not a mile high, not a mile low ©: 09/01/2010

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Better Days

Things turn out ain't that bad after all. The storm in my heart is over. I'm getting good sleep and gaining weight; enjoying the lifestyle and travels; free from financial woes; meeting new friends and great people around. There are really better days ahead. Rejoice.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Mini Travel Log: Auckland, New Zealand (3)

On this trip, I made a boat trip to the iconic volcanic island of Auckland; the Rangitoto Island. This symmetrical volcano cone is clearly visible from the city area and probably the most photographed icon of Auckland; where pictures of it are widely circulated over the internet. It is a very young island formed by eruptions just over 600 years ago. Black lava stones where the lavas once flowed are clearly visible; thus giving the island distinctive black color in areas where the ground is still sterile to vegetation. The crater rim at the summit offers interesting sights. One can view the volcano opening, albeit being covered with cooled off molten rocks and mud surrounded by green vegetation. Around the rim, you can have a 360 panoramic view of Auckland and surroundings. Although not active anymore, future eruptions are still predicted to likely happen by scientists. So, visit this island at your own risk. If by chance I spot signs of smoke, I'll be the first one off the island considering the fact of recent earthquake in Christchurch and many more in other parts of the world this year. I ain't wanna be roasted.

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Related link: Mini Travel Log: Auckland, New Zealand (2)
Related link: Mini Travel Log: Auckland, New Zealand (1)

Monday, September 20, 2010

Mini Travel Log: Amsterdam, Holland

Tulips, windmills, oranje, world cup runners-up, red light district, weed, space cakes, house boats and city below sea level. Does any of the above ring a bell? One will be quick to associate some of the above to the country Holland or Netherlands without any doubt. This country or specifically the city Amsterdam is famous (notorious) for all the good and bad reasons above. The red light district is the most distinctive feature of Amsterdam. Girls parade themselves behind huge glass windows; which you probably wouldn't find this in any other parts of the world. The people here are so open about sex that you'll find interesting sight such as a church on the left, prostitute houses on the right and a kindergarden next to it! Apart from prostitution, the city also legalizes drugs. As you walk around the city, you'll see rows after rows of "coffee shops". With strong distinctive "smell" emanating from those shops, it doesn't take a genius to figure out what they are actually serving inside. You can smoke weed and also eat space cakes (cake laced with drugs) in those shops legally if you can prove your age. Moving away from the vices, Amsterdam has its own unique charms. Museums are abound for the art lovers, or you can take boat cruises along the many canals and see the distinctive house boats. If you are a huge fan of Heineken beer, then the Heineken Brewery is not to be missed. If you are bringing your girlfriend along, then there is one place where you cannot bring her to, which are the diamond centers. There are many diamond centers around the city which some offer tours around their diamond factory. Here, you'll learn how diamonds are cut and processed. They are even generous enough to let you try on their huge diamonds worth up to 30k euro a piece. Definitely doesn't sound too good to your wallet.

Just a word of caution when you're walking around the city. Amsterdam produces the best breed of cyclists in the world. All their bicycles come without brakes. As they can easily knock you down anytime, they also have to skills to avoid vehicles. It means that you better give way to them if you're walking.

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Saturday, September 11, 2010

Switzerland Mega Tour

First of all, sorry for MIA quite a while. Been on a rough ride through shitty "weather" lately. For those who kept supporting this blog and returned daily, thank you for your support. In return, I present you the ultimate post of the year for this blog. Enjoy tonnes of beautiful pictures below.

To fix a sore throat, you eat Swiss Ricola. To fix a broken body, mind and soul, you go to Switzerland. I did just that in my 2-week soul searching-and-fixing holiday in the land of Swiss. At the sight of the beautiful landscape, all your worries will disappear right away. With the amazing scenery, fresh air, crystal clear Alpine water; it's a heaven like no other places in this world. What more the Swiss chicks are hot as well. I don't mind marrying a Swiss farm girl and stay in the beautiful countryside; away from all the big ugly cities and their problems.

The most important thing to bring to Switzerland is not your passport nor money, it is the Swiss Pass. This Swiss Pass is the daddy of all transportation ticket in Switzerland. You can buy it online or at the airport on your arrival. This ticket entitles you to free travel on almost 99% of trains, buses and boats all over Switzerland. Best of all, it also includes free passes to museums all over the country. With it, you don't have to scratch your head of where to go. You just hop on and off at the destinations of your liking on any day you wish. Get even further discounts for travels with 2 persons or more.

To say you have truly explored Switzerland, you have to like outdoor activities, walking and mountain hiking in the first place. If you are just another typical lazy tourist who follows tour agency, then I'm sorry to say Switzerland is not the place for you. Even if you travel there with the agency, you're just wasting your time and money; as the most beautiful places are always hidden behind the hills and mountains. Even on my 12 days in Switzerland, I still did not have enough time to fully explore the whole country. The best way to discover Switzerland is to spend probably a month here and hike to a new place everyday. Enjoy a good hot meal up on the mountains while enjoying the panoramic view, then head back to base mountain to spend a night in one of those cosy family-run hotels. Remember to bring along plentiful of sunscreens. The sun up in the Alps is very strong. You wouldn't want to get skin cancer as your souvenir.

Zurich