Day 5: Netherlands - Belgium (Brussels)

21 Dec 2007, Fri

Temperature: -3C

I woke up at 4.30 am, the weather so cold, so I practised yoga in my room :)

0900 After breakfast, we proceed to enjoy a Canal Cruise for an orientation of the city. Enjoy the many beautiful gabled Dutch Renaissance houses and boat house along the cruise and low bridges.

1000 The end of the cruise, we reached GASSAN DIAMOND, an established diamond factory for an educational tour famous for its 121 cutfacets diamonds. Amterdams does not have diamonds, they just process diamonds. Some of our tour members bought diamond rings for their daughter, but we didn't buy any. I made myself a 5 cent souvenir there.

1100 Tour guide brought us to a famous fishing village, Volendam. It is a popular tourist attraction well-known for its old fishing boats and the traditional clothing still worn by some residents. The women's costume of Volendam, with its high, pointed bonnet, is one of the most recognizable of the Dutch traditional costumes, and is often featured on tourist postcards and posters (although there are believed to be fewer than 50 women now wearing the costume as part of their daily lives, most of them elderly). There is a regular ferry connection to Marken, a peninsula close by. Volendam also features a small museum about its history and clothing style.

1300 We had bad experience during our lunch - children throwing snow ball at the restaurant we having lunch. After our lunch, they followed us and throwing snow ball at our coach. So annoying, I guess they look down on Asian.

1800 Entered to Brussels (capital city of Belgium), Belgian chocolate is worlds renown well known, so we also grab some and the next thing was to take photo with the cheeky Manneken Pis. When we taking photo, the local people tried to make fun with us. Standing with us like want to take photo, but we were told that not to close to them because they might be pick pocket.

Next wehanged around at the Chritsmas market nearby. Brussels is not a safe place, we heard ambulance, police and fire engine passed by within an hour.

2045 Checked in Holiday Inn Hotel

About Belgium:

Belgium's sluggish surface hides cultural cachet and a passion for pleasure.
If Belgium's spotlight on the European stage is a little dim, it's only because its people are rarely boastful. This slow-burning country has more history, art, food and architecture packed into its tiny self than many of its bigger, louder neighbours.

A rich and bubbling vat of beer, chocolate, oil paint and bureaucrats, Belgium gives off the heady pong of the bourgeoisie. But stir the pot a little and you'll find an 'artificial state' roughly made up of two parts Germanic Flemings to one part Celtic-Latin Walloons.

Fast facts about Belgium:

• Country Full Name: Kingdom of Belgium


• Population: 10,400,000


• Currency Name: Euro Code: EUR Symbol: €


• Languages Spoken - Official: Dutch, French, German

About Brussel:
Chocolate moulded by surrealists and beer poured by old masters.
The city of choice for Eurocrats, Brussels is sumptuous, historic and luxuriously cosy. With artistry richer than chocolate, architecture as graceful as its cuisine and diversity frothier than the beer, Brussels is an heirloom of northern culture at its best.

What makes Brussels special? Seafood in great restaurants, the smell of hot waffles on a cold winter's day, cafes and pubs that never close, the cosmopolitan but neighbourly feel, forests practically on the doorstep, pheasant and truffles in autumn, comic strips, designer shops

Day 4: Germany - Netherlands (Amsterdam)

20 Dec 2007, Thursday

800 - 1130 Drive on the German Autobahn to Cologne for brief stop to see the spectacular French Gothic Style Catheral.

1200 Lunch @ Peking Restaurant

After lunch continue northwards to Amsterdam, passes the industrial Ruhr Basin.

Watch "Beerfest" DVD on the coach, to understand Germany Octofest better.

1600 Finally snowing, everyone is so excited :)

Arrived at Zaanse Schans, known for its windmills. Unfortunately already dark, can't really see the windmills clearly. Followed by visiting a traditional wooden klogs maker in this village. They produced 2 million pair of klogs per year, handmade or traditional way to makeone pair of klog takes 2 hours; but using machine only take 5 mins. These klogs are made from 100 years old wood, very hard, good for safety & protection. The klog need to dry for 4 weeks before it can be wear. Commonly wear in farm and even 5-stars hotels.

1715 Walked along "Red Light District", saw many "chicks" wearing so sexy waiting for their prospect customers.

1800 Dinner @ Nam Tian Restaurant

1930 Check in Tulip Inn Hotel

About Amsterdam:

History, art, a head of beer and a roll-your-own.

Amsterdam is one of the world's best hangouts, a canny blend of old and new: radical squatter art installations hang off 17th-century eaves; BMWs give way to bicycles; and triple-strength monk-made beer is drunk in gleaming, minimalist cafes.

The city seems to thrive on its mix and, despite hordes of tourists, still manages to feel quintessentially Dutch. The old crooked houses, the cobbled streets, the tree-lined canals and the generous parks all contribute to the atmosphere.

Fast Facts:

• Population:739,000
  
• Currency Name: Euro Code: EUR Symbol: €


• Languages Spoken - Official: Dutch, Frisian


• Nice houses (the structure)


• Something special- Boat house (with address), boattel (boat hotel)


• Prostitution is legal, need to pay tax, rental of 1 small room Euro 300/nite, no wonder they need to work so hard to cover the rental.


• Sex TV ads & movie, government encourage them to have more population


• Retirer can get many benefits (free medical....) beside getting pension, that's why many people like to get their citizenship.



• Best bicycle system (pioneer in europe), whereby people can rent it to avoid traffic jam and also reduce polution. It is so success that other countries also followed this system.

Day 3: Switzerland - Germany (Schaffhausen / Black Forest / Heidelberg)

19 December 2007, Wednesday

Temperature: 2 C

Routine schedule for Day 3 - Day 7
0500 Wake up, packing (automatic wake up without alarm clock coz every nite sleep at 8pm)0700 Breakfast

0800 Check out

1000 Arrived Schaffhausen and stop for a while to view the mighty Rhinefalls.

1100 Reached Switzerland / Germany border.

Fast Facts aboutGermany:

• Country Full Name: Federal Republic of Germany
• Population: 82,398,000
• CurrencyName: Euro Code: EUR Symbol: €
• Languages Spoken-Official: German
• Solar power is commonly used in every house
• Majority BMW cars on the road
• Government subsidies a lot on kids to encourage German to have more kids. Free insurance till 10 years old, free vacation (fishing, horse riding) for kids 3 times per year.
• 4 1/2 working days for German
  

Then a scenic drive through the Central Black Forest to Titsee ('see' means 'lake' in german) to enjoy German Black Forest Lunch - Germany fries, Pork Leg & German Sausage, Black Forest Cake, Special Beer.

After lunch, ice wine tasting by a handsome guy, who looks like Justin Timberlake. The wine is so sweet and easy to drink, so we bought one for CNY, it cost Euro 40 (RM 200) per bottle.

Before that, we visited a cuckoo clock demo center and we bought a medium size Black Forest Cuckoo Clock at Euro 168. The lady is so pretty and I take the opportunity to snap a photo with her.

Next we head to the University town of Heidelberg with its medieval castle. Enjoy a brief walk in the old town quarters and hanging around at Christmas Market. Tour guide bring us to try 'GLUWINE" (hot red wine), it made us feel warm in winter. We pay Euro 4.50 for 1 glass of gluwine (both of us sharing 1 glass) and the glass is belong to us. The glass is nicely painted with christmas deco and write there "Year 2007", it is a good souvenir to us.

Every day 4pm already dark, many shops closed, nothing much can do. So we have dinner at 6pm and direct check in hotel and sleep at 8pm. :P

Day 2: Switzerland (Zurich/Lucerne)

Zurich Airport, Switzerland

Switzerland fast facts:

• Country Full Name
  Swiss Confederation


• Population: 7,300,000


• Currency Name: Swiss Franc Code: CHF Symbol: CHF


• Languages Spoken- Official: German, French, Italian

18 Dec 2007, Tuesday
0345 - 1550 (TH Time) BKK / ZRH (11 HOURS)

0950 (ZRH time) - Slower 6 hours than TH time; TH time slower 1 hour than MY time.

About Zurich:

Zürich isn't the bland Singapore of Europe: Ignore the clichés!

Admittedly, the first impression, of a small, clean and orderly metropolis with church steeples above a crystal-blue river and lake, is pleasant rather than exciting. But then you're struck by the happy noise of the cobbled Niederdorfstrasse, on the eastern riverbank, and won over by the hedonism around the lake.

1030-1130 Mount Titlis

A paradise at 10,000 feet, it offers a snow and ice experience on the highest viewpoint in Central Switzerland.

Rotair - first revolving cable car in the world. One of the most exciting attractions on Mt. Titlis is the revolving cable car. Three different cable cars take visitors into eternal snow and ice on the mountain summit. The final cable car to the peak is the Rotair. During the journey, the floor of the cable car rotates once around its own axis. At 3020 meters (10,000 ft) above sea level the air is the purest and at this altitude people can see as far as the Black Forest in Germany.




Ice Flyer Chairlift *** Thriller *** - To truly experience the snow and ice on top of Mount Titlis, try the chair lift, Ice Flyer. The view of the glacier crevasses is spectacular! At more than 3000 meters, a breathtaking panorama unfolds. Each chair comes with a big, transparent protection shield, which keeps away wind, snow and rain. For convenience and safety, the protection shields close and open automatically.


1630 Lion Monument


The Lion Monument in Lucerne is a giant dying lion carved out of a wall of sandstone rock above a pond at the east end of the medieval town. It was designed as a memorial for the mercenary soldiers from central Switzerland who lost their lives while serving the French king Louis XVI during the French Revolution.


When the revolutionary masses attacked the royal Tuileries castle in Paris on August 10, 1792 the Swiss mercenary troops tried to defend the royal family and make sure the royals could escape.



Chapel Bridge

It is a 204 m (670 ft) long bridge crossing the Reuss River in the city of Lucerne in Switzerland. It is the oldest wooden bridge in Europe, and one of Switzerland's main tourist attractions.

The covered bridge, constructed in 1333, was designed to help protect the city of Lucerne from attacks. Inside the bridge are a series of paintings from the 17th century depicting events from Luzern's history. Much of the bridge, and the majority of these paintings, were destroyed in a 1993 fire, though it was quickly rebuilt.

Adjoining the bridge is the 140 feet tall Wasserturm (Water Tower), an octagonal tower made from brick, which has served as a prison, torture chamber, watchtower and treasury. Today the tower, which is part of the city wall, is used as the guild hall of the artillery association. The tower and the bridge are Lucerne's trademark and form the most photographed monument in the country.

Something I knew about Switzerland:

• Zurich is the finance and insurance hub.


• Switzerland Post is called 'DIE POST'


• Hardly see highrise, mostly 5 stories apartment


• Human right is more powerful than government


• Majority Volkswagen cars on the road


• Animals are allowed in indoor, eg shopping mall


• Grafitti (draing on wall) are so common, all along the highway and roadside


• Christmas deco I like the most is - santa claus climbing into balcony
  

Day 1: PEN/BKK

17 Dec 2007, Monday

0800 Breakfast @ The Bungalow (Lone Pine Hotel Coffee House)
Nice food + nice view + nice service (beside beach)

1100 Return Wedding Gown to Shalom Bridal House

1710-1800 PEN / KUL (coz we joined Hong Thai Travel Agent, KL)

2100-2205 KUL/BKK (our trip was by THAI Airline)

New Bangkok Airport- Suvarnabhumi (pronounced “Su-Wana-Poom”) means “The Golden Land”.

Link: http://www.airportsuvarnabhumi.com/

Flight delayed 3 hours to 0345 (Thailand time), we spent our time by hanging around at the shop, after tired slept on the bench (really nite mare). Some rich family even rent a hotel room.

Bride's room @ Lone Pine Hotel

We were so surprise with this arrangement after the dinner finished. I love the roses smell, first time in my life I slept with roses, make me feel warmth. Thanks to Lone Pine !!!

Favorite shot 3

I love this photo very much. It was taken in Amsterdam, snowing that time, we shot it in front of Gassan Diamond House. Reflection from Gassan's glass window.

Wool Socks

I bought 2 pairs of wool socks for each person, they are not 100% wool but mixed. I don't know how to choose, just chosed the thickest one, hehe :P.

The price range is so much different for Soxworld (RM 16-20) & SAWKS (RM 26-29). I guess after wearing then we will know what is the different in quality.

Ace Tours SCREWED UP our honeymoon

We were so dissapointed when we heard that our Europe Trip has been cancel. In fact, we bought this package from Matta Fair (in July 2007). We was wondering why almost end of Novemeber and the travel agent never give us a call to settle the balance. Until KS asked them then we realised that only 2 of of registered for trip on 17th Dec. In fact, they only advertise the trip on 16 Dec and never promote our trip also.

So, we decided to find other travel agent. At first we plan to register Reliance's 10 days Italy & Austria Tours, but already fully booked. KS tried to ask many travel agents like FOREVER, KOMTAR, LYE PENG, TRAVEL SHOPPE..... majority fully booked. Luckily we managed to get from SAS Malaysia.

Honeymoon Checklist

Source: http://www.brides.com/

Documents:
Identification: Passport (with requisite visa, if necessary), driver's license, and other forms of valid photo I.D. (e.g., non-driver's license). If you've changed your name, make sure that change is reflected on all of your documents.
Vaccination certificates, where applicable
Plane tickets, or e-ticket confirmations
Frequent-flier cards and numbers
Address of hotel, with directions and reservation confirmation
List of emergency contacts, including U.S. embassies and consulates
Auto/health/travel-insurance cards and policies
Copy of marriage license
Travel guide, maps, and phrase book

Money matters:
Traveler's checks and a small amount of cash in both U.S. and foreign currency
Credit cards and ATM cards
Prepaid phone cards (N.B., most hotels charge very high rates for outside phone calls)

Electronics:
Camera, with extra film or memory cards
MP3 player/iPod (Download audio tours from soundwalk.com)
Portable DVD player
Portable alarm clock
Cell phone (GSM-compatible cell phone for overseas travel)
Voltage converter (if traveling overseas)

Medication:
Birth control
Aspirin
Bug repellent
Prescription drugs
Melatonin (to combat jet lag)
An antibiotic (if you're prone to urinary tract infections)
Anti-diarrhea tablets (to combat traveler's diarrhea)

Fun Stuff:
Scented candles
Massage kit
Special lingerie
Romantic tunes
A book of poetry, DVDs of your favorite romantic movies
Romantic novels
Vacation-specific gear: golf clubs, skis, snowboards, etc.
An extra duffel bag for souvenirs and gifts
Stationary: Long plane trips are the perfect time to dash off thank-you cards to wedding guests.
A lightweight duffle bag, which you can stow in your main suitcase on the way there, tote back new purchases and avoid fees for suitcases over the airline weight requirements.