Never ever taking the night train...ever. Well I left Brussels after spending the entire day in the station because I couldnt get on an earlier train to Paris. I stayed on the Thalys (high speed) and got to Paris a little before 5:00. I needed to get onto a night train to Florence that night because I didnt have a hostel booked in Paris...heres the kicker, nothing is available. Its all booked. I was able to find a seat/bed on a later train but I had to buy it at full price. 97€ later i bought my ticket and was heading to another Paris train station. I got there and still had another 3 hours to wait until my train left.
I get onto the train, leaving at 8:30 and this is the sketchiest and dirtiest train to date. I dont mind traveling alone but right at that moment I wasnt really sure what to do. Anyway so everything is going swimmingly and I get into my bed which is worse than the dorm beds at UCONN. Its loud, hott, smelly and just all around gross. I was able to fall asleep but not really. The train is old and loud and its hard to sleep on when its going through the French Alps into Switzerland. We get to the Swiss border and have to wait for the police to allow us to travel through, make sure everyones papers are okay. The train just shut off and I honsetly thought we were all going to be abducted or something.
We move on after about 10 minutes and I drifted in and out of sleep for the next 5 hours until we arrived in Milan. From Milan I had to buy a supplement for the high speed train to Firenze which was pretty easy. The train didnt leave until 7:30 so I had some time to kill and what did I do, I took a water bottle shower outside of the station. I felt so gross and somehow managed to wash my face which I think people thought I was homeless. I finally arrived in Firenze and of course I cant check in until 2:00 AND now ive realized that i had made my reservation for starting YESTERDAY!!!!!!!!!!!! Luckily they said they have rooms avaiable and itll be okay, I hope.
So far this whole traveling on my own has been a little bit of a struggle but im managing. It is a little lonely and would be nice to have someone with me just to keep me company.
Miss you all!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Things I've Noticed That Are Different
First of all I made it to Brussels...not happy. I dont like it here. I got lost for about an hour trying to find my freaking hostel, that was not fun. It was hott and I had all my stuff with me which did not help. Next a man saw I was lost and offered to help me by taking me to his car w GPS. YEAH RIGHT. I'm not dumb. Then he at least pointed me in "the right direction". Which turned out he didn't even know where I was supposed to be going. So i was like a mile far away from where I was supposed to be. After about an hour of walking around I finally found the hostel but couldn't check in until 2:00, it was 1:00ish. I finally get checked in and walked around near the Grand Place.
Okay that place was kinda cool. All of these really old mansions all in the same square that are now musuems and Hotel de ville and restaurants. Its a holiday here in Belguim today and tomorrow, I still have yet to figure out what exacty it is but there are TONS of people here. A fountain statue was altered for the occasion with a small child peeing Beer... these people are nuts.
But anyway now onto the things I've noticed:
1. People bring their dogs everywhere, and they're allowed to go pretty much everywhere. Restaurants, trains, busses, you name it they're there.
2. The dogs are really well behaved but people aren''t always too thrilled about you petting them for some reason .
3. Trains are a way of life here. Everyone depends on them and unlike the US they are always on time. Always (at least so i've noticed)
4. No one drinks tap water. It's all bottled. Sparkling or Flat. I've been drinking the tap water. It's fine.
5. There is no ice anywhere. If you ask for ice you maybe get like 2 cubes in your glass. Plus the fridges don't make things very cold so I'm getting used to drinking luke warm Coke Light.
6. Computers are not big here. While everywhere I've gone has internet access, the computers are generic and weird. Not to mention the keyboards are all different. I've encountered 2 American keyboards so far.
7. People are a lot nicer than we assume. Everyone is friendly for the most part as long as you ar friendly as well.
8. Everyone can speak enough English to at least carry on a conversation w/ anyone else who speaks english. And actually in regular conversation a lot of people mix english and their native language.
9. Not everyone is on their cellphones 24/7 like majority of Americans are all the time.
10. I miss my family a lot.
11. Churches kick the crap out of our churches in the US. They are elaborate and magnificent. Jesus is kind of a big deal ;)
12. Belguim waffles are the shit. dont say youve had a good belguim waffle in the US, they don't exist. These are just incredible.
13. Our oldest buildings in the US are babies compared to majority of the buildings around here. Going through cities and seeing ones built in the 1200 and 1300s just makes anything we've got here in the US not that old.
14. College=high school. university= college. When i tell people i've graduated from college they immediately think i'm 18. I have to get used to saying University.
15. Everyone walks everywhere, or takes their bikes. Unlike the US they don't use their car to go to the local store. They'll ride their bike w/ a basket to carry their groceries.
16. Plastic bags don't exist. Everyone uses reusable bags. They're economical, I don't understand why we won't use them.
17. I miss my dogs.
18. People don't know who DMB is. Yes that's shocking to me especially since they were just here for a few weeks touring. I educated a few guys from the hostel in brugges about how awesome they are ;)
19. No ESPN... i'm dying. I would even watch bike racing if it meant I got to watch sports.
20. No one cares about American Football. They think it's stupid.
I will add more as I go. I'm a little lonely in Brussels I think getting so frustrated today didn't help my experience here. I'm going to go to the train station early tomorrow with hopes I can get on an earlier train to Paris and then figure out how i'm going to get to the Florence since according to the lady at the Brussels station, the night train doesn't exist... didn't want to say it to her face but she's stupid cause i found it online.
Okay that place was kinda cool. All of these really old mansions all in the same square that are now musuems and Hotel de ville and restaurants. Its a holiday here in Belguim today and tomorrow, I still have yet to figure out what exacty it is but there are TONS of people here. A fountain statue was altered for the occasion with a small child peeing Beer... these people are nuts.
But anyway now onto the things I've noticed:
1. People bring their dogs everywhere, and they're allowed to go pretty much everywhere. Restaurants, trains, busses, you name it they're there.
2. The dogs are really well behaved but people aren''t always too thrilled about you petting them for some reason .
3. Trains are a way of life here. Everyone depends on them and unlike the US they are always on time. Always (at least so i've noticed)
4. No one drinks tap water. It's all bottled. Sparkling or Flat. I've been drinking the tap water. It's fine.
5. There is no ice anywhere. If you ask for ice you maybe get like 2 cubes in your glass. Plus the fridges don't make things very cold so I'm getting used to drinking luke warm Coke Light.
6. Computers are not big here. While everywhere I've gone has internet access, the computers are generic and weird. Not to mention the keyboards are all different. I've encountered 2 American keyboards so far.
7. People are a lot nicer than we assume. Everyone is friendly for the most part as long as you ar friendly as well.
8. Everyone can speak enough English to at least carry on a conversation w/ anyone else who speaks english. And actually in regular conversation a lot of people mix english and their native language.
9. Not everyone is on their cellphones 24/7 like majority of Americans are all the time.
10. I miss my family a lot.
11. Churches kick the crap out of our churches in the US. They are elaborate and magnificent. Jesus is kind of a big deal ;)
12. Belguim waffles are the shit. dont say youve had a good belguim waffle in the US, they don't exist. These are just incredible.
13. Our oldest buildings in the US are babies compared to majority of the buildings around here. Going through cities and seeing ones built in the 1200 and 1300s just makes anything we've got here in the US not that old.
14. College=high school. university= college. When i tell people i've graduated from college they immediately think i'm 18. I have to get used to saying University.
15. Everyone walks everywhere, or takes their bikes. Unlike the US they don't use their car to go to the local store. They'll ride their bike w/ a basket to carry their groceries.
16. Plastic bags don't exist. Everyone uses reusable bags. They're economical, I don't understand why we won't use them.
17. I miss my dogs.
18. People don't know who DMB is. Yes that's shocking to me especially since they were just here for a few weeks touring. I educated a few guys from the hostel in brugges about how awesome they are ;)
19. No ESPN... i'm dying. I would even watch bike racing if it meant I got to watch sports.
20. No one cares about American Football. They think it's stupid.
I will add more as I go. I'm a little lonely in Brussels I think getting so frustrated today didn't help my experience here. I'm going to go to the train station early tomorrow with hopes I can get on an earlier train to Paris and then figure out how i'm going to get to the Florence since according to the lady at the Brussels station, the night train doesn't exist... didn't want to say it to her face but she's stupid cause i found it online.
Friday, August 14, 2009
In Brugges
this is my new favorite city, ever. omg is this place amazing. if youve seen the movie it really looks just like it, cause it is it ;). but seriously its just incredible. i got in yesterday around noon and being on my own now is kinda weird but nice at the same time. After checking in at the hostel i just wanted to walk around town for a while and just see what it was all about.
The first place I went into a church that holds Michaelangelos Madonna with Child. This church was spectacular. Every other church that i have been to has been standard and similar in a lot of ways but this one is just dedicated to Madonna with Child. Righ across the street is the oldest Hospital in the world built in the 12th century and has the first pharmacy located in it. I walked around for a while and found a local chocolate and candy shop. They have these unusual candies that are cone shaped and chewy on the outside with a syrup on the inside. Theyre odd but good. The chocolate though, omg omg omg. Wow just incredible. so rich and smooth just mmmmmmmmmmm
After i had my chocolate fill I found the Basicila of the Holy Blood. This church contains a vial of Jesus Christs blood brought during the Crusades in the 12th century. Surprisingly there are no big tourists signs ands it just a small basicila with this throne and the vial. They have construced a encasing around it so people can touch it and say their prayers. Now most of you know im not religious at all, at all but this was still very moving and just incredible to see something so powerful yet so small.
The buildings here are unlike any i have ever seen. Its an unusual architecture and its just really cool. yesterday my camera ran out of batteries so i postponed going up into the Bell Tower, many of you know from the movie In Brugges. Instead I went to a local bar met a few locals and just drank local beers all night. I met a nice couple from Philly who were there on their honeymoon and we bonded over our love for Reggie White.
This morning I got up and took one of the boat tours on the canal around Brugges. I dont really like doing those touristy things but this was really cool cause he showed us a lot of small things. I spent the day just walking around the town going into small shops and just enjoying the town. I had my first real Belguim Waffle today with whipped cream and strawberries, omg so good so good so good. Finally i got the courage to go up the bell tower.
The Belfort stands 83 m high, there are no elevators. 366 steps up a small winding staircase. I think i lost 10 lbs it was so hard. Forget staduims in college, this was 100 times worse. But totally worth it. You can see the ENTIRE city from the top and on really good days you can see the North Sea. I couldnt :(These winding stair cases are so small you have to take turns passing people and standing by the wall, im surprised as the klutz that i am didnt fall. Tonight i found some local food and enjoyed a nice dinner on my own. i have to make sure that i keep talking to people and not being afraid to meet new people. Pretty much anytime i hear english ill say something cause it makes me feel more comfortable.
Miss everyone lots!!!!!!
The first place I went into a church that holds Michaelangelos Madonna with Child. This church was spectacular. Every other church that i have been to has been standard and similar in a lot of ways but this one is just dedicated to Madonna with Child. Righ across the street is the oldest Hospital in the world built in the 12th century and has the first pharmacy located in it. I walked around for a while and found a local chocolate and candy shop. They have these unusual candies that are cone shaped and chewy on the outside with a syrup on the inside. Theyre odd but good. The chocolate though, omg omg omg. Wow just incredible. so rich and smooth just mmmmmmmmmmm
After i had my chocolate fill I found the Basicila of the Holy Blood. This church contains a vial of Jesus Christs blood brought during the Crusades in the 12th century. Surprisingly there are no big tourists signs ands it just a small basicila with this throne and the vial. They have construced a encasing around it so people can touch it and say their prayers. Now most of you know im not religious at all, at all but this was still very moving and just incredible to see something so powerful yet so small.
The buildings here are unlike any i have ever seen. Its an unusual architecture and its just really cool. yesterday my camera ran out of batteries so i postponed going up into the Bell Tower, many of you know from the movie In Brugges. Instead I went to a local bar met a few locals and just drank local beers all night. I met a nice couple from Philly who were there on their honeymoon and we bonded over our love for Reggie White.
This morning I got up and took one of the boat tours on the canal around Brugges. I dont really like doing those touristy things but this was really cool cause he showed us a lot of small things. I spent the day just walking around the town going into small shops and just enjoying the town. I had my first real Belguim Waffle today with whipped cream and strawberries, omg so good so good so good. Finally i got the courage to go up the bell tower.
The Belfort stands 83 m high, there are no elevators. 366 steps up a small winding staircase. I think i lost 10 lbs it was so hard. Forget staduims in college, this was 100 times worse. But totally worth it. You can see the ENTIRE city from the top and on really good days you can see the North Sea. I couldnt :(These winding stair cases are so small you have to take turns passing people and standing by the wall, im surprised as the klutz that i am didnt fall. Tonight i found some local food and enjoyed a nice dinner on my own. i have to make sure that i keep talking to people and not being afraid to meet new people. Pretty much anytime i hear english ill say something cause it makes me feel more comfortable.
Miss everyone lots!!!!!!
Paris Part II
Sorry im a little behind on posting i'm actually in Brugges now but i still need to finish writing about Paris.
Our second day in Paris we slept in a little and went on the city bus tour so we took the grand out and saw everything. this city is HUGE. we got off at l'arc de triomphe and walked down the champs de l'essyes. My aunt wanted some Luis Vuitton so we had to go obviously. It was their mothership of stores and they made me try on a pair of $600 (euros) high heeled GOLD shoes. They were incredible and if i had the money i would have bought them. After a long day of shopping we went and found a nice restaurant for dinner and then it was time to go to the Eiffel Tower and get to the top... or so I thought. My aunt hates heights so we went up on our own. The wait just to get tickets was about an hour and 15 minutes at 9:00 at night. We got in the lift to take us to the 2nd level and i was too scared going up that lift we couldn't make it to the top top. but the 2nd level's view is incredible. so amazing. The Parisians love lights and the light show on the tower is pretty cool but being on the tower and seeing the lights of the city and seeing as far as Sacre Cour across the city is just amazing.
The next morning we got up early and decided to head to Versailles. We knew with the time we had we had to choose a place we wanted to go. There is nothing else like Versailles so we had to go. This place is mind blowing how big and extravagent it is. The gold the like 400 rooms mostly just with a few chairs and some desks but they needs all the space for the royal family and the nobles. It was worth it to be there, especially for the gardens. I've never seen property so big and with so much stuff around it. There are 2 huge lakes, flowers, forests, walking gardens palm trees and everything else you can think of. We left Versailles and headed back into the city and had time to get to the Musee D'Orsay. That place is increadible. It has the best impressionists from Monet and Van Gogh and a very cool exhibit from an artist Max Ernst. You should look him up.
We spent our last night doing laundry and drinking beers at a local bar where we racked up such a high tab that we got free drinks :). I traveled to Brugges yesterday and I'm there until tomorrow. I am on my own now for the rest of the trip, kind of intimidating but I can do it I know.
I want to post pictures but the computers here suck and won't let me do it. HOpefully i can find one that lets me post.
Our second day in Paris we slept in a little and went on the city bus tour so we took the grand out and saw everything. this city is HUGE. we got off at l'arc de triomphe and walked down the champs de l'essyes. My aunt wanted some Luis Vuitton so we had to go obviously. It was their mothership of stores and they made me try on a pair of $600 (euros) high heeled GOLD shoes. They were incredible and if i had the money i would have bought them. After a long day of shopping we went and found a nice restaurant for dinner and then it was time to go to the Eiffel Tower and get to the top... or so I thought. My aunt hates heights so we went up on our own. The wait just to get tickets was about an hour and 15 minutes at 9:00 at night. We got in the lift to take us to the 2nd level and i was too scared going up that lift we couldn't make it to the top top. but the 2nd level's view is incredible. so amazing. The Parisians love lights and the light show on the tower is pretty cool but being on the tower and seeing the lights of the city and seeing as far as Sacre Cour across the city is just amazing.
The next morning we got up early and decided to head to Versailles. We knew with the time we had we had to choose a place we wanted to go. There is nothing else like Versailles so we had to go. This place is mind blowing how big and extravagent it is. The gold the like 400 rooms mostly just with a few chairs and some desks but they needs all the space for the royal family and the nobles. It was worth it to be there, especially for the gardens. I've never seen property so big and with so much stuff around it. There are 2 huge lakes, flowers, forests, walking gardens palm trees and everything else you can think of. We left Versailles and headed back into the city and had time to get to the Musee D'Orsay. That place is increadible. It has the best impressionists from Monet and Van Gogh and a very cool exhibit from an artist Max Ernst. You should look him up.
We spent our last night doing laundry and drinking beers at a local bar where we racked up such a high tab that we got free drinks :). I traveled to Brugges yesterday and I'm there until tomorrow. I am on my own now for the rest of the trip, kind of intimidating but I can do it I know.
I want to post pictures but the computers here suck and won't let me do it. HOpefully i can find one that lets me post.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Paris... its as beautiful as everyone says
We arrived in Paris this afternoon on the TGV (the high speed train) from Luzern and got here around 300 pm. This city is HUGE but incroyable. Our hotel is on Rue Cler which is a pedestrian only street with lots of cafes and small stores. Our hotel is about 5 blocks away from the Eiffel Tower and so of course we had to go see it. Apparently the top level was closed today so we didnt go up but dont worry we will before the trip is over.
We had an early dinner of cheese wine and veal then headed to Marais, near Notre Dame and the Picasso museum where there are small shops and boutiques however they were all closed:. The architecture is incredible and very beautiful. i have tried so many different beers here in Europe that im actually beginning to like it. OH my i know ; ). After we had a few beers we walked the Siene towards Notre Dame but have chosen to wait until we have time tomorrow on our tour of the city to go see it.
The metro system is very efficient but out of control hott. We were sweating just sitting there when it was really crowded.
Bon Soir!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We had an early dinner of cheese wine and veal then headed to Marais, near Notre Dame and the Picasso museum where there are small shops and boutiques however they were all closed:. The architecture is incredible and very beautiful. i have tried so many different beers here in Europe that im actually beginning to like it. OH my i know ; ). After we had a few beers we walked the Siene towards Notre Dame but have chosen to wait until we have time tomorrow on our tour of the city to go see it.
The metro system is very efficient but out of control hott. We were sweating just sitting there when it was really crowded.
Bon Soir!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Schwingfest
so we traveled from Comar to Luzern Switzerland on Satuday, got there andthe weather was just like seattle, crappy. we metup with my aunt and wandered aroundtown drinking loal wine and beer. We very much were the loud drunk americans. but totally worth it. We asked one of the people who worked atthe hosstel what a typical traitionall Swiss thing we could do was. She toldus to go to Schwingfest...oh boy...
We took the train to Laupen thismorning and arrived a Shwingfest. Wow. All local farmers similar to northern wisconsin except Swiss. We walked around a bitand found some local beers, but took us an hour to get them. Once we had our beer we wandered overr to the food tent to find Schwingerwurst. And boy wasit a delicious Sausage. Dont worrywe took pictures. Onto the main event we bought our tickets and went into the grandstands. 5 rings of sawdust are inthe middle and men are wrestling on each one. Unlike American wrestling these men are fully clothed and wearing what we calleed diapers. In order to staart the match each man has to grabonto the opponenets "diaper" to start. In order to win the match you must forrce your ooponent onto th ground with both shoulderblades on the ground. 6 rounds and bout 200 men later the winner is awarded a bull that weighd about 2500 lbs. Thistradition has been going on since 1901, and is only found in Switzerland. Nextyear is the national competition. We luckily sat next to a nice young male who spke english and explained everything to us Americans.
The weather was too hot toda and of course, i got sunburned and have beautiful racoon eyes. We leave for Paris in the morning on the TGV (high speed train)
Everyone must go to Switzerland and go to Schwingfest. Look itup for more details.
We took the train to Laupen thismorning and arrived a Shwingfest. Wow. All local farmers similar to northern wisconsin except Swiss. We walked around a bitand found some local beers, but took us an hour to get them. Once we had our beer we wandered overr to the food tent to find Schwingerwurst. And boy wasit a delicious Sausage. Dont worrywe took pictures. Onto the main event we bought our tickets and went into the grandstands. 5 rings of sawdust are inthe middle and men are wrestling on each one. Unlike American wrestling these men are fully clothed and wearing what we calleed diapers. In order to staart the match each man has to grabonto the opponenets "diaper" to start. In order to win the match you must forrce your ooponent onto th ground with both shoulderblades on the ground. 6 rounds and bout 200 men later the winner is awarded a bull that weighd about 2500 lbs. Thistradition has been going on since 1901, and is only found in Switzerland. Nextyear is the national competition. We luckily sat next to a nice young male who spke english and explained everything to us Americans.
The weather was too hot toda and of course, i got sunburned and have beautiful racoon eyes. We leave for Paris in the morning on the TGV (high speed train)
Everyone must go to Switzerland and go to Schwingfest. Look itup for more details.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Colmar France
What a cool cool city. There is old town and new town. We are staying near old town which is only a short walk away and the buildings are just incredible. This morning we took the Rick Steve's walking tour of the old town.
It begins at the tanners quarters and customs house. The buildings have near vertical roofs so that they could dry the hides in the sun during the day. Most of these buildings were built in the 1600's or earlier which gives them these HUGE doors that have large archways and heavy wooden doors. After the tanners quarters we walked to Petite Venise (Little Veince). the houses and shops there are so colorful and there is a small canal that goe through where to can take gondola rides. We did not because Rick Steves did not tell us to. After Petite Venise we alked to the St. Martin church, this place is INCREDIBLE. If you have seen any French renaissance movie, or Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame this is exactly what the churches look like. The romantic style, the gargoyles and the arches are incredible. They call it the gold church because in the sun it looks almost gold. Our favorite part of the tour was La Maison de Tétes. its exactly what it sounds like: the house of heads. A merchant in the 1600's built this house with 105 faces and heads on the front of the building. They are all in stone and just so cool.
Its noon and already too hott outside, so we are resting for now in our hotel which is also a family owned winery. You can smeel the wine as soon as you walk in the main courtyard. We are thinking about heading to Luzern early to meet my aunt Shar so she doesn't have to stay there tonight all alone however we cant get a hold of the hostel there to see if they have room for us for tonight. If we dont go we are going to take a winery tour out of the city and hopfully get some more wine tastings in :).
Au Revoir!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It begins at the tanners quarters and customs house. The buildings have near vertical roofs so that they could dry the hides in the sun during the day. Most of these buildings were built in the 1600's or earlier which gives them these HUGE doors that have large archways and heavy wooden doors. After the tanners quarters we walked to Petite Venise (Little Veince). the houses and shops there are so colorful and there is a small canal that goe through where to can take gondola rides. We did not because Rick Steves did not tell us to. After Petite Venise we alked to the St. Martin church, this place is INCREDIBLE. If you have seen any French renaissance movie, or Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame this is exactly what the churches look like. The romantic style, the gargoyles and the arches are incredible. They call it the gold church because in the sun it looks almost gold. Our favorite part of the tour was La Maison de Tétes. its exactly what it sounds like: the house of heads. A merchant in the 1600's built this house with 105 faces and heads on the front of the building. They are all in stone and just so cool.
Its noon and already too hott outside, so we are resting for now in our hotel which is also a family owned winery. You can smeel the wine as soon as you walk in the main courtyard. We are thinking about heading to Luzern early to meet my aunt Shar so she doesn't have to stay there tonight all alone however we cant get a hold of the hostel there to see if they have room for us for tonight. If we dont go we are going to take a winery tour out of the city and hopfully get some more wine tastings in :).
Au Revoir!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Keyboard Hell
seriously these keyboards are terrible. you have to shift for the peroid, the M is where the semi colon is and the a is right under the 1. ive never felt so handicapped while on a computer so dont expect very long blogs while im in france. sorry. we got to colmar around 3 today and it is unbearably hott, very humid and very hot. the streets here are more confusing than boston and weve gotten lost about 10 times already. they have a canal that runs through the city they call Little Venice and its very corny and cheesy but they love it. Also we noticed not only here but in Germany, everyone brings their dogs everywhere, they are all very well behaved and just the sweetest things. we could never bring our dogs out like this.
we sat down at a cafe and enjoyed some camembert and brie with charment (similar to champagne) and it was incredible. i will try to upload pictures as soon as i can find time to sit down at an internet cafe. waling everywhere is giving us some nice workouts and not to ,ention all the sweating, i think ive lost 10 lbs already.
MISS YOU ALL
we sat down at a cafe and enjoyed some camembert and brie with charment (similar to champagne) and it was incredible. i will try to upload pictures as soon as i can find time to sit down at an internet cafe. waling everywhere is giving us some nice workouts and not to ,ention all the sweating, i think ive lost 10 lbs already.
MISS YOU ALL
Castles Galore
Yesterday we spent the day traveling the Rhein River looking at castles. Boats travel the river and make frequent stops along the river at various castles. We began in our city Bachacrach and traveled to Boppard there was no castle in this city but the town itself was beautiful. The main church in the city is St. Severus and unlike ,any fo our churches its very rustic and si,ple but yet beautiful. We walked around for a few hours until the next boat came to take us to St. Goar, where the REAL castle is. This place was out of control. IT was so big and still so well intact and creepy all at the same time.
Returning back to Bacharach we went and had dinner with a new friend we made, Gary from Seattle. On the menu was Wild Boar which of course i had to try eventhough we werent sure how many wild boars were running around Germany. It was delicious. This morning we woke up and took 5 different trains to get to Colmar France and now its 3 pm and very very very hot and humid. We got off the train and were already sweating. Time to get some food, I will write more tonight and hopefully have some pictures to post for you all.
Returning back to Bacharach we went and had dinner with a new friend we made, Gary from Seattle. On the menu was Wild Boar which of course i had to try eventhough we werent sure how many wild boars were running around Germany. It was delicious. This morning we woke up and took 5 different trains to get to Colmar France and now its 3 pm and very very very hot and humid. We got off the train and were already sweating. Time to get some food, I will write more tonight and hopefully have some pictures to post for you all.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Getting here and Bacharach
So we made it. WooHoo! We got to Chicago easily but went to the International terminal because duh, we're going to Frankfurt. But because of our connection in Charlotte it was a US domestic flight. So we went to the wrong US Domestic, because its actually Economy International. Finally getting to the right place the kiosks wouldn't work so we had to see an agent. Luckily we got their early enough so we had plenty of time. Connecting in Charlotte was easy and then the real flight commenced. We left around 6 pm EST. For some reason, I did not sleep a wink. I guess watching Star Trek got me too excited : ).
Arriving in Frankfurt at 7 am was really easy and the train station is right next to the airport. I have a global eurrail pass so it was easy to get on the train. We found our train to Bacharach. It's incredible how efficient their train system is here. The US should really take lessons. The Rhein River is beautiful and all the small towns surrounding it are just to die for. We are staying in Bacharach, south of Koblenz. Our bed and breakfast is verz quaint and the double beds are pushed together as one so looks like we'll be spooning together : ). We got here around 10:30 and immediately toured the town and climbed to the top of the mountain into the castle from the 1300's. It's amazing. There are vineyards all around the city are beautiful and just makes you want to drink wien all day. These towns are very quaint and nothing but toursits here.
Everyone is very nice and welcoming and almost everyone speaks english and are more than willing to help you out. We are going to catch and early dinner tonight and sleep as much as possible. Tomorrow is going to be castle day. There is a tour boat that goes up the Rhein to various cities with epic (yes i said epic) castles. I will start uploading pictures soon and hopefully you can see how beautiful it is here (not to make you jealous or anything).
Hope all is well in the states.
"we'll be drinking big whiskey while we dance and sing" DMB- Why I Am
Arriving in Frankfurt at 7 am was really easy and the train station is right next to the airport. I have a global eurrail pass so it was easy to get on the train. We found our train to Bacharach. It's incredible how efficient their train system is here. The US should really take lessons. The Rhein River is beautiful and all the small towns surrounding it are just to die for. We are staying in Bacharach, south of Koblenz. Our bed and breakfast is verz quaint and the double beds are pushed together as one so looks like we'll be spooning together : ). We got here around 10:30 and immediately toured the town and climbed to the top of the mountain into the castle from the 1300's. It's amazing. There are vineyards all around the city are beautiful and just makes you want to drink wien all day. These towns are very quaint and nothing but toursits here.
Everyone is very nice and welcoming and almost everyone speaks english and are more than willing to help you out. We are going to catch and early dinner tonight and sleep as much as possible. Tomorrow is going to be castle day. There is a tour boat that goes up the Rhein to various cities with epic (yes i said epic) castles. I will start uploading pictures soon and hopefully you can see how beautiful it is here (not to make you jealous or anything).
Hope all is well in the states.
"we'll be drinking big whiskey while we dance and sing" DMB- Why I Am
Monday, August 3, 2009
Can't Sleep
My alarm is set for 4:55 am. I'm still awake at 2:55 am. is it worth it to just stay up all night or should i sleep for 2 hours? I don't want to be so groggy tomorrow that I can't function, but then I do have a ridiculous amount of flying to sleep. And unlike a lot of people, I sleep really well on planes, esp w/ my sweet blow up neck pillow. I've been finding myself thinking about a lot of random things about my trip: What kind of movies are they going to show on the plane? Can we get free cocktails? Am I going to really enjoy the French and Italian wine? Will I be able to figure out the trains? And many other random thoughtss as I sit here at 3 am wondering what this trip will bring.
This is easily the best experience I will have in my life (for now at least) and I can't wait to enjoy every waking (and sleeping) minute of it. I hope you all enjoy my updates on my travels and I'll do my best to keep everything updated as much as possible.
"dancing w/ the Devil round the fire..." ~DMB- Cornbread~
This is easily the best experience I will have in my life (for now at least) and I can't wait to enjoy every waking (and sleeping) minute of it. I hope you all enjoy my updates on my travels and I'll do my best to keep everything updated as much as possible.
"dancing w/ the Devil round the fire..." ~DMB- Cornbread~
Sunday, August 2, 2009
And So It Begins...
It starts tomorrow, @ 5 am. Oh Joy. We're taking the bus to O'Hare at 6:20 am which will get us to the airport around 8:00ish. That gives us 3 hours before out flight leaves to Charlotte (??). I'm not sure if I want to stay up all night or not. I normally don't go to bed until around 3 am anyway so I figure I should just stay up the extra 2 hours. I will probably just see how I feel as the night goes on.
Today I went to the bookstore and picked up Catch-22 and Choke. I wanted to have 2 books to read while I'm there so hopefully they'll last. I've downloaded god knows how many movies and new music to add to my ipod. Thank god for those because I think I would be lost w/o them. I bought so many travel size things (shampoo, hairspray etc) it's kinda cute how little they are. Passports were brought out today and I will go through one last check of everything before I go to bed tonight.
I want to thank everyone for the well wishes on my trip. You all have ben amazing with ideas and tips about where and what I should do. So much support from so many of my closest friends. I love you all dearly and can't wait to keep you updated on my travels. Feel free to email me whenever you want just know I may not get back to you. NO PHONE CALLS OR TXTS PLEASE. I will not be turning my phone back on until Aug 31st when I land in LaGuardia. I do have a few phone cards that I will be bringing so maybe you'll get a surprise phone call ;).
I love you all.
"Don't burn the day away..." ~DMB~
Today I went to the bookstore and picked up Catch-22 and Choke. I wanted to have 2 books to read while I'm there so hopefully they'll last. I've downloaded god knows how many movies and new music to add to my ipod. Thank god for those because I think I would be lost w/o them. I bought so many travel size things (shampoo, hairspray etc) it's kinda cute how little they are. Passports were brought out today and I will go through one last check of everything before I go to bed tonight.
I want to thank everyone for the well wishes on my trip. You all have ben amazing with ideas and tips about where and what I should do. So much support from so many of my closest friends. I love you all dearly and can't wait to keep you updated on my travels. Feel free to email me whenever you want just know I may not get back to you. NO PHONE CALLS OR TXTS PLEASE. I will not be turning my phone back on until Aug 31st when I land in LaGuardia. I do have a few phone cards that I will be bringing so maybe you'll get a surprise phone call ;).
I love you all.
"Don't burn the day away..." ~DMB~
Saturday, August 1, 2009
It's About That Time...
It's Satuday, we leave Monday. Oh Jesus. Today as been spent tying up loose ends so far and now the real challenge is upon me... PACKING. For a month our favorite traveler Rick Steve's recommends that you pack a week and a half worths of clothes for a months trip and do laundry. I think the real problem is going to be shoes. I'm only bringing 3 pairs of shoes... hardest thing I've ever had to do. I will be packing a small suitcase and a backpack (also bringing a day bag). I've got almost everything in my suitcase, but I want to bring so much more.
It's becoming kind of daunting the idea of flying over the Atlantic Ocean. I had enough trouble flying to Hawaii (senior year high school and freshman year of college) and that was only a few hours over the ocean... this is almost ALL night! My fear of going over water stems from my fear of drowning I think. I dont like going over bridges, flying over water or going to deep into the ocean. When I fly I usually pass out right away on the plane so I think everything will be okay, but still scares the crap out of me. I'm gunna have to deal with it because I have no choice.
I've been thinking alot about where I'm going and I think I'm most excited for Southern France. I took french for 6 years at Shorewood and loved the language a lot. When learning about the country I fell in love w/ Arles and Avignon. Even when I wento Lac du Bois (french language speaking camp) I was placed in the cabin Avignon and wanted to go there ever since. The ruins in the south of France and parts of Italy are said to be better than those in Greece itself.
"celebrate we will" ~DMB~
It's becoming kind of daunting the idea of flying over the Atlantic Ocean. I had enough trouble flying to Hawaii (senior year high school and freshman year of college) and that was only a few hours over the ocean... this is almost ALL night! My fear of going over water stems from my fear of drowning I think. I dont like going over bridges, flying over water or going to deep into the ocean. When I fly I usually pass out right away on the plane so I think everything will be okay, but still scares the crap out of me. I'm gunna have to deal with it because I have no choice.
I've been thinking alot about where I'm going and I think I'm most excited for Southern France. I took french for 6 years at Shorewood and loved the language a lot. When learning about the country I fell in love w/ Arles and Avignon. Even when I wento Lac du Bois (french language speaking camp) I was placed in the cabin Avignon and wanted to go there ever since. The ruins in the south of France and parts of Italy are said to be better than those in Greece itself.
"celebrate we will" ~DMB~
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