My travel logs and pictures….all over the places….I truly miss it…..back on the road…..it’s great fun…
Now I have my 500d…will snap even more with more pressure…..I hate to take pic of human being….they’re not easy to manipulate….my focus more on ….landscape, architek…..and randomness
This is Chicago.
2:18pm (12th Feb) – last day at work before Tet arrives
I have long stopped the pleasure of attending karaoke session. I dont know why. But I attended anyway and it was great fun. I met my ‘match’ of ‘bitchiness’ (well not exactly more like…mouth war).
It was a he-she ‘Thím Hồng’ and I immediately considered myself on the other gender ‘Cậu An’, whom I had the pleasure of giving the award of Best Ladies Man of the entire office the next day. We had great fun talking bullshit and non-sense on that day. The next following occasions…we were chatting on Yahoo passed mid night while he was sneakingly watching the teli. He was probably one of the most relaxed, straightforward but quirky Northern guys I have ever met. Thím Hồng is happily married with a 3 years old baby girl. How cute.
Then comes ”Casanova’ Mr. Phuc Nguyen…quite a character, I could dare to say that Phuc is a womanizer….perhaps we could blame it on his artistic makeup (not cosmetic), but friendly enough to be around…
The TAO GOES HOLLYWOOD Party was a great opp to meet new people, new colleagues from the Ha Noi office. New faces, old, young, single, married, enjoying life.
(Ogilvy PR team)
And…..a new friend may I call him such
(Credit: Phuc Nguyen)
In preparation for the BIG NIGHT, all the ladies went to get their hair do, their nails polished while I was strolling the Old Quarter shopping with the guys….It was a memorable night. It was perhaps one of the most anticipated nights of the entire year, celebration, reunion, and a night fulled of stars. Each of us took turn to shine at the event. I was among all enjoyed mostly the companionship of all my workmates who have been with me for the period of 2 years at the agency. We partied hard out. Hit ‘Next’ night club for some crowd crunching, beers, girls, and techno. Then off to hear our own voices and sang for each other….
As if the night was done….I wanted more…I had to have more, to take it all in….Off to the lake we went, on the street, rice wine, roasted chicken feet, sausages, and an early morning fully of laughter.
The next day on the way to airport……
I put my headphone on, listened to my fav play list while all of my colleagues were laughing their heads off and chatting over the weekend – the good the bad and the funniest moments. I made a note to myself as I was purposely trying to block out all the noises. I needed to reflect…taking the time to take it all in.
Perhaps I did not want it to end. In some state of denial.
My disjointed note reads: ‘ 45min ride to airport, recap on the days…I’m rude yes to block out all the laughter, noises, the promised connection that all were eagerly made to one and another..emotional yes it was. There were some regrets discussion, then all drifted into a quick nap….exhausted perhaps…..while I was looking out of the bus window seeing the scenes passing by. I closed my eyes and saw the flashes of images, moments alive….all captured click click click by a. Phuc’s Nikon cam…my wound finally healed…’almost’.
5:30pm
We started to roll and back on the street, on the way to Noi Bai airport, heading back home to HCMC, ending our trip to Ha Noi.
After the đào farm, the entire company had dinner Buffet Viet after the morning visit to the office where each and one of our HCMC team was introduced. Our HCMC team was greeted and treated rather warmly by the Ha Noi staff. Each of us received a welcome gift bag: a city map, some Ha Noi sweet, and a greeting letter with our schedule on it. We in return exchanged with the HCMC typical sweets.
Next morning, after a 3pm home trip and some sleep, the group decided to skip the Bát Tràng trip and explored the Old Quarter on foot. We ended up at Nola cafe, a charming artistic coffee shop with great character, obviously been re-designed by some artists (Ma May street).
Under the enthuse spirit of our ‘guide’, we entered an old house…..
To visit this old charming house, you’ll need to be there after lunch around 1:30, be quiet, and pay 5.000VND for entrance fee….tour guide is also available. It’s an two-storey house with wooden floor and I love those toys on the ground floor. Packed with western tourists….maybe it’s not such a good thing? who knows?
4:30pm
There were around 18ish of us. Or maybe 20. It does not feel like a holiday just yet.
Nghiem could not stand the heavy odor breeze coming from her back seat.
She decided to move next to me and tried to steal my food.
I guess she was hungry.
We were greeted by the appointed colleagues at the Noi Bai airport. Tuan was one of the guys I think. Our ‘hotel’ or so we called it was literally next door to the Ha Noi office. It’s more like guest house with basic amenities, yes basic but good enough. Starving yet again, a. Tuan took us to a very Ha Noi Phở Quán around Hang Quat area. Most of us went for the chicken soup. Despite the odd plain taste, we were happy to enjoy a hot bowl of pho for supper by the L shaped table. Of course…extreme yelling and demand always come handy when you’re dining out in Ha Noian resto. Hastily and enthusiastically we ate our meals. Then off to the Funky Buda for late drinks. I’ve been to the Buda before and could not recall anything special about the place or any outstanding Buda worth noticing. But we were special so that’s what it really matters. Johnny tried to make me dance with my limping leg while others were enjoying the short but fin clubbing moves. Huong, a Ha Noian colleague insisted that this is just drinks….’we’re not going out, tomorrow it will be but not tonight, this is nothing’.
I remember waking up early and checking on Nghiem & Yen’s room right after, just to ensure they will wake up and be ready in time for a new day.
I was starving and excited to be in Ha Noi again, this time with a whole bunch of new people.
When going in a large group, making decision can be tough, even when it’s to do with food, or should I re-phrase it especially on the topic of food.
A small group of us decided to head for Hang Ga for the steamed pork roll Banh Cuon with Ha Noi sausage. The dish is simple. The sausage is quickly dipped into the hard boil water to warm it up, arranged onto a small dish with lemon wedges and shall be dipped again into the serving mild fish sauce, served with hot Banh Cuon. The Banh Cuon’s stuffing here is very light and everyone kinda shares the ordered dish. Tuck in I always say. Second round of food was another specialty, led by Ms. Infamous Huong: the snail rice noodle soup – either served dipped or poured. Our morning could not be fuller with us walking around the Old Quarter finding the coffee place to enjoy. We walked rather a long way then eventually found ourselves back to the guest house.
So Nguyen Du street café it was.
Our afternoon destination for the afternoon was out of city center. We headed for the popular Đào farm. Like madness everyone hushed to capture all of the natural beautifully pink đào. I was not an exception though I found flowers are much easier to control than people.
Does this ‘french’ country inspiration or what?
Does not necessary looks glam, but this is how a farm ought to be I guess….one straight line of beautifully blossomed đào flower. Once a year around Tet time they compete to shine…to show off…or to be pollinated by some odd bugs – those who love pink flowers. This year the đào industry will continue to suffer with the additional lunar month where weather has made such a pressured impact on to the blossom timing. We arrived at the farm and 90% of the trees have already fully ‘flowered’. The entire space was covered in this strong power pink colour…and pretty much nothing else. It was cold, windy and well….refreshing.
All of us were busy striking the perfect pose among the forest of đào. Who wouldn’t. For me I found the joy in seeking the similar essence, the perfect ‘dáng’ of đào flower.
Blossom, according to the dictionary means ‘reproductive organ of angiosperm plants especially one having showy or colorful parts’
which is about right….Pink to me is the most natural and best colour to express the readiness of such a wonderful organ where it’s in its best. After all it’s not too showy and pleasant to the eye. I almost cant believe đào (roughly called prunus perscia) is related to the peach tree.
Im no expert at finding the perfect đào tree to take home. But I was magnified and lost searching for the most interesting looking đào. My tick list would include:
1. đào must be pink
2. đào has to be strong pink and not powdery pink
3. đào must be unique, different in its shape and size
4. đào must be alone, well not next to zillions other đào
5. lastly…wow factor: the one element that caught my eye…which is almost unexplainable.
As for this…something reminds me of New Zealand…..
(River between Intramuros and border of China town)
(The old City Wall – looking over the new city built around it)
(Mataki area – modernity – a crossroad)
(Painting in the Banana Leaf diner – Rockwell PowerPlant mall)
….of Manila was strikingly addicted…painfully to the point where I want to go back to absorb more, to take it all in..more and again.
A city of big contrast. I could not imagine how the city is shaped although one of my client’s travel pieces touched a few points on travelling to Manila. The article mentioned slightly visiting the Wall, the contract between the new and the old. In fact for me the difference is even more vivid when I was surrounded by the glitter and glamour of the Mataki city – CBD the ‘rich’ financial area of Manila and just across the road comes the ’slum’ or rundown place where people looks tough, almost macho.
Just like along the river near the Intramuros area – acclaimed colonial area, across from the river is the high rise building from the 80s and on this riverbank, there’s people who called bridges and pavements home. The area is now much for tourist. With just a printed map, I found the way to the Intramuros. First stop the Manila Cathedral – one of the oldest churches in Asia, around a 400 years old, then the San Agustin – newly painted, built in the 1600s.
(Inside Manila Cathedral)
(Outside Manila church)
(San Agustin – newly painted)
For 1 hour, any visitor can quickly get a quick glance and view the area comfortably on the back of the carriage – with a private tour guide with his horse. For 250peso, approx 5 – 6 USD, for 30min although I would recommend 1 hour then the tour guide can even take you to the China town, it’s a relaxing way to exploring and talk to the local.
And what do you see???? Plenty of history indeed
(This i s uniform for all of them…..old but still have to wear the tourist outfit….)
(A prison turns into trendy cafe – how weird is this?)
(The Sn is shining over presidents generation)
(Colonial artitek blends in with the modern 247 store, classic)
(Dorm for the rich students)
I had 2 nights and 2.5 days for the Xmas weekend. Manila seem to be an odd choice at the beginning. Some of my friends ask why? Well very simple…it was the place both of us have not been to, and as usual we need to get out and relax.Booking a late flight was not such a good idea. But we think it’s ok to splurge a bit during the festive season, after all we dont fly to Manila every month. For the trip, fly with Phil Air costs around 5mill (but if return a few days after 27th, would be much cheaper). So that is that. Followed an advice by a friend, we stayed at the Intercontinental hotel – an old one in its global network, right on the shopping madness and among all conveniences, only 150USD per night plus breakfast. It’s a good decent deal for 2 and great location. There’s a massive pool in the hotel, 2 cafes, 1 security dogs, and bunch of security guards.
Location of hotel is great, stepping right outside is the series of shopping mall….next to each other.
(Photo by: Christian Berg)
We arrived on the Christmas evening, so spent the night in the hotel, enjoyed the 40USD buffet and 1 bottle of Cloud Bay NZ White (80USD) in room service. I was not totally happy with the selection, service and food taste of the buffet, compared that to the 40USD in the Saigon Intercon, it was not up to that standard.
(Room size is humble – I guess it’s the standard offer inner city style)
We woke up early around 7am, and tried to get most of the sight-seeing things done. Well…on such a tight schedule we cant afford to snooze for long. Breakfast for the Manila people can include some heavy digest such as garlic fried rice and chicken. They must love chicken to their bones. And there are bones.
Armed with a printed map and well research in advance, we headed to Coconut Palace – built by the infamous Imelda Marcos – the crazy woman who in this age, still sitting in the hotel lounge of the Peninsula, awaiting for her fans and worshiper or any nutty citizen to go pass, witness her shipping tea and paying that extra respect. It’s a big estate but situated near Manila Bay and the waterfront area. The surrounding area is odd….buildings look old like in the 70s, and not being maintained properly. On top of that the residents dont seem to be in tune with the amount of historic buildings crowding their land. Not a particularly proud history where the Film Center rumoured have regular ghosts visits and spirit linger in the Palace area (product of rushing the builders while site was constructed).
We knocked on a big giant gate thinking they might be closed. For 250peso for 2, you got yourself a proper tour. The mansion is huge of course….and most things are made from coconut from furnitures to decorative items. All rooms have balcony facing the water and are guests rooms for the diplomat friends. Marcos bedroom has the biggest bathroom ever, I truly want to see the couple’s original palace with the wardrobe that hold 3,000pairs of shoes, just of the First Lady.
We finished at the palace and caught the taxi back along the Rosa Blvd to the Intramuros area. Swung by China town for Jollibee chicken joy, we then moved on to our shopping activities. For 5 hours we covered 3 big malls – of course that wont even do Manila’s justice of its mega malls fame, before heading to the Landmark building outside Greenbelt 3 for traditional Filipino dinner with 2 friends.
If I may borrow the term my friend used over the dinner conversation. People here live in the pockets of their own. They wont necessary have the need to get out of their comfort zone since they can practically work in one of the high rise, walk along the mall to their apartment, going to the mall for entertainment and shopping need. That is it. Outside of the 10% (of the population) rich citizens are the poorer areas of others, some called it slums. Check out some of the images from photographer Peter Ginter.
Beside the pockets, poverty and corruption dominate the country’s characteristics. Political up-rising and violence can be seen as a norm here where the ‘Columbia’ imagery of an unstable society showcase clearly to each nation citizen. They dont know what to do about it. One hand they are killing each other and anyone can possess gun purchase and license, meanwhile people of the Philippines are so friendly, positive and always smile.
Among such conflicts hence the beauty of the city and the culture. There’s a vast contrast elements of the society, the kind that probably create curiosity, interest and anticipation that I want to come back for more. Next step with a local perhaps.
It’s interesting…only for 12USD, I can make a difference to the world? Ack Ack…..
http://www.jpmorganclimatecare.com/guardian/
He was waiting patiently while we’re sipping at our ginger tea, standing not so far from our table after he had explained to us…the amenities, available services in the introductory package.
It was raining cats and dogs outside as we made our way to the golf cart, taking us to our villas. With 60 individual ones in the whole The Nam Hai compound, they do look alike, well actually exactly the same. It took a few times to get myself oriented and especially with a few steps on two sides by the room’s wall, you’ll need to bear in mind they’re there.
He continued to show us our villa’s function from entertainment system to pointing out the free black pairs of walking thongs to our outdoor showers, then he politely leave us to it. Hah! We both smiled back in return until Big C whispered to me asking about the tips …we both realized we need to act a bit more ‘civilise’ around here… Big C rushed through the door to catch the disappearing hotel staff. I immediately explored the cabinet.
Decided not to take any underwear apart from my fancy lace set, I packed light. My friend alerted to us earlier to bring along some warm clothes. I tried to ignore. Quickly I made myself comfortable with the ‘closet area’. Normally for a beach getaway in the country, you don’t need much. For something as private and personal like the Nam Hai resort, I think it does not hurt to include airy outfits in my bamboo bag. Yet there’s some key items that shall not to be missed:
Key outfits:
Next step: marking territory – the his and her basin sort of thing while Big C head to the villa’s outdoor area in the front after re-assuring me he will be taking the outdoor shower only. I simply don’t mind.
Each villa faces the sea. Even lying on the king size bed full of pillows, the view is in range, a significant touch and important to us. In a 5 star resort room surrounded by nature, we don’t even bother with the air-con, and don’t mind if there’s any insects want to call our room home. It’s almost 3pm in the afternoon of total laziness and relaxation. I drawn a bath and ordered my ‘Big C served green tea’. The bar area is completed with coffee machine, countless tea bags, cashew nuts /dried apricot for the extra 9USD per jar. Just remember the 600USD fine if guests are to lose the room’s Ipod, we plugged ours in and reading through the Leading World Hotel book on the working desk nearby. We both fell into a late afternoon nap after a heavy dose of washing – bath – in and outdoor showers.
Someone knocked on the door. It’s cleaning time. 7pm a group of male and females hotel staff arrived in their hand carried bamboo baskets and bags. Big C wondered what on earth they’re doing around this time of the night….The staff gently changed our bedding. I guess it’s a regular thing and not that we have made the bed dirty. They put the big lemongrass smell – the dominant fragrant found everywhere on the premise – thick cream coloured candles on their stands, refill the bath/shower liquids, change towel, and clean whatever mess we created. Last but not least they pulled down all the white curtain, a signal for night fall, leaving all the yellow lighting and turn on their default café del mar soundtrack.
We head down for dinner despite the temptation of enjoying such well-made & caring the staff had just brought for 24hours dining room service.
Photo credit: Christan Berg photography
There’s 2 restaurants in the resort, one for lunch and one for dinner/breakfast, both had open kitchen/stove area. Like any top quality restaurants, the service and staff at the resort are friendly, professionals, and actually know what their diners seek and crave for. The menu had 3 main type of selections: Vietnamese, Western and of course Indian (for most of the GMH hotels). I let the staff took the liberty of ordering whatever their chef wants to cook, a choice of Indian dish. 3 course menu with 2 starters, 2 mains, 1 bottle of New Zealand white wine, 1 shared desert and some free breads J total up around 3mill VND which is reasonable. The restaurants have tourists and local guests besides the regular residents. Our meals were tasty, not the kind of food that would wow your appetite or excite your patellae but they were pleasant, (rather pleasant in fact the man sitting at the table next to us ordered a second serving of whatever soup he ate just a second ago) well-represented with care, and good quality ingredients. My ‘open food’ as stated on the bill was a chicken tika masala – the chicken was a little bit dry – which was flavourful anyhow. I could not complain. We then headed upstairs for after meal drink and chilling over the live Filipino pianist performance – later we invited her for a drink. Unfortunately the hot chocolate was not hot (which they quickly re-do) and milky, I would not recommend anyone to try. Just stick to the double smoky whiskey, it always works, perfectly.
Photo credit: Christan Berg photography
We left in a satisfying mood and soon after enjoyed our movie selection by the 32 inch TV on a stand is positioned next to our bed, handy!
The morning sunlight woke us up despite the room’s dark wood décor and charcoal feel.
For an average night , in season, the room would have cost us from as ‘little’ as 700USD. The discount down to 320USD per night is a great offer that travelers should watch out for. Even the Hoi An/Da Nang local expat pay a visit for their weekend getaway on a regular basic, let alone Saigonese. I don’t mind going during Nov/early Dec, when the weather is a bit rainy and not burning hot. The resort offers many activities suitable for families with children, the spa madness addicts or the gym goers, or simply people who wants to escape it all and relax. If you would need an excuse to finish a book, it could be a very good reason. I did not feel locked in prison like The Princess D’ AnNam in Ke Ga, or a luxurious over the top kind of holiday but rather a relax, good quality weekend, being part of nature, feeling at ease with myself and sharing those moments with Big C.
Photo credit: Christan Berg photography
Of course, not everything was perfect. I did leave some feedback to Mr. Herbert (GM of the hotel) and insisted he should fix the entertainment system in our room. I did not want to be hash, but a slippery wooden floor on the way to the Restaurant could be dangerous. What’s else? If you stay there longer than 1 night, they will not only need your credit card for credit purposes, they might freeze a large chunk of money in your bank account. So carry some cash or just get the credit card with 500USD off your partnered. Staff during the off-peak season might not be as sharp but they did remember you and your names every time you need their assistance. Swing by the resort’s boutique and don’t forget the all-year-around heated pool under the rain. Take advantage of the free bus shuttle to Hoi An or splurge on the rental Ford Everest at a cost.
My final verdict: I would come back to the Nam Hai next year when it’s that time again to relax and reflect. Bring some bubble bars, a thin short story, some cash…and a honey bunny.
If I visited Bonn/Dusseldolf/Mainz/Frankfurt…and cities binding the Rhein like I did with Berlin, my memory of Germany would forever be a great Berlin in winter around Xmas, being a tourist, being alone getting my winter fix and the pictures I captured on my trip stayed in my mind about the places I walked to, the market I went…all alone. yes I enjoyed it tremendously. But somehow I wish I could go back to Berlin, perhaps with some friends, having a beer or that horrible warm red wine (with mixed nuts and raisin) cup standing outside by the market, laughing our heads off over nothing…that’s the kind of travel I adore.
May was definitely a nice time to visit Germany. I got to see the green, enjoyed the breeze, the drive to places. But mostly I remember the people I met, the smiles and beers, the laughs we shared even when I only knew them for that short period of time.
Caption: @ Andy house – @ local uni cafe listening to unplugged – Tommy & Christian looking dorky
Caption: Habiba & Thommy – Me and Martin – Me and Ang
Caption: The boys having a go at each other – The poses for old friends – The gentle smile of a couple (Kersten)
Caption: The naughty kiss – Our first beers together we shall meet again Andy. Thanks for letting me crash onto your bed, kind rude I always thought (and yes you dont think so I know).
These are the people who really take me for who I am, no prejudices just frank good times.
Thank you all.
Finally to my Big C who were there with me, took me through the journey. May God bless you!
Some legends once told…there was a beautiful lady whose voice once heard…irresistible, any ships must stop by. And they did.. though all ended in tragedy. Some blamed her seduction while logic referred to the strong current in the surrounding rock. The peak called Loreley and when you reach the top looking down to the river, the view is rather enchanting. Maybe it was her spirit still linger….or simply natural wonder. This part of the river belongs to the eastern bank of Rhein River, one of the most significant rivers in Europe and probably the longest in Germany stretching from the North Sea down to The Netherlands.
Along the river rest many charming cities hugging the bank as it flows down south: Dusseldorf, Koln, Bonn, Mainz, and Frankfurt and many others.
In this part of Germany, heritage and history dated back from the Middle Ages period showcased by a series of scattered castles and towers, sitting comfortably in mid hillside, surrounding by well more green. I was amazed to the number of castles and the small towns around. I thought Scotland topped up the castles along the river like no other nation. I was wrong.
These castles are smaller and not off the dukes, king or queens but rather the owners must have consumed much taxes, goods from merchant ships passing by and showing off their wealth, making a mark of their own.
It was a nice cruise in the 4 wheels we had. Imagine the cabriolet would be nicer but I enjoyed the wind, the scenery. At times I stopped at some kiosks for the ultimate snack: currywurst!!! The all-mighty Rhein also led us to the ‘fashionable’ Dusseldorf where my respect for the German architect finally shown. My friend was shocked when I gasped…well it was a natural creation when you saw something magnificent in a travel book and you’re driving towards it…after getting lost, it was satisfying. My friend said working in these buildings is horrible, and not practical at all. It made me wonder…well that’s odd for German ’s fame of practicality. But who cares, they are amazing 3 trio of the same maker!
The area was full of office buildings, some creative industry offices like Ogilvy just around the corner. There’s an outdoor cafe for the much needed residents from that horribly strikingly beautiful creation. A lot of cigarettes I guess. Another building, on the other side of the bank, freaky! Human-like figures climbing outside of the building, they stuck there.?!?!…what a way to decor I thought. Despite my enthust, a German friend of mine was not so amused with my ‘excitement’, to him it’s an everyday scene. Probably true if he lives and breaths around it 24hours, but if he was to live in a totally different place, I bet the guy would really miss it.
The scenic trip stopped on a bright sunny day, we stopped at Speyer & Heidelberg where the May tree and castle view greeted me with joy and fresh air. I lied on the grass ground down on top of the hill, taking a break under the breeze. Part of the castle was damaged but the view from top was nice…made me wonder how would it be like to live here? Well the have a university, shopping areas and even a Vietnamese restaurant….wonderful beer gardens, a massive church and its own charm. Maybe just a wee bit too quiet for a wondering spirit. I grabbed some bread and sausage, sat next to the church and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon.
thinking…what to do with a house like this?
It was truly the spargel season in Bonn, probably across Germany, in late May early June. And the German took it seriously.
Almost all restaurants had the Spargel on the menu. In fact some of them had an entire menu just for spargel. I had one home-cooked by Big C’s dad, extremely simple: soft boil, melted butter sauce, and special ham (spargel flavour ham of course) and foil-rolled roast baby potatoes. Then I tried to cook spargel the way I like it….a bit more crunchy …
then I had spargel at Frankfurt airport before departure…..so that’s in all a lot of spargel in a 9 days-trip.
Spring in Germany was beautiful. It has come as a shock to me as how green and lovely the places I visited. I always make a joke about the ‘rural’ Bonn and debated over the fact that it does not deserve a ‘city’ title. Maybe that is why it has such a charm.
It was warm and cool at the same time by the end of May. I arrived in Bonn early in the morning…and could not really grasp how peacefull and green the place was until the car was driving up the hill to our residential, poking my head outside of the old Ford window…looking down city center…
Among those trees and bushes are the stiff, cold square buildings, the reminiscence from the old capital of West Germany – Bonn, still stand proud today.
Well….most of the ‘Bonners’ are largely politicians and the city still holds a significantly preferred location to host international political conferences, European meetings and the alike.
Home to quite a few recognised items : Deutsche Post Headquarter, the beloved Haribo, well the kinda genius Beethoven, then the UN decided to also place some crucial offices in the area like Langer Eugen and yes the Hans Riegel Bonn (museum complex)….to name a few.
What impressed me most is the spacious area, the lay back attitude among such a conservative crowd and culture, plus the charming Rhein.
Just 20min outside the city center is a series of odd offices, I decided to explore. Off area but great view. The cafe/restaurant Rohmuhle overlooking the bridge and DPost building has such a relaxing atmos…pricey cafe food with middle class diners and customers. The green grass covers the entire area…where lots of joggers and dog-walkers stroll at their pace. It was windy though…but peaceful.
I ventured a bit more in our rental Cooper to Petersberg, a hotel up the hill, a bit further away from Bonn city, still in the region. There was nobody there for some reasons…maybe they’re all still sleeping. Located on the top of a hillside, again over looking down to the Rhein, the hotel was vast, the kind of place where you would hold your wedding their with great greenery, countryside feel for photogenic couples, and the menu well….sure burn a hole in your pocket.
Steigenberger Grandhotel Petersberg
So hence why not to snap a shot…
On the way back, I tried the curry wurst ‘haus’ by the highway….my search began for the best tasting curry wurst (next chapter).
I had fun in Bonn, mainly because knowing a few locals make you feel less alienated. When you hit the local pub, got wasted over liters of beer, had a kebab at the train station around… 4am…
Bonn is small but charming. The kind of city where nothing much happening apart from a great university (where rock music festival sometimes play, where a bunch of students and friends hang out during class or after by the beergarten by the Rhein), the kind of city where you hesitate at first but then you kind like it. My last memory of Bonn was being there on a Sunday around 3pm in town near a central church, when the bell rang and a group of friends gathering around the chapels, celebrating happiness and love.
For tourists, I guess you can visit Bonn in 1-2 days max with all the attractions relatively close and central. Visit the Beethoven haus, museum quarter – 2 candidates I enjoyed: Kunstmuseum Bonn, Kunst- Und Ausstellungshalle Der Bunderprepublik Deutschland (actually great, I love the collection there it was modern art, would take entire day to finish them all) – beware the museums’ bookshop will also alluring with great local art souvenirs, take a walk around University, chill at outdoor cafes around town and enjoy the cool gentle breeze. Food in Bonn is not overly exciting but the local cafes offer the must try beer Kolsch and food like the turkish delight stalls, esp the weekend Food market and the Flaschengeist shop for unique gifts of vinegar, oils, wines and herbs.
After all it’s spargel season, a must try experience.
