I have been away from a computer since Monday and it has been absolutely wonderful! But of course, my mother called, I was caught, and once again told the blog is getting stale. And here I am, back and blogging.
Portugal was absolutely incredible. By the time I left on Monday I was already planning a way to go back. There was something magical about the city that left me amazed.
I took an overnight train to Madrid to meet up with Jen again. After spending time away, it was comforting to go back to a city I already knew. When I arrived at the apartment there was no answer. Luckily, someone was leaving soon after I arrived, and I snuck into the building. As I climbed the stairs I had a bad feeling that I would be stuck outside the apartment for a while. I was correct. After about 10 minutes of waiting, and buzzing several times, the door was opened. The only problem was that it was the roommate of the girl I was visiting, and she had a slight problem with the number of visitors that had been frequenting the apartment. Surprisingly, she was in a very good mood! She was joking with me in Spanish that the girls were still asleep and she hadn't even seen them since their trip to Ibiza! I made myself comfortable and read my book. It wasn't long before all three girls were awake and Jen was packing for our trip.
By 4 pm that afternoon we were on a train headed to Hendaye, France. We had planned to take a night train to Paris, but was luck would have it, the trains were booked. We spent the night at a small inn in Hendaye and decided to wait to for the night train the following evening. We had a wonderful day. Hendaye is a beautiful beach town on the border of France and Spain. When we first began to explore we stumbled across a market that had some of the most delicious produce, cheese, meat and pastries, and plenty of free samples. We continued to walk around, watched the surfers, sunbathers and sand castle builders and climbed to the castle nearby. The town reminded me of most coastal towns, and the people were very kind and friendly. (And the surfers were pretty cute!) Jen and I enjoyed a leisurely lunch along the beach before meandering back in the direction of the train station. The one thing Jen requested was that we stop for ice cream along the way. I was ecstatic! I had finally found someone that loves ice cream as much as I do! Traveling with Garvey, he could never understand why I loved ice cream so much, and how I could eat it every day. He even dared me to go a week without it. With Jen I was psyched to eat ice cream, and even happier I wouldn't have to prove her wrong by going a week without it.
That evening we were on a train to Paris, and by the next morning on another train to Heidelberg. We were greeted in Heidelberg by Natalie, a contact that Aunt Patty had made for us. It was fabulous. Even though I had never met her, Natalie gave me a huge hug the second she jumped out of her car. She drove us home immediately so we could put our luggage down and she could make us sandwiches as only a mother can. Let me tell you, that was one of the best turkey sandwiches I have had in a very long time!
The past few days have been wonderful. We have spent hours chatting over coffee and pancakes. We then spend the day with tour guide Natalie visiting Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Germany, or even Ramstein, the military base. After our adventures we come home to spend hours more conversing over dinner and wine.
Natalie has been a better host than we could have ever asked for. Not only is she showing us the area, but she is letting us use her house as our own. We have been able to have our own room! We have done laundry and used a dryer! We have a pantry filled with snacks! We have a television with American shows! We can put our feet on the couch! We can sleep in! We can call home! Gosh, it's good to have a mom to take care of us.
With 9 days left, our trip to Heidelberg was perfect. We were able to relax and still see the world. Tomorrow morning Jen and I head to Rotterdam. We will be staying with a couple I met on the Inca trail. Garvey is headed to Switzerland... I think. I never know what his plans are! On Thursday Jen and I will be in Paris, followed by a brief stop in London, and a flight to NYC on Tuesday. It's amazing how quickly the time goes by.
See you all very soon!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Up North
I'm sitting in the Stockholm train station writing this post because I was too stubborn to make my reservation yesterday and the train ended up filling up. I'm headed to Sundsvall, Sweden to stay with Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Jamie Garvey's good friends, the Gulliksons. They are actually way up north in Sweden now, but their son and daughter are home, so I will be staying with them.
Copenhagen was an amazing city. Everybody rides bikes everywhere. It is the coolest thing ever. People were so friendly and more than willing to help. I spent most of my day wandering the streets of Copenhagen on a bike. I ended up popping a tire at the end of the day because I rode so much (not really, it was probably just because the bike was old and the tire was low on air and I was riding over curbs and cobblestone streets, but let's pretend that's not the case). Copenhagen is a rather diverse city. There are people from all over and a lot of different cultural backgrounds bending rather peacefully. There were some very cool buildings randomly dispersed all over the city and more beautiful, green parks than anyone could possibly imagine. Late in the afternoon I went to the Carlsberg Brewery. Carlsburg is like the Budweizer of Europe...except they actually make good beer. This place was enormous and has been around forever. They had a museum which showed all of the techniques used for brewing beer dating back to before the US was even a country. This brewery was enormous and had such cool, but weird architecture. There were elephants that were pillars and other cool designs. The jazz festval was also going on while I was in Copenhagen, so I was able to catch some free jazz while wandering. At one point I found myself in a perfectly manicured garden. I walked past a beekeeper and I thought it was so cool. I watched him for a little and then he came over to me. He brought over a pallet with a honey comb in it. He told me to stick my finger into it, so I did. Honey poured out and I ate it all. It was the most delicious honey ever. He said from each bee house he can get 50 kilos of honey. Copenhagen was really spectacular. Beautiful boats everywhere and just gorgeous scenery. I really loved Copenhagen.
Stockholm is like a wealthier Copenhagen. People ride their bikes everywhere here as well, but there's not as much of a laid back feel. There are a lot of incredible yachts, but not so many charming wooden boats. Stockholm has so many parks with trails throughout. It's a beautiful city, but a but flashy. It seems fashion is a big part of the culture here, which isn't so much my thing. People were still very nice. Stockholm definitely seems to have a lot more tourism than Copenhagen as well. Stockholm has tons of massive buildings with fancy architecture. It's a pretty cool city, especially at night when everything is lit up, but be aware, it doesn't get dark until after 11pm.
You bike trip lovers (Uncle Jimmy, Aunt Jamie, Mom and Dad), Denmark and Sweden are the places to go for your next excision. They are the most biker friendly places I have ever seen. It's also very cool here so you won't die from summer heat.
Copenhagen was an amazing city. Everybody rides bikes everywhere. It is the coolest thing ever. People were so friendly and more than willing to help. I spent most of my day wandering the streets of Copenhagen on a bike. I ended up popping a tire at the end of the day because I rode so much (not really, it was probably just because the bike was old and the tire was low on air and I was riding over curbs and cobblestone streets, but let's pretend that's not the case). Copenhagen is a rather diverse city. There are people from all over and a lot of different cultural backgrounds bending rather peacefully. There were some very cool buildings randomly dispersed all over the city and more beautiful, green parks than anyone could possibly imagine. Late in the afternoon I went to the Carlsberg Brewery. Carlsburg is like the Budweizer of Europe...except they actually make good beer. This place was enormous and has been around forever. They had a museum which showed all of the techniques used for brewing beer dating back to before the US was even a country. This brewery was enormous and had such cool, but weird architecture. There were elephants that were pillars and other cool designs. The jazz festval was also going on while I was in Copenhagen, so I was able to catch some free jazz while wandering. At one point I found myself in a perfectly manicured garden. I walked past a beekeeper and I thought it was so cool. I watched him for a little and then he came over to me. He brought over a pallet with a honey comb in it. He told me to stick my finger into it, so I did. Honey poured out and I ate it all. It was the most delicious honey ever. He said from each bee house he can get 50 kilos of honey. Copenhagen was really spectacular. Beautiful boats everywhere and just gorgeous scenery. I really loved Copenhagen.
Stockholm is like a wealthier Copenhagen. People ride their bikes everywhere here as well, but there's not as much of a laid back feel. There are a lot of incredible yachts, but not so many charming wooden boats. Stockholm has so many parks with trails throughout. It's a beautiful city, but a but flashy. It seems fashion is a big part of the culture here, which isn't so much my thing. People were still very nice. Stockholm definitely seems to have a lot more tourism than Copenhagen as well. Stockholm has tons of massive buildings with fancy architecture. It's a pretty cool city, especially at night when everything is lit up, but be aware, it doesn't get dark until after 11pm.
You bike trip lovers (Uncle Jimmy, Aunt Jamie, Mom and Dad), Denmark and Sweden are the places to go for your next excision. They are the most biker friendly places I have ever seen. It's also very cool here so you won't die from summer heat.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
I'm in love.
I have fallen in love with Lisbon, Portugal. Thank goodness I have to return to Madrid to meet Jen, otherwise I don't think I would ever leave this city!
All of the roads and sidewalks are beautiful black and white stones that make some of the most intricate patterns and incredible designs. The buildings are vibrant pinks, yellows, blues and greens. Many of the buildings are covered in breathtaking tiles. I spent hours just wandering the streets and looking at the architecture.
The city is built on seven hills and the streets, buildings, churches and palaces creep up and down each one. After just walking a short distance up one hill I stumbled upon some very impressive views. Luckily, there happened to be a cafe right there! I sat down to drink a coffee and read my book. The only problem was, I didn't want to stop looking at the city! The city lies on the water and has a bridge very similar to the Golden Gate Bridge. No matter which direction I walk, or look, there is something more beautiful than moments before.
I am happy to have the entire weekend to spend here. I can't wait to explore more, go to the beach, a music festival, the chocolate market, the oceanarium and to eat the pasteis de Belem! I can't believe I am even sitting in front of a computer screen, I have way too much to do!
All of the roads and sidewalks are beautiful black and white stones that make some of the most intricate patterns and incredible designs. The buildings are vibrant pinks, yellows, blues and greens. Many of the buildings are covered in breathtaking tiles. I spent hours just wandering the streets and looking at the architecture.
The city is built on seven hills and the streets, buildings, churches and palaces creep up and down each one. After just walking a short distance up one hill I stumbled upon some very impressive views. Luckily, there happened to be a cafe right there! I sat down to drink a coffee and read my book. The only problem was, I didn't want to stop looking at the city! The city lies on the water and has a bridge very similar to the Golden Gate Bridge. No matter which direction I walk, or look, there is something more beautiful than moments before.
I am happy to have the entire weekend to spend here. I can't wait to explore more, go to the beach, a music festival, the chocolate market, the oceanarium and to eat the pasteis de Belem! I can't believe I am even sitting in front of a computer screen, I have way too much to do!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Oh man, where to start?
Hey uncle Tom. I'm in Copenhagen now just to let you know. Ok, Meaghan posted but left out the past few weeks. To start, we've both been extremely busy. After Italy we headed to Vienna to visit Harald, a guy my family hosted about a year ago. He was wonderful and showed us all around the city. He knew a ton about history and I think I learned more from him than anyone else. We spent three days there and during that time I decided Meaghan and I would both be better off going our separate ways. We went to Budapest together, but got in a little argument at the train station and went our separate ways to our hostels. Later that day when I was adventuring around I saw her and snuck up behind her and said hi. Budapest was very cool. I got the vibe of South America but in a European setting. I liked it a lot. Very laid back and pretty. I left the next morning to go to Munich. Munich was awesome. I couchsurfed (look it up if you don't know what it is, it's cool) and had a great time. The beergardens are heaven on earth. What more could anybody ask for? Delicious beer being served to you in 1 liter glasses by a girl with her bussoms popping out of her plaid, bohemian dress with um poppa music in the background. Munich also has a lot of history which seemed to relate in one way or another to beer. I also fed some ducks, rabbits and met a prostitute named Coco (we walked past the red light district to feed the rabbits and the same prostitute is there every night and she is known by the locals). Next, I headed to Prague. I got in at 11 pm and met up with Meaghan and her 3 Spanish boyfriends. We went out for a drink and then Meaghan left at 8 the next morning and from then on we've been on our own, so here's my striy since then. I had a nice stay in Prague but there's not much more for me to say than that. Well, one thing: walking around a former communist country late at night after a few drinks is pretty exciting, in other words, really scary. So after Prague I headed to Berlin. Berlin was very cool because everywhere I've been so far has had most of it's history from WWII and before where as Berlin is mostly WWII and since. Of was cook to see the Berlin wall, checkpoint Charlie and Hitler's bunker (which is now a parking lot). Berlin was very cool but I was in such a hurry to do everything. I went to Sachsenhausen concentration camp just outside the city. It was very interrsting and sobering, but not what I was expecting. It was a work camp, not an extermination camp. There is a big difference, as I found out. I then headed to Greifswald, Germany to couchsurf again. I stayed there for two nights with a really nice couple. It was a beautiful town with a lot of gorgeous wooden sailboats. Iwent to Rugen (an island on the north coast of Germany) and explored. I went to an amazing national park with giant cliffs made of chalk. It was very cool. I then went to the beach at Binz, which is a town on the island. I walked around and noticed that no child younger
than 5 had any clothes on. Then I saw a women without a top on (she was at least 75 years old). After I threw up a little I continued walking.
More and more topped women and only one was the slightest bit good looking. Then came the completely nude people. They were all old and frolicking in the sand. It was so disgusting that I couldn't look at sausages for days which is a problem when you're in Germany because they're everywhere. I think Rugen is where the nudist colonies are, but back on the woods and I had no interest in searching. Rugen is a lot like Cape Cod. The water is freezing, the people are very wealthy and everything costs a fortune (Cape Cod really is nice. Just making a joke. I don't mean to offend anybody). It is beautiful just like Cape Cod though. After my time in Greifswald I headed to Copenhagen where I am right now. The train ride was beautiful and the train drove onto the ferry to cross from Germany to Denmark. It was so cool. I'm couchsurfing with a guy who is an environmental teacher/planner/ campaigner. Denmark is awesome. I think about 80% of their energy comes from wind turbines. Tomorrow I'm going to explore the city by bike and hopefully not get shot (supposedly there has been a lot of shootings here). After that, I'm off to Sweden. Once again, sorry for writing so much at once, but I've just been so busy. I've barely slept. I'm running on pure adrenaline. I only have three weeks left and it's not enough time. There's so much to see. Time is our most precious resource and I'm sure feeling it. To compete with Meaghsn's Spanish boys, I do have to say that the girls up north are quite good looking. And I've heard they only get better looking in Sweden. Happy belated July 4th to everyone. Peace and enjoy.
than 5 had any clothes on. Then I saw a women without a top on (she was at least 75 years old). After I threw up a little I continued walking.
More and more topped women and only one was the slightest bit good looking. Then came the completely nude people. They were all old and frolicking in the sand. It was so disgusting that I couldn't look at sausages for days which is a problem when you're in Germany because they're everywhere. I think Rugen is where the nudist colonies are, but back on the woods and I had no interest in searching. Rugen is a lot like Cape Cod. The water is freezing, the people are very wealthy and everything costs a fortune (Cape Cod really is nice. Just making a joke. I don't mean to offend anybody). It is beautiful just like Cape Cod though. After my time in Greifswald I headed to Copenhagen where I am right now. The train ride was beautiful and the train drove onto the ferry to cross from Germany to Denmark. It was so cool. I'm couchsurfing with a guy who is an environmental teacher/planner/ campaigner. Denmark is awesome. I think about 80% of their energy comes from wind turbines. Tomorrow I'm going to explore the city by bike and hopefully not get shot (supposedly there has been a lot of shootings here). After that, I'm off to Sweden. Once again, sorry for writing so much at once, but I've just been so busy. I've barely slept. I'm running on pure adrenaline. I only have three weeks left and it's not enough time. There's so much to see. Time is our most precious resource and I'm sure feeling it. To compete with Meaghsn's Spanish boys, I do have to say that the girls up north are quite good looking. And I've heard they only get better looking in Sweden. Happy belated July 4th to everyone. Peace and enjoy.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Madrid...
at 3:30 am.
It probably isn't the best idea to be writing a blog post at this hour, but I must do as my mother asks! She just returned home from a few days in Stowe to find that neither of us had posted anything. Whoops! Well, Mom, this one is for you!
I have just returned home from an exciting night with many Spanish drinks, dances and men, and now is the perfect time for a post!
Madrid is wonderful. After Vienna, Budapest and Prague I skipped across the continent to Madrid. The word skipping, however, does not do the trip justice. I spent over 33 hours on trains followed by another 2 hours being lost on the metro, before finally putting down my backpack in Madrid. I know the route seems a little crazy, but my friend happened to be in Madrid. Jen, my friend from high school, is visiting a friend from college who is teaching English in Madrid. When I found out she was in Europe I knew I had to meet her. Well, let me tell you, it has definitely be worth the trip!
The first hostel I stayed at was, well, frightening. I emailed my mom to tell her I was safe, but then I locked myself into my room and cried. It was the first place I had ever felt uncomfortable along the trip. Thankfully, I had a room to myself and I knew that I didn't have to leave until the next morning. The instant I checked in I didn't like the place, so I cancelled my other nights and booked a new place. I knew I could get through one night. Luckily for me, Jen called about 20 minutes later and told me to get ready for a night out. Everything is later in Spain. When dinner doesn't begin until 10 pm, the nights are bound to be late. This night was no different. I didn't arrive back to my sketchy hostel until after 7:30 the next morning, just in time to check out!
The weather has been blazing hot and the drinks have been flowing. During the day we tour the city, eat the local food and enjoy the local hangouts. Yesterday we went to the public pool. When Jen mentioned a public pool, the only thing I could imagine was a super chlorinated pool surrounded by a cement slab and a chain link fence. Well, this is not the case in Madrid. The pool is absolutely beautiful. It is surrounded by grass and bathing beauties. Our pool also happened to be the destination for the local homosexual population. It was wonderful! Most of the people in Madrid speak English, so they all loved listening to our conversations, mocking us and chatting about the US. Then, when my Kindle appeared, it was like a steak in a lion's den. They could not get over it! For the number of Kindle's I have sold for Amazon.com throughout this trip, it's amazing they don't hire me!
It probably isn't the best idea to be writing a blog post at this hour, but I must do as my mother asks! She just returned home from a few days in Stowe to find that neither of us had posted anything. Whoops! Well, Mom, this one is for you!
I have just returned home from an exciting night with many Spanish drinks, dances and men, and now is the perfect time for a post!
Madrid is wonderful. After Vienna, Budapest and Prague I skipped across the continent to Madrid. The word skipping, however, does not do the trip justice. I spent over 33 hours on trains followed by another 2 hours being lost on the metro, before finally putting down my backpack in Madrid. I know the route seems a little crazy, but my friend happened to be in Madrid. Jen, my friend from high school, is visiting a friend from college who is teaching English in Madrid. When I found out she was in Europe I knew I had to meet her. Well, let me tell you, it has definitely be worth the trip!
The first hostel I stayed at was, well, frightening. I emailed my mom to tell her I was safe, but then I locked myself into my room and cried. It was the first place I had ever felt uncomfortable along the trip. Thankfully, I had a room to myself and I knew that I didn't have to leave until the next morning. The instant I checked in I didn't like the place, so I cancelled my other nights and booked a new place. I knew I could get through one night. Luckily for me, Jen called about 20 minutes later and told me to get ready for a night out. Everything is later in Spain. When dinner doesn't begin until 10 pm, the nights are bound to be late. This night was no different. I didn't arrive back to my sketchy hostel until after 7:30 the next morning, just in time to check out!
The weather has been blazing hot and the drinks have been flowing. During the day we tour the city, eat the local food and enjoy the local hangouts. Yesterday we went to the public pool. When Jen mentioned a public pool, the only thing I could imagine was a super chlorinated pool surrounded by a cement slab and a chain link fence. Well, this is not the case in Madrid. The pool is absolutely beautiful. It is surrounded by grass and bathing beauties. Our pool also happened to be the destination for the local homosexual population. It was wonderful! Most of the people in Madrid speak English, so they all loved listening to our conversations, mocking us and chatting about the US. Then, when my Kindle appeared, it was like a steak in a lion's den. They could not get over it! For the number of Kindle's I have sold for Amazon.com throughout this trip, it's amazing they don't hire me!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)