Bit of a big day today, with sightseeing in the centre of the city, via coach and walking. Poor old Luigi has had some issues with his GPS leading him astray and things did not improve when our tour director nicked off and let the local guide take over who only spoke english and german whilst Luigi speaks italian and very little english. Direction became by pointing.
Did I mention it is hot over here? A few of the older members of our tour certainly are struggling with the pace and heat a bit, our tour guide today was a little too quick I felt and didnt seem to pay attention to the slower member of the group. Again lots of photos and a quick bite to eat as I had another excursion to a palace in the afternoon.
The palace of the schonbrunn was huge – apparently rivalling the Versailles palace (which I will be able to judge next week I guess). I found the rooms pretty stuffy and dark though and definitely over the top decoration! But worth the excursion just to feel the age and history imbued in the place ... like standing in the ballroom where JKF and Kruschev met at one time.
They also definitely need to have TV in those days or more hobbies other than bonking – 15 kids?? good grief!
Back to the hotel this afternoon to chill out and write up this diary entry and then I will go downstairs to the lobby where the only wireless hotspot is in the hotel (most annoyed) and post the past few days up online,
Tonight is an evening the viennese wood at a wine village – basically a huge stuff your face and drink all you an affair. Im sure there will be a few sore heads on the coach tomorrow on the way to Venice. I shall try to pace myself but these kiwis are giving me a hard time about not holding up the aussie reputation! I really am outnumbered!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Day 4 – Prague city hightlights & travel to Vienna. Tuesday 27 May 2008
Up early this morning for a walking tour of the Prague city centre with our same guide as last night whose name eludes me still.
Absolutely amazing (think I will be using that phrase quite a bit in this travel diary) architecture and just a sense of history (there is the second cliché in one sentence!) permeates this city as we walked around the historical centre.
One of the highlights had to be the Charles Bridge which afforded brilliant view of the river and well, just great views. Oh, I am pretty sure I spotted a porn actress and film crew just waiting by the side of the bridge, without meaning to got them in the background of a photograph so you can draw your own conclusions. I presented my hypothesis to most of the tour group who tended to agree and a few of the younger kiwi guys were upset I didnt point out the situation as it was happening!
After the tour we had free time for a while in the main square of Prague, which was great just to stroll around, people watch, snap pictures until we found a nice open bar to sit at and have a quick bite to eat and drink (that turned out quite expensive) before heading back to the meeting point and jumping back on the bus for the drive to Austria.
We didnt seem to take a direct motorway route, but wound our way through the countryside on a smaller road, which took us through some smaller villages and towns in the Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. Again no border controls as we passed through between Czech and Austria before we arrived later in the evening at Vienna.
Some people went off to a concert, whilst the rest of stayed behind and grabbed a traditional wiener schniztel at the hotel restaurant and went for a wander down the street. The weather has certainly warmed up the past few days.
Absolutely amazing (think I will be using that phrase quite a bit in this travel diary) architecture and just a sense of history (there is the second cliché in one sentence!) permeates this city as we walked around the historical centre.
One of the highlights had to be the Charles Bridge which afforded brilliant view of the river and well, just great views. Oh, I am pretty sure I spotted a porn actress and film crew just waiting by the side of the bridge, without meaning to got them in the background of a photograph so you can draw your own conclusions. I presented my hypothesis to most of the tour group who tended to agree and a few of the younger kiwi guys were upset I didnt point out the situation as it was happening!
After the tour we had free time for a while in the main square of Prague, which was great just to stroll around, people watch, snap pictures until we found a nice open bar to sit at and have a quick bite to eat and drink (that turned out quite expensive) before heading back to the meeting point and jumping back on the bus for the drive to Austria.
We didnt seem to take a direct motorway route, but wound our way through the countryside on a smaller road, which took us through some smaller villages and towns in the Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. Again no border controls as we passed through between Czech and Austria before we arrived later in the evening at Vienna.
Some people went off to a concert, whilst the rest of stayed behind and grabbed a traditional wiener schniztel at the hotel restaurant and went for a wander down the street. The weather has certainly warmed up the past few days.
Day Three Wurzburg Germany to Prague Czech Rep Monday 26 May 2008
This morning I thought Id be one of the first down for breakfast but alas Im a slow coach but at least there was plenty of food. Ive been adopted as an honorary kiwi for now it seems and Ive noticed I have started to say ay at the end of my sentences!
After breakfast we left Wurzburg and headed for a brief stop at Nuremberg (Nurberg) for an hour or so for a wander around. Most of the city was destroyed in WWII however some of the historical heart either survived or has been partially rebuilt so you can get a sense of the cobblestoned medieval walled city.
Managed to get some interesting photographs, there was a shop called The Australian Gourmet Homemade Icecream shop. Interesting!
We also drove past the building where the Nuremberg trials of the Nazi leaders was held after WWII, however as we were right close to it, the photographs will not be all that good.
After a few hours drive through the bavarian countryside of forest and hills and small villages off into the distance we approached the border with the Czech Rep. This was a new situation of our tour director Mark, as the last time he visited this way, the Schengen treaty had not been in force here.
As it was, there were no border controls or passport checks but we did have to stop to purchase essentially an e-tag for the coach that gets charged as we travel along the motorway.
We stopped just over the border at a McDonalds, not the best choice for eating but the quickest and most reliable as was explained to us. So for the very first time I ate McDonalds overseas (yes have photos), well, pretty much the same except with a big Mac deal here I got a friggin massive 1 litre bottle of coke plus also some mayonaise for the fries (nice).
As we drive though the Czech countryside there are many brilliant yellow fields of canola amongst the green fields and dark green thick forest. This will be the sixth country we have passed through in the past three days, so quickly racking up the score. Still a cloudy day here but at least there is no rain, hopefully the sun will break through later.
Tonight I am going onto an optional tour of Prague with the fountains set to music as highlights. I guess I will write about that later, not sure if I will find internet access to post this on the day though.
Ok ... writing this a few days later as catching up with diary entries, the Hotel Eliza where we stayed in Prague was a delightful little hotel tucked away down a residential street on the hills surrounding the city. Some of our rooms where out the back in little bungalows and there was even a pool which some of the braver kiwis jumped in. I was supposed to uphold the aussie flag but I am much older and wiser these days and merely watched the antics as I supped on a refreshing beer or two.
The city tour in the evening was interesting enough, and our guide (whose name I just cannot remember despite him saying it several times) spoke good english but went to great lengths to pronounce his words a little too precisely which lead to a rather strange accent that apparently I can do a fair impression of. He did have detailed knowledge of the history of the city and of the different types of architecture which whilst I found fairly interesting, I think the majority of the tour struggled to keep their attention levels up.
We visited a monastery, grabbed a beer, took some scenic shots and then headed to the fountains. Forty-five minutes of seeing water shoot up to classical music was perhaps stretching the amazed tourist routine a bit, however did get some interesting pictures and a little video.
Back to the hotel and a few of the younger kiwis were keen to head to a nightclub in the city, however settled (after a bit of convincing) to drinking the cheap and great beer at the hotel bar. Again, one lone aussie against four kiwis and I soon dropped off the pace (and indeed nodded off at the bar at one stage) before I called it a night just after midnight and headed to bed. Some kept going until 3am, and I pity the poor barman who stayed up serving them and then was up at the same time to porter our luggage!
After breakfast we left Wurzburg and headed for a brief stop at Nuremberg (Nurberg) for an hour or so for a wander around. Most of the city was destroyed in WWII however some of the historical heart either survived or has been partially rebuilt so you can get a sense of the cobblestoned medieval walled city.
Managed to get some interesting photographs, there was a shop called The Australian Gourmet Homemade Icecream shop. Interesting!
We also drove past the building where the Nuremberg trials of the Nazi leaders was held after WWII, however as we were right close to it, the photographs will not be all that good.
After a few hours drive through the bavarian countryside of forest and hills and small villages off into the distance we approached the border with the Czech Rep. This was a new situation of our tour director Mark, as the last time he visited this way, the Schengen treaty had not been in force here.
As it was, there were no border controls or passport checks but we did have to stop to purchase essentially an e-tag for the coach that gets charged as we travel along the motorway.
We stopped just over the border at a McDonalds, not the best choice for eating but the quickest and most reliable as was explained to us. So for the very first time I ate McDonalds overseas (yes have photos), well, pretty much the same except with a big Mac deal here I got a friggin massive 1 litre bottle of coke plus also some mayonaise for the fries (nice).
As we drive though the Czech countryside there are many brilliant yellow fields of canola amongst the green fields and dark green thick forest. This will be the sixth country we have passed through in the past three days, so quickly racking up the score. Still a cloudy day here but at least there is no rain, hopefully the sun will break through later.
Tonight I am going onto an optional tour of Prague with the fountains set to music as highlights. I guess I will write about that later, not sure if I will find internet access to post this on the day though.
Ok ... writing this a few days later as catching up with diary entries, the Hotel Eliza where we stayed in Prague was a delightful little hotel tucked away down a residential street on the hills surrounding the city. Some of our rooms where out the back in little bungalows and there was even a pool which some of the braver kiwis jumped in. I was supposed to uphold the aussie flag but I am much older and wiser these days and merely watched the antics as I supped on a refreshing beer or two.
The city tour in the evening was interesting enough, and our guide (whose name I just cannot remember despite him saying it several times) spoke good english but went to great lengths to pronounce his words a little too precisely which lead to a rather strange accent that apparently I can do a fair impression of. He did have detailed knowledge of the history of the city and of the different types of architecture which whilst I found fairly interesting, I think the majority of the tour struggled to keep their attention levels up.
We visited a monastery, grabbed a beer, took some scenic shots and then headed to the fountains. Forty-five minutes of seeing water shoot up to classical music was perhaps stretching the amazed tourist routine a bit, however did get some interesting pictures and a little video.
Back to the hotel and a few of the younger kiwis were keen to head to a nightclub in the city, however settled (after a bit of convincing) to drinking the cheap and great beer at the hotel bar. Again, one lone aussie against four kiwis and I soon dropped off the pace (and indeed nodded off at the bar at one stage) before I called it a night just after midnight and headed to bed. Some kept going until 3am, and I pity the poor barman who stayed up serving them and then was up at the same time to porter our luggage!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Day two – Brussels to Wurzburg Germany Sunday 25 May 2008
Ok, this morning I woke with a slight hangover which was kind of cured by a few panadol tablets and a decent breakfast and coffee. It is still raining today, but apparently will clear up. We drove out of Brussels and through countryside crossing into a narrow bit of the Netherlands before entering Germany. So that makes four countries in just over a day and a bit.
The scenary here is so green, hilly and lots of trees. Contrast to how it is back home at the moment.
Another observation I must make is about the traffic. The whole speed kills thing in australia is a total sham. Here I see cars speeding past but it is safe because the drivers observe a simple rule – they drive with courtesy and attention. You pass someone then you pull into the lane as soon as possible. None of this hanging around in the right lane. If you are driving slower you keep to the inside lane (here it is the right most lane) so the traffic flows really well. anyway, just my little rant.
Fast forward a few hours and that last paragraph seems ironic given that we got stuck in a traffic jam on the motorway for a while due to an accident until Luigi turned off and took us an alternative way to our Rhine river cruise embarkation point - we went via Bonn.
The river cruise was brilliant - managed to nab a great spot at the stern with the same crew who I sat with on the ferry from Dover. We drank a few beers (as is necessary being kiwis and aussie) and watched the amazing scenery go by. I took a few photos .... err more than a few. Weather turned out to be fantastic and sunny and not too hot ... think Im a bit sunburnt though ooops.
After the cruise was more driving on the autobahn, although not all that much speed for us as our coach is limited to 100 km/h or so. Interesting factoid - trucks are not allowed to drive on the roads on Sunday!
Hmm and also had my first experience of paying to get into toilets in europe = complete with turnstiles and 50 euro cent price.
Tonight was dinner in the hotel as a group here in Wurzburg Germany (look on your maps kids) and getting to know a few more on the tour, we have a good mix but I have fallen in with the kiwis and some of the younger ones seemed determined to try and lead me astray given that last night I established my drinking credentials!
Not as nice a hotel but it is functional and clean and good enough for a place to sleep - oh and has wireless internet access so I can post some blog entries.
yes yes still havent done photographs I know .... today when i wake up in about 5 hours, we´ll be off to Prague in Czech Rep.
The scenary here is so green, hilly and lots of trees. Contrast to how it is back home at the moment.
Another observation I must make is about the traffic. The whole speed kills thing in australia is a total sham. Here I see cars speeding past but it is safe because the drivers observe a simple rule – they drive with courtesy and attention. You pass someone then you pull into the lane as soon as possible. None of this hanging around in the right lane. If you are driving slower you keep to the inside lane (here it is the right most lane) so the traffic flows really well. anyway, just my little rant.
Fast forward a few hours and that last paragraph seems ironic given that we got stuck in a traffic jam on the motorway for a while due to an accident until Luigi turned off and took us an alternative way to our Rhine river cruise embarkation point - we went via Bonn.
The river cruise was brilliant - managed to nab a great spot at the stern with the same crew who I sat with on the ferry from Dover. We drank a few beers (as is necessary being kiwis and aussie) and watched the amazing scenery go by. I took a few photos .... err more than a few. Weather turned out to be fantastic and sunny and not too hot ... think Im a bit sunburnt though ooops.
After the cruise was more driving on the autobahn, although not all that much speed for us as our coach is limited to 100 km/h or so. Interesting factoid - trucks are not allowed to drive on the roads on Sunday!
Hmm and also had my first experience of paying to get into toilets in europe = complete with turnstiles and 50 euro cent price.
Tonight was dinner in the hotel as a group here in Wurzburg Germany (look on your maps kids) and getting to know a few more on the tour, we have a good mix but I have fallen in with the kiwis and some of the younger ones seemed determined to try and lead me astray given that last night I established my drinking credentials!
Not as nice a hotel but it is functional and clean and good enough for a place to sleep - oh and has wireless internet access so I can post some blog entries.
yes yes still havent done photographs I know .... today when i wake up in about 5 hours, we´ll be off to Prague in Czech Rep.
day one – london to brussels saturday 24 May 2008
After a hearty breakfast in the morning in London, I joined up with my tour group. Well there were about three tours of us at the hotel, around 120 people at least and we were all loaded up onto coaches and driven off to Dover to catch a ferry to Calais.
Initially I was feeling quite lonely but eventually fell in with a group of kiwis, this tour is full of kiwis, aussies, some canadians, some indians and a few other nationalities but strangely enough no Americans.
The ferry trip was surprisingly quick and not at all choppy. At Calais we were met by our tour director Mark, who is Dutch and speaks around six languages and our coach driver Luigi (yes italian).
From Calais we drove for a few hours through France then into Belgium before finally arriving in brussels. I must admit to not knowing much about Brussels aside from it having the headquarters of the EU so it was great to discover a city with a rich history especially for a country that is only 180 years old or so.
In the evening we explored the centre part of the city, which again was alive with a jazz festival, cafe type culture and outdoor dining. We sampled a beer and then had an hour or so of free time to get something to eat. Freeman (a kiwi) and I fell into together an sampled a few pints of the dark beer (quite strong) before finding a place to eat where they kind of forgot our order which meant we missed the bus back to the hotel.
Still we enjoyed the meal and took the time to grab a huge waffle each (mine was banana coated with lots of rich chocolate) and then soak up some more of the local ambience (as well as the rain at that stage) before I showed off my prowess at hailing a cab and getting us back to the hotel.
Apparently the hotel we stayed in is the best of the tour, mostly because at weekends, the business class hotels offer discounts due to not much demand. So hopefully the rest of the trip will have perhaps not as nice, but decent hotels,
Initially I was feeling quite lonely but eventually fell in with a group of kiwis, this tour is full of kiwis, aussies, some canadians, some indians and a few other nationalities but strangely enough no Americans.
The ferry trip was surprisingly quick and not at all choppy. At Calais we were met by our tour director Mark, who is Dutch and speaks around six languages and our coach driver Luigi (yes italian).
From Calais we drove for a few hours through France then into Belgium before finally arriving in brussels. I must admit to not knowing much about Brussels aside from it having the headquarters of the EU so it was great to discover a city with a rich history especially for a country that is only 180 years old or so.
In the evening we explored the centre part of the city, which again was alive with a jazz festival, cafe type culture and outdoor dining. We sampled a beer and then had an hour or so of free time to get something to eat. Freeman (a kiwi) and I fell into together an sampled a few pints of the dark beer (quite strong) before finding a place to eat where they kind of forgot our order which meant we missed the bus back to the hotel.
Still we enjoyed the meal and took the time to grab a huge waffle each (mine was banana coated with lots of rich chocolate) and then soak up some more of the local ambience (as well as the rain at that stage) before I showed off my prowess at hailing a cab and getting us back to the hotel.
Apparently the hotel we stayed in is the best of the tour, mostly because at weekends, the business class hotels offer discounts due to not much demand. So hopefully the rest of the trip will have perhaps not as nice, but decent hotels,
Friday, May 23, 2008
London Sightseeing
Arrived back in London yesterday afternoon and made it to my hotel where I´m starting off my tour, will have two nights here and then head off Saturday morning. I had intended to take a wander around yesterday evening but I was so tired from my last night in Bucharest (not as exciting as that might sound) that I zonked out asleep around 7pm and woke up around 4am this morning.
I already booked myself in for two half day tours today - one around the city and St Paul´s Cathederal and this afternoon (in around twenty minutes so this will be a quick blog) heading to the Tower of London and to see the Crown Jewels.
Managed to see the guards all parading and practising for the Queen´s Birthday Parade, so heaps of photos of several hundred soldiers all resplendant in red uniforms and bear-hats.
Have just woofed down some lunch, helps not to convert the price into aussie dollars as it is quite expensive just for a chicken wrap with salad plus water & a coffee. First time Ive had potato chips served with a meal on a plate (or crisps as they call them here).
Oh yes, had an intersting flight from bucharest to London yesterday afternoon as I was sitting next to an old american guy named Terry from Seattle who had been to Romania with his wife doing some charity work. Served as a reminder to me not to stereotype americans like I sometimes do, this guy was one of the most interesting and intelligent individuals I have met in a long time.
ooops, better go catch my coach....
I already booked myself in for two half day tours today - one around the city and St Paul´s Cathederal and this afternoon (in around twenty minutes so this will be a quick blog) heading to the Tower of London and to see the Crown Jewels.
Managed to see the guards all parading and practising for the Queen´s Birthday Parade, so heaps of photos of several hundred soldiers all resplendant in red uniforms and bear-hats.
Have just woofed down some lunch, helps not to convert the price into aussie dollars as it is quite expensive just for a chicken wrap with salad plus water & a coffee. First time Ive had potato chips served with a meal on a plate (or crisps as they call them here).
Oh yes, had an intersting flight from bucharest to London yesterday afternoon as I was sitting next to an old american guy named Terry from Seattle who had been to Romania with his wife doing some charity work. Served as a reminder to me not to stereotype americans like I sometimes do, this guy was one of the most interesting and intelligent individuals I have met in a long time.
ooops, better go catch my coach....
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
You know you are a local when ...
My last full day in Bucharest, still brilliant weather, although there is supposedly a change coming tonight - just in time for my departure tomorrow morning.
I was up early to meet with another friend - who has just come back from a short trip to Australia ironically enough. We spent a pleasant morning and lunchtime chatting and walking around.
You know you are a local when two american tourists stop you and ask if you speak english & then ask you directions (which you can answer correctly).
You also know you are a local when you remark to your friend ¨what is it with all these tourists around!¨ and you ask for the bill at a restaurant in romanian and say thank you in romanian :)
tonight a couple more catch-ups with friends, and then off to the airport in the morning with plenty of time to spare due to the unpredictable and chaotic morning Bucharest traffic.
Once I arrive in London tomorrow, I have a full day on Friday to explore before the 15 day European adventure starts on Saturday.
I was up early to meet with another friend - who has just come back from a short trip to Australia ironically enough. We spent a pleasant morning and lunchtime chatting and walking around.
You know you are a local when two american tourists stop you and ask if you speak english & then ask you directions (which you can answer correctly).
You also know you are a local when you remark to your friend ¨what is it with all these tourists around!¨ and you ask for the bill at a restaurant in romanian and say thank you in romanian :)
tonight a couple more catch-ups with friends, and then off to the airport in the morning with plenty of time to spare due to the unpredictable and chaotic morning Bucharest traffic.
Once I arrive in London tomorrow, I have a full day on Friday to explore before the 15 day European adventure starts on Saturday.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Meetings in Romania
I have been here in Bucharest Romania for a few days now and I must say they have really turned the weather on for me here. The locals are even saying how warm it is suddenly compared to the previous week.
Conversely friends back home tell me it is rather cold and raining back in Australia. hmm maybe the sun really does shine from my ... anyway!
It has been great to meet old friends and new friends here, although I have come at a busy time of year for friends here (most are students) so have not spent as much time with people as I´d have liked. Still it has been good to translate friendships from the ´virtual´ to the ´actual´ world and find that your impressions were correct.
Overall, Bucharest has come along since the last time i was here almost 4 years ago and i think within the next 5 years will really bloom. I just hope that some of the amazing historical buildings I´ve found outside my back door (literally) are not bulldozed in the rush for modernisation.
i have another three days here before flying back to London on Thursday afternoon.
photos? i working on uploading them & will try and link them soon.
Conversely friends back home tell me it is rather cold and raining back in Australia. hmm maybe the sun really does shine from my ... anyway!
It has been great to meet old friends and new friends here, although I have come at a busy time of year for friends here (most are students) so have not spent as much time with people as I´d have liked. Still it has been good to translate friendships from the ´virtual´ to the ´actual´ world and find that your impressions were correct.
Overall, Bucharest has come along since the last time i was here almost 4 years ago and i think within the next 5 years will really bloom. I just hope that some of the amazing historical buildings I´ve found outside my back door (literally) are not bulldozed in the rush for modernisation.
i have another three days here before flying back to London on Thursday afternoon.
photos? i working on uploading them & will try and link them soon.
Friday, May 16, 2008
The Queen didn´t wave!
Currently sitting in Terminal 5 here at heathrow waiting for my gate details for Bucharest to come up, estimating that will happen in around an hour or so with another hour after that before departure. My journey is almost complete - to my first destination at least!
Feeling reasonably chipper, despite the over a day travelling time thus far and barely any sleep the night before I left. May need another coffee shortly. For both the Singapore leg and the London leg I had a spare seat next to me, so a bit of extra sprawl room was very welcome.
Amazingly I did sleep quite well, but being seated next to one of the galleys was not so great as it meant i was subjected to the wafts of lovely food smells but one of the last to be served! As usual I inhaled the food, and the portions just serve to whett the appetite!
I meant to blog at Singapore but by the time I´d tried to get me ´free´ internet access, it was a bit late.... nothing much to report at that end, except all the officials are so stern and brook no nonsense from dilly-dallying aussies who try to crack a joke!
Its apparently summer here but someone forgot to tell the weather!
I was glad to have a window seat as saw the most amazing view as we flew over northen afghanistan and those central russian republics. Bright moon and stars in the sky and down below lights arranged like the decorations on peopleś houses at Christmas. At one stage it looked like stars below and above. Of course I forgot to take a pic!
We flew over Windsor castle before we landed here in London, but I didnt see the Queen waving at me ... so disappointed!
Anyway, the next blog will most likely be from my luxury apartment in Bucharest Romania ... hopefully I will not have forgotten to feed the fishes and i will have definitely not forgotten to pay the rent :)
Feeling reasonably chipper, despite the over a day travelling time thus far and barely any sleep the night before I left. May need another coffee shortly. For both the Singapore leg and the London leg I had a spare seat next to me, so a bit of extra sprawl room was very welcome.
Amazingly I did sleep quite well, but being seated next to one of the galleys was not so great as it meant i was subjected to the wafts of lovely food smells but one of the last to be served! As usual I inhaled the food, and the portions just serve to whett the appetite!
I meant to blog at Singapore but by the time I´d tried to get me ´free´ internet access, it was a bit late.... nothing much to report at that end, except all the officials are so stern and brook no nonsense from dilly-dallying aussies who try to crack a joke!
Its apparently summer here but someone forgot to tell the weather!
I was glad to have a window seat as saw the most amazing view as we flew over northen afghanistan and those central russian republics. Bright moon and stars in the sky and down below lights arranged like the decorations on peopleś houses at Christmas. At one stage it looked like stars below and above. Of course I forgot to take a pic!
We flew over Windsor castle before we landed here in London, but I didnt see the Queen waving at me ... so disappointed!
Anyway, the next blog will most likely be from my luxury apartment in Bucharest Romania ... hopefully I will not have forgotten to feed the fishes and i will have definitely not forgotten to pay the rent :)
Thursday, May 15, 2008
On my way ...
may 15.
1.30pm and i have around an hour before boarding my flight. Tucking into some hokkien noodles and trying to get my fat fingers accustomed to the small keys on this micro laptop. typing speed will be a problem. Also found the quote and apostrophe key is not working hmm strange, so forgive my poor grammar and punctuation!
The day started with only two hours sleep from the night before. Obviously a bit wound up and excited over the trip.
alison my sister came over and got my place ship shape as it was a disaster zone. Thank goodness she did, nothing worse than coming home to a messy place just as I left it. Think i´ve packed everything I need plus a bit I dont, check in luggage weighed 16kg.
Around 11 am Ken the limo driver arrived in a beautiful tan mercedes, classic motor. Forgot to take pics! He is quite a character! Told me not to worry about paying until I come back!
ok first casualty of the journey: white shirt now has two sauce spots on it courtesy of over enthusiastic noodle eating, ah well, changing shirt at London.
One hour to kill before boarding, time for some aimlessly wandering after posting this blog.
1.30pm and i have around an hour before boarding my flight. Tucking into some hokkien noodles and trying to get my fat fingers accustomed to the small keys on this micro laptop. typing speed will be a problem. Also found the quote and apostrophe key is not working hmm strange, so forgive my poor grammar and punctuation!
The day started with only two hours sleep from the night before. Obviously a bit wound up and excited over the trip.
alison my sister came over and got my place ship shape as it was a disaster zone. Thank goodness she did, nothing worse than coming home to a messy place just as I left it. Think i´ve packed everything I need plus a bit I dont, check in luggage weighed 16kg.
Around 11 am Ken the limo driver arrived in a beautiful tan mercedes, classic motor. Forgot to take pics! He is quite a character! Told me not to worry about paying until I come back!
ok first casualty of the journey: white shirt now has two sauce spots on it courtesy of over enthusiastic noodle eating, ah well, changing shirt at London.
One hour to kill before boarding, time for some aimlessly wandering after posting this blog.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
The Virtual Couch on Tour in Europe!
Welcome to my blog.
Fairly soon I will be off to Europe for a six week holiday, so I thought rather than the numerous emails to various people, I decided to attempt to keep a regular online travel blog so friends, family and complete strangers can keep up with my adventures.
To aid in this endeavour I bought myself a rather cool little laptop which is very nifty. I love useful gadgets!
Apologies in advance to those of you expecting postcards, but we really should abolish that practice of sending postcards to friends and family. They usually only arrive after you've come back, so what is the point!
Now I better get back to my checklist, I fly out on May 15th.
Fairly soon I will be off to Europe for a six week holiday, so I thought rather than the numerous emails to various people, I decided to attempt to keep a regular online travel blog so friends, family and complete strangers can keep up with my adventures.
To aid in this endeavour I bought myself a rather cool little laptop which is very nifty. I love useful gadgets!
Apologies in advance to those of you expecting postcards, but we really should abolish that practice of sending postcards to friends and family. They usually only arrive after you've come back, so what is the point!
Now I better get back to my checklist, I fly out on May 15th.
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