Munich Part II

Continuation on Munich..

Tonight is the time change which means..I get an extra hour of sleep before my 7am flight..oh gosh I hope i dont miss my flight!!! This whole time change thing can really cause confusion when I am on an entirely different time zone than the norm.

Munich originated `san francisco coffee company`..

So I went to the infamous beer hall today..Houfhaus..what chaos! Locals dressed in their cultural threads..costumes of sorts watching Japanese tourist try to chug beers haha..they serve beers in these giant liter size mugs AND beermaids run around selling pretzels the size of my head times two! The mens bathroom by the way has a vomitorium..i will leave it to your imagination as to what that is..!

Munich is such an awesome city..so big yet so small..Germany is a third of Texas in terms of size but as three times as much ppl..or was it six times as many ppl? I didnt do too much today..I fell asleep at the park listening to a guy play his violin..many others fell asleep too..it was nice. I had a chai tea latte at this coffee joint called `san francisco coffee company`.. now I am almost certain that no such thing exist in san francisco..a coffee company yet it is one of the most popular places here..there are three within a 2 mile radius of me..which means..when Germans come to visit SF..they must be really pissed that there isn't a `san francisco coffee company` *chuckle* but there are two starbucks on every block!

My trip is coming to an end and so much has happened in three weeks..aside from me being all over eastern europe..much has changed back at home..a few of my coworkers i will no longer be working with as they have decided to leave the company/area..Barack Obama has appeared to be a heavy democratic candidate for office..there has been a timeline set for Iraq to take charge of their country..I have become a happier American :). Many ppl ask me why I travel so much..and to me its not that much..I make it a point to go on one big trip a year and it just makes me happier. It broadens the mind and opens up your eyes bigger. It always a humbling experience when I travel..keeps you more grounded..I think anyway..

Alright..dinner time..I will write reflections on each town/city when I get back home..

I finally made it to my last stop- Munich

I arrived in Munich- my final stop of a three week journey before I head home to good ol San Francisco! I am not looking forward to my very long flight home but for the time being..I will enjoy and take in what I can of Munich.

Munich is a very livable..yuppish kind of city. It is clean..large pedestrian only zones..I mean..can you guys imagine Union Square being pedestrians only?? HUGE beer jugs everywhere..understandably this is the home of Oktoberfest! Pretzels taste so much better here than home..lots of asian ppl live here..it was so cute this morning when I saw a Chinese little boy speaking (with conviction) in German with his German friend..it was too cute! There are so many asian ppl that live here..I often get spoken to in German..unlike other languages such as Italian or Spanish..German is not easy to pick up. I know Guten Tag!

Munich or is it Munchen?

Munich is full of ppl..trams..bahns..parks..naked german ppl in the parks..beer gardens..beer halls but locals prefer beer gardens to the halls. H&M, Zara and Beneton fill the streets but North Face must be doing well here as they are relocating to a HUGE space off the pedestrian zone.

I am enjoying autumn here in Europe..I call it Fall but locals call it autumn..ok fine they win..more to come on Munich soon..I must go enjoy mv evening now..

I am in a real castle!! Holy Moley!

I made it to Munich and took a day tripto visit two castle- Linderoff Palace and Schloss Neuschwanstein- the castle that the Disney Castle is mirrored to!! I boarded a bus at about 8am and traveled with about 60 others in a two level bus..not too bad. We had our own time once we arrived at our destination.

Schloss Neuschwanstein- this IS the disneyland castle!

Schloss Neuschwanstein was HUGE! Well..from the outside anyway..the inside never got finished as King Ludwig II died in the middle of construction work so it never got done. But we did see the few rooms that were finished which included his bedroom which happen to have a theme of Tristan and Isolde. When the guide told us that..I thought `I LOVE that movie!` Of course, I had to buy a postcard of his room! Around the castle grounds, I hiked up major steepness to get to Marienplatz which is this bridge that gives you a great view of the castle and the countryside that surrounds it..beautiful!

If you ever get a chance..do make a visit!

Damn windy in Nurnberg!

So after a rainy day in Rothenburg..I find myself in the town of Nurnberg..a quick hour away from Munich where I will be tomorrow. So I have been keeping up with the US news via CNN..the only english channel available..and all they show is coverage on the war..oh and am I glad I got out of Budapest before the protest got into full swing over by the parliament building!

Nurnberg is a cute little not so touristy town. This town houses the Nazi Document Center which is where Hitler based out of during his time. The town itself is a strolling town..lots of pedestrian only streets..many open markets..during Christmas time..this town holds the largest Christmas market!! I walked all the way up to the castle today and from there..saw a fire! Police and ambulance sirens filled the sounds of the town as we saw smoke coming out from the east side of town. so what brought me to Nurnberg?? Aside from it being an hour away from Munich on an express train..their Holy Ghost Hospital..which is a sight in itself by the river..

Its not raining here but it sure is crazy windy!

Its not raining here but it sure is crazy windy! I thought the wind was going to take me out at one point! I hope the rain keeps away though..until the next town!

Everyday is Christmas in Rothenburg

I arrived in Rothenburg today after a five hour journey and what should mark my last long journey before heading home. Rothenburg lives up to my idea of a medieval town on the Romantic Road of Germany. There really isnt anything big to do here but roam the streets and take in all the Christmas shops--yes it appears that everyday is Christmas in Rothenburg..oh and eat pretzels! I think like paella in Spain..by the end of this trip..I am will be pretzeled out for a long time! I took a NightWatchman`s Tour last night which was extremely entertaining..this guy..tall guy dressed in medieval gear gave us a walking tour of the city at night..telling us some entertaining tales of the very old city of Rothenberg.

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Today..I took it easy here..woke up..went downstairs and had some breakfast (salami and cheese on a bread roll)..so simple yet so good! Went to the laundromat..love the feeling and smell of fresh new laundry..and then jsut hung out in the town. Walked along the country side for a bit..and just it in. It is raining a little bit here but nothing that my travel umbrella can`t handle..

Everyday is Christmas in Rothenburg!

The msot interesting thing to me about Rothenburg are the buildings..the architecture and whs its built the way they are built..things like so they can transport their food in the attic so it wont get wet. The wall that surrounds Rothenberg bears names of donors who helped the funding of the wall..nowadays if you made a donation to help maintain the wall..your name too can be carved up there..minimum of 1000 euros. The most recent one I saw was from a guy in New York..1995.

Tomorrow I go to Nurnberg..

Salzburg..all about Mozart..

I arrived in Salzburg from Hallstatt in the late morning and discovered that I had entered the world of Mozart and left as a fan! Huge fan! It is Mozart`s 250th birthday and Salzburg happens to be his birth place and where he resided though he is buried in Vienna. Everywhere you go..Mozart is what you are reminded of!

Salzburg is a tourist town all around! Shops line historic streets with characteristic signs..house carriages everywhere..cafes..pastries..shopping.. tourist town!

I became a Mozart fan in Salzburg!

I bought one of the last two tickets for the Best of Mozart concerts to see what it was all about. I´ve always been more of a jazz fan than a classical music fan..have always prepared my Miles and Coltrane tp 102.1 FM. I attended to the concert..a bit under dressed though I was not the only one and had one of the best experiences ever!! The concert was magnificent and I was engaged in every single second of it! It was awesome and I recommend it to everyone! I mean..if you´re ever going to watch a classical music concert..what better city than Mozart´s birthplace??

Hallstatt..can a place be this unbeliable??

I arrived in Hallstatt later afternoon today and the time started out a little frustrating because October is the start of their down time here..places were closed including the Tourist Info office but that didn´t stop me from going in anyway!! I needed their help in finding a place since I didnt have any luck..the lady was kind enough to help me out..maybe she saw the desperation on my face!! She found me a zimmer (room in a family home) for 25 euros which was fabulous! I spent the rest of the day doing nothing but roam the streets of Hallstatt..its amazingly beautiful here..any colors that exist in trees was witnessed!! Lake is calm..reflections of the scenery in it..I recommend it to anyone who needs a little R&R..now if only they had a spa here..I would be so there and be willing to pay $$ as well!

Lake is calm..reflections of the scenery..

Vienna..such a girly city!

After about 7.5 hours of night train..I arrived in Vienna. I, again was the only one in my night cabin which was great! Was woken up twice I think or maybe three times for passport control..not too bad. I still got my sleep in.

Vienna is such a girly city! It is full of palaces..magnificent gardens..very pretty! Land of chocolate and cake cafes..Mozart is huge here right now since its the 25th anniversary I believe..I may have to double check that. I went to two palaces which I will elaborate on later, the Hofburg Treasury where they display all the bling bling. The palace that defines Vienna..I think.. is Schonbrunn Palace..that place is unbelievable!! If you ever see pictures of a yellow building in Vienna..that's probably it. The garden that's next to the palace is in a category by itself..I don't think a visit to Vienna can be complete without a visit to SP.

Austria..magnificent cakes and chocolates!

I took a day trip to Melk today and then from Melk..I took a boat cruise down the prettiest stretch of the Danube aka Wachau..got off at the town of Krems and took the train back to Vienna from Krems. Now a visit to Austria without a cruise on the Wachau is not complete..to me thats what Austria is about.. it was a bit cold and very windy but even that couldnt take away the scenery or experience!! Saw little towns..castles..trees of Fall colors.. need I say more!

I ended my evenings at the beloved Starbucks down the street..where I had my cup of tea and time for journaling.. I am so glad that have coffee to go in this city..the cities prior did not! Also..pets are allowed in the restaurants here.. that's different!

Krakow= cold!!!

I arrived in Krakow at about 6:20am via the night train from Budapest. My night train ride went surprisingly well. I spent a bit more money and reserved a "double" sleep car vs a triple and there wasn't anyone who had the other bed reserved so I had the whole thing to myself! I was woken up twice due to passport security though when crossing the border into Slovakia and then again in Poland.

Krakow is romantic! It's small compared to Prague but I think that's a part of its charm! I had no idea how cold it was going to be here..you can see your breathe as you walk down the street. I had to go to H&M to buy a scarf and mittens and then later on I picked up a beanie that I thought I can go without. This time i\of year while cold is quite romantic with its partially dried up trees..it makes this place a bit more "gothic." You can't help but feel the spiritual presence of Pope John Paul here as his residence was here before he became Pope and when he was younger than that..flowers and candles surround his former residences and his Church.

Krakow is romantic!

Wawel Castle up on the hill is beautiful! Main Market Square is not to be missed although with the temperature outside..the outdoor seating is quite vacant but that doesnt stop the pigeons from wanting to take an eye out when they fly towards you! I checked into Globtroter's GuestHouse and they nicely had the heat turned on- very pleasant.

Krakow has these pretzel like stands all over the place.except they're not pretzels that they're selling..but maybe something in between a pretzel and a bagel..super yummy for 1zls. 3.4 zls= $1. You do the math!!

I took a day trip out to the concentration camp Auschwitz. Its one the most moving sights in Europe and certainly one of the largest Holocaust Memorials. I took the bus out there and did the tour on my own since I don't like having the follow someone else' schedule. I began the day watching a documentary film and then went out and toured the camp grounds..I can't believe all this happened just about 50-60 years or so ago.. the cruelty is something I can't grasp..

I have a few hours until my night train..guess where I am off to next...???

Back in Budapest

Today is my last day here in Budapest before I take the night train to Krakow. I did it! I visited the infamous Szechnyi Bathhouse this morning and had a blast! All I had to remember was that noi= women. I spent the morning there..a relaxing hour and jsut hung out in the water and ppl watching. It's a gathering place for Hungarians..speedo clad older men and women. It was actually a very cute scene and experience..you see locals playing chess..women socializing..great people watching!! I couldn't help but think that maybe my grandfather would have lived longer had the pastimes in Chinatown SF been soaking in bathhouses vs. having conversations in the bakeries in a cloud of smoke from cigarettes fueling that lung cancer. The bathhouses also offer Thai massages but with the women only knowing three words of English "sit" "stand" "go"..I declined! I had a feeling it wouldn't be the nice relaxing massage I would like. I did a little laundry too today..it was time to finally get that toothpaste off of my night shirt! I spent the rest of the day just strolling around..and then walking along the Danube back to my hostel to pick up my bags before heading to the train station.

Budapest over all is a neat place to visit if you haven't been before. I had the BEST felafel for dinner the other night from this to go place for 480 fits. 200 fits = $1. Well en route to..Krakow..

Just remember noi= women.

In a country side is a town called Eger

I took a day trip to Eger today from Budapest and it was one of the most untouristy towns I have ever visted!! No postcard stands everywhere..ppl where lookin at me like they have never seen an asian girl before..it was cool!

There isnt much to do in Eger but stroll the narrow streets..walk the ramparts if a castle..oh but there is a cool Lytheum Museum..telescopes..stuff.

I had my first taste of the Hungarian specialty..a soup called Goulash. It was quite tasty and I had it at local prices which is even better! I wanted to move tables because this bee wouldnt leave me alone and after bring stung in Italy a few yeas ago..I was scared. Instead of moving me..the waiter killed the bee..I said "ok..that worked!"

Eger is definitely worth the visit to see a different side of Hungary!

Budapest- what an intriguing mess!!

I left Ljublana at 7:40am enroute to Budapest on an 11 hour train ride!! In my cabin were two others..Slovenians. After about two hours..I broke silence and started to chat with them because I was getting incredibly antsy! One was a student studying chemistry and the other a woman who didn't speak much about herself..only that she too studied chemistry but that it doesn't make money...chem student's eyes literally popped out!! They got off the train about an hour after that and their places were filled by a Slovenian grandma who was ready for our long journey..she had food..utensils..you name it! After nine hours I arrived but guess what..at the train station that my book didn't talk about since supposedly it wasn't used much..I am going to have to send Rick Steves an email!! I came out of Deli train station and tried to sort out the mess..how was I going to get to my hostel?? I found the Information desk..he said get on the metro..blue 4 stops..transfer red 2 stops..ok i thought..doesn't sound too hard..and it wasn't..15 minutes later I was at my hostel!

Today..I took a 4 hour walking tour all around Budapest. I usually dont believe in tours but Budapest is like one big mess but an intriguing mess so I opted for a walking tour which wasn't so bad..met a lot of cool folks and saw all the main sights to "get it out of the way."

Budapest- an intiguing mess!!

Budapest is split into two sides..you have Buda and you have Pest both separated by the Danube river. Most of the buildings if not all were bombed during WWII so the building you see were rebuilt. Unlike Prague..everything in Budapest is spread out..you really have to study the map to get a sense of directions. The thing to do in Budapest is hang out in one of their thermal bath houses..we visited one today..just to look inside..Helena and her friend both from Bellham (Washington) asked if I was going to go..I am not sure..everyone in there were senior citizens although Monica the local told me she goes on weekends. I'll have to think about that one..I'd much prefer to hang out in the city and people watch although there probably is some good ppl watching in the baths as well?? My tattoos might scare them though :0!

That's it for tonight..more to come later..goodnight!

Bled and Dreams

I took a day trip to Bled today since logistically it works out easier than staying there over night. It is about 1.5 hours away from Ljublana and better to take the bus than the train since the bus stops right here in the town vs a few miles away.

When I arrived in Bled..I was taken away from its beauty! The lake water was clear as it can be..people do swim it in when its warmer..the trees were in all sorts of colors. So calm and peaceful- just what I needed! I took the stroll around the 2.5 mile perimeter of the lake and then hiked up to the castle for the view. I went on a boat ride which took me to the Bled Island where the church is. They say that is you ring the bell at the church..all your dreams will come true. We shall see!

Lake Bled..magical!

I left Bled at 2:30pm to head back to Ljublana but made sure that my camera caught everything I wanted to though mz pictures probably wont do it justice! Lake Bled..I would love to see under snow!

Ljubljana the next next Prague..

Yesterday, I left Dubrovnik at 4:55am to catch my 6:25am flight to Zagreb and from Zagreb..I am to hop on the train to Ljublana. I hopped on the 9:44am train from Zagreb arriving here a little after noon. Did I mention that the train ride was one of the most beautiful train rides I have ever been on? The country side was absolutely gorgeous!

I arrived at the hostel to check in..I have a bed in a 12 bed room for the first night and then a bed in one of the cells the next night. I am staying at Hostel Celica- a former prison turned hostel- pretty neat huh? I have never stayed in a 12 person room before so I was expecting the worst but surprisingly it was fine. There was a Danish couple, a pair of French gal, two Japanese guys who happened to be the noisiest of the bunch and then solo folks like myself.

Ljublana is a college town..and known to be the next next Prague

Ljublana is a college town..and known to be the next next Prague..Krakow being second in line. I can see it..Ljublana has a bridge,,Prague had a bridge. Ljublana has a castle..Prague has a castle. Ljublana has a river..Prague has a river but still IMHO..Ljublana does not hold a candle to Prague. Though it does have a cute atmosphere though not much in terms of sight seeing it is a good place to just take in the atmosphere! That have bike lanes painted ON THE SIDEWALK! How cool is that? City is full of university students running around and extremely cheap! I just had almond crusted chicken with potato wedges and a cola light for under bucks at a nice sit down place! Most people that I have encountered here spoke english so little language barrier! Definitely worth the visit!

Korcula Island of the Dalmation Coast

I took a day trip to Korcula Island today..first time where I actually got to see the Dalmation Coast- it is truly beautiful and amazing!! If I thought Dubrovnik was small..Korcula wouldn´t even register on the map! Korcula is darling of a town. Itś built like a fish..you have one main street and then to the left of the main rode, the streets are built straight and tot he right of it, the streets are built narrowly..something about the wind..I forget why they did that exactly.

Some claim that this is the home of Marco Polo although others differ..who knows?? I spent a few hours in Korcula and that was really all I needed.Paulina told me that this is one of the best weeks in terms of weather as it was raining there last week! Paulina is a student there..she studies languages..english and french..as it turns out..a lot of ppl there study languages..there meaning Europe.

Korcula- home of Marco Polo or not?

If only you guys can see how blue this water is! Ppl here find every little spot that can tan in. You see a patch of pebbles..tan spot..ten yards away..another patch of pebbles..another tan spot! You get the idea..

Tomorrow I am planning to head up to Slovenia..two nights of risotto..and I am still not sick of it!

21 hours to get here..well worth the journey!

So I left SFO at 4:50pm on British Airways..surprisingly my flight was on time and not delayed! I arrived in Heathrow at 11am then had three hours to transfer airports over to Gatwick to catch my 2:15pm flight to Split, Croatia AND then from there catch a flight to Dubrovnik. No, they don´t make it easy to get down to the Dalmation Coast. I finally landed at the Dubrovnik airport where a Croatia Airlines bus took me to the Old Town of Dubrovnik for 35 kunas (6 kunas=$1). In Dubrovnik awaits a homey room with private bath in the home of Lidija or at least that´s what she said in her email to me. With my 25 pound backpack..I wander the streets of the Old Town looking for her place..found the street..looked up..STAIRS..steep steep stairs and lots of them! It was 10pm and the last thing I wanted to do was climb those stairs but heck..I rang the doorbell and Lidija answered with her dog Kitty (boy)..Kitty´s nose was stuck to my jeans..I think she smelled Red. Anyway..Lidija was right..she had a very nice welcoming room waiting for me and not bad for 125 kunas a night.

I spent the next day at one of Dubrovnik´s beaches..the water was nice and very clear- definitely beats Aquatic Park water! It was sunny enough to stay there but too windy to do any type of serious sun tanning..I fell asleep for 3 hours on the pebbles of the beach..listening tot he waves and wind of the Adriatic Coast..can´t get much better than this right? I spent the afternoon walking the Wall of Dubrovnik and its amazing to see what parts of the Old Town the war in 1992 damaged.

Dubrovnik a gem!

Dubrovnik is definitely a place to visit..its small and you can walk from one end of the town to the other in about 10 minutes but the scenery and culture there is unforgettable!