Reus

Reus is a city that is around 1 hour and 20 minutes away from Barcelona by car or train. It is a city we have never heard until we met Pau in my supervisor’s house. It is his hometown and so we decided to go there to meet him and his family. It was really memorable as it turns out the city is very nice for my wife and I.

It has similar theme like Barcelona in terms of the Gaudi influence as Reus is the birth city of Antoni Gaudi. However, it has much fewer tourists than in Barcelona that we can comfortably walk in its main street which has many shops. So it has a nice ambience and a good place to do shopping.

There is a famous drink there called vermouth. It’s different from sangria but we like it also. There is even a museum on vermouth.

It is not popular destination for those going to Barcelona. But somehow its government can make good publicity and positioning. It shows tourists and how close it is to the more popular destinations like Tarragona with the Roman ruins or PortAventura, the second biggest theme park in Europe. The map of city was also well designed.

In short, here is a write-up on Reus for a reference from TimeOut: http://www.timeout.com/barcelona/travel/getaway-to-reus-a-passion-for-modernisme-and-the-origins-of-vermouth

Barcelona

It was a good opportunity to go back to Barcelona for the second time. There are several reasons. First, it reminds me that it’s ok not being able to cover all places of interest. When I can’t let go, it’s as if that I could not go back there again. For sure, we can’t guarantee that we can go back again to a place and so we’d better not to delay something if it is really the top priority. But as time limited, we can keep the hope to have a second chance.

And here were we, at Barcelona again. We managed to visit the Barceloneta and see an European sea and the environment. It was the first time for going to the beach without feeling hot. We could also tried various tapas and paella. So it was great. This was even more special as we just came from different countries in Europe where we don’t really like the food.

Also, this time we learned that the T-10 ticket can be used for more than one passenger. So we can share the 10x opportunities to take train instead of buying a day pass individually. That was something we learned from last year’s guideline from our hotel but did not manage to try.

Another thing is the change that happens in the last one year. Last year there was no metro straight to the airport. But surprisingly, just February this year, they opened a new line going to the terminal where we landed. So we could take the metro instead of the aeropuerto bus.

In short, there is always a new insights from looking at the same thing more than once.

Praha

It is good to start writing again after almost a week. The next topic on the list is Praha.

It was very beautiful. It is as nice as Budapest but as modern as Germany and Austria. So we get the nice things of both. And apparently they also are influenced a lot with classical music as Mozart performed there many times. So it was nice to watch Don Giovanni performed in the National Marionette Theater although it was in the original language which is Italian.

Another nice thing to know is about Jan Hurst. I have not heard about him before. But it turns out that he is one of the pioneers in the reformation movement. He was inspired by John Wycliffe and later on Jan Hurst’ writings influenced Martin Luther. This is a great example on how one’s contribution lead to another contribution.

In terms of food, perhaps the highlight is on how they innovate the old Transylvanian cake that we tried in Hungary. But instead of just the original version, they have many different versions where we can choose many things like nutella, soft ice cream, strawberries, even pizza.

Another thing was on how to learn to let go. I only knew about Dancing House at the last evening, something that we talked a lot in teaching students in Design and Technology on how to do shape borrowing. Initially I thought it is just a weird house which I don’t really need to visit. But since it was already late, I let it go. Surprisingly, the next day we pass that house on our way to airport that I can see it in person.

Perhaps God uses this to remind me that when we let go something for Him, He can easily give it back to us in His time.

Cesky Krumlov

It was a long journey to Cesky Krumlov. It’s almost 3 hours by car or bus from Prague to Cesky Krumlov. In fact, I just realized that it is close to the German and Austrian borders.

When we were in the bus, I was shocked that we would be leaving back to Prague at 5 pm instead of 4 pm. So the estimated time to Prague is 8 pm while I had already booked a performance at National Marionette Theater at 8 pm.

So it was a journey that was quite tough as our mind was also on when we would be back to Prague. In addition, we were welcomed by a heavy rain just few minutes after we arrived there.

Nevertheless, it was a nice small town that is quite unique than other cities we have visited. Somehow the houses are very near to each other. We had a nice pasta lunch at a pizza restaurant that the toilet was located in a basement that looked like wine cellar.

That visit was also a reminder that my wife and I are not a type of people who like guided tour. The tour group was larger than what we had in Pedraza and Segovia. So more time was wasted in waiting for each other. Worst was when we went to Cesky Krumlov Castle. Our tour leader was not allowed inside and we had to listen to the local guide who didn’t bother to wear mic while the audience was even larger as several tour groups were combined into one. So we were stucked inside the castle for quite long while what we want is to take pictures from outside. This is even more as no pictures were allowed inside that castle.

So we hope to come back there again on our own to be more relaxed and able to see more things.

Budapest

It  was two weeks ago when we arrived at Budapest from Wien. It was a great experience as the buildings were unique in design. There are more colors in the roof of the building. Also, the shape of the dome is different from what we saw in Munchen, Salzburg, and Wien.

We first had to struggle with going to our hotel as it was in the Castle area in Buda - I just knew that Budapest consists of two parts, namely Buda and Pest. It was a way up which is not easy with two luggages. Afterwards, we went to the Parliament at Pest. The building was very big and amazing.

A memorable experience is how the visit to Budapest breaks my stereotyping that all Europe are the same. We saw some similarity between the cities in Europe which we have visited before. But the city was very different. First, the train station was not as modern as the other cities. Also, at the time we had just been to cities where there was no ticket required for the train station for 5 days. So we were quite surprised that in Budapest, there is a people employed to check the ticket one by one visually. Another surprise was that they dare to have escalator with a very steep angle. It makes sense to save space but usually people do not want a very steep angle for safety reason. But they are ok while I feel like I am in a theme park ride.

It was also a unique experience of finding a Korean food which was not located in the city center. We needed to pass Ferenc Puskas station. Ferenc Puskas is a Hungarian soccer who is considered as one of the greatest player. So I was expecting a huge stadion until I found that it only referred to a ruin of a stadion.

The next day was also memorable. We went through from the Buda Castle down and then to various parts of the city.

It was sad to leave the city. But the sadness didn’t stay long as we were surprised on the Hungarian train that we use to go to the next destination. It was the most value for money of my trip. The train itself was fine. But first, the air con took some time to be felt. Second, it was the first time where we took train with compartment. Third, the compartment was three chairs facing another chairs. I never thought that the people there are used with sitting in front of strangers. We were fortunate that there was just two of us in that compartment, with one lady joining from Bratislava onwards. The one that were to our shock was the time before and at the departure where two different people went into our compartment asking for money. The first one was asking for himself while the second one asked for donations for some children. We learned to say no even when the second one already tried to help to put the luggage in the upper compartment of which is impossible to be done by myself.

Oh, another thing is that Hungarian seems to be caring about their history much. There are many monuments to remember of the history. We also saw a 15-minutes nice 3D video on the Hungarian history at the Castle viewing area. I guess we will always remember Budapest as it is one of the most unique places that we have ever visited.

Obsession

Today I don’t experience stress like yesterday. But I feel again on the challenge of overcoming obsession. There are several areas where I was obsessed today. First was in checking out the e-mails. I exceeded the time limit that I gave to myself. Secondly, I only remembered the idea to contact friends who have been to Greece at around 5.30 pm. Then I became obsessed of finding all possible information and various possible routes even past dinner time. Third, once I know I couldn’t make decision on next year’s trip, then I become obsessed on the upcoming trip in December where I haven’t bought the ticket. I immediately contacted our friend in New York and then get the station name and finally made the booking.

There goes the plan to edit the conference paper and to learn a bit of the documentation for my new role in office. But at the same time, it is also good that I finally start to allocate block of time again on the schedule. It was suggested before during the counseling but I have forgotten about it. I don’t like that system because it can show how badly I fail. But at the same time, it is useful in two ways, at least. One is to remind me that time is limited. Second, it provides a platform to have a good habit of blocking the time, regardless or not whether it is followed. So, keep it up, you have made the first step to schedule, keep doing it while improving the efforts for following around half of them.

Are we willing to get treated?

What a coincidence. This topic came up two weeks ago and now I have not just physical but feeling issues.

So let’s use the experience to recall the truth and wisdom of life. It was on 8 June when the wounds were worse and therefore I could not walk properly. I said to my wife that this had happened to me before, so there is nothing we can do aside from waiting to come back to Singapore. But thanks to my wife, she reminded me that I could get treated if I am willing to. For example, we brought Betadine with us that can be used to treat the wounds. I also have a cream that can be applied. So with my wife’s amazing courage and support, the wounds were treated. It was very painful at first as expected as I don’t like to be treated. But I went on and the pain is not as great the next day and the day after next. In fact, the wounds started to be healed and I could walk properly.

It was an eye-opening experience as that was just early part of our trip. Imagine if I refused to get treated. I would still be limping for more than half of our trip and we couldn’t see many things nor enjoying walking around. So the question is not whether we can recover from the wounds. The questions is whether we are willing to receive the treatment no matter how scary or how painful it is.

Keep Fighting

It’s been quite sometime since the last time I felt the dread of doing things, the feeling of not wanting to do anything, the feeling of want to escape, and just keep swarming myself with information with the hope to get rid of that feeling. But I already know that doing that will not get the feeling away. Even running to sleep will also not get rid that kind of feeling. I need to fight it, I need to face it and overcome it. And that’s why I am here writing even if I don’t feel like writing. Because only by facing the pain, the pain can be treated and healed.

So remember, we cannot control when the rain comes, but we can control what we do during rain. We can find a shelter. We can bring umbrella. We can use raincoat. The list goes on. In the same way, I could not control when this feeling comes. At the same time, have hope. In this kind of feeling, there will be fear that this feeling sticks and will not come off. But remember, it has come off before, and therefore I can do it again with God’s grace. It will not be easy, but I can do it. Things will change as we keep walking. There are things that we cannot see now, but it does not mean that it does not exist.

Also, a reminder has also been given. Just today I was reminded about the spiritual amnesia where we forgot how great God is. So here I am, need to remind myself again that I can stand this. That God’s grace is greater than my fear and my problem. And therefore, I can continue again.

Wien

It’s been almost two weeks since we went to Wien. So it’s a bit hard to recall by now. But let’s write it down on what was memorable.

After a great wedding anniversary dinner, we went to Schonbrunn place the next day. It was a huge palace, I think it’s the biggest we ever visited. It has several gardens. And in the opposite of the garden, there is another gate with some water falls. Thankfully, there is a hop on and hop off train that we can take to get around the complex. We took one round and then went for a lunch in Cafe Residenz. Afterwards, we went around the city again to see nice buildings - although not sure why they have so many women statues in the building. We took a walk - a slow walk as I had some irritation issues. So thanks to my wife for bearing with my pace.

Another highlight of the stay in Wien was the hotel. We stayed at a unique hotel, Hotel Schani Wien. It was the first hotel where we can do self check-in and then there is no procedure for checking out. We can just leave and then the invoice was sent to our e-mail. In front of the hotel there is also a traim going to the train.

Interestingly, we found pharmacies and learnt that the medicine price is relatively cheaper. The pharmacist also speaks a very good English. So somehow we remember Wien as a place where we can easily buy medicine at a good price.

Think with Cool Head and Calm Heart

Today it’s my first time opening my office laptop again after more than 2 weeks. It started with reluctance as the to-do list seems to be very long. But as I recall the counseling and tips from a lot of people that we need to do one by one, I could get started. Once started, it was quite good, I can write what’s in my mind and sent it out even when it is not perfect.

The problem came when there was a reply. I was being honest in my previous e-mail. And my colleague replied honestly expressing disagreement. There when all my ego came up. I think I am the one who is right. I think I am the one who is part of the initial efforts of the project. So my emotions get in the way and my mind is full of thoughts on how to argue even as I eat my dinner.

Thank God that I didn’t reply immediately. Thank God for the chance to watch Misaeng, the Korean drama with a lot of tips in working life. I started to ask myself, why was I so emotional. Was it my ego? What’s wrong with losing one stone as the game would still be on? Do I have to win everytime? Am I lazy to convince people who are not part of the initial vision all over again?

Because there is nothing wrong with disagreement. It is disagreement that shapes us and makes us a better person, at least a better communicator. So, there is no danger and when there is no danger, our head can be cool and our heart can be calm. There is also no need to be perfect in trying to express my argument. I just need to be calm, be honest on my thoughts and do not expect people’s reactions to be in my control.

2nd year of wedding anniversary

We celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary in two cities, Salzburg and Wien. We are thankful to God for the two blessings which remind two things on our marriage journey in the past two years.

First is God provides. My wife could find a nice necklace at Salzburg in the morning. In the evening, we could find a restaurant that is very nice. We actually went to the other restaurant but thank God that we decided not to have dinner there. The second restaurant has a nicer ambiance. To our surprise, there was a live music and the two performers went to our table and performed two songs for us.

Second is that my wife always help me to grow. She encourages me to try many things that I thought I couldn't do. This trip is the first of our trip where I do not have constant internet access. So I will search for locations to visit and to eat at first, mark them, and plan before leaving the wifi area in the hotel. But on that day, we just got the Vienna card booklet and there were some suggestions to eat but I don't know where it is as there is no internet connection. So offline google maps couldn't provide the exact specific walking directions. Therefore, I need to learn to just depend on the GPS location and the map. I thought I couldn't do it. But it turns out that I can do it and that skill has been very useful for the rest of our trip. So I am really thankful to my wife for the continuous encouragement that enable me to become a better version of myself.

Hallstatt

Hallstatt turns out to be quite far from Salzburg. We need to take bus to Bad Ischl, and then take train to Hallstatt station followed by a short ferry ride tothe Hallstatt town.

We took lunch first and then look around. Initially I thought that we couldn't go to the popular viewing platform. But from the shop where we bought magnet, we were told to look for the cable car. The waiter at the restaurant was not sure or didn't response to my question on the cable car. Fortunately we found a tourist information station which enable us to find the platform to see the beautiful scenery of Hallstatt from above.

I also learnt that if we do last minute staff, we may miss something. Since I didn't plan and didn't know the timing needed between the platform and the harbor, we missed the ferry which caused us the wait at Bad Ischl.

Salzburg

It was a short stay in Salzburg. We reached Salzburg on a Sunday late afternoon, went to Hallstatt on Monday, and departed to Wien on Tuesday morning.

I could recall crossing the bridge, looking at the cathedral, and see the fortress from far away. My wife and I walked back to the hotel. In our way, we visited Mirabell garden where we think there is a screen in Naeil's cantabile there.

On Tuesday morning, it was only by God's grace that we came out on time and caught the right hop on and hop off bus which allowed us to complete one full round with 30 minutes the in the Sound of Music Pavilion.

Salzburg also reminded me to be more realistic as there were more to cover and it's very rushing to see both Hallstatt and Salzburg in 3 days 2 nights trip.

3 reasons to hope when it is hopeless

I forgot the idea about this topic as it came up long time ago. So it may not be the same as the original thoughts, but here we go:

First, things change. People change, situation changes. Our abilities also grow. Things that were unlikely to happen in the past has become possible.

Second, there is a concept of tipping point. It says that if we keep doing something, there can be a sudden change of state at some point. Negatively, it means breaking point. Positively, it allows for breakthrough. Of course, tipping point does not apply to all situations. But since we don't know whether or not it is a tipping point, there is a reason to hope.

Third is that we cannot predict the future. Similar to the first point, by the time we move, things may have changed where how is still possible. We also cannot control others, so a help in an unexpected way or time may also happen.

To conclude, focus on doing what we can, there is a reason to hope in God who make things good for those who believe.

Munich

It's great to come to Germany again after 12 years. This time I have the privilege to come with my wife. And it's Munich, and not Hannover.

There are many cultural lessons and fun experiences at Munich.

First is the basic need, toilet. In the airport it uses cloth instead tissue. But the System is more hygienic than Paris' airport. It has conveyor belt- like system to ensure the next user has a clean part of the long towel. Outside the airport, the toilet is as clean as Barcelona. But in restaurant such as McDonalds, there is someone to mann a plate where we need to put a coin.

Second is on drinking. On our way from the main train station to NH hotel, we saw a person carried by police as he slept on the street after drinking. This was in contrast to Barcelona where we could only drink in the restaurant or pub.

We tried to types of beer, radler (helles and lemon) and russn (weiss beer and lemon). My wife and I don't really like beer. But since we are at Munich, we decide to share half portion each.

Third, the food. The portion is very big that we need to share. We tried pork knuckle (Schweinshaxe), traditional Bavarian roast pork (Schweinbraten), and veal knuckle. There was a potato dumpling which looks like sticky rice ball. We also tried strawberry cream puff, McD breakfast, and cherry cheesecake. Apart from enjoying the food, we learn that the price in the restaurant is before tipping. So we learn to give tip and ensure that it is more than the usual 10% service charge in Singapore.

Fourth, the building. As usual, there are many beautiful old and tall buildings. But the memorable experience was when we paid two euros to go up and found out there is no lift. We need to use te same narrow stairs for both going up and going down that it creates jam several times. The worst part is that there are 300 steps to go up. I wonder whether they purposely design that so we can train our endurance and remember it takes similar efforts te go up in real life. And that the journey & the pain may not be really worth considering that we can only stay on top for a while because there are so many people who want to go up but the space is limited.

Fifth, the technology. We went to BMW museum and saw how engineering and innovation has been in German history for a long period of time.

Sixth, the transportation. We learn that the timing is not as precise as Japan that uses the time as the arrival indication. It is also not like in Barcelona where there is a countdown. It is more like Singapore where the estimated time may not be exact. It is also interesting to see the people's patience as the time frequency may be longer than once in 10 minutes. Worse is when the route is canceled like what we experienced that we need to wait more than 20 minutes. That made us change our route.

Seven, the people. We learn that people is unique. So in every culture, there is good people as well as not so good people. In general, we heard that German may not be friendly. But our friend, Florian, is very friendly. In our trip from the airport to the city, we met a German lady with her adult son who were in the same flight as us. She was very friendly and the one suggested us to try Schweinbraten. Likewise, the character of the three waiters who served us in different occasions are unique. The first one was attentive & pro-active. He suggested Russn when I asked for recommendation. He also divided the glass into two separate glass. The second waiter was shrewd but expressive. He came out of the restaurant when we were still looking. He tried to make us order for more than one portion. He brought both big and small spoon as a chance to joke around when I asked for spoon. He specifically mentioned that the price was before tipping. He also asked for doing a high five together before I left. The third one was a lady. She asked us to order more than one menu but was ok when we just asked for one food and one drink. When giving for drink, she was like the previous waiter who don't bother to split the portion into two. All these remind us not to generalize too fast.

Overall, it was a nice and memorable 2 day -1 night trip. Especially as we managed to sleep for 14 hours in the middle.

With Great Power Comes from Great Responsibility

When I read the bible, I am amazed on the amount of blessings and power that God has given to those who believe in Him. It is written that “And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you shall only go up and not down, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, being careful to do them, and if you do not turn aside from any of the words that I command you today, to the right hand or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them."

What a powerful promise. This shows that success theology is not incorrect but it is incomplete. To promise to people to become successful when we have followed God is something that is normal. Because God has promised us that His mighty hand will be with us in whatever we do. In other word, we need to be confident. No matter how great the challenge is, be sure that in God, all things are possible. Even when there is no chance at all to succeed. Remember the story of David, Gideon, and many more.

The problem is that we often leave out the following statement, that is the great requirement of obeying God and do not go after other gods. It is challenging because there are so many gods around us. Even the blessings can be the other gods. Power, wealth, influence, popularity, intelligence, acceptance, achievement, all can be gods that we go after which means we break the requirement and so we cannot achieve true success with peace from God that surpasses understanding. In fact, we often ask why there is suffering. Perhaps suffering is there to prevent us from falling to those seemingly harmless gods.

So, believe in God all the way, at the same time, always remember that we only have everything if God is the only thing we have.