Europe continued..

Day 17 - Salzburg

Our programme today - the Salzwelten Salt Mines!! =D The salt mines are located outside Salzburg city itself, so it was meant to be a day-trip thingy.. Our hostel didn't provide breakfast, so we headed down to the train station, where they have this popular "Anker" breakfast chain.. =P hot tea plus croissants with chocolate filling.. Delicious! =P

The weather was really chilly, and it looked threatening, as if the heavens were going to pour on us any moment. We had to take a train to another small town, then transfer via bus to the salt mine. Well, the return journey would be the same.. So we headed up the 1st train service to "Hallein" station. I was quite apprehensive about this "package-ticket" which included return journey + entry fees. I mean, on the tic itself, it had no indication of a return journey! So i was really paranoid, resorting to even asking the ticket counter at BOTH ends of the train stations, whether it was a return ticket.. -_-""" Anyway, fortunately things were less complicated, and it was indeed! We caught the bus from Hallein outside the train station, and made our way to the salt mines without a hitch at all. =D

On reaching the salt mine, we were glad to have settled for the package ticket, which allowed us to skip the ever-growing long queue at the ticket counter to buy tickets. Sheesh. we would have wasted almost an hour if we had queued. O_O there were quite a lots of kids there! Probably students from schools on a field trip? =P Before we descended to the mines, we had to don this really funny suit! =p it consisted of a white top, long sleeved, plus white long pants. after the whole thing was done, we kinda looked a little like asylum escapees.. -_-"""" anyway, we met this really nice young couple who were teachers, and were also there on holiday like us. We were talking about the weather and the crowds, and offering to help take photos for each other.. Haha..

Ok, i've gone off on a tangent.. Coming back..

Salt mine = underground = cold. Right? Wrong. From the suiting up area, we descended this metal bridge stairways to the mine caves. We took this small train-like vehicle (train like, cos its skeleton was like a train, but there were no handles or seats or covers, just this long wooden structure, which you sat on behind the next person. and the guides tried to squish almost everyone onto that small platform.. -_-"") Anyway, cos we were quite deep underground, there was no wind = no chill factor, so we were comfortably nice and warm! =D

It was truly quite an educational trip. The nice guide, Marge, explained everything twice, once in German, then in English, to cater to the tourists. She covered everything, from the history and mechanics of the salt mines, and how salt was extracted from brine, to linking it to the development of Salzburg itself. Truly entertaining. =D


Gabby tasting the brine! =p

It wasn't just a simple walk through underground caverns, there were also underground slides and a boat ride! =D the slides were quite steep.. O_O there was no railing or watsoeva. You just sat down on this set of "rails" which consisted of 2 wooden poles raised and separated 20cm apart, and you slid down the slide! Susan was absolutely terrified. The guys went first, followed by the girls. And Susan literally screamed to the heavens.. It was quite funny.. =P Apparently the China tourists behind us were quite amused too.. =P There was also this ride across an underground brine lake. Inside the lake chamber, it was completely silent. The "boat", though motorized, was silent as it transported us across the still brine-water surface, as we stared enraptured into the waters, gazing at the salt crystals on the far away shore.. It was so serene..


Gp foto at the bottom of the mines! =D *check out the nice coveralls.. =D

The whole tour ended a little abruptly for my taste, but it was really enjoyable! =D We then realised that we had missed the bus service back to the train station.. Aaahhh... and buses here come by the hour.. -_-""" makes you miss the efficiency of SMRT and SBS.. =p so we took the opportunity to explore the nearby Celtic village exhibition, showcasing the lifestyles of the early Celts. Apparently, they were one of the first peoples to have started salt mining in the area. Interesting. =D


Celtic village! =D

A quick bus-train transfer later, and we were back in Salzburg! =D Lunch! We trooped down to this quaint looking restaurant, and sat down to a warm meal of Goulash soup with bread - not exactly traditional Austrian food, goulash being known as Russain food.. =P But the goulash soup was really tasty! Haha.. I've resolved to try it out it Singapore too.. If only it wasn't so ex.. =p And of course, some apple strudel! =D the fresh cream on it really complemented the apple strudel. It was nice and flaky, and the apple taste was not too overpowering.. =D


apfelstrudel (apple strudel!) Yummy!

Afternoon programme? Shopping! Everyone was hyped up to go on a shopping frenzy, since it was nearing the end of our trip, and we needed to buy lots of souvenirs to bring home.. Aahhh... so we trooped down to the city area, where we hit the shops.. The mozart chocolates are a local specialty, and we literally swept the shelves.. =P i bet the pple were wondering what we were doing. Eep.

We grabbed a beautiful jigsaw puzzle of Empress Sisi (refer to previous Vienna posts) for a good friend, and us being not much for shopping, Chris and I explored the city centre, heading to the other attractions which we didn't have time to visit..


The residenz! - the historic quarters of the archbishops and bishops of Salzburg..


Hohensalzburg Fortress - the chief landmark of Mozart's city, and the largest, fully-preserved fortress in central Europe.. =D

As usual, I mentioned that the shops closed early right? Well, it had its good points. =D we headed back to the hostel early to grab our backpacks, then walked to the train station, where we were due on the train that night to Munich. Dinner was a hasty affair at the BK at the train station. Yes, they actually have BK in Salzburg. =P

And we were pleasantly surprised to meet fellow Singaporeans in the BK! Haha.. Singaporeans are truly a characteristic bunch of pple. We met Changwei's family there and we talked a while.. Its nice to meet pple from back home, in foreign lands.. =D

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Salzburg is quite close to Munich, and in an hour's plus time, we had arrived in Munich, Germany! Hah! Our hostel was a short walk away from the train station again (hey, it takes careful planning to choose excellently-located hostels.. ;D) so we hitched out bags and trooped out. What was supposed to be a less than 10mins walk turned out much longer than expected. XP i wonder what measurements pple take when they say 10mins by foot. Sheesh. the guy must have been walking at a super fast pace WITHOUT any heavy backpacks at all.. -_-"""

In fact, we had crossed so many streets, that we started to doubt the reliability of the map in the train station, and me, the functionality of my own compass and GPS after the tiring train ride.. =P but finally! We caught sight of our hotel for that evening - the M hotel. -_-"" yah, i tot it sounded a little like a brothel at first, but thankfully it was a decent hostel for a good night's rest. =D they even provided each person free 10mins internet access, but Gabby argued and haranged with the receptionist for longer internet hours.. Haha.. =P ( the blogger addict had to check his hcvball blog.. =P ) our only grouse that we asked for a room of 7, but instead got bumped into a giant room of 14 pple!!! Sheesh. Oh wellz, its nice to know new pple too i guess, just that we were quite tired, so we retired early.. =D

School reopens!!

School's finally started, and I'm finally back with updates.. =p

took a while to recuperate after the tiring float.. although we didn't any prizes outright, we did get a silver award, which ranks us among the top 5 or so. Not a bad achievement, if i may say =p, considering this is the 1st time in 6 years that we are going back to float building.. Haha.. and it even survived the trip out to Tampines, KKH and Toa Payoh! =D

Though there were no accolades won, the real prizes reside in our memories and our hearts - the days and nights spent together with friends working for a common goal. The time spent together, for each other. The shared feelings of joy and disappointment, yet bittersweet.. Priceless.

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Before i sound anymore like a Visa card advert, let me attempt to narrate the rest of my Europe trip.. =p

Day 16 - Salzburg (home to Mozart)!!

We departed Vienna early that morning from the Westend City hostel. It was still much earlier than the normal breakfast time, but the jolly rotund cook welcomed us into her kitchen, and we grabbed quick breakfasts of cereals, buns with nutella, and hot tea. =D

A mad rush to the train station later, and we were off to Salzburg! =p Salzburg is almost a stone's throw away from Vienna, for we reached Salzburg before 10am that day.. =P Yepz.. Salzburg, home to the famous composer Mozart! My city!! =P well, at least I was gonna be guide for this city again.. =p As we stepped out of the train station into the rigid open air, we realised that Salzburg was so much more colder than Vienna!!! Aaaahhhhhhh!!! It was so cold, we could see our breaths condensing in front of us in small clouds! We stalked off quickly into the cold air, trying to find our hostel, and change into some warmer clothes.

At Yoho International, the receptionist was really quite nice. =P we got a room of 8, and had to share with 1 other girl.. o_O (that's another story for later part.. =p) Yupz, after depositing our luggage, we headed back to the train station, where we decided to take a bus down to the "main city" across the river, which was actually the touristy-place, where all the tourist attractions and shops were.. =D Then misfortune struck.

The STUPID bus machine ate our 10 euros!!!!! Aaaaahhhhhhhh. Stupid contraption. We asked the lady by the train station ticket window for help, to which she directed us to another counter. Then began a wild goose chase that went on for 10mins, all for 10euros. (well, converted back, its close to S$22) Exasperated, we went back to the 1st lady, who was less than helpful.. -_-""" she gave us this number, then told us to call. I was like, huh!??!?!?! I'm sure I speak German lah!!!! So we asked her nicely to put the call for us, and explain our problem.. She did so after glaring at us.. -_-""""" talk abt the service industry. Sheesh. After that, the company said that they would wire the 10euros to Gabby's Singapore bank account, to which, we had no choice but to accept. X( Speaking of which, i have yet to ask gabby if he got it back.. Hhmmzzz..

Frustrated with my luck with the buses, we decided to walk to the main city centre, where we could grab some lunch. On the way, we passed by Mozart's residence and entered it. It was such a nice place! =p Showcasing Mozart's life story and his family, it was a melodius visit, as the audio guides played snippets of Mozart's music pieces while explaining the history and significance of Mozart's residence.


Mozart's residence!! =D notice the Austrian flag at the top right hand corner..

No longer being able to stand our growling stomachs, we decided to head for lunch! =P it was tough finding places to eat these days, since we were getting a little tired of bread and pasta.. then we chanced upon this wonderful Chinese restaurant!! =D They had a splendid buffet lunch on offer! for 8euros ++, we could enjoy a Chinese buffet lunch!! We trooped in, and sat down to one of our best Chinese meals in Europe! =P Warm steamed rice, fried noodles, stir-fried chinese vegetables, fried onions, chicken, fried omelettes.. And sweet and sour soup!!! The food absolutely revitalised us in the cold weather! Everyone kept going back for seconds.. =D While Susan learnt how to use chopsticks.. lolz.. =D


The wonderful Chinese Yuan Restaurant!!

We then headed over to Mozart's birthplace in the famous Gertreidegasse Street. I immediately recognised it from the Amazing Race episode a few seasons back! Its characteristic yellow walls.. If you're wondering, Mozart was born here, then apparently his family moved to their new house when the current one became too small..


Group photo outside Mozart's birthplace!! =D

We then trawled the streets a little,


The main Gertreidegasse street!

before dragging ourselves to the Monschberg lift, where we took it up for a beautiful scenic view of Salzburg. It was so tranquil and serene.. Just watching the picturesque painting laid out before me, made me forget all my worries for the moment.. =D


View of Salzburg from the top of Monschberg mountain..

After a 10min trek down the mountain, (we seem to be doing lots of trekking this europe trip.. =p) we finally reached back down to the city.


Me in front of the Monschberg pass running under the mountain!! =D

Its a pity that the shops and attractions here close really early around 5pm, so we couldn't do much shopping or sight seeing. Even the bakery ran out of Appel strudel.. =( Even the supermarket salesgirl chased us out... -_-"""" sheesh. Oh wellzz... As we strolled back to our hostel, we chanced upon this Sachetort chocolate shop. And the girls were like, going crazy over it. -_-"" i always thought Godiva was THE one? =P anyway, we were sure to come back the following day early enough to hit the shops till we drop! =D

Dinner was a simple affair of maggi noodles back at the hostel, after a nice warm shower.. Mmmm... here's where i realised that i didn't bring my kettle for nothing! =p Over cups of maggi noodles and mugs of milo / soup / chrysanthemum tea, we talked through the evening with this girl from Canada who was backpacking alone for the past 3 months. Woah. Tink we won't have survived so long alone.. Its always nice to have company. =D Anyway, so we ended up telling her about our experiences in other cities, and she asked us how was Nice, France. And Chris was like, "Oh, Nice is not nice." -_-"""" There was a moment of silence, as we turned away as this plainly lame joke.. -_-"""

Seeing the expressionless look on the girl's face, Christopher went on to explain, "Oh, Nice is not nice, as in n-i-c-e nice." O_O""""" OMG. the rest of us positively fainted. how utterly painful!!! Aaaahhhhh.... Bish. =P

Float going Public!! =D

Here's a more recent event: =P

Float went Public yesterday!! =D

Finally, after many months of planning and hardwork from the committee and all the M1s & M2s who came down to help out in float, NUS Med Fac float finally hit the streets yesterday!! =D

to start off, an advert for float..



Some history.. NUS float has always been organised yearly in conjunction with Flag day, as a show of appreciation to the public for the donations to the school. Back then, floats would actually travel around Singapore, displaying to the public. But for some reason, the public procession has ceased for some years. And this year, the Medicine Faculty is bringing float to the heartlands, as part of our centennial celebrations!!

Yepz, this year's theme is Healthy Living. Our story line goes, our protagonists is living a healthy lifestyle. When he is seduced into the dark realm of unhealthy lifestyle, picking up habits like smoking and poor eating habits, the healthy living family attempts to recollect their lost sheep!!


Our beautiful float!! consisting of healthy living components such as the watermelon & potatoes, to eeeeviiiiilll things such as soft drinks, fries and smoking.. =p pity the stupid palm tree smack in the middle of my photo.. XD

2nd August 2005 - we finally moved out!! It was such a mad rush, especially with the make-up crew and costumes pple, who had to do final touch ups before setting off. The float had already been mounted on the lorry nights before, so it was all set. (we were worried that the individual components would roll off O_O so they were L-plated down firmly.. =P)


Our entourage - while the procession of float went ahead, the dancers & backup crew followed in the bus.. Plus many buskers & other helpers in cars following behind!

Our 1st stop - KKH!! as the float rolled into KKH, the team got into work touching up the float, which might have been damaged slightly over the journey from NUS, while the dancers & buskers got the show rolling for the kids & families..


Our dancers in action @ KKH!! Catch the beautiful lettuce dancers and carrot dancers clad in green & orange respectively!

Other than the float dance, we also had volunteer buskers, who helped perform to collect money for charity!! A favourite item with the kids must have been the ballon sculpturing! =D Colin was magnificent! He and the OG were churning out ballon sculptures much to the children's delight.. Such a beautiful scene.. =D


1 of our performing groups - the Vocal Chords

Halfway through the KKH performance, the heavens opened up on us. Aaahhhh!!! While the performance and dance went on inside the main building, the rest of us scrambled back to the float @ the hospital lobby, dragging canvas sheets over the float to protect it from the rain.. Many of us were drenched in the rain.. But it was quite a task, dragging the large canvas sheet over the whole float, and stapling and tying it down.. =P Luckily there was a repair kit prepared the night before.. Phew! (we should have rehearsed our wet weather plans too.. =P) Finally, KKH management was kind enough to allow us to move the float under the shelter from the rain.. Many thanks!!


Float? Masked by the canvas sheets..

Thankfully the rain stopped around 12.30pm, so we could head to our next stop, Toa Payoh HDB Hub!! =P HDB hub was a parking nightmare for the float lorry!! Measuring more than 7m in length, we were literally traffic-stopping, as the skilled lorry driver maneouvered the float into this cramped space. In the process, mounting countless kerbs and making all our hearts skip a beat.. O_O i bet the other cars honking madly behind were wondering what the whole thing was all about.





@ Toa Payoh HDB hub!! We attracted quite a crowd.. =D check our gal "evil" dancers clad in black leotards with the red hot toga.. Sizzling performance! =D

Anyway, fast forward to Tampines Mall in the evening, we had some difficulty parking the float again.. -_-""" so we were once again forced to park the float at a round-about a distance away from the dance performance outside Tampines Mall.. Our initial location @ Tampines Mall was less than desirable, being totally out of sight of the entrance, so we shifted to the main entrance, where the dancers & buskers performed their hearts out to the resounding applause of the audience! =D What a wonderful day.. =D


Our cute mascots, with Denise as our Lettuce mascot!! =D

Of course, all throughout the performance, we were distributing pamphlets & free apples to the public, encouraging to live healthy lifestyles. I only realised then how difficult it was to get the public to take the free apples~ Hhmmm... Have we become not so kiasu? lolz.. usually when there are free stuff, pple queue like mad.. whereas yesterday, we had to explain like mad before the public took our apples, casting us curious glances.. =P oh wellz..

Hope that on Rag day this saturday, all things go well!!! Meanwhile, back to NUS to touch up the float for this saturday's competition!! =D

Everyone's been asking me what I've been so busy these few days with.. Hhmmm.. In fact, so busy that I've only uploaded some photos from last month.. Eeks. Here's a slew of back-dated posts, done in a rare window of opportunity amidst float. =D

My Brother's NTU Graduation Ceremony!!

Whee.. My brother graduated from NTU last month.. =D and it was wonderful attending his ceremony.. Some nice photos.. =D



Family photo!!


My brother & I..

Felt immensely proud of him when he went up to collect his cert, all decked nicely in the gown and cap.. Kelvin, wishing you the best in your career!! =D