I'm back. After 20 countries and 40 cities, I'm back in America. Whew.
Many people have asked me many questions about my trip: where were your favourite places, what cities did you like the best, what kind of food did you eat, etc. And while I think I can point to answers for these types of questions, I don't know if there will ever be a way I feel that can accurately describe everything I saw and did, in any way that would do it justice. I mean, I went to forty cities in twenty countries. That's alot. But since they are legitimate questions, here are some answers.
CITIES
Favourite cities? My top five, in no particular order: Paris, London, Madrid, Rome, and Copenhagen. Although Paris was my favourite, I'd have to say. It's so gorgeous, and so full of rich history, and so BIG. There are so many things to do there, and even just sitting in a cafe sipping a caffe seems like a day's worth of experiences right there.
FOOD
I ate some pretty great food- and also some not so great food. In London I had Marmite, which is a salty beef spread applied to buttered toast. Ugh. "Salty Beef Spread". I think that says it all. I smelled, but never tried, it's Australia vegetarian cousin, Vegemite. Yuck. In Scotland I had Haggis, which despite it being made from basically sheep's lungs, liver, and whatever is left of the animal after all the good stuff is cut off, wasn't that bad. In Paris I had escargot (snails), and they were de-licous. Mmm. Spain was nothing but tasty tapas- small, appetizer-sized sandwiches, or just various varieties of ham and cheese. I had some amazing fresh sardines in Portugal too. Any fish in a seaside country is gonna be great.
Let's see, what else: the sausages and potatoes in Munich were hearty and tasty. Italy had great pasta, but even greater gelato. I must have had gelato at least once a day for two weeks. So good. I'm sure there were many more delicacies in many countries, but seeing as I was on a backpacker's budget, I probably frequented more grocery stores than restaurants. In fact, I know I did. Baguettes were my best friend. Chocolates- the best cities for these were Bruges and Brussels (both in Belgium). Although pretty much all over Europe, every legitimate grocery store had a wide selection of great chocolates.
----
Like I said, I think it will be almost impossible to reflect on the whole trip at once: I think it will come back to me in spurts and at random times. Already I am remembering random things from certain cities that I had kind of forgotten about.
Many people have asked if I would do it again, either this exact trip, or a backpack like this again somewhere. The answer is yes and no. I would definitely backpack again- it's pretty great. Just the freedom of picking up and going wherever you like. But I don't think I would do 4 months again. It was a bit much. I really enjoyed the cities I traveled to in the last three weeks though- (Stockholm, Paris, London), but after three months of lugging around the backpack, and wearing the same clothes for that long, I was ready to come home.
During the trip, I actually was thinking of future trips I could take, to other parts of the world. Mainly because I met so many travelers from different countries (Australians). I also think I would return to Europe someday, on a shorter trip, and stay longer in certain cities, instead of backpack through so many at once.
Being back home now for a week or so has been...well...a mixture of things. It was immediately great to not have to have to carry a backpack, buy small amounts of food just for that day, and most of all, not to have to wait on public transportation. Public transportation is pretty great, but as an American whose used to the freedom of getting in my car and driving wherever I want to, it was so amazing to just get into my car and drive down the street. Simple pleasures.
Although I was glad to return to a place where everyone spoke English, didn't have to carry a backpack, and (finally) was able to see some familiar faces, entering back into American culture after four months in Europe was a little peculiar. It's reverse culture shock. Shopping at Costco after four months of buying bread and cheese at small corner grocery marts. Talking on my cell phone again. Eating larger portions of food. Not having to ask for internet access or search websites for lodging at an internet cafe. American life is all stuff I remember, but not what I'd been used to for four months. So it's still taking a bit of getting used to.
But even though I'm glad to be back, I'm so grateful that I was able to take this trip. God really provided in so many ways, ways I never could have imagined. From logistical ways, in terms of providing lodging and transportation, to the personal times when I was just walking around by myself, thinking and praying about life. And I really do feel like I understand a bit more about the world now, and how different cultures really are. However, I did discover that no matter how different certain cultures may seem, people are generally the same wherever you go. People usually want and pursue the same things in life - and even though the language, food, and customs were different, I discovered that we're all more alike than we are different.
And, as an added bonus, it's even more exciting than usual this year to watch the Olympics- I know where most of those countries are now!
Thanks to all my friends and family who followed along. It was so great to sign on to write this blog in every city, and see that people were reading and enjoying my trip. I know that everyone's lives are so busy, so I really appreciated people keeping up on my solo trip throughout Europe. It really was the trip of a lifetime, and I will continue to remember and reflect on it for many moments to come.
Until the next big trip- Ciao!
Brian
Friday, August 8, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Full Circle
Back in London! So here it is; the last and final city of my European vacation. How strangely fitting that the last city is actually the same as the first city. It's hard to believe that it was four months ago- a whole third of the year ago- that I first set foot in Europe. In some ways, it doesn't seem like a vacation at all- just a different way of life for a while. But four months later, after all the cities, all the trains and planes, all the homes and hostels- I go back to where it all began. And where people spoke English fluently again. This was so refreshing and a nice way to at least ease a bit back into a place where English was the first language spoken....
Here's my first day out, back in London. Saw this window sign- "4 Days to Go". I had 4 days go on my trip at this point, so I kind of felt like it was speaking to me- "....almost home, buddy".
One of my favourite places to pop my head in and browse on this trip became old book stores. This antiquarian bookstore had old novels and collections from floor to ceiling- and it smelled sooooo good in there. Old book smell- amen.
My last European picnic! Here I am with my host and a bunch of his friends just outside of a bunch of bars and apartments, just doing what people do best in Europe- grabbing some groceries and just chillin' on the grass.
I went to Statford-upon-Avon and saw Hamlet at the Royal Shakespeare Company! I waited over 4 hours in line to get a cancellation ticket.....and it was so worth it....especially because....
Patrick Stewart played Claudius!!!!!!!!!!!!! I almost fell out of my silver patio chair when I saw him sitting only feet away. Here he is sitting with the lighting designer going over a lighting plan for his house. I snuck several covert photos over my shoulder (like this one) because I figured he was busy and didn't want to be bothered with taking a photo with me. Later tho, on his way into the theatre, I stopped him real quick and just introduced myself, told him I was a big fan, and wished him a good show. He was very gracious and polite. It was pretty much super-crazy-awesome-amazing.
This is one of the gardens at one of the 5 houses that make up the historical homes of Shakespeare's neighborhood. Behind the trellises are benches to sit and read. So peaceful.
In front of Shakespeare's house. The upstairs room on the farthest left is the room in which he was born. Last jumping picture here (single tear).
The garden in the back of Shakespeare's home. Shakespeare mentioned a lot of different plants, flowers, and herbs in his plays- all of which were most likely planted in this very back yard.
The stage of the Royal Shakespeare Company- as seen from my nosebleed seat. After half of the first act, however, I did spy a seat further down, and just moved. What a world of difference when you can actually see the actors' faces, and not just the tops of their heads.
Back to Notting Hill! I went here to the Portobello Market on my first time here in April, and it was such a joy to return and see some familiar booths selling some of the same books and relics, and sample some of the same great food.
This guy here was stopping to give short little seminars in awesomeness.
Here's me on the underground on the way back home.... a very strange phenomenon in London here.
I passed by this nail salon everyday. I just had to do this every time.
Last night in London! A BBQ at my host's house, with just random friends and good food and drink.
Jean-Marc, my host, showing off his Tibetan garb. Me holding a bottle of weed killer.
One of my favourite pics here- here I am talking about something normal, and there's Big John, making the most horrified face, for who knows what reason. Hilarious.
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Not the original tho- the first was torn down, and the second burned down- but it's bascially exactly how it looked and operated over 400 years ago.
Part of one of the displays in the Shakespeare gallery here. Sometimes you play Hamlet, and sometimes you're the guy who wears a glove on your head- hey, no big deal.
The splash zone- if you're stand here during a show, chances are you'll catch a little spit flying from an actor's mouth.
My wonderfully dramatic tour guide of the Globe Theatre. I could have listened to her describe paint dry.
I would love to perform in here someday!
There was this cute little folk dance performance right outside after my tour.
Fun, huh?
Any guy who wears a hat full of leaves a flowers is ok in my book. Kinda made me nostalgic for the kind of hat I used to wear when I worked on the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland.
Check out the language on this sign- "A police officer or authorised person can ask you to stop drinking in this area". Haha- how about just prohibiting it in the first place? But that's not Europe- you can walk around with an open bottle pretty much anywhere.
I thought it was pretty ironic that right after I took the picture of the sign, I turned around to see several guys just walking around with beer.
Shakespeare's Globe complex! This whole area is so great.
Right after seeing the Globe, I went back to my host's house, packed up, and left for the airport. Finally going home. I could not wait. It was almost unreal, to be actually packing up for the last time. It didn't really hit me that I was going home until I exchanged the last amount of my foreign currency at the airport and stepped onto the plane.
So that's the last city of my trip! Expect an epilogue- an "epi-blog" if you will- to follow in a few days.
Here's my first day out, back in London. Saw this window sign- "4 Days to Go". I had 4 days go on my trip at this point, so I kind of felt like it was speaking to me- "....almost home, buddy".
One of my favourite places to pop my head in and browse on this trip became old book stores. This antiquarian bookstore had old novels and collections from floor to ceiling- and it smelled sooooo good in there. Old book smell- amen.
My last European picnic! Here I am with my host and a bunch of his friends just outside of a bunch of bars and apartments, just doing what people do best in Europe- grabbing some groceries and just chillin' on the grass.
I went to Statford-upon-Avon and saw Hamlet at the Royal Shakespeare Company! I waited over 4 hours in line to get a cancellation ticket.....and it was so worth it....especially because....
Patrick Stewart played Claudius!!!!!!!!!!!!! I almost fell out of my silver patio chair when I saw him sitting only feet away. Here he is sitting with the lighting designer going over a lighting plan for his house. I snuck several covert photos over my shoulder (like this one) because I figured he was busy and didn't want to be bothered with taking a photo with me. Later tho, on his way into the theatre, I stopped him real quick and just introduced myself, told him I was a big fan, and wished him a good show. He was very gracious and polite. It was pretty much super-crazy-awesome-amazing.
This is one of the gardens at one of the 5 houses that make up the historical homes of Shakespeare's neighborhood. Behind the trellises are benches to sit and read. So peaceful.
In front of Shakespeare's house. The upstairs room on the farthest left is the room in which he was born. Last jumping picture here (single tear).
The garden in the back of Shakespeare's home. Shakespeare mentioned a lot of different plants, flowers, and herbs in his plays- all of which were most likely planted in this very back yard.
The stage of the Royal Shakespeare Company- as seen from my nosebleed seat. After half of the first act, however, I did spy a seat further down, and just moved. What a world of difference when you can actually see the actors' faces, and not just the tops of their heads.
Back to Notting Hill! I went here to the Portobello Market on my first time here in April, and it was such a joy to return and see some familiar booths selling some of the same books and relics, and sample some of the same great food.
This guy here was stopping to give short little seminars in awesomeness.
Here's me on the underground on the way back home.... a very strange phenomenon in London here.
I passed by this nail salon everyday. I just had to do this every time.
Last night in London! A BBQ at my host's house, with just random friends and good food and drink.
Jean-Marc, my host, showing off his Tibetan garb. Me holding a bottle of weed killer.
One of my favourite pics here- here I am talking about something normal, and there's Big John, making the most horrified face, for who knows what reason. Hilarious.
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Not the original tho- the first was torn down, and the second burned down- but it's bascially exactly how it looked and operated over 400 years ago.
Part of one of the displays in the Shakespeare gallery here. Sometimes you play Hamlet, and sometimes you're the guy who wears a glove on your head- hey, no big deal.
The splash zone- if you're stand here during a show, chances are you'll catch a little spit flying from an actor's mouth.
My wonderfully dramatic tour guide of the Globe Theatre. I could have listened to her describe paint dry.
I would love to perform in here someday!
There was this cute little folk dance performance right outside after my tour.
Fun, huh?
Any guy who wears a hat full of leaves a flowers is ok in my book. Kinda made me nostalgic for the kind of hat I used to wear when I worked on the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland.
Check out the language on this sign- "A police officer or authorised person can ask you to stop drinking in this area". Haha- how about just prohibiting it in the first place? But that's not Europe- you can walk around with an open bottle pretty much anywhere.
I thought it was pretty ironic that right after I took the picture of the sign, I turned around to see several guys just walking around with beer.
Shakespeare's Globe complex! This whole area is so great.
Right after seeing the Globe, I went back to my host's house, packed up, and left for the airport. Finally going home. I could not wait. It was almost unreal, to be actually packing up for the last time. It didn't really hit me that I was going home until I exchanged the last amount of my foreign currency at the airport and stepped onto the plane.
So that's the last city of my trip! Expect an epilogue- an "epi-blog" if you will- to follow in a few days.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Lè Well Worn Map
The back left pocket of my of jeans has been reserved for one thing and one thing only this whole trip: maps. Sometimes I have more than one per city: for the city itself, museums, walking tours, etc. But that's the map pocket. I learned early on that if I try and switch up the different pocket designations I start frantically slapping different pockets looking for the familiar feel of my wallet or camera. So that's the map pocket.
Usually by the time I leave a city, the city map is getting pretty worn. Kinda breakin' apart at the folds and all. Some more than others, depending on how many times I had to open it. By the time I got on chunnel to London, my Paris map looked like a paper Chinese puzzle. If I tried to open it up, different flaps would fold this way and that, and it's now almost completely fallen apart. There's no way I could look at this in the wind- little squares of Paris would just fly away. This is just a small testament to how much I was out and around in Paris in July, in this city that I love so much. Let's go: (btw- I kinda went picture and video crazy here this time...)
So I took the subway to next the Louvre ...and stepped out of the tunnel and.....a fair!
Here's the Orsay museum. I loved so much art in here. But here's the coolest thing about the Orsay: it was originally Paris' first train station. You can totally see that here.
My host, Cedric, and I, we went to a club the first night to see one of his fav bands- Megasushi. That's his friend on bass. This lead singer- he's a doctor. Like a doctor doctor. And- he's a freakin rock star. If this guy gets a break, he'll be the next Mick Jagger, no doubt. I bought the CD.
Getcha some Megasushi!
In the Louvre! I think my favourite thing was the Venus di Milo. You could walk all the way around it, get real close, and also just enjoy watching the mob surrounding it. It really is a breathtaking work of art.
Spoiler Alert: Here's the Mona Lisa. Now you don't have to wait forever to see it!
Check out the paparazzi surrounding this thing- this is only about one third of the people crowded around it.
I know how this guy feels sometimes.
Check out that fair next to the Louvre! Paris in the summer, baby! Also, I think not a coincidence that those wooden things holding the flowers look like little Eiffel Towers...
One of many, many pictures I took of Notre Dame.
Classic french waiters.
Here's something you didn't know about Paris:
Cedric, Raquel and I went out for Chinese food in Paris. (Yeah, I know, real authentic). But I guess this restaurant is in Cedric's family. Here, I'm holding my dessert. Yeah, I don't know. Tasted ok, I think that was coconut milk- but those green slimey things, ugh, what a weird texture.
Here's a cool street musician, doin' his thang. "Merci!!"
Check out this street performer. To entertain the people (including myself) waiting over an hour to get up to the towers of Nortre Dame, this guy was just walking around scaring people on the street and then making then laugh a second later. Classic.
In action:
Bosom buddies!
The Bells of Notre Dame!
So many gargoyles on Notre Dame's towers. This one's using the Eiffel Tower as a toothpick.
More street performers! This grandpa was busting a move.
Enjoy some of "Papy Dance".
In fact, let's all Papy Dance together. Go ahead - get up out of your chair and dance with me! Do it! If you were there, you know you'd want to join in too! Dance with me!
Where Hemingway wrote a lot of "A Farewell to Arms". Picasso ate here frequently too. The wait staff inside was grabbing my arm and dragging me around to where they all sat when they dined here.
On my walk around the Left Bank, I came across Oscar Wilde's hotel - the one in which he passed away. Apparently his last words were "Either this wallpaper goes, or I do." I guess they must have taken his advice - because this place is el-e-gant.
In Luxemborg Garden. Ok- see the guy with the crazy cool mustache? This guy's a fugitive somewhere. This is the only picture I was able to get of him- cause he wasn't prepared for it. After this one, he would duck away and hide and was making it really obvious he was trying to hide from my lense.
See? I'm gonna run this guy through international terrorist databases.
Across from Notre Dame at night - the Seine river.
How beautiful is Paris at night...
I loved how this train station was so green. Like right out of The Matrix.
The Arc Di Triumph. One of many pictures.
Across the street from the Arc:
I formed a band in Paris. The CouchSurfers. This was our first gig. It was on Cedric's couch, and no one came, and we had no orginal songs, and my guitar wasn't plugged in, and neither was Cedric's blender, but we pretty much rocked the house till the cops came and then trashed the room like true rock stars.
There's a temporary (I hope) exhibition on the Eiffel Tower. These stars represent the European Union (it's on the EU flag).
Hey, if the Hulk sneezes, you help him out.
Doesn't this shrub look like a Hershey's kiss? Btw, Raqeul had never heard of Hershey's. Lunacy.
Walking to Luxemborg Garden.
In Luxenmborg garden. The band goes on tour.
Moulin Rouge. Scandalous and expensive, but such a Parisan landmark. SO many people taking pictures here.
A Big News update:
Sometimes you can find ice cream in the shape of famous Parisian landmarks!
Just imagine the music from Home Alone where they are rushing to the airport here:
Here's the Arc di Triumph being coy and hiding behind trees.
In the train station on the way home:
Jumping with Cedric at the Place St. Michel. Hemingway wrote around here. I jump.
Store windows with jumping pics!!!
I'd be jumping for joy to if I had white pants. (Not really.)
Are there anything more awesome than dogs?
I introduced Cedric and Raquel to the finest cuisine in the world. They are coming to CA in October, and I'm totally taking them there for their first In-N-Out! (btw- notice Raquel shopping for purses online, hahaha)
Cedric and Raquel ask every couchsurfer to draw or write something in their bathroom. Notice the In-N-Out sign, and the baseball flying out of San Francisco- where the Dodger's just hit a grand slam into the bay to clinch the pennet against the lowly Giants.
I made Thai food for dinner. And then we played a two-man encore for no one.
Taking off for London. Man, these backpacks are heavy now....
Ciao!
Usually by the time I leave a city, the city map is getting pretty worn. Kinda breakin' apart at the folds and all. Some more than others, depending on how many times I had to open it. By the time I got on chunnel to London, my Paris map looked like a paper Chinese puzzle. If I tried to open it up, different flaps would fold this way and that, and it's now almost completely fallen apart. There's no way I could look at this in the wind- little squares of Paris would just fly away. This is just a small testament to how much I was out and around in Paris in July, in this city that I love so much. Let's go: (btw- I kinda went picture and video crazy here this time...)
So I took the subway to next the Louvre ...and stepped out of the tunnel and.....a fair!
Here's the Orsay museum. I loved so much art in here. But here's the coolest thing about the Orsay: it was originally Paris' first train station. You can totally see that here.
My host, Cedric, and I, we went to a club the first night to see one of his fav bands- Megasushi. That's his friend on bass. This lead singer- he's a doctor. Like a doctor doctor. And- he's a freakin rock star. If this guy gets a break, he'll be the next Mick Jagger, no doubt. I bought the CD.
Getcha some Megasushi!
In the Louvre! I think my favourite thing was the Venus di Milo. You could walk all the way around it, get real close, and also just enjoy watching the mob surrounding it. It really is a breathtaking work of art.
Spoiler Alert: Here's the Mona Lisa. Now you don't have to wait forever to see it!
Check out the paparazzi surrounding this thing- this is only about one third of the people crowded around it.
I know how this guy feels sometimes.
Check out that fair next to the Louvre! Paris in the summer, baby! Also, I think not a coincidence that those wooden things holding the flowers look like little Eiffel Towers...
One of many, many pictures I took of Notre Dame.
Classic french waiters.
Here's something you didn't know about Paris:
Cedric, Raquel and I went out for Chinese food in Paris. (Yeah, I know, real authentic). But I guess this restaurant is in Cedric's family. Here, I'm holding my dessert. Yeah, I don't know. Tasted ok, I think that was coconut milk- but those green slimey things, ugh, what a weird texture.
Here's a cool street musician, doin' his thang. "Merci!!"
Check out this street performer. To entertain the people (including myself) waiting over an hour to get up to the towers of Nortre Dame, this guy was just walking around scaring people on the street and then making then laugh a second later. Classic.
In action:
Bosom buddies!
The Bells of Notre Dame!
So many gargoyles on Notre Dame's towers. This one's using the Eiffel Tower as a toothpick.
More street performers! This grandpa was busting a move.
Enjoy some of "Papy Dance".
In fact, let's all Papy Dance together. Go ahead - get up out of your chair and dance with me! Do it! If you were there, you know you'd want to join in too! Dance with me!
Where Hemingway wrote a lot of "A Farewell to Arms". Picasso ate here frequently too. The wait staff inside was grabbing my arm and dragging me around to where they all sat when they dined here.
On my walk around the Left Bank, I came across Oscar Wilde's hotel - the one in which he passed away. Apparently his last words were "Either this wallpaper goes, or I do." I guess they must have taken his advice - because this place is el-e-gant.
In Luxemborg Garden. Ok- see the guy with the crazy cool mustache? This guy's a fugitive somewhere. This is the only picture I was able to get of him- cause he wasn't prepared for it. After this one, he would duck away and hide and was making it really obvious he was trying to hide from my lense.
See? I'm gonna run this guy through international terrorist databases.
Across from Notre Dame at night - the Seine river.
How beautiful is Paris at night...
I loved how this train station was so green. Like right out of The Matrix.
The Arc Di Triumph. One of many pictures.
Across the street from the Arc:
I formed a band in Paris. The CouchSurfers. This was our first gig. It was on Cedric's couch, and no one came, and we had no orginal songs, and my guitar wasn't plugged in, and neither was Cedric's blender, but we pretty much rocked the house till the cops came and then trashed the room like true rock stars.
There's a temporary (I hope) exhibition on the Eiffel Tower. These stars represent the European Union (it's on the EU flag).
Hey, if the Hulk sneezes, you help him out.
Doesn't this shrub look like a Hershey's kiss? Btw, Raqeul had never heard of Hershey's. Lunacy.
Walking to Luxemborg Garden.
In Luxenmborg garden. The band goes on tour.
Moulin Rouge. Scandalous and expensive, but such a Parisan landmark. SO many people taking pictures here.
A Big News update:
Sometimes you can find ice cream in the shape of famous Parisian landmarks!
Just imagine the music from Home Alone where they are rushing to the airport here:
Here's the Arc di Triumph being coy and hiding behind trees.
In the train station on the way home:
Jumping with Cedric at the Place St. Michel. Hemingway wrote around here. I jump.
Store windows with jumping pics!!!
I'd be jumping for joy to if I had white pants. (Not really.)
Are there anything more awesome than dogs?
I introduced Cedric and Raquel to the finest cuisine in the world. They are coming to CA in October, and I'm totally taking them there for their first In-N-Out! (btw- notice Raquel shopping for purses online, hahaha)
Cedric and Raquel ask every couchsurfer to draw or write something in their bathroom. Notice the In-N-Out sign, and the baseball flying out of San Francisco- where the Dodger's just hit a grand slam into the bay to clinch the pennet against the lowly Giants.
I made Thai food for dinner. And then we played a two-man encore for no one.
Taking off for London. Man, these backpacks are heavy now....
Ciao!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)