cities. The old medieval city of Talinn is charming and is listed under the UNESCO heritage list. It is a city for those who like to go back in time and experience an old medieval town and enjoy the history and culture.

Oslo was my least favorite city not because it has the least to offer but my accommodation and safety within the city limits gave it the lowest point.

My highlight of this trip was taking a side trip off my planned route to a small fishing village in the Lofoten Island. Stamsund is still a busy fishing community and like all the rest of the Lofoten, winter is the prime fishing season and that's when the whole island comes alive. However it is not to say that summer is dead and boring, the tourist help keeps the island alive. But Lofoten is best when it is quiet and uncrowded as it helps one enjoy the magnificent landscape it has to offer. Like a step back into the mystical and fantasy period of the writings by Tolkien, Reine was my favorite part of the island and the most picturesque.

The other "high-light" was of course taking the long hike up the high mountains to watch the midnight sun. It wasn't a bright and sunny day but it gave a spectacular light show that night or should I say day, as night doesn't really exist above the Arctic Circle line during the summer season.

It has been a great journey so far but there have been some downside to it as well, mainly frustration, poor or careless planning and other unexpected situation that was out of my control. If it wasn't so expensive, I would recommend going to Norway, but a visit to Sweden and Denmark will provide you a true Scandinavian experience. However, don't forget about Iceland. It is also part of Scandinavia and my visit there in 2005 was an amazing weekend. I think the currency exchange rate has probably lowered the amount of tourist going there, but if the opportunity arise, Iceland is a must to finish or start your adventure in Scandinavia.

Who is Oslo?

2008-06-30T14:15:00.000-04:00

When one think of a city, an image of a landmark (be it a building, a certain feel or evens its people) comes to mind. For example, Paris has the Eiffel Tower, London has Big Ben, Copenhagen has the Little Mermaid but is also known for being a bicycle friendly town. But for an old historical city, Oslo doesn't really have a strong identity compared to Bergen.

I don't dislike Oslo. It is a good city to visit for a day or two and not more. Being a cosmopolitan city, there a good and bad areas within the city and its difficult to give an opinion on this mainly because most tourist will only visit the better parts of this city and ignore the suburbs. I'm staying at a part of town further out of the city center and from what I can observe in a short amount of time, immigration is a big issue here in Norway, and most of the immigrants are concentrated within the Oslo area. I've talked to people who lives in Oslo on this matter and they don't believe in the country's immigration law and think the country is too naïve on this matter.

However, I feel that Oslo is going through a new change right now. The new Opera House is already Oslo's new city landmark and there is also a new mixed use development along the harbor, adding a new dynamic and demographics to the city.

Visit Oslo for its museums and cultural lessons but nothing more. However if Oslo is your first place to visit in Norway, don't be fooled by it. Norway itself have much more to offer than its capital.

Spain 1 - Germany 0

2008-06-29T16:39:00.000-04:00

Watching the game in Oslo!

Oslo: I came, I saw, I'm satisfied

2008-06-29T15:42:00.000-04:00

First impression when I got out of the train station, I wasn't very impressed with Oslo. I know it is a city and what to expect of it, but it does not have the Scandinavian charm like it neighbors or even her sister, Bergen.

However, there are certain parts of the city that are quite nice (mainly around the city's main shopping stretch and the waterfront).

But the thing I wanted to see was the new opera house. It is quite an impressive piece of architecture. Therefore, I am quite satisfied with the day so far.

I'll be sticking around for one more day. Further exploration needs to be done before I conclude my impression of Oslo. Till later, the next post will be a summary of Scandinavia before I head off to Berlin.

Whale anyone eat me?

2008-06-28T17:25:00.001-04:00

So I had the pleasure to try some smoked whale meat here in Norway. The picture shows the species I had and I think the english name for it is Lesser Rorqual or commonly known as the Minke Whale. As for the meat, it is brown to almost black, very similar to the smoked reindeer meat available in this region and it had the texture and taste of ham with a hint of salmon. I have not seen fresh whale meat in the market and am not sure why. Maybe it is not the season to catch whale and I'm sure the smoked meat they are selling now were caught during the winter months and thus were smoked to preserve its longevity. Would I have it again? I'm not sure. It is legal in Norway to hunt whale commercially but there's always a guilty feeling of eating anything exotic or illegal in other countries.

Too small?

2008-06-28T05:58:00.001-04:00

Found on the streets in Bergen. It's a tiny electric car! So cute!

March to the Top

2008-06-27T18:07:00.000-04:00

Taking a hike up to the top of Mount Floyen (320m). Had to do it as it saves me from paying 20 dollars for a roundtrip ticket by taking the funicular up the mountain. It was a beautiful evening though.

Found: Gicci?

2008-06-27T13:34:00.000-04:00

Found on the streets in Bergen, Norway.

Raining in Bergen

2008-06-26T19:18:00.000-04:00

Second day in Bergen and it has been quite a pleasure, although a bit rainy but good company makes up for the grey and wet weather. But I do like Bergen despite its rainy days. It has its old town charm sitting next to big tall buildings, people trading out in the open markets, funny crooked historical buildings (like the one shown) and other bits that makes it interesting.

Empty Seats

2008-06-25T06:53:00.001-04:00

So I'm on my way to Bergen by train, and there is a very big group (about 40 people) of elderly Japanese tourists. The train stopped at a small station on top of a mountain, and of course everyone of them who has a camera hopped off the train and took pictures. Not sure what attracted them with the view, maybe it is the snow, maybe it is the bicycles parked outside the station or perhaps it is the joy of being a tourist.

On board to Bergen

2008-06-24T06:05:00.000-04:00

I have left the Lofoten Island and will be travelling on the train to Bergen. It has been such great experience being up north past the Arctic Circle and I just may be glad that I can finally see the night skies again.

(Cod fish being dried)

Reine: The Lofoten Islands

2008-06-23T21:53:00.000-04:00

Such an amazing place!

A Deeper Look: The Lofoten Islands

2008-06-23T16:03:00.000-04:00

The Lofoten Islands surprises me. Sometime you feel like you're inland in the Swiss Alps, with rocky mountains, green pastures, flowers blooming and the next you're in a land far away like England or Ireland, with grey cloudy skies, green lands, and old ruins, or from a distance, you could feel like you're in a volcanic island like Hawaii, high steep mountains that grows up from the ocean. However, you never do feel like you're in an island with an active fishing industry. It has been a pleasant journey with new friends and new experiences of culture and life. I'm sad yet glad to leave this place (mainly because of the cold weather).

The pictures are from a small village called Eggum in the Lofoten Islands.

A Big Relief: Stamsund

2008-06-20T18:38:00.000-04:00

I've finally arrived at Stamsund, a small fishing village in one of the Lofoten Islands. After all that had happened earlier today, I'm glad I've ended up here.

As I've mentioned in the last post, I had to take a taxi from Leknes to Stamsund. Fortunately, there was a lady and a man who was going the same way, and at the end, the lady offered to pay for my fare. It was nice of her and I needed that extra boost of support after the day I had. (The fare was also quite expensive too) At the end of the day, things did turn out for the best as I saw a familiar face from my adventures from the north at the hostel.

Stuck!

2008-06-20T07:12:00.000-04:00

Everything on my journey was going smoothly till I met this guy. First, he arrived at Tromso in the middle of the night the day before (I did not know this as I was already asleep), but the reception was closed for check in and the girl in my room suggested he stayed in our room as we had an extra bed. But all night long, he was snoring so loud and I could hear the girl above me tossing and turning, trying to get some sleep. I was also awaken by his loud snore and put on my earphones instead.

The next day, I was stuck with him in Tromso for half the day, tried to give hints and suggestions that I need to be alone, but still he decided to tagged along with me. I couldn't come up with an excuse as I didn't have anything planned myself, and it was his first day at Tromso. Fortunately, he found something else to do and I was happy that I finally get to roam around freely.

However, I found out that we were going to the same direction the next morning. I tried to sneak out earlier, but got caught at the end. Our bus ride together was fine as he was busy photographing the scenery while I tried to catch some sleep. It was 6.30 in the morning.

It wasn't till we parted way that things starts to fell apart. We stopped at a town to drop off passengers to the Lofoten. He suggested I take the same bus with him to the Lofoten (I was going there too but to a different town and I had obtained a different itinerary from the tourist info center) and should ask the bus driver if there's a connection to the town I was going. That wasn't a bad plan as I was doubting the journey made for me at the tourist center. There was only one minute to spare between connections and he was ahead of me trying to pay for his ride, and it took him forever to get out off the way. I started to panicked as my bag was in the other bus, and he was about to leave and yet I didn't get a chance to ask the other driver if he was going to my destination as well. Finally I decided to stick to my original route to Narvik.

Now I'm stuck at Narvik, waiting in a mall till my next bus arrives as the bus driver suggested I take the express bus at a later hour, and it's cheaper. Now I won't get to the Lofoten till late night. And buses stops running within the island after 7.00. I'll have to take a taxi to my final destination.

You can call it bad luck, bad karma or just plain unlucky that we were going to the same direction, I still blame him for everything and for doubting myself.

Tromso: Paris of the North?

2008-06-20T06:28:00.000-04:00

That's the nickname for this city in the north. However, that may be true for a century ago, but things have change and time have passed. Our world have become smaller through global commerce and networking and things are more easily accessible nowadays. But Tromso is still a city that is worth making a pit stop for travelers heading North as it is possibly the last piece of civilization with decent entertainment and quality of lifestyle one will see up in the Arctic North. It is possibly because of this that Tromso has also been referred to as the 'Gateway to the Arctic'.

Journey to Tromso

2008-06-17T09:49:00.000-04:00

I have left the Finnmark area of Norway and am on the way to Tromso. Total hours of my journey (bus+ferry): 11 hours.

Honningsvag

2008-06-16T17:19:00.000-04:00

Today is my last day at Honningsvag. It is a very small town, and the tourist mostly stopover for the night to visit the North Cape but don't usually linger for more than two days. There's also not much to see in the town, just a few tourist shop, an icebar, a museum and a gallery.

However, it has been an interesting three days for me in this little village. I've hiked to the Nordkapp (Europe Northernmost point), challenged myself on a 30km hike, experienced 24 hours daylight, but most importantly I've met some wonderful people.

To each of them Julia, Henri, and Ariane who I met at the North Cape guesthouse, I wish them all the best of luck in whatever path they choose that lies ahead for them.

71 degrees North!!

2008-06-15T16:10:00.000-04:00

Aaah! I'm finally at the northernmost point of Europe. This almost 8 hour long journey is not easy. I'm not even sure why I did it at the beginning, but I must say that there were some amazing views along the way, and the end fulfillment of reaching the top is also one that is highly appreciated.

30km Journey to 71 degrees North

2008-06-15T14:43:00.000-04:00

Making my way up north from Honningsvag. The distance between Honningsvag and Nordkapp is 30 kilometres. The hike is long, and the elevation changes, unpredictable weather and strong winds does not make it any easier. It is one if the toughest thing that I've ever done so far. 5 more kilometres to go!!

70 Degrees North

2008-06-14T19:21:00.000-04:00

It is almost 1:00am here in Honningsvag and the sun is still visible beyond the cloudy sky. Honningsvag is the closest town to Nordkapp (labeled as Europe's northern most point. Tomorrow I'll make my way up to Nordkapp as well as Knivskjelodden, which is the continent's real northern most point.

Past the Arctic Circle

2008-06-14T12:13:00.000-04:00

Off to the Arctic North

2008-06-14T04:28:00.000-04:00

On my 10 hour bus journey to the North! (Nordkapp)

A few more degrees North

2008-06-13T06:34:00.001-04:00

I've arrived at Rovaniemi after a long train ride from Helsinki. But what's there to see here?

Well, except for the Santa Claus village, 8km from the town center, and the fact that it is just a few degrees below the Arctic Circle, it has the world's northern-most McDonalds!

2:38 AM

2008-06-12T19:41:00.000-04:00

Off to the Arctic Circle

2008-06-12T17:17:00.000-04:00

Where to meet sketchy people?

2008-06-12T17:10:00.000-04:00

Just hang around at a train station, and you'll soon be greeted by people of all sorts of personality.

From the picture, those two drunk guys (green shirt and blue/white stripe shirt) were trying to hit on two girls who were sitting next two me earlier. The whole scene was rather funny, as I could see that one of them wasn't really interested and was trying to find her way out of the situation. Whereas the other friend was and maybe I guess thought the situation was rather funny and decided to entertain the guy. The picture is when they were both trying to play with this thing they were kicking around and was disturbing some of the people around. The security asked them to keep it down low. From what I heard, they are from Estonia. I also heard his whole life story when the guy in stripe was talking to those two girls, which some content are not safe to mention in this blog.

Ah, the drama and entertainment you get from waiting at a train terminal.

Helsinki: A Second Take

2008-06-12T16:58:00.000-04:00

Today is my second day in Helsinki and I have started to like the city better. Maybe it is the weather, or the fact that I've gotten to know my way around the city, or could it be that I've found the heart and soul of Helsinki from its citizens that have changed my mind on what Helsinki has to offer.

Helsinki made me realized that the utopia ideal of a city does not arrive from great planning alone, it needs its people and the role of an individual to inspire from.

1 Euro

2008-06-12T14:39:00.000-04:00

What can 1 Euro buy you up here in the north?
1. One postcard.
2. A candy bar (with change back)
3. One cup of coffee or tea (Only in a kiosk in Helsinki).
4. Half hour of internet time in one of those sidewalk express station. (Found mostly in train station - its actually 2€ for 60 minutes)
5. One bathroom ticket! (Hold till you're back at your hotel or hostel, or buy something at a cafe to use its restroom, or you can go to Stockmann in Helsinki to use their restroom for free!)

Syok!

2008-06-12T07:01:00.000-04:00

After many days of eating the same tasteless Nordic cuisine, I decided to give in and went for some good old South East Asian food at a food court in the basement floor of Kamppi Center. The menu they had at Singapore Hot Wok was rather ambitious. There were Mamak Mee Goreng, Beef Kway Teoy, Char Kway Teoy, Nasi Goreng and some other small items. I decided to go for the Char Kway Teoy instead, as that's one of the most difficult dish to achieve outside of SEA, in my opinion.

Surprisingly, the result was really good! And no, it is not a decision based on hunger or that my taste bud have taken the like of bland, salty food, but it was purely because the ingredient was right and the spices added was the perfect touch. They even make their own sambal belacan! Syok!

(I was even sweating at the end)

Not Just An Old Town

2008-06-11T10:42:00.000-04:00

For those of you who are just as ignorant as me, there's more to Tallinn than its old medieval town center, in fact it is quite a modern city. There are a lot of construction going at the moment, but in a year or two, I think Tallinn will be another city to watch out for.

Of course if the opportunity arise, you should go now before it gets too expensive.

The Old City of Tallinn

2008-06-11T07:08:00.000-04:00

This is Tallinn

2008-06-11T06:03:00.001-04:00

Cruising to Estonia

2008-06-11T03:54:00.000-04:00

On board a ferry shuttle to Tallinn for the day. Don't know much about Tallinn, except that it is the capital of Estonia and the old city is designated as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Will see what I find there.

Kennel found!

2008-06-11T03:36:00.000-04:00

Interestingly, this was at the top of my ferry to Tallinn, Estonia. I guess they must love their dogs here in this region to have a kennel setup in a ferry.

Almost midnight

2008-06-10T15:16:00.000-04:00

It's clear that I'm in the land of the midnight sun when it is still so bright out at 10pm.

A little bit of both: Helsinki

2008-06-10T15:11:00.000-04:00

When one mentioned Finland, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the cold weather or maybe Nokia (manufacturer of mobile phones, etc.). I didn't do much research about Helsinki before arriving here, but I can feel the presence of its Russian past while walking down the streets in the city. The monumental city plan was laid out in 1812 under the ruled of the Russian Tsar, as Helsinki was declared the new capital of Finland during that period.

Helsinki is no Stockholm, or even tries to be like one of its neighboring Scandinavian capitals. It has its own distinct taste developed from its eastern Russian past and a forward looking future from its western neighbors of Scandinavia.

Maybe it is because of this setting between the east and the west that I have mixed feelings about Helsinki. It is a nice city, but one that does not need more than a day to explore. The center is compact enough to get the full attention its need from its many visitors.

The future of Helsinki seems to be bright with a new urban development in the area of Kamppi, less than a few blocks away from the center. Take a stroll down a broad avenue from the city center to Kamppi, it is well worth the visit as you can experience a definite change in time between the old Russian past and the new technology focus future of Finland.

Good luck, Hans!

2008-06-10T02:02:00.001-04:00

The thought of sharing a 4 bed cabin on a 16 hour long ferry trip can be quite scary. You never know who's going to be sharing the room with you, how is he like, what are his sleeping method, is he one of those football hooligans traveling with a big group or could he be someone, like me, traveling alone in a foreign land?

Fortunately for me, in a 4 bed cabin, I only have the pleasure to share it with Hans. It was just the two of us, perfect for the tiny cabin. Hans is from Frankfurt-Germany. He has been cycling from Frankfurt to Sweden and is on his way to Helsinki for a few days before making his way back to Frankfurt. Hans is not a professional cyclist, but he is a bicycle enthusiast and is cycling just for the fun of it.

I admire the strong will of people like Hans. He has suffered from brain attacks (not sure what the correct medical term is, but it is like having a heart attack in the brain) and is lucky to had survived that, but he still has the strength to cycle. However, age has been creeping up to Hans and this will be his last big cycling trip. Hans is 62.

All aboard to Helsinki

2008-06-09T10:09:00.000-04:00

That's my ferry up there. For 40 dollars, I can't really complain as I'm stuck in the lowest class possible. Well, at least I have a bed to sleep on and a shower in the room. The ferry leaves at 5pm and arrives Helsinki at 10am. Finland is an hour ahead of Sweden.

Lunch with the Chinese

2008-06-09T07:16:00.000-04:00

This is the second time around this region that I came across a Chinese lady handling the food service in a restaurant. It's hard to tell who owns the place when the menu is all in a foreign language. But the experience wasn't that bad as I was able to communicate well with her in Chinese. From her recommendation, my set lunch is basically a mix between a meatloaf and a meatball shaped into a burger patty, topped with a slab of butter. Total cost for lunch: 80kr.

Goodnight, Stockholm

2008-06-08T17:02:00.000-04:00

Sweden, you have provided me with design inspiration from IKEA, classic pieces from H&M, and have filled me up with your meatballs, but nothing can compare to your capital, Stockholm. Grand, majestic, stylish, classic, fun and perhaps more than anything, inspiring. What more can I say about Stockholm? From the narrow lanes in the old city of Gamla Stan that resembles old Renaissance cities, to the broad avenues in the area of Norrmalm that are comparable to the grand avenues in Paris, Stockholm has so much to offer. You will be missed.

*Picture taken around 10pm.

Quick Lunch Break - Stockholm

2008-06-08T08:02:00.000-04:00

It seems like an interesting combination. Couscous with cold smoked salmon, yogurt with a side of salad. Yet the yogurt works though. Fascinating.

Silja Line: Stockholm - Helsinki

2008-06-08T06:59:00.001-04:00

I finally got my overnight ferry ticket to Helsinki for Monday evening for 236kr with a Eurail pass. Part of this blog is not just a record of my trip but also a guide for those who are just as curious to how I find my way around places.

Getting the ticket on a Sunday wasn't that easy as the office in downtown Stockholm was closed. So I went to the tourist information center in Kunstragarden and found out I can take the No.1 bus to where the ferry is and get the ticket there instead. There are two companies Silja and Viking, that serves traveler back and forth between Stockholm-Helsinki or Talinn, but I had a Eurail pass with me, thus I was limited to the Silja Line ferry.

So I took the 1 bus from Kungsgatan and stopped at Sandhamnsplan. The bus final stop is Frihamnen, but when I stopped the bus driver at Sandhamnsplan, he told me I need to get off the last stop. After looking at the map and telling him where I need to go, he realized that I was right and can walk to the ferry from Sandhamsplan. And it is a quick walk, about 5 minutes (if you don't make any mistake of not looking at the map first). Once off the bus, make your way back, cross the street and there's a path through a park that will get you to the ferry line.

It was actually a good idea for me to make the trip out there because it will make my journey to the ferry a much easier one tomorrow.

Oh, when taking a bus in Stockholm, remember to get your ticket in advance at newspaper kiosk or the tourist center. A single ticket for 30kr is valid for an hour. So keep that with you!

*Picture above is the City Hall of Stockholm. Apart from where city council meetings are held, the hall inside is also where the annual Nobel prize is held. The city hall overlooks the water.

Stockholm: First Impression

2008-06-07T15:47:00.001-04:00

I've only been in the city for 3 hours and I love it! Such a beautiful city. And the Swedes are much friendlier people compare to the Danish. So yeah, welcome to the home of IKEA, H&M and of course swedish meatballs!

What about Copenhagen?

2008-06-07T07:57:00.000-04:00

Surprise but certainly not shocking. Copenhagen is a 1000 year old city, considered to be one of the most cosmopolitan city in the Scandinavian region, it holds true to that status. It is indeed international, yet for a city of that status, it is a relaxing one. To quote the Lonely Planet guidebook on Scandinavian Europe, "Just when you think you've got to know Copenhagen, you discover there are beautiful sandy beaches, wooded parks and elegant lakes just minutes away." How true is that!

Right in the heart of the city is Tivoli Gardens, a amusement park said to have inspired Walt Disney to build his own. Next to it is the train station, city hall square and one of the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe. In terms of scale, it's a fairly walkable city and all the entertainment you need is located right in the heart of the city. There are beautiful parks, and open squares all around the city in close proximity.

Of course there are areas of neighborhood surrounding this island/peninsula of the City, but I think a city can only be alive not because of its ideal location, but what it can offer the people who live and work in the city, as well as the amenities and entertainment that will attract people into the city during the weekends and holidays. I have the benefit of exploring the city during a bank holiday and a work week, and I must say that even with most of the shops closed, there is very little difference between those two days. In fact I didn't even know that I was in the city during a bank holiday, but I was certainly curious why most shops were closed.

I'm on my way to Stockholm right now. Both cities are about 5 hours apart by train and the travel between the two city is really easy and straight forward (just hopped on the train in Copenhagen, do a switch in Malmo and you're on your way to Stockholm) as there's no border control because of the Schengen agreement.

What's next for me in Stockholm? I do not know.

*The picture above is the famous Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen.

*Two interesting notes, I did not see any gas station inside the city limits and there are no street lights on the side of the streets because they are hung high up in the middle of the street.

Spotted in Copenhagen

2008-06-07T04:03:00.000-04:00

For all you Boston sports fan, found in the Central Train Station-Copenhagen.

Marble Church

2008-06-06T08:53:00.000-04:00

Malay or Danish?

2008-06-06T08:51:00.000-04:00

Lunchtime for Cheap

2008-06-06T08:47:00.000-04:00

I don't know much about Danish food, except for the cheese or lemon danish I get from Au Bon Pain occasionally. But I read that they have this specialty called smorrebrod, which is basically a spread of ingredient like salmon, chicken or beef with some greens, tomatoes and mayo on top of a thin slice of bread. It is considered a leisurely lunch where you have to sit down and eat it.

Anyway, while walking along a unknown street I stumbled upon this basement cafe which sells it and decided to check it out. When I walked in, there were chinese people handling the food service, and I was a bit skeptical at first but then I was really hungry at that point, so I decided to get the food there anyways. (There were some danish looking people in there having lunch which gave me some comfort on buying the food there)

Before I walked in, I actually heard them conversing in Cantonese, and I think the lady owner was surprised when I asked her what to recommend for lunch in Cantonese. She suggested the bun here (pictured above), which is somewhat similar to a smorrebrod (although she said its not), but it's more convenient to have it take away. So I went for that and with drinks from a neighboring convenience store, it all costs only 43kr. And I have my own leisurely lunch in a nearby park for less than 10 dollars.

Marble Church

2008-06-06T08:28:00.001-04:00

This is the Marble Church. I thought it had an interesting setting because it sits in the middle of a square, surrounded by residential buildings and shops. Unlike old classical church design, it doesn't have a square in front of it.

Street Smart

2008-06-06T08:22:00.000-04:00

Before I got sucked into 500kr for watching, I was able to get a shot of the guy from the back. You can probably guess what he's trying to do, 1...2...3... And where do you think the ball is hidden?

Along this 1km stretch of pedestrian way filled with shops, cafes and people, there are probably 5 people doing this trick at the same time. But I can't part with 500kr, that's like almost 100USD!!

Sunny Copenhagen

2008-06-05T05:11:00.000-04:00

Just landed at Copenhagen. Flight was all right. Getting to the city and my hostel was a fairly easy journey. Apart from that, a general tip for users of card without a chip, even if you swipe it, you need to enter your pin number. So remember your pin or use your debit card.

On board easyjet

2008-06-05T04:54:00.000-04:00

Tips: There's no seat assignment. So you can seat anywhere you'd like.

Don't expect any refreshments for free. You can get a variety of snacks from a cup of cappuccino (€2.50), kit kat bars (€1.50), sandwiches (€5.00), mineral water (€2.00), Carlsberg (€4.50) to a bottle of 75cl champagne (€32.50)

5 Minutes Late

2008-06-05T01:48:00.001-04:00

Got my ticket to Stansted airport yesterday, and was very glad that my student card got me a 25% discount, which costs me £12.75
for a single standard journey.

The journey takes about 45 minutes, but the first train I took this morning was running 5 minutes late.

Overall, its a fairly quick and easy journey from Central London to Stansted Airport.

Once at the airport, the long lines and slow service reminds me why I hate flying sometimes, especially when I'm flying budget airlines like easyjet. But I can't really complain too much as the fare was really cheap at only 35 quid one way. So lesson learned, get to the airport as early as possible, and pack lightly. The 20kg per baggage is really annoying (not for me fortunately, mine was only short of 5kg).

The Scoop on London

2008-06-04T05:01:00.009-04:00

Second day in London and I'm spinning around like a kid in a candy store. Every time I visit London, something new pops up. Like many great cities, London is a cosmopolitan city with many districts. This time, I'm in the South Bank, across the Thames from the London Tower.

The new London City Hall is located here, next to the Tower Bridge. Before arriving at London, I've heard criticisms and complains about the building and thought I should check it out. From an architectural point of view, the building itself is not bad and like the Gherkin, I think Londoners nicknamed it the Beehive. But aside from that, the complains were the high budget cost for the building and the prime location of it that could be developed for something else to generate revenue for the city; part of which I may agree upon, because it is afterall a public amenity and the cost do come out from the taxpayers' pockets at the end of the day.

However, in comparison to Boston City Hall plaza, the programs here are very similar, mostly commercial and government offices, but it is a much better place in terms of its scale and the environment. There are water features, a green park, restaurants, and fantastic views to London Tower and Tower Bridge, which makes it a highly popular tourist spot. Because it is so new, (there are also other new construction close by), time will tell if the building and space will have any great effect to the city of London. But so far, I think it is a great add on to the surrounding neighborhood.

- Update: Apparently, the area that the London City Hall is sitting on is privately owned and managed. On that note, why is City Hall not sitting on a public lot? Why the need to buy a private lot? Also, we're living in a world where most daily tasks can be done online, is there a need to go visit City Hall? Who goes to a city hall and why? And probably the biggest question is, who does a better job in maintaining the public's comfort and security? Public or private?