And away we go! A friend of ours commented that we must have got so busy with work we forgot our honeymoon. Nope, we didn’t forget, we just waited for an opportune time. That time was when we kissed goodbye to inflated summer fares and said hi to Oktober. No, this is not a typo, it is the Oktober of Oktoberfest but more of that later : )
On the lovely afternoon of 27th September, we took off from Kuala Lumpur to Abu Dhabi on Etihad Airways, the official airline of the United Arab Emirates. We had amazing service with great food on board. Do book yourself on Etihad on your next journey if you have a long haul flight. Etihad even threw in a free hotel stay at the Abu Dhabi airport hotel during the 10 hour stopover. It was a steal for the RM3K price we paid. After a nice snooze, we got up, freshen up and caught our connecting flight to London Heathrow.
Our first day in London was miserably cold, wet and gloomy. Apparently it was the wettest year in a hundred years. We braved the winds and rains and headed for the British museum. They had an amazing collection from all over the world including Egypt, China, South East Asia and Japan. The best part of it, it was free. London is really known to be a big rip-off place. It cost us about 4 pounds for a decent sandwich and when you times that by 7 (against Malaysian currency), it’d definitely burn a big hole in our pockets! We stayed the night at the Royal National Hotel in London on Russell Square just where Contiki London office was conveniently located.
CONTIKI TOUR – The European Discovery (12 days)
Day 1 (29/09) : London to Amsterdam. We got to know a little about all 56 people on the bus after a round of speed dating including our Contiki Crew, Baja and Brek. More than half of the people on the bus came from Aussie land. We had a theme song, “Love Today” played over the stereo every morning that still rings in my head until today. It was also known affectionately as the Day Song. Here’s the unforgettable chorus:
Doom da da di da di Doom da da di da di
Everybody's gonna love today,
Gonna love today, gonna love today.
Everybody's gonna love today, gonna love today.
Anyway you want to, anyway you've got to,
Love love me, love love me, love love.
Amsterdam. Everything goes in Amsterdam. There’s an old saying that ‘God made the world, but the Dutch made Holland”. Half of the country had been reclaimed from the sea. This harbour city has more canals than Venice.
Early this morning, we went to Anne Frank’s House– this was the sad story of a 13-year old girl during the Nazi occupation. The house transports you to the mind of a little child who wrote passionately about her fears, hopes and dreams. The walls were filled with quotations from Anne’s diary. Through her writing, we walked into her world that was always surrounded by four walls. The two Jewish families were on a hide-out mission in this house for 2 years before being discovered by the Nazis. The Jews were all crammed into ghettos, separated from their family members and transported to the camp. Anne died in the concentration camp in June 1944. We left feeling a sense of oppression and a lack of comprehension of how men can resort to such cruelty. It has not even been 70 years since that fateful day.
The Rikjsmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. Both these museums were along the same street and were an easy find. We were pleasantly surprised we came across graffiti on the wall in Amsterdam that read, ‘God created Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve.’
Due to the lack of time, we just managed to take some quick snaps of the buildings. We went around here to buy some souvenirs, had a quick sausage followed by some tasty snacks at Feebo. You might as well try some Feebo snacks while you are here.
We had our little boat cruise and a few glasses of beer whilst gently viewing the beauty of the night through the canals of Amsterdam. We had the opportunity here to make some new friends from South Africa who were together with the group.
To check out one of the biggest attractions here, our crew lead, Brek, brought us to the red light district where the night starts to go wild. We walked through a small lane filled with neon lights and window doors with women clad skimpily in their lacey bras and panties waiting for their clients. Seeing through their glossy smiles and outfit, I saw a deep emptiness yearning for some meaning in life. We were told that students with not enough funding for their education would prostitute themselves here. Prostitution has been legal in the Netherlands since 1830. It is a regulated business and treated as a profession as any other work. Prostitutes and strippers are even required to pay taxes.
We called it a night at Ibis Schiphol in Amsterdam (D) – a decent hotel – be careful when you switch on the TV!
Day 2 (30/09): Amsterdam to Rhine Valley. This journey was filled with sights of windmills, castles, historic towns and vineyards, graphically illustrating the long history of human involvement. It is intimately associated with history and legend, an idealistic place. For centuries has exercised a powerful influence on writers, artists and composers.
We went on our way to Germany, checked in at Hotel Montag (B, D) and at the nearby shops, learnt how beersteins are crafted and tried some Rhine Riesling wine. They also displayed the biggest cuckoo clock in the world here. I took the opportunity to buy myself a cuckoo clock (selling at 58 Euros) for my new house as a little remembrance of this quintessential town. We were educated on how wines here were made, stored and exported. The wines were extremely sweet and pungent. We loved every drop of it! The dinner served at the hotel was pretty delicious when you disregard the fact that the waiters here were unfortunately quite impatient and rude. Apparently, it’s just the way the Germans are, so don’t take it too personally.
Among some famous people who hailed from Germany are: Claudia Schiffer (the cool blonde model with a bombshell body), Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) (the world-famous composer) and Albert Einstein (1879-1955) (who came up with the theory of relativity). Germans - are quite a gifted bunch as you can see.
Day 3 (01/10): Rhine Valley to Munich. Bags at 7.30am! Here we go again on the bus ride. Don’t forget to check out the impressive toilets at the pit stops. When flushing, you will see how the seats amazingly clean by themselves. You should also collect your vouchers at the exit of the toilet to pick up some snacks. No worries, if you didn’t get the chance at this stopover, there will be plenty of chance to use the voucher at the next few stopovers.
Munich is the beef-quaffing, sausage-eating city. Residents in Munich really know how to enjoy life. Getting around wasn’t a problem even though there wasn’t much English words to be found, the roads and train systems were well-organized (just the way the Germans are). We found ourselves at the 174th Oktoberfest with people from every part of the world. There were about 6.2 million people visiting the biggest fair in the world which lasted 16 days. A big Olympic carnival ride greeted us from a distance to this colourful annual event.
It was filled with play stalls, food, beer, Gemutlichkeit and fun. There were 14 giant tents with a total seating capacity of 100,000 serving 5.5 million litres of potent beer. Every beer tent was fully packed out and being such a big group, we had hard time looking for a place big enough for all of us so ended splitting up. After having the famous fish mackerel on a stick, Terence and myself headed to the Lowenbrau tent. A kind German gentleman noticed that I didn’t have a place and offered us to come over to his table. The invitation really made my day! J We managed to finish a litre of beer each (a new accomplishment since our wedding)! We made some new friends too as we danced on the table through the night. There was a funny guy whom we swore we have seen on the game show “Who’s Talking?” The night officially ended at 10pm.
The next day, we visited the Deutches Museum which showcased many interesting airplanes, jet planes and the history of different inventions from the hot air balloons to the Wright brother’s creation of the airplane to frigates. We stayed at the Holiday Inn (B) - a walking distance to a nearby train station. It was a really decent place we got considering half the world was there for the Oktoberfest celebration.
Beyond the spectacular display of attraction to the biggest carnival, Germany also known as Deutschland, founded by Charlemagne on 25 December 800 has had a long and religious-driven history. I was personally impressed with Breck’s sharing on the history of each country we visited, in particular how Germany came to be and the history of the Hapsburg’s monarchy. It was here that the monk Martin Luther wrote his 95 Theses questioning the Roman Catholic Church in 1517, thereby sparking the Protestant Reformation.
Before we got too tipsy with too much beer and history, it was Auf Wiedersehen to Munich!
Day 4 (02/10): Munich to Austrian Tyrol. We journeyed on to the Austrian Alps and to the picturesque Tyrolean village. Here in Innsbruck, is the largest Swavorski Crystal Gallery with three floors of breathtaking designs of crystal objects and jewellery. Of course, who could resist? We bought some jewellery here for our mums. We enter the Old Town and were led straight to the famous Goldenes Dachl, the "Golden Roof", which is every tourist's first objective. This magnificent Late Gothic oriel window roofed with gilded copper tiles was built in 1494-96 to commemorate Maximilian I's marriage to Bianca Maria Sforza and served as a box from which the court watched civic festivities in the square below.
It was a windy road uphill and thanks to Baja, we safely arrived at our destination called Gasthof Ittererwirt (B, D). They served Schnitzel for dinner in a cozy and delightfully decorated dining hall. The folks had a blast in the fluorescent lighted hallway dancing through the night.
Day 5 (03/11): Austrian Tyrol to Venice. It was a scenic drive across the Brenner Pass into Italy. We rode a motorboat to the central islands of Venice for sightseeing. I did some shopping here at Furla and then went on for our romantic Gondola ride (Euro 21.00). Our Gondolier even tried to serenade us whilst puffing on his cigarette and gently navigating through the waters all at the same time! I was amazed there was just so much to take in. The Grand Canal in Venice is a wonderful stretch of water and it is often referred to as 'the most beautiful street in the city'. All around Venice, you will find the most magnificient churches. One of the most stunning architectures would be Chiesa dei Frari, built between 1250 and 1338 which contains many pieces of high quality artwork.
The harmonious architecture sprung uniformly from somewhere between the 12th and 16th centuries and its secretive walls and enticing balconies sparkle with flashes of water glimpsed through cracks and windows. The city's myriad of narrow canals and romantic little bridges makes the atmosphere here magical.
We spent the night at the Eurohotel (B) across the river. Just don’t expect too much for breakfast and you’ll be fine. ;)
Day 6 (04/11): Venice to Rome. Our wonderful crew lead, Breck, led us through some lanes and we arrived at the Trevi fountain. We had one of the finest gelato here nearby the Trevi fountain. We checked into Hotel Villa St. Dominique (B). Whilst in Italy, do make it a point to savour the famous Italian expresso, their original Pizzas and Rissottos (almost like porridge) and get bedazzled with the fashion city of the world!
We had our optional dinner in Rome at Trattoria da Bruno which was fabulous at Euro 36.00 to get a taste of the some local dishes and dine in style. An accordion filled the cozy room with well-loved music. Musicians always love to be appreciated with a little tip anywhere in Europe, whether you are in the Tube, on the streets, or at the dining table (hint, hint). A bonus from Breck, I was given a cap with the name and address of the Restaurant on it so I could come back here again on my 10th Wedding Anniversary!
Day 7 (05/11): Rome (B,D) When in Rome do as the Romans do. We now go on our sightseeing tour - Veni, Vedi, Vinci! The first thing I caught sight of in Rome was big and colourful graffiti splashed all over the trains and walls on the stations – they were distortedly everywhere!
Our first destination was the Pantheon. This was built as a pagan temple; a temple devoted to "all the gods". Actually, the temple was (re)constructed in the second century, and was devoted to the seven planetary gods. In the seventh century, it became “the church of All Martyrs”. Like many churches in Rome, there is an Egyptian obelisk with a cross mounted on top, in front of it.
Our local tour guide took us for a tour of the Colosseum. The Colosseum represented the brilliance of architecture, power and brutality of the Roman empire. The Colosseum, is an amphitheatre in Rome, capable of seating 50,000 spectators, was once used for gladiatorial combat. Thousands and thousands of animals and gladiators were killed here. The emperor had his own entrance to the Colosseum, and from his private “box seat” he decided the fate of defeated gladiators.
I felt sad to see only what’s left of the one side Colosseum. The other side was almost completely destroyed by earthquakes or missing because of the greed of popes who pillaged its marble for their own buildings.
An Architecture Marvel - the Colosseum is eliptical. The building's core is constructed of brick and tufa. The exterior is clothed in travertine marble, a brilliant white stone. Each stone is crafted to fit perfectly with the next; sitting on top of the other perfectly. The Colosseum had four stories – the bottom story has 80 entrance arches each separated by a Doric column; the second story has engaged Ionic column; the third are Corinthian and the fourth story is a solid wall with thin Corinthian pilasters. The unique combination of strong support columns with airy arches and thin archetraves makes the Colosseum look sturdy, yet open and soaring.
There’s just so much to see and explore in Rome! Some must-see sights include:
- The Colosseum was finished in 72 AD and is one of the most famous sites in the world.
The Roman Forum was the political heart of the ancient Empire and is also within a short walk of the Colosseum and the ancient chariot racing arena of the Circus Maximus.
- One of the artistic and culinary districts in the city is the area around the Piazza Navona which is also home to the Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s ‘Four Rivers Fountain’.
- The Pantheon is perhaps the most complete pieces of ancient Roman architecture in existence, so much so that it is still used as a Catholic Basilica today.
- At the Trevi Fountain, in the center of the city, you can throw a few coins over your shoulder at this, the city’s most famous and romantic fountain.
- The National Monument at the Piazza Venezia is an impressive monument dedicated to Victor Emanuel II, built for the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Italian republic.
- Film lovers or those seeking virtue will love the Mouth of Truth – a sculpture of a mans face with a hole in the mouth. Legend has it that if you place the hand in the hole, and you are not truthful, the mouth will close and bite your hand off.
- San Giovanni in Laterno is the second biggest church in the city and houses the tombs of many popes and some great sculptures.
We visited the St. Peter’s Basilica and St Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro). St. Peter's was until recently the largest church ever built. Construction on the current building began under Pope Julius II in 1506 and was completed in 1615 under Pope Paul V. St Peters Basilica is home of the Catholic Church at the Vatican City which also houses the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
Just a walking distance away is another architecture marvel Piazza Navona. Piazza Navona is the pride of Baroque Rome. The famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers, 1651) can be found in the center.
While still in Rome, check out one of the most romantic and also exclusive parts of the city - the area around the Spanish Stairs (planned by Michelangelo) just to be seen hanging out there. To wrap up the evening, we had an excellent original Italian pizza dinner at Pizzeria da Baffeto at the Via del Governo Vecchio. It was a good thing we got there early, as there was already a queue shortly after we arrived.
Day 8 (06/11): Rome to Florence. Through the Tuscan countryside to Florence for our guided walking tour. The most attractive building would be the Duomo, meaning a BIG overdecorated church. It was eye-opening experience to see how murano glass were created and crafted into decorative art pieces. A truly artsy-fartsy place with lots of art and sceneries to admire. Most of the shops here exist for the tourists. It’s amazing how each shop will be selling repetitive items of Masquerade masks, paintings of the Romantic Italy, feathered pens and Italian lace items. Not to mention this is the last place where you can buy the fake Prada and Gucci stuff. We checked into the Viva Hotel Fleming (B). Don’t remember having breakfast here, we were on a rush to get to the bus!
Day 9 (07/11): Florence to Lucerne. We took a scenic drive past Milan and Lake Como to Lucerne, in the Swiss Alps. It was an amazing journey with loads of beautiful sceneries all along the way.
Surreal is the word. The pensive chiming of the cow bells with the radiant glaze of the dignifying morning sun. We took a cable car ride to the top of the mountain. Here you get to take lots of pretty pictures with an awesome backdrop of snow covered mountains. Gather some friends to mull on fond nostalgias over a cup of hot tea with a postcard view of a snow capped mountain top backdrop.
By the time we got here, almost all the shops were closed, except for the one Breck brought us to which were selling Swiss army knives and watches. Who ever said Switzerland is a cheap place to buy watches? After comparing the prices of Tag Heaur watches in Middle East to the prices in Switzerland, you might as well pay a visit to Abu Dhabi to get that luxury watch!
Later for the night adventure, a group of us went out for a groupie Toblerone Fondue and for a little walk across the Bridge. You should have at least a group of 8 or 12 to go for the fondue. The waiter from Bangalore, India sure left an impression. We turned in for the night at our ex-prison cum apartment named Hotel Lowengraben (B, D). It was an experience for us. Now we can tell our parents, we slept in a prison before!
Day 10 (08/11): Lucerne to Paris. Through Burgundy, past Dijon’s vineyards, to Paris and an evening tour of the ‘City of lights’. Here we are, in the most romantic city in the world, Paris! The rustic romanticism wrought from quiet night walks, the soft cool wind, spacious lands and timeless architecture. We took some night pictures of the Eiffel Tower whilst it lighted up like a gigantic Christmas tree two hours before midnight. We were absolutely delighted to enjoy this sight together on our honeymoon in front of the world famous Eiffel Tower. We checked in at the Holiday Inn at Port De Saint Ouen for the night (B, D).
Day 11 (09/11): Paris (B). We had a day in Paris and started off this morning at the fragrance factory and were educated on how perfumes were made. Did you know? It takes about seven million flowers to produce one kilogram of pure perfume oil. After purchasing two bottles of perfume, we took off for our own city sightseeing at the Eiffel Tower with some friends. We went right to the top and took some pictures there and even sent our mums postcards with stamps from Eiffel Tower! Then it was to to Notre Dame and Musee d Orsay and of course, shopping at Galeries La Fayette! We had a quick visit to the Louvre to see the world-acclaimed painting of Mona Lisa (which we both agreed was totally overrated!). For the evening, we went for the cabaret show, a totally 18 SG production. Besides the pure entertainment, there was too much flesh flaunting. We decided that would be our first and last visit. If you were considering this in your contiki tour, we would advise you to drop it for simple reasons that it was overpriced and an unedifying to watch. Other than the obvious, there are really so many things to see in Paris like the Versailles. I would have wanted to spend more time in Paris, but it was already time to go. We kissed Paris goodbye and sailed back to England by ferry.
Day 12 (10/11): Paris to London (B). We arrive in London late evening in a rocking bus!!! You don’t know what that is? Go figure.
More to come…. Our OWN HONEYMOON without the AUSSIE blokes!!! This is going to be a thriller. Just wait for the next edition as we share with you on our totally awesome adventures in Eastern Europe. Stay tuned!
