Saturday, January 22, 2011

Brisbane before the Flood ~~

I was lucky enough to travel with my friends to Brisbane on Etihad Airways paying only staff price for the plane ticket ..

Before we left for Brisbane, we decided to rent our own car and travel around Brisbane which we believe is a more cost effective and convenient way.. Of cos, GPRS is essential.. I don't remember which website we've booked our car but it was at a pretty reasonable rate compared to the other car renting company. We've also gotten some discount coupon from some blogs. You can try researching online and see if you can get the same deal!! You can try: http://www.vroomvroomvroom.com.au/, however it is best if you do more research.

When we arrived at Brisbane Airport, we walked out to take the free shuttle bus that brought us to the car renting company nearby, after all the paperwork was done, we took the car and drove off to our 1st destination, a shopping mall close to the airport!! The DFO Airport complex, with 120 brand outlet stores!!





After some small buys (we didn't want to spend so much on the 1st day, althou we did went back a few days later =D), its time to check in to our apartment.


Since it was a budget trip and there are 4 of us travelling, we decided to stay in Kangaroo Point Holiday Apartment (http://www.kangaroopoint.com).

It was not too bad, considering it cost only approx S$ 200 per night. The apartment consists of 2 bedrooms, a small Kitchen and one bathroom (with bathtub). It'll rate it 3.5/5 for a mid-budget stay in Brisbane..







We went to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary on the 2nd day. A must if you're big fan of Koala! You can take photos with them! They have a extremely strong eucalyptus smell but definitely adorable! I was really happy and satisfied with the photo taking! After they took the photo for you, you will need wait for awhile before collecting your photo at the store beside the photo taking area. Since I love animals and there’s no Koala hugging session in Singapore, it’s a very good souvenir to bring home. I’ve forgotten the price, but I remember it’s not too steep.














Tips:

- Bring along your student card, the entrance fee will be cheaper*
- www.koala.net

We roam around the sanctuary after the koala hugs and came across the lorikeets feeding.. Be sure to bring along wet tissue since all 3 of my friends brought home the “souvenirs” the lorikeets gave.. It’s best not to walk below a tummy satisfied lorikeets..


We proceeded to watched the dog show (amazed at how smart the dogs are), got chased by sheeps, and saw the most adorable puppy at their small animal farm..


Basically, since it’s a Koala Sanctuary, so we didn’t expect it to be as big as a Zoo.. After a few hours, we left and continue our journey to St John's Cathedral.











We had a hard time locating St John's Cathedral, but in the end, we managed to find it and it was very much worth the trip. Once you stepped in, the peace you get is just priceless.. Of course, most Churches do… We lit some candles, said some prayers and carried on with our trip..








During the night, we visited Conrad Treasury Casino, it was a little messy, but still managed to survive the crowd and earn some quick bucks.. The big problem was the parking. We didn't want to park in the carpark as the fees was freaking ex, so we went around searching for street side parking, took a bit of time and gamble, found a space but still ended up walking a fairly long distance..



The following day, we had a quick visit to the Queensland Museum (entry is free, but there is entry charges for the Sciencentre and some special events and exhibitions) Due to the same reason mentioned above regarding parking, we parked our car along the street side near the museum and walk our way there. http://www.qm.qld.gov.au (Can pay a visit if you have some spare time)








Next Up: Brisbane Part 2 (Sunshine Coast, Harbour Town)

Thursday, January 13, 2011

short post..

I will be uploading post on my Brisbane trip that happened way before the tragic flood. I will be dedicating the post to all the casualties and their families. God Bless.


To lighten the mood, I’ll be posting a short post..

My fav Asia country is… *drumroll*… Korea!! I have some plans to study there as well in the near future.
Since I will be gg Korea this coming Feb and I have a lovable BF there, I guess I should share some helpful info on the country. Before posting on the actual posts, just share with you some pics showing the current weather there.. Heard its freezing!!


Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour (Munich, Germany)

I’ve always been fascinated by war history and therefore once I saw the tour brochure, I decided that I have to join the tour. As expected, I did not regret any single minute of the trip (except that I should have worn much warmer clothing – but that’s a another story) .

We gathered early morning at Munich Central Station and set off via train to Dachau Station, when we arrive at Dachau Station, we change to a bus and finally arrived at our destination.


Munich Central Station (München Hauptbahnhof)

I went during the winter, and I’m not sure if it was me or the temperature had just dropped another 5 degree, it was absolutely freezing cold. Before we went in the front gate, outside the camp, the guide told us that it is in this kind of weather, the prisoners were made to stand for long period of hours with just what they were wearing (of course, there are no whatsoever animal fur, wool jackets, etc).


Arbeit macht frei - Literally means – “Work makes free”

The prisoners are given the perception that only by working, you will have a chance to be free. That of course, is a complete lie.

Our tour begins and we were led to a building where you will find pictures, stories and information about Hilter, the camp’s purpose, the experiments that they conduct on humans and ways in which the prisoners are tortured.


prisoner's bunk

We were then brought to the “bunks” where the prisoners slept, the beds look really uncomfortable and if I remembered clearly, a room was filled with people 3 times its capacity. No heater during the winter, no air-conditioner during the summer, no nothing.

Before we were taken to another part of the camp, we were told not to eat or drink and at all times give the utmost respect. It was told that the area we will be entering was the area where all dead bodies are sent for cremation as well as where execution takes place. The prisoners at the main area was not allowed to enter, however, when they see the smoke that came from the burning, all knew exactly what was happening.


execution ground


gas chamber


crematorium


furnace

To be honest, I was a little terrified. To see the exact spot where thousands died and the furnace that was used to cremate countless bodies was a little disturbing. I remember a room where there are shower nozzle on the ceiling, the prisoners are "tricked" to being rewarded a revitalising shower but instead toxic gas were "rewarded". To no surpise, I did not stay long in the room, to be exact, I did not stop but just walk past the room swiftly.

By the time the tour ended for that area, I was nearly frozen, I remembered just wanting to go back to the main camp building and sit on the “heater seats”. My wish did came true and we were brought back to watch a documentary which I’ve totally forgotten about it.


The "jail" for people regarded as "highly dangerous"

The tour ended with a visit to another building with “jail-like” structure where people who are regarded as "highly dangerous" are placed here. We saw the cell where a famous assassinator was jailed, apparently, he nearly succeeded bombing Hilter.

All in all, it was definitely a freezing but eye opening experience.. If u guys ever visit Munich, be sure to spare some time to join the Dachau Concentration Camp tour. 

Note: *all photos are taken from wikipedia and google image*
I was freezing and my camera phone died due to the weather..