Global Exploits

Friday, June 23, 2006

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!

Thursday, June 22, 2006

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!

Friday, June 16, 2006

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!