Today is where my book begins

Horseshoe Bay

2009-10-23T02:27:32Z

The moon lights up the whole of Horseshoe Bay
That was a year ago
My friend stole a bottle of red from his housemate
We lie on on the blanket
As we watched the moon and listened to the sound of the waves

They sang to me under the starry night
It was the best moment of my life
We touched the water, it was warm to the skin

I wish we can go back to that night
But it will never be the same
The moon hasn't changed but the feelings will not be the same again
That is why it's called a moment

I wrote this because I miss that night.

Horseshoe Bay remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Sharing

2008-08-18T02:48:48Z

Friendship is such an amazing relationship in our lives. This group of people who is not related to you by blood but is always ready to give you support whenever you need it. I'm so glad I have found true friendship.

A friend who I haven't known for the longest time but who is so good at understanding me more than myself tells me a fact about myself. A major weakness that I know I have but not wanting to correct it.

I never share. I do share the tangible materials: food, clothes anything but I don't share my feelings. I just can't open up myself. I can be a good listener but that's not enough. Friendship is both ways. You can't give all the time. Sometimes you have to learn to receive.

He said when I am feeling down, I don't have to keep it to myself. Share it! That's what friends are for!
Tell your friends the joys and sorrows that you have. They will be happy to hear from you.

So I have promised to change for a better Kei Ying.

Thank you again Desmond for the chat though you said you did nothing.

Sharing remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Random thoughts

2008-07-12T04:35:44Z

This is one of the days that i feel i have to let it out. the feeling is so strong that i have to write it down. Did i have too much drinks or has it been secretaly accumulating for the past four months? I miss my family and friends so much that I wish I could turn back time and go back into the past. The images of happy times just keep popping into my head. Everything seem fne but yet not so fine. Something seem to be missing and i don't know what is that.
I have a landlady who treated me like a daughter but yet she is not a real mother to me. I have a chatty housemate but yet she is not like my sister. I have friends but yet are close like the ones at home.

At this very moment, I wish I am in the bed knowing that when I wake up the next day, I have my nasi lemak waiting for me.

Random thoughts remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Beloved Mum

2008-05-12T01:41:56Z

Mother's Day doesn't hold much significane in my life. In fact, I dread it. It means another social family gathering at one of the coffee shops with my mum's group of sisters and cousins. Another chance for the resturants and florists to earn quick bucks on this day.

Yesterday, as I was walking down the streets in Hamilton, I saw dads and children everywhere, busily purchasing flowers, balloons and cards for their mum. Majority of the women on the street was holding a flower and then I think of my Mum. Someone who I have always take for granted.

When I was little, I remember how much I always stick to her. I updated her everything about myself and my friends in school. Sometimes, it annoys my friends because any secrets between us will be reveal to my mum within a few hours.

I'm not sure when it started and why, but I sort of keep things away from her. I remember once she asked why I have not been telling her things. I said there was anything to tell. She must have felt sad.
Gradually, I don't talk to her much and whenever she asked me something, I gave her an irritated reply.
Though I was rude to her, she is always so willing to ignore it and let me be. I felt guilty. This goes on for a couple of years and then I'm not sure what happened again, i starte to open up to her.

This mother has always been so trusting towards me and giving me freedom. Even now that I am going away from home and her, she still give in to what ever I wanted to do in life.

I wish I have been more understanding towards her during the younger days. As of now, I just want to make up and make sure that she felt loved.

Beloved Mum remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Fulham vs Newcastle

2007-12-16T16:12:26Z

Finally I have a chance to watch a football match in London! It was Fulham vs Newcastle.

I wasn't really into football but I want to experience the atmosphere and understand what is so fascinating about this game that capture both the young and old hearts of men. There are probably 20,000 people which is considerably small compared to Arsenal stadium which can hold up to 50,000 people.

I would say looking at the crowd is more interesting than in the game itself. They would sing or cheer together. The thing is I don't see a leader leading the crowd into singing or cheering the same lyrics and they are all in harmony. They would stamp their feet to cheer for their team.

Some would speak in vulgarities if example a player miss the ball or the referree misjudge. They would stand up when there is about a goal to be shoot. They would make sound like "oooh", "mooo" when the ball miss the goal post. It was really funny looking at these people. They seem to be living at the age of 5 yrs old.

At the last 5 mins of the game, Fulham got a penalty which resulted in Newcastle getting a free kick to give the final score 0-1.

It wasn't an exciting game but to be able to be among the audience was something.
After the match, I still don't understand the love of football for men. Perhaps that is the only place where they find some brotherhood and bondage.

Fulham vs Newcastle remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

The not so bright Brighton

2007-12-16T16:14:41Z

When I woke up this morning, the sky was filled with black clouds and the wind was howling.
As I have made plans to visit Brighton today, i have no wish to postpone it.

I was praying that when I reached Brighton, it will be bright and sunny. My heart sank as it started raining when i took the bus from Three Bridges to Brighton which is only half an hour journey.

As i walked towards the direction of the Pier to take a bus to Devil's Dyke, there was a sudden gush of wind which is so strong that the girls walking in front of me are holding on to one another to prevent themselves being blown away. I tried to push myself foward to the nearest pillar to hide where I waited for at least 10mins before I started advancing. It was frightening as i could see myself falling down if i didn't hold on to the pillar fast.

Finally i boarded the bus and arrived at Devil's Dyke viewpoint. I was surprised by the greenery as i thought we are approaching winter. The weather seem to change for better as it was less windy and no rain, so i decided to go for a short walk. As i walked further, it seem to get colder so then i decided to go back to the one and only cafe at the hill top but unfortunately it was closed due to power failure. I was so frustrated as it's the only place that can shield me from the harsh weather and the bus will only come 30mins later. I decided to take a short walk again rather than sitting in the cold. The wind become strong again as i walked and this time, i fell as there is nothing that i can hold on to.

I was glad to catch the bus and went back to Brighton. I made my way to the beach and most of the facilities are closed due to the adverse weather.

Most of the beaches in Europe are pebbles instead of white sandy one like in Asia which is really not suitable for walking barefooted or lying down. I hang around at the beach and enjoyed the setting down of the sun before proceeding to do some window shopping. The Lanes is the place to buy jewellery if u want and probably u won't find the same piece anywhere in the world.

I didn't browse for long as the weather is too cold and all that I wanted is to get back to my own warm and cozy bed.

What a wasted trip!

The not so bright Brighton remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Starry Starry Night

2007-12-01T11:49:39Z

5th November marks the failed plot to blow up the Parliament by Guys Fawkes.
There will be several places in London where fireworks and funfairs will be held to commerate this day.

We have chosen Alexandra Palace Park which is near to our house.
As we hope to get a good view of the fireworks, we were there 2hrs before the start of the sparks!

We went up the hills and managed to squeeze ourselves sitting on top of the railings. It was an extremely cold night so the wait was painful.

When the first spark brighten up the night sky, the wait was all worth it. It was a 30min of display accompanied with classical music.

Starry Starry Night remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

In Love with William Shakespeare

2007-12-16T10:43:39Z

All the world's a stage
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.
(As you like it)

The writer of the above lines doesn't require much introduction since
we would have learnt much about his works in school or even not, the production of the starcross lovers Romeo and Juliet starred by Leonard Dicaprio and Caire Danes would have make him well known.

I went to the town of Stratford-upon-avon where Shakespheare was born and raised. There was an air of literary as you walked along the streets. I visited Shakespeare's Birthplace, the house where he is thought to be born and spent his formative years.

I also visited the New place where he spent his retirement. Unfortunately, the New Place had been razed to the ground by his neighbour's Gastrell and sadly all was left today was its foundations and the remnants of a well.

Since I'm at hometown of Shakespheare, it would not complete the trip without watching a play in the Shakespheare's theatre.

As I was pondering which seat to choose in the threatre for the play Henry V, a gentleman approached me and enquired whether I will be interested to buy his 26 pounds ticket at 10 pounds. What a stroke of luck!
I took up the deal immediately.

The actors are simply fantastic. They could project their voice to the whole theatre and their acting was so expressive though most of the time i couldn't make out what they are saying. It was a whole 3 hrs play and it was really a good experience!

O! for a Muse of fire, that would ascend
The brightest heaven of invention!
A kingdom for a stage, princes to act
And monarchs to behold the swelling scene.
(Henry V Chorus.1)

In Love with William Shakespeare remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Welcoming Autumn

2007-10-01T13:42:28Z

Gosh! I didn't realise that i haven't been updating my blog since early Sep. Unbelievable that we have come into the month of Oct! How time flies!

Life is still the same. The tube still do get suspended due to some reasons (today, it was suspended due to signalling problem. Last week, it was because of a strike as the drivers feel unsafe to drive the train due to the braking system). The people are still as unhappy as always and getting drunk everyday. I'm still waking up everyday.

One thing that had probably changed is the weather. Leaves have started falling, the rain had come more often and dark had crept in as early as 7pm. Farewell to summer and welcome to autumn.

Two weeks ago, i went to Madam Tussaud. Never ever thought of going there for a visit coz i guess seeing wax figure wasn't as exciting as seeing greens and flowers in the mountains. Anyway, i got in free (One adult ticket cost £25) thanks to my roomate who has the vouchers. There were so many people and just waiting to take a photo with those fake figurines (without anyone else in the background) took such long time. Not ever going there again.
Will post those photos which we have painstaking took online soon.

For those who i have not told, I will be going to New York from 20-31 Dec. Finally, a trip outside UK! Niagara Falls, here i come!

Welcoming Autumn remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Surprises

2007-09-04T13:41:25Z

Cool breeze, raising sun, vibrant colors, feathers, whistling, sound systems and smell of bbq fill the air of the 2007 Notting Hill carnival on 28 Aug 2007. It's the world's second largest street party after the Rio Carnival in Brazil.
There are at least half a million of people on that day. So comparing to our chingay, ours was Kachang Puteh.
Nevertheless, i now realised that even with so much laughter and people around you, you can still feel lonely. Not just lonely but extreme loneliness. Therefore, accompany is important even the event is small scale.
I was glad that i left early that day as 3hrs later, there was a shooting.

In London, there are lots of free magazines and newspapers that you can pick up everyday. I don't have a habit of picking up one coz they are mostly gossip but last wed, i decided to have a read and saw there is a Singapore festival that will be co-held on Sat by Singapore Tourism Board and Tiger Beer at Bricks Lane. I was looking forward to that as i finally get to eat my Laska, Chilli Crabs, Satay etc.

There was a long queue into the main hall, approx 70. Finally, when it comes to my turn, i heard one of the ushers saying to the crowd "there is no need to queue, just proceed into the hall". I was smiling and thinking to myself. Half of the people here must be singaporean coz only we will queue to get in. Imagine 70 people rushing to get thru a small door, that will be chaos! I was suddenly feeling proud to be a singaporean coz we are always so organised and orderly.

I was drawn to the smell of chilli crabs and was queuing to get them when i heard someone called my name. I turned around and was caught by surprise to see my poly mate Aileen. We didn't keep in contact after graduating from ACCA and hasn't bump into each other in SG too. What a small world it is! I was so so so happy to see someone i know. It had been a long time since i speak singlish and the feeling was so good. I guess that is what fate and surprise is all abt. Never expecting.

From yesterday 6pm till Thursday night, there will be at least 6 lines out of 9 of the tube service not running due to a strike action by RMT members at Metronet. The funny thing is that they actually tell you before hand like 1 week ago that there is going to be a strike from when to when.
Though it cause inconvenience, i didn't hear much complain from anyone. Everyone just plan their alternative route to get to work or home earlier.
Luckily for me, i have a direct bus back home though it takes a bit of time coz imagining everyone in london trying to get into a bus, it's going to be so packed.

Surprises remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Go away you digusting blood suckers!

2007-08-17T13:39:16Z

Last night, i decided to wash my bedsheet as i starting itching whenever i'm on it. To my digust and horror, i found a few horrible looking black bed bugs at the seam of the bedsheet. I was horrified and the next thing i do is throw away my bedsheet, check the bed and spray one whole bottle of insecticide. My housemate thought i was trying to kill myself in the room!

To my relief, i haven't found anything but i'm not going to take any chance. Later, I'm going to do another round of checks with a pesticide that can specially bust those creatures. I'm going to make a complain to my landlord when she is back next month and make sure she get a someone to do some cleaning up.

On Mon, we have a mini birthday party for one of the housemates. Here is a chance to see how my housemates look like.

Nurumo (Thai) and her hubby Yo (French-korean)

Natasha (Russian) and her bf Mile

There is also Fred (French-indian) which i forgetton to take a pic. Oops sorry. next time then.

Here is a pic of my cranky roommate from Hungary who is at work while we having the party.
This was taken recently when he went back to his hometown.

Go away you digusting blood suckers! remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

I'm living in a material world

2007-08-13T13:44:13Z

For the past 2 months, i lost my sense of purpose of coming over to UK. Thanks goodness, it came back. I was engulfed by the idea of earning big bucks here and going back home to set up small business. All day, money fill up my thoughts. I slogged through the weeks with no day off. i saved on food and entertainment. Absolutely no life.

I guess i'm getting weary and start thinking why am i doing this? perhaps i was lonely here and by working, it helps to fill up time faster.
Right now, i'm only working 35hrs a week with London Metropolitan University as a Finance Officer and 12hrs in the Japanese restaurant with a day off in the weekend. You might be thinking i'm still working so hard but with the high cost of living and the fact that i need to save for travelling, it's not too bad at all. Also, i can resist the temptation of buying clothes and going for movies once in a blue moon.

I can't deny the fact that money still poses an important factor in our life beside our ideals and dreams. Important thing is that we have to strive a balance between earning money and enjoying ourselves. I used to fantasize a world without money and barter trade when i was young. The picture that i drew in my head is always peaceful and full of harmony world. In my thoughts, i will try to figure out why there is a need for money. As years went by, i no longer try to find the answer.
When you are a child, you are always so navie.

I'm living in a material world remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

My cravings

2007-07-29T12:48:06Z

Cooking is never a task that i need to do back at home. There is always food on the table whenever i'm hungry. Oh how fortunate i am but i have never learn to appreciate that!
Those good days are gone now.

Last week, i have a strong craving for green bean soup. note: i'm not pregnant but i guess been away from s'pore for some time make these cravings more often than usual. Thank goodness that i have a vivid recollection of how my mum prepared the soup or else i will end up dreaming of it in my sleep and regretting why i didn't learn that from her. That day, i am so proud of myself as i have managed to satisfy my "difficult to please" stomach.

Writing this now make me want to have Tau Huay and You Tiao!!! I missed those days when i went to eat the forever so smooth Rochor beancurd with my friends after movie. (okies let's not get into debate on which stall is nicer ya? it will take forever to reach a verdict) Those Tau Huay that just melts in your mouth... Can someone pls give me a receipe on how to make Tuay Huay???

Among the three gals in the flat, i'm the worst cook. I always have to ask them is the water enough for my rice? How long do i need to microwave those sausages? Then there is one day, i was frying an egg. When the russian girl saw i flipped the egg over, she was in awe. She said that i cook like a chef! That was very funny at that moment considering i'm the worst. I didn't know that she put the fried egg into the oven to cook the top portion!

My cravings remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Wimbledon & Tour de France

2007-07-19T08:00:11Z

Finally, i think summer is arriving in London coz it had been warm since last night. Last sun was the hottest day in London since i'm here for slightly more than a month. Like the rest of the londoners, i'm always checking the next day weather though the forecast is inaccurate most of the time!

Last year, i was watching Wimbledon from SCV. This year, i was watching the finals between Roger Federer and Nadal Rafael from the big screen at the grounds of Wimbledon. We are very fortunate to have good weather that day. There is good atmosphere with tennis enthusiasts cheering for their idols and the final match did not fail to bring the 2007 championship to the greatest heights and a good close. We saw Roger won his fifth consecutive gentlemen's single title and yes, i won the bet that i had with my roommate. A free ice-cream for me!

Like all eager fans, we waited anxiously for our idol to make an appearance after the match. We saw Roger in his smart white suit beaming with pride as he waved to us. That was the greatest reward of our day. It was a pity that we didn't catch a glimpse of Nadal. My thought is that he is too disappointed to make an appearance.

Beside catching the Wimbledon in the afternoon, we saw the start of Tour de France from London in the morning. This will end in Paris in the last week of July. Cyclists will pass by Alps and Pyrenees with a total distance of 3554km which is divided into 20 stages. It was a great honor to be able to see this as i admire their determination and strength to complete such a long distance.

Wimbledon & Tour de France remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Bus incident

2007-06-24T19:36:37Z

I knew that i will be in time for work if there is no such incident today. There was quite a jam near Tottenham Court Road tube and one of the passenger which i don't know what's his hurry about, he decided that he wants to get down the bus. Instead of walking to the front and ask the driver to open the door, he try to act smart and press the emergency button to open the back door.

The driver was super super angry and announced through the microphone that everyone to get down the bus except that person as he is going to call the police to arrest him. My goodness! That caused me to take the train so that i will be on time for work. I have purposely took a bus instead of train so that i can save money but now ended up paying more.

The other passengers are expressionless. I guess they are used to such mindless people!

Bus incident remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

My New Accommodation

2007-06-21T15:22:16Z

It had been a week since my 2nd interview with Sanofi-Aventis. Sadly to say, I didn't get the job. sob sob

I went for an interview with Fujitsu in Slough (30 min train ride from london) yesterday for a role as Hyperion Support Administrator. The interviewer didn't ask a lot of questions which is not good as it shows that she is not interested in hiring me! So in short, don't bear any hopes for this.

Slough is a more peaceful and clean city than London. Will not be suitable for people looking for a vibrant life. Will be going to Guilford next Wed for another interview with an agency. haiz need to spend more money on the train ticket again.

And yes, i finally move out of the hostel! Past two nights, i have been sharing a room with a 20+ Hungarian man, Gabor. I was very resistant to share a room with a man but the room that i'm waiting for will not be available until 28 June which i will be sharing with a Czech Republic gal. As i can't afford to stay another week with the hostel, i agreed since it will be a short stay and the man look decent. (all right, looks can be deceiving!)

I think i may regret my decision. This Czech gal has a habit of bringing different black guys to the room. She has been given warnings and i shall complain to the landlord if she did it again. I'm so pissed with the landlord as she should have informed me earlier before i rent the room. (but who in the right mind will provide such info when all they want is to get money from u!) I got this info from my currrent flatmates, a thai lady and a russian gal. Both of them had been keeping me entertained with all the juicy news in this area.

Another advantage of staying with Gabor is that he works from 3pm - 1am so i could have the whole room to myself in the evening and all he does in the room is sleeping!

Luckily, my lease period is only for 1 month. Will want to find another better area than this. All night, i could hear the police's siren. Also this area is full of blacks.

Lesson learnt: don't assume that staying with a gal is necessarily better than with a guy!

My New Accommodation remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

A ray of light

2007-06-13T12:48:30Z

3 weeks in London and i'm still surviving! That was a breakthrough for me. These 3 weeks hasn't been easy for me. I made so many blunders that i lost count of them.

One of them actually cost me losing my "bread and butter". I accidentally spill a glass of wine on the table in the Jap restaurant. I was so upset with myself and the thought of starting all over again is so depressing. At that moment, the thought of going back home is so good. But i knew that if i just go back like that, i will come to regret it.

I was very grateful to KF who given me this book at the airport "Hope for a woman's soul". That was the only book that i can go to every night and whenever i'm low in spirit.

I guess losing the Jap's job is a blessing in disguise. I can now use most of my daytime looking for a proper accounting job and a cheaper room.

God answered my prayers.

I have went for an interview yesterday for a financial compliance role with sanofi aventis, a pharmaceutical company. The interview was the most tedious and stressful one that i had ever been to.

It involved taking a maths and english test as well as a personality test. After that, an interview with the HR manager and the person that i will be replacing. They asked questions like "pls give an example where someone is not satisified with my work" or "an example of missing deadline".

I didn't give very good examples nor did i finished all the qn in the maths paper within the timeframe so i didn't bear high hopes for getting into the 2nd interview with the Finance Director. It was a good experience and it gives me hope that i will be getting other interviews soon.

I received a call awhile ago that i've been selected for the 2nd interview tomorrow. I could say that call was a great boast to my confidence for the first time in 3 weeks.

Also, i will be viewing a room at Manor House which is much cheaper n comfortable than where i'm staying tonight. hopefully, the room is ok and i can move in by next week.

Shall updated again and thank you to those who had been so concern abt me.

I miss Rice and everyone back at home!

A ray of light remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Life in London after 2 Weeks

2007-06-04T17:44:43Z

Finally, the skies were clear and there was sun last Sat. I joined my roommate Anna from France to visit Big Ben and London Eye after my work in the Dim Sum restaurant in Chinatown.

We took a nice walk in the area enjoying the streets performances. Took a few pictures but there is space limit to what i can upload into this website per month. haiz i reached the limit after loading only 5 photos. Damn

I haven't been earning enough to pay for my accommodation and food so i have been very very thrifty in what i eat everyday. Also, i can't cook. My everyday lunch cum dinner is spaghetti and ready food that i can use the microwave. Therefore i always look forward to the break time when i worked in the Jap or Dim Sum restaurant where they provide us food. ps: i don't work everyday

In case u all miss my face, this is the most recent photo that i took in my room.

Life in London after 2 Weeks remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Paris 1-2 May 2007

2007-06-01T21:04:51Z

We reached Paris in late afternoon after 2 hrs of ferry ride from Dover where the white cliffs are and 6 hrs of coach ride.

Once we reached the campsite, we were taught how to pitch our tents where we will need to do every 2 days. It will be easy as long as you find the right "spot" to plant the nails.

After that, we were out on the coach for a ride in the "City of Lights". I was completely smitten by the Eiffel Tower. It has such an amazing structure of steels!

The next morning, we went up the Eiffel Tower. It was so cold up on top. As there are a lot of people and the lift could only hold a certain no of people, we were there for like a total of 4hrs which mean half a day gone for us.

We were unable to rest as we only have today to see the whole of Paris. We visted the Notre Dame where we see lots of stained glass windows.
We walked thru the shopping district with big brands like LV, cartier etc to Arc De Triomphe. The night before, our coach driver made 7 rounds around the Arc which is pretty cool!

Last of all, we visited the Louvre, only outside as we have no time to go in. That is where Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa is stored. The
collections in Louvre is so much that it will take days to finish!

Paris 1-2 May 2007 remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Amsterdam 21 May 2007

2007-05-31T17:02:07Z

In the morning, we had a bike ride through the countryside around the little town of Edam. We meandered along the alleyways, over tiny bridges and even stop at the windmill for photo. The bike is even more ancient than the one we had at Munich! There is no gears and brake. How you stop the bike will be to cycle backwards. A granny bike!

We went our seperate way after the bike ride as Amy would like to see garden while i would like to visit the museums.

First is the Ann Frank House where she and her family went into hiding during world war 2. If you have read the "Diary of Anne Frank", you would feel her fears and wishes. I feel so emotional as i walked through the house. I read the book in my teens and it's the first book that brought tears to my eyes.

The second museum that i went is the Van Gogh's. I got to know him thru a wine bottle that my sis bought. it was painted with Van Gogh's "starry night". I started reading up on his works and life in the internet. He was born in 1853 and in 1890, he shot himself in the chest and died 2 days later. Some of his famous works are the "potato eaters", "the bedroom", "wheatfield with crows". Sadly, part of the museum is temporarily closed and i didn't get to see my "starry night". sob sob

this is the last part of my tour, the next day is all the way travelling back to london and the start of my lonely life. and yes, i almost forget that i will need to update my first and second day in Paris....
will do that very soon. would need to do some recalls.

Amsterdam 21 May 2007 remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Amsterdam 20 May 2007

2007-05-31T16:48:41Z

We were taken to the red light district for an eye opener. Here, prostitution is legal. There is even a kindergarten in the area. The children here fully understand the nature of their mummy's job. As you walked along the streets, you see women of all races and ages wearing skimpy nightwear and bikini posing sexy pose behind the full length window inviting mens to book them. I must say the competition is quite stiff. not possible to snap photos as i need to respect their profession. We also went to see a sex show. nothing fantastic. One of the korean left after 10 mins. He think that is dirty and sex should be beautiful and a bond with her beloved wife. I must say he is the most romantic and fuuny guy i have ever seen. He show me what he wrote to his pianist girlfriend in his book. though the words are in korean, there are drawings of what he had seen during the tour and he picked tiny pretty flowers and paste it on the book. His dream is to be a good son, a good husband and a good father!

Amsterdam 20 May 2007 remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Heidelberg 19 May 2007

2007-05-31T16:37:36Z

We only spent a couple of hours cruising the University town of Heidelberg as most of today is on the road and early morning next day, we will be moving on to Amsterdam!

We spent the hours in the castle where we can catch a good view of the captivating old town and the picturesque of Neckar river.

Heidelberg 19 May 2007 remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Munich 18 May 2007

2007-06-01T21:09:11Z

We took a guided bicycle ride around this fascinating Bavarian capital. We were given the simplest bicycle i have ever seen. There is no gears to shift but at least they have brakes. We stopped at the beer hall at Englicher Garden for lunch. I like the atmosphere there. It's open space with a chinese style tower (wonder why?) where the musicians played on the 2nd floor in the midst of hundreds long tables and benches seated with good fun people.
In the evening, we went to one of the oldest beer hall in the city for dinner. We tasted their german specialities including pork knuckes and "hell" beer while watching dancers, yodellers and musicians in full costume. everytime a tune is finished, we will need to start prosting. Prost = cheers. All of us had such a good time prosting and dancing. That includes our Amy who don't even get into the dance floor in S'pore! She did it here in Munich so u can see how much fun we had

Munich 18 May 2007 remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Munich 17 May 2007

2007-05-29T14:13:34Z

There is some things about Germany. They are good in machinery. They have a defensive football team. They have the world's best sausages and beers. They are fast drivers (they have unlimited speed limit until 2ys ago). There is also Hilter who brought upon world War 2 whom the germans today are ashamed to discuss.

We visited the concentration camp in Dachau where they kept the Jews and other "foreigners". The sad thing is that these prisoners are made to build more concentration camps to hold people like themselves. Seeing those stories and pictures are really very depressing.

Munich 17 May 2007 remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Prague 16 May 2007

2007-05-27T18:42:59Z

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

Prague 16 May 2007 remains copyright of the author poppies, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs