Arriving back in London felt fimilar to me which I found odd as I had only spent a few days her before the tour. I was back to the luxuries of not having to pay to use the toilet and not having to work out the exchange rate. Everything is expensive when you are an aussie here.
In less than a month I had visited 11 different countries using eight different currencies. I saw countless posters promoting Depeche Modes world tour and even in London I cannot get away from them. Prior to the tour I did not really even know who they are, now all the advertising has made me want to go to their concert.
I also made it through the tour without getting a nomination for Donkey. A prize awarded to stupid behaviour although I did play a hand in a large number of nominations.
London welcomed us with some typical rainy weather and the common catchphrase from the Londoners "It has been really warm for the last month."
This week I am enjoying the tourist life in London. On Saturday night I caught up with some mates from the ANZAC Day tour. On Sunday Anna, Andy and I were shown around the markets on and surrounding Brick Lane, where people are trying to sell all sorts of rubbish, before making our way to Hyde Park to the Princess Diana memorial. We also spent a bit of time in Speakers Corner listening to people argue about religion or whatever else they want.
Andy and I then found an Aussie pub to watch the Saints beat the Bombers for their eighth consecutive win.
Monday morning we went on a free walking tour and tried to get a glimpse of the changing of the guards through the swarms of tourists. We also walked past Big Ben and Westminster Abbey were as per usual there were protesters blocking the streets.
Yesterday Andy and i took a tour of Lords and stood atop the balcony where Warnie did his famous stump dance and where the Aussies celebrated their World Cup win. I learnt that many very recognised batsman including Ricky Ponting have never scored a century there. Hopefully that will come about this summer.
We also stopped along the way to take some photos at the zebra crossing on Abbey Road made famous by the Beatles.
This morning for Andy's birthday the three of us took a flight on the London Eye to get a magnificent Birds Eye view of the city. Tonight we will be drinking at the pub as all the English love to do.
Tomorrow night we have tickets to see Thriller. A musical on the West End based upon the songs of Michael Jackson. Then on Friday I fly to Slovenia to visit Igor a mate who lived on campus at Deakin a few years ago. I am really looking forward to seeing him again.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Topdeck part 3- Prague to London
Following a fast paced walking tour of Prague we made our way to the Beer Factory. A club at which you compete with your table against other tables to see who can drink the most. A concept that would be highly illegal in many countries throughout the world. This lead to another big night drinking which continued for some into the following day.
Our free day in Prague was spent trying to make our way through the city which was packed full of people and many streets blocked off due to the annual Prague marathon. Although it become some what of a drag pushing through the large crowds it did make for a really good atmosphere. I spent the day just walking about town exploring both the old and the new districts and the castle district.
For dinner I ate a large pork knuckle and it was fun to eat and looked good but it really didn't taste that great make me feel real good.
Our next country to visit was Germany and because I studied German for a few years in high school I felt a connection with the country. Our first night in Berlin was spent drinking a large amount of Jagerbombs and singing karaoke at an Irish pub in celebration of Anna and Ash's birthdays.
While undertaking the Third Reich tour I was suprised though by how little I actually knew. I had no idea the Berlin wall was not a straight line and that is was in fact two walls diveded by No Mans Land. We also saw the bunker where Hitler shot himself, which is now covered by a car park.I really enjoyed the tour and found the guide to be very informative and answered all questions.
Following the tour six of us rode a seven seater circular bike with the help of owner from the Brandenberg Gate to the Berlin Zoo. It was probably the best little adventure I had on the whole tour. Even in our hungover state we found energy when on the bike. We spent a few hours walking in the sunshine through the impressive zoo before returning to camp. I will have to return to Berlin to explore more of the history another time.
Our final destation of the trip before London and what a way to complete the tour. In Amsterdam I learnt how to make cheese and clogs. I learnt some brewing techniques at the Heineken Experience. I learnt the story of Anne Frank. I learnt to ride a bike again and I learnt some moves at the live sex show. Well maybe not but it was good for a laugh, especially due to the large audience participation which I was luckily not involved in.
Our final night together started with a dinner aboard a floating Chinese restaurant followed by an all you can drink canal cruise before a wild night at the nightclubs. I managed to enjoy my time in this beatiful city without touching any drugs.
Our final day together on the coach back to London and after driving through The Netherlands, Belguim and France we boardered the ferry to enter our fourth country for the day Great Britain. In London we said our goodbyes before everybody went their seperate ways.
Thank You to everybody on the tour. You made it an unforgettable experience.
Our free day in Prague was spent trying to make our way through the city which was packed full of people and many streets blocked off due to the annual Prague marathon. Although it become some what of a drag pushing through the large crowds it did make for a really good atmosphere. I spent the day just walking about town exploring both the old and the new districts and the castle district.
For dinner I ate a large pork knuckle and it was fun to eat and looked good but it really didn't taste that great make me feel real good.
Our next country to visit was Germany and because I studied German for a few years in high school I felt a connection with the country. Our first night in Berlin was spent drinking a large amount of Jagerbombs and singing karaoke at an Irish pub in celebration of Anna and Ash's birthdays.
While undertaking the Third Reich tour I was suprised though by how little I actually knew. I had no idea the Berlin wall was not a straight line and that is was in fact two walls diveded by No Mans Land. We also saw the bunker where Hitler shot himself, which is now covered by a car park.I really enjoyed the tour and found the guide to be very informative and answered all questions.
Following the tour six of us rode a seven seater circular bike with the help of owner from the Brandenberg Gate to the Berlin Zoo. It was probably the best little adventure I had on the whole tour. Even in our hungover state we found energy when on the bike. We spent a few hours walking in the sunshine through the impressive zoo before returning to camp. I will have to return to Berlin to explore more of the history another time.
Our final destation of the trip before London and what a way to complete the tour. In Amsterdam I learnt how to make cheese and clogs. I learnt some brewing techniques at the Heineken Experience. I learnt the story of Anne Frank. I learnt to ride a bike again and I learnt some moves at the live sex show. Well maybe not but it was good for a laugh, especially due to the large audience participation which I was luckily not involved in.
Our final night together started with a dinner aboard a floating Chinese restaurant followed by an all you can drink canal cruise before a wild night at the nightclubs. I managed to enjoy my time in this beatiful city without touching any drugs.
Our final day together on the coach back to London and after driving through The Netherlands, Belguim and France we boardered the ferry to enter our fourth country for the day Great Britain. In London we said our goodbyes before everybody went their seperate ways.
Thank You to everybody on the tour. You made it an unforgettable experience.
Topdeck part 2- Budapest to Auschwitz
Our next stop was Budapest and although many of us were struggling we did a very enjoyable night driving tour of the city. The city is divided in two by the Danube River, one side is Buda and the other Pest. The bright lights excited me and I was ready to explore the following day.
The following morning after withdrawing our 10,000 Ft notes we were ready to go sightseeing. Only to realise most of the tourist spots are closed on Mondays. We did though mange to find the Labarynth. A series of underground tunnels forming mazes below the Castles. Me and a few others spent a few hours pretending to be Indiana Jones searching for the secret door. But to no avail.
To complete an enjoyable day I had a massive steak for dinner. At least I thought it was massive till I saw the monstrous plate of food Josh ordered for himself.
The events back at camp that night I will never forget. After being woken in the middle of the night by a couple of friends I helped them get Abbie, another friend, into an ambulance. At the time I had no idea quite how sick she was or that it would be the last time I ever saw her.
We continued on the next morning leaving behind Abbie who was in hospital and her friend Jess stayed to look after her.
Leaving Hungary we stopped for lunch in Brataslava, Slovakia to see a castle completely covered in scaffolding. It is something you get used to seeing while touring Europe although nobody ever seems to be working on the buildings.
Our next stop was Vienna and in less than 24 hours I went from acting like a young child to a mature adult. After a brief driving tour we stopped at Prater Amusement Park running around being childish riding the go-carts and dodgem cars.
The following day we undertook a tour of a schnapps museum before getting as many free taste tests as possible. I tasted my first drop of gold. The tour guide was very passionate about his tours and many people but not me bought some of his Absynth.
I went straight from the schnapps museum to watch a orchestra perform at the Kursolanwein. They performed the works of Mozart and Strauss in the same venue Strauss himself had performed. This is where I had to act like a mature adult.
Crossing the border into Poland we got a flat tyre. Luckily most of the guys were feeling manly that day and in no time we were back on the road.
We visited Krakow in Poland on a weekend where the students got the keys to the city. This meant young people drunk walking through the streets in all sorts of attire. Seeing guys in fairy costumes districted us from the Schindlers List tour, where we learnt about Oscar Schindler as well as seeing the sights used in Spielbergs movie.
After the tour I wanted to get out of the city as it felt like it was all we had seen on the tour. So a few of us went to the Saltmines. They are just outside the city and listed on the UNESCO world heritage sights. Everything underground including and amazing curch with grand chanderliers was engraved into the salt.
Our final stop in Poland was Auswitz and Birkenau where we were taught of the torture and deaths of over 1 million jews. I found it difficult to comprhend the devasting losses that had taken place at the sight. Many of the prisoners belongings and hair are on show for visitors to see.
Leaving Poland the group was told that Abbie had died in hospital. I had been expecting the bad news but was still not prepared for it.
R.I.P. Abbie- one of the most caring, friendly and down to earth person I have ever met. I will never forget the wonderful memories.
The following morning after withdrawing our 10,000 Ft notes we were ready to go sightseeing. Only to realise most of the tourist spots are closed on Mondays. We did though mange to find the Labarynth. A series of underground tunnels forming mazes below the Castles. Me and a few others spent a few hours pretending to be Indiana Jones searching for the secret door. But to no avail.
To complete an enjoyable day I had a massive steak for dinner. At least I thought it was massive till I saw the monstrous plate of food Josh ordered for himself.
The events back at camp that night I will never forget. After being woken in the middle of the night by a couple of friends I helped them get Abbie, another friend, into an ambulance. At the time I had no idea quite how sick she was or that it would be the last time I ever saw her.
We continued on the next morning leaving behind Abbie who was in hospital and her friend Jess stayed to look after her.
Leaving Hungary we stopped for lunch in Brataslava, Slovakia to see a castle completely covered in scaffolding. It is something you get used to seeing while touring Europe although nobody ever seems to be working on the buildings.
Our next stop was Vienna and in less than 24 hours I went from acting like a young child to a mature adult. After a brief driving tour we stopped at Prater Amusement Park running around being childish riding the go-carts and dodgem cars.
The following day we undertook a tour of a schnapps museum before getting as many free taste tests as possible. I tasted my first drop of gold. The tour guide was very passionate about his tours and many people but not me bought some of his Absynth.
I went straight from the schnapps museum to watch a orchestra perform at the Kursolanwein. They performed the works of Mozart and Strauss in the same venue Strauss himself had performed. This is where I had to act like a mature adult.
Crossing the border into Poland we got a flat tyre. Luckily most of the guys were feeling manly that day and in no time we were back on the road.
We visited Krakow in Poland on a weekend where the students got the keys to the city. This meant young people drunk walking through the streets in all sorts of attire. Seeing guys in fairy costumes districted us from the Schindlers List tour, where we learnt about Oscar Schindler as well as seeing the sights used in Spielbergs movie.
After the tour I wanted to get out of the city as it felt like it was all we had seen on the tour. So a few of us went to the Saltmines. They are just outside the city and listed on the UNESCO world heritage sights. Everything underground including and amazing curch with grand chanderliers was engraved into the salt.
Our final stop in Poland was Auswitz and Birkenau where we were taught of the torture and deaths of over 1 million jews. I found it difficult to comprhend the devasting losses that had taken place at the sight. Many of the prisoners belongings and hair are on show for visitors to see.
Leaving Poland the group was told that Abbie had died in hospital. I had been expecting the bad news but was still not prepared for it.
R.I.P. Abbie- one of the most caring, friendly and down to earth person I have ever met. I will never forget the wonderful memories.
Topdeck part 1- Istanbul to Budapest
Leaving Istanbul I was quickly introduced to life on the tour and the rules that come with it. I was also introduced to many of the characters on board. I joined the second half of an already moving 47 day camping trip.
On my first day on the bus our driver 'Muzza' very nearly lost his licence. We were driving through Bulgaria and he was stopped for speeding and told to go hand in his licence. After a bit of talking the policeman changed their mind and we continued on.
The walking tour in Sophia was fairly boring. The city did not seem to have a lot to offer except some really old churches. For lunch and dinner we ate at the most Westernised restaurant in the city. After dinner a few of us found that the amazing student nightlife we had been told about really wasn't that exciting.
We left Bulgaria for Romania and on our driving tour of Bucharest we stopped for photos outside the Palace of Parliament. It is the second largest building in the World behind the Pentagon in the USA. It is a very impressive looking building but the rest of the city looks fairly plain because they spent so much on the one building.
We rode with a crazy taxi driver to get dinner and luckily we made it there and back without injury and without getting ripped off. We had a free morning to explore Bucharest although because it was their Labour Day all the shops were shut. We did though manage to get free red t-shirts for pretending we were going to protest with the locals.
Next stop was Brasov, still in Romania and my first night camping which wasn't bad considering I had been on tour for five nights. Driving through Romania felt like driving through 1920. Many people still live in wooden shacks and their excitement for the day is watching cars go by.
We continued our drive through Romania stopping at Sighisoara, the birthplace of Dracula. This lead to a Dracula themed dress up day and the shananigans of the punch party in Cluj Napoca.
On my first day on the bus our driver 'Muzza' very nearly lost his licence. We were driving through Bulgaria and he was stopped for speeding and told to go hand in his licence. After a bit of talking the policeman changed their mind and we continued on.
The walking tour in Sophia was fairly boring. The city did not seem to have a lot to offer except some really old churches. For lunch and dinner we ate at the most Westernised restaurant in the city. After dinner a few of us found that the amazing student nightlife we had been told about really wasn't that exciting.
We left Bulgaria for Romania and on our driving tour of Bucharest we stopped for photos outside the Palace of Parliament. It is the second largest building in the World behind the Pentagon in the USA. It is a very impressive looking building but the rest of the city looks fairly plain because they spent so much on the one building.
We rode with a crazy taxi driver to get dinner and luckily we made it there and back without injury and without getting ripped off. We had a free morning to explore Bucharest although because it was their Labour Day all the shops were shut. We did though manage to get free red t-shirts for pretending we were going to protest with the locals.
Next stop was Brasov, still in Romania and my first night camping which wasn't bad considering I had been on tour for five nights. Driving through Romania felt like driving through 1920. Many people still live in wooden shacks and their excitement for the day is watching cars go by.
We continued our drive through Romania stopping at Sighisoara, the birthplace of Dracula. This lead to a Dracula themed dress up day and the shananigans of the punch party in Cluj Napoca.
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