NZ 001 refuelling before departing from LAX Int'l Airport

I settled into my Boeing seat before take off. I am grateful the two gentlemen from Palmy seated in my row are quite subtle souls. The one seated next to me was the more friendly more outspoken one but I hardly spoke to him due to my coughing and my sore throat and the thought of giving him my European winter bug!

In my effort not to appear standoffish or boring, I managed to exchange a few words with him when he came and joined me and the others at the rear of the plane several hours after take off. I do this regularly during long flights; stretching every part of me that I can still manage to stretch, walking a bit to avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) plus it is also so much closer to a glass of water or cups of hot drinks and some nibbles too! The crew from Heathrow (LHR) are very friendly and so did the crew in this sector.

Before leaving Los Angeles Airport I made up my mind; unless I am stopping in the US of A; I will never transit via the US again if I can help it. I'd say Hong Kong is so much nicer to transit to if going to Europe. You get there and you can just take your time, have a bit of retail therapy, something to bite. Any of these is better than sitting in a room for 2 hours.

I endeavored to sleep, I believe I did snooze for a few minutes. I just hope I did not annoy my seat mate with my snoring if I did snore. He did not show any sign of being annoyed so I hope I did not snore or if I did it wasn't that bad! The remaining 5 hours of the flight were tough on me. My flu was getting worse and by now my bum's starting to ache or feel numb. My shoulders and my neck are killing me and my legs are starting to give me pin and needles on a low intensity. The nasal spray from Dr H which I used as per his instruction "on demand" has helped me tremendously so did the lozenges from his kind and lovely girlfriend.

I get annoyed with myself putting my book in my hand carry bag which is in the overhead locker. I scrambled for the electronic Sudoku MArven's dad gave me supposed to be for warding off boredom during my flight..but that too was in the pocket of my hand carry bag. So I spent quite some time feeding my mind with rubbish from some stupid movies... Okey maybe not so stupid after all it was Luke Wilson's "Henry Poole was here". And another comedy movie...sorry can't remember it now, I must have watched something more stupid that is why I cant remember it. What I can remember though is that my neighbor was watching Mama Mia. I saw him watching Mama Mia after leaving LHR...and almost 20 hrs later I am sure he was still watching Mama Mia from LAX...he must have liked it so much!

I struggled to feel comfortable in my seat as breakfast was served which means we are just a couple of hours to Auckland. Got myself psyched up after my meal and hoped my son or any one of them at home remembers to pick me up.

AKL Airport and Manukau Harbour..

Being in the industry, I realize this could be to cater for and or take advantage of the need brought about by the cabin liquid restrictions/regulations. Travelers are being advised to best buy their duty free at their destination rather than from their boarding point. I spent some time in the shop mainly to get something for Noel.

going through the duty free shop at Auckland International Airport

My baggage came out off the carousel as soon as I got there and I was out in no time into the welcoming overcast weather of Auckland. I was happy to dump my thick and heavy jacket/coat and slowly peeled my onion skin one by one until all that was left was my short sleeved red Ice breaker t-shirt.

Oh Yes...It sure feels loooovvveelllyyyy!!!! And it feels even more lovely to be home!!!

.

written by  jorgn_craw on December 16, 2008 from Auckland, New Zealand
from the travel blog: Euro Trip 2008
Send a Compliment

---

comment on this...

Inside Terminal 5 - Heathrow

Anyway because of these I had no choice but to line up for a cab! Five minutes later and GBP15 poorer, I got to Terminal 1. Typical London weather, gray and wet but there was sunshine in the cab driver's tone!
He talked a bit of what he knew of New Zealand.

Section R - where the check in counter of Air NZ is in London

I got 2 leisurely hours before check-in even after my plane being an hour delayed. So I went back to the main area, bought some stamps for my postcards and dropped them off. I also managed to make a call to let my vaxbuddy know I got to Heathrow in one piece. Up on the mezzanine, the restaurants and coffee shops were looking busy. The lift looked like it was working over time. It was the same with the internet corner, also in the mezzanine. It was my intention to go up and have something hot to drink or eat but decided I'll check my email instead. Sent a couple of emails to NZ and DE and then went back to section R.

Checking in was a breeze; had the same story with my oversize item except I did not have to walk several hundred meters as I did in Tegel this morning. Then I went through the immigration and customs security and out into the boarding lounge..

AirNZ (NZ1) reufuelling prior to boarding time

killing time at Terminal 1 as I waited for my boarding gate number to come up

Pret A Manger shop T1 Heathrow

in transit LAX Airport

NZ 001 refuelling before departing from LAX Int'l Airport

I took this route for the experience. This will give me more credibility next time I advise anyone about transiting via LAX. The Iris Scan, the green immigration card (now being replaced by ESTA come 12 Jan) and the fingerprinting..talking about these will be more like second nature now that I have experienced it.

The rest of the time during the transit is just spent sitting in a room (drinking water and instant hot drink provided and a few snacks and fruits FOC; the biz class and premium class have a room adjacent to the general pax room) until we re-boarded flight NZ1.

written by  jorgn_craw on December 15, 2008 from Los Angeles, United States
from the travel blog: Euro Trip 2008
Send a Compliment

---

1 comment...

My time to say "Auf Wiedersehen" was postponed for a further 24 hours. Due to my camera being lost and the need to report it to the police the next morning, Marven ended up suggesting I stay one more night. Which I didn't want to do but knew it would be best to do in that circumstance. Looking back,I am quite thankful for that. I was in my worst with regards to my flu, my whole body was sore, every muscle every joint was in pain. And I still wasn't packed.

Farewell to Mr Lopes...

a slice of wickedly yummy freshly homebaked Balck Forest Cake

Before leaving Rebrucke, Dr H came home with his girlfriend and with them several medications I would need during my flight. I wasn't expecting that. I was just blown away by what this family has done for me and shown me. I know I could never thank them enough nor return all the favour I received. The best I could do was say a prayer for the family. My only regret was I didn't pray with them, I could have done it with them. But I also know that prayers are conversations with God. It is more important that I spoke to the Lord about the kindness of this family for He in turn can touch them!

Having slept and rested I felt much better early morning the next day as we drove to Berlin-Tegel. I was quite teary-eyed yesterday and I think it was due to the fact that I wasn't feeling very well due to lack of sleep. But I know I am going to miss this place so much! The pastries so tempting, the pace of the city, the history overflowing, the people so warm and lovely and hospitable...shame I cannot recommend their sausages and beer (which is a big part of their culture) simply due to the fact that I could not sample them or...

The drive took us about twenty minutes. Tegel is unique, I am sad to hear it is going to cease operation in the very near future when the new airport they are building in Schonefeld opens.

written by  jorgn_craw on December 14, 2008 from Potsdam, Germany
from the travel blog: Euro Trip 2008
Send a Compliment

---

comment on this...

British Airways (BA) counter was just opening when we got there. There were just a couple of other passengers before me. Once checked in, we dropped my oversize baggage to Counter 16 (located half way through the building, we ended up doing full circle to return to the same counter for boarding).

Marven never thought of explaining the airport set up or configuration to me. I would have preferred to seat in his company and enjoyed my cup of coffee a wee bit longer had I known that going through the immigration is a matter of taking 2 steps behind the check in counter and another 2 steps from there takes me through the customs...

So I went for a cuppa and hurried to say goodbye to Marvo. I am never good at saying goodbyes. I was not very good at holding back my tears when I said goodbye in Manila early this year so I thought the best way was to just do it cold Turkey this time. Thinking I could window shop or actually shop with my remaining few hundred Euro cash, I was confident there was no time for me to get emotional this time. But that wasn't going to be the case here.

After my 2 minutes Immigration and Customs clearance, I sat there with nothing to do but wish I stayed outside and have a bit more time with Marvo. I tried to keep my mind busy trying to watch the customs officers check the luggages...but anything routine after about 15 passengers and overhearing the officers asking the same questions and pushing and opening bags..my mind started to wander.

So I started to cry. I wanted to see more of this beautiful country but there isn't much time. I am sure I am going to miss this place. I am now seeing the snowflakes falling; snow covered roofs, the S Bahn, the busy but very clean streets, the tree clad parks even in winter...most of them lifeless but I can visualize them during spring and autumn; the grocery shops with the huge variety of cheese, the pastries...the Christmas Markets! These things just flooded my mind and I started to miss the place even before I'm gone! Oh so many things I will miss!

On the other hand; I am glad I don't have the luxury of time or money to stay as long as I would like. If I stayed longer, it will break my heart to say goodbye to the things I like and could come accustomed to here! I cried later on as I was sitting alone waiting for boarding time. Maybe because there was nothing to take my mind from thinking of what I am leaving behind. I am almost grateful I have a very bad flu. I could consider it almost a blessing in disguise! It made me looked like I was just teary eyed due to my coughing feats and frequent nose blowing.

The full plane got a big surprise once we all were settled on our seats. Surely the pilots would have known this before we boarded. Once everyone was seated we were told we might spend an hour or so sitting there before we can take off due to heavy fog in London.

At first I started to feel a bit worried or disappointed. But being aware of weather disrupts especially in winter, I booked an earlier flight allowing myself a lot of time in between. It would mean I will have a long lay over in Heathrow but I'd rather do that than miss my flight.

It reminded me of winter back home and the dozens of canceled domestic flights or rerouted flights due to weather disrupts. The bane of hundred of stranded travelers' and source of their frustrations, grumpiness; disappointment, or even regret for not taking cancellation cover especially with non-interline carriers and or separate bookings for flight sectors.

So I reminded old me to stay calm and just be cool (diplomatic will be too formal a word for this scenario) after all I have allowed plenty of time between this flight and my international flight. I almost gave myself a pat in the back...if only I could easily reach my back without looking "looney tuney" to the rest of the passengers and the crew of course!

Any effort of communicating with the person seating next to me was eliminated due to language barrier...it has been an eye opener for me. The couple of times I went out (not too far) on my own and had trouble communicating with store cashiers or anyone I need to speak to is going down in my learning book! I will always remember now how it feels like to be the one who cannot speak the local tongue! A good almost humbling way to learn.

Forty five minutes later we were told we could taxi(and if you are like me who has very short span of attention and you get bored easily, forty five minutes is like 4.5 weeks) . What a blessed relief! The flight was good, as a Kiwi I'd say "all sweet mate!"

During the flight they served a cold drink and a cheese sandwich which I enjoyed with much gusto. I didn't realize I was that hungry.

written by  jorgn_craw on December 14, 2008 from London, United Kingdom
from the travel blog: Euro Trip 2008
Send a Compliment

---

1 comment...

But I knew very well, tiredness has caught up with him too and I will be very surprise if he won't catch the bug I have right now. Anyway, I know my body very well. I don't get sick easily, in fact I hardly do considering the constant lack of sleep and rest I go through. But I realise I have a long flight ahead and I do not want to be feeling very sick while flying. The thought of having a flu during a very long flight just doesn't sit well with me.

In order to not totally waste the day, I started sorting out my stuffs which literally are all over the place. Half of my toiletries will have to stay, I am sure everything will not fit into my suitcases.

Just before midday, we had something to eat and then got ready to go out by 2pm for the Berlin Wall Museum and after that to meet Marven's girlfriend at Potsdamer Platz. I was told it was a good chance for me to use the U-Bahn (U for Underground, but don't take my word for it coz thats just my own interpretation).

Things didn't go to plan. Marven's g-friend decided to change her mind after we have been all over the place trying to get to our rendesvouz point. I told Marven what I think and suggested we should just drop the little pressy for her girl. He agreed but halfway thru my dear friend was reluctant to take me with him to her girlfriend's place and asked me to wait at the Train Station instead. I made it known to him I wasn't prepared nor happy to be left on my own. I'm not happy when people changes plans without conferring with me first.

Anyway, everything was fine, his girlfriend came and met us instead. We had an hour or so together after Marven made sure I got to do this TUBEbogganing (I coined this word myself) in Berlin. I think it was around Potsdamer Platz. I only wished he forwarned me about lifting my bum as I hit the ground. It was sore for a wee while.

Check it out on this link below: http://www.winterwelt-berlin.de/rodelbahn.html

From here we walked into the Christmas Market. I felt Marven's girlfriend's little girl wanted to go on the carousel so I made sure she went on it. I am a sucker for kids, maybe because I missed out on these as a little child I want every child to have all the chances available for them. She was a natural, her mom told me it was her first time but she really enjoyed it.

A glass of hot drink later, and we said goodbye to them as we parted ways at the train station. Marven and I headed towards the Berlin Cathedral to be in time for the opening of the Bach Classical Christmas Concert.

Spent a few minutes contemplating whether we have enough time to go up the Berlin TV Tower and decided we don't. He pointed out the painting on the wall by the lobby of all the great Towers of the world...and kinda hope my Sky Tower is one of them. The painting does not look 100% like the Sky City so I did not notice it straight away. But I was relieved to see it was there!

From there we maneuvered our way towards the Cathedral. Marvo decided to heed the call of nature by the bushes in front of some church. While Marven was taking photos of another Christmas Market, I decided to wander around. Then I heard some noises and my name being called, turned around and saw Marven's parents and aunt. Marven must have known they were coming here. So we walked around the market and had a chance to eat fresh pineapple covered in chocolate... it was YYuuummmmmm!!! I would never put fresh pineapple and chocolate together, but the marriage between these two is sweet and yummy!

Then it was time to head to the concert. Got there on time and found our seats. I have no formal education in music, in fact I can't even read a note. But in uni, we were told to play Classical music while preparing for exams, it is supposed to help or enhance memory retention.

As the choir started to sing, I found it quite difficult to focus and listen due to my very itchy throat. In my effort to forget about the itchiness of my throat, I closed my eyes trying to focus on something else but my throat. I was in this predicament when gradually and gently I started to feel my body swaying, just a tad sway! Then I remembered my grandfather who was the musically inclined person in the family. When he used to play the violin or accordion or even harp, he use to gently sway or nod his head inline with the rhythm he was playing.

Then I felt the music, the voices that reverberated in the air inside the cathedral and I imagined myself starting to float gently towards the dome carried by the wave or waves of sweet voices!

I was in this state when I realised and felt a nudge from Marvo. I bet he thought I was falling asleep. Being aware of my surroundings again, my throat started to feel itchy once again and this time there was no stopping it. Managed to last for the whole concert only with the help of the candy (we call it lollie) from MArvo's aunt.

Check this link for some images and interior of the Berlin Cathedral:
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/germany/berlin-berliner-dom.htm

After the concert we went to another Christmas Market, the Weihnachtsmarkt in Schloss Charlottenburg. From here we headed home, took the train back to Babelsberg and then hopped on the bus with Marven's parents.

Five minutes later after getting home, we wanted to photograph something (I can't remember now). We realised the camera or camera bag was nowhere. Checked everywhere, still no camera. Then it dawned in me "No Camera" which means...it is forever gone.

To cut this very long story a tad shorter, we took lots of photos which we will never see as the camera is now lost. With it goes my memories of my last 3 days in Potsdam and Berlin.

written by  jorgn_craw on December 12, 2008 from Potsdam, Germany
from the travel blog: Euro Trip 2008
Send a Compliment

---

3 comments...

Inside the train to Schonefield Airport one early morning. The trains are quite clean...

Potsdam BahnHof (Central Train/Bus Station)

this is what I really love here in Germany, their pastries are more yummmy than Paris...

saw this on our way to the airport- looks like a lethal weapon, whoever made it, I hope he wasn't thinking of what I am thinking..

The little girl in me likes Mr Big Bear.

Feeling disappointed I went back and told my mate... "people are not so honest here" and he agreed. Now I understand why he kept telling me before I left for Germany that he won't allow me to go out on my own or that I should not be to trusting if strangers are trying to be too friendly or trusting. I got reminded with the adaptor I left at our hotel in Schwangau. That was never returned either. It appears like who ever found it did not tell the management about it, and the management did not bother to question their workers even after calling them several times. Anyway, I decided I wasn't gonna let this little thing affect my mood today.

Marvo has kept this trip a secret. It was his little surprise for me. I know he has booked this flight since September and I have pestered him with questions about it but he never gave in. He just kept saying I will like it.

There are only 3-4 places I have in mind taking to consideration the surprise element he mentioned in this trip. I know he is great at picking up hints of things I like or interested at. It could only be Cologne or Heidelberg and the only other cities I could think of are Stuttgard and Frankfurt. Munchen could be another one but we have been that way so my heart is leaning towards Cologne.

German wings flying over the planned new Berlin Airport

boarding for my first German Wings flight..

Anyway, last few minutes before take off, a guy spoke to me in German and motioned I was seating in his seat. I told him "sorry I don't speak German" but moved out of his seat anyway. I tried to explain that the lady was seating on my seat blah blah blah! Anyway, the lady vacated our seats and we moved back to the row behind us only this time Marvo was trying to seat by the window. Without thinking I grabbed him by the collar and very loudly and very emphatically told him "No No No, you are not taking my seat Mister!" and yanked him out of the way! Half of the passengers found that quite entertaining and triggered a chain of giggles and laughs and friendly remarks from everyone. If there is one thing I like about Germans, it would be their sense of humour and today proved that even more! And I feel good having helped set a lighter mood for everyone at the start of a gray day!

the train station at Bonn Airport

I feel 100% more confident in France, a country whose language I too have no knowledge of; simply because every direction, every instruction are duplicated in English. Germany is not the same. I guess eventually they will get there. But for now, non-German speaking individual travellers will find it pretty hard moving around the country. There are very few info centres and the ones available closes very early. In saying that most if not all of the younger ones do speak English or can speak some English!

I would not have a clue how to get myself to Potsdam from Schönefeld Airport if I got there after 8pm. I saw locals hitting the roof simply because even they cannot figure out their own train-ticket disbursing machines.

it was wet but it was fun at the Xmas Market here by the Cathedral...

the streets teeming with shoppers in Cologne

leather shoes shopping in Cologne, these were reall German and Italian made shoes...not like the one along the street...fabrique en Chine

It would be injustice to go to Cologne without buying some Special Cologne Water! The store where it was first made is still in operation but I bought my Köln-Wasser in one of the souvenir shops by the Cathedral!

mind boggling.....who ever made this masterpiece... I was really blown away with it...

The very top of Cologne Cathedral

details of the windows inside the Cathedral

Xmas Market at the foot of Cologne Cathedral

First we went down to the basement and checked all the bits and pieces there and the ruins and learned all about the family that were buried in that fortress under the cathedral. Then Marven guided me to a bench and started to say.."I am just a bit worried with your foot (I was limping on my left foot, rushing out and jumping from the stairs in one of the train stations from Disneyland Paris whee landed on the side of my foot,it has been so sore and currently a bit swollen) and told me about the Tower! He explained there are 509 steps going up and then will have to come down the same way. "There are no lifts up there and you will have to come down the stairs on foot again and the stairs are very narrow". That was how he explained it.

I thought about it for a moment and decided a sore foot is not going to stop me today. I don't know if I will ever be this way again. So I said "the pain in my foot is only a state of mind" I can think and worry about it later on but for now I am here to experience everything I can in the little time we have. And if I have to climb up 509 steps on a swollen foot to get a 360 degrees view of Cologne and then down again..thinking of Sir Richard Branson's book, I said "Screw it, let's do it!

But first he took me inside the Cathedral, we spent quite sometime there. I needed that to absorb everything I was seeing. I left him taking photos and I wandered around just admiring this masterpiece imagining the kind of people whose hands and minds created and put this awesome masterpiece together.

The details inside and outside...I could not help but compare and convinced myself Notre Dame in Paris pales in comparison to this one.

I suppose they had to put this for the public to have an idea what they are getting themselves into

Oh my dear...I really am feeling dizzy now...when will this end???

this spiral stair was a bit of a challenge to me...I was getting dizzy at times...

{41017|thumb}}

view from the top after 509 steps up the Tower

just a few more steps from here and you'll get rewarded by the view from the top..

keep going giirl...almost there!

this is Bonn International Airport

Sunset at Bonn, Cologne as we watched from a cafe window at Bonn Int'l Airport

arriving at Schonefeld Airport from Cologne

going to a superette to buy some food supplies 10pm at night in central Berlin

main Berlin train station...

going to a superette to buy some food supplies 10pm at night in central Berlin

I wish I could be as carefree as this boy on the train...

I was quite fascinated to see Bikes and Dogs (maybe even chooks) are allowed in the train...

Here are just a few more photos from Cologne.

a welcome break from that spiral climb...got to check the big bells of course!!!

to the south tower of the cathedrale - 509 steps up to the tower

View from the top of Cologne Cathedral

Largest working bell in the world - Peter's Bell, 24 tonne -

details of handwork of one of the Cathedral Doors

bird's eye view

the grandeur of Cologne Cathedral

Details inside Cologne Cathedral

it was freezingly cold but Cologne Xmas market was still buzzing with jolly folks...

written by  jorgn_craw on December 11, 2008 from Cologne, Germany
from the travel blog: Euro Trip 2008
Send a Compliment

---

1 comment...

We've spent the night at Rebrücke and was a bit silly to have stayed too late. Inspite of forewarning Marven we musn't stay long, we ended up later than we planned. Thanks to Wii...or not! They must have thought I am a dumbed old fart! But then again they've got a lot more practice so I was able to console myself with that!

When I finally managed to convince him it was time to call it a night, my cheapskate friend decided we won't take a taxi as previously planned but instead will walk to the train station. I would say it is a good 2ks from his parent's place in the middle of the night on snowy roads (snow was actually falling that time) and the air was quite chilly!

So I walked with a couple of young boys. Okey, guys but tonight they are acting like little boys! I am glad Tom, Marven's mate, was with us. It was a little bit easier talking to him being a bit sober than Marvo.

After walking for about twenty minutes, they saw a bus and urged me to run as fast as possible. I was puffing but managed to get on the bus on time.

catching the RE train to Schonefeld airport at dawn...bbbbbrrrrrrr cccccooooollllddddd!!!!

the foreground of Schonefeld Airport, Berlin

Red Xmas Trees; only the French would think of it I reckon

Found out how we can get to our hotel from the Airport Information Desk. After giving the details of our hotel the Info Clerk/Staff produced a computerised directional instruction showing which train/bus to take and the distance and travel time also included. I thought that was quite impressive. Marven was gobsmacked by the kind of service too saying "you'll never get this service in Germany!"

Unfortunately it wasn't as easy as it looked. There were no buses, we stood at the platform for ages. I decided to go back for more info.

Orly airport being cordoned just after we landed...

I approached one of the policemen: Pardon Monsieur, do you speak English? He said, little bit! I asked what's happening. He said "airport is close, baggage stolen, no people can leave the airport". I relayed it to Marven and he said "we better find a way to get out of here in a flash!"

me at the info centre at Orly Int'l Airport trying to find our way to our hotel

I followed Marven almost blindly after we got our 3 day pass. He is used to travelling by train so my guts told me I'll just follow and he is more often right than wrong. Right now my mind is too tired to even try and figure out where we are going. Several stations later, we came out into daylight! Got a bit disoriented but found the Number 62 Bus Stop that will drop us near our accommodtion.

I enjoyed the bus ride just watching the passengers hop in and off the bus while trying to absorbed as much detail as I can of the area we were passing. We counted how many stops to go before the Seine River. I know that once we've crossed the river we are only a bus stop away from our hotel. While in the bus I had a moment of reverie: could not help but miss my Auntie Almie. After all it was her romance novels that I use to read against her approval that planted little seeds of dreams in my heart and longings to one day see these places! And today is that day! From the bus stop, there's about 3 minutes walk to Le Auteuil Tour Eiffel, our hotel.

our hotel in Paris

Le Auteuil Tour Eiffel or simply Tour Eiffel hotel...

Bridge Passy holds this arches that holds the railtracks...

from Passy Bridge, a great view of Tour Eiffel

There were a few couples taking photos here. This is when it pays to travel with a buddy. I watched the others running back and forth trying to make timed exposures to the point of me feeling sorry for one. I asked Marven to offer to take photos for them which he did. And as the saying "what you give you receive"goes... the gentleman offered to take a photo of us too! From here we walked back down to the promenade and walked the length of the block just admiring the views, boats and yatches and the romantic atmosphere!

I told Marven I am happy I finally made it here. And added "the only sad part is that when I was dreaming of this, I was dreaming I would be walking with the man I love." He gave a dry sarcastic laugh and said..."don't worry I feel the same way".

Tour Eiffel flooded in Blue at night was a mesmerising sight...just as filling as the yummy crepes sold near it's foot...

But for now, I was just happy to soak in the air of fun, grandeur, love, romance, whatever and yeah...the flavour and aroma of croissants.. chocolat croissants and crepes! Yeah, lovely yummy oh so mouth watering crepes!

We stayed out until midnight spending a good hour finding our way back to the hotel. I was bugged by the time we got back.

our destination is Parc Disneyland

We realised later on it pays to buy the Zones 1 - 6 days pass rather than the Zones 1-3 we got as the previous allows you to travel outside of Paris City. So we have to purchase an independent ticket to Disneyland.

The long queue to the Hollywood Hotel - it was a 45min wait...and freezing outside...

The Hollywood Hotel, a little bit more interesting but not as scary as the Tower of Terror in Gold Coast OZ

one of the roller coaster rides at the park, it was ok...

the main building at Disneyland Paris

Entrance to the park. We wasted time in the long queue because we did not prebuy our tickets..

The courtyard...Disneyland Park

The Avenue to Disney's Fairy Tale Castle

Action Show

Disneyland Castle, inspired by Neuchswanstein Castle

The Le Mirabaue Restaurant where we had our breakfast

can you see that long bread??? and almost a glassfull of marmalade...

The Menu at Le Mirrabeau where we had our breakfast on the last day..

210m Tour Mont Parnasse, highest point in Paris

Me going into Lafayette hoping to find Joi's bag

handbag hunting at Galleria Lafayatte, Mont Parnasse

The view from the top floor of Mont Parnasse Tower

Last few steps to the rooftop of Mont Parnasse Tower

me going into the entry to the rooftop of France's highest point...

At the rooftop of Mont Parnasse Tower, at least 50-60m taller than Sky Tower..

Theses guys areh anging at around 200m above ground. Oh dear, how scary..

He's got balls....hanging off the tallest building in France!

From Mont Parnasse a quick dash in the Metro that took us to Louvre

The Louvre Museum - longest building in the world

Interesting lighting ornaments under the Louvre Museum

the famous glass structure of the Louvre Museum

Exit to the Louvre Museum

snowflakes all over...I loved it!!!

Musee Louvre

The Musee Louvre-Paris

Notre Dame

Our dash to the Notre Dame

Interior of Notre Dam

waiting for chekin counter to open at Orly Airport

view form our River Seine Cruise

me at the foot of Tour Eiffel at night

Tour Eiffel flooded in Blue at night was a mesmerising sight...just as filling as the yummy crepes sold near it's foot...

Fairy Tale Castle Avenue at Disneyland Paris

it was pretty hazy but the view is still awesome from this height...

210m Tour Mont Parnasse, highest point in Paris

welcome to Hollywood...an appointment with Mr Disney...

On the top of highest business bulding in Paris

Action Show

Disneyland Castle, inspired by Neuchswanstein Castle

written by  jorgn_craw on December 7, 2008 from Paris, France
from the travel blog: Euro Trip 2008
Send a Compliment

---

3 comments...

the Reichstag Bldg

long line of visitors to the Reichstag Building

the Eagle was the official symbol of Berlin until they adopted the Bear around 19thcentury

the roof over the Bundestag members

The gentleman (guide) educated us about the building and the Bundestag.
That was a good 30 -45mins. Then it was time to go back to the lift and up the top to finally experience the spiral walk up to the top of the glass dome!

Berlin's panorama as seen from the rooftop of Reichstag

View from the top fothe Parliamentary Building (Reichtag) in Berlin

the Glass Dome and little big me at the foreground

I maybe broken but I am fine...

the famous walk around the dome

Looking down from the Glass Dome on top of the Reichstag Bldg

At the base of Branderburger Gate

Branderburger Gate

Christmas Market

Marvo and his Gluhwein...it's a tradition...

TV Tower with the Berlin Eye at the foreground

written by  jorgn_craw on December 5, 2008 from Berlin, Germany
from the travel blog: Euro Trip 2008
Send a Compliment

---

2 comments...

I scrambled down the stairs and apologized for keeping them waiting. By the way, I made sure I have eaten so I don't get hungry while out with them just in case we are going to be out all day! A couple of minutes later as I settled into the warm cozy temperature inside the Merc, I was told about going for breakfast. I advised them I am okey as I have mine already.

I read disappointment written in their faces. I'd love to wring that boy's neck for not telling me what his parents' planned for the day. I queried the night before what the order of the day was going to be...so I could dress up accordingly (although I didn't really have much to choose from my limited items). He just said, you will find out tomorrow. Nothing to worry about, just be yourself. So I was just being myself when I went for a full breakfast! He could have at least given me a hint while we were having breakfast! But he didn't; ggggggrrrrr!!!!!

Anyway, we ended up having a buffet breakfast at Movenpick, quite an upmarket restaurant just across the palace. I tried my best to eat some more but ended up leaving half of my bread bun. My tummy was already full even before I started. Nevertheless I enjoyed the meal and the experience!

Then we headed out for our Sanssouci Palace tour and later the Botanical Garden. The guide took us in a succession of rooms that we were allowed to view. Marven's mum I believed asked the guide, "where did the King go for a pee" and maybe something else. I believe she was told "in the garden". So Frederick the Great had a big garden receiving a dollop of fertilizer from the very King himself and the rest of the occupants on a daily basis. No wonder the trees have grown big and robust! When I was told about this I could not help but picture someone heeding the call of nature...toilet paper? ...water?...or could it be leaves or twigs? Who knows!

Few shots taken in Sanssouci:

I don't know what this is for but it's like a gate pr archway at the side of the Palace

the grape gardens at the foreground Sanssouci Palace

it's obvious, this frame is not intended for Asians...yeah???

the King is burried next to his hunting dogs...whatever happened to the Queen?

Sanssouci Palce

The very popular Chinese Tea House which very unfortunately is close during winter...

The Orangerie in Sanssouci Park

Orangerie and Sculpture

Anyway from here they took me to a Christmas Market not far from the palace. Had a good look at the place and all the stalls with all their lovely Christmas goodies on sale! I also got a the chance for probably a very hands on introduction to their famous Gluhwein. At the market we went inside a shop where they manufacture crystal glasses and ornaments that I believe are exported around the globe. I had my eye on a piece, pieces rather, a table ornament cum candle holder. Almost bought it for my self but decided I have so much junks at home now and have no place for it. But it was a lovely piece.

Shots from the Christmas Market:

Has Santa gone for a leak or a glass of Gluhwein???

at the Christmas market by PArk Sanssouci

Cheese galore!!!

Looking for a parking is quite a struggle in Germany. Maybe it is true in most of the European countries. Today was the same, Marven's mom had to drive around for several minutes before she gave up and drove back to a public pay carpark.

I really enjoyed the day and really enjoyed both their company.

written by  jorgn_craw on December 5, 2008 from Potsdam, Germany
from the travel blog: Euro Trip 2008
Send a Compliment

---

comment on this...

Breakfast at Rebrucke:

Breakfast @ Rebrucke

Marven's dad is a very lovely guy and I am grateful, very grateful I should say, for his valuable time he is prepared to spare me in order to show me around.

He drove us to the Babelsberg Park, it took him a while to find parking but finally got one. As we got off his car, he told me the area is part of Potsdam University and the units there are accommodations for uni students.

The Babelsberg Palace

The Flatowturm Tower

A closer shot of the Flatowturm

I do ask a lot of questions but due to my limited or rather non-existent knowledge of his language, I sometimes do not know what to say or ask. But I kept praying, I hope I am not boring him or asking too many questions.

the famous/infamous Glienicker Bridge (Freedom Bridge) over Havel

snow covered grounds of Babelsberg Park

a commercialised parasite: the MISTLETOE

The Cecilienhof Palace is known for the Potsdam Conference negotions that took place here

House Details from the Alexandrowka Village

I was prepared to stay home the whole week while my buddy went back to work. This is such a lovely gesture and surprise from them, one I will always be grateful!

Other buildings I saw at the park:

Alexander Neweski Chapel

Pfingstberg Belvedere, Potsdam

written by  jorgn_craw on November 29, 2008 from Potsdam, Germany
from the travel blog: Euro Trip 2008
Send a Compliment

---

comment on this...