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TRAVEL IS A CELEBRATION OF LIFE AND FREEDOM!!!!!
Tim's Travels--Sunday June
09, 2002
This is where I will post my European Whereabouts. ....
My plan is to go and visit 18 countries and 35 CITIES! Is
this an incredible plan or what?T Let us
see how far I get. :)
Sunday, June 9, 2002;
Los Angeles
I am waiting for my
passport and then I will be out of here (headed for Europe.) Actually, I teach
till June 20th and then I will be leaving. I can't wait.
Tuesday, June 11, 2002;
Los Angeles
I am watching VCR tapes on
Amsterdam, London and other locations. These tapes are telling me what to do
and what not to do. Soon, I will send my application to the University in
Barcelona so I will begin study as soon as I arrive in Spain. I wish I had my
passport and I didn't have to work so I could leave today. :) By the way, where
am I going to go? Well, my plans change every day. First my plans were Italy,
France and Spain (not in that order). Then I thought how neat (yes neat) it
would be to go to 17 countries and 50 cities. Then I got too stressed out so I
thought Ireland, England, Scotland, Spain, Italy and France. Now, I don't know
where I will go. As soon as I get my passport I will decide, buy the ticket and
leave. :) To be continued. :)
Wednesday, June 12,
2002;
Los Angeles
I am still waiting for my
passport. Boy, time is passing slow. I am still deciding where to go visit
first. My feeling today is to go straight to Amsterdam and enjoy the long
nights (the sun is out till 11:00 pm supposedly because Amsterdam is so far
north). After Amsterdam, come down and go through Germany. Munich is nice,
maybe Berlin, and some of the 'off the path' Bavarian villages. After Germany,
I don't know. I am sure by tomorrow I will have changed my mind again as to
where I want to go first. We shall see. :)
Thursday, June 13,
2002;
TLos Angeles
Don't you hate it when
someone 'says' they will update their webpage but they don't? UGH. So, I am
still waiting (impatiently) for my passport. Hey, GREAT NEWS, one more week and
NO MORE WORK FOR ME!!!! Isn't that exciting? Soon, I will be doing nothing more
than sipping espressos in Paris cafes watching the world go by...or maybe it
will be 'sipping Sangria' in Barcelona street cafes/bars/restaurants watching
the world go by! How exciting? You bet. Maybe soon it will be eating a HUGE Bavarian
pretzel covered lightly with mustard while washing it down with a stein of
Bavarian Ale. However it turns out...IT WILL BE AWESOME!!!!! :)
Friday, June 14, 2002;
Los Angeles
Six days till the end of
work. I am working only Thursday nights, 6pm-10pm, so it is not like I am
working hard. :) Where is my passport??? UGH UGH UGH... I want to leave. LETS
GO!!!!!!!! To be continued. :)
Monday, June 17, 2002;
TLos Angeles
Well, (pause)...no
passport yet. HOWEVER....this time next month I will be in Ireland, London,
Finland, Norway or Sweden (yes....THIS TIME NEXT MONTH!! AS IN 29 DAYS!!)How
about that for some good news! I put in my thirty day notice with the landlord
yesterday (Sunday)...and I am sure my passport will be here in two
weeks....which means I leave (for somewhere) in 29 days! Yipppeeeeee! (Is it
okay for a grown man to be giddy????!!!!! CAUSE I AM!)
:) <-- that symbol is a
sideways happy face in case you did not know. ;)
Wednesday, June 19,
2002;
Los Angeles
To be honest, I may stop
posting till I get to Europe. Ugh. I AM BORED WITH MY POSTS ALREADY!!! I put
the map of Western Europe on my site to help me dream till I get there. There
are times when I am filled with absolute giddiness and other times I am filled
with absolute fear regarding this trip. I just wish I could leave today. Well,
as mentioned....I am getting bored with my posts. Most likely, I won't post
till I have purchased the tickets or am on my way (less than a month!!!). That
is it for now. Oh, I think I will do Norway, Finland and Sweden first and move
south from there. I am tired of talking of this trip. See ya soon. :)
Wednesday, June 19,
2002
TLos Angeles
I have to take the picture
of Western Europe off my website. Turns out the map was too intimidating.
Rather than looking at this HUGE map (representing absolute fear of the
unknown) I would much rather visualize cute little Bavarian villages, me
walking through 17th Century castles or me cruising in a gondola in Venice
(much easier on the mind and heart). So...ta ta to the map. It was good while it
lasted yeh? :)
Wednesday, June 19,
2002
TLos Angeles
Yes, I put the map back
up. Hey, what can I say? I am a Gemini (like I believe in that stuff) and we GeminiE
change our mind BY THE MINUTE!! Ask my friends, they will tell you it is true.
(Laughing) :)
Thursday, June 20, 2002
T(yep, still in Los Angeles and no passport yet)
Well, it is my birthday
today. Wow. I had another birthday. I wonder where I will be and what I have
seen and done.on my birthday this time next year. What a year it is going to
be!
TThursday June 20, 2002
Still
in Los Angeles.
However, today is the last day of work!
Wow. Tomorrow I will be officially FREE! Hmmm......(thinking).
Friday June 21, 2002
Freedom
(in Los Angeles)
Yesterday was great. I had lunch with a
friend/student, helped him build a network, taught class last night and then
went out for drinks with two other students. We had a great time. We talked
about tons of great things. Tonight I have another party in my honor and then I
am all about going to Europe. Once again, I am waiting on the passport and then
I will be gone. I think I will be OFFICIALLY in another country in 3 weeks from
today. :)
Monday June 24, 2002
Los
Angeles
Okay, my passport arrived Saturday
(gulp). I sent for my 3 month "ride any train-anywhere-any day-any
night" Euro rail pass today and I will receive the pass next week.
Tomorrow I buy my pack. Two days from now I will buy my ticket. I AM FREAKING
OUT!!! (in a good way) Why? Cause this incredible journey which was nothing
more than a statement 6 months ago is becoming a reality. Am I excited?
ECSTATIC. :)
Thursday June 27, 2002
Los
Angeles
Ladies and Gentlemen, the die is cast.
Ipurchased my tickets this morning and this trip is full on. Am i excited? Yes.
My friends tell me that I will come back "changed". They say living
throughout Europe for six months will "change" me. What is funny...I
have already "felt" the changes. I have spent that last month reading
the Internet about European countries, I have read travel books about European
countries, I have watched videos about European countries...and I have been
changed. I am much more "aware" of Europe and where it is and how it
came to be. I am much more "aware" of the individual countries and
how they have influenced America. I am much more "aware" of the World
as an entire "place" rather than just America.
Do not get me wrong. I
am Pro America and I always will be. I am a Veteran of the Armed Forces of this
country. I put my life on the line in the defense of this Great Nation and all
It stands for. So, don't think for a minute I am turning into one of these
America bashing ex-patriots. Let me say my "view of the World" has
changed. As I mentioned, I am more "aware of my history and my
heritage" as it came from Europe. Well, I will be leaving for London soon.
I will keep you posted. Oh yes...my itinerary....looks like it will be London
first, Scotland second, Ireland third, I will take a ferry (I think) from
Ireland to Paris and then train from Paris to Norway. Sure the itinerary may
change but definitely London first. Gatwick, Big Ben, Tower of London, and
everywhere else, here I come!
Friday June 28, 2002
Los
Angeles
Well, another Friday! One day closer to the ....TRIP!
I have to go to the gym now but I will write more later. (Yes, I am in training for this trip. People say I will do alot of walking and with 25 pounds of stuff in my pack, I want to make sure I am up to the 'task'. :)
Did I mention that I have been living at the local REI store as of late?
REI is this store where you go to buy stuff for outdoor sports. Like what? Hiking, camping out, biking, rock/mountain climbing and other stuff like that.
...I have to go to the gym. (If I don't go now. I WON'T GO LATER! THAT IS JUST HOW IT IS WITH ME!!!) Bye for now. :)
Monday July 1, 2002
Los
Angeles
Good morning....as each day passes I get closer to my own personal D-DAY! This weekend was okay. I did a bunch of reading on the Internet.
Here is my latest dilemma: Do I ride the train to a different city every day or should I take a train to a city and stay for two to three days. Maybe what I should do is just "play it by ear". Stated differently, maybe I should just wake up in the morning, see how I feel ie: "am I bored or is there still more to see in this city?"
Wow. Last night this problem seemed SO MUCH WORSE. WOW. This is no biggie really.
New subject: check this out! (Excitement) Last night (Sunday) I bought 4 very very very cool books. One was a really easy to read, easy to understand book on European hostels. This book lists many of the Hostels in Europe, what others think of these hostels, (are they clean, is the staff nice, is it expensive, etc.)
The second book I purchased was "How to see Europe by Rail". This book tells you the cool scenic routes and which trains to take. This book is also VERY easy to read. This book describes which trains to take, what stations to arrive at, what times the trains leave, what time the trains arrive, does one need to make a reservation, etc. One thing I am learning is that train travel is the primary mode of transportation in Europe. I think I always knew that but I never really THOUGHT of it much.
This next book I purchased is called "First time to Europe". This book is authored by some 25 year old and is filled with basic, logical, "nuts and bolts" information. For example: on one page the author says, "Many taxi's see you as walking piggy banks. Try to take public transportation OTHER THAN taxi's." Seems too obvious right. I always think to take taxi's but maybe not in Europe huh. This book also gives good "Do's and Don'ts Lists for many of the countries I will be visiting. Well, I should go to the gym now for my "let's get in shape for the big Europe trip" thing. Today (Monday) I will read and read and read and read and then come back and tell you some other neat stuff I learned about traveling Europe.
To be honest, this whole "trip to Europe" is kind of exciting but at times can be VERY NERVE WRACKING TOO. I mean, here it is, I know of no one, I don't speak any language other than English (true, many Europeans speak English) and I am going to 18 countries with a pack on my back and a head full of dreams. Nerve wracking? You bet. Exciting? Absolutely. So....if I seem giddy or freaked out now you know why. Well, off to the gym for me. :) BTW, I will learn HTML tags for paragraph indentation. I believe those will make reading much easier. :)
Before I go, you know what I am thinking? I would like to some how make a career in Europe, or a career teaching people how to travel in Europe, or SOMETHING HAVING TO DO WITH TRAVELING!! (Excitment). Traveling seems so fun so why not do it for a living (maybe)? We shall see. Gym, here I come!
Tuesday July 2, 2002
Los
Angeles
Well, still the same. I am just gearing up for the big ol' trip. I read on the Internet this morning the US State department has decided that terrorist attacks will now occur on Americans traveling overseas rather than here in the USA. Why? Security is too tough here in America. Well, if something does happen to me when I am traveling, at least I will have died happy AND doing the things I love most:: traveling and seeing things I have never seen, meeting people I have never met, experiencing cultures I have never experienced, eating foods I have never eaten before (cooked locally--in their native land), etc, etc, etc. There is an old saying which I have always, always, always believed in:
Life is short....Die with your boots on !!(Actually, that is a song from Iron Maiden in case anyone was interested.)!!!!!!
Gotta go to the gym. Yes, I am still trying to get in shape! Ciao for now. :)
Thursday July 4, 2002
Los
Angeles
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY EVERYBODY! MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!!HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE!
Today, I won't do much. I usually go to Hermosa Beach, California and watch the people and fireworks but I will stay home, continue to watch vcr tapes on the countries and cities I will visit, (these tapes are GREAT!) continue packing my things to be put in storage ..and....okay....no TRUE AMERICAN can go through the 4th of July without seeing fireworks: here in South Pasadena there is a "home town" style parade that ends in the local park. At the park, besides food, drink and entertainment, when the sun goes down, fireworks will be displayed for all to see in celebration of the birthday to the great UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. I will go watch a little more of a tape dicussing the Italian Riviera (I CANNOT WAIT! the village of Vernazza specifically) I will then go to the gym and then end my day with great food, great drink and beautiful fireworks. There are many times that I realize I am, without question, the luckiest guy in the world. :) Ciao!
Sunday July 7, 2002
Los
Angeles
What is going on everybody.
I went to UHaul today and purchased ten boxes. I leave July 15th. This past Saturday I booked everything I needed to book to carry me through August 7th.
First I fly to London and then immediately to Dublin (long story). I will spend 5 days in Ireland, (Dublin, Cork, Killarney, ...) and then back to London for three days.
The next day I will hop on board the Chunnel and spend (I believe) 10 days in Paris. The first five days will be seeing the sights (look for pictures of me and the Eiffel Tower, the arc de triomphe, and other stuff.) The next five days I will spend riding the train (day trips) to smaller cities in France. Dijon, Marseilles (sp?) Normandy, and places like that. This trip should be very exciting. We shall see and I will definitely keep you posted. Ciao!
Monday July 8, 2002
Los
Angeles
Well, I continue to pack all my stuff in boxes. Tomorrow I will get a storage place and begin moving the "stuff" into storage.
Last night, before I went to bed, I was thinking how difficult it will be to get from Paris, France to Helsinki, Finland. These two areas are very far apart. I thought of a train straight from Paris to Helsinki but that may take too long and I may miss too much stuff. Most likely, I will take "mini" train trips ie: Paris to Hamburg, then Hamburg to Copenhagen, then take the Ferry from Copenhagen to Sweden, then train to Stockholm then (finally) a Ferry to Helsinki. Sounds like a pretttty amazing trip huh?
The trip of a lifetime is what my colleagues are calling this. Well, (pause) pack to packing my trash. Ciao!
Wednesday July 10, 2002
Los
Angeles
Today is Wednesday and I am REALLY BEGIN TO FREAK OUT! What is the definition of FREAK OUT? "Oh my gosh, (said...very very slowly) what am I doing?" is one example. Another example is "Holy Toledo, what have I committed myself too". My dear, dear, dear friend HM, she told me I would experience this. Yesterday I called her and said, "I am starting to freak out" and she so kindly and wonderfullly said, "Timothy, that is natural. I knew you would begin to feel these feelings. You are going to be fine".
She was/is SO SUPPORTIVE AND ENCOURAGING. She (HM that is) has lived in 10 different countries and has travelled extensively. It was nice to have someone to encourage me. She is an awesome friend; a real friend. She and I have been friends for almost 15 years. She is the kind of friend that is there through good times and bad, thick and thin, a real friend. I will treasure her friendship forever.
Last Sat night HM and I had sushi. We alwasys have sushi together. When we talk, it is as if nothing else in the world exists. Our time together is just "she and I"--like a zen "here now" experience. She is a truly awesome person.
Well, the walls are closing in. What does that mean? I have SO MUCH STUFF STILL TO DO and what seems like not enough time to do them. However, I stay calm, work efficiently and I think things will be fine. I have my house in tip top shape (almost) and this Friday all my stuff will be in storage. After Saturday, I will be completely done with EVERYTHING and then I will simply go to the beach, drink Margaritas, spend the night in a hotel, wake up at 6a.m., take a taxi to LAX and then my trip is on.
This time next week I will be in Dublin and the time will be 5:15pm. I know I will be in a pub in Dublin, drinking Guiness (is there any OTHER beer in Dublin?) and I will speaking and joking and carrying on with my Irish counterparts. This should be great! Back to packing. Ciao!
Wednesday, July 17, 2002
Dublin, Ireland
I made it. I flew from Los Angeles to London to Dublin today.
As I write this I sit in a hostel in Dublin. I just got back from having a Guiness in a downtown pub. Living the life is what I call it. I walked quite bit today and I want to comment on what I did.
People here in Dublin take their kids into the pubs. The kids drink coca cola and play with their toys while their parents drink. I saw this myself. This is accepted tradition.
Dublin has a large Catholic Cathedral every one half mile. The doors are always open and if you go inside you will see people inside praying. I watched and people in Dublin go into these cathedrals to pray during the day. This is pretty Catholic if you ask me.
Something else I observed...many people walk here to and from work and everyone walks really fast. Why do they walk fast....I don't know.
I checked into my hostel today. This hostel is a former convent! My room has six beds and it is pretty basic. The people are nice and as I expected, most of the people are about 20-23 at the most. Wait. I did see one lady staying here and she was about my age.
Flying here I was pretty exhausted. This neighborhood is kinda ruff but Dublin is very cool. Finding the right bus to take was very challenging and I thought all this work was going to get to me and I was gonna just quit but I won't.
Well, what else have I done or will I do. Tomorrow I will see more of Dublin, go into the pub and have another Guiness and then plan my next days trip to Cork and Killarney. I must find the train station first. Another challenge. Oh, by the way....I have spoken with many Irish folks and they are all really nice. Cool. I gotta go. Ciao.!
Thursday, July 18, 2002
Dublin, Ireland
It is my second day in Dublin.Currently, it is 7;45 in the morning. I was going to go to bed early last night but I met this kind here at the hostel from Belgium named Fred and we went to the pubs in downtown Dublin to wee hours in the morning. Dublin rocks and the bar scenes rival Los Angeles as far as hotties, fun and music. Today I will walk more and see more.
My hostel roomies are kids around 20 and are from Germany. Gotta Go. Ciao!
It is now 9:30am and I just returned from a Catholic Church service in a church here in South Dublin. (I have found out that I am staying in South Dublin). The church service was great. Very Catholic. Very Irish. Very cool.
I just sat down for a bit. After writing in my journal, I gave some thought and decided what I will do for today.
I have to find a post office. If I don't send postcards postmarked "Dublin" everyone might think I am hiding in my basement (in South Pasadena) (laughing).
After the post office, I will walk up to the Center of Dublin. There seems to be alot of great things to see ie; Trinity College, more great Cathedrals and the like.
A couple of observations: Most of the people at this hostel are in their twenties but their are a fare number of "older" hostellers. I am 38 and have seen people here up to their fifties...and lots of couples in their 30's. Another observation that I did not expect (I am not sure why) but Dublin has a very high number of beautiful women and girls (older and younger). All one has to do is walk down the street and one will see very many beautiful girls. I thought, "well, maybe I will see a few and I will probably have to go to the pubs or bars". Wrong answer. As I mentioned, just walking down the street one will see LOTS of very pretty girls usually walking in couples or just by alone. Did I mention people here in Dublin walk quite a bit?
Looks like today, Thursday, I will take a tour of the Guiness Brewery. Cool? It is almost noon here so i must hurry. Another great thing to see here (as told to me by the locals) is the Jameson Distillery and Trinity College. I am walking alot here.
I gotta run but I will be back. The pubs here are awesome, the building (except for the Cathedrals are small and are all built as one. Very similar to London. Ciao!
Back for more. I visited the center of Dublin and it was great. I saw the Dublin Castle which was built in 1204; toured the Guiness Brewery and lots of other stuff. My feet want to die. Currently it is 9;45pm and the sun is still out (similar to 7pm in Los Angeles during the summer). Weird huh? It is still bright out till 10;00pm here. I keep looking out the window thinking 5pm. Nope. I am on my way for another pint. Ciao!
Friday, July 19, 2002
Cork, Ireland
I woke up early this morning and took the train from Dublin to Cork. Cork is 165 miles away and it took 3 hours to get her. Now that I have seen Cork (200,000 people) I realize just how large Dublin is (one million people if not more.) Cork is great. Cork has more personality but Dublin is so alive in its own right. It is currently 3:08pm in Cork and my train leaves for Dublin at 7:15. I just finished my first pint of Guiness and a sandwich for lunch. The train ride from Dublin to Cork was great. To finally see the Irish countryside is very cool. The country side looks just like the pictures. I gotta run. Ciao!
Saturday, July 20, 2002
Dublin, Ireland
I leave Dublin today. I must take a train to either Galway which is on the west coast of Ireland or to Kilarney. I don't quite know yet. It really depends on what is available.
After I got back from Cork yesterday, I walked around the Temple Bar area of Dublin which is a 4 block radius of the hottest, most incredibly happening bars and pubs I have ever seen. The rain began along with thunder and lighting and it was awesome.
I met 4 girls from Atlanta Georgia yesterday while down at the Temple Bar. Last night I met two more girls from America. One girl was from Sacramento and the other was from Indiana. Both of these girls were studying law in England and simply traveling for the summer. Dublin is great and I highly recommend it for everyone.
I don't know if I mentioned this but Cork is beautiful. Cork is much smaller but still very happening. The pubs are just as many and the people are just as nice. I took pictures and you can see them on my website. Here in the Republic of Ireland they say "12 half past" to represent 12:30. Toilets are called toilets (not restrooms nor bathrooms--the signs all say toilets), you never call someone here in Ireland, you 'ring' them. Take home food is called take away food. On the streets in downtown Dublin the streets tell you which way to look so you do not get smashed by incoming traffic. Quite nice actually. The history in Dublin is incredible. The cathedrals are from the 1200 AD and some even earlier. Well, I gotta go. Oh, when everyone says good bye (like the taxi drivers or the bartenders, the last thing they say is "cheers". Cool. Ciao!
Saturday, July 20, 2002
Kilkenny, Ireland
I left Dublin this morning and I took the train to Kilkenny. This place is completely medieval. There is a castle here too. I just finished dinner and my pint of guiness. I will now go walk and see more of this city. This city is small but very quaint. In this town, walking from the bus stop to the center of town is no bigge. Dublin was a different story.
Ciao!
Sunday, July 21, 2002
Kilkenny, Ireland to Kildare, Ireland to Galway, Ireland
What a day! It is now Sunday, July 21, 2002 at 7:00pm Ireland time. What a great day!
I left Kilkenny in the morning and I headed for Galway. Dublin is on the east coast of Ireland and Galway is on the West Coast of Ireland. I have seen the entire Island. Okay, almost. (hehe)
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Yesterday in Kilkenny I drank a pint of Guiness as I watched the British open in a great little pub in Kilkenny. I checked into my hostel in Kilkenny (pictures on my website) and I met three Americans and we had a great time. Lindsey is from Utah and hosteling by herself and Jim and John are hostelling together and they are from West Virginia. We all stayed at the same hostel. Yesterday, (Saturday) I also checked out the Kilkenny Castle. VERY COOL.
I got back on the train and arrived here in Galway about two hours ago. I am heading into town now for my daily GUINESS, and dinner. For the next week here in Galway, they have some type of really cool festival ie: sword fighting in the streets, projection of images onto the side of buildings, people dressed up as funny characters, fire breathing people, arts and crafts and stuff like that. Why did I come here to Galway? The locals in Dublin said this place is a must see. They are right. If you look at the map of Galway it is on the fare west coast and it is nice. Well,I have to post my pictures and get to my Guiness. Oh, by the way, I can never get enough of riding the train across Ireland. The fields are so green, the cows so Irish (whatever that means), the sheep so Irish looking....everything in the Irish country side is just like the pictures books. Ciao!
Monday, July 22, 2002
Kilkenny, Ireland to Kildare to Galway, Ireland
Today I awoke, showered, went to the hall for breakfast and met this really cute girl named Jessy. Okay, let me back up for a bit. While in Dublin at my hostel, I met this cute girl named Jessy. She is 21, from Vancouver, has covered 11 countries in 4 months and is probably the cutest girl I have ever seen. She is almost a twin for Heidi Klum and I am not exaggerating (and no, I have not been drinking Guiness within the last two hours). Well, I got up this morning in my hostel in Galway. (Oh, by the way....my hostel in Galway is St. Mary's College. The school is a all boys highschool 'Catholic School' but they turn it into a hostel for the summer).
So I get up this morning, shower and go to the chow hall for breakfast. Some of the hostels give a free breakfast. You stand in line, give your voucher and then choose from a bowl of rice krispies, corn flakes and you get two pieces of bread, butter, jam, coffer or tea and orange juice. Not bad if you ask me. So I grab my rice krispies and my jam for my bread....and then I scope a place to eat my breakfast...alone. All of a sudden, as I begin to sit down, I scan the room one more time for any other hostellers that are eating alone so maybe I can go over and say, "may I join you" and....well...you know....do the friendly hosteller thing. Well, to my surprise, as I scan the room for my last chance at not eating my breakfast alone, BAM! THERE IS JESSY smiling bright as the sun saying from across two tables, "when did you get here?!@" I am thinking, "somebody pinch me, MY OWN PERSONAL HEIDI KLUM!"
(laughing)
Okay, before any of you guys who may be reading this page gets carried away, ...she has a boyfriend back home who she is crazy for and the meeting was strictly friendly. So, Jessy and I chat for about an hour. We complain to one another that it is raining and how we wish it was not. She has a incredible look, great personality, and she wants to have five children. Holy Mackererl, did I die and go to heaven or what?
She and I chatted, said our goodbye and I headed for town. I got to town, bought a ticket for a ferry and I visited the Aran Islands. These islands are cool in that all the inhabitants still speak Gaelic, and the place is like old Ireland. I rented a bike and cruised the island and it is beautiful. The rain began so my bike ride was cut short. Ce la vie.
So tonight what will I do? I will go back, do laundry, prepare for my 3 hour train ride from Galway (West Coast of the Island) to Dublin (East Coast of the Island) and I fly from Dublin to London tomorrow night (Tuesday, July 23rd at 1700 hours--which is 9:00am Los Angeles time.) Yeh, and I will probably see Jessy in the television room and we will talk about our day and that will be that.
One great thing about hostelling is you meet lots of people from around the world all doing the same thing you are doing. For example, on the ferry over o the Aran Island today, I met this guy named Joshua from NYC. He is about 22 and he is hosteling. He has been to Paris and will stay in Ireland one more week and then back to NYC for school. The number of people traveling like me (staying in hostels) in really high and I enjoy it very much. Well, gotta go get ready for tomorrow. Ciao!
Wednesday, July 24, 2002
London, England
Wow! It seems like forevery since I have written anything on this page. Where do I begin.
Galway is awesome and I loved it. Galway is a cute West Coast of Ireland town. There are cool shops and pubs and nice people everywhere. While in Galway, I took the Ferry to the Aran Islands where I rented a bike and toured the island. The islands are pretty cool in that most speak Gaelic, there are plenty of old houses and the island is covered with walls of rocks. You see, the island is mostly rocks and the original settlers (Irish and Scottish) had to figure out what to do with all these rocks (you know, get them out of the way so they can grow some food.) The settlers decided to build walls of rocks all over the island. No matter where you ride, one will see tons of walls of rocks. It is actually a very neat site.
Yesterday was Tuesday and after a night of fun in Galway I boarded the train and headed back to Dublin. I had breakfast on the train (pictures on the website) and my last Guiness in Ireland as well (sadness). Yesterday afternoon I flew from Dublin to London and arrived at my hostel at about 10:00pm or what the locals would say 2200. Anyways, today is Wednesday and London seems to be a pretty happening town. I have a bit of a cold and am hot and sweating a bit so maybe I will not do much today and go back and rest. Before I go to sleep this afternoon to try and shake this minor fever, I will find out where the "hop on, hop off" bus is. This is a bus that allows a person(for one price) hop on the bus and hop off the bus where ever a person wants to for two days. I will also look into the tour bus for London. I definitely want to see the cool stuff while I am here and the tour bus seems the best and quickest way to see it. Well, time for lunch, an English beer, a little more sight seeing and to sleep. Ciao!
Well, it is later the same day (Wednesday, July 24, 2002) but now it is 6:35pm. As it turns out, I did not go back to sleep, rather, I found a mall and surfed the net, drank a Starbucks coffee and had sushi. They have this pretty interesting Sushi bar here in London. The name of the restaurant is YO!SUSHI! and the entire experience is the customer sitting at a counter, taking plates of sushi off the conveyor belt as the different varieties pass along in front. When the customer is done eating, the waiter or waitress comes over and charges depending upon the color of the plate. Different huh? Very cool.
About one hour ago I purchased a "tour bus" ticket. What is a tour bus ticket? The ticket cost 15 pounds and the ticket allows me to hop on and hop off this tour bus whenever I want, however many times I want within a 24 hour period. Here is the plan for tomorrow: wake up at about 7am, shower and dress and then hop on this bus and see all the cool sites tomorrow: Kensington Gardens, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral (Where Princess Diana married), Tower of London, Big Ben, etc. Pretty great yes? I think so too. Also, I get off the tour bus and hop on a boat that gives me a 50 minute ride on the Thames river. Imagine that, cruising down the Thames river, the river I have seen so often on television so many times, cruising along, and seeing the cool sites. Wow. At this moment, I feel pretty cool(laughing). So, if all goes well, I will post pictures of all the great things here in London tomorrow.
Yesterday was a totally exciting day. Why? I GOT TOTALLY LOST, HAD NO IDEA HOW TO GET AROUND AND IT WAS AWESOME. Call it a LOVE for living on the edge or whatever but it was great! This is how it went: Last night (Tuesday, July 23)I arrived at Gatwick Airport, took the tram to the North terminal because the trains go into the city depart and arrive only from the North Terminal. I was clueless as to what train ticket to buy, what train to get on, where I was going, etc. All the information I had was the address of the hostel and the phone number for the hostel too.
So, I asked a girl where to go for the Hydes Park train. She said, "take the Gatwick Express to Victoria station and then hop on the tube (and MIND THE GAP!)" (I understand what MIND THE GAP means now!)...I then get into line for a ticket and after chatting with a girl who is on holiday here from Spain, I hesitantly approach the ticket counter. I tell the man behind the counter where I want to go and he says, "Yes, take the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station". I purchased a ticket for 11 pounds. I quickly take my place on the train. The train left within 15 minutes and, at this point, I am really getting high emotionally, all the while thinking to myself," Hey, this is where Mick and the Stones did their thing".(Sure, it may have been Liverpool but it was close enough for me to feel pretty cool about myself.) So the train is rolling along and the announcements in French, Italian, Spanish and then English tell us we will be at our station in 30 minutes.
Fine and dandy. The train rolls up and then I am presented with a totally new challenge: Do I take the bus and if so what bus and to what station and to what city and will I know where to get off the bus and what if I get lost and what if I get caught in a bad neighborhood and what if I get off on the wrong bus stop! Then I thought to myself, "maybe I am not suppose to take the bus rather I am to take "the Tube" (the Tube is the underground subway in London)--and what if I take the wrong tube (there are four different directions to go) and what if i get off the tube at the wrong stop .....ad infinitum. Well, I found a pay phone and I called the hostel for directions. The phone number was out of order. :( I called information and gave the address to the lady and the operator said there was no listing for that address.
So, internally I thought to myself, "let me see here; I am totally lost, without an address, without directions, without a phone number, all by myself, without a clue as to where I am nor how to get where I need to be." At that point, it was scary/very exciting.
At these times, one realizes the true meaning of self reliance. Truth is, I have been pretty self reliant for quite some time now so I was not that freaked out by the situation. I knew that, one way or another, I would find my destination.
So how did I get out of that jam? Almost anywhere you go in any town, there are internet access machines. My idea was to find an internet machine, drop a pound in the machine for 15 minutes of surfing the web. I did just that. I dropped a pound into the machine and I went to maps.yahoo.com . I type in the address to where I needed to be and KABOOM....the map popped up on the screen. I quickly made notes: my hostel was near "Paddington and Baystreet" and my hostel was just north of Kensington Gardens. I felt like I had enough information at that point so I disconnected from the internet machine. I took my newest pieces of information to the map located in the train station and I located the nearest "tube" stop to my destination. I went downstairs to the ticket tube office and purchased a ticket. I told the ticket man where I needed to go and reconfirmed I needed to get off on Baystreet Station. I waited about five minutes and I got on the tube. The tube is like the subways in Manhattan; crowded, hot, sweaty but they work and that is all that mattered to me.
After about 20 minutes on the tube, I got off at my station, walked up the stairs with the other 100 or so people and was immediately struck by the noise and the number of people on the street. London is a very big town and it runs all night. Although I felt "close" to my destination, I still had no idea where the hostel was at. The time was 10:15pm and it was dark and I felt pretty lost. At those times, you just learn to relax, you know that one way or another you will find where you need to be and that is that. Granted, it may take you one hour or four hours to find your hostel but that does not matter that much. At that point, all that matters is that you find it. Well, I walked down one street not knowing what street I was on nor what direction I was walking. Finally I found out the street name and realized I was big time lost. About that time I saw a sign that said, "Kensington Gardens" and the arrow was pointing the opposite direction I was walking. I turned and walked the direction of Kensington Gardens. As I walked the street, realize I am the only one with a HUGE pack on my back while everyone else is in pub or club clothes looking to reach their destination and begin the nights partying and festivities. Needless to say, I felt like one of those stray dogs one sees walking the streets looking absolutely lost. Well, I found the sign for Kensington Garden. I turned left and began walking and the next street I came to was the street where my hostel was located. WOW WAS I HAPPY. I turned down the street and found my hostel covered with kids in the street and blocking the entrance, laughing and partying and joking and drinking and having tons of fun. I thought, "THIS MUST BE MY HOSTEL". I walked in the hotel, signed in, got my sheets, got my assigned room and bed and walked up 4 flights of stairs to my room (few hostels have elevators.)
I entered my dark room (at around 11pm) and fumbled to find my bed (Fourth floor, Room 19, bed #3). After two minutes of fumbling in the dark I heard the voice of a mouse and it was my bunk mate saying, "you can turn on the light if you want." I never like to turn on the light because I want to be respectful of my bunk mates that are sleeping. I turned on the light and low and behold my bunk mate had extended her hand and said, "hi, my name is lonnie". Lonnie is a 21 year old asian girl from Los Angeles and she is traveling/hosteling through Europe on her own for 2 months. We briefly chatted and she apologized that she could not open her eyes (the light was bright in that she had been sleeping). Once we chatted I said, "I will go shower. Thanks for the light". She then said, "our two roommates are Tommy and Lynn. They are both from Minnesota. They went out to dinner. Good night". With that, Lonnie went back to sleep and I went to shower. Once done showering, I climbed up onto the second bunk and went sound to sleep. What is interesting, the hostel I stay in is located on a very busy street in London. The police cars go by late at night, the boom boxes from the kids down on the street are playing and the kids are laughing and joking and drinking and playing into the night. These hostels are like big parties. It is very cool to have so many people (kids actually) hostelling around. I see these hostellers everywhere. In train and bus staitions these hostellers are un-mistakeable. These hostellers wear back packs that are usually as big as they are (almost), they were hiking boots, and have looks of adventure and "lost" on their face. What a great feeling knowing I am living a life to the fullest, in the way I desire, traveling and seeing the world, experiencing the world as it happens as are many many many other kids/people too.
This morning I did laundry. I had to. I was down to my last clean shirt, trousers, sox and tshirt. As I did laundry, this 22 year old guy came in to do laundry as well. He did not have any soap. Earlier in the morning I walked to the store and got a bottle of water and a small box of soap. I shared my laundry soap/detergent with him. This guy, his name is Dereck and he looks exactly like my younger brother Richie. Derek has hair that is Rastafarian loooking (if you know what that looks like) and he had flown in from Spain to London at 2am. He arrived at the hostel at 6am. He and I were sharing stories of the cool places to visit when one of use visits this city or that city. I told him I went to Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny and Galway and he laughed and said, "those are the exact places I went in Ireland". Derek shared the story of how he got lost this morning on the way to the hostel. He said he got lost because he had his map turned the wrong way. I thought to myself, "wow, that sounds like me. I get lost fairly frequently too". It made me feel great that I was not the only one with those "oh man! I am lost" experiences. Somehow his experience made me feel better about myself and my own experiences.
Well, it is 7:20pm and I will return to my hostel and read. I found this great book yesterday in the Dublin airport and the reading is great. Tomorrow will be another incredible and exciting day in my life, and rather than living the life in Ireland, tomorrow I will be living to the fullest in this great city called LONDON! CIAO!
Friday, July 26, 2002
Flying from London, England to Edinburgh, Scotland
Hi everybody! I spent the last 2 and one half days in London. Unfortunately I had a bad fever (not too bad) and a little cough. My energy to do much was completely gone. I did not do as much in London as I wanted but I did get out to the double decker tour bus and saw some cool things. (picts on website).
Currently is is Friday morning at 10:00am and I am at the Gatwick Airport in London. My plane leaves for Edinburgh, Scotland at 11:00am. LONDON IS GREAT! London is very much like Manhattan, NYC or Los Angeles in that the town is crowded with people going everywhere fast, crowded with cars, double decker buses, people walking really fast, etc. There is alot to do in London. I am sorry I didn't have more energy. My hostel was located near Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens. The queen/king bought the property for hunting grounds 200 years ago (if not more) but now part of the grounds is a public park. IT IS BEATIFUL. Yesterday, on my way home from the sight seeing tour bus I walked through the park. Actually, the weather in London was nice. You can see on some of my pictures the blue sky in London yesterday. After walking home through Kensington Gardens I went to sleep to try and get over this cold. Well, I must go check in for my flight. I will write more from Scotland. Ciao!
Before I go, I want to remember the cool people I met in my hostel in London. My first night, I had a bunk mate named Loni and she was Asian, from Los Angeles and worked at UCLA. The other two room mates were Tom and Lisa and they were a couple (about 22 years old) from Minnesota.
Last night my roommates changed: Doug and Kathy were a couple (age 24) from New Zealand and my bunk mate was this 21 year old girl (Tanzina) from Germany. Tanzina is on her way to Cleveland, Ohio to nanny for four weeks.
Last night while doing laundry, I met this cool guy named Steve from New Zealand and I met this really cute/nice/friendly aussie named Elsie. Oh, and I also met Lisa....a dancer from Edinburgh. Lisa comes to London to practice her dancing in the major studios. Ciao!
Saturday, July 27, 2002
St. Andrews (Golf Course), Scotland
I DID IT! I DID IT! I DID IT! I MADE IT TO THE PROMISED LAND! (laughing)...Today is Saturday, it is currently 9:35pm (hey, its not healthy to spend ALL my time in a pub!) and I have just returned from a day at St. Andrews! Amazing huh? (picts on the website of course!)
After an incredible two hour bus ride which allowed me to see the most beautiful Scottish coastline imagineable, I ended up at St. Andrews Golf Course. Hey, I am not much of a golfer, but from what my golfing friends and acquaintances tell me, St. Andrews is the Mecca for golf and to be honest, golf was invented/started in Scotland. So, my trip to St. Andrews is a dream dream DREAM come true for many golfers in this world. Believe me, it was an absolute priviledge to be at the sight. (said humbly)
After a day of walking the golf course grounds, taking pictures and taking in the unbelievable views, I settled in for a pub close to St. Andrews for my daily pint of Guiness and some Haggis. Am I living the life or what? This is unreal is it not?
This entire trip keeps getting better and better. Last Saturday (July 20, 2002) I was in a pub in Kilkenny, Ireland drinking a Guiness watching the British Open played at St. Andrews. Today, exactly one week later, I not only toured the grounds but enjoyed a very cold Guiness at a pub just outside the grounds of St. Andrews. Boy howdy. This trip is great and it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy! (laughing).
Since it is almost 10:00pm hear in Scotland, I must go now. Tomorrow I wake up early, get to the tour office here in Edinburgh (located near the Royal Mile)for my "all day" tour to the Scottish Highlands (which not only includes walks in nature but a tour of a Scotch distillery--samples included!)
Monday I will get up early, take a self administered walking tour of Edinburgh and then fly back to London Monday night. Tuesday morning, I board the Eurostar (Chunnel Express) in Waterloo (London) and will be in Paris Tuesday afternoon! I will spend a week in Paris. Incredible yes? Beleive me, I am living a dream!
And before I go, I would like to give a big huge "shout out" and THANKS to all who email and encourage me to write my experiences on this board. Thanks for the encouragement ie: Linni, Paul, Uncle John and Aunt Marilyn, Peter and Kathy, Mom, Mikey, Jeff and many, many more. Thanks to you all! Ciao!
Sunday, July 28, 2002
Edinburgh and the Highlands of Scotland
London, England
Paris, France
Hello! I must mak this QUICK. Due to the language barrier and the lack of internet cafes, I must post my travels infrequenttly from now on. I arrived in Paris yesterday (Tuesday July 30) and Paris is breathtaking. I have posted pictures of Paris on my website. I cannot put into words how beautiful Paris is. I must go. I will write more (hopefully) soon. ps. The food is incredible as well! Au revoir!
I am back! It is still Wednesday and it is 10:30pm AND PARIS DOES NOT SLEEP! The restuarants are packed like it is the weekends! This place is so great! The sun does not set till 9:30 pm! I must go. The metro stos running soon and I want one more crepe du chocolate (okay, maybe two!) Au revoir from Paris!
Thursday, August 1, 2002
Paris, France
Incredible night last night! As soon as I signed off the Internet Cafe to go home (after my chocolate crepe of course), I got in line in a really cool Paris cafe. As I am waiting in line, the girl next to me is really cute so I say, "Parlez vous inglay sil vous plait?" And she says, "you bet!" It turns out this girls name is Mickie, she is 22, she is from Pomona, she lives in Barcelona and her favorite city in the world is Paris.
HOW IS THAT FOR A SMALL WORLD! By the way, she is totally hot, a bartender in Spain and we hit it off famously! Imagine that, 2 Americans (neighbors almost) and we meet in line for chocolate crepes in Paris near midnight! As my plans will take me to Spain, we will meet up then. It is written in the stars for me to have taken this trip. I will return to the States and sell my car and come to Paris to live. This is how much I love Europe and Paris. Au revoir!
It is still Thursday and I KNOW THERE IS A GOD because I found a "english" keyboard. The keyboards in France are very very different from the US (as far as layout goes) and typing was frustrating to the point of FORGET IT! I don't remember what I wrote so let me summarize quickly:
I arrived Tuesday afternoon. I was so tired from the travel that I wanted to sleep at 6pm. I told myself no and went downstairs to find something to do. While downstairs I met a single girl from Italy, traveling alone and we both got on the Metro and wend to the Louvre. The Metro is the underground subway here in Paris. She and I walked over the Seine river, saw incredible sights, walked to the Latin Quarter and had dinner. The Latin Quarter here in Paris is near the Notre Dame. The sun here in Paris does not set (really) till 9:00pm. THE SUN IS IN THE SKY SHINING BRIGHTLY TILL 9PM! Does that blow your mind or what? So, everyone AND I MEAN EVERYONE is out eating, walking, and enjoying this incredibly great weather and the midnight sun.
After dinner, my italian friend and I were to hop the Metro back to our hostel. I told her I had to try the Crepes du Chocolate. We got in the line for the crepes AND BELIEVE YOU ME, THEY ARE DELICIOUS. After the crepes, we went home.
The next day (Wednesday) I arose early and it was raining. I put my fantastic REI Rainslicker on and I walked the three blocks in the rain to the Metro station. I boarded the Metro and road till the Eiffel Tower. I then walked the entire span of the Seine River; which means all the way from the Eiffel Tower to the Notre Dame. Anyone who has been to Paris will tell you THAT IS ALONG WAY. I would guess its about 5 miles. Add to that I walked to the Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triomph and one knows my feet were KILLING ME. I still stayed out till 11pm and had an incredible time.
Yesterday afternoon was Wednesday. I reached the Notre Dame just as the sun was setting at 9pm. I took pictures. Then I sat on the wall to simply view and contemplate this massive and gorgeous structure before me (Notre Dame). I met this couple sitting next to me. The man was my age and from Germany and his girlfriend was Brazil. We had a great conversation for about one hour. It was then I went to get my daily/nightly crepe du chocolate and my ride home on the Metro.
A couple of interesting observations. In Ireland, London and now Paris the toilets are called toilets and are symbolized in train station by WC. I don't know why.
About five Euorpeans to which I have had conversations have all said the same thing but using different words. The jist of the conversation is: "you, Tim, are not like many Americans. Many Americans would not come to Europe. You are unique and we really like that". The Europeans compliment me on coming to Europe and seeing and visiting Europe. The Europeans are put off that many Americans don't want to come here.
Also, many Europeans comment on the fact that Americans seem only to be into "America" and many Europeans comment that Americans only speak English.
I cannot decide how to take this comment. Some seem envious that we are a super power and rely on know one...but then I pick up the feeling that Europeans see Americans as "only interested in America". Then, I received compliments (from many Europeans) and this is what they say: "Tim, you are the average American. There is one like you. Many Americans would not do like you do and put on a back pack go to many countries and learn another European language (I tell them I will study Spanish in Spain for three months). Tim, We like what you do". And like I said, I don't know why they think Americans won't come over here. I know a few that have right? I won't put a judgement on what the Europeans say but I am gracious for their compliments to me on my European travels. Just another interesting observation.
Also, every single experience I have had so far with the French people has been completely positive. Stated differently, the French people have seemed to be very friendly, very helpful and very kind. Whenever I walk up to any person in France, I never assume they speak English (I read this was rude American behavior). I always say, "Parlez vous Inglay sil vous plait" and I smile big as I say it. Instantly a smile breaks out on their face and they either say "oui" or "un per" (a little).
For example, my first day here I was completely lost. COMPLETELY. I am learning to ask questions quickly rather than walk around like a bumbling idiot for an hour wondering where I am (laughing). Anyway, I walked into a newspaper/grocery store and said "Monsieur, Parlez vous Inglay sil vous plait?" and the man said "un per" (a little). I showed him my address to my hostel and he (in between helping his customers)...he walked over to a shelf and got a book and he looked up my address of where I needed to be. Then, he walked to another shelf and picked up a different book which turns out to be a map of Paris. He then went on to explain to me and show me where we were and where I needed to be. This entire process went on for ten minutes. When we were done I said, "Merci, merci, merci" because I was so grateful because I WAS SO LOST! Was that not a great story? THE FRENCH ARE VERY NICE PEOPLE. I have stopped many Parisians (on the street and in the bus stations and on the Metro) and I have always received the same gracious, courteous and helpful response. Viva La France! Au revoire!
By the way, I was not going to say anything but I have decided to come clean: I have eaten my way across PARIS AND BOY IS THE FOOD GOOD! Yesterday was my first day of indulgence and today will be my second AND LAST DAY OF INDULGENCE here in France. Yesterday I treated myself to lunch at Chez Francais which is a great restaurant which provides a gorgeous view of the Eiffel Tower. There is outside sitting and inside sitting. From my observations the dress code is DEFINITELY coat and tie inside and on the outside the dress was touriste almost anything goes. Now to the good stuff: I had grilled lamb chops with sauceed potatoes, bread, real butter and a glass of red wine. After lunch I indulged myself with a Grand Marnier. That was yesterdays sin. Today I focused strictly on the pastries: Chocolate Eclairs, Crescents (sp?), Tart Desserts, etc. Delicious.
You want to know what else is great here in France? The bread. Yesterday I indulged at a Cafe just outside the Eiffel Tower. I had two double espressos, Evian water and then a cheese sandwich. Yes a plain cheese sandwich. I thought to myself, "Okay, so the French are suppose to have great bread and wonderful Fromage? Let me try it". I ordered a plain Cheese Sandwich and it was heaven. I don't know what the French do to their bread and Fromage but it is very good. The sandwich was so good I went on to have a Pate sandwich as well and it was devine. :) (smiling face)
Did I mention that I am contemplating moving to Paris to live? It is true! I will finish my trip, study in Spain, return to America in February 2003 and try to return next summer. We shall see. I believe I will love to live in Italy and Spain. I will let you know once I get there.
Currently it is 6:30pm in Paris on Thursday night and although I am tempted to stay out a third night till midnight...I cannot. I must go somewhere else tomorrow (somewhere in France). My itinerary is wide open but the locals say Nice is beautiful and I have read Bordeaux is gorgeous. Acquaintances of mine from the States tell me that Monaco is an absolute must. I will see Monaco. So, after I sign off tonight, I will have my daily crepe du chocolate and sadly hop on the Metro for the trip to my hostel. Also, I just had a crepe du citron (lemon crepe) and it was good....but there is NO REPLACEMENT FOR THE CREPE DU CHCOLATE! oui oui! Au revoir!
Hey everybody! You want the good news first or the bad news first? Good news first? Okay. I am in Paris. THAT IS GREAT NEWS. The bad news? THERE IS NO BAD NEWS!!! WOO HOO! First off....here is the deal. Contrary to my own good advise...it is still Thursday, it is now 9:18pm, the sun is finally going down AND I AIN'T GOING HOME!!! heheheheh.
Yes, I know I know I know. Earlier I said I was tired. Earlier I said I should go home and plan. Earlier I said blah blah blah right? Well, I called my Mom and she said, "YOU HAVE TO SEE THE EIFFEL TOWER LIT UP AT NIGHT". Then I called my great friend Mikey. Then I called my good friend Rinda (hi rinda...and YES YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY COME VISIT ME)....and then I got to thinking...."hey, wait; this is Paris...this is France...this is life....how can I go home early and NOT see the Eiffel Tower all lit up? Hey, this is my life...I cannot go home early. So...guess what....I did not go home and as soon as I sign off here, I jump onto the Metro, cruise down to the Eiffel Tower, jump off the Metro...go up the stairs and enjoy this beautiful summer night in Paris and I watch and take a picture of the Eiffel Tower all lit up. Check my website tomorrow for the pict. Until then...Au revoir!
Friday, August 2, 2002
Fontainebleau, France
Well here it is, Friday, 6:30pm my time which means it is 9:30am back in the Great United States (Los Angeles specifically) and I have had an incredible day.
Last night I got to bed at 1:00am and got to sleep at 2am. My bunkmate snores. Holy cow! Onto better news: this morning I got home at 7:30 am, showered, and hopped the Metro to Gare du Lyon. This is where the trains arrive and depart from. I hopped on the train for a 45 minute ride outside of Paris. Where did I go? I went to Fontanebleau. This town is where Napoleon lived (I toured his palace....NICE PLACE). This town (Fontanebleau) was used as one on the Headquarters for the German military during WW2. Pretty wild history huh? The town is nice, ...very nice actually and Napoleon's Palace in very nice as well (pictures on the website). I left Fontanebleau about two hours ago. I have just had my daily Crepe du Chocolate and now I post my life. I WILL GO HOME TONIGHT BEFORE MIDNIGHT. (I wonder if I really will...hehehe)
The truth is...I am due to leave Paris Monday morning which is not far off. Add to that statement that I have no where to stay after Paris and I get a tad worried. You see, Paris is the last "plan" I have. I have not thought of where I want to go nor what I want to do after Paris. I very much want to visit Nice, Monaco and Bordeaux but I also want to see Oslo, Helsinki and Copenhagen. So, here is the deal: I just spent 13 euros (just about the same amount as the US Dollar) for 5 hours of Internet access time. Why so much? BECAUSE I HAVE TO START PLANNING, BOOKING HOSTELS, RESERVING TRAINS SEATS, AND LOOKING INTO FERRY RESERVATIONS. So, I guess my late nights in Paris will now consist of planning and not cruising the town.
By the way, I took my moms advice and I went to see the Eiffel Tower last night at 11pm (when the tower was all lit up) and ....DEFINITELY WORTH SKIPPING THE SLEEP. IF YOU THINK THE EIFFEL TOWER IS PRETTY IN THE DAY, TRY THE VIEW AT NIGHT. (picture on the website.) Well, I should go. Just a few observations before I do:
French television is LOADED with American televsion shows: Buffy the Vampire, Mad About You, 90210 and stuff like that EXCEPT they have french voice overs and not subtitles.
Everyone here (almost everyone) smokes. Even the really pretty girls (as in model types) smoke. I would say this country (France) and smoking is what California was in the 1970's. (ie: just about all adults smoked, no real worry from a health standpoint...restaurants are all smoke filled, etc.) One MIGHT find a place or two that does not allow smoking ie: the trains has 'smoke free' cars and some restaurants might. In Ireland when you enter a restaurant they say, "smoking or non smoking section". Remember when they used to say that in California (laughing). Cool.
I think that is it from the observations standpoint. Au revoir! Oh by the way, did I mention that it is raining here in Paris. Now you KNOW I will go home early for sure. I already had my crepe du chocolate and I walked down a couple of streets here in Paris (yes in the rain.....JUST THE WAY I LIKE) and it was cool. Hey, how many people in this world can say "I walked in the rain in Paris while eating a crepe du chocolate"? TONS CAN SAY IT and some would not want to say it. But, I CAN SAY IT AND THAT IS WHAT IS SO COOL ABOUT IT. Just another great super duper fun unique incredible fun experience for my database (my memory) when I get old. Au revoir!
Hey everybody! Guess what? It is Friday night in Paris, France, it is 10:14pm and guess who did not go home early again!LOL. Moi! The rain stopped and I have been in this Internet Cafe looking (SEARCHING DESPERATELY) for a hostel that I can stay in next week. THERE ARE NOT ANY HOSTELS AVAILABLE. What is my plan? Tomorrow is Saturday and I will take the Metro from my hostel to the train station. I will book a reservation for Monday. I want to take the first train Monday from Paris to Brussels. Why? I want to go to all the hostels in Brussels AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE and say to them, "do you have any rooms available?" This is one way to get a room at a hostel. The other way is to book the room (reserver the room online) which is my normal way of doing things. HOWEVER, there are no no NO hostels available in Brussels so I am going to WING IT! Cool. Scary, exciting and AWESOME. :)
Before I go I want to thank everyone for "putting up with my spelling errors and all". I was just re-reading some of my posting and I was CRINGING with horror at some of my mistakes. IE: There is no one home. There is KNOW one home. YIKES....THOSE ARE SOME SILLY MISTAKES. My only excuse (I have two actually) is that most of the time when I am typing I have "time" on my mind...the internet cafes are expensive but my biggest excuse (and most likely the one with the most validity) is that I am usually pretty exhausted when I type. I know anyone reading this does not want me to complain but to be honest...seeing the world is awesome but it can be mentally draining.
One constantly has to think of what time trains and buses leave from.
One constantly has to think of what areas trains and buses leave from.
One constantly has to think of where they will stay next and worries if there is a hostel available.
Then, walking all day is pretty grueling (AND AWESOME TOO) but at the end of the day one is EXHAUSTED. Then, the next day, you put this 50 pound pack on your back and you walk to the next bus/train station and figure out how to get to your next destination somewhere in the world and sometimes the language difference is a big barrier. ! If anyone out there has hostelled you know EXACTLY what I am talking about.
OKAY, OKAY, OKAY, ENOUGH COMPLAINING. But realize I apologize for my mistakes. Proof reading is OUT OF THE QUESTION. I am beat tired.
But, in the end, hostelling is awesome. I have learned alot about the world (Europe) and myself and I will continue to hostel for as long as I can.
What is interesting about Paris and all the other parts of the world, I keep thinking these 'small' bakeries and cheese shops and corner vegetable stands are going to give way and I will see a Target, or a Vons, or a Sears just around the next corner...and I never do. IT is very cool over here.
Lastly, I must admit, I have been through some 'marginal' neighborhoods. I simply put on my "YOU TALKING TO ME" war face and I don't have any problems. But you know what IS COOL? I never have to worry about someone pulling a gun on me and shooting me over here. Some of you know I have studied Kenpo Karate a little (emphasize A LITTLE). I feel like I may do okay if something came up because all you have here (in Europe) is stabbings or fistfights....never guns. And to walk down the street and never have to fear a gun being pulled on me is a good feeling. Many times in Los Angeles...well....I won't go there.
Good night from Paris and Au revoir!
Saturday, August 3, 2002
Paris, France
Bonjour everybody! Well, I did it? Did what? I figured out my next stop on this grand trip of mine. This is how it happened:
I woke up this morning and thought to myself, "dude, you have to find a place to stay (hostel) AND YOU HAVE TO FIGURE OUT WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO GO!" (My stay in Paris is up/done/over/au revoir) tomorrow!. So, I get up, shower, walk 3 blocks to the Metro and go to the train station here in Paris. My idea is to find out when the trains run (what time and to what destination). On many trains one must make a reservation. So I cruise to the train station and just to wake up I have two double espressos (my bunkmate snored all night!) After sitting in the train station and waking up I finally think to myself, "Okay bro, lets start plannning." I whip out my Europe map and looking at destinations. My goal is to go as far north as quickly as possible.\
You see, I have decided to go to 18 countries. Finland, Sweden and Norway are on the list as 3 of the 18 countries to visit. For days and days I have been thinking to myself, "dude, those countries are beautiful BUT THEY ARE SO FAR NORTH!". Well, this morning I decided to keep on trucking and go to all 18 countries like I have been saying for the longest time. So....in my mind I am getting closer and closer to my next destination. "Let me see. I am in Paris and I want to go to Helsinki. Do I go to Hamburg first, or cruise over to Luxembourg first and then cruise north?"
I finally decided just to GO FOR IT! What does that mean? Rather than taking itty bitty trains stops (ie: Paris to Luxembourg, Luxembourgh to Cologne, Cologne to Hamburg), I just decided PARIS TO COPENHAGEN!!!!! Now, for all of you that may be panicing and thinking, "Tim, YOU CANNOT MISS BELGIUM (the chocolate), Tim, YOU CANNOT MISS GERMANY (the beer and brunsweiger and sauerkraut and the sausages), Tim YOU CANNOT MISS LUXEMBOUG (anyone know what is going on in Luxembourg)....I WILL GO TO ALL THOSE COUNTRIES.
You see, I will go north to the Scandinavian countries and hang out there (Finland, Norway and Sweeden) for the entire month of August. When all the hostellers go home and back to school (at the end of August), I will then cruise back down to Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourgh, Italy, Spain, Austria, Czechoslovakia and all the other great countries. Does that make sense?
So here is the really exciting part! I booked a reservation on the train (for this coming Monday) from Paris to Copenhagen and at the same time I booked a train from Copenhagen to Stockholm! AND....DRUMROLL PLEASE...I DON'T EVEN HAVE A PLACE TO STAY IN EITHER ONE OF THESE PLACES!! (laughing). Why do I find living on the edge so much dog gone FUN!
Actually, those of you who really know me, (pause), I always have a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C. So although it seems I am living on the edge....I am not really. Here is the plan. I will jump on the Internet in a few minutes and see if any hostels are available in Copenhagen and Stockholm. My gut says there will be NO hostels available. Why? August is a HUGE travel month in Europe and booking a hostel this late in the game is JUST BAD NEWS. Last night I was looking for hostels in Europe and nothing was available.
So, that is Plan A: find a hostel on the internet. If Plan A falls through, then it is on to Plan B. Plan B is to show up early Monday morning in Copenhagen and see if any hostels are available. Only one problem with that: my train leaves Monday morning from Paris at 8:55am and arrives in Copenhagen at 9:45pm. SO MUCH FOR SHOWING UP EARLY! Okay, so Plan B is out the window. On to Plan C. What is Plan C? GEE, GREAT QUESTION (laughing). Most likely Plan C will be....show up at 9:45pm (the sun will still be shining--for I will be very close to a 24 hour summer sun).....yes....show up in Copenhagen at 9:45pm and THINK REALLY FAST ON MY FEET.
Something tells me something will turn up (a place to stay.) If a hostel is not available (going through normal channels), I will then turn to Google.com and do a search for hostels in Copenhagen and Stockholm that may not be listed in the normal areas (hostel chat boards and such.) And if I have to sleep in a train station in Copenhagen....I bet it will be a very interesting experience at that! Well....that is what my next 3-4 days hold. I am sure my next post will be from either Copenhagen or Stockholm and I cannot wait to tell you guys how it turned out. LETS HEAR IT FOR LIVING ON THE EDGE! COOL!(excitement)
As Tom Petty says in one of his song "Running Down a Dream":
Yeah runnin' down a dream
That never would come to me
Workin' on a mystery, goin' wherever it leads
Runnin' down a dream
You know, I am gonna dig telling my step brother Peter and sister Kathleen's children and my brothers Johnn, Richie and Chris' kids the story of how, at the ripe old age of 38 I just quit everything, put my junk in storage, strapped a pack on my back and went over to Europe and checked out 18 countries; all alone, all by myself, not so much as a care in the world....and just running down a dream.
(as the children are huddled around)
"And did your Uncle Tim ever tell you the story of how I had to sleep in a train station in Copenhagen because there was no where else to stay?" (lauging)
Ps. Do I sound pretty pleased with myself or what? (laughing)
Cool. Au revoir from Paris.
ps. I am afraid I will get bored when I get back to the States. I mean, I have lived there all my life right? I know all about it right?
Well, the second love of my life is Colorado Springs, Colorado (consider ANY city in Colorado the second love of my life.
Maybe I will arrive in Los Angeles (from my European trip), pack my trash and drive to Colorado to live (all in the same weekend. ) Like I said, I LOVEEEEEE COLORADO.
If Colorado Springs, Colorado is the second love of my life....well then....WHAT IS THE FIRST LOVE OF MY LIFE????? Never to be told. Yeh, my secret. :)
Au revoir.
Tuesday, August 6, 2002
Copenhagen, Denmark
Hi All! It is Tuesday afternoon here in Copenhagen and I arrive last night from Paris around midnight.
I took the train from Paris to Cologne, Germany....from Cologne, Germany to Copenhagen, Denmark. I left Paris yesterday at 8:55 am. The train from Paris to Cologne, Germany was a "bullet" train. The train is knwn as the Thalys and I am not quite sure of the speed but I believe the train reaches speeds of 150 miles per hour. Wow huh! Cool.
The ride of the "bullet" train was great. I sat in first class and had breakfast served. Delicious. Then, I struck up a conversation with a couple from America. (One learns quickly how to spot fellow "Americans" while in Europe. Hint: no accent) Anyway, the couple turned out to be John and Patsy from Boulder, Colorado. John is the CEO for a online educational institution and mentioned there are many opportunities for trainers in Europe. Looks like I may found my new life...as a trainer in Europe. (Back to the train ride.)
The train ride from Paris to Cologne took 4 hours (with one stop in Brusselles). I then boarded a German train (called the ICE) and rode the rest of the way to Hamburg. In Hamburg I switched to a train to Copenhaven. What I did not know till yesterday afternoon is that Copenhagen is located off the main land of Denmark. The train I was riding had the ability to locate itself onto a Ferry. Once on the ferry, the ride from the mainland of Denmark took 45 minutes to the island. Once on the island the train kept rolling for 2 hours. I arrived in Copenhagen last night around midnite.
What is both interesting and un-nerving is the language barrier. You see, I left Paris yesterday having mastered the Metro, and enough of the language to do quite well. Last night my confidence came to a complete halt. I get off the train in Copenhagen and KABOOM! different language, different city....and I must re-learn how to operate succesffully in a totally different environment. But, I have learned tricks of the trade. One day I will share those tricks of the trade. BUT BELIEVE ME, THERE ARE THINGS ONE MUST DO QUICKLY TO MAKE IT IN A FOREIGN LAND WITH NO COMMAND OF THE LOCAL LANGUAGE. My learning process began in Paris and was put into concrete LAST NIGHT.
I got the hostel in the line and I got directions. I walked 20 yards to the bus station. There were tons of people in the train-bus station at midnight. The mix of people is really diverse. The best way to describe the mix of people is similar to the Rose Parade on December 31st. There are old and young, single and couples, white and black and indian and asian. Wow! This is different.
So I am standing there, waiting for the bus to arrive and up to me walk these two girls. They are hostellers. I could tell this because their backpacs were almost as tall as they were! AND I AM NOT JOKING! In broken English they asked me, "what hostel are you going to?" I told them, "Sleep in Heaven" in Copenhagen. How about you?"....
Now let me interrupt the story for a second. These girls were about 20 years old but honestly looked about 17. They were friends from the 'uni' (European word for University/College) and they were both from Italy. I thought to myself, "Holy cow! How can these girls be out here all by themselves....as lost as I am.....with no parental supervision! Do their parents know where they are! (Yeh, I am beginning to sound old and like a parent huh! (laughing).... But to be very very honest, I was shocked due to their young age and their demure size. They were both about five foot 2 and very slender but the attitude of "we are here to see the world and nothing and no one is going to stop us". Then I began to think to myself, if they were travelling alone I would have been scared but maybe they will do okay. Truthfully, they looked all of 17. I was really amazed. Amazed only because they seemed so young. But, the truth is, all the more power to them for getting out here in the world and "going for it". I would have been just as afraid for them had they been 2 boys at that same age (this has nothing to do with gender...only age)
back to the story on the girls.
The girls told me they were going to go to a cheaper hostel. I said "Ciao" (goodbye in their native language) and they both smiled and said, "Ciao". Two minutes later I saw these two back packs walking towards me and I heard, "we would like to follow you". I said, "sure". It was then the conversation began and I learned they attend the uni in Italy. About then the bus arrived and we got on the bus. Oh, when I called the hostel, the girl said, "get on the number 8 bus to Tigovers, get off on the fifth stop and then go to the 7-11 shop and ask for directions". (Yes, they have 7-11's, Mc Donalds and Pizza Huts in EVERY COUNTRY I HAVE BEEN TO).
So I hang up the phone with the girl from the hostel. 20 minutes later I am on the bus with these two italian girls counting on me to lead the way. I then think to myself, "the girl at the hostel said 'get off on the fifth stop' WHAT STREET IS THAT, WHAT DOES FIFTH STOP MEAN, WHAT IF NO ONE STOPS ON THE FIRST FOUR, WHAT IF...WHAT IF...WHAT IF...." (laughing). I counted bus stops like there was no tomorrow (laughing). On the fifth stop I looked at the girls and I said, "now". (The girls were standing in the rear entry bus stairwell. The bus was crowded.) By the way, buses in Ireland, UK and Denmark give change. I don't remember American buses given change.
So the girls and I get off the bus and I spot the 7-11 'shop'. I think, "this is probably a set up. Oh man, this is where we go in and ask for directions and the guy behind the counter knows we are totally lost and he robs us". (laughing hysterically--that, is just my paranoid american training!)
So the two girls and I stumble into this 7-11 shop, on some dark and busy street somewhere in Copenhagen and I say, "Hi. Can you give us the directions to the Sleep in Heaven youth hostel". The young guy says as he points, "go out this door, go right, go left, go right". I say "thanks". I lead the way out and the girls are following in tow. As we begin our walk to the hostel I see a girl, standing alone, she is also about 5 foot 3, slender, and alone, with a HUGE pack on her back, looking lost, and leaning into the street light staring at a map. Immediately I know what is going on. She is a fellow "lost" hosteller. She hears the three of us coming and she begins to say something to me and I say, "you looking for Sleep in Heaven youth hostel"? She immediately smiles, relaxes and says, "yes". I say, "we are looking for that hostel too! Come one, join us!" She was so happy! We all laughed because it was great to have another hosteller in on the adventure. It turns out she is from Greece but has studied in Italy. As I lead the way the girls begin chatting in Italian. I see the first right and I take it. We walk about 30 yards and I take a left. About this time the girls have stopped talking and we all have a sense that the directions we received were not as "specific" as we needed. All four of us begin to feel uneasy. One of the girls has a map and she pulls it out while I look on the side of the buildings for street names. (By the way, in every European country I have been too including UK and Ireland, the names of the streets are on the buildings and not like in America.) As all four of us are beginning to form what I would call a "football" huddle to compare ideas, notes and street names, I see a girl walking towards us. At this point I am thinking all the help we can get is good so I say, "excuse me. Do you know where the youth hostel is?" This girl turns out to be from London, age 23 and she says, "youth hostel? No I don't know where the hostel is BUT I HAVE A MAP!" She acted like the five of us were in this mess together. In one hand she had cigarette and the other hand she had a bag of mueslix (european granola). She hads me the mueslix, reaches into her purse and begins the search for the map. After about two minutes she finds the map and all five of us begin a football huddle on top of this map. After a couple minutes of input from all of us we finally "think" we know where we are as compared to the map we have. (In hosteller terms, I "think" I know where I am means, "dude, I am freaking lost but I have not fallen into that hell/panic state of anxiety yet. CAN YOU HELP ME PLEASE."
The four of us girls thank the other girl for the help and the 3 girls and I leave for one direction and the other girl leaves for her home. It is only then I realize I am still holding the girls mueslix. I yell out, "excuse me! Here!" And I walk to her holding the mueslix in my hand. She says in her british accent, "oh my thankyou. That is my breakfast!" We all laugh and we thank her again.
The four of us continue our search. The time is 12:30am (approximately) and although we don't know where we are exactly, we feel as thought we are close and I know we all felt better because we had each other. That is just how it is out here on the road. No one likes to be lost. And if you have others to help you find your way, that is a comfort in and of itself. So the girls and I begin our walk and I notice lights to the left. We go left and we all quickly see the sign "Sleep in Heaven". We all laugh and sigh. Immediately we go from a "lost walk" to a "we found it" quick pace. I check in first since I had a reservation and the girls checked in after me.
It turns out all four of us were bunk mates. Many hostels seperate the males from the females either through buildings but usually the seperation is through floors. Girls n floor one, three, and five, and guys on two and four and six. NO MIXING ALLOWED. However, in this hostel, everyone shares and so we were all bunk mates. Before we went to bed, one of the Italian girls said to me in broken english-italian, "thankyou for your help. Tomorrow night we will cook pasta for you. We will go to the store and get pasta and we will cook. Thank you". GEE, DOES THAT MAKE ME FEEL GREAT OR WHAT!.
What a great story of people helping people huh_
I was only trying to be helpful as many have been helpful to me. So tonight, pasta is for dinner.
I woke up this morning and took the bus to the train station. Why? Tomorrow (Wednesday I must take the train to Stockholm) and I wanted to be sure I knew how to get to the train station so I would not be late). After I had 3 double espressos, I took the bus back to my hostel and then walked to the Rosenborg palace. After the palace I walked and took the canal tour (pictures on my website.) Now, it is 6:22pm in Copenhagen which means it is 9:22am in the morning in Los Angeles. I must go now. Why? Because I have a pasta dinner waiting for me by my new found italian friends. Another night making new friends. I have not figured out how to say goodbye in Danish, and....most of the locals speak PERFECT english. (Is that great or what!) So, Good bye!
Thursday, August 7, 2002
Helsinki, Finland
Yes....I made it to Finland! Yesterday was Wednesday and I rode the train from Copenhagen, Denmark to Stockholm, Sweden and then took the Ferry to Turku, Finland. This morning I took the bus from Turku, Finland to Helsinki and that is where I am now. I met a stunningly beautiful girl from Estonia on the Ferry last night and it was great. We woke up, got off the Ferry (the Ferry was a 12 hour overnight trip) and we had breakfast in Turku. (Pictures on the website.) I must go. Ciao!
Saturday, August 10, 2002
Stockholm, Sweden
I took the bus from Helsinki, Finland to Turku, Finland yesterday afternoon. Then I took the Ferry from Turku, Finland overnight to Stockholm, Sweden and that is where I am now. I met Marina from Russia last night on the Ferry from Finland to Sweden. Last night was great. I was partying with a Ferry load of Russians, Estonians and Finnish people and I had not a clue what was going on except WE WERE PARTYING!
As I walked from my cabin on the Ferry and checked out other parts of the ship, there were Russians and Estonians hanging out of their rooms and into the hall ways drinking beer and vodka and doing Russian dancing and creating fun and positive mayhem! Everyone was having a great time. On the ship they had a Casino and a variety-Las Vegas dancing type of show and there was a country bar too. All the clubs no matter where in the world I go play American Music.
One of the highlights of my time spent in a pub in Kilkenny, Ireland and last night on the Ferry from Finland to Sweden? (You cannot imagine it!) The disc jockey or the jukebox (jukebox in Ireland and the disc jockey last night) will play the song, "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd and all the locals sing! That song is one of the favorites no matter where I go. Nothing like being a little buzzed and then hearing Lynyrd Skynyrd come on the sound system AND TO HAVE THE LOCALS SINGING THE SONG TOO is unbelievable.
So, last night after I had a double Jack Daniels and Coca Cola, I sat at the bar and talked with a husband and wife from Finland. They were going to Sweden for a weekend getaway. After the three of us chatted a bit, they went to take their one year old to bed. I went on to check out the rest of the ship. As I stood alone in the back of the Karoke Bar, two girls came up and stood at the table with me. I begin a conversation with these two girls and they are friends from Helsinki. They are 28 and 29 years of age and are Samba dancers. Samba is the official dance of Rio de Janiero (Brasil). So we keep chatting and they ask me if I want to join them for the midnight dance review (Las Vegas style show). I join them and the show was great. We then decide to go dancing and the three of us are dancing up a storm. They show me Samba dancing and I dance Samba. Fun as heck! We finally sit down, talk for a bit and by 2am, it was time to go to bed. We all had to be off the ship at 7am.
My night was great. I met Marina, I danced Sambe with two girls from Helsinki and I got to party HARD with a boat filled with hard charging-hard partying Russian, Estonian, Swedish and Finnish people. What a great time. Now, ONTO TO OSLO, NORWAY!!!!!
Sunday, August 11, 2002
Goteburg, Sweden
Yeh, this place rocks! They had a music festival and EVERYONE in this town was partying. The girls are UNBELIEVABLE looking in the Nordic countries.
Monday, August 11, 2002
Oslo, Norway
It is early Monday morning and Oslo is very very happening. I checked out a castle, a few bars and I really like this place. In fact, every town I have been too really is fun, and everyone loves to have a good time. Oslo is one of my favorites along with Goteburg,Sweden, Copenhagen, Denmark and of course....Dublin, Ireland. Ciao!
Friday, August 16, 2002
Copenhagen, Denmark
Hey everybody!
I write to you on a Friday night, ten pm, from Copenhagen, Denmark. Yes, I came back to Denmark for three days. I am using Copenhagen as a three day "relax" on my way down to Germany.
What an incredible week it has been! The last time I wrote I was in Oslo, Norway. Oslo is great. However, the only reason I came to Norway is that I heard SO MUCH about these "things" up there in Norway called "Fjords". All the books I read on Norway said, "You might as well skip Norway unless you plan to see the Fjords." Okay, my first question was, "What is a Fjord?" The official Websters definition:
a narrow inlet of the sea between cliffs or steep slopes
Okay, so I say to myself, "Great! I want to go to Norway and if Fjords are the thing to see then here I go!"
Well, I have learned the best place to see THEE MOST SPECTACULAR FJORDS is on the east coast of Norway in a near a town called Bergen. Fine. So this is how the story goes: by the way, I have to make this quick because I am in this Internet Cafe in Copenhagen and IT IS FILLED WITH SMOKE. I am feeling kind of nausious because of all the smoke.
While in Copenhagen (the first time), I could not sleep. There was a guy in the room that SNORED big time and he was my bunk mate. The next day he apologized and introduced himself. His name was John and he is a "hip hop dj from new york city". Great! (fast forward). So, about one week later I am in an Internet Cafe in Gotenborg, Sweden and who do I see? John, the hiphop dj from NYC. He tells me he is leaving the next day to Oslo so I change plans and we ride to Oslo together. Since John has a hostel already reserved in Oslo, I follow John to the hostel and I get a room as well. That first night (which was Sunday, August 11, 2002) we go out and have dinner. The prices in Norway are incredibly high but that is a different story. So we have dinner, we become friends and that is that. Since John is traveling alone and I am traveling alone, we decide to go sight seeing together the next morning (Monday).
The next morning John and I set out walking the streets of Oslo, Norway. Imagine yourself just walking around Oslo, Norway seeing the sites, hanging out, being relaxed on a Monday morning around ten am. It was a great feeling. We find an Internet Cafe and send emails and then we see this castle. The castle is incredible. After the castle, we go check out this park with a bunch of naked statues. (As we were walking around Oslo asking the local Norwegians for directions, they all said that we must see this park. We see the park with the statues and it is very neat-cool looking. I see what I believe is a statue of Abe Lincoln. We both say, "what is a statue of Abe Lincoln doing in Oslo Norway". I bet him 20 kroners (almost 3 bucks) that the statue IS of Abe Lincoln. Turns out it was and I got the money.
John and I keep walking. We find this park bench and we sit down to relax. The rain starts falling. I have my weather proof rain jacket so I am not worried. John has nothing. The rain REALLY starts coming down so we find a tree to stand under. This girl traveling alone (camping alone actually) joins us under the tree. This girl looks like a model and she is from Zurich, Switzerland. We all start talking. The rain is POURING down now and out of no where comes this other girl. This other girl is Ema from Britain and she is traveling alone. So here we are, talking in the pouring rain, under a tree, somewhere in Oslo and we are all having the time of our lives because THIS IS WHAT LIFE IS ABOUT; no, not necessarily standing in the rain but standing in the rain with people you just met from around the world, in a country you are all visiting, and sharing the experience. Does that make sense? I hope so.
Anyway, the girl from Switzerland (to which I met later on the night train from Bergen to Oslo) leaves for her tent. John is now drenched and looks for shelter. He finds the top of a trash can as shelter (you can see John holding the trashcan lid over his head in the picture on my website). So Ema and I have our rain proof slickers on, standing in the pouring rain, talking about where we have been and what we have seen. We begin to contemplate where we should go for shelter because the rain is POURING NOW and shows no sign of letting up.
We tell John we will go find shelter and when we do I will come back and get him. We told John to stay and wait where he is (under a wall) till I come get him. Ema and I walk for ten minutes and find a building. We stand under the entrance. I take the raincoat for Ema and I walk to John and tell him to put it on. Once we are all at the building and under shelter we begin to think how will we get to a pub or under some real shelter. This Norwegian lady and her daughter of ten years old give us wet and cold hostellers a ride to a cafe (about 3 miles away). THANK YOU FOR NICE STRANGERS!! At the cafe we have capuccinos and espressos with all the other local Norwegians who are there seeking shelter from the rain. After a bit, we find the train and go back to our hostel. Great and fun memory!
The next day Ema and I ride the train to Bergen. The train ride to Bergen was gorgeous. I met two tour groups from Wisconsin and chatted with many of the tour members for about 3 hours. The tour group from Wisconsin was also in Norway to see the Fjords. The Fjords are world famous. The people in the tour group were very nice and wished me well on my seven month journey. Ema and I arrived at the Bergen train station and found the hostel. The hostel was almost to the top of the mountain so our view of Bergen was incredible (see my picts). That night we walk Bergen and see the port, downtown and other nice things. The next day we take the train to Voss, another train down the mountain to see the Fjords (which are breathtaking) and we have lunch on the river (see my picts). After lunch we walk to a waterfall and we meet Marya. Marya is a farmer. She and her husband have berries, sheep and they live in Flam (see my picts). She is a very nice person.
After our walk we take the Ferry (also breathtaking views) along the river back to the bus. The bus takes us to Bergen. Ema and I take the night train from Bergin to Oslo. Ema and I arrive in Oslo at 7am and we take the 7:30am train to Gotenborg, Sweden. Also on the night train is Ofra from Israel and Rakou from the US (originally from India). I say good bye to Ema in Gotenborg and I ride the train with Ofra and Rakou to Copenhagen, Denmark. Rakou left for Amsterdam yesterday. He has to be back to work in the states in five days so he is in a hurry. Ofra did some shopping in Copenhagen today and I visited the Viking museum in Roskilde. Yeh, a real, live, VIKING MUSEUM with ships and everything. That entire story brings me to now; Friday night in Copenhagen, Denmark.
So, last Friday I was in Helsinki and took the Ferry to Stockholm. I spent time in Stockholm on Saturday and went to Gotenborg, Sweden the same day. The next day (Sunday) I arrived in Oslo, Norway and had an amazing time. After that, I travelled to Bergen and Voss and Flam to see the Fjords. After a train ride from Bergen to Oslo and Oslo to Gotenborg and Gotenborg to Copenhagen....I sit here tonight.
What a week huh? I met some great people, (John from NYC, Ema from London, Ofra from Israel, and Rakou from the US (India))... got caught in the rain in Oslo, saw the Fjords in Bergen (Flam), met a Norwegian farmer in Flam (Marya), hiked to a beautiful waterfall in Flam, had lunch while my feet dangled in a river in Flam (see my picts), rode a Ferry through the most incredible mountain views one can imagine, and I took my first night train ever. I have had an incredible time! I will stay here in Copenhagen tonight and tomorrow and I will take the train Sunday morning to Hamburg. I hear Hamburg is incredible. Something else I want to see in Germany is the town of Cologne. There is a Cathedral in Cologne which took 755 years to build and is suppose to be the largest in Europe. THIS TRIP IS AMAZING IS IT NOT! I am sure I willl write more from Germany!
Now it is 11pm and it is time to go party with the local Norwegians. All the best! Ciao!
Sunday, August 18, 2002
Hamburg, Germany
Okay, the truth is...I am not yet in Hamburg, Germany. However, chances are, by the time you read this I will be. Currently it is 7:15am here in Copenhagen which means it is 11:15pm on a late Saturday night in Los Angeles. I doubt if anyone will read this page anytime before Monday.
So, my train leaves in 30 minutes. I arrive in Hamburg at noon. Hamburg should be great. I am very much looking to it. I have heard alot about the rains in Eastern Europe and Eastern Europe (Prague, Budapest and Vienna were next on my list). I think I will go west for now (Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Belgium) and if things have not dried out by then (in Eastern Europe), I will go back to France and hang out....no.....I will go down to Italy and Greece. I guess I may leave Eastern Europe (only Prague and Budapest) for the last trek of my trip. Well, I must put on my back pack and walk to the train station. Germany, here I come! Ciao!
Sunday, August 18, 2002
Amsterdam, Holland
I skipped Hamburg and came right to Amsterdam. Good move. Believe me.
I gotta go. By my watch it is.... 4:20. Ciao!
Monday, August 19, 2002
Amsterdam (YEHHHH AMSTERDAM!!!!!!!!!), Holland
Early Monday morning (as in 4:20 am) and you ask why I am up so early? I couldn't sleep. Amsterdam is the largest party known to mankind. I know. I lived Amsterdam. I partied Amsterdam and I survived Amsterdam. Those of you that have been to Amsterdam know what I am talking about and those of you that will ever go to Amsterdam WILL understand completely.
Yeh, this place called Amsterdam is incredible. I mean AWESOMELY INCREDIBLE. Now that I have been to Amsterdam I understand. Let me just leave it at that.
My hostel is on this canal (as is most of Amsterdam). If I jump out of my second story window (of my hostel) I will land in the water. My hostel is just across from the Central Station (train station) which is next to the row of shops and museums and bars and cafes. I was up all night and then when I went to bed, I could not sleep because it was hot. All the windows in the hostel were open but it was still hot and there were people partying till late. The rain began late last night (early this morning) and that is what forced everyone to bed earlier than normal. What is normal? 4 or 5 or 6 in the morning would be considered normal.
As I sit here now at the easyEverything (the world's largest Internet cafes), I am the only one but for 2 other business men (in suits) and a few people who have yet to go to sleep.
In my hostel are seven other people besides me: 2 guys from London that are perfect stand ins for the group SEX PISTOLS, one guy from Tibet and his girl from Switzerland, one girl from Korea (traveling alone) and 2 guys from Italy.
Well I should sign off now. I have a big day in Amsterdam planned. I am also still a little bit "fuzzy" feeling from last night. What an incredible place. All the stories about Amsterdam that you way have heard? Take those stories, multiply them by 5, and then you have the truth. The buildings are incredible, the canals are awesome, the train station is the most beautiful that I have seen and this ENTIRE city parties almost beyond one's imagination. Amsterdam is my favorite place so far. Currently it is 4:20 in Amsterdam. Believe me. I think it always will be. You know what I just thought of? I believe it is ALWAYS 4:20 in Amsterdam. Amsterdam is the coolest piece of insanity I could have ever imagined to see. I love Amsterdam.......and Amsterdam loves me. To me, Amsterdam is truly the "Happiest Place on Earth". I know. I have been to Amsterdam. Amsterdam rules.
Tuesday, August 20, 2002
Brusselles, Belgium
Paris, France
Lisbon, Portugal
Madrid, Spain
Madrid, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
Nice, France
Monaco-Monte Carlo
Cannes, France
Nice, France
Nice, France
Roma, Italy
Roma, Italy
Naples, Italy
Termoli, Italy
Bari, Italy
Brindisi, Italy
Venice, Italy
Beaches of Lido, Italy
Where is LIDO, ITALY you might ask? Lido is a beach and is near Venezia, Italy. To get to Lido (and the beaches of Lido), hop on the bus (I mean 'boat') and ride the boat for about 45 minutes. The beaches of Lido are BEAUTIFUL!
Some good news and some bad news. The good news? I am staying at the beach in Lido, Italy. The bad news? The sprain in my ankle is a 'tad' worse than I had originally expected. (Remember I slipped getting into the Gondola in Venezia.) Well, leave it to me but I think I made my ankle sprain worse. How? I walked all day the next day. However, don't panic. I can still walk to the local bar, cantina and pizzeria (he he)....just not very fast. So, what I have decided to do is this: I have decided to stay here at the beach in Lido, Italy for a week or two. The beaches here are incredible. The sand is white, the water is calm and very warm, the BEAUTIFUL Italian women are topless, the sun is endless and they have bars every one -two blocks. So....LETS REVIEW; endless sun, topless and beautiful (truly beautiful) Italian women, nice, kind, hospitable and friendly Italian people, sandy white beaches and warm water. Gee, is this a place I want to stay for a week (or two or three!!!!!)??? (hehe) So, the decision has been made: I will stay here on the beach in Lido for....the next week (maybe two or maybe three). I want to relax and give my ankle time to 'get better' as well. So that is my immediate plan for the next three weeks.
And by the way, to be fair to any females that may be reading these postings.
1. The men in Europe wear speedo style beach wear.
2. Many of the men here on the beach in Lido, Italy look VERY much like Abercrombie and Fitch underwear models.
3. Girls, close your eyes and imagine that beautiful vision in your mind! Nice vision huh girls! Yes, there is something for everybody here on my website. :)
Another reason for me to stay here on the beaches of Italy for the next 2-3 weeks? The cold weather is coming to Europe so I must take advantage of the sunshine and warm, sandy beaches while I can. Sounds good? YOU BET. So, if you don't see any 'new' posting on my website for a week (or two or three) don't panic. I am having the time of my life. Simply, close your eyes, imagine the pictures you have seen of the Carribean beaches...and then picture me with a drink in my hand, relaxing in the sand...and THERE IT IS! And, don't feel too sorry for me and my ankle, I am on the beach in Lido, Italy! Ciao!
Wednesday, September 18, 2002
Yeh, still having an incredible time on the beaches of Lido, Italy
HHHHHooooollllllly Cow everybody! I am having an incredible time. I am PARTYING HARD (read drinking margaritas on the rocks all day and all night!) Okay, here is my daily itinerary here in Lido. I wake up around 10:00 am (yeh, it IS the life is it not!), (by the way, my second story bedroom looks out over the beach, ocean and has tons of palm trees to keep my room cool during the day.) Okay, back to my story: I wake up in the morning around 10:00am, go downstairs and have breakfast (made for me!) mosey around the living room (in my robe and flip flops) watching mtv.it and HOT HOT HOTTIES on these videos. At about noon I cruise upstairs, shower, put on my swimsuit, grab my gear, jump back downstairs and across the street to the beach. At the beach they have all these umbrellas and lounge chairs all lined up! I grab a lounge chair, walk 20 feet (yes FEET) TO THE bar and get my GRANDE margarita on the rocks (to start off my day! laughing). I kick back in my chair sipping my margaritas, i make friends with total strangers (when the language is not too much of a barrier), i go walking on the beach and swimming in the warm, calm ocean water. At 6pm I have made plans to meet someone at the beach bar. I either go back to my house (where I am staying) to shower, dress and go to the beach bar or sometimes I go straight from the beach. At the beach bar we drink and dance and drink some more and dance some more and have one heckuva good time. I usually head home around 1:30am or 2:00am or we continue to party at someone elses beach house. THIS LIFE IS INCREDIBLE and I am trying very hard never to have to come back to work in the states! (laughing). Oh....my ankle....it is getting better every day!!!
I will report back on more fun....SOON! Ciao! ps. ARE "WE HAVING A GOOD TIME OR WHAT!!!!!" (That is actually a quote from one of my heros in my life....DIAMOND DAVID LEE ROTH.
before I go....TIME FOR A STORY! When I was about fifteen or sixteen years old, I was a HUGE fan of Van Halen (that is thee van halen with the one and only DIAMOND DAVID LEE ROTH! I had a girlfriend at the time. She and I went to see Van Halen at the Los Angeles Forum. She and I would ride the bus to the beach together. The entire time I would carry around a boom box and I would play the album "Woman and Chrildren First." The song I loved was "Everybody Wants Some" and I played that song all the time. So, back to my story. I was listening to an interview with David Lee Roth on the radio. I heard David Lee Roth say, "When I grow up, the biggest decision that I want to have to make is............am I going to turn over THIS way in the sun......OR am I going to turn over THAT way in the sun (LAUGHING HYSTERICALLY!).....And when I heard that from David Lee Roth, it stuck with me. I thought to myself...."NOW THAT IS LIVING!!!". So, I think, in a way, I have been trying to adopt that way of living my entire life. And I believe now, for the next 3 weeks....I HAVE ACHIEVED IT!WOO-HOO!!!!! ALLRRIIIIIGGHHHHHHTTTTTT!!!!
Now, my only task to do now....is to figure out how I can get this 3 week party in Lido, Italy to LAST MY ENTIRE LIFE!!!!! Stay tuned because I bet I can figure it out!!!!!!! (laughing hysterically!) Ciao from the sandy white, topless and partying hard beaches of Lido, Italy. :)
Monday, September 23 2002
Florence, (Firenze) Italy
What is going on everybody! Bad news. I left the beaches of Lido, Italy. Good news? I am in Florence, Italy!!!
Why did I leave the beach you ask? Clint Eastwood said, "A man has got to know his limits." What does that mean? I felt myself becoming addicted to the beach. I guess what I am trying to say is this.....If I did not leave the beach then I would have just stayed there FOREVER (OR UNTIL MY DINER0/BANK ACCOUNT REACHED 'ZERO BALANCE'.) There is WAY TOO MUCH for me to see so I left and am now in Florence. I have not seen much but when I do, I will report back.
ps. I have met many hostellers that say Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. I hope they are right. I will be sure to let you know. Ciao!
Thursday, September 26, 2002
Bordeaux, France
Hello everyone! Yes, believe it, it is true! Florence, Italy is beautiful. I spent almost four days there and that was hardly enough. I did spend one day on a train to PIZA, (nice leaning tower hee hee) and I also took the train to Assisi. (Very nice too.)
I did not take any pictures do to my cracked photo lense. Problem here in Europe? Not too many camera shops so I don't know when (or how) to get my lense fixed. Maybe I should send my entire camera to Sony and pay them to fix it and ship it back to me in Europe. I shall see.
I just arrived here in Bordeaux. Why here? I have heard so many great things about this area of France. I plan on visiting some of the world reknown vineyards and I will definitely let you know about this place. The train ride was pretty rough going from Florence to Bordeaux. I don't know why but we were delayed by three hours and then the train 'guy' misplaced our passports. (You see, whenever you take an overnight train the train 'guy or girl' takes your tickets and your passport. The tickets and passport get returned to you in the morning just before the train reaches its destination.)
Well, the train guy FINALLY found the passports and now I am in Bordeaux. Ciao! ps. The weather is REALLY cooling down here in Europe. I can tell Fall is on its way. I used to wake up at the weather during the day was around 75 degrees Farenheit. Now, during the day, the weather is 60 or 63 degrees Farenheit. I better start looking into buying a winter coat yes? Uh oh. This place really ISNT like Southern California. :) Ciao!
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
Hermosa Beach, California