on vacation

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

I like the Reichstag

well, partly because Norman Foster was in charge of its reconstruction

on the second day we checked out the famous Berlin Wall 

and the Pergamon Museum

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

So nice to stroll around

I have to admit, I missed the Holocaust Memorial

and the Bauhaus Archive

yeah, next time then

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

you know what,

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, 

it was almost sunset

golden rays of setting sun shining on the Cathedral

all of a sudden, it was turned into a golden Cathedral

by the power of God

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

in the open-air market

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

I love Vienna the most

it is a foodie heaven for those who can’t say No to sweets

my weakness is chocolate

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 

what a great treat!

it’s not fair to Budapest

last stop on the road

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

the sky was perfect blue

I told myself at least I got Hungarian foie gras

*now it is more fun to watch the Earth Live