Angkor Wat and temples

Today was an amazing day. Filled with visiting temples and seeing traditional apsana dancers.

To catch you up. Phnom Penh turned out to be a really good city.

Yesterday was spent on the bus going to Siem Reap. It ended up being a very long day as the bus broke down and we were stuck on the side of the road under some shade for 2.5 hours. We then had to rush our planned stops at the insect market and the silk factory. We were all happy to be off the bus. Spent the evening on Pub Street and at the night market.

Today was temples all day. We started with Angkor Wat which is impressive for it's sheer size.















Then we visited the women's temple Banteay Srei. This was my favorite as it had beautiful detail and everything was in proportion with great lines between. I could have stayed for ages here.

Our last stop was the Buddhist temple Bayon which has Buddha heads everywhere, they sort of made me laugh with the half smile every where I looked.

Dinner tonight came with a show of apsara dancers who moved their hands and feet in ways I didn't expect. It was a very interesting show.

Tomorrow is Angkor Wat at sunrise, then the temple from Tomb Raider and the floating village in the afternoon.

Floating village:

Cambodia

So yesterday we spent all day on a bus 8.5 hours traveling between HCMC and Phnom Penh Cambodia. Quite a lot of time was spent at the border. As you have to wait on Vietnam to be called through from a warehouse to leave the country. Then in Cambodia you can get your visa at the crossing so you have to wait got them to be processed. I had an evisa which seemed like a good idea but I ended up being the last to cross over in Cambodia.

Once we were finally in Phnom Penh we went on a tuk tuk tour around the city. It was quite exhilarating going so fast and with so little space. We saw the city at night which turned out to be when everyone is out before getting dinner.

The next day was a combination of sad and happy.  Ok, mostly sad.  We got to visit the sad places of a killing field that was used during Pol Pot's regime as well as a Genocide Museum which was in an school, turned prison.  We learned a lot, and really experienced the horrors of the time.  It was amazing how many precautions were made so that the people close by had no idea what was going on and how many lives were being lost.


After all the sadness we visited the royal palace and silver pagoda which thankfully lightened the mood.  it was a really beautiful space with interesting architecture and beautiful colors.


Then we had dinner together at a snazzy spot called Malis. Then we walked to a bar named Top Banana.

Mekong Delta Vietnam

Today was a wonderful day. I slept a lot so getting up early for my tour was easy and I even felt rested. The tour itself was to the Mekong river Delta and my tour mates were a couple of Aussies.  We road on a private bus out. Which was comfortable and we learned from our guide Jackie along the way. 

We then rode a boat to unicorn island where we had honey tea (hot water, honey, lemon and bee pollen) and a few snacks. 

Then we ate tropical fruit and listened to folk music. 

Next was to see the making of coconut paper and thy ten are a fair bit of it. 

We visited a coconut candy factory and even tried coconut wine. 

Then road a cycle cart thing on crazy tiny roads to a lunch of all kinds of Vietnamese food. We finished the trip by riding a canal in a sanpan boat before heading back to the hotel.

I ventured to the huge market in HCMC and made a few purchases including getting half off a beautiful table runner by bartering down the price.

I met up with my group next and it should be an interesting trip. An Indian couple from Australia, a couple from England, a lady from Germany, a lady from Italy, an Aussie from a rural, a couple we haven't met yet and if course Rita. So 11 people total.

Our guide Sum took some of us to pub Street (Aussie, Italian and German). I drank Strongbow and finally had my chicken pho. It was a great day.

Tomorrow we check out early (7:45) and head to Phnom Pen Cambodia.

Ho Chi Minh City Day 1

After the fascinating time in the Taipei airport it was a 3 hour flight on a 777 to Ho Chi Minh City. Once of the airplane it was time to stand in line. First was to the landing Visa line to turn in the paperwork. Then waiting for them to print the visa. Thankfully that prices was faster then I thought it would be. Next they sent me back and forth of the line to get it stamped. Then baggage claim of course. I was amazed at how much so many of the people were picking up. One couple had 2 carts full of luggage and boxes. Once I had my luggage it was just the declaration scanning. On the other side of the scanners I easily found the guy who was there to take e me to the airport. I am so glad I paid for the transfer so much less stress since I was so tired.

Driving to the hotel was crazy. Drivers don't stay in their lanes and motorcycles are everywhere. My hotel is pretty nice. It's called the Queen Anne and has a comfy waiting room/lobby. My room is a corner on the 7th floor and has a queen bed. The best part is the rain shower walk in shower. Heaven since it is so hot here. After cleaning up and relaxing a bit I decided to set out to see the sights. Looking on a map it was supposed to be a 16 minute walk to the War Remnants Museum. Took a bit longer since cruising the roads is a show of faith. You basically step out in traffic and the drive around you. Super insane.

I made it to the museum and it was worth it. Made me sad to be an American and see all the destruction of this country. Especially all the kids who ended up deformed due to agent orange. Seeing all the USA helicopters, tanks etc were really neat. I tried to see the Reunification Palace but it closed before I got there. So I walked back to the hotel through a park.

Back at the hotel I met a lady named Rita from the UK who it turns out it's on my trip with Intrepid. She is quite worried so I hope being in a trip helps her. We ended up going to dinner together getting so OK food down the street.

Tomorrow is the Mekong valley tour and I can't wait.

Taipei airport

So survived the 13 hour flight to Taipei. I have never flown EVA air but they seemed really efficient. It was a bumpy ride for quite a bit of time so I didn't read as much as I thought. The movie selection was OK not awesome but OK so I watched a few movies mostly in pieces. Burnt, Steve Jobs, Truth and Our Brand is Crisis.

I am feeling pretty tired through as I am waiting for my flight to Vietnam.  The airport is pretty fun. Each waiting room has a theme. Aviation, reading, history, plants and of course Hello Kitty.

Almost ready to travel again

On Thursday I am flying to Southeast Asia for my first trip to that part of the world.  I am going on a tour this time (makes is less scary for me).  So here is the information on the tour.
http://www.intrepidtravel.com/us/cambodia/cambodian-traveller-93967#dates

I am also going to do a day trip while in Vietnam up the Mekong Valley:
http://www.urbanadventures.com/ho-chi-minh-city-tour-mekong-discovery

I am excited to share with you on this blog as I travel.

Home and Pictures

I am quite proud of myself.  I spent some time on Saturday going through the over 700 photos I took and started to turn it into a photo book.

Magnets

I picked up a magnet in each of the cities I visited and Michael's had a cool metal hanging piece that was perfect to put them all on. I am excited to get to see them everyday as a reminder.

Home

I have some catching up to do on my blog, sorry. Everything got a little crazy at the end and the internet hated me when I was trying to post. So, tonight I promise an update about Amsterdam, the trip back and pictures. :)

Update: Added pictures to most of my earlier posts.

Amsterdam

Made it to our very last city on our adventure. We are now sitting on a houseboat which is our home for 4 nights trying to decide what to do first. Update: The first night we ended up not doing a whole lot other than going to the grocery store and picking up food to cook in our kitchen and watching American TV. Friday: We decided to check off the two things we wanted to do the most. A trip to the Anne Frank House was first. The 2 hour wait in line outside talking to a couple from Ohio was completely worth it to see and feel what it was like to have to be hiding from the Nazis. After that very emotional museum we walked a bit to the Van Gogh Museum. That was a different kind of experience in a modern building surrounding by some beautiful art work and writings. It was very worthwhile experience. Saturday: It was the Amsterdam Cana Pride Parade. We found a spot on the canal looking between 2 houseboats at the parade going by. Each of the boats/barges had a theme and a party atmosphere. It was a crazy cool show. After the parade we got lost in Old Town walking all over the place.

Sunday: We woke up to find out that our hot water wasn't working. So, we had to work with the owner a bit before leaving and catching a train to Haarlem. Our goal was to see a museum about the people who were hiding Jewish people during WWII. It turns out it was closed on Sundays so instead we got to explore the cute town and eat pancakes in the square before heading back to the big city. We took a canal boat ride when we got back to Amsterdam and it was really interesting to see the canals from below. We ended the night eating tasty Irish food in a pub before heading back to the boat and packing everything to go home.

The Hague

We left Belgium for the Netherlands. Our destination was The Hague and the surrounding area. In fact our hotel was a funky slightly dated hotel on the beach in Scheveningen which is on the North Sea. It was an easy tram ride from the train station, in fact we got to go to the end of the tram line and then just basically had to cross the street to get to the hotel. Our first partial day was spent walking along the windy promenade and exploring the sculptures and shops.

The next morning we skipped The Hague and took the tram the completely other direction to Delft. A cute little town that is known for their blue and white porcelain that is still hand painted (although they do stamp some of it). We explored a few too many souvenir shops filled with the pretty porcelain and walked the rather quiet streets. We stopped at the Peace Palace on our way to the Madurodam a really interesting and interactive miniature city of the Netherlands.

Before heading to Amsterdam we visited a famous art museum the Mauritshuis that was filled with Rembrandts and Vermeers.

Cologne/Dusseldorf

In Cologne we of course did a walking tour through. This walking tour wasn't the best though it was trying too hard to be cool and ended up being kind of corny. The city itself was fun though they have some interesting architecture and sculptures. The river front area is by far the best feature and has great restaurants and is just really pretty.

We went to a Chocolate Museum which was my lindt chocolates. Learned a lot about the industry to grow and harvest the beans then the shipping and making of the chocolate. My favourite part was that we got to watch them actually make chocolate in the museum so you could see the whole process.

After the Chocolate Museum we caught a train the Dusseldorf which was only a little ways by train. We got off in a modern city but kept walking towards the pedestrian area thanks to sons signs and found the old town. It was so much fun lots of energy and shops. Picked up a new nutcracker by Christian Ulbrecht that did my other nutcracker as well. Then we ate at one of the brewery/restaurants in town and were waited on by some fun old men. The food was good and the beer was as well. We were definitely smiling on put long walk back to the train station.

The next day before heading to Brussels on our 2:45pm train we went to the Gestapo museum which was where they interrogated and tortured people towards the end of the war. It was heart breaking to see all of the inscriptions in the tiny cells that were designed for 1 to 2 people but often held closer to 30 and some people were there for months and sometimes were held more than once.  After the museum we got out last German meal and browsed some shops.

Germany was fun I will definitely have to come back to see more.

Belgium

I am a little behind on the updating. We made it to Brussels today so I hope to be able to update you soon on everything we did in Germany!

Above is a picture of the picture in our room at the Pantone hotel in Brussels.

Belgium was a fun country a little bit addicted to their French fries and strong in alcohol beers. On our first night in Brussels we had an amazing meal of mussels and tasty desserts. We took a walking tour and did a Belgian beer tour the next day as well as some shopping for TinTin stuff.

The next day we went to the comic strip Museum before heading to Bruges. The cute medieval town was a nice stop and we took a canal ride, went on a history walking tour in the rain and wandered the streets filled with ships closed since it was Sunday. It was a very nice city even though it was quite cold in the rain.

Our last night in Belgium was spent in Antwerp. We explored the old town, listened to a bell chorus at the lop sided cathedral and walked along the river front. We left there this morning and hope to someday return to Belgium.

Copenhagen/Hamburg

Yesterday we got up early to get to the train station hoping to get to Hamburg at a reasonable time. When we got to the train station we find out we couldn't leave until 2:40 so we stored our luggage and went out into the city again. We visited the Town Hall and the Round Tower. Round Tower was quite unique since it had a speak ramp most of the way to the top and not stairs. There was an art exhibit about half way up with the architectural models of buildings that were built and ones that were not. 

We caught the bus to connect to a train to Hamburg on time at 2:40. The bus was OK but a train would have been nicer of course. We realised we needed to be on the bus thought to take a ferry away from the island Copenhagen was on. Turns out our ferry was late. By the time we got to our connection we had all missed it (3 buses of people in total). Our option was to wait almost an hour until the next express or take a local to Lubetz then transfer to another train to Hamburg. We took that option as that train was actually pretty convenient. We finally made it to Hamburg just before 10pm so we didn't see much until today.  We checked out of our hotel in Hamburg this morning then went on a walking tour of the city for about 3 hours. I actually really liked the city. The brick buildings and unique architecture. It really felt like a city with heart and soul. I hope I get to visit again someday.

We caught a train out of Hamburg to Cologne. It was a 4 hour ride and we got in town with just enough time for dinner at a restaurant with actual German food. Out first view when we left the train station is the cathedral at the top of this post I think it bodes well for the rest of time in Cologne.

Copenhagen Day 3

Our third and final day in Copenhagen started with laundry and food. The laundry room longer than we had hoped so we took time to visit Rosenberg Palace which was almost next to our hostel. It was quite an interesting Palace most notably because the throne room was on the third floor and the King and Queen's thrones were very different but also because the there were 3 crowns on display as well as the crown jewels. It was a nice stop.

Later in the day we once again for lost on our way to the main square with town hall and Tivioli on it. We thankfully did finally find it after a few miss turns one took us almost all the way back where we started. We were too late to go inside town hall but we did make it to Tivioli. Tivoli was amazing an amusement park in the middle of the city which was more for the adults then children with whimsical decor.

Copenhagen Day 2

Today was filled with a lot of walking but I feel like I saw most of the city and got a good feel for it. Started off with a really tasty breakfast buffet in true European style. Then we left with the group heading to the walking tour from our hostel. The walk to meet up with the tour was almost a tour in itself with a very fast walking local. We met at the town hall while a a wedding was being celebrated. We didn't go into the town hall deciding to wait until tomorrow. We were split into groups of about 20 each. We walked past trivoli then around the square heading the history and how the growth hall was actually the 6th due to fires and outgrowing the second to last one. We then set off for other parts of the area including 3 churches and 4 statutes of men on horses. We saw the buildings of Nyhavn and ended in Amelienborg where the royal family lives. The tour was 3 hours and really interesting I recommend taking a Copenhagen Free Walking Tour if you ever visit better.

When the tour let up Sara and I decided to visit the Design Museum Denmark. It was filled with all sorts of information about design in Denmark from children's toys, posters and furniture to funky adult furniture. There were textiles and interesting things galore. After all that walking we sat and relaxed for a few minutes.

We decided to go to the Norrebro Bryghus or Brewhouse. We didn't have anything except for an address to go on and only a map since our phones are WiFi only here. On our way we saw part of the Kastellet which is an active military fortification that is open to the public much like the royal castles are. It was a beautiful side trip as the park around it is outstanding.

The walk to the brewery was quite long and we hit one road block with a park in the middle of the road we were looking for the restaurant on. We finally found it and it was really worth it. Actually smoked almonds, great beer (lemon pale ale was my favorite). I had fish and chips as my entree and dessert was to die for. A rhubarb mousse and strawberries in fermented honey with juniper ice cream. It was the best dessert I have had in ages. After an enjoyable meal the walk back to the hostel didn't feel so long.

Tomorrow we are going to Tivoli the second oldest amusement park on the world. Then reserving our ticket to Hamburg for the next morning.

Copenhagen Day 1

Got off the plane and easily found our baggage, metro ticket and metro. It got a little tricky navigating to our hostel. We walked the wrong direction then turned around and walked the correct direction. Finding the street signs proved tricky as in European fashion they were on the sides of buildings. We finally made it to the right building then found the door and went up to check in. We expected to have to pay to store or luggage but instead our private room was ready. So up to the study room we went and took a couple hour nap. When awake we tried to find an ATM machine which turned out to be a few blocks down. Back to hostel we went to try and start the 3 hour walking tour. Our timing was off so instead we walked our way into the city. It wasn't as tricky as I feared and met up with the free walking tour of Christanhavn. The streets removed me of upscale Fremont. It was a fun walk. The tour itself was 90 minutes and took us to some pretty site and across the bridge to Christanhavn. We ended up in the strange hippie area of Christiana. It was quite the site. We meandered back to our hostel and grabbed dinner there. Tomorrow we are going to do the 3 hour walking tour.

Last day in New Orleans

So to finish up or time in New Orleans we did a couple of fun things. Retraced our steps to the WWII Museum to finish up the sections we missed then took a long bus ride out to the city park to play historical mini golf and walk in the heart of course. It was a nice detour from the French quarter and we ended up back in the quarter for food.

We have been in planes and airports all through the 16th and just made it to Amsterdam just one more hop to Copenhagen.

New Orleans day 5

Last night we went out for a nice dinner with Stef at a tasty restaurant called Oceana. It was one of my favorite restaurants so far. Sara and I ended the night early to do laundry in preparation for switching hotels.

This morning Stef left at about 8:30 so we got up at about 9 to pack and clean up the room. After we were checked out we went to the French Market for breakfast with Lisa and Serena. We also browsed the flea market and I picked up a DVD of a documentary on freight train hopping as well a couple of really cool pictures on metal.

We split up from Lisa and Serena so they could go to the airport and we went to ride the Mississippi river on a stream boat. We enjoyed lunch, jazz music and beautiful views. It was a really great experience.

After the cruise we went to our new hotel and checked in even though we left our luggage at the other one. It is in an art deco style and quite comfy. We finally went to the place with cheap happy hour oysters and a great beer selection. It was such a wonderful way to spend the evening eating oysters and salad, drinking beer and just relaxing even with it still being 90 degrees out was fun.

After picking up put luggage we are taking the night off to hanging out. Tomorrow we are going to finish the WWII Museum and head to the city park to play mini golf for our last day in the US. Thursday it is off to Copenhagen and the European trip begins.

New Orleans Day 3

Today has been so much fun. We started the day with a bus tour through the city and cemetery. I learned a lot of history and saw some beautiful buildings. After the tour we decided to do a walking tour from a guidebook of the Garden District. That was probably one of my favorite times. The architecture was stunning in the huge homes. We found Anne Rice's Old home which was amazing lots of rot iron and sun rooms. We grabbed am authentic po boy before a bit of an adventure getting to the Hilton for all of them to go on a swamp tour and me to go on another Haunted tour.

New Orleans - National WWII Museum

If you are ever in the area this is definitely a museum to visit. It is well put together and has a very interactive way where you get to follow a soldier (in my case soldier brothers) throughout their story in the war. The information is really well put together.

New Orleans Day 2

Yesterday was filled with logistics of where we wanted to go and what we wanted to do. Followed but a trip to the Pharmacy Museum where we saw instruments that I am glad were never used on me and read about medicines that basically made you drink to cover up the symptoms and the sketchy medical practices. We also are tasty food and walked along the Mississippi seeing a storm in the distance. We also visited a farmer's market where I bought a funky headband. My favorite part of the day had to be the Haunted History Ghost Tour. Our guide was dressed as a pirate and had such a fun speaking voice. It was so interesting to hear about the Haunted town from so many years of living in the same spaces and so much violence. It was really interesting. We ended the night with time on Frenchman street with music, food and a little burlesque.

New Orleans Night 1

Made it in to New Orleans today. Grabbed a cab to our hotel. It felt like any old city on the drive in.

The hotel is nice being a Wyndam resort. Sara, Stef and I are in one room and Serena and Lisa in another on the same floor.

We didn't hang out long before venturing out to find food. We walked and looked at menus the 10 blocks to where the streetcar is picking up instead of riding the bus there. I am excited for an oyster bar just a few blocks away with a great happy hour price.

Once in the French quarter we yelped a place we hoped Serena could eat at. It was about a 5 minute walk down Royal. Doesn't seem like much but it was still really hot and humid. We found the place called Royal House. It was a traditional funky New Orleans building like you see in movies. We ended up eating upstairs which had the white and black coloring I had expected. Our waiter was really fun and charming. The food was tasty to. I really enjoyed my oyster pasta that was heavy on the garlic. The bread pudding not so much though it was a little burnt.

We ended the night on Bourbon Street with all of the drinking and partying. 

After dinner we meet back up with Stef on Canal street then headed to the street party of Bourbon Street. It was quite an image like Las Vegas Strip but more people on the streets and throwing beads of course. So many drunk people wow. We walked until the bars faded put then went back up again.

My favorite stop was for some music in the Legendary Musicians Park. It was a perfect moment of a hot humid night with classic music like moon river being performed.

Away I Go

Made it easily to the airport. Lots of extra time. Getting quite excited to get this vacation started.


Update: not as flawless as I had hoped. My seat assignment from when I bought my ticket didn't stick. Seattle to LA worked out since the rite ended up empty but LA to New Orleans totally in the middle. The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf green tea blended ice tea really helped.

Update: Touch down and headed to the hotel

Resurrecting for my next trip

Hi All, I have decided to use this bog again for my next trip which starts this Friday.
Here is the itinerary:

July 10th - Fly to New Orleans

July 10th to July 16th – New Orleans

July 16th Fly to Europe – Copenhagen, Denmark

July 17th to July 19th – Copenhagen, Denmark (3 days)

July 20th – Hamburg, Germany

July 21st – Frankfurt, Germany

July 22nd – Cologne, Germany

July 23rd & 24th – Brussels, Belgium (2 days)

July 25th & 26th - Bruges (2 days)

July 27th - Rotterdam

July 28th & 29th - The Hague/Schveningen

Jul 30 to Aug 3rd - Amsterdam (4 days) Gay Pride Parade August 1st Haarlem day trip from Amsterdam

Aug 3rd - Fly home from Amsterdam (afternoon)

Photos

So, I finally started going through my pictures. I took far too many it seems. I actually really love some of them, and that surprises me. It is amazing sometimes how lucky you can get with lighting and a good shot. So, I am adding them to Facebook (if you follow me there) and some of them to Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/frenchtweety/) although not as many as I had hoped due to upload restrictions. Here are a few of my favs.


Prague, Czech Republic.




Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

I'm Home

So, I made it back to Seattle. I got in at about 11am Seattle time. So, since then I have been trying to catch up and napping quite a bit. Ah the joy of jet lag.

So, when last I posted it was my last day at sea. That ended up being a nice and relaxing day. After checking in on the internet, I returned to my room and got most of my stuff packed. Then Neil and I decided to go swimming in the solarium/indoor pool. So, that is where we spent the evening, before got back to the room for change for dinner. Dinner was good, and it was nice talking to our dining mates one last time. Then off to the final show, which was entertaining with a magician as well as clips from the cruise dvd. It was neat to see so much silliness and I was even in a tiny clip. After the show it was a mad dash to get all of our stuff packed and outside the room. Then we ran to the Schooner Bar where Greg was preforming in the Splendour's Got Talent competition. Neil and I stood by the door and Greg, Lisa & Sara sat at the bar. I think he did an amazing job, but saddly he was beat out my a very strong grouping of singers. After the show it was basically talking until bed.

We got up early so we could disembark. It all went pretty smoothly. Once off the ship, we made our way into Venice. It was great to see the city again. It was not flooded at all thins time, which made it feel like a different city. We even walked into the palace and I could actually see the floor which was a spectacular mosaic. I managed to get a second mask and it was from the same shop so it even matched the one I already have. It was a great day walking the streets with my friends. Then the evening was spent playing cards.

In the I left at about midnight to wait for the bus. Sadly it didn't come in an hour, so I managed to catch a cab to the airport I slept a bit off and on until I could make my way through security to my gate. The first flight was short and easy at just 2 hours. Then I stood in line for about that long in Amsterdam before getting into an uncomfy middle seat for my really long flight home. It went pretty smoothly.

So, my trip was good, but I am a bit sad to be home after my trip. I would have loved to continuing traveling for awhile longer.

Crusing

So, today is my last full day on board the cruise ship. That means tonight I have to repack and we get off in the morning. I ahve been having a rather good time, and it will be difficult to get off and have to think about things like cooking, doing dishes or finding entertainment back in the real world. Tomorrow I am spending the day in Venice, before heading to the airport to sleep there, as my flight is at 6:30am.

So, how has my trip been you may be wondering. It has actually been quite a lot of fun. It has been nice to hop off the boat for a day in a new city but then get to get back on for dinner, a show and some cards in a bar.

After the last sea day we were in Kundasai Turkey. This was an interesting experience. Extrememly hot with not a lot of air movement. We saw the Virgin Mary's House, then walked though the ancient town of Ephesus. I am so glads we were on an actual excursion as it would have been very difficult to see everything on our own. Then it was time for a carpet show and high pressure sales people. It was an experience, I can say that much.

After turkey was Santorini Greece. It was another hot day and this excursion was a lot of work. We hiked up to the peak of an active volcano. It was quite a long walk and uphill on loose lava rocks. Then back down to the boat for a ride to the hot springs. It was a serious swim in 50 foot deep water to the hot springs. They were nice but as they were open to the sea not quite as warm as expected. Then were were dropped off in Santorini. For a long wait in line to take a cable car to the city which rests on a hill. It was a nice city, lots and lots of souvenier shops though, and we were soon much too hot. So we walked down the island on a zig zagging path that donkey's traditionally bring people up and down. It was exhausting. So it was nice to get back on the ship.

Yesterday was Corfu Greece. We were a bit more careful in this city as we had gotten much to hot the day before. So, we tried to be smart and spent quite a lot of time in the shade. It was a nice city to meander through and we enjoyed seeing the fortress that the city is known for. It was a nice day all in all.

I will be sure to write more once I am back home.

Vienna and Cruise

Ok, so I got pretty far behind in my blog. Sorry about that.

I had a good time in cesky Krumlov. It was a cute little town and was quite relaxing actually. I ended up hanging out that night with a guy from Dallas, Texas (Scott) which was one of the highlights of my trips so far. We had this silly bartender with flair, who kept cracking jokes and clapping mint in my face for the mojitos he was making. I feasted on crepes with Scott the next morning before hopping a shuttle to Linz and a train to Vienna.

Vienna was quite a bit of fun. I was alone hardly 3 hours when I met up with 3 girls from the US who were travelling together after studying abroad in Bristol/Genoble. They really were a great time even though being on a student budget meant walking all over the city rather than taking a tram. It was a great way to see the city though, and with company I was able to see the city one day with an opera in the evening and then visit the palace the next. It was hard to set off on my own way as I was enjoyign their company.

From Vienna I took a night train to Venice. My cabin/couchette mate was ok, but I didn't sleep well at all and really missed having a shower in the morning. Venice looked as nice as it had on my last visit and was easy to navigate to the bus station and from there it was a scant 30 minute walk to the cruise terminal. I was rocking out to Ian McFeron Band on the whole walk, the first time on my trip.

I spent the morning in the cruise terminal before the rest of the group finally got there. I did talk to a great bartender for a huge chunk of the time thoough, which kept it interesting.

Once on the cruise I was a bit overwhelmed but it is going well. The first night it was more about getting aclimated and not making any dinner eating taboos. I did hang out in the club that night and it was great to get to meet some new people.

Yesterday we spent the day in Duibrovnik which was just as amazingly beautiful as I had hoped. We did some billy goat moved as we walked along the rock clifs by the water. Old Town was nice but I loved being able to look out at the teal water. It was a very nice day.

Today is a relaxing cruising day. So I have spent time in the pool and now on the internet. I have missed writing to all of you, and will try to do better to keep in touch, even though the internet is insanely expensive.

Travelling-Cesky Krumlov & Vienna

Ok, so I have a bit to catch you up on, as there was no internet at my last hostel. Actually that isn't quite true it was there but it was expensive and there was only 1 computer. So, now to catch you up on my goings on.

Yesterday I was in Prague in the morning and Cesky Krumlov the rest of the day. I woke up exceedingly early (6:30am) and caught a metro to the stop where the bus depot was supposed to be. I of course could make absolutely no sense of where I was or what direction I was supposed to be going. It took me ages of walking the wrong direction before I got it right. Finally I found it on accident basically because I had almost given up. Inside I asked about tickets for the bus to Cesky Krumlov and the guy informed me that they could not sell me a ticket for the 8:15 bus. It had to be purchased from the driver. I then had to guess what direction to go to find "Bus 25" which was not in isle 25 it was at 23. The driver was cranky and didn't want to let me put my backpack with the other 2 people. He also turned out to be a crappy driver, which I found is normal for Czech drivers, luckily it only cost me the equivalent of $10.

Once there it was very worth it. The city was beautiful, magical even. I stopped at the Tourism office, and they helped me figure out a way to get to Vienna today. A shuttle to Linz and then a train to Vienna. That out of the way, I checked into my hostel and realized that the showers were just scary. I then set to walkign around., Cesky Krumlov was easy to navigate and reminded me of Sienna, Italy somehow. it was great and although there were loads of tourists by the main castle it was nice and peacful throughout. I went on a tour of the inside of the castle and ended up with a couple from Lynnwood on my tour. The tour guide was funny and the rooms were mostly decorated from the 1600s. It was interesting. I then wound my way down to the old town area and sat on a bench to read. A girl (Christina) I met on the tour in prague the day before showed but so, we talked for quite awhile before she was off to catch a train. I went out to dinner at a great vegitarian restaurant then back to my hostel. I grabbed a cup of tea and then a drink in the bar downstairs while writing in my journal. I was about the give up on the evening and go to bed, when I ran into a guy in the hall. He was missing speaking to another American so we ended up going out to a bar, with a slightly loony bartender. It was great fun talking and drinking with Scott from texas. We stayed out until the bar closed and we headed back to the hostel still talking away. I quite enjoyed his company.

This morning after a trial with the showers, I went to breakfast with Scott. Coffee and crepes were perfect. Then I caught a shuttle to Linz at about 11am. It was really crowded. They dropped me off at the train station in Linz and I caught a train to Vienna about 10 minutes later.

Once in Vienna my first stop was the ticket office where I got my night train to Venice all worked out. Hooray. Then it was getting lost on my way to my hostel once again, and always. I got my space set up and then went out walking. So, a good day all in all.

I really enjoyed Cesky Krumlov and Vienna looks promising for tomorrow.

Prague-Day 2

Today was a very good day. I went on a walking tour that had a fun and exciting tour guide, and was "Free" or in other words, tip what you can. We started in old town, visited new town, the Jewish quarter and walked along the river looking at the castle as well as other spots from a distance. It was interesting,informative and at 3 1/2 hours very nice. I met a traveller named Mike from Boston, and after the trip we went up to the Prague castle, parliment courtyard and then down to the Dancing House by Frank Gehry. It was a lot of walking but it was nice to have companz and although he gotto be a bit annoying it was great to walk around with someone and we even remembered to stop for food, which was a bonus.

After all of the walking it was about 8:30pm and I heading off to find the metro station I had seen this morning as I am heading off to Ceskz Krumlov for the daz tomorrow and needed to know where it was so I sould get to the bus station early in the day.

In the end I liked Prague. It was not mz favorite citz but it is colorful with lots of different styles and as it turns out a lot of movies such as Eurotrip use it for filming all of Europe as it has so manz different styles.

Day 1/Prague

So, today (really a combination of Saturday and Sunday s my day got jammed together a bit). My flight was eally long but I did get to watch a fewmovies on the plane that hadbeen in my Netflix queue for sometime (Last Chance Harvey, Doubt & Reservation Road).

I am doing fine. I am a bit lonely but that is too be expected, I haven't been here long enough to really get to chat with anyone. I basically walked around the Old Town part of the city today. Weaving in and out and gtting all kinds of torned around, but actually seeig quite a bit. Along the way I listened to a great tour guide, so I think I am going to take his tur tomorrow (I finally found a brochure about it an they are free, tips recommnded). So at 10:30 am that is where I should be. I will even learn something about the ton, what a thought. I lso stopped in at the Tourist Information office and was tld where to catch the bus for Cesky Krumlov the day after tomorrow although I am still not clear on how much to pay. Ah well, it will work out somehow.

The prt of town I was in today really does come stright out of a history book. With winding cobblestone streets, crowded sidewalks, oldbuildings with amazing facades and churches/synagogues/buildings that can say they ahve been here since the 1200s. What a history.

I want to try and go into one of the Franz Kafka exhibits while I am here as well. I just didn'thave thepatience to go in and do too much today. I slept on the plane but a few more hours would have been good.

So, I a doing well, I have tomorrow in Prague before hading off to Cesky Krumlov the next day and then Vienna. I will write again soon. Probably tomorrow as my internet access is free here.

Slovakia

I just realized that Bratislava, Slovakia is only an hour train ride from Vienna. Maybe I will head over there for a day as well. I would love to see another country. :) I might be opverly ambitious but I do love the single day visits to countries.

Almost Time

So my flight out is on Saturday at 1pm. It seems like it is really sneaking up on me. On Sunday I did all of my packing, well 98% of it. S, I feel much better about that.

I made a few mistakes with my trip scheduling, but I have it all worked out now.

May 30 - Leave US
May 31 - Prague
June 1 - Prague
June 2 - Cesy Krumlov
June 3 - Vienna
June 4 - Vienna
June 5 - Vienna
Night train to Venice
June 6 - Venice- Leave on cruise.

So, I am excited and a bit nervous. I don't feel completely prepared for this trip for some reason but I am sure it will work out to be a great time.

Less than a month to go

So my trip is pretty set up. I have my plane ticket and have reserved hostels for my 2 cities I will be visiting on my own.

I am flying out on May 30th, arriving in Prague, Czech Republic on June 1st. I am staying at The Prague Spot Hostel which is in a great location from June 1st through June 3rd. Then traveling to Vienna, Austria where I am staying the night of June 3rd and 4th at Westend city hostel, before taking a night train to Venice, Italy on June 5th. On June 6th I arrive in Venice at like 8am and board the ship for the cruise around 11am.

So, I have to all worked out. On the cruise I really want to take the all day tour of the cities of Turkey but the other 3 ports I hope we can just waunder around. We get back into Venice early on the Saturday June 13th and I fly out at 6:25am on June 14th, so maybe I will just stay at the airport that night. Should be a great 2 weeks.

Work in Progress

So, I was doing quite a bit of research this weekend for my trip in June. I don't think I mentioned before, but I am planning on a week on my own before the cruise with my friends.

I have my plane ticket and I am flying into Prague, Czech Republic.

So, here is how it is shaping up.
June 1-arrive Prague
June 2-Prague
June 3-Travel to Vienna, Austria
June 4-Vienna, Austria (hopefully night train to Slovenia)
June 5-Lubjana, Slovenia
June 6-Travel to Venice, Italy and leave on cruise at 5pm

So, I am really excited about Prague. I wanted to go to krakow or Budapest but they take me in the wrong direction when I have to be in Venice, Italy on a set day.

Next trip is almost planned

So, my friend Sara is putting together a cruise for a group of us (5 in total). I am really excited about the cruise. I will get to see Venice again, which I loved. We are setting off on a cruise to Croatia, Turkey and Greece before returning to Venice. I am really excited about the trip, spending it with friends, and enjoying the ride.



Itinerary Map

When you cruise to the "Cradle of Civilization," there's a natural tendency to be more, well, civilized - more relaxed. It's just a totally different feeling. The sun is warmer and so are the smiles. The colors more vibrant, the cuisine a little livelier. Mediterranean people know the secret of living life to the fullest. Best part is, they're willing to share.


Sailing Itinerary

Day Port
06-Jun Venice, Italy
07-Jun Dubrovnik, Croatia
08-Jun Cruising
09-Jun Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey
10-Jun Santorini, Greece
11-Jun Corfu, Greece
12-Jun Cruising
13-Jun Venice, Italy

I decided to take the week before the 7 day cruise for a trip of my own. So, i am flying into Prague, Czech Republic on June 1 (I leave home on May 30th of course). I will then hope to go to Budapest, Hungary and Vienna, Austria before going to Venice, Italy to head off on the cruise. I will leave the morning after we get back in (June 14th I fly home).

I haven't quite worked out the timing on my first week yet, but I will soon.