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Sunday, November 25, 2012

Weekend in Brisbane

Before this trip, work had been real crazy and I'm totally stressed up!

I was traveling to Sydney & PNG for work and seems like I can stay in Brisbane over the weekend after PNG for a short relaxing weekend from the crazy work recently. 

The decision was definitely right! I am recharged (not totally though) and I'm leaving for real holiday of my own the very next weekend after this. 

No homework done before the trip and I just go as I like and stop as I please. Imagine spending 2+ hours on the River Cat (River public transport in Brisbane) just letting the wind blow on my face not knowing where to go. While I post a picture on fb and friends were recommending I take a walk at the University of Queensland, and then i go there.


Met this painter by the river bank

The Brisbane Story Bridge

UOQ pier

Facade of one of the building in UOQ

I thought it will be cool to drive in Australia and visit Lone pine and Mt Cootha (highly recommended by SJ). 

After some great help from the hotel staff and luck, I managed to get a car last min over the weekend (really lucky). When all the major car rental company runs out of car for the weekend, I managed to reached one company who still has a 4WD, though is more expensive, better than none ya. Got the hotel to help me make the reservation and he even told me he managed to get a small car instead. Mean I save $$. 

On the Sunday when I'm supposed to pick up the car, these 2 gentlemen were infront of me and after that it was my turn. I was told there is an error in the system and that they actually do not have a car for me. Just before I can say anything, the 2 gentlemen before me came back and say there is a mistake in the reservation, they asked for a bigger car and not this small car. So they rejected, needless to say, I got it! Damn lucky huh. Furthermore, I did not need to top up any petrol when returning because I simply did not used too much although I did make quite a few wrong turns and go around in circles. 

I am really lucky. 

Here some picture from Lone Pine and Mount Cootha =)




At Mount Cootha, you get a panorama view of the whole Brisbane city and the drive up was easy and relaxing =)




Sunday, August 19, 2012

First encounter of snow - Lucerne

For some reason we kind of not used to the weather and I was feeling quite unwell in Lucerne, most of the time were spent resting from the past 1 week of long traveling. I thought it was prob due to the day before i did no protect myself too well from the strong cold wind. The weather was not really fine.

Anyway we walked around Lucerne city for about half a day and visited 2 snow mountains! My first experience with snow!!!! =D

No matter how fine or how bad the weather is, the Swans in the lake are always swimming around gracefully =)

The famous Lion Monument - Lucerne city



Lucerne lake featuring the Chapel Church far back
We enjoy ourself in the room with fruits drinks and snack bought form the nearby supermarket - coop


Mount Titlis - 

Mount Titlis (3,238 m) is a mountain in the Urner Alps of Switzerland. It is located on the border between the cantons of Obwalden and Berne in Switzerland, overlooking Engelberg (Obwalden) and is famous as the site of the world's first revolving cable car. The cable car system connects Engelberg to the summit of Klein Titlis (3,028 m) through the three stages of Gerschnialp(1,262 m), Trübsee (1,796 m) and Stand (2,428 m).
The last part of cable car way leads above the glacier. At Klein Titlis, it is possible to visit an illuminated glacier cave from an entrance within the cable-car station, which also includes shops and restaurants. 
(Credit: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

You need to take 3 different cable cars before you can reach the top. It was said to have the first rotating cable car! The speed and degree it ascend might be a challenge for some, like my travel partner this round =) I have to leave her at the first aid post at the first station and continue on my own up. 

First we took the normal cable car:



2nd: change to the longish cable care (did not managed to take a picture)

Lastly, the rotary cable car. It can be dizzy for some. I saw some PRC tourist vomiting inside (lucky we are not in the same car)


At the top!
Me at the top of Mt Titlis






The glacier, very slippery, I fell on my butt twice, OUCH!

After a day of rest, we decided to go for something simpler, after the experience of Titlis, so we have to give up Mt Jungfraujoch (top of Europe). Maybe I will have a chance again next time! I hear from YK the view is magnificent!

Anyway, we went Mt Rigi, which is also wonderful!! Weather was great to start off with!









Paris - City of Romance

Paris - City of romance... not so to be at the beginning when I first arrived. I later began to love the city when i saw the Louvre Museum, the Arc De Triomphe and the famous Eiffel Tower!

Only in the Movie Da Vinci Code or in the travel book I've seen the World famous museum which house the world famous drawing of Mona Lisa Smile - Lourve Museum. I was damn excited!

Louvre Museum @ sunset
Venus de Milo


Mona Lisa smile
There are 2 big pound just down of the Louvre Museum, it was peaceful and relaxing sitting by the pound, and enjoying some ice cream in the cold weather =) 


The Q at Eiffel was a long 2 hours as 1 of the elevator broke down. However, we get to witness the beautiful sunset which i fell in love with.






On the way back to hotel we pass by the Arc De Triomphe again, day and night view of it does give a different beauty, without the lack of some glorious.

Arc de Triomphe - Day
Arc de Triomphe - Night


Sunday, July 15, 2012

Holland - Amsterdam (Tulips @ Kukenhof & Zaanse Schans)

Holland - Amsterdam :
  • Buildings are built below sea level
  • Buildings are narrow and long
  • Place which has beautiful canals
  • Where Heineken is brewed
  • Nice & cosy B&B
  • Famous for its red light district
  • Beautiful Central Station

The Centraal Station - Amsterdam


Cute Ester basket at the Bethany B&B

We were greeted with beautiful weather and canal views! Just amazing!


Amsterdam also home to the famous painter, Van Gogh museum. A walk through the museum let you understand everything about Van Gogh, from his start to end. You can also witness one of the famous sunflower painting here (2nd one i saw during this trip, the other one at London National Gallery)

Van Gogh Museum - Famous sunflower painting inside

Dam Square

 Day 2 was wonderful, super nice weather and garden! I totally enjoyed myself to the max over there, we do not have much time, otherwise i think i can spend the whole day there, the garden is very big, more than enough for you to walk for the whole day, there are cafes and benches for resting and recharging before continuing.

Is a short ride from Centraal Station to Siphol Airport and than transfer to a shutter service which take 30mins to reach the garden. I could not remember the price as i don't but it. We got it form the tourist center next to Centraal Station, which include the train, shuttle and entrance.  It make it easier as you skip the Q at the garden and train stations.





Zaanse Schans (Windmill village) is another short train ride form Centraal Station to Koog-Zaandijk station. The village is a short walk from the station, you can get maps and directions from the station.

Is a traditional Holland village which still has some olden times houses. You can make wooden clogs, buy cheese and get to understand the windmills and how they are use in the industry.

There is an area where you can play some traditional games like walking on wooden sticks, etc. It will be a fun and interesting place to bring children to as well.