Well the end of my trip has concluded but the memories will always be remembered. I am glad to be back in the States for many reasons but mainly simple things like staying in a place more than a couple of days, food (refills and free water), not having to worry about losing something (passport, credit cards), etc. I loved being over there and I am sure I will go back someday but this trip was amazing and the amount of experiences that occured were priceless. Now being back here I must continue on with my life and focus on the upcoming challenging school year and getting things ready for that while trying to get back in contact with friends. No more travel plans are scheduled for this summer so I guess that gives me time to think about my next big adventure. Well I guess now to the last 5 days of my trip:
Luxembourg
We arived in Luxembourg City in the afternoon and took a bus to our hostel. It was a very nice hostel. That night be walked around the town and also got some groceries. That evening, while setting out back in this open area, we met an orchastra from Slovenia. They were having a small party of sorts becuase the next day they were scheduled to play. We also became friends with the Slovenia Wine Queen (sort of like a state fair queen, she gets paid, has a car, and dress, ect.) It was a really fun night because they invited us to partake in their little party.
The next day we toured more around Luxembourg and were able to take a guided tour of the Duke's Palace. It was small but very interesting since it is still being used to this date. That afternoon we were able to see our new friends from Slovenia perform. That evening we got to bed a little earlier since we had to get up early in the morning to go to Paris.
The following day we arrived in Paris! After getting to our hostel and aquainted we tried to go to Versailles for the afternoon. After about 30 minutes of using the metro system we found out that the spot we needed to get on a suburban train was closed. We were not sure how else to get out there so we decided to tour paris that afternoon. We first went to the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. This was my second time being there but this time I got to go to the top. The view from up there was amazing and gave a great description of how big Paris actually is. Following this we started out on a path to see the Parthanon, Luxembourg Palace, Nepoleon's tomb, and the Eiffel tower. After seeing all of these sights we went back to the hostel for dinner. That evening we decided to go out on the town. We figured that it would be smart to walk to where we wanted to go that evening just in case the metro was closed by the time we wanted to go back. We were directed to go to a certain area of Paris to experience the night life and we set off for that area. Well after walking about an hour and a half thru some shady areas we decided to take the metro back and call it a night lol.
The next day we got up and went to this white churh that was on a hill that overlooked the city. Great view. The next stop was the the Arc de Triumph and we went to the top of here. It was really cool because some 13 streets come together at the Arc and also gave another great view! We then walked down to the Louvre area and then headed to Crypts of Paris. Unfortunately we were unable to go in because the place of closing soon and the line was way to long. From there we went to a train station to get Greg a train to Frankfurt for his flight home. After working that out we headed back to the Louvre area and did a little souvenir shopping and got slushies at this little fair they were having in that area. After this headed for the Eiffel tower. We went to the top and had yet another amazing view! After this we ate at a cheap asian resturant. Then headed back to the Eiffel tower to see the light show when the sun went down. It was awesome!
The nex day Greg and I got up early and headed to the Louvre. We were able to see the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, Revived by Cupid's Kiss, Nike of Samothrace, and Liberty Leading the People. We spent around 4 hours there and it was quite interesting. There is so much art there that I dont even think we saw half of it. After the Louvre we headed out to Versailles. The bad thing about it was that the Palace was closed on Mondays and we werent able to go in. This is the second time I have gone to Versailles and not able to go in the Palace. We did however went to the gardens that I really like and they are huge! That evening we went out to a nicer resturaunt for dinner. I had duck and it was really good.
The next day was the start of the long travels. It tooks us about an hour metro/train to Charles de Galle Airport. Finally got checked in and thru security. Then off to London. Then back thru security. Then to Chicago on a 7 hour trip. I somehow got a seat that had extended leg room. I also watched a couple of movies. Then arrived to Chicago. Went thru Customs, then security. Had dinner at Chilli's and got our monies worth of free refills. Then off to KC. Mom Dad and Brother picked me up. around 22 hours worth of traveling that day and I was really tired.
Well that is the conclusion of my Europe Backpacking Extravaganza! I thank you for following with me thru my travels and I hope that you enjoyed some of the posts that I have put on here. I am very fortunate to be able to do things like this and I am thankful for all of you that contributed in my experience. Thank you and I hope you liked this becuase I know for sure that I have!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Brussels
So we arrived here a couple days ago. The first day that we got here we got checked and accomadated. Once settled in we walked around the city some and got acquianted. We also went to the movie theatre and watched Bruno in English. Its been awhile since we've seen a movie. Bruno was rather interesting... That evening we hung out with some guy from San Deigo and also another from Kosovo. It was pretty cool to talk to them
The next day we slept in a little bit and then went to the Royal palace, saw some botanical gardens, saw the Cathedral, saw a statue of a little boy peeing (which is a very popular sight here), saw the Palace of Justice, and the US Embassy. That evening we saw some of Tom's friends Jamie and Max. We went out to eat with them at some Irish place. After that we went to the most famous fries place in Belgium. By the way I guess French Fries actually started in Belgium and not France. Just and FYI.
Today, we took a day trip to Antwerpen and Michelen. They were smaller towns about 45 minutes from Brussels. Pretty interesting and some pretty cool structures. Later this evening went to this atom looking structure. It looked like an atom but was huge. It was a really cool structure! We also saw this amazing arch in a park just outside of the city center. For dinner we got some Turkish food and ate it at our hotel. Going to take it easy tonight and sleep in some.
Off to Louxembourg tomorrow...
The next day we slept in a little bit and then went to the Royal palace, saw some botanical gardens, saw the Cathedral, saw a statue of a little boy peeing (which is a very popular sight here), saw the Palace of Justice, and the US Embassy. That evening we saw some of Tom's friends Jamie and Max. We went out to eat with them at some Irish place. After that we went to the most famous fries place in Belgium. By the way I guess French Fries actually started in Belgium and not France. Just and FYI.
Today, we took a day trip to Antwerpen and Michelen. They were smaller towns about 45 minutes from Brussels. Pretty interesting and some pretty cool structures. Later this evening went to this atom looking structure. It looked like an atom but was huge. It was a really cool structure! We also saw this amazing arch in a park just outside of the city center. For dinner we got some Turkish food and ate it at our hotel. Going to take it easy tonight and sleep in some.
Off to Louxembourg tomorrow...
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Bruges
So last night we were able to enjoy an outdoor concert in one of the main squares here. It was pretty enjoyable and were able to here some Belguim music.
Today we got up and had a great breakfast here at our place for free. Afterwards we went to the top of a bell tour and had a great panorama. From there we walked along this canal and saw many windmills that are over 200 years old. After that we went into a couple of churches. One of which had a little concert of harp players. Following this we all went around from store to store which were all mainly chocolate stores. We were also able to eat a couple of Belguim waffles. They were so good and didnt need any syrup on top of them! Tonight we plan on having a nicer dinner.
By the way, ourr accomodations are amazing. I slept so good last night and was able to take a long shower yesterday. We are also literally on a canal with a great view. Furthermore, I plan on watching the recent movie called "In Bruges" which is based from here. Suppose to be pretty good.
Tomorrow we leave for Brussels. Only 9 days left...
Today we got up and had a great breakfast here at our place for free. Afterwards we went to the top of a bell tour and had a great panorama. From there we walked along this canal and saw many windmills that are over 200 years old. After that we went into a couple of churches. One of which had a little concert of harp players. Following this we all went around from store to store which were all mainly chocolate stores. We were also able to eat a couple of Belguim waffles. They were so good and didnt need any syrup on top of them! Tonight we plan on having a nicer dinner.
By the way, ourr accomodations are amazing. I slept so good last night and was able to take a long shower yesterday. We are also literally on a canal with a great view. Furthermore, I plan on watching the recent movie called "In Bruges" which is based from here. Suppose to be pretty good.
Tomorrow we leave for Brussels. Only 9 days left...
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Amsterdam, Maastricht, and Bruges
Well a couple of days ago Greg and I went to the Heineken tour. It was really great. Quite different from the Budweiser and Boulevard tour. We turned a 90 minute tour into 3 hours. It was a more upbeat tour in which you were able to get 3 small beers. Following this, we walked around the town and saw some of the interesting sights.
Yesterday we went to Maastricht. It was a smaller town on the about 2 hours south of Amsterdam. We toured a Cathedral that had the brother of a King from the 4th Century. We also climbed to the top of a tour which gave a great panorama view of the city. It was a classic Netherlands town. There was also a big concert being set up so everyone was out in the streets. Came back and had this very good chinese food.
Today we came to Bruges. It is the perfect beautiful little town. We walked around this afternoon and it is pretty cool. I cant wait to tour the city tomorrow!
Yesterday we went to Maastricht. It was a smaller town on the about 2 hours south of Amsterdam. We toured a Cathedral that had the brother of a King from the 4th Century. We also climbed to the top of a tour which gave a great panorama view of the city. It was a classic Netherlands town. There was also a big concert being set up so everyone was out in the streets. Came back and had this very good chinese food.
Today we came to Bruges. It is the perfect beautiful little town. We walked around this afternoon and it is pretty cool. I cant wait to tour the city tomorrow!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Rothenburg and Amsterdam
Well since last time Greg's family friends picked us up from the apartment we were staying at. This was the best decision of the whole trip! Greg's family friends, Crystal and Wolfgang, took us around the city of Rothenburg. Crystal was able to point us out a few gifts we should buy there. Also they had a very nice christmas store in which you werent allowed to take any photos because of the reputation they have. After this, we went back to there house and got settled in. On the way to the house we took the autobahn and reached speeds up to 200 km/h (125 mph). They then took us to Wurzburg in which we toured around this Bishops house. Following that we went to this big festival. We ended the festival by going to the beeer garden. At the beer garden Greg and I were able to climb this 20-25 foot pole to receive a free liter of beer. It was pretty fun!!
The next day, Wolfgang took us around to all of the auto dealerships in the area. We saw everything from Audi to Ferrari to Land Rover. It was pretty cool to have him show us these. After this Crystal prepared a stawberry cake for us for lunch. It was delicious! For dinner she made us dumplings and gravy. Very good. We also ended up chatting the night away over a couple of German beers.
Crystal and Wolfgang were really nice to us and I could not appreciate enough what they did for us! Thanks again!
The next day we were off to Amsterdam. Once here, after some trouble looking we found our hostel. It is literally an attiv. We must climb a ladder to get to our room. Also the people here are very interesting to say the least. Didnt have good sleep last night because of how loud the place was where we are at. (Hopefully it gets better tonight).
Today, we toured around Amsterdam. I was pretty excited because we were able to see the Ann Frank museum. Tom and I started reading this book about a month ago when the trip started. It was interesting to see how everything was in real life. After this we went to the Vincent Van Gough Musuem. Also pretty interesting since I learned a lot about him in my art appreciation class last semester. Ended up the evening going to the Hard Rock Cafe. Can you say Amazing American food. It filled us up.
Tomorrow some more touring. Might be going to the Heineken Museum. Until then...
The next day, Wolfgang took us around to all of the auto dealerships in the area. We saw everything from Audi to Ferrari to Land Rover. It was pretty cool to have him show us these. After this Crystal prepared a stawberry cake for us for lunch. It was delicious! For dinner she made us dumplings and gravy. Very good. We also ended up chatting the night away over a couple of German beers.
Crystal and Wolfgang were really nice to us and I could not appreciate enough what they did for us! Thanks again!
The next day we were off to Amsterdam. Once here, after some trouble looking we found our hostel. It is literally an attiv. We must climb a ladder to get to our room. Also the people here are very interesting to say the least. Didnt have good sleep last night because of how loud the place was where we are at. (Hopefully it gets better tonight).
Today, we toured around Amsterdam. I was pretty excited because we were able to see the Ann Frank museum. Tom and I started reading this book about a month ago when the trip started. It was interesting to see how everything was in real life. After this we went to the Vincent Van Gough Musuem. Also pretty interesting since I learned a lot about him in my art appreciation class last semester. Ended up the evening going to the Hard Rock Cafe. Can you say Amazing American food. It filled us up.
Tomorrow some more touring. Might be going to the Heineken Museum. Until then...
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Rothenburg
Well arrived in Rothenburg this afternoon... well actually a very small village outside of Rothenburg. Needless to say this town has nothing to do here and the place we are staying in trying to charge us for everything (internet, breakfast, bikes, dinner etc.). Greg knows some family friends that live 30 minutes away and they are coming tomorrow to pick us up. We had to come up with an excuse to leave this place so the people we are staying with doesnt think we dont like it. Until next time
Friday, July 3, 2009
Stuttgart
Well yesterday we went to the Porsche Museum. It wasnt as nice as the Mercedes musuem but was nice none the less. Afterwards, we toured around Stuttgart. It was a pretty nice town with a lot festivals going on. We also went to the top of a TV tower which gave a great panorama view of the whole city. Later that evening we went to a small beer garden in the city's main park. Stayed there a little while and then introduced Greg to the Doner Kabab (A turkish sandwich of sorts).
Today we went to a smaller town close to Stuttgart. It was a college town and also very old. The buildings there were tall and skinny and looked real German. We stayed there in the this town for about 5 hours. It was pretty cool. later that evening we went to the grocery store for dinner and also have been getting packed up for us leaving in the morning. Also, I have to say that the place we stayed at washed our clothes for a small fee so that is really nice.
Off to Rothenburg tomorrow
Today we went to a smaller town close to Stuttgart. It was a college town and also very old. The buildings there were tall and skinny and looked real German. We stayed there in the this town for about 5 hours. It was pretty cool. later that evening we went to the grocery store for dinner and also have been getting packed up for us leaving in the morning. Also, I have to say that the place we stayed at washed our clothes for a small fee so that is really nice.
Off to Rothenburg tomorrow
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