Ministry of Love

It was relatively simple to get there by bus. Weather was downcast the whole day we were there, but it turned out to be another, exciting day… :X

AL has a fear of heights and hanging on for dear life when we took the cable car up for the Ice Cave tour.

When we got out of the cable station, the ice cave is some hike up (15-20 mins). You will be assigned a group number when you purchase your cable car ticket. Once you reach the entrance, just wait for your group to be called.

  Due to the snow and fog, we couldn’t do Five Fingers after Ice Cave tour. So we hang out in the museum and walked around the little town. I believe I had the saltiest meal I have ever had during this trip…

  Now, guess what happened? When we got back to the bus terminal, we were told by the driver that our connecting bus… the last bus, might have already departed!!!! Knowing our plight, the driver called and confirm the bus has left and he dropped us back to Hallstatt town center and told us to wait there as he has to go uphill to drop off other passengers. We are not alone. Phew~ I was sure the kind driver would have helped us figure a way out if he saw us there later. And we are really not alone. A taxi magically appeared and we tried asking for help. There were two other two tourists missed their buses and shared a taxi to bring them to their hotel and another to the train station. So we figure we had better leave by train before it’s too late to do anything.

We got back to the hotel, tired and hungry again >_< I picked up a barley salad from the supermarket at the train station. It is savory and surprisingly good.

    Day 6 Cities/Towns Salzburg -> Hallstatt -> Salzburg Time Description Note Fees 0715 Wakey wakey! 0800 Walk to Salzburg Gnigl 0827 Bus 150 to Bad Ischl Bahnhof 1h32min. Departs every hourly (0815, 0915, 1015,…) Or IC547 from Salzburg Hbf to Attnang-Puchheim 15.1 euro

Prepare food!

10.5 euro 0950 Arrive at Bad Ischl 1015 Bus 542 to Obertraun Dachsteinseilbahn 1112 Arrive at Dachstein Cable Car (Dachstein Seilbahn) Cable car ride 35.9 or 39.9 eur Walk to Dachstein Ice Caves D: 25min walk. Assign 2.5h for ice cave, 4h for ice and mammoth cave. 5 fingers lookout? Average 4degrees, wear warm clothing! 1240-1330 Ice Cave tour 50min. Runs daily from May-Oct from 0920 to 1600. 1400 5 Fingers Lookout Take cable car up to level 2 station and follow experience trail to 5 fingers. Walk each way is 20-30min.

Note: last cable car down the mountain from level 2 is at 1700h.

1520, 1600 Bus from Dachstein to Hallstatt Hallstatt taxis: http://taxi.hallstatt.net/english/, http://www.taxi-rastl.at/taxiservice.php Walk in Hallstatt Walk across town in 30min. Hallstatt Market Square Photo point!!! Cultural Heritage Museum* A: Welterbemuseum Hallstatt (World Heritage museum of Hallstatt) Seestraße 56 Austria 4830 Hallstatt T: +43 (0)6134/8280-15 O: 1000-1800 daily 8 eur Beinhaus A: The catholic parish church in Hallstatt Katholische Pfarre Hallstatt Kirchenweg 40 4830 Hallstatt Austria T: +43 6134 (0) 8279 O: 1000-1800 1.5 eur Konsum – local grocery store Local selection of beers and wines. Konig Ludwig Dunkel Brau (King Ludwig Dark Brew) 1815 (Last) Ferry leaving the village 1832 Train R3431 from Hallstatt

25.8eur

2000 Transfer at Attnang-Puchheim to train IC744 to Salzburg 2048 Arrive at Salzburg Dinner Till late Back to hotel D: Walk to Salzburng hbf (Sudtiroler Platz). Take bus 130 towards Strasswalchen Marktplatz fr 4 stops, 7min. Alight at Doblerweg. Walk 3min, 260m. 2.5eur

We weren’t fans of fast food but decided to settle for BK at the Salzburg train station. The fries in Salzburg tasted really different from what we get in Singapore. It was even more delicious than McDonald’s! The Whopper Junior burger was very pathetic though :X

Everywhere in Europe you need to pay to use a washroom. In Salzburg, it’s 50 cents to a dollar euro. Some places you pay to an automatic payment collection gate instead of a janitor.

There was influx of refugees in Salzburg around the time of our trip and Red Cross tents and military vehicles were sighted outside the train station.

We deposited our luggage at the train station, took just our backpack for the night and made our way to the hotel on foot. While passing some places of interests and took pictures along the way.

This is a love lock bridge over Salzburg river that reminds me of Namsan Tower… I don’t believe in locking up the person you love with a lock… actually I’m more worried that the bridge may collapse when the locks become too many too heavy for the bridge’s structure to handle! :X

Besides being known for The Sound of Music, Salzburg was also the birthplace of Mozart. We didn’t go on any themed tour today. Just walk and walk and walked….

    Day 5 Cities/Towns Cesky Krumlov -> Salzburg Time Description Note Fees 0715 Wakey wakey! 0800 Bean shuttle to Salzburg BOOKED! 35 euro 1100 Arrive at Salzburg Buy Salzburg card from tourist information centers or hotels? Or buy transport tickets (5×1.7euro per stack) at Trafik T-mobile at Sudtirolerplatz see map. 10 GB € 15 / month € 15 starter pack Bus to hotel From Sudtiroler Platz, Salzburg Hbf (Sudtiroler Platz) stop, take bus 130 (to Straßwalchen Marktp…), 150 (to Bad Ischl Bahnhof), 131 for 4 stops, ~9min. Or Obus 2 (to Salzburg Obergnigl). Alight at Salzburg Doblerweg or Salzburg Sterneckstraße. Walk, 3min. 2.5 euro 1130 Check in: MEININGER Hotel Salzburg City Center A: Fürbergstraße 18-20 Schallmoos Salzburg, 5020, Austria T: +43720883414 Lunch! http://www.bigboytravel.com/europe/austria/salzburg/soundofmusicfilmlocations 1400 Sound of Music tour (tour 1A) http://www.panoramatours.com/en/salzburg/tour/original-sound-of-music-tour-tour-1a-28/ 40 euro Salzburg Salt Mine 16euro

Had our breakfast at this 24-hour deli cafe in the city square when we arrived. Do not expect any kind of friendly service for the price you pay. Food was not bad.

We proceeded to walk around the town’s shops, visited a mirror labyrinth (you have to wear disposable gloves so that no fingerprints are left behind) and the castle.

  Hua-chi mode fully turned on 😛

The 3 of us were supposed to go on the castle free walking tour, but the 2 noonas were tired and because we had already seen the castle (and even went up), there’s no point in going on the tour again seeing the same things :X So we found ourselves a little restaurant and had some light refreshments there while waiting for the dongsaeng to complete her guided walking tour.

  This cafe is right next to our B&B… you MUST try the Trdelnik! The Czech cinnamon pastry is sold by street vendors all over Prague and in some cafes.

Our B&B is right above a toy & stationery shop which belong to the B&B owners. There ware no lifts (of course…) but the owners are helpful and friendly, if you need assistance with any luggage.

Around the B&Bs are plenty of restaurants and cafes.

    Day 4 Cities/Towns Prague -> Cesky Krumlov Time Description Note Fees 0545 Wakey wakey! Check out! 0630 To Na Knížecí Walk to Mustek – B. Subway line B towards Zlicin, 3 stops, 4min. Alight at Andel and walk to Na Knizeci. 24czk Breakfast on the go 0700 Na Knížecí – Bus to Cesky Krumlov Studentagency bus

2 stations in Cesky Krumlov. Cesky Krumlov Spicak and Cesky Krumlov.

Walk, 8min to Town Square.

200czk 0955 Arrive at Cesky Krumlov Store luggages at Tourist Infocentrum Office 0.5euros Buy Cesky Krumlov Card? Available from Infocentrum Cesky Krumlov and the individual museums

Admission to Castle Museum and Castle Tower, Český Krumlov Regional Museum, Museum Fotoatelier Seidel, Egon Schiele Art Centrum

200czk 1030 Walking Tour Starting point: Tourist Infocentrum Office on the Main Square (Namesti Svornosti, Cesky Krumlov) At 1030 or 1400.

Cesky Krumlov Castle with all five courtyards, Castle tower, Renaissance town hall, Former Jesuit hall of residence and seminary, Bears’ moat, Cloak bridge, Castle Baroque theatre, Former Prelate, The best view point in town – Jesuit garden, Gothic church of St.Vitus, Barber’s house, Plague column, Kaplanka, Former Rosenbergs´ hospital and St. Jošt church, Old town brewery

Castle Museum and Castle Tower O: M-Su 0900-1700

Castle Museum + Tower: 130czk Castle Museum: 100czk Castle Tower: 50czk 1230 Lunch! 1. Restaurant Na louzi, Kajovska 66, Cesky Krumlov 38101, 1000-2300 2. Mastal Restaurant, NamEsti Svornosti 2, Cesky Krumlov, 1100-2300 3. U Dwau Maryi, Parkan 104, Cesky Krumlov 38101 4. Krcma v Satlavske Ulici, Horni, 157, Cesky Krumlov 381 01, 1100-2400 Minorite Monastery* A: Kaplická 439, 38101 Český Krumlov – Museum or Graphite Mine? 1400 Marionette Museum A: Latrán č.6, Český Krumlov, 381 01 O: 1000-1700 ~30min 80czk 1440 Egon Schiele Art Centrum A: Široká 71, 381 01 Český Krumlov O: Daily 1000-1800 1-2h 160czk 1545 Museum of Torture* A: Náměstí Svornosti No. 1 O: Daily 0900-2000 ~20min 80czk 1600 Regional Museum A: Horní 152, 38101 Český Krumlov O: Tu-Su 0900-1200 & 1230-1700 ~1.5h 50czk 1700 Museum Fotoatelier Seidel* A: Linecká 272, Český Krumlov, 381 01 O: M-Su 0900-1800 Tours start every hour 100czk Moldavite Museum* A: Panská street, No. 19 O: Daily 1000-1800 ~20min 99czk OR 1400-1600 Grafitovy Dul – Graphite Mine* A: Grafitový důl Chvalšinská ul. 381 01 Český Krumlov O: M-Su 0900-1600 D: Walk for ~15min from Town Square/Taxi ~1.5h 150czk 1800 Town Square (Namesti Svornosti) 1830 Dinner! Till late Back to B&B! Walk, 1min. 24czk Pack for tomorrow!

The Sedlec Ossuary is decorated by more than 40,000 human skeletons….. !!!!! It was crowded with tourists as you can imagine. Moving among the “artwork” require great care >_< You can read up about the place here: https://sedlecossuary.com/

After this stop, we waited like an hour in the cold autumn wind to take a bus to the city center. In this part of the world, the buses doesn’t come every 5-10 mins. Do plan ahead and check bus running schedules. Don’t miss the bus because they do arrive on time!

  Inside the Stone Fountain

Lunch was pretty good!

Taking in more sights after lunch 🙂

  You won’t want to mess with the ticketing officer!

Chanced upon this petite cafe and we decided to take a rest here.

  Waited again for the bus to the train station..

The train came on time… and we boarded it. BUT! It wasn’t our train!!!!!! Apparently there was a delay announcement but more than 10 of us who were heading back to Prague, did not hear it and we all boarded the wrong train that was heading in the reverse direction, hahaha! How exciting :X We’d only realized it when the station names announced were different from the ones we past on coming. That was after a few stops away and when the ticket checkers came to our cabin and found all of us lost souls.

Fortunately, we were not required to purchase new tickets to go back to Prague. We had to wait for the next train, and connect to another, to go back to Prague. Standing throughout in the second overcrowded train, we were so tired and hungry when we reached Prague finally  >_<

  Day 3 Cities/Towns Prague -> Kutna Hora -> Prague Time Description Note Fees Day trip – Kutna Hora http://www.newpraguetours.com/daily-tours/kutn-hora-and-the-bone-chapel.html The Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Chapel), Saint Barbara’s Church, Hrádek Castle, The Hussite Wars, The Plague Column, Bohemia’s oldest Cistercian Monastery, Saint James’ Church, The Italian Court – Royal Mint, The Archdeanery, Medieval Ruthardska Street, The Jesuit College, Church of the Assumption of Our Lady and Saint John the Baptist, … and much more!

http://www.discover-prague.com/en/tour/6/kutna-hora-tour The Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Chapel), Saint Barbara’s Church, Hrádek, The Hussite Wars, Sankturin House, The Plague Column, Bohemia’s oldest Cistercian Monastery, St. James’ Church, The Italian Court, Royal Mint, Medieval Ruthardka Street, The Jesuit College, Stone House

26 euro

~25.8euro

0745 Wakey wakey! 0830 Breakfast! 0930 To Praha hlavni nadrazi (hl. n.) D:Walk to Staromestska. Subway line A towards Depo Hostivar for 2 stops, 3min. Alight at Muzeum – A and walk for 450m, 8min. 30-minute ticket: 24 CZK 90-minute ticket: 32 CZK 24-hour pass: 110 CZK 72-hours pass: 310 CZK 0959 Train R979 Barbora to Kutna Hora 89czk (single-journey), 188czk (88+107 round journey), ~10czk (regional stops, sedlec to mesto) 1056 Arrival at Kutna Hora hl. n. Or include regional train to Kutna Hora sedlec or mesto. Kutna Hora hl. n. is nearer to Ossuary (10min on foot), mesto is nearer to town. Town is approximately 40min on foot. 1105 Bus to Sedlec Ossuary From the hl. nadr. stop, take Kutna Hora city bus 1 (every .5h work days) or 7 (every 1h weekends). Alight at 2nd stop, Sedlec, Tabak. OR Tourist bus. Runs between train station, ossuary and city center. 35czk. OR Regional train. Every 15 to 40min. OR Walk. 15min. 24czk 1109 Sedlec Ossuary A: Zamecka 127, 284 03 Kutna Hora – Sedlec T: +420 326 551 049 O: 0900-1800. 90czk Sedlec Cathedral, Cistercian Monastery Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady at Sedlec (Katedrála Nanebevzetí Panny Marie) * D: A: U Zastávky, Sedlec, 284 03, T: O: 0900-1700 30czk; Combi with Bone Church: 80czk 1209/1309 Bus to city center From Sedlec Tabak stop, take bus 1 or 7 to Centrum, 9 stops, 16min. OR Tourist bus.

Walking takes 45min!

24czk Informační centrum Města Kutná Hora – Sankturin House Buy snacks? D: Walk, 3min. A: Palackého nám. 377/5, 284 01 Kutná Hora T: +420 327 512 378 O: 1000-1600 Lunch! Restaurant Dacicky A:Rakova 8, Kutna Hora 284 01, Czech Republic T:+420 327 512 248 OR Cafe Lavande A: Palackeho Namesti 156, Kutna Hora 284 01, Czech Republic T: +420 608 337 666 OR restaurace ruthardce A:dacickeho nam 15, Kutna Hora, Czech Republic T:+420-739-013-510 1400 České muzeum stříbra – Hradek (The Small Castle) D:Walk, 3min. A: Barborská 28, 284 01 Kutná Hora T: 327 512 159 O: 0900-1700, closed on Mondays & Dec – Mar. Two routes: I – The Town of Silver (history of Kutna Hora), 1h II – The Journey of Silver (Silver mining, ore processing, life of miners), 1.5h Route I: 70czk; route II: 120 czk; routes I+II: 140czk Foreign language tours: 20czk/pax (reservation recommended) 1545 St Barbara’s Church (& Chapel of Corpus Christi) D: Walk, 5min. A: Barborska, 284 01 Kutna Hora T: 327515796 O: 0900-1800 60czk 1615 Jesuit College (Gallery of Central Bohemian Region) D: Walk, 1min. A: Barborská 51-53 284 01 Kutná Hora T: +420 725 377 433 O: 1000-1800. 80-220czk (according to exhibition) Medieval Ruthardka St. Walk through Ruthardka St to Church of Saint James. 1640 Church of Saint James (Kostel sv. Jakuba) D: Walk, 5min. A: Jakubská, Kutna Hora T: 327515796 O: 1000-1700 40czk 1710 Vlašský dvůr – Italian Court (former Royal Mint) D: Walk, 2min. A: Havlíčkovo nám. 552, 284 01 Kutná Hora T:+420 327 512 873 O: 0900-1800

2 tours: I – Royal mint (25min) II – Royal palace (audience hall & chapel, 20min)

I, II – 70czk each, I+II – 105czk 1800 Plague Column of Virgin Mary Immaculate D: Walk, 5min. 1815 Stone House (Part of Museum of Silver) D: Walk, 2min. A: Václavské nám. 183, 284 01 Kutná Hora T: 327 512 821 O: 0900-1800 2 exhibitions: I – The Royal Mining Town II – Lapidary I – 50czk; II – 40czk; I+II – 80czk; Foreign language guide – 10czk Saint John the Baptist (Kostel sv. Jana Nepomuckého) * D: A: T:+420 327 512 378 O: 1000-1700 30czk 1834-1853 To Kutna Hora hl. n. From Centrum Bus Stop, take bus 7, 10 stop, 19min. Alight at hl. Nadr. Stop. 24czk 1859 Return train R976 Porta coeli to Prague 107czk 1957 Arrival at Praha hl. n. 2000 Dinner Prepare breakfast for tomorrow! Till late Back to Jiri’s Studio Pack for tomorrow!

The Prague Castle is a short tram ride away. Very very crowded though. There was crowd control so that not too many people are packed into the castle at any one time, but don’t expect not to see heads everywhere in your pictures, haha!

We had lunch on the way down. It is standard practice to offer bread at every meal, but it may or may not be included in the meal price, if it isn’t, you can return it so that you won’t be charged.

Next, John Lennon Wall and walking around Kampa island. The busker wrote a cute note 🙂

And this pianist in the park.. I can probably sit there all day and listen to him ❤

Had the best tasting grilled vegetables that night. Was it then that I fell in love with eggplant?!

We covered many places during the walking tour on Day 1 so we dropped many places of interests on Day 2.

  Day 2 Cities/Towns Prague Time Description Note Fees 0730 Wakey wakey! Breakfast! To Prague Castle 0900-1230 Prague Castle (& Gallery) O: Castle Area 0500h-2400h (Apr 1 – Oct 31), Historical monuments 0900h-1800h (Apr 1 – Oct 31) Guard Changing Ceremony: daily 1200h at First Courtyard(St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, exhibition The Story of Prague Castle, St. George’s Basilica, Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower, Powder Tower, Rosenberg Palace, Exhibition The Treasure of St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague Castle Picture Gallery)

D: The visitors use mostly tram No. 22 (stop called Pražský hrad), turn left and in 5 minutes you reach the 2nd Courtyard of Prague Castle. Then they leave the Castle through the Old Castle Stairs to metro station Malostranská.

Tram 18 from Staromestska to Malostranska, dir. Sidliste Petriny, 1 stop, 2min. Transfer to tram 22 from Malostranska, dir. Bila Hora, 2 stops, 5min. Alight at Prazsky hrad.

24czk

Long tour: czk350 Short tour: czk250 Audioguide czk350 (3h), czk450 (1d)

1300 Lunch Restaurace Baracnicka rychta A: Tržiště 23/555 118 00 Praha-Malá Strana Czech RepublicPizzeria Tre Colori A: Zámecká 200/5 118 00 Praha Czech Republic Explore Prague old town! Loreto Prague (Chapel)* O: Daily 0900h-1215h & 1300h-1700h D: Walk from Prague Castle, 9min. OR Tram 22 to Pohorelec (<5min, 2stops)27-bell carillon plays on the hour 130czk (audio guide rental: 150czk) Strahov Monastery* A: Strahovske nadvori 1, Strahov, Castle District, Prague 1 T: +420 233 107 730 O: Daily 0900-1200 & 1300-1700 (Library), 0900-1200 & 1230-1700 (Gallery) D: Walk, 8min. 80czk Petrin Tower* Nebozizek Restaurant -> Top of Petrin Hill”}”>Miniature Eiffel Tower, climb 299 steps to the top of the tower Attractions: Gardens, hall of mirrors, observatory, telescope open to public, a church and rose garden. A: Petrin Hill & Observation Tower, Lesser Town, Prague 5 O: Daily 1000-2200 D: Walk, 14min. OR Metro Ujezd, trams 12, 20, 22. Take funicular railway up Petrin HillRuns from Mala Strana to top of Petrin HIll O: 0900-2330 (every 10min) CLOSES FOR MAINTENANCE 7 Sep to 16 Oct – CHECK! D: Metro Ujezd (trams 12, 20, 22) Stops: Ujezd -> Nebozizek Restaurant -> Top of Petrin Hill 120czk (Fees apply to tower, mirror maze and observatory), 32czk (Funicular Railway, valid with public transport ticket) Church of Our Lady Victorious (Original Statue)* A: Karmelitská 9, 118 00 Praha 1 O: M-Sa 0930h-2100h & Su 1300h-1800h D: Walk, 12min. OR LD (funicular lift from Petrin LD – top of hill to Ujezd LD – bottom of hill) then walk 4min.) – Lennon Wall A: Velkoprevorske namesti D: Walk, 4min. Nearest tram stops: Malostranske namesti or Hellichova – Kampa Island D: Walk, 3min.

Attractions: Lennon Wall, Museum of Kampa, alleys, cafes!

http://www.ambi.cz/en/restaurace/

– Dinner – Cafe Louvre A: Národní třída 20, Prague 1 D: Walk to Ujezd, tram 9 or 59 towards Spojovaci. Alight at Narodni trida. Walk, 2min. (From Kampa) OR Walk to Karlovo namesti. Subway line B towards Cerny Most, 1 stop. Alight at Narodni trida. Walk 3min. (From Dancing House) O: M-F 0800h-2330h, Sa-Su 0900h-2330h 24czk Havel’s Market A: Havelska Street, Prague 1 D: Walk, 5min. OR Metro Mustek (line A/B) O: Daily 0900h-1800h – Museum of Communism* A: Na Prikope 10, New Town, Prague 1 D: Walk, 4min. O: Daily 0900h-2100h 190czk Jindrisska Tower (St Henry’s Tower) A: Jindrisska st, Prague 1 D: Walk, 7min. O: M-F 0900h-1900h, Sa-Su 1000h-1900h 90czk Jerusalem Synagogue A: Jeruzalémská 1310/7, 110 00 Praha 1 D: Within 3min walk from Jindrisska O: M-F,Su 1100h-1700h 80czk, Combined ticket for Synagogues 250czk National Museum A: Václavské náměstí 68, 115 79 Praha 1 O: Daily 1000-1800h D: Walk to Hlavni nadrazi, subway line C towards Haje, 1 stop, 7min. OR Walk, 10min.Under reconstruction. Only temporary exhibits. 160czk for all exhibits, 100czk for 1 exhibit Dancing House* A: Jiraskovo namesti, New Town, Prague 2 D: Walk to Vaclavske namesti. Tram 3 towards Nadrazi Branik, 5 stops. Alight at Palackeho namesti and walk 2min. (From museum) OR Walk to Svandovo divadlo. Bus 176 towards Karlovo namesti. Alight at Jiraskovo namesti and walk 1min. Attraction: Fred and Ginger Restaurant (O: 1200-2200) Only top floor (restaurant) is opened to public 24czk Till late Back to b&b! D:Walk to Jiraskovo namesti. Tram 17 towards Vozovna Kobylisy, 2stops. Walk 6min. (From Dancing House) OR Walk to Muzeum – A. Subway line A towards Nemocnice Motol, 2 stops. Alight at Staromestska. Walk 6min. 24czk

YM done 99% of the planning and really kudos to her, AL and myself just follow >_< however we did sit together and look at the accommodation choices before booking them 🙂

AL and myself upgraded to economy comfort for extra leg room and guess what? noise reduction ear piece! It really helps to block out noises (think along chitchatting, snoring etc). I found it especially useful when it is tough for me to fall into deep sleep cycle. A good rest is very critical on a long haul flight and it will be day time when we arrive in Prague and starting the day’s plan immediately.

After transiting in Helskinki, we boarded our flight to Prague!

Bye Helsinki!

Doesn’t it look like the plane is sandwiched between two layers of fluffy clouds?

We took the public bus and then subway to get to old town central to check into our Airbnb.

Jiri’s studio, simple & clean. Tucked away from the main crowded places but within 5 mins walking distance to main attractions in old town.

Quickly settled our luggage and off we went to hunt for local food and join the free walking tour!

There are many free walking tours daily, simply head on to http://www.neweuropetours.eu/prague/en/home to reserve a slot prior to joining. The guides are not paid by the tour agency and rely solely on tips.

Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock

View of Charles Bridge

House of the Black Madonna & Museum of Cubism

Church of Our Lady before Týn

View of Prague Castle Rudolfinum – Czech Philharmonic

Old New Synagogue & the Golem

Art Nouveau Municipal House

Spanish Synagogue

St. Nicolas’ Church

Old Jewish Quarter

Kinský Palace

Wenceslas Square WWII – Prague Uprising

Statue of Jan Hus

Powder Tower

PS: Even if you are on a tight budget, don’t be cheap and not tip the person who spent 3-4 hours giving you a guided tour of the town.

PS: There may be people who dig into trash bins for food. If you can’t finish your food, just give it to the person personally and not throw it away only to be picked up later.

Orlog, the Prague astronomical clock is quite amazing that it still works until this age. The oldest working clock of its kind in the world will be 607 years old in October!

We caught this while on the way back to our bnb. Many people were waiting for the hourly display.

Day Country City/Town Highlights 1 Czech Rep Prague

Havelske trziste, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Clementinum, Petrin Park, John Lennon wall,

Famous Prague streets: New World Street Pařížská Street Sněmovní Street Újezd Havelská Street Jakubská Street Jelení Street Křížovnická Street Černínská Street Na Kampě Street Vodičkova Street

Shopping: Pavilon (Vinohrady), Palac Flora (Vinohrady), Pallidium (Namesti Republiky) http://www.myczechrepublic.com/prague/prague-shopping-malls.html

Farmers’ Markets: http://www.farmarske-trhy.cz/ http://www.expats.cz/prague/article/czech-food-drink/farmers-markets-in-prague/

10 must eats: Koleno (pork knuckle) Vepřo-knedlo-zelo (roast pork with bread dumpling and saurkraut) Tatarák (raw minced beef with eye yolk, onion, mustard, salt and pepper) Ovocné knedlíky (fruit dumpings) Pivo (beer) Bramboráky (rosti) Nakládaný hermelín (pickled cheese) Utopenci (pickled sausage) Svíčková na smetaně (sirloin doused in vegetable gravy) Palačinky (crepe dessert) seriouseats.com

http://eatyourworld.com/destinations/europe/czech_republic/prague

2 Czech Rep Prague

[Travel] 14D Europe Free & Easy

A trip of many firsts… first time agreeing to go on a trip without much thinking… “Ok lor, on!” >__< and I’ll start questioning.. which city are we in right now? :X first holiday with SYN colleagues, first time travelling with AL & YM first time taking Finnair, it was not bad! first time falling on all fours overseas, hahaha! first time getting lost on trains… It sure was a lot of adventure and…

There was an incident on the train when some passengers screamed and came rushing over into my cabin. Fortunately there it was not Train to Busan! I got a scare and had no idea what happened. All kind of crazy thoughts were running through my mind. With a maniac who killed anybody in sight in Taiwan, I don’t stare at my phone or play games or sleep during a train ride. At the next station, the parties concerned were escorted out with a girl crying and a very angry elder man. God knows what happened?!

After a quick visit to soompi office to say hi, I went over to Garousugil. The place to see and be seen.

I came to know the Hwawon cafe few years back when I did cafe hopping with Piggy and Ivie. It’s a cafe like it’s name, full of plants and flowers, very relaxing and pets are welcomed! The owner Mr Choe Hyunjune is an avid photographer and you can check out his works here.

Rushed back to Insadong for dinner with family and we had hanshik. Look at that table full of dishes!

And more shopping in Myeongdong! This time we got to try the street foods and ice cream churros. Yay!

People were raving about the honey butter chips but they were nowhere to be found. I tried this one and it was… meh~

  The last day in Seoul was actually the following day. The night was spent trying to squeeze all our purchases into the luggage… I had to deposit some stuff in my mom’s luggage and my own still weighed 33.5kg!

To make sure we don’t miss our flight home, we went to the airport early upon check out through shared van service by the hotel. There are always long queues at the tax refund counters and automated machines. Immigration clearance can take quite a long time as well! I remember having to run to the boarding gate on my first trip to Korea. The tour agency sent us to the airport 2 hours ahead but immigration clearance took 1 hr 45 mins… by the time we were cleared, it was 15 mins to flight departure time! So don’t assume 2 hours is sufficient :)

  Overview

Day 7 (Mar 20, Fri) Jimjilbang/Sauna at Itaewon Land or Wangsimni (Bath & Sauna)

Wake up 9am and prepare. Breakfast.

Proceed to Itaewon land. Itaewon Land is a large 5 story public Jjimjilbang (Korean Spa) that also rents out private guestrooms for tourists.

Address : 34, Usadan-ro 14-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Time : Open year around and 24 hours

Phone : 82 2 749 4122

Admission: Sauna, 6,000 won

Jjimjilbang 8,000~10,000 won

Lunch

Dinner

Pack luggage

The Ice Museum wasn’t really big they had some nice sculptures that you can hop into for photo taking.

We also checked out the Love Museum… it’s adult themed so Shiya has to stay outside :X

  The famous playground that appeared numerous times in K-Dramas :) I think it’s the first time that I came here! Kyochon chicken was nearby so that became our very late lunch!

The mural caught our attention obviously :)

Bonjuk Insadong. Finally got to try it out. It was all over the place in Boys Over flowers :X but this wasn’t the same store that was featured in the drama. Hearty porridge for dinner. Yum!

Overview

Day 6 (Mar 19, Thu) Hongdae, Apgujeong, Sinsa, Gangnam

Wake up 8am and prepare. Proceed to Hongdae Station.

Trick Eye Museum & Ice Museum

Directions: From Exit 9 of Hongdae Station (Subway Line 2), walk straight for 200m towards the Starbucks coffee shop.

Address: Seoul-si Mapo-gu Seogyo-dong, 357-1 Seogyo Plaza B02-01

Entry: 15,000 won adults / 12,000 won for under 18

Opening: Daily 09:00 – 21:00 (last admission at 8pm).

The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince (only if interested)

How to Get There: Take Subway Line 2 to Hongik University, and go out of Exit 4 a Turn right into Seven Springs corner and pass the intersection a At the 3-way intersection, turn left a Walk about 100 meters on the road above the playground and walk towards the road on the right side a Walk about 500 meters until you find the coffee shop on the right.

Get off Hongik Univ. Station Exit 8, walk towards the bus stop, ride the MAPO-9 bus (going towards 망원유수지–신촌전철역 — it’s 6 stops from the station, if you’re not confident in reading Korean, count the stops!). When you get off, walk towards the street that goes slightly downhill (the street is called Wausan-ro 29-gil), you’ll see the cafe to your left. It’s a 1-min walk from the bus stop.

Hongdae Park, Playground, Free Market (open from 1pm on Saturdays only.)

The playground located in front of Hongik Univ.’s entrance. One of Hongdae’s landmarks.

Flea markets, band performances, and various events are held here.

Galleries, museums, and nightlife surround the playground.

Playground 19-3, Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Line 2 Hong-ik Univ. Stn. Exit 9 Walk 600 towards Hongik Univ. Entrance→across the street from the main entrance   

Style Nanda Flagship Store

Address: 23, Wausan-ro 29da-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Telephone +82-2-333-9215

Line 2 Hong-ik Univ. Stn. Exit 8 and 9 500m

Lunch Famous Korean Pancake Restaurant (참새방앗간) Hongdae Subway Station Exit 8.

Address : 129-1, Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Korean pan cake and chicken stew

Thanks Nature Café (땡스 네이쳐) (only if interested – cafe with sheep)

Address : Seoul, Mapo-Gu, Seogyo-Dong 486 B1   Open Hours: 1100-2200hrs (All days of year) Telephone No : (82) 02-335-7470

How to go there : Hongdae University Station (Seoul subway Line 2) Exit 9, Walk straight until you reached cross junction and turn left. Walk around 5 minutes you will find out this café on your left side at the basement.

Hello Kitty Cafe (헬로키티 카페)

Address : 94-3, Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Time : 1100-2400hrs Sun~Thurs / 1100-0200hrs Fri~Sat

Phone : 82 2 334 6570

Proceed to Sinsa (Garosugil), then Gangnam/Apgujeong

Garosu-gil is hip and trendy new place in Gangnam. Many celebs spotted in this area.

GETTING TO GAROSU-GIL: Sinsa Station (Line 3), Exit 8. Walk straight for three blocks (approximately 250m) and turn left onto Garosu-gil.

The 화원 서울시 강남구 신사동 가로수길. +82 2-542-5565

Yeolbong Jjimdak 열봉찜닭 – Se7en’s Chicken Stew Restaurant. The restaurant is on your right on level 2.

8seconds Garosugil flagship store: 535-12 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu

Youk Shim Won: Main Shop: 546-9, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea. Tel +82 2 511 2187 (Open 11am – 9pm)

Sinsa Station (Line 3), Exit 8. Garosu-gil. Walk straight for 750m.

Kona Beans (코나빈스)

Address : 13, Apgujeong-ro 42-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Apgujeong MCM Flagship store.  

Address: 412, Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Tel: +82-2-540-1404

Operating Hours: 11:00-20:30 (Open all year round)

Guess where we heading to?

We are going to the building behind!

Tah-duh! We are going to “spa” at Itaewon Land :) I guess it’s always a good idea to schedule a down-time during any trip.

Apparently some dramas and variety shows are filmed here… and we did what the locals do? Maybe not. I don’t see people in towel head rolls >_< We tried the various temperatures for a while and then Eve just decided to pull a mat before the television to watch Heal Me Kill Me @_@

It’s a rest-and-relax-and-then-eat-somemore day. Seorae is so delicious so we head back again! The boss recognizes us by now and gave us a discount, hehe!

  Overview

Day 5 (Mar 18, Wed) O-V-O Train 

Wake up 6.00am and prepare. Proceed to Seoul Station Station (Subway Line 1, 4), Exit 1

Stick to O train throughout if V train tickets are sold out.

https://jotay.wordpress.com/2014/06/17/korail-o-train-v-train/

1) Seoul -> Buncheon (5hours) [O-Train] Depart 7.45am

2) Buncheon -> Cheoram (1hour) [V-Train] Lunch and wait for Train Depart 2pm ** No toilets on V train**

3) Cheoram -> Seoul (5hours) [O-Train] Waiting time around 2hours for train to Seoul

O Train: Train stops: Seoul – Wonju – Jecheon – Yeongwol- Mindungsan – Gohan – Chujeon – Taebaek- Cheoram – Seungbu- Buncheon– Chunyang – Bonghwa – Yeongju

V Train: Train stops: Buncheon – Bidong stop – Yangwon – Seungbu – Cheoram

  Train Schedule

Train Course Departure Station Departure Time Travel Time O-train Seoul – Yeongju

Yeongju – Seoul

Seoul Station

Yeongju Station

07:45

15:55

6 hrs 21 mins V-train Buncheon – Cheoram Buncheon Station 10:00 / 14:00 / 17:15 1 hr 10 mins

  * The train schedule for this course varies every month and is posted on the KORAIL homepage.

* Please refer to the KORAIL homepage for a more detailed train schedule of each station.

☞ Ticket Purchase:

General seat & Family seating for four – Tickets can be purchased using the KORAIL smartphone application, online, or on-site.

Set (room) seats – Tickets for a couple room for two or a family room for four can only be purchased on the KORAIL homepage.

☞ Fare (Adult)

O-train: 27,300 won (Seoul – Yeongju)

V-train: 8,400 won (Buncheon – Cheoram), 11,700 won (Yeongju – Cheoram)

* Discount available on weekdays (Mon – Thu)

* Ticket prices vary by distance traveled. / Detailed fare information is available on the KORAIL homepage.

PASS Price

Category 1-day Pass 2-day Pass 3-day Pass Adults

(ages 26 – 54)

54,700 won 66,100 won 77,500 won Adolescents & Seniors

(ages 13 – 25, ages 55 and over)

38,300 won 46,300 won 54,200 won Children

(ages 12 and under)

27,300 won 33,000 won 38,700 won

* The pass can be used to board the O-train, V-train, and other general trains (Mugunghwaho, Nuriro, Saemaeulho) on connecting routes within the designated period of time.

– List of connecting rail routes for the Central Inland Region Tour Train

Via Jungang Line (central line): Cheongnyangni – Bujeon, Yeongju – Dongdaegu – Busan

Via Chungbuk Line: Daejeon – Jecheon

Via Yeongdong Line: Yeongju – Gangneung

Via Taebaek Line: Jecheon – Dongbaeksan

Via Gyeongbuk Line: Busan – Gimcheon – Yeongju

Via Jeongseon Line: Mindungsan – Gujeolli

* Pass holders can have their seats assigned at each station before boarding the train. If all seats are occupied, standing room will be the only available option.

* Pass holders must have proper identification and their pass tickets at all times during their travel.

☞ KORAIL Homepage: http://www.korail.com (Korean, English)

☞ Inquiries: KORAIL Customer Center +82-1588-7788 (Korean, English)

Today we came to Changdeokgung but didn’t join the main guided tour. Instead we’d signed up for the Secret Garden tour. Reservation is required and has to be a guided tour.

Really a bad time to visit Korea… the dull colors of post-winter >_< when I compare pictures with my colleagues. largi sad leh!

what YM saw; what HH saw; what I saw :(

Alive Museum at Insadong is the largest fun trickeye art works. We had so much fun there!

Dinner was at an unknown place as we were too tired to look for the recommended places. By the time we come out of Alive Museum it was also pretty late so we decided to just hang out in Insadong and shop in the area. Stopping by a petite cafe for coffee and I bought some “GB” collectibles :P

Mom gave the busker some money and praised his singing in her own way :)

  Overview

Day 4 (Mar 17, Tue) Walking Tour to Changdeokgung, Insadong, Alive Museum*, Cheonggyecheon Stream

Wake up 8am and prepare, or later. Guided tours start late morning and noon. Have late breakfast.

Proceed to Changdeokgung, Anguk Station Exit 3. Go straight for 5min. 

Changdeokgung Palace (closed on Monday). Insadong. Alive Museum in Insadong. Cheonggyecheon Stream

Changdeokgung Adults KRW 3000 Regular. Chinese Guided Tours: 11:00, 15:00 (60 mins) ← covered if buying integrated ticket.

– Huwon (Secret Garden) Course (90 mins) KRW5000. Chinese Guided Tours: 12:30

– Hamyangmun Gate → Buyongji Pond area → Uiduhap Building → Bullomun Gate → Aeryeonji Pond area → Yeonggyeongdang House → Jondeokjeong area → Ongnyucheon → Donhwamun Gate

※ Admission to Huwon is limited for 100 people per session. (On-line reservation 50 people, on-site purchase 50 people on a first-come, first served basis). Total KRW 8000 if taking Secret Garden tour.

Reservation Info. for Foreigners Advanced reservations or on site reservation (on a first-come, first served basis) required for Huwon Tour (Secret Garden area). Tel: +82-2-762-8261 (English) / http://eng.cdg.go.kr/reservation/reserv_01.htm?year=2015&month=1 (starts every Tue for current month) Directions [Subway] Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station (Subway Line 1, 3 or 5), Exit 6. Go straight along Donhwamun-ro Street for 10min.  Anguk Station (Subway Line 3), Exit 3. Go straight for 5min. 

The walk from Changdeokgung Palace to Insa-dong only takes between 5 to 10 minutes. Late lunch.

Recommended Restaurants in Insa-dong / Ssamzigil

Sanchon (산촌) This restaurant, which offers temple food, is so well known that not only the local media, but even the international media has covered it. There is one menu, and more than 16 dishes are vegetarian. In the evening, the restaurant offers a traditional dance performance between 20:00 and 20:50. Tel: +82-2-735-0312 (Korean) Hours: 12:00 ~ 22:00 Closed: New Year’s, Lunar New Year’s, and Chuseok holidays Price: Lunch 19,800 won / Dinner 35,200 won

Saram & Namu (사람과 나무, Human & Tree) This restaurant gained recognition as one of the favorites of Coach Guus Hiddink, who brought the Korean football team to the semi-finals in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The cuisine is Korean with some fusion-style additions. Located in the Hanok building, the interior is decorated in a spiritual, zen decorum, making the ambience just as satisfying as the food. The recommended lunch special is priced at 7,000 won and comes with seven different dishes. Tel: +82-2- 723-3323 (Korean) Hours: 10:00~24:00 Closed: Open all year round Price: Lunch special: 7,000 won / Dinner special: 29,800 won (for two people)

Insa-dong Sujebi (인사동 수제비) This deliciously chewy sujebi is served in a small jar. Also try the oyster pajeon (Korean style pancake) and golbaengi muchim (spicy freshwater snails). Tel: +82-2-735-5481/3361 (Korean) Hours: 11:30~21:30 Closed: New Year’s, Lunar New Year’s, and Chuseok holidays Price: Insa-dong sujebi: 5,000 won / gul (oyster) pajeon: 8,000 won / golbaengi muchim: 10,000 won

Starbucks Insadong

The only Starbucks outlet in the world with korean name.

  *Alive museum. Adults KRW 12K. Seniors KRW 10K. Reservation online http://www.alivemuseum.com/TRICK_ART.html

12, Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul-si Inside the Deil Bldg. (B1-B2)

Open 09:00-20:30 (last admission is 1 hour before closing.)

* Can skip if tired

Directions [Subway] Jongno 3-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 1 & 3 & 5), Exit 1. – Walk for 310m and take right at Keumkang Store. – Continue walking straight until you reach TonyMoly (Insa-dong Branch). – The museum will on the right.

Walk your way from Insa-dong to Jongno, and then to Cheonggyecheon Stream! (10 min walk)

The other entrance to Insa-dong connects with Jongno 2-ga. As you walk out from the main street of Insa-dong and come to the wide avenue of Jongno, make a right turn. Walk about five minutes and you will reach the Jonggak subway station (line 1). Go into the station and take exit 5 (Korea Tourism Organization exit). Walk about a minute and you will find yourself on the road right next to the stream. Turn right and walk along the small pedestrian sidewalk by the stream for about five to ten minutes until you reach Cheonggye Plaza, where the stream starts.

Can shop at nearby Lotte after dinner (Gwangjang market again or other options)

[Travel] Seoul 7D Free And Easy – Day 3

Today we walked to Gyeongbokgung, the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. It is also referred to as the Northern Palace, while the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung is known as Eastern Palace and the Gyeonghuigung, Western Palace. Be sure to take note of the timings of the various ceremonies. We reached the palace 15 mins early for the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. When the ceremony is…

2015/03  South Korea (Seoul, Nami island) 2015/09  Europe (Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary) 2016/04 Taiwan (Taichung, Yilan, Taipei) 2016/06 Taiwan (Taipei) 2016/09 Hokkaido 2016/10 Taiwan (Taipei, Taoyuan, Kenting, Tainan, Yilan) 2016/11 Beijing

And, it’s already nearing the end of January 2017! >_<

I… shall… try…

[Food] SBCD Korean Tofu House

A Korean restaurant that specializes in Tofu stews has finally arrived on our sunny island! SBCD Korean Tofu House, is the first Singapore outlet related to BCD Tofu House (BCD is an acronym for Buk Chang Dong) and the latest Korean food eatery to open in “little Korea”, which is in Tanjong Pagar. SBCD Korean Tofu House specializes in tofu soups whereby their soft silken tofu are freshly made…

[Food] Spend Christmas With Your Favorite DC Superhero

Newly opened in September 2015, DC Comics Super Heroes Cafe is celebrating its first Christmas at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore with its Festive Season 3-course Menu. Licensed by Warner Bros. Consumer Products on behalf of DC Entertainment, the cafe boasts a casual dining area, sandwich and salad counter, patisserie and ice-cream station, complete with a retail section featuring the…

[Travel] Seoul 7D Free and Easy – Day 2

Fourth time in Korea but only going to Nami Island for the very first time! I wasn’t a Winter Sonata fan so I’d never yearn to visit Namiseom. The ‘identity’ of Namiseom was a little confusing to me when I read up information on this independent nation within South Korea – are they part of Korea or not? They have their own flag and national anthem so I guess, not really. Mom likes Winter Sonata.…