Arrived at home about midnight Sunday night.
What a great trip!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009 - Depart for LAX
Woke up around 7:00 A.M. - too exited to go home, I couldn't sleep. Watched the BBC - they had some good programs on the Vendee Globe and the Volvo Ocean Races. Scott made breakfast and then we went on a short walk through the park next to his apartment. The taxi picked me up at 11:30 A.M. and we got to the airport an hour later. Just walked around the shops, had lunch, bought some water and waited to board the plane.
It is so nice, I don't have anyone sitting in my row - 3 seats all the myself.
Watched a whole bunch of movies (3 in total) in trying to stay awake and get back on Pacific Time.
It is so nice, I don't have anyone sitting in my row - 3 seats all the myself.
Watched a whole bunch of movies (3 in total) in trying to stay awake and get back on Pacific Time.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009 - London
Slept well until 8:00 A.M. Scott needed to go to school all day today, so he left me with instructions and money to meet Suzanne this afternoon.
This morning I just watched TV, showered, and organized my luggage. It feels so good to be clean and organized again.
I caught the bus from Scott's place to Suzanne's place. It only took about 20 minutes and it was so easy - just got off at the really colorful buildings (where Suzanne lives). I checked my email and then we sat and chatted. At around 2:00 P.M. we walked through a cute park, past the O2 (previously the Millennium Dome), and to the tube station to buy me a travelcard. then we caught the bus to Greenwich - here we walked around Greenwich Park, saw the observatory, and the GMT line, then we walked through town to the market and to buy stamps (yes! If inally found stamps to mail the stupid postcards that I have been carrying around for 2 weeks now). Then we took the river ferry to London Bridge to meet Scott. Once we met Scott we went on a long walk all the way to almost the London Eye, caught the bus, and headed to dinner. For dinner we met 7 of Scott and Suzanne's friends at an Indian restaurant. We ate so much - and some of it was so hot! After dinner we caught the DLR to the bus back to Scott's place and went straight to bed around midnight.
This morning I just watched TV, showered, and organized my luggage. It feels so good to be clean and organized again.
I caught the bus from Scott's place to Suzanne's place. It only took about 20 minutes and it was so easy - just got off at the really colorful buildings (where Suzanne lives). I checked my email and then we sat and chatted. At around 2:00 P.M. we walked through a cute park, past the O2 (previously the Millennium Dome), and to the tube station to buy me a travelcard. then we caught the bus to Greenwich - here we walked around Greenwich Park, saw the observatory, and the GMT line, then we walked through town to the market and to buy stamps (yes! If inally found stamps to mail the stupid postcards that I have been carrying around for 2 weeks now). Then we took the river ferry to London Bridge to meet Scott. Once we met Scott we went on a long walk all the way to almost the London Eye, caught the bus, and headed to dinner. For dinner we met 7 of Scott and Suzanne's friends at an Indian restaurant. We ate so much - and some of it was so hot! After dinner we caught the DLR to the bus back to Scott's place and went straight to bed around midnight.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009 - Paris to London
7:15 A.M. - breakfast
7:45 A.M. - load the coach
8:15 A.M. - leave campsite
Some people were staying in Paris and some had already left, so we were a few heads short on our drive out of Paris. We stopped at the airport to drop off a few more people as well. Now off to Calais to catch the ferry back to England.
Got back to London about 4:30 P.M., unloaded the coach, said our goodbyes. Now on to Canary Wharf to meet Scott. I had called him while on the ferry to say that I would be in around 6:00 P.M. Caught the tube - I was worried about the tube being crowded and having to carry my big bag and backpack but it was really alright and not too busy.
Got to Canary Wharf around 5:30 P.M. and tried to call Scott. Wrong #. Tried again. Wrong #. Starting to freak out. In the middle of nowhere, surrounded by tall sky scrapers and people dressed in black suits. Just sat on a park bench and waited, hoping. Scott texted me around 6:00 P.M. to say he was just getting off work. Less worried now. I think Scott's phone number was not working because it was the first time that I was calling from within England and I did not need the extra exit code in the phone number. Anyways it all worked out in the end.
Scott took me to a bar for a drink while we raited for his girlfriend, Suzanne, to get off work.
We then went to an asian restaurant and had dinner. I had the chicken kaatsu entree.
Then we needed to take the tube and then a bus to Scott's apartment.
We watched some British comedy show and then I took a shower and went to bed.
7:45 A.M. - load the coach
8:15 A.M. - leave campsite
Some people were staying in Paris and some had already left, so we were a few heads short on our drive out of Paris. We stopped at the airport to drop off a few more people as well. Now off to Calais to catch the ferry back to England.
Got back to London about 4:30 P.M., unloaded the coach, said our goodbyes. Now on to Canary Wharf to meet Scott. I had called him while on the ferry to say that I would be in around 6:00 P.M. Caught the tube - I was worried about the tube being crowded and having to carry my big bag and backpack but it was really alright and not too busy.
Got to Canary Wharf around 5:30 P.M. and tried to call Scott. Wrong #. Tried again. Wrong #. Starting to freak out. In the middle of nowhere, surrounded by tall sky scrapers and people dressed in black suits. Just sat on a park bench and waited, hoping. Scott texted me around 6:00 P.M. to say he was just getting off work. Less worried now. I think Scott's phone number was not working because it was the first time that I was calling from within England and I did not need the extra exit code in the phone number. Anyways it all worked out in the end.
Scott took me to a bar for a drink while we raited for his girlfriend, Suzanne, to get off work.
We then went to an asian restaurant and had dinner. I had the chicken kaatsu entree.
Then we needed to take the tube and then a bus to Scott's apartment.
We watched some British comedy show and then I took a shower and went to bed.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009 - Paris
Woke up this morning feeling a lot better, surprisingly, but my voice is almost completely gone. Ugh! I think both my body and mind (and a little bit of my heart) are ready to go home to California.
7:45 A.M. - breakfast
8:15 A.M. - leave on the coach
9:00 A.M. - groupd photo in front of the Eiffel Tower
After the group photo, most of us girls went to the Perfumery (basically a museum about the history of perfume). We went through a short history and then got to smell some samples. I did not buy anything though. Then Mia, Adara, Jennifer, and I walked down the Rio de Rivoli and shopped along the way. We stopped for toasted baguette sandwiches and then on to Notre Dame.
Norte Dame was beautiful. I walked around the exterior and looked at the awesome stained glass windows. Then I went and sat in one f the pews for about 1/2 an hour before meeting the girls. Then we walked back and through the center courtyard of the Louvre. We stopped by the pyramids and he reflection pools to have a rest. We had been going non-stop all day and it was quite hot in Paris. Then we went and sat in lounge chairs in the gardens next to the Louvre and waited for the bus.
Went back to the campsite to get ready for dinner.
Very hectic drive back into the city - traffic was so terrible.
Dinner was at a small French restaurant. We sat at two long tables and were serenaded by a very interesting man who looked like a cross between Tina Turner and Mealoaf. First we were served white wine with black currant flavor. Then I ordered the onion soup (some people ordered the snails, but I wasn't feeling that adventurous). The entree I ordered was duck in an orange sauce. Drank a lot of wine. Watched Eliz sing on stage with the performer. For dessert we had a cream with berry sauce.
Then quickly off to the caberet.
got home around 12:30 A.M. - went to bed.
7:45 A.M. - breakfast
8:15 A.M. - leave on the coach
9:00 A.M. - groupd photo in front of the Eiffel Tower
After the group photo, most of us girls went to the Perfumery (basically a museum about the history of perfume). We went through a short history and then got to smell some samples. I did not buy anything though. Then Mia, Adara, Jennifer, and I walked down the Rio de Rivoli and shopped along the way. We stopped for toasted baguette sandwiches and then on to Notre Dame.Norte Dame was beautiful. I walked around the exterior and looked at the awesome stained glass windows. Then I went and sat in one f the pews for about 1/2 an hour before meeting the girls. Then we walked back and through the center courtyard of the Louvre. We stopped by the pyramids and he reflection pools to have a rest. We had been going non-stop all day and it was quite hot in Paris. Then we went and sat in lounge chairs in the gardens next to the Louvre and waited for the bus.
Went back to the campsite to get ready for dinner.Very hectic drive back into the city - traffic was so terrible.
Dinner was at a small French restaurant. We sat at two long tables and were serenaded by a very interesting man who looked like a cross between Tina Turner and Mealoaf. First we were served white wine with black currant flavor. Then I ordered the onion soup (some people ordered the snails, but I wasn't feeling that adventurous). The entree I ordered was duck in an orange sauce. Drank a lot of wine. Watched Eliz sing on stage with the performer. For dessert we had a cream with berry sauce.
Then quickly off to the caberet.
got home around 12:30 A.M. - went to bed.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Wednesday, May 6th, 2009 - Swiss Alps to Paris
Last stop on the trip: PAris!
It took us all day to get to Paris - 7+ hours on the coach. When we arrived we started a driving tour of some of the major monuments. At 6:00 P.M. we headed to our campground just outside of town. Had dinner at 7:30 P.M. of delicious pasta salad and bread.
Then at 8:30 P.M. we all met and Josh took us via the bus and then the metro to the Eiffel Tower. It was stunning at night, all lit up by lights. On the hour, all the lights blink for 5 minutes and it looks like it is sparkling. We quickly headed up the elevator to the second floor, then switched elevators, stood in another long line, to head to the top. We could only spend about 15 minutes at the top before we needed to get back in line to catch the elevator to the bottom. We were so high up! Once back on the second floor we decided to take the stairs the rest of the way down because the line for the elevator was so long. There were so many steps!
Once at the bottom we rushed to meet Josh by 11:30 P.M. Everyone arrived at the meeting point on time except Yoshi (Japan). We had to leave without him. We all rushed to the metro station and caught one of the last trains out of the city. Just as we were leaving we saw Yoshi running up the stairs on the opposite platform. We had just missed him.
At the point where we needed to change trains, we had to run to our platform to catch the very last train of the night. We almost got on the wrong one, but some nice French dude helped us out (all 50, tired, screaming English-only speaking of us). Again just as our proper train was pulling out of the station, we saw Yoshi running up the stairs. Again, we had just missed him.
Josh gave the South African boys directions and stayed behind to and find Yoshi. Once at our stop we needed to walk for about 30 minutes to the campground. We did finally make our way home and my head hit the pillow by 1:00 A.M.
It took us all day to get to Paris - 7+ hours on the coach. When we arrived we started a driving tour of some of the major monuments. At 6:00 P.M. we headed to our campground just outside of town. Had dinner at 7:30 P.M. of delicious pasta salad and bread.
Then at 8:30 P.M. we all met and Josh took us via the bus and then the metro to the Eiffel Tower. It was stunning at night, all lit up by lights. On the hour, all the lights blink for 5 minutes and it looks like it is sparkling. We quickly headed up the elevator to the second floor, then switched elevators, stood in another long line, to head to the top. We could only spend about 15 minutes at the top before we needed to get back in line to catch the elevator to the bottom. We were so high up! Once back on the second floor we decided to take the stairs the rest of the way down because the line for the elevator was so long. There were so many steps!
Once at the bottom we rushed to meet Josh by 11:30 P.M. Everyone arrived at the meeting point on time except Yoshi (Japan). We had to leave without him. We all rushed to the metro station and caught one of the last trains out of the city. Just as we were leaving we saw Yoshi running up the stairs on the opposite platform. We had just missed him.
At the point where we needed to change trains, we had to run to our platform to catch the very last train of the night. We almost got on the wrong one, but some nice French dude helped us out (all 50, tired, screaming English-only speaking of us). Again just as our proper train was pulling out of the station, we saw Yoshi running up the stairs. Again, we had just missed him.
Josh gave the South African boys directions and stayed behind to and find Yoshi. Once at our stop we needed to walk for about 30 minutes to the campground. We did finally make our way home and my head hit the pillow by 1:00 A.M.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 - Swiss Alps
Got to sleep in until 7:00 A.M. this morning since we did not need to load the coach - this is the first time all trip that we have had two days in a city - and it was so great! I was not feeling all that great this morning - my nose was running and I had a sore throat - so I took some cold medicine with breakfast. For breakfast we had "toad in a hole" or "popeyes" with an assortment of cereals. After breakfast I walked around the chalet to take some morning photots - the two South African boys (Matt and Derryk) joined me. There is a sheep pen just next to the chalet and I woke up to the sound of sheep "baa-ing" this morning. Then at 8:45 A.M. we met to go up to the top of Jungfrau Mountain. We caught our first train at 9:15 A.M. and made one connection half way up the mountain. We arrived at the top around 11:00 A.M. We went out onto the observation deck and it was the first time that most people with us had been in the snow. One guy even stripped down to his underwear and made a snow angel in the snow. Then we visited the ice palace, that was a bunch of tunnels carved out of the ice. We enjoyed hot cocoa and vegetable soup and then headed back down the mountain at 1:00 P.M. Arrived back in Lautterbrunnen around 3:30 P.M.
Time for a quick rest and a shower before dinner at 6:30 P.M.
At 8:30 P.M. we all watched the movie "Old School" under sleeping bags in the lobby. Off to bed at 10:00 P.M.
Time for a quick rest and a shower before dinner at 6:30 P.M.
At 8:30 P.M. we all watched the movie "Old School" under sleeping bags in the lobby. Off to bed at 10:00 P.M.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009 - Venice to Swiss Alps
7:00 A.M. Breakfast
7:30 A.M. Load the coach
7:45 A.M. Drive to Lucerne (7 hours of driving today - ugh!)
Had quite an uneventful ride from Venice, but once we reached Switzerland the scenery changed completely and it was beautiful. We made a stop in Lucerne to look at the lion monument (a monument to commemorate the Swiss Guards who were killed in 1792 during the French Revolution, when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris, France).
Then on to the downtown area of Lucerne - we had two hours there to shop and explore - I picked up two Swiss Army knives for Jessica and Ashley and two camping mugs for Jon and I. Then we had another 1 and a half hour drive to Lauterbrunnen. Man, the road there was windy! We arrived at our chalet, had dinner, and went to the "bomb shelter" (the chalet's bar in the basement) for a "skittle"-themed party.
Monday night (continued) - I had so much fun at the bar last night. Drank some beers, danced, sang. It was Megan's birthday at midnight so we all sang to her, and then I was off to bed.
P.S. The girls who were lost last night made it home via taxi around 1 am.
P.S. This morning Josh (our tour manager) was in such a rush that he forgothis suitcase at the cabins in Venice. So for the next 4 days he will need to reuse the clothes that he is wearing or but some new ones. doh!
7:30 A.M. Load the coach
7:45 A.M. Drive to Lucerne (7 hours of driving today - ugh!)
Had quite an uneventful ride from Venice, but once we reached Switzerland the scenery changed completely and it was beautiful. We made a stop in Lucerne to look at the lion monument (a monument to commemorate the Swiss Guards who were killed in 1792 during the French Revolution, when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris, France).
Then on to the downtown area of Lucerne - we had two hours there to shop and explore - I picked up two Swiss Army knives for Jessica and Ashley and two camping mugs for Jon and I. Then we had another 1 and a half hour drive to Lauterbrunnen. Man, the road there was windy! We arrived at our chalet, had dinner, and went to the "bomb shelter" (the chalet's bar in the basement) for a "skittle"-themed party.
Monday night (continued) - I had so much fun at the bar last night. Drank some beers, danced, sang. It was Megan's birthday at midnight so we all sang to her, and then I was off to bed.
P.S. The girls who were lost last night made it home via taxi around 1 am.
P.S. This morning Josh (our tour manager) was in such a rush that he forgothis suitcase at the cabins in Venice. So for the next 4 days he will need to reuse the clothes that he is wearing or but some new ones. doh!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009 - Austrian Tyrol to Venice
Breakfast at 7:15 A.M.
Load the coach at 7:45 A.M.
Leave at 8:00 A.M.
Headed to Venice, Italy
The drive from Austria to Italy was through hundred of kilometers of vineyards - so beautiful. We arrived at our cabins around 1:30 P.M. and had free time until 3:30 P.M. when we had to catch our ferry to the island of Venice. In the meantime, I enjoyed a Birra Moretti with the girls at the pub. The ferry took us to Venice. We all walked to the Piazza San Marco and then had about an hour and a half to explore. I went with Marcia, Alvin, Dan, Kyle, and Praj through the shops to the Rialto Bridge. Then met the groupd back at the Piazza to walk to take a gondola ride. Marcia, Alvin, Kyle, Praj, and I shared a gondola ride through the canals. Then on to dinner - the four of us plus Jessica, Dan, Megan, and Nicole went to get pizza and wine for dinner.
After dinner we walked along the waterfront and met the group back at 9:00 P.M. in the Piazza. Back at the Piazza two police officers were harassing two of the Indian boys from our town - apparently they looked suspicious and they wanted to see their passports. Back on the ferry we realized that we were missing 5 people - the four Canadian girls and Lucy (Australia) - I hope they make it home on their own tonight.
Load the coach at 7:45 A.M.
Leave at 8:00 A.M.
Headed to Venice, Italy
The drive from Austria to Italy was through hundred of kilometers of vineyards - so beautiful. We arrived at our cabins around 1:30 P.M. and had free time until 3:30 P.M. when we had to catch our ferry to the island of Venice. In the meantime, I enjoyed a Birra Moretti with the girls at the pub. The ferry took us to Venice. We all walked to the Piazza San Marco and then had about an hour and a half to explore. I went with Marcia, Alvin, Dan, Kyle, and Praj through the shops to the Rialto Bridge. Then met the groupd back at the Piazza to walk to take a gondola ride. Marcia, Alvin, Kyle, Praj, and I shared a gondola ride through the canals. Then on to dinner - the four of us plus Jessica, Dan, Megan, and Nicole went to get pizza and wine for dinner.
After dinner we walked along the waterfront and met the group back at 9:00 P.M. in the Piazza. Back at the Piazza two police officers were harassing two of the Indian boys from our town - apparently they looked suspicious and they wanted to see their passports. Back on the ferry we realized that we were missing 5 people - the four Canadian girls and Lucy (Australia) - I hope they make it home on their own tonight.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009 - Munich to Austrian Tyrol
On to Austria.
The drive from Munich to Hofgarten, Austria was beautiful - tall mountains covered in snow, little quaint towns, emerald colored water. When we got into Austria, our first stop was to go white water rafting. About 35 of us kitted up with wetsuits, life jackets, booties, and helmets and loaded into 4 rafts. White water rafting was awesome - the water was fresh (aka freezing) but most of us jumped in anyways for a swim. We went through about 6 rapids - only one serious one where the guide had to use the "get down" command. Once back at the lodge we wenjoyed warm showers and hot chocolate. Then we had about an hour and a half drive to the Contiki chalet in Hofgarten. The chalet was this cute, quaint house with room with private balconies, laundry and internet facilities, a bar, and dining area. I took some time to write my postcards while it was raining. Then once the sun came back out I walked with Mia to check out this cute town. Along the way we watched some people from our group paragliding over us. Once back at the chalet, I took a shower and got ready for dinner. Dinner was great - we had goulash, some sort of breaded pork with potatoes, the dessert was apple strudel with a rich cream. After dinner I played Balderdash with Callista, Annandi, Mia, and Eliz with Dan, Kyle, Praj, and Alvin joining us later. I went to the bar for a beer before heading to bed just after 10:00 P.M.
The drive from Munich to Hofgarten, Austria was beautiful - tall mountains covered in snow, little quaint towns, emerald colored water. When we got into Austria, our first stop was to go white water rafting. About 35 of us kitted up with wetsuits, life jackets, booties, and helmets and loaded into 4 rafts. White water rafting was awesome - the water was fresh (aka freezing) but most of us jumped in anyways for a swim. We went through about 6 rapids - only one serious one where the guide had to use the "get down" command. Once back at the lodge we wenjoyed warm showers and hot chocolate. Then we had about an hour and a half drive to the Contiki chalet in Hofgarten. The chalet was this cute, quaint house with room with private balconies, laundry and internet facilities, a bar, and dining area. I took some time to write my postcards while it was raining. Then once the sun came back out I walked with Mia to check out this cute town. Along the way we watched some people from our group paragliding over us. Once back at the chalet, I took a shower and got ready for dinner. Dinner was great - we had goulash, some sort of breaded pork with potatoes, the dessert was apple strudel with a rich cream. After dinner I played Balderdash with Callista, Annandi, Mia, and Eliz with Dan, Kyle, Praj, and Alvin joining us later. I went to the bar for a beer before heading to bed just after 10:00 P.M.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009 - Rhine Valley to Munich
6:45 A.M. - Wake up
7:45 A.M. - Breakfast
8:300 A.M. - Pack up and leave on the coach
Had a beautiful drive through Germany - many castles, rivers, and fields. We made a quick 45 minute stop at Dauchau - a Jewish concentration camp during WWII. Once we arrived in Munich, we walked to the main square between the old and new city halls. Since it was Labour Day, all the shops were closed, but all the bars were opened and packed. I walked from the main square to the Hofbrauhaus - since I could not go to Munich, Germany without visiting this famous beer hall. Then I spent the rest of my time walking around the downtown area taking pictures - Munich was much more beautiful than I was expecting. Then met back up with the rest of the group and headed to the hostel.
Then on to the beer hall. We sat at tables of 9 and were each served a 1 litre stein of beer. For dinner I had the pork knuckle - basically a huge hunk of pork on a bone that is slow cooked all day - it was delicious. We all danced (the chicken dance) and sang (Ein Prost!). One litre down - one to go. We left on the coach around 9:30 P.M. and the party continued on the drive home. I have some rediculous photos and video of this bus ride. At the hostel, I went up to the room to shower and go to bed. The door keys were so difficult to use that it took me forever to get the door unlocked.
7:45 A.M. - Breakfast
8:300 A.M. - Pack up and leave on the coach
Had a beautiful drive through Germany - many castles, rivers, and fields. We made a quick 45 minute stop at Dauchau - a Jewish concentration camp during WWII. Once we arrived in Munich, we walked to the main square between the old and new city halls. Since it was Labour Day, all the shops were closed, but all the bars were opened and packed. I walked from the main square to the Hofbrauhaus - since I could not go to Munich, Germany without visiting this famous beer hall. Then I spent the rest of my time walking around the downtown area taking pictures - Munich was much more beautiful than I was expecting. Then met back up with the rest of the group and headed to the hostel.
Then on to the beer hall. We sat at tables of 9 and were each served a 1 litre stein of beer. For dinner I had the pork knuckle - basically a huge hunk of pork on a bone that is slow cooked all day - it was delicious. We all danced (the chicken dance) and sang (Ein Prost!). One litre down - one to go. We left on the coach around 9:30 P.M. and the party continued on the drive home. I have some rediculous photos and video of this bus ride. At the hostel, I went up to the room to shower and go to bed. The door keys were so difficult to use that it took me forever to get the door unlocked.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)