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I wrote this after the whole trip, so only fragments of memory left, which means only the essence remains.
20/12/2002 (Fri)
Struggling for the last bit of my crappy paper. Then made the first and the last breakfast for my friends using the craps remained in our fridges. Farewell to friend and roommate, with not much sorrow. As I will see one in the future, and not very eager to see the other one very soon. Received a bad news on my way to the post office with heavy luggage. Received an even more stunning one as I was handing in my paper. To sum up, I didn't have a good start of the day. Lying dead on the bed for hours, and woke up suddenly to find I was nearly late. Running out for the bus without caring how I look... but everything was settled when I saw you.
Seems all dices are against me, no matter they are round or square.
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21/12/2002 (Sat)
Running for 20 minutes under the rain with 3 boys are a good morning exercise, huh? Change for 3 times before arriving Amsterdam is another nice morning surprise. However, when you are with someone you like, all the disasters can be turned into some kind of enjoyment. Running together; prolong the time sitting together; sharing a cup of hot chocolate, nothing can be more enjoyable than these.
Van Gogh Museum has loads of pictures that I don't really know how to appreciate. He is famous because of his tragic and dramatic life, or his works of art, I am not sure. I am only sure there has water-drinking toilets and comfortable cafe with good hot chocolate.
Anne Frank's House is the most unforgettable! All the imaginations I had when I was reading the book come into life. It is soo real!! As you walk through the house and enter into the Annex, you feel as if you lived through her life. Her small room; her bedroom wall with pictures; the staircase leading to the loft where she can gasp a breath of freedom. Every step you take is so heavy, so heavy that you don't want to move. Everyone is fascinated. We are amused by how accurate she described her house and life? Or we should be reminded of what genocide or war brings to people? Her dream has come true, only it comes too late.
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22/12/2002 (Sun)
Picture taking day in Maastricht. Last frites with meat source in market square under the christmas song by the church bells. Scary Ferris Wheel and warm meat roll.
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23/12/2002 (Mon)
First day of a 12-day trip. 5 star hotel is not really a 5 star, though it has sewing kits. What I remember Brussels are Pissing boy in Christmas clothes; the most efficient European waiter/cashier/baker; cheap and delicious seafood; and fascinating night view.
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24/12/2002 (Tue)
"I am sorry, you have to leave this in Belgium!!" "Yes, you have to go all the way back to the check-in counter." :pppppp
Flying Virgin Express to Roma, I am flying away from gloomy weather to a warmer place. Leather seats, little paper bag with tasty sandwich, heaven views outside the plane, makes this one of the two best flights I've ever had. For both times, I am sitting beside the same person.
Trevi Fountain, a fountain that can really make your wish come true, at least it happens to me. ^-^ Now it is my turn to meet friends on the streets, in EUROPE!!! I walk to the same places I did 4 months before, poorer weather, less people, but happier, sweeter and more enjoyable. We always like to share beautiful things with people we like, aren't we? We feel content and speechless as we are doing that, saying nothing does not always mean dull and sad, it means you are too glad that words will only ruin the moment of joy, do you know what I am talking about?
A peaceful silent night = sleeping peacefully
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25/12/2002 (Wed)
The highlight of Christmas is exchange of gift. A connection by heart means to choose similar presents for the same part of body.
First buffet breakfast with a polite French lady and German gentleman to ask us the same question: "Where are you from?"
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26/12/2002 (Thur)
Europe is not Europe unless it has cloudless sky and warm sunlight. Now you are experiencing what I have had before. Lovely weather and breath-taking views. The only difference is that you have someone to hug but I had none before.
Bridge with colourful small houses; hardworking Pizza lady; statue of David; rushed walk at Leather market; and the missed leather bobo make up a day in Florence.
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27/12/2002 (Fri)
First time to feed birds in San Marco Square, and got some bird shit on my coat as souvenirs. Had a walk from the beautiful Palace to the dead cold prison. One is having the privilege if being punished physically, the worst punishment is put you in empty cell with no window but metal bars and a small door. I guarantee one will get insane if being trapped there for more than a month. It won't be difficult to understand why the bridge is name 'The Bridge of Sighs' after experiencing the huge difference between the two places it is connected.
After walking into that shop for more than 3 times in 4 months, I buy a small glass. Venezia has a lot to explore if you take sometime and walk through the islands. How good it is to take a cruise in Venezia at night, and have a take away cappuccino in damn cold weather, then take self-photos at the empty San Marco Square?
We missed seeing/buying/doing something in each of the cities. We shouldn't feel sad but glad that it gives us an excuse/reason to come back again and to explore more. So, Italy~ I will come again to see the Vatican Museum in Roma; walk in Leather Market and buying the leather photo album in Florence; and visit glass museum in Venezia, (maybe to get back one of my gloves...)
P.S. 200 Euro for a night train to Geneva is worth: 6 empty beds and 2 people; mineral water plus refreshment; early morning call + breakfast.
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28/12/2002 (Sat)
Geneva is not worth going if it is without the lovely old couple selling Swiss Army knives; a swan lake; feel-like-home hostel; HALAL chicken --> a chicken with holy spirit; McDonald Cola and chocolate ice cream.
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29/12/2002 (Sun)
My room at Interlaken has a BALCONY!!!!
Why Chinese people don't speak Chinese to each other?? Another tasty and happy dinner besides holy spirit chicken. You don't need to spend a lot to have a nice meal. As long as you are with the right people at the right place, crap will taste like caviar.
The number of knives has been increased from one to two to seven. I don't wish to leave them in Berlin!
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30/12/2002 (Mon)
From the below sea level Holland, to the top of Europe Jungfrau. My first snowman with banana arms and jam eyes. Why my pictures are better than yours? Coz my happiness has melted away the ice and allows smile to appear on my face. ^0^ When the strong wind tries to blow away my hat, and the ice cubes try to strike my face, it's lucky that I have a shelter to hide.
I am angry not because of my stupidity or my fault, for I will only feel guilty for these. But I am upset by blaming attitudes and not appreciative acts.
Luckily, my anger is easily wiped away by delicious chicken legs.
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31/12/2002 (Tue)
Birthday month is approaching, luck is also approaching. "I am sorry, but we have little problems with your reservation. I will transfer you to another hotel by taxi which you don't have to pay for that, and you only have to pay the same rate as stated by your reservation." Can I hear that again in my coming tripz?
Though it's silly and naive, I am very excited when I see snow. Consumption of sausages and hot wine are 5 and 3 respectively. Never bother to queue up and go to the glass ball next to Brandenburger!!! Anything can be forgiven except no heater!!!
I remember only one thing in the Jewish Museum --- the freezing cold silent dark cell with only a slit of light. They can hear the sound and the movement from the outside world, but can only see a glimpse of light. Staying there for 2 minutes is depressing and unbearable enough, how can people survive through those days? Human can be that inhumane to the same species, we are actually the most cold blooded animal in the world.
New Year's Eve dinner: frites and onion filled Kebab.
Another big day staying peacefully in hotel room, my fault again? >_<
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01/01/2003 (Wed)
A good morning starts with REAL buffet breakfast at 4 star Hotel Berlin. It must be your intrigue to make us leave the table at the same time and let someone else to occupy it. So we have to change to another one for you to meet that sum sum. I will never forget her drooling face and praising words that try to make you her son-in-law, Mr. Lesley Cheung! haaa~ Well... she has to praise you first for your good taste before she gives little credit for my arrangement~ >_< yeee~~~~
If you don't know how to ski, please don't go to Berlin in winter, for you will get huge problems in 'walking' on the icy road. It is one of the funniest days of the trip, with drooling sum sum and crazy screaming tingzi. It takes us more than 20 minutes to finish that route, sometimes I wish it would take longer, as I like to hear you laugh.
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02/01/2003 (Thur)
It is enjoyable to shop with you. Today's record is: (5 clothes, cap, scarf) + (6 clothes, handbag, scarf).
If one is not located INSIDE or RIGHT NEXT TO the airport, pleasae don't call itself 'Airport Hotel'!!! Specially when people are carrying 6 cans of different German beers, 15 newly bought items and 3 slices of pizza!!
Thanks to the crow's mouth, that the hotel is not located at the airport, there is breakfast served and there's no fridge!! Can you say something nicer??
Seems this time the dices are on my side!! SHUUU!!!!!!!!!
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03/01/2003 (Fri)
After flying Lufthansa (Germany's biggest airline), Virgin Express is the best flight in Europe.
The worst bus driver in Europe is employed for the express bus from Koln/Bonn Airport to Koln Central Station. What if he drives away our backpack? By your swift action, I know you are a true athlete. Thank you!
It is my world in Europe, meeting friends while I am on the bus and she is crossing the road with her sweetheart. IN JA ar~ar~ar~~
Last frites and sausage in Europe.
Disastrous and smelly room! Rotted and molded bananas! Ruined and opened fridge! Backpackers are quickly changed into cleaning staff.
The largest shopping in Albert Hein and fullest meal in Maastricht. Chicken fillets, meat rolls, pasta and fried mixed vegetables. Now you know why your eyes are so large and why your waist is so thin. -- ²´Áï¨{¯¶
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04/01/2003 (Sat)
Press a button and I will cry.
Don't ever dream of winning me in paper, stone & scissors, you will end up drinking more.
Can we talk when we are completely sober? Probably not for over-rational people like us. I can't imagine how can you sit through all the hours alone... I really can't, it's too terrible.
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05/01/2003 (Sun)
One day, we will walk out the gate together.
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2002 May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
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