Liv's latest adventure around the globe

So finally I’ve concluded my overseas trips for the year that I feel the need to sort of make a “country visit” report for the wonderful experience I’ve had.

WARNING: This might end up to be a long entry, but will be entertaining as possible with nice observations and images to capture your attention.

1st Destination: Stockholm, SWEDEN
2nd Destination: ITALY
Stop over: Milan
Stop over: Venezia
Stop over: Roma
Final Destination: Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC

When friends of Friends become your friends
So in all of the places I’ve been to, I have 2 of the most important network in my life: the AIESEC network and Filipino Community. My hosts for Stockholm and Prague where friends I met from a conference 2-3 years ago but have been in touch since then. Italy was mainly introducing or re-introducing myself to some relatives whose only picture of me was when I was still a small kid. What was the best part though is that I got introduced to more people after that, and with some got to be close with them as well that we even got future invitations to come back or visit their home countries. In general, that is what made all these trips special --- I was not just discovering the sights, but also getting to know the people who have a better idea of the places to see.

1st Destination: Stockholm, SWEDEN:

I went out with 4 other trainees from Paris (Abhi, Duyunc, Luckasz & Zuzana) and I was coordinating the trip with some friends I have in Stockholm.

Paris trainees meet Electrolux gang
So Judit was so patient to be waiting for us at the bus station at around 1230am. We had a very warm welcome from her with a very well organized plan as to where we would all be staying and what time we had to meet the following day. Afraid that some might get lost if we’re located in different places, we split to 2 different places.

Meet the Family
Three of us stayed with “the family”- Allison and Vera. They had enough space in the living room and made us feel at home with a wonderful breakfast on Saturday morning. Speechless. Now I know why they call them the family- great hospitality and company making sure we had a good night sleep.


GRAND THEATER----------------RIVERSIDE------------------VASA MUSEUM--------------"FICA TIME"

All day tourist
It was a 3 day-visit but the heavy touring of Stockholm was done in just one day. Thanks to our amazing tourist guides, Olga & Judit, who seem to have everything planned out with different options to maximize our time. We walked through the old town, went for fica (term for short coffee break with some sweet pastries) went for the boat ride, visited the Vasa Museum, pre-drinks at Nisarg’s place and had an experience of Swedish clubbing where we lasted until 3am for us to still catch the last metro. Now I am even surprised to have done all that in 1 day.

Lazy Sunday
The day started bit late, a much more relaxed touring agenda. I think we’ve exhausted much of Judit’s energy that she caught flu that day so we let her rest all day instead. We walked around the old town once again and it was really a good weather, the only day during our whole visit that it was really sunny. Then we visited the Noble Museum & Royal Palace and walked more and more to familiarize ourselves about Stockholm. As I was left in the afternoon with just 2 guys, since Zuzana and Luckasz headed back to Paris earlier, part of the walking tour was just enjoying the view of Swedish girls… “ohhlala….” Yes, that’s what I would always hear from Abhi throughout the trip.

We went home and met up with the “family” again. We decided to rest for a bit and had some fica. Allison prepared a perfect Uzbekistan dish that went perfect with our tea. We later on checked out their neighborhood as we went for some walk before heading back for a good night’s sleep.

Monday's Final Tour

We had to catch the City Hall guided tour this time, since we failed to wake up early the past 2 days and always missed the 10am or 12noon tour. This time we were just in time for the 10am tour.

WITH THE ELECTROLUX TRAINEES IN STOCKHOLM

Part of the visit of Stockholm was to see the Electrolux office as well. We had lunch with the rest of the trainees there, found out we have the same catering company for our canteens, Sodexho. Then we had a little tour around the office where they had a different kitchen showcase for each country like India, China, Australia, Brazil.

Without a coat in Stockholm
Before catching our bus to the airport at 3pm, one of my travelmates, Duyunc, had an unfinished business from Saturday night. He lost his ticket for claiming his jacket that night, that only asked him to wait until 430am before he can see from whatever is remaining. Tried a bit of negotiations, but searching for a black jacket among hundreds of them, the staff insisted that he waited until 430 or come back on Monday. Obviously we opted for the latter though it was not easy finding the access to the back entrance of the bar. We had to go around kitchens and backdoor offices we were almost about to give up when we came across our contact from that club and Duyunc recognized the voice of the guy. So mission accomplished and it was time to say goodbye to Stockholm. At least for now… most of them wish to return as we made new friends apart from the ones whom I really wanted to visit anyway.

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SECOND DESTINATION: ITALY

Stop over: Milan
The fashionable Milan
They say it’s the fashion capital of Italy, and I can see almost similar up-to-date level of fashion from what I would see in Paris, for less $$$! So I had to appreciate the nice and posh city that it is first, before feeling that I can afford further shopping around the area.

DUOMO MADUNINA

It started at Duomo, a large gothic cathedral where the archbishop of Milan resides. At the top of main spire of the cathedral, is Madunina built at 108.5m and is one of the famoust polychrome status of the Madonna.

DUOMO SQUARE

------------------------------ NAPOLEON STREET -----------------------LA SCALA ----------

The Duomo Square
The Duomo square was so alive with so many tourists and Italians around, I was visiting it every day I was in Milan- sitting, relaxing and thinking of the next tourist destination. On Saturday an Italian guy approached me and I didn’t mind walking around with him as he gave me a short explanation around the square, walking to La Scala- the grand theater, Napoleon street, the shopping street with all the famous brands. A quick local tour without having to pay, I had to say goodbye since he wasn’t able to accompany me to my next destination, Piazza Castello.



PLAZA CASTELLO
A magnificent castle that was built not as a fortification but as a showcase for Milan’s true strength- creativity, with about 10 museums and a thousand art collections. Once can enjoy the beauty inside and out where there’s a huge park, with a small lake and a view of the arc. It was good to be so close to nature and walking through the park. I enjoyed the solitude of walking alone, being able to listen to my own thoughts, of which it was hard to listen when you are so preoccupied with so many other things in the big city. It is at these moments that I am able to gain much more energy and clear out my thoughts on the things that are probably bugging my mind lately.

Missed out Da Vinci’s Last Supper
I did some research on the places I had to see, but forgot one important detail… reservations! So apparently you can visit the museum only with prior reservation, since it’s most likely to be booked for the rest of the week already if you just go directly to the place. Well, that can be a reason for me to return to Milan then.

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Stop Over: Venezia
I was having second thoughts if I wanted to pursue the trip to Venice since it would cost me another 80 euros just to take the train to Venice and probably another 10 euros for the ferry. Fortunately, there was a trip being organized by the Filipinos in Milan, I could go to Venice for only 45 euros and that already included the breakfast and the ferry ride.

The first stop was at Murano where we had a demo of glass blowing and how they managed to make these nice glass artifacts. In a few seconds they were able to make a shape of a horse with mix of different colors. Around the shop were nice jewels as well, simply irresistible so got myself a nice piece of necklace as souvenir.

The main island was in San Marco, where you have a grand view of the main square and the canals where the gondolas are passing by. Since we couldn’t afford a gondola ride, we had enough time to walk from 2-630pm until we had to gather back again. From sight seeing to window-shopping to walking around the small alleys, it was a well-spent afternoon in the sunny Venice. I was really mesmerized by the beauty of the city right in front of my eyes, when before I was just seeing it in Discovery Travel channel. I probably took the most photos in this city for an afternoon tour, if only to cherish the most of these memories as something I can always look back to whenever I remember Venice.

Stop over: Roma


I only had 2 days in Rome, and one of them was falling on a holiday so there were quite a big number of tourists around. I had one of my relatives’ friend host and tour me around the city, so I didn’t have to struggle in looking at the map and making sure I am able to see all the important attractions.

GUARDS-------------------- INSIDE ST. PETER'S BASILICA---------------- THE PIETA
We started with the Vatican City and visited the Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s very grand with all the poles around the entrance of the basilica. Inside it’s even more magnificent with works of art from the ceiling, windows, walls and floor. The best part was of course the Pieta right before you exit. I was told that normally you are not allowed to take photos, and luckily that day was maybe the once a month/year that they would allow people to take photos. I took a few just to make me remember it clearly, especially when my memory won’t be good enough anymore to tell it to my grand children.

Fontaine de Trevi and your 3 coins


It was almost dark so we had to postpone visiting the Colosseo the following day. It was great that Fontane de Trevi had lights all over to put a perfect view of the area. As it was the Halloween night when we paid a visit, the place was so full of people it was difficult to find a spot where I can take a photo without them. I just made sure I could find a spot where I can stand and throw my three coins and make my wish.

Then I said it was also worthwhile taking a photo of the people taking a photo by the fountain, as well as the coins in the fountain. It must contain hundreds by now or at least a huge variety of coins thrown by people from different parts of the world.

Italian lunch
I still had until 4pm to tour around and take my time to breath the air of Rome. I had the chance to have lunch with a nice Italian family, who was my aunt’s employer and was so hospitable to let us join. He was so fond of preparing the meal with us, checking out the oven like a kid, and showing his grandchildren how the chicken is being grilled. Since it was a holiday, his whole family was there and he also invited my aunt’s family to join in the dinner table. I almost felt at home and surprised that he doesn’t treat her differently as a servant, but more of a part of the family.

Final tour
After a nice and heavy meal, I almost felt like I didn’t want to go. Yet, I still had a mission to accomplish and that is to visit Piazza Spagna and Colosseo.

Save the best for last. I was not able to see this on my first day since it got so dark by 6pm. So we had a nice view of the city from the Piazza Spagna where you can already see the Colosseo. We walked towards the Colosseo but unfortunately we are not allowed to go inside to we can at least visualize how the gladiators would have fought in the old times.
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Final Destination: Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC
So as you noticed, my choice of countries to visit had been at least to visa-free-lands. J I know there were still more places I wanted to see but required some visa that cost almost the same as the flight so I would have to reserve that for future travels. Fortunately for Prague, there’s a transit visa where they allow people to enter Prague for less than 5 days as long as you have a French carte de sejour and a return ticket.

I met my Chinese friend, Jenny, who was MCP of AIESEC Mainland of China in 2002. I stayed with her at her friend’s place, who had good timing of going on a business trip and having a room for myself during that visit. Right when I arrived at midnight, and she offered me hot wine, I somehow felt it was really going to be a “cultural” / alcoholic weekend… besides, where else to drink the most but in Prague!

----------------------- OLD TOWN SQUARE ------------------------ ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK

-------------- CHARLES BRIDGE ---------------------------------------------- PALACE GUARD ----
Sunny Prague, Walking Tour

Andel party
They only called that a warm-up, as we were at the brewery from 5-930pm just drinking and eating. At least it goes with my concept of drinking and eating at the same time, so it doesn’t leave one with an empty stomach. The night was still young and at the other side of the bridge there was a party happening with the “Andel kids”. Yes, that’s the biggest trainee flat in Prague, hosting 11 trainees, and every week guests from different places. So we got more variety of alcohol from different countries, with some local delicacies.

The night was still young and they decided to go somewhere for some club or pub outside. The city is small but it’s still possible to lose people along the way, especially if the night buses don’t go around so often. So that night I ended up with Jenny’s friends instead of going home, but hospitable enough to welcome me to their homes to crash for the night.

Czech brunch and more beer
We went for a great brunch at a French restaurant in Prague. They were serving local food but with French service… which means they were taking their time before they served our food, and more or less encouraging you to drink more. Well, not for me. At least my concept of drinking beer starts when the sun goes down. However, the 4-year old kid’s father on the other table had a different concept: let her child drink some beer while having her kiddie meal, so that when she grows up she’ll have stronger capacity. Jenny’s friend, Gokki couldn’t stop staring and being surprised, how a little kid can be drinking beer… not only at such an early time but at really early age.


Christmas markets and Golden Lane
After a heavy brunch we had to somehow burn the calories one more time. Christmas markets are quite big and well decorated in Eastern Europe. The recommended cities for Christmas shopping were Vienna, Bratislava, Warsaw and Prague. It was great that they were starting already that weekend, and you can just walk around the different stalls, feel the Christmas spirit, and stop by for a glass of hot wine.

Another interesting part of the Prague Castle is the Golden lane, dating back at the 15th century. After 4pm, one can enter for free, otherwise the entrance is for 3 euros. It’s a small street lined by 11 historic houses, with interesting armoury and textile exhibits and some souvenir shops. It was known as Zlatnicka Ulicka (Goldsmith’s Lane), due to the many goldsmith’s residing there. We stayed at one shop for 30 minutes, where they were selling wooden toys and puzzles. Taxi, a Greek trainee, wouldn’t leave the place until he could solve the puzzle, which was supposed to be the easy level. The storeowner was so fond of him that she was giving him some hints and letting him play for free, and in the end he solved it and bought the intermediate version.




Saturday night party
So they told me Friday night party was just for beginners, and I should be prepared for what was planned on Saturday night. We started at Claire’s apartment, where they introduced me to Becherovka. It became one of my best friends that I had to share it to my friends back in Paris. Yes, Becherovka is actually a Czech, herbal bittersweet liquor, which they say can also aid to digestion. That was just the start, since Jenny had a whole list of Czech alcohol that I needed to try.



We moved in to a bar near the Old Town Square, where I had a nice view of Prague by night. It was almost like we occupied half of the bar with about 20-25 trainees around. Just when we arrived at the bar, Gabrielle already ordered one round of Absinthe for us. Absinthe is a distilled, anise-flavored spirit derived from herbs including the flowers and leaves of the medicinal plant Artemesia absinthium, also called grand wormwood. It’s served in a shot with the blue flame and you mix it immediately with sugar and you drink. One was enough for me, and a tick in the alcohol list I had to try that weekend.



That’s my bridge!
Prague was something so familiar to me already just after 2 days, and I definitely will find my way home already. We were walking home that night, and for some reason lost Ludek and Jenny once again. I was hoping she would have been home by then, since I didn’t have the key, but I was determined to find my way home this time. Jenny’s friend was nice to walk me home, even though initially offering his place, but I could easily recognize my bridge this time and was confident to say that I could go home without any hassle.

2 day-shopping and more!
Ok, suddenly they call me a spoiled Parisian. Probably because everywhere I go is suddenly something affordable, and relatively cheap. A beer for a euro, a nice and heavy meal for 8euros, cocktails for 2.5euro, jackets for 8euro, shirt for 4 euro, box of cigarette for 22euro, etc. So yeah, apart from the sight seeing, I did a couple of shopping with what Ludek described as the fastest he’s seen of a woman shopping. Yeah, it only took me 10 minutes to buy some winter clothes and it was because I was actually looking at them already on the first day and have been thinking of buying it until the last day. I also bought some presents for my friends in Paris- bottle of Becherovka & Slivovice for the alcoholics and one box of cigarette for the smoke belchers. Hahaha!!!

4 days and 4 nights, it was more than enough to relax and see the nice sights in Prague and party hard enough during the nights. It’s such a magical city, that’s worth going back to, only next time it will be less of an alcoholic weekend.

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