We are now back in Edinburgh, Scotland! The two of us have decided to settle down in one spot for a bit...just long enough to make some cash, some friends, and regroup for the next adventures.
This will be an adventure in itself though. Edinburgh is beautiful, and the only true way to experience a beautiful place such as this is to live and become immersed in it.
We started the first morning out at a pub, The Cloister's pub where my friend Becca is working. (She is a friend from Kingston, and has just recently moved to Edinburgh to work and live for the next year or so. She has kindly allowed us to crash with her while we look for a place of our own.) I can't think of a more fitting place to begin our search for both a flat to rent and jobs than a wonderful Scottish pub!
We have looked at a few places, but so far nothing has really caught our interest. More flat hunting to come tomorrow though, then job searching after that! Wish us luck!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Figure skaters are not for us...
We had spent almost two weeks in Bern, Switzerland working at the Euro Figure Skating Championships, and we have learned two things: the Swiss Alps is the most peaceful place on earth, and that we have absolutely zero attraction to male figure skaters.
Skip and I were given a day off last week, so we decided to hop on a train and head to the mountains--we were much too close to just see them from a distance and be okay with it.
So, to Interlaken we go! It only took us about an hour to get to the beautiful city. All that we could see for miles was the crisp blue sky and big snowy mountains jutting up around us.
We had to go higher.
So we jumped on another train that brought us up to a small town nestled in the mountainside called Lauterbrunnen. We were getting closer.
Hopping on to a gondola, we began the journey up the mountainside where no cars could go. As we climbed, the views became more and more breathtaking. All either of us could do was stare.
Outside of the gondola, we looked out over the valley below us...mouths open wide.
A small train in front of us was the finale... this would bring us to the small village of Murren.
Disembarking after a ten minute ride on a rickety old train, we were at our final destination. This place is like no other place on earth. There is a silence up there, a peaceful and almost eerie silence, that you will find nowhere else, I swear. We sat down on a bench to bask in the warm sunshine, it was a beautiful sunny day high up in the Swiss Alps. A man came out of the chalet that we had sat in front of and began speaking German to us. We laughed and explained that we only spoke English. He was on his way to the ski lift with his ski boots strapped on, but chatted with us for a little while explaining that he lived here during the winter months. He had come here once ten years ago and had fallen in love with it. You could see how passionate and proud he was of this incredible village, it was enough to make us want to never leave.
We had a small picnic right there on his bench, just staring out at the scenery before us. Irish coffees followed at a small cafe that was located right at the side of a cliff. It was incredible. No wind, no sounds of motors running or traffic in the distance...I don't think either of us will forget it.
Reluctant to leave, we had to get back to Bern. But I think both of us knew that we would come back here one day, it is just too beautiful to not share with other people.
The event in Bern came to an end. The finals were interesting to see, but I think Skip, Bob and myself much prefer hockey to figure skating... haha, figure skating is just not for us!
Skip and I were given a day off last week, so we decided to hop on a train and head to the mountains--we were much too close to just see them from a distance and be okay with it.
So, to Interlaken we go! It only took us about an hour to get to the beautiful city. All that we could see for miles was the crisp blue sky and big snowy mountains jutting up around us.
We had to go higher.
So we jumped on another train that brought us up to a small town nestled in the mountainside called Lauterbrunnen. We were getting closer.
Hopping on to a gondola, we began the journey up the mountainside where no cars could go. As we climbed, the views became more and more breathtaking. All either of us could do was stare.
Outside of the gondola, we looked out over the valley below us...mouths open wide.
A small train in front of us was the finale... this would bring us to the small village of Murren.
Disembarking after a ten minute ride on a rickety old train, we were at our final destination. This place is like no other place on earth. There is a silence up there, a peaceful and almost eerie silence, that you will find nowhere else, I swear. We sat down on a bench to bask in the warm sunshine, it was a beautiful sunny day high up in the Swiss Alps. A man came out of the chalet that we had sat in front of and began speaking German to us. We laughed and explained that we only spoke English. He was on his way to the ski lift with his ski boots strapped on, but chatted with us for a little while explaining that he lived here during the winter months. He had come here once ten years ago and had fallen in love with it. You could see how passionate and proud he was of this incredible village, it was enough to make us want to never leave.
We had a small picnic right there on his bench, just staring out at the scenery before us. Irish coffees followed at a small cafe that was located right at the side of a cliff. It was incredible. No wind, no sounds of motors running or traffic in the distance...I don't think either of us will forget it.
Reluctant to leave, we had to get back to Bern. But I think both of us knew that we would come back here one day, it is just too beautiful to not share with other people.
The event in Bern came to an end. The finals were interesting to see, but I think Skip, Bob and myself much prefer hockey to figure skating... haha, figure skating is just not for us!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Swiss Chocolate
So it has now been over a week since I last wrote on here...again, I apologize.
We left Amsterdam the same way we came in- exhausted and clueless. We did not have exact plans for the next four days before we had to be in Bern, Switzerland. So just as before, we winged it!
Skip's family friends invited us to stay with them in a small town in Germany, just over the Dutch border. They welcomed us with open arms. Mr. Barthel works for the Canadian military, so they live right near a NATO air base and have for the past year and a half. They cooked us some amazing meals, and introduced us to some more tasty German beers. It was nice to be with some fellow Canadians and to hear stories about what it has been like for them to live in this small German town.
We ended up staying with them until the Wednesday. They were just so hospitable and sweet that we didn't want to leave! We borrowed their bikes and used them to tour around their town, stopping for some German pastries along the way. On the Tuesday night we went to check out a trivia night at a bar in Maastricht. BEAUTIFUL CITY. Even at night you could tell just how stunning it was. Skip and I decided then and there that we are returning for a longer and more proper visit. (The German's have this huge celebration called Carnival during the months of February and March, the biggest weekend is at the beginning of March. Apparently it's just like Halloween, but ten times crazier...Skip and I are coming back for it. Haha) Wednesday night we flew from Dusseldorf to Basel, just outside of Switzerland. Unfortunately, we decided to sleep in the airport that night (No sense in booking a hotel for 5 hours. Besides, this is a must for backpackers at some point on their travels...)
Waking up to the bright lights of airline check-in desks, we quickly jumped on a bus to the train station to go to Bern, our final destination. In a daze (neither of us had properly slept) we saw the gorgeous city of Bern through the tram windows. Not really appreciating it at the time, we immediately checked in to our hotel. We didn't make it past the bed once we stepped in to our room.
The next few days were going to be tiring-- we are in Bern now for 11 days to work at the ISU European Figure Skating Championships!
We left Amsterdam the same way we came in- exhausted and clueless. We did not have exact plans for the next four days before we had to be in Bern, Switzerland. So just as before, we winged it!
Skip's family friends invited us to stay with them in a small town in Germany, just over the Dutch border. They welcomed us with open arms. Mr. Barthel works for the Canadian military, so they live right near a NATO air base and have for the past year and a half. They cooked us some amazing meals, and introduced us to some more tasty German beers. It was nice to be with some fellow Canadians and to hear stories about what it has been like for them to live in this small German town.
We ended up staying with them until the Wednesday. They were just so hospitable and sweet that we didn't want to leave! We borrowed their bikes and used them to tour around their town, stopping for some German pastries along the way. On the Tuesday night we went to check out a trivia night at a bar in Maastricht. BEAUTIFUL CITY. Even at night you could tell just how stunning it was. Skip and I decided then and there that we are returning for a longer and more proper visit. (The German's have this huge celebration called Carnival during the months of February and March, the biggest weekend is at the beginning of March. Apparently it's just like Halloween, but ten times crazier...Skip and I are coming back for it. Haha) Wednesday night we flew from Dusseldorf to Basel, just outside of Switzerland. Unfortunately, we decided to sleep in the airport that night (No sense in booking a hotel for 5 hours. Besides, this is a must for backpackers at some point on their travels...)
Waking up to the bright lights of airline check-in desks, we quickly jumped on a bus to the train station to go to Bern, our final destination. In a daze (neither of us had properly slept) we saw the gorgeous city of Bern through the tram windows. Not really appreciating it at the time, we immediately checked in to our hotel. We didn't make it past the bed once we stepped in to our room.
The next few days were going to be tiring-- we are in Bern now for 11 days to work at the ISU European Figure Skating Championships!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Vee are in Nederland!
We rolled into the Amsterdam Centraal Station just as the sun was setting.
The lights began to illuminate the many canals that weaved in and out of the streets everywhere we walked. Jumping on a cable car, we easily found our hostel, Annemarie located in the Museum Square. We had to be constantly aware while walking, because cyclists were coming at us from every which way. They were everywhere! Tired, we had a fairly uneventful night, eager to wake up the next day and begin our tour of this beautiful city.
We began by meeting up with a free walking tour in the central square opposite the Palace. (Which unfortunately was under renovations) Our guide brought us through the Red Light District (definitely the weirdest place I have ever been, so curious!) to Rembrandt's house, the Jewish Quarter, the main fish Market, and to the old Dutch East India Trading Company buildings. It was a great way to get everything in! On our own, we wandered to Anne Frank's house (the line however, was really long, so we decided to skip going in, and leave it for another time!) Seeing the house was enough for me.
This extremely tolerant world class city is definitely unlike any other place on earth. If you cannot be free to do whatever you want here, then you cannot do it anywhere!
The contrast of the more modern legal prostitution and marijuana with the old and historic canals, architecture, and museums is mind boggling. With coffee shops on every street corner, the aroma of thrill and rebellion is constantly permeating the air. It is easy to see why this city is a favorite of many!
For our second and final night, we joined up with a pub crawl. We ended up meeting some crazy Brits and Australians (Canadians, Brits, the Irish, and Aussies always seem to bond, wherever you go!) and we saw some really interesting parts of Amsterdam under the lights.
Our next stop is back over the German border to a small city outside of Cologne.
Bring on the weiner schnitzel and beer!
The lights began to illuminate the many canals that weaved in and out of the streets everywhere we walked. Jumping on a cable car, we easily found our hostel, Annemarie located in the Museum Square. We had to be constantly aware while walking, because cyclists were coming at us from every which way. They were everywhere! Tired, we had a fairly uneventful night, eager to wake up the next day and begin our tour of this beautiful city.
We began by meeting up with a free walking tour in the central square opposite the Palace. (Which unfortunately was under renovations) Our guide brought us through the Red Light District (definitely the weirdest place I have ever been, so curious!) to Rembrandt's house, the Jewish Quarter, the main fish Market, and to the old Dutch East India Trading Company buildings. It was a great way to get everything in! On our own, we wandered to Anne Frank's house (the line however, was really long, so we decided to skip going in, and leave it for another time!) Seeing the house was enough for me.
This extremely tolerant world class city is definitely unlike any other place on earth. If you cannot be free to do whatever you want here, then you cannot do it anywhere!
The contrast of the more modern legal prostitution and marijuana with the old and historic canals, architecture, and museums is mind boggling. With coffee shops on every street corner, the aroma of thrill and rebellion is constantly permeating the air. It is easy to see why this city is a favorite of many!
For our second and final night, we joined up with a pub crawl. We ended up meeting some crazy Brits and Australians (Canadians, Brits, the Irish, and Aussies always seem to bond, wherever you go!) and we saw some really interesting parts of Amsterdam under the lights.
Our next stop is back over the German border to a small city outside of Cologne.
Bring on the weiner schnitzel and beer!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
We spent a day in Brussels on Thursday, soaking up some of the sights. It is definitely a beautiful city, but after being spoiled in Brugge, we were not as impressed. We toured around for a few hours though, ducking in to a cafe to indulge in the cities finest-- Belgian waffles. Yummm.
We then searched for what some people consider to be the symbol of Brussels, Manneken Pis. A very, very small statue of a little boy peeing in to a fountain. That is all. It is supposedly the worlds most disappointing tourist attraction...it definitely holds up to that.
For dinner, more of Diana's relatives took us in, and cooked us a wonderful meal. Her relatives, Els and Peter, were so sweet and welcoming, it was nice to have a home cooked meal. We ended up staying there for the night.
Diana left us early the next morning, embarking on her own tour of Europe, which was beginning in London. We said our goodbyes, and then Skip and I had to figure out where we were setting off to. We had no idea....but that was the excitement of it!
We eenie meanie minie moed, and chose Amsterdam for the weekend!
Off we go!!!
We then searched for what some people consider to be the symbol of Brussels, Manneken Pis. A very, very small statue of a little boy peeing in to a fountain. That is all. It is supposedly the worlds most disappointing tourist attraction...it definitely holds up to that.
For dinner, more of Diana's relatives took us in, and cooked us a wonderful meal. Her relatives, Els and Peter, were so sweet and welcoming, it was nice to have a home cooked meal. We ended up staying there for the night.
Diana left us early the next morning, embarking on her own tour of Europe, which was beginning in London. We said our goodbyes, and then Skip and I had to figure out where we were setting off to. We had no idea....but that was the excitement of it!
We eenie meanie minie moed, and chose Amsterdam for the weekend!
Off we go!!!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Waffles, Chocolate and BEER!
The rain has not stopped all day. We persevered and trudged around the city anyways though, ducking in to 13 century old churches when we could. Gilbert guided us around by foot this time, with his wife Dina. They took us through the old hospital, to the first ever stock market, and to city hall.
This is a city that is so beautiful that it truly does not matter if it's a sunny day, even in the rain we could not get enough of the incredible buildings. The canal weaves in and out of the buildings, all around the city, you can just imagine what this place looks like in the summer time. Diana, Skip and I already are making plans to return in the warmer weather... Dina and Gilbert are more than happy to have us back.
We ended our private guided tour with a Belgian beer, saying a final farewell to our lovely guides. I tried one that was brewed in Gilbert's hometown called Rodenbach. And I am not just saying this because it is to be expected, but it was one of the best beers I have ever tried.
On our way back to the B and B we stopped at a chocolate shop, finally giving in. I cannot stop eating them, chocolates and waffles... seriously it's a problem. We are going beer tasting tonight. Dangerous...
This is a city that is so beautiful that it truly does not matter if it's a sunny day, even in the rain we could not get enough of the incredible buildings. The canal weaves in and out of the buildings, all around the city, you can just imagine what this place looks like in the summer time. Diana, Skip and I already are making plans to return in the warmer weather... Dina and Gilbert are more than happy to have us back.
We ended our private guided tour with a Belgian beer, saying a final farewell to our lovely guides. I tried one that was brewed in Gilbert's hometown called Rodenbach. And I am not just saying this because it is to be expected, but it was one of the best beers I have ever tried.
On our way back to the B and B we stopped at a chocolate shop, finally giving in. I cannot stop eating them, chocolates and waffles... seriously it's a problem. We are going beer tasting tonight. Dangerous...
Flemish Tea Time
Early in the morning of our first full day in Brugge, Diana and I walked to the small bakery around the corner from our B and B, to grab a baguette for our breakfast. We ate like kings.
Then at 9:30 on the dot, Diana's grandmothers brother, Gilbert (pronounce ee-bear) came to collect us for a full day of site seeing and socializing. He was the cutest and most interesting man- he had been a tour guide for the city of Brugge for the past few years, so he knew his stuff!
Since it was raining, we were touring around in his car. Unfortunately, the tour started off with a little fender bender, (their fault, not ours!) so we were delayed for a bit. The fact though that Skip and I, who were sitting in the back, were more frightened and shook up than this 80-year-old man was shocking. He was as cool and collected as can be, making sure we were alright before settling things with the careless driver. Now this man is not like normal 80-year-olds. He has run a total of 45-50 marathons throughout Belgium, (his last one being when he was 65) rode his bike from Belgium to Portugal on a pilgrimage by himself, still now plays volleyball during the week and tries to run two to three times a week. Incredible. Europeans do it right, I'm telling you. His broken English throughout the day was easy enough to understand, especially when he through hand signals and gestures in to the mix.
We made a stop for lunch at his home, where his sweet wife made us a huge meal. We met his horse, and explored a church near his home town that had been built in 1240. Amazing.
Our next stop was at Diana's grandfathers brother's home. Arseen was a loud and enthusiastic Belgian, who loved to joke around and laugh with us. He took us to meet more of Diana's family, where we had coffee and cake learning more about the history and culture of Belgium. The stories they told (some in Flemish, some in English, some even in Dutch or German) were extremely entertaining, with some piano playing and a cross-eyed dog named Milo thrown in to the mix. Chocolates were passed around repeatedly (deadly!) When it was time for dinner, we were brought back to Gilbert's home, where his wife made us yet another meal!! The hospitality was never ending...
After a long day, we were deposited back at the B and B for a quiet night in, making yet more plans for the next full day in Brugge!
(We loved this place so much that we extended our stay until Thursday, where we would then travel to Brussels for a night with more of Diana's family.)
Then at 9:30 on the dot, Diana's grandmothers brother, Gilbert (pronounce ee-bear) came to collect us for a full day of site seeing and socializing. He was the cutest and most interesting man- he had been a tour guide for the city of Brugge for the past few years, so he knew his stuff!
Since it was raining, we were touring around in his car. Unfortunately, the tour started off with a little fender bender, (their fault, not ours!) so we were delayed for a bit. The fact though that Skip and I, who were sitting in the back, were more frightened and shook up than this 80-year-old man was shocking. He was as cool and collected as can be, making sure we were alright before settling things with the careless driver. Now this man is not like normal 80-year-olds. He has run a total of 45-50 marathons throughout Belgium, (his last one being when he was 65) rode his bike from Belgium to Portugal on a pilgrimage by himself, still now plays volleyball during the week and tries to run two to three times a week. Incredible. Europeans do it right, I'm telling you. His broken English throughout the day was easy enough to understand, especially when he through hand signals and gestures in to the mix.
We made a stop for lunch at his home, where his sweet wife made us a huge meal. We met his horse, and explored a church near his home town that had been built in 1240. Amazing.
Our next stop was at Diana's grandfathers brother's home. Arseen was a loud and enthusiastic Belgian, who loved to joke around and laugh with us. He took us to meet more of Diana's family, where we had coffee and cake learning more about the history and culture of Belgium. The stories they told (some in Flemish, some in English, some even in Dutch or German) were extremely entertaining, with some piano playing and a cross-eyed dog named Milo thrown in to the mix. Chocolates were passed around repeatedly (deadly!) When it was time for dinner, we were brought back to Gilbert's home, where his wife made us yet another meal!! The hospitality was never ending...
After a long day, we were deposited back at the B and B for a quiet night in, making yet more plans for the next full day in Brugge!
(We loved this place so much that we extended our stay until Thursday, where we would then travel to Brussels for a night with more of Diana's family.)
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