A different view

I just got back from visiting two beautiful cities recently, Wien and Praha - Vienna and Prague. Still have not got rid of the jet leg which I'm very susceptible. I felt very fortunate to have been able see and experience another part of the world which I had not known before.


We took a 10 hours+ flight to Vienna, stayed there for 3 days (including for the conference hehe...), then took a 4 hour train ride to Prague and stayed in arguably the best backpacker's hostel I've been so far. The rooms were clean, the sheets were comfortable and the toilet/shower spotless. We walked and walked to see the various sights despite cheap efficient local metro trains/trams. One thing that is remarkable in Vienna is that nobody checks or asks whether you have ticket or not. I'll bet that even if we hadn't bought any tickets we will not be found out. However I think it is quite shameful to avoid paying (esp when one can afford it) when the system puts so much trust to it's citizens. However things are a little different in Prague. We did meet 2 metro inspectors who asked for our tickets (presumably to get some "duit kopi" fines from bewildered confused tourists who might not be familiar with the ticketing system- hey nothing was written in English!). Despite on a budget we also tried some local delicacies, the schitzels and goulash. And beers. We had a hard time looking for plain bottled water - most bottled water in Prague are of the "carbonated" type and it tastes horrible. Feels like your teeth will dissolve while drinking the "gassy" water.

And often whenever I come back from a visit to another country, I feel more relaxed, seeing things in a more "philosophical" perspective. Feeling a little grateful for the life in our own country despite the many "roadblocks" along the way. Although some might beg to differ I think we should "fight" for a better country for ourselves rather than giving up hope and leave for another country. Yes, many people have left this country feeling that there is no future for them (and I don't blame them), but then again this is going to be a self perpetuating philosophy. How can there be a better future when there is no one left to "fight" for it?


Anyway, that's for another day. For now, I'm gonna sleep. The above 2 pictures are from Prague. More pictures to follow later :)