31 Aug, Rhine Valley (St. Goar) to Amsterdam
After staying in Munich for one night and one half day, we drove to Austria Tyrol for water rafting. On the boat we have Louis, Ale, David, Ally, Stacy, Magumi and myself. The water is alright, but because I got a hole in my wet suit, I feel so damn freezing when our guide asked us to jump into the water. I guess I am just too focused on not to fall into the water and forget to appreciate the beautiful scenery aside the river.
After this, we drove to Hofgargen, a small town famous for the winter skiing. We went mountain biking in the morning and had the paragliding in the afternoon. I haven't done mountain bike for almost 8 years, and my butt really hurts. The scenery is beautiful and the riding is enjoyable, although we do occasionally got the shower alone the way. Honestly I don't think I am the person who will try paragliding, but every time when I am in overseas, I tend to become more "brave" than I used to be. Yes, I did try the paragliding. We took the cable car to the upper hill and we need to be attached to a big "umbrella" and run from the hill. Not very long after I start running, we are already in the air. The coach is right behind me, but still, it's scared. I couldn't help to hold the bars very tightly...
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Friday, August 25, 2006
Travel Journal: Vienna to Munich
25 Aug, Vienna to Munich
After a pleasant day and night (we had Viennese dinner in woods, the food is good and the atmosphere is great. everyone enjoys a great time there), we went to a concentration camp in Mauthausen, Austria this morning. It was sad to see the history and how human lives are tortured in this camp. Behind the beautiful scenery of Austria, there are also lessons for us to remember, to respect each individuals regardless of their nationality, minority whatsoever.
Vienna is a beautiful city, we went to the Mozart concert on the night we arrive on 23 Aug. Compared with what I used to hear in 光仁, the orchestra is not big (only 6 or 7 people), but in a classical atmosphere like Vienna, it seems like a must to attend one of the concerts like this.
Yesterday is a free day in Vienna, we started the walking tour in the Royal Palace and finish in one of the main shopping street. Afterwards I went checking out the Cathedral, the Theatre, have the lunch in the open market, Parliament House, the park, Mozart Statue, the Opera House, took a lot of photos and then again stuck in the other major shopping street again from 2:30 to 5. I am a hopeless shopholic. The dinner was great, the farmer plate I ordered is delicious, and the host is a really fun Austrian guy. Not until I receive a very rude message from the fucking asshole, I think my stay in Vienna will be very memorable. He really knows how to ruin other people's good mood. Anyway I also hope that I could find a good guy to move on with my life to forget this asshole. Nothing worse than trying to be nice and people treat you like shit.
After a pleasant day and night (we had Viennese dinner in woods, the food is good and the atmosphere is great. everyone enjoys a great time there), we went to a concentration camp in Mauthausen, Austria this morning. It was sad to see the history and how human lives are tortured in this camp. Behind the beautiful scenery of Austria, there are also lessons for us to remember, to respect each individuals regardless of their nationality, minority whatsoever.
Vienna is a beautiful city, we went to the Mozart concert on the night we arrive on 23 Aug. Compared with what I used to hear in 光仁, the orchestra is not big (only 6 or 7 people), but in a classical atmosphere like Vienna, it seems like a must to attend one of the concerts like this.
Yesterday is a free day in Vienna, we started the walking tour in the Royal Palace and finish in one of the main shopping street. Afterwards I went checking out the Cathedral, the Theatre, have the lunch in the open market, Parliament House, the park, Mozart Statue, the Opera House, took a lot of photos and then again stuck in the other major shopping street again from 2:30 to 5. I am a hopeless shopholic. The dinner was great, the farmer plate I ordered is delicious, and the host is a really fun Austrian guy. Not until I receive a very rude message from the fucking asshole, I think my stay in Vienna will be very memorable. He really knows how to ruin other people's good mood. Anyway I also hope that I could find a good guy to move on with my life to forget this asshole. Nothing worse than trying to be nice and people treat you like shit.
Hello from Munich
(Originally emailed on 25 Aug 2006)
Hello,
Thanks for your emails and apology that I might not be able to reply individually but on the gorup base due to the limited time on the Internet. We just depart Vienna this morning and arrive Munich this afternoon. Half an hour later will be off to the local beer hall and check out the Munich city centre.
Vienne is a nice city, very classcial with clear street and less tourist. On the night of arrival we also went to the Mozart concert and enjoyed a great night out. Compared with the "chaos" in Italy, Austria and Germany has higher living standard as well as better order. You also get to see a lot of nice cars running on the road. Have never seen so many X5 on the road.......
On the way to Munich we also went to see a concerntration camp near the outskirt of Austria. Behind the beautiful scenary, there're sad historical stories behind and none of us would like to see it happen again. It's kinda depressed after a big contract with what we feel in Vienna.
If I have missed anyone on the email list, please feel free to forward it. I am still trying to configue how to decode the language to something I could recognise.....Till then, take good care.
By for now,
Hello,
Thanks for your emails and apology that I might not be able to reply individually but on the gorup base due to the limited time on the Internet. We just depart Vienna this morning and arrive Munich this afternoon. Half an hour later will be off to the local beer hall and check out the Munich city centre.
Vienne is a nice city, very classcial with clear street and less tourist. On the night of arrival we also went to the Mozart concert and enjoyed a great night out. Compared with the "chaos" in Italy, Austria and Germany has higher living standard as well as better order. You also get to see a lot of nice cars running on the road. Have never seen so many X5 on the road.......
On the way to Munich we also went to see a concerntration camp near the outskirt of Austria. Behind the beautiful scenary, there're sad historical stories behind and none of us would like to see it happen again. It's kinda depressed after a big contract with what we feel in Vienna.
If I have missed anyone on the email list, please feel free to forward it. I am still trying to configue how to decode the language to something I could recognise.....Till then, take good care.
By for now,
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Travel Journal: Venice to Vienna
23 Aug, Venice to Vienna
This morning we cross the border of Italy and come to Austria. The first service station we stopped is amazing, nice food, clear toilet, no crazy crowd like Italy, feel like we're finally in a more civilized country.
Over the past one week, we have been to Florance (1 night and 1 full day), Rome (1.5 days) and Venice (1 night and 1 full day). Not very impressed with Florance, it's a small town compared with Rome, and I had my worse Italy food and ice cream (cost me 12 Euro, damn) in Florance. Maybe if I get the chance to see the Uffizi Museum, the impression will be better.
Rome is really the capital of the Empire, so many great buildings/architectures/heritages. We went around the city on the first day we arrive, oh, forget, we actually had a very morning departure from Florance and arrive Rome before 11am. Straight into Vatican Museum after getting off the bus. The line is unbelievable long, we "sneak in" so that it will get us to go into the museum as soon as possible. Not to mention all the great collections in the museum like all the others, the Sistine Chapel is really a master piece, you could just look at the ceiling for hours to appreciate how Michelangelo accomplishes those great paintings. I spend over half an hour in the Chapel just listen to the audio guidelines and look at all those great paintings around.
During the lunch time I shared an table with two Australians who are currently living in UK but is backpacking for 6 weeks. Start feeling that I am really doing the trip on my own now. The next day is a free day, start with the guided tour of the Colosseum, understand the history behind that, went to the Roman Forum, then later we went to the Capuchin Monks Church, all decorated with skeletons. I didn't go to the catabomb in Paris so decide need to have a look in this one even though I didn't expect too much cos of the scary feeling. However it turns out pretty good. Was fun to go there with a group of people and laugh at each other in the skeleton church!
The day in Rome is so full on. I finish most of the sightseeing I want to do, done good shopping on the Corso Street. Most important of all, I saw the St. Peter's church. Initially Ange told us the church is closed becos of the service, but I still want to have a look even though from outside. It will be a real pity not to see the biggest church on the world, so I manage to get off the Metro on the way back to the campsite, and to my great surprise, the church is open! I can't believe how lucky I am, otherwise I will definitely come back to Rome to see the church (like the wish I made in the Trevi Fountain). When I stepped into the church, I can't stop crying. I guess it's because I am too happy to get to see the church, also it's so big and magnificent. Someone is doing the service in the 祭壇, and the whole church design is also overwhelming. I went back to the campsite at almost 8:30, no dinner, sore legs, tired, but everything is just so worthwhile.
The night before we arrive Venice, enjoyed a very Italian style night life in the camp club. Italians are very easy to take off their pants (it reminds me of someone, haha) but it was a great fun to hook up with the people on the tour and enjoy the time over the drinks. I have been sick since the early start of the tour and haven't been really out partying for a while. Yesterday we went to Venice by boat from the campsite. On the way to the main island, I know why people will fall in love with Italy. Venice is an adorable city, surrounded by water (though it's not very clean), a lot of old streets, and you do get lost very easily, because for some buildings you think are close, they might need to across the river or swimming! I only done the church thing in the morning, the rest of day just wonder (or shop) around. The Marino glass is beautiful, but very expensive and fragile to ship home. Mum and Dad will get crazy here.
We went to the Gondola ride in the afternoon, it's so quiet and peaceful in some of the small streets, just see the water flowing on the side then enjoy the moment. No wonder it's a romantic city for people to fall in love. Louis also proposes to Alex on the gondola, such a romantic thing to do in Venice. Survive in Italy, no pick pocket, not getting lost in the train station. Bravo!
This morning we cross the border of Italy and come to Austria. The first service station we stopped is amazing, nice food, clear toilet, no crazy crowd like Italy, feel like we're finally in a more civilized country.
Over the past one week, we have been to Florance (1 night and 1 full day), Rome (1.5 days) and Venice (1 night and 1 full day). Not very impressed with Florance, it's a small town compared with Rome, and I had my worse Italy food and ice cream (cost me 12 Euro, damn) in Florance. Maybe if I get the chance to see the Uffizi Museum, the impression will be better.
Rome is really the capital of the Empire, so many great buildings/architectures/heritages. We went around the city on the first day we arrive, oh, forget, we actually had a very morning departure from Florance and arrive Rome before 11am. Straight into Vatican Museum after getting off the bus. The line is unbelievable long, we "sneak in" so that it will get us to go into the museum as soon as possible. Not to mention all the great collections in the museum like all the others, the Sistine Chapel is really a master piece, you could just look at the ceiling for hours to appreciate how Michelangelo accomplishes those great paintings. I spend over half an hour in the Chapel just listen to the audio guidelines and look at all those great paintings around.
During the lunch time I shared an table with two Australians who are currently living in UK but is backpacking for 6 weeks. Start feeling that I am really doing the trip on my own now. The next day is a free day, start with the guided tour of the Colosseum, understand the history behind that, went to the Roman Forum, then later we went to the Capuchin Monks Church, all decorated with skeletons. I didn't go to the catabomb in Paris so decide need to have a look in this one even though I didn't expect too much cos of the scary feeling. However it turns out pretty good. Was fun to go there with a group of people and laugh at each other in the skeleton church!
The day in Rome is so full on. I finish most of the sightseeing I want to do, done good shopping on the Corso Street. Most important of all, I saw the St. Peter's church. Initially Ange told us the church is closed becos of the service, but I still want to have a look even though from outside. It will be a real pity not to see the biggest church on the world, so I manage to get off the Metro on the way back to the campsite, and to my great surprise, the church is open! I can't believe how lucky I am, otherwise I will definitely come back to Rome to see the church (like the wish I made in the Trevi Fountain). When I stepped into the church, I can't stop crying. I guess it's because I am too happy to get to see the church, also it's so big and magnificent. Someone is doing the service in the 祭壇, and the whole church design is also overwhelming. I went back to the campsite at almost 8:30, no dinner, sore legs, tired, but everything is just so worthwhile.
The night before we arrive Venice, enjoyed a very Italian style night life in the camp club. Italians are very easy to take off their pants (it reminds me of someone, haha) but it was a great fun to hook up with the people on the tour and enjoy the time over the drinks. I have been sick since the early start of the tour and haven't been really out partying for a while. Yesterday we went to Venice by boat from the campsite. On the way to the main island, I know why people will fall in love with Italy. Venice is an adorable city, surrounded by water (though it's not very clean), a lot of old streets, and you do get lost very easily, because for some buildings you think are close, they might need to across the river or swimming! I only done the church thing in the morning, the rest of day just wonder (or shop) around. The Marino glass is beautiful, but very expensive and fragile to ship home. Mum and Dad will get crazy here.
We went to the Gondola ride in the afternoon, it's so quiet and peaceful in some of the small streets, just see the water flowing on the side then enjoy the moment. No wonder it's a romantic city for people to fall in love. Louis also proposes to Alex on the gondola, such a romantic thing to do in Venice. Survive in Italy, no pick pocket, not getting lost in the train station. Bravo!
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Ciao from Italy
(Originally emailed on 22 Aug 2006)
Hello friends,
I am in Venice now, and will be leaving for Vienna tomorrow. The trip is awesome so far, around 50 people on the tour from New Zealand, Australia, US, Canada, Brazil, Japan etc. We have been to Paris, French Riviera, Barcelona, Nice/Cannes, Monaco, Florance, Rome, seen a lot a great architectures, museums, people, scenary....walking a lot everyday because time is just too short to want to see everything within a short period of time. I have tried to upload the photos but seems the number is way too big for the bandwidth, might try to do it later on when I finish the tour and go to Denmark in September.
The most impressive things for me to date is the Louvre in Paris, the Ventican Museum (Sistine Chapel), St Peter's Church in Rome. Initialy I did't expect the St. Peter's church will be opened due to the Sunday service, but when I did get into and realise the church is open, I almost cry....partially it's because I won't have the pity in Rome, partially it's also because it's so huge and so impressive that you almost hold your breath when looking around.
Ok, my time is up now. Will share with you more when I got time. Take care,
Hello friends,
I am in Venice now, and will be leaving for Vienna tomorrow. The trip is awesome so far, around 50 people on the tour from New Zealand, Australia, US, Canada, Brazil, Japan etc. We have been to Paris, French Riviera, Barcelona, Nice/Cannes, Monaco, Florance, Rome, seen a lot a great architectures, museums, people, scenary....walking a lot everyday because time is just too short to want to see everything within a short period of time. I have tried to upload the photos but seems the number is way too big for the bandwidth, might try to do it later on when I finish the tour and go to Denmark in September.
The most impressive things for me to date is the Louvre in Paris, the Ventican Museum (Sistine Chapel), St Peter's Church in Rome. Initialy I did't expect the St. Peter's church will be opened due to the Sunday service, but when I did get into and realise the church is open, I almost cry....partially it's because I won't have the pity in Rome, partially it's also because it's so huge and so impressive that you almost hold your breath when looking around.
Ok, my time is up now. Will share with you more when I got time. Take care,
Wednesday, August 9, 2006
Travel Journal: Dover, across Tunnel to France
9 Aug, Dover, across Tunnel to France
今天倫敦的天氣不是很好, typical raining day. 小雨, 加上些許的寒冷. 昨晚的2個室友都剛參加完 Contiki tour, 不過都得了感冒. 夾在中間的我也擔心會被病菌傳染, vitamin C, 藥, 水都猛灌, 希望不會有事. Paris 的天氣大概也會跟 London 很像, 看來要多加件外套了.
路途上一切都還順利, 原先以為會在 Gatwick 機場降落的 (要多轉車程), 最後是在 Heathrow 降落, 搭 tube (underground) 就可以直達 Hotel. 車速不快, 坐了快 30 多分鐘. 沿途看到的 Londoner 跟 New Zealander 很像, 沒看到太多 impressive 的景觀.
今天早上從 Hotel 出發到 Dover, 有看到 London Bridge 和 London Eye. 昨天從飛機場降落時看到 London 的全貌, 是個被河流包圍的城市, very populated, 比 Auckland 大多了, 只可惜不可以在降落時使用照相機. 可惜.
Contiki tour 的人很多, 有 50 個人. 今天坐在旁邊的是在 US 唸書的 Beijing 女孩, 人很好, 是個好的開始. 團中也有些許的"濃妝"日本妹, 很 typical. 多數的人來自 Aussie, US, 女生居多. Will be interesting to find out more in the remaining 24 days. Nothing much for today's tour, mainly will be sitting on the tour bus. We will arrive Paris in the late evening to find out more about this romantic (??) city :)
Still waiting for the ferry crossing in Dover. We might need to sail on the sea for 1.5 - 2 hours before reaching France, then another 2 - 2.5 hours to the camp site we stay.
今天倫敦的天氣不是很好, typical raining day. 小雨, 加上些許的寒冷. 昨晚的2個室友都剛參加完 Contiki tour, 不過都得了感冒. 夾在中間的我也擔心會被病菌傳染, vitamin C, 藥, 水都猛灌, 希望不會有事. Paris 的天氣大概也會跟 London 很像, 看來要多加件外套了.
路途上一切都還順利, 原先以為會在 Gatwick 機場降落的 (要多轉車程), 最後是在 Heathrow 降落, 搭 tube (underground) 就可以直達 Hotel. 車速不快, 坐了快 30 多分鐘. 沿途看到的 Londoner 跟 New Zealander 很像, 沒看到太多 impressive 的景觀.
今天早上從 Hotel 出發到 Dover, 有看到 London Bridge 和 London Eye. 昨天從飛機場降落時看到 London 的全貌, 是個被河流包圍的城市, very populated, 比 Auckland 大多了, 只可惜不可以在降落時使用照相機. 可惜.
Contiki tour 的人很多, 有 50 個人. 今天坐在旁邊的是在 US 唸書的 Beijing 女孩, 人很好, 是個好的開始. 團中也有些許的"濃妝"日本妹, 很 typical. 多數的人來自 Aussie, US, 女生居多. Will be interesting to find out more in the remaining 24 days. Nothing much for today's tour, mainly will be sitting on the tour bus. We will arrive Paris in the late evening to find out more about this romantic (??) city :)
Still waiting for the ferry crossing in Dover. We might need to sail on the sea for 1.5 - 2 hours before reaching France, then another 2 - 2.5 hours to the camp site we stay.
Tuesday, August 8, 2006
Travel Journal: Taipei - Bangkok - London
8 Aug, Taipei - Bangkok - London
對於從沒有 backpacking 過的我來說, 3個月的歐洲自助旅行著實是一項挑戰, 感覺比工作還辛苦. 原先應該是6 號就飛倫敦的, 結果因為忘記帶中華民國護照, 不得出境, 多在台北滯留了2天.
飛了將近一天, 再過10分鐘就到 London 了. 明天的第一站行程就是 Paris, 相信會有更多不同的體驗.
對於從沒有 backpacking 過的我來說, 3個月的歐洲自助旅行著實是一項挑戰, 感覺比工作還辛苦. 原先應該是6 號就飛倫敦的, 結果因為忘記帶中華民國護照, 不得出境, 多在台北滯留了2天.
飛了將近一天, 再過10分鐘就到 London 了. 明天的第一站行程就是 Paris, 相信會有更多不同的體驗.