Truth

I read an article in a Newsweek magazine today.
It said: "A journey brings you face to face with yourself."

I could not agree more.

Salzburg, Vienna, and Thanksgiving, Oh My!

While being lucky enough to spend Thanksgiving with familiar faces in Austria (Julie and some of her friends I had met in Budapest about 6 or 7 weeks ago) it still wasn't the same without being with my family in the end. But to show how close of a call it was... the dinner I was able to go to with Julie, setup by her study abroad program directors, was arguably more elaborate and elegant than any dinner I've been privy to before. Being in a huge dining hall with an enormous Christmas tree, chandeliers, a small orchestral performance along with alternating opera performances (not sure if that accurately describes it, but I am making haste presently with this post) performed in Italian and German, plus some Mozart - since this is Mozart headquarters! - a wonderfully satisfying three course meal, and some new and interesting company, it was quite the holiday celebration. It was also free, which didn't hurt matters any.
It was such an elegant affair that I actually had to go to a store in the city and purchase a nice shirt and sweater so that I would be allowed in. Apparently "well traveled" clothes that are all wrinkly aren't appropriate for such occasions; who knew?!

Salzburg itself is a quaint little city though. And with a day trip to Vienna on Friday I got to see some of the differences and similarities within the country and the capitol as well. Without time for pictorial additions at present, I can easily say that this is one of the cleaner countries I've been in thus far in general and also holds some wonderful views. I also was lucky enough to walk part of the Sound Of Music trail! ; )

My completely unplanned trip to Austria was quite nice overall, especially considering the whole plan of me visiting and organization of said plans, occurred over little more than 2 hours via Facebook, on the same day I actually arrived! Getting to see my good friend Julie for the second time in Europe was wonderful though, and I'm so glad I made it! The Thanksgiving dinner was incredible and far surpassed anything I was expecting. Her friends were all friendly, hilarious, and awesome, for the second time! And I experienced everything from the aforementioned, to karaoke, rooftop cafes, tours of the Vienna parliament, and plenty of Austrian beer!

My plans for the next few days have changed already, as I missed my train to Venice by actually sleeping in this morning, for a solid 9 hours, something which has been a rarity over the past 2-3 weeks, and have altered my course yet again. Next destination: Bern, Switzerland!

Burn Out, Not Fade Away

Over the last couple of days I began plotting my final course for this European travel and will continue to solidify the plans over the next couple of days as well. I need to lock myself into more of a solid route for once so that I can easily reach my final destination without too much hassle. The current proposed plan has me hitting 7 new cities in 4 countries over 14 days before relaxing in Ireland for 4 days before my flight. It's going to be the most vigorous 2 weeks of travel of the entire trip as I work from the southern part of Europe all the way to Ireland.

As one of the most common sayings I've heard over here from other travelers here goes... "I can sleep when I'm dead!"

(Bayern) Munich

Yes, another country, and more footballing lessons, after going to a Bayern Munich football match, my first day in the city. Shows a bit where some priorities fall eh?

With a 15:30 kickoff time, and online tickets not available, I was putting all my eggs in one basket in the hopes of missing out on some prime sight-seeing time to take in a high quality match by one of Germany's top clubs. I took the metro over to the stadium, and it reminded me so much of taking the train from Salem to North Station, and then catching the 'T' in to a Red Sox game; everyone was even wearing all red and white! The crowds going to a football match in Munich were very much the same as the crowds flocking to Fenway Park for a Sox game. Each metro was packed to capacity; the one I was on even broke down on the way so we had to get off and try and get on other metros coming (which were also already packed). Something not soo unheard of for riders of the Green Line in Boston.

I managed to find a scalper, and saved 20 euro on the ticket price, and it was even a valid ticket! Met a couple of Canadian hockey players who are playing in Europe currently and chatted with them for a bit before making my way to my seat for the match. It was quite worth it, and Bayern Munich trounced the opposition 4-1. It was easily the most skillful performance of football (or soccer) that I've ever seen firsthand. I even believe I picked up a few ideas from watching them play their non-American style. Even more than I've gained from watching matches on TV back home.

So this trip is more than just a holiday/vacation/adventure/journey - it's a learning experience in many different ways, even in football (soccer) knowledge!

Everything's Gonna Be Alright

I am convinced since traveling, that everything will work out for the best possible scenario. I believed I was optimistic before traveling, and some people had mentioned it here or there; however, since traveling, I am an absolute optimist. I am 100% convinced that things will work out in every possible way.

Today while taking a train from Amsterdam to Munich, I got to the train station with an hour before the train I was going to take was due to depart - I just needed to get a seat reservation which usually takes me about 5 minutes, maxium - with a non-English speaking attendant. However, today I encountered my first queue at a ticket stand, and was nervously watching the clock and the queue list. I told myself that at 12:15 I would just leave and get on the train and risk not having a seat for an 8 hour train trip. At 12:14 my number was called, and I got my reservation for the first half of the trip, and made my train.

My connection window was only 25 minutes in Frankfurt, between trains. Not a big issue in most cases, but our train had technical issues and left 10 minutes late. Then we were notified we were going slower because there was a freight train in front of us on the tracks. Then it began snowing and there were high winds and we went slower. We were informed during all this some trains were being delayed and some connections canceled. My connection to Munich departed at 7:54pm. I arrived in Munich at 7:59pm. I figured that it would work out, and wasn't worried. Upon walking to the platform my train was due to depart from, I saw that that train had been delayed as well, and it arrived 10 minutes later.

With all the train cancellations, there were heaps more people waiting to board. Not everyone was going to get a seat, it was going to require lots of luck and some near perfect location waiting on the platform, hoping the train doors opened directly in front of me, otherwise I had no shot at a seat - especially with a huge backpack getting in the way! The train pulls up and a door opens directly in front of me. There are mostly reserved seats inside, so I just sit in one that was reserved, and am expecting to be bumped from it any moment. 4 hours later, not having been asked to move, we arrived in Munich.

Sure, they are some small things, but they all went right, and everything worked out. Just one of innummerable times this has occurred. I am absolutely convinced that things will always work out for the best. 100% of the time. I even look back at prior events before my travels and know that they were for the best now too.

I listened to Bob Marley's song, Everything's Gonna Be Alright, just after realizing all of this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbSNdENl5yE

Editor's Note:

It is most definitely worth noting, as Ryan had mentioned to me earlier today, and I found out after what he showed me within the city while biking today - Amsterdam would be so much different, and much less interesting I think, if it didn't have the vast number of tiny bridges going over the numerous canals in the city. The only downside of this, is it makes getting lost that much easier. : )

Furthermore, some information worth noting about Amsterdam, is that it is actually 4 meters below sea level, and that the entire area was originally marshy wetlands or just underwater, but thanks to the dykes that were built up, Amsterdam has flourished. This is also part of the reason, possibly, that Amsterdam is completely flat, and going over tiny bridges is about the highest elevation you can get in the city.

I Am Sterdam

Amsterdam, truly, I have come across no other city like it in almost 11 weeks of travel. Everyone rides bikes - including me, for the first time in about 8 years - and the saying "it's just like riding a bicycle" really does hold true; my first night here I had a bike that was a bit too big, and I was a bit too rusty on my biking skills and as a result could barely keep up with people and nearly caused a handful of accidents. Jump forward 4 days of biking EVERYWHERE, and I feel much more confident, my legs are no longer sore, and I'm able to bike while carrying bags of souvenirs which cost more than I likely should have spent on them. : )

The bike culture is truly something wonderful though, as you see old women, young children, students and professors alike, all riding bikes. Even businessmen are seen biking through the streets. The liberal attitudes translate into other areas of the city as well, with unique odors (marijuana, for those who don't know much about Amsterdam) gracing city streets and coffee shops without so much as a second thought by most; as well as the infamous Red Light District.

Outside of the obvious lures of Amsterdam (for some people), the city is quite quaint and seemingly quite lovely when it isn't raining 8 days a week, as it feels like it has rained every day that I've been here so far. They're famous for their tulip fields, and while, in my friend Ryan's words they're "just mudfields right now", one can imagine this city in the spring and summer time with windmills abound and tulip fields surrounding them.

My first day in the city I even shared a pleasant conversation with two young guys I met in a shop, one who was from Afghanistan, and the other who was from Iraq. The three of us talking and joking around seemed quite ironic considering the current global affairs, but everyone in Amsterdam seems to just be living their lives and trying to enjoy their lives - not stereotyping and classifying people as terrorists or war-mongers simply because they're from a certain country originally. Amsterdam has been a great place to slow down for a bit and just relax and enjoy some time in a nice city instead of rushing to museums.

I also got to see the Sinter Klaus parade here, where Sinter Klaus and his slaves ("Black Pete") arrive from Madrid, Spain and give candy to all the little children who've been good this year, as he starts his journey. He also arrives by boat, and rides a white horse. Obviously quite interesting to see the differences from the American culture, and I'm honestly still a bit confused about the whole deal, but it is what it is.

Finally, also quite worth noting, many thanks to my friend Ryan who I know from back home, who is letting me stay with him as he studies here - and thus is saving me heaps of money on a hostel here, as they're much more pricey than in the eastern part of Europe. Cheers, Quinn!

Berlin, Berlin, the City of Sins

With so much history behind Berlin, or, both Berlins I suppose could be said, it's hard to not include a post documenting some of the more impressive things which I learned while taking a tour in the city.

I had only taken 2 tours prior to the tour I took in Berlin. I am largely opposed to the idea, and hate being part of the massive crowds that flock from one exhibit and historical site to the next like locusts descending on crops. Thankfully, the day I chose to take this tour it was rainy and miserable, and it kept the pseudo-enthusiasts at home apparently, as my tour had only 5 people, and the tour guide said that of all the tours he'd done in the previous 7 months, this was the smallest group. Luck was on my side.

The tour in Berlin I took was titled the Third Reich Tour - dealing purely with Nazi Germany's rise from the rubble of WWI until their demise during and following WWII and touched on a few small notes about the Cold War as well. It was an early Christmas present for me, as I love learning about these things. We visited, among other places, the old SS Headquarters - the SS were Hitler's secret police who had almost no supervision and were allowed to accomplish tasks by any means necessary; Hitler's bunker - where he spent his last days and hours; the old Wehrmacht Headquarters - the head of all of Nazi military operations; the Reichstag - the ex-German parliamentary building which was burned down in 1933 as the beginning of the Nazi era took hold, this fire played a crucial role in Hitler assuming full power in a "legal" way, it has been since fully rebuilt and I was able to visit the top of the building and get a panoramic view of Berlin at night which was incredible; and also Brandenberg Gate - where the Nazi's used to march through and numerous processions took place here during the Nazi era.

The Berlin Wall was another stop I made while in Berlin, and it was far less imposing than what I expected it to be, although reading about it's history, and hearing information about it from the tour guide was really moving. More information I learned about it, was that not everyone was really happy when the wall came down. Furthermore, many of the East-Berliners were quite happy with their communist state and had a lot of trouble adjusting to the democratic system set up afterwards. As a result there are still plenty of homeless in Berlin and many of the older generation had trouble getting work after the wall came down.

Also pictured here, is the 1936 Berlin Olympic Stadium which I visited without really any intention on my final day in the city. It was on the same metro line I was taking, so I decided to take a trip out of town and visit it. It was quite impressive. The small building you might be able to see in the distance through the opening on the far side of the stadium used to be the Fuhrer's seat (Hitler's seat).

So far, of all the history I've read about and encountered on this 10+ week excursion of mine, my time in Berlin has been the most interesting; even more so than my time in Greece and learning about my ancient heritage, which if you had said that would be the case a few months ago, I would likely have laughed it off as a farse.

A good way to tell how much I'm enjoying a city also, is by how infrequent the blog updates come. So, for example, I am writing and finishing my Berlin updates while in Amsterdam, because I was too busy in Berlin. And finally, I will note, this last picture is for my Mom, since I rave so much about my Greek heritage, I didn't want to leave out the fact that I do have French and Latvian heritage as well.

Ich Bin Ein Berliner

If you truly want a city in Europe which will live up to it's hype - and then some! - as far as I'm concerned, that city would be Berlin, Germany.

I arrived here on the evening of November 8th and after settling into my room and meeting my new roommates Jocelyn, (from Seattle), Tracy (from Canada) and Guiliano (from Brazil) - I immidiately went out with the two girls in search of a bar or club to start the Berlin experience off correctly. We stumbled upon a club that had some sort of zombie/living-dead theme going on that night, and with Jocelyn disappointed about missing out on Halloween since she is living in Poland, where they don't celebrate Halloween, we decided to have at it. Got our faces made-up like vampires and zombies and enjoyed a great and interesting evening (until 5am!) in a Berlin club.

To backtrack a bit, I will also note now, how Berlin (I cannot say all of Germany as I've only been in Berlin, but I assume the rest of Germany is similar) is so much more like the US than anywhere I've been thus far. English is very widely spoken and in 4 days I've only come across two people who spoke absolutely no English, one of whom could understand it though. The city is massive. The traffic is nothing compared to that of cities like Boston or New York though. Far more bikes, pedestrians, and subways and metros than traffic jams.

The history and architecture in the city is incredible, and being someone who loves history and WWII history especially, this city makes me feel like a little child the night before Christmas, all day long! In my 3 full days within the city so far, I have left the hostel every morning no later than 10am, and arrived back no earlier than 6:30pm - walking almost exclusively so as not to miss much by taking one of the various methods of public transit (u-bahn, s-bahn, bus, etc..). Yesterday for example, I left the hostel at 8:45am, and arrived back at 6:30pm and walked the whole day - even during the afternoon when it was raining.

Having seen so much in the last 3.5 days, and with only one full day remaining, I feel like there is so much I haven't even seen yet, and I've been out for 8+ hours each day! Even spending time to update my blog I feel as though I'm missing out, so with that in mind, I end this post for now, and will try and get back to photo updates and sharing my journey later.

Also had a couple of firsts in Berlin, as I got my first Thai food experience, and also ate duck for the first time as well - in addition to sampling plenty of the local cuisine too. The first photo on this page also marks the first time I willingly got make-up put on for "a night out on the town." The second photo is me in front of the Brandenberg Gate, one of the older entrances to the city of Berlin, it stands on the border of East and West Berlin, and was situated in East Berlin during the era of The Wall, from 1961-1989. It was originally constructed in the 18th century though and has been remodeled since it was damaged during World War II.

Pooped In Prague

So after getting sick for the second time, I've extended my stay in Prague for another 4 days - 3 of which have already passed now, and I'm very much looking forward to moving on to greener pastures tomorrow, as I've booked my train ticket (again) to Berlin! Originally I had booked one, woke up feeling miserable at 7am (with an 8am train) and rolled over and went back to bed.

Spending more time in Prague would have been nice if I had been capable of seeing more of the city, however, I was relegated to bed rest, heaps of water, and plenty of laying around. It was qutie exciting to say the very least.

Alas, I am feeling better and looking forward to Berlin, as I've heard even more amazing things about Berlin than Prague and with Prague being a bit of a let-down, hopefully Berlin will stack up.

Election Overseas

November 4th, it's Election Day in the USA. Though it was already November 5th where I was, lounging around in the Czech Republic at 4am, anxiously updating CNN.com to get the latest poll results, electoral vote counts, and to ensure that my fellow Massachusetts residents had voted correctly ...for Barack Obama. I was satisfied with the results I saw early on.

I stayed up as long as I could before passing out in front of the computer monitor; having no coffee or much company, it was tough to stay awake for the duration. So I decided to head to bed, with fingers crossed and hope things would work out. I woke up at 8am, having gotten a rejuvenating 4 hours of sleep, and immediately went to the computer lounge. About 5 seconds later, once CNN.com loaded in the browser, a broad smile came across my face.

The British guy who was sitting across from me noticed and inquired,
"The election over?"
"Sure is", I replied with a smile.
"Obama?"
"Yup."
"Nice."

A little while later, after watching Obama's acceptance speech online, I was in the kitchen cooking up some breakfast when two American girls walked in and made some mention of the election - which obviously started a conversation between us. The one girl described herself as "relieved" that Obama had won. Just then a British girl who overheard us interrupted, "So Obama won?!" she exclaimed excitedly. "Yeah!", gushed one of my fellow Americans in the kitchen. A sense of relief was definitely abound.

In the past 9 weeks, I can count the number of people I met who were in favor of McCain and Palin, from the US or other countries: zero. All I heard from conversations were of how the people thought Bush was horrible, the US needed damage-control big time, and how they though Obama was our (America's) only shot at saving face in the international community.

I've had countless discussions and have been asked so many times about the election and the candidates since leaving the US. I never fully appreciated how much other countries might be interested in our elections, where I was never even fully aware of theirs; until now. I even met a couple from New Zealand who mentioned that they were having elections at the same time as us, but that they were more concerned with our elections than their own, as they felt they would be alright whoever won, but that our election would have a greater impact on how our country goes forward.

Oh-a no... I sounda likea the Borat?!

After another spontaneous decision when I woke up tired of the mountains of Poland, searching for something new, I found myself on a train bound for Prague in the Czech Republic, rather than Bratislava, Slovakia - which had been the short-term tentative plan 24 hours prior. I convinced myself that it would be for the best - as all the decisions I've made thus far have worked out in the end; leading me to become even more of an optimist since traveling; which has been very important so that I don't get disappointed so easily, for instance, if I show up at a hostel in Bulgaria at 1a.m. and it no longer exists...

After 4 days in Prague, with arguably some of the coolest people I've met in the past 9 weeks, my opinion on the city is much improved. It's quite true, that your opinion of a city or country can be largely influenced based on who you meet. So, "Cheers!" (as if we didn't say that enough times in the last few nights), to Nowak, Sarah, Aliza, Susanna, Karol, and Kowalski (pictured left to right in the photo). Prague wouldn't have been the same without you. Even being sick half of the time I was in the city, couldn't stop the good times from rolling on.

Prague was a lovely city for the most part. My hostel was a bit out of the way of everything of interest, but allowed for some nice walks and good exercise. The city itself was a mix of cosmopolitan areas and historical ones as well. It was much bigger than Krakow, and must say I feel it was a bit over-hyped; or perhaps I just didn't see enough of the city. But I much prefered Krakow just in terms of the city itself.

I will also note here, that I have caluclated approximate mileage covered so far in these nearly 9 weeks of travel, and I have covered roughly 3,980 miles from Greece and the Greek isles to Poland and now Prague. That includes only train, long-distance bus, and ferry travel - walking not included. An additional 4,500 miles could be added with air travel included as well. For a total of roughly 8,480 miles in 9 weeks.

Dear Mom and Dad,

Some of the reasons I am never coming home will be illustrated with descriptions, accompanied by pictures, the best of which I will likely save to show you in person, should I decide to come home some day...

Reason #1: The Food
You wondered, before I left, how I would handle the eating situation as you thought me to be a picky eater. This has been no problem in any country thus far and I do not forsee it to be as I have now picked random items off menus I cannot read, and have even willingly eaten such things as horseburger, which as you might assume by the name, is actually horse meat - it tasted pretty good too! Here in Poland though, with lunches like I had yesterday, consisting of bbq'd kielbasa and bbq'd pork, bacon, and onion on a stick, with a bottle of wine... I am in heaven.

Reason #2: The People
I have met some of the most interesting and fun and hospitable people here in Poland, despite having not really thought I would even make it to Poland on my trip, and having no Polish heritage, things have simply worked out; and quite well! Between getting help to and from trains, spending days and even whole weekends with people I've met, it's been a great learning experience, interesting, and so much fun! Plus Polish women have been among the most attractive I've seen in Europe - which doesn't hurt the situation! From Adam and Wojtek in Krakow, to Kamisia in Gdansk, and Magda & Marcin in Zakopane... I've met some amazing people.

Reason #3: The Views
I have the least to say here, as the views here in Zakopane especially, have left me speechless. Nothing I could write could do appropriate justice to the views in the Tatra Mountains. They were some of the most beautiful sights I've laid eyes on and were exactly some of the things I had hoped to see while traveling. Zakopane, itself, sitting in a valley in the Tatra Mountains, has quite possibly been my favorite location, even when compared to the Greek islands. From the profound visit to Auschwitz and Birkenau, to the beautiful and historic city of Krakow, to the beautiful buildings - and war-torn buildings in Gdansk, to the breathtaking scenes in Zakopane; Poland has offered a little bit of everything. Did I mention I am now employed as a tourism representative for Poland? ...Just kidding. ; )

These reasons, and others of course, have lead to me spending two weeks in Poland, and wanting to spend more time here as well. It has been the country I've spent the second most time in - second only to the homeland, Greece. ;)
I could easily spend the rest of my trip here, and am honestly disappointed I will be leaving.

Amazing is Spelled Z-A-K-O-P-A-N-E

The title is a bit presumptuous as I have now been in this small city for not even 7 hours, yet I can tell it's one of the most beautiful places I have been. Zakopane is a small city in the southern part of Poland, which used to be little more than a village, situated within the Tatra Mountain area. It's a popular place among Polish people, and now at least one American. There is skiing, hiking, biking, horse rides and much more available. And plenty of beautiful scenary.

Most of the buildings which are original date to 1900 and have an original style as they were all mainly designed by one man (so I've been informed).

The houses and buildings are beautiful, the atmosphere relaxed, and the scenary is amazing. I am supposed to meet someone I met while traveling in her hometown of Bratislava, Slovakia in a couple days and I am seriously considering passing up that offer - or at least post-poning it because of the beautiful city I am now in.

To backtrack a bit, I spent 3 days on the coast of the Baltic Sea, in Gdansk, Poland. It was a lovely city with innumerable historical buildings and remnants of buildings. Bombed heavily during WWII, the devastated remains of some buildings are constant reminders of the rough past that Gdansk (formerly Danzig) endured. I ended up staying an extra day purely because of the charm of the lovely receptionist, Kamisia - and it was worth it as I enjoyed walking the city streets and met a couple of German guys and got into some intense international and political debate - which we managed to not turn into an argument!

So perhaps Zakopane for a few more days - some hiking, nature, etc. - then perhaps Slovakia.. or maybe back to Slovenia to do what I missed out on? Or maybe a wild card - a jump into Germany!

Polska Kielbasa and Kebabs Galore!

So after a fun weekend in Budapest, I ventured further north to Poland. Krakow, specifically - which is supposed to be "The New Prague", and while I have yet to visit Prague, I can safely say that Krakow has been my favorite city now, topping the capital of Slovenia - Ljubljana.

My first two days in Poland I took day trips outside of the city of Krakow. My first day in Poland I visited the Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps. It literally takes your breath away, being in these places, looking around, hearing the tour guide talk about all the things that happened - how many people died, how they shared a small bunk with 7 people, how they couldn't go to the bathroom, how they...

It was one of the more impressive locations I've been on this trip in 7 weeks now, and yet much of it lies within the mind, as with the Birkenau camp, much of it was destroyed by the Nazis before the end of the war in an attempt to cover up their attrocities - as if that were possible.

After that moving day, I visited the town of Wieliczka, where they have one of the oldest Salt Mines in the world. It was really impressive, and I actually found out that the miners were extremely religious people, to such an extent that they built physical churches within the mines themselves!

The people here have been extremely hospitable, and the hostel I am staying in is great! Except for what I assume are some bed bug bites? But they're a non-issue. Met up with the Polish guy I met on my train ride in here the other night, and his friend Magda, who happened to work at a tourist information center, so she had me visit her the next day there and gave me TONS of information on places to see, when to go, and how much it would cost me. Wicked helpful, and wicked cute. ;)

Other places I visited include, but were not limited to, Pope John Paul II's original church (in Krakow); Wawel Castle (where every king of Poland has lived, there's a fun myth about a virgin eating dragon that goes with the castle too...); and also went to a classical music concert in a church built in the 17th century last night as well which was amazing; plus many more places.. Krakow's been a blast, and I'm sad to leave. But in the morning I head to the coast of the Baltic Sea, a city called Gdansk (which used to be Danzig, in Germany).

Hungry in Budapest

So, the last minute plan to meet up with Julie in Budapest came to fruition as I arrived at 12:30 and she arrived later that afternoon with a bunch of her friends from her study abroad program in Salzburg, Austria. The weekend was filled with a little bit of everything as we experienced a wide array of things within the city.

Our first night in was relegated to getting things sorted out, and walking around to get some food - then we dove into the nightlife headfirst. With an interesting evening under our belts we took off (not so) bright and early the next morning for our first full day within the city. We walked around and saw plenty of sights, loads of beautiful architecture, and met some crazy Albanian guys who were wearing soccer jerseys while we were passing the stadium section of the city and wound up talking to them and discovered that there was a national soccer game going on that evening right there! Albania and Hungary were playing in the semifinal qualifying stage for the 2010 World Cup! Believe it or not, I wasn't even the one who insisted that we go. But what a great decision it was! With a national victory under our belts, us weekend-Hungarians decided to celebrate as the rest of the city did.

Sunday we strolled through the other side of the city (which is split in two parts, Buda, and Pest) and saw their Parliament building, crossed the Danube and stumbled upon a wine, pretzel and sausage tasting event taking place within the Royal Palace! It cost us 1700 HUF (about 6 euro) to get in, and was it ever worth it!

Sadly the weekend came to a close though and they left last night - surprisingly, of all the people I've traveled around with for 2-3 or more days, they were the only few people I was not happy to part ways with. Almost slightly disappointed they've left - but I know that more fun and interesting people await down the line... Perhaps in Poland... or maybe Slovakia... I'm not quite sure yet, maybe I'll flip a coin and see where I end up...

It's the Economy, Stupid

On a sidenote - I checked my bank account for the first time since leaving (and was a bit nervous before doing so...) but was pleasantly surprised to notice that I am comfortably under budget so far. It pretty much made my day.

sLOVEnia

After a couple of days in Belgrade I moved on to another unintended destination: Slovenia!

On my train ride out, I had one other passenger in my cabin - a 25 year old Serbian guy; at first I didn't have a great feeling about this. We got to talking and by the end of the train ride were laughing and joking together. We exchanged email addresses and he emailed me last night to see if I wanted to go out to a bar since we were both in Slovenia - unfortunately I didn't get the email. Though it's nice to be building an international network.

The capital of Slovenia is Ljubljana (Lu-bli-ana) and it's fantastic. It is definitely my favorite city so far within the past 5 weeks of travel. I only ended up coming here because I will be in Budapest for the weekend to meet up with my friend Julie, and didn't want to spend a full week in Belgrade - even though the most attractive European women by far have been Serbian women - so I had to find a new destination for 3 days. Slovenia is also the only country I hope to return to during this trip, once leaving it.

Last night I was out at a local Slovenian bar and met a small group of locals who were all finishing their studies just as I had, and spent the evening with them, talking and listening to a Slovenian rock band (who played a number of classic American rock songs!). They pay about $2,000 (USD) to go to graduate school here, and regular University... is free.

The photos on this page are of a small river that cut through the city in the first photo, and of a dragon flanking one side of a bridge in another area of the city. Ljubliana is the supposed location of where Jason, "ancient Greek mythological figure, famous as the leader of the Argonauts and their quest for the Golden Fleece." founded his city as well. Thus the dragons are a representation of his heroism in his quest.

Burek in Belgrade

So I woke up Friday morning (at least I think it was Friday, I no longer keep track of which day of the week it is anymore..) and decided that after talking to about 30 people and having 29 say only negative things about Romania, that I would bypass it; for now at least. Where did I chose to go instead? Belgrade, Serbia. Probably not among the top tourist destinations for Americans, especially after the 1999 NATO bombings - which are still evident in some locations of the city - but a new and interesting destination nonetheless.

I've been here for just over a day now and have already had two interesting encounters. The first of which occurred on the train into the country from Bulgaria - where, at the border, I was nearly deported, and then while walking in the city with my two British roommates and talking, 2 guys just said hi and asked where we were from and struck up conversation. Quite friendly people here in Belgrade actually. However, when it came out that I was American, the man who was doing much of the talking, let out a big "UGH", turned his head up in disgust, and ignored me for the rest of the time we walked and talked.

The photo here is of me in front of an old Serbian castle, overlooking the Danube River - and the title refers to an absolutely delicious pastry dish called "burek" which can either be served with meat or cheese.

28 Days Later

The beauty of Bulgaria is hidden outside of the capital of Sofia. Such is the case with the Rila Monastery, which I visited 2 days ago. It was so beautiful and peaceful there. This monastery actually began as a hermitage by one monk who was tired of all the other monks and how things were being done more or less, and he actually lived in a cave nearby while the monastery was built by his students. The cathedral, which I couldn't take pictures inside of, was beyond impressive.

And since I've officially been in Europe for 4 weeks now, I decided to celebrate by getting on the last night train out of the city of Sofia, getting to the train station at the last minute, nearly missing my train (partly because I can't understand a lick of Bulgarian writing) and arriving in a new city at 1:00am with no definite means to get to the hostel I booked!

Before I left, a girl I had met, Julie from New Zealand, posed the question which I would later ask myself... "Why not just wait till the morning?"

I got off the train, got a taxi with no problem, was going to pay quite a fair price, and was happy as a clam; I would be sleeping soon. This was not to be the case...

I arrived at 4 Rilski Metoh Street just after 1:30am, and was all set to let them know how I made online reservations, and that's when I saw this:

Enter, the lovely and picturesque, Plovdiv Hostel! They offer free internet access, cable TV, DVDs, air conditioning, luggage storage, linen is included, free coffee, free tea and free water, and are centrally located just by the old town and the new town so you're close to everything! What a deal right?!

4 hours after these pictures were taken, I actually found a place to sleep! In retrospect, I've made better decisions. : )