Round the World - starting from Hong Kong

旅行攝影

2009-05-21T23:12:00.001+08:00

醍醐寺, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

旅行跟攝影總是分不開。

出發前，每當我們打算外遊的時候，吸引著我們目光，心儀想到的地方，多半因為它們曾出現過在旅遊海報、雜誌或朋輩手中的美麗相片上。現在，決定旅行目的地的時候，大家很多時也只是可以用相片來決定，彷彿拍不到美麗相片的地方，就沒有造訪的價值。這也難怪，花這麼多的時間與金錢，誰會盲目到處亂走一通？

很多人也在旅行時，才會舉記相機，不停拍攝。也許是周遭新鮮的人與事，叫人不得不把它們全記錄下來，好讓日後可以回味。而數碼化的世界，人也拍得越來越兇，吃的，他們會把每一道菜也不遺留的拍下來，每個景點也會有一張或以上的到此一遊。而熱門景點的所有角度，恐怕也被無數人拍過無數次。相片，可以是太多。

旅行的方式可以有很多，有人喜歡參加旅行團，有人喜愛自由行的自由自在。旅行團雖然看的都是樣板戲，但勝在不必花太多的心思，到時下車，逛逛拍照再上車。現時，也流行以攝影為主線的旅行團，隨團有認識當地的著名攝影師，到指定地點時間，會下車找出理想拍攝地點，叫團員各自就位拍照，更會代為準備道具，作為前景好讓畫面更豐富。這樣，可以讓每位團員也有所收獲，但團員拍下的照片，如果混在一起，要分出來就困難。

拍照跟旅行一樣，沒分對或錯，應該不應該，純綷很個人的東西。甚麼樣的人，會去甚麼地方，怎樣去，如何過，毋須向別人解釋或交待。攝影也是同樣的性子，沒有人可以說你應該拍甚麼樣的照片，取怎麼樣的景，找甚麼作主題，應該不應該找誰作主角。

去甚麼樣的旅行，拍甚麼的照片，這就是你的人，很坦白，也很清楚。對我來說，旅遊，從來也應該是個人的，每段萍水相逢的友誼，期待以久的山河美景，紀錄片中的野生動物，以及其中味道，聲音，感覺，叫人如何一一道來。只可經過相片與人分享，也教自己不要忘記，原來世界是如此不同。生活可以不一樣。

安全

2009-02-01T12:07:00.002+08:00

很多人外出旅遊時，每每也擔心自身的安全問題．當然，到一些經濟比較落後的地方，貧富懸殊問題嚴重，也就更加擔心．

但是，就我去過的一些在南美洲及非洲國家，其實很多時侯，並不比深圳治安來得差，如果不是處身國家首都，民風大都很純樸．當然，一些出名的罪惡之都，如巴西的里約熱內盧、南非的約翰尼斯堡，也需格外留神，但也並不一定如傳說中的誇張．

我自己在這些比較危險的地方，也有方法應付，就是只帶上必要的東西，最少的金錢，我不帶手錶，沒有大枝枝的單反相機，袋子背囊一律不拿．這樣子來，就算遇到歹徒，最壞的打也算也不過是把身上的東西交給他們，心理負擔輕了，走路起來也不會戰戰兢兢。

當然，旅行保險並不一定可以賠償你的財物損失。因為現金不賠，並且也有價值上限啦！但是，醫療及緊急支援就不得不考慮一下吧！自己以往旅行都沒有買保險的，因為大都不過十天的短期旅行，並且地點也談不上甚麼危險。但遠行時，可能就要考慮多一點！

坊間銀行提供的旅遊保險一般的期限是180天，如果一次旅程超過這時間，他們是不受保的。在香港，學聯旅遊也有提供過180天的旅遊保險。但我則選了另外的一間網上保險公司，World Nomads.

http://www.worldnomads.com/

他們不單可以在旅程中上網不斷延長受保期間（即使你決定去一年，也不要一開始買整段時間，因為續保通常有折扣呀！）而且還可以經網上索償，當然，正本單據還是需要寄回歐洲保險公司。並且，大多數高危的活動，也在他們的保險範圍內。

祝牛年出入平安！

行程策劃

2008-12-19T23:04:00.002+08:00

Uyuni, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

當我們決定要開展旅行大計時，如何去計劃行程呢？

首先，就是給自己買一張世界地圖！最好是大大的，貼在床前的牆上。然後，把自己夢想的地點一一放上。歐洲的巴黎、南亞印度、非洲埃及、北美的阿拉斯加等等，看到地圖上的點點，就是下次出門踏足的地方，未出發，也可以首先享受一下。

但是，接下來好像有些問題，有很多地方我也很想去，像雨林、冰川、沙漠等，但是我總不是旅行專家，我不知道究竟它們在哪裡，也不知道自己體力及財力上可不可以負擔得來，如何找資料呢？

當然，現時互聯網這樣方便，香港本地的Travellife，外地的LonelyPlanet，都是找尋資料的好地方，但外地的newsgroup一般都比較資料性，沒有香港那麼著重圖片，漫無目的地瀏覽可能很乏味。但要到香港人比較少去的地點，即亞洲及歐洲以外，資料性還是外國的比較多面向。

香港每年在夏天都會舉辦旅遊展，也是很好的收集資料地方，無數的精美圖片，有些不知名的國家，也有很多免費的旅遊講座，在短時間內，就可以知道很多可能自己以往沒有留意的地方。

另外，國際漫遊協會也不時舉辦旅遊講座，可以看看相片，面對面了解一下他人的旅遊經驗，也是很好的參考資料。

當然，雜誌、書籍、各國旅遊局也有很多有趣的資料。

以上是我自己當時的方法，大家可以參考參考！另外，我自己是一個很小心的人，所以很多時候也會很想瞭解清楚，但也不一定啊！我在途中遇到很多人也是邊走邊想，看他們完全沒有問題。

長途旅行

2008-11-01T13:19:00.007+08:00

前陣子，朋友約我吃飯，因為她的朋友正打算辭職旅行，看過我的網誌，有很多問題要向我打聽。言談間，發現原來大家心目中的旅行，也會有著很多的價值不同。

長途旅行對於背包客 (backpacker) 來說，是比較省錢的旅行方法。因為大多數情況，機票一般都佔了旅行預算中一大部份，尤其在發展中國家，陸上的交通費一般都很便宜，只要你有時間，等車到，等車開，等站到。我雖然購買比較便宜的環球機票，但機票上的錢也佔上了我的全部開支近二成。

至於其他開支，如晚上睡覺的地方，也不一定貴得過香港。因為如何你在香港租一個七千元的單位自己住，唔計燈油火臘，每日平均都要二百幾元，這個價錢，在歐洲都可以找到旅社有瓦遮頭，當然厠所就唔係得你一個人自己用啦！

食物更加是幾平都有，生活物質水平不高的地方，當然天天出街食，如果在歐洲，晚上就要自己下廚，回旅社之前到市場買餸，下午的時間，我自己最常吃的便是香蕉，勝在便宜兼飽肚！

所以，旅行並不一定比香港花更多的錢。當然，無論你如何節省，旅行時總會有很多支出，如入場費，團費等。

想去環遊世界，是否需要中六合彩，或者是否要等退休，我想問題是你可以接受甚麼樣的旅行，甚麼樣的生活。

很多時我在想，舒適的生活，對香港人真的這麼重要嗎？除了舒適，還有所求？

P.S. 上圖為在坦桑尼亞的一間單人房間，算是我住過最差的，房間太小，唯有站在門外拍照，全間房間沒有窗，四面牆，只有牆上的小孔，還試過晚上停電，房間全黑，很有趣。

辭職去旅行！？

2008-10-05T17:36:00.002+08:00

Copacabana, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

香港打工仔一年有幾多日大假，相信大家都清楚，而現實情況是即使你有假期在手，要放兩個星期連續的大假，也要解釋解釋，要麼結婚蜜月，如果唔係，老板就以為你無事做，點解可以放成兩個星期假，重問你手上工作怎樣安排！

咁有冇可能去一個月旅行呢！？如果你是以下我很羨慕的人仕，就可以不用那麼煩惱。

中小學教書老師
舊制公務員
剛畢業但又有錢

但是，如果你不是以上人仕，又想去長程旅行（至少一個月啦！）可以點呢？辭職！

辭職！但係唔好心急，計下數先。

辭職去旅行，先要考慮回來可以可以容不容易搵工。遇到現在經濟危機，當然要小心小心，但即使你計劃旅行時歌舞昇平，回港可能是三五六月往後的事情，到時可能又有不一樣的情況。當然，在旅途中遇到的朋友，有些公司安排停薪留職，回國後，他們還可以返回自己的崗位工作。但在香港，可能就困難一點啦！

另外，又有所謂機會成本，即是你打算去三個月旅行，就算你回港後立即有工開，你計算的成本又不應單單只是旅費開支，另外再加上三個月少收的薪金，因為如果你沒有辭職，三個月糧就袋袋平安。計一計，去一年旅行原來都幾重皮！還有，如果你無去旅行，分分鐘重會升職加薪，那樣就更加大犧牲呀！

計吓計吓，點解要去長程旅行呢？係呢，點解要去？

旅行

2008-09-15T21:40:00.001+08:00

Salvador, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

旅遊，無論是長時間花上數月一年，抑或是三五天的短程旅遊；無論自定行程自由行，或是跟團豪華遊，也要把自己放置於一個不熟絡的地方，為著一些叫自己高興的，可能是購物血拼，最潮最新最平；或是享受玩樂，溫泉水療樂園；也可能是為著自然風景，雪山秋葉綠水，每人外出旅遊，都有他們自己的原因，不必向人解釋，也沒有高低之分。

每天，我坐同一班車上班下班，走一樣的街頭，每一個情況，我都知道如何去應對，我們知道八達通沒錢時，要麼自動增值，或是走到那方可以找到最近的便利店。每一個新同事，新朋友，我們都有規有矩，說話要細聲，不要隨便問對方私人問題。我們在這熟悉的環境中，安定生活，以致很多事情，與我們以為生活不一樣時，我們會不安。所以，我們會覺得郊野公園也一定需要有手提電話網絡覆蓋，以致行山人仕可以隨時求助；我們相信市區中每一棵樹也要定期檢查，所以悲劇不再發生。

我總是喜愛旅行，也喜愛在途上遇到的人。總是相信，旅行，讓人變得開放，因為，一向習以為常的事情，總會在旅行中找到例外。當然，每人就著自己的不同限制，旅程中發現的也有所不同。但總也是踏出一步，不論是多是少，也會對自身的固有觀念，作出反省。

所以，我會慢慢地（希望不要太慢）地把自己旅行前所作的準備，放在網上。希望有興趣的朋友，能更簡單的開展他們的旅程。

開始思考自己的環球之旅吧！

Friends from Germany

2008-09-09T22:08:00.001+08:00

Friends from Germany, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

I met Sylvio and Marcel when I joined the overland tour from South Africa to Victoria Falls. They are German guys and they visited Hong Kong last week with Sandro.

We have a great time in Hong Kong. We bought beer from 7-11 and watching the ladies on the street in TST. It was so much fun!! When we saw nice looking gals, I asked them to take photos for us.... haha... I have tried to ask if they can take a photos with us... but failed... : (

We have not met for almost a year, but feel so close when we met again!

上星期，我在非洲認識的德國朋友到訪香港。這是他們亞洲之旅的第一站。我們拿著從7-11買回來的啤酒，看幻彩詠香江，這也是我第一次正式從頭到尾看一篇，真的很精彩。

在人來人往的尖沙咀街頭，我們拿著啤酒，看著婀娜多姿的女生，談笑著，說著男生的話題，評頭品足。

或許是感染了他們旅行的心情，我的心情很輕鬆，也很高興。我想自己在香港，也未曾跟朋友這樣過，但，也很有趣呀！

最多人看的相片

2008-08-24T00:05:00.001+08:00

Himba Tribes, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

這是在納米比亞的相片，直至現在，已經有超過五千人看過，是我從網頁中知道，我相片中最多人看過的相片。

我相信，相片還是可以的。是不是我拍攝的相片中最好的，我不知道。

很多事候，人總要依靠別人去肯定自己。尤其是平庸如我的人，也更加如此。所以好不好，美不美，也不是簡單可以決定。

拍照的時候，很多時間會問自己，我的照片和別人的有甚麼不同？這是一個有趣的問題，也是一個困難的問題。

你，喜歡這照片嗎？

香港國際旅遊展

2008-06-16T22:00:00.011+08:00

Round the World Sharing in ITE, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

上個星期日，有朋友邀請到香港國際旅遊展參加對談會。其實是由其中一個攤位， Travellife 舉辦的小型講座，主題為環遊世界。除了我自己以外，另有主持 James 以及另外一位花了八百日環遊世界的 Steven。　

由於講座全場只是四十五分鐘，所以我沒有時間詳細交待自己的行程，也不可能分享風景名勝，所以我最後只是分享了我的「重遇」。

我在秘魯的旅社中，遇上一對法籍夫婦帶著他們的小女兒，是我遇見年齡最小的旅行者。在兩個月後，於阿根廷的 Ushuaia一間餐廳，我們不約而遇。

美麗的小女孩當然令人難忘，她的母親也一樣年輕貌美，而父親，我覺得他也蠻有型呀！

一般人也許以為去 Backpacking 總是年青人，想不到帶著這個小女孩的年青的父母，也可以環遊世界。而當我到法國的時間，也特別到訪他們在 Strasbourg 的家中，看一看他們可愛的女兒。

其實於上年年底，我也於講座分享過有關這次環遊世界的經驗，整理了一些資料，也發現有關環遊世界於香港的中文資料不多，本來希望每有空閒時間，更放上我以往收集的資料，供有興趣朋友分享。

但我總是有太懶，以致遲遲未有進展。但我相信未來，會逐漸地把一些資料跟經驗放上來。

相片交換

2008-06-07T17:07:00.005+08:00

Fred's Painting, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

上次在尖沙咀文化中心舉行的旅遊攝影展，有關主辦單位於活動完結時，通知我有人希望可以購入我的相片以及另外一張日本的雪景，正正是跟我的相片放在一起的那一張。

老實說，我也沒有想過有人想買我的相片。亦不知道究竟相片可以買多少錢。另外相片的主人，他說如果錢太少，賣也沒有多少意思，倒不如送給他。

得悉他的電郵，我擔當聯絡的角色，他是一個剛來香港的外國人，還是從事有關藝術工作的。

知道我們把相片送給他，他就把油畫送給我。這可是我自己第一幅擁有的油畫呀！

你知道畫中的是甚麼嗎？

旅遊攝影展

2008-04-23T23:46:00.006+08:00

早前，得知國際漫遊協會舉辦旅遊攝影展。題目為：放眼看世界‧美在異鄉的季節，正當思量我的那些相片有四時美境，不知不覺，已經過了截止期限。

雖然已經過了期，人家已經完成甄選，我還是投了三張相片參加。最後也有一張入選，正是我工作辦公室放的那張企鵝相片。

展覽在尖沙咀文化中心地下的一角舉行，地方不大，但整個展覽也有不少人圍觀。可能旅遊相片比較有趣吧！其實，我事前也不知道是那一張相片入圍，只知道要付錢晒相。

也好，雖然沒有機會來次個人攝影展，但這次總算讓相片見一見世面。

Where will life take you?

2008-03-21T13:46:00.002+08:00

I have not bought any Louis Vuitton. And, I probably will not buy any in the future.

I saw this TV commercial and I like it. You know, the brand is selling the image, it is nothing to do with the product. I like the TV advertisement, but I have no LV with me when I travelled and probably will not take any LV with me if I travel again.

But, the TV advertisement really make me think about my journey.

在晚上的電視節目中，我看到LV的廣告。

我從來沒有買過LV，亦不會買。廣告跟貨品根本是兩碼子的事，旅行時當然不需要帶LV。

廣告看罷，會問自己，這一年的旅程帶給我的是甚麼呢？或者說，帶我到甚麼的地方，給我甚麼樣的人生？

改變‧人生

2007-12-25T23:44:00.000+08:00

上星期舉行的講座，在一個像小學課室的地方，坐著三四十人，有些應該是經常出席講座的常客，有些朋友想了解一下部份國家的情況，有些好像真的在計劃著自己的旅程。

在問答的環節中，參加者都對我的旅程充滿好奇，除了很多實際上的技術性問題外，也問了不少的私人問題。而其中的一個，我當時真的不知如何回答－「旅程回來後，你有甚麼樣的改變？」

自己其實也曾經這樣問過自己。但實情通常是當局者迷，就像一個人慢慢老去，每天對著鏡子看著自己一點點的改變，根本無法察覺，只有當遇見久未碰面的朋友，才可從他人口中得知自己皺紋原來又增多了。

還記得，在贊比亞河邊，這是我們獨木舟旅程的第二晚，導遊幫我們點起了營火，遠方不時傳來動物的叫聲，是河馬吧！為我們的交談配上背景音樂。我們一行五人，一對現居於荷蘭阿姆斯特丹的情侣，男的來自愛爾蘭，於跨國公司工作，因為出差的關係，會常到莫斯科、埃及、東京等大城市；另外一對來自南非的夫婦，丈夫熱愛攀石，曾於高處墮下，留院一年多後才康復，但現在仍然不時跟兒子攀石。

我們相識二天，但話題卻由政治，愛情，金錢再談到生活。我說，這大半年的旅程，除了相機外，就只有不到20公斤的背囊。生活，其實很簡單，你需要的是一張舒適的床、熱水洗澡以及好的廚房以供煮食。

“Life is simple, all you need is a comfortable bed to sleep, hot shower and a good kitchen for you to cook.”

回到香港生活三個月了，才漸漸發現自己的生活跟以往真的有點不同，對香港社會，所謂主流意識形態，越來越格格不入。

我不打算在此大談人生道理，只是，旅行會把很多生活的慣性打破，早上喝不到冰奶茶、閒時聽不到廣東歌、病倒時沒有白粥、晚上沒有電視、生日沒有朋友……慢慢地，在你甚麼也沒有的日子，你會發現，甚麼東西才真正對你重要。

生命中重要的東西，其實不是很多。

Round the World Talk

2007-11-25T16:47:00.001+08:00

總算找到工作上班。要知道，在香港生活，沒有工作，不單是經濟上叫人吃不消，而是我們這個小小的半島，根本容不下沒有生產力的人。要向別人說自己是無業遊民，真需要勇氣呀！

早前跟國際漫遊協會的朋友說過，希望可以有機會於講座中分享自己的經驗。一方面是希望可以回饋一下協會，自己出發之前，其實也出席不少講座，聽過很多不同的經驗，而自己則希望今次可以分享資料給有興趣的人仕。另外，當然也希望分享自己途中所拍的相片，給不同的朋友看看。

講座的日期及時間如下：

日期：12月15日（星期六）
時間：3:00pm - 5:00pm
地點：九龍大埔道6-8號福耀樓3樓中業校友會

如果你有興趣，有關講座的報名及收費情況可以參考國際協會的網址－這裡

My Round The World Route on Map

2007-11-15T22:40:00.001+08:00

My RTW Route, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Finally, I have drawn my route on the map.

It is not very detailed but I have tried my best! You can refer to different transportation methods by,

Blue - Air
Red - Land
Green - Sea

By looking at the map, you will find out that there are lots of places in the earth that I have not visited!!

And, you can always refer to the same map by clicking "Graphic Version" under my "Itinerary".

Back to normal life in Hong Kong

2007-11-10T09:48:00.000+08:00

回到香港也差不多一個半月了，花了不少時間去整理這一年來旅行的開支，家中積存的信件。另外，當然也跟朋友們見過面，吃飯吹吹水。也開始投入香港的生活，正在努力搵工。

跟朋友見面，當然也會提及我旅行的事，我把最熱門的問題 (FAQ)，細列如下：

問：你環遊世界，總共花費多少？
答：廿二萬港元。已包括機票、食宿、南極團、保險等
（這一條問題最多香港人會問）

問：你最喜愛哪一個地方？
答：南美洲，厄瓜多爾，加拉巴哥群島。因為那裡的動物非常可愛，又不怕人。無論你靠得多近，它們也不會跑掉。
（其實有很多地方我也很喜愛，分不清最愛是哪裡，但可能厄瓜多爾是我第一個到達的國家，所以印象比較深刻）

問：有哪一個地方你會再去？
答：沒有。世界那麼大，還有很多地方我沒有去過。如果真的要選的話，阿根廷的牛排真的很令人回味呀！

問：非洲是否很危險？很多蒼蠅？
答：東南亞的蒼蠅一定比非洲多。除了奈洛比和南非比較危險，其他非洲國家不但十分安全，人民還相當友善。

問：你如何帶備一整年的花費，你總不會把全部現金帶在身邊吧！
答：我會隨身帶大約三四千美金在緊急情況下備用，一般情況我會使用提款咭，對！是ATM提款咭，你不需另外申請，一般提款咭也可以在海外提款，只需付廿五元手續費。

問：你去那麼久，如何買紀念品？
答：我其實沒有多買東西，有一部份我在土耳其交給了我的爸媽，其他一直帶在身邊。但如果你想買的話，你也可以把紀念品郵寄回家。

另外，我還上傳了兩段短片，分別是於South Omo的Hamer people dancing 以及在Etosha National Park的大象。

Hong Kong

2007-09-28T17:23:00.000+08:00

Back to Hong Kong, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Back to Home!

After 342 days, I finally came back Hong Kong in one piece. I have been dreaming of coming back, where I can find familiar faces, tasty Chinese food and Cantonese.

And, I really want to thank everybody who have hosted me in their places. They really make me feel different in my long journey.

Also, thanks for all those reader who read my blog. Your support keep my energy updating this blog.

在返港的航機上，在我的坐位前，放著合味道杯麵。

多少個夜闌人靜的晚上，我在幻想，在期待，期待著用筷子把這熟悉的味道放在口中的一刻，期待回到我出生的土地。

朋友，我期待著跟你們見面。但，在我們相聚的時間，請先不要問我到過甚麼地方。請告訴我，我錯失了多少重要的時刻。因為，你興高采烈的時候，我未能替你高興；你哀傷的時間，我未能在你身旁分憂。

Johannesburg

2007-09-27T15:21:00.001+08:00

Johannesburg, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

My friend, Ian, who I met in canoe trip in Zambezi River, hosted me in his big house in Johannesburg!

I stayed in Johannesburg for one night only and I am going to take my flight back to Hong Kong.

Livingstone

2007-09-26T15:09:00.001+08:00

Livingstone, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

The Zambia side of Victoria Falls, Livingstone. I spent my last US Dollar for the microflight, flow over the Victoria Falls, the scenery was great and this is my last activity on my travel agenda.

Time to back home.

Happy Mid-Autumn Fest!

Victoria Falls

2007-09-23T16:25:00.000+08:00

Victoria Falls Bridge, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

This is the end of my overland truck tour. Three weeks have been spent on the truck where laughing never end. Really enojoy every moment and I do miss everyone!

Victoria Falls, at the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, spans 1.7km and drop over 100m cliff. However, the water level is low during this season. So, it is not so spectacular.

I did one of the best adventure activities, rafting the Zambezi rapids in the Victoria Falls which is very exciting!

P.S. I had also do Bungi jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge which is just between the border.

Chobe National Park

2007-09-19T16:23:00.000+08:00

Chobe National Park, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Chobe National Park is on the bank of Chobe river and its has Botswana's most varied wildlife. Both the game drive and the boat cruise were very good and I saw many many elephants.

Okavango Delta

2007-09-17T17:07:00.000+08:00

Okavango Delta, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

The Okavango River rises in central Angola and flows southward to Namibia, then the river begin to spread over the delta. Eventually, the water is lost in 15,000 sq. km of lagoons, channels and islands. It never reach the sea.

I went for an overnight mokoro trip (wooden made canoe) which the polar using a long stick to move the mokoro.

We stayed in one of the islands and we saw water lily, dragonfly, birds, hipos, elephants and Zebra.

Rundu

2007-09-14T17:38:00.000+08:00

Rundu, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

n the morning, we visit the local primary school and the church. Lots of photos of the kids, have to send them back!

Relax on the river band, then go horse riding in the afternoon.

Etosha National Park

2007-09-12T17:37:00.000+08:00

Etosha National Park, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

The game drive here is not particularly exciting. But, Etosha is very dry so the animals always go to the waterholes for water. So, just wait near the waterholes and you will see different animals.

During the night, I saw rhinoceros!

I just added the vidoe of the elephant!

Himba Tribes

2007-09-10T17:34:00.000+08:00

Himba Tribes, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

We visited Humba Tribes, where people paint red dye all over their body. They have leather thing on women's head and you can tell their family by their hair style.

Spitzkoppe

2007-09-09T17:30:00.000+08:00

Spitzkoppe, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Huge Rock standing in the middle of nowhere. It is tough to climb up to the boulder, but quite a nice view.

This night, we slept outside with no tent, watching the star.

Swakopmund

2007-09-08T17:29:00.000+08:00

Swakopmund, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

This is where you can find the desert next to the ocean. I went to quadbiking and it was fun and exciting.

I normally do not play those speed stuff but it was great!

And we have dinner with game meat, with Kudu steak, Ostrich and oyster.

Sossusvlei Dunes

2007-09-06T22:25:00.000+08:00

Sossusvlei Dunes, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

My camping overland tour started in Cape Town, our truck drove north to Namibia. On Day 4, we reached the Sossusvlei Dunes, beautiful sand dunes in orange color.

In the early morning of the next day, we hike up Dune 45 to view sunrise. Then, we went for desert walk to Deadvlei. An area inside the desert that used to have water in it. But, it sealed by sand dune later and the trees were dead for over nine hundreds years.

Cape of Good Hope

2007-09-01T22:32:00.001+08:00

Cape of Good Hope, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

It sounds not right that you miss Cape of Good Hope when you visited Cape Town. But, the weather is terrible and I hardly saw anything at the lighthouse.

The AFrican Penguin is different from the other I saw before. Still cutie!

Tomorrow, I will start my 20 day overland tour to Victoria Falls via Namibia and Botswana. This is my last journey. And...... my return flight to Hong Kong has been confirmed.

Cage Diving with Great White Shark

2007-08-30T01:33:00.000+08:00

Cape Town, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

It is an unique experience to see the while shark swimming around the boat. It is more than 3.5 meter long. I saw its teeth under water!

Very interesting but it cost me a lot!

Cape Town

2007-08-29T01:31:00.000+08:00

Cape Town, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Cape Town in South Africa, so modern that you do not feel like in Africa. I went to Robben Island where Mandela was imprison here. The ex-political prisoners guide told us the stories of the Island. The table mountain, is really flat. However, the table cloth, dense cloud, came and I saw nothing at the top!

Harare

2007-08-26T01:36:00.000+08:00

Harare, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

It is surprisingly easy to pass the border to Zimbabwe and back to my HKSAR passport.

And, this is my first time to take a ride by truck, heading to Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe.

Many stories were heard before my trip to Zimbabwe: No food in the shop, lacking fuel for car, water shortage, the official exchange rate of USD to Zim dollar is 1 to 250 while the parallel market is 1:200,000, etc.

And the situation is not so bad when I arrived. This is true that I cannot find Coke in the city centre, the menu has separate pages for the prices due to the huge inflation rate.

Lower Zambezi River

2007-08-23T23:38:00.000+08:00

Lower Zambezi River, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

I joined 3 day canoe safaris on Lower Zambezi River, the nature border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Along the river, you can see elephants and hippos. It is a luxury trip as we have a support boat following us. I can even have cold beer on the camp.

It is good to see elephant crossing the river during sunset and hear the noise made by hippos during the night.

Lusaka

2007-08-19T16:49:00.001+08:00

Train to Zambia, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Tazara train connecting Tanzania to Zambia was built by China in 1970. I spent 46 hours for this journey, first class is quite comfortable. I even have showers in the train!

The visa problem did not come easy. The immigration officer in the train did not think that I should have 2 passports and only grant 1 day entry to me. I need to report to teh immigration office in Zambia's train station.

The situation did not get better when I talked to the immigration officer in the train station. At last, they ask me money (~HKD40) for "talk time" of mobile phone to talk to his boss! Finally, I got the entry stamp but I missed the bus.

I walked to the town for bus going to Lusaka. On the way, the bus ran out of gas and we stopped, waited for the passby vechicle for petrol!

P.S. I found that some of my email has classified as Spam in my gmail account. So, pls check your Spam folder.

Zanzibar

2007-08-13T14:45:00.000+08:00

Zanzibar, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Once an important trading port of spices and slaves, Zanzibar Island has old stone town and nice beaches. There was many food stalls along seashore of the stone town, the food is good and really cheap.

I spent tow days on the beach, Nungwi, at the north of the island. Every evening, people crowded on the beach to watch the sunset.

Dar es Salaam

2007-08-07T23:57:00.000+08:00

Dar es Salaam, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Dar es Salaam, the major city of Tanzania. Besides as a passby city, there is not much to see. However, I have to get my visa to Zambia here and this is the first time I need to apply visa in the neighbouring country in advance.

However, it is not smooth. My HKSAR passport required 7-14 days to processed. That make me feel really bad as I have already bought my train ticket departing next week to Zambia and I am going to Zanzibar this afternoon.

After discussion with the reception of the cosulate, it seems the best way is to use my British passport for visa application. However, dual nationality is not accepted in many African countries. I don't know, just go and see!

Moshi

2007-08-05T23:45:00.000+08:00

Moshi, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Moshi, near the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro. I am not going to climb theountain but just want to see this highest mountain in Africa. I stayed in Moshi for 2 days but it was so cloudy that I cannot see the mountain at all.

Safaris in Kenya

2007-08-03T19:46:00.000+08:00

Lake Nakuru NP, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

I spent six days Safaris in three different national parks, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli National park. But, I have spent half the time on driving between the parks.

Visiting the national park in Kenya is one of my highlights in Africa and it really was. At the beginning, I do not really know how can I enjoy the tour because I am too busy with taking photos. However, only on the last day, I finally realized that I was really happy when I saw a dikdik jumping or an baby Zebra running or an exhausted lion after hunting a wildbeast. I was happy when I saw the wildlife in their living place which is the reason I am here.

Nairobi

2007-07-28T19:53:00.000+08:00

Nairobi, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

As the guidebook said, the nickname of the Capital of Kenya is "Nairobbery". So, I arrived here with extreme cautious, no bag, no camera, no watch. I was trying to find the Safaris company in the airport but the price were out of my expectation. So, I headed to town and spend the next day to find better deal.

I did not dare to go out at night, only had dinner in the restaurant nearby my hotel. But, I did go to a bar in the evening (just opposite to my hotel). It is interesting that they have a butcher in the centre of the bar. I asked a local how come it is. And they said that you can have fresh food with the beer!

Best of Europe

2007-07-27T20:32:00.000+08:00

I have grouped all photos which my friends have voted into the following set.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/leungchitak/sets/72157600743734489/

If you have not chose your photos or you find your favorite photo is not here, pls vote! And I will put them into the same place. So that other people can share your view.

Lalibela

2007-07-26T23:01:00.001+08:00

Lalibela, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

I come here because of the photo of the rock-hewn church. Here, the church was carved from the top of the rock and formed the whole church. You can image the work required during 12-century.

South Omo

2007-07-23T22:43:00.000+08:00

South Omo, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Mursi, Hamer, Benna, Karo...... different tribes in South Omo area. Each has their own dressing, hut, hair style, custom. It is quite difficult to access them with public transportation. So, I joined a luxury tour on 4WD for 10 days with another English girl who I met in travel forum over the web.

The people are really still living their own way with nothing from modern world. However, when our jeep arrived at each village, everybody come and ask us to take photos for them which cost around 2 HKD for each shot.

Below pls find a vidoe tape of the traditional dance of Hamer tribes.

Addis Ababa

2007-07-13T23:11:00.001+08:00

Addis Ababa, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Addis Ababa of Ethiopia, the first place I stepped in Africa. Here, even in Africa but at an attitude of 2400m high, weather are really cool. Not the feel that you will expect in Africa.

The people are really friendly here which I cannot find elsewhere. Most people will smile at you.

The Mercato, the largest market on the African continent, are big with lots of people.

I am going to South Omo Valley by 4WD tomorrow for 10 days to visit different tribes...

By the way, the internet connection here is really really slow.

Too long? Europe

2007-07-09T05:41:00.000+08:00

Another 4 months in Europe and now I am heading to Addis Ababa of Ethiopia. For me, countries in Europe do have some difference in various aspects, but they share a lot of common features. So, I do feel bored sometimes.

My photos in Europe may not as good as those I took in South America. But, I still invite you, to pick the photo which you like most. Your support will make me feel good, always.

Here is the steps to pick your favorite:

1. If you have Yahoo account, go to Step 3. If not, go to Step 2.
2. Sign up for a Yahoo account (free of charge)
3. Sign in www.flickr.com using your Yahoo account
4. Go to my Flickr collection,
5. Pick Europe and browse country by country
5. Choose your favorite photo, only one photo
6. Click on that photo
7. Click the [Add to Faves]
8. Type your name in [Add your comment], or add more comment if you like.

The timeline is 2 weeks and the deadline of this voting is 23 Jul 2007. After counting your choices, I will let you all know the photo which has most votes. I am not sure about how often I can get connected, but I will try my best to let you know.

P.S. Pls leave the photos of Morocco to the voting of Africa.

London

2007-07-05T03:04:00.000+08:00

London, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

London, my last stop in Europe. Here, everything is so familiar, the people, language, the traffic light..... London is very similar to Hong Kong, or should I say Hong Kong is very similar to London?

This time, I stayed in my cousin's place, quiet living district not far from the centre. I also went to the birthday party of their relative. Good fun!

Newgrange

2007-07-04T05:38:00.000+08:00

Newgrange, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Newgrange, the Irish passage tomb built in 3000BC of the stone age, i.e. iron and copper were not yet used by human.

It is a big dome like structure where the stone are moved from distance to built it. Inside of the tomb is complete darkness, except every winter solstice, at 8:58, the sunlight passes through the roof box via the passage reaching the tomb chamber. Interesting!

Aran Islands

2007-07-03T00:53:00.000+08:00

Aran Islands, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Before heading to Aran Islands, I spent one night in Galway, which located at the west coast of Ireland. It is a nice town with lots of sea birds around the old pier.

Inis Mor, the largest of the three Aran Islands, has the semicircular Dun Aengus located on the south cliffs. The cliffs here is amazing and no fence is installed. So, you can sit on the cliff, like me.

Dublin

2007-07-01T01:13:00.000+08:00

Dublin, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Dublin, the capital of Ireland, was famous for Irish Pub and Guinness.

Rain, sun, rain, sun and then rain again. You never know what will be teh weather like next minute, the cloud are moving very very fast. But you should never forget to bring your raincoat.

Here, the Guinness draught seems not so bitter.

I stayed in the apartment of Kristupas, who I met in the ferry from Turkey to Samos. Now, he went back his home country, Lithuania for holiday but he still let me stay in his place. Super good guy!

Warsaw

2007-06-29T04:01:00.000+08:00

Warsaw, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Warsaw, the capital of Poland, were heavily bombed during WW II. So, most building were rebuilt after war and the old town is not so impressive.

However, I had nice Vietnam noodle for dinner.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

2007-06-28T00:39:00.000+08:00

Wieliczka Salt Mine, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Inside the mine, they have the largest underground church where lamps were made by salt crystal.

The entrance fee is a bit expensive adn you have to pay HKD30- more for your camera. However, the underground mine is huge even though there are lots of tourists.

Auschwitz

2007-06-27T02:53:00.000+08:00

Auschwitz, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

The Auschwitz camp, the largest concertration camp set up by Nazis where 1.5 million people were killed, of which 90% were Jews.

At the gate of the camp, where Jews went to work everyday for their live, you can see "Abeit Macht Frei", meaning "Work bring freedom". This bring hope to Jews that they may be released someday.

Perhaps, we can set this as our office PC wallpaper..... Work bring freedom!?

Krakow

2007-06-26T02:50:00.000+08:00

Krakow, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Krakow, a popular city with tourist in Poland. I visited the Wawel Hill with Castle and Cathedal on it.

Inside the Jewish Quarter, I visited ul. Lipowa 4, the Schindler's Factory. But nothing you can see inside, just the gate, which appeared in the movie, Schindler's list.

Cesky Krumlov

2007-06-25T17:17:00.001+08:00

Cesky Krumlov, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

A really small town surrounded by river Vltava, click the "Photos - View on Map" on the left and you will see how it looks like from the sky.

The weekend I stayed there was happened to be festival for the Celecbrations of the Rose.

So, lots of events and people dressed in traditional way. Lots of fun, beer and photos.

Ceske Budejovice

2007-06-22T17:13:00.000+08:00

Ceske Budejovice, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Ceske Budejovice, Budweis in German, is another stop of my Czech brewery tour. The beer from Budweis is called Budweiser, but do not confuse with the one from US. They are different company with the same name. And of course, this one in Czech is the original.

They told me that they also export beer to Hong Kong. So, try to get the Budweiser Budvar and taste it, it is one of the best beer I have ever tasted.

Plzen

2007-06-21T23:53:00.000+08:00

Plzen, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Pilsner lager, the kind of golden beer we drink everyday, was born in Plzen (Pilsen in German) in 1842.

In the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, you can taste the unfilter beer in the brewery cellars straight from the beer barrels.

I also went to a pub where they have tap on each table and you can drink as much as you want. The bill is based on litre consumed. Around HKD22.00 per litre.

Karlovy Vary

2007-06-19T23:36:00.000+08:00

Karlovy Vary, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Karlovy Vary is an old spa district along the river. Even though packed with luxury hotels and spa, you can still drink the hot spring water free of charge from the 12 springs along the river.

Normally, tourists will buy a spa cup which you can drink the water via the handle. I did not buy one so I tried to find models for my pics.

Sorry that I cannot find any beautiful gals with spa cup and the above pic is the best model I found.

Prague

2007-06-18T23:29:00.000+08:00

Prague, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

I was told that Prague is the most beautiful city in Europe. And now I am here and it is really nice. However, I do not have mood to take photos. Don't know why.

I tried to get up early to take pics of Charles Bridge when there is no people (4 o'clock in the morning). But, I failed as I am too lazy. During the day time, the bridge is as crowd as Mongkok.

I spend 4 nights in Prague and watched 2 movies, the cinerma are comfort with really large screen!

Budapest

2007-06-16T17:44:00.000+08:00

Budapest, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

My first Eastern Europe city, Budapest in Hungary.

Here, you can enjoy beer for as less as HKD6 for 0.5L of draft beer if you find the right place. You can enjoy the thermal baths in outdoor pools built in 19th century, Szechenyi Furdo.

And now, I can enjoy dining out with the price similar to Hong Kong.

Zurich

2007-06-13T22:58:00.000+08:00

Zurich, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

I stayed in Anita & Heinz place in Zurich who I met also in Peru. They cooked Cheese Fondue for me, the melting cheese tasted good with bread and mushroom!

I went to Luzern for day trip to visit the famous bridge, Kapelbrucke.

Interlaken

2007-06-11T22:37:00.000+08:00

Interlaken - Hiking, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

I took the Golden Pass scenary train from Montreux to Interlaken where I spent 3 nights in a party hostel. The weather is not very nice during my stay but the landscape are very amazing, beautiful flowers, waterfalls, snowy mountains, and I did:

- Ballenberg Open Air museum, where zou can see farmyard animals and demostration like baking bread.

- Hking from "First" to Lake Backalpsee, and then walked down to Grindelwald via Waldspitz and Aellfluh. Very nice walk around 6 hours.

- Took the train up to Jungfraujoch, highest train station in Europe. Tough expensive, but still nice that you can play on the snow.

- Stay overnight in Gimmelwald (single room!) and the window of my room is facing the snowy mountains.

- Visited the Trummelbach Falls, the waterfalls inside the mountain.

- Took ferry from Interlaken to Brienz.

Montreux

2007-06-06T00:39:00.000+08:00

Montreux, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

The Chateau de Chillon is the famous historial building in Montreux, locate on the lakefront.

I have heard that Switerland is a very expensive country. So, I have stocked some food in France and I went to the supermarket today to check the real price, hmmm, as expected, quite expensive. Like 40HKD for 4 pieces of chicken wings. And the internet cost around 70HKD per hour!

Chamonix

2007-06-05T00:35:00.000+08:00

Chamonix, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Chamonix, the town just under the Mont Blanc. I stayedin a traditional apline-style cottage, Gite La Montagne, surrounded by snowy mountains for only 13 euro per night.

Took the cable car to Aiguille Du Midi is a good experience that you need not hike to see the mountains. The sky was clear at the early morning. However, when I reached Pointe Helbronner, another cable car stop. The cloud was getting dense adn this was my first time seeing snowing. Quite excited like a child, watching the snow melted on my hand.

Annecy

2007-06-04T00:31:00.000+08:00

Annecy, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Beautiful town besides lake and I planned to stop just a few hours. However, there is no luggage storage in neither the train station nor the tourist information. So, I had to carry my backpack with me during the visit. Really difficult to make photos.

Lyon

2007-06-03T19:17:00.000+08:00

Lyon, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

I thought I can find little prince somewhere in the city. Yes, but only a small part in a wall painting.

They had festival near the church and people dressed like middle age and children enjoyed much in the counters about different things of their history. Why don't we have something similiar in Hong Kong for us, but not only for tourists? May be it is good to let our children know how chinese people live two thousand years before now.

Marseille

2007-06-02T19:13:00.000+08:00

Marseille, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Nice city near the port. Here, I had my first meal in French restaurant to taste the bouillabaisse, a rich brown soup with fish.

Today, may be something special for their football team. People celabate around the city!

Avignon

2007-06-01T19:10:00.000+08:00

Avignon, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Someone stole my breakfast! After shopping in supermarket, I dropped my crepes (pancakes) and chocolate cream on my bed and then went out for visiting. And it gone when I came back! Poor theft, XYZXXXXXX

Mont St-Michel

2007-05-31T19:07:00.000+08:00

Mont St-Michel, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Like an island on the sea, Mont St-Michel will be surrounded by the sea when high tide.

However, when I went there, the high tide will come only after eight in the afternoon. So, not able to see the postcard view. But still; pretty nice place.

Paris

2007-05-30T19:05:00.000+08:00

Paris, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Paris is a huge city with lots of museums and architecture to visit. This is the first city that I bought the tourist pass which allow you to any museum within a fixed period. So; I was very busy to visit 4-5 places everyday.

I spent my first 3 night in a hostel and 4 nights in my friends' place who met me also in Peru.

Paris is also the city I stayed for longest period.

So, is Paris romantic? I don't know. But with local friends here, definitely I enjoy Paris more. Even though the weather is not so good.

By the way, I have made a day trip to Giverny for the garden of Monet.

Strasbourg

2007-05-24T03:17:00.000+08:00

Strasbourg, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Strasbourg is my first city in France and I came here to visit my friends. They are French couples traveling with their daughter when I met them in Peru. Then, I met them again in Ushuaia, Argentina. Small planet!

Their house located in the lovely countryside with wonderful view and I had a great traditional Strasbourg meal.

Ghent

2007-05-23T23:32:00.000+08:00

Ghent, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Nice and quiet city with historic architecture. This is the place recommended by Piotrek, my friend live in Brussels right now.

I stayed in Belgium for 2 days only and I just do not have enough time to try all the Belgium beer!

Bruges

2007-05-23T23:29:00.000+08:00

Bruges, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

A little city in Belgium which has beautiful square and a nice chocolate museum. And, I visited another brewery and a large glass of cold beer!!!!!

Brussels

2007-05-22T23:26:00.000+08:00

Brussels, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, where you can find lots of chocolate shops and hundreds of different brands of beer. I went to a working brewery and tasted their beer. Quite unique as some has sour taste while some added berries.

The comic museum show the cartoon history in Belgium which the most famous one is TinTin.

In Brussels, I stayed in the apartment of my friend, Piotrek, who I met in Peru. Very nice apartment!

Amsterdam

2007-05-21T01:13:00.000+08:00

Amsterdam, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

This is the city for people aged over 18 and also this article. So, please do not continue to read this article if you are aged under 18.

Here, you can buy sex in the red light distinct; Cannabis (Weed) in the coffeeshops (they also sell coffee); and of course you can enjoy Heineken as a local beer. I think this is a beautiful city with water canals all over the city. But, most of the tourists seem to enjoy the special attraction more.

Kinderdijk

2007-05-19T00:46:00.000+08:00

Kinderdijk, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

This area has many windmills along the river and close to where I stayed, Rotterdam. Even there are many explanation of the operation of the windmills, I still not understand the whole picture very well.

Keukenhof

2007-05-19T00:44:00.000+08:00

Keukenhof, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

This is the place where I should able to see millions of tulips. But, it was the last two day before the closure of th exhibitions and all the outdoor flowers have gone. : (

So, I could only visit the greenhouse, even I still amazed by the color of the flowers, but still very disappointed.

Berlin

2007-05-18T00:40:00.000+08:00

Berlin, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

A big city and the capital of Germany. Besides going to the Checkpoint Charlie Museum and the Jewish Museum, my major task is shopping! And I finally bought trekking boots which are made in Germany and a new Lowepro camera bag for replacement. However, it would be much cheaper if they do not apply 19% tax on selling goods.

Dresden

2007-05-17T00:56:00.000+08:00

Dresden, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

This is the Sistine Madonna by Raphael in Old Masters Gallery. You may not see this whole painting before but I believe you must be very familiar with the two angels on the bottom!

The city of Dresden is quite nice but I am tired of those building already.

Heidelberg

2007-05-15T19:26:00.000+08:00

Heidelberg, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

My friends, Linda and Simon live in Heidelberg. I stayed in their house for several days and visited many places, Leica factory in Solms, Schloss in Heidelberg, small town called Speyer, Rhine River and Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.

We cooked different dishes and I had very very good meal everyday.

I will remember Germany because of Heidelberg, because my friends are here.

Wurzburg

2007-05-10T19:23:00.000+08:00

Wurzburg, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Only stop here for 3 hours and visit the Residenz. It has the world's largest ceiling painting and the rooms inside are luxury.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

2007-05-10T19:22:00.000+08:00

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Beautiful medieval town and great shopping, this may be the reason why there are so many Japanese tourists.

The shop in the Christmas museum are so nice that I did not pay to get in the museum. And, I can tell you that it is really hard to get out the shop without buying anything!

Romantic Road

2007-05-09T19:19:00.000+08:00

Romantic Road, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

It is not really romantic when it rained all day even you traveled in Romantic Road. I took the tour bus along the road from Fussen to Rothenburg ODT, the scenery along is quite nice. Fields, farms, little villages, cows. However, the several stops in between was only 20-30 minutes. Good enough for rainy day.

Fussen

2007-05-08T06:55:00.000+08:00

Fussen, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

The Neusehwanstein Castle, one of the most famous castle in Germany. Everything is quite well perserved as it has less than two hundred years history. Inside the castle, you will find plenty of deocration with swans. And someone told me that the castle in disneyland is using this as a blueprint.

Munich

2007-05-07T06:49:00.000+08:00

Munich, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

The Deutsches Museum is about science and technology and it is very interesting for me. From glass making to aeroplane display, it covers more than you expect and also remind you that Germany has long history of industry.

Of course, it is no way that I will skip the beer hall in Munich!

Vienna

2007-05-05T23:52:00.000+08:00

Vienna, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

The Kiss, painting by Klimt is kept in the Oberes Belvedere museum. She told me that she likes this painting because you can feel that the man is so deeply in love with the woman. So, I really want to go and see the original painting in Vienna.

Eisriesenwelt

2007-05-03T16:05:00.000+08:00

Eisriesenwelt, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

The world largest accessible ice caves, you can walk into 1km of the cave and see different ice formations. However, the cave itself is much deeper.

There is no lighting inside the cave, just the magnesium burnt by the guide. So, no color lighting on the ice. : )

Hallstatt

2007-05-02T16:03:00.000+08:00

Hallstatt, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

A really beautiful village located beside a lake and the trees are green.

There is a bone house with skull painted with cross, flower and snake pattern, pretty nice. The Salzbergwerk, salt mining site, is where people get salt from 1000 B.C. til now.

Salzburg

2007-05-01T16:01:00.000+08:00

Salzburg, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

The movie, The Sound of Music, took this place and the surrounding area as their filming location.

I did not join the tour and did not recognize much of the scene.

I waited on the hill for one hour for the classic night shot but the towers did not light up! So, no postcard photo!

However, the beer hall, Augustiner Braustubl, was really nice. You queue up to buy a ticket for half or one liter and then pick your ceramic mug and wait for the tap of beer. Cool!

Innsbruck

2007-04-30T22:27:00.000+08:00

Innsbruck, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Innsbruck, my first stop in Austria and then I will head to Salzburg. The city is very small and the famous Golden Root here is not very special.

The train in Austria is much better than Italy, especially I am always first class!

For my birthday, I have a big beer in the beer garden of Salzburg.

Verona

2007-04-29T01:13:00.000+08:00

Verona, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

A pretty Italy's city with the story of Romeo and Juliet. The Juliet's house with a balcony where Romeo met Juliet in secret. And the poor statue of Juliet, her breast was rubbed by every tourists for good luck.

Andrea and his wife, who I met in Venice, invited me for dinner and I had a very nice Veronese dishes with horse meat. I had a great night and thank you so much for the dinner.

Venice

2007-04-28T21:51:00.000+08:00

Venice, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Venice is a nice city but it is not my cup of tea. May be it is too touristy. The place is very interesting indeed as it is a very flat Island with many canals. I do not know how or why people built this up, but it is unique. The nearby islands is similar but has different character, Burano has colorful houses while Murano is the home of Venetian glass.

Milan

2007-04-26T21:42:00.000+08:00

Milan, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

The Duomo in Milan is French-Gothic design with beautiful color windows. I had my dinner in a Italian restaurant and found out it is run by Chinese! And the food was nice!

Cinque Terre

2007-04-25T03:07:00.000+08:00

Cinque Terre, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Cinque Terre means Five villages and it is one of the Unesco-protected coastline. I spent an afternoon walking from one end to the other. For me, the view is quite ordinary. May be the weather was no good.

However, in the mid way, I met some locals having a big party as today is their National Liberation Day. They offered me free wine and smile. What a day!

Pisa

2007-04-24T05:01:00.000+08:00

Pisa, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

The Leaning Tower is one of the famous icon of Italy and it is not very big actually. It is funny to see many tourists with the same posture of pushing the tower for making photos.

Siena

2007-04-23T04:59:00.000+08:00

Siena, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Climb 400 steps for 102 meters and you can reach the top of Torre del Mangia, overseeing the whole town with pretty red roof.

I1 Campo, is the place where horse race hold twice a year. But, you will find plenty of tourists laying around for sunbath in normal days.

Florence

2007-04-22T04:56:00.000+08:00

Florence, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

This the place to see the masterpieces and wait in lines. For the most famous sculpture in the western world, David of Michelangelo, one hour before the Galleria dell Accademia. For the Birth of Venus in Palazzo degli Uffizi, 2 hours waiting please.

The Duomo, is stunning outside but nothing special inside the church.

Rome

2007-04-21T06:08:00.000+08:00

Rome - Pantheon, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

It has been six months since I left Hong Kong, half way of my trip. Sometimes, I really do not know how to enjoy Europe. May be it is different from South America. May be I need to be relax, both myself and my budget, focusing not only on the sightseeing point.

In the Vatican Museums, I saw the painting by Raphael, The school of Athens, with one of my favorite philosopher - Socrates.

Naples

2007-04-18T02:19:00.000+08:00

Naples, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Naples, where pizza was created during 18th century and I have tried the No. 1 pizza place. And you can see what is the best pizza in the world look like.

Pompeii was a Roman city but buried after eruption of volcano. It is a town two thousand years before. The most interesting to me is that they have a place for prostitute with special painting on the wall.

The Grotta Azzurra in Capri Island is beautiful and expensive. For 2 minutes stay inside the cave with magic blue color, you have to pay 9 euro. But, the water color is wonderful!

Meteora

2007-04-15T05:29:00.000+08:00

Meteora, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

"It is free of charge. Make you remember this place and this country." Doctor said. He told me after his consultation. I was really touched, as all the local people I met always want to rip you off, especially in Turkey. And.... I will remember Meteora, the monasteries on the top of the rocks. The doctor with genuine smile and warm heart.

Athens

2007-04-12T22:20:00.001+08:00

Athens, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

In Greece, I skipped the Island hopping. Because it is not the right season and also they are too romantic for a lonely traveller.

I spent the night in the ferry from Samos Island to Athens. And this is the most horrible night trip of my journey. I bought the cheapest fare, the deck class. Actually, I got a seat inside of the ship but the light did not turned off all night and the TV was so loud to keep you awake. This is the first time that I need to use eye mask and ear plug.

Athens, just let me think of the Japanese cartoon, young fighters fight for Athena. I think you know which one if you are the same age group as mine. And the blog photo is Athena in National Archaeological Museum.

I love frappe, ice coffee in Greece, which make me feel like ice tea in Hong Kong.

Ephesus

2007-04-09T01:18:00.000+08:00

Ephesus, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

The city of Ephesus was once Rome's capital in the province of Asia. The best sight is the monumental library of Celsus.

I stayed in the nearby town, Selcuk. Because the price here is much cheaper than Istanbul. So, I had my haircut, enjoyed hammams (Turkish baths), tried the water pipe and had a big meal of lamp chop.