Germany - Berlin

Berlin, from my view is a city that infuses the past in conjunction with the present, and well prepared for the future (based on lesson learnt). The way new and old building seat side-by-side presents a beautiful landscape, that is mesmerising. This beautiful city was once ruled by Hitler's National Socialist party for 12 years (1933-45), still stands to continually remind us all not to allow some nutters to take the peace away from us. Wandering round the city, one can still feel the chill of the pain a lot of the people might have gone through many years ago.

Transport Network & Tourist Ticket
As with very European cities I have ventured into so far, the transport network is well integrated from suburb and airport(s) into the main city centre. There are mainland trains, undergrounds, buses, trams, taxis, etc. There is a form of transport(s) to get you from A to B within the walls of the city, and they pretty much run late.

Upon arrival, recommendation will be to get yourself to the tourist information desk and get yourself a travel ticket (referred to as Berlin Welcome Card). Did pick up 72 hrs unlimited travel card for €24.90 covering zone A, B and C, and covers all transport mode (except one of the special trains). This travel ticket also gives you an average of 25% (to some extent 50%) in participating museums and place of interests.

If your entry and exit route is via Berlin-Schonefeld airport, then you will need a zone C travel ticket as that is the area the airport is based. There is an Airport express train (such as the Gatwick express) to the main centre (Alexanderplatz or Friedrichstr). Berlin airport express is more cheaper compared to that of London.

The train stations do not have ticket barriers when entering or exiting. Will be nice to know how many fare dodgers they have, and how much the city transport network loose as a result (if any). 

You can get latest information about the transport network from the visit Berlin website

Perspective, observations and facts
Here are some good pointers noticed during my visit to Berlin:

• Population of the city is about 3.5m hence if you visit from a more populous city like London (est pop of 7.8m), then it feels a bit empty.
• The Germans are noticeably taller than average people I have come across, which is more noticeably seen in women. Based on data from wikipedia, average height of men is 5ft 10in for men, and 5ft 5 1/2in for women, which is about 1.54% and 2.1% for men and women respectively taller when compared to the English residents in the United Kingdom.
• Perhaps it's because my visit was during the winter season, but noticed that the women in Berlin love wearing trousers, especially jeans, and rocking it with some form of boots. As my travel buddy quoted "there is a rock chick look about them". 
• Sense the Germans love to make sandwiches, as I saw on several occasions that people eat home made ones on the tubes and trains (guess if you do that on the Hong Kong tube, you will get a huge fine). 
• According to the city guide, there were over 60 German markets dotted round the city. Of course it will be rude not to have German sausage at the market.
• The Germans do like Chinese, as they were loads of them about. 
• Toilets in the public spaces such as coffee shops, airports, train stations, do have inner doors separating the toilets (where you do your business) from that where you wash your hands. I am yet to understand why that is. 
• The museums are more interactive and actually encourage people to touch, compare to London. 
• The food here are more cheaper than Paris, and transport fares cheaper than that of London.

Major sightseeing
Below are quick overview of the major landmarks, museums and places of special interests visited during the trip.

1. DDR: one of the few museums that actually opens on a Monday in Berlin, and the most interactive one in the world as it actually encourages you to interact with the exhibitions, giving you hands-on experience of history. The museum focuses on the life of Socialism encountered during the past German era. It is directly opposite the Berlin Cathedral. Ticket fee is €4.50 (based on discount after showing Berlin Welcome card ticket). The nearest station is Hackesher Markt, which on the S3, S5, S7, and S75 line.
2. Check Point Charlie (aka Check Point C): the famous wall crossing point between East and West Berlin during. This was also the point where the US and Soviet tanks confronted each other in 1961. Replica of the post is there as a tourist attraction, the prime spot costs €2 to take a picture at. Nearest stations are the Stadtmitte (U2) or Kochstr (U6)
3. Fassbender & Rausch: am not a chocolate fan, but perspective did change slightly when I visited this spot, it's a like a fat kid let loose in a cake shop. Everything and anything in chocolate is here, guess that's why it is described as the bigest chocolate house in the world. The experience is like have William Curley in Harrods, only 1,000,000 times better. The shop is located on Charlottenstraße 60, Stadtmitte (U2) is the nearest underground station.
4. Judisches Museum: (In English, Jewish Museum). of course the story of the Nazi's won't be complete if you don't know and appreciate the story of the Jews, hence reason this will be a recommendation to visit. You don't have to be a Jew (or religious for that matter) to really appreciate this place. Learning within Judaism is regarded as "the greatest good" compare to family background or wealth. You might also get to know the story behind Jeans company (Levi Strauss) if you pay attention. Hopefully once you finally do the tour, you will share the same view as me not to underestimate the Jews. You will need a good 3hrs for the walkthrough, and even longer if you want more insight knowledge. My favourite installation remains "Holocaust Tower", part of the "memory void" installations. Ticket fee was €3.50 (based on discount after showing Berlin Welcome card ticket). The museum is located at Lindenstraße, and the nearest is Kochstraße‎ (U6).
5. Brandenburg Gate: One of the famous landmarks in the city, that keeps popping up in very Berlin history books. The nearest station is Branden-burger Tor (S2 and S25). Once you come out of the station, please keep your eye out for the famous Hotel Adlon (used by the Nazi's back in the days), now modeled as a 5 star luxury hotel.
6. Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas: The Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial, which took 17 years to build. Designed by US architect Peter Eisenmann. Bizarrely, the United States Embassy is just opposite it, and Dunkin Donuts is to the left of the memorial spot. It is open 24 x 7, and visitors can walk through the maze at their own pace. It;s about 7 mins walk from the Brandenburg gate. 
7. Bundenstag: Home of the German national Parliament, and a walking distance from the Brandenburg gate. Based on the German constitution of openness, the public are allowed to seat in and watch debates (very hard to get a seat though, as people book well in advance).  The transformation of the building was by Norman Foster (same architect responsible for 8 Canada Square and Swiss Re Building in London), and I must say what a "piece of parliamentary artistic building". The general public are allowed to visit the "Bundenstag Dome", and you can visit even when the parliament is in session. To visit the dome, you need to register in advance, giving  name of people in your party and time of visit, please do remember to take the email confirmation you will get after successfully making the booking. 
8. Burgermeister: a recommendation from a website, which I must say lived up to expectation. You might probably feel sick from eating McDonald after eating what Burgermeister have in stock for you. The story is that it is located in a former public toilet (ok, trust me, it will be the best burger from an old toilet you will ever eat). if it's two of you, then you can share one Potatoe wedges (please take the sour cream with it, as it has this cooling sensation). The burger are huge with an average price of about €3.50. I went for the BBQ burger which came with bacon by default, yum yum. You can thank me later (sorry I didn't pay attention if there was a vegetarian menu, you probably turn meat eater after visiting the place any way). This eating spot is located at Oberbaumstrasse 8, and the nearest train station is Schlesisches Tor( U1). 
9. Meseum fur Naturkunde: Evolution in Action, Cosmos and Solar System, System Earth, Minerals, Human Evolution, Fossils, World of Dinosaurs, are some of the themes in flight when I visited. Found the minerals section very exciting as they had more than 1000 different types on display. The Museum is also very big on taxidermy, and they go as far as displaying the preparation techniques. Ticket fee was €3.50 (based on discount after showing Berlin Welcome card ticket). Find your way to the Naturkunde museum (U6) underground station, and ensure you exit from the correct point, there is sufficient signage outside to guide you. 
10. Hamburger Bahnhof Museum: Was amazed by the CLOUD CITIES installation by Tomas Saraceno, as it was Germany, you can interact with the installations. According to the background, the cloud stands as a metaphor for a set of artistic aims that examine the meaning of territory, boundary and change in our urban society. The museum itself is huge, hence you need at least a good 3 hrs to go through it all. Seems space is not an issue in Berlin for this museums, as the space available for each installations are abundant. It's only about 10-15 mins walk from Museum fur Naturkunde. An adult ticket cost €12.00 (but a 50% discount for students). 

Brain Refresh

1. Experience curve and  who created it.
2. Sinking skill ladder
3. Name of the hungarian currency
4. 80/20 principles and what are the other 3 names it is also known by
5. Definition of money laundering and terrorist financing. 
6. Name the three stages of which money laundering and terrorist financing occurs
7. What are the types of sanctions that can be levied for activities of money laundering and terrorist financing.
8. What is the Financial services and markets act 2000 all about

Masterchef - points Taken

Lessons that I have learnt so far from watching masterchef are below:

1. Peel the skin of the peas - attention to details.
2. Take the wish bone out of a bird when preparing - comes in handy during carving.
3. Presentation should be nice - simple, formal, and should be described as tidy.
4. Fish should not be 
5. Sauces should be thick enough so that it holds and adds kick to the main.
6. Vegetables should be cooked enough, yet should retain it's colour and be crispy(for those of that nature).
7. Learn, understand, and appreciate the cooking style of the judge that will be judging your cooking. For instance, you must understanding French classics which is one of the cooking style of Michel Roux Jnr (Chef judge on UK Master Chef Profressional).

Link to Resources

• BBC Masterchef Website
• Michel Roux Jnr

F**king Letter from the HR

Dear Employees:                                                          
                                                                            
It has been brought to management's attention that some individuals throughout the company have been using foul language during the course of normal conversation with their co-workers.                            
                                                                   
 Due to complaints received from some employees who may be easily offended, this type of language will no longer be tolerated.            
                                                                            
We do, however, realize the critical importance of being able to accurately express your feelings when communicating with co-workers.    
                                                                            
Therefore, a list of 18 New and Innovative 'TRY SAYING' phrases have been provided so that proper exchange of ideas and information can continue in an effective manner.                                        
                                                                                       
                                                                            
                                  Number 1                                
              TRY SAYING: I think you could use more training..            
            INSTEAD OF: You don't know what the f___ you're doing.          
                                                                            
                                                                   
                                  Number 2                                
                  TRY SAYING: She's an aggressive go-getter.                
                      INSTEAD OF: She's a f___ing bit_h.                    
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                  Number 3                                
                    TRY SAYING: Perhaps I can work late.                  
          INSTEAD OF: And when the f___ do you expect me to do this?        
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                  Number 4                                
                TRY SAYING: I'm certain that isn't feasible.              
                        INSTEAD OF: No f___ing way.                        
                                                                           
                                                                            
                                  Number 5                                
                            TRY SAYING: Really?                            
                  INSTEAD OF: You've got to be sh___ing me!                
                                                                           
                                                                          
                                  Number 6                                
                TRY SAYING: Perhaps you should check with...              
                  INSTEAD OF: Tell someone who gives a sh__.                
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                  Number 7                                
                TRY SAYING: I wasn't involved in the project.              
                  INSTEAD OF: It's not my f___ing problem.                
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                  Number 8                                
                      TRY SAYING: That's interesting.                      
                          INSTEAD OF: What the f___?                        
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                  Number 9                                
              TRY SAYING: I'm not sure this can be implemented.            
                      INSTEAD OF: This sh__ won't work.                    
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                  Number 10                                
                    TRY SAYING: I'll try to schedule that.                  
            INSTEAD OF: Why the f___ didn't you tell me sooner?            
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                  Number 11                                
              TRY SAYING: He's not familiar with the issues...            
                  INSTEAD OF: He's got his head up his a__.                
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                  Number 12                                
                        TRY SAYING: Excuse me, sir?                        
                        INSTEAD OF: Eat sh__ and die.                      
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                  Number 13                                
                  TRY SAYING: So you weren't happy with it?                
                          INSTEAD OF: Kiss my a__.                        
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                  Number 14                                
              TRY SAYING: I'm a bit overloaded at the moment.              
                      INSTEAD OF: F__ it, I'm on salary.                    
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                  Number 15                                
                  TRY SAYING: I don't think you understand.                
                      INSTEAD OF: Shove it up your a__.                    
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                  Number 16                                
                      TRY SAYING: I love a challenge.                      
                    INSTEAD OF: This f___ing job sucks.                    
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                  Number 17                                
                TRY SAYING: You want me to take care of that?              
              INSTEAD OF: Who the f___ died and made you boss?            
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                  Number 18                                
                    TRY SAYING: He's somewhat insensitive.                  
                          INSTEAD OF: He's a pr_ck.                        
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                  Thank You,                                
                              Human Resources      

BP Advert A Year After the Deepwater Horizon Accident

A year has passed since the Deepwater Horiszon accident in the Gulf of Mexico. From the beginning, BP has taken responsibility for the clean-up. Much progress has been made and out commitment to the Gulf remains unchanged.

Reducing the impact of the spill

No oil has flowed into the Gulf since July 15th. As our efforts continue, all beaches and 99% of waters are open. Gulf seafood has been subjected to more rigorous safety testing, by independent experts, than any other seafood in the world. 

To date, BP has been spent more than $13 billion on the clean-up.

Restoring the environment

We helped organise over 48,000 people, 6,000 vessels and 120 aircraft to clean up the water and coastline. We have committed $500 million to fund scientific studies on the impact of the spill, and have spent over $280 million on the projects that include the rescue of wildlife and restoration of their habitats across the region.

Helping to rebuild the economy
We've committed $20 billion to an independent fund to pay for environment restoration and the legitimate claims of individuals, businesses and governments. And grants have been made to the Gulf Coast States to promote tourism and seafood.

Learning and sharing the lessons
This was a tragedy that should not have happened. Our responsibility is to learn from it and share with competitors, partners, governments and regulators to help ensure that it never happens again.

We are grateful for the commitment of the thousands of people involved and for the considerable support we have received from so many sources, including governments, industry partners and members of the public.

For more information, please visit bp.com

Spices

Attended a food festival and here are some of the lesson with regards Spices:

• Buy spices in small quantities
• Use within 12-18 months so to leverage the freshness
• Toast the spice to extract crucial oils
• Keep the spices away from light
• Some chefs have the ability to put the right quantity of spices into food without measuring
• Have a small blender or coffee blender for grinding the spices
• When cooking Indian foods do not use olive oil, as it clashes with spices, instead use grape seed oil 
• Vegetable oil has the highest smokin point

France - Paris

My account of a day trip to Paris in October, alone.


Travel and Train Station
Caught the 06:52 Eurostar train from London St Pancras and arrived on schedule into Paris Nord at 10:17 (local time) which means the duration was about 2hrs 23mins. Booked the ticket in advance but still was not as cheap as chips, but at £114.00 return (£49.50 out and £64.50 rtn) then probably still cheaper than using a plane. The train does leave on time, hence will recommend you stick to the advise of Eurostar to check in 30mins before departure. During boarding the train, the coach numbers of the train are printed on the floor, hence no need to be asking or getting confused.


Gare du Nord is definitely not the cleanest station I have arrived at, but thank God the rest of Paris stations were not as dirty as that. The station was cold, no clear direction, water on the floor with no sign to warn passengers of the possible danger, etc, etc. A big station like that only had 2 people manning the metro ticket point. Joined the queue but then saw the self-serving machine, which must say it's not the easiest to use, and GUI can definitely do with a redesign. Still baffles me why there was day travel ticket on the self service machines. Oh by the way, expect people to cut through you when you are standing in a queue. 


Ticket & Trains
Bought myself a day unlimited travel for €6.30 which to me was a bargain. It can be used on the metro(underground), RER, buses, etc. They also have it for 2 days and 3 days. The tickets are rectangular and smaller in shape when compared to tickets issued out in London, but if you have been to Madrid then you won't have an issue. Be careful though not to loose it. Best you ask for the Metro ma while you are there. 
RER is the train with a double decker train. Also not as noisy maybe because am sat upstairs. Brought back the memories of Amstel in Holland.


Beggar,  Pick Pocketing, and Ticket dodgers
Ok, maybe it something I should have known in advance, but I only found out that they are considerable amount of beggars and pick pocketers on the street and in the metro space of Paris. Wallet of a man was almost stolen at Port Maillot while a man at Charles de Gaulle Etolle station was unlucky as the young crooks did knick his wallet and did a runner. Please be warned though, the pick pocketers are not riff raffs, some of them are well dressed in the latest gear, guess it's part of the strategy to blend in. The beggars on the train do sing, but it does bring some form of chill to ones heart, guess it's part of the approach to open your wallet and give. Don't think this approach is working on the Parisians though, as they hardly cared nor gave a dime. 


All I can say his be sharp, keep your belongings very close, and most important trust no one. 


Major Sightseeing
Visited four crucial landmarks in Paris, but guess could have added more if I did not go wondering about, but guess wondering about is part of the thrill of traveling. Brief pointers and journey information are included below:

1. Arc de Triomphe: it's no question that it's one of the most famous monuments in Paris. The monument was designed to honour those that fought and died for France during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars. Simple, yet elegant and beautiful monument. You can also go on top of the builiding, think it cost about  €8. From Gare du Nord, get the line no 2(blue) and come down at Charles de Gaulle Etolle station. There is sufficient signage to direct you to the correct exit. 
2. Eiffel Tower: it will be rude to go to Paris and not visit the most famous landmark of all which is also referred to as La dame de fer(the iron lady). Be warned that the queue is very long, but if you are in a group of 20 or more then there is a dedicated ticket serving counter (which most of the time is empty) or at best book the ticket in advance on the Eiffel tower website. Some of the levels are closed during the day due to congestion, hence be prepared in advance. Also, there is baggage restriction in the dimension of 50cm x 21cm x 32cm which you will allowed to carry on board of the Eiffel Tower. There is no weight restriction as far as I know. From Charles de Gaulle Etolle station, take line 1(yellow) and head Port to Maillot, walk across to the Neuilly-Port Maillot station and catch the RER-C heading to  Massy-Palaiseau/Dourdan Saint-Martin-d'Etampes and come down at Pont de l'Alma. It will be awaiting you once you come out of the station. 
3. Musee du Louvre: The most visited museum in the world according to Wikipedia. There is shopping centre here, hence ended up shopping at Arteum and Pylones. The shopping took much of my time that I could not go into the Louvre itself, again as always the queue is long. Find your way outside of the Louvre shopping mall, and another create scenery will be awaiting you. Funny enough, you can walk from here all the way back to Arc de Triomphe. Due to my wandering about, departed from Champs Elysees Clemenceau taking the  Eastward direction line 1 (yellow) and departing at Palais Royal Musee du Louvre.
4. Centre Pompidou: the building is known for his plumping that are colourful and exposed for the world to see. It has a library, museum space, and a high class restaurant. If you are under 25 and reside within EU, then you can go in for free, otherwise it costs €12. A lot of the students where there on the floor trying to recreate the art works on the wall from their own perspective. Some of the sponsors includes LVMH, Samsung, PWC, Mini, Foundation Total, Lagardere. If you want to see the beautiful landscape of Paris, will recommend you head up to the top floor of the Pompidou, especially during sunset, then the view is amazing. The nearest Metro station is Rambuteau (on line 11).

In conclusion, it was a great city, the people are nice and helpful (though I've always been programmed that the French are rude), but will still prefer London over Paris. 

Ibiza San Antonio Sunset Strip

This was the amazing sight that greeted us when we headed to Sun strip end of San Antonio in Ibiza. The spot I took this from is only few metres from the famous cafe Mambo.

Seeing it for real is mind blowing. Take a closer look to see the sun going to bed as I call it, couple of boats/yacht, and a paraglidder. Amazing view indeed

Fired Email

This was the email sent to Yahoo staffs(well the lucky remaining ones) when the Carol Bartz was let go as the CEO through a phone call. Apparently the Chairman was a duck as he was not brave enough to tell her to her face, and apparently the mode of firing her was so last century. 

Religion - Penis ?

RELIGION  = PENIS

Got this image through one of the post made by a friend on Facebook, and could not stop laughing, hence thought I share it with you. unlike religion, penis is not the cause of most of the wars going on this days.