Budapest. Hungary

Budapest was a unique experience. It was different from Rome or Paris. It had its touristy air of course, but it brought a unique cultural experience to the table. If you are a fan of history than this historical city may mean somewhat more to you. Coming from the US and South Africa, Communism is not something I have readily come across. The majority of Hungarians actually believe that infrastructure was better when communism was around.

Remains of its political history can be seen in Monument Park, a small Park quite a ways out of town. I personally did not take the tour but it may be a good idea as the park is small and the statues had little wait with my naive understanding. A site I do recommend is the Fisherman's Bastion, it is a world heritage site and if you want to see a fairytale turret, this is the place to do it. The palace and the turrets overlook the Danube and Parliament and its unique architecture are plainly visible and make for the best photo ops.

The Big Market is very touristy but the place to by souvenirs. The best place I had Goulash was in an Irish Pub, and it was a treat that warmed the group greatly after the bitter cold. Which reminds me don't forget to bring your metro card, they do check and a friend of mine got fined. The Turkish Style baths were also a unique experience, these healing baths are world famous. I recommend the Szechenyi baths as the outside pool is beautiful. As most of you know, Buda and Pest were in fact two small towns at one point and are joined by the river and a number of small bridges. I was surprised at the number of American style coffee shops and around every corner there is a wedding dress shop. This is a little confusing and I have yet to find the answer. The food was all rich and delicious and being a vegetarian I didn't feel hindered. The felafel's hole in the wall shop near the main train station is a great place to get cheap delicious food and I stopped there often. The Bascillica is one of the most impressive I've seen, and there is even a real hand on display for those will some extra Florint.

Budapest was not excessively cheap when I went, except for the transportation, but the food was reasonable and you can get around without paying for to many attractions. I didn't check out the Botero exhibit but it prpbably would be worth while to look at if you have time, and watch out for those steep escalators! All in all I would recommend about three to four days in the city.

Eurasian Sensation: Green tea is intent on world domination

Eurasian Sensation: Green tea is intent on world domination: "As we near the end of the first decade of the 21st century, if you are looking for a food item that symbolises the times we live in, look ..."

Paris, France

Paris is rumored to be a beautiful city. I must have somehow missed that part...
The weather was lousy and the subway doors are like guillotines ready to slice an old man clean from his back pack. I was saved from the jaws of death by one of my strong travel buddies.

I made it to level two of the Eiffel Tower and I recommend taking the stairs if you want to get a great workout. If you can, take in the Tower at night as it is stunning lit up, I recommend a bottle of wine, a blanket or jacket to sit on and a good buddy or two.

St Chapelle is a gorgeous old chapel renouned for its stained glass. But be forewarned there is security, and I was almost arrested for having a pair of tweezers in my purse, the security guard was not amused as I motioned to my eyebrows.

Be prepared to wait for everything as well as pay for everything. There is only one way up the Notre Dame bell tower, and it consists of many winding steps...grab a Nutella banana crepe to regain sustenance post climb. Also be aware of the creepy man in a mask sent to entertain and harass the crowd.

Le Louvre is very crowded, but perhaps my favourite site in Paris. If you like art, it really is amazing.

Versailles was very crowded and hot, I have taken French classes for years and was excited to finally see the magnificent palace, perhaps my excitement enhanced my expectations. But the crowd and and irritating electronic information brick disappointed me.

Everything was covered in construction, the Arc de Triumph was covered in a cardboard like cover, but the no lane roundabout was rather impressive as no one crashed. I did enjoy Paris and it is still a tourist must see. I wish I had more time to spend there.The cheese is very good and reasonably priced, this rumor is true!

Internet Malfunction

Unfortunately getting access to internet in Europe was harder than I thought it would be.
In a general overview after Regensburg we visited Salzburg Austria, Vallendar Germany, Cologne, Paris France, Rotterdam Holland, Amsterdam, Berlin and I ended the trip alone in Paderborn with a good friend I had met in Australia.

I have decided to handle the blog a little differently and focus on cities rather than days.

Day 3 Mini Beer Fest

Today we recovered from our lack of sleep by waking up at 2pm. We took in the sights, a giant David and Goliath painting on a wall and the quaint buildings and surrounding parks. We noticed many old couples nestled on Park benches and spent close to two hours trying to translate things in the grocery store. Conditioner is "spuling" in German and apparently straighteners are not sold everywhere.

We joined our host after getting lost and walking past her door numerous times on our way home. we attended the fair again, met her boyfriend and friends and got a giant beer with Sprite. I got a delicious savory crepe and we sat in the beer-garden. One of the girls explained that the dresses some of the girls were wearing were to colorful and short, she was a staunch Bavarian and thought this a sin. She was very outgoing and funny and showed us the section of the tent where you could stand on the tables and sing and dance. They ended the night with "Country Road" and it began to thunder, we dashed home in the storm.

Day 2 Regensburg

Got to Frankfurt at 9:30am. I was unable to configure my international sim card, unable to find free wifi and travel buddy but finally tried American sim card and was able to establish we were both at different McDonalds in different terminals.

We joyously reunited and got our Bahn passes sorted, we hopped on a random train and ended up at Frankfurt central. We walked around and got side tracked by a fake tower, and lost some sense of direction, we almost missed our train, but with with five minutes to spare we jaywalked our way back into the station, hauled our luggage from the lockers and literally threw our 50 pound bags onto the train a minute before departure. It was an amazing race moment...

We attempted to nap, switched trains and saw many beautiful quaint triangular roofed houses with greens meadows and yellow flowers. We made it to Regensburg and my German Buddy was able to find us. We yet again lugged our luggage up a flight of antique stairs and after releasing our load walked around the city. Many beautiful churches could be seen and we came across a Bavarian Fair. They had cute cookies with messages on them for sweat hearts and the biggest pretzels I have ever seen! Many of the locals even had traditional outfits on as they enjoyed the festivities. Our feet hurt, but after a warm shower and brief communications via skype with the parentals we relaxed and finally after not sleeping for close to 48 hours went to bed...

Day 1 The Flight to Frankfurt

My wonderful friends came over last night to wish me hi and bye. I have known them since high-school and catching up over smores was quite a treat. One of them even brought his new girlfriend, olala.
I got to bed around 2 am, and then was woken up at 4:45 by my father and dragged myself into the shower. My mum made me a strong cup of coffee, I made it quickly through security was on a wonderfully empty flight to Philly and now I have about seven hours to kill and cannot leave the airport. I have already spilled tomato cheddar soup on my pants..yay..only another 10 something hours of wearing them. (Bon au Pan, had it first in New York, delicious and good value)

Pre-Departure

Its Wednesday afternoon, mum just made a delicious chicken wrap. I have just returned from Gainesville. My travel buddy has had a mini panic attack, I hope I have brought all essentials from Gville! My cat has sprawled across my lap and typing on my netbook is quite challenging. I am leaving for Frankfurt on Sunday,
let the preparations begin.

Brisbane Australia

Brisbane in my opinion is the undiscovered wonder of city life in Australia. It revolves around city life, yet does not have the claustrophobic feel and sheer massive size of places such as Sydney and Melbourne. Getting around is easy with public transportation, Ferry's, buses and trains allow for multiple traveling options, and I loved the freedom of being able to walk a lot, as the weather is stunning.



The city center is build around the winding Brisbane River and a multitude of bridges cross the river for car, train and pedestrian access. Queen Street lines the center of the city with many trendy stores and a sheltered walkway. Many tourist items as well as fashion trends can be found here. You can enjoy a cruise down the river or take a walk and treat yourself to a wonderful coffee in the Botanical Gardens located across from the historical Parliament building. QUT, one of Brisbane's top academic institutions also is located on the end of the gardens and many students can be seen studying or napping in the grass.


West bank across from the city center is lined with Bougainvillea and provides a wonderful public pool, lined with real sand for children and grown ups alike to take a time out from their busy days and enjoy the sun. West end is the student corner of town, ethnic restaurants of all sorts line the streets. Bars play a range of music from Jazz to Rock and there is almost always something going on. UBar come alive at night with its international students and locals looking to have a festive evening.

Students dress a lot nicer here than in the States, and upon talking to Australians they are generally friendly and willing to help. Australia in itself is a melting pot of cultures and Brisbane brings out these cultures in its own special way. The World Expo of 88 was held in Brisbane and upgrades can still be seen from this international event. The main city square is currently being renovated and beaches are easily accessed by train or bus from the city. I took a train ride to the Glass House Mountains, and went "bush-walking" through the gorgeous country of Mt Glorious and Mt Mii as wells. Brisbane is surrounded by natural wonder, and on my first day came across about ten kangaroos relaxing on a local soccer field.

Introduction

Traveling is my passion. Food, ethnic flavours and of course coffee shops are my indulgent delights. I am looking forward to sharing with you some of my experiences and traveling adventures.