Dec 2, 2012

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 



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