Paris, ville de l’amour
A Youth Backpacker in Europe
Chapter V Part I

City: Paris
Country: France
Currency: Euro (€)
Travel dates: 29 Apr 2008 – 2 May 2008
Accommodation: Perfect Hotel
Travel buddies: Rahma, Saravanan

Caption: Arc de Triomphe

Paris, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Musée de Louvre, etc, Jiann Chyuan discovered everything touristy is a must for every virgin visit to the world’s most fascinating city, if not the city of love.

Caption: Typical metro entrance (left) and a must have Paris souvenir, they are really cheap!

There wasn’t any update last week because I was in Paris! Kin Fook asked me the other day whether I would give my winter trip a pause for my recent Paris trip. I spurned the suggestion right away. However, I reconsidered after that. And voila!

Paris is my most favourite city in the world. It actually already was before my visit, and it officially is after that. It is simply a metropolis, in the world where even if you are not paying a visit personally, you will never get away from the fascination of its charm. Why do you think it is one of the most shot cities in films in this planet after all? Not to mention how many appearances Eiffel Tower has actually made in movies.

I swear to you, even if Paris were to be a super dull city with only Eiffel Tower, I would be extremely enthusiastic to just stare at it and appreciate its beauty for the whole day without doing anything else. In fact, my 171 photos about Eiffel Tower alone in 4 days are more than sufficient to justify this statement.

Caption: Gare de Lyon (left) and Moulin Rouge

Including myself, there are so many people in this world that are actually crazy about Paris, one of the many reasons is of course not the notorious weather, but the Eiffel Tower. In movies, photos, magazines, posters, postcards, her appearance is simply dominant in anything Paris related. And to be truly honest with you, to just imagine myself getting closer to Eiffel Tower before the actual trip worth my insomnia for a few nights. To actually be in it, it kills!

I wasn’t staying in any arrondisement (district) near Eiffel Tower. Instead I was staying in Montmartre, the sister city of Amsterdam Red Light District, and also the arrondisement where the world renowned Moulin Rouge is actually located. However, all the sex shops and cabarets which prevailingly dominate the whole area didn’t seem to interest me that much. I understood clearly what was my heart was after in this trip.

Caption: My most favourite painting (left) in the Musée de Louvre.

Before the actual trip, I did try to imagine what would be my reaction when I finally get to see Eiffel Tower, for the first time, with my own eyes. But all the visualisations I had didn’t help in stopping me from panting heavily the first moment I had eye contacts with her, from Basillique Sacre-Coeur, arguably the highest natural point in Paris, and where the heart of Jesus is kept, I suppose.

It was the first day of my trip and I wasn’t really sure which direction should I focus in hunting down Eiffel Tower. Therefore, I was totally stunned when walking out from Basillique Sacre-Coeur after a few illegally snaps, while trying to grasp as much as possible the grey cloudy wet Paris, in a totally unexpected encounter with her.

I remember how my heart was beating so hard, as if it were going to break my rips and pop out from my chest, as if the blood in my heart was pumped with unnecessary energy and that I risk suffering stroke and pass out on the spot. I couldn’t really recall, but I think I did scream, in front of the swamps of tourists bombarding the basilica.

Caption: Basilique Sacre-Coeur (left) and Notre Dame.

However, I didn’t care about the embarrassment at all, because it worth! Yes, I am indeed fanatic about Eiffel Tower. She is really beautiful, with or without lights on. I would really suggest you to walk the staircase when you are visiting, not only because you get the chance to savour one of the most magnificent structures in the world with your foot steps, but also saves you from the painstaking waiting in the queue. It is cheaper as well!

Eiffel Tower aside, there are really a lot of attractions in Paris eyeing your money, but I am doubtful with the famous Musée de Louvre, and its obscenely well-blended pyramid. However, paying nine euro and get admitted into the world’s most famous museum, and trying to compete with literally millions of tourists, fighting for air to breathe, and space to appreciate paintings, and the chance of not being pushed away while you are struggling in front of Mona Lisa, is definitely not the best idea in enjoying greatest artworks.

Caption: Eiffel Tower in day and night time.

Well, it is actually not a good suggestion not to visit. Just to think about how you are going to answer when people ask you whether you have seen Mona Lisa in Paris. Musée de Louvre worth you days, but if you are just like me, easily bored after a few paintings or sculptures, one and half hour is all you need. It was exactly the time I took to pass through numerous corridors and aisles full with paintings before reaching Mona Lisa, and to get out again. Friction force with other tourists is one serious consideration in navigation.

Want more of Paris? Avenue des Champs Élysées which is less posh in my opinion compared to other shopping districts in this shopping paradise; Arc de Triomphe which is yet another most recognisable icon in Paris, and which took me half an hour wandering in the underground before finally realising the location of the first underground entrance which was right in front of my eyes due to confusing road signs; one of the world’s most well known cathedral, Notre Dame, which is also another hot spot for tourists, are a few to bookmark.

Caption: Place de la Concorde (left) and River of Seine from Eiffel Tower.

However, I was not particularly excited about all these, those taking a boat trip along Seine River treated me to all the most instantly recognised famous attractions, I was in Paris for some treats of movies. As the most mentioned city in films, Paris is really an exciting place for trailing movies footprints. For instances, Place de la Concorde as in The Devil Wears Prada, Gare de Lyon as in Mr. Bean’s Holidays, and Musée de Louvre as in DaVinci Code.

Yes, I am not the type of person that is actually literate in artworks, but to just stroll around blocks of identical Parisian buildings while trying hard not to step on dog shit, and to search for taste of movies are simply fascinating to me. What more can I say? Paris is simply a place for every type of person.

I love Paris. I am definitely going back to this city, where I fell in love with.

Caption: Are there really that many of art literate people in this world. At the right is Mona Lisa.

Read More »

A youth backpacker in Europe
Chapter IV Part I
Krakow, the medieval capital

Still suffering the insane coldness after Warsaw, Jiann Chyuan learnt that Krakow, despite sharing no common features as in Warsaw, has no exception in adding coldness as an ingredient in a winter travel. It was yet another battle between checking out the beauty of the city and the ugliness of the weather.

City: Kraków
Country: Poland
Currency: Polish złoty (1€ = 3.4zł)
Travel dates: 2 Jan 2008 – 4 Jan 2008
Accommodation: Hocus Pocus Hostel
Travel buddies: Egon, Rahma, Siddharth, Stella, Meghan, Kim

Caption: St. Mary's Basillica with a I-don't-know-who statue in front.

It was only a short journey from Warsaw to Krakow. However, it was the first journey ever in my life which InterRail ticket was put into use. The lesson learnt in Warsaw that transportation in Poland is beyond just affordable didn’t save me from shocking myself after learning about the cheapness of the intercity train. Spending 259€ for the InterRail ticket, the hope to at least getting the money back, if not generating more value out of it surged incredibly.

Tip: InterRail ticket is worthy if you are travelling in countries such as Germany, France and Netherlands, as these countries charge expensively for train service. Although the quality of train service is unbeatable, it is not ideal for budget traveller.

Caption: Old town street where I stayed (left) and gallery selling place at old town.

Krakow, despite the fact that it was the strongest contestant in competing with Warsaw to become the capital of Poland, shares no common features with Warsaw. Warsaw, in my opinion, is definitely chaotically arranged with tonnes of grey and dark images in display. However, it was a challenge to get a taste of this in Krakow.

I was thankful that Warsaw was included in the winter trip since trailing the footprints of war in Krakow is destined to be a failure. However, this doesn’t mean that Krakow is boring. Instead of stuffing itself with cruelty portraits of war, Krakow was surprisingly a calm and quiet medieval city which strives to impress visitors with its richness in culture and extreme aesthetical value of its architecture.

Based on the size of the city, it is not to my surprise that Krakow wasn’t chosen to be the capital of Poland. However, this brings up to the question on whether the expansion of Warsaw was carried out only after its formal election as the country’s capital. Or perhaps during my stay in Krakow, my activity was mainly limited in the old town, the most prominent example of old town in Poland, where I was completely clueless about its boundary.

Caption: All smile in front of St. Mary's Basillica (left) and horse cater in Rynek Glówny.

Although the expectation to experience the disgust of war in greater extend was brought to a disappointment, it was actually a very pleasant stay in Krakow. It was indeed a different flavour, especially when you are seeing horse carters circling Rynek Główny, the largest medieval town square in Europe, the satisfaction of turning time back to the medieval period is almost a guarantee.

Being the largest town square in Europe, there are certainly a few famous structures which enjoy highly celebrated acclaim from their historical appeal in Rynek Główny. For examples, St. Mary’s Basillica Church which stands tall in freezing cold winter, and the Sukiennice which was once the major international trading centre in Poland, but has unfortunately lost its former glory and being transformed to a sheer tourist souvenir hot spot. The Town Hall Tower is located right next, or centre to Sukiennice.

In contrast with the humongous St. Mary’s Basillica, the presence of the itsy-bitsy Church of St. Wojciech, one of the oldest stone churches in Poland, in just less than hundred metres distance clearly outlines the different architecture values from different periods of Polish history.

By looking at the pictures in this entry, it is definitely logical to conclude that the presence of sunlight in winter would enhance the beauty of Krakow greatly. However, despites all the smiles put up in the photos, the temperature was actually unbearably cold. However, it is only fair to say that the sunlight did warm up the soul, if not the body a little.

Tip: Winter trip is only for those who possess high endurance of coldness. Walking in cold numb feet is definitely not the most enjoyable way to torture your own self.

Caption: Sukiennice (left) and souvenir stores inside it.

Talking about the weather, it reminds me of my experience of the night before seeing sunlight in Krakow. It was the first night in Krakow. Again, because of limited travelling time, the exploration of the city continued even when temperature dropped to -15C at night. However, the flesh on my body was disappointingly having extremely low endurance that I ended up buying myself a 7€ musical concert in one of the churches along Grodzka (the castle street) to avoid the coldness.

However, it was pathetic. Sitting on the wooden bench listening to a five people mini orchestra playing Mozart and Chopin was definitely not enjoyable as the building material of the church accentuated the coldness of the night. The concentration paid to the performance was absolutely nil. Fortunately in this unfortunate situation that I had got the opportunity to witness the fine architecture of the interior design of a church, as it was the church I went in Krakow. Perhaps lesson was learnt.

Caption: Inside the church where I was trying to enjoy music performance while suffering coldness.

If focus is to be given to historical monuments in Krakow, it would probably consumes as much energy and time to read as to write. Nevertheless, there are some important destinations which you shouldn’t miss. One instance is the Wawel Castle which served as the royal residence for five centuries just beside the river of Wisla with its absolutely stunning view to the modern part of the Krakow city. Besides, as the nation’s famous recipe, a visit to Kazimierz, the Jewish district is also highly recommended. However, the number of synagogue in the district might bore you after a while.

Caption: Wawel Castle (left) and the view from Wawel to new town of Krakow.

If I have to make a conclusion, or perhaps a general impression about Krakow, I would say it is a blend of modern living with ancient surrounding. The preservation of the every corner of the city, despite the fact that Poland was the most severely attacked country during WWII, surely is a surprise to every visitor. However, expectation to experience something extraordinary in Krakow would undoubtedly turn into sheer disappointment, because Krakow is just another beautiful city with a lot to see.

But, visitors to Krakow surely know what to expect. Join me soon for the second part as it reveals the biggest highlight in the winter trip, Auswitz, the living hell on earth.

Read More »

A Youth Backpacker in Europe
Chapter III Part II
Warsaw, there is something cheap

Travel to Eastern Europe might require one to restlessly protecting their personal belongings, but the lower standard of living is guiltily enjoyable. Jiann Chyuan shares a refreshing discovery of enjoyment in Warsaw.

City: Warsaw
Country: Poland
Currency: Polish złoty (1€ = 3.4zł)
Travel dates: 30 Dec 2007 – 2 Dec 2007
Accommodation: Nathan’s Villa Hostel
Travel buddies: Egon, Clare, Rahma, Siddharth, Stella, Meghan, Paulina, Pia, Kim

Caption: First escalator in Warsaw? Hmm...

Last week post was very exciting for me as I think it was the best travel entry so far. Of course, credits should be given to Warsaw itself, as the capital is definitely having an immense story galore awaiting eager exploration.

As mentioned in Part I, security is of priority when traveling within Eastern Europe. The fact that I was no longer belonging to Scandinavia; arguably the safest region in the world really put me into slight despair. Despite the argument that I have had an extremely positive impression towards Warsaw, my sense of security didn’t loosen up. However, there was one thing which had got loosen up; my wallet.

If the retrieval of sense of security has to be compensated, lower living standard in Warsaw had magically done an immaculate job. Inherited the newly formed and enforced policy from Stockholm; one-proper-meal-per-city, I have had enjoyed not one, but three luxurious meals within three days of travel, although it could actually go up to four. The secret: thanks to the cheap prices.

Caption: Buffet in Babalu Restaurant (left) and Paulina at the right.

However, the drastic adjustment of price didn’t strike into the mind instantly. I remember I was still struggling to lower the soaring high expenses in Scandinavia by having a 5zł baguette from an itty-bitty corner food store, in one of the most complex underground city during the first day.

The underground city is another fascination in Warsaw. If travelling above ground where constant battle with wide and busy streets gives you enough headaches, you should really try to navigate the non navigable underground city of Warsaw. I guarantee that this is an ultimate test of patience, especially when you are in a rush.

Perhaps it was constructed during WWII, the underground system is buried entirely under the city centre of Warsaw. It is really challenging to imagine whether the Palace of Culture and Science is just right above you when you are fighting to find an exit in the underground. The underground today has transformed into the busiest trading centre in Warsaw, with literally thousands of stores selling lower quality goods. Price, needless to say, is cheap.

Caption: U Szwejka Restaurant (left) which I will definitely go back and tender pork knuckle.

Deviated from the main topic, let’s back to food. It was very lucky to have travelled together with Paulina, a Polish girl who I met in Trondheim. Although she is not originated from Warsaw, by speaking Polish language, she was certainly a living walking guide for my travel in Warsaw. And thanks to her, cash had been repetitively chunked out from my wallet.

The first night, it was a buffet dinner with chef cooking your choice of food at Babalu, live in front of you. Fancy, isn’t it? The second night, unfortunately, was something I missed, the famous Welder chocolate night, where others had got to drink almost purely melted chocolate drink, at insanely cheap prices. The third day afternoon, lunched at U Szwejka, it was my best meal in the entire winter trip. Let me reinforce the statement by repeating that it was the best meal, in the whole month. The tender pork knuckle which I ordered, heavenly scrumptious! And the third night, it was the dumpling like pierogi at old town.

Caption: Inside pierogi restaurant (left) and pierogis. My modesty restrained me from taking photo of the sexy waitress.

Pierogi might sound a little bizarre to you, but believe me, it is merely a food similar to shui-kao, only with different filling. In fact, the dazzling choice of fillings was so confusing to me, which then I resorted to order four different sweet and another four different savoury fillings to save the trouble.

After tasting it, I must say it was not exactly new to me. However, I found myself enjoyed the anticipation of different taste of the fillings, from prune to pork. Surprisingly, pierogi wasn’t something cheap in Warsaw. Perhaps the price includes the eye washing service offered by the waitress in the shop with her super sexy and sexually seductive uniform. But, just one question: How is it possible to super mini skirt, and boobs exposing blouse in such a cold weather?

The intensity (and insanity) of coldness really doesn’t depend solely on latitude. The fact that it was insanely cold during my stay in Warsaw really made me realised how much I appreciated the ‘warmness’ in Scandinavia. Arming myself with three layers of clothes, with a black warm jacket in addition, two layers of pants, two layers of socks, it was still insufficient for me to withstand the weather and had to stop walking every two hours. This might explain why visit to restaurants was such a popular activity.

Curiously checking the temperature online, I was surprised that it was only -11C, which was normal in Trondheim. But the additional statement saying ‘feels like -19C’ explained everything. Poland, is officially the coldest country I’ve been to. It was also the first country which I screamed out in agreement with others that winter trip wasn’t enjoyable!

Caption: Chinese from different countries (left) and new year celebration at house of Paulina's friend.

However, stubbornness had concurred sanity. The fact that I was only spending three days in Warsaw really pushed me to keep walking, under the severe attack of freezing wind and merciless snow. Indeed, the fact that Polish government is a lot more generous than Scandinavian government in enhancing the attractiveness of cities with enchanting lighting was also a factor. But certainly not because of the bizarre palm tree in the middle of Al. Jerozolimskie (main street in Warsaw).

Checking on my Warsaw pocket guide, it is undeniable that I have missed out a lot, especially when it was so cheap to travel in the city. Not forgetting to mention is also by paying the price of a single bus journey in Trondheim, I had travelled in Warsaw, by all modes of transport within three days.

However, with only three days on hand, the vivid and distinct impression resulted from the visit was really satisfying. Warsaw, a capital which I have to mention once again, is highly recommended. Anticipation was really surging high. I was waiting excitedly for Krákow, the former capital of Poland.

P.S.: If I really have to make a preference, Krákow would be the biggest highlight in the winter trip. So check back!

Read More »

A Youth Backpacker in Europe

Chapter III Part I

Poland, the post-war capital

City: Warsaw
Country: Poland
Currency: Polish złoty (1€ = 3.4zł)
Travel dates: 30 Dec 2007 – 2 Dec 2007
Accommodation: Nathan’s Villa Hostel
Travel buddies: Egon, Clare, Rahma, Siddharth, Stella, Meghan, Paulina, Pia, Kim

Caption: Palace of Culture and Science of Warsaw

I was finally leaving Scandinavia. Don’t get me wrong. I am not implying Scandinavia isn’t a good place to visit. In fact, I think it is a very unique piece of land where you can literally put off even the slightest flame of security. People in this region are annoyingly wealthy that it would be completely intolerable if story about burglary is heard.

By having said that, my sense of security had surged to its highest level when I boarded the airplane bringing me to Warsaw, Poland. It is indeed quite discriminative to have possessed this unfair perception towards polish people. However, the idea of travelling to Eastern Europe was really leaving me with an uneasy feeling, at least initially.

However, judging by my first glimpse to people of Poland during my first casual walk on the street of Warsaw, I was deeply surprised by how well-dressed Polish people were compared to Scandinavians. Let’s first put aside the question whether the street parade of fashion were originated from expensively branded stores, or whether they were exclusively made of greatly elevated quality, the fact that these people were stylishly groomed really put me into embarrassment with my previous seemingly bias label.

However, being extremely cynical, I didn’t loosen my security level and was guarded my personal belongings with the tightest security level possible throughout the entire trip. In fact, my utmost important tip to my fellow travel mates is to assume everyone to be hungry snatchers and that the need to guard your possessions with life is achingly crucial.

Caption: Old Town of Warsaw (left) and high street of Warsaw.

Geographically and “strategically” situated between the German domination and the Russian ascendancy, Poland, and of course its capital Warsaw, was historically under the mastery of these two power blocks during World War II. The city was completely vanished and was deemed to be the most severely damaged city in Europe during the war.

Warsaw today is of course freed from the devastating war. However, the visit to the capital left a very vivid impression in my mind that the scars of the war are still clearly crafted on the face of Warsaw. Despite the clearly distinguishable recent booming construction industry with enormous amount of modern high rise buildings, it is definitely not challenging for one to trail the footprints of war, say for example, by following the absolutely contradictory destroyed monuments scattering around the corners of the city next to some five stars hostels.

If that is insufficient, the more sarcastic scene in Warsaw is the Palace of Culture and Science. It is stunningly attractive especially when it is brightly illuminated with decorative lights all over the four facets of the building at night, and was indeed a landmark impossible to be missed even if one is suffering cataract, since it is located in the heart of Warsaw.

Caption: Contrasts between old and new.

The controversial of the building, which explains the reason why Polish people have never appreciated its aesthetical value, is owed to the fact that the Palace of Culture and Science is a “gift” from the Soviet Union. Despite the fact that it is the tallest building in Poland, the inception of the monument is clearly not welcome by Polish people since its presence is only an obscene reminder of the catastrophic war.

By adopting the simplest grid and somewhat unorganised development plan, the modern town of Warsaw is obviously less attractive compared to Stockholm and Oslo. However, it is exactly this need to develop the capital at the fastest pace possible after World War II that is ironically contributing to the charm of Warsaw. One would still be able to fully immerse himself in the touch of war by walking through the less famous streets in this modern concrete jungle.

However, if the search for ancient flavour is the desire, then a visit to the Old Town would be necessary. Old Town of Warsaw is ideally connected to the New Town with a massively crowded boulevard which pretty much highlights the higher end living in Warsaw. But to be honest, I didn’t find myself to be extremely attracted by the somewhat artificially developed Old Town which is still under reconstruction. However, it is certainly another face of Warsaw no one should miss.

Caption: Inside Warsaw Uprising Museum.

Yes, until this stage, you would have probably realised searching for the taste of war was my main goal in Warsaw. Therefore, I would really like to recommend the Uprising Museum. It is by far in my life, the only museum which I didn’t find it a form of torture. The museum is highly interactive and that it turns back time to World War II. Every little corner in the museum is fully utilised to illustrate the hardship and pain Polish had undergone during the war.

I specifically like the children corner where you will get the first hand experience to the life of small kids during war period. Staring at the mannequin of a small kid of maybe 10-year-old who is holding a machine gun and with soldier helmet on, with a polish song singing by a bunch of polish children lingering in the background, it is definitely the perfect moment to deliver the message to why war should be at all mean be eliminated from the world.

Caption: Inside Warsaw Uprising Museum.

Maybe it is wise for me to stop colouring Warsaw with the greyish colour pencil which I deliberately named it war. Similarly to other capital, Warsaw is not left behind with its effort in nature reserve. Lazenki Park, located not too far from the centre, is a humungous park. It is definitely the perfect picnic area during summer time. But I wouldn’t say my visit during winter was a bad one as the slushy snow had incredibly added a unique loneliness mask to the park.

Warsaw, from being perceptively taken as unsafe to amazingly fascinating, it is definitely a venue which I highly recommend. All the side dishes regarding restaurants, funny stories and special events happened in Warsaw had been intentionally wiped out from the scene. Well, as a genius reader, you definitely know it means it is coming in as part II. Stay tune to find out more.

Caption: Some scenes in the Lazenki Park. It does look cold and lonely during winter time.

P.S.: After a constant search for a few months, I still fail to get the song sung in the video by a bunch of small kids in the Uprising Museum. Anyone up for the favour?

Caption: Some other scenes in the Lazenki Park.

Read More »

Note: I decided to leave my travel column for a week. Proceed if you are interested. However, the further I reached in writing this post, the messier it got. Eventually, most parts got deleted.

Last week, someone exerted me with a massive imposition with a fully loaded shopping bag of chocolate, and saying in a birthday card: Contact me when sweet life stops.

Another one then told me: Dead by chocolate.

The third one, consoling me when I was sad later the week by saying: Have a piece of chocolate and it will be all fine.

Indeed, chocolate and banana form most parts of my character. However, I couldn’t help but wonder: Will chocolate cause intolerance when you are having excessive amount of it, even when there is no such thing called excessive chocolate intake in your dictionary?

Suddenly, I feel like sweet chocolate stops “chocolating” my life. Should I start contacting the first person? What if the message was only meant to be a constant supply of chocolate and not a guarantee of sweet life?

I am confused and start feeling intolerant.

Read More »

Stockholm, capital for the good-lookings

Chapter II Part II

Stockholm, capital of the good-lookings

City: Stockholm
Country: Sweden
Currency: Swedish Krona (1€ = 9.4 SEK)
Travel dates: 27 Dec 2007 – 30 Dec 2007
Accommodation: Archipelago Hostel
Travel buddies: Egon, Clare, Rahma, Siddharth, Stella, Meghan

Caption: Stadhuset, the most famous Stockholm's landmark

A good night sleep had totally recharged the seven souls. Second day in Stockholm, we were both physically and mentally ready for the capital once again. Travel time allocated for Stockholm was only a measly two days from the one-month winter trip. After the first day, we were deeply regretted on such idiotic decision.

Therefore, to seize the day, we kick-started with Stadhuset (the city hall), the most important landmark of the capital. Located at the edge of Kungsholmen island, the Stadhuset is arguably the most visited spot in Stockholm, if not the most film killing (or memory card eating) monument. I bet it would definitely be stunning during summer time. However, the waterfront city hall in front of my eyes looked coldly inactive during winter time.

Walked into the city hall centre square, we could hardly see anyone, although a crowd of guided tour was spotted occasionally. For one moment, we could even take picture with no tourist interruption. It was definitely the perfect opportunity to shoot some captivating landscape photos, only if the weather was supportive.

Since ascending to the top of the city hall tower, which allow you to grab the entire panoramic Stockholm city view, was impossible during winter period, due to the so called windy condition even in this calm slightly sunny day, we were only loitering at the garden in between the city hall and Riddarfjärden (river or lake, I’m not sure).

Caption: Inside Stadhuset (left) and waterfront view from Stadhuset

Bored after 10 minutes, we continued our journey to the so-far-untouched island located at the south, Södermalm, via Gamla Stan. I think by now, the walking capacity of us is unquestionable anymore, right? We had been told by the lovely lady at the reception of our hostel that Södermalm is the hub for pubs and clubs in Stockholm. Of course, this wasn’t something we witnessed in the morning time.

I was not feeling disappointed, even though I was really eager to spend huge bucks entrance fee just to visit the famous ice bar, because after all pubs remain as pubs. Södermalm in the morning is purely a living quarter for Swedish. Climbing up various highly steep bricks-paved roads, it was certainly an eerily tiring walk (or climb). While I was walking, I couldn’t help but wondering whether one needs extremely excellent driving skill or highly powerful motors to reach this place.

Södermalm has nothing special for tourists in the morning. However, compared to Stadhuset in winter time, it was slightly worthy as we were able to capture the whole Stadhuset-Gamla Stan view from this hill. Again, the depressing cloudy weather killed our pictures. *puzzled*

Caption: Steep slope at Södermalm (left) and a view from Gamla Stan to Södermalm

It was Saturday, one of three days when a changing of guards at the Royal Palace took place during winter time. For those who are travelling to Stockholm during summer time, it would be a daily event. Since this changing of guards is claimed to be the best in Scandinavia, we have had this plan well under penned months before. However, from our experience in Oslo, we were not having huge expectation to it.

Ten minutes before the event begun, we waited at the square of Royal Palace. It was clear to us that the square was well prepared for its tourist. Fenced with a huge circle in the middle, tourists were restricted in entering the main square where the changing of guards took place. It was a surprise to us. Surprise was not because of the fences, it was the crowd.

Caption: Part of the crowd during the changing of guards (left) and the later featured guard

Naïvely thinking that this would be just another lame changing of guards which attracts no tourists, except the seven bored and having-too-much-time-to-waste wanderers, we were shocked to learn that some hundreds of tourists if not thousands were waiting for the event.

Another surprise was the event wasn’t started on time. It was definitely unusual. But no man left. After a few false crowd movements, the real event was finally started with the company of two-man musical band. Oh yea, only a two-man band.

We saw a team of guards marching through the gate. They were only about 20. It was pretty obvious that the seven of us were concluding silently in our hearts with the ‘as expected’ expression on the face. It wasn’t long enough before soon when we were slapped on the face with two more teams of guards marching in to the square. Everyone started to feel grateful that no one uttered the like-that-only words. But very soon, we focused on the two-man band as a way of self-ascertain.

Caption: The marching guards (left) and guards in action

Nothing special to describe about the event since it was conducted in a language we have absolutely zero idea, except for the highly hilarious jumping-running-marching movement.

It sounds very boring. But it was also at this time when the cruelty of human being was demonstrated nakedly in front of us. The crowd dissolved, with some headed to ticket counter, some headed out of the square, and some busy taking photos with guards.

I wasn’t really fond of taking photos with guard since we were restricted to stand outside a circle which is simply a long gun radius from the guard. But it was an exception to me this time. The guard was so good looking. I started to shoot photos of the guard, so as many other tourists. Sounds like a very normal process. But what was not normal was, out of so many cameras focusing at him, the guard was only looking into my camera.

If you are thinking I was standing right in the middle, you are wrong. In fact, this was also my initial thought. But from the pair of glance in my camera, I was assured that it was indeed a too shallow thought. I deliberately walked to different directions and started shooting. Not to my surprise, the pair of eyes followed my camera. A sense of victory surged in my heart, quietly whispering to me that I’ve won him. Ha.

Caption: Okay, this is the result when I couldn't help myself but taking too many photos. Look! He cracked!

My own arrogance took control of my logical sense until I missed the chance of taking photo with the guard as he was replaced by another guard. Thinking of taking photo with this newly placed guard as compensation, I quickly learnt how rapidly the photo shooting crowd disappeared. I took a glimpse at the guard, obviously, he was not as good looking as the previous one, and that explained everything.

I couldn’t help myself but wondered, is this a place only for the good-lookings? Life is cruel, isn’t it? What? Did I take photo with the guard? You bet I didn’t. What?! Peers pressure.

It was a visit to the inside of Royal Palace after the changing of guards. It was very similar to a museum, which of course was not my cup of tea. So, I was literally walked through the many different halls. The rest of the day was purely hunting for souvenirs for some while it was just a relaxing afternoon to me.

Back to hostel at night, nothing much going on as everyone has an early flight to our third country, Poland, the post-war capital.

Read More »