Summer of 96 - Montagnana

Montagana was one of the most delightful surprises of the Grand Tour. Especially since it wasn't even on our itinerary. We detoured into this lovely town because we couldn't find any accomodation in Venice or Padova.

This medieval city in Northern italy is so incredibly well-preserved - it's like stepping back in time. The Youth Hostel was located in one of the castle towers and I was lucky enough to spend the night in one of the cells that was used to store cannonballs - supercool!!

Watching the sun rise over the turrets the next morning was a religious experience.

I am certain my prayers were heard that day.

Summer of 96 - Vatican City

Aunty Jo-Jo @ Basilica San Pietro, Vatican City, Rome

I must admit I don't remember feeling very pious during my visit to the Vatican City. We had been told to get there very early in the morning to avoid the curse of the tour buses. When we got there at 8am, there was already a large group of "mature" pilgrims (in wheelchairs and walkers!) ahead of us. So we nimbly and politely manouvered our way past them, and bolted up the circular ramps, towards the Vatican Museum ticket office.

It was well worth it. I remember being inspired by:

• Michelangelo's "Pieta" - a sad, gentle sculpture of Mary with the body of Jesus resting on her lap. It was hard to believe that the scene before me was entirely made of cold, hard marble: so life-like were the figures, and realistic were the folds of their clothing
• the Gallery of Maps - an entire corridor plastered from walls to ceilings with ancient maps. Even one used by Vasco da Gama to sail from India to Malaga (our very own Malacca!)
• the Sistine Chapel - I was lucky enough to find a seat and spent a good 20 minutes gawking at the art masterpiece that cost Michaelangelo his health and eyesight. I was particularly impressed by the "Creation of Adam"
• the Vatican treasure - the amount of precious art, artefacts and treasure in those museums is just mind-boggling. Botticelli, Raphael, Da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Rosselini cover wallspace just like Dulux paint covers the walls of my apartment!

Summer of 96 - Rome

Following in the tradition of fashionable society, my first (and only!) Grand Tour of Europe took place in the summer of '96. One glorious month of wonder, excitement and new experiences - and I loved every minute of it.

ROME

"I now realise all the dreams of my youth" - Goethe

"At last, for the first time, I live." - Henry James

Standing at the foot of the Arch of Titus in Rome, I thanked God for allowing me the privilege of seeing Rome for the first time. Not that I have any Catholic tendencies, but just walking around the city, I was overwhelmed by the history and romanticsm that surrounded me.

Rome was the centre of one of the greatest empires ever built. Julius Caesar, Mark Anthony, Peter the Apostle, Paul the Apostle had walked these cobbled streets, past all the monuments and arches, drinking from the water spouts - just as I was doing. Sigh...

It was very hot and dry when I visited Rome. The thermometer registered over 40 degrees centigrade. And yet, the thrill of seeing the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Roman Forum and temple of the Vestal Virgins, completely overpowered any fatigue I was feeling at the time.

Some of the "less glamorous" highlights I do remember include:

• trying almost every gelato in sight - it was so hot!
• throwing coins into the Trevi Fountain
• falling down with a loud "SPLAT" inside the Basilica San Paulo (the site where Paul was matyred) because I couldn't take my eyes off the gold-covered ceilings. Well, I suppose if I had to fall at the feet of any man, Paul the Apostle would have been the most worthy :-)
• yelling at Harvey in Hokkien - to get away from a bunch of gypsy women who had surrounded him - but they still managed to steal about 50,000 lira out of the money pouch that was underneath his shirt. My poor boy said he felt so "violated".
• being secretly upset at not having my bum pinched, as I had been warned all Roman men would do. What's wrong with my bum? ;-)

Freefall!

Aunty Jo-Jo tandem-skydiving over Queenstown, New Zealand

This is THE most exciting thing I've ever done - period.

While others proudly display photos of graduations, weddings and kids (all good things by the way), this photo takes pride of place in my home.

The date: 30th December 1999

The place: Queenstown, New Zealand - the adrenaline capital of the world

The time: Can't remember, I was too scared :-)

Modus Operandi

1. Sign forms to agree that I'm taking my life into my own hands.
2. Swipe Visa card to hand over half my life savings
3. Attend 30-min training on what to do - bla..bla..technical jargon..bla bla - basically trust the instructor and don't PANIC!
4. Get into skydive suit and hook up all the gear
5. Climb aboard a small Cessna plane and wait till you get to 12,000 feet
6. JUMP!

Yoooo......hooooo......

P/S: Highly recommended for anyone with fear of heights - it'll cure it once and for all

On Netherlands

Aunty Jo-Jo @ Kurhaus, the Hague, Netherlands

Since my current job is with Shell, which is a Dutch company, I'll be sharing some of my impressions of the Netherlands.

• It may be one of the smallest European countries, but there is a long and proud history of maritime, trade, art and the Golden Era
• The geography is interesting with 70% of the country below sea level, so much effort and ingenuity has gone into the construction of dykes and dams to keep the water out
• Dutch scenery allows you to see a great expanse of sky and water in the countryside , while the cities proudly display centuries-old architecture crammed together around beautiful squares and delightful canals
• Real "Dutch" food is very basic: bread, cheese, milk and more bread. However, immigrants have introduced more variety into the Dutch diet and you can easily find Indonesian nasi padang, Indian samosas, Chinese wontons and Thai kao pad.
• The Dutch are proud of their artists, and rightly so. Who can resist the bold wild colours of Van Gogh (my favourite) or the gentle glow of a Vermeer? I've recently discovered the genius of many other Dutch artists from the Golden Era, and am particularly impressed by Gerard van der Boch
• A visit to the Anne Frank's hideout in Amsterdam left me a little sad but in awe of the human spirit. There can be no justification for discrimination based on race or colour - God made us, every one
• I am amazed at the ability of the Dutch to switch from one language to another: Dutch, English, German, French, Indonesian. It's almost effortless