ice crystals in holland, winter 2008

It has been unusually nice weather here in Holland in the last three days already, clear blue sky despite it’s a bit windy here, it is said that it will stay like this in the next few days. We took an afternoon walk today and it was so pleasant and refreshing! I did not have my camera with me so I had to use my iPhone to capture the beauty of these ice crystals on the grass and leaves. In the past, I would not think they are any special but when you are relaxed, in good mood and observe things around you more carefully, you will begin to appreciate more about the nature and surroundings.

 

Maybe we can ice-skating here soon?

 

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petit, chic café in Petite France, Strasbourg, France

Last month, I have spent a few good hours in Petite France and of course I would not miss the opportunity shopping in Strasbourg town centre.

It had been raining for days so I was extremely content with the hot and sunny weather, even though, most Chinese including me do not really like to get too tanned. But what could I do, I could not miss such a nice weather, I put on a stronger sunscreen which did not help much but better than nothing. I could not care less anymore.

My main objective that day was to take many nice photos of Petite France. I have visited this place more than 10 years ago but the weather was cold and rainy on that day.

Petite France quarter - ”the district on the waters”, is the most picturesque district of old Strasbourg. Fishermen, millers and tanners once lived and worked in this part of town where the streets have been built level with the waterways. The magnificent half-timbered houses date from the 16th and 17th centuries. Their sloping roofs open out onto lofts where hides were once dried.

 

 

Initially I did not intend to eat in a restaurant that day as I did not feel like spending a long lunch hour in a touristic restaurant. However after a while, I stopped walking and was attracted by the cappuccino ordered by the two customers sitting outside. I was curious and looked inside and immediately I knew I have to stop here for a quick lunch or drink, the interior decoration of this café is just so stylish and artistic, simply irresistible! 

La Tinta Café: Outside it is not so noticeable, but inside I felt as if I have found a hidden gem.

 

Bar or spa? (this is one of my favorite pictures edited by myself)

 

The lunch menu is priced very reasonable, cost €10.50 with main course and dessert. I have chosen to have risotto with scrimps and strawberry chantilly.

Risotto with Scrimps, Dill, Red Peppercorns & Blanched Almonds

 

C'est très delicieux!!!

Everything is so detailed in this little cafe from furniture to tableware, you can tell the owner has put her whole heart to this place. The owner was kind enough to let me taking pictures and I promise to let her know after I have posted in my blog. She was very friendly and I was so happy that I could engage a short conversation with her with my limited French.

Look more closely to the ceiling...

The furniture matches so well!

I finished with a scrumptious cappuccino.

 

La Tinta Cafe

36 Rue du Bain aux Plantes

67000 Strasbourg

Looking from inside...

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1/4 final uefa euro 2008: holland vs russia, basel, switzerland

This is the most viewed picture in my gallery! EUR 60, it surely worth it!!!

A lot of people, especially the Dutch had high expectation to win in the quarter final but in the end we were all disappointed with the results. Nevertheless, I am certain those who came to Basel had a great party.

I learnt something that day: there is no sure win!

Here are some statistics that you may be interested to know:

• 180’000 visitors from Holland
• 500’000 litres of beer consumed
• 100’000 litres of mineral water
• 40 tonnes of garbage

………..Biggest party in Basel ever, even bigger than Fasnacht !!!

Hope you enjoy the snapshots! Orange Party……

It was very hot that day!

Too hot that some people jumped into Rhein

Official Mascots: Trix & Flix

Great hat!

Orange Clogs

I can’t believe I spotted an orange car on my way back

Polizei label also in Orange

Barfusserplatz

It cost EUR60 to have this hairstyle.

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peameal bacon sandwich: the closest to ‘ham’burger ???

Last week when I was in Toronto, I have a few good hours in St Lawrence Market. It was good that I have picked Saturday as this day you see most people and the atmosphere is just great. On Saturdays, starting from 5am, there is a farmers’ market which sell fresh food directly from their farms. As a food lover, I was just fascinated to see all kinds of specialty food stores. Rube’s is one of my most favorite stores, they have all types of flours and rice. Click for full photo album

I would like to highlight the peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery  which I had for lunch that day. I read from the internet that you must visit this bakery and I was wondering what so special about it. When I passed by I saw many people just sat at the bench eating the sandwiches. Normally I don’t like bacon very much but seeing so many people trying and with curiosity I bought one and sat on the bench and ate it there. Surprisingly, it really tasted delicious, the peameal bacon was tender, not salty nor oily at all and the warm soft bun tasted unique. The portion was just right, didn’t feel stuffed. Since normal hamburger does not contain ham but beef, at least the peameal bacon is from pork and its color looks like ham. Therefore in my opinion, I would think the peameal bacon sandwich should be considered to be the closest to hamburger. If you visit Toronto, this is surely a MUST-TRY food item!!!

 

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a sunny friday afternoon in basel town, switzerland

Normally I am not too excited shopping in Basel but maybe because it was a nice sunny afternoon. Everything looked more interesting and beautiful than usual. I was most happy to have some nice discoveries: a lot of specialty which I have not noticed before. Date: 23 May 2008

Negishi is one of the popular sushi restaurants in Basel town. The price is reasonable. The restaurant is small, nothing really fancy but if you want something quick, this is the place to go. They also do take away. My favorite sushi there is spicy tuna roll.

 

negishi sushi bar
Gerbergasse 80 (nr. Barfüsserplatz), 4001 Basel

Rathaus and Open Market, in Markplatz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is this postman bag big enough for a shopaholic like me?

 

These are old chairs being redone in a stylish way. Werk atelier is a charity organization which supports those people who have psychological problems, e.g. depression. Here they can learn to make all kinds of handicrafts and sell them. The money from the sold items, a fraction of it will go back to the designer as a support for their living. I have bought one of these chairs that day? Can you guess which one I have picked?

An old-fashioned shoe maker in a small street (Die Schuhmacher).

 

vom FASS was the highlight of that day. This shop is originated in Germany selling a large varieties of high-end vinegars, oils, wine, spirits and liqueurs. In fact, I was given bottles of vinegar (WALDBURG BALSAM Apple matured in oaken barrels)  and olive oil (extra virgin olive oil with lemon) as christmas gift two years ago but I never got a chance to visit the shop myself. I was fascinated by the different shapes of the bottles and how the liqueurs, oils, vinegars, grappas, etc are stored. The staff was very friendly and encouraged me to sample their products.

Basically, you can choose the size and shape of the bottle you like and the staff will fill up the product you desire. The good thing is you can bring the bottle and refill to what you like when your bottle is emptied.

 

 

Strawberry limes (seasonal available)
I bought the Strawberry limes that day as it is absolutely divine. You can drink “on the rocks”. It is suited best to marinade strawberries, finishing punch bowls, with ice cream or other desserts.

So I was happy and time to go home. Please see my other pictures of that day in Facebook. link

 

 

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