2015 年 5 月 17 日 星期日 【晴】

Trip to Germany (7th – 14th Sep 2014)

One Country, Two Cities, Three Towns

For me, vacation is not only a time for taking a break from work, but also an excellent chance to learn something new. Over the past few years, I have been to several different metropolises of the developed world. Spending a week or so to explore a capital city is a precious experience for every traveler. Tokyo, London and Paris are three distinctive mega cities of the world where I have visited before. As a European culture lover, travelling around the European continent is my ultimate goal. After visiting Britain and France, Germany is of course my next destination. In the past, I used to take a week-long trip to only one specific city in autumn. Although Germany is not a very large country in terms of the size of its territory, there are too many places where are worth visiting in this central European nation-state. In fall 2014, I went on an eight-day trip to Germany on my own, visiting two big cities and three small towns.

Germany is now not only a core member in the European Union (EU), but also one of the most powerful countries in the world. In recent years, Germany has been famous for its successful eco-friendly policy. Berlin has been the capital city and political centre of Germany for a very long time in history. It is situated in northeastern Germany with a population more than three and a half million. Munich is the capital of the German Federal State of Bavaria. It is Germany's third largest city in terms of population size after Berlin and Hamburg. Besides these two huge metropolises, there are some other places where are worth seeing. Fussen, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Wurzburg are three renowned small towns where attract millions of holidaymakers from all over the world every year.

Weather

The normal weather of the European continent is quite predictable, thus creating perfect opportunities for sightseeing and photography. Germany weather has four distinct seasons and has a relatively mild climate most of the year. Fall seems to be the best time to visit this continental country since the summer crowds are back home, and as airfares drop, so do hotel rates. On a good sunny day, the sky is bright blue with a few white fluffy clouds. The air is fresh and clean with gentle cool breezes blowing now and then. One cannot imagine how comfortable it was when you inhaled the scent of the green grass and let the fresh breeze caress your face. For those who live in a hectic city just like Hong Kong, this pollution free surrounding provides city dwellers a great chance to rejuvenate and refresh themselves. Early autumn gives this peaceful country the most spectacular scenery that you can possibly imagine.

Hotels

The trip to Germany was quite different from my previous travel experience. I used to stay in only one city, travelling around the surrounding tourist hot spots. Therefore, I only needed to reserve a single hotel which is located at or near city centre for my week-long excursion. Since it was an eight-day long expedition which covered two major cities and three little towns in Germany, I had to stay in five different budget hotels for each destination. Because of my tight budget on my back pack trip, some three-star hotels which are proximate to city centre seem to be my only choice.

Hotels in Germany are somewhat different from the other European countries. Most hotels in Germany, even a four-star hotel, have no air-conditioning facilities. Some of the hotels even have no 24-hour reception service nor free Wi-fi. As the European, including the German, are used to drink the tap water directly from the faucet, neither hot water kettle nor distilled water will be provided in most of the hotel rooms. That means you are not able to make hot coffee in your own room.

Except for the drawbacks mentioned above, general speaking, the hotels in Germany are quite cosy and comfortable. Most of the rooms are spacious, hygienic and warmly decorated with good air circulation. One will not feel stuffy even without any air-conditioning facilities. The hotels which I chose are all well located close to the downtown with plenty public transport. It only took a few minutes’ walk from the nearest train or metro station. Most popular tourist attractions are just nearby. Moreover, all of the hotel staff were very friendly and helpful.

Day One - Munchen: Schloss Nymphenburg and Residenz (A&O Munchen Hauptbahnhof, 2-star hotel)

Given that there is no direct flight from Hong Kong to Berlin, Munich was chosen to be the starting point of my whole trip. I arrived at the Munich International Airport early in the morning on Sunday. Unfortunately, once I checked out from the arrival hall of the airport, I found that my luggage lock had been vandalized and two luggage wheels had broken. I filed my complain to the related airline authority immediately. Luckily enough, nothing important was missing from my baggage and I had my full insurance cover for my baggage damage when I came back to Hong Kong.

Munich is the most significant political and cultural city in the southern Germany with a population of nearly a million and a half. The city was first set up some eight hundred and fifty years from now. Munich is home to major museums, palaces and other countless architectural attractions which attract considerable tourism from far and wide all year round.

Munich is just like any other modern city with well-organized transport network throughout the urban area. A day ticket called Airport-City-Day-Ticket enables you to travel the entire MVV (The Munich Transport and Tariff Association) network, including S-Bahn (urban trains) and U-Bahn (underground).

Owing to tight travel schedule, I could only stay one night in Munich. Of all the highlight attractions in downtown, no one would miss the royal residence of the kings and queens of Bavaria. Schloss Nymphenburg (Nymphenburg Palace) is a historical Baroque summer palace of the Bavarian rulers. This palace has stood in the west of the city for over three hundred and forty years. It is no doubt that Schloss Nymphenburg is the most splendid architecture in Munich. I spent a whole morning admiring this marvelous place.

As far as I noticed, the overwhelming majority of the sightseers only paid attention on main structure of the palace, such as the Great Hall and the Queen’s Apartment, but forgot about the precious natural beauty that the palace contains, like the Nymphenburg Palace Park and Pavilions nearby.

The Nymphenburg Palace Park is undoubtedly the green lung of the city. A gorgeous lake is located at the centre of the beautiful garden. Many different kinds of animals can be found in the park. Some of those animals include geese, swans and squirrels. No one can deny that it is an enjoyable experience when you are surrounded by the green and the scent of cutting grass. The natural scenery of the palace is beyond description.

Marstallmuseum (Museum of carriages and sleighs) is another highlight which should not be neglected. This museum houses state coaches, sleighs and riding equipment used by the Bavarian rulers.

In the early afternoon, I headed for another royal residence in Munich, the well-known Residenz. The Munich Residenz served as residence of the Bavarian rulers for over four centuries. The Antiquarium is a must-see spot inside the Residence Museum. It is one of the largest and most lavish Renaissance halls in southern Germany. The Treasury contains numerous collections with priceless jewels, crystal objects and ivories. Regrettably, I had no time to pay a visit to Cuvilliés-Theater. The theatre is a unique structure of the South German Rococo style.

Marienplatz can be considered as the heart of the city of Munich. This central square used to be a market place crowded with tons of people during the Middle Ages. After hanging around this prominent market place, I went back to my hotel, A&O Munchen Hauptbahnhof, and called it a day.

Day Two - Fussen: Schloss Neuschwanstein (Luitpoldpark Hotel, 4-star hotel)

After leaving the bustling city of Munich, I continued my journey to the southern part of Germany. The Romantic Road is the best known and most popular holiday route in south Germany, which links a dozen of historical towns from Würzburg in the north to Füssen in the south. This renowned travel route runs across the unspoiled countryside and features gorgeous meadows, picturesque villages, traditional walled towns, brilliant churches as well as fairy-tale medieval castles.

In the following three days, I visited three German towns along the Romantic Road. Each of these towns has their own unique charm. All those old German towns are just like a living encyclopedia of Medieval European history. Visitors are able to experience the cultural atmosphere of the Middle Age Europe once they step inside one of those historical heritages.

Füssen is a famed medieval town located at the southern end of the Romantic Road. This enchanting little town is regarded as “The Romantic Soul of Bavaria". Hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world flock to this quiet small town every year. Apart from the astonishing natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, the world-renowned castles seem to be the number one reason why so many tourists coming to Fussen. Two splendid medieval castles are just stone throw away from the town centre. Schloss Hohenschwangau and Schloss Neuschwanstein are two of the most visited tourist attractions in south Germany.

Schloss Hohenschwangau (High Swan County Palace) served as the summer residence of the royal family of Bavaria. This castle was built on the foundation of the ruins of an earlier fortress during the reign of Maximilian II of Bavaria. It was also the place where the future king Ludwig II spent most of his childhood.

The Schloss Neuschwanstein (New Swan Stone Castle) is one of the most spectacular castles in Germany and one of the most desired tourist destinations in Europe. Every year over a million people come to visit this world-famed fairy tale castle. In the 19th century, Neuschwanstein Castle was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as the “Swan King” or “Fairy Tale King”. The dreamy castle is located on the top of a hill overlooking the breathtaking scenery of the Bavarian Alps. This edifice is definitely not only one of the most charming castles in Europe, but also one of the most photographed buildings in the world. Even Walt Disney was inspired by this fantastic castle to create his own Magic Kingdom. The Sleeping Beauty Castle of Disneyland was constructed based on the blueprint of this late-19th century neo-Romanesque style architecture.
In addition to the majestic castles on the hillside mentioned above, the Museum of the Bavarian Kings is a grand museum located on the shores of the Alpsee Lake which should not to be missed. The museum has served as an exhibition hall dedicated to the history of the Wittelsbach Dynasty of Bavaria from the early years to the present. The exhibition mainly focuses on the tales of the two royal palaces of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau as well as the saga of the famous Fairy Tale King, Ludwig II.

The museum is newly furnished with a long panorama window permitting a spectacular view of the diamond green lake. On a good weather day, the bright blue sky and its gleaming reflection on the lake is outstanding. Sightseers are allowed to admire the natural beauty of the wonderful mountain scenery as well as the stunning view of the emerald Lake Alpsee.

Day Three - Rothenburg ob der Tauber (Goldenes Fass Rothenburg, 3-star hotel)
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is perhaps the best-preserved medieval old town on the Romantic Road. This thousand-year-old town is well known for its fascinating cultural and historic heritages. The local government has taken much effort on revitalizing this classic European town into one of the most welcomed tourist attractions in Germany. The traditional medieval architectures are well-preserved in the town. Once you step through the gate of this idyllic small town, you will be enchanted by its unique medieval traditional culture. Today Rotenburg is not only considered as a prototype of a central European old town, but also a very good example of revitalization through preservation.

Although there is not a single medieval castle to be found in the town, a series town museums provides every sightseer a time machine to go back to the Middle Age Europe. Since it is very much a walkable city, four historic museums can be visited within a day. Each of them has their own unique characteristics and none of them should be missed by European history lovers.
First and foremost, Reichsstadtmuseum (Imperial Town Museum) is a must-do for history lovers with a special interest in medieval weapons and military history. The museum itself is originally an ancient Dominican monastery. Since 1936, it has been turned to be a museum exhibiting the collections of baroque statues, porcelain, armors and ancient weapons. Some weapons were once even owned by prominent historical figures, such as a duel pistol ensemble of Prince Klemenz von Metternich, a notable Austrian politician.
Mittelatterliches Kriminalmuseum (Medieval Crime Museum) is by far the most intriguing highlight in town. As far as I am concerned, this museum is a must for everybody interested in the history of crime and punishment. Even though it is only a medium-size town museum, it is the most significant museum for jurisprudence in Middle Age Europe. Exhibits include different kinds of medieval torture devices, for example, Iron Maiden, Spiked Chair, Shame mark, Chastity Belt and much more. It is an incredible experience to travel through the showroom houses antique objects and documents pertaining to medieval crimes, trials and executions.
It is no doubt that Historiengewölbe mit Staatsverlies (History Museum with Town Dungeon) is the best place for taking a quick review of the notorious Thirty Years’ War (1618 - 1648). Different from the museums mentioned above, visitors are allowed to walk into the vaults and the dungeon by themselves. No glass cases stand between the visitors and the exhibits. A number of life-size figures stand eye to eye with you. One can experience the war history once again on their own when you enter the historical vaults and walk down to the imperial city dungeon.

Last but not least, Deutsches Weihnachtsmuseum (Christmas Museum) was the last museum which I paid a visit. A visit to Rothenburg cannot be complete without visiting the Christmas Museum. The museum itself is more like a big Christmas shop than a museum. Visitors can admire the traditional Christmas decorations and explore the fascinating history of Christmas development all around the world.
Day Four - Wurzburg (Novotel Wurzburg Hotel, 4-star hotel)

Wurzburg is another famous town located at the northern end of the Romantic Road. Although Wurzburg has a history of over a thousand years, it is more like a modern small city than a traditional big town. There is a sharp contrast between Wurzburg and other towns along the Romantic Road. Fussen and Rothenburg are more or less the same size in terms of population and territory. However, Wurzburg has twice the size of territory than Fussen; and has ten times population more than Rothenburg. Many modern buildings can be found in the city centre of Wurzburg while most traditional tourist hot spots are located in the old city.

Würzburger Residenz (Wurzburg Residence) is surely the most eminent masterpiece in the city. The Wurzburg Residence is one of Europe’s most renowned baroque palaces and it has been inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1981. It was the former residence of the Wurzburg prince-bishops of the Schönborn family. Once you enter the residence you will be impressed by the world-famous staircase, which is said to be the most magnificent staircase world wide. Another eye-catching decoration inside the palace should be the world’s largest ceiling fresco with the size of 677 square metres.

Apart from the Residenz, Festung Marienberg (Fortress Marienberg) is for sure another essential to visit in the city. It was a residence of the local prince-bishops from the mid-13th to early 18th century. The mighty fortress on the hillside is served as an outstanding landmark on the left bank of the River Main in Wurzburg. On a sunny day, one may enjoy the breathtaking panoramic city view from that height of the Fortress. The Fortress Marienberg houses two museums, Fürstenbau-museum and Mainfränkisches Museum. The Fürstenbau-museum serves as the city's history museum, which features the former living quarters of the prince-bishops as well as the city history of Wurzburg. The Mainfränkisches Museum is an eminent Bavarian art museum. Its extensive collections comprise paintings, sculptures and crafts objects from Wurzburg from early history to the 19th century.

Besides the above illustrious palace and fortress, several of the brilliant heritage structures should not be missed. Marienkappelle is a late Gothic period hall church erected since late 15th century; Neumunster is a Romanesque basilica from the 11th century; Dom St. Kilian is the fourth largest Romanesque cathedral in Germany.

Day Five - Berlin: Museum Island (Ivbergs Hotel Charlottenburg, 3-star hotel)

After finishing my excursion along the Romantic Road, I took an express train called the ICE heading to the capital city of Germany, Berlin. Berlin is a political city with a fascinating history. The city was once divided into two halves after the Second World War. With the reunification of Germany in 1990, East and West Berlin were reunited into one single entity. Berlin is now the largest city in Germany and a world-class metropolis, comparable to London and Paris.

Just like other big cities in Europe, Berlin has a well-ordered and efficient rapid transit system. The whole city is connected by two separate public transport rail systems, the S-Bahn (city rapid railway) and U-Bahn (underground railway). Travelers are advised to get a “Berlin Welcome card” for unlimited travel on Berlin subways, metros, trams, and buses. In addition to the free transport, this traveler card also grants visitors significant discounts on many scenic spots, including palaces, museums, theatres and gardens, etc.

When it came to Berlin, Museumsinsel (Museum Island) is definitely the most attractive highlight among the scenic spots. The museum complex is situated in the very heart of the city. This incomparable museum ensemble has been registered on the UNESCO List of the World Heritage Sites since 1999. The Museumsinsel is a complex of buildings consisting of five individual museums, all of which house magnificent collections of art and cultural artifacts stretching over several millennia from European continent.

The Altes Museum (Old Museum) was the very first museum erected on the Museum Island established in 1830. It was also the first public museum in Prussia. The museum building was architecturally designed in a neoclassical style, which resembles a Greek Ionic Temple. The Old Museum has extensive collections of ancient Greek, Etruscans and Roman antiquities. Although it is only a medium-sized museum with limited exhibits, the interior design of the architecture is stunning, especially the glorious rotunda in the middle of the building.

The Neues Museum (New Museum) is another imposing neoclassical architecture which is situated next to the Old Museum. The New Museum houses some of the most significant archaeological artifacts from prehistory and early history all over the world, for instance ancient Egyptian and Etruscan sculptures. Its centerpiece is the world-renowned iconic bust of the Egyptian queen Nefertiti.

Unlike the above two museums, Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) is an ancient temple-like building bears a resemblance to the Acropolis of Athens. The Gallery is a must-visit for every art lover because it owns one of the largest collections of nineteenth-century sculptures and paintings in Germany. Although it is the smallest one among the five museums on the Island, numerous fantastic artworks by best-known German artists can be found here.

The Bode Museum is certainly the most attention-grabbing architecture on Museum Island. It is a glamorous triangular shaped building with an outstanding bronze cupola. This amazing museum houses one of the most stunning collections of sculptures, coins and medals as well as Byzantine art.

The Pergamonmuseum (Pergamon Museum) is the newest and biggest museum on the Island. Thus, it is no surprise that this is the most popular museum in the whole Germany. Several colossal archaeological monuments can be seen inside the building, like the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, the market gate of Miletus and the Pergamon Altar. The museum is principally dedicated to the art of the western ancient world. It houses remarkable art collections of antiquities from Greece, Mesopotamia and Middle East.

Berliner Dom (Berlin Dom), which is also known as Berlin Cathedral, is the largest church in Berlin and regarded as an iconic landmark of the city. The Dom is a baroque cathedral located on the Museum Island, next to the museum complex. Beneath the sanctuary, there is a crypt located in the basement of the Cathedral. Entombed there are the bodies of the Hohenzollern family, a Prussian royal family which can be dated back to the 11th century.

Day Six - Potsdam: Sanssouci Palace (Ivbergs Hotel Charlottenburg, 3-star hotel)

Suppose you have a few days to visit Berlin, please make sure Potsdam is on your itinerary. It only takes you half an hour or so to get there by railway from the city centre of Berlin. Potsdam, which is located in the suburb of Berlin, is the capital city of the German federal state of Brandenburg. This thousand years old city was a royal residence of Prussian kings and the German Kaiser until the end of World War One. Every year millions of tourists come to this old city to admire its historical heritages and serenity of nature.

Among the numerous cultural attractions in the region, the Sanssouci Park is not only considered as the crown jewel of the city, but also the largest World Heritage site in Germany. Its palaces and extensive verdant gardens have been registered on the UNESCO's World Heritage List since 1999. The whole Sanssouci Park is regarded as an ensemble of palaces and garden complexes, which were built by the order of Frederick the Great in the 18th century.

The Schloss Sanssouci (Sanssouci Palace) served as the private summer retreat of the eminent Prussian King Frederick II, known in history as Frederick the Great. “Sans souci” is a French phrase and can be translated as “no worries” or “carefree” in English. It suggested that this palace was a place for the king to relax himself. More importantly, he could free from the rules and regulations of the royal court when he was in the palace.

In fact, the palace itself is a masterpiece of a mixture of different building styles. Inside the palace, you can find a fabulous Chinese Tea House, a tranquil Dutch style windmill and an ancient Italian villa like Roman baths. Several palaces scattered around the Sanssouci Park, which include the Rococo-style Sanssouci Palace, Renaissance-style Orangery Palace and the late-Baroque New Palace. Regrettably, I had no chance to enter the New Palace since it was still under renovation when I visited the palace.

Leaving the Sanssouci Park early in the evening, I came back to the city centre of Berlin and continued my sightseeing in the downtown. In my opinion, it was worth spending a couple hours to appreciate the night scene of this bustling city. Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate) is of course a must-see iconic architecture in the downtown. The Brandenburg Gate, an 18th-century neoclassical triumphal arch, stands as a symbol of the tumultuous history of Germany and the reunification of the two Berlins. The Gate is probably the most well-known landmark in Berlin.

Reichstag (German Bundestag), just next to the Brandenburg Gate, is another major scenic spot in the city. The Reichstag is the second most visited attraction in Germany after the far-famed Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral) in Cologne. This magnificent building which was designed by the prominent architect Norman Foster has been served as the German parliament since the reunification of Germany. This architecture is the combination of classic design and modern technology. The roof terrace and dome are the highlights of this imposing edifice. In fine weather, sightseers are able to enjoy an impressive panoramic view of the surrounding Berlin cityscape if they are inside the huge glass dome at the very top of the Reichstag. I regretted that I was unable to enter the building since reservation had to be made six weeks in advance.

By the end of the day, I reached the Potsdamer Platz (Potsdam Square). It is the most important public square and traffic intersection in this metropolis. Around eight at night, I headed back to my hotel, Ivbergs Hotel Charlottenburg, and prepared the sightseeing the next day.

Day Seven - Berlin: Schloss Charlottenburg, Museum für Naturkunde (Ivbergs Hotel Charlottenburg, 3-star hotel)

Schloss Charlottenburg (Charlottenburg Palace) is the largest surviving royal residence and one of the most popular attractions in city of Berlin. It was originally a summer palace of Sophie Charlotte, the wife of Elector Friederich III. This Baroque palace was first built at the end of the 17th century and further expanded in the early 18th century under the command of Frederick the Great. The internal design of the palace is a kind of mixture of Baroque and Rococo styles. An extensive Baroque-style garden surrounding the palace was built on the model of the gardens at the Palace of Versailles. It is an ideal half-day trip destination if you are the first time to come to Berlin.

As a big fan of natural science, I never miss visiting the local natural science museum when I am in town. Museum für Naturkunde (Naturkundemuseum) is the largest natural history museum in Berlin with over two hundred years of history. The museum houses millions of zoological, paleontological and mineralogical specimens. The most eye-popping exhibit must be the 12 metre-high Brachiosaurus branchai at the entrance of the main hall. This huge dinosaur skeleton is the largest mounted dinosaur skeleton in the world. There are some other smaller dinosaur skeletons in the dinosaur hall. Visitors are able to see a short three dimensional motion pictures with the help of a binocular-like device, called “Jurascopes”. Another important specimen must be the earliest known bird, Archaeopteryx. In addition, the wet collection of the museum is really stunning. I have never seen a room full of glass jars with well-preserved specimens in that large amount. Moreover, visitors who are interested in astronomy are allowed to lie down on a big sofa in a stairwell-like planetarium to watch a movie about the cosmos and solar system.

Late in the evening, I paid a visit to a historical site, Checkpoint Charlie. This checkpoint is not only the dividing point of the two Berlins, but also the ultimate symbols of the separation between the Communists and the Capitalists. It is historically important because it was the only crossing point for foreigners to enter another side of Berlin from 1961 to 1990. Today, there is a replica of the Checkpoint Charlie booth at the original site. Travelers can take photos with the on-duty “officers” (they are not even real soldiers). Haus am Checkpoint Charlie (Checkpoint Charlie Museum), also known as Mauermuseum, is located just nearby. Though it is a comparatively small museum, it contains countless documentation and all related materials about the Checkpoint Charlie as well as the Berlin Wall.

Day Eight - Berlin: History Berlin Museum, Deutsches Historisches Museum (Ivbergs Hotel Charlottenburg, 3-star hotel)

Since I had to catch the flight early in the evening, on the very last day of my trip in Germany, I could only manage to visit two more museums before I came back to Hong Kong. Being a history student, I would not miss any chance to visit the history museums. Historiale Berlin Museum (History Berlin Museum) is a mini-size museum which is a good place for learning the tumultuous history of Berlin. Visitors can overlook the whole Berlin city by looking at some mini-size models. Also, you are able to trace back the history of the city from the very beginning.

The last museum I would like to talk about is the Deutsches Historisches Museum (German Historical Museum). It is a national historical museum of Germany. This history museum offers you an opportunity to review the history of Germany through the most gorgeous paintings, fantastic artifacts and items of huge historical significance. If you are a history lover, you should put this museum on the top of your visiting list when you travel to Berlin.

An Inspirational Excursion

It was my first time to plan a week-long trip for visiting multiple cities in a single country. It was definitely not an easy task to draft an itinerary to match with the flights and train schedule. Fortunately, everything went so smooth and made my trip just fine. I was glad to have the chance to explore different cities and towns of Germany. In this country, one may not only find some idyllic medieval towns like Fussen and Rothenburg, but also some bustling metropolises just like Munich and Berlin. Germany is just like a fairytale kingdom with majestic castles, glorious palaces, beautiful gardens, intriguing museums and astonishing world cultural heritages. For that reason, this central European country is one of the most desired destinations for millions of tourists. If you have time, there are many other sights with cultural and historical value worth exploring in Germany, including SchloB Linderhof, DDR Museum, Denkmal fur die ermordeten Juden Europas and many others. I am looking forward to another opportunity to further explore the continent of Europe.

>>May 17, 2015 at 10:00:44 AM GMT+8

2014 年 7 月 8 日 星期二 【晴】

Trip to Paris (16th - 22nd Sep 2013)

Ever since my first backpack trip three years ago, I have enjoyed travelling to many of my dream destinations around the world by myself. In the past three years, I have been to three different capital cities of developed countries. First and foremost, Japan is my very first foreign country where I travelled outside Hong Kong on my own. Tokyo is one of the most advanced cities in Asia and may be the most hygienic city not only in Japan but throughout the whole world. Britain is my first European country where I have ever been. London is famous for its incredible heritage in history and for many years was the centre of the English-speaking world. Last but not least, France is the third destination of my long-planning visit. Paris is one of the most spectacular places in European continent. If you are a European culture lovers, just like me, you would not want to miss this marvelous metropolis. I was going to share my most incredible travel experience in Paris last year.

Paris, the capital of France, is a metropolitan city which covers an area of more than a hundred square kilometres with a population of over 12 million inhabitants. This millennium-old city in northern-central France has long been known as "The City of Light". This very capital city has been renowned for its status as the centre of thoughts and ideas during the Age of Enlightenment.

Travel Season

The time zone in Paris is six hours behind Hong Kong in the summer and seven hours behind in the winter. A direct flight will take about 13 hours from Hong Kong to Paris. A 13-hour long haul flight can make people exhausted. Watching movies or reading books seems to be the only way to kill time on flight.

Autumn is my favorite time of year to visit Europe. The fall season in Paris is somewhat beautiful. In the beginning of the season, you may still experience weather almost like summer with light sunshine and breezes. I never had to wear anything heavier than a jacket. Most of the time during my seven-day journey in Paris was so warm that I could go jacket-free. Moreover, visitors can enjoy longer periods of daylight at the beginning of autumn months.

Since the average hotel occupancy rates are much lower during the off-season, reserving a hotel room at a reasonable price is far more easier in the latter half of September. I spent five nights in the same three-star hotel by the name of Campanile Paris Est Pantin in the downtown area of Panin. The hotel has been recently refurbished to a high standard. The furnished single room with a comfortable bed and independent toilet was cosy and spacious. It was not the most convenient location for sightseeing, but restaurants, coffee shops and supermarkets are in close proximity. Most importantly, it takes only one or two minutes to reach the nearest metro station, Hoche, from my hotel. Hands down this was the best hotel that I have ever stayed in.

With fine weather, fewer crowds, cheaper airfare and lower hotel rates, autumn is not only a great time to explore the beauty of this unique continent, but also an ideal time to save money on trip.

Transportation and Sightseeing

Paris Metro is one of the most wide-spread rail networks in the world. The different parts of this immense city are all interconnected by an effective and an exceptionally well-organized transportation network. Visitors are able to unlimited travel around the city by using a week long validity travel card called "Pass Navigo Decouverte". This travel card is somewhat similar to the Octopus Card in Hong Kong. It seems to be the most popular and economical way to get around Paris.

Paris Museum Pass is a kind of fast pass ticket for unlimited free accessing to most of the museums, monuments, castles and other historical heritages of Paris within a certain validity period. If anyone who is interested in exploring the historical and cultural aspects of Paris, this pass can definitely help you save much time and money.

Day One - Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower was the very first place I visited on my very first trip to France. The Tower is the highest metal structure in Europe and the most-visited paid monument in the world. This colossal iron structure has been erected in the capital city for more than a century. As a global landmark, it welcomes around five million foreign visitors a year. After sunset, tourists can enjoy a unique panoramic night view of Paris on the top floor at the height of 276 metres from the ground. Today, the Eiffel Tower serves as a global cultural icon of France and the beauty of Paris.

Day Two - Basilique de Sacre-Coeur and Hotel National des Invalides

On the second day of my visit to France, early in the morning I took the funicular up to the second-highest point in Paris, Montmartre. Montmartre is primarily well known for the white-domed Basilica of the Sacré Cœur on its summit. The cathedral was being built since 1875 and completed almost 40 years later in 1914. This most popular Roman Catholic landmark in Paris witnessed French history for a century. On a cloudless, clear day one can see all across this lovely city from the top of this magnificent religious structure. In the morning of my visit to this white dome, I was lucky enough to enjoy the breathtaking panorama views of this great city from the hilltop at the height of 130 metres above sea level.
Later in the morning, I headed for the next destination, Chateau de Vincennes. The castle is located in the suburb of east Paris. It is one of the few well-preserved medieval construction still in existence today in Paris. The Chateau de Vincennes is a fortress that was being built between the 14th and 15th centuries. This grand castle not only served as a fortified royal residence, but also a military stronghold, an arms factory and a prison in the Middle Ages. The Keep and the Sainte-Chapelle de Vincennes are two of the most attention grabbing structures inside the chateau. The Keep, also known as donjon, refers to a fortified tower built within the castle during the medieval ages that was fortified the royal residences from external threat. This donjon is considered as the heart of the castle since it is one of the tallest fortress of its type in Europe. It rises 52 metres above the ground of its courtyard. The Sainte-Chapelle de Vincennes is a Gothic style chapel within the fortifications of the immense chateau. This holy chapel has been listed as a Historical Monument since mid-19th century.
During lunchtime on a cloudy day, I was planning to have a picnic lunch in an open public space. Jardin et Palais du Luxembourg, or called the Luxembourg Garden, is the second largest public park in Paris. Visitors are able to enjoy their light lunch or snack under a relaxing atmosphere in this most popular park of the city. A number of sculptures, monuments, flowerbeds and fountains are scattered throughout the garden. This 22.45 hectare large park is definitely a worth visit green space in the city.
I spent the rest of the afternoon in one of the most famous museums in Paris, Hotel National des Invalides. The building was originally a hospital as well as a retirement home for war veterans built by King Louis XIV in the 17th century. It is now open to public as a museum and heritage resort. The Hotel des Invalides is now home to several museums, including Musée de l'Armée, Musée des Plans-Reliefs, Musée de l'ordre de la Libération as well as the Dome des Invalides. The Dome des Invalides houses the tombs of several significant French war heroes, including Napoleon Bonaparte. This museum is probably the best place for exploring the military history of France. It is a must visited spot for anyone who is interested in European military history.
After leaving the Hotel National des Invalides in late afternoon, I hurried to another destination, Cineaqua. Cineaqua is a brand new state-of-the-art city’s aquarium in the heart of Paris. There are more than four million litres of seawater including the largest water tank in France. Visitors have a chance to explore the underwater world and discover the rich marine life. One will discover more than 10,000 fish and invertebrates in 43 basins, including 25 sharks. With various aquariums, three cinemas and dozens of giant screens, Cineaqua offers you a unique experience to discover the fascinating underwater world.

By the end of my second day in Paris, I paid a visit to a very special mini museum which focuses on sexuality. Musee de l'erotisme (Museum of Eroticism) is a sex museum which houses the largest permanent collection of erotic arts in Paris. The museum is located in the red-light district next to the famous Moulin Rouge. One may find a wide range of erotic items all over the world from ancient to modern times.

Day Three - Chateau de Versailles and Musee du Louvre

On day three of my tour, I set off to get to the most majestic castle of France early in the morning. Chateau de Versailles was probably the most favorite tourist spot of my whole trip. Lying in the suburbs of southwest Paris, Chateau de Versailles was the symbol of the absolute monarchy dated back to the Middle Ages. This splendid and magnificent palace was built in the mid-17th century at the height of power of Louis XIV. The Palace of Versailles was the royal residence of the Bourbons for more than a hundred years until the period of the French Revolution. Tourists are now allowed to access much of the interior of this spectacular palace and its world-famous garden. The Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel and the State Apartments of the King and Queen are some of the eye-catching places within the chateau you should never miss. The vast number of paintings, antiques, sculptures, tapestries and furniture makes the chateau an outstanding historical museum in the world. For saving time and energy, visitors are able to take a mini train to travel around the palace and garden. The mini train stops at several scenic spots within the palace, including the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon and the Grand Canal. Today the Chateau de Versailles is regarded as one of the most significant world heritage by the UNESCO. This castle is one of the most appreciated sightseeing hot spots in Paris, both for the French and for visitors from all over the world.

I left the grand palace late in the afternoon and went back to the city centre before nightfall. Of all the museums in France, no one would deny that the Musee du Louvre is the most far-famed museum in Europe and even in the world. The Louvre is situated in the heart of the city, which attracts millions of visitors every year from the world. This imposing museum is renowned by its wide range of art collections all around the globe. Mona Lisa, Venus of Milo and the Consecration of the Emperor Napoleon I are all my favorite masterpieces in the museum.

Before back to the hotel, I made a visit to another famous landmark of this metropolis. Arc De Triomphe is one of the world's largest triumph arc and one of the most representative monuments of Paris. This monument is dedicated to the greatest war hero in French history, Napoleon Bonaparte. Today, the Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris' most visit attractions and the illustrious symbol of French national history.

After leaving the Arch I walked down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. This avenue is probably the most well-known avenue in the world. It is a top Paris shopping district with the most prominent luxury stores of the world, such as Marks & Spencer, Vuitton, Hugo Boss and H & M. I hanged around there for an hour or so before I headed back to my hotel for a rest.

Day Four - Chateau de Fontaineblean and Musee d'Orsay

I got up bright and early next morning to explore another gorgeous castle located far away from the city centre. The Palace of Fontainebleau is one of the largest French royal chateaux. It was also the imperial residence for hundreds of years until the 19th century. It was here that Emperor Napoleon I resigned from power and made his legendary farewell speech to the soldiers of the Old Guard in 1814. The Grands Appartements, the Renaissance Rooms, the Papal Apartment and the Napoleon Museum are some of the must see tourist spots of this palace. This castle is definitely well worth visiting when one is travelling in Paris.

After leaving the splendid chateau around lunch hour, I hurried back to the downtown and went for further sightseeing. Pantheon Paris is a must-see especially for the European history lovers. The Pantheon is now a secular mausoleum which is the final resting place for many well-known historical figures of France. These distinguished French citizens include Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Jean Monnet, etc.

By the end of the day, I paid a night visit to another popular museum in downtown Paris. Musee d'Orsay is certainly the second most important museum of Paris, after the Musee du Louvre. The museum houses an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography in the world. The paintings include works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and many others. It is a must visit place for all art lovers.

Day Five - Chateau de Chantilly and Centre Pompidou

Entering into the fifth day of my trip, I headed for another majestic chateau in the outskirt of France, Chateau de Chantilly. After departing the metro station, I walked across a forest and reached a spectacular open space, an extensive horse racecourse. It took around half an hour from that racecourse to the castle. The Domaine de Chantilly can be divided into three distinctive sightseeing spots, including the Chateau de Chantilly, the Grand Stable and the Chateau Park. The chateau's art gallery, also known as the Musée Condé, houses finest collection of paintings, furnishings, books, manuscripts and art treasures. The Grand Stables is home to 30 show horses and offers equestrian shows for tourists. Visitors are able to explore the life of the horses in the Chantilly Horse Museum, located in the Grand Stables. One should not miss the natural beauty of the Chateau Park. The park is divided into three historical gardens: The French-style parterres, the English Garden and the Anglo-Chinese Garden. Their impressive scenery and unspoiled beauty are unique and totally different from other chateaus which mentioned before. Although the reputation of Chateau de Chantilly may not be as high as Chateau de Versailles, it is still one of the best-known castles in France and a major tourist attraction.

In the second half of the afternoon, I went back to the urban area and got to other three medium-scale museums. Musee de Cluny, also known as Musée national du Moyen Age (National Museum of the Middle Ages), is a historical museum in Paris. The museum houses many notable medieval artifacts, sculptures, manuscripts, gold and ivory pieces, and many other antique furnishings. The museum is renowned by its fine collection of tapestries of the Middle Ages, including "The Lady and the Unicorn".

Musee de l'Orangerie is another famous art museum in Paris. The most prominent masterpiece of this museum is certainly the Water Lilies murals by Claude Monet. The museum also contains works by other famous artists, such as Cezanne, Renoir and Picasso.

My final stop of the day was the Centre Pompidou. The Centre Pompidou is not only a magnificent museum of contemporary visual art but also a cultural landmark in Paris. It owns a truly exceptional collection of modern and contemporary art in Europe. Thousands of art lovers and ordinary citizens come to visit this art gallery every day and making it one of the most visited attractions in Paris.

Day Six - Jardin des Plantes and Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Up to now, most of my sightseeing has revolved around visiting some of the many majestic castles and grand historical monuments in Paris. On the very last day of my trip in Paris, I was determined to spend a morning to explore the natural beauty within this delightful city. The Jardin des Plantes is a centuries-year-old botanic garden in France. It is a popular green belt area not only because of its amazing natural view but also thanks to the four natural history museums, the greenhouse and the menagerie inside the park.
These four natural history museums are the Grand Gallery of Evolution, the Gallery of Geology and Mineralogy, the Gallery of Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy, and the Cabinet of History. All the above museums are absolutely worth visiting especially for the one who is interested in natural science.
The Grand Gallery of Evolution shows the diversity of the living world and the evolution of the living organisms; The Gallery of Geology and Mineralogy displays a wide collection of crystals gemstones and minerals throughout the world; The Gallery of Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy presents a fabulous collection of fossil especially dinosaurs and other extinct animals; The Cabinet of History enable you to travel through over 350 years of history of the garden.
The Grand Greenhouses demonstrates the complexity and fragility of the plant world from the tropical rainforest to the hot dry desert. The Menagerie is a small zoo which is the oldest civil zoological garden in the world. It displays hundreds of mammals, birds and reptiles. Both the greenhouse and the menagerie are way too small. I don't think they were worth paying a visit to both of them.
After spending a whole morning and early afternoon in the city garden, I took a visit to my very last destination of the trip, the Ile de la Cité. This island is referred to as the cradle of Parisian civilization which located in the middle of the Seine River in Paris. Numerous significant historical and religious masterpieces can be found on this small island. There are three medieval structures which are very unique and offer excellent experiences for travelers, including the Sainte Chapelle, the Conciergerie and the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris.
The Sainte Chapelle (The Holy Chapel) is a royal medieval Gothic chapel which was built by Louis IX in the mid-13th century. It is renowned for its truly remarkable great stained glass windows. Some precious religious treasures, like the Crown of Thorns and a piece of the True Crossare, are also housed inside the chapel. As a consequence, this magnificent chapel is regarded as one of the masterpieces of medieval religious architecture.
Nearby is the Conciergerie, it is the oldest prison in Paris and where Marie Antionette, Louis XVI's wife, was locked up before the execution. This prison is undeniably the best place to look through the dark side of the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror.
The Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris was the last stop of my sightseeing itinerary. The Notre Dame is the third most favourite tourist hot spot in Paris besides the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. The Cathedral is famous for its gorgeous stained rose glass windows. Also, it is said to be the most fascinating Gothic architecture since it was built in the mid-12 century. Although the Notre Dame may not be the biggest cathedral in the world, it is one of the most appreciated religious monuments in Paris. History lovers should spend some time visiting the archeological site nearby. The Crypte Archéologique Notre-Dame is probably the most significant archaeological crypt in Europe. Visitors can travel back in time by discovering the urban and architectural development of the island.
A Refreshing Travel Experience

Paris is a brilliant metropolis which will always delight and surprise you. During my six-day tour, the weather there was just fantastic. Thanks to the efficient and far-reaching transportation systems, I was able to travel around this enchanting city and its periphery by simply taking the metro or trains. I was exposed to a variety of places most of which were castles, museums, gardens and world cultural heritages. This tour provided me a unique opportunity to visit and explore the charms and beauty of the capital city of France. Travel in Paris was a great opportunity to study and discover the diversity cultural of Parisian. It was just an amazing and unforgettable travel experience that I will always remember.

P.S. Owing to the bad weather condition in Hong Kong, my return flight was obliged to postpone. I was asked to stay behind for one night more in the hotel, Ibis Styles. The hotel is located near to the airport Charles De Gaulle. I had to take late night flight to Hong Kong the next day.

>>May 17, 2015 at 9:58:45 AM GMT+8

2013 年 5 月 28 日 星期二 【晴】

Trip to London (23rd - 30th Sep 2012)

I have been interested in studying European history and culture since I was twelve. For many years, I have learned much about Europe from books and the Internet. Ironically, a guy who has spent most of his life studying European affairs has never had a chance to visit any European cities. For this reason, I decided to visit one European city every year from 2012. Britain is among many European countries that I am most familiar with. Its capital city, London, is my first destination.

London is a modern political and financial metropolitan with long history and great culture. It is renowned for its perfect combination between modern and tradition. The city is very accessible with a well-organized and far-reaching transport network. Sightseers are able to pay for different kinds of transport fares by using a single smartcard called "Oyster Card" (just like the Octopus Card in Hong Kong). It is the most convenient and cheapest way to travel around the city. The modern high-rise apartment buildings and the classic red brick buildings are erected alongside the River Thames. London has been described as a world cultural capital with a population of eight million include a diverse range of nationalities from Europe, America, Asia and Africa. London is a real international city.

According to my experience, autumn is the best season to travel. The weather is relatively fine and the travel package is comparatively economical in autumn. I planned to have a five-day trip to London from 24th to 28th September 2012. Although it was only a short trip, it gave me an unforgettable travel experience.

It took total 17 hours to get to London from Hong Kong by air travel. I also needed to interchange in Malaysia. A long air travel made me exhausted. London and Hong Kong have eight hours difference, i.e. London is eight hours slower than the Hong Kong time. The weather in London is very different from Hong Kong. London is described as a rainy city. Sudden shower is not uncommon in London during daytime.

Hotel

Since my budget was limited, I could only afford to stay in a three-star hotel by the name of Elysee Hotel London in the downtown of Lancaster Gate. The hotel is within walking distance from the underground station, Paddington Station. It is an ideal location for sightseeing since it is situated in central area with high accessibility and restaurants are in close proximity. The hotel was fairly clean and the service was acceptable, however the compact room was tiny and the shower was too small.


Day One - Tower Hill and London Bridge

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre was my very first destination shortly after my arrival in London. Shakespeare is one of my most favorable English play writers. Most of the Shakespeare's famous plays were performed at the Globe Theatre during the years of Elizabeth’s reign. The original Globe Theatre was demolished in the 17th century. The new Globe Theatre has been reconstructed and has become a popular sightseeing spot for the tourists who are interested in Shakespeare's plays.

Leaving the Globe Theatre, I paid a visit to the Golden Hinde. The Golden Hinde was a British galleon which was built in late 16th century. Although the ship is not as big as I expected, it was a precious experience to see the internal structure of an ancient battleship.

After visiting the galleon, I headed to my next stop, Tower of London. Tower of London was one of my favorite tourist spots during my journey. It is located alongside the River Thames and right next to the Tower Bridge. The Tower of London was originally built for military purpose in the 11th century. Through the centuries that followed, the role of the Tower has been changed. The Tower was not only a fortification, but also a royal palace, a prison and a menagerie as well. I joined the guide tour on the spot, the Yeoman Warder tours. A Yeoman Warder, the guard of the Tower (popularly known as "Beefeaters"), told me some exiting tales of the Tower in the past. The Crown Jewels, the White Tower, the Bloody Tower and the Medieval Palace are all precious historical building structures. If you are interested in British medieval history, you are recommended to spend some time visiting the Tower.

I left the Tower before the sky was growing dark. London Eye was my final destination by the end of my first day in London. The London Eye, or known as the Millennium Wheel, is a new landmark situated on the banks of the River Thames. It is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe (135 metres high). Tourists are allowed to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic skyline view alongside the banks of the River Thames at night. You are able to overlook the Palace of Westminster, the House of Parliament and the Big Ben from the capsule of the Eye.

Day Two - St. James's Park, Westminster

I got up at seven in the next morning and continue my Day Two sightseeing. Nobody will deny that Buckingham Palace is one of the most popular tourists spots in London. It is the official London residence and principal workplace of the British monarch. The State Rooms, the Queen's Gallery and the Royal Mews of the Buckingham Palace are open to visitors. Before entering the palace, an eye-catching sculpture may attract your attention. A golden statue is erected in front of the Buckingham Palace. It is the Victoria Memorial which dedicated to Queen Victoria. When I entered the palace, I immediately felt that it was an exclusive place I have never been. The luxury oil paintings and furniture inside the palace made me a great impression. It was my very first time to went to a palace. The Buckingham Palace is the most magnificent place I have ever seen.

The Queen's Gallery is a public art gallery. It exhibits works of art from the Royal Collection on a rotating basis. During the time of my visit, the works of Leonardo da Vinci were displayed inside the Gallery.

The Royal Mews is a carriage house of the British Royal Family. You will find some state vehicles including sumptuousness carriages and luxury coaches inside the Mews.

I left the Buckingham Palace in early afternoon and headed for my next destination, the Churchill War Rooms. The Churchill War Rooms is one of the five branches of the Imperial War Museum. It is a place for all the people who are interested in studying the tales of World War Two and exploring the legend of the war hero Winston Churchill.

After leaving the Churchill War Rooms in late afternoon, I paid a visit to another scenic hot spot for travelers, Tower Bridge. Tower Bridge was built in late 19th century. It is the most well-known bridge in Britain. Tourists can enjoy stunning views of the Thames from the high level walkways. You are also able to learn about the inner workings of the bridge by visiting the majestic Victorian Engine Rooms.

The Monument was my last stop before the end of Day Two. The Monument was also known as the Monument to the Great Fire of London.

Day Three - South Kensington, Baker Street

Entering into the third day of my trip, I planned to go to another royal palace, the Kensington Palace. Kensington Palace is a royal residence located in Kensington Gardens. It has been a residence of the British Royal Family since the 17th century. Today, the state apartments are open to the public. Diana, the People's Princess, was living in this palace until her death in 1997.Visitors has the chance to see some of Princess Diana's most gorgeous dresses inside the palace.

I spent the whole morning looking around the Kensington Palace. In the afternoon, I made a visit to several museums. The first museum I would like to introduce is Natural History Museum. The museum is a world-renowned centre of scientific research with a broad range of exhibitions about natural life. Many of the collections have great historical and scientific value, such as specimens collected by Darwin.

Another museum which right next to the Natural History Museum is the Science Museum. Compared with the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum is principally a museum of technology with a wide range of science collections such as one-to-one scale automobiles, aircrafts and spaceships.

The third museum is the Madame Tussauds. It is a wax museum founded by wax sculptor Marie Tussaud. This museum is another major tourist attraction in London, displaying waxworks of some historical and royal leading figures, movie celebrities, sports stars and notorious murderers. Besides the exhibition itself, the 360o animated 4D cinema is another high light. The story is about the Avengers fought against the infamous villain, Dr Doom, in London. This four-dimensional movie offered me an amazing sensational experience.

The last museum I would like to talk about is Sherlock Holmes Museum. It is a small privately run museum in London, dedicated to the prominent fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. Although this museum has been keeping a low profile in the city, It is the right place for all fans of detective novel lovers.

After spending the whole afternoon travelling around four museums, I made a visit to the most famous plaza in London at night, the Covent Garden. It is one of the most popular shopping and tourist sites. It is the good place to buy souvenirs for your friends and relatives. There are also a number of elegant buildings, theatres and entertainment facilities nearby, including the Royal Opera House and the London Transport Museum. The China Town is only ten minutes walking distance from the Covent Garden. Tourist can enjoy a delicious traditional Chinese meal here.

Day Four - Windsor, Roman Baths and Pump Rooms, and Stonehenge

I joined a local tour for my fourth day in London. I want to thank the travel company "Golden Tour" for the well organized tour of the Windsor, Roman Baths and Stonehenge. I had a great time in the outskirt of London. Everything was very well organized from Golden Tour.

Windsor Castle is one of the most valuable historic architectures in Europe. It was first established by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. The Windsor Castle is now the official residence of Her Majesty The Queen and is used regularly for ceremonial and State occasions. It was my very first time to enter a medieval castle. The furniture and art collections inside the castle impressed me much. Travelers are allowed to visit the splendid State Apartments furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection. St George's Chapel is one of the most gorgeous ecclesiastical buildings in London. Ten monarchs are buried here, including Henry VIII. Queen Mary's Dolls House, a masterpiece in miniature, is the most well-known doll's house in the world.

Roman Baths is another attraction point of the tour. The Roman Baths, together with the Grand Pump Room, are the well-preserved ancient Roman site for public bathing. In the past, the Roman Baths were not only for bathing, but also socializing. Everyone who are interested in ancient Roman history, it is a place you should never miss. Visitors may spend some time to pay a visit to Bath Abbey nearby. The Bath Abbey is an elegant parish church which was once the great church of a monastery.

Our guide brought us to the final sightseeing spot on our trip – Stonehenge, a must-see for ancient history lovers. Stonehenge is a place I have longed for since I was a kid. Stonehenge is probably the most significant historical heritage in Britain. This ancient stone circle has five thousand years of history. Sightseers are permitted to explore the extensive prehistoric landscape around the Stonehenge. When we were about to leave the monument, a sudden shower seems to come up. Fortunately, none of us got wet since we all got on the coach before the rain came down. The marvellous thing was that we were lucky to see a rainbow across the sky after the drizzle. It really impressed me since I have never seen a rainbow before in Hong Kong.

Day Five - Hampton Court, Kew Garden, Russell Square

On the very last day of my trip in London, I visited another royal palace in the outskirt of the city. Hampton Court Palace is my second favourite palace after the Tower of London. Hampton Court Palace was the royal residence of Henry VIII during the Tudor dynasty in the 16th century. This palace is an ideal place to explore the majestic environment in Tudor time. Henry VIII's Apartments and Henry VIII's Kitchens are two prominent architectures of the palace. No one should miss visiting this palace if they are interested in studying the legend of Henry VIII and his six wives.

After spending around two hours on the royal palace, I went to the most famous royal garden of London, Kew Gardens. Kew Gardens is a royal botanic garden comprises 121 hectares of gardens and botanical glasshouses.

The Davies Alpine House is specially designed with a distinctive shape to provide the most suitable conditions for alpine plants.

The Palm House provides a perfect condition for growing palms. There are also a great number of plants of economic significance grown for a variety of purposes. Those plants can be used as timber, fruits, spices, perfumes and medicine.

The Temperate house is the world's largest surviving Victorian glass structure and the biggest glasshouse at Kew. It contains an impressive collection of sub-tropical plants all over the world.

The Princess of Wales Conservatory contains a significant number of orchids, water lilies, cacti, carnivorous plants and endangered plant species. The glass roof extends down to the ground which gives the conservatory a distinctive appearance and helps to maximize the use of the sun's energy.

Leaving the royal garden, I headed for my final destination of the whole trip. The British Museum is a must go for every traveler when they come to London. It is the largest and the most prominent museum in Britain. The British Museum is renowned by its wide range of historical collections all around the globe. The Rosetta Stone, Colossal bust of Ramesses II, Parthenon Temple and Mummies from Egypt are the most eye-catching spots inside the museum. I was much satisfied after visiting this eminent museum.

A Memorable Journey

In conclusion, London is a spectacular metropolis. During this five-day trip, I totally visited one castle, one royal garden, four palaces, four historical heritages, seven museums and numerous sightseeing hotspots. However due to my tight schedule I did not have time to visit Westminster Abbey, Banqueting House, 10 Downing Street and British Library. The London Sea Life Aquarium, London Transport Museum, Clink Prison London Bridge and HMS Belfast are other great museums which I had no time to visit. I hope I would have another chance to pay a visit to the above places when I travel London again. The trip was regarded as a great success and offered me new travelling experience. This journey broadened my horizon and offered me enlightening experience by exploring the British capital city with fascinating history and culture. I look forward to my next self-guided tour. Another European city is waiting for me.

>>July 7, 2013 at 10:33:37 PM GMT+8

2011 年 12 月 10 日 星期六 【乍雨乍晴】

Trip to Tokyo (8th – 11th Nov 2011)

I had planned to go for a trip outside Hong Kong for a very long time as I have never taken leave from my home country on my own for pleasure. Autumn is a good season to travel because the weather is relatively mild in the north hemisphere. In addition, the travel package is fairly cheap since special low season discount will be offered from many travel agencies in autumn. It is kind of a “honeymoon period” for travelers between the end of the summer vacation and the beginning of the Christmas holiday. Since my budget was limited, a luxury pleasure tour was not going to happen. Therefore, self-service travel was my only option. Although it was a short trip which took only three nights and four days, it was an invaluable personal experience indeed. Tokyo, a place I have longed for most of my life, was my first destination.

It took around four and a half hours to get to Tokyo from Hong Kong by air travel. In order to catch my flight on time, I had to depart my home around 03:00 am. I arrived at the Narita Airport at about half past one in the afternoon. Tokyo and Hong Kong have one hour difference, i.e. Tokyo is one hour faster that the Hong Kong Time. The weather in Tokyo was somewhat different from Hong Kong. Once I left the airport area, the cool autumn breeze was kissing my face gently. Although the weather was a little bit cold, a light coat was enough to protect me from the chilly wind. I took an express train in the airport, the Skyliner, to head for my hotel in Asakusa (淺草).

Day One – “Senso-ji” (淺草寺) and “Tokyo Tower” (東京鐵塔)

The hotel I stayed at was "Blue Wave Inn Asakusa". The hotel is situated in Tokyo's tradition-rich Asakusa downtown area. This is an ideal location for sightseeing in both Asakusa and the rest of Tokyo. My hotel is within walking distance from the subway station of Asakusa. The inn was in order and clean, and more importantly, it fitted my needs nicely. The view from my room was just fair and you could only have a view of main roads and shops nearby since it was a low-rise building located in the downtown area. However, you were capable to overlook the Tokyo Sky Tree, the new landmark of Tokyo.

My very first sightseeing spot was just next to the hotel which I stayed in. It only took about five minutes walking distance from my hotel to the most historical temple in Tokyo, the Senso-ji (淺草寺). This shrine is one of the most popular places of pilgrimage in Japan. The whole area is divided into different sections. Kaminarimon Gate (雷門) and Five-storied Pagoda (五重塔) are two of the most prominent structures within the area. After visiting the temple, I spent some time hanging around the shopping streets nearby. Nakamise (仲見世商店街) is one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan. There are totally 89 stores in both sides of the street. You can buy nearly everything you want in Nakamise. It is just like the Lady's Market in Mongkok.

The sky turned dark early at night in autumn time. I left Asakusa and headed to my next stop, Akabanebashi (赤羽橋). Tokyo Tower (東京鐵塔) has been erected in the capital city for over half a century. It has been a famous landmark in the metropolis since its establishment in 1958. The Tower is divided into three main sections, the Foot Town, the Main Observatory and the Special Observatory. The Main observatory commands a 360-degree view of the whole Kanto Region surrounding Tokyo. From the special observatory on the top floor of the Tower, you can enjoy a breathtaking night scene of the whole city from the highest point in Tokyo at night.

Day Two – “Sea Paradise” (八景島) , “Shinjuku” (新宿) and “Ikebukuro” (池袋)

I got up reasonably early the next morning to go for further sightseeing. Sea Paradise (八景島) is a marine-themed amusement park located at the tip of Yokohama Bay. It just likes the Ocean Park in Hong Kong. Sea Paradise consists of two main divisions, the Aqua Resorts and the Pleasure Land. There are three distinct aquariums in the Aqua Resorts of Sea Paradise, the Aqua Museum, Dolphin Fantasy and the Fureai Lagoon. You will learn all about marine life from these three aqua museums. Visitors are able to walk through an aqua tube underwater to get a good look at the dramatic spectacle of a cloud of over 50,000 sardines swimming in the majestic sea. In addition, a wide variety of marine life can be found in different aqua halls, including polar bears, penguins, bottlenose dolphins and whale sharks, etc. One particular marine species, the Ocean Sunfish, will surely attract your eyeballs with its unique flattened body shape. Sunfish are rarely held in aquarium exhibits due to their demanding living environment. I was lucky to have a chance to get a close look at this unique sea creature in a cylindrical pool inside the Dolphin Fantasy. Another attraction point is the Fureai Lagoon where visitors are allowed to interact with marine mammals as close as possible. You can touch certain kinds of friendly sea animals in front of you, including bottlenose dolphins and walrus.

After leaving the Sea Paradise in late afternoon, I paid a visit to another scenic hot spot for tourists, Shinjuku (新宿). Shinjuku is a major shopping district with latest fashionable consumer goods. It is often known as the “Sleepless Town” in Tokyo. Kabukicho (歌舞伎町) is a world famous entertainment and red-light district in Shinjuku housing over thousands of bars, nightclubs and massage parlours. I spent two hours or so to do the window shopping within the district. Then I took the subway to go to another well-known consumer market nearby, Ikebukuro (池袋). Large-scale shopping arcades can be found everywhere in Ikebukuro. As a camera lover, the “Bic Camera Outlet” was my favorite shopping mall where a wide range of camera products were offered with reasonable prices.

Day Three – “Ueno” (上野) and “Akihabara” (秋葉原)

As an amateur photographer, the very first sightseeing spot on day three was my favorite photo shooting place, Ueno Onshi Kōen. It is also known as Ueno Imperial Gift Park (上野恩賜公園). Ueno Park is the first spacious public park in Japan which located in the Ueno section of Taitō. Three museums and a zoo make this park to be a well-known recreation area popular with both local Japanese and overseas visitors. It is also famous for flower viewing since sakura blossom all over the park in spring.

Ueno Zoo (上野動物園) is the oldest zoo in Japan with nearly 130 years of history. Since there is no zoo in Hong Kong, visiting a zoo is what I have been longing for. Over hundreds species of animals around the globe could be found in this zoo, including elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses and shoebill storks. It also plays an essential role in wildlife conservation and public education. You are allowed to touch some kinds of friendly animals such as goats. It makes a zero distance between natural life and human beings.

I love visiting museums, especially the museums house a wide range of collections related to natural science and human history. Two museums I have visited during this trip, including the National Museum of Nature and Science (國立科學博物館) and Tokyo National Museum (東京國立博物館).

National Museum of Nature and Science consists of two main galleries that display the evolution of living organisms and natural environment both in Japan and in the world. My favorite part was the special exhibition hall which focusing on prehistoric creatures on the first floor of the basement. It has a great space section and dozens of dinosaur skeleton displays, including a one-to-one scale tyrannosaurus skeleton. Besides the natural science, the gallery houses some Japanese inventions from Edo period onwards which shows the development of science and technology in Japan. “Theater 360” is the most attracting spot in that museum. “Theater 360” is a movie theatre consists of a seamless sphere of movie screens. Visitors only need to stand on the bridge across the theatre to enjoy the unforgettable three-dimensional panoramic images.

Tokyo National Museum is the oldest and largest museum in Japan. The museum houses a comprehensive collection of art works and archaeological objects of Asia, focusing on Japan. The museum is divided into seven major galleries focusing on different kinds of Japanese historical documents and artifacts. Because of my tight schedule, I could only visit three galleries, including Japanese Gallery, Hyōkeikan and Heiseikan.

I left Ueno before night and headed for my next destination, Akihabara (秋葉原). Akihabara is a major shopping area for electronic, computer, anime and so on. There are a number of stores selling a wide variety of Japanese comics and figurines. Softmap and Animate are two of the most important ones. It took around two hours to finish looking around stores on both sides of the street and I bought two figures from one of the comic stores.

Day Four – “Meiji Jingu” (明治神宮) and “Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden” (新宿御苑)

Entering into the last day of my trip, I planned to go to some places which close to natural environment. Unfortunately, although the weather was just amazing in Tokyo in the first three days, it started raining in my very last day! Regardless the rainfall, I still sticked to my original plan and went for an outdoor trip.

Meiji Jingu (明治神宮) is the Shinto shrine that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. The shrine is located in an open area which is covered by an evergreen forest that consists of over hundred thousand of trees. The most eye-catching spot in the area should be the Bird Perch, Torii. A torii is a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine. The Torii erected at the entrance of the Meiji Jingu is the largest wooden bird perch in Japan.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (新宿御苑) was my final destination of the whole trip. The garden is located in the downtown of Tokyo and which approximate to the commercial area of Shinjuku. It is also the optimum place to view red autumnal leaves. Shinjuku Gyoen is divided into three distinct gardens, including French Formal Garden, English Landscape Garden and Japanese traditional Garden. Each garden has its distinctive features. In a word, Shinjuku Gyoen is for anyone who enjoys natural beauty!

An Unforgettable Trip

All in all, it was amazing journey with memorable experience. It was also a trip what I expected. Since it was my first time to have a self-guided travel on my own, I thought it was a pretty successful tour. I am looking forward to my next independent travel. A European city may be my next destination.

>>December 10, 2011 at 8:16:43 PM GMT+8

2010 年 8 月 11 日 星期三 【綿綿細雨】

Life in Mitron (2 January, 2008 – 11 August 10)

Long working hours and overtime job have driven me crazy in the past two and a half years. I feel I just get lost in the crowd and cannot get concentrate on writing. Since I have not been updated my on-line diary for a long while, I am hoping to write a short section on my recent life.

After leaving the private tutorial school three years ago, I was hired by an education consultant firm in Kowloon Bay. Mitron is the name of the company which I work with. It is a small-size business with a few staff members which located in old industrial zone. The company offers a wide range of food safety training programmes to different levels of local food processing practitioners. My major responsibilities are offering administrative backup and handling all kinds of training support. Furthermore, sometimes I was asked to arranging short term business trip or sightseeing tours for a day or two. Moreover, I have to organize seminars and exhibitions for frontline food dealers or school clerical assistants from time to time.

For my job title, as all you know that an employee may have many different job titles with a variety job duties in the same occupation. In my case, I have only one job position but a few job titles in that company. First of all, I am an Administrative Assistant mainly responsible for training course development; Secondly, I am a Secretary of a food hygiene related organization; Thirdly, I am also a Chinese Business Development Officer in a professional development company. Recently, I have become a Project Manager in a vocational training centre.

I have been working for this company for over two and a half years. It is the longest time I have ever spent in the same job since I left university. It is not because I like this job, but maybe because I have got accustomed to the feeling of feeling like nothing at all. Eight years meaningless working life let me realize that widening one’s eye horizon is far more important than making a great deal of money. And yet, my wages are so low that I have to take two half-time jobs to make ends meet. Due to special work arrangement, my current position in the company has changed to a half-time nature. And at the same time, another education institute, the Kwun Tong Vocational Training Centre (KTVTC) offered me a half-time service contract which has been come into effect since May this year. In other words, I am now having two half-time jobs instead of one full-time job. Since then, I need to stay in the KTVTC in Kwun Tong every morning during weekdays, and work in the Kowloon Bay office every afternoon and alternative Saturday morning. This job re-arrangement will last until May 2011.

My point of view toward life has been changing gradually since I left school. When I left university eight years ago, I was looking for a career with foreseeable and long term progressive development. It was a dream of every young graduate. But now, to be perfectly honest, a short term low-paid job can satsify me. Althoungh I still keep trying to look for another job opportunity and future development, my ambition is not as big as before. I would like to spend more time on enjoying my life. Take for an instance, developing varieties of hobbies to enrich my life. In the past, I used to read western history books and watch stupid television programmes during pastime. And now, I have developed different kinds of hobbies in recent years, such as Japanese flour modeling, Japanese origami, coffee making, photo shooting, Tarot cards reading, pet keeping and so on. Nevertheless, I never forgive studying history, politics and literature. Reading is still my favorite hobby until now.

The above words are all that I would like to share to all my readers. If anyone who has any feeling or reply, you are welcome to leave me a message on my diary. Thanks to all.

>>August 11, 2010 at 8:30:44 PM GMT+8

2010 年 2 月 18 日 星期四 【乍雨乍晴】

My Birthday (18th February, 2010)

Today is my birthday. I am glad that some of my friends remember my big day. They are Charlotte Keung, Josephine Chen, Ricky Yu, Tracy Wong and Alan Lo. They all sent me birthday blessing by cell phone message.

Charlotte was the first one who gave me the birthday blessing. She called me one day before my birthday (according to the Chinese New Year Calendar). Josephine sent me the blessing on my Chinese New Year birthday. Charlotte and Josephine are the only two people who remember my Chinese New Year birthday. They are really good friends.

Ricky Yu, Tracy Wong and Alan Lo gave me a cell phone greeting today. Ricky is a man who deserves my respect; Tracy is a women who loyal to her faith; Alan Lo is a lucky guy who is my old friend.

P.S. Birthday wish: Sum Poon, one of my colleagues, has been under the weather lately. I hope she can get better when she returns to office.

>>February 18, 2010 at 11:20:31 PM GMT+8

2009 年 2 月 19 日 星期四 【微冷】

Day after my birthday (19th February, 2009)

I am glad that three more friends remember my birthday. They are Joyce Ho, Jimmy Law and Sarah Lo. They are my classmates. I have known them for ten years. I suggested that we can gather together on 30th June, 2009.

>>February 19, 2009 at 11:56:58 PM GMT+8

2009 年 2 月 18 日 星期三 【微冷】

My Birthday (18th February, 2009)

Today is my birthday. I am glad that many of my friends remember my big day. They are Yuki Leung, Alan Lo, Tracy Wong, Van Tse, Annie Lau and Edward Choi.

Yuki was the first one called me by phone. She called me on the day just before my birthday, i.e. 17th February, 2009. We were chatting over the phone from 23:00 to 00:00. Yuki is my ex-colleague. Although we worked together for weeks, we are friends for years.

Alan is my old friend. I have known him since fourteen years ago. We studied in the same college and university. We still keep contact after graduation.

Tracy and Van were my classmates when we studied in the university. They are not only my classmates, but also very good friends of mine.

Annie Lau and Edward Choi were my classmates. We studied in the same college. They left the blessing in my facebook.

P.S. Birthday wish: Ida Lam, one of my colleagues, has been under the weather lately. I hope she can get better when she return to office.

>>February 18, 2009 at 10:40:58 PM GMT+8

2009 年 2 月 2 日 星期一 【晴】

Dinner with GIS Classmates

Yesterday night nine GIS classmates gather together to have dinner in Sky Platform Bar & Gourment of Shatin. Sarah Lo, Connie Yeung, Cythia Lau, Eric Leung, Harry Ng, Jimmy Law, Angus Chow and her girlfriend, Sindy. The supper started from 19:30 till 22:30. During the meal, Jimmy showed us the photos which were taken a few years ago. Although I tried my best to organise the dinner, my friends did not enjoy the meal. I think I can do better next time.

>>February 2, 2009 at 9:33:35 PM GMT+8

2009 年 1 月 28 日 星期三 【颳風】

Lunar New Year

According the Traditional Chinese Calendar, today is my birthday. I am glad that Charlotte Keung and Josephine Chen remembered my birthday. May everyone have a happy lunar new year!

>>January 28, 2009 at 1:22:40 PM GMT+8