Brussels City Tour by Day

Central Europe 3rd part: 3-days in Benelux States: Luxembourg

October 17 to October 19, 2013

Brussels signature landmark; Atomium

After visiting the Atomium which is approximately 10km farther from the city center, I went back using the tram transportation. I roam the city again by self-guided walk by a free map starting from Grand Place-Grote Markt which is the nearest landmark for other tourist spots and souvenir shops. Even the Brussels Central train station is just 300 meters walk away from this places.

Brussels is the capital city of Belgium. It is entirely surrounded by Dutch-speaking Flanders and its constituent Flemish Brabant province. As headquarters of many European institutions, Brussels might also be considered something of a capital for the European Union. Being at the crossroads of cultures (the Germanic in the North and the Romance in the South) and playing an important role in Europe, Brussels fits the definition of the archetypal "melting pot", but still retains its own unique character.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Brussels

Brussels city tour by day (Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula)

Brussels Signature Landmark; Atomium

Central Europe 3rd part: 3-days in Benelux States: Luxembourg

October 17 to October 19, 2013

Brussels city at night

I went here via tram #51 for 2.5 Euro fare. Admission fee costs 11 Euro up to the highest sphere which has a viewing deck sightseeing also the entire Mini-Europe just beside the park.

The Atomium is an iconic building in Brussels originally constructed for Expo '58, the 1958 Brussels World's Fair. It stands 102 m (335 ft) tall. Its nine 18 m (59 ft) diameter stainless steel clad spheres are connected so that the whole forms the shape of a unit cell of an iron crystal magnified one billion times. Tubes connect the spheres along the 12 edges of the cube and all eight vertices to the center. They enclose escalators and a lift to allow access to the five habitable spheres which contain exhibit halls and other public spaces. The top sphere provides a panoramic view of Brussels. CNN named it Europe's most bizarre building.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomium

Atomium

Brussels City at Night

Central Europe 3rd part: 3-days in Benelux States: Luxembourg

October 17 to October 19, 2013

Afternoon train from Luxembourg to Brussels

Since I arrived late and after walk-in search for cheapest available dormitory/hostel for a night, I walked in the streets for some night shots with my wingman tripod. One of the best places in Brussels for night shot concept is the Grand Palace that comprises a central square and harmonious ensemble of surrounding buildings that represent the culture of this mercantile city from the late 17th century.

Brussels city at night (Grand Place-Grote Markt)

Brussels city at night

Central Europe 4th part: 3 Days in Benelux States: Belgium

23-days Autumn Experience on my 1st Schengen Visa Escapade
October 17 to October 19, 2013 

"The lake and the mountains have become my landscape, my real world."- Georges Simenon

My 21st country to visit, 25th solo backpacking trip, 5th visa application for tourism on entire single page, and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure.

Benelux is a union of states comprising three neighboring countries in Midwestern Europe: Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Belgium, officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal monarchy in Western Europe. The name 'Belgium' is derived from Gallia Belgica, a Roman province in the northernmost part of Gaul.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgium

Atomium

Schengen Town Short Visit Tour

Central Europe 3rd part: 3-days in Benelux States: Luxembourg

October 17 to October 19, 2013

Luxembourg City short-visit tour 

Though I already know there is nothing much to see on this place, I visited intentionally to honor and pay tribute for a hassle-less visa unifying the best countries of Europe.

Schengen is a small wine-making village and commune in far south-eastern Luxembourg, near the tripoint where the borders of Germany, France, and Luxembourg meet. The name of the commune was changed in 2006 to take advantage of the Schengen's name recognition after the signing of the Schengen Agreement there in 1985. Schengen Castle dates from 1390 but was almost completely rebuilt in the 19th century. It is now a hotel and conference centre.

Schengen Agreement was named after a small village in Luxembourg that is located on the point where its borders meet those of Germany and France. In 1985, the dismantling of internal border controls started across the European Union. The Schengen Agreement has made passport-free travel possible for over 400 million Europeans. From the initial five, the Schengen area now includes 26 countries. Consequently, both EU citizens and non-EU nationals may freely move around within the Schengen area.

Schengen town and museum

Luxembourg City Short Visit Tour

Central Europe 3rd part: 3-days in Benelux States: Luxembourg

October 17 to October 19, 2013

Overnight train from Bern, Switzerland to Luxembourg

Map requested from tourist information office in Luxembourg Train station, I just walked going to the city center around 2 kilometers distance.

Luxembourg city is the cosmopolitan capital and administrative hub of the Grand Duchy. With 100,000 inhabitants, 60% coming from 143 countries, the city has managed to preserve its historical charms and continues to astonish its residents and tourists visiting each year with its multicultural surroundings. Furthermore, Luxembourg officially hosts the European Union in addition to hosting several prestigious financial and legal institutions. The blend of traditional local culture combined with the influences of other nationalities makes Luxembourg city open, hospitable and cultural rich. Luxembourg; a city that pulsates with an extraordinary energy.

view at the Corniche (the most beautiful balcony of Europe)

Central Europe 3rd part; 3 Days in Benelux States: Luxembourg

23-days Autumn Experience on my 1st Schengen Visa Escapade
October 17 to October 19, 2013 

"Let it be understood, in the first place, that a science fiction story must be an exposition of a scientific theme and it must be also a story." - Hugo Gernsback

My 20th country to visit, 25th solo backpacking trip, 5th visa application for tourism on entire single page, and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure.

Benelux is a union of states comprising three neighbouring countries in midwestern Europe: Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Luxembourg, officially the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, is a landlocked country in western Europe, bordered by Belgium, France, and Germany. Reflecting its geographic position, Luxembourg's culture is a fusion of Romance and Germanic Europe, borrowing customs from each of the distinct traditions. Luxembourg is a trilingual country: Luxembourgish, French and German are official languages. Although a secular state, Luxembourg is predominantly Roman Catholic.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxembourg

view at the Corniche (the most beautiful balcony of Europe)

Swiss Alps Seen above Mount Pilatus

Central Europe 2nd part; 2-days solo backpacking in Switzerland

October 14 to October 16, 2013

Iconic fountains; Bern City specials

Mount Pilatus elevation is 2,128 meters and has an excellent summit viewing deck to sightsee the majestic Swiss Alps. I went to this mountain via Silver class trip Lucerne – Alpnachstad – Pilatus Kulm – Kriens – Lucerne (train) for 76.4 chf ($84.4) with travel hours 0900H-1600H.

In discovering the Pilatus Kulm, there are 7 places to explore. Esel which is the 6,953ft summit part, Hotel Bellevue which has wide window for sightseeing, Hotel Pilatus-Kulm which is just beside Hotel Bellevue, Dragonpath which is route underneath the summits, Chriesiloch which is the end of Dragonpath, Oberhaupt which is the 6,913ft summit and Tomlishorn which is the highest peak at 7,000ft. 

Whether you take the world's steepest cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad or the panorama gondolas and aerial cableway from Kriens, the Pilatus offers a unique alpine experience! Climb aboard and enjoy magnificent panoramic views: the panorama gondolas  takes around 30 minutes to travel from Kriens – via the Krienseregg – to the Fräkmüntegg summit terminus. The breathtaking mountainscape at the summit is awe-inspiring – experience, too, the unique alpine atmosphere. The best views at 2132 metres above sea level are a further five-minute cablecar ride away.

http://www.pilatus.ch/en/railway-cableways/

Swiss Alps seen above Mount Pilatus

12 Iconic Fountains; Berne City Specials

Central Europe 2nd part; 2-days solo backpacking in Switzerland

October 14 to October 16, 2013

Bern City tour by day and at night

Out of fascination, that's all! This is the reason why I have special post for this 12 artistic statues along the streets in the central city of Berne. There is no intention at all initially but when the Hostel caretaker handed-over to me the free map, my sight caught the attention the lower right corner side of the map where the description of this 12 fountains and their locations. Curious to know what makes this fountain be a subject of my camera, I immediately navigate myself each of them one by one.

The incomparably beautiful picture presented by the medieval streets of Bern would not be complete without the fountains from the Middle Ages, whose colourful pillars and statues greatly enliven the extensive rows of grey houses. The artistic fountains, which were erected about 1550 in place of earlier wooden ones, demonstrate clearly the wealth of the old Bernese community. But the practical mind of the Bernese combined utility with art, and for the benefit of posterity made these fountains into memorials to its heroes and historic events. The vivid colourings have been frequently renewed in their original colours. Several fountains stand in the middle of streets which bear a heavy traffic and trams and cars have to find their way as best they can around these obstacles.
Bern has well over 100 fountains. Eleven still feature the original statues with their allegorical figures.

http://www.bern.com/en/city-of-bern/attractions/fountains-city-bern

Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen (Justice fountain)

Berne City Tour by Day and at Night

Central Europe 2nd part; 2-days solo backpacking in Switzerland

October 14 to October 16, 2013

Geneva city tour by day and at night

I left Geneva also earlier than scheduled due to boredom. Bern is somewhat lively and more European appeal than Geneva in respect to their city center. Berne, the capital of Switzerland sits on a peninsula formed by the meandering turns of the river Aare. The remarkable design coherence of the Berne's old town has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It features 4 miles of arcaded walkways along streets decked out with fountains and clock-towers.

Berne (German: Bern), the capital of Switzerland, is a small to medium sized city. It sits on a peninsula formed by the meandering turns of the river Aare. The remarkable design coherence of the Berne's old town has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It features 4 miles of arcaded walkways along streets decked out with fountains and clock-towers.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Berne

Bern City tour by day and at night (the river)

Geneva City Tour by Day and at Night

Central Europe 2nd part; 2-days solo backpacking in Switzerland

October 14 to October 16, 2013

Afternoon train from Lyon, France to Geneva, Switzerland

After finishing the somehow traumatic treatment in Immigration security of Geneva train station, I strolled around for almost an hour within the nearby area for walk-in hostel inquiry. Then, headed to United Nation Headquarters at Palais de Nation using the tram where my hostel gave me a free unlimited public transpo access within Geneva. I spent the night walking around within the Geneva lakefront.

Geneva ’s world famous lakefront is the centerpiece of the city. The Jet d’Eau spouting 140 meters into the air is the world’s tallest and symbolizes Geneva’s heritage as a leader in the field of hydraulic power. The Promenades along the left and right banks of the lake are filled with cafes, parks, street markets and other diversions from lake cruises to amusement rides to water skiing. The Bains des Paquis on the western shore has been a crowd favorite since its opening in 1932 and continues to draw visitors and locals alike who flock to its saunas and unique bathing areas to see and be seen along this sunny concrete jetty. Dominating the eastern bank, the giant Flower Clock in the English Garden is a tribute to Geneva’s watch industry, harmonizing Swiss ingenuity with the floral bounties of nature. The dial is composed of some 6,500 flowers and is updated with new arrangements several times per year.

http://www.geneva.info/sights/

jet deau

Central Europe 2nd part; 2 Days Solo Backpacking in Switzerland

23-days Autumn Experience on my 1st Schengen Visa Escapade
October 14 to October 16, 2013 

"Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself, and know that everything in life has purpose. There are no mistakes, no coincidences, all events are blessings given to us to learn from." -  Elisabeth Kubler-Ross (Swiss Psychiatrist)

My 19th country to visit, 25th solo backpacking trip, 5th visa application for tourism on entire single page, and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure.

Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world and has the highest wealth per adult (financial and non-financial assets) of any country in the world. Zürich and Geneva have respectively been ranked as the cities with the second and eighth highest quality of life in the world. Switzerland's independence and neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers and Switzerland was not involved in either of the two World Wars. Switzerland showcases three of Europe's most distinct cultures; the clean and correct, 8-to-5-working; the wine drinking and laissez-faire style known from the French; the sun warms cappuccino-sippers loitering in Italian-style piazzas; classic Swiss alphorns and mountain landscapes. Binding it all together is a distinct Swiss mentality.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland

green pastures of Switzerland

Lyon City Day Tour; Major Tourist Spots

Central Europe 1st part; 4-days traveling solo in France
October 10 to October 14, 2013

Marseilles last part; at the ferry boat for night shots

I went to Lyon on a short-visit only due to boredom. From Lyon Part Dieu train station, I stroll around the Lyon City Center by around 6 hours only. Lyon is the third largest city in France, centre of the second largest metropolitan area and the capital of the Rhone-Alpes region.

Founded by the Romans, with many preserved historical areas, Lyon is the archetype of the heritage city, as recognised by UNESCO. Lyon is a vibrant metropolis which makes the most out of its unique architectural, cultural and gastronomic heritage, its dynamic demographics and economy and its strategic location between Northern and Southern Europe. It is more and more open to the world, with an increasing number of students and international events. 
http://wikitravel.org/en/Lyon

Place Bellecour

Marseille last part; at the Ferry Boat for Night Shots

Central Europe 1st part; 4-days traveling solo in France
October 10 to October 14, 2013

Marseilles 1st part; visiting the famous tourist spots  

After taking my snacks at nearby sandwich restaurant, I just strolled around the in Vieux port to see the ordinary daily living of the locals. I checked the port, read the bulletin and to my surprise there was a last trip going to L'Estaque with travel time from 1900H to 1945H for only 3 Euro. From L'Estaque I got back to Vieux port by means of bus #15 (last trip at 2100H) and a metro station.

Located on the southeast coast of France, Marseille is France's largest city on the Mediterranean coast and largest commercial port. Marseille is the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, as well as the capital of the Bouches-du-Rhône department.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marseille

Marseilles at night; cruising the ferry boat

Marseille 1st part; Visiting the Famous Tourist Spots

Central Europe 1st part; 4-days traveling solo in France
October 10 to October 14, 2013

Paris city specials; city of lights night shots 

Upon arrival in Marseille St. Charles train station coming from Paris, I decided to just self-guide the tour using the free map in tourist information office. From Palais Longchamp to Notredame de la Garde then I spent the night in vieux port. Marseille has a complex history. Also known as Port d`Afrique, it was founded by the Phoceans (from the Greek city of Phocea) in 600 BC and is one of the oldest cities in Europe.

For people not afraid to discover a real place with real people, Marseille is the place. From colourful markets (like Noailles market) that will make you feel like you are in Africa, to the Calanques (a natural area of big cliffs falling into the sea - Calanque means fjord), from the Panier area (the oldest place of the town and historically the place where newcomers installed) to the Vieux-Port (old harbor) and the Corniche (a road along the sea) Marseille has definitely a lot to offer.  
http://wikitravel.org/en/Marseille
 

overlooking the Marseilles port from Notre-Dame de la Garde

City of Lights Night Shots; Paris City Specials

Central Europe 1st part; 4-days traveling solo in France
October 10 to October 14, 2013

Paris city tour last part; other tourist spots   

Paris has many nicknames, like "The City of Love", but its most famous is "La Ville-Lumière" (The City of Light), a name it owes first to its fame as a center of education and ideas during the Age of Enlightenment. The sobriquet's "light" took on a more literal sense when Paris became one of the first European cities to adopt gas street lighting. In 1828, Paris began lighting the Champs-Elysées with gas lamps. It was the first city in Europe to do so, and so earned the nickname "La Ville-Lumière" or The City of Light.

Intentionally walked at night to see how the lights illuminated on major tourist spots. Started around 1900H from Notredame de Paris going back to Concorde metro station. Tripod is allowed to use and no fees collected as everything pictured outside.

Musee de Louvre at night

Paris City Tour last part; other Tourist Spots

Central Europe 1st part; 4-days traveling solo in France
October 10 to October 14, 2013

Paris city tour 4th part; 850yrs of Notre-Dame de Paris  

I decided to just navigate myself by means of walking guided by free city map due to its proximity and ease of travel. From Louvre Museum, I went to Museum de Orsay, St. Chapelle, Saint Sulpice, Palais de Luxembourg then Pantheon.

La Sainte-Chapelle (The Holy Chapel) is a royal medieval Gothic chapel, located near the Palais de la Cité, on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris, France. The most famous features of the chapel, among the finest of their type in the world, are the great stained glass windows, for whose benefit the stone wall surface is reduced to little more than a delicate framework. Fifteen huge mid-13th-century windows fill the nave and apse, while a large rose window with Flamboyant tracery dominates the western wall.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sainte-Chapelle

the famous stained glass of Saint Chapelle Church