Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic & Austria – Aug 4 to 18

Another very delayed entry. Always on the move and not having any down time is my excuse and I’m sticking to it. J The last 2 weeks I’ve had a blast. Now in the groove of busabout, I'm thoroughly enjoying it... not that I wasn't at the beginning. I'm meeting some awesome people along the way! Where do I start? I’ll try to keep it brief. L

Aug 4: Arrive in Amsterdam late afternoon; I arrange to meet up with Naomi whom I met in 2009 in Montreal. Being an Amsterdam local, she picked me up from the Hostel and we headed to a locals bar for a few drinks.

 

Aug 5: A couple of us from Busabout headed on a bike tour of Amsterdam. Navigating the vehicles on the road was simple enough; it was the cyclists that were the challenging part. The Dutch certainly like their push bikes... approximately 2.2 bikes per person living in Amsterdam. Bike tour was amazing! We travelled through the city as well as making our way through the countryside past traditional windmills and to a cheese farm – YUMMO! After 24km our rear ends were a little tender. Off to the park in the evening for a boozy picnic, boy I hope we don’t see any unexpected shows (it's a very liberal city and the guide tells us that it’s legal and very common to be walking through the park and seeing people going at it... yikes!).

Aug 6: Up early to head to the Anne Frank museum before the hoards arrive, lucky!! When we left at 10.30, the line was hundreds deep. The house and museum was very good, I had goose pimples and I was almost Moved to tears a few times– a must do when in Amsterdam. Hurrying back to the hostel to collect my things, I was off to meet up with Naomi again for her birthday celebrations and to stay with her for 2 nights. We head back into the city for the street parties for Gay Pride. A great afternoon dancing and drinking on the streets. The only issue we had was the lack of bathrooms! There are men plastic urinals on every corner but the women are not catered to at all. The businesses along the canal make some decent money by renting their bathrooms for 4Euro! The street parties stopped on the most part by torrential rain but there were many that soldiered through it! Off to spend the evening at a Carnival. By the time we got home it was 3am... a VERY long day!

Aug 8: Back to the hostel, the hike up the steep narrow stairs is a killer! At least this time I’m only on the 2^nd floor. I was supposed to go with others to check out the red light district but opted for some quiet time in the hostel (if there is such a thing) and work on my blog and organising photos.

Aug 9: On the bus to Berlin, still can’t believe I’ve lost Mia’s toy! I don’t know how I’m going to break it to her. The bus ride was a long one, but very enjoyable! Got to know Anna, a Kiwi travelling with her brother James and his partner Fiona. (As I’m writing this, a week after we met, we’re two peas in a pod and we’ll be meeting up at the beginning of September again. We’ll be travelling together for the last 4 weeks of our trip). A great introduction to Berlin was a dinner with our new friends... Karina & Paula who I met in Amsterdam, Jo (from Melbourne) and the NZ Trio. A little pricier than we had planned but we had a great night.

Aug 10: The walking tour of Berlin was amazing! Very history heavy, but you expect that! We walked around the city for the best part of 4 hours taking in the sights and the brutal recent history; Death Strip, Brandenburg Gate, Holocaust Memorial, Hitler’s Bunker, Check Point Charlie, Berlin Wall, Museum Island. I must admit my knowledge of the turbulent history was limited... Not now though. After the tour, we were all a little brain dead and numb from all the information.

Taking the long way back to the hostel, a quick shower to get ready for the pub crawl. All I can say is... OUCH! Anna, Jo & I had a blast – more to do about the company than anything else, but the shots and drinks we had at each at each location made the evening very entertaining indeed... including making friends with two police officers who would’ve been very close to retirement! Don’t worry... anything untoward – we were just lost. They were having great difficulty understanding us, maybe because the spoke very little English or we were just talking too quickly... and the laughing probably didn’t help! They were trying very hard to help us... they were chuckling at our antics... I remember saying to them ‘you love us, don’t you!’ I’m still not sure whether they understood us, but I think we made their night – AND finally we got home!

Aug 11: A quick breakfast with the others to discuss the fun events of last night. Although James & Fi didn’t come along on the pub crawl, they still had some stories. The ‘Events of Room 211 on Aug11’ – Poor James & another person in the 10 bed dorm were taken on a wild ride! The two American women in question who were enjoying their male company a little too much for a couple of hours in the wee hours of the morning, looked like they wished the earth to open up and swallow them whole the next time James & gang saw them! All sleep deprived and Anna & I feeling worse for wear, we hit the pavement to find the section of wall that has been covered in street art. I really feel sorry for Fi & James, Anna & I trailing at every point along the way... if we weren’t laughing about the events of the night before then we were complaining in a childish manner ‘Are we there yet’.

When we arrived, it was completely worth the walk that seemed never to end. We returned to Checkpoint Charlie to read all the boards then by the time we meandered through the streets, stopping along the way at interesting shops we returned to the Hostel at dinner time. A cheap and cheerful meal and then it was time again to pack our bags ready for our next stop.

Aug 12: A good trip to Dresden where Jo left us then we continued onto Prague. We checked into our respective rooms and met for dinner – a unique Mexican restaurant nearby with the most amazing Czech dumplings and sauerkraut I’ve ever tasted.

Aug 13: A wonderful introduction to the city with a free walking tour... The city really is the fairy tale city I’ve heard it was. It reminded me quite a bit of Prague, but a lot bigger. Main sights included; The Astronomical Clock, Opera House where Mozart played, Old Jewish Quarter, Cemetery, Charles Bridge, Charles University, Wenceslas Square, Powder Tower. One thing I found most disturbing... Hitler loved Prague and planned to retire here, it’s because his love for this town he ordered to leave the Synagogues untouched (most were burnt to the ground on his orders) was because it was his idea that once he managed to eradicate all Jews, he was going to great a museum (not a memorial) in the Synagogues of what he did and how he did it whereby his followers could come to appreciate his ‘great’ work. After the tour (4 hours) we continued wandering the streets and revisited some of the sights. The Astronomical Clock was a huge let down as promised... hundreds of people gather at every hour to see the ‘spectacle’ and afterward, many ‘is that it?’ can be heard muttered from every direction. We parted ways, Fi & James stayed in town for dinner and Anna & I continued wandering. We were waiting to cross a street and we were promptly ushered behind orange tape. Not really sure what was going on, we obeyed. Then within a minute or so, we were ushered back in the other direction... we noticed the camera suspended from a cable high above us and an actor on the corner (we were standing beside him a few minutes earlier and we just thought he was a hottie... ha). We were (by accident) extras in a Czech movie or commercial!

Aug 14: The #1 attraction in Prague, the Castle! I joined the NZ Trio for breaky at their hostel and then we were into town... The castle was very different than others I’ve seen. It’s more of a village perched on the hill within the confines of a wall. Quite spectacular though. We hiked up the 300+ stairs up the tower which gave us a fabulous view of the old city. After a few hours, we found a location for our group dinner. We tested the beer (35cz for 0.5L which is just over 1Euro) and Greek & Czech food that was between 2 and 5Euro, with a bunch of backpackers we couldn’t go wrong. Off to find a tree to have a nap under before meeting the rest of the group. A great dinner!! Such a great bunch of people!



Aug 15: Off to Vienna, stopped at Chesky Kromlov and said bye to most of the group which was a bit sad – but I’ll be meeting back up with the NZ Trio on Sept3 in Rome. On our approach to Vienna, the rain set in... and didn’t stop! Our walking tour was cancelled so instead we went to enjoy a very LARGE schnitzel and beer. Oh my goodness – biggest damn thing I’ve ever seen!

Aug 16: Only 1 night in Vienna unfortunately as I have a deadline to make it to Rome by Sept 22 (happy birthday David). I will be back though as it looks like such a beautiful place, both the city and the countryside. Sitting next to a young Aussie girl, we were chatting about what we were going to see in Munich. I asked her if she was doing the Dachau tour. Her response was ‘My mum told me I have to do it, but I don’t want to. I’m Jewish, but it’s not like it has anything to do with me because my family fled to the US in the early 1900’s’. I could have slapped her, but instead I replied “I don’t have a drop of Jewish blood that I’m aware of, but I feel obligated to educate myself and pay respect to those that were directly impacted”. She didn’t have anything more to say on the subject.

We arrived in Munich in the early afternoon, so to make the most of our time, a few of us decided to do the Bike Tour at 4pm. As it turns out, a great decision! It was perfect weather and it woke us up from our time on the bus. We saw so many of the sites; Nationaltheatre, Residenz, Hofbrauhaus, Glockenspiel Clock, Hofgarten, Theatinerkirche, Enlishcher Gardens (be warned.. in the Nudist Meadow, only the ones you DON’T want to see are in the buff), the Munich Surfers in the canal, Staatskanzlei, Isartor, Friedensengel, Maximilianeum, Lukashirche and inbetween we had a nice beer and a sausage in the Chienisher Turm Biergarten.   

After the tour, I caught up with a friend of Martin & Laura's (Whistler boss) who picked me up from the hostel and took me out to dinner. Its always so lovely to be given a locals perspective to a city. Thanks Udo!

Aug 17: An emotionally exhausting day spent at Dachau Concentration Camp and Memorial 30 minutes out of Munich. Dachau was the first of many concentration camps opened by the Nazi in March 1933. Dachau served as a prototype and model for the other Nazi concentration camps that followed. The displays, images and stories were horrific as you would expect. Over its twelve years as a concentration camp, they recorded the intake of over 206,000 prisoners and almost 32,000 deaths. These numbers do not tell the entire story, however. If the Nazi’s didn’t intend on killing in large numbers, why did they install a gas chamber as part of the ‘new’ crematorium built in 1940?? A spine chilling and disturbing experience, but so very glad I did it. “Do Not Forget”.

After returning to Munich in a very sombre mood, a few of us headed to Augustiner Beer Garden, outside it seats 7000 people – now that is a beer garden! It took us a few hours to finish the 1L of beer! 

Aug 18: Tried to sleep in a little, but quite unsuccessfully. Two nights in a row having others in the dorm that insists on sitting around the table in the bedroom chatting and drinking at 2-3am. I am very much looking forward to my two nights in the Novotel in Athens next week! I headed out to Nymphenburg Palace – quite a spectacular building and the artwork was very impressive throughout the living quarters. Back into town after a few hours (31 today, but in the sun felt much more) we headed to Theresienwiese, the site of Oktoberfest. Still very much under construction but you could already see the ‘tents’ were quite something. They can hold up to 7000 people! 

A very quiet night in the hostel updating photos and the blog before an early bus to Venice tomorrow.

Until next time xoxo

Paris & Brugges July 25 to Aug 3

My last night in London was spent with two special ladies.. Zannah (my gracious hostess with the mostest when I arrived in London) and Michelle (sister of a very dear friend Danielle) at Ping Pong at Southbank. A quick visit to Joshi Thomson to give him his keys the following morning and off to the train. 2 hours later, I arrived in Paris with my pocket size picture French dictionary on hand.

So far so good.. My favourite phrase “Bonjour, Vous parlaz anglais?” is getting the results I’ve hoped for, my first few hours in Paris and I haven’t encountered a single rude Parisian. A quick dinner of baguette, camembert, ham and salad and into the hostel bar for a drink and check emails followed by a walk along the canal for a bit and retired for a big day tomorrow.

Time for a quick breakfast – if you can call it that! A choice of coco pops or bread & jam. Really??? A stop at the store to get a few supplies, plus left over’s from last night and I’m off.

First stop the Louve. When I saw the line, I almost turned away! After closer observation, I noticed it was moving pretty quickly. With a ticket and map in hand, I went in search of a few things... After 2 or 3 hours I sat down to have a drink of water and snack, gathering my things together and start moving again I looked up, who was walking in my direction through the walkway dividing the Italian paintings of the 1300-1500’s and the Apollo Gallery– Ali Bronts.. “No.. it can’t be” I thought but then I saw John just a step behind her. I grabbed my things and walked the 5 meters. I greeted them and after the few seconds it took to register it was me, we had stepped out of the crowds so that we could properly catch up. Now, after a week – I still find it amazing we crossed paths. What are the chances? And to think, out of the 12000 visitors per day, I was sitting in the right spot, at the right time and looking in the right direction at exactly the right moment?? I should add that they didn’t know I was in Paris, and I wasn’t aware they were here.

After a 30 minute run down of whats been happening, where we’re going & where we’ve been, where we’re staying etc, arrangements were made spend the following day with each other. Ali & John had only just arrived in Paris (from Aus) the day before. Seeing Ali & John was clearly the biggest highlight of my visit at the Louve, and Paris for that matter! Other features included; Aphrodite (Venus de Milo), Pysche and Cupid, Colossal statue of Ramessess II, Captive by Michelangelo, The Wedding Feast, The winged victory of Samothrace, The Sphinx, The Mummy and of course Mona Lisa.

By 2pm, I had enough of the Louve. The crowds – especially around the Mona Lisa were insane. I decided to keep moving but not before I had lunch in the square... I love people watching. A little surprised to see army personnel with machine guns parolling. Just as I was finishing lunch, it started to rain a little so I made my move. Wandering along Rue Rivoli then past ‘St German L’auxenois, over the Pont Neuf and along the Seine to Sainte Chapel. Seeing the long line, I continued along towards the Notre Dame. A ridiculously long line but it moved pretty quickly. Once inside, I walked around then sat to appreciate its grandeur and 3 people sat behind me. After a minute or so of them talking at full volume – I turned ‘shhhhhh’! OH MY.. Its official – I’m now considered old in the eyes of teenagers and people in their early 20s.

Still raining, I sought refuge under thick trees in a lovely garden behind the Notre Dame, with a piano accordion playing in the distance I thought it a perfect time to sit and write in my travel diary. When the sun started shining less than 20 minutes later, I made tracks along the Seine, past Hotel De Ville that had beach volley ball courts in the square infront.. and thru random streets that were just beautiful. Back to the hostel for a meal, shower and before I knew it – I’d passed out. This sightseeing business is exhausting!

Meeting Ali & John for breaky before heading to the Eiffel Tower. By the time we got there, it was a little later than we had planned, but the line was ok – much much much better than 30 minutes later – when the line had probably tripled in length! We didn’t know much about the Eiffel tower so I grabbed my Kindle to consult ‘Sights of Paris’.. this proved extremely handy over and over again! Plus, much lighter than the 600g Europe lonely planet guide! The views were nice, but views are views – we all agreed it was nicer from the ground. BUT thats not saying you shouldn’t go to the Summit – a must! We walked along the Champ de Mars which to get a more distant view of the tower and some photos. Lunch in a lovely little restaurant where we called Marg & Pete Osment (Aunt & Uncle living in France) then off to the Arc De Triomph. By the time we meandered along Avenue De Champs (like Collins St on steroids), more people watching in a little park (John spotted a drug deal) we were all pretty spent. What a spectacular way to see Paris sights – with people I care about! Such a treat for a solo traveller!

My last full day in Paris (until the end of my trip) and I’ll be spending it with A & J. A lovely brunch (albeit the waitress forgetting my croissant).. a visit to the Bastile which none of us knew what it was or why it was erected (I have since determined this), a walk along a little canal where boats are moored. A walk over to the Notre Dame as they hadn’t seen it but we bypassed the line and walked around the exterior before walking back over the Siene and on the Metro. A quick afternoon tea near the Ibis and maybe this time I can get my croissant... Hmm.. the waiter forgot. Do the French have something against me eating their pastries??? I know I don’t ‘need’ one, but I WANT one!! We all had a good laugh, suppose you had to be there J Back to the hostel for a nap before our last hurrah – picnic dinner and drinks at the Eiffel Tower to admire it in all its glory – lit up and sparkling. It did not disappoint! It was such an amazing end to a wonderful time with Ali & John in Paris!

Now its July 31 and the first day of my BusAbout adventure (hop on-hop off) around western Europe. The ride to Brugges was a short 4 hour trip, and they stop every 2 hours so it was quite manageable. At checkin, there was still no room in the female dorms so I was in a mixed.. actually with 9 men and ALL Australian in their early/mid 20’s. God help me! Lucky for the privacy curtain on each of the bunks. One was actually very sweet and sacrificed the bottom bunk for me and they were polite, quiet and respectful. More than I can say for a different group of young Aussie guys of the same age. An embarrassment to Australia! Everything in Brugges is closed on Sundays, so no hope getting some cough medicine – at least there is one thing beneficial about having a persistent cough – a good ab workout!

I spent much of the following morning on Skype with my big brother David.. great to chat with him- its been a while. Then off exploring this pretty little medieval town that is Brugges..  I just strolled aimlessly through the cobblestone streets and over the many canals. I visited the Markt (Main Square), Basilica of Christs Blood, and resisted for as long as I could – but caved and went into a delectable chocolate shop. A box as a gift for a friend who I’m staying with in Amsterdam and three pieces for me! By far, the BEST chocolate I’ve ever tasted!!! A nice dinner in the restaurant next door, a great chat to some fellow travellers, double dose of cough syrup and I was out.

The following day we had miserable weather, a good opportunity to get a few things in order.  Loading photos and typing a blog is time consuming work, let alone the accommodation reservations etc. You can easily spend a full day on the computer if you fall behind as I have.

My last full day in Brugge, and feeling a little better – was to be the day that I ventured further afield to Antwerp or Ghent. Oh well, I have to remind myself that I can’t do it all. Instead, I did the remainder of the touristy things here. Including; The Belfry Tower (as featured in the 2009 movie ‘In Brugges’), They’re not kidding when they say that the tower stairs are narrow.. throw in impatient tourists that just barge through causing sever congestion – it was rather unpleasant. Next stop was the ‘Choco Story’. A museum dedicated to cocoa and chocolate. I had no idea that the cocoa bean was once used as currency. The life size chocolate statue of President Obama was interesting, but the highlight would have been the chocolate demonstration and of course the free chocolates afterward. This was an interesting way to spend an hour or two.  A canal boat ride was a lovely addition to my afternoon that I hadn’t planned. It really is a very pretty city and to see it from the waters, gives another perspective that I was so very pleased to get. The Church of Our Lady is almost a art gallery with all the paintings and sculptures they have on display.. also home to Michelangelo’s ‘Madonna & Child’. No signage forbidding photos, so i was shocked when I got in trouble from the attendant.. at least he didn’t make me delete the photo. Again, I hit the cobblestone and walked around the permitter of the old city, stopping off at Begijnof and the hospital museum. By this stage my cameras batter was flat. A few Belgian Beer samplers with dinner and meeting more travellers, this time a couple of Aussie (no surprise there) women that have been travelling for 9 months through South America and Europe. Not part of the busabout tours and doing some off the beaten path things, it was great hearing about their experiences. Pack up everything for my departure to Amsterdam tomorrow (4th).

For photos, click here >> Photos  <<

I hope you're all well. xoxo

PS. I'm a few days behind - Last night in Amsterdam tonight (8th) and leaving for Berlin tomorrow. I will work on my blog on the bus tomorrow and hopefully i will be making my next post more promptly.