October 2009
2 posts
September 2009
27 posts
The final countdown begins...as I head to London...
Internet at the place I’m staying costs 2euros and hour. With that price I haven’t had time to update Berlin. Fun times and a few videos. Out of all the places I’ve been, I found it to be one of the most interesting. It helped that I had a chance to hangout with people who live there. They were able to share their thoughts etc.
I’ll try and post at least before I get home....
Final NEW country Amsterdam!
Arrived in Amsterdam a couple of days ago without incident. The usual problems, but very minor.
Had dinner and asked the waiter where was “the city”? Where I was is so laid back it seemed a little odd. He explained that it’s about a 10 minute walk away. He said he would show me after they closed the restaurant. There was no one but me there. LOL They closed a little early and we...
The road to Zurich
Fresh off a great Paris trip, I embark on a LONG LONG train ride to Zurich. The train ride was fine. The first class on the Swiss trains is really nice. Aside from the train ride from London to Paris I haven’t really noticed the difference in first and second class. In fact looking back on booking my tickets, the price between first and second didn’t seem to be that drastic.
So, the...
“it doesn’t matter how big or popular the city or country is, people make...”
Farewell Paris!
So, Paris week ended up being very busy. It was busy with plenty of random encounters, lots of sight seeing and late night conversations. I can’t forget the rotation of 9 different roommates. Some roomies I saw and others I only heard voices. Crazy, but at this point I’m used to it.
The most interesting encounter doing Paris week was running into “the couple”. An actual...
Quick Update
Im typing using a keyboard in Zurich. Its very different. So, my typing may be off quite a bit. lol
I will be in Berlin this evening and hopefully I will have a little time to update things. Paris ended up being quite the week. I have a couple of fun videos and of course a few misadventures. One of which is getting to the hotel here in Zurich.
FYI this place is soooooo expensive itäs not even...
Strange Day
I have to say the 2 day tour pass was worth EVERY Euro. I used the hell out of that bus. LOL.
I pretty much covered 80-90 percent of Paris. Over the next few days I’ll be revisiting certain areas.
Today, I had to “pee” what seems like every 15 minutes. That’s right, you read it. I can’t even begin to tell you what I went through to find a place each time....
More Paris Discovery
Paris has a lot to discover. I’m glad I have the days. I originally thought I wouldn’t need them all. WRONG!
I bought a 2 day tour pass. Day 1 was 8 hours of getting on and off the bus. Was awesome. Will finish up tomorrow.
I plan to do a couple of night time days. I’m sure I’ll love it, but I won’t love carrying the stuff around with me. LOL
Subway system is...
A rainy Paris welcomes Chris
From the train ride to getting to my new residence for the next week, everything went off without a hitch. Huh? I don’t understand LOL.
I arrived on my last “sleeper car” train. My overnight bunk mates were 2 older French guys and 1 younger Korean guy. The language chat was all over the place. LOL
It’s rainy and a bit chilly. Fall is definitely around the corner. Since I...
Goodbye Barcelona!
The verdict is in. Barcelona moves to the top of the list as “my kinda city”. It definitely takes the prize for my interest, for many reasons. I’ll be back for sure. That said, Italy was no slouch. I’ll be back and ready to experience the nightlife, something I did not get a chance to do.
Barcelona yielded quite a few adventures, a great mix of people and a friendly face...
Ooops forgot to take the privacy setting off of...
If anyone tried to look at last video. You can now see it. Youtube should make the default setting open vs. private. Oh, well.
“Don’t ever discount modern technology and how much you depend on it....”
A funny thing happened on the way to Barcelona
After a VERY VERY LONG journey yesterday I arrived yesterday morning in Barcelona, but not without yet another train story….What would backpacking travel be without multiple train stories. I live for them.
Overall the train ride was fine. I left Siena bright and early and made it to my first, second and third destinations without incident.
I ended up back where I started in Venice. I had...
August 2009
21 posts
Parkland
Arrived in Siena late yesterday. Directions were a little unclear to hotel, so I ended up pulling out GPS and walking to it. Fun stuff. Nice workout with luggage and all.
It is true what they say about Siena. It is truly a beautiful place. I could totally see myself living here with all the usual.:)
It reminds me of one big nature park.
Just started exploring a little today. Making notes for...
Ahhhhh. Roma!
Rome went from casual to busy in 1 day. Hung out with first roomate, nice guy from Austrailia. We walked and walked and walked the entire day. Saw quite a bit.
He left, then I was supposed to be roomate free. Later that afternoon another roomate pops up. We started hanging out. We got back to the room and 2 new roomates pop up.
Later that night, hung out in hotel lobby with the guy on duty. He...
Rome: First day/night
I’m happy to report the train ride to Rome went off without a hitch. :) I even met a nice Austrailian couple. They were able to fill in some blanks regarding my Europass.
It really felt good not being completely overwhelmed when I entered the train station this time.
Since Rome is much bigger and more to see, I thought I better put together a plan. :) The guy here has been very helpful....
“Let’s see where the day takes us.”
one HOT week!
As the hottest week (92 degrees) EVERY day ends, so does the first week on my journey.
I believe this was the training week. I learned alot in terms of how the best way to communicate, transportation systems etc. (Still more stories on that, but I will save for when I’m back)
It’s interesting some people speak to you only in Italian and others start out in English. I personally...
“Stay calm at all times. The problem will be the same if you are a crazy person...”
Everyday is truly and adventure...Seriously!
End of last night…
Had my first “real” meal in Venice. It was the best pasta I have ever had. Of course we can’t forget my 1/2 liter of wine. Excellent as well.
Still hungry, so I had a Pizza. Met a nice older gentleman from Venice. His name was Jimmy or Johnny. It was cool to listen to him go on about their rich history.
First night out with camera. Needed another...
“The GPS is quicker, easier…when it works. But nothing can replace the...”
Body clock transitioning and first OMG WTF am I...
So, it’s now been 3 days I believe. My mind and definitely body are all screwed up as it relates to time. I’m crossing my fingers that after tonight I will be firmly situated in the new timezone.
Yesterday I left London and started the destination Italy adventure. Admittedly this one I’ve been a little nervous about because of the (train transfer).
Train was perfect. Best meal....
“Strangers who become friends is AWESOME!”
Great first day and night
I couldn’t have asked for a better first day on my trip. Met only great people.
First hostel experience was GREAT! I can only hope the next series of stays can compare.
Hung out with my 2 roomies from Germany Jan and Reiner. Great guys. We sorta did a mini London tour around midnight. My other roomie was from Argentina, but we didn’t get a chance to hang.
Can anyone tell me why the...
“Nothing like being a fish out of water.”
Wandering Soul
Plane ride was really nice. No problems. It felt like 4 hours vs. the 8 it actually was.
Experienced a smartass UK border guy. I kept quiet and let him enjoy his power, afterall he’ll be there all day looking at passports.
Eating lunch, I mean dinner, I mean breakfast. I’m voting for the “late lunch”after a brutal day at work. LOL
Very nice waitress gave me a crash...