Grandpa 's Journey

  Leaving behind the serene beauty of Lake Lucerne , we began our journey westward through Switzerland ’s rolling hills and alpine meadows. The road was lined with green pastures, charming chalets adorned with rustic timbering, and vibrant flower boxes bursting with color — scenes straight out of a storybook. As we crossed the border into France , the landscape gradually changed. Our comfortable coach whisked us along modern French highways, speeding past some of the country’s most famous vineyards in Burgundy . The air felt warmer, the hills softer — and excitement built as we neared our destination. By late afternoon, the silhouette of Paris appeared on the horizon. The City of Light welcomed us with its unmistakable elegance and vibrant energy. That evening, many of us chose to attend an optional Parisian cabaret show — a dazzling mix of music, dance, and glamour. The lights, the costumes, and the atmosphere were pure Paris — bold, artistic, and unforgettable. Special t...

  Today we immersed ourselves in the charms of Lucerne , one of the most picturesque and beloved cities in all of Switzerland. Nestled between towering snow-capped mountains and the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne , the city effortlessly blends medieval charm with alpine elegance. Our sightseeing tour began  with a visit to Lucerne’s iconic city walls , part of the ancient fortifications that once guarded this proud city. We then admired the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) — a beautiful covered wooden bridge adorned with 17th-century paintings, spanning the River Reuss . Nearby stood the Water Tower , an emblem of the city, and the surrounding ornate patrician houses with frescoed facades and flower-filled balconies lining the cobbled streets. We paused at the deeply moving Lion Monument ( Löwendenkmal ), a masterful stone sculpture carved into a sandstone cliff. It honors the heroic Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. The mournfu...

        Leaning tower of Pisa We left the artistic beauty of Florence behind and journeyed north across the fertile Lombardy Plain , the industrial and agricultural heartland of Italy. As we traveled, the landscape slowly shifted — from rolling hills and vineyards to the majestic peaks that herald our arrival in the Alps. Our first major stop was the s ubtropical resort town of Lugano , located in the Italian-speaking region of southern Switzerland. Nestled along the shores of Lake Lugano , the town offered a lovely midday break. We took time to stroll along the elegant lakeside promenade , surrounded by palm trees, mountains, and the sparkling blue waters. The air felt crisp and refreshing, a blend of Mediterranean charm and Alpine purity. From there, our coach began the breathtaking ascent through the Alps, winding through tunnels and valleys toward the St. Gotthard Tunnel — one of Europe’s most important alpine passages. Emerging from the tunnel, we found our...

  After two captivating days in Rome, we headed north this morning via the Autostrada del Sole — the Highway of the Sun — a smooth and scenic route through the Italian countryside toward Florence , the cradle of the Renaissance . We arrived by early afternoon, greeted by a city that truly embodies the perfect harmony of art, architecture, and history . Florence is a living museum — every square, every narrow alley, every bridge speaks of genius.                                                 Our orientation drive introduced us to the city’s highlights , including its red-roofed skyline and graceful buildings stretching across the River Arno . We made stops near some of Florence’s most iconic landmarks: The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore ( the Duomo ) , crowned with Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome The Baptistery of St. John with its celebrated bronz...

Today was a true highlight of the tour — a full day to explore the majestic and awe-inspiring city of Rome , once the capital of the Roman Empire and still a global center of history, culture, and art. Our guided panoramic tour began in Piazza Venezia , where the grand Monument to Victor Emmanuel II , also known as the "Wedding Cake" , dominates the square. Nearby stood the Altar of the Fatherland , with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — a moving tribute to Italy's fallen heroes. From there, we caught a glimpse of the ancient Roman Forum , once the bustling heart of Roman public life, and then stood in awe before the mighty Colosseum , where gladiators once battled for glory before thousands of spectators. We passed by the Circus Maximus , the vast stadium where chariot races thrilled ancient Romans, before ascending to the Gianiculum Hill ( Janiculum ) — one of Rome’s highest points. From here, we enjoyed a breathtaking panoramic view of Rome , its rooftops, domes, P...

                                  Rome 1995   We began our journey early this morning, leaving behind the romantic waterways and timeless charm of the Venice region. As our coach headed south toward Rome, we found ourselves traversing a rich and varied tapestry of Italian landscapes, each unfolding like pages of a storybook filled with natural splendor, cultural depth, and historical grandeur. Our route first took us through the fertile plains of the Po River Delta , often referred to as the breadbasket of Italy . This vast agricultural region, nourished by the life-giving waters of the Po River, stretched out before us in a patchwork of golden fields, green vineyards, and orderly rows of crops. Tractors moved slowly across the land, and rustic farmhouses dotted the countryside, giving us a glimpse into the rhythm of rural life that has sustained Italy for centuries. As we continued on, the terra...

This morning, we continued our Austrian adventure, winding our way through the spectacular landscapes of the Tyrol region . Snow-capped peaks framed our drive, and charming chalets dotted the hillsides. Our Austrian adventure took us deep into the heart of the Tyrol region, a spectacular stretch of alpine beauty nestled between towering peaks and rolling green meadows. Winding our way along mountain roads and scenic byways, we felt as if we had stepped into a living postcard—each turn revealing another breathtaking vista, from glistening glacial lakes to centuries-old villages with flower-filled balconies and onion-domed churches. The air was crisp and invigorating, laced with the fresh scent of pine forests and the soft, melodic clinking of cowbells drifting from distant pastures. We passed through charming towns like Innsbruck and Seefeld , where modern life gracefully coexists with deep-rooted traditions. Locals in traditional Tyrolean dress still gather for festivals, and you can ...

                                                                                                   Vienna - Salzburg 1995 Today we journeyed westward, leaving Vienna behind and heading into the Austrian countryside . Our route took us through picturesque valleys, alpine meadows, and small villages nestled among rolling green hills. Leaving the elegant cityscape of Vienna behind, our coach journey to Salzburg unfolded like pages from a storybook. As we traveled westward, the landscape gradually transformed—rolling hills gave way to wide, open meadows, where quaint villages nestled amid clusters of trees and church steeples pierced the sky like timeless sentinels. Snow-dusted peaks loomed in the distance, their jagged silhouettes softened by t...

  Dear Kitty  and  Tim , Julie and I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for joining us at Grandeur Palace yesterday.  It was such a joy to reconnect over delicious food and warm conversation—truly a highlight of our week! The dim sum was fantastic, far exceeding our expectations. From the steamed beef balls and  pan-seared turnip cakes to the crispy deep-fried shrimp balls and congee, every dish was a delight.  The rice rolls wrapped with marinated raddish (sliced) and shredded pork were so flavorful, and the ginger juiced red sugar cake was the  perfect sweet finish. Excellent price  for quality dim sum! But even more memorable was our time together. The conversation flowed so naturally, and  reminiscing about our younger days brought back so many cherished memories. Laughter and stories  made the meal even more special. We’re already looking forward to our next reunion—whether when Julie and I visit Hong Kong  or when you’r...

                                                                 Vienna 1995 After a restful night, we awoke in Vienna , the elegant capital of Austria, ready to explore a city that once ruled a vast empire and continues to charm with its imperial grandeur, classical music heritage, and café culture. Our morning began with a guided panoramic tour , giving us a glimpse of Ringstrasse , Vienna’s famous circular boulevard. Along this grand road, we saw imposing landmarks like the State Opera House , Parliament , City Hall , and the grand Hofburg Palace — former residence of the Habsburg emperors. We strolled through the historic city center , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where cobbled lanes, Baroque churches, and horse-drawn carriages created a timeless ambiance. The highlight for many was a visit to the St. Stephen’s Cathe...

Today’s journey took us out of Germany and deep into the heart of Austria — a land of music, mountains, monasteries, and medieval magic. We followed the ancient Danube trade route , winding our way through valleys and vineyards toward the imperial city of Vienna . Tracing the Danube’s Historic Path Leaving Regensburg in the morning, our coach followed the Danube River , one of Europe’s great waterways, whose gentle flow has shaped centuries of trade, culture, and history. Our guide shared how the very route we were taking had once been a lifeline connecting Western Europe to the East — from Roman merchants to medieval pilgrims. The countryside slowly changed as we crossed into Austria : gently rolling hills gave way to dramatic cliffs and forested slopes. Everywhere we looked, vineyards blanketed the landscape , hinting at Austria’s rich winemaking tradition. Melk and Its Glorious Abbey We made a memorable stop at Melk , a small town with an outsized presence thanks to its Baroqu...

  Today was a feast for the senses — winding roads, timber-framed towns, rolling vineyards, and glimpses of Germany’s deep-rooted history at every turn. We left the Rhine behind and headed southeast through Bavaria’s most scenic and romantic landscapes, where each stop felt like stepping into a fairy tale. Following the Rhine and Heading East After a restful night in the Rhineland , we boarded our coach early in the morning, enjoying a beautiful drive along the River Rhine . The scenic route hugged the riverbank, with vineyards climbing steep hills , castle ruins perched above the cliffs , and quaint river towns with half-timbered houses appearing one after another. It’s no wonder this area inspired poets and painters — even from the window of the coach, the view was spectacular. We soon passed Frankfurt , Germany’s financial capital, its skyline of modern glass towers in sharp contrast to the traditional villages we had just seen. It felt like the meeting point of old Europe an...