Municipal/Miejski Stadion, Poland

 Extra-Velganzer. This is the last day we are going to travel in Poland.  Yes, as I said before, we are going to travel in Poland just only to see what they got to be a host of one of phenomenon event in the world. Its EURO 2012 man, a party for  professional footballer in alll over Europe. Before they party started, lets get our party started.

So let me count first, we already visit Stadium in Gedanks, Warsaw and Poznan. Our last trip in Poland to visit the EURO 2012 stadium is in Wroclaw. It situated on the River Oder (Polish: Odra), in Lower Silesia. It is the largest city in western Poland. Wrocław was the historical capital of Silesia, and right now become the capital of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. Over the centuries, the city has been part of many countries such as Poland, Bohemia, Austria, Prussia, or Germany, and has been part of Poland since 1945 as a result of border changes after World War II. According to official figures for 2010, its population is 632,996, Wroclaw is the fourth largest city in Poland.

 To ensure they become good host in EURO 2012, Worclaw has preparing anything to welcome all the football athlete include the stadion. The Municipal Stadium of  Wroclaw, Poland, (Polish: Stadion Miejski we Wrocławiu) is the highest fourth category football (soccer) stadium built for the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship. The Stadium is located on aleja Śląska in the western part of the city (Pilczyce district). It is the home stadium of the Śląsk Wrocław football team playing in the Polish T-Mobile Ekstraklasa. The stadium has a capacity of 42,771 spectators, all seated and all covered.

Stadium construction began in April 2009 and was completed in September 2011. The architect of this amazing building is JSK Architekci. The winning architectural concept developed by JSK Architekci is called STADIUM-LANTERN. The distinctive shape was chosen to be easily recognizable and associated with a dynamic city.It cost more than 700 Million PLN only for complete all of the things. The operator of this stadion is Spectator Management Group. A worlwide sport management based in Pennsylvania USA.

 The shape of the stadium is highlighted by the innovative design of its external walls. The building is covered by glass fibre mesh coated with teflon. The mesh is anchored by steel rings placed around the entire body of the stadium. The covering lends lightness and transparency to the massive structure. The colors of the external walls of the stadium can be changed using a sophisticated lighting system.

Concession stands are situated under the semi-transparent facade.

The architectural concept also includes an outdoor promenade around the stadium, called the esplanade. The esplanade grants access to the inside of the stadium from two directions. From the south, it leads under Lotnicza Street where an integrated Park&Ride plaza is being built with a tram stop, a train station, and an outdoor parking lot). From the north, the esplanade leads from the northern public transport interchange with tram and bus stops and a parking lot for buses.

 The area surrounding the stadium and esplanade is landscaped and provided with benches to create a park-like space where people can relax or meet.

The stadium is divided into a number of dedicated zones necessary for the proper functioning of a sport arena Level 0 in the western section of the stadium. VIP fans is seated in close proximity to the playing field, and is separated from the teams' zone only by a glass wall. The teams' zone is located on Level 0 in the western part of the stadium. Identical facilities for both teams are equipped with locker rooms, massage rooms, showers, toilets, coach rooms and warm-up areas. In addition, there is an indoor swimming pool. The teams' zone also contains rooms and areas for the medical staff, referees, children and UEFA delegates, as well as cheering testing facilities.

The media zone is located in the upper section of the western stand. Each seat meets FIFA/UEFA requirements and is equipped with power, telephone, internet and TV connections. Some seats have a foldable desktop. Seats for commentators have revolving chairs.

Panoramic lifts and an open staircase grant access to the upper levels. A spacious and exclusively equipped Business Club is situated on Level 1. The Business Club is divided into three smaller rooms, each equipped with its own facilities. Each seat in the Business Club seat has its own internet connection.

On Level 3, there is twenty VIP boxes with a clear view of the pitch. Ten VIP boxes in the eastern stand is available for rental under the name "Incentive Boxes". VIP seats is broken down into three sectors: gold, silver, and bronze, depending on their location and the view they offer.

 The esplanade surrounding the entire stadium leads from the ground level to Level 1. Concession stands, first aid stations, police offices and rest rooms are located on the promenade. Seats for fans with disabilities are located in stands equipped with wheelchair ramps, and disabled fans are able to sit next to their caretakers. The new stadium is an arena without barriers. A Fan Shop is also located on Level 1. The shop offers merchandise such as scarves, T-shirts, mugs, and posters to fans of WKS Śląsk Wrocław.

Stadium opening took place at 10 September 2011 with boxing fight between Tomasz Adamek and Vitali Klitschko for WBC heavyweight title. First football match between Śląsk Wrocław and Lechia Gdańsk was played on 10 October 2011. Śląsk won this match 1:0 and Johan Voskamp was first goalscorer on the new stadium.

 How To Get to The Municipal Stadium In Wroclaw.

 One things you should remember that you can travel to this stadium if you already reach Poland. from all over Poland you can reach this city by anything. You can use Bus, Train, Car or plane. But I suggest you who take a flight from outside ueropean country to take Plane.

Wroclaw has its own international airport on Strachowice (Wroclaw, ul Skarzynskiego 36), roughly 12km from the city centre. It's a bit smaller than those in other Polish cities, but functional nonetheless. So If you want to use Plane then you will landing at Wroclaw Copernicus Airport. Thereare so many intenational flight will serve you to be there.

The stadium can be reached by accessing the motorway A8 from motorway A4.

Alongside the stadium is located junction called Wroclaw Stadion connecting A8 highway with parking at the stadium.

Currently, the stadium can be reached by different kinds of public transport. By buses: 103, 403 and 435 from the north side, and by the trams 3, 10, 20, 32PLUS, 33PLUS, and bus 128 from the south side. A new tram line is currently under construction. The route leads through Gaj - Hubs - City center - Kozanów - Pilczyce - Stadium, and it will end north of the stadium.

On the south side of the stadium, a transport interchange is being formed, including a new train station called Wroclaw Stadion. A two-way railway line will run at the zero level, while at the first level a tram line will be built to connect the city center with Leśnica. The transport interchange will also be available for vehicular traffic. A car park, city bus stop, bicycle paths and parking for cyclists are currently under construction there. A heliport is located on the eastern side of the stadium.

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Posted in: Poland

The Seven Sisters Waterfall, Norway

 Good Morning Extra-Velganzer, its very nice to meet you in this sunny day.  Little bit cloudy, because I can see group of cumulus “Big” Nimbo flying around here. But, no problem,the sun light still shine up there. So this is the best time to travel and spend energy and also spend “Wow” Words to see beautifull nature, amazing site and unforgotable environment.

So, right now, I am travel in Norway, Sitting in the boat observe the amazing water strippers The Seven Sisters. They are so amazing, never stop to dance, every time, every day and every week and I guess it will be long lasted untill the here after. So beautifull.

People may ask me, what are you talking about?. Just calm down, because right now we are going to explore the adventure of Geirangerford generally, specifically we are going to see The Seven Sisters Waterfall or in Norway famous with De Syv Søstrene or Dei Sju Systrene, also known as Knivsflåfossen.

The Seven Sisters (Norwegian: De Syv Søstrene or Dei Sju Systrene, also known as Knivsflåfossen) is the 39th tallest waterfall in Norway. The waterfall consists of seven separate streams that’s why it called “Seven Sisters”. I don’t really understand why the people add  “Sisters” joining with the “seven”, why not just put “Seven Brothers”. Probably its because this seven waterfall place in same location but have seven stream, that’s why it called Sisters.  The tallest of the seven has a free fall that measures 250 metres (820 ft). The legend of the seven sisters is that they dance playfully down the mountain, while a single waterfall opposite the seven sisters (known as the Courter, or Suitor, a male onlooker) flirts playfully from across the fjord. In Norwegian, 'The Suitor' is Friaren

 it is located along the Geirangerfjord in the municipality of Stranda in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. The waterfall is located just south of the historic Knivsflå farm, across the fjord from the old Skageflå farm. The falls are about 6.5 kilometres (4.0 mi) west of the village of Geiranger.

In Norway, seven adjacent waterfalls famously drop into Geirangerfjord, a fjord so impressive that it has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Seven Sisters stream over the fjord's 400-meter walls and are a popular attraction in summer months. In winter, The Seven Sisters flow as usual, the sea-level temperatures warm enough that the falls infrequently solidify.

How To Get To The Seven Sisters

           If you want to get to GeirangerFjord you need to arrive to Oslo, Norwegia. The Geiranger Fjord (Norwegian: Geirangerfjorden) is a fjord in the Sunnmøre region of Møre og Romsdal county in Norway. It is in the municipality of Stranda. It is a 15-kilometre (9.3 mi) long branch of the Storfjord (Great Fjord). The small village of Geiranger is located at the end of the fjord where the Geirangelva river empties into it. After arrived in Oslo international airport you cn take a bus to goto GeirangerGjord. There are express bus routes from Oslo, Trondheim and Bergen daily to Geiranger. In summer, daily buses to Åndalsnes (Nkr197, three hours) via Valldal leave Geiranger at 1pm and 6.10pm. For Molde, change buses in Åndalsnes; for Ålesund, change at Linge.

          If you using boat, The popular, hugely recommended run between Geiranger and Hellesylt (passenger/car with driver Nkr100/210, one hour) is quite the most spectacular scheduled ferry route in Norway. It has four to eight sailings daily between May and September (every 90 minutes, June to August). Almost as scenic is the ferry that runs twice daily between Geiranger and Valldal (adult/child single Nkr160/80, return Nkr250/120, 2¼ hours) between late-June and mid-August.

          From mid-April to mid-September, the Hurtigruten coastal ferry makes a detour from Ålesund to Geiranger (departs 1.30pm) on its northbound run only.

           Domestic flight connections are good, with direct flights from the largest cities of Norway to Ålesund Airport Vigra and to Ørsta/Volda Airport Hovden. Direct flights to Copenhagen and Riga. Northbound and southbound coastal express Hurtigruten calls daily at Ålesund and Torvik by Fosnavåg, and during summer season you can join daily round trips between Ålesund and Geiranger. Good bus connections to/from most cities and towns in Norway. The train trip with Raumabanen is an experience in itself, from Åndalsnes the "Train Bus" takes you further on to Ålesund & Sunnmøre.

If you choose to get there by plane, Domestic flight connections are good, with direct flights from the largest cities of Norway to Ålesund Airport Vigra and to Ørsta/Volda Airport Hovden. Direct flights to Copenhagen and Riga. Northbound and southbound coastal express Hurtigruten calls daily at Ålesund and Torvik by Fosnavåg, and during summer season you can join daily round trips between Ålesund and Geiranger. Good bus connections to/from most cities and towns in Norway. The train trip with Raumabanen is an experience in itself, from Åndalsnes the "Train Bus" takes you further on to Ålesund & Sunnmøre.

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Posted in: Norway

Municipal/Miejski/Lecha Stadium. Poland

 Extra-Velganzer, Jak Sie Masz??..lets continue our travel in Poland, after visiting the gorgeous National Stadium and PGE Arena Gdansk. Now lets continue our trip in Poland, looking for another excitement and experience before the kick off of EURO 2012 in Poland and Ukraine. We are still in Poland but we will leaving Warsaw or Gdanks. We are going to visit Poznan with her A-Magnificient-Zing stadium they have.

Poznan roughly translates as "one who is recognised" and if the seemingly endless trade fairs in the city are anything to go by it certainly is. The fairs provide a huge source of civic pride (and money) and though of no real interest to the average visitor, the city – Poland's fifth largest and once a royal seat – has more than enough to offer elsewhere.

Poznan started life as a ninth-century wooden fort on a Warta river island before a growing population forced its migration to the mainland. Under Prussian/German rule from 1793, it returned to Poland in 1919 and the city sparked an intense regional uprising, a spirit revived as the city also witnessed the first mass protest in the Soviet bloc. With so much unrest Poznan has over the years undergone all manner of refits, from aesthetic facelifts to complete rebuilds; not unattractive scars of its history.

 After appointed as one of the host of Euro 2012, Poznan prepared their town to welcome this great event. Not only prepared the town but also best service for the next star of football players in Europe with special stadium.

Stadion Miejski or famous with stadion Lecha broke to the ground in 1968. The year of the story begun. Need 12 years to build this stadion, such a long story to build a great monument. Compared with others 2 stadion we already visit before, this stadion need a less construction cost. Its only obut 180 million euros to rebuild this stadion after it broke to the ground. The “Ted Mosby” of this stadion is Modern Construction Design Sp. z o.o. since build in 1968, the stadion renovated for the first time in 2003-2010. Like most stadiums in those times it was built on artificial hills on which concrete benches and crown of the stadium was later formed. The construction consisted of three stands (in a characteristic U-shaped style), while place dedicated for fourth stand was left free. Swimming pool and gyms were supposed to be build there, but this plan was never realized. It took almost 12 years to complete the whole structure. The first match on the new stadium Lech Poznan played on August 23, 1980 with audience of 18,000 people. The match between “Kolejorz” and Motor Lublin ended in a 1-1 draw. The first goal scorer for the home team at the new stadium was Mark Skurczyński.

 The Municipal Stadium in Poznań is the first facility for UEFA EURO 2012™ to be completed. Three European Championship matches will be hosted here in June 2012. Those matches to be played there are Croatia v. Ireland on 10 June, Croatia v. Italy on 14 June, and Ireland v. Italy on 18 June. (The other three matches in that group will take place at PGE Arena, Gdańsk.). According to the reconstruction project, the stadium is completely covered with a roof. The roof consists of three sections, which can move on the principle of accordion. This part of the project is believed to be the most expensive and most difficult in the modernization. The frame of the entire roof structure is made ​​of steel (about 7,000 tons).

On zero level of the stadium there are a football pitch, rooms for the players of two teams, locker rooms for athletes and coaches, as well as showers, saunas, massage rooms. On the same floor there are arena’s technical support services. The third level is organizational. It houses rooms for the press and the stadium’s employees, offices and warehouses. There are two conference halls for 25 and 50 persons, a photo studio. Two levels are designed for VIP persons: a hotel, two restaurants, two medical centers and other facilities. 

The modernization of the existing stadium on Bułgarska Street began in January 2009. In well under two years the stadium has undergone a complete transformation. Now the facility at Bułgarska Street is modern, multifunctional and safe. Matches during the UEFA EURO 2012™ will be watched by over 43 thousand people, 480 people can be accommodated at 45 sky boxes, 1,100 seats are provided for the business sector, media zone operates separately. Additionally, 222 seats at the stadium are intended for the disabled fans: 142 seats or wheelchair users and their companions; 40 - for people with partial or complete loss of hearing, 40 - for people with partial or complete loss of vision. For the latter special sportcasters will provide an individual match reportThe grandstands are completely covered with a membrane of natural silk. The City of Poznań has invested 713 million PLN in the modernization of the facility.

Officially opened on 20^th September 2010, the first real test of the facility was a Sting concert. The artist performed at the stadium during the 2010 edition of the festival: "Poznań for the Earth" - accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and conducted by Steven Mercurio. Ten days later the first football match was held-the match between Lech Poznań and FC Salzburg in the group stage of the UEFA Europa league. It was attended by 42,000 fans!.

 Poznań stadium can boast the two biggest broadcast screens in Poland, each consisting of 120 smaller LED screens with an area of 116 m². Previously, the record had belonged to the Warsaw Riviera and the Katowice Spodek. A lighting rig of lightning power, reaching 2000 lux, can meet the requirements of state-of-the-art HD transmission.

Stadium operates 2 restaurants, bar, cafeteria and 27 catering stalls with 221 stands for sale. The arena’s parking space is capable of servicing over 2,000 cars.

How To Get To Municipal/Miejski/Lecha Stadium In Poznan.

 Poznań-Ławica airport is 7km west of the city and has daily flights to Warsaw as well as regular links to Copenhagen, Dublin, Stockholm, Barcelona, Germany and England. in the vicinity of the route leading directly to the major city points and next to the road out of Poznań to Berlin and Warsaw. It is possible to get to the city centre from the airport using line 59 or express line L, that is going directly to Railway Station. In line L the ticket price doubles and one can take one piece of luggage free of charge.Poznań Główny railway station in the heart of the city offers the best domestic service with about 20 daily services to Warsaw (3-4 hours). Frequent trains run to Wroclaw (2.5 hours), Gdansk (4 hours) and Kyiv (18 hours) and there are also direct services to Berlin, Cologne and Moscow.

All trains coming to Poznań stop at Poznań Main Railway Station (Poznań Główny). The Railway Station is composed of two buildings: the Main Hall (Hala Główna) and the West Railway Station (Dworzec Zachodni) connected by a subway. The Railway Station is located in the city centre, just next to the Poznań International Fair venue (Międzynarodowe Targi Poznańskie). In the Main Hall there are kiosks, shops, fast food restaurants, ATM and Glob - Tour tourist information.

Passengers can get to the city by tram or bus - the nearest tram stop is next to the West Railway Station. Trams no. 5, 8, 14 and 18 leave the stop. In the vicinity of the Main Hall exit there is a municipal bus stop for lines 51, 68 and 76. At night, also night buses approach the stop. To get to the tram stop, passengers should use stairs or a lift leading to the Railway Bridge (Most Dworcowy). There, passengers can use trams no. 6, 10, 11 and 12. TAXI ranks are located next to the Main Hall and the West Railway Station exit. It is advisable, however, to call RADIO TAXI in a point located in the Main Hall. Automatic train timetable information system (phone no.): 863 38 14, 863 38 15. Central domestic and interantional train information (phone no.): 94 36.

PKS Station (Bus Transport Company) is located in ul. Towarowa 17/19. It provides both domestic and international transport services. Apart from ticket offices, kiosks, bar and PKS information point also travel agencies selling tickets for international routes are located in the bus station hall. Next to the station there are fast food restaurants, ATM, a bookshop and a cake shop. In front of the station there is a tram stop for lines no. 6, 10, 11 and 12. Information (phone no.): 664 25 25.

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Posted in: Poland

Old City Graz, Austria

Extravelganzer, how are you right now?. Hope that you still in very good condition to travel today. As I told you before, this blog is about traveling, trip, journey, visiting new place and looking for many experience. So if you going to find a pets overhere, you are in wrong place. Because this place is all about travelling.

So where we are going right now??.. Hmmmm, I am a little bit curious with  one of beautifull city in the world – beside the Ve-Nice of course -. If I say like that so no more question and no more clue I have to give, right to the points. I already pepared all of the things to be brought. Camera, Check. Paspor, Check, Visa, Check. Hotel, Check, Ticket, Check. Lets travel to the Old Graz City In Austria.

 The history of Graz begun when (A.E.I.O.U., or Austria Est Imperare Orbu Universo) left behind by Friedrich III, King of Germany and holy Roman Emperor, who resided here. The city boasts the empires’s(and Europe’s) largest armory: More than 30,000 pieces of every imaginable kind of armor and equipment used for war and jousting fill four floors of the 17^th-century. Landeszeughaus Armory. The town’s draw may be its magnificient architecture from middle ages and the renaissance, but the tone of Graz today is young and upbeat, thanks to three prominent universities (one offering the only facilities of jazz in all europe), the oldest founded in the 16^th century, from spring untill fall, a number of prestigious fars and music festivals enliven the flagstone streets and squares, while students keep the atmospheric beer cellars, bars and publike beisls buzzing. As capital of the agriculturally rich region of Styria, one of Graz’s most enticing day trips is a meander out along any of eight “wine roads” south of the city.

          Graz laid on the southeastern seat of the Hapsburg as early as 1379, features one of Central Europe’s best-preserved Alstadte (Old Town). Just look around Graz and you will see the ubiqutious motto “Austria Rules The World”.

Graz is the second-largest city in Austria after Vienna and the capital of the federal state of Styria (Steiermark). On 1 April 2010 it had a population of 291,890 (of which 258,605 had principal residence status). Graz is situated on the Mur River in the southeast of Austria. It is about 200 km (120 mi) southwest of Vienna. The nearest larger urban center is Maribor in Slovenia which is about 50 km (31 mi) away. Graz is the capital and largest city in Styria, a green and heavily forested area.

You know what makes Graz especially exciting, amazing, gorgeous, wonderfull and astonishing  is the combination of these historic treasures with truly stunning modern architecture like the Kunsthaus Graz, which beautifully reflects the Old Town in its façade. Graz has a long tradition as a student city: its six universities have more than 44,000 students. Its "Old Town" is one of the best-preserved city centres in Central Europe. Students from the city’s four universities enjoy the many street cafes, which lend the city an almost Mediterranean flair. Art galleries, great shopping, innovative- as well as excellent traditional restaurants, and a busy event calendar ensure that the city stays young at heart.

 Graz has come quite a long way since first being officially settled in the Middle Ages, and its rich mix of architectural styles surely gives testament to its comprehensive history. During the rule of the Roman Empire, Graz was the site of a small fort, which graced the Schlossberg Graz hill in the middle of the city. When Slavic peoples moved into Graz later on, they erected a larger fortress on the same hill. This castle would eventually be the influence for the city's name. Gradec in Slovene means castle, and the same word translated to German is Graz. The name Graz was first applied by the German Babenberg Dynasty in the year 1128. The Babenbergs ruled Austria between 976 and 1248, eventually ceding power to the Habsburg Dynasty. The Habsburgs would erect their own, larger castle on the hill, though only part of it remains to this day. The Schlossberg Graz castle was ordered to be destroyed in 1809 by Napoleon after he defeated Austria in the Battle of Wagram. All that survived was the Uhrturm (Clock Tower) and the bell tower. The surviving Clock Tower is today the symbol of Graz. It was saved by the city's citizens, who paid a hefty sum to France to spare their beloved symbol.

In 2003, Graz Austria was designated by the European Union as The European Capital of Culture. This gave Graz the chance to really show of its attractions. Among the main Graz attractions that visitors won't want to miss is the Schlossberg Graz hill, which is quite akin to Lykavittos Hill in Athens, Greece. There is a cable car (funicular) that takes visitors to the top of the hill, and if you're up for it, you can climb the winding stairs instead. A lovely park with southern plants was established here in the late 1800s, and there is also a restaurant at the top of the hill where you can enjoy a meal and some great views of the surrounding city. Between the months of May and October, guided tours of the hill are offered, and in the summer months, the hill is the site for a bunch of concerts. As for the southern plants found on the hill, Graz Austria enjoys a relatively Mediterranean climate due to its location in a "bowl" south of the Austrian Alps. There are plants all over the city and outlying region that are typically found south of Austria, which is a neat point of curiosity.

 Graz's Old Town is a definite must-visit when enjoying Graz travel, and thankfully, much of it was spared during the WWII Allied bombing campaigns. It's a great idea to take tours of Graz's Old Town whether it is guided or not. You can start in the main square (Hauptplatz), which is surrounded by old houses, the most notable of which is the seventeenth century House of Luegg. While exploring Old Town Graz, it's worth it to head over to Herrengasse Street, where the Landhaus is found. The Landhaus is an ornate Renaissance palace that once served as the seat of the regional government. It was designed by the Italian architect, Domenico dell'Allio, who began work on the gem in 1557. A stunning arcaded courtyard awaits visitors at the Landhaus, and the building overall is just something to behold whether you tour it or just gawk at it from the other side of the street.

Though it's not open to visitors, as it serves as the provincial government seat for Styria, the Burg is a notable structure that you will hardly miss when visiting Graz Austria. Originally a castle that dates back to 1499, it was built for Maximilian I, who was then Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Today, the Burg is home to government offices, and though it's not open to visitors to fully explore, the concierge often allows visitors in to admire the medieval winding staircase, which is truly impressive. Not all of the Graz attractions are historical ones, however, and attractions in general don't get much more modern than the Kunsthaus, which is the most recognizable Graz museum. Set on the banks of the River Mur, this blue blob of a structure is home to a great collection of modern art. Whether or not you appreciate the innovative design of the Kunsthaus is something else.

Because all of this amazing-nes,  In 1999, Graz was added to the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage Sites, and the site was extended in 2010 by Schloss Eggenberg. Graz was sole Cultural Capital of Europe for 2003 and got the title of a City of Culinary Delights in 2008. UNESCO experts were so impressed by the interplay of the countless sights and attractions that they declared the Old Town of Graz to be a World Cultural Heritage site, worthy for protection for the ages. Graz is old, to be sure. So that’s why is worth to visit this city. So many things to see, so many things to do and so many experience will fill up your life. Guarantee.

How To Get To The Old City Graz

So if you want to get in Old City Graz. You must already be there in Austria. There are a few different ways to get to Austria, but if you don't live in Europe or aren't already based somewhere on the continent, then flying is likely how you will arrive. Your Austria airfare will take a large chunk out of your travel budget, so it's always a good idea to look for cheap flights to Austria if you have the time. With the money that you save, you'll have more left over for things like shopping and tours.

If you got from European country, you can also use plane. Graz airport (IATA: GRZ), (Flughafen Graz - also known as Thalerhof), around 9 km south of the city centre. Scheduled flights operate to Graz from Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, Vienna, Linz, Innsbruck, Zurich, London, Hannover, Friedrichshafen. It is possible to fly from Britain from London Stansted with Ryanair, and within Europe low-cost airlines serving Graz-Thalerhof are Intersky and Lufthansa, amongst others.

From the airport you have several possibilities to reach the centre:

• by taxi: approximate fare to the center is between €20-25.
• by bus: the bus station is directly in front of the arrival zone. Bus lines 630 and 631 are going to Jakominiplatz (the central point of public transportation) from approx. 05:20 to 23:45, travel time is 20 minutes. Fare is €1,90 for a single ticket (February 2012).
• by train: to reach the train station you have to walk ~5 minutes (easy to find, just head straight out the airport and continue to the east). Line S5 connects to Graz Hauptbahnhof (main station) from 04:47 (Saturdays and Sundays 05:17) to 22:47 (Sundays: 21:47). Travel time is 15 minutes, fare is also €1,90 for a single ticket.

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Posted in: Austria

PGE Arena Gdanks Stadium, Poland

 Extra-Velganzer, as I promise to you, related to the euphoria of EURO 2012, we are going to travel to the eight stadium that will be used to host all of the game both of in Poland and Ukraine. We already visit the National Stadium in Warsaw. So right now, we are going to visit another stadium, not in the Warsaw but still in the Poland. Yes, Its Gdanks, This city lies on the southern edge of Gdańsk Bay (of the Baltic Sea), in a conurbation with the city of Gdynia, spa town of Sopot, and suburban communities, which together form a metropolitan area called the Tricity (Trójmiasto), with a population of over 800,000. Gdańsk itself has a population of 455,830 (June 2010), making it the largest city in the Pomerania region of Northern Poland.

Napoleon said Gdansk is "key to everything", something a 1,000-year history that has seen it regularly change hands attests to. The maritime city known until 1945 as Danzig has been under the rule of Poland, the Teutonic Order, Prussia and later Germany. As recently as 1939 when World War Two started with the invasion of Gdansk, it was even a city state, with its own constitution, national anthem and currency. Since 1945 it has prospered under the Polish flag.

 The amazing Gdanks has been choosen as one of the host city for extravaganza and amazing EURO 2012. PGE Arena Gdanks is the name of this stadium. You should see this one Travelganzer. The PGE Arena Gdanks Stadium named with started PGE because since 2010 the official name of the stadium the basis of a sponsorship agreement with Polska Grupa Energetyczna (PGE Group).

The PGE Arena Gdańsk previously called the Baltic Arena, It is used mostly for football matches and is the home stadium of Lechia Gdańsk. The Stadium is located on ul. Pokoleń Lechii Gdańsk ("Generations of Lechia Gdańsk street") in the northern part of the city (Letnica district). The capacity of the stands is 43,615 spectators, all seated and roofed. PGE Arena Gdańsk is the largest arena in Ekstraklasa and the third largest in the country (after National Stadium and Silesia Stadium).

This stadium broke to the ground at 2008 and then re-built in 2008-2011. The official ceremony of the opening of the stadium conducted in 14 August 2011 The opening match was between Lechia Gdańsk and Cracovia and ended with 1–1 draw. The stadium built spend construction cost for 775 Million PLN and built by RKW Rhode Kellermann Wawrowsky together with structural engineer Bollinger+Grohmann. Nowadays, this stadium owned by City of Gdańsk with the operators Lechia Gdańsk Operator. And The first international match, Poland - Germany, took place on 6 September 2011 and ended 2-2. The latter was relocated from Warsaw because the National Stadium was not ready. PGE Arena is used by Lechia Gdańsk since “White-green” relocated there form MOSiR Stadium.

 The stadium is also one of the designated venues for the finals of Euro 2012. It will host four matches during the tournament. Three matches in Group C and one quarterfinal are to be played here. This stadium is a football-specific stadium, which means that the turf is not ejected or changeable. For that reason it also lacks an athletics track (running). The stadium has dimensions 236 meters long, 203 meters wide and 45 meters height.

PGE Area’s exterior is designed to resemble amber which has long been extracted on the Baltic coast. Whole roof construction is based on 82 girders. Roof structure has totally area of 44 000 m². The facade and the roof are covered with 18 000 plates of polycarbonate multiwall sheet, in 6 shades, with a total area of 4.5 hectares. Two logos (placed on the western and eastern side of the stadium), are made in LED technology, with a height of 8 meters and length of 35 meters.

 The pitch has dimensions of 105x68 meters, and its distance from the grandstand is 10.5 m behind the goals, and 8.5 m from the side lines. PGE Arena grandstands under the standards of FIFA and UEFA are covered, the center which is hovering over the field however will be uncovered. The issue of installing a sliding roof was considered, but the idea was abandoned due to costs and limited time to complete the construction. Remaining space is reserved for the other participants of the event (staff, etc.). The stadium meets the criteria for UEFA Category 4.

Stadium capacity is 43,615 seats during league matches. However the total number of seats (gross) is approximately 44,000. During the UEFA European Football Championship in 2012 capacity will be reduced to approximately 40 000 seats. I don’t know why this would happen, but in my positive thinking maybe this should be conducted as a part to give comfortable to the supporters.

 At the stadium there are 40 boxes behind glass where full catering is provided (so-called sky-boxes). Eight of which have an area of 60 m² (646 ft²) and the remaining 32 have an area of 30 m² (323 ft²). In addition to the sky-boxes, stadium offers 1383 seats of higher standard (VIP places) for the more affluent guests. Each of them is equipped with comfortable seat and located just below the sky-boxes. Both sky-boxes and VIP places have a separate entrance with dedicated foyer.

The seats on the PGE Arena was provided by Polish company Forum Seating belonging to the Nowy Styl Group located in Krosno. Moreover the stadium has 50 extra seats for disabled persons (How great, right). As you know that the football things already become a very universal languange for all people in the world even for those who have limitation.

So what are you thinking right now, even stadium can be a greatest place to be visited. It is just about believe that there will be a great experience even in the small place, because journey, travelling, trip, walk around is not only limited in Natural Site. So let me accompany you during your travel to this PGE Gdanks Stadium.

How To Get To The PGA Arena Gedanks.

Lech Wałęsa airport is 14km west of Gdansk and has regular flights to Warsaw, Frankfurt, Munich and London, among others. Ferries run several times a week from the Nowy Port to Nynashamn, Stockholm while the PKS bus terminal has regular connections with Warsaw. The nearby Gdansk Główny train station also has daily services with the Polish capital (4.5 hours), Wroclaw (7.5 hours) and Poznan (4 hours). Gdansk is the starting point of the EuroVelo 9 cycle route which goes through the Czech Republic, Austria and Slovenia before ending at the Adriatic Sea in Pula, Croatia.

From this city you can go to another UEFA EURO 2012 venues. The distances from Gdanks to Poznan is 305km, to Warsaw about 345km, to Wroclaw about 480km, to Lviv about 725km, to Kyiv about 1,190km, to Kharkiv about 1,600km, to Donetsk about  1,810km.

For getting around the city, a regular commuter train runs from Gdansk Główny train station to Gdynia Główna and there are trams and buses to local stops.

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Posted in: Poland

Lofoten Island, Norway

Extra-Velganzer. Velkommen, Hvordan går det med Deg?.heheheh,  I am trying here to speak Norvege because right now we are going to travel, to conduct journey, to make a trip or whatever the words you said to desribe “Travelling, Journey, Trip” because Norway already waiting for you to pack your bag and preparing your visa and buying a ticket. I hope that you will have “god reise” in Norway.

  So, our destination right now is Lofoten Island. It is a group of islands in the northern part of Norway. With its postcard looking small fishing villages nestled in fjords, dotting a very rugged coast with abrupt peaks rising directly from the ocean, the archipelago is often described as one of the most scenic parts of Norway.

As you know that nature is powerfull in Norway, perhaps nowhere so than in the Lofoten Island, 123 Miles northern of the artic circle. This island has 118-mile-long archipleago of small fishing communities set againts a dramatic wall of towering snow-patched peaks-granite formations that date back several billion years-has drawn increasing numbers of mainlanders (and foreign) attracted to its seclusion, special light, bracing air, and unpolluter air and waters. Clearly, healthy and special environments would take to you to another world. Yes, fresh mind world and healthy world of course.

The traditional Rorbu (Fishing cottage) was traditionally built on the docks extending out over the water, today they are popular as rentals for their simplicity (and the insight into the local way of life). This steep island-world is bathed in summer nights of eight-hour dusk, with the midnight sun shinning from June untill the July.

Svolvaer with the population over 4000 peoples,it becomes the mai town for the islands, has a thriving summer art colony. Feries arrive here from mainland Bodo, Where Edgar Allan Poe spent a number of years writing A Descent Into The Maelstorm, describing the unique phenomenon of immense volumes of water flushed through deep, narrow gorges with the outgoing tide.

A Maelstrom – The word, of Dutch origin, means “Grinding Stream” – is a furious natural whirlpool (also known as a “Kettle”) that creates a goose-bump-including howl. Before catching the ferry to the Lofoten, visit Salstraumen Eddy on the mainland to see what mesmerized Poe

How To Get To The Lofoten Island

The Map below is designed to help you decide which means of transport is most suitable to your needs when planning your journey to Flakstad & Moskenes in the Lofoten Islands. Overseas travellers will most likely arrive in Oslo or Bergen - by air or by boat. From here, you have a number of options to choose from on your journey north.

Please note that the Coastal Voyage (Hurtigruten) is not shown on the map. This is a coastal liner that operates daily departures from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, a journey of one week's duration. The coastal Steamer stops at Stamsund in the Lofoten Islands, from where there are corresponding bus services to Flakstad and Moskenes.

 It takes about 3 hours by air from Oslo to Lofoten, but you can, of course, travel by other means of transport like the Coastal Steamer as mentioned above, the train (approx 22 hours), or by car, thus spending more time enjoying your journey. We will be glad to provide further details of means of transport, including bus, boat and air services within Lofoten.There are also express passenger boats from Bodø and Narvik to Svolvær, from where there are daily bus services to Flakstad & Moskenes.

Otherwise, the easiest way to get to Flakstad Moskenes is to take the appropriate means of transport to Bodø, and catch the ferry from Bodø to Moskenes. It is also possible to fly from Bodø to Leknes (Widerøe's) - 25 min. flight - and catch a bus from there. Motorists may either catch the ferry over from Bodø, or from Skutvik in Hamarøy to Svolvær, from where they can drive the full length of the magnificent Lofoten Islands all the way to Å.

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Posted in: Norway

Modern Islamic Boarding School Darussalam Gontor (Pondok Pesantren Modern Darussalam Gontor), Indonesia

Extra-Velganzer. Day 5  was very long journey to be made through. 5 PM after “Lets Go The Mall”. Me and 2 of my best friends left a very romantic moments in Bandung “Which I Love It”. We were after another experinence to be revealed at another place, because all of us believe that there will be a heaven in another side of this world if we believe and ready to see it.

So this very early night at 11 April we head to the east. Yes, I need to pursue my dream, my littlehood dream. Eventhough I’ve never make it happen in my chilhood but I am very happy I can make it seriously –Happily-unforgettable-Amazing moments in my young-hood life today. I always believe if we dream about and we have effort blooming it that would be a very hard precious moments to be enjoyed when we can make it directly in front of our own eyes.

 Our traveling start at Cicaheum Bus terminal in West Java. Our destination is Ponorogo bus station. After waiting for about one hours finally our bus give us a sign “yes, of course iam gonna departed right now, Big Boy”. After the wheel a little bit shaking the road and the machine groaning and moaning in my ear we left Bandung with a big smile. Soon or later I am gonna see this town more and more.

Our journey with the bus will take 15 hours before it arrived at Ponorogo. We did have many experience during this travelling by bus especially when al of the passenger  get shocked when another in just very centimeter will hit our bus. Thanks god that we are safe. We left bandung and skip Nagreg, Garut, Tasikmalaya, Ciamis, Cilacap, Purwokerto, Kebumen, Temanggung, Magelang, Jogjakarta, Klaten, Solo, Karanganyar, Sragen, Ngawi,Madiun behind. And finally after passing through long night, after we spend a lot of time with sleep, we can smile bigger after finally the driver hit the brake at Ponorogo Bus Terminal.

We are not alone in Ponorogo, our kind friend came to pick up us with his car. No need to wait too long, he came with a big smile and asked us to have breakfast first before we head our main destination. Time for delicious Soto Lamongan. A delicious food for no-food all night peoples.

 Finish our food, we move to our destination.  This destination is very “I Would never forget that I ever been here, I even will not sleep just to enjoy this moments” place. My heart was pound when I see for the far “Welcome to The Darussalam Islamic Bording School” or famous with simple name “Gontor”. My Dreams Came True.

This place is very “something” place, is not about beauty, is about you see some incredible new place here. The people, the activity and everything was just very awesome. Not like another Islamic Boarding School, Gontor provide and offer some great value for her students to become strong, independence, smart and success. You not only read the Holy Qur’an, understanding and know the Qur’an and Hadist. They also teach you how to survive, improve your hobby, learn about responsibility, interact with another people. And so many things here to see.

 You will not see their force the students to learn about Islam for 24 hours. They will show you how Islam is very open minded to many things as long as it usefull and not cross the borders that already given. You can love musics, you can do sports, you can dance, you can be “Booker” Boys or whatever do you want to be as long as you can responsible to it and the most important things you never forget about your precious faith “Islam”. World should be balanced with hereafter world. I do very love this concept and that’s why I always dream to visit this place whenever I have spare time.

I love to visit this place more and more. And I don’t want to talk about this place too much, I just want you to be there, to see it live, to make your story and to decide whether all the things I said just a “Big Fat Liar” story or it is a real story. It is your turn bro…go there and fill by the experience you get.


Back to Day 4

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Posted in: Indonesia

Ciwalk, BIP, Braga, Cimall, Indonesia

Let's go to the mall, everybody!

Come on Jessica, come on Tori,

Let's go to the mall, you won't be sorry

Put on your jelly bracelets

And your cool graffiti coat

At the mall, having fun is what it's all about

I haven't done my homework yet (That's OK!)

And you know how my parents get (Whatever!)

I don't care,'cause all my friends are gonna be there

Let's go to the mall today

Everybody come and play

Throw every last care away

Lets go to the mall, today

Lets go to the mall everybody!

There's this boy

I like Met him at the food court

He's got hair like Gretzky

And he does jumps on his skateboard

I hope he asks me out

Takes me to my favorite spot

It'll be just him and me

(But don't forget the robot)

Dad says I'm too young to date (Lame!)

But baby, I don't want to wait (Let's do it!)

That's OK, I'm going to rock your body anyway

I'm going to rock your body 'til Canada Day

Everybody come and play

Throw every last care away

Let's go to the mall today

I went to the mall with a couple of friends

I had a whole week's allowance to spend

 I want hoop earrings and a Benetton shirt

We came here to shop and we came here to flirt

I turned around and who should

I see Prime Minister Brian Mulroney

He said, "Young lady, I don't approve."

So I had to get down and bust a crazy move

Hit it Fred, come on

Let's go to the mall

Let's go to the mall, everybody!

Everybody come and play

Throw every last care away

Let's go to the mall today

Everybody loves the mall!

Everybody come and play (Yeah!)

Throw every last care away (I love my hoop earrings!)

Let's go to the mall today 

Extra-velganzer, lyrics above tell a little story about my activity in day 4 (The song came from Robin Scherbatsky - My Lovely TV Drama Show "How I meet Your Mother"), or the last day i spend in Bandung. So what I am going that day. Yes, of course, Lets go to the Mall spend the day and at the same time feeding the “ Hungry Eyes”. You know that sometimes Mall have unexpected temptation and sometimes seduce us to confirm it with “BUY”…hahahaha.

 So, my journey in 8 hours before left bandung started in CIWALK (Cihampelas Walk). This mall located near Surapati. I love the concept of this mall is just like you walk in old town where the shops sell their products near the street (Maybe that’s the reason they called this shopping center with “Walk” not “Run”). The street laid on between one complex of shops with the others. In the middle of the street you will find trees grow freely, how amazing isn’t it. Don’t ask me about anything in Mall, most of the mall is just like the others, sell clothes, fast food restaurant, sport shops, etc. for me, Mall is just place for hangout. I do agree with my self that I would not spend a lot of money here because iam not interested, I just want to capture the moment in Ciwalk and thats what iam get.

 So after visiting the Cihampelas Walk we are moving forward to the Bandung Indah Plaza (BIP) this mall located in a down town of Bandung, I am not really sure about where is the exactly position of this mall but my instict said that this place located near the Riau Street Crossroads, asking me where is the Riau Street, and I will say still in Dago Steet (Dago is The Best). This Mall is huge, its just like a big cube and then you put some space for shops. Adding some attractive door with human sensor, put some Baliho/Billboard, and here it is Bandung Indah Plaza. a little bit crowded when I visited it if I have to compared with the previous Mall. So I decided to eneter some fast food restaurant to order fried chicken. After that. Iam just left the mall because I have very strict agenda today.

 My journey continue to the Braga Mall. Iam not quit sure if it is place can be called as a Mall, beside it only have few shops, the visitor mostly can be counted with my 3 fingers. Iam just preassume that this place actually is shopping center provide for the residence of the apartments. Because beside being a shopping center this place also provide apartment to be sold or to be rent. I am not doing anything much over here. I am just looking for shoes because in this place you can get branded shoes with “Italic” price. For your information, if you exit by walk from Braga Mall you can see fun-tastics view. Because the road near this place is very unique, made from conblock and the building around is very old.

 The last mall I visited is Cimahi Mall (CIMALL). This mall located in administrative area in Cimahi. Near bandung of course, it’s about 15 minutes more or less to be there. The mall is not quite big, mostly like Braga Mall but bigger. The shops not quite much I think. Iam not quite pay attention because the truth I hang out here is just to taste the food in Gokana Tepan Resto, How awesome right.

My journey in west java finally finished. After visit Cimahi Mall, I will continue my journey to the East Java. So I will suggest you not to get bored because you will find so much unforgettable story from journey. Just believe.

How To Get To The Malls

To be there, you should already arrive in bandung. There is direct flight to Bandung from Jakarta if you plan to get there by Plane. You can take a cab from Husein sastranegara Airport to travel around the mall.

        If you backpacker traveller and you are enjoy traveling by Bus or Train then soon you arrive at Soekarno Hatta International Airport you can order  travel to Bandung in outside exit door of the airport. The price is 125.000 Indonesian Rupiah or around $12.5. just say to the travel agent that your final destination is in “whatever the mall you want to visit first”, they will take you directly at your destination

You can also reach the mall with Train from Jakarta. Just take a bus in front of the Soekarno Hatta Airport soon you arrive, this bus will take you to the Gambir Train Station. From gambir you enjoy your traveling by train. This train will stop in Kota Bandung Station. From this point you can take mass transportation such as Omprengan/Angkot “A mini Version Bus” or you can use Cab.


Continue to day 5 or Back to day 4

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Posted in: Indonesia