That's it!

London - Sydney (20th Jan)
Felt like I would never write that... "London - Sydney". Alas, it also feels like I left home yesterday. Very sad about leaving London and my travels, cannot believe my trip is over. It went so unbelievably quickly, but of course I am thrilled about seeing everyone. Went to Portobello Markets this morning in Notting Hill and again was able to catch up with Sheryl and Justin. Making some fabulous last minute purchases and sipping on a yummy hot chocolate with marshmallows, it was a lovely morning. Sad to leave them but excited for them that their travels are continuing. It's such a great atmosphere out there at the markets. This is my 3rd time in London on this trip and I was so upset that the last two times I was here, I was always arriving late or leaving early on a Saturday and was never able to visit the markets. So when I noticed that my plane didn't leave until 9:30pm, I took the opportunity and I'm so glad I did. It's great fun. I wish I had more room in my suitcase though because it is a vintage lovers heaven! Great shopping and such cute jewellery!!! I had fun :) and again, so did my credit card :)

Off to the airport at about 3:30pm... quite early I know.... Then on the plane and I will be home on the 22nd in the morning... so this is my last post on this blog. Thank you everyone for listening and reading. I hope you have all enjoyed reading about my adventures. I've loved recalling them and sharing them with you all. See you all in a few days!

Lots of Love,
G xxx

Week 11 and 12: Vienna (contiki tour) & Zurich & Basel & London

Day 8: Vienna
This morning our Contiki guide took us through the Hofburg palace and showed us a couple of extra sights. Beautiful weather.. although I am a little concerned about global warming. Still no snow :(
After the tour I went and had a look at the Opera House but we didn't go in so it wasn't too fab. Checked out St Stephen's Cathedral, which is stunning inside and out... so very detailed. Shopped... and shopped although didn't buy anything. Checked out Parliament, Town Hall and Sigmund park and then shopped some more. This afternoon we headed to the Schnaps Museum... well let me tell you... that was a fun afternoon ;) Plenty of free Schanps (yes, it is oone p not 2), absinth, chilli schnaps, schnaps with gold flakes! Excellent! Spent too much money in the gift shop, but oh well! This evening we had dinner at the Schonbrunn Palace and watched a Mozart concert... this is where Mozart performed for Maria Theresa. That was really nice. The boys were all frustrated though. Afterwards we went into town for some drinks... that is an interesting story in itself... hmm... not too late a night.

Day 9: Vienna - Zurich
Farewell to my tour group. Especially sad leaving Lou because we have spent the last 4 weeks together. Spent all day on the train today. 9 hours. Saw snow though, so that was nice :)

Zurich
Today it was very chilly in Zurich. I spent the day shopping along the Bahnhofstrasse :) Visited Lindt and Sprungli :) :) :) and went down to the Lake. It was beautiful... no ice, no snow... freezing but it was beautiful. Checked out the churches and I cannot spell them off the top of my head. Ok I'm updating now... there is the Fraumunster, which has the largest clock face in Europe, the Grossmunster (yes the name is hilarious hehe), which is famous for its stained glass windows, which were designed by someone famous... not famous to me incidentally... and then there is St Peter's... which kind of looks like a mini-Fraumunster. So that was my day today. Very cruisy. Off to Basel tomorrow.

Zurich - Basel
A quick train trip to Basel, less than an hour and because I stuffed up my accommodation, well I thought I booked it and I hadn't, I just HAD to stay at the Radisson. I must admit, it was nice to lap up the luxury, even if it was only for one evening. So I made it to the hotel very easily. Switzerland's rail and bus network is very easy. I must commend them. They really have it down pat. So the luggage might be 30kgs and the hand luggage I reckon is bordering on 15 - 20 kg :) but I am managing and I think my muscles have grown hehe because it is not as hard as it used to be to lug it all around. Next time I travel though, I'm definitely going for the back pack, and I'm sorry all, but the presents will be limited. Most of my luggage is filled with gifts!!! ANYWAY! So Basel is very cute. It's small but nice. There is a church and lots of museums... but there was also a pool and a gym and a lovely bed in my hotel hehe so I enjoyed the relaxation thoroughly.

Basel - London (17th Jan)
As most of you know, Amsterdam was supposed to be my last stop... the thing is... I have been missing London so much... it's the only place I have been that I have felt that I didn't spend enough time... and considering that I wasn't too fussed about going to Amsterdam, especially on my own, well I thought I would take the opportunity to go back to London. With a new found friend here from my Contiki tour in Italy too I am very much enjoying my return to this fabulous city. In fact, as I landed in London I actually felt like I had arrived home. Well, I will definitely be back to London, that is for sure. SO the next couple of days I have dedicated to shopping... FOR ME! YAY! Took me a little while to get from Stansted to Earl's Court. I caught the coach to Victoria Station and then the Underground. Then a lovely gentleman helped me with my luggage, just like 3 months ago when I first arrived. Settled in to my room, very nice little place directly opposite my last room in London. Headed to the supermarket for some fresh fruit and vegies and then just chilled out watching television in Elnglish for the first time in a long time, well let me re-phrase that... watching something other than CNN or BBC World because that is all I could get in English in every other country!

London (18th Jan)
Today I headed straight for Oxford Circus, shopped all along Regent St but was disappointed as I only made a few purchases. Was looking to spend big in all honesty. It feels great though to be back somewhere familiar. I feel like I'm shopping along Pitt St Mall... I know the underground back to front too... and remembering all the places I visited with DANIELLE! I went past this pub we had lunch at (The Glassblower) and that made me miss D! Then as I was having no luck finding some fabulous boots, I headed back to Harrods. Seriously, a kid in a candy store. As soon as I entered the Harrod's Arcade, I could not wipe the grin off my face! I love this place so much! Mum, wish you were here too because I know how much you love it! Oh I just wanted to spend hours in there, but after I touched and considered buying everything, I thought it was time to leave. A quick shop in Knightsbridge and then off back to Earl's Court. I was very fortunate the last time I was in London, I tell you that... the weather was beautiful. Um, well today it was typical London weather... drizzle... cold (although not really that cold)... WINDY! My goodness, I was being pushed backwards from the wind! So strong! Golly... anyway... it was time to find refuge in my £1 for as long as you like Internet cafe. Going to hit the streets of Kensington tomorrow :)

London (19th Jan)
Well, Kensington High St was fabulous! My credit card probably doesn't agree but I thought it was wonderful and my many new purchases will agree with me. A little concerned about weight allowances for my journey home, especially with the strict security regulations in place. Oh well, I'll deal with that at the airport. Had a lot of fun today. Walked up and down Hight St and finally got the new boots I've been searching Europe for. Then headed back to Regent St for some last minute gifts. Was lucky enough to be able to catch up with Sheryl and Justin tonight. We had a lovely dinner at a Thai restaurant in Earl's Court, where I have become a regular :) That was great. It was awesome to catch up with them, get a hug and swap stories.

Week 10: Berlin & Prague (& Vienna) Contiki Tour

Day 1: Rome to Berlin
Today was a pretty long day. I had to get up very very early to get to the airport but I got there safely and the flight was very good. I slept the whole way. Before the plane took off, I was out like a light. Anyway, met Alice at the airport. So great to have a friend nearby. We made our way to the hotel together and met our new roomie. Very cool chickie from Melbourne. Explored Alexanderplatz this afternoon... have a curry steak thing... I think it is traditional, don´t know. But we just wandered the streets checking out some of the sights and stuff. It was nice. It was really quite cold though. So we did that then went back to the hotel and met up with Lou (from the Italian tour) and chilled out before meeting the rest of the group, who are great. Much like the spain tour, which is much better than the group on the Italian tour.

Day 2: Berlin
Berlin is an amzing city. I wish I had more of an opporutnity to explore the country but I definitely want to come back, so all in good time. We started the morning with a bus tour around the city. We saw the Berliner Dom (Cathedral), Brandenburg Gate, Largest remaining section of the Berlin wall, Reichstag, Victory column... amongst many other sights. It was great. We then made our way out to Sachsenhausen... let me just say it had an absolutely eerie feeling about it... but it was an amazing experience. I wish we had more time there because it was fascinating. I am so engrossed in the history of Germany at the moment... I want to learn more and more. It is just so fascinating. We checked out the jails, the bunkers, the towers, the infiremerary etc at the concentration camp and it was just ... woah! Brilliant. After exploring here for a little while we headed back into town. Alice and I grabbed a quick bite to eat and then made our way to the Berliner Dom. We went inside and it is stunning in there. We were able to climb to the top of the dome also and the view was beautiful. Very lovely. It was bombed and the bomb went straight through the top of the dome and down into the crypt, but the bomb was a dud... so it didn´t go off... it would have been devastating if it did because it is a beautiful cathedral. The top of the dome is still missing though.... After visiting the cathedral, we checked out a couple of the museums nearby on museum island and also walked over to the TV tower and went up to the top. It wasn´t that great up there... the windows were dirty etc but it was still good and I´m glad we went up. Heading back to the hotel, we got ready and went out with the group for dinner. An amazing meal! Beautiful! Then out for drinks on a good pub crawl... plenty of caprioska´s and free shots later I was very happy :) I also tried out Shisha... don´t worry mum and dad... it is harmless... it was apple flavoured and just a social thing. I´m not coming back with any new addictions... don´t you worry hehehehe...

Day 3: Berlin
We all woke up a little worse for wear today... but we headed back into town. We had a 3 hour walking tour with a local guide. He was brilliant. We started with a brief overview of Berlin. Were given the history of the Berliner Dom, the TV tower... amongst other sites we saw Brandenburg gate, the Reichstag again. We checked out the spot that is above Hitler´s bunker, where he committed suicide. That was a bizarre feeling. I find it hard to describe. It was quite fascinating though. We were briefed about many buildings and given many stories about Berlin. It is truly fascinating!!! We were told this amazing story about a man who got his family across the wall. He worked in this particular building we were standing at. He was an elevator engineer and he brought his wife and son in just to show them around his work. He locked them in a closet for the day. When everyone left, he took them out, got them to the roof through the elevator shaft and only had a hammer and some wire chord. He had friends on the West Berlin side and he threw the hammer attached to the chord to them. They secured it and he secured his end. All this was above a flood light so the guards were unable to see the family. Using a special harness he developed, his wife went over first. Then his 7 year old son. Then he did. All made it successfully over. The guards didn´t realise what had happened until the morning when they were able to see the chord in the daylight. This is just one of the many fascinating stores I learnt today. Following this, I went to the Checkpoint Charlie museum. Again, just amazing and fascinating. The history of this city... the resilience of the people and of the city... everything they have been through... it is so hard to comprehend. But so unbelievably fascinating. Spent a good few hours there. After indulging in some very yummy cake for a new friends birthday, 3 of us made our way to the Reichstag so go up the dome. Nice view in the evening. Quiet dinner tonight and off to a beer hall for some drinks. Off to Prague tomorrow. So excited!!!

Day 4: Berlin - Prague
A very long and windy bus trip. We stopped off in Dresden for a couple of hours - pretty... but besides that the day was spent on the bus. Stayed in a communist hotel so it had all the facilities we needed. Drinks in the hotel bar and a relatively early night.

Day 5: Prague
We had a local tour guide show us around Prague this morning. We first drove along the river and up to the Castle. This city is amaying and it really does look like it is straight out of a fairytale. It stole my heart immediately. We didn't visit any of the buildings in the complex but we walked past them all and learnt a little about them but not too much. The tour guide was trying to be cool and tailor the tour for younger people but in doing that she failed to give us a lot of information I would have enjoyed hearing. Anyway, from the castle we headed down past the war memorial and the jewish quarter into the old town. Immediately I was blown away. This has to be the prettiest city I have ever seen and I felt at home immediately. I love Prague so much - definitely in my top 3 cities :) I went up the astronomical clock tower in the town hall to get a view of the city. It was a perfect day. Like a spring / early winters day in Sydney... blue sky and you could see everything. Tears welled up in my eyes as soon as I stepped out onto the balcony. It took my breath away. I didn't expect anything like this and it just left me speechless. So amazing. So after that I headed down and watched the clock tick over at 12. It wasn't very astronomical in that sense, but it is a pretty damn cool clock. I spent some time working it all out... I think I did pretty well :) After a little bit of shopping we headed to the boat for our lunchtime cruise. My goodness... the food was delicious!!!!!!!!!! and the dessert was even better!!!! one of the highlights hehehehe. We cruised along the river for a couple of hours and it was just perfect... sipping on wine and getting to know the tour group even better. Great day. After the cruise finished I headed to the Charles Bridge with Amanda and Lou and we did a spot of local shopping... finally I bought stuff for myself!!! Rubbed the statue to make sure I come back :) and then we headed to Wenseclas Sq (I think I wrote that wrong... don't have my notes with me)... and had a walk around. Met up with the rest of the group for a dirnk... boring... so the three of us got a quick bite to eat then back to the hotel for another relatively quiet night.

Day 6: Prague
This morning we were dropped off in the old town area. Lou, Amanda and I headed to the Castle again and went into St George's Basillica, the old Royal Palace and the Golden Lanes... it was really nice to check it all out. Afterwards we did a little more shopping then met up with a couple of people for lunch. We checked out the Jewish cemetary, which is interesting... layers and layers and layers of people buried there... I forget the exact number though. Looks pretty... cool I guess. Didn't get to check out the museum though, which would have been interesting. Had a drink or two then we went to the bus to go home and get ready for a big night. A beautiful and traditional dinner at a restaurant in the old town accompanied by some interesting and entertaining folklore dancing. Afterwards we headed to the famous 5 story night club... and although it is a dive inside... and many of the levels were closed, it was still a very very very fun night.

Day 7: Prague to Vienna
A little Hungover and again a very windy trip... not a good combination! No sleep last night and none on the bus but I kept going! We stopped off in Kutna Hora to visit a bone church but besides that the day was spent on the bus. Had a bus tour of all the local sights... the Hofburg Palace, the museums, Parliament, Town Hall etc. All very grand. All very beautiful. Parliament was designed based on teh Parthenon... naturally of course ,) Stayed in a really nice hotel.

Week 8 - 9: Simply Italy Contiki Tour

Day 2: Rome to Sorrento
This morning we left Rome on Christmas day and made our way to Sorrento. About a 4 hour drive I think. After a quick sob to dad, all was good and I wasn't sad at all. Met some nice people on my tour... they are all a bit older... the average age would be close to 30... and most are married or in couples. So a lot different from Spanish Spree. Still good nonetheless.

Sorrento is very pretty, although being Christmas day nearly all the shops were closed. So the day was spent wandering the pretty streets and then hitting up a local restaurant for some pizza... great pizza may I add. And there were about 10 or so of us, which was good. So I did have a Chrissie lunch in the end, which was nice. That night it was just a chilled out dinner at the hotel.

Day 3: Sorrento / Pompeii / Isle of Capri
Our first stop for the day was the spectacular Pompeii. One can quite easily spend one or many days here but unfortunately we only had a couple of hours. It was very interesting though and we had a great tour guide so that was even better. One highlight would have to be the brothel... hehehe... there were pictures, or should I say a 'menu'... yes that is right, on the wall for the men to choose their services. Hehehehe... quite funny. Anyway, the chariot tracks are still there and you can see kitchens and beautiful frescoes and just houses which are still standing etc. Absolutely beautiful. A lot is still being restored though. Oh that's right... there was an archeologist that figured out a way to create casts of the bodies that were trapped under the ash and rubble... he would find a hole and then fill it with plaster and there were some amazing casts, including a family huddled together... a pregnant woman and people's bones preserved in the thermal baths. Pretty spectacular.

We then made our way to the bay of Naples where we caught a ferry to the Isle of Capri. This playground for the rich and famous... oh my goodness... paradise! Eden! Phenomenally stunning. I could very easily take a holiday there although I probably will never be able to afford it. It was such a gorgeous day also, the sun was shining and the sea was sparkling. Interestingly, the sea floor is covered in limestone, which gives the water some amazing colours. I have plenty of photos!!! Whilst there I visited Anacapri and took a 24 minute single chair lift over the mountains to the best panoramic view of the islands. Breath-taking!!!!!!!!! One side, all you could see was the ocean. On another, you could see Sorrento and Naples and other islands. So absolutely stunning. We also had a pretty lame guided tour of Capri and we visited Augusts' Gardens. It was interesting but a bit boring and not that pretty, the view (again) was though.

A choppy ride back on the ferry to Sorrento this time and then off to the hotel and out again for our 6 course dinner. It was delicious, but oh my golly goodness... I need elastic in my pants I think... haha speaking of, there is this one lady who wears matching coloured tracksuits every day, like I used to wear when I was 2! Ok that was mean... sorry. I've had a few drinks, a dodgy cab ride and we've been ripped off tonight, so I might be a little narky!

Day 4: Sorrento - Florence
A very long 7 hour bus trip today! We arrived in Florence so late too, it was really disappointing. But the Tuscan region is just amazing and I would understand why anyone would move there, in an instant. I'm so tempted to. So yeah we made a stop at a beautiful Tuscan castle, where chianti is produced. So we saw all the barrels and were able to do some wine tasting - 3 wines... a rose, a red and a desert wine. We had some lovely cheese with the rose, bruschetta base (garlic and oil on the toasted bread) with the red and biscotti to dip in the desert wine. Let me just say that there was so much garlic on that bread that with one bite, the cold that had been developing over the last couple of days was totally wiped out. It was delicious though. And the setting was just amazing. Weddings are held there too and I can understand why people from all over the world go there to get married. The most beautiful setting I have ever seen and we arrived at dusk so the colour of the sky and the trees and the buildings... perfect!

Day 5: Florence
Easily a favourite city of mine so far. With such little time in this amazing city, I was running around like a headless chook! We had our group photo this morning and then I ditched the group and ran off to see david... the statue of David. I was fortunate enough to only have to wait 10 minutes because I got there early and as soon as I walked in, tears began welling up in my eyes. He is perfect. There are no flaws. So unbelievable and so much better than the casts. Words don't do it justice. No photos allowed but I tell you what, the image of that phenomenal statue will forever be engrained in my memory. You know what I actually thought of though, the Simpsons episode where marge and homer visit it... and you know what... it is pretty similar! So good work matt groening! After David I went to the Duomo and climed the cupola, which gave amazing views of the city and the bell tower. Following this I made my way to the Piazza della Signora, which is filled with statues and the Neptune Fountain... such a great atmoshpere. Was walking towards the Uffizi though because Boticelli is featured there and the Birth of Venus is my all time favourite piece of art. The line was so long though... I was so disappointed. I left and did some shopping at Ponte Vecchio and along the streets. Then I visited the tomb of MichelAngelo, and Dante, amongst others at Sante Croce. Because I was done with everything I headed back to the Uffizi and just waited because it meant so much to me. I only waited about 45 minutes, which was good. With little time left, I headed straight for the Boticelli room. I immediately saw the Birth of Venus and was scared to approach it because it held so much meaning for me. So I looked at every other painting in the room and then was just drawn to it... and again... the tears came. I couldn't help it. So much emotion. This painting means so much to me and has for so long. I spent a while just staring at it. It was brilliant. Pure genius.

Day 6: Florence to Milan
Today we headed to Milan... beautiful people and plenty of fur coats around... that is for sure!!! So expensive along that one street in particular where a girl can go absolutely crazy!!! But yeah it was ok in Milan, nothing too great. It was absolutely freezing though! and I missed out on seeing the Last Supper because you need to book 15 days ahead... crazy. So that is the only thing I'm really disappointed about. We checked out the Duomo, which was beautiful and it reminded me a lot of the Sagrida Familia in Barcelona. It was awesome. We headed back to the hotel, our first nice one in ages and it was so nice to have a hot shower! A great night out at a very classy bar and a nice dinner.

Day 7: Milan to Verona to Venice
Ok such a great day. I loved Verona more than I can even explain. First of all I went up on Juliet's balcony, so that was really cool. After wandering through the streets of Verona and celebrating Aussie New Year with my Aussie friends along the river we just took it pretty easy and then headed back on the bus to go to Venice for NYE!!! We arrived pretty late at the hotel but it was ok. We got ready and headed out to St Mark's Square prepared for a great evening. Our 7 course meal was absolutely shit!!! And I didn't even eat my last few courses because they served it so late so I grabbed my 2 bottles of wine and ran through the square. There were people absolutely everywhere! It was crazy but it was so much fun. Fireworks along the canal and just a great atmosphere. Best new years eve ever by far!!!

Day 8: Venice
SOrry these days are rather brief but it is hard to update on everything that happenend and it would probably get a but boring actually. Anyway, today was absolutely freezing and we had to get another ferry out to the island and being hungover (all of us)... well... yeah it was fun. Anyway we got there and went to a glass blowing demonstration. It is just a pity that the best pieces are so expensive cos I loved them so much. Oh well, no matter. After that I checked out the tower, although the cloud cover ruined that a bit and then I went in to St Mark's CHurch, which is phenomenal. The gold mosaics are everywhere and shimmer in the light and they really were stunning. Next was our Gondola Ride along the dirty canal. That was a tonne of fun. The gondolier...(?) was a lot of fun, tipping the boat, singing etc. So that was cool. Afterwards we checked out this church were the victims of the plague were thrown in the river... something like that. The floor is all uneven because it gets flooded... much like st mark's church. Thought that was pretty cool. Had time to do a spot of shopping along the Ponte Rialto and then back on the boat en route to the hotel.

Day 9: Venice to Rome
Today we literally spent the day on the bus. 7 hours... long day! When we arrived though we were taken on a walking tour around all the main sights. It was nice even though I had already seen them all, I was able to absorb them so I enjoyed that. I also got to see my Spain tour guide and that was so much fun!!! Made my night.

Days 10-11: Rome
TodaY I left the group cos they were all doing the Vatican stuff so I went shopping, chilled out and just relaxed. We went out for an awesome dinner tonight and I had a tonne of fun. We went to this bar last night which served 150 different beers! I had a 9.2% german beer that was really nice and smooth... a meal in itself though. It was half a litre, which is quite an effort for me! So that was a tonne of fun. Sad to say goodbye to everyone the next morning though. Oh well... that's life! Back in the hostel now and just chilling out for the next couple of days in Rome before meeting Alice in Berlin. 2 people from my Italian tour are also doing that tour, so I'm really looking forward to that. SHould be awesome!!!

Week 7: Rome

Very frustrated because I just lost everything I wrote about my time in Rome. Damn foreign keyboards.

Anyway, lets start again, shall we.

Merry Christmas - Feliz Navidad - Buon Natale

For wherever you are in this big world, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and hope that you all rest and eat lots and enjoy your time with friends, family and loved ones.

Well let me just firstly say that Rome is spectacular. Currently, Rome and Paris are by far my two favourite cities. Rome has exceeded all my expectations. Everyone told me I would love it here and you were all right. This city has just blown me away!

So I arrived on the 20th after a very long 15 hour train trip from Paris. Slept most of the time although it was not very comfortable. SO I didn't see much of the French countryside but I woke up when the train was in Florence and the Italian countryside is very beautiful. Not as gorgeous as Scotland, but still beautiful in its own right.

Arrived safely though, dumped my stuff at the hostel, which is absolutely awesome (The Yellow - a must stay for anyone coming to Rome) and hit the streets! First stop was the Piazza Republique then the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. I first arrived at the top of the steps and just felt that I was approaching it. There were people everywhere,
covering every bit of the steps. It looked so beautiful. Unfortunately the monument up the top
was again pretty covered in scaffolding, like the rest of Europe but it was still lovely. A beautiful day too so I was very lucky. After walking around the piazza spagna a bit and checking out the
shops, the likes of Gucci, Prada, YSL, LV etc... oh beautiful! I then got some absolutely delicious gelati from this little store and the italian man serving me was so flirtaciously confident (read below for more encounters). The gelato was so delicious though. Oh my goodness, I haven't ever tasted anything like it. Walking to the trevi with my delicious gelato, I could hear the water pour
ing from a mile away and I knew I was close. I have never seen anything like it. I sat there for ages just soaking it up and eating my gelato. The sun was shining. I couldn't get one photo of it all though but I got heaps, so not to worry. I threw my pennies in too... one for a wish and one for my return to rome... but not the third, which is to marry a roman. Seriously though, this place was just gorgeous. I loved the fountain so much.
Then I walked through the streets and made my way up to the Piazza del Popolo, which was cool. Then headed back to the hostel cos I was so tired. Checked in and freshened up, determined to go out again, but I struggled so I just got some DELICIOUS pizza and chilled out for the rest of the evening.


Day 2 was all about the Vatican. This place is amazing. I started with the museums.
I've been really lucky - I tend to just walk in everywhere, the only place I've lined up in Europe is the Eiffel Tower. Anyway. I started at the Museums and spent hours there. So yeah the Italian men are crazy and they are so confident. In the Vatican for crying out loud these men were chasing after me asking me "Where are you from?" and saying things like "You are very beautiful", whilst kissing the top of my hands. Then this one guard would like follow me through most of the rooms, introducing me to his friends and they would try to get me to go out with them in ROme. It was crazy! Australian guys are nothing like this. I was so shy, but it was funny and they are just so in to it. Anyway, yeah it was funny. So back to the art. All the rooms were amazing of course and there is so much to see and take in.
The Sistine Chapel of course was just mind-blowing. I sat down and just tried to take it all in. You can't take photos but the image of his artwork is engrained in my memory, where I hope it will stay forever. I was just so blown away by it. And I didn't know it was only open for 3 hours
each day, so I was really lucky. Unless you visit the chapel, it is hard to describe just how beautiful it really is. I then walked around to St Peters Square and couldn't believe that I was there. I had to pinch myself. It was just incredible. So hard to describe. I checked out the tombs
before heading into the basillica. I saw Pope John Paul's tomb, which was kind of creepy... it was really surreal and just weird and the guards keep it all in order and everything. A very beautiful tomb though. Then I headed in to St Peter's Basillica. If you haven't been there... I don't know if I can explain the beauty of this place. I stood there in awe trying to grasp where I was and what I was seeing. It was truly unbelievably spectacular. So peaceful and I at times just didn't feel worthy enough kind of to be standing in that magnificent place. Oh my goodness and the Pieta - mum you were right - this is just so incredible... I saw casts in the museum. But it is behind a glass cabinet now because some moron went and smashed it! Idiot. But it looked so beautiful.
And it had this glow about it. Like there was some sort of light shining from it. Crazy. Spectacular. I checked out the treasury as well, which, would certainly hold items worth a very substantial sum of money. And then headed up to the Cupolla, where I was again stopped by the italian men working there, hehee...
I went right to the top of the dome and could see so much of Rome. It was beautiful. Cold. And a lot of steps (again!!!) but worth it. After walking through the square for a little longer I headed back to the hostel, absolutely exhausted!

Day 3 started with a walk to the Colosseum... this is just spectacular, like the rest of ROme and most of Europe, it has taken my breathe away. Loved it so much, just strolling through the inside and around the exterior. It was brilliant. Then I walked through Palatine Hill and the ruins there, which emporer Augustus built and lived in. Not much remains but it is still cool and you can still see a lot. It is just amazing to be able to stroll through a site like that. Then I walked around the Roman Forum for a while, which also was very amazing. I spent most of the afternoon wandering through the streets of Rome, seeing random sites. I saw the Piazza Navona, Palazzo Venezio, Campo d'Fiori, Piazza Farnesse, the Pantheon, Castel Sant Angelo (I apologise for incorrect spelling, I can't be bothered getting my map out though). The pantheon was pretty cool. There is a hole in the top of the dome and so rain comes in and there are 22 drainage holes in the tiles in the floor, which I thought was pretty cool. Also, Rafael, the artist, his body is there.
So it was a nice day, walking around, so exhausting though - walked absolutely everywhere! Spent the night in, had a little, ok, way too much wine but a fun night hanging out with everyone.

Due to the state of drunkedness (???) I was in, I chilled out for most of the next day, ringing mum to make sure she knew I was checked in and that I was safe despite being scared to death by the hostel who told her I didn't show up! Went out for drinks in Rome again that night with some new found friends and then home at about 5am and up at 9am to pack and head to the Contiki hostel.

Week 7: Paris and Rome

Day 10 in Paris, 17th December
I met my second room mate properly today. He is very nice and we spent some time chatting. But he freaked me out with stories of people getting gassed and robbed on trains to Rome, but I'm travelling first class (of course) so it should be ok :) Sigh, so after being totally freaked out I headed to the Seine and got on a cruise that went up and down the river passing all the sights. It was nice to see them from this angle and just chill out on the boat for a bit. Got off at the Eiffel Tower and again made my way up tp the Champs Elysees, picked up some gifts for a few lucky people and then back to the Montmarte region. Relaxed in my room for a while and then went and had an early dinner at a local brasserie. A nice big steak (mum and dad, you'd be proud) and chocolate ice cream with whipped cream and an espresso for dessert! Diet? Pfft, what diet?! Actually spent a couple of hours there because I am currently so engrossed in my novel (Atlas Shrigged) that I couldn't put it down. But I thought I should head back to my room and I continued to read there. Not much on the cards for the evening. Spent the night in chatting to my room mate for a while.

Day 11 in Paris, 18th December
Today was my last full day in Paris. Took the day really easy. Heading to the Galleries Lafayette after breakkie to get a new luggage strap because I broke mine, then got home and stuffed it up because I didn't open it before resetting the combination, which meant I had no idea what the combination was and then had to try and crack a triple combination lock. Well, needless to say I was feeling a little overwhelmed, but yes you guessed it, I cracked it and in no time at all, which makes me question just how secure it actually is... hmmm. By this point there was again another bag in the room.... Anyway, off to the Laundromat. Well struggle number 2 for the day. Couldn't figure out what to do, no-one would change my 50 note. Sigh. Back to the hotel (nearby at least) for some change and then a kind German boy who spoke no English explained what I had to do... using sign language. Yes that is right. Well after finally getting everything going, the clothes were being washed and I went off for some lunch. Back to pick up my clothes, again took the day easy, re-packing etc. A couple of lmadies staying in my room tonight, which is a nice change from the smelly and snoring boys I have spent the last week with. Off to Rome tomorrow!

Week 6: Paris

Paris is just beautiful! Straight out. I love this city. It definitely has a great atmosphere.

We arrived in Paris in the afternoon of the 8th December but there was so much traffic that we didn't get to our hotel until quite late so we put our stuff down, went to the supermarket for some very plain food because we still had the gastro and then just chilled for the evening because we had a jam packed 3 days to come!

Day 2 in Paris, 9th December.
Our first stop was the Louvre. Outisde is beautiful, the old buildings of the Louvre and the glass pyramids really complement each other and I was very excited as soon as I saw the pyramids! No line, straight in and got our tickets straight away. We headed straight to the Mona Lisa, which although is small and there are people around, is still very impressive... the way she holds your stare and just the subtlety of the background and everything about it is still pretty amazing. Same goes for the Venus de Milo... what a brilliant sculpture. The way the sheets are draped around her body make it seem so real and as if there is a light breeze blowing. We spent a few hours here, not enough, but we had to move on. We were both still feeling pretty averqge also. We also saw a Rembrandt / Hogarth exhibition and Rembrandt's sketches were just incredible. Unbelievable! After the Louvre, we wandered through the Jardins du Tuiliers (spelt wrong) up to the Champs-Elysees, which was all lit up... all the trees were covered in fairy lights and it was so pretty!!! We saw the obelisk first, which I think came from the tomb of Ramses II... I think! Strolling up the avenue, we stopped at the Petit Palais and had a look around; not overly impressive, but still nice. We didn't go through the Grand Palais because it was getting late and the lines were pretty long. So we continued our walk up the avenue and FINALLY reached the Arc de Triomphe, which took ages to get to. We almost didn't go over to it but we did and then we went all the way to the top and though that you could look out but it just had a museum there and just as we were about to leave, Chris suggested we have a quick squizz... lucky we did, because you can go to the terrace! It was freezing up there, but we got some beautiful photos... everything all lit up, including the Eiffel Tower. It was beautiful, the entire view. Back down and off home because we were freezing!!!

Day 3 in Paris, 10th December
The weather today was overcast and cold but that didn't stop us! We hit the streets and straight to the Eiffel Tower. Lines were pretty long... we probably lined up for about 45 minutes before getting in the elevator. We first hopped out at Level 2 and checked everything out and got some photos. The views were pretty damn good and it said Sydney was 16, 962 km away... I think... maybe. Then we made our way right to the top. The lines for the elevators were so ridiculously long, once you were inside the tower. Although, we found a little line and got to the top quite quickly. When they say the top... they really mean the top... but the views were spectacular! You could see everything!!! It was pretty cold up the top though. After heading back down and stopping off at the gift shop :) we walked through the Trocadero Gardens and we even stood in the same spot as HItler did once when we were taking photos of the tower. Because it was so damn cold we found refuge in a museum until we figured out what we wanted to do. We headed back across the Seine, under the tower and towards the Hotel Invalides, through the Military place thing : This is the hotel that Napoleon established and as a result you can find his tomb there. It was really cool and they have his clothes and other belongings of his on display there. Also at the site is the Army Museum, which was extremely interesting, but we really had no tile at all to explore, which was a huge pity. There was so much to see, and we didn't know about it until we go there; they should really advertise it more! It was getting a little late now, but we walked over to the Musee d'Orsay, and when we arrived, sigh, it was closed. But we got some pretty cool photos froml outside§ Heading back to the hotel now, we took the rest of the evening pretty easy.

Day 4 in Paris, 11th December
Today was Chris's last whole day in this beautiful city :(
We started the day by heading to Notre Dame. We walked. It was chilly but nice. We got there and as we were lining up for the towers it began to rain so we went inside instead and it is absolutely divine inside, just gorgeous. So we walked around and they let you take as many photos as you want so we did and I enjoyed that very much and they have a beautiful Christmas tree set up outside, which again was sad but beautiful. The rain eased up for just a moment so we went back to the towers and walked up the 427 stairs to the top. We were face to face with the gargoyles, saw the huge bell and were able to expereience another point in Paris with beautiful views of this gorgeous city. After a bite to eat we went to the coffee shop but realised it was closed and then made our way back to the Orsay but of course by the time we arrived there it was again... closed! So instead we trekked up to the beautiful and breath-taking Sacre Coeur in the rain and wind. My little umbrella not holding up too well. When we got there we were harassed by the many african street vendors who don't let you up or down the stairs until they get their 'art', ie, their string around your finger, literally. So waiting till they finished with Chris, I was getting very irate and impatient, we trkked up the top and made our way through the Basilica. There was a beautiful sense of calm and peace inside and the artwork on the dome is truly incredible. Unfortunately the dome and the crypt were closed, which I was quite disappointed about. Feeling rather overwhelmed and wet, we went home, packed up Chris's stuff and then had the best pepper steak! Just what we needed!

Day 5 in Paris, 12th December
Worst day ever!
Chris left this morning at the horrible hour of 4:30am.
So tough.
So I didn't really feel up to doing anything at all today.
Made my way to my new hotel, which was a little difficult because the taxi had to stop 3/4 of the journey because the police and ambulance had blocked off the roads, but I walked the rest of the way and it wasn't too bad.
Made it to the new hotel, which is nice and there is heaps around and really close to the metro. It is a family run business, which is nice and the daughters do most of the work, all around my age and they are really nice. There is also a dog called Carmel, cutie and a couple of cats, which are lovely despite my distaste for them. The room is pink and there is currently no-one else in the room but I'm told to expect someone tomorrow night. Chilled out in the room for most of the afternoon, did a bit of exploring, but mainly just relaxed. Took advantage of having the room to myself also for one night.

Day 6 in Paris, 13th December
Straight to the Musee d'Orsay this morning, for the third attempt. Yay, just open and no lines at all. Straight in to explore. Was very excited about this visit because some of my favourite artists have their works exhibited here, including the likes of Monet, Renoir, Sisley, Van Gough, Cezanne.... I was absolutely blown away. In all honesty, I don't care if the Mona Lisa is the world's most famous painting, the sensation I felt when stepping into the room with walls covered in Monet's work was just inbelievable. No words to describe the admiration I felt and how in awe I was. Spent much time exploring here.
The Pantheon was the next stop for the day and it looks rather impressive from the outside and it certainly is from the inside, although the interior was covered in this buzarre art exhibition, so from all parts of the criling were these sacks of sorts dropping right to the ground, filled with sand... can't really describe it but I got a good many photos... it looks like the ceiling is melting in a way. So I really couldn't appreciate its full beauty. Also because the crypt and the upper levels were closed. So really not much to report there. Walked through the streets of Paris, a rather trendy area full of markets and locals to make my way to a yummy coffee shop known as Brulerie de Gobelins I think... with a purchase under my belt for George I made my way to the tourist office for some info on day trips, a bit more shopping and visits to the Hard Rock Cafe and Moulin Rouge (which really is not impressive from the outside... also because I have to walk by about 1000 sex shops to get there and I felt well a little uncomfortable... and yes my hotel is a 2 minute walk from the Moulin Rouge).

Day 7 in Paris, 14th December
Up early today to avoid my stinky room mate who got home at 7:40am, and I got out of bed at 8... straight to the Pere-Lachaise Cemetary, which was not very easy to get around. Everyone else seemed to have maps, but I didn't, so I took a photo of the map on the board and used that. A bit creepy, with some shady characters making le feel uneasy, but I made my way around and saw the tombs of Jim Morisson, James Rothschilds, Frederic Chopin, Balzac, Bizet, Oscar Wilde, Gay-Lussac, amongst many others. It was so upsetting... the one I went to see the most was Oscar Wilde's and it was a beautiful tomb stonse, so unique and grande... but so terribly defaced... graffiti everywhere. I was so upset. I can't understand how people can do that. You could barely make out his name :( I then walked down to the Musee Picasso, which I was expecting a lot from and I am afraid I was not very satisfied. I think after being to the Orsay and the Louvre and seeing Picasso's work in Malaga, Spain, it just didn't live up to my expectations. Still a worthwhile visit nonetheless. This was followed by a brief trip to Bastille and then off for some shopping along the Champs-Elysees again, making some purchases :D

Day 8 in Paris, 15th December
I SPENT THE DAY WITH DANIELLE TODAY!!!! I had been wiating for this day for so long and I hav been so lonely the last couple of days that all I needed was a hug. I swear, everyone is out to get me, every cafe, shop, gallery, whatever, all playing soppy songs that remind me off home! So I desperately needed a hug. When I found Danielle, we leaped into the biggest hug ever and both just started crying before we even said anything! The best feeling ever, so comforted (D - missing you heaps... again!). So we spent the day doing what Danu wanted... the Louvre, Notre Dame, St Chapelle, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Shopping (I bought my Chanel sunnies - they are hot!!!!), the Moulin Rouge and just spending time together. We also managed to fit in some chocolate eclairs and strawberry tarts :) After over 12 hours together we had to say goodbye, again :( But on the 23rd (or maybe the 24th of Jan, another hug is on the way D!)

Day 9 in Paris, 16th December
Today it was a miserable day in Paris. Cold and wet. So I rugged up, ate breakkie and then headed off to Versailles. This is a great day trip and I recommend it! Although, best to pick a day when it isn't wet so you can fully explore the gardens etc. Spent many hours walking through the palace and the apartments and the rooms are very elegant and not over the top at all and they were just beautiful. The grounds are gorgeous but as I said it was freezing so I didn't walk all the way down. Instead I caught the 'petit train' around the grounds, which took me to the petit trianon, the grand trianon, the grand canal and the Queen's Hamlet, ie, the apartments of Mary Antoinette. As I said, the chateau is beautiful and I think I liked it a little more than the palace in Madrid, opnly because it was not as over the top.

Day 10 in Paris, 17th December
I met my second room mate properly today. He is very nice and we spent some time chatting. But he freaked me out with stories of people getting gassed and robbed on trains to Rome, but I'm travelling first class (of course) so it should be ok :)
Sigh, so after being totally freaked out I headed to the Seine and got on a cruise that went up and down the river passing all the sights. It was nice to see them from this angle and just chill out on the boat for a bit. I think I saw the bridge that Big and Carrie were on in Sex and the City! Yay I was so excited, although I didn't get to find the patisserie she ate at :( Got off at the Eiffel Tower and again made my way up tp the Champs Elysees, picked up some gifts for a few lucky people and then back to the Montmarte region. Relaxed in my room for a while and then went and had an early dinner at a local brasserie. A nice big steak (mum and dad, you'd be proud) and chocolate ice cream with whipped cream and an espresso for dessert! Diet? Pfft, what diet?! Actually spent a couple of hours there because I am currently so engrossed in my novel (Atlas Shrigged) that I couldn't put it down. But I thought I should head back to my room and I continued to read there. Not much on the cards for the evening. Spent the night in chatting to my room mate for a while.

Day 11 in Paris, 18th December
Today was my last full day in Paris. Took the day really easy. Heading to the Galleries Lafayette after breakkie to get a new luggage strap because I broke mine, then got home and stuffed it up because I didn't open it before resetting the combination, which meant I had no idea what the combination was and then had to try and crack a triple combination lock. Well, needless to say I was feeling a little overwhelmed, but yes you guessed it, I cracked it and in no time at all, which makes me question just how secure it actually is... hmmm. By this point there was again another bag in the room.... Anyway, off to the Laundromat. Well struggle number 2 for the day. Couldn't figure out what to do, no-one would change my 50 note. Sigh. Back to the hotel (nearby at least) for some change and then a kind German boy who spoke no English explained what I had to do... using sign language. Yes that is right. Well after finally getting everything going, the clothes were being washed and I went off for some lunch. Back to pick up my clothes, again took the day easy, re-packing etc. A couple of lmadies staying in my room tonight, which is a nice change from the smelly and snoring boys I have spent the last week with. Off to Rome tomorrow!