Wanda SG Memories of holidays, overseas trips, souvenirs and keepsakes, etc. etc. - post them here. I'll start with a few pictures of my recent trip (by popular demand ). Vatican Museum, Rome Lots of sculpture and artwork like these inside, but we weren't allowed to take photos of Michangelo's famous artwork on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel Outside the Vatican chapel (?), where the Pope meets the folks every week The Colosseum where the gladiators once fought live lions Near the Colosseum, sort of a replica of Paris' Arc de Triomphe The city of Firenze The Leaning Tower of Pisa peeps from behind Venice - "the water village" (very touristy...got romantic, meh? ) Pay 30 euro to tour the dirty canals
Wanda SG Thanks, Choco. I'm still dreaming about the trip. I thought of you when I saw the truffles in Brussels, but I didn't buy. They taste like the Meiji winter chocolates, but stronger in taste. Bet you would love them.
Wanda SG After the somewhat chaos of Rome, Austria was refreshing, very nice and neat, though things are expensive in the city. The common language of the folks is German. Somewhere in Austria (which has alps, mountains, and more alps!) * Apparently, it snowed the day before * (* photo taken through the coach's window) Mozart Museum at Salzburg, where Wolfgang used to live; his piano is still there Many places in Europe are a cyclist's dream place, with designated cycing lane and bicycle parks. By the river at Salzburg (I think ) The mountains are everywhere Shopping area in Innsbruck
Wanda SG Yep, I did, with SA tour. If u book it at the natas fair, u can get it for about $3k (save a few hundreds), plus taxes & fuel charges of 300+. Be prepared to spend at least 1200++ for optional tours and own meals (about one lunch/dinner a day on your own). Shopping is excluded from this conservative estimate.
choco B SG Haaar 3K PLUS another 1.2+ optional?? Wow *mind boggles* Was it worth it? Do you recommend SA?
Wanda SG What a question to ask. Worthiness is subjective. This being my first packaged tour in more than 10 yrs, I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't hate it, despite having to wake up at 6am everyday, but do prepared to be on the road a lot. Most days were alright, except for like, 2 days when it felt really long. Having a funny tour leader who can tell lots of stories helped. For Europe, I think the mkt leaders are SA or ChanBros, but SA has a slightly better deal.
choco B SG Hehehe I know, but I wanted your point of view Ah ok... I hear lots of horror stories about travel agencies so glad to hear SA worked out well for you!
the Bear SG *envious of Wanda* i am long overdue for a vacation.. i think after i finish this bunch of projects, i'll bug my boss coz i really need a break..
sillyme SG nice photos.. if i were to plan for a trip to Italy, free and easy... any advice on the budget? Say Rome and Florence?
Wanda SG Sorry, I don't really know since I went on a package tour, but it depends on what kind of accom and makan you're looking at. My travel guide book listed hostel accom that starts from 12 euro onwards, and hotel rooms for singles from 50 euro onwards to the hundreds. Food-wise, we snacked on a a small pizza for 2.50 euro, and a sandwich (big enough as a meal) at 3 euro onwards. Good coffee/cuppacino is available from 1.60 euro. (Note: Latte = milk, not coffee...learnt by mistake ).
