I've been at the lowest of lows, thinking things could never get better, and this life isn't worth it. But Then you witness miracles such a a new life being brought into the world, or a babies giggle that is so infectious, no one in a mile radius can resist smiling as well. These every day occurances make any thoughts of taking your own life irrelevant and invalid. Family, friends, ambitions, goals and happy moments make it all worth it. They make waking up in the morning a blessing rather than 'just another day'.
Even having been in that dark place, i'm still unable to fathom what selfish motives someone could have for throwing themselves infront of a high speed train.
Without a scheduled stop on the itenerary our train from Vienna to Munich came to an abrupt stop. After much movement from the crew we were informed that there was an accident on the train, or track and we would be delayed about two hours. Emotions are not effected by the language barrier, we knew something bad had happened- even though there were not many details. My tolerance for high pitched noises is not exactly high- the crew members had opened one of the train doors that sounded the emergency alarm, only in our first class compartment. After about half an hour Sean and I agreed to move to the next cart up where the sound is still audiable, just not at that awful in your face volume. After a message from the conductor in German, the nice gentleman behind us translated. He also conveyed the news of the suspected suicide to us. Were currently waiting for the police and ambulence to arrive.
Update: after waiting for over two hours, were still sitting here. Moved a bit, but then someone pressed the emergency button...? Have a new driver, but I guess the police need to make sure the train is ok. Headed to the nearest station, and might have to switch trains. I pray for the victims soul, and family.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Weiner...
I don't know if I'll be able to ever attend the.movement again, there are no marble statues, or baraque paintings. It's just not up to my standards anymore... Totally kidding. Really, the Catholic church liked to over do it back in the day! Jesus was a big deal- and they couldn't take the chance of anyone being ignorant to the fact. I think they ensured this with the ornate churches constructed back in the day.
Prague was amazing! Beautiful city! We got in a fabulous final morning of extended sight seeing after having a couple days of much needed rest. It was a great couple hours. Lots of walking, lots of pictures taken and so many images soaked into my memory.
We arrived in Vienna safely on the 27th, another three night stay- just enough time to explore the city without getting too comfortable. We attempted to use the public transit to The Marriott Rennisance, but failed due to the fact that I had printed walking directions from the wrong train station! Silly me! One more taxi ride later we were 'home'.
Oh thank goodness for a bed with a pillowtop mattress and fluffy pillows! They even had an indoor pool and spa... Which we never saw, I didn't think we'd need swimsuits in Europe in December...
We settled in and set out for some dinner. Being a Sunday evening, not much was open- we ended up at an Italian resturant near our hotel. We ordered beer, wine (the color of my jacket, not the tablecloth), 2 garken salads (no, I didn't spell it wrong), and a pizza that we knew had cheese on it, but the rest of the contents were unknown. It ended up being a fabulous meal! The salad was actually just a huge plate of sliced cucumbers with a very watered down ranch on it- first time we had ranch in two weeks! I had never had corn on a pizza before, but along with meat, onions and garlic it was pretty darn good! Sometimes ordering the unknown can be a great experience, if not- I've got a stockpile of cliffbars in my backpack.
We woke up at a reasonable hour the next morning and headed into the town center. We probably walked 5 miles that day, at least. Wandering through the streets of downtown we found century old churches next to newer buildings selling high fashion clothing, and men acting like a Grecian statues next to starbucks.
Searching for a resturant in our budget, with food I would eat and in a non smoking environment took a short period of time. We finally walked into a foodcourt type of place, that was three stories under ground! It was simmilar to a souplantation, but classier. You paid after loading up your plate, but before eating. They had a huge salad bar, along with stations with everything from goulash to fillets of fish, ready to be fried to your liking. Different stations had different pricing, not knowing this, Sean loaded up his plate with a smorgashborg of food. The poor gal at the checkout just looked at him like, what the heck am I supposed to charge you for...? She eventually called over a manager. Awesome experience, and some greens were much needed after all the crap I've been eating lately!
We walked off lunch by meandering through the streets, without a map. We had no fear of getting lost, it's just nice to get off the beaten path a bit. Not be such an extreme tourist. I can't even name all the museums and cathedrals we saw. Our pictures will prove we saw too much to remember.
Needing a change of pace we did a bit of research and reserved train tickets for the next day to Semmering, Austria. The nearest ski resort to Vienna.
With an early morning we decided to stat close to the hotel for dinner, there was a bar across the street that caught our attention. Unfortunantly smoking inside is legal in most European countries. My right foot went in the door as the left took two steps back. It was like walking into a Vegas casino times ten due to the cramped space. ( I think I've forgotten to mention I lost my inhaler while throwing my tantrum in Prague...) Thankfully there was a pub on the next corner over, smoke free! We esch had a form of schnitzle accompanied by beer, of course, and called it a night. Awesome day.
We were on sensory overload, and I think stepping into one more ancient church would have done us in. Getting out of the city, and into the mountains was exactly what we needed. The train ride was only an hour and a half, which I slept through, and stopped at the base of the mountain. Following the local snowboarders, who looked like they belonged in California, onto a taxi bus that dropped us off half-way up the mountain, right at the base of the lifts, and in front of a rental shop!
I'm so spoiled! I've only been boarding six times, in six different mountains, in two states, two countries. And I own all my own equipment. Haha. Renting isn't the most pleasant experience, but it did the job.
The resport was small, with mostly man-made snow... Which equals ice, with equals a bruised tush and sore knees. But it was a blast! I am awful! I can baerly even force my body into the correct form. Sean is an awesome teacher though, so I'm picking the sport up slowly, but surely. I do enjoy it. There's just something about how the snow feels under your board as you glide over it. The fear of falling isn't a huge issue in powder considtions, you just get up and dust yourself off. It's exizilerating and freeing. Even if I do suck, I still have a blast.
Not sure when the train went back into the city, we left the mountain when we were both completly exausted (and my knees were compley bruised). Thankfully a train came in the right direction shortly after we arrived at the ghost-like train station. Unsure if it was what we needed, and with a conductor who spoke only German we took a chance. Anyways, a warm train was better than sitting in the cold! Changing trains once, we made it! Problem solved, easy as eating pie.
The concierge at the hotel was amazing! Very helpful and gave us great directions. With a strong reccomendation we headed out to a local micro-brewery. It could be compared to our Karl Strauss. Awesome beer, and Seans spare ribs where served with a heaping portion of potatos on a wooden plate! Fantastic! We started the meal with the most amusing salad, ever. It not only contained sourkraut and corn, but boiled potatos. Odd, but strangly very tasty. I had beer and cheese dunblings with a plate full of 'American dressing' the super watered down ranch again. Stepped out of my food bubble a little, but it was so good! We pretty much had to help carry each other out of the resturant- full of food, and beer.
Got to sleep in this morning which was glorious. Then enjoyed pizza served to us by an old Austrian man wearing leather pants. Totally normal Wednesday morning... At least I think it's Wednesday... That's when you know you're really on vacation!
With love, sore muscles, and a couple extra pounds on our bodies,
- Sean & Jae
Prague was amazing! Beautiful city! We got in a fabulous final morning of extended sight seeing after having a couple days of much needed rest. It was a great couple hours. Lots of walking, lots of pictures taken and so many images soaked into my memory.
We arrived in Vienna safely on the 27th, another three night stay- just enough time to explore the city without getting too comfortable. We attempted to use the public transit to The Marriott Rennisance, but failed due to the fact that I had printed walking directions from the wrong train station! Silly me! One more taxi ride later we were 'home'.
Oh thank goodness for a bed with a pillowtop mattress and fluffy pillows! They even had an indoor pool and spa... Which we never saw, I didn't think we'd need swimsuits in Europe in December...
We settled in and set out for some dinner. Being a Sunday evening, not much was open- we ended up at an Italian resturant near our hotel. We ordered beer, wine (the color of my jacket, not the tablecloth), 2 garken salads (no, I didn't spell it wrong), and a pizza that we knew had cheese on it, but the rest of the contents were unknown. It ended up being a fabulous meal! The salad was actually just a huge plate of sliced cucumbers with a very watered down ranch on it- first time we had ranch in two weeks! I had never had corn on a pizza before, but along with meat, onions and garlic it was pretty darn good! Sometimes ordering the unknown can be a great experience, if not- I've got a stockpile of cliffbars in my backpack.
We woke up at a reasonable hour the next morning and headed into the town center. We probably walked 5 miles that day, at least. Wandering through the streets of downtown we found century old churches next to newer buildings selling high fashion clothing, and men acting like a Grecian statues next to starbucks.
Searching for a resturant in our budget, with food I would eat and in a non smoking environment took a short period of time. We finally walked into a foodcourt type of place, that was three stories under ground! It was simmilar to a souplantation, but classier. You paid after loading up your plate, but before eating. They had a huge salad bar, along with stations with everything from goulash to fillets of fish, ready to be fried to your liking. Different stations had different pricing, not knowing this, Sean loaded up his plate with a smorgashborg of food. The poor gal at the checkout just looked at him like, what the heck am I supposed to charge you for...? She eventually called over a manager. Awesome experience, and some greens were much needed after all the crap I've been eating lately!
We walked off lunch by meandering through the streets, without a map. We had no fear of getting lost, it's just nice to get off the beaten path a bit. Not be such an extreme tourist. I can't even name all the museums and cathedrals we saw. Our pictures will prove we saw too much to remember.
Needing a change of pace we did a bit of research and reserved train tickets for the next day to Semmering, Austria. The nearest ski resort to Vienna.
With an early morning we decided to stat close to the hotel for dinner, there was a bar across the street that caught our attention. Unfortunantly smoking inside is legal in most European countries. My right foot went in the door as the left took two steps back. It was like walking into a Vegas casino times ten due to the cramped space. ( I think I've forgotten to mention I lost my inhaler while throwing my tantrum in Prague...) Thankfully there was a pub on the next corner over, smoke free! We esch had a form of schnitzle accompanied by beer, of course, and called it a night. Awesome day.
We were on sensory overload, and I think stepping into one more ancient church would have done us in. Getting out of the city, and into the mountains was exactly what we needed. The train ride was only an hour and a half, which I slept through, and stopped at the base of the mountain. Following the local snowboarders, who looked like they belonged in California, onto a taxi bus that dropped us off half-way up the mountain, right at the base of the lifts, and in front of a rental shop!
I'm so spoiled! I've only been boarding six times, in six different mountains, in two states, two countries. And I own all my own equipment. Haha. Renting isn't the most pleasant experience, but it did the job.
The resport was small, with mostly man-made snow... Which equals ice, with equals a bruised tush and sore knees. But it was a blast! I am awful! I can baerly even force my body into the correct form. Sean is an awesome teacher though, so I'm picking the sport up slowly, but surely. I do enjoy it. There's just something about how the snow feels under your board as you glide over it. The fear of falling isn't a huge issue in powder considtions, you just get up and dust yourself off. It's exizilerating and freeing. Even if I do suck, I still have a blast.
Not sure when the train went back into the city, we left the mountain when we were both completly exausted (and my knees were compley bruised). Thankfully a train came in the right direction shortly after we arrived at the ghost-like train station. Unsure if it was what we needed, and with a conductor who spoke only German we took a chance. Anyways, a warm train was better than sitting in the cold! Changing trains once, we made it! Problem solved, easy as eating pie.
The concierge at the hotel was amazing! Very helpful and gave us great directions. With a strong reccomendation we headed out to a local micro-brewery. It could be compared to our Karl Strauss. Awesome beer, and Seans spare ribs where served with a heaping portion of potatos on a wooden plate! Fantastic! We started the meal with the most amusing salad, ever. It not only contained sourkraut and corn, but boiled potatos. Odd, but strangly very tasty. I had beer and cheese dunblings with a plate full of 'American dressing' the super watered down ranch again. Stepped out of my food bubble a little, but it was so good! We pretty much had to help carry each other out of the resturant- full of food, and beer.
Got to sleep in this morning which was glorious. Then enjoyed pizza served to us by an old Austrian man wearing leather pants. Totally normal Wednesday morning... At least I think it's Wednesday... That's when you know you're really on vacation!
With love, sore muscles, and a couple extra pounds on our bodies,
- Sean & Jae
Guilty as charged; American.
As I lay my head to sleep....
This is honestly the furthest away from home I have ever been. I currently staying at the Rennisance Marriott, Vienna, Austria.
As I watch the movie, 'The Village' on one of the only English speaking channels, I can't help but feel like I was held in a bubble simillar to Ivy's. I know my Christian faith, but accept no others as valid reasoning. My English language should be spoken throughout the globe, and my superiority should be recognized by all others. Wow. Such an American standardized way of thinking.
The subtitless are in a language that looks to be a form or Arabic, this in itself coupled with the recent attempted attack on my American soil gives me the feeling of the right to be an American and feel better than anyone who understands these foreign words. Just my birth in my home country gives me the right to speak my mind, be an independent female and do as I please, and to perdue a future as I see fit for myself. These so-called rights are coupled with such a jaded perspective on our surrounding world. A jaded perspective that so many of us 'Independent Spirits' see as a privlage to be born into, and not earned.
To say I'm a little bit jaded is an understatementd. My parents were by no means 'well off' while I was growing up, but I always had a full tummy, a roof over my head and clean clothes. I was raised with strong morals, deeply rooted in my mothers steadfast faith and my fathers strength. We were taught to give, and never judge. Enjoy life without going overboard. Explore our world using all senses, and never be scared to ask questions or turn the most simplistic outting or item into a learning experience.
I find it hard as a young adult, as I attempt to navigate my own path and define my personality as an individual to hold true to these believes that have been instilled deep within me. As I wander the dreary and dank streets of Prague, or Paris, I cannot help to feel that American superority that is so sterotypical of our peers. That because I speak English and come from a country that stands for democracy, I am better than those who walk and live these streets. The bums who sleep on the streets of San Diego are better than those kneeling in front of the national monuments near the great church of Notre Dame, or the Chatles bridge. What in the world is wrong with me?
Laying here, on the other side of the globe, for the first time in my existance is helping to pull me back to the ground. I'm travelling the world, a dream I've had since I was a little girl. I should not only be greatfull for the opportunity, but also be thankful for the many people who speak 'a little bit of English' rather than expecting them to be fluent. I can not be upset when there are no onion rings on the menu to satisfy my craving. These desires are minute when you compare them to the 'big picture'.
We come from a culture of want, need, and instant gratification. I've always prided myself on being able to know the difference between want and need... I feel that every day away from home and each step further outside my comfort zone that line gets fuzzier and less defined. I think this little adventure of ours is opening my eyes to more things than the amazing sights we've seen and experienced.
As in previous year, in a completly different time in my life I experienced the thrill and wonder of this brillant movie for the first time , never knowing what was really around the corner. I feel as if I'm experiencing the world, my world, for the first time. I may only be a legal citizen of America, yet I am a child of the globe. I have the right and privlage to explore each nook and cranny each city has to offer. This all thanks to that wonderful word we take so much for granted... FREEDOM.
This is not my country, or continent, it's time to set aside my American arrogance and be a true visitor of the awesome cultural experiences I have the honor of being a part of.
This is honestly the furthest away from home I have ever been. I currently staying at the Rennisance Marriott, Vienna, Austria.
As I watch the movie, 'The Village' on one of the only English speaking channels, I can't help but feel like I was held in a bubble simillar to Ivy's. I know my Christian faith, but accept no others as valid reasoning. My English language should be spoken throughout the globe, and my superiority should be recognized by all others. Wow. Such an American standardized way of thinking.
The subtitless are in a language that looks to be a form or Arabic, this in itself coupled with the recent attempted attack on my American soil gives me the feeling of the right to be an American and feel better than anyone who understands these foreign words. Just my birth in my home country gives me the right to speak my mind, be an independent female and do as I please, and to perdue a future as I see fit for myself. These so-called rights are coupled with such a jaded perspective on our surrounding world. A jaded perspective that so many of us 'Independent Spirits' see as a privlage to be born into, and not earned.
To say I'm a little bit jaded is an understatementd. My parents were by no means 'well off' while I was growing up, but I always had a full tummy, a roof over my head and clean clothes. I was raised with strong morals, deeply rooted in my mothers steadfast faith and my fathers strength. We were taught to give, and never judge. Enjoy life without going overboard. Explore our world using all senses, and never be scared to ask questions or turn the most simplistic outting or item into a learning experience.
I find it hard as a young adult, as I attempt to navigate my own path and define my personality as an individual to hold true to these believes that have been instilled deep within me. As I wander the dreary and dank streets of Prague, or Paris, I cannot help to feel that American superority that is so sterotypical of our peers. That because I speak English and come from a country that stands for democracy, I am better than those who walk and live these streets. The bums who sleep on the streets of San Diego are better than those kneeling in front of the national monuments near the great church of Notre Dame, or the Chatles bridge. What in the world is wrong with me?
Laying here, on the other side of the globe, for the first time in my existance is helping to pull me back to the ground. I'm travelling the world, a dream I've had since I was a little girl. I should not only be greatfull for the opportunity, but also be thankful for the many people who speak 'a little bit of English' rather than expecting them to be fluent. I can not be upset when there are no onion rings on the menu to satisfy my craving. These desires are minute when you compare them to the 'big picture'.
We come from a culture of want, need, and instant gratification. I've always prided myself on being able to know the difference between want and need... I feel that every day away from home and each step further outside my comfort zone that line gets fuzzier and less defined. I think this little adventure of ours is opening my eyes to more things than the amazing sights we've seen and experienced.
As in previous year, in a completly different time in my life I experienced the thrill and wonder of this brillant movie for the first time , never knowing what was really around the corner. I feel as if I'm experiencing the world, my world, for the first time. I may only be a legal citizen of America, yet I am a child of the globe. I have the right and privlage to explore each nook and cranny each city has to offer. This all thanks to that wonderful word we take so much for granted... FREEDOM.
This is not my country, or continent, it's time to set aside my American arrogance and be a true visitor of the awesome cultural experiences I have the honor of being a part of.
Vienna, or bust...
I'm spoiled.
I don't like laundry-mats.
I don't like 2nd class. At least not on the train!
Were currently en route to Vienna, Austria! Prague was amazing! I can say I'm completly satisfied with our visit to the 6th most visited city in the world!
Some highlights:
Got some much needed R&R.
We got completly ripped off by a taxi drive- very common in these parts.
Drank local beer and dined on their fine cuisine.
Explored the streets on foot, and mastered the underground metro system.
Experienced and explored the largest castle in the world.
Stayed in two seperate hotels.
Took a million pictures.
Shared Christmas eve with a lovely American couple, and some green fairies.
Almost got kicked out of a laundrymat.
Washed a pair of jeans and three scarves by hand.
Bought volcom jeans in a board shop where American rap was playing over the radio.
Walked over / an UNISCO World Heritage site (Charles Bridge).
It was a Christmas I'll never forget, that's for sure!
I don't like laundry-mats.
I don't like 2nd class. At least not on the train!
Were currently en route to Vienna, Austria! Prague was amazing! I can say I'm completly satisfied with our visit to the 6th most visited city in the world!
Some highlights:
Got some much needed R&R.
We got completly ripped off by a taxi drive- very common in these parts.
Drank local beer and dined on their fine cuisine.
Explored the streets on foot, and mastered the underground metro system.
Experienced and explored the largest castle in the world.
Stayed in two seperate hotels.
Took a million pictures.
Shared Christmas eve with a lovely American couple, and some green fairies.
Almost got kicked out of a laundrymat.
Washed a pair of jeans and three scarves by hand.
Bought volcom jeans in a board shop where American rap was playing over the radio.
Walked over / an UNISCO World Heritage site (Charles Bridge).
It was a Christmas I'll never forget, that's for sure!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Merry Christmas Eve / Day from Prague!
Merry Christmas eve! It's 5:30 our time so everyone is probably just getting up and starting their days. I won't lie- I'm so ok with not working today. I remember last year I almost had a meltdown!
Were safely in Prague, known for their beer and shady, overpriced taxi drivers. Having yet to experience the beer, we learned the hard way about the taxi fare. You live and you learn.
Our hotel last night was nice, and cheap. Breakfast was included in the rate, trying to make up for the splurge on transportation we ate till we couldn't take another bite. Just being economical!
After packing our bags up (which weve actually gotten really good at...) we headed out from Hotel Seven Days where we booked that day to find our next 'home'. It was actually only a few blocks away, an easy walk. Hotel Rafello is where we will rest our heads for the next three nights here in Prague. It's nice to know packing everything up again tomorrow isn't an issue.
Prague is full of one way streets, so taking a cab, or driving somewhere can take forever, but on foot were pretty close to all the main sights. We've been doing a lot of walking so far, which is great since running in cold weather isn't exactly my idea of a jolly good time.
With all the stress of traveling a day of rest was exactly what we needed. Napping is one of my not-so-secret pleasures so it was glorious to be able to indulge without worrying about a train to catch, or sights to see.
Finally hungry after our gigantic breakfast we made our way to the 'beer factory'. Sean read about it on google before we came- it's a bar where each table has it's own tap of draught beer. You pour your own beverages, and the meter on the spout keeps a running total of how much you've drank. Genius. Only downfall, it was more of a club, less resturant- only thing on the menu was the Christmas special, carp and fish soup... No thank you.
Still needing sustenance we moved on to a small resturant down the street. They had typical bar style tables- but must have had giants in mind when designing the height... I literally had to hop up to reach the seat. Quite comical.
To our complete delight the gal sitting at the next table over commented on how ridiculous the barstools were... In an American accent! She and her husband are traveling a similar journey to ours and had been in Prague a few nights already. We hit it off instantly! Great people from lousiamna, young and fun.
They had plans to meet in the main square with a couple from holland they had met the night before, we couldn't resist an invitation. The square was decked out to the nines in Christmas lights. An amazing tree stood in the center, outlined in the background by gothic stlye churches. Walt Disney himself couldn't have designed anything better.
Not ready to call it a night, our new friends decided to find a bar. We stumbled (literally) into one of the smokiest, hole in the wall places you could imagine. It was classic.
Two beers turned into twenty... Add a shot of abstnth, and you have one very drunk, very unreasonable Janiece. There's a reason why the stuff is illegal in the USA. It's all a bit comical after the fact... Apparently I threw a temper tantrum in the street... While it was raining... We got lost trying to make it back to the hotel and thought my passport had gone missing. Wow. Not exactly my most dignified moment... Bruised and missing some of my self respect the inevitable scar on my left palm from a deep gash only God knows how I acquired will remind me next time of the possible consequences of not knowing your limits.t
I thank God for my patient and understanding travel compainion. He is more of a Saint than he will admit. I love him dearly and feel very blessed to have him in my life.
Slept in and had a relaxing Christmas Day. Topped it off with a showing of Avatar (in English, Czech subtitles). And dinner on the walk home at McDonalds. Overall a very interesting Christmas. One for the books, to be sure.
So as our Christmas day is ending, you're all preparing for lunch / dinner.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
Were safely in Prague, known for their beer and shady, overpriced taxi drivers. Having yet to experience the beer, we learned the hard way about the taxi fare. You live and you learn.
Our hotel last night was nice, and cheap. Breakfast was included in the rate, trying to make up for the splurge on transportation we ate till we couldn't take another bite. Just being economical!
After packing our bags up (which weve actually gotten really good at...) we headed out from Hotel Seven Days where we booked that day to find our next 'home'. It was actually only a few blocks away, an easy walk. Hotel Rafello is where we will rest our heads for the next three nights here in Prague. It's nice to know packing everything up again tomorrow isn't an issue.
Prague is full of one way streets, so taking a cab, or driving somewhere can take forever, but on foot were pretty close to all the main sights. We've been doing a lot of walking so far, which is great since running in cold weather isn't exactly my idea of a jolly good time.
With all the stress of traveling a day of rest was exactly what we needed. Napping is one of my not-so-secret pleasures so it was glorious to be able to indulge without worrying about a train to catch, or sights to see.
Finally hungry after our gigantic breakfast we made our way to the 'beer factory'. Sean read about it on google before we came- it's a bar where each table has it's own tap of draught beer. You pour your own beverages, and the meter on the spout keeps a running total of how much you've drank. Genius. Only downfall, it was more of a club, less resturant- only thing on the menu was the Christmas special, carp and fish soup... No thank you.
Still needing sustenance we moved on to a small resturant down the street. They had typical bar style tables- but must have had giants in mind when designing the height... I literally had to hop up to reach the seat. Quite comical.
To our complete delight the gal sitting at the next table over commented on how ridiculous the barstools were... In an American accent! She and her husband are traveling a similar journey to ours and had been in Prague a few nights already. We hit it off instantly! Great people from lousiamna, young and fun.
They had plans to meet in the main square with a couple from holland they had met the night before, we couldn't resist an invitation. The square was decked out to the nines in Christmas lights. An amazing tree stood in the center, outlined in the background by gothic stlye churches. Walt Disney himself couldn't have designed anything better.
Not ready to call it a night, our new friends decided to find a bar. We stumbled (literally) into one of the smokiest, hole in the wall places you could imagine. It was classic.
Two beers turned into twenty... Add a shot of abstnth, and you have one very drunk, very unreasonable Janiece. There's a reason why the stuff is illegal in the USA. It's all a bit comical after the fact... Apparently I threw a temper tantrum in the street... While it was raining... We got lost trying to make it back to the hotel and thought my passport had gone missing. Wow. Not exactly my most dignified moment... Bruised and missing some of my self respect the inevitable scar on my left palm from a deep gash only God knows how I acquired will remind me next time of the possible consequences of not knowing your limits.t
I thank God for my patient and understanding travel compainion. He is more of a Saint than he will admit. I love him dearly and feel very blessed to have him in my life.
Slept in and had a relaxing Christmas Day. Topped it off with a showing of Avatar (in English, Czech subtitles). And dinner on the walk home at McDonalds. Overall a very interesting Christmas. One for the books, to be sure.
So as our Christmas day is ending, you're all preparing for lunch / dinner.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
Merry Christmas Eve / Day from Prague!
Merry Christmas eve! It's 5:30 our time so everyone is probably just getting up and starting their days. I won't lie- I'm so ok with not working today. I remember last year I almost had a meltdown!
Were safely in Prague, known for their beer and shady, overpriced taxi drivers. Having yet to experience the beer, we learned the hard way about the taxi fare. You live and you learn.
Our hotel last night was nice, and cheap. Breakfast was included in the rate, trying to make up for the splurge on transportation we ate till we couldn't take another bite. Just being economical!
After packing our bags up (which weve actually gotten really good at...) we headed out from Hotel Seven Days where we booked that day to find our next 'home'. It was actually only a few blocks away, an easy walk. Hotel Rafello is where we will rest our heads for the next three nights here in Prague. It's nice to know packing everything up again tomorrow isn't an issue.
Prague is full of one way streets, so taking a cab, or driving somewhere can take forever, but on foot were pretty close to all the main sights. We've been doing a lot of walking so far, which is great since running in cold weather isn't exactly my idea of a jolly good time.
With all the stress of traveling a day of rest was exactly what we needed. Napping is one of my not-so-secret pleasures so it was glorious to be able to indulge without worrying about a train to catch, or sights to see.
Finally hungry after our gigantic breakfast we made our way to the 'beer factory'. Sean read about it on google before we came- it's a bar where each table has it's own tap of draught beer. You pour your own beverages, and the meter on the spout keeps a running total of how much you've drank. Genius. Only downfall, it was more of a club, less resturant- only thing on the menu was the Christmas special, carp and fish soup... No thank you.
Still needing sustenance we moved on to a small resturant down the street. They had typical bar style tables- but must have had giants in mind when designing the height... I literally had to hop up to reach the seat. Quite comical.
To our complete delight the gal sitting at the next table over commented on how ridiculous the barstools were... In an American accent! She and her husband are traveling a similar journey to ours and had been in Prague a few nights already. We hit it off instantly! Great people from lousiamna, young and fun.
They had plans to meet in the main square with a couple from holland they had met the night before, we couldn't resist an invitation. The square was decked out to the nines in Christmas lights. An amazing tree stood in the center, outlined in the background by gothic stlye churches. Walt Disney himself couldn't have designed anything better.
Not ready to call it a night, our new friends decided to find a bar. We stumbled (literally) into one of the smokiest, hole in the wall places you could imagine. It was classic.
Two beers turned into twenty... Add a shot of abstnth, and you have one very drunk, very unreasonable Janiece. There's a reason why the stuff is illegal in the USA. It's all a bit comical after the fact... Apparently I threw a temper tantrum in the street... While it was raining... We got lost trying to make it back to the hotel and thought my passport had gone missing. Wow. Not exactly my most dignified moment... Bruised and missing some of my self respect the inevitable scar on my left palm from a deep gash only God knows how I acquired will remind me next time of the possible consequences of not knowing your limits.t
I thank God for my patient and understanding travel compainion. He is more of a Saint than he will admit. I love him dearly and feel very blessed to have him in my life.
Slept in and had a relaxing Christmas Day. Topped it off with a showing of Avatar (in English, Czech subtitles). And dinner on the walk home at McDonalds. Overall a very interesting Christmas. One for the books, to be sure.
So as our Christmas day is ending, you're all preparing for lunch / dinner.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
Were safely in Prague, known for their beer and shady, overpriced taxi drivers. Having yet to experience the beer, we learned the hard way about the taxi fare. You live and you learn.
Our hotel last night was nice, and cheap. Breakfast was included in the rate, trying to make up for the splurge on transportation we ate till we couldn't take another bite. Just being economical!
After packing our bags up (which weve actually gotten really good at...) we headed out from Hotel Seven Days where we booked that day to find our next 'home'. It was actually only a few blocks away, an easy walk. Hotel Rafello is where we will rest our heads for the next three nights here in Prague. It's nice to know packing everything up again tomorrow isn't an issue.
Prague is full of one way streets, so taking a cab, or driving somewhere can take forever, but on foot were pretty close to all the main sights. We've been doing a lot of walking so far, which is great since running in cold weather isn't exactly my idea of a jolly good time.
With all the stress of traveling a day of rest was exactly what we needed. Napping is one of my not-so-secret pleasures so it was glorious to be able to indulge without worrying about a train to catch, or sights to see.
Finally hungry after our gigantic breakfast we made our way to the 'beer factory'. Sean read about it on google before we came- it's a bar where each table has it's own tap of draught beer. You pour your own beverages, and the meter on the spout keeps a running total of how much you've drank. Genius. Only downfall, it was more of a club, less resturant- only thing on the menu was the Christmas special, carp and fish soup... No thank you.
Still needing sustenance we moved on to a small resturant down the street. They had typical bar style tables- but must have had giants in mind when designing the height... I literally had to hop up to reach the seat. Quite comical.
To our complete delight the gal sitting at the next table over commented on how ridiculous the barstools were... In an American accent! She and her husband are traveling a similar journey to ours and had been in Prague a few nights already. We hit it off instantly! Great people from lousiamna, young and fun.
They had plans to meet in the main square with a couple from holland they had met the night before, we couldn't resist an invitation. The square was decked out to the nines in Christmas lights. An amazing tree stood in the center, outlined in the background by gothic stlye churches. Walt Disney himself couldn't have designed anything better.
Not ready to call it a night, our new friends decided to find a bar. We stumbled (literally) into one of the smokiest, hole in the wall places you could imagine. It was classic.
Two beers turned into twenty... Add a shot of abstnth, and you have one very drunk, very unreasonable Janiece. There's a reason why the stuff is illegal in the USA. It's all a bit comical after the fact... Apparently I threw a temper tantrum in the street... While it was raining... We got lost trying to make it back to the hotel and thought my passport had gone missing. Wow. Not exactly my most dignified moment... Bruised and missing some of my self respect the inevitable scar on my left palm from a deep gash only God knows how I acquired will remind me next time of the possible consequences of not knowing your limits.t
I thank God for my patient and understanding travel compainion. He is more of a Saint than he will admit. I love him dearly and feel very blessed to have him in my life.
Slept in and had a relaxing Christmas Day. Topped it off with a showing of Avatar (in English, Czech subtitles). And dinner on the walk home at McDonalds. Overall a very interesting Christmas. One for the books, to be sure.
So as our Christmas day is ending, you're all preparing for lunch / dinner.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Greetings from Dresden, Germany
Greetings from Dresden, Germany!
While waiting for our flight out of LAX last week Sean and I jokingly wondered when the first 'melt down' would be. I held my cool through a couple tough situations- until last night. A girls allowed to cry a little when her luggage gets stolen off a train. Especially if that bag contained her favorite jeans and all of our warm first layers. Thankfully it was all our dirty clothes, and nothing too important. Still. I'm standing on a train platform, can't understand anyone around me and don't know where were sleeping tonight... I just couldn't hold it together. Admitting defeat, we gave up our search to find the missing bag of smelly clothes (that's what you get, bag thief!). Switching out tickets again we decided to enjoy an evening and morning in Dresden.
InterCity Hotel is a chain here in Europe similar to a Marriott, along with Ibis, they are everywhere! While waiting for our dinner we made calls home, what can I say... We love our mammas!
I ended up eating cold fish with potato's and apples... With pickles? I love trying new foods! Especially if seans dish is better, than we get to share! He enjoyed my dish a little more than I did so I ended up eating most of his spicy noodles with pork.
We already like Germany better than France. The people are nicer, signs are in German and usually English as well! It's just an overall better vibe!
While waiting for our flight out of LAX last week Sean and I jokingly wondered when the first 'melt down' would be. I held my cool through a couple tough situations- until last night. A girls allowed to cry a little when her luggage gets stolen off a train. Especially if that bag contained her favorite jeans and all of our warm first layers. Thankfully it was all our dirty clothes, and nothing too important. Still. I'm standing on a train platform, can't understand anyone around me and don't know where were sleeping tonight... I just couldn't hold it together. Admitting defeat, we gave up our search to find the missing bag of smelly clothes (that's what you get, bag thief!). Switching out tickets again we decided to enjoy an evening and morning in Dresden.
InterCity Hotel is a chain here in Europe similar to a Marriott, along with Ibis, they are everywhere! While waiting for our dinner we made calls home, what can I say... We love our mammas!
I ended up eating cold fish with potato's and apples... With pickles? I love trying new foods! Especially if seans dish is better, than we get to share! He enjoyed my dish a little more than I did so I ended up eating most of his spicy noodles with pork.
We already like Germany better than France. The people are nicer, signs are in German and usually English as well! It's just an overall better vibe!
Au Revoir
Au revoir
Goodbye Paris, and good riddance.
Just kidding. It was an unbelievable experience but I am glad to be moving on.
We are not scheduled to arrive in Prague until the 24th, with the crazy train scheduling we decided to take what we could get. We were scheduled for two trains and a bus ride to get there. All in 2nd class and with a large reservation fee. All of this in top of the pretty penny we paid for 'easy and unlimited' travel that came with our Eurorail passes.
Arriving at the train station 20 minutes prior to our departure we found our train on the board with a foreign word next to it... Much to our dismay that word = cancled in French. Wanting to throw myself on the ground and throw a massive temper tantrum, I looked to my left to see Sean with a smirk on his face. This reminded me that I'm in good hands, and I'm a big girl- were only allowed to throw tantrums on our birthdays or during labor.
Fuled by an over priced cafe & crema we promptly found the ticket office. A very nice young gentleman helped us find a route to Prague today. On only three trains, all first class and with an hour layover in Dresden. Were going to see if it's possible to catch a train from Dresden to Prague tomorrow afternoon and find a hostel this evening. Another city to explore and discover.
As I type this I'm sitting on a TGV high speed train in a very comfortable chair, sipping on complimentary coffee. The steward just cleared our complimentary breakfast. Were evrn in seats facing each other- so we both have window seats. So far all our travel mishaps have actually turned around in our favor.
As my realistic partner reminded me, were not even a week in... We still have two weeks left! Always the optimist, I think well be fine.
We just crossed into Germany. The country side is glittering with snow. Definantly postcard- worthy. Small towns are sporaticly placed- most of the buildings look fairly new, yet built around an ancient church. Most steeples covered in snow. We just might have a white Christmas afterall!
Here's to hoping for a hostel avaliable tonight, a train tomorrow and booking an extra night at hotel Rafello.
With Love,
Stoax & Jae-Babe
Goodbye Paris, and good riddance.
Just kidding. It was an unbelievable experience but I am glad to be moving on.
We are not scheduled to arrive in Prague until the 24th, with the crazy train scheduling we decided to take what we could get. We were scheduled for two trains and a bus ride to get there. All in 2nd class and with a large reservation fee. All of this in top of the pretty penny we paid for 'easy and unlimited' travel that came with our Eurorail passes.
Arriving at the train station 20 minutes prior to our departure we found our train on the board with a foreign word next to it... Much to our dismay that word = cancled in French. Wanting to throw myself on the ground and throw a massive temper tantrum, I looked to my left to see Sean with a smirk on his face. This reminded me that I'm in good hands, and I'm a big girl- were only allowed to throw tantrums on our birthdays or during labor.
Fuled by an over priced cafe & crema we promptly found the ticket office. A very nice young gentleman helped us find a route to Prague today. On only three trains, all first class and with an hour layover in Dresden. Were going to see if it's possible to catch a train from Dresden to Prague tomorrow afternoon and find a hostel this evening. Another city to explore and discover.
As I type this I'm sitting on a TGV high speed train in a very comfortable chair, sipping on complimentary coffee. The steward just cleared our complimentary breakfast. Were evrn in seats facing each other- so we both have window seats. So far all our travel mishaps have actually turned around in our favor.
As my realistic partner reminded me, were not even a week in... We still have two weeks left! Always the optimist, I think well be fine.
We just crossed into Germany. The country side is glittering with snow. Definantly postcard- worthy. Small towns are sporaticly placed- most of the buildings look fairly new, yet built around an ancient church. Most steeples covered in snow. We just might have a white Christmas afterall!
Here's to hoping for a hostel avaliable tonight, a train tomorrow and booking an extra night at hotel Rafello.
With Love,
Stoax & Jae-Babe
Paris Day 2
Starting our day at the same cafe we enjoyed cafe & crema once again, this time paired with omlets and croissants.
I'll spare the details of trying to get a train route to Prague. To sum it up:
-We'll just say there was an hour wait in line.
-While waiting for someone who spoke English we were accused of cutting in line.
-It took 20 minutes to find a journey that didn't cost 300 euros.
-And a very 'french' lady helping us,
(French= polite while being rude) was actually no help at all.
On to the sight seeing again!
What is there to even say about the lourve? It's phenominal. Larger than all of Balboa Park put together- by far!
Choosing to be total tourists we got the interactive tour and meandered through the scluptures and Italian art. Before I even knew it I was staring straight at the most famous piece of art in the history of the world.
I'd love to say it captured my full and complete attention, and made my heart flutter... But it didn't. Don't get me wrong, there's another check off the bucket list... It is beautiful, she is beautiful. I think the hype just killed it. There are so many prints that the real thing has lost some of it's glory. Still overall an amazing experience.
We came, we saw, we conquered. Cutting our visit a bit short, to avoid overload- we got back on the metro. We must have gone through at least twenty of those darn tickets!
Deciding to have our first 'real' dinner in Paris we stopped at a resturant near our hotel. Who goes to a steak place in France...? We do! Sean had duck which was supurb (I've been instructed to learn how to make it once we get home) and I had a 'medium' steak- it looked practically rare... Just another small difference in cultures and cuisine. Both meals were served with fried potato discs. Interesting. All served to us by our French waiter of Asian descent. Nice meal- were spoiled with steak in America though.
Whoever says the best gelatto is in Italy has obviously not tasted the gelatto of the Gods we experienced at a local chocolate shop. Pure, unadulterated indulgence.
With a 7am train we called it an early night... I think we were actually asleep by 8pm. Goodnight!
I'll spare the details of trying to get a train route to Prague. To sum it up:
-We'll just say there was an hour wait in line.
-While waiting for someone who spoke English we were accused of cutting in line.
-It took 20 minutes to find a journey that didn't cost 300 euros.
-And a very 'french' lady helping us,
(French= polite while being rude) was actually no help at all.
On to the sight seeing again!
What is there to even say about the lourve? It's phenominal. Larger than all of Balboa Park put together- by far!
Choosing to be total tourists we got the interactive tour and meandered through the scluptures and Italian art. Before I even knew it I was staring straight at the most famous piece of art in the history of the world.
I'd love to say it captured my full and complete attention, and made my heart flutter... But it didn't. Don't get me wrong, there's another check off the bucket list... It is beautiful, she is beautiful. I think the hype just killed it. There are so many prints that the real thing has lost some of it's glory. Still overall an amazing experience.
We came, we saw, we conquered. Cutting our visit a bit short, to avoid overload- we got back on the metro. We must have gone through at least twenty of those darn tickets!
Deciding to have our first 'real' dinner in Paris we stopped at a resturant near our hotel. Who goes to a steak place in France...? We do! Sean had duck which was supurb (I've been instructed to learn how to make it once we get home) and I had a 'medium' steak- it looked practically rare... Just another small difference in cultures and cuisine. Both meals were served with fried potato discs. Interesting. All served to us by our French waiter of Asian descent. Nice meal- were spoiled with steak in America though.
Whoever says the best gelatto is in Italy has obviously not tasted the gelatto of the Gods we experienced at a local chocolate shop. Pure, unadulterated indulgence.
With a 7am train we called it an early night... I think we were actually asleep by 8pm. Goodnight!
Paris Day 1
We most definintly have an angel watching over us. The entire ferry debacle was a blessing in disguise. We took the Chunnel into Brussles around 4pm. Apparently later that evening the 'accident' within the tunnle took place. There were three trains stuck under the English channel for up to 15 hours. Wow- we lucked out! Now getting back to London is next to impossible. Thankfully were not scheduled to arrive back til Jan 4th.
Yesterday was another magical day. We slept in after getting our first night of 'normal' sleep. Experiencing a coffee and croissnt in Paris is a must. We did this in a quaint little cafe down the street from our hotel. Where they had free wifi- even better!
Europe's public transportation is amazing! With our map in hand and destinations in mind what could go wrong? With our travel luck... Everything. Suprizingly we made it with only one accidantal train ride in the wrong direction. Thankfully we realized this within one minute- that train in particular smelled like a male kitten had marked his territory ten times a day, every day for the past ten years. Add a roaming male handing out brochures (for what, I have no idea due to the language barrier) who smelled like he belonged on skid row and you have two very nauseous travelers. Not a pleasant aroma at all.
Pictures can not describe the amazement you feel deep within your belly as you approach the Eiffel Tower. Built for one world fair, it's really just a waste of metal- but I have to say I'm glad they weren't so eco-friendly back in the day. Being adventitious, and with a marathon (or half in my case) under our belts, we opted to climb the staris. I haven't seen one gym since being here- now I know why. Climb to the second landing and you've burned enough calories to count for an entire cheesecake at the cheesecake factory.
The view was breathtaking, to say the least. Very surreal. It was a cloudy day, with a slight drizzle- but the major sights were still quite visible.
We had a light lunch accompanied by drinks in the resturant. Seated right by the window I must admit it might have been the most majestic lunch I have ever experienced.
Christmas markets are big in Europe. Wooden booths line the streets/ sidewalks. Vendors selling everything from hot wine (very tasty) to the stackable Russian dolls. Almost like a street fair- but better.
Sean has turned into a shutter-bug, so our trip is very well documented. Thanks to Annettes advice, he's trying not to 'hide behind the camera too much'.
Rather than catch the subway to Notre Dame we chose to walk- didn't seem like too far... The exercise was great, and the sights even better. All structures in Paris are very ornate, buildings and churches, even bridges are decorated with figures- some even plated in gold. About two miles in we decided to be French for the moment and surrender- our feet were tired! It ended up being much closer than we had thought... Coulda made it walking, but who can resist the ambiance of the subway? Really.
Notre Dame is truely larger than life. Looking at it from afar it seems like just another church. Yet as you approach, it's towers loom over you, as if threatening you to convert, or parish. Inside is a sight to behold. The fading sunglight streamed in through stained glass windows, shining on stone pillars and statues of unknown saints.
As we were on our way out a mass was just starting. The organ started to play, my feet planted to the floor and I literally couldn't move. Every fiber in my being vibrated with the chords. What an experience. The priest then came out and started preaching in French. We promptly left as to not disrespect the church.
Tuckered out and not feeling so well Sean plopped down on the bed for a nap as soon as we got 'home'. Our bodies are so confused, finally on a decent sleep schedule, but have lost the majority of our appetites. Knowing I'd eventually be hungry, I took a jaunt to the local market for a few staples. Armed with my passport/ debit card safely hidden, my gaurd up and 'butterfly sting' self defense knowledge, I set out. The nice gal at the pharmacy helped me find the right cough suryp right before they closed. Some strange stuff that really didn't help my congestion, but sure kicked my butt!
Being 8pm on a Sunday most of the stores were closed already. Finding an open market, I went in to find the smallest store, ever. There was one isle, going in, around the center display and out on the opposite side. I grabbed a few essentials (including champagne, of course) and attempted to pay with my debit. The shop keeper spoke no English! It was an interesting transaction, to say the least.
I actually enjoy being in a foreign place, on my own (only for a short amount of time). It's a refreshing sense of independence.
(side note) I know mom & nick are freaking out right about now... You have nothing to worry about, promise. My gaurdian angel enjoys globe trotting!
Yesterday was another magical day. We slept in after getting our first night of 'normal' sleep. Experiencing a coffee and croissnt in Paris is a must. We did this in a quaint little cafe down the street from our hotel. Where they had free wifi- even better!
Europe's public transportation is amazing! With our map in hand and destinations in mind what could go wrong? With our travel luck... Everything. Suprizingly we made it with only one accidantal train ride in the wrong direction. Thankfully we realized this within one minute- that train in particular smelled like a male kitten had marked his territory ten times a day, every day for the past ten years. Add a roaming male handing out brochures (for what, I have no idea due to the language barrier) who smelled like he belonged on skid row and you have two very nauseous travelers. Not a pleasant aroma at all.
Pictures can not describe the amazement you feel deep within your belly as you approach the Eiffel Tower. Built for one world fair, it's really just a waste of metal- but I have to say I'm glad they weren't so eco-friendly back in the day. Being adventitious, and with a marathon (or half in my case) under our belts, we opted to climb the staris. I haven't seen one gym since being here- now I know why. Climb to the second landing and you've burned enough calories to count for an entire cheesecake at the cheesecake factory.
The view was breathtaking, to say the least. Very surreal. It was a cloudy day, with a slight drizzle- but the major sights were still quite visible.
We had a light lunch accompanied by drinks in the resturant. Seated right by the window I must admit it might have been the most majestic lunch I have ever experienced.
Christmas markets are big in Europe. Wooden booths line the streets/ sidewalks. Vendors selling everything from hot wine (very tasty) to the stackable Russian dolls. Almost like a street fair- but better.
Sean has turned into a shutter-bug, so our trip is very well documented. Thanks to Annettes advice, he's trying not to 'hide behind the camera too much'.
Rather than catch the subway to Notre Dame we chose to walk- didn't seem like too far... The exercise was great, and the sights even better. All structures in Paris are very ornate, buildings and churches, even bridges are decorated with figures- some even plated in gold. About two miles in we decided to be French for the moment and surrender- our feet were tired! It ended up being much closer than we had thought... Coulda made it walking, but who can resist the ambiance of the subway? Really.
Notre Dame is truely larger than life. Looking at it from afar it seems like just another church. Yet as you approach, it's towers loom over you, as if threatening you to convert, or parish. Inside is a sight to behold. The fading sunglight streamed in through stained glass windows, shining on stone pillars and statues of unknown saints.
As we were on our way out a mass was just starting. The organ started to play, my feet planted to the floor and I literally couldn't move. Every fiber in my being vibrated with the chords. What an experience. The priest then came out and started preaching in French. We promptly left as to not disrespect the church.
Tuckered out and not feeling so well Sean plopped down on the bed for a nap as soon as we got 'home'. Our bodies are so confused, finally on a decent sleep schedule, but have lost the majority of our appetites. Knowing I'd eventually be hungry, I took a jaunt to the local market for a few staples. Armed with my passport/ debit card safely hidden, my gaurd up and 'butterfly sting' self defense knowledge, I set out. The nice gal at the pharmacy helped me find the right cough suryp right before they closed. Some strange stuff that really didn't help my congestion, but sure kicked my butt!
Being 8pm on a Sunday most of the stores were closed already. Finding an open market, I went in to find the smallest store, ever. There was one isle, going in, around the center display and out on the opposite side. I grabbed a few essentials (including champagne, of course) and attempted to pay with my debit. The shop keeper spoke no English! It was an interesting transaction, to say the least.
I actually enjoy being in a foreign place, on my own (only for a short amount of time). It's a refreshing sense of independence.
(side note) I know mom & nick are freaking out right about now... You have nothing to worry about, promise. My gaurdian angel enjoys globe trotting!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Ah Pariě
Ah Parie!
We're here! Our journey here was quite the adventure! But, with all that behind us- we are in the city known for high fashion, over priced coffee, amazing wine and rude citizens.
'If at first you don't succede, try, try again'. We ended up missing our third train from Lile to Wherever out-of-the-way connection it was headed to, which actually was a blessing. A 'high speed' train was leaving in a little over sn hour heading straight into our 'home city' for the next three nights.
The little differences in culture are the things that really catch our attention. For example, Europeans have no 'bubble', or concept of personal space. People will bump into you while standing in line and not even notice. I've been known to give a death glare over this back home. Here, it's not even an issue. The bubble doesn't apply to vehicles either.
The three taxi rides we've taken have been adventures in themselves. Last night our driver, who spoke no English thankfully had a GPS to navigate, and an iPhone (which he was using to play Michael Jackson- I guess the world is still in mourning, Janet would be so proud). I thought cab drivers in San Francisco were bad... I was mistaken. If horiffic taxi driving were an olypic sport, this guy would have taken a gold medal. Especially if almost hitting ladies on bicycles counted for extra points.
Our hotel ( Villa Montparssene?) is quite Parisean. I'm not even sure how to pronounce the name, typical American! When the concierge handed us the key Sean and I looked at each other to verify we were both seeing the same thing. Ladies and gentlemen, we've stepped into a time warp- we holding in our hands an actual key. Made of metal. With a lovely tassle attached. Our room is small, very normal in these parts of the world. But it's clean and in a safe neighorborhood. And withing walking distance from most sights. Beds are hard, but soft and supple pillows accompanied by Valium make it all good.
I think were finally adjusting to the local time zone. After three days of intense travel falling asleep last was easy. Out by midnight, awake at 8am. Love it. Let's hope it lasts.
On the agenda today: walking to the Eiffel Tower, possibly visiting Notre Dame. Finding a drug store, or pharmacy and making the rest of our train reservations.
I'm thanking mom for convincing me that buying ear plugs were a good idea. We didn't need them on the plane, but Sean has used them each night to drownd out the sound of my incessent and unrelenting cough. I cought a cold a month or two ago- and got almost all the way better. So I got all my vaccinations including the seasonal and H1N1 flu shots. I even started taking vitiman-c more than normal. My body didn't appreciate the stress that goes along with prepping for a three week adventure so it boycotted me. Either I'm still sick, or sick again. Just a cough and runny nose- ewwwwww. Could be worse, but really- being sick on vacation isn't exactly ideal. Oh well, it is what it is.
Free wi-fi has been pretty much non-existent so far. I'm writing as we go, and will post as soon as possible. Please pray for the gift of language that we'll miracusiously speak Frence- "se vu play English" and "bonjour" can only get us so far! =) We love, and miss you all!
-Jae & Sean
We're here! Our journey here was quite the adventure! But, with all that behind us- we are in the city known for high fashion, over priced coffee, amazing wine and rude citizens.
'If at first you don't succede, try, try again'. We ended up missing our third train from Lile to Wherever out-of-the-way connection it was headed to, which actually was a blessing. A 'high speed' train was leaving in a little over sn hour heading straight into our 'home city' for the next three nights.
The little differences in culture are the things that really catch our attention. For example, Europeans have no 'bubble', or concept of personal space. People will bump into you while standing in line and not even notice. I've been known to give a death glare over this back home. Here, it's not even an issue. The bubble doesn't apply to vehicles either.
The three taxi rides we've taken have been adventures in themselves. Last night our driver, who spoke no English thankfully had a GPS to navigate, and an iPhone (which he was using to play Michael Jackson- I guess the world is still in mourning, Janet would be so proud). I thought cab drivers in San Francisco were bad... I was mistaken. If horiffic taxi driving were an olypic sport, this guy would have taken a gold medal. Especially if almost hitting ladies on bicycles counted for extra points.
Our hotel ( Villa Montparssene?) is quite Parisean. I'm not even sure how to pronounce the name, typical American! When the concierge handed us the key Sean and I looked at each other to verify we were both seeing the same thing. Ladies and gentlemen, we've stepped into a time warp- we holding in our hands an actual key. Made of metal. With a lovely tassle attached. Our room is small, very normal in these parts of the world. But it's clean and in a safe neighorborhood. And withing walking distance from most sights. Beds are hard, but soft and supple pillows accompanied by Valium make it all good.
I think were finally adjusting to the local time zone. After three days of intense travel falling asleep last was easy. Out by midnight, awake at 8am. Love it. Let's hope it lasts.
On the agenda today: walking to the Eiffel Tower, possibly visiting Notre Dame. Finding a drug store, or pharmacy and making the rest of our train reservations.
I'm thanking mom for convincing me that buying ear plugs were a good idea. We didn't need them on the plane, but Sean has used them each night to drownd out the sound of my incessent and unrelenting cough. I cought a cold a month or two ago- and got almost all the way better. So I got all my vaccinations including the seasonal and H1N1 flu shots. I even started taking vitiman-c more than normal. My body didn't appreciate the stress that goes along with prepping for a three week adventure so it boycotted me. Either I'm still sick, or sick again. Just a cough and runny nose- ewwwwww. Could be worse, but really- being sick on vacation isn't exactly ideal. Oh well, it is what it is.
Free wi-fi has been pretty much non-existent so far. I'm writing as we go, and will post as soon as possible. Please pray for the gift of language that we'll miracusiously speak Frence- "se vu play English" and "bonjour" can only get us so far! =) We love, and miss you all!
-Jae & Sean
Finally, WiFi!!!
After a smooth flight, an almost landing and the actual very bumpy landing, followed by a 'slight delay' (an hour waiting on the Tarmac) we made it to London, Heathrow without being too tramatized.
An 'almost landing' is when your piliot descends the plane almost to the runway, so you get excited to finally arrive at your destination. This, however is false hope. At the last possible safe moment (about twenty feet from the ground) the piliot pulls back into a rapid climb. After circling for a few (twenty-ish) minutes the steward came over the intercom and informed us that 'there was already a plane where we scheduled to land'. This message was delivered with the typical British manner, quite polite and calm.
UK customs was relativly easy to clear, Sean almost got arrested for taking a photo though- the security gaurd actually made him delete it while he watched. Apparently it's a criminal offence.
London has an amazing metro system. Thanks to seans research we were able to navigate our way to the hotel via three different trains no problem, even with three pieces of luggage. It was neat seeing the everyday life of the other passengers. A mother and her two children boarded, and were the only ones chatting, the British seem to be very quiet- unless watching a soccer match.
Londons 'largest hotel', the Hilton Metropole was a nice place to spend our first night abroad. After dropping off our luggage and bundling up we set out to find a true English pub. Unaware of the large Middle-eastern population we were dissapointed to find only hooks bars, chineese medicine shops and Persian resturants in one directions. Deciding not to settle we set off in another direction only to find the first pub we found was packed, on a Thursday night! Eventually we found a place that looked promising- lots of locals inside, only the bartenders didn't speak much English... Or our accents were to thick? So we had a few beers and a chicken pot pie with mashed potatos that looked like it should have come from a 5-star resturant, and left to continue our search for that true ambiance we felt we needed to validate our arrival.
Walking a few more blocks in another direction we stumbled on just what we were looking for 'Sir Arthur Flemmings'. The beer was warm, accents were thick, service to be found only at the bar, and no such thing as 'leaving the tab open'. After milling around in mostly a stand up only environment we found an open table right by the window. Shortly after sitting it began to snow. I'm not going to lie, watching snow fall still mezormizes me. I was fixated like an infant watching 'Baby Einstein' for the first time.
Our walk back to the hotel was quite 'brisk' due to the falling snow and a California girls idea of freezing weather. After a night-cap at the bar we tucked in for a good nights sleep... Which didn't happen. Adjusting to the time difference is much harder than I had expected. Nothing starbucks in the morning couldn't fix. I can now say, I've had starbucks in three countries and on two continents.
Due to a 'planning overload' I put off/ forgot to book our overnight ferry from London to Amsterdam. After calling the not-so-nice gal at StenaLine I was informed that they were sold out for the evening crossing, but may have some tickets at the Liverpool train Station. We took a jolly taxi ride to the train St only to find they were all booked up and the Eurostar, chunnel train leaves from Kings Cross train station. Taking the chunnle to either Paris or brussles was our only other avaliable option to get to the 'mainland'. What a nightmare! Whilst trying to avoid an argument between the two of us we made the trek, bags in tow and chopped off an arm and a leg (Seans left arm, my right leg) to pay for the tickets.
Thus, we are currently in Brussles. Where the bathrooms are unisex- kind of, and you have to pay .50 euro to use them, this was discovered in the midst of attempting to find a WC in a foreign terminal with a full bladder. With no Euros on me. Commence breakdown #1.
My knight in a Burton AK jacket saved the day and got change from buying a diet coke. Oh yeah, they didn't accept euro bills- only change. Complete breakdown averted. Only a 1 on the ricter scale of emotional crisis'.
The chunnel was actually a bit anti- clamitic. We were seated facing north-so on this journey we were truely moving backwards. With the weather conditions in turmoil our train was delayed a bit- still only minor grumbles from the British citizens. Maybe they all secretly do yoga everyday to maintain the overall calm disposition.
We arrived in Brussles, Belgium safe and sound. All limbs intact, and luggage accounted for. Not planning this stop on our itenerary we weren't even sure what the local language is. Apparently most people speak French, thankfully with a little English thrown in the mix.
Hotel Ibis was a light in the dark, dark world- it's lights shining brilliantly bright blue lit up the building right across the street from the hellish train station known as Medi. We thanked our lucky stars they had a room avaliable for a fairly reasonable price.
After a meal of meatballs with tomato sauce and French fries for myself and something indescribable containing cheese and ham for Sean., we got in a solid five hours of sleep. Even with a bed that could have been carved from a boulder.
Feeling not so refreshed but anxious to explore we stashed our luggage in a locker at the station and hailed a taxi- which was an Audi, i'm just saying...
Belgium residents like to close shop early, and sleep in contrary to the 'early to bed, early to rise' theory. Everyone we encountered seemed healthy and to say the city is wealthy would be an understatement. I think I could fit in very nicely in their culture, lots of sleep and the best chocolate in the world... doesn't sound too bad to me, throw in an amazing heritage and you've got yourself a deal.
The only word that comes to mind when trying to explain how I felt when we walked into the serene city center is "annamored". It was like eating ice cream for the first time ever. Breathtakingly beautiful. Majestic facades, ornimantal stone figures on the buildings and statues covered in gold are a few distinct visuals that stand out in my memory. We spent the better part of the day meandering through an enchanted winter wonderland of cobblestone streets and old world culture.
The shops didn't open til 10am which is when people started venturing out. It was surreal being do isolated and alone in the 'great square'. I guess being up early really does have it's benefits, even on 'vacation'. By the time we were done with our traditional Belgium waffles for breakfast the streets were bustleing with activity and Christmas market stalls galore.
Sean and I both agree that Brussles is by far the most amazing place we've experienced... So far.
Returning to the train station around 2pm, or 14:00 dissapointment and panic started to settle in when the gentleman working in the travel center told us that 'getting to Paris today is impossible'. Like my momma always said, where there's a will, there's a way. Therefore, we are currently traveling west to Tournai where we will make a mad dash to catch a train to Lille, where we should be able to hop on another train taking us to St-Quentin- from St-Quentin well be on our way to Paris where we have a lovely three-star hotel booked for a glorious three night stay.
So, Paris here we come! God willing, and the creek don't rise!
An 'almost landing' is when your piliot descends the plane almost to the runway, so you get excited to finally arrive at your destination. This, however is false hope. At the last possible safe moment (about twenty feet from the ground) the piliot pulls back into a rapid climb. After circling for a few (twenty-ish) minutes the steward came over the intercom and informed us that 'there was already a plane where we scheduled to land'. This message was delivered with the typical British manner, quite polite and calm.
UK customs was relativly easy to clear, Sean almost got arrested for taking a photo though- the security gaurd actually made him delete it while he watched. Apparently it's a criminal offence.
London has an amazing metro system. Thanks to seans research we were able to navigate our way to the hotel via three different trains no problem, even with three pieces of luggage. It was neat seeing the everyday life of the other passengers. A mother and her two children boarded, and were the only ones chatting, the British seem to be very quiet- unless watching a soccer match.
Londons 'largest hotel', the Hilton Metropole was a nice place to spend our first night abroad. After dropping off our luggage and bundling up we set out to find a true English pub. Unaware of the large Middle-eastern population we were dissapointed to find only hooks bars, chineese medicine shops and Persian resturants in one directions. Deciding not to settle we set off in another direction only to find the first pub we found was packed, on a Thursday night! Eventually we found a place that looked promising- lots of locals inside, only the bartenders didn't speak much English... Or our accents were to thick? So we had a few beers and a chicken pot pie with mashed potatos that looked like it should have come from a 5-star resturant, and left to continue our search for that true ambiance we felt we needed to validate our arrival.
Walking a few more blocks in another direction we stumbled on just what we were looking for 'Sir Arthur Flemmings'. The beer was warm, accents were thick, service to be found only at the bar, and no such thing as 'leaving the tab open'. After milling around in mostly a stand up only environment we found an open table right by the window. Shortly after sitting it began to snow. I'm not going to lie, watching snow fall still mezormizes me. I was fixated like an infant watching 'Baby Einstein' for the first time.
Our walk back to the hotel was quite 'brisk' due to the falling snow and a California girls idea of freezing weather. After a night-cap at the bar we tucked in for a good nights sleep... Which didn't happen. Adjusting to the time difference is much harder than I had expected. Nothing starbucks in the morning couldn't fix. I can now say, I've had starbucks in three countries and on two continents.
Due to a 'planning overload' I put off/ forgot to book our overnight ferry from London to Amsterdam. After calling the not-so-nice gal at StenaLine I was informed that they were sold out for the evening crossing, but may have some tickets at the Liverpool train Station. We took a jolly taxi ride to the train St only to find they were all booked up and the Eurostar, chunnel train leaves from Kings Cross train station. Taking the chunnle to either Paris or brussles was our only other avaliable option to get to the 'mainland'. What a nightmare! Whilst trying to avoid an argument between the two of us we made the trek, bags in tow and chopped off an arm and a leg (Seans left arm, my right leg) to pay for the tickets.
Thus, we are currently in Brussles. Where the bathrooms are unisex- kind of, and you have to pay .50 euro to use them, this was discovered in the midst of attempting to find a WC in a foreign terminal with a full bladder. With no Euros on me. Commence breakdown #1.
My knight in a Burton AK jacket saved the day and got change from buying a diet coke. Oh yeah, they didn't accept euro bills- only change. Complete breakdown averted. Only a 1 on the ricter scale of emotional crisis'.
The chunnel was actually a bit anti- clamitic. We were seated facing north-so on this journey we were truely moving backwards. With the weather conditions in turmoil our train was delayed a bit- still only minor grumbles from the British citizens. Maybe they all secretly do yoga everyday to maintain the overall calm disposition.
We arrived in Brussles, Belgium safe and sound. All limbs intact, and luggage accounted for. Not planning this stop on our itenerary we weren't even sure what the local language is. Apparently most people speak French, thankfully with a little English thrown in the mix.
Hotel Ibis was a light in the dark, dark world- it's lights shining brilliantly bright blue lit up the building right across the street from the hellish train station known as Medi. We thanked our lucky stars they had a room avaliable for a fairly reasonable price.
After a meal of meatballs with tomato sauce and French fries for myself and something indescribable containing cheese and ham for Sean., we got in a solid five hours of sleep. Even with a bed that could have been carved from a boulder.
Feeling not so refreshed but anxious to explore we stashed our luggage in a locker at the station and hailed a taxi- which was an Audi, i'm just saying...
Belgium residents like to close shop early, and sleep in contrary to the 'early to bed, early to rise' theory. Everyone we encountered seemed healthy and to say the city is wealthy would be an understatement. I think I could fit in very nicely in their culture, lots of sleep and the best chocolate in the world... doesn't sound too bad to me, throw in an amazing heritage and you've got yourself a deal.
The only word that comes to mind when trying to explain how I felt when we walked into the serene city center is "annamored". It was like eating ice cream for the first time ever. Breathtakingly beautiful. Majestic facades, ornimantal stone figures on the buildings and statues covered in gold are a few distinct visuals that stand out in my memory. We spent the better part of the day meandering through an enchanted winter wonderland of cobblestone streets and old world culture.
The shops didn't open til 10am which is when people started venturing out. It was surreal being do isolated and alone in the 'great square'. I guess being up early really does have it's benefits, even on 'vacation'. By the time we were done with our traditional Belgium waffles for breakfast the streets were bustleing with activity and Christmas market stalls galore.
Sean and I both agree that Brussles is by far the most amazing place we've experienced... So far.
Returning to the train station around 2pm, or 14:00 dissapointment and panic started to settle in when the gentleman working in the travel center told us that 'getting to Paris today is impossible'. Like my momma always said, where there's a will, there's a way. Therefore, we are currently traveling west to Tournai where we will make a mad dash to catch a train to Lille, where we should be able to hop on another train taking us to St-Quentin- from St-Quentin well be on our way to Paris where we have a lovely three-star hotel booked for a glorious three night stay.
So, Paris here we come! God willing, and the creek don't rise!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Airline restrictions are ridiculious.
Two big backpacks turned into one large suitcase, a carry-on and a 'day-pack' backback for each of us...
Currently we have one large suitcase, another medium size to check as well... and a smaller carry on with the two backpacks... only problem... only the largest will zip (thank goodness for Burton bags- they are AMAZING!)... but it's over 50lbs... by far!
I need a magic wand, or one of those bag systems that sucks the air out, so you can fit 50 sweaters into a bag the size of a breadbox... oh how I love infomercials!
Wish me luck!
BTW- Eight hours till takeoff.
Currently we have one large suitcase, another medium size to check as well... and a smaller carry on with the two backpacks... only problem... only the largest will zip (thank goodness for Burton bags- they are AMAZING!)... but it's over 50lbs... by far!
I need a magic wand, or one of those bag systems that sucks the air out, so you can fit 50 sweaters into a bag the size of a breadbox... oh how I love infomercials!
Wish me luck!
BTW- Eight hours till takeoff.
DAY OF TRAVEL - SAYONARA US and A 12/16
So I wasnt necessarily excited about blogging about our Euro adventure but with a few Blue Moons and bags packed beside me, I am definitely into the spirit. Let me just say, that I have no expectations, no pre-determined thoughts about what is going to happen. I have only an open mind, an open wallet, and American pride that will guide us through each country. This has been a dream that Jae and I have shared for the better part of a year, and I cannot believe we are just a few hours away from takeoff. I will say that I am looking forward to new/old culture, that has defined who we are as people today. Rick Steves has given us a glimpse into the European holidays, and I am cant wait to see the dressing each country that celebrates this great holiday first hand. I only hope the dSLR camera I recently purchased captures a micron of the true ambiance of ye olde Christmas - which will be posted when technology is available.
Good tidings to all, and to all a good night. Because I know that I am not getting a wink tonight :)
Good tidings to all, and to all a good night. Because I know that I am not getting a wink tonight :)
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Ready, Set, Go.
I'm not a light packer. At all. End of story.
But, who wants to drag around five suitcases to accommodate my ten pairs of shoes and a new outfit for each day... Not I (and Sean has put his foot down). Thus, I'm learning to adapt to the 'backpacking' style of traveling... I've limited myself to three pairs of shoes for three weeks... Sounds about right for any sane person, right? I will fully admit to having issues though... For a weekend getaway I've been known to exceed the airlines weight limit for my suitcase... Moving on.
I found the cutest individual packets of Tide laundry detergent, so I've come to the conclusion and accepted the fact that I can, and will face my fears of laundry-mats. As long as there are no old ladies who throw a red sock in with my whites (think Tom Hanks circa "Catch Me If You Can") I think I can avoid any major traumatic experiences.
It's all about layering from what I've heard. I'm a San Diego girl through and through. I love the snow, though! So we should be good... It will just be a new experience. Last January when we went to Colorado for a snowboard trip it was 16 degrees outside, I thought my toes were going to fall off, but at least I had a a natural blush look going on- one less item I need to pack. I'll actually have a need for all my adorable scarfs and hats for a change. By the looks of the weather forecast we'll be dealing with an average of the mid 30's. We're hoping for a white Christmas, even though they are not typical in Prague. One can dream, right?
We fly out of LAX on Wednesday evening and arrive in London, Heathrow on Thursday afternoon around 3pm. We're going to attempt to navigate the underground and make it to the hotel in Nottinghill. Sean might not be aware, but there is a possibility I'll attempt to coerce him into saying "oops-a-daisy" in a British accent. I'll update with how that goes over.
But, who wants to drag around five suitcases to accommodate my ten pairs of shoes and a new outfit for each day... Not I (and Sean has put his foot down). Thus, I'm learning to adapt to the 'backpacking' style of traveling... I've limited myself to three pairs of shoes for three weeks... Sounds about right for any sane person, right? I will fully admit to having issues though... For a weekend getaway I've been known to exceed the airlines weight limit for my suitcase... Moving on.
I found the cutest individual packets of Tide laundry detergent, so I've come to the conclusion and accepted the fact that I can, and will face my fears of laundry-mats. As long as there are no old ladies who throw a red sock in with my whites (think Tom Hanks circa "Catch Me If You Can") I think I can avoid any major traumatic experiences.
It's all about layering from what I've heard. I'm a San Diego girl through and through. I love the snow, though! So we should be good... It will just be a new experience. Last January when we went to Colorado for a snowboard trip it was 16 degrees outside, I thought my toes were going to fall off, but at least I had a a natural blush look going on- one less item I need to pack. I'll actually have a need for all my adorable scarfs and hats for a change. By the looks of the weather forecast we'll be dealing with an average of the mid 30's. We're hoping for a white Christmas, even though they are not typical in Prague. One can dream, right?
We fly out of LAX on Wednesday evening and arrive in London, Heathrow on Thursday afternoon around 3pm. We're going to attempt to navigate the underground and make it to the hotel in Nottinghill. Sean might not be aware, but there is a possibility I'll attempt to coerce him into saying "oops-a-daisy" in a British accent. I'll update with how that goes over.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
14 days and counting...
It's currently 13 Days, and 20 someodd hours till Sean and I fly out of LAX on our Grand European Adventure.
After planning for the past 1o months, the time is finally right around the corner!
Can't wait!
After planning for the past 1o months, the time is finally right around the corner!
Can't wait!
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