Africa - here we come!

The day has finally arrived and we are flying tonight, first to Dubai for 2 days and off to Africa. We were discussing how we are feeling about the trip and im actually feeling quite nuetral? I never really thought much about Africa/Safari for some reasons. Basically I don't really know what to expect and so maybe don't know what to look forward to?

I am looking forward to Dubai though. Booked ourselves into the Raffles hotel there! Hopefully its a good stay! 

Oh, just a note, we had spent days packing for the trip. Its quite different from usual as this time we can only use soft bags and had a tight weight limit of 40kg due to the internal flights. I guess we usually dont travel light! This is such a challenge for us!

Vaishali

Visited the Vaishali Relic Stupa where we met a Bante. He led us in making 3 rounds and chanting Ratana sutra (jewel discourse for protection) and told us about the area. This is where they dug out the relics of Buddha and now placed in the Patna musuem. Currently they are trying very hard to get the relics back to Vaishali where it belonged.

Next we visited the King Asoka Pillars and his Stupa. Listened to the discourse about that place.

Vaishali is also the place where Buddha spent his last Vassa and the place where he relinquished his will to live and announced that he will be entering into parinibbana at Kushingar.

Ragir -Satipanna Cave & Vulture peak

SATIPANNA CAVE
Reached Ragir in time for our lunch at 11am. After lunch and a short rest, we took hike up to Satipanna cave. This is where the 1st buddist council of 500 arhats were held. At the foot of the hills were the hot springs as well as some Hindus temple which is very crowded but once up to the cave (about 1 hour hike up) it's pretty much on our own.

The caves have been sealed off due to the passage of time, but we did want in to one of the openings. Mediated for a while and listened to the discourse on the biddost council.

VULTURE PEAK
The next morning, weWoke up at 330am for the ascent to vulture peak.

This is the place where Buddha gave some important discourse and also the pace where it's believe the heart sutra was taught.

Took 45 mins of a climb in total darkness to reach the top. Up there, as we were the only group there in such early hours, it's really peaceful and quiet. Sat for a while under the stars and when i opened my eyes, can start to see the rays of the morning sun.

Spent almost 2 hours at the peak, mediating and listening to what the Buddha has taught. we came down while the sun is rising and the arrival of the other prilmgms.

A vast contrast to my previous trip when it's really crowded up the peak.

On The way back to hotel, we stopped by Bimbisara prison and the Javaka stupa (the buddist doctor).

We also did a trip to the bamboo groove and Nalanda, the Buddhist university where many monks studied and taught here in the early days. Sadly it was destroyed and all was left are the ruins that's about 1km long, where it used to sketches up to 10km.

JOURNEY TO BUDDHA LAND 2018 - Bodhgaya

Today is the 5th day of the trip. We are leaving for Ragir after 4 nights to Bodhgaya. Bodhgaya is where Lord Buddha attain enlignment sitting under the Bodhi Tree.

My 2nd visit to this place and this time, it's a longer visit. Seemingly the place is not as filled with beggars as during my 2012 trip.

Mahabodi temple is as usual filled with monks, prilmgms paying respect to the Buddha and the bodhi tree. Chanting and prostration around the temple.

There are many voices, sounds of different traditions chanting, even people talking bit surprisingly when near the bodhi tree and when u close your eyes and reflect inwards, there's always the sense of calm and peace.

We woke up early on 2 morning, set off at 430am for the morning mediation. There always a mad rush for the entry when the temple opens at 5am. But still once ok ger inside and gazed at the mahabodi temple, calmness regins.

We visited the Sujata Stupa where lady Sujata gave Buddha alms of the milk porridge after he stop his aestic practices as well as the Donga cave (where he spent 6 years of his aestic practices).

On the last day, we did a full day trip to Maha kassapa cave. It was a difficult trip of small and winding roads, and took us 2 to 3 hours to climb up the mountain with 1600 steps. Up the cave, we listened to the reading of his life story and enjoyed the entry of the cave.

And this concludes the 4 days at Bodgaya. I really enjoyed the time spent at the bodhi tree, simply taking in the energy and peace of the bodhi tree.

Winter Wonderland @ Neuschwanstein Castle

Woke up to snow in the morning! Snow in Spring! And the temperature forecast is at a -4 deg up in the mountains. It’s going to be a cold cold day! Was re-thinking our plans to go up to the Neuschwanstein Castle for the day, but in the end, we decided to go ahead, and I’m really glad we did!

Took the 9:52 train from Munich (using the Bayern Ticket) and reached Fussen at 11:55am. Took a short bus ride (bus 73) and reached the tickets collection center. Glad that we made the ticket reservation and was able to join the shorter queue and got our tickets in less than 10 mins. The queue for the non-reserved tickets was long!

Unfortunately for us, the bus service was not operational. We opted for the horse carriage ride, but after waiting for 30mins, and the Queue doesn’t seems to be moving, we decided to walk up. Our tour time was at 1:35pm, and it was already 12:15! Walked up the beautiful slopes and it started snowing again! It’s super cold, but yet, the scenery was really beautiful, trees and ground covered in the white snow, making it so magical – a magical walk up to the castle.

After around 40mins, we finally reached the entrance of the castle! It’s beautiful, really as magical as it can be, covered in snow and sunlight! Glad that we made the trip and made it for the tour. Not able to take any photos inside the castle, but it was beautiful. After the tour, made our way back down and got nice delicious and hot donuts on the way down to the horse stable. This time, we waited for the horse carriage and took the carriage ride down.

Made our way back to the station, and took the train back to Munich. It was really a magical day out. Snow in Spring! Loved it.

 

A first to Euope 2017

finally, planned and made my first trip to Europe. A DIY trip to Germany, Italy and Holland.

really took a lot of research and time to figure out the train connections, tickets and such and finally, we are on our way!

Germany -Nuremberg / Rothenburg

Arrived in Frankfurt on Good Friday. After a night of rest, took the train directly to Nurnburg. Finally realise that every where is in german language and English signs are almost non-existent! even in some places of attracttions. at least some have an audio guide to help is understand.

Visted the old town and happened to chance upon an Easter market whole we are at the Altasdt in Nurnberg! yum yum food and interesting things they sell!

walked up the castle, and by the time we finished walking back, and had a dinner of Pasta,  most of the shops are closed and it's pretty quiet on the streets by 8pm!

Rothenberg

The next day, we took the train to Rothenberg. Took us 2 changes and we were super confused by the platform and train details which is all in German! lucky managed to asked and got help from a passerby!

it's a beautiful little town with it's own character. but as it's the good friday / Easter holiday,  almost all the shops are closed. we could only window shopped literally! but it still makes an interesting visit!