Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Happy New Year 2012

Just would like to wish every one here, a Happy New Year 2012.

May all be healthy,
May all be happy,
May all beings are treated well,
May all take care of environment,
May all take care of food we eat,
May all show more love to each other,
May all have less anger and no hate,
May all do more charities,
May all be peaceful...

The list goes on and on,......

Happy New Year.

Choong

Day 6- Finale of my journey to Istanbul and Prague

Now I am at the lounge of Istanbul airport, waiting for my departure to Beijing. I am looking forward to go back to my nest, for a while.
I have traveled alone, but this is a road that is less traveled and less experienced by me, and it opens up my mind more, let me learn a lot more. I thought about 20 years of working experience will make me cope well emotionally with the situation like in Istanbul, and it seems it was not enough, hence, it is a good learning curve for me. That is why there is a chinese proverb that goes like this, 活到老学到老‘, but I think it is also the saying goes, like once bitten twice shy. Given another choice, i would not chose Istanbul or anything of Turkey for my next adventure. Not the place I would like to come in near future.
Prague, on the other hand, turned out to be a big positive surprise for me, and it was also very fateful (an honour too) for me to be able to see Mr. Harvel's funeral at Prague's Palace. I feel glad that I made the trip to Prague, and although they just came out of communism 20 years plus ago, they are going very well, and catching up everything of European standards, as I can see from the way they deal with their daily life. A really good experience for me and very positive one too. Thanks Prague for letting me see a very beautiful aspect of you. Thanks Istanbul, for letting me see the ugly part of you.

Prague


Istanbul


Today, it was the final day, I checked out the hotel this morning. And I stayed in the hotel, checking emails and reading my stuffs until 12 noon, then checked out. I visited Sofia church, I mean really explore it internally, and this is the best gem out of my Istanbul trip. Like Prague castle, this would the best for Istanbul (in addition to Dolmabache Palace).
Then going to the Basilica Cistern is another eye-opening visit and event for me here. It is very interesting one. And when I walked leisurely in the evening, looking for a simple meal, I happen to meet an Indonesian friend, his name is Lukhman Anuar, from Yogjakarta, Indonesia and now studying in Germany. This chat, with the meeting of two ladies from Korea helped to cheer me up during this trip.
And the finale part of course was that I finally manage to meet a more sincere Turkish business man selling ceramic ware in Istanbul and he is from Ankara, Asian part of Turkey. At least, I feel he was honest enough to sell me his ceramic ware, and not just pushing or trying to make big bucks from the deal. This helps though earlier, around 4pm, a group of two men tried to trick me, into talking to them, 1 hour earlier, a group of 3 men, also trying to hassle or tricked me into talking to them, by asking me the time.....!

Anyway, in short, this is something money cannot buy I suppose. And it is very life enriching. Ok, I got to stop here, as the now the plane is calling for boarding.
Friends reading my blog, thanks for doing so. I am not sure when i will be able to write again, as I am going back to China, and you know I cannot have any access then.

Until then, Happy New year.

Choong,
Ataturk Airport,
Istanbul, Turkey

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Istanbul, Day 5 and 6-Final Day

Yesterday, I was not feeling very well, perhaps a cold (wearing too thin on one day earlier), hence was not in the mood to write. Did a few things. First, tool a tunnel (subway) to the infamous square, Taksim, and found it quite nice. But the main purpose was to get my Airline ticket reconfirm and re-validate, as I wanted to leave one day earlier than my original schedule. I think I have had enough of Istanbul, and nothing more else that I want to see (or I should say I have walked enough, more than 40KM all together combined I think).
Looking for Turkish air was a big problem, I was directed to many different directions. Oh yeah, before that, I went to a Tourism centre at Sultanahmed, as the lady sitting there, as usual, like all government officers (you see that in Malaysia I guess) were not being helpful, too cold if I could use the words. She pointed me to a agency office of THY and why I was there, the guy said, yes there were the agent, and I said agent is different from real Turkish airlines office, so another experience here. Then I went back to the same tourism office, and the lady said, oh really, I thought u want to buy a ticket. I said no. And then she asked me to move to Taksim. Meanwhile, my secretary in China is also waiting to support on this matter, but I thought of going to the local office, it would be better and easier to handle. Luckily, I still some good local Turkish and being helpful they gave me the direction. First, a student using the tunnel, then the boss of a Turcell company I think, then the lady boss of a cafe (the most accurate information I think). I find some Turkish are very cold towards foreigners (esp. those working in office, but I always remember the 2 ladies and I guy I met at the jetty point to Asia part, they are so nice and so helpful).

The Turkish Airlines Office, next to Mcdonald's outlet, in Taksim square area, roundabout,3 o'clock direction coming from Taksim shopping main district.

After that, I went to their post office, quite crowded, luckily, I took my queue number, and I felt something was wrong, so I took out my postcard, and finally a Turkish guy told me for sending postcard, I do not need to wait and direct me to another counter. I appreciate his assistance, though the lady sitting besides me were very quite. I am not sure, may be they do not speak good English, but still i think sometimes, body language is good enough. Anyway, finally, I managed to send the card out, hopefully Joyce would be able to receive it.


The post office


Taksim Square, you can see how busy it is. And I was given the wrong direction, and was running around, NSEW, in different directions, in order to go to THY on time. Finally, I did manage it, as I said.

Then I came back to the hotel room for a nap, about 1 hour in total as I was not feeling very good. But now it is recovering and I am getting better.

Then, I was having my leisure walk, all around, including the herbs market (Mecir market) and also some local, open shopping areas.

And after that, in evening I walked back to Taksim square, because I saw a restaurant there, offering nice pasta, managed to reach there but the restaurant was in a full house, hence I left the place first, went for one ice-cream, and then came back, I managed to get a seat. Hence, a good, warm meal, with lemon tea. A nice meal indeed.

The Ice-cream I had, one scoop, raspberry I think. TL 4 per scoop.


Nite time and Taksim main street

Herbs, tea, dried fruits at the herbs and spices market


The Market

Today, I do not think I will update more as I will leave tonite, and will check-out from the hotel around 12noon. I am looking forward to leave Istanbul, honestly speaking:), I do not know, it does not give me the feeling I want as a tourist and visitor. May be my first two days experience was not that good. Anyway, I still thank Istanbul for letting me having the chance to see it as it is, and it is an eye opening and learning experience for me. Thanks Istanbul, and thanks to Turkey.

Choong
Istanbul

Monday, December 26, 2011

Istanbul-Day 4

Wow, it seems like today is a long walking for me, at least I think for 10km. If you were to check the local istanbul map, I started of, from Sultanahmed, towards Galata bridge, towards Taksim, and all along until Bosphorus bridge, finally. I also managed to hop onto a ferry, 2 Lira one way to cross over to Asia continent again,just for fun.
Altogether, I think I have walked about 14KM, from 10am until 6,30pm, though I did stop for my meals and also on a bench along the seaside.

I tried the skewer chicken kebab too, which I think is very nice.

Here is the picture for your reference.

Visiting an art exhibition, though I do not know who the artist is, is a good experience for me too,


Ok, I forgot to mention, you know, about the cobbler issue, this morning, it happened again. He really 'purposely' dropped his brush, to attract my attention, and this time, I learned my lesson (once bitten, a few times shy), and I do not even want to talk to him.I have turned to very cold actually, because the situation forces me too.
Anyway, life is like that I suppose.

I managed to get the glass, tea cups the local used, and you see it here.

I like this, and it comes with a ceramic saucer, which I think is cool.

And look at this buah delima, see the color of the fruits, it is dark ruby red, which I have not really seen back in China or Malaysia.


Ok, resting time for now. I am tired after the full day of walking.

Choong,
Hotel Uyan,
Sultanahmed, Istanbul.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Book To Read-LeaderShip Simple

While in Istanbul, I manage to read this book, please try to check if you can find a copy at your bookstore.




I like the methodology used here, the Triangle Of Choice, the procedures that lead to change and other key concepts, please go through it. I am trying to use this with my colleague now, trying to guide him to be responsible and understood what commitment really means.


Choong
Istanbul

Day 3-Istanbul



The Asian side, went with the cruise.


I like this shop, the fruits sold are reasonable, and when I chose to buy promenagate, one was rotten, and the boss pointed this out to his son. I think this shows high ethics and the price they sold me was very reasonable. And attitude is very different from those in Sultanahmet.


I must say, I am not really a fan of Istanbul until now. Story later. I walked to the seaside quite early today, and half way through, I met a cobbler, and he, I was not sure, if purposely dropped his brush, anyhow, I saw it and asked him to come back, and he said, salamat, and then, he asked me if I wanted my pair of boots to be polished. I said no, and he asked me to just put step my leg, one after another on the wood-board he had, and all those normal stuff for shoes polishing. Knowing the people here, I mean their style (after 3 days here), I asked him how much and initially, he said, no worries. And guess what, once done, he asked for 80 Turkish Lira. I said, forget it, I do not have the money. Mind you, 80 lira is equivalent to 33 Euro, and don't you think it is nuts, for a pair of shoes to be polished with that price? Come to think of that, it could be a tactic for him to use and attract my attention, not sure. But I think it is awful for that to happen.
But it was better when we go to the Asia part of Turkey, at least the shop we went to, the owners were very nice, and polite (I do not mind the fact that we need to bargain), but I do not want to have the feeling to be taken advantage of, or to be pushed to another end. Like yesterday, I bought a steamed corn, and it cost 1.50 Lira, and I gave 2 Lira, and the guy told me, he does not have the balance 0.50 Lira, instead offered me a grilled chestnut. And I firmly told him 'NO" and he immediately gave me back my 0.50 Lira. I do not like this, really. I am here for my vacation, and relaxation, but I do not like to feel that I am taken advantage of. In China we bargain too, BKK too, but in more polite and fun way.
But the good thing was that during this visit, I met two Korean ladies, and we chatted a lot, and also went to a shop for shopping together and lunch together. They were very careful in spending their money, which makes me feel very bad, for not controlling like they do.

I also had a calamari lunch, which I do not think tasted very fresh, and price is not cheap either, close to 4 Euro. But I am happy to say that I got my glass cups, and will show that later.
Came back around 4.30pm, walk back to hotel around 5.20PM.
Tomorrow is Christmas day, not sure if it will be very crowded. A few more places to go to still. Lets see what I will find out.

Choong
Istanbul
Christmas Eve

Friday, December 23, 2011

My Trip To Istanbul, Turkey







arrived here last afternoon, and weather is bad, raining like cats and dogs.
First impression of Istanbul, though part of EU, but very much different from Europe, very vibrant cultures, and the shop owners are out every where, invading the privacy and asking people to come in, in better words, they are actually 'dragging' people to their stores. I feel not so nice with this culture, though I respect their business style. And the roads are still a little but messy, traffic is also quite heavy.
And there are also some local guys who pretend to be tourist and they will ask you to take their photos, and later, ask you to treat them to some local bars or pubs, I have met two of them around this area, and I was also informed by a hotel staff to watch out, just in case. Other than that, Istanbul is basically quite safe place, so far, and went to also Taksim, the nite life place, where people drink and dine. Much like in HK-LKF, albeit simple, street version.

It is still raining, hence can't go out and do much activities this moment.


Choong
Istanbul, Turkey

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Prague-Day 3, and finale day

I am again tired, as I woke up 5am today, and was already out around 8pm, for further exploration of Prague. I got my train ticket to the airport tomorrow, and the I walked to Flora, purpose is to take a look at the subway station, as recommended by Lonely Planet if I got it right, but I found it to be a normal subway station, which you can find this easily in HK, S'pore or Japan. May be I have not found something nice about it as yet.

The wall of the subway station.
Actually, I nearly lost my way to the station, I have over-walked almost to another end, and luckily two Prague ladies helped me (they are again, very helpful, and friendly, I have only them with full of praise). That is my first time to use Prague public bus. Then I use the subway to Lesser Town, which I had been there when i first arrived to Prague (I walked there without realising that it is known as Lesser Town).
Then, I went back to the Crystal shop, the Egermenn, to get the crystal I wanted, the one with dark ruby red, this is a must have crystal collection from Czec republic.

Ruby red crystal, a popular product of Egermenn.
Then I also got another collection, a replica or reproduced from 16th century, which is also very beautiful, you know the green colored crystal, it makes me feel so happy seeing them.

And some metal and ceramic mugs, which are also very beautiful, please take a look here.

Metal type

Ceramic, also very famous in Czec republic

And I think today, I walked a lot, of yeah, my lunch was the simple, old restaurant of Czec people.

Tasted like our pepper chicken,

And today, it also happens that I went back to the church at Prague castle, and today, they were holding service for their ex-president in that church.
I think this is also a type of "缘分“ that the day I reached Prague he passes away, and I still have a chance to be at the place where funeral service was held. May his soul rest in peace, Amitabha.

Pic showing people watching news outside the church where the funeral service was held.

The day was a though one, waking up early, walked a long distance, climbing hill with heavy rain and while it was still snowing, but anyway, I think it is a fruitful one. I am going for my rest soon.
Prague, I think was the right choice and experience for me, and also exploring this city was fun, people was nice,.... and I am looking forward to my next destination in Istanbul.

And I should take my rest soon.

Nite from Prague, and story will continue from Istanbul.

Choong
Prague

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Prague-Day 2


A type of grilled bread, with sugar coating before serving. Forgot the local name, but tasted good. Krona 50 per piece


The concert hall, actually a museum under renovation now




List of the songs sung and played by the musicians

Wencelas square or people square, offering prayers to their ex-president, which I heard was well loved by the people. The foreground, well lite up building is the concert hall.




Skewer chicken for lunch


Found their local post office to buy stamps for sending postcard...

I am now very exhausted, due to the jet lag and walking close to 7 hours for the whole day, and slept not that well, though altogether, I still have 8 hours of sleep.
Breakfast here, they serve from 6am to 12noon, which is quite surprising to me. Today, I have been walking all around too, managed again the old town area a lot, and of thinking wanting to cover more, but I think that is the maximum I can do. And also, the Christmas concert at Euro 21 was a worthwhile one. I enjoyed it.
Lunch, I tried their 'skewer chicken with bread at Christmas
market, it was a good one, though I think the price is a bit high at Krona 100 per pc.
I did also many other things, like finding their local post office and buying stamps and I think Czec people are basically nice and polite. I like them, honesty speaking. I also tried their 'grilled bread' which tasted very delicious. And I also went to their afternoon market to get some fruits.
Overall, it was a fruitful day, and I cannot write further.
Need to get my shower and sleep soon.

Choong
Praha, Czec Republic
Ibis hotel

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Christmas Time






Very fast, really fast. Last year, this time, I was in London and now, in Prague, though Christmas this year, I will be in another location, that is Istanbul.
And here in Prague, Christmas mood is everywhere.
Please see some of the pictures here. We have Christmas market, and all streets here are well lit up.

Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas.........

Choong
Prague, Republic Czec.

Arriving Prague, Czec Republic


Prague Palace


My afternoon tea


Praha International Airport


Waiting For Bus Number 100


A pack of Hazelnut, product of Turkey


A cup of boiled tea, black tea from Turkish Airline lounge


Turkish Airlines Lounge


My breakfast in Turkish Airport

What a long day. I have written when I was in Istanbul airport, waiting for my flight to Prague, close to 4 hours. And because it rained in Istanbul, flight was delayed for close to 20 mins. Arrived to Prague airport around 11am, but due to time difference again with Istanbul, it is 1 hour earlier. Everything went well, and though Czec Republic is part of EU, they have yet to use Euro....hence, it is a bit complicated when it comes to shopping. And I know how important it is to have this single currency maintained here in Europe (assuming all other issues can be handled well, and not for me to comment here). Then instead of using taxi, I tried with the local buz, then metroline B to Namesti Republik subway station, and walking for less than 2 mins, I found my hotel (Ibis hotel, Praha Old town).
If you look at the pictures I posted, the lounge in Istanbul for Turkish airline is quite new, heard it was furnished only recently. Quite a nice place, even entering the lounge, you only use your ticket's barcode for scanning, as simple as that.
They serve very good tea (fully boiled), please look at my picture. And I realised that they eat a lot of hazelnuts (sample shown in another picture). Tasted very good. I guess I need to stop for now, as Beijing is now 2.45am. I guess I am adapting well with this jetlag and home I will recover fast to cover more places tomorrow.

Nite from Prague (Praha),
Choong
IBIS hotel, Praha