Germany and Check Republic

The final leg of the tour! And what a great one - I enjoyed Germany much more than I ever I expected I would. Perhaps I just entered with low expections?

Christie and I began in Berlin and were pleasantly surprised with a very shiny, new, quick-paced city. We learned so much about German history, politics and economics of the last century. So many buildings are stark reminders of WW2 and the holocaust - the buildings that weren't bombed down are literaly covered in bullet holes. (~80% of Berlin's buildings were bombed in the war). On our 2nd day we visited Sauchenhausen (sp?) concentration camp - the camp that served as a model camp and SS training facility. Though the visit was thoroughly disheartening, it did serve as an excellent time to reflect on a period of history that will hopefully will never be repeated. Berlin was also the place where we tried "Curry-wurst" which is a city specialty. Now that we've had it, we know how to make the secret sauce.... lots of curry powder + lots of ketchup. Mmmmmm! Oh one more thing about Berlin! We saw Katrina Witt's old apartment! Sweet.

We next skipped over to Prague which was a fabulous change from Western Europe. I mean, just the language so tricky! Luckily, Christie and I don't take ourselves too seriously. You should have seen the dinner we made... seeing as we couldn't read any labels, we just went by the pictures... what could possibly go wrong? Our spaghetti dinner was a ferocious shade of green. lol. Luckily it still tasted good. Most of our time in Prague was spent wandering the city and marvelling over the architexture. I especially liked the clock that had astronomical correlations. I also enjoyed the cheap-o beer; A pint cost less than a Canadian dollar. Nice! The next day however, I made a conclusion that Canadian gals like us do not have the correct enzymes to metabolize Check beer (based on big headaches!...it couldn't possibly have been the quantity....) :)

Munich was up next and I just loved it! Quite a lot smaller then Berlin, but with just as much or more to do. On the first night in town, we wandered into the main square and took in the sights. We had to tear ourselves away from the enormous displays of Birkenstocks! The prices were so low too! Ahh well. The next day should offically be called "Tour Day." We started out with a 3 hour walking tour of the city which was just excellent. Saw the Glockenspiel which was a little wimpy to say the least. After the city tour our guide mentioned that he was doing a "Beer-Hall" tour of Munich and the 1st 1 litre beer was included. What could we say? Of course we were going - beer halls are a huge part of Munich history! (This is where Oktoberfest is for those who don't know). So that tour was just wicked - about 16 of us trekking around the city pretty darn tipsy. We saw the HB beerhaus that Hitler used to speak at (the swastikas are now covered by Bavarian flags), and many others that were more like city parks with picnic tables. All good fun. When that came to an end, our guide mentioned that everyone on the beer-hall tour got to go on the Pub-Crawl for free. Yikes. So I made it about 2 hours before calling it a night in Munich. All in all a great day!

Belgium - Mussells in Brussells and Beer all the time.

Ahh, Belgium. A master of gastronomical delights and 3 National languages! (1. French 2. Flemish-Dutch and 3. German.) Chrisitie and I have decidied the 4 food groups of Belgium must be 1. waffles 2. Chocolate 3. Fries and 4. Beer. I won't lie to you... I ate and drank a lot in Belgium. And it was totally worth it.

We spent the first 2 days in Brussells which delighted us with countless architectural masterpieces. The Grand Place is a truly unbelieveable square - full of people, music and yes, food. The Moules Frites were delicious! It was here in Brussells that Chrisite and I started our quest of discovery of fine Belgian beers. Famourite so far: Leffe Radiuse (red). Christie says she like blonds better. lol. We toured the Catillion brewery where they told us to "forget everything you have ever been told about beer making"... hahaha...they were a little too intense for us!

Next we cruised over to Bruges which I thought was wonderful. It was a major European trading ceentre (for lace and such) until its sea route dried up leaving it isolated inland. We had a good laugh trying out our Flemish here - I was a little rusty! lol. We took a wicked canal cruise and were able to truly appreciate the beauty of this little city. Some people call Bruges the "Venice of the North".... the people in Bruges however call Venice the "Bruges of the South"! Chrisite decided that she was somewhat of a Belgian beer purist here and began drinking only trappist beers (ones made by monks in monestaries). She now declares Rockforth to be her favourite. And she is going to be a nun and start a trappist vineyard. hah. Christie actually disapeared from the world for about 3 days on account of reading the new HP. I'm glad to report she is now back (but now believes she has caught bed bugs!) IT's always an adventure!

The next day we took a full day tour of "Flander's Fields" which was amazing to say the least. I learned more about Canadian involvement in WW1 in a couple hours than I ever knew before. We viewed the Canadian war memorial, trenches, bunkers, graveyards, meuseums and the memorial to Dr. John MacCrae, the doctor who wrote the poem "In Flander's Fields" about his fallen friend. It was incredibly moving. No poppies though - our guide said they bloomed early this year.

Wine Country

I have just spent 2 glorious days in the Burgundy Wine region of France. What an amazing area! I based myself in Dijon (yes, of Dijon mustard fame) and then toured from there.

Upon arriving in Dijon, I was very thirsty (ie: ready to drink lots and lots of wine)... but wasn't sure quite how/where to go tasting. So, I signed up for a free 2 hour tour of the tastes/flavours of Dijon thinking they MUST be talking about wine. Nope - mustard and gingerbread tasting (the specialities of Dijon) - no joke! It was actually pretty cool though. I liked the hot mustards and the bread was also very nice, but pricey. I then took to wandering the cobbled streets and windowshopped at some vert glamourous places. I finally sampled some delicious burgendy red at sidewalk cafe with a glorious salad! The salad tasted terrific after so much bread! (don't worry Lindsay I'm getting my veggies!).

The next day may have been my best so far!

*** Okay - all you winos out there... you may need a glass of wine to accompany the reading of this section***

I started by hitting the open market and stocking up on supplies to make a killer bagette sandwich - AWESOME! I then made my way to Beaune (pronounced bone) which is about 20min away. Beaune is right in the midst of the best growing region. I started with a tour of one of the largest cellars which stretched for 5km underground - pretty unbelievable. I then reached the tasting area which consisted of 4 whites, 10 reds, 2 sparkling wines and then a taste of Cassis liqour. Did I mention the tasting was self serve... :) Don't worry, I was very well behaved. I had the little note book that they provided and wrote notes like "a sharp wine with a clean finish" and "full, bold taste". Most of it was bs - but fun to try; Everyones else was French so no one could read my notes anyways! The reds were much nicer than the ones that usually fall into my price range and the whites were lovely. The Cassis (blackcurrant) was so delicious! A certain set of parents may have some heading their way if I don't break it in the next 2 weeks. PS - Did you know that Pinot Noir is actually a white grape with red skin?? Now you know!

After all that wine, I thought a bike ride was in order! I rented my velo and spent the next 2 hours leisurly cruising the vinyards and stopping randomly for tastings. I would recommed this type of holiday to anyone. It was completely idyllic - the vineyards to my left and fields of sunflowers on my right. The whole day was relatively cheap too .... (you just have to watch how much wine you BUY at the end of the day!) I was pretty spent after that, so it was back to Dijon for a good night sleep. If I had more time, I would definitly head to the Champagne region next. Anyways, I've just arrived in Belgium so I'm sure there will be much to report shortly! Take care!

Southern France; This just in - sunscreen works well

Today I spent the day basking on the beaches of Biarritz (look it up, you will be totally jealous!). It is a beautiful resort town under an hour from the Spanish border. While everyone around me tanned, I tried frantically to outpace the midday sun with a enormous amount of lotion. I was the whitest person there by about 3 shades I think! lol. Turns out I missed about 3 spots which are now lobster red. Yeowza!

France; 2 Canadians in Paris

Instead of being on the beach right now in Bayonne/Biarritz, I am in a very nice orange internet cafe in Paris... apperently, you should reserve a spot on a train rather than just show up 3 minutes before. Now I know. Bah. (Christie - the next available train was at 6:25! agh!) So now I think I've mapped out the next week of travel including hostels and trains. It's a lot of work!

Anyways, Paris has been just lovely. I think I have seen all the main sights now; the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, Musee d'Orangerie, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triumph etc. Yesterday Christie and I stood on the Champs for 5 hours to get a good spot for the final stage of the Tour de France! It was totally worth it though to see those guys speed by! I can't believe the size of the pellaton! (sp?)

It was wicked to reconnect with Christie - we completely embraced the stereotypical French diet of great cheese, bagettes, crepes, quiche and wine.... with the additional supplement of Nutella. We've cruised the groovy neighbourhoods, bought new scarves and drank espresso like Parisenes. Yesterday we joyously made our way back to the hostel with new tour de France umbrellas, dancing along to American in Paris (just for the figure skaters - it was very Jose Chouinard of us.... pink and orange dresses and such) :)

I just thought of something I had to add! Cathie - Christie and I were wishing you and I were at the art galleries with us to guide us around! I had an excellent time at the Musee D'Orsay, Musee D'Orangerie and of course the Louvre. I started getting a little museum ADD after about 2 hours which I thought was quite respectable. lol. I loved the paintings by Degas, Modigliani, Cezanne, Soutine and of COURSE VanGogh and Monet. For those many of you that have lived with me, you know that I have dragged VanGogh's "Starry Night" half way around Canada - to see the real thing was just awesome. I also had no idea that Monet's "Waterlilys" were so large! They are _ huge canvases that take up 2 oval shaped rooms; also very neat.

Gotta jet here and go book some trains! I'm off to Bayonne/Biarritz tonight, then Dijon, then to Brussells!

PS - Yes, it is true; I have cracked and gone to Starbucks. Mmmmm....

Northern Ireland; Belfast? More like Belfabulous.

So the adventures in the Emerald Isle continue! For the last 2 days I've been exploring Northern Ireland; for those of you not on top of your geography/history, it is a separate country from the Republic of Ireland.

Started out by heading up to Derry, the site of "Bloody Sunday" where 13 unarmed Catholic civil rights protesters were shot in 1972. 6 of the people were only 17 years old. It was a great opportunity to learn more about the history of the area. Although I took a tour of the city, I learnt much more chatting with locals about the "troubles" that occured in the past. Derry is also a walled city, so I took a walk along them (they are 8 metres wide) and then hit the local pub! My favourite feature of Derry was their WW2 memorial statue; it had been made for another town, but they said it was too violent so Derry said "we'll take it!". Hah! You'll have to see the pics! The dude is making a motion of stabbing someone else with his gun!

Next onto Belfast which I liked immediatly; the town just reeks of optomism. The guide I had spoke candidly about the past decades and how the city has re-invented itself. I cruised the 2 divided neighbuorhoods and then passed the "peaceline". While enjoying the best latte of my life, I tried to get some style tips from all the hip, young business people... none of them were wearing Berks or carrying massive bags... hmmm...

So off to Paris tonight and then I will meet up with the infamous Tina King on the 27th! Can't wait!

Ireland; Fan-feckin'-tastic

So I have been running around Ireland for 3 days now! On the 1st day, I saw the Rock of Cashel (when St. Patrick introduced Catholisism), through Cork and then to Blarney Castle! I gave the stone a big smootch. To be honest, I'm not totally sure that getting the "gift of gab" from the Blarney stone is worth the risk of catching something wicked from the 1000 other people that kissed it that morning! Little gross. Later that night we travelled to Killarny for some good food and good times. Wicked cover band who played 99 Red Balloons (Rose you would have died!).

2nd day was spent cruising around the Dingle Peninsula which has, incidently, been named one of the 10 best spots on earth by National Geographic. Breathtaking cliffs and amazing views of the Atlantic. The town of Dingle was pretty cute as well. I bought my best souvinear of the trip so far there... The new Harry Potter! Yes! No time to read yet though. We then spent the night in Doolin which is known as the home of traditional Irish Music. Drank a couple pints to some good music with good company! Later in the night we ran into Rachel Dratch (from SNL) who had a drink with us. Pretty cool lady. And I now know that a night out in Ireland is not complete without a booze-fueled trip to the local graveyard. Too funny.

Oh, and have I mentioned that Ireland is damn COLD! I had to use my new scarf and all my layers. I think I need to head further doen south soon!

Today, I saw the Cliffs of Moore which are as amazing as they look in pictures. Then off to the oldest Whiskey Distillary in Ireland (250y) for a small tasting. Still don't really like it but it was much better than Scotch Whiskey! (Kate you were right!)

Once I had returned to Dublin, I decided to spend an extra day there seeing as the city itself is incredibly fun and I was travelling with a great group of people. The first night back in town we went on a "Musical Pub Crawl" which was terrific! It was hosted by 2 young traditional Irish musicians. These guys took us to a couple pubs around Dublin and taught us a lot about REAL Irish music. The next day was pretty well consumed with the Guiness Brewery Tour. It was definitly worth going; 7 floors of everything you ever wanted to know about Guiness! Once you reach the top floor with a panoramic view of Dublin, you really earn that free pint! I read the best quote at the factory from an old school doctor:

""I often prescribe GUINESS, and for the following reasons in chief. A bottle of GUINESS put in front of, say, a dispirited, health greedy convalescent has a wonderfully auto-suggestive cheer-producing effect. It looks potent and jolly and when consumed it acts as a stomachic and whip to the appetite. It makes the patient feel better and eat better and think cheerfully."

Off to Northern Ireland next!

Feeling the DSL (Deep Scottish Love)

The last 2 days or so have just been terrific. I'm now in Fort Augustus which is right on the South end of Loch Ness. No sightings yet, but perhaps following the 8pm cuise of the Loch/Booze Cruise. Went for a fabulous hike today in Glen Nevis - the location where much of Braveheart and some of Harry Potter was filmed. Gotta love that.

In other new, you'll be happy to know that I led team Canada to a very close 2nd place finish in the World Championships of darts... or rather the championship of everyone in the bar. Ha! That was also the night we stayed in a haunted castle. It was amazing!

Anyways, gotta run here, but there will be more detailed filled in soon when I get a little down time. In summary, I absolutly LOVE being here and am sure I will make another trip again. Off to Ireland next!

Flying High in the Isle of Sky

Just arrived in the Isle of Sky this afternoon and what a sight. So green, and the shore line is amazing. You would not believe the number of sheep here! We were in Oban this morning and it was one of the most charming places I have even seen! Lots of sailing boats and cute storefronts.

On the way to the Isle, we passed Ben Nevus (the highest mtn in the UK) and a couple of pretty cool castles. Being here makes me want to learn more about my ancestory and find my clan! Thanks to Carleigh for pointing me in the right direction.

We had a laugh at the weather reporting at our hostel in Sky; On the 1st day, the weather report was "sunshine warning" and on the second day the report was "very good changing to very bad." HAH! Later than day (during the change from good to bad) we stopped at the Saligchan River; by holding your face underwater for 7 seconds you can ensure eternal beauty. Watch out Canada!

Hello Edinburgh!

What a day it has been! I'm in Edinburgh now and it is simply wonderful. Scotland is just as beautiful as I imagined. I had to laugh at myself as I boarded the plane with my newly exchanged euros... to a country that uses pounds... classic. lol. I knew my luck was changing however as "Blades of Glory" played on the plane. As we went through customs into Glasgow, those with European passports were in one line and us Canadians were in another. They really didn't need passports... everyone with a cowboy hat and new boots was definitly Scottish.

In Edinburgh, I cruised the Royal Mile and drank in the stone buildings. The shops reminded me of Robson street, but in nicer buildings... perhaps this is where back to school shopping with take place? After dodging about 150 shops selling the popular combo of kilts/cashmire scarfs/celtic jewelery, I made my way to Edinburgh castle which was magnificent to say the least. My hostel is terrific with a great mix of people and I washed down my dinner with good Scottish Stout. What more could a gal want?

Must hit the sack now, as I have big plans for tomorrow including catching the new HP! (Don't worry Christie, we'll watch it again together!)

Heading out in 1 Day!

I can't believe that it is already time to leave for my Euro trip! Time sure flies. I have so much to do before leaving, especially booking a few hostels. Last weekend I was in Kimberly/Cranbrook for Nisha & Kris's wedding. What a great time! Everyone looked beautiful and thankfully those damn flowers turned out fabulous. Something learned from the wedding: white wine removes red wine from green bridemaid dress. Who knew? Thanks SJE!

Welcome to my Blog!

I thought it was time I jumped on the blog train! Hopefully this will be a place to post some good pics and keep you posted on my whereabouts. Keep posted for the Euro Adventure 2007!