A hopeful heart and an open mind are the best travelling companion

To me, Europe was a must to visit. My family had saved moned for a few years and at last we made it to visit Europe last year.My itinerary was like this: London- Paris- Yungfrau-Milano-Venice-Firenze-Rome- Austria-Germany. Only 12 days! Too short.
On London street, the past is balanced with the modernity. The city was the old antique itself. Tower brige reminded me of the Gothic castle in the fairy tales.
Paris was a wonderful place. Specially the sparking and twinkling light of Eiffel Tower fascinated me at night. We were on the big boat watching the beautiful night scenery around the River Sene. Also, I felt the freedom of the youth and unstrained sprit. Sand beach around the River was very a great idea to show their atmosphere. The next day, we went up to the Montmartre, which means " the Hill of martyrs." I liked that place, though street and painters smelled cheap. If you like to know the more specific things, you can go to this site. http://paulian.tistory.com/tag/몽마르뜨언덕You'll be attracted to the wonderful photos. The Versailles Palace was a historical place. Have you ever watched the animated movie, "The rose of the Versailles Palace"? When I was young, the movie was very popular. Almost all the girls have watched it, I guess. In the movie, the captain of the guard was a lady called 'Oscar'. Though she was a lady, she made this young girl 's heart reap. While I was looking around, I felt like I was talking with one of the characters in the turbulant history. This is all for today. See you next time.

Scallop and Asparagus Stir-fry

Serves 4
Prep time 5 mins
Cooking time 10mins
Ingredients
1 and 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
400g scallops, with roe atttached
1 large red capsicum, seeded and cut into thin strips
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut diagonally into 4cm lengths
4cm piece fresh ginger, findely grated
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sherry

How to make :
1. Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large wok or frying pan on high. Add half of scallops and stir-fry for 2-3mins , until just cooked through. Remove from wok. Repeat with another 2 teaspoons oil and remaining scallops.

2. Heat remaining oil in wok hon high. Add capsicum, asparagus, ginger and garlic. Stir-fry for 2 mins, until tender. Add soy sauce and sherry. Toss for 1 minute.

3. Return scallops to wok with green onions and toss to combine. Serve immediately with rice.


Tip : To reduce costs, use half scallops and half prawns. Alternatively, you can also add some calamari to the mix.
Scallops can also be sliced in half, but the cooking time will need to be reduced.

After watching the movie "The Illusionist"

I've watched many magicians do tricks, specially, David Copperfield. The fond memory of his performance still lingers in my mind.
Finally I watched the movie, " The Illusionist." Magic tricks are overwhelming. I found some interesting background of the movie. Although the story is fictional, some of the details are based on the life of Austrian Crown Prince Rudolf, only son of Emperor Franz Josef. The painting of the emperor which Eisenheim creates is an actual portrait of Franz Josef. The bodies of Rudolf and his mistress, the Baroness Mary Vetsera, were found at his hunting lodge Mayerling on January 30, 1889 in what is now known as the "Mayerling Incident". This was initially covered up by the Imperial Family, creating controversy and mystery.
When Prince Leopold is approached by Inspector Uhl, while hunting, to inform him of Eisenheim and Sophie's meetings, the Prince asks what they were seen doing together. The line about if they were seen "fornicating" was originally filmed as him saying "fucking" instead. They chose the take using "fornicating" to avoid an R-Rating in compliance with the MPAA's policy that the f-word not be used in reference to intercourse in a PG-13 film.
Edward Norton did many of his own magic tricks, with the coaching of James Freedman. He worked with Norton preparing him for his stage performances and acted as a hand double in numerous situations.
'Jessica Biel ' replaced Liv Tyler, who dropped out of the film just as filming was about to begin.
The character of Eisenheim is closely based on the magician and supposed clairvoyant Erik Jan Hanussen, who was famous in Vienna in the early part of the 20th century and was murdered by Nazi soldiers in 1933.
The trick of the Orange Tree was invented by a 19th Century French magician named Robert-Houdin. Edward Norton is one of my favorite actors. The movie he selected usually have well-weaved story line. And also, Liv Tyler, she looks very noble and intelligent. I was really attractd to her in the movie, " The lord of the ring".
The atmosphere and dramatic effect were very fascinating. And also, the turning point in the end surprised me and was a great pleasure.