Eurotrip 8: Germany, Fussen

The main attractions of Fussen are Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein Castles. I’ve always wanted to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, ever since I was a kid and discovered it was the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Instead of taking horse carriage because it looked overpriced and tacky to me, I decided to walk up the hill to the castle. Huffing and puffing but the surroundings was spectacular. The castle itself, with neo-gothic style is eerily beautiful. I stop at the rickety bridge to get a perfect wide shot of the castle and spent my evening enjoying the panorama of Forgensee Lake. It was a long tiring day but absolutely worth it.

Eurotrip 7: Germany, Munich

Arriving in the capital of Bavaria, Munich late at night, hearing people moaning and groaning about their hangover is interesting. It was also my first time seeing people sip a litre of beer. Most attractions in Munich are pretty much the same to what I have seen in my previous trips like churches, piazzas, museums, old and new town halls, markets, etc. Marienplatz, the central square of Munich inevitably attract sightseers' attention for its fancy astronomical clock. I am excited to visit Dachau Memorial Camp, the first Nazi concentration camp. It is inappropriate for me to say that I enjoyed this place but looking back at my studies in history class during school, it was hard to imagine what was happening during WW II and I decided to experience it myself. Some might find it disturbing and emotionally draining experience but it is an important place to visit. May be I need to put "Freedom Through Work" sign on my house gate to avoid uninvited guest. Ok, kidding!!

Eurotrip 6: Switzerland, Lucerne

I've spent several days thinking about whether to stop in Interlaken, Geneva or Lucerne. After do some research, I've made up my mind to hunt dragons at Mount Pilatus located in Lucerne. Hoping to get a Hungarian Horntail, or at least a Norwegian Ridgeback like Nobert/Noberta, I took the steepest cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad to the rugged peak of Mount Pilatus. Although it is not the highest mountain round about, but it was a good excursion. As a dragon hunter, I'm expecting to hunt a wild ferocious dragon but all I can afford is a plushy dragon like Org in Dragon Tales. Trying to overcome my frustration, I go sightseeing around the city such as Schwanenplatz, Kapellplatz, Altes Rathaus, Rosengart Haus, Chapel Bridge, Mills Bridge, Stag Square, Panorama, Lion Monument and stay overnight at Kurplatz. The view from my hostel encompasses not only the lake but also the Alps from Rigi to Pilatus. It's phenomenal!

Eurotrip 5: Switzerland, Zurich

My friend recommended me to visit Lucerne instead of Zurich. Luckily I have 12 hours transit in Zurich and I decided to explore the city. One thing I would say about Zurich is, it's expensive! Not like London or Paris expensive, but very very expensive! People in Zurich are busy, lively and outdoorsy but yet the city is so calm and serene. After satisfied with all of my shots at Fraumunster, Landesmuseum, Lindenhof, St Peter's Church and The Grossmunster, I decided to spent my evening at Lake Zurich munching Lindt Swiss Chocolate, sharing biscuits and sandwiches with ducks and swans and enjoying sunset. That's how you give yourself a rest.

Eurotrip 4: Italy, Venice

I never planned to visit Venice but my imaginary girlfriend forced me to bring her to the city of water. Took me 6 hours to reach Venice from Rome by train. The main public transport in Venice is water taxi and it is quite costly and over my budget. I ride these taxis to visit Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands. I used to sell Murano glasses in Greenwich Market with my friend so I am thrilled to visit Murano Island since it is famous for glass-making. The best way to enjoy Venice is to just wander around without wanting to get anywhere in particular. I confess, I am a claustrophobic but getting lost in the labyrinth of Venice is fun, like playing a real life maze. After tired of walking, I took a time to sunbathe at St. Mark Square while enjoy watching people taking pictures and feeding pigeons in front of St. Mark’s Basilica. Gondola ride is expensive but it is one of the must-do activities in Venice. Sharing with 5 other tourists, it cost us 120 euros for 40 mins ride in the evening. It was a pleasure ride as the gondolier took us to Dorsoduro, a quiet area that away from hustle and bustle of San Marco. While enjoying the sunset and the night lights of Venice, the gondolier sang O Sole Mio, eventhough we forced him to do so. It was an enchanted experience!

Eurotrip 3: Italy, Rome

Crossing the Mediterranean sea from Lisbon, I spent 2 days in Rome. I had a lot of preconceived notions about what Rome would be like because my aunt advised me to be aware of pickpockets when in Rome. I know lots of magazines and movies, Lizzie McGuire for instance, shot and focus on the beautiful piazzas and churches, so I'm lowering my expectations. Stepping out of Termini Station, I thought I was in Chow Kit. There was a market nearby selling knockoff goods and instead of apam balik and keropok lekor, they sell pizza and pasta. My perception of Rome completely change after I discovered the majesctic Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Victor Emmanuel Monument, St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, making wishes, throwing coins and hoping to see Hilary duff stand in front of me at Trevi Fountain. Yes, I agreed with my aunt, people in Rome are quite scary. A hooker knocked on my hotel door and asked "Sir, are you lonesome tonight?" Scary!!

Eurotrip 2: Portugal

A 14 hours journey from Barcelona (transit 3 hours in Madrid), I reached the city of seven hills, Lisbon at 4am. Wandered around Chiado at this time is a big mistake as I was approached by a man selling weeds. I met Anthony, a chic guy from France at Belem Tower and we decided to explore the city together. After having portuguese egg tart at Pasteis Belem, noted pastry shop in Lisbon, we've visited Jeronimo's Monastery, St. Jorge's Castle, going up and down at Alfama and Bairro Alto and finally we decided to enjoy the view of Lisbon at Miradouro Santa Luzia in the evening. Vasco Da Gama inspires me to be an explorer. Take that Dora!

Eurotrip 1: Spain

With Eurail pass (cost GBP500+), it allows me to visit 23 european countries. Traveling alone by train, Barcelona is the first destination of my eurotrip. Staying at the cheap hostel cost 15 euros per night located in the heart of Barcelona, La Rambla, I've visited the old city of Barric Gothic, Picasso Museum, the famous Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Barcelona FC, strut around El Born district, pose with the gigantic mosaic lizard at Guell Park and hike to the top of Montjuic.

This song stuck in my head during this trip.

"Deep in the pavements kicking through the streets,

To wonder like Picasso in the Barcelona heat.

Passion is the fashion and life is poetry

We welcome to another worlds where every heart can beat "