Moving on to Paderborn, we booked a Nachtwächter Erlebnistour, obviously it started when Sonnenuntergang at 20:30. What did we do before? made the Rundgang, visited the Adam & Eve House where actually a public library, Dominik suspect only Paderborner could apply for a library card, were so lucky someone opened the door so we can sit & chill for a while.
We were such an uncreative tourist haha ~ brings me back to Innsbruck memory with Joe to take a selfie and only selfie it is with the Goldenes Dach ~ here it is the Dreihasenfenster. If it’s written a must found, then a must it is. We even took a further length for it 😉 Funny enough, we found the first clue inside the Dom.
After checking the inside, not there, we found a storage room haha on the way to getting out, hmmm a section where it is under construction looks intriguing… perhaps? bingo! saw the Schild one more time. Oh no? What to do? Germans usually not want to break the rules, however curiosity got the best of us, zonk, couldn’t find it. It’s the job for our Nachtwächter later.
Our Tourguide ooopsss Nachtwächter appeared out of nowhere, I was sure few seconds ago he wasn’t on the meeting point, then I turned my head, there he was! He was very in his role, in the way he verkleidet sich, his voice, language he was using all in the Verganenheit. I like him! With his robe + Dom on the background, he looks like Professor Snape! We were on Paderborn at Saturday evening, its neither Karfreitag or Easter Sunday, the Dom has some kind of “meeting” where in my opinion…. it does look spooky…. let’s move on, shall we?
He explained back in the day, at night, the farmer will release his livestock that’s why they build the wall. There are some house who still have the real Paderbon wall, impressive hey! He said his job was to patrol around in the evening especially after 22:00 to make sure all candles are off. What happened if not? They will knocked the door, if no answer, he asked “what is this stick I carry around?” it’s “General Schlüssel” 😀 because broken door is cheaper than a burn down house.
He guided us to the same same but different Dreihasenfenster, we found two! one in the “gate”; second in the Fenster! I’m satisfied 🙂 “Der Hasen und der Löffel drei. Und doch hat jeder Hase zwei.” I do believe he wanted to guide us to Adam & Eve House, however since I asked about the Dreihasenfenster, I think he forget it haha. Thanks God, we’ve been there #Wink!
Paderborn is famous for the Landbrot. He explained 3 urban legend story about it. First is about the fact that it can hold for a very long time, if I understand it correctly even after WW the smell is still very pungent. Second it, it taste so bad therefore Napoleon? throw it to the floor said “it’s for my horse and his horse name is somehow similar with Land” then it developed to Landbrot. Third sounds more reliable one, yet forgotten. You can skip this part I’m sure I have a blur memory regarding it hahaha
Unfortunately we have to go back to our Post Kutsche before the tour done. He said “if I missed the Kutche, we will see us in the Rathaus”, of course we didn’t miss as DE Bahn late, I kept seeing Fatamorgana if the train will be in our Gleis, it’s not… until it is.
We are now officially on the Easter holiday, what to do when you feel like you want to go somewhere but your wallet doesn’t let you? haha #On budget 😉 Deutschlandticket is the answer!
Searching what is still distance-wise possible plus what to do there? As a regular #On budget travelers, I always look for a “free walking tour”. Why? You gotta come back with experience plus one tick smarter haha. It was a bit tricky with the Feiertage therefore everything must be mapped out precisely.
Since Dominik has nothing planned, we both packed up for these Ostern Ausflüge. I narrowed down to two cities, first is Aachen; second is for the next day #Wink. I remember QQ Dite said he has a friend who is opening an Indonesian Warteg called Warteg haha #Creativity to the max, they are already eingedeutsch 😀 let’s try then!
We were knapp inside the train, few seconds later then we have to wait for next one in one hour pfffff such a stressing morning. After a 2,5 hours train ride, oh boy gotta eat directly hey, you don’t want to see a Hungry Marlyn. Once we arrived at Warteg, Dominik said he need to go to the loo because he was feeling dizzy, oh no! let’s order some sugary drinks, what else other than “Soda Gembira” / “Happy Soda”, a bunch of sugars there ~ suddely a memory jumped in my mind, Thorben hadn’t had it when he was in IDN otherwise he would “die” from the sugarbomb!
The Restaurant is really good, very different concept from Toko Bersama or Warung Made, they have a real set menu. I found difficulties to choose as it all very delicious, I could feel it. He said not only that it looks good, it taste good too. I wish you Randy, Lina, Evelyn and all staff a sucessfull Warteg ahead!
Then we started our self-tour before the walking tour started, we kept coming back to the Dom + Furzbrunnen + Rathaus. I really like the view of the Rathaus, it gives me Hogwarts vibe, just amazing. I have to say the highlight is the Aachener Dom, what the hell is that? it’s the most beautiful Dom I have ever visited #Droll! The color, marbles, candles hanging on the ceiling, wow wow wow! #Speechless.
Strolling around without a purpose seems quiet boring hey? let’s find ourself a homework, a very easy one: find a store that is the same as our age. It took us some time to complete it yet we make it before our tour starts.
Okay what can I take from the tour? We started at the Aachener Thermal Bad, there is three Wasserhahn which looks like a Trinkwasser, it’s not, it’s warm. Then she started to talk about Printen which I thought a Drückerei? while Dominik thought of a Cafe? häää? guess what we both wrong, it’s a snack haha! I did had one in the office. We were on Easter and the Lindt Osterhase chocolate was made in Aachen! She also explains these characterical builings are 3 Houses next to each other. There is a Puppe in the city center where we can move the steel part etc, the characters there represents what the city of Aachen is, such as a Professor as Aachen also known for student city and a…. yeap only that I remember, you need to do your own interpretation hahaha Aachen also have a very small statue which reminds me of Manneken Pis, unless of course its a fisherman 🙂
Had Aachen is not 2,5 hours away, I’d say I’d choose Aachen than Köln, big times 🙂
I discovered many new things during my stays with Irina 😀 from snacks to stores to experiences, let’s get to the bottom of it!
She brought me to Xenos, oh how I love that place, can get Asian snacks! Hope it will be spicy, it’s not #What have I thought pffff. She is the queen of snacks, the good one are keep beckoning her to buy it. Not only Amsterdam is heaven for Asian snacks #Power of Colonization! but also for sweets, we accidentally passed by a new Cinnamon rolls shop #Lecker lecker
Visited Thrift stores where I finally can buy pants for my size: two of it + two tops. Funny how I need to go to the tallest populations in order to get what fits me #Ironic. It is really an appropriate good stores, not smelly or disgusting, they really do take care of it. You can find everywhere here from tableware to clothes to piano haha. I kept questioning myself “how can I carry these to Germany?” 😉
Wow look at that, the opening bridge for ships, I saw it twice. Word from Irina “Look at this building Marlyn, you are standing in front of history from 1689” Gotcha, snap snap.
She known I won’t leave Amsterdam until I ate in Indonesian restaurant. Well, to get rid of me haha she make sure it happened. She found a new one called Toko Bersama where we got to meet Novrie. Look at our portion, it is massive and it’s very delicious too! We got free Krupuk + water + located near Irina’s + we had to take it home (read: got food for next day). Without a doubt, this will be our new favourite place.
Not to forget going to Warung Made, the place where I always went, to see Zara again 🙂 on that day, we got a bonus aka two new friends: Poppy and Tari! Our conversation started from the very normal wishy washy talk such as “where are you from etc” to sharing a personal toilet experience?! What?! Irina has a lot of it! she even explained the difference between the USA, EU and Asian one whoaaa hygiene engineering to the max!
I always like to go to Amsterdam, it is a fun city to visit, especially with all of these new discoveries, the game changes to another excitement level. Irina even says there are thrift store where I can bring my stuff then they will exchange it with “Points” to be able to use in their store; blew my mind. Say goodbye to my handbag signature, I’m coming with my luggage from now on 😉
Smart takes:
Oh I took a FlixBus to Amsterdam remember? Guess what? two policemen came inside shouting “Passport control” yes it was written that I need to bring Passport, lucky me I actually listened. This was my first time I got ever checked; well….. to be honest, I usually took trains. He even asked questions like the Airport Customs: is it your first time in Ams, how long will you stay, where is your accommodation, are you on holiday or business. Bottom line, bring your passport everywhere even when you only crossing the border.
Activate your “Data Roaming” just as long as you’re inside EU or else you couldn’t use your German phone number. Thank you to the young lady in the Sloterdijk Station for your help!
What kind of Christmas sequence I’ve done this year? Surprisingly didn’t go as much to Dortmunder Weihnachtsmarkt as before, perhaps A. I always passed by City Center every time I visit my doctor or buy something at DM. Therefore B. I didnt feel the necessity to dedicate really some time to physically be there.
Nevertheless I went to two cities 🙂 exploring Soest with Hainka, Lena and Freundin. They know what + where to get. We three #Not Lena did the “challenging” task mwahaha which was went to toilet at Extrablatt because we dont want to pay the fee mwahaha Don’t like to break the rule yo! #Eingedeutsch but still Asian in blood, give my jacket to Lena so they thought Im one of their customer, entered with confidence! Steady, slow #Misschief managed! Only then we can explore in Ruhe, we had Wurst & Chocolates. I also tried some Probe they put in front of the stand.
Our annual Nordwest Weihnachtsfeier! Still remember how we weren’t being picked up from the bus station therefore Monicita & Ignacio drove us there, Hainka also didn’t take the bus. We sat with our QM Thomas, when the dance floor opened, he was very excited to start dancing yes we three were on the Tanzfläche. Hainka spent almost all the time I was there on the Theke drinking Beer. When the strikes hits 00:00 I still want to stay, timeline for bus is either at 00:00 or 02:00. Monicita came to me “I’m going back” “I’m not” “Yes but Aylin drove me back to my place” “Whatt? OK then I’m going back too” Fabian picked us up, he bekommt Beilage 😉 P.S I had some improvement, didn’t get sick this time #Yeay!
We didn’t go to Dortmund Weihnachtsmarkt mainly due to a super unangenehmen conversation PV heard during his time there, urged him to report it to Police. We opted for dinner at Base Kitchen with Weihnachtsspirit ~ Nikolaus sponsored by Freundin 🙂
Andrea made up for missing my birthday & combine it with Münster Weihnachtsmarkt. There is no special Baum like the Dortmund one and quiet separate, there were 6 of it scatter around, we only went to 5 as it was raining. Then we had my favourite cocktail of all time from a Peruvian Restaurant: Pisco Sour! #Baby you’re all that I want. Afterwards went back to her place, took a bit of Pause, I gladly became her Elf on packing Christmas gift. I requested her for a Pasta allo Scoglio dinner #Never better 😀
Heiligabend went to Cafe Helene at Recklinghausen + Weihnachten with Freundinnnn #4 years and keep going. It was amazing wie immer! look at these meat! #Carpaciooooo #Nomnomnom
I got a tons of variety presents, from symbolic to useful to meaningful to ‘so me’ look how creative all my friends are. I am so proud to be able to call them friends. Nothing more perfect other than wrapping the year with counting your blessings.
Shout out to Claudia & Gio, Freundin & Freund, Selina, Julius Mama, Alina Penguina, Andrea, Martin. Professionally to Kubala and Flexport #If they want to keep getting order, better treat me right 😉
I stayed at Maria’s for my weekend in Berlin, her door is easily recognized by a cat door haha, it is very practical, her cat can easily in and out the building. Mister Cat is a very active one, he woken me up either by playing around the room or jumping to me whenever I am relaxing, he can’t take anyone is resting. Once I’m ready to roll, it was his sleeping time. I had a habbit of needing to know where he at, Mister Cat must be safe and sound. I looked everywhere for his sign, behind the blanket or so only until I see him whereabout I’ll leave Maria’s place. You woke me up, now it is my turn #Karma.
On Friday evening I had dinner at Maria’s family. Her step-childrens are all very smart, they got into an international school, could speak English fluently at the age of only 6 and 8.
Look at this, very sweet hey!
During dinner, they planned to go to “The Art of the Bricks” on Saturday. The kids asked if I can join, awwwwww… klar! My plan was only meeting Nicolas for lunch + Dinner with Sunny, other than that I would love to join you guys. They picked me up around 10:30 ish, thought we need to be super careful as the Art was made of Legos, nope it’s all glued with more glue than super glue hahaha. The whole place took about one hour to visit. See those little hands haha very cute hey! Oh who took the picture? Gaby did it but he didn’t take picture of our face #Oh well…
We separated for lunch as I will have it with Nick & co. For dinner, I requested Sunny ~ a Koreanish lady we met during our flight to Iceland, to eat at Korean restaurant. I sooooo miss Korean BBQ + their sauce. We had a problematic stove, we waited, hmmm why it’s not getting hotter? Lifted the BBQ plate, oh the fire is off again, happened at least 4 times. Showed Sunny my crazy Russian Tsar hat for tonight’s party, she said “now you also have a costume for Halloween next year” #zwei Fliegen mit einer Klappe schlagen.
That goes my Saturday, very packed! On Sunday, I was begging “Mister Cat, please go somewhere else, I’m dead tired. RIP me” My agenda was visiting Jüdisches Museum, it is for free! Yeay!
It is indeed a very well-kept Museum, interactive, modern and very big too. You could spend at least 3 hours there or you could also sit a lot like me haha I only fast forward when I want to go to see Nick again 😉
On Monday I joined a free walking tour with our guide Alex, it’s kind of a private one, only Jayleen + his father and me 🙂 Alex mentioned the red traffic lights at Postdamer Platz were the oldest traffic lights in Germany. Aha! Already knew it back then from Sebastian.
We walked passed a 5,5 km Tiergarten which is bigger than Central Park ~ 3,5 km. Thanks to Friedrich Wilhelm II who tore down the wall in Tiergarten so it wasn’t a royal hunting garden only. He is homosexual, at that time his father couldn’t accept it, since he can’t kill his own son, he let Friedrich watch he killed his lover 🙁 In the end he married a Princess, sad for both. We also saw the Monument of the Homosexual people that got killed.
We talked about Facism comes whenever capitalism is threatened, a connection between burning book in 1933 targeting works by Jewis, Marxist, socialist, pacifist and other “un-German”; Kristallnacht in 1938 as a violent pogrom against Jewish people in German and Austria.
Alex explained the Victor Column (Siegessäule) was built to commemorate Prussia’s military victories against Danish, Austria and France. As a matter of facts, it is partially decorated with captured cannons from them. The famous “Dem Deutschen Volke” (To the German People) on the Recihstag building is made from melted French cannons #Interesting.
Moving on to the iconic Brandenburger Tor, where Alex gave some Petty war between Germany and France. Victoria’s Statue on top of the gate seems to gaze indirectly toward the French Embassy; Berlin Fernsehturm was added the third tear so its slightly taller than Eiffel Tower or when during parades and military processions, the German army circle back to create an illusion of a larger force to impress onlookers.
When you’re already in Brandenburger Tor, you can’t miss the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. It has paint with anti-graffiti coating from Degussa, a German chemical company. Although later they found out, it was quiet problematic, as Degussa is a subsidiary of Evonik Industries who supplied a chemical used in gas chambers during the Holocaust.
We were on top of Parking place, what’s so special about it is what lies beneath which was believed as Hitler’s bunker! Honestly, I would like to see where he spent his last hours though, at the same time I could also understand that none normal Germans wants to have a place where people could “pay a tribute” for him.
I have to ended the tour earlier as I have last dinner with Nick, thank you Alex for the guide. I thought this “Rude Bastards Tour of Berlin” will take or tell me somewhere something I haven’t heard before. Nope, it’s a similar route like classical Berlin only he doesn’t need to be careful with his language. I’m not complaining, I could be more relaxed in terms of absorbing all the stories. Jayleen was “what are you doing here? you seems to know it already” haha Btw congratulations on finishing your studies, hope the best for your App-Airport development, can’t wait to use it. We will see us again when I visit UK 🙂
FYI, there are many providers like Get Your Guide or Booking who charge a small booking fee for Free Walking Tour like 2,5 or 3,5 Euro or so but it didn’t go to the tourguide. Alex informed me, for future better to book direclty from the website.
After dinner, I went back, get myself ready while Maria still at work. Can’t say thank you enough to you for opening your home for me. Will I repeatedly coming to Berlin again? #Easy answer
On my first anniversary in Germany I’ve done mostly all beginners tourist in Berlin, except for one: visiting Reichstag. Since I’m meeting Nicolas for the weekend, I used this chance to close the circle. Booked myself an appointment on Friday 08.11 when they have real meeting in the Plenarsitzung. My colleague Hainka said “it is the correct time for you to be on the Sitzung, there are many hot topics” Maria also agreed with the timing “wow, it’s very cool, bring a popcorn”.
Passed their security checked, before they let us in to the visitors’ level, we need to gave up our coat & bag. The security lady was very strict “No clapping, no waving, you must only sit in silence; Handy komplett aus, kein Flugmodus, aus aus” I forget how to turn off my iPhone, I don’t think I ever turn it off, no time to spare, flight mode is the best offer + never took it out.
It was definitely an experience, seeing some party speaking while others shout back. The meeting ended sooner than scheduled. Well, I don’t understand anyway therefore it doesn’t matter haha I’m here for the vibe, it was fun to watch.
Then we have a guide for question session, she gave explanations about who sits where. Of course in the middle is our Bundestag President. On the left side, the first seat with higher backrest, that’s our Chancellor’s seat. The Adler is 58 sqm like my apartment! it’s weigh approximately 2,5 tons. The color of the seats are called Reichstags-Blue, a deep blue color with a violet touch. When they are all gone, we were allowed to take pictures.
Besides the Plenary Chamber, we could also visit the Glass Dome. My first impression was it gives me a Chainsmokers “Takeaway” vibes haha well can’t afford to go to USA that’s why I have the economic version first 🙂
We got Audioguide which explains Berlin Panorama to your ears. Had I got a better clothing, I would enjoy more. I was close to freezing, saw everything quickly as I so want to be inside again!
Sightseeing in Florence day 5: Last day 🙁 don’t be disheartened, I will give my full gas! #Planned
I arrived before our meeting point for walking tour about Medici Family with Gabriela, giving me some time to soaks in the Renaissance beauty.
We gathered in front of “don’t judge a book by it’s cover” church at Piazza San Lorenzo. Gabi’s theory is if the church is not so pretty from the outside, it will be pretty on the inside, vice versa. Any proof?
We went to one corner where Palazzo Medici Riccardi located, yep they owned a palace ~ doesn’t mean they were royal residence, instead just a very wealthy person who can own an impressive formal building. They started as a humble shepherd family from selling wool to one of the wealthiest and most influential families in Europe, playing a major role in banking, politics and art. They realized the great power of art, if he wants to ties some business in another city, he would sent Michelangelo and Botticelli for example to decorate Sistine Chapel.
Gabi talked about the entrance of the bank is in the corner to be easily spotted as in the past they don’t have street name. The palace was normal lookalike from the outside with a reason: Medici wants to be liked by people of Florence, spreading their subtle message “I am just a normal people like you all, I also want my voices to be heard by government”.
Next is the heart of Florence, Duomo di Firenze. The exterior of Duomo is a collections of marbles: green from Prato symbolized hope; white from Carrara symbolized faith; red from Maremma symbolized charity or love. The 16 people are not Apostles #Math ain’t mathing 🙂 they are notable citizens such as Galileo Galilei, Michelangelo, Dante, Leonardo da Vinci. At the center of the façade, there’s Virgin Mary and baby Jesus surrounded by 12 Apostles.
No one died #officially during the building of the Cupola owing to Brunelleschi’s engineering methods and his attention to worker safety. Not officially is one died because he drinks too much wine. We do want to live a longer life, therefore Gabi brought us to the lucky boar ~ Il Porcellino which obviously a replica, the real one is in Museo Bardini, do not under any circumstances tried to touch his snout, no luck gonna come to you. You can only touch the replica ones 😉
There is a secret passage near Uffizi connects Palazzo Vecchio to the Pitti Palace. All we need to do is look up haha #Not so secrets anymore.
Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici was the last of the Medici family, she was a smart woman, every reason why Florence still have everything is thank to her. Before she passed away she signed a packed to keep the Medici’s belonging inside Florence, it can’t be sold elsewhere. 18th February is celebrated as her day, many museums are free of charge.
I decided to go to Piazza Michelangelo, tried to use bus initially, in the end taking the same mode of transportation for the past 5 days: on foot. The view does pretty up here, some says at sunset it will be very good, seeing view of Florence from the other side. This is the Economic slash budget version for someone who wants to enjoy sunset from a higher ground. I however, will be on the Cupola 😉
I bought the Brunelleschi Pass for the Duomo cost 30 Euro consist of Cathedral, Santa Reparata, Baptistery, Bell Tower, Cupola. I am dead at this point #Too many walking. Seeing the line to get inside the Cathedral, hmmm I have bought the complete pass yo, can’t be waiting with all this free people #Devil’s laugh who only wants to get inside the Duomo.
I went first to Santa Reparata, using the other entrance, you will get inside the Cathedral as it’s located in the basement, make sense since it’s an archeological site. Back to first meeting with Gabi, she does has some point though, idk if it’s due to the Duomo is still under construction or is it only this simple hmmmm. In the Santa Reparata there is a bench, great! I sat there for 40 minutes before I move on to Baptistery.
Once I got inside, it is almost all covered due to construction. I really need to come back hey! Door of Heaven, why? Fun version: it was named by Michelangelo, it has taken ages to finish the door, he said he might have been in heaven when the door is complete. Once it’s done, he still not yet in heaven 😉 The serious version: baptistery is a crucial site for Christian initiation. Baptism is viewed as a rite of passage into the Christian faith, symbolizing the entry into a new life and the Kingdom of Heaven. Real fact: None of the door is original for there was a flood in Florence, they moved it to the Museum of Duomo.
Rest from my pass is Giotto’s Campanile Bell Tower, Cupola (got the timeslot) and Museum. I calculated if I managed to climbed the bell Tower prior my time slot to go to the Cupola. I can’t, I cannot, I am unable to can. #Reality is different from planned. What’s fortunate is this ticket valid for 3 days, meaning I can still go tomorrow morning before my flight back to Dortmund. I choose the later, went to a coffee shop, sat again for another hour, preparing my legs for 463 steps to Cupola.
While waiting on the line, I leaned on the barricade, suddenly snapped “we haven’t even started and I already tired” if I can get refund I would #First thought
Climb started, it’s all spiral, at some point I could need some seconds, sat in between the hole, letting all other people to go through. After gathered up some muscles back, I continued my journey in between a couple from Amsterdam and USA in front of me and USA Family behind me which later becomes my motivation to still continue the journey. Gabi said “if in the end you can’t going on anymore, drop it guys, its not worthy, you want to have fun on your holiday, don’t torture yourself”. Nope Gabi, I’m gonna make my money’s worth! #Dedication…or economic logic.
Finally I reached the top, the father from the USA family behind me said “if you want some pictures let me know” oh don’t worry I will have every pictures on every angle, I’m gonna make my money’s worth #Mantra. Jon and Rianne alas the couple in front of me patiently took every pictures of me + holding my bag. Without a doubt we were the loudest there on top, I don’t care, I paid for it, repeating my mantra over and over again until it’s being heard.
Thanks God I have an Asian mentality in my blood, I didn’t follow my first thought otherwise I wouldn’t have met Jon and Rianne. Leute, we really into this, we’ve got it all, all views only and view with ourselves #Were very busy!
We were second to last groups that went up at 18:00, the guide shouted “continue to go down please, its over, time for next group”. Walked passed a room of handgun or something, its not even pretty yet I’m still gonna take picture of it as a proof, chanting my mantra. We were back to inside the cathedral, one higher level in comparison to when we went up to the Cupola, what I want to express is we could see the frescoes clearly and the bottom of the frescos are so ugly fulls of devils or so. I said this to Tracy at home she commented “yeah hell is a scary place”. Stimmt!
OK we got out from the church now, we do live by our mantra on that evening. As if all the thousands pictures on the Cupola weren’t enough, we must make a picture with the truck too hahaha
Rianne is dead tired, nevertheless I brought them to the front side where you can see 4 buildings in one: Baptistery, Cathedral, Cupola and Bell Tower. She gained some energy for last couple of pictures.
Only Jon lived by the Mantra ~ he followed a YouTuber with all money’s worth tip 😉 he solely will come up to Bell Tower the next day while Rianne wait downstairs. Usually the wife is the one who comes up whereas the husband wait, well, its time for a change now hahaha. They will start later while I need to be there once they opened.
Big shoutout to Jon & Rianne, I’m really grateful we met, my Duomo experience would be totally different had I not met you two! Climbed up solo, climbed down with friends 🙂 Since we are geographically neighbor, I really do hope to see you guys again in the near future!
On my last evening, I went to have dinner with Tracy, she said once you were on the top of the Cupola, you don’t need to go to Bell Tower, it will be with Grid plus its lower anyway. Oh girl, no way, I am not only FOMO but on a mission to make my money’s worth, I still coming up hahaha. I was very happy I didn’t go on the same day to both tower or else my leg might get amputated hahaha #For real.
Next day it is! On the way to Bell Tower there is also some benches to rest, I took advantage of it. I’m not in a hurry anyway, this and Museum then I crossed all my list.
Last pass! Everything you see from outside is the replica hahaha the real one is in the museum. It is a three floor museum with statues of the churches. The idea of Duomo, look at this the “possibility” of how the Cupola might looks like based on different architect.
There is also a movie where I watched two times in Italian and English so I sat longer hahaha
Then a Poem from Michelangelo, I think was good, well he’s a legend 🙂
Michelangelo Buonarroti, Rime.
Sonnet written in the years he was working on the Pieta.
The course of my life has brought me now through a stormy sea, in a frail ship, to the common port where, landing, we account for every deed, wretched or holy.
So that finally I see how wrong the found illusion was that made art my idol and my king, leading me to want what harmed me.
My amorous fancies, once foolish and happy: what sense have they, now that I approach two deaths-the first if which I know sure, the second threatening.
Let neither painting nor carving any longer calm my soul turned to that divine love who to embrace us opened his arms upon the cross.
Closing the day with some shopping, I need to get myself something yo, reward after all this one million steps hahaha. Tracy said about a gloves leather shop called Madova and a pendant charm store at Santo Spirito called Giuliano Ricchi.
The experience at Madova was amazing, she held my hand, in an instant knew exactly my size ~ it’s 6,5, like Tracy described. The price cost either 47 Euro for Silk or 53,50 Euro for Cashmere. I don’t ask if they have any other style, I choose the silk one.
The Giuliano Ricchi Jewelry is a normal house you need to ring the bell, I bought a necklace with one charm, it cost 25 Euro.
Yes I managed to get it all, in additon sip my last Hugo.
Once more, regardless of many Baustelle, Italy has my heart. I will come back for sure, until next time Firenze!
Tips: The Duomo is a must, I strongly suggest to buy all the Brunelleschi Pass like me, yes its cost 30 Euro. Need to mentioned, other than the time slot to Cupola, it’s valid for three days, you can do one each in Ruhe.
Sightseeing in Florence day 4: meeting Kate in Rome, skip Tuscany sky for a bit, moving on to Eternal City. Was on the way to train station when the sun rises at 07:35 AM, finally I see the daylight!
What a coincidence that her flight from Russia landed Rome during my stay in Florence, the train distance is only 1,5 hours, our half day in Rome planned 🙂
Kate really understand the ultimate point, this is what I’m talking! People who knows how to take pictures and how to do a boot camp whilst travelling! We are in the same frequency! Rome wasn’t built in a day, but with her plan, we’ll try to see it all hahaha
If you haven’t been to Rome, it’s a must as in M.U.S.T! It’s where every street feels like a storybook. I am fortunate I was with her, she never gets annoyed at my comment “oh, what’s that?” her responses were always “let’s go closer, make picture there”, it could be very south if I go with other people. That’s my girllll!!!! you got me and you got me good 🙂
Trace back our more than 20K steps:
What else other than….. Trevi fountain! oh hello Baustelle Julius informed me about the upcoming events, jubilees ~ the holy year in 2025, caused Rome under numerous construction and restoration projects. This is the Trevi Fountain without any water guys, nevertheless you can’t take away the beauty of it. I asked her to take picture of only building, she was… you could also do it, then she got my point “you asked me because i’m taller?” yessss! if I do the picture I will get the fence only haha
Next on our list is Pantheon Rome, while walking I found an interesting Pillars, undoubtedly she is ready with her camera + squat position. I like my first photos, she replied let’s do it one more time until I like it. #That’s the spirit!
I went in to one of ancient Roman buildings, renowned for its massive domed ceiling. With the oculus – about 9 meters diameter, it allows natural light to illuminate the interior. It has symbolic meaning which represents the connection between the temple and the heavens. Wooooo amazing hey!
The outside view of Pantheon equally astounding. You can feel this building does have history! beckoning you to come inside, you will bow to.
We walked passed two historic landmarks ~ under constructions too haha church Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza: a church symbolizing wisdom and learning with famous spiral-shaped lantern; Piazza Navona: an ancient stadium turned into a square with three Baroque fountains ~ Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Moro and Fontana del Nettuno.
I did zero research about Rome, I just went there because of meeting Kate. We stopped seeing the view at on of the Ponte until I questioned something…..
Kate…. that building… is it where Angel & Demons movie takes place?
I don’t watch the movie but it’s Vatican
Are we going there?
Yes we can go to the border, you can see from outside. Vatican is in Rome.
I AM GOING TO VATICAN CITY!!!! #Beyond believe.
Still on the journey to Vatican 😉 another landmarks show up: Castel Sant’Angelo / Castle of the Holy Angel which has serve a lot of function since it was built 2000 years ago from mausoleum, military fortress, papal residence, prison and now it’s a museum.
In front of the Vatican ~ still under Rome jurisdiction, there is Piazza Pio XII, a public space before entering the sacred boundaries of Vatican City. Kate took sooooo many picture until I got the IT picture.
In the end asked Sissy to removed all of people in the background mwahaha, my fav is the Air Jordan style 🙂 What do you think?
Stepping on at Piazza San Pietro / St. Peter’s Square which is one of the most famous squares in the world, located in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City! Let me repeat: I am LITERALLY ON THE GROUND OF VATICAN CITY!!! The place where Papa Francesco holds Mass! Felt a rush of emotions words barely capture, realizing how lucky I was to be here. The place I’d only seen in “Angels & Demons” was now right before me, it was no longer just part of a movie, rather a vivid reality, a tangible experience, one I could see, feel and remember forever. In some way, I was in a sense of disbelief realizing I was truly here. #Lost of words.
I remember when I was 16 years old in Bandung, my housemate, she is a Catholic, she was very very proud ~ borderline arrogant way saying “I’m going to Vatican” I was just listened. 17 years later, here I am, witnessing this majestic building. Never have I ever thought I would be able to be present at this awe-inspiring square.
I managed to put one feet on Vatican + one in Rome hahaha I promised myself I will come back to both Rome and Vatican, do the research so I can be inside! #Me want! One more thing to look forward too.
This dazzling experience leads me to hungrrryyyyyy we just eat somewhere, pasta in Italy = never wrong. We enjoyed the view of what we have accomplished so far from Janiculum Hill, we have walked quite a bit heyyyy! At Trastevere we could see Zara’s national war hero haha.
It’s not finised yet people, we still have got some hours before our trains departs 🙂 Kate took a silhouette picture of me inside the Church of Our Lady of Consolation near the Forum Romanum / Roman Forum a.k.a Ruins. Although the Forum now is archaeological site, back then it served as the political, social, economic and religious center of ancient Rome; lived beyond the Imperial Era of Augustus, Vespasian and Trajan.
It is forbidden to miss the most iconic symbols of ancient Rome and a masterpiece of engineering and architecture: The Colosseum we are saving the best for the last 🙂 we were talking the fact that it was a gladiator contest places, however at that time it wasn’t consider inhumane. There is no time to go inside, we just saw it from the hill.
Let me correct it, the Gelato is the best for the last! We were separated after this on Rome train station 🙂
Kate, it’s been five years, at the same time it felt like no time had passed at all, we were picking up exactly where we left off. Thank you not only for our tour in Rome, for the real conversations we had, and for being the friend I can reconnect with, no matter the years in between. I wish you all the best as you settle into this amazing chapter of life in Italy! Buona Fortuna!
‘Till we meet again 🙂
Tips: buy the ticket of Pantheon online to save some time waiting in line for ticket office. I bought the entrance on 13:00 and get in at 11:00. We asked them, she said OK, they didn’t really control the time. It cost 5 Euro but online fee 0,95 Euro so 5,95 Euro.
Tracy was like “are you seriously you gonna be the whole day in Pisa? It is very small, what are you gonna do there?” Noooo don’t worry, the tour will be Pisa – San Gimignano and Siena. Then she was relieved to know it, quote “then it’s OK, you won’t be bored”
Tomato tomatoes with the day before, tour starts at 07:30 AM meeting point at 07:15 AM, it does feels like a disciplinary holiday 😉 the only reason I enjoyed waking up early. On the way to the meeting point, I met a couple, her name is Meta, she said she got an Email explaining they will got a refund because the Bishop decided to have a Mass on Siena’s church. I don’t get any Mail nor WA, then I know they went in a full mode including wine tasting + lunch + guided tour in Sienna while I only for transportation version.
We’ve got 45 minutes at Pisa. Our guide Fabi explained there are 4 parts to see: Baptistery – Church – Pisa Tower – Cemetery, describes the beginning and end of life.
I looked for another solo rider, aha, found her, Nora from the States 🙂 Passed the gate, seeing Pisa was an overwhelming feeling, although it was or is not considered 7 Wonders of the World, for me it is. I always saw it in Internet now it’s right before my eyes.
When you see the bottom of it, it does tilt, the picture didn’t do the justice. Obviously you need to have a mandatory pushing Pisa pictures haha.
We circled around….that was it hahaha! The whole city was literally centered in this square haha. Previously I was confused to why should I be bored in Pisa? #Understood 😉
We’ve given up on where’s the cemetery. Some says “you’ll find what you’re looking for when you’re not searching for it”. That’s exactly happened, we find the last part of life when we were supposed to be back to our meeting point. With that, Pisa: checked!
Fabi counted if all people are on the bus, she said “please sit back at your original seat guys, no revolution” hahaha so changing the seat consider revolution now heyyy 😀
Next to a medieval hill town called San Gimignano. Meta and Nora are the full tour people, they will have their wine tasting and lunch. Which means, I explore this town all by myselffff. Right after I entered the gate, I followed arrow to Punto Panoramico, what will it lead me to? A green panoramic view 🙂
Need to refuel my energy with Lasagna + Hugo. They have the best ice cream in the world ~ Behauptet, whilst I believe it, however the lines were just too long. I prefer see around what else do they have here.
I always set up a timer on my phone, met a couple from the group asked them what time we should meet up? #Sicher ist sicher. They speak no English, either Spanish or Portuguese. I opened calculator 😉 it has many functions not only for bargaining in China but also to talked about time. Thanks God I met them otherwise I will be the one whom everyone waits for, they saved me from my walk of shame haha
Last Chianti experience is Sienna. Initially I didn’t get the grasp of it as to where should I go, somehow I took the wrong turn, is it really what this city can offer?
Luckily I managed to see the heart of this city, the Piazza del Campo where the student from Poland named Maksymillian took me as a confused tourist, brought me to Duomo di Siena. For a student, you can get in to Duomo for free, aha, it was an ancient times ago. Before we went back to the oldest bank in the world meeting point, we closed the day by sharing a very hype Ice Cream Grom #FOMO which similar to his last name Krom, nope he’s not the owner of the shop 😉
I have to say I wasn’t walking that much in comparison to the day before, yet of all the accumulated walking, I had to ask Tracy for a Voltaren or Counterpain or whatever gel to release muscles. She doesn’t have it, what she does though a massager, oh way better! She asked “so tomorrow you are going to Rome?” Yes – “At what time?” 8AM is the train – “Gosh hearing your schedule I already feel tired” haha I called it a happy kind of exhaustion 😀
Facts: I paid 65 Euro from Get Your Guide website “Tuscany: Day Trip to Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti” the full tour including lunch + wine tasting + guided tour in Siena was about 122 Euro, I do the exchange rate because Meta paid in USD. According to them, the lunch + wine tasting wasn’t so good, they can’t have options for lunch it was already prepared and the wine was too little to taste anything, they regret it.
I asked Nora what are the most interesting information from the guided tour. She explains that Siena divided into 17 “groups” who were in horse war each year to decide who would be the ruler / winner for the year. The horse was decided 3 days before the race, within 3 days they need to find the jockey and…… the horse can win without the jockey. In the end, it’s rather based on luck other than any training whatsoever. There you go 😉 now you can decide if you want for a full tour or the economic version haha
Sightseeing in Florence day 2, I am going to Cinque Terre! Saw some pictures while I’m booking for Pisa from Get Your Guide website, hmmm… this does looks like Amalfi Coast, it’s a M.U.S.T 😉
Tracy did mentioned the possibility to go to Cinque Terre by myself, normally that what I would do but since I have not really do my usual preparation, decided to just do it with the tour, one less concern.
The tour departs at 6:40 AM, meeting points 20 minutes before, walked from Tracy’s place needed 30 minutes. Calculate backwards you know what time I should get up right? As a comparison my first alarm for waking up to work is at 6:30 AM, doesn’t mean I really got up though. However, if it’s about travel, trust me, rain or shine, I’ll be there! #Dedicated. Little did I knew when I arrived at the train station to register myself, the ticket lady said my tour is the “Bus Transport” only, doesn’t include visit to all villages, if I want to upgrade I will have to pay 51 Euro. I asked if I can take the train by myself or there is really no other transportation way other than by car? Getting yes as an answer, Ok I’ll do the first, checked on trenitalia website, the cost of each train ticket is only 5 Euro. Perfectooo!
They dropped all of us at Levanto Train station, that’s where we separated, some people goes with the groups, I bought my Cinque Terre Card for 19,50 Euro. I’m all set! Adventure for one: starts!
Cinque Terre = Five Lands, consist of Monterosso al Mare; Vernazza; Corniglia (up in the hill, bus needed or walk up 1 km); Manarola; Riomaggiore.
According to Tracy’s the best is Monterosso al Mare. I made sure it was my first station, had she not tell me, it would me my last’s as it was the closest to Levanto where our meeting point is.
Not only beach, there is a kind of Fortress here, I’ll hike up!
Where the fortress? haha got distracted by a tunnel which lead me to “city center” area offering some places to eat + church. If I continue walking, wouldn’t reach the Fortress at any time soon so I had to go back.
Now I’m ready to slowly walk up 🙂 Mind you, my legs are still sore from yesterday full day walking haha I did have my doubt, nevertheless after put one step in front of the other, it’s kind of doable. I used some chance to sit every now and then.
On the way down, well… up too, I just didn’t pay attenzione, written a graffiti “just the 2 of us” but I’m only one hmmmm
My plan next is going to the further side (Riomaggiore) then back getting closer and closer to Levanto. If they don’t have mussels restaurant, I would say Riomaggiore is not my fav, sowohl small als auch only way up, there are stairs too that leads to have no idea, I saw it and immediately throw white towel haha.
Manarola on the other hand, is walking friendly, even though at some point you also reached the higher position in contrast to when you started, you don’t really feel the hike. I’m not sure if you can swim on the beach side, it could be only on Monterosso. I do not mind, I’d say Manarola is giving me the most Amalfi Coast vibe.
Follow the path, ended up in a slightly higher level, feel so happy aaaaaaa! It could be better than Amalfi Coast due to the fact Cinque Terre is in the north part of Italy. The Italy I always have in mind.
Einerseits I still want to stay a bit in Manarola, andererseits I’m also FOMO gotta see the last 2 Terre in less than 90 minutes. Move move moveeeee, next is Corniglia. To my disappointment, it was not as good as the others. Since it was raining + located on top of the hill, I will / had to wait for the bus with the hope I would still catch the train on time to Vernazza.
Ran to the Platform, yes! made it on time. I love Vernazza! It’s good to have this as the last stop, they actually have a castle. I didn’t even know where the castle located, for some reason didn’t see it. Sara from the tour went there she said its cost 2 Euro except she didn’t have time to see the church. I do the opposite way from her.
What I like about joining a tour, got one more amiga in south of Spain 🙂
When I visit my other Sara haha, I’ll see you too 🙂 until then… ¡Hasta luego!
Much needed dinner! Tracy brought me to her favorite pasta place ~ Alla Vecchia Bettola, we both took a scooter, it was a bit juggling because the road in Florence is not smooth, in the end I manage it! The foods are delicious! I like their pasta #no question ask, surprisingly the liver of the chicken too! We go full version with ice cream! #Wenn schon denn schon.
Tips: You can also do the same like me from Get Your Guide website choose “From Florence: Cinque Terre Day Trip by Bus”, it cost 54 Euro while the full tour cost 99 Euro, if additional on the day then +51 Euro. The tour does include cruise by boat ~ if Zeus against it, no refund was given. I’m not sure how much if you go by train / bus by yourself maybe back and forth from Florence, perhaps it could cost cheaper than 54 Euro.
Once you arrived Levanto buy the Cinque Terre Card it cost 19,50 Euro and you can go to all 5 Terre, using the bus to Corniglia too. I agree with leaving Florence around 6:30-7:00 AM if you want to see all 5 Terre on one day then better arrive as early as possible. I only have no more than 1 hour on each Terre, it was enough whilst I also need to hurry. Imo, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza and Manarola are the best. The rest it’s totally OK to skip, you won’t miss much 🙂
If you can’t go to Amalfi Coast, go here, Tracy also had the same view, she commented: they both have same concept, colorful house and beaches, only the color in Amalfi is more nude. Just an alternative if you’re not mentally ready to face Southern part of Italy 😉
