Christmas time in Canada was great. It was so nice to experience the comforts of home- you learn to really appreciate a home cooked meal and comfortable bed when you're on the road. Seeing my friends was also a treat (there you go Kim!) and I was glad to see that everyone is doing well. I also want to thank everyone that has been keeping up with this blog! I'm sorry for not updating it as often as I should, I will try my hardest this time around to keep up with it.
Now...BACK ON THE ROAD!
I arrived in Munich in the early a.m. yesturday, and quickly found my hostel (Jaeger, named after the tasty drink Jaegermeister of course!) and my friend Val who was there waiting for me! Not wasting any time at all, we hooked up with a free guided tour of the city, which was a great way to see the sights and learn the history of each of the buildings. Strolling down the streets that Hitler himself had marched on, and seeing some of the buildings that had been re-built after the bombings during the war was incredible. This city is stunning, and is just dripping with history... I love it!
For dinner we decided to check out the famous Hofbrauhaus, a beer hall that Hitler frequented during his hayday. I don't think it can get more German than this place. You walk in to a huge hall filled with long tables and benches, covered with huge glass beer mugs and plates heaped with weiner schnitzel, all surrounded by a mix of loud and boisterous locals and tourists. A German band is playing in the center, filling the room with music that we eventually were dancing to (I couldn't help myself, a nice old German man offered to teach me how to dance to the music, of course I accepted!) We ended up meeting a huge group of people our age who were on a Contiki tour, and spent the night drinking copious amounts of beer, and breaking in to random German sing a longs with them...it was a late one.
Today, we woke up and had planned to take a trip to Dachau, the German concentration camp that is located outside of the city. However we decided to delay that trip for when Skip was with us. So instead we wandered around the city some more, and found our way to the Deutches Museum. We spent a couple of hours in there soaking up some more of the history of Munchen. I was expecting to struggle a bit more with the language here, but luckily most Germans speak English pretty well so we haven't run in to any problems yet!
Tonight we reunited with Skip, who will be my travel buddy from now on!! We wanted to show her the crazy beer hall from last night, but unfortunately it was way too busy and we couldn't find a seat, so instead we went to another famous pub that has been turned into an Oktoberfest museum. It was built in 1327, and is absolutely jammed during Oktoberfest, of course. We shared stories and caught up over some food and a pint. Tonight we're hitting the hay early, with it being New Years tomorrow!!
We have an 11 am train to catch to Austria to meet up with more friends from home. I can't wait to see those mountains!
I hope that everyone has a very Happy New Year's!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Let me hear your soul sista...Only in Paris...
We met up with some of Rich's exchange friends on the Sunday night. We had coffee along the Champs d'Elysees, watching all of the Christmas shoppers and tourists partaking in late night shopping.
We then continued on to a more familiar place... a Canadian bar called The Moose. Rich spotted an advertisement for it, so we decided to check it out. (We had been craving poutine for months now, this was our chance.)
We walked in to the place, and it was packed with fellow Canadians, the warm glow of Sunday night football lighting up the many television screens, we were home.
Rounds of Canadian beer and poutine were ordered, the Frenchies had to try our Canadian dish.
After our drinks and food, it was there turn to take us somewhere. We ended up at this place called the Guillotine, it had been built in 1427, and was literally a dungeon...complete with a guillotine and various other weapons for decoration, no joke.
We walked down the narrow staircase to the dungeon/basement where a live jazz band was playing. The music was fantastic, the venue even better. We just don't get places like this in Canada...shame.
We then continued on to a more familiar place... a Canadian bar called The Moose. Rich spotted an advertisement for it, so we decided to check it out. (We had been craving poutine for months now, this was our chance.)
We walked in to the place, and it was packed with fellow Canadians, the warm glow of Sunday night football lighting up the many television screens, we were home.
Rounds of Canadian beer and poutine were ordered, the Frenchies had to try our Canadian dish.
After our drinks and food, it was there turn to take us somewhere. We ended up at this place called the Guillotine, it had been built in 1427, and was literally a dungeon...complete with a guillotine and various other weapons for decoration, no joke.
We walked down the narrow staircase to the dungeon/basement where a live jazz band was playing. The music was fantastic, the venue even better. We just don't get places like this in Canada...shame.
Do the Moulin Rouge
Paris has been one of the most exciting cities that I have ever been in. No wonder people love it so much.
I had the absolute privilege of going to see a Moulin Rouge burlesque show on the Friday night with Val and some of her Red Bull comrades. It was superb. When visiting Paris, you MUST try and go to one of there burlesque shows...it is quite an experience. Although I have not been to Vegas before to see one of their late night showgirl routines, I imagine that the French do it differently- they do it right.
Beautiful men and women flock the stage with impressive and glamorous costumes. (Or sometimes nothing at all...) We were a group of 18, sipping on champagne all night to this very wonderful and very French form of entertainment.
The great thing about Paris is how walkable it is. It is truly the only proper way to see and experience the city. Rich and I walked everywhere! During the day Saturday we wandered around Rue Lafayette, around the shopping and Opera areas once more, then continued on to Place de la Concord, soaking up the infamous sites. Rich brought me to a famous tea room, Angelina's, along Rue de Rivoli which looks out on to the Louvre. It is famous for it's incredible chocolat chaud and pastries. Did it ever live up to its reputation! Most delicious hot chocolate and pastry I have ever had, and worth every euro (6,50) This stop is a must when visiting Paris, or any cafe for that matter. Make sure you have a view though! We had the incredible view of the Eiffel Tower at one cafe stop on Sunday afternoon. Spectacular.
Christmas markets of course were everywhere. Along the Champs d'Elysees there was a big one. Crowds of course followed, but it was a great place to go and grab a German sausage or crepe. (Yum!)
At the right moment, the famous road becomes alight with thousands of Christmas lights on all of the trees. Twinkling lights lining the runway, leading up to the star-- l'Arc de Triomphe.
The size of the Arc shocked me...incredible when it is lit up at night. I found that most major sites were well worth the visit at night, to see the lights. Notre Dame was another place we went, on the Saturday night, and it was all lit up as well. Stunning.
The Latin Quarter is right there, and was a really hoppin' place. Rich and I decided to go very traditional, and had fondue for dinner! (This was his first time having fondue, EVER)
Strolling along the cobble stones with music of all kinds pumping out onto the streets, this is for sure a place I would come back to.
I had the absolute privilege of going to see a Moulin Rouge burlesque show on the Friday night with Val and some of her Red Bull comrades. It was superb. When visiting Paris, you MUST try and go to one of there burlesque shows...it is quite an experience. Although I have not been to Vegas before to see one of their late night showgirl routines, I imagine that the French do it differently- they do it right.
Beautiful men and women flock the stage with impressive and glamorous costumes. (Or sometimes nothing at all...) We were a group of 18, sipping on champagne all night to this very wonderful and very French form of entertainment.
The great thing about Paris is how walkable it is. It is truly the only proper way to see and experience the city. Rich and I walked everywhere! During the day Saturday we wandered around Rue Lafayette, around the shopping and Opera areas once more, then continued on to Place de la Concord, soaking up the infamous sites. Rich brought me to a famous tea room, Angelina's, along Rue de Rivoli which looks out on to the Louvre. It is famous for it's incredible chocolat chaud and pastries. Did it ever live up to its reputation! Most delicious hot chocolate and pastry I have ever had, and worth every euro (6,50) This stop is a must when visiting Paris, or any cafe for that matter. Make sure you have a view though! We had the incredible view of the Eiffel Tower at one cafe stop on Sunday afternoon. Spectacular.
Christmas markets of course were everywhere. Along the Champs d'Elysees there was a big one. Crowds of course followed, but it was a great place to go and grab a German sausage or crepe. (Yum!)
At the right moment, the famous road becomes alight with thousands of Christmas lights on all of the trees. Twinkling lights lining the runway, leading up to the star-- l'Arc de Triomphe.
The size of the Arc shocked me...incredible when it is lit up at night. I found that most major sites were well worth the visit at night, to see the lights. Notre Dame was another place we went, on the Saturday night, and it was all lit up as well. Stunning.
The Latin Quarter is right there, and was a really hoppin' place. Rich and I decided to go very traditional, and had fondue for dinner! (This was his first time having fondue, EVER)
Strolling along the cobble stones with music of all kinds pumping out onto the streets, this is for sure a place I would come back to.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Bienvenue à Paris!!
I have finally arrived in Paris!!!
It has certainly been a mission, with all of the snow they have been getting...
Our plane last night landed early, however it took us two and a half hours to get on the shuttle that would take us in to Paris. It was madness... MADNESS I SAY!
Val and I walked out of the airport to the bus area only to be greeted by a mob of angry French travellers all attempting to do the same thing we were. There was no order, no control, just crowds of people rushing to every bus that would pull in the parking lot. People were getting squished, angry French curses were being shouted--it was mayhem. All because of the weather...a mere three inches of snow on the ground.
Finally we managed to elbow our way up to the front, and we made it to our hostels.
This morning I woke up with a mission-- I had to find my way to the department store, FNAC, to pick up ,y ticket for tonights event, Red Bull 3style Finals Competition that is being held here in Paris.
I started out with some measly directions, all in French of course, and just decided to go with it. The city was bustling! After all the horrible weather, the sun was shining today, melting away the slushy snow.
I ended up spilling onto the main shopping area of Gallerie Lafayette... it was incredible. These Christmas decorations in the windows put the Bay to SHAME. Absolutely stunning.
I finally managed to pick up my ticket, god knows how I made it...
Heading to the event tonight, and Moulin Rouge tomorrow! Rich also arrives tomorrow night!
Good times ahead...
The man behind me is listening to French rap...lovely.
It has certainly been a mission, with all of the snow they have been getting...
Our plane last night landed early, however it took us two and a half hours to get on the shuttle that would take us in to Paris. It was madness... MADNESS I SAY!
Val and I walked out of the airport to the bus area only to be greeted by a mob of angry French travellers all attempting to do the same thing we were. There was no order, no control, just crowds of people rushing to every bus that would pull in the parking lot. People were getting squished, angry French curses were being shouted--it was mayhem. All because of the weather...a mere three inches of snow on the ground.
Finally we managed to elbow our way up to the front, and we made it to our hostels.
This morning I woke up with a mission-- I had to find my way to the department store, FNAC, to pick up ,y ticket for tonights event, Red Bull 3style Finals Competition that is being held here in Paris.
I started out with some measly directions, all in French of course, and just decided to go with it. The city was bustling! After all the horrible weather, the sun was shining today, melting away the slushy snow.
I ended up spilling onto the main shopping area of Gallerie Lafayette... it was incredible. These Christmas decorations in the windows put the Bay to SHAME. Absolutely stunning.
I finally managed to pick up my ticket, god knows how I made it...
Heading to the event tonight, and Moulin Rouge tomorrow! Rich also arrives tomorrow night!
Good times ahead...
The man behind me is listening to French rap...lovely.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Espana
Here in Valencia, Spain, where the weather is at least 20 degrees and there is not a flake of snow to be found. (Sorry London!) I have forgotten how beautiful Spain is.
Since it is the winter time, the streets are not as busy as they were the last time I visited the country. Monday was a holiday here though, so the beach and boardwalk was packed with the locals (dressed in full winter gear of course), enjoying some of the hot sunshine.
Val took me on her own walking tour of the city, starting with the beach. We seriously worked up a sweat walking around in the heat, which was a nice change for this time of year!
Visiting the main square in the city center of Valencia at night, the Christmas lights were draping the trees and century old buildings, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Of course we dined on tapas and sangria, a tradition that I was very happy to experience again.
Shopping was an order Tuesday- the weather was not the nicest, so we spent our time weaving through crowds in the shopping district, visiting at LEAST three or four Zara's throughout the day.
Tonight we fly to Paris!!!! I could not be more excited... although the sunshine outside now is causing me to want to stay here just a bit longer, and avoid the winter weather for as long as I can.
xx
Since it is the winter time, the streets are not as busy as they were the last time I visited the country. Monday was a holiday here though, so the beach and boardwalk was packed with the locals (dressed in full winter gear of course), enjoying some of the hot sunshine.
Val took me on her own walking tour of the city, starting with the beach. We seriously worked up a sweat walking around in the heat, which was a nice change for this time of year!
Visiting the main square in the city center of Valencia at night, the Christmas lights were draping the trees and century old buildings, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Of course we dined on tapas and sangria, a tradition that I was very happy to experience again.
Shopping was an order Tuesday- the weather was not the nicest, so we spent our time weaving through crowds in the shopping district, visiting at LEAST three or four Zara's throughout the day.
Tonight we fly to Paris!!!! I could not be more excited... although the sunshine outside now is causing me to want to stay here just a bit longer, and avoid the winter weather for as long as I can.
xx
Sunday, December 5, 2010
On the Road Again...
Next stop... VALENCIA, SPAIN!
I am luckily able to fly out tonight to Spain! I say luckily because due to the weather, and a spontaneous strike by Spanish airport controllers, planes have been cancelled left, right and center!
I am flying in to Valencia to meet up with my friend, Valerie, who is studying there for the year. It will be good to be in some nice weather before the cold Canadian winter hits me.
Hola Espana! Here I come!
I am luckily able to fly out tonight to Spain! I say luckily because due to the weather, and a spontaneous strike by Spanish airport controllers, planes have been cancelled left, right and center!
I am flying in to Valencia to meet up with my friend, Valerie, who is studying there for the year. It will be good to be in some nice weather before the cold Canadian winter hits me.
Hola Espana! Here I come!
Friday, December 3, 2010
It's a Marshmellow World in England!
The title says it all... Snow has covered every part of this country, which essentially means the entire country shuts down. Haha! They are not prepared for this kind of weather AT ALL! We have been watching the news every night, and every time they report something like 2,000+ cars have either slid off the road or shut down in a ditch somewhere. Airports have closed, trains stopped moving mid-way through there trip... it's chaos!!
Where I am though, there is probably only about an inch or two on the ground, but it's enough to warrant many complaints and preventing the worriers from taking on the roadways. The issue in England too is the small, narrow roads that are all throughout the countryside. People are just abandoning their cars in huge drifts, unable to move.
It is truly a Canadian winter over here! (Which I love, of course!)
I have continued working for David this week, making some extra pocket money for my next little adventure, which is SPAIN!!!!
I am flying to Valencia this coming Sunday to go and stay with my friend from Canada, Valerie. She is studying there, and is going to show me around the city for a few days!
The two of us are then hopping on a plane and flying to PARIS!!!!!!!!!!!! Now, this is a city that I have never been to for some odd reason, and I am absolutely ECSTATIC to finally be visiting!
I'm spending five full days there, staying at a hostel called ''Peace and Love'' near the Notre Dame area. I have been given a list by Paris experts (David and Kim), so I now have a full five days in Paris ahead of me.
Fingers crossed that the weather holds out-- I plan on walking EVERYWHERE!
xx
Where I am though, there is probably only about an inch or two on the ground, but it's enough to warrant many complaints and preventing the worriers from taking on the roadways. The issue in England too is the small, narrow roads that are all throughout the countryside. People are just abandoning their cars in huge drifts, unable to move.
It is truly a Canadian winter over here! (Which I love, of course!)
I have continued working for David this week, making some extra pocket money for my next little adventure, which is SPAIN!!!!
I am flying to Valencia this coming Sunday to go and stay with my friend from Canada, Valerie. She is studying there, and is going to show me around the city for a few days!
The two of us are then hopping on a plane and flying to PARIS!!!!!!!!!!!! Now, this is a city that I have never been to for some odd reason, and I am absolutely ECSTATIC to finally be visiting!
I'm spending five full days there, staying at a hostel called ''Peace and Love'' near the Notre Dame area. I have been given a list by Paris experts (David and Kim), so I now have a full five days in Paris ahead of me.
Fingers crossed that the weather holds out-- I plan on walking EVERYWHERE!
xx
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