I got off the plane tonight and had the option of 3 Exit Doors.
It's like picking a hand - except imagine that there are 3 hands.
In the 3 hands are France, Germany & Switzerland.
And tonight, for the last time, I chose Switzerland.
The irony of it all, was that when I entered and then subsequently exited Gatwick Airport this morning, due to a glitch in their system, I could have stayed in the EU indefinitely. Somehow, because I was a non-EU citizen, had no baggage to claim, entered through the South Terminal, but needed to depart through the North AND had a lengthy transit - I somehow managed to end up in a black hole where I could have disappeared and stayed here for longer.
If you have listened to me complain about being unable to stay longer over here in Europe at any time, you will understand why this is so ironic.
But now, after a very long day with delayed flights, beginning in Dublin this morning and ending up in Zurich tonight (actually, it's tomorrow morning already), I'm back in Switz for 2 days. I'm sad. I'm happy.
On the agenda? Unpack. Pack. Say Ciao. Eat as much bread and yoghurt as I can. Close my Swiss bank account. Track down 2 parcels I've just realized are missing in transit. Figure out why my credit card declined me today (expensive European holidays, I don't know). Learn magic so that I can somehow magically fit my belongings into my single 20kg suitcase (I'm kidding myself).
But now - time for bed. Which I'm pretty happy about. Especially since the last few weeks of hostels sometimes included plastic sheets. Yuck.
(I'm thinking about writing a book called The Princess and the Plastic Sheet.)
40 more hours in Switzerland. I love you Switzerland.
Showing posts with label have train will travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label have train will travel. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
LONDON BABY!
LONDON TOWN
Have spent the last few days wondering (most likely looking like lost tourists) with Nat, catching numerous buses and tubes, hunting down markets and good food, trying not to get rained on, and generally feeling like I'm in the middle of a monopoly board. I kid you not. But I'm still looking for GO so that I can pass it and collect $200. Not successful so far.
Also haven't seen the Queen yet.
But did see 2 wonderful Broadway shows :) :)
There's Karaoke going on downstairs in our hostel, but we have to get up early tomorrow morning to catch the bus to Oxford, so I'm off to bed.
Crazy town, there's meat pies here!!!!! and I've also eated Indian, Portuguese (more custard tarts!) and Thai...and most likely more I can't remember....
Night.
Have spent the last few days wondering (most likely looking like lost tourists) with Nat, catching numerous buses and tubes, hunting down markets and good food, trying not to get rained on, and generally feeling like I'm in the middle of a monopoly board. I kid you not. But I'm still looking for GO so that I can pass it and collect $200. Not successful so far.
Also haven't seen the Queen yet.
But did see 2 wonderful Broadway shows :) :)
There's Karaoke going on downstairs in our hostel, but we have to get up early tomorrow morning to catch the bus to Oxford, so I'm off to bed.
Crazy town, there's meat pies here!!!!! and I've also eated Indian, Portuguese (more custard tarts!) and Thai...and most likely more I can't remember....
Night.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Part 3: Lisboa
Recap of Portugal, in and around Lisboa
We saw so many magnificent and beautiful places in Portugal - although it was ironic that we spent very little time exploring the capital, Lisboa.
We give our hostel was a 4 (out of ten) for cleanliness (the bad odors and mouse we saw scurrying across the kitchen floor directly contributed to its low score) and a 2 for security. The hostel staff seemed to open the door for just about everyone... our fabricated passwords for entry became more ludicrous as the days went by.
The award for most beautiful place (that we visited) goes to
Obidos (PW's pick) and Cabo de Roca (Kylie's pick).
Most interesting: the real time 360 degree periscope/camera thing at Castelo de São Jorge (PW-we also got 50% off the admission price thanks to my ISIC like type discount card) and the tram 28 ride in Lisbon (Kylie).
One of the funniest moments was using PINEAPPLE as the secret password to get into our hostel.
PW's favourite activity was bike riding along the coast in Cascais. Kylie also liked the bike riding, but she enjoyed eating several dozen Portuguese custard tarts a tiny bit more. Kylie wanted to have a tie for this (she needed one to compensate for the other...oops!)
We saw so many magnificent and beautiful places in Portugal - although it was ironic that we spent very little time exploring the capital, Lisboa.
We give our hostel was a 4 (out of ten) for cleanliness (the bad odors and mouse we saw scurrying across the kitchen floor directly contributed to its low score) and a 2 for security. The hostel staff seemed to open the door for just about everyone... our fabricated passwords for entry became more ludicrous as the days went by.
The award for most beautiful place (that we visited) goes to
Obidos (PW's pick) and Cabo de Roca (Kylie's pick).
Most interesting: the real time 360 degree periscope/camera thing at Castelo de São Jorge (PW-we also got 50% off the admission price thanks to my ISIC like type discount card) and the tram 28 ride in Lisbon (Kylie).
One of the funniest moments was using PINEAPPLE as the secret password to get into our hostel.
PW's favourite activity was bike riding along the coast in Cascais. Kylie also liked the bike riding, but she enjoyed eating several dozen Portuguese custard tarts a tiny bit more. Kylie wanted to have a tie for this (she needed one to compensate for the other...oops!)
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Part Two: Porto, Portugal
Porto, Portugal
Things we have learned so far, after spending just 20 hours in beautiful Porto:
- The Black and White Hostel is pretty nice (in case you ever decide to visit Porto)
- The power bars will most likely blow the ipod charger you purchased in a cheap dodgy place in Greece (now PW needs to be careful with the constant WIFI searches around the city)
-it's quite possible, even highly likely that the Metro doors will close with Kylie on one side and PW on the other. Kylie will then lift a helpless forlorn hand and wave to PW. (We now have a plan of action should the Metro doors decide to separate us again)
- Custard Tarts can be found here and they are every bit as good as your imagination. No. Better.
- Do not tell your traveling buddy "mmm what's that wonderful smell?" while she is walking next to a garbage can... because a giant sniff is inevitable
- Going on a wine tasting tour? Adds 30 years to your life when your twenty-something.
Things we have learned so far, after spending just 20 hours in beautiful Porto:
- The Black and White Hostel is pretty nice (in case you ever decide to visit Porto)
- The power bars will most likely blow the ipod charger you purchased in a cheap dodgy place in Greece (now PW needs to be careful with the constant WIFI searches around the city)
-it's quite possible, even highly likely that the Metro doors will close with Kylie on one side and PW on the other. Kylie will then lift a helpless forlorn hand and wave to PW. (We now have a plan of action should the Metro doors decide to separate us again)
- Custard Tarts can be found here and they are every bit as good as your imagination. No. Better.
- Do not tell your traveling buddy "mmm what's that wonderful smell?" while she is walking next to a garbage can... because a giant sniff is inevitable
- Going on a wine tasting tour? Adds 30 years to your life when your twenty-something.
Friday, April 30, 2010
The Fun And Fabulous (Frivolity Included) (f)Adventures of PW and Kylie! Part 1: Barcelona
....so perhaps I'll update you another time on the passport misadventures (it arrived (miraculously?) on the morning of my flight...
But for now, let me introduce The Fun And Fabulous (Frivolity Included) (f)Adventures of PW and Kylie!
Part 1: Barcelona
We are sitting in the bus en route to Girona from Barcelona and have decided to utilize the time productively by updating our blogs with what has happened so far on the trip. For those of you new to our lives, Kylie (chaupair.blogspot.com) and PW (paywhen@blogspot.com) will be typing away furiously every free moment we have to bring you the details of this Spain/Portugal trip.
PW: Barcelona was every bit as beautiful as everyone claimed it to be... we saw beautiful beaches, the Gaudi buildings, met friendly people and had great weather.
Kylie: I will remember Barcelona as a time of clutching my bag and looking suspiciously at everyone. This follows many warnings of the people we met...because "everyone they knew" had been robbed in Barcelona.
I can't tell you how many happy feelings I had bike riding in the sunshine along the beach path. Somewhat marred by unwanted viewings of people who should have been wearing swimming suits.
PW: I had a new found appreciation for my Mandarin "skillz"... everywhere we went there were Chinese people - most of them clothing or food shop owners/workers. The first night I was able to order some lemon chicken and rice for us in Mandarin (although I failed to secure a reduction on the cost of our meal). Then there were the other times I was useful for communication purposes: finding out how much the sushi/wok place cost, translating prices and descriptions of goods for Kylie and delivering the bad news that the dress she wanted (which was marked 6.50) was actually 12 euros for her, since we did not look Spanish enough to get the lower price.
Kylie: Its true. She actually said the double price was for tourists. Sheesh.
It's been a while since I've been in a country that I have absolutely no language skills.
(Well I can say please and thank you. I do have lovely manners. See, Mum? I told you I'd grow up ok.)
But other than that? It's been fun playing a giant game of charades.
Favourite part of Barcelona? Definitely being too cheap to pay to go up to the roof of a Gaudi house. And instead somehow finding our way up to the rooftop of the neighbouring hotel. A much better view AND it involved a game of hide and seek with hotel workers and cleaners.
I love games.
PW: WHAT?!?! Kylie totally stole MY favourite moment... It's true, we were too cheap to pay entry to the attractions so had to come up with creative ways to see everything. However, I'm required to recount the event Kylie has mentioned in a more accurate manner (her memory is not what it used to be). Firstly, we were at Palau Güell, which is under re-construction, so NO ONE could see the whismical rooftop chimneys on the roof. Being able-bodied, curious and cheap, Kylie and I snuck stealthily (is that even a word?) into a nearby casino/hotel and headed straight for the rooftop. There, we scoured the premises and realized we could see directly onto the top of Gaudi's first masterpiece mansion from a certain vantage point on the roof of this hotel. The problem was that 3-4 workers were on the roof as well - we had to 007 our way over scattered pieces of building materials on the ground, get onto the terrace and take the photo without getting caught. We felt quite accomplished after successfully capturing the photo. My other favourite things: saving a cat stuck in the tree in the beautiful Jewish gardens; sneaking into the gas station to use the w/c, then trying to justify the toilet use by buying a 0.30 euro pack of cookies; seeing the street performers on La Rambla.
Kylie: Her 30 cent cookie purchase was made all the better when she tried to pay with a 50 Euro note. Needless to say, we were not their favourite sneaky toilet users of the night.
And seriously--cats do not, can not, and will not get stuck up in trees. And if they do-it's their own fault. It's just part of their evil plan to rule the world. If we had the baggage room PW would be carrying bags of cat food with her. She wants to make sure she is remembered among them if they succeed in world domination.
All in all, we enjoyed Barcelona! Especially the 1 euro McDonalds menu!!! See you next in Portugal!
But for now, let me introduce The Fun And Fabulous (Frivolity Included) (f)Adventures of PW and Kylie!
Part 1: Barcelona
We are sitting in the bus en route to Girona from Barcelona and have decided to utilize the time productively by updating our blogs with what has happened so far on the trip. For those of you new to our lives, Kylie (chaupair.blogspot.com) and PW (paywhen@blogspot.com) will be typing away furiously every free moment we have to bring you the details of this Spain/Portugal trip.
PW: Barcelona was every bit as beautiful as everyone claimed it to be... we saw beautiful beaches, the Gaudi buildings, met friendly people and had great weather.
Kylie: I will remember Barcelona as a time of clutching my bag and looking suspiciously at everyone. This follows many warnings of the people we met...because "everyone they knew" had been robbed in Barcelona.
I can't tell you how many happy feelings I had bike riding in the sunshine along the beach path. Somewhat marred by unwanted viewings of people who should have been wearing swimming suits.
PW: I had a new found appreciation for my Mandarin "skillz"... everywhere we went there were Chinese people - most of them clothing or food shop owners/workers. The first night I was able to order some lemon chicken and rice for us in Mandarin (although I failed to secure a reduction on the cost of our meal). Then there were the other times I was useful for communication purposes: finding out how much the sushi/wok place cost, translating prices and descriptions of goods for Kylie and delivering the bad news that the dress she wanted (which was marked 6.50) was actually 12 euros for her, since we did not look Spanish enough to get the lower price.
Kylie: Its true. She actually said the double price was for tourists. Sheesh.
It's been a while since I've been in a country that I have absolutely no language skills.
(Well I can say please and thank you. I do have lovely manners. See, Mum? I told you I'd grow up ok.)
But other than that? It's been fun playing a giant game of charades.
Favourite part of Barcelona? Definitely being too cheap to pay to go up to the roof of a Gaudi house. And instead somehow finding our way up to the rooftop of the neighbouring hotel. A much better view AND it involved a game of hide and seek with hotel workers and cleaners.
I love games.
PW: WHAT?!?! Kylie totally stole MY favourite moment... It's true, we were too cheap to pay entry to the attractions so had to come up with creative ways to see everything. However, I'm required to recount the event Kylie has mentioned in a more accurate manner (her memory is not what it used to be). Firstly, we were at Palau Güell, which is under re-construction, so NO ONE could see the whismical rooftop chimneys on the roof. Being able-bodied, curious and cheap, Kylie and I snuck stealthily (is that even a word?) into a nearby casino/hotel and headed straight for the rooftop. There, we scoured the premises and realized we could see directly onto the top of Gaudi's first masterpiece mansion from a certain vantage point on the roof of this hotel. The problem was that 3-4 workers were on the roof as well - we had to 007 our way over scattered pieces of building materials on the ground, get onto the terrace and take the photo without getting caught. We felt quite accomplished after successfully capturing the photo. My other favourite things: saving a cat stuck in the tree in the beautiful Jewish gardens; sneaking into the gas station to use the w/c, then trying to justify the toilet use by buying a 0.30 euro pack of cookies; seeing the street performers on La Rambla.
Kylie: Her 30 cent cookie purchase was made all the better when she tried to pay with a 50 Euro note. Needless to say, we were not their favourite sneaky toilet users of the night.
And seriously--cats do not, can not, and will not get stuck up in trees. And if they do-it's their own fault. It's just part of their evil plan to rule the world. If we had the baggage room PW would be carrying bags of cat food with her. She wants to make sure she is remembered among them if they succeed in world domination.
All in all, we enjoyed Barcelona! Especially the 1 euro McDonalds menu!!! See you next in Portugal!
Friday, April 23, 2010
I don't like Iceland Anymore
Dear Passport. I know you are lost. Lost and scared and alone. And you don't know where you are. I don't know where you are either. Somewhere between Australia and Switzerland.
Dear Volcano. I know you ate my passport. Or you scared away all the planes with the mail in them. Give me back my passport. I need it.
(Please, please, please come in the mail tomorrow.)
Dear Spain and Portugal. I really want to see you. Why do you always need to see my passport? I don't have mine. The Volcano ate it. Eyjafjallajökull. [Ay-yah-FYAH'-plah-yer-kuh-duhl] (just in case you were wondering)
With much love (for the passport & next week's countries), threats and bribes (for the volcano),
Kylie
Next up: Another visit to Mamma Mia and Many many many mysterious blue boxes floating around Zurich City.
Dear Volcano. I know you ate my passport. Or you scared away all the planes with the mail in them. Give me back my passport. I need it.
(Please, please, please come in the mail tomorrow.)
Dear Spain and Portugal. I really want to see you. Why do you always need to see my passport? I don't have mine. The Volcano ate it. Eyjafjallajökull. [Ay-yah-FYAH'-plah-yer-kuh-duhl] (just in case you were wondering)
With much love (for the passport & next week's countries), threats and bribes (for the volcano),
Kylie
Next up: Another visit to Mamma Mia and Many many many mysterious blue boxes floating around Zurich City.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Pink Hair, A Red Convertible & An Icelandic Volcano
This week I took to heart Climb Every Mountain and climbed a giant giant mountain.
Bigger than any I've climbed before.
It took a sturdy pair of snow shoes, some pulling from a good friend (Thanks Aline!) and 7 1/2 hours.
Yeah - I'm pretty happy.
Spring is really coming. We even had Sechseläuten yesterday.
After spending the last week up in the mountains, I am amazed at the colour everywhere. It even smells like Spring.
I went for a walk yesterday and ended up having a little nap in the garden at a Church nearby with a beautiful view.
There's something a little different about waking up from a sleep and realizing you're sleeping amongst 100-year old graves. At least I woke up - more than I can say from those sleeping next to me.
2 more sleeps until Mamma Mia! What? You think I've seen it enough times?! Pfssht!
Next week it's off to Spain. I'm pretty excited about this because 1.) the beach, and 2.) after Spain we are going to Portugal and here I can eat Portuguese Custard Tarts. This will be the fulfillment of a lifelong (well at least 3-year-long) dream.
That is, if this Icelandic volcano decides to sit still for a while. Please, Eyjafjallajökull, don't ruin my plans. It's ironic that it has caused so much havoc, and we really can't see a thing from down here below.
I think I have 12 flights planned for the next few weeks so I'm quite at the mercy of a Volcano whose name I can't even pronounce!
In other unfortunate news, I have pink hair. Actually somehow a mix between red, pink, and purple. I was trying for dark brown with a slight auburn tinge. How did I end up with pink?!
And, in other cool news, I got to be driven around the Swiss Alps in a red convertible on the weekend (Thanks Sandro & Pam!) How.Very.Cool.
Bigger than any I've climbed before.
It took a sturdy pair of snow shoes, some pulling from a good friend (Thanks Aline!) and 7 1/2 hours.
Yeah - I'm pretty happy.
Spring is really coming. We even had Sechseläuten yesterday.
After spending the last week up in the mountains, I am amazed at the colour everywhere. It even smells like Spring.
I went for a walk yesterday and ended up having a little nap in the garden at a Church nearby with a beautiful view.
There's something a little different about waking up from a sleep and realizing you're sleeping amongst 100-year old graves. At least I woke up - more than I can say from those sleeping next to me.
2 more sleeps until Mamma Mia! What? You think I've seen it enough times?! Pfssht!
Next week it's off to Spain. I'm pretty excited about this because 1.) the beach, and 2.) after Spain we are going to Portugal and here I can eat Portuguese Custard Tarts. This will be the fulfillment of a lifelong (well at least 3-year-long) dream.
That is, if this Icelandic volcano decides to sit still for a while. Please, Eyjafjallajökull, don't ruin my plans. It's ironic that it has caused so much havoc, and we really can't see a thing from down here below.
I think I have 12 flights planned for the next few weeks so I'm quite at the mercy of a Volcano whose name I can't even pronounce!
In other unfortunate news, I have pink hair. Actually somehow a mix between red, pink, and purple. I was trying for dark brown with a slight auburn tinge. How did I end up with pink?!
And, in other cool news, I got to be driven around the Swiss Alps in a red convertible on the weekend (Thanks Sandro & Pam!) How.Very.Cool.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
100 Places To Visit Before You Die
Dear Mum, this is not me.
Love Kylie
Now, the following list is merely a guide. It is not all-inclusive, nor does it take into account sinking cities.
For example it does not mention my current view whilst writing this blog. But it does mention Venice: Folks, it's sinking an inch every decade! Hurry!
A friend sent this list to me this week, and I'm enjoying dreaming about all these places. It does however, give me itchy feet. I already had itchy feet so now I think I've got a bad case of the hives.
The List:
Pyramids of Egypt
Chichen Itza
Pompeii
Mont St Michel*
Great Wall of China
Petra
Kashmir Valley
Topkapi Palace
Taj Mahal
Nile River Cruise
Prague Old Town*
Carnival in Rio
Serengeti Migration
Easter Island
Golden Temple
Stonehenge
Galapagos Islands
Cappadocia
Amalfi Drive
Angel Falls
Grand Canyon
Colosseum of Rome*
Meenakshi
Yellowstone NP
Machu Picchu
Fjords of Norway
Chartres Cathedral
Santorini
Antarctica Cruise
St Peter's Basilica*
Mezquita Cordoba
Matterhorn*
Iguazu Falls
Egyptian Museum
Damascus Old City
New York Skyline*
Bali
Borobudur
Dubrovnik
Marrakesh
Amazon Rain Forest
Valley of the Kings
Uffizi Gallery
Eiffel Tower*
Ngorongoro Crater
Hong Kong
Rio Panoramic View
Ladakh
Great Barrier Reef
Sistine Chapel*
Golden Pavilion
Niagara Falls
Angkor Wat
Burj Khalifa
Delphi
British Museum
Victoria Falls
Alhambra
St. Basils Cathedral
Burj al Arab
Forbidden City
Louvre Museum*
Abu Simbel
Yangtze Riv. Cruise
Bagan
Canals of Venice*
St Mark's Basilica*
Yosemite
Karnak
Versailles*
Florence Cityscape*
Ayers Rock*
Teotihuacan
Carlsbad Caverns
Kremlin
Hermitage Museum
Banaue Rice Terr.
Mecca
Varanasi/Ganges
Chambord Chateau
Bora Bora
Kathmandu Valley
Li River Cruise
Lijiang/Shangri La
Acropolis*
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Shwedagon Stupa
Neuschwanstein*
Potala Palace
Mt Everest
Sahara Desert
Banff NP
Jerusalem Old City
Temple Em. Buddha
Leaning Tower Pisa*
San Francisco
TerraCotta Warriors
Hagia Sofia
Baalbek
Portofin
* = Kylie Waz 'Ere
Better get moving. Places to go, people to meet. Swiss winters to hide from.
Would love to know what places YOU think should be on the list??
Friday, March 5, 2010
How Do You Like That BIG Apple?!
I stepped out of the bus and arrived a few blocks from our Hotel Hostel. Stepped out with my giant bag into mountains of slushy snow.
The bus driver greeted me with a humourless 'Welcome to New York.' I think he was glad to see me. Probably. The city had been shut down the past few days due to to humongous amounts of snow.
And have now spent the last several days traipsing around the Big Apple. I think I've worn an inch of my height. It's huge.
Memorable bites of the Big Apple in no particular order:
Broadway: Was VERY lucky to see The Phantom of the Opera AND Billy Elliot. I love musicals so much. I could watch them all day. Sometimes I even randomly break into song and dance to be in my own musical. LG Life's Good.
Times Square: This place has so many lit and electric advertisements that it looks like day even at midnight. No kidding. It's amazing. After standing with my mouth open for a good few minutes, I realized this made me look too much like a tourist and tried to keep the mouth closed.
Hailing a Cab: I hailed a yellow NYC cab (very proud - although it did take a few tries....they'll speed right past you unless you throw yourself in front of them. I'm a bit bruised.)
Being sat on: Yes indeed. It's official. I'm invisible.
Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge. And then being able to use my awesome Brooklyn accent once I reached the other side. They're from another country over there.
Visiting JAO Schwartz: Remember the Giant Toy Store from Home Alone? It was based on this store. So.Many.Toys.
Chinatown!: Coming up out of the Subway, having boarded in New York and then arriving in China Town? It's bizarre. Like arriving in another country....like China!
Mulberry St: Dr Suess, eat your heart out!
Lady Liberty: Alas, I only saw her from afar. She acted kind of distant.
Seinfeld: Remember the Restaurant from Sienfield? I met the gang there for breakfast this week. Well, actually they couldn't make it, but I sure enjoyed their food and restaurant.
Walking on Thin Ice: Central Park. Yeah Baby!
Zurich Friends: Who would have thought I'd be able to meet up with 5 of my Zurich au pair friends in New York?! Against all weather odds, we all managed to get there for the same long weekend. So crazy and it couldn't have been any better! Thanks guys for making the trip! See you next time! Wherever that is!
The bus driver greeted me with a humourless 'Welcome to New York.' I think he was glad to see me. Probably. The city had been shut down the past few days due to to humongous amounts of snow.
And have now spent the last several days traipsing around the Big Apple. I think I've worn an inch of my height. It's huge.
Memorable bites of the Big Apple in no particular order:
Broadway: Was VERY lucky to see The Phantom of the Opera AND Billy Elliot. I love musicals so much. I could watch them all day. Sometimes I even randomly break into song and dance to be in my own musical. LG Life's Good.
Times Square: This place has so many lit and electric advertisements that it looks like day even at midnight. No kidding. It's amazing. After standing with my mouth open for a good few minutes, I realized this made me look too much like a tourist and tried to keep the mouth closed.
Hailing a Cab: I hailed a yellow NYC cab (very proud - although it did take a few tries....they'll speed right past you unless you throw yourself in front of them. I'm a bit bruised.)
Being sat on: Yes indeed. It's official. I'm invisible.
Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge. And then being able to use my awesome Brooklyn accent once I reached the other side. They're from another country over there.
Visiting JAO Schwartz: Remember the Giant Toy Store from Home Alone? It was based on this store. So.Many.Toys.
Chinatown!: Coming up out of the Subway, having boarded in New York and then arriving in China Town? It's bizarre. Like arriving in another country....like China!
Mulberry St: Dr Suess, eat your heart out!
Lady Liberty: Alas, I only saw her from afar. She acted kind of distant.
Seinfeld: Remember the Restaurant from Sienfield? I met the gang there for breakfast this week. Well, actually they couldn't make it, but I sure enjoyed their food and restaurant.
Walking on Thin Ice: Central Park. Yeah Baby!
Zurich Friends: Who would have thought I'd be able to meet up with 5 of my Zurich au pair friends in New York?! Against all weather odds, we all managed to get there for the same long weekend. So crazy and it couldn't have been any better! Thanks guys for making the trip! See you next time! Wherever that is!
Monday, November 23, 2009
A Story About Vomit (Not for the Faint-Hearted)
I'm not a fan of telling stories that, um, reflect no-so-well on me. So, for that purpose, today I've got a story about Pippi.
Pippi Longstocking.
Pippi was so glad it was Friday night. It had been long week and she was looking forward to the weekend - she had plans to visit the tallest mountain in all of Europe.
But first - a costume party!
She was going to go as, uh, Pippi Longstocking, and despite feeling slightly unwell, dressed up as, ahem, herself. A friend of hers dropped by on her way to same party and also became Pippi Longstocking.
And off they went - catching the train to the city where they would dazzle everyone with their - ah, long stockings.
Until Kylie, I mean Pippi, continued to feel more and more unwell. Quite nauseous and capable of projectile vomit.
The pair of Pippi's arrived at their destination, and after taking a small walk in the hope of giving Pippi#1 some fresh air, decided that they really should head back home.
On a side note, you would be very surprised how many people will stare at you when you are dressed up as Pippi Longstocking. Pippi#1 was so glad that she had been unable to make bendy wire stick in the long plaits.
Oh so glad.
They sat down to wait for their train and spent their time discussing where it would be best, should be the need arise, to throw up. On the train tracks? Or in the rubbish bin? The Pippi's were divided on this issue.
Finally their train came and they boarded and sought seats near the toilet. Just in case. Although, by this time, you should know that it was highly likely.
There were none and so Pippi collapsed on the steps of the train.
*Side note: Ticket-checkers will NOT check your ticket if you look white or green. Or perhaps if you are dressed up as Pippi Longstockings with your head between your knees.
Pippi would like you to know that there is nothing quite so undignified as throwing up into the toilet of a moving train dressed up as Pippi Longstockings.
Nothing.
Or as the Ticket Inspectors asking if you were pregnant. Me? said Pippi. I'm just a kid!
Unfortunately Pippi was unable to visit the highest mountain in all of Europe that weekend but hopes to in the future. Instead, she spent her weekend studying the causes and statistics of why she is far more likely to get sick on the weekend when she doesn't have to work.
She promises to publish any future findings.
Pippi Longstocking.
Pippi was so glad it was Friday night. It had been long week and she was looking forward to the weekend - she had plans to visit the tallest mountain in all of Europe.
But first - a costume party!
She was going to go as, uh, Pippi Longstocking, and despite feeling slightly unwell, dressed up as, ahem, herself. A friend of hers dropped by on her way to same party and also became Pippi Longstocking.
And off they went - catching the train to the city where they would dazzle everyone with their - ah, long stockings.
Until Kylie, I mean Pippi, continued to feel more and more unwell. Quite nauseous and capable of projectile vomit.
The pair of Pippi's arrived at their destination, and after taking a small walk in the hope of giving Pippi#1 some fresh air, decided that they really should head back home.
On a side note, you would be very surprised how many people will stare at you when you are dressed up as Pippi Longstocking. Pippi#1 was so glad that she had been unable to make bendy wire stick in the long plaits.
Oh so glad.
They sat down to wait for their train and spent their time discussing where it would be best, should be the need arise, to throw up. On the train tracks? Or in the rubbish bin? The Pippi's were divided on this issue.
Finally their train came and they boarded and sought seats near the toilet. Just in case. Although, by this time, you should know that it was highly likely.
There were none and so Pippi collapsed on the steps of the train.
*Side note: Ticket-checkers will NOT check your ticket if you look white or green. Or perhaps if you are dressed up as Pippi Longstockings with your head between your knees.
Pippi would like you to know that there is nothing quite so undignified as throwing up into the toilet of a moving train dressed up as Pippi Longstockings.
Nothing.
Or as the Ticket Inspectors asking if you were pregnant. Me? said Pippi. I'm just a kid!
Unfortunately Pippi was unable to visit the highest mountain in all of Europe that weekend but hopes to in the future. Instead, she spent her weekend studying the causes and statistics of why she is far more likely to get sick on the weekend when she doesn't have to work.
She promises to publish any future findings.
Monday, November 9, 2009
A Guided Tour Gone Wrong
Dear Tourist Guide Registration Office,
I would like your suitability checklist reviewed.
Or perhaps you just let one slip through the crack.
Recently, I was in Germany, in an unidentified city, which will remain nameless until I blog about in the future.
I went on a tour.
The tour was fine. The city is beautiful.
Unfortunately a droning irritating voice followed me throughout the whole tour.
Or perhaps I followed it. Yet to be confirmed as the tour guide.
I seemed to be attached to it by an invisible thread, also known as a tour.
Do not be alarmed, I was not alone. I was fully surrounded by others attached by an invisible thread, also known as a tour group. We held each other up for support.
I tried to follow along at the safest distance possible - ie 1 km, but then he would just shout at me to hurry. To be honest, I was embarrassed to be seen with him in broad daylight. Nighttime, perhaps. With the cover of darkness.
I knew things were a bit strange from the beginning, at the first attraction. Here, he spent no less than 5 minutes laughing at the people around us taking photos of the aforementioned attraction. Whilst instructing us, his obedient tour group, to NOT take photos. He loudly proclaimed that this was perhaps the most disappointing tourist attraction in Europe.
I liked it?
Now, I like jokes. I make too many of them. Funniness is funny. I like to laugh. BUT IF I'M NOT LAUGHING, STOP TELLING YOUR JOKES. Curiosity definitely killed the cat and your jokes killed your entire tour group.
The guide behind the droning voice with the unfunny jokes hissed at me. Seriously, it was a hiss. He also told the girl beside me that he didn't like her. Twice. Tour guides have to at least pretend they like the people in their group, don't they?
And he kept lamenting to us, NOT his friends or even sympathetic listeners, about his relationship issues. Over and over again. I think I unfortunately know more about his past love lives that I do of the city of M*****.
And he kept mentioning his tips. Every time I heard him mention his tips, I mentally deducted 1€ from my tip. 10€ - 100 x his unsubtle tip remarks = you do the maths. I'll keep the end result to myself, but let's just say he now owes me money.
I wanted to hand him a piece of paper, on which I'd written, Don't give up your day job, because that would be a tip he could use, but I think this is his day job!
The tour was fine. The city is beautiful. But there's a heartbroken, unfunny, hissing tour guide out there. And he owes me money.
Much love,
Kylie
I would like your suitability checklist reviewed.
Or perhaps you just let one slip through the crack.
Recently, I was in Germany, in an unidentified city, which will remain nameless until I blog about in the future.
I went on a tour.
The tour was fine. The city is beautiful.
Unfortunately a droning irritating voice followed me throughout the whole tour.
Or perhaps I followed it. Yet to be confirmed as the tour guide.
I seemed to be attached to it by an invisible thread, also known as a tour.
Do not be alarmed, I was not alone. I was fully surrounded by others attached by an invisible thread, also known as a tour group. We held each other up for support.
I tried to follow along at the safest distance possible - ie 1 km, but then he would just shout at me to hurry. To be honest, I was embarrassed to be seen with him in broad daylight. Nighttime, perhaps. With the cover of darkness.
I knew things were a bit strange from the beginning, at the first attraction. Here, he spent no less than 5 minutes laughing at the people around us taking photos of the aforementioned attraction. Whilst instructing us, his obedient tour group, to NOT take photos. He loudly proclaimed that this was perhaps the most disappointing tourist attraction in Europe.
I liked it?
Now, I like jokes. I make too many of them. Funniness is funny. I like to laugh. BUT IF I'M NOT LAUGHING, STOP TELLING YOUR JOKES. Curiosity definitely killed the cat and your jokes killed your entire tour group.
The guide behind the droning voice with the unfunny jokes hissed at me. Seriously, it was a hiss. He also told the girl beside me that he didn't like her. Twice. Tour guides have to at least pretend they like the people in their group, don't they?
And he kept lamenting to us, NOT his friends or even sympathetic listeners, about his relationship issues. Over and over again. I think I unfortunately know more about his past love lives that I do of the city of M*****.
And he kept mentioning his tips. Every time I heard him mention his tips, I mentally deducted 1€ from my tip. 10€ - 100 x his unsubtle tip remarks = you do the maths. I'll keep the end result to myself, but let's just say he now owes me money.
I wanted to hand him a piece of paper, on which I'd written, Don't give up your day job, because that would be a tip he could use, but I think this is his day job!
The tour was fine. The city is beautiful. But there's a heartbroken, unfunny, hissing tour guide out there. And he owes me money.
Much love,
Kylie
Saturday, October 24, 2009
My Big Fat Greek Holiday (9 Things You Should Know About My 9 Days in Paradise)
They said we were crazy. They said we'd never make it. A trip to Greece - outside of Season? But we came, we saw and we conquered - and had an amazing marvelous 9 days.
Zurich - Milan - Athens (will never fly cheap airline again, ugh) - Meteora (via Trikala) - Volos - Skopelos -Volos - Athens - Milan (will never fly cheap airline again, ugh) - Zurich.
I went with another aupair, Pei Wen, who has the ability to make me laugh so hard I was forever needing the loo. We spent the first day looking all around Athens, before heading to the Areopagus (Mars Hill - Paul preached from up here!) to watch the sun set over the Acropolis.
I'd heard rumours of a €2 Kebab. As in, a donor Kebab NOT skewered meat. Living in a world where I can only dream about affording a Kebab meant I rejoiced with anticipation.
And I was not disappointed. I've never seen such a work of art. It was like a bouquet - with hot chips!
At Meterora, I saw some of the most amazing man-made feats I have ever seen. Six monasteries built on these
huge
rock
pillars.
huge
rock
pillars.
It's hard to fathom. They date back to the 14th century, when there was more than twenty monasteries.
They're just sitting at the top of these huge pillars, I'm still speechless when I think about it.
Pei Wen and I were lucky enough to have a contact, now friend - Vasilis, in a little village near the Monasteries to stay with, and even more, to be a part of his family and friend's lives for a little while.
They cooked us fantastic food and we stayed at the family home outside of the village, in an even smaller village. I also saw the biggest vat of tomato sauce I have ever seen and we got to clean to vat afterwards (yum!)
They're just sitting at the top of these huge pillars, I'm still speechless when I think about it.
Pei Wen and I were lucky enough to have a contact, now friend - Vasilis, in a little village near the Monasteries to stay with, and even more, to be a part of his family and friend's lives for a little while.
They cooked us fantastic food and we stayed at the family home outside of the village, in an even smaller village. I also saw the biggest vat of tomato sauce I have ever seen and we got to clean to vat afterwards (yum!)
As we were leaving, Vasilis' mother gave us both a Pomegranate. Vasilis told us later in the car that it was a special gift, a symbol of fertility.
Uh, thank you?
(Many seeds, am feeling especially fertile)I met Rebecca the Brave. Rebecca the Brave with Pepper Spray. We happened to be staying at the same place one night. She told me about keeping the Spray at the top of her bag, at the ready if she felt wary. I didn't want to scare or wake her in the night!
But who knew Pepper Spray came in such a convenient little size?!
But she also told me good things, thoughtful things about being a guest in another's home and embracing the life of those around you - wherever you are. But more than telling, she showed me what it looked like. Her gentleness and grace really touched me and I'm glad to have crossed paths.
But she also told me good things, thoughtful things about being a guest in another's home and embracing the life of those around you - wherever you are. But more than telling, she showed me what it looked like. Her gentleness and grace really touched me and I'm glad to have crossed paths.
After visiting Athens and Meteora, we decided to head to the island of Skopelos. Everyone said not to go there, that the season was over and nothing would be open.
I was in search of beautiful beaches, warm weather and no other tourists.
We hit the jackpot.
None of the touristy shops were open, but that suited us 100%. We managed to find the sole car available for hire on the island and went in search of beauty. At night I came home needing to sleep. My eyes had seen too much beauty and needed rest.
I'm serious.
Jackpot.
I was in search of beautiful beaches, warm weather and no other tourists.
We hit the jackpot.
None of the touristy shops were open, but that suited us 100%. We managed to find the sole car available for hire on the island and went in search of beauty. At night I came home needing to sleep. My eyes had seen too much beauty and needed rest.
I'm serious.
Jackpot.
While we were there, might as well see the Mamma Mia film locations. I'm not one to waste an opportunity!
The best place? Agios Ioannis - (the wedding chapel used in the film). It was amazing. We got to visit many chapels on the Island but this one stood out from the rest. It's almost on it's own island, jutting out from the cliff - and there are more than 200 stairs to climb to the top.
I did this twice.
I'm a glutton for punishment.
(see that second rock jutting out? the chapel is on top of that!)
The second time we got up very early and made the trek there to watch the sunrise. It's even more difficult to climb the 200 steps in the dark!
It was more than worth it.
This is an attempt to 'time lapse' the photos I took of the sunrise into a video.
Unfortunately I got a bit sick - even the morning we climbed the steps I thought my glands might actually pop out of my neck (is this physically possible? and if not, why does it feel this way?) and so we headed the chemist. I'd heard on the grapevine that chemists here could give out antibiotics and so I went to plead my case.
Me: I think I need antibiotics. I heard that it was possible to get them from you. (I then proceeded to tell him my medical sorrows.)
Chemist: (cutting me off, glancing furtively around.) Where did you hear this?
Me: Um, just around. Can you?
Chemist: Perhaps. If you don't tell anyone. Hush hush, so to speak.
Me: Um, ok.
Chemist: But I don't know if you need antibiotics. Perhaps you should visit the doctor.
He made it sound so easy. The doctor was just around the corner and it shouldn't take too long.
I rounded the corner to the doctors and something about the long line snaking out the door told me the chemist never needed to visit the doctor, him being able to prescribe himself any medication. Not too long, indeed.
I spent some time playing charades with the other waiting patients as they wanted to discuss our ailments.
Several hours later I left. When the doctor told me I probably shouldn't leave my bed for the next couple of days, I realized that I probably shouldn't mention the 200+ stairs in the cold and wind that morning if I wanted to maintain any respect. I headed for the Chemist, armed with prescriptions that would set me back quite a few Euro.
Me: Can I please get these antibiotics.
Chemist: (glancing at my list) Oh, so you are sick. It's quite serious.
Me: Yes. Just hand over the pills and no one will get hurt.
I think this is why it cost so much. I should have been nicer.
When I fell in love with the beautiful Skopelos I increased with vigour my search for the perfect Greek man. One who would take pity on me and my obsession with beautiful beaches and stunning cliffs and make an honest woman out of me.
However, then I discovered the Pom Poms.
On the shoes.
And the silly dance with the Pom Poms on the shoes.
Nothing wrong with regular visits, me thinks.
An amazing, amazing trip. So glad we went. Happy happy Greek holidaying!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
To Holland, With Love
Dear Holland,
Ready or not, here I come.
Dutch windmills, licorice, canals, and bikes, here I come.
Please don't rain.
Please don't let me fall off a bike into a canal.
Thanks,
Love Kylie
Ready or not, here I come.
Dutch windmills, licorice, canals, and bikes, here I come.
Please don't rain.
Please don't let me fall off a bike into a canal.
Thanks,
Love Kylie
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Sometimes It's Ok To Jump Off A Cliff
I'm grasping at summer straws but I'm trying to tell myself that summer is still here. That sunny warm days will still continue.
I'm probably kidding myself.
Goods and Bads from the last week. Bad news first?
Bads:
Friends are leaving to go home left, right and centre! It's weird being one of the "older" au pairs - I'm not! I just got here! Stop asking me questions, I have no idea what I'm doing!
Winter is coming. This will bring the obligation to ski. I still have nightmares from last season.
I also seem to have picked up a cold from somewhere. If someone is missing theirs, it's probably in my head. I would love to return it to you!
Goods:
I just spent a lovely day with a friend doing - well, not much. Eating. (We even ate ice cream for breakfast with crepes. Don't tell my Mum!)
Holidays in 2 weeks!! Am planning on a few days cycling in Holland and then off to Greece for 9 days to ... eat Greek food! (And perhaps pretend that I am in the Mamma Mia movie!)
I made Pumpkin Soup for dinner one night this week and MLF1 was NOT happy. Not happy at all - due to a dislike of the main ingredient.
She sat down at the table - pushed the soup away and was NOT happy.
Did I mention she was NOT happy?
But after about 10 minutes, I saw her pick up her spoon and lick it. And then, filled up the spoon and ate some more. And then, a little more.
6!!!! bowlfuls later, I think she liked the soup?
MLF3 (4 yrs) correcting MLF2 (8 yrs) on her English.
Paragliding last weekend! Absolutely amazing!!
It was a birthday gift from my host family and I just want to go again! Had about 20 minutes of flying time above the town and mountains surrounding Zermatt. And got to see the Matterhorn closer than most!
I wasn't nervous at all (birds fly all the time, right?) - until my tandem dude's words were, "Now we're going to take a few running steps toward the edge of the cliff."
How many times do you hear that in your life?
But after that all was fine.
Until we landed and my legs didn't work and it was all rather unceremonious. Him trying to pull me up, being attached by many strings, belts and clasps, him not being able to pull me up, still being attached by many strings, belts and clasps.
You get the picture.
A beautiful walk/hike near Neuchâtel. Steph and I were whisked away to a land that resembled a fairytale.
But it did play with my head when I realized the scenery I'd seen the day before compared to this day. Such a small country but it's vastly vastly different!
Day 1:
Day 2:
Day 3:
- See? I told you I worked sometimes!
I'm probably kidding myself.
Goods and Bads from the last week. Bad news first?
Bads:
Friends are leaving to go home left, right and centre! It's weird being one of the "older" au pairs - I'm not! I just got here! Stop asking me questions, I have no idea what I'm doing!
Winter is coming. This will bring the obligation to ski. I still have nightmares from last season.
I also seem to have picked up a cold from somewhere. If someone is missing theirs, it's probably in my head. I would love to return it to you!
Goods:
I just spent a lovely day with a friend doing - well, not much. Eating. (We even ate ice cream for breakfast with crepes. Don't tell my Mum!)
Holidays in 2 weeks!! Am planning on a few days cycling in Holland and then off to Greece for 9 days to ... eat Greek food! (And perhaps pretend that I am in the Mamma Mia movie!)
I made Pumpkin Soup for dinner one night this week and MLF1 was NOT happy. Not happy at all - due to a dislike of the main ingredient.
She sat down at the table - pushed the soup away and was NOT happy.
Did I mention she was NOT happy?
But after about 10 minutes, I saw her pick up her spoon and lick it. And then, filled up the spoon and ate some more. And then, a little more.
6!!!! bowlfuls later, I think she liked the soup?
MLF3 (4 yrs) correcting MLF2 (8 yrs) on her English.
Paragliding last weekend! Absolutely amazing!!
It was a birthday gift from my host family and I just want to go again! Had about 20 minutes of flying time above the town and mountains surrounding Zermatt. And got to see the Matterhorn closer than most!
I wasn't nervous at all (birds fly all the time, right?) - until my tandem dude's words were, "Now we're going to take a few running steps toward the edge of the cliff."
How many times do you hear that in your life?
But after that all was fine.
Until we landed and my legs didn't work and it was all rather unceremonious. Him trying to pull me up, being attached by many strings, belts and clasps, him not being able to pull me up, still being attached by many strings, belts and clasps.
You get the picture.
A beautiful walk/hike near Neuchâtel. Steph and I were whisked away to a land that resembled a fairytale.
But it did play with my head when I realized the scenery I'd seen the day before compared to this day. Such a small country but it's vastly vastly different!
Day 1:
Day 2:
Day 3:
- See? I told you I worked sometimes!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
I think I'm in Love
Did I tell you how much I love the moutains here? Yes?
Can I tell you again?
I love it. So much. I can't get enough.
Went for a day trip on Sunday to Appenzell but didn't stay long in the village.
(Women are only allowed to vote in local elections here since 1991! and they still vote through a public assembly by a raising of hands!)
Instead we headed for the top: Hohe Kastern.
I went with my friend Dani (another au pair) and I think all day long we were just opening and closing our mouths in astonishment. It was so beautiful.
We took a cable car up to the top of the mountain and spent quite a few hours walking down. We may have prolonged our trip just a little bit by missing the last PostBus and having to walk to the next Village but we both blame the other for that so it's ok.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Tourist-ing it up with the Sound of Music! (Salzburg)
The hills were alive with the Sound of Music in Salzburg last weekend.
I probably should start this blog with a warning. I'm not going to pretend that the Sound of Music setting didn't form rather a large part of wanting to visit this Austrian city - it was.
I admit it.
And so I took the tour. Had I know about it, I would have also taken the Fraulein Maria's cycling tour of Salzburg where you sing your way through the city.
(Seriously, there is such a tour!)
And so, WARNING: Some Spoilers may follow. Also, some references to the Sound of Music.
We spent a lovely 33 hours in Salzburg and I took in the biggest gulp I could.
These hours included, but were not limited to:
Reinforcing my hardcore status. Rain with lighting bolt symbols was the forecast for the weekend. Undeterred, Steph (my accomplice) and I decided we would go hardcore and see everything anyway. We bought awesome yellow ponchos to support our hardcore status.
Climbing every mountain and fording every stream.
Visiting Mozart's birth house. He was born in Salzburg (but rumour has it that he wasn't too fond of the town).
Meeting Mozart. 'Cept he was the younger, more hip version of Mozart. He even had an IPod, and he juggled, did some interpretive dance, and fire-twirled to the music. He is pictured here with his IPod.
Following every rainbow, and searching high and low.
Embracing tourism and the Lonely Planet. I would just like to take a short moment to give thanks with a grateful heart to Lonely Planet, without whom I would have been lost on the weekend. (Oh, and for Steph - great map following!)
Eating Lonely Planet recommendations. Living in Zurich really limits my eating-out possibilities (hence the 'I could live off cheeseburgers' label) and on the weekend I got to eat.so.much.good.stuff. Who would have thought Italian Restaurant owner with credentials from the Love Boat could make such good Pizza? Who could have known that the all natural-vegetarian-vegan-organic-bio-healthy-kill-me-now Indian Restaurant would be so good?
Lonely Planet, I lift my glass of water to you!
Singing 'These are a few of my favourite things' whilst eating Italian ice cream x 3.
Smiling for Japanese(?) tourists in the Mirrabel Gardens. As featured in the Sound Of Music. We did not share a common language, and so when they gestured towards me with their camera I assumed they wanted me to take a photo of them.
However, it soon became clear that this was not the case. I was dragged into their photo (I still have the bruise marks on my arm to prove it!) and made to smile. Seriously. And then a line started to form....and a new bunch of people surrounded me and grabbed my arm held on tight. I saw my life flash before my eyes and knew I had to get out of there. I think maybe they thought I was Julie Andrews. My singing did kind of sound like her. And I was doing all the right dance moves in the correct places around the garden so I guess it was an easy mistake to make.
Uncanny resemblance.....?
Practicing my moves for the Sound of Music 2. Here I am doing my audition piece on the water fountain. Unfortunately, Steph cut me out of the picture, but you get the idea.
Listening to the Sound of Music soundtrack on the bus as we drove through the hills out of Salzburg. It was just one of those ironic moments in life where you just want to laugh at yourself. A year ago? - I never would have dreamt that I'd be living in Switzerland, on a weekend trip to Salzburg, on a Sound of Music bus, listening to 'How do you solve a problem like Maria....'
Seeing all the places from the movie was pretty cool. You may not be able to see it, but behind my head, Julie Andrews -aka Maria Von Trapp - and the kids are falling out of the boat and Gretl is almost drowning because she didn't know how to swim. You may not also be able to see it because it may have happened 45 years ago.
Biking along the Salzburg River during the late evening. We had to wait until almost 1AM for our train, and so why wait at the train station when you can ride along the river? I love the summer months when it stays light for so much longer!
And, at the end of the 33 hours, it was time for the train home. Rather unfortunately, a supposedly sweet older lady was sleeping in my reserved seat. (Unreserved seats are never mentally the same!) Also unfortunately, it was 1AM and, unfortunately, I was feeling too nice. In the spirit of the unfortunate I think she slept the whole trip. I know this because I didn't. She was also warm under her blanket. (Note to self: Bring blanket next time!)
So Long, Farewell Salzburg!
I probably should start this blog with a warning. I'm not going to pretend that the Sound of Music setting didn't form rather a large part of wanting to visit this Austrian city - it was.
I admit it.
And so I took the tour. Had I know about it, I would have also taken the Fraulein Maria's cycling tour of Salzburg where you sing your way through the city.
(Seriously, there is such a tour!)
And so, WARNING: Some Spoilers may follow. Also, some references to the Sound of Music.
We spent a lovely 33 hours in Salzburg and I took in the biggest gulp I could.
These hours included, but were not limited to:
Reinforcing my hardcore status. Rain with lighting bolt symbols was the forecast for the weekend. Undeterred, Steph (my accomplice) and I decided we would go hardcore and see everything anyway. We bought awesome yellow ponchos to support our hardcore status.
Climbing every mountain and fording every stream.
Visiting Mozart's birth house. He was born in Salzburg (but rumour has it that he wasn't too fond of the town).
Meeting Mozart. 'Cept he was the younger, more hip version of Mozart. He even had an IPod, and he juggled, did some interpretive dance, and fire-twirled to the music. He is pictured here with his IPod.
Following every rainbow, and searching high and low.
Embracing tourism and the Lonely Planet. I would just like to take a short moment to give thanks with a grateful heart to Lonely Planet, without whom I would have been lost on the weekend. (Oh, and for Steph - great map following!)
Eating Lonely Planet recommendations. Living in Zurich really limits my eating-out possibilities (hence the 'I could live off cheeseburgers' label) and on the weekend I got to eat.so.much.good.stuff. Who would have thought Italian Restaurant owner with credentials from the Love Boat could make such good Pizza? Who could have known that the all natural-vegetarian-vegan-organic-bio-healthy-kill-me-now Indian Restaurant would be so good?
Lonely Planet, I lift my glass of water to you!
Singing 'These are a few of my favourite things' whilst eating Italian ice cream x 3.
Smiling for Japanese(?) tourists in the Mirrabel Gardens. As featured in the Sound Of Music. We did not share a common language, and so when they gestured towards me with their camera I assumed they wanted me to take a photo of them.
However, it soon became clear that this was not the case. I was dragged into their photo (I still have the bruise marks on my arm to prove it!) and made to smile. Seriously. And then a line started to form....and a new bunch of people surrounded me and grabbed my arm held on tight. I saw my life flash before my eyes and knew I had to get out of there. I think maybe they thought I was Julie Andrews. My singing did kind of sound like her. And I was doing all the right dance moves in the correct places around the garden so I guess it was an easy mistake to make.
Uncanny resemblance.....?
Practicing my moves for the Sound of Music 2. Here I am doing my audition piece on the water fountain. Unfortunately, Steph cut me out of the picture, but you get the idea.
Listening to the Sound of Music soundtrack on the bus as we drove through the hills out of Salzburg. It was just one of those ironic moments in life where you just want to laugh at yourself. A year ago? - I never would have dreamt that I'd be living in Switzerland, on a weekend trip to Salzburg, on a Sound of Music bus, listening to 'How do you solve a problem like Maria....'
Seeing all the places from the movie was pretty cool. You may not be able to see it, but behind my head, Julie Andrews -aka Maria Von Trapp - and the kids are falling out of the boat and Gretl is almost drowning because she didn't know how to swim. You may not also be able to see it because it may have happened 45 years ago.
Biking along the Salzburg River during the late evening. We had to wait until almost 1AM for our train, and so why wait at the train station when you can ride along the river? I love the summer months when it stays light for so much longer!
And, at the end of the 33 hours, it was time for the train home. Rather unfortunately, a supposedly sweet older lady was sleeping in my reserved seat. (Unreserved seats are never mentally the same!) Also unfortunately, it was 1AM and, unfortunately, I was feeling too nice. In the spirit of the unfortunate I think she slept the whole trip. I know this because I didn't. She was also warm under her blanket. (Note to self: Bring blanket next time!)
So Long, Farewell Salzburg!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Suddenly 30
I've returned from escaping across the border for 24 hours.
It was tough.
Ma and Pa were attending a wedding (not their own - this happened several years ago) and so the girls and I hung out in a hotel room with a lovely view of the lake, listening to - you guessed it - ABBA.
We also took a trip to the hotel restaurant where the waiter thought I was their mother.
Seriously, do I look 30?
On outings such as this, where its just the girls and I, I often have to suppress well-earned laughs.
The other adult, in this case the waiter, speaks directly to me only to be answered by MLF1, who speaks excellent German.
I smile and nod, giving MLF1 my full non-verbal support. The waiter then answers MLF1, but still looks at me, speaking to me, and waiting for my response.
MLF1 does not let me down and continues the conversation. And so it goes.
I just smile and nod and let them think I am mute.
An under-aged mute mother who lets her children order what they like off the menu.
I'm planning on heading to Basel tomorrow morning to see Art Basel, which I think is the largest Modern and Contemporary Exhibition in the world. Brad Pitt was last spotted here so I'll be wearing my I ♥ Brad t-shirt tomorrow.
And I'm very excited because my parents have booked their tickets to come and visit in less than 2 months! And I got the Paris leg of the trip in the mail today, so they had better come. I'm not going to return from Paris 3 times just to get my money's worth.
And if anyone has any lovely holiday houses that they wish to lend in Venice, Rome, Florence, Nice, Avignon, Paris or the Loire Valley perhaps you could just pop the keys in the mail and we'll call it even.
Today we went for a walk to Mainau Island where joined a ridiculous amount of tourists (sometimes I like to pretend that I am not a tourist) seeing the most beautiful gardens and butterfly house and played on the most amazing playground, or spielplatz. I got mistaken for the girl's mother yet again (seriously....30?) and I had to eat MLF3's ice-block really fast because she just wanted to play the whistle that made up the stick. One of the many perks...
In other exciting news I got to go toiletry shopping whilst in Germany. Once you leave Switzerland everything is so much cheaper and my thriftiness starts grabbing shampoos and deodorants off the shelves.
I also love pretending that the Euro is the same as the Swiss Frank.
And yes, its 3 AM and I am still not asleep. I think I'm probably too excited to sleep, since I'll probably see Brad Pitt tomorrow. Watch out Angelina.
Now, where is that t-shirt...?
It was tough.
Ma and Pa were attending a wedding (not their own - this happened several years ago) and so the girls and I hung out in a hotel room with a lovely view of the lake, listening to - you guessed it - ABBA.
We also took a trip to the hotel restaurant where the waiter thought I was their mother.
Seriously, do I look 30?
On outings such as this, where its just the girls and I, I often have to suppress well-earned laughs.
The other adult, in this case the waiter, speaks directly to me only to be answered by MLF1, who speaks excellent German.
I smile and nod, giving MLF1 my full non-verbal support. The waiter then answers MLF1, but still looks at me, speaking to me, and waiting for my response.
MLF1 does not let me down and continues the conversation. And so it goes.
I just smile and nod and let them think I am mute.
An under-aged mute mother who lets her children order what they like off the menu.
I'm planning on heading to Basel tomorrow morning to see Art Basel, which I think is the largest Modern and Contemporary Exhibition in the world. Brad Pitt was last spotted here so I'll be wearing my I ♥ Brad t-shirt tomorrow.
And I'm very excited because my parents have booked their tickets to come and visit in less than 2 months! And I got the Paris leg of the trip in the mail today, so they had better come. I'm not going to return from Paris 3 times just to get my money's worth.
And if anyone has any lovely holiday houses that they wish to lend in Venice, Rome, Florence, Nice, Avignon, Paris or the Loire Valley perhaps you could just pop the keys in the mail and we'll call it even.
Today we went for a walk to Mainau Island where joined a ridiculous amount of tourists (sometimes I like to pretend that I am not a tourist) seeing the most beautiful gardens and butterfly house and played on the most amazing playground, or spielplatz. I got mistaken for the girl's mother yet again (seriously....30?) and I had to eat MLF3's ice-block really fast because she just wanted to play the whistle that made up the stick. One of the many perks...
In other exciting news I got to go toiletry shopping whilst in Germany. Once you leave Switzerland everything is so much cheaper and my thriftiness starts grabbing shampoos and deodorants off the shelves.
I also love pretending that the Euro is the same as the Swiss Frank.
And yes, its 3 AM and I am still not asleep. I think I'm probably too excited to sleep, since I'll probably see Brad Pitt tomorrow. Watch out Angelina.
Now, where is that t-shirt...?
Friday, June 5, 2009
Week At A Glance
Well after almost a week of no blogging (what is the world coming to?!) I'm finally sitting down to type out some events of the past very busy week.
And I'm eating a citron and pepper chocolate. I've been slowly working my through it today wondered at each piece what the bite was.
Now I read the package and it's pepper.
Strange. But good.
Pepper.
The week in a blur:
Saturday - I discovered the most amazing markets ever. I felt like I had died and gone to heaven. 100's of stalls with other people's junk - is there anything better?
Sunday - Somebody had the bright idea for a bunch of us to bike around the Lake of Zug (this may have been me). It's about 40-50 kms around (I think?!) which, I have to say, is a pretty good effort for me.
And for my legs and behind, both of which were quite vocal in their I told you so's in the following days.
But it was a beautiful day and view. We hired bikes for free! which was great, although a couple of the bikes did have baby seats on the back. (Which, btw, were not secure enough to put kids in. They worked well for backpacks though.)
Monday - I was catching the train at 5:59 AM to explore some Swiss Alp-ness. It was an amazing day where I saw too many beautiful things including the highest free-falling waterfall in Europe and also the Trummelbach falls.
We caught the bus, boat and train and I learnt that you can never use your Eurail pass on the Berner Oberland Bahn. Do this, and you will get sent back to section C. The poor tourists next to us were humiliated when the ticket inspector held up their ticket and called the whole carriage to attention, announcing that these tickets were not valid for this train.
He then sent them out of the train and back to section C.
I think they have forced labour back there in section C.
Tuesday - this was my 100th day in Switzerland (yay for me!) but generally not a very enjoyable day. However, I felt much better when an anonymous (but inexperienced with pressure cookers) friend informed me that she had just got pasta all over the kitchen and stuck on the roof.
Perhaps my day wasn't so bad after all.
Wednesday - We had MLF2's birthday party and I surprised myself by sprouting off a few German words and phrases to the kids. She got some really cool presents (or mega-cool as the kids say) and I'm thinking about inviting the same kids to my birthday party.
Thursday - MLF's and I tried to make squishy ballons with flour without a funnel. Didn't work. We somehow managed to get more flour over ourselves than in the balloons.
Friday - MLF1 left the house in the morning in a bad mood and I certainly didn't want the
mood to continue when she came home for lunch.
Enter ABBA. I had ABBA playing at a decent volume when she entered the house and I could literally see a change in her body language. Taking note of that one for next time...
And I'm eating a citron and pepper chocolate. I've been slowly working my through it today wondered at each piece what the bite was.
Now I read the package and it's pepper.
Strange. But good.
Pepper.
The week in a blur:
Saturday - I discovered the most amazing markets ever. I felt like I had died and gone to heaven. 100's of stalls with other people's junk - is there anything better?
Sunday - Somebody had the bright idea for a bunch of us to bike around the Lake of Zug (this may have been me). It's about 40-50 kms around (I think?!) which, I have to say, is a pretty good effort for me.
And for my legs and behind, both of which were quite vocal in their I told you so's in the following days.
But it was a beautiful day and view. We hired bikes for free! which was great, although a couple of the bikes did have baby seats on the back. (Which, btw, were not secure enough to put kids in. They worked well for backpacks though.)
Monday - I was catching the train at 5:59 AM to explore some Swiss Alp-ness. It was an amazing day where I saw too many beautiful things including the highest free-falling waterfall in Europe and also the Trummelbach falls.
We caught the bus, boat and train and I learnt that you can never use your Eurail pass on the Berner Oberland Bahn. Do this, and you will get sent back to section C. The poor tourists next to us were humiliated when the ticket inspector held up their ticket and called the whole carriage to attention, announcing that these tickets were not valid for this train.
He then sent them out of the train and back to section C.
I think they have forced labour back there in section C.
Tuesday - this was my 100th day in Switzerland (yay for me!) but generally not a very enjoyable day. However, I felt much better when an anonymous (but inexperienced with pressure cookers) friend informed me that she had just got pasta all over the kitchen and stuck on the roof.
Perhaps my day wasn't so bad after all.
Wednesday - We had MLF2's birthday party and I surprised myself by sprouting off a few German words and phrases to the kids. She got some really cool presents (or mega-cool as the kids say) and I'm thinking about inviting the same kids to my birthday party.
Thursday - MLF's and I tried to make squishy ballons with flour without a funnel. Didn't work. We somehow managed to get more flour over ourselves than in the balloons.
Friday - MLF1 left the house in the morning in a bad mood and I certainly didn't want the
mood to continue when she came home for lunch.
Enter ABBA. I had ABBA playing at a decent volume when she entered the house and I could literally see a change in her body language. Taking note of that one for next time...
Monday, May 18, 2009
Why Does This Always Happen To Me?
So last night I was coming home from a weekend in Vevey.
It had been such a good weekend, but I was rather tired.
I had been on a gigantic hike and seen so many amazing views that my eyes were tired.
I finally arrived in HB and after a slight detour to the cheeseburger factory (aka MacDonalds) I made it to my platform and waited for my train.
Did you know that people judge you if you get a Happy Meal from MacDonalds and you're not a kid?
Seriously, they do. I can't quite explain the look, but I can see their eyes go from me to the happy meal back to my face and then to my really cool shoes. Actually, they would look at my really cool shoes if I had any.
Size 41 people. Give me your really cool size 41 shoes.
From the cashier at McD's to the lady walking her horse through HB they all give me this disapproving look. It's like I've stolen their kid's meal or something.
(Ok maybe it wasn't a horse - it could have been a giant dog).
And the cashier gave me a boy's toy. Do I look like a boy?
I got on my train. I had my IPod on and Why Does This Always Happen To Me by Weird Al came on. Don't judge me; it just came on.
Why Does It Always Happen To Me video clip (some violent scenes)
It's funny, you've got to admit. He starts off with lamenting how this earthquake killed all these people in Peru and then breaks into song about how that news update on TV interrupted the Simpsons.
My train left HB and got to the next station and we sat there for a while. And then it started to go back the way it came! I was like, Noooooo.....!
I started banging on the door and hitting the windows but it would not let me off.
Turns out they were fixing something further down the line and I couldn't take the train home. Instead I had to take the tram and then the train.
I was pretty grumpy about this. Not happy Jan. This added more than an hour onto my trip and I wouldn't get home til midnight, luckily catching the last train home, but only just.
But then I had to laugh at myself. Here I was thinking Why does this always happen to me? when really, it doesn't. And there are bigger things to be grumpy about.
Like getting a boy's toy in my Happy Meal.
It had been such a good weekend, but I was rather tired.
I had been on a gigantic hike and seen so many amazing views that my eyes were tired.
I finally arrived in HB and after a slight detour to the cheeseburger factory (aka MacDonalds) I made it to my platform and waited for my train.
Did you know that people judge you if you get a Happy Meal from MacDonalds and you're not a kid?
Seriously, they do. I can't quite explain the look, but I can see their eyes go from me to the happy meal back to my face and then to my really cool shoes. Actually, they would look at my really cool shoes if I had any.
Size 41 people. Give me your really cool size 41 shoes.
From the cashier at McD's to the lady walking her horse through HB they all give me this disapproving look. It's like I've stolen their kid's meal or something.
(Ok maybe it wasn't a horse - it could have been a giant dog).
And the cashier gave me a boy's toy. Do I look like a boy?
I got on my train. I had my IPod on and Why Does This Always Happen To Me by Weird Al came on. Don't judge me; it just came on.
Why Does It Always Happen To Me video clip (some violent scenes)
It's funny, you've got to admit. He starts off with lamenting how this earthquake killed all these people in Peru and then breaks into song about how that news update on TV interrupted the Simpsons.
My train left HB and got to the next station and we sat there for a while. And then it started to go back the way it came! I was like, Noooooo.....!
I started banging on the door and hitting the windows but it would not let me off.
Turns out they were fixing something further down the line and I couldn't take the train home. Instead I had to take the tram and then the train.
I was pretty grumpy about this. Not happy Jan. This added more than an hour onto my trip and I wouldn't get home til midnight, luckily catching the last train home, but only just.
But then I had to laugh at myself. Here I was thinking Why does this always happen to me? when really, it doesn't. And there are bigger things to be grumpy about.
Like getting a boy's toy in my Happy Meal.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Sliding Down a Fireman's Pole is Harder Than it Looks.
After my rather eventful night on Saturday night and morning with Mr winking Policeman on Sunday, I was ready for a sleep.
I said goodbye to the policeman and looked at the time and realized that it was much later than I thought.
I had a very important meeting penciled into my diary.
Well, actually I don't have a diary, but if I did it would have been in it.
I was meeting fellow blog people face to face. Yes, we do have faces. We were meeting at the Zurich Google Office for a tour and initial meeting and then heading to a coffee shop for a larger gathering.
And now, because of worst nightmare and follow up visit from a winking policeman, I was going to be rather late.
I got out of the house and onto the train after getting ready in record time and without really finding out where the Google office was. How hard could it be? I just had to look for a big Google sign, right?
I got to the station where I knew the office was and after having a look around, I asked a couple waiting for the bus.
When the lady said, "Google....hmmm...does that have to do with computers?" I knew it had been a bad choice of unsuspecting help.
I moved onto the couple next to them and they, again, wanted to help, but obviously had no idea.
Along the line I moved again (literally) and the next lady could tell me where the old Google office was and had a vague idea where the new one was and so I followed her vague directions.
She was right, it was quite a hike, but I was only a little late. I'm not Swiss, and I've only been here for 2 months so I tell myself this is a pardonable sin.
It was quite bizarre meeting people, who, before this point, had been no more than text on a web page. But such a lovely bizarre meeting. I really really enjoyed it. Much more than I thought I would (walking into a room of complete strangers is not one my favourite tasks!).
So good to put faces to names and meet so many new friends!
And the Google offices - ahhhhhh.
I have decided I think I should work for Google.
To help me with this decision, I have started a pros and cons list.
PROS
After seeing it all so clearly laid out, I don't know why I didn't think of this before.
After the blogger coffee experience (which included us taking up half of the shop and a waiter who was obviously on a too-much coffee high) I met up with Ma and Pa and MLFs to take MLFs home via the train whilst Ma and Pa enjoyed some Cinema action.
The train - a fun experience with MLF3. She kept repeating our station over to herself and then to me to check she had it right, and whenever the voice-over would come on she would sshhhh us so that she could make sure we got home ok.
I did spend half the trip ready to make a run for it if Mr Ticket Inspector showed his face. I didn't have a ticket for MLF2 and didn't realize until we were halfway home. And I know an au pair who got caught with her ticket-less child on the train and they had to go to the Police Station where they accused her of kidnapping. And slapped with her with a large fine.
Needless to say, this story was present in my mind but thankfully we got home-free.
Phew.
I plan to include a list of these wonderful blogs on this blog soon...so keep an eye out.
Also keep an eye out for white Kit Kat chunky bars and fake-order-online Engineering or IT degree certificates. I'm keen for either. Or both.
I said goodbye to the policeman and looked at the time and realized that it was much later than I thought.
I had a very important meeting penciled into my diary.
Well, actually I don't have a diary, but if I did it would have been in it.
I was meeting fellow blog people face to face. Yes, we do have faces. We were meeting at the Zurich Google Office for a tour and initial meeting and then heading to a coffee shop for a larger gathering.
And now, because of worst nightmare and follow up visit from a winking policeman, I was going to be rather late.
I got out of the house and onto the train after getting ready in record time and without really finding out where the Google office was. How hard could it be? I just had to look for a big Google sign, right?
I got to the station where I knew the office was and after having a look around, I asked a couple waiting for the bus.
When the lady said, "Google....hmmm...does that have to do with computers?" I knew it had been a bad choice of unsuspecting help.
I moved onto the couple next to them and they, again, wanted to help, but obviously had no idea.
Along the line I moved again (literally) and the next lady could tell me where the old Google office was and had a vague idea where the new one was and so I followed her vague directions.
She was right, it was quite a hike, but I was only a little late. I'm not Swiss, and I've only been here for 2 months so I tell myself this is a pardonable sin.
It was quite bizarre meeting people, who, before this point, had been no more than text on a web page. But such a lovely bizarre meeting. I really really enjoyed it. Much more than I thought I would (walking into a room of complete strangers is not one my favourite tasks!).
So good to put faces to names and meet so many new friends!
And the Google offices - ahhhhhh.
I have decided I think I should work for Google.
To help me with this decision, I have started a pros and cons list.
PROS
- Floors/Levels with themes - including a yellow one.
- Little conference rooms in old ski gondolas.
- A fake library with a fake fire.
- Computer IT help on site.
- Super nice people work there (well, the ones I met were super nice)
- White Kit Kat Chunky bars just waiting for people to eat them in baskets everywhere.
- 2 Firemen's poles and a slippery slide at different locations throughout the building if you're feeling the need for a lift-alternative.
- Kitchens everywhere with gleaming coffee machines. Mmm.
- No Engineering or IT degree.
After seeing it all so clearly laid out, I don't know why I didn't think of this before.
After the blogger coffee experience (which included us taking up half of the shop and a waiter who was obviously on a too-much coffee high) I met up with Ma and Pa and MLFs to take MLFs home via the train whilst Ma and Pa enjoyed some Cinema action.
The train - a fun experience with MLF3. She kept repeating our station over to herself and then to me to check she had it right, and whenever the voice-over would come on she would sshhhh us so that she could make sure we got home ok.
I did spend half the trip ready to make a run for it if Mr Ticket Inspector showed his face. I didn't have a ticket for MLF2 and didn't realize until we were halfway home. And I know an au pair who got caught with her ticket-less child on the train and they had to go to the Police Station where they accused her of kidnapping. And slapped with her with a large fine.
Needless to say, this story was present in my mind but thankfully we got home-free.
Phew.
I plan to include a list of these wonderful blogs on this blog soon...so keep an eye out.
Also keep an eye out for white Kit Kat chunky bars and fake-order-online Engineering or IT degree certificates. I'm keen for either. Or both.
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