Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Euro Trip 4
Amsterdam was a blast. The DUTCH ARE THE NICEST PEOPLE on earth. From Faline's camera. This was our last night on tour. Everyone was feeling a little emotional.
Sisterly love on the second floor of some bar on Leidesplein Square, just outside one of the "smoking rooms". ;)
En route to Leidesplein, at this club/bar called Bulldog. We were told to meet everyone there at around 9, but when we got there, they hadn't arrived yet. So, to pass the time, we went to another bar that was giving out free shots plus free entrance to all the ladies.
More sisterly love. This was just after dinner at this Spanish restaurant... really good paella, I have to say. Rabbit, chicken, chorizo. Heaven.
When I said we lived in tents for about 21 days (well, fine, less since we took the cabin upgrades), I really wasn't kidding. This is us at our campsite in Amsterdam.
Last night out on tour. Our Contiki Group rocks. Woohoo.
Sisterly love on the second floor of some bar on Leidesplein Square, just outside one of the "smoking rooms". ;)
En route to Leidesplein, at this club/bar called Bulldog. We were told to meet everyone there at around 9, but when we got there, they hadn't arrived yet. So, to pass the time, we went to another bar that was giving out free shots plus free entrance to all the ladies.
More sisterly love. This was just after dinner at this Spanish restaurant... really good paella, I have to say. Rabbit, chicken, chorizo. Heaven.
When I said we lived in tents for about 21 days (well, fine, less since we took the cabin upgrades), I really wasn't kidding. This is us at our campsite in Amsterdam.
Last night out on tour. Our Contiki Group rocks. Woohoo.
Labels: europe 2009
12:39:00 PM
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Euro Trip 3
These are just Venice and Prague, my favorite Euro cities.
PRAGUE, aka PRAHA:
Sisterly love in some random alleyway.
Feeling the wheel in Prague's Sex Machine Museum.
Coffee at Kafka Cafe. I got the Kafka Coffee of course. I mean it's Kafka in Prague. How could I not???
This is a real candid shot, btw. I was just looking at the prices. Then decided, screw it, I want me some coffee. That Green Death thing I had in the other coffeeshop just did not satisfy. (Green Death = A little coffee + Lots of Absinthe.)
Yet another candid shot of me sitting by some random door. I love this shot.
Again, sisterly love. This time at Prague's Old Town Square.
This was somewhere between the Palace and the Bridge. Prague, of course.
VENICE aka VENEZIA:
Gondola Ride through beautiful Venice. OMG, City of Romance, hands down. For me, Venice definitely beats Paris.
Me, Lia, Greg, Niko, gondola, and a bottle of wine.
Just hanging out by the canals. I LOVE this place. Wouldn't want to live here, mind you (too much of a city girl for that), but I wouldn't mind coming back... again and again and again.
At the city centre. That square is absolutely lush. They had musicians playing by the cafes, and random couples dancing the tango on the streets. Loved it.
PRAGUE, aka PRAHA:
Sisterly love in some random alleyway.
Feeling the wheel in Prague's Sex Machine Museum.
Coffee at Kafka Cafe. I got the Kafka Coffee of course. I mean it's Kafka in Prague. How could I not???
This is a real candid shot, btw. I was just looking at the prices. Then decided, screw it, I want me some coffee. That Green Death thing I had in the other coffeeshop just did not satisfy. (Green Death = A little coffee + Lots of Absinthe.)
Yet another candid shot of me sitting by some random door. I love this shot.
Again, sisterly love. This time at Prague's Old Town Square.
VENICE aka VENEZIA:
Gondola Ride through beautiful Venice. OMG, City of Romance, hands down. For me, Venice definitely beats Paris.
Me, Lia, Greg, Niko, gondola, and a bottle of wine.
Just hanging out by the canals. I LOVE this place. Wouldn't want to live here, mind you (too much of a city girl for that), but I wouldn't mind coming back... again and again and again.
At the city centre. That square is absolutely lush. They had musicians playing by the cafes, and random couples dancing the tango on the streets. Loved it.
Labels: europe 2009
12:19:00 PM
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Euro Trip 2
There really aren't that many photos of me. First of all, I didn't have a camera. Secondly, I don't really like posing... weird, huh? Lia has a whole lot of photos though ;)
But here are a couple more from Facebook, as uploaded by random people.
Hanging out in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland. Kirsty, Me, Lia, and Lauren.
Me in London. I'm not even sure what the building behind me is called. We just thought it looked cool.
Me, Niko, and Lia eating gelato in Pisa.
Leah Baliw, me, Lia, and Faline en route to the Louvre. Facing the fountain, turn left, and you'll hit the pyramid.
Toine, Me, and Daniella in Amsterdam. Bree in the background. Just after the sex show. Yeah, I know, I kinda look drugged here. Well, it IS Amsterdam... haha.
Me, Lia, and Faline eating our pizzas in beautiful Florence.
Lia and Me in Rome. This was actually taken INSIDE the Colosseum, if I remember correctly.
And the girls in... Rome, I think. Yep, Rome, somewhere by the Colosseum as well.
I'll post a few more once people have uploaded them.
But here are a couple more from Facebook, as uploaded by random people.
Hanging out in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland. Kirsty, Me, Lia, and Lauren.
Me in London. I'm not even sure what the building behind me is called. We just thought it looked cool.
Me, Niko, and Lia eating gelato in Pisa.
Leah Baliw, me, Lia, and Faline en route to the Louvre. Facing the fountain, turn left, and you'll hit the pyramid.
Toine, Me, and Daniella in Amsterdam. Bree in the background. Just after the sex show. Yeah, I know, I kinda look drugged here. Well, it IS Amsterdam... haha.
Me, Lia, and Faline eating our pizzas in beautiful Florence.
Lia and Me in Rome. This was actually taken INSIDE the Colosseum, if I remember correctly.
And the girls in... Rome, I think. Yep, Rome, somewhere by the Colosseum as well.
I'll post a few more once people have uploaded them.
Labels: europe 2009
12:14:00 PM
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Euro Trip
So here's the general rundown.
Cities: London (UK), Paris (France), Antibes (France), Lauterbrunnen (Switzerland), Rome (Italy), Florence (Italy), Venice (Italy), Bologna (Italy), Pisa (Italy), Czesky Krumlov (Czech Republic), Prague (Czech Republic), Munich (Germany), Heidelberg (Germany), and Amsterdam (Netherlands).
Favorite Cities: Venice, Prague and absolutely lush LONDON
Best Cheap Eats: Prague. Loved their beer (Staropramen rocks my socks) and those bohemian dumplings they serve with pretty much everything.
Best Dinner: Paella Valenciana in Amsterdam. Loved that rabbit.
Favorite thing to do: Find a a grassy area and lie down/sleep. Did this by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Spanish steps and the Colosseum in Rome, and the Hapsburg Palace in Vienna.
Nicest People: Hands down, the DUTCH, The Dutch are super nice and super friendly and super hospitable. Followed pretty closely by the French. Isn't that a surprise?
Best Splurge: Toss-up between that Chinese feast we had by Leicester Square in London and the gondola ride in Venice (cheesy, yes, but still absolutely a must-do).
Most memorable Night: Again, a toss-up. Loved the beer hall in Munich. But then, there's the sequined pink hat in Venice. Enough said.
Service Stop Necessities: Milka Chocolate, caprese sandwiches, cup of coffee.
Best Campsite: Venice, followed closely by Rome. I'd put Heidelberg in for the scenery, but dude, they make you pay for a shower!
Coach Anthems: You Can't Stop the Beat, Fat-Bottomed Girls, Summer of 69.
Waker Uppers: Wake Up Little Suzy, Budweieser Commercials
Weirdest Habit picked up on the Trip: Flap Drying
Trip Expression: Don't Worry About it!
Best Sight Seen: Colosseum, canals of Venice
Best Camp Dinner: Spaghetti Bolognaise, when we were cookies
A random smattering of pictures. More on Lia's facebook and Falinie's multiply. I didn't even bring a camera.
Just hanging out by the Eiffel Tower. Lia, Leah Baliw, and me.
Tight and Bright Party in Switzerland: Simon, Welshy, Wilco, Lindsay, Kylie, Jim, Toine, and Me.
Tiffany and Me, first night in Amsterdam. Just after the Sex Show.
Just us girls in Prague.
Faline, Bianca, me, and Lauren. Florence, Italy.
Last Pub Night with the Contiki Crew in London, right by the Royal National in Russell Square.
Me with the girls in Venice.
Cities: London (UK), Paris (France), Antibes (France), Lauterbrunnen (Switzerland), Rome (Italy), Florence (Italy), Venice (Italy), Bologna (Italy), Pisa (Italy), Czesky Krumlov (Czech Republic), Prague (Czech Republic), Munich (Germany), Heidelberg (Germany), and Amsterdam (Netherlands).
Favorite Cities: Venice, Prague and absolutely lush LONDON
Best Cheap Eats: Prague. Loved their beer (Staropramen rocks my socks) and those bohemian dumplings they serve with pretty much everything.
Best Dinner: Paella Valenciana in Amsterdam. Loved that rabbit.
Favorite thing to do: Find a a grassy area and lie down/sleep. Did this by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Spanish steps and the Colosseum in Rome, and the Hapsburg Palace in Vienna.
Nicest People: Hands down, the DUTCH, The Dutch are super nice and super friendly and super hospitable. Followed pretty closely by the French. Isn't that a surprise?
Best Splurge: Toss-up between that Chinese feast we had by Leicester Square in London and the gondola ride in Venice (cheesy, yes, but still absolutely a must-do).
Most memorable Night: Again, a toss-up. Loved the beer hall in Munich. But then, there's the sequined pink hat in Venice. Enough said.
Service Stop Necessities: Milka Chocolate, caprese sandwiches, cup of coffee.
Best Campsite: Venice, followed closely by Rome. I'd put Heidelberg in for the scenery, but dude, they make you pay for a shower!
Coach Anthems: You Can't Stop the Beat, Fat-Bottomed Girls, Summer of 69.
Waker Uppers: Wake Up Little Suzy, Budweieser Commercials
Weirdest Habit picked up on the Trip: Flap Drying
Trip Expression: Don't Worry About it!
Best Sight Seen: Colosseum, canals of Venice
Best Camp Dinner: Spaghetti Bolognaise, when we were cookies
A random smattering of pictures. More on Lia's facebook and Falinie's multiply. I didn't even bring a camera.
Just hanging out by the Eiffel Tower. Lia, Leah Baliw, and me.
Tight and Bright Party in Switzerland: Simon, Welshy, Wilco, Lindsay, Kylie, Jim, Toine, and Me.
Tiffany and Me, first night in Amsterdam. Just after the Sex Show.
Just us girls in Prague.
Faline, Bianca, me, and Lauren. Florence, Italy.
Last Pub Night with the Contiki Crew in London, right by the Royal National in Russell Square.
Me with the girls in Venice.
Labels: europe 2009
12:06:00 PM
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Saturday, May 16, 2009
Ein Prosit!
Ein Prosit, ein Prosit
Der Gemütlichkeit
Ein Prosit, ein Prosit
Der Gemütlichkeit!
Eins, Zwei, Drei, Saufen! Prost!
I am so going through Euro withdrawals (AGAIN!), and I'm not even out of London yet. I loved everything about this trip. I didn't think I would, especially not at the beginning, but I love everything about it now. Even the drama. Even the whinging and the late adolescent angst and the drinking at 8 in the morning. Even the freezing tents that sometimes end up sopping wet. Even the retarded washers and dryers.
It's weird to think that I may never ever cross paths again with these people... a great, quirky, funny group of people I shared 21 days with -- people who have seen me unshowered, unshaven, hungry, cranky, drunk, bloated and gross. Who have heard me do my thing in the toilet. Who I have chatted with from across my shower stall. Who I have seen in boxers and briefs (hello, Venetian unisex bathrooms).
I never thought of myself as a tour kind of girl, and I may never ever go on a tour again, but I did like this one. I loved how it was basically just a shared coach ride through Europe, really. You set up camp, have dinner, sleep. You wake up, have breakfast, they drop you off in the city, and you're on your own. You don't have to follow anyone's schedule or itinerary, don't have to do anything you don't want to do, don't have to listen to a tour guide drone on and on about trivialities. You make your way back to the camp, have a few beers (or a lot, if you're Aussie) and the next morning, you're off to another city, another adventure. Rinse and repeat Lovely balance of solitude and social nights. And I did get attached to some of the people on this tour. I loved the crazy routine (oh the late, late nights and early, early mornings), the laughs, the intensity of being thrown together for 21 days. =)
And then it ends. It feels like you've spent eons of time together, but it ends. And you promise to keep in touch, and you feel like you're the best of mates, and you might even shed a tear for the memories you're already trying to sort out in your head, but you all know that chances are, you will never ever see each other again. And everyone goes back to their own lives, as do you, and the time that you shared together take on the nuances of dream.
Withdrawals, I tell you.
So a toast. Ein Prosit! To an awesome 21-day tour across Europe, and a blissful, blissful stay in London! (Wish I could travel some more, but sometimes I have to be an adult and listen when my bank books come a-calling.) Anyway, happy travels, everyone. Blaze those trails!
Der Gemütlichkeit
Ein Prosit, ein Prosit
Der Gemütlichkeit!
Eins, Zwei, Drei, Saufen! Prost!
I am so going through Euro withdrawals (AGAIN!), and I'm not even out of London yet. I loved everything about this trip. I didn't think I would, especially not at the beginning, but I love everything about it now. Even the drama. Even the whinging and the late adolescent angst and the drinking at 8 in the morning. Even the freezing tents that sometimes end up sopping wet. Even the retarded washers and dryers.
It's weird to think that I may never ever cross paths again with these people... a great, quirky, funny group of people I shared 21 days with -- people who have seen me unshowered, unshaven, hungry, cranky, drunk, bloated and gross. Who have heard me do my thing in the toilet. Who I have chatted with from across my shower stall. Who I have seen in boxers and briefs (hello, Venetian unisex bathrooms).
I never thought of myself as a tour kind of girl, and I may never ever go on a tour again, but I did like this one. I loved how it was basically just a shared coach ride through Europe, really. You set up camp, have dinner, sleep. You wake up, have breakfast, they drop you off in the city, and you're on your own. You don't have to follow anyone's schedule or itinerary, don't have to do anything you don't want to do, don't have to listen to a tour guide drone on and on about trivialities. You make your way back to the camp, have a few beers (or a lot, if you're Aussie) and the next morning, you're off to another city, another adventure. Rinse and repeat Lovely balance of solitude and social nights. And I did get attached to some of the people on this tour. I loved the crazy routine (oh the late, late nights and early, early mornings), the laughs, the intensity of being thrown together for 21 days. =)
And then it ends. It feels like you've spent eons of time together, but it ends. And you promise to keep in touch, and you feel like you're the best of mates, and you might even shed a tear for the memories you're already trying to sort out in your head, but you all know that chances are, you will never ever see each other again. And everyone goes back to their own lives, as do you, and the time that you shared together take on the nuances of dream.
Withdrawals, I tell you.
So a toast. Ein Prosit! To an awesome 21-day tour across Europe, and a blissful, blissful stay in London! (Wish I could travel some more, but sometimes I have to be an adult and listen when my bank books come a-calling.) Anyway, happy travels, everyone. Blaze those trails!
Labels: europe 2009
12:04:00 PM
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