第一次的台北体验 2008
Published: February 21, 2009
迟到一年的台北旅游纪，连感觉都忘了才式着回味。
不过，很快的 （就在今年四月三日至九日），我就可以再次感受台北的热情了。
我印象中的台北大多是从台湾电视节目和偶像剧得来的。
除了有琳琅满目的购物货品，美味十足的佳肴食品，
活跃的演艺市场，还有精彩的政治对决。
你看台湾人的生活多么精彩啊。
二零零八年一月五日
捷星航空， 中午一点起程，大约六小时的行程，五点旁晚抵达台湾桃園国际机场。
我和玲玲同行，搭了国光客运国光号从机场前往台北车站。
旅店登记后，第一时间前往忠孝东路的一家出名麻辣火锅店 - 麻辣王豐宴吃晚餐。
第一次尝试正宗的麻辣火锅，好美味。 过后我们沿着忠孝东路四段走走，
也去了二十四小时营业的城品书店。
CityInn Hotel 新驛旅店 - 饭店位于台北市中心，距离台北车站，台北客运站（来回机场巴士）
很靠近。 方便的是从西门町和東區购物后，也随时塔个一两站的捷运回到饭店放置每天的收获。
二零零八年一月六日
醒来后，我们便在旅店附近的日式自助餐馆 - 欣葉日式自助館享用午餐。
它们提供的食物多到我不知从哪里开始。 它们的菜色也让人直流口水。
尤其是食物品质非常的好，一人只要新币二十七元，就能满足一个人一天的食粮。
吃的很饱后，要运动了。 什么运动呢？ 就是逛街咯。
衣蝶百货 1 和 2 - 走进一间一间的店就能运动脚的部分，买了许多商品就能运动手的部分。
不只如此，琳琅满目的购物货品也能运动眼睛的部分。 什么歪理，哈哈哈。
衣蝶百货 - 因为
现在新光合成纖維已顺利接手此公司，也答应偿还中國力霸少过百分之十的债务。
我们后来到了台北近郊 - 淡水老街，也抢先捕抓太阳西夏的景色。
走着走着，我们不知不觉吃了阿给，鱼丸汤也喝了阿妈的酸梅汤。
本想到愚人码头的情人桥，不过天色已不早，所以就打消这计划。
返回捷运的时候，发现一间古早味十足的零食玩具店 - 童玩反斗城, 我便开始在那里找回童年。
兴致勃勃的我们，也不管三七二十一，还是趁机到访了市林夜市。
就因为台湾综艺节目 - 食指路口，我认识了这夜市。
一直都想学着电视艺人，一间又一间的小滩吃了又吃，终于达成所愿了。.
豪大大鸡排， 鸡蛋蚵仔煎， 花枝汤，愿味大香肠和臭豆腐。
这次我真的要丢白国旗喊投降了。 我的肚子已不能承受汹涌而来的食物了。
除了吃，我们还到对面的夜市逛逛也购买了不少高跟鞋。
二零零八年一月七日
随便吃了水煎包，酸辣汤，花枝汤就起程搭火车到台北郊外 - 九份。
馋嘴的我第一时间品尝那里的小吃 - 有传统混合鱼丸，小菜，赖阿婆芋圆，等等。
人是犯践的，明明都再也不能吞食任何食物，我们还是一一把它吃完。
人们说茶是健康之液，灵魂之饮。 我说每天一杯茶，让你健康活到老。
没错，茶确实有帮助提神清心，消食化炎， 去腻减肥的作用。
所以， 我们找了一间古色古香的茶馆饮茶作诗。 哈哈。
淡淡的茶香味， 加上山清水秀的风景，的确是下围棋，吟诗作对好去处。
敲敲敲敲我的头，不要做梦了。 哦，对不起，不好意思，天色暗了，我也醒了。
返回现实，别妄想自己是秀才了，还是赶紧下山咯。
呼吸新鲜空气后，我简直脱胎换骨，好像充了电，精神奕奕。
可能是天气寒冷的关系，我们很容易就会肚子饿。
所以，回到台北市，我们便到敦化南路的春喜烧肉吃炭火烤肉。
我告诉你，整桌的炭烧食物和一锅的海鲜螃蟹汤汁，一口的吃着一口的喝着，
简直是人间天堂。
二零零八年一月八日
到了台北应该参观一些富有历史价值的地方，玲玲便带我到了中正纪念堂。
中正纪念堂是一栋为纪念中华明国前总统蒋中正而兴建的纪念馆。
本想到那观看仪队整点表演，谁知它停办1年。
午餐我们便选着到来自台湾的鼎泰豐。 式一式它与新加坡的有何不同。
其实我也吃不出一个所以然。 算了，接下来就是甜点了。 耶耶耶。。。
永康节出名的 Ice Monster 冰馆吃芒果冰。
不过，我好不幸运哦，刚好不是芒果季节，所以没有芒果冰。 我非常伤心。
啊。。。 没办法，就吃草莓冰吧。
吃的超饱，所以也在永康街一带逛逛。
我发现台湾人好友善哦。 我们每到一间店他们都非常亲切的和我们聊天。
起初还好，后来我觉得其实还蛮烦的。
哦，还有一阵阵飚来臭豆腐的味道，我差一点晕倒。
台北 101 - 顾名思义它有一百零一层楼， 是台湾的标志。
建立与二零零四年冬天，它属于世界最高的大楼，也给台湾人增添不少光彩。
这是台湾人的骄傲吗? 至少我从电视上看到是这么认为的。
首次到台北，我当然也不忘了到这文明的建筑瞧瞧它的利害。
果然，看到它巨大的外观与宽敞的室内加上高尚的设计和精心调选的高级名贵品牌屋
与许多知识分子人潮，真的非常具有压迫感。
上了最高探个究竟后，我真的不能不佩服台湾想要征服世界的企图心。
后来，我们也到了纽约纽约吃了我怀恋已久的冰淇淋 - Cold Stone。
这品牌来自美国，吃的每一口也让我非常想念在美国和朋友相处的日子。
在逛了好几层的成品楼，经过超大型的新光三月和华纳威秀，
我肚子抗议了，是时候填饱肚子了。
想了想我们还是决定回到敦化南路的春喜烧肉吃炭火烤肉，难以忘怀。
二零零八年一月九日
吃了出名的八方云集锅贴水饺和花枝旗鱼丸汤。 好吃。
到了五分铺，这一个批发市场是许多台湾人和旅客大批购买服饰和装饰品的天堂。
对我而言，我对这地方没什么兴趣。 因为空间狭窄，看上的服饰又不能式。
还要从一推推的袋子找寻适合的物品，还是算了吧。不过，那的珍珠奶茶好好喝哦。
逛了不久，我们便离开五分铺前往西门町。 我称它为台北乌节路。
那里是许多年轻人出没的场所。 尤其周末，那里的人潮简直惊人。
我们也发现以周杰伦为主的摄影展。 到处逛逛有点累了，
也就在买了不少唱片和高跟鞋过后返回饭店放置我们的战利品。
过后我们决定前往猫空享用晚餐。
上猫空需要座缆车，从高空俯瞰猫空的景色 ，大有特色。
那天的风有点大，缆车在摇晃，也发现和我同行的玲玲有距高症。
到的时候，巨大的风把我的头发给吹乱了，简直没有办法，
因为看了台湾旅游节目，也知道那里有许多茶馆。
我们也到了一间名为龙门客栈的小店享用晚餐并品茶赏月。
大家一定要尝试他们家的土鸡菜蒲汤，尤其是在寒冷的夜晚，非常的温软。
没有什么比这还幸福的。
二零零八年一月十日
最后一天，我们把行李箱整理好后，也到附近的新光三月和台北车站地下铁
买了当地的特产 - 牛肉干，茶梅和风梨稣，送给家人朋友和同事。
吃了午餐，我们便搭了国光客运国光号前往机场。
六天五夜的台北之旅就在“吃的很饱”下结束了。
非常期待四月份的自助旅程，台北我来也。
不过，很快的 （就在今年四月三日至九日），我就可以再次感受台北的热情了。
我印象中的台北大多是从台湾电视节目和偶像剧得来的。
除了有琳琅满目的购物货品，美味十足的佳肴食品，
活跃的演艺市场，还有精彩的政治对决。
你看台湾人的生活多么精彩啊。
二零零八年一月五日
捷星航空， 中午一点起程，大约六小时的行程，五点旁晚抵达台湾桃園国际机场。
我和玲玲同行，搭了国光客运国光号从机场前往台北车站。
旅店登记后，第一时间前往忠孝东路的一家出名麻辣火锅店 - 麻辣王豐宴吃晚餐。
第一次尝试正宗的麻辣火锅，好美味。 过后我们沿着忠孝东路四段走走，
也去了二十四小时营业的城品书店。
CityInn Hotel 新驛旅店 - 饭店位于台北市中心，距离台北车站，台北客运站（来回机场巴士）
很靠近。 方便的是从西门町和東區购物后，也随时塔个一两站的捷运回到饭店放置每天的收获。
二零零八年一月六日
醒来后，我们便在旅店附近的日式自助餐馆 - 欣葉日式自助館享用午餐。
它们提供的食物多到我不知从哪里开始。 它们的菜色也让人直流口水。
尤其是食物品质非常的好，一人只要新币二十七元，就能满足一个人一天的食粮。
吃的很饱后，要运动了。 什么运动呢？ 就是逛街咯。
衣蝶百货 1 和 2 - 走进一间一间的店就能运动脚的部分，买了许多商品就能运动手的部分。
不只如此，琳琅满目的购物货品也能运动眼睛的部分。 什么歪理，哈哈哈。
衣蝶百货 - 因为
现在新光合成纖維已顺利接手此公司，也答应偿还中國力霸少过百分之十的债务。
我们后来到了台北近郊 - 淡水老街，也抢先捕抓太阳西夏的景色。
走着走着，我们不知不觉吃了阿给，鱼丸汤也喝了阿妈的酸梅汤。
本想到愚人码头的情人桥，不过天色已不早，所以就打消这计划。
返回捷运的时候，发现一间古早味十足的零食玩具店 - 童玩反斗城, 我便开始在那里找回童年。
兴致勃勃的我们，也不管三七二十一，还是趁机到访了市林夜市。
就因为台湾综艺节目 - 食指路口，我认识了这夜市。
一直都想学着电视艺人，一间又一间的小滩吃了又吃，终于达成所愿了。.
豪大大鸡排， 鸡蛋蚵仔煎， 花枝汤，愿味大香肠和臭豆腐。
这次我真的要丢白国旗喊投降了。 我的肚子已不能承受汹涌而来的食物了。
除了吃，我们还到对面的夜市逛逛也购买了不少高跟鞋。
二零零八年一月七日
随便吃了水煎包，酸辣汤，花枝汤就起程搭火车到台北郊外 - 九份。
馋嘴的我第一时间品尝那里的小吃 - 有传统混合鱼丸，小菜，赖阿婆芋圆，等等。
人是犯践的，明明都再也不能吞食任何食物，我们还是一一把它吃完。
人们说茶是健康之液，灵魂之饮。 我说每天一杯茶，让你健康活到老。
没错，茶确实有帮助提神清心，消食化炎， 去腻减肥的作用。
所以， 我们找了一间古色古香的茶馆饮茶作诗。 哈哈。
淡淡的茶香味， 加上山清水秀的风景，的确是下围棋，吟诗作对好去处。
敲敲敲敲我的头，不要做梦了。 哦，对不起，不好意思，天色暗了，我也醒了。
返回现实，别妄想自己是秀才了，还是赶紧下山咯。
呼吸新鲜空气后，我简直脱胎换骨，好像充了电，精神奕奕。
可能是天气寒冷的关系，我们很容易就会肚子饿。
所以，回到台北市，我们便到敦化南路的春喜烧肉吃炭火烤肉。
我告诉你，整桌的炭烧食物和一锅的海鲜螃蟹汤汁，一口的吃着一口的喝着，
简直是人间天堂。
二零零八年一月八日
到了台北应该参观一些富有历史价值的地方，玲玲便带我到了中正纪念堂。
中正纪念堂是一栋为纪念中华明国前总统蒋中正而兴建的纪念馆。
本想到那观看仪队整点表演，谁知它停办1年。
午餐我们便选着到来自台湾的鼎泰豐。 式一式它与新加坡的有何不同。
其实我也吃不出一个所以然。 算了，接下来就是甜点了。 耶耶耶。。。
永康节出名的 Ice Monster 冰馆吃芒果冰。
不过，我好不幸运哦，刚好不是芒果季节，所以没有芒果冰。 我非常伤心。
啊。。。 没办法，就吃草莓冰吧。
吃的超饱，所以也在永康街一带逛逛。
我发现台湾人好友善哦。 我们每到一间店他们都非常亲切的和我们聊天。
起初还好，后来我觉得其实还蛮烦的。
哦，还有一阵阵飚来臭豆腐的味道，我差一点晕倒。
台北 101 - 顾名思义它有一百零一层楼， 是台湾的标志。
建立与二零零四年冬天，它属于世界最高的大楼，也给台湾人增添不少光彩。
这是台湾人的骄傲吗? 至少我从电视上看到是这么认为的。
首次到台北，我当然也不忘了到这文明的建筑瞧瞧它的利害。
果然，看到它巨大的外观与宽敞的室内加上高尚的设计和精心调选的高级名贵品牌屋
与许多知识分子人潮，真的非常具有压迫感。
上了最高探个究竟后，我真的不能不佩服台湾想要征服世界的企图心。
后来，我们也到了纽约纽约吃了我怀恋已久的冰淇淋 - Cold Stone。
这品牌来自美国，吃的每一口也让我非常想念在美国和朋友相处的日子。
在逛了好几层的成品楼，经过超大型的新光三月和华纳威秀，
我肚子抗议了，是时候填饱肚子了。
想了想我们还是决定回到敦化南路的春喜烧肉吃炭火烤肉，难以忘怀。
二零零八年一月九日
吃了出名的八方云集锅贴水饺和花枝旗鱼丸汤。 好吃。
到了五分铺，这一个批发市场是许多台湾人和旅客大批购买服饰和装饰品的天堂。
对我而言，我对这地方没什么兴趣。 因为空间狭窄，看上的服饰又不能式。
还要从一推推的袋子找寻适合的物品，还是算了吧。不过，那的珍珠奶茶好好喝哦。
逛了不久，我们便离开五分铺前往西门町。 我称它为台北乌节路。
那里是许多年轻人出没的场所。 尤其周末，那里的人潮简直惊人。
我们也发现以周杰伦为主的摄影展。 到处逛逛有点累了，
也就在买了不少唱片和高跟鞋过后返回饭店放置我们的战利品。
过后我们决定前往猫空享用晚餐。
上猫空需要座缆车，从高空俯瞰猫空的景色 ，大有特色。
那天的风有点大，缆车在摇晃，也发现和我同行的玲玲有距高症。
到的时候，巨大的风把我的头发给吹乱了，简直没有办法，
因为看了台湾旅游节目，也知道那里有许多茶馆。
我们也到了一间名为龙门客栈的小店享用晚餐并品茶赏月。
大家一定要尝试他们家的土鸡菜蒲汤，尤其是在寒冷的夜晚，非常的温软。
没有什么比这还幸福的。
二零零八年一月十日
最后一天，我们把行李箱整理好后，也到附近的新光三月和台北车站地下铁
买了当地的特产 - 牛肉干，茶梅和风梨稣，送给家人朋友和同事。
吃了午餐，我们便搭了国光客运国光号前往机场。
六天五夜的台北之旅就在“吃的很饱”下结束了。
非常期待四月份的自助旅程，台北我来也。
迟来的 "近况"
Published: September 24, 2008
大家好, 好久没更新我的部落格了。
我不是消失，只是跟世界脱节，休息了好一阵子。
时间还真的在你没留意的时候，流逝的特别快。
四个月前，我还在打一场世纪之仗。
这场让世人觉得光荣和骄傲的胜仗，的确赢的非常漂亮。
只不过我一点感觉都没有，唯一留下疲惫的心和虚弱的身躯。
这只能用一个字来形容 - 那就是 “痛”。
这字体有十三画，看似简单，不过千万别式着去体会，不好玩。
我要在此宣布我终于跟莫斯科脱离关系了，值得庆祝一番。
毕竟在这艺术与商业结合的计划 [照亮新加坡 - 莫斯科]， 我也学了不少东西。
(照亮新加坡 - 莫斯科 = Spotlight Singapore in Moscow)
真的不敢想象过去的一年我是怎样熬过来的。
谢天谢地我还活着。 哈哈。
在这几个月来，我到底做了些什么？ 就让我一一揭晓吧。
时光机即将调回到四个月前。。。
去莫斯科的前三天，我还在忙于工作，做最后的冲刺。
就在同一天，刚好是我表姐的大喜之日。
(大家称她为大姐大，因为她是我们家的长孙。
也不知道她哪来那么多的体谅和为人着想。 令我们又佩服又尊敬。)
我只睡了两小时，就准备陪她迎接人生的新阶段。
我们都为她高兴。 真的打从心里祝福她。
你可知道要把我家大姐大娶过门，谈何容易。 召集了大姐大的好友与堂表弟妹，
当然忘不了叔叔阿姨婶婶，总之全家大小一起出动。
从新郎开门迎接新娘，敬茶， 供奉神明到千人晚宴，都是笑料百出，温馨感人。
六月三日，终于要出发了。
有点兴奋，因为筹备一年的计划就要在五天后结束了。
非常期待那一刻，至少我当时是这么想的。
五天的时间其实很短，不过状况不断，度日如年。
老天好像在开我们的玩笑，考验我们的能耐。
就别说六月三日之前在新加坡和莫斯科发生的事，大致上都在我上飞机之前解决了。
前往飞机场的路途，脑海里只想着和妈咪一起吃顿丰富的早餐,
(妈咪是我公司的财政兼人事部长。 Minister of Money / Manpower = MOM = 妈妈的意思，
她也如同妈妈般时常关心着每个人，所以这绰号相当适合。)
顺顺利利的把照亮新加坡 - 莫斯科呈现给大家，
然后结束一却飞往珀林，巴黎和巴塞罗那旅游去。
就在吃早餐的同时，状况一连接一连的没有停止过。
最安心的时候，应该就是在半空中的时间吧。
十多个小时后，飞机降落了。 谁知道老天爷真的在考验我们。
老天不做媒，巴士因为塞车所以迟到，
莫斯科向导又不会变通，什么都说不行，简直气怀我们。
在拥挤的机场，有接近八十名新家坡商人在等着，感觉有点不耐烦。
真不巧，当我们聚集所有的商人后，发现外头下起一场倾盆大雨。
这下子又急坏我们这些工作人员了。 因为从机场到巴士站是没有掩蔽的。
遭了，大家都得提着行李，淋着雨冲上巴士。 有好几位已经不耐烦发脾气了。
几天下来，不是巴士不准时，几小时后才到，
就是莫斯科向导跟我们有沟通上的问题，
场地的问题，票和食物不够的问题，时间和地点调动的问题，
俄罗斯商人突然缺席的问题，一摞摞的问题要一一去解决，纷纷中都心惊胆跳。
在寒冷的天气应战，还有些合伙机构没有全力协助，我们也措手不及。
加上必须要确保新家坡商人时时刻刻被照顾的妥当，我们都忙得晕头转向。
每天只睡四到五小时，没吃早餐就出发了。
不管我们做了再多的准备，都逃不过命运的安排。
我不是说我们有着天衣无缝的计划，而是有些事情是我们预料之外和非常难为的
- 好像人为和这个国家的运作方式是我们无法一夜之间改变的。 俗语说万事俱备，只欠东风。
我当时好想有着无穷的魔法，一就是把所有的事情马上解决，好像没有效，二就是马上消失。
我们每天只能强颜欢笑，说最多的就是对不起。 不过我的笑容是真实的。
很矛盾吧，我也不能理解，就是如此。 可能知道有一群伙伴在一起奋斗吧。
事实是我们的心已经麻了，还有已经被那寒冷的冬天冻坏了脑。
不管怎样，苦尽甘来，我们一起协手创造了奇迹，也划下历史性的一刻。 这叫成长吗！
种种的问题只能套莫斯科人的一句话，“这就是俄罗斯“。
六月八日，我终于要离开莫斯科，前往珀林了。
心情极度的兴奋，不过有点情绪化。
因为在这段日子，努力的成果，有欢笑，有愤怒，
有绝望，有难过，太多的情绪，就要画上据点了。
突然感觉有点空虚吧。
在这其中，除了一起拼死拼活的同事和伙伴，
我也结交了不少好友，大多都算前辈。
他们非常照顾我，教了我不少东西又与我分享许多经验，还真难得。
带着期待又疲惫的心来到了探险第一站 - 珀林，又刚巧因为这国家沉重的历史背景，
突然脚步慢下来了，要好好休息一番，开始找回自己。
一点准备也没有，还真的漫无目的。 这是我第一次出国没有计划的旅游。
因为我已经耗尽全力，也根本抽不出时间去收集当地的资料，这下还真的有点挑战。
安顿后，首度恢复自由，顿时觉得心情舒畅。
我和玲玲找了一间饭店附近的餐馆解决了晚餐。
(玲玲是我公司管理艺术推广兼传讯部门的同事。)
吃晚餐的同时，我们拼命翻阅各种有关柏林的册子和传单，
也大致计划接下来几天的行程。
隔天我们从饭店出发，搭着电车从 Landsberger Allee站 前往 Hackescher Markt站
加入 Insider Tours 的 四小时 The Original Famous Walk 团。 这个团的向导边解释
德国的历史文化边带我们走遍柏林闻名的 Hitler's Bunker, Berlin Wall,
former SS & Gestapo Headquarters, memorial for the Nazi book burning,
Checkpoint Charlie, Memorial to the Murdered Jews, ruins of the Berlin Palace,
Reichstag and its famous glass dome, Brandenburg Tor, Berliner Dom, 等等。
还蛮有趣的，可是在几小时内我无法吸收那么多的资讯，有点消化不良。
不过我真的大开眼界了。 结束后以不早了，所以我们前往 Deutsche Oper站
就地解决了午餐和晚餐。 接着我们到了柏林响当当的剧院 - Deutsche Oper Berlin
买了著名芭蕾舞剧团 - George Balanchine Ballettabend 演出的票。
我认为这是一个不错的演出，观众掌声如雷，不过由于之前工作累积的疲劳还没恢复，
三小时的演出有点不能控制我那几乎要闭合的眼睛。 收获量多的一天就此结束了。
柏林第三天，我们到了 Berliner Philharmoniker 出席一场午餐音乐会。
这场不用付费的音乐会在 Phiharmonie 的大堂举行。 没有指定的位置，
就很随意，我们赶紧找了舞台旁的楼梯就坐。 那天是星期二，
不过观众至少有500人以上，我有点吓到。 这包括年长人士，中年人士，
家庭主妇，学生，总之什么年龄层都有。 他们发自内心的去欣赏艺术，
这样的活动已经融入他们的生活和文化了，好羡慕哦。
三位音乐家 - 除了大提琴师和长笛师是德国人，钢琴师是日本人，
怪不得观众里有好多日本人，他们还真的很支持自己人。
享受了一场优美的音乐会后，我们去了附近的 Potsdamer Platz 走走。
那天就无忧无虑的随便逛逛，也吃了Haagen Dazs 冰淇淋。
本想到一个有点像艺术之家的一个地方 - Hebbel Theater，可惜它没开。
没关系，无缘吧。
柏林第四天，自然醒。 好难得的感觉，
起来时，太阳公公仿佛向我说 “亲爱的，早安“。
突然好想唱一首歌 “这种感觉真好，已经很久没有这样“。
梳洗后，我们便出发填饱肚子。 其实柏林还真的是一个旅客友善的国家，
到处都可发现旅游质询。 这也不外乎巴士站的旅游质询触摸式螢幕。
到了市区，我们也发现了一台，在当中找到了一家新加坡餐馆，
想说不如就到哪儿享用午餐吧。 寻找此餐馆的过程，
我们偶然发现了一个叫 Lust 的秘密基地。
这个地方好特别，他们把一块废墟变成了类似沙滩休闲区。
别误会，这里根本没有海边。 他们不知如何引进了大量的沙，
把整块地铺满了沙，也放置许多沙滩雨伞，脚踏车，轮胎，木屋，陈旧的家具。
走进一间小屋时，四处传来悦耳的歌剧乐曲，
也察觉到一位艺术家不顾众人的注视画着一幅未完成的女子画。
我也到处发现奇怪的艺术作品，好有感觉哦。
其实这感觉很像莫电影情节，当一群年轻人到一个小镇旅游时，
发现了种种又有趣又奇怪的事物，在探险的过程才发现事情不妙，
已经慢慢的掉进杀人魔的陷阱了。 想太多。 哈哈，都说我有丰富的想象力了。
终于要吃饭了，找到了餐馆，其实卖的是印度支那料理。
天啊，我们各自叫了一人分的食物，没想到一人分足于填饱三人的胃。
吃乘了肚子，走在街上，微风打在脸上，隐隐有着太阳的光线，
闭上眼睛，深呼吸，聆听四周的声音，顿时感觉活在另一个世界。
千金难买寸光阴, 也就在购物，博物馆后结束了一天。
柏林第五天，我们到了 Deutsches Historisches Museum。
除了主要的德国历史展览，他们也会有好几个主题展览。
参观德国历史展览时，我仿佛走进了时光隧道回到了西元前的德国，
也随着脚步越来越沉重的穿越德国的世世代代，
一步一步回到了二十一世纪。 这下让我更了解德国的历史了。
柏林历险记就此告一段落，我要收起沉重的心，
前往我梦想中的神秘之城 - 巴黎，展开我的浪漫之旅。
搭着欧洲电车连夜前往巴黎，而外的兴奋。
因为这是我第一次乘搭所谓的火车。
花了四百多新币，豪华车厢，美丽的风景，
舒适的特定床位和私人浴室，还有热心的服务员送上的餐饮
和温馨的清晨叫醒服务，简直是第一级的设备和服务。
只不过车厢有点小，我们的活动范围有限。
少了些什么？ 嘻嘻，我怎么可能忘了在电车里拍我最“出名“的MTV照呢！
不好意思，我最喜欢就是自拍了。
在电车摇摇晃晃的前进，我也因电车和铁轨默察的声音而入睡了。
一觉醒来，我们便和伊铃联络，约好午餐的地点。
（伊铃是我公司请来为照亮新加坡 - 莫斯科商业部分和瞭望亚洲饮食部分的顾问。
因为她也到了巴黎，也非常熟悉当地，所以我们请她带我们到处逛逛。）
从火车总站 - Paris Nord 到地铁站，我们似曾来到了小印度，
也不知为何整条街都是印度人开的店，怪怪的。
小女子知识穷，历史不好，所以没有概念。
饭店登记后，我们便前往 Saint Germain 的一家著名咖啡厅与仪玲会合。
这家咖啡厅 Cafe de Flore 位于 Boulevard Saint Germain 和
Rue St. Benoit 的一个角落。 它著名的地方就是它到访的顾客都是一群知识分子。
想必我们也是其中之一，哈哈哈。
享用一杯热咖啡，与朋友谈着人生哲学，简直是一大享受。
在这之前，我第一个要光顾的时尚精品屋莫非与 Louis Vuitton。
看到琳琅满目的包包，怎么让我不心动。
午餐我点了它们的火腿乳酪，好美味哦。
吃完后便是甜点时间，我们买了 Bacaron 点心边走边享用。
基本上在巴黎还蛮优灾闲灾，吃喝玩乐，非常放松的。
接下来，如果看过 The Da Vinci Code 之作的人，
怎么可能错过 Musée du Louvre。 我们也不例外的拜访此博物馆。
这座壮观的建筑，就在十二世纪已经开始占据了巴黎中部。
金字塔的外形和电影情节的印象也为这博物馆增加不少的神秘感。
其实不能有太多的期望，因为失望的几率会很高。
博物馆一共四层楼还有左右两翼，里头人山人海，吵杂声不间断。
虽然有着一流的展览品，不过我还没到过一个像超级市场的博物馆，
简直叫人头晕目眩。 走着走着，伊铃便带我们到蒙娜丽莎之画展放的位置。
你也知道从小到大，因为经常在电视或电影里都会有这幅画的踪迹，
我们难免会对这幅画有些遐想，好像必看之画，不过看了后真的有点失望。
我们只能在一百公分的距离欣赏，何况又有那么多来自四面八方的旅客涌向前，
那幅画也与白墙形成了对比 - 画小的可怜，墙又大到不行，所以还是算了。
脚也酸了，所以我们在 Jardin du Tuilerie 花园选了一片大草地歇息，
也买了咖啡和面包当点心。 好舒服的体验，鸟语花香，我简直不想离开那花园。
休息后, 我们到了 Sainte-Chapelle 和 Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris。
Sainte-Chapelle 的室内非常精制。 教堂二楼大部分都是彩色玻璃窗的装潢。
太阳光线渗透彩色玻璃窗，我仿佛被上千万颗七彩缤纷的钻石包围着。
它那玫瑰型的窗户也特别吸引人。
沿着路走下去，我们来到了Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris。
有着八百多年的历史，宗教还是离不开政治的关联。
当我第一次踏入这一座古老建筑时，它给我的感觉是安定，安稳和宁静的。
虽然那有不少的人，但当我们独自坐在椅子上，静听播放中的圣歌，
这感觉非常的美妙。 时间还早，我们的嘴又离不开吃的，
所以伊铃带我们到一间正宗的冰淇淋店享用甜品。
咬下那第一口，让我告诉你，我简直对这冰淇淋赞不绝口。
我的天啊，怎么那么好吃！！！ 直流口水。
我们还真厉害吃呢。 吃完冰淇淋，走了一回，我们又要吃晚餐了。
虽然时间还早，大概八点多 （澳洲人吃晚餐时间平均在九点半，
之前餐馆是没有人的），因为我们是华人，有点不习惯，
所以就到了一家有名餐馆先霸住位置。
法国人用餐好热情，就连在餐馆都济在一起吃。
济到我想上洗手间都要把桌子给拉开，好让我能走出来。
法式洋葱汤，甜美嫩牛扒，加上红酒一杯，好完整的一餐。
第二天的巴黎，玲玲和我拉着行李从旅馆到原本预定的那一家。
其实我们之前预定的那一家出现了停水问题，所以他们暂时安排我们到另一家。
换了旅店，也把手续都办好后，我们到了附近的咖啡厅吃早餐。
一人份的香肠起士三文治加上一杯热腾腾的咖啡，吃的心里非常暖和。
我发觉法国人喜欢在咖啡厅外排排座露天晒太阳，
一边喝着咖啡，好像在沉思些什么。 我想漫无目的的座着也是一种享受吧。
吃完后，我们终于和 Gary 会面了。 他已经找了我们一整天。
因为换了旅馆，也刚好玲玲的手机没电，我们音讯全无，所以急坏了 Gary。
（Gary 是玲玲的高中同学。 他已经到英国公干一段时间了。
他也忙里偷闲的到巴黎和玲玲叙旧。）
没惊喜，结下来又是吃。 伊铃和 Philippe 带我们到法国市场露天享用午餐。
(Philippe 是伊铃的法国朋友。 一个很喜欢新加坡的法籍人士。）
微微的冷风和太阳给的温暖，加上处于在道地法国市场环境吃着纯朴的法国料理，
感受着不同凡响的异国风味。 我们也不是只会吃 (哈哈)，我们也到了Musee Picasso 参观。
毕加索后人捐赠给法国政府的三千五百多件艺术品和画作也让我这略懂艺术的人叹为观止。
要吃饭，要有墨水也不忘了要逛街。 到了旅客必到的 Galeries Lafayette 本想逛逛，
不过商场里里外外不断涌出巨大的移动人群，像是搬运食物回洞里的蚂蚁群一样，
黑漆漆的一大片，尤其是过马路的时候，非常壮观。
看到这种场面，我的头也因人潮太多不由自主的痛起来了。 我就四处看看拍拍的离去。
因晚餐离时间还早，我们也就沿着路的逛下去，最终在一间咖啡厅喝喝水歇息。
晚餐最为丰富，我们到了位于巴黎铁塔附近的 Palais de Tokyo 博物馆的餐厅。
这博物馆专门展出当代的艺术作品，可惜的是我们到的时候也以关了。
不过晚餐没让我们失望，尤其要向大家介绍他们的 Cesar Salad, 没有地方在好吃不过了。
那餐厅的洗手间也非常有趣。 门是三百六十度旋转式，水龙头像冲凉房的花洒。
既然离巴黎铁塔很近，我们就去参观一番，也拍了不少的照片。
就在洋溢的气氛下结束了一天。
巴黎第三天，我们直接到 Mariage Freres 与 Gary 和伊铃共进午餐。
这其实是一间茶馆。 在十七世纪的时候，这家人已经开始推广法国人对茶的艺术。
叫了午餐套餐，每一道菜肴都有茶的成分，吃的津津有味。
最让我伤脑筋的是要从三百多种茶选出一种。
我好像选了水果茶中的 The A Lopera。 我只记得好香好喝，已经忘了味道如何。
接下来就是逛街了。 由于伊铃带路，我也没去注意自己的行踪。
不管如何，我以做好要买一个 LV 包包的决定。 所以我们前往 Champs Elysees 的 LV 店
寻找幸运之包。 怎知那没有我要的款式，全巴黎只剩一个，
我也就留下名字，只好隔天才买。 不过我们也顺利的推荐玲玲买了 LV Epi Leather 系列的
Eugenie 紫色皮夹。 好漂亮哦。 这一天也就逛逛和在 de Temple St 吃晚餐的结束了。
巴黎最后一天，我们买了面包边走边吃，第一时间到了 Le Bon Marche 的 LV 店买了
我生平第一个 LV 物品 - Damier Canvas 系列的 Trevis GM 包包，九百九十欧元，
我回新家坡要吃草咯。 兴高采烈的我们 （我而已啦，哈哈） 也和 Adel 会合吃午餐。
（Adel 是新加坡管理大学的教授。 他刚巧也到了那里旅游。）
后来，我们也在 Saint Germain 和 Le Bon Marche 逛逛，
也买了 Long Champs 的包包。 巴黎之旅就告一段落。
离开了浪漫之都，下一站，我要去探索热情的巴塞罗那，找寻我的道明寺。 哈哈。
搭着欧洲电车连夜前往巴塞罗那，刚好是晚餐时间，我和玲玲也享用了”烛光晚餐“。
因为火车还在前进，我们好像在吃摇头丸晚餐。
隔天，在要到达目的地之前，那电车一度延迟，我们只好耐心的等待。
终于到了，我们也因为多日来的奔波，所以累坏了。 也搭了计程车前往饭店。
那天就随意的到了附近的教堂和大街走走。
第一站，Catedral de Barcelona。 欧洲哥特式建筑 (European Gothic Architecture)
的外观，因此在所有巴塞罗那的教堂中显微独特。 室内非常宽畅，
优雅和细长的柱子沿着两条走廊，把教堂的中殿和走廊分开。
接着，我们在附近的街上走马看花，去了Salvador Dalí 的 Dali Escultor。
Salvador Dali 是个古怪的艺术家。 就是因为有着怪里怪气的性格和作品才使他著名。
Dali Escultor 是他一个小型的展览馆，展出他六十多件作品。
后来还吃了西班牙出名的 Paellas。 累了累了，那天也就到此为止。
巴塞罗那第二天，我们和 Tenny 会合。
（Tenny 是我公司管理 MICA Atrium 和 Sculpture Square 的同事，
也是我的网球教练。 他陪着老婆和女儿游遍西班牙后回到了巴塞罗那，
和我们戴了几天，便一起回莫斯科搭飞机回新加坡。）
我们三人付费买了 Bus Turistic 的全天票。 这一张票能让我们乘搭三条巴士路线，
游遍巴塞罗那的旅游胜地。 也能寻找道明寺出没的地方。 嘻嘻。
我们到了闻名建筑师 Antoni Gaudi 设计与建造的 La Sagrada Familia 和 Park Guell,
还有著名男艺术家 Joan Miro 的 Fundacio Joan Miro。
La Sagrada Familia 是 Gaudi 花了四十多年未完成的作品。
由于我们到的时候它正好在装修，所以我们也没有待太久。
后来我们到了 Park Guell，格外的兴奋，因为那是道明寺和杉菜插身而过的地方。
我还记得那一幕他们插身而过的时候，刚好有一堆汽球飞上天。 哈哈。
其实 Park Guell 好大哦，我们用了十分钟才爬上去。
幸好天气还不错，风景优美，我也不忘拍一系列的 MTV 照。
接着，我们到了 Fundacio Joan Miro。 怎么说呢！
这位男艺术家的作品非常抽象和有趣。 还记得有一组画， 一共三幅，每一幅只有一条线。
我们三人看了，不停的在笑，根本不知他要表达什么。
终于到吃饭时间了。 由于我表姐 Joey 她刚好人在巴塞罗那公干，我也就和她越好吃晚餐。
（Joey 在新加坡 SIA 会计部工作。 她公司时不时便会派她到各国的 SIA 公作。）
近一个月没有和家人见面，能碰到 Joey，简直太高兴了，以解我的思乡病。
每一天总是在丰富的晚餐后结束，画下美好的据点。
巴塞罗那第三天，我累了又有点不舒服，也没有力气再走下去了，
所以玲玲和 Tenny 便一同到郊外的 Teatre-Museu Dali 参观。
幸好 Joey 给了我她饭店房间的复制卡，
所以我就在她上班的时侯霸占她的房间，享受一番。
睡饱后，我便到处逛逛也买了不少服饰。 还吃了我的最爱，Paellas。
到了放工时间，我去了 Glories 和 Joey 会面，也在那里逛了逛。
我们搭了 Joey GM 的顺风车回到了饭店附近的餐馆与玲玲和 Tenny 吃晚餐。
巴塞罗那最后一天，依然的累。
我们在饭店结账后，便把行李搬到 Joey 的饭店房间寄放。
我还想休息一会，所以没有加入玲玲和 Tenny 到水族馆一游。
你可知休息是为了走更长远的路！ 嘻嘻。 休息够了，我便到处走走，
也参观了 Gaudi 设计的 Casa Batllo， 一栋充满艺术神话的建筑物。
那是个很奇妙的建筑，从外观到屋内都推翻以往的设计风格。
一开始不规则又带点卡通梦幻的外观，弯曲的楼梯到客厅，
饭厅和种种，房子里每一处精美的设计和创意，绝对是视觉和心灵的享受。
所见之处都可见 Gaudi 是多么有创意和细腻的艺术家。
在科技还没发达的时代，他用了不同逻辑思考来建造这栋房子，
好比说用了几块木板和一些逻辑，整栋房子就能通风了。
最后我还要推荐那神奇的屋顶天台，龙的设计，简直超凡脱俗。
在许多惊叹声后，我与玲玲和 Tenny 聚集逛逛，
也与 Joey 和她的区域经理，Benjamin 吃晚饭。
就这样， 巴塞罗那之旅很快的结束了。
搭了几小时的飞机，又回到了原点，最有恐惧感的莫斯科。
没办法，谁要这样的飞机票比较便宜。
这也总结我们的欧洲旅程，有点依依不舍。
因为回去新加坡就要面对现实了。
离开了一个月，是时候打道回府了。
每一次出国都会令我学习不少的事和物。
也在其中体验了不同国度的文化与生活。
其实世界那么大，我们真的不能只限于这个小国家，
有机会的话是应该出去看看外面的世界，
充实自己，也一定会有不少的发现，因此受益良多。
回到新加坡，其中要把心情调试回工作的心态，这还真不容易，毕竟也玩了一个月。
我和同事也需要处理照亮新加坡 - 莫斯科的善后工作，累人。
除此之外我就持续不断的和家人与朋友约会，因为我欠他们的实在太多了。
在过去漫长的一年，家人和朋友总是非常体谅和包容我。
除了很少见面，就是迟到的离谱。 就说每次吃晚餐，
我都经常因为工作姗姗来迟，给他们等了老半天。
我在此向你们道谢，感激你们的关怀与照顾。
过去忙碌的慧雯回来了，是时候狂欢了。
我不是消失，只是跟世界脱节，休息了好一阵子。
时间还真的在你没留意的时候，流逝的特别快。
四个月前，我还在打一场世纪之仗。
这场让世人觉得光荣和骄傲的胜仗，的确赢的非常漂亮。
只不过我一点感觉都没有，唯一留下疲惫的心和虚弱的身躯。
这只能用一个字来形容 - 那就是 “痛”。
这字体有十三画，看似简单，不过千万别式着去体会，不好玩。
我要在此宣布我终于跟莫斯科脱离关系了，值得庆祝一番。
毕竟在这艺术与商业结合的计划 [照亮新加坡 - 莫斯科]， 我也学了不少东西。
(照亮新加坡 - 莫斯科 = Spotlight Singapore in Moscow)
真的不敢想象过去的一年我是怎样熬过来的。
谢天谢地我还活着。 哈哈。
在这几个月来，我到底做了些什么？ 就让我一一揭晓吧。
时光机即将调回到四个月前。。。
去莫斯科的前三天，我还在忙于工作，做最后的冲刺。
就在同一天，刚好是我表姐的大喜之日。
(大家称她为大姐大，因为她是我们家的长孙。
也不知道她哪来那么多的体谅和为人着想。 令我们又佩服又尊敬。)
我只睡了两小时，就准备陪她迎接人生的新阶段。
我们都为她高兴。 真的打从心里祝福她。
你可知道要把我家大姐大娶过门，谈何容易。 召集了大姐大的好友与堂表弟妹，
当然忘不了叔叔阿姨婶婶，总之全家大小一起出动。
从新郎开门迎接新娘，敬茶， 供奉神明到千人晚宴，都是笑料百出，温馨感人。
六月三日，终于要出发了。
有点兴奋，因为筹备一年的计划就要在五天后结束了。
非常期待那一刻，至少我当时是这么想的。
五天的时间其实很短，不过状况不断，度日如年。
老天好像在开我们的玩笑，考验我们的能耐。
就别说六月三日之前在新加坡和莫斯科发生的事，大致上都在我上飞机之前解决了。
前往飞机场的路途，脑海里只想着和妈咪一起吃顿丰富的早餐,
(妈咪是我公司的财政兼人事部长。 Minister of Money / Manpower = MOM = 妈妈的意思，
她也如同妈妈般时常关心着每个人，所以这绰号相当适合。)
顺顺利利的把照亮新加坡 - 莫斯科呈现给大家，
然后结束一却飞往珀林，巴黎和巴塞罗那旅游去。
就在吃早餐的同时，状况一连接一连的没有停止过。
最安心的时候，应该就是在半空中的时间吧。
十多个小时后，飞机降落了。 谁知道老天爷真的在考验我们。
老天不做媒，巴士因为塞车所以迟到，
莫斯科向导又不会变通，什么都说不行，简直气怀我们。
在拥挤的机场，有接近八十名新家坡商人在等着，感觉有点不耐烦。
真不巧，当我们聚集所有的商人后，发现外头下起一场倾盆大雨。
这下子又急坏我们这些工作人员了。 因为从机场到巴士站是没有掩蔽的。
遭了，大家都得提着行李，淋着雨冲上巴士。 有好几位已经不耐烦发脾气了。
几天下来，不是巴士不准时，几小时后才到，
就是莫斯科向导跟我们有沟通上的问题，
场地的问题，票和食物不够的问题，时间和地点调动的问题，
俄罗斯商人突然缺席的问题，一摞摞的问题要一一去解决，纷纷中都心惊胆跳。
在寒冷的天气应战，还有些合伙机构没有全力协助，我们也措手不及。
加上必须要确保新家坡商人时时刻刻被照顾的妥当，我们都忙得晕头转向。
每天只睡四到五小时，没吃早餐就出发了。
不管我们做了再多的准备，都逃不过命运的安排。
我不是说我们有着天衣无缝的计划，而是有些事情是我们预料之外和非常难为的
- 好像人为和这个国家的运作方式是我们无法一夜之间改变的。 俗语说万事俱备，只欠东风。
我当时好想有着无穷的魔法，一就是把所有的事情马上解决，好像没有效，二就是马上消失。
我们每天只能强颜欢笑，说最多的就是对不起。 不过我的笑容是真实的。
很矛盾吧，我也不能理解，就是如此。 可能知道有一群伙伴在一起奋斗吧。
事实是我们的心已经麻了，还有已经被那寒冷的冬天冻坏了脑。
不管怎样，苦尽甘来，我们一起协手创造了奇迹，也划下历史性的一刻。 这叫成长吗！
种种的问题只能套莫斯科人的一句话，“这就是俄罗斯“。
六月八日，我终于要离开莫斯科，前往珀林了。
心情极度的兴奋，不过有点情绪化。
因为在这段日子，努力的成果，有欢笑，有愤怒，
有绝望，有难过，太多的情绪，就要画上据点了。
突然感觉有点空虚吧。
在这其中，除了一起拼死拼活的同事和伙伴，
我也结交了不少好友，大多都算前辈。
他们非常照顾我，教了我不少东西又与我分享许多经验，还真难得。
带着期待又疲惫的心来到了探险第一站 - 珀林，又刚巧因为这国家沉重的历史背景，
突然脚步慢下来了，要好好休息一番，开始找回自己。
一点准备也没有，还真的漫无目的。 这是我第一次出国没有计划的旅游。
因为我已经耗尽全力，也根本抽不出时间去收集当地的资料，这下还真的有点挑战。
安顿后，首度恢复自由，顿时觉得心情舒畅。
我和玲玲找了一间饭店附近的餐馆解决了晚餐。
(玲玲是我公司管理艺术推广兼传讯部门的同事。)
吃晚餐的同时，我们拼命翻阅各种有关柏林的册子和传单，
也大致计划接下来几天的行程。
隔天我们从饭店出发，搭着电车从 Landsberger Allee站 前往 Hackescher Markt站
加入 Insider Tours 的 四小时 The Original Famous Walk 团。 这个团的向导边解释
德国的历史文化边带我们走遍柏林闻名的 Hitler's Bunker, Berlin Wall,
former SS & Gestapo Headquarters, memorial for the Nazi book burning,
Checkpoint Charlie, Memorial to the Murdered Jews, ruins of the Berlin Palace,
Reichstag and its famous glass dome, Brandenburg Tor, Berliner Dom, 等等。
还蛮有趣的，可是在几小时内我无法吸收那么多的资讯，有点消化不良。
不过我真的大开眼界了。 结束后以不早了，所以我们前往 Deutsche Oper站
就地解决了午餐和晚餐。 接着我们到了柏林响当当的剧院 - Deutsche Oper Berlin
买了著名芭蕾舞剧团 - George Balanchine Ballettabend 演出的票。
我认为这是一个不错的演出，观众掌声如雷，不过由于之前工作累积的疲劳还没恢复，
三小时的演出有点不能控制我那几乎要闭合的眼睛。 收获量多的一天就此结束了。
柏林第三天，我们到了 Berliner Philharmoniker 出席一场午餐音乐会。
这场不用付费的音乐会在 Phiharmonie 的大堂举行。 没有指定的位置，
就很随意，我们赶紧找了舞台旁的楼梯就坐。 那天是星期二，
不过观众至少有500人以上，我有点吓到。 这包括年长人士，中年人士，
家庭主妇，学生，总之什么年龄层都有。 他们发自内心的去欣赏艺术，
这样的活动已经融入他们的生活和文化了，好羡慕哦。
三位音乐家 - 除了大提琴师和长笛师是德国人，钢琴师是日本人，
怪不得观众里有好多日本人，他们还真的很支持自己人。
享受了一场优美的音乐会后，我们去了附近的 Potsdamer Platz 走走。
那天就无忧无虑的随便逛逛，也吃了Haagen Dazs 冰淇淋。
本想到一个有点像艺术之家的一个地方 - Hebbel Theater，可惜它没开。
没关系，无缘吧。
柏林第四天，自然醒。 好难得的感觉，
起来时，太阳公公仿佛向我说 “亲爱的，早安“。
突然好想唱一首歌 “这种感觉真好，已经很久没有这样“。
梳洗后，我们便出发填饱肚子。 其实柏林还真的是一个旅客友善的国家，
到处都可发现旅游质询。 这也不外乎巴士站的旅游质询触摸式螢幕。
到了市区，我们也发现了一台，在当中找到了一家新加坡餐馆，
想说不如就到哪儿享用午餐吧。 寻找此餐馆的过程，
我们偶然发现了一个叫 Lust 的秘密基地。
这个地方好特别，他们把一块废墟变成了类似沙滩休闲区。
别误会，这里根本没有海边。 他们不知如何引进了大量的沙，
把整块地铺满了沙，也放置许多沙滩雨伞，脚踏车，轮胎，木屋，陈旧的家具。
走进一间小屋时，四处传来悦耳的歌剧乐曲，
也察觉到一位艺术家不顾众人的注视画着一幅未完成的女子画。
我也到处发现奇怪的艺术作品，好有感觉哦。
其实这感觉很像莫电影情节，当一群年轻人到一个小镇旅游时，
发现了种种又有趣又奇怪的事物，在探险的过程才发现事情不妙，
已经慢慢的掉进杀人魔的陷阱了。 想太多。 哈哈，都说我有丰富的想象力了。
终于要吃饭了，找到了餐馆，其实卖的是印度支那料理。
天啊，我们各自叫了一人分的食物，没想到一人分足于填饱三人的胃。
吃乘了肚子，走在街上，微风打在脸上，隐隐有着太阳的光线，
闭上眼睛，深呼吸，聆听四周的声音，顿时感觉活在另一个世界。
千金难买寸光阴, 也就在购物，博物馆后结束了一天。
柏林第五天，我们到了 Deutsches Historisches Museum。
除了主要的德国历史展览，他们也会有好几个主题展览。
参观德国历史展览时，我仿佛走进了时光隧道回到了西元前的德国，
也随着脚步越来越沉重的穿越德国的世世代代，
一步一步回到了二十一世纪。 这下让我更了解德国的历史了。
柏林历险记就此告一段落，我要收起沉重的心，
前往我梦想中的神秘之城 - 巴黎，展开我的浪漫之旅。
搭着欧洲电车连夜前往巴黎，而外的兴奋。
因为这是我第一次乘搭所谓的火车。
花了四百多新币，豪华车厢，美丽的风景，
舒适的特定床位和私人浴室，还有热心的服务员送上的餐饮
和温馨的清晨叫醒服务，简直是第一级的设备和服务。
只不过车厢有点小，我们的活动范围有限。
少了些什么？ 嘻嘻，我怎么可能忘了在电车里拍我最“出名“的MTV照呢！
不好意思，我最喜欢就是自拍了。
在电车摇摇晃晃的前进，我也因电车和铁轨默察的声音而入睡了。
一觉醒来，我们便和伊铃联络，约好午餐的地点。
（伊铃是我公司请来为照亮新加坡 - 莫斯科商业部分和瞭望亚洲饮食部分的顾问。
因为她也到了巴黎，也非常熟悉当地，所以我们请她带我们到处逛逛。）
从火车总站 - Paris Nord 到地铁站，我们似曾来到了小印度，
也不知为何整条街都是印度人开的店，怪怪的。
小女子知识穷，历史不好，所以没有概念。
饭店登记后，我们便前往 Saint Germain 的一家著名咖啡厅与仪玲会合。
这家咖啡厅 Cafe de Flore 位于 Boulevard Saint Germain 和
Rue St. Benoit 的一个角落。 它著名的地方就是它到访的顾客都是一群知识分子。
想必我们也是其中之一，哈哈哈。
享用一杯热咖啡，与朋友谈着人生哲学，简直是一大享受。
在这之前，我第一个要光顾的时尚精品屋莫非与 Louis Vuitton。
看到琳琅满目的包包，怎么让我不心动。
午餐我点了它们的火腿乳酪，好美味哦。
吃完后便是甜点时间，我们买了 Bacaron 点心边走边享用。
基本上在巴黎还蛮优灾闲灾，吃喝玩乐，非常放松的。
接下来，如果看过 The Da Vinci Code 之作的人，
怎么可能错过 Musée du Louvre。 我们也不例外的拜访此博物馆。
这座壮观的建筑，就在十二世纪已经开始占据了巴黎中部。
金字塔的外形和电影情节的印象也为这博物馆增加不少的神秘感。
其实不能有太多的期望，因为失望的几率会很高。
博物馆一共四层楼还有左右两翼，里头人山人海，吵杂声不间断。
虽然有着一流的展览品，不过我还没到过一个像超级市场的博物馆，
简直叫人头晕目眩。 走着走着，伊铃便带我们到蒙娜丽莎之画展放的位置。
你也知道从小到大，因为经常在电视或电影里都会有这幅画的踪迹，
我们难免会对这幅画有些遐想，好像必看之画，不过看了后真的有点失望。
我们只能在一百公分的距离欣赏，何况又有那么多来自四面八方的旅客涌向前，
那幅画也与白墙形成了对比 - 画小的可怜，墙又大到不行，所以还是算了。
脚也酸了，所以我们在 Jardin du Tuilerie 花园选了一片大草地歇息，
也买了咖啡和面包当点心。 好舒服的体验，鸟语花香，我简直不想离开那花园。
休息后, 我们到了 Sainte-Chapelle 和 Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris。
Sainte-Chapelle 的室内非常精制。 教堂二楼大部分都是彩色玻璃窗的装潢。
太阳光线渗透彩色玻璃窗，我仿佛被上千万颗七彩缤纷的钻石包围着。
它那玫瑰型的窗户也特别吸引人。
沿着路走下去，我们来到了Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris。
有着八百多年的历史，宗教还是离不开政治的关联。
当我第一次踏入这一座古老建筑时，它给我的感觉是安定，安稳和宁静的。
虽然那有不少的人，但当我们独自坐在椅子上，静听播放中的圣歌，
这感觉非常的美妙。 时间还早，我们的嘴又离不开吃的，
所以伊铃带我们到一间正宗的冰淇淋店享用甜品。
咬下那第一口，让我告诉你，我简直对这冰淇淋赞不绝口。
我的天啊，怎么那么好吃！！！ 直流口水。
我们还真厉害吃呢。 吃完冰淇淋，走了一回，我们又要吃晚餐了。
虽然时间还早，大概八点多 （澳洲人吃晚餐时间平均在九点半，
之前餐馆是没有人的），因为我们是华人，有点不习惯，
所以就到了一家有名餐馆先霸住位置。
法国人用餐好热情，就连在餐馆都济在一起吃。
济到我想上洗手间都要把桌子给拉开，好让我能走出来。
法式洋葱汤，甜美嫩牛扒，加上红酒一杯，好完整的一餐。
第二天的巴黎，玲玲和我拉着行李从旅馆到原本预定的那一家。
其实我们之前预定的那一家出现了停水问题，所以他们暂时安排我们到另一家。
换了旅店，也把手续都办好后，我们到了附近的咖啡厅吃早餐。
一人份的香肠起士三文治加上一杯热腾腾的咖啡，吃的心里非常暖和。
我发觉法国人喜欢在咖啡厅外排排座露天晒太阳，
一边喝着咖啡，好像在沉思些什么。 我想漫无目的的座着也是一种享受吧。
吃完后，我们终于和 Gary 会面了。 他已经找了我们一整天。
因为换了旅馆，也刚好玲玲的手机没电，我们音讯全无，所以急坏了 Gary。
（Gary 是玲玲的高中同学。 他已经到英国公干一段时间了。
他也忙里偷闲的到巴黎和玲玲叙旧。）
没惊喜，结下来又是吃。 伊铃和 Philippe 带我们到法国市场露天享用午餐。
(Philippe 是伊铃的法国朋友。 一个很喜欢新加坡的法籍人士。）
微微的冷风和太阳给的温暖，加上处于在道地法国市场环境吃着纯朴的法国料理，
感受着不同凡响的异国风味。 我们也不是只会吃 (哈哈)，我们也到了Musee Picasso 参观。
毕加索后人捐赠给法国政府的三千五百多件艺术品和画作也让我这略懂艺术的人叹为观止。
要吃饭，要有墨水也不忘了要逛街。 到了旅客必到的 Galeries Lafayette 本想逛逛，
不过商场里里外外不断涌出巨大的移动人群，像是搬运食物回洞里的蚂蚁群一样，
黑漆漆的一大片，尤其是过马路的时候，非常壮观。
看到这种场面，我的头也因人潮太多不由自主的痛起来了。 我就四处看看拍拍的离去。
因晚餐离时间还早，我们也就沿着路的逛下去，最终在一间咖啡厅喝喝水歇息。
晚餐最为丰富，我们到了位于巴黎铁塔附近的 Palais de Tokyo 博物馆的餐厅。
这博物馆专门展出当代的艺术作品，可惜的是我们到的时候也以关了。
不过晚餐没让我们失望，尤其要向大家介绍他们的 Cesar Salad, 没有地方在好吃不过了。
那餐厅的洗手间也非常有趣。 门是三百六十度旋转式，水龙头像冲凉房的花洒。
既然离巴黎铁塔很近，我们就去参观一番，也拍了不少的照片。
就在洋溢的气氛下结束了一天。
巴黎第三天，我们直接到 Mariage Freres 与 Gary 和伊铃共进午餐。
这其实是一间茶馆。 在十七世纪的时候，这家人已经开始推广法国人对茶的艺术。
叫了午餐套餐，每一道菜肴都有茶的成分，吃的津津有味。
最让我伤脑筋的是要从三百多种茶选出一种。
我好像选了水果茶中的 The A Lopera。 我只记得好香好喝，已经忘了味道如何。
接下来就是逛街了。 由于伊铃带路，我也没去注意自己的行踪。
不管如何，我以做好要买一个 LV 包包的决定。 所以我们前往 Champs Elysees 的 LV 店
寻找幸运之包。 怎知那没有我要的款式，全巴黎只剩一个，
我也就留下名字，只好隔天才买。 不过我们也顺利的推荐玲玲买了 LV Epi Leather 系列的
Eugenie 紫色皮夹。 好漂亮哦。 这一天也就逛逛和在 de Temple St 吃晚餐的结束了。
巴黎最后一天，我们买了面包边走边吃，第一时间到了 Le Bon Marche 的 LV 店买了
我生平第一个 LV 物品 - Damier Canvas 系列的 Trevis GM 包包，九百九十欧元，
我回新家坡要吃草咯。 兴高采烈的我们 （我而已啦，哈哈） 也和 Adel 会合吃午餐。
（Adel 是新加坡管理大学的教授。 他刚巧也到了那里旅游。）
后来，我们也在 Saint Germain 和 Le Bon Marche 逛逛，
也买了 Long Champs 的包包。 巴黎之旅就告一段落。
离开了浪漫之都，下一站，我要去探索热情的巴塞罗那，找寻我的道明寺。 哈哈。
搭着欧洲电车连夜前往巴塞罗那，刚好是晚餐时间，我和玲玲也享用了”烛光晚餐“。
因为火车还在前进，我们好像在吃摇头丸晚餐。
隔天，在要到达目的地之前，那电车一度延迟，我们只好耐心的等待。
终于到了，我们也因为多日来的奔波，所以累坏了。 也搭了计程车前往饭店。
那天就随意的到了附近的教堂和大街走走。
第一站，Catedral de Barcelona。 欧洲哥特式建筑 (European Gothic Architecture)
的外观，因此在所有巴塞罗那的教堂中显微独特。 室内非常宽畅，
优雅和细长的柱子沿着两条走廊，把教堂的中殿和走廊分开。
接着，我们在附近的街上走马看花，去了Salvador Dalí 的 Dali Escultor。
Salvador Dali 是个古怪的艺术家。 就是因为有着怪里怪气的性格和作品才使他著名。
Dali Escultor 是他一个小型的展览馆，展出他六十多件作品。
后来还吃了西班牙出名的 Paellas。 累了累了，那天也就到此为止。
巴塞罗那第二天，我们和 Tenny 会合。
（Tenny 是我公司管理 MICA Atrium 和 Sculpture Square 的同事，
也是我的网球教练。 他陪着老婆和女儿游遍西班牙后回到了巴塞罗那，
和我们戴了几天，便一起回莫斯科搭飞机回新加坡。）
我们三人付费买了 Bus Turistic 的全天票。 这一张票能让我们乘搭三条巴士路线，
游遍巴塞罗那的旅游胜地。 也能寻找道明寺出没的地方。 嘻嘻。
我们到了闻名建筑师 Antoni Gaudi 设计与建造的 La Sagrada Familia 和 Park Guell,
还有著名男艺术家 Joan Miro 的 Fundacio Joan Miro。
La Sagrada Familia 是 Gaudi 花了四十多年未完成的作品。
由于我们到的时候它正好在装修，所以我们也没有待太久。
后来我们到了 Park Guell，格外的兴奋，因为那是道明寺和杉菜插身而过的地方。
我还记得那一幕他们插身而过的时候，刚好有一堆汽球飞上天。 哈哈。
其实 Park Guell 好大哦，我们用了十分钟才爬上去。
幸好天气还不错，风景优美，我也不忘拍一系列的 MTV 照。
接着，我们到了 Fundacio Joan Miro。 怎么说呢！
这位男艺术家的作品非常抽象和有趣。 还记得有一组画， 一共三幅，每一幅只有一条线。
我们三人看了，不停的在笑，根本不知他要表达什么。
终于到吃饭时间了。 由于我表姐 Joey 她刚好人在巴塞罗那公干，我也就和她越好吃晚餐。
（Joey 在新加坡 SIA 会计部工作。 她公司时不时便会派她到各国的 SIA 公作。）
近一个月没有和家人见面，能碰到 Joey，简直太高兴了，以解我的思乡病。
每一天总是在丰富的晚餐后结束，画下美好的据点。
巴塞罗那第三天，我累了又有点不舒服，也没有力气再走下去了，
所以玲玲和 Tenny 便一同到郊外的 Teatre-Museu Dali 参观。
幸好 Joey 给了我她饭店房间的复制卡，
所以我就在她上班的时侯霸占她的房间，享受一番。
睡饱后，我便到处逛逛也买了不少服饰。 还吃了我的最爱，Paellas。
到了放工时间，我去了 Glories 和 Joey 会面，也在那里逛了逛。
我们搭了 Joey GM 的顺风车回到了饭店附近的餐馆与玲玲和 Tenny 吃晚餐。
巴塞罗那最后一天，依然的累。
我们在饭店结账后，便把行李搬到 Joey 的饭店房间寄放。
我还想休息一会，所以没有加入玲玲和 Tenny 到水族馆一游。
你可知休息是为了走更长远的路！ 嘻嘻。 休息够了，我便到处走走，
也参观了 Gaudi 设计的 Casa Batllo， 一栋充满艺术神话的建筑物。
那是个很奇妙的建筑，从外观到屋内都推翻以往的设计风格。
一开始不规则又带点卡通梦幻的外观，弯曲的楼梯到客厅，
饭厅和种种，房子里每一处精美的设计和创意，绝对是视觉和心灵的享受。
所见之处都可见 Gaudi 是多么有创意和细腻的艺术家。
在科技还没发达的时代，他用了不同逻辑思考来建造这栋房子，
好比说用了几块木板和一些逻辑，整栋房子就能通风了。
最后我还要推荐那神奇的屋顶天台，龙的设计，简直超凡脱俗。
在许多惊叹声后，我与玲玲和 Tenny 聚集逛逛，
也与 Joey 和她的区域经理，Benjamin 吃晚饭。
就这样， 巴塞罗那之旅很快的结束了。
搭了几小时的飞机，又回到了原点，最有恐惧感的莫斯科。
没办法，谁要这样的飞机票比较便宜。
这也总结我们的欧洲旅程，有点依依不舍。
因为回去新加坡就要面对现实了。
离开了一个月，是时候打道回府了。
每一次出国都会令我学习不少的事和物。
也在其中体验了不同国度的文化与生活。
其实世界那么大，我们真的不能只限于这个小国家，
有机会的话是应该出去看看外面的世界，
充实自己，也一定会有不少的发现，因此受益良多。
回到新加坡，其中要把心情调试回工作的心态，这还真不容易，毕竟也玩了一个月。
我和同事也需要处理照亮新加坡 - 莫斯科的善后工作，累人。
除此之外我就持续不断的和家人与朋友约会，因为我欠他们的实在太多了。
在过去漫长的一年，家人和朋友总是非常体谅和包容我。
除了很少见面，就是迟到的离谱。 就说每次吃晚餐，
我都经常因为工作姗姗来迟，给他们等了老半天。
我在此向你们道谢，感激你们的关怀与照顾。
过去忙碌的慧雯回来了，是时候狂欢了。
My First Company Retreat
Published: April 21, 2008
I missed the one last year and went to Japan. Hee.
"DESARU, compared to Bangkok, it sounds like some paradise." my colleague, Soon Kin, a Mauritian mentioned.
Half an hour boat ride, a little excitement; at least I am out of Singapore.
The sun shines on the 4 ladies. Say cheese.
From Moscow to Desaru, seducing people all the way.
Like a big boss.
Some Hawaii gal.
Tenny, how come I can't see your eyes!?
Twin sisters - Mommy and Viv.
Here we are, in a paradise so to speak.
Lunch time. I thought I was in some orientation camp. The person sitting beside or in front of me must not be in the same dept nor the one sharing the same room.
Soon Kin, Vivian, Colin, Ivy.
Sulaiman, Ming Yen, Edwin.
Asrik, me, Karen, Ling, JY, Florence, Tony.
Tee Tong, Tenny, Razali, Von.
But after all, a paradise doesn’t mean having a strategic meeting all day long.
The man of authority - GM Goh.
2pm to 8pm - six hours non-stop with hot air blowing, I almost fainted.
Dinner was half an hour car ride away. I was famished.
Day 2 was fruit farm and spa.
I went home alone on second evening. I don't wish to skip any of my Japanese classes if possible.
A recharged me.
Sunset on my way home.
"DESARU, compared to Bangkok, it sounds like some paradise." my colleague, Soon Kin, a Mauritian mentioned.
Half an hour boat ride, a little excitement; at least I am out of Singapore.
The sun shines on the 4 ladies. Say cheese.
From Moscow to Desaru, seducing people all the way.
Like a big boss.
Some Hawaii gal.
Tenny, how come I can't see your eyes!?
Twin sisters - Mommy and Viv.
Here we are, in a paradise so to speak.
Lunch time. I thought I was in some orientation camp. The person sitting beside or in front of me must not be in the same dept nor the one sharing the same room.
Soon Kin, Vivian, Colin, Ivy.
Sulaiman, Ming Yen, Edwin.
Asrik, me, Karen, Ling, JY, Florence, Tony.
Tee Tong, Tenny, Razali, Von.
But after all, a paradise doesn’t mean having a strategic meeting all day long.
The man of authority - GM Goh.
2pm to 8pm - six hours non-stop with hot air blowing, I almost fainted.
Dinner was half an hour car ride away. I was famished.
Day 2 was fruit farm and spa.
I went home alone on second evening. I don't wish to skip any of my Japanese classes if possible.
A recharged me.
Sunset on my way home.
莫斯科记
Published: March 15, 2008
二零零八年三月十日
坐上这飞行机器，是我人生最幸福的事。
从小就喜爱旅游的我，最爱到世界各地，
体验着各种人与事物的活动和变化。
你知道吗，我听过最美的声音，它叫做宁静。
这个熟悉又陌生的声音，它好像离我好遥远。
每次在等待到达目的地的途中，
这就是我和宁静重逢的时候。
朋友好久不见。
二零零八年三月十一日
三度， 一阵风把我给吹醒了。
比起第一次，有着截然不同的感觉。
白色的雪地，冰冷的空气，雪立像棉花慢慢的飘下，
这已构成一幅美丽动人的画。
二零零八年三月十二日
语言障碍，陌生镇上，毛毛细雨。
细长尖根，事处奔跑，两腿发软。
漫长一天，受益良多，没有白费。
照亮新加坡记者招待会 圆满落幕。
名人记者，工作伙伴，赞助机构，
数百参与，精彩万分，十分成功。
二零零八年三月十三日
最后冲刺，任务完成。
轻松一天，到处逛逛。
二零零八年三月十四日
回家了。回到我最温软的被窝。
坐上这飞行机器，是我人生最幸福的事。
从小就喜爱旅游的我，最爱到世界各地，
体验着各种人与事物的活动和变化。
你知道吗，我听过最美的声音，它叫做宁静。
这个熟悉又陌生的声音，它好像离我好遥远。
每次在等待到达目的地的途中，
这就是我和宁静重逢的时候。
朋友好久不见。
二零零八年三月十一日
三度， 一阵风把我给吹醒了。
比起第一次，有着截然不同的感觉。
白色的雪地，冰冷的空气，雪立像棉花慢慢的飘下，
这已构成一幅美丽动人的画。
二零零八年三月十二日
语言障碍，陌生镇上，毛毛细雨。
细长尖根，事处奔跑，两腿发软。
漫长一天，受益良多，没有白费。
照亮新加坡记者招待会 圆满落幕。
名人记者，工作伙伴，赞助机构，
数百参与，精彩万分，十分成功。
二零零八年三月十三日
最后冲刺，任务完成。
轻松一天，到处逛逛。
二零零八年三月十四日
回家了。回到我最温软的被窝。
Memories of Japan Episode 6: Fukuoka > Osaka
Published: January 4, 2008
Day 6: 12 April 2007
Fukuoka
Completed Fukuoka, we were heading to Osaka.
already filled up our luggages within 5 days. But can you feel for us? Dark, restless, heavy and freezing cold. So pathetic.
I have not reached the worst. Knowing that the time was short and we were going to be late (everyone knows Japanese are always on time), we ran. We thought we can make it, just in time. BUT BUT BUT... no drama okay, we witnessed with our own eyes; they shut the door of the bullet train in front of us. What to do!? We exchanged tickets for the next train.
The next train was an hour and half away.
Osaka Station.
Trying to kill time when we were heading to Osaka Castle.
Osaka Castle Park Station.
Japanese favorite - Baseball. Checking out for cute guys.
Osaka Castle Park.
After a tiring morning, we decided to go slow for the day. The only place we visited was Osaka Castle (大阪城).
land roughly one kilometer square. It is built on two raised platforms of landfill supported by sheer walls of cut rock, each overlooking a moat. The central castle building is five stories on the outside and eight stories on the inside, and built atop a tall stone foundation to protect its occupants from sword-bearing attackers.
Entrance of the Castle.
It is a popular spot during festival seasons, and especially during the cherry blossom bloom, when the sprawling
castle grounds are covered with food vendors and taiko drummers. The grounds also house a museum, the large indoor arena Osaka-jo Hall, and the Toyokuni Shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Some
No pictures in the castle. So only before we went in and the top view.
Osaka Stamps.
Brief Background Information of
development was further encouraged by the Tokugawa shogunate, which adopted a hands-off approach to the city, allowing merchants to prosper unhindered by government interference.
Famous for its down-to-earth citizens and hearty cuisine,
of tako-yaki (fried octopus ball), good times and lots of beer. Minami (south) is the city's entertainment district and contains the hyperactive shopping and nightlife areas of Namba and Shinsaibashi. In between is the peaceful green
to be continued... Memories of
Memories of Japan Episode 5: Fukuoka (Tenjin)
Published: November 1, 2007
Japan continued... long awaited...
Day 5: 11 April 2007
Fukuoka (Tenjin)
A fashion and cultural centre, Tenjin (天神) is Kyushu's number one downtown area. It offers department stores,
fashion boutiques and unforgettable restaurants galore. The very moment when we stepped out of the train station, Tenjin Underground Shopping Arcade got us into excitement.
Train Ticket to Tenjin.
With about 100 shops, this underground shopping arcade features the latest men and women fashions of Tokyo,
Paris and New York, shoes, accessories, books and traditional Japanese clothing along with coffee shops and restaurants. The underground cobblestone walkway, with some twenty exits, connecting to several buildings and the city subway making it very convenient for walking downtown.
Tenjin Underground Shopping Arcade.
After being amazed by the underground shopping arcade, we followed the flow and entered a shopping mall named Tenjin Core (天神コア). This 8-storey mall is an absolute Mecca for teen and twenty-something shoppers and also the place to go for up-to-the-minute fashions. We found many contemporary Japanese styles by small independent and underground designers as well as record shops, bookstores and cheap Japanese/ Western restaurants.
There was one shop "Liz Lisa" that caught our attention. We could hear the loud greetings of the salesgirls from a far distance. Some 8 to 9 ladies were working in that shop. They dressed like the well-known Japanese "109 Hot Chicks". Out of curiosity, we went in to check out . Unbelievable that I couldn't concentrate on what were in the shop. Their voices were too loud. Simply, while doing their normal work, their mouth greeted non-stop when they saw people walking pass. In such a small area with 8 to 9 ladies "shouting", it was quite scary though. Also awkward in a way, we almost burst out into laughter. So in the end, we escaped.
Liz Lisa.
Another discovery in the mall was the humongous dessert. Even the display sets look real and attractive. It took me a while to stare at the dessert, drooling. It was a disappointment too as we couldn't have time to try it. It was either we were too full or not in time to eat. What a waste!
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After all the shopping, it was time for lunch. We went looking for this famous ramen shop, Ichiran (一蘭). This was actually the purpose of the day. We were given a cubicle each when we entered the ramen shop. The rational is
privacy. The shop owner wants the customer to enjoy their food with no fear of personal image or privacy. Therefore, in front of each cubicle, there was a cloth blocking our vision into the kitchen. All I could see was a hand out of the small curtain servicing us food. Overall, the ramen was delicious but little salty.
Ichiran.
Before and After.
Regained our energy, we roamed around Tenjin. There was this 100-yen shop and many cosmetics shops that made us gone crazy. Come to think of it, only the 5th day, I almost bought the whole Japan. By the time we finished shopping, it was already time for dinner - another 居酒屋 we found along the street.
Good place, good selection, good food, good sake, good companion.
On our way back to hotel, we did our last spree at Hakata and bought our breakfast for next morning at the
supermarket "Sunny". It was the only day we kept to our time. Cause we got to wake up at 4am to catch the bullet train
to Osaka. Goodbye Fukuoka.
End of Day 5. I miss Fukuoka - a relaxing city with a small number of residents. Farewell.
Fukuoka Subway
Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu Shinkansen)
to be continued... Memories of Japan Episode 6: Osaka
Highlights of 'Mockba' Trip
Published: October 11, 2007
I am still feeling restless after my return from Moscow (in Russian, Mockba). The 8-days stay and 2-days in plane were extreme. Truly demonstrated TAH Spotlight direction - on the edge; adventurous and exciting. Below are 20 highlights and experiences of my trip:-
1. The not-so-excited mood before the trip. Lousy feeling. My first business trip. Stress.
2. The plane fed us like nobody business. I just felt like sleeping.
3. The unfriendly and unprofessional flight attendants.
4. First night when I stepped into Red Square and Kremlin, I felt I just woke up from a dream. That moment, Ling Ling and I said "Wah, I am really in Moscow". Spectacular view.
5. The too narrow and small bed we had for such expensive room rate. Luckily, I am petite.
6. The 5-hour dinner we had from 8pm to 1am. Many networking sessions. Exhausted.
7. The ridiculous jam all-day long. We hit the the max. 3 hours. My god, my bladder almost burst.
8. The tall and pretty Muscovites. Only the young ones. The older ones still look communists. Not as unfriendly as I thought. Health conscious. Brand conscious. Lifestyle conscious. Secretive.
- Russian saying: If they bring you to the forest or to a public bath, they fully trust you. Cause no one bugged in the
forest and no weapons when you are naked. When we were doing interviews, they didn't even want their names to be appear on the papers.
9. Metro, all stations are museums by itself. Many walkways. Too steep. Peak hours, felt dangerous. Packed like sardines.
10. Buildings - contrast of old soviet union buildings and modern ones.
11. Language, Russian. They don't really speak English. We don't speak Russian. Duck and chicken scenario. Managed to communicate in the end.
12. Yummy but very expensive food. Russian are rich.
13. The relax moment. Found some cafe and had lunch.
14. "Tom waits for nobody" - Singapore group was invited to perform in Dom Cultural Centre.
15. The pissed-off and depressing moment versus the relaxing and happy moment.
16. My experience of taking the metro alone to Tverskaya. Never die before. It's to experience what is on the edge?! Reprimanded by my business partner, boss and GM. Not funny at all.
17. The 9-hour transit in Dubai. 3 ladies checking in to US$300 per night room. The guys just hang around the airport area. Dubai transit area feels like Mustafa. The 1-hour dodgy transit in Jakata, we couldn't get out of the plane.
Quoted from my friend's blog after she knew the incident.
18. "Gypsies stealing her colleague’s belongings and the time it took to making the police report and to retrieving the stolen items – the cash was of course, missing." My business partner to be exact. Within one and half hour, things
were pick-pocketed, went back to Embassy, went to police station, things were found but US$500 were stolen, on our way back to Embassy, we got a preview of the reenact. Another stealing session was happening in front of us once more. But we were not the victims.
19. "Witnessed a stabbing drama while stuck in a traffic jam. A guy’s face was covered with blood as he sat on the
floor, scrawling away from his attacker. The latter tried relentlessly to continue his assault with his knife (or in her words, “poke”) but was fended off by a passer-by using a mannequin. Definitely drama. By the way, that left us to
debate whether the action should’ve been termed as “stab” or “poke”… all the while using our dinner forks to “re-visit” the scene and action to better illustrate our points." Haha.
20. Last but not least, "...there were the two loaves of bread (hard enough to be used as bats) and a thin strip of each (salmon, beef and something else) (which is pork) that added up to more approx. S$120 for a simple meal. Wow… that’s definitely something expensive and even top restaurants here (my friend meant Spore) wouldn’t have cost that much!" The expensive meal for our last lunch.
Moscow vibe continues... Not my choice. In preparation for next year June project.
Red Square
Red Square is the most famous city square inMoscow
and currently the official residence of the President of Russia, from a historic merchant quarter, known as Kitay-gorod (china-town). As major streets ofMoscow radiate from here in all directions, being promoted to major highways
outside the city, the Red Square is often considered the central square ofMoscow and of all Russia
The Kremlin is a historic fortified complex at the very heart ofMoscow Moskva River (to the south), Saint Basil's Cathedral (often mistaken as the Kremlin) and Red Square (to the east) and the Alexander Garden (to the west). It is the best known of kremlins (Russian citadels) and includes four palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.
The complex serves as the official residence of the President of Russia.
Directly opposite the Mausoleum, on the eastern side of the square, lies the building which housesRussia
Since the fall of communism, several other shopping centers and hypermarkets have sprung up to rival it in prestige, but GUM retains its status as a consumerMecca for visitors to Moscow Soviet Union , the top floor was home to Section 100, a secret clothing store only open to the highest echelons of the party. Nowadays the rows of exclusive boutiques are accessible to anyone with a platinum card. That said, the building itself is glorious, and there are still a few more interesting relics of a bygone era on the higher floors that make it well worth exploring.
Saint Basil’s Cathedral
The Intercession Cathedral (Pokrovsky Cathedral, better known as the Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed or St. Basil's Cathedral) was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible and built between 1534 and 1561 inMoscow Spasskaya Tower
Also known as Lenin's Tomb, situated in Red Square inMoscow
rare exceptions in wartime).
The State Historical Museum
a 20-year-long project to consolidate various archaeological and anthropological collections into a single museum
that told the story of the history of Russia according to the latest scientific methodology.
A unique pedestrian street (between the Garden Ring and Boulevard Ring roads); buildings from the 19th-early 20th centuries, in Empire and Art Nouveau styles with memorial flats of writers Alexander Pushkin and Andrey Bely. You can also find the Vakhtangov Theater, antique, jewelry, souvenir shops, art galleries, cafes, restaurants, street artists, and folk arts and crafts at the street.
Novy (New) Arbat
Stary (Old) Arbat
Moscow's main street, which runs uphill from opposite the north end of Red Square, was originally the main road out
of the medieval city running to Tver andNovgorod
wealthy merchants. When the Tver road was extended toSt. Petersburg
the city's most important thoroughfare. It was the route followed by the Tsars' procession on official visits toMoscow
15 meters.
The appearance of the street was fundamentally changed during large-scale reconstruction in the 1930's. In order to widen and straighten the street, many buildings were demolished, and others were moved back to treble the width. Renamed to honor the writer Maksim Gorky, Tverskaya became the sight of a number of prestigious Soviet building projects. In 1990 its original name was restored, and it is now one ofMoscow
the dominant Stalinist neoclassicism.
Izmailovo Market
The bustling open air fair is an endless hub of entertainment combining the arts and crafts and flea markets. Its location is also very unusual – on a historical site next to a park that used to be a residence of the royal family. The market is laid out like an Old Russian town made of wood with fortress walls, towers, churches, palaces, and a windmill. It is jam packed with interesting stalls selling; souvenirs, Russian handicrafts, books, original paintings and Soviet memorabilia.
The Moscow Metro was begun in the thirties and its various stations show completely different styles and periods. It spans almost the entire Russian capital, is one of the world's most heavily used metro systems. Each station has its own character, which contain beautiful examples of socialist realist art. Carrying in excess of eight million people every day, more thanNew York and London
1. The not-so-excited mood before the trip. Lousy feeling. My first business trip. Stress.
2. The plane fed us like nobody business. I just felt like sleeping.
3. The unfriendly and unprofessional flight attendants.
4. First night when I stepped into Red Square and Kremlin, I felt I just woke up from a dream. That moment, Ling Ling and I said "Wah, I am really in Moscow". Spectacular view.
5. The too narrow and small bed we had for such expensive room rate. Luckily, I am petite.
6. The 5-hour dinner we had from 8pm to 1am. Many networking sessions. Exhausted.
7. The ridiculous jam all-day long. We hit the the max. 3 hours. My god, my bladder almost burst.
8. The tall and pretty Muscovites. Only the young ones. The older ones still look communists. Not as unfriendly as I thought. Health conscious. Brand conscious. Lifestyle conscious. Secretive.
- Russian saying: If they bring you to the forest or to a public bath, they fully trust you. Cause no one bugged in the
forest and no weapons when you are naked. When we were doing interviews, they didn't even want their names to be appear on the papers.
9. Metro, all stations are museums by itself. Many walkways. Too steep. Peak hours, felt dangerous. Packed like sardines.
10. Buildings - contrast of old soviet union buildings and modern ones.
11. Language, Russian. They don't really speak English. We don't speak Russian. Duck and chicken scenario. Managed to communicate in the end.
12. Yummy but very expensive food. Russian are rich.
13. The relax moment. Found some cafe and had lunch.
14. "Tom waits for nobody" - Singapore group was invited to perform in Dom Cultural Centre.
15. The pissed-off and depressing moment versus the relaxing and happy moment.
16. My experience of taking the metro alone to Tverskaya. Never die before. It's to experience what is on the edge?! Reprimanded by my business partner, boss and GM. Not funny at all.
17. The 9-hour transit in Dubai. 3 ladies checking in to US$300 per night room. The guys just hang around the airport area. Dubai transit area feels like Mustafa. The 1-hour dodgy transit in Jakata, we couldn't get out of the plane.
Quoted from my friend's blog after she knew the incident.
18. "Gypsies stealing her colleague’s belongings and the time it took to making the police report and to retrieving the stolen items – the cash was of course, missing." My business partner to be exact. Within one and half hour, things
were pick-pocketed, went back to Embassy, went to police station, things were found but US$500 were stolen, on our way back to Embassy, we got a preview of the reenact. Another stealing session was happening in front of us once more. But we were not the victims.
19. "Witnessed a stabbing drama while stuck in a traffic jam. A guy’s face was covered with blood as he sat on the
floor, scrawling away from his attacker. The latter tried relentlessly to continue his assault with his knife (or in her words, “poke”) but was fended off by a passer-by using a mannequin. Definitely drama. By the way, that left us to
debate whether the action should’ve been termed as “stab” or “poke”… all the while using our dinner forks to “re-visit” the scene and action to better illustrate our points." Haha.
20. Last but not least, "...there were the two loaves of bread (hard enough to be used as bats) and a thin strip of each (salmon, beef and something else) (which is pork) that added up to more approx. S$120 for a simple meal. Wow… that’s definitely something expensive and even top restaurants here (my friend meant Spore) wouldn’t have cost that much!" The expensive meal for our last lunch.
Moscow vibe continues... Not my choice. In preparation for next year June project.
Red Square is the most famous city square in
and currently the official residence of the President of Russia, from a historic merchant quarter, known as Kitay-gorod (china-town). As major streets of
outside the city, the Red Square is often considered the central square of
The Kremlin is a historic fortified complex at the very heart of
The complex serves as the official residence of the President of Russia.
Directly opposite the Mausoleum, on the eastern side of the square, lies the building which houses
Since the fall of communism, several other shopping centers and hypermarkets have sprung up to rival it in prestige, but GUM retains its status as a consumer
The Intercession Cathedral (Pokrovsky Cathedral, better known as the Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed or St. Basil's Cathedral) was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible and built between 1534 and 1561 in
Also known as Lenin's Tomb, situated in Red Square in
rare exceptions in wartime).
The State Historical Museum
a 20-year-long project to consolidate various archaeological and anthropological collections into a single museum
that told the story of the history of Russia according to the latest scientific methodology.
A unique pedestrian street (between the Garden Ring and Boulevard Ring roads); buildings from the 19th-early 20th centuries, in Empire and Art Nouveau styles with memorial flats of writers Alexander Pushkin and Andrey Bely. You can also find the Vakhtangov Theater, antique, jewelry, souvenir shops, art galleries, cafes, restaurants, street artists, and folk arts and crafts at the street.
Novy (New) Arbat
Stary (Old) Arbat
Moscow's main street, which runs uphill from opposite the north end of Red Square, was originally the main road out
of the medieval city running to Tver and
wealthy merchants. When the Tver road was extended to
the city's most important thoroughfare. It was the route followed by the Tsars' procession on official visits to
15 meters.
The appearance of the street was fundamentally changed during large-scale reconstruction in the 1930's. In order to widen and straighten the street, many buildings were demolished, and others were moved back to treble the width. Renamed to honor the writer Maksim Gorky, Tverskaya became the sight of a number of prestigious Soviet building projects. In 1990 its original name was restored, and it is now one of
the dominant Stalinist neoclassicism.
Izmailovo Market
The bustling open air fair is an endless hub of entertainment combining the arts and crafts and flea markets. Its location is also very unusual – on a historical site next to a park that used to be a residence of the royal family. The market is laid out like an Old Russian town made of wood with fortress walls, towers, churches, palaces, and a windmill. It is jam packed with interesting stalls selling; souvenirs, Russian handicrafts, books, original paintings and Soviet memorabilia.
The Moscow Metro was begun in the thirties and its various stations show completely different styles and periods. It spans almost the entire Russian capital, is one of the world's most heavily used metro systems. Each station has its own character, which contain beautiful examples of socialist realist art. Carrying in excess of eight million people every day, more than
Memories of Japan Episode 4: Fukuoka > Kumamoto
Published: August 29, 2007
Japan continued... long awaited...
Day 4: 10 April 2007
Fukuoka > Kumamoto (Aso District, Kumamoto City)
It was a day to recharge our energy. Therefore, our pace went slower and more of sightseeing. But we did go on an adventure - Mount Aso.
JR Ticket to Kumamoto.
Falling asleep in the train - Don't you think we are good actresses?!
Travelling to Mount Aso was a pain in the ass. It is not an easy task to travel up without a tour guide. We challenged ourselves. It took us almost 4 hours from our hotel to the destination. Apart from that, we couldn't sleep throughout as we had to make many transits. From Kumamoto (熊本) itself, we had to take a train to Higoozu (肥後大津) and change
to another train to Tateno (立野); not mentioning the different JR train lines. From Tateno, we had to take another type
of train up to Takamori (高森).
Tateno Station.
There was only two trains going up to Takamori a day. Best of all, we did not catch the intended first train - we stupidly missed it cause we thought that it wasn't the one. Deserved it, we had to wait a couple of hours before the last train came.
Loitering while waiting - Taking pictures with the train, station, flowers and watched old granny
making Chinese Pau.
Map of Aso District.
Mount Aso (阿蘇山) is the largest active volcano in
Mount Aso.
Finally, we got up the train. It was a 30min journey. We rest enough so our energy were used for the following series...
A series of MTV shots in train. Haha.
Not forgetting the scenery.
Takamori Station.
Some must-chop Aso stamps.
Little did we realise that we do no have enough time for Mount Aso - last train to get down the mountain was an hour later. For goodness sake, it was not even in the evening. So we decided to tour a bit of the area.
We discovered these big radishes (apparently not the largest) in a supermarket; heard they
have the largest radish in the world.
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Invited all this children to take photos with us.
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Bought some Japanese Yakult to drink and some expired hotdogs (what an adventure!!!,
not that we want).
Returned to Tateno Station, we had to wait for the JR train. Meanwhile, we were all famished. Therefore, we had a
quick lunch + dinner at this Old Granny shop.
400 Yen Ramen. I felt heart-warming cause the granny and husband was so nice to us.
Next was another adventure - Kumamoto Castle (熊本城). I felt like a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. We were supposed to reach this castle by 2pm, but we were hours late due to the delay in the morning. Damn castle closes at 5pm. We were just a bit later.
Originally built by Kato Kiyomasa in 1607 after seven years of construction, the
The internationally renowned Japanese film director, Akira Kurosawa, was granted permission to use the castle at
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Write-up on Kumamoto Castle.
Exterior of Kumamoto Castle.
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The king of the castle and me.
Very disappointed and not willing to go off. Something struck us. We decided to trespass. Lenus and Wanlin claimed they are too big to climb over so the petites did the job. Summer successfully entered the castle. I followed up.
Checking the surroundings.
1. My first step.
2. Checking the surroundings (Wanlin still taking photo).
3. Up I was, the rest were trying to stable the gate.
4. Crossing over.
You know how scary it was. One, I was scared of falling down. Two, I was scared that someone will discover us. But strangely, there were no securities nor the dogs. No one were in the castles. I thought I owned the castle in that moment.
We took only a few pictures in the castle. Most of it were videos. Desserted.
Enough of the adventures we had for the day. We went shopping at Sunroad Shinshigai (サンロード新市街).
Sunroad Shinshigai
JR Ticket back to Hakata.
Summer was helping Lenus on her first facial mask treatment in a train. Haha.
End of Day 4. Full of escapades.
Some Useful Links
Kumamoto City Tram
Minami Aso Railroad
Mount Aso
Shinshigai Official Site
Sunroad Shinshigai
Train stops between Tateno & Takamori
Brief Background Information of Kumamoto
to be continued... Memories of Japan Episode 5: Fukuoka (Tenjin)
Memories of Japan Episode 3: Fukuoka > Kagoshima
Published: August 5, 2007
Japan continued... long awaited...
Day 3: 09 April 2007
Fukuoka > Kagoshima (Sakurajima)
My excitement aroused when I found out that there are Onsen (温泉) in Sakurajima. A 3-hour bullet train ride before we reached Kagoshima Station (鹿児島駅). Knowing that the place is quite inconvenience, we bought ourselves bento set for lunch. Onsen = Hot Spring.
Bullet Train Ticket to Kagoshima
3-hour ride. Boredom. Exhaustion.
15-min walk to Kagoshima Ferry Terminal (鹿児島本港). A ferry destined for Sakurajima Kou (桜島港). The island of Sakurajima, an active volcano is just 15 min from downtown Kagoshima City.
I was sick of walking.
After 15-min walk, we finally see the "light" - Kagoshima Ferry Terminal.
Food Food Food on our hands - while waiting for the ferry.
Trying to kill time.
Eating my bento facing a backdrop of the sea view.
Finally, we arrived at Sakurajima after 20-min ferry ride. It is not convenience to tour around the island ourselves especially when the sky turns dark, therefore we decided to sign up for a 3-hour sight-seeing bus guided tour. Such a comfortable ride which made me almost fell asleep. Quite an eye opener though the only minus point is that the
whole tour was in Japanese. Of course, we understood by reading at the given English transcript. But reading and viewing at the same time is not easy.
Sakurajima view from the ferry.
Sightseeing Bus Stop.
Bus Ticket.
My Bus Tag.
Snapshot of Sakurajima.
Boarded the bus, pinned up the tag, it started the 3-hour tour.
Sceneries taken when I was in the bus. The sea is crystal clear.
Found another Initial D track. Haa.
I don't remember how many locations we went. One of which is the Yunohira Observation Point, situated 373m above sea level. This observation point is said to be the most scenic point on Sakurajima, and provides stunning views of Kinko Bay, Kagoshima City and even Mount Kaimon. Also a close-up view of the active crater Mount Minamidake.
Yunohira Observation Point.
Next, we arrived at Nagisa Lava Trail. This trail stretches for 3km from the ferry terminal through the Taisho Lava Field
to the Karasujima Observation Point. It is popular for jogging and cycling. Some stone monuments engraved with haiku poems by famous writers can be found.
Nagisa Lava Trail.
The trail.
I also took some pictures along the way which I couldn't remember what was it.
From the engraved Japanese words, this should be a monument to
commemorate the residents of Kagoshima who killed during the
volcano erupted.
Vaguely, this is near the Nagisa Lava Trail with a superb view of Mount Minamidake.
Bought quite a no. of stuffs at the gift shop. We were given some rice wine, which you can see from
my expression, I don't like it. Yuckz. But it kept us warm.
The exciting part came. Hurray, it was time for Onsen. Mr Kong told us it was only a 5-min walk to the hotel. BUT it turned out to be a 20-min bus ride. WTH. We called him on the spot to give him a big time. Haha. Poor him, had to
worry for us over in Singapore. Luckily, we were clever enough to take a bus to the hotel. You do your own math, how long we need to take if we walked up the mountain.
Most of the hot spring (indoor or outdoor) in Japan, have a rule for guests to enter the Onsen bath naked. Some allows the guests to wear yukata, without any undergarments. The one we went was Furusato Hot Spring. It is famous for its outdoor hot spring bath lies at the water's edge. It houses a shrine which all guests enter the bath have to wear a yukata cotton gown. A respect for the god. It also features a view of Mount Kaimondake to the southwest. I took the risk of bringing along my digicam. One, we were not suppose to take pictures. Two, my digicam might go swimming anytime.
Our first touch into the Onsen. It was burning hot.
Trying hard to smile when our legs were burning. It was a contrast - our upper body were
freezing cold while the bottom part were boiling.
Good view of the sunset while enjoying the bath. Heaven.
Trust me. The laughter were faked. We were trying to soak our whole body into the boiling water.
Do you want a medium rare?
Our body got used to the temperature. It was not hot afterall.
After an hour or so, it was late. We decided to shower and go back. Happily after the hot spring, we went waiting for the bus. Another hiccup. It was only 6 in the evening. The next which is the last bus would arrive only at 8pm. Looking at
our train ticket, we need to board the last train at 8.43pm. My heart almost failed me. After much thinking, I made the decision to seek the hotel staff for help. F***ing hell emergency, I hate myself for not speaking fluent Japanese. I had a hard time communicating with the staff while "someone - you know I know" was busy annoying me. I shut her mouth up and got the hotel staff understand our situation. Without further ado, he got the hotel car key and drove us to the ferry terminal. Awful moments in the car therefore I tried to break the silent. A really good chance to improve my Japanese. Sweat. Quite embarrassed but with gratitude for his help. Acting like a Japanese, we bowed to him numerous times and ran for the ferry.
The last train back to Hakata.
It was really close to camp in this deserted island for a night. Whew. Still we never learn our lesson. You will know from my next Japan Trip entry. After alighting, we realised we had sometimes. We went Amu Plaza Kagoshima, a shopping mall just beside Kagoshima-Chuo Eki (鹿児島中央駅). It was about 8.15pm, just happened when everyone were starving, we realised all bento was selling at half price. Wow, each of us chose a bento set.
Saliva started to slaver from my mouth.
Close-up - sushi, shisamo and fried chicken.
End of Day 3. This was how we ended our day in Kagoshima. Heart attack.
Brief Background Information of Kagoshima/Sakurajima
Known as Naples of Japan, Kagoshima is the southernmost major city in Kyushu and is a warm, sunny and relaxed place - at least while Kagoshima's very own Vesuvius, Sakurajima is just a stone throw across Kinko-wan, is behaving itself.
Sakurajima, dominating the skyline from Kagoshima is the brooding cone of this spectacular active volcano. In fact, it
is so energetic that the Japanese differentiate between its mere eruptions (since 1955 there has been an almost continuous stream of smoke and ash) and real explosions. The most violent was in 1914, when the volcano poured
out over 3 millions tons of lava, overwhelming numerous villages and converting the island to a peninsula. It has 3 peaks, but at present only Minami-dake is active. Although visitors are not permitted to climb the volcano, there are several good lookout points with walkways across a small corner of the immense lava flow.
to be continued... Memories of Japan Episode 4: Fukuoka > Kumamoto
Memories of Japan Episode 2: Fukuoka > Nagasaki
Published: July 27, 2007
Japan continued... long awaited...
Day 2: 08 April 2007
Fukuoka > Nagasaki
Set off from our daily station Gofuku-machi eki (呉服町駅) after our breakfast, changed our 14-day JR Pass at the main station Hakata (博多) and we headed to the place where the atomic bomb landed, Nagasaki (長崎). Eki = Station.
Yummy brekkie to warm us up before we braved through the insane weather.
My 14-day JR Pass which cost me about S$600; couldn't travel without it.
Subway Ticket to Hakata.
Beauty sleep in this comfortable bullet train, a long 3-hour ride.
Excitingly, we went looking for Atomic Bomb Museum (原爆资料馆), Atomic Bomb Epicenter (原爆落下中心地), National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims (国立長崎原爆死没者追悼平和祈念馆) and Peace Park (平和公園). By the way, Japan is alot about travel - walking, train, subway, streetcar, bullet train, etc.
One-day streetcar pass.
Snapshot of Nagasaki.
Atomic Bomb Museum is the first place we visited. This museum exhibits begin with live footage of the bomb blast,
then move through details of the city's destruction and loss of human life, as well as Japan's 15 years of military aggression prior to 1945. These riveting exhibition end with an urgent report on the current status of nuclear weapons worldwide. Too bad, no cameras are allowed.
The only surviving living thing (Japanese White Pine) after exposed to the atomic bombing.
Atomic Bomb Museum Entrance.
Wanlin took the risk to take one picture.
Next, we went to the Atomic Bomb Epicenter, 150m from where the bomb landed. On 9 August 1945 , the United States Air Force (NSAF) set off to drop the second atomic bomb. The initial target was actually Kokura. Fortunately for Kokura,
it was a cloudy day which NSAF couldn't sight their target, therefore Nagasaki, their second option. Instead of the intended Mitsubishi shipyard and Mitsubishi Arms Factory, it scored a near-direct hit on the largest Catholic church, Urakami Cathedral (浦上天主堂) in Japan.
The pillars lead to the exact location of the landed bomb.
Followed by the National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims.
With the beautiful sakura sceneries as background, how could we resist the temptation of MTV shots.
We took more than this. I don't think I want to show you all of them. You might vomit. Haa.
Enough of atomic bomb; totally forgot that we need to eat. Here we went to the Chinese area, Shinchi Chinatown (新地中华街). Only a couple of buildings remain from the old area, but Nagasaki still has an energetic Chinese community that has a great influence on the city's culture, festivals and cuisine.
Initial D - We found this Tofu Shop along the way. Where is Jay Chou?
Having some "Man Tou" to fill our tummy a bit.
Lunch cum dinner. Cold noodles - scrummy.
Second day in Japan. see how much we had on our hands. Bought some Castella cakes,
Nagasaki delicacy which is very tasty.
Everywhere in Japan is so seductive. Ran like mad to catch each train, we almost couldn't catch any train back to hotel. What a close shave!!!
Last train to Hakata station.
My favorite eatery, 居酒屋 in Japan. Luscious food you can see. Drooling.
End of Day 2. Freezing cold.
Brief Background Information of Nagasaki
Nagasaki is a vibrant city, but its fate as the second atomic bomb target overshadows its early history of contact with
the Portuguese and Dutch. Despite the tragic events of World War II, Nagasaki has a wealth of activities, interesting museums, delicious food, and scenic beauty that rivals far more visited parts of Japan.
to be continued... Memories of Japan Episode 3: Fukuoka > Kagoshima
Memories of Japan Episode 1: Singapore > Fukuoka
Published: May 21, 2007
Japan continued...
Day 1: 06 - 07 April 2007
Singapore > Fukuoka
Tell me about Day 1. A great shock of Visa problem at the airport the day before, 6-hours of flight, not enough sleep on plane, the forced-to-watch-movies-on-board-deserved-it-tired-eyes and the waiting of my friends' "death sentence" - whether to be repatriated to Singapore. Physically and mentally tortured, making myself extremely fagged.
I must say we were lucky. We managed to get through the custom and rushed to the hotel on time. If not, we are not allowed to check-in after 10am till 3pm. Look at the happy faces. How excited we were after going through so much before we entered Japan. Sakura, here we come!!!
Our first snapshot in Japan. Exceedingly excited. A sign of victory.
Let me introduce you my travelmates. From the extreme left: Wanlin, myself, Lenus and Summer. On our way to the hotel.
Trying to figure out the way to Super Hotel Hakata.
After dumping our luggages with the hotel staff, we set off to our first destination - Ohori Koen (大濠公園). Koen = Park. It's a big park in Fukuoka, rich in greenery and encircling a lake. A relaxing first day, many Japanese - from the elderly
to the youngsters were jogging, strolling with their children or dogs and sitting on the green having their wonderful
time.
Nice scenery, cute warning signboard and colorful flowers.
Playing with the dogs.
Completely amazed by the number of vending machines and the variety of drinks. By the way, the cans were hot. It served to keep us warm. Though the sun was blazing, but yea, trust me, it was freezing cold then.
Next, our mission is to search for the Sakura. Suddenly, few minutes lost of words. Finally, rows of sakura trees appeared right in front of us. Then, we gone crazy. Screamed and shouted at the cherry blossom trees. My oh my, the sakura petals were whirling everywhere. Gosh, it's dazzlingly beautiful. As usual, we started to take out our digicam
and started snapping.
The start of MTV-shots. My quote "此时此刻，樱花树下，就是永恒".
More pictures with cherry blossom trees.
Suddenly, I heard my stomach groaning. The smell of the barbecue food which many Japanese bought their own portable BBQ sets and their bento sets made us hungry. Without hesitation, we decided to settle our lunch at the park.
Picnic at Ohori Koen.
Many stalls to choose from. We decided to get some from each stall.
We had takobachi, yakitori, red bean mochi, sweet potatoes and a bottle of green tea. Followed the crowd, we sat on
the grass patch to enjoy our first lunch. Later did we know, the food were overpriced.
Next, we went searching for Fukuoka
The way to the castle.
Sakura overdosed.
Half dead by then. Walking round the park was not an easy task. And insanely, we walked to Hawks Town. I was not
too sure how long did we walk. My legs were numbed by then.
Resting at a bus-stop.
Bought myself some yummy donuts and strawberries on my way to Hawks Town. I can tell you the strawberries were cheap and sweet.
Look at the variety of bento sets.
Hawks Town (ホークス タウン). An extensive entertainment area which Fukuoka Yahoo! Japan Dome, home to the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks professional baseball team, the JAL Resort Sea Hawk Hotel Fukuoka and Hawks Town
Mall are located. Being a shopaholic, I should have rush my way into the shops. But no no, the first thing I did was to find a seat and rest my butt. The day of sightseeing, walking and lack of sleep left us exhausted. The ugliest thing I
ever did. Wanlin, Lenus and I took our seats and fell asleep. Yes, you ain't wrong. We fell asleep in the shopping
centre where many people walked pass us. No image at that time cause we were too tired. Only Summer was still energetic, managed to purchase a couple of stuffs. After a short nap, we were lively once again.
Hawks Town.
Our dinner. Are you drooling???
Replenished our energy, we walked to Fukuoka Tower (福岡ターワ), Maizon (マイゾン) and Momochi Hama Beach Area
(ももち浜).
Fukuoka Tower, a 234m high structure covered with 8,000 two-way mirrors is the tallest seaside tower in Japan.
Marizon is a resort area with restaurants, a wedding chapel and multi purpose halls.
Momochi Seaside Park is surrounded by Fukuoka Tower and high-rise apartment buildings, all of which created a modern urban landscape.
Did you discover that all the pictures that I took had only few people in it. I felt weird. I hardly find many people on
street in Fukuoka, other than the famous shopping area (not mentioned here yet).
End of Day 1. Dead tired. Went back to hotel to unpack our stuffs and had a good rest for a better tomorrow.
Brief Background Information of Fukuoka
cities. However, Hakata is still used to refer to the Hakata area of the city. Most famously its city's train station, Hakata Station and its dialect, Hakata-ben.
names in J-pop include Ayumi Hamasaki, Chage & Aska, Spitz and Misia.
to be continued... Memories of Japan Episode 2: Fukuoka > Nagasaki
I Thought We Cannot Make It
Published: April 11, 2007
Day 1: 06 - 07 April 2007
Singapore > Fukuoka
Packed with excitement, I made my way to the airport. All set, all ready, all prepared. God knows what happened. Who will expect any flaw in this trip; at least I don't. Very unprepared for the unforeseen, the immigration staff told us that 2 of my friends (who are Singapore PR) need Visa to enter Japan. I was like WTF. I enquired numerous times in advance whether anyone of us needs a Visa, the answer from SIA was NO. Thus, our mood were affected. With the help of immigration staff except for one Malay female who was f**king unfriendly and not helpful, and the help of many friends working in the airport and various airlines (thank you my friends), we took the risk of them who might be deported back to Japan. It destined for a hard beginning and a good ending. Upon arriving at Fukuoka International Airport, both of them (Lenus and Summer) were being interviewed by the Japan immigration staff. The rest of us (Wanlin and me) could only stand aside and pray. I do not have to say, you should know the results. Yea yea, what a relief!!! They are
able to continue the trip.
to be continued...
A Note from Chilli Padi: Good day my family and friends. Just had my breakfast. I am going to the shopping area today. Yippie yippie yea!!! I hope I don't bring the whole Japan back to Singapore. The weather at Fukuoka is quite disturbing.
It can be freezing cold most of the times. The air is very dry which made my skin peel. Argh... Apart from that, it's an enjoyable trip. Today is my last day in Fukuoka, I am travelling to Osaka tomorrow. Okay, off to shop. Take care.
