August 23, 2008
This is probably my last blog entry ever. I just don't see the need to blog my life when I'm just at home. I mean I can probably blog the rest of my life right now anyways. Here it is: I go home on Monday. Start my job next Tuesday. Rinse and repeat for some amount of years. Meet a girl who does not completely annoy me and give her a ring as a prize for that. Kids come out of her and she becomes annoying but now I'm stuck with her. Everything is more expensive as a result of living with kids and a woman so I really have to keep working until the kids grow up and go to college. College is a rip off so I have to work even harder. I work and then the kids graduate and go on trips around the world, which I am jealous of. They get home and start working. I laugh in their face about the reality of life. I retire years after that to travel the world once again. So you see there is really no need for me to ever blog again after this.
Ok so I'm not really that depressed about the real life situation thats about to start. I'm beginning to accept that fun life dies a violent death and after that there is real life. This kinda sucks but at least I'll be making money. It could also be worse, since I actually do have a job and my dad is my boss. Lets not talk about me having to start work though because its upsetting me.
So San Diego then. I've been here about 4 or 5 times now and its always nice. Well once it was cloudy the whole week but that isn't the case this time. Its been sunny every day. Tim has to work so I drive him to work in the morning and then he gives me the car and I go to the beach all day. Then around 4 or 5 I pick him up from work and we get some food after that.
Last night we went to a Dave Matthews concert. Everyone brings tons of food and tailgates in the parking lot before the show. Also, everyone is a huge 'Dave' fan and calls him by his first name like they know him personally. Its usually these people's 14th or 15th 'Dave' outting. They even have competitions about it. It goes something like this. EveryDaveFan comes up to me and says 'Hey man where you from?' I say 'Me? Oh I'm from Annapolis.' 'Oh awesome man. So you must really be into Daving then. You came all the way out here just to Dave?' (Dave can be used as a verb if you didn't know.) Then I say 'Well no I just happened to be here and it was going on so I thought I would check it out.' EveryDaveFan says condescendingly ' Oh thats cool so this is like only your 10th or 11th Dave?' I respond with 'no actually, its just my first one.' EveryDaveFan is shocked 'Your first Dave? Your FIRST Dave? I didn't think a first was possible! This must be my 15th or 16th Dave' So after arguing 'what came first, the chicken or the Dave?' for a bit I decided it was time to go in. The show was pretty good but we sat kinda far away. The first 5000 seats or so were filled with 15th time Davers. I was there with Tim and two other friends so we still had a good time.
Ok so I guess now is the time when I reflect on my trip and discuss how I have changed as a person and all that lame stuff. Well I'm not sure I have changed that much, I just realized that everyone is actually very similar to me. There are similarities in everything else too. Bathrooms smell like urine, the line for the womens room is 100 times longer than for the mens (especially at the Vatican when the girls walk in and realize there is no toilet, just a hole), sleepy people on the metro nod their head over and over again, oh and the metro smells bad everywhere too. I was never really shocked by anything I saw save a few moments of pure stupidity, but there is plenty of that in the US so it wasn't that shocking.
I also realized that most people in America work too hard to the point that they don't know why they are doing it. Its like real life makes Americans become work machines that don't know when to turn off and enjoy anything. Not everyone is like that but there are definitely some. Italy might be on the other extreme, but they at least know how to enjoy their lives.
I got to see an experience a lot during this trip and I have no regrets about it. I'm glad I spent all of my money on it. I got to see things I never thought I would see and meet so many nice people from around the world. It was really a great experience and one I couldn't possibly forget. Its been fun but now its real life time. I don't think its going to be all bad.
- Alex
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
The last Hurrah - Melbourne and Sydney
August 16, 2008
Tomorrow is my last day in Australia. This is sad. The trip is pretty much over. This is terrible. I have to work for the rest of my life in about 2 weeks. This is depressing. I can't believe this crap.
Melbourne was pretty nice, but actually cold. At least Brisbane got up to about 75 during the day. When I got off the plane in Melbourne it was about 45 degrees and rainy. It rained on and off the whole time I was there. Being cold isn't a big deal, but being wet and cold isn't too much fun. I have stuff for rain, but not much for the cold. I pretty much walked around the city when it wasn't raining. My hostel was nice but I didn't meet too many people. Everyone in my 10 person room decided to go to bed about 10 pm every night. Lame. I did get to see a film at the Melbourne International Film Festival the first night I was there though. Since it was cold I decided on 'A Christmas Tale'. Sounds like a happy movie right? Nope. It was about 3 hours about a French family that had all these depressing problems. To make it worse it really wasn't that interesting and it was shot in French so I had to read subtitles the whole time. The nextday I went to Victoria Market which is this huge market right near my hostel. I did a little shopping for stuff and then checked out the casino. After donating $50 in 45 minutes to the casino I went back to the hostel a little upset with myself.
The day I left for Sydney was kinda annoying. First the shuttle bus that I paid for said I wasn't outside at 8:30 am so they just decided to leave. I went outside at 8:20 to make sure I didn't miss it. This kinda made me mad and I had to walk to the station. Then the free hostel bus service in Sydney didn't answer the phone so I had to buy a $15 train ticket. Also made me mad. Then the train to the city broke for a half hour. Also made me mad. Even better, I lost my hostel voucher because I had to take it out of my bag for the phone number of the hostel so many times. This wouldn't be that bad if the hostel had my name in their system like they should. I go to the hostel and they can't find my name and I can't find my voucher. This makes me mad. Luckily there was an STA Travel agency nearby so I went to them and they got me a new one. I was in a bit of a bad mood though. I dropped my stuff in my room and went out to the city. I saw the Opera house and walked across the harbor bridge and all that then after that went back to my room.
I met a bunch of people in this hostel. There is a French kid, Loris, who I have been going around the city with. Today we went hiking in the Blue mountains. They are called the blue mountains because some oil in the trees make them appear blue in the distance. We saw some wild kangaroos and some really pretty views but it was a lot of walking up and down a mountain. When we got back to the hostel there was some old creepy Australian guy in the room. Not scary weird but just kinda weird he is there. He was talking to the English girls in the room and telling them how much England sucks but said he has never been there... so... yeah. I think now its dinner time for me. I guess I should have a big night tonight because its my last real night here. Tomorrow night I have to wake up early to go to the airport. Australia for 2 weeks is just a tease.
San Diego on Monday.
- Alex
Tomorrow is my last day in Australia. This is sad. The trip is pretty much over. This is terrible. I have to work for the rest of my life in about 2 weeks. This is depressing. I can't believe this crap.
Melbourne was pretty nice, but actually cold. At least Brisbane got up to about 75 during the day. When I got off the plane in Melbourne it was about 45 degrees and rainy. It rained on and off the whole time I was there. Being cold isn't a big deal, but being wet and cold isn't too much fun. I have stuff for rain, but not much for the cold. I pretty much walked around the city when it wasn't raining. My hostel was nice but I didn't meet too many people. Everyone in my 10 person room decided to go to bed about 10 pm every night. Lame. I did get to see a film at the Melbourne International Film Festival the first night I was there though. Since it was cold I decided on 'A Christmas Tale'. Sounds like a happy movie right? Nope. It was about 3 hours about a French family that had all these depressing problems. To make it worse it really wasn't that interesting and it was shot in French so I had to read subtitles the whole time. The nextday I went to Victoria Market which is this huge market right near my hostel. I did a little shopping for stuff and then checked out the casino. After donating $50 in 45 minutes to the casino I went back to the hostel a little upset with myself.
The day I left for Sydney was kinda annoying. First the shuttle bus that I paid for said I wasn't outside at 8:30 am so they just decided to leave. I went outside at 8:20 to make sure I didn't miss it. This kinda made me mad and I had to walk to the station. Then the free hostel bus service in Sydney didn't answer the phone so I had to buy a $15 train ticket. Also made me mad. Then the train to the city broke for a half hour. Also made me mad. Even better, I lost my hostel voucher because I had to take it out of my bag for the phone number of the hostel so many times. This wouldn't be that bad if the hostel had my name in their system like they should. I go to the hostel and they can't find my name and I can't find my voucher. This makes me mad. Luckily there was an STA Travel agency nearby so I went to them and they got me a new one. I was in a bit of a bad mood though. I dropped my stuff in my room and went out to the city. I saw the Opera house and walked across the harbor bridge and all that then after that went back to my room.
I met a bunch of people in this hostel. There is a French kid, Loris, who I have been going around the city with. Today we went hiking in the Blue mountains. They are called the blue mountains because some oil in the trees make them appear blue in the distance. We saw some wild kangaroos and some really pretty views but it was a lot of walking up and down a mountain. When we got back to the hostel there was some old creepy Australian guy in the room. Not scary weird but just kinda weird he is there. He was talking to the English girls in the room and telling them how much England sucks but said he has never been there... so... yeah. I think now its dinner time for me. I guess I should have a big night tonight because its my last real night here. Tomorrow night I have to wake up early to go to the airport. Australia for 2 weeks is just a tease.
San Diego on Monday.
- Alex
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Headed to Melbourne
Aug 9th, 2008
Tomorrow I'm off to Melbourne. Brisbane was really amazing. There might not be tons to do in the city during the day, but there are a million things to do within 2 hours by car. I got to see some amazing stuff because of Sarah.
The third day I was here I decided to go to the zoo. They let you walk around with kangaroos, play with koala bears, and feed elephants. It was a lot of fun because of the contact with the animals. The kangaroos were really funny. They are kinda like a cat or a dog, they love you to scratch around their ears and their neck. Then the just plop down on the ground and lay in the sun. Some times they dig holes for no apparent reason.
The next day I just walked around the city with Sarah to see what happens in Brisbane during the day. Its a small city but it was fun just checking out the shops and going different cafes. We got a bunch of food and then met up with one of her friends for some tea. I don't really like tea that much but its ok I guess.
Friday we went to a place called O'Rileys. Its a rainforest in the mountains. These beautiful birds just come and land right on you if you have food. I must have had 7 of them on me at one point. Then we hiked through the woods and went through the tree top walk. We climbed all the way to the top of one tree because they have ladders and little tree forts. After the trees we hiked a few more kilometers to some waterfalls. After jumping around the rocks a bit there the girls decided they wanted to go in a pool before the waterfall. I said it was too cold, but I attempted to get in too. It felt like someone had a put a thousand blocks of ice upriver and let the water flow through it to us. It was the kind of cold that immediately makes your lungs close and pain shoots straight through your muscles to the bone. It definitely did not feel good. I got out pretty quickly and fell asleep on a rock in the sun for a bit.
Today I went to Moreton Island. I thought I was going to do that a few days ago but it didn't work out. It was a lot of fun. People just drive 4wd trucks around all day through the paths. One truck got stuck and we had to help it out. I was also trying to call Julianne all day to say happy birthday but between no signal and no answers at home it didn't end up working out. So happy birthday Julianne. It was a bit cold since its winter and all but we still managed to do some swimming. We swam in a fresh water lake called the blue lagoon and then went up to the highest point on the island to look at any marine life we could see in the waters below. We saw some dolphins and some sea turtles but no whales. It was still amazing regardless. The sky and ocean were such a deep blue they almost blended together at the horizon. We also got to drink from a freshwater spring right on the beach. You just dig down about 6 inches and freshwater starts pumping out of the sand. We just cupped our hands and drank right off the beach. We took the boat back around 3:30 and I met up with Sarah and Jordan after that for a goodbye dinner.Melbourne tomorrow.
- Alex
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Australia
Aug 5th, 2008
Well, I finally made it to Australia. The flight was fine other than the woman who talked entirely too loud to the woman next to her the entire flight (pretty annoying at 3 am). It was strange to get off the plane in Sydney to 40 degree weather after being in 100 degree heat the day before. I still can't get over this winter in August thing. It gets dark around 5:30 here. Its almost depressing that I will have 2 extra weeks of it being dark early this year than I have to. Oh well, I think everyone at home is still jealous.
I got to Brisbane around 3 pm and met up with my friend Sarah who I met teaching English in Italy last year. I put my bag in a locker and we went to meet up with her friend Jordan for some coffee and avacado toast.
After coffee we just walked around the city. I looked for kangaroos the entire time, but there apparently aren't any in the city. I'm thinking that I am going to have to go to a zoo to see them, because 2 weeks isn't really enough time to see 3 cities in Australia and venture out into the true bush.
Today we went to the Gold Coast. We went to the local part of the beach where its nicer (the benefit of knowing locals). The sun still feels plenty strong here in the 'dead of winter'. The dead of winter is still about 70 degrees during the day and hot in the sun. The water was a bit cold but warm enough to swim. We went in and got used to it in about 5 minutes. Contrary to what my mom thinks, I didn't get attacked by sharks as soon as I touched the water. I'm still alive.
We then took a walk in a national park and I saw a bush turkey. They are pretty funny looking. I also got to play with cockatiels because Sarah's family has two of them. They are really friendly but bite a bit right now because its nesting season.
Tomorrow I am going to try to go to Moreton island which is a sand island right off the coast. You can drive a 4 wheeler there and go sand toboggaining. Its also pretty common to see whales there in August because its their migration period.
- Alex
Well, I finally made it to Australia. The flight was fine other than the woman who talked entirely too loud to the woman next to her the entire flight (pretty annoying at 3 am). It was strange to get off the plane in Sydney to 40 degree weather after being in 100 degree heat the day before. I still can't get over this winter in August thing. It gets dark around 5:30 here. Its almost depressing that I will have 2 extra weeks of it being dark early this year than I have to. Oh well, I think everyone at home is still jealous.
I got to Brisbane around 3 pm and met up with my friend Sarah who I met teaching English in Italy last year. I put my bag in a locker and we went to meet up with her friend Jordan for some coffee and avacado toast.
After coffee we just walked around the city. I looked for kangaroos the entire time, but there apparently aren't any in the city. I'm thinking that I am going to have to go to a zoo to see them, because 2 weeks isn't really enough time to see 3 cities in Australia and venture out into the true bush.
Today we went to the Gold Coast. We went to the local part of the beach where its nicer (the benefit of knowing locals). The sun still feels plenty strong here in the 'dead of winter'. The dead of winter is still about 70 degrees during the day and hot in the sun. The water was a bit cold but warm enough to swim. We went in and got used to it in about 5 minutes. Contrary to what my mom thinks, I didn't get attacked by sharks as soon as I touched the water. I'm still alive.
We then took a walk in a national park and I saw a bush turkey. They are pretty funny looking. I also got to play with cockatiels because Sarah's family has two of them. They are really friendly but bite a bit right now because its nesting season.
Tomorrow I am going to try to go to Moreton island which is a sand island right off the coast. You can drive a 4 wheeler there and go sand toboggaining. Its also pretty common to see whales there in August because its their migration period.
- Alex
Saturday, August 2, 2008
The problem with being alone
Aug 2, 2008
I thought being this far from home alone I might feel a bit lonely. That is not the case at all. I guess I don't even really think about it. The biggest problem is that I can't laugh when I see funny stuff. Yesterday, for example, I was walking through the metro and disney Hong Kong had an its a small world promotion going. The little people on the wall looked just like the ones from the Orlando one except the asian to white ratio was swapped. So I'm walking through the subway and they are playing the song its a small world, these little asian cartoons were all on the wall and all these tiny asians were walking past me as I towered over them. I really did start laughing. Maybe this doesn't sound that funny but it was really funny to me at the time. If someone else was with me we could have laughed together and it would have looked normal, but I was alone laughing as I walked so I must have looked a bit strange.
Anyways, yesterday I bought a ticket for the US olympic soccer friendly match against Cameroon. I also get to see the Ivory Coast play the Netherlands. The ticket cost $280 for club level 2nd row or $36 USD. Yeah I treated myself to the best ticket they had. The first game starts at 5 pm so I am going to walk around the city and maybe go to some museums before the games.
I also went and saw the Giant Buddha on one of the other islands yesterday. It was pretty awesome. Just a huge 100 foot Buddha sitting at the top of about 400 stairs in the mountains. I stayed there for a bit then came back to Hong Kong for some dinner.
I got food at this small restaurant where I couldn't read the menu. I just pointed to pictures. I was the only white person in the room for a while, then one more came in. I just sat by myself, another downside of being alone, which was kinda weird because I had nothing to do while waiting for my food. I got some sort of fried rice and some crab rolls for about 11 dollars total including tip (I wasn't sure if I was supposed to so I did). Then I went and got ice cream. The ice cream cost almost as much as my whole dinner. Damn Hagen Daaz. I decided against sitting at a bar alone and getting a beer because I wasn't in the mood to meet people so I took the ferry back across the harbor.
I got a lemon tea and listened to music while looking at the skyline. I still can't get over the skyline at night here. New York has nothing on it. Its the coolest city I've ever seen at night. After a little while this girl started talking to me who was doing the same thing. Her name is Dani and she is from Hong Kong. She told me I looked 16. I wasn't too happy about that. I asked her about good places to eat and what its like living here. She thought it was funny that I had a book about Hong Kong and said it was crap. I tend to agree with her on that although its better than nothing. Around 11 I went back to my room and did some laundry then it was bed time.
Australia tomorrow night!
- Alex
I thought being this far from home alone I might feel a bit lonely. That is not the case at all. I guess I don't even really think about it. The biggest problem is that I can't laugh when I see funny stuff. Yesterday, for example, I was walking through the metro and disney Hong Kong had an its a small world promotion going. The little people on the wall looked just like the ones from the Orlando one except the asian to white ratio was swapped. So I'm walking through the subway and they are playing the song its a small world, these little asian cartoons were all on the wall and all these tiny asians were walking past me as I towered over them. I really did start laughing. Maybe this doesn't sound that funny but it was really funny to me at the time. If someone else was with me we could have laughed together and it would have looked normal, but I was alone laughing as I walked so I must have looked a bit strange.
Anyways, yesterday I bought a ticket for the US olympic soccer friendly match against Cameroon. I also get to see the Ivory Coast play the Netherlands. The ticket cost $280 for club level 2nd row or $36 USD. Yeah I treated myself to the best ticket they had. The first game starts at 5 pm so I am going to walk around the city and maybe go to some museums before the games.
I also went and saw the Giant Buddha on one of the other islands yesterday. It was pretty awesome. Just a huge 100 foot Buddha sitting at the top of about 400 stairs in the mountains. I stayed there for a bit then came back to Hong Kong for some dinner.
I got food at this small restaurant where I couldn't read the menu. I just pointed to pictures. I was the only white person in the room for a while, then one more came in. I just sat by myself, another downside of being alone, which was kinda weird because I had nothing to do while waiting for my food. I got some sort of fried rice and some crab rolls for about 11 dollars total including tip (I wasn't sure if I was supposed to so I did). Then I went and got ice cream. The ice cream cost almost as much as my whole dinner. Damn Hagen Daaz. I decided against sitting at a bar alone and getting a beer because I wasn't in the mood to meet people so I took the ferry back across the harbor.
I got a lemon tea and listened to music while looking at the skyline. I still can't get over the skyline at night here. New York has nothing on it. Its the coolest city I've ever seen at night. After a little while this girl started talking to me who was doing the same thing. Her name is Dani and she is from Hong Kong. She told me I looked 16. I wasn't too happy about that. I asked her about good places to eat and what its like living here. She thought it was funny that I had a book about Hong Kong and said it was crap. I tend to agree with her on that although its better than nothing. Around 11 I went back to my room and did some laundry then it was bed time.
Australia tomorrow night!
- Alex
Thursday, July 31, 2008
First Impressions of Hong Kong
July 31, 2008
It took me 30 hours to get here but its worth it. I've never seen a place like this. I don't think there is another place like this. It really is where the west meets the east. The plane rides weren't too bad at all. Qatar Air says they are a 5 star airline and they really are. They had the biggest selection of movies I've seen. Their food wasn't too bad, they give you as much as you want for free and they even serve hot towels multiple times per flight. The only problem was that the plane from Doha to Hong Kong had a fuel leak. This meant an extra 4 hour delay on top of my 6 hour layover. If I had been at Heathrow this wouldn't have been too bad... there is tons to do in the airport. I probably could have seen a movie if I wanted there... but Doha has NOTHING.
I sat. Then I walked back and forth. Then I sat. Then I passed out on my own lap. Then I sat. Then they moved us. Then I sat. Then we moved again and I sat. You get the picture. When we finally got on the plane I immediately passed out. I slept 6 hours of the 8 and a half. I woke up somewhere over China. This was the only good part of the delay. It got me so tired I actually slept on the flight. This was a big deal to me. When I finally got to my hostel I fell asleep from 10 pm to 11 am. I guess I was tired.
One of the other annoying things was that I sat next to a Chinese man who loved to slurp everything and then smack it. At first he was eating noodles so I thought thats just how it was done. Then he was eating chicken and doing the same thing. It seemed like he did it just to make me mad. I didn't understand the need to smack everything in his mouth. It was like this 'slllluuuuurp... smack smack smack smack slllllurrrp'. I guess there are a few cultural differences I need to get over.
Hong Kong itself is awesome. There are tons of tall buildings AND everything is way cheaper than London. The US dollar still has some power here. After being in Europe and England this is really nice. I got a big lunch, shaving cream and toothpaste for about $10. This sounds like normal but it would have been around $20 in London for that.
Right now I am in a cafe on free internet (Another thing that wouldn't happen in Europe) right on the harbor. I am at the walkway of the stars. Its like Hollywood where all the stars put their hands into cement. Its pretty cool but I don't know any of the stars. It overlooks the harbor and all the buildings. This is really cool here at night because 10 or so of the buildings participate in a coordinated light show to music. I saw it last night as I was getting here but I didn't know what was going on till I read about it. I guess I'll try to see it better to night.
Also, US soccer is playing a warmup match on Saturday night against an African team I think. Im going to try to get tickets. Last night I was watching it and there was no one there so maybe it will be cheap.
My hostel is ok but the room is really small. I have a tv and a bathroom, but the bathroom is a combo. What I mean by that is that it is basically a shower with a toilet and sink in it. It was a bit odd hosing down the toilet when I was showering but I'll get used to it. Also, it has no windows so when I wake up I really have no clue what time it is. It serves its purpose though and for $30 USD a night I'm not complaining too much.
Julianne would love Hong Kong. She would shop all day. They have all the same designer stuff as well as tons of cool local things all for much cheaper. I've seen awesome looking chinese dresses for around $100 HKD which is just about $13 USD. I'd get some stuff for her but I don't have any idea what she likes or any room for it. It a shame going to all these places and seeing so many cool things I want but not being able to get any of it because I have no room for it. Oh well.
I'm going back out now to explore. Talk to you later.
- Alex
It took me 30 hours to get here but its worth it. I've never seen a place like this. I don't think there is another place like this. It really is where the west meets the east. The plane rides weren't too bad at all. Qatar Air says they are a 5 star airline and they really are. They had the biggest selection of movies I've seen. Their food wasn't too bad, they give you as much as you want for free and they even serve hot towels multiple times per flight. The only problem was that the plane from Doha to Hong Kong had a fuel leak. This meant an extra 4 hour delay on top of my 6 hour layover. If I had been at Heathrow this wouldn't have been too bad... there is tons to do in the airport. I probably could have seen a movie if I wanted there... but Doha has NOTHING.
I sat. Then I walked back and forth. Then I sat. Then I passed out on my own lap. Then I sat. Then they moved us. Then I sat. Then we moved again and I sat. You get the picture. When we finally got on the plane I immediately passed out. I slept 6 hours of the 8 and a half. I woke up somewhere over China. This was the only good part of the delay. It got me so tired I actually slept on the flight. This was a big deal to me. When I finally got to my hostel I fell asleep from 10 pm to 11 am. I guess I was tired.
One of the other annoying things was that I sat next to a Chinese man who loved to slurp everything and then smack it. At first he was eating noodles so I thought thats just how it was done. Then he was eating chicken and doing the same thing. It seemed like he did it just to make me mad. I didn't understand the need to smack everything in his mouth. It was like this 'slllluuuuurp... smack smack smack smack slllllurrrp'. I guess there are a few cultural differences I need to get over.
Hong Kong itself is awesome. There are tons of tall buildings AND everything is way cheaper than London. The US dollar still has some power here. After being in Europe and England this is really nice. I got a big lunch, shaving cream and toothpaste for about $10. This sounds like normal but it would have been around $20 in London for that.
Right now I am in a cafe on free internet (Another thing that wouldn't happen in Europe) right on the harbor. I am at the walkway of the stars. Its like Hollywood where all the stars put their hands into cement. Its pretty cool but I don't know any of the stars. It overlooks the harbor and all the buildings. This is really cool here at night because 10 or so of the buildings participate in a coordinated light show to music. I saw it last night as I was getting here but I didn't know what was going on till I read about it. I guess I'll try to see it better to night.
Also, US soccer is playing a warmup match on Saturday night against an African team I think. Im going to try to get tickets. Last night I was watching it and there was no one there so maybe it will be cheap.
My hostel is ok but the room is really small. I have a tv and a bathroom, but the bathroom is a combo. What I mean by that is that it is basically a shower with a toilet and sink in it. It was a bit odd hosing down the toilet when I was showering but I'll get used to it. Also, it has no windows so when I wake up I really have no clue what time it is. It serves its purpose though and for $30 USD a night I'm not complaining too much.
Julianne would love Hong Kong. She would shop all day. They have all the same designer stuff as well as tons of cool local things all for much cheaper. I've seen awesome looking chinese dresses for around $100 HKD which is just about $13 USD. I'd get some stuff for her but I don't have any idea what she likes or any room for it. It a shame going to all these places and seeing so many cool things I want but not being able to get any of it because I have no room for it. Oh well.
I'm going back out now to explore. Talk to you later.
- Alex
Sunday, July 27, 2008
London
July 27 2008
The flight from Perugia to London was really nice. Clear skys all the way until we got over England. Big surprise. While we were landing I overheard a woman say that it was 'quite a nice day today', but it was mostly cloudy. When I got into the airport I stood in the wrong line twice while trying to clear customs. I don't know what the point of being in an English speaking country is if you aren't going to read the signs anyways. After I finally figured it out, the customs officer asked me a million questions ranging from where I was staying to who I'll be working for when I return home.
After I finally got through I went to the 'hole in the wall' to get some cash out. I took the train from Stansted to London which took about 45 minutes then went to find Sophie's office. I had to get a name tag printed out before the huge security guards would let me through. It was a bit intimidating going into that place, especially dressed like I was - shorts and a t-shirt. We went up stairs and dropped my bag and I left to go tour London till Sophie finished work.
I decided to visit Big Ben first. I took the 'tube' there and sat in the garden listening to music and reading the paper. While I sat there the clouds broke up and it got really sunny. This meant that I had to retake all the pictures of Big Ben. I then went and saw the eye of London. Its a huge ferris wheel right next to Big Ben. After sitting in the park there for a bit Sophie called and I went to meet her and her co-workers for some drinks.
Everyone in the commercial part of London go out for drinks outside if the weather is nice. Again I was well underdressed. The closest person to me might have taken his tie and jacket off. I met Sophies friends and we made plans to go to dinner then out after.
I got some spicy curry for dinner because I have been craving something spicy for a while (Italy doesn't really do spicy). The dinner was really nice and we 'had some laughs' with Sophie's friends. We tried to convince her friend Sameer to come out to Infernos, but he wouldn't come even though its supposedly his favorite place. Everyone else says that the 'cheese' music and the vomit on the floor would be too much for them. I had a great time. They played some real classics and they had a place on stage where two people could get up and dance in front of everyone (Sophie danced in front of everyone). At about 3:30 we started our adverture home.
The nice thing about London is that busses run all night... just not necessarily where you want them to. It took 2 busses and a mile walk to get home and it was getting light when we got there. When we got back Sophie showed me my room and I was thrilled to find a REAL bed. Not a couch not a floor, a REAL bed. This might not sound like a big deal but if you lived like me the past 8 months its pretty cool.
Ok I'm sort of rambling now. So Saturday I didn't wake up till about 12:30. We missed the 2:30 train just because of laziness so we took an even later one. We walked around town saw Buckingham Palace, got some expensive Coke, sat in some chairs in the park, and gave Sameer crap about not coming out the night before. Then we went to London's 'Times Square' or Piccadily Circus. Its pretty nice. Unfortunately I gave up my Starbucks virginity while at the Circus. It was pretty depressing, but quite good. While drinking the devil's milk we walked through Leicester Square on our way to Covent Garden, where we watched a guy put a sword down his throat, while standing on the top of a ladder, while juggling. Crazy. Then he wanted money for it for some reason. I gave him a pound to shut him up. So did about 200 other people.
After that I had a delicious burger. It was awesome. It had been a while since I have eaten food that actaully filled me up. This might be why I like London so much. I've actually been filled after every meal here. Anyways, after this we went to a pub in South London to see Sophie's cousin Jamie for his birthday. The people in London get pretty drunk. At one point this guy pulled himself out in front of everyone. This guy makes Steve look conservative. We closed down the pub then went home.
Today we decided to go see the Lion King and it was amazing. They were so creative with the costumes. My favorite was obviously the elephant. I would recommend seeing it. I'd tell you more but I don't want to give away the ending.
Tomorrow Sophie has to go to work or something like that. (I think she is lying and is just trying to get away from me). I'm going to walk around London and probably buy Maryland Cookies... which we don't have in Maryland for some reason. After she gets out of work we are going to the pub (big surprise) and then I get ready to go to Hong Kong on Tuesday.
- Alex
Talk to you
The flight from Perugia to London was really nice. Clear skys all the way until we got over England. Big surprise. While we were landing I overheard a woman say that it was 'quite a nice day today', but it was mostly cloudy. When I got into the airport I stood in the wrong line twice while trying to clear customs. I don't know what the point of being in an English speaking country is if you aren't going to read the signs anyways. After I finally figured it out, the customs officer asked me a million questions ranging from where I was staying to who I'll be working for when I return home.
After I finally got through I went to the 'hole in the wall' to get some cash out. I took the train from Stansted to London which took about 45 minutes then went to find Sophie's office. I had to get a name tag printed out before the huge security guards would let me through. It was a bit intimidating going into that place, especially dressed like I was - shorts and a t-shirt. We went up stairs and dropped my bag and I left to go tour London till Sophie finished work.
I decided to visit Big Ben first. I took the 'tube' there and sat in the garden listening to music and reading the paper. While I sat there the clouds broke up and it got really sunny. This meant that I had to retake all the pictures of Big Ben. I then went and saw the eye of London. Its a huge ferris wheel right next to Big Ben. After sitting in the park there for a bit Sophie called and I went to meet her and her co-workers for some drinks.
Everyone in the commercial part of London go out for drinks outside if the weather is nice. Again I was well underdressed. The closest person to me might have taken his tie and jacket off. I met Sophies friends and we made plans to go to dinner then out after.
I got some spicy curry for dinner because I have been craving something spicy for a while (Italy doesn't really do spicy). The dinner was really nice and we 'had some laughs' with Sophie's friends. We tried to convince her friend Sameer to come out to Infernos, but he wouldn't come even though its supposedly his favorite place. Everyone else says that the 'cheese' music and the vomit on the floor would be too much for them. I had a great time. They played some real classics and they had a place on stage where two people could get up and dance in front of everyone (Sophie danced in front of everyone). At about 3:30 we started our adverture home.
The nice thing about London is that busses run all night... just not necessarily where you want them to. It took 2 busses and a mile walk to get home and it was getting light when we got there. When we got back Sophie showed me my room and I was thrilled to find a REAL bed. Not a couch not a floor, a REAL bed. This might not sound like a big deal but if you lived like me the past 8 months its pretty cool.
Ok I'm sort of rambling now. So Saturday I didn't wake up till about 12:30. We missed the 2:30 train just because of laziness so we took an even later one. We walked around town saw Buckingham Palace, got some expensive Coke, sat in some chairs in the park, and gave Sameer crap about not coming out the night before. Then we went to London's 'Times Square' or Piccadily Circus. Its pretty nice. Unfortunately I gave up my Starbucks virginity while at the Circus. It was pretty depressing, but quite good. While drinking the devil's milk we walked through Leicester Square on our way to Covent Garden, where we watched a guy put a sword down his throat, while standing on the top of a ladder, while juggling. Crazy. Then he wanted money for it for some reason. I gave him a pound to shut him up. So did about 200 other people.
After that I had a delicious burger. It was awesome. It had been a while since I have eaten food that actaully filled me up. This might be why I like London so much. I've actually been filled after every meal here. Anyways, after this we went to a pub in South London to see Sophie's cousin Jamie for his birthday. The people in London get pretty drunk. At one point this guy pulled himself out in front of everyone. This guy makes Steve look conservative. We closed down the pub then went home.
Today we decided to go see the Lion King and it was amazing. They were so creative with the costumes. My favorite was obviously the elephant. I would recommend seeing it. I'd tell you more but I don't want to give away the ending.
Tomorrow Sophie has to go to work or something like that. (I think she is lying and is just trying to get away from me). I'm going to walk around London and probably buy Maryland Cookies... which we don't have in Maryland for some reason. After she gets out of work we are going to the pub (big surprise) and then I get ready to go to Hong Kong on Tuesday.
- Alex
Talk to you
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Assisi Week 3
July 23, 2008
Time is really flying by. Its almost time to leave
Italy. After the English camp ended everything went even faster.
On Monday Christinia took us to to the top of the mountain. Its a bit of a ride and not for those who get car sick easily (Nate had to sit in the front seat with the windown down). Once we got up top we had a really great view of the area. You can see all the surrounding cities (Santa Maria, Perugia, Spello, Foligno, Trevy, Speleto and others). It was a really nice day, but a bit cold up there. We brought lunch and had a picnic then just laid out in the sun for an hour or so before going to Spello for some Ice Cream. The car ride was really nice all the way up and across the mountain then back down the other side. There were also hang gliders from Germany at the top of the mountain about to take off while we were up there. Its a good location for it apparently.
Today we attempted to go to Rome. I say attempted because TrenItalia sometimes doesnt work very well. When we got near the town of Speleto, about 30 minutes from Assisi by train, a piece of track broke or something. We had to get off the train in Speleto and wait. They said they didnt know how long it would be before we could go again so we abandoned the idea of Rome for today and spend the day in Speleto. We are going to try again tomorrow.
Time is really flying by. Its almost time to leave
Italy. After the English camp ended everything went even faster.
On Saturday night Nate, Ashley, Christinia and I went to Perugia to see the Umbria Jazz Festival. It was a lot of fun. There were some free concerts there so we went to those. If I felt like paying 60 euro (95 dollars) I could have seen Alicia Keys or REM, but I dont have that kind of money to blow. The band we did see was called Funk Off. I dont know if the Italians realized what their word play meant, but they played a great show. They were an Italian version of a New Orleans band with tons of energy. There were trumpets, saxs, drummers and tubas and they really got everyone into the show.
On Sunday we went up to the top of Assisi to see the castle, then walked back down the hill to go to a wine bar that Nate and Ashley like. After a 15 minute walk up hill we reached the castle. Nate didnt know much about it, but it was cool to look at. It also had a great view of Assisi and the valley where Nate lives. 
The wine bar was also very good. Something I really like about Italy is that they give you tons of snacks when you get a glass of wine. They give you nuts, chips, olives and little sandwiches. Its pretty good. To be honest I sometimes get a glass just so they give me the snacks. After the wine bar we walked around Assisi a bit before going home.
On Monday Christinia took us to to the top of the mountain. Its a bit of a ride and not for those who get car sick easily (Nate had to sit in the front seat with the windown down). Once we got up top we had a really great view of the area. You can see all the surrounding cities (Santa Maria, Perugia, Spello, Foligno, Trevy, Speleto and others). It was a really nice day, but a bit cold up there. We brought lunch and had a picnic then just laid out in the sun for an hour or so before going to Spello for some Ice Cream. The car ride was really nice all the way up and across the mountain then back down the other side. There were also hang gliders from Germany at the top of the mountain about to take off while we were up there. Its a good location for it apparently.
Today we attempted to go to Rome. I say attempted because TrenItalia sometimes doesnt work very well. When we got near the town of Speleto, about 30 minutes from Assisi by train, a piece of track broke or something. We had to get off the train in Speleto and wait. They said they didnt know how long it would be before we could go again so we abandoned the idea of Rome for today and spend the day in Speleto. We are going to try again tomorrow. Speleto was a nice town. It also had great views of the valley and a castle at the top of the hill. In this region I would be considered to be well traveled just because I have been in most of the cities in the valley and surrounding areas. Nate told me a story about a woman who told him that one of the cities she could see from her house was the most beautiful city in the world. Nate asked her if she had ever been there and she said no. Going to another town is kinda a big deal I guess even if its right down the road.
Anyways so after we got our first coffee in Spoleto we ate our lunch (that was supposed to be eaten in the Roman Forum) then got another coffee and played Uno while waiting for our train home. Nate and Ashley are really into Uno so when I got a call from my dad I had to keep playing while trying to talk to him. Apparently its not as good with two people.
Its been a really great weekend and I have another great week ahead. Im going to meet up with some friends from last year in London along with some high school friends that found out I am going to be there via the power of Facebook. Im going to be a little sad to leave Italy. Its been a lot of fun here but I am excited for London and I am ready to do some traveling again.
-Alex
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Assisi Week 2
July 13 2008
Ive been in Europe for a month now. It seems like it is flying by. This last week went by really fast it seemed and I didnt really do that much. Every day I go to the grocery store in the morning and then take the train to Foligno in the afternoon to go to English camp. There werent enough kids for me to work it so I just hang out at the pool all day and sometimes play kickball and soccer with the kids. Its not too bad of a deal.
This weekend we went to a town called Arrezo to meet up with some other kids we knew from English camp. Their camp was at a nice hotel in the mountains. We went swimming during the day and then they had a mideval dinner they cooked for us. I think their camp had a mideval theme or something because they had all these costumes. We had to dress up for the dinner and everything. Gave us pork and a bit of this salad stuff. It was really good. Afterwards we went to the cafe and had a glass of wine. The hotel also let us sleep in the lobby for free. They gave us pull out beds. It was a bit odd sleeping in a lobby but it was free so I didnt complain. In the morning we took the train back and hung out in Assisi. Right now I am uploading some pictures to the internet on Picasa. You can look at them here: http://picasaweb.google.com/Baddock86/AroundTheWorld
Ive booked a flight to London on July 25th. Im going to meet up with my English friend Sophie and she is going to show me around for the weekend. Im looking forward to it since Ive only flown through London.
- Alex
Ive been in Europe for a month now. It seems like it is flying by. This last week went by really fast it seemed and I didnt really do that much. Every day I go to the grocery store in the morning and then take the train to Foligno in the afternoon to go to English camp. There werent enough kids for me to work it so I just hang out at the pool all day and sometimes play kickball and soccer with the kids. Its not too bad of a deal.
This weekend we went to a town called Arrezo to meet up with some other kids we knew from English camp. Their camp was at a nice hotel in the mountains. We went swimming during the day and then they had a mideval dinner they cooked for us. I think their camp had a mideval theme or something because they had all these costumes. We had to dress up for the dinner and everything. Gave us pork and a bit of this salad stuff. It was really good. Afterwards we went to the cafe and had a glass of wine. The hotel also let us sleep in the lobby for free. They gave us pull out beds. It was a bit odd sleeping in a lobby but it was free so I didnt complain. In the morning we took the train back and hung out in Assisi. Right now I am uploading some pictures to the internet on Picasa. You can look at them here: http://picasaweb.google.com/Baddock86/AroundTheWorld
Ive booked a flight to London on July 25th. Im going to meet up with my English friend Sophie and she is going to show me around for the weekend. Im looking forward to it since Ive only flown through London.
- Alex
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Back to Assisi
July 6th 2008
Im back to Assisi for a few weeks now. Meghan left on Friday the 4th to go home. It felt a little funny when she left because I really realized that I was across the world by myself. I have had this feeling before, but it is a bit odd when it happens. You are in a safe place and know youll be fine but you know no one. I met up with Nate later that day and the feeling went away, but I suspect I will really get it when I am in Hong Kong by myself in August.
Right now my plan is to fly to London on Friday July 25th and stay for the weekend before my flight to Hong Kong. Assisi is a relaxing place. The weather has been really nice even if its a bit hot. It cools of a bit at night and there is not much humidity so it has not been bad. I have been reading the book the Life of Pi the past few days since Meghan finished it and didnt want to take it home. She said it was weird but I have been unable to put it down. Nate has a bunch of books so when I finish it I guess I will start on one of his.
Something that is almost a miracle has already happened in Assisi. I have started to eat onions. Nate puts them in almost everything and one night i was so hungry I just ate them and decided they are not that bad if they are cooked. I know. I cant believe it. Who knows what else this city will do to me if it already has me eating onions after 2 days. I was thinking I would start running again too. We will see about that one.
So last night we sat on the porch and drank wine as the stars came out. Dont worry Ashley was there too. It wasnt just nate and me. If you are wondering why I am not punctuating my contractions its because I cant find the key. Anyways, it was really nice out and we had a glass of wine. The really cool thing was that the monks sing on Saturday night so we heard them singing as the stars were coming out. After wine we went and got some ice cream and sat in the square next to the chruch. We start every day with a cup of coffee at the coffee bar next to Nates apartment. This place has a nice small town feel but still has a lot to do. Its much different here but so far I like it.
- Alex
- Alex
Im back to Assisi for a few weeks now. Meghan left on Friday the 4th to go home. It felt a little funny when she left because I really realized that I was across the world by myself. I have had this feeling before, but it is a bit odd when it happens. You are in a safe place and know youll be fine but you know no one. I met up with Nate later that day and the feeling went away, but I suspect I will really get it when I am in Hong Kong by myself in August.
Right now my plan is to fly to London on Friday July 25th and stay for the weekend before my flight to Hong Kong. Assisi is a relaxing place. The weather has been really nice even if its a bit hot. It cools of a bit at night and there is not much humidity so it has not been bad. I have been reading the book the Life of Pi the past few days since Meghan finished it and didnt want to take it home. She said it was weird but I have been unable to put it down. Nate has a bunch of books so when I finish it I guess I will start on one of his.
Something that is almost a miracle has already happened in Assisi. I have started to eat onions. Nate puts them in almost everything and one night i was so hungry I just ate them and decided they are not that bad if they are cooked. I know. I cant believe it. Who knows what else this city will do to me if it already has me eating onions after 2 days. I was thinking I would start running again too. We will see about that one.
So last night we sat on the porch and drank wine as the stars came out. Dont worry Ashley was there too. It wasnt just nate and me. If you are wondering why I am not punctuating my contractions its because I cant find the key. Anyways, it was really nice out and we had a glass of wine. The really cool thing was that the monks sing on Saturday night so we heard them singing as the stars were coming out. After wine we went and got some ice cream and sat in the square next to the chruch. We start every day with a cup of coffee at the coffee bar next to Nates apartment. This place has a nice small town feel but still has a lot to do. Its much different here but so far I like it.
- Alex
- Alex
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Venice, Rimini, Assisi, Rome
July 2nd 2008
Right now Meghan and I are in Rome. Its pretty hot here but not to bad. Venice was a lot of fun, but a bit different from the rest of our trip. We were at a camp site a bit outside of the city. We met a lot of fun people and hung out with them the whole time. The Irish couple was fun to talk to and we also met these kids from Denmark took us to the beach one day because they had a car. We only went into Venice for about 4 hours one day without a map so we got kinda lost but we got to see it. The place we stayed had a pool and restaurant so at night we would just come back and relax there when we werent being attacked by bugs. Thank God for off spray...
Rimini was also a good time because we just got to sit on the beach for 2 days. Other than the sunburn we got it was perfect. Our hotel looked right out over the sea and we just sat in beach chairs and relaxed during the day. It was like Ocean City except not as dirty... so maybe like Bethany. Since its more of a tourist spot for Italians, the prices were a lot cheaper which was nice.
Yesterday we were in Assisi. Its a really pretty city. It has that small Italian town feel to it. Nate is really good with Italian now so its fine for him, but it would be difficult for me to be there alone. The people there are really nice. Nate knows the people at all the shops and cafes and they seem really nice. His apartment is right in the middle of the valley and has a nice view of the church of St. Francis at night. Its going to be nice to be there for a few weeks.
Now we are in Rome. Its pretty hot here but there are no bugs so its fine. We are waiting for the private bus from our campsite to take us to the Vatican in 20 minutes. We are planning on walking around the city all day and then coming back here and relaxing by the pool tonight. Tomorrow we plan to do the same because Rome has probably the most to see out of any city we have been to yet.
Meghan is leaving on Friday to go back home. Its crazy how fast 3 weeks have gone by, but at least I still have about 6 more before I have to go home. So far is hasnt been to bad traveling because we have had two heads to figures stuff out. I think Ill make a few more mistakes without her here. Its all in the adventure though. Ill be fine.
- Alex
Right now Meghan and I are in Rome. Its pretty hot here but not to bad. Venice was a lot of fun, but a bit different from the rest of our trip. We were at a camp site a bit outside of the city. We met a lot of fun people and hung out with them the whole time. The Irish couple was fun to talk to and we also met these kids from Denmark took us to the beach one day because they had a car. We only went into Venice for about 4 hours one day without a map so we got kinda lost but we got to see it. The place we stayed had a pool and restaurant so at night we would just come back and relax there when we werent being attacked by bugs. Thank God for off spray...
Rimini was also a good time because we just got to sit on the beach for 2 days. Other than the sunburn we got it was perfect. Our hotel looked right out over the sea and we just sat in beach chairs and relaxed during the day. It was like Ocean City except not as dirty... so maybe like Bethany. Since its more of a tourist spot for Italians, the prices were a lot cheaper which was nice.
Yesterday we were in Assisi. Its a really pretty city. It has that small Italian town feel to it. Nate is really good with Italian now so its fine for him, but it would be difficult for me to be there alone. The people there are really nice. Nate knows the people at all the shops and cafes and they seem really nice. His apartment is right in the middle of the valley and has a nice view of the church of St. Francis at night. Its going to be nice to be there for a few weeks.
Now we are in Rome. Its pretty hot here but there are no bugs so its fine. We are waiting for the private bus from our campsite to take us to the Vatican in 20 minutes. We are planning on walking around the city all day and then coming back here and relaxing by the pool tonight. Tomorrow we plan to do the same because Rome has probably the most to see out of any city we have been to yet.
Meghan is leaving on Friday to go back home. Its crazy how fast 3 weeks have gone by, but at least I still have about 6 more before I have to go home. So far is hasnt been to bad traveling because we have had two heads to figures stuff out. I think Ill make a few more mistakes without her here. Its all in the adventure though. Ill be fine.
- Alex
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Innsbruck
June 25th 2008
We just got to our campsite in Venice. It was a little interesting figuring out the bus system but we made it. Its a really nice place. We have a little trailer type deal with 2 beds a bathroom and AC which is good because its about 90 degrees here. Also, there is a pool, ping pong tables, a restaurant and bar on the site. Its going to be a lot of fun.
Yesterday we spent the day in Innsbruck. I wish we could have spent a few more days there. Its a beautiful town and the people are very nice. We took a trip to the top of one of the mountains. The 3 lifts took us about 2 miles up where we hiked to the peak. At the top we actually got to play in snow which was pretty fun since its June. I threw a few snow balls at Meghan. They also had a zip line, which happened to be free for some reason, from one part of the mountain to another. It was pretty cool. Our hotel was also very nice. It had really comfortable beds which is a bit of a change from the past places. It was nice to stay in a real hotel.
Tomorrow we are going to go into Venice. Probably going to go on a canal ride or something... we will see.
- Alex
We just got to our campsite in Venice. It was a little interesting figuring out the bus system but we made it. Its a really nice place. We have a little trailer type deal with 2 beds a bathroom and AC which is good because its about 90 degrees here. Also, there is a pool, ping pong tables, a restaurant and bar on the site. Its going to be a lot of fun.
Yesterday we spent the day in Innsbruck. I wish we could have spent a few more days there. Its a beautiful town and the people are very nice. We took a trip to the top of one of the mountains. The 3 lifts took us about 2 miles up where we hiked to the peak. At the top we actually got to play in snow which was pretty fun since its June. I threw a few snow balls at Meghan. They also had a zip line, which happened to be free for some reason, from one part of the mountain to another. It was pretty cool. Our hotel was also very nice. It had really comfortable beds which is a bit of a change from the past places. It was nice to stay in a real hotel.
Tomorrow we are going to go into Venice. Probably going to go on a canal ride or something... we will see.
- Alex
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Munich and Innsbruck
June 24th 2008
We just got to Innsbruck, Anstria today from Munich. It was a nice train ride through the mountains. Innsbruck seems really nice. Its has a small town feel but is still big enough. Beautiful mountains surround the city. We are getting ready to hike up them and hopefully do a zipline ride while up there.
Surprisingly, Munich might have been my favorite place so far. I didn't really know what to expect when we got there, but we found that our days there were filled with fun activities with much more that we could have done at the time we left.
Yesterday we went to the Neuschwanstein castle about an hour and a half from Munich by bus. This is the castle you see at the beginning of every Disney movie. It was gorgeous. We swam in Swan Lake in fresh alpine water and hiked up the mountain to a bridge that overlooked the town and the castle. It was really something I'll always remember.
The day before we went to Dachau. This was the original concentraion camp that was created in 1933 for Political prisoners. It was definitely an experience that I think most people should have. Its one thing to see the pictures of the people and how they were treated, but to stand in the rooms where they were forced to live was much worse. I also thought about how I willingly took a train to a place where thousands of people would have given anything get away from. It was another experience I'll always remember.
After Dachau we went on a bike tour of Munich. It was a beautiful day for biking through the city. We were told that there had only been 2 or 3 days of sun the whole month so far, so we were very lucky the days we were there. After the bike ride we swam in a river that went through the English Gardens. It was very cold, but a lot of fun. We finished off the tour with a trip to the beer garden. The beers in Germany are HUGE and very tasty.
Tomorrow we go to Venice at 1 pm. The place we are staying looks like a ton of fun. See you later.
-Alex
We just got to Innsbruck, Anstria today from Munich. It was a nice train ride through the mountains. Innsbruck seems really nice. Its has a small town feel but is still big enough. Beautiful mountains surround the city. We are getting ready to hike up them and hopefully do a zipline ride while up there.
Surprisingly, Munich might have been my favorite place so far. I didn't really know what to expect when we got there, but we found that our days there were filled with fun activities with much more that we could have done at the time we left.
Yesterday we went to the Neuschwanstein castle about an hour and a half from Munich by bus. This is the castle you see at the beginning of every Disney movie. It was gorgeous. We swam in Swan Lake in fresh alpine water and hiked up the mountain to a bridge that overlooked the town and the castle. It was really something I'll always remember.
The day before we went to Dachau. This was the original concentraion camp that was created in 1933 for Political prisoners. It was definitely an experience that I think most people should have. Its one thing to see the pictures of the people and how they were treated, but to stand in the rooms where they were forced to live was much worse. I also thought about how I willingly took a train to a place where thousands of people would have given anything get away from. It was another experience I'll always remember.
After Dachau we went on a bike tour of Munich. It was a beautiful day for biking through the city. We were told that there had only been 2 or 3 days of sun the whole month so far, so we were very lucky the days we were there. After the bike ride we swam in a river that went through the English Gardens. It was very cold, but a lot of fun. We finished off the tour with a trip to the beer garden. The beers in Germany are HUGE and very tasty.
Tomorrow we go to Venice at 1 pm. The place we are staying looks like a ton of fun. See you later.
-Alex
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Paris
June 19 2008
So I've been in Paris for a few days now. Its been a lot of fun. Meghan and I are staying in a nice hostel in the northern part of the city and our room as a nice view of the Eiffel Tower. We've gone to see almost all of the touristy places so far, but still have a few left to do. I think we are going to see Versailles tomorrow morning.
Last night we went to the Eiffel tower at sun down, which is about 10:30 pm here, and saw the lights come on. We went up to the top around midnight and saw the entire city at night. It was really nice and the view was great. This morning we went to see Jim Morrison's grave and Notre Dame, then we went to Sacre Coeur. The city is so massive that its difficult to see a lot in one day because it takes a while to get there even on the metro.
Tonight we are going on a bar crawl through Paris. It goes to 4 bars and a night club with an english speaking group and guide. It looks like a lot of fun and its not too expensive either. We have one more day here then we leave Saturday morning at 7 for Munich.
- Alex
So I've been in Paris for a few days now. Its been a lot of fun. Meghan and I are staying in a nice hostel in the northern part of the city and our room as a nice view of the Eiffel Tower. We've gone to see almost all of the touristy places so far, but still have a few left to do. I think we are going to see Versailles tomorrow morning.
Last night we went to the Eiffel tower at sun down, which is about 10:30 pm here, and saw the lights come on. We went up to the top around midnight and saw the entire city at night. It was really nice and the view was great. This morning we went to see Jim Morrison's grave and Notre Dame, then we went to Sacre Coeur. The city is so massive that its difficult to see a lot in one day because it takes a while to get there even on the metro.
Tonight we are going on a bar crawl through Paris. It goes to 4 bars and a night club with an english speaking group and guide. It looks like a lot of fun and its not too expensive either. We have one more day here then we leave Saturday morning at 7 for Munich.
- Alex
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Brussels!
June 15th 2008
Meghan and I caught the train at 10:56 from Amsterdam to Brussels this morning. We got here around 2 pm and immediately got lost in the rain. It took us about 45 minutes and a few nice people later to finally find the hostel. Our first impressions of the city are that it is very ugly. Our second and third impressions are also that it is very ugly.
We walked around in the rain and sampled some if the food and beer. The beers are very good here... it is the city of beer after all. After a few beers we went to a free movie in one of the bars in the night life area. We saw Paris Texas. It was a move in the Cannes Film Festival in the 1980's so it was a bit slow... but ok. Watching it with a bunch of other people in Brussels made it worthwhile though.
After we left the movie we thought we were done for the evening so we started back. Soon after... and still as I type this... we could hear the horns of the cars in the street. We realized that Turkey had just won a Euro 2008 game. The people were going crazy in the streets. They run with flags and sing. Kids are hanging out of cars and riding 4 wheelers in the streets and the police do nothing. It is fun to watch. We walked about 20 minutes back the the hostel and heard the people the whole way. They even organized into a parade at one point.
The evening turned out really nice when the sky cleared up and the buildings lit up. Its not too bad at night here if its nice out. Our hostel seems nice and there is no one else in our room tonight so its more relaxing than having people come in at 3 am talking really loudly. Well, thats all for now.
- Alex
Meghan and I caught the train at 10:56 from Amsterdam to Brussels this morning. We got here around 2 pm and immediately got lost in the rain. It took us about 45 minutes and a few nice people later to finally find the hostel. Our first impressions of the city are that it is very ugly. Our second and third impressions are also that it is very ugly.
We walked around in the rain and sampled some if the food and beer. The beers are very good here... it is the city of beer after all. After a few beers we went to a free movie in one of the bars in the night life area. We saw Paris Texas. It was a move in the Cannes Film Festival in the 1980's so it was a bit slow... but ok. Watching it with a bunch of other people in Brussels made it worthwhile though.
After we left the movie we thought we were done for the evening so we started back. Soon after... and still as I type this... we could hear the horns of the cars in the street. We realized that Turkey had just won a Euro 2008 game. The people were going crazy in the streets. They run with flags and sing. Kids are hanging out of cars and riding 4 wheelers in the streets and the police do nothing. It is fun to watch. We walked about 20 minutes back the the hostel and heard the people the whole way. They even organized into a parade at one point.
The evening turned out really nice when the sky cleared up and the buildings lit up. Its not too bad at night here if its nice out. Our hostel seems nice and there is no one else in our room tonight so its more relaxing than having people come in at 3 am talking really loudly. Well, thats all for now.
- Alex
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Amsterdam!
June 14th 2008
I met Meghan at the train station in the center of Amsterdam after my flight and we walked around a bit. The city is really nice. Most people who live here ride bikes to get where they are going. There are so many of them. This means you don't have to just look out for cars, but bikers as well and they'll get pretty mad if you get in their way.
After we checked in we went to the Anne Frank House. It was a kind of depressing start to the trip to see how those people had to live. But after and a little nap I felt much better and we went down to Rembrantsplein to watch the Netherlands play France in the Euro 2008 Championship. Its fun to see all the people watch the game because they are so into it. Holland won the game 4 - 1 and it got really crazy around here. People were singing and blowing horns and celebrating with many many drinks among other things. These kids drew orange all over our faces and we wore orange shirts so we sorta fit in I guess. They don't care as long as you cheer when they score and look sad when the other team does.
Today we woke up around 9:30 and had breakfast then went out into the city. We went on a canal tour through the city which was pretty nice. Then we walked all the way to the Rijksmuseum and sat in a park for a bit while a band was playing. I took pictures with the I AMSTERDAM sign but I can't figure out how to load them on this computer. Tonight we are probably going to walk through the red light district to see it in all its glory and then have a few beers at a bar.
Tomorrow we leave for Brussels. The city of beer looks like its going to be fun. I'll let you know how it goes in a few days.
- Alex
I met Meghan at the train station in the center of Amsterdam after my flight and we walked around a bit. The city is really nice. Most people who live here ride bikes to get where they are going. There are so many of them. This means you don't have to just look out for cars, but bikers as well and they'll get pretty mad if you get in their way.
After we checked in we went to the Anne Frank House. It was a kind of depressing start to the trip to see how those people had to live. But after and a little nap I felt much better and we went down to Rembrantsplein to watch the Netherlands play France in the Euro 2008 Championship. Its fun to see all the people watch the game because they are so into it. Holland won the game 4 - 1 and it got really crazy around here. People were singing and blowing horns and celebrating with many many drinks among other things. These kids drew orange all over our faces and we wore orange shirts so we sorta fit in I guess. They don't care as long as you cheer when they score and look sad when the other team does.
Today we woke up around 9:30 and had breakfast then went out into the city. We went on a canal tour through the city which was pretty nice. Then we walked all the way to the Rijksmuseum and sat in a park for a bit while a band was playing. I took pictures with the I AMSTERDAM sign but I can't figure out how to load them on this computer. Tonight we are probably going to walk through the red light district to see it in all its glory and then have a few beers at a bar.
Tomorrow we leave for Brussels. The city of beer looks like its going to be fun. I'll let you know how it goes in a few days.
- Alex
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Going Around the World
June 12th 2008
Ok so last year I went to Italy for 6 weeks and attempted to write a blog. Last year my blog lasted exactly 1 post... the day before I left. This year I'm going around the world in 10 weeks and am again attempting a blog. We'll see how many posts I do this year.
My flight is out tomorrow at 5:17 pm from Dulles International nonstop to Amsterdam on United. I am getting really excited about this, but I have to admit the whole idea of living out of a backpack for two and a half months is kinda scary. I think I have everything I need but we'll see.
So the trip schedule goes like this:
June 12: Home
June 13 - 15: Amsterdam
June 15 - 17: Brussels
June 17 - 21: Paris
June 21 - 24: Munich
June 24 - 25: Innsbruck
June 25 - 27: Venice
June 27 - 29: Rimini
June 30: Assisi
July 1 - 4: Rome
July 4 - 20ish: Assisi Teaching English
July 20ish - 29: Leeds/London
July29 - Aug 3: Hong Kong
Aug 3 - 18: Brisbane/Melbourne/Sydney
Aug 18: Los Angeles
Aug 19 - 22ish: San Diego
Aug 22: Home
For the first part of my trip I am going to be traveling with my friend Meghan from school. She has been studying in Copenhagen and Amsterdam for the past 3 weeks. She will be with me through Rome.
After Meghan goes home on July 4th I will teach English in Assisi with my friend Nate for a few weeks. Assisi is a small town about an hour and a half north of Rome by train. It is famous for Saint Francis Di Assisi, whom San Francisco is named after. Its a really nice small town and I'm looking forward to spending some time living there.
After Assisi I'll be visiting a few friends in the UK. All of them are people I met teaching English in Italy last year. It definitely makes visiting places easier when you have a place to stay.
Hong Kong will be interesting because I'll be alone in the city for 4 days before I head to Australia. It looks like an exciting city and I don't think it will be too bad being alone. Its definitely going to be an adventure.
When I get to Australia I'll be visiting another friend I met while teaching English last year. She lives in Brisbane and is still at school. My only regret is that I am going to Australia during their winter, but its not much of a regret. I'd rather go to Australia in the winter than not at all. Plus, its tough to call some place winter when the coldest it gets is around 55 degrees.
Tim is going to pick me up in LA on the 18th when I fly in. I attempted to fly through Fiji on my way to LA, but that didn't end up working out. Oh well.Its really weird because I leave Sydney around 2 pm on Aug. 18th and fly for 13 hours or so, arriving in LA at 10 AM on Aug. 18. Crazy. I think we are planning on spending a night in LA to see the sights since I've never actually been to LA, just driven past. After that I'm going to head down to San Diego and spend a few days at the beach before I catch a flight home to start working.... lame. For now I'm heading east till I get home again. I think its gonna be a good time.
- Alex
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