Good MORNING!
We have now reached the land of Waffles and Chocolate though we are yet to taste either as we only arrived yesterday. Andy and Steph are in the hostel kitchen singing about bacon... and hopefully cooking it as well.
Our first evening in Amsterdam we spent locating Falafel shops (fueling our previously unknown addiction to the stuff). Having satisfied our tummys with deep-fried chickpeas we decided that a foray into Amsterdam's musical scene was in order. We ended up in another Jazz bar, this time (according to Andy) it was PROPER jazz which meant it was quite difficult to listen to. We had a few drinks but then left in order to find something a little easier on the ears...
We strolled down the city's lovely streets and into what was apparently pub\club land! We were swept into to an over-21's club by the manager of a band having been told to give the band 'much applause' which we did. Later that evening we were joined by one of the pub-crawl groups armed with their wristbands (it just so happened that the Aussies we met on the train and were swopping stories with were part of the crawl!). Fellow Brits joined us at the back of the club, delighted to have people to talk to who understood irony, they plied us with leaflets for another crawl and tried to persuade us to come with them to the next pub but we resisted and now drink in Chris's honour and hope that Chaz and Pete made it home alright.
Next day (our full day in Amsterdam) we had a plan to go to one of the islands, Texel (pronounced Tessel) and hire bikes on Andy and Kieran's advice. After taking a little ferry over and being slightly harrased by scary seagulls we made it to the island.
On dry land we headed straight into a shed full of bicycles, only to find that we needed tickets. Back in the shed, tickets in hand we were presented with three huge bicycles with keys to lock the back wheel and also the leg things to make them stand up. VERY EXCITING! A few moments were spent adjusting the heights of the saddles (I was still unable to touch the floor with the seat at its lowest!), then we were off to explore the islands and its delights such as Den Burg (a little village good for chips and cider) and De Cocksdorp another little town and finally the lighthous at the furthest point of the island. We enjoyed this mode of transport mostly because it is faster than walking and nicer than buses. At the lighthouse we stopped on a sadly non-swimming beach and had a picnic. We realised at this point that we had no idea what time the last ferry was back to the mainland. Slight panic as we took to our bikes once more and cycled as fast as possible (sore legs permitting) back to the port... lets just say that we didn't take the most direct route due to bad signposting and that our ETAs were a little bit optimistic.
We did get back. That evening in Amsterdam we once again filled ourselves with Falafel mostly because it is pretty cheap and tasty. Then we decided that a wander through the infamous red-light district was necessary. It was a little odd, mostly because it seems to consist of human vending machines. I think we will brush over the details. We went back to our hostel after stopping for drinks at a pub and prepared for Brussels!
Next morning we woke up late. My alarm died and there was no natural light in our room. Getting ready as fast as we could we went to the station and put our stuff in the lockers. Andy and Steph went to visit what was apparently a very disturbing sex museum. I went to Haarlem to find the house of Corrie Ten Boom which I succeeded in despite the pouring rain thanks to an amazing machine which prints maps!
We boarded the train for Brussels and arrived last night in time for dinner...
Much love
xxx
Monday, 13 July 2009
Friday, 10 July 2009
AmsterDANG 10-07-09
Currently sitting with fire alarms wailing in a hostel that has NO TIME for Paris. We are in Amserdam and it is wet. Just like home. Great.
Stayed with Andy's relative, Ann, yesterday in Eindhoven, the highlight of which was the HOMEMADE LASAGNE gggrrrrr it was NOICE. Dabbled in the pub life of Valkenwaard, playing with dice and such, which can be described as better than our room now. WE ARE LITERALLY STAYING IN A GLORIFIED CUPBOARD. FOR TOO MUCH MONSEYS.
Spent the morning at Ann's house stuffing our undernourished faces with bacon, bacon, bacon, eggs, circle bacon, fried bread and....oh, bacon. Richard Bacon. Francis Bacon. So much bacon.
At the station, we discovered the joys of deep fried breaded cheese things, which we got from a magic cupboard system of hawt food vending. Got the train to Amsterdam without incident, meeting Aussies on the way, sharing tales of travels cos we're cool.
Waited in Amsterdam station in the stupid and ridiculous number system GARGH, eating more deep fried cheese things (addictive). We then beat the system, and escaped to find our hostel. Which had given away our reservation. EPIC FAIL. This led Helen and Andy on a quest to discover a new hostel, while I loitered anti-socially near the war memorial.
Having found a hostel, we are out to discover the joys of Amsterdam on a limited budget, fun times all round! :
Hopefully tomorrow we can steal bikes and run riot on Texel Texel Texel land. Or just eat more deep fried cheese. Yeah.
LOVETH
x
Stayed with Andy's relative, Ann, yesterday in Eindhoven, the highlight of which was the HOMEMADE LASAGNE gggrrrrr it was NOICE. Dabbled in the pub life of Valkenwaard, playing with dice and such, which can be described as better than our room now. WE ARE LITERALLY STAYING IN A GLORIFIED CUPBOARD. FOR TOO MUCH MONSEYS.
Spent the morning at Ann's house stuffing our undernourished faces with bacon, bacon, bacon, eggs, circle bacon, fried bread and....oh, bacon. Richard Bacon. Francis Bacon. So much bacon.
At the station, we discovered the joys of deep fried breaded cheese things, which we got from a magic cupboard system of hawt food vending. Got the train to Amsterdam without incident, meeting Aussies on the way, sharing tales of travels cos we're cool.
Waited in Amsterdam station in the stupid and ridiculous number system GARGH, eating more deep fried cheese things (addictive). We then beat the system, and escaped to find our hostel. Which had given away our reservation. EPIC FAIL. This led Helen and Andy on a quest to discover a new hostel, while I loitered anti-socially near the war memorial.
Having found a hostel, we are out to discover the joys of Amsterdam on a limited budget, fun times all round! :
Hopefully tomorrow we can steal bikes and run riot on Texel Texel Texel land. Or just eat more deep fried cheese. Yeah.
LOVETH
x
Thursday, 9 July 2009
Köln on, feel the noise...
We departed Baxpax in Berlin early(ish) in order to catch out 5 hour train to Köln (Cologne), which we spent eating bread and addictive, yet not very nice mini pretzels (mainly because they were the cheapest thing in the supermarket).
On arrival at Köln, stepping out of the station to be faced with the impressive Dom Cathedral, we found our hostel with little trouble, as it was just a ten-minute walk along the river. And it only rained a little bit.
After dumping our bags in our comfy dorm, in the mostly dilapidated building the hostel was in, we headed out to visit the Köln chocolate factory and museum. We felt like real tourists! Managing to get a student discount using our Oyster cards, much to the confusion of the woman at the desk, the museum was interesting, but not the best museum i've been to. The best part was that thez actually make Lindt chocolate there, which there were free samples of, and having paid 5 euros entrance, we felt it was our duty as back-packers to take full advantage of the free samples, taking many. The woman handing them out gave us many begrudging looks. It was worth it.
After buying very cheap 'on offer' chilli and cherry chocolate, the only thing we could afford in the gift shop, we then headed over to the Student Quarter of the city to find Habibi, which, as Steph's Guide to Europe had correctly informed us, sold very good falafal for 1.90 euros. Bargian. So we ate there, then headed over to the neighbouring internet cafe to check various emails/facebooks etc.
Steph has seen a poster for La Roux's German tour, and after her Berlin gig had been sold out while we were there, it turned out she was playing in Köln, and it wasn't sold out. The venue was literally a ten minute walk from where we were, so we went. One of the best gigs I have been to actually, and not too expensive. The venue was a good small size, with cheap drinks, and we managed to get near the front. Having not heard too much of her music before, she is now a definite favourite and a brilliant live performer. Epic win.
So, after the gig we walked back to the hostel to haev a good night's sleep. We had a lie in this morning, as for once we weren't getting a praticularly early train, and went to do washing. Lots of washing.
Next stop, Eindhoven!
Love
xx
On arrival at Köln, stepping out of the station to be faced with the impressive Dom Cathedral, we found our hostel with little trouble, as it was just a ten-minute walk along the river. And it only rained a little bit.
After dumping our bags in our comfy dorm, in the mostly dilapidated building the hostel was in, we headed out to visit the Köln chocolate factory and museum. We felt like real tourists! Managing to get a student discount using our Oyster cards, much to the confusion of the woman at the desk, the museum was interesting, but not the best museum i've been to. The best part was that thez actually make Lindt chocolate there, which there were free samples of, and having paid 5 euros entrance, we felt it was our duty as back-packers to take full advantage of the free samples, taking many. The woman handing them out gave us many begrudging looks. It was worth it.
After buying very cheap 'on offer' chilli and cherry chocolate, the only thing we could afford in the gift shop, we then headed over to the Student Quarter of the city to find Habibi, which, as Steph's Guide to Europe had correctly informed us, sold very good falafal for 1.90 euros. Bargian. So we ate there, then headed over to the neighbouring internet cafe to check various emails/facebooks etc.
Steph has seen a poster for La Roux's German tour, and after her Berlin gig had been sold out while we were there, it turned out she was playing in Köln, and it wasn't sold out. The venue was literally a ten minute walk from where we were, so we went. One of the best gigs I have been to actually, and not too expensive. The venue was a good small size, with cheap drinks, and we managed to get near the front. Having not heard too much of her music before, she is now a definite favourite and a brilliant live performer. Epic win.
So, after the gig we walked back to the hostel to haev a good night's sleep. We had a lie in this morning, as for once we weren't getting a praticularly early train, and went to do washing. Lots of washing.
Next stop, Eindhoven!
Love
xx
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Bear-lin and Music strings
Wilkommen aus Berlin!
Our first night last night in a 30 bed dorm, bad times. It feels a little bit like we are part of a people farm being lit with a slightly eerie red glow day and night. For some reason no-one will talk to us (we suspect it is the smell of Andy's shoes).
Our first evening we spent picnicking outside the Reichstag building, sampling some (cheap) strawberry beer so that when Rosie next asks us about it we can say confidently that we have tried it. Berlin feels oddly familiar after all the strange and wonderful places we have been so far. For example there was no need to use a map in order to find our way to the hostel, that and it only took about 30 minutes as opposed to 2 hours.
Steph and Andy for some unknown reason decided to stay up until 3 o'clock in the morning just wandering around whilst I had gone to bed but this lead them to discover Internet Happy Hour which for staying up ridiculously early there is 50c off the internet time... personally I would prefer to sleep.
Tuesday morning and the plan was to find a particular music shop in order to restring Steph's very very cheap guitar, the pride and joy of the Czech Rep. We meandered into the suburbs of Berlin, locating first a Lidl for some cheap lunch and then stumbling across the music shop, it was however doomed to be a disappointment and point of irritation. Firstly when we walked in we were told that we had to lock up our bags in case we managed to smuggle out a amp inside them. Then we were followed around the shop by a rather scary shop 'assistant'. THEN once we realized we were in the wrong part of the shop and relocated ourselves to the acoustic we were told that Derek was a 'toy' and received scornful glances for even bothering to repair him. Andy hoping that he would be allowed to play some of the guitars asked and was basically told no unless he was planning to buy one right then and there. Apparently this is not the case in Britain or Venice where he had played a Mandolin..
Having purchased the required strings for poor and much maligned Derek we retreated to Victoria park in bad tempers about our ill-treatment. Over lunch Andy managed miracles in music using a penknife and little else. Derek would live to play again. We spent most of the afternoon in the park eating, playing the guitars and (in my case) drawing. After feeling that we had relaxed in our old city enough we headed off to find the Victoria park waterfall, at first we only found a small one and questions were asked 'Is this it??'
Eventually we managed to find the real thing which was pretty and impressive, a few of us dabbled our feet in it and many artistic photos were taken. By the time all this had been done it was time to get back to the hostel and then hit some of our old haunts.. Oscar Wilde pub, Bombay Curry house and of course the Reichstag at sunset.
At the Pub we watched some of MJ's memorial service (secretly hoping he would rise from the casket to the tune of 'Thriller'). Then it was off to the Reichstag for the sunset, which we just about managed despite getting held up by looking in every souvenir shop along Unter den Linden. Finally from the Reichstag it was time for dinner so at 11 we found ourselves in our curry house ordering and being told the food could be a while... Thank goodness for our waiter who felt the urge to kick up a fuss on our behalf. The curry was, to quote Mr Smith 'buuuuufff'. So ends the story of today with full bellies and sleepy heads. Tomorrow is Cologne or Köln and back out into the unknown.
Our first night last night in a 30 bed dorm, bad times. It feels a little bit like we are part of a people farm being lit with a slightly eerie red glow day and night. For some reason no-one will talk to us (we suspect it is the smell of Andy's shoes).
Our first evening we spent picnicking outside the Reichstag building, sampling some (cheap) strawberry beer so that when Rosie next asks us about it we can say confidently that we have tried it. Berlin feels oddly familiar after all the strange and wonderful places we have been so far. For example there was no need to use a map in order to find our way to the hostel, that and it only took about 30 minutes as opposed to 2 hours.
Steph and Andy for some unknown reason decided to stay up until 3 o'clock in the morning just wandering around whilst I had gone to bed but this lead them to discover Internet Happy Hour which for staying up ridiculously early there is 50c off the internet time... personally I would prefer to sleep.
Tuesday morning and the plan was to find a particular music shop in order to restring Steph's very very cheap guitar, the pride and joy of the Czech Rep. We meandered into the suburbs of Berlin, locating first a Lidl for some cheap lunch and then stumbling across the music shop, it was however doomed to be a disappointment and point of irritation. Firstly when we walked in we were told that we had to lock up our bags in case we managed to smuggle out a amp inside them. Then we were followed around the shop by a rather scary shop 'assistant'. THEN once we realized we were in the wrong part of the shop and relocated ourselves to the acoustic we were told that Derek was a 'toy' and received scornful glances for even bothering to repair him. Andy hoping that he would be allowed to play some of the guitars asked and was basically told no unless he was planning to buy one right then and there. Apparently this is not the case in Britain or Venice where he had played a Mandolin..
Having purchased the required strings for poor and much maligned Derek we retreated to Victoria park in bad tempers about our ill-treatment. Over lunch Andy managed miracles in music using a penknife and little else. Derek would live to play again. We spent most of the afternoon in the park eating, playing the guitars and (in my case) drawing. After feeling that we had relaxed in our old city enough we headed off to find the Victoria park waterfall, at first we only found a small one and questions were asked 'Is this it??'
Eventually we managed to find the real thing which was pretty and impressive, a few of us dabbled our feet in it and many artistic photos were taken. By the time all this had been done it was time to get back to the hostel and then hit some of our old haunts.. Oscar Wilde pub, Bombay Curry house and of course the Reichstag at sunset.
At the Pub we watched some of MJ's memorial service (secretly hoping he would rise from the casket to the tune of 'Thriller'). Then it was off to the Reichstag for the sunset, which we just about managed despite getting held up by looking in every souvenir shop along Unter den Linden. Finally from the Reichstag it was time for dinner so at 11 we found ourselves in our curry house ordering and being told the food could be a while... Thank goodness for our waiter who felt the urge to kick up a fuss on our behalf. The curry was, to quote Mr Smith 'buuuuufff'. So ends the story of today with full bellies and sleepy heads. Tomorrow is Cologne or Köln and back out into the unknown.
Monday, 6 July 2009
Ich bin ein Berliner jah!
So much to write since last time, so little internet time to do it in.
Currently sitting in the infamous Baxpax, we're staying in what appears to be a dungeon, and I (Steph) now own a two string mini guitar which was bought for 7 quid in good ol' Prague. Get in bargin.
Anyway, Munich day 2 was planned to be a wonderfully historical NSDAP related day, considering we were at it's so-called 'birthplace'. We started by going to Dachau concentration camp in the morning, spending a fair few hours in the exhibition and the memorial sights.
However, despite the earlier bright weather, while we attempted to eat our bread-based lunch we were suddenly hit by a torrential downpour, which not only got us soaked but meant we were sitting on a stationary (not made of paperclips, Rosie) train for over an hour. Fun times.
After being rescued by Richard, we went back to dry off and then were taken on a whistle stop walking tour of central Berlin, seeing sights such as the former NSDAP party headquaters, now oddly enough a drama and music collage, and the beerhall where Hitler took control of the Nazi party.
Had another beer garden dinner, and we actually had beer this time. Andy and I really actually liked it...Helen...not so much.
Next day was onwards bound to PRAGUE, where we vowed to live like Kings thatnks to the exchange rate of 30:1. Whoop.
We spent most of our full day in Prague wandering the castle in the old town, trapped like in Fort Boyard, and sampling the tourist shops. the defianate highlight of Praha, with thanks to Hargreaves, was the evening spent at an underground jazz club (Bill Clinton jammed there!), watching the Praha Big Band, who were EXCELLENT. A great evening had by all.
Also bought a questionably cheap 'mini guitar', but then Andy broke most of the strings...
Also met up with Andy and Kieren for drinks on the fake Berlin beach. Goodtimes.
And now for Berlin...TALLY HO (OSCAR WILDE PUB)
Love to all
x
Currently sitting in the infamous Baxpax, we're staying in what appears to be a dungeon, and I (Steph) now own a two string mini guitar which was bought for 7 quid in good ol' Prague. Get in bargin.
Anyway, Munich day 2 was planned to be a wonderfully historical NSDAP related day, considering we were at it's so-called 'birthplace'. We started by going to Dachau concentration camp in the morning, spending a fair few hours in the exhibition and the memorial sights.
However, despite the earlier bright weather, while we attempted to eat our bread-based lunch we were suddenly hit by a torrential downpour, which not only got us soaked but meant we were sitting on a stationary (not made of paperclips, Rosie) train for over an hour. Fun times.
After being rescued by Richard, we went back to dry off and then were taken on a whistle stop walking tour of central Berlin, seeing sights such as the former NSDAP party headquaters, now oddly enough a drama and music collage, and the beerhall where Hitler took control of the Nazi party.
Had another beer garden dinner, and we actually had beer this time. Andy and I really actually liked it...Helen...not so much.
Next day was onwards bound to PRAGUE, where we vowed to live like Kings thatnks to the exchange rate of 30:1. Whoop.
We spent most of our full day in Prague wandering the castle in the old town, trapped like in Fort Boyard, and sampling the tourist shops. the defianate highlight of Praha, with thanks to Hargreaves, was the evening spent at an underground jazz club (Bill Clinton jammed there!), watching the Praha Big Band, who were EXCELLENT. A great evening had by all.
Also bought a questionably cheap 'mini guitar', but then Andy broke most of the strings...
Also met up with Andy and Kieren for drinks on the fake Berlin beach. Goodtimes.
And now for Berlin...TALLY HO (OSCAR WILDE PUB)
Love to all
x
Thursday, 2 July 2009
Ain't no mountain high enough!
Munich! We are in the land where the seeds of evil were planted and zwei pint in ein glas is a reality...
BUT.. to begin from where we left off. The bottle of cheap wine was disgusting, Andy attepted to mix it with orange juice in a drink known as 'the les Mis experience'. Steph drank hers out of half a fruit juice carton because we didn't have enough cups, we truly are living the life of luxury.
The campsite runs a bus into Venice so no need for confsing transport systems and we were transported into the hub of Venice where it is more likely that you will hear an American accent than an Italian one.
Our first port of call was San Marco square where we took pictures of the huuuuuuuge buildings and were again refused admittance to a cathedral on account of our revealing attire. We also overheard and Amerian guy filming who when faced with the glories of european architecture remarked 'gosh! Thats a big tower.' Eloquent.
Whilst roaming the labyrinths of Venice looking for a really really cheap pizza place to eat (according to Steph's travel bible) we got too hungry and ended up in a little restaurant which was lovely and although the meal was lovely I won't bore you with the details of our food. As some of my companions have been doing... After lunch we were killing time waiting for a bar which we HAD to visit to eventually open. Suffice to say that the decor itself is worth going for althought the drinks a throughly over-priced as are most things in Venice. We left te bar Steph with a free t-shirt in hand and having added our bit to the decorations in the form of our artwork (well actually not me and Andy's.. they weren't considered good enough). Our bus back to the canpsite left at 10pm so we toddled back through the darkening streets, pausing at markets and exhibitions of venetian dancing.
Bac at the campsite w decided it was time for a night out. What better thing to do then that go to the campsite organised 'Tunnel Disco!' or as it is now referred to the ' Tragic Disco' due to the fact that at one point there were only three people dancing and that was Steph, Andy and a Liverpudlian bloke. However all was not lost we made friends with both the other Liverpudlians and also some nice bt not quite 'all-there' Aussie girls who were treating us to some of their party tricks.
The next morning was unfortunately time to leave and so we ook our last bus into Venice, stocked up on more supermarket food (sorry) and boarded a 5hr train to Innsbruck. On the train we met some Americans from Illinois and Indiana Steph and I had some interesting discussions of American politics and American attitudes to history which were very enlightening. We said goodbye to or friends at the station and began anouthter of our searches fro and elusive hostel.
This one was a little different, usually we have arrived at hostels hot and ever so slightly damp, in this case we turned up looking like drowned hunchback-rats dressed in tarpaulins and (nearly) minus one flip-flop in Steph's case. This was mostly because God saw fit to grace us with one of his most magnificent thuderstorms complete with torrential rain just as we stepped of the bus. We believe this to be either a test of patience or preparation, I would like to think we passed despite the number of odd looks we got from the locals.
Our hostel (Nikolaus Glockenhaus) was beautiful, very homely and with comfortable if slightly precarious beds. We changed our clothes, made friends with some Aussies from downstairs and then headed out into the now mysteriously dry Innsbruck in search of aahhh (food). Steph got rather excited about a set of swings and unfortunately failed to notice the giant puddle underneath - lets just say she won't be doing that again for a while, her left Converse will never be the same.
We would like to reccomend a little cafe called Retro just off the main street which gave me my first taste of goulash.
Our plan for the next day was to lock our kit in the staion and head up the mountain by way of a cable-car. This was a most excellent idea. Having worked out how to use the lockers and located the correct bus to take us up the mountain we were soon on our way with a picnic and ukelele in tow, Frank the cuddly sheep also joined us on this expedition. The end of the line for the bus route was a breathtaking view but it was nothing compared to when we got (halfway) up the mountain. I think it was worth getting the thunderstorm out the day before.. We had our picnic on the slope and sang along to the accompniament of a Uke, much to the confusion of some serious alpine walkers. After that it was time to start exploring, we threw snowballs from som of the snow which was STILL on the the mountain and then Steph and Andy trekked up further.
It was all going very well until this point when they encountered a herd of apparently demonic sheep/goats we are not sure which. The herd then chased them up the mountain much to Andy's discomfort and embarrasment as he fell over and rolled down the hill as Steph nearly fell over laughing. Let's put it this way she still laughs hysterically when she thinks about it now (conveniently forgetting she fell down a bridge in Venice along with her backpack and a shriek).
Now we are in Munich and comfortably full many thanks to Richard (a friend of Andy's Dad). Our train journey consisted of kicking people out of our reserved seats and then settling down to eat huge salads (so huge Andy had to take a nap half-way through), and napping. Our arrival in Munich was heralded by our complete disregard and disruption of the first efficient German system we came into contact with mcuh to the irritation of the ticket lady. Once arriving at Richards flat we have been taken out to the second largest BierGarten in the world and drunk... CIDER! We have also seen people actually WEARING lederhosen which makes us very happy and also slightly worried.
Tomorrow the plan is to see the Nazi roots in Munich and also to see Dachau but nothing is certain...
Over and out.
BUT.. to begin from where we left off. The bottle of cheap wine was disgusting, Andy attepted to mix it with orange juice in a drink known as 'the les Mis experience'. Steph drank hers out of half a fruit juice carton because we didn't have enough cups, we truly are living the life of luxury.
The campsite runs a bus into Venice so no need for confsing transport systems and we were transported into the hub of Venice where it is more likely that you will hear an American accent than an Italian one.
Our first port of call was San Marco square where we took pictures of the huuuuuuuge buildings and were again refused admittance to a cathedral on account of our revealing attire. We also overheard and Amerian guy filming who when faced with the glories of european architecture remarked 'gosh! Thats a big tower.' Eloquent.
Whilst roaming the labyrinths of Venice looking for a really really cheap pizza place to eat (according to Steph's travel bible) we got too hungry and ended up in a little restaurant which was lovely and although the meal was lovely I won't bore you with the details of our food. As some of my companions have been doing... After lunch we were killing time waiting for a bar which we HAD to visit to eventually open. Suffice to say that the decor itself is worth going for althought the drinks a throughly over-priced as are most things in Venice. We left te bar Steph with a free t-shirt in hand and having added our bit to the decorations in the form of our artwork (well actually not me and Andy's.. they weren't considered good enough). Our bus back to the canpsite left at 10pm so we toddled back through the darkening streets, pausing at markets and exhibitions of venetian dancing.
Bac at the campsite w decided it was time for a night out. What better thing to do then that go to the campsite organised 'Tunnel Disco!' or as it is now referred to the ' Tragic Disco' due to the fact that at one point there were only three people dancing and that was Steph, Andy and a Liverpudlian bloke. However all was not lost we made friends with both the other Liverpudlians and also some nice bt not quite 'all-there' Aussie girls who were treating us to some of their party tricks.
The next morning was unfortunately time to leave and so we ook our last bus into Venice, stocked up on more supermarket food (sorry) and boarded a 5hr train to Innsbruck. On the train we met some Americans from Illinois and Indiana Steph and I had some interesting discussions of American politics and American attitudes to history which were very enlightening. We said goodbye to or friends at the station and began anouthter of our searches fro and elusive hostel.
This one was a little different, usually we have arrived at hostels hot and ever so slightly damp, in this case we turned up looking like drowned hunchback-rats dressed in tarpaulins and (nearly) minus one flip-flop in Steph's case. This was mostly because God saw fit to grace us with one of his most magnificent thuderstorms complete with torrential rain just as we stepped of the bus. We believe this to be either a test of patience or preparation, I would like to think we passed despite the number of odd looks we got from the locals.
Our hostel (Nikolaus Glockenhaus) was beautiful, very homely and with comfortable if slightly precarious beds. We changed our clothes, made friends with some Aussies from downstairs and then headed out into the now mysteriously dry Innsbruck in search of aahhh (food). Steph got rather excited about a set of swings and unfortunately failed to notice the giant puddle underneath - lets just say she won't be doing that again for a while, her left Converse will never be the same.
We would like to reccomend a little cafe called Retro just off the main street which gave me my first taste of goulash.
Our plan for the next day was to lock our kit in the staion and head up the mountain by way of a cable-car. This was a most excellent idea. Having worked out how to use the lockers and located the correct bus to take us up the mountain we were soon on our way with a picnic and ukelele in tow, Frank the cuddly sheep also joined us on this expedition. The end of the line for the bus route was a breathtaking view but it was nothing compared to when we got (halfway) up the mountain. I think it was worth getting the thunderstorm out the day before.. We had our picnic on the slope and sang along to the accompniament of a Uke, much to the confusion of some serious alpine walkers. After that it was time to start exploring, we threw snowballs from som of the snow which was STILL on the the mountain and then Steph and Andy trekked up further.
It was all going very well until this point when they encountered a herd of apparently demonic sheep/goats we are not sure which. The herd then chased them up the mountain much to Andy's discomfort and embarrasment as he fell over and rolled down the hill as Steph nearly fell over laughing. Let's put it this way she still laughs hysterically when she thinks about it now (conveniently forgetting she fell down a bridge in Venice along with her backpack and a shriek).
Now we are in Munich and comfortably full many thanks to Richard (a friend of Andy's Dad). Our train journey consisted of kicking people out of our reserved seats and then settling down to eat huge salads (so huge Andy had to take a nap half-way through), and napping. Our arrival in Munich was heralded by our complete disregard and disruption of the first efficient German system we came into contact with mcuh to the irritation of the ticket lady. Once arriving at Richards flat we have been taken out to the second largest BierGarten in the world and drunk... CIDER! We have also seen people actually WEARING lederhosen which makes us very happy and also slightly worried.
Tomorrow the plan is to see the Nazi roots in Munich and also to see Dachau but nothing is certain...
Over and out.
Monday, 29 June 2009
Italian Job... 29.06.09 - 10.57pm
Hello all!
We arrived in Venice earlier today, having to trek through the streets to find a supermarket, while Steph loitered outside the Central Station in the fading sunlight (apparently being bothered by American people).
Since Marseilles we have crossed the boarder, taking a nine-hour journey from Marseilles to Milan yesterday having enjoyed our extra day of lazing on the beaches of the med (and burning a bit).
When we got to Milan, had a tram journey and an epic circum-navigation of the city and itàs backstreets to find our hostel, to be told the receptionist had "accidentally" cancelled both our nights of accomodation. Fool of a Took! Befriending fellow Dutch hostel rejects, we went back across town on a questionably safe tram to the other end of Milan, where our new hostel, Hotel Mayorca, was to be found (THREE STARS MATEY!)
It had a shower door. THE FIRST WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED ON OUR JOURNEYS. So we enjoyed that greatly, and the hotel was very cheap for what it was (clean and not murderous). We went out for a meal in the evening and I (Andy) had a GIANT PIZZA BIGGER THAN ALL OF OUR FACES PUT TOGETHER, Steph had a pizza turnover, and Helen had a Carbonanza. We then ventured to some OH-SO-BUFF ice cream, served by a man who loved London. Yes. Big times.
Headed back to the hotel, avoided the insane localas who lunged at our ice cream, possibly trying to explain the meaning of "q" in Italian. I had an early night, apparently falling asleep before the others, and woke up at 9am. Had a free croissant. It was good. The scary man at reception would not let me take any to the room for the others. Epic fail.
While Steph did more loitering in Milan Central station (very facisty) Helen and I strapped on our intrepid socks and headed to explore Milan in all itàs massive glory. We eventually ended up in the Italian equivilent of the Glades, Bromley. There were less chavs. But still a McDonalds. How lovely. Also saw a huge Gothic cathedral, the second oldest in Europe. But unfortunately we were not allowed in as we were dressed as harlots. Apparently.
Train ride to Venice after a lunch of paninis was comfortable, and NOBODY left their wallet in the train toilet for the entire journey. Ahem.
Arrived in muggy Venice and went on the afformentioned shopping trip, finding cheap chocolate and crisps (abandoning Steph. AWHHHHH)
We then got the bus to JOLLY PLUS CAMPING (written in blood on the floor) helped by the directions of an old man. Our room is ONLY 12 euros a night and, according to Steph, our resident expert on camp cinema, looks like the setting for a Carry on Film. Her bed is hanging off the ceiling. We can fold her away when we're tired!
Have bought a stupidly cheap bottle of vino, under Steph's orders, which we will now go and drink in our caravan-from-home. Tomorrow we shall explore Venice for 11 hours, and get free (not exchanged for bras) t-shirts. Apart from me. Sad times.
LOVE
xxx
We arrived in Venice earlier today, having to trek through the streets to find a supermarket, while Steph loitered outside the Central Station in the fading sunlight (apparently being bothered by American people).
Since Marseilles we have crossed the boarder, taking a nine-hour journey from Marseilles to Milan yesterday having enjoyed our extra day of lazing on the beaches of the med (and burning a bit).
When we got to Milan, had a tram journey and an epic circum-navigation of the city and itàs backstreets to find our hostel, to be told the receptionist had "accidentally" cancelled both our nights of accomodation. Fool of a Took! Befriending fellow Dutch hostel rejects, we went back across town on a questionably safe tram to the other end of Milan, where our new hostel, Hotel Mayorca, was to be found (THREE STARS MATEY!)
It had a shower door. THE FIRST WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED ON OUR JOURNEYS. So we enjoyed that greatly, and the hotel was very cheap for what it was (clean and not murderous). We went out for a meal in the evening and I (Andy) had a GIANT PIZZA BIGGER THAN ALL OF OUR FACES PUT TOGETHER, Steph had a pizza turnover, and Helen had a Carbonanza. We then ventured to some OH-SO-BUFF ice cream, served by a man who loved London. Yes. Big times.
Headed back to the hotel, avoided the insane localas who lunged at our ice cream, possibly trying to explain the meaning of "q" in Italian. I had an early night, apparently falling asleep before the others, and woke up at 9am. Had a free croissant. It was good. The scary man at reception would not let me take any to the room for the others. Epic fail.
While Steph did more loitering in Milan Central station (very facisty) Helen and I strapped on our intrepid socks and headed to explore Milan in all itàs massive glory. We eventually ended up in the Italian equivilent of the Glades, Bromley. There were less chavs. But still a McDonalds. How lovely. Also saw a huge Gothic cathedral, the second oldest in Europe. But unfortunately we were not allowed in as we were dressed as harlots. Apparently.
Train ride to Venice after a lunch of paninis was comfortable, and NOBODY left their wallet in the train toilet for the entire journey. Ahem.
Arrived in muggy Venice and went on the afformentioned shopping trip, finding cheap chocolate and crisps (abandoning Steph. AWHHHHH)
We then got the bus to JOLLY PLUS CAMPING (written in blood on the floor) helped by the directions of an old man. Our room is ONLY 12 euros a night and, according to Steph, our resident expert on camp cinema, looks like the setting for a Carry on Film. Her bed is hanging off the ceiling. We can fold her away when we're tired!
Have bought a stupidly cheap bottle of vino, under Steph's orders, which we will now go and drink in our caravan-from-home. Tomorrow we shall explore Venice for 11 hours, and get free (not exchanged for bras) t-shirts. Apart from me. Sad times.
LOVE
xxx
Saturday, 27 June 2009
Salut from the South of France
We hope you appriciate the effort, the keyboards here are WEIRD
Anyway, hello from Marseille, Steph here on behalf of the other two who have wandered off to find a cash point. Currently sitting in an internet cafe in the Arab quarter of Marseille, we have been here for two days and tomorrow we wav au revoir to France and bonjourno to Italy.
The TGV from Lyon to Marseille went smoothly, and we were able to stretch out and enjoy the scenery (inc. Avingon, as in the song pont d'avingon) and go to Marseille at about lunchtime. Thinking that we were really clever, we went to book tickets to Milan for the next day, HOWEVER we were foiled, as there was no tickets left or alternate routes available :(
However, we went on our way to our hostel, which was in the newer and redeveloped area, away from the town centre. A quick (and sweaty) Metro ride, followed by a short stroll lead us to our hostel (*, get in). Another 'lively' hostel with a great view of the roof and opposing way...yummy.
Dumping our stuff, we headed back into town for wanderings and FOOD.
Hang on, the others have returned...sucessful...oh dear they went again, damn so called friends...Anyway, after an immensely huge meal, we managed to wander the town for a bit longer, but eventually returned to the hostel for one thing...THE BEACH.
A short bus ride away, we soon were greeted with the sight of the gorgeous Mediterrainean sea, and we soon settled ourselves on la plague for the next few hours. Despite it being the late afternoon when we arriuved, the sun was still out in full force. Spending most of the time frolicking and such in the sea (Andy complained it was cold), it was verging into evening when w eventually returned to our room.
Climbing out onto the roof like the rebels we are, we sat outside until the bats were flying around our faces (and the birds were warching us suspiciously) chatting and organising tommorrow. It was eventually decided that as we had enjoyed the day so much, we would spent an extra day here, and go to Milan the following day. After eating copoius amounts of watermelon, we eventually retired to bed...
Waking up this morning, we prepared ourselves for the day ahead. Dismaded that we couldn't book another night in the EMPTY hostel we were staying in, we headed into town to book train tickets and find a place to stay. But not before DISASTER as any stepped on Rufus, the uku, and cracked its neck :(The first part of was successful, and we managed to get seats for a ridiculously early train. The latter, however, proved to be more difficult. After some failed attempts, we eventually found a room in a dodgey rundown horror film styley house, but while we waited for it to be clean, Andy luckily found a cleaner, less murderous hostel for us.
After this malarky was sorted and Rufus was attended to with tape, we headed back to the beach, taking a bus recommened by Uncle Bill, which drived along the beautiful coast :)
Arriving at lunchtime, we bought our lunch and then enjoyed the afternoon in the sun, on the beach and in the sea in hot weather of high 20s°c. Reluctantly returning to our room for an early night's sleep, we eventually dragged ourselves away, big salty hair and all.
Now, we will return to our room, as a day of swimming has caught up with us, to stuff or faces with cheap food and juice boxes (a bit of an addiction) in order to wake up EARLY.....
Anyway, hello from Marseille, Steph here on behalf of the other two who have wandered off to find a cash point. Currently sitting in an internet cafe in the Arab quarter of Marseille, we have been here for two days and tomorrow we wav au revoir to France and bonjourno to Italy.
The TGV from Lyon to Marseille went smoothly, and we were able to stretch out and enjoy the scenery (inc. Avingon, as in the song pont d'avingon) and go to Marseille at about lunchtime. Thinking that we were really clever, we went to book tickets to Milan for the next day, HOWEVER we were foiled, as there was no tickets left or alternate routes available :(
However, we went on our way to our hostel, which was in the newer and redeveloped area, away from the town centre. A quick (and sweaty) Metro ride, followed by a short stroll lead us to our hostel (*, get in). Another 'lively' hostel with a great view of the roof and opposing way...yummy.
Dumping our stuff, we headed back into town for wanderings and FOOD.
Hang on, the others have returned...sucessful...oh dear they went again, damn so called friends...Anyway, after an immensely huge meal, we managed to wander the town for a bit longer, but eventually returned to the hostel for one thing...THE BEACH.
A short bus ride away, we soon were greeted with the sight of the gorgeous Mediterrainean sea, and we soon settled ourselves on la plague for the next few hours. Despite it being the late afternoon when we arriuved, the sun was still out in full force. Spending most of the time frolicking and such in the sea (Andy complained it was cold), it was verging into evening when w eventually returned to our room.
Climbing out onto the roof like the rebels we are, we sat outside until the bats were flying around our faces (and the birds were warching us suspiciously) chatting and organising tommorrow. It was eventually decided that as we had enjoyed the day so much, we would spent an extra day here, and go to Milan the following day. After eating copoius amounts of watermelon, we eventually retired to bed...
Waking up this morning, we prepared ourselves for the day ahead. Dismaded that we couldn't book another night in the EMPTY hostel we were staying in, we headed into town to book train tickets and find a place to stay. But not before DISASTER as any stepped on Rufus, the uku, and cracked its neck :(The first part of was successful, and we managed to get seats for a ridiculously early train. The latter, however, proved to be more difficult. After some failed attempts, we eventually found a room in a dodgey rundown horror film styley house, but while we waited for it to be clean, Andy luckily found a cleaner, less murderous hostel for us.
After this malarky was sorted and Rufus was attended to with tape, we headed back to the beach, taking a bus recommened by Uncle Bill, which drived along the beautiful coast :)
Arriving at lunchtime, we bought our lunch and then enjoyed the afternoon in the sun, on the beach and in the sea in hot weather of high 20s°c. Reluctantly returning to our room for an early night's sleep, we eventually dragged ourselves away, big salty hair and all.
Now, we will return to our room, as a day of swimming has caught up with us, to stuff or faces with cheap food and juice boxes (a bit of an addiction) in order to wake up EARLY.....
Thursday, 25 June 2009
The Escape from Hostel (III) to Lyon! 26.06.09 - 09.36
Je suis desolate por la retard blog!
Day 3 into this crusade, and already much has happened.
Let us start from the begining...
A ridiculously early wake up call at about 5am was the official start to our journey, arriving in Dover slighty dazed in order to board the ferry. Calm weather ensured a smooth and relaxing ride and we arrived in Calais unscathed and with all limbs intact.
At the bus station into Calais Ville, we encountered other interraillers and struck up a comaraderie with them.
When attempting to book tickets to Paris, SHOCK HORROR we discovered Helen had forgotten her ticket duh duh DUH. However, we still managed to book tickets on the legendary TGV (changing at Lille Flanders). After being laughed at by the French for various reasons, we soon ended up in the ghetto endz of Paris, bloody miles from the centre, where our hostel was situated, which we eventually found.
The next day, we went into Paris, with the intend to visit all the tourist shizzle, starting with the iconic Effiel Tower. Crepeing it up for breakfast, we climed all 328 steps up to the first platform, and spent a while looking at the panaramic views (which essentially looks the same pretty much). The rest of the day was followed pretty much the same fashion, walking from the Arc d'triumphe (being tricked by STRING man), down the Champ Elysee, la Lourve, and finally Notre Dame. The weather (in the words of Borat) was 'verry niiiiice'. Returning to the hostel (in what can be dubbed as the Brixton of Paris), it was then we discovered the more sinister side to our accomandation....
Bored, we took the chance to explore the hostel, intrigued by the lack of company. Forgoing the elevator, we took a route down some flights of stairs. As we approached the bottom, there were no more lights only a dark dead end and an ominous metal door. We fled.
Helen and Andy then proceeded to return to the safety of the lift, while Steph found a different staircase to take. Having been in the reception surrounded by Japanese tourists for a couple of minutes, Helen and Andy were then met by a shaken looking Steph. She took us of to the staircase she had unwittingly taken, to show us the horror she had encountered! The stairs were innocent enough to start with, but as we continued down, darkness ensued, a faint humming filling the air. At the bottom of the stairwell there was a corridor leading left ond right, lit only by a harsh red flourecent light, flickering ominously. This was accompanied by a black bolten door straight ahead of us. Again, we lost our nerve, and legged it back to the lift of safety.
When back in the "saftey" of the reception, Helen decided to explore further. She led us through the dark breakfast room, to a flourecent backroom which had the door ajar. We looked through, to discover what can only be described as a torture chamber, with one solitary chair in the centre, and a netal table. The next room, completely covered in white tiles, had nothing in but two deep freezes (for the bodies of the victims) and a heavy metal door on the other side of the room. We thought it may be our last night. Ever.
Luckily, we survived the night, the Japanese tourists had disappeared, leaving nothing but a solitary camera on the floor...
Leaving early, to avoid death, we had a sweaty journey into the Gare de Lyon where we intended to book tickets for Lyon (land of Uncle Bill). But alas, when we got there, the obviously unimpressed desk attendent foiled our plans, forcing a last minute diversion to Dijon, which she insisted didn't exist but we did it anyway.
6 hours later, we arrived in Lyon to be greeted by Uncle Bill. Due to the earlier transportation set backs, we were quite late meeting him, and didn't have time for a proper explore. So instead we headed back to the flat to dump stuff and then set off to dinner after a quick glass o' wine. On the way we had a mainly car based tour of Lyon, with the walk to the restaurant including a 10th centuary Cathedral and lots of headless statues. We then gorged on fine french cusine at 'the restaurant of bread and salad'...it was delish.
Had a good nights sleep and were up ready to hit Marsaille with a vengence.
LOVE
the Crusaders
Day 3 into this crusade, and already much has happened.
Let us start from the begining...
A ridiculously early wake up call at about 5am was the official start to our journey, arriving in Dover slighty dazed in order to board the ferry. Calm weather ensured a smooth and relaxing ride and we arrived in Calais unscathed and with all limbs intact.
At the bus station into Calais Ville, we encountered other interraillers and struck up a comaraderie with them.
When attempting to book tickets to Paris, SHOCK HORROR we discovered Helen had forgotten her ticket duh duh DUH. However, we still managed to book tickets on the legendary TGV (changing at Lille Flanders). After being laughed at by the French for various reasons, we soon ended up in the ghetto endz of Paris, bloody miles from the centre, where our hostel was situated, which we eventually found.
The next day, we went into Paris, with the intend to visit all the tourist shizzle, starting with the iconic Effiel Tower. Crepeing it up for breakfast, we climed all 328 steps up to the first platform, and spent a while looking at the panaramic views (which essentially looks the same pretty much). The rest of the day was followed pretty much the same fashion, walking from the Arc d'triumphe (being tricked by STRING man), down the Champ Elysee, la Lourve, and finally Notre Dame. The weather (in the words of Borat) was 'verry niiiiice'. Returning to the hostel (in what can be dubbed as the Brixton of Paris), it was then we discovered the more sinister side to our accomandation....
Bored, we took the chance to explore the hostel, intrigued by the lack of company. Forgoing the elevator, we took a route down some flights of stairs. As we approached the bottom, there were no more lights only a dark dead end and an ominous metal door. We fled.
Helen and Andy then proceeded to return to the safety of the lift, while Steph found a different staircase to take. Having been in the reception surrounded by Japanese tourists for a couple of minutes, Helen and Andy were then met by a shaken looking Steph. She took us of to the staircase she had unwittingly taken, to show us the horror she had encountered! The stairs were innocent enough to start with, but as we continued down, darkness ensued, a faint humming filling the air. At the bottom of the stairwell there was a corridor leading left ond right, lit only by a harsh red flourecent light, flickering ominously. This was accompanied by a black bolten door straight ahead of us. Again, we lost our nerve, and legged it back to the lift of safety.
When back in the "saftey" of the reception, Helen decided to explore further. She led us through the dark breakfast room, to a flourecent backroom which had the door ajar. We looked through, to discover what can only be described as a torture chamber, with one solitary chair in the centre, and a netal table. The next room, completely covered in white tiles, had nothing in but two deep freezes (for the bodies of the victims) and a heavy metal door on the other side of the room. We thought it may be our last night. Ever.
Luckily, we survived the night, the Japanese tourists had disappeared, leaving nothing but a solitary camera on the floor...
Leaving early, to avoid death, we had a sweaty journey into the Gare de Lyon where we intended to book tickets for Lyon (land of Uncle Bill). But alas, when we got there, the obviously unimpressed desk attendent foiled our plans, forcing a last minute diversion to Dijon, which she insisted didn't exist but we did it anyway.
6 hours later, we arrived in Lyon to be greeted by Uncle Bill. Due to the earlier transportation set backs, we were quite late meeting him, and didn't have time for a proper explore. So instead we headed back to the flat to dump stuff and then set off to dinner after a quick glass o' wine. On the way we had a mainly car based tour of Lyon, with the walk to the restaurant including a 10th centuary Cathedral and lots of headless statues. We then gorged on fine french cusine at 'the restaurant of bread and salad'...it was delish.
Had a good nights sleep and were up ready to hit Marsaille with a vengence.
LOVE
the Crusaders
Monday, 22 June 2009
The (final) countdown is coming to an end, tomorrow we will wake up at an unreasonable hour and finally head off to invade and subsequently reclaim Europe as our own :)
Today, despite 5-odd months of planning and organisations (we even made spreadsheets), will be spend doing the washing and packing that ought to have been done a few days ago....Ah well.
Saturday, 6 June 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
