Eastern Europe Day 9

5th April 2014

Vienna, Austria- Singapore

Woke up earlier than usual because I still have a few more items to be squeezed into my luggage. I shall psycho my parents to buy a bigger luggage, preferably Samsonite luggage next time.

After some squeezing, I gave up. Took out the Chan Brothers hand luggage bag and stuff all the remaining things inside. LOL. Plan to only hv 1 luggage failed.

After breakfast, we embarked on yet another walking tour with Johnny. A few of the road were blocked for some cycling competition. But on foot, it was perfectly alright.

Vienna State Opera house. It has a history dating back to the mid-19th century. The cheapest ticket can cost up to 500 euro. I will come back next time. For sure.

Hofburg is a palace located in Vienna that has housed some of the most powerful people in European and Austrian history. It currently serves as the official residence of the President of Austria.

Parliament building is where the 2 houses of the Parliament of Austria conduct their sessions. Foundation stone was laid in 1874, and the building was completed in 1883.

Town hall (Rathaus) is built between 1872 and 1883. The building serves as the seat both of the mayor and city council. At the top of the tower is the Rathausmann, one of the symbols of Vienna.

After all the walking, Johnny brought us back to the shopping district for some free and easy time. Peisi and I, together with another 2 tour mates started searching for Longchamp. Found it and bought it under 30% discount. Not to forget, we can claim VAT at the airport. So it's SUPER cheap. And got psychoed again. 2 bags bought. That's it liao. Too much damage done. So the 2 of us went to search for cute cafe to sit down and enjoy the 'king and queen' lifestyle for the last time.

Arrived at the airport very early at about 2.30pm when our flight was at 7.45pm. Everything Johnny do comes with a reason. Luckily we are the first group. Even though we are not allowed to queue up in the line, but we are promised to be the first when the counter opens. Because, another group of you-know-from-which-country came and all of them refused to get out from the line.

There were a lot of things to be done at the airport. Johnny is kind of worried when he saw the AMOUNT of things that the other group bought. Each 1 of them at least had 2 luggages and lots of BARANGS. Which means..... they have a lot of VATs to be claimed. Johnny kept repeating and repeating the whole procedure to the 29 of us. Hoping to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Our group mates are such a sweet group. Some of them started helping one another queuing up in the long line at the VAT station. It saves so much time because we wont need to line up at the back behind the... you-know-which-country people. Some things I just need to get it off my chest. I seriously don't understand why these people like to stand so DAMN close behind you! You hinted them by moving a little away from them, and there they are sticking onto you again. Being a nurse toughened the 2 of us up. What are bags for at this time? Use your imagination what we did to them. After making sure everyone make it through the VAT and making sure that the elderlys in the group catch up with us, off we went into the boarding gate. Finally. Able to breathe normally again. But that was only a short while because at Istanbul for transit, we rush like bees again! OMG! Being at other countries would you then appreciate Singapore more. LOL. Singapore Airport. The number 1 airport in the world. Shall not elaborate more over here. Those who travel will understand what I mean. Just a simple toilet would make you curse and swear. LOL.

Up in the air for 12 hours is no joke. Cant sleep at all when you so super tired.

And finally, SINGAPORE! It's hot and humid, but I still want to shout: HOME SWEET HOME!

The trip ends here. But I believe the end of a trip is the beginning of another trip. And so, till then, I will not stop FLYING.

Thanks to all my group mates in making this trip such an enjoyable one. Thanks to Johnny who is always on the lookout for the 2 of us, looking out for the elderlys and not forgetting to add in jokes and laughters along the way. He's the BEST tour manager so far I have seen. I am so looking forward to joining his other tours. The Scandinavia and the upcoming Central Europe tour that he is going to take up soon.

'Tavel with Chan Brothers life would never be the same. Travel with Johnny life would never be the same TOO!'

Chan Brothers is not a bad tour agency. Would consider them when I travel next time.

The World is so big. But the time we had is so little.

So live happily and travel more as much as you can.

Travel broadens the mind! :)

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152142060768318.1073741854.759843317&type=1&l=0f3f1cb955

Eastern Europe Day 8

4th April 2014

Budapest, Hungary- Vienna, Austria

Good morning! Today is the much anticipated day for almost all of us. Because it's SHOPPING TIME!!!!

In order not to waste time on traveling, our tour manager insists that we will be either the 1st or the 2nd bus to be there. NOT THE THIRD! LOL. Somtimes it's this little thought that makes the whole trip seems so much enjoyable.

On a side note, because me and Peisi were so sick and tired of the hotel buffet, we decided to finish up our cup noodles as breakfast. So we woke up quite early. Well, to cut story short, we heard crying and wailing outside our room. And since all of our tour mates stay on the same level, I assume all of us heard it. Dont really dare to step out because we seriously don't know whether that person is drunk or what. After that, we heard from Johnny that some old man had passed away peacefully in his sleep. The one crying is the wife. Unpredictable life huh. But was glad it's painlessly and peacefully in his sleep. RIP uncle.

Back to the trip. We reached Parndorf Factory Outlet which was situated between the highway of Budapest and Vienna, at 10am plus. We were the 2nd bus to be there because of some police checkpoint check on the way from Budapest to Vienna. This Parndorf shopping is also an optional side trip but ALL of us opt to go for it. Because Johnny had been rubbing on it since the first day of the trip. All branded goods with super good discounted price.

Damage for both Peisi and I? Bought Prada, Northface windbreaker, Timberland, Samsonite bags. We spent ALL our money, leaving about 100 euro for the next day just in case. In case you guys are wondering, Peisi and I didnt spend much money at all from the first day until now. When other tour mates are busy buying chocolates and souvenirs, the 2 of us just roam around eating cakes and ice creams. So worth it! Didnt expect myself to buy a Prada wallet. Thanks to Peisi. The angel and the devil. LOL.

After the shopping, we reached Vienna city and start our city tour.

First stop is to the Schonbrunn Palace where we have a fixed timing for a tour inside. The Palace is part of the UNESCO world heritage and Austria;s most visited attraction. This baroque synthesis of different arts, consisting of a palace and gardens, has been in possession of the Habsburgs for centuries and has been restored to its original condition. Went inside for the tour and all the possessions are authentically furnished. The reason why no cameras were allowed inside the Palace. Everything from the floor to the walls to the paintings of the ceilings were all original.

After taking a short walk at the Palace garden, off we went for another city tour. This time round it's mostly on the bus. Drove through the Ringstrasse, which is a circular road surrounding the Innere Stadt district of Vienna and is typical of the historical style of the 1860s to 1890s. Again, Johnny keep stressing that he will bring all of us out the next day to walk the Vienna city. Today is just a 'sit back and relax' bus tour.

As it's going to be a long day, the city tour was a short one. Went to have an early dinner at another Chinese Restaurant before 13 of us went for the concert.

Johnny had been down-selling the concert because he doesnt want us to throw our faces by sleeping through the concert and got chased out by the guards. LOL. Little did he know that these 13 of us have 'music in our blood'. Enjoyed the concert very much cos it's very entertaining.

Mozart & Johann Strauss Concert @ Kursalon. A 2-hour concert cost about 67 euro. This building was built in 1865-1867 in Italian renaissance style, one of the most exclusive buildings in Vienna.

At the end of the concert, it was very nice of Johnny to liaise with our bus driver to pick the tired 13 of us up. Since it's already the last night, decided to have my favorite bubble bath again. Ya ya, even when I have a whole bunch of things to be squeezed into my luggage.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152142016703318.1073741853.759843317&type=1&l=1b166cb054

Eastern Europe Day 7

3rd April 2014

Budapest

Spent the whole day at Budapest city tour. There was a little hiccups in the morning as our local guide cant be contacted. But thanks to the quick-witted Johnny who doesnt want to waste a minute of our time, we proceed to the Market square.

Thought Peisi and I would end up empty handed. But we were so wrong! LOL. in that mere 1 hr plus, we had bought quite a number of things and finally, we got a small bag each for our future trips. Leather made, hand-made.

After a quick shopping, finally we met our guide at the Heroes' Square where it served as a reminder of Hungary's influence in the celebrated Austro-Hungarian Empire, Fisherman's Bastion and Gellert Hill.

Went up to the Castle district where it is the biggest tourist attraction and a first port of call for any visit to the city. Up there you will find most Budapest's remaining medieval buildings, the Royal Palace, some views over Pest across the river. Of course, how could we miss the changing of guard. (Again)

City tour ends at the Gellert Hill where Johnny had brought us up yesterday night. The guide explain to us the transformation of Budapest over the decades of years on the way up with pictorials along the wall. Gellert Hill was named after Saint Gerard who was thrown to death from the hill.

After which, it was supposed to be free and easy time. But as what Johnny had said, there is no free and easy time with him. So on we walk along the Danube River, which pulses through the heart of Central and Eastern Europe.

Went inside one of the cathedral to admire the marvelous work of ancient times. After which, as what he promised, we took the 2nd oldest train in the world back to our hotel. Peisi and I actually wanted to walk via the Chain Bridge into the tunnel and then back to the hotel. But this Johnny, had warned us multiple times that the 2 of us are NOT supposed to do it alone. Okay, so we followed him back via train lor. The 2nd oldest train had been replaced by newer train. LOL. But nonetheless, we had caught a glimpse of 1 of the older blue train that made so much noise earlier on.

Seems like the supermarket is a must-go for Johnny. Supermarket AGAIN! Anw we bought a few postcards again and intend to post it when we meet Johnny and the others later on for dinner. Simple dinner of the delicious kebab. Cheap and they are very generous with the ingredients.

Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152140802898318.1073741852.759843317&type=1&l=c0ded02d78

Eastern Europe Day 6

2nd April 2014

Krakow- Slovakia- Budapest, Hungary

It's another long 10-hrs journey to Budapest. As usual, napping on the bus while waiting for the next toilet break, Johnny then started to tell us more about package tours and when to book the tour at its cheapest. And because it's my favourite topic, I stay awake throughout.

Was actually hoping to see snow up the mountains in Slovakia but the weather just get warmer than last year. So no snow this yr. Slovakia is so much like New Zealand. Peaceful, cooling and away from the busy streets. Settled our lunch at a very nice ambiance restaurant. Ordered a grilled fish as recommended by Johnny again.

After a short stop for lunch, we were on our way to Hungary again.

Hungary's current borders were first established by the Treaty of Trianon (1920) after WWI. Hungary joined the Axis powers in WWII, sufferings significant damage and casualties. It then came under the influence of the Soviet Union, which contributed to the establishment of a 4 decades long communist dictatorship (1947-1989). On Oct 1989, Hungary became a democratic republic, and is recognized today as a developed country. It's a popular tourist destination and is home to the largest thermal water cave system. But too bad this tour doesn't include thermal bath.

Finally reached Budapest in the evening and we proceed to have our traditional Hungarian Folklore Dinner. With music, dances and laughter. Ended the night with a little trip up the Gellert Hill to have a nice night view of Budapest. Buda is where the mountains and hills are, and most rich ppl live there. Pest is where the buildings and houses are. So you stand at the top, overlooking at both sides.

After that, we proceed to have our very own VIP cruise too. Cruising through the Danube river with a guide on board. With 1 free drink too. Of course, it's beer time again! :) Best to do the cruise with great weather of course! And Johnny has been monitoring the weather for all of us.

Cost of the cruise: 30 euro.

I think I am more in love with Budapest more than Prague.

Thanks to Johnny, really.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152140721083318.1073741851.759843317&type=1&l=b85acb3636

Eastern Europe Day 5

1st April 2014

Krakow

Today is perhaps the most depressing one of all. Early in the morning, we are all on our way to the most cruel place- Auschwitz Concentration Camp.

Auschwitz was the most notorious concentration and extermination camps established by the Nazi Germany to implement its Final Solution policy which had as its aim the mass murder of the Jewish people in Europe. This was the largest concentration camp created by the Nazi Germans and was the one which combined extermination with forced labor. The remains of the 2 camps of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II were placed on the UNESCO heritage list as evidence of this inhumane, cruel and methodical effort to deny human dignity to groups considered inferior, leading to their systematic murder. More than 1.2 million people in the crematoria, 90% of whom were Jews.

The fortified walls, barbed wire, railway sidings, platforms, barracks, gas chambers and crematoria of the camp show how the Holocaust took place.

Many collections at the sire preserve the evidence of those who were murdered. The personal items in the collections are testimony to the lives of the victims before they were brought to the extermination camps, as well as to the cynical use of their possessions and remains. The site and its landscape has high levels of authenticity and integrity since the original evidence has been carefully conserved without any unnecessary restoration.

Pictures can be taken anywhere except at the exhibit of the hair. I guess all of us were very surprised at the HUGE amount of evidences they showcast. And yes. Including the hair. The Jews who were sent to the gas chambers died and their hair shaved. Pictures were not allowed because tourists who used to took photo of the hair went back with patches appearing on the photos. And when they enlarge the photo, all the white patches were faces. Believe it or not. I choose to respect them. Even when I took the photos of the Jews' personal belongings, I cant help but feel uneasy. Had wanted to delete them away but those photos can served as a reminder to each and everyone of us the importance to treat individual with respect and dignity.

Talking about the gas chambers. Jews were sent to the camp by trains all around Europe to Poland. No elaboration on the condition on the train. If you guys want to know more, watch the movie, Schindler's List. There were rows of doctors examining the Jews. Those fit, young and strong were sent to 1 side for hard labour. The youngs, olds and sicks were sent straight to the gas chambers. Over there, Nazi soldiers would tell them to take a shower. Naked and forced into the chamber. Those Jews had totally no idea that they are on their way to their death.

After we went to the first camp, we went to the 2nd camp which was about 5 mins drive. It was much larger, much more spectacular and much more 'evil'. Jews were cramped up into 8 and slept on 1 deck bed. Bearing in mind, these Jews worked very hard but were starved. So as time passed by, they grow thinner and thinner. And the toilet were just holes and holes in the middle. Each one of them were only given a few seconds to release themselves and off they went. For those who disobey, they were dragged out and given a shot in their brain.

Horrendous but meaningful tour. Many of us left the camp deep in thoughts. Deep in sorrows. Deep in prayers for the dead.

After this, it's the city tour. In Poland, all around you can find buildings that were very old and bombed during the WWII. And many of the houses were Jewish-owned.
Went up to the Wawel Hill. This prominent mount is crowned with a castle containing a cathedral, both are enduring symbols of Poland.
Then there was the St Mary's Church which was built in the 14th century. Every hour a bungle call is played from the highest tower of the church.
Lastly, walked past and went in to Jagiellonian University which was founded in 1364. It's the oldest university in Poland, the 2nd oldest university in Central Europe and 1 of the oldest universities in the world.

And then, with Johnny's recommendation, went to have the tastiest ribs I have ever ate! The yummy restaurant in Poland served the BEST tomato soup and ribs!!! And it costs so much cheaper than in Spore.

Ended the day with a little shopping and their flowers are so damn cheap! Bought 3 roses back to the hotel as we have our rose bubble bath. Very much needed for a day like this.

'Live your life happily. Because you only live once. Treat yourself better.'

The sentence which lingered in my brain for many many days.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152140575698318.1073741850.759843317&type=1&l=ceae4c956d

Eastern Europe Day 4

31st March 2014

Prague - Krakow, Poland

Woke up damn early because we have a long distance bus ride ahead. The most early of all days.
Drove along the highways and we stopped for every 2 hrs for toilet break and 20 mins rest for our bus driver.

1 thing very impressive with our tour manager, Johnny, was that he came very very well prepared for the 2 long journeys. He had plan on what to do for the 10-hrs drive. Joking with us along the way, sharing with us his experiences as a tour managers and of course his favorite, self-boosting. LOL.

Reached Poland after 10 hours and most of us choose to go for the optional tour to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. This mine was built in the 13th century and produced table salt continuously until 2007. Commercial mining was discontinued in 1996 due to low salt prices and mine flooding. The main attractions include dozens of statues, 3 chapels and an entire cathedral that has been carved out of the rock salt by the miners. It has been listed as one of the UNESCO heritage site.

And so, another tick to the to-do-list. First UNESCO visited. Walked inside the mine for almost 2 hours as we descend and descend deeper into the mine. Johnny, as usual, though he didnt join us for the tour, arranged for a surprise for all of us. As other groups went down to the cathedral, our guide told us to stay at the top while he talked to other guides in their polish language. Shortly after a while, the light in the cathedral dimmed and the 'light show' of the cathedral began in front of our eyes. Very marvelous, very magical. No one took pictures because all that were captured were pitches of blacks. Witnessing all these, admiring all these with our own eyes are the most beautiful thing in the world. Nothing can be compared to it. Not even photos. You see it, you experienced it. And the memories are there to stay.

Peisi and I bought a bottle of the bath salt for our hotel bath. No intention to buy it back as souvenirs because with our very rationale mind, no one will use it at all because no one owns a bath tub at home.

Had a very very nice dinner at the hotel. Super delicious tomato soup and the chicken was so tender! Everyone ate in silence because we are all very tired. Retired back to our room and soaked ourselves in the bath tub.

Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152140516488318.1073741849.759843317&type=1&l=6950b8c519

Eastern Europe Day 3

30th March 2014

Prague

Highlight of today is the Prague Castle. Already had a little glimpse of the Prague streets and the castle yesterday during the night tour. 
This morning we followed the local tour guide up into the castle. Witness the changing of guards too. 
Prague castle has always been the seat of Czech rulers as well as the official residence of the head of state. Main attractions of the castle include the old royal palace, Basilica of St George, golden lane and the St. Vitus Cathedral.

Vitus Cathedral was completed in 1929 and is visible from all around the city. It's spectacular, baroque silver tomb of St John of Nepomuk, towards the back, contains 2 tonnes of silver in all. Its walls are adorned with glided panels containing polished slabs of semi-precious stones. 

We walked all the way from the Prague castle to Charles bridge. Very much different from what we saw yesterday night. There are many people along the 2 sides selling arts and souvenirs. 

Charles Bridge was built in the 14th century. In 1357, there were plan to replace the 12th century bridge, which had been washed away by floods in 1342. The new bridge was completed in 1390. Despite occasional flood damage, it withstood wheeled traffic for 500-odd years, until it was made pedestrian-only in the decades after WWII. 

At about 1pm, we had our very own VIP cruise on the river. It's a buffet lunch with 2 drinks, a guide and a musician. So ATAS! This is actually an optional side trip. Johnny wanted at least 20 of us to say yes before he is going to book for it. Because he wanted the whole ship to ourselves instead of squeezing together with other tourists. So this cruise is solely just the Chan Brothers group! On the cruise, we get to see the old town and the new town on the 2 banks. And then, we spotted the DANCING HOUSE along the bank! It was designed by the Croatian-Czech architect and was completed in 1996. Saw the picture on the must-see website and was a little disappointed cos this trip don't cover this mah. Well, thanks to the cruise, all of us got to see that special house! About the buffet, Johnny sponsored a very big ham for all of us on board. That was very very nice of him. We took the desserts up to the upper deck to enjoy the breeze. While waiting for the gate to open, another cruise with Croatia ppl were beside us and then, friendly exchanges between the Singaporeans and the Croatians. LOL. Johnny sang and dance for them while they did the same too. 

Cruise cost about 45 euro. (worth it!)

After the cruise, Johnny brought us back to the town square for a little shopping. 1 thing that Peisi and I had in common? We don't like shopping. And that is the reason why we choose Eastern europe instead of the Central europe. We walked around searching for... POSTCARDS and stamps! So as we wait for the others to meet up, both of us are busy writing the cards and pasting the stamps so that we can drop it into the postbox on the way back to our hotel. 

Saw the astronomical  clock in the daylight. The clock's creator was blinded so he could not duplicate the clock elsewhere. Every hour, a crowd gathers to admire the procession of the Apostles and other allegorical figures. 

Dinner wasnt that nice at the Peking Chinese Restaurant. All of us expected a Peking Duck but all that was served were other food. Didnt eat much because we had plan to eat our cup noodle back at the hotel! And our big project of boiling the carbonated water into drinkable water. 

And the next day, it's to the POLAND land! 

Photos:
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Eastern Europe Day 2

29th March 2014

Berlin- Dresden- Prague
After a hearty hotel breakfast, we are on our way to Dresden. Still in Germany. Dresden is so much quieter and beautiful than Berlin. The paces of the people are so much slower. 

Along the way, fog became thicker and Johnny, started nagging on those people who are wearing too little. Scaring them of the cold weather, the snow and the sickness. 

Finally after a little nap, we arrived. One of the tour's highlight? Pork knuckle! Or Schweinshaxe in German. A little sua ku for many of us. We all thought the plate in between us is for the knuckle. To ALL of our surprise, we got 1 pork knuckle EACH! and it's HUGE! 

Pork Knuckle with German Beer! A tick to my To-do-list! And this marks the start of my beer for every meal habit. LOL. 

After which, we travel all the way to Prague. 

Czechoslovakia existed from Oct 1918 as a sovereign state in Central Europe when it declared its independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. 
From 1939 to 1945, it was forced into the Nazi Germany. A treaty was signed between Czech and the Soviet union, forming the USSR.
Finally on 1 Jan 1993, Czech Republic and Slovakia parted peacefully. 

Along the way, small and tiny houses caught our eyes. Cameras were all busy capturing the beautiful landscapes while I enjoy the view with my own eyes after taking 1 or 2 photos. 

Went for a little city tour because our very nice guide volunteer to take us out in the night to appreciate Czech in another way.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152139169653318.1073741847.759843317&type=1&l=5dcc59a972

Eastern Europe Day 0/1

Singapore - Berlin, Germany

27-28th March 2014

On a journey together with Peisi. A journey to know more and experience the histories first hand.

12-hr flight is not a joke. Took Turkish airline and we transit at Istanbul in the middle of the night. Beat and tired but at the same time excited as the trip unfolds itself.

Germany evolved into many forms since the German revolution of 1918-1919. With the rise of Hitler, it led to WWII. And after the war, it was divided by the allied occupation, and evolved into 2 states. Many of us know abt it. The East and the West Germany, which were divided by the notorious Berlin Wall. By 1990, the country finally reunified and the Berlin wall demolished.

I used to hate Germany. Because of the war and the cruelty of the Germans towards the Jews (more to come in the later part). However, to stand on another point of view, the Germans were treated unfairly because of the Treaty of Versailles. Everything has it's 2 sides to a coin. Never assume. Never be too judgmental.

Back to the trip.
Went for a short city tour soon after we touched down at about 11am.

First stop, Berlin wall. It was built in Aug 1961 as an intention to prevent the draining of skilled labour from the East to the West. It also served as a symbol of the Cold War. Both sides developed separately, until the Hungarians breached the Iron Curtain in May 1989 and the Berlin wall demolished in 9 Nov.
Walked all the way from the Berlin wall to the Brandenburg Gate. This gate was finished in 1791 and it became an east-west crossing point after the Berlin wall was built.

See the thickness of the wall..

The very famous piece of both leaders kissing when in fact they are actually enemies at that time.

Other places we visited includes Reichstag, checkpoint charlie, Tiergarten and the Victory column.

Ended the day quite early because Johnny, our tour manager, knows that we are too tired and sleepy to carry on further.

Checked in early to the hotel and enjoy the wi-fi! :)

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152139089173318.1073741846.759843317&type=1&l=196415a7bf