Zurich – The Unique City

June, 2009

Zurich – The Unique City

This was my first time visiting Zurich. My traveling life is not considered to be complete without visiting Zurich. It is a charming city, indeed. This time, we took a tour visiting Pilatus Kulm, the high spot of Central Switzerland. The trip was beneficial. Because it was a ‘Golden Round Trip’ which included traveling by Coach, Cable Car, World’s Steepest Cogwheel Railway and the Cruise.

At first, our guided coach tour brought us to Kriens, our starting point. We then traveled up by panorama gondola and aerial cableway over steep chasms to the summit of Mount Pilatus (7000ft/2132m)! We spent few hours having our meals, lounging about the souvenirs shops and roaming around at the summit. After that, a spectacular ride down on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway (48% gradient) took us to lake-side Alpnachstad. From there, we enjoyed a pleasant 90mins boat cruise to Lucerne. We didn’t have much leisure time spending at Lucerne before we met our guide and returned to our hotel. We only managed to get to see the main sights of Lucerne – impressive Chapel Bridge!

Hopefully on my next visit, I could cover other attractions of Lucerne: Lion Monument, Town Hall, Jesuit Church, Concert and Congress Hall. In fact, a visit to this lovely Old Town shouldn’t be missed! Yet the day was too short to cramp everything into it; a day excursion to Mount Pilatus was quite simply an exceptional experience!

Alphorn-blowing

A magnificient view of the Alps

The large sun terrace

Panoramic view into the majestic world of Alps and over Lake Lucerne

The famous Chapel Bridge

Sweetest of All !!!

June, 2009
Denpasar - Bali
Weekend Escape!

Whole world is now talking about H1N1, and that of course, non-essential travel is to be discouraged. But no matter what's happening, the world is still calling, especially for this cool and chic summer! Sweet of all!!!


Bali, the place that I chose to take a break from the city's hustle and bustle on the weekend, four days three nights, allowed me to spoil myself with a brief retreat to a luxe hideaway!

Turtle Island, just like a small little zoo at Bali.

GWK (Culture Park), the highest statue in Bali

Uluwatu, the nice view of Indian ocean

Kecak Dance

The Kecak Fire Dance, the Ramayana story performs as Hindu version of Romeo and Juliet but happy ending. Many half-naked men form a circle crying out loud "cak cak cak..."

Parasailing

Flying Fish

Rolling Donnut

Bali is surrounded by white sand beaches and blue ocean. Sea sports at Batara had totally given me an exhilarating and thrilling experience for a lifetime memory! Was fun, really!

Tanah Lot, Peace of Land

A very glam and glorious day at the beach!

Tanah Lot, the spectacular temple which built on the top of rock in the sea with its great place to see sunset!

Wonders for both body and soul!

magnificent views of mount Batur and Lake Batur

Kintamani

Bali Coffee

Luwak Coffee
From Bali coffee, Hot Cocoa, Ginseng Coffee, Ginger Tea to Lemon Grass Tea

Goa Gajah, Elephant Cave Temple

Cool Breeze...

See! There is an fantabulous choice of things to do at Bali, Indonesia!

Shopping at Houston, TX

June, 2009
US - Houston, TX

Nothing much to do at Houston but shopping at the Galleria just opposite the hotel. The mall is so huge. Very convenient! I believe, where there is demand, there is supply! Travelers throughout the world, especially those US's visitors, not only buy local souvenirs but also world brands which, with effects of globalization can be now found in many places around the globe at the same time. And as long as you are a visitor with reference abroad of any nationalities, you are entitled to get your tax refund for purchase made during your stay. As I looked out on local brands stuff and got them with affordable price fortunately, in the event of clearance sales were going on. Not loads of damage but quite satisfied with my hunting!

shopping the stores looking for bargains

The Very Heart of Moscow!

June, 2009

Russia – Moscow

The Very Heart of Moscow!

Welcome to the capital of the Russian Federation!

Moscow, the largest city of Russia! Moscow is a major economic centre and is home to one of the largest numbers of billionaires in the world! And, Moscow was named the world’s most expensive city for foreign employees for the third year in a row in 2008. Indeed, the living costs in Moscow could reach to the highest! I could tell from my expenses spending on food during my stay! The weather in Moscow is rather unstable, and the weather forecast service is the most common object for jokes. Winter kills! Imagine minus 36 degree celsius... No joke! Thanks god, good weather throughout my stay!

I was blessed for having Ferrinna, a Malaysian. I’ve got to know her sister Priscilla, who is currently studying and doing her seventh year of medication studies at Moscow. They brought Sarah and I to a walk at Red Square. We then met up with a Russian, Lily, a student of Priscillia as she gives English lessons to some locals at Moscow as her part time job. Lily is a nice and sweet Russian girl I would say. She patiently explained and told us about the history and the culture of Russia. Priscilla and Lily then brought us to a Russian Café as well. What a good experience we had at Moscow!

Red Square

Moscow's oldest and most famous square and the home of the city's best known landmarks - the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral and Lenin's Mausoleum.

State Historical Museum

Museum charting the development of Russian civilization from Kievan Rus to the present day, housed in a magnificent dark redbrick building covered in ornate turrets and pinnacles, which was built in the 1870s and officially opened by Tsar Alexander III.

State Historical Museum

GUM Department Store

Elegant turn-of-the century shopping mall, combining elements of Russian medieval ecclesiastical architecture and an elegant steel framework and glass roof, and today filled with elegant boutiques and designer stores aimed at Moscow's nouveau riches.

GUM

Lenin’s Mausoleum

Still the resting place of the embalmed body of the founder of Soviet Communism some 76 years after his death, housed in a futuristic granite-cube building designed by Shchusev that stands on Red Square next to the Kremlin walls.

Lenin's Mausoleum in Moscow

St. Basil's Cathedral

Ferinna, Annie & Sarah

Lily, explaining the history of the church at Russia

nice view
Priscilla, Lily me and Ferinna!

Ferinna, Sarah & Annie

he is using a saw!

we had Russian food!!!
yummy

Germany Trip to Heidelberg

May, 2009

German, Frankfurt - Heidelberg

Standby duty is always unknown. It is either sufficient time will be given or last minutes will be called up to get to the airport. The whole night the whole day I was wondering where could I leave for. I couldn’t believe I was flying to Frankfurt with Alan on board. I’ve been to Frankfurt for wee times. And, I never went for sightseeing! This trip, with the fun of having Alan, we decided to take a train heading to Heidelberg! Yes! It’s finally I had stepped out far from the hotel this time!

Vincent, Annie & Alan in the cable car

We took the train from Frankfurt AM Main to Heidelberg, it took one and a half hour journey and a half-long adventure. We brought and enjoyed our own snack on board while there are a lot of good views along the way!

And here's the Heidelberg Castle (Schloss Heidelberg)