(III) Daybreak
Slowly the day breaks apart in our hands
And soft hallelujahs flow in from the church
The one on the corner you said frightened you
It was too dark and too large to find your soul in
Something was bound to go right sometime today
All these broken pieces fit together to make a perfect picture of us
It got cold and then dark so suddenly and rained
It rained so hard the two of us were the only thing
That we could see for miles and miles
And in the middle of the flood I felt my worth
When you held onto me like I was your little life raft
Please know that you were mine as well
Drops of water hit the ground like God's own tears
And spread out into shapes like
Salad bowls and basins and buckets for bailing out the flood
As motionless cars rust on driveways and curbs
You take off your raincoat and stretch out your arms
We both laugh out loud and surrender to it
The sheer force of sky and the cold magnet Earth
Something was bound to go right sometime today
All these broken pieces fit together to make a perfect picture of us
It got cold and then dark so suddenly and rained
It rained so hard the two of us were the only thing
That we could see for miles and miles
And in the middle of the flood I felt my worth
When you held onto me like I was your little life raft
Please know that you were mine as well
Drops of water hit the ground like God's own tears
And spread out into shapes like
Salad bowls and basins and buckets for bailing out the flood
Tuesday 18 November 2008
Thursday 9 October 2008
The end...reprise
I can't do it. I can't go through all the wonderful places again. It's too upsetting. I don't want to be here in England. I want to be on the road.
"Man is born free, but everywhere is in chains".
That's how I feel. He was a smart cookie, the guy who wrote that. Jean Jacques Rousseau. He wrote political philosophy. I might have mis-spelt his name. Don't care. All I know is I have this emptiness inside of me. This turgid fatalism. I know my travelling goose is cooked, at least for a little while.
Where next? Scandinavia maybe, then all the way south to Greece, criss-crossing eastern European countries. Perhaps South America. Who knows. But somewhere. Anywhere. Any place that I can wake up and feel alive in. Yes, I've been bitten. But the truth is I already was. I knew what I was doing. The box (Pandora's) is open but you know what? I'm glad. That's the way it should be.
Everyone needs a 'reason' - something other than friends and family. Some greater goal. Some find it in religion, some in sports, activities, music or whatever. But this is mine. For good or for bad. I need the road, and I'll be on it again as soon as I can. Anyone fancy it?
Thanks for reading. Until we meet again.
Rich x
"Man is born free, but everywhere is in chains".
That's how I feel. He was a smart cookie, the guy who wrote that. Jean Jacques Rousseau. He wrote political philosophy. I might have mis-spelt his name. Don't care. All I know is I have this emptiness inside of me. This turgid fatalism. I know my travelling goose is cooked, at least for a little while.
Where next? Scandinavia maybe, then all the way south to Greece, criss-crossing eastern European countries. Perhaps South America. Who knows. But somewhere. Anywhere. Any place that I can wake up and feel alive in. Yes, I've been bitten. But the truth is I already was. I knew what I was doing. The box (Pandora's) is open but you know what? I'm glad. That's the way it should be.
Everyone needs a 'reason' - something other than friends and family. Some greater goal. Some find it in religion, some in sports, activities, music or whatever. But this is mine. For good or for bad. I need the road, and I'll be on it again as soon as I can. Anyone fancy it?
Thanks for reading. Until we meet again.
Rich x
Monday 6 October 2008
...and so the dance ends...
Well. That's it. It's over. Finished. Done. Ended.
...or is it? No, I'm not going to jump on a plane or a train tomorrow, skip work and disappear like a guy that likes to Canoe! No, what I mean is...well, it's never really over is it? You're everything you do and every person you meet. And in that respect, this trip will always live on (oh, and I've got a knackered ankle as well, but that will go in time).
So, overall memories of the trip? Hmmm, let me try to run down the list of the people I met...these are people I chatted to or went out with. Remember the trip was for 16 days only...
The two guys from Chile
Rachel
'The sixth'
'The unit'
The lovely french girls...Julie and Lucie Loison
Raghu
Adriana
Nicholas
Claudia
The two Aussies (whatever your names REALLY were!)
The five Argies (Carol, Vicky, Maya, Alexandra and Debs)
Zoo
Alice
Danny
The two Kiwis in Amsterdam - sorry guys, can't remember your names!
Morgan
Carly
Mike
Shaun
John
Alexandre
The girl who looked like Liv Tyler (she did!!!!!)
..and her friend!
Apologies to all the rest of you. I know there are more, but hey.
That's around 30 people. That's pretty amazing really. We made friends easily and despite the fabulous places we visited and the amazing trips we took, sights we saw and experiences we had, it was the people that made the trip special. But then it always IS the people isn't it!?
So Final thoughts.
Maybe I'll write this again in a couple of weeks time and come up with something completely different. Dunno. I guess you're supposed to rediscover yourself, or something as equally profound. But what do I actually 'feel' about the trip?
Exhausted. Shattered. Senses filled to overload. Invigorated. Sad. Reaffirmed in many ways. Purposeful. Richer; so much richer.
I'm going to leave it there for now and finish this when I have more energy. I'm bushed and work is calling tomorrow. Back to life.....pooper scoopers!
I want to post the way I was feeling in each city and a little more about the places. I'll do it later this week.
Later. x
...or is it? No, I'm not going to jump on a plane or a train tomorrow, skip work and disappear like a guy that likes to Canoe! No, what I mean is...well, it's never really over is it? You're everything you do and every person you meet. And in that respect, this trip will always live on (oh, and I've got a knackered ankle as well, but that will go in time).
So, overall memories of the trip? Hmmm, let me try to run down the list of the people I met...these are people I chatted to or went out with. Remember the trip was for 16 days only...
The two guys from Chile
Rachel
'The sixth'
'The unit'
The lovely french girls...Julie and Lucie Loison
Raghu
Adriana
Nicholas
Claudia
The two Aussies (whatever your names REALLY were!)
The five Argies (Carol, Vicky, Maya, Alexandra and Debs)
Zoo
Alice
Danny
The two Kiwis in Amsterdam - sorry guys, can't remember your names!
Morgan
Carly
Mike
Shaun
John
Alexandre
The girl who looked like Liv Tyler (she did!!!!!)
..and her friend!
Apologies to all the rest of you. I know there are more, but hey.
That's around 30 people. That's pretty amazing really. We made friends easily and despite the fabulous places we visited and the amazing trips we took, sights we saw and experiences we had, it was the people that made the trip special. But then it always IS the people isn't it!?
So Final thoughts.
Maybe I'll write this again in a couple of weeks time and come up with something completely different. Dunno. I guess you're supposed to rediscover yourself, or something as equally profound. But what do I actually 'feel' about the trip?
Exhausted. Shattered. Senses filled to overload. Invigorated. Sad. Reaffirmed in many ways. Purposeful. Richer; so much richer.
I'm going to leave it there for now and finish this when I have more energy. I'm bushed and work is calling tomorrow. Back to life.....pooper scoopers!
I want to post the way I was feeling in each city and a little more about the places. I'll do it later this week.
Later. x
Friday 3 October 2008
Oh my! Amsterdam....
So here we are in Amsterdam.
I have SO much to write about this place that I could spend days merrily typing away.
It's the strangest, most different city I have ever been to. God, where to begin!? Ok, let's start with something easy. The bicycle / road / pedestrian system!! How confusing is that!? Both myself and Neil have nearly been run over 3 times each by mad cyclists and moped-ers. The thing is, it's mostly, if not totally, our faults. You see they have this system where the bikes pretty much have their own roads. Add to this tram lanes and sometimes when you're crossing the roads you have to contend with 6 streams of traffic, all moving at varying speeds. It might sound easy but you just come and try it. Especially after a few sherberts!
We obviously haven't frequented the coffee shops to get stoned as that would be just wrong. In fact we've just sampled several varieties of coffee in the various establishments. They're absolutley as cool as you can imagine. A totally new experience for me.
The red light district. Again, only visited for anthropological reasons. I feel a bit sorry for these girls. Yes, they're attractive, but you wonder. As I've been wondering the streets I've been pondering whether visiting one would make me cooler or less cool. I guess it would depend on who you're talking to. And did I visit one.... Ha....I couldn't possibly comment.
The city has a feel and coolness about it that makes me desperate to return. I can't believe it's so close and I've never been. It's almost Victorian in a lot of it's ways. It's a difficult one to explain, and is something that I'll have to try and talk people through face to face.
Oh and one other thing about Amsterdam. It's SO easy to get lost. I've been lost a couple of times and I like to think I'm quite good at reading maps. But not in Amsterdam!!!
Hope everyone is good and I'll try and post from Paris tomorrow.
I have SO much to write about this place that I could spend days merrily typing away.
It's the strangest, most different city I have ever been to. God, where to begin!? Ok, let's start with something easy. The bicycle / road / pedestrian system!! How confusing is that!? Both myself and Neil have nearly been run over 3 times each by mad cyclists and moped-ers. The thing is, it's mostly, if not totally, our faults. You see they have this system where the bikes pretty much have their own roads. Add to this tram lanes and sometimes when you're crossing the roads you have to contend with 6 streams of traffic, all moving at varying speeds. It might sound easy but you just come and try it. Especially after a few sherberts!
We obviously haven't frequented the coffee shops to get stoned as that would be just wrong. In fact we've just sampled several varieties of coffee in the various establishments. They're absolutley as cool as you can imagine. A totally new experience for me.
The red light district. Again, only visited for anthropological reasons. I feel a bit sorry for these girls. Yes, they're attractive, but you wonder. As I've been wondering the streets I've been pondering whether visiting one would make me cooler or less cool. I guess it would depend on who you're talking to. And did I visit one.... Ha....I couldn't possibly comment.
The city has a feel and coolness about it that makes me desperate to return. I can't believe it's so close and I've never been. It's almost Victorian in a lot of it's ways. It's a difficult one to explain, and is something that I'll have to try and talk people through face to face.
Oh and one other thing about Amsterdam. It's SO easy to get lost. I've been lost a couple of times and I like to think I'm quite good at reading maps. But not in Amsterdam!!!
Hope everyone is good and I'll try and post from Paris tomorrow.
Wednesday 1 October 2008
Ich Bin Ein Berliner (or however it´s spelt!)
...so onto Berlin.
The curse of bad weather hit us again. We got here at about noon yesterday, dropped our bags at the incredibly cheaply priced Hostel (9 Euros) and headed for the sights.
First stop was Checkpoint Charlie. Oh dear. Oh very, very, dear. What have they done to this place? You´ll be familiar that this was the checkpoint between the US and Soviet sectors of Berlin during the Cold War. It has some special meaning to anyone who studied or followed politics following the second world war, especially those over the age of 30. I was really looking forward to seeing this sight. And what did I find when I arrived? Some dumb ass American actor dressed up in uniform selling photos to tourists for one Euro each regailed in uniform and holding the Stars and Stripes (the American flag to those who are unsure). This was subtely offset with the snack bar across the road named ´Snack Point Charlie´! I KNOW that the tenticles of commercialism stretch far and wide but come on! People lost their lives trying to escape from behind the Iron Curtain. How about the memories of the familes who were seperated from their loved ones for decades. Grrrrr, not happy at all.
So off we went, moods to match the cold rain beating down on us. Next was a memorial to the Jewish dead of WW2. What a contrast. It´s an incredible museum / memorial. I went to Auschwitz last year and any of you that have been will know that nothing can surpass that experience for reflection and realisation of the evil humankind is capable of...but this place was moving all the same.
We took in the Reichstag and then conceded defeat to the elements. We headed home. The evening was spent scoffing a feast of a half roast chicken and fries, washed down with smuggled in 70 cent a bottle beer. Far more sensible than purchasing the 3 Euro offerings from the Hostel. Met an interesting guy from Toronto in Canada, Danny is his name. I´ve lost count of all the people we´ve met on this trip. Hostelling is SO sociable. It´s definately the future!
And so the final major destination will be reached today...Amsterdam. Good way to finish I think you´ll agree!
Will post again when I can. Oh, and I know it´s an early post but the Chinese guy in the dorm is snoring like a trooper, lol. Yes, that´s a drawback to the Hostelling lark! ;-) x
The curse of bad weather hit us again. We got here at about noon yesterday, dropped our bags at the incredibly cheaply priced Hostel (9 Euros) and headed for the sights.
First stop was Checkpoint Charlie. Oh dear. Oh very, very, dear. What have they done to this place? You´ll be familiar that this was the checkpoint between the US and Soviet sectors of Berlin during the Cold War. It has some special meaning to anyone who studied or followed politics following the second world war, especially those over the age of 30. I was really looking forward to seeing this sight. And what did I find when I arrived? Some dumb ass American actor dressed up in uniform selling photos to tourists for one Euro each regailed in uniform and holding the Stars and Stripes (the American flag to those who are unsure). This was subtely offset with the snack bar across the road named ´Snack Point Charlie´! I KNOW that the tenticles of commercialism stretch far and wide but come on! People lost their lives trying to escape from behind the Iron Curtain. How about the memories of the familes who were seperated from their loved ones for decades. Grrrrr, not happy at all.
So off we went, moods to match the cold rain beating down on us. Next was a memorial to the Jewish dead of WW2. What a contrast. It´s an incredible museum / memorial. I went to Auschwitz last year and any of you that have been will know that nothing can surpass that experience for reflection and realisation of the evil humankind is capable of...but this place was moving all the same.
We took in the Reichstag and then conceded defeat to the elements. We headed home. The evening was spent scoffing a feast of a half roast chicken and fries, washed down with smuggled in 70 cent a bottle beer. Far more sensible than purchasing the 3 Euro offerings from the Hostel. Met an interesting guy from Toronto in Canada, Danny is his name. I´ve lost count of all the people we´ve met on this trip. Hostelling is SO sociable. It´s definately the future!
And so the final major destination will be reached today...Amsterdam. Good way to finish I think you´ll agree!
Will post again when I can. Oh, and I know it´s an early post but the Chinese guy in the dorm is snoring like a trooper, lol. Yes, that´s a drawback to the Hostelling lark! ;-) x
Tuesday 30 September 2008
Prague....land of the hotdog and cheeseburger
Prague....Gulp! Another beautiful city. I loved it to bits, totally wonderful (sorry Colin, didn´t get to check out the bar you used to own / run).
Ok, you´ve got to bear in mind that we arrived in Prague on the back of one of the worst nights of our respective lives. We determined to have a good time and enjoy ourselves but I could tell Neil was a little down and I felt the same way myself.
So. Day 1 in Praguge. We were stressed because of the night / morning before. We got to the hostel, showered, dumped our stuff and headed out. We eventually found a bar selling beer at below the magical 30 Czech Crowns (1 pound = 31 Krona) and settled in. We were having an ok time but obviously as the beer flowed so our moods lightened. It wound up being a good night. We met a guy from Dorest. I think he was Cypriot. Neil remarked mentioned that he understood as he had (Simon had) a ´nice tan´. He obviously meant that the guy had a nice tan because he was from Dorset, but it was funny as. I hope you understand what I mean there.
Day 2. Prague is a beautiful city. It has wonderful sights to behold. We walked up to the castle and took in the amazing buildings. There was a church there that was fantastic to look inside. The setting sun was playing all sorts of tricks through the stained glass windows. The photos will not do the place justice...but hey ho. And then to the night. We got back to the hostel at about 8. We had arranged to go out with Zoo and Alice (two Lyonese French people we had been chatting to). Of course we asked the rest of the dorm if they fancied the night out and the 5 Argentinan girls were up for it. Wow, what a night we had. We ended up rolling in at 5am, totally smashed out of our skulls. It was definately the best night we´ve had so far. Have you had one of those nights recently when everyone gets on, no one is quiet and it´s just a mad party? Maybe it´s just me but I hadn´t had one of those in a while. It was fantastic. There was Zoo who was crazy when he chilled out, Alice who was as cool as. Then there was Carol who was mad even when she hadn´t had a drink - she was the glue that held the rest of the girls together. The lovely Deborah, the music mad Vicky, the poorly (bless) Maya, and the football playing Alexandra. They were all wonderful. We must have made a good impression as we now have 3 invites to stay over at their houses should (when!) we visit South America.
Day 3. Not a lot to say about this day. We recovered! We spent most of the day in bed, sleeping or reading. Understandable due to the late finish the night before.
Other memories from Prague:
We ran out of money so had to survive the final day on mostly hotdogs and cheeseburgers which are as cheap as chips out there.
No wonder Kafka wrote ´The trial´. The street crossing timers ticking away on every street corner are enough to send anyone into a paranoid spiral!
Happy birthday Sam. I thought about you yesterday but couldn´t text as I had no credit and didn´t get paid until today. I thought abotu you, and dad, and it made me sad. Chin up baby. X
Oh, and a final word for the beautiful women of Prague. Oh my god! You western women REALLY have something to live up to!
Take care all. Rich x
Ok, you´ve got to bear in mind that we arrived in Prague on the back of one of the worst nights of our respective lives. We determined to have a good time and enjoy ourselves but I could tell Neil was a little down and I felt the same way myself.
So. Day 1 in Praguge. We were stressed because of the night / morning before. We got to the hostel, showered, dumped our stuff and headed out. We eventually found a bar selling beer at below the magical 30 Czech Crowns (1 pound = 31 Krona) and settled in. We were having an ok time but obviously as the beer flowed so our moods lightened. It wound up being a good night. We met a guy from Dorest. I think he was Cypriot. Neil remarked mentioned that he understood as he had (Simon had) a ´nice tan´. He obviously meant that the guy had a nice tan because he was from Dorset, but it was funny as. I hope you understand what I mean there.
Day 2. Prague is a beautiful city. It has wonderful sights to behold. We walked up to the castle and took in the amazing buildings. There was a church there that was fantastic to look inside. The setting sun was playing all sorts of tricks through the stained glass windows. The photos will not do the place justice...but hey ho. And then to the night. We got back to the hostel at about 8. We had arranged to go out with Zoo and Alice (two Lyonese French people we had been chatting to). Of course we asked the rest of the dorm if they fancied the night out and the 5 Argentinan girls were up for it. Wow, what a night we had. We ended up rolling in at 5am, totally smashed out of our skulls. It was definately the best night we´ve had so far. Have you had one of those nights recently when everyone gets on, no one is quiet and it´s just a mad party? Maybe it´s just me but I hadn´t had one of those in a while. It was fantastic. There was Zoo who was crazy when he chilled out, Alice who was as cool as. Then there was Carol who was mad even when she hadn´t had a drink - she was the glue that held the rest of the girls together. The lovely Deborah, the music mad Vicky, the poorly (bless) Maya, and the football playing Alexandra. They were all wonderful. We must have made a good impression as we now have 3 invites to stay over at their houses should (when!) we visit South America.
Day 3. Not a lot to say about this day. We recovered! We spent most of the day in bed, sleeping or reading. Understandable due to the late finish the night before.
Other memories from Prague:
We ran out of money so had to survive the final day on mostly hotdogs and cheeseburgers which are as cheap as chips out there.
No wonder Kafka wrote ´The trial´. The street crossing timers ticking away on every street corner are enough to send anyone into a paranoid spiral!
Happy birthday Sam. I thought about you yesterday but couldn´t text as I had no credit and didn´t get paid until today. I thought abotu you, and dad, and it made me sad. Chin up baby. X
Oh, and a final word for the beautiful women of Prague. Oh my god! You western women REALLY have something to live up to!
Take care all. Rich x
Sunday 28 September 2008
Munchen part 2
..ok, that's better. Now, where was I?
So I've gone to the beer festival in the futile hope of bumping into Neil. The beer buzz obtained earlier is beginning to wear off and I'm starting to get a little concerned. No sign of Neil at teh fest so I head back. It's now around 8pm. We have a train to catch to Prague at 5.16am (the time of that train will always be indeliably inprinted on my mind). So I'm wandering around the station, looking for Neil. Time ticks by.....more time ticks by. I'm tired, hungry and starting to worry. Now I don't tend to panic in general. Shit happens, we all know that. But I was now getting worried, and if I'm honest a little scared. I'm in Munich, have lost my buddy, haven't a clue where he is. I have my passport but no bag; Neil had the locker key. I have some Euros but not enough to get home if required. My inter-rail ticket was in my bag. I'm worried for myself and I'm worried for Neil.
For those of you that don't really know Neil that much, he's a genuine, responsible bloke. There's no way he'd ever leave a friend stranded. So where the fuck is he!!!? He's either dead in a ditch, been pinched by the busies (nicked) or in hospital. 9pm comes and goes. 10, 11.......then I see loads of people emerging from the Metro and I'm thinking that maybe he's gone to the Fest and will now come back once it kicks out. He doesn't. 12, 1, 2....3, 4....I'm cold. Deperate. I havent slept. I'm trying hard not to panic. I figure he might get back in time for the train. 5.16am. He doesn't. It was the longest night of my life and not an experience I'd want to repeat. I'm just about to phone Jen to ask her if there's a Consulate in Munich, or get a number for the one in Berlin when who appears from nowhere but Neil. Now to say I was relieved is a massive understatement. It was like a scene from 'From here to eternity', lol. We gave each other a massive hug like we'd been seperated for years. And no, it wasn't gay. lol. I've not been scared like that for years, maybe since I was a boy. Man, it was a freaky experience. There are so many more feelings about that night that I'd like to convey, but can only really tell the full story face to face (esp. as I'm getting shafted for 2 Czech crowns a minute here, lol!). I'll leave it to Neil to explain what happened to him.
So a quick word on Prague. Amazing. There, that's a quick word. It's awesome. I love it nearly as much as Rome. The people, the buildings, the laid back atmos - just brill.
Anyhoo, I'm off to enjoy it. I'll try and post tomorrow.
Take care all
So I've gone to the beer festival in the futile hope of bumping into Neil. The beer buzz obtained earlier is beginning to wear off and I'm starting to get a little concerned. No sign of Neil at teh fest so I head back. It's now around 8pm. We have a train to catch to Prague at 5.16am (the time of that train will always be indeliably inprinted on my mind). So I'm wandering around the station, looking for Neil. Time ticks by.....more time ticks by. I'm tired, hungry and starting to worry. Now I don't tend to panic in general. Shit happens, we all know that. But I was now getting worried, and if I'm honest a little scared. I'm in Munich, have lost my buddy, haven't a clue where he is. I have my passport but no bag; Neil had the locker key. I have some Euros but not enough to get home if required. My inter-rail ticket was in my bag. I'm worried for myself and I'm worried for Neil.
For those of you that don't really know Neil that much, he's a genuine, responsible bloke. There's no way he'd ever leave a friend stranded. So where the fuck is he!!!? He's either dead in a ditch, been pinched by the busies (nicked) or in hospital. 9pm comes and goes. 10, 11.......then I see loads of people emerging from the Metro and I'm thinking that maybe he's gone to the Fest and will now come back once it kicks out. He doesn't. 12, 1, 2....3, 4....I'm cold. Deperate. I havent slept. I'm trying hard not to panic. I figure he might get back in time for the train. 5.16am. He doesn't. It was the longest night of my life and not an experience I'd want to repeat. I'm just about to phone Jen to ask her if there's a Consulate in Munich, or get a number for the one in Berlin when who appears from nowhere but Neil. Now to say I was relieved is a massive understatement. It was like a scene from 'From here to eternity', lol. We gave each other a massive hug like we'd been seperated for years. And no, it wasn't gay. lol. I've not been scared like that for years, maybe since I was a boy. Man, it was a freaky experience. There are so many more feelings about that night that I'd like to convey, but can only really tell the full story face to face (esp. as I'm getting shafted for 2 Czech crowns a minute here, lol!). I'll leave it to Neil to explain what happened to him.
So a quick word on Prague. Amazing. There, that's a quick word. It's awesome. I love it nearly as much as Rome. The people, the buildings, the laid back atmos - just brill.
Anyhoo, I'm off to enjoy it. I'll try and post tomorrow.
Take care all
Saturday 27 September 2008
Munich. Ever seen The Vanishing?
Munich. Oh god!
Ok, the day began well. We got into Munich early doors and of course we hunted out the nearest beer tent. We found a market with reams and reams of benches set outside. The beer was strong and the steins held a litre each. We had a right good time and got a sustantial buzz of just two. Next we headed for the world's oldest beer house. Two more steins in there and we were rocking. In fact the whole place was rocking...loads of chants going on, the atmosphere was amazing.
So far so good. So we head out and in the main square there's a political rally going on. Somehow we get swept up in the crowds and manage to lose each other. Now we had arranged to meet at Burger King in the train station if we got split up. Unfortunately, probably due to the drink, this plan went a little awry. Neil looked about where we had got split up whilst I headed to the train station. When a while had passed I thought Neil might have headed to the main beer festival so I got on the metro and headed out. Neil, at this point got to the station.
No - there is a huge row going on in this Internet cafe at the moment. I'll continue this later. It gets, much, much better by the way.
Ok, the day began well. We got into Munich early doors and of course we hunted out the nearest beer tent. We found a market with reams and reams of benches set outside. The beer was strong and the steins held a litre each. We had a right good time and got a sustantial buzz of just two. Next we headed for the world's oldest beer house. Two more steins in there and we were rocking. In fact the whole place was rocking...loads of chants going on, the atmosphere was amazing.
So far so good. So we head out and in the main square there's a political rally going on. Somehow we get swept up in the crowds and manage to lose each other. Now we had arranged to meet at Burger King in the train station if we got split up. Unfortunately, probably due to the drink, this plan went a little awry. Neil looked about where we had got split up whilst I headed to the train station. When a while had passed I thought Neil might have headed to the main beer festival so I got on the metro and headed out. Neil, at this point got to the station.
No - there is a huge row going on in this Internet cafe at the moment. I'll continue this later. It gets, much, much better by the way.
Friday 26 September 2008
..fair well, so long, auf wiedersehen, goodbye...
And so to Austria. We took the train (of course!) from Rome to Padova and then onto Innsbruck. It was about 25c when we left Rome, but only about 10c when we rolled up in Innsbruck; that´s what about 400 miles and 500 metres above sea level will do for you.
Hmmm, Austria. Neil has loved it as I´m sure he´ll tell you all later. Me? Less so, even though it´s still been good. I´ve missed the laid back, chilled out feeling of Paris and Rome. Maybe it was the sun on my back, or just that it was the start of the journey, I don´t know, but god I miss those cities, and Rome in particular. Sure Austria is cleaner and more efficient, but Rome is just soooo chilllled. I will definately return one day.
So, Austria. We arrived late in Innsbruck after a great jouney through the mountains. We found a really cool bar and spent far too much folding stuff getting rather drunk. We met yet another person heading for Oktoberfest, it seems the whole world and her mother is going there. We also chatted to Claudia, a 27 year old architect who is intent on escaping Innsbruck having spent her entire life there. I guess you can have too much of a good thing. If you live with one thing, in one place for so long then it becomes stale. I think in all human endeavour change is a necessity. I´ve always thought that ´happiness´is a transitory state of mind, certainly not to be confused with ´contentment´. I suppose the key is to have just enough change going on in your life all the time.
Anyhoo - back to Austria. We headed for Zell Am See yesterday, scene of one of the episodes from ´Band of brothers´. If you´ve not seen that series you should - it´s incredible. So Zell was amazing, it has a wonderful lake set in the mountains. It was a bit of a shame it was raining though. Following a quick stop at Bischofskofen to take some silly photos of German signage we arrived in Satzburg. Again in was raining :-( which was such a shame as the scenery can´t be fully appreciated when there´s a blanket of cloud covering up the beauty of the mountains.
So let´s sum up Austria. Efficient, clean, but somehow highly strung and far too serious about itself. Yes, Paris and Rome may have smelt of piss - but I love them and always will.
It´s off to Munich this morning for the beer fest! OH MY GOD!!
Neil says ´hi´by the way. Will post again soon. Love to all. xx
Hmmm, Austria. Neil has loved it as I´m sure he´ll tell you all later. Me? Less so, even though it´s still been good. I´ve missed the laid back, chilled out feeling of Paris and Rome. Maybe it was the sun on my back, or just that it was the start of the journey, I don´t know, but god I miss those cities, and Rome in particular. Sure Austria is cleaner and more efficient, but Rome is just soooo chilllled. I will definately return one day.
So, Austria. We arrived late in Innsbruck after a great jouney through the mountains. We found a really cool bar and spent far too much folding stuff getting rather drunk. We met yet another person heading for Oktoberfest, it seems the whole world and her mother is going there. We also chatted to Claudia, a 27 year old architect who is intent on escaping Innsbruck having spent her entire life there. I guess you can have too much of a good thing. If you live with one thing, in one place for so long then it becomes stale. I think in all human endeavour change is a necessity. I´ve always thought that ´happiness´is a transitory state of mind, certainly not to be confused with ´contentment´. I suppose the key is to have just enough change going on in your life all the time.
Anyhoo - back to Austria. We headed for Zell Am See yesterday, scene of one of the episodes from ´Band of brothers´. If you´ve not seen that series you should - it´s incredible. So Zell was amazing, it has a wonderful lake set in the mountains. It was a bit of a shame it was raining though. Following a quick stop at Bischofskofen to take some silly photos of German signage we arrived in Satzburg. Again in was raining :-( which was such a shame as the scenery can´t be fully appreciated when there´s a blanket of cloud covering up the beauty of the mountains.
So let´s sum up Austria. Efficient, clean, but somehow highly strung and far too serious about itself. Yes, Paris and Rome may have smelt of piss - but I love them and always will.
It´s off to Munich this morning for the beer fest! OH MY GOD!!
Neil says ´hi´by the way. Will post again soon. Love to all. xx
Wednesday 24 September 2008
Eddie plays the Pantheon
And so it's with regret that we prepare to leae Rome. Wow, what an incredible, romantic city. I suppose i helped that the sun was on my back and that the people we met were awesome, but I could have happily wandered the streets alone and still had an incredible time.
The hostel we stayed in was mint; really laid back. We met some cool people; Raghu, the Indian guy studying in Milan who stayed out until 5am in the morning, Adriana from Romania and the French twins Julie and Lucy. This hostel thing really IS the future (and the past obviously), it just adds something to the whole experience.
And what of Rome? It's difficult to express what an amazing city it really is; I'll definately return at some point. I advise all those who haven't been to put it on their list of things to do. We tried to strike a balance between chilling out, partying and sight seeing. I think we got it just about perfect.
The best sights for me? The Vatican was amazing, in a bizarre way. Those who know me best know that I'm not really too keen on organised religion, I despise the conflict and seperation it causes. To see St Peter's square and the hoardes of people paying pilgramage to this place was both impressive and scary at the same time.
The Colosseum was an incredible structure. How those guys built this thing nearly 2000 years ago is beyond me. These Roman types were pretty impressive, but then I don't suppose they'd have to have been in order to have the empire they did.
And me favourite site? It has to be the Pantheon. It's a Christian temple / church built by Hadrian in it's present form in the second century AD. It's an impressive structure from the outside, but inside it's jaw dropping. It's a huge dome with the usual opulence you come to expect in Rome. The is a huge circular 'hole' (for want of a better word) in the ceiling which lets in sunlight and rain, hence the drainage holes on the floor of the place. When we got there a concert was about to begin, an English choir backed up by various strings and piano. The aucustics were from another planet. I closed my eyes and let the sounds wash over me. The feeling was beyond words. In fact it was so good I was thinking who I'd like to see perform in there. I ended up plumping for Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam); he whould sound like perfection in that place. In fact if he ever played in there I would beg, borrow or steal to get a ticket. It's not going to happen though is it?
Neil decided it would be a god idea to put his knee through my bed last night as he was leaning over to get something. Hmmmm! So I didn't get the best night's sleep in the world, but hey ho - nothing can dent my happy mood.
Off we go this morn. Through the mountains and to Innsbrook. Can't wait (again!).
The hostel we stayed in was mint; really laid back. We met some cool people; Raghu, the Indian guy studying in Milan who stayed out until 5am in the morning, Adriana from Romania and the French twins Julie and Lucy. This hostel thing really IS the future (and the past obviously), it just adds something to the whole experience.
And what of Rome? It's difficult to express what an amazing city it really is; I'll definately return at some point. I advise all those who haven't been to put it on their list of things to do. We tried to strike a balance between chilling out, partying and sight seeing. I think we got it just about perfect.
The best sights for me? The Vatican was amazing, in a bizarre way. Those who know me best know that I'm not really too keen on organised religion, I despise the conflict and seperation it causes. To see St Peter's square and the hoardes of people paying pilgramage to this place was both impressive and scary at the same time.
The Colosseum was an incredible structure. How those guys built this thing nearly 2000 years ago is beyond me. These Roman types were pretty impressive, but then I don't suppose they'd have to have been in order to have the empire they did.
And me favourite site? It has to be the Pantheon. It's a Christian temple / church built by Hadrian in it's present form in the second century AD. It's an impressive structure from the outside, but inside it's jaw dropping. It's a huge dome with the usual opulence you come to expect in Rome. The is a huge circular 'hole' (for want of a better word) in the ceiling which lets in sunlight and rain, hence the drainage holes on the floor of the place. When we got there a concert was about to begin, an English choir backed up by various strings and piano. The aucustics were from another planet. I closed my eyes and let the sounds wash over me. The feeling was beyond words. In fact it was so good I was thinking who I'd like to see perform in there. I ended up plumping for Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam); he whould sound like perfection in that place. In fact if he ever played in there I would beg, borrow or steal to get a ticket. It's not going to happen though is it?
Neil decided it would be a god idea to put his knee through my bed last night as he was leaning over to get something. Hmmmm! So I didn't get the best night's sleep in the world, but hey ho - nothing can dent my happy mood.
Off we go this morn. Through the mountains and to Innsbrook. Can't wait (again!).
Tuesday 23 September 2008
How good is Rome?
Woooooooooooooow! (That means it's a bit good).
As I've said previously to a good friend of mine, it's kinda strange being in Rome. I'm used to speaking to Americans about the UK, and they always mention how great it is that we have so much history; and that they wished they had the same. Well for the first time in my life I'm in a place that makes me laugh at the 'newness' of England. Ok, so we have history, but nothing on the scale of this place. You'll wander around a corner and...ooops, there's another 2000 year old building. The history is awe inspiring.
I had the best Spagetthi Carbonara of my life about 30 seconds walk from the Trevi fountain last night. It was about 9.30pm and we were all in tee's and shorts. Nice bottle of vino to wash it down..OMG, absolute heaven.
I'd heard that Romans are a little grumpy, but the ones we've come across (no jokes please) so far have been most accommodating (again no jokes here). The only bad thing about Rome is that everytime you try and cross the road it's like playing Russian Roulette. I think I should get a badge should I get outta this place alive.
So it's the Vatican today. How cultured am I!!!? Are you proud of me? Do you care?
Hi to Cindy, Shell, Steph, Em, Colin, Mike, Dave, Andy, Debs, Jen and anyone else who regularly reads this thing (Post to get a mention - you know who you are!). Take care and hope your lives are as enjoyable as mine is right now.
Innsbrook and a trip through the mountains tomorrow! Brrrrrrgh. Where's me jumper (washboard).
Later...x
As I've said previously to a good friend of mine, it's kinda strange being in Rome. I'm used to speaking to Americans about the UK, and they always mention how great it is that we have so much history; and that they wished they had the same. Well for the first time in my life I'm in a place that makes me laugh at the 'newness' of England. Ok, so we have history, but nothing on the scale of this place. You'll wander around a corner and...ooops, there's another 2000 year old building. The history is awe inspiring.
I had the best Spagetthi Carbonara of my life about 30 seconds walk from the Trevi fountain last night. It was about 9.30pm and we were all in tee's and shorts. Nice bottle of vino to wash it down..OMG, absolute heaven.
I'd heard that Romans are a little grumpy, but the ones we've come across (no jokes please) so far have been most accommodating (again no jokes here). The only bad thing about Rome is that everytime you try and cross the road it's like playing Russian Roulette. I think I should get a badge should I get outta this place alive.
So it's the Vatican today. How cultured am I!!!? Are you proud of me? Do you care?
Hi to Cindy, Shell, Steph, Em, Colin, Mike, Dave, Andy, Debs, Jen and anyone else who regularly reads this thing (Post to get a mention - you know who you are!). Take care and hope your lives are as enjoyable as mine is right now.
Innsbrook and a trip through the mountains tomorrow! Brrrrrrgh. Where's me jumper (washboard).
Later...x
Monday 22 September 2008
Crossing the Rubicon
Well, quick post as we're off out for pasta; what else in Rome? We made it here via the overnighter from Paris. What a journey THAT was! Very irritating Italian munter on board, and sleeping 6 in the space of an average wardrobe doesn't make for a pleasant experience at the best of times! Still, met a cool American (yes, they exist!) called Rachel who managed to pass the time with her hatred for all things G W!
Rome is incredible; so much history. Took in the Colosseo today and the tomb of the unknown soldier. Amazing. God, we're SO cultural. Oh, and the wine's good!
Hi to Michelle! ;-) (told ya!) x
More tomorrow morning when I'm sober lol.
Rome is incredible; so much history. Took in the Colosseo today and the tomb of the unknown soldier. Amazing. God, we're SO cultural. Oh, and the wine's good!
Hi to Michelle! ;-) (told ya!) x
More tomorrow morning when I'm sober lol.
Sunday 21 September 2008
Paris...and everything after.
Ok, so here we are. We've arrived. The vacation has commenced.
The trip itself was pretty smooth, apart from one near miss. But more on that later.
Let's get the most important thing outta the way from the get go. So we finally arrive at the Hostel at around 11.30 pm; suitably knackered obviously. We need a quick bite having not eaten since around 1, so we head off to the Golden Arches (Mac D's). Yes, I know, I know, I know! We're in Paris and we're eating Mackie D's!!!? It was there, we were hungry. Get over it. So it's after midnight and they've got this weird 'night hatch' thing going on. You couldn't go into the restaurant but had to queue up at this window and basically buy your food to order. You clenched tight onto your receipt and waited. Anyhoo......what's with the 'Chicken Mystic'!!!? I'm SO intrigued! Has anyone ever had one? Does it tell your fortune? Can it contact the dead? Does it know what happened to Lord Lucan? I NEED to know.
It's been trains and planes (plane) today. We nearly missed the flight to Paris as all the flight boards were dysfunctional (a bit like Neil) at Liverpool John Lennon airport. We were told on checking in that the flight was delayed 30 mins. So what else to do but sit down to some cold beverages? Neil gets them in and I decide to have a wander just to make sure we're not missing our flight. Only turns out it's on final call. There's a bit more to it than that but I can't be arsed. So I won't. Suffice to say we made it.
Couple of other observations:
Paris is expensive!
Why do some German women have hairy armpits - it's SO unattractive.
More tomorrow (maybe) as I'm SO tired now I need to sleep.
Laters....
The trip itself was pretty smooth, apart from one near miss. But more on that later.
Let's get the most important thing outta the way from the get go. So we finally arrive at the Hostel at around 11.30 pm; suitably knackered obviously. We need a quick bite having not eaten since around 1, so we head off to the Golden Arches (Mac D's). Yes, I know, I know, I know! We're in Paris and we're eating Mackie D's!!!? It was there, we were hungry. Get over it. So it's after midnight and they've got this weird 'night hatch' thing going on. You couldn't go into the restaurant but had to queue up at this window and basically buy your food to order. You clenched tight onto your receipt and waited. Anyhoo......what's with the 'Chicken Mystic'!!!? I'm SO intrigued! Has anyone ever had one? Does it tell your fortune? Can it contact the dead? Does it know what happened to Lord Lucan? I NEED to know.
It's been trains and planes (plane) today. We nearly missed the flight to Paris as all the flight boards were dysfunctional (a bit like Neil) at Liverpool John Lennon airport. We were told on checking in that the flight was delayed 30 mins. So what else to do but sit down to some cold beverages? Neil gets them in and I decide to have a wander just to make sure we're not missing our flight. Only turns out it's on final call. There's a bit more to it than that but I can't be arsed. So I won't. Suffice to say we made it.
Couple of other observations:
Paris is expensive!
Why do some German women have hairy armpits - it's SO unattractive.
More tomorrow (maybe) as I'm SO tired now I need to sleep.
Laters....
Saturday 20 September 2008
Almost a hero...
The morning of the trip. Head hurts due to the copious amounts of alcohol consumed last night in celebration of:
1. Finishing work
2. My birthday
3. The impending trip
4. Life
5. Trees
6. Frazzles
I suppose these blog things are really egotistical. I guess they're always gonna be though! That's just the nature of the beast. I won't please everyone with my style of writing I know, but I hope I make some of you smile once in a while with the tales of adventure to come.
So the adventure. It's curious. Two of my managers (Tamsin and Colin) at work have said the same thing when I mentioned me and Neil are inter-railing across Europe 'Inter-railing!! I thought no-one had done that since the 80's!'. Does no-one really do it anymore? Or are we now that detached from the age group that does it that we just don't notice? Our peers are hitting the beach or tables in Vegas. Not scumming it in central Europe. Am I too old for this trip? Birthdays are usually times of reflection for me at the best of times, but especially on the eve of this journey. I guess the test will be how much I enjoy the whole experience; watch this space.
So just a quick mention for M&S. Changed my cash there yesterday. The guy (about 55) behind the counter was as cool as. Asked me where I was going and showed a genuine interest. Made we feel good about the trip. I left with a smile on my face. Customer service - SO undervalued. Anyhoo - enough of the plugs.
God! I've still not packed! I have 5 hours to the off! Enough of this blog (Gareth, apologies if it's still too 'Daily Telegraph', I'll post a picture of a half naked young lady next time to bring it up to the standard of your usual reading of choice ;-) ).
Oh, the almost a hero bit? I was about to catch the Park and ride bus up town yesterday when a little old lady tripped and I half caught her. As a wise friend of mine gleefully pointed out, this also meant that I half dropped her. I DID prevent her from denting the tarmac with her nose however. If only more women threw themselves at me. Preferably ones under the age of 80.
Keep posting guys!
See you on my return. Now where's that spare liver?
1. Finishing work
2. My birthday
3. The impending trip
4. Life
5. Trees
6. Frazzles
I suppose these blog things are really egotistical. I guess they're always gonna be though! That's just the nature of the beast. I won't please everyone with my style of writing I know, but I hope I make some of you smile once in a while with the tales of adventure to come.
So the adventure. It's curious. Two of my managers (Tamsin and Colin) at work have said the same thing when I mentioned me and Neil are inter-railing across Europe 'Inter-railing!! I thought no-one had done that since the 80's!'. Does no-one really do it anymore? Or are we now that detached from the age group that does it that we just don't notice? Our peers are hitting the beach or tables in Vegas. Not scumming it in central Europe. Am I too old for this trip? Birthdays are usually times of reflection for me at the best of times, but especially on the eve of this journey. I guess the test will be how much I enjoy the whole experience; watch this space.
So just a quick mention for M&S. Changed my cash there yesterday. The guy (about 55) behind the counter was as cool as. Asked me where I was going and showed a genuine interest. Made we feel good about the trip. I left with a smile on my face. Customer service - SO undervalued. Anyhoo - enough of the plugs.
God! I've still not packed! I have 5 hours to the off! Enough of this blog (Gareth, apologies if it's still too 'Daily Telegraph', I'll post a picture of a half naked young lady next time to bring it up to the standard of your usual reading of choice ;-) ).
Oh, the almost a hero bit? I was about to catch the Park and ride bus up town yesterday when a little old lady tripped and I half caught her. As a wise friend of mine gleefully pointed out, this also meant that I half dropped her. I DID prevent her from denting the tarmac with her nose however. If only more women threw themselves at me. Preferably ones under the age of 80.
Keep posting guys!
See you on my return. Now where's that spare liver?
Thursday 18 September 2008
If music be the food of love...
Hmmm, the music!! What SHOULD the music be?
I've got one of those old Ipods - you might remember them - they're about the size of a slim packet of chuddy (chewing gum to the uninitiated). It only holds about 120 songs so in old money that's about 10 albums. Now I have choices to make. Should I take some new stuff or old favs? There's nothing better than listening to familiar songs in unfamiliar surroundings...it kind of grounds you and reminds you of who you are in the midst of so much new-ness....if that's a word!
I'm quite into Regina Spektor at the mo (apparently pronounced 'Re-geena' but I like to rhyme it with vagina as I have the mental age of a pre pubescent 10 year old). She's awesome and very similar to the darling that is Tori (not as good tho, chuckle chuckle). There's loads of other stuff that friends have given me as well. So.....should I be hunting rabbits or settling for stuff and nonsense? God - it could be crucial!
So, it's the night before the night before!!! I have a list of things to do as long as my arm! Work is soon to be done and dusted (thank god) with just the final touches to operation Overlord to put into action. Tomorrow is going to be SUCH a busy day, but you don't get if you don't give. It's my 37th (yes, I'm that decrepit - eh Cindy!?) birthday tomorrow so after all is complete I'll have a few celebratory drinks to cheer my continued existence on this fair planet of ours...and to raise a glass to the adventure before me.
Choo choo - whoo hoooo!
Bring it on!
I've got one of those old Ipods - you might remember them - they're about the size of a slim packet of chuddy (chewing gum to the uninitiated). It only holds about 120 songs so in old money that's about 10 albums. Now I have choices to make. Should I take some new stuff or old favs? There's nothing better than listening to familiar songs in unfamiliar surroundings...it kind of grounds you and reminds you of who you are in the midst of so much new-ness....if that's a word!
I'm quite into Regina Spektor at the mo (apparently pronounced 'Re-geena' but I like to rhyme it with vagina as I have the mental age of a pre pubescent 10 year old). She's awesome and very similar to the darling that is Tori (not as good tho, chuckle chuckle). There's loads of other stuff that friends have given me as well. So.....should I be hunting rabbits or settling for stuff and nonsense? God - it could be crucial!
So, it's the night before the night before!!! I have a list of things to do as long as my arm! Work is soon to be done and dusted (thank god) with just the final touches to operation Overlord to put into action. Tomorrow is going to be SUCH a busy day, but you don't get if you don't give. It's my 37th (yes, I'm that decrepit - eh Cindy!?) birthday tomorrow so after all is complete I'll have a few celebratory drinks to cheer my continued existence on this fair planet of ours...and to raise a glass to the adventure before me.
Choo choo - whoo hoooo!
Bring it on!
Tuesday 16 September 2008
....and the history books forgot about us....
....and the bible didn't mention us....and the bible didn't mention us....not even once.
So I'll do my own mentioning!
T (Trip) minus 4 days and counting.
Ah, the anticipation. This is often as good a feeling as what you wind up enjoying once it actually becomes reality. Like Christmas eve. Note to Neil: enjoy every minute of the waiting and the wanting. Better than sex (ok, not quite, but you get the point).
Work is work. Life is life. Weather is weather. England is England. But for two weeks we disappear. Lost in Europe. Only our smarts and rail ticket to get by on (ok, we could be in trouble with the smarts!).
What I'm expecting:
Paris: The buzz of the first evening. We'll be high on life...the whole trip in front of us.
Rome: Never been. Romans are grumpy sods, apparently! Not surprising with the multitudes of tourists trooping through their city. Great history and culture.
Innsbrook: Well, not quite sure really. Spending most of this day travelling. The trip through the Alps should be incredible though.
Zel Am See / Satzburg: Incredible scenery....serenity....relaxation....ahhh, bliss (camera at the ready). Anyone got a spare nuns habbit (is that one 'b' or two?)...would make for a great 'Sound of Music' moment lol?
Munich: Well it's the beer fest....answers on a postcard.
Prague: Hmmmm, more beer possibly.
Berlin: Zoo station.....Checkpoint Charlie...Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.......
Amsterdam: Lol. Really lookomg for to this part, and no, not for the shop windows!!
Then back to Paris. For the return home. Richer for the experience. A head full of different people, sights, sounds, smells, tastes. Ah, tastes. A taste of life.
Sorry guys but you can keep yer beach holidays....
All the colours of the rainbow.....
So I'll do my own mentioning!
T (Trip) minus 4 days and counting.
Ah, the anticipation. This is often as good a feeling as what you wind up enjoying once it actually becomes reality. Like Christmas eve. Note to Neil: enjoy every minute of the waiting and the wanting. Better than sex (ok, not quite, but you get the point).
Work is work. Life is life. Weather is weather. England is England. But for two weeks we disappear. Lost in Europe. Only our smarts and rail ticket to get by on (ok, we could be in trouble with the smarts!).
What I'm expecting:
Paris: The buzz of the first evening. We'll be high on life...the whole trip in front of us.
Rome: Never been. Romans are grumpy sods, apparently! Not surprising with the multitudes of tourists trooping through their city. Great history and culture.
Innsbrook: Well, not quite sure really. Spending most of this day travelling. The trip through the Alps should be incredible though.
Zel Am See / Satzburg: Incredible scenery....serenity....relaxation....ahhh, bliss (camera at the ready). Anyone got a spare nuns habbit (is that one 'b' or two?)...would make for a great 'Sound of Music' moment lol?
Munich: Well it's the beer fest....answers on a postcard.
Prague: Hmmmm, more beer possibly.
Berlin: Zoo station.....Checkpoint Charlie...Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.......
Amsterdam: Lol. Really lookomg for to this part, and no, not for the shop windows!!
Then back to Paris. For the return home. Richer for the experience. A head full of different people, sights, sounds, smells, tastes. Ah, tastes. A taste of life.
Sorry guys but you can keep yer beach holidays....
All the colours of the rainbow.....
Sunday 14 September 2008
HAPPINESS ONLY REAL WHEN SHARED
I finally got around to watching 'Into the wild' tonight. Wow. How profound is that movie? It's one those films that stays with you. I guess we all have our own. For me it's stuff like 12 Angry Men (the Henry Fonda original, not the terrible re-make) and Cinema Paradiso. This film will stay with me for a long while, as those two do.
My buddy had suggested I watch Into the wild before our trip. How right you were Mr Woodall. The problem is I now think we should rip up our plans and totally wing it. We could cancel the hostels...what do you think? Or maybe we do this and then plan our trip to Alaska?
The film is about so much more than travel and survival though. It's about relationships, interactions, and human fraility. It's about who we are, and why we are like that. It's also about realisation, sometimes too late, but worthwhile all the same.
Sometimes you need help to asses and address situations in life; something that helps with decisions. It could be random like something on a roadside sign or a word you hear, or a smell that reminds you of someone, or a song.....or a film. I'm glad I watched this tonight.
But the irony....
(Apologies for the dark resonance of this post - but there can't be white without black. You'll have gathered that 'Into the wild' is not a comedy lol).
My buddy had suggested I watch Into the wild before our trip. How right you were Mr Woodall. The problem is I now think we should rip up our plans and totally wing it. We could cancel the hostels...what do you think? Or maybe we do this and then plan our trip to Alaska?
The film is about so much more than travel and survival though. It's about relationships, interactions, and human fraility. It's about who we are, and why we are like that. It's also about realisation, sometimes too late, but worthwhile all the same.
Sometimes you need help to asses and address situations in life; something that helps with decisions. It could be random like something on a roadside sign or a word you hear, or a smell that reminds you of someone, or a song.....or a film. I'm glad I watched this tonight.
But the irony....
(Apologies for the dark resonance of this post - but there can't be white without black. You'll have gathered that 'Into the wild' is not a comedy lol).
Saturday 13 September 2008
The science of the all dayer
I had a very strange experience last night. I was actually involved in a night out where I was more sober than most of the participants.
I had planned on meeting my erstwhile colleagues at around 5 o'clock (they had been out since 2.30ish) but due to circumstances beyond my control I ended up not joining them until around 7. Of course they were mostly several sheets to the wind by this point. So for the first 2 hours (until the alcohol permeated my soul) I played the newly discovered, highly entertaining, spectator sport of 'Spot the drunkard'. There are several aspects or events to this sport. Categories include:
1. Slurring words
2. Tottering and nearly (or actually) falling over
3. Telling people you love them
4. Spraying people with spit whilst saying the words 'God I'm wasted'
5. Lechery (is that a word?) - this being a personal favorite of mine.
I was just slightly disappointed that I had left my scoring cards at home. Marks are awarded for technical merit and artistic impression. So for instance, telling someone you love them with real feeling would score highly on technical merit, but doing so whilst on one knee or even better, on one knee whilst clasping their left buttock would score massively for artistic impression. Unfortunately (fortunately!) no one scored the perfect 6.0 in this category last night.
Anyhow, the night passed off without (mostly without) incident and a good time was had by all. I had stuff on my mind so the night took on a surreal form - but this made it no less enjoyable. Just as the copious amounts of drink were filtering through to my brain persuading me of the benefits of making a complete fool of myself we had to depart. Which is obviously a good thing. A quick stop off to salute the colonel (sounds rude but only involves consuming KFC) and I headed home.
Interesting night all round.
One week to go!!!! Whoo-the fuck-Hoo!
I had planned on meeting my erstwhile colleagues at around 5 o'clock (they had been out since 2.30ish) but due to circumstances beyond my control I ended up not joining them until around 7. Of course they were mostly several sheets to the wind by this point. So for the first 2 hours (until the alcohol permeated my soul) I played the newly discovered, highly entertaining, spectator sport of 'Spot the drunkard'. There are several aspects or events to this sport. Categories include:
1. Slurring words
2. Tottering and nearly (or actually) falling over
3. Telling people you love them
4. Spraying people with spit whilst saying the words 'God I'm wasted'
5. Lechery (is that a word?) - this being a personal favorite of mine.
I was just slightly disappointed that I had left my scoring cards at home. Marks are awarded for technical merit and artistic impression. So for instance, telling someone you love them with real feeling would score highly on technical merit, but doing so whilst on one knee or even better, on one knee whilst clasping their left buttock would score massively for artistic impression. Unfortunately (fortunately!) no one scored the perfect 6.0 in this category last night.
Anyhow, the night passed off without (mostly without) incident and a good time was had by all. I had stuff on my mind so the night took on a surreal form - but this made it no less enjoyable. Just as the copious amounts of drink were filtering through to my brain persuading me of the benefits of making a complete fool of myself we had to depart. Which is obviously a good thing. A quick stop off to salute the colonel (sounds rude but only involves consuming KFC) and I headed home.
Interesting night all round.
One week to go!!!! Whoo-the fuck-Hoo!
Thursday 11 September 2008
Somewhere over the rainbow...
To spend, or not to spend? That is the question. Whether it is nobler in the mind to suffer the lack of beer-age before next Friday, or to take up a bar stool and down a swift one...
Money. Shit really isn't it? Most of you know this trip is going to have to be undertaken on a strict budget. The problem is, I have a REAL issue with living like a monk under any circumstances. So do I go out tomorrow night and sp**k 40 notes - or do I go home and watch shitty Friday night TV? Hmmmmm...
So it's about a week away now. My Inter rail ticket has arrived and all the accommodation / flights / trains are booked. Wow - it's REALLY happening. I'm still mega excited but I feel constantly tired at work now. I think it's the old 'getting closer and feeling it' (no rude jokes please - although offers gladly received :)). Do you know what I mean? It's like running for a bus or a train. It's hard enough running the 200 yards - but in that final 20 it feels like your feet are in glue - all psychological of course....it's because you've nearly made it and know that shortly you'll be sat on a nice comfy seat (or on a Friday, sat next to a 300lb heffer with BO and halitosis). You get the idea anyhow...
Shit! I've just remembered I need some sunglasses! Where can I get a cheapo pair!!!!!?
Money. Shit really isn't it? Most of you know this trip is going to have to be undertaken on a strict budget. The problem is, I have a REAL issue with living like a monk under any circumstances. So do I go out tomorrow night and sp**k 40 notes - or do I go home and watch shitty Friday night TV? Hmmmmm...
So it's about a week away now. My Inter rail ticket has arrived and all the accommodation / flights / trains are booked. Wow - it's REALLY happening. I'm still mega excited but I feel constantly tired at work now. I think it's the old 'getting closer and feeling it' (no rude jokes please - although offers gladly received :)). Do you know what I mean? It's like running for a bus or a train. It's hard enough running the 200 yards - but in that final 20 it feels like your feet are in glue - all psychological of course....it's because you've nearly made it and know that shortly you'll be sat on a nice comfy seat (or on a Friday, sat next to a 300lb heffer with BO and halitosis). You get the idea anyhow...
Shit! I've just remembered I need some sunglasses! Where can I get a cheapo pair!!!!!?
Monday 8 September 2008
Booked it......
The 'packed it' and 'fooked off' are still to come.
Ok, so Venice has been dropped. There's NO WAY on this earth I'm paying a supplement of £86 for the overnighter from Venice to Munich. So.....Innsbrook anyone? That's where we're headed now after leaving Rome. I've heard it's beautiful and when combined with Zel Am See and Salzburg it'll provide for a nice little scenic section of our trip...
1. Paris + Rome = Culture
2. Innsbrook + Zel Am See + Salzburg = Scenery
3. Munich + Prague + Belin = Beer
4. Amsterdam = Well, it's pure carnage really, innit!?
Anyhow, the Inter Rail ticket is booked and paid for...OMFG! And special apologetical thingy things go out to Neil....sorry about the BAU thing mate - you're right of course, I'm gonna strike it and replace with something more approprite....like 'Snow in April', or 'Starfish and Coffee'! (I'll marry anyone who can spot the musical link there - STOP Googling Jen!)
Found an interesting link recently. I'll include it below. I'm fascinated with the Amsterdam weed thing - but those of you that know me, CLEARLY know I would NEVER partake under ANY circumstances. I just hope I can control Neil and his excesses!
http://www.amsterdamlogue.com/amsterdam-coffeeshops-faq-everything-you-need-to-know-and-more.html
I'm a bit excited! Ya know!!! ;-)
Ok, so Venice has been dropped. There's NO WAY on this earth I'm paying a supplement of £86 for the overnighter from Venice to Munich. So.....Innsbrook anyone? That's where we're headed now after leaving Rome. I've heard it's beautiful and when combined with Zel Am See and Salzburg it'll provide for a nice little scenic section of our trip...
1. Paris + Rome = Culture
2. Innsbrook + Zel Am See + Salzburg = Scenery
3. Munich + Prague + Belin = Beer
4. Amsterdam = Well, it's pure carnage really, innit!?
Anyhow, the Inter Rail ticket is booked and paid for...OMFG! And special apologetical thingy things go out to Neil....sorry about the BAU thing mate - you're right of course, I'm gonna strike it and replace with something more approprite....like 'Snow in April', or 'Starfish and Coffee'! (I'll marry anyone who can spot the musical link there - STOP Googling Jen!)
Found an interesting link recently. I'll include it below. I'm fascinated with the Amsterdam weed thing - but those of you that know me, CLEARLY know I would NEVER partake under ANY circumstances. I just hope I can control Neil and his excesses!
http://www.amsterdamlogue.com/amsterdam-coffeeshops-faq-everything-you-need-to-know-and-more.html
I'm a bit excited! Ya know!!! ;-)
Saturday 6 September 2008
Expect the unexpected...
I'm a planner right? Ok, so I run a PMO that looks after other shit - but basically I'm a planner. I look after plans. I help people to plan. I tell them what a good plan looks like. I help them plan when teir shit is gonna happen.
So what have I just spent my day off doing? (No, not sleeping or masturbating as I should be). Yep! Fucking planning. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm fully into the anticipation thing. Xmas eve always was my favourite day of the festive season. But when you get to 9.45pm and you're still at it, it starts to grate slightly. And how far did I get? Well, I'm at the same place I was 6 hours ago, LMFAO.
Why all the planning? Well, I'm on a budget see. And suddently I've turned into scrooge. God I can't abide those people either! You know the type - the ones that'd rather wear out 15 lots of shoe leather and 3 hip replacements walking 3242985903426 miles just to save 3p on a can of beans.
But here I am. Trying to save a few quid here and there. I've even put something on Ebay to sell (never sold before!) - my goddddddd!
Hey ho - I'm allowed to be frugal as I have spent the preceding 36 years, 352 days of my life blowing cash like it's going out of fashion.
Oh no, I've just remembered - it's 1 euro to take a leak in Paris! 1 Euro! I ask ya! If I'd wanted to spend 60 pennies I'd have got the dearer flight....
Oh, did I mention - looks like we're flying to and from Paris now. Cheaper and quicker. Does this mean we're somehow cheating? Almost like being air dropped onto the top of Everest? No! Me overthinking again!
Til next time....
So what have I just spent my day off doing? (No, not sleeping or masturbating as I should be). Yep! Fucking planning. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm fully into the anticipation thing. Xmas eve always was my favourite day of the festive season. But when you get to 9.45pm and you're still at it, it starts to grate slightly. And how far did I get? Well, I'm at the same place I was 6 hours ago, LMFAO.
Why all the planning? Well, I'm on a budget see. And suddently I've turned into scrooge. God I can't abide those people either! You know the type - the ones that'd rather wear out 15 lots of shoe leather and 3 hip replacements walking 3242985903426 miles just to save 3p on a can of beans.
But here I am. Trying to save a few quid here and there. I've even put something on Ebay to sell (never sold before!) - my goddddddd!
Hey ho - I'm allowed to be frugal as I have spent the preceding 36 years, 352 days of my life blowing cash like it's going out of fashion.
Oh no, I've just remembered - it's 1 euro to take a leak in Paris! 1 Euro! I ask ya! If I'd wanted to spend 60 pennies I'd have got the dearer flight....
Oh, did I mention - looks like we're flying to and from Paris now. Cheaper and quicker. Does this mean we're somehow cheating? Almost like being air dropped onto the top of Everest? No! Me overthinking again!
Til next time....
Thursday 4 September 2008
I want a refund.....
So it's Thursday and the hell and damnation that is 'Change Programme Board' has been safely circumnavigated. This is a major milestone (arrrrgh milestones!) between me and my trip. Have you ever noticed when you're really looking forward to doing something how you mark off the stages between now and then? Was the worst day at work between now and the absolute bliss and freedom of that Saturday morning on the train....heading off into who the hell knows what!
The reality of the sorry state of my finances is beginning to dawn on me. I need to live like a monk for the next two weeks! Can i do it!? Well I may just be able to as the reward is SO great.
Due to Mr Woodall's initial recon of the journey plan we agreed last weekend, we have decided that a further major planning session is required. I just live in hope that the next time he calls the booking site it is either an 85 year old munter or a gay man that answers the phone - otherwise he may once again get all misty eyed (aroused) and lose his tenuous grip on reality and prefer to chat up the hottie (or so he says!) on the other end of the line! Note to Mr Woodall - focus man, focus!
I need some serious reading material for the journey. Can anyone of my usual listeners (ok, it's 'readers' but it sounds better) suggest something? All donations will be gladly received. Reciprocation is a given (that sounds rude but then that's obviously just me!).
Until next time pop tarts (...and you know who you are!) xoxoxo
The reality of the sorry state of my finances is beginning to dawn on me. I need to live like a monk for the next two weeks! Can i do it!? Well I may just be able to as the reward is SO great.
Due to Mr Woodall's initial recon of the journey plan we agreed last weekend, we have decided that a further major planning session is required. I just live in hope that the next time he calls the booking site it is either an 85 year old munter or a gay man that answers the phone - otherwise he may once again get all misty eyed (aroused) and lose his tenuous grip on reality and prefer to chat up the hottie (or so he says!) on the other end of the line! Note to Mr Woodall - focus man, focus!
I need some serious reading material for the journey. Can anyone of my usual listeners (ok, it's 'readers' but it sounds better) suggest something? All donations will be gladly received. Reciprocation is a given (that sounds rude but then that's obviously just me!).
Until next time pop tarts (...and you know who you are!) xoxoxo
Tuesday 2 September 2008
Have you ever noticed how....
..when you share an experience with someone that other people aren't involved in, then it's almost like you know a private joke that no-one else really has an understanding of? Kind of like being absolutely in love...it feels like no-one else really GETS it. (Disclaimer: This is not a confession of love for my buddy Neil. No disrespect m8 but I'd rather shag me gran - and she's dead).
We were sat in the pub (yes, that's right, the pub AGAIN) this eve with our mate Mark (Sooty - long story) Shuttleworth. Of course we were buzzing about the trip and waxing lyrical about the forthcoming wonders. When he left, I turned to Neil and mentioned that whilst we didn't exclude him, we were on a different planet getting excited about the trip. Sorry Mark!
Well I'm sure you're all sick to the back teeth about me going on about this trip and all (even though this blog IS kinda about that). Hmmm, let's talk about the weather here in Blackpool. Pretty shite innit!? Heard it's supposed to be mint in Rome.....Muwhahahahahah....
We were sat in the pub (yes, that's right, the pub AGAIN) this eve with our mate Mark (Sooty - long story) Shuttleworth. Of course we were buzzing about the trip and waxing lyrical about the forthcoming wonders. When he left, I turned to Neil and mentioned that whilst we didn't exclude him, we were on a different planet getting excited about the trip. Sorry Mark!
Well I'm sure you're all sick to the back teeth about me going on about this trip and all (even though this blog IS kinda about that). Hmmm, let's talk about the weather here in Blackpool. Pretty shite innit!? Heard it's supposed to be mint in Rome.....Muwhahahahahah....
Monday 1 September 2008
I need to calm down. Too much excitement and I'll give myself a Connery!
Back to work today; hmmmmpf! Through the work, and numberous e-mail traffic (some official, some not so!), I had time to chat to my buddy about the upcoming frivolity. It's infectious isn't it? It's like that shared giddy nervous tension you get standing outside the exam room door before going in to do battle with pen and paper for 3 hours (except without all the dread of possible failure). Or was that just me? Anyhow....
Trip minus 19 days. Grrrr, I don't think I've really looked forward to anything as much since Christmas aged 10. I have that little nervous feeling (excitement) in the pit of my stomach when I imagine being on the train on Saturday 20th. Heading down to London and then onto the ferry and eventually Paris. I love Paris. Only been once and that was last year. I actually never intended to go, but for reasons far too complicated to go into I found myself there one overcast day. On my own. No idea where to go. What to do. But it WAS FUCKING GREAT. No plan other than to head for the river and see what was there (ok, ok, I could see the tower but you get my point). It was raining. I was pissed at the world. But it turned into one of the best days of my life.
'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times'. That's from 'A tale of two cities isn't it'? Wasn't that set in Paris? Hah! I'm a genius (ok, maybe not but it makes ME feel good).
I waited 2 and a half hours to get up the tower. Waste of time really. You go high up in the sky and.....and what exactly? Look down and congratulate yourself on achieving....erm...what exactly? Anyhow, the best part was wandering through the streets in the afternoon - the sun came out and it was blazing hot. I was free. Just me, no one to answer to but myself. Nowhere to go but where I decided. Ahhh, what a day.
Good times to be had....bring it the fook on!
Trip minus 19 days. Grrrr, I don't think I've really looked forward to anything as much since Christmas aged 10. I have that little nervous feeling (excitement) in the pit of my stomach when I imagine being on the train on Saturday 20th. Heading down to London and then onto the ferry and eventually Paris. I love Paris. Only been once and that was last year. I actually never intended to go, but for reasons far too complicated to go into I found myself there one overcast day. On my own. No idea where to go. What to do. But it WAS FUCKING GREAT. No plan other than to head for the river and see what was there (ok, ok, I could see the tower but you get my point). It was raining. I was pissed at the world. But it turned into one of the best days of my life.
'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times'. That's from 'A tale of two cities isn't it'? Wasn't that set in Paris? Hah! I'm a genius (ok, maybe not but it makes ME feel good).
I waited 2 and a half hours to get up the tower. Waste of time really. You go high up in the sky and.....and what exactly? Look down and congratulate yourself on achieving....erm...what exactly? Anyhow, the best part was wandering through the streets in the afternoon - the sun came out and it was blazing hot. I was free. Just me, no one to answer to but myself. Nowhere to go but where I decided. Ahhh, what a day.
Good times to be had....bring it the fook on!
Sunday 31 August 2008
Strap yerself in - it's gonna be a bumpy ride!
'Travelling is the ruin of all happiness! There's no looking at a building here after seeing Italy".
Fanny Burney (1752 - 1840)
Thought I'd include the above for two reasons:
1. We met today in the battle cruiser and decided to spend more time in Italy (more on that later) and..
2. What the fooks up with that name? Burney fanny! lol. Think she's hot? lol. She really wants to stop going for a piss after rubbing ralgex into her leg!
Anyhow - enough of this jiggery pokery!
So we met. We drank beer. We perused the menu (for food and for European destinations)...and the results of the United Kingdom jury were as follows:
France - nil point (sorry, but really wanted to give them nowt!)
Ok, here goes:
Sat 20th (Sept) Blackpool - Paris
Sun 21st Paris
Mon 22nd Rome
Tues 23rd Rome
Wed 24th Venice
Thur 25th Salzburg
Fri 26th Munich
Sat 27th Munich
Sun 28th Prague
Mon 29th Prague
Tues 30th Prague
Wed 1st (Oct) Berlin
Thur 2nd Berlin
Fri 3rd Amsterdam
Sat 4th Amsterdam
Sun 5th Amsterdam - Blackpool
We decided to drop Warsaw which allowed us to take in Venice and spend an extra day in Prague. There's a lot of travel it's true but what a trip! There re a few other bits and bobs I'm missing there - Verona and Zel Am See - but it's correct in essence!
15 nights - 8 in Y Hostels, 6 on overnight trains (Couchettes or however you spell it) and 1 in a frigin tent in Munich - it's the beer fest you understand so accomm at a premium!
More later.....now, where the fook is that passport...ooops
Fanny Burney (1752 - 1840)
Thought I'd include the above for two reasons:
1. We met today in the battle cruiser and decided to spend more time in Italy (more on that later) and..
2. What the fooks up with that name? Burney fanny! lol. Think she's hot? lol. She really wants to stop going for a piss after rubbing ralgex into her leg!
Anyhow - enough of this jiggery pokery!
So we met. We drank beer. We perused the menu (for food and for European destinations)...and the results of the United Kingdom jury were as follows:
France - nil point (sorry, but really wanted to give them nowt!)
Ok, here goes:
Sat 20th (Sept) Blackpool - Paris
Sun 21st Paris
Mon 22nd Rome
Tues 23rd Rome
Wed 24th Venice
Thur 25th Salzburg
Fri 26th Munich
Sat 27th Munich
Sun 28th Prague
Mon 29th Prague
Tues 30th Prague
Wed 1st (Oct) Berlin
Thur 2nd Berlin
Fri 3rd Amsterdam
Sat 4th Amsterdam
Sun 5th Amsterdam - Blackpool
We decided to drop Warsaw which allowed us to take in Venice and spend an extra day in Prague. There's a lot of travel it's true but what a trip! There re a few other bits and bobs I'm missing there - Verona and Zel Am See - but it's correct in essence!
15 nights - 8 in Y Hostels, 6 on overnight trains (Couchettes or however you spell it) and 1 in a frigin tent in Munich - it's the beer fest you understand so accomm at a premium!
More later.....now, where the fook is that passport...ooops
It's coming to a European Country near you soon
It's a miserable Sunday in Blackpool. The rain's pouring and it's as dull as f**k! 3 Weeks to the off and I'm heading to the pub shortly (where else really!?) to plan the itinerary for the upcoming European inter-railing experience. I've been looking to do this for years and whilst 16 days is someway short of what I'd ideally like, once you reach my time of life (36 and all kiddied up!), 16 days is like manner from heaven.
Money is in the bank, blog created, final touches to planning about to be undertaken. Ahhh, bliss, it REALLY doesn't get much better than this.
I'm pondering the solitude of the train journeys, the people I'll meet, the mad situations I know I'll get into and the time I'll have to contemplate my life and the future. I know the trip will change me - these experiences I've found always do. So as much as I'm looking forward to the trip, it's also with some trepidation that I embark on a new chapter of my life. Some doors you look at and wonder, some you take a peak into and turn back. And some you throw yourself through and take the consequences. No trail of breadcrumbs for me with this one......
Money is in the bank, blog created, final touches to planning about to be undertaken. Ahhh, bliss, it REALLY doesn't get much better than this.
I'm pondering the solitude of the train journeys, the people I'll meet, the mad situations I know I'll get into and the time I'll have to contemplate my life and the future. I know the trip will change me - these experiences I've found always do. So as much as I'm looking forward to the trip, it's also with some trepidation that I embark on a new chapter of my life. Some doors you look at and wonder, some you take a peak into and turn back. And some you throw yourself through and take the consequences. No trail of breadcrumbs for me with this one......
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