OMG – It’s so beautiful here in Cape Town!
By · CommentsI woke up to a gorgeous sunny Saturday, on the February 17th and I still could not believe myself that I am now finally in Cape Town! The heat from the sun was definitely a pleasant change from the cold, grim and wintry Europe.
I had my shower, grabbed breakfast, packed my small bag with the camcorder etc and dashed out for a quick stroll by the sea. It wasn’t that far from the hotel. Walked out, crossed the road, walked for 2 minutes or so and here I was by the small park overlooking the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean. I took slow big breaths. The air is so clean. I just felt so calm here..
Here is my Cape Town video intro (Taken at a place called ‘Sea Point’):
I then walked along Beach Road (its a long road leading to Waterfront) when I saw Robben Island from a distance. The taximan from yesterday told
me all about this island and it all has to do with Nelson Mandela. This island was the place where he was imprisoned for well over 20 years. The tickets to the island is very restricted and you may have to book at least 3-4 days in advance during peak times. The ticket I wanted was no longer available of course. Its a bit dissapointing but looking back, I really didn’t mind as it gave me another reason to come back 
It took me another 10-15 minutes or so to reach Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (or normally known as the V&A Waterfront) and I must say that I was truly impressed with this place. Hotels here are really posh. I should’ve stayed here! Its got the views and everything. So guys, don’t make the same mistake I’d made. If you like things proper, then this is the place to be. It is filled with life, activities and fun. In fact, they’ve got a huge mall as well. Truly remarkable.
I bought a special electric plug here in the mall because our normal UK plug just would not fit in the socket. It didn’t cost that much. Equivalent to 10 quid or something.
Most importantly though, as I exited the mall, I saw this imposing view. I was in awe. Couldn’t say a word.
If you did watch the video, you would’ve seen the big navy ship moored by the pier. Simply gorgeous.
There was a sudden group of people who was peeking over the pier to watch something. Me being the curious one decided to join in as well. To my surprise, it was…
Seals!! But this time it was different. They were tanning themselves. It’s like being in a free tanning shop. Bless them. LOL..
People are everywhere here and there are loads of tour companies doing trips on catamaran, helicopter rides, and trips to see the ‘Great White Shark’.
I’ve always wanted to experience the Great White Sharks at sea and witness the creature in front of me. But again, it was all fully booked. Darn….
Anyway, I walked along the Waterfront and I saw this group of old men playing catchy tunes..
The Waterfront is indeed a hot spot for tourist. I can understand why. I mean, look at this.
Wasnt’t that great?
Good music, great environment and wonderful people. I mean..what more could you ask for right?
Let me tell you one thing I love about travelling. It gives me the key to delve deeper into one’s culture and
experience new things that are sometimes beyond imagination. Things that you simply could not predict. Things
that you never thought of being able to experience and yet through travelling, it opens up the door for you.
In fact, you feel better inside and your mind starts to freshen up. As a result, you operate better and great new ideas begin to flow.
C’mon, you have to agree with me on that one…. especially if you run a business
So, if you’re sitting at home and feeling bored or had enough with work with your boss breathing down your neck, then
call up your travel agent NOW and join me and have a great holiday..
Together, we can make the world a better place.. Hehehehehe
OK, enough of my yapping B-), time to watch another video with overly excited tourists onboard a catamaran heading towards the mystifying sea tour voyage
As the weather here started to heat up, I decided to go for more quick strolls. I went to the souvenir shops and other
local shops here. I am not always a souvenir shopper because I find some of them a bit tacky…C’mon you guys have to admit that some of the stuff you find in these shops are like – ‘Oh God, I’m not wearingthat!’
It was just in time when I was on my way back that I saw this bridge moving. It was nothing special but I thought – What the heck, I’m going to show you anyway…
As I was crossing the bridge, I heard this really beautiful guitar music emanating in the air. It reminded me of someone so I had to find a place to sit. It was getting hot anyway. So, might as well
The guitar was played by a busker but I tought he was really good. He played it with great style.
Anyway, here’s another video for you…
I had booked for a Cape Town city tour in the afternoon and it was getting late. I must get back to the hotel early to get a quick rest and recharge the camcorder’s battery.
I had decided to walk back to the hotel the same way I did this morning but as I was walking past a bus stop – a bus came along and stopped.
I asked one of the local lady here if the bus was going to my hotel and she said yes. I then cheekily asked her if she could ring the bell when it was close to my stop. Again, she said YES. Yippee.
She was a nice lady and I didn’t know where I was going anyway and the last thing I want was to get lost in an area I knew nothing about. Yikes.
The bus fare was nothing. It was equivalent to 2o pence or something. Its cheap
Here are some of the pictures I took this morning.
I’m Finally Here In Cape Town, South Africa :-)
By · CommentsThe flight from Frankfurt to Cape Town was nothing to worry about. The journey went real smooth all the way.
However, we did encounter mild turbulence during the flight but hey I am not the one whos complaining – you’d expect that anyway. One thing for sure though, – it was definitely far better than flying in with that twin turbo prop plane I was on while en route to Frankfurt.
Big Relief!!
Ok now, before you say. ‘Ambar is a chicken – He’s got issues’.
Hahahaha, well you may have a point there but firstly, allow me defend myself
I have no issues with any planes. I’ve flown tens of thousand of miles each and every year with no problem. However, I just do not like the idea of a ‘FAN’ flying a big object. Even for a very short distance. I am pretty sure that it’s safe but its just that weird feeling I have in the gut that makes me feel quesy :0
Ok, I know I am just being a bit dramatic there but you’ve got to admit, this blog would be so boring without me being dramatic. Drama is my second name…. LOL.
Anyway, I sat next to a nice German lady on the flight and I told her about the story of my travels to date. She was hooked. She couldn’t believe that I’ve travelled the far north of the world and now that I was on my way to the southern part of the world. Bless her Hehehehe
I gave her my travel blog address anyway. I hope she’s reading this now
She did also tell me about the beauty of Cape Town. Her story was so graphic that I was in awe. She bought a house in Cape Town recently with her husband. It’s like a holiday home for them and they fly to South Africa every chance they get.
That made me think, ‘Gosh, is this all true?’. It sounded too unreal to me.
I slept a few hours later and I kept the excitement to myself.
About 10 hours and a few minutes later, the plane landed at the Cape Town International Airport.
As I exited the airport, I was greeted by this friendly chap who asked me if I needed any transport to the hotel. I said yes. He then showed me to his taxi counter where I bought my taxi ticket.
To my surprise, the guy is a Malay. For your information, I am a Malay myself and both of my parents are from Malaysia. This got me excited. He’s a Malay Cape Town. Born and bred. I’ve never met a Malay from South Africa. He did try to speak Malay to me but it had a weird accent to it. I guess its a mixture with Afrikaans accent. Hahahahaha. It didn’t matter to me anyway cause I thought it was rather cool to meet another Malay who are not originally from Malaysia/Singapore
The view as you leave the departure area of the airport was breathtaking. I wasn’t sure if it was part of the Blue Mountain but you can see quite clearly how beautiful it was. This got me excited
Weather was just nice. Very Mediteranean. Sunny with a slight breeze.
The journey to Cape Town did not take that long and we passed by an alarming number of shoddy homes in the slums. I felt really sorry for the people living in there. Apparently, the gap between the rich and the poor are quite significant in South Africa. Hence, the significant number of crimes going on in the country.
That didn’t matter to me as after a 15 minutes or so, I saw the Blue Mountains and the shoreline of the beach. Yippeee. Its goooorrrrrggeeeeeoooussss!
I stayed at this hotel called the Ritz. Sound posh doesnt it but it is not a posh ritzy hotel. It sits by the foot of Blue Mountain and has a rotating restaurant at the top which made me decide to stay here.
Room was okay and as usual I laid in bed and immediately went to sleep.
Back Again For Frankfurt, Germany
By · CommentsToday was the 15th February and also the last day for me with the family in Italy. Of course, it wasn’t exactly happy moments saying goodbyes – which I am still not good at. However, I immediately felt rather cheery from the visions of wonderful world adventure to come . More of a forceful vision than anything else
Anyway, my flight out of Genoa (Genova) was quite early in the morning. It was something like around 6 AM or something. Hate waking up early in the morning. Darn.
Checking in was a smooth process but the plane wasn’t. I’m sure it was safe but it was the same twin turbo propeller plane run by Lufthansa. The flight to Munich was fine but I wasn’t happy getting the seat next to the fan thingy particularly when we were flying above the Alps 
Anyway, arrived at Munich airport safely. I have been to Munich before so I have no intentions of visiting the place. If you are coming to Munich with a good budget then stay at the Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Hotel on Maximilianstraße. Its like being on Sloane Street in London. You’re surrounded by posh boutique shops the likes of Bulgari, Armani, Prada etc – all situated at a comfortable distance as you walk outside the hotel . The hotel itself was smashing. We stayed there for a couple days and it was one of the best.
It wasn’t a very long wait for my connecting flight to Frankfurt. It was bang on time at 9.35 AM. The flight took about 1 hour or so.
The issue with this Frankfurt bit was the fact that my connecting flight to Cape Town, South Africa was at 5PM so I had 7 hours to kill. I decided that I should pay Frankfurt City a quick visit
The train journey from the airport to Frankfurt wasn’t that too far. It was only just a few stops away on the tube.
Here are the pictures
The views from the main train station was smashing. In fact the train station itself was a view on its own.
As usual, here is my video introduction.
It was easy to walk around Frankfurt. The roads are clearly signposted and its not winding like the ones in Prague. Just remember to bring your tourist map with you in case of emergency
More video from me.
and more views from the embankment overlooking the river.
There are 2 versions of Frankfurt. One is the new and the other is the old. The new and old seems not far apart from each other. Each has its own unique character with plenty of surprises
You can take the tube to travel around Frankfurt but I decided against that. It’s best to discover Frankfurt offerings by walking plus you get 360 views anyway….
There was this particular bridge that stole my attention. It is made of iron and looked quite commanding. I walked close to it and I saw an iron placard attached to the bridge wall. Basically, it explained about the history of Frankfurter sausages which for obvious reasons, came from Frankfurt. How unexpected and strange
I walked the few steps towards the bridge (commonly known as Eiserner Steg) and this was what I saw
The old town of Frankfurt (widely known as Römer) is practically opposite the bridge. Some of the buildings and the cathedral were a real gem (I mean in the antiquey sort of way )
I took quite a number of pictures along the way. All embedded in the box below.
I walked past the Frankfurt Stock Exchange while I was on my way back to the train station, . Its a nice building but a bit small to my liking. Maybe, its bigger than the outside but who knows. They never let people like me entering such buildings. Anyway, there was the Bull and Bear statue thingy just outside the building. And yes, I did take a picture of it
And finally, before I got back to the train station, I walked past the beautiful Frankfurt Opera House (Alte Oper) and sat at a park bench right opposite it. The day was so clear and beautiful that I sat there for more than 10 minutes enjoying the weather and view. Picture below:
The journey back to the airport went really smoothly. I rechecked in for my flight to South Africa – Cape Town. Flew to Cape Town via South African Airways. Not bad.
My next blog: Cape Town, South Africa. Are you ready
On my way to Florence, Italy
By · CommentsToday is my 4th day in Italy and this morning I’d be off to beautiful Florence. Unfortunately, I won’t be touring yet again. In fact, this venture would be much better! It’s shopping spree time.
I don’t know if I did tell you that my sister is very much involved in the exclusive branded fashion goods business. You can find out more about her business activities on her website – www.ddldfashion.com (Just a free plug for her )
In a nutshell, she sells bulk genuine branded goods like Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Valentino, Diesel etc directly to licensed merchants. It’s good for me because I don’t have to pay retail price for the designer I love. Good eh
As usual here is a brief video of Florence at night with my sister in it. Hahaha I know she’d kill me for it.
I’m sorry that I didn’t have any videos or pictures during the day to share with you. We were too busy shopping
If you did watch the video above, then you’d know that I was having so much fun that I completely lost track of time..:)
Later, we went to a posh Italian restaurant and drove back to Genoa with a smile on my face.
Family Time In Genoa, Italy
By · CommentsToday is my 2nd day in Genoa. I will be here till the 15th February 2007. Unfortunately, I won’t be touring the place as it’d sound silly. This place is practically home to me.
Genoa is a wonderful place. It has been acclaimed that Christopher Columbus was born here. In fact, you could go to the remains of his home close to the city centre.
You’ll be glad to know that Genoa sits just 2 hours away to Milan and Monte Carlo / Nice. Hence, the wide smiles on my face everytime when I’m here ..errr apart from my family that is
I dont usually post personal videos here but I suppose this could be a one off . So here goes…
I know Im mad but I hope I am not as mad as Russell Brand. Hahahahahahaaha
Final Day In Prague and More Countries To Go…
By · CommentsToday – Friday 9th February 2007 was my last day here in Prague. I was seriously unhappy leaving this place. I’ve met some seriously beautiful people and had so much fun…
I promised myself that I will be back this summer. So watch this space and my friends in Prague heheheheehe
Anyway, the cab man was unusually friendly. His English was bad but it was enough for me to understand some of his points. He was quite engrossed talking about Prague past and his passionate views on America. For political reasons, I am not going to share it here
It took me about 30 minutes to get to the airport. I checked in for Munich departing at 1310. I was still in my upset mood leaving Prague so I called up my Prague friends to cheer me up… Don’t ask..they made me happy.
My best friend back in London, Iveta has been yapping on Messenger about going to Budapest and the importance about me going there. It’s her homeland. So dont blame her.
Honestly, I really hand on heart wanted to go to Budapest but I was having too much fun in Prague. My restricted time was also a contributing factor so it was really a difficult decision.
I’m sure she’d get upset knowing that I didn’t go. But I am sure she’d get over it quite soon.
The plane we had to get on was one of those small propeller/fan plane. I was scared senseless. I’ve never flown Fokker style. I wasn’t sure if I could make it. Worst still, they put my window seat next to that flipping propeller fan. Darn… What if..What If….
The Plane..
The FEAR…
You’ll see my growing FEAR here…
Now imagine this NEXT TO YOU…Feel my FEAR
I was glad to reach Munich safely. But, I was only here on transit. I had decided much earlier in London that I wasn’t going to tour around Munich as I’d been here with a very close friend before . Hence, the transit.
I should have told you earlier that my next trip from Prague was to Genoa, Italy.
Reason: Family.
So, no touring around here. Well, apart from shopping that is. I have been to Italy zillions of times so it’s home to me.
Anyway, the plane I was on from Munich to Genoa was very much the same to the one I was on earlier. Difference: Just bigger.
My numerous flights to Genoa all these years have taught me this:
Shaky and turbulent flight/landing.
So, flying on a propeller plane to Genoa alarmed me big time. If a Boeing aircraft could be ‘unstable’ whilst landing, imagine what it could do to a propeller aircraft……
Huah Huah I wanna cry……
Trust me, the 2 odd hour flight was one of the most discomforting experience I ever had and sitting next to the ‘fans’ weren’t funny anymore.
I was soooooooo glad I’d finally reached Genoa safe and sound.
As usual, my sister and brother in law picked me up at the airport….
The Following Day In Prague…
By · CommentsI have decided that today was my relaxation day and I must try to recover from my tired and aching feet. I had walked for miles and miles yesterday and I think I deserved a rest.
I started the day with my delicious hotel buffet breakfast and I quickly dashed up to my room to finish off with some of my work that badly needed completing.
Strangely, I got bored quickly doing the work I guess working while having a fab holiday could have a very adverse affect to the quality of your work – no matter how hard you try… I know I know, it sounds lame but who cares anyway, it’s my holiday hahahahaahahahaha
Round about noon time, I had decided that I shouldnt be doing any more work. I got changed and walked straight out of the hotel along with my ‘FREE’ Prague map.
I walked via the Jewish Quarter (Josefov) towards the beautiful Charles Bridge. Here are some of the pictures I took during my strolling session (By the way, weather was much better than yesterday. It didn’t snow )
I had a surprised text from my new found friends at the club yesterday and they were asking me to go back again tonight. I texted them and said YES!! I had a blast and yes they made my day again…..
Anyway, I continued my stroll towards the Old Town Square. This place is absolutely magnificient. If you’re here, you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous ancient buildings.
Ok, before you ask where are the pics….so here goes;
For Prada, Louis Vuitton etc enthusiasts, you’ll be pleased to know that it is just around the corner from Old Town Square. The road name is Namesti something .
I know I am not being helpful. But you cant miss it. It stands out by a mile particularly that huge Chanel logo jutting out from the Chanel boutique . If you walk straight ahead on that road, you’ll get to Intercontinental Prague. One of my favourite hotel chains.
I have to admit that I got lost a wee bit from the Old Town Square but I quickly made it to safety. See I can survive you know…
I was at Vaclavske Namesti (Main Square) when my stomach grumbled. I then decided that McDonalds was the answer. Junk food time.
Here is the pic from the square. At the far end you’ll see the National Museum. I didn’t go in there. Just couldn’t be asked. Seen too many of them.
That was it. Tired. Off back to the hotel.
After my well deserved rest, shower and fresh pair of clothes, I was ready for my session at the club with my new found friends. I am not going to include it on this blog but FYI, I had a fab time!!
Unfortunately I didn’t spend too much time there. I came back around 1 AM. My flight was just a few hours away
