I'm in Prague and I love it here. Beautiful city, beautiful weather, beautiful people, beautiful food, cheap prices. Love it.
Even found a decent internet cafe for a change, and I was SO excited about finally uploading some pics to show you all, but wouldn't you know it, for once, I left my cable to the camera back at the hotel :( And these computers do not have a card reader..... oh well, guess it's just not meant to be. I reckon I'll have to do all these uploads when I get home. If I can be bothered by the time I get home.
Anyways, only a short post today, I have heaps to tell you about Milan and our stay in Prague, I love this city, wish I could stay just a little bit longer.....
Well, until another internet cafe somewhere some place, you be good now.
Saturday, 28 June 2008
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Follow those ORANGES!!
So, on Saturday we decided to train it down to Monaco for a day trip, it was hot and it was sunny and I was just very unprepared for it.... so after getting tired of squinting in all my photos, I just had to go buy one of them touristy caps just to keep the sun off my face. Plus, I was having a real bad hair day - urgh, of all the days to have a bad hair day! Monaco day trip should definitely not have been one of them.... I may have crossed paths with my potential future rich husband but he would've completely overlooked me because of my bad hair day.... So, I was looking rather unglamourous in this rather glamourous city, which is apparently full of wealthy people, lots of nice cars, and lots of nice yachts....
Anyway, the place is small, but beautiful, we pretty much just walked everywhere and it didn't take long and even in the sun it didn't feel very far and we didn't get tired from all the walking, it is very pretty place Monaco, I guess when you have so many rich people coming here, then it's easy to make things look good on the outside.
We walked up a hill just in time to see the changing of the guards at the Palace. That itself was kind of boring, all I saw was a whole lot of old people taking photos of a marching band, poor old people.... it was quite a lot of climbing up a rather steep hill to this palace. They probably had to take lots of photos just to make it all worthwhile :p
Sports mad Marisa was really excited about the race track that she recognised from watching motorsports, so we had to go to a few of the key spots along the Grand Prix track and of course, take the obligatory cheesy touristy snap at those locations. So, there was the 'Hairpin' and the 'Tunnel' and I would upload these pics to show you, but.... at this internet cafe, the computers are looking really dodgy, so I really don't want to bring my camera out to start uploading photos......
At this place, nice cars are aplenty, and they don't even turn heads anymore, if you really want to stand out, you have to have something different............................................
How cute is this little hippy flower child car? And the man in a shirt standing next to it? Priceless! All that is missing is a hot hooker in the passenger seat.
Went up to the other side of the waterfront, to the Monte Carlo Casino, and yup, no surprises, luxury cars aplenty, heaps of them, it's almost like they cost nothing here....
Even the sales assistants look glamourous, the guy that served us at the souvenir shop is a spitting image of Alex Dimitriades, very handsome and very sexy with that French accent.
After that, we saw a huge commotion outside the Casino, and for that to happen you know it's gotta be good, perhaps someone famous? But no, we are not that lucky to spot a celebrity, it was an old lady driving a brand spanking new Lamborghini (spelling??). Thing was, she was having problems parking her car and needed a little assistance.... the sports car needed to be put pushed, yes, PUSHED into the car spot. So, either she is your stereotypical female driver and she cannot reverse park or it was a stupid car that cannot be put into reverse. I'll let you decide.
On our way back to Nice, we stopped by a little town by the name of Eze (we're still unsure of the exact pronounciation). This place apparently is famous for its ancient village, but when we got there, we found out that it was a 60 min walk up a mountain to get there, and we weren't sure which bus may or may not take us there, so... umm, thanks but no thanks. We're too buggered.
Instead, we headed towards Eze beach to wait for the next train to Nice.
Eze Beach, pebbly, quiet but still gorgeous. It's not nearly as crowded as Nice's beach, but it does the trick, here is where the families go, Nice is where people go to be seen. I think there will be lots of these kinds of beaches like Eze around. It would be great to be able to do a bit more exploring of this area, I really love it down here in the South of France. Despite the heat.
Had a quick Monoprix dinner (God bless Monoprix), relaxed a little before making our way to find a pub so we can watch the Quarter-Finals between Netherlands and Russia in a bit of atmosphere (that's the Euro Cup, soccer, for the uninitiated).
We hadn't expected so freaking many people out on a Saturday night, but what we hadn't realised was that France was celebrating some kind of national music festival, (Fete de la Musique) so every little corner of every little town had some sort of little concert for it's people, and Nice was no different. There were little bands playing at street corners, creating havoc and human traffic everywhere. It was getting more and more frustrating for us to get around and locate a decent looking place with a big tv for us to sit and enjoy the game. We were trying so hard to look for soccer mad fans wearing orange shirts, we need to follow the oranges! Where are all the oranges?! But we couldn't see any oranges, so we just had to find a pub....
AND, find one we did and you will never believe it, it was an Irish Pub! With tv's tuned to stations that had ENGLISH commentaries, how convenient was that! Oh it was a Godsend and it was fun.
We both had an enormous beer each, sat in a what was a quiet corner until all the Russian fans turned up... it was happily a Dutch supporting pub until the Russions turned up, but considering the Russians did win that match, I guess it wasn't too bad that it turned out that way. I'm not too sad that my Dutch boys lost, because I've come to expect that from them already....
After the game and the enormous beer we had, we both desperately needed to pee..... and pub toilets weren't that great, and public toilets are no better so we had to madly rush back, walking, no running of course, to our hotel just to pee.... heheh, what a fun night.
The next day, our last day in Nice, we just had a 'take it easy' day. Pretty much did nothing really.
Walked up to the Matisse Museum, came back down to town, went to the beach.
Matisse Museum was ok, it really doesn't compare at all to the wonderful Picasso Museum in Barcelona but the walk up to the suburbs of Nice was pleasant and made it worthwhile. A nice change from the craziness of last night. Nice town on a Sunday is very dead.
Considering that the Ironman competition is on today at the foreshore, I'm surprised not more shops are opened because there definitely is a lot of tourists around this weekend. It's too bad I had a massive headache marring my last day in Nice, I really like this place a lot. But you can't help getting sick.
A pleasant surprise happened on our last night in Nice, my good friend 'Fernando' managed to make his way to Nice from Barcelona while we were still in town, so of course we had to catch up. And even though we weren't able to contact him because he conveniently had no more credit left on his phone, and the Iron Man Competition still going, and lots of people and hellish traffic and no parking, he still managed to find us in the restaurant we were at, watching the other Quarter-Final match between Spain & Italy. You manage to amaze me everytime, Fernando, but it was great to see you again.
Late night, early start, must pack to move onto our next destination - MILAN!
Just gotta sleep it off on the train, let's hope it's a comfy one.......
Anyway, the place is small, but beautiful, we pretty much just walked everywhere and it didn't take long and even in the sun it didn't feel very far and we didn't get tired from all the walking, it is very pretty place Monaco, I guess when you have so many rich people coming here, then it's easy to make things look good on the outside.
We walked up a hill just in time to see the changing of the guards at the Palace. That itself was kind of boring, all I saw was a whole lot of old people taking photos of a marching band, poor old people.... it was quite a lot of climbing up a rather steep hill to this palace. They probably had to take lots of photos just to make it all worthwhile :p
Sports mad Marisa was really excited about the race track that she recognised from watching motorsports, so we had to go to a few of the key spots along the Grand Prix track and of course, take the obligatory cheesy touristy snap at those locations. So, there was the 'Hairpin' and the 'Tunnel' and I would upload these pics to show you, but.... at this internet cafe, the computers are looking really dodgy, so I really don't want to bring my camera out to start uploading photos......
At this place, nice cars are aplenty, and they don't even turn heads anymore, if you really want to stand out, you have to have something different............................................
TADA!
Went up to the other side of the waterfront, to the Monte Carlo Casino, and yup, no surprises, luxury cars aplenty, heaps of them, it's almost like they cost nothing here....
Even the sales assistants look glamourous, the guy that served us at the souvenir shop is a spitting image of Alex Dimitriades, very handsome and very sexy with that French accent.
After that, we saw a huge commotion outside the Casino, and for that to happen you know it's gotta be good, perhaps someone famous? But no, we are not that lucky to spot a celebrity, it was an old lady driving a brand spanking new Lamborghini (spelling??). Thing was, she was having problems parking her car and needed a little assistance.... the sports car needed to be put pushed, yes, PUSHED into the car spot. So, either she is your stereotypical female driver and she cannot reverse park or it was a stupid car that cannot be put into reverse. I'll let you decide.
On our way back to Nice, we stopped by a little town by the name of Eze (we're still unsure of the exact pronounciation). This place apparently is famous for its ancient village, but when we got there, we found out that it was a 60 min walk up a mountain to get there, and we weren't sure which bus may or may not take us there, so... umm, thanks but no thanks. We're too buggered.
Instead, we headed towards Eze beach to wait for the next train to Nice.
Eze Beach, pebbly, quiet but still gorgeous. It's not nearly as crowded as Nice's beach, but it does the trick, here is where the families go, Nice is where people go to be seen. I think there will be lots of these kinds of beaches like Eze around. It would be great to be able to do a bit more exploring of this area, I really love it down here in the South of France. Despite the heat.
Had a quick Monoprix dinner (God bless Monoprix), relaxed a little before making our way to find a pub so we can watch the Quarter-Finals between Netherlands and Russia in a bit of atmosphere (that's the Euro Cup, soccer, for the uninitiated).
We hadn't expected so freaking many people out on a Saturday night, but what we hadn't realised was that France was celebrating some kind of national music festival, (Fete de la Musique) so every little corner of every little town had some sort of little concert for it's people, and Nice was no different. There were little bands playing at street corners, creating havoc and human traffic everywhere. It was getting more and more frustrating for us to get around and locate a decent looking place with a big tv for us to sit and enjoy the game. We were trying so hard to look for soccer mad fans wearing orange shirts, we need to follow the oranges! Where are all the oranges?! But we couldn't see any oranges, so we just had to find a pub....
AND, find one we did and you will never believe it, it was an Irish Pub! With tv's tuned to stations that had ENGLISH commentaries, how convenient was that! Oh it was a Godsend and it was fun.
We both had an enormous beer each, sat in a what was a quiet corner until all the Russian fans turned up... it was happily a Dutch supporting pub until the Russions turned up, but considering the Russians did win that match, I guess it wasn't too bad that it turned out that way. I'm not too sad that my Dutch boys lost, because I've come to expect that from them already....
After the game and the enormous beer we had, we both desperately needed to pee..... and pub toilets weren't that great, and public toilets are no better so we had to madly rush back, walking, no running of course, to our hotel just to pee.... heheh, what a fun night.
The next day, our last day in Nice, we just had a 'take it easy' day. Pretty much did nothing really.
Walked up to the Matisse Museum, came back down to town, went to the beach.
Matisse Museum was ok, it really doesn't compare at all to the wonderful Picasso Museum in Barcelona but the walk up to the suburbs of Nice was pleasant and made it worthwhile. A nice change from the craziness of last night. Nice town on a Sunday is very dead.
Considering that the Ironman competition is on today at the foreshore, I'm surprised not more shops are opened because there definitely is a lot of tourists around this weekend. It's too bad I had a massive headache marring my last day in Nice, I really like this place a lot. But you can't help getting sick.
A pleasant surprise happened on our last night in Nice, my good friend 'Fernando' managed to make his way to Nice from Barcelona while we were still in town, so of course we had to catch up. And even though we weren't able to contact him because he conveniently had no more credit left on his phone, and the Iron Man Competition still going, and lots of people and hellish traffic and no parking, he still managed to find us in the restaurant we were at, watching the other Quarter-Final match between Spain & Italy. You manage to amaze me everytime, Fernando, but it was great to see you again.
Late night, early start, must pack to move onto our next destination - MILAN!
Just gotta sleep it off on the train, let's hope it's a comfy one.......
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
The "I've lost track of time and day" post
Okie dokie, firstly, sorry about the long post... and again, lack of pictures, but lack of time and unreliable internet service has prevented me from updating these posts to their full potential. I promise, I'll try to upload some photos soon, cos we took some doozies. And thanks for all your comments and emails, knowing that there are at least 3 people who read this - well, it validates my life :) heheh ok, so that's a blatant lie, I'm just into using the word 'validate' at the moment... but it does make all these hours spent typing these long posts all worth it, that's for sure.
Now where are we? Where am I now?? It’s been a few days, and a lot has happened and it’s been an extremely fulfilling few days, this is what a holiday should really be like. It feels like I've been away for ages, and I'm not sure what day of the week it is anymore, my concept of time is based only on dates, no more hours nor days....
Mind you, after a very brief 2 day period where I was completely recovered from my lingering cough, I unfortunately, caught yet another cold and have since regained the cough I have been trying so hard to get rid of these last few months… oh well, C’est la vie….
So, PARIS on Wed, 18th June:
We 4 girls got up bright and early (as we do) to get ready for yet another big day out in this huge metropolis of Paris. Considering there are 4 girls using one bathroom, it’s a miracle that we are so consistent in how long we take to get ready, which is approx. 2 hours altogether, I really don’t think that’s too bad for us.
So anyways, first stop Wed, Montmartre Arts Market. A very interesting place indeed, many a famous artist had made some spare change and hung out in this area in the past, I didn’t visit this area last year with my sister, but I’m sure she would’ve loved it also. I really enjoy the Montmartre area, it’s small, cute, old and full of little tiny laneways waiting for me to discover. And even hiking up those many many steps doesn’t detract from this beautiful place, those tourist vultures who hang around the bottom of the Sacre Coeur are the only thing I don’t like about this area but that’s just a small blip on the radar.
We had lunch at a little pub in the Montmatre area, and had perhaps the best service we’ve encountered anywhere in Paris but the waiter may just be after our tourist tips, who knows. So service, in comparison to other Parisienne service we’ve had so far, was good, my Salade Nordique wasn’t bad either, although the pink spread on the bread was a little off-putting, so I didn’t eat that (I think it was some sort of caviar spread, blech)
Drinks are pricey here, 4 euros for a teensy little bottle of juice, so that’s like about AU$7.30 and I’m talking a very tiny drink, one that even children can drink in one mouthful. That’s just plain outrageous (yup, this is me, prone to exaggeration).
Next stop after lunch, one for the tennis fans, thanks to Marisa and Manda (Tennis Nuts) we made our way to Roland Garros to see the famous clay courts… I had my reservations but I must admit, it actually turned out quite interesting and very fun.
We took a guided tour behind the scenes and learnt a little about the history of this tennis centre and stadium. Our guide, Agnes, bless her, was fun, funny, knowledgeable and made the tour worth every euro that we paid. Must remember to write a complimentary note to her boss because you don’t get service like that everyday in Paris. And, yes I know, I’m sounding like a broken record now and I’m not sure how many times I’ve complained about service in Paris, but when it’s good, it’s gotta be recorded! Marisa went into a lot of detail about what we got upto there, basically, we saw where the reporters and journalists sit, we saw the main court which was being set up for some sort of concert that night so we saw rehearsals, that was good. We saw where the boxes for VIPs and families sit, we got to go into the locker rooms, we got to be tennis players for a few minutes each and give interviews in the interview room (yes, there is photographic proof!). Very enjoyable indeedy.
Then, shopping at Galleries Lafayette. However, before we get there, let me tell you about this fine specimen of a man I saw on the metro. Tall, dark haired, beautiful eyes, and a sharp suit, and he sat right opposite me, nice nice nice! I smiled, he smiled, and I looked away embarrassed.... and he looked away, oh well. It was good while it lasted, I'll always remember the 3 seconds we had together Phillipe du Roule :)
I won’t go into too much detail about the shopping, shopping is boring for me, I like buying things but only if I know I need it and I can afford it. This place, is a little like Myer mixed with David Jones but classier than both. Some stuff was really affordable and reasonably priced, but others were priced outrageously. I saw a pair of earrings at over 6,000 euros, I mean, come on! Who buys these things??? And when am I gonna meet someone who can afford to buy 6000 euro earrings for me? I have my ears already pierced and waiting : )
But, I am a simple girl with simple tastes, all I wanted was this beautiful watch worth not even a mere AU$1,000, I beg and I beg and nobody will buy this for me : (
Perhaps next time I visit La Tour Eiffel, I will finally have a somebody to be with, and this somebody will present to me a wonderful expensive gift, a la the 11y.o. girl I saw last week (15 quid is a lot of money for an 11 y.o. boy from Birminghamshire, or where ever those pommy kids were from) - not that I'm blatantly dropping hints, but if you know my Mr. Right, please let him know where I am (ahem, Milan for the next few days, then Prague, okies?)
Anyways, getting back to business…
After the little shopping spree, we decided to see Paris from a different angle, and so trudged off to find a Batobus to take us on a cruise up and down the Seine to see some of the main sights. It still strikes me that so many people use the Seine so practically and all the time. You will never see this in Melbourne, not in the near future anyway.
All along the Seine, it’s a gathering place, a place that people of all ages and cultures go to socialize. And it’s not just one or a few particular sections either, it’s all along the entire length, up and down the Seine, on both sides of the river.
You will find lonesome figures, just after a quiet place to themselves, or contemplating life, you will find couples or people on their first dates, you will find groups of friends, or co-workers having lunch, or celebrating some special occasion or just hanging out. You will also find families enjoying some time together and buddies out for a drink, you will find old people holding hands, or young people dancing or vice-versa, it’s fantastic. I love that about this city.
Last full day in Paris – Thursday, 19th June – Designated shopping day.
Not much more needs to said really….
I’m not feeling all that magnificent today, I think it was the beginning of the cold that I caught from somewhere…. I just wasn’t all that together or up for anything else, plus the weather kind of sucked, otherwise I probably would’ve gone off exploring on my own for a bit, I’d like to get to know the Latin Quarter and the Marais a bit better…. But there’s always next time: )
By night time, we all chipped in and prepared dinner and cleaned the apartment ready for departure on Friday morning. It was gonna be an early start, Marisa and I had to catch a train at 8am, so to avoid the peak hour commute on the metro we thought we had better leave very early.
Bye bye Paris 20th June
8am Paris time: we are boarding a train that will take us to Nice. Eating a pain au chocolat for breakfast and absorbing the last smell of the Paris before leaving.
Meanwhile, 4pm Melbourne time, most of you are stuck at work.
10am France time: we are sitting on a comfy train, in the middle of France somewhere, awestruck by the beautiful scenery that we are winding through.
6pm Melbourne time: perhaps you are stuck in traffic? Perhaps preparing dinner or waiting for dinner to be ready?
1pm, France time – we reach Cannes, the scenery is beautiful. The weather is gorgeous, clear skies, warm, perfect.
9pm, Melbourne time – you are probably at the footy or at home watching tv or maybe for those with a more active social life, out at some trendy bar just to be seen, but Marisa and I are in Cannes! So we win.
By the time we get to Nice, we are inundated with choices of what to eat and that’s just stepping outside of the station, we haven’t even got our bearings yet. There are so many different cafes, restaurants and fast food outlets to choose from, this place is great! Of course, that’s the first thing I would notice, where all the food places are in relation to where we’re staying : )
The weather is quite a contrast to Paris, It’s so hot and balmy. I immediately had to start stripping on the street to cool down. It’s sunny and bright, and I think it was 32 degrees when we arrived. Paris was a very Melbourne-like 20 degrees, which really suited me more I think. I get grumpy in the heat.
Our hotel is small but quaint and does the trick. It’s very central and in the new part of Nice, so not really that much charm but conveniently close to the station.
Marisa and I wandered around on foot to the beach and fell instantly in love with it, all bumpy pebbles and all. The water is so blue and looks so clean that it makes you want to jump right on in and swim. But I am too shy…. For now….
Already, there’s a noticeable difference in service-quality (I think I’m beginning to sound like a service Nazi or Service cop or Service critic….whichever suits best)
From memory I think I’ve only received poor service once, and that was at Monoprix (a huge supermarket that sells absolutely everything). The check-out-chick, which I shall call, Shazza, like any other c-o-c, obviously loves her job, decided to snatch money right from my hand!
This was the situation:
Total cost of my purchase – 8.01 euros
I gave her a 50 euro note (so I can have change) and as I opened up my coin pouch to get the 1 cent piece, she saw I had a 10 euro note, which happens to be my last small note, thus the need for change. Shazza, decided it would be ok to take this 10 euro note straight from me because you know, we are the bestest of buddies considering I met her only 10 seconds beforehand.
Ummm….. ahem, no Missy, I want to use my 50 euro note, which is why I gave it to you, merci beaucoup. So, relunctantly, she took my 50 and gave me four 10 euro notes in return, plus coins, and counted and counted and counted it over and over again. But, just to make sure she didn’t miscount four 10 euro notes, because counting to 4 may be too difficult for Shazza, she flicked the money a few times, counted it yet again, and then slowly gave me the money. I received the money in my hand when she decided to snatch it right out of my hand and again began counting it – gees! Talk about rudeness and OCD. This was way up there, she either loves counting money, or just loves snatching money out of people’s hands.
Otherwise, all other people were great, info lady was ok, train tix man was ok, hotel staff are good, postcard seller was very nice, love them all.
That first night, we went down to Vieux Nice (Old Nice) for dinner, it was cheap and atmospheric, and we avoided the touristy traps, our salad was good, the local specialty, Socca (some kind of chickpea pancake) was different, but ok, nothing too special to write about. Afterwards, we couldn’t resist having a gelato for sweets.
This Monoprix though, despite the poor service I had originally, has become my new favourite store here, they sell absolutely everything! You name it, they sell it. It’s awesome.
Oh, before I forget, I should write about the hot waiter who I thought was checking out Marisa, but Marisa reckons he was checking me out… but then again, perhaps he wasn’t checking out either of us and it was somebody else he was looking at altogether, hehe
But, there was no mistaking the ambulance driver who was on his way to an emergency, sirens blaring, who decided to slow down and smile at us. How funny, nevermind whoever is dying and waiting for your medical expertise, cute girls up ahead, must wave and smile….. great start to our few short days in Nice : )
Now where are we? Where am I now?? It’s been a few days, and a lot has happened and it’s been an extremely fulfilling few days, this is what a holiday should really be like. It feels like I've been away for ages, and I'm not sure what day of the week it is anymore, my concept of time is based only on dates, no more hours nor days....
Mind you, after a very brief 2 day period where I was completely recovered from my lingering cough, I unfortunately, caught yet another cold and have since regained the cough I have been trying so hard to get rid of these last few months… oh well, C’est la vie….
So, PARIS on Wed, 18th June:
We 4 girls got up bright and early (as we do) to get ready for yet another big day out in this huge metropolis of Paris. Considering there are 4 girls using one bathroom, it’s a miracle that we are so consistent in how long we take to get ready, which is approx. 2 hours altogether, I really don’t think that’s too bad for us.
So anyways, first stop Wed, Montmartre Arts Market. A very interesting place indeed, many a famous artist had made some spare change and hung out in this area in the past, I didn’t visit this area last year with my sister, but I’m sure she would’ve loved it also. I really enjoy the Montmartre area, it’s small, cute, old and full of little tiny laneways waiting for me to discover. And even hiking up those many many steps doesn’t detract from this beautiful place, those tourist vultures who hang around the bottom of the Sacre Coeur are the only thing I don’t like about this area but that’s just a small blip on the radar.
We had lunch at a little pub in the Montmatre area, and had perhaps the best service we’ve encountered anywhere in Paris but the waiter may just be after our tourist tips, who knows. So service, in comparison to other Parisienne service we’ve had so far, was good, my Salade Nordique wasn’t bad either, although the pink spread on the bread was a little off-putting, so I didn’t eat that (I think it was some sort of caviar spread, blech)
Drinks are pricey here, 4 euros for a teensy little bottle of juice, so that’s like about AU$7.30 and I’m talking a very tiny drink, one that even children can drink in one mouthful. That’s just plain outrageous (yup, this is me, prone to exaggeration).
Next stop after lunch, one for the tennis fans, thanks to Marisa and Manda (Tennis Nuts) we made our way to Roland Garros to see the famous clay courts… I had my reservations but I must admit, it actually turned out quite interesting and very fun.
We took a guided tour behind the scenes and learnt a little about the history of this tennis centre and stadium. Our guide, Agnes, bless her, was fun, funny, knowledgeable and made the tour worth every euro that we paid. Must remember to write a complimentary note to her boss because you don’t get service like that everyday in Paris. And, yes I know, I’m sounding like a broken record now and I’m not sure how many times I’ve complained about service in Paris, but when it’s good, it’s gotta be recorded! Marisa went into a lot of detail about what we got upto there, basically, we saw where the reporters and journalists sit, we saw the main court which was being set up for some sort of concert that night so we saw rehearsals, that was good. We saw where the boxes for VIPs and families sit, we got to go into the locker rooms, we got to be tennis players for a few minutes each and give interviews in the interview room (yes, there is photographic proof!). Very enjoyable indeedy.
Then, shopping at Galleries Lafayette. However, before we get there, let me tell you about this fine specimen of a man I saw on the metro. Tall, dark haired, beautiful eyes, and a sharp suit, and he sat right opposite me, nice nice nice! I smiled, he smiled, and I looked away embarrassed.... and he looked away, oh well. It was good while it lasted, I'll always remember the 3 seconds we had together Phillipe du Roule :)
I won’t go into too much detail about the shopping, shopping is boring for me, I like buying things but only if I know I need it and I can afford it. This place, is a little like Myer mixed with David Jones but classier than both. Some stuff was really affordable and reasonably priced, but others were priced outrageously. I saw a pair of earrings at over 6,000 euros, I mean, come on! Who buys these things??? And when am I gonna meet someone who can afford to buy 6000 euro earrings for me? I have my ears already pierced and waiting : )
But, I am a simple girl with simple tastes, all I wanted was this beautiful watch worth not even a mere AU$1,000, I beg and I beg and nobody will buy this for me : (
Perhaps next time I visit La Tour Eiffel, I will finally have a somebody to be with, and this somebody will present to me a wonderful expensive gift, a la the 11y.o. girl I saw last week (15 quid is a lot of money for an 11 y.o. boy from Birminghamshire, or where ever those pommy kids were from) - not that I'm blatantly dropping hints, but if you know my Mr. Right, please let him know where I am (ahem, Milan for the next few days, then Prague, okies?)
Anyways, getting back to business…
After the little shopping spree, we decided to see Paris from a different angle, and so trudged off to find a Batobus to take us on a cruise up and down the Seine to see some of the main sights. It still strikes me that so many people use the Seine so practically and all the time. You will never see this in Melbourne, not in the near future anyway.
All along the Seine, it’s a gathering place, a place that people of all ages and cultures go to socialize. And it’s not just one or a few particular sections either, it’s all along the entire length, up and down the Seine, on both sides of the river.
You will find lonesome figures, just after a quiet place to themselves, or contemplating life, you will find couples or people on their first dates, you will find groups of friends, or co-workers having lunch, or celebrating some special occasion or just hanging out. You will also find families enjoying some time together and buddies out for a drink, you will find old people holding hands, or young people dancing or vice-versa, it’s fantastic. I love that about this city.
Last full day in Paris – Thursday, 19th June – Designated shopping day.
Not much more needs to said really….
I’m not feeling all that magnificent today, I think it was the beginning of the cold that I caught from somewhere…. I just wasn’t all that together or up for anything else, plus the weather kind of sucked, otherwise I probably would’ve gone off exploring on my own for a bit, I’d like to get to know the Latin Quarter and the Marais a bit better…. But there’s always next time: )
By night time, we all chipped in and prepared dinner and cleaned the apartment ready for departure on Friday morning. It was gonna be an early start, Marisa and I had to catch a train at 8am, so to avoid the peak hour commute on the metro we thought we had better leave very early.
Bye bye Paris 20th June
8am Paris time: we are boarding a train that will take us to Nice. Eating a pain au chocolat for breakfast and absorbing the last smell of the Paris before leaving.
Meanwhile, 4pm Melbourne time, most of you are stuck at work.
10am France time: we are sitting on a comfy train, in the middle of France somewhere, awestruck by the beautiful scenery that we are winding through.
6pm Melbourne time: perhaps you are stuck in traffic? Perhaps preparing dinner or waiting for dinner to be ready?
1pm, France time – we reach Cannes, the scenery is beautiful. The weather is gorgeous, clear skies, warm, perfect.
9pm, Melbourne time – you are probably at the footy or at home watching tv or maybe for those with a more active social life, out at some trendy bar just to be seen, but Marisa and I are in Cannes! So we win.
By the time we get to Nice, we are inundated with choices of what to eat and that’s just stepping outside of the station, we haven’t even got our bearings yet. There are so many different cafes, restaurants and fast food outlets to choose from, this place is great! Of course, that’s the first thing I would notice, where all the food places are in relation to where we’re staying : )
The weather is quite a contrast to Paris, It’s so hot and balmy. I immediately had to start stripping on the street to cool down. It’s sunny and bright, and I think it was 32 degrees when we arrived. Paris was a very Melbourne-like 20 degrees, which really suited me more I think. I get grumpy in the heat.
Our hotel is small but quaint and does the trick. It’s very central and in the new part of Nice, so not really that much charm but conveniently close to the station.
Marisa and I wandered around on foot to the beach and fell instantly in love with it, all bumpy pebbles and all. The water is so blue and looks so clean that it makes you want to jump right on in and swim. But I am too shy…. For now….
Already, there’s a noticeable difference in service-quality (I think I’m beginning to sound like a service Nazi or Service cop or Service critic….whichever suits best)
From memory I think I’ve only received poor service once, and that was at Monoprix (a huge supermarket that sells absolutely everything). The check-out-chick, which I shall call, Shazza, like any other c-o-c, obviously loves her job, decided to snatch money right from my hand!
This was the situation:
Total cost of my purchase – 8.01 euros
I gave her a 50 euro note (so I can have change) and as I opened up my coin pouch to get the 1 cent piece, she saw I had a 10 euro note, which happens to be my last small note, thus the need for change. Shazza, decided it would be ok to take this 10 euro note straight from me because you know, we are the bestest of buddies considering I met her only 10 seconds beforehand.
Ummm….. ahem, no Missy, I want to use my 50 euro note, which is why I gave it to you, merci beaucoup. So, relunctantly, she took my 50 and gave me four 10 euro notes in return, plus coins, and counted and counted and counted it over and over again. But, just to make sure she didn’t miscount four 10 euro notes, because counting to 4 may be too difficult for Shazza, she flicked the money a few times, counted it yet again, and then slowly gave me the money. I received the money in my hand when she decided to snatch it right out of my hand and again began counting it – gees! Talk about rudeness and OCD. This was way up there, she either loves counting money, or just loves snatching money out of people’s hands.
Otherwise, all other people were great, info lady was ok, train tix man was ok, hotel staff are good, postcard seller was very nice, love them all.
That first night, we went down to Vieux Nice (Old Nice) for dinner, it was cheap and atmospheric, and we avoided the touristy traps, our salad was good, the local specialty, Socca (some kind of chickpea pancake) was different, but ok, nothing too special to write about. Afterwards, we couldn’t resist having a gelato for sweets.
This Monoprix though, despite the poor service I had originally, has become my new favourite store here, they sell absolutely everything! You name it, they sell it. It’s awesome.
Oh, before I forget, I should write about the hot waiter who I thought was checking out Marisa, but Marisa reckons he was checking me out… but then again, perhaps he wasn’t checking out either of us and it was somebody else he was looking at altogether, hehe
But, there was no mistaking the ambulance driver who was on his way to an emergency, sirens blaring, who decided to slow down and smile at us. How funny, nevermind whoever is dying and waiting for your medical expertise, cute girls up ahead, must wave and smile….. great start to our few short days in Nice : )
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
Versailles - a lovely outing
I was really excited about going to Versailles because it was a lovely day and it would be beautiful to visit a beautiful palace and famous gardens in this weather. I didn't have time to visit Versailles last time so this was perfect.
But first up, I want to make a public apology.
I want to apologize for being such an inconvenience, all I wanted to do was ask a few stupid dumb touristy questions, for afterall, I am but a dumb stupid tourist. I may have also, perhaps, wanted to buy something, and give you money for it, because I thought that's how you make your living, but I'm sorry that I'm such a waste of your time, I'm sure you have better things to do than work and serve people, because silly me, I thought that's what customer service staff do. I thought that by giving you my time, it would validate your life somehow, but apparently not. And for that I'm sorry. I'm sorry that you're in a job that you obviously don't enjoy, and in a country that tolerates such poor behaviour, and I'm sorry that I have the freedom and money to go exploring your wonderful country whereas you are stuck in your dead end job serving me, a happy visitor to your country.
Thanks for making me feel welcome Ticket peoples, Info Desk peoples, Waiters, shop assistants.
Now that that's outta the way.
Versailles.
Grand, Beautiful. Opulent. Amazing.
The palace, good but a little on the boring side. Kind of felt a bit like going to the Vatican - you go here, here, here and then here, and then you go outside and please leave your audio guide at the door. Thank you and visit us again. No flexibility to explore it on our own. Too many people squeezed into the rooms. Most of the palace was closed to the public for restoration work (although I know that was just bad timing for us)
But I will say, if I come back to France, or Paris, I will definitely go back to Versailles because the gardens are just awesome. We had a super quick tour and didn't get to go everywhere. The gardens are free to enter, so I'm definitely coming back.
You can explore the gardens by foot, or by bike, you can go rowing, you can picnic, you can jog, but the best way to explore the gardens? Rent a buggy like we did. So much fun. I was a driver! ME! The one who loathes driving, ME! The bad driver, and not afraid to admit it. It was fun though, I felt like royalty driving through the crowds. We had wheels while the common people only had foot power, so here I am, waving to them like a Queen, buggy swerving dangerously as I wave :)
But what can I say, I can now truthfully tell people, yeah, I drove in France, and I didn't run anybody over (although, some of them kids were really asking for it....)
Great fun, but perhaps no where near as much fun as hiring a Segway.... and if you don't know what it is, JFGI - just f!@#! google it as Kent would say.
Perfect weather for a nice day out.
But first up, I want to make a public apology.
I want to apologize for being such an inconvenience, all I wanted to do was ask a few stupid dumb touristy questions, for afterall, I am but a dumb stupid tourist. I may have also, perhaps, wanted to buy something, and give you money for it, because I thought that's how you make your living, but I'm sorry that I'm such a waste of your time, I'm sure you have better things to do than work and serve people, because silly me, I thought that's what customer service staff do. I thought that by giving you my time, it would validate your life somehow, but apparently not. And for that I'm sorry. I'm sorry that you're in a job that you obviously don't enjoy, and in a country that tolerates such poor behaviour, and I'm sorry that I have the freedom and money to go exploring your wonderful country whereas you are stuck in your dead end job serving me, a happy visitor to your country.
Thanks for making me feel welcome Ticket peoples, Info Desk peoples, Waiters, shop assistants.
Now that that's outta the way.
Versailles.
Grand, Beautiful. Opulent. Amazing.
The palace, good but a little on the boring side. Kind of felt a bit like going to the Vatican - you go here, here, here and then here, and then you go outside and please leave your audio guide at the door. Thank you and visit us again. No flexibility to explore it on our own. Too many people squeezed into the rooms. Most of the palace was closed to the public for restoration work (although I know that was just bad timing for us)
But I will say, if I come back to France, or Paris, I will definitely go back to Versailles because the gardens are just awesome. We had a super quick tour and didn't get to go everywhere. The gardens are free to enter, so I'm definitely coming back.
You can explore the gardens by foot, or by bike, you can go rowing, you can picnic, you can jog, but the best way to explore the gardens? Rent a buggy like we did. So much fun. I was a driver! ME! The one who loathes driving, ME! The bad driver, and not afraid to admit it. It was fun though, I felt like royalty driving through the crowds. We had wheels while the common people only had foot power, so here I am, waving to them like a Queen, buggy swerving dangerously as I wave :)
But what can I say, I can now truthfully tell people, yeah, I drove in France, and I didn't run anybody over (although, some of them kids were really asking for it....)
Great fun, but perhaps no where near as much fun as hiring a Segway.... and if you don't know what it is, JFGI - just f!@#! google it as Kent would say.
Perfect weather for a nice day out.
Sore tired feet, and a little bruised behind
Oh boy did I have some things to write about, but I don't really have time and I can't really be bothered, but my feet are killing me, we start out at around 10am each morning and we don't get back to the apartment until around 9-10pm so we make the most of the daylight hours here.
It doesn't really get dark until about 10:30pm here. It feels so weird to still be so bright at 9:30 at night, I don't really feel hungry because my body is telling me it's too early to eat....
And it makes it worse that we walk everywhere, and use up so much energy, not eating really doesn't replenish our energies.
There are so many stairs to walk up and then walk down, there are so many bridges to walk over, there are so many doors to walk through, there are so many metros to run after, so many cars and bikes to avoid, if I don't have buns of steel by the end of this holiday, I'd be really disappointed.
Things I'd like to remember:
- Making our way to the apartment at 10pm at night, and trying to lift our somewhat heavy luggage down some steep stairs to the metro station, one kind lady decided to help me lift mine down the stairs for me. My luggage was perhaps the lightest and smallest compared to the other 3 girls, but I was the one that got assistance, I feel special :)
That happened to me last time I was here as well. I must look really weak... oh well, whatever gets me sympathy assistance :)
- We all got a 5 day metro pass to use, but mine decided to stop working earlier than the others, so I kept getting stuck behind the gates :(
The last time, this kind old man, one who looks remarkably like Morgan Freeman from his Shawshank Redemption days, offered me to take me through with him, so I took his arm and we squeezed through the gates together. All he wanted in return was a peck on the cheek, what a life saver (I'm easily impressed).
On our second day here, we went to Montmatre and Sacre Coeur (made famous in the movie, Amelie). It was a lovely Sunday, and probably good and bad for us because it was Sunday. There were a whole lot more people than the last time I was here, but that was Winter, and I'm quite sure wasn't a Sunday either.
I forgot that there would be Sunday Mass at Sacre Coeur, but this magnificent lady is still jawdroppingly beautiful, even with the mass of people there. If I was a worshipper, I don't think I'd like to go to mass with so many dumbass tourists around making noises and taking photos, even though you're not supposed to. It's a place of respect but some people just don't understand that.
Those nasty looking African slave kidnappers were still there scaring tourists, but this time I don't have my street smart lil sister here to protect me, I had to look out for myself. I'm smarter this time, a firm NON! seemed to do the trick and I walk on by assertively and keep my arms to myself and not flaying about like a tourist. I did feel about safer this time round though cos there were thousands more other people around so I knew they really couldn't do anything to us because there were other people to harrass.
That's the only thing that really mars the beauty of the Sacre Coeur, otherwise I do like it without the people and tourists, it almost feels like I own the place.
The headed off to the other lady, La Tour Eiffel.
What can I say.... OMG! There are SOO SOOO SOOOOO many people there. I hate crowds, I hate queueing, I hate waiting, I hate stupid tourists, and I hate crowds. Oh, did I mention I hate crowds??? Last time I had the entire floor to myself. It was awesome.
This time I had to share (I don't like sharing either) with a billion other people, and unfortunately, none that I care too much about. I found myself a quiet place to myself, contemplating why I was here alone - again, when I was rudely disturbed by 2 young girls, no more than 11 or 12 years old.... this is their story:
Girl 1: my boyfriend wants to buy me a present, it's gonna cost 15 quid, what should I do?
Girl 2: really? well, just say yes!
Boyfriend: Now, would you like chocolates or (something something, it was mumbled....boys...)
Girl 1: ummm.....
Girl 2: (*whispers to Girl 1*) chocolates, choose the chocolates
Girl 1: Chocolates
Boyfriend: ok, wait here for me
Me: *sigh* (*walks away from this depressing scene*)
An 11 y.o. girl was there at the Eiffel Tower with her boyfriend who got her chocolates...... that never happened when I was 11, and probably won't happen to me anytime soon :(
Anyways, I couldn't breathe with all the people around me, so I had to make my way quickly to some other place with less people, and from previous experience, First floor, Denon Wing will always be crowded because of the Lady with the mysterious smile. She's the one that attracts the most attention and as I've said previously, Mona Lisa = Over-Rated. There are many more paintings far more beautiful and far more deserving of attention than that living at the Louvre (lucky paintings!).
so I left the other 3 girls behind and went exploring on my own for a few hours.
I love this place so much. I went straight to see my favourite painting, a gorgeous Charles Le Brun piece, and I discovered that Charles Le Brun was King Louis XIV's (I think) favourite painter, I can see why :)
For someone who doesn't like crowds, I do enjoy watching people though.
I walked into this room and there was one lone priest reading from the bible in front of a picture of Mary, (La Pentecote - Restout) it was a peaceful sight. And a refreshing change from the noisy tourists. I watched him for about 10 mins before deciding I had to take a picture of it, and just as I did, a stupid (American) tourist walks into the room and right into my shot! Dumbass!!
Then, walking through an exhibit about Napoleon's house, there was a really cute old man staring at some metal coins or badges or something. I watched him for about 10 mins also, and he didn't move a muscle, he even brought in his own stool so he could sit at this cabinet and stare at these coins..... so I decided to take a picture, and just as I was about to, he moved!
Luckily, I have lightening fast reactions, and pretended to take a photo of something else in the room..... and quickly snapped him when he settled into a different position. What a funny man. I'll try and upload some pics of this another time.
Before I knew it, I had spent 4 hours exploring this place on my own, and had even forgotten to eat.
I will tell you about the rude French waiter we had on the Champs Elysees, but that's just to be expected from French service.... but dumbass waiter that he was, he forgot to charge us for the crepes that Marisa and I had ordered, so that saved us 13 euros, so I ain't complaining.
It doesn't really get dark until about 10:30pm here. It feels so weird to still be so bright at 9:30 at night, I don't really feel hungry because my body is telling me it's too early to eat....
And it makes it worse that we walk everywhere, and use up so much energy, not eating really doesn't replenish our energies.
There are so many stairs to walk up and then walk down, there are so many bridges to walk over, there are so many doors to walk through, there are so many metros to run after, so many cars and bikes to avoid, if I don't have buns of steel by the end of this holiday, I'd be really disappointed.
Things I'd like to remember:
- Making our way to the apartment at 10pm at night, and trying to lift our somewhat heavy luggage down some steep stairs to the metro station, one kind lady decided to help me lift mine down the stairs for me. My luggage was perhaps the lightest and smallest compared to the other 3 girls, but I was the one that got assistance, I feel special :)
That happened to me last time I was here as well. I must look really weak... oh well, whatever gets me sympathy assistance :)
- We all got a 5 day metro pass to use, but mine decided to stop working earlier than the others, so I kept getting stuck behind the gates :(
The last time, this kind old man, one who looks remarkably like Morgan Freeman from his Shawshank Redemption days, offered me to take me through with him, so I took his arm and we squeezed through the gates together. All he wanted in return was a peck on the cheek, what a life saver (I'm easily impressed).
On our second day here, we went to Montmatre and Sacre Coeur (made famous in the movie, Amelie). It was a lovely Sunday, and probably good and bad for us because it was Sunday. There were a whole lot more people than the last time I was here, but that was Winter, and I'm quite sure wasn't a Sunday either.
I forgot that there would be Sunday Mass at Sacre Coeur, but this magnificent lady is still jawdroppingly beautiful, even with the mass of people there. If I was a worshipper, I don't think I'd like to go to mass with so many dumbass tourists around making noises and taking photos, even though you're not supposed to. It's a place of respect but some people just don't understand that.
Those nasty looking African slave kidnappers were still there scaring tourists, but this time I don't have my street smart lil sister here to protect me, I had to look out for myself. I'm smarter this time, a firm NON! seemed to do the trick and I walk on by assertively and keep my arms to myself and not flaying about like a tourist. I did feel about safer this time round though cos there were thousands more other people around so I knew they really couldn't do anything to us because there were other people to harrass.
That's the only thing that really mars the beauty of the Sacre Coeur, otherwise I do like it without the people and tourists, it almost feels like I own the place.
The headed off to the other lady, La Tour Eiffel.
What can I say.... OMG! There are SOO SOOO SOOOOO many people there. I hate crowds, I hate queueing, I hate waiting, I hate stupid tourists, and I hate crowds. Oh, did I mention I hate crowds??? Last time I had the entire floor to myself. It was awesome.
This time I had to share (I don't like sharing either) with a billion other people, and unfortunately, none that I care too much about. I found myself a quiet place to myself, contemplating why I was here alone - again, when I was rudely disturbed by 2 young girls, no more than 11 or 12 years old.... this is their story:
Girl 1: my boyfriend wants to buy me a present, it's gonna cost 15 quid, what should I do?
Girl 2: really? well, just say yes!
Boyfriend: Now, would you like chocolates or (something something, it was mumbled....boys...)
Girl 1: ummm.....
Girl 2: (*whispers to Girl 1*) chocolates, choose the chocolates
Girl 1: Chocolates
Boyfriend: ok, wait here for me
Me: *sigh* (*walks away from this depressing scene*)
An 11 y.o. girl was there at the Eiffel Tower with her boyfriend who got her chocolates...... that never happened when I was 11, and probably won't happen to me anytime soon :(
A.n.y.w.a.y.s, onto the next day.
The next day, we headed to the Louvre. If I haven't mentioned it to you before, I will mention it again here, the Louvre is one of my most favourite places in Paris. I love it there.
Once again, crowds of people absolutely everywhere. I'm really no good in crowds, I used to always have someone I can grab onto to but here, that may be just a little too weird for the person standing next to me... why is strange lady holding onto my hand????Anyways, I couldn't breathe with all the people around me, so I had to make my way quickly to some other place with less people, and from previous experience, First floor, Denon Wing will always be crowded because of the Lady with the mysterious smile. She's the one that attracts the most attention and as I've said previously, Mona Lisa = Over-Rated. There are many more paintings far more beautiful and far more deserving of attention than that living at the Louvre (lucky paintings!).
so I left the other 3 girls behind and went exploring on my own for a few hours.
I love this place so much. I went straight to see my favourite painting, a gorgeous Charles Le Brun piece, and I discovered that Charles Le Brun was King Louis XIV's (I think) favourite painter, I can see why :)
For someone who doesn't like crowds, I do enjoy watching people though.
I walked into this room and there was one lone priest reading from the bible in front of a picture of Mary, (La Pentecote - Restout) it was a peaceful sight. And a refreshing change from the noisy tourists. I watched him for about 10 mins before deciding I had to take a picture of it, and just as I did, a stupid (American) tourist walks into the room and right into my shot! Dumbass!!
Then, walking through an exhibit about Napoleon's house, there was a really cute old man staring at some metal coins or badges or something. I watched him for about 10 mins also, and he didn't move a muscle, he even brought in his own stool so he could sit at this cabinet and stare at these coins..... so I decided to take a picture, and just as I was about to, he moved!
Luckily, I have lightening fast reactions, and pretended to take a photo of something else in the room..... and quickly snapped him when he settled into a different position. What a funny man. I'll try and upload some pics of this another time.
Before I knew it, I had spent 4 hours exploring this place on my own, and had even forgotten to eat.
I will tell you about the rude French waiter we had on the Champs Elysees, but that's just to be expected from French service.... but dumbass waiter that he was, he forgot to charge us for the crepes that Marisa and I had ordered, so that saved us 13 euros, so I ain't complaining.
Things I forgot in Seoul
It's been a few days... almost a week and even though this apartment includes free internet and a computer for us to use, we've just been too knackered to update (well, Marisa has, but I'm just slack :)
So here's some things I forgot about Seoul:
When we found the 24 hour snack bar, which happens to be RIGHT NEXT DOOR to the hotel we were staying at, the people there didn't really speak english and couldn't understand what we were trying to order (and we were trying to avoid ordering anything that involved 'head of beef' or whatever it was....)
I think the lady there was used to tourists not speaking Korean, I mean, afterall, it's not an easy language to learn.... and because the only menu was stuck high on the wall, she immediately gave us a long stick to point to whatever it was that we wanted.
What a fun and unusual concept! We couldn't stop giggling to ourselves, I think we should do that in Melbourne, have pointing menus, it's so much fun! We are silly girls, but we have fun.
The flight to Paris was not too bad, didn't feel as long as it was, 11 hours, but perhaps it was because we discovered we could play eachother with the games on the plane. Those games are so much more fun when you're playing somebody else. I gotsta get me one of them Yatzee (can't remember how to spell it) games.
so anyways, I was gonna upload some pics for you, just to make you jealous, but for some reason I can't upload anything to here or Facebook... oh well, next time perhaps
So here's some things I forgot about Seoul:
When we found the 24 hour snack bar, which happens to be RIGHT NEXT DOOR to the hotel we were staying at, the people there didn't really speak english and couldn't understand what we were trying to order (and we were trying to avoid ordering anything that involved 'head of beef' or whatever it was....)
I think the lady there was used to tourists not speaking Korean, I mean, afterall, it's not an easy language to learn.... and because the only menu was stuck high on the wall, she immediately gave us a long stick to point to whatever it was that we wanted.
What a fun and unusual concept! We couldn't stop giggling to ourselves, I think we should do that in Melbourne, have pointing menus, it's so much fun! We are silly girls, but we have fun.
The flight to Paris was not too bad, didn't feel as long as it was, 11 hours, but perhaps it was because we discovered we could play eachother with the games on the plane. Those games are so much more fun when you're playing somebody else. I gotsta get me one of them Yatzee (can't remember how to spell it) games.
so anyways, I was gonna upload some pics for you, just to make you jealous, but for some reason I can't upload anything to here or Facebook... oh well, next time perhaps
Friday, 13 June 2008
Seoul Food
Well, after waking up bright and early yesterday (5.30am¦) Marisa and I had a rather uneventful flight to Seoul.
Just as we are about to depart this city, we are making the most of the free internet to blog about this.... (btw, forgive me for anzy typos or nonsense because this keyboard is very weird, the keys are not in the place that it says on the keypad¦)
However, I think I will just dot point it....
Flight was alright, 10 hours, but did not really feel like it.
Service on Korean Air was ok
Food was quite good. Probably the best that I have tried on any airline
Got a bit confused coming out of the airport, and I think Korean Air could have handled us better, but hey, overall, its not really a complaint.
Hotel was ok, was not the Hyatt as we were told, poop
My sim card doesnt work here, this country is way too modern for my backwards of a phone
Free dinner was awful. No sorry, let me put that another way, it was a bloody let'down and certainly was not fulfilling nor satisfzyzing. Worse than all microwave meals and came out cold.
So Marisa and I went out venturing around the hotel, and after much deliberating and wondering what was on the menu and how much it was gonna cost us, we withdrew some money and had a wonderful meal at what I think is called the 24 hour Snack Bar¦
Satisfying, yes.
Met 2 really nice fellow Aussies, also travelling on Korean Air and had a beer with them as well as sharing some funny stories about the bad hotel food, the enormous yet outrageously cheap beer, gangs of nannas, nana cops, fried pizzas, and so it goes on. Thanks Chris and Nicole. And good luck to you both on your travels.
Free breakfast was far far better than the dinner we had last night at the hotel. Buffet hot breakfast (and I use the term hot very lightly here, it was more luke warm, but hey, it was free and it was filling)
We are about an hour away from boarding our flight to Paris to start the adventure, and so far, so good.
Sorry about the short blog, just thought I°d start things off so all you jealous people back in Melbourne can know what us 2 chicky babes are upto right now.
For now,
be good and we promise to be too
Just as we are about to depart this city, we are making the most of the free internet to blog about this.... (btw, forgive me for anzy typos or nonsense because this keyboard is very weird, the keys are not in the place that it says on the keypad¦)
However, I think I will just dot point it....
Flight was alright, 10 hours, but did not really feel like it.
Service on Korean Air was ok
Food was quite good. Probably the best that I have tried on any airline
Got a bit confused coming out of the airport, and I think Korean Air could have handled us better, but hey, overall, its not really a complaint.
Hotel was ok, was not the Hyatt as we were told, poop
My sim card doesnt work here, this country is way too modern for my backwards of a phone
Free dinner was awful. No sorry, let me put that another way, it was a bloody let'down and certainly was not fulfilling nor satisfzyzing. Worse than all microwave meals and came out cold.
So Marisa and I went out venturing around the hotel, and after much deliberating and wondering what was on the menu and how much it was gonna cost us, we withdrew some money and had a wonderful meal at what I think is called the 24 hour Snack Bar¦
Satisfying, yes.
Met 2 really nice fellow Aussies, also travelling on Korean Air and had a beer with them as well as sharing some funny stories about the bad hotel food, the enormous yet outrageously cheap beer, gangs of nannas, nana cops, fried pizzas, and so it goes on. Thanks Chris and Nicole. And good luck to you both on your travels.
Free breakfast was far far better than the dinner we had last night at the hotel. Buffet hot breakfast (and I use the term hot very lightly here, it was more luke warm, but hey, it was free and it was filling)
We are about an hour away from boarding our flight to Paris to start the adventure, and so far, so good.
Sorry about the short blog, just thought I°d start things off so all you jealous people back in Melbourne can know what us 2 chicky babes are upto right now.
For now,
be good and we promise to be too
Saturday, 7 June 2008
Welcome to the new M&M Show - The First Tour
Well, Marisa and I are about to embark on our first overseas trip together in FIVE days....
It's back to Europe for me, we'll be heading to Seoul, Paris, Versailles, Blois, Nice (and the French Riviera), Milan, Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam and very likely Switzerland as well (if I can get my act together...)
I'm christening this trip the new 'M & M Show - the First Tour' - apparently, as the saying goes, what goes on tour, stays on tour... however, considering that I am keeping a blog, I may be kind enough to let loose some juicy bits, if there are any juicy bits to let loose, if I'm allowed to reveal any juicy bits, assuming I remember any juicy bits ;)
It's the First Tour, because, well just imagine it, poor Marisa... sleeping with me, eating with me, walking around with me most likely getting hopelessly lost, listening to me whinge about the cold, the heat, the accommodation, the airport, the waiting around, the rude Europeans... how will she cope?
BUT, I suppose there'll be lots of laughs and giggles and a leeetle beeet of booze to go with all that, so it shouldn't be too bad, eh?
Lazy bum that I am, I can't be bothered setting up another blog, so I'm continuing on from the last one... changing it around slightly... afterall, it is still just as relevant now as it was last year for how can one not have blistered feet or be buttsore after what we have planned ahead - if you could only see our itinerary! Lots of trains, planes and automobiles (and I'm sure, quite a few internet cafes as well). We haven't planned lots of activities, but boy is there a helluva lot of travelling involved.
It's gonna be interesting, it's gonna be fun, it's gonna be exciting, it's gonna be stressful and exhausting but most of all, it's gonna be the magnificent break that we both need right now (mostly me, I desperately need a break from Melbourne).
And judging by the quality of my writing right now, I apologize in advance - there'll be loads of me rambling on lots :Þ
So, until we leave, let the countdown begin!
It's back to Europe for me, we'll be heading to Seoul, Paris, Versailles, Blois, Nice (and the French Riviera), Milan, Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam and very likely Switzerland as well (if I can get my act together...)
I'm christening this trip the new 'M & M Show - the First Tour' - apparently, as the saying goes, what goes on tour, stays on tour... however, considering that I am keeping a blog, I may be kind enough to let loose some juicy bits, if there are any juicy bits to let loose, if I'm allowed to reveal any juicy bits, assuming I remember any juicy bits ;)
It's the First Tour, because, well just imagine it, poor Marisa... sleeping with me, eating with me, walking around with me most likely getting hopelessly lost, listening to me whinge about the cold, the heat, the accommodation, the airport, the waiting around, the rude Europeans... how will she cope?
BUT, I suppose there'll be lots of laughs and giggles and a leeetle beeet of booze to go with all that, so it shouldn't be too bad, eh?
Lazy bum that I am, I can't be bothered setting up another blog, so I'm continuing on from the last one... changing it around slightly... afterall, it is still just as relevant now as it was last year for how can one not have blistered feet or be buttsore after what we have planned ahead - if you could only see our itinerary! Lots of trains, planes and automobiles (and I'm sure, quite a few internet cafes as well). We haven't planned lots of activities, but boy is there a helluva lot of travelling involved.
It's gonna be interesting, it's gonna be fun, it's gonna be exciting, it's gonna be stressful and exhausting but most of all, it's gonna be the magnificent break that we both need right now (mostly me, I desperately need a break from Melbourne).
And judging by the quality of my writing right now, I apologize in advance - there'll be loads of me rambling on lots :Þ
So, until we leave, let the countdown begin!
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