andrewZtravel

Some visual stimulous below...following these words

2009-07-28T02:39:00.000-07:00

I hope you get the chance to see some of the pictures and videos
below. I'm on a layover to get home in a airport. Wifi was only 10€
for an hour so about 15$. So I figured it was worth my time and money
to entertain you. Just kidding! The real story is bored at the
airport in Amsterdam on my layover and I thought what better way to
make the time go by. And seriously 90% of these posts and pictures
and videos have all been done from the iPhone! Seriously amazing
piece of technology.

Like I said in a post yesterday it's been a good trip. Wish I could
just go on for month like this and seeing new places but two weeks was
fun. I'm very thankful for the opportunity and I hope I was able to
make good on my promises to log as often as I could. I do still have
Switzerland and Paris to write about. Maybe this weekend since I have
two softball games tonight when I get home and will definatley be
going to work Tommorrow super early. Work, please forgive me if I'm
jet lagged!!! Back to the grind...it's going to be a long rest of the
week and I can't wait to sleep on the weekend! Oh and not to mention
I can't wait to jump in the warm ocean waters and enjoy the beach!!!

Cheers to family, friends , health and good times!!!

Thanks for following along and reading. Love to hear back in a email
any comments or thoughts etc!!!

- Andrew

andrewzelinko@Gmail.com

One last glimpse for me...

2009-07-28T02:29:00.001-07:00

Going down the tower...

2009-07-28T02:28:00.001-07:00

Atop the Eifel Tower

2009-07-28T02:26:00.000-07:00

What a view. So clear for miles since it rained just hours before

La Louvre at night and Montemarc in Paris

2009-07-28T02:25:00.001-07:00

More Live action of the race

2009-07-28T02:23:00.000-07:00

These guys really fly down the road!

Live action of the leaders of the Tour de France

2009-07-28T02:20:00.001-07:00

La Tour de France final finish was awesome to witness!!!

2009-07-28T02:19:00.001-07:00

Map of where I was! And the red showing all of the closed streets.

Notre Damne Church, Modern Museum, La Louvre

2009-07-28T02:17:00.001-07:00

Creepy street mimes up top Montemarc in Paris

2009-07-28T02:15:00.001-07:00

Tower at night...

2009-07-28T02:12:00.001-07:00

...And a little bling bling on the tower

2009-07-28T02:11:00.000-07:00

Paris!

2009-07-28T02:10:00.001-07:00

Third time here and it NEVER gets old!!!

More...

2009-07-28T02:09:00.001-07:00

Train ride through Switzerland

2009-07-28T02:08:00.001-07:00

On the train ride back through Switzerland to Interlocken it was just
after a rain storm. Awesome full rainbow end to end over the lake.

Lucerne, Switzerland

2009-07-28T02:07:00.001-07:00

Bern, Switzerland

2009-07-28T02:05:00.002-07:00

The Capitol of Switzerland

2009-07-28T02:05:00.001-07:00

Downtown Bern, Switzerland.

Train ride through Switzerland

2009-07-28T02:03:00.001-07:00

Yup more Switzerland!

2009-07-28T02:02:00.001-07:00

More Switzerland ...

2009-07-28T02:01:00.001-07:00

Nothing like a thunderstorm in Switzerland

2009-07-28T02:00:00.000-07:00

Interlocken

2009-07-28T01:59:00.000-07:00

Small town train

Interlaken again!

2009-07-28T01:58:00.000-07:00

Interlocken

2009-07-28T01:57:00.002-07:00

Interlocken, Switzerland

2009-07-28T01:57:00.001-07:00

A bit behind...but a lot to come!

2009-07-27T15:58:00.000-07:00

So as of today which is about 1am Tuesday in Paris, i soon return. Too soon :(

But it has been a great trip overall. Yes I am about 5-6 days behind blogging. And when I return I hope to blog the rest of Interlaken (includes some white water rafting in level 3 and 4 waters!) and of course my last stop Paris (Not to mention how AWESOME it was to be here for the final day of Tour de France...go Lance Armstrong!!!!).

Im sad to go...but very very thankful I am able to make a trip like this...thanks to so many people, friends family, work etc. And overall thankful for my health. Without all of those things none would be possible. My parents, love you guys and my sister love you too and thanks for the emails and support! Sorry to those who I have not had time to email back. I dread my inbox when I return.

So stay tuned to more...and in the mean time...I will post a ton of videos tonight and pictures before my flight home tomm and back to the grind on Wednesday I believe!

Cheers to family and friends!

-Andrew

Arc' de triumph! And the traffic circle of chaos

2009-07-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

Paris!!

2009-07-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

You must see it in person to understand the size and how amazing it
is! 3ed time visiting this site and it never gets old!

You know your in Paris when the gypsy people attack!

2009-07-26T08:54:00.000-07:00

YOU SPEAK ENGLISH?!

5th, and final Stop for me, PARIS! St. Christopher Hostel

2009-07-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Well, it has come to it, the final and fifth stop of the trip for me, although Brittany will stay one more night and catch an early early morning train from Paris to London. She has almost two weeks more. 10-12 days in England for some school and sight seeing and then off to Berlin for her. Its a quick and fun train and it goes under the ocean which to me is just amazing we can do that! Anyways here is some info on Paris and the hostel.

Yes, for those who were reading last year as well, I did do Paris, actually twice last year. The first time it was on my own and my starting point. Man what an adventure that was. So surreal and new. being in a whole new place having no clue what do to or where to go and no one to turn to. I just cant explain. In fact if you go back to my notes from last year...click the magic link to do so...you will re-live my fears and feelings. Its something that you just can write or tell about until you feel that feeling.

Enough blabbing on about that...here is the hostel, same one as before. But a lot more expensive during the summer high season. Another reason that when I travel again it will be the low February and March season. Seemed to work out the best and best weather with no crowds and cheaper prices.

Check out the hostel as always and the map where we are...as you zoom out you will see some of the points of interest I did last year along with some new ones to be added in the near future as we live those!

View Europe Travels in a larger map

Final full day in Venice!

2009-07-25T01:40:00.000-07:00

Day two! It was a good decent nights sleep. Much needed and ready to
go. But not so fast. This place brings you orange juice, crossaints,
bread and sides! Awesome way to start the day! After a bite to eat
it was off to the market. So many cool varieties of fresh fish and
fruits everywhere. It goes all day untill eleven am but worth seeing
the fresh catch come in first thing. I live to walk this part of the
town ans see the local restraints get their fill and first dibs on
fish fruit and vegetables before the tourists get there. And the fact
that the places to eat in town use these fresh ingredients makes it
all the better whenyou eat there! GrAbbed some fruit for the day
also. The guy was super. Iol and gave use a fresh super ripe peach. I
swear I've never had one that fresh and sooooo good! And th
pears were sooo good as well. It's like the fruit was cold butter
melting off of the fruit as you ate it. Haha I guess that's a weird
way to explain it. Oh well.

So through the town saming foods and wandering through random streets
or basically sidewalks. Still so neat to be in a town where there
isint a single motor vehicle on the island. Even the police and
ambulances were boats. Hate to have a fire in that town though!
So after all day of walking time to head back and shower from sweating
all day. Then off to dinner. I can't recall the name of the place we
at ate off the top of my head but it was good. Findng a good place to
eat a full meal was tough. We wandered around for quite a while. We
didn't want the typical tourist place where they are begging you to
eat there or a rip off. So we stumbled upon this sign and a weird
entrance through what seemed like a backyard to a home. But it was a
resturant. A small one and seemed to be mostly locals with a large
outdoor seating area in the garden and water misters to keep you cool.
The guy who greeted us seemed just warm and sincere and wasent
forceful to have us eat there. We nicknamed him papa ricco. Kind of
the typical uncle or Italian older guy who was just so nice. It made
me want to eat there. I'm glad we did. The food and wine were very
good. A little appitizer of shrip and lemon with olive oil with bread
was so good. Then some pesto pasta and a fish plate for me. The fish
was good. They presnt you the entire fish head to tail so that was a
challenge to eat! And also a small prawn BBQd as well in the middle.
It was good and a light meal. Lots of bones though!
After dnner we got a photo with papa ricco and he was so humbeled by
us asking for one. He even offered us a free little desert to say
thank you to us! Pretty cool! Walked the town at night after the
crowds leave. Just as amazing to see at night with the water and
bridges the lights and their reflections. A greAt way to end a short
trip to Venice!!! Early early train in the morning to a small
adventure town called Interlocken in Switzerland to catch in the
morning!!! I'm excited to see another new country!!!
Cheers for now. I hope everyone at home is well and enjoying the
heat!! ;). Just kidding! Cheers.

Venice day UNO!

2009-07-25T01:18:00.000-07:00

So here it is about halfway into the trip. I'm actually still behind
on blogging but little by little is ok I think. The train from
salzburg to Venice wasent bad. But I don't really care for trains in
Italy. They are jus. Old dirty smelly sometimes and worse of all
little to no air. Each country operates it's own trainlines that cross
borders on certain trips. You can certainly tell the difference
between the countiriea. Like Germany is so clean and neat and well
maintained. Italy is the exact opposite. But oh well. All part of the
adenture right?!
So as I was stuck in the cattle car of train cars with 4 other random
strAngers I made the wAy to Venice. As normal for Italian trains we
were about 50-60 minutes behind schedule. Thank goodness the
connector train was also behind otherwise it may have made for A
sketchy transfer. So arrival was good.
All I can say is what a difference between summer crowds and off
season. Black and white. This place eS jamming an packed. Hostels are
few to none and pretty pricey to stay on the island. So the Internet
came in handy and I found a tiny bed and breakfast place that was just
a few euro more a night. It's my second time in Venice and I did the
same last time. Totally worth the money to stay the night on the
little island. You can see the town near empty at night and super
quiet as well in the early morning until the onslaught of tourists
head in from trains, buses cars and crusieships. Imagine a flood of
people!
So the location was awesome and steps just to the waters edge and the
Rialto Bridge. It was a venture just finding the place. No signs and
directions in a town like this is near impossible. You just don't
understand u til you have been there. Not to mention the place was Ina
side alley with no sign except on the door in tiny writting Aka like
every single other door there!
The rooms were really cool and totally authentic which was neat. Old
furniture, lighting and all. After swearing our way through town and
a thank you to Apple and it's awesome gps we made it. Yea it was handy
to have. It got us only in the general area but we still had to search
in the 88 degree heat.
Dropped the stuff off and walked walked And walked some more. I just
love this place. It never gets old. The canals and the streets and the
water all around you is just so sureal. Sometimes as I walked around I
kept saying that the buildings and setting just seemed like a
Hollywood movie set. After a long day of roaming he town it was time
to head back and relax and eat. A bite to eat and I was exhausted and
ready for sleep!!! Can't wait for the open airmarket tomm! So many
cool fresh fruits and fray fish stands!

Photos from around the hostel in Interlocken, Switzerland

2009-07-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

And the train to Venice. Amazing views

2009-07-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

Traditional food of Salzburg

2009-07-23T14:52:00.001-07:00

Some food of pasta and ham and a salad and then the knockerl desert
before during and after. I think these are on here twice but oh well.
It was good!

On the boat on the Salzburg river

2009-07-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

View from atop the castle!

2009-07-23T14:49:00.000-07:00

Going down from the castle

2009-07-23T14:48:00.000-07:00

Hellbrun Palace trick water fountains

2009-07-23T14:46:00.001-07:00

More photos on top of Unterberg

2009-07-23T14:44:00.000-07:00

View from atop Unterberg in Salzburg

2009-07-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

Salzburg, Final Day!

2009-07-23T14:38:00.000-07:00

So I will try to just make this blog a bit more to the point...im actually in Switzerland, so yea I'm that far behind on blogging!

So for the final day in Salzburg it was decided that it was going to be a good day and nice out after the storms! We headed for the train station first thing and get our tickets for Venice. From there we looked into buses and trains and things to do. There were so many things to do but we didn't have time. After losing a day from the rain, it was hard to decide what to do. There were a few different options and some day trip activities for like one thing and then there was the "Salzburg Card" This card was 25 euros up front and go you around town for free and into almost all of the things we wanted to see...so the obvious choice was to do this card and see everything we could in a day. The trip to the salt mines is supposed to be fun as well, but that was a lot of money, far away and only one activity so that wouldn't work out. We headed the farthest out of all destinations and decided to work our way back...

The first destination was to Untersberg. This was AWESOME! The picture you see in some of the posts are from the ride up and the size of the cable that lift these two cars up at a time...I cant even begin to tell you how high it was! It was so awesome and I wont lie my stomach churned a few times looking down and thinking about the fact what was holding us up and all that stuff. The part that really kinda freaked me out was when we were 3/4 the way up and the operator guy (who looked shady as it was) stopped the ride and stuck his head out the window and looked up at one of the cable car posts like as if it was not working properly. And swaying back and forth hundreds of feet in the air...amongst about 30 random people crammed in the car with you...but oh well we made it up and down.

The views are amazing...full 360 view and just breathtaking. A lot of people take this car up and then hike in from there to a lot of different destinations. Check out the link and see a little about how high the car goes up

As well a link for just good ol Salzburg!

In the mean time we took the bus back into town and along the way was a place called the Hellbrun Palace. It was hyped up to be really cool so we thought we would check it out. It was "ehhhh" Check it out here It was a total tourist trap. I mean it was sorta neat but not all that exciting. Well no it was kinda just plain boring haha but oh well. I can say I've done it. From there we went back into town and went all the way up another steep cable car of sorts (I think its on one of the photos or videos already posted) that went up to the Hohensalzburg_Castle. It looked big from far away, it looked big just below it...but until you go up you dont realize how big it is! Once on top it was huge and the views were amazing! Check it out!. After that we headed through the town again. Such a cool old town! Went back to the hostel and changed for some dinner. We had leftover pizza and we decided to quickly change and eat that as we walked AGAIN back into town. We made a reservation with out SALZBURG CARD for a 45 minute boat trip up the river and so that was the reason for the food on the run. We caught the boat...again sort of a tourist trap but it was kind of neat and it was free. All the trips we took by bus and boat allowed you to see so much more of the town and home life there then I would have ever been able to see...

Now comes the traditional desert we had set out for immediately afterward's. The town is well know for its Salzburg Knockerl. In fact here is how to make it and what it is...and now that I found this recipe I just may try it when I get home! you can see the photos from my posts.

That was a very very full days worth and had to get up early for the train the next morning. Off to Venice....

(I know I said I would make it short and sweet...I tried!)

Photos from around town and the market in Venice, Italy

2009-07-22T13:46:00.000-07:00

A goundala ride...

2009-07-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

I guess even the goundaliars have lost the authentic touch and now on
their cell phones

The infamous piegons!

2009-07-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

They have recently stopped them
from allowing this but one kid had some food for them

Another video of Venice

2009-07-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

Video from around Venezia!

2009-07-22T13:32:00.000-07:00

So peaceful and relaxing watching the people and the boats

Salzburg Austria Day #2, and still truckin'

2009-07-22T13:30:00.000-07:00

This one is easy!

Rain.

Sleep.

More rain, some thunder, and sleep.

Yup that pretty much sums of that second day of Salzburg. It was a solid day of nothing but rain. I think it was about 2 inches in one day according to the Internet. It wasn’t super cold but the weather did drop quite a bit. So we were forced to stay inside since most of the town shuts down in the rain, which was ok. It was good to have a day to relax, catch up on sleep, blog etc.
Later on in the evening we decided it was time to get out and get some food. We asked the guy at the hostel and said there was a pizza place open late we could walk to in the rain. I wanted to cook but since the local stores and markets close at 6 pm there wasn’t enough time to buy some things. So pizza it was. It was a little nice restaurant and had pretty good food. Not thinking I only had a small amount of cash on me and asked if they took credit card. He said yes and spouted off “MasterCard, American Express, blahh blahhhhh” Well that’s how it sounded to me…and I zoned out. I assumed he took Visa as well….I was wrong. I felt like an idiot and had to have him tell us no Visa. But he was so kind and said there was a bank up the street and even gave me his umbrella to use and showed me where. It was nice of him to be so kind and not even get upset. Since the next day was Sunday we knew there were no stores open so we ordered another pizza (small) to go and thought it would be nice for some in the morning for a quick breakfast and maybe for dinner on our third day.
Day three…coming soon!

Salzburg Austria Day 1

2009-07-22T13:28:00.000-07:00

So I know that I am a little behind on some posts. So you may get a few at one time or they may appear out of order. So for the sake of sanity I will just post them as they come. They may be out of order but I find that it’s easier to post things as I go and later on when I get home reorganize them in the way they should be. Not to mention easier for you to read and follow along also. So here we go!
Salzburg Austria was a place I have never really considered traveling to but I’m so glad that I did. The place is only a few hours from Munich were we traveled from and just one train transfer. I really forgot how much I enjoy traveling by train. It really allows you to see the lay of the land, the towns and cities you go through and how remote some of them are. The train went through some of the mountains and hills of pure green and running rivers and small waterfalls here and there.
When we arrived it was pretty easy to find the hostel. No adventure this time. We made good time and got settled pretty quickly. The hostel is actually pretty nice; it’s a combination of both a hostel and some small apartments. Pretty quiet and on a good side of the river that was more of a small town feel then a city feel. Did I mention it was literally on the river? Pretty cool as well! We were only about a 15-minute walk into the town center, which is where all of the action and or things to see are. The walk was nice since it also was all the way on the river. So the first thing we did after getting there was walk into town. The town was so small and built partly into the sides of the mountain. It had your small Laguna Beach feeling. But even smaller. The homes were the stereotypical ones of that region. Brightly painted exteriors of yellow, or pale green or pink with wooden planters over flowing with flowers over the sides. Very small and quaint. Yes I just used the word quaint.
So as we walked through the town they had horse and carriages for people to ride on or small streets not open to most vehicles and only for visitors to walk in. The walls of the city shops were close together that you can only walk through the street and they had that European feel to them. We covered a lot of the town the first night. We saw the fortress built upon the top of the mountain, which we would go into on day three. As we listened to some sidewalk music artists and watched the local people in town it started to get pretty cloudly quickly. We knew that it was due to rain overnight. So we headed back to change and head out for some dinner.
A little Three Sheets (those who know awesome, those who don’t, you need to find and watch that show! Thanks Dane!) trivia….If I remember correctly there was a place in the show where they went to a Monastery and they actually brewed their own beer for the source of income. It was done for a long time. This place was the same way. It was next to a monastery of monks that makes its own brew. It’s hard to find these places unless you really know the lay of the town. We went through a door, then down some stairs around a bend in a hallway, own about another flight of stairs in this grand hallway and at the bottom there were a few food vendors. Then there were just large hall rooms (In one of the pictures). These rooms were just lined with tables. About 3 large rooms some full some near empty I bet hold a couple hundred people in each. The way it worked was that there were food vendors, which sold authentic meals, and you went into the halls to eat. OR there was a giant outside garden that held 200-300 more people and it was full. You may think so what? Tables where you eat no big deal. But this is where the part of the infamous Beer Gardens sets in. They have these large mugs in 3 different sizes where you just go to a bar and they fill up the mugs. Seems so common to have a meal around beers; where as we are used to maybe having a beer or two around a meal. Small and large groups sat around table just drinking and drinking. Just enjoying stories, conversations and family time if you want to call it that. We ordered this chicken and a cucumber salad of sorts. Pretty good!!!

After that we took a road less traveled that winded upwards along a hillside. It was quiet and very cool to see…as we went up the hill it started to over look the entire town and the river. I was able to get some really cool pictures there at night. We just made out way back into town for the second time and walked around.
As the clouds drew darker we started to hear some good thunder in the hills. Right about then it lightly began to rain. So back to the hostel we headed. Sure enough as soon as we were about ¼ the way there it really started to rain. We didn’t have our umbrella with us this time so we started to walk back pretty fast. Thankfully most of the river lined with large trees so we were able to stay under them some of the way. But as we ran out of trees we started to get drenched. It was kind of fun and I didn’t mind one bit. Just think 75 degrees out and raining. I thought it was kind of cool running through the rain. We made it back and were just a little soaked. Nothing a little good air-drying in the hostel can’t fix. From there it was pretty late to we started to just settle in. Sure a big difference from a hostel with 6-8 people in it and going into one with no one else. Nice and quiet for a change.
Well, that kind of covers that day….falling asleep in the quiet room with only the sound of a resident of the home playing the flute and the falling rain was kind of nice.

zzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Slept like a rock!

4th stop Interlaken, Switzerland Adventure awaits...maybe skydive...we'll see.

2009-07-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are again on the 4th stop. Interlaken!

Just the facts of WIKI

and then their own web site!

I thought it was interesting to read the two. If the one on the hometown one comes up where you have no idea what its saying then click on the "EN" towards the top under the main picture and it will be in English!

Anyways, this place is supposed to be a lot of fun, water and adventure sports everywhere. So I hope to get wet, dirty and maybe flying aka skydive. Well maybe not since its about $500 just for that...but they offer so much more, check it out!

ADVENTURE!

Anyways, as normal here is a view on a map where we are going be staying. Adventure awaits me, and I will let you know as things progress what I get involved in!

Maps as usual & click on the little yellow house for more:

View Europe Travels in a larger map

2009-07-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

Salzburg again!

2009-07-20T09:06:00.000-07:00

More Austria

2009-07-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

3rd stop Venice, Italy Now here is a little 4-1-1...

2009-07-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Well here it is...and those who followed last year may ask....AGAIN!? Yes again and I couldn't be more excited to be here again for the 2nd time. Although only here for a day or so, its well worth it. When people asked me last year what my favorite place to visit was, it was Venice Learn more...VENICE! The place is so small and so unique I could come back here all the time. I love how you can cover the entire island in one day. The weather is much warmer then it was when I was here before so its a nice change so that means one thing, the GELATO will be a lot more enjoyable!!!! Not that I needed an excuse to eat it before. But its going to taste much better in warm weather!

Going to stay in a nice little motel instead of a hostel. The prices are nearly the same and I thought it would be a good little change of pace. Its in the heart in a locals area so we can be part of the neighborhood.

Here is where we are staying and you can click on the yellow house logo for more info!

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Photos from Salzburg, Austria

2009-07-19T09:05:00.002-07:00

Yes of course what would be a trip without the infamous Red Bull
trip?!!? Welch would know what I mean. Just a couple of photos.
There is no wifi Internet so sending and posting videos proves to be
difficult and or expensive. So when I can I promise to bombard you
with videos. I feel like I have so many to share and it's only
Salzburg Austria.

Munich: Day 3

2009-07-19T09:04:00.001-07:00

So here it is. Time flies so fast it seems like when your traveling.
Maybe it's the constant idea of being busy or trying to fit all the
things you want to see or do in one day. Or maybe it's the excitement
and anticipation as to what the next day brings...either way it's a
good feeling. Not to say I don't enjoy my career or what I do in life
but there's no comparison between the daily gridiron of work to the
adventures of a new journey or new destination on the other side of
the world. :)

Anyways so our last and final day I was pretty excited to venture off
and see another concentration camp. To me they are so eye opening and
so real. Like I think I have said before the stuff we learned in
highschool was good but to see it and feel it in real life is
something else. The size and perspective of the places have to be seen
in person to grasp the understanding of the way people were treated
and killed. So this time the location I visited was just and hour
outside of Munich called Dachau. This was the very first German
concentration camp. The camp was built to house political Prisoners
at first but as time went on and space was limited it was used for
everything. Nealrly hundreds of people packed into small rooms and to
be able to walk in the "showers" which were really gas chambers was
very eerie. Not to mention the visit to the creamatorium was surreal.
We took a train and a bus to the camp and walked the entire grounds.
Talk about crowds of people. It's a lot different visiting Europe
during the summer. But the crowds were not to bad and it went fairly
smooth. We ate a quick packed lunch afterwards and then headed back
into the city. It was pretty warm out so we decided to rest up at the
hostel for a few and head back out in the evening. It was good to see
the city at night and the way the town is lit up. Munich is
interesting but it's very similar to a big city in ways. Lots of
shopping and many places to walk or see and eat. We kept noticing
the huge melting pot of culture it seemed to be. There are a lot of
the middle eastern and person community there. It seems as if they
really like to shop, stay in fancy hotels and show off their wealth.
But avian it's a big city with many things to see in town and the
gardens to walk around outside of town. I forgot about the BMW
headquarters and museum until it was to late so maybe another time.
After venturing around town and looking in all the stores and markets
before they closed we just took our time heading back to the hostel.
It's weird how 11pm there seems like 7 normally.

Well tommorrow is another day of traveling. I'm really looking forward
to it and a whole new country for me. SALZBURG AUSTRIA! So many
places to see!

In the mean time the Internet access is very limited right now donuts
hard to really blog and post like I would. I have so many photos and
videos to post. However the hostel wot allow you to use the computer
for more then 20 min and you can't upload pics or video. So for now
the trusty old iPhone allows me to just post some words and few
pictures at a time.

Hope all is well for everyone back home...on to Austria!

Cheers!!!

Photos from downtown Munich

2009-07-18T03:13:00.000-07:00

Downtown Munich

Munich Day #2 bloggin' away

2009-07-17T14:34:00.001-07:00

Well it's that time again. Back for hopefully a double blog from yesterday and today. Yesterday being Wednesday and today being Thursday here in Munich. Yesterday was a good day. I definatley got my excersise worth. We started the day at a decent time. Still recovering from the jet lag and time change we did ok. We left the hostel heading into a direction of unknown. We had an idea of where we wanted to go but getting to those places is always a fun adventure. So off into Munich.
We started out heading sort of north towards a area where there are a lot of museums. Walking through the town on the off beaten path is so Much more fun. You really get to see the people and the culture in it's everyday life. A lot of times you go to nothing but the touristy areas and the country feels like they cater to you. I would much rather get the real feeling and experience then the touristy vibe. Anyways enough rambling. So we got to the first museum. Some of many here in Munich but these three are just block from each other and even better they give you a 3 part admission price for all three places for only 12 €. That € means Euro in case you were wondering. So into the first one we go.
The museum we started with was Alte Pinakothek. (as I go on and have more computer access I will add links to these places ie Wikipedia so you can see them if you like). So this museum offered works of art from over 500 years ago. Such names you may recognize as Leonardo di Vinci, Rembrandt, and Rubens. Now I have never been a huge museum fan or a follower of art but the sizes, scale and age of some of these pieces is always amazing no matter what art background you come from. I mean to see a real authentic di Vinci "Sunflowers" one foot in front of you in real life is pretty cool. Not to mention it's a piece that reminds me of home since my parets have a copy in their liing room. And I used to read the signature when I was younger and recognize the name from art class in school. I used to always wonder as a kid if we had the real thing... But now I'm sad and know we don't. :)
So after that museum we went over to Nueve Pinakothek with works such as Monet and van Gogh. After there we went to Pinakothek der Moderne. AKA: Modern museum. Theese are always my favorite since the art work is so odd and different. It really makes me think and inspires me. Some odd pieces of work yes but still really fun. There was even a cool area down below of some Apple computer history of every thing they have ever made until the late 90's. Yes the Apple dork in me enjoyed it. Even BMW had a cool area of stuff and deisgn elements. After those three we were pretty hungry and needed a break. The scale of these museums are HUGE. Some 2-3 stories and maybe 12-14 high school gyms to put them into perspective So covering one is a task and three back to back will wipe you out. We watched what the locals eat and found a little shop. Sandwhich with tomatoes, mozerella, lettuce and a pesto sauce on some fresh bread as well as a salami and mayo type sandwhich on pretzel bread. The first was much better. Hard to order when you have to point to what you want and they don't make them custom for you such as Subway or Togo's may! They are pre made and ready to go. We ate on the sidewalk outside where people just go back and forth among their daily activities. So off we went after eating. Of course as soon as the walk begins it starts to lightly shower or sprinkle. Nothing to hold us back though. Umbrella in hand and a destination in mind kept us motivated. Maybe 3/4 mile walk In the light rain we made it to the world famous English Gardens. It's larger then New Yorks Central Park! And yes I walked about 80% of it. But in the garden we found so much open space, grenn grass, small rivers or water and trees everywhere. Pretty awesome view. Yes by then the rain had let up and the weather was perfect. Mostly overcast which keeps in cool by at least 10 degrees. Maybe 70 with clouds and 80 or so without. Not to mention the humidity is high as well.
Inside of the garden we also found one of the famous Biergardens. Yes that's how they spell it. It's so weird to see this huge are with hundreds and hundreds or picnic type bences where people come to drink JUST beer and eat large soft Bavarian pretzels. So I had to do one of each. Just for the experience. Even more weird to see kids who look maybe 16 grabbing beers and doing the same. Took all of that in and kept walking along the river stream and around a huge lake. Apparently people sunbathe like we do at the beach along the river. And apparantly some people sunbathe nude. Completely nude. Like "old man overweight I didn't really need or want to see that and I wish I could get it out of my mind" nude. Hahaha. Ewwwww!
So along we went headed back out of the park and into town. We covered so much ground that day and saw so much it's hard to even remember it all or even write it out. Basically exhaustion had set in. Food and rest were on the mind. After grabbing a bit to eat of a kebab type plate (they are all over Europe) it was time to shower and rest.
The funny part about that is it's in a hostel. It's a nice hostel Its clean, hot water, and friendly people. However our room is right above the main entrance on a street. The hostel does not allow smoking inside so as you could imagine eveyone goes out front. Be it to smoke or drink or both it happens nightly. The downside is the windows have to be open since the only air is a fan and the windows. But the smoke and the smell are annoying as well. Even the great humid rooms with little air and the annoying large guy snoring away sleeping ever so sound while we a suffered is part of the trip. Ateast he's gone though. Just one night. Then there was Ooh. A super nice guy from South Korea. He spoke only broken English and could say German words better then most! I can't gen over how someone from his cou try can travel so well. As Americans we are spoiled. Everywhere in the world we my want to go offers us the luxury or letters and numbers we can read and even the high probabilty of the local people speaking some sort of English. Like we expecct it. But to watch some one who knows and even writes very little English and is only used to characters in his language is truly inspiring. He was so kind and loved to talk to us. We exchanged some travel stories as well as personal details about our life. He is a salesman for a Korean noodle company who makes Chinese, Korean and Japanese noodles. He is 28 and traveling for almost 60 days like I was last year solo. And his map of where he has been and is going is more then two times what I saw. Just awesome. He was so polite and to himself. I can only imagine what goes through his mind. He also prays silently in his bunk every morning and evreynight for 45-60 min. To the point where he's sweating profusly while he does it. I can only imagine and appreciate what his thoughts and prayers are while his country lies so close to that of North Korea. A country who has no freedom and only what seems like despise from the outside world. To think that daily almost anything could happen over there. Anyways he was so friendly. I told him he should come to California and where I lived in Laguna Beach. I showed him pictures and how close we were to Disneyland and his eyes just lit up with excitement. Maybe someday he will come. He also invited me to South Korea and we exhanged emails and such. As a gift he offered us as well were little traditional Korean trincket dolls of sort. Like tiny things you would see people from his country hang on cell phones. Just out of no where. And I only wish I had somethings small to return in favor. Oh well next time I travel I will make it a point to do that and bring something small to give as I go.
All in all it was a great day! Covered so much ground and saw so many things. Big day tomm as the next travel takes you to a town outside of Munich called Dachau. This was the very first German concentration camps. I can't wait dice last year I went to one in Berlin and it was such a good and humbling experience.

Hope you stay tuned!

In the posts prior you will see some of the videos in the English Garden. I will also try to add some photos from around town as well as I go. They aren't all of the photos I would love to share but they are from my iPhone and it makes it so much easier to share with you. So don't mi d the quality. When I get back I hope to add more better quality ones.

Cheers to good health and travels as always!

Typed from my iPhone!

2nd Stop! Salzburg, Austria

2009-07-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are again, only stop number 2 and so many more to go. Just a quick little run down on where we are staying, the location and of course a little bit of wiki (aka wikipedia) knowledge for you!

SALZBURG WIKI WIKI info (If your Jeff M, Welches or T Knight you will remember the wiki wiki eerrruuuuppppp noises we used to do in the hallways of work, ahhhh the good old days! Jeff M gets the credit for that!)

A little bit on where we are staying...A hostel called Strawberry. It looks like a great location, right on the river and close by to most things!

Check it out if you like zoom in and around and look at the areas! More blogging to follow when internet and time allows!

View Europe Travels in a larger map

Maybe a few videos...

2009-07-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

Thank you Apple and iPhone for making video so easy to take, save and publish as I go along my journey.

Well just a few videos as well to hold you over until I blog on today's adventures. there are a couple of the English Garden in Munich. Think central Park but cleaner, nicer, and more green all over. The weather was a good partly sunny and mostly overcast which I have learned really keeps the temperatures to a much more tolerable level.

Anyways enjoy the videos for now!

Munich! Post #1

2009-07-15T09:56:00.001-07:00

So don't let that post fool you about us being at the hostel and
tucked in so easy. It's been an adventure already. We were delayed
about two hours sine they didn't have a crew for our flight. On top of
that we were told that due to the delay of our departure we would miss
our connection flight to Munich. So all in all we had to fly from LA
to Atlanta. Then from there to Prague and from Prague to Munich. It's
about 4 hours later and one extra flight then was needed but we had no
other Choice. Speaking of connector flights I think the most
memorable so far of the trip is the fight that ensued just a few
people up from us unloading in Atlanta. Two middle aged men argued
about having to catch a connector flight and next thing you know some
arguing the pushing then a few swings here and there. At least wait
until you get off the plane. Now they morons who were in such a big
hurry to make their other flights were being detained and possible
federal charges since it happened on a airplane. Typical he pushed me
first argument and now the both wanted to press charges. Gotta love
the mentality of some people. Anyways that was fun!

As of right now as I type this we are in Prague for a 3 hour layover.
Not to much fun at all. I think we figured by the time we get to
Munich it will be nearly 24 hours of total straight travel time. Word
of advice: when traveling long international flights business, think
About business or first class. I don't mean to sound spoiled or
anything like that. But man after nearly 24 hours of traveling and
being on three planes; leg room is a must! Not to mention our planes
kept getting smaller and smaller and by the third plane we were on a
tiny island hopper style with the old school propellars. Not sure of
the technical term for it. :)

(time to board for Munich finally)

(back now and in the hostel in Munich)

Anyways. Enough down side. The up side is we made it. Safe and sound.
I do have to give delta and the two other smaller versions of them
who flew us all day today some credit. We ate well (yes airplane food
but it's not terrible and somewhat healthy). Most of all our checked
in luggage Aka backpacks, Aka everything we had, made it all three
stops. I totally didn't think it would!

So we hoped on the S Bahn train from the airport to Munich. About 50
minute ride through some open country land into Munich. Found the
hostel rather quickly and checked in just as well. Nice place newer
and pretty clean over all. Mellow roomates is nice too. One guy from
South Korea and the other two girls from Finland. Always cool to meet
people who love to travle as well and learn about who they are. You
never know it could lead into a possible host or free place to stay
sometime. Networking!

Casually at this point we crashed out for a good 20-30in. It felt
sooooo good to lie flat and stretch out.
At that point we headed out for a quick walk of where we were in
Munich. It was good to get out and get the lay of the land. Kinda
cool to see the are and find little parks. Being exhausted as I was I
didn't hesitate to find one of those parka and enjoy the perfect
weather under the shade and take a little siesta. Soooo nice and even
more so needed.

Afterwards just walked around some
More and got some official German brautwarst.
Afterwards a simple shower and good nights sleep is in order. As
always pictures will come as time permits!

Sent from my iPhone

1st stop..Munich, germany

2009-07-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Well, here is a little bit to hold you over until I actually get to a place where I can settle in there in Munich. Yup, that's the first stop of the trip. Here below is the location and some info on the Hostel itself. Not a bad place, and very close to the train which makes it easy to get around. From there we will venture out and are there for 2 1/2 days. Here is some info on MUNICH as well as a map below. By clicking on the little yellow house it will tell you all about the hostel!

GOOGLE TIP OF THE DAY: When your viewing a map, on the top left corner of the map you will see something that says "MORE" If you click that it allows you to add Wikipedia info as well as photos. SO it will drop all of that in so you can look around as well. Even videos can be seen! Check it out if you have time

View Europe Travels in a larger map

Avenue des Champs-Élysées

2009-07-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

Something to put you in the mood maybe, learn a little and enjoy!

So the song here you hear is the default song you will hear when you view this site (Don't worry if you get sick of it, scroll allllll the way down to the bottom of the page and there is a little iPod player you can just select "next" ">" on and skip it...
But in the mean time, I always liked this french song by a famous singer Joe Dassin who sings in French

And if your asking what the heck is Champe-Elsees?

Well check it out!

Here are the lyrics...now sing it in french if you dare then English! Come on no ones watching just try it!

French words:

Je m'baladais sur l'avenue le coeur ouvert à l'inconnu
J'avais envie de dire bonjour à n'importe qui
N'importe qui et ce fut toi, je t'ai dit n'importe quoi
Il suffisait de te parler, pour t'apprivoiser

Aux Champs-Elysées, aux Champs-Elysées
Au soleil, sous la pluie, à midi ou à minuit
Il y a tout ce que vous voulez aux Champs-Elysées

Tu m'as dit "J'ai rendez-vous dans un sous-sol avec des fous
Qui vivent la guitare à la main, du soir au matin"
Alors je t'ai accompagnée, on a chanté, on a dansé
Et l'on n'a même pas pensé à s'embrasser

Hier soir deux inconnus et ce matin sur l'avenue
Deux amoureux tout étourdis par la longue nuit
Et de l'Étoile à la Concorde, un orchestre à mille cordes
Tous les oiseaux du point du jour chantent l'amour

English words:

I trotted on the avenue my heart opened to strangers
I wanted to say hello to no matter whom
No matter whom, it could be you, I'd said anything to you
It was enough to speak to you, just to calm down.

On the Champs-Elysées, on the Champs-Elysées
In the sun, under the rain, at midday or midnight,
There s all that you'd ever want on the Champs-Elysées.

You said to me "I was pinned in a basement with fools
Who live guitar-in-hand from dusk till dawn"
Then I accompanied you, we sang, we danced
And we did not even think of embracing.

Yesterday evening two strangers and this morning on the avenue
Two in love all dazed by the long night
And to the Star of Concord, form an orchestra with a thousand chords
All the birds at day-break singing for love

See look how much your learning already and I haven't even left, oh yea, I shoudl start trying to pack!

Off to Europe? Again? Looks that way

2009-07-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

Just a very brief update. So far it looks like I will be off and running in Europe for two weeks! Starting...NEXT week. Not sure who will be following this but I hope you enjoy as in the last year that I have been I have upped my geek status and skills and hope to be posting more and in a lot of fun ways!
Looking at Munich, Austria, Switzerland and Paris...maybe places in between. We shall see!

Maybe even videos?! We''ll see if Apple comes through for me first...but for now just another ocean view in Laguna Beach to hold you over!

Cheers for now, And stay tuned....

Next Adventure!

2008-05-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

Colorado, I leave Thursday and return Sunday for my good friend Jeremy's wedding.

Should be some great times and will bring the ol' camera along as well!

Stay tuned (that is if anyone is still reading this thing)

and yes, I AM still going through all of the europe photos, but its taking me a long time to do. Bear with me!!!

all mushy and stuff inside...

2008-04-21T15:39:00.000-07:00

sorry its a side not yes, but i had to post it...

I really cant thank everyone enough along the way. My parents for everything since I was a kid and raising me the right way and making me who I am. Without them my travels may have never been possible from a personality point. Financially I’m on my own here but its ok! Love them a lot and thank you again! My sister, as always…for all the notes, advice, emails, encouragement etc. Welches for making the trek out here to meet me and travel with me, my friends, family, co-workers, my Ireland family, Dr. Stewart and her husband, people I have met along the way for reading up, checking in and most of all dropping a simple email hello. I have done my best to try to respond to each one along the way. If I missed one, please accept my apology. Ok, that’s enough ‘shout-outs’! ☺
I know this adventure will lead to more in the future after I pay for this one!
Cheers!

AND STAY TUNED FOR PICTURES! I PROMISE, just busy trying to catch up oin everything at home and work

Prague to Dresden, Germany

2008-04-21T15:37:00.001-07:00

A bit late nad after the fact but stay tuned for pics i the coming weeks!

4-15-08

So, I’m on the train…I cant say that it was easy. Left the hostel about 5 am this morning with Chris. We made good time on the metro and parted ways in transit on the metro. I headed on to the main train station and he had to go a bit farther and take a bus to the Prague Airport.
I cant say how much fun it was to have someone like your best friend travel with you. As I said before and I told some people and Chris that by the time I was done with London, I started to run out of juice. But knowing that I was going to meet Chris in Paris was a good second wind. I needed it. From the second we met up in the airport to our departure today, it was non-stop good times. Even the down time of doing nothing and wandering around.
We talked over and over how much work it really is and it wares on you. But over all of that the time we had was priceless. The things we saw, people we met, or came across, the cultures we watched and picked up on, the food, the drinks, the hostels, and so much more were nothing that you can ever put a price tag on. Even more then a college degree can teach you. I’m not discounting how important a degree is but at the same time you cant learn and see what I did in the past 48-50 days in another part of the world. Wow, just thinking 48 days. Hell of a season pal! (little Wedding Crashers punch line)
But anyways…so back to the travel part.
I made the train with time to spare. And was thinking how so far I have never missed a train, been late (well actually now that I think of it I did once in Venice I think) but besides that pretty good. And of course its like the baseball announcer…he says, “wow, he’s gone 200 innings and never walked a guy…” and sure enough the next batter he walks. We call that the announce jinx. And sure enough…between Prague and Dresden, Germany we were late. Delayed about 10 min. I was stressing. I had to transfer trains in Dresden, in order for everything to come together timing wise. Normally its amazing how on time these trains are and reliable.
But it gets better. So when I arrived in Prague I bought my ticket for the train I’m on now ahead of time. Better to have it and worry about it last minute or deal with lines when you need to leave. Well little lesson, the ‘ticket’ I bought was more so just a voucher. You see my railpass for all of Europe does not include the Czech area. So the lady was very rude, and mean. Demanded I pay for a ticket on the train…no problem right? Well like most everywhere out here they don’t deal with credit cards. She tells me “off at next stop!” Which was in the middle of nowhere! I start scrambling around and I have 200 Crown left and some spare change. My ticket was to cost me 204. I think I had 206. Talk about stressing! She was almost disappointed I think that she wasn’t able to kick me off. So I smiled, thanked her for her time, and said have a great day. She walked away. Oh well.
Brit may know the feeling or any Sienfield fan would…She remindedme of the ‘soup-nazi’… “no soup for you!” “back of the line” yelling it out! I almost laughed in her face just thinking about that show and her…but I held it in
So after all that was worked out I had to start figuring out my transfer. We got to the transfer spot. Normally you have about 10 minutes or more to transfer. But I had about 30 seconds. I was THAT GUY running and pushing people out of the way to catch my train. I think I even cut off an old lady, sorry!
So, I made it, and they saw me coming and waited for a few more seconds. And by that I mean as soon as I stepped on board, they shut the doors and we were off! Wow! That was fun…not. The Germans and people on the train are sooo much nicer. I got my seat, and I was back to the 1st class, train ride! Pretty comfy as most are. You really notice the difference in 1st class depending on the country your in.

But anyways, I’m off to Frankfurt form here. Should be about a 4-5 hour ride. I know by the time I get an Internet connection to post this I will have already been at my destination…I hope! ☺
I don’t know where all of this will take me, coming to an end soon as well. Like I said before it’s a bittersweet feeling to leave.
So until next time…

OK...sooooooo

2008-04-16T13:40:00.000-07:00

I'M HOME!

If you didn't know already which most don't Im home.

I made it back late Monday night. Had a heck of a long trip home, early day, long train and even longer flight.

Made it though and after a full 24-25 hours of straight traveling to get home..i was wiped out! well almost ;)

Anyways, so yes, I do have some more blogging to do, so don't run away scared or happy or sad that I'm home.

I have a lot I want to do. In fact i'm almost addicted to blogging. Its been a lot of fun

I have some more posts from the last few days, and such.

BUT I know everyone wants pictures...bear with me.

In dork terms I have about 18 gigs maybe...in normal terms...its A LOT!

SO as time comes Ill do some work, trying to work on a video of sorts along with putting up photos from each country through my Flickr account.

So rad up now, catch yourself up, read into it; and over the next few days, and weeks come back!

Talk to you all soon. Good to be home :) Bittersweet but good!

4-13-08, last full day in Prague!

2008-04-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

Well here it is, last day in Prague...or WAS the last day. We knew what we wanted to do adn headed out. From the video below this, there is somethign on the Church of Bones. My good buddy Cole mentioned it to me and Chris remembered it.

So off we went, about an hour and fifteen minutes from our main train station. It was a beautiful ride out of the city and it landed us in the middle of no-where. Literally, nothing. The station was not much more then a platform you crossed the tracks on.

A quick 15 minute walk and we were at the church as they called it. Ill let you read up on it, but its pretty cool to see all those bones, and skulls all over and what was built out of it! And the sotry behind it was interesting as well.

it was short trip but worth it. We headed back into town, and decided to agian, walk the main area, see some of the great sights again and walk the Charles Bridge. The weather hass really been something else out here. SUCH A GREAT change of pace. jeans and a tshirt or light sweatshirt compared to jackets and or scarfs and freezing!

it was a sunny and partly cloudy day and mild temperature. (I sound like Fritz Coleman over here or Dallas Rains!) Anyways, then after a long walk we were starving from not eating and were getting a little crazy in a fun way! So we headed back to the hostel, dropped our stuff off and headed out to dinner. We were going to get a meal at a place nearby somone told us about, but they were not so friendly and we said forget about it.

Ended up at the same place as last night with the Glenns. We figured why not celebrate and go big one last time to celebrate our travels and adventures and stories. Last meal before chris heads home and we go our seperate ways.

I never said this before but a good best friend Chris is did an amazing lil thing without getting all sappy! Haha He brought me a little bottle of Laguna Beach home sand when he got off his plane in Paris and handed it to me. Pretty rad to have and keep with me. A bit of home if you may! So cheers to that good buddy and thank you agian!

Its almost like a bittersweet feeling to part ways, and know that my travels are near over maybe.

I have a heck of a day tomm...and off to Dresden, Germany then too Frankfurt, Germany. Up at the early wee hours of 430 ish AM and back to the train travels!

Id like to say that I will get pictures up before tomm. but i highly doubt it. Im tired and its been a long day, and tomm will be longer yet!

So stay tuned as always! thanks for tagging along and hope everyone is doing well. Cheers!

4-12-08

2008-04-13T13:09:00.000-07:00

Late starhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gift Saturdays are nice! Its been a while since I have been able to have a late start and sleep in per say. It was much needed and accepted.

I think all we had planned was to head out of old towne, head north part of the city on the other side of the river adn roam around. Found a market, aka OC Swap Meet...however they sell guns, ninja throwing stars, knifes of all kinds, swords, and all sorts of crazy stuff. Not to mention every knock off brand you can imagine.

We both were actually looking forward to dinner with the Glenn's! I cant tell you how excited I was, to see a familiar face, across the world. We met up with them at Their hotel, none other then the Marriot and met them in the lobby. Boy, let me tell you how outa place I felt for a change. When you have been going like I have, it seemed really odd to be in luxury and such a nice place. Silly I know but it was weird. So i showered up for the Glenn's and we had dinner very close by at a authentic little restuarant we knick-named the Prague BJ's Pizza and brewery! It was called KOLKOVNA

Nothing to fancy and pretty economical. I ended up getting some rice and cheese/ chicken dish. As predicted it was very good. A huge variety of things to choose from. Some fresh sorbet ice cream and a great conversation over the entire meal. We tried to battle them on the bill and they wouldnt budge so when we get home we will try to repay them somehow. Thank you again Joanne and Tom. It was so much fun meeting you guys here in Prague, talking, sharing travel stories and just feeling relaxed. I think the most weird part of it for me was the menu. Not that it was anything fancy, but the choices, I litteraly felt overwhelmed. I havent had such a meal or option the entire time out here it seems. Felt very weird!

So we hung out with then that night, went back to their executive private lounge area, indulged in a few snacks and a free 7-up. Simple I know, but the things we take for granted, or simple creature comforts I missed!

So Cheers to the good talk and dinner, ang again thank you!

After that we headed back home on the fullest I have been in a month and a half! I slept like a baby! Tommorrow is a new day!

side trip today!

2008-04-13T00:16:00.000-07:00

Off to see this place!

Should be awesome!

4-11-08 Prague!

2008-04-12T02:47:00.000-07:00

A new day, a new adventure. We headed out to the southern part of the town, really way out of the center to get a different feel and vibe for the area. First off was the medieval type castle of Vysehrad. It was one good walk and venture. A lot of this area is very up and down, some good steep hills to wander on. Always a good work out too.
Well on behalf of a friends recommendation we were headed to see Mozart’s house! I know classical music is not my thing either, but its my buddy Mozart, you cant go wrong with that! Well I wont mention this guys name (Root) and him hyping this place up, but it was..umm small, SUPER short and not much to it. I mean it was cool to say we where there…but umm. …Without mentioning anyone’s name (Root) it was a quick stop.
Between finding it and wandering around, we managed to have some good laughs as always and some fun people watching. The mullet count is off the chart in Europe as well, just laugh every time…always a big fan of the Mississippi mud-flahttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifp! If you have one, I'm not judging…maybe just laughing a bit.
So with all that the Red Bull hunt is always an inside joke for us, and our stable American way of coffee and a boost of energy. Thank you Redbull….and the shoe hunt for me is never ending.
Been looking for the past um, 3 weeks? Nothing. I hate having big feet. And not to mention the money for some of these shoes as compared to the states is not worth it in some places. So the hunt continues and makes it fun to go into different areas, stores etc.
And… again walked, ventured, did the subway and headed back. Tried to crash out for an hour or two since we were going to meet the Aussies for dinner and or go out. We met up with them around 7 at our hostel and met up with a few other guys traveling. From US and another Aussie. I tell you those Aussies sure travel around. So we made it out, found a few local spots, hole in the wall places, and a club of sorts and had a good time all talking and sharing stories and such. Said our Cheers and safe travels in our own ways as they were headed out for another part of Czech Saturday and then on to Budapest Sunday. They had just begun their travels. Maybe we will see them when the come to the US…hopefully!

4-10-08 more Prague

2008-04-12T02:37:00.000-07:00

We got up pretty easily and headed down to the free breakfast spread. Same as before, similar stuff, the apple juice was very good. Took a little small loaf for the road for lunchtime snack and headed out for the day. We just walked out the room, and decided to just wander…eventually made it to a part of town, and kind of stayed on a map from there. It’s a busy town. Small though, very small. We def may have walked the entire main parts of town and some on the other side of the river in a day. Covered the main attractions on a weekday to beat the weekend crowds.
A lot of Prague was hyped up from friends and people I know. I had a huge expectation going into Prague. Don’t get me wrong, its very beautiful here, a lot to see and ground to cover, but personally it wasn’t one of those towns like Paris to me that blew me away. But again, that’s not to say this place still isn’t amazing. It’s a huge difference in culture, buildings, churches, styles, and people from each place I have been so far so that’s always the best part!
The most surprising and nice element so far was the weather. We got off the train in heavy jackets…to a nice warm and sunny-ish day. It was so nice to walk in a sweatshirt only and even just a t-shirt and jeans for a change. The sky is a bit hazy or almost smoggy, so the views are there, however you definitely notice the haze in your photos and or views. So that was a bummer.
…you can click on each one to read more!

Saw the Prague Castle...we did the old stahttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifirs and the tour.

Charles Bridge

Dancing Building

TV aka Baby Tower

National Theater

The Astronomical Clock

Municipal Tower

Old Towne Square

New town

Jewish cemetery

And well…more!
It was a lot of walking, also found the senate house and meeting place and the park that was built there. It’s a cool little park kind of hidden I think and very few people seemed to find it.
I kept saying to myself how weird it felt to be walking around, freely in an area that was so deep in communism and a sheltered way of life. How lucky we were to be there, and the people were to be free. Even the radio tower was built to block all German airwaves via radio and TV so the people here at one time only had the government’s stations. Talk about an eye opening experience. You can still feel the sense from people I think, the streets and the way of life. After all again, the history of this place was not to long ago. It again really makes me appreciate what we have and often take for granted in the states at home.
But enough blabbing and sappy stuff as I always seem to do. Mingled with the people in the town, walked around and came back to make another grilled cheese. I tell you, it’s the life! Man I cant wait for a simple meal from home sometimes!
We went out that night to see the city at night. Again, sort of hazy misty here and there so photo time was good but limited. Still though a very beautiful city as well by night. I can see why this place would be the 6th most popular place to visit in all of Europe. Came back, did some emails and got a good surprise!
Our good friends Jeff and Greg (congrats Greg on the engagement and Jeff on the new home purchase) have these parents Tom and Joanne. Well Greg sends us this email and says hey my parents are in Prague…so that was a small world story for you. But anyways, they are awesome people and are like a second family to any of their kids friends, so we got in touch with them and are meeting them for dinner Saturday. Should be fun!

Prague Days... 4-9-08

2008-04-12T02:32:00.000-07:00

Well its 4-0-9…those that know, know. It’s a friend thing from all the way back to being out of high school. A date we all know about and 10-11 years later all hold close to us…http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
BUT anyways…back to Prague!
The train ride in from Germany was so awesome. Maybe the best train ride yet. I can’t say or spell the names of the towns we passed through or even remember them. But it’s a journey along a river, right on the river, through tall cliffs or small mountain sides, homes small and big all along them, boats dry docked and some in the water. We kept saying how fun it would be to stop and venture around there for a couple hours. So simple. So small but soooo beautiful and tranquil. Maybe a day trip back out there will happen who knows.
We get off and sort of scattered where we were…a few times walking in near circles we run into our Aussie friends from Brussels! So funny to see them. They are two very good people and are eventually going to see us in the states as part of their trip. So we talk to them for a few, and sure enough they were in Amsterdam the same time as us, and even on the same train to Prague. We share hostel info, emails etc and will plan on meeting them later on in the week.
Next we need money…So… the money here is way different and confusing to figure ratios out. It’s the Czech Korowna…and the conversion rate is terrible! Throws you way off, so when you say it’s a 1000 Korowna, its basically 50 bucks US. So buying or shopping or looking at things is funny. A new BMW was well over a million something Krowns! I wanted to get all small bills and make it rain…(inside joke) but got to an ATM or as I call them the old school version …Versa tellers and took out some money.
I’m here…. we more so just got here!!! Im trying to re-cap the events so Ill have to talk in the past tense I guess. We got into the train station, bit run down, very small, and very confusing to get oriented when you arrive. But that would be because it stopped at the small one, not the MAIN central station…so after some so-so help from the help desk, my ticket to Frankfurt from the lady who refused to be helpful, but I smiled! We worked it out…and she smiled at the end and a metro ticket for the town, I was ready to go and find our hostel…well try.
I’ve been so good before about planning ahead and looking to how to get to my hostel when I arrive that this time I completely spaced and forgot to write anything down. Thank god again for the Internet and even the fact that this little station had an Internet café. We looked up the address, and the directions they gave us and headed out. Another subway system; pretty easy to read, learn and figure out. The directions were good and made it fairly easy.
Found the hostel and wandered around the area, got a few groceries and made our way back.
The best and cheapest way is to get a loaf of local bread, some cheese and butter to make grilled cheese sandwiches’…BUT being in places like this, the cheese, the butter, is NOT in English and looks similar but you don’t always know what your going to get and the people look at you like your crazy if you ask them. So twice now…The Netherlands and here we have gotten butter or thought it was butter. The 1st time was a soft cheese spread we found out later…and this time I have no idea what it was but it was a brown-ish pasty color and smelled awful. The cheese is well, cheese but not like we are used to at home and it’s a gamble, so far, its been safe, a little different of course, but it taste similar so we eat it! The bread in Prague was a rye of sorts and very good!
So its been interesting none the less on day one. All part of the adventure. The rooms are decent. We really got spoiled in Berlin but these are clean at least and you have a hot shower, which is nice. Not to crowded, in a very old building where its about 5-6 stories high, guessing about 20-25 rooms, anywhere from 4 beds to 10-bed dorm style rooms. So a lot of people capacity wise.

and the photo of the car accident...

2008-04-09T08:33:00.000-07:00

dont worry, we made it out without anything major, just weren't paying attention, but chris thought it was funny to get a picture...

Berlin Pic's!

2008-04-09T08:22:00.002-07:00

leavin' Berlin...onto Prague

2008-04-09T08:22:00.001-07:00

Berlin to Prague Train April 9, 2008
So we got up, made it to the breakfast in time to enjoy it and catch our train…

Actually on the train now as I write this. The normal train ride I guess, but this time the town of Dresden in Germany and going into the Czech area has some awesome views and is all along the river. The small towns and the river, the hills, the tall cliffs are beautiful! Now I know why this area is so popular and why all my buddies who have beenhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif here before insited that I go there. I’m not even there and I have a great feeling about it.

Won’t make this a long boring one for you. SO More from Prague later on. Pictures from Berlin to coming soon.

Berlin, last full day

2008-04-09T08:21:00.000-07:00

April 8th 2008 Last day in Berlin

Well, the last day in Berlin. Going to be an easy note to post. Not much that we’ll be doing…
We both are sort of taking the day off, rest up. Believe it or not it does get tiring when your on the go, as much of a vacation as you would like to call it, you have to find time to crash for a bit.
We got up late, about 10, hit the breakfast set up about 11 and had a late breakfast/early lunch. We found that it covers a good part of the day for hunger and is sure a lot cheaper. We walked around for the first part of the day just to see more of the town we were in, and go into it in more detail. The area is in West Berlin and actually very nice and quiet and clean. Overall I for some reason expected Germany to be more run down and dirty, but it was very nice.
Even the people. But we learned that the people in public transportation or in direct contact with tourists had to go through a “smile” training. For lack of a better explanation, they basically were required to learn how to smile (you may think t sounds funny, but do that for a day in your work at home and see how much better you feel and make the others around you feel) This was in preparation for the World Cup of Soccer that was a year or so ago. I heard that if they failed to take in their training and smiles and such while working they would get in trouble, fined or maybe fired. They had people checking on them. A bit of interesting facts I guess.
So then we headed back to the hostel. I had to do some laundry quick and just hung out in the main basement area. The hostel has it all set up for like movies and such with over a couple hindered to choose from. All very fun and relaxing. The owner I talked about before; we got to know him very well, such a good person, and so unselfish. When talking to him about the business everything was focused on the travelers and their needs. All the interior of the hostel is new, and was smartly purchased by him at an auction for all of the stuff form the World Cup. Sofas, couches, beanbags, chairs, furniture etc. Some really cool stuff, new and barely used. It gave the hostel a really fun vibe.
The day before we saw an add in a local magazine in German, and saw bands, we looked them up on myspace to hear their sound (Haha thank you MYSPACE) and decided to go see them. We found the little dive bar, normally a jazz club and saw the band “the gecko” now you too can go look um up on myspace. Fun little place, and good live band. After that we found the towns famous currywurst place. Curry 36. Its two Brawt’s and a side of fries covered in ketchup, and two powder seasonings on them. Dad, you would have been in heaven! VERY GOOD STUFF!!! My dad is a bratwurst fan, and so am I. They are the German snack food, with stands all over and very cheap! So we headed home from there and crashed for the night.
Off to Prague tomm!

and more Berlin!

2008-04-08T07:16:00.000-07:00

April 7th 2008

This was a day to mark off a list of things to see. We wandered around the area of the hostel which was very nice actually in a high rent area and near a lot of fancy stores and shopping areas.

After that we headed to the East Side Gallery...aka the Berlin Wall ...read up on it. To think at one time this wall both innner wall and outer wall seperated basically the east and the west sides. i think most of us remember at one time or another the time around 1984 when the wall came down. to be there was great, something i thought i would never see. this was a part of the wall that has been preserved and left for people to see everyday. Its called a gallery because soon after the wall was almost gone, the rest about 2 miles saved. The people about 20 years ago thought it would be better seen with paintings and art done on the wall and now to this date has some past art along with modern day tagging.

I kept saying to Chris that how amazing it is after only 20 years, or much less the two sides came together, opened their borders, mixed the cultures, religions, thoughts, and ideas into one area. Yes 20 years is a lot, but when you consider conflicts in the rest of the world and their differences its really not much at all. The area is covered in so much history from WWI through WWII and more.

Soon there after we moved on to Check Point Charlie (Ill let you read up on it).

But to wrap it up and not make this to long we made about 3 or 4 other stops, walked all over and took in more history and sights. This town really does has a lot of history to read and learn about!

Not to mention we walked about 3 blocks in Chris' terms (aka really over a mile or so...) to the Berlin victory gate...check it out

Then onto Brandenburg Gate...

We even got some laughs out of the crossing lights and the little guys in them, a symbolic symbol between east and west...

We still agree though that it is secret Mcd's marketing for the hamburglar!

on to more of the next day... later.

More Berlin..

2008-04-08T06:58:00.001-07:00

April 6th 2008

Well, after a late late night or early morning, we got up and grabbed a bite to eat. Decent free breakfast spread. Croissant's, even chocolate filled ones, fresh from the bakery nearby. $ different cereals to choose from, toast, OJ and milk, and or any coffee or hot drink we wished for. Cant hate that!

So we headed up to Northern Berlin to see the one of the many concentration camps, but this one was more well known and preserved for tourists like us to come and see, read, and learn. It was called the Sachsenhausen concentration camp

It was a good hour train ride or metro out there, and another 20 min walk to the site. Easy to find, and when you arrive, its sort of peaceful but quiet. Its right in the middle of neighborhoods. The area and sites were large and very spread out. The overall size of the place, the history of the buildings by when they were built, by whom they were built and what each building was very interesting. I would say the size rivaled maybe the entire angel stadium and its parking lot or bigger yet. Just a quick fact on it...
"On the front entrance gates to Sachsenhausen is the infamous slogan Arbeit Macht Frei (German: "Work brings freedom"). About 200,000 people passed through Sachsenhausen between 1936 and 1945. Some 100,000 inmates died there from exhaustion, disease, malnutrition or pneumonia from the freezing winter cold. Many were executed or died as the result of brutal medical experimentation."

The buildings were well open and preserved, jail cells, the shoe track, the spot where people were shot or hung and the memorial set up. It took us half the day maybe to go over it all, see as much as we could and read the history of it. It really left both of us speechless i think and or really opened up our eyes.

I could go on and on, but you can read on the wikipedia site for more info if you like. We then headed back towards the hostel and ventured around. For dinner we found a very authentic German hole in the wall food place by referral from the hostel owner. i had this potato, sausage soup and it was pretty good and only like 4 euro. Chris had this steak and toast meal and a authentic beer.

It was a long day, and i was wiped out from the walking and wandering around.

Berlin for a few days...

2008-04-08T06:33:00.000-07:00

Day one... April 5th, 2008

A lot of ground to cover here in Berlin. The capital of Germany. Its a lot different then i expected it to be. For some reason i thought, run down, dirty and not a lot to see...but then again I was proved wrong in a good way. Its a very big city, over 2 or three times the size of say Paris as Im told. The subways is great and very efficient. Made or way around pretty good for the most part. We got in fine on the train from the Netherlands and made our way to the hostel easily.

I wont get into to much of Berlin, but the amount of history here and political conflict is endless. I realllllly suggest you read the link above on the history. But most will remember it since it was so recent. I even remember on TV the Berlin wall events.

BY FAR ONE OF THE BEST HOSTELS YET! The amenities, the rooms, the breakfast, information, help etc was beyond anything i have seen so far on my trip. Ill get into that more later on.

So the first night, we ended up just kind of grabbing a bite to eat at a nearby cheap Italian place. Pretty good for the price. Then crashed out for a bit. AND then woke up about 11-1130 ish at night to go out. Here in Berlin, if you want to experience the night life or sorts be it sights and sounds then they don't go out until about 12 or 1 am...there are no last calls or 2 am cut off time like in the states. As we were looking for a place to head out, there was a group of about 8 people that were going to walk to a nearby place. Welches good thought was to join them. We did. Ended up talking with the owner of this hostel and another one in town. Amazing stories this guy has, so much care and dedication to the hostels and the people who stay there. Not to mention a lot of world traveling experience just about everywhere.

He invited us to walk along with them (id say hes about 30-33) and his wife came along. They also have two kids I believe that were at home with family I would imagine. Anyways, long story short, the place we went to was ehhhhhh, not so great, so we walked back, then they offered to drive us through Berlin to the East side of town to go to a better place. It was so nice, to have a local person, free ride, etc etc and see the town at night. We went to a local little bar to just hang out and see the area before went to this other place.

Along with us were three guys from Israel. All 3 just got out of the army there and served their mandatory time. They had some amazing life stories, sights and more to share with us. I cant imagine being in their shoes at this time in their country and life. They were very kind and good people. They say for them it is common to travel after their time served, but he also said that most of the people who leave, fall into drugs, and drinking and hard times after enduring the sights and sounds of their wars and bloody bombings. He says after all that then they can go to college...just mind blowing when you compare our freedom in the states to their lives and ages of men and women in the army.
Anyways, from there we moved onto a little club of sorts i guess...in Germany the music is either techno, drum and bass, electronic, trance or stuff like that. it was loud, crowded and smoky. We stayed there for a bit, took it all in and soon headed home about 4 am i guess. Its not normally me to say up that late but I guess you have to be flexible in different cultures.
On the way home, they (the husband and wife owners) took us by a local dive favorite late night/early morning Turkish food place. We had this toasted bread with garlic and basil butter of sorts, lettuce, tomato and a lamb minced meat type on it. VERY good. Not to mention he bought us that...
So then off to bed, up early for along day the next day. A good way to start the trip!

Some Amsterdam photos...at night

2008-04-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

March 5th, 2008 leaving Amsterdam, onto berlin

2008-04-06T02:05:00.000-07:00

Able to get up pretty early and get a jump on free breakfast in the hostel. Not bad, juice, toast, water, milk, cereal, boiled eggs…not too shabby. The people at the hostel were really cool too. Headed out to the train station after that and made it. The train we wanted had a construction detour, so we had to leave there, take a train to Druisdorf (spelling?) and then transfer a train towards Berlin.

The lady at the ticket office the day before was super nice and hooked us in a VIP suite since we had the tickets for it, only cost 6 euro total for the reservation and no ticket price! The VIP room had our private room, normally seats six but just us. It was enclosed and a quiet room with glass sliding doors from the rest of the wee-1st class people. I’m sure some were asking why are those bums in there?! Offered some coffee and free German chocolates. Good stuff.

We made the transfer, bought s thing of bread, some apples and switched over to the longer train. The first leg was only 2 hours, and the second was from 1 pm to 5 pm. Which is where I am now, writing all this stuff from the past few days. Looking forward to Berlin. A lot of history there and I like Germany a lot so far. It feels a lot different from the rest so far. So that’s it for now. Will try to do more photos later since I know a lot of you are like me, and skip the long boring stuff I write and go for pictures!

Day 2 of Amsterdam, March 4th 2008

2008-04-06T01:59:00.000-07:00

The next day we went to the bike shop! Rented a bike for the day and took it around the city (only because us getting lost a few streets here and there led us that way). Let me explain the Amsterdam culture briefly. It’s a mix of Dutch, German. The streets don’t always match the ones on the maps we get, or they are shortened or condensed. So after this we got the bikes and followed the river out of the main town and into the countryside more. It was a great ride, a lot of fun and they say you cant do Amsterdam truly unless you do the bike thing. I agree, a ton of fun.
Not to mention a pretty good work out. I think we rode maybe 10 miles or more out of the city. Pretty easy ride, all flat and cool air. At least the ride out was good. It’s tiring and when your muscles aren’t used to it. But to ride along a major river of sorts was fun. Green open lands, boats or sorts on the river people live in as homes, more bikes, scooters zipping by, and people rowing in the water was great to take in. We stopped at a park and windmill for a few photos. Then a tour bused pulled up and I told Chris lets get outa here before they wanted to use our bikes and such for pictures. Sure enough a few of them (looks like they were from India) came right at us asking to use our bikes. I had to say no otherwise ALL of them would have wanted to and we paid for the dang things! They can’t just pretend that they rode bikes! After we got outa there we thought we should have just charged the 50cents or 1 euro per person, and we could have paid for our bikes! NEXT TIME!
Headed out pretty far and got to a small town. Really small town. One church, few houses, one of every kind type stores, and local folks only. Rode through the town, got some bread, meat, fruit, local type waffle chips and an Amstel Beer. (I forgot to mention that the river we were following was the Amstel River, aka home of the Amstel Beer) for a cheap amount and ride out. Click on that to learn more interesting things! We headed in the direction back home, stopped just outa that small town, posted up on a bench overlooking the water and made some sandwiches and enjoyed lunch. Both saying to ourselves, this sure beats work and how to we do adjust our lives both work and home so we can do this a lot more often. Ill get back to you when I figure that out!

Let the legs relax a little bit there and headed back into town. This was fun, haha trying to navigate our way via streets and maps along with learning the roads, and rules to bike riding in the main city center. Chaos, but fun! Just don’t show fear is what we were told, and did. Go for it, and people will move or sop. If you show the fear that you don’t know what your doing then they see it! Well, got to the train station to buy tickets the next day out to Berlin. Even that was fun. Trying to lock up your bikes. We see bike racks at home; well think if 90% of the town rode bikes. They are everywhere; people lock um up to the limited racks, fences, anything that can find. Even other people's bikes. So at this point we were both sore from riding those dang things all day and were looking forward to turning them in and getting back on our feet.
Headed to the Van Gogh Museum afterwards. Click on that to learn something! Kind of pricey, but again when your at a place in the world where you get to see history or such art, you just have to go for it and do it. I hit a wall about time we were almost through it and was done. Hit the hostel again after, rested, made some dinner. We lived on a loaf of bread, some cheese and haha well butter we thought was butter but was a cheese spread. It looked like it from the package. I was wondering when I was making grilled cheese sandwiches’ it was sticking to the pan so bad…haha but it worked out.
That night we headed out for a late night photo adventure, some shots in and around the town, and in front of the huge letter sign that says “I AMsterdam (“yes it looked like that) just diff colors. After some shots we found a cool way to get some cool effects…stay tuned for those!

On to Amsterdam Arrival... March 3rd 2008

2008-04-06T01:55:00.000-07:00

So here we were, off to Amsterdam. I had a lot of thoughts and expectations in my mind about what the city was all about, the area, the people, the stuff that goes on etc. All I had heard was from stories of friends or other travelers from the states along with movies and or shows you see on TV.
I was under a lot of bad impressions that were left on my mind from the states and these movies. Drugs, which, where pot is legal (sort of) and prostitution. The marijuana thing in Amsterdam is technically ILLEGAL, but they wont prosecute you if you are carrying less then 5 grams and since that rule exists, they really don’t care and sell it in shops. I thought the whole city would be a mess of sorts or a lot of bad areas, prostitution etc. So there is a brief info session about the drug and other stuff...
To my luck and surprise I was disappointed. But I mean that in a good way. A good way meaning that my expectations were all wrong. The town and area is beautiful. Lots ok old history in that city. The drugs, well they are there, but its such a small percentage of that town, and only in what they call coffee shops (very few actually sell coffee. The prostitution thing is legal I guess there, but its so confined to such a small area of town, that you really had to find it to see it.
Don’t get me wrong, I did peer into the shops of ‘coffee’ and I did browse through the streets, but none of that is my thing. Just another cultural experience that I wanted to be a part of see and well, not do I guess is the right way to say it. It would be dumb for me to just ignore it and or pretend I saw it. Both of those elements were such a minority to what that town has to offer; you really almost forget that it could even go on.
It’s a mix of Holland and Venice to me. Small streets, green open land, windmills and some small streets with water canals, but here you can take cars…that is if you really wanted to drive. If you did drive, good luck. Only because I think about 90% or more of the population, YOUNG and OLD ride bikes! Here's a quiick fact and link...

..Amsterdam is known as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world and is a centre of bicycle culture. Most main streets have bike paths. Bike racks are ubiquitous throughout the city. There are about 700,000 bicycles in the city. Each year, about 80,000 of them are stolen and 25,000 end up in the canals. In the city centre, driving a car is discouraged, parking fees are steep and a great number of streets are closed off for cars or one-way...

Its a good low down ont he bikes and the link will tell you more!

It’s pretty awesome to see. Bikes everywhere! They own and rule the streets, bike bells behind you, in front of you, coming at you on the side. Just pay attention, cause they just go for it, don’t care much about you, and the mix of the small roads, the bike lanes and sidewalks and the trams that go down the middle of the major streets makes for some good fun confusion or game of “frogger” I hope you all know what frogger is!
So the first day we got there, and found or way around pretty easily. The hostel was pretty nice, in a good location near some museums and short tram ride into the center of the city, or about a 15-minute walk. It’s hard to explain the city. Think maybe corona del mar, smushed into a circle almost …

So we conquered some good walking ground the first day. Some cool parks, buildings and went to the Anne Frank museum/house. Click on that!!! Most people know of her from the book written and read in school, The Diary of Anne Frank. A good book, and covers a lot of history from the concentration camp. It’s really cool to see how they had to live and the exact street and house and the story first hand. Saw the streets, the shops, and walked around at night some more. Crashed out and exhausted again by then.

Brussels!

2008-04-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

Was...fun?! well, yes of course it was.

To learn more go here!!!!!

We hit the town the first day. The maps and directions in this place are awful, but we found the hostel. It was well..Ok, met some nice people though one night from Australia...and sure enough a second night Australia again. Good people, very nice and world travelrs in their own ways. Ive been told that they almost are encouraged to finish college and then travel for a year or too before they work or get a full time job...Such a great idea in my opinion and offer so much more with street knowledge and international experiences and so forth.

Anyways..Brussels was very small compared to some cities. We hit the town the first night, not much to it and were starving. Our lack of food and water led to a lack of judgement...if the place is near empty and they offer a English menu...stay away...A tast of home sounded good and the burger was terrible. Id rather eat McDonalds and i dont like fast food!
So we learned... the hard way and headed back by foot to the hostel (about 20 min)

The next day we got a decent start to a long day. Went on the outer side of the town on a suggestion by the staff at the hostel, and walked our way back. It was OK, the RedBull joke continued and we did find them though. Made our way though the small streets, a very locals place iwth no tourists, saw some kids in a tiny soccer 4 on 4 tournament within a basketball court. These kids were maybe middle school aged adn some were pretty good! The tiny size goals and fences makes them have some pretty good footwork!

Ventured through the town, the squares and had to do the Belgium thing. Waffles!! Sooo good! I got one with chocolate sauce on it and bananas and Chris got one with homemade vanilla ice cream and stawberry's! So good! Then found a good chocolate shop with homemade goodies and tried their chocolate and a macaroon. Never done the macaroon thing and they were pretty good!

So made our way again back to the hostel after along day of searching for spots we wanted to go, walking all over. Then a power nap. Met the 2nd couple from Australia, and ended up meeting them out later that night and hung out with them. Im not a beer person, but this place was world famous and in the states via a show called 3 sheets on cable and has the world record for over 2400 beers...and it was a good crowd and fun. By then we were ready to get out town and move on...to the Netherlands!!!

Paris...part duex

2008-04-04T10:08:00.000-07:00

Into Paris. Met Chris with no problem for the most part...Well, I guess mostly by chance and good luck to. Not the same area and ideas I had related when i told him where he would be dropped off and to meet, but none the less it was good. He saw me and it was on from there.

Hopped on the metro from there to the hostel about 30 min away after a quick transfer and left our gear so we could hit the town.

Covered some good ground in a half day, the chaos traffic circle of the arch and the tower as well...weird being back, AGAIN. but still ever so amazing and fun.

From the arch the walk to the tower is simple and short like i took before...and was familiar ground. So here you have to guys, walking around, on a street with a ton of cars, and nice buildings taking pictures here and there since we both have a photo bug in us...well, I guess the street is in the neighborhood of the international countries government offices...I mean all over the world...and not knowing this prior! So were taking some photos and then move on...and behind us this guy is yelling in French in our direction. No idea what he was saying or if it was us. We moved on, about maybe two blocks later a total of 3 guys are runnign towrds us in full suits and phones and things in their ears like the secret service in the states...
Apparently we were taking photos of cars (no markings keep in mind just look like normal cars) and it was the Egyptians National Defense Consulats car and they were pretty worried about it. They had the sense we knew it was the car and taking a picture of a special kind of license plate for the car. We had no idea of course. He was short and kind of trying to be grabby with our photos and making us delete them..and to view them. We had a little argument but a nice one of sorts about who we were, that we had no idea, and honestly did not and were not going to erase our photos. He seemed pretty adimate about us deleting them, and one on Chris' camera they wanted deleted. So after holding our ground, walking away shortly and some debating, we and or Chris related that since they were actually pretty kind to us and werent to forceful, to make them happy we would erase it for them...an adventure all in its own.

So from there on we joked about how every car or guy in a suit in tie near us or walking near us was a employee from that office...

But anyways, we got some good laughs out of it.
We hit the tower, walked around and did the touristy things. Wanted a Red Bull to give us some step but we coudl not find them anywhere and will remain the joke of the trip as it has. Found aplace to grab a simple bit to eat and some bread for later. Walked around some more, and did the photo thing.

This time, (before the line was way to long) we did the whole ride up to the top of the tower. talk about amazing. Both the views and the way up! The sights are incredible and 360 view over the whole city. Got up there in time for a cool little sunset, the lights on all over the city and the lighting of the tower again...(scroll way down for a video I posted from last time!)

Made our way back to the hostel and passed out.

Up the next day and walked all over again. The Louve was closed on tuesday of all days we were there which was a bummer for Chris since that was one of the main things he wanted to do...next time i guess right?

So we covered some ground, a lot of it, some food, some more sights, some good laughs and such. Made it back tot he hostel again and got a good nights rest in before moving onto Brussels.

Let me say one thing...it sure is nice traveling with someone. I mean I'll never regret what I have done solo or wish I did it differently but its been nice as well having someone to joke with, talk to, and seethings with, not to mention all the inside jokes and people-watching-making-fun-of we can do now!

OK, finally...Some of London...last day

2008-04-04T09:42:00.001-07:00

So its been some time..I almost forgot where i left off.

its been a good trip (i will almost call it part two)

Its been non stop since the last couple days in London. I had to do a lot of walking and rain dodgeing in London but I got to cover a good amount of ground and sites. Had my fair share or the tube and its services or lack there of. I cant imagine what the pace would be like if all of the lines were to shut down. I was able to experience just one of them being closed and EVERYONE goes to the smaller ones and its im possible. And its a good thing that i wasent there this weekend casue I read in the paper or something that they metro and bus employees were going to strike starting saturday through the weekend and if a deal was not met, then they would go on through the week. How does one get to work?! Not to mention the chaos that would erupt.
Surviving off of the pound or sterling is tough. Nothing is cheap and it goes fast. I did pretty good managing my money though and stayed under even. A few simple shopping ideas, 99 cent stores and day old bread and a big bottle of water were perfect and actually wasent bad. In fact most of the trip requires such a budget.
In a way its great...the healthiest I have eaten, most excercise and smart planning! Fruits, breads, waters, juices...good stuff. Will most likely change my ways when I get home which is great.
BUT it does have its downsides. It makes me crave Chipolte, WingNuts, Mr. Sandwhich, Islands Fries...haaha and other random stuff. But dont worry also lived up to the sterotype of some London Tea and crumpets. Good stuff, not much of a tea person, but had to do it. Last night I statyed in a hostel, kinda not all that great near the train station. After all I had to be up at like 430 to get to the train by 5 to get on board for the 530 am trip to Paris. Man some dedicated friend i am to meet Chris and get up that early...haha nah, i was stoked to have someone to travel with and who better then a best friend and a roomate!

So getting to the hostel was funny to me...I had to get a tube aka subway pass for the day. Let me backtrack quick, for the last couple days, instead of cash simple small stuff was easy to put on the credit card (i done even want to think about that!) anyways...so maybe 3 or 4 prior tickets all on the card. So i walk up to the window and go to pay and the guy says no...no cards...i kindly say "but i have used it the other 3 or 4 times with no problem..." and he says no. I ask why,and he says he does not do them. And I tell him that there is a machine right there and its all I had...and i dotn understand why not...and he very rudely says I dont have to take them, and I am not going to do it...
i was annoyed...i had to dig for change, took my time and he has the nerve to make a statement like " i dont know how you do those things in the states but here I dont have to" and he makes another comment about the states...and (wait till i get my ticket of course!) tell him that maybe he shouldnt be blamming it on the states, but instead on his poor attitude and customer service skills...haha that was funny to me at least..and it sent him over the top, trying to yell at me on the little speaker between the kiosk desk and window seperating him and i...i walked away, smiled and said have a great day and kept on going...although I could hear something in the background through the speaker, i couldnt make out what he was trying to say. Im sure it was "Hey thanks, I hope you have a great day as well, safe travels" well, ok most likely not.

Then from there I was off...off to the hostel, explored around there all day. Walked a river bank of sorts, some areas maybe not all that great or safe and had a good nights sleep!

I know, its been a while

2008-04-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

I promise some blogging tonight!

Hope all is well..and stay tuned.

random thought aka something to do before i die...

2008-03-30T12:34:00.001-07:00

...is learn the guitar. there is a guy here in the hostel, super good voice, and killing it on the guitar, sounds soooo amazing. I do vow to never sing though haha and spare everyone that torture..but to go anywhere, pick up a guitar and play songs...always been something I have wanted to do. It does wonders to people, calms then, makes the realx, focus and asoo much more. Nothing crazy, just the acoustic verion...cam fire songs and all!

i wish I could learn it, in fact when i get home, its something Im going to do. Ive talked about it for years and years...but never done it.
just like traveling...but all is changed!!!

Soon...

goodnight.

A few photos from the Eye of London

2008-03-30T12:18:00.000-07:00

2008-03-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

Hello...another post form London, on the 30th. In a new hostel, just a stones throw away, which will really make the morning trek to the train easy and well, at 445 am , i need all the help I can get.

its bee interestting here...The first hostel at Camden Town was well, not my place as far a noise. the town was fun to be in, see adn walk around. Then moved onto another place closer to it all, well the tourist things. Was much better and quieter, so i coudl at least sleep

the funny thing about hostels, is you just never know who will be there one day and gone the next. Ive met people briefly from all over the world. Wales, Germany, Sweeden, Czech, ireland, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, San Franciso, Iowa, A lof of other places in the states, and even a girl from Dan Point. Talk about random...

we both had the same intro story...both kinda embarrased of the terrible media and MTV shows that depict Orange County both on TV, MTV and other cable shows. It always go like this...

Where you from?

umm the states

Oh? What state?

ccalifornia..

Oh ok, What part?

southern...

Where in southern..?

um really southern above San Diego...

Like where?

Orange County...

Where?

ummm.....(in a quick mumble) Laguna Beach

Haha its funny. everyone knows it by the shows and whats on TV...good and bad I guess. More or less the same stereo types we hold in our imaginations as well about other countires and cities all ver the world.

A lot has been learned just from that belive it or not. its so important to learn other cultures, accept new things, take risks, make challanges for yourself, and open your eyes, step out of the lazy sometimes ignorant minds we have. Its been such a good thing mentally and emotionaly so far. Something that a guy from Brussels even said as we talked about traveling and money...and he said, you cant put a price on something that is maybe once in a life time and really opens your eyes to so much.

So anyways, enough deep thought I think. its been some time since I have gone all 'deep thought on you all' so there ya have it.

Other then that, the hostel in London was funny, rooms were rong, finally got settled in. Night number two, some one broke the window downstairs in the lobby area if you call it that, and then set off the alarm, so in the cold and abnout 3am we all got to get up and han goutside for an hour. The alarm just kept going though. its def. not your automatic response we so much see in the states. In fact the fire authorities never even showed up. the police, drove up, said is all ok? and we said ya,...and he was off! Haha so differnt.

Got to the new place today, all in good time, before more tube aka metro lines were shut down or delayted. Talk about a madhouse. Good thing i didnt have a plane or train...it was daylight savings time here.so that threw me off. Checked in, bookings were a little screwy but after abotu 3 room changes it was ok :)

The showers are odd, in a basement, and to get there you walk through the dinning room and through the kitchen. Pretty funny, since some people opf different cultures dont care or mind wlaking around in next to nothing. Cole, you'd be in heaven here.

i swer I have seen my friend prickman about 10-12 times on this entire trip, each a differnt version of him..but i do have to double look! Almost asked one guy...If you know my friend Prickman, then you all know what Im talking about and how realistic it would be to see him anywhere! haha

anyways, early train tomm, two hour from London to Paris, meeting Chris then after that, I hope haha

Good times to come and follow.

Thats all I got for noW!

From the London Eye , Buckingham Palace, Westminister Abbey and Soho, etc etc..March 29th, 2008

2008-03-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

All has been fairly good the last couple of days here in Lodon. This hostel is in a muuuch better location and easier to see alot of the major tourist things to see and do here.

Been on many of long walks and ventures, a few subways rides and a train i had to sneak on becasue i forgot my wallet.

Overall, a lto to see and do, and its basic and budget free if you plan on wlaking a lot and seeing the free things. Of course you have to pay here and there but it teaches you fast money management.

London Eye was awesome, I will try to get some photos eventually. It was well worth the 12 lbs and its a 30 min slow ride, views in all angles. buckingham palace was pretty cool to be at as well. Guards were funtoi watch, adn the grounds around it wre ncie as well. lots of open parks, lake and area to wander in...caught the royal guards on horse and saw the guards march a little bit.

Went onto Notting Hill for a quick stop then it started to rain. Then made my way to the Soho area, all a huge fancy area and shopping galore. yesterday I did Taate modern Museum which is giant! its an old power mill giant factory (i mean huge) and turned into a museum and really well done. it was free which made it a great place to go and spend a couple hours. I love modern museums. its a new found passion. So interesting and so inspiring in so many ways. My idea and note book journal is filling up, which im so happy to say. I have a lot of ideas, one day will make them work I hope.

So then from there, i did the river bend walk, about 3 miles, and it was pouring. But im only here for a short time, so a crappy umbrella, a little bit soaking jeans and wet shoes and socks and eventually it cleared up. guess the people here are so used to it. I wasent but I made it work. Went over a few bridges, Millenium, Londown, Tower and one other i cant remember. Saw Big Ben and his giant tower! Its a clock tower.

overall its been good, making the best of it, money wise andtime wise. There is a great little market across the street frommy hostel. i love the outdoor or non-store markets. Huge thigs of fresh cheese, veggies, fish, fruit, meat and more. Loafs of bread, rabbit meat, special local fovorite meals. I def followed the locals when and where to get snacks or food there. The have long lines, but you know it hass to be good and worth the wait if they do. So yes, all very good, samples and such. Got some dried banana chips, some coated with chocolate, and dried rasberries. Great for snakcing, last a while, cheap, fresh, and good!

So tomm, im off to switch hostels. Have to be near the major train station. my train on Monday leaves at 525 am and the subways dont start tillt hen so there was no way for me to make it otherwise unless i took a taxi, which would have made me broke!

So then a trian ride to paris, to meet up with Chris, and then power it down to Paris in a day, then off to Brussels i think!

Shoudl be good, I know im excited to have a travel buddy as well... Sorry Chris in advacne if I talk your ear off, just tell me to shut up! Its been a while without talking to anyone I know!

Anyways, hope home, family, friends, co-workers etc are all well.

There was a lot more to London then what i wrote, but its hard to do it in the limited time I have on the computer.

Till next time...

London Town! Camden Version March 26th 2008

2008-03-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

London is good. Very different in a lot of ways but overall alot to take in just like anywhere. Im in a town called Camden like i said before which has a very different crowd. But its a busy little town and city that has a lot to walk around and see. Did Camden market today. Very interesting, your mix of vintage clothing shops, new stuff, off market stuff, a lot or knock-offs they refer to as 'samples from the factory' and more. A lot of water pipes, drug stuff, its a very unique and different scene. But the clothing stuff is where its at. the variety is world wide.

I would say compare it to your local swap meet, more interesting, international, and very umm..just different is all I can think OK.

There are some really cool vintage shops, and when i say shops I would say well over 125 ...its an endless maze. All variations, likes, desires...goth to modern, vintage, new, and some just plain weird things. A lot of local artists displaying crafts as well. This place was jammed, mid week and even in a few rain showers. But most of it was in or under covers. Guess they are planned for the rain here. A lot of it. I guess a clear or blue sky here is rare! The shops weaved in and out, through tunnels, underground, upstairs, over bridges, roof tops etc. Some really great stuff, that if i wasn't traveling with such limited space I for Sure would have purchased a few things. oh well!

None the less the same goes for food. Very aggressive food people. all yelling at you, wanting to give you samples...and i was hungry, then i caught on...well, im hungry, they are offering me the bites for free...so...i went from one end, all the way down, got about a dozen or so bites, bought a water near the end and ended it with the amazing banana type thing! forgot what it was called. basically a banana in a batter coating, deep fried, so its warm and the dough is like a pancake, the banana is super soft ,and they roll it in brown sugar.
Pretty darn good for 2 lb or $4 us that included water, allllll my samples and the desert! Now thats what I call thinking on your feet not to mention it was a world or different tastes! Anything from Moroccan food, Chinese, Italian, french, Thai, German, and so many more. And to think, all for me, for FREE. That was very kind of them ;)

But after that I hit up the street markets that face the street itself...which, all were sort of similar but different owners. A very heavy percentage of middle eastern culture running these shops. All knock offs, and tourist shops, gimmicks, and trinkets. you know your typical tourist gift shop http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifanywhere you go.

people have been very kind so far. The hostel is one of the not -so-nice ones but its OK i moved things around wht my reservations and move hostels tomm for 3 days more central London to do all of the tourist things, changing of the guards, Buckingham palace, London bridge etc etc. That will be two different tours in two days each about 3-4 hour walking tours. THen on to hopefully the London Eye.

Very cool thing to do, expensive, but I know I have to do it. 30 min Ferris wheel ride that overlooks the entire city. I want to try and do it at night if i can and take my camera stuff.

LONDON EYE >>>>>click here

but for now, down to the pub, to catch a home crowd soccer aka football match...Its England vs France...So i guess you know who Ill be rooting for!

The UK!

2008-03-25T15:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome, to London, well at least im here.

Hope all is well, not much to touch on now, In Camden Town london. Its umm..ok. different, just for a couple days then to another part of town.

Ill update more later on
Anyways, thats it for now

well, tons of new pics!

2008-03-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

I'm exhausted, hope those hold everyone over for a while. near midnight here, time for some sleep, and a flight to London tomm, its somewhere on Camden Street in London.

Hope all and everyone is well!

Goodnight from Ireland

small little town i "got lost" and found: Ballycotton!!!

2008-03-24T15:50:00.000-07:00

Ballycotton!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballycotton

Around the lodge...and some of Cobh nearby

2008-03-24T15:39:00.000-07:00

This was in and around the lodge i was staying at. Big place all to myself but nice! Thank you again!...such a nice place and so quiet and peaceful, not to mention the views were incredible!

2008-03-24T15:25:00.000-07:00