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"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles."
Audrey Hepburn

Sunday 28 December 2014

Help for no reasons

In Bahasa:

 Gambar dari ini




Dalam sebuah perjalanan, saya percaya akan makna penting dari perjalanan itu sendiri.
Bukan akhir dari perjalanan yang dituju.
Mengapa? Karna tatkala bergerak, ribuan hal akan terjadi.
Dari sanalah kita bisa belajar banyak.
Belajar akan makna kehidupan dan belajar untuk lebih bersyukur.

Menolong dan ditolong.
Pelajaran yang kembali saya peroleh sepanjang perjalanan di Prancis di liburan natal tahun ini.

Tidak hanya satu-dua kali, kami dibantu oleh orang lain yang tidak kami kenal.
Saat kami sangat membutuhkan bantuan terkadang tidak.
Juga berupa bantuan berwujud maupun tidak berwujud.
Dan kesemuanya adalah bantuan yang tidak bisa ditolak.

Hanya rasa syukur dan ucapan terimakasih yang dapat kami lontarkan.
Serta pikiran untuk melanjutkan bantuan tersebut kepada orang lain.

Disini saya belajar bagaimana seharusnya sesama manusia membantu.
Tanpa pandang siapa orangnya, apa statusnya, dan segenting apa kondisinya.

Kata orang, berbuat baik ke orang lain itu menular.
Sudah pasti di kemudian hari, kebaikan darimu akan kembali ke dirimu.
Nah, jadi tunggu apa lagi?
Spread the kindness to everyone, and the same thing will goes around.

Sunday 12 October 2014

Fiore Firenze

As I stated before, during Italian trip last summer I kept making myself busy by jotting down notes. Everything that appealed me, let’s say Italian hand gestures, current feeling, refreshing flavor of gelato, or tiring foot after long walk, I just wrote it as soon as the thought popped up.

Being in Firenze after Venezia, my intention to write was reaching its peak (i guess). Gently and gradually, Firenze showed its charm to me. It was like more and more edges passed, I found more comfort, beauty, and uniqueness.

Firenze is popular in having numerous museums with prominent collections like sculptures and paintings (Adam sculpture supposed to be the famous one). Well, you don’t have to be an art-and-culture-addict to completely enjoy the real Firenze. As for me, instead of spending time (and money) to admire “unknown-art”, I prefer to explore the other iconic spots of Firenze.





Tough she is a medium city compare to Paris the gigantic city or Cesky Krumlov as small one, she offers almost complete package of a nice city! How can I say like that? Okay, enough with blabbering introduction, time to share few of my notes which copied directly from my notebook.
 
Could I say that the people are too creative?
 
Unique signage and artistic graffiti are common things in Firenze. Lucky me, during the trip I kept founding “cute” ornament around the city instead of grudge or hardcore art (which I can’t understand).

 


 
Presenting countless of pleasant food, whatever your budget are
 
Before going to Firenze, one of my Couchsurfing friend said that I had to optimize my appetite in Tuscan. She said that Tuscan cooking is historically rooted of Italian cuisine, and Firenze is one of the birthplaces of Italian gastronomy. No wonder I easily enjoy the taste of simple Margherita pizza, Schiacciata (try this Tuscan focaccia bread that has salt and olive oil on the crust) with Finocchiona (my goodness, this Florentine’s salami with fennel seeds was a blast!), Cornetta con Nutella, and more and more Gelato with affordable price.






Divergence of aura in each piazza
 
I am big fan of piazza, or plaza, or park. It is favorite place where I can sit the bench or part of building’s stairs, staring others, enjoying the shine and daydreaming (sometimes). I was little surprised knowing that there are big number of recommended piazzas in Firenze based on lonelyplanet. Will it be like numerous piazza in Rome which focus on its particular building architectures? The answer is not :D The longer I stayed in each piazza, the more I felt different atmospheres which are proper for moody people (like me). Hehe.
 
Piazza San Spirito, the name perfectly represents the feel of the piazza, filled with people’s spirit. J You can find local market selling food, clothes, kitchen utensils, with loud Italian buyers in the morning. When afternoon comes, you can see running children around the piazza. And when it starts to be dark, group of youngster gossip and laugh together with small glass of wine on hand. Uhlala..
Piazza del Duomo, placed in the center of Duomo- Cathedral of Santa Maria de Fiore and dainty cafes surrounded. It offers charms of green-pink-white exterior of Cathedral. No wonder you will feel the sense of touristy around.
Piazza S.M. Novella, perfect place to relax by seeing beautiful flowers in the piazza. Don’t forget to get fresh gelato that easily found in Gelateria around. Best partner for lazy-me-time. 
Piazzale Michelangelo, which offers beautiful Firenze. I can’t say anything else. More details later.

Having three iconic spots which perfect enough for a not art-addict like me

Ponte Vecchio
The moment when I walk down from Via De Guicciardini to Via Por Santa Maria by crossing Ponte Vecchio was totally memorable. Tough it was quite loaded with flow of people; the exterior of jewelries stalls got full attention of mine indeed. The banners and rooftops were totally totally totally charming and elegant with wood nuance.





At the end of bridge, just turn right and walk along Arno River. Slow but sure, you will see unique block of buildings at the opposite of your stand and colorful and unique Ponte Vecchio at the right. I was lucky enough to get reflection of them on Arno River due to summer sunshine :)
 
 

Duomo- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
When other churches in Europe dominantly painted with white or gothic color, it stands differently with its own color which is combination between pink, green, and white. Eye catching and beautiful like Fiore (fiore means flower). Besides, it also has the largest dome ever constructed. You can capture whole beauty of the cathedral from Piazzale Micheangelo.


 
Piazzale Micheangelo
Having experience in climbing Gellert Hill to see the beauty of Budapest in 15 minutes, firstly I assumed that I had to do the same thing again to enjoy Firenze from above. Ta da… with less than 10 minutes and low slope hill, I finally reached Piazzale Micheangelo. Happy and disappointed at the same time since I had prepared high spirit and energy as well. Hahaha.
 

Magnificent panoramic view of Firenze. By standing in one place, I can grab picture of Firenze starts from Forete Belvedere to Santa Croce, not forget to mention the iconic Ponte Vecchio, Duomo, and Palazzo Vecchio. No wonder it becomes one of the best place not only for tourists but also Fiorentine. As I stated before, here you can witness beauty of full Cathedral from Façade till Duomo part. 


And one more, on the way down you could find a small park with petite bench and nice view. I was sitting there when the church’s bell rang coincidentally. I have no suitable word to express my feeling at that time. :”)

You don’t need daily or three days transport travel pass to roll around the city

No need to open your purse to pay for bus or tram to hop the touristic spots. Just prepare proper shoes and full energy. Most of the spots can be reached by walking, since they are quite concentrated in one big area. Moreover, you will enjoy most of your time during walking because the city itself is too beautiful (the building’s exterior, piazza, sculpture, and so on). Ah, be careful with the carved window, I was stumbled once because of too excited with the sky. Clumsy me -_-




But…
After spending some days in Venezia without urban transportation at all, I felt stressful somehow due to high density of scooters, cars, tourist bus, and small pedestrian. All in one in centrum area. Kind of like being in commuter line to Jakarta in peak hour. Haha.

By now, you should be interested to come to Firenze, the best medium city that I ever visited till now. Seriously! If not, kindly read my too-random-thought below and try to check and find the answer there. Until the next post, ciciciciaooo!

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Peep tip:
I found that purchasing coffee during morning will cost you less than during afternoon in some coffee shop here. You could see it from separate prices mentioned in the board.
 

Author of Pinocchio, Carlo Lorenzini, lived in Firenze for quite long time. That’s why you will find many Pinocchio woody-puppets as souvenir.
 

Too-random thought:
It was very common to see old vehicle, bicycle or car, around the city. I was wondering whether they have no money to get the new one or they appreciate it too much. Well, I love the way locals, both old and youngster, cherish their old vehicle.






Why do people build wall connection between two houses in the second floor? What is the main function? Or is it just an unimportant home decoration? I found it in many houses there.

Tuesday 2 September 2014

15 Top Things I Enjoy About Gent

Celebrating my one year in Ghent (maybe less than 10 months, if I consider sweet getaway on Christmas break, Easter break, and another breaks), I’ll be very happy to share some ultimate lovely things that I did or I felt during my stay in Gent.

1. Hearing ringing bell per hour and seeing current time from Sint Pietersabdij church in front of my study desk. Living in the fourth floor of Home Groningen, I am totally grateful to get this rare opportunity.


2. Jogging around Koning Albertpark, when I am bored with treadmill in Escape Fitness. This park located less than 300 m from my place, has well-maintained track for running and pasture for stretching and relaxing. I am also a fan of fresh fountain there.

3. Munching frieten and kebab in Overpoortstraat. Gouden sate for frieten and red-painted store for kebab.

pic from here

4. Cycling or walking on fall season in the park between Gustaaf Callierlaan and Zuidparklaan. Long straight line with two-sided trees between. You will feel romantic and relaxing when the brown leaves dropped down.

5. Browsing around lovely Dille and Kimelle in Hornstraat. Heaven for cooking and kitchen hardcore fans with limited budget. Not forget to mention CASA in Veldstraat for its cute seasonal eating utensils and interior decorations.

photo from here 

6. Getting cheap with good quality Belgian chocolate and fresh fruit and vegetable in Vridagmarkt.

7. Sitting and enjoying rare sunshine with kriek Lindemans in hand in Graslei.


8. Having big stuk of grilled chicken from slagerij next to DelHaize in Rabot. Combine with giant Turkish bread from bakkerij nearby. Self-reward after passing daily long-class.

9. Joining the crowd of massive 10 days Gentsefeesten around the city in September. Small street acts or big stage events pleased me so well. 



10. Enjoying fresh Chocoladebrood from Bakkerij Himschoot. European typical bread at the outside but still has fluffiness like Asian in the inside.

11. Sipping yummy hot Belgian chocolate with books in cozy Huize Colette. When coffee addiction coming, I visit little Mokabon café for its cappuccino met crème J. Small tips, use some Dutch for better service.

photo from here

12. Watching walking people from Hema café. Cheap Dutch dish (and some Indonesian) with wonderful view of Korenmarkt from above.

13. Walking around small medieval  Patershol quarter. Beautiful neighborhood with old row homes with cobblestone alleys. Uber romantic at night. (You can find good Indonesian restaurant as well)

photo from here 

12. Admiring beauty of posh Bloemenmarkt every Sunday in Kouter.



15. Lastly, as a student, I force myself to study in Boekentoren, UGent central library. Quite good ambience and sometimes with nice “view” of cute students. Hehehe.

photo from here

I still have 10 months to go. Perhaps I will add more to this list later.

If you come to Gent, don’t forget to try some of my favorite things here. J

Dag!

Wednesday 23 July 2014

Bella Venezia ~ truly beauty

When one said that summer is the worst season to visit Venezia, I don't have other choice. "diesel and garbage smell from the canals", "billion of tourist anywhere you are", "rocketing price for everything" and more awful opinions from my friends that had visited the city. Yet, being student with limited holiday schedule, I can't avoid this condition. Instead of grumbling, I tend to forget those thoughts and focus more on the beauty of Bella Venezia itself. At last, what I got during holiday in Venezia were way more than I was expecting before.



Honestly, I don't say that Venezia is the best city for traveling (based on my terms). Nevertheless, I have some highlights to enjoy the city to the max :)

This beauty is called Venezia, and for sure, she is very beautiful

I don't need months or years. One hour is enough to say that Venezia is real bella of Italy. She is the beauty. And I fall in love very easily. It was started when the bus brought me across Via Liberta from Mestre to the main island of Venezia. I felt butterfly in my stomach! And as soon as I arrived in Campo Saint Andrea, I was amazed with the beauty of Ponte della Constituzione (the modern bridge), view of huge Canal Grande, glimpse of San Simeon Piccolo's dome, group of tourists (with their camera) enjoying the view from waterbus, plus warmth of sunset. What a nice first impression you gave to me, bella!



Thousands of bridge (just like Amsterdam in more beautiful terms), that's how people said about this city. Some of them are big bridges like Ponte Rialto and Ponte Del'Accademia. But one that quite impressive for me are small bridges that connects two area between Rio (small river). I could say that the combination between various and unique design of balcony and window, colorful flower with its vases that hanging there, creates lovely and admirable views. You will not tired and bore to see this views at the middle of that small bridges, because every bridges presents diverse looks. It's breathtaking.



For me, the beauty of the city is far way more enjoyable compare to high rating touristic spots based on TripAdvisor. Walking around the city, enjoying the beauty of bridge, canal, boats, houses, and people.



Never leave Venezia without exploring Cannaregio and Castello districts

Always, everytime I travel, I always prepare extra time for get lost in local path. I'll do it as soon as I finish the touristy haunts. I can't ignore that touristic path gives certain way to move to another place (no way that you will be lost, since you could join the tourists flow or follow the direction board on the wall) plus magnificent panoramas (that you see previously in traveling article or postcards).  However, you only could grab the chance to see unique local home, hear crying baby or traditional music, smell home-made food, by walking around unusual track.



In Venezia,  most of touristic spots are centralized in Santa Croce, San Polo, and San Marco Sestieri. Piazza San Marco, Ponte Rialto, Ponte del Accademia, and lots of souvenir shop and restaurants, you name it. When I explored Cannaregio and Castello districts, I found almost no tourists at all. Moreover, I experienced more. It's funny if I remember when I help grandma pulling shopping trolley to cross the bridge and play with local dog and laugh with its owner with his broken English. I also could drink Italian coffee without paying service charge for sitting, and see luxurious housing area and hanging laundry altogether in Bella Venezia. Believe me, you have to drop your map, get lost, and explore the backstreet in this areas! You won't regret it at all.


They say beauty is not cheap, so does Venezia. So, get prepared ;)

As usual, as soon as I arrive in one city, I will look for Tourist Information Center to grab the free map. But, Venezia was different.  "What? You are asking for free map? Nothing is free in Venice dear", said the officer. Geeze! Honestly, I wasn't willing to lose 3 Eu for full color and glossy map for 3 days only in Venice. The cheapest map which almost equaled to Panini for my lunch! Hahaha.. 


Knowing that you have to pay for (supposed to be a free) map, can you imagine the other cost that will break your purse while you are in Venezia? In general, for medium class hotel, you have to pay 1.5-2 times more than regular price in another touristic city. If you are lazy enough around the city and prefer to move by waterbus ACTV, you have to pay Eu 7 for one way trip (-_-).



Go slow, if you want to be part of local.

That's what I heard from one Venetian girl when I was sitting at park around Campo S. Margarita. Totally true. When I looked around, I saw both elderly people and youngsters tend to walk slowly, sit and gossip in front of bar or park. No rush feeling at all. Enjoy the life, every single seconds. 



Spend your money on good quality of Venetian Carnival Masks, not Food or Gondola! 

Its normal when people are eager to try local food in their trip. However, since no special food comes from Venezia, I spend big amount of my money on Venetian Carnival Masks. This mask usually worn between Santo Stefano festival and start of Shrove Tuesday. However, almost all souvenir store sell it either for beautiful piece art for your home or as complement for masquerade event. There are various designs with different material for the mask. Since there are lots of Chinese product on this mask, just make sure that you purchase one that handmade from Venezia ;) The authentic Venetian handcrafted masks have more well-painted design.



Note: Gondola is one of the touristic trap. Massive tourism industry! No local uses gondola to move around the city (they use foot indeed)! So, instead of spending 80 eu to sit on gondola and take selfie pictures on it, you'd better save it for buying nice Italian wine or fresh seafood in local market.



No best time to visit Venezia, everyday is holiday.

If you plan to go to Venezia on winter to avoid tons of tourists, sorry dear it won't be happened. One of local people said that there is no day without tourists. Summer or winter, it will be almost the same. Therefore, there is no use of rumbling because of seeing bunch of tourists altogether. Just enjoy the merry! It's your choice being local or tourist, or both of them at once.




Ciao!

PS: I found a cute man selling fresh vegetable on his boat (and grab a candid pic of him). If you find him on your visit, drop me message :D


PSS: Be careful with the pigeons at San Marco Piazza. They were the most brutal pigeons in Europe!

Sunday 20 July 2014

Female Solo Traveler ~ Absolutely!

As soon as I finished the exam period for the second semester, I kept thinking again and again about it. Alright, at first I didn't think too much when I booked the ticket to Italy on May. But when the time was approaching, more facts about pickpockets and gypsies burst up, I was totally insecure about myself. Can I survive in Italy without anybody and come back to Gent without missing anything? Hahaha..

Well, two days ago I just arrived in Gent after two weeks trip in Italy. Do I miss anything? Nothing! Moreover I get more experience by traveling solo instead of walking with partner. Looks weird and stupid? No!

pic from here

I know that I am not an expert (yet) in solo traveling. Meanwhile, I will share you some notes to make sure if you look forward for different experiences like I got earlier ;)

Plan Local Accommodation and Transportation before
I could say that it will be the major concerns if you travel (alone or not). Where will you stay and how do you move to other places. Tough you can find it on the spot, you will lose more time and effort to do unnecessary business. Besides, some hostels and trains give low prices if you purchase it beforehand.

Book Hostel with minimal 4 people in the same room
Being human, we still need to communicate with others directly (not indirectly with your cellphone). After day (or night)-walking around the city, you will need someone to talk to. By staying with other travelers in the same room, you could share stories about the city or the joy of traveling it self.

Talk to Stranger
Wherever you are and whenever you feel alone, just talk randomly with people besides you. Either waiting for bus or sitting in the park. Therefore you won't feel alone at all. Start it with smile, ask for help or comment on something, it will continue with longer conversations ;) One more, never use monopod for your selfie. Just asks other with good camera on hand (sign that he is experienced enough in grabbing good photos), then you can talk and get good photo as well. ;)

Couchsurfing
Totally totally worth it to get local tips and tricks about the city. Moreover, if they could accompany you during the trip (for coffee or ice cream?).

Use Moneybelt
What moneybelt? Yes moneybelt! Use it to keep your money, important documents, passport, credit card in safe place. Meanwhile, you can put daily money on your wallet and refill for another day. If someone steals your purse, you won't lose many things altogether.

Inform your current position to friend or family regularly
Dropped message via whatsapp or line, just say where are you currently. In case something happen to you, your relatives will know your last position. (just in case..)

Don't start your day too early and finish it too late
Being a woman (though you have black belt in karate), you have to consider every possibility of robbery (or rape as worst case!).

Avoid Small and Suspicious Alleys
For this case, just go with your instinct. If your feeling says that it is dangerous, don't get in. Never ignore your heart within. Be smart and stay away from it okay?

Lastly, more confidence, less worry
Everything will be fine if you think positive. If something goes wrong, just relax, smile (and laugh for it), create another plans, execute it. Voila, everything will be okay ;) And you will obtain rich experiences by solo traveling.

Ciao!

Friday 2 May 2014

Europe, hey you are in the center of Europe!

Sometimes, okay oftenly, I don't feel difference at all, with my surrounding. 
Since I keep doing the regular activities just like what I did before in Jakarta (studying, watching movie, cooking, exercising at gym, chatting with bf and friends), I don't realize that I stay thousand miles away from the town!
Until finally, this view suddenly distracts my concentration.



It is taken few minutes ago, from my camera digital.
It's been 8 months that I regularly see those view, right in front of my desk.

But today, it much way different. 
Blend of multiple colors, call it red, grey, orange, purple, which are combines perfectly.
Accompanied by fast-shifting cloud.
And chilly breeze as soon as I open the window.
Not forget to mention the orange stone brick and rooftop.

Okay, yes. I live in Europe.
Gent, Belgium.
Center of Europe.

thanks for the this miracle, Lord.

Sunday 20 April 2014

Carnaval de Binche, February 2014

I know, it’s been a while since the last time I update something in this messy blog (is it a suitable word to describe it?). The thing is, honestly, I stuck in Gent for almost 2 month (not counting the time when I went back to Indonesia for semester break). And finally, after looking forward to any kind of carnival, I found out one of iconic and popular festival in Belgium! Yay! It means I only have to hop on the train and enjoy the trip in short time (only). So, where was it?

Binche
It is a super well-known town in Wallonia area, the French-speaking region, due to its yearly carnival. Having stayed in Flanders area, it seems common to Flanders citizens to ignore (indirectly) other areas except in Flanders, poorly it happens as well to Wallonia citizens. That’s why it was quite hard to find further information about this area from the “Belgium” friends. Moreover, nothing can be expected more from this holy internet. Tripadvisor? Lonely Planet? Google? You name it! Nothing, I find almost nothing about the other attraction spots or foods. The carnival is the one and only hope for this town. *sigh

So, why I will share you story about this city? Yes, the carnival! Yiha!!

The Carnival of Binche
Based on the official website, this carnival is a living exceptional heritage, a popular, human and social event. It is recognized as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by Unesco in 2003. During a few months, before February, the communities and government of Binche prepared this festival seriously, since it is the most important moment in the city. The carnival was happened on 15, 16, and 17 February with different program for each shrove day.

There are some fix participants which indicated by different costumes in this festival. They are Pierrots, Arlequins, Peasant, Gilles, the wife of Gilles, musicians, and society (detail here). Two costumes easily attracted my eyes. The first one was Gilles, since it was the most important role in this festival. Second one is the Arlequins, because most of the participants were uber cute toddlers!



I went to Binche on Shrove Tuesday, since it was the highlight of the festival. Let me share you the stories starts from the moment I arrived at that city, okay?

Stepped out from the Binche Station with ton of visitors, I saw big group of gilles were dancing statically in front of one local restaurant. It was around 9.30 AM at that time. Based on the schedule, it was time for the gilles to have rest, since the carnival had started since early morning. Well, I still had time around 5-10 minutes to join the crowd and dance together with the other tourists. Anyway, since the dance was very easy and boring at the same time, hahaha, everyone could easily take part behind the gilles. Why do I say it was boring? The dance was too simple!! It was just like you only have to step your left feet and right feet and again and again, simultaneously with the beat of music. But, the good thing is that everyone, including one who has no basic on dancing, could had fun too.



The most major part of this carnival was the moment when the participants of carnival threw away oranges to the audiences. The visitors stood up behind very long gate and wait for the coming of the participants. One by one, from the Pierrots, Arlequins, Peasant, and lastly Gilles entered the area with bag full of oranges and threw away the oranges to the audiences. It was super fun! Since my position was exactly in front of the gate, I could freely ask for the oranges. At last I got nine oranges without big efforts, I mean only with serious eye contact to the participants. Haha. Funny thing was that one family next to me brought two big plastic bags to compile all of “the results”. Hahhaa.





I recommend you to join the crowd of this carnival next year. I believe that you won’t refuse the easy dancing part and getting the free oranges part.

Join this crowd! :D


Oki, tot ziens! 

Saturday 25 January 2014

Nurnberg Christmas Holiday

Small walking in European little city with Christmas spirit, houses dominated by woods and bricks, snowflakes pouring down from the sky, and gripping cup of hot chocolate. That is a perfect and overrated imagination of mine which fortunately becoming real. Moreover, it becomes very memorable and unforgettable experience!

Nurnberg
Honestly, I never heard this city before until my best friend told me about the popular Christmas market there. Indeed, after I searched again and again, I found out that Christmas market there is one of the biggest markets in Germany. On November, I didn’t think twice to book the bus ticket and room.



Christmas Market
This memory will stand still in my mind every day, every time, Christmas Market. Tough I heard that it is too over-rated (due to more than 80% of visitor is local and outside Germany), it didn’t stop my intention. The market took place in the main square of Nurnberg, and inside the area, it was also divided into some zones too. There were only two areas which interest me most, general zone and Christ kindle. For the stall itself, it was constructed by wood (brings more homey sense) with jaunty red.



Walking around Christmas market, I believe that not only me but the other visitors also focusing our sight to the Christmas treat placed at each stall. You can find them mostly made by wood, some of them from ceramic and plastic. Two words to describe it, drooling and overprice at the same time. I am giving simple example, when you compare the same thing from stall with one in the real store, the difference could reach 20-40%  The fact is that you pay more for the same thing just because the shopping sensation in the Christmas market! Before I forget, force yourself to buy mini ornament made from wood. It is uber cute! J




Another part big part from this giant Christmas market is the Christkindle. As I tell you before, it was special zone which served children as their main customer. That’s why you can find more cute Christmas decoration at the top of the stalls, kids playing arenas like mini ferry wheel or giant merry go round (it was two-tiered! Can you imagine it?), photo booth, and display for steam railway (super lovable!). It is a perfect getaway for family with small children.



Christmas Treat
Other thing to be noted must be the Christmas food or snack or beverage. First one is Gluhwein, totally must be listed on your list. It was made with red wine along with various spices and raisins. It was served warm and not that alcoholic (in my opinion). Hence, there was a special mug for gluhwein. That’s why if you want to buy the gluhwein you have to deposit around 3-4 Euros for the glass. Since it was an iconic glass, most of people brought home those glasses as souvenirs. J

What’s next? Lebkuchen, which was the most popular cookie from Nurnberg in Christmas time, was the second dish had to be tried! Basically, it was made from (not-too-sweet) ginger dough baked with a bit hard outside but soft inside and almond at the top. The taste was so damn good! And it was quite pricey (again!) for one piece that cost you around 2 euros.


Next one was Bavarian white sausage or called weisswurst, usually eaten with kind of burger bun. The special one was when you put kind of hot Bavarian style mayonnaise sauce. Since it tasted like wasabi (the hot paste from Japan), I was positively (not) enjoy it at most. Can you imagine it? Hahaha.

The last one and the most recommended one was Damfnudel. It was kind of pao (if you familiar with Chinese food), white bread roll which steamed first and served with special sauce. Commonly, you can choose whether it is served with vanilla sauce or berry sauce. You will also have sugar and cinnamon powder as the topping. Perfect at cold weather J



Handwerkerhof at the Koningstor
It was the area which successfully brought pleasurable and cozy feeling at the same time for me. Honestly, it was only small block with two alleys; however I love the concept of decoration of the stores as well as the ambience of this block. The buildings showed medieval sense combined with wood element. Besides, you can found traditional craftsmanship and typical product of Nurnberg which sort of pottery and silver items, gingerbread, and doll in that pretty stores. As the result of it, I strolled around this block for more than an hour. No regret at all.




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I make a promise; I must not plan to go Nurnberg again next time. Having created amazing memories on December 2013, I want this memory to be the one and the last one for me.