Inspiration #2 : Educational Trip - Mark Twain

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”

~ Mark Twain ( The Innocents Abroad/Roughing It)

That's the reason why I love to travel so much. To broaden my horizon, and to see things in a different perspective.

When I was surfing in the internet, I found this wonderful website... Zen Pencil
It is full, with motivating inspiration and quotes from well known people, and then drawn into a comic.
I like it so much, couldn't help it to share it. Do have a look. :D

the link>>> http://zenpencils.com/

My Journey so far...

It’s been nearly a month I’m in Germany... and my travelogue is dead quiet as i’m busy doing my attachment, settling down and travel around europe during weekends. And I hardly have the time to rest, to seat down and type my stories and upload photos of my travels.


I can’t believe that I have the chance to be here in Europe. I mean never had thought about it. I thought I din’t stand a chance to impress the interview panel. My hopes were low… Until the result had been announced. Wait what? My name is in the list?!!! I can’t help to take a second look to be assure. Wow~ it’s really true. Up until now, I still can’t believe that I’m actually living here O. O

I’m really grateful for this opportunity of a lifetime. 无限感恩~!

    


I’m currently doing my internship in Villingen-Schwenningen. Doing research in the field of industrial metrology. For the past few weeks, was trying to fit in the corporate culture here, and try to adapt to the society in Germany. It’s isn’t that hard after all. And not forgetting to adapt the cold climate here. The cold wind of winter that blows right into your face which gives you a chill. The minimum temperature, it can hit 4 degree Celsius. and that is during mid September. I wondering how low it can go during the winter.


For the first 10 days, i’m lining a lovely city known as Villingen. located next to the Black Forest and near the border of France and Switzerland. Well, it’s not actually a ‘city’ city, It’s more like a town city, where you can’t see any skyscrapers at all, and buildings there are more cottage like There are four historical clock tower gates that are situated at the north, south, east and west if the town, each of them are connected with walls. which makes the city into a little fort . Paved roads and small canal with fresh water running along them. The streets are well decorated with classic lamp posts, benches and trees as well. During autumn, the tree leaves turns golden, which is a beautiful scene to behold. If you travel out of town by car, you will see fields and fields of crops ready to be harvest. It will be like mosaic nicely arranged on the ground if view from the sky. Lines and lines of flowers fills the field with arrays of colors. If you look far at the mountains, you will notice that you are surrounded by the pine trees of the Black forest. In the grassland not far away, you can see herds of lamb feeding on the vast field of lush green grass. You can feel the wind gently blow across the land, you can hear the whistling of the grass and trees. Listen silently with your heart, and you will here symphony of the nature.

It’s really beautiful > . <


However, I have to move to Bad Dürrheim for the rest of my stay in Germany, a spa/ resort village. (well, it’s not as remote at all, it’s more like a town instead). It is usually describe as a town with many old people as it’s major industry is medicinal spa specially catered for people in their golden age. One thing interesting about this town is, they planted chestnut tree everywhere!!!

Woohoo~ free chestnut up for grab! There is also a trekking trail that leads into the Black forest (just right in front of my door step)

The downside of staying here is, it is not convenient as compare to Villingen. every morning, we need to walk 20 mins in the cold to the nearest stop to take bus to Schwenningen city, then transfer another bus to reach our company at Mulhasen. The total travel time is like one hour. (If go by car, it takes around). After the weekend travel, we usually reached the Schwenningen Station at night, not much buses available, so we have to take cab or called buses (call to a hotline, and a special mini bus will fetch us)



Oh yah, right… Me and my partner Yongyan usually travel around Europe during the weekends or holidays. We meet up with other teams (Zhi hong & Rong Chen, Snowie & Edwin.and Lindy & Issac) which are staying at different part of Europe, and travel together. Well, travel with friends is fun experience indeed.

Places I been for the past one month…

 Vienna, Austria   
  Prague, Czech Republic 
 Munich, Germany
 Venice-Florence-Pisa-Rome, Italy



What’s next? BERLIN for this weekend!


Too bad, don’t have enough time to upload the photos yet. but will blog about these exciting travels once I have the free time to seat down, drink coffee, listen to music and write.


Gosh, look at the time! Have to get going, gonna catch a train soon to Berlin! .


Tschüs!


Signing off
Zen

UPDATE : One more week~ to a land Far Far Away

Hi all travelers! 

It's been ages since my previous post. Well, I don't have the time to update.

Din't even have the time to upload my Taiwan travelogue that I went this March.

You know, life as a final year student is kinda hard, as there are tons of presentations, reports, and assignments waiting for you. What more, is the final exam I ever had in Polytechnic that makes me need to devote 100% of my time to focus on it. The semester had ended, and entered a new one. But yet, I'm as busy as usual... 

Busy with what? 

Preparing for my internship in Germany! Woohoo~ 

A land popular for it's Beer and Bratwurst.

I din't expect I have the chance to travel all the way to Europe to learn and explore. 

Finally all the hard work to get into the list paid off. 

By the way, I really appreciate this once a life time opportunity given by my polytechnic.

Oh gosh, I'm flying off next week, still have a lot of things to prepare as it gonna be long autumn and winter.

Kinda excited, I never experience autumn and winter before, as I'm living in a climate that is only hot and extra hot like Singapore and Malaysia. The chill breeze, is enough to make me enthusiastic for the trip. 

Yeah, I'm able to be there for the October Fest, The Reunification Day of Germany, Halloween and Christmas Market. 

What more, I got myself a Eurail pass, where I can travel around Europe unlimited for 15 days in 2 months.

It's really really expensive, but will make full use of it. *wink :D 

Here I come... Germany, France, Itally, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands,  Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland... ... 

Man, I couldn't believe that my dream came true >.<

I think I better go back to start packing now and have intensive German Language crash course.

Stay tune for more updates~

Auf Wiedersehen! ('Good bye' in German)

Signing off

Zen 

Inspiration #1

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.