The next day, Venus and I agreed to go out again after class. We did and I was totally bummed when she said she had to leave at 2 to the Philippines Embassy at Schwederplatz. I decided to go with her. We were supposed to meet Rudi, her husband now. :) We were early, so Venus went to fill up her particulars and got on with the procedures. I spoke to the Filipino who looked totally Chinese. He asked me a few questions and I was so surprised to hear he studied music(piano) in Graz and Vienna and he is a frequent performer in the Philippines! I invited him to perform in Singapore. hahaha He told me he couldn't get a job as a piano teacher in Vienna. Now we all know how tough it is around here huh.... Anyway, I was even more surprised to hear he is good friends with Albert Tiu, and Rachelle and Andrew Ferdinand(Actors of the Singapore Lyric Opera in The Marriage of Figaro). Cooooll.... He gave me his name card. Rudi strolled in and whoa.. we said hi again. hahaha. I started telling Aries how tough German is. Right. In front of Rudi(A German literature, English and Spanish teacher). hahaha. So I added him into the conv. After awhile, Venus came back into the public area and we went off after chatting abit more. We were now on our way to collect their wedding photos. cool. It was a few min walk from the Embassy. They gave me a pic, one which they didn't want badly. How nice. Anyway, after all that "I don't like this one, here you have it," (Alright, it didn't sound that bad) it was time to go. This was the last time seeing them in probably a very long time. I watched as they walked off hand in hand down the escalator and disappearing. Awww... I took off myself and walked into a shop with shiny stuff. I went home after that. Uncle Keh and Aunt Dorothy were back with Caylen.

Hi. I am blogging again. I went out with Venus after German class. My Salzburg trip?? I'll blog that when I get to Singapore. don't ask. Anyway, as I was saying I didn't expect her invitation. She just asked me out outta the blue. Right. We went to Burger King for lunch. I treated her. The place was big... and they had free paper party hats. hahaha. cool. The ceiling was high. Unlike any other fastfood outlets I've seen before, this one had carvings on walls and detailed patterns and desgns like in churches. whoa.. 0kay man.. it's just burger king. People were smoking too. as usual. bleagh... at an innocent food outlet. We sat there for a long time chatting and laughing.. it was great. Then after which, we walked that area where all the shops were. cooool.. She was so nice. Waiting for me to try on clothes. I told her to do the same but she said she didn't want to be tempted to buy them because her husband does not like it when she spends too much on these stuff... man.. Maybe I should get a husband. hahaha! I'll shop for one. After the shopping, it was time to say goodbye. I think I went back to cook my own dinner.

So today I got outta the house at about 830. I walked into the lift and tore off a poster with only her underwear on. I crushed and dumped it. Anyway, when I got outta the train, these six men were blocking the way right up the escalator. They wanted to check if I had a train ticket. I said to the man "FINALLY!" Finally someone wants to check if I have a ticket!! I totally thought i bought the ticket for nothing! The only time it got checked was when I got on the train from the airport to Uncle Keh's house. Well let's just say it felt really good to be able to pass the ticket outta my purse. hmph. :)

Alright, I went into class and Manuela(My teacher's name. I didn't know it was her name even though it was on the board everyday. I thought it was the German word for Manuel and that she forgot to erase it off after class. What a name! I always called her teacher. man....). Oh wells... She asked me a question in German. This is how it went. "Charmaine, was machts sie?" and I said "Good.."It turns out that the question she asked was "What plans did you make?" hmmmm... Oh wells again. 'lright... quit laughing already.

After class, I went to an eatery nearby. I had a lasagne and an eiskaffee.. Yep.. it was good. I even said "Mein kompliments an den koch." And the waiter understood!! Too bad I forgot to ask for the non-smoking section. I had to pray for the lady in front of me to either quit smoking or leave.... She smoked two cigarettes in a row... aaarghh.. But finally she left. She left me a headache. argh...

Anyways, I went to the Kunst Historiches Museum. The building that's a mirror like image of the Museum of natural art. The structure inside was exactly the same. I thought I visited the same place until I realised the fake lion wasn't there and there were paintings and the stone colour was different. It looked much grander. This museum was really good. I preferred it much better to the Leopold museum. This one had loads of 15 to 1600 paintings. Alot on Jesus Christ and the saints. I took quite a number of pictures. it was nice. After awhile, my headache sure was building up but to make my money worth it, I couldn't just leave like that. When I finally got back, I..... yeah.. anyway, I took a panadol and checked my email. Dad just sent me an email telling me to do this and that. Whoaaa too much for the head man! I just switched off everything and went to bed. I woke up at ard 1810 feeling much better, afraid that I can't get to sleep tonight. aargh.. that would be bad. I'll pack my stuff later because tmr I'm off to Salzburg! Woohoo! Right. When I woke up, I cooked some vege with ham and ate it. Duh. Then I ate some bread as well while watching some video. okay. alright. That's about it. so long folks.

Alright. so I went to Michaelekirche(Church) today and many more places around that area. I went into this church at the town square. The exterior was nothing much but the interior was beautiful. As usual. So it gets abit boring. What am I talking about??!! So anyway, I took a few pics and videos and stuff.. cool cool. I got out and walked into palace grounds. I didn't even know that. Well! It didn't say "PALACE"! anyway, I walked right in and there was a beautiful beautiful big garden of roses and space and a fountain that represents power and life(sth like that, I read). Then I went into this cafe in the middle of it all and had lunch; Spaghetti and a hot choco. I didn't speak a word of English to the waitress and I'm so proud of myself. ha ha. I asked for directions and the bill in German. Just practicing. Anyway, I asked her where MichaeleKirche was and the only thing I understood was her hand pointing at a certain direction. Today, i had the worst spaghetti of my life but spoke my best German. After lunch, I went further down, away from michaelekirche because this big super grand building captured my attention. I could only see the top of it. i started walking towards it.

There in front of me was the biggest wowest looking structure. It was old and brown and big and tall. In contrast, right in front of it, was a funfair. hahaha. that was weird. How smart of em to use this building to attract peeps. It was very disappointing because the place was locked up. I could only take pictures of the exterior. Too bad.. I bet the inside is suuuuuper nice.

I got out and walked towards Michaelekirche. Before that, I had to ask this man who was waiting for someone to ride the carriage. He pointed towards the direction I came from at the beginning and said I should get outta palace and turn to my half right. Hmmmm... it sounds like where I came from. When I went outta the palace, there it was.... the church I went into at the beginning. That was Michaelekirche. I found the tinyyyy name at the side of the church... Michaelekirche, not so grand afterall... oh wells... I expected way too much I guess. Anyways, I continued walking on the small street. I passed loads of high-end shops... Chanel, Louis vuitton, Escada.... and Tiffanys and co. I took pics... bla bla... I ended up at Stephanplatz. They are soooo connected to each other! I went to the same churches again. Took more pics and then I went to Rathaus. Nothing much. Not that I know of anyway. I smelt a rose at Rathaus and the smell immediately reminded me of the time I smelt a rose in Europe. the roses smelt like rose syrup. Hey girls... THIS smell is totally different from the smell of the roses u received from your boyfriends. They probably got some odour from your bf. I walked and i walked and boy before I knew it, I was at MuseumsQuartier. Alright... nothing much happened. I went back then. I'm going to the Kunsthistoric museum tmr. I read so much about it on posters and stuff. I realised the first place I wanted to go to was Kunsthistoric museum but had no chance because they are closed on Monday. What a coincidence. So I went to Vienna's Natural History Museum instead. yeargh....

Oh yeah.. remember I wrote that the "new" buildings here are about 40 to 50 years old?? I glanced at the bread I just bought from the supermarkt. it says "neu!" which means "new!" For a moment, I wondered if the bread is THAT OLD! im kidding. :P

Alright. I'm gonna pose some pics now. ciao

After German class, I went to Neubaugasse. Wooo! That's what I call a shopping Street! Josefstadter Strasse was a lie... phonified, quackified!The moment I got outta the underground train station, I saw a model on a Mango poster staring at me. This is what i call shopping! Anyway, I walked around, here and there... bought two tops. Yay... No more shopping for some time now. I'm visiting this super old church tmr at Michaeleplatz where the Michaelekirche is. It has been around since the 13th century. Pretty cool huh. I got back and started chatting with Lee Yong Rui. Alright. ciaos for now.

Today, i went "shopping" at Josefstadter Strasse. I was looking high and low for places to shop. Apparently, let's just say I didn't see many street shops. ok fine. I saw ONE STREET! and they were food and sport shoes and ugly clothing stalls! And you know what?? Before I found that street, after allll that walking, I decided to give up and find my way to the train station. Looking for the train station became part of my itinery. It took me a lonnggg walk plus a bus ride to the train station near Thaliastrasse and Voila! That is when I STUMBLED upon the long street of stalls selling the ugly stuff. Well! At least it was better than nothing..... I thought I had been fully cheated. Now I feel half cheated. I stared in amazement. GRRRR! to the lonely planet guide! The author NEal Bedford had the NErve not to write where exactly are the street shops! There are soooo many streets! I felt more cheated when I asked for directions and the people pointed in every direction. I don't know how many times I've walked back and forth, left and right. This place, Josefstadter Strasse is said to sell ANYTHING from flowers to tea. Well!! Whad'ya know? I think I spent more time in the church admiring it than shopping. Fortunately, i managed to buy some cheap stuff. Yay... my trip wasn't wasted at least.

Anyway, the first Catholic church I went into today was reaaaallly and I mean REALLLLLLLYYY Clean. The outside was Brown and just like what ya expect outta many churches there. But the inside! It looked like it was just built. Again, I sorta sneeked into this sacred place, hiding my camera in case I would be stared at by another old lady. The place was really bright. I have pics. and the walls were cream and white. It was the cleanest place I've seen in Vienna. WOO! When I went in, someone was playing the organ. I have to admit, it was rather scary.. Yeah. The other church I stumbled upon was much darker. As usual, it looked great and the inside of both churches were symetrical.. again. Yupp...

I went to the train station to "supposedly" the MuseumsQuartier. As I walked up, I saw a train so I quickly got in without checking which direction it was going. OK I have a reason for that. I ALWAYS ALWAYS miss my train. So this time, i wasn't taking any chances. I jumped into it before it left. Sigh.. I only realised after I got in. Darn.... I went to Rathaus. I don't like the name of this place. No prizes for guessing why. Anyway, i got out and noticed the famous Rathaus cafe so I went in for an iced tea. I sat at the corner in the other room, away from all the smoke. *cough cough. These 3 old German "tai tais" were playing cards. i assume it's bridge. it looked as if they were playing bridge. One old woman kept changing seats. i didn't know Germans are so into "Feng Shui" as well. Oh well... This old lady laughed and then smiled at me halfway through the game. She could have been saying to the others, "That girl's really ugly. No wonder she's alone." OH POOOOR ME! Alright. Movin' on.

I finally got to the MuseumsQuartier "Palais Auspberg". The Famous Vienna State Opera performers were performing. Every one of them were FANTASTIC! There were a variety of singing and dancing and chamber work, almost all were famous. Songs such as "Beautiful Blue Danube" with ballet, a soprano solo from "Cosi Fan Tutte", "Marriage of Figaro's" ouverture, Die Zauberflote's Papageno and Papagena duet". Very well performed. They had so much confidence. Everyone of them. They could look into the eyes of the audience and smile while playing a fast movement. Whoa... One of the audience partcipated by playing the triangle. AHahahah.
******Now is time for Charmaine's SPECIAL MENTION! THREE HANDSOME GUYS at the location. Two "Hollywood actor" material!!! They were acting as ushers. hahahaha and one male ballet dancer. Super cute. Too bad his teeth had gaps. Absolutely charming when he smiles without the teeth.

I felt cheated again because when I saw the programme yesterday, it showed "The Cat's Duet". They didn't sing it today!!!! ARGH!!!! Disappointed! Again, I stayed for awhile after the performance to see if it was on the last item. Apparently not. The audience quickly rushed outta their seats as usual. There was another show at 20:00.

When I took the train home from landstrasse, I seriously thought, "Oh nooo.. I took the wrong train again....." However, when I heard "Rennweg" I was surprised. Then i saw the sign "Rennweg". i was like "Phew!!" I'm on the right train! Finally! it's weird when I don't know I'm on the wrong train and in the end I end up at the wrong place and when i'm so sure Im on the wrong train and then end up at the right place. Life is full of surpri... opposites sometimes, ain't it?

First of all, i didn't feel like blogging yesterday. :)

Alright. Today, I got outta German class to go to Aida(I just found out in the Viennese guide that this place I've been going to almost everyday is on top of the top 5 eating places in Vienna). There are 26 outlets. coool.. Anyway, I had a Melange and a Afpeltorte(kinda regretted that one) and a ham and cheese sandwich to go. After which, I went to Museumquartier. Oh my.... It was beautiful. I couldnt help but wow.. Why didn't I go there earlier?? Anyway, I went to the Vienna Natural history Art Museum. Lotsa animals. Some of them prolly real. i don't know about the rest. Anyway, I took quite a number of pictures. You can judge for yourself. I saw some prolly real dead rats in a glass box and i went "eeeEEEUULLLL". Then I ran out. Luckily there weren't anyone there. I'm a 'rat-ophobic'. There is a term for it but I forgot. "ll have to check it out.

Anyway, I spent quite some time in there. The place was humungous.
After which, I visited the famous Leopold museum. Well... not great. i'm not a fan of the modern art. i can draw those stuff too... and so can you. I tried to make my money worth it by scanning and analysing every picture. I tell ya, those artists are supposed to be deep peeps. Yet the names they give their paintings are so.... literal. For example, there is a man whose hand is on his face. So the painting's name is "The man with his hand on his face". Only someone who's having an English oral exam would say that. The artist could have named it "Deep in thought" or sth. Anyway, the names of the paintings were in German, on top of the English Translation. I found myself trying to guess the English translation of every piece without looking at the English translation at first. Hmm... i'm weird.

Talking about the Modern Arts, I'm not a fan of Modern Musik as well. And talking about Modern musik, I went to a 'SUPPOSEDLY BERNARDA FINK CONCERT" today at the Konzerthaus. In fact, I was wondering if I went to the right place considering I am quite a blur person. i thought about it. It can't be. The old man saw my ticket twice and showed me my seat. You might be thinking the old man could be blur as well. No no.. I checked with the young man downstairs and before I was led upstairs, another young man read my ticket. Altogether, it was checked FOUR times!
Anyway, the female singer turned out to be I-dont-know-who-who-was-wearing-a-1970s-medium-striped-magentisch-and-black-two-piece-gown.. She kinda reminded me of peanut butter and goo bread spread.
The lady started off acapella. I thought it was great she could find that particular note. However, she slided up the note a little when the Wien Philharmonic came in. Oh yeah, the Orchestra was really good. They played in such unison that it sounded as if it came out from an instrument each.
Anyway, back to the big question. Was the singer Bernarda Fink? I kept checking the programme booklet and the date. Her big picture was on the page and I kept comparing. Nothing screamed Bernarda on that mysterious lady's face. During the whole concert, I was half trying to figure it out. I mean, the lady had a great voice. She was focused and passionate. However, I paid to hear Bernarda Fink. Maybe she did alot, and i mean ALOT of plastic surgery. And the mysterious lady sang Modern Musik!!!!! Argh... I'm guessing it was a kind of modern song cycle. Little harmony, little melody and lotsa dissonance. However, I must admit she was a real good singer. Her diction was almost perfect and there were many weird leaps in between in which it was fantastic she could find her notes so accurately.

Before the performance, I noticed a fat old lady in a rather tight-fitting turtle neck LEOPARD print 3/4 dress(BIG NO NO). She had a humungous plastic cast on her left leg. Poor her.

Big fashion tip: Please wear NONE OF THE ABOVE with or without a cast on your leg. She should have worn real baggy pants or a long flared skirt to cover. She shouldn't have worn anything too tight to make her look fatter.
I noticed a lady giving a man a French peck. The kind where one kisses both sides of the cheek lightly. Two things came to my mind.

1. I remember reading the Viennese guide that the Viennese liked a little French in their accent and this prolly led to French actions as well. Thomas mentioned that the Viennese are proud people. They think that they are higher-class than other German-speaking peeps from other places. Hmmm...

2. I mentioned before that the churches and art places are really really symmetrical. They are almost mirror-like images. When one side has it, the other must too. The same goes for the Museums and the Konzerthaus. The designs are the same on each side. The buildings of the museums are the same too! and they face each other. I'm not saying everything is like that. However, if you take time to notice, you should feel quite a number are designed this way.
Therefore, that is why the Viennese people give one peck on each side of the cheek. They prolly check if the peck is equidistance from the nose..... if ya ask me. Everything here should be equilateral. Equal Equal Equal. mannn..... Alright, I admit, it gives a sorta neatness. That's about it.

The Konzerthaus's hall was nice. Not as grand as what I expected. As usual, patterns on the ceiling and abit of gold here and there. It is prolly not wanted to distract the audience. Definitely, nothing like the exaggeration i see in Catholic churches. I keep thinking, "No wonder the people have to pay taxes to go to church. All that maintenance! You can go to jail if you do not pay and go to church... -.-". Talking about Catholic churches, I stumbled upon one today. Simply WOWING... again. Beautiful, high ceiling with Baroque style paintings, portraits, etc. Breath-taking. The entrance is kinda hidden inside one of the small streets. Talking about small streets, I kinda lost my way, trying to find the Konzerthaus. I strayed away from it too far because I had quite some time before the concert and I went to look around in the shops. I haven't seen a nice pair of shoes in a shop in Vienna. Yet, I see people wearing rather nice ones. Hmmm....... I had to ask a number of people how to get to the venue. Finally, I couldn't take the walking and my heavy bag so I went to take a train to Stadtpark, where the Konzerthaus was just nearby. Talking about people, the Viennese audience were rather rude during the performance. I hear coughing and sneezing during the singing, and MORE coughing after each song. Is that an international must-do during a concert??? I don't understand why must people cough after EVERY tinnnniieee weeeeniieee break after a short song??? I applaud Singaporean audience! At least they are quiet during the performances. A lady ran outta the hall just when the mysterious lady started singing. Her high-heel shoes went "cluck cluck cluck" real loudly! Then a couple more went out after awhile.
Before the concert began, I saw this particular man with his girlfriend(or wife) walking, and I thought they were a really cute couple. They weren't that young. prolly early 40s? The man had big glasses and a 1980s pullover, while the lady had her hair clipped up on both sides. She was wearing a baby pink outfit with a baby pink bag. T
During the concert, some guy who's girlfriend is way too pretty for him, dropped something on the floor which made a loud noise. The cute guy(part of the cute couple) facing the 'some guy's' left side stared at him in shock for about 15 seconds(now that's a long time)! HAAHAH!!! I giggled quite abit there. The man who was sitting beside me, left at 8pm, during the intermission after Mozart's Symphony in D. He never made it back. okay okay.. He just never came back. A couple more seats were empty. What do these people want? They paid for the ticket! i didn't like it all that much but i stayed there not moving an inch even during the intermission. I think i've got the pulse. kidding. The lady sitting a seat away from me was either staring at the audience or into blank space or perhaps she was analysing the music. One more possibility. Some people feel, they can concentrate on the music with their eyes close because there are no visual distractions. She might have been doing that except her eyes were opened and she didn't look as if she was doing that. She glanced at the singer for a little while before continuing her 'whatever she was doing with the eyes'.

After the concert, people clapped. Some clapped for 20 seconds(I was one of them) some clapped for 4 secs and some none. I was so shocked! But I have to admit, one of the reasons why I stayed on was to see if Bernarda Fink was going to show up in the end. The silly thing is that, the lady was prolly Fink herself! but whatever it was, I couldn't tell at all. Why on earth would Fink's face and name be on the programme in that case?? The funny thing is I cannot understand the german words. Hence, Fink could have been the composer of the song cycle. I wouldn't know that. But that is absolutely RIDICULOUS! She is a great singer! She would have sang her own compositions! AARGH!

Anyway, most of the Audience leaving during the performance was of no surprise since several could leave while the m.lady was singing and several more during the intermission. On average, he audience clapped for 8 secs before taking their bags out. It was as if they were in a rush to avoid a bomb or something! The POOR, POOR mysterious lady!!! She went in and out several times only to see the Konzerthaus like a 1930s train station with people rushing into the train(doors). This scene also made me think of the Mary Poppins movie; the people rushing into the banks and to the bank counters(doors) with high ceilings yelling for their money to be taken out. The audience were in a lumpy mess, chattering and rushing out. Talk about being higher-class!!! Some took pity on her and decided to clap a few more times.

******Oh I forgot to mention. These people force you to let them keep your bag and you have to pay for it. I had to pay 1 Euro at the Leopold Museum. I think they thought I would stuff a painting into my bag and walk out without anybody noticing. This is quite impossible with the numerous security guards popping their heads outta the walls of paintings, checking on you for every teeenie sound you make such as the TINY squeaking noises made by the friction of your shoes against the floor which apparently, is called "walking". i had to pay 1.10 Euro at the Konzerthaus. Apparently, the guy said my bag is too big. Yeahh... I see the WHOLE POINT. Either they thought I am a fanatic of the konzerthaus and would stuff their chair into my bag when no one is noticing or they were afraid my humungous bag would knock the audience flat on the ground. :) The big lady's attitude at the counter was really not too good. In fact, speaking of not so good attitude, I have to mention the men here are really quite friendly and GENTLEMANLY! They open doors and hold them for me. They allow me to go first. I've met rude ladies but not rude men. :) Well done guys in Vienna! Men in Singapore, PLEASE LEARN. If you feel you can't do it, just do it. You'll get the hang of it. And to you smart aleck guys out there: NO, it's not "WOMEN FIRST, after men". It's "WOMEN FIRST" fullstop. and it's not "WOMEN FIRST to go to war." it's "WOMEN FIRST FOR EVERYTHING THAT'S GOOD!" :)

After the concert, I walked to the train station. My teeth literally chattered because I was hungry and cold. Didn't eat dinner. I took the wrong train again but I was a little more bothered and it was because I wanted to get back. Worst still, I missed the train. Fortunately, the next one came quick. When I got out, I went to Burger King and bought its "King WINGS". The picture showed chicken wings. and they turned out to be nuggets. I looked at the paperbag and it said king NUGGETS. Maybe I didn't make myself clear. I didn't make the "PUCK PUCK KEH" sound.
I don't know why I'm so mean and sarcastic today. I'm normally very refined right??? hahah.. okokokokokokok. Dad. don't comment unless it's good. Thanks!

Right. I have to finish my German homework and bathe. Ciao.

Pooh! I just finished cleaning the kitchen. Cleaning the kitchen is therapeutical. It really gives you a sense of satisfaction. it keeps your mind busy. No wonder Nancy Yuen does that when she feels troubled. i spent almost an hour scrubbing and re-scrubbing the wok and plates. I know my dad and mom would say, "Great! Wash the dishes everyday at home then!" and my siblings and friends would say, " You would make a great housewife!" I will make a great housewife. I would also make a good something else. I've just got more skill. That's all.

Anyway, Venus, the filipino lady from Cebu, and her boyfriend Rudy, an Austrian, invited me onto their Yacht. On our drive to the lake, I found out that Rudy is a language teacher. He teaches German literature, English and Spanish. He is also a sports person and a frequent traveller. Coool. Throughout the 35 minute drive, he kept talking about places he had been to. He stayed at The Bencoolen Hotel just opposite my school, when he came to Singapore 6 years ago. We stopped at "Weiden", the town where we took the Yacht out. we made two stops; one at the fruit booth and one at a pumpkin shop. NICE. Mr Fruitman says he never wants to visit Asia because it is a STRANGE place. HAHAHAHA! and he said it is really crowded. Ignorant man.. Right. The old pumpkin lady looked sooo cute! She really looked like a fairytale character who actually sells pumpkins. Hahahah! Go look at the pictures at http://princesscharmaine.multiply.com (8th day in Wien)! I took a picture of the biggest pumpkin. It won the, obviously, Biggest Pumpkin Championship!! Rudy and Venus bought me a little pumpkin as a souvenir. We moved on and in a few minutes, we were at the lake. I must say it was quite fun even though most of the time, we were stagnant because there was no wind. It all depends on the wind. We go where the wind takes us. I spotted an island that was made up of water weeds. There was soil right in the middle where only one tree was growing. It was amazing. The island is called "Shoppen". Which is "Shopping" in English. ahahahah! "Hi, I would like to buy that tree over there. See that tree? no, not this one, THAT ONE!" The weather was really great. I steered the boat while Rudy kept giving me tips on sailing. After more than an hour or so, we then sailed to "Neuzittle"(I shall check out the spelling) for lunch. The spaghetti was great and I was starving. Anyway, we sailed on at 3 pm again when there was more wind. The wind was weird.. It blew from all directons every few minutes or so. Rudy thought it was strange.

Anyway, a little testimony to share. Before I came to Vienna, I was really really worried about the weather during this period. Thomas, my German teacher said that it would be really dull and dark and rainy. It's the worst time to go to Vienna. Therefore, I prayed about the weather, and I am sure my Pastors and Youths prayed for the weather too because I kept mentioning I was worried about it. What d'ya know? I haven't experienced any rain here! It's amazing! The sun is still out and the place looks bright and cheerful. The flowers are still blooming! wow! Rudy said it's amazing. It hasn't ever been like this for the past 10 years! Really wanna Praise the Lord!

God is good. I haven't almost got banged down by a car. I am safe. I met some really nice people who showed me around and taught me stuff. No stranger is harrassing me and stalking me, I hope. hahahaha. I have a nice apartment all to myself. I have hot water to bathe in. I have enough money. I attend German classes. I can get anywhere I want. God's great!

Venus and Rudy invited Tim(an Aussie from Perth in my German class) and I to go on their motorboat to Vachau(ill check out the spelling) tmr morning at 930. There are many castles and monasteries in that area. Do you know that all Austrians and even the Germans have to pay 200 Euros anually just to attend service at a Catholic church??? It is law-enforced. It's ridiculous! unheard of! It discourages the people from attending church. Giving Tithes is compulsory but it has to be from the heart. The whole idea is just... sighs. Rudy and Venus backed out because of that. It's such a pity.

Anyway, before an Emperor dies, he normally donates loads of money to a Catholic Monastery in a way of doing a good deed. With the Government giving the people's tax, the Monasteries are richer than ever! I heard a Monastery in Vachau is filled with real gold. wow. I would like to see it. I accepted Venus and Rudy's offer to go tmr morning. However, the dinner at Hsing I's place caused me to change my mind. She shared several testimonies with me which encouraged me alot. She had to sacrifice so much so that her family and friends can come to believe in Christ. Hsing I told us that she and her sister had to go through alot of parent objections to come to church. The more I should attend church. I felt that I should make this peronal sacrifice to go tmr morning.

Anyway, I will still be going to this island, but that'll be next Saturday. It would be fun going with the China gang. I invited them, and they agreed. Great! Praise the Lord!

I'm going to read the bible and then I'm off to bed. Wow.. haven't stayed up so late in quite awhile. :D.... :)... :0 yawns... ;/.. ;O... snore Goodnight!

i wrote the first poem in class during the 15 minutes break and the other one in front of Karlskirche, a big and famous church in Wien. I went into two other catholic churches today. i don't know the name but both times, i was the only one. The first church was rather bright and Big.. they are all big and grand and the ceiling's always high. The front of the church is always so extravagant with all the statues and portraits. basically, it is neat because the inside is symmetrical. What one side has, the other also has. Pretty interesting. i took a few pics.

The 2nd church I went to was one that I stumbled upon and decided to walk towards it. I went in. This one was pretty eerie... It was much darker than the other one I went to. There were many more statues and portraits, and candles. The detailed carvings were very much exaggerated. I must say, as I stepped in, it was as if I stepped into another world, or another era. It was quite wowing. I took a few pics. An old couple walked in after I finished taking. Phew! She glared at me quite fiercely when she saw me holding a camera. I quickly smiled and left. PHEW!

I walked all the way back to Karlskirche. I wanted to give the clarinettist a Euro but decided otherwise. It was weird cuz he kept staring at me. Hmmm... Anyway, i took the wrong train again but I wasn't bothered. Later, I went back to the house and switched on the com again... I cooked dinner and continued on the com, arranging my pics. Tomorrow Venus, a filipina lady invited me to go boating. It should be fun for a change! Oh yeah dinner at Hsing I's place tonight. :)

ciao.

Sitting on the steps in front of Karlskirche
Staring at the water, 8cm away from me.
I see the reflection of its magnificence, mocking me.
The familiar tune of the tango on the banjo rushes to my ears
Even though, not knowing the source,
Its passion burning from within.

The glaring sun shoots its rays upon the water
and I notice a bottle, bottle cap, coke tab and a penny.
They'd do anything to keep their dreams alive.

The couples next to me say their sweet nothings.
The individual sleeps or read.

The dragonflies flutter their wings furiously
and mate above the water
while the folks watch their children at play

Poor Karlskirche, hardly noticed at all.
Not for its beauty and neither its history.
It has become but an accessory.

Even though the day seemed bright and cheery,
i felt the cold loneliness fall upon him.

The bell rings and some notice for a moment.
It is calling out to the people.
"Look at me! Look at this piece of Art!"
But the people are buried in their self-centred world.

The clarinettist basks in the shade,
playing the saddest tune for Karlskirche.

-True Recount-

I skipped along the sidewalk
Without a care in the world.
I couldn't hear the sound of birds chirping
Because happiness was knocking on my door.

I sat in the wind, sipping my hot coffee
Dreaming and fantasising about the day I was finally free.
A bird flew past and shit all over me.
It grabbed my attention
and I finally heard their loud chirpings
as if mocking me

Why did their chirping I ignore before?
Because happiness was knocking on my door.

i got outta the house, threw the garbage downstairs before making my way to German class. I don't know why. I breathed in more smoke today than other days. i had a headache soon after. The wind blew directly at my face causing more pain in my head. Nevertheless, i got to class successfully. 3 hrs seem to pass pretty fast because most of the time, we are enjoying ourselves. That's good. Anyway, after class, I decided to go to "aida" for some pastry. It was soo yummy. I wonder why no one recommended that place to me. This is what I like man! Sadly, such a sweet place turned into a smoking hub or sth. Many pple were smokin their butts off. It really spoils the whole image of such an innocent pink pastry shop. That's what I think it is. A pastry shop for sweet little innocent children. I quickly ate my delicious cream strudel and went on my way. I bought a "Ciabatta Prosciutto" for lunch. There is smoked ham, cheese and vege inside.. I sat down on the chair at Resselpark, having my sandwich and re-reading "Memoirs of a Geisha". The wind was blowing my hair strongly to the right. After a woman spat almost directly in front of me, I got up and left. On the way back, I got to Landstrasse Markt to get some oyster sauce, soup satchets and chicken breast. I was on my way back again!! i dropped off at the Rennweg station and got outta the escalator. I decided to explore the place a little and found quite a huge supermarkt! wow.. lotsa stuff. I saw big packets of chips (Ruffless sized Packets) for 0.59 Euros! And you know what, the same size but different brand and flavour for like 1.49 Euros. I think the price is determined by it's flavour and MAYBE the brand.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention yesterday that I tried to close the door of the train. I pulled with all my might and it closed automatically. dotsssss..... AHahaHAHAH!! I don't know what had gotten into me. I had to open it myself so naturally i thought I had to close it myself as well. I never notice it actually closes by itself. Fortunately the only one laughing at me was myself. HAhAHAHAHA!! And today, I walked into the wrong apartment. HAHAHH!! not the wrong house. The wrong Main Building. The door was the same colour. Everything was the same. it was just next to the one i was supposed to go in. AHAHA! I stabbed the key into the hole and turned it. After a few kicks, it finally gave in. I could actually turn the knob with the key! As soon as I opened the door, somethng was different. There was a huge dustbin next to the main door. I wanted to open the mailbox but I couldn't find it. It wasn't where it was supposed to be! It was nearer to the door. Hmmm.. Then I realised I was in the wrong apartment. I laughed loudly. Fortunately there was no one there. You might be wondering how I get to different places so successfully but am sooo blur about these stuff. Yeah You guys. carry on laughing!

Oh yeah... the lady in the hair salon near my place is really pretty and slim and tall. I think she's a model or sth. I tell you guys. There are many many pretty and Handsome German pple here. Too bad I only go for Singaporean(at least that's what I think now).. Bleagh.. but that's the way. Too bad.

After all that, I went back. i switched on the comp and chatted with Yong Rui and Eudora. couldn't connect to the internet as usual. I have no idea what's going on. Even Hsing I doesn know. okaaayy.. Then after awhile, I went to cook! The best item of the day. I love to cook. i'm not bragging, but my food is not only edible, it's delicious! Thanks to the guidance of Aunty Emma and Dad's encouragement.(Yes Yes dad.. You get some credit too.) ahahah!

I ate while watching a video. After that, I got a bottle of water from the fridge and went to sit down to chat with Yong Rui. Im blogging now. i know in the near future, I will be bathing, brushing my teeth, doing my German homework, and reading the bible.

ciao!

Today, I got up as usual to go to German class. I took the same route.. bla blah.. The German teacher said I am doing fine in class. good. anyway, i decided to explore some places a little. (Not because some pple told me to). I did not switch on the com until I got back. Anyway, I went to Kettlebruckengasse. I actually wanted to go to Schubert's haus. Another time perhaps. I went to the markt instead. It was a looong row of food and a little cloth, clothing and accessories. Nothing nice at all. You can find the accessories in Singapore and they were sooo expensive! i took pics and stuff.

After the visit, I went to a big supermarkt to buy broccoli and garlic. I saw some familiar names along the way such as Beethoven Hotel and a poster that said (I hate Mozart). Interesting.

i was on my way back. I dropped at the wrong station so when i got out i was like... "huh? It's not supposed to be like that." Anyway, I entered "Resselpark" and I stumbled upon this very famous church that I always wanted to go to- "Karlskirche". It cost me 4 Euros to get in after a 2 Euro discount because of the International Student card.

This church was built in the 1600s(Baroque Period). The walls were filled with paintings and detailed carvings that truly represents the Baroque period. It was truly magnificent. I took the glass lift up many storeys before climbling up the wooden stairs (for the workers who were cleaning the church) all the way to the dome, the highest level. it was sooooo scary! The stairs felt shaky, as if it was gonna collapse any moment. The view was greattt but I quickly went down again. I took quite a number of pictures. Do check em out. I have to say, cleaning the place is not easy at all. The walls and structures are really really old. You have to becareful not to chip of any part of it. It was a pity the place was under maintenance. There were many scaffolding. It kinda destroyed much of the beauty with all the metal bars and cloths covering.

I left for home after a few conversations with mom and dad. I was walking on my way back from the station. There was a black man a few metres away from me, walking towards my direction. I knew, I JUST KNEW, believe me, that he would say something to me. And as he walked pass me he said "Gesehen". Something like that. Either that or "Ge-sehnen". Immediately after that, I thought for awhile and took out my German dictionary to check out the word. I couldn't find the word until 30 secs ago. he might have said "sehnen" which means "yearn for" or "gesehen" which means "see, watch, notice, look for". his german is horrible. I also recalled that when I looked back at the guy, 15 to 20 secs later, he turned to look at me (or in my direction). Should I call the cops for 24 hour protection? gosh... Ill be careful. I should carry a knife or sth.
When I got back, I switched on the com and not long after, started to prepare to cook broccoli with mushroom and egg with ham and rice. This time, i got the amount right. I watched a few videos. I couldn't watch most of them. All there was to it was the sound of people talking in the show............................................. Right. I'm gonna finish up my German homework. bye.

Hey my pictures are getting lesser. The days of adventures are getting shorter. Today was the same as yesterday except that I bought different bread for lunch(apfelle strudel(nein gut) and some custard pudding bread(so so) and sat the train on the opposite direction of where I was heading, on the way home. The most exciting adventure of the day and oh boy i am SO SO SOOOO EXCITED TO SHARE THIS WITH YOU GUYS! I WENT TO THE SUPERMARKET!!! wow.. I chose to purchase(instead of the same vege, mushrooms, ham,eggs and a yoghurt), a schnizel(pork chop) and a Big ruffles size packet of chips that cost 0.75 Euros(1.50 sing). The smaller packet cost (0.95 or 0.75 cents). Where is the logic???? I went home, switched on the laptop and computer. watched different episodes of videos from the ones I watched yesterday, wrote to Valerie, Pastor Eve, and Chu Yang and cooked dinner for myself. I ate dinner while watching the videos. After which I spoke to Yong Rui over msn. i still am. i still have some German hw to finish up. It's great I'm starting to understand a little more German. It's such a tough language... AARGH!! Save me. Im gettin outta here. Tag if you wanna. If not, don't.

Dinner was great... but it was too much!! I guessed I cooked alot for one person. The leftovers are still on the dining table. I don't know what to do with it. Hahaha.. :D After dinner, I watched abit of "Scrubs" and later chatted on the phone with Yong Rui. Where is Eudora?? I haven seen her online. Bet she's having fun in Malaysia. Hahas. I'm going off to bathe before doing some German homework(yeargh.. help needed!) and watching more "scrubs". Right..

Ciao!(Frequently used by younger generation Germans).

i got up at 7 am today. had to go online to discuss with dad about German lessons. I tried to upload photos but there was sth wrong with multiply.com. Moreover I was in a rush. Gonna be late to meet Le yi at Wien Mitte(Landstrasse). I watered the plants and fed the fish while talking to Yong Rui over msn. I left at around 825?
I was in a rush! My head was telling me to hurry up. I slotted the key in to open the main door downstairs. it was stuck halfway through the keyhole. I tried turning the keyhole and pushing the door. It wouldn't budge. I was like "OH MAN!!! Lord, help me!!" I tried to go by another way. Apparently, there was no other way. So i went back to the main door and tried again. After a moment of trying(The door was really trying my patience), I heard footsteps. "Oh Thank God," I thought. This formidable woman was walking toward the maindoor(and me). I saw a flicker of light from her cigarette. As she walked nearer, I gasped... ok i didn't. I'm trying to make it dramatified here. Anyway, as I was typing, I stood there, not exactly knowing what to do. And she walked up......... and she pulled open the door and smiled at me. It wasn't a laugh. it was a kind smile. :) I already feel very very dumb in my anxiousness to get out. Shut up y'all. stop laughing. i wouldn't have written this if I didn't want it to be realistic.
Alright. Move on y'guys. After the embarrassment, I brisk walked to the Schnellbahn to take to Wien Mitte. le yi was late. Right. After which, we went to the Deutsch Academy at Karlsplatz. 2 stops away from Wien Mitte. The way outta the station was pretty tedious. lotsa walking from one line to the other. The Deutsch academy tested my German grammar to see if I could go to a 2nd beginner level. I got like 7/20. It was already a miracle considering I never knew these stuff. of course I couldn't get in. Hence, Le Yi brought me to another one- "Deutschkurs". This one was 300 Euros for three weeks, mon to Fri(3 hrs per session), 9 to 12 and 380 Euros for an extra week in Nov. I decided to choose this school. I sat in during the second half of the session from 1030 to 12. le yi left then for her class at 11. it was in the vicinity so it was convenient for her to get there. The lesson was pretty good and rather intensive. I learnt some stuff. The nice teacher who spoke every sentence in German, was really nice. She told me not to worry because it is easy to catch up. I could also stay on next week for half an hour with her to go through some German phrase structures. :) And a Nigerian guy offered to teach me before and after class for awhile. How nice. i know what mommy and daddy are thinking. DON'T WORRY LA!!!
I'm so proud of myself! After class, I found my way back to Rennweg(where I'm staying). i asked a 14-year old girl which side to take the schnellbahn to Rennweg. She looked my age. The kids here look older than me but yet they are like 15 or 16 yrs old. I got a shock of my life when Hsing I told me a bunch of at the station yesterday were younger than me. Anyway, this girl, who's Turkish, if I'm not wrong, doesn't speak Turkish at all. She knew a little English so we managed a conversation. After getting down, i even managed to get to "Penny"-a supermarket to buy vegetables, mushrooms, ham and eggs. i also bought yoghurt for breakfast. All in all, it was 5.05 Euros. cheap huh... This food can last me for quite some time. :)
I walked back to the house. Here I am blogging. I shall blog again after my meal. I'm gonna cook! Wiedersehen!

The time now is 22 27 in Vienna. This morning i woke up at ard 745. i went online and spoke to sis on the internet phone. I got to church by myself through asking. Quite surprisingly, the Germans are really helpful! I was at the train station(Schellbahn) This old man asked if i needed help! When I got out to ask another, he took out his map to help me check. Even the old lady smiled when I asked her. Hahaha. Sweet. Anyway, I was walking along the 'gasse' meaning small street when I saw a signboard with Eudora's name on it! Wow. ahahah and I thought her name was really unique and 'One and only'. It was the name of some bank or sth.

As I was still looking around for the street number, I wanted to ask someone inside a 'shop'. So I walked towards and was about to open my mouth when a Chinese man said "Hsing I, ni de peng you lai le" "Hsing-I, your friend is here". I was very surprised! That was actually the church itself! HAHAHA! And they thought I was really smart. I knew how to get there myself... ironic. HAhahaah!

The service started at 10 and ended at 1215. Everything was in Chinese. i got to learn some books of the bible in Chinese. haahah. There were no Germans and only one African who needed English translation. :) They were very warm and friendly. The best thing was that they loved the mooncakes and ba gua daddy bought. Great! I could follow the chinese worship songs quite easily even though only the first song was familiar. It was "I've got the joy". After the half an hour break from 1215 to 1245, we broke up into 2 groups. it happens like this every Sunday where the leader of each group focuses on different topics in the bible. Today's topic was on David and the great love of the King's son who gave all his armour and weapons to David.

After lunch, I had to wait for Le yi to finish washing the cups and stuff before we could leave. Therefore we were one of the last. Liu Feng was he last to get out. Le yi and I went to the nearby kebab stall. I bought "Almdudler", the Austrian drink I told you about that is only produced in Austria by the coca cola company. Cool huh. It was nice. Le yi wasn't hungry. Next, she went to the ATM machine to draw some cash for dessert at Oberlaa, a superrrrr nice dessert shop with lotsa cakes, chocolates, and coffee. I ate the Sacher Torte. Cheng Liang loves sweet stuff so he eats these very often. The cakes were very sweeet! I guess too sweet for my taste. I always wanted to try the Sacher Torte so I ordered that and a Melange(Viennese Cappucino). Le yi had the Maroni-Obers Torte(Chestnut cake) and Cheng Liang had the Oberlaa Kurbad Torte and a Macchiato. We were all full and ready to go.

Le yi went to Yi Ning's place to prepare dinner while Cheng Liang showed me around the Park where I saw Johann Strauss's house. that guy was FILTY RICH. and I mean it. His home looked like a palace! And the garden at the back was so big and it had such lovely bright-coloured flowers! There were statues of him as well. Took some pics. We ran into Hsing-I. She was sitting on a bench reading the bible while waiting for a call. We spoke for awhile before leaving to go inside Strauss's house to ask for the programme of concerts there. The tics were really expensive and we thought it was just because of the location. The music performed might not be the best.

We then went to the shopping district. I saw two huge Zaras almost next to each other, mango, sisley, rolex and Swarovski. The streets were wide and it was very happening. People were performing. There was a HUMUNGOUS HUMUNGOUS catholic church in the middle of the square. WOW! REALLY REALLY GRAND and OLD! I took quite a number of pics. The pipe organ on top was big and long.... The ceiling was really high... It really made me feel like I was in that era. The church was huge and the handwork was detailed. however there were few people in Vienna at that time. Therefore, this goes to show how important the look of the church was during that time.

It was time to go to Yi Ning's house for dinner. I was still full. When we got off the train, Cheng Liang and I lost our way because of some miscommunication between Cheng Liang and Le yi. Finally, we got there and fortunately all the dishes were vegetables, a few with meat shreds. Phew! Dinner was great. I finally ate some "Xiao bai cai" and broccoli and cauliflower, seaweed with three layer pork shreds(or vice versa) and mushrooms. I had pumpkin soup also. After dinner, we played the 'animal game'. We sat around the table. Each person was to have an 'animal symbol'. After showing his/her symbol, he/she would have to do another person's 'animal symbol'. This was to test the speed and reaction of the other player. It went really fast and the African man was really stressed out. He was kinda slow. hahahah! the next game we played was: All of us put both hands on the table crossing over the other player's hand. The first player will hit the table before the next hand that comes after that. It was really fun. Tough to explain. if I have a chance, I will show you.

After all that, some people went into the room to chat and some at the table and some in the kitchen washing up. Le yi and Hsing-I helped me look for German class at Deutsch Academy. it looks real proper. and it is 220(including textbooks) for a month, Mon to Thurs for 3 hours. That is reasonable and one of the cheapest in Vienna. Cheng Liang, Hsing I, Le Yi, Yuan Fen and the African man((sorry, I forgot his name)-'Thaya' i think) went out at the same time, Yuan fen and Thaya sat the same train while Le yi, Hsing I, Cheng Liang and I sat the same train. Hsing I, Cheng Liang and I got off to change train. On the way, we accompanied Cheng Liang to KFC to buy chicken wings... Gosh.. the man's not full! Cheng Liang dropped off at "Wien Mitte". Hsing I and I dropped at "Rennweg", one stop after. haha. i walked back and Hsing I had to take a bus.

I will be meeting Le yi tmr at "Wien Mitte" to take a train to Deutsch Academy. I gotta sleep earlier. I will upload the photos some other time. It's so troublesome!! I have so many. ARGH.

I did loads of stuff today. I woke up at 515 and went back to sleep til sister wrote me an sms at 620. I couldn't get back to sleep anymore so I got up and washed up. I made myself a cup of warm chocolate and switched on the computer. I spoke to Yong Rui over msn. it was great to hear a familiar voice! :) Anyway, we chatted til ard 10 (vienna time). In between, I typed to Dad, mom, Grandma and aunty june over msn as well and spoke over the internet phone to Jian Ting. Great. Then i went to change and get ready for Hsing-I's arrival. She was gonna take me to the supermarket. I watered the plants and fed the fish and counted some cash stuff.
We were all set to go to the supermarket. Here, they don't provide plastic bags. you have to bring your cloth sling bag along to store your foodstuff. There were many types of bread, potatoes(dirt cheap), loads of ham and sausages, yoghurt, milk, biscuits, chocolates, spreads, juice, concentrated drinks, and special Austrian made drink products that can only be found in Austria. There was a coca cola company drink that is only found in Austria made by her flower or sth of that sort. Anyway, I bought bread and a spread for everyday breakfast. It looks real good. :)

After putting those stuff at home, I went to Landstrasse to get my discount ticket. That's when we met cheng Liang. We then visited the much bigger supermarket at Landstrasse. You can say it was an EYE-OPENER. I saw loads of meat. At the second level, there were chains and chains of meat stalls, all in rows. You can say they are not 'kiasu' like Singaporeans. I mean, all the fighting for business? they don't seem to have it. What they have is the passion for selling meat. I saw a butcher cut a piece of meat with allll his might. It was scary. Trust me. I saw the most disgusting meat. I wanna keep this realistic so i snapped a couple of pictures. Zhu Ying(my new friend) appeared from nowhere. I bought two packets of Korean instant noodles before Hsing-I left for a Taiwan-people gathering. So Cheng Liang, Zhu Ying and I went to Stadtpark, Konzerthaus(where I purchased the Bernarda Fink ticket) and Musik Verein. The places were really nice. I snapped so many pics!I bought two postcards and saw "Bosendorpfer" and "Steinway house". I shall go back again to take more pictures!!! I wanted to catch "Die Zauberflote" which is today because I will be in the Nafa production next year. This was a great chance not to be missed. However, the tickets were all sold out. Hence I didn't get the chance to watch this production... aargh. Next we went to grab a bite near the subway where we began. It was a stall and I ordered pizza. It came in three humungous sizes for like E2.40. Really Really filling. I wasn't hungry after that. We sat "The Ring". It is a tram that goes round and round the area. It stops rather frequently. You can get down at any point and hop on again and it will take you back to where you began. During the ride, my face started to itch very badly. It was some allergy or sth. We all suspected it was because of the heat. I was wearing way too much. aargh.. Fortunately I had a bottle of water and Cheng Liang had tissue. So I poured some onto the tissue and dapped my face with it. hahaha. It was cooling and after quite awhile I felt much better. The little lumpy swells subsided.

Hsing-I's gathering was over we met her at Schonbrunn where it is famous for castles. That's where I took the most pictures. We only had time to visit one palace. My goodness... I have never seen a palace larger than this one. The back of the palace stretched all the way up the mountain and on top was a very beautiful building made specially for the Princess's leisure. We walked for hours and it was only 1/3 or less of that place. You could get lost in there. Fang Fang popped out from nowhere. They seem to like to do this. hahaha. I wrote the two postcards and sent it there. I paid for a cheaper ticket to view some places inside the palace for 35 minutes. There was the grand tour which was 50 minutes and a guide. However, it was kinda a waste of cash. I went in alone because the rest have seen it. Cheng Liang didn't but he was bored of such stuff.. hmm.. haha anyway, there was an audio device that looked like a telephone. You pick the language, and when you listen, it explains the history and every room you visit. pretty cool. No photos were allowed to be taken. However, I took quite a number of short videos. the lady warned me three times and she said, "One more time, and you'll have to leave". some were holding huge recorders alright.... mann.. Oh wells.... I couldn't just leave without some memories!!!!! The inside of the palace was sooooooo beautiful!!!

After the tour, I met the rest of the gang. We paid and went to the garden where there were quite a number of flowers. We walked through a maize. wow.. that was really tough. We couldn't find the way out til half an hour later? yeargh.. tired and very very thirsty. I finished my water. Along the way, we came across quite a cool playground, musical steps, water squirts and mathematical riddles and then another maize. That one was much more simple compared to the other because it had lotsa gaps to look across. Anyway, they are all in the pics. Poor Hsing-I waited outside for us alone because she had been in there before and didn't wish to visit it again.

The best part was walking up the mountain and seeing the almost the whole of Vienna. It was breath-taking. Every part of it was wonderful. I couldn't have taken enough pictures. That's why both my camera batts went flat at the end of the day... aargh.

Alright. I went to the most scenic dinner place I've ever been to. It was perfect. We took a bus and then a train and then a bus again just to get there. It was on a mountain where there were many many grape vines. There was a strong smell of wine. We could see the WHOLE of Vienna during the walk. Oh my goodness. There was a very grand hotel, that looked like fullerton and it was only four stars. There was another cottage like hotel for only 15 Euros per night with the breath-taking view of Vienna. It was perrrfecto! The grass and trees were so green. The weather was great; Breezy but not raining. We walked down this small path to "Leitner" where we dined. It overlooks the whole of Vienna. Beautiful. i think it's the best place I've ever eaten at. Good choice gang! The drinks were very special. Cheng Liang and Fang Fang had a grape wine for 2 Euros. It looked yellowish. Sth like honey. I took a little sip. Wow. i must say it was bittersweet and concentrated. The rest of us Zhu Ying, Hsing-I and I had grape juice. It tasted totally like concentrated. SOOOOO SWEEEET!! But it's not!! No sugar! Just purely grapes! and for 2 Euros. We had to add half a glass of water with half a glass of grape juice to make it just nice. So we had alot to drink. It was great. The cold weather kept the juice cold.

For dinner, we had a whole Pork leg, 3 layer pork and half a baby chicken. I found out that eating these meat with mustard shreds(which totally tastes like wasabi and totally looks like mozarellacheese) makes a great difference!!! It opens my appetite. After that, Cheng Liang ordered salami and ham. We had to help to finish everything. aargh.... so full!! The bill came up to E48 and a 62 cents? yeah kinda. Great meal, great view, and great company. Creme de la creme!! We took a cab back because it started to rain quite heavily. The hallway at Uncle Keh's house was so dark and eerie. I called Hsing I to ask where was the switch. She directed me and I turned on the light. Phew! Hahaha.. So here i am back in the house. I'm going to their church tmr. it will be a great experience! :D Gute Nacht!

This is what it looks like this morning. :) nice

I woke up at 620 today after sister sent me an sms. I couldn't get back to sleep after that. So I went to wash up and make myself a cup of hot choco. It wasn't exactly very hot. hmmm... Looks like I switched off the kettle too early. I am talking to Yong Rui over msn right now. It's such a relief to hear his voice. A familiar voice!!! YAY! alright. Hsing-I is coming at 1030. I shall blog again later on.

This is where I use the com... Hahah.. alright. That's all for today. Auf Wiedersehen.

Gute nacht.

This is his toilet bowl. It is so cool! The hole is at the front as you can see. it is not in the middle. HAahahah...

it is 5 hrs and 45 min since I got down the plane. Fang Fang and Cheng Liang came to pick me. It wasn't before long that started laughing and chatting away in the train. They are really friendly. They brought me to Burger King where I had a mini coke. Cheng Liang and Fang Fang had chicken wings and onion rings. We started chatting once again and they taught me a little about the route and how Vienna is just like a spiral. It really is true. That makes things easier. haha. Next, they brought me to Uncle Keh's house and taught me more about the different train routes and the different places of interest I should visit. What helpful people! The guy standing there is Cheng Liang and the girl sitting is Fang Fang. She is pretty but she doesn't like taking pictures.. What a pity. Good thing I know how to shoot candid pics. hehehehe. How exciting! later, Hsing I joined us. She taught me how to use lotsa stuff in Uncle keh's house. She will be a good mother... hahaa. The washing machine is really complicating... Auntie, how do you do it??? gosh.. ahahah.

Great. I am finally done with all the uploading. Currently, I am at Uncle keh's house. It is lovely! It looks and feels like a 'studio house'...? It's warm and cosy and small. I am only allowed in the living room. ahahah so it's just great for one person. I can't believe I'm here alone. hahaha.. anyways, his place is really pretty and well-decorated. Love living here. It is so convenient. I heard the Viennese here are very unfriendly. Hmm... I'd better beware..........

The time now is 0010 Singapore time which is 1810 here on the plane. It is bright outside and I am above all the clouds. I am going to reach soon. The air stewardess just told me to 'sit well please'. I just woke up from a very good sleep I must say, considering it is on a plane. I feel rather pleased because I have never felt better on a plane. brrr.. its cold. Finally I am going to reach Vienna. I spilled orange juice. My book swiped it over. aargh. sorry... I have three pillows unevenly stacked on the third seat furthest away from me, beside the aisle. My bag is open with my watch, (guide)book, and water on the seat. I will not forget anything mom&dad. I just got back from the toilet and when I look out the window once again, everything is different. The clouds are gorgeous as you can see. The sun rays reflect on the extremely fluffy cotton candy, making each cloud look a striking orangey gold, deliciously appealing to one's taste(buds). If you peer over closely, I am actually flying across many many green mountains, though from up where I am, they look so dark one might actually believe they are brown. I can see it much clearer now away from the clouds. *Yawns. Great. After some sleep, I do not feel as tired as I should be at 0028 at night. I guess I have the energy to go for dinner with the gang. I have 43% batt left. Well done. It's more than enough to keep me going til I touch down. Or so I hope. :) There are no more mountains. Brown land is everywhere with just a touch of water. Oh dear... it is 1840. I'm supposed to reach at 1830. Cheng Liang and Fang Fang should be waiting for me at the airport. hahha.. I'm excited and nervous. But I am sure we shall get along very well. Great. The pilot just told us that we are approaching Vienna and should be there in half an hour's time. Wow... as I look outta the window again, I can see tiny buildings and prolly terraced land. The sun reflects upon the land just like on the clouds so they stand out. There is a town in a shape of a rooster standing tall. The buildings sparkle as if it is being lighted up. What a lovely sight! The horizon is a mixture of colours, deceiving my eyes, sometimes. is it a very pale reddish yellow or orangey green?? I can't be too sure. I am reaching anytime. The plane turned left. I think it is waiting to landBeautiful Vienna, here I come!!!

It is 2:39. A little more than an hour since I've just got on the plane. I'm on my way to Vienna. WOOHOO!! Or so I hope. Two Viennese people(I assume because they were speaking fluent German), sat next to me. It is a three-seater and I was at the window. I immediately took out my Vienna guide and German phrase book. As I plucked up enough courage to ask a phrase in German "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" "Do You speak English?", they went away to sit someplace else.. :(... But it was kinda a blessing in disguise because now I hve three spacious seats to myself! I could jump around and spill stuff all over! ahahaha!
;) I was deeply immersed in the 'Memoirs of a Geisha' until I got a whiff of the chicken or fish I was gonna have for lunch. A menu was given before that and I had already set my mind on the Pan Fried Dory Fish in sweet and sour sauce accompanied with braised pakchoy, buttered carrots(You jealous Yong Rui? HAHA) and steamed basmati rice. However, Ricky, the air steward told me there wasn't anymore fish so I had no choice but to torture my palette by eating the Mexican Chicken served with sauteed carrots, zucchini and mashed potatoes. hahaha. kidding.. Sounds appetising? Well. It doesn't look appetising at all. uh uh. Let's see what we have on the mini tray once again:
1) Spiced Chicken with Thai dressing on Oriental beans sprout salad2) A plain biscuit and butter. hmm.. *an eyebrow lifted3) a piece of soft bread that reminds me of the puff at the top of a chef's hat.4) White silk Cappuccino Cake.. Looks kinda yummy,,5) A plastic cup of water6) The usual Fork, Knife, Spoon and Stirrer.5) A mini mars bar6) and a small slice of cheese.
The time now is 2:55. I would like to write more but considering my forever-hungry tummy, I'd better stop. I shall write again soon, whenever I feel like it. :)

As the plane descended to Doha, I noticed the numerous amount of ships, or boats (they were too tiny from bird's eye view). The boats looked like tiny flakes of white paint in a big bucket of water or unevenly spread bread crumbs.Here I am sitting at 'The coffee Beanery, ltd., A&W, "TCBY". Treats, Sterling and La Patesseries' table in DOHA. yep.. Finally.. They are a chain of food shops. I am or will be eating, as you can see, a hotdog bread from The Coffee Beanery. I still could not believe that I am in Doha. It's not because I simply love this place. It is because I kept thinking if I took the wrong flight! hahaha. But my mind rest at ease when I saw this:
Doha has loads of unused land. It's a huge country. Far-off from the airport, I can see many tall modern buildings. However, in this area, it reminds me of Jerusalem or Israel in "Passion of Christ"; full of sand and deserts. and a small square town like this, surrounded by sand, sand and more sand. I've never come across a country such as this. There is a humungous window at the gates. :) That's quite a view. I just took a bite outta the hotdog. Not fantastic. Can't wait to try the famous sausages in Vienna!!

The time now is 1:47 Singapore time. I am still on the plane to Doha. The 2 'ang mohs' in front of me has been trying to lean their seats ALLL the way back since the moment they got onto the plane.. Talk about being considerate... hmm.. Anyway, this flight will be almost over. The thought of spending another gezillion hours on the next flight to Vienna and on the other two more looong flights back to Singapore sends shivers down my spine.. While writing this, I am eating a bar of Chocolate Chunk quaker oats museli bar. Yes. It is the one left over from breakfast. Great. I just see them coming with lunch of some sort. yeargh... I shall pick at it and see what's to my liking. hold on. I shall dictate what is on the tray when she comes over. OokkKay.,,, I would very much like to tell you what is on the tray. All I can say is there is a something that looks like a perfectly compressed rectangular sponge with stripes of yellowish white. and beside that is a yellow pudding(easy to tell) with yellow sauce and prolly a slice of patterned dark brown chocolate and an empty cup for either coffee or tea in which I asked for none. Water's the best. :) Yes.. there is a knife and fork and sugar and the famous stirrer that looks like a ear digger.. I'm poking at the sponge, suspecting it is actually...... bread??? I found out the yellowish white substance was actually egg. I can only taste the coldness of the tasteless bread...hmm.. now for the pudding. It's....... pudified.. as i immerse my fork into it, i feel starch... yes.. Starchy is the word.. it almost sticks to the pudding, going along with it's shape. As it touches my tongue, the strong mango taste(even dad would think it's mango but in 3 seconds), washed all the disgusting taste of the 'sponge' away. Perhaps that's what it's there for. The 'sponge' is just to fill their little tummies. All in all, I would say..... much more edible then the sponge with stripes. I sound like a food critic. That's because I have nothing to do and it is quite fun.
Argh.. there he goes again with the leaning...... the degree of my eyes will increase as the laptop is pushed nearer to my face! My eyes glanced at the travelling route on the screen and lo and behold! I am reaching soon!!! YIPPEE! Quite soon. We crossed the Arabian Sea..This reminds me of the cartoon movie, "Aladdin" .. The Arabi-an nightsss... la la la la la la! That is sooooo coool! I'm really glad that I have this laptop with me right now. hehe. Thanks dad! What shall I do when I get down?? I have 3 hrs to waste before the next super long flight. I shall blog again. My body will be at ard 0030 when i reach at 1830. Time for dinner. But I slept all throughout only waking to go to the toilet so I don't think
Oh yes. Special mention to the lady sleeping on four seats at the aisle next to me. She is REALLY good at sleeping! Either that or she's knocked out flat. She slept almost all throughout the journey and is still sleeping. The only time I saw her full front face was when she turned and smile(right after we took off) to ask for my extra pillow in which she had like what... four? Now she has five. all thanks to this kind, pretty lady, Charmaine. :D I envy her. She can sleep throughout only waking twice. Once to the toilet and once for the 'compressed sponge'. I tell ya, getting up to eat the 'compressed sponge' was a total 'accident' She would have broken some guiness world record for sleeping the longest hours in the plane. Getting up twice, once to eat that junk did not qualify her for the world records. Poor, poor lady.
Oh yes another special mention to the man who walked pass me a couple of times. Such strong cologne! I get a headache every time he walks pass..
Everything seems brighter now. Some passengers are starting to open their windows. aargh.. It sure is glaring. Something like we were in the dark dungeons of prison for days and all of a sudden WHAM! light,
tick tock tick tock. How long moreee.... hahaha! I used to ask my dad this question ALOT. I'm sure many of you do. How long more??? How long more??? My dad would ask me to count to ten and we would reach. After counting to ten, we are not there yet and I am asked to count to twenty. It goes on twice or was it thrice before I realise my dad has been tricking me all this time. ALRIGHT! I admit i was young and naive. What could a Young and naive little little little girl do when she is cheated??? sniff... i was only like... 7?? sniffs again.
Anyway... ahahah. WHOAAA... The ang moh guy who's sitting diagonally opposite me over the aisle at the other side of the window seat just flipped a reflective sheet of laminated paper. The light is reflected STRONGLY into my eyes... OWWW.... How unlucky can I get? Alright. I'd better get outta here. I'm saving as much Batt as I can for Doha and the next looong flight. Will Blog again in Doha. Auf Wiedersehen. I'm practicing. hahaha. The sleeping lady moved! SHE MOVED! Her head turned!! She is not in coma. ok. BYEBYE.

The time now is 9:20 Singapore time. I am on the plane typing this on wordpad. I am lucky there is no one sitting next to me so I get both seats for myself and am quite comfortable. The lady beside me is even more fortunate. Her body spreads out on four seats at the aisle. Two is good for me already seeing i am soooo slim and small. :)) ahaha.. whatever.. Anyway... I read a book 'Memoirs of a Geisha' for the second time while waiting for the take off. I I slept for awhile on the plane, of course making the best use of both seats. I would have continued my sleeping journey if it was'nt for the air stewardess who stubbornly tried to wake me to ask if I would like omelette or noodles for breakfast. man.... lady.. give the girl a break, will ya? I'm just kidding. I went back to my half-sleep only to be awoken again by the air stewardess calling me up to eat my breakfast. ok. She didn't actually ask me to eat. She told me to beware of spilling the food... hmmm...right.
On such a mini tray, there was:

1) An omelette(of course) with tomato puree sauce and a mini sausage.
2) A mini raisin muffin i think. (don't look at the screen that way! i only took a nibble at it)
3) A croissant
4) A round-like bread wrapped in plastic
5) a low fat(but high in sugar) chocolate chunk quaker museli bar
6) mini, rather precised-cut cubed fruits (3 cubes of papaya, watermelon, and honey dew)
7) plastic cup of orange juice
8) plastic spoon, fork, knife and a stirrer (which seriously looked like a ear digger of some sort)
9) a tissue napkin

Yup.. that's about it on a mini tray. I finished the omelette and the sausage, took two bites of the croissant, a nibble at the muffin and finished the fruit. It may sound like alot, but it isn't okay mooomm?? hahaha.

I'm rather surprised at how calm I feel right now. I was never nervous even though this is the first time i'm alone on a plane. Char, give yourself a pat on the back! Right.
After my meal, I asked for another cup of orange juice and here I am typing this out on which i shall copy and paste onto my blog when I reach Vienna.

You know what I did just now up to right now. Here's what I'm gonna do in the next 3-4 minutes: I'm going to the toilet. haha. cya!

The time is 10:57. I just returned from the toilet. I'm gonna listen to some music. :)

I was very surprised and touched to see my great pals at the airport waiting to send me off. haha. This is the first time anyone has done that for me. My beloved Eudora, the Sleepiest Beauty that not even a kiss from the most Charming man or heavy tickling could wake her, woke up at 4 am. FOUR in the MORNING with only FOUR hours of sleep just to send me off. It IS a MIRACLEE!!!! Wow. I'm one lucky gal. Yong Rui had NO SLEEP at ALL while Shaun (bear bear) had only two pathetic hours of sleep. I love you guys man!! :) I'm gonna miss them LOADS alright. My dad was great. He sent me off to the airport and offered to buy food and drinks for my friends. Appreciated. ahahah.. I still remember our goodbyes. All that waving! The kind officer at the counter had to say 'excuse me miss' before I turned around embarrassed. ahhaah.. oh wells..

it's 1201. I have a vocal exam later at 1130... and I'm not asleep yet. am i nervous? Nope.. not now anyway. im gettin' outta here.
nights

This is 'the one' 

I just got a new laptop!!! I'm grateful for that. Thanks Dad! let's move on for now... Right. Basically, this blog was set up for my Vienna trip. My folks wanna know what I've been doing and they wanna see some pics of me throughout the trip.
I'm reaaaallly excited about this. Travelling alone for a month! That's soooo cooool. Can't wait to meet the rest of the gang and see how long I can survive!!!!!!! This is SURVIVOR!!