Euro Travel & More

Nürnberg Germany brings back lots of good memories for me.  It was in 1992 that I was there – there was so much to see and so many things I want to bring home with me – like the designer upholstery fabric that I fell in love with immediately.  Nürnberg is a very beautiful place and there is a grocery store that we used to go to – with my college buddy who grew up there.   I think it is called the Markkauf – but don`t quote me on that – it had been far too long.   And there is the Landbierparadies restaurant for some German food.

Nuenberg village – don`t forget to try their grills.

They say this is some kind of government office owned by the Nazis and all the buildings are so beautiful and so distinctive – a lot like fairy tale castles.

Beautiful building for shopping where I found all the fabrics that I loved.

Found a picture taken in Moscow, Russia from many years ago – that reminded me of a short trip there.  This is the Church of the Twelve Apostles- only a small church as compared to the grand cathedral found in Moscow.  While in Kremlin, I’ve also visited the step foot on Red Square and the Mausoleum and it looks like I am not the only one interested in looking at dead guys.  The tourists there the day I was there was A LOT! But i shouldn’t be too surprised as mo scow has a population of about 10 million?  so I was told.  I do like my little trip in Kremlin but I didn’t have enough time – my ex-boss is such a kill joy ! when traveling with him.  So if you are ever in Moscow – make sure you take at least 1.5 days to see the Cathedrals and the Armour museum.

Italy is so beautiful and romantic – one can never get enough of seeing the different parts of Italy even if you`ve been here before. I am what they called a casual tourist and not the die hard history educated kinda tourist – so I`m more into the food and the sightseeing – as for seeing the churches and the roman ruins – I can do without it after the first few times.  I`m more interested in the landscapes and the culture of Italy and the Italians.  The people in Italy are mostly friendly – I find those owning small little shops are friendlier, they may not speak perfect English – but we could all understand them.  And one never gets tired of seeing the Leaning Tower.

This is the Medici Fortress – built by the Medici family to protect the town of Arezzo. The fortress was beautiful but a bit spooky with a lot of medieval ruins – the place reminded me of the movie that my mom used to watch – Chariots on Fire?

Some touristy gift store – for you to get a souvenir home – or pick a postcard to send to friends and family.  I find these places pretty fun and the shop owner was a very nice old man – who was very friendly and helpful.

A game restaurant in Italy is not uncommon – try some wild boar lasagna while you are at it.

Yums!  i thought it tasted really good.

This is the square of the Piazza Della Repubblica – where artists can be found everywhere.  There was a club I had gone to – a really classy one – and if you want to meet you Italian boyfriends – this is a place to hang out – so I was told.  See the spinning carousel – love it!  There are also lots of cafe to have a bite or two – and the gelato cafe – buy some and take a rest and watch a concert at the Piazza.  More on Italy in another post.

Of all the places I’ve been to – I’ll have to say that I love Europe the best.  Whether to Madrid, Barcelona or Greece – Europe is top destination place – when I plan to go for a vacation.   The people are friendly, lots of different food to try out and of course, the magnificent buildings – I’m always in awe of – even if I’ve already been to the same place twice.

And the musicals of course ! how can one missed that – I like the arty farty stuff sometimes.

Tell me you are not in awe – of such beautiful columns.

And the street musician and talent – you don’t find many of this anywhere else.  More on Europe in another post.

One of the best Parisian Cafes that I had been to – is the Cafe de Flore at Boulevard Saint-Germain – this place has a history – a very long and interesting one – if I may add.  I read that the name ‘Flore’ came about because there is a little statue of the Goddess Flore across the street. Modigliani, Picasso and Soutine used to frequent this cafe – interesting right?    Cafe de Flore is also a historical landmark in Paris since 1890, this cafe was a favorite of many great 19th-century writers and artists. French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre always took his coffee and croissant on the terrace.  These days you can drop in for a quick snack or glass of Champagne having shopped-till-you-dropped in the district’s luxurious boutiques. The smart set that revels in the cafe’s upmarket style ensures that its reputation lives on.  For me I had the perfect hot chocolate at Cafe De Flore and watch the world go by every time I am in Paris.

Yes I have a thing for UK – if you don’t know by now – see I was in UK for 4 years – finishing my university.   But right about now – it’s almost spring time in UK and it’s beautiful – not too cold and not too hot.  The Abbey in St Albans is a definitely must to see – as he was the first Britist Saint – so we heard.   The Abbey is really beautiful with lots of greens and it quite amazing to see all the work done inside the Abbey.

There is a tour if you want to follow – but we chose to just walked around on our own and explore.

Loved the stained glasses – on the windows of the Abbey.

The arch and columns are so 1930s.

Painting on the wall – telling a story of St Alban – I think.

The cruxification of Christ.

More on The Abbey in St Albans – in another post.

When I told the spouse that I was going to Czech Republic for work for a 5 days – he didn’t say much about it – and thought that Czech Republic was still very much a Nazi country.  Truth be told – I thought so myself – but Prague has amazing architectural buildings and I love the stain glasses in most buildings that I visit.   I wasn’t there for very long – so I didn’t get to see very  much of Prague – and I wished I did.

The weather wasn’t that good in October – when we were there – but I hear that during the summer – tourists flocked from all over the world to visit.  Pretty much everything is within walking distance – but some said the bus tours are just as good.

I love the Monastery and Prague Castle and we’ve seen the most amazing view of the city from here.  And if you complained that Asia is tight fitting – you should check out this place – it’s even worst.

Check out how close the buildings are to each other.

And of course we did the tourist thing – river cruise and stuff and shopping – more on Prague in another post.

Every year during November in Germany – one can expect millions to browse around 100s of stalls – selling grilled sausages – gifts, wine – and many more good buys at the Christmas Market.   This is a 36 days event that starts around mid – November I think.  For visitors from outside Germany the Frankfurt Christmas Market couldn’t be easier to get to or have a better location as it is only 15 minutes away from Germany’s largest airport.

I think when I lived in UK – it was there where I put on the most weight.  Why?  the chinese food and restaurant in UK were plenty around.  I figured there would be more by now – so many years since I’ve been back to UK.  So for those migrating to UK – you won’t have any trouble getting Chinese or even Japanese food in UK.  I know I needed the best thermogenic fat burner when I was living in UK – hahah!  else I would really have had been in huge trouble – no pun intended.

I even resorted to eating vegan at one time – and it was so yummy !! i ate too much of it each time I was in Liverpool.  So yes, everywhere you go in UK – you will find dim sum or some Asian food.  Those ppl there are so lucky!!  maybe I should have migrated to UK instead of Canada eh .. hahaha!!

I’ve lived in UK for closed to 5 yrs finishing school in Scotland – not exactly in the heart of London or near England but every chance I get – I would go on short trips with my friends and co – workers.  You see I had to work part – time to pay for my school even though I was on bursary.  So when i friend posted this picture showing me that they were at the Western Hotel in St Ives UK – I was like – Ohhhh!! i stayed there before many years ago! haha!   some things you just remember forever eh.  The hotel is right in the center of town very near to the beaches and galleries.

St Ives Habor is actually a fishing village – as you can see here – there are lots of boats all around.  The fishing industry has declined just like here in the town I am in currently.

September is the best time to be in St Ives – they have lots to offer – festivals every other weekend.

Lots of tourist from around UK come here for short vacation.

I think this road leads to Bedford Road if I am not wrong.

Beautiful and quaint – this little town is.