Austria - Vienna

I was expecting to get to Vienna approximately 7.30 in the morning, which is what the guy at Eurolines had quoted, but near to about 7am, we had stopped for a toilet and food stop, so I was guessing we weren't as close to Vienna as I thought, so I asked the driver our ETA, turns out we didn't get there until about 9am.
Thankfully, I had managed to get a reasonable amount of sleep on the bus. I was met at the bus station by my friend Katharina, and then we went back to her place for a nice breakfast. I chilled out for a few hours, and Katharina made an Austrian speciality, Wiener Schnitzel, which until then I had assumed the Wiener was talking about the age of the beef, ie a Weaner, a calf that had been weaned off its mother's milk, but of course, that is spelt differently. Wien is the German name for Vienna (or Vienna is the English version of Wien is probably more accurate.)
We then went to pick her children up from kindergarten and school respectively, and went to a park for a while so they could play with a skateboard.


When we got home, I got to try a Cameroonian dish that Serge (Katharina's husband)'s mother (who was living there at the time) had made - turns out that I liked it, so I enjoyed it for most of the rest of the time I was there. I can't exactly tell you what it was, as translating it from French to German, to English turned out impossible. Although, it was like thick mashed and sticky rice, and on top of that you put a casserole type thing, made with mutton, possibly chicken also, and chili. You eat it with your hands.

The following day Katharina took me on a orientation tour of the central city, past the Rathaus (pronounced rat house - the city hall - which I find funny that an institution full of politicians is called that) museum quarter, to St. Stephan's cathedral. The rest of my time there was a mixture of things - recovering from the trip so far, sleeping - possibly due to culture shock, and planning the next legs of my journey, namely when and how to get to Munich for Oktoberfest.

The day or so after the orientation tour I when to the Schloss Schonbronn - palace. It was interesting, but I mainly looked around the gardens, as they were free, and I had recently been to Buckingham palace, so wasn't so fussed about palaces and crown jewels etc.
These walking sticks are rather popular in Austria...

Another day I went to Bratislava in Slovakia - which is another entry... see above

The other days - I went to St. Stephens cathedral - which was pretty cool, the main reason I went there was to check out the crypt - which was rather huge, and had some pretty old stuff, including a lot of bones and skulls - in some rooms, stacked floor to ceiling, to make more room - one room was where the bodies of plague victims were. Back in the day Catholics didn't believe in cremation, so the bodies had to go somewhere.
Another day we went up a hill where it looked like a castle with the kids. Also went to a theme park, and rode some dodgems. That night I went out with Serge and had some beers with him and some of his fellow Cameroonian expat mates.
Other than that checked out various museums, including the Sigmund Freud museum, because it sounded interesting, I was amused by the action figure you could buy as well.

France - Nice

After a pleasant train ride, which was a welcome relief after crowded night buses, I arrived at Nice. I then caught the tram to where the hostel had told me to get off, and they would pick me up from there in a mini-bus, which they did. After sorting my bed etc out, I decided a productive use of the rest of the day would be to organise my next move.

So I went down to the bus station to enquire if I could get to Switzerland, but turns out it doesn't go that way, instead I could go to Austria - which I decided was the best idea anyway, due to things being put on hold a bit in order to get over my cold, I was a little behind schedule anyway. So I booked a ticket, for a trip 4 or 5 days later, as it didn't go every day, and I didn't want to miss anything, and also so I didn't bring my cold to my friend's place, as she had 3 young children, one who had just started school, another just started kindergarten, and a 1 year old.
After sorting out my ticket, I had a look at the beach. I am definitely keen to go back to Nice, simply because the water was so clear, it seemed the further 'inland' you get along the Mediterranean, the clearer the water gets. I then climbed a hill, which as you can see had some awesome scenery. I haven't been to Paris, but I have my doubts that it would be any better than Nice. Ladies, if I take you to Nice, be warned, I may be going to propose there. Subsequently I made my way back to the hostel, to enjoy a gourmet meal, at a reasonable price, although not quite an ideal portion-size, very nice.

The next day I spent checking out some of Nice's sights, including the Russian Orthodox church. You had to be silent in the church, but as fate would have, I ended up having a coughing fit, especially because trying not to cough makes you want to cough more, and also then makes you sound like you are about to throw up. So I ended up running out of the church several times, and ended up being offered a cough lolly by one of the attendant ladies.The following day I had decided to check out Monaco, and to visit a 'medieval town' on the way there. The town was interesting, basically old, and on a hill, but was a little bit of a tourist trap. After an hour of being there, I ran back down to catch the bus to Monaco, because it only came every hour or so, and I had seen everything.Some cars, Ala James Bond

It was at the bus stop that I met some English girls that I recognised from the hostel. I made the comment that great minds think alike, and for the rest of the day we hung out in Monaco. They made the interesting observation that despite living on opposite sides of the Earth, they could understand my accent a lot easier than a Scottish one, which was not much more than an hours flight from where they lived.Monaco was an experience, interesting to see the affluence and wealth of such a small principality. I've never been very impressed by pretension, so after walking around a bit, exploring the old town, and having an ice cream, we all headed back to the hostel - although we were going to have a swim at a beach on the way back, we missed our stop, so just carried on back to Nice.Monte Carlo Casino (below)No Undies! or at least don't walk around in your speedos you perv! The following day I went to Cannes, via Antibes. Antibes was nice, it had an old fortress, which was designed in a four-pronged star shape, as this allowed the best defense. It took a bit of getting around, other than that I checked out the old town and then headed for Cannes.

Cannes was OK. I did a miniature 'train' tour (as in a small tractor pulling a series of trailers) around the town as I felt bad I didn't make more of an effort with Monaco, however, it was rather lame and pretentious as well. I took a photo of myself with a cut-out of Chewy, and then tried to scoot (butt-slide) down the handrails of the famous steps at the film festival hall, but there was too much friction, so I had to abandon that idea.

The next day, before catching my bus in the late afternoon, I went and checked out some Roman ruins, and an art gallery.

I caught the bus, which then proceeded slowly through Italy (we were caught in a traffic jam for over an hour). I can say I've been to Italy now, as I contributed to the economy by enjoying Italian cuisine - a microwavable pasta dish from a service station/truck stop en route. Sometime around 2am we would have gone through Milan, but I must've been asleep then.

France - Marseille

I arrived in Marseille about 7pm, late enough that it had just gotten dark, but not too late. I had a bit of a look around, mainly because I didn't know exactly where my hostel was, although I found it with the help of a local restaurant owner. After dropping my gear off and making my bed, I sorted out some dinner (McDonald's probably) and shortly after retired to bed.

The next day I had to shift rooms, but other that that I got up, went and had some breakfast (which I know for certain was McDonald's - technically eating McD's in another country is a cultural experience, therefore the calories are cancelled out) which was slightly different to the UK or NZ. Next stop was the chemist, or apothecary as I think they call it, to get some more paracetamol, where I was served by a cute attendant, who combined with her sexy French accent made me forgive the bombing of the Rainbow warrior, and kicking us out of two World cups. I then walked down to the harbour, passing the stairs at the Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles - ie the Train station that I arrived at, on the bus, the night before.On reaching the harbour, I found the bus in order to get up the hill to the Notre-Dame de la Garde - the church. It was a rather impressive church/cathedral, especially as at that point in time I hadn't been to many European churches. I then decided it to walk down the hill, and check out some of what I could see from the top. This worked well for a while, but eventually I got a little lost, and rather hungry, when combined with my cold made it a bit tiring, so I eventually made my way back to the hostel. The next day I woke up, and was well under the weather with my cold, so decided the prudent thing to do was to move to a cheaper, although less convenient hostel, and try and beat the cold off. I had woken up and gone back to sleep several times, so I ended up checking out about half and hour late, fearing the wrath of the French, I apologised and said it was because I was sick, and the guy at reception was really good about it, including telling me how to get to my next hostel.

I basically rested the next couple of days, just reading my books, and going for short walks to enjoy the sunshine and European beach life. I was getting a little paranoid that I had picked up swine flu, but due to my knowledge gained on the Hotline, I knew it couldn't be because I didn't have a temperature, although that was sometimes hard to judge with the heat.
On the third day at the new hostel, I decided I was well enough to go and check out the Frioul islands, which includes the Château d'If - a prison fortress made famous by the novel 'The Count of Monte Cristo'
This was quite a nice trip. In retrospect I would have left a little earlier to go there, just because there was so much walking to be done and exploring. If I was going back there again though, I would hope that I was able to swim, which I didn't get to do, due to being full of a cold.

The following day I got up and left the hostel reasonably early, hoping to make my way to Nice somehow. I got to the train station, where I had arrived, and investigated getting to Nice, which was reasonably cheap. I found my train, and in transit called a hostel mentioned in the Lonely Planet.

Espana - Barcelona

After a night on the bus, tired and feeling the effects of a cold, I reached Barcelona, and then had to work out how to get to my hostel from the bus station, which I managed, without being mugged or pick-pocketed. The hostel unfortunately was a rather busy one, so it was a slow process to get my sheets (the top one I had to pay for, I wouldn't have bothered, but because I had the makings of a cold decided I better). I then proceeded to have a sleep. Later on, I had a walk around the local environs, checking out some of the weird architecture, before returning to the hostel for a well earned sleep.
The Bull Ring.

The next day I got up and hung out with some Americans for a little bit, as we were all deciding where we were going to sight-see. We decided to go our separate ways, I had got a map, and circled all the sights I thought looked interesting, and then looked at how I could visit them in a logical order using the metro system. This worked reasonably well, although there was a case where I travelled to the next sight, to discover I could have walked from the last one faster. I was rather proud that I managed to see all I wanted to see in Barcelona in little more than an afternoon.

Arc de Triumf - I actually came here several times as it was very near the bus station that I arrived at, and left from.

Not exactly sure what this one was called, but on Facebook two Australian friends have made lewd comments about what it looks like.

Temple of the Sagrada Familia by Gaudi - different, but I wouldn't exactly say its pretty.

The following day, after getting up, I did some final sightseeing, checking out Colombus' column (he he) and the Arc de Triumf again, before boarding the bus to France - just after lunch, as I was over night bus travelling. Fortunately this was a comparatively short trip. I kept on wondering if we were in France yet or not, but that question was finally answered when we passed through what would have been in the past the customs point, marked simply with a EU flag and the Tricolour flag, and the word France (which strangely was in English)

Espana - Alicante

After being in Valencia for a week, and finally managing to tick off the sights, I decided to head down to Alicante, somewhere I hadn't heard of previously to going to Spain, however several of the girls I had chatted to in Valencia (strangely enough, all girls) had mentioned they were checking out Alicante, so I consulted my Lonely Planet, and decided also that it was worth a visit.
So I jumped on a bus, where this photo was taken - The Bull silhouette on the hill is a common sight in Spain.

The bus trip only took about an hour and a half maximum. At the bus station I casually asked the 3 Aussie girls whom I had been eavesdropping on for the majority of the journey (they were Aussies, they don't exactly talk quietly) if they happened to be staying in the same hostel as me, which they were, so we decided it was probably worth us sharing a taxi there, rather than risking the bus, with all our luggage in tow.

On arrival at the hostel, (which probably isn't an accurate description, I think a pension is the correct word - as I didn't have to share a room with anyone) I checked in, and subsequently meet 2 more girls, sisters, originally from Malaysia, but now residents of England (one of them was actually studying in Germany). The 3 Aussies weren't so keen to trek with me up the hill to the castle, but the sisters were, so off we headed.

It was ridiculously hot, and rather hard work climbing up the hill - which wasn't to bad, but combined with the heat was hard.The view at the top however, was well worth it, and being a castle, was naturally awesome. Needless to say, on reaching the bottom, we had a well deserved swim in the ocean.
The next day I did a trip to the Isla de Tabarca - a former pirate haven - an island about 10kms off shore. It was nice, again rather hot. In retrospect I would leave earlier, in order to have more time to snorkel around. But it was rather nice regardless.
The following day I went about organising transport to Barcelona, and subsequently a hostel. I decided on an overnight bus, saving on time and a nights accommodation, which meant, I had another full day in Alicante. Unfortunately I was starting to feel the effects of the germs from puddle-soaked t-shirts at La Tomatina, combined with the heat. Again in retrospect, I would definitely spend more time in Alicante, just because of its paradise-likeness, and reasonable price tag.

Espana - Valencia

Well, I made it out of England, and finally got to the contenient after 6 long months. I flew from Gatwick Airport, which isn't too bad to get out to from where we are, a case of catching the train out there, compared to the other London airports, which I have had described to me as not particularly accurate in being described as London airports, kind of like calling Hamilton Airport "Auckland-Hamilton airport".

Anyway, I got out there, and then found my plane ended up being delayed, as there was an issue with some intercom, so instead of leaving at 5, we left at 8, which was about when we should've been in Spain. Not a huge deal, but frustrating, as it meant when I got there, instead of a 1.50 euro metro ride, it was a 20euro taxi fare, and I didnt get to go out on the first night.

Dinner the First night. Thats cruton sticks in something like potato salad

So, the first day in Spain, I woke up, and hunted out some breakfast, and looked for things to do. I ended up buying some cheese and a roll of salami, and some fruit, and eating them in a rationed, yet probably not a healthy portioned fashion.

I then went for a look in the old town, which was close to my hostel. I ended up meeting up with the tour leaders and other guests at a bar accidently, and had a drink with them. I then proceeded towards the beach, having a small look at the America's cup village.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out the rumour about Mediterranean beaches was true (I'm not going to spell it out for you).

I can't remember if I actually had a swim that first day, or if I decided against it for time and security reasons.

In the evening there was a meeting in regard to the Wine and Water festival we were heading to later on, and of course La Tomatina, the next day.

Later on, we hopped on a bus and headed to the Wine and Water festival, which was in a village about an hour away. For the first few hours it was pretty boring, as the party started in the bullring, which had sold out, and I wasn't particularly keen on supporting anyway. Then, at midnight, the people came out, and basically everyone marched behind a band, and at various intervals you could rush and get your vessel filled up with wine. It was a cool atmosphere, although rather lonely (in a twist of fate, I had ended up with my own twin room, but it meant I didn't have a 'buddy' in the same situation.) I didn't end up having much wine, not being a red wine connoisseur, I drunk 2 glasses, and threw 1 back up, I know, I measured...

This all finished at about 4am, so we headed back to the hotel, to be up and off to La Tomatina at 8am. I think the lack of sleep made La Tomatina not as fun as I thought it would be. It also was a bit more violent than I expected, with overenthusiastic locals, and I had had fantasies of being able to eat the tomatoes as well, which wasn't the case. After finding a spot, it was probably an hour before the tomato trucks came, and so there were full on t-shirt fights going on (you would get your t-shirt ripped off you, and then they tie it in a knot and throw it at someone. Because of the roughness, I didn't take my camera, and hence don't have any photos of it.

After all the throwing, headed back to the bus, enjoyed some paella, and went back to the hotel. I think I probably had a swim in the hotel pool, before sleeping for the best part of the afternoon and evening.

The next day was the day for checking out. Because of the full on nature of the day before, I hadn't planned my next move. Anyhow, I checked out, put my luggage in their storage, and went to a hostel a friend had recommended. They didn't actually have any vacancies, but made several recommendations, including one just around the corner, which I ended up at (for the rest of that week, it turned out). I just had to run back to the hotel, get my bag, and check in, before they closed for a couple of hours for siesta (which was the main reason why I didn't leave for a week, because I couldn't do so much when it all closes for 2 hours each day). Unfortunately whilst running back to the hostel, I tripped on the bit where they have left the pavement clear for the tree roots, and cracked the screen of my camera, which has meant I have been taking photos for two months without a screen.

Anyway, got there, then went walking, ended up at the beach, and had a swim, and enjoyed the warmth amongst other things.

I can't remember the specifics of the other days, but they included more swims, a free walking tour, a Tapas tour, which was fun, and worth it, checking out the market, checking out a museum, and checking out the city gate, which was like a mini castle.

Summer in the city of overcast days and rain

Hey all, sorry its been a long time in coming, but once you read this, youll see why, a mixture of either nothing to write about, or being too busy to write it.

So since the last installment ...
Touch rugby kicked off (and has subsequently finished) - not novelty being kiwi there, which is a funny feeling, going from being one of very few Kiwis in Japan, to going to Acton and almost being back in Kaitaia. I have hence coined the acronym J.A.K.I.L. - Just Another Kiwi In London. Remember, when it spreads, you heard it here first.

Our old family friends from home come to London on their world tour - so we went and had dinner with them at O'neills, an Irish pub. Funny that we were Kiwis in an Irish pub run by Polish, in Chinatown in England.

I went to Twickenham for rugby 7s - the Saturday was a little slow, but interesting seeing all the costumes. Sunday was more interesting, final was between England and New Zealand. NZ lead 19-0 at half time but England clawed back to win in sudden death in overtime.For about a week, I helped out at Hillsong, working on their database.

It got a bit busy there with a week full of interviews, before starting a temporary assignment at Original travel - where I was for 7 weeks. Needless to say it was good to be working again - having money, but also socialising, especially with actual English people.I went to a friend from Kaitaia's anniversary of being in London party in Hyde park - it was Queens birthday, so saw jets and planes flyover (probably equivalent to the NZ airforce) also saw some friendly squirrels, and the naked bike ride (a protest for better conditions for cyclists.

The next day went to battersea park for a picnic with Suzanne, Bevan, Christine and Chris.

I went and stayed a week at a friends, while he was away in the USA attending another friend's wedding, as there was a free bed, and gave Suzanne & Bevan, and their flatmates a break.Similarly, the following fortnight, Suzanne & Bev went to Italy so I used their bed and room while they were away.

Around that time I went to a toga party on the Thames - a cruise, in togas, on the river Thames.

I also went to Avenue Q - a show at the West end - awesome, and funny as, albeit a little rude (but hence the funniness).

The good thing about London, is people actually come through it to visit, or on their way somewhere, so I have seen several people from home since being here, which is always nice - hence I had a visit from Melissa and Brent, who were on their Honeymoon.I went to the dukes headliners - a weekly comedy night, one of the guys is a dead ringer for Sanjeev from the kumars at 42, but isn't him. I'm glad I didn't ask him, as he gets it all the time.

I went to Canada day at Trafalgar square. Alright, but the food I wanted to try wasn't available.Went to a thing called Laughter in odd places - at barbican museum - not so funny.

Went to Bastille day at Battersea park. Which was alright, kind of interesting.

Similarly I went to a Colombian day by the Thames on the Southbank - again interesting, but as a Kiwi, I go to these things expecting a free lunch, but of course it doesn't work that way.

In saying that, though - I did go to something which gave away free Ice Cream - the Ben & Jerry's Sundae at the common. Nice.

As soon as my 7 weeks at Original travel was up, I went straight to work for a month on the swine flu hotline. It was a cool job as everyone in same boat - ie everyone was new, so chatted away to each other, and because we got not many calls, we generally just played games and talked. I believe that they employed so many of us so people wouldn't have to wait for us to answer, because otherwise they would just hang up, and still have swine flu to spread around. However it got shut down/downsized, due to lack of demand/use - and the government wouldn't want to be seen wasting money on workers who only had to take 3-5 calls a shift.

So, once I found out that I was again jobless, I decided to go do Europe while it was still Summer, especially as I had enough time to organise it before La Tomatina - something I was keen to do. As Im writing this, Im currently withering in Valencia, Spain - the plan at the moment is to make my way to Barcelona, through the South of France, Switzerland, to Austria, where a friend lives, stay with them for a bit, go to Munich in Germany, then north through Germany to Denmark, where some other friends live, stay there, then make my way back to London via Belgium, Holland, and Paris. Anyhow, watch this space as I will update it hopefully rather soon (in comparison to this entry)