Nostalgia : Germany

Yoyo travelers. Long time no see...

It was 3 months since I came back from my internship in Germany. I gotta, admit that there is a mix of feeling when i'm about to leave for home. I miss this place so much, not only leave behind my footprint, but also my heart as well. I hope I could stay there a bit more longer...  I don't mind to be here forever. Hahaha. good food, beautiful scenery, and nice people. Whenever i open my eyes, I wish I was there again.

Therefore I write this post, to help me to reminisce the wonderful moment i had in this land of beauty.

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The Autumn

Blackforest's Titisee Lake during Autumn 

It's when the weather started to get cool and cozy. It's when the leaves started to change. Adding arrays of color into the landscape. Whenever sunlight shines upon them, the entire forest glows with golden complexion. Chestnut is everywhere on the ground ready to be picked up. Beware, it's not edible. However, it's fun to make it a collection. We did end up opening chestnut like a Durian. Hahaha.

Chestnut found in our backyard 

'Kung-Fu' Jumpshot in Berlin. Believe it or not, its a carpark.
Credits to Jia Sian

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The Winter

The freezing wind from the alps sweeps the land. When the first snow falls, it changes the landscape into a winter wonderland. It's a miracle for me, I never see snow before! I only know it from the romanticized version in stories and movies. Day 1 of snow, i was fascinated. I would scream out my heart with amazement. After that, I experienced the harsh cold nature of winter. It was freezing cold, it can hit -15°C

During winter, daylight reduces to a few hours day. Night falls earlier day by day. The sky is always dark or grey. Making the surrounding rather depressing. But when there is full moon, the white snow reflects the moonlight softly. making the ground glitter along with the stars above the night sky. Simply beautiful...

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German People

Common stereotype of Germans is the one always in a lederhosen (leather shorts), with a beard and a jug of beer. And whenever they speak, they are literally shouting. Yup, they only look like that only during Oktoberfest. In fact, they are friendly, kind and earnest. Surprisingly, unlike the stereotype, they are actually polite and gentle. I mean they are really really polite. Well, I like them. Although they are individualistic (not interested in others business), yet Deutschlander have strong sense of community, where they care about other's well-being and always clean-up their own trash for the convenience of others. Besides, they are very outgoing, and they do know how to enjoy life. After work, they straight hit the road, and have some fun. All I can say is they are master of "Work Hard and Play Hard"

These are the reasons why I like Deutchlander soo much, it is my ideal type of society. I'm glad that i am able to blend in easily (except I don't know how to speak Deutsche). :P

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Christmas

Christmas in Germany is very enchanting and 有气氛. Christmas here s not only celebrated for just on the its self, but its a month long event. They have an calender know as the Advent-calender to count down to Christmas and they count the days by eating off the chocolate contained inside the calendar. That's really cool!

Stuttgart Christmas Market

Christmas market is the highlight of Christmas in Germany, where fellow Germans set up stalls at plaza or city square that illuminates in the cold dark winter.  This is where you can find homemade goods and it is sure a holiday maker for family to gather and enjoy delicious Christmas delicacy. One of my favourite is the Glühwein which is special Christmas beverage served hot that consists of mixed herbs and wine. Its definitely will warm your body after a long walk in the cold.

 Glühwein in a boot-shaped mug, Munich Christmas market 

There is a celebration 2 weeks before Christmas known as the St. Nickolas Day. This is day is to remember Saint Nickolas, a very kind bishop from Greece, provides material needs and food for unprivileged people. He usually appears at the night when everyone is asleep, and put stuff such as bag of coins into their shoes. Today, its an event for children where they receive mysterious gifts from the St. Nickolas. The night before St.Nickolas, kids puts their shoe outside, then when they are asleep, parents quietly snick presents into it.





Hey, I notice the their decoration is very special, their Santa Claus is climbing the stairs to reach the second floor.

Nope, that's the St. Nickolas, this historical figure gave inspiration for the modern Santa Claus we all know. But actually, to the Germans, Santa Claus is another figure, he is the Father of Christmas which is rather strict then jolly (somewhat like a judge that checks through the lists and give verdict), and he wears green clothing instead of red. After, the tradition of Christmas reached Colonial America, these two figure merged into one. That gave Christmas a whole new meaning. That's why it's called the season of giving.
Wow, that's a mind blowing fact.

By the way, on that morning, the grumpy bus driver grabbed my hands gave me a St.Nicholas Chocolate. And a mysterious colleague left one too on my office desk. Awww... that's so sweet (i meant the chocolate)

Although I'm not able to be there for Christmas, but I'm glad to able to experience bit and parcels of Christmas in Germany A memory worth keeping.

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Food

Breakfast... there are a lot of meat and ham! 

Yum yum, delicious. A different savor worth tasting. There are different specialty in different region. Generally, when we thought of Germany, he first thing that came into our mind is Beer and Wurst (Sausages). One of the most famous one is the Currywurst from Berlin which a roasted sausages added with ketchup and sprinkled with curry powder. It's damn nice!

For the beer especially Bavaria beer, its specially brewed. I gotta admit it tasted not bad, as it is smooth at the throat. Believe it or not, they even have non-alcoholic beer. Hmm... the myth of the Halal beer it's true.

While in Baden-Württemberg, it is famous for its Black-forest cake. It is added with a little special touch, cherry wine, and they do have cherry in it. When you take a bite, its soft in mouth and the aroma of cherry fill your mouth. Ah... paradise. >.<

Currywurst

Blackforest cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte)

Special Kirsch Wein (Cherry Wine)

Berlin style Pork Knuckle (Schweinshaxe)

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Blackforest

Black forest (Schwarzwald) is listed as one of the "Top 10 Places to Visit Before you Die" destination for its enchanted beauty of nature. The forest, the flowing river, the sheep grazing on the green field... its enchanted beauty had captured my heart.  The forest ain't exactly black, its actually dark green due to the color of pine trees. It's a great place to get lost in the wild.

Town of Triberg where it is famous for its Cuckoo Clock

The Blackforest is a wooded mountain range situated at the state of Baden Württemberg, near the border of France and bounded by the Rhine River. Most attraction are located in the town of Triberg, such as the Triberg waterfall, the World Largest Cuckoo Clock and House of 1000 Clocks. For adventure seeker, its and ideal place for hiking and snowboarding during winter. You also can stop by at any cake shop to enjoy the famous Blackforest cake and try the flavorful Blackforest ham. Besides that, Titisee is a place worth visiting for its serene lake. As well specially brewed Cherry Wine and Blackforest Ice cream (cherry wine flavor, only 1 Euro). During winter, the lake frozen and becomes a giant ring for on-ice activities.

House of Thousand Clock - with all type of cuckoo clock for display and sell 

Take a stroll in the forest

A view of Blackforest during winter from my window

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The Nature and Landscape

I will let the picture tell the story...

Double Rainbow at Villingen-Schwenningen

Sunrise during winter, Somewhere between two towns. 

First snow in a field in Villingen-Schwenningen

Road that divide the field of farmland

Country side view from Hohentwiel castle. Another castle can be sited not far away, over-viewing the landscape.

Autumn in Füssen

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Architecture 

University at Jena, and view of the city from Jenoptik Tower

Germany is rich with wide diversity of architecture style, ranging from the medieval, to Gothic, and even new-edgy modern design. Castles, cathedrals or churches, and Rathaus (townhall) of every town have its special characteristic that is built in different era. What I can say, it simply beautiful, look at the details.
Even their small cottage looks beautiful to me. For your info, Germans like to build their own house, even the piping, wiring and insulating system (Well, they like to DIY, that explain why Germans are good engineers)

Inside the Munich Frauenkirche

I'm not sure what's the name,
but its taken in Berlin

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Last but not least...

The Supermart

Their supermarket is the best. You can get almost everything in a affordable price and have the best quality (except Asian stuff).  Fruit and vegetables are fresh and humongous. I can say it is a cook's best friend. Grocerry shopping can be say one of the favorite past time, hunt for ingredients for dinner which can be found abundance here yet is rare in tropics.  Usually my weekly grocerry is about an average of 15 Euro (including snacks).

Rows and rows of shelves stocked with quality goods with different choices depending on your needs. spoilt with choices trying to make up my mind what to buy

Guess what, Ritterspot chocolate is only 0.85 Euro! (Nearly 50% cheaper than what I can get in my place)

Did you know... bottle recyling machines are installed in most major supermart as an effort of going green. Well, they are in-charged of bottles collection, and refund a deposit for using plastic bottles (0.25 Euro). 

Intersting ~

Chocolate!!!!!!!

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These are the reason why I love Germany so much, I want to go there again.
I hope I will be back soon enough.

Until the next time...
Zen

My Favourite Attractions @ Penang

Georgetown Area
The capital city of Penang where most heritage are located. It was listed as UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008.

The town is well known for its well-preserved colonial core, with original shophouses dating back to the 19th century are still surviving, together with their trades of old. Street markets and hawkers continue to be a part of daily life of Penang, and had become part of their culture for the past generation.

#1 Penang Streets Art

Wall Painting, and Sculptures can be found all around the historical City of Georgetown. The old city is revived with colors and brushes of art.

“Little Children on a Bicycle” Mural, Armenian Street,

Among all paintings, artwork by a Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic have been the most popular mural as it conveys the lifestyle and culture of local penangites.

“Little Girl in Blue” Mural, Muntri Street

Another special feature of the artist's painting is he uses 3-dimensional elements to incorporate with his painting that makes it much more lively and creative.  His masterpiece has become the main attraction of Penang and become a new icon of Georgetown.

“Little Boy with Pet Dinosaur” Mural, @Ah Quee Street

After the Georgetown Festival held in 2012, small galleries, antiques shops and arts cafes mushroomed all around the town to once again captures the attention of tourists as well as Art-passionates.


 It is recommended to rent a bike to travel from places to places to hunt for these art-work and be creative when you are taking photo with it :D.

 map of Georgetown wall painting:
http://879565065.r.worldcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/penangwallpaintingmap.jpg

Ernest’s first masterpiece, it's a painting of his neighbour who is
 actually a famous wooden clogs painter,  @ Armenian Street Art Cafe

Caricature of local hawker using wire frame

History of Penang are convey with a funny and cute caricature 

#2 Clan Jetties

"Children in a Boat" Mural @ Chew Jetty

The Clan jetties consist of eight jetties, named after their surnames, “Lim”, “Chew”, “Tan”, “Lee”, “Yeoh”, “Koay”, “Peng Aun” and Mixed Clans.

“Chew” Jetty is the most famous among the Jetties because it is the largest and the most liveliest jetty among all. What more, there is a popular mural that is situated over there which attracts draws the attention of tourists. Fun Fact, the people living in the clan jetty shares the same family name.

Penang White Coffee, Apam Balik (Peanut Pancake Turnover)
& Penang Char Kuay Teow  (Fried Rice Noodle )

Along the jetties, you can find little coffee shops roofed by wooden slats that serves delicious local delights.

Low tide @ Yeoh Jetty

The Jetty is actually a village built on stilts and these were built by pioneer Chinese immigrants. Each jetty comprises of row houses on stilts joined by wooden walkways over the water. These ‘water villages’, set up more than a century ago, house the descendants from Fukien Province in China.

Bikes and Motorcycle are their main transportation
 travelling around the jetty

These cute kids are the children of a store owner in Chew Jetty asked me to take a photo of them with glasses ,smile :D
(Probably my long lost cousin, *because we share the same family name)

Ayer Itam Area

#3Penang Hill

It is 6km from the city. Situated about 823 meters (2750 feet) above sea level on this northern part of Penang, this oldest hill resort and the first in Malaysia has cool, unpolluted air and historical feature. It stands prominently from the lowlands as a hilly and forested area. It's original name was Flagstaff Hill known by the British, back in the old days of Penang , when a flag fluttering from a flagpole at Bel Retiro, the home of the Governor of Penang at that time, was used as a signal transmitter.

the inclining railway track with sloop
 with 50% steepness stretched uphill

When we think of Penang Hill, the first thing that comes to our mind is the red funicular tram that ferries tourist up the inclined track to the top of the hill. What makes it so popular is it is the only train in Malaysia that able to climb slope with steepness up to 50% and it is a single-track railway with passing loops where tram going up and down sharing the same track. While taking the ride, you can enjoy the scenery around and some scene and building along the way.


the opening hour & train ticket price are available here.
website : http://www.penanghill.gov.my/

 Entrance of the station @ foothill 

Train platform at the foothill 

Jump!

Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan and Penang Hill Mosque

 located on the top of the hill that had been built there long time ago

Stunning view of Penang Island and the Straits of Malacca from the peak.
If  the weather is clear, the legendary island of Langkawi  is clearly visible from far.
Credits to my friend Jin Teng for the wonderful photo.

Coastal Area

#5 Batu Ferringhi

Batu Ferringhi is a beach area in Penang, Malaysia. Along this famous beach area, there are numerous large hotels, restaurants, transport rental services, and souvenir stores. 

And also not forgetting the beach activity you can do here like banana boat, water ski, sun-tanning and etc.

Batu Ferringhi features hotels such as Hard Rock Hotel Penang, Hydro Hotel, Holiday Inn, Bayview Beach Resort, Golden Sands Resort, Grand Plaza Parkroyal Penang, Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, etc.

It is also famous for its Night Market among foreign tourists. It is stretched along the Batu Ferringgi Main Road that became the center of activity after the sunsets.

#6 Penang National Park

aka Taman Rimba Teluk Bahang Within the forest park are pools where visitors can take a dip to refresh themselves. Picnic areas are also available, as are camping ground and hostels.

Taman Rimba Teluk Bahang is a place to enjoy the calming serenity of the rainforest. There are nature trails around the park, as well as treks that leads deeper through the jungle and into Penang Hill. Anybody intending to climb these trails are reminded that a certain degree of physical fitness and stamina is expected. One should explore according to one's pace and not to overexert.

For my case, we follow the shortest and easiest among all trail which stretches along the coast.  

we ended up at a beach. Its really beautiful! It's so pure as if it is untouched by the urbanization of human. We mingle there for quite some time, and then we took a boat from a small jetty at the edge of the beach to head back to the fishing village (which is next to the entrance of the park.)

#6 Teluk Bahang Fishing Village

Teluk Bahang is a friendly fishing village in the north western tip of the island Penang. The name Teluk Bahang means the "Bay of Heat Wave", probably pointing to the high temperature of the sea breeze coming in to shore. It's only 5 kilometres distance from the touristy place of Batu Ferringhi.

The village is a popular stopping off place for visitors looking for seafood or wishing to access nearby Penang National Park. The houses are built directly on top of the sea

There is also a few more attractions near-by such as the Tropical Spice Garden, Penang National Park, as well as the Penang Butterfly Farm.

Downtown Area

Tzu Chi Jing Si Tang (Penang Branch)

慈济静思堂（槟城分行）

When my family was at Jalan Macalister doing our usual  'food hunt', my father spotted this beautiful building in grey granite, designed with Japan liked architecture and with blue mountains as it's background. Out curiosity, we approached this magnificent building. For first time we steped in here, the environment is very peaceful and zenful, that makes us slow down our pace for awhile.

From there, I was introduced  this well-known charity organization named Tzu Chi Foundation.

The Building named is Jing Si Tang (Still-thought hall)  , serve as a purpose as temple as well as HQ for Tzu Chi operation in Penang.

What is Tzu Chi?
In english means "Compassion Relief "
Tzu Chi Foundation is a non-profit organization that is originated from Taiwan. 

Founded by Dharma Master Cheng Yen to assist those in poverty. The organization is well noted for providing emergency and disaster relief, community services and medical care wherever the need arises. Recently, it became a special member of UNESCO NGO that work along with other organization (such as Red Cross) in the effort of disaster relief and long-term recovery programs.

Tzu Chi Logo with image of Dharma Ship that saves
 sentials being from the sea of suffering

The top level is the main shrine that houses a Buddha statue inside, while the lower level, is the Operation Centre of Tzu Chi where they have their activity centre and gallery to showcase their effort in disaster relief, and aiding the people who are in need.

Interior of Jing Si Tang

We are greeted warmly by the 师姑 (volunteer) once we enter the building. They gave us a tour around to introduce and let us understand more about Tzu Chi.

 Well, it kinda inspiring me to help more people that are in need.
Now, I'm joining their activity in Singapore by helping out in Recycling effort and Free Clinic Service for the underprivileged as well becoming a photojournalist at Tzu Chi Collegiate Youth.

A image of the buddha make up of tiny  pictures

Buddha Sculpture made up of glass 

Tea are served after the tour.
It's a nice place to really still our thoughts
with a hot cup of tea with aromatic fragrance  

Zen-ful decoration and design.