Glad to be in the spanish sunshine, the weather here is gorgeous. Interacting with locals I have found that my spanglish works fine in most places. If all communication fails I can still result to hand gestures and slow speech, ha. Beautiful sandy beaches, are a great sight to see. The Kabul hostel where I am at is located in Placa Real just off the overcrowded toruist driven las ramblas.
I met up with some travellers from Sal Paulo Brazil we started our night with a venture to a local bar for some sweet sangria. Some foosball and 2 for one beers back at the hostel started the night. The nights here start late, at 1:45 there was a hostel sponsered night out to a club. Tens and tens of us piled into cabs, we enjoyed dancing and a live dj. The night finished on the beach, an incredible eveningindeed.
Ive been meeting a lot of people from the southern hemisphere, Brazil and Australia mostly who are skipping out on their winter season. 7 of us did a tour of the gothic district a very insightful guide broke down the cities history and lead us to a great spot for phad thai. I continued on to Sagrada Familia with James who was on the tour. Tonight is the "magic fountain" a timed water display which illuminates at night.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Dutch land
Refreshed after a night in the business suite, we set out to explore Vondelpark. A Sunday morning was the perfect time for a walk, bikers, runners and families filled the park. There was a liveliness to the place, covering almost the whole park. We stopped at a restaurant in the park and enjoyed some people watching. Midday we once again moved into a new hotel, Hotel Singel along the Singel canal.
From there we set out on a canal tour to see the city. Passing through some of Amsterdam's 100 canals, the houses were squished together maximizing the precious little real estate in the city. After the tour, the bustling pubs along the canals called us to try some authentic Netherlands beer. Grolsh, Amstel , and Heineken filled our cups as we watched the busy Sunday crowds migrate.
Walking around downtown, it's hard to miss the red light district. Iit was a sight which was rather shocking for a small town guy from Kenmore. Enjoying the Amsterdam experience, hunger set in. Josesito's a tapas restaurant served satisfying calamari, asparagus, potato omelets with a tasty white wine.
A bustling Sunday turned into a slow night around town, the first full day one of Amsterdam in the book. we were exhausted.
The next day was the hottest day so far, with temps reaching 85 degrees. To beat the heat we rented yellow bikes for 24 hours and rode through Vondelpark, on our way to the Van Gogh museum. The exhibit was incredible and featured not only Van Gogh's paintings but also the artists which helped to shape his style.
Hungry, we stopped for lunch at the Sama Sebo, an Indonesian eatery for some egg noodles, beef with peanut curry, and fried bananas. an enjoyable authentic dish. Continuing on our bicycles, we set out for Osterpark in SE Amsterdam, and after a few wrong turns ended up at Sarphatipark, a good spot to relax and soak up some sun.
Returning through de pijp outdoor market, we parked at a local pub with seating over the canal for a cold one. People were perched on the canals drinking and watching the boats cruise by, a nice leisurely afternoon for sure. As the sun finally dropped below the horizon and the night cooled down, we caroused the streets some, soaking up all that Amsterdam has to offer.
From there we set out on a canal tour to see the city. Passing through some of Amsterdam's 100 canals, the houses were squished together maximizing the precious little real estate in the city. After the tour, the bustling pubs along the canals called us to try some authentic Netherlands beer. Grolsh, Amstel , and Heineken filled our cups as we watched the busy Sunday crowds migrate.
Walking around downtown, it's hard to miss the red light district. Iit was a sight which was rather shocking for a small town guy from Kenmore. Enjoying the Amsterdam experience, hunger set in. Josesito's a tapas restaurant served satisfying calamari, asparagus, potato omelets with a tasty white wine.
A bustling Sunday turned into a slow night around town, the first full day one of Amsterdam in the book. we were exhausted.
The next day was the hottest day so far, with temps reaching 85 degrees. To beat the heat we rented yellow bikes for 24 hours and rode through Vondelpark, on our way to the Van Gogh museum. The exhibit was incredible and featured not only Van Gogh's paintings but also the artists which helped to shape his style.
Hungry, we stopped for lunch at the Sama Sebo, an Indonesian eatery for some egg noodles, beef with peanut curry, and fried bananas. an enjoyable authentic dish. Continuing on our bicycles, we set out for Osterpark in SE Amsterdam, and after a few wrong turns ended up at Sarphatipark, a good spot to relax and soak up some sun.
Returning through de pijp outdoor market, we parked at a local pub with seating over the canal for a cold one. People were perched on the canals drinking and watching the boats cruise by, a nice leisurely afternoon for sure. As the sun finally dropped below the horizon and the night cooled down, we caroused the streets some, soaking up all that Amsterdam has to offer.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
The last of prague
To see the outer parts of town we rented bicycles for a couple hours. The weather was nice, the ride went through two parks on the othe side of the river. We cicled back to the apartment for some wine before heading out to dinner at the pivovarsky dum brewery in the new town. While waiting in line we started up a convo with a group of Czechs and one American, who invited us to join them qt their table. Drinks were poured and authentic Czech cuisine was consumed. The night continued with us accompanying our new friends to a club on the east side of town, and later a trip to the Karlovy Lasne, the 5 story club along the water has each floor dedicated to different genres of music, a great place to dance the night away.
Our night didn't end until 4 am which made a for a rough morning, I had slept a lot better than david however. Our hostel was overbooked for the weekend, so we were forced to switch into a small apartment closer to the old town square. It was on such short notice that the manager was only able to accommodate one bed for the two of us. Thankfully I won rock paper scissors so David was on the floor. Our flight was at 5 so we walked the city one last time before departing. The flight on easy jet was a mere 2 hours to Amsterdam and when we arrived to find the hotel messed up the booking so we were upgraded to the business suite! Still a little tired we had a late dinner at a Argentina steak house for spare ribs and a fresh from the source heineken. Exhausted from the previous 24 hours it wasan early night, plenty to see and do tomorrow.
Our night didn't end until 4 am which made a for a rough morning, I had slept a lot better than david however. Our hostel was overbooked for the weekend, so we were forced to switch into a small apartment closer to the old town square. It was on such short notice that the manager was only able to accommodate one bed for the two of us. Thankfully I won rock paper scissors so David was on the floor. Our flight was at 5 so we walked the city one last time before departing. The flight on easy jet was a mere 2 hours to Amsterdam and when we arrived to find the hotel messed up the booking so we were upgraded to the business suite! Still a little tired we had a late dinner at a Argentina steak house for spare ribs and a fresh from the source heineken. Exhausted from the previous 24 hours it wasan early night, plenty to see and do tomorrow.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Prague day 2
This morning started like most with breakfast at a street corner cafe with delicious Italian coffee. We were on a quest to find the John Lennon wall not sure of its exact location we circled the block twice before coming upon the wall. Singer John Lennon's ideas gave many locals ambition prior to the Czech independence in the early 90's.
We wandered through the Mala Strana up to Prague Castle and the palace gardens. Perched on a hill the views of the city spanned for miles. The ancient architecture was worth the hike. Seeking out a less crowded area of Prague, we ventured further to the Strahov Monastery where we had riggatoni with panchetta Italian pasta and more of the same Czech beer. Our view overlooked the whole city where the red rooftops, churches and monuments sprawled into the countryside.
The night started at a micro brewery close to our hostel. The beers and liquors were cheap, 20-30 kc and the place was full of people. They featured a giraffe beer which was 4 liters tall. If David's tolerance was higher we would have indulged. Fully satiated we walked downtown to Atmosphere, where upon arrival we challenged two other Americans to a game of foosball. Several more drinks were consumed before the walk back in the rain. approached on every corner by men wielding discount cards to various strip clubs. We politely declined the offers.
We wandered through the Mala Strana up to Prague Castle and the palace gardens. Perched on a hill the views of the city spanned for miles. The ancient architecture was worth the hike. Seeking out a less crowded area of Prague, we ventured further to the Strahov Monastery where we had riggatoni with panchetta Italian pasta and more of the same Czech beer. Our view overlooked the whole city where the red rooftops, churches and monuments sprawled into the countryside.
The night started at a micro brewery close to our hostel. The beers and liquors were cheap, 20-30 kc and the place was full of people. They featured a giraffe beer which was 4 liters tall. If David's tolerance was higher we would have indulged. Fully satiated we walked downtown to Atmosphere, where upon arrival we challenged two other Americans to a game of foosball. Several more drinks were consumed before the walk back in the rain. approached on every corner by men wielding discount cards to various strip clubs. We politely declined the offers.
Praha
Continuing on the 8:48 train from Berlin to Prague, we arrived 4 hours later to a hot summer afternoon in the Czech capital. Wenceslas square led us to our hostel, we proceeded to the Old Town square to find some grub. The area was lively and full of people, there was a lot going on including a pole vaulting competition, and some sort of a politcal rally.
A very important part of any visit to Prague is the Pilsner Urquell, the world's first pilsner is brewed here and is enjoyed by all. Lunch was had at a Giovanni Pizzeria for wood fired Napoleon style pizza. Going west we reached the Vltava river promenade, which we took to the famous Charles Bridge. Charles Bridge is the first bridge to cross the river and is adorned with statues and droves of tourists.
Most of day was spent wandering through the city streets, gett
A very important part of any visit to Prague is the Pilsner Urquell, the world's first pilsner is brewed here and is enjoyed by all. Lunch was had at a Giovanni Pizzeria for wood fired Napoleon style pizza. Going west we reached the Vltava river promenade, which we took to the famous Charles Bridge. Charles Bridge is the first bridge to cross the river and is adorned with statues and droves of tourists.
Most of day was spent wandering through the city streets, gett
Monday, June 20, 2011
BERLIN
Woke up refreshed after the overnight train from Kobenhavn to Berlin. The train had to drive onto a ferry and crossed the Baltic sea, pretty cool sight to see. Arriving at the massive Hauptbhf station we used the sprawling subway system to the hostel, dropping off our bags we began what would be a full day of touring. Started out going east along the Unter den Linden, it is Berlins most famous boulevard. It holds its embassies, Humboldt university and many mueseums. As well as Bebelplatz, the square where the Nazis first burned books. The street leads right up to Brandenburg gate and the tiergarten a massive park in the middle of the city.
Famished after about 4 miles of walking we took the subway from the east side of the gargen to the Sony Center for lunch. My entree was truly german, a 12' frankfurter carmelized onions, potatoes and a kurig pilsner to drink.mmmmm. After lunch we walked along the place where the wall used to be. We went throught the Topography of terror which chronolizes Berlin's involvement in WW2. Close to this was "chekcpoint charle" a historic part of the wall where brave east berliners attempted to hop over the wall, most of which were shot and killed...
Last stop was the TV tower the 208 meter tall structure in the middle of the city. With 360 degree views of Berlin, a spectacular sight to see. Exhausted we reclined at our hostels own diner for some bbq later had a few drinks at the rooftop terrace bar. Tough life. More sightseeing tomorrow!
Famished after about 4 miles of walking we took the subway from the east side of the gargen to the Sony Center for lunch. My entree was truly german, a 12' frankfurter carmelized onions, potatoes and a kurig pilsner to drink.mmmmm. After lunch we walked along the place where the wall used to be. We went throught the Topography of terror which chronolizes Berlin's involvement in WW2. Close to this was "chekcpoint charle" a historic part of the wall where brave east berliners attempted to hop over the wall, most of which were shot and killed...
Last stop was the TV tower the 208 meter tall structure in the middle of the city. With 360 degree views of Berlin, a spectacular sight to see. Exhausted we reclined at our hostels own diner for some bbq later had a few drinks at the rooftop terrace bar. Tough life. More sightseeing tomorrow!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
The last of Havn
After a quick breakfast at the 7 11 we visited Tivoli , one of the oldest amusement parks in europe it was founded in 1843. Highlights included the Star Flyer which rises to spin at 80 meters above Copenhagen. If you can keep your eyes open, you get a spectacular view of the city.
Walked over the Langebro bridge across the Sydhavnen to Christianshavn in the afternoon. Hiked to the top of Vor Frelsers Kirke, a 1696 Protestant church with a large wooden spire ontop of the steeple streching some 90 meters from the ground to the top, we braved the blustry wind 400 steps to the top to a great view of Danish Baroque architecture.
Travelling involves getting lost, and that is exactly what happened as we set out to locate the restaurant Oasi D'Italia, a small Italian restaurant in the city center. Here we experienced an relaxed atmosphere, great service and delicious food outside along the sidewalk.
Tonight we will be boarding a night train to Malmo and on to Berlin for a 6am arrival.
Copenhagen has been a wonderful experience, the people here are kind and helpful and the city itself with bustlying communal areas, historic monuments, quiet atmosphere and great location will soon be visited again!...hopefully next time in the summer months.
Walked over the Langebro bridge across the Sydhavnen to Christianshavn in the afternoon. Hiked to the top of Vor Frelsers Kirke, a 1696 Protestant church with a large wooden spire ontop of the steeple streching some 90 meters from the ground to the top, we braved the blustry wind 400 steps to the top to a great view of Danish Baroque architecture.
Travelling involves getting lost, and that is exactly what happened as we set out to locate the restaurant Oasi D'Italia, a small Italian restaurant in the city center. Here we experienced an relaxed atmosphere, great service and delicious food outside along the sidewalk.
Tonight we will be boarding a night train to Malmo and on to Berlin for a 6am arrival.
Copenhagen has been a wonderful experience, the people here are kind and helpful and the city itself with bustlying communal areas, historic monuments, quiet atmosphere and great location will soon be visited again!...hopefully next time in the summer months.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Copenhagen Day 2
Waking up to another beautiful day in Danmark, our first move was to rent bicycles and see as much of the city as possible. Copenhagen is a biker friendly town with large bike lanes, there is so little traffic and much of the city center is pedestrianezed made transportation easy.
Reliving history was a big part of todays agenda. First stop was the Rosenburg castle where soldiers were lined up for a ceremony. Some were in camoflage and others in blue coats with funky fury hats that you would see on an officer at buckingham palace. Next was the Kastellet, a star shaped fortress situated along the canal, it was built to protect Danmark from any attackers. Lastly we viewed the Christiansborg Palace, the ceremonial headquarters of the danish royal family, the palace was full of historical murals, elegant paintings and grand sized rooms. We also got to look at some of the ruins from the original fort which still remained underground.
Hungry from the sight seeing, dinner consisted of shawarmas and pizza outside along a main outdoor shopping area. I love the amount of streets in Danmark that are dedicated to just pedestrians, it makes for a really interactive and friendly atmosphere. Going out has been uneconomical, stopping at a bar today I payed 50 krohn which is the equivalent of 10 US dollars for one beer, i might have to save my liver for berlin and prague. Tomorrow is our last deay in Cope and then we are taking the nightrain to berlin, can't wait to experience Germany!
Reliving history was a big part of todays agenda. First stop was the Rosenburg castle where soldiers were lined up for a ceremony. Some were in camoflage and others in blue coats with funky fury hats that you would see on an officer at buckingham palace. Next was the Kastellet, a star shaped fortress situated along the canal, it was built to protect Danmark from any attackers. Lastly we viewed the Christiansborg Palace, the ceremonial headquarters of the danish royal family, the palace was full of historical murals, elegant paintings and grand sized rooms. We also got to look at some of the ruins from the original fort which still remained underground.
Hungry from the sight seeing, dinner consisted of shawarmas and pizza outside along a main outdoor shopping area. I love the amount of streets in Danmark that are dedicated to just pedestrians, it makes for a really interactive and friendly atmosphere. Going out has been uneconomical, stopping at a bar today I payed 50 krohn which is the equivalent of 10 US dollars for one beer, i might have to save my liver for berlin and prague. Tomorrow is our last deay in Cope and then we are taking the nightrain to berlin, can't wait to experience Germany!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Copenhagen Day 1
We made it to Copenhagen! Spending over 12 hours in planes and airports had us fighting the effects of jet lag. Instead of napping we decided to stay awake and try and see as much as we could of the city by foot. Walking down the copenhagen``s cobbled road, one couldn´´t help but to notice the city was very quiet. Although we ran into a lot of people it lacked the drowning background noises which accompany large cities, it was a nice change. Walking around, I was suprised to see a)how many people ride bicycles in this town and b)the amount of tall blonde women. Distracted, we continued on to see the Christiansborg Palace taking pictures of the many statues of previous kings. After this we walked to the center of town to the Nyhavn canal there we hopped on a guided boat tour throughout the cities canals. Most of the architecture is made out of brick some dating back befor the 1600s. Building codes have all the structures around the same height, leaving churches and monuments to stick out along the skyline. Beatiful multi-colored old townhouses line the canals, which were lined with people hanging out and socializing on the docks and boats. We were dropped back off at the Nyhavn canal and capped the evening with dinner at Nyhavn 37 which overlooked the canal. The food was delicious and the people watching was entertaining. The weather was in the upper 60's all day long with a grey cloud cover overhead, it has now started raining...hopefully this will stop before tomorrow, got a big day planned.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Europe Itinerary
Copenhagen June 16th-19th
Berlin June 20th-22nd
Prague June 22nd-26th
Amsterdam June 26th-29th
Barcelona June 29th- July 6th
Lisbon July 6th-9th
Madrid July 9th-12th
Pampalona July 12th-14th
Bilbao/San Sebastian July 14th-16th
Ibiza July 16th-19th
Rome July 19th-22nd
Sorrento July 22nd-24th
Amsterdam July 24th-27th
Seattle July 27th
Berlin June 20th-22nd
Prague June 22nd-26th
Amsterdam June 26th-29th
Barcelona June 29th- July 6th
Lisbon July 6th-9th
Madrid July 9th-12th
Pampalona July 12th-14th
Bilbao/San Sebastian July 14th-16th
Ibiza July 16th-19th
Rome July 19th-22nd
Sorrento July 22nd-24th
Amsterdam July 24th-27th
Seattle July 27th
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