June - A month of weird combinations (Euro cup, new receipes and flowers)

*Radio is now playing, ''The day the music died... sooo Bye bye Miss American pie...'' as I am writing this long delayed entry*.

Austria and Switzerland were the hosts of Euro cup this year. At the beginning, I was kinda disappointed that England did not qualify to play. Darn luck! Of all the years, the team has to pick the year to not play when I am in the host country. Shit happens.

In the midst of the game, I took a liking to the Spanish team. Their footwork were unglaublich. Their team spirit was unbeatable. What was not to like about the Spanish? Nothingg! Especially.. TORRES! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fernando_Torres

So much had happened during the cup. Conversations were mostly about football.. football and more football. Fans were parading with their flags, showing their patriotic sides.

Loads of Turkish fans (had to stop selling Kababs... bad joke) were showing love for their team. There were also a significant number of Croatian fans. When both teams played, the atmosphere kinda got alittle out of hand. Police was prominently scattered to prevent fights. Another match that was much anticipated was between Poland and Germany.

It was kinda refreshing since most evenings were spent either at the fanzone (where fans went to watch games on the big screen telly) or in front of the telly at home. One of the weekend, Filip suggested to rollerblade to the Stadium to have a look. I doubt that Singapore is the only rules-fastidious country, judging from that signboard outside the stadium.

Another football event was between IMBA and IMP. There was a friendly match between the two institutes end of the month.

Life is not only about football. Ok.. fans.. don't bite off my head. I mean there are other finer things in life. Because we hardly eat out in Vienna (compared to Singapore), it led to no choice that I have to perfect some dishes to stimulate some tastebuds. Here they are.. pancakes filled with marmelade, cottage cheese and almonds; mozarella tomatoes salad; buttercake topped with blueberries. Another interesting ikea item was the apple slicer. The best invention for lazyasses like myself.

A dramatic change in topic would be my love for this flower store on Josefstädterstrasse. Amazing flowers.

30 May-2 June - Land of Robin Hood and the Beatles (Part 3)

On the last day, we left our guesthouse with dampened hearts. We did not want to leave. On the previous day, we had wanted to go on the Magical Mystery Tour that bring Beatles fans to various places such as Penny Lane, the houses of John and Paul, Strawberry Fields and etc. Unfortunately, we were not able to get a slot since the tour group was totally booked out.

Filip suggested to go to the places ourselves. We had a car, we had a map, and we know the streets where they were... so why not? The host had shown us how to do the tour ourselves.

This link shows the map of the area we drove around.

http://www.rocknrollstuff.co.uk/beatles/map/pennylane/pennylanemap.htm

Our first stop was to go to Penny Lane.

In Penny Lane there is a barber showing photographs

Of every head he's had the pleasure to have known,

And all the people that come and go

Stop and say hello.

On the corner is a banker with a motorcar,

The little children laugh at him behind his back.

And the banker never wears a mac

In the pouring rain, very strange.

Penny Lane is in my ears and in my eyes.

There beneath the blue suburban skies

I sit, and meanwhile back

In Penny Lane there is a fireman with an hourglass

And in his pocket is a portrait of the Queen.

He likes to keep his fire engine clean,

It's a clean machine.

Penny Lane is in my ears and in my eyes.

A four of fish and finger pies

In summer, meanwhile back

Behind the shelter in the middle of the roundabout

A pretty nurse is selling poppies from a tray

And though she feels as if she's in a play

She is anyway.

In Penny Lane the barber shaves another customer,

We see the banker sitting waiting for a trim.

And then the fireman rushes in

From the pouring rain, very strange.

Penny Lane is in my ears and in my eyes.

There beneath the blue suburban skies

I sit, and meanwhile back.

Penny Lane is in my ears and in my eyes.

There beneath the blue suburban skies, Penny Lane.

Followed by the houses of John and Paul. John lived at 251 Menlove Avenue. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/251_Menlove_Avenue

At that point, we could not find Paul's house on 20 Forthlin Road. The road was so small on the map and we were not sure whether it was spelled Forthlin. Anyway, there happened to be a tourbus in front of John's place and I had the urge to ask the bus driver. He was very helpful and suggested us to follow his lead.

We reached Paul's house quickly. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20_Forthlin_Road

Our last stop was Strawberry Field. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strawberry_Field

Let me take you down,

'cause I'm going to Strawberry Fields.

Nothing is real and nothing to get hung about.

Strawberry Fields forever.

Living is easy with eyes closed,

misunderstanding all you see.

It's getting hard to be someone but it all works out.

It doesn't matter much to me.

Let me take you down,

'cause I'm going to Strawberry Fields.

Nothing is real and nothing to get hung about.

Strawberry Fields forever.

No one I think is in my tree,

I mean it must be high or low.

That is you can't you know tune in but it's all right.

That is I think it's not too bad.

Let me take you down,

'cause I'm going to Strawberry Fields.

Nothing is real and nothing to get hung about.

Strawberry Fields forever.

Always no sometimes think it's me,

but you know I know when it's a dream.

I think I know I mean "Yes," but it's all wrong.

That is I think I disagree.

Let me take you down,

'cause I'm going to Strawberry Fields.

Nothing is real and nothing to get hung about.

Strawberry Fields forever.

Strawberry Fields forever.

Strawberry Fields forever.

That ended our trip. I thought. What I did not expect was Filip had another surprise for me. Right after being at Strawberry Field, Filip proposed to me on a meadow. We were surrounded with flowers, grass and trees. I was so shocked and thrilled. It is hard to explain how I felt at that moment. Butterflies were in my stomach. Tears were in my eyes. I said, ''Yes''.

Goodbye England.

30 May-2 June - Land of Robin Hood and the Beatles (Part 2)

I have always wanted to write about my love for the Beatles. This obsession of them started more than 10 years ago. The influence stemmed from my parents who also adored them. I collected most of their Cds and also some of their books and posters. Their music is legendery and has managed to transcend generations. More than 40 years ag, their music captured the hearts of many and till today, they continue to fascinate the listeners with their lyrics and melody.

Having been to Paul's concert, this would be a perfect time to share my experience in Liverpool (a city that means so much to me - Birthplace of the Beatles and the Football team).

We drove through Sheffield, Manchester and finally at ~11pm, we reached liverpool - European City of Culture 2008. Just like Nottingham, we had no clue where the Waterloo region was. Our hotel was situated in that area. We dropped by at a gas station and crossed our fingers that someone would give us directions. Thank our lucky stars that a good hearted cabby helped us immensely. Not only did he point it out on the map for us, he decided to lead us there. What do I mean? He actually suggested to us to tail behind his taxi and direct us to Waterloo. I mean ... what a kind soul.

That saved us lots of time. We were able to find our Bed and Breakfast in no time. The place was called Woodland Guesthouse http://www.bedandbreakfastsguide.com/Displays/Woodlands_Private_Guest_House_bed_and_breakfast_7573.asp The host was also a friendly man. He upgraded our room to the family room and we had so much space. It was unbelievable.

In the morning (YEaahhh 1st June!! Liverpool Sound Concert date!), a really good breakfast awaited us. Baked beans, eggs, sausages, bacon, toast, cereal and a pot of tea. We planned to start the day by going to the city centre. Waterloo was not close to the city area and in order for us to go there required the train. That was not a problem since the station was bearly 10 minutes walk. It took another 20 minutes to reach Liverpool Central station.

Once in the central, we walked quite abit and ended up at Albert Docks. There was the Beatles museum. The queue to get in was horrendous. Many were well equipped with umbrellas and standing patiently in line. Filip suggested me to get into the shelter (souvenir store) while he stood and waited. Dying of guilt. I went to join him after I got a Beatles cellphone keychain and a Tshirt. The wait took around an hour. It was a shame that photography was prohibited inside the museum, although there were some rulebreakers who continued photosnapping.

The musuem took us three hours. We were given headsets. It started from the beginning - where the guys were born; what their parents worked as; then what kind of music they liked that inspired their future songwriting; how the group was formed; where they played their gigs;...... the middle - their fame;...... till their end in 1970. Even though I had read their stories before, my knowledge was further broadened after this trip.

We had to hurry to Anfield stadium for the Sound Concert. It was still drizzling. When we got there, there was already a lineup. I guess there were people who came really early to get front standing places. Filip decided to get sitting places instead since I was vertically handicapped. Standing places would just be a major disadvantage in my case. Well.. sitting was good. At least the places were reserved.




Not only was Paul playing in the concert, there was also the Kaiser Chiefs and some other group called the Zutons. It was pretty obvious who the crowd was waiting to see. http://www.last.fm/event/375714
http://www.mp3locker.net/2008/06/paul-mccartney-liverpool-sound-concert.html



What can I say?? He is simply the best, better than all the rest!!! He played all the songs I wanted him to and even some other more. The song list included:

1. Hippy,hippy,shake (1:45)
2. Jet
3. Drive My Car
4. Flaming Pie
5. Got To Get You Into My Life
6. Let Me Roll It



7. My Love (He dedicated this song to Linda - his wife who passed away.)
8. C'moon
9. Long And Winding Road
10. Dance Tonight
11. Blackbird
12. Calico Skies
13. In Liverpool
14. I'll Follow The Sun
15. Eleanor Rigby



16. Something (He played on the Mandalin - a gift from George and also dedicated this song to him)
17. Penny Lane
18. Band On The Run
19. Back In The Ussr
20. Live And Let Die (The fireworks started bursting on stage)
21. Let It Be
22. Hey Jude
23. Yesterday
24. A Day In The Life
25. Give Peace A Chance (A song written by John)
26. Lady Madonna
27. I Saw Her Standing There



At the end of the concert, fireworks continued to fly across the sky. We were mesmerised. The concert was definitely worthed coming to. It is sad that the night lasted so short. I wish he could sing all night till dawn. We walked across a huge park to take a bus to the city and go to the Cavern club - the place where the Beatles used to play their gigs. A shame is that the old cavern has been demolished and replaced by the now standing club. When we were inside, there was a band playing Beatles music. The pair was very good. We were impressed by their performance. That ended our night - a night to remember.