It was 5pm when we finally got to watch the eagerly awaited “dance show.”
When the clock struck five, my friends and I were dumbstruck by the cacophony of bells ringing from almost all the towers around us. Nevertheless our attention was stuck to the Glockenspiel and for solid five minutes none of us took our eyes off the tower.
We were so fascinated with the figurine of jokers, knights on horses jerkily waving their jousts followed by another carousel of twirling dancers of the barrel makers in front of their king and queen
Marianplatz is also where the Mariansau is located. It is the point from which all the distances in Bavaria are measured.
Munich is the capital of Bavaria, Germany and with the river Isar passes through the centre of the city, it has much to offer the international visitor. The Deutsch name is Mnchen or Muenchen and the motto is “The world city with a heart”.
Friday, May 11, 2001
I was never into dolls. In fact I was a little afraid of dolls even figurines. But when I was in Munich, Germany last year, a special toy museum at the famous Marianplatz had ticked my curiousity.
A place that I had never regretted visiting and had changed my perspective that dolls are just for little girls. The museum is called Spielzeigmuseum or Toy Museum is situated at the Altes Rathaus (old town house tower) and has more than 100 toy collection since the late 1800.
The main attraction at the museum is Barbie – A normal female doll which had become girls best friends around the world. Barbie dolls has generated many fans and some are priceless that they have become collectors item.
At the Spielzegmuseum, ardent fans of Barbie and of course her lifetime partner, Mr Ken can trace the doll’s history. The fourth and the fifth of the tower levels were dedicated for the exhibition of Barbie dolls from as early as 1940s.
Barbie doll epitomized fashion in the era they were made. So, there are Barbie dolls displaying fashion of the 40s to the disco era and the 80s. There were also figurines of supermodel Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer; superstars Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean and Elvis Presley.
There were also other dolls and toys displayed at the museum besides Barbie and friends. There are Pinocchio and even the famous Marklin train sets – which are more easier for me to relate. Trucks and cars, exotic animals on Noah Ark and carnival which were also on displayed. Exclusively for boys, there were also toy soldiers from World War 1 and II.
Some of these toys were more than 150 years old and were made of wood and tin.
The museum is easily to locate as it is near the famous Glockenspiel and have a mechanical cymbals clanking at every 10 seconds. It is opened to public from 10am to 5.30pm. The admission for adult is DM5 (about RM10).
A place that I had never regretted visiting and had changed my perspective that dolls are just for little girls. The museum is called Spielzeigmuseum or Toy Museum is situated at the Altes Rathaus (old town house tower) and has more than 100 toy collection since the late 1800.
The main attraction at the museum is Barbie – A normal female doll which had become girls best friends around the world. Barbie dolls has generated many fans and some are priceless that they have become collectors item.
At the Spielzegmuseum, ardent fans of Barbie and of course her lifetime partner, Mr Ken can trace the doll’s history. The fourth and the fifth of the tower levels were dedicated for the exhibition of Barbie dolls from as early as 1940s.
Barbie doll epitomized fashion in the era they were made. So, there are Barbie dolls displaying fashion of the 40s to the disco era and the 80s. There were also figurines of supermodel Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer; superstars Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean and Elvis Presley.
There were also other dolls and toys displayed at the museum besides Barbie and friends. There are Pinocchio and even the famous Marklin train sets – which are more easier for me to relate. Trucks and cars, exotic animals on Noah Ark and carnival which were also on displayed. Exclusively for boys, there were also toy soldiers from World War 1 and II.
Some of these toys were more than 150 years old and were made of wood and tin.
The museum is easily to locate as it is near the famous Glockenspiel and have a mechanical cymbals clanking at every 10 seconds. It is opened to public from 10am to 5.30pm. The admission for adult is DM5 (about RM10).
Wednesday, May 09, 2001
The trip to Zeltweg was not in our initial itinerary but Juli got an invitation to visit the Red Bull Sauber-Petronas F1 entourage at Zeltweg Military Airport.
To reach Zeltweg, we took early morning train from Amsterdam to Koeln station and took another train to Linz. From there, the journey brought us up hill to Selzthal and St. Michael before reaching the Zeltweg station at 8.55pm.
The temperature was around 17C when we stepped out the station. Zeltweg is just a small town surrounded by the Styrian Mountains in the Mur Valley but is well known for the Military Airport and the famous Austrian A1 ring.
We stayed at bed and breakfast inn very near to the Military Airport for US100 (RM380) a night. Since it was the second accommodation we took after Amsterdam, we were quite taken aback when the proprietor mentioned the price.
We had just spent 14-hours in the trains so we were very tired and really in need of shower. Our room was on the second floor and there is no lift, so we had to lug the bags ourselves up the stairs.
We requested a three-bed room and were very much happy with the one given. Once we had our shower and performed the Maghrib and Isya' jama' prayers, we were dead to the world while Juli still had the energy to watch football match and cheering her favourite team Real Madrid against Bayern Munchen.
The next morning, we had our breakfast together with many race team technicians who were there for the race. After breakfast we took a taxi back to the train station to store our bags and later headed back to the Military Airport at 9.50am.
Juli had set an appointment with Red Bull Sauber-Petronas team spokesperson Agnes Carlier to meet us at the airport entrance at 10am. Not a F1 fans, we let Juli have a fun meeting the Red Bull Sauber Petronas boss Peter Sauber, driver Kimi Raikkonen and his girlfriend Hanna Raivisto.
It was a sunny morning and perfect for the plane ride organised for Raikkonen and F3000 Red Bull Junior team driver Patrick Freisacher with renowed stunt pilot an aerobatic world champion Peter Bessenyei.
After the visit there, Juli and Carlier spent time at the A1 Ring while we decided
to explore the town. Although Zeltweg is a quite town, (with only one Mc Donald fast food restaurant), there are many good ammenities.
Zeltweg seldom receive international tourists except during the race day so it is quite most of the days. But thanks for the race track, businesses such as pubs, restaurants and hotels are thriving in Zeltweg and this small town slowly demanding international recognition especially among the F1 race fans.
The town centred on its train tracks as it is still the main mode of transportation for the residents. But the mountains surrounding the valley, gave a picturesque view of the sleepy town make us felt like we were in the Sound of Music land.
White flowers “Edelweiss” were scattered everywhere looking like small dots amidst the lush green fields and some of the houses still retained their traditional architecture.
Communication was still a problem as none of us speak French or German and the locals don't speak English. So its sign language time!
Edelweiss, edelweiss
Every morning you greet me
Small and white
Clean and bright
You look happy to meet me
Blossom of snow
May you bloom and grow
Bloom and grow forever
Edelweiss edelweiss
Bless my homeland forever
To reach Zeltweg, we took early morning train from Amsterdam to Koeln station and took another train to Linz. From there, the journey brought us up hill to Selzthal and St. Michael before reaching the Zeltweg station at 8.55pm.
The temperature was around 17C when we stepped out the station. Zeltweg is just a small town surrounded by the Styrian Mountains in the Mur Valley but is well known for the Military Airport and the famous Austrian A1 ring.
We stayed at bed and breakfast inn very near to the Military Airport for US100 (RM380) a night. Since it was the second accommodation we took after Amsterdam, we were quite taken aback when the proprietor mentioned the price.
We had just spent 14-hours in the trains so we were very tired and really in need of shower. Our room was on the second floor and there is no lift, so we had to lug the bags ourselves up the stairs.
We requested a three-bed room and were very much happy with the one given. Once we had our shower and performed the Maghrib and Isya' jama' prayers, we were dead to the world while Juli still had the energy to watch football match and cheering her favourite team Real Madrid against Bayern Munchen.
The next morning, we had our breakfast together with many race team technicians who were there for the race. After breakfast we took a taxi back to the train station to store our bags and later headed back to the Military Airport at 9.50am.
Juli had set an appointment with Red Bull Sauber-Petronas team spokesperson Agnes Carlier to meet us at the airport entrance at 10am. Not a F1 fans, we let Juli have a fun meeting the Red Bull Sauber Petronas boss Peter Sauber, driver Kimi Raikkonen and his girlfriend Hanna Raivisto.
It was a sunny morning and perfect for the plane ride organised for Raikkonen and F3000 Red Bull Junior team driver Patrick Freisacher with renowed stunt pilot an aerobatic world champion Peter Bessenyei.
After the visit there, Juli and Carlier spent time at the A1 Ring while we decided
to explore the town. Although Zeltweg is a quite town, (with only one Mc Donald fast food restaurant), there are many good ammenities.
Zeltweg seldom receive international tourists except during the race day so it is quite most of the days. But thanks for the race track, businesses such as pubs, restaurants and hotels are thriving in Zeltweg and this small town slowly demanding international recognition especially among the F1 race fans.
The town centred on its train tracks as it is still the main mode of transportation for the residents. But the mountains surrounding the valley, gave a picturesque view of the sleepy town make us felt like we were in the Sound of Music land.
White flowers “Edelweiss” were scattered everywhere looking like small dots amidst the lush green fields and some of the houses still retained their traditional architecture.
Communication was still a problem as none of us speak French or German and the locals don't speak English. So its sign language time!
Edelweiss, edelweiss
Every morning you greet me
Small and white
Clean and bright
You look happy to meet me
Blossom of snow
May you bloom and grow
Bloom and grow forever
Edelweiss edelweiss
Bless my homeland forever
Sunday, May 06, 2001
Armed with a city map that I bought from the VVV Tourist Centre at the Schiphol Airport, we decided to explore Amsterdam on foot.
Our first destination was Waterlooplein market where second hands items from army jackets and shoes, old music box, household items and books can be found here.
There are even African masks, Indonesian batiks, RAF jackets sold at rock bottom prices.
Unlike in Malaysia where most stalls are opened on a dot at 10am, the people here are more relax. It was easy to locate the Waterlooplein flea market- just head towards the Amsterdam's town hall. The market is just behind the building.
When we reached the market around 10.15am, the traders had just beginning to open their stalls. There are about 30 stalls there. There are also many stalls selling leather jackets, products from African countries, second hand household items and knick-knacks.
If you really know how to haggle with the traders, you can walk away with half the price they put on the price tags. Being a typical tourists, we bought a few t-shirts, fridge magnets and key chains as souvenirs. Besides the normal tulips and windmill souvenirs, you can also get all types of good quality leather and suade jackets for around RM200-RM400.
As my budget was tight, but very in need of a good jacket to ward off the cold wind, I bought a second hand jacket for only GN30 (RM45).
I was quite fascinated with the antique items such as the music box but thinking that we still have a few countries to go, I had to content myself with a pair of socks,
a t-shirt and a few postcards.
As we were the only Malay females at the market that day, many traders mistaken us for Indonesian. We met a second hand army uniform trader Harry who spoke fluent Malay with an Indonesianslang.
Like many Dutch who had relatives in Indonesia, Harry said he spent his first 17 years in Lombok. He said while he was in Lombok, he mixed with Muslim community there and he failed to see why people with different religions did not make an efforts and failed to co-exist.
However, he said there are about 300 mosques actively operating in Neatherlands and mostly are in Amsterdam. Harry who practiced Christianity said the original traders at Waterlooplein are mostly Jewish.
Waterlooplein means Waterloo Square when the city filled in two canals- the Leprozengracht and the Houtgracht forming the new square.
The original market started at Jodenbreestraat by the Jewish traders, but in the late 1800, the Government forced these traders and those at the surrounding streets to
move to Waterlooplein.
At that time, the market operating six days a week and only close on Saturday for the Jewish Sabbath. However nowaday due to the flock of tourists, it is only close on Monday. Nevertheless there are still some stalls owners proudly displayed the zionist flags.
From Waterlooplein, we headed towards the famous flower located on the Singel (between the top of the Leidsestraat and the Munt Tower) not far from Damrak area.
Instead of seeing buckets of fresh tulips, we were greeted by kaleidescope of colours from all sorts of flowers such as roses, daisies and even ferns. Nevertheless there are many types of tulips bulbs for sale that are ready to be brought home and planted in late September. Here, tourists can also buy the souvenirs such as fridge magnets, key chains, tulip flowers made of wood, windmill toys and the klompen or Dutch clogs.
By late afternoon we made our way to Leidseplein and book a ticket for canal tour boat along the Singelgracht. As we have two hours to kill before our boat ride, we decided to take a rest at Vondalpark - one of many parks in Amsterdam. Vondelpark is famous among the youth as the International Youth Hostel also located here.
Due to its popularity, it is almost impossible to book a stay there and bookings had to be made months earlier.
Nothing much can be said about the park but it is famous among the city folks who go there to unwind, take a dog out for a walk or jogging. As a tin or a bottle of Heinekan is cheaper than mineral water, you can see empty bottles and tin strewn everywhere in the park. Oh, and be careful where you walk in the park as you may accidently step on dog pooh.
The local authority should be more active in promoting cleanliness in the city especially its many parks.
Our first destination was Waterlooplein market where second hands items from army jackets and shoes, old music box, household items and books can be found here.
There are even African masks, Indonesian batiks, RAF jackets sold at rock bottom prices.
Unlike in Malaysia where most stalls are opened on a dot at 10am, the people here are more relax. It was easy to locate the Waterlooplein flea market- just head towards the Amsterdam's town hall. The market is just behind the building.
When we reached the market around 10.15am, the traders had just beginning to open their stalls. There are about 30 stalls there. There are also many stalls selling leather jackets, products from African countries, second hand household items and knick-knacks.
If you really know how to haggle with the traders, you can walk away with half the price they put on the price tags. Being a typical tourists, we bought a few t-shirts, fridge magnets and key chains as souvenirs. Besides the normal tulips and windmill souvenirs, you can also get all types of good quality leather and suade jackets for around RM200-RM400.
As my budget was tight, but very in need of a good jacket to ward off the cold wind, I bought a second hand jacket for only GN30 (RM45).
I was quite fascinated with the antique items such as the music box but thinking that we still have a few countries to go, I had to content myself with a pair of socks,
a t-shirt and a few postcards.
As we were the only Malay females at the market that day, many traders mistaken us for Indonesian. We met a second hand army uniform trader Harry who spoke fluent Malay with an Indonesianslang.
Like many Dutch who had relatives in Indonesia, Harry said he spent his first 17 years in Lombok. He said while he was in Lombok, he mixed with Muslim community there and he failed to see why people with different religions did not make an efforts and failed to co-exist.
However, he said there are about 300 mosques actively operating in Neatherlands and mostly are in Amsterdam. Harry who practiced Christianity said the original traders at Waterlooplein are mostly Jewish.
Waterlooplein means Waterloo Square when the city filled in two canals- the Leprozengracht and the Houtgracht forming the new square.
The original market started at Jodenbreestraat by the Jewish traders, but in the late 1800, the Government forced these traders and those at the surrounding streets to
move to Waterlooplein.
At that time, the market operating six days a week and only close on Saturday for the Jewish Sabbath. However nowaday due to the flock of tourists, it is only close on Monday. Nevertheless there are still some stalls owners proudly displayed the zionist flags.
From Waterlooplein, we headed towards the famous flower located on the Singel (between the top of the Leidsestraat and the Munt Tower) not far from Damrak area.
Instead of seeing buckets of fresh tulips, we were greeted by kaleidescope of colours from all sorts of flowers such as roses, daisies and even ferns. Nevertheless there are many types of tulips bulbs for sale that are ready to be brought home and planted in late September. Here, tourists can also buy the souvenirs such as fridge magnets, key chains, tulip flowers made of wood, windmill toys and the klompen or Dutch clogs.
By late afternoon we made our way to Leidseplein and book a ticket for canal tour boat along the Singelgracht. As we have two hours to kill before our boat ride, we decided to take a rest at Vondalpark - one of many parks in Amsterdam. Vondelpark is famous among the youth as the International Youth Hostel also located here.
Due to its popularity, it is almost impossible to book a stay there and bookings had to be made months earlier.
Nothing much can be said about the park but it is famous among the city folks who go there to unwind, take a dog out for a walk or jogging. As a tin or a bottle of Heinekan is cheaper than mineral water, you can see empty bottles and tin strewn everywhere in the park. Oh, and be careful where you walk in the park as you may accidently step on dog pooh.
The local authority should be more active in promoting cleanliness in the city especially its many parks.
Saturday, May 05, 2001
After 12 hours confined in the economy seats we were eagered and ready to bulldoze our way out of the the KLM Boeing 747 once it reached the Schiphol International Airport in Amsterdam. Most flights int o Holland arrived during the day, so our first day of travelling Europe began at the Airport.
We reached this modern airport at 5.25pm (local time) and like our Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the Schiphol is also easy to navigate with ample signages written both in Dutch and English. Believe it or not, the airport is 3.6 metre below sea level.
The name Schiphol comes from a ship hole because the area was formerly a lake where many ships had sunk. Once we had our passports stamped and retrieved our bags at the carousel, we headed to the train tickets counters located in the airport itself.
The transportation link in Schiphol airport is really impressive. Tourists can have their own choice of travelling to the city. A taxi fare to the city cost NG60-70 (RM90-105) and the journey took around 15 minutes.
However, those who have limited budget (like us) should take a train to the main station as the ticket would only cost GN6 (RM9). All the trains from the international airport headed to the Centraal Station and the journey took about 20 minutes.
Although the system is good, the double-decker trains are not very user-friendly, especially to travellers who carry big bags.
There are a few steps to nevigate to go to both upper and lower decks. The aisle is also narrow and I found the glass doors saparating each compartments troublesome where it is quite difficult to push the door and lug the bags at the same time. Nevertheless, the scenery along the tracks instantly cured our tiredness.
We passed a few canals where the water is very clean, cute modern houses with tulips on the windowsill and a few commercial buildings. Upon reaching the Centraal Station, we tasted our first Amsterdam windy climate.
It instantly reminded us of one funny scene in the movie Cool Runnings where the four rastamen had their first taste of snow. Although it was not dramatic as in the movie, 17C is just too much for us, especially with our slim jacket it was just not warm enough.
From the Centraal, we took another underground train- metro- to Newmarkt, where our hostel is located. We have booked beds at the Shelter City Christian Youth Hostel at Barndesteeg 21, in Newmarkt.
Thanks to the hostel booking manager, Martijn Rutgers, it was quite easy to find the place especially with the landmark De Waag (Weigh House) that was smacked right in the centre of the square.
It is very near to the tourists attractions namely Dam Square, Madame Tussaud's, Rembrandt's House and not forgetting the Red Light District. The Shelter City has a total of 168 beds in 7 single-sex dormitories (there is no single or double rooms) and is well equipped with cafetaria, showers, bed linen and a locker.
A bed cost GN25 (RM37.50) during the low season (October-March) and GN28 (RM42) in high season (April-Sept) per night. It is open from 7.30am to midnight from Sunday till Thursday. However on Frid ay and Saturday the curfew is at 1am.
As it was in spring season, the day is longer than the night. At 8pm after freshen up, we decided to explore the Newmarkt. Our exploration brought us to Zeedijk where many restaurants offering Indonesian Italianand dutch cuisines.
We found a Malaysian restaurant called Wau Restaurant but decided to try the food at a nearby Indonesian Bunga Mawar restaurant. After we had our dinner, we accidently stumbled the famous Red Light District where tax-paying women offering their wares inside glass windows.
It was nearing 10pm and the district is bustling with activities. Under the red lights and accompanied with songs blasting from speakers, the girls behind the glass windows danced seductively to invite male tourists for their services.
Although prostutition is the core business, the area is safe for tourists, it is still not advisable especially female to venture into the district at night. We headed back to the hostel by 11.30pm.
For further information on the hostel :
The Shelter City
Barndesteeg 21, 1012 BV Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Phone: + 31 (0) 20 6253230
Fax: + 31 (0) 20 6232282
Web site: www. shelter.nl
ends
We reached this modern airport at 5.25pm (local time) and like our Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the Schiphol is also easy to navigate with ample signages written both in Dutch and English. Believe it or not, the airport is 3.6 metre below sea level.
The name Schiphol comes from a ship hole because the area was formerly a lake where many ships had sunk. Once we had our passports stamped and retrieved our bags at the carousel, we headed to the train tickets counters located in the airport itself.
The transportation link in Schiphol airport is really impressive. Tourists can have their own choice of travelling to the city. A taxi fare to the city cost NG60-70 (RM90-105) and the journey took around 15 minutes.
However, those who have limited budget (like us) should take a train to the main station as the ticket would only cost GN6 (RM9). All the trains from the international airport headed to the Centraal Station and the journey took about 20 minutes.
Although the system is good, the double-decker trains are not very user-friendly, especially to travellers who carry big bags.
There are a few steps to nevigate to go to both upper and lower decks. The aisle is also narrow and I found the glass doors saparating each compartments troublesome where it is quite difficult to push the door and lug the bags at the same time. Nevertheless, the scenery along the tracks instantly cured our tiredness.
We passed a few canals where the water is very clean, cute modern houses with tulips on the windowsill and a few commercial buildings. Upon reaching the Centraal Station, we tasted our first Amsterdam windy climate.
It instantly reminded us of one funny scene in the movie Cool Runnings where the four rastamen had their first taste of snow. Although it was not dramatic as in the movie, 17C is just too much for us, especially with our slim jacket it was just not warm enough.
From the Centraal, we took another underground train- metro- to Newmarkt, where our hostel is located. We have booked beds at the Shelter City Christian Youth Hostel at Barndesteeg 21, in Newmarkt.
Thanks to the hostel booking manager, Martijn Rutgers, it was quite easy to find the place especially with the landmark De Waag (Weigh House) that was smacked right in the centre of the square.
It is very near to the tourists attractions namely Dam Square, Madame Tussaud's, Rembrandt's House and not forgetting the Red Light District. The Shelter City has a total of 168 beds in 7 single-sex dormitories (there is no single or double rooms) and is well equipped with cafetaria, showers, bed linen and a locker.
A bed cost GN25 (RM37.50) during the low season (October-March) and GN28 (RM42) in high season (April-Sept) per night. It is open from 7.30am to midnight from Sunday till Thursday. However on Frid ay and Saturday the curfew is at 1am.
As it was in spring season, the day is longer than the night. At 8pm after freshen up, we decided to explore the Newmarkt. Our exploration brought us to Zeedijk where many restaurants offering Indonesian Italianand dutch cuisines.
We found a Malaysian restaurant called Wau Restaurant but decided to try the food at a nearby Indonesian Bunga Mawar restaurant. After we had our dinner, we accidently stumbled the famous Red Light District where tax-paying women offering their wares inside glass windows.
It was nearing 10pm and the district is bustling with activities. Under the red lights and accompanied with songs blasting from speakers, the girls behind the glass windows danced seductively to invite male tourists for their services.
Although prostutition is the core business, the area is safe for tourists, it is still not advisable especially female to venture into the district at night. We headed back to the hostel by 11.30pm.
For further information on the hostel :
The Shelter City
Barndesteeg 21, 1012 BV Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Phone: + 31 (0) 20 6253230
Fax: + 31 (0) 20 6232282
Web site: www. shelter.nl
ends
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
