Europe....here I come Finally doin the eurotrip thing tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-08-01:/blog/?domain=redhead-in-europe 2006-08-20T17:52:54Z catlin83 img/travel-blog-feed.png Luck has to run out sometime tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-08-20:/blog/?domain=redhead-in-europe&thisblog_entryid=16&entryid=21008 2006-08-20T17:52:54Z 2006-08-20T17:52:54Z So....I made it to Athens fine. But poor Piya's flight out of Dulles was delayed 3 hours. Then she missed her connection in Copenhagen. Then she was rerouted down to Rome...causing us to both miss our connection to Santorini. Then the Santorini hotel wouldn't refund out money AND we had to pay extra for the Athens airport hotel. And to top it all off, THEN the airlines lost Piya's bag and didn't even know what ... So....I made it to Athens fine. But poor Piya's flight out of Dulles was delayed 3 hours. Then she missed her connection in Copenhagen. Then she was rerouted down to Rome...causing us to both miss our connection to Santorini. Then the Santorini hotel wouldn't refund out money AND we had to pay extra for the Athens airport hotel. And to top it all off, THEN the airlines lost Piya's bag and didn't even know what city it was in. Good times.

Other than that, Santorini rocked! Truly one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. Our hotel was friggin moneeeey, best view on the entire island as far as I'm concerned. We made ourselves very busy doing boat tours, laying by the pool, having cocktails at the pool bar, walking to the local winery for wine tasting over sunset, shopping and I know not what else. Lots to pack into 2 days though, next time I'm going to Santorini for like 5 or 6 days.

We've finally returned to Athens at this point and are having a chill afternoon relaxing as it's Sunday and most stores/sights are closed. Acropolis bright and early tomorrow morning though! Will check in later if I make it to the internet cafe again...

Luck has to run out sometime remains copyright of the author catlin83, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]> Mediterranean dip tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-08-17:/blog/?domain=redhead-in-europe&thisblog_entryid=15&entryid=20617 2006-08-17T14:24:34Z 2006-08-17T14:24:34Z Well yesterday concluded the "epic hangout," as Jordan so eloquently put it. We started out late, being a little under the weather from the massive toga party/pub crawl from Tuesday night. Yeah, good thing that the national holiday doesn't affect the bar scene, right guys? Tho for 20 euro, you would think the free shots were a little bigger. Memorable parts include the "laurel" wreaths, Margo doing body shots, me almost getting beaten up in the ... Well yesterday concluded the "epic hangout," as Jordan so eloquently put it. We started out late, being a little under the weather from the massive toga party/pub crawl from Tuesday night. Yeah, good thing that the national holiday doesn't affect the bar scene, right guys? Tho for 20 euro, you would think the free shots were a little bigger. Memorable parts include the "laurel" wreaths, Margo doing body shots, me almost getting beaten up in the bathroom line, the Sarahs, the Norweigan girl who knew Fosses(!), and "whateva, whateva" from the ADD Aussie guy. Dude, please. You're not that hot. Also I'm pretty sure that I hopped on the back of a Vespa and got an impromtu tour of Rome from some guy in a toga.

So...some indeterminate amount of time later, Margo and I met up with the boys again (sunglasses were definitely on even inside) and painstakingly slowly, made our way to San Palore to hit up the beach. But so nice! The weather was great, hot but plenty of breeze and fortunately you can rent lounge chairs so we lived it up. I cannot even count how many peddlers came by but I think Jordan bought something from every one of them, haha.

Well, Rome's been a blast. After about the millionth round of pizza tonight, well...there may be another pub crawl. We'll see how things go :)

Mediterranean dip remains copyright of the author catlin83, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]> Roman Holiday tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-08-15:/blog/?domain=redhead-in-europe&thisblog_entryid=14&entryid=20407 2006-08-15T18:05:32Z 2006-08-15T18:05:32Z So, it was a very quiet day in Rome, as it is a national holiday and most things were closed. Margot and I just walked around Borghese Park and rented one of those little ricshaws. Faster way to see the park and exercise all in one! We then made our way over to the Spanish steps. Unfortunately, all the shops we walked past were closed, which was sort of heartbreaking but maybe we can hit up ... So, it was a very quiet day in Rome, as it is a national holiday and most things were closed. Margot and I just walked around Borghese Park and rented one of those little ricshaws. Faster way to see the park and exercise all in one! We then made our way over to the Spanish steps. Unfortunately, all the shops we walked past were closed, which was sort of heartbreaking but maybe we can hit up some of em tomorrow. I did manage to find a cheap(ish) swimsuit and we're gonna try to hit the beach tomorrow! Wish us luck...as of right now we have no idea how to get there.

Signing off for now b/c I have barely any time to get ready for this pub crawl.

Roman Holiday remains copyright of the author catlin83, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]> Rome is a big place.... tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-08-14:/blog/?domain=redhead-in-europe&thisblog_entryid=13&entryid=20270 2006-08-14T21:43:30Z 2006-08-14T21:43:30Z And I have walked across most of it. BLEH, I am tired. Started out today at the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, went over and did St. Peter's Basilica. Walked all the way back to the train station from there, on the way hitting the Castel Sant Angelo, Pont Sant Angelo, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Piazza Colonna, and the Fontana di Trevi. THIS PLACE IS FRICKIN HILLY. Switched hostels b/c that place was foul. ... And I have walked across most of it. BLEH, I am tired. Started out today at the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, went over and did St. Peter's Basilica. Walked all the way back to the train station from there, on the way hitting the Castel Sant Angelo, Pont Sant Angelo, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Piazza Colonna, and the Fontana di Trevi. THIS PLACE IS FRICKIN HILLY.

Switched hostels b/c that place was foul. Never stay at M&J's Place Hostel! Completely skank. I'm much happier here and have met 2 nice girls in my room. We all went out for a big Italian dinner, complete with Chianti and tiramisu. Good times. Gonna have a brief drink at the bar before hitting the hay. Bonna cera everyone!

Rome is a big place.... remains copyright of the author catlin83, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]> Viva Roma! tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-08-13:/blog/?domain=redhead-in-europe&thisblog_entryid=12&entryid=20067 2006-08-13T19:00:06Z 2006-08-13T19:00:06Z WOW, is all I can say. I haven't even seen much of this city yet and I am blown away. I mean, my hostel's crap (and I thought the Venice one was sketchy, lol. I didn't even know) but it's within walking distance of the Coliseum, so I was very productive in my late afternoon today and got that accomplished. Really glad I did too, b/c the late afternoon light on the ruins was phenomenal. ... WOW, is all I can say. I haven't even seen much of this city yet and I am blown away. I mean, my hostel's crap (and I thought the Venice one was sketchy, lol. I didn't even know) but it's within walking distance of the Coliseum, so I was very productive in my late afternoon today and got that accomplished. Really glad I did too, b/c the late afternoon light on the ruins was phenomenal.

Although I will say that, again, this stuff is smaller than I was expecting! The Coliseum arena was like.....not big enough to accomplish much, that's all I'm saying. But it's purty. I just can't figure out where everyone was supposed to be sitting. Later I walked down to the Vittoriano - now THAT was massive. Wish I knew what it was. Oh well, there's a project for tonight: figuring out what you just saw that day, haha. I need to pick up a Rome tourist book in the morning so I have a reference.

Speaking of tomorrow, it's going to be St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican, all that good stuff. I had to buy a shawl b/c apparently women are required to cover their shoulders. Good to know...also, does anyone have a clue where a girl can buy a new memory card around here? I've been a wee bit prolific with the photo taking....

Viva Roma! remains copyright of the author catlin83, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]> Yeah, I don't think so, Angelo.... tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-08-12:/blog/?domain=redhead-in-europe&thisblog_entryid=11&entryid=19828 2006-08-12T11:36:19Z 2006-08-12T11:36:19Z So, on a scale of 1 to shady, where do you rank being offered a free gondola ride for a kiss? Factor into this that gondola rides? Apparently have a set price, city-wide, of 100 Euro. Maybe 80 if you push it or they're really trying to get your business. So yeah, that's fairly creepy and no, buddy, I am not gonna call you. Otherwise, Venice is so, so beautiful! I arrived yesterday around 1pm and ... So, on a scale of 1 to shady, where do you rank being offered a free gondola ride for a kiss? Factor into this that gondola rides? Apparently have a set price, city-wide, of 100 Euro. Maybe 80 if you push it or they're really trying to get your business. So yeah, that's fairly creepy and no, buddy, I am not gonna call you.

Otherwise, Venice is so, so beautiful! I arrived yesterday around 1pm and just could not get over how gorgeous this place is. I could cry about it. Seriously. I'm so glad I switched my plans and came here. There are so many cute little alleys and streets to wander, dozens of picturesque little bridges. Course, my photos from here are gonna be like: canal shot, canal shot, oh yep another canal shot, oh look a bridge.....Not too original :)

My hostel is the worst so far (random door in an alley, loud music outside the window at night). But at least it's an all girls dorm room and I managed to sleep like the dead even w/ the noise and heat. So far today we've seen the Piazza San Marco, a TON of churches, the Rialto bridge, shopped a little, and taken the water bus down the Grand Canal. Now we're gonna get lunch and then find a gelaterie and eat our ice cream dangling our feet in the water because we are pretty much the coolest people in the world at this moment.

Anyway, better dash b/c I'm getting hungry. Tomorrow I head to Rome and I'll check in from there.

Yeah, I don't think so, Angelo.... remains copyright of the author catlin83, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]> Wombats goodness tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-08-11:/blog/?domain=redhead-in-europe&thisblog_entryid=10&entryid=19747 2006-08-12T11:23:22Z 2006-08-11T14:48:51Z Oh my gosh you people are nuts! I miss you already! Really wishing I didn't spend only one day there but what can ya do. Sort of skimping on this update....Vienna was rushed - we got a good day in yesterday in the museum district, checking out the Hofsburg Palace, Museum of Fine Arts, and the outside film festival at Rathesplatz...whatever that was, it was pretty! Then just chilled and shopped on the way home. I'm happy to report ... Oh my gosh you people are nuts! I miss you already! Really wishing I didn't spend only one day there but what can ya do.

Sort of skimping on this update....Vienna was rushed - we got a good day in yesterday in the museum district, checking out the Hofsburg Palace, Museum of Fine Arts, and the outside film festival at Rathesplatz...whatever that was, it was pretty! Then just chilled and shopped on the way home. I'm happy to report that I resisted the urge to buy shoes until Italy.

Then last night was craaazy, I can't believe I went out with a 5am checkout but peer pressure...it's a thing. Wombats, yes you can thank us for bringing the party to you. I want a copy of those photos! Ok, gotta rush and meet a bud for dinner so I'll report tomorrow with the Venice entry.

Ciao!

Wombats goodness remains copyright of the author catlin83, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]> Farewell to Praha tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-08-09:/blog/?domain=redhead-in-europe&thisblog_entryid=9&entryid=19545 2006-08-09T14:02:00Z 2006-08-09T13:40:42Z So...I am currently going on 51 hours without sleep, which isn't the most brilliant idea ever. After the late night at the Prague clubs I was too wound up to sleep for the 3 hours I had. And then last night WOULD have been an early night, had we not wandered over half the city, searching for a bar that may or may not exist, being led by an idiot American who had just arrived and figured she ... So...I am currently going on 51 hours without sleep, which isn't the most brilliant idea ever. After the late night at the Prague clubs I was too wound up to sleep for the 3 hours I had. And then last night WOULD have been an early night, had we not wandered over half the city, searching for a bar that may or may not exist, being led by an idiot American who had just arrived and figured she could find her way everywhere. Yeah, except not so much.

We did finally end up at an excellent bar that leads down into the catecombs (sp?) of Prague - room after cavernous room down stairs and tight little hallways. It was great stuff. Add in a few crazy, random Aussies, some spontaneous quarters games (note to all: Czech crowns don't work as well. And beer mugs are higher. Pass it on.), and well, the fact that it was midnight already....Danielle and I decided it would be silly to dash home for 4 hours and then try to get up for the train. So we just slept on the train...badly.

Now I am happily washing clothes at the hostel in Vienna while she naps so I'd better go figure out what we're gonna do tomorrow while sightseeing. Take care everyone! Who knows the German word for aspirin?

Farewell to Praha remains copyright of the author catlin83, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]> Prague.... tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-08-08:/blog/?domain=redhead-in-europe&thisblog_entryid=8&entryid=19459 2006-08-09T14:02:35Z 2006-08-08T14:47:07Z Well I'm finishing up three days in Prague here and to be honest? I have mixed feelings! Everything I've heard is all about how great, gorgeous, cheap, and fun this place is. Maybe it's that my first two days here were rainy and miserable. There are so many tourists (it's really unbelievable) that you can hardly walk, and all the stores seemed cheesy. I must not have ventured off the beaten path enough. Today ... Well I'm finishing up three days in Prague here and to be honest? I have mixed feelings! Everything I've heard is all about how great, gorgeous, cheap, and fun this place is. Maybe it's that my first two days here were rainy and miserable. There are so many tourists (it's really unbelievable) that you can hardly walk, and all the stores seemed cheesy. I must not have ventured off the beaten path enough. Today however, it was sunny and beautiful and we did the walk across the bridge to the castle. Gorgeous!

In other news, I've found Prague to be easier to meet people than London...probably just luck of the draw, really. Sunday night those of us here at Miss Sophie's all bonded over some cheap Czech beer and then last night we recruited what seemed like the whole hostel to come out clubbing with us. Very fun. We may have walked all over creation in search of a money change before finding the club, but it is OKAY. Why? Because we eventually found it and I can now say that I have been to the biggest club in Eastern Europe. Word, and thank you.

Tomorrow Danielle and I are hoppin on the train at 6am (arrrrg) and going down to Vienna. They tell me it's only a 4 hour trip but I am skeptical :) Wow, I am gonna be late for happy hour.

Prague.... remains copyright of the author catlin83, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]> No one should ever fly out of Heathrow at 7am tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-08-06:/blog/?domain=redhead-in-europe&thisblog_entryid=7&entryid=19169 2006-08-06T11:00:31Z 2006-08-06T11:00:31Z Just kidding. But it was dumb of me to book a flight at that time. The tube doesn't run before 6am in many places, and the Heathrow Express train doesn't appear to run on Sundays. So it was either 2+ hr bus ride or cab for me. Let's guess which one I went with? Anyway, the flight to Prague was fine, and so now I am here and ready to go walking. I'm staying at Miss ... Just kidding. But it was dumb of me to book a flight at that time. The tube doesn't run before 6am in many places, and the Heathrow Express train doesn't appear to run on Sundays. So it was either 2+ hr bus ride or cab for me. Let's guess which one I went with?

Anyway, the flight to Prague was fine, and so now I am here and ready to go walking. I'm staying at Miss Sophies hostel, which seems SUPER quiet after the Generator. But it's gorgeous and cleaner, so that's a plus. A little cloudy again today, so I'm gonna stick with indoors activities like the museums. Thrilling, I know.

Nashledanou!

No one should ever fly out of Heathrow at 7am remains copyright of the author catlin83, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]> Sunny in London tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-08-05:/blog/?domain=redhead-in-europe&thisblog_entryid=6&entryid=19065 2006-08-05T17:39:19Z 2006-08-05T17:39:19Z So I at last get a nice day in London, and Francesco and I mostly just walked around Picadilly St, Hyde Park, and finished it up at the British Museum (Rosetta Stone!...wait, didn't I see that on a tour one time?) In all my research, I had missed that you needed to buy your London Eye tickets way in advance, so I was headed down there to make use of the good weather and take a pic....and then I ... So I at last get a nice day in London, and Francesco and I mostly just walked around Picadilly St, Hyde Park, and finished it up at the British Museum (Rosetta Stone!...wait, didn't I see that on a tour one time?)

In all my research, I had missed that you needed to buy your London Eye tickets way in advance, so I was headed down there to make use of the good weather and take a pic....and then I read up on it and realized I'd never get on. At least I found out before I got down there.

One eventful thing that happened today was, while walking up towards Hyde Park, we passed a HUGE rally against the military action in Lebanon. The crowd went on and on....I'd seen posters advertising the rally in the first 2 days here but didn't realize I'd end up right next to it.

0046--DSC01003.JPG

Sunny in London remains copyright of the author catlin83, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]> Friday tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-08-04:/blog/?domain=redhead-in-europe&thisblog_entryid=5&entryid=18960 2006-08-04T10:21:48Z 2006-08-04T10:21:48Z Well, I definitely overslept today but I guess that comes getting 3 hours sleep in a 36 hr period. Whatcha gonna do. Last night was entertaining, the hostel was having a karaoke night so that's always good for some laughs. Most of the people I'v met so far are actually here looking for work - they want to be waiters or bartenders, etc. They want to work thru August or September and then go back to ... Well, I definitely overslept today but I guess that comes getting 3 hours sleep in a 36 hr period. Whatcha gonna do. Last night was entertaining, the hostel was having a karaoke night so that's always good for some laughs.

Most of the people I'v met so far are actually here looking for work - they want to be waiters or bartenders, etc. They want to work thru August or September and then go back to their home (Switzerland, Italy, Greece, etc) where they have their regular job. It's interesting and I'm a little jealous! Even more incentive to getting my bartending certification, right guys?

So I am now breakfasted (sorry Mom I drank the milk - all they had was cereal!) and need to figure out my next move. Thinkin Tower of London today...

Friday remains copyright of the author catlin83, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]> first day in london... tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-08-03:/blog/?domain=redhead-in-europe&thisblog_entryid=4&entryid=18847 2006-08-03T16:00:31Z 2006-08-03T16:00:31Z So far I have learned that the Brits apparently don't believe in public wastebins (where DO these people put their trash?), paper towels, or air conditioning on subway trains. But so far Londoners seem very nice, even though I swear I must be using the wrong word sometimes when I ask for something cuz they give me that confused, sideways head tilt thing. You know the one. Today it was overcast the whole time, but that pretty much fit ... So far I have learned that the Brits apparently don't believe in public wastebins (where DO these people put their trash?), paper towels, or air conditioning on subway trains. But so far Londoners seem very nice, even though I swear I must be using the wrong word sometimes when I ask for something cuz they give me that confused, sideways head tilt thing. You know the one.

Today it was overcast the whole time, but that pretty much fit my jetlag anyway. Did manage to hit Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Trafalgar Square, but I am beat. Time to relax for awhile...

first day in london... remains copyright of the author catlin83, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]> Jetlag is a ....you know the rest tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-08-03:/blog/?domain=redhead-in-europe&thisblog_entryid=3&entryid=18825 2006-08-03T10:17:50Z 2006-08-03T10:17:50Z yeah, here I am in London and I am SO. FREAKIN. SLEEPY. Need....coffee.... There's gotta be a cafe somewhere around here, right? ... yeah, here I am in London and I am SO. FREAKIN. SLEEPY. Need....coffee.... There's gotta be a cafe somewhere around here, right?

Jetlag is a ....you know the rest remains copyright of the author catlin83, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]> Layovers yay tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-08-02:/blog/?domain=redhead-in-europe&thisblog_entryid=2&entryid=18772 2006-08-02T22:26:57Z 2006-08-02T22:09:00Z Yeah, so....nothing too exciting to report here. Other than Charlotte's airport has rocking chairs! Excellent idea. Brilliant in fact. Um, so why am I sitting here at a computer? Oh yeah, because I have 3 HOURS TO KILL. I'm happy to report, for all you doubters, that the backpack totally fit in the overhead compartment. And the DC-Charlotte flight even had small compartments! I rule. Let's just hope that the intra-Europe ... me.jpgYeah, so....nothing too exciting to report here. Other than Charlotte's airport has rocking chairs! Excellent idea. Brilliant in fact. Um, so why am I sitting here at a computer? Oh yeah, because I have 3 HOURS TO KILL.

I'm happy to report, for all you doubters, that the backpack totally fit in the overhead compartment. And the DC-Charlotte flight even had small compartments! I rule. Let's just hope that the intra-Europe planes aren't even MORE spartan than the US Airways express flights.

Signing off b/c there is a wine bar down the hall with a $4 tasting and I am on that like ugly on a duckling.

Next post coming your way from big bad London!

Layovers yay remains copyright of the author catlin83, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]> Setting out tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-08-01:/blog/?domain=redhead-in-europe&thisblog_entryid=1&entryid=18709 2006-08-02T00:05:00Z 2006-08-02T00:05:00Z AUUUGGGHHH! I leave tomorrow!!! AUUGGGHHHH! or....something slightly less manic. ... AUUUGGGHHH! I leave tomorrow!!! AUUGGGHHHH!

or....something slightly less manic.

Setting out remains copyright of the author catlin83, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]>