Water Water All Around

and not a drop to drink! My journey to Venezia was an amusing one. I had no idea the trains would be so full that I can't get tickets for the time that I needed... So how did I get there and what did I see?

Staying in A/C is Not Ideal for Travelling

Shanghai was hot, scorching hot. What is someone who melts in any sort of heat to do? Shopping, I guess.

Winter Wonderland: Whistler

Whistler does seem to have a longer "winter" than does home. If we got a foot of snow dumped on the ground the day before, we'd be stuck at home for a week. Luckily, that's not the case in Whistler.

Roma, Roma-ma

My flight to Rome from Eindhoven was cancelled courtesy of horrible weather, so I embarked on a 20 hour train ride instead. I don't regret being stubborn and spending a fortune on those train tickets, though. The Roman experience was more than worth it.

Bits of Germany 2

Germany is a large country, but Bavaria is supposed to have the most beautiful scenery of all. Schloss Neuschwanstein and Garmisch-P has more than convinced me. See for yourself!

Monday, November 29, 2010

The Unknown World - Budapest

Starting on a slightly unrelated note, I wanted to show you some degree of insanity that exists within me.


This is a screenshot of a travel app I use online... I think there might be something not quite right with my head, or just a complete disregard for my grades and bank account. Having said that, I have a reading open beside me (not that I've been too successful at reading it).

I've decided to lump all the eastern Europe posts together because I don't think there will be many...

So Hungary! Prior to this, Hungary only really brought up a few things in my head: Budapest, Eastern Europe, Bela Bartok, and Franz Liszt. Oh, and goulash. Other than that, it was simply a big question mark. Even now, I can't say I know much about Hungary at all, but I've seen a little of Budapest and can say that I have learned something.

I arrived Saturday morning to a snow covered Budapest. Having missed both cold waves in Vancouver in the recent years, I really have not experienced much truly cold weather. This made me realize how cold the world could be. Anyway, I've resorted to wool mittens, wool socks, and a toque on top of my head with a wool sweater. Yea, I have no abilities to withstand the cold.

no, my panoramic addiction hasn't been cured yet, how could you tell?

There was a super funky church / cathedral that's built into the hill-thing. It's really cool looking, but I couldn't be bothered to pay and go inside. Went up the hill for a gorgeous view of Budapest instead. 

Actually, it's only the Pest side... Buda is right below me.

Walked around quite a bit and saw a few attractions before sunset, which was positively gorgeous against the white snow.

Citadel against the sunset.



The next day, there wasn't so much sun, and it was still cold. Walked around lots again, what's there to say? I decided that I liked Prague better, but this decision could have been highly influenced by the difference in weather.

I need to actually get off my butt and get the map so I know the names of these places...

Architecture-wise, it's a lovely city. I was told by a stranger I met at Starbucks who works for Campus Crusade in the Eastern European region that May would have been a better time to visit. The nice lady even gave me her business card so I can call her the next time I visit. Wonder when that would be. It was really cool to meet someone from the States who works for C4C so randomly, though!


The Basilica


Day 3: Wonderful weather, no travelling partner. @ Hero Square

Travel buddy bernZ left Budapest early, so day 3 was spent on my own, giving me a great degree of freedom! (Not saying I wouldn't have had it before) Went inside St. Stephan's Basilica, then to the Opera House, wandered out of town to Hero Square, Vajadahunyad Castle, went to the Parliament... then decided the weather was seriously too cold (my red hands being the evidence of the weather) and returned to the hostel for an early night.

Left out lots of photos because I'm too lazy to process them. Back to my (attempt at) reading. Please excuse the lack of detail... lumping 3 days into one post was harder than I thought.

By fishii with 2 comments

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Trip Down Memory Lane: London


It has been 5 full years since I've last stepped foot into London. Not that London has changed that much, I don't think, but the feeling is completely different... or maybe it wasn't, I don't know.

This time, I spent a day with Cambridge with two old friends, walking around town, attending a Cambridge formal, it was all a new experience... strange, and foreign, but very interesting.

Outside the enchanted walls of Kings College.

It was foggy that day, making Cambridge look that much more mystical. It was just an amazing experience, all in all, to catch up with friends I haven't seen for 5 years. Honestly, one weekend wasn't long enough. I wish I had more time to spend with them!

A sweets shop at Cambridge that looks like a potions shop.

Being super sleep deprived (only 4 hours of sleep because of the flight and 6 hours the next night because we missed the last fast train from Cambridge back to London), I was afraid that I'd fall asleep watching Harry Potter in the morning at (apparently) the largest screen in Europe, ODEON. But I enjoyed it immensely.

After that, I had the first restaurant Chinese meal I've had in 3 months? It wasn't even that good, but it was so satisfying. Xiao Long Bao... why do you evade me thus?

I've also developed a strange (and probably unhealthy) obsession with taking panoramic shots...

Horse Guard Parade

Uhm... what's this called? ^^;;

Shaftesbury Square

Talfalgar Square

Just some more random photos, these from St. James Park. I saw pelicans! They're so... tall (yes, I'm short, so what?).

 

Met up with friends during different times of day on my second day. At night, mommy-munchkins, my friend, and I went on the London Eye! I know, you're thinking 18 quid for a ride on that Ferris Wheel? We were lucky and got a whole pod to ourselves! It's like... booking a pod but not paying the price! Ok, I'm just justifying it, but still~ it was all in good fun. Must mention that I had Korean cuisine that night. That was especially delicious, since I haven't had Korean served in a restaurant since I left home.


Atop the London Eye

HA! I'm all caught up now! Except I'll fall behind again soon. This weekend will welcome Budapest.

By fishii with 2 comments

Monday, November 22, 2010

Sidestepping in Germany (Again): Köln

Yet another trip into Germany, and yet another rainy day. I don't know why I attract rain so. I went to Köln, Germany (Cologne in English) on November 6 (yes, I'm slightly behind). We had intended to visit the Dom and climb over 400 steps to get to the top of the tower... but there was smoke emerging from the tower and we were (for obvious reasons) not given entry. It smelt foul anyway, and we saw some firefighters pull in.


The Dom, under renovations...

I'm always amazed at the craftsmanship from earlier eras.

I really love prayer candles and the way they flicker...

So we had lunch at a local brewery and headed to the Gestapo prison / museum. Unfortunately, we were still making our way through the audio tour in the museum when the place closed, meaning no prisons for us...


The timeline on the floor corresponded with the displays

Ended off the day with a walk along the river and the Lindt chocolate factory (only to get chocolate though).

Just look at the packaging *whacks the marketing student in me*

Winter festivities?

Finally, I'll end with photos of really cool posters and one fail attempt at a panoramic shot at the Dom.




Next up, my amazing weekend in England. I can't believe I could bear to leave...

By fishii with 2 comments