Trip to the Baltic Sea

A couple of us decided to take a drive to the Baltic sea since the weather was pretty good. It was approximately an hour and a half drive from Hamburg. On the journey, I noticed that there is no toll on the highways here. How great is that!


The place is a tourist attraction and hence expect to be ripped off (a little). When we arrived we had to pay for a parking spot which cost 0.50 Euro for half and hour. Afterwhich when we went to the beach, there is an "entrance fee" of 3 Euro. I find it odd that we have to pay to enter a public beach. Oh well, that is how things work here. When in Rome do as the Romans. The small little hunt (see above picture) is up for rental too. 6-10 Euro I think, I didn't bother to ask.


Even though the weather was bright and sunny, I was wrapped out in my jacket. Don't let the pictures fool you. It may look like any other beaches in Asia but its 18 degrees! Probably I am not used to the weather but the wind was ultimate killer. I can't comprehend how some of them can actually swim in the freaking cold water. It was an amazing sight to see some of them sun bathing in their bikini. Amazing how they can actually take the cold.


Despite the cold, the place is beautiful. A nice spot to chill over the weekend.

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Through the eyes of Song Yia

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#1 Erdinger

I recently realise that I have been drinking a lot of different beer since I came to Hamburg. The only problem is that I can't keep track of what I have tried and also the names of the beer. Therefore I have decided to keep track of the beers that I have tasted in my blog. It will be interesting to see how many variety of beer I have tried in my stay in Europe.

So, first up in the list #1: Erdinger weißebier- with fine yeast- (5.3% alcohol)
This is a wheat beer from Munich. It has a full range of wheat beer ranging form light to dark and strong to non alcoholic (I will definitely try all of them! ).

I visit Erdinger webpage and they have step by step instruction to service wheat beer. Quite interesting. See the sequence below:

Step 1: First rinse the glass well in cold water. By the way: never put wheat beer glasses into the dishwasher - traces of aggressive detergent on the glass will make even the frothiest head collapse.

Step 2: Hold the glass at a slight angle and pour the beer in slowly along the side of the glass. Don't empty the bottle though - leave about a finger's width at the bottom.

Step 3: The yeast is still missing - together with the other ingredients, the yeast is essential to give the beer its true flavor.

Step 4: Swirl the bottle gently in order to agitate the yeast. Then pour the remaining beer into the glass.

Step 5: The yeast is now evenly distributed throughout the glass and helps form the perfect frothy head - now comes the moment of complete Erdinger wheat beer enjoyment!

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Through the eyes of Song Yia

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Beach Club

This post has nothing to do with the Beach Club in Malaysia. Th beach club in Hamburg has a total different atmosphere. The beach club only opens during spring/ summer. As you can see from the pictures, the beach club looks like any other beaches in Malaysia -white sand and benches. The only difference it is the harbour and not the sea. The best way to describe this place is Redang Island with the temperature of 20 degrees.


Similar to other beaches, you see family bring their children who were all geared up with beach toys. Some even brought their pet dogs. Also, like any club, there are some light music and alcoholic beverages are served.


Sadly, the beach club will close down next year. This is because it is located on a prime land and the government has development plans for that area. So, boys and girls, do visit the beach club while you can.

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Through the eyes of Song Yia

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Musical Fountain @ Plantem und Blomen

Plantem und Blomen has a cool musical fountain which is only available during Spring and Summer. It is a a combination of music, sequence of lights and water waves. The show starts at 10pm every night and it last around 30 minutes. Worth a visit!

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Through the eyes of Song Yia

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Canoeing @ Alster Canal;

My company had a team building event at the Alster Canal where a group of us head out for some canoeing. Having a lake in the middle of the city is a beauty of Hamburg. The best part about canoeing in Hamburg is that we are allow to have beer on the canoe!

I am not in the mood the write, so let the pictures do the talking.

These are the canoe that we used.

All set for canoeing. As you can see I already have my beer in hand even before I started canoeing.

Check out the view of our journey down the canal.

The view of my hair and back

Introducing the team!

I was enjoying my cocktail after a good work out (1 hour of canoeing)

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Through the eyes of Song Yia

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Bracelet

I been wanting to buy this bracelet and I finally got it today from the Fischmarkt. It's pretty unique to Hamburg (I think) as I have not seen it else where. You basically choose the beads which cost 3-5 Euro each. It is string together with a silver bracelet. I am thinking of getting a necklace as well.

The picture quality is not that good because I took it via my mobile. I left my camera in my colleague's bag on Friday, I will only get it back next week.

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Through the eyes of Song Yia

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New Shoes

I got myself a new pair of shoes. Got it from a small shop outside Altona S Bahn. I love shoes, I definitely need to myself more!

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Through the eyes of Song Yia

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Walk in the park

I visited Plantem und Blomen - which literally means Plants and Flowers - that it is located 5 minutes walk from my apartment. Since it is spring, the park was filled with rainbows of flowers. The walk in the park was nice as you can enjoy the great view of the flowers which we don't see in Malaysia. You can even hear the birds chirping. It is so relaxing just to stroll around the park.

I never visited the park previously as it was winter and the weather was cold and wet. I can't wait for summer when the weather gets better. Then, I will enjoy a good book accompanied with a nice glass of beer.

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Through the eyes of Song Yia

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Weiss Beer in Spring

This picture was taken a week ago. I was enjoying a nice glass of wheat beer at the habour while enjoying the sun =)

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Through the eyes of Song Yia

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Barbeque : German Style

Over the weekend a couple of us decided to visit stadtpark for a nice barbeque and picnic. The sun was up and shinning which gives us a perfect weather for a day out.

We visited the local super market to purchase the pre-marinated barbeque meat. It is common during this time of the year that the supermarket stock up with pre-martinated meat suitable for grilling. Of course, what's a barbeque without a sausages.

I discovered there is a one time use barbeque pit which can be purchased in any supermarket like Toom or Real. It cost between Euro 2.00 - 2.50. It comes with charcoal and all you have to do is lit the sheet and leave it to burn for 20 minutes. Afterwhich the barbeque pit is ready for use. This is so convinient as you can bin the pit when you are done. The charcoal can last around 2 hours which is more than sufficient .

When we arrived at the park, it was already packed with people. You wil see poeple laying their picnic blankets and enjoying the weather. Some came with their family while others with friends. It was a largish green field, you will see people playing football as well.

I love having barbeque here. Unlike in Malaysia, I tend to get all sweaty and sticky during barbeques however it is not the case here. I already bought 2 barbeque pits and will organise another barbeque picnic when my mom and brother is down.

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Through the eyes of Song Yia

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