Well well... I finally have time to update this place... I think I should continue where I left off. German keyboards... Urgh...

Brussels & Brugge/Bruges

Belgium is all about the beer, the chocolates and the mussels... Swoon people, swoon! The land of Godiva, Leonidas, fruit beers and fresh mussels... Oh! And waffles! I should have a food blog. Had loads of Leonidas, because it's cheaper than Godiva, drank 2 fruit beers, banana and chocolate waffles and a pot of yummy mussels. But, the city of Brussels was pretty boring. Brugge was tons better. The old Medivel city of grand gothic churches and market squares. I placed my tainted hand upon a holy relic, the holy blood. Cheap thrill. And I got to see an original Michealangelo, Madonna and child. A life-like sculpture within a grand cathedral.

Budapest

Budapest is made up of the city of Buda and Pest. For the less informed. It was freaking hot, 39 degrees. Walked and walked to the highest point on Buda which overlooked the entire Budapest. It was almost murder in the blistering sun and my black haviannas. Between the 2 of us, we downed more than 5 liters of liquids in 6 hours. THAT IS SUMMER! But, it was well worth it when we saw the view from the Citadel. Much of the old buildings and structures have been restored to nearly it's original pristine. Buda is the second most romantic city in Europe in my opinion right now. Only losing out to Prague.

Pest is the newer part of the capital, where the buildings lack the grandour that is so breath-taking in Buda. But still, there were many beautiful architecture. But, none that left a particularlz fond impression.

Prague

A welcome in terms of weather! Surprisingly cool... It's amazing how long churches take to be built. The original architect of the church almost never sees its completion within his life time. Some take up to 700 years to be completed. Amazing! Almost symbolic of something larger than moral life. The sights in Prague are similar to Budapest, but not as many and not as well restored. However, the individual structures seem to be grander. Prague is a more touristy place, hence the sights would have more explanations. I suppose that it being more touristy would be less appealing to some, but the frustration of not being able to get around with English could be worse. So, I have had no big problems with English, hand gestures and a smile. Haha! The Charles Bridge in Prague is so pretty, with the cobbled stone paths and archways and blackened stone statues. Blackened by pollution and time. So, from afar, it looks like a black mass, but up close it really is pretty. It's always sad to see the toll neglect has taken on such fine pieces of history and art.

Berlin

Berlin is my favourite big city so far. It's history is so new and so amazing, the capital of the country that is responsible for starting the 2 world wars. To think that the Berlin wall only came down in 1989 is quite something too. Anyways, I went for a free walking tour today. It was so worth it. Got an overview of the history of this city in 4 hours. For free... Heh... I tipped okay! €5 is alot of a poor student like myself. The guide was interesting and entertaining... Fan mile, the street that has been closed off for the World Cup is like one big party. Managed to catch the 2nd half of the France-Brazil match there. Large tv screen, beers and topless bar ladies were everywhere. Haha... The atmosphere was fun, people drinking, partying, waving their flags and blowing whistles. The unanimous oohs and ahhs were cute too. And it wasn't even a german match. That saw some 750,000 squeezed on that one street!

My entry poofed on me as the computer screen just went blank last night. That's unreliable internet connection for you. Bah! So, here goes again... In loving memory of my 3 long paragraphs. The 'save' key will be my friend today. And typing on a German/French keyboard is still a huge pain in the ass!

Copenhagen

The city where the new building were mingled with the new, where the cars and the humans shared the same road. I expected the Scandinavian country to be cleaner and safer, but pollution hang in the air, the ground was littered with used gum, drunks and homeless people sprawled on the walkways at broad daylight. But, I must admit it was a fun experience all in all. Climbing up the narrow stairs that spiraled up the outside of the chruch tower, against the fierce viking winds. Froze my ass off man, but looking down was far more intimidating. The exterior of the chruch was adorned in gold and black until the usual green-ed copper roofs of most old chruches of that region. Then there were the 300 steps that lead up to the City Hall Clock Tower, some 105m above the ground. A good workout to combat the sub-20 degrees weather. So much for summer! 'Christiania' the free town where resident could make up their own laws to live by. Painted in bright colour by the residents, it resembles what one would expect a hippie town to look like. With all the gadets on sale there, I don't doubt that drugs are easily available there. As expected, when in the hometown of Carlsberg, I just had to visit the brewery, interesting but not fantastic. On the bright side, 2 free beers upon entry!

Amsterdam

The stay was mared by rainfall and blistering winds, yours truly had to wear a top, a jacket and a windbreaker and still felt cold! The hostel was situated in the red light district proper, where 'coffeeshops', sex shops, whore windows and the stench of weed were in great abundance. Was watching the England-Sweden match in the hostel bar, as with most bars in that area it was weed smoke galore! With each puff of weed smoke blown in my direction, a swig at my Heineken was needed to temporarily block my breathing! It smelled like burning rubber. Bleargh! Trying pot/crack/weed isn't my thing, I just have a strong opinion on such things and it's a matter of principles. So, no regrets for not trying.

Churches were the order of the day in Amsterdam, just like any other European town. With whores lining the windows along the street outside the Old Church, Amsterdam is truly one of the most liberated and sinful citiest I have seen. Actually, it is the MOST! But, after a day of those sights, it really does grow old. Along with the constant smell of weed lingering in the air. But, the visit to the Royal Palace was nice. Every girl dreams of being a princess anyways. Anne Frank's house proved to be both insightful and interesting. But, nothing beats the Heineken experience and the windmills.

How can one not visit the Heineken brewery when in Amsterdam, it is only like the best beer in the world. Haha! Especially with the promise of 3 free beers and a free gift! And the rides and games were definately fun, you could even take photos and videos to send to friends and family there. It was like one big party. Then again, what would Holland be without windmills and clogs? I know it's cheap thrill, but I was actually amazed to see the old windmill really working and turning. The brown rugged brick tower with the rustic wooden blades turning steadily in the wind. I like! Looking at how the windmill works reminds me of clock-works. Definately worth braving the bad weather.

Brussels

Saw the city sights in half a day, now we are bored. The chruches here are built in gothic-style. However, one particular church, the Church of St. Michael and St. Gudula took 300 years to build, thus the stone walls were of gothic style, but the stain-glass windows were of the Renaissance-style. The Place Grand Globe Markt was interesting, the old market square used to be surrounded by guildhouses. There were the bakers guildhouse, the archers guildhouse, the boatsmen and more. Reminds me much of a fantasy book. The architecture of the guildhouses reflect the guild well, the boatsmen's guildhouse resembled the stern of a ship! Coolness!

Tomorrow would take me to Bruges, the old medivel city. It should really be an interesting day! Can't wait! Weather is still cold and a pain, but whatever!

Hello from the Amsterdam red light district seems rather appropriate right now. These passed 3 days have been a rather interesting experience. This by-far the most liberated place I've been to. Where prostitute windows line the street outside an old chruch, where weed is rampant. Beer flows like water. I like my Heineken!

Copenhagen was nice too... Carlsberg anyone?

I feel stressed! I have 7 minutes left on the computer. I can't do anything justice if I tried to describe what I've seen so far. So it will have to wait... I will post again from Brussels. I would have thought that I would be dead tired from travelling and sightseeing. But, so far, I get bored on every last day in a particular city. Toodles for now!

Safe and sound, and in one piece in Stockholm now. Though, I can't say the journey here was entirely smooth sailing. Large guy took up too much space on the way to Bangkok. Didn't have enough room move squirm around comfortable and find a spot to sleep. Flight from Bangkok was delayed by 7 hours. Yay! Free hotel stay with no luggage. But, I did get a free breakfast. After all that, the flight was delayed by another hour. Just my luck. Could have been worse I suppose. Like the screaming, wailing kids on the long-haul! Whatever! I made it... Lala...

I like the weather! It's nice, a little chilly. Cooling, yet sunny. Incoherent ramblings of the sleep-deprived, jet-lagged mind. Well, let's just say that it's 9pm at night now and it looks as if it's 6pm in Singapore, save for the humidity and high ambient temperature. So far, Stockholm looks like what I'd imagine a big, cosmopolitan city in Europe to look like. But, I did get to see the Royal Place. Not quite as grand as I imagine, still pretty though. Had to resist the urge to poke fun at the guards on duty. Well, I would if I wasn't so much in a daze.

The Old Town, vaguely translated, looked inviting with all the streets of small shops, pubs and cafes. Where the roads are made of cobbled stones and not the boring tarred surface. Rustic and quint. Where cars and people travel the streets alike. Yesh, a car traveling amidst the hordes of tourists.

P/S: I say brick, Cherri says stone. Whatever!