May 2007

Czech Republic is considered as the largest porn country in europe. Red Bull is big here. The beer here is so much cheaper than any other places we have visted. One bottle cost only SGD30 cents. We had a lunchtime cruise along River Vltava, seeing Pargue in a different angle. The sightseeing tour took us to the church of St Vitus and astronomical clock which on it's tower, there is the horologr from the early 15th century. In the upper part of which, the 12 apostles will appear every hr from 9am - 9pm. We also visited the very famous Karluv Most (Charles Bridge) founded by Charles IV in 1357.

We had a little missing episode during our free time. We lost sight with each other during a commercial shooting in one of the streets. We only found each other after 1hr at St Vitus. The funny part is that Amy had been following me for the past 10min before she gave up and called out to me. At one point in time, she is just 1m from me and i didn't even notice her presence. That's me. Always in my own world. haiz

We visited a small town called Cesky Krumlou before stopping at Prague, the capital of Czech Republic. I like this town. They have tiny shops selling puppets, wooden toys and dwarfs. There is a tiny bakery shop that sells one and only kind of bread. She will only bake it when you ordered and it took ard 5mins. She will roll the dough ard a metal roller and bake it. once done, she will roll it with either walnut or cinnamon power depending on your choice. It was hot and crispy so it's taste really yummy. I wish i can walk more around this town but unfortunately, one of the straps of my slippers broke and most of my time was spent finding for a reasonably priced one. Tonight was the first time that it rains ever since we came for this tour, it was so cold that i wish that the night can end sooner. In the end, i took a lot of the Lemon alcohol to numb myself.

Today is a slow and relax walking tour in the town from morning till night. Some of the places we visited are the Statute of Maria Theresa, the first lady emperor of Austria, Morzart's statute at Burgarten, The Opera House, Parliament Building, St Stephen's Cathedral, Belvedere Garden and Palace. Lunch is just a slice of Sacher Cake with whipped cream shared with Amy. The cake was pronounced by the King as the most delicious cake in Austria. It's a chocolate cake with Jam in between the layers. Two thumbs up!

We also visited the Fischer's Schnap museum which had been running for 4 generations. The distillery still uses traditional methods when producing Schnap, brandies and liqueurs. We had a good time sampling the different favours of Schnaps. The butterscotch and the gold one was really really really nice! The 56% alcohol level of the Red one kills me. It's called blood something. just a small sip send me coughing. very spicy!

I love the night of Vienna more than the day as the building and statutes are lighted up by orange light. With the sound of classical music playing in the streets, you just get memerized by it. As i was choosing a postcard to send back home, i was taken away by this pic of St Charles which wasn't introduced by our guide. Anyway, we were determined to find our way there and was rewarded by the stunning view of the church with the sun setting down. There is a large clear pool of water in front of the church therefore, you could see the reflection of the church on the water surface which made a very good photo! To add to the joy of finding this wonderful place, we get to enjoy a free classical music performance inside the church. sweet!

After one week in Italy looking at paintings and drawings, we waltz into the once mighty Austria empire, Vienna. The country that produces famous musicians like Mozart and Strauss. Here, we must try the Viennese coffee, authentic apple strudel and sample their local schnaps. Ladies who loves crystals will find Swaroski cheaper here than anywhere in the world.

After dinner, we went to amusement park in Prater where the world's oldest ferries wheel is. We tried the sky flyer where we are seated in a chair and it goes round and round up to the top and down again. It's a great opportunity to view the night scene though we get a bit dizzy with all the spinning. still that was great fun!

Our first stop is to St Mark square. The interior of the church is magnificent! It's made up of three domes and the walls tell the story of Mark and Jesus using Mosiac. The background uses tiny small gold tiles so it looks really grand on the whole. Outside there are hundreds of pigeons waiting to be fed which can be quite scary. In Venice, experience missing your way and you may find something unexpectedly awaiting for you. There are some many bridges and small lanes that it will be abnormal if you didn't get lost. We also have a gondola ride on the narrow canals with the rower singing which is kind of cool.

After dinner at the campsite ard 8, we decided to venture out to the city ourselves instead of partying which our group do everynight without fail. We took a bus from Fastina where our camp is to venice which took about 1 hr. Unfortunately, we missed the stop to alight and ended up in a remote carpark. Thank god that we met a family who happened to be leaving the place. Only then did we realise that there is no more bus service and it will take a long time to walk back to the railway station where there is a bus that can catch to Venice. They offered us a ride to the railway station which we gratefully accepted.

Such nice people. Venice definitely leave me a good impression!