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!!!
Countdown!!!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
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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