MacLehose Trail

The most popular trail runs across the hilltops of the New Territories, 100 kilometres from east to west. It is named after Murray MacLehose, Hong Kong Kong's hiking colonial governor from 1971-1982. The Country Parks were his legacy to the countryside.

12 Jan 2002
On a typical not too cold winter weekend in Hong Kong, my colleagues suggested for a hiking outing at SaiKung area. Despites of getting my self trainned for at least 2 weeks, the hike was till far too challenging to me. We started early from Hong Kong island and got off at SaiKung fishing village bus terminal. The guys decided to start from Sharp Peak, hopped on to a small boat from Chek Keng to Wong Shek Pier, that led us to a beach as our entry point. Sharp Peak is sharp indeed and it was the most challenging path for me that each step took extra energy to move. I almost wanted to return to the pier with the original boat. However, once I got over the up hill part, I am pretty alright with the rest of the not so steep journey. The view was fantasitc. Check out the superb panoramas view from the slideshow.

The journey supposed to be just an average of 5 hours, but it took us 7, not because I slowed everyone down but rather we did take time to really enjoy the fresh air and the wonderful view of the journey.

Barcelona

I couldn't recall the exact date for this trip anymore, but it was definitely during the winter and if my memories were correct, this was in the year of 2001. I came to Europe to visit Johannes and then we hopped on to a short trip to Barcelona. It was just a 4D3N short trip but it was an eye opener for me as this was my first trip to Spain.

I like the weather, the winter weather was mild and I also love the Antonio Gaudi's architecture and the various buildings such as the famous cathedral and also a few casa fairy tale style building. The best I like was the park Guell, which located a little out of the city, a park that full of mosaic's and Gaudi's designs.

We also enjoyed the tapas and the 'take it easy' lifestyle of Barcelonian. People in general were really friendly to us. Wondering along the La Ramba avenue was great way to observe the people. I learned for the first time to s...l...o....w d....o....w....n and enjoy the moments of life. Spanish unlike people in Hong Kong, they really take life seriously and enjoy every moment and that is clearly demonstrated in the afternoon siesta and happy hour tapas before the late dinner begun.

Queen's day in Utrecht

30th April 2003 is the official Queen's day for The Netherlands. During the eve of Queen's day, there are usually big celebrations in a few big cities such as Amsterdam, The Hague and Utrecht.
These photos were taken during the Queen's day of 2003, where we went to Utrecht to bit the crowds and have some orange fun. Also as you may already know that Orange is Dutch royal colour, we also spiced up the festive event with some decorations.

Strasbourg - A little kingdom by Alsace

Also in April 2003, right after the visit to Luxembourg, we continued our journey to the south east to France border city - Strasbourg. Strasbourg, the 7th city of France, prefecture of the Low Rhine, is the intellectual and economic capital of Alsace. Its privileged geographical situation as a center of international communications and its position of Latin sentinel by the Rhine as well as its rich history, ensure its exceptional importance. It was therefore natural that Strasbourg was chosen as the home of European institutions.
The highlight of the trip is 'La Petite France', a charming little area with old buildings in German architecture style, hiding at the edge of the city.

The Passages to "Bourg"s - Luxembourg

Zoetermeer - Luxembourg (23rd April 2003)
The idea of driving to wine countries were somehow enchanting although I almost thought it will not come true. The choice of type of vacations and modes were quite difficult to draw to a conclusion but we finally settle for this one - a driving trip.

The landscape changes from flat to hilly where we began to see mountain after mountain and the valley views of green farms, sometimes full of green grass and cows, sheep's and sometime was a ray of golden yellow flowers which we debated for awhile still have no clue what it is and what it is for. The outbound journey were rather stress and full of uncertainty, no maps, no clue and no expectation of what to get apart of a night of confirmed accommodation in Luxembourg. We went via Liege and was forced to detour to some country road due to highway closed for construction. It was then a journey of up hills and down hills on those considerably small and winding road. It took us almost 6 stressful or rather tense hours to get to Luxembourg and along our ways we really looked into many mountains and kidding quoted the scripture "I look at the mountains, where will my help come from, my help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth".

As soon as we entered into the city, I beginning to see a completely different view of the city. A city that were divided by its geographical landscapes and link with some mighty arch shape bridge with gardens and cassmates under the bridges called "Grund". Luxembourg appeared to be a very (1) clean, (2) neat, (3) charming city with most ladies modestly dressed in french chic and men professionally dressed in suits. It is no surprise of such dress code as Lux is a financial city for many renounced banks and financial institutions around the world. The first evening out were full of excitement to me, to a city which I have not set any expectation and yet it exceeded my expectation !!!

We first stop by the "Care"area of Luxembourg, even then I already find Lux quite special and unique with the design of the shops and items they sell. Lux is indeed small especially the "Center"with lot of building in quite an considerably old design but yet with a new look bricking together forming the city routes. I particularly like the surprises that I can get everywhere I walked to, entering into a building and there is a quiet and nice inner court awaiting for my arrival. There were plenty of such experiences when I entered into a building and surprised by a nice garden, classical monuments, fountains and mostly the cafes or restaurants that form the main road, they look like just another ordinary restaurant/cafes yet from the inner court they looked completely special and stylish in their own ways. We settled our night at a nice undisclosed Mexican restaurant situated in an inner court. It is a small Mexican themed restaurant with nice people greeting and warm setting. The superb music came from my favorite Veuna Vista Social Club - Ibrahim, Omara and the gang from Havan. The music is bet enjoyed with a glass of red wine just like what I used to do back home and now I am able to enjoyed it in a nice atmosphere and most importantly with the one I love.

Luxembourg - Strasbourg (24th April 2003)
We started the day in the city again where Johannes showed me the garden and the arch design bridge. WE made attempts to get to the garden or rather "grund"but couldn't find the stairs and have access to it. So we walked from the "Center" to the "Gare"again. It is indeed very neat and manageable walk while trying to find an English guide book of Northern France. I also like the Rue de A'mes - a square in the city center. Even fast food become more "cultural" over here with the nice open space terraces. I must thanked God for the really nice weather that we were able to enjoyed the sunshine and the cool breeze outdoor with long sunlight hours as if summer is already set in quietly.

Volendam - Dutch Fishing Village

22 April 2003

Also in the same year, we visited Voledam, if my memory recalled correctly it was a groomy day. A famous singer sang the praise of this characteristic Dutch fishing village in the words: "Anyone who wants to see the real beauty of Holland, goes to Volendam". As a result of its completely insulated location, this village preserved its character for six centuries, also because of the tough vitality of the fishermen. The characteristic small houses, which together with the canals and the drawbridges form the most picturesque spots, present an atmosphere of geniality and romance.

KeukenHof - Yearly Tulip Pilgrimage

KeukenHof means the garden of the kitchen. The spring bulbs form the core of Keukenhof. The name says it all: these bulbs bloom in spring. Keukenhof is therefore only open during this period. The other months are intended for maintenance activities at the park, and obviously for planting the bulbs, so that the colour and flowering splendour of the bulbs are at its fullest during the spring.
Keukenhof has been my yearly spring pilgrimage, although the last two years we have discovered how to enjoy the spring flowers without paying. Holland is most beautiful during the spring season, full of colours and full of splendour.

Warner Brother Movie world

16 April 2003

A day trip to Warner Brother Movie World, situated in Oberhausen outskirt.

It was a fine day and we have badman and Robin welcomed us at the gate.

Christmas in Köln (Cologne)

17th December 2006

We came to Cologne unplanned. The initial plan was to Duserdolf but we changed our mind when we realized how Cologne was closed by us. I have been to Cologne in 1998 alone and spent one night here on my way to Paris. I like this city then and today returning to the same city again after 8 years, the feeling hasn't change much. Cologne still the same good old city, and I can still recalled my impression at that moment. There are lots (at least 3) of Christmas markets. We were also blessed with the sudden fine and sunny weather. That has certainly brighten our journey. Coming back to the city I like with Johannes certainly give me a different impression about this city. In reality, we only spent a few hours in this city, but the impression is lasting.

Oberhausen

16th December 2006, we made a Eastbound trip to a German border city -- Oberhausen, where CentrO apparently is the biggest shopping mall in Europe. Our main purpose is for the friend reunion and also for Christmas market.

The weather was rather bad and we were shocked by the crowds at CentrO and completely overwhelmed by the Dutchies that visited the area.

Oberhausen is a industrial city and CentrO is a giant shopping mall that successfully draws a big crowd from the Germans themselves and also from the boder countries.

The Christmas market stalls were built surrounding the CentrO and also by a man-made lake. There was nothing thrill about this boring industry city except for the meetings with friends that made the trip itself meaningful

Another day in Walton

The beautiful fall colour

Today I made a day trip to UK. The journey started very early from Rotterdam. It was a sunny day and full of autumn colours.

sign-board of walton

The Autumn colour is beautiful here. So far all my trips to Walton is always full of sunshine. The foliage is definitely lovely compared to those yellow leaves back in Holland. It is always good to add some colour to our daily life especially in the winter.

Thank You Lord for brightening up my life with such a beautiful autumn foliage that I can get within my territory.

A day in Walton

2nd November 2006
Yesterday I took a very early flight from Rotterdam to London. It was a typical autumn storming weather. The wind was blowing very hard and I could feel my car was shifted when I was driving to the airport. Upon boarding, I could also feel the wind was bouncing against the city hopper fokker 50 flight. I really thought it would be a bumpy journey, but it turned out to be even quieter than a normal day.
I stayed a night at a place called Cobham nearby to Walton.
This morning I woke up early and the bright morning sunshine welcomed me. I felt so energetic and decided to go out the hotel and wonder around the woods in Cobham. The morning freezing cold air and the light frost refreshed me and woke me up completely from the lazy morning.
Photo: A clear sky autumn morning
Photo 2: The Hilton Cobham, that's where I stay last night.

The Bund 上海滩

Last night we finally at the Bund (literally at Puxi bund area instead of Pudong). I brought Johannes to Bund 18 - Lounge Rouge.
10 years ago, when I first stood at the Bund and admiring the night view of Bund and Pudong, I told myself, one day I will vist Shanghai Bund again with my love one.
Today, this desire of my heart is fulfilled. The bund night scene is ever enchanting and Johannes presence made it complete.
Thank you Jesus.

The memior of Shanghai 时光倒流

I remembered reading a book about Shanghai, this is still about Nanjing Dong Lu, except I looked at it now from the 1930's perspective. Back then, this is already a very famous street for the upper class. The departmental stores such as 永安百货 and 先施百货 both originated from Shanghai.
This afternoon, there happened to have an sax performance at the balcony of Wing On, I remembered from the book, that was the glamerous things to happen at Nanjing Road, where rich ladies and gentlemen in their most expensive outfits would enjoy the performance at the mind afternoon, perhaps sipping the English tea or coffee...

A journey to Nanjing Dong Lu 南京路步行街

This is one of the famous shopping district i Shaghai. I personally hardly come here because I am no longer a tourist in Shanghai. However, everytime I see the photo of Nanjing Road or happened to drop by, I enjoyed the neon lights sign boards, the extremely crowded pedestrian and good bargain. The area has changed a lot since I last visited years ago, certainly with more and more shopping malls. The good thing is, the old (I mean really old shops) remains only today despite of the competition.
Left: I favorite silk store - I got two silk blouse here this time. Right: The bustling commercial and shop sign-boards.

An afternoon stroll at People's Square (人民广场)

Yesterday, we went to People's Square just so that Johannes visited the 'must visit' place in Shanghai.
It was about 4pm when we set off by taxi to one corner of People's Square. It has been a very long time that I do this. The last time I was here was to watch 'The Phantom of the Opera' performance in Shanghai Grand Theatre. Now Lion King is showing but Johannes has no interest in watching it at all.
It was a very hot and humid afternoon, however, the quick visit worth it all.
Picutres...
Major Road sign at the side of People's Square
上海大剧院 - Shanghai grnad theatre where Lion King is showing
上海博物管 - Shanghai museum and the high rise buildings as background

Once upon a time - Soong's family

Once upon a time, this big red mansion belonged Soong's family. After the cultural revolution, this is now converted into a western restaurant. For those of you know the history well... Soong's was once a very influencial family. The family members lived around a few houses in the city of Shanghai.
After the church service, Johannes and me chilled out in this big mansion for drinks and small bites. It was a rather hot evening but despite of the heat and humidity, we enjoyed our quick drinks at terrace.

The architecture of Shanghai 1930

Today, despite of 35C temperature, we walked around one edge of French concession's area. The atmosphere along XingGuo Road is surprising nice and quiet, the houses are nice.
The big (but old) mansions along HuaiHai Xi Road are rather interesting to me. I did the 'in search of Shanghai 1930s' about 10 years ago during my posting here. Now, doing it again in the summer and with my honey is rather different. The buildings remain the same, some old houses have been demolished, a few new highraise city skypers raising and over looking the old houses.
This is the city with new and old mixing together, it is hard to separate the new and the old building in Puxi.

Pudong

This is a famous location to enjoy the magnificient view of the Shanghai bund. I was here a few days ago and I enjoyed it very much. Tonight Dennis brought us to the same place again. However, I enjoyed even more as Johannes is with me. I also dreamed of one day I can walked the Shanghai bund with my honey and this dream came true. It was hot summer humid night, but his presence made the light of the bund even more wonderful.

Off the beaten track - Zhujiajiao( 朱家角)

Tonight my good old Shanghainese friend Dennis took us to a water village nearby Shanghai. Zhujiajiao (朱家角) is about 45 mins away from Shanghai city. The town was built in probably end Ming or Qing Dynasty, around 500 years old.
The architechture is rather unique, not quite typical Chinese, at least is different from Zhouzuang but we
We have a quick orientation of one part of the village which was connected by 7 famous bridges. However, we only been to two bridges as it was too late for sightseeing. Instead Dennis brought us to a local restaurant for dinner.
Today is Johannes first day to Shanghai, I guessed the water village is a bit of extreme to his Shanghai impression and the food definately not up to his expectation.
As for me, it is a nice experience of water village.

Good old Shanghai bund

Finally amazing Shanghai!
My friend brought me to Pudong to show me the beautiful bund from Pudong. The park that I used to go in the past only has a Starbuck, but now flooded with many dessert stores and restaurants. Frankly speaking, I still preferred the park 3 years ago where it was less commercialised.
Anyway, it is really good to be back to Shanghai. Despite of the hot and humid weather, I still find my sense of belonging to this place.
Well, I found myself in Shanghai!

P/S: Beautiful Shanghai bund by Night (view from Pudong)

Hua Shan Lu

The road is located in the French Consession area. I don't know why I picked this title, perhaps my hotel is just by HuaShan Road or perhaps the view of my hotel room is at the junction of HuaShan and XingGuo Roads. I never cherised the French consession area when I first arrived in 1997. However, as I read on books about Shanghai 1930's, I began to get interested in this subject matter. Anything about Shanghai at 1930's is appealling to me. From that on, I always followed the books in search of the old Shanghai and pondering on the different people that once upon a time stayed in some of the big mansion along this area.
I don't know why I choose this topic, it doesn't look very french, very chic now, but if I could follow those books and imagine about the time in 1930's, it really seems very enchanting and memorable to me.
Photo 1: The quiet road of HuaShan Road
Photo 2: The junction of HuaShan and Xinguo, view from my room

Time Square in London

This is the street view of Picadilly circus. On a rather warm summer evening, my colleague and me walked all the way from Marybone to China Town area in crave for some serious food. After our hunger was satisfied we decided to walk back to hotel instead of taking any form of transportation. We passed by this square and I paused and wonder am I in NYC? Indeed the light and the triangle junction and of course the crowd that trafficing the cross over ressembled New York City and also the number of theatres around this area that match up to the reputation.
Enjoy!

Notting Hill

Remember the movie Notting Hill? Where Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts acted and the shoots were taking wholly in Notting Hill.
Today, I decided to took the stroll in Notting Hill and the Portebello Road. It was already late afternoon when we set off, despites of that we still have some good late afternoon sunlight.
The Portebello of course is quiet but as I walked passed I did like this area very much. There are enough expensive housing, my favorite Ngonya restaurant and also Kesington Temple.
I also walked passed the private garden where I recalled in the movie, both of them climbed in through the gate in the middle of the night....

24H Turnaround in London

22nd Nov 2004

The trip to London was sudden but as a flying freebie, I am more than happy to accommodate this into my calendar. I flew in last night, and for the first time taking a cab from Heathrow to the city. Never did the cab thing before whenever I was here on my own expenses. The cab literally took me on a night sightseeing tour, not intentionally but for the fact that my hotel is located at the south east of London city. Along the way, we passed through some places that I can recognized from Buckingham palace, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, finally the London eye before I was dropped at Novotel city south hotel which is close by London Bridge.
This morning I check-out and set-off to our office 20 old Bailey. It is a very nice building and very near to St. Paul. It was unexpected but great to meet up with Emer Battelle, an Irish lady whom I worked with in Sweden last year. She is in London for an O2 quality review. Just when I was nicely settled in, Nikos called and said there is a change of venue, the meeting is no longer in Old Bailey but
60 Queen Victoria Street. I told him that I will work from Old Bailey for a while and be at Queen Victoria around lunch hour.
Then I walked my way from Old Bailey to Queen Victoria. It was a nice walk and reminded me of my time in Hong Kong. It was as if I was walking from Central to Admiralty. In fact I almost really thought I was in Hong Kong then. There are high rise building in the financial centers, men and women in their dark working power suits crossing the streets. The weather was fine, sunny but not windy. I passed by St. Paul Cathedrals and pause for a photo before I carried on my walk.
The presentation to client went well. The client is also one who well versed in Performance Management and people development, we talked in the same language and I know he is impressed of my thought leader thinking in this arena. He wants to meet up again in December so that he has the time to organize his thoughts. The meeting ended just before the rush hour, that I could easily grape a cab to Paddington Heathrow Express station.
It costs me GBP21 to get to my destination, which is ridiculously expensive!!! Then another GBP14 for a 15 min express train ride to the airport.
Just as I thought I settled in nicely to the airport and have a bit of time wondering around before setting off to Stockholm, then I realize the flight was delayed. It was not until 11pm when we were allowed to board the aircraft. Next thing I knew is the low visibility procedure was in place and also due to the late arrival, we sat at the aircraft by the gate for another hour before we were allowed to take-off. I finally reached Stockholm at 2am!!! I was really tired but there is another 2 hours limo journey to go.. I felt very bad for the limo driver who has to wait for long hours due to the delay. Bless him! It was not 4am in the morning when I arrived my apartment in Sandviken. I was glad that I didn't have meeting in the morning and I could ZZZZZZzzzzz on.

A Story of Lisbon

Lisbon in general

As it is the end of the year, I didn’t expect myself to fly again during the last 2 week of 2005. Initially, I suggested a short trip to Vienna or Copenhagen, where both traditionally famous for Christmas markets and cold weather, however they were both rejected by Johannes. It was him who came out with the idea to go to Lisbon, to catch the winter sun. Also thanks to the availability of KLM award tickets to make this trip possible. I have never been to Portugal before and therefore did not know what to expect. It was a bit stressful to rush read Lonely Planet to get myself orientated and also to gain some information about the city and the country.

In summary, there were mixed thoughts about this city – a kind of love hate relationship. Firstly for sure, Portuguese doesn’t really welcome tourists (at least us). Secondly it is a rather laidback and rustic city. I had a strong feeling that people here still lived in their past glories, even though it was a long past history. There is a missing population at the age groups of 30s to 50s.

I did a quick research about Fado, the famous music from Portugal. Fado is a music genre which most likely originated in the 1820s in Portugal. It is characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea or the life of the poor. The music is usually linked to the Portuguese word ‘saudade’, a word with no accurate English translation; it is a type of longing, and conveys a complex mixture of sadness, pain, nostalgia, happiness and love). I think the description of Fado perfectly depict my impression about Portugal and its people.

Despites of all these, I thanked God for a wonderful winter sun break; the weather was sunny throughout our time there. The seafood was excellence and also the arts and museums were great. This is my well deserved winter holiday.

20 Dec 2005

First attempt to the old town, took Metro to Baixa-Chiado, and walked to Pc do Comércio. The late lunch by the Pc do Comercio was great. I ordered grilled squids and it was delicious! Perhaps the location is next to the ministry office, the price is expensive by Portuguese standard, though it is still relatively less expensive than Holland.

After the lunch we took a tram west bound to Belem. As the journey west bound, the city becomes even poorer, a sense of insecurity hit me, but suddenly we were welcome by Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jeronimos Monastery) next to us. It is a massive and impressive building now protected by UNESCO.

We walked through the park and Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) is standing in front of us along the River Tegu, accompanied by April 25 Bridge from a distance. The bridge reminded me of the golden gate in San Francisco, although I believe this is much longer one.

As the sun already set in, we only embraced of Torre de Belém (Belem Tower) from a distance.

Pasterie de Belem - ala Portugese Egg Tart, it is a very familiar snack to those who live in Hong Kong. I still prefer the taste of authentic Hong Kong Egg Tart.

21 Dec 2005

After the breakfast, we took a nice walk from our hotel to Calauste Gulbenkian Museum. The museum is situated in a park. The collections in the museum were impressive. It is hard for me to imagine a single person to own all these collections. I personally like the porcelains and carpet collections. The café annexed to the museum is an oasis in the city; I could feel the serenity of mind while sipping my cappuccino.

After the break, on our way back to hotel, we unintentionally passed Parc Edcador VII. It is another oasis in the city center that resembled a mini version of Central Park in New York City.

22 Dec 2005

This morning we set off to National Glazed Tile Museum (Mesue Nacional do Azulejo). It is located at the Eastern side of Lisbon. There are plenty of tiles display ranging from different century and originated from different places such as Seville, Turkey Ottoman kingdom and etc.

For some reason, I am deeply attracted by tiles. I like the colorful patterns which often brighten up my mood. The tiles are like the paintings, there are a few master pieces that depict the past Portuguese’s Glory as ruthless seafarers.

After the museum, we took a bus to city center, the bus ended at Plaza do Commercial. Then we took a tram to St. George’s Castle (Castelo de S. Jorge), it was about mid afternoon. The sky was clear and the wind was still. The up bound journey to Castelo reminded me very much of Hong Kong Central mid-level. The roads are narrow, winding and yet steep. We dropped off somewhere with the observation platform. Here, you can view the entire harbor and river Tegu clearly. On the clear find day, the bridge and the Cristo Rej are clearly visible from this platform. Also around this area, I finally found my beloved tiled walls. Most of the tiled walls already faded away; perhaps they couldn’t fight against the time or stand the weather. However, I believe each tiled wall has a story to tell, and perhaps many are untold story. I just love them and appreciate them as a piece of living arts. Posing and taking photo in front of these colorful tiled walls are such an enjoyment and pleasure.

St. George’s Castle is also a massive monument. Once an important and strategic fortress for Lisbon now left with ruins. I wondered if the earthquake has done any damage to it at all.

Today, we also found the tiles for our house in the Netherlands. I finally found the small tiles with made up ‘BETHEL’. We hopped into a very small and interesting family run café for lunch. The interior is the mix of north, east, south and west, ranging from India to Africa and sense of China to bold color glass. After the lunch we continued our down hill walk, it was interesting and for once I thought I was in Hong Kong, and as if I was walking from Kennedy town to Mid-level through Boham road and at the junction there stands a church. Of course, I know I am in a different land, a land full of past glories and history.

Tonight, we decided to eat in and had dinner at the tower restaurant of Sheraton Hotel. We had the whole city view in front of our eyes; Lisbon by night is so different by day. The night also concluded our trip to Lisbon as we bid farewell the next day and return to Holland for Christmas.

Southbound journey Spring 2004

29^th April 2004

Weather: Heavy Raining

The weather in Netherlands is not good, and we are just betting on the weather in Marseilles/Provence. It was in fact a very pleasant flight with Basiq air, the experience was delighted with seat allocation and most importantly the passengers were all nicely behaved. It is a complete picture compare to the last trip to Nice with Easy Jet.

Out pouring rain welcomed us when we arrived in Marseilles Provence airport with welcoming us. We stuck ed at the airport for a while as it was too wet to collect our rented car. However after the long waiting and the continuous rain, we decided to go ahead to Citer and get our car. Again, we were given a better car compared to what I have booked in advance.

The journey from airport to Cassis was rather smooth; everything is just fine apart from the rain. We just realize Marseilles is a really big city, too big that we began to back off. Perhaps we will just by-passed even the idea of shopping in Marseilles.

We are certainly in the Provencal area. The journey was not just a flat straight road, but up and down and also winding. We can clearly noticed the changes in the landscape and the unique orange color houses. All the houses are of same beige orange color! I wonder why there is no variation in colors? Perhaps is the effort to keep the look.

As we approaching Cassis, we see the grapes terraces and also the huge, high rock that was fierce into steep 90 degree to the sea. It was as if something had happen and caused that sudden cut off. Cassis is a little village among the valley.

30^th April 2004

Weather: Unsteady, heavy raining in the morning, sunshine in the afternoon

Weather is still not too good. It was unpredictable, with heavy grey cloud and over cast rain. We set off to the Cassis town, wanting to experience the Provencal lifestyle by strolling around the Friday market. However I was a bit disappointed with the market, both in terms of the weather, the size and above all it is a very tourist market. I suppose this should be meant for the local but it appear to be a lot more expensive than the supermarket that we visited.

The rain out poured mercilessly again. We have no choice but to run into a café for shelter. However it is yet another disappointment as the cappuccino came with massive amount of crème and it cost a fortune. The services were bad as if they don’t border with the too many customers that they could get.

While sitting now in the apartment, I looked over the hills from our balcony with an oval shade. The color of the sky changes over times. At times it was cover by the heavy cloud, other times it was raining with grey cloud and occasionally I see the sun pierced through the layer of cloud and shine through.

Despite of the weather, it is a wonderful scene that I am able to sit back and relax. At least it is out of the ordinary life of Holland. That’s made a lot of different to me. I do appreciate the different and am really thankful for the ‘luxury’ to be able to have the glimpse of the hill. These are the rock, the firm foundation. I don’t really know how much the Romans have done to this place but I am sincerely thankful for this moment of serenity.

Toulon – as I expected, not much disappointment as there is not much expectation in the first place.

Route de Cretes

Father I think we really amazed by Your creation. The mighty mountainary routes is something that we don’t expect it to be. Scary, fear of death, the mightiness of the mountains, protection by the Lord, fear of unknown, narrow escape.

1^st May 2004

Weather: Sunny ALL day

Avignon

Palais du Papes, imagine how the popes lived their lives in Southern France. The concrete palace is situated next to Rhone river, strategically facing the entire area. I tried to imagine how they lived in the Romans time. If I referred to my diary – My conversation wth God, I knew that I will be back to this place again with the one I love. Today You have brought this desire to the past.

St. Remy en Provence – small village, the road to St. Remy is very special. The trees along the way accompanied us in its blossom green. In search of Vincent Van Gogh, following the footsteps of Van Gogh.

Carmague

It was like an endless drive, all the way to the mash land. White horses. Flat lands.

St. Maries-de-la-Mer – it is a place of mixed culture. It is very hard to describe the feeling. It is just not ‘french’ at all. Cheap holiday destination.

2^nd May 2004

Weather: Heavy Rain in morning, Dry sunset in Cassis

St. Tropez

D93 scenic but was very long winding road. The view along Cavalaire-sur-Mer was superb. Weather turned very bad and wet as soon as we arrived. St. Tropez lost its charm and color in contrast with the rain. I was rather disappointed. There are plenty of inner courts and surprised inner courtyards. It reminded me of Luxembourg where I was often thrilled by new discoveries. The harbour is over docked by luxury and huge yatchs. Each comes in its own style and decoration. It is like a show must go on and the owner is afraid if his yatch doesn’t get notice. The cafés along the harbour are real disaster. No real element of elegancy and didn’t put up with the fame of St. Tropez. It was flooded by tourist due to the rain.

On the way back, the rain was heavy again. To avoid D93, we drove pass Ste-Maxime which I find is more charming than St. Tropez. Right after Ste-Maxime, we went through the shadow and valley of death. It was as if death was there before. The dark clouds were covering the entire valley with its rain. The area was full of dark and black trees mostly barren without leaves. I suspect there was forest fire before although I didn’t utter this feeling. Deep in my heart I sensed that death was there before. I did notice some colourful flowers were offered at certain spots perhaps to those who died.

Thankfully for Psalm 23, ye thou I walked through the valley of death, I shall not be afraid, for the Lord is with me.

Sun set in Cassis

Sipping my Rosé and truly enjoyed the sunset view of the port. Cassis is a down-to-earth port city, unlike St. Tropez full of the pretentious rich people and famous or anyone that trying to be part of it. Cassis is a friendly village, so comfortable that only the real people (mostly french) that know how to enjoy life are here. If Cassis is a way of life then St. Tropez is just putting up a show. Nothing is genuine as if the book ‘No money, No honey’ comes to play….

3^rd May 2004

Aix-en-Provence

This university town is another disappointment. It doesn’t appeal to me much as described in the guidebook.

Marseilles

As expected, Marseilles is a very dusty, polluted and dirty city. Live up to the standard of the 2^nd largest city of France with along side with all the impact that gives to this place.

Cassis

Dinner at Chez Gilbert, I think I have tasted the grimp of Bouillabaisse. The thick fish soup based.

Yum!!~~Yum!!!

Paris by night

While majority of the people are still enjoying the extended Christmas/New Year holiday, I already back to full force on Wednesday 3^rd Jan.

It was thrilled to be in Paris again, especially in the city itself and not at the greater region. Work wise was stressful especially hard to manage the meetings when most of the side conversations were taken place in French. It is almost impossible to find any English word at the coffee machine, at the canteen or anywhere outside airport.

My French colleague has been very hospitable; she really hosted me and gave me the true insights of the real Parisian lifestyle. Anouk invited me to her apartment for a glass of wine and foie gras experience. Then we embarked for the real Parisian dining experience, this is an experience that a tourist would never sample. We went to this restaurant and had our fine cuisine (as ever in any Parisian restaurant). We ended our dinner with the French cheese palette and I tasted the stinkiest cheese, but when it combines with sweet fig paste, the taste became heavenly. It is so complicated and yet so enjoyable.

After the dinner, we went to a club which one can only get in through special invitation. The event is only meant for working professional in Paris. It started at 7pm and will end by 2am so that every one can get some rest and back to work the next day. My favorite French sentence of the night was 'parlez vous anglais?' or rather ‘do you speak English?’. Thankfully most people I met do speak reasonable English which is kind of logical as this is a melting pot for working professional.

The whole event took place at the side streets of Avenue des Champs Élysées, in fact very close Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile as pictured.

First Impression of Bucharest by Night

20 Jan 2007

I have never dream of being in a Eastern European country and tonight here I am in the capital of Romania, Bucharest.

Two and a half hour flight journey, brought me from modern western world to a rather under developed country. The international airport is only resembled a fraction of Rotterdam airport. On my way from the airport to the hotel, I saw only ruins, not the historical ruins but more like a post war ruins.

Not really positive impression, it reminds me of the cities in North Eastern China, Bucharest not even come closed to any big China city like Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen or Guangzhou. Even Inter-Continental hotel, the structure is grand, like any developing country, the hardware is cool but just lacking of something somehow. The photo is taken from the balcony of my hotel room, not much street lights and so this has not change my impression even thought I am now in the Bucharest City center.

I shall stay positive and will check out the city tomorrow. J

Romanian Athenaeum

One of the hightlight of the day is the Romanian Athenaeum. One of the sight that I enjoyed most so for. Athenaeum is located just south of the city center, very near to Hilton Hotel.

This exquisite circular building is the majestic heart of Romania’s classical music tradition. Scenes from Romanian history are featured on the interior fresco inside the big hall on the 1^st floor , and the dome is 41 m high. It was built in 1888. The composer George Enescu made his depute here in 1898, and now it is the home to the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra.

Unfortunately there is nothing on tonight, otherwise I will surely go for it. There is one tomorrow night but I wasn't sure if my schedule permits me to go for it, will keep my fingers crossed.