on-foot and metro Tour, Brussels

Grand-Place: An awe-inspiring setting rebuilt in 1700, Brussels’ Grand-Place (main square) has no fewer than 40 listed buildings standing either side of the majestic Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) and the Maison du Roi (King’s House).
St Michel and Gudule: A combination of gigantic proportions and the Gothic delicacy of Brabant, the Cathedral also possesses Grenzing organs consisting of no fewer than 3000 pipes.
Château royal de Laeken (Royal Château of Laeken): This is the residence of their monarchs. Between the walkways of the estate surrounding the château stand the majestic Laeken greenhouses.
Palais de Justice (Law Courts): With its imposing location and bulk, this architectural "mammoth" overlooks the Marolles district. We just passed by there, didn't even take the picture. What Law are they talking about. Hypocrites!

More Beer

Brussels has been given its character by the coexistence of French and Flemish culture, and it is nowadays home to nationalities around the world, adding a cosmopolitan flavour to its atmosphere. The vibrant atmosphere of Brussels is further enhanced by picturesque medieval streets, lively squares, beautiful boulevards, impressive monuments, spacious parks, cosy cafés, interesting restaurants and an active cultural life.

Shame to the Capital of Europe

So much for the godDam "EU Common Position". Unbelievable!
Burmese in Europe protest outside new junta embassy in Brussels. Off course, I was one of the protesters. We staged a peaceful protest outside the new Burmese embassy, as well as outside EU parliament building in Brussels. I so witnessed the fact that EU is full of shit. Everyone is squabbling for "employment". What a bunch of Hypocrites!
Brussels: it is called the capital of Europe, since in 1958 it became the headquarters of the then European Economic Community (now the European Union), and in 1967 the administrative centre of NATO. This has earned the city the title of the Capital of Europe.
The distance between the policy makers and the street people are so wide. If you take a closer look at the credibility of the people working in the comission....Pathetic!

Recharging with Real Thai Food

Planing to take two weesk break here in Amsterdam. Need to catch up on some of the work. In the mean time, enjoying my friends home-cooked food. Yummy.... It's a good escape from Bread and Pasta. The most happiest person is Raymond, reunion with his staple food "Rice". Thank you Nong-It and Nyinyi. We are so fortunate to get to know you.

Amsterdam, the second trip

Train ride to Amsterdam. This is my second time back to Amsterdam. Hope to try EVERYTHING this time, because last time I didn't have the courage to. Heee.....

Bratislava, Slovak Republic

It's interesting how Slovak Republic has developed. It is just like any other big cities in western Erueope. They have EVERYTHING now, the city is quite clean. We were quite concious about the security in the East. Having learnt the fact of "The media in the west are terrible". Until you have been there, you can really tell how the media has been brain-washing us.

Twin City Wien-Bratislava

Twin City Wien-Bratislava - Zwei Zentren - eine Wirtschaftsregion
Two international airports that once served mainly domestic customers are increasingly turning into new regional air hubs serving tens of millions from all over Central and Southeast Europe. Given its good location on some of European busiest rivers, the new Twin City has all opportunities to become once again, as it did 100 years ago, a focus of Central European economic life.
Vienna-Bratislava Area of development
Distance - 50 km
Inhabitants - 5 million (9 million with surrounding regions)
GDP per capita - >$30,000
http://www.twin-city.net/

SCHNITZEL day and SOHO night

There is an old lady, who is now 82 years old and still making Schnitzel. She does take pride in her recipe and work. Even though she is now on pension still continue making it and selling it. We decided to go to her instead of famous "House of Schnitzel" in town.

It was a fluffy one. I have never seen it so huge, juicy and fluffy. The batter was just nice, not too thick not too thin, melt in my mouth. The salad was so tasty. I like the potato one better than the beats. The dish was accompanied with Puntigamer, a German beer. I love the taste of it. Its similar to 1664 Kronenburg in France. What a good big meal. Enjoyed it completely!

City Walk - what a beautiful city, Vienna!!! Great detailed-oriented and unique architectural designs are restored in each and every building. Not just one or two. Entire town. The imperial city indeed!

We end up in SOHO night club for beers. It was kinda of like a college-age crowd, mostly top 40 music and sometimes played the remix of 60s and 70s music. There was a girl taking pictures of party animals in the club. She took pictures of us as well. One can purchase their photo if they want to by going to www.cycamp.at. What a nice thing. Plus people here can dance better than people in NICE for sure.

It was a good day and now.... good night!

Lipizaner Horses, Vienna, AU

Visited the Lipizaner Horses morning exercise at Spanish Riding School of Vienna. They are of Portugal origin, born black but turn white (gradually) as they grow older. Some of them never turn white and its considered sacred and more costly to own one. The Lipizzan is a rare and unique breed; is a unique chance to see the elegant riders and beautiful white Lipizzaner stallions perform classical dressage at the highest level and in its purest form. From the mirror-like symmetry of the Pas de Deux to the spectacular leaps of the Courbette and the Capriole, this thrilling performance represents the epitome of harmony between horse and rider.

Mozart & Strauss Konzerte, Vienna, AU

Birthday celebration for both Raymond and me.: it was fantastic! We watched it at the Beethoven House or Beethovenplatz (neo-Gothic Imperial Hall). The program was composed of Mozart and Strauss and was played by the Imperial Orchester Wien with the opera singer Isabel Marxgut. It was also accompanied with some Viennese Dancers. And of course Champaign. - It was birthdays-treat for both of us.

In the morning I attended the mass at St.Stephan Dom with Raymond. The choir was amazing. I was thinking of FBC choir during the mass because their choir is about the same size as FBC chior, but sounded more angelic. May be because of the venue, humongous organ and its acoustic hall.

This photo was taken from the ile area since all these TALL GERMAN man area blocking my view. One thing though Germans are tall-well-built and handsome. Both male and female. Esp. in train/bus/tram stations we are the little ones. Even old grand mama papa are taller than us. Geezzzzzz!

Maria-Theresien, Vienna, AU

Wien, Österreich: Another Woman Warrior of Wien, Österreich Maria-Theresien-Platz between the natural history and art museums.

Woman Warrior and Lion, Venezia, IT

Venice, Italy... look at this bronze-sculpture! So much alive, fill with spirit and emotions. Plus its Woman Warrior. I like to think of myself as one.
In my culture, Lion is me as well as for those who born on Tuesdays.

Venezia in VENETO, IT

VENETO, one left over region that we wanted to cover in Jan. But we headed south (mediterrainian) to escape from cold. Now we are heading North again since Spring is on the way. So we stopped by here in Venezia for a few days. Its cool how they connected the islands and formed an infamous city, home of St. Marco (St. Marcus).