tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27040511017077316352024-03-13T14:56:41.168-07:00Days In GermanyFrom The Outside, Looking InAlvinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340435571870681329noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704051101707731635.post-81629072204793935852009-04-02T03:38:00.000-07:002009-04-03T06:28:17.962-07:00Final Day in Thalheim<div align="justify">It is my last day at work in Thalheim. Again I am shrouded with a sense of confusion.. Part of me is happy to go home, yet another half of me is feeling sad at the same time..<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Malaysia has always been home for me, and always will be. I have live close to 29 years of my life in Malaysia, and nothing and no other place on earth would change the fact that Malaysia is my homeland.. Malaysia would be perfect if only it has the weather just like what Germany has, and little less circus in the political scene..<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Exposure of life in Germany have somehow changed my perception towards life... It is very much different when you're on a holiday, touring over Europe; compared to the fact that you have to learn to adapt and live life in a foreign land. The second deployment to Germany translates to the fact that I have been adapting and living life here for close to 5 months.. One of the best and also the worst 5 months of life.. Best for many, many reasons; worst because I don't really enjoy the food here... :D<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">In a nutshell, I guess my emotional state of feeling a little sad is just for the fact that I would be leaving behind a country rich with heritage and history. A country which was almost completely destroyed back during the World War 2, somehow managing to turn the leaf around and be one of the greatest powerhouse of technological advancement.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Sad because I would be leaving behind colleagues who have been great mentors, good friends and also the pillar of my knowledge on my quest of learning as much as I can in this new field. I feel even worse knowing the fact that uncertainties are clouding over the future of many, many friends here who I am leaving behind.. The current global economic crisis is just being a bitch in life, unwanted, and certainly not appreciated..<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I pray for the best of everyone here.. We will grow together, and we will definitely make it through the bad times.. Things are not looking great as well in Malaysia, knowing the fact that manufacturing industry in Malaysis have hit rock bottom in recent months.. Everyone is in the same boat, and I know how it feels.... Uncertainties... :/<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">To those German colleagues who have been reading my blog (I know my mentor Steve does), I would just like to shout out another big THANK YOU to everyone, for making me feel welcomed, making me feel belong, and making me feel as one. :)<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">And to all friends, families and loved ones in Malaysia, I will be back... Also, keep an eye for another update of my adventure in Amsterdam... Till then, take care, and I will cling on to whatever feelings, good ones hopefully, for the rest of the hours remaining in Germany.... It is 1.15pm here, I have 45 more minutes to go before I bid farewell to Line 5 and 6... I shall leave with only good memories with me.. ;)</div><div align="justify"></div>Alvinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340435571870681329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704051101707731635.post-18500920351434832572009-03-27T07:29:00.000-07:002009-03-27T12:29:16.414-07:00The Returning Adventure - Prague Part 2Gosh more than a week worth of delay. I think my writing mood is slowly dwindling away... Anyway, just a continuation of some photos of my Prague visit..<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SczlHDAOfsI/AAAAAAAAAc0/EZ_nf8xNaH4/s1600-h/P2210762.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SczlHDAOfsI/AAAAAAAAAc0/EZ_nf8xNaH4/s320/P2210762.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317877169245814466" border="0" /></a>St. Vitus Church.... Located within the Prague church area.. Awesomely huge mega structure, it is impossible to get a good shot of the whole building.. And to top up, my beloved SLR is not with me for this trip... :(<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sczlt7ePZnI/AAAAAAAAAc8/hhMOaDR5YeE/s1600-h/P2212844.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sczlt7ePZnI/AAAAAAAAAc8/hhMOaDR5YeE/s320/P2212844.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317877837239117426" border="0" /></a>St. Vitus Church in the background...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SczmJi6nEgI/AAAAAAAAAdE/KZAzqO2-zec/s1600-h/P2212833.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SczmJi6nEgI/AAAAAAAAAdE/KZAzqO2-zec/s320/P2212833.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317878311683559938" border="0" /></a>Another shot beside the St. Vitus church..<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SczmiSG5CzI/AAAAAAAAAdM/vnjQ02V8lQ0/s1600-h/P2212849.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SczmiSG5CzI/AAAAAAAAAdM/vnjQ02V8lQ0/s320/P2212849.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317878736668396338" border="0" /></a>Intricate paintings by the church..<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/ScznCAr3T1I/AAAAAAAAAdU/XPu28rRNKRg/s1600-h/P2210818.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/ScznCAr3T1I/AAAAAAAAAdU/XPu28rRNKRg/s320/P2210818.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317879281747447634" border="0" /></a>There's a Toy Museum nearby as well.. We did not visit it though...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sczne-ff9RI/AAAAAAAAAdc/QuklC8fMUqY/s1600-h/P2220957.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sczne-ff9RI/AAAAAAAAAdc/QuklC8fMUqY/s320/P2220957.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317879779374920978" border="0" /></a>More awesome churches around....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/ScznzrslneI/AAAAAAAAAdk/oJ-GGfuE20w/s1600-h/P2210098.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/ScznzrslneI/AAAAAAAAAdk/oJ-GGfuE20w/s320/P2210098.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317880135106797026" border="0" /></a>The biggest guy from Malaysia, Parthipan, a funny-looking man playing dress-up and me. Parthipan is BIGGER than most of the Europeans that we know at work... :D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SczocgWyacI/AAAAAAAAAds/mkMPGc3eh6o/s1600-h/P2212855.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SczocgWyacI/AAAAAAAAAds/mkMPGc3eh6o/s320/P2212855.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317880836437207490" border="0" /></a>Great view of the old Prague area nearby the Castle..<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SczosH_N46I/AAAAAAAAAd0/F-BqVZ1D3a4/s1600-h/P2212856.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SczosH_N46I/AAAAAAAAAd0/F-BqVZ1D3a4/s320/P2212856.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317881104773800866" border="0" /></a>Another shot with the areal view below the Castle area...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sczp5_VU4SI/AAAAAAAAAd8/gheUNRiEV_U/s1600-h/P2220839.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sczp5_VU4SI/AAAAAAAAAd8/gheUNRiEV_U/s320/P2220839.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317882442480410914" border="0" /></a>This was the spot where the two earlier shots were taken earlier...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0Vt1lqgyI/AAAAAAAAAeE/GYjUn-KOYjo/s1600-h/P2210731.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0Vt1lqgyI/AAAAAAAAAeE/GYjUn-KOYjo/s320/P2210731.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317930612217774882" border="0" /></a>L-R: Chu, Parthipan, Sharonjit and me... Hanging out with the Twin Towers from Malaysia (Tiben & Sky) really makes me feel short and stunted... :(<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0WW9UlsEI/AAAAAAAAAeM/N-VMbW1Sbyg/s1600-h/P2220885.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0WW9UlsEI/AAAAAAAAAeM/N-VMbW1Sbyg/s320/P2220885.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317931318668275778" border="0" /></a>L-R: Yu, Parthipan, Hee, Sharonjit, Chu and me..<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0YAHl3beI/AAAAAAAAAeU/EDH93xRTlXI/s1600-h/P2222875.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0YAHl3beI/AAAAAAAAAeU/EDH93xRTlXI/s320/P2222875.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317933125311360482" border="0" /></a>You can see the famous Dancing House of Prague behind me.... :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0Y7c9seOI/AAAAAAAAAec/JA9BN8Nn3us/s1600-h/P2222882.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0Y7c9seOI/AAAAAAAAAec/JA9BN8Nn3us/s320/P2222882.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317934144660732130" border="0" /></a>The Dancing House... Very unique indeed.... :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0aiEdButI/AAAAAAAAAek/R5phpzfOKg4/s1600-h/P2222870.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0aiEdButI/AAAAAAAAAek/R5phpzfOKg4/s320/P2222870.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317935907607788242" border="0" /></a>Prague is a city full of monuments... I don't even remember it's names..... :/<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0a2uS4Q2I/AAAAAAAAAes/i9-5eZgJNRs/s1600-h/P2222951.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0a2uS4Q2I/AAAAAAAAAes/i9-5eZgJNRs/s320/P2222951.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317936262436897634" border="0" /></a>More monument!! :D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0bYxUlvdI/AAAAAAAAAe0/or_Xln9WZ5Q/s1600-h/P2222891.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0bYxUlvdI/AAAAAAAAAe0/or_Xln9WZ5Q/s320/P2222891.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317936847364931026" border="0" /></a>There's also a lot of statues around in Prague... Check out the roof of this building... :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0cBMqWiSI/AAAAAAAAAe8/YctLRjVKqjo/s1600-h/P2222899.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0cBMqWiSI/AAAAAAAAAe8/YctLRjVKqjo/s320/P2222899.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317937541898733858" border="0" /></a>You could see another landmark behind of me.. The Charles' Bridge... You can also see the Prague Castle in the background.... Sweet!! :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0cudIDkzI/AAAAAAAAAfE/lha84aJSGqc/s1600-h/P2222927.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0cudIDkzI/AAAAAAAAAfE/lha84aJSGqc/s320/P2222927.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317938319412400946" border="0" /></a>The Charles Bridge Museum... Just before I embarked on my journey along the historical bridge itself...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0dM1tz12I/AAAAAAAAAfM/2v5zIHQPCjw/s1600-h/P2222930.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0dM1tz12I/AAAAAAAAAfM/2v5zIHQPCjw/s320/P2222930.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317938841409279842" border="0" /></a>One of the 30 statues on Charles Bridge..<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0fDQB1nqI/AAAAAAAAAfU/jrcJqUp9N_g/s1600-h/P2222936.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0fDQB1nqI/AAAAAAAAAfU/jrcJqUp9N_g/s320/P2222936.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317940875697168034" border="0" /></a>The statue of John of Nepomuk.. On March 30 1393, apparently he was thrown into river Vitava from this bridge... See the two golden spots... Most people who walks along this bridge would rub their hands to it.... Apparently one has to make a wish while doing that... And it will come true... :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0f_YxWcmI/AAAAAAAAAfc/5ATxj4HZYPk/s1600-h/P2220917.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0f_YxWcmI/AAAAAAAAAfc/5ATxj4HZYPk/s320/P2220917.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317941908836086370" border="0" /></a>Beautiful creatures of the river below...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0go1f8khI/AAAAAAAAAfk/G9ntPS_SWqE/s1600-h/P2222947.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0go1f8khI/AAAAAAAAAfk/G9ntPS_SWqE/s320/P2222947.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317942620922352146" border="0" /></a>Another landmark of Prague... The astronomical clock....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0hAM8xDvI/AAAAAAAAAfs/w-poluA1jUE/s1600-h/P2222943.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0hAM8xDvI/AAAAAAAAAfs/w-poluA1jUE/s320/P2222943.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317943022354239218" border="0" /></a>The visit would not have been complete without stopping by Hard Rock Cafe... :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0kfvoZULI/AAAAAAAAAf0/jdxxqaC3RQM/s1600-h/P2210127.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0kfvoZULI/AAAAAAAAAf0/jdxxqaC3RQM/s320/P2210127.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317946862774866098" border="0" /></a>The beginning of our bar-hopping session later on that night.... The guy on the left is our bar-hopping guide from the US, and the one on my left is a German from Leipzig, Carsten..<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0oKPGRLkI/AAAAAAAAAf8/7cd02NQL6Ig/s1600-h/P2210128.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0oKPGRLkI/AAAAAAAAAf8/7cd02NQL6Ig/s320/P2210128.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317950891311050306" border="0" /></a>The bar-hopping group, from everywhere.. Italy, England, German, Canada... :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0ocLTuhlI/AAAAAAAAAgE/Xd5x81dE29g/s1600-h/P2210133.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0ocLTuhlI/AAAAAAAAAgE/Xd5x81dE29g/s320/P2210133.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317951199531402834" border="0" /></a>Parthiban, me and some girls from Manchester...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0o66Z9KYI/AAAAAAAAAgU/N8icVP-qwNw/s1600-h/P2212811.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0o66Z9KYI/AAAAAAAAAgU/N8icVP-qwNw/s320/P2212811.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317951727570069890" border="0" /></a>Us chilling around in the last snows around....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0otkwC8xI/AAAAAAAAAgM/2alOtSZrLJA/s1600-h/P2212805.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sc0otkwC8xI/AAAAAAAAAgM/2alOtSZrLJA/s320/P2212805.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317951498418844434" border="0" /></a>That's all the updates from Prague... I will proceed with some updates of my visit to Amsterdam soon.... Take care!!!Alvinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340435571870681329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704051101707731635.post-74373933585081522012009-03-15T08:24:00.000-07:002009-03-27T08:04:15.080-07:00The Returning Adventure - PragueWe have been deployed back to Germany since 5th of February 2009. I would say all in all I have been spending much of my time in my apartment. That's the best way of coping with -10ºC temperatures for almost a month of our second stay in Leipzig.<br /><br />Anyway, we went off for our first trip to Prague on 21st of February 2009, and spent our weekend there. Prague is located somewhere about 202 kms away from Leipzig, and located in the Czech Republic. We took the train, experienced IC train this time, and it was fast.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sb0hxwapAII/AAAAAAAAAbs/tx9vS1Fdzt8/s1600-h/P2222864.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sb0hxwapAII/AAAAAAAAAbs/tx9vS1Fdzt8/s320/P2222864.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313440274061000834" border="0" /></a>The eagle has landed on the sewerage cover!! Gosh I am so fascinated with Europe's sewerage covers. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sb0if_ZFCgI/AAAAAAAAAb0/vx3dKI7w-o4/s1600-h/P2212765.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sb0if_ZFCgI/AAAAAAAAAb0/vx3dKI7w-o4/s320/P2212765.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313441068354963970" border="0" /></a>We bought the city tram ticket which was good to use for 24 hours. Only cost us around 100Kč, around <span class="converted-result">€3.80. In this shot, we have just hopped down our first stop, which is nearby the famous Prague Castle. It has been around since the 9th century, dated as far as 870 B.C. Check out the snow over the hills above me and the gates built up all the way t the top of the hill.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sb0nBd1cnnI/AAAAAAAAAb8/VGvzU-KW5QM/s1600-h/P2212795.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sb0nBd1cnnI/AAAAAAAAAb8/VGvzU-KW5QM/s320/P2212795.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313446041509207666" border="0" /></a>The first stop I had wanted to drop by since the last visit. Church of Our Lady in Mala Strana. It houses the Infant Jesus of Prague. I have been aware about the Infant Jesus since my first trip to Germany. Mom had told me that one of our family friend, Aunty Joyce was so excited knowing that I had planned for Prague during the first trip. She did mention about the miracles of Infant Jesus, and I have been reading up since then. I guess my prayers to see the Infant Jesus have been answered with the second return.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sb0rXjj5dII/AAAAAAAAAcE/Dhf1RckNP28/s1600-h/P2212780.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sb0rXjj5dII/AAAAAAAAAcE/Dhf1RckNP28/s320/P2212780.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313450819049845890" border="0" /></a>Me with Infant Jesus. He wears the white robe this time around. The Infant Jesus' robes gets changed every now and then according to religious holidays. I said some little prayers for those dearest to me, not forgetting Aunty Joyce and her family too.. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sb0xcTtOglI/AAAAAAAAAcM/s3TdA6FkL6A/s1600-h/P2212793.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sb0xcTtOglI/AAAAAAAAAcM/s3TdA6FkL6A/s320/P2212793.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313457497763119698" border="0" /></a>Inside of the Church of Our Lady.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sb02LktHbmI/AAAAAAAAAcU/z9ydvBHA5iU/s1600-h/P2212820.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sb02LktHbmI/AAAAAAAAAcU/z9ydvBHA5iU/s320/P2212820.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313462707826421346" border="0" /></a>The Prague Castle behind me. It's so huge and it was impossible for me to get a good shot of the mega structures while being inside of it. I hate the fact that I did not bring along my SLR this time around..... :(<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sb06pxEewDI/AAAAAAAAAcc/kegTNgKAQb4/s1600-h/P2212825.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sb06pxEewDI/AAAAAAAAAcc/kegTNgKAQb4/s320/P2212825.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313467624588230706" border="0" /></a>The palace guards marching in for a shift change.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sb08jdzdgII/AAAAAAAAAck/_z1qF896ngc/s1600-h/P2210756.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/Sb08jdzdgII/AAAAAAAAAck/_z1qF896ngc/s320/P2210756.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313469715360612482" border="0" /></a>Me with a palace guard. He would not respond to anything at all. Gosh what a life!! :D<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><span class="converted-result">I guess I will have to cut short on my Prague trip posting for now. I will continue with it when I have more time soon. But it will be within this week. :)<br /><br />Have fun and take care!<br /></span><span class="converted-result"><br /><br /></span>Alvinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340435571870681329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704051101707731635.post-73764475407059243662009-03-09T08:08:00.000-07:002009-03-09T09:38:51.799-07:00Random Memories of First StintOK this is it. I am wrapping up the first stint in this post. It's should have done and dusted a long time ago but I kept delaying it. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbUz1y-rIyI/AAAAAAAAAZc/5P1UiLCGTWQ/s1600-h/DSCN3816.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbUz1y-rIyI/AAAAAAAAAZc/5P1UiLCGTWQ/s320/DSCN3816.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311208334864098082" border="0" /></a>The 14 people whom I can trust most in Germany. We are the chosen ones!! First batch of MEs for Q-Cells Malaysia.. This shot was taken on the day our boss announced that we would return again in February. And this was supposed to be our last day in AG plant. :D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbU1AamK9xI/AAAAAAAAAZk/4T5CyooC4Qc/s1600-h/DSCN3844.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbU1AamK9xI/AAAAAAAAAZk/4T5CyooC4Qc/s320/DSCN3844.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311209616809064210" border="0" /></a>Unforgettable night! We all made it happen! Looking forward for our second round of get-together. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbU3cYjEHlI/AAAAAAAAAZs/JgEpUdKsxO8/s1600-h/Picture+115.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbU3cYjEHlI/AAAAAAAAAZs/JgEpUdKsxO8/s320/Picture+115.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311212296318754386" border="0" /></a>The drinking has not even started and we already got a couple of kung-fu kids that night.. Gosh! :D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbU4xfIKgbI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/BO6fNbwT19M/s1600-h/P1030585.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbU4xfIKgbI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/BO6fNbwT19M/s320/P1030585.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311213758373855666" border="0" /></a>Guilty pleasures... :P<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbU6ikwbz0I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/O_Qf3Eh6r5w/s1600-h/P1030642.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbU6ikwbz0I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/O_Qf3Eh6r5w/s320/P1030642.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311215701210156866" border="0" /></a>Yours truly had a little drink too many.. :)<br /><br />And the very next morning, we were up early and raring to go once again!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbU7UKgZfgI/AAAAAAAAAaE/lIhRaulFddc/s1600-h/Picture+147.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbU7UKgZfgI/AAAAAAAAAaE/lIhRaulFddc/s320/Picture+147.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311216553157033474" border="0" /></a>Behind me was the largest monument in Europe, which is located in Leipzig itself. It is the Monument to the Battle of the Nations, also known as "Völkerschlachtdenkmal" locally. It was erected in 1913, symbolic to the the 100 years anniversary of the Battle of Leipzig between the Germans and the French, where Napoleon was defeated.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbU9mQex9jI/AAAAAAAAAaM/B8YVSM2bVyk/s1600-h/Picture+154.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbU9mQex9jI/AAAAAAAAAaM/B8YVSM2bVyk/s320/Picture+154.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311219063021762098" border="0" /></a>A better shot of the monument without me in it. The ducks... They're adorable! :)<br /><br />Tracking backwards, we were also lucky to have the chance to attend the annual Christmas party organised by our company, in Wolfen.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbU-UW8l_hI/AAAAAAAAAaU/o6RAhaLSZOg/s1600-h/DSC04081.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbU-UW8l_hI/AAAAAAAAAaU/o6RAhaLSZOg/s320/DSC04081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311219855031402002" border="0" /></a>Me with the man who made it happen. Our founding father, our CEO, the company's #1. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbU_43ZCfSI/AAAAAAAAAac/Q6uf8xP5sHM/s1600-h/PB190006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbU_43ZCfSI/AAAAAAAAAac/Q6uf8xP5sHM/s320/PB190006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311221581727563042" border="0" /></a>Chu and me.. We got him a little high that night. I think I missed out a lot more photos from my collection.. Hmmm..<br /><br />Our A Shift Christmas party, which was held a few days after that. It was somewhere in Leipzig, in this fancy restaurant with some nice medivial setting.. Ratskeller der Stadt Leipzig.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbVA-ikRRHI/AAAAAAAAAak/S6h_3zhRA8I/s1600-h/Picture+014.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbVA-ikRRHI/AAAAAAAAAak/S6h_3zhRA8I/s320/Picture+014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311222778728367218" border="0" /></a>They had their own, uhm, troop of musician and also a master of ceremony for the night. Unfortunately we coudn't unserstand a single thing what he said. But it's ok... It was fun alright..<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbVBpu7SecI/AAAAAAAAAas/M9Tk1j5HHDw/s1600-h/Picture+048.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbVBpu7SecI/AAAAAAAAAas/M9Tk1j5HHDw/s320/Picture+048.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311223520780515778" border="0" /></a>Us with our German colleagues. The guy in red, sitting in the middle, he is Marco. Marco was the first person I was attached to when we first came to Germany. Nice person and a good mentor.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbVCL7OQM2I/AAAAAAAAAa0/XiJ0NiPg9Ik/s1600-h/Picture+055.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbVCL7OQM2I/AAAAAAAAAa0/XiJ0NiPg9Ik/s320/Picture+055.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311224108196836194" border="0" /></a>Peter, the Line 5 boss for A Shift, looking jolly in the funky Christmas hat.. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbVDClmCc7I/AAAAAAAAAbE/F-uN5sgz80I/s1600-h/Picture+073.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbVDClmCc7I/AAAAAAAAAbE/F-uN5sgz80I/s320/Picture+073.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311225047283823538" border="0" /></a>Germans are not as big as we would have thought they would be. But Peter, he is larger than life! With a big heart off course.. :P<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbVDtSoVg5I/AAAAAAAAAbM/t-repSnEpzo/s1600-h/Picture+090.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbVDtSoVg5I/AAAAAAAAAbM/t-repSnEpzo/s320/Picture+090.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311225780927562642" border="0" /></a>Lee and me with the ladies. The one in the middle is Andrea, the lady boss of Line 5, A Shift.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbVEnhXy39I/AAAAAAAAAbc/OBTbX5oSnpY/s1600-h/Picture+093.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbVEnhXy39I/AAAAAAAAAbc/OBTbX5oSnpY/s320/Picture+093.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311226781317128146" border="0" /></a>The guy in the middle is my personal mentor, Steve. He is the boss for Line 6's A Shift. Gosh I wouldn't have made it for my assignments if it was not for his help. Very nice guy indeed, and we both love the Foo Fighters! :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbVFN5bkg6I/AAAAAAAAAbk/r-13BgAmNUY/s1600-h/Picture+104.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbVFN5bkg6I/AAAAAAAAAbk/r-13BgAmNUY/s320/Picture+104.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311227440610444194" border="0" /></a>Lingam and me. Full belly and feeling jolly..<br /><br />I guess that was it. The first visit to Germany. I will stop here now, and I will continue with the second chapter soon. :)<br /><br />Take care!<br /><h1 id="firstHeading" class="firstHeading"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SbUz1y-rIyI/AAAAAAAAAZc/5P1UiLCGTWQ/s1600-h/DSCN3816.JPG"><br /></a></h1>Alvinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340435571870681329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704051101707731635.post-14966715488888348152009-03-08T21:08:00.000-07:002009-03-08T21:22:13.792-07:00A Long PauseSilence has been my miserable friend. As some of you would have known, I do not have internet access at the comfort of my own apartment for the second trip to Germany this time.<br /><br />I have been back since 5th of February 2009, after a month or so being back in Malaysia. The experience this time around have been rather extreme, with harsh winter weathers to brave through and also the psychological challenge of NOT HAVING THE DARN WIFI CONNECTION in my own apartment! >:(<br /><br />I would normally have to walk up to another apartment block and access the internet in a dining hall (Well, it's more of a dining room I would say). It is about 10 minutes' walk from my own place; not too far but rather inconvenient..<br /><br />Well I have been back for about a month now, nothing much have taken place. I have not even been to the shopping malls like I used to, just for the fact that they are a little bit far away from my current apartment unit. Good and also bad. Good thing is that I do not spend my money unnecessarily, and the bad thing is that I am rather isolated from civilisation.<br /><br />BUT!!! I have been to Prague 2 weeks ago, and there would be another exciting adventure awaiting before we depart back to Malaysia. :)<br /><br />I will update some random shots from the first stay in Germany in my next post, and also of my Prague trip soon. If I have the time.. If I feel like updating it.. I am 'moody' and 'emotional' lately.. If only I have the internet all the time, things would have been so much better.. Hmm, till then I shall contiue seeking for any signs of a silver lining behind the clouds this time around..<br /><br />Take care and I shall be ranting again soon! :)Alvinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340435571870681329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704051101707731635.post-47800789422928851522009-01-28T06:12:00.000-08:002009-01-28T07:48:15.414-08:00Nearing A ClosureIt has been 1 solid month since I last updated this blog. Suddenly I am inspired to put on a closure towards the first Germany trip. There are reasons behind me experiencing this sudden urge to quickly wrap it up. One reason is that because I would be leaving home once again next week, tentatively on 5th February for my second training stint there. Good news! Dream come true! But seriously deep inside I have mixed feelings over all these right now. Just too many things in my mind at the moment. Therefore, writing is just another mode of escapism from the real life I deal with everyday. A second life, I have. I write. I reach out. Try to be me. Try to be closest to the truth, as closest as you see throughout the entire first journey of this chapter in life. :)<br /><br />As mentioned in my last post, I would share my experience on the Leipzig's Christmas market which was actually almost a month-long event, just across the street opposite my apartment. It was a blessing to have it so close within reach, but also annoying especially when my sleep gets interrupted by the merry singing and songs coming from it. The Christmas market officially started on 24th November 2008 and lasted until 22nd December 2008, which was 1 day after we departed back for Malaysia.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SYByu-XApVI/AAAAAAAAAYU/TcWUED43IgU/s1600-h/DSC04013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SYByu-XApVI/AAAAAAAAAYU/TcWUED43IgU/s320/DSC04013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296359313126761810" border="0" /></a>Wai Tat and me enjoying a cup of 'gluhwein'. It is boiling hot red wine with cinnamon, sugar, cloves, and berry juice. Works the best to fight back the winter chills.. It has that funky sting of red wine, plus the extra warmth and pleasant aroma. And it tasted Sou-weeeettttttt! ;)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SYB19aC80ZI/AAAAAAAAAYs/Q6Kr8VVozhU/s1600-h/Picture+285.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SYB19aC80ZI/AAAAAAAAAYs/Q6Kr8VVozhU/s320/Picture+285.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296362859611869586" border="0" /></a>Me, standing somewhere in the middle of the market, with the gigantic ornament behind me. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SYB25ZxWxmI/AAAAAAAAAY0/CJMdGInzaDY/s1600-h/Picture+286.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SYB25ZxWxmI/AAAAAAAAAY0/CJMdGInzaDY/s320/Picture+286.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296363890330224226" border="0" /></a>Lots of wonderful, cosy-looking wooden shops being set along the street to cater the Christmas market. This particular one had interesting snowman and Santa on it's rooftop, attractive and inviting enough to draw potential customers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SYB6gVxs3sI/AAAAAAAAAY8/WMDpAMvxBhg/s1600-h/Picture+300.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SYB6gVxs3sI/AAAAAAAAAY8/WMDpAMvxBhg/s320/Picture+300.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296367857807711938" border="0" /></a>Hansel and Gretel's tale depicted in the form of still life in the open field opposite the apartment I stay..<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SYB7GuTRZuI/AAAAAAAAAZE/ZVAp54u0e4I/s1600-h/Picture+303.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SYB7GuTRZuI/AAAAAAAAAZE/ZVAp54u0e4I/s320/Picture+303.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296368517225998050" border="0" /></a>This tree is a part of the tale of Hansel and Gretel. The eyes and mouth moves as intermittenly it says out, 'Yaaa, yaaaaaaaaaa..' Yaaaa yaaaaa to what, I never knew... Hehehe..<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SYB8m0xdEqI/AAAAAAAAAZU/gRoT8EmMru4/s1600-h/Picture+317.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SYB8m0xdEqI/AAAAAAAAAZU/gRoT8EmMru4/s320/Picture+317.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296370168230646434" border="0" /></a>A stall fully loaded with chocolates. I guess they specialise in the ones targetted for lovers. Most of the chocolates has the 'Ich iebe dich' wordings on it. I've seen some people hanging it around their necks while walking. Hmmm... Those chocolates I mean..<br /><br />Gee, what do you know? That's all I have regarding the Christmas market. Most of other photos are just random snapshots of interesting stall rooftop. They all look alike after sometime. Hahaha! I will wrap it up next with a colection of random memories which I have for this first stint of my Germany stay. Till then stay safe. And oh, since it is the third day of Chinese New Year, I'd also like to wish you 'Gong Xi Fa Cai'!! And no, I am not too old for those red packets! They are always welcomed! :DAlvinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340435571870681329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704051101707731635.post-6291354757976779872008-12-28T08:56:00.000-08:002008-12-28T10:51:53.999-08:00Two Seasons In Berlin - Part 2I am back in Malaysia! It has been 6 days since I've been home, and I would continue with all that I have left off before this. :)<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />We returned to Berlin for the second time on 23/11/2008. It was the third day which it has started snowing in Leipzig and also Thalheim. The first time I saw snow was on 21/11/2008, while being on my way to work. I saw white particles flowing wildly outside the window of the bus, and I was excited deep inside. Excited, yet too proud to let it show on the surface. I smiled with glee when we finally step down from the bus, experiencing the first snow falling on my head. On our usual routine, which is to grab a drink in the cafeteria before work starts, I was caught up admiring the scenery of snow flakes falling down on the mainroad of our plant.<br /><br />I woke up with a sudden rush the next morning to see if the road outside was covered with snow. Armed with my camera, I excitedly took some shot of the first snow in Leipzig for 2008. It wasn't as much as I was hoping for, but good enough to make us eager Malaysians to talk about it at work later that day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVezGFq28QI/AAAAAAAAAUw/ZNDVo1Bq31Q/s1600-h/Picture+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVezGFq28QI/AAAAAAAAAUw/ZNDVo1Bq31Q/s320/Picture+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284889604925092098" border="0" /></a>Snow layering itself on the top of a car. This was directly opposite my bedroom window, below my apartment.<br /><br />Oh, coming back to Berlin trip. Well, what I can say is that snow totally changed the landscape of the city, and also our perception of Berlin. White Berlin was much more exciting than our previous visit. Probably perhaps this time around, we had the chance to venture out on ourselves rather than having to be forced to sit and listen to a good old tour guide.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe2D5gAHrI/AAAAAAAAAU4/czszJ4V2Jqg/s1600-h/Picture+012b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 215px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe2D5gAHrI/AAAAAAAAAU4/czszJ4V2Jqg/s320/Picture+012b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284892865833475762" border="0" /></a>Me in front of Berlin Hauptbahnhof. The train we took was a direct one from Leipzig Hauptbahnhof.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe3G3-NXeI/AAAAAAAAAVA/Xu7At2-YjIY/s1600-h/Picture+016b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe3G3-NXeI/AAAAAAAAAVA/Xu7At2-YjIY/s320/Picture+016b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284894016474537442" border="0" /></a>A Shift MEs. L-R: Me, Lee, Lingam and Chu<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe37jt2qpI/AAAAAAAAAVI/b2bTAAvc0UI/s1600-h/Picture+045b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe37jt2qpI/AAAAAAAAAVI/b2bTAAvc0UI/s320/Picture+045b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284894921570298514" border="0" /></a>Me in front of a remaining original site of the Berlin Wall. This section is the less colourful compared to some of the other remaining walls.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe4m6M47MI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/MD3v06PGEcE/s1600-h/Picture+058b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe4m6M47MI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/MD3v06PGEcE/s320/Picture+058b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284895666340424898" border="0" /></a>It was a nice shot, a butt-freezing shot!! :D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe5PVelObI/AAAAAAAAAVY/emA5sm-mwf0/s1600-h/Picture+069b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe5PVelObI/AAAAAAAAAVY/emA5sm-mwf0/s320/Picture+069b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284896360857156018" border="0" /></a>A must-have shot of every first-timer collecting snow ball! Notice the crosses on the background. I am still wondering what it is about. Looks like a memorial site. This was behind the Reichstag, the Parliament building of Germany.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe6mlW3oWI/AAAAAAAAAVg/0M8srCT25eE/s1600-h/Picture+100b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe6mlW3oWI/AAAAAAAAAVg/0M8srCT25eE/s320/Picture+100b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284897859768394082" border="0" /></a>Me opposite of the stairs leading to Reichstag.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe7lyMSy9I/AAAAAAAAAVo/8nCpoPjPrVM/s1600-h/Picture+128b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe7lyMSy9I/AAAAAAAAAVo/8nCpoPjPrVM/s320/Picture+128b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284898945545456594" border="0" /></a>Up close with the Brandenburger Tor.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe8dDoRXdI/AAAAAAAAAVw/3OC_ca9nKBg/s1600-h/Picture+139b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe8dDoRXdI/AAAAAAAAAVw/3OC_ca9nKBg/s320/Picture+139b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284899895119011282" border="0" /></a>There's also a Madame Tussauds wax museum in Berlin. Unfortunately the price was a turn off and we did not enter it. Anyway, if you look closely, you cold see Wesley Snipes in the glass panel behind of me. That was the closest I've been to a wax figure. :/<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe9cZBuMGI/AAAAAAAAAV4/kd-hDfDS1Ao/s1600-h/Picture+165b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe9cZBuMGI/AAAAAAAAAV4/kd-hDfDS1Ao/s320/Picture+165b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284900983194660962" border="0" /></a>We stumbled upon a really showroom called Peugeot Avenue. It houses several mind-blowing concept cars inside, and it's open for public viewing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe-BqRY2YI/AAAAAAAAAWA/1zyGOeR31P8/s1600-h/Picture+143b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe-BqRY2YI/AAAAAAAAAWA/1zyGOeR31P8/s320/Picture+143b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284901623478933890" border="0" /></a>Concept car #1. The tyres are as small as those meant for bicycles, and tugged nicely underneath the car, almost hidden from view. I don't know the model names, so lets just call them by the numbers. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe-n1A0DGI/AAAAAAAAAWI/l2_RSlurjmM/s1600-h/Picture+147b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe-n1A0DGI/AAAAAAAAAWI/l2_RSlurjmM/s320/Picture+147b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284902279197232226" border="0" /></a>Concept car #2. This is a big mean machine. >:)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe_P99d8lI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/-7iZs1r-Lc0/s1600-h/Picture+149.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVe_P99d8lI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/-7iZs1r-Lc0/s320/Picture+149.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284902968793887314" border="0" /></a>There's also this long classic Peugeot inside. There's 4 digits on the number plate. What are you waiting for? I-Box it in 4D races!!!! :D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfAHYgM8PI/AAAAAAAAAWY/dy0JajrZsZ4/s1600-h/Picture+152.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfAHYgM8PI/AAAAAAAAAWY/dy0JajrZsZ4/s320/Picture+152.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284903920811700466" border="0" /></a>Concept car #3. Looks more like a concept of a ATV. Perhaps this one would be too precious for dirt races.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfAp90oVyI/AAAAAAAAAWg/L-dIF4Si9YY/s1600-h/Picture+156.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfAp90oVyI/AAAAAAAAAWg/L-dIF4Si9YY/s320/Picture+156.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284904514945046306" border="0" /></a>Concept car #4. Uhh... It has a collection of weird coloured balls behind it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfBM8zZiCI/AAAAAAAAAWo/AWvQRIUZzJg/s1600-h/Picture+158.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfBM8zZiCI/AAAAAAAAAWo/AWvQRIUZzJg/s320/Picture+158.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284905115966867490" border="0" /></a>Lastly, concept car #5. This one looks cool. Even in green.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfCijz1zBI/AAAAAAAAAWw/Cmv9_QSlz58/s1600-h/Picture+168.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfCijz1zBI/AAAAAAAAAWw/Cmv9_QSlz58/s320/Picture+168.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284906586726583314" border="0" /></a>Bears are mascots for Berlin. Anyway, this is not the typical Berlin Bear mascot. The Berlin Bear normally stands on 2 legs and throws his arms above its head. Rather kinky. Google for the image. :D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfDCCzTryI/AAAAAAAAAW4/MUza_Vnpdss/s1600-h/Picture+169.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfDCCzTryI/AAAAAAAAAW4/MUza_Vnpdss/s320/Picture+169.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284907127621791522" border="0" /></a>I spotted a nasty looking Buggati in a showroom. Sweeeeeet!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfDp00-c0I/AAAAAAAAAXA/ymDqA6x5G1c/s1600-h/Picture+186b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfDp00-c0I/AAAAAAAAAXA/ymDqA6x5G1c/s320/Picture+186b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284907811065459522" border="0" /></a>An interesting monument in Berlin. Now a tour guide would be helpful to explain what it is all about. Pffftttt!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfFDUk7shI/AAAAAAAAAXI/FfZqReqI8TU/s1600-h/Picture+210b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfFDUk7shI/AAAAAAAAAXI/FfZqReqI8TU/s320/Picture+210b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284909348596462098" border="0" /></a>Interesting buildings around, and you can actually see the famous landmark of Berlin, the Fernsehturn (The Television Tower). It is 365 metres high and is the fourth tallest freestanding structure in Europe. There's a rotating restaurant in the middle of the sphere which rotates every 30 minutes!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfGStETFgI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/eq7YsZHDIIg/s1600-h/Picture+232b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfGStETFgI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/eq7YsZHDIIg/s320/Picture+232b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284910712380134914" border="0" /></a>This is where the Berlin Wall once stood. seperating the East and also the West.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfG1ncUejI/AAAAAAAAAXY/EcSHZgfTFVE/s1600-h/Picture+230b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfG1ncUejI/AAAAAAAAAXY/EcSHZgfTFVE/s320/Picture+230b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284911312165698098" border="0" /></a>I've not much knowledge (yet) on the historical past of the Berlin Wall. Therefore, I stand in the middle of the history. ;)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfHhwh5_WI/AAAAAAAAAXg/QSDHUM20YFk/s1600-h/Picture+236b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfHhwh5_WI/AAAAAAAAAXg/QSDHUM20YFk/s320/Picture+236b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284912070519291234" border="0" /></a>Us at Checkpoint Charlie, the separation point between East and West Germany.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfIO4v5vGI/AAAAAAAAAXo/vEizyeL3_jw/s1600-h/Picture+238b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfIO4v5vGI/AAAAAAAAAXo/vEizyeL3_jw/s320/Picture+238b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284912845819591778" border="0" /></a>Another view of the other side of the famous board in Checkpoint Charlie.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfItUziqkI/AAAAAAAAAXw/4UsFmwd2LRQ/s1600-h/Picture+246b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfItUziqkI/AAAAAAAAAXw/4UsFmwd2LRQ/s320/Picture+246b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284913368747125314" border="0" /></a>Lee and me opposite the American Sector's guard house in Checkpoint Charlie. Notice there are people dressed up as American soldiers ready to pose for you, for just a little token of appreciation. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfJcWkJ97I/AAAAAAAAAX4/YuvgpHokVXE/s1600-h/Picture+257.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfJcWkJ97I/AAAAAAAAAX4/YuvgpHokVXE/s320/Picture+257.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284914176673314738" border="0" /></a>Pieces of the Berlin Wall is scattered everywhere within the city. Commonly seen along the streets in front of shops.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfJ5ltie2I/AAAAAAAAAYA/lI9ns3LeSdU/s1600-h/Picture+249.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SVfJ5ltie2I/AAAAAAAAAYA/lI9ns3LeSdU/s320/Picture+249.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284914678955408226" border="0" /></a>A smaller piece of history mounted on the beam of a shop nearby Checkpoint Charlie.<br /><br />I guess this is all I have about the second visit to Berlin. We spent almost the whole day walking around. I learn that it was not fun after all to be walking in snow-filled grounds. I slipped around 4 times whole day, and was lucky not to fall during each slip. It was enjoyable to sum it up, and it was worth the pain in my joints which I had for the next few days!! :D<br /><br />I will be writing a little on the Christmas market we had in Leipzig next, and would wrap up this chapter of my journey soon. Till then, take care and Happy Holidays!! :)<br /><br /></div>Alvinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340435571870681329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704051101707731635.post-73162552475909659762008-12-17T00:21:00.001-08:002008-12-28T08:39:14.496-08:00Two Seasons In Berlin - Part 1<div style="text-align: justify;">I was fortunate to experience Berlin in two seasons. The first time we went to Berlin was on 8/11/2008, following the company trip. Berlin was in Autumn. It was a relatively boring outing, as 70% of the time we were in the bus. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the city, but it was definitely too much information to know. After being amazed time and again over her explanations regarding the historical sites and buildings, I felt more and more irritated for the fact that we did not get the chance to come down and walk around to snap photos. I am very particular about snapping photos (I guess I have mentioned this before in the earlier post). If I can't get a good angle, I'd rather not shoot.. After some time, I grew tired of explanations, and nothing that our tour guide mentioned actually went into my head..<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUjFKJPiYSI/AAAAAAAAATA/Y0OLPfSG4Ik/s1600-h/Picture+007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUjFKJPiYSI/AAAAAAAAATA/Y0OLPfSG4Ik/s320/Picture+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280687341162357026" border="0" /></a>Brandenburger Tor - The first point that we were allowed to step onto Berlin grounds. It was the symbol of a divided world when the Berlin Wall was erected in 1961. Apparently, this is also where the US President; Ronald Regan delivered a speech in 1987, urging Gorbachev to tear down the wall.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUjGElEiXuI/AAAAAAAAATI/M-mo5IrtGTU/s1600-h/Picture+024.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUjGElEiXuI/AAAAAAAAATI/M-mo5IrtGTU/s320/Picture+024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280688345064824546" border="0" /></a>Germans somehow fancy still-life performance. Except for the big huge near, the two dudes in the soldier outfits are breathing human beings! :D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUjHBDAXW2I/AAAAAAAAATQ/EQfkhiBbWy8/s1600-h/Picture+050.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUjHBDAXW2I/AAAAAAAAATQ/EQfkhiBbWy8/s320/Picture+050.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280689383892540258" border="0" /></a>This is the huge train station, the Berlin Hauptbahnhof. You can either take the ultra fast ICE train or the normal red DB train from Leipzig, or anywhere which connects you to the station. Not a very flattering shot, as it was taken from inside the bus.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUjINwn0PSI/AAAAAAAAATY/-DSfrGdIcIc/s1600-h/Picture+055b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUjINwn0PSI/AAAAAAAAATY/-DSfrGdIcIc/s320/Picture+055b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280690701807664418" border="0" /></a>Reichstag, the Parliament of Germany. It was originally built in 1894. We only managed to pass by this building. No stopping. How annoying! >:(<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUjKoxMREQI/AAAAAAAAATg/Hnv4VtOiBQg/s1600-h/Picture+069.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUjKoxMREQI/AAAAAAAAATg/Hnv4VtOiBQg/s320/Picture+069.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280693364840272130" border="0" /></a>Siegessäule (The Victory Column) stands 61.5m tall and was constructed to celebrate the military successes of Prussia over Denmark. Over the top is the statue of victory goddess Viktoria.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUjLruMIlRI/AAAAAAAAATo/uW3_4dgYFOY/s1600-h/Picture+076.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUjLruMIlRI/AAAAAAAAATo/uW3_4dgYFOY/s320/Picture+076.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280694515085645074" border="0" /></a>The Swissotel, an awesome structure which houses the C&A shopping mall as well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUjMbIa9BNI/AAAAAAAAATw/pu9Vp7cuLYQ/s1600-h/Picture+082b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUjMbIa9BNI/AAAAAAAAATw/pu9Vp7cuLYQ/s320/Picture+082b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280695329580975314" border="0" /></a>Hard Rock Cafe Berlin. This is where I start to fall in love with those guitar-shaped pins exclusively from Hard Rock Cafes. :D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUjM4_k-yTI/AAAAAAAAAT4/qVaEz0KB10M/s1600-h/Picture+090.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUjM4_k-yTI/AAAAAAAAAT4/qVaEz0KB10M/s320/Picture+090.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280695842603190578" border="0" /></a>Daniel and me inside of Hard Rock Cafe Berlin. It was bombarded with herds of eager Malaysians buying souveniors back home. I guess most of us have not even been to Hard Rock Cafe in KL. But heck, there has to be a first time for everything! And I am loving it! :D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUjOSHrSb8I/AAAAAAAAAUA/gOwkdNU-B7s/s1600-h/Picture+099.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUjOSHrSb8I/AAAAAAAAAUA/gOwkdNU-B7s/s320/Picture+099.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280697373785485250" border="0" /></a><br />Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche (Kaiser-Wilhelm Memorial Church). It was built between 1891 and 1895, and was bombed during the World War 2, in November 1943. The damaged tower now symbolise Germany's strive of rebuilding the city, and is a reminder of the destructions of war. This is what I gathered after doing some readings over the Internet. Beside the damaged tower you could see a modern hexagonal bell tower, which is the new church.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUn95UU5E1I/AAAAAAAAAUI/GokByrALVi0/s1600-h/Picture+106.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUn95UU5E1I/AAAAAAAAAUI/GokByrALVi0/s320/Picture+106.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281031199219323730" border="0" /></a>Me, lighting a candle after a little silent prayer inside the old damaged church.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUn-bgIDAjI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/qouoHYrHZDI/s1600-h/Picture+116.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUn-bgIDAjI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/qouoHYrHZDI/s320/Picture+116.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281031786502226482" border="0" /></a>Intricate paintings over the ceiling.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUn--6dvdwI/AAAAAAAAAUY/239glMZBrNA/s1600-h/Picture+124.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUn--6dvdwI/AAAAAAAAAUY/239glMZBrNA/s320/Picture+124.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281032394867963650" border="0" /></a>Another shot on the ceiling.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUn_hEcZ9SI/AAAAAAAAAUg/vukyva_QoWs/s1600-h/Picture+127.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUn_hEcZ9SI/AAAAAAAAAUg/vukyva_QoWs/s320/Picture+127.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281032981662266658" border="0" /></a>A bigger view of the paintings on the ceiling. It was impossible for me to have it all in the frame. Maybe this is a calling for me to get an ultra wide lens (11mm wide or a fisheye lens would be a great Christmas present!) :D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUn_9Ebws5I/AAAAAAAAAUo/HLnsl3l7zjk/s1600-h/Picture+137.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SUn_9Ebws5I/AAAAAAAAAUo/HLnsl3l7zjk/s320/Picture+137.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281033462695900050" border="0" /></a>Me with our German colleague who accompanied us for the trip. Stephanie is from the Technology group.<br /><br />I will be posting on our Berlin trip covered in snow soon. Till then, have fun! :)<br /></div>Alvinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340435571870681329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704051101707731635.post-36846151823661004802008-12-16T14:36:00.000-08:002008-12-28T08:39:38.524-08:00A Little Bit of Something<div style="text-align: justify;">I have not been able to write anything since the past few weeks due to tight obligations on my assignment write ups. There's 5 more days to go before I bid farewell to Germany. I will write up on the amazing experiences I had since the Dresden trip tomorrow. I am just too tired right now. Tune in soon!! :)</div>Alvinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340435571870681329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704051101707731635.post-19279819396711877592008-11-29T15:45:00.000-08:002008-12-28T08:41:28.887-08:00Dresden 2/11/2008 - Part 3<div style="text-align: justify;">Geez, this is really a drag. I am still in the midst of rushing through my assignments and write ups of our technology transfer knowledge to be brought back to Malaysia. There is still 21 days to go. I have already experienced WINTER and SNOW last week. Yet, I will continue with my tales from the historical land of Dresden. Hopefully this would be the final chapter of Dresden.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHWXmvgxaI/AAAAAAAAAQk/OLvWgc2TUaw/s1600-h/Picture+112b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHWXmvgxaI/AAAAAAAAAQk/OLvWgc2TUaw/s320/Picture+112b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274232339652724130" border="0" /></a>Behind me would be the bridge connecting the old town of Dresden with the new town. The river is known as the Elbe River.. It has caused massive flood some years ago..<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHW3XXkVZI/AAAAAAAAAQs/2bsX_LXbEt4/s1600-h/Picture+211b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHW3XXkVZI/AAAAAAAAAQs/2bsX_LXbEt4/s320/Picture+211b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274232885281576338" border="0" /></a> An impressively posh looking restaurant on shore.... Bad shot... Bad angle.... >:(<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHYCnl5L0I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/u4H82jZ-Fgk/s1600-h/Picture+216b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHYCnl5L0I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/u4H82jZ-Fgk/s320/Picture+216b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274234178126819138" border="0" /></a>The group with Elbe River as our backdrop..<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We walked across the bridge towards the new town of Dresden. There was nothing much to see over there. Almost 90% of the shops were closed on that Sunday. There was absolutely nothing to shop and it was quite a miserable walk for me..<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHZkqVP0oI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/gO8oT7FNwLU/s1600-h/Picture+122b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHZkqVP0oI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/gO8oT7FNwLU/s320/Picture+122b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274235862489485954" border="0" /></a>The Dreikonigskirche Church in the new town. This was the only interesting place we saw in the new town.. Oh wait, there is another one, a major Dresdenlandmark of the new town..<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHbiRw8aUI/AAAAAAAAARE/yR_zc1sREas/s1600-h/Picture+117b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHbiRw8aUI/AAAAAAAAARE/yR_zc1sREas/s320/Picture+117b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274238020558285122" border="0" /></a>The Blockhouse and the Golden Rider!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHbzTyWGUI/AAAAAAAAARM/W0rzp-X5_30/s1600-h/Picture+118b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHbzTyWGUI/AAAAAAAAARM/W0rzp-X5_30/s320/Picture+118b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274238313158809922" border="0" /></a>Me posing with the Golden Rider. The Golden Rider has been around since 1735, and it is a gilded equestrian statue of Augustus the Strong. It shows Augustus the Strong; the Elector of Saxony and King of Poland, dressed as a Roman Emperor.<br /><br />Those were the only two spots worth visiting in the new town. Back to the old town, we also saw the famous mural, named 'The Procession of Princes'.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHedx3gEkI/AAAAAAAAARU/oybiOAAgmRs/s1600-h/Picture+096b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHedx3gEkI/AAAAAAAAARU/oybiOAAgmRs/s320/Picture+096b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274241241811259970" border="0" /></a>Stretching across 102 meter (334ft) long, it depicts a parade of rulers of the House of Wettin since 1127.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHe9W_ziEI/AAAAAAAAARc/fOEL4uDBuow/s1600-h/Picture+110b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHe9W_ziEI/AAAAAAAAARc/fOEL4uDBuow/s320/Picture+110b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274241784354146370" border="0" /></a>There are a total of 35 princes, dukes, margraves and kings shown on horsebacks accompanied by foot soldiers and other people. It was originally painted between 1870 and 1876 and later on replaced with porcelain as the original painting began to deteriorate between 1906 and 1907. Around 25000 ceramic tiles were used on this wall.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHhLADY1qI/AAAAAAAAARk/_sjwuESqIlY/s1600-h/Picture+113b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHhLADY1qI/AAAAAAAAARk/_sjwuESqIlY/s320/Picture+113b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274244217736582818" border="0" /></a>The Catholic Hofkirche Church. It was a very foggy day frustrating for photo-shooting.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHihX3f4DI/AAAAAAAAARs/aXgMssgDzU0/s1600-h/Picture+129b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHihX3f4DI/AAAAAAAAARs/aXgMssgDzU0/s320/Picture+129b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274245701597913138" border="0" /></a>Georgenbau, the oldest part of the Royal Palace.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHjbFv62WI/AAAAAAAAAR0/pxu6jn9HY-4/s1600-h/Picture+167b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHjbFv62WI/AAAAAAAAAR0/pxu6jn9HY-4/s320/Picture+167b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274246693166700898" border="0" /></a>Just check out the amazing setting where the wonderful pianist showed off his skills.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHkPjsnhdI/AAAAAAAAAR8/GAtIr5Z2GxQ/s1600-h/Picture+168b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHkPjsnhdI/AAAAAAAAAR8/GAtIr5Z2GxQ/s320/Picture+168b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274247594559112658" border="0" /></a>The beautiful tunes blended magically into the atmosphere of the old town of Dresden.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHliqJqypI/AAAAAAAAASE/5yISVDFCxoM/s1600-h/Picture+142b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHliqJqypI/AAAAAAAAASE/5yISVDFCxoM/s320/Picture+142b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274249022220716690" border="0" /></a>Me, in front of Frauenkirche Church (Church of Our Lady). It survived the bombings of Dresden during World War 2 but was totally burned out and collapsed the next day.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHmwnIhe6I/AAAAAAAAASM/6NJdETCpcSc/s1600-h/Picture+153b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHmwnIhe6I/AAAAAAAAASM/6NJdETCpcSc/s320/Picture+153b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274250361440402338" border="0" /></a>The original church was built between 1726 and 1743. After the destruction during World War 2, it took 13 years for the reconstruction of this church, and was finally completed and unveiled to the public on 2005.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHnZRjUIkI/AAAAAAAAASU/95nxDbmnq-8/s1600-h/Picture+139.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHnZRjUIkI/AAAAAAAAASU/95nxDbmnq-8/s320/Picture+139.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274251060021830210" border="0" /></a>The Frauenkirche Church, majestically standing once again. For me, it is the most breathtaking view in the entire Dresden.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHoBFZ1gpI/AAAAAAAAASc/cQ91nJUJR9s/s1600-h/Picture+150b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHoBFZ1gpI/AAAAAAAAASc/cQ91nJUJR9s/s320/Picture+150b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274251743955616402" border="0" /></a>Me posing with the statue of Martin Luther, which is located opposite of the Frauenkirche Church.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHpEB0UzgI/AAAAAAAAASk/QZ0rAqE73w8/s1600-h/Picture+156b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHpEB0UzgI/AAAAAAAAASk/QZ0rAqE73w8/s320/Picture+156b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274252894044212738" border="0" /></a>Life is like a box of chocolates. Lingam and me with a sweet-looking girl selling Dresden chocolate coins.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHp82PGv_I/AAAAAAAAASs/DXHXyCRMwsw/s1600-h/Picture+195b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHp82PGv_I/AAAAAAAAASs/DXHXyCRMwsw/s320/Picture+195b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274253870187855858" border="0" /></a>Me, trying hard to keep a straight face. It has been rounded for a little too long!! :D<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHqytDaLlI/AAAAAAAAAS0/b2uvmItmrR4/s1600-h/Picture+046.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/STHqytDaLlI/AAAAAAAAAS0/b2uvmItmrR4/s320/Picture+046.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274254795435814482" border="0" /></a>I guess that is all for Dresden. I can't find any reason for me not to fall in love with this city. It was a fantastic trip. I will write on Berlin soon. Berlin in two seasons. Autumn and winter. Till then, stay safe and keep tuning in!!</div>Alvinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340435571870681329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704051101707731635.post-7742545771173337132008-11-21T17:46:00.000-08:002008-12-28T08:42:24.405-08:00Dresden - 2/11/2008 - Part 2<div style="text-align: justify;">Hello! Yet another long interval from me. Have been rushing mad to complete several items at work.<br /><br />Ok, off with some interesting places I visited in Dresden:<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SSdlpxh7LmI/AAAAAAAAAPs/mOXPP2dJ9pg/s1600-h/Picture+085b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SSdlpxh7LmI/AAAAAAAAAPs/mOXPP2dJ9pg/s320/Picture+085b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271293657205124706" border="0" /></a>I was standing in front of a monument opposite the Semper Opera House & Theaterplatz.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SSdmKPleyqI/AAAAAAAAAP0/LWgGyc_zdSU/s1600-h/Picture+088b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SSdmKPleyqI/AAAAAAAAAP0/LWgGyc_zdSU/s320/Picture+088b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271294215028918946" border="0" /></a>This was the building right behind of the monument..<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SSdm-EJZ6fI/AAAAAAAAAP8/Mt6nJGfXEXs/s1600-h/Picture+094b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SSdm-EJZ6fI/AAAAAAAAAP8/Mt6nJGfXEXs/s320/Picture+094b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271295105311566322" border="0" /></a>Mighty steeds at your service!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SSdngWAm65I/AAAAAAAAAQE/Tv64JrxcDB8/s1600-h/Picture+097b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SSdngWAm65I/AAAAAAAAAQE/Tv64JrxcDB8/s320/Picture+097b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271295694222060434" border="0" /></a>This dude is a real human being. We initially thought it was just another lifeless item on display, when we suddenly saw his hands moving.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SSdoXnaTltI/AAAAAAAAAQM/Tbk-auwgTgE/s1600-h/Picture+107b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SSdoXnaTltI/AAAAAAAAAQM/Tbk-auwgTgE/s320/Picture+107b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271296643786053330" border="0" /></a>Another pair of still-life street performer. He waved at me for tips after posing, and I obliged with a couple of syillings.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SSdpNK2DizI/AAAAAAAAAQU/8MF4vABmS6c/s1600-h/Picture+111b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SSdpNK2DizI/AAAAAAAAAQU/8MF4vABmS6c/s320/Picture+111b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271297563830750002" border="0" /></a>A trishaw spotted in Dresden..<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SSdp9CgLNOI/AAAAAAAAAQc/I7ECWBx0DJE/s1600-h/Picture+134b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SSdp9CgLNOI/AAAAAAAAAQc/I7ECWBx0DJE/s320/Picture+134b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271298386225214690" border="0" /></a>This is an interesting way to travel the little city. Six persons could take a ride in this interesting looking bike, which is being led by a tour guide. Everyone has to cycle together in order to get it moving. I was too excited when I saw it that the photo taken is badly tilted. I miss Photoshop.. :(<br /><br />I guess there'll be a few more parts to go for my Dresden postings. Too many things to show, too little time.. I will post again soon. It's 3.15am here and I need to sleep. Till then, have a nice day and thanks for dropping by!!</div>Alvinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340435571870681329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704051101707731635.post-30726241074905063192008-11-12T17:09:00.000-08:002008-12-28T08:44:42.695-08:00Dresden - 2/11/2008<div style="text-align: justify;">Hi there! It is unfortunate that I couldn't update my blog as regularly as I would have loved to. I am currently very busy with my assignment write-ups and project papers. Anyway I guess I would be writing a little bit about Dresden as I have mentioned last week.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We went to Dresden on a day which I was supposed to be celebrating someone's birthday. I hope she loved the roses which I ordered through the internet, which was safely delivered a day before Dresden's trip. Don't worry, I'll bring back lotta goodies for you, ok? :)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The weather was my greatest enemy on that day. Visibility was poor, and my photos turned out crappy. The weird thing is that, my exposures were perfect most of the time and even the preview in the camera looked great. Somehow the results are a little disturbing for my own liking. Yes, I refuse to admit that I'm not good in my photographic skills!!! =D<br /><br />Five of us went to the trip on our own on that day. We were fortunate to have similar off days. Usually on Sundays, there would be 2 shifts resting, while another 2 more working.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRuC9OfD69I/AAAAAAAAAOc/y2oB4Vpkz-k/s1600-h/Picture+090.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRuC9OfD69I/AAAAAAAAAOc/y2oB4Vpkz-k/s320/Picture+090.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267948177511934930" border="0" /></a>L-R: Chu, Lingam, Fang Fang (in her usual cheeky pose), me and Hizzatt. This photo was taken by a Japanese dude strolling around with his little muse.<br /><br />Just a little introduction about Dresden. During the olden days, Dresden used to be the royal town for the Electors and Kings of Saxony. Rich with awesomely grand looking ancient architecture, Dresden was controversially bombed by the British Royal Air Force and also United States Army Airforce during World War 2 in 1945. The total number of casualties were estimated to be around 35,000 people, and 90% of the city centre destroyed. I managed to see through the photos from postcards and books in Dresden on the devastation caused to the beautiful city during the bombing. Interestingly, there were quite a number of photos in the books on certain point of the city which shows the bombing aftermath, and the current condition of the specific location. It's a marvel how they managed to restore the conditions of the buildings around the city. Search for 'Dresden' in Google, and read on a chapter on 'Bombing of Dresden' in Wikipedia...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The journey from Leipzig to Dresden by the normal train took about 1 and a half hour. It's just like our good old KTM Komuter. It stops at each stations in between the journey. We took the 7.59am train and reached at about 9.30am. It was a Sunday, and 90% of the shops there were closed.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRuJSQrbFeI/AAAAAAAAAOk/xllE-vHTb1o/s1600-h/Picture+037.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRuJSQrbFeI/AAAAAAAAAOk/xllE-vHTb1o/s320/Picture+037.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267955135947675106" border="0" /></a>We wanted the name 'Dresden' to appear in our photo. This was while we were walking to the old Dresden town.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRuKpyPkO_I/AAAAAAAAAOs/W43Guy43KIY/s1600-h/Picture+045.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRuKpyPkO_I/AAAAAAAAAOs/W43Guy43KIY/s320/Picture+045.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267956639606258674" border="0" /></a>Lingam and me. We're gonna be housemates back in Malaysia! Always trust a 'macha' to look out for you!<br /><br />The first point of destination was the Zwinger Palace.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRuMae1NiXI/AAAAAAAAAO0/qh_23jfEZRE/s1600-h/Picture+049.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRuMae1NiXI/AAAAAAAAAO0/qh_23jfEZRE/s320/Picture+049.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267958575720663410" border="0" /></a>There is a wide view of beauty behind the gates of the Zwinger palace..<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRuNX_2wjJI/AAAAAAAAAO8/DRQ8dqf2-0E/s1600-h/Picture+053.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRuNX_2wjJI/AAAAAAAAAO8/DRQ8dqf2-0E/s320/Picture+053.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267959632557542546" border="0" /></a>Can't wait to get my hands on my own PC. I'll Photoshop this shot to be straight and nice!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRuOe_W1SNI/AAAAAAAAAPE/D3iu81VlLtk/s1600-h/Picture+058.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRuOe_W1SNI/AAAAAAAAAPE/D3iu81VlLtk/s320/Picture+058.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267960852194347218" border="0" /></a>Zwinger has loads and loads of statues on the walls. Most of the time, naked.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRuP3mXw8-I/AAAAAAAAAPM/bMKjSy1H7ik/s1600-h/Picture+063.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRuP3mXw8-I/AAAAAAAAAPM/bMKjSy1H7ik/s320/Picture+063.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267962374495728610" border="0" /></a>Rows of fountains to be seen within the walls of the Zwinger.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRuTAnzfT-I/AAAAAAAAAPU/tCGWajjp88E/s1600-h/Picture+066.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRuTAnzfT-I/AAAAAAAAAPU/tCGWajjp88E/s320/Picture+066.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267965828034154466" border="0" /></a>Us posing around a pool inside of the Zwinger..<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRuUeCkhLxI/AAAAAAAAAPc/6bM4Q0Pk7ZU/s1600-h/Picture+073.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRuUeCkhLxI/AAAAAAAAAPc/6bM4Q0Pk7ZU/s320/Picture+073.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267967432946954002" border="0" /></a>Achtung!! Boobies alert!!! :D<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRuVZ-sl5QI/AAAAAAAAAPk/hC66hN4IJdw/s1600-h/Picture+080.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRuVZ-sl5QI/AAAAAAAAAPk/hC66hN4IJdw/s320/Picture+080.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267968462699226370" border="0" /></a>Outside of Zwinger, we bumped into a group of school girls practicing on their recorder performance. I guess they would be performing a there as well.<br /><br />I guess I will have to stop posting for tonight. I will continue with a second part of Dresden soon. There's a whole load more for me to show, but the uploading rate of the photos are annoyingly slow, and it's getting to my nerves already. Anyway, do check out the blog regularly. I will try my best to update it at least once in a week. Till then, take care!!</div>Alvinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340435571870681329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704051101707731635.post-59472127038714670322008-11-04T22:07:00.000-08:002008-12-28T08:44:59.919-08:00Times Like These<div style="text-align: justify;">I had this particular song by the Foo Fighters that kept ringing in my head, especially the chorus part...<br /><br />It's times like these you learn to live again,<br />It's times like these you give and give again,<br />It's times like these you learn to love again,<br />It's times like these time and time again...<br /><br />I guess it's one of life's mysteries which I'll experience time and time again. One which I would never learn... :/<br /><br />My next post would be covering the latest trip to another city I fell in love with....<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRE9GRcjwhI/AAAAAAAAAOU/MVKG8d8FcqI/s1600-h/Picture+158a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRE9GRcjwhI/AAAAAAAAAOU/MVKG8d8FcqI/s320/Picture+158a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265056617344516626" border="0" /></a>Dresden... Till then, have a nice day!!Alvinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340435571870681329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704051101707731635.post-40883744634403463042008-11-04T07:58:00.000-08:002008-12-28T08:46:54.490-08:00First Trip - Gorlitz - 25/10/2008<div style="text-align: justify;">Our employer have been kind enough to organise several trips for the Malaysians in Germany. Having bitterly missed the Leipzig tour due to shift-obligations, we hopped on the opportunity to join the trip to Gorlitz.<br /><br />The journey took us around 3 and a half hours from the bus terminal next to the Leipzig Hauptbahnhof. The bus was full with eager Malaysian troops ready to march into an unknown territory. I have to say that the journey was extremely long and boring. There were nothing much to see along the way, except for occasional windmill fields along the road. Windmills have never failed to capture my admiration.<br /><br />Gorlitz is located on the borders between Germany and Poland. Located opposite the Polish town Zgorzelec, across Lusatian Neisse River, I would have to say that it is a dead city. Deep with interesting historical facts and amazing old structures though. I have also learned that the German football player, Michael Ballack comes from this small town. Whoopie!! :D<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRBz35WEMzI/AAAAAAAAALs/dNtLm9gNlHU/s1600-h/Picture+424.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRBz35WEMzI/AAAAAAAAALs/dNtLm9gNlHU/s320/Picture+424.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264835368519480114" border="0" /></a>We come, we see, and we SHOOT!! We're just a bunch of eager Malaysian posers... :)<br /><br />I could have kicked myself for not paying attention at all towards our tour guide as she busily explained to us about the history regarding the buildings around us. Therefore, I have only photos to share, without much background knowledge of them.. :(<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB2aBR9YcI/AAAAAAAAAL0/7W00KAuZwn8/s1600-h/Picture+405.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB2aBR9YcI/AAAAAAAAAL0/7W00KAuZwn8/s320/Picture+405.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264838153788547522" border="0" /></a>Apparently hundreds of years ago, this area used to be a very busy trading ground for the locals. These days they serve as parking spots for the Gorlitz folks.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB3PYosIDI/AAAAAAAAAL8/X9fDPKCAu34/s1600-h/Picture+461.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB3PYosIDI/AAAAAAAAAL8/X9fDPKCAu34/s320/Picture+461.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264839070590967858" border="0" /></a>Beautiful constructions of the olden ages.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB35LiGx7I/AAAAAAAAAME/AcyOH3MflgQ/s1600-h/Picture+470a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB35LiGx7I/AAAAAAAAAME/AcyOH3MflgQ/s320/Picture+470a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264839788628199346" border="0" /></a>A friendly bus driver in the neighbourhood waving at me... Check out how ancient the bus is..<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB4lvd5g4I/AAAAAAAAAMM/6mzz0k4RaaM/s1600-h/Picture+445a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB4lvd5g4I/AAAAAAAAAMM/6mzz0k4RaaM/s320/Picture+445a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264840554188473218" border="0" /></a>My buddy Lee and me with some nice structures around us..<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB5kxJbDhI/AAAAAAAAAMU/prdhHrhI-Kg/s1600-h/Picture+485.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB5kxJbDhI/AAAAAAAAAMU/prdhHrhI-Kg/s320/Picture+485.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264841636971220498" border="0" /></a>Ladies of the company posing in St. Peter's Church..<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB8BT5TqTI/AAAAAAAAAMk/ZAtkgKBDYzU/s1600-h/Picture+479.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB8BT5TqTI/AAAAAAAAAMk/ZAtkgKBDYzU/s320/Picture+479.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264844326358460722" border="0" /></a>Breathtaking pillars inside of the church, with intricate details crawling up to the ceilings.. Did not take too many shots in the church though, as I felt a little uneasy after being told that there was an old lady in black observing me.... (Maybe she was checking me out, hahahaha!!)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB8rBSnUOI/AAAAAAAAAMs/7jqR7-qggKs/s1600-h/Picture+488a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB8rBSnUOI/AAAAAAAAAMs/7jqR7-qggKs/s320/Picture+488a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264845042918838498" border="0" /></a>As you could see in this photo, behind me would be Poland's land. That is the Lusatian Neisse River separating these two countries..<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB9H_hCAmI/AAAAAAAAAM0/GjSb8AJPqNo/s1600-h/Picture+492a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB9H_hCAmI/AAAAAAAAAM0/GjSb8AJPqNo/s320/Picture+492a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264845540658643554" border="0" /></a>The manufacturing team. L-R: Hizzat, Looi (our direct boss), Fang Fang, Daniel and Lingam.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB9s6bya2I/AAAAAAAAAM8/qOZvHChxjtA/s1600-h/Picture+496.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB9s6bya2I/AAAAAAAAAM8/qOZvHChxjtA/s320/Picture+496.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264846174949632866" border="0" /></a>Us, standing on the borders of Germany-Poland..<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB-GwV66eI/AAAAAAAAANE/o3lV-SG4EX4/s1600-h/Picture+498.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB-GwV66eI/AAAAAAAAANE/o3lV-SG4EX4/s320/Picture+498.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264846618917267938" border="0" /></a>A sweet little cafe along the river... It's located along Germany's river banks..<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB-bq_PMvI/AAAAAAAAANM/5bnaiRAd7X8/s1600-h/Picture+502.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB-bq_PMvI/AAAAAAAAANM/5bnaiRAd7X8/s320/Picture+502.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264846978257203954" border="0" /></a>Me, standing right in the middle of the border, with the grand view of the St. Peter's Church in the background..<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB-_3OPBYI/AAAAAAAAANU/ZaJ4JGRJRTs/s1600-h/Picture+506.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB-_3OPBYI/AAAAAAAAANU/ZaJ4JGRJRTs/s320/Picture+506.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264847600016622978" border="0" /></a>Blending into the historical city..<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB_1J7oe7I/AAAAAAAAANc/8mO1rfyoUHo/s1600-h/Picture+015a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRB_1J7oe7I/AAAAAAAAANc/8mO1rfyoUHo/s320/Picture+015a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264848515571940274" border="0" /></a>Reminds me of things that we normally see in Jonker Street, Melaka..<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRCAYAPi72I/AAAAAAAAANk/dAo-OqTfsjA/s1600-h/Picture+047a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRCAYAPi72I/AAAAAAAAANk/dAo-OqTfsjA/s320/Picture+047a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264849114266529634" border="0" /></a>We also managed to see a skilled glass maker in action. He uses the traditional blowing method to form beautiful shapes of glasses in his little store..<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRCA5jaqLdI/AAAAAAAAANs/c6Fv6D4Kigo/s1600-h/Picture+058.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRCA5jaqLdI/AAAAAAAAANs/c6Fv6D4Kigo/s320/Picture+058.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264849690644065746" border="0" /></a>An interesting monument in the Gorlitz 'newer' city... Don't know what it represents, but it is nice..<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRCBdltDvGI/AAAAAAAAAN0/cWhjLgrtq10/s1600-h/Picture+066.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRCBdltDvGI/AAAAAAAAAN0/cWhjLgrtq10/s320/Picture+066.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264850309733399650" border="0" /></a>Just a little evidence of being in Gorlitz. I had to strike a typical 'lepak' pose for it.. :D<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRCB8IatKwI/AAAAAAAAAN8/keQevbY0gm0/s1600-h/Picture+084.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRCB8IatKwI/AAAAAAAAAN8/keQevbY0gm0/s320/Picture+084.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264850834447739650" border="0" /></a>Me, in front of another eatery... I guess it was closed at that time...<br /><br />I guess that's all for now. Not very informative. Anyway, hope you enjoy the photos. It was a long journey to Gorlitz, but it was worth spending time there. And hey, I've WALKED into POLAND!! I bet not many people could say that and prove it.. :D<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRCCZ7ZRmEI/AAAAAAAAAOE/rql8L4knCo4/s1600-h/Picture+038.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SRCCZ7ZRmEI/AAAAAAAAAOE/rql8L4knCo4/s320/Picture+038.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264851346348152898" border="0" /></a>Will post again soon. Take care..Alvinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340435571870681329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704051101707731635.post-47335394690707353952008-10-30T12:13:00.000-07:002008-12-28T08:47:52.358-08:00A Day At The Zoo<div style="text-align: justify;">We went to the Leipzig Zoo on out third day in Leipzig, which was on a Sunday. It is located around 3 kilometers away from our apartment, and 6 of us went there together (Lingam, Daniel, Fang Fang, Chong, Wai Tat & me).<br /><br />It cost us 13 Euros to enter the zoo. As earlier briefed by our cultural trainer in Cyberjaya, Sundays are normally family day for the Germans. Indeed there were many people with their families around. Lots of them!<br /><br />Check out these photos from the zoo:<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoI7S0ZCnI/AAAAAAAAAKE/e_G6Xrpb7uM/s1600-h/Picture+217.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoI7S0ZCnI/AAAAAAAAAKE/e_G6Xrpb7uM/s320/Picture+217.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263028929292733042" border="0" /></a>Me at the entrance of the Zoo. Leipzig zoo is celebrating it's 130 years' anniversary this year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoLD9aUbiI/AAAAAAAAAKM/PgxNc7OcZiE/s1600-h/Picture+220.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoLD9aUbiI/AAAAAAAAAKM/PgxNc7OcZiE/s320/Picture+220.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263031277188312610" border="0" /></a>Upon entering, I saw these ducks which Stephanie love! =)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoLWEuh-mI/AAAAAAAAAKU/4s3xcr-GiwQ/s1600-h/Picture+234.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoLWEuh-mI/AAAAAAAAAKU/4s3xcr-GiwQ/s320/Picture+234.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263031588389780066" border="0" /></a>Almost all signboards and descriptions are in German. >:(<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoLxy1V9xI/AAAAAAAAAKc/ctuv3Z2TE0o/s1600-h/Picture+237.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoLxy1V9xI/AAAAAAAAAKc/ctuv3Z2TE0o/s320/Picture+237.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263032064622851858" border="0" /></a>There were penguins there too! Cute little chaps..<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoMMXgUUYI/AAAAAAAAAKk/Izmb09JL7ws/s1600-h/Picture+245.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoMMXgUUYI/AAAAAAAAAKk/Izmb09JL7ws/s320/Picture+245.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263032521143374210" border="0" /></a>An even more stunning-looking duck. Which reminds me that I want to eat duck noodle as soon as I return back to Melaka.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoMrE2JZ1I/AAAAAAAAAKs/ePVvUPFUxXk/s1600-h/Picture+247.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoMrE2JZ1I/AAAAAAAAAKs/ePVvUPFUxXk/s320/Picture+247.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263033048710604626" border="0" /></a>Buddha stays in the zoo in Germany!!! Sometimes in Asian restaurants too!! Pffffftttt!!! >:(<br />It was the entrance towards the 'Asian' side of the zoo, where you see orang-utan, tigers, etc..<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoNJax00eI/AAAAAAAAAK0/X_ZcNoSCZMs/s1600-h/Picture+250.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoNJax00eI/AAAAAAAAAK0/X_ZcNoSCZMs/s320/Picture+250.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263033569994133986" border="0" /></a>Group of posers!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoNiklspqI/AAAAAAAAAK8/sO3MiOlSxsQ/s1600-h/Picture+255.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoNiklspqI/AAAAAAAAAK8/sO3MiOlSxsQ/s320/Picture+255.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263034002124351138" border="0" /></a>The origin of man, along the wall... That young mother had to be in the frame. She stood there for quite a while, and I had no other better angle at that point..<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoOBbrg-OI/AAAAAAAAALE/S2s1eml_cQc/s1600-h/Picture+257.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoOBbrg-OI/AAAAAAAAALE/S2s1eml_cQc/s320/Picture+257.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263034532308777186" border="0" /></a>Check out the surroundings! It was simply amazing..<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoOiVC8DlI/AAAAAAAAALM/iWXzaVQ6iIY/s1600-h/Picture+267.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoOiVC8DlI/AAAAAAAAALM/iWXzaVQ6iIY/s320/Picture+267.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263035097463656018" border="0" /></a>A proud little meerkat strutting his stuff for eager visitors to take a snap of him.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoPDU1lQpI/AAAAAAAAALU/m_OfplOGLho/s1600-h/Picture+274.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoPDU1lQpI/AAAAAAAAALU/m_OfplOGLho/s320/Picture+274.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263035664343319186" border="0" /></a>Me in the colours of autumn...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoQEkvAaPI/AAAAAAAAALk/rGy_D7xvCwQ/s1600-h/Picture+293.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQoQEkvAaPI/AAAAAAAAALk/rGy_D7xvCwQ/s320/Picture+293.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263036785302202610" border="0" /></a>Me outside of the zoo. As a conclusion, Leipzig Zoo is a big and nice place to spend your weekend, but definitely not worth a visit by any Malaysians. You should really give it a consideration as a last resort should you be in Leipzig. We have more or less similar animals on display back at home, and for 13 Euros, I guess you can bring the whole family of 5 to Zoo Melaka at any time.<br /><br />Will post again soon. Take care!!</div>Alvinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340435571870681329noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704051101707731635.post-56883786573860564892008-10-27T15:05:00.000-07:002008-12-28T08:48:53.230-08:00Old City of Leipzig<div style="text-align: justify;">Tonight I will be showing some photos of the old city of Leipzig, which are actually the surroundings of my apartment area. Most buildings are old. Old and grand. A rather breathtaking view on the first sight. I remember the few of us roamed around the old city way past midnight on the second day we arrived.<br /><br />It has been raining almost the whole day today. I almost shivered while watching some funny blooper videos on Youtube.<br /><br />It's going to be a short post tonight as I need to catch some sleep earlier. Here it goes. Most photos were taken on our second day in Leipzig.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQY9-IkXzgI/AAAAAAAAAIs/goELBkVg2KY/s1600-h/Picture+120.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQY9-IkXzgI/AAAAAAAAAIs/goELBkVg2KY/s320/Picture+120.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261961352290225666" border="0" /></a>I look the same almost every other day. Have been wearing the NS sweater everywhere I go these past 1 week or so.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQY-geUtAxI/AAAAAAAAAI0/SoRdourUubk/s1600-h/Picture+150.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQY-geUtAxI/AAAAAAAAAI0/SoRdourUubk/s320/Picture+150.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261961942245638930" border="0" /></a>New friends who are closest to me these days. (L-R: Lingam, me, Chong, Wai Tat, Fang Fang & my co-cameraman Daniel who took this shot). Another good buddy of mine, Lee is not around with us on that day. Fang Fang is the only lady (she's married!) among all the Manufacturing Engineers hired for the first batch. Wai Tat looks freakishly similar to Kenneth.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQY_zWwYL9I/AAAAAAAAAI8/EbRJLoFQPaE/s1600-h/Picture+139.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQY_zWwYL9I/AAAAAAAAAI8/EbRJLoFQPaE/s320/Picture+139.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261963366143373266" border="0" /></a>The interesting monument in the middle of a dried up pool.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQZAIocFIHI/AAAAAAAAAJE/WyeXIJVv_I8/s1600-h/Picture+146.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQZAIocFIHI/AAAAAAAAAJE/WyeXIJVv_I8/s320/Picture+146.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261963731667329138" border="0" /></a>Ding dong bells... :D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQZAkmAqfFI/AAAAAAAAAJM/N2xYxp3XZXk/s1600-h/Picture+134.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQZAkmAqfFI/AAAAAAAAAJM/N2xYxp3XZXk/s320/Picture+134.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261964212051803218" border="0" /></a>It so happened that there were quite a number of tourists on that day, mostly senior citizens.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQZBJRYXe6I/AAAAAAAAAJU/v4UgrVRXwzw/s1600-h/Picture+142.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQZBJRYXe6I/AAAAAAAAAJU/v4UgrVRXwzw/s320/Picture+142.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261964842169236386" border="0" /></a>Snapping away with buttocks blocking my view was not fun. I hate it when I don't get a good angle that I want in my photos. So by being picky, sometimes I rather not shoot. But I will return to snap loads more when I have the time.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQZBp3YE6gI/AAAAAAAAAJc/9hIq_DeuSn4/s1600-h/Picture+143.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQZBp3YE6gI/AAAAAAAAAJc/9hIq_DeuSn4/s320/Picture+143.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261965402124380674" border="0" /></a>Many eateries and shopping outlets are occupying the old buildings around here.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQZCHmcRJHI/AAAAAAAAAJk/VRz5PLNdLBM/s1600-h/Picture+178.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQZCHmcRJHI/AAAAAAAAAJk/VRz5PLNdLBM/s320/Picture+178.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261965912974632050" border="0" /></a>An ancient church-looking museum within walking distance from my apartment.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQZClZWLT2I/AAAAAAAAAJs/n81ImXYKu_0/s1600-h/Picture+180.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQZClZWLT2I/AAAAAAAAAJs/n81ImXYKu_0/s320/Picture+180.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261966424855498594" border="0" /></a>Just a view to show how big it really is. Magnificent!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQZDILNLfuI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/B575R4HN6o8/s1600-h/Picture+188.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQZDILNLfuI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/B575R4HN6o8/s320/Picture+188.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261967022355087074" border="0" /></a>Big, expensive and posh cars are common in Leipzig too. I have seen a few Proton Wira Aeroback in Leipzig so far. I have not seen this kind of Mercedez before in Malaysia.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQZDirblxvI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/2Fr9Ca2mDl0/s1600-h/Picture+196.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQZDirblxvI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/2Fr9Ca2mDl0/s320/Picture+196.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261967477682063090" border="0" /></a>Baskers entertaining the crowd. There are different ones I have seen since the past 2 weeks here. These 2 guys were hitting some notes from The Beatles. And they are really fine singers.<br /><br />I will have to stop here for now. I need to sleep. Will be posting some photos from my zoo visit soon. Have a nice day!</div>Alvinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340435571870681329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704051101707731635.post-86007720987395467412008-10-26T13:06:00.000-07:002008-12-28T08:50:45.581-08:00Autumn & Interesting First Two Days<div style="text-align: justify;">Seventeen days ago when we first reached to Leipzig, most trees were still in shades of yellow and green. By now those trees opposite our apartment are almost left with bare branches.<br /><br />As of today, it has marked the end of daylight saving. Now I am 7 hours apart from Malaysia. At 5pm today, it is as good as the condition we normally see back home at around 7.30pm. I went to Aldi (Malaysian's favourite supermarket closest to us) earlier today at about 4.45pm. Finished shopping for a few items and left at 5.20pm, and it was already almost completely dark.<br /><br />Autumn is beautiful here. Dried leaves scattering around, yet looking pretty. It does not seem messy at all.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTQcdioOWI/AAAAAAAAAGk/M-k5_Bu2QeY/s1600-h/Picture+054.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTQcdioOWI/AAAAAAAAAGk/M-k5_Bu2QeY/s320/Picture+054.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261559452060367202" border="0" /></a>My way of saying "I've been through autumn". Somehow this photo is incomplete. Someone else's feet are missing from the photo... :(<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTRO9ffHhI/AAAAAAAAAGs/r6uXzt4fwqA/s1600-h/Picture+052.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTRO9ffHhI/AAAAAAAAAGs/r6uXzt4fwqA/s320/Picture+052.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261560319630581266" border="0" /></a>Another self-shot with a cam-whore pose. Check out that tree on top of my head. It was full with yellow leaves 17 days ago. By now what's left are only a few leaves battling to cling onto the branches..<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTS8f4F7VI/AAAAAAAAAG0/uWpLMZOxb90/s1600-h/Picture+166.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTS8f4F7VI/AAAAAAAAAG0/uWpLMZOxb90/s320/Picture+166.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261562201466334546" border="0" /></a>Took this shot on our second day while strolling around our neighbourhood.<br /><br />Observe the surroundings in my coming posts. You can see how beautiful autumn is. Now I will show some of the interesting stuffs I see in in the first few days of extensive strolling around in the old city of Leipzig.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTVfL6yVqI/AAAAAAAAAG8/slTLQVI62ow/s1600-h/Picture+065.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTVfL6yVqI/AAAAAAAAAG8/slTLQVI62ow/s320/Picture+065.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261564996427601570" border="0" /></a>Saw this typical English double-decker bus on the first day in Leipzig. It is still operating around the city. Haven't seen much of them though.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTWuwDVmxI/AAAAAAAAAHE/rEmA9v03-sY/s1600-h/Picture+037.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTWuwDVmxI/AAAAAAAAAHE/rEmA9v03-sY/s320/Picture+037.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261566363336809234" border="0" /></a>And surprise surprise!! A trishaw in Leipzig!! Very cool looking thing. The trishaw puller sits in a manner where we see bikers riding on a chopper ride. It's not does not have an engine. The trishaw puller paddles it just like a bicycle.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTZhAJTp0I/AAAAAAAAAHM/Gn9LvPDsfNM/s1600-h/Picture+074.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTZhAJTp0I/AAAAAAAAAHM/Gn9LvPDsfNM/s320/Picture+074.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261569425673529154" border="0" /></a>The biggest train station in Europe, 5 minutes walking distance from our apartment block. The Leipzig Hauptbahnhof. It caters not only a train station, but also 3 floors of extensive shopping centre. This is where Aldi located, and I walk there to buy my goods a few times in a week. One thing which is different in Leipzig's supermarkets compared to Malaysia is that, they do not provide plastic bag. Remember that I mentioned that they are very eco-friendly? Yes, and if you really need a plastic bag from Aldi, you got to pay 9 cents for a piece of it.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTbM7hMupI/AAAAAAAAAHc/RlXwAAerQdA/s1600-h/Picture+080.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTbM7hMupI/AAAAAAAAAHc/RlXwAAerQdA/s320/Picture+080.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261571279857433234" border="0" /></a>Inside of Hauptbahnhof. It was on the first day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTcIzDd6mI/AAAAAAAAAHk/frsKnwaUUgQ/s1600-h/Picture+083.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTcIzDd6mI/AAAAAAAAAHk/frsKnwaUUgQ/s320/Picture+083.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261572308377397858" border="0" /></a>Check out the Pizza Hut outlet in such a grand setting.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTcjQP_6iI/AAAAAAAAAHs/J7pZDdjM-nQ/s1600-h/Picture+087.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTcjQP_6iI/AAAAAAAAAHs/J7pZDdjM-nQ/s320/Picture+087.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261572762891184674" border="0" /></a>A wood carver creating one of his masterpiece inside of the Hauptbahnhof.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTdJyVPezI/AAAAAAAAAH0/TTg-r8zFVPo/s1600-h/Picture+089.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTdJyVPezI/AAAAAAAAAH0/TTg-r8zFVPo/s320/Picture+089.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261573424875010866" border="0" /></a>Some kind of travelling gadget on display.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">In Leipzig, a popular mode of transportation is the bicycle. They are everywhere. Almost everyone rides bicycle. Old, young, office workers, ladies in high-heeled-boots, everyone. And almost everywhere.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTedHMB7mI/AAAAAAAAAH8/XK2BBbgl3fE/s1600-h/Picture+068.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTedHMB7mI/AAAAAAAAAH8/XK2BBbgl3fE/s320/Picture+068.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261574856402660962" border="0" /></a>Bikes for rent.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTe4osxiLI/AAAAAAAAAIE/3LxxxZwg7XI/s1600-h/Picture+116.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTe4osxiLI/AAAAAAAAAIE/3LxxxZwg7XI/s320/Picture+116.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261575329254836402" border="0" /></a>I see them all the time through my apartment window.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTfjy9PTMI/AAAAAAAAAIM/aoDo1iF_Hu0/s1600-h/Picture+085.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTfjy9PTMI/AAAAAAAAAIM/aoDo1iF_Hu0/s320/Picture+085.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261576070742625474" border="0" /></a>I even see them indoors in Hauptbahnhof.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTgRuntMzI/AAAAAAAAAIU/HktiXtwn3Kc/s1600-h/Picture+192.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTgRuntMzI/AAAAAAAAAIU/HktiXtwn3Kc/s320/Picture+192.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261576859852550962" border="0" /></a>I guess they even cycle to the casino. Yes, there is a casino nearby. See the red signage on top of 'petersbogen'. And oh, there's a cool Maggi cafe around too, selling Maggi stuffs. They're a little expensive though. I did not go into the Maggi outlet.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQThOO-uU6I/AAAAAAAAAIc/A5coCHyZ2Ug/s1600-h/Picture+193.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQThOO-uU6I/AAAAAAAAAIc/A5coCHyZ2Ug/s320/Picture+193.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261577899331179426" border="0" /></a>The Maggi shop. I always thought Maggi was Malaysian, until I Googled for it and learned through Wikipedia that Maggi originates from Switzerland since 1872.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTiAL87CaI/AAAAAAAAAIk/vZESaicSFmc/s1600-h/Picture+194.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQTiAL87CaI/AAAAAAAAAIk/vZESaicSFmc/s320/Picture+194.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261578757511776674" border="0" /></a>Mr. Maggi inside the cafe. Even the cafe looked posh.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I think I will stop here now. It is 10.35pm here; 5.35am in Malaysia. I need to sleep earlier tonight. There's much to do still. Whole lot of assignments, reports and also project papers to compile. I will show some photos of the Leipzig's old city soon. Goodnight!</div>Alvinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340435571870681329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704051101707731635.post-48330595064021468532008-10-25T15:01:00.000-07:002008-12-28T08:52:40.451-08:00Tuesdays & Fridays - Market Day<div style="text-align: justify;">It has been a long day. Went to Gorlitz this morning and spent whole day there. Anyway, I would be showing some of the views of Leipzig's market which are set every Tuesdays and Fridays, from 8am-5pm. These photos were taken on the first day that we reached Leipzig, during our mini tour by Katya and Neil.<br /><br />It's very hard to communicate with the people around in Leipzig, especially the older ones. Some of them speak and understand very little English, but most of them totally speak none other than Deutsch. Sometimes you ask something in English, and they would blabber away in Deutsch. It's as good as a Mat Salleh stopping by asking you something in English, and you 'rembat' them with loads of BM. That's another thing which is weird here. They don't care you don't speak their language.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We are smart enough to gently approach the younger ones with a simple opening, 'Hello, do you speak English?' If they do, only then we would proceed with questions. We dare not try to be a smart ass, trying to open the little 'useful' simple phrases books to begin a conversation with, as you will never understand any of their replies.<br /><br />We commonly use 'Hallo' (Hello), 'Gooten Morgen' (Good morning), 'Danke' (Thank you) and 'Tchuss' (Sounds more like "juice" when they pronounce it) for goodbye. 'Ya' is yes and 'Nein' is no. Middle fingers are universal I suppose. Haven't gotten any of them yet. Hehehe..<br /><br />Back to the market scene, here we go:<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQOYoz6Z7lI/AAAAAAAAAEc/ILHHvbtXjxE/s1600-h/Picture+043.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQOYoz6Z7lI/AAAAAAAAAEc/ILHHvbtXjxE/s320/Picture+043.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261216616596237906" border="0" /></a>A little stall selling various types of cheese. Too many for me to confidently take my time to browse, afraid of them asking me something weird-sounding.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQOc6Rvhh8I/AAAAAAAAAEk/oLj3oq0SHZs/s1600-h/Picture+036.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQOc6Rvhh8I/AAAAAAAAAEk/oLj3oq0SHZs/s320/Picture+036.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261221314707949506" border="0" /></a>Huge pumpkins, as huge as (some are HUGER than) the buttocks of those old ladies bending over just as I was clicking my shutter button.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQOdg91K-JI/AAAAAAAAAEs/0eL_uo1hf1U/s1600-h/Picture+042.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQOdg91K-JI/AAAAAAAAAEs/0eL_uo1hf1U/s320/Picture+042.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261221979377825938" border="0" /></a>More huge pumpkins. Pineapples are called 'Ananas' here. Fruits and veggies here are much fresher compared to Aldi, our favourite supermarket in the train station. So fresh that tomatoes looks fake, and too beautiful to be eaten.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQOmH0IEYBI/AAAAAAAAAFU/J3BkDkvvhz4/s1600-h/Picture+300.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQOmH0IEYBI/AAAAAAAAAFU/J3BkDkvvhz4/s320/Picture+300.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261231442880651282" border="0" /></a>Not forgetting, fruits are VERY CHEAP here compared to Malaysia. Those green grapes (From Italy) cost only 1 Euro for 1kg, and the 5 plums only cost me 71 Euro cents. The Wellafoam was placed in the middle so that you could imagine how much, and how big they are. The grapes and plums are of normal sizes I would say. But they do sell giant oranges. I will buy one when I go to the market again.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQOe7rzOEII/AAAAAAAAAE8/HQouQBzCtLA/s1600-h/Picture+044.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQOe7rzOEII/AAAAAAAAAE8/HQouQBzCtLA/s320/Picture+044.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261223537905897602" border="0" /></a>Flowers.. Plants.. They look good, but didn't take many shots that time. The seller was pissed off because the Malaysian group were crowding his stall, blocking the view of his other 'potential buyers'. He shouted something in German, in which a short argument took place between Katja and him. We had the impression that they could be as nasty as Petaling Street Joes if they want to.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQOfbpMLl9I/AAAAAAAAAFE/KmYXIHILs5k/s1600-h/Picture+046.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQOfbpMLl9I/AAAAAAAAAFE/KmYXIHILs5k/s320/Picture+046.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261224086961100754" border="0" /></a>A stall selling many type of bread, cakes and other delicacies. Have not tried it yet, and it has been 16 days since I have been i Leipzig now. Will try them soon.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQOgIdWr3hI/AAAAAAAAAFM/yN9D8CxgKjo/s1600-h/Picture+045.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQOgIdWr3hI/AAAAAAAAAFM/yN9D8CxgKjo/s320/Picture+045.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261224856878046738" border="0" /></a>A crazy shirtless man. He shouts when he speaks, everywhere he goes. Have seen him 3 times since I came to Leipzig. The second time was a few days later, he was in a middle of an argument with someone, somewhere near the marketplace again. The last time I saw him was a few days ago. He got beaten up by some punks (Yes, real punks with coloured punk hair, tattoos, piercings, clothings, punk LIFESTYLE). We passed by the group of punks who were minding their own business near the train station; drinking, begging for money and being merry. Somehow I guess Mr. Loudmouth came shouting or something, and as we walked back from the rain station towards our apartment, we saw him sitting on the ground, shirtless again, bleeding a little from the back of his head. There were a lot of Polizei (Police) officers around him, and the big group of punks have dispersed. Only a few left for questioning.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">A little insight of what we have seen so far. There are many young adults who are into punk lifestyle. People here have multi-coloured hair, young to old. It looks nice on them. Shocking pink, electric blue, deep purple, everything. Very cool.<br /><br />Anyway, speaking of punks in Leipzig, they are generally peaceful group of people with an alternative choice of lifestyle. Through my observation, they do not even bother to stare at others. They mind their own business, but yes, they do look intimidating. Intimidating and loud. Unlike our local heroes, whenever they are in a group of 5, our local heroes rule the street. One stare at them and you get your whole family cursed, if you're lucky. If lady luck is not on your side, you get beaten up, robbed, and sometimes knifed for nothing. I really appreciate the lifestyle in Leipzig. It has been said many times to us, Leipzig is the safest city in Germany. I dare not aim my camera at the punks though. Stay away from trouble...<br /><br />Got to stop now. I would be posting some nice shots of autumn and interesting stuffs I see again soon. Till then, take care!</div>Alvinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340435571870681329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704051101707731635.post-21548889802363016262008-10-24T15:39:00.000-07:002008-10-24T16:23:07.605-07:00Things That I Commonly SeeTonight's post will be a short one, as I need to sleep early tonight. Going to follow the company trip to Gorlitz, which is located somewhere nearby the borders of Czech and also Poland (If I'm not wrong). It is 12.45am here.<br /><br />Tonight I will show the common views I see everyday from my bedroom window. Most of the time my big window will be shut tight, and the little one would only be opened at the top for ventilation. That is cold enough to make me shiver after showers. And oh yes, I still do take shower twice a day. Can still take the chills for the time being.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQJQqvmE1FI/AAAAAAAAADs/tFuDA-REluI/s1600-h/Picture+093.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQJQqvmE1FI/AAAAAAAAADs/tFuDA-REluI/s320/Picture+093.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260856009983054930" border="0" /></a>This would be the view that I see everyday. It is another apartment blok opposite mine. Looks nicer from the outside, but the apartment units are quite similar to mine. Some of us are located there. The only difference is they are 1-room studio apartment good for one person. Everything is smaller, and they don't have a living room. Good for total privacy, but boredom could drive one crazy, being far away from home and isolated from others. Just a nice thinker from a bitter me. Hehehe..<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQJRxfAmEbI/AAAAAAAAAD0/4OSDU14uL54/s1600-h/Picture+092.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQJRxfAmEbI/AAAAAAAAAD0/4OSDU14uL54/s320/Picture+092.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260857225301594546" border="0" /></a>Some museum on the right, just slightly down the road. Don't know what is interesting there. Have no plans of visiting it. Bet that most of the descriptions are in German anyway.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQJSOARaFoI/AAAAAAAAAD8/20dnRnvs37w/s1600-h/Picture+096.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQJSOARaFoI/AAAAAAAAAD8/20dnRnvs37w/s320/Picture+096.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260857715266819714" border="0" /></a>Notice that yellow building with nice little windows on the rooftop? It's wonderful. This view is coming from Hang's room.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQJSs69RT7I/AAAAAAAAAEE/1NKtUJ5xTgc/s1600-h/Picture+095.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQJSs69RT7I/AAAAAAAAAEE/1NKtUJ5xTgc/s320/Picture+095.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260858246416125874" border="0" /></a>Some kind of artistic monument on the walkway of the opposite apartment. Don't know what they represent or mean, but in Leipzig, apparently people love art and expressions. You can see graffiti everywhere, mostly on walls of abandoned buildings, highways, almost everywhere. It is not considered vandalism. It's art. Go figure...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQJToa7AT5I/AAAAAAAAAEM/w7l4L3_Q_es/s1600-h/Picture+301.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQJToa7AT5I/AAAAAAAAAEM/w7l4L3_Q_es/s320/Picture+301.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260859268608839570" border="0" /></a>Every Tuesdays and Fridays, there would be a market set up just opposite my block. Many things are sold, mainly meat, sausages, cheese, breads and cakes, and not forgetting fruits. Lots of beautiful flowers are sold too. I will post what I see in the market maybe tomorrow. The market starts at about 8am, and lasts until about 5pm. That green car in the middle of the photo was actually a marketing gimmick for a new car model which is apparently eco-friendly. Germans are very concerned about pollution and they practice recycling very religiously.<br /><br />That's all for tonight. Oh, I also saw a hot air balloon passing by from my window during my first week in Leipzig. It was a pleasant surprise.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQJVEX_DDwI/AAAAAAAAAEU/kN7QYFXFxnM/s1600-h/Picture+298.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQJVEX_DDwI/AAAAAAAAAEU/kN7QYFXFxnM/s320/Picture+298.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260860848368455426" border="0" /></a>Oh before I end, we were informed that the time would be changing on Sunday. Daylight saving time would end, which means at 3am on 26 October 2008, the clock would be to be changed to 2am. Winter is approaching. I don't know what to expect. So does the locals. Some says it would even go down to -15 degrees Celsius during winter. Apparently it is 6 degrees outside right now according to Google results. I could feel the chills right now through the little opening of my window. I hope there would be snow. That would really complete this journey. Good night.Alvinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340435571870681329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704051101707731635.post-8584862526845745892008-10-23T16:47:00.000-07:002008-12-28T08:55:21.790-08:00My Apartment Unit<div style="text-align: justify;">Ok. A continuation from yesterday's post. It is almost 2am here right now. Just finished washing some clothes and also chat with some colleagues over Skype. Made some really good friends over here already.<br /><br />The journey from Frankfurt to Leipzig took less than 1 hour, somewhere like 45 minutes. From the sky I saw large green fields everywhere and was excited to see some windmills for the very first time in real life, with the exception to the small, non-functional decorative windmill in Melaka's clock tower area.<br /><br />Two Q-Cells' HR rep were already waiting for us in Leipzig airport, Katja and Nils. Katya speaks a spanking good Indonesian Malay; better than any Chinese-educated Jinjang Joes, while Nils is an intern, and it was his second day on the job.<br /><br />Meet Katja and Nils:<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQEO891kV3I/AAAAAAAAAB8/MeSfT0A96Ok/s1600-h/Picture+032.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQEO891kV3I/AAAAAAAAAB8/MeSfT0A96Ok/s320/Picture+032.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260502280299632498" border="0" /></a>The journey from Leipzig's airport to our apartment took about half an hour, and I pass the airport everyday to work. I didn't know who I was going to be staying with until the point that they started to distribute the apartment keys to us in the bus. Luckily I am partnered with a nice guy from Cheras/Setapak (I'm not too sure now). His name is Hang. Daniel Hang. He's that guy with glasses standing on left most in the group photo of my first post. I have not taken a photo together with him yet somehow in my own collection. Maybe there's some in other's camera.<br /><br />Our apartment unit is kinda like a studio apartment, with 1 room and a hall, kitchen area, batroom/toilet and also 1 small room which is large enough to hang clothes for cold drying and storing stuffs. Actually is a decent enough room for a maid I would say. The apartment unit is meant for 2 persons, as the living/dining room is also fitted with bed and cupboards. We decided on flipping coins on deciding who makes the call to choose his choice of room. I flipped the coin and got the chance to pick. I guess it is only natural for everyone to choose a proper room rather than staying in the living room. He was cool about it, as the living room also has a door fitted for privacy. Our room doors were never closed anyway.. The difference is that he has TV and sofa in his room.<br /></div><br />View of my apartment block:<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQES5Xb_YrI/AAAAAAAAACM/4tXSvl8TG_U/s1600-h/Picture+049.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQES5Xb_YrI/AAAAAAAAACM/4tXSvl8TG_U/s320/Picture+049.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260506616498709170" border="0" /></a>I stay on the second floor in the blue and white building on the left of the photo. Have not gotten a decent full view of my apartment unit yet. According to Nils, the building must have been standing since the Cold War era, looking from it's structure.<br /><br />Ok now let me show you my room:<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQETvsHyvzI/AAAAAAAAACU/dsO82p84WUs/s1600-h/Picture+097.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQETvsHyvzI/AAAAAAAAACU/dsO82p84WUs/s320/Picture+097.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260507549764075314" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The square thingy beside the bed is the heater unit. There's a lot of Ikea stuffs in the apartment. And notice how big is the pillow? Big but soft. And there's also that small pillow I took out from Lufthansa. The pillow case mum bought for me from Aussino doesn't fit.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQEUA4w80GI/AAAAAAAAACc/z9k0uRUvN-8/s1600-h/Picture+098.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQEUA4w80GI/AAAAAAAAACc/z9k0uRUvN-8/s320/Picture+098.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260507845215703138" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There's a drawer/writing table opposite my bed. The annoying tray of decorative dried flowers is now on the floor beside my luggage, and I use the table top to use my laptop and store some clothes inside the drawers.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQEU6QYMZXI/AAAAAAAAACk/2z2P3HN2amU/s1600-h/Picture+099.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQEU6QYMZXI/AAAAAAAAACk/2z2P3HN2amU/s320/Picture+099.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260508830806861170" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">My big cupboard with large mirrored-doors, and also another shelf on it's side. This is a very blurred photo.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQEVvMYbK2I/AAAAAAAAACs/AzHbKwL6d7g/s1600-h/Picture+104.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQEVvMYbK2I/AAAAAAAAACs/AzHbKwL6d7g/s320/Picture+104.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260509740267154274" border="0" /></a>A nice little table beside my bed, with an Ikea lamp:<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQEWczROyQI/AAAAAAAAAC0/X42Ss40Gt3M/s1600-h/Picture+105.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQEWczROyQI/AAAAAAAAAC0/X42Ss40Gt3M/s320/Picture+105.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260510523800078594" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">One thing caught our attention when we came in and inspected the apartment unit as instructed by HR people. My apartment-mate, Hang called out for me saying that his window was toppling down. We thought there were some screws not properly secured on the window panel and reported about this 'potential risk of windows toppling down our heads' to Katja. She immediately followed Hang and inspected it. She said it is how German's windows are built, and we finally figured out that it is meant to be opened 2 ways. One way is to open it out wide sideways, and the other was to enable it to be slightly opened on the top section for ventilation. Hehehe.. Both of us were really embarrassed for our 'kayu-ness'. Have a look at what I was talking about. Notice the ventilation gap:<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQEYY0Acd6I/AAAAAAAAADE/YbU1j_q5n2Q/s1600-h/Picture+108.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQEYY0Acd6I/AAAAAAAAADE/YbU1j_q5n2Q/s320/Picture+108.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260512654301886370" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Now into our little kitchen. There's a small fridge, toaster, coffee maker (we don't know how to use it yet), cooker hood and complete set of frying pan, 2 sizes of small periuk (whatever you call it in English). Lots of plates, coffee mugs, glasses, fork, spoon, tea spoon. Everything complete. Tip top. Plates and all comes from Ikea. Very nice to use.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQEZgTw9R9I/AAAAAAAAADM/nvqFYMT3WXs/s1600-h/Picture+110.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQEZgTw9R9I/AAAAAAAAADM/nvqFYMT3WXs/s320/Picture+110.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260513882597574610" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQEZwtnc9NI/AAAAAAAAADU/MEhHGVHc4T8/s1600-h/Picture+111.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQEZwtnc9NI/AAAAAAAAADU/MEhHGVHc4T8/s320/Picture+111.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260514164414936274" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQEaIFEGlpI/AAAAAAAAADk/mi0imdS3vwY/s1600-h/Picture+113.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQEaIFEGlpI/AAAAAAAAADk/mi0imdS3vwY/s320/Picture+113.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260514565846111890" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQEZ-BKyJHI/AAAAAAAAADc/XoUK2kyQIEc/s1600-h/Picture+112.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SQEZ-BKyJHI/AAAAAAAAADc/XoUK2kyQIEc/s320/Picture+112.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260514393001698418" border="0" /></a>Alright. It is almost 2.45 am now. I think I have to sleep now. Planning to go to the morning market tomorrow at 9am. There's a morning market just opposite my block, every Tuesday and also Friday. Will update things that I see soon...</div>Alvinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340435571870681329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2704051101707731635.post-54827622177941241342008-10-22T17:39:00.000-07:002008-12-28T08:56:29.242-08:00A 25-Hour Travel<div style="text-align: justify;">I flew off from KLIA on 9/10/2008 at about 9.15pm, together with another 14 persons reporting to Q-Cells AG in Thalheim. The destination was Leipzig, Germany. The flight was routed with 2 transits in between KLIA and Leipzig. I flew into Leipzig through Lufthansa.<br /><br />We stopped at the first transit point; Bangkok, and it took them 2 hours in between refueling and picking up more passengers, mainly Europeans. They did not allow us to go down from the airplane. All of us who travelled from KLIA had to go through excruciating heat as they shut off the air conditioning in the cabin. As more and more people were in the plane, I felt sweat breaking out and I had to take off my Adidas sweater I was wearing. Mat-Salleh walked in looking tanned and some carrying with them weird huge rattan souveniors from Thailand. Some walked in alone, and I thought to myself, "hmmm.. he must be a pedophile...." Hehehe<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">After Bangkok, our flight headed for Frankfurt, whereby the journey took God-knows how many hours. 17 hours I guess. During the flight, I felt at certain time an extreme degree of uneasiness, discomfort, stiffening muscles and joints. Watched a pre-recorded Animal Planet show on the little TV in between the cabin lanes, and listened to 1 channel that played old-school 80s English pop songs which kept repeating after the sequence ended. The rest of the song channels played some weird, gypsy sounding German songs, German opera singers, and some really weird German classics (I guess)..<br /><br />Throughout the journey, it appeared dark in the sky. I couldn't help it but to walk around a little in the plane a few times, peeking out off the window panes on seats meant for the air stewardess (I had to sit in the middle row), whenever she was not around. The view of the Earth at night was beautiful from the sky. I saw small city lights, orangy-yellow in colour and see how towns and streets were carefully planned.<br /><br />I had to head myself to the loo just 20 minutes before we touched down in Frankfurt. Had some funky feelings in my tummy after 3 rounds of weird German servings in the plane. Well, shitting in mid-air was not that bad as I thought it would be. Just that the damn flush was simply too loud. No water in the flushes that I can see. I guess they must have used some super-strong vacuuming system to suck off all those nuggets and slurpees left behind.<br /><br />We were stuck in Frankfurt for almost 4 hours waiting for the next plane to Leipzig. We arrived at about 6.40am German time (almost 1pm in Malaysia). With nothing much to do, most of us kept ourselves occupied by snapping some photos and also trying to figure out foreign sign boards around the airport.<br /><br />Just half of us in the frame:<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SP_XOHORKhI/AAAAAAAAABU/TQH_morKb38/s1600-h/Picture+021.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SP_XOHORKhI/AAAAAAAAABU/TQH_morKb38/s320/Picture+021.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260159527249062418" border="0" /></a><br />Some interesting views that I saw:<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SP_V76FfGFI/AAAAAAAAABE/q8_AV_4Yql4/s1600-h/Picture+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SP_V76FfGFI/AAAAAAAAABE/q8_AV_4Yql4/s320/Picture+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260158114973292626" border="0" /></a>In Germany, recycling is highly appreciated and practiced. You can see recycling bins everywhere you go, at every corner of the street.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SP_WgAMcCQI/AAAAAAAAABM/Rv20axrc3h0/s1600-h/Picture+015.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SP_WgAMcCQI/AAAAAAAAABM/Rv20axrc3h0/s320/Picture+015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260158735088355586" border="0" /></a>Subhi and me posing with a super sporty looking KIA car in Frankfurt airport.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SP_XhAdKLfI/AAAAAAAAABc/vEcHVSf1vdQ/s1600-h/Picture+018.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SP_XhAdKLfI/AAAAAAAAABc/vEcHVSf1vdQ/s320/Picture+018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260159851849985522" border="0" /></a>There's quite a number of bicycles in the airport too. Bicycles are mostly used by airport personnel. I don't know who this old man is, but it was really something different to me to see people cycling in airports.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SP_YNkJu6vI/AAAAAAAAABk/BrUKB5IiKig/s1600-h/Picture+022.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SP_YNkJu6vI/AAAAAAAAABk/BrUKB5IiKig/s320/Picture+022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260160617346427634" border="0" /></a>A part of the airport building being demolished for some reasons unknown to us...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SP_YzNogb4I/AAAAAAAAABs/65KOD4VxqP0/s1600-h/Picture+024.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SP_YzNogb4I/AAAAAAAAABs/65KOD4VxqP0/s320/Picture+024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260161264136515458" border="0" /></a>A really interesting cloud formation. Wish I could edit this photo, but I can't for now due to some restrictions of software installations in my laptop.<br /></div><br />And finally....<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SP_ZSMmf9eI/AAAAAAAAAB0/vREx7yxbM5Y/s1600-h/Picture+023.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IoHjXKtLPA/SP_ZSMmf9eI/AAAAAAAAAB0/vREx7yxbM5Y/s320/Picture+023.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260161796435604962" border="0" /></a>Me, taking a self-shot while waiting for the plane to Leipzig. This was taken next to our check in counter of Lufthansa, in Frankfurt.</div>Alvinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340435571870681329noreply@blogger.com0