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
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
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.
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