The Pearl of the Atlantic - Madeira

Madeira is a Portugese Island located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It is located about 1000 km southwest of its capital, Lisbon. In fact, Madeira is closer to Morocco than Portugal itself.

Madeira was discovered between 1418 to 1420.

This is a view from our hotel balcony. Below are all photos from Fuchal which is the capital of the island.

Madeira is pretty unique due to its geographical location. They do have both Tropical weather and winter as well.

Just a quick post as I don't intend to write much, but I am sure most of you would rather look at photos than reading.

Anyway, just got back to UK yesterday, still rather exhausted so will try to enjoy a little bit more before Monday comes.

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Munich in Full Bloom

Munich isn't just a city of steel and concrete. Here's why...

Tulips just remind me of my Amsterdam trip to the world's largest flower garden. They are just amazing eh...

She just couldn't resist having a photo with these beautiful tulips. In fact, more than one photo :)

These tulips are planted all around the city. They come in all shapes, sizes and of course COLOURS.

Us :)

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Marienplatz, Munich

After checking into our hotel, we headed straight to the central of Munich, Marienplatz. The metro (underground train) is a little different from London's Tube.

The platforms are bigger and the trains are slightly wider. However, the train coaches do look quite old.

Hopping of at the Marienplatz station gets you to the heart of Munich city.

This is the Fish Fountain (Fischbrunnen) designed by Konrad Knoll in 1864 which is located next to the Town Hall.

Some gargoyle in the New Town Hall.

Everything looks medieval here, even the door as well.

Georg Joseph Hauberrisser is the guy who built the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) between 1867 and 1909.

Deployed my tripod. One... two... three... smile....!

Standing tall is the Frauenkirche which means "Church of Our Lady".

This church was built in 1468 by Duke Sigismund. However, the green domes at the top of the tower were added in 1525.

Some buildings around the Frauenkirche. Very green indeed.

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Deutsche Land Revisit

Hello Munich! This was my second visit to Germany. My previous Germany trip was to Berlin during World Cup 2006.

Turn right you'll get to the Hofbräuhaus which is a famous beer hall in Munich.

Munich by moonlight.

Taxis anyone?

If you love the environment, avoid using vehicles.

The night view of Rathaus-Glockenspiel which is one of the tourist attractions.

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The Suicide Bridge

Bristol, famous for its suicide bridge, also known as the Clifton Suspension Bridge. If you google the history of this bridge, you'll come across the many suicide cases, hence this signboard advertising the samaritans care number.

About 10 years ago, barriers were installed on the bridge to prevent people from jumping.

As you can see, the cars below the bridge are just like toy cars.

If you would like to have a live tour of the bridge click here (google street view).

This is the park located next to the Clifton Suspension Bridge. For those with a keen eye, there's some interesting sights to behold.

This is the reason why we were in Bristol. Our friend, Dineli is going back to her home country and she is getting married soon too! Hence, we paid her a visit before she leaves the UK for good.

FYI, I have taken tonnes of photos just for this position itself. Girls.... I tell you.... haha

Dineli decided that she had enough and its my turn to be in the photo with Sharon.

Probably no one could resist not to have any portrait photos under such lovely weather.

We'll all miss you Dineli. Keep in touch yeah :)

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Vatican City, Rome

I have been to Rome about 2 years ago, that was just couple of months after I graduated and started working. Couldn't believe that it was already 2 years, still feels like last year.

Anyway, we fly from London to Venice and then fly from Venice to Rome 3 days after.



This was the first place we visited after arriving in Rome, the Vatican City.



We were lucky enough to be there at the right time as the Pope was about to give a speech.



Thousands of thousands of people were waiting at the square just in the middle of the Vatican City.




Look closer, you should be able to see the Pope.



Some buildings just next to the Vatican City which is also in the city centre of Rome.



The Castel St. Angelo which is just within walking distance from the Vatican City, so you don't really need to the metro.



The famous Trevi di Fontana (Trevi Fountain), throw a coin and make a wish.



The Monumento Vittorio Emanuele II is a very spectacular monument standing proudly in the centre of Rome's city centre.

More photos coming up, stay tuned.

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Barges in Amsterdam

When I was in Amsterdam about a year ago, I stayed in one of the barges in one of the canals near the city centre of Amsterdam. It was quite an unique experience for me.

Here are some photos taken from the barge i stayed in.



This was taken at the 'golden hour' of the day, you have to just wait for the right time and you'll get very colourful clouds and skies.



Got up pretty early on the next day as I was very excited and eager to visit the city. Waiting for the rest to get ready was rather boring so I took this shot from a very low angle.



Then, I got even more bored so I decided to align the chairs and took another few shots.
A tips: always shoot away from the sun, the sky will always be more blue than shooting against the sun.



This is the barge I lived in during my stay in Amsterdam. Pretty cool eh? The rooms are ridiculously small and there are like 8-10 rooms on a single barge. Of course, there are toilets and bathrooms too.



Calm water gives the best reflection. Never forget to look for reflections during your trip.



Nothing great here, its just one of the busy Amsterdam street.



Unlike some European countries, shops and restaurants in Amsterdam do operates until mid night.



Teasers! This is where you get your 'magic mushrooms' and 'space cakes'. For your information, those are drugs. It isn't really legal in Amsterdam but its tolerated! So enjoy.

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