As part of our hostel we were offered a free tour today with Paddywagon tours. It went to carrick a rede rope bridge, the Giants Causeway and then Derry. Of course we decided to take it up!! As broke backpackers all they had to say was free and we would be in, regardless of where it went!!
We had an early start and breakfast before being picked up at 9.15am. We met Troy who would be our tour guide for the day. He was a real Irishman from north ireland, not some ring in tour guide with no idea, so that was good. During the first part of the trip to the rope bridge he talked and talked and talked. It was hilarious!! He was telling irish jokes, and little stories and things, then would be like "Where was I again... oh yeh, the rope bridge!!". He was saying what happens on tour stays on tour and how if any of us see him drinking through the day, we were NOT allowed to tell his boss!! Lol, or he would go all Liam Neeson (from taken) and use his life skills to hunt us down and kill us... Then he was making jokes about how he doesnt actually have a licence, as he failed 4 times. But hopefully he can pass next weeks test!! We were all laughing, but then nervously thinking, ummmm... this IS ireland, hes probably serious!!! lol
Some old man who clearly was too uncomfortable from the stick up his bum was complaining telling Troy to just be quiet and put some music on or something... but Troy basically made fun of him then continued with his jokes lol. Ohhh I love Ireland!!!
We got to the rope bridge and had about an hour a half to explore. We walked down to the island and crossed the bridge. It was insane. The water was crystal clear and the cliffs were so colorful. It looked like the carribean or something, but then in the background were these huge rolling green hills and sheep and houses. It was one of the most spectacular places ive been.
Next stop was the Giants causeway. It was another 'short walk' down to the actual causeway. But it was beautiful. All the walking is fine when Ireland is the backdrop. Its so easy to get distracted!! Once we got down the bottom we had a bit of a look around, got some photos and then decided to go back up to the pub :) The most interesting part of the causeway were all the tales and myths about how it was created. Officially it was due to a lava eruption, but there are irish myths about a Giant who fought a scottish giant... theres hundreds of different stories! Its fascinating.
After a real good irish stew and beer we all fell asleep on the bus on the way to Derry. Clearly I still havent caught up on enough sleep yet!! Once we got to Derry we were taken to the information centre to meet Rory, who would be our walking tour guide. It started raining almost as soon as the tour begun, but it wasnt too bad. Rory took us around to the old town, which is the walled city. He told us the history with catholics and protestants and why all the fighting begun. Then he told us more about the IRA and the real IRA and how all that came about. I had heard so much about the IRA but never knew why they fought until now. He said that at the moment it is 90% at peace, but the real IRA are still there and just as dangerous if not more dangerous than the initial IRA.
He showed us murals and memorials relating to bloody sunday which basically kicked off the 'troubles' in northern ireland. It was insane!!
Then it was a short trip back to the hostel. It was such a great way to start my travels through Ireland. So much history in this area!!
Once we got back we decided to head to the bottle shop. Again, I know ive said how cheap it is here... but we managed to get 8 half litre beers, and 12 breezers for 15 pounds!!! This is heaven here.
Were enjoying it so much we have decided to stay another night. We want a proper sleep in tomorrow and to have a free day to just wander around at our own pace. (Even if our bathroom light is blown, the shower floods and our room lock is dodgy...) who cares!! lol. Still loving ireland!!!!
Countdown!!!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
To be sure, to be sure... Im in Ireland!!
Well after another long 13 hour bus trip, 2 hour ferry then one more hour on another bus... we arrived in Belfast!! We jumped off the bus, grabbed our bags and my Europe guide and wondered what the hell we were doing in Belfast!!! lol
We had nothing booked, no idea of what there was to do, no plans whatsoever!! So we decided first off to head straight for the Belfast Welcome Centre. It was about a 20 minute walk into the city centre from the bus station. At first it looked kinda dodgy and it was a little scary, but the further we walked the more we decided it was just 'character'! Its quite a busy little city. Its more modern than a lot of the other places we have been. There are some older places, but a mix of new ones all amongst it too!
Walking has been a bit of a problem when I had my suitcase, but only after one day I LOVE my new backpack!! I can get up and down stairs like lightning!! :) So the walk into the welcome centre was good. Laura still has her case which was giving her a bit of trouble cos it was so heavy, but wasnt too bad.
The welcome centre was opposite City Hall which is this massive building right in the city centre. There were cops and traffic marshals everywhere. Probably didnt help ease our concern about Belfast...
The people at the welcome centre were so helpful. They found us somewhere to stay and showed us where to go. It was another hike, but we were just glad to have anywhere. It took us priobably 40 minutes to walk to the hostel. It was pretty tricky to find, but we got there.
When we checked in the lady told us about all the facilities. After places like switzerland and france me and laura were shocked how cheap ireland is!! We are paying 35pound a night for a private double ensuite room, free wifi, breakfast and then she said as we were staying 2 nights we could have a free tour if we wanted. We were pretty excited!!
It was still early, but as we had been on a bus all night we got up to the room and just crashed. I slept most of the afternoon trying to catch up. Feels like we havent slept properly for a month!! Then we had showers and got cleaned up before searching for food!! Even the food outlets are cheap here. We got 2 massive baked potatos, a huge thing of chips and 2 cans of soft drink for 10 pound!!
Then we got back to the room early. Caught up on some skype and facebook (very important activities while overseas!!) before getting an early night.
Now we are on our own all I want to do is sleep!!!! Its nice to be able to follow our own plan and do what we want when we want. Although it is lonely just the 2 of us at times, especially after spending 20 days with 50 people!!
Its so good to finally be in Ireland!!! :)
We had nothing booked, no idea of what there was to do, no plans whatsoever!! So we decided first off to head straight for the Belfast Welcome Centre. It was about a 20 minute walk into the city centre from the bus station. At first it looked kinda dodgy and it was a little scary, but the further we walked the more we decided it was just 'character'! Its quite a busy little city. Its more modern than a lot of the other places we have been. There are some older places, but a mix of new ones all amongst it too!
Walking has been a bit of a problem when I had my suitcase, but only after one day I LOVE my new backpack!! I can get up and down stairs like lightning!! :) So the walk into the welcome centre was good. Laura still has her case which was giving her a bit of trouble cos it was so heavy, but wasnt too bad.
The welcome centre was opposite City Hall which is this massive building right in the city centre. There were cops and traffic marshals everywhere. Probably didnt help ease our concern about Belfast...
The people at the welcome centre were so helpful. They found us somewhere to stay and showed us where to go. It was another hike, but we were just glad to have anywhere. It took us priobably 40 minutes to walk to the hostel. It was pretty tricky to find, but we got there.
When we checked in the lady told us about all the facilities. After places like switzerland and france me and laura were shocked how cheap ireland is!! We are paying 35pound a night for a private double ensuite room, free wifi, breakfast and then she said as we were staying 2 nights we could have a free tour if we wanted. We were pretty excited!!
It was still early, but as we had been on a bus all night we got up to the room and just crashed. I slept most of the afternoon trying to catch up. Feels like we havent slept properly for a month!! Then we had showers and got cleaned up before searching for food!! Even the food outlets are cheap here. We got 2 massive baked potatos, a huge thing of chips and 2 cans of soft drink for 10 pound!!
Then we got back to the room early. Caught up on some skype and facebook (very important activities while overseas!!) before getting an early night.
Now we are on our own all I want to do is sleep!!!! Its nice to be able to follow our own plan and do what we want when we want. Although it is lonely just the 2 of us at times, especially after spending 20 days with 50 people!!
Its so good to finally be in Ireland!!! :)
Monday, August 22, 2011
Kayla and Laura take on the big bad World :)
After the trip was over we went to stay at Jaimes for a night to get settled and make a plan for our next stop. My poor suitcase finally gave in and I replaced it with a lovely new backpack so now I really look the part. We got all equipped with sleeping bags and stuff, so now were ready to go.
Jaime lives out of London in the most gorgeous little town. Her house overlooks the thames river and is only a short walk to everything. It was so handy. After our shopping we stopped at tescos to get some wine and then went home to enjoy our drinks with our Edam cheese and crackers. It was so relaxing and such a good feeling to have no plans. Its probably the first time in my life where I have no idea where i will be or what I will be doing 24 hours from now.
We had a really nice relaxed arvo and night. In the morning we had to say our goodbyes to Dono as he was going to stay at his cousins place until he flies home. Then we repacked our cases and took off for the bus station. We intended on going to Dublin but when we got there we found out the bus was full until Wednesday. So we asked what tickets they had out of London for the day and she said the only thing left was Belfast. We figured why not, and this brings me to now. Sitting on another coach, this time for 15 hours!!! Going from London to Belfast.
Belfast is probably the one place that my dad told me I wasnt allowed to go. He said it was too dangerous, but we are big and tough enough!! (At least thats what im telling myself!!) Its a little bit scary with no plans. We have no accomodation booked, no idea where anything is. All we know is we get into Belfast at 10.30 tomorrow morning!! But its so exciting at the same time.
Well im off to stretch my legs a bit while there is still room on the bus!! At present there is about 10 people on here, but apparently from Manchester onwards its full. We have loads of water and nuts, fruit and snacks. All set to go!!
Hopefully we get accomodation in Belfast and I can fill you in again from there!!! Wish me luck!! :)
Jaime lives out of London in the most gorgeous little town. Her house overlooks the thames river and is only a short walk to everything. It was so handy. After our shopping we stopped at tescos to get some wine and then went home to enjoy our drinks with our Edam cheese and crackers. It was so relaxing and such a good feeling to have no plans. Its probably the first time in my life where I have no idea where i will be or what I will be doing 24 hours from now.
We had a really nice relaxed arvo and night. In the morning we had to say our goodbyes to Dono as he was going to stay at his cousins place until he flies home. Then we repacked our cases and took off for the bus station. We intended on going to Dublin but when we got there we found out the bus was full until Wednesday. So we asked what tickets they had out of London for the day and she said the only thing left was Belfast. We figured why not, and this brings me to now. Sitting on another coach, this time for 15 hours!!! Going from London to Belfast.
Belfast is probably the one place that my dad told me I wasnt allowed to go. He said it was too dangerous, but we are big and tough enough!! (At least thats what im telling myself!!) Its a little bit scary with no plans. We have no accomodation booked, no idea where anything is. All we know is we get into Belfast at 10.30 tomorrow morning!! But its so exciting at the same time.
Well im off to stretch my legs a bit while there is still room on the bus!! At present there is about 10 people on here, but apparently from Manchester onwards its full. We have loads of water and nuts, fruit and snacks. All set to go!!
Hopefully we get accomodation in Belfast and I can fill you in again from there!!! Wish me luck!! :)
Contiki all over :(
So with contiki over what is my verdict?
I loved it!! There were times where I just wanted my personal space and a bit of down time, but looking back, there is no way that I would have done half of that stuff if i didnt do contiki! Ive gone from someone who had never been overseas before to seeing 13 countries!!
As for our tour I like the places we went, however germany felt a bit pointless. We only got 2 seperate one night stays. (Munich and Rhine Valley) which seemed more like sales opportunities than tours. Would have been nice to have 2 days together so we actually had a chance to see it. Apart from that it just got better and better with each day. I was genuinely stunned with each new country.
The variety and differences in the places we went was crazy. It was one extreme to another!! And the special contiki stops like the chalet and the chateau were amazing.
I went from a bit of a nanna who had been out probably 3 times in a whole year to someone who was able to drink everyday and live on 4 hours sleep a night!! (I still got it...)
Plus I made some awesome friends who I will hopefully stay in touch with in the future.
Its really opened my eyes up to the world and shown me possibilities I had never imagined. It was one of the best things ive ever done :)
Big thanks to Joel for entertaining us and to Magic for getting us everywhere fast and safe. (We really appreciate those illegal drop offs you gave us so we wouldnt have to walk as far!!)
I liked it, I loved it :)
I loved it!! There were times where I just wanted my personal space and a bit of down time, but looking back, there is no way that I would have done half of that stuff if i didnt do contiki! Ive gone from someone who had never been overseas before to seeing 13 countries!!
As for our tour I like the places we went, however germany felt a bit pointless. We only got 2 seperate one night stays. (Munich and Rhine Valley) which seemed more like sales opportunities than tours. Would have been nice to have 2 days together so we actually had a chance to see it. Apart from that it just got better and better with each day. I was genuinely stunned with each new country.
The variety and differences in the places we went was crazy. It was one extreme to another!! And the special contiki stops like the chalet and the chateau were amazing.
I went from a bit of a nanna who had been out probably 3 times in a whole year to someone who was able to drink everyday and live on 4 hours sleep a night!! (I still got it...)
Plus I made some awesome friends who I will hopefully stay in touch with in the future.
Its really opened my eyes up to the world and shown me possibilities I had never imagined. It was one of the best things ive ever done :)
Big thanks to Joel for entertaining us and to Magic for getting us everywhere fast and safe. (We really appreciate those illegal drop offs you gave us so we wouldnt have to walk as far!!)
I liked it, I loved it :)
Amster-DAMN!!!!
It wasnt a very long drive from Rhine Valley to Amsterdamn. There was one service stop, then only a quick drive into Edam for a Bike ride along the Dyjk. (Canal).
It was raining on the way into Edam but by the time we got to the bike pick up point it had stopped, so everyone grabbed their bikes and we left. They were the old school grandma bikes. It was so much fun. Half way through the ride it started to rain again though and not many people were well equipped. We rushed the ride through and got back to the store quick to drop the bikes back as everyone was cold and saturated. It was a shame because it would have been really nice otherwise!!
From there we went to a cheese and Clog shop. They showed us how the cheese and clogs were made then we went into their shop for a tasting. The cheese was out of this world!!! Much better than coles brand tasty cheese block!! lol. We also tried Stroopwafels which are my new favorite thing in the world!!! Hard to explain, guess you have to come to edam to try!!
From there we were taken to our hotel to check in and get freshened up ready for our night tour. After dinner we were taken back into Admserdam and to the 'Amsterdam ballet...' also known as the sex show. When in Amsterdam right!! Then joel took us on a walk through the red light district before free time. It was good going through as a part of a tour as I think it would be pretty scary to go alone. Its just such a different place, so relaxed with all that stuff. Every shop you walk past you can smell weed...
We caught the bus back to the hotel later on and got a relatively early night. Coming to the end of the tour everyone was struggling a bit. Everyone has the contiki cough and a sore throat, so an early night was good.
The next day we got up early to go on our canal boat bike ride. It was so much fun. We took about an hour and a half to make our way round a little circuit in the canals. It was a fun way to see a bit of Amsterdam too. Because me and Jaime went in one on our own we were exhausted by the end cos we had no one to share paddling.
After the canal bikes we had free time, but we wanted to go back early to get ready for our farewell dinner. By the time we wandered around finding our way back to the bus station though it was about 2pm!!
We all got ready for our farewell dinner then we were taken to a canal cruise. We got an hour long ride around different canals with a few wines which was fun. Then we got dropped off at a chinese restaurant for our dinner. The food was really good, and of course a few more wines.
After that we walked back into town to go to a bar. We stayed a little while and had a few drinks, then got taken to a shooter bar, but it was really cramped so a few of us left. We walked our way back to the station doing a bit of a food tour stopping at most food outlets on the way before getting home.
The next day was mixed emotions. We left admsterdam fairly early ready to head back to London. I slept majority of the way. Its like now my body knows contiki is over its given in. It held in for a long time!!
We got back to London and checked into the hotel then joined most of the group down at the bar for our goodbye drinks. It was a nice way to end it really. I was glad it was over so I can sleep and drink more water than beer, but sad to say goodbye to all my new friends!!
I met a guy at the bar who was starting his contiki the next morning, so we gave him bits and pieces of advice for the tour. Was wierd thinking that ours is now over. Feels like it only just begun!!
I think that night I slept for 10 hours straight...
It was raining on the way into Edam but by the time we got to the bike pick up point it had stopped, so everyone grabbed their bikes and we left. They were the old school grandma bikes. It was so much fun. Half way through the ride it started to rain again though and not many people were well equipped. We rushed the ride through and got back to the store quick to drop the bikes back as everyone was cold and saturated. It was a shame because it would have been really nice otherwise!!
From there we went to a cheese and Clog shop. They showed us how the cheese and clogs were made then we went into their shop for a tasting. The cheese was out of this world!!! Much better than coles brand tasty cheese block!! lol. We also tried Stroopwafels which are my new favorite thing in the world!!! Hard to explain, guess you have to come to edam to try!!
From there we were taken to our hotel to check in and get freshened up ready for our night tour. After dinner we were taken back into Admserdam and to the 'Amsterdam ballet...' also known as the sex show. When in Amsterdam right!! Then joel took us on a walk through the red light district before free time. It was good going through as a part of a tour as I think it would be pretty scary to go alone. Its just such a different place, so relaxed with all that stuff. Every shop you walk past you can smell weed...
We caught the bus back to the hotel later on and got a relatively early night. Coming to the end of the tour everyone was struggling a bit. Everyone has the contiki cough and a sore throat, so an early night was good.
The next day we got up early to go on our canal boat bike ride. It was so much fun. We took about an hour and a half to make our way round a little circuit in the canals. It was a fun way to see a bit of Amsterdam too. Because me and Jaime went in one on our own we were exhausted by the end cos we had no one to share paddling.
After the canal bikes we had free time, but we wanted to go back early to get ready for our farewell dinner. By the time we wandered around finding our way back to the bus station though it was about 2pm!!
We all got ready for our farewell dinner then we were taken to a canal cruise. We got an hour long ride around different canals with a few wines which was fun. Then we got dropped off at a chinese restaurant for our dinner. The food was really good, and of course a few more wines.
After that we walked back into town to go to a bar. We stayed a little while and had a few drinks, then got taken to a shooter bar, but it was really cramped so a few of us left. We walked our way back to the station doing a bit of a food tour stopping at most food outlets on the way before getting home.
The next day was mixed emotions. We left admsterdam fairly early ready to head back to London. I slept majority of the way. Its like now my body knows contiki is over its given in. It held in for a long time!!
We got back to London and checked into the hotel then joined most of the group down at the bar for our goodbye drinks. It was a nice way to end it really. I was glad it was over so I can sleep and drink more water than beer, but sad to say goodbye to all my new friends!!
I met a guy at the bar who was starting his contiki the next morning, so we gave him bits and pieces of advice for the tour. Was wierd thinking that ours is now over. Feels like it only just begun!!
I think that night I slept for 10 hours straight...
Rhine Valley...
The next morning was extremely hard to get out of bed. It was a big trip from Switzerland to the Rhine Valley in Germany and I think I slept the entire way!! We stopped at a service stop first, then went on to Heidleberg which was so pretty. Plus its a uni city so it was so cheap!! A gelato and red bull was only 4 euro!! There was this little fountain in the middle of the town where I went to go and wet my feet. The water was so nice I ended up in the fountain completely!! It was so good. Then I had to lie in the sun to dry out before the bus left again. From there it wasnt too far to St Goar where we were staying the night. The last few kms were driving along the river with all the wineries and castles. Germany really is a gorgeous country.
Once we got to St Goar we were taken straight to the beer stein shop. I had said all along that I was going to get one, but they were more expensive than what I can afford, plus then you still needed to pay postage. I decided to just leave it and ill look on ebay!! There was also a cuckoo clock shop which had lots of little knick knack things.
After that we checked into our hotel which had about 5000 stairs. My poor suitcase is struggling to make the distance of the trip. It copping a fair bit of damage. After dinner we were taken to wine tasting at this really old little cellar. It was kinda creepy how dark and damp it all was. Plus the couple that worked there were a bit scary too. In the end I think we were just scaring ourselves more than anything. We tasted a few different local wines but they were all so sweet. Not my kinda wine. But they had cheese which was really nice!
After that was free time. We went back to the hotel and everyone caught up on emails and things. The only problem with such a big group is that theres usually only 4 terminals at the most so the wait can be hours, and the wireless never works so I gave up and just went back to my room.
The Rhine Valley seemed nice but one night wasnt really long enough to get a good look around and to really appreciate it. It more felt like a sales stop, to buy steins, clocks and birkenstocks.
But it was nice to have an early night for once. Get myself all ready for AMSTERDAM!!!
Once we got to St Goar we were taken straight to the beer stein shop. I had said all along that I was going to get one, but they were more expensive than what I can afford, plus then you still needed to pay postage. I decided to just leave it and ill look on ebay!! There was also a cuckoo clock shop which had lots of little knick knack things.
After that we checked into our hotel which had about 5000 stairs. My poor suitcase is struggling to make the distance of the trip. It copping a fair bit of damage. After dinner we were taken to wine tasting at this really old little cellar. It was kinda creepy how dark and damp it all was. Plus the couple that worked there were a bit scary too. In the end I think we were just scaring ourselves more than anything. We tasted a few different local wines but they were all so sweet. Not my kinda wine. But they had cheese which was really nice!
After that was free time. We went back to the hotel and everyone caught up on emails and things. The only problem with such a big group is that theres usually only 4 terminals at the most so the wait can be hours, and the wireless never works so I gave up and just went back to my room.
The Rhine Valley seemed nice but one night wasnt really long enough to get a good look around and to really appreciate it. It more felt like a sales stop, to buy steins, clocks and birkenstocks.
But it was nice to have an early night for once. Get myself all ready for AMSTERDAM!!!
To the top of Europe!!
The next day it was raining when we left Munich. It was pretty funny seeing 50 people running out to a coach with suitcases trying not to get wet. Our first stop was Liechtenstein, one of the smallest countries in the world!! On the way in our tour manager found out that it was the National Holiday for Liechtenstein. Therefore a lot of things would be closed, but there was a festival going on! We got there and only had an hour free time to organise swiss money and get lunch. Switzerland was the only country aside from the UK where we would need money other than Euros.
At these stops you normally wind up spending the entire time queing for toilets or ATMs and this was no different. We had a quick look at a souveneir shop where I realised Joel wasnt lying when he said switzerland was expensive!!! It was ridiculous. 2 euros for a postcard, the t-shirts ive been collecting from each country were 3 times the price and food and drinks were crazy! At least they had free toilets :)
We got lunch from a stall and went and sat in the street to eat it. While we were sitting there a local guy came up to us, bent right over in our faces and started saying something in German. We asked for english and he was asking "Where are you from??" He was just curious and was asking us about what we were doing in liechtenstein and stuff. It was just funny how in our faces he was!! He couldnt believe we only had an hour, and said we would miss the big 'festival' where they open up the princes palace garden and have free drinks and stuff. He ended up off on his way again... and we went back to the bus. Laura again reminded me of the movie taken where a local invites the tourists to a party in order to kill them... haha.
Our next stop was Lucerne (Luzern). I was really looking forward to it as my boss Lloyd had told me about it and that it was really nice. When we arrived we first went to see the lion monument which was a memorial for the swiss guard who died. Then we were dropped off in the city near the old town bridge and walked up to Harrys watch shop. We were shown all of the watches and swiss army knives which were good to see but I couldnt afford in my lifetime!!
From there it was straight into our Chalet in Switzerland. It was one of the most beautiful stretches of road ive ever seen. We went through little valleys and mountains beside lakes and rivers. On getting closer we had great views of Jungfrau where we would be going the next day. We got to the chalet which was beside a river and waterfall right in the base of the mountain. It was amazing!!
After dinner I was planning on an early night to catch up on sleep. Jungfrau was going to be a big day and I didnt want to be tired or hungover so started getting ready for bed early. Then I went up to Serens room to see her before bed and they were all getting ready to go down to the bar. They twisted my arm and in less than 5 minutes I had gotten changed and had a drink in my hand!! I didnt end up getting back to my room until 2.30am. We had to get up early ready for the train.
We we walked up to the train station where we boarded our first train which took us up to the base of Jungfrau. It was beautiful scenery, there were cows everywhere with little cow bells ringing while they ate. When we stopped at the first stop to change trains we had 20 minutes spare time to take some photos and stretch. Then when the other train arrived it was about an hour and a half to go. It was so steep!! I have only ever really been on the Kuranda train for scenic railways and it was so much steeper!! The last 4 kms was through tunnels and it was freezing. We stopped twice to take photos out of windows in the tunnel and I couldnt believe how high up we had gone. It really did feel like you were on top of the world!
When we got to Jungfrau station everyone split up to go and do their own thing. We went straight to the ice palace which was built underground and had little ice carvings and caves you could go through. It was freezing but so amazing!! Then we got the lift up to the sphinx which is the highest point on the mountain. It was actually not as cold outside. The sun was so bright and there wasnt a cloud at all! The views were probably the best thing ive ever seen in my life. You could see all the way down into the valleys and so far into the distance.
After that we went outside to play in the snow. When we walked out, we had only been there for about 5 minutes when we heard what sounded like thunder. I looked over to the mountain and we saw a huge chunk of snow falling down! At the time I wasnt worried about how dangerous it was, just about how amazing it was that we actually saw an avalanche. Then after it I thought maybe it was a little scary!!
We found ourselves a spot and got set up to make our snowman, in between having a snowball fight or two. There were activities like tubing, skiing and tobogganing you could do. But we were happy just making our snowman. I was only wearing jeans so it wasnt long before I was saturated. I ended up almost lying in the snow but it was so soft I didnt care. With the sun being so bright too it wasnt taking long to dry out.
When Hans, our snowman, was finished we took a heap of photos, then I put my contiki jumper on him for some more pics. When we were almost ready to leave these 2 guys walked over and asked if they could take their picture with Hans. They were going to pay us because in europe you need to pay for everything!!! But because they were cute I thought we would let them for free :) Then a few more people came to take their pictures too. I have put a photo of Hans on here for you to see.
After that we were all really tired so thought we would get back to the camp in plenty of time to get ready for our Swisco Disco party night. It was being held in the bomb shelter at the chalet and there were going to be 3 groups there!!
Everyone was falling asleep on the train and we were all sitting next to strangers. So it became a battle of trying not to fall asleep on the strangers lap. It went a bit quicker coming down the mountain but we seemed to have to stop a fair bit. When we got back down to Lauterbrunnen we stopped at the pub on our way back to our chalet. It was actually a cheap pub with free wifi, so we sat there a little while before going back.
When we got back everyone had dinner and started getting ready for the party and drinking. It was close to 15 days straight of drinking so it was a bit of an effort at first, but didnt take us long to get in the mood!! Almost all of our group dressed up which was good. We always seem to put in a bit of effort for party nights. It was another really big night. I got myself back to bed before being dead to the world, when Laura and all the others came in and started taking photos of them all lying over me. I guess I was very 'tired' as I didnt even stir!! It wasnt until the next morning I realised when I looked back over the photos.
Austria to Munich
The next day was another early start to get from Austria to our stop in Munich. We only had an hours drive before we got to Swarovski Crystal World which was pretty cool. We paid the entrance to go in which was only about 8 euros, but it was really packed!! So probably wouldnt pay to go in again. Although I did get a $2 discount off some things I MIGHT have bought as presents!! :)
From there we had another couple of hours before we got to Dachau. There we were taken to the concentration camp memorial. We were given a bit of a run down on the history from Joel and then given and hour and a half to look around. It was nowhere near enough time. I only made it half way through the first building. There was so much history in that place and old documents and things they have held onto. Most excursions our group tend to stick together, but for this I went off on my own so that I could take my time to really look at things. It was really quite an emotional place. I needed a few little breaks here and there, but im so glad I went there. It really does make you appreciate all the small things, and especially now thinking of the things I have been able to see and do in the past month, I really am lucky.
It was only a quick drive from there into Munich, but being a Sunday everything was closed!! We ended up just wandering the streets for a while and waiting for the Glockenspiel to chime before going back to the bus. It was really pretty but nothing too exciting as it was all closed and we didnt really have enough time to get round to the sights!!
We got taken back to a hostel just out of Munich and didnt have long before we were taken to a 15th century beer hall for dinner and a show!! We were given a choice of 3 meals, a tradional german dinner, a more standard chicken and chips or vegetarian. Of course I went traditional and had Pork Knuckle with some sort of pickled cabbage and a potato dumpling. I was given 1 litre of beer to wash it down, but after me and Liam challenged each other it didnt take long before I needed another litre!! It turned out a really good night and on the bus on the way home everyone was singing and dancing.
We got back to the hostel and ended up having the psycho receptionist yelling at us all for being too loud!! Curfew was 11pm, and this was only 10pm! So we all went down to the basement bar where we were allowed to make noise!! It had been a big day so it ended up an early one. We had ANOTHER big drive the next day!!
From there we had another couple of hours before we got to Dachau. There we were taken to the concentration camp memorial. We were given a bit of a run down on the history from Joel and then given and hour and a half to look around. It was nowhere near enough time. I only made it half way through the first building. There was so much history in that place and old documents and things they have held onto. Most excursions our group tend to stick together, but for this I went off on my own so that I could take my time to really look at things. It was really quite an emotional place. I needed a few little breaks here and there, but im so glad I went there. It really does make you appreciate all the small things, and especially now thinking of the things I have been able to see and do in the past month, I really am lucky.
It was only a quick drive from there into Munich, but being a Sunday everything was closed!! We ended up just wandering the streets for a while and waiting for the Glockenspiel to chime before going back to the bus. It was really pretty but nothing too exciting as it was all closed and we didnt really have enough time to get round to the sights!!
We got taken back to a hostel just out of Munich and didnt have long before we were taken to a 15th century beer hall for dinner and a show!! We were given a choice of 3 meals, a tradional german dinner, a more standard chicken and chips or vegetarian. Of course I went traditional and had Pork Knuckle with some sort of pickled cabbage and a potato dumpling. I was given 1 litre of beer to wash it down, but after me and Liam challenged each other it didnt take long before I needed another litre!! It turned out a really good night and on the bus on the way home everyone was singing and dancing.
We got back to the hostel and ended up having the psycho receptionist yelling at us all for being too loud!! Curfew was 11pm, and this was only 10pm! So we all went down to the basement bar where we were allowed to make noise!! It had been a big day so it ended up an early one. We had ANOTHER big drive the next day!!
Venice to Austria
Well after a huge delay in being able to upload my blog, get ready for almost 2 weeks worth. Ill start where I left off, from Venice to Austria :)
After a huge night in Venice it was so hard getting up for the bus the next morning!! After I woke up I remembered my bet from the night before, that me and Laura were allowed to wear anything but clothes. I packed everything up and then had one of the guys help me design a dress out of a garbage bag. We even made a belt out of a tie down strap!! It was pretty comfy really but it was hot.
Thankfully I was so tired that I slept for most of the morning on the bus. Our service stop we had to get off the bus. We were too embarassed to go inside, so me and laura sat on the steps near the parking area. Then about 4 buses of tourists arrived and all had to walk past us. It was so embarassing we just sat with our head in our hands...
After services it was off to white water rafting. I decided that it was enough time spent in a garbage bag so I got changed on the bus while the tour manager was getting everyone else organised for their rafting. I had decided at the beginning of the trip not to do the rafting as thats something I can do back home. So we went to the end point to wait for the others. They had a cafe that made goulash and hot dogs and all this yum food. It was so good. We just chilled out for a while and had a bit of a relax.
Once everyone was done, it was only a short trip to the gastoff. It was this cute little place next to a river and a waterfall. Had crazy Austrian decor, bright colors, wierd pictures, lots of wood etc. Just like I imagined. The drive into Austria was amazing. So green and pretty.
We had dinner then went to the bar for a flip cup competition. We were all put in teams and had to compete against each other. It was pretty funny. I didnt want to do it at first, as the boys on my team are quite competitive and I had never done it before. But it was actually pretty fun in the end. I actually turned out pretty good at it too!! We stayed down in the bar for a few hours playing another competition where you had to be the first to get a nail all the way into a giant log. After a few drinks that turned out interesting!!
The next day all I wanted was a cruisy relaxing day to chill out. Everything had been such a quick pace that I was so excited to not have to do anything or go anywhere. In the morning me and Laura went into Westendorff with Jaime because she had to go to the doctors, then we had a bit of a look around te town. Austria is amazing. Everything about it was beautiful. All of the big hills, its so green, old houses, flowers everywhere. Its awesome. I know im saying this after every country almost but its my favorite yet!!
That night we were having a 'Tight, Bright and Shiny' party. There were 2 other contiki groups in the gastoff for the night. We all got dressed up and went down to the bar. We had a few pre-drinks to try to make it a bit cheaper for us. So by the time we got to the party we were a bit merry :)
Through the day everyone was really tired, but almost like clockwork, time comes to get ready and everyone really gets into it!!
Some of the outfits were so hilarious. The boys were definitely wearing tight and bright. Most of them had borrowed clothes off the girls which was great. The staff had a few little competitions for boys against girls and sadly boys ended up winning. (Most likely thanks to Donos awesome pole dancing display!!)
As the bars at most of our locations are licenced, you arent allowed to take your own drinks down. Therefore throughout the whole night we would go down and dance, then go upstairs for a few shots before going back down. Seems to be becoming a bit of a pattern for everyone now.
As me and Laura have been sleeping with no sleeping bag the whole tour so far, it is getting colder and colder so I ended up talking one of the bartenders into lending me some blankets. We ended up having a good chat and turns out he was coming to Cairns later in the year too!! Small world.
The next day was an early departure again, they always seem to have party night right before an early departure!!! Cruel.
After a huge night in Venice it was so hard getting up for the bus the next morning!! After I woke up I remembered my bet from the night before, that me and Laura were allowed to wear anything but clothes. I packed everything up and then had one of the guys help me design a dress out of a garbage bag. We even made a belt out of a tie down strap!! It was pretty comfy really but it was hot.
Thankfully I was so tired that I slept for most of the morning on the bus. Our service stop we had to get off the bus. We were too embarassed to go inside, so me and laura sat on the steps near the parking area. Then about 4 buses of tourists arrived and all had to walk past us. It was so embarassing we just sat with our head in our hands...
After services it was off to white water rafting. I decided that it was enough time spent in a garbage bag so I got changed on the bus while the tour manager was getting everyone else organised for their rafting. I had decided at the beginning of the trip not to do the rafting as thats something I can do back home. So we went to the end point to wait for the others. They had a cafe that made goulash and hot dogs and all this yum food. It was so good. We just chilled out for a while and had a bit of a relax.
Once everyone was done, it was only a short trip to the gastoff. It was this cute little place next to a river and a waterfall. Had crazy Austrian decor, bright colors, wierd pictures, lots of wood etc. Just like I imagined. The drive into Austria was amazing. So green and pretty.
We had dinner then went to the bar for a flip cup competition. We were all put in teams and had to compete against each other. It was pretty funny. I didnt want to do it at first, as the boys on my team are quite competitive and I had never done it before. But it was actually pretty fun in the end. I actually turned out pretty good at it too!! We stayed down in the bar for a few hours playing another competition where you had to be the first to get a nail all the way into a giant log. After a few drinks that turned out interesting!!
The next day all I wanted was a cruisy relaxing day to chill out. Everything had been such a quick pace that I was so excited to not have to do anything or go anywhere. In the morning me and Laura went into Westendorff with Jaime because she had to go to the doctors, then we had a bit of a look around te town. Austria is amazing. Everything about it was beautiful. All of the big hills, its so green, old houses, flowers everywhere. Its awesome. I know im saying this after every country almost but its my favorite yet!!
That night we were having a 'Tight, Bright and Shiny' party. There were 2 other contiki groups in the gastoff for the night. We all got dressed up and went down to the bar. We had a few pre-drinks to try to make it a bit cheaper for us. So by the time we got to the party we were a bit merry :)
Through the day everyone was really tired, but almost like clockwork, time comes to get ready and everyone really gets into it!!
Some of the outfits were so hilarious. The boys were definitely wearing tight and bright. Most of them had borrowed clothes off the girls which was great. The staff had a few little competitions for boys against girls and sadly boys ended up winning. (Most likely thanks to Donos awesome pole dancing display!!)
As the bars at most of our locations are licenced, you arent allowed to take your own drinks down. Therefore throughout the whole night we would go down and dance, then go upstairs for a few shots before going back down. Seems to be becoming a bit of a pattern for everyone now.
As me and Laura have been sleeping with no sleeping bag the whole tour so far, it is getting colder and colder so I ended up talking one of the bartenders into lending me some blankets. We ended up having a good chat and turns out he was coming to Cairns later in the year too!! Small world.
The next day was an early departure again, they always seem to have party night right before an early departure!!! Cruel.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Rome to Venice!!
Day two in Rome was basically a free day. We were all taken into the city by train to the Vatican. Most of the group then did their vatican tour while the rest of us had free time in the city. Me and a few people wandered around looking at markets and slowly making our way from the Vatican to the Spanish Steps. It was really nice and good to just go at our own pace for a change. We were able to stop when we wanted and look at what we wanted.
We got back to the camp around 5.30pm ready for our Whiteboard party night. We all bought white I love Roma t-shirts and made them all into our own style which was fun. Then the aim was to have everyone from our tour leave us a little message. It turned out to be a really cool memento!!
It ended up another big night which ended with the staff actually having to make us leave the dancefloor because the were closing. Turned out to probably be a good thing as the next morning we left early for Venice.
My suitcase seems to have almost doubled in size and now im a little concerned about how I will get everything home. It took ages to pack and im now having to sit on my case to close it. At least in Rome they had a laundry service so I got to get my first washing done since I left Aus (not including me washing my clothes in the shower ever second day!!).
The trip to Venice was a long one. 3 and a half hours back to Florence as well as a 45 minute rest stop. Then 2 hours from Florence to Bologna, where we only got to stop for another 45 minutes. Then 2 more hours onto our site in Venice. We swapped drivers back over in Florence though so Majic is back with us again.
It was a big driving day, but the countryside in this part of Italy is amazing. Rolling hills, old buildings and just so much character!! I love it.
After getting to Venice we didnt have long to settle in before dinner, then we had our beach party!
There were 5 contiki tours currently at this campsite, so we had a bit of a competition at the party which included Sumo wrestling, Tug of War, Oily abs for the men and wet t-shirt for the girls. With cheap drinks and so many people it was always going to be a good night. Before the wet tshirt comp they sprayed all of us with a hose so everyone was soaking!! Considering most of us have 'Contiki cough' probably not a great idea, but seemed like a good idea at the time!!!
The next day in venice we caught a motoscarfi (ferry) over to the actual city. I wasnt doing any optional activities until later that afternoon so I had a free morning.
We went and saw a glass blowing demo in the morning which was pretty cool. But the prices were completely ridiculous... Then we went and got lost in the city. Somehow we ended up lost in the Venice ghetto. I showed someone a map asking where we were, and he pointed to about 5 inches off the map... After some usefull ipod compass assistance, we found our way back in time for a nap in the park.
In the afternoon we met back up for our gondola rides. It was so much fun. We had some champagne and got rowed around the little canals. Me and seren had bubbles to set the scene. It was one of my favorite things yet.
That night was going to be a quiet one, but after the champas on the gondola, we got in the mood again. Needless to say it turned out big once again. I made a bet with the tour manager and old driver that our old driver could beat Joel at a strawpedo. If we won, joel had to spend the next day in his undies. If we lost, me and laura were allowed to wear anything but clothes for the whole next day. Sadly, there was no competition and pete got his butt kicked!!! Therefore it was garbage bag dresses for me and Laura the next day. We got to bed quite late and had another really early start. Its starting to get quite hard to keep up. All we are eating it bread, pasta and carbs. Vegies would be soooo good!!!
We got back to the camp around 5.30pm ready for our Whiteboard party night. We all bought white I love Roma t-shirts and made them all into our own style which was fun. Then the aim was to have everyone from our tour leave us a little message. It turned out to be a really cool memento!!
It ended up another big night which ended with the staff actually having to make us leave the dancefloor because the were closing. Turned out to probably be a good thing as the next morning we left early for Venice.
My suitcase seems to have almost doubled in size and now im a little concerned about how I will get everything home. It took ages to pack and im now having to sit on my case to close it. At least in Rome they had a laundry service so I got to get my first washing done since I left Aus (not including me washing my clothes in the shower ever second day!!).
The trip to Venice was a long one. 3 and a half hours back to Florence as well as a 45 minute rest stop. Then 2 hours from Florence to Bologna, where we only got to stop for another 45 minutes. Then 2 more hours onto our site in Venice. We swapped drivers back over in Florence though so Majic is back with us again.
It was a big driving day, but the countryside in this part of Italy is amazing. Rolling hills, old buildings and just so much character!! I love it.
After getting to Venice we didnt have long to settle in before dinner, then we had our beach party!
There were 5 contiki tours currently at this campsite, so we had a bit of a competition at the party which included Sumo wrestling, Tug of War, Oily abs for the men and wet t-shirt for the girls. With cheap drinks and so many people it was always going to be a good night. Before the wet tshirt comp they sprayed all of us with a hose so everyone was soaking!! Considering most of us have 'Contiki cough' probably not a great idea, but seemed like a good idea at the time!!!
The next day in venice we caught a motoscarfi (ferry) over to the actual city. I wasnt doing any optional activities until later that afternoon so I had a free morning.
We went and saw a glass blowing demo in the morning which was pretty cool. But the prices were completely ridiculous... Then we went and got lost in the city. Somehow we ended up lost in the Venice ghetto. I showed someone a map asking where we were, and he pointed to about 5 inches off the map... After some usefull ipod compass assistance, we found our way back in time for a nap in the park.
In the afternoon we met back up for our gondola rides. It was so much fun. We had some champagne and got rowed around the little canals. Me and seren had bubbles to set the scene. It was one of my favorite things yet.
That night was going to be a quiet one, but after the champas on the gondola, we got in the mood again. Needless to say it turned out big once again. I made a bet with the tour manager and old driver that our old driver could beat Joel at a strawpedo. If we won, joel had to spend the next day in his undies. If we lost, me and laura were allowed to wear anything but clothes for the whole next day. Sadly, there was no competition and pete got his butt kicked!!! Therefore it was garbage bag dresses for me and Laura the next day. We got to bed quite late and had another really early start. Its starting to get quite hard to keep up. All we are eating it bread, pasta and carbs. Vegies would be soooo good!!!
Monday, August 8, 2011
I love Roma :)
Today we got a good sleep in before leaving our camp in Florence. Even though it was a sleep in we were all still really tired so it didnt feel like it, therefore I skipped breakfast to get an extra half an hour in!! Really roughing it now. lol
Almost everyone slept the whole way to Rome. On arriving we came straight into the city to have a look around. We went to the Colosseum and sat there for a little while. Majority of the group went in to have a look through, but a few of us wanted to stay out of the heat and crowds so found a nice shady spot and laid down relaxing. It was awesome. Such a nice backdrop and its good to get a bit of down time.
From there we had a walking tour of the city, but it was so hot and everyone was really tired, so it was kinda pointless. It was kinda rushed and we didnt have time to really stop and appreciate any of it, but we get a free day tomorrow so will hopefully get back to a few of those stops.
We stopped and had dinner quickly and then got taken back to our new campsite on the outskirts of Rome. That brings me to now. Sitting at the 'Bar Market' drinking me 750mls of Nastro Azzuro kicking back.
I love Europe!!! xo
Almost everyone slept the whole way to Rome. On arriving we came straight into the city to have a look around. We went to the Colosseum and sat there for a little while. Majority of the group went in to have a look through, but a few of us wanted to stay out of the heat and crowds so found a nice shady spot and laid down relaxing. It was awesome. Such a nice backdrop and its good to get a bit of down time.
From there we had a walking tour of the city, but it was so hot and everyone was really tired, so it was kinda pointless. It was kinda rushed and we didnt have time to really stop and appreciate any of it, but we get a free day tomorrow so will hopefully get back to a few of those stops.
We stopped and had dinner quickly and then got taken back to our new campsite on the outskirts of Rome. That brings me to now. Sitting at the 'Bar Market' drinking me 750mls of Nastro Azzuro kicking back.
I love Europe!!! xo
Italy Baby!!!!
After leaving for Florence we passed through Nice and Monaco again which was just as beautiful as the first time. We stopped at a French Perfumery to see how it was made. There were some really nice ones which we almost bought, but it still worked out quite expensive so we figured everyone can have key rings for presents instead :)
Once we crossed the border for Italy I was so happy!! That was a moment I have been waiting for, for the last 10 years!! I was dissapointed though when Joel said that now basically every country has open borders, so no more passport stamps :(
It took us around 5 hours or more to get to Pisa which was our first quick stop. Our service stop between France and Pisa was our first real Italian experience. It was a little restaurant that had a pizza shop too. Inside the pizza shop was absolutely mental!! There were people yelling in Italian everywhere and it was packed. It was stressful but amazing all at the same time.
Joel warned us before we got off the bus at Pisa that illegal african souvenier salesman would be at it again in the carpark so not to make eye contact etc. However once we got off the bus, I realised they had every brand name bag replica you could think of. They were only 10 euros... I was so tempted, but I realised that I didnt want to get murdered so just kept walking.
We walked into the Leaning Tower and it was HOT!!! I cant remember who told me it wasnt gonna be too hot, but when I do they will pay for it! haha. Its almost worse than a summer in Cairns.
The leaning tower was quite an amazing thing to see. We took our touristy photos trying to push it etc then had a bit of a look around. We only had half an hour which actually went really quick! I could have had a lot longer there to really appreciate it. Also as it was so hot we were really just keeping in the shade rather than walking around it to get a good look.
After leaving Pisa we only really had about another hour and a half to Florence. Driving through Italy wasnt what I expected at first. From the border until about Pisa was really industrial and looked quite ghetto. But then after Pisa the farms started and the green hills with sunflowers everywhere. Every now and then you would see a random castle here or there. It was getting nicer and nicer the further we went in.
Our campsite was pretty dodgy in Florence. It was built up into a hill so trying to find our room and drag our bags was a bit of a mission. Plus it just seemed to be getting hotter and hotter. We had time to get settled in and freshen up before a quick dinner and then we were going into town for Karaoke.
We got dropped off just on the outskirts of florence and walked into the Red Garter pub. It was a little karaoke bar that was pretty empty at first but soon filled up. They had cheap 1 litre cocktails which were really nice. Almost any flavour you could think of. I just had a few... (litres that is).
Most of the crew had a bit of a sing which was pretty funny. Thankfully I think they turned down the mic a bit so it wasnt as horrible as it couldve been. Everyone started really getting into it and having a bit of a dance.
The taxi ride home was probably my favorite experience in Italy yet. I started talking to him in Italian and he actually understood what I was saying and I could understand him. It was so great! We were talking about Valentino Rossi and he told me how to find his home town. (Not that im some crazy stalker or anything... lol)
The taxi weaved in and out of streets dodging cars and scooters, it was insane! And then he kept turning around to talk to me instead of looking in front!! As scary as it was, it was the best!! Exactly how I pictured Italy.
Florence was beautiful, Sunday morning we were able to go into town for a full day. We didnt really get a chance to look around or appreciate what we saw the night before so it was a good chance to see the sights. I loved all the little streets and alleys. There seems to be no road rules whatsoever!
We started with a little leather making demonstration as part of the tour, but then a few of us left the group to do our own thing. We went and had a nice long lunch at a restauarant, and ate so much pizza and drank nice wine. It was beautiful. The pizza in Italy really is as good as I hoped!! lol. We did a bit of shopping before going to this little bar while waiting for the rest of the group.
We only bought one beer each but then the two barman found us a little private booth and came over talking to us. One of them sat with us for a bit asking about Australia and different things. He went away for a minute, then came back with a free t-shirt he gave to me!! Then a few minutes later they brought over little hot chocolate and cream things for us. They were so lovely and funny!! They were telling us where to go out in Florence and where not to go. Coincidentally the place they told us not to go was the club we were planned to go to that night with the group. They told us where to go instead.
After going back to the campsite for a couple of hours we were taken back into Florence for our group photo and then for a Tuscan dinner. The group photo was taken at this amazing lookout. Then for dinner we were taken to Vecchio Firenze for what turned out to be about a 10 course meal!! It was really nice and we got lots of red wine!! But there was just so much food.
We then were taken to Space Electronic Discoteque, an Italian Club that the barman told us not to go to, but we figured we would go in and get our free drink with the tour just to see what it was like. Joel told us before we went in that in Europe 16 year olds are allowed to be in clubs, just not to drink so be prepared. But when we got in I think our group were the only ones over 18!! It was worse than the barmen from earlier that day had told us.
After such a big dinner though none of us were really in the mood for a big night so we stayed at Space and had a dance for a few hours before getting a taxi home.
Once we got back to the campsite a few of us sat down at the bar for a while just having a chat and a few drinks. We got a bit of a sleep in the next day before heading to Rome.
Our bus driver Majic was due for his scheduled 48 hour rest break so we have a new bus driver for Rome, his name is Peter. Everyone is averaging roughly 5 hours sleep a night and not really eating any vegetables or salad. We eat almost a loaf of bread a day. Even when you order a pizza, they still bring you out a basket of bread!!
Once we crossed the border for Italy I was so happy!! That was a moment I have been waiting for, for the last 10 years!! I was dissapointed though when Joel said that now basically every country has open borders, so no more passport stamps :(
It took us around 5 hours or more to get to Pisa which was our first quick stop. Our service stop between France and Pisa was our first real Italian experience. It was a little restaurant that had a pizza shop too. Inside the pizza shop was absolutely mental!! There were people yelling in Italian everywhere and it was packed. It was stressful but amazing all at the same time.
Joel warned us before we got off the bus at Pisa that illegal african souvenier salesman would be at it again in the carpark so not to make eye contact etc. However once we got off the bus, I realised they had every brand name bag replica you could think of. They were only 10 euros... I was so tempted, but I realised that I didnt want to get murdered so just kept walking.
We walked into the Leaning Tower and it was HOT!!! I cant remember who told me it wasnt gonna be too hot, but when I do they will pay for it! haha. Its almost worse than a summer in Cairns.
The leaning tower was quite an amazing thing to see. We took our touristy photos trying to push it etc then had a bit of a look around. We only had half an hour which actually went really quick! I could have had a lot longer there to really appreciate it. Also as it was so hot we were really just keeping in the shade rather than walking around it to get a good look.
After leaving Pisa we only really had about another hour and a half to Florence. Driving through Italy wasnt what I expected at first. From the border until about Pisa was really industrial and looked quite ghetto. But then after Pisa the farms started and the green hills with sunflowers everywhere. Every now and then you would see a random castle here or there. It was getting nicer and nicer the further we went in.
Our campsite was pretty dodgy in Florence. It was built up into a hill so trying to find our room and drag our bags was a bit of a mission. Plus it just seemed to be getting hotter and hotter. We had time to get settled in and freshen up before a quick dinner and then we were going into town for Karaoke.
We got dropped off just on the outskirts of florence and walked into the Red Garter pub. It was a little karaoke bar that was pretty empty at first but soon filled up. They had cheap 1 litre cocktails which were really nice. Almost any flavour you could think of. I just had a few... (litres that is).
Most of the crew had a bit of a sing which was pretty funny. Thankfully I think they turned down the mic a bit so it wasnt as horrible as it couldve been. Everyone started really getting into it and having a bit of a dance.
The taxi ride home was probably my favorite experience in Italy yet. I started talking to him in Italian and he actually understood what I was saying and I could understand him. It was so great! We were talking about Valentino Rossi and he told me how to find his home town. (Not that im some crazy stalker or anything... lol)
The taxi weaved in and out of streets dodging cars and scooters, it was insane! And then he kept turning around to talk to me instead of looking in front!! As scary as it was, it was the best!! Exactly how I pictured Italy.
Florence was beautiful, Sunday morning we were able to go into town for a full day. We didnt really get a chance to look around or appreciate what we saw the night before so it was a good chance to see the sights. I loved all the little streets and alleys. There seems to be no road rules whatsoever!
We started with a little leather making demonstration as part of the tour, but then a few of us left the group to do our own thing. We went and had a nice long lunch at a restauarant, and ate so much pizza and drank nice wine. It was beautiful. The pizza in Italy really is as good as I hoped!! lol. We did a bit of shopping before going to this little bar while waiting for the rest of the group.
We only bought one beer each but then the two barman found us a little private booth and came over talking to us. One of them sat with us for a bit asking about Australia and different things. He went away for a minute, then came back with a free t-shirt he gave to me!! Then a few minutes later they brought over little hot chocolate and cream things for us. They were so lovely and funny!! They were telling us where to go out in Florence and where not to go. Coincidentally the place they told us not to go was the club we were planned to go to that night with the group. They told us where to go instead.
After going back to the campsite for a couple of hours we were taken back into Florence for our group photo and then for a Tuscan dinner. The group photo was taken at this amazing lookout. Then for dinner we were taken to Vecchio Firenze for what turned out to be about a 10 course meal!! It was really nice and we got lots of red wine!! But there was just so much food.
We then were taken to Space Electronic Discoteque, an Italian Club that the barman told us not to go to, but we figured we would go in and get our free drink with the tour just to see what it was like. Joel told us before we went in that in Europe 16 year olds are allowed to be in clubs, just not to drink so be prepared. But when we got in I think our group were the only ones over 18!! It was worse than the barmen from earlier that day had told us.
After such a big dinner though none of us were really in the mood for a big night so we stayed at Space and had a dance for a few hours before getting a taxi home.
Once we got back to the campsite a few of us sat down at the bar for a while just having a chat and a few drinks. We got a bit of a sleep in the next day before heading to Rome.
Our bus driver Majic was due for his scheduled 48 hour rest break so we have a new bus driver for Rome, his name is Peter. Everyone is averaging roughly 5 hours sleep a night and not really eating any vegetables or salad. We eat almost a loaf of bread a day. Even when you order a pizza, they still bring you out a basket of bread!!
French Riviera and Monaco
It took about 7 hours to get from the Chateau to the French Riviera. We came straight to our camp site and had two hours to get ready for our night out in Monaco. Everyone got really dressed up which was cool. We were heading into Monaco right on peak hour on a Friday night so it took a while to get there. We stopped at this point along the way that overlooked Nice. Joel and Majic had bought us some suprise champagne to drink and get some photos which was awesome.
Then the last 20 minutes they were playing a playlist of songs about being rich and famous really loud to pump us all up. We got shown the point on the cliff where Grace Kelly had her car accident which was so sad. Joel gave us a rundown on the Royal Family and what we would be seeing. Then we were taken to the Cathedral that Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier and recently Prince Albert married Charlene. It was a beautiful building. From there we walked up to the Princes Castle which overlooks all of Monaco. We got given free time there for dinner and to look around. It was amazing!!
After dinner we got back on the bus and drove along the Monaco Grand Prix circuit up to the Grand Casino. A few of us went in to have a bit of a look. It was worth it just to see all the people in there. It was a lot smaller than I thought. But it really is grand! Such amazing rooms and detail. Plus it was fun to play spot the gold digger! (Wasnt hard to find them...)
Out the front of the casino, we sat waiting for the others and watched all of the cars getting around. Ive never seen so many Porches and expensive cars in one place like that!! It was crazy. We sat on the hairpin on the Formula 1 track watching which was pretty awesome.
We came back fairly early as its another early start tomorrow. I wish I could stay in Monaco!! Find some man with one of those expensive yachts and a Ferarri... haha.
Then the last 20 minutes they were playing a playlist of songs about being rich and famous really loud to pump us all up. We got shown the point on the cliff where Grace Kelly had her car accident which was so sad. Joel gave us a rundown on the Royal Family and what we would be seeing. Then we were taken to the Cathedral that Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier and recently Prince Albert married Charlene. It was a beautiful building. From there we walked up to the Princes Castle which overlooks all of Monaco. We got given free time there for dinner and to look around. It was amazing!!
After dinner we got back on the bus and drove along the Monaco Grand Prix circuit up to the Grand Casino. A few of us went in to have a bit of a look. It was worth it just to see all the people in there. It was a lot smaller than I thought. But it really is grand! Such amazing rooms and detail. Plus it was fun to play spot the gold digger! (Wasnt hard to find them...)
Out the front of the casino, we sat waiting for the others and watched all of the cars getting around. Ive never seen so many Porches and expensive cars in one place like that!! It was crazy. We sat on the hairpin on the Formula 1 track watching which was pretty awesome.
We came back fairly early as its another early start tomorrow. I wish I could stay in Monaco!! Find some man with one of those expensive yachts and a Ferarri... haha.
Chateau de Croix - Beajoulais wine region
On arriving at Chateau de Croix (where we were staying) we had dinner straight away then were taken to wine tasting, which was a good way to get everyone back in the spirit. The guys who took the wine tasting were so good at what they do (attractive) that I ended up buying a few bottles of wine to take home. Sneaky.
After wine tasting everyone started getting ready for our party night which was 80's theme down underground the chateau. It was another huge night that was really fun. Everyone was up to about 4 big nights in a row but we all still had a good time. Even those of us who didnt have outfits made our hair and makeup look hideous to get in the spirit. All of the staff were at the party which made it quite interesting!! I dont think many of them follow the contiki policy we were told about staff hooking up with tourists!!
We were fairly slow to start the next morning, but had to be up by 10.30 for our picnic. Everyone was really seedy and not to keen for a big hike but we did it anyway. Only a few metres up the road a van drove past and offered us a lift. We all jumped in and it was only a few seconds up the road we realised we could get killed. haha. But the lady was lovely and dropped us at the base of a mountain and told us where to go. It was such a huge walk! About an hour all uphill which was great for a bunch of hungover people. We were all getting lost and splitting up. It was crazy, but once we reached the top the view was amazing!! You could literally see all over the whole beaujolais wine region!!
After our picnic and getting back we all just laid around the pool for a few hours and chilled out for the rest of the day. It was great to have a quiet relaxing day after a few really huge ones. There was a really nice terrace out the front of the chateau with huge couches that everyone went to after dinner. Even though I planned a quiet night, we ended up drinking 2 bottles of wine anyway!! Ill blame peer pressure. haha
At around 4 in the morning someone set the fire alarm off in the chateau, so 3 contiki groups all got herded out the front in the cold while the staff checked it all out. Half had only just really gotten to bed!!
After getting back to sleep, our alarms went off at 6.30am ready for breakfast and back on the bus. I almost cried when my alarm went off. By this point we ha been getting less and less sleep each night. All the girls are starting to compare our cankles. Some girls ankles have near doubled in size!! Its from all the time sitting on the bus. Theres regular stops, but still a long day!! Though the bus driver, Majic, does manage to make it a bit more entertaining. Like as we passed a golf course, he beeped the horn a heap of times just as a guy took his shot.
I LOVED the chateau xx
After wine tasting everyone started getting ready for our party night which was 80's theme down underground the chateau. It was another huge night that was really fun. Everyone was up to about 4 big nights in a row but we all still had a good time. Even those of us who didnt have outfits made our hair and makeup look hideous to get in the spirit. All of the staff were at the party which made it quite interesting!! I dont think many of them follow the contiki policy we were told about staff hooking up with tourists!!
We were fairly slow to start the next morning, but had to be up by 10.30 for our picnic. Everyone was really seedy and not to keen for a big hike but we did it anyway. Only a few metres up the road a van drove past and offered us a lift. We all jumped in and it was only a few seconds up the road we realised we could get killed. haha. But the lady was lovely and dropped us at the base of a mountain and told us where to go. It was such a huge walk! About an hour all uphill which was great for a bunch of hungover people. We were all getting lost and splitting up. It was crazy, but once we reached the top the view was amazing!! You could literally see all over the whole beaujolais wine region!!
After our picnic and getting back we all just laid around the pool for a few hours and chilled out for the rest of the day. It was great to have a quiet relaxing day after a few really huge ones. There was a really nice terrace out the front of the chateau with huge couches that everyone went to after dinner. Even though I planned a quiet night, we ended up drinking 2 bottles of wine anyway!! Ill blame peer pressure. haha
At around 4 in the morning someone set the fire alarm off in the chateau, so 3 contiki groups all got herded out the front in the cold while the staff checked it all out. Half had only just really gotten to bed!!
After getting back to sleep, our alarms went off at 6.30am ready for breakfast and back on the bus. I almost cried when my alarm went off. By this point we ha been getting less and less sleep each night. All the girls are starting to compare our cankles. Some girls ankles have near doubled in size!! Its from all the time sitting on the bus. Theres regular stops, but still a long day!! Though the bus driver, Majic, does manage to make it a bit more entertaining. Like as we passed a golf course, he beeped the horn a heap of times just as a guy took his shot.
I LOVED the chateau xx
Paris continued... :)
Its been a while since I had good wifi, so a bit of a delay in the blogs... Get ready for it!!
After our first night in paris we woke up and got dropped off at the Eiffel Tower for a free day. On the way to being dropped off at the tower, we passed over the exact spot where Princess Diana died. It was quite sad. Theres a monument there now in rememberance of her which is good to see.
We decided to join the queue for the lift rather than the stairs at the tower. It was a lot longer, but we figured even with a queue we would probably still beat the others to the top. Plus I was still feeling pretty sick and had a blocked nose which wouldnt make for good climbing...
We then proceeded to stand in the hot sun for about one hour and 15 mins queueing for the lift. It was so crowded!! There were illegal street sellers everywhere trying to sell little models of the tower, silk sheets and all sorts of stuff. They were so pushy!! Then you would see cops come into the square and they would all go running. Was quite funny really.
By the time we got up to the top of the tower, we were all pretty over it. We didnt stay up there for long. We came back down then slowly walked back up towards Trocadero and the Arc de Triomphe. I stopped at a souvenir shop and bought a t-shirt. The man that sold it was saying how much he loves americans and how beautiful we are, I was about to tell him I was Australian when he said "I have a gift" and filled my shopping bag with little Eiffel Tower trinkets!! I checked my change, cos I figured he was short changing me or something, but no, he was just giving me gifts which was cute!!!
We met up with others from our group and went under the Charles De Gaulle roundabout and into the Arc de Triomphe. It was so beautiful. Such a detailed structure. Plus standing there you had a great view of all the crazy drivers trying to make it round that roundabout!!
After that we slowly made our way down the Champs Elysees back to the train station. The only thing I could afford in that street was a coffee from Maccas and 3 postcards!! But it was still a great experience. I was trying to speak as much French as I could... lots of bonjours and merci's. But I was still getting all confused and mixing it up with Italian. By the end of the day though I had it fairly well down pat.
The boys here are all so good looking and well dressed. Its crazy, they are all just like you see in hugo boss ads or something :) Its giving us lots of eye candy anyway!! There are all so polite also. Very chivalrous. Opening doors and things. Soooo not what im used to! haha
We took the underground train back to the hotel. Found our way easy!! We are seriously naturals at this. I need to audition for The Amazing Race!!!
After getting ready for dinner and the show we all got taken into the city again. We were dropped off near the Moulin Rouge and had to walk up to the restaurant. Dinner was awesome!! 3 courses of amazing french food. The waiters were all quite funny as well and really got into the spirit of it all.
After dinner we walked down to the cabaret show, the Nouvelle Eve. It was actually a really good show. I didnt know what I would think of it at first, as I had heard some bad reviews on the contiki website. But it turned out to be a great show!! Very burlesque, but I figure if you are ever going to go and see a cabaret show, you are best going to see one in Paris.
We then got taken to O'Sullivans, a nightclub right next door to the Moulin Rouge. Drinks were so expensive there! It cost 22 Euros for 2 vodka and red bulls!! But it was worth it, it was a great night out!! We were sposed to catch a bus back to the hotel at 1.45, but realised at 3am it was a bit too late so had to catch a taxi!! I will note that at the club I did meet a lovely man, Alexander from Nice. I love France :)
We got back to the room at 4am and had to be up by 7.30 am to catch the bus. Needless to say everyone was fairly tired and hungover by the next morning.
We went to see the Louvre in the morning, but the crowds were massive and I wasnt that fazed about seeing inside. So a few of us decided to try to walk to Notre Dame Cathedral while the others were at the Louvre. We got so close but seemed to be lost and running out of time so we ended up turning around and going back for the bus. Turns out we were only half a block away!!
We then spent almost the rest of the day on the bus. We stopped at Chateau de Fontainbleu for a look around and a rest stop which was really nice, but everyone was so hungover that we just wanted to get back on the bus to sleep.
After our first night in paris we woke up and got dropped off at the Eiffel Tower for a free day. On the way to being dropped off at the tower, we passed over the exact spot where Princess Diana died. It was quite sad. Theres a monument there now in rememberance of her which is good to see.
We decided to join the queue for the lift rather than the stairs at the tower. It was a lot longer, but we figured even with a queue we would probably still beat the others to the top. Plus I was still feeling pretty sick and had a blocked nose which wouldnt make for good climbing...
We then proceeded to stand in the hot sun for about one hour and 15 mins queueing for the lift. It was so crowded!! There were illegal street sellers everywhere trying to sell little models of the tower, silk sheets and all sorts of stuff. They were so pushy!! Then you would see cops come into the square and they would all go running. Was quite funny really.
By the time we got up to the top of the tower, we were all pretty over it. We didnt stay up there for long. We came back down then slowly walked back up towards Trocadero and the Arc de Triomphe. I stopped at a souvenir shop and bought a t-shirt. The man that sold it was saying how much he loves americans and how beautiful we are, I was about to tell him I was Australian when he said "I have a gift" and filled my shopping bag with little Eiffel Tower trinkets!! I checked my change, cos I figured he was short changing me or something, but no, he was just giving me gifts which was cute!!!
We met up with others from our group and went under the Charles De Gaulle roundabout and into the Arc de Triomphe. It was so beautiful. Such a detailed structure. Plus standing there you had a great view of all the crazy drivers trying to make it round that roundabout!!
After that we slowly made our way down the Champs Elysees back to the train station. The only thing I could afford in that street was a coffee from Maccas and 3 postcards!! But it was still a great experience. I was trying to speak as much French as I could... lots of bonjours and merci's. But I was still getting all confused and mixing it up with Italian. By the end of the day though I had it fairly well down pat.
The boys here are all so good looking and well dressed. Its crazy, they are all just like you see in hugo boss ads or something :) Its giving us lots of eye candy anyway!! There are all so polite also. Very chivalrous. Opening doors and things. Soooo not what im used to! haha
We took the underground train back to the hotel. Found our way easy!! We are seriously naturals at this. I need to audition for The Amazing Race!!!
After getting ready for dinner and the show we all got taken into the city again. We were dropped off near the Moulin Rouge and had to walk up to the restaurant. Dinner was awesome!! 3 courses of amazing french food. The waiters were all quite funny as well and really got into the spirit of it all.
After dinner we walked down to the cabaret show, the Nouvelle Eve. It was actually a really good show. I didnt know what I would think of it at first, as I had heard some bad reviews on the contiki website. But it turned out to be a great show!! Very burlesque, but I figure if you are ever going to go and see a cabaret show, you are best going to see one in Paris.
We then got taken to O'Sullivans, a nightclub right next door to the Moulin Rouge. Drinks were so expensive there! It cost 22 Euros for 2 vodka and red bulls!! But it was worth it, it was a great night out!! We were sposed to catch a bus back to the hotel at 1.45, but realised at 3am it was a bit too late so had to catch a taxi!! I will note that at the club I did meet a lovely man, Alexander from Nice. I love France :)
We got back to the room at 4am and had to be up by 7.30 am to catch the bus. Needless to say everyone was fairly tired and hungover by the next morning.
We went to see the Louvre in the morning, but the crowds were massive and I wasnt that fazed about seeing inside. So a few of us decided to try to walk to Notre Dame Cathedral while the others were at the Louvre. We got so close but seemed to be lost and running out of time so we ended up turning around and going back for the bus. Turns out we were only half a block away!!
We then spent almost the rest of the day on the bus. We stopped at Chateau de Fontainbleu for a look around and a rest stop which was really nice, but everyone was so hungover that we just wanted to get back on the bus to sleep.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Contiki Begins :)
Just wanted to start off by saying, im in Paris!!!
Our contiki tour has officially began, and it has started with a bang!! We had our kickstart meeting last night in London which was to give us all the basic info we would need for our trip. Also a chance for us all to meet and see who we would be spending the next 20 days with.
After the meeting a few people stayed around for some drinks. Theres a good mix of people and so far everyone seems to get along well, which is great.
We met at 6am this morning for the start of the tour, and at that point I was fairly glad I didnt stick around for too many drinks last night.
We left London and headed down to the white cliffs at Dover. We caught the ferry from Dover to Calais in France. It was great on board the boat. Its only an hour and a half trip, but we spent almost all of that in duty free!! haha. The view was gorgeous coming into France. The tour manager is trying to set a good atmosphere and has little songs he plays for different things, like the love boat while we boarded the ferry, Parlais vous francais when we crossed the boarder, and Dangerzone when we drove around the Arc de Triomph. (But more about that in a bit).
While we were driving from Calais to Paris Joel (the tour manager) gave us a bit of a history lesson on France, and taught us a few basic language and courtesy skills. It was so wierd going into a shop for the first time and being greeted with bonjour!!
Once we arrived in Paris we got to our hotel. By this point it was about 5pm. We had time to freshen up then meet for dinner downstairs at 5.30. After a quick meal we set off to do the Paris illuminations tour (which is hard to illuminate when it doesnt get dark until 10pm!!). We went right through the city and saw all the famous landmarks and sights including the Eiffel Tower. It was amazing.
The drivers in Paris are insane. There are some roads with 8 or so lanes, but the lanes arent marked!!! People just drive around and hope for the best I guess. Around the Arc de Triomph is the worst!!!! Its insane. Joel says that insurance companies do not cover vehicles that drive there. I did take a video which hopefully I can upload if its not too big at some point.
Now after such a long day im kicking back in my hotel room having a rest. We have another huge day tomorrow and im going to need rest. Tomorrow is a free day in the city, then a parisian dinner and cabaret show near moulin rouge!!!
Im having such a great time. I knew 2011 was going to be good, but this is exceeding it all.
Miss you all. xo
Our contiki tour has officially began, and it has started with a bang!! We had our kickstart meeting last night in London which was to give us all the basic info we would need for our trip. Also a chance for us all to meet and see who we would be spending the next 20 days with.
After the meeting a few people stayed around for some drinks. Theres a good mix of people and so far everyone seems to get along well, which is great.
We met at 6am this morning for the start of the tour, and at that point I was fairly glad I didnt stick around for too many drinks last night.
We left London and headed down to the white cliffs at Dover. We caught the ferry from Dover to Calais in France. It was great on board the boat. Its only an hour and a half trip, but we spent almost all of that in duty free!! haha. The view was gorgeous coming into France. The tour manager is trying to set a good atmosphere and has little songs he plays for different things, like the love boat while we boarded the ferry, Parlais vous francais when we crossed the boarder, and Dangerzone when we drove around the Arc de Triomph. (But more about that in a bit).
While we were driving from Calais to Paris Joel (the tour manager) gave us a bit of a history lesson on France, and taught us a few basic language and courtesy skills. It was so wierd going into a shop for the first time and being greeted with bonjour!!
Once we arrived in Paris we got to our hotel. By this point it was about 5pm. We had time to freshen up then meet for dinner downstairs at 5.30. After a quick meal we set off to do the Paris illuminations tour (which is hard to illuminate when it doesnt get dark until 10pm!!). We went right through the city and saw all the famous landmarks and sights including the Eiffel Tower. It was amazing.
The drivers in Paris are insane. There are some roads with 8 or so lanes, but the lanes arent marked!!! People just drive around and hope for the best I guess. Around the Arc de Triomph is the worst!!!! Its insane. Joel says that insurance companies do not cover vehicles that drive there. I did take a video which hopefully I can upload if its not too big at some point.
Now after such a long day im kicking back in my hotel room having a rest. We have another huge day tomorrow and im going to need rest. Tomorrow is a free day in the city, then a parisian dinner and cabaret show near moulin rouge!!!
Im having such a great time. I knew 2011 was going to be good, but this is exceeding it all.
Miss you all. xo
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