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[viking-c]

Vilnius, you Beauty!

I keep telling myself I have to make this post before Trump’s inauguration! First thing first, MAKE EVERYTHING GREAT AGAIN!

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania is a baroque beauty of the Baltic, a city of immense allure. 

The buildings and churches lining this medieval old town reflect its diverse styles and eras. 

The ruined buildings telling you it had been through a hard time, scared by Nazis and Communist.

Which also made how Lithuania is now, liberal! Artists use their brush to express their imagination, irony and to criticise.

The Neoclassical Vilnius Cathedral and St. Catherine’s Church.

A glance at the university district.

A lovely book store.

St. John’s Church and Bell Tower. You may like to hear the incident of me climbing to top of the tower, it is quite old, stairs were made by wood in an ancient way and you can see through between the gaps. Only 2 meters away to the top I got vertigo and almost cried out. I am a person afraid of height and ironically I have big spirit of adventures, curiosity kills a cat, definitely! (I climbed tower again only myself in Bruges, you will hear it soon)

Panorama photographed by hubby.

Are you all waiting for the best part? Heavy food huh?

Time to say goodbye!

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Summer II

2016 was the 160 years of Sweden’s National Day, also known as Swedish Flag Day. 

To celebrate the National Day, The King and Queen came to their summer castle Sofiero in southern Sweden, alongside other royal family members. 

After a long wait, His Majesty and Her Highness started touring the castle and greeting to their fans. There were ‘people mountain people sea’, this was the closest possible shot I could get.

The local Scanians like to spend a laid back sunny summer day on white sand beach in Southern Skåne, I did backwards to go up north, to be specific north-west, a short hike at Kullaberg Nationalreserv. 

We also spent some time with family in Värmland, what a sweet surprise to see Chinese beer! I usually don’t drink beer so I just WATCH. 

Värmland=woods.

And hiking by EU’s biggest lake, Vänern. 

On way drive back to home, stop by west coast, Fiskebäckskil. 

Back to my ‘part-time’ job as dogsitter. :)

[viking-c]

Summer I

A precious Summer in Sweden you couldn’t afford to waste a single day, almost everyday I was wandering here and there. I have to split into two posts when I browsing photos.

We discovered a small quite lovely nature reserve with a white sand beach near home, this place I have never mentioned to anyone else only kept it to myself. 

The cows are having their life in a holiday resort.

This summer the weather was fantastic, so we had many days could dip in the water while enjoying the beautiful sunset. There were fewer people come to this beach, so we could always be able to find a private spot.

As many say the cheapest summer house is to get a boat, renamed her to my beloved hometown.

Sailing out.

Green isn’t a lucky colour when you out at the ocean so I got myself a red hat for a good luck, just being superstitious.

Docking at pier.

And green country view.

Finish my day with a glass of good wine under cherry blossoms in one of ordinary summer days. :)

[viking-c]

Hamburg weekend getaway

My exam in Hamburg University was in July, I applied in April but didn’t plan the trip until a week before, the consequences were overpriced airfare and hotel. Left me no choice I had to ask hubby a favour to drive me to Hamburg.

It turned out a quite interesting road sightseeing of Denmark and a short city break.

Endless bridges in Denmark.

Driving in German highways was less smooth as there were more traffics, the closer to city Hamburg the more often we stuck in traffic, it supposed to be a less than 6h drive ended up 8h. 

And finally got our first meal at clock 15:19.

And beer, no surprise.

A group of Kurdish protestors.

Start strolling around.

Double rainbows after summer rain.

Honestly, where is the famous canal view? I didn’t find it!

Here we go, raining again.

By end of night I noticed that it was UEFA Germany vs Italy, later on the whole city had an overnight fireworks to celebrate their victory. Good for Germany not for me! Not complaining, just saying. :) PS: exam result was passed.

[viking-c]

Colour of the Season

I heard from many friends of mine that dislike Autumn, they think it represents dying. Especially the infamous Swedish autumn weather, rainy, cold, grey, it drags you to depression. It’s true, but not entirely.

I personally LOVE autumn, it is my favourite season regardless of in which weather condition. Autumn always make me calm, slow pace, summarise the past half year and plan for the coming year. 

The colour of autumn here is like God spilled paint by accident. 

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Day trip in Roskilde

The short road trip was in late March, everything was awaking from a long winter, so was I. When mapping somewhere in Denmark and Roskilde was popped into my eyes, it’s about an hour and a half driving from home.

A bridge connecting two countries.

Stop in Copenhagen for a morning fika.

Despite a fame of naked race during music festival in Roskilde, there are more to explore. 

Roskilde Cathedral, the first Gothic cathedral to be built of brick. The design featured both Romanesque and Gothic architecture and is one of World’s Heritage sites in Roskilde.

Fredrick IX’s Burial Site, the King wished to buried outside of Cathedral, in view of Roskilde Fjord.

The vines creep along the walls.

Green view on way to Viking Boat Museum.

It was spacious, kids friendly place. I didn’t spend much time there, only briefly went through this open air museum.

It was the lowest boat I could take a photo of full length. 

[viking-c]

Trip to Riga

If search underrated countries or cities, you would find Baltic states often on the list as well as a popular destination to Nordics. It is a little over 1 hour flight from Copenhagen and surprisingly that we have time difference (1h only though). 

Riga is a UNESCO World Heritage site of breathtaking Old Town view and amazing architecture. 

Walking on cobblestones through maze-like old town is a joy of art. The color of buildings made me feel I am part of this giant oil painting.

Riga has a turbulent history, from German knights, Swedish vikings and Soviet commissars, with their touch and footprints made Latvia’s capital a crossroad of Northern Europe and Eastern.

It also has one of the word’s richest collections of Art Nouveau on the grand boulevards. 

Panorama from Science Institution Building.

Wether you are a food lover or just simply fascinating to fresh market, the enormous Riga central market you gotta visit. Shame there is no photo inside the market, I was too busy calming down my astonishment of falling into a food paradise. You can grab a quick lunch there or get samples for a picnic in a lovely park.

Tasting always play a major part each time when I visit a new place. How would I possibly miss out the local beer, cider, Riga’s Black Balsam and of course Baltic cuisine.

After couple of days overwhelming local meals, switch to light Sicilian seafood.

Overall, this is one of my favourite photo, running from rain! :)

[viking-c]

Life in Kingdom of Wonder II

I was a Chinese teacher for a local kindergarten, I always consider myself less patient around kids, I can’t imagine how the teaching life could be without my lovely helpful co-teachers. 

在金边的一年我给当地一家幼儿园做中文老师，也是生平第一次教小朋友。非常感谢一同共事的老师们的帮助！

I actually have never been to the the tourist attractions like Royal Palace, Killing Field. Royal Palace was only couple of minutes walking distance from home, tired to visit a few days before I leave Phnom Penh but I couldn’t find entrance, so I just drop the idea. Now and then my friends like to make fun about my sense of directions, there are many times I get myself lost on way back home. 

都说刚去一个新地方时都会游览一下当地景点，什么皇宫，杀戮林我是一个也没去过，离开柬埔寨前打算去皇宫看看，因为离家步行也就2分钟的，可惜没找到入口，就作罢！朋友们经常开我是路痴的玩笑，时不时老揪着我回家迷路的各种奇遇来寻我开心！

*cough cough* 

I do like walk around, wonder here wonder there despite the heat outside as long as no rain. There were something you don’t see everyday on street.

UN’s SUVs are everywhere, who knows their business.

Calm street once in a while.

Not chaotic.

Few street shoots.

Lack of study, temples in Cambodia are all look same to me, couldn’t remember where it was.

During raining season, everyday afternoon when the storm hits.

Hang around poolside was most of my entertainment in Phnom Penh. 

A kind remind to foreign drunkards that do NOT flirt pretty girls first in a bar or club, you may run into troubles. 

柬埔寨的贫富差距非常大，有钱有势的随身又随从打手不说，还随身携带枪支。���以友情提示各位外国朋友不要随便在酒吧或者聚乐部找漂亮姑娘搭讪，别自找麻烦。

So we party home. BTW, a draft beer cost 1usd. 在外喝一杯生啤只要1美金，可惜我对啤酒没兴趣。

And join events held by Swedish Embassy.

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Life In Kingdom of Wonder I

The kingdom of Cambodia is rich in culture, religion, tradition, archeological treasures and gorgeous nature beauty.

Life in Phnom Penh was a truly adventure. Everyday crossing crazy traffic, constantly worry about stumble into accidents. But in the other hand, you meet wonderful Khmer people, seeing bright smiles on their face just make your day start in a so positive way!

There were good and bad while I was there, but it doesn’t matter as all the memories l took with me are wonderful! A year in Cambodia was an extraordinary experience. 

柬埔寨有着悠久的历史，多元的传统文化，雄伟的自然风光和宝贵的考古珍品。在金边的一年我只能用<冒险>2字来形容，每天穿梭于繁忙的交通，时刻警惕着自身安全，但是每天一早下楼看到高棉人暖暖的笑容又让你忘记了烦恼，开始美好的一天。

A place once called home.

Terrace facing Mekong river, riverside view in morning and dusk.

Often spot fireworks from celebrations to Royal Family. 

A view from rooftop terrace.

Same angle in the evening.

Easy bbq set, worked pretty well.

Shopping in Lucky supermarket.

Phnom Penh is a Capital without public transportations, usually people commute with motorcycle or tuk-tuk. 

Our tuk-tuk driver Sopheak, he is kind, love to smile, knowledgeable about the city, fluent in English, usually park next to Blue Pumpkin by riverside. If you happen travel in Phnom Penh, he will be your excellent city guide.

因为金边没有公共交通，大家出行都是摩托车或者这种叫tuk-tuk的三轮摩托车。我们的常用司机，人非常和善，英文又好，也非常了解各个角落，不会带你兜兜转转找路，他基本都在河边的blue pumpkin一带。有机会去金边的朋友可以找Sopheak。

You can find more informations here for tuk-tuks and city leisures. 

http://www.yourphnompenh.com/travel/?category=tuk-tuk-driver

And some wild animals shared home with us.

Our friends know some of our stories in this residence.

We got robbed in the first month we arrived in early morning inside our bedroom while we were deeply asleep, basically everything they could grab were gone. Mostly was our own fault as we were too naive, we left the door unlocked. So be awareness of your valuable things, always keep them near you.

We also got invaded by monkey families, TWICE! 

认识我们的朋友或多或少知道一些我们的故事。

刚搬来的第一个月里就被入室盗窃，比较后怕的是当时我们都在睡觉，小偷居然闯进卧室来偷盗，若是在案发时醒来不知会发生什么！也是我们自己不小心，没锁门，太天真了！

还有一次一早醒来去厨房，突然感觉头顶上方有很炙热的目光盯着我看，抬头一看，6只猴子排排站，蹲在通向屋顶的扶手上，我愣了几秒后才反应过来——尖叫！这种突然造访发生过2次！

More to share, be patient.

[viking-c]

Hike in Söderåsen National Park

One of New Year Resolutions, hike in Sweden’s National Parks and now have a project that leave my footprints in all National Parks in Sweden! Ambitious but possible. 

来瑞典这么久终于可以体验瑞典大自然的魅力了！这次选择的是离家最近的Söderåsen国家公园，公园占地16平方公里，我们选择一 条7公里的路线。

We choose the one close to home, half hour driving and here we are!

I’m not sure if people have not come back from vacation yet or just too little population here, we only met 3 human beings and 1 dog in 2 hours hike.

不知是否大家还没有从新年假期中回来还是这里人口密集真的是低，全程步行中只遇到3个人和一条狗。

From fresh marks of cracks on broken trees, seems there was storm few days ago, trees are uprooted and some of them are hanging on each other. 

从折掉的树的裂痕来看，貌似之前有风暴经过，很多树都连根拔起，有些甚至互相悬挂于空中。

See through the fallen tree from its own root.

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Dresden-Berlin

Last time stayed in Berlin was the worst storm in decades, snowing in April! And this time was the worst heat in years! What the odd for me to experience the extreme weather in a single year!

Pass through Dresden, significant buildings from various architectural periods. Its architecture is influenced by more than Baroque.

上次去柏林时遇到几十年难遇的糟糕天气，4月里居然下大雪！而这次又遇到高温潮，一年之内经历2个极端天气我也是蛮幸运的！

从布拉格沿路去柏林时途径德雷斯顿，它是德国东部重要的政治，经济，文化中心。大家都说德雷斯顿是一座巴洛克城市，但它的建筑风格受很多时期的影响，不仅仅局限于巴洛克。

Dresden by Elbe.

Central Station of Dresden.

A short break and continue on the road. After a long ride, exhausted, hungry and irritated which a hotel room without A/C made my night more miserable.

欧洲很多城市的住房和酒店都不装空调，怕热的我晚上是转辗难眠，半夜还要去大马路上吹风，热的实在是躺不下。次日一早就挨家找酒店房间标配空调的，很幸运找到的酒店就在几条街外。

Next day mission was door to door check available hotel room with A/C. Checked-in and now need to charge ourselves.

Last time I had whole knuckle and this time a half duck, no idea where the appetite come from. 

入住后的第一件事就是找吃的！上次来柏林时一个人吃掉一个猪蹄，这次一个人又消灭掉半只鸭，也不知道怎么这么好胃口！

As usual, strolling is a travel routine.

Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.

TV tower.

Discovered a real Japanese restaurant close to Savignyplatz station while modelling.

The End.

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Firenze e Milano

As I mentioned in my previous post that Bologna is a central point to reach main cities. Florence only half hour away from Bologna, no reason not to pay a visit.

Florence always on a top list of MUST VISIT, so I don’t think there is more I need to tell you Why.

The time we went was Christmas season, so there were many tourist groups, mainly from China and Taiwan.

在上一篇博里介绍过博洛尼亚的优越地理位置，佛罗伦萨仅需要半小时的路程，而且这座城市一直居高于一生一定要去的地方排行，所以没有理由不去造访一下。虽说冬季不是旅游旺季，但圣诞季就另当别论了，有很多游客，大多来自中国和台湾，还有一些韩国游客。

Duomo-Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiero. 

Spot me if you can! 

This panini place sits next to Duomo, good for quick lunch. It’s a slow food as they let you try different salami, ham and cheese and introduce you the background of the meats and cheese you are eating. Each order may take 10-15mins to complete whole section. Under 5 euro you can get your self chose ingredients panini, quite surprise for a place in a tourist area.

这家帕尼尼的店就在大教堂旁，位置很好，主要价格也很公道。店家会让你试吃各种腊肠，火腿和芝士，还会介绍他们的背景和产地，然后你选择你需要的各种配菜，非常有意思，味道也很不错！

Strolling around.

Nice walk through Ponte Vecchio.

Continue walking at the other side of river to Piazzale Michelangelo and then you got this stunning view.

Christmas Market in front of Church of Santa Croce.

Need some walk after a big meal.

It was so many crowds, we couldn’t or had energy squeeze among people, basically we just briefly glance the main attractions. There are more to discover and I will come back!

匆匆地简略地逛了一圈主要景点，因为人太多也没有精力深度游，下次等淡季时再慢慢体会佛罗伦萨的美！

Train to Milan was a bit out of control, buy ticket, refund ticket and pay double but again big delay. Scrambled our plan but I should have foresighted. 

因为火车的延期，严重打乱了米兰的计划，属于有史以来最快，最短的一次观光。什么也没来得及看就直接搭地铁去米兰的大教堂，照了几张相证明到此一游！

Anyways, made it to Milan but only got an hour or so. :( No time explore the amazing Milan Central Station, quickly jump on metro towards to Duomo.

Duomo di Milano.

Last quick peek. :) 

I don’t know if I would come back to Milan, personally I’m not attracted to this city, mainly just a shopping place for fancy people.

[viking-c]

Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

Bologna is not on top tourism list of Italy which is perfect to have few enjoyable days before Christmas. If you see from map, it’s surrounded by main cities. You can take it as a start point, up to Milan, down to Rome, west to Florence/Pisa, east to Venice/Verona, reach to every direction within an hour by speed train.

博洛尼亚地处各大主要城市中心，高速铁轨1小时内可以北上至米兰，南下至罗马，东西连接佛罗伦萨，比萨和威尼斯，维罗纳。

这个大学城市不是意大利热门旅游地，这也恰是最好的休闲地方。远离游客，没有拥挤的街道，没有说着几种语言的街头小贩，没有像大城市那样泛滥的高价餐厅，一切都平静的仿佛我是当地人一样，每多一次来意大利就对这��土地多一份情。大家都说北欧这么高水准的地方是欧洲人人都向往居住的，可我却留恋于意大利的喧闹，杂乱和她的自由热情。

The Medieval skyscrapers of Bologna, Towers of the Asinelli and the Garisenda, the Garisenda (48m) leaning towards Asinelli (97m). Seems there are many leaning towers in Italy, might the trends in the Middle Ages.

博洛尼亚标志性的斜塔，建于中世纪。2座塔分别为48米和97米，一座60米的塔需3-10年建成。

Piazza del Nettuno, captured the fountain, shadow of Neptune and Christmas tree in same shot. 

Piazza Maggiore, just next to the fountain.

As a foodie, here is a paradise for me. 

Simoni是Emilia-Romagna区域的特产，各种火腿，熏肉，香肠和芝士，绝对是肉食主义者的天堂。

Exploring the town, walking walking walking! I can’t remember how many blocks, lanes and streets we pass through. End of the day, legs are sore, feet hurt, fall asleep very fast.

Happy Smile. :)

Now I understand what caused the chaotic traffic in Italy, everyone got a skill to go through a narrow space. :)

This photo totally brought me back to a scenario of an old monk sweep the floor in a temple in one of Jin Yong’s novels Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils (天龙八部).

这张照片绝对让我联想起金庸《天龙八部》里的扫地僧！

La Piccola Venezia, the little Venice. It’s easy to miss if you don’t pay attention, a hidden gem. :)

We even climbed to the hill, it was higher, longer and stiffer than we expected, good exercise though. Not able to see city views as the lands on both sides of road are enclosed by big villas.

Way down.

Holiday atmosphere!

Walking into Bologna University area. The University of Bologna is the oldest university in the world, founded in 1088. I would love to go the university library, walked back and forth but didn’t find it, I am sure I passed it couple of times.  

博洛尼亚大学建于1088年，是世界上最古老的大学，没有之一！一直很想去看看它的图书馆，可惜来回走了2遍也没找到。

In 1980, there was a bomb attack of Central Station at Bologna which killed 85 people and more than 200 wounded, it was attributed to neo-fascisim terror organisation. The graffitis on the wall you can tell the university students are very Left.  

1980年由新法西斯策划的在博洛尼亚中心火车站发生的炸弹袭击，这次恐怖袭击造成85人死亡和超过200人受伤。大学城里大楼上的涂鸦可以看出这里的大学生都比较左派。

The main reason for this trip is to celebrate my Birthday, a great meal is definitely necessary!

If you are a seafood lover like me, this Sicilian restaurant called Sikelia you can’t miss! The squid pasta will make you feel like swimming in the ocean, creative and delicious food! 

这次跑来意大利北部主要是为了给生日多点乐趣，那么一顿美餐可绝对是少不了的。要是你和我一样对各种海鲜没有抵抗力，那么这家叫Sikelia的西西里餐厅绝对不能错过。生蚝，甜虾非常新鲜，这种海鲜不需要厨师技艺，但是他家的鱿鱼，沙丁，三文鱼的腌制非常有创意！乌贼意面的味道绝对让你感觉身处于大海之中一样！最重要的一点，餐厅老板非常有魅力！哈哈～

Before leaving Bologna, we shopped a pasta machine. The lasagna looks not bad!

离开博洛尼亚之前��了一台做意面的机器，回家后试了下，卖相和口感都十分的赞！

[viking-c]

2015

End of the year, look back what have I done and achieved in 2015.

2015 was a smooth year, nothing more or nothing less, happily spent everyday. But I made a big decision not only in 2015 but the past 30 years that I put my passion into a business. I do love coffee with high demands of best truly Italian coffee, constantly searching less known but traditional Italian roasting. And now I am not only tasting the best quality coffee but also able to share with friends, families and other coffee geeks. 

In case you like to know the coffee, here is the link below.

www.billebean.net 

Absolutely fantastic coffee, yet I am studying Italian, building up my linguist resume.

2015 I also accomplished my first ever dreamy girl trip, big time!

Exploring Europe, Gourmet trips. Photos are in Skåne, check other posts for more. :)

And got a boat, became a sailor. :) 

Went out with boat right after got off plane, soaked in water, cold but excited.

Summer was a lot nicer!

Painted a little, read a little and gardening a little.

By end of the year had a big 30s Bday in Italy.

I didn’t feel there was so much I have Done in 2015 until I’m writing the post. What a fulfilling year!

People are starting play fireworks!

Happy New Year!

[viking-c]

Savouring Göteborg

Gothenburg is a transit leg when we visit family in upper Sweden, but never really explore the city. Thanks to a friend’s hospitality we got around with his tips.

Stunning view over Götaälvbron.

Styrsö, an island outside of Gothenburg. 

Strolling around, got lost a little on the tiny place. :)

Life of Scandinavian style.

Where we were figuring out which port suppose to be the right one we should get on the ferry.

Back on land, tram to ... I forgot!!

On top of hill, difficult to take good photo under a grey sky.

Old town exploring.

The Swedes do love cinnamon roll.

It was a bit chilly in mid May, good choice to visit green house.

Yummy food to end our get away.

And free orchestra.

[viking-c]

City wondering and Gourmet experience

Compare to historic sites seeing I am personally more into local life style and strolling around small lanes to feel the city.

Stumble upon a restaurant founded in 896 (at least it’s written on the menu) on our first night. What a luck! 

Food was fair, nice people, great atmosphere, located in a local bar street. Visit few times for both drinks and food because it was nice area and close to our hotel.

Mr.H sacrifice himself just to give you all an idea how the area is. Please kindly disregard his tired face. :)

Breakfast at Selfie, the owner has the sense of business to catch selfie addicted young customers. 

Walking through Jewish Quarter.

It was burning hot during day time, had to stop few times a day for cold drinks. 

A local neighbourhood, see how people living, quite interesting. I well used the internet in the cafe, checked the real estate price in this and close by area, seems 80k euro you can get a 70-80sqm apartment in Pest.

Pretending...

Apartment building stand at sides, leave a long narrow street, every building is unique, they have their own sculptures under each window, sometimes you see plaster and painting fall off from the building, there are history behind those bricks, this is how I love Europe.

Morden metro station.

Shimmery Sunset, Shining Pest.

Ended trip with 5 course gourmet menu.

We got ourselves couple of salamis, sausages and some chilli powder. It’s another story to keep the meat cool under 38C sauna weather while we still have days on the go.

[viking-c]

Buda-Pest

Getting a little bored being stay on the water and navigating (practicing) the boat, felt like wanna get away from everything, summer was long! :)

Purchased a one way ticket to somewhere was most affordable while still available during the crazy Summer holiday period. One way, you hear me right, going to be an interesting trip.

Budapest sounded a good choice except the unprepared heat during our stay. 

The Blue Danube. Looking at the calm colour, how I wish to rise a Waltz on the bridge with my Mister. 

Danube under lights.

Like most of tourists, we won’t miss the main attractions.

View of Pest from Castle Hill.

View of Buda.

Chain Bridge.

Liberty Bridge.

And myself.

Central Market.

St.Stephen’s Basilica, skipped the tour of Basilica as I still haven’t yet now digested all the Catholic churches in Rome not long ago.

Marvelous Orszaghaz 

Yes, finished our quick glance tour of 'must see’ places.