Postcards

Arrived back in Bangkok without too much drama, just a long flight! We'd forgotten how hot Bangkok is but still the people were as friendly as ever and the Novotel on Siam Square is very comfortable. Went for a day trip to the River Kwai on Sunday and to be truthful it was mainly a long bus ride (around 2 hours both ways) which included a stop at a war museum and cemetery in Kanchanaburi before a 1.5 hour ride on a train along the death railway crossing the River Kwai. The trip included a pretty good lunch though unfortunately we were a little wary of getting food poisoning so ate like sparrows! Mind you I reckon I am the first sparrow to do a good job of impersonating a buddha!

Went for a walk to the local shopping centre this morning (across from the hotel) but didn't make it. We made the mistake of looking lost so a very friendly thai man approached us and offered us a ride to a local market in a tuk tuk. He said the shopping centre wasn't opening until 1pm because it was a buddha holiday. Same thing happened last time we attempted to go the the shopping centre. The guy was probably telling the truth but we felt we were being conned and didn't want another uncomfortable ride so we went back to the hotel and had a swim instead. We was very refeshing.

We are now at the airport waiting to board our Qantas flight home. It's been a great holiday but we think we are ready to come home (and plan for the next trip!!). Bet you'd like to see some photos......I'd was hoping to load a couple during this entry but my luck with computers has continued. For what ever reason the Qantas Club at the airport doesn't have a photo program so be prepared for one of those slide nights!!

We look forward to seeing everyone soon...

The flight from Prague to Berlin was uneventful except I thought I was going back to Parkes when we were transported by bus to our twin prop plane! Accommodation in East Berlin was comfortable and clean but a level or two down from where we stayed in Prague. It was certainly popular though breakfast both mornings seemed like half of Berlin was invited!

We took a city circle bus tour on the first day to get our bearings, getting off and on a couple of times to see certain points of interest, such as Check Point Charlie Museum, Brandenberg Gate and sections of the wall. There is a lot of construction going on at the moment so we imagine Berlin will look quite different in a few years. Unfortunately 2 days (less actually) was not enough to really get a feel for the city but the people were friendly and very helpful, most being able to converse in english. In fact the number of people that could speak english throughout our trip made us feel a bit ignorant. The tour director on our trip told us that when he went to school in Belgium all students had to learn 3 or 4 languages and if you went for a job and said you could speak 3 or 4 languages you would more than likely be met with the reply "so what"!

We are in the British Airways Lounge at Heathrow at the moment waiting (for 4 hours) for our connecting flight to Bangkok. Sorry there are no photos again but there seems to be no harddrive I can get to to down load any. Hopefully I will be able to in Bangkok. Down loading photos to the blog has been a real pain in the butt due to lack of available computers or not having internet access.

Travelled to Terezin, which is north east of Prague (about 50 minutes by coach). There were 10 others from the tour with us. Terzin became infamous as a result of WW II when it was a holding point for political activists etc and Jews. Although there were no gas cahmbers many people persished from malnutrition and diseases as well as torture and execution. From Terezin people were transported to various concentration camps where most perished. Of 12,000 children held at Terezin only about 1200 survived the war. There were also many music composers and writers held at Terezin who also died before the war ended.

A trip to Terezin could not be considered a 'highlight' from the perspective of seeing something beautiful however it is important to remember these events and put yourself in the period during WWII in places like Terezin to appreciate the sacrifice so many people made for freedom.

After we came back from Terezin we walked back to the main square in Prague and went to the top of the astronomical clock tower. It gave a panoramic view around the city of Prague and was well worth the 140 Korunas for both of us (around $A20). The climb up was made a lot easier by using the elevator!

Just returned from a great city tour of Prague. The guide was a young Uni student ( studying human resources) who also plays the flute & saxaphone and is also a ski instructor. She was very knowledgable and very lively so we now love prague. The buildings are beautiful because it wasn't bombed in the war so it is in its original state. We saw the spot where Tom Cruise dived off the Charles Bridge in Mission Impossible and where part of Amadeus was filmed. We are off to another concert tonight as we are being cultured here, (even the buskers in Europe are good).

Thursday 7th August (and overnight)
Started with a bus ride from the ship to the city and did circuit of the Ringstrasse to get an appreciation of Vienna's architecture. Commenced a walking tour with our guide along the Graben and Kohlmarkt pedestrian areas. Vienna is an impressive city with plenty of history and buildings to match, despite being bombed during the last days of the war, the target being the Gestapo head quarters.

Liz bought a lovely pendant and chain in the Frey Willie shop near St Stephens Cathedral and after a relaxing lunch we continued our own exploration of the city including the jewish museum which gave an appreciation of the talent and determination of the jewish community in Vienna. Took the subway back to the ship in the afternoon. The subway is very clean and user friendly so would not have any concerns using it again if we come back.

After dinner went to a concert performed by the Wiener Hofburg orchestra featuring the music of Mozart and Strauss. Also included male and female operatic singers with some funny excerpts thrown in from one of the percussionists. What a great night! Liz and I really got a healthy dose of culture and may even start going to some more when we get home.

Off the Bratislavia today by ship....