it is an annual family vacation
we made a trip to four European cities: Berlin, Prague,
Vienna and Budapest
traveling to Europe is all about “too much to see and too
little time”
afterward I always regret that I didn’t take enough photos
certainly, never enough souvenirs for friends
soon after landing in Berlin
headed straight to the Victory Column,
the Reichstag
Building and the Brandenburg Gate
well, partly because Norman Foster was in charge of its
reconstruction
on the second day we checked out the famous Berlin Wall
the wall was mostly torn down
only three long sections are left
I am so intrigued by the graffiti art on the wall
it is just stimulating when you are standing in front of it
dropped by the city of Dresden before crossing the border to
Czech Republic
this baroque city is full of striking monuments
I have to admit, I missed the Holocaust Memorial
Berlin is modern and clean
you can tell the government puts effort into construction
programs
at last, apparently everything is pricey over there
as our tourist guide warned pickpockets were rampant in
Prague,
I felt intimidated by the idea of wandering through the city
in the nighttime
not worried about money but passport
it takes ten days to get a new one
for photo-taking we came up with some plan to avoid
pickpocket situation
once we entered the Old Town Square
we completely forgot any plans
because we all are amazed by
the view of magnificent buildings
but it is St. Vitus Cathedral which really left me
speechless
when we arrived at the Prague Castle complex,
golden rays of setting sun shining on the Cathedral
all of a sudden, it was turned into a golden Cathedral
had a coffee break in Grandhotel Pupp
right, it is where movie Casino Royale was filmed
we bought many gifts from Cesky Krumlov
many local artists and craftsmen are selling their design
products
some of them are one of a kind
plus, food is affordable and delicious
I wish I could stay longer
my mom and I used to watch The Sound of Music together
the filming locations in Salzburg are worthwhile attractions
for me
Mirabell Palace Gardens, Residenz Square and Fountain
it is a foodie heaven for those who can’t say No to sweets
stocking up on Manner wafers, Original Sacher Torte, Mozart
chocolate……..
I just couldn’t go home without them
Austrians are known for their coffee culture
cafes are everywhere, almost every corner of a street
away from the usual craziness of Hong Kong
chilling out at outdoor cafe in Vienna, especially on a
warm, sunny day
it’s not fair to Budapest
we were all tired and in no mood to have picture taken
and Danube Boat cruise on a rainy day
but we were still impressed by its spectacular night view
even on a cold, rainy night
in the end, the day we headed back home
I told myself at least I got Hungarian foie gras
*now it is more fun to watch the Earth Live
