Holiday of a Lifetime in Europe - PARIS (Sacré-Coeur & Moulin Rouge)

Paris, a huge city with many world-class sights to visit. Luckily, there are some sight-seeing which are free of charge. Sacré-Coeur is one of them !

Sacré-Coeur, a church, was built on Montmartre hill. There was massive number of tourists and even locals flocked to this attraction. The photo below said it all.


We did some research that Sacré-Coeur is one of the popular sights to visit but we did not know why. Yes, the white-washed building with it's dome roofs is beautiful and we have taken a number of photos of it. Checked.


The Europeans simply planted themselves on the green grass slope to enjoy the sun and do people-watching. Checked.


The rather beautiful city landscape revealed itself slowly as you climbed up the slopes on the hill. Checked.


BUT it was really the beautiful interior of the church that really took your breath away ! Sorry, no photos allowed even though I was so tempted to take secretly. Out of respect for the religion, I have decided not too. The large church was having a mass when we entered the church, they still allow tourists to explore the church which was most grateful.

After such a wonderful visit to a grand church, we went to another near-by "attraction". (depending on how you define this place)

As you walked down the road leading to our next attraction, naughty shops and theatres caught your attention. Yes, we were going down towards Moulin Rouge. From a site of Saint to a site of Sins ! Of course, we just to see the famous red mill of Moulin Rouge which was established in 1889 as the music hall of Paris.

Adult entertainment was performed daily and kiddos are not allowed.

Holiday of a Lifetime in Europe - PARIS (Eiffel Tower & Versailles Palace)

When one visit Paris, you cannot miss visiting one of the world's most recognisable steel structure, Eiffel Tower ! Eiffel Tower was named after Gustave Eiffel, the builder. Eiffel Tower was meant to be a temporary structure for the World Exhibition in 1889, but somehow it has became a permanent structure. It has invited scorn from some Parisians who think that this steel structure is a sore-eye to the city scene previously ! Who knows ? It has helped Paris to become one of the most visited cities in the world !

CK asked me "What if someone come Paris and did not even see Eiffel Tower" ? I told him that is not very possible unless it's just a plane transit. Anyway, Eiffel Tower is tall and can be seen from various part of Paris. It was pretty hard not to notice it !

We went to Eiffel two times. One time was unintentional but since we have fulfilled other itineraries and will be passing by, we decided to drop by and take night scene of the tower. It was recommended to purchase the tickets up the tower before you depart for your trip. It will save you a lot of time queuing up.


Can u imagine yourself staying in these residential houses and seeing the Eiffel every day and night ? They must be wondering why tourists traveled all the way near their home to stare at awe at this giant structure ! I'm trying to blow up this photo and hang in the living room.

Shivering in the cold just to take some night scene shoots ! We were so cold that CK hurried to the nearest street to grab a cup of hot tea ! It was worth the wait ! When the tower was illuminated with thousands of lightbulbs and flashing lights, it looked like a dressed up lady all ready for a party ! (note: Flashing lights was only activated for 10 to 15 minutes)

If you have time, try walking around the park surrounding Eiffel to take pictures. Somehow, at different places you stand, the Eiffel angle will look different. The second picture was taken at the most tourist's favourite and popular spot. This was taken directly underneath the tower.

Taken from the park underneath Eiffel.

Taken from the park further away from the Eiffel.


Eiffel Tower in action !

Initially, Versailles Palace was not in our itinerary. We did not ever regret visiting this extravagant palace and it's vast garden.

You can refer to the history of Versailles Palace. The extravagant lifestyle of the royal family living in Versailles Palace has started the French Revolution. It was pretty unbelievable that the selfish King has almost crippled France's economy with his greed of a showy lifestyle ! The people during their reign has certainly suffered greatly ! And who knows today the selfish act has created massive revenue as tourists flock to this palace to admire it's beauty ?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_Versailles#Evolution_of_Versailles

One of the most grandest chapels in Verailles Palace. Cameras and flashlights have never stopped snapping when you are in the palace. Our camera's batteries were almost half depleted by the time we left the palace.

The ceilings of every room were painted with breath-taking images !

The Palace was filled with paintings of the King Louis. Looking through some of the paintings, you cold not help feeling that he admired himself a lot and even put himself above Saints ! (Spotted a particular painting with him standing above some Saints. Unfortunately, that stretch of room where many paintings are cannot take any photos)

Another beautiful room with equally extravagant decorations of gold and red !

The magnificent "Hall of Mirrors" which created some sensations when you first enter the hall.


Even the main gate is coated with gold !

From afar, this is just one small part of the garden !

Latona Fountain. It was a real cold and breezy day when we proceeded to the garden. I was not kidding, I was almost frozen with the strong chilly wind blowing towards the open space and there was no place to hide! The garden was huge that there were even buggy to bring you around if you pay for them. Yes, we did not explore the garden fully ... wonder when can visit Paris again ?

Must visit these places when you go Paris as they were really quite world-class. For Eiffel tower, you can choose to buy tickets based on different levels either by lifts or climb.

Holiday of a Lifetime in Europe - PARIS (DisneyLand)

Spent almost a day at Paris Disneyland.


Still prefer other Disneylands. Paris Disneyland is a bit old and small. Even though Hong Kong Disneyland is even smaller but it's new and the programmes are much more interesting.


This is Cinderalla's stepmother. I like her character here as she portrayed a haughty and proud figure, very different from the rest of the cutish characters.


I waited so long to take this picture with Pinocchio's master. The parents and kids simply did not queue for their rightful turns. Pinocchio's master saw the situation and signaled to me ... hahaha .. think he took pity on me.


"Darth Varder" with me ... at the "Pirates of the Carribean"

Maybe "Disneyworld" will be our future aim .... work for it !

Thursday, April 29, 2010 Holiday of a Lifetime in Europe- Morges & Lausanne (Switzerland)

We took a train (swiss pass) to Morges from Geneva. Morges is a small little town on the lake of Geneva. I requested CK to visit this place because of the tulips which should be blooming at this time of the year. Unfortunately, the weather is too cold and the tulips were not opened yet. It was rather disappointing but we rather enjoyed the walk along the lake.


Big tulip signs can be found along Morges' main street.


Yes, finally we managed to find a patch where tulips were grown but not opened.


No tulips ? Daffodils also can.

We then proceed to take another train to Laussane. We have a wonderful and long lunch there.

Holiday of a Lifetime in Europe- Annecy Town (France from Geneva)

Our eldest sister-in-law has recommended us to visit a charming old town which was about 1.5 hours by bus ride to Geneva's bus station. Annecy town belongs to France and was easily accessible by frequent buses. We have no problem getting 2 tickets the day before. You must bring your international passport with you as you are getting out of Switzerland to France. On the way to Annecy own, ensure you were seated on the left side of the bus. You would be able to see very beautiful France villages in the distance from the bus. The bus passed by the France's border smoothly but on the way back to Geneva, the France border immigration policeme armed with guns came up on the bus to check on everyone's passport and asked some questions.


Pont des Amours ("Bridge of Love").


The Palais de l'Ile : This was the residence of the lords of Annecy from the 12th century, the stronghold on the island become an administrative centre when the counts of Geneva came to Annecy.The Palace became a prison for which it had been used from the Middle Ages and this lasted until 1865.Its listing as a Historical Monument dates from 1900. Allocated the role of museum from 1952, today it houses the “Centre for Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage”.
(Taken from: http://en.annecy.eu/index.php?idtf=510)

Walking through the old town can be pleasant experience.

Holiday of a Lifetime in Europe- Geneva (Switzerland)

How should I blog about Geneva ? It was one of the most boring cities I have ever been to. Cannot imagine why we chose to stay there for 3 nights. Luckily, we have diversified our routes to Annecy Town, Morges and Lausanne from Geneva.

Practically, the most famous landmark is the giant water jet in Geneva lake.We have not much problem locating the lake and this giant water jet. Another highlight will be the United Nations which we could only loiter outside the gate.


The "Reformations wall" could be found in the grounds in the University of Geneva.


Across the Geneva lake where the giant water jet is.


United Nations.


Looks familiar ? Yes, the Singaporeans have done it, so does the Swiss. I was more excited to see the discarded trolleys than anything else in Geneva !

Holiday of a Lifetime in Europe - Zermatt (Switzerland)

We took a train to Zermatt from Interlaken. The train scenes changed from greenery pasture to snow-covered scenery ! We were a bit surprise as we thought it was Spring and we were able to see snow ! A pleasant surprise.


We loved this hotel because it was clean and well-maintained. Zermatt is a busy resort area. You can immediately feel the bustling activities once you reached the town. There were many skiers in their skiing outfit and heavy shoes. Only electro-mobiles, horse-drawn carriages and bicycles were allowed in the town. Zermatt is small and the best way to get around is to walk.


Nice big balcony where we had our Mcdonalds lunch on the deckchairs. (Not to scare you but 1 set of McDonalds - Big Mc burger, drink & fries will cost you about SGD12-15) We believe this must be the cheapest food in town. For dinner with Jack Place's standard, it costs us more than SGD100. Again, bad service from a stern-looking" waitress who broke into lovely smiles only for their own people. Hahaha ... nothing to say liao.


We took a cablecar to Mattherhorn. It was one of the most impressive mountain I have seen. It was vast ! However, the most impressive of all was how did they get to build the cable car system all the way the peak ?? The photos taken of the mountain does not give great justice to how majestic it was, you must really see with your own eyes. The dare-devils who were skiing down the dangerous-looking slopes impressed us as much. Many were kiddos ! As it was still a skiing season, we were unable to get down to the mountain as it would be too dangerous. It was really a well-spent day in the cable-car looking at the mountains, the skiers, the chair-lifts, the thick and white snow !


Back on earth after the cable car ride ! We spent an hour or two walking around the beautiful town.

Zermatt is definitely a must-visit place in Switzerland.

Holiday of a Lifetime in Europe - Interlaken & Lauterbrunnen (Switzerland)

Interlaken is basically a resort town for tourists to other famous peaks like Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The Swiss pass only entitled a free ride to Lauterbrunnen, therefore we did not proceed further up the mountain.

Interior of the clean train. Yes, there were only two of us in the whole cubicle ! Shiok !

Un-sheltered bus stop. It was freezing cold in Interlaken waiting for the bus.


Just some shoots of the hotels around the region where we lived.

Not too sure about the highlights in Interlaken as we just walked around the hotel's surrounding and it's small town. There is a bigger town in Interlaken West though. I thought there should be a crystal clear lake somewhere or am I wrong ?

Anyhow, we proceeded to take a short ride train to Lauterbrunnen the next day.


The row of hotels along the long stretch of road. Was grateful to bring our tripod so that we can take some couple photos.


Some Easter Day display on a shop window.


A cheeky pose with Lauterbrunnen as our backdrop. If you take a train (about $200 plus SGD per person), you would be able to reach the snow-capped Jungfraujoch mountain.


Two round stones caught our attention.


We decided to have our lunch. There were some restaurants along the street and we have finally settled on this rather beautiful cottage-styled restaurant. We didn't get a very warm welcome and I was beginning to feel about our awkward presence in most places we visited. They seems to keep an eye on us if if we would leave quietly without paying after eating. Generally, in Switzerland, they were not overly-friendly to Asians. They took our lunch orders without a smile but they were all smiles when serving their own people. So sad, my impression of Switzerland has gone down from 90% to just a mere 30% ! Of course, this was not just based on one isolated case but from quite a few incidents especially in restaurants ! I remembered when I was on a Europe package tour previously, I have no opportunities to interact with anyone, therefore has no idea that we were not treated with much respect. Suddenly, I missed the Kiwis (New Zealanders) ... most of them are friendly and nice to Asians ! To me, to have a fond memories of a country, the people matters. They will definitely have an impact on your holidays! Hmmm... a lunch or dinner costs a lot in Switzerland, hack care about all these snobs ! Let's enjoy our food !!!