Luxembourg, Paris, and Home

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!

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...

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...

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!

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...

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

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

Zurich and Stuttgart

Two days ago we went to a small town outside of Zurich called Luzern.It was a pretty cool small town and had a very beautiful bridge in the middle of it. Later that day I met up with Greg at the train station. We ended that night by hanging out on a small island right by the Zurich Lake.

Yesterday, we got up and toured the rest of Zurich with Greg and everyone else. We eat out lunch and dinner from a grocery store because of the outragious prices here. We ended up the day back at the island by the lake.

Also I just wanted to say that the hostel that we stayed at was probably the worst accomadations we have had so far this trip. This was all because of our roommate that we had. He was around 55 and told us that he just got out of a mental hospital. Most of the time he was in the room he wasnt wearing much and when he was wearing clothing he wore the same sweatsuit with pink sandels. Also did I mention he sounded like a frieght train at night!

We arrived in Stuttgart Germany this evening. We arrived at our much better accomodations. once we got settled in we went to the Mercedes-Benz Museum. It was probably one of the best museums we have seen so far this trip. They tied how the company and world affairs interacted with eachother. Also, I showed how the company came about and survived through the years. We spent the whole afternoon there. Tonight we were able to cook food in our apartment.

Tomorrow we are off to the Porsche Museum and heading to the city center. Also going to the top of a TV tower for the German sunset.

Salzburg Austria and Zurich Switzerland

Well was able to get some internet here in Zurich. So here is the last couple of days events

Two days ago we went right across the border into Germany to see Adolf Hitler's house called by the Americans the "Eagles Nest". It was basically on top of a mountain! We had to go through a bunker of sorts and an elevator that took us up to his house. When we were up there we were in the clouds! We also were able to hike a little ways in his "backyard". We even found some patches of snow. Made a little snowman in Hitler's backyard. It was also really interesting and when the clouds subsided we had a great view of the Bavarian countryside.

That evening we went back to Salzburg we went to the well-known Beer Garden in town. It was really big and packed full. Had one or two beers.

The next day we went around Salzburg some more. We ate (actually I got one of the cheapest things on the menu a 5 Euro soup) at the 2nd oldest resturant in Europe. It was established in 800. After this we rented bikes for a couple of hours and rode around Salzburg and along the Danube River.

That evening we went to a small town close to where we were staying and ate dinner. It was awesome because there was a wedding party going on at the same time we were eating there. Everyone was dressed up in traditional Austrian clothing and we were able to see some of the traditions that the Austrian people partake in. Very interesting and the food was amazing.

We got into Zurich this afternoon. We checked into a very big hostel. All I am willing to say right now is that this place is interesting... This afternoon we strolled around Zurich. By the way everything here is so expensive! We ending the evening by laying out by the Zurich lake for a couple of hours and soaked in the sun.

Side note Greg, a friend from MU, is coming tomorrow for the final leg of the trip. Until next time

Vienna, Austria; Budapest; Salzburg,Austria

Have not had internet access in the past couple of days...

When we arrived in Vienna a couple of days ago to pouring rain. That evening we went out to eat at an Austrian restuarant. It was pretty good.

The next morning we left very early for Budapest. It was three hour train ride. When we got there the weather wasnt the best with some drizzling rain. Tom, Stacey and I walked around all day to all of the sights of the city. We were able to see the beautiful Parliment building on the Danube river. Also we went to the top of a Cathedral for a panoramic of the city. We Went over to the Buda side and went to where the Palace was and also had another great view. We finished up the day going to a Halocaust museum. It was very interesting.

The next day we toured around Vienna amongst periods of rain. The city was amazingly beautiful. We we able to see one of the famous Cathedrals, the Palace in the city and the Schonnburn Palace. It was amazing and had a huge garden behind it. The best part of the evening was that we lucky enough to see an opera at the famous Vienna Opera House. We had to wait in line for about an hour but got standing room tickets dead center on the lower level. It was quite the experience.

Side note-Tom's mom and her friend left last night

Today we arrived in Salzburg, home of the Sound of Music and Mozart. We are in a house just outside the city that has a great view of the countryside. This evening we were able to see Mozart's house and walk around the city. The rain here stopped and the sun is shining at the moment. Apparently there are some great floods here but I have yet to see any real signs of dangerous waters.

Either tomorrow or the next day we are going to head right across the border to see Hitler's house that was named the "Eagle's Nest". Should be interesting

Bled, Slovenia

Today we took a day trip to Bled, Slovenia. It was a nice and quaint town on this lake. The water was so clear because it was snow runoff. There was a very cool looking castle that was on rocks that overlooked the region. The town was also surrounded by snowcapped mountains. There is also a small island in the middle of the lake which had just enough room for a small church.

Tomorrow we are off to Vienna. Also, a person from MU will be traveling with us for about a week when we reach Vienna.

P.S. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

Ljubljana Slovenia

Arrived here in Ljubljana yesterday. Checked into our first true hostel. We are sharing a room with a couple of other people, with communal bathroom and a slighly warm shower. Its not that bad just different. Yesterday we toured around here and saw the sights such as the castle and the three bridge area. Last night Tom and I went out with a guy that is in out room. He was about 30 and was laid off by Lehman Brothers so once that happened he just decided to travel the world for awhile.

Today was our first day of semi bad weather. It was rainy and kind of cold. Tom and I decided to sleep in and lounge around. We did however go over to Tom's mom's hotel and watched the movie Chocolat. Also, we went out to dinner and walked along the river that goes down the middle of the city.

Tomorrow we are taking a day trip to Bled, Slovenia. It is suppose to be pretty beautiful. I will let you know how it goes.

Opatija Croatia

Today we went to the coast of Croatia. We took a driver that our hostel recommended. He drove us an hour and a half to the coast. It was pretty cool to see the coast and the Croatian country side. All we did there was hang out on the beach and soak up the sun. I know a rough life. We also had a pretty good lunch right next to the see. We headed back around 6 PM and now I am cooking some speghetti here at the hostel. Heading off to Ljubljana Slovenia tomorrow!

Villach, Austria and some of Zagred, Croatia

Two days ago Tom and I hike in the mountains (Alps) in Aurstria. The British owners of the Chalet that we stayed at dropped us off at the base of the hike and we set off. We were walking along a river that was moving through the large boulders. There were many waterfalls and we had to cross over several wooden bridges. At some of the points we were literally holding onto chains that were drilled into the rock. The views were amazing. We reached the end of the trail that we were on and stumbled on an Austrian guy that was going further so we went with him some ways. After marking a few times where we have been (with big sticks, making an X, and a big rock in the middle), in order not to get lost, we decided to not spend the night in the Austrian mountains and headed back. We hiked around 9 miles. We had a great time and the natural beauty was unexplainable! That night we went to a local restaurant and I had the Weinerschitzel. It was pretty good. Once we got back Tom and I stay in the living room and watched the movie Fracture and went to bed afterwards.

The next morning we got up and had a plentiful breakfast. It was really filling(which hasnt happened too many times this trip for breakfast). Once we were done there we headed to a little post along the train tracks in order to get picked up by the train. (Side story- Tom's mom was trying to call me and tell me that they were ready, but instead of calling my cell phone she called my home phone back in the US. She reached my father. It was like 230 in the morning his time. Im sure that was a suprise for him) But anyways, after waiting at our stop for 30 minutes post when our train was suppose to arrive 2 local men show up. Luckily one of them knew English and explained that the railroad was getting worked on that day. They loaded all of our luggage and we headed off with 2 Austrian railroad workers. They took us about 30 minutes down the road until another train station. We finally got on a train and headed to Zagreb. We finally reached Zagreb after going through 2 Customs check points.

Once to Zagreb we got checked in and went to dinner. The exchange rate here is in our benefit and things are pretty cheap.

Today Tom and I slept in for really the first time of our whole trip. It was still only till about 10. Today Tom and I walked around Zagreb. We saw the city center, a Cathedral, a very huge park and more. Right now we are at an internet Cafe.

Tomorrow, we are heading to coastal town near Rijeka Croatia. Suppose to be really beautiful. I guess we'll wait and see.

All in all I would have to say that the small town that we stayed at near Villach Austria, with the hiking, accomadations, and natural beauty, would have to rank one of the best spots we've been this trip. It was awesome!

Portofino/Venice/Trieste/Piran/Villach

First I wanted to apologize for not writing on here in such some time. I have not forgotten, just I have not been able to get on the internet. But I have it now so I am going to try and catch you up on all that I have done since last. I am going to try and make it brief

Tom and I went on a day trip to Portofino. It is a remote town (maybe only 300 people living there)on the coast of Italy that is tucked away in a big cove. It was very beautiful and a lot of affluent people go here for vacation. Tom and I soaked in the beauty on top of a hill for an afternoon.

Our next stop was Venice. There Tom and I met up with his mom (Brenda) and her friend Lana. They will be traveling with us about 2 weeks. Venice was amazing! Every street you go down is just so beautiful. We also went to Murano, an island by Venice, where we were able to see them make there famous glass making. Also Tom and I went to another island and sat on a beach for some time. There were so many seashells on the beach!

Our next stop was Trieste Italy. It is a medium size town right on the coast. We were able to admire the views of the port and city center. We took a ferry one evening to a very small town about 20 minutes away and walked around and took in the sights.

While in Trieste, we took a day trip to Prian, Slovenia. Up to that point it was probably one of my favorite days. Piran is a town on the end of a Pennisula. It was so beautiful and right on the ocean that was caked with sailboats.

Today we traveled to Austria. The place that we are staying at is in the mountains about an hour and a half from Villach. It was the most beautiful train ride that I have been on. We are are surrounded by mountains with a river running right by our place. The natural beauty here is unbelievable! Tomorrow Tom and I are going to go on a hike in the mountains. Should be really fun. Also the place that we are staying with is a very nice house ran by some British people who are very friendly.

Some general information: We are about to approach the half way point of trip and it has and will continue to go by real fast. The only thing that has been a bummer is that I believe I left my sunglasses in the hotel in Trieste. I guess if thats the only thing bad that happens then all will be ok. Been washing my clothes in the hotels. Been eating decently but cheaply. Could go for some Mexican food... But enjoying everything and trying to live up every day.

Until next time

Turino and Genova

Yesterday we did all of the tourist stuff in Turino. First we took a tour of the Royal Palace. After that we went to see the Shroud of Turin (The supposed wrappings of Jesus after he was crucified). I was waiting for a couple of weeks to see this and was excited when I was able to. The actual shroud was behind a think glass wall and kept in a nice box (kind of like a coffin) with a very nice thorn display on top. It was pretty cool! After that went to the tallest museum and took an elevator to the top to view the whole city.

The only downfall of Turin was that we were so far out of the city that figuring out what bus to take and where the bus stop was at delayed us a lot.

Today, we arrived in Genova, Italy. We got here around 11 am and headed right off to see the sites. We were able to go in the house that Christopher Columbus lived in! Also, saw the port that it resides on and able to hang out by the ocean this evening.

Tomorrow we are heading o Portafino, as small city along the coast about 20 minutes from here. We do plan on sleeping in a little since had to wake up at 6am this morning. Also, the place we stay at prepares us breakfast!YEA!

St. Paul/Cannes

Well yesterday morning we went to a small mountain town called St. Paul. This town was small fortress on a hill that over looks the French Riviera. Now the village is set up for selling highly priced art. The narrow streets and great view was pretty cool.

The next stop that afternoon was Cannes. The bus took a long time getting there, which wasnt expected, and therefor we basically just wanted to lay on the beach. Thats exactly what we did! I think that it was the best all around beach so far of this trip. Great view, pretty water, sand (unlike the rocks in Nice), and just a great atmosphere.

Later that evening we went out to a restuarant in Nice. It was ok, nothing spectacular. I have grown accustomed to eat everything on my plate since living on a budget leaves us eating cheap food from grocery stores and prolonging times between meals.

Today, we arrived in Turin. We actually are in a small town out of Turin in which wasnt really known until the Taxi dropped us off. This evening we had a small dinner and relaxed in our hotel. We have a beautiful view of the snow-capped Alps. They look really pretty!

Plan on doing the Turist thing in Turin tomorrow.

Nice/Monte Carlo

Well yesterday walked around all of Nice. It is very pretty and right on the Mediterranean Sea. Was able to see the famous Flower market, a Russian cathedral, and a very cool panoramic view of the ocean from a high hill. At sunset we went down to the ocean and watched the waves come in and the sun go down.

Today we went to a very small fortress town called Eze. It was on top of a very big hill and had a great overview of the ocean.

Then in the afternoon we went to Monte Carlo. We went and saw the imfamous MOnte Carlo Casino, the harbor full of luxerious yachts(like the Al Mirqab which is one of the biggest in the world own by the Emir du Qatar, it was amazing!), and the palace of Monte Carlo in which the Prince of Monte Carlo lives. They were also setting up for the Grand Prix that is coming up and had the finish line for the Tour De France set up. Also, there were Rolls Royce, Bentleys, Ferrari's, and Mercedes everywere and I mean everywhere.

Tomorrow we are heading to a small mountain town in the morning and then Cannes in the afternoon in which we are going to lay out on the beach :)

RUN IN WITH THE FRENCH POLICE!!!

Well today was very interesting! Went to a small medieval town outside of Lyon. Very cool and interesting. But the real event took place on our 45 minute train ride back to Lyon. Tom (the guy I’m traveling with) and I got on the train that maybe had 2 other people in the same cart. Once we sat down we both kicked up our feet on the seats in front of us (the seats were facing us and made for a nice foot rest). Within 5 minutes 2 police officers came into our cart right for us. They started speaking in French and Tom and I thought that they just wanted to see our ticket. We showed it to them and they asked if we speak French, we said no. The other guy said English and we said yes. He further went on to explain that we were in violation of a crime for putting our feet up on the seats. I was biting my lip holding back my laughter waiting to the joke to be revealed to us. Instead he asked for our passports and proceeded to book us. Once the train stopped we were escorted to an office in which we had to pay a 45 Euro fine (roughly $60). When all was done Tom and I both got a picture with the police officers holding our ticket (they actually were pretty nice). I blame both my parents for this since they obviously didn’t teach me manners or to obey the law.

Lyon, France

Well yesterday was an interesting traveling day. Our trip from San Sebastion to Lyon France had a layover in Paris. Well our train from San Sebastion to Paris was around 30 minutes late into Paris. On top of that our train from Paris to Lyon was at a different train station across the city. Need less to say I probably ran a good 2 miles with my 50 lbs pack on and was on the subway for like 30 minutes. After all of the effort we missed our train. We thought we were going to have to sleep in the Paris train station. But after talking to the train personale we got on a later train that evening and first class!! So it all worked out! Today we toured Lyon. It was a very typical French town, Basilica some very pretty building, a huge park with a big lake. One of the interesting buildings we saw was the headquaters of INTERPOL. Also we ate a great dinner tonight but basically guessing what I was going to eat from the menu. Tomorrow Tom and I are going to a small town outside of Lyon and have a relaxful day.

San Sebastion

Well got into San Sebastion yesterday and made it right in time for a wonderful sunset across the bay. This morning we woke up early and climbed to the top of this hill with a Jesus statue that overlooked all of San Sebastion. Following this we went straight to the beach and laid out. San Sebastion must have been hit hard by the global economic problems because a lot of the women seemed to only have bought half of the swimsuit... Haha. Tonight we plan on watching the sunset again. We leave tomorrow afternoon to Lyon, France.

Valencia

Well woke up early today and started off touring a Cathedral that had the supposed Holy Grail in it... Kind of interesting. We also lucked out because every thursday there is a court that occurs at noon for that past thousand plus years to settle disputes amongst the farmers. There are around 7 judges and whatever they say is law, it is even placed in the Spanish Consitution. Then we moved on the one of the biggest equariums in all of europe. Was able to see a lot and viiew a dolphin show. After that we laid out on the beach for some time then eat pialla that was prepared for use by the lady that owns the hostel that we stay at. Tomorrow we leave for San Sabastian in which many considered the most beautiful in all of europe. I guess we'll see (PS all we have planned there is beach time!!)

Cordoba festival and arrival in Valencia

Well we went to the festival in Cordoba last night. It was like a huge fair and everyone in the town was there. It was a great experience to see! So after baarely making our train to Toledo you think we would learn our lesson. We thought that 30 minutes to the train station would be enough. Well after eating breakfast and packing a few minutes past expected then having traffic to the train station... well lets just say that we were running down a moving walkway while the train was moving. luckily it stopped(not sure why but didnt thank goodness it did) and we got on and made our 6 hour trip to Valencia. When we got to Valencia we decided to just go straight to the beach and hang out till sundown. While in our room watching the soccor match, when barcelona would score and won it seemed like m80s were going off in the streets.

Welcome to Valencia

Cordoba

We arrived in Cordoba today. We were able to see a unique cathedral, a fortress where the inquisition started. Also, today is one of the biggest festivals of the year in which we are about to head to tonight. We got lost in the city today for about an hour probably 5 miles out of the way. I guess we will be able to sleep good tonight. We leave tomorrow at 10 for a 6 hour train ride to Valencia (where we are planning on washing our clothes in the sink... Yeah).

Salamanca and Seville

Yesterday we took a day trip to Salamanca. We finally made the train on time. The highlights of the trip was that we went to Plaza Mayor in which Vantage Point was filmed from. Furthermore, we went to a very large Cathedral and saw some other sights.

Today, We checked out of our hostel in Madrid and got on a train to Seville. We are only spending one day here. Once we got here we checked into our hotel and headed out to see the city. The first stop was a beautiful (the best Ive seen so far) Cathedral. In the Cathedral was the remains of CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS! Pretty cool. After that we continued to walk around and saw a palace, so gorgious buildings and the bull ring. This evening we are going to get something to eat and come back to the hotel because we have to leave early again tomorrow to Cordoba. A lot of traveling but having a great time!

Toledo

Today we took a day trip to Toledo Spain (the old capital of Spain). We woke up on time, so we thought, and went to the train station. Lets just say that we left the hostel a little later than we planned and had to run down the street, into the train station, and to the ticket counter with the guy yelling ¡rapido,rapido,rapido! We got on the train and literally after sitting down for 15 seconds the train took off. What a start. We made it to Toledo and toured the city. Went inside the beautiful cathedral built in the 1200´s. We also went to several other places within toledo. One of those places was the infamous tapas restuarant I somehow remembered where it was at. This place basically served a meal with every drink you got. It was delicious and Tom was really happy he got to go because he has been jealous of us, who went 2 years ago, ever since. Saw paintings by El Greco and others. Tomorrow we are heading to Salamanca which is about 2 1/2 hours away. Hasta Luego

First couple of days

Well I am finally here! Made it to Madrid yesterday afternoon. It was a lot of traveling from but luckily my luggage arrived with me when I got to Madrid(my friend´s did not). Yesterday we walked Retiro park and had tapas for dinner. Today was busy and a lot of walking. Woke up on my own at 730 AM here (still adjusting to the time difference). We then went to the train station and validated our EuroRail. We went to Saint Louis University-Madrid to take a look at it and see how different it was since we went there a couple of years ago. It hadnt changed much. Ran into one of my professors and talked for a little bit. We also saw Cesar (for all you SLU-Madrid people) and took a picture with him! After this went to Tom´s Senora´s house and she prepared lunch for us. Gotta love that free meal! Next we toured the palace, the cathedral, an eguiptian structure and also many other places aruond Madrid. Tomorrow going to Toledo and hopefully finding the tapa bar for dinner. Sunday we will be heading to Salamanca for the day. We leave Madrid Monday morning. Having a great time!!!

Flight itinerary

Flight #1 - Wednesday, May 20, 2009 (Arrives Thursday, May 21)

(operated by American Airlines)
Flight 5188
1h 35m, 403 mi
From Kansas City Intl (MCI)
Kansas City, MO
Departs: 6:00 PM
To Chicago - O'Hare Intl (ORD)
Chicago, IL
Arrives: 7:35 PM
Aircraft McDonnell Douglas MD83 Economy/Coach Class

Flight 298
7h 35m, 3939 mi
From Chicago - O'Hare Intl (ORD)
Chicago, IL
Departs: 10:05 PM
To London - Heathrow (LHR)
London, United Kingdom
Arrives: 11:40 AM
Aircraft Boeing 777 Economy/Coach Class

Flight 460
2h 25m, 773 mi
From London - Heathrow (LHR)
London, United Kingdom
Departs: 2:05 PM
To Madrid - Barajas (MAD)
Madrid, Spain
Arrives: 5:30 PM
Aircraft Boeing 757 Economy/Coach Class

Flight #2 - Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Flight 309
1h 20m, 215 mi
From Paris - Charles De Gaulle (CDG)
Paris, France
Departs: 12:20 PM
To London - Heathrow (LHR)
London, United Kingdom
Arrives: 12:40 PM
Aircraft Airbus A321-100/200 Economy/Coach Class

Flight 297
8h 55m, 3939 mi
From London - Heathrow (LHR)
London, United Kingdom
Departs: 2:40 PM
To Chicago - O'Hare Intl (ORD)
Chicago, IL
Arrives: 5:35 PM
Aircraft Boeing 767 Economy/Coach Class
(operated by American Airlines)

Flight 5049
1h 20m, 403 mi
From Chicago - O'Hare Intl (ORD)
Chicago, IL
Departs: 9:00 PM
To Kansas City Intl (MCI)
Kansas City, MO
Arrives: 10:20 PM
Aircraft McDonnell Douglas MD80 Economy/Coach Class

17 hours till departure

Well the time has finally come! Almost all packed up and ready to go. Have only a couple of things that I need to do tomorrow before I leave but other than that I am about ready. It is going to be a tight squeeze in my backpack for everything! Better get some rest because tomorrow is going to be a long day of traveling! Still can't believe this is really happening!

2 days till take off

Well today continued to get packed and ready for the trip. Also, two more people are going to meet me over there (not at the same time) for about a week. In addition, I got a global plan on my phone so now can talk, receive email, use navigation and get on the internet while over there. What would I do without? Back to mapping out train stations to hotels... what fun

Trip Itinerary

Madrid: May 20-25th.
AAE Adreira

Seville: May 25-26th.
Hotel Londres

Cordoba May 26th-27th.
The Terrace Backpackers Hostel

Valencia: May 27-29.
Cabanal

San Sebastian: May 29-31.
Pension Aires

Lyon: May 31-June 3.
Les Carres Pegase

Nice- French Riviera: June 3-6.
Comte de Nice

Turin/Torino: June 6-8.
Hotel del Parco

Genoa: June 8-10.
Blue B & B

Venice: June 10-12.
Club Hotel Venice

Trieste: June 12-14.
Luna Rossa

Villach, Austria: June 14-16.
?

Zagreb, Capital of Croatia: June 16-19.
Grahor

Ljubljana, Capital of Slovenia: June 19- 22.
Zeppelin Hostel

Vienna: June 22-25.
Bag & Map Apartment Guesthouse

Salzburg, Austria: June 25-28.
Haus Christine

Zurich: June 28-July 1.
Youth Hostel Zurich

Stuttgart: July 1-4.
Hostel-Rooms

Rothenburg: July 4-7.
B & B Apartments

Amsterdam: July 7-11.
Amsterdam Centre Hostel

Bruges: July 11-13.
Canal House

Brussels: July 13-16.
Hotel Mirabeau

Luxembourg City: July 16-18.
Luxembourg City Hostel

Paris: July 18-21.
Le Montclair Montmartre