Düsseldorf Day 1

Didn't plan anything for Düsseldorf as I was busy planning my lone trip to Amsterdam. Good thing is that Keaton has lived there for 2 months now and planned something for us! Firstly, we bought a day travel ticket and went to Schoss Benrath (Castle Benrath) which was 30 mins away from where he stays.

Schwarzfahren or travelling without a ticket is not so common in Düsseldorf (unlike in Berlin) cos apparently, checks are carried out quite often, according to Keaton. In the 5 weeks I've been living in Berlin, I've encountered train controllers (dressed in plain clothes) only twice. And good thing was that I had tickets at those times. =X
In Düsseldorf, probably cos it's smaller and easier to check, you meet controllers at least 2 times a week! Dunno if it's just because he's suay.... haha :P

Poster: Schloss Benrath

It was a cloudy day. The schloss looks very pretty in pictures and brochures, but when we reached the place, it was quite mediocre =X
It could be because I've seen Schloss Sanssouci just a week ago. Spent time walking around the pretty gardens while Keaton got chased by a huge duck. LOL.

Front of Schloss Benrath

Back of Schloss Benrath

Long Pond in front of Schloss

Duck chasing Keaton. LOL.

Pretty garden but flowers wilting

I like orange umbrella :D

Random bench in open field. lol.

After that, we went to a Korean restaurant to eat, mainly cos they were having a 6th anniversary promotion for a limited time. It was a nice meal though. Had bimbimbap (i think) in a stone pot and they served 6 other side dishes as well! So cute. haha


There was a nationwide education strike going on in the city; police cars were mobilised and public transport disrupted (could have saved money on transport! =X). We met the demonstrators along the way, probably 400 to 600 people wearing yellow T-shirts, holding placards and banners. They had a van playing loud music and speakers rallying the people to chant after them, "sth sth sth, free education!" Quite exciting! ha...

Demonstrators

Towards the end of crowd

Walked around Königsallee and Altstadt where all the shops, bars and restaurants are. I think Düsseldorf is really a nice place to shop in! Lots of stores along the streets, from common brands to high end products, all within walking distance! Furthermore, I think this is one of the sales period. H&M!! Maybe I'll go shop in Berlin! heh.

Altstadt: Midsummer festival

Cos of the demonstration, we had to walk to a faraway tram station to take the tram. Finally made it back home at 7pm. After dinner, we headed for the Rhine Tower in Düsseldorf! The tower is 234.2m high; the viewing part is 168m. The view was beautiful and it was quite cheap (€3.50), unlike in Berlin (€10)!

Elevator: 168m!

Nice view! (10:15pm)

Me.

Keaton & me

Night view (10:45pm)

Rhein Tower!

Notice that it was still bright or at least visible at 10pm? Amazing right!! But pity we went there so late cos the night view of Düsseldorf was not very impressive (compared to Singapore)! haha. After the sun set, we couldn't see anything more. Shall visit the tower again next time in July during day time! :D