Wimbledon, 27 Jun 2008

On Fri, I went for my 2nd Wimbledon :) Wimbledon this year is blessed with such excellent weather. Unbelievable weather I would say. The only time there was rain delay was on Fri! :( The day which I went. haha.. but luckily, the rain delay was only for 1.5 hours, and it happened only once. Unlike last year, where matches were suspended for a total of 7 times due to rain!

I was really to get 2 tickets from entering the ballot last year in Dec. And the tix I got was to Centre court! Lucky lucky! No need to queue from early morning this time round. hee..


Which way to Centre Court?!


Lleyton Hewitt practising


The first match we watched was that of Anna Chakvetadze at Court 11.


Ana Ivanovic practising.


It's quite enjoyable to watch her play because she is always smiling.




Mario Ancic practising - another player to watch.


The rain covers on! Luckily it came on before the match started. It was there for 1.5 hours, of which we used the time for lunch. Luckily we were sitting at the back under the roof. So we didn't have to use our umbrellas, unlike the folks pictured above.


Federer out for his match against Gicquel of France.




Jingyi, this is for u :) The biggest my camera zoom can go.


More close-up shots of Federer.


Roger serving.


Roger Federer won the match in straight sets! :)


Next match was Serena Williams vs Amelie Mauresmo. Serena won in straight sets too.


The last match we watched was Mario Ancic vs David Ferrer. Ancic won in 4 sets :) A very thrilling 4 sets I muz say. Although we missed half of the 4th set coz it was alread 830pm and we were too hungry! So we left in the middle of the 4th set to go off for dinner.


At the scoreboard.


Wimbledon - Will I get to attend it again next year? I have yet to catch Sharapova and Djokovic at Centre Court!!!!


Atop the open air bus which we caught from Wimbledon to Central London. It costs £4.50.

Prague Jun 21-23 2008 (Part 2)

Visit to the castle was the main highlight of day 2. The Prague Castle is one of the biggest castles in the world. There are many separate buildings, churches, structures within the Castle itself. The current Czech President has his office in the castle as well!




View of the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle again...


Inside the St Nicholas Church - on our to the Prague Castle.


At the main entrance to the castle.

In the castle, we visited the St Vitus Cathedral, the St George's Basilica, Golden Lane, The National Gallery and Picture Gallery etc..




At the Golden Lane. This Lane is made up of small quaint shops..


An example of a nicely decorated small shop.





Our first group photo - infront of the Castle.


A good spot for photos discovered! On our way to the Royal Garden.


Approaching the Rudolfinum, a music auditorium, currently the home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.


Front view of the Rudolfinum.


The second match we caught at the Old Town Square was the 2nd semis between Spain and Italy. Spain won! :)



On the 3rd and final day, we visited some of the attractions, mainly the Jewish Quarter. We also took the funicular up the Petrin Hill.


The Old New Synagogue.


Prague Astronomical Tower.


Nice houses along a street. All done up in my fav colour, Yellow!


The Prague State Opera House. Too bad it was closed to public visit.


The 4 ladies



Boarding the funicular to go up the Petrin Hill.


Roses in full bloom up at the Petrin Hill!


Yellow roses!


Enjoying a swing on the giant swing!


The fake "Eiffel Tower".


A building on Petrin Hill - I thought it looks like some disney castle. haha...


View of Prague from Petrin Hill.


The Municipal House (in Czech, Obecní dům) - an Art Nouveau structure which is a landmark and concert hall of Prague. The concert hall is Smetana Hall, named after Bedrich Smetana. I love his piece, Die Moldau!

Prague Jun 21-23 2008 (Part 1)

Over the 21-23 Jun weekend, we went over to Prague for a short holiday. I love Prague. The city is beautiful, with old and nice buildings and it feels good just to be walking around the Old Town. The weather over the 3 days was very very good as well, another factor which made me enjoy the trip more. But it was very very hot and humid at some points.

We tried some of the traditional Czech food which is quite meaty on the whole.


The National Museum behind me.


A Harley motobikes party - I think there were easily > 100 of those big bikes.


The Astronomical Clock


A band playing in the Old Town Square - reminds me of all the numerous band performances I had years ago...


At the Old Town Square with the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn behind me.




Up at the Old Town Hall Tower


View of the Prague Castle from the Tower




View of the Charles Bridge in the background.





Crossing the busy Charles Bridge - a famous historical bridge that crosses the Vltava river in Prague.


A very talented and entertaining band playing on the bridge.




View of the Charles Bridge from the Tower at the end of the Bridge.


View from the Tower.


On Sat, we watched the match between Holland and Russia at the big screen at the Old Town Square. It was really exciting to be watching the match with so many other people. However the first half was quite boring...


And sadly, Holland lost. So there goes my £75 sweepstake interest!