Roma as the Italians call it didnt let us down and certainly wasnt built in one day either...
The history and architecture of the city is amazing, from the old ruins to the Colosseum, the Vatican city and all the basilicas (churches) the eye can see. If you are looking for greenery, you are in the wrong city as Rome is more of a dust bowl then the garden of eden... never the less you wouldnt have it any other way "when in Rome"!
We stayed in another camping ground, which is the norm for Italy accomodation as it is expensive to stay in town. We like to call this camping ground, the "poor mans resort". It has everything a backpacker could possibly want or need including aire conditioned cabins with ensuite bathroom and a FRIDGE, yes cold water again! Two pools, two spas, poolside bar, a pub, restaurant and supermarket all in the grounds... good times! The two pools were a great escape from the heat which was averaging 33 degrees a day (a bit different from what we hear the weather is like in Melbourne).
So the sites you ask, well we had 4 full days to see them all. A great way to do any city is via a walking tour and so of course this is where we began. The American guide had extenisve knowledge on ancient Roman history so it was really interesting. We visited the "mouth of truth" which is an old sewerage lid with a face and open mouth that attracts many a Japanese tourist... quite funny! Other sites included the massive Pantheon with its hughe dome roof (it was the biggest dome until the New Orleans ball park was built) measuring 43 metres in diametre. Other sites included Mussilinis balcony, the site of Julius Caesers assasination site and of course the Colosseum.
The next day we visited the Vatican! Popey wasnt around as he was out of town, as we went on the Wednesday he normally does his service to the thousands of people waiting in the square. The Sistene Chapel was incredible, painted by Michaelangelo who wasnt even a painter and as a result after finishing his work he became blind and crippled.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Venice (Italy) - 15th to 18th August
After a one night stop over in Munich we arrived in Italia to see the sights of Venice. Italy is most definitely our most anticipated country, with cities including Venice, Rome and the costal towns for some warm weather.
So our first stop was Venenzia (Venice)! We stayed at our second camping ground which was a 25 minute bus ride into town, as the accomodation closer in town was damm pricey, which of course means less money for the essentials eg. drinks. The camping ground was a great change as it allowed us to relax and feel like we were on a holiday and not just a trip... not that we are complaining but we have been backpacking for 2 months now and it catches up to you.
Venice, city of the endless canals, venetian glass and of course Gondolas. Travelling by foot and boat is the only means of transport within the city. No cars or even motorbikes roam the small cobblestone alleyways and streets as there is simply no room. We werent sure why we were given a map because in this town following a map is simply impossible. The fun of venturing through Venice is getting lost in this maze of a city... but we did manage quite sucessfully to see the sights of Saint Marks square, with Dee quite sucessfully avoiding another phobia BIRDS, pigeons this time, the dirty flying rats were everywhere. We walked across the Rialto bridge, one of the three bridges that crosses the Grande Canal. Of course a day in Venice wouldnt be complete without a Gondola ride. After some bargaining power we managed to barta our driver Fabio down to 20 euro each for the 30 minute ride. It was definitely worth the price tag as going through these canals in simply amazing. Fabio pointed out a few sites including Marco Polos house... fish out of water!
Nightlife in the campsite was pumping, made even more so by the Toga theme party that night and a game of F$^k the dealer a card drinking game we learnt from a Kiwi bloke.
Day two was a little slow after our escapades from the night before, never the less we summoned the strength to get back on board for a ferry ride out to the islands of Murano and Burano. Murano the island of glass blowing and venetian glass, unfortunately it was a Sunday and that meant no blowing displays, but the glass in the shops was pretty spectacular all the same. A few purchases were made including glass bottle pluggers, butter knifes and a few suprise gifts. Another ferry ride landed us on Burano island, home of lace. This island wasnt as exciting, perhaps add on 30 years to our age and we might appreciate it more, but all the same it was small and quite little island that filled with boutique lace shops and italian restaurants.
The day concluded with Venice by night, something not to be missed. Suprisingly the city is quite different by night as the hussle and bussle of the small alleyways by day turns into a series of quiet tourist shops and happening restuarants for which we made a stop at. A dinner is only completed with a stop to the gelati shop for some icecream relief. St Marks transforms from tourist trap to a almost pigeon free (to dees delight) haven for some musical performances coming from the ever so expensive restaurants. A water taxi down the Grande Canal gave us the ultimate finish to an amazing city.
Next stop, Roma!
So our first stop was Venenzia (Venice)! We stayed at our second camping ground which was a 25 minute bus ride into town, as the accomodation closer in town was damm pricey, which of course means less money for the essentials eg. drinks. The camping ground was a great change as it allowed us to relax and feel like we were on a holiday and not just a trip... not that we are complaining but we have been backpacking for 2 months now and it catches up to you.
Venice, city of the endless canals, venetian glass and of course Gondolas. Travelling by foot and boat is the only means of transport within the city. No cars or even motorbikes roam the small cobblestone alleyways and streets as there is simply no room. We werent sure why we were given a map because in this town following a map is simply impossible. The fun of venturing through Venice is getting lost in this maze of a city... but we did manage quite sucessfully to see the sights of Saint Marks square, with Dee quite sucessfully avoiding another phobia BIRDS, pigeons this time, the dirty flying rats were everywhere. We walked across the Rialto bridge, one of the three bridges that crosses the Grande Canal. Of course a day in Venice wouldnt be complete without a Gondola ride. After some bargaining power we managed to barta our driver Fabio down to 20 euro each for the 30 minute ride. It was definitely worth the price tag as going through these canals in simply amazing. Fabio pointed out a few sites including Marco Polos house... fish out of water!
Nightlife in the campsite was pumping, made even more so by the Toga theme party that night and a game of F$^k the dealer a card drinking game we learnt from a Kiwi bloke.
Day two was a little slow after our escapades from the night before, never the less we summoned the strength to get back on board for a ferry ride out to the islands of Murano and Burano. Murano the island of glass blowing and venetian glass, unfortunately it was a Sunday and that meant no blowing displays, but the glass in the shops was pretty spectacular all the same. A few purchases were made including glass bottle pluggers, butter knifes and a few suprise gifts. Another ferry ride landed us on Burano island, home of lace. This island wasnt as exciting, perhaps add on 30 years to our age and we might appreciate it more, but all the same it was small and quite little island that filled with boutique lace shops and italian restaurants.
The day concluded with Venice by night, something not to be missed. Suprisingly the city is quite different by night as the hussle and bussle of the small alleyways by day turns into a series of quiet tourist shops and happening restuarants for which we made a stop at. A dinner is only completed with a stop to the gelati shop for some icecream relief. St Marks transforms from tourist trap to a almost pigeon free (to dees delight) haven for some musical performances coming from the ever so expensive restaurants. A water taxi down the Grande Canal gave us the ultimate finish to an amazing city.
Next stop, Roma!
Vienna (Austria) 11th to 14th August
This is just a short one for Vienna, running out of internet time...
Vienna was a great place that we never expected to enjoy so much. The city is clean and the attractions were great. Our first travelling day was to the Palace, yes another palace, a maze and the zoo. We also visited a carnival in which James and Adele risked there lives.. and lunch.. to go on a sling shot ride that reaches 115km an hour, Dee was nervous just watching hence some of the blurry pictures. The day was finished with a roast chook, bottle of wine and mozart balls (a specialty chocolate from Vienna, what a name!) by the Danube river for the sunset.
Gastro struck the hostel and took down two of our crew, so we were both on quarintine alert, specially with Dees vomitting phobia. We did a wine tour that day which took us away from the hussle and bussle of the city to the vineyard region. Many a white wines were tasted, along with one of the best BBQs we had had for sometime, pork steak, sausages wrapped in bacon and a big salad. Beach volleyball and swimming was done in the afternoon, along with schnaps, chocolate, chutney and jam tasting.
By the end of the day we were pretty stuffed, but found room to squeeze in one last schnitzel and beer for a farewall dinner for Katie and Claire who left us to go to Budpest.
Next stop Italia for some pizza and pasta...
Vienna was a great place that we never expected to enjoy so much. The city is clean and the attractions were great. Our first travelling day was to the Palace, yes another palace, a maze and the zoo. We also visited a carnival in which James and Adele risked there lives.. and lunch.. to go on a sling shot ride that reaches 115km an hour, Dee was nervous just watching hence some of the blurry pictures. The day was finished with a roast chook, bottle of wine and mozart balls (a specialty chocolate from Vienna, what a name!) by the Danube river for the sunset.
Gastro struck the hostel and took down two of our crew, so we were both on quarintine alert, specially with Dees vomitting phobia. We did a wine tour that day which took us away from the hussle and bussle of the city to the vineyard region. Many a white wines were tasted, along with one of the best BBQs we had had for sometime, pork steak, sausages wrapped in bacon and a big salad. Beach volleyball and swimming was done in the afternoon, along with schnaps, chocolate, chutney and jam tasting.
By the end of the day we were pretty stuffed, but found room to squeeze in one last schnitzel and beer for a farewall dinner for Katie and Claire who left us to go to Budpest.
Next stop Italia for some pizza and pasta...
Cesky Krumlov 9th to 11th August
Cesky Krumlov was not originally part of our itinerary however following the word on the street we were told its a little city not to be missed. We hit the jackpot alright!!! First of all we were quite shocked by our accommodation. After staying in 6 bed, 8 bed and 10 bed dorms for the past couple of weeks we were ready for some privacy. You get a little tired of sharing rooms with people who are pigs and leave their belongings everywhere, or wake up to someone spewing or like Dee experienced come home to find someone has decided to move your bed... Anyway enough complaining all was forgotten when we arrived in our rooms, well you could call it a mini apartment even!! It was run by a local lady who really didnt speak much english however was very welcoming and keen to learn english from us. We even had a tv and lounge suite!! Awesome!!
Cesky Krumlov is a little town lined with cobblestone streets with a beautiful river running through perfect for rafting. The entire town is heritage listed and rightly so you would not want to change a thing. Throughout our stay we went horse riding through the bush, walked through the local palace and gardens and the highlight above all would be the booze cruise along the river. The 7 of us hired our own raft and floated along the river stopping at the river side pubs for jager bombs and beers. Needless to say there was not much rowing done and the trip became a little more adventures towards the end. One of the boys had the great idea of going backwards down the rapids.... the rafts are not designed for this hence we got a little wet but luckily our boat still kept a float, empty beer cans and all!
After a refreshing stay in Cesky Krumlov we were now recharged! Next stop onward to Vienna!
Cesky Krumlov is a little town lined with cobblestone streets with a beautiful river running through perfect for rafting. The entire town is heritage listed and rightly so you would not want to change a thing. Throughout our stay we went horse riding through the bush, walked through the local palace and gardens and the highlight above all would be the booze cruise along the river. The 7 of us hired our own raft and floated along the river stopping at the river side pubs for jager bombs and beers. Needless to say there was not much rowing done and the trip became a little more adventures towards the end. One of the boys had the great idea of going backwards down the rapids.... the rafts are not designed for this hence we got a little wet but luckily our boat still kept a float, empty beer cans and all!
After a refreshing stay in Cesky Krumlov we were now recharged! Next stop onward to Vienna!
Prague - 6th to 9th August
Prague in all its fame and status lived up to expectations, although the city was pretty filthy it had some great architecture and of course history.
The hostel we stayed at had every tour company possible, Contiki, Topdeck and of course Busabout, staying there so this meant it was a pretty happening place with a huge bar and also an indoor pool. Prague has an old Palace, which most cities have of course. It was a bit of a let down compared to most palaces, however it still did have its good points with a large church and old cobblestone roads. The bridge to access the palace is called the Charles Bridge. This is a tourist nightmare with heaps of people everywhere (hold on to your bags and pockets), however the bridge did have some really old sculptures which caught our eye. Dee bought some drawings in the main market square and James food of course. The afternoon was spent in the beer garden enjoying the fine Czech beer.. or not as it was Budvar (Budweiser) beer which tastes different to the normal one.
To see a bit more of the city we did an audio bus tour through the Jewish ghetto, the Palace and the city square and also found a nice irish pub to watch the opening ceremony of the olympics in the afternoon.
Next stop Cesky Krumlov, a small little town....
The hostel we stayed at had every tour company possible, Contiki, Topdeck and of course Busabout, staying there so this meant it was a pretty happening place with a huge bar and also an indoor pool. Prague has an old Palace, which most cities have of course. It was a bit of a let down compared to most palaces, however it still did have its good points with a large church and old cobblestone roads. The bridge to access the palace is called the Charles Bridge. This is a tourist nightmare with heaps of people everywhere (hold on to your bags and pockets), however the bridge did have some really old sculptures which caught our eye. Dee bought some drawings in the main market square and James food of course. The afternoon was spent in the beer garden enjoying the fine Czech beer.. or not as it was Budvar (Budweiser) beer which tastes different to the normal one.
To see a bit more of the city we did an audio bus tour through the Jewish ghetto, the Palace and the city square and also found a nice irish pub to watch the opening ceremony of the olympics in the afternoon.
Next stop Cesky Krumlov, a small little town....
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Berlin - 3rd to 6th August
The home of Hitler's reign, great beer again and an ever changing city... that's the city of Berlin. We arrived the week of the annual Berlin beer festival, streets full of marques with beer tents and schnitzel. Of course our pilgrimage around Europe and having a drink every night continued.
The next day we had arranged to meet with our local Berlin friend Mira. For those who don't know, Mira was an exchange student who became friends with Michelle (Dee's sister) when they were both in France. She took the day off from work to take us on a free tour guide of Berlin. She took us to the sites of Checkpoint Charlie, The Berlin Wall, Postdamaplatz, the German and French churches, aswell as the area of the Zoo (which contained a shopping district called KaDaWe with a 6 story shopping centre with views of Berlin).
That night involved a pub crawl jumping from 3 bars to end up at a club. Between jagermesiter and absynth shots, we had a great time.... except the fact the tour guide left half the group at the third bar and we had to navigate our way to the next place in no state to do so.
We hopped on a bike tour the following day, well we missed the 10:30am one because of the pub crawl the night before so instead chose the 3:30pm one instead. As Berlin is so flat it is great way to get around town. We explored many of the same sites we had done the day before with Mira, however we did take the fastest lift in Europe at the Daimler-Chrysler building which ascends the 90 metre building in 8.5m a second. Good views from the top to be had.
The unexpected highlight of our trip was when Mira told us she had arranged to show us the hotel she worked in after her shift finished that night at 10:00. Hotel Adlon, yeah so you might think just another hotel... not really... this is the hotel where the who of the who stay, so much so that Barack Obama had stayed just a week before when he made his speech to 200,000 plus Berliners in the main square of town. This is the infamous hotel that Michael Jackson stayed at when he dangled his baby of the balcolny in 2002. George Bush, Sharon Stone and more... and she showed us the Presidential suites and standard rooms (a little trivia for you, Obama only stayed in a standard room and refused the presidentai suite). Prices for standard room 350 Euro (AUD520) a night, Presidential suit with bullet proof glass and butler 12,000 Euro (AUD 18,000) a night. At the end she organised a drink drink at the bar for us both, which involved both of us ordering a 17 Euro (AUD25) cocktail and James eating a wasabi bean and nearly throwing up with the taste, all this as a posh lady was walking her poodle on lead through the lobby just next to us.
We enjoyed Berlin, however Prague is calling and that's next our next stop!
The next day we had arranged to meet with our local Berlin friend Mira. For those who don't know, Mira was an exchange student who became friends with Michelle (Dee's sister) when they were both in France. She took the day off from work to take us on a free tour guide of Berlin. She took us to the sites of Checkpoint Charlie, The Berlin Wall, Postdamaplatz, the German and French churches, aswell as the area of the Zoo (which contained a shopping district called KaDaWe with a 6 story shopping centre with views of Berlin).
That night involved a pub crawl jumping from 3 bars to end up at a club. Between jagermesiter and absynth shots, we had a great time.... except the fact the tour guide left half the group at the third bar and we had to navigate our way to the next place in no state to do so.
We hopped on a bike tour the following day, well we missed the 10:30am one because of the pub crawl the night before so instead chose the 3:30pm one instead. As Berlin is so flat it is great way to get around town. We explored many of the same sites we had done the day before with Mira, however we did take the fastest lift in Europe at the Daimler-Chrysler building which ascends the 90 metre building in 8.5m a second. Good views from the top to be had.
The unexpected highlight of our trip was when Mira told us she had arranged to show us the hotel she worked in after her shift finished that night at 10:00. Hotel Adlon, yeah so you might think just another hotel... not really... this is the hotel where the who of the who stay, so much so that Barack Obama had stayed just a week before when he made his speech to 200,000 plus Berliners in the main square of town. This is the infamous hotel that Michael Jackson stayed at when he dangled his baby of the balcolny in 2002. George Bush, Sharon Stone and more... and she showed us the Presidential suites and standard rooms (a little trivia for you, Obama only stayed in a standard room and refused the presidentai suite). Prices for standard room 350 Euro (AUD520) a night, Presidential suit with bullet proof glass and butler 12,000 Euro (AUD 18,000) a night. At the end she organised a drink drink at the bar for us both, which involved both of us ordering a 17 Euro (AUD25) cocktail and James eating a wasabi bean and nearly throwing up with the taste, all this as a posh lady was walking her poodle on lead through the lobby just next to us.
We enjoyed Berlin, however Prague is calling and that's next our next stop!
Amsterdam (Netherlands) 30th July to 2nd August
Amsterdam - We arrived in the city of drugs, sex, canals to find out yet again we arrived the weekend of Gay Pride once again!! It was now becoming hillarous, if there is a festival in town we seem to come across it!! First stop was a quick tram ride into town to visit the famous 'Bulldog' coffee lounge for some drinks and some freshly baked bakery products.... According to the crew who consumed these items they were perhaps a little tame. So night number two was a little more adventures with some 'organic' vegies if you get my drift. Once again for the participants who were game to trial these food items the result this time was a hillaroius colourful adventure!
In regards to sight seeing Amsterdam is definetley a very scenic city filled with canals, cafes, restaurants and bike riders galore. Sites visited included the Anne Frank house, Van Gogh museum and another walking tour for a guided historic tour of town.
Off course we could not miss the gay pride march, it was everywhere. Dee rated the parade much better than Madrid as the floats were actually real floats along the canals and there were actual correographed dancers, drag queens and spectactular costumes....some also not so spectacular ...leather pants!
Last of all we can not ever forget our visit to the world famous red light distric. Now travelling in a group of 10 we were game enough to enter the seedy bars to watch the live sex show... quite funny yet disturbing with one of the male participants of the show jumping into the crowd to greet one of our female crew members I will leave it to your imagination... Perhaps this was a once only event for the female crew amongst us anyway!
Ok so you will be glad to know that we survived Amsterdam, now off to Berlin!
In regards to sight seeing Amsterdam is definetley a very scenic city filled with canals, cafes, restaurants and bike riders galore. Sites visited included the Anne Frank house, Van Gogh museum and another walking tour for a guided historic tour of town.
Off course we could not miss the gay pride march, it was everywhere. Dee rated the parade much better than Madrid as the floats were actually real floats along the canals and there were actual correographed dancers, drag queens and spectactular costumes....some also not so spectacular ...leather pants!
Last of all we can not ever forget our visit to the world famous red light distric. Now travelling in a group of 10 we were game enough to enter the seedy bars to watch the live sex show... quite funny yet disturbing with one of the male participants of the show jumping into the crowd to greet one of our female crew members I will leave it to your imagination... Perhaps this was a once only event for the female crew amongst us anyway!
Ok so you will be glad to know that we survived Amsterdam, now off to Berlin!
Bruges (Belgium) 28th - 30th July
Bruges - Following a 20 minute hike to our hostel with our back packs nearing 20kgs we were greeted with a not so pleasant steep climb to our room up a rather narrow spiraling staircase, defintely not meeting Australian standards code 1428 (rather deadly actually)! After surviving the stair case we set off for the local Brewery as Belgium amongst many other European countries in known for their excellent beer. The beer here wasn't too bad, a little fibourous as they don't filter all the hops completely (its meant to be much healthier this way).
Belgium would of course not be complete without tasting the world famous chocolates. The old cobblestone streets are lined with chocolate stores and rather affordable too! Unfortunately the hot chocolates and milkshakes are perhaps a little more pricey at 4Euro ($6 AUD) and 6.50 Euro($10 AUD) respectively but still well worth it with our cafe of choice offering a selection of 42 different varieties!! The waffles are great too... it really sounds like all we do is eat and drink!
We also visited the local market and purchased some fresh meats, bread, salad and fruit for a picnic in the park which was a welcome change from our sandwiches we normally "take" at breakfast!
On or last day we lost our first item (not bad considering we have been travelling for over 5 weeks now). In a frantic rush before catching the bus we decided to put our photos onto a CD and unfortunetley we left the memory card there... oh well it could of been worse we still have the photos.
Next stop Amsterdam,,,,
Belgium would of course not be complete without tasting the world famous chocolates. The old cobblestone streets are lined with chocolate stores and rather affordable too! Unfortunately the hot chocolates and milkshakes are perhaps a little more pricey at 4Euro ($6 AUD) and 6.50 Euro($10 AUD) respectively but still well worth it with our cafe of choice offering a selection of 42 different varieties!! The waffles are great too... it really sounds like all we do is eat and drink!
We also visited the local market and purchased some fresh meats, bread, salad and fruit for a picnic in the park which was a welcome change from our sandwiches we normally "take" at breakfast!
On or last day we lost our first item (not bad considering we have been travelling for over 5 weeks now). In a frantic rush before catching the bus we decided to put our photos onto a CD and unfortunetley we left the memory card there... oh well it could of been worse we still have the photos.
Next stop Amsterdam,,,,
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Paris 26th - 28th July
Paris - Our return to Paris was just as exciting as the first time round, there is just so much to do here. Firstly we met up with the others who joined us for our next month of travel, we now have a group! Upon recommendation from our busabout guide to see something a little different in Paris, we visited the Catacombes. In the late 1700's in Paris the cementries were becoming overfull so in some inventive yet weird kind of solution the people of Paris decided to dig up millions of bodies and arrange all their bones into a museum in an underground old quarrie...it has to be seen to be believed! Its situated below the metro line and sewers...we got a little wet from something dripping in the tunnels at times.
Our visit to Paris also coincided with the last day of the Tour de France which was spectacular timing once again! Amongst the thousands of others we found our position at the 1km mark to the finish line and waited 2 hours to catch a glimpse of the remaining 140 riders out of the original 170. The speed at which they ride is amazing! After a few laps we worked our way through the crowds to the finish line to watch the last sprint and the podium presentation from behind the stage. It was amazing to be there and see it all live.
Paris was still not yet to be completed until we climbed the Effiel tower and that we did, 700 odd steps and then a cable ride to the very top. Apparently the effiel tower actually sways slightly at the summit and you can actually notice this...maybe it was the wind,,,,or heat exhaustion it was bloody hot!!
Last of all and certainly not to be forgotten was the Moulin Rogue!! Fantastic, Spectacular, Amazing, even James enjoyed it. His favourite performances were by the side acts in between the dancers including the juggling musical man! Dees facourite was the Can Can with all the dancers dressed in french colours.
Next stop Bruges (Belgium) for chocolate and waffles...
Our visit to Paris also coincided with the last day of the Tour de France which was spectacular timing once again! Amongst the thousands of others we found our position at the 1km mark to the finish line and waited 2 hours to catch a glimpse of the remaining 140 riders out of the original 170. The speed at which they ride is amazing! After a few laps we worked our way through the crowds to the finish line to watch the last sprint and the podium presentation from behind the stage. It was amazing to be there and see it all live.
Paris was still not yet to be completed until we climbed the Effiel tower and that we did, 700 odd steps and then a cable ride to the very top. Apparently the effiel tower actually sways slightly at the summit and you can actually notice this...maybe it was the wind,,,,or heat exhaustion it was bloody hot!!
Last of all and certainly not to be forgotten was the Moulin Rogue!! Fantastic, Spectacular, Amazing, even James enjoyed it. His favourite performances were by the side acts in between the dancers including the juggling musical man! Dees facourite was the Can Can with all the dancers dressed in french colours.
Next stop Bruges (Belgium) for chocolate and waffles...
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