Germany - Frankfurt (Part 2)

Hmm, time to get back with my Germany posts. I know, I know, it's been a few months since I went there and back and yet I can't seem to complete my post. Been procrastinating for far too long. And too much happening and new photos which kept coming in =x

Anyway, back to Frankfurt. Woke up early the next day, waited for my shuttle bus to the airport. Surfed through the net the previous night for tourist spot in Frankfurt and decided to visit the Römer. Also known as the old downtown, it is also the oldest section of town in Frankfurt. It has great old architecture building and nice square. A good place for me to take lots of photos, hehe.

Reached the airport around 9am. Kept my luggage in the baggage storage and inquired for instructions on how to get to Römer. The guy at the information counter told me there is two ways to get there. One way is to the subway (S-8 or S-9) into the city and get off at Hauptwache station (fifth stop, the guy even marked and numbered the stops for me in my map). Römer is only a few minutes walks away from the station. Or I can get off at Hauptbahnhof (Frankfurt Main station) and continue by taking the bus (U-4 or U-5) or ride the tram (tram #11). Then I'll need to get off at the 3rd stop which is Römer/Paulskirche.

I opted for the first option as it was much easier for me. Don't really want to get lost with the few hours I had left in Frankfurt. But if you opt for the second option and get off at Frankfurt Main Station, you'll get to see the how beautiful the train station is. That was what the guy from the info counter told me though. Have yet to see how beautiful it is.

When I got off at Hauptwache stop, I asked a couple of policemen whom happened to be patrolling in the station for directions. I went upstairs and I was in Zeil, the big shopping street. It was kind of deserted as it was still quite early in the morning. Saw a very large Esprit store and the Hako shoe store that the policeman mentioned. I just recently read somewhere that The Esprit store is the largest in the world and I regret not taking a photo of it!! And it was only reopened after renovation less than a month before I went there T_T

I saw this building with a clock tower beside the Haka shoe store and took some photos of it. As I was busy clicking away, there this one lady sitting at the beach eating an ice-cream cone. And halfway taking photos, this lady suddenly appeared beside me. Almost has an heart attack -.-'' She offered to help me take my photo with the building. I thought for a while before passing her the camera. After she took my photo, she took out her camera and asked if I could help her as well. Ah, now I get it, hahaha. We talked for a while before parting ways and learnt that she is from Japan.

Snapped the building on two separate occasions, early in the morning and at noon.

Followed the directions given by the policeman, I walked down the pedestrian passage between the two stores, Esprit and Haka. Got side tracked every now and then if something caught my attention.

There was this head statue which caught my attention. Next to a row of eateries, in the middle of a small square, sheltered by trees of the autumn colors, it was simple yet nice at the same time.

It was a very beautiful sight. Too bad I can't do much justice to it. Not that good in photography T_T

Came across this huge building on my way to Römer. Don't know what building it is, but I was hoping that the car in front would leave so I can get a nice photo of it. But of course it never did.

My post getting kinda long, so I guess I stop here for now. Will continue on Römer on Part 3 =P

Thai Food @ Tan Jetty

Went out with SY and PY after the Thaipusam morning so called photoshoot. Watched 'The Great Day' at 1st Avenue. Don't really want to watch it, but there was not much movies choices to choose from. After movie it was dinner time and all of us were already hungry.

SY brought us to a Thai Restaurant at Tan Jetty. Didn't even know such a place exists till I got there =P The restaurant is just beside the pier by the sea. Cool windy breeze from the sea but too bad it was low tide that evening. The bottom where the water supposed to be during high tide was very muddy and a bit smelly.

After we took our order, we walked out to the pier to snap some photos. And I was too engrossed in taking photos, that by the time we went back to our table, all our dishes were already served =x

Green Curry Chicken. Thick gravy, fragrance and not that spicy. Not bad.

Kangkung Sambal Belacan. Spicy and a tad sourish. Thick gravy as well. I like this dish xD

Tom Yam Seafood Soup. Below mediocre, tasted kinda bland for me. My least favourite dish of the evening.

Fried Mantis Prawn. Nicely fried and a tad crispy. The prawns were fresh as well. Another dish I like, hehe

I finished my food quite fast as I wanted to catch the sun set. But was rather disappointed when I got to the pier. The sun was blocked by tall buildings T_T

Anyway, here some photos just to share a few. Hope you guys like it =D

Thaipusam

Went to the Thaipusam event yesterday for some photo shoots. Never witnessed any Thaipusam celebration previously even after staying in Penang for more than 10 years. Went with SY after she voluntarily 'dared' to fetch me there with her bike. Didn't want to be stuck in the jam, I accepted her 'dare', blek.

Most of the major roads were blocked and some cars can be seen parked up a pavement or by the road side. We went in some roads in a housing estate to get to the temple. Reached there around 10am and went back around 11am, hahaha. Nothing much to shoot at, as they already carried and placed the chariot at the temple during midnight -.-

Shared some shots which I managed to shoot.

Just the sight of it is scary enough =x

The stairs up to the temple full of people. SY and I were deciding if we should be climbing up as well. But in the end we decided to pass the idea. We only went a few steps up and stood at the side of the stairs. Took some shots from there.

The baby sleeping so soundly undisturbed by all the sound and noise around him.

A Chinese guy joining in the celebration as well.

The view down from where I stood. More and more people.

We were on our way back when we saw a few people carrying the 'kavita'. I think it's called 'kavita', my apology if I am wrong on this. SY stop her bike at the road side a few meters in front of them and I took out my camera. Waited for them to pass by and took some shots.

Gotta respect them, not anyone can just carry the 'kavita' and walked barefoot all the way to the temple.

My colleague told me that I should go at night, more things to see and snap. But I am not sure if I plan to go again next time, guess we'll just see then xD

Happy New Year 2011

Bid farewell to 2010, and hello 2011!! Not to mention the nice date too - 01.01.11

Alrite, this going to be just a short post. First post of year, first day of the year, first of everything of the year. And hopefully there are going to be a lot of first(s) in this new year. Since it's already 2011 and we are one year closer to Armageddon. Ok, I am just kidding on that one.

Anyway, walking down memory lane into 2010, well, I wouldn't say I accomplished much, but I did accomplished some matters which were personally personal and important to me. It was actually a big step for me, and just hope I can still keep it up throughout this year and more years to come.

Lots of ups and downs, more downs I guess, but then, who's counting anyway. The best thing for me in 2010 would be my trip to Germany xD Too bad I had to go there alone, but it was a lifetime experience for me. Maybe I should travel more often this year, been cooped up in Malaysia for far too long. Of course provided, time and financial allow. As much as I like to travel, sometimes situation just doesn't quite agree with the idea.

Worst part of 2010, I would say the time when I was jobless and furiously looking for a job. And not to forget my 2 times car crash in a year which broke my ribs twice -.-'' I still feel kinda 'cacat'. To everyone out there, please get a car with airbag.

As for year 2011, I didn't make any new year resolutions this year. Guess I just go along with the days and follow the flow and see where it leads me. Hopefully for a better year. But I did compiled a few tasks for myself, which I want to accomplish this year. Not going to mention them here though, hehe. They are not new year resolutions, just a plan list of some sort, bleak...

As for everyone out there, wish you all the greatest of health and the best of luck for year 2011. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011!!~~