The Last of the Wanderer

Final day of my 5 weeks backpackin’ or rather 5 months long of wandering. My friend told me a couple of days ago that we are wanderlust. I cannot help but agree. There is this feelin’ of true satisfaction of discovering new horizons, be it new places, food, people or culture.


Ended the trip with a bang. ‘Fame the Musical’ was not disappointing at all. The dances made me go wow wow wow. Super synchronize and energetic. Manage to see H in the musical. Well, if u guys still remember he is the blonde guy in the now defunct Steps. I recall those days where I used to go gaga over their hit songs like One for Sorrow and 5,6,7,8. Caught a glimpse of a poster ad on Chicago and Tina Arena is in it. If only I have more time. I truly loved her songs. I hope I will not miss that one like the time when I failed to catch Stephen Gately in ‘Jopseh and the Technicolour Dreamcoat’. I am beginning to wonder why all these stars are turning up in London West End Theaters.

Something is really coming over me. I just cannot deny it anymore. I really think that its time to stop wishin’ upon that bright shinnin’ star for what I really want is to shine as bright. Even if I will burn out someday, I need that one moment in my life.

The East End Market

One of the reason for me to check out London again besides the muscial is the Sunday Up Market. So we went there despite the rain. It turned out to be better then what I have expected. Its really busy even on a rainy day.


There are lots of food to choose from. Had a really hard time tryin to figure out what to eat. And vintage clothes too. But I have no money so cannot buy Sigh. I luv the walk down Brick Lane, it gives me the feel of Oliver Twist days.


We checked out a pretty cool museum named Kinetics Museum near Spitafields market. The sound equipment exhibition there was really cool. They got like interactive instruments that work via sound waves. You use all kind of ways to make music. This includes a handshake, or steppin on the sensors, using magnets, infrared and even hand movements. Cool.


The whole day was spent at London East End market. Its off to West End again tomolo to watch Fame. Gotten a center portion of the stall seats. Hope its gonna be good.

The Day When The Red Meets The Blues

I decided on this trip spontaneusly. I was never a fan of soccer ever since young. No matter how interested and good my dad is at this sport, the gene was never in me. This decision to visit two stadiums in a day is a pre-Father's Day tribute to my dad.

Set off early mornin to Manchester to sportcity. The new home to Manchester City FC. The gloomy sky did not affect my visit as I was super impressed but the huge stadium that sits 47500 people. There is only 4 people in the tour which makes it more exclusive!

We checked out many areas like the players' tunnel, dressing room, press room, and director boxes. By the way their dressing room is pretty normal, nothing luxurious. Just plain and simple. I like the colour so much. Its just pleasant to the eye. Luv the chair esspecially, they are cushioned. Yes its obviously cost more to sit at those chair. Duh!

I must say that what is most impressive is standing near the pitch. Imagine thousands of people looking at you when you play. The feeling is overwhelming. When we ended out trip, it started to rain. I was pretty lucky to hitch a ride from this other lady who joined the tour.

When i reached Old Tratford,home of my dad's favourite team, Manchester United FC, I couldn't helpbut notice how different it is. Everything is so posh as compared to the simple yet nice MCFC. Guess that's what happen when u get rich and famous. Stupid budweiser was having a competition there so there is no tour inside the stadium. Sigh I never get to see jacuzzi in dressing room. Argh.

Walked around their megastore to get a gift for my dad. Settled for something small as they price of things there are nuts. I hesitated bout going into the musem and stadium as I cannot see the interior but when in the end. I'm glad that I went it. The museum is like 5 times bigger than the on in sportcity!

The stadium was less stuning though. I guess its becos it is much older. I get to watch the competition on the pitch before rushing off to catch my coach to London. Dad, I hope someday we could watch the devils play at Old tratford!

The Song I Heard

Me and Ka Fui decided to go both York and Scarborough after a whole night of dilemma. Two towns in one day. Now that is a challenge.

York turns out to be so relaxing and nice. Its like a smaller version of Quebec City. Haha. They've got fort wall arouod the town, Remains of old buildings and nice park too! The famous church there whose name i cannot recall nowhas a really stunning imterior. However, it is less impressive on the inside as compared to the cathedral in Montreal.


We checked out the world's largest railway museum as it is free! Haha. Yup. Happy. Uk has lots of free museums. Come here if you like this kinda sutff. We did not went in the Clifford Tower as it looked too small. Decided to go to the one in Scarborough instead.


This is what we had for lunch. Thanks to Ka Fui for making them. As this is almost the end of the trip, I am runing out of funds. Sigh.


I first came accross the word Scaborough when my dad played his oldies. This song that goes 'Are you going to Scarborough Fair.............' Its a pretty sad love song to me. I got this gloomy feeling bout the town. Its was totally different when I am there. For the first time, I see a beach in UK! By then, we were hyper already as we both grow up in small town that faces the sea. It was so calming to see the sea again.


The Scarborough Castle is a must see attraction. Althoght all that is left of the castle is the remains, the surrounding is amazing!


The View from above is pretty stunnin too. U see the ocean on one side, beach on the other and the town too. We spent the whole time admiring the nice landscape there. Scarborough Fair, I need to be here for the summer someday.

The Boring City

I never expected Leeds to be so boring. I went there to meet up with my childhood friend whom I have known for about 15 years now. Now that's long. There is nothing much to do here biut shopping. Since I'm running out of fund, there is no-way that I could enjoy this. There are lots of pubs there though. Made me longed for those pubbing days in Calagry. Will upload photos of the City as they are still with Ka Fui right now.

Ok. Here are the photos.

The Crash Course

Had a pretty huge portion of dinner and beer yesterday. I luv the rice beer but still, Irish cider is much better. Haha. The meat portion of the food is amazing too! The Munich flag is cute, its blue chequered. I tot it was some race car thing initially. Haha

After much resting and packing, Ian and I did a 2 hour tour on Munich. Yes, only two hours. Faints. All I get to see was the town, shoppin places and a church. Rushed off to the airport to catch my flight to London only to find out that it is delayed for an hour. Heard that it is becos the scannin machine broke down in Stansted. I though this kinda thing will only happen in my town. Guess I was wrong.

The Boatless Venice Trip

I took a final look outside our hostel room today. Its was pretty nice. I'm gonna miss this balcony. Wemoved room 2 times yeasterday, Thanks to the hotel for not preparing the room properly. We were lucky to move though, as the 3rd room is much better than the second. And obviously the first is the bestas it is a hotel. But it cost 12 Euro more each person!

Our only aim today is to check out the Ghetto where the Jewish poeple were outcasted to stay there in the past and to ride the boat. Did not manage to do the later as we did not have enough time. Sigh, I visited Venice without taking a single boat ride. Knocks head. Well, I'lltake the gondola next time with my other half then. Whee!

Overall,Venice has gave me the impression of a pretty cramped, overpriced,smelly but relaxing, calm and beautiful at the same time. If you're lookin for fun, Venice is not the place to be. On my way to Munich now. The view outside the Austrian country side is just marvellous! This is my bes shot. Actually its Ian's. Haha.

The Night is Silent

On our second day in the Maze round the Canals, we stumble upon more churches. I bought guide to Venice as they do not have free maps. Horrible, they are tryin to make money out of everything. According to the map, there is hundreads of churches and bridges in just that small little island alone.

Spent the whole afternoon exploring with the sun shinnin' damn brightly. I felt so uncomfortable even when it is only 20 plus degress. Think I'm realy gonna have a hard time adjusting to the 30 something degress backhome.

Hanged out at the San Macro Square at night to enjoy free classical music. Alright I'm just soaking in the atmospehere. I'mnot a classical music guy. Haha.

As we sat around lookin the pretty sceneries across the huge canals with the crowd finally gone, I cannot help but recollect on those great days of SEP in Calagry. Flashbacks of the laugther, the excitement, the fear, the warmness. Somehow, I know that it is not easy to find this kinda experience. Guess it'll always be a pat of me. When it all fades away, only memories are left.

The Maze Surrounded by Canals

Arrived in Venice after a pretty long train ride. Venice is a maze! Its super duper easy to get trapped and lost with the dead ends being the smelly canals. Yucks. After a long search for our hotel, we arrived there but it was still too early to check in. So we explored around again without a map. Paths here are narrow, they are comparable to the Fan Tan Alley in Victoria. I dunno how a 20o pound person can walk pass these alleys.


The initially quite and peaceful street began to change as we reached the Rialto Bridge. I could hardly even walk. Almost everyone here is armed with a camera. I wonder whether on ly the shopkeepers are locals. Masquerade, lots and lots of mask there too. I wanna join in the celebration. Too bad that it is in February.


A visit to Piazza San Macro reminded we of the crow in Singapore. Way too many birds around here. The difference here is they are welcomed and tourists enjoyed feeding them. I did not try that but all my travel mates did. I dun wanna scratches and bird shits on me. Haha. I luv the feel at the square, full of nice buildings and acitvities.


As the night falls, we walked around the city to check out the night scene only to find us sitting around the canal. Ended up the night with a pubbing session tryin out the local specialty drink Spritzze. Off to sleep now. Our hotel is like a castle. But we need to move tomolo. Prayin for it t be good.


Here is my favourite shot. No, its not becos my face is not inside. Idiot! Its the effect. Looks like I'm really jumping in the canal right?

The Palace

Much of the day is spent travelling on a 12 hours train ride from Vienna to Venice. We were lucky to get the wholecabin to ourselves. Managed to sleep comfortably throughout the journey. The most sleep that I had in these few days. Ironic.

Earlier today, we went to the Schoburnn Palace. Took a tour around the palace museum. Was bored to death at the exhibits. The life of the royal family is really complicated. Lifetsyle of the olden days rich n famous i guess. After hearing the story of Franz Joseph, I cannot help but feel sorry for him. No matter how hard the tried it seemed to me that Sisi never really return that affection he gave.

The visit around the palace ground was however pretty interestin. Enjoyed the really beautiful palace surroundings. Went for an apple struddle show too. Nothing much just those cooking show that my mom wtahc on TV everytime. The maze was my favouite attraction, even if I am the one that got lost tryin' to get to the platform. Guess my gut instinct is not that good after all. We get a really spectacular view of the City of Vienna from the Gloriette too.

That rounded up my Vienna trip. I would definitely wanna come back here again someday especially to the attic room that I have to stare at the wonderful sky once again.

The Hectic Day

Second day in Vienna was pretty hectic. Refused to wake up no matter how hard Ian tried to wake me up. I have yet to sleep on such a nice bed ever since I arrived in Europe. Furthermore, its pitch black once you’ve drawn up the shades on the window. Ok I admit I am lazy. He he.

We went walking around the inner ring of the town as that is where most of the attractions are.

The garden round the Hofburg Palace was pretty nice. Loved the greek lookin structure and the colourful flowers there.

We watch a couple of busking acts are we walked along the main street of which name I could not remember anymore. It was near the super duper old and gothic cathedral named Stephen’s Dom which has yet to be completed till now ever since it was built. I know understand why anjuma said that the cathedral in Montreal was pretty calm and nice. It felt like a marketplace here. Haiz. Talk about tourist commercialization.

Also checked out the Hunderwassehausse. Nothing spectacular just a really colourful unique block of flat. Go here only if you have time to spare as it is slightly far from the city.We headed off to another faraway place in Vienna. The theme park. Think it was named Plater. I cannot really remember haha. Would love to take the rides but it was way too expensive. Settled for one only.

Next up was what everybody will always do when they go Vienna. Yup the Orchestral and the Opera. Got a little bonus as they added in ballet performance too. We did not get a grand concert hall. Its pretty small but the MC was really good. I must admit that he brought life to the show. Despite the great performance put up but the musicians, I a now convinced that I have no Strauss or Beethoven inside of me. I cannot seem to enjoy classical music. Knocks head.

Rounded up the night by taking photos of the night scene.

I am still starrin at the sky with the same bright shinnin star on top of me. I’m so gonna miss this view.

The Must Go European City

Vienna turns out to be unexpectedly good. We got like the best hostel room. I declared WOMBAT’s the lounge as the best hostel I have ever stayed. We got a room at the artic. With a window that opens into a rooftop terrace! I sat here writing this starring at the sky with bright shinny stars. I made a wish upon the brightest shining star above me for the future that I have always dreamed of to come true.

Earlier today, me, Ian and two of his friends grace n Jason took a train from Munich to Vienna. Gotten a cabin all to ourselves. Yeehar! First train ride in Europe. I really luved it.

Reached Vienna when it was dark so we settle for a restaurant named Mozart. Truly loved the goulash.

The nigh life at Vienna is pretty cool. Lots of club to visit. We went to this club at the riverside name Flex. Pretty cool underground feelin. Felt like I have been thrown into a getho. Even the bar outside is built in a garage. Cool! Music was house. It was extremely good. For once I find myself enjoyin every moment of it.

Its now almost time for sunrise. As I sat here, I see the bright left side and the dark right side. I couldn’t help to think that this is exactly where I stand. In between the two not knowing which way to go. Will I be able to follow my dream finally?

The Lessons

Nothing much was done today except for rushin around. I was runin round London underground like an idiot tryin to catch my flight. I was lucky however, to be able to get the next one out 30 minutes thereafter. Lesson no 1: Be early for coach to airport else you will miss it. Worse still scampering around underground looking like a mad man is not cool at all

After reaching the airport, I realized that there is a long queue. They mentioned that the check in counter will be closed 40 minutes prior to departure, but at 30 minutes, the queue still looks like a caterpillar. People start to panic and cut queue. I waited in line like a good old boy and ended up to be the last one to check in. Lesson no2 : Cut queue when everybody else does. You dun wanna run like a mad cow to the gate!

At the rate that I am going I will surely miss my flight, Its only 10 minutes to the flight time. As I run towards the gate, I faced a roadblock. By what you’ll ask. Well none other than another train to take me to the gate. As I get off the train, it was already 5 minutes to flight time. I have a choice to run or to give up. Being me I did a dash all the way to the gate. Phew, manage to reach there on time. But wait, why is there a long queue again? Delay! Argh! Lesson no. 3: Keep your composure, stay calm, the flight will wait. ( I do not bear any liability if you miss your flight due to this statement. He he)

Just in case you are curious I took Easy Jet from London Stansted airport.

The City I Luv!

Crazy crazy day today! Walk around for more than 6 hours. Nuts! We visited most of the main landmarks of London today. Yeehar. Now my legs are so tired but my brain is hyper!

Started off the day with a little walk around Kensington area where they sell all the vintage clothes. Cool. Took photo with one of the main London symbol the Phone Booth. Haha. See the Mini Cooper and the Chocolate Fountain?


Headed off to Buckingham Palaces. Wa super luckyto catch the change of guards ceremony. Saw the queen too! Well just kiddin. Gotcha!


Went to this place where they keep the horses. I cannot seem to remember the name. But I really liked the place. Wanna take pic with the guard but he left when i wanted to approach. Argh!


Ate at this Japanese restaurant named Misato. The portion is huge. Way too huge! But I lub it. and the yogurt milk durg is damn good. Anjuma come here and try it out ya. Went around Picadily Circus once again. I wanted to catch Fame of Billy Elliot but failed as we were late to grab the tickets. But hey surprise, I am not going to Paris anymore! Me gonna come back London to catch those shows. Yeeeeharrrr.


The walk along Thyme River was really good. Saw Big Ben, London Eye and London Tower.


I must say I liked the Tower Bridge the best. The structure that we always see is caled Tower Bridge not London Bridge. Haha. A new thing that I learnt


I think I am addicted to taking photos of the London Red Bus with the beautiful landmarks. I so luv these pictures!