Exploring the world...sharing experiences...enjoying life...

There are actually not too many sightseeing attractions in Shanghai, the can make the heart of a passionate sightseer beat faster…well, one might be the ‘climbing’ of the LuPu Bridge. Ok, if u ever climb the Mt. Everest or the Sydney Harbour bridge, don’t expect something similar…its different…but still something to be recommended...

Arriving at the foot of the bridge on Puxi side (normally open daily from 8.30am to 5pm)…either taxi, bus or Metro line 4 (LuBan Rd.), you just buy the ticket (38RMB) and walk the steps up or take the lift to the road level. U can freely walk…no guide and when I was there, just a  few tourists only (Shanghainese wont go there, they spend the money on other things;-), so its much more fun to enjoy it.

Its been the 2^nd time for me to visit Paris, this time just 2 nights, coz focusing on the discovery of the south…the  provence and the cote d’azur…

Since I have visited Paris last year and have seen most of the interesting spots, so this time was my intention to visit the Disneyland Paris and explore a bit of the Louvre. Its  quite easy to go from the city to the Disneyland, by metro system single ride is 6.4 euro. It was a Saturday, so was only a little bit surprised to see soooo many people outing to Disney…the young ones and the big childs…like me…the cloudy weather with some rain showers nor the weak economy was keeping people away from spending money… The normal ticket for 1 park (amusement park or Disney studio park) is 51 euro, combined 61 Euro. Entering the park…u feel just fine, ok…but when u see the sleeping beauty’s castle and the American way of life buildings and the main road…shops and restaurants left and right…u think …wow…there are. 4 main teme parks…u do get lots of amusement opportunities, worth to pay the Disneyland ticket, makes it  hard for you to try all and to see all within a day…;-)…for me..staying there for almost 8 hours, I have to say, that I could have easily stayed longer… You get two ways to get the way in to the games (eg. Roller coasters etc.)…either u queue up or by fast ticket…the most exciting, incredible and amazing, thrilling game (almost like the bungy jump) is the space mountain…a roller coaster ride in the complete darkness, u see only stars and planets..u get the launch on a ramp and then it just feels and goes crazy…left, right, up, down…wow…nothing for a weak heart…but definitely fun…if u wanna go a second, third time…no problem…the only limit is the time…since the park is open from 10am to 10pm only…completing the day with a train ride, seeing all of the park…really huge…quite impressive what has been build and installed to entertain people of all age goups…definitely worth to see and experience.

Not to forget the Louvre…have been there for few hours only…when being an art lover, for sure NOT enough…for me, at least got a little impression of art from the east, west, north, south…set back in time…meeting the romans, the greek and so on…painters, stone carvers, jewelries and so on…and getting a date with Mona Lisa and Venus ;-)...seems I have to go again…next time…

Heading south by train (TGV) from Paris to Avignon…luckily I got some help to get a cheap TGV ticket…just 40 Euro for 1^st class…J…within 2.5 hours u r there…from there by car to Nice, being more flexible…got a small Fiat Panda…too bad no chance to try a French car…pity…should do next time… Going around france isn’t that easy and convenient…much different to Germany (so easy to get around a big city even without a roadmap)…traffic signs and road signs are not that logically arranged (often missing), makes it harder to find the right way..I often got mad a bt it…be also aware of the toll gate fees…what a rip off…

Avignon, a small but lovely, clean and nice tourist town, great destination and choice for sightseeing… Palais des papes + pont d’avignon + fort sain andre (total: 16 euro)…just time for that, coz also wanted to visit Orange with the famous outdoor antique theater (single ticket 6.9 euro). I was really lucky with the weather…lovely sun…temperature around 20 deg C…perfect for sightseeing in April ;-)…got a nice outdoor lunch in Avignon…the French style…sooo cool…;-)

Another day spending in travelling from Marseille to Arles and Nimes and sightseeing around those places.  Arles with a amphitheater, a big arena (for bull fights) and just next, abt. 30km away from Arles u will find the almost 2000 year old bridge (Pont du Gard, free entry), which did serves the romans for 500 years for water transport, really fascinating, what has been built at that time. Nimes, just 30 km from Arles offers u another big arena, a nice park and more of Provence flair;-)

Marseille…for sure should visit the Isle If (as long as not closed, due to weather…as it happened to me…it’s a former prison…I just say A. Dumas…Monte Cristo), the Notre Dame, the Cathedral, the old port and there are even more places (public transportation is not bad…a ticket for 10 single rides: 7,70euro). Don’t miss the seafood, a good restaurant is the ‘les akol y tes’, close to the Kennedy cliff (fantastic sunset view there). However, Marseille isn’t the most interesting and most clean city in the south…mind ur steps…lots of mines (dogs… L).

A place NOT to miss when driving from Marseille towards Nice is Cassis…unfortunately no white sand beach, but a lovely harbour town, u can take a boat (1hour by boat for 15 euro) to explore the coastline (rocky…), have a coffee or ice and relax. There is also the chance to watch the sea bottom (by glas bottom boat, but during summer days only, I wasn’t that lucky L).

Nice, coming into the city…on one side the alps with snow mountains and on the other side the deep blue sea…wow…really fantastic view…the beach is unfortunately stony (but even with stones not that bad), but there are nice places in the city, such as the promenade, the Place Massena, the Russian cathedral. Relaxing is definitely a must hereJ

Monaco is very close to Nice, so also a good destination, either going there by car (consider traffic jam) or train (every 10min, just 10…20min). Walking around this small city state is fun…nice big cars, even nicer big boats…wow…watching people…maybe being lucky and meeting ur star…? I also went to the casino…what a disappointment…atmosphere was like at a funeral and they even ask u to pay 10 euro to get in…try to keep beggers out ? Its NOT worth to go…better enjoy the Cote d’azur….really an eye candy;-)…by the way…going to Monaco via the mountain road is awesome, amazing…the coastline, the alps…stunning…don’t miss it…by train or highway…no chance to get this view…just see the pics…I loved it…

Wanna enjoy the beach and get out of the big city, so I can recommend Antibes, just 15min by train (from Nice Cite very convenient to reach, every 5…10 minutes can get a train)…Antibes another small town on the Cote d’Azur with nice sandy beach, local markets, chance to taste fresh Oyster and other local cousine…delicious;-)…they got a nice market…really fun to see taste wine, sausages, bread and and and… The beach might be a bit crowdie, but if u wanna be seen and see others, why not take a sunbath;-)…

Unfortunately every holiday comes to an end…hmm…I really loved the south of france…so different to the northern Europe, especially when comparing with Germany…people really know how to enjoy their life more…what u can not finish today…whats the problem..do it tomorrow;-)…the only problem is the language…the French often pretend not to understand u…but when asking politely to try to speak English, they are willing J… waiting for another escape…YEAH !

Hola ! …never been to spain before, so now it’s a good chance to experience and live a bit of the Spanish..well, the people of Barcelona would say, Catalunian lifestyle.

Arriving by plane at the Barcelona airport, quite easy and convenient to take the bus to the city centre (4.25Euro single fare)…arriving at plaza catalonya. I did book a nice…but also pricy…hotel…Barcelo Raval, very stylisg, young, modern and central location…not far to the public transportation hub…in walking distance to many places…u can get a great view from the top of the hotel….

Starting the discovery of Barcelona at the plaza espania…still lots of contruction around, but many things to see, National Art Museum of Catalunia and the Olympia park…feel the Olympic spirit of 1992…how the time is flying…

Going further to the Gotic area…narrow streets, lovely buildings…old…antique…well maintained, many restaurants and shops, some churches (St.Maria…)…lots of things to see…walking around makes hungry and thirsty…so why not trying some local food…;-)

There is also an arc de triomf in Barcelona…smaller than the one in Paris or Vientiane, but looking nice, close to the parc de la Ciutadella.

The Road La Rambla is always full of life…whenever I was walking around…day or night…I was asking myself…do the people here never work ?...coz I did visit Barcelona weekdays…always many people …artists on the street…even midnight…wow…so different lifestyle…the city so full of life…

Visiting Barcelona means also watching the places, where the Architect Gaudi did realize his art…first of all…the Sagrada Familia…under construction since 1882…maybe never complete…well…u still get the chance to see the city from the top…having a lift taking u up…11Euro entrance fee…for the lift another 2.5 euro…hopefully this money will make the completion of the temple speeding up…  More from Gaudi at the Hospital de la Sta. Creu I Sant Pau, the Park Guell (nice…a must to see…also splendid view of the city), some buildings on the Gracia Road…quite different concept of modern art, but this makes it unique…

When approaching the sea, u must see the Placa Fotovoltaica…with harbour around…some nice boats…make u feel jealous…oh…public transportation is very well developed…metro or bus or tram…a 10 trip ticket cost 7.7 euro and can be used on all public transportation…taking the tram down to the Torre Agbar…reminds u a bit on the egg shape building in London, but looks nice …also at night with different light…

There is a nice café to have ur breakfast and start the day…coffee and croissant for 1.6euro…near the plaza Pedro, not far from the metro station St.Antoni…the name is….bellapan… good taste…not only cheap;-)

In Catalunia there is a special day…Sant Jordi, this year was celebrated on April 23^rd...it was a Thursday..not sure whether it is a public holiday, but when seeing soooooo many people walking around…buying roses and books…that’s the very special thing on that day…u r thinking it must be…people, people, people…especially La Rambla …from beginning to the end…wow…is there any financial crisis ? was a lovely experience…well, the day wasn’t over with just walking along the La Rambla…a walk on the beach (there are good clubs near the tall buildings…don’t miss it when u wanna have more nightlife to explore…but at daytime its just the beach…step into the water…maybe some swimming…feeling the mediterenian sea…seeing all those boats…nice;-)…then for sure u should visit the Aquarium…to be the biggest in Europe…well…17 euro isn’t cheap, but why not spending it…since its holidayJ…more to see…still not over…another must see is the Park Guell…impressive…its Gaudi again and a fabulous view over the city…from there u can also see the Torre Agbar…colorful tower…

…there were still white spots on my asian exploration map…so no wonder that my eyes did stare on Laos. How to describe this southeastasian country...I would like to say “pure Laos”…coz nature is still very much intact, people are more pure at heart, not that heavily polluted by the modern society…although there were exceptions…Coming via Kunming to Vientiane, the capital with abt.700.000 people…for Asia quite small, but Laos is a small country. Temples and Buddha statues do give Laos a very unique look. U do see those novice everywhere, the yellow-brown garb you will see all over the country. Its great to get to know a new culture, its people…talking with some novice for instance gives u a more deeper look into their lifes…much more simple than mine or others from the west or even Thailand…

In Vientiane I did stay for 3 nights, sightseeing around the city, with lots of temples, the Lao Arch de Triumph (Patu Xay), the Golden Stupa (That Luang), the Buddha park, the Mekong River. The French did add some color, u can find lots of café’s, western restaurants, boutique hotels + spa…for sure I did prefer to taste the lao cuisine…and it is delicious…(to recommend…Kualao Restaurant).

Riding a bike to go around in Vientiane is not only fun, but also good sports and its safe…people here do know what traffic rules are (well…there are countries in asia where people do think they r alone on the street and do act like that…)…a day rent cost 10000kip (<1.50USD). Food is abt the same price as in Shanghai…not as cheap as I thought it might be…but since the taste is delicious, its really worth to spend the extra dollar;-)…

The Buddha park is little bit outside of Vientiane…passing the Laos-Thai friendship bridge, arriving after abt.45min by bus (5000kip = 0.70USD)…spending some time to walk around and of course taking pics…being creative…

Another destination on this Laos trip was Luang Prabang. Did choose the flight connection, since it is faster and more convenient…just 40min…but be prepared for any delays…its very normal…so better contact the airport, prior to arrival…I had a bit bad luck…flight postponed for 2 hours…fortunately not more…Lao Airlines is using the Chinese aircrafts…MA60…well…so far nothing to complain…service was great…get still served some snack and drink…western airlines don’t do this anymore…

Well…the charge from the airport to the town is same as Vientiane…6 USD…Luang Prabang is a pure tourist destination…so its also kind of place (and this did give me a little bad impression on its Purity) where tourists will be ripped off a bit…

Renting a bike is twice as expensive as Vientiane…food is also a bit more pricy…the nightmarket, for which one road will be closed off, does offer you textiles, clothes, accessories, lamps, wooden handicrafts…but in general overpriced…u can get more choice and a better price in Thailand, even lots of products were made in China L…So there was unfortunately not much shopping fun in Laos…pity…

What makes the trip to Luang Prabang worth to go ? For instance its very own flair, the KuangSi Waterfalls… The waterfalls does offer (10000kip entrance) not only a spectacular view, but also mountain climbing and swimming. The trip cost is abt. 45000 kip (was the cheapest way of transport, which I found), leaves u enough time to explore this place thoroughly…

My trip was rather short and tightly arranged, did not leave more time to go to see the caves there etc…so had to leave for the 3^rd and last place （just after 2 nights in Luang Prabang） to visit in laos, Xieng Khouang  （Phonsavanh）arriving via plane, otherwise would have to sit for many hours on the bus (from Luang Prabang abt.6 hours by Minivan, from Vientiane even a bit longer)…what to see around there ? Most famous are the sites (3 sites quite nice to be visited) of the plain of jars and the ancient town of Muang Khoun (got a private tour…from 9am to 3pm for abt. 60USD..maybe a little overcharged). Xieng Khouang is really a very small town…really nothing to offer in the evening (no tourist shopping places at all L)…just a main road…left and right some small restaurants and shops…well…so better take a book to kill time in the evening…however the sightseeing places around where worth to see J

Overnight stay in Laos (hotels)…I am more a person wanting to stay in a nice guesthouse or hotel, so did book some places via Internet and some just on spot. In Vientiane you can find quite some lao stylish decorated guesthouses and hotels…quite tasty furnished…like LV guesthouse and Orchid hotel （abt.40…60USD）. In Luang Prabang u actually do not need to book prior arrival, there are lots of places to stay…all price ranges…I did stay at the Ramayana, not too bad, just too pricy and in the morning you will wake up by the street market (vegetables...etc) noise.

Xieng Khouang…well…a place to stay not a problem, but wont be stylish at all…I did stay 2 nights at the Auberge Plaine Jarres Hotel, located at a hill…abt.30 min walk from the town…(no TV, no internet, not much choice on food, but with a fire place in ur petit château.

The time was flying, 10 days did pass too fast, so the trip came once again to an end, but it was a great escape during the cold winter in the northern hemisphere, escape from work to let u forget all bad things, all the trouble, just let u enjoy a happy and lovely time …

It was the second time that I spent the new years eve in HongKong, after 1999, how fast the time is flying…incredible…HongKong did not change that much…not like most cities around China…its easy to get around…communication is easy too…the subway system is well developed…crossing the street is not like suicide as on the mainland…there was still the Christmas deco, giving you this more western touch feeling…but since xmas was already a week ago, the preparation for the bigger and much more important festival…the Chinese new year…did start…shopping malls did start to remove the xmas trees…but there were lots of discounts and special offers…it was fun to go in and out of the malls…well…impossible to be left with empty hands…

Going from Hong Kong to Macau is quite easy…by ferry (2008Dec: 134HKD economy class) takes an hour, roughly the same time it will takes for immigration on both sides. Since Macau is not that big, taxi fare to Taipa Island is reasonable and on mainland side many hotels and casinos are in walking distance from the ferry station.

I had 2 aims, coming to Macau…gambling and the bungy jump. The best place for gambling (at least as long as there no newer casinos open…Jan2009) is the Venetian…you can also do some shopping along the grand canal…not bad…lots of restaurants…easy to spend a whole day there. Unfortunately I wasn’t that lucky and just lost money…well…not too much…but the main attraction was reason enough to make me smile again…so the next morning…getting up and heading towards the Macau TV tower. At present there is the highest bungy jump possible (by AJ Hackett company)…platform height: 233m…wow…not that cheap, but at least a unique life time experience…the full package with video and pictures of ur jump, T-shirt, certificate does cost u a bit more then 2000HKD…sounds much, but u wont do it every day…

Wearing the T-shirt, get ur safety belt tightened up, watching others already jumping down…all the arrangements, facilities and staff very professional.

Then the moment when u r sitting on the table…well…its more like a table…get the foot securing belt put on…sure you will have 2 securing ropes with the main cable (the bungy cable), so its very safe J. Then the cable is prepared (there are actually also 2 guide wires, so u wont be blown away when jumping down), u r asked to walk in penguin steps towards the edge…hmm…a strange feeling…kind of scary…against-willingly…not really but just hard to describe…standing at the edge…smiling in the camera…trying to be brave…arms up…flying position…then counting down…the guy behind u still holding u…5….4….3….2….1…let go…just let ur self falling…no return…no way back…u cant say stop…too late…u think…oh shit, what have I done…ahhhhhhhhhhh…experiencing mother earth…the gravity…the acceleration…now u know (well forget abt the air resistance and wind) what 9.81m/s2 stands for…what a thrilling, incredible, amazing, crazy, unique feeling…as free as a bird…

U r getting faster the closer the earth is coming…but with the cable gets tight, the speed goes down...very smooth, not suddenly…u just notice that the speed goes down and then after some time u will go up again and down again…u feel safe again…uhhhhh….then they let u down…ur head is getting red..at least I guess so…feel the increased blood pressure hanging there for few min…but it was so far the most exciting feeling in my life…wow…maybe I will do again…the follow jumps from that place will be cheaper…thx AJ HackettJ

Going up again the TV tower, picking up the video, pics and the certificate…watching some more people jumping down…feeling great again…

It was a so called childhood dream to visit the 5th continent...explore down under...get to know the aussies...so finally I made it...September 2008...the trip leading me to New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia...in total 17 days...

Flying with Quantas...direct from Shanghai...overnight flight, so arriving in the morning...hmm...well,

the flight went smooth...not too shaky...the food was ok...not bad...better than China Eastern...BUT...the service sucks...rude flight attendances...bad manner...won't choose Quantas again...(well, the return flight was ok...very friendly flight attendances...maybe the other crew had a bad overnight stay in Shanghai...?)

However...the flight does only occupy a very small part of the holiday...so forget the bad and concentrate on the exciting part...the discovery, the experience, the conquest of down under ;-)...

Planned the trip from Sydney by car (left hand traffic...)...all the way down to Adelaide, so its the best way to see the aussie nature along the road, free to stop whenever u feel to...of course driving in ur very own pace...so had some stops in Eden, Bairnsdale, Melbourne, Port Campbell, Portland and finally arriving in Adelaide...

The first part of the trip...down to Melbourne...more than 1000km...with few places of interest...the main focus of course on the GREAT OCEAN ROAD (more later...), which is between Port Campbell and Portland...

One of the very impressive and amazing parts of this trip was the "life show" of the cute Koala's...not in the preservation camp, no...on the road...free living...but u need to keep ur eyes open...sitting in the tree...either sleeping or eating...(its said that Koala's spend 18...20 hours per day with sleeping) hiding in the branches of the tree...good camouflage;-)...well...not that active...hah...what a Koala life;-)...wanna join ? :-) anyway...it looks really great to see them in the free nature...sitting there and being cute models for your cam :-)

Ok...coming back to the route...first stop was Eden...not the garden Eden with Adam and Eve...its a small whale hunting town (or better to say it was a whale hunting town, now living from tourism)...had the best Pizza for long time there...not too much to see in Eden...the  killer whale museum...the port...that’s it...on the road from Eden to Bairnsdale (next stop) u will find the 90mile beach...Bairnsdale is same as Eden, quite a small town...just for staying over night...price range of motels during my trip was 90...130AUD...of course u can also find cheaper B&B places to stay...always depends on the budget and what u want...

Not to forget eating...nutrition during the trip...what to say...its a western country...and aussieland is same as US the land of the fast food...anyway...since seaside is close, so its a must to eat fish...trying different fish...not bad...fish and chips...the english way;-)

Reaching Melbourne after another half day drive from Bairnsdale and the visit of Phillip island. On Phillip Island u can watch penguins walking ashore (but after sunset) and koala's conservation centre, not to forget some beautiful landscape. Unfortunately not too much time to go into the details, would be better to stay overnight here...

Melbourne, capital of Victoria, has a fascinating river side (city centre turned from industry river banks to shopping and leisure area within 20 years)...staying in the city centre (Pensione Hotel, 70Euro per night), so easy to get around without car...spare time for sightseeing and not for traffic jam...birds view from the 360 degree observation deck (with multi entry...so see the city at day+night for 14.50AUD, that’s not bad:-)...

Another city view u will get from the other side of the river...so going Williamstown isn’t too bad...easy to get there...by train round trip 6.50AUD...harbourview...walking around...relaxing...back in the city to explore the boutique stores around Chapel street...window shopping...unfortunately not really that fashion to me...well, people have different taste...

Time is flying and time to say farewell to Melbourne...next stop is Port Campbell...on the roads...Koala's, beaches, Limestone coast, beautiful nature...and the highlight...THE TWELVE APOSTLES (abt.10min from Port Campbell)...for sure taking lots of pics...enjoying the spectacular view...missed the chance to take a round flight by helicopter (90 AUD)...coz a birds view would have been another experience...

Oh, did have the worst ever pizza...not easy to get a decent, nice dinner after 8pm...so better be earlier...Lots of things to see between Port Campbell and Portland...well, its the GREAT OCEAN ROAD...just enjoy the limestone coast...

Portland not more than a stop and a place to rest, really too small town…

The 2nd big stop-over was in Adelaide, capital of South Australia, not a metropolis, but has things to offer, such as, the wild life park (Cleland), Mt. Lofti, Kangaroo island in the south (observe that u need to take a ferry...need to book prior to take), wine yards etc.

The Cleland wildlife park (15AUD entry) does have mostly australian native animals, so u can feed kangaroos (take care of the big males…don’t risk a box fight…hah), cuddle a koala (15 AUD) and get to know how a koala feels...however, even cuddling the koala, they continue eating...but it was soooooo nice, soooooo cute…u have to try…;-)

I did not visit the kangaroo island, since I did see kangaroos and koalas and lots of nice coastline, so saved the money for ferry for some good aussie food (...steak...:-)). I made use of the time, staying in Adelaide, going south to Victor Harbour...just exploring a bit more. Unfortunately not much chance for shopping since there was a public holiday, before leaving for Sydney.

Sydney, last station for this holiday, spending few days to discover the most exciting aussie city. A city so east and west at the same time. When walking on the street u do ask yourself of where u r, coz there are so many asians, most chinese. Well, Australia is an immigration country...

Dont miss the walk on the Harbour bridge (on the road level its free…top view up to 180 AUD…well…I took the free walk), visit the Opera house, the 360deg birds view from the TV tower (25 AUD), the exotic feeling of walking through Oxford street (ARQ, midnightshift and if u like it a bit more exotic…phoenix), the purchase of an Aussiebum undie (pity only online), chinese food at china town, also lots of good thai food restaurants (try the Chat thai at campbell street, yummy), a ferry ride (go manly norhern beaches or watsons bay with the cap park), the aquarium (30AUD), the maritime museum, bondi beach (show ur bum...?)... Paying 35 AUD for a week ticket (bus+ferry+train) is quite ok…and a very reasonable price, convenient transportation system, but need to get used to the train line system…well...lot more to see. U can get lots of info at the airport, at hotels and so on, easy to spend ur time, will never feel bored.

I also went to see the blue mountains (by train and hop on-off bus, cost 50 AUD), a day tour (2 hours from Sydney). Well, it wasnt that exciting...kind of disappointed (maybe was expecting too much…see Canada trip…uhhh), anyway got enough time here...

Shopping is a must, either souvenirs, opal, accessories or fashion...quite some places to rip u off or to squeeze ur wallet.

Every trip comes to an end, so also this one, too soon, but had a great, wonderful, amazing time, seeing something new and got to experience a new, other culture (incl. the aussie  slang...sometimes not that easy to be understood...wanna learn...?).

What comes next..? Anyway, there are still many more nice places in australia;-)

Oh…almost forgot…take care when driving car…there is a strict speedlimit and wrong parking can be expensive too…I was 34km/h too fast in Victoria…so got a lovely ticket…301 AUD to be paid…uhh…

“…ni que ding ni yao can she me …?” asking this to the guy who was searching my bag, when entering the subway… He responded…dangerous things… Very good description…how does it looks like ? I am sure, he has no real clue what he’s looking for, unless its very obvious…like farmers taking lots of forbidden things in the subway…fire cracker…petroleum…paint…etc…

This kind of tighter security measures (around China) is as useful as having a car in Shanghai…if somebody wants to do something stupid…he will succeed…there are other ways to get dangerous things in. Having a better education system here, will also avoid it, that people take forbidden stuff inside the subway.

But not to forget those people, who do search u…u have to train them well…recognizing suspects and searching in a professional manner…what u can see now…everyday…stupid, useless… Security requires training… Its not just like put a farmer into a uniform and that’s it…

When the cheap service will turn into a professional one ? Appearance is not everything…

When hearing about Scotland is connecting ur mind mostly to Loch Ness and Nessie, but its far more, not even Edinburgh as the capital only. There is a long and even quite bloody history too…fighting of clans…conquest and besiege, battles and betray, love and hate and for sure a very lovely landscape…with lots of lakes (also called loch here) and  castles. U should take time to explore more, to get a wider view, to understand more of the history and culture…as for me, just 3 nights…quite short, but it was worth to see (a good friend was recommending this trip).

Coming once again from Berlin, via Cologne arriving at the Edinburgh airport, for 1.10 Pound (yes, still loving the independence of Europe) u can get to the city centre. I was choosing an apartment at the Royal Mile (the street connecting the Edinburgh castle with the Royal Palace), so a very central location. Accommodation was ok, with all necessities, easy to get a bus to explore the city….costs for the bus are just as high as 2.50 Pound per day (day ticket, u can go where u want).

For sure the following attractions should not be missed…Royal Yacht Britannia, the castle (don’t miss the 1pm gun fire, daily), the royal mile, the royal palace, Arthur’s seat (very nice birds view on Edinburgh), the grassmarket with Victoria Terrace, the Scott Monument, the Calton Hill (with the national monument and the Nelson monument), the royal botanic garden…and for sure there is more to see…but once again, not enough time to discover more…

I took a day trip to Loch Ness (35 pound), wanted to get a date with Nessie, but the so called Lake Monster was either too shy or on vacation. A day tour (by an travel agency) is quite tight and tough….spending most of the time in the bus…leaving at 8 am and back at 8pm…but as compensation u get a good introduction into the history of Scotland (if u get a good bus driver), see the Scottish landscape and as the highlight…being at Loch Ness (the Urquhart Castle on its shore, entrance fee 13 Pound…but when around…its worth to spend) and taking a boat ride on the loch.

The british (better should say Scottish) food is not as bad as I had it in mind, when I was in England some 15 years ago, but it can be pricy. However, during the holidays u don’t need to look at the penny…This short trip gave me at least a brief impression and made me hunger to explore more of Scotland…it’s a lovely part in this world…with nice nature and a interesting history…so I will see, when I can continue the tour;-)

Visiting Paris for the first time and, as I do believe, not the last time…I was really impressed of the culture, the scenery, the history, the people and and and…

It wasn’t a long visit, just 4 nights…but I tried to make the most of it. To my surprise I did not experience the so called typical French ignorance…so I always got what I wanted…fortunately maybe, since I do not speak a word French…but turned out to be ok with my English only.

Arriving from Berlin at the Orly airport (Easy Jet, not too bad, got new A319 planes, so far satisfied with price and performance), did not expect to get that smoothly from the airport to the city centre for as low as 2.80Euro only (metro system only), have been booked an apartment near the Tour Eiffel (Adagio City Aparthotel Paris Tour Eiffel), just close to metroline 6, Bir Hakeim station. The accommodation is not that cheap, as long as u do want ur own room in central location. For sure u can always find a more cheaper place to stay, but might be hard to get it in central location. The subway (public transportation) system is well developed, not as modern and new, but once u get used to the different metro lines, the directions, the interconnections, its most convenient to get around in Paris.

There are so many places to see, just Paris alone…this time no chance to get out of the city (beside Versaille).

The must to see places are: Tour Eiffel (3 levels can be visited, impressive birds view on paris, cost 12 Euro, always lots of people wanna get that spectacular view, so need a bit time), Notre Dame, Basilica Sacre Coeur, Moulin Rouge, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, Hotel de Ville, Centre Pompidou, Musee du Louvre, Grande Arche, Patheon, Montmatre area , Le Marais area, Versaille…there is more to see, but u need really time, which I did not have this time…pity but a good reason to come again.

I loved the French lifestyle…more relaxed, more calm, more easy going…starting the day in a bistro with a croissant or baguette and coffee, people do enjoy a glass of wine...a cup of coffee till late at night (in germany, people would have been at home at this time of the day), sitting and chatting…just to enjoy the very moment… I think French people do know better to make use of the time…of their lifes…

There are lots of places free of charge to visit, I was amazed…since all those places need to be maintained…but prices (food, shopping) in Paris are also not that low, so lots of money goes back to the city…

You can climb up the Arc de Triomphe (9 Euro), which was built  in 1836 and honors the Grande Armée…seeing the Avenue des Champs Elysees…it looks great…like a star, streets going in all directions with the Arc in its centre…at night it looks fantastic too…

Visiting Versaille should be a must, when being in Paris…easy to get there by train for as less as 2.80 Euro, finding urself just 10 walking minutes away from the palace.

When the weather is sunny, guess there are always lots of people wanna get in (with the Marie Antoinettes Estate it cost 20 Euro). It tooks me almost 2 hours…queuing up to get the ticket. To avoid this, u should better go first to see the huge garden (its free of charge) and later in the afternoon get the ticket for the palace…

I have seen the Musee du Louvre from outside only…u will need time to appreciate all the master pieces inside…I did not have…but a walk from the Place de la Concorde towards the Museum is great too.

Not to forget the scene area of Le Marais…with lots of bars, restaurants…the Montmarte with the Moulin Rouge and lots of art shops…

The Patheon, built as a Basilica but later on being a National Temple, does not only have the crypt with famous people buried there, but also the pendulum…quite impressive physics.

The Basilica Sacre Coeur reminded me a little bit on Taj Mahal…u will find many artist around, in the side streets…so u may find something interesting or wanna get ur portrait…

Oh, not to forget the very famous Notre Dame…the church direct on the Seine…Its special architecture, the colorful windows, the wall carvings…it’s a real master piece…

A boat ride on the Seine River will give u an overall view of many highlights of paris, might be not that cheap (11Euro), but its worth to see it from the sea side…There was not enough time to go through all the museum, due to lack of time, but I had a great time in Paris and looking forward to explore more…in and around…;-)

Well, writing this, I did already finish my annual leave...having been home for 5 weeks.

Now already back to work…oh, should better remember the happy, pleasant and enjoyable time at home…without living in the past…hah…

Although there were not only good news and happy moments during these weeks, either abroad with really bad natural disasters…or in germany…beside stupid politics I got to learn that as much as 30% of german population can be count as poor…with a cash of 781 Euro only…well…lets forget about the bad things…enjoy the now…

5 weeks at home sounds long…but happy time is always flying fast…with some housework, visiting relatives, friends and also escape for some sightseeing, the time I have been home was far too short, finding myself back in the real world…earning money and trying to make the life happy…as I do always say…carpe diem…life is too short to waste with work only…

I did some trips to Paris and Edinburgh as well as to Berlin (actually not far from where I live, but always did forget what the german capital has to offer…night life…carnival of the cultures in May…and interesting spots)…did explore something new, more about it later on…some housework had to be done as well…being a good son J , so holiday was never boring. The air was fresh and clean, mother nature was putting on the lovely fresh green dress, with the blossom starting, everything is getting colorful…the spring did show himself from the best side, most of the time perfect weather…Wish could have had more time to travel around or to see friends…but holiday is always limited…having a fixed end…so looking forward to another break…long one of course…

West jet story

This is quite funny, I would have loved to have been on this flight...

You've Never Heard a Flight Announcement Like This - Wouldn't you love to have this attendant on your next flight? Thanks to a retired WestJet Captain for sending this "paraphrase" of a memorable safety PA (public announcement) from their Flight Attendants. In his own words....

"I was flying to Vancouver from Toronto this weekend, and the flight attendant reading the flight safety information had the whole plane looking at each other like "what the heck?" (Getting Toronto people to look at each other is an accomplishment.) So once we got airborne, I took out my laptop and typed up what she said so I wouldn't forget. I've left out a few parts I'm sure, but this is most of it."

(BEFORE TAKEOFF) Hello and welcome to WestJet Flight 438 to Vancouver. If you're going to Vancouver, you're in the right place. If you're not going to Vancouver, you're about to have a really long evening. We'd like to tell you now about some important safety features of this aircraft. The most important safety feature we have aboard this plane is ...... The Flight Attendants. Please look at one now.

There are 5 exits aboard this plane: 2 at the front, 2 over the wings, and one out the plane's rear end. If you're seated in one of the exit rows, please do not store your bags by your feet. That would be a really bad idea. Please take a moment and look around and find the nearest exit. Count the rows of seats between you and the exit. In the event that the need arises to find one, trust me, you'll be glad you did. We have pretty blinking lights on the floor that will blink in the direction of the exits. White ones along the normal rows, and pretty red ones at the exit rows.

In the event of a loss of cabin pressure these baggy things will drop down over your head. You stick it over your nose and mouth like the flight attendant is doing now. The bag won't inflate, but there's oxygen there, I promise. If you are sitting next to a small child, or someone who is acting like a small child, please do us all a favor and put on your mask first. If you are traveling with two or more children, please take a moment now to decide which one is your favorite. Help that one first and then work your way down.

In the seat pocket in front of you is a pamphlet about the safety features of this plane. I usually use it as a fan when I'm having my own personal summer. It makes a very good fan. It also has pretty pictures. Please take it out and play with it now. Please take a moment now to make sure your seat belts are fastened low and tight about your hips. To fasten the belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle. To release, it's a pulley thing -- not a pushy thing like your car, because you're in an airplane -- HELLO.

There is no smoking in the cabin on this flight. There is also no smoking in the lavatories. If we see smoke coming from the lavatories, we will assume you are on fire and put you out. This is a free service we provide. There are two smoking sections on this flight, one outside each wing exit. We do have a movie in the smoking sections tonight ... hold on, let me check what it is . Oh here it is ... the movie tonight is "Gone With the Wind."

In a moment we will be turning off the cabin lights, and it's going to get really dark, really fast. If you're afraid of the dark, now would be a good time to reach up and press the yellow button. The yellow button turns on your reading light. Please don't press the orange button unless you absolutely have to. The orange button is your seat ejection button.

We're glad to have you with us on board this flight. Thank you for choosing WestJet, and giving us your business and your money. If there's anything we can do to make you more comfortable, please don't hesitate to ask. If you all weren't strapped down you would have given me a standing ovation, wouldn't you?

(AFTER LANDING) Welcome to the Vancouver International Airport. Sorry about the bumpy landing. It's not the Captain's fault. It's not the Copilot's fault. It's the Asphalt. Please remain seated until the plane is parked at the gate. At no time in history has a passenger beaten a plane to the gate. So please don't even try. Also, please be careful opening the overhead bins because "shift happens."

The problem is that most tax money goes into useless projects or leaders pockets…its same in the so called democracies…such as germany…avoiding tax is the most complet, but best discipline, managers and officials can play there…recently a new tax scandal has been discovered…what a world…we (small fishes) are the stupid idiots paying tax and those assholes (big fishes) just get more rich and greedy and bring their money out of the country…what will happen with them…even the tax scandal put them on the fron page in the news? Nothing…just a bit talk…a bit blah, blah in the media…so they do have at least something to write…to distract people from the really important issues...only the tax payers like us (the small fishes)…paying honestly and loyal and always being afraid to get in trouble with the law, maybe doing just a little mistakes with the tax declaration and u  will be prosecuted…what a shitty world…the big fishes let go, the small ones eat...I do feel so happy to be a tax payer…whereever in this world...

Visiting Harbin (or Haerbin) in Winter is a must, when visiting China in January and/or February. Its also a tough time, since the temperatures there will go down to minus 10…20 DegC…so u need to prepare urself well, means take enough warm clothes.

Why to say, it’s a must…? During that time, the world famous snow and ice show will be held there. The Song Hua river is completely frozen, so ice will be cut here, to build the amazing, fascinating ice sculptures…don’t expect something small…its huge, really impressive.

Better plan a full day there…its located on different parts, but not far from the city and not widely separated (by taxi abt.20 RMB or cable car across the river 50 RMB). The ticket price for 2008 is 150RMB for the ice show and 120 RMB for the snow show (on Sun Island…Tai Yang Dao). Its not recommended to buy the ticket outside…if u buy individually a group ticket, u might not be granted access to the show. Enjoy the ice show at night…great light…very different appearance.

Beside the ice and snow show there is more to explore…

n         LOTS OF RUSSIAN SHOPS, some RUSSIAN RESTAURANTS, MANY HISTORICAL BUILDINGS along the pedestrian street Zhong Yang Da Jie (buildings partly not that good preserved and maintained…pity…)

n         Sophia church…nice, beautiful landmark…inside bad preserved, does have deserved a much better treatment…could ask for a little more entrance fee (2008: 15 RMB) and make the interior design beautiful and not for commerce

n         Other churches in downtown of Harbin…beautiful appearance, but also bad preservation…unfortunately

n         Dragon TV tower…the special, distinguished landmark…a must to see…well, but too commercialized…offering the outlook for 50RMB (level 1, where u actually cant see the city) and selling a combined ticket for things u r not interested in…so u end up in being forced to buy a 130 RMB ticket (incl. 4 D movie (8min)…plus some other shows (more interesting for childrenL) but then u get the birds view…quite nice…

n         Lots of underground shopping places (u can bargain…its fun…J)

n         Zhao Lin Park (in winter with lots of ice sculptures…)

n         Ji Le Temple (Chinese temple…)

n         Stalin Park (…other countries would have chosen a more appropriate name…since his period of leadership was more dark then light..)

Not to forget the Russian cuisine…there are some restaurants along the Zhong Yang Da Jie…

n         Hua Mei Xi at Zhong Yang Rd.112 *****

n         Russian café and food in side street off Zhong Yang Rd. ****

n         Portman in side street off Zhong Yang Rd. ***

n         Tatoc at Zhong Yang Rd.***

…where u can enjoy a quite cosy, comfortable and enjoyable western like atmosphere…the food is typical Russian style…hong tank (red soup) or Russian style salmon, cabbage roll and and and…with the Hapi beer a good combination. The price is acceptable, not much higher than a comparable Chinese restaurant.

Did a day trip to YaBuLi (亚布力), wasn’t the best choice, arranged by a travel agency, taking u to this famous skiing resort. U could do skiing for 2 hours, with a trainer and a cable car ride up the ErGuoKui mountain…wasn’t worth the money paid…but kind of experience of the Chinese way to enjoy the wintersports. A much better area is around the YaBuLi competition control centre…much better developed and more places to go around.

So 4 days passed by quickly…fortunately took enough warm clothes and the hotel heating was that good to keep the window open at night to make ur sleep a bit more fresh. It was a great trip, new place discovered and made use of the time. Can recommend a trip there…even without big planning…everybody will find his way to enjoy it…

When visiting Canada, u will find lots of stone sculptures along the road…on a lake…or many other places…well, those ‘inukshuk’ guided me safely on my journey through canada. I did not know the meaning in the beginning, what it was, what it symbolize…found it just interesting, but its not just a pile of stones…there is more behind, its history, its culture, its art, its ur guide…

The ancient Inukshuk rock sculptures of the Inuit peoples have many functions.

1. piles of rock slabs resembling a person were built to guide or channel caribou into areas were Inuit hunters could easily harvest them
2. as train markers, a longer arm might point in the direction of travel or peering through the middle may give a view of the next Inukshuk
3. some may indicate where fish may be caught or a food cache may be buried
4. built on hilltops, they may mark the territory of a family group
5. in time, they have evolved beyond markers, acquiring spiritual significance symbolizing strength through unity – each rock in balance, supported by the rocks below, supporting the rock above

In concert…in Shanghai…Hongkou Stadium…November 18^th…on their Asia Tour 2007…and I was there…wow…

Everybody was waiting for the very famous…one of the greatest Hardrock band’s…its 19.55h…the music started…well, all fans were expecting their hero’s, but it just turned out to be a backup band…unknown…performing some songs…metal sound…but too long…too plain…lasted almost half an hour…fan’s were getting impatient…”xia qu” …(”go down”) they shouted…then another waiting time…(actually not a good organization…to me...quite poor…), preparing the stage for the main attraction…then the curtain came down and the show started…yeah…presenting songs from the latest and previous albums (songs are really with a lot of meaning)…what an atmosphere…explosive, non of the fan’s were sitting on the chairs…everybody up, standing, singing, hands held high into the sky so blue…hot…fabulous…incredible…fan’s knew the lyrics quite well, made the eve even more fantastic, also from Linkin Park point of view…having such amazing fan’s…promising to come back soon again…

Yes, it was such a nice, wonderful experience…thx Linkin Park…

Having some suggestions to the organizers of the concert…don’t let fan’s wait too long…choose a better backup band…keep the time table…or make sure that thousands of people can get home easily (at the time, when the concert was over abt.22.30h, the metroline 3 was out of service…what a ‘f***’)…

 Pics will be added soon…

…here she comes…now having a successful solo career...with a sexy look, great body, powerful voice…

If u want to make and expand your business and promote your music…you cant avoid China…it was her first time here… Beyoncé made it to Shanghai on her Experience Tour 2007…with songs from many of her albums…

I have to admit, that I am not a crazy fan of her…knowing some songs…quite nice lyrics and many of her songs with good sound, beat, melody and rhythm…’naughty girl’ (oh, there were lots as her audiences…) ‘Baby Boy’ and so on…the band...just female musicians, proving that women can make it up in the showbiz, in this men dominant world.

In the breaks, her musicians were showing off with their very own little shows…nice…not to forget her dancers…hot…wish I could dance like that…cool…

The light show did fit her songs and always present her in the right light…looking even more sexy and seducing…hah…experiencing a concert is so much different than just listen to ur iPod…it’s the atmosphere…

The concert was lasting for abt.100 minutes…to me quite ok…was worth the money…did fully enjoy it…great showJ...now a bit more fan of her;-)

She finished her concert with ‘Irreplaceable’…oh…Shanghainese went crazy…she made a good show…great dance performances…loved it…every minute…thanks Beyoncé…

There will be more shiny stars in Shanghai…so more concerts…more great music…more fun…

www.beyonceonline.com/main.html

…national parks (Banff National Park, Jasper National Park), treasures of Canada, the Canadian rockies, it’s a voyage into the nature, choosing autumn for traveling ensures experiencing the nature in a different color…well, actually should have done it even a month earlier..

The trip starts with a direct Air Canada flight from Shanghai to Vancouver…hmmm, don’t expect too much (cant recommend Air Canada, far too low standard for a star alliance member), the service actually sucks…not better than China Eastern, far from a caring service as Thai Air…the only advantage, it’s a direct flight.

Well, even 10hours are managed quite well, the entertainment program was ok…so u will find urself in a modern city (back Vancouver after the national park tour). Flying further to Calgary, the host of the winter Olympics in 1988, having 2 nights there…Blackfoot Inn, a nice hotel, a bit outskirt of Calgary, but easy to reach downtown by car or bus. Calgary offers a great skyline…at day or night, a modern city with lots of green.

Places you should not miss: the tower (better at night), the heritage park, the Olympic park…or just window shopping or relaxing in a coffee shop…to see more... ( www.calgary.ca/ )

Exploring the west of Canada will take u to Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Kamloops…by car u can make it ur own pace…no need to rush…just follow the Trans canada Highway no 1, the ice fiel park way 93.

The park fee is 18CAD per day and person…a bit pricy, but considering that lots of things need to be maintained…it’s a worth contribution…keeping this piece of earth in this beautiful condition and protect it further…

When it comes to food, u need to adjust a bit, especially when got used to asian food…its expensive and for sure u don’t want to eat all days burgers and sandwhiches, so sometimes no way…but ribs and steaks are great taste (but its big portion)…

Banff is a small, nice town…with colorful, beautiful lakes and fantastic mountains around…just a fabulous scenery…a place to spend a few days and enjoy a great time with sightseeing…back to the nature…forget about the modern, busy life. Go up the sulphur mountain and get ur splendid birds view…wow…other places to see: Johnston Canyon, Vermilion lakes, minnewanka lake, cascade ponds, bow river, hoodoos and, and, and…just check out the internet…so many more things to learn about… ( www.pc.gc.ca/ )

The hotel in Banff was quite nice…Bow View Lodge…reasonable price, good service, good location with swimming pool and Jacuzzi...great after a long day, especially when cold outside…

Next stop is Lake Louise (named after one of queen Victoria’s daughters), just 60km from Banff. Don’t expect a big town…its actually just a village with lots of hotels and many beautiful places around…the amazing Lake Louise…enjoy a nice dinner or lunch at the famous Fairmont hotel (more than 100 years of history) or hike up the mountain (10km round trip) and just get the wonderful view over the lake (the color is fabulous and changing). The moraine lake is just 10km away from lake louise…and not less beautiful…not to forget all the mountain peaks around…

( www.banfflakelouise.com/ )

Driving up the icefiel parkway 93 to Jasper will take ur breath…giving u more opportunities to enjoy and experience the nature, glaciers, lakes, falls, mountains…just so wonderful, great, amazing, spectacular sceneries...Mistaya Canyon, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow summit, Sunwapta falls, Athabasca falls, The Icefield Centre…

Arriving at Jasper u will need a good rest, after a busy sightseeing tour on the Icefield parkway…the Jasper Inn is a good deal… Spending a day in Jasper will be fun too…tramway up the Whistler peak (from 1000 m to 2000m), many lakes (medicine lake, maligne lake and and and) to see and mountains to appreciate…check it out also on ( www.discoverjasper.com/ )

Approaching Vancouver via Kamloops….had a great stay at the Hampton Inn…hmmm, the room was spacious…the bed was wonderful…got a great sleep…wow…after a long car ride just the right thing…Kamloops itself small city…some nice spots to see…going around…shopping…

Vancouver, abt.350km from Kamloops (car ride) is the final destination…after more than 1000 km car kilometers…seeing and appreciating for the first time on this trip L the maple trees…nice, great color…the beautiful red…wow…really nice…but there is more than just that, the Stanley park, suspension bridge & rain forest, the beach side…the different areas of downtown…like gas town or yale town…shopping and and and…having 2 full days…more than enough to explore the city…experience the nightlife atmosphere…

More under… ( www.vancouver.ca/ )

Souvenirs: typical Canadian souvenirs (dream catchers, stuffed animals like beaver, elks etc) u better buy outside the big cities…its cheaper there…made the mistake, thinking its cheaper in the big cities…not to forget some of the delicious smoked salmon…hmmmm….:-)

Power supply: don’t forget an adapter to fit the Canadian (American) standard power sockets. Always wondering why there is no unique system available…quite ridiculous and stupid, every country with its more or less own system…