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Showing posts with label Traveling Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Traveling Tips. Show all posts
A tale of a brown skin solo female traveller
...Make your choice, adventurous Stranger;Strike the bell and bide the danger,Or wonder, till it drives you mad,What would have followed if you had...
I wrote this because i know there are thousand people traveling solo in this world every day.
There were times where i said "Lucky me, i'm traveling by my self!!" or when the itchy feeling inside my chest when i see something amazing, like sunrise on a mountain top, or beautiful night city view from a high tower...moment when you think "what the heck am i doing here by my self??"
There are more than once i get my cellphone and dial a number of my family member but then cancel it--errh its very expensive to pay... but i just want to share the experience.. and i really ..really feel sorry because they can not experience what i had while on my trip. Just an sms to someone that i know sometimes help.. like saying "hey finally i see Eiffel tower, its huge!" silly sms that i sent to a friend although can't express how i felt that time.. but sharing the momento is kind of fun.
Grow up in a tiny town in Sumatra, i could count by fingers girls that traveling solo abroad since 2007. Its just our culture not really think a solo female traveler is a good thing. Even a guy in Singapore say it blunt, he will never allow his daughter traveling by her self.
I never meet any Indonesian traveler during my trip for 20 days in Europe. I didn't talk with Indonesia language beside time when i met my old friend Niklas at Stuttgart. Its kind of silly when you missed the small thing at home while youre away and when you back to your country... its kind of..nah.. i want something else (like Germany soft cheese or fresh spargel).
Landed in Charles de Gaulle... i could feel what every what we call "bule" a call for caucasian in Indonesia. Staring eyes. Little children look at you and smile.. very cute. I am not the average asian girls with 173cms height (5.67 ft), i look more like Chinese somehow but my skin darker. Its just the Sumatra girl type of look.
When i say i am from Indonesia, while in Brussels one of the traveler say, can't be! hahah because he went to Java island, and Bali.. but not to Sumatra. We had different ... kind of looks. Most of us more taller, and the skin is more lighter. I think its the ancestor more to mixed of Chinese and Arabic as Sumatra is a trading island, close to the Malacca strait its one of the "silk road" for traders (if you read history). The girls in java more shorter and had darker brown skin.. mine more yellowish/light brown like sunkissed tan (this is what my friend describe hahah).
Ok back to the topic.
I just feel stranded and all alone. Like... oh wow.. i am very different here! even with some asian i met in Europe just once i passes by a young family with malaysian dialect talking out side the ANZ stadium in Munich, must be the Bayern Muenchen fans for sure. But that girl is the only girl that i met with same skin color and dialects that i know :(
And i am not even going to the moon yet! hahaha
I tried not to loose my identity while im traveling.. why? for me this is important.... i stick to the note i am from Indonesia, and i had my own culture.. i try to tell other travelers things about Indonesia. The cultures... the fact that BALI IS PART INDONESIA as one of our 33 province and its a huge country also the majority beliefs is moslem there.
I always proud to say i am from Indonesia, even if at the end they will talk about the Bali Bombing and also the bombing happens in Jakarta, all i could say is so many mean people in this world, you could fiind it in India, UK, and most recent in Norway, a peaceful Nobel country!
Why generalize all Indonesian because one maniacs?? why made any different than things in India, UK, Japan... is that made everyone not like those country? No.
Ok no politics debating here.
How to deal with loneliness while you traveling solo?how do you cope with those?
First i will try to look back why i did it. Reason why i travel solo. Because i want it, for sure! then like my boss said once "suck it up" i did. For better or worse this is what i choice.
I will try to find new connection, new friends on road... which you will find easier to get while you're traveling solo! this is how i met Mr T and loads more my friends on street. We got lost and we share maps and itineraries.
A small "hi" and a smile would help very much! i am a very shy person... especially to people i just met. But hey.. when youre traveling by your self you can't do the shy thing! when you get lost you need to interact with other people to ask directions, dont forget to thank them! and hostels... is also the best place to find new friends.. try to mingle!
I will also try to think nice reason why i travel solo.. i could do things that i like, also no schedule no itineraries... just let loose!
Traveling solo is also a good way to see inside your soul, to think about your life... things that you took for granted like family, friends.. everyone that you wish that could be with you that time. You could only send sms say "thanks for being my friend" its overwhelming feeling to know that back there at home you s till have them, and you being alone just during your travel time only.
Try to made your schedule pretty tight, or do something productive, drawing, taking tons of pictures, i always bring my ipod with me, i could listen to music and play game while on tram. But if you want to friends on road i am not suggesting this hahaha.. last thing i want is to bug someone with earphones stick to their ears. It short of saying "let me by my self would you?!!"
Also i would try to do some sport, running, swimming.. its good after a long trip, to get rid the jet lag.. and btw jet lag i thin is the main cause of the "oh i feel so lonely" depressed feeling!! and i just get rid that away quick.. like while i was in Paris, just go and walk i wont stay in hostel bed and feel sad of being in a strange city! i will explore! (Fika the explorer hahahah!)
Just open your map, your lonely planets your itinerary.. dont let your self not doing anything.. unless if youre having vacation at a small island and youre next to this beach, lying down in white sandy beach under a tree with a book half read on your tummy and youre enjoying the sun, then i am very sure of this, you're doing just fine not doing anything ,...but that!
There are thousand things to do to cope with your loneliness... i know you had your own way on the street.... its sad that you travel by your self.. but hey.. its your choice and you are in place where you want to be!!
Cheer up!
I wrote this because i know there are thousand people traveling solo in this world every day.
There were times where i said "Lucky me, i'm traveling by my self!!" or when the itchy feeling inside my chest when i see something amazing, like sunrise on a mountain top, or beautiful night city view from a high tower...moment when you think "what the heck am i doing here by my self??"
There are more than once i get my cellphone and dial a number of my family member but then cancel it--errh its very expensive to pay... but i just want to share the experience.. and i really ..really feel sorry because they can not experience what i had while on my trip. Just an sms to someone that i know sometimes help.. like saying "hey finally i see Eiffel tower, its huge!" silly sms that i sent to a friend although can't express how i felt that time.. but sharing the momento is kind of fun.
Grow up in a tiny town in Sumatra, i could count by fingers girls that traveling solo abroad since 2007. Its just our culture not really think a solo female traveler is a good thing. Even a guy in Singapore say it blunt, he will never allow his daughter traveling by her self.
I never meet any Indonesian traveler during my trip for 20 days in Europe. I didn't talk with Indonesia language beside time when i met my old friend Niklas at Stuttgart. Its kind of silly when you missed the small thing at home while youre away and when you back to your country... its kind of..nah.. i want something else (like Germany soft cheese or fresh spargel).
Landed in Charles de Gaulle... i could feel what every what we call "bule" a call for caucasian in Indonesia. Staring eyes. Little children look at you and smile.. very cute. I am not the average asian girls with 173cms height (5.67 ft), i look more like Chinese somehow but my skin darker. Its just the Sumatra girl type of look.
When i say i am from Indonesia, while in Brussels one of the traveler say, can't be! hahah because he went to Java island, and Bali.. but not to Sumatra. We had different ... kind of looks. Most of us more taller, and the skin is more lighter. I think its the ancestor more to mixed of Chinese and Arabic as Sumatra is a trading island, close to the Malacca strait its one of the "silk road" for traders (if you read history). The girls in java more shorter and had darker brown skin.. mine more yellowish/light brown like sunkissed tan (this is what my friend describe hahah).
Ok back to the topic.
I just feel stranded and all alone. Like... oh wow.. i am very different here! even with some asian i met in Europe just once i passes by a young family with malaysian dialect talking out side the ANZ stadium in Munich, must be the Bayern Muenchen fans for sure. But that girl is the only girl that i met with same skin color and dialects that i know :(
And i am not even going to the moon yet! hahaha
I tried not to loose my identity while im traveling.. why? for me this is important.... i stick to the note i am from Indonesia, and i had my own culture.. i try to tell other travelers things about Indonesia. The cultures... the fact that BALI IS PART INDONESIA as one of our 33 province and its a huge country also the majority beliefs is moslem there.
I always proud to say i am from Indonesia, even if at the end they will talk about the Bali Bombing and also the bombing happens in Jakarta, all i could say is so many mean people in this world, you could fiind it in India, UK, and most recent in Norway, a peaceful Nobel country!
Why generalize all Indonesian because one maniacs?? why made any different than things in India, UK, Japan... is that made everyone not like those country? No.
Ok no politics debating here.
How to deal with loneliness while you traveling solo?how do you cope with those?
First i will try to look back why i did it. Reason why i travel solo. Because i want it, for sure! then like my boss said once "suck it up" i did. For better or worse this is what i choice.
I will try to find new connection, new friends on road... which you will find easier to get while you're traveling solo! this is how i met Mr T and loads more my friends on street. We got lost and we share maps and itineraries.
A small "hi" and a smile would help very much! i am a very shy person... especially to people i just met. But hey.. when youre traveling by your self you can't do the shy thing! when you get lost you need to interact with other people to ask directions, dont forget to thank them! and hostels... is also the best place to find new friends.. try to mingle!
I will also try to think nice reason why i travel solo.. i could do things that i like, also no schedule no itineraries... just let loose!
Traveling solo is also a good way to see inside your soul, to think about your life... things that you took for granted like family, friends.. everyone that you wish that could be with you that time. You could only send sms say "thanks for being my friend" its overwhelming feeling to know that back there at home you s till have them, and you being alone just during your travel time only.
Try to made your schedule pretty tight, or do something productive, drawing, taking tons of pictures, i always bring my ipod with me, i could listen to music and play game while on tram. But if you want to friends on road i am not suggesting this hahaha.. last thing i want is to bug someone with earphones stick to their ears. It short of saying "let me by my self would you?!!"
Also i would try to do some sport, running, swimming.. its good after a long trip, to get rid the jet lag.. and btw jet lag i thin is the main cause of the "oh i feel so lonely" depressed feeling!! and i just get rid that away quick.. like while i was in Paris, just go and walk i wont stay in hostel bed and feel sad of being in a strange city! i will explore! (Fika the explorer hahahah!)
Just open your map, your lonely planets your itinerary.. dont let your self not doing anything.. unless if youre having vacation at a small island and youre next to this beach, lying down in white sandy beach under a tree with a book half read on your tummy and youre enjoying the sun, then i am very sure of this, you're doing just fine not doing anything ,...but that!
There are thousand things to do to cope with your loneliness... i know you had your own way on the street.... its sad that you travel by your self.. but hey.. its your choice and you are in place where you want to be!!
Cheer up!
Europe Tips 2--its about what to bring!
When i am about to leave Indonesia to Europe, my bedroom just like a sinking boat everything scattered around. Errhh ya i know my mom will say thats pretty normal hehe..
But i did it for my suitcase. I am not really a big fan of traveling with suitcase. I think i prefer to use 60-80 liters backpack rather than the 60" wheeled suitcase.
Packing is the most essential thing in traveling, i wish i could give you a packing list here, but hey everyone had different needs. Some of my friends think high heels is important rather than a comfort boyish sneakers. Its just different for everyone, had to suit the needs and the personality.
1. Clothes
I think the best is to know the details about where you about to go. You have to know about the weather and humidity. Why this is important?? you don't want to wear short at 13 degrees temperature-been there done that!! anyone from tropical country like me consider 13 degrees like -1.. exaggerate things? heheh for those who laugh at these i bet you had 4 season there... try to walk in Singapore for more than 2 hours at mid day.. then if you're not swearing because of the high temperature.... then don't laugh at me!! a good dress that according to weather would be matters!!
The other thing about clothes?? ladies and gentlemen... when you travel to another part of the world... please do respect other culture... we don't need to see your thigh inside a mosque, temple or other sacred places. If you want to go to this kind of places, please do dress accordingly!! prepare for something more closed, long trouser, jeans, something with sleeve, or jacket perhaps? even if its at boiling heat... in the name of respect please do dress like others.
Also when you pack and finish it... take everything out and try to reduce half of it... you wont need half of the things you bring! in my case it work this way! i get rid a red dress, a heavy doc marc Boots, another sneakers, and some sweaters. I prefer to use double dress, you could use two shirt at same time if its too cold!
All you need is 8kgs of bag/suitcase the max... i know they gave you 15 kgs.. but come on!! its too heavy! do weight your luggage before you go to airport... and do remember not all places like in Paris--as example-- they dont have escalators.. theres no such thing as lift as well at the metro station!! you will be lifting those heavy luggage every each of painful stairs that you goes to!! so watch the weight!!
And do leave fake stuff sista!! im talking about the fake Prada bags or Gucci shoes that you bought from a tiny shop down town of Hongkong. If you don't want to get hose stuff held by officer in any Europe airport. Safe your time and at least no shame!
2. Meds
Once my friends said, when she saw the whole medications that i bring during my trip said i was about to get arrested in airport as drug smuggler. I bring the whole plastic bag of medications that i use. Flu meds-check, antibiotics-check, antacid-check, diarrhea meds-check, high doze of vit C and other supplements-check, and the list goes on. The last thing i want is getting sick in other countries... i rather to had meal in a luxury Paris restaurant rather to buy an antibiotics for my food poisoning--maybe hahaha... but health is important! thats the point. Not all of our medications are sold free in every country.. example even in Singapore i can not get a panadol for my flu because they INSIST on doctors prescription which is i can not get because i am not seing any doctors (God know how much cost for a doc visit in Singapore!!)
In another note, please do check if the medications you bring is allowed to bring inside the country. There are several medications also banned in some country but allowed in other country. The last thing you want is to get arrested as drug dealers in airport--as i mentioned before!
3. Beauty Kits Ecetera (Girls section--most of it)
Helloww princess.... you know you will get your monthly timers (sorry guys...) so be wise... last thing you want here is to try to get a feminine pads while you're grabbing your tummy and walking in pain to the nearest drugstore just to find ANOTHER TAMPONS.
Yes... tampons... i don't know what the heck is that when i see it my self when the cashier hand me a box of that.. and i see it.. and say.. no... i don't know how to wear this because i dont think in Indonesia people use it!!! lucky its not a great flow that i could use my daily pantyliners.
In Indonesia we know feminine pads, and we find it hard to get to know "tampons" its another kin of the..errhh same thing heheh... well it goes same to some other countries... they only know tampons and rarely sold the feminine pads. And the price??? ohhh hahah.. don't ask.. i swear its more expensive than my undies (that bought in Indonesia!!) don't do a foolish mistakes its worth one meal perhaps!
Please bring your own fave one... don't make a mess please....
Ok.. general stuff??
Bring your extra moist hand and body lotion if you go to a 4 seasons country... its cold there.. its true.. but its also dry!! very dry! its not like tropical country where you could walk and sweat like in the sauna. In Germany i run from bottom of hills to the Neuschwanstein and had no sweat! if its in Indonesia i would barely breathe and swimming in my own sweat! this is included a lipbalm... and guys.. dont pretend to be too tough for this.. you had the same lips like girls, and last thing you want a chopped ugly lips yikess... not a major attraction guys.. not healthy either! better if it had sun blocks too! mine comes from Nivea, works just nice (no need one with colors..haha)
Winter doesn't mean you can not had the sun burn. Hiking on a snowy mountain the same!! i got darker skin after i spent whole day at Zugspitze! and its -1 degree!! bring your sunblock!
Another note that i took is... when i was back in Indonesia i was thinking of taking a small package of toiletries... shampoo etc. But then i am glad i didnt do it. First of all, back to the price again... my journey total in 20 days, and almost everyday i wash my hair.. i took my one bottle of shampoo... as hello i dont want to use others shampoo and the price also..ck ck ck.. different!! unless you had unlimited money then go ahead buy your Loreal's shampoo from champ Elysees.. i dare you!
4. Foods-Snacks
I like my MILO pack... its sweets, and its cheap. I also like oreos, INDOMIE, noodles, ENERGEN cereal and Veggies Jacobs. I bring small packs all of those fave snacks. Just in case i can not find any halal food. Or in case i dont have time or small money to do breakfast. Breakfast is awesome in Europe, you could buy fresh bread in Paris and drink it with your own NESCAFE and keep half for lunch... well they had huge bread!! i bring my own SARIKAYA jam also, and share it with Mr T and he love it!! haha they don't have that there in Europe.
I bring some gado-gado paste also.. this is from Indonesia, we could mix this for veggies, just like salad dressing also you could do it with beef or meat and it becomes satay seasoning, or just eat it with plain rice!! very easy.... i bring two cube of this and give it to my host in Paris as gift.. he went to Indonesia several times so he knows about this gado-gado seasoning which is peanuts mixed with red/palm sugar and some chilli.. very nice!
Bring some of snacks and your fave food.. in case if you missing home, or if your host ask if you could cook your traditional cook... why not!!
......to be continued......
 |
| pilah-pilih pakaian buat liburan |
But i did it for my suitcase. I am not really a big fan of traveling with suitcase. I think i prefer to use 60-80 liters backpack rather than the 60" wheeled suitcase.
Packing is the most essential thing in traveling, i wish i could give you a packing list here, but hey everyone had different needs. Some of my friends think high heels is important rather than a comfort boyish sneakers. Its just different for everyone, had to suit the needs and the personality.
 |
| pack your belonging wisely.... |
1. Clothes
I think the best is to know the details about where you about to go. You have to know about the weather and humidity. Why this is important?? you don't want to wear short at 13 degrees temperature-been there done that!! anyone from tropical country like me consider 13 degrees like -1.. exaggerate things? heheh for those who laugh at these i bet you had 4 season there... try to walk in Singapore for more than 2 hours at mid day.. then if you're not swearing because of the high temperature.... then don't laugh at me!! a good dress that according to weather would be matters!!
The other thing about clothes?? ladies and gentlemen... when you travel to another part of the world... please do respect other culture... we don't need to see your thigh inside a mosque, temple or other sacred places. If you want to go to this kind of places, please do dress accordingly!! prepare for something more closed, long trouser, jeans, something with sleeve, or jacket perhaps? even if its at boiling heat... in the name of respect please do dress like others.
Also when you pack and finish it... take everything out and try to reduce half of it... you wont need half of the things you bring! in my case it work this way! i get rid a red dress, a heavy doc marc Boots, another sneakers, and some sweaters. I prefer to use double dress, you could use two shirt at same time if its too cold!
All you need is 8kgs of bag/suitcase the max... i know they gave you 15 kgs.. but come on!! its too heavy! do weight your luggage before you go to airport... and do remember not all places like in Paris--as example-- they dont have escalators.. theres no such thing as lift as well at the metro station!! you will be lifting those heavy luggage every each of painful stairs that you goes to!! so watch the weight!!
And do leave fake stuff sista!! im talking about the fake Prada bags or Gucci shoes that you bought from a tiny shop down town of Hongkong. If you don't want to get hose stuff held by officer in any Europe airport. Safe your time and at least no shame!
2. Meds
Once my friends said, when she saw the whole medications that i bring during my trip said i was about to get arrested in airport as drug smuggler. I bring the whole plastic bag of medications that i use. Flu meds-check, antibiotics-check, antacid-check, diarrhea meds-check, high doze of vit C and other supplements-check, and the list goes on. The last thing i want is getting sick in other countries... i rather to had meal in a luxury Paris restaurant rather to buy an antibiotics for my food poisoning--maybe hahaha... but health is important! thats the point. Not all of our medications are sold free in every country.. example even in Singapore i can not get a panadol for my flu because they INSIST on doctors prescription which is i can not get because i am not seing any doctors (God know how much cost for a doc visit in Singapore!!)
In another note, please do check if the medications you bring is allowed to bring inside the country. There are several medications also banned in some country but allowed in other country. The last thing you want is to get arrested as drug dealers in airport--as i mentioned before!
3. Beauty Kits Ecetera (Girls section--most of it)
Helloww princess.... you know you will get your monthly timers (sorry guys...) so be wise... last thing you want here is to try to get a feminine pads while you're grabbing your tummy and walking in pain to the nearest drugstore just to find ANOTHER TAMPONS.
 |
| Tampons-eekkk... whats this?? (never seen it in Indonesia) |
Yes... tampons... i don't know what the heck is that when i see it my self when the cashier hand me a box of that.. and i see it.. and say.. no... i don't know how to wear this because i dont think in Indonesia people use it!!! lucky its not a great flow that i could use my daily pantyliners.
 |
| What every girls needs!! the emergency leakage first aid! |
In Indonesia we know feminine pads, and we find it hard to get to know "tampons" its another kin of the..errhh same thing heheh... well it goes same to some other countries... they only know tampons and rarely sold the feminine pads. And the price??? ohhh hahah.. don't ask.. i swear its more expensive than my undies (that bought in Indonesia!!) don't do a foolish mistakes its worth one meal perhaps!
Please bring your own fave one... don't make a mess please....
Ok.. general stuff??
Bring your extra moist hand and body lotion if you go to a 4 seasons country... its cold there.. its true.. but its also dry!! very dry! its not like tropical country where you could walk and sweat like in the sauna. In Germany i run from bottom of hills to the Neuschwanstein and had no sweat! if its in Indonesia i would barely breathe and swimming in my own sweat! this is included a lipbalm... and guys.. dont pretend to be too tough for this.. you had the same lips like girls, and last thing you want a chopped ugly lips yikess... not a major attraction guys.. not healthy either! better if it had sun blocks too! mine comes from Nivea, works just nice (no need one with colors..haha)
Winter doesn't mean you can not had the sun burn. Hiking on a snowy mountain the same!! i got darker skin after i spent whole day at Zugspitze! and its -1 degree!! bring your sunblock!
Another note that i took is... when i was back in Indonesia i was thinking of taking a small package of toiletries... shampoo etc. But then i am glad i didnt do it. First of all, back to the price again... my journey total in 20 days, and almost everyday i wash my hair.. i took my one bottle of shampoo... as hello i dont want to use others shampoo and the price also..ck ck ck.. different!! unless you had unlimited money then go ahead buy your Loreal's shampoo from champ Elysees.. i dare you!
4. Foods-Snacks
I like my MILO pack... its sweets, and its cheap. I also like oreos, INDOMIE, noodles, ENERGEN cereal and Veggies Jacobs. I bring small packs all of those fave snacks. Just in case i can not find any halal food. Or in case i dont have time or small money to do breakfast. Breakfast is awesome in Europe, you could buy fresh bread in Paris and drink it with your own NESCAFE and keep half for lunch... well they had huge bread!! i bring my own SARIKAYA jam also, and share it with Mr T and he love it!! haha they don't have that there in Europe.
I bring some gado-gado paste also.. this is from Indonesia, we could mix this for veggies, just like salad dressing also you could do it with beef or meat and it becomes satay seasoning, or just eat it with plain rice!! very easy.... i bring two cube of this and give it to my host in Paris as gift.. he went to Indonesia several times so he knows about this gado-gado seasoning which is peanuts mixed with red/palm sugar and some chilli.. very nice!
Bring some of snacks and your fave food.. in case if you missing home, or if your host ask if you could cook your traditional cook... why not!!
......to be continued......
Romans Spa day at Baden Baden--dare to butt naked?? (Part 1)
Yesterday Mr T say i we need to go to Baden Baden Germany for a spa day. I heard about this city all the time on our conversation on skype. Now i got the chance to visit it.
They said If we have a sauna on a regular basis, we could gain benefits for our health such as: good blood circulation and high immune system also relaxation is balm for your soul. The blood vessels are trained by the cold-warm interaction and the aging of the skin slows down. They say our skin could becomes firm and looks brighter.
Mr T said especially in winter time a sauna offers the ideal therapy to increase strength against the low temperatures and prevents infections. We will also get the benefit from the relaxing warmth water or heat from sauna room which is responsible for your mental health recovery. This will help to find our body balance, body and soul.
The best spa that I got in my life is when my sister took me to a beauty spa in Jakarta. You had your own personal masseur, lying naked while they massage, put oil, and scrub and mask your body and then steam and stay in bath tub for an hour or so..closing it up with shower.
In Baden Baden I got the chance of trying what they call the real spa by the Romanians…. Ohh..ohh feels like back when Caesar rules the town and everyone gather in a spa.. errh wait.. everyone???
That day the temperature a little bit cold for me. But i want to style up a bit so i wear my skirt but then.. i use my sneakers again in case its a heavy walk around the city.
After seeing most part of the town after lunch in a nice Bavarian restaurant we walk down to the spa.
Caracalla Therme open EVERYDAY from 8 am to 10pm.
That afternoon I went inside the CARACALLA THERME first floor there is shop for swim suit and so on. I am glad that I could see “one piece” swim suit there so I won’t be the only one who use it. After paying the entrance for the bath they gave you a rubber band theres a chip there that you could scan to know how many minutes/hours you have left. They pay by the hours by the way.
For 2 hours spa the spankin' price is 14 Euro and 3 hours is 17 Euro. You could access all the pools aswell the whole sauna room there... there are plenty different pools and sauna room there.
This chips/rubber band they gave at the entrance also for opening and locking the locker and ordering foods at the café inside! they also provide a small black machine inside so we could check how many minutes we got left.... its very cool!
Oh, no camera, cellphone, ipod or recorder or any other electronics allowed! and this is for good reason!
So here we go… I slip on my speedo swimsuit… not far from the changing room you could see the huge pool but you have to wash your self first. I don’t really know what to expect so, I wash my self and my hair, who know thse people very higien and check if I wash my hair this morning or not.
So finish washing I went to the indoor pool. This pool said rich with minerals, and its warm! Ohhh..my.. heaven! In some places they also had pressure current to massage your shoulder, your back and your feet… I could stay here like 5 hours hahahah….just try to relax there.
After swimming and try every massage… I went outside and try the outdoor pool… hmmm it’s a current pool! And its more warmer than the one inside. More people here and mostly good looking young couple.. uhh uhh… *blushing*
I had the chance to try the Jacuzzi for about 20 minutes too… there are two out door Jacuzzi as well as two large pools pools with current and also pools with jet massage. All.. you have to try!!
It was very relaxing that I could possibly fall a sleep!
We went to two different sauna too.. no worry i think we went there for 10-15 minutes only. Two sauna room on the first floor are the aroma steam bath and the saltwater inhalation room. At the aroma steam bath, i could feel the spices they put into the sauna... somehow its spicy for my nose hahaha.... but its good for my lungs i think, and it left a very good smell on my skin! the saltwater also very good for the skin, made it more smoother.. wink wink...
Mr T said especially in winter time a sauna offers the ideal therapy to increase strength against the low temperatures and prevents infections. We will also get the benefit from the relaxing warmth water or heat from sauna room which is responsible for your mental health recovery. This will help to find our body balance, body and soul.
After being soaked inside out… I try another pools inside. There is two small pool side by side.. near the sauna. I didn’t read what it was.. but ohhh my it was FROZEN COLD but the next one is VERY HOT!! And then I could understand what it was.. its hot and cold treatment where people stay in cold pool for few minutes and then went to the hot pool and go back and forward its good for blood circulation… but I swear its just like ice frozen cold!!
After that we tried the UV bed i was so relax that i just want to sleep there. My skin felt so nice... when we walk to the bar for food..as i thought i was hungry, i point a spiral stair to the 2nd floor. Mr T say.. are you sure? well i am not so sure!! what is that? he say its the ROMAN'S STYLE spa.
Ok.. there are more sauna up there i grab his hand and say lets go! but then he say "maybe a little bit uncomfortable for you.. because swim suit not allowed" i paused and stare at him. Ok i am fine with towels. He laugh and said we had to be butt naked!! yikess!! and they mixed the guys and girls, no separation.
I was thinking.. should i do this or not?????? i never butt naked in front of... omg not even my parents since i was in primary school!!
Mr T just grinned.... well... oh well....
..................TO BE CONTINUED...............
Backpacker Girls Under Construction
As you could see, i recently had the idea of making big change on this blog layout.
This idea start since few days ago, so i've been working hard with my very limited time to work on the website html and lack knowledge to do it... i still did try to made most of buttons in here linked with the post... I had very limited time while i still at work site, so this construction will take sometime....
But all of the post archive is still open and you still could read most of the things i write here...
So sorry for the inconvenience!
Europe, Land for Special (disabled) Person
" Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." ~ Miriam Beard
One thing that i did notice since i was landed in Munich May 24, 2011. How people in here so care about disabled person. People with special requirements, in wheel chair, or can't see... its amazing the level of caring that i can not stop feeling sad!!
And for those with all special needs, there are NO limitation for them to do activities like other people! go to school, doing sports, swim, going to cafe, had lunch in park, sun bathing.... no limitation!! they could mobile as easy as they could.. i feel so envy!
They build special ramp every where so it could easily accessible for wheel chair, start from castles, bus stop, tram, and trains!
At cities, they build the side walk also accessible very easily for the disabled person. Even for city that had cobbled street like in Strasbourg or in Brussels, i could see many senior citizen with their electric/mobility scooter doing things like normal. Seeing friends, buy groceries.
My great great grandmother who live in mountains in Sumatra never see this for sure. Chance for senior people to do their activity like normal and not to depends to anyone!
This is also the very first time i see someone... who doesn't have legs to drive by him self (in Brussels) its amazed me!
........ i feel sad because.....
This is the countries that me and my friends used to called people "had-cripple-ice cold-emotions" too independent, high individualism and NOT CARE about their parents, and their neighbor. And when i see it now, it changed... if they don't care, they wont build ramps, they wont build things that made the life of those elders and "unique" people MUCH EASIER....
In sight seeing places, there will be hundreds of signs show where these unique people could enter/access the places. Special parking, special entrance... oh my ....
In Indonesia where i thought people much "care" i could see lots of disabled person stay at home, doing nothing, old people on porch just sit on chair, can not do anything.. can not go anywhere as they wanted to... its just sad....
Special kids with down syndromes wont go by them self in Indonesia, people will stare look down, others kids will laugh at them and oh my God... in Germany they could do high five on their wheelchairs and say see you again, and laugh and cross the street WITHOUT ANY HELP!! and no one will disturb them!!
I can not help to feel sad and envy... i wish one day Indonesia will be like that, someday my country will be more fair to those who in needs, and more caring to senior citizen. I could only wish........
One thing that i did notice since i was landed in Munich May 24, 2011. How people in here so care about disabled person. People with special requirements, in wheel chair, or can't see... its amazing the level of caring that i can not stop feeling sad!!
 |
| I see one of these in Strasbourg... |
And for those with all special needs, there are NO limitation for them to do activities like other people! go to school, doing sports, swim, going to cafe, had lunch in park, sun bathing.... no limitation!! they could mobile as easy as they could.. i feel so envy!
They build special ramp every where so it could easily accessible for wheel chair, start from castles, bus stop, tram, and trains!
 |
| Space for whee chair at Train/Metro |
At cities, they build the side walk also accessible very easily for the disabled person. Even for city that had cobbled street like in Strasbourg or in Brussels, i could see many senior citizen with their electric/mobility scooter doing things like normal. Seeing friends, buy groceries.
My great great grandmother who live in mountains in Sumatra never see this for sure. Chance for senior people to do their activity like normal and not to depends to anyone!
 |
| Special entrance for wheelchair |
This is also the very first time i see someone... who doesn't have legs to drive by him self (in Brussels) its amazed me!
........ i feel sad because.....
This is the countries that me and my friends used to called people "had-cripple-ice cold-emotions" too independent, high individualism and NOT CARE about their parents, and their neighbor. And when i see it now, it changed... if they don't care, they wont build ramps, they wont build things that made the life of those elders and "unique" people MUCH EASIER....
 |
| Toilets in train for wheel chaired people |
In sight seeing places, there will be hundreds of signs show where these unique people could enter/access the places. Special parking, special entrance... oh my ....
In Indonesia where i thought people much "care" i could see lots of disabled person stay at home, doing nothing, old people on porch just sit on chair, can not do anything.. can not go anywhere as they wanted to... its just sad....
 |
| Special Bus ramps for special people ^^ |
Special kids with down syndromes wont go by them self in Indonesia, people will stare look down, others kids will laugh at them and oh my God... in Germany they could do high five on their wheelchairs and say see you again, and laugh and cross the street WITHOUT ANY HELP!! and no one will disturb them!!
I can not help to feel sad and envy... i wish one day Indonesia will be like that, someday my country will be more fair to those who in needs, and more caring to senior citizen. I could only wish........
Paris-Strasbourg Kelas 1 yang bikin down! (Part 1)
.....Brussels-Paris-Strasbourg...... 3 kota dalam 1 hari saja.. wow....(gak kebayang aku bakalan ngelakuin ini semua..)
Aku berangkat dari kota Paris jam 6 sore waktu setempat. Kereta TGV yang aku naikin smooth banget gak unjlak2an kek kereta di Indonesia.. berasa dalam pesawat malahan... TGV ini kecepatan rata2nya di atas 300kms/jam. Dan eng ing engg gue dapat kelas 1 sodara2.. harga tiket yang gue dapat bahkan lebih murah dari tiket kelas 2 yaitu 40 Euro.
Strasbourg termasuk salah satu kota penting di benua Eropa. Terletak di perbatasan Perancis dan Jerman. Kota ini tujuan ke tiga setelah Paris dan Brussels dalam itinerary ku. Aku juga dah bookmark beberapa tempat dari lonely planets ku buat di kunjungi.
Pemandangan dari luar kereta bagus banget loh, kek iklan2 susu di Indonesia.. banyak ladang rumput yang luas banget, pertanian.. ada kuda2 yang segede gaban, beserta sapi hitam putih yang jarang aku liat di Sumatra... anak2 main sepeda yang nunggu kereta lewat dengan pipi mereka yang merah2 kek peach! uhh uhhh.. dan pegunungan dengan pohon pinus...
Pemandangan dari luar kereta bagus banget loh, kek iklan2 susu di Indonesia.. banyak ladang rumput yang luas banget, pertanian.. ada kuda2 yang segede gaban, beserta sapi hitam putih yang jarang aku liat di Sumatra... anak2 main sepeda yang nunggu kereta lewat dengan pipi mereka yang merah2 kek peach! uhh uhhh.. dan pegunungan dengan pohon pinus...
Aku juga dah dapat sms dari from Mr T dia bilang dia bakalan jemput aku langsung dari tempat kerja. Mr T adalah host aku selama aku berada di Jerman. Aku pertama kali ketemu sama Mr T waktu aku pergi liburan ke Hongkong dan Macau tahun kemaren.
Mr T tinggal di Karlsruhe jadi lumayan agak jauh juga dari tempat dia. Ini kali pertama aku ketemu lagi setelah lebih 7 bulan gak ketemu.. huhuh rada deg degan juga sih masih sama kek dulu gak ya orangnya! haha dan berharap banget dia datang buat jemput akyuuu.... tapi rules dengan back up plan tetap aku jalanin.. aku juga sudah contact teman lama aku dari Stuttgart buat cadangan kalau2 nih Mr T gak bisa host aku atau jemput.... i hope he really there, if hes not..GRRRHH!!
Mr T tinggal di Karlsruhe jadi lumayan agak jauh juga dari tempat dia. Ini kali pertama aku ketemu lagi setelah lebih 7 bulan gak ketemu.. huhuh rada deg degan juga sih masih sama kek dulu gak ya orangnya! haha dan berharap banget dia datang buat jemput akyuuu.... tapi rules dengan back up plan tetap aku jalanin.. aku juga sudah contact teman lama aku dari Stuttgart buat cadangan kalau2 nih Mr T gak bisa host aku atau jemput.... i hope he really there, if hes not..GRRRHH!!
Servis di kelas 1 ternyata biasa aja.. aku juga bingung apa sih kelebihannya? selain tempat duduk yang super gede gini.. mau di recliningpun kekenya mustahil sebab dengan tinggi aku yang 173cm aja jarak lutut sama kursi depan aku kurang dari sejengkal.. kebayang kalau aku recline seat ke belakang pasti yang duduk di belakang aku ngoceh2 pake bahasa perancis atau jerman..... matelah awak!!
Aku terusterang lebih suka kelas 2 atau ekonomi deh kalau kek gini... tapi berhubung murah tiketnya kenapa ngga kan??? ini kali pertama aku agak nyesal berada di kelas 1 yang luxury banget. Sebab aku cuma ngerasa... aku bukan berada di tempat aku... hiks... kek nyasar gitu deh perasaan..
Dari awal aku naik ke gerbong ini dengan tas koper gede warna ungu aku... dan di bantu sama om2 genteng banget ya olloh.. dan harumm...... ini kali pertama aku naik kereta di Eropa. Bukannya di Indonesia aku juga sering naik kereta loh... mana ada kereta di Jambi hahaha...
Aku terusterang lebih suka kelas 2 atau ekonomi deh kalau kek gini... tapi berhubung murah tiketnya kenapa ngga kan??? ini kali pertama aku agak nyesal berada di kelas 1 yang luxury banget. Sebab aku cuma ngerasa... aku bukan berada di tempat aku... hiks... kek nyasar gitu deh perasaan..
Dari awal aku naik ke gerbong ini dengan tas koper gede warna ungu aku... dan di bantu sama om2 genteng banget ya olloh.. dan harumm...... ini kali pertama aku naik kereta di Eropa. Bukannya di Indonesia aku juga sering naik kereta loh... mana ada kereta di Jambi hahaha...
Di Sumatra, kereta cuma ada di Aceh, Medan, sama Padang... daerah Riau, Jambi ngga ada... karena tanahnya rawa2 gitu sih kata orang tua. Pengalaman gue naik kereta di sumatra cuma dari Prabumulih Palembang ke Bandar Lampung PP itu aja... dan itu mungkin 10 tahun yang lalu waktu aku masih kuliah di UNILA.
Kalau di Jawa aku pernah naik 1 kali dari Jakarta ke Bandung. Memangsih kelas executive.. tapi itu waktu aku umur 13-14 tahun hahaha jadi hampir 20 tahun yang lalu!!
Kereta ini mewahnya berasa bo..jadi waktu naik aku cuma bisa bilang: "ohh sh*t" penumpangnya juga aje gile... setelan jas SEMUA haduuh piyeeeee..iki.. wong deso.. kok nyampur sama yang kek ginian...Armani, Hugo Boss.. ohh.. Shuuuuuuutt! trus yang ibu2nya dandanan juga mewah dengan kalung mutiara segede batu kali elegan banget.. cewek muda ada juga tapi tampang esmud juga, pake setelan hitam dengan stocking dan rambut rapi gitu... ohhhhhh matelaaah awaaakkkkk!!
Kalau di Jawa aku pernah naik 1 kali dari Jakarta ke Bandung. Memangsih kelas executive.. tapi itu waktu aku umur 13-14 tahun hahaha jadi hampir 20 tahun yang lalu!!
Kereta ini mewahnya berasa bo..jadi waktu naik aku cuma bisa bilang: "ohh sh*t" penumpangnya juga aje gile... setelan jas SEMUA haduuh piyeeeee..iki.. wong deso.. kok nyampur sama yang kek ginian...Armani, Hugo Boss.. ohh.. Shuuuuuuutt! trus yang ibu2nya dandanan juga mewah dengan kalung mutiara segede batu kali elegan banget.. cewek muda ada juga tapi tampang esmud juga, pake setelan hitam dengan stocking dan rambut rapi gitu... ohhhhhh matelaaah awaaakkkkk!!
Gue sudah pake pakaian terbaik gue.. yang cuma ada waktu itu black flat shoes, black paty house, rok pendek warna hitam putih sama baju kaos oblong warna putih.. nyantaaaiii banget! (syukur2 gue beli tuh pantyhose di Champ Elyses!!) Rok juga atu2 nya yang ada di dalam tas hahahah berasa jadi babu di kereta mener2 Huhuhuhu...
Baca selengkapnya di Nona Backpacker
Schloss Neuschwanstein-Most Romantic Castle
Nothing you love is lost. Not really. Things, people - they always go away, sooner or later. You can't hold them, any more than you can hold moonlight. But if they've touched you, if they're inside you, then
they're still yours. The only things you ever really have are the ones you hold inside your heart. ---Unknown
Note: this is not so budget idea of traveling in Germany, but its worth the trip if you see the castle your self.
Still riding our rent car in beuaty of Bavaria land.... riding through the "Romantic Road". Mr T and i hopelessly romantic people errhh me actually hahahaha... but he took me to this most inspiring places for love, not only love for a person but also to art and other thing (i called this "passion")
As usual Mr T never told me whats the schedule for today, so we ride on our cherry red car (rent car) and drive along the autobahn for several hours. The scenery is breathtaking... we stop over on a lake with amazing view of the Alps.. its just reminds me of the "Highlander" tv series.. ehehe...
**Click on pictures if you want to see it bigger**
The Königswinkel or literally Kings Corner is a large area of natural beauty. It includes the towns of Füssen and Schwangau as well as Pfronten and the resort village on Lake Hopfensee. This is as part of the romantic road that i mention before.... romantic roads is the trader roads its consist of the most breathtaking scenery and most beautiful medieval castles and parks in the world..
To get here by train just take the train (Deutsche Bahn) to Füssen direction, then at Fussen station take the bus RVA/OVG 73 in the direction to Steingaden / Garmisch-Partenkirchen or the bus RVA/OVG 78 in the direction to Schwangau until you reach the stop Hohenschwangau / Alpseestraße. From here you could either goes by foot or use bus with departure point: Schlosshotel Lisl. The bus goes via Bleckenaustraße to the "Jugend" lookout point (Marienbrücke) from where it is about 600 m or a 10-15 minute walk on a steep downhill path to the entrance of the castle (its beautiful!).
On the bottom of the castle we go to the parking and walk for around 1 kms for the ticketing and information on a building "Konigs Schlosser" with grey roof near the Mueller Hotel. You could get the ticket for both castles online too. But the day i went there there are less queue so we could get the ticket pretty easy.
There are literally hundreds people there that i could see... all colors.. ages... languages its amazing! The entrance ticket for this castle is 12 Euro, we pick the English guided tour. You could choose the audio guide too if you like. The guided tour only in two language English or Germany, while the audio guide with more variable languages; Japanese, Frenchm Spanish, Porteguese, Italian, Dutch, Czech, Russian, Polish, Mandarin, Hungarian and Slovenian. We only had less than 1 hour to get up there, so we rushed to get some lunch near the ticketing, i had rice for the very first time since i step foot in Germany!!! heheh thanks to Mr T he order my fave food, but somehow its just different :p
On the ticket printed the TIME TO ENTER THE CASTLE, please notice this, as you will need to be at the castle entrance as the printed time there. Also your group numbers and the ticket only valid for the day on the specific tour only.
So with less time we watch the horse carriage humm its pretty slow... the horse carriage is 6 Euro uphill and 3 Euro down hill, and you have wait in front of Mueller Hotel for the horse carriage.
As for us, first we plan for the horse ride. And I am afraid of horse hahaha... then we decide to walk up. I told Mr T that i am more firt than him, as last time we went holiday in Macau he can't walk too long! we race to the top. The temperature its too cold for me, maybe around 14-15 degrees, so i like running or walking fast to make me feel warmer!
It only took us about 20 minutes (fast walk-don't try this if you're not that fit!) faster than riding horse! but be aware of horse poop on the street!! the air is fresh but yah... thats the problem sometimes you could inhale those pretty ...smelly of fresh horse poop too.. hehehe...
Its is worth the walk the view above is beautiful i can't help it but stand still there, try to catch every glimpse of it. The smell of fresh air and the grass.. the view of mountains and lakes... also the sound of winds, the sound of cow bells, and some goats.. i feel this is Germany! hehehe somehow very different... skies blue and everything beautiful!
I will say i agree that people called King Ludwig II as an insane king. Its is insanity to build such beautiful castle! the view and the castle it self so amazing! This castle was build for King fave artist Richard Wagner. Its not even finished until the day that the King found dead on the lake near the castle--tragic.. but thats how most of the great people end up ...sadly. Its still a mystery though how King Ludwig II die... he just found dead on the lake, whether its a suicide or its a murder.. none know.... so much for a opera lover....
This castle built meant to blend with the scenery surrounding it. Its just looks like a huge play stage. The backgrounds with mountains, lakes and King Ludwig beloved land the Bavarian land... stood still with grace the wonderful Neuschwanstein Castle.
Tragically, this castle was built be a private refuge, “sacred and out of reach” (“heilig und unnahbar”), but these days host to thousands of tourists each day. Another irony: although it was built largely as a stage for Wagnerian productions (“a worthy temple for the divine friend [Robert Wagner]”), the composer never set foot in Neuschwanstein. Nor was the castle’s throne room ever completed in time to contain a throne it self.
This castle project named by Ludwig with “Neue Burg Hohenschwangau” or “New Castle Hohenschwangau” because it was build on a castle ruins. Only later, when the castle was opened to the public on August 1, 1886, just weeks after Ludwig’s death, did the edifice come to be known as “Neuschwanstein” (“new swan stone”). I think its related to most of the castle detail with swans his fave animals (door handle, pictures, water tap, etc) but swans also a heraldic animal of the Counts of Schwangau, whose successor the king considered himself to be. It is also the Christian symbol of the "purity" for which Ludwig strived.
Just too bad that we can not take pictures inside the castle! the tour took 36 minutes and i felt like in a movie already! its just like storybook... everything..it was built 1868 but everything still in good condition. My fave room would be the king chambers ofcourse. Its fascinate me because he had his own reading corner. Also everything with swan :) and ohhh had to see the King toilet.. very first modern toilet with flush.. hahah if you consider this is important the castle also had forced air central heating system (i think this is a very good fact).
Another important fact? the King had electric bells to call his servant! oh beside the toilet all the tap had cold and hot water system... isnt this fit for the insanity those days? nope.. i think thats why people call him crazy.. because they see thats as crazy stuff (like when we heard about the newest iphone product or new car model wesay "hey thats insane dude!!")
The kitchen also amazingly modern for a building that built in 1800. Everything is modern! well you wont find any electric stuff yet here.. but its just like a normal kitchen these days! well the castle construction it self last until 23 years even after the king death!
Oh another sad part.. king only spent 11 days here in the castle! after all of the hard works!
After finishing touring inside we walk to the Marienbrucke. A stunning bridge where you could see the castle from distance. It was amazing! i think this is also the best spot for taking Neuschwanstein castle pictures.
I said to Mr T can we do bungee from here? he said "no, you're crazy" heheheh i know that....
The bridge also had lots of lock with names.. just the same with Paris.... and some are soooo romantic!!
From the bridge we want to use the bus to go down... but then some large group of India tourist "hack" the bus, disrespecting the long queue of people who already wait there over 20 mins made Mr T upset, and i said... nope.. thats not Indonesian (mingkem dot com) heheheh
Its not a nice thing to do... i hate it when someone do that to a long queue. The temperature down again until i could see fogs when i breate.. so i can not stand still any longer, i told Mr T better if we walk.. so we did!
We walk down the hill and he took unusual path, that i swear if we ever got lost i'm going to bite him!! grrrhh! but then we arrive near the parking but don't try the alternative roads its very slippery!
**click on pictures to made it bigger**
they're still yours. The only things you ever really have are the ones you hold inside your heart. ---Unknown
Note: this is not so budget idea of traveling in Germany, but its worth the trip if you see the castle your self.
Still riding our rent car in beuaty of Bavaria land.... riding through the "Romantic Road". Mr T and i hopelessly romantic people errhh me actually hahahaha... but he took me to this most inspiring places for love, not only love for a person but also to art and other thing (i called this "passion")
As usual Mr T never told me whats the schedule for today, so we ride on our cherry red car (rent car) and drive along the autobahn for several hours. The scenery is breathtaking... we stop over on a lake with amazing view of the Alps.. its just reminds me of the "Highlander" tv series.. ehehe...
**Click on pictures if you want to see it bigger**
 |
| Lake Alpsee near Neuschwanstein castle |
The Königswinkel or literally Kings Corner is a large area of natural beauty. It includes the towns of Füssen and Schwangau as well as Pfronten and the resort village on Lake Hopfensee. This is as part of the romantic road that i mention before.... romantic roads is the trader roads its consist of the most breathtaking scenery and most beautiful medieval castles and parks in the world..
To get here by train just take the train (Deutsche Bahn) to Füssen direction, then at Fussen station take the bus RVA/OVG 73 in the direction to Steingaden / Garmisch-Partenkirchen or the bus RVA/OVG 78 in the direction to Schwangau until you reach the stop Hohenschwangau / Alpseestraße. From here you could either goes by foot or use bus with departure point: Schlosshotel Lisl. The bus goes via Bleckenaustraße to the "Jugend" lookout point (Marienbrücke) from where it is about 600 m or a 10-15 minute walk on a steep downhill path to the entrance of the castle (its beautiful!).
On the bottom of the castle we go to the parking and walk for around 1 kms for the ticketing and information on a building "Konigs Schlosser" with grey roof near the Mueller Hotel. You could get the ticket for both castles online too. But the day i went there there are less queue so we could get the ticket pretty easy.
There are literally hundreds people there that i could see... all colors.. ages... languages its amazing! The entrance ticket for this castle is 12 Euro, we pick the English guided tour. You could choose the audio guide too if you like. The guided tour only in two language English or Germany, while the audio guide with more variable languages; Japanese, Frenchm Spanish, Porteguese, Italian, Dutch, Czech, Russian, Polish, Mandarin, Hungarian and Slovenian. We only had less than 1 hour to get up there, so we rushed to get some lunch near the ticketing, i had rice for the very first time since i step foot in Germany!!! heheh thanks to Mr T he order my fave food, but somehow its just different :p
 |
| Place to buy ticket and get information |
On the ticket printed the TIME TO ENTER THE CASTLE, please notice this, as you will need to be at the castle entrance as the printed time there. Also your group numbers and the ticket only valid for the day on the specific tour only.
So with less time we watch the horse carriage humm its pretty slow... the horse carriage is 6 Euro uphill and 3 Euro down hill, and you have wait in front of Mueller Hotel for the horse carriage.
As for us, first we plan for the horse ride. And I am afraid of horse hahaha... then we decide to walk up. I told Mr T that i am more firt than him, as last time we went holiday in Macau he can't walk too long! we race to the top. The temperature its too cold for me, maybe around 14-15 degrees, so i like running or walking fast to make me feel warmer!
 |
| Race to the castle its good when its cold! |
Its is worth the walk the view above is beautiful i can't help it but stand still there, try to catch every glimpse of it. The smell of fresh air and the grass.. the view of mountains and lakes... also the sound of winds, the sound of cow bells, and some goats.. i feel this is Germany! hehehe somehow very different... skies blue and everything beautiful!
 |
| The castle! |
 |
| View from the castle! |
Tragically, this castle was built be a private refuge, “sacred and out of reach” (“heilig und unnahbar”), but these days host to thousands of tourists each day. Another irony: although it was built largely as a stage for Wagnerian productions (“a worthy temple for the divine friend [Robert Wagner]”), the composer never set foot in Neuschwanstein. Nor was the castle’s throne room ever completed in time to contain a throne it self.
 |
| Some more pictures of the castles |
This castle project named by Ludwig with “Neue Burg Hohenschwangau” or “New Castle Hohenschwangau” because it was build on a castle ruins. Only later, when the castle was opened to the public on August 1, 1886, just weeks after Ludwig’s death, did the edifice come to be known as “Neuschwanstein” (“new swan stone”). I think its related to most of the castle detail with swans his fave animals (door handle, pictures, water tap, etc) but swans also a heraldic animal of the Counts of Schwangau, whose successor the king considered himself to be. It is also the Christian symbol of the "purity" for which Ludwig strived.
 |
| More Neuschwanstein castle pictures |
Just too bad that we can not take pictures inside the castle! the tour took 36 minutes and i felt like in a movie already! its just like storybook... everything..it was built 1868 but everything still in good condition. My fave room would be the king chambers ofcourse. Its fascinate me because he had his own reading corner. Also everything with swan :) and ohhh had to see the King toilet.. very first modern toilet with flush.. hahah if you consider this is important the castle also had forced air central heating system (i think this is a very good fact).
Another important fact? the King had electric bells to call his servant! oh beside the toilet all the tap had cold and hot water system... isnt this fit for the insanity those days? nope.. i think thats why people call him crazy.. because they see thats as crazy stuff (like when we heard about the newest iphone product or new car model wesay "hey thats insane dude!!")
The kitchen also amazingly modern for a building that built in 1800. Everything is modern! well you wont find any electric stuff yet here.. but its just like a normal kitchen these days! well the castle construction it self last until 23 years even after the king death!
Oh another sad part.. king only spent 11 days here in the castle! after all of the hard works!
 |
| View from the castle, one of my fave is the Marianbrucke (bridge) |
After finishing touring inside we walk to the Marienbrucke. A stunning bridge where you could see the castle from distance. It was amazing! i think this is also the best spot for taking Neuschwanstein castle pictures.
 |
| View from Marienbrucke-good for bungee jump! |
I said to Mr T can we do bungee from here? he said "no, you're crazy" heheheh i know that....
 |
| Pictures of Neuschwanstein from Marienbrucke |
 |
| *sigh* see... this is why i said its just romantic!! |
From the bridge we want to use the bus to go down... but then some large group of India tourist "hack" the bus, disrespecting the long queue of people who already wait there over 20 mins made Mr T upset, and i said... nope.. thats not Indonesian (mingkem dot com) heheheh
Its not a nice thing to do... i hate it when someone do that to a long queue. The temperature down again until i could see fogs when i breate.. so i can not stand still any longer, i told Mr T better if we walk.. so we did!
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| India tourist "hacking" Neuschwanstein tourist bus..doohh Calcutta style i guess |
We walk down the hill and he took unusual path, that i swear if we ever got lost i'm going to bite him!! grrrhh! but then we arrive near the parking but don't try the alternative roads its very slippery!
**click on pictures to made it bigger**
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| My fave Schloss Neuschwanstein picture |
Europe trip; book your ticket online!
I would say most of the transport ticket during my trip to Europe was booked while i was sitting nicely in deep Sumatra jungle a.ka while i was on my working day in remote place and while at home (where i have to sit on the porch dancing with mosquitoes and trying to get full bars signal at same time).
There are more than one traveling website that said we must book in advance to get the cheap ticket to Europe, and it does really work that way. The more you sit and wait to the departure date the more the price sky high!! do not wait, book your Europe trip tickets early! (6 months in advance better!!).
The thing you need for online booking? of course, good internet speed, and a credit card!! ^,^
The tickets that i got online is my return flight with Lufthansa from Singapore to Paris and Munich to Singapore, which is open jaw (i think i will explain about what open jaw is somewhere). Also i got my self a return Eurolines bus ticket from Paris to Brussels. And the last one is the train ticket from Paris to Strassbourg i order it from SNCF website.
For the Lufthansa flight ticket i got help from a travel agent, since my credit card limit only like $500 and the flight total cost is around US$900 (return).
And the Eurolines buses, i did it my self, with my very limited French, yepp i did the website is in FRENCH language maybe that time i was so careless that i didn't see the top right side for ENGLISH language, but the link i gave here already in English.
The same thing happens for the train ticket from SNCF, its all in FRENCH language. Oh dear... do use the online google translator for your kindness if you don't know FRENCH language!! First page is in English but when you about to go to SNCF booking page (when you click "buy a ticket" button on the top left previous web) it doesnt have "english options" well again unless if i really did missed the button of course!!
But the truth, with my very limited French, i could easily book the buses ticket and the train without hassles! its not that hard, really!
Most of the ticket that i got are with cheap fare/promotion rate. For return bus ticket i got it for 18 Euro (Paris-Brussels-Paris) and for the train ticket---well this is the most amazing one, FIRST CLASS on TGV train, which is the super fast train, i got the very last seat offer for 40 Euro only!!! the normal rate for TGV train 1st class is above 100 Euro, and 2nd class is like 36-40 Euro or something so, i got it dirt cheap!!! hehehe.... (the advantage of joining the mailing list!! they will alert you for cheap price!!) sometimes the last minute deal could be this cheap, so keep your eyes open on the website!
For the train from this website you still had many other choice for trains. I think the cheapest train is the sleeper class at night/night train. But from Paris to Strasbourg where i want to go to its only took like 2 hours and i dont need the sleeper class! oh and also, the 2nd class not that much difference than 1st class, so no worry about the comfort thing.. its only 2 hours trip! (train is very clean and nice also!!)
Don't wait too long! its worth the online booking!! (price & the QUEUE-its killin'!!)
There are more than one traveling website that said we must book in advance to get the cheap ticket to Europe, and it does really work that way. The more you sit and wait to the departure date the more the price sky high!! do not wait, book your Europe trip tickets early! (6 months in advance better!!).
The thing you need for online booking? of course, good internet speed, and a credit card!! ^,^
The tickets that i got online is my return flight with Lufthansa from Singapore to Paris and Munich to Singapore, which is open jaw (i think i will explain about what open jaw is somewhere). Also i got my self a return Eurolines bus ticket from Paris to Brussels. And the last one is the train ticket from Paris to Strassbourg i order it from SNCF website.
For the Lufthansa flight ticket i got help from a travel agent, since my credit card limit only like $500 and the flight total cost is around US$900 (return).
And the Eurolines buses, i did it my self, with my very limited French, yepp i did the website is in FRENCH language maybe that time i was so careless that i didn't see the top right side for ENGLISH language, but the link i gave here already in English.
The same thing happens for the train ticket from SNCF, its all in FRENCH language. Oh dear... do use the online google translator for your kindness if you don't know FRENCH language!! First page is in English but when you about to go to SNCF booking page (when you click "buy a ticket" button on the top left previous web) it doesnt have "english options" well again unless if i really did missed the button of course!!
But the truth, with my very limited French, i could easily book the buses ticket and the train without hassles! its not that hard, really!
Most of the ticket that i got are with cheap fare/promotion rate. For return bus ticket i got it for 18 Euro (Paris-Brussels-Paris) and for the train ticket---well this is the most amazing one, FIRST CLASS on TGV train, which is the super fast train, i got the very last seat offer for 40 Euro only!!! the normal rate for TGV train 1st class is above 100 Euro, and 2nd class is like 36-40 Euro or something so, i got it dirt cheap!!! hehehe.... (the advantage of joining the mailing list!! they will alert you for cheap price!!) sometimes the last minute deal could be this cheap, so keep your eyes open on the website!
For the train from this website you still had many other choice for trains. I think the cheapest train is the sleeper class at night/night train. But from Paris to Strasbourg where i want to go to its only took like 2 hours and i dont need the sleeper class! oh and also, the 2nd class not that much difference than 1st class, so no worry about the comfort thing.. its only 2 hours trip! (train is very clean and nice also!!)
Don't wait too long! its worth the online booking!! (price & the QUEUE-its killin'!!)
Brussels, Belgium First Night (day 3)
Worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but it won't get you anywhere ~ Van Wilder
This is the very first time i went to place that i known a little. We know Paris in Indonesia we talk about it a lot. But Brussels-Belgium?? No..i don't know the president, i don't know the flag... what do i know about this city/country?? i browse it AFTER i book my bus ticket from Paris while i was still in Indonesia. Belgium is so small! Sumatra island is much bigger than the whole country it self!
So tips from me after traveling there, go to the neighbourhood cities beside Brussels.. especially Brugge the 2nd Venice in Europe... they said its worth the visit, and i found this after the 2nd day in Brussels!
First impression about Brussel I got while I was still in Eurolines bus. It’s a smaller town compare to Paris. The roads are smaller, and somehow there are more people with lighter hair color than darker. The street are mixed between the aspal and cobble rocks. Its had its own character I think. Somehow i think i see more blonde here... errhhhh... ok.. this is interesting.
When I was arrive its around 7.45pm at Gare du Midi/Zuidstation station. I was thinking to stop here because it’s a middle train station (well that’s my best translation!). The train station is so big that I got lost! I try to find the “METRO” system. I could understand the France language.. its just the same like in Paris whenever I try to “vous parlais anglais?” they will say “non” and kept talking in French while I will talk in English… once again I was “lost in translation”.
The language they use in Belgium is French and Dutch. So, all of the street signs and directions are in both languages, French and Dutch. But I don’t mind. It’s kind of great to hear this mix. Indonesia back then was colonialism by Dutch, for over 300 years. But too bad we don’t speak Dutch! (even Mr T ask me why i am not speaking Dutch??errh i don't know..because they dont even allow Indonesian to STUDY and learn READING??) back then only people who work with Dutch govt who given the opportunity to learn and study in School. My family roots never like Dutch hahahah! so we dont speak dutch (i think back then they also consider anyone who speak Dutch as traitor!)
Again the cultural mixed here, blend into the city life. The buildings, people, and foods are so various. I like the town in between, it’s like standing in gray area. It’s richer with the twist!
My first mission after finding the Metro train station is try to understand how it work!! I had the map on my ipod so I know what direction I should ride in.
Ok, it’s a different system than Paris, the ticket machine (it’s called “GO”) almost the same. But this time I had coins so, I get 5 jump/ride pass for 7.30 Euro. The ticket just made of thick paper, with size of ATM card. Kind of remind me the train ticket card to go to Sentosa Island in Singapore. For other choice of tickets you could see at this website/STIB.
I pick the 5 trip because theres no way I would want to use day ticket because its 8pm and I was exhausted and really need sleep! It’s the 4th day since my traveling, so I guess the jetlag still there but I kept pushing myself… and yah.. hahah I just want to sleep early!
Don’t lose the ticket! You will need to validate it in a yellow box machine on the entrance. Hehe don’t play fool here folks, there plenty security at the train station, so better not forget to validate the card because they did check it randomly.
With this ticket actually you could use it/mix it with bus or tram ride. So it’s very efficient! Also you could book the ticket online, but I am not so sure how this work. I prefer to do it at the train station. And no queue like in Paris, so no worry!
But of course for the comparison between bus, tram and metro, my fave ride is the metro because it’s the fastest. In Brussels there are 4 metro lines and 2 tram lines, so you don’t have to squeeze in like in Paris. It’s a small city once again, and plenty transport choice.
Also I do notice that it’s very friendly to wheelchair. I like it, because I think it’s fair enough!
When I am waiting for the train, I made mistake reading the sign, that I go to the other way instead to the direction that I should go (hehehe). I just laugh at myself because its silly! Especially when you’re dragging a huge purple luggage.
From Garde du Midi I take the direction to Simonis-Elizabeth, its 7 train stop to the Botanique/Kruidtuin. In the train I met with a boy with a very friendly smile. He works in one of chocolate shop in Brussels. We talk quite a bit. He kept saying Brussels is very good and safe.. haha ok! we talk abit about tourism in Brussels and its nice to know new people here, his name is Max..thats sound European.
When he needs to go down we did something ackward, as he said good bye, when i give him my hand to shake he pullm e instead to kiss my cheek and hug, errrhh i froze and i could feel my face warm, i bet i blush, and he the same as must be could feel i feel shock hahah! ok.. this is how they said good bye.. ok..thanks God my body alarm not set to "on" hahah so i wont slap him hahah! i wash blushing so much that i could only grin! (its not our culture!!)
I stay in Van Gogh Youth Hostel. Yep, it’s the famous painter. He once live there… uhmmm.. ok its very nice actually, I’ve seen the pictures of the hostel from internet. I take the mixed dorm room, the cheapest one for 18 euro per night plus you got breakfast. They also had shared kitchen that you could use.
I brought some food from Indonesia. I gave some of the food for my first host in Paris. He went to Indonesia before, so I bet he like the peanut paste for gado-gado, the mixed veggies salad… plus the pasta could be used as sate, the barbeque in stick also Indonesia food.
Check in at the hostel they said they’re full. But then I show them my booking mail, lucky I print out everything. I said I booked the room, and I got the mail. She then ask me to fill up the form, hand out my passport—they had rule some people over 35 not allowed to stay at the hostel unless it’s a group.
I look around the lobby, there are plenty students, maybe its like a tour. They speak in Germany and some in Dutch.
I got my room key, and getting to the room i see, wow... there are asian, but hahah why they look not friendly?? errh.. never mind. Get into my room... oh my.. this is the most WEIRD bunk bed. I got the 2nd/top bunk...but...WHY THERE IS NO STAIRS?? how the heck i get up there??
Its actually not that hard for me as i like climbing. Im quite a pro since kids as my house fence is 3 meters high!!(and i escape most of time! hehe) I put my luggage on the wall.... and then i use it as a step to get to the top, and i try to jump from top.. wow... this is quite high!!! boys and girls do not try this at home!! hahaha!
It was 9.30 and i decide to get some hot shower. I already told about the electric power as bad side at this hostel. But hey... dont call me McFika gyver.... heheh.. so with towel and my toilletries i walk through the hostel. I found some places where i could actually recharge my stuff.
At kitchen, at common room, also near lobby. After that i went downstair near the pool table, the shower kind of reminds me of swimming pool shower!
The smell and the cubicles hahaha! i see another plugs there, and the toilet you could close the door. So i took shower and recharge my cellphone and ipod!! finish shower i feel sleepy. Get my self a noodle cup and eat it quick at kitchen, everyone still talking and drinking beer. Its hell of crowd. I like it. But none try to speak with me just the guys look and stare and ....why they feel shy?? i am the only one who had brown skin... and it feels good once again!! hehehe (feel like a cougar in rooster cages hohohohoh). I had to remind my self most of guys in here prob much younger than me!! haha
I just try to understand what they talk about, i could hear some english, buyt very little, mostly french, and dutch also germany.
After brushing my teeth i get back to my dorm and use my eye mask and EAR PLUGS. There are two girls get in and said they want to g o to party and there are 3 guys, they seemed like arguing wether there are people in 3 beds that they want to stay in. I look at them, without saying anything as i already on my bed, using my sleeping gears... they short of saying sorry.. hey.. i try to get some sleep here!!!
Tomorrow more about Brussels and more pictures for sure!!
Paris~Day Out With My Host!! (Day 2)
If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people you might better stay at home...
James A. Michener I was talking to Guillaume last night until about 1am. We talk a lot about things. He missed Indonesia for sure! we talk in Indonesia, and sometimes in English when we can not find the words to say hahah!
He cook for me last night too, it was very nice! and i sleep smiling with full tummy and happy thought about i had new friend here in Paris. I can not say how lucky i was because he was willing to accept me at his apartment!
So the next day, Guillaume promise will spent sometimes with me.. well i think its ok, because he seemed so busy, but awwww he just so nice! so wake up at 8, and we walk from his apartment, we will explore Montmarte!! but we had to do it quick because he had to go back to his workplace and prepare some stuff for a meeting in his hotel. I said thats fine :)
First place we see is the Sacre Couer. It was a mix of everything its beautiful, the building also the park near it.... we actually only walk only like 2-3 kilometers from Guillaume apartment.. the surrounding neghbour hood are awesome, Guillaume said this is where the Paris rich people live.... beside that the location on the top of the hill made us possible to see the whole city from the front of the Cathedral.
Inside the cathedral, i was amazed by the mural on top of the Cathedral. I was amazed how much effort people made to show their love to God. I definetly speachless to see it my self... there was 4 huge angels carved in very detail shape, also the lights help to pop up the angels characters....
We went for lunch with some frites and gyros again. He knows that i can not eat pork, and its so nice to meet someone who could understand this without judging first!
At his work place, as i assume Guillaume still very busy with a meeting that he had to arrange at his hotel. So, i decide to explore a bit the area surrounding his work place. Its actually pretty close to Jardin du Luxembourg and the palace.
It was beautiful!! i like the trees and the artsy statue... and to enjoy this by my self i feel slight guilt... i wish i share it with my sisters or my very best friends.. huhuh.. wish you were here guys!
Spending sometimes at park, and visit the palace with loads of people enjoying the sun.... its an amazing palace.. its just too bad i spent literally 10 minutes for pictures and just passing by in front of the park.. as i had to go back to Guillaume working place.
I will recommend it, as a must see if you went to Paris!! its beautiful with the trees and lots of people jogs.. amazing place to enjoy the sun with fountain and lots of statues .... love it...
When i went back Guillaume done with his job, he said sorry over and over hahaha.. i don't really that mind.. i spent sometimes at the garden too... so i wasn't missing things that much!
So from his work we went to the city center then walking along Seine river. Its around 4 that time....
Parisiens--people of Paris, love sitting and drinking wine with friends and enjoying their time at the river banks... sitting down enjoying sunset.. it was beautiful afternoon. Its also a romantic place to walk with your SO... i wish... *sigh* Mr T is here hahahaha.....
So we decide to do the BatoBus tour! the price is 14 Euro (stab my pocket deep hahaha!) but its really worth to try when you dont have enough time or only had short stay in Paris...
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| My Paris BatoBus pass |
With this pass i could take the boat and jump within 8 stops; Champ Elysees, Louvre, Hotel de Ville, Jardin des Plantes, Notre Dame, St Germain de Pres, Muse D'Orsay, Tour Eiffel. But because this is the last boat then i am so very lucky then..and not lucky too hahah because i can not jump on and off the boat!
So... i better gave you a glimpse of my amazing tour!!
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| Love this picture from Seine River |
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| Paris Afternoon @ Seine river |
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| sunset at Paris |
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| Wedding on Seine cruise at sunset.. aww.. this is VERY romantic!! |
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| Sacre Coeur-Loveit!! |
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| Inside Paris Batoboat Tour |
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| Meet Guillaume my very..very sweet host!! |
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| Parisiens dans Seinne (hope this is the correct french! haha) |
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| Sunset at Paris Pont Neuf Bridge |
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| Pont Neuf |
As the final stop for the boat, also the enclosure is.... of course the Eiffel tower!!
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| Eiffel from distance |
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| Je t'aime bien!! |
As i get closer to this tower, i swear i feel going to cry.. its so beautiful! I just can't believe i went here not with my husband or even boyfriend.. ugghh! lame... but i always thank God, i did had the chance to see it my self... with all of the grace and..errh tourist.. hahaha...
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| Eiffel and grey afternoon sky.. |
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| Me & Eiffel from Seine |
This is sooooo perfect afternoon!
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| Sampe jugaa!! finally here! i can't believe it! its EIFFELLL!!! |
We stay for a while to watch the lights show from the park near the Eiffel. After that we had long ride back to Guillaume Apartment. I can not stop talking about how beautiful it was! i bet Guillaume think i was a crazy babbling girl! but i had the most awesome afternoon... ever!
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