2 months worth of update about my life in Europe
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Fall has been beautiful; I love how the leaves are changing colours and enjoy playing with the fallen leaves while listening to the rustling of the leaves. The leaves are falling and this sight makes me kinda sad but on a side note, Winter is coming! I'm excited for Christmas, more importantly a WHITE Christmas... SNOW!! Also, as Winter is approaching, the day is getting shorter and it gets dark really quickly. I don't favour that but WINTER is gonna be here soon!
{5:29PM, blogging in Germany}
Guten Tag. It has been almost 2 months since my last update on this space and please understand why I've been on a hiatus. It's just that I've been so held up with school, after-school activities and weekend travelling so the only opportunity I had was to update my social media platforms i.e. Facebook/Instagram/Twitter. Sooo, l just got back from an impromptu solo trip to Stuttgart yesterday and this weekend is a more relaxing one since it's a stay-home Sunday. And here I am making the craziest decision to write a post on 2 months/52 days of my life in Europe.
Stuttgart is my 3rd impromptu solo trip so far and it doesn't stop. Travelling alone may sound scary which indeed it is but at the same time, I have learnt a lot and mustered the courage to travel alone. All these has changed me, in fact nurtured me. Somehow I like to travel alone because I can feel free to do whatever I want to, in other words, travel at my own pace and do as I like.
As I was saying, the trip to Stuttgart was a relaxing one too. I was just taking my time exploring the city and enjoying the view of the castle and architecture, chilling on a bench while watching skaters do their thing, passers-by chatting (in German) and taking random pictures of Autumn leaves. Even though there wasn't much sightseeing to do, I thoroughly enjoyed the visit to Stuttgart because the atmosphere felt really peaceful and alive at the same time with christmas food stores and a skating rink already set up.
Christmas tree PLANTED in Schlossplatz of Stuttgart. Yes it's a real tree, unlike Singapore's christmas tree......
Milaneo
I like how they even decorated the construction cranes with Christmas lights.
Heaven, literally.
The Neues Schloss (New Palace)
Me chilling on a bench across the New Palace, taking in everything in my sight, which includes staring at the Fall leaves.
Schillerplatz
Staatstheater Stuttgart
Looking at Stuttgart in the night before heading to Milaneo.
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But thankfully, my lovely international friends have made school less boring. I will definitely miss having to hang out with them during breaks, after school, during sports and many more. Here are some random pictures taken with the photo booth.
I'm also thankful to my lovely friends for their small thoughts like when they buy me breakfast (Berliner) after knowing that I was hungry in class.
for being so crazy and hilarious haha, yes that is my spectacles.
and making food for me!
...and more food. French pastry!
That goat cheese ummm
..........Breakdown of what has happened so far *drum roll*..........
14 & 15 Nov'14 (Day 73&74) - 5/6th paper down so party time!
Probably the 'best night eva' because of an empty dance floor at the Airport1 Club in Mosbach. Impromptu short road trip there, meeting weird old men which I shall not elaborate further about the funny situation. And just us, girls, posing in front of a camera.
8 to 10 Dec'14 - Trip to Rome, Italy
Beginning of the trip to Rome was horrendous because we had so much problems just trying to get to our destination — Rome. The first problem we had was getting to the airport. Again, there was the occurrence of the German train strikes so our train ride from Mosbach to Mannheim got cancelled last minute. Taking risks, we drove to Mannheim with our French friend's car (thank god for GPS) and then took the next connecting train from Mannheim to Mainz.
An hour+ bus ride to the Airport so yes I was bored and decided to take selfies with my cuppa.
Last problem was the freaking online check-in issue with RyanAir. I was so upset because I had to pay an additional 70 euros and accused of not doing my online check-in beforehand (WHICH I DID). I paid that stupid fee anyway. Overall, I spent a bomb for transportation during this trip because of the check-in nonsense and also the carpark fee where we parked the car at Mannheim station for 3 days. On top of those, I spent unnecessary transportation money on metro tickets because I thought the girls were going to take the metro from place to place, only to find out that they didn't have the intention to explore much of the city. And so, I ended up exploring the city myself, by foot, thus making the 6 euros daily pass utterly useless. Anyhow, I enjoyed my trip to Rome, allowing myself to be overwhelmed by knowledge from the Roman Empire and the ancient culture. I felt so lucky to be able to see everything there is to see from the Empire and understand the history of the classical world.
Had to take another bus from the Airport to the city centre, which lasted for about 30 minutes. Damn, the bus drivers there are crazy, they horn and scold impatiently, not forgetting, drive pretty recklessly.
3 to 7 Dec'14 - Hamburg, Germany
Twinning hehehe
Ponts Couverts
The park and zoo :-)
First ever solo trip was to Würzburg. Really impromptu because I only decided to go after waking up from a party the previous night (still feeling tired) and thought of exploring cities alone since I had no plans for the 4-day weekend!
After travelling on my own, I realised that it has changed me to a more independent being, it allowed me to see and learn things I couldn't have seen or learn if I weren't alone. It changed me for the better (of course) because I had no one to depend on but myself. Before I took off on this trip, I was nervous and afraid to venture out into a place that was still foreign to me (and also because it was so last minute). Not being able to speak German fluently was an obstacle that made travelling alone difficult since I couldn't ask for help as easily. But I am proud to say that I have plucked up the courage by going all out. Definitely didn't regret making a decision to travel alone! Some may say that it is depressing to travel alone, without company because you would be doing EVERYTHING on your own including having meals by yourself. But no, that is a misconception. I saw so many things and enjoyed the trip much more because I didn't have to entertain anyone else by talking to friends or having to think of topics to talk. I simply immersed in the beauty of the city and the landscapes while appreciating my own company. Just goes to show how much I have learnt to trust myself and love myself for who I am as well. Making solo trips also let me find out hidden talents or characters of myself I didn't know existed. Sounds kinda cray but I have grown to love myself so much more right now and to me, I believe that that is the most important thing a person should have. Now I am more confident of loving someone or giving love to others because I have mastered the skills of loving myself FIRST.
Also, getting lost in a beautiful city is probably one of the most amazing things that I have done so far. Lost is a negative word but I really would not mind getting lost (of course having to find my way back too).
As the quote goes "Not all who wander are lost."
For all the cities that I have travelled to alone, I wander around WITHOUT a map. I didn't like to restrict myself to a map and visit only the popular sights and also because I suck at reading maps (not the main point but yeah). So I just wander, walk, relax and enjoy whatever that came into view.
The fountain outside the hauptbahnhof! Würzburg has a lot of statues, pretty cool. And I just found out that our school is organising a trip to Würzburg, so I'll be heading to that city again in about 2 weeks' time. I guess I will be seeing a little more since there will be guided tours arranged for us.
Pistachio gelato! It was so good. I love pistachio even though my favourite ice cream flavour is still macadamia nut. I've tried so many gelato flavours, I can't remember all the different flavours I've tried (reason why I didn't write the flavours down for all the gelatos I've had). I think I would have had so so many cones of gelato and tried all the various types of flavours by the time I return to Singapore.
And that is the St. Killian Cathedral.
Probably the 'best night eva' because of an empty dance floor at the Airport1 Club in Mosbach. Impromptu short road trip there, meeting weird old men which I shall not elaborate further about the funny situation. And just us, girls, posing in front of a camera.
8 to 10 Dec'14 - Trip to Rome, Italy
FYI, we left the apartment at 4:30AM. So hello sunrise.
At Mainz, we had to take Bus 600 to Frankfurt Hahn Airport and then there was our second problem. First off, we had a little difficulty finding the bus stop. After arriving at the bus stop (with the help of a passer-by), I realised the bus does not arrive at the expected timing which would result in being late for the check-in. Thankfully, that didn't matter.
Got some Starbucks while waiting.
Last problem was the freaking online check-in issue with RyanAir. I was so upset because I had to pay an additional 70 euros and accused of not doing my online check-in beforehand (WHICH I DID). I paid that stupid fee anyway. Overall, I spent a bomb for transportation during this trip because of the check-in nonsense and also the carpark fee where we parked the car at Mannheim station for 3 days. On top of those, I spent unnecessary transportation money on metro tickets because I thought the girls were going to take the metro from place to place, only to find out that they didn't have the intention to explore much of the city. And so, I ended up exploring the city myself, by foot, thus making the 6 euros daily pass utterly useless. Anyhow, I enjoyed my trip to Rome, allowing myself to be overwhelmed by knowledge from the Roman Empire and the ancient culture. I felt so lucky to be able to see everything there is to see from the Empire and understand the history of the classical world.
I got allocated a window seat, which cheered me up from the commotion at the Airport.
Touched down at around 3pm and felt delighted that we were finally in Rome, after going through so much trouble...
Had to take another bus from the Airport to the city centre, which lasted for about 30 minutes. Damn, the bus drivers there are crazy, they horn and scold impatiently, not forgetting, drive pretty recklessly.
Managed to find our hostel somehow, and the hostel was pretty cool. I found the oldie lift really interesting. Yes, you have to open/close the door yourself and then there was a shutter door on the inside that opens and closes automatically.
Of course, typical me, I got an ice cream cone because I was in a different country ha ha ha. Europe's gelato never fail to make my tummy happy.
Did some night sightseeing. Their metro had a similar system to the SMRT.
Already amazed by the Colosseum from the outside. Entry was closed but I admired it from that spot.
Me staring at fruits HAHA, I didn't notice this but my friend happened to take a picture of this. I just love my fruits, yeah?
Look what I found!! It was actually real and on sale omg
(this will explain itself after you scroll down further to the Köln/Cologne Trip)
The Spanish steps! This was the only site that I didn't revisit during the day.
First stop on a new day (Day 2 @ Rome): The Vatican City / St. Peter's Basilica! I was so awed by the classic white buildings, it looked almost unreal.
Halfway through exploring this area of the Vatican City, I decided to wander off on my own and got lost in beautiful Rome.
Just look at the sky and clouds.
Walked aimlessly to the other side of the Vatican City.
Castel S.Angelo
The Panteon
Temple turned into a cathedral.
Haha yes, I got myself a selfie stick from one of the many 'mobile' and insistent Italien sellers.
HAD to try the actual Italien food while in Italy right?! So I got a table in a restaurant just right next to the Panteon, ordered a Spaghetti alla carbonara con gamberi rossi (because I miss having shrimps/seafood) and enjoyed the view and atmosphere. :')
The carbonara with red shrimps was sooooo gooooood. It had this really creamy texture that was just right and the spaghetti was stringy and squishy with cheese sauce and cheese flakes, I LOVE IT. Worth the expenses, it cost me 20euros.
Found my friends after my meal. 3 of them wanted to go to a museum even though we have not explored much of the city in the day. And I thought it is always better and different to visit places of interests in bright daylight so my other friend joined me as we combed the rest of the city. This is the Navona.
One of the 3 fountains in front of the Navona.
The Trajan Market from afar.
Basilica Ulpia
Tried their pizzas for dinner. YESSS my life is complete after trying Italien pasta and Italien pizza in Italy.
Went off to visit the Spanish Steps (Piazza Di Spagna) and Popolo before returning to the hostel. Met 3 overly-friendly Italien guys who approached me and introduced themselves and all, it was so strange but funny at the same time. Above is a selfie taken because the Italien was asking how the selfie stick works and that was how I showed him HAHA.
Last day in Rome (Day 3) before heading back to the Airport for the afternoon flight back to Germany! Made a last minute decision to visit Colosseum (and ENTER it), the Imperial Forums, Vittoriano and the Trevi Fountain.
Took off alone (girls weren't interested, I have no idea why although they expressed strong interest in going into the Colosseum) and early in the morning so that I didn't have to queue. Tactfully, hopped onto a bus that brought me close to the Colosseum and walked towards my destination. It was a good decision to check out and leave the hostel early because I didn't have to queue to enter the Colosseum at all.
Top view is the best. One picture is enough to show you the Colosseum. No doubt I took a lot of pictures while in there but this is sufficient.
The Roman Forum.
There are more remains of the Imperial forums but I have too much to show you so let's go on.
Vittoriano
Ahhh, I had another gelato cone before taking the bus back to the main station (Termini). Before that, I made Trevi Fountain my last stop where I made a wish. Unfortunately, the Fountain was under construction so I didn't get to see much of it but still managed to throw a coin in the mini fountain. I was late for my bus back to the Airport and had to wait for an hour for the next one. Luckily, I didn't have any problems with my return flight and what not. Transportation and expenses got the best out of me but overall, I had a good time in Rome. The Colosseum was the highlight of my trip. Being able to enter the Colosseum, to appreciate the architecture of the famous monument that has survived from the classical world has been a truly captivating experience I will remember forever.
Window seat allocated for me back home too yay!
I could watch out the window of a plane all day.
This trip was organised by the school. Took an 8 hour bus ride to the second largest city of Germany, Hamburg. It is known for it's port and trade. We left Mosbach at 5am and arrived and checked into our hotel at around 2pm.
My humorous American friend snatched my camera to take a picture of me. He often makes fun of me and my Instagram hashtags ha ha. So he went snapping away while saying 'Alexis travelog'.
Also, caucasians can never say my surname right. He pronounces my surname as 'Eng' instead of 'Ang'. I have a video of it and maybe I'll upload it if I feel it. But now he has learnt the right way of pronouncing my surname, kudos to Prof Ang.
View from our hotel and pictures of our pretty and cozy hotel. By the way, I love my room mates, I had so much fun laughing, dancing, chatting with them during the night. And we were so lucky to be able to have a 6-shared hotel room with only us, 5 girls.
Fell in love with the Binnenalster.
Dinner (Meatballs with potatoes) and Radler beer @ Frau Möller.
The meatballs were HUGE but I'd to add mushroom cream sauce over them because they were too dry but the potatoes were amazingly good.
Hotel breakfast was pretty alright but I'm missing their buns.
St. Michaelis-Kirche
Had some free time for lunch and tea before the next itinerary so we chilled at the Hard Rock Café for some coffee and had a mini photo session.
Ordered Baileys Coffee and it was the BEST.
Did some window shopping at the Jungfernstieg. Again, the Binnenalster.
Rathaus
I spotted A&F in Hamburg, from afar!!! I don't even know how but it almost felt like there was this pulling force that made me turn to the direction of the store. I didn't notice the sign, I just looked in that direction and felt like it was going to be an A&F outlet. Then I noticed how dark the store was and had to confirm it and there we have it. (I sound ridiculous but it happened)
To the Spiecherstadt and the Spiecherstadt museum!
We were so bored in the museum because there really was nothing much to see and the tour guide was being so uninteresting and dull, it's like she wasn't even enthusiastic in sharing what she has to say.....
Accompanied my friends to do shopping at the Mönckebergstr. and I ended up doing sightseeing because I really didn't have anything to buy. The night view of the Binnenalster is as amazing.
Day 3, went to the Miniatur Wunderland! The best miniature wonderland museum I've seen so far because it was so real and alive! The airport terminal intrigued me the most because the mini plane models could fly too (fake but almost real thanks to the real-life sound effects as well).
The sculptures were so detailed!
Take a look at Switzerland, almost perfect.
Took a chilly boat ride around the port of Hamburg after that, it lasted for more than an hour and I braced the cold by standing outdoors to feel the cool wind in my face and to get a better view of the scenery.
The huge container lifters.
Alter Elbtunnel, that connects from one end to another end of the river, underground.
Cars and bicycles go through the tunnel and get lifted back up to the ground level in huge lifts.
so yeah, we got into the huge lifts too heh, pretty cool ride up I must say.
Day 4, was where we went to the AirBus factory and due to leakage of trade secrets we were not allowed to take pictures. We went to a company called ECE and sat through a presentation where they told us more about the company blah blah.
Celebrated my dear French sister's birthday in the night. We visited the Reeperbahn (a.k.a Germany's Red Light District) and partied at a club called Halo.
Twinning hehehe
Loving this candid shot taken
Day 5, had our last hotel breakfast before checking out at 11am. The bus ride back home felt foreverrrrr, it felt so much longer on the way back as compared to going to Hamburg.
31 Oct'14 - Halloween Party & Mercedes Benz Sindelfingen
Excursion to the Mercedes-Benz production site! During the tour, the only thing I knew was that manufacturing a car is intricating and definitely not easy. There were so many steps to take in order to reach the final assembly and finishing touches. Because of that, the tour took a long time and we had to hop on and out of the bus 3 times to the different manufacturing sites. After a while, I got really tired and bored altogether.
The only pictures I had before we started the tour. This was an exhibition of some of the Mercedes cars. This one is definitely my kind of ride! I love the doors and the front rear!
Took the bus back but had to stop due to some hungry souls and when we continued our journey back home, we were stuck in a traffic jam so it got me really fidgety in the bus...
YES. We were all prepared for our Halloween party. Our apartment was already decorated before the day itself. There were so many people in our house to celebrate Halloween because we invited mutual friends, including me who extended the invitation to my friends and his friends. There were a lot of connections and before 12am, our apartment was packed with excited teenages, some of whom were dressed in funny costumes or covered in ghostly make up.
For me, it was kinda my first time celebrating Halloween proper - dressing up, socialising and devouring DIY Halloween snacks. Dressed up as a French maid by adding an apron to the black dress, did a DIY hair bow and did my hair in a braid headband. Obviously not the best outfit among everyone but I was satisfied enough!
NASTY food and drinks
LOOK AT THOSE FINGER SAUSAGES AND RICE EYEBALLS. They were brought over by our friends who came over. The rice balls were really good with the sweet & spicy sauce!
30 Oct'14 - Kino unter den Sternen
Bucketlist CHECKED: watch a movie under the stars / outdoors
Bucketlist CHECKED: watch a German movie
It was an inexpensive activity that made me feel contented. So delighted that I was able to watch a film (comedy called "Fack ju Göhte") in the chilly night, with a cup of hot wine (tasted rly good), getting cozy with friends and actually laughing along to the German movie (understood just a teeny bit and the entire storyline with the help of my German friend).
Selfies taken before the outdoor movie night where there was a really cool performance happening right outside my window, below my apartment. It was a band playing and singing English and German songs, totally enjoyed myself by the window listening to them.
25 to 26 Oct'14 - Düsseldorf & Essen Trip with 5 Guys
Kinda impromptu trip to Düsseldorf with these people because I just happened to be in the computer room to print something and found them booking the tickets to Düsseldorf. Upon invitation, we all booked our transportation and hostel together 3 days before the trip!
Left the apartment at 5am to Heidelberg and then took the bus to Düsseldorf, up north Germany.
Passed by Cologne while on the way there! Memories!
Döner (kebab) and pommes (fries) for our first meal there.
Again, gelato hahaha. That's my American friend again, as he holds up the cone for me to take a picture and shouts 'Alexis travelog'!
The Fernseher (TV) Tower from afar.
Rathaus
There was nothing much to see there so we chilled at a café and I got myself a cup of hot mocha while the guys drank beer. I didn't have the mood for beer at that point of time so I decided to be special that evening.
The guys got me a balloon sculpture from a clown hahaha and that hat is my friend's.
We had a TV in the hostel and I watchd The Mask in German, pretty cool!
Headed off to Essen on a 45mins train ride from Düsseldorf. Hopped into a bar and tried a cocktail, if It was called 'Tequila Sunrise'. I splurged on this cocktail (7euros) because I haven't had one before. Got into the Naked Club where we paid a cover charge of 10euros and they gave us a card to order drinks which will be paid before exiting the club. What I didn't know was that we had to spend a minimum of 5euros to get out of the club. Unknowingly, I didn't order any more drinks but still had to pay 5euros because of how the German clubs work........
My friend died after having so many drinks. A few of them were complaining so much about being really tired ha.
Difference: before heading to Essen.
Day 2, visited the TV tower but I didn't go up the tower but instead...
I had another gelato cone from an ice cream push cart with the other 2 guys who didn't enter the tower as well.
No idea what this was, but we were trying to figure out what the words on the ground meant.
A part of the Berlin wall, situated near the TV tower of Düsseldorf.
Lunch at Ham-Ham, had some chickennnnn and bread of course because Germans love their bread.
Sunset while on the 5-6hour bus ride back home.
18 to 19 Oct'14 - Strasbourg, France
Road trip to Strasbourg! My dear French friend drove us to the city of France that is located on the border between France and Germany. It is my first country out of Germany and my goodness Strasbourg is beautiful. The city center is small but there was a lot of greenery and beautiful bridges. The sights were extremely pleasing to the eye. We actually booked our accommodation at the very last minute since we didn't have any plans for the weekends yet but boy was I glad we made plans to go there.
The city center just outside the main station felt like I was standing in a globe because the buildings surrounded the big empty space where we stood in a circle (one round).
Quai de la Petite France
Barrage Vauban
Maison Des Tanneurs
Beautiful semicircle sight of the bridges and all.
Roaming the streets of La Petite France. Felt really romantic~
Once again guys. Gelato in a foreign land. It was more expensive in France than in Germany but it was so good. Gelato is awesome so I have to get more and more.
Intricate design of the Cathedralé Notre-Dame de Strasbourg!
Merry-go-round!
Wazawok! Thai noodles, some Asian food finally for me.
Tarte au Flan (custard pie) and coffee for breakfast with the girls on Day 2!
Street of 1Rue Joseph Massol
Captivating!
Quai Lezay Marnesia
Chilled by the lake with ma friends for 20 minutes or so and it was probably the calmest moment I'll remember.
The European Parliament!
The park and zoo :-)
The iconic bird of Strasbourg
Place Kléber
Gutenberg
Palais Rohan
More of the dom/cathedral.
Super good sandwich at Pomme de Pain for a reasonable price! It is called the Cordon Bleu, with bacon, cheese and chicken. Chicken was so tender, the texture was almost like fish. And the baguette was chewy and soft but crispy. No doubt the best baguette because it is an actual one from France!!
Look at that cheese and chicken mm mm.
17 Oct'14 - POW WOW International Sharing
Each of us had to present more about our country and prepare some local food either as a team or individually. It was so fun trying food from the different countries!
German's cakes
German bratwurst ya
American and columbian food.
UK's.
From Poland and France.
From Korea.
Singapore's Bak Kut Teh *winks*
More German's bratwursts and apple crumble pie (if I'm not wrong) from I-forgot-where-I'm-sorry.
Really good tropical fruit smoothie from Trinidad & Tobago. It is a mix of pineapples, coconut, mango and orange all blended together. MY FAV DRINK, love the texture and the taste of the thick smoothie.
Pig's fats (Foie Gras) as a form of topping to eat along with the French baguette. Sounds and looks disgusting but it was amazeballs. This one has got to be my favourite international food shared during POW WOW.
French red wine.
Learnt some German dialect words as well.
Tried Indian food/curry for dinner with the girls, which was located right below the other apartment that my friends stay. It was not good... Didn't taste like Indian curry at all. Worst thing was that we were ripped off because we thought that the set was more worth it with more items (as convinced by the waitress). Apparently, we paid double the price with nothing much to eat. Basically, we paid 7 euros for rice, some yogurt and vegetable spices (inedible). We regretted trying this restaurant but oh well.
16 Oct'14 - Kartbahn Bad Rappenau
First time doing go-kart! It was 47 euros for less than an hour (they stopped us after giving out too many warning emergency stops. This was due to some people who were driving recklessly or too quickly or didn't follow the rules. The stops were getting on my nerves sometimes). The adrenaline rush is pretty amazing, having to swerve (YES I DID IT) and hitting the pedal and brakes hard while feeling the wind in your face. It was cool for me because I haven't drove yet (shall take my driving license soon).
15 Oct'14 - I Love Nixlosbach (@ Mosbacher Brauhaus)
Pre-house party and we played a Korean traditional game. The rhythm was addictive. And do you see that popper string around my neck (and my friend's)? They do not pop those, it is twirled in a roll and then you have to blow it as it unwinds itself. IT IS REALLY COOL, I blew one of those and I was blown away haha.
11 to 12 Oct'14 - Cologne, Germany
Day 1: arrived in Köln by bus to meet my friend studying in Switzerland.
Love the Hohenzollern Bridge! There are love locks on the bridges and I just love this view.
The very intricate and huge Kölner Dom!
Kirche!
So if you remembered Primark, this was my first shopping experience at Primark, Köln! The best store in Europe. Damn, there were so many people and clothes were everywhere, almost looking like a havoc but yes we came out with 2 shopping bags. The feeling was divine!
Kinda wrong idea to visit the Schokolade Museum with our shopping bags because they were heavy... Anyhoo, the museum showed me the history of chocolates and how the chocolates were actually manufactured. For an entry fee of 6.50 euros, it was worth it to visit a museum this interesting!
The huge chocolate fountain!
There were also some cool works relating to chocolates in the museum.
Have a break, sit on a bench?
NOW everybody, does this ring a bell?! This huge Lindt candy was hung in the Schokolade Museum! And I found it in Rome after that, no surprise, I got really excited since I've seen it before and knew what it was.
Ended the day with some grilled beef and schnitzel (for my friend) and Kölsch (Köln beer) at Ristorante Mama Leone!
Returned to the hotel after some night sightseeing.
Hot chocolate and croissants to start off Day 2! First itinerary was to climb the 533 steps of Kölner Dom, conquered in to catch a panorama view of Köln. Going up wasn't as tough as climbing back down because the staircases were narrow and spiral. So as I focus on my footsteps, I get dizzy and lightheaded thus requiring constant breaks. Thankfully, the steps were not too uneven.
The view could be seen much better if there weren't any barricades but I guess it was for safety purposes.
Look at how tiny the people are. That was how high up we were.
Beautiful dom!
First crepe in Europe at Gelato 4D Caffè. It was an excuse to get ice cream, and I got myself a crepe WITH ice cream. HAHA. It was calm, having to enjoy a good dessert outside the café while listening to the music played by the buskers. I love the atmosphere and ambience so much!
Was strolling around the central streets of Cologne when we saw those people doing street performances of creating really huge bubbles with strings/thin ropes. This one was really fun because he had the strings with many small holes. When he gives one swoop, A LOT of bubbles were formed. It was almost like a bubble wonderland! We were really entertained by it and spent almost half an hour just popping the bubbles and taking photos.
Perks of being tall was that I could pop the bubbles that were rising up, it almost felt like we were bullying the kids and snatching the bubbles from them. We were the oldest among the rest who were playing with the bubbles. But ah, we're still young and juvenile!
Bubbles are just too beautiful!
The 3 buildings! (also shown during the trip to Düsseldorf)
Market!
Oops! This time I got a proper gelato cone!
Alexis' motto in Europe: Just had to get a gelato cone in every single city/country I go to.
My undying love for bridges.
4 Oct'14 - Nürnberg Trip (SOLO)
Made a day trip to Nürnberg during the long 4-day weekend! It is still my favourite city of Germany so far, so captivating!
The Nürnberg castle (Kaiserburg).
Just look at those colours and the flowers. I'm in love.
The adorable, pretty garden located in the castle. I didn't know they had a garden because typical me do not read maps or directions, I just walk around and wander.
Albrecht-Dürer-Haus
Fleischbrücke (Ich liebe Brücke!)
Spent 30SGD on chocolates at Eilles Chocolatier and splurged on shopping for souvenirs. It's just that I was so happy being in a dazzling city that I just had to buy things!
Really detailed medieval fountain! Made a wish by turning 3 rounds on that small circular gold ring located on the gate (try to spot it).
Heilig-Geist-Spital
St. Sebaldus Kirche
Massive church! Loving the design of the church.
Spielzeugmuseum (Toy Museum)
Tried the "3 im Weckla" in Nürnberg (Sausage burger maybe?) because the city is popular for its bratwurst even though Germany is all about sausages!
2 Oct'14 - Würzburg Trip (SOLO)
After travelling on my own, I realised that it has changed me to a more independent being, it allowed me to see and learn things I couldn't have seen or learn if I weren't alone. It changed me for the better (of course) because I had no one to depend on but myself. Before I took off on this trip, I was nervous and afraid to venture out into a place that was still foreign to me (and also because it was so last minute). Not being able to speak German fluently was an obstacle that made travelling alone difficult since I couldn't ask for help as easily. But I am proud to say that I have plucked up the courage by going all out. Definitely didn't regret making a decision to travel alone! Some may say that it is depressing to travel alone, without company because you would be doing EVERYTHING on your own including having meals by yourself. But no, that is a misconception. I saw so many things and enjoyed the trip much more because I didn't have to entertain anyone else by talking to friends or having to think of topics to talk. I simply immersed in the beauty of the city and the landscapes while appreciating my own company. Just goes to show how much I have learnt to trust myself and love myself for who I am as well. Making solo trips also let me find out hidden talents or characters of myself I didn't know existed. Sounds kinda cray but I have grown to love myself so much more right now and to me, I believe that that is the most important thing a person should have. Now I am more confident of loving someone or giving love to others because I have mastered the skills of loving myself FIRST.
Also, getting lost in a beautiful city is probably one of the most amazing things that I have done so far. Lost is a negative word but I really would not mind getting lost (of course having to find my way back too).
As the quote goes "Not all who wander are lost."
For all the cities that I have travelled to alone, I wander around WITHOUT a map. I didn't like to restrict myself to a map and visit only the popular sights and also because I suck at reading maps (not the main point but yeah). So I just wander, walk, relax and enjoy whatever that came into view.
The fountain outside the hauptbahnhof! Würzburg has a lot of statues, pretty cool. And I just found out that our school is organising a trip to Würzburg, so I'll be heading to that city again in about 2 weeks' time. I guess I will be seeing a little more since there will be guided tours arranged for us.
Got lost over here because I didn't know where I was heading to... Followed my instincts and decided to head into this direction where I was then overwhelmed by the beauty of the peaceful river overlooking the bridge (Alte Mainbrücke) and the Marienburg Fortress. See, this was what I meant. Having to not have a correct sense of direction and then landing up in a jaw-dropping view. I was so awed when I found myself here. From this spot, I found myself around and visited the places of interests of Würzburg.
And that is the St. Killian Cathedral.
St. Mary's Chapel
Germany has a lot of planes flying in the skies along with the trails formed by the planes. Hence, I always see a lot of these 'lines' and planes flying across the sky. The little things that I notice every single time I travel.
Alte Mainbrücke.
Really pretty bridge!
View of Würzburg from the Marienburg Fortress! Simply breathtaking and I was so pleased with the view after hiking up the trail and not being able to find the place in the beginning.
Sunset and its light shining over the city. Magnificent!
Didn't manage to find The Residenz but I just couldn't give up and there we have it! Proud of myself hehehe.
The night view of the Market Square and St. Mary's Chapel.
Missed my last connecting train back home because there was nobody in the train and it was pitch dark. How do German's train works? The doors do not open automatically so if you wish to board or alight the train, you have to press a button and open the doors yourself. I should have tried to open the train doors but I didn't. It still remains a question or mystery whether or not the train was operating. But yes, I waited an hour for the next train in the creepy train station (nobody at that stop), when I was only 10 minutes away from home. Some experiences you just don't forget, right?
1 Oct'14 - Erstiparty
First party in Mosbach!
26 to 28 Sep'14 - Oktoberfest in München, Germany
6-hours train ride to Munich/München. It was the longest train ride I took so far. Along with 2 American girls, we travelled further down to the south of Germany. As we got closer and closer to München, we could easily figure out that we were heading the right way by spotting commuters in the train drinking beer in their Dirndls (Oktoberfest costume for women) or Lederhosen (for men).
andddddd HELLO OKTOBERFEST. I really couldn't miss this annual, well-known beer festival when I am in Germany, can I?! Especially when it is happening in October where I am here, I had to go. I didn't waste money on buying a Dirndl because I wouldn't be wearing it again and I didn't have any space left in my luggage to store it. I just went ahead to experience how Oktoberfest was like. Atmosphere was overly lively and spontaneous, with people ALREADY drunk at 10am in the morning, having to require their friends to hold onto them. Even though we were early, the place was already flooded with people.
The many different beer tents!
We first sat down outside a tent to get a feel of drinking a litre of beer. Oktoberfest and its famous 1 litre huge jug, check out how huge it is!
Bigger than the size of my face...
Oktoberfest's gingerbread cookies! If you've noticed, I was wearing one of them around my neck, given by my German buddy :-)
Attempted to enter the best tents in Oktoberfest called the Hofbräu tent/beer hall and we SUCCEEDED. It was a crazy queue (unorganised one) with everyone just hogging behind the barrier. And the minute a 'waitress' comes over, everyone starts shouting and lifting up their fingers on the number of people they have or wish to enter. The point of time we got in was when they released a batch of visitors to enter. It was madness, with that amount of excited or drunk people, I didn't even have to make effort to enter the tent, I was PUSHED into the tent by the enthusiastic crowd behind me (we were at the front of the line by then). The push felt almost like a wave, and if I didn't move fast enough, I would have found myself in a stampede. Not even kidding.
LOOK AT THE CROWD. The tent is huge but it can never store everyone in the huge space because the Oktoberfest was a major event.
There were rides and fun fairs too!
Bucketlist CHECKED: sit on a Chain Swing ride
Ticket cost me 5 euros but I just had to do it. The adrenaline rush was crazy, we were so high up! It was 8 metres high and I could see everything from the Oktoberfest up there! The ride was too short though, I wished it was longer hehe
Had to go to the toilet because I had 2 litres of beer and I really HAD to pee but the queue to the toilet was the longest one I've ever seen. I don't even know why girls take so long to pee, I take a really short time in the toilet...
Called it a day at around 5pm and had my first schnitzel!
Day 2: didn't want to waste the trip since we were here and had stayed 2 nights so I made plans to visit some places of interests that were nearby. The girls were not really happy about my decision as they only wanted to catch an early train back home. After convincing them, we went around by subway and tram, with me leading the way and took the afternoon train back home. I was glad I went on with this decision because I wanted to make full use of this trip since I was in München already. At least, I have managed to explore the city and not just attend the Oktoberfest. :')
Neues Rathaus
Nymphenburg Palace. Probably the largest palace I've seen so far!
Karlsplatz (Stachus)
Long train ride back home...
25 Sep'14 - DAV Alphinzentrum in Heilbronn
Haven't done rock climbing in so long and I've missed it so much! The last time I did rock climbing was in 8 or 10 years, I really couldn't remember because it was a long time ago. And this time, it is only the second time I've rock-climbed, so I actually fell in love with rock climbing after doing it for the first time that year. Organised by the Germans and the school, we made a trip to Heilbronn, about 45 minutes away for rock climbing at DAV Alphinzentrum.
Road trip in the Germans' car!
We climbed this 7m wall for a start, to test out the safety ropes and gears. Climbed this wall up and down twice! Excited kid, precisely.
NEXT, climbed the really tall walls!! When we first entered, I was a little intimidated by how huge and high the walls were. But after warming up at the 7m walls, I was ready to go for this one! That's me holding onto a rock with one hand, 15m high. #achievementunlocked
The very first attempt I did rock climbing years ago was never even this high up but YAY I DID IT.
Had a really huge and good Italien pizza at Vapiano! Then did some shopping before returning to Mosbach.
FINALE
I have a little more to share (as mentioned at the beginning of the post) but I figured this post was already looooong enough so I will update the last bit of the content in the next blog post! Plus, I took a lot of time and effort to write it so I hope you had a good time reading the post.
Do look out for the next post!
P.S. I'm definitely not doing this again, writing a major update about my life is not fun especially without a good wifi... Will update real soon, tschüss!
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