Amsterdam

The hype aside, Amsterdam in the Netherlands is a city of beauty. The architecture to say the least is second to none.

 

Of all the places in Europe I visited, Amsterdam would have to be a classic favourite. Amsterdam during the day is a very lazy town. I would walk down in the local streets and there would be a lot of individuals doing their daily shopping on little bikes. The town wouldn’t make much noise but little did I know that it was very far from the conservative side.

Amsterdam is the true Paris that you see in movies; the streets and the cafes give off a romantic vibe as slow pace music plays from the cafes and bars which gives the street lights an intriguing look.

My friend and I discussed what the first thing we were going to do when we arrived in this special town and we both came to one conclusion.

 The Bulldog Lounge:

 

As many know, the recreational drug marijuana is legal in the city of Amsterdam and my friend and I was going to abuse that law. In Amsterdam, “coffee shops” are known as cafes that sell cannabis through a menu, offering a variety of cannabis such as G13, Amnesia, Kush, Lemon Haze, Purple Haze, Hash, Bubblegum Kush and much more. These coffee shops can be found on nearly every street corner in Amsterdam as they offer more than just the happy bush but also cakes with THC which give off the same feeling. It is safe to say that my friends enjoyed their time here in every single way.

The Sex Show:

  

As it may be hard to believe, these “sex shows” in Amsterdam are very popular to tourists. It sports local couples in the area that come to these shows and offer a show to the audience. These shows involve a range of entertainment such as live sex right before your eyes! Other performances may include erotic dances as well as the use of erotic “toys” by the professionals that work there. Combined with cannabis and alcohol, this show is a definite must for any tourist no matter what their taste is in terms of tourism. I will know let you indulge in your own research of these live sex shows to you guys as it may get to explicit if I explain myself. As I was seated next to my girlfriend next to this show, she exclaimed that I enjoyed it too much.

The Red Light District:

As offensive as it may seem, prostitution is legal in Amsterdam and the famous red-light district, renowned to be one of the best red light districts in the world sport women who will fulfil any desire for only 50 Euros….. according to my tour guide… I swear. These red-light districts have two lanes, as degrading as sexists as it may appear, there is a “skinny lane” and “fat lane”, I will leave these two terms to your imagination. Many tourist walk past the famous street to take in the view and experience.  But enough of this, I will leave this also to your own research as it may get a little too explicit.

The Heineken Factory:

The famous beer Heineken, not my favourite beer but still a classic never the less. This brewery museum hosts many different activities as well as the history of beer and how it is brewed.

The factory has many interactive and playful rooms which gives people a fun experience. Taste checks are always a god send as the beer is brewed fresh and in the brewery whilst tourists sip away at the icy cold beverages.

Concluding the city of Amsterdam, there is a lot more to do as our 3 day holiday there was not enough. The impression you got from my article would give off Amsterdam as a scummy town with nothing but drugs, drinking and sex. But what most tourists miss on the city of Amsterdam is that it is a town of sheer beauty. The architecture is mind boggling as the streets design and colours really give off a beautiful European atmosphere. Amsterdam is truly a city that I will always remember and a repeat destination.  

POSTED BY: Matthew Lee

Whatever floats your boat: FIJI Style

The Fiji islands during the summer months is the place to be, offering magnificent weather, activities, sights and vibes. The Intercontinental Resort was where i stayed with my family, with the aim of fulfilling the different activities that each of us wanted to do. The following includes the activities that Fiji accommodated to us.

1/ Relaxation and Repair

The Intercontinental provided us with the facilities to relax and repair, with a five star rating ticking all a travelers boxes. Numerous pools, spas, gyms, restaurants and bars all standard with the stay, needless to say the resort was very popular with my parents who lapped up the atmosphere are the resorts offerings.

2/ Water sports

The relaxation part of the holiday was fine and good, but a teenager requires some excitement and thrill in their stay, and the Fiji had it covered with an array of water sports which included tubing, skiing, wake boarding, knee boarding which was more than enough to satisfy a craving for thrill.

3/ Surfing

 In the downtime an extra activity was needed, and again Fiji answered the call with its famous surf. I was not an avid surfer, but the ocean offered the best conditions to learn and for the more experienced to have a blast.

4/ Scuba Diving

At this stage of the stay, the family was doing their own thing, so an activity was need that we would all like. The resort offered the perfect alternative, scuba diving. In the morning we all packed up our gear and set off on our diving adventure, and boy did it deliver, with spectacular reef sights and all the magnificent sea creatures that called it home. It was a morning to remember. 

POSTED BY: BEN JACOBSEN

Dream Trip: Let's visit Singapore, shall we?

Hi everyoneee!

How are you guys doing? And what are you guys up to? Once again, welcome back to our blog! Hopefully you guys have been enjoying our trips so far!

Welcome back everyone :')

Well up until now, most of our members have been talking about their past trips, let me try something different now~

Singapore is a country that I've been to quite a few times during my childhood. So this is kinda my reminisce about the my past there, especially during my exchange for approximately 2 weeks!

But where do I want to go if I'm allowed to choose one place?

Well I've done some research and these are my final lists of places!
Please enjoy and feel free to give us some more recommendation on it!

#1 Destination: Getting to The Extravagant Sentosa Island
Who on earth doesn't want to go to Singapore for its most famous tourist destination? This place is one of Singapore's most famous tourists destination of all time! I remembered the last time I've been there was with a touring group along with my parents.

Method of Transportation: Cable Car

Another Mode: By Car/Walk

Operating Hours: 8.45am-10pm daily
Price: Adult: S$29, Child (3-12 y/o): S$18

BUT WHAT TO DO IN SENTOSA ISLAND?
1) The famous Universal Studio is also located there, making Sentosa an even more popular tourist destination! Here is some information on Universal Studio (Seven Zones):

• Hollywood: Step onto Hollywood Boulevard framed by dynamic architecture, palm trees and the famous Walk of Fame, you will feel as if you have landed in the center of the entertainment universe.
• New York: Feel the spirit and energy of America's biggest and grandest city as you stroll along the sidewalks and enjoy all the classic landmarks. Soak in the impressive city skylines, neon lights, and facades that set the scenes for big city fun and real-time movie production.
• Sci-fi City: The city of the future has arrived. Through the impressive portals of Sci-Fi City you will experience the ultimate intergalactic battle of Good vs. Evil and visit a vibrant metropolis with all the ultimate modern conveniences.
• Ancient Egypt: Ancient pyramids and obelisks stand fast against the sands of time as you are transported to 1930’s Egypt, the Golden Age of Egyptian Exploration. Travel to an era when entire Pharaohs tombs were discovered- and their terrible curses unleashed.
• Lost World: Divided into two themed areas: Jurassic Park™ and WaterWorld™, this zone is for fans of the two blockbuster movies, as they can experience a dense tropical forest where dinosaurs lurk, then watch death defying stunts filled with thrills and spills!
• Far Far Away Land: Movie stars and talking donkeys… come experience the lifestyles of the rich and fairy-taled. Guests can enjoy Shrek 4-D Adventure or sing along with our favorite steed at Donkey LIVE.
• Madagascar: Based on the hit DreamWorks Animation film, Madagascar, this zone brings you to a dense tropical jungle, filled with strange and wonderful animals like lemurs and foosas.

2) The next best destination in Sentosa is it's sea-world aquarium!

fishiessss

3) If you would like to do some relaxing trip, I think Gardens By The Bay has it all! *don't you think this place reminds you of Avatar? Or is it just me?*

Night View ;) 

Afternoon View ;)

#2 Destination: Let's do our shopping~

Singapore = Shopping = Orchard Road = A MUST VISIT PLACE! And no need for further explanation cos shopping is a universal language! Souvenir is a must for friends and families, so I reckon it is a mush to apply our bargain skill to get those items for a cheaper price. And don't forget about their $1 ice-cream sandwiches sold on the side of the road, they're the best.

Welcome to the shopping town of Singapore~

Their most famous street snacks

Posted By: FRANKA

Three thousand of Populus emphratica

Have you ever seen populus euphratica? 

Populus euphratica is only suitable for growth of the central region, it is nature tree long evolutionary process of surviving species. Its enchanting charm, stubborn disposition, were far worse fate stimulate human too much and philosophical. Through the ages,  this type of plant has become a kind of spirit and worship...

 The "born alive a thousand years, a thousand years to die rather than do, but a thousand years and the immortal" theory of populus euphratica.  People who living in the northwest of China also said populus euphratica can live a thousand years and then dead, dead, a thousand years is still standing there, after the millennium, the second millennium after the fall , but in the desert, it is still blocked with sand, there are a thousand years it is not bad, not decadent. This is the three thousand years of Populus euphratica. 

Populus emphratica is a beautiful color in autumn. 

                                                                                       

                                                                                                                 Post by Shan LIU

The Kings of Mykonos

11 countries in Europe with a group of amazing people, now it was time for farewell to my Contiki group. I had one last stop, which I was looking forward to the most. I went up to my hotel room and enjoyed a good three hour nap before my flight. I woke up and looked at my half drunk roommate and best friend which was supposed to get on the plane with me snoring away as he had a bit to many the night before. As I was getting ready to check out, my two friends that I met on the Contiki stayed back with us to enjoy the last stop. It was going to be an awesome week.

As we all checked out of our hotel room in Paris, we flagged down taxis which was very difficult but hilarious. Every taxi driver avoided us but we were picked up by a French cabbie.  On the cab ride there, we kept talking about how much fun Greece would be. As we arrived at Orly airport, we walked to the smoking area to enjoy a last cigarette before our long plane ride. As we checked into our flights, we boarded the plane and napped the whole way until we could see the beauty of the Greek Island Mykonos.

One thing that I was looking forward to the most was hiring a quad bike.  As we got off the plane, inside the airport, there were many stray cats which was looking for a bite to eat.

As we exited Mykonos airport, we went into a car rental shop as we needed a car to get us to our hotel.

We drove through narrow streets asking for directions to find Paradise Beach where our hotel would be. As we were driving, we saw many rowdy people on quad bikes and scooters, presumable drunk or on some kind of drugs. As we neared Paradise Beach, the numbers of rowdy people increased as we drove deeper and deeper in.

As we checked into our hotel room, we walked out into the balcony to be welcomed by a beautiful view of the notorious party island. We were 30 seconds walking distance to a night club and a minute walk to a day club, it was going to be a messy week.

Now I will talk about the famous destinations at Mykonos:

Quad Bike Rentals

As there are only 25 cabs around the whole Island, everybody hires a quad bike for the main means of transportation. The whole island is either drunk or drugged on these bikes as these roar up the narrow streets of the Island. Cruising along the Island around the beaches can be a jaw dropping experience.

Paraga Beach

Mykonos has one of the most beautiful beaches around the whole world. The water is crystal blue as many enjoy the sun on a deck chair sipping on a cocktail whilst munching on their burgers. You can spend hours and hours here relaxing whilst enjoying the music.

Tropicana Day Club

The most popular day club which opens around 2:00pm where everyone enjoys a drink by the beach. People party and dance here for hours and hours until the sun disappears. People start heading back to their hotel rooms for a quick bite to eat and a small nap around mid-night.

Carvo Night Club:

After the nap, you wake up around 2:00am in the morning to get ready for more dancing and drinking. Carvo night club opens at 2:00 am, sporting the most famous DJ’s around the world such as Armin Van Burren and Avicii. People dance away into the morning at 8:00am and go back to the hotel room and rest until it’s time for Tropicana again :).

Cyclades Restaurant:

Greek is the best food I’ve had ever had. Various menus consist of Gyros; a wrap with your choice of meat topped with Tzatziki. The greek salad is different as the feta cheese Is to die for as well as different kinds of Souvlaki grilled over coals. 

Mykonos Town

Mykonos town is famous for it’s romantic atmosphere. As the party continues on at the outskirts of the Island. The centre of the of Mykonos, is beautiful to take a walk with your lover. It has fancy restaurants as well as various desert bars. The buildings are all white washed as the sunlight reflect off them, it is beautiful during the day.

As we finished our journey and bade our farewells to the stray cats, we boarded the plane back to Sydney where we would resume our boring monotonous lives. As I looked out the window of the illuminated island where the party would continue for many, I was happy that I ended my holiday here.

 POSTED BY: MATTHEW LEE

Some Flea markets in Australia

A best way to understand the culture and lifestyle in a country is go to flea market. Flea markets is a type of market where inexpensive or secondhand goods are sold or bartered. Flea markets are the perfect place to find that thing you have been chasing for years.Today, I will discuss some famous flea market in Australia.

• Paddington Flea Market---Sydney

If you want to discover the historical side of Sydney while staying classy while shopping for artistic souvenirs, clothing items and a lot more, then this is the place to be. The food section will also tempt you to taste everything that is offered by every booth.

Location: 395 Oxford Street, Paddington

Opening time: 10am-4pm every Saturday

Paddington Flea Market

The inside of this market

• The Rocks---Sydney

Sydney’s historic Rock’s area is a “must see” on any tourists itinerary and this is a major tourist market in Sydney. During the week, shopping options include galleries exhibiting Australian artists, such as Ken Done and Ken Duncan, as well as Australian clothing and Australian opal shops. You may be attracted to the product and atmosphere. The good location makes this market most popular and famous in Sydney.

Location: George Street, the Rocks

Opening time: Saturday and Sunday 10a.m. – 5 p.m.

• The village market kelvin grove---Brisbane

Arts and crafts, vintage clothing and a smattering of independent designer fashion stalls jostle for space with a decent array of fresh produce, including the odd item not available commercially such as black Russian tomatoes, royal blue potatoes and lemonade fruit. Wood-fired sourdough, gourmet sauces, prime Angus beef and fresh pasta are amongst the other products on offer and for the hungry there are food stalls selling coffee, gyoza, cupcakes and other goodies.

Location: Kelvin Grove - Urban Village,Brisban

Opening time: 6am - 1pm,every Saturday 

Village market

Food in market

Have you interested in the flea market? Go to there tomorrow!

                                                                                                               Post by Shan LIU

                                                                                              

Cockatoo Island is in... Australia? :o

Hi Everyone~

is it just me or did the island just pop-up out of nowhere? :o Cos I've never even heard of this island before, and no one ever mention it to me before too TT____TT

Well this is the summary of my trip, enjoy ;) *p.s don't forget to give some recommendations and comments about this trip and what to include next time okayss!*

Welcome to Cockatoo Island

Mode of Transportation: Ferry (10 mins from Circular Quay stop)
Ticket Price: $12 return from Circular Quay Wharf
There's no entrance fee luckily ;)

History: 

Cockatoo Island (Island Weremah) was first discovered by the native Aboriginal people prior to European settlement. However, during the year of 1839-1850, it's purpose has shifted into more of a new penal establishment to alleviate overcrowding Norfolk Island. The island was chosen because at at time, not all prisons (place for secondary punishment for convicts who gad re-offended the colonies) have swimming skills and it is also a shark-infested waters around the island, and also escape from Cockatoo Island was rare as it is surrounded by water. Throughout 1857-1991, the purpose of this island is as a biggest operating shipyards.

• First Stop: Jail/Convicts Island

Cockatoo Island was finally opened for public in 2007, and is now managed by Sydney Harbour Federation Trusts which are also responsible for managing seven other islands around Sydney Harbour. In 2010 Cockatoo Island, together with 10 other historic convict sites in Australia, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Scary Underground Tunnel

History

• Second Stop 
• Camping Packages (first camping option):

This island is also well-known for its' contribution to educational knowledge. These are the lists of prices if you are interested in staying there for the night! (Valid until 30 June 2015) 

Monday-Thursday: $89/night

Friday-Sunday: $99/night

This package includes pre-erected Campmor Hennie Dome Tent (2.4x2.4m), two camping chairs and mattresses. If you need some extra mats, please don't hesitate to hire some more from the Accommodation Office. This type of tent should fit 2 adults and 2 small children. There's a kitchen available and equipped with 10x BBQ areas, a fridge, microwave and a zip boiling water system *so no need to worry about showering with cold water*. However, campers needs to supply their own cooking utensils which includes cutlery and plates.

• Camping Sites (second camping option):

This is the second option is where you can sleep on a 4mx4m tent (Max of 4 adults/people). In here, you need to bring your own sleeping bag and mats *or else you'll be sleeping on the floor for the whole night :o*. Luckily, the second option also provides you with the same access of facility as above. Only the tent is bigger ( Valid until 30 June 2015).

Monday-Thursday: $45/night

Friday-Sunday: $50/night

• Third Stop: The Island Bar

To me *and probably to most people around my age* this would be the most interesting destination to look forward to. The island Bar is located on the Cockatoo Island, Cockatoo Island Camping, Sydney NSW 2000, and it is an 18+ only after 3pm on Weekends and public holidays. I went there with a good friend of mine and also with my boyfie ;) To me, what surprises me the most was the view and how relaxing it was to be there under the sun. To me, the downside is only the prices for the food and the drinks. They did not really have a wide range of selection of food and alcoholic beverages, and also the price. It was a bit pricey too to eat and drink there. But afterall, it was worth the view :') so no complaint!

Me and Mr.Boyfie enjoying the view

• Some other scenery photos that i took during my trip :

a tower?

some history telling~

looks like vikings boat to me :p

looks like a robot to me

By: Franka