EURO TOUR FIRST STOP:
MUNICH, GERMANY
"Dutch"
By hook or by crook, I reached Munich, Germany at 45 past 12noon with my friends Maricel and Arlene. Arlene and I planed this trip up to early morning during and after our work, almost everyday, searching the net for the best deals. I can't let this chance pass by just like that!
----------------------------------------------------------Munich International Airport
Just a few minutes after our arrival, as we wander through the train station, we started feeling cold. One old lady even reacted upon seeing my "shoes" seemingly amazed, then i realized that everybody was wearing boots or at least closed rubber shoes. Their clothes weren't also same as ours. We looked for a corner and opened our luggage and took out "additional clothing", and this is not only for the purpose of blending with them but because we felt it was necessary as it was freezing cold! -------------------------Inside the train going to downtown Munich from the Airport
----------------------------------------------------------------At Marienplatz
From Munich International Airport we took the train at 8.50 euro each to downtown Munich. The Wallis Hotel Munich was just a walking distance away from the train station. Check in process was very quick. We were given a room on the first floor, it was a cute green room for 3 persons and a bathroom with a bathtub. Not bad for 113 euro a night including a buffet breakfast of breads, cereals, fruits, coffee, tea and fresh juice! --------------------------------------------------------Buffet Breakfast at Hotel Wallis
Immediately after dropping our luggage in our hotel room, we moved and explored marienplatz and the old town residence, although just a walking distance away we didn't manage to walk back to the hotel as it was freezing cold! We decided to take a taxi at 6.30 euro, split into 3. It was always a relief whenever we are inside a room or any closed space as there are 
heaters installed there . After gaining back enough"courage" to face the cold weather outside, we again went out to eat dinner in a Chinese restaurant just across our hotel. We ordered 2 platters of fried rice, a bowl of hot soup each, and stir-fried beef, which we didn't finish as it was too much for the 3 of us. We paid 38 euro split into 3. Before our first order was served, our excitement heightened by the sight of snow fall! Yes, coming from a tropical country Philippines, and a residence of sunny Dubai, it was our first time to see snow falling from "heaven". ---------------------------------------------------Our first sight of snow fall!
-----------------------------------------------------------It's Winter Time!
------------------------------------------------Strolling along the Old Residence
----------------------------------------------------Winter window display! 
----------------------------------------------------Shopping area along Marienplatz 
---------------------------------------------------Christmas is almost here! 
------------------------------------This is the site for the Christmas Market 2008
We left Munich and boarded a train to Frankfurt to catch our flight to Denmark via Scandanavian Airlines. ---------------------------------------Waiting for the train to Frankfurt
-----------------------------------------------Inside the train, enjoying the view.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------A view from the train. 
We had reserved seats with a table at 87 euro each. Frankfurt is 3 hrs by train from Munich.
-------------------------------------------------------Arrival In Frankfurt-Main
--------------------------------------------------------------Frankfurt Train Station
We wanted to explore more of downtown Frankfurt but the temperature outside has become unbearable so we decided to leave and wait at the airport for our flight to Denmark.
http://www.hotel-wallis.de/ ; http://www.emirates.com/; http://www.bahn.de/
--------------------------------------------------------------Frankfurt Train Station
We wanted to explore more of downtown Frankfurt but the temperature outside has become unbearable so we decided to leave and wait at the airport for our flight to Denmark. http://www.hotel-wallis.de/ ; http://www.emirates.com/; http://www.bahn.de/
EURO TOUR NEXT STOP: COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
...of apple trees and snowflakes.
...of apple trees and snowflakes.
Surprisingly, we didn't pass through the passport control in Copenhagen International Airport. Before we knew it, we were already in Denmark! Maricel's father and uncle, both based in Copenhagen fetched us from the airport. In only 5 minutes or so of drive, we reached her uncle's home and our "home for two nights"
Since we have a host family in Denmark, we felt very relaxed. There, we didn't have to carry a map, asked for directions nor plan where to go. We experienced "serviced de luxe"! Thanks to the Matunog Clan.
Since we have a host family in Denmark, we felt very relaxed. There, we didn't have to carry a map, asked for directions nor plan where to go. We experienced "serviced de luxe"! Thanks to the Matunog Clan.
The front yard of the house was covered with snow. There were apple trees too! Since autumn had all the leaves gone, winter didn't keep us from seeing green apples hanging on the apple tree. Though the house was typically Danish outside, inside of it didn't hide the Filipino look. 
While walking along this area, there was a man (some kinda beggar) playing violin that made the ambiance somewhat like you are in a sad-romantic movie.... 
------------------------------------------------------------The Tivoli Garden
Ever heard of Christmas Market in Europe? Though it was -3 degrees, we headed towards the Tivoli Garden and experienced our winter wonderland Christmas!
Entrance to the Tivoli Garden was 12crooner each, rides are paid separately. Only Maricel and her cousin Mikey tried the rides though, as we thought it was too cold to manage.Tivoli (in English also called Tivoli Gardens) is a famous amusement park and pleasure garden in Copenhagen, Denmark. The park opened on August 15, 1843 and, except for Dyrehavsbakken in nearby Klampenborg, it is the oldest amusement park in the world.
(source:wikipedia)
6 am, waiting for the bus to take us to the Copenhagen International Airport.
(source:wikipedia)
6 am, waiting for the bus to take us to the Copenhagen International Airport. EURO TOUR NEXT STOP:
PARIS, FRANCE
"Amazing Race?"
Nah, this is not my version of Lovers in Paris. Ours was actually like an Amazing Race. We were in Paris only for 2 days. We got to Paris via Air France. We flew at 10am and arrived after almost 2 hours. We checked in at Perfect Hostel, in a private triple room at 75euro a night after a train ride where we saw Paris "not at its best". Vandalism was everywhere. I don't know if it was part of their expression being known to be artistic or just plain rage. Whatever it is, i didn't find it nice. Unlike our first two stops, Paris was more diverse. Much like London (the first European city I've visited). But like in Germany, to speak to them was a challenge! Not much speaks English. They speak only French. But anyway, we managed....
Walking from our hostel to the nearest tube station, Anvers....
After a short subway ride, we reached The Louvre Museum at about 3pm...
----------------------------------------------------------------The Louvre Museum 
General Admission was 9 euro each.... 
Of course, a visit to Paris is never complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower. After having dinner in one of the Restos in front of the Louvre Museum, where we ate pasta at 6.50 euro each plus a slice of pizza, we passed by to a souvenir shop then headed to the Eiffel Tower by train at 1.50euro each. But due to slight rain and windy night, we decided to leave... -------------------------------------------------------Morning shot of the Eiffel Tower.
---------------------------------------------------------Eiffel Tower day and night. .JPG)
So the next day, we came back to see the Eiffel Tower then rushed back to the hotel to check out and left our luggage in the train station for 9euro and proceeded to Disneyland Park Paris! It was a long train ride to Disneyland Paris. The train was old and the view was n't very pleasing to the eye, either. Then you'll see a huge castle like building and you knew it would be time to get off the train! Entrance to the park was 49 euro each.
----------------------------------------------------------------Disneyland Parc Paris!
My second visit to Disneyland Resort still left me disappointed, for again I didn't get to fulfill my dream of getting a souvenir photo with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck! **************************
“They call it Autumn-Winter”
Strolling along the streets full of yellow orange leaves scattered on the ground, a very cool breeze kisses the skin, or pearly white snow showers the ground, yes this is what they call autumn winter. Now, after soooo long, on an autumn winter day, Ive been there....
************************* Travel Information:
Tour date: 21-26 November 2008, late autumn-early winter
Clothing: Thermal Jackets, winter coats. boots.
Currency: euro (1 EUR = 5.19208 AED/ 1 EUR = 1.41366 USD/1 EUR = 66.6034 PHP
Visa: I applied for Schengen Visa at the German Embassy since Germany is our point of entry. There is an interview for Filipino citizens when applying for Schengen visa for the first time, unless if you have already travelled to any EU member state as in my case. Waiting period took 12-14 days. In addition to the usual requirements, you also have to submit a valid travel insurance.
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