Lucerne

The day we arrive in Lucern 01 August , it was their National Day. From Bern, it took us 1 1/2 hr to reach here, it could have been faster but we took a more scenic train ride. We went to lucerne to see the famous chapel bridge and stayed at a hotel that provides us not only a beautiful view of the lake but the bridge as well, it was great being able to people watch from our balcony. In case, anyone is interested, we stayed at Mr Pickwick Pub.

We enjoyed ourselves tremendously during our 4 days stay there. Went for a sunset cruise at the lake, and there were so many lovely swiss chalets along the lake. We really love the swiss life and culture.

Bern

We took the 8 hours busabout bus ride from Paris to Bern, the medieval capital of Switzerland.  Its a very lovely town, everything is so neat and tidy.  

Paris

We went back paris a 2nd time, as its the end of the busabout loop, and we will be taking the bus to bern from paris. We really like france alot, especially paris. We went back to catch the eiffel tower at night, and its so romantic seeing it being litted up. We were also really lucky to have caught the tour de france final at the champs elysees. Previously I only watched it on the tv, but watching it live in paris was a dream come true for me. The atmosphere was awesome, everyone was having so much fun.

One thing i really enjoy doing in Paris was sitting infront of the Eiffel Tower having a picnic dinner with wine and champagne. An inexpensive dinner with a fantastic view. I strongly recommend it as a "must do". Buy your food and drinks from a nearby supermarket or should you forget, there are people going around to sell you bottles of wine and champagne but they don't come cheap. What was suppose to be going for 2euros were selling for 5-1o euros.

Loire Valley

We were at Tours, to visit some of the most amazing chateaux in Europe.  We went to Chenonceau and Villandry.  It was a great experience seeing how the nobles live in the past.

Cussac

We met up again with our friends again in Cussac, France.  We stayed at their lovely half completed house.  We really enjoyed our stay there, did alot of catching up since we left them in June.  I even played soccer with their little french neighbours, who were really naughty.

Bordeaux

We went for a wine tour in Bordeaux, got the chance of visiting a vineyard, learning the process of wine making.  Ending of by tasting some nice wine!

San Sebastian

We were at the Basque region of San Sebastian.  This place used to be frequented by the Spanish royal family for their summer holiday.  When we were there, a festival was going on.  And we gladly join in the fun.  The sardines we had were simply out of the world, its so fresh and delicious!

I miss travelling

It has been 6 months since we got back.  And the weird thing is that we had not been away since.  Partly was because we had both started working again.  When you are working, its really a luxury to be able to travel so often.  And most of the time, its only to neighbouring countries.  Well I guess its only a matter of time before our feet start to itch again.  There are still so many places that we still have to go.  i am really interested in India and China.  Hopefully in the future we can travel extensively to these places soon.  But for right now, we have to work hard to build on our career again!

What is life?

Ever since we got back home to Singapore, we have been leading the same life as most people. Wake up, go to work, back home, sleep.  Its really a routine that I don't really like.  I just don't understand why some people can be doing this for their whole life?  What satisfaction do they get from their life?  Is it a good paying job? nice car? big houses?  Surrounding you are peoples who are doing very well in their career, living the high life.  But when you examine their life carefully, you will notice that most of them are not emotionally happy.  They are only working for money.  I must admit that money really make the world go round, if I didn't have the money, then I wouldn't have the luxury on going this trip.  My thinking and mindset have really changed since the trip.  I understand and appreciate life more now.  Sometime its really depressing when you look at those poor people in turkey and egypt struggling to make end meet.  But 1 thing you can find in these people are that they are easily contented in their life.  They are living life day by day.  What is most important for them is having food to eat and a place to sleep.  Their life are filled with hard-hood but they still soldiered on.  These people are really resilient and great example of how we should live our life.    

Madrid

The capital of Spain; Madrid is a furnace in summer.  Its so hot and humid, very similar to Bangkok.  We witness the bull fight, not something you will really enjoy watching though.  There were alot of blood and drama.  We also visited the Bernabeu stadium.

Valencia

We didn't really planned on going to Valencia, but since its on the Busabout loop and we had already pay for it, we thought we might just stay 2 nights there.  We had a really good paella lunch at one of the popular restaurant frequented by the locals.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a one of the most vibrant cities that we went to.  Lots of activities, peoples and things happening in Ramblas.  We went to the Sagrada familia and Nou camp.  Had some really good tapas too!

Provences

We went to Provences, choosing to stay at Arles because we could not get a room in Avignon. Arles is 1 1/2hr away from Avignon and this is the place where Van Gogh painted his Starry night, compare the picture above to his painting and you will see the similarities. We also caught our very first Bull fight in Arles, held at the famous Arena (Roman Amphitheathre) for 10 euros.

Avignon which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is popular for sights like the "Palace of the Popes" and the St Benezet Bridge. The bridge has initially 22 arches but today only 4 are left as seen in th picture above. Entry to the Palace is 9.50euro and the bridge 4euros.

It was in Provences, that we decide to splurge on a authentic french Provencal meal. It was delicious and the best! The damage for that meal was a 3 course set dinner for 16 euro per pax but its was really worth it! Too bad we forgot the camera.