Barça Spain

I have fond memories of Barcelona, Spain. Or simply Barça.

(The city, not the planet... a bit of DW reference!)

My experience started with a mini tour of the City. I looked forward to these mini tours now as it gives an idea just how big the City really is. Of course sometimes it is misleading because it does weave in and out of streets trying to show as many landmarks in a short space of time, when sometimes those landmarks are actually quite close to each other. I got given a map in the end so I can plan my next day adventure.

That night, I got dressed for dinner which included a Flamenco Show. I was looking forward to the seeing the intensity and music of all that is Flamenco. Afterwards, a drink at a local bar. It was then that I enquired about clubs that specialised in Salsa -- leading to the Mojito Club -- where I got to dance salsa and bachata with the locals. It was surprisingly like the Sydney scene, with the added language barrier!

When it was time to leave, I took the taxi home showing the business card I picked up at the accommodation. It had Plaza Del Mar, but really the accommodation was at Passeig Del Gracia. So if you can imagine, it is midnight in a strange city and I had to walk back to the hotel via La Rambla, some 40 minutes walk.

For those who know Barca, La Rambla is quite well known. It is a main street flanked by restaurants and other touristy shops. During the day it is quite busy with hawkers trying to attract people into their restaurants, shops or trying to sell something. Tourists are always warned about pickpocketing in the strip.

Some photos:

Unfinished work of Gaudi

 

Camp Nou

The next day, I took the Metro to Le Corts, to Camp Nou, home of the football club of Barcelona FC. Camp Nou was amazing. I found out I missed out on watching a game! This from someone who has recently been captivated by the Sydney-based Western Sydney Wanderers FC. The experience took you through the history of the football club, the people who make up the club, the trophy room, the amazing grounds and the media centre, and out through the gift shop. I ended up buying a few things to take back home with me.

Park Grüell

Park Grüell is the park designed by Gaudi, who accordingly to our guide, was supposed to be a site specific for middle-upper class families. It was not very successful and in the end it became a park as we know it today. It was hot by the time I arrived and overcrowded by visitors. It took two hours to walk around the park.

The architecture was quite amazing. While walking through the park, you'd have to wonder how this man, Gaudi, could have dreamed up this design. I kept wondering how the designs of the wall, strange designs and angles, could have been weight bearing and will it last the test of time?

 

 

Barcelonetta

As a way to cool down, I took the Metro back to Passeig Del Gracia for an attempt at a siesta. I ended the day at Barcelonetta, near Plaza Del Mar, to check out the beach. It was the first time I go to see just how comfortable the Europeans are with their bodies!

After that dinner at a restaurant with Tapas on their menu. I loved the local cava wine which was the base of the sangria.

I enjoyed Barça and I hope I get to come back and explore more of Spain.

Next stop: French Riviera.

City of Popes - Avignon & Pont Du Gard

Avignon

The walled city of Avignon has an interesting story. At one point in time, Avignon was  home of the pope and antipope, following a split in the Church. This would have been the few occasions where the papacy was outside the Vatican.

Having a Catholic up-brining, I feel that faith and history are starting to come together in a way that I appreciate a little bit more. Although I am no longer practising, this tour of Europe is starting to expand my understanding of my beliefs, of what I have learnt and experience and is changing me. First with Notre Dame in Paris and second in Avignon in the South of France.

After being dropped off at the accommodation, I took part in a guided tour of the city. The walls that enclosed the city are amazing, specially as I walked parallel to it. The height and steadiness of the walls gave the impression that this would have been a fortified wall, defying many sieges in it's time.

I took a photo the night I arrived and can imagine what the city would have been like. I could hear music across the way and can imagine some wedding or festival on the far side of the city near the river. The moon was full and with the street lights illuminating the city, it added a feeling of being transported back in time.

Some photos:

Avignon was also the first time I had McDonalds in Europe, where you could order beer as part of the meal.

Pont  Du Gard

I remembered receiving a postcard from Elise once of Pont Du Gard. I had some idea of what it looked like but to be standing there, crossing the bridge was an amazing experience. This was another "I can't believe I am here" moment.

I am amazed at people's ingenuity, particularly the Romans. Their footprint and influence is far reaching and for me to be experiencing right then and there feels very much a connection. A connection with the people who built it, a connection with the people before me who would have stood and admired this great work, and being part of something greater than myself.

This is us, we did this.

I feel that history is coming to life around me. A feeling that in the scheme of things, I am part of a tiny bit of history and time. I am starting to see remarkable things that have stood the test of time and witnessing proof, and appreciating them a little bit more as I travel across Europe.

I wonder what other great things are there to see...

Next stop: Barcelona, Spain

On Top Of The World - Swiss Alps

Picture perfect.

Lauterbrunnen sits in a valley surrounded by towering mountains, with water falls carving down the side of the mountains, slowly making their way to the rivers. Every now and then snow-capped mountains and blue skies would sneak a peak down on the valley below as clouds hover above.

It was raining when the bus finally makes it’s decent down the winding roads and eventually revealing a small village nestled in this cosy valley. Rich green grass unfold before us as we watch Swiss chalets settle into the hills with smoke from chimneys the only sign of life within.

There are not too many cars or people on the road, I imagine everyone sitting indoors all rugged up with hot Swiss chocolates cradled in their hands. Swiss flags jut out proudly on the side of the houses and shops as we enter what looks like the centre of town. Every now and then German sign posts flash quickly past us.

Our tour guide has already painted a picture of the Swiss Alps, with its deep history and colourful culture and amazing people. Switzerland is home of the Swiss Bank, Swiss Guard, Swiss Cheese, Swiss Knife and Barry the Dog. For those interested, only in Switzerland can you purchase green Swiss Knives (so of course I could not resist!).

In case you have missed it, Lauterbrunnen has fast become one of my favourite places in Europe, despite being one of the earlier places I visited.

I stayed at a place where there was no lock on the door! How is that for safety and trust?

Some photos:

Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

You can reach Jungfraujoch by train from Lauterbrunnen, changing at Kleine Scheidegg. The climb was steep and people sometimes experienced altitude sickness – so make sure you go prepared with OJ to get your sugar level back up. At one stage, I experienced sleepiness especially as the train entered the tunnels.

At the top, Jungfraujoch is a winter wonderland. Outside, blindingly white, super fine, powdery snow and so soft to touch. Visibility was poor with only two, perhaps metres visibility. Crazy visitors would take their shirts off and run in knee-deep snow towards an unseen flag located 20 meters away. I was not quite so daring but I did run, knee-deep in snow to the flag to take a photo! 

Murren

On the way down, I noticed a cable car running on the side of the other mountain. Not wanting for the day to end too soon, I decided to see where it lead. So I bought a return ticket, admiring the valley below, watching the train make another journey up the mountain. On top was another train that went to Murren – so I hopped on, a little worried that it will be dark by the time I catch the next cable car back to Lauterbrunnen.

Murren seemed like a sleepy little down, just content to be nestled on top of the mountain. It was late in the afternoon and the shops were closed – so no hot chocolate for me.

Some photos:

 

The one thing I had wanted to do in the Swiss Alps was sky dive. On the morning of Jungfrau, I was scheduled in  to jump. Alas, the weather has not been great and the instructors cancelled. Perhaps I am not supposed to sky dive :(

It was good to have spent some time in Lauterbrunnen after the fast pace city of Paris.

Next stop: Avignon, France

The City of Lights - Paris, France

For as long as I can remember I have wanted to come to France. Learning French, eating French food, corresponding with Elise who lived in the South of France was how I remembered high schoool. I have always dreamt of living in France, living the French dream.

My first experience of France was on board a bus driving down the French country side, from Calais to Paris.  I was very excited as finally I get to practice my high school French! And sure enough it came in the form of asking for cafe et tarte s'il vous plait at a bakery when we stopped for petrol. Perhaps it has been a while since I spoke French because the lady at the counter looked at me and in the end, sadly, I pointed to the menu!

Paris

The bus took us on a mini tour of Paris, taking us to key tourist sites where in the morning we would get to explore. We saw Moulin Rouge,  Arc De Triomph, Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.  My fondest memory is seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time as it lit up.

 Paris is a big city.

A city that you could possibly not visit in one day. It was suggested by our guide that we choose two or three landmarks to explore. This is in order to see them properly.

So I chose the following:

 Eiffel Tower 

A must see.  My suggestion, as suggested to me, is to visit the Eiffel Tower first. Expect to wait.

I arrived at the Eiffel Tower at around 9am. There were queue starting to build up at all four corners. I chose the South side which was closest to me. I paid my entrance fee opting to go all the way to the summit. Why wouldn't you?

I climbed the stairs right up to the second level - which was not an easy climb. People of varying fitness levels   all taking the challenge and I was either overtaking or being overtaken. At the second level, the queuing begins for the elevators to the summit, being mindful that there were four corners (sets of stairs) and leading up the second level.

The Louvre 

My next choice was the Louvre. There is a "secret" entry on the side of the Louvre that not many people know about. Entering via this entrance will save some waiting time. I did not have to wait long to pay for my ticket and enter the Museum. I was told that to appreciate the Louvre, to see all the art work even just spending a few seconds looking at each piece, you'd need seven years to see it all.

I am a little embarrased to say that I left the Museum not having appreciated it. For you see, I bought my ticket and went straight to the Mona Lisa. I left shortly after with many of the masterpieces frowning at me as I made my way to the side exit.

 Notre Dame Cathedral
 
Next was Notre Dame. Don't be disheartened if you don't see the hunchback... or find youself on a queue! The line moves very quickly and it allows you to walk slowly to admire the facade. The craftsmanship is amazing.

 Champse Elysee and The Arc De Triomph

Keep walking towards the Arc and on the way admiring one of the most expensive real estate and shopping strip in the world. One memory that has stuck with me was entering one of the shopping complex to use the toilet. For two Euros, you got to experience a toilet that had personal attendants (similar to a change room!), lined with bathroom scents you can try/smell while waiting, although you did not have to wait long. The toilet was wall papered in wonderful, unique designs and had a rotatin loo to clean itself before spraying a lovely scent. 

 Next stop: Lautterbrunnen, Switzerland

Bath and Stonehenge continued...

Westbound, we headed towards Bath. Bath is located two hours west of London. According to our guide, at one stage, you can see the border between England and Wales on the horizon. I was looking forward seeing Bath because of Jane Austen.

 Excitement grew as we neared the city. The glimpse of the city between buildings was a sight to behold. Our bus driver expertly navigated the narrow streets of Bath as the buildings, well preserved, rose around us. I could imagine Jane Austen walking down the street as she imagined Jane and Elizabeth walking arm in arm.

We were taken on a minitour, being shown the round about with expensive houses, exiting as we head towards the road with the Roman Bath and Abbey.

 Here are some photos:

Stonehenge

Next stop was Stonehenge,  located one hour south-west of Bath.

I have been looking forward to seeing the Stonehenge for two reasons - a book I read about a female lead character who travels back in time, and the second was Doctor Who! The Stonehenge was the location of the Pandorica where the Doctor was kept a prisoner.

As I walked around following the path of millions of tourists before me, I, too, pondered what it was used for and what it would have been like. How a time machine would have been welcomed then! These stones are in the middle of this field with no stones or boulders near by. People would have had to carry them for kilometers. They stand proudly and in tact even after all these years.

Our tour guide informed us that there is a project underway to remove the road that runs next to the stones in an attempt to return in back close to it's nature state, surrounded by fields of green. A train would be build that will bring tourists in.

Some photos:

Next stop: Paris, France.

Windsor Castle, Bath and Stonehenge

Before I left Sydney, I pre-booked a number of tours and day trips using Viator.com. I asked myself, what – realistically – do I want to see, with limited time and budget, while in England? I spent days thinking about visiting famous castles, and houses from the Grand Designs, stalking the Royal Family, retracing historical places where Jane Austen may have spent some time in.

In the end, I decided on a day trip which incorporates Windsor Castle, Bath and the Stonehenge.

Using "The Tube", I boarded the train on the blue line towards Victoria Station. Once there, I made my way to Victoria Coach Station where I joined the tour group. For the newbies, like me, Victoria Coach Station is about 5 minutes walk from Victoria Station. There were a number of tours  and it was essential to join the correct one, otherwise I would be listening to the tour in Spanish or joined another tour group going to another part of England.

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is located around 45 minutes away west of London. It is home to the Royal family, although they were not in residence. According to our guide, the Royal family is at their other castle, Balmoral Castle. That news was a little disappointing, it would have been good to run into Wills or Harry! (Not having much luck, no Doctor Who Stars and now no Royal family!)

As we drove closer to the Castle, seeing a glimpse from afar, I started to get a little excited. It dawned on me that I was in England about the visit one the Queens residential palaces. Wow, how blessed am I to have this opportunity?

The bus dropped us off at the Station, the same station that would service visitors arriving by train. We climbed a series of stairs, walked through a walkway of exclusive shops towards the Castle. We saw the signs pointing to Eton College, the exclusive School where Prime Ministers and the Princes went to School.

It felt surreal walking up the street towards the Castle. We were warned in advance that security was quite strict and should expect the same level of security as the airport. We headed towards the entrance, took to the line where tour groups have started to line up before, next to and behind us. Sure enough, we had to empty our pockets, placed our bags to be scanned and walked through a scanner.

Once all that was over, we were given a map and were told to follow the map to explore the grounds and state apartments.

Here are some photos:

Next stop: Bath and Stonehenge