Europa Park ~ GERMANY

The official Europa Park Mascot 'Euromaus'. Just like Mickey Mouse at Disneyland. That's what I felt like I was at. A big Disneyland in Germany. It is the largest theme park i Germanz and 2nd most popular theme park resort in Europe. I guess Disneyland in Paris is the most popular one. Will I go some day? My dad promised me! So dad, when are we going to go!!! hahahaha. When we were kids, my parents promised that we would go to very disneyland in the world. I've been to Flordia, LA, HK...a few more to go! Not many. HEHEHE.
So, as you can see, we made our masks. We didn't wear it during the day as it was hard for us to see and go on the rides. We didn't want to loose our masks on the roller coasters. hehehe.
So, enjoy all the pictures. We took lots....well, I took lots to show you. There are more, but here are the ones I choose for you to check out. We had so much time that we didn't rush, but we also didn't go on all the rides. It is too much for our stomach. The picture of the pumkin whale is huge. It has 10000 mini pumkins on it. Can you believe it. This theme park and so many decorations of pumkins everywhere was amazing. I couldn't believe how many pumkins there were. There must have been 100000 pumkins everywhere. There are so many different areas in this park. All named after European countries or reigons. There were so manz roller coasters here that i was amazed. We took a lot of time to watch many shows as we didn't want to tire ourselves out. It was going to be a long day. We got there at about 8:30 and doors open at 9am. We stayed until 11:30pm. It closed at 2am but my body was screaming for the bed as I got really sick. Not due to the ride, sick from a cold. Not fun at the end of the day. But it was fun. We painted our faces so that it would match our masks. It turned out okay. We did look funny as not a lot of people dressed up. We felt out of place at times as we got lots of looks. Not that I don't get looks anyway so I was use to the looks. hahaha. (Picture of the huge pumkin) There was a rollercoaster ride in there. It was fun. We went on it twice. Once in the morning and once at night. Just like Disneyland, there were thousands of people and rides had lots of line up. The main rollercoaster us up to 90 mins. That sure isn't worth my time in a line. Maybe next time if we had more people...that would be a lot more fun.
Sorry for all the random photos everyehre. Im trying to fit them accordinly,  but it is not working well, so you'll have to just look at the photos. Hopefully I can give you enough hints that you know which picture i'm talking about. There are a few that I have nothing to talk about as it's just a picture for you to see. hehehe. Some were taking during one of the rides. Like this one with the kids and the dog playing tug-a-war. hahaha. We didn't go on any water rides. We didn't want to get wet as Jan is getting over his sickness and me, don't want to get sick. Too late for that huh!

Alright, these pictures with the angry corn I thought was really funny. They had all these decorations of these angry corn. I don't know what it means but it was so funny that I had to share with you.Tell me what you think! I should give all these corns names. HAHAHA. They sure like pumkins or do they hate them. Perhaps they hate them as thez are hanging them like the olden days when they hang people or when pirates hang humans. hahahaa. But on the other hand, they look like they want to eat pumkins. hehehe. Guess what? Pumkin in German is Kurbis. hehehe. I've been learning a lot of food items, but not progressing too much. I sure need to study more.  Who knows when i'll be fluent. Learning another language is challenging. I guess who said it was easy!

This was taking during our train around Europa Park or should I saz Europe. hahaha. Volleyball scene, but no volleyball. They should have used a pumkin!!! hahaha






 Here is the start of the parade. Europa Park is celebrating their 35th Anniversary this year. There was so much confetti and Jan wanted to catch all of them. He was happy that he caught one just for me.




At the park, there were lots of shows to see. We saw some of them to relax from all the food we ate. This is a picture from the Gladiator Show at the remake of the Roman Colosseum. I sure like Gladiators don't I. hahhaa. There is a  video on my facebook. Check it out. 




Beside the Halloween Ice Show that I didn't take pictures of, we did see the Acobatics Show. There wasn't a huge 'Wow' factor, but it was cool. An old guy, world famous someone, don't remember his name rode a motercycle on a typerope while another girl was doing acobatics under him. Then another girl, 'Anna' was up 50 meters high doing other acobatic stuff. The girls were both sisters. It was interesting to see. 



 She was pretty high up. Yikes. Not for me.

So some foods that we had there were the famous mini donuts just like any amusement park. hahaha, but they like it with chocolate syurp. I do perfer the sugar and cinnomon. But these were alright. I also has the cheese on bread in Switzerland. hahhaaa. 

 Here are bird's eye view of the park. We went up on this tower, i think similar height of the eiffle tower. It was high. But beautiful.

Here we are, at the concert with our masks. It was quite a challenge to see but we loved making it. I will post pictures of that soon. Perhaps after another nap. hahaha. 




Here is a picture of the stage. It was amazing how they set it up. All the songs were in English and annoucements in German. hehehe. IT was fun.  On the left is one of my last pictures that I took as my camera died after that. We were to watch a 3D show. It was interesting what it feels like being a cat in a haunted house. Scary...but also fun, when you are a bit buzzed. hahaha. Yeah, we brought some vodka into the park. It was all good. Enough to get buzzed. It didn't help that I was getting sick. Perhaps relaxed me more to stay up a little bit longer.
So, here you have it. My Halloween day at Europa Park. What a party it was. I know I haven't finished mz Italy trip. It's on its way. I promise.
Hope you all had a safe and fun Halloween.

Weekend at the Mildenberger's

This past weekend, Jan and I went back to his parents place for a night and then to his grandparents for 2 nights. WHY you might ask! BECAUSE of the greatest, largest so called Disneyland in Germany!!! hahahaa. We went to Europa Park. But before that, my Friday was simple. I spoke with my aunt for 2 hours, cleaned our place before we drove for 2 hours, learned how to change tires for 2 hours, had dinner and washed 2 cars before heading to bed. What a day! Learning how to change regular tires to snow tires isnt that difficult.

Winston, it is easier than I thought!

Chrystyna, you should be proud of me now. I now know how to change my own tire!!! hahaha. Except im still nervous about the jack! Not 100% on using that pump! hahaha.

So, our masks are made, we are ready for the adventure at Europa Park. There will be a few videos that I wont be able to blog due to the large file, so we'll have to see how many I put up. I was surprised of all the songs as they there in English. DJ BoBo was great. Probably lots of youtube. hahaa. Check out my facebook for videos.

Pictures in the next blog.

At the "Great" Mildenberger's place, I tired for the 1st time "RABBIT"! I think that was my first time, but I wish I could taste more of it. I lost my 2 sences. Caught a cold this weekend, hence my face book message, spend 2 days in bed. After coming back from the Europa Park, I couldnt stay much longer than 11 as we were there at 8:30am. My body was dying for a warm bed to lie on. I was sneezing throughout the day. It hit me as Jan's Grandparents drove us home!!!!! Ya, what great grandparents he has. The park was closer to his grandparents place. That's why we spent the night there. Of all people, his grandparents. I wish I was close to my grandparents. (How much is rabbit in Canada? Do we even eat rabbit in the Chinese diet??  Germans think we eat cats and dogs! What a sterotype or is this true???HAHAHAHA I sure don't and will not ever!)

It does make you think about what kind of family you have when you spend it with someone else's family. I'm glad to be part of Jan's family even when they don't understand me and I don't understand them. I'm learning slowly. Danke

RAN TODAY!

Days are getting colder but it is still warm enough to run. :)
I got through another day of running. It's great for the mind and the body. Do you know that when you are free from stress, free from any negative thoughts, free to just be in the moment, running can be very relaxing. I was able to run...with a few breaks for an hour. It was amazing. The fall colours of the forest helped. The trees are brown, yellow, green in colour. It's great. I love it here. As I came home from volleyball on Monday, i felt at ease. I felt right at home. I am starting to feel comfortable here, even with all the stares. I know, I'm Chinese, and Germans have not seen many Chinese people, but I'm just another plain old Jane!!! HAHAHAHA. NOT!  I'm not plain what so ever. I'm unique and so are you! Everyone has their story. Everyone has a plan. Everyone has their history in the making. It all depends on which door you want to open. I opened an amazing door that I can't close and will not close. This door has changed my life and will continue to be incredible. When you find that door, you will know that it was the right one you opened.
Life in Laughter!!!! What more can you ask for but smile to those who you love, smile to those who you don't know, and especially smile to those who hurt you as you are much stronger than them.

Work!!! Did I tell! I had an interview last week, and got the job. Now I just need students. They interviewed me to add to the staff. We'll see if I get something for November. :) hehehe. Otherwise, i'm still on the search.

I hope you are all enjoying the pictures and stories. There are a lot more to come. I'm taking time so that you don't get overwhelmed to try to keep up. There is always time in the day.

I hope you all have a great and safe Halloween Weekend. It's a holiday on Nov. 1 so we are going to a Halloween Party on Sunday. It will be great. It's like going to PNE, but in Germany!!! HAHAHA.

NAPLES!!! Never thought we'd stay this long!

NAPLES!!! 

Was scheduled for only 2 days. But we ended up stay for 4. Why? Good Question! Tanya!! I think we stayed because of Giovonni. He made a good impression I guess.
So getting to this hostel, Hostel Giovanni's Home was quite a challenge in the RAIN, at 10pm, when all the books says it's a place of pick pocketer, gangs, mafia, and more. So what the heck are we doing in Naples!!!! WELL, as we learned from our great host, Giovanni, it's a place with rich history and food.
Besides my breakfast over on the left. HAHAHA.
This is my breakfast to cut down on cost. A can of tuna, cracker toast with olive paste and an apple. Rich in protein!!! hahahaa. Not the best way for a breakfast, but it will have to do for now.
Alright, so when we did get to the hostel at 10pm, we were greeted by a balm headed man, who smokes in the hostel, in his last 40's or so greeting us to his humble home. I went in circles to find his place. We got the Police to help as they saw us with our bags in the rain that they probably wanted to make sure we were safe. And I'm sure glad we did. I wasn't happy with where we were. NAPLES of all places late at night. YIKES!!!

So we were tired from the travel and wanted to get into bed. But, we weren't able to. Giovanni had to give us his full tour guide of where to go and what to do at 10pm. We didn't finished until 12...which means we didn't even get to bed until 12:30 or 1am. What a day. He was so excited to talk to us that he showed us a song that my name is part of. I never heard the end of it.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-oTYuw-JlA

This clip was taken during our stay in Naples when the whole hostel was listening and Tanya and I dancing to my song. You will be able to meet Giovanni in this clip. Check it out.  It will be a memory that I'll never forget.

One reason we stayed in Naples a bit longer was the influence of Giovanni. He has great intentions for his travelers, but I think he does get lonely sometimes. 2nd reason, there was a mud slide where we were going. Weather created a slide that there was still one person missing. I don't think it would be a great idea to go somewhere that may not be very nice due to the mud slide. Especially when Giovanni knew the place we were staying at and their kitchen was ruined in the slide. Not the safeiest place to be. So we stayed a little longer in Naples. NAPLES isn't as bad as all the reviews. We didn't have any problems....as long as you don't stay out to late or anything else. But everywhere.....Italian men are.....hum....not worth trusting. Head some scary stories from other travelers who went with a guy. She sure put herself in a bad situation. Gladly, she was okay. Men just want more than just a friendly visit.

So here's a story to be told. One of the 4 nights we were there, Giovanni asked me to go with him for coffee. I said sure. It's just coffee right! It was about 5 or 6pm as we were heading out for dinner soon. We were going to go with the peeps at the hostel. I though it would be 5 to 10 mins tops....it ended up being like an hour or so. We went down stairs to get his motorcycle. HIS BMW motorcycle. By now, i'm thinking to myself, what the heck am I getting myself into...but on the other hand, he's the manager of this hostel. What would the worst that could happen??? We get hit by a car??? I didn't think much as he knows the routes more than I do. We go to this fancy place in town for a coffee. I hate coffee and he said I had to have it. It's an espresso with coco around the little cup and in it. It was actually pretty good. I wonder if i was going to sleep that night....i did. Then he took me up to another area where I got to see the view of Naples from high above. It was as if you take someone to HORIZEN's up at SFU to see the view of Vancouver. Yeah, a bit far, but it was amazing. We only stayed for like 2 mins, but I got back safe. He said it was a little mini vacation when he ride's his motorbike. I'm glad to be able to make someone happy!!! Never thought I'd get to ride a BMW motorcycle in Naples, Italy!!! hehehe

Alright, back to the pictures. So with all the info that Giovanni told us, we had lots of walking and sightseeing to do. So this picture is the old theatre that is underground from Naples now. Back the the day, Naples was a small town until they needed to build more so they covered up the old stuff and build up. This theatre was just discovered with in the last 5 years. Isn't that amazing!!! The family there didn't realize that they were living in and under history back in the day. They got a lot of money and moved out and bought a villa. Now that is amazing to have stumbled upon.
On the right is the entrance of the tour. There were 2 parts. This theatre and the water system that they had in the olden days. We went done about 25 meters underground. It was a bit scary. But still had a smile on my face. hahaha.


There were plants growing underground as well for an experiment. It was cold underground so that the university of Naples wanted to see if living organisms will grow without water. So the lights are on a timer for 6 or 7 hours of the day and the water from the air is what keeps these plants alive. It was quite interesting, but Tanya asked why? Why not try growing veggies instead! Now that would be a great experiment.

 

 Here I am with a candle as we went into the are of the water system underground. Where workers use to work and ensure that the city of Naples had water. Interesting system they had back then.

Alright. After our tour, we had to have PIZZA, as Naples is where the best pizza is and was originated. I had a calazone. It was huge. I can't believe I finished it. We didn't want to carry it around with our hand so we carried it with our stomach. YUM! I can have their pizza everyday. 

Besides the pizza,

 Italy had a lot of lemonchello and pastries. I couldn't keep my eyes off these goodies. So bad for you!!!

The Castle in Naples. It's like a museum and all museums were free that day. What a bargain for our buck. We sure saved a lot of money.

The Harbour of Naples to Capri and other island.

Other tourist places. I forget the names of these. Opps. Sorry. It's p retty though!!!





 A couple getting married. We saw a few of these during our visit in Italy. So romantic.

Tanya posing her new jacket!! I hoped to get one too, but they didn't have my size. I needed a rain jacket just in case it rained again. Don't want to get sick. I ended up getting a green one. Lovely!

FOOD!!! It took a while for us to eat at a restaurant again since the last time in Milan was an arm and a leg. Sit town dinner with a bunch of new friends is always nice. We finally had some greens. I was so craving greens. The olives were huge. I wonder what they pumped into those things. It was sure a mouth full.  So during our stay in Naples, we met so fun travelers who were all traveling on their own. There was a Calgarian, Australian, British, & Irish with Vancouverites. :)  It was a lot of fun. We had some entertainers to finish off our fun night, but they weren't that good looking. hahaha. One looked like a movie star!!! Who was it again....Brad Pitt!!! No, I think the guy from Pirates of the Caribbean.

That is all about Naples. Humm...did I miss anything!!!