Bricks and mortar

I've discovered a new interest in my life - architecture! "Discover" might be the wrong word to use. It's more like by splurging on a DK Eyewitness Guide, I've affirmed my interest in this area.

My knowledge on architecture is severely limited to distinguishing ionic, doric and corinthian columns and identifying gothic spirals and rose windows. This book will be informative.

I had this abrupt and rather absurd thought that if I didn't read law, architecture seems like a viable and enjoyable alternative. Yet I quashed the thought as soon as it materialized. I just do not possess an artistic eye/hand/mind.

Waiting

The National Stadium must be the quietest, loneliest, emptiest, darkest and spookiest spot in town. A lone security guard and an occasional car are the only humanized things I saw as I hurried to the riverside. But I heard more nosies that I cared to. Creepy.

I was surprised to see a Brewerkz and a handful of restaurants along the river. I wonder how do these places survive.

Patience is not my virtue. I had to do something while waiting. I guess the others shared my sentiments.

flower girls

a heartfelt proposal from Ms Kok

The twinkling city lights in the distance seem very surreal from this blissfully quiet spot on the balcony of the Indoor Stadium. Ahhhh.....

The Engagement

Agenda: to share in SX's joy and surprise.

Plan: to appear suddenly when WQ pops the question.

Venue: the suspension bridge spanning the Kallang River

It was an aptly romantic night. Slightly breezy, starry sky. We waited for nearly one hour in the dark corners of the Indoor Stadium. I was starving after my clinical training. Yivon and JY were dying to see "the action" and kept trying to find the best spots to spy without revealing our presence.

The time came and guess what?? SX was not all that surprised when we appeared -_- I've been telling everybody that it's nearly impossible to surprise any girl with a decent amount of female intuition especially for these sort of things!

Delighted with our daisies

The BFFs

Love the balloons!

As SX will say: MUACKS!

"The only ring that will rule me..."

Why isn't WQ saving the damsel in obvious distress??

A toast to us!

And a toast to love!

Day 4 - Munich

Berlin was getting a little insipid and we couldn't wait to visit the good old Germanic Munich nestled somewhere near the Bavarian Alps and the legendary Black Forest (Hansel and Gretel!). The thought of fresh mountain air, lots of beer and sausages sustained us on the 7-hour train ride.

The amazing glass structure of Berlin Hauptbahnof, the very nice ICE train and sceneries of unidentified yellow flowers.

The very wooden and small 8-bed hostel room. A fire hazard.

Love the gigantic lockers which can fit my gigantic backpack.

The Neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall). Very elaborately decorated with statutes, gargoyles, saints. All hideous-looking!

The Glockenspiel (clocktower). I was mesmerized by the never ending chimes and the rotating figures of knights fighting and people dancing.

A street.

Standing on Marienplatz - the main square - and pointing at the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall).

The near and far of Frauenkirche - one of Germany's largest Gothic structure. Love the domes!

Inside the cavernous chapel.

Chilling out (literally).

We preferred lazing around to visiting museums. Germany wins hands down for their parks and open spaces.

Hofbrauhaus! The largest, most famous and supposedly over-touristy beer hall. What the heck, I enjoy visiting touristy places.

Knuckles, pork and veal sausages!

Beginning.

Middle.

End.

Tipsy.


The Residenz - home to the Bavarian kings.

Imitation is the best form of flattery!

Palace garden.

Flowers in bloom.

Spotted a May Day pole made from a growing tree!

Funf Hofe - massive shopping malls (designer shops) consisting of 5 ancient connected courtyards.

One last glimpse

I'm forever thankful that I dragged myself out of bed to go for the Legal Legacies tour. Unknown to us, this will be the last time the old Supreme Court is opened to the public before it is transformed into a surprise surprise: art museum.

The tour was humorously interactive with role-playing and all that touristy sort of stuff. Hopefully it'll be the last time I am in the position of the accused!

The mata rounding up the accused

The accused has to walk through this intimidating door

A cell and a hole-in-the-ground

Guess why the flush has to be outside?

Happy captives!

Rescue us!

A desperate accused seeking help from his sympathetic lawyer

Stairs leading to the court of appeal

On the stand

Awaiting sentence

Passing judgment

Our only chance to be on those chairs

Can anyone bear to charge her??

The antiquated lift

The CJ's chambers and his attendant

Wooden panels hide the dome

The "grand staircase"

The scale of things

This reminds me of Anastasia dancing in the old ballroom. Guess what the tiles are made of? Rubber!

The famous Corinthian pillars

Looking ahead to what the future holds

I love the old court for its European grandeur, its musty smell, its dim interior, its wooden furniture, its faded opulence and its tinge of hauntedness!