Friday, May 21, 2010

Christmas Trip in Prague (2)

After having breakfast in hotel, my friends and I had joined the local Orange Umbrella one day Prague Walking Tours.

We got to know this tour from the hotel lobby, and it’s Explorer tour cost 1000 CZK for an adult and 950 CZK for student. This price includes: the walk, the heated boat trip, a snack, lunch, drinks, entrance fees, coloured map of Prague and of course super guide. To join this walking tour, we just need to wait and look for the tour guide with orange umbrella sign at the Astronomical clock in Old Town Square.
IMG_0089  Breakfast at Hotel’s restaurant
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The Astronomical clock in Old Town Square 
IMG_0099  Closer look on the Astronomical Clock. This clock is quite meticulous and complicated, as it composed of three main components: The astronomical dial, position of the sun and moon and some other astronomical details like zodiacal ring, and also the time scale, calendar and some moving figures coming out when time reached.
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The Church of Our Lady Before Týn, is an obvious and dominant feature in the Old Town. It has been the main church in Prague since 14th century.
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Another view on the Church of Our Lady Before Týn.
IMG_0108  The Powder Gate or Powder Tower located right next to the Municipal House and it is one of the Prague’s medieval monuments. It called as Powder Gate as it was used as a storehouse for gunpowder in 18th century. To reach to the Prague Royal place, The Powder Gate act as the starting point which lead through the Old Town over the Charles Bridge, through the Lesser Town and finally go up to the hill to reach to the Prague Castle.
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The Old Town Bridge Tower, located at the east end of the Charles Bridge, as the entrance to the Old Town. While on the other end of the Charles Bridge, is a tower called as The Lesser Town Bridge Tower which guide as entrance to the Lesser Town. 
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  Under the Old Town Bridge Tower, entrance to the Charles Bridge
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On the Charles Bridge, there are about 30 statues mounted on the two side of the Charles Bridge, which had established for more than four century. The local people believe that if a person can touch on the bronze carve on the statues, it can bring him or her some good luck. Unfortunately, I was unable to put my both hand on the carve at the same time --- well, my hand not enough long. We had a boat ride with some hot refreshments that served on boat. Below are some of the view from the boat:
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Church of St Salvator, Clementinum
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Statue of Charles IV or also known as the Monument to Emperor Charles IV located near the Old Town Bridge Tower.
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Guide at the entrance of the Prague Castle
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Saint Vitus Cathedral is the biggest church in the country and located within the Prague Castle. It is huge and magnificent both inside and outside of the building.
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The back part of the Saint Vitus Cathedral.
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  The inner part of Saint Vitus Cathedral Christmas market in Old Town Square
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Night scene in Prague
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Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Marina Bay Seafood


Went there for few times but never try to dine in the restaurant – Marina Bay Seafood Restaurant, from its outside it looks like a high expense restaurant, worry that it will cost high for one meal. Recently family came to Miri to visit us, so we thought to have a try in this restaurant.

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Marina Bay located at seaside, with a huge seahorse statue nearby, a very easy locate landmark, constitute a lovely and comfortable panorama.
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No matter inside or outside the restaurant, it show its gorgeous design and decorations, some kind like Thailand or Malay culture. It serves not just Chinese cuisine, but also has another set of Italian menu foods.
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Seafood toufu soup and Fish scoop soup
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Thai style sour chicken
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Fried 4 vegetables 四大天王
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Seafood stew toufu
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Get ready to start eating
Surprisingly, the dishes are not that expensive that I though, of course if comparing with small restaurant outside, It a bit higher price. All these dishes plus one pot of Jasmine tea, 5 bowls of rice, 2 plates of snack, and 5% service charge, cost us total RM 92.93.
Well, It kind of enjoying eating there, especially if you choose to sit at the open sea view balcony seats, where you can hear the sound of wave, smell of the sea and enjoy the sunset. One thing to mention: advice not to look up as you will see lots of spider web stick on the lamp and roof. The restaurant should be caution on this.
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Marina Bay Seafood Restaurant
Lot 1406, Block 9, MCLD Marina Park,
Jalan Temenggong Datuk Oyong Lawai Jau,
98000 Miri, Sarawak
Tel: 085 - 408013
Photographer: W.Y. Sam