Greifenberg

Repeatedly wiping off the sweat on my forehead and fanning myself with my only available hand, we finally settled in the cabin. We were fortunate to catch the train on time, or else it will be another 2-hour wait. For the next two and a half hour, we would be on the train till we arrived. We were going to spend the weekend at the Schladminger of Niedere Tauern region, hiking through the woods to the peak of Greifenberg, 2618m above sea level. While chatting on the train, killing some time, there was something good to know. Without a Mountain Union Member Card, the emergency helicopter service costs a bomb. If I somehow, someday and somewhere, so shit that fell into a deep valley and couldn’t get out, I would make sure that I was hurt badly by accident and the pilot saw it. If I wasn’t, I would need to fork up 20,000 Euros… Thanks to some stupid tourists who lack of common sense and tactlessly put themselves in risk…

The 1st waterfall we encoutered

The waterfall below the hanging bridge
Natasha, Elina and Johannes on the hanging bridge (Left to right)
Continued our journey up the staircases

Soon, we arrived at the bottom of the mountains. From there, our journey started. As we proceed further, I was not only attracted by the densely wooded mountain, but also the waterfalls and the scenery when I turned. Many times, we would stop for few seconds to enjoy the view and take some photos. As we hiked further into the mountain range, the view just became better and better. Passing by the waterfall, over the gorge, crossing the rivers… The thought of seeing a lake in the mountain in real life was exciting and in fact, it was stunning. Far on the other side of the hill, I could see the sights of the lake, our first lake encounter. The water was calm and peaceful. With the weather being nice at that instance, reflection of the mountain range on the lake surface was picturesque. Everyone couldn’t wait to get to the lake. They took a shortcut instead. Also, we decided to stop by the lake for the afternoon, had some food and a good swim. Quickly, I left my backpack down, took off my shirt and jeans, wore my one and only swimming trunks and headed to the lake. The very moment when my toes touched the water, yikes! I was kind of regret. The water was extremely chilly and icy. I could feel the cold through my flesh and my bone was shivering. Not wanting to spoil the mood, I dived in the lake within seconds and something unexpected happened. Something bad... My glasses fell off!!!!! *Great…* Searching desperately in the lake with my legs, unfortunately it was still no where to be found. After much struggle, we decided to look for it later, when the lake became clearer at that time. Shitly, the rain started just when I was about to go for another try and we had to leave *Sigh… Tough luck and I only had my Oakley glasses for less than 5 months… Shit!!* However after some 15 minutes walk, Johannes offered to make a last attempt and Elina had volunteered too. So, we went back to the lake.… Although, I didn’t find my glasses in the end, I really appreciate their effort. *thanks people~~ I felt bad for Johannes later in the evening as he was feeling unwell since then...* As the sun gradually set and disappeared behind the mountains, we arrived at the cottage. My glasses… Bit by bit, I accepted that my spectacle was gone forever and the look from the people at the cottage diverted my attention… I guess it was either the fact that I, a Chinese in an Austrian mountain, something new or simply because I was wearing a swimming trunk. It was more likely the later one… The rain came so sudden and I didn’t have the time to change. Moreover, I was completely wet at that time and it made no sense for me to wear something new. While it didn’t bother me as much as I was too hungry by then. Settled down in the cottage, I quickly sat down and ordered some food. Later in the night, I didn’t sleep well. I was cautious that my OCCASIONAL snoring disturbed the others *I did snore after all, but I wasn’t the only one…* and another reason was the room became so stuffy and hot in the night, I hardly can breathe.

Arrived the 1st lake at the maountain range
The lake where my Oakley glasses lie in peace

Cute road sign indicating the direction of the cottage

The cottage where we spent the night
Kid looking out of the window

Not having any decent sleep, the alarm soon rang. Everyone woke up and got ready for the early morning hike. As we followed the path up, it became steeper and colder. *… I was only wearing a T shirt and short…* We came across unmelted snows and cold lakes. Surprisingly, some goats and cows too. Although it was quite tiring, at least the scenic surrounding paid off and I was still feeling mentally alright. Not till we got closer to the peak, where soil path little by little replaced by a stony and rocky path. The thought of I might die here did come to my mind occasionally and looking at the piled up stones *It was more or less a tomb of those who had died here…*, I started to worry. Especially when some loosen rocks rolled down the mountain. I prayed with my hands uptight and chanted Amitābha in heart. Not only showing my respects to those that had lost their life, I was also praying for a safe trip back to Graz. Fortunately, we arrived at the peak unharmed. After some rest on the peak, some water, some photos and signed on the book, we began to trek down the mountain. Relatively to coming up, I enjoyed the going down part. It was less tiring and it was faster, my heart wasn’t beating as fast and bad as before. Although I fell down twice, hurt my knees and twisted my ankles, I was grateful that I am still in one piece *the note I left on the book works~* Another reason that motivated me in rambling down, was probably because of food. I was thinking about the food that I could eat when we reached the cottage in the middle of the mountain. Ironically, I found out that I was left with little money only enough for soup. *Damn! I should have withdrawn more money* Regardless, the soup was good enough to warm my body. After an hour break at the cottage, we swiftly trekked down the very last part of steeply mountain. Once we saw the road, we would only need to walk. By the time we arrived at Graz, everyone was exhausted. The only things in everyone’s mind were shower and sleep… While me, something more… Food!

Continued our journey on the 2nd day
Quick snap shot of me, Eva and Boris (Left to right)
Quick snap shot of Johannes, Karin, Natasha and Elina (Left to right)
Few hundred meters more in latitude, to the peak
More lakes as we were heading the top
Sheeps by the mountain range
Sheeps running away from us
Unmelted snow during summer
More unmelted snow...
Again, more unmelted snow...
Last break by the lake before approaching the peak
Me on the large rock
Birdeye view from the peak
Birdeye view from the top
Group photo on the top of Greifenberg
Stamp on hand = I had been the top
Coming down the steep mountain
Mountain shot when rumbling down
Resting...
Waterfall by a pool of pinkish purple flower

Croatia, more than just football

The first time I came across Croatia was during the World Cup France ’98. I was amazed by their performance, the slightest thought of they would finished in third place wasn’t in my mind before the game began. Sadly, my knowledge about Croatia ended with football as well. *Yeah… Yeah… I know my knowledge is limited…* little did I know then, I would be in Croatia one day, in such a beautiful country. I was going to spend the weekend by the west coast of Istrian Peninsula, in Instri County.

Friday afternoon, we set off on a road trip and we would travel south from Graz, through Slovenia to Croatia. On the way, although I had tried to get some sleep as result of the Jazz night out few hours ago, I failed. Probably, it was a good thing… to certain extend. At least, I got to hear Laura complaining, “I want to be with the noisy people…” *I was just wondering then, couldn’t you just enjoy a moment of silence* Philip joked around Fish n Chips and Vinegar *what so funny about that, I didn’t know, but it was hilarious the way how he put it…* the Europeans surprised that Malaysian are not allowed to travel in Israel *While… Malaysia is an Islamic Country…* and again the Europeans, being envious that I got a custom stamp when crossing the borders *Shit! It is only 10 months and I am left with less than half of my passport pages for the coming 4 years and two months… Need to pay for a new passport soon…* and and again… It was entertaining in short. Sooner and later, we arrived at Croatia

Philip the bull

Just passed the Croatian border, something caught my eye, the signboards and advertisements of casino, resort, beaches and restaurants. As we drove, more casinos, casino, casino, resort, casino, restaurant, casino, casino, casino, casino and casino… Woo… Something new, winery… Winery, casino, casino, casino, casino…Finally, we passed the signboards, droved along the densely wooded mountain to the village. I was amazed by the whole stretch of restaurant beside the road and also amused by it as well. There would always be a whole pig being roasted *sometime half…* in front of the restaurant and a waiter wearing an apron, opening his hand broadly, with a menu held in one of his hand, with a big smile *Those smile that you could see their big white teeth*, hinting, “Welcome and we are the best!”, jut like the never ending advertisement boards. Having said that, the smell from the roasted pork was great.

After six-hour driving, we arrived at the Valkaneka Camping site. We got our camping ticket, passed on the passports, pitched our tent, put on our swimming suits and headed to the beach. To my surprise, I found no sand! Everywhere I looked was plainly rocks and stones. It was literally a stony beach. Beaches do not go only with stones… A beach without sands was a shock to me. Nevertheless, I quickly adapted to the idea. It was fantastic to swim by the rocky coastlines facing the Adriatic Sea and having to sip some sea water accidentally. *Freaking salty and it tasted sux…* It brought back many childhood memories. When I was young, before I turned ten, I lived in an east coast town of Malaysia peninsula, Kuantan. From where I stayed to the beach, it was only five minutes drive. Often, my parents would bring us to the beach to watch the run rise, to swim by beach, to fly a kite or simply a late evening walk by the coastline on the South China Sea. Floating on the sea, facing the darkened and gloomy sky, looking into the bright stars… for a moment, I felt time had rolled back quietly, back to a time when I could only see my mum from her hips. It had been a while since the last beach trip, I was so enjoying it… By the time, I realised my stomach was groaning badly, it was already late in the evening and hardly any of us noticed the time.

Under the recommendation of our German neighbours, we went to a nearby restaurant. I was very craving for seafood. The last time I had seafood was few months ago. Moreover, the seafood in Austria is very expensive. Laura, Philip and I promptly decided to share a fish platter. Sadly, the food was only so so with my food critique hat on, with some uncleaned sand in the mussel, one of the grilled fish tasted slightly bitter, the other two fishes a little marshy *Not so fresh… Shaking my head as I ate…* over grilled squids, it was something that could be or must be missed. While off my hat, it was great. Especially with the hospitality, warmth and welcome services, and unlimited flow of shots for free, it was awesome! This Krsko Vac stuff, yellow jelly-smell-like liquor was the killer. With the waitress flattered me, “I will drink this for you because you are cute!” *Alright… I know someone will start to give me the I-wanna-puke kind of face, at least someone appreciate it~~* I drank few more shots. Somehow, that jogged my memory. I remembered kissing a Swedish girl on her lips yesterday. With her giving this please- kiss-me look and walking swiftly toward me, I had no choice. That was a weird experience. I had to swing with both my hands later to reject her for further. *Alright… Once again, the I-wanna-puke kind of face… Yeah Yeah… I got it…* Everyone was so into the mood of vacation and when we left, we were either drunk or tipsy, Byarne was starting to speak more than usual and taking photos almost every second, Laura did a monkey dance with her hands up in the air, giving all sorts of funny faces, Philips with a sometime-stoned-sometime-funny face, Joy puked by the mini van… Ewwww… Never mind, it was a good night out!

The next day, I was already awaked by 7:00am, partly Laura and Joy’s fault for being SO LOUD *… part of the hang over routine… and Laura got punished later. Kekekeke…* it was also partly because I couldn’t sleep. The camping ground was so hard and my back was hurting the whole night. Also, I had a weird sleeping position where me head was at a lower position. However, I soon found D best place to sleep, the driver seat. Yap, D driver seat! Trust me. It was the best sleeping spot you could find. There, I took a small nap and I would sleep later tonight. We spent the whole afternoon swimming by the coast, to the nearby island and sun bathing. *Alright and now I will want to wallop those that said Asians need only low SPF sunscreen or none. Backside! I got sun burnt badly at the back and it is still hurting now! * Then, we visited a nearby town, Rovinj.

When I could see Rovinj from far, I understood instantly why Rovinj is said to be the gem of the Istrian coast. The old town and the Church of St Euphemia densely packed on a narrow peninsula was a sight to be remembered for life. Walking through the old town, strolled on the winding stone streets, passed the crumbling buildings, each corners and turns was a photo opportunity. Sitting by the quayside, had some ice cream, enjoyed the harbour view was very relaxing and I could feel the tiredness from work slowly faded away. However it was kind of disappointing to found the town over touristy, a lot of Austrian, German and Italian tourists. *While we were contributing to it… what a dilemma…* Postcards, handcrafts, paintings, imitate goods, accessories, souvenirs were everywhere. At least the see shells were local… Nonetheless, the idea of 5 minutes walk to the pebbly beaches, put on sunscreen on the way and jump into the sea is fantastic! I wanna stay here!!!!! Soon, with the sun setting slowly and disappeared from the horizon, we left the town for dinner that turned out to be what-a-bad experience, blah!

Rovinj

Imitade goods aimed at tourists
Sea eagles on chimneys

Town area of Rovinj

Group photo by the quay

Cycling in the streets of Rovinj

Sunbathing by the rocky coast

Swimming by the Andriatic Sea
Lavender pouch against the crumbling wall
Postcards + souvenirs + sea shells...

Church of St Euphemia

Sunset by the coastline of Rovinj

The last day by the stony beach was mainly the same stuff. Only two differences, I finally decided to jog *my thigh is still hurting…* and found a place to dive. Awesome!!! Although the depth was roughly 1.8m, I dived four times. While the others decided to go else where to sun bath. Having my back burnt badly, I covered my back with a towel, sat on a nice spot and chatted with Philip. Then when it was time to go, we cleaned up the camping site, packed our stuff, checked out, got our passports and left to Poreč.

In many ways, Poreč was very similar to Rovinj, but the prior has more historical value. The city has existed since prehistoric times and parts of its preliminary form were still maintained. Materials and traces of the past were still visible, in the narrows streets with paving stones and stores of the old town. In 1997, the best preserved monuments of early Byzantine art in Poreč, the 1600-year-old Basilica of St Euphrasiusis was titled a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Unfortunately, I only knew it after I left and wasn’t too sure I had seen it.. What a pity. Wondering around the old town, tourists were many as usual. Some were busy taking photos, some were putting on sunscreen and lying lazily under the strong sun for a nap, some sat on the rampart with a novel in hand… As usual, we stopped by an ice cream parlor to have some drinks that overpriced. Ironically, Philip who constantly commenting on how he dislike touristy and how touristy Poreč and Rovinj were, was sitting right here, drinking an overpriced-super-fattening ice cream, just like any other tourists. De!!!

We didn’t stay for long, stopping at Poreč for less than 4 hours, we went off to somewhere-that-I do-not-know, again, yes more sunbathing and swimming by the coast. When everyone was satisfied and finally realised the time was getting late, we depart to Trieste, Italy for pizza. Although it was quite a popular local pizzeria, *said Eva…* in my opinion, the pizza was only average, my taste bud wasn’t satisfied. However, it was good to be here, the sunset scene worth the efforts. It was one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. While we were crossing the bridge, the sun slowly set down to the west and colors changed as it went, yellow, orange, red, pinkish purple, light blue… the image reflected on the river that ran through the city, between the yacht and sailboat anchored by the side of the quay, was picturesque, calm and gentle. I was somehow upset that we didn’t stop at that instance *don’t think we could stop then though…* and my digi cam was in my luggage at the back…

Travelling with these guys was fun and the trip was full of laughter. However, something did also get to my nerves. Frequently, everyone would just keep walking and walking and walking and walking regardless… Not to say it was a bad thing, but couldn’t we just wait for someone who stopped for some reasons. Nope… people just keep walking and walking and walking and walking and walking till finally, “Opss! We lost someone…” and everyone started to guess where the person would be. Travelling in a group isn’t only the company, but also looking after each other in a quiet fashion and extending help when necessary. Probably, the lost one felt alright, I don’t know and maybe I overreacted… Sitting in the car and reflecting on what had happened for the past few days, it had been a wonderful trip and tomorrow… back to work…

Jazz in Town

Jazz and soul music has always been my favourite. Often, I like to chill out by the couch, lying lazily, with a glass of whisky on rock, singing to the lyrics… the music always smoothen my day and especially after a tense day, it is so nice. Of course, the type of music being played was easy-slow-pace-vocal type. I really enjoy this way to end my day.

Occasionally with some friends, we would go down to the local Jazz bar for some live music and few glasses of white. In Melbourne, Dizzy’s is D bar. Housed in the original Richmond Post Office, the heritage building has been beautifully preserved by a sweeping lilac entrance that leads into an open, wooden-floored room with amazingly high ceilings. Nice atmosphere and music just kept us coming back. One of the best moments was Axel Whitehead and Cat’s Empire jamming through the night, it was just fantastic!

So when Jazz Sommer Graz was just around the corner, I had asked some friends out for the opening party in Dom in Berg. Reading the pamphlet, “…Big John and the Vienna Soul Society with special guest, the legendary Hans Salomon on Saxophone…” *Not an idea who they are…* I thought that the show would be good… It was an opening after all. Walking into the bar, I was captivated for a moment. As far as bar goes, it was my first time in a bar housed within a mount, it was cool… However, I was quickly diverted by the numbers of people. For an opening party, there weren’t much people around and I began to worry. Fortunately, my concerns were soon out of the window, once the show started. It was only the second song, people started to crowd to the front, dancing to the funky rhythms, having their hands in the air, clapping hands and stomping the floor as the beats went, I was one of them as well… Showing some move~~~ *Kekekekeekeke…* Hans was my favourite that night and I really enjoyed listening to him jamming with his saxophone. A short time, I would slow down my pace and sank into the melody.

Big John the vocalist

Hans Soloman on Saxophone

Although the show started late midnight, ended 2:30 in the morning and I had to work in the next few hours, it was a blast and worth my sleeping time! *Yawning… Rubbing my eyes…* Luckily, I am leaving work soon and will be going on a road trip to Croatia for the weekend.

Trap in Vienna

When I saw an article about the 250th anniversary celebration of Mozart few months back, I never expected to be in Austria. *Bloody Bosch! Dragged my application for so long and cancelled the placement with no reasons…* Although I have never been a classical fan, I had often come across some of the I-do-not-know-the-title songs of Mozart. *Just happened to have bunch of friends that are into classical or in the music field…* The article interested me so much and I felt like having a piece of Mozart. When I was told later that I would be going to Austria, I was so excited.

Walking in the streets of Vienna, I was often attracted by the surroundings, the buildings, the gates, the sculpture, the paintings, the columns, the bricks and the fountains, the tourists like me… I had to stop so frequent to take photos *A typical Asian… I know…* Especially with Johannes giving history background and stories as we went, the afternoon stroll in the city was great. One thing that we hardly not notice, was people dressed up in 18th century’s costume with a box in their hands. Just when I was wondering, we were approached. Apparently, they were ticket sellers of live concerts. This reminded me of what some friends told me.

During summer, some friends worked as part time performers in the Vienna’s theatre. It was not hard to get a job, there was a demand and it was also quick money. There are theatres that held Mozart concerts aimed at tourists and the cheapest ticket would cost more than a hundred Euros. After few concerts, they found the Japanese would pay for some of the most expensive ticket and sat at the first few rows. They would have a camera hanged over their neck, flashing all over the hall before the concert started and clapped excitedly when it finished. Little that they knew, this was just another tourist trap and it won’t be the last one as there are more targeted at them. To most of the Austrians I had spoken to, they always have a good impression on the Japanese. However sometimes, they would joke on how stupid the Japanese were to pay for something that was ridiculously overpriced. While I have no intentions neither undermine nor insult the Japanese and to certain extend, I almost fell into some as well. *Thanks to the people that reminded me this and that were just another tourist traps…* If I were Mozart, I will be disappointed and upset to be treated as a golden goose. Quickly, we rejected the offer in a nice way and continued our walk. Having said that, I still feel strong about going to a Mozart concert since I am in Austria now. What a dilemma…

After two days with Vienna, I still found my love with Graz. Vienna did not give me a strong impression, probably... I don't know...

Goodbye Metahof I

When you were before twenties, you thought time moved so slow, everyday, every hour, minute and second seemed so stagnant. The daily routine of studying, studying and studying were torturing. Looking at the watch every 5 seconds and hoping the class finished soon, was painful. Especially on a typical hot and humid day, when the Ms, Mr, Mrs, Madam, Sir were teaching in a tone that hypnotised, it was a struggle. Then the everyday practise of copy technique early in the morning… While of course, it wasn’t all bad, it was just that you constantly aware of how slow the time passed. Sometimes, you tend to waste your time aimlessly.

After twenties, time flew in a light speed. I had stayed in Melbourne for almost seven years, got my Australia permanent residency, finished my communication engineering degree, ended my 4 years of student politics, had done tons of backpacking, have a huge crush that I hardly gone over after two years, suffered from a down down down moment for six months, have known Winnie and Fanny for 7 years, mum and dad bought a new place, just two houses down where we used to stay, Chung just moved in to his new home in Melbourne, Pin started his bachelor in Melbourne Uni, Rhavy is getting married in Mauritius and I will be there, *He just sent me an urgent email requesting for my mobile number, I hope nothing bad …* Chai went back to Singapore, Caleb moved to Sydney, Alex just got married in Macau, visited mum’s eldest sister after 6 years, grandma passed away, Anne just met a new guy *Heheheheehehe~~ introduce me when I get back.*, Christine had moved to Adelaide to stay with Sky, Ling had a bad broke up and ended a 5-year-relationship, Pauline came back from England and began her work in Malaysia, Jane went back to Thailand for good, Eric had survived two business trips to Iran, Yong got his dream job and I had been in Austria for two months… Now saying goodbye to Metahof I, where I have worked for two months, is a bit sad… Later, I will be in Vienna for the weekend. Time passed by again just when I am typing, you hardly have enough time to do all the things you want.

Probably I should learn from Philip Chester as he said, “Know the true value of time! Snatch, seize and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no procrastination. Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” Is a bit hard though…

Main entrance of Metahof I

West wing of Metahof I
Metahof I

My old desk at Metahof I

My desk at the new building
New office view