The East - Part 2

After a few hours on the bus we crossed the border into Poland. It still amazes me how you can be driving for a few hours and end up in another country...that's the beauty of Europe! 

Before arriving in Krakow, we made a stop at Aushwitz Concentration Camp. During World War II it was used as a network of German concentration and extermination camps that were built and operated by the Third Reich in Polish areas annexed by Germany. I knew that today would be both physically and mentally challenging, and it proved to be just that.

Enclosed by barbed-wire fences, we were taken into a few of the houses that once held thousands of innocent Jews. Inside were glass cabinets filled with belongings of people who died where I stood. Shoes, luggage, glasses, combs, clothes; the list goes on. After silently passing through what remains of these people's lives we were taken to the second camp. This was where the train came into the camp, and people were immediately separated. If you were fit and healthy you were put to work, and if not you were marched to the gas chambers to have a 'shower'. 

The bus ride to Krakow was silent as everyone mentally processed the events of the day. I was so emotionally drained. It was such an experience that I believe everyone should have at least once in their life. I still struggle to describe to people what this was like. When you see how those people lived and what they were put through I think it changes you. It defiantly changed me. 

Arriving in Krakow, I knew nothing about Poland's people, culture and traditions. I didn't know what to expect.

Krakow is Poland's culture capital, and is also surrounded by a crazy amount of pigeons. It is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious Universities, and has been proclaimed the 'City of Literature'. It is also known for it's nightlife, so obviously I had to go on a pub crawl. One thing I did not expect was for every pub to give you a complementary shot upon arrival, which was rude to refuse. So after I'd had enough I walked back to the hostel (picking up a big mac on the way) and managed to fall asleep in my drunken state.

The next morning we all staggered out of bed and hopped on the bus to our next destination: Zakopane. It is one of the cheapest places to ski in winter, and it also very beautiful. I stupidly didn't pack enough warm clothes (it was September, didn't think it would be that cold) and had to borrow some extra layers from people. It was freezing. And raining. And foggy. Basically, the weather was miserable and was terrible for photos. Nevertheless, Zakopane was stunning and ridiculously cheap!

Poland as a whole surprised me. Everything was cheap, the food was amazing (a lot of meat: ribs, steaks, sausages, etc.) and the people were very friendly. Poland is not somewhere that was very high up on my list of places to visit, but it really is culturally amazing. Defiantly worth a visit!

Aushwitz Concentraion Camp

Krakow

Zakpane 

The East - Part One

Well...I'm not sure what to say about Eastern Europe. It was never really on the top of my to do list, but I was mesmerised by the history, architecture and culture of this particular part of Europe. It really is something else. From tank rides in Slovakia, to pub crawls in Poland - it's fair to say that I ate and drank my way through the best of the East!

I set off from London, arriving at my destination (Prague) in the middle of the night. Being the cheap traveller I am, I stayed at the airport until it was light out and I was sure I wasn't going to get attacked or lost. As the sun rose (yes, finally there would be sunshine!), I begun to gather my bags and searched for coffee at the airport. It didn't take me long to find a Starbucks, but the problem arose as I looked at the price. Hmm. No idea how much that converts to, but I need my coffee so take my money. That was my thought process at 6am in the morning.

Arriving at my hostel, I left my bags and found a map with tram numbers on it. Fabulous. I made my way to a tram stop and was waiting for a particular number to take me to the Old Town, when a girl came up to me and asked if I was from the hostel. Hours past, and we were walking along The Charles Bridge together - an Australian and a New Zealander taking on Prague together.

I was left speechless by Prague. It was really a highlight of my trip. The architecture was breathtaking, and after figuring out the exchange rate I realised how cheap everything really was. From walking 1.5km across the Charles Bridge, to the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, and on to the Statue of St. John of Nepomuk (don't forget to rub it's tummy for good luck!) Prague should be on everyone's to do list.

Statue of St. John of Nepomuk

The Charles Bridge

St, Vitus Cathedral

I had to be up early the next morning as my tour departed from the hostel at 7:30am. I was a bit nervous as I'd never done a tour before, and didn't know anyone. For a shy Australian girl, this was a big step. Ignoring my nerves, I hopped on the bus, and off we went! Our next stop was Olomouc! 

Prague, Czech Republic

Italy/Paris

I've got the travel bug, and I've got it bad. I just got back from a nine-day trip across Italy, and finishing in Paris. And what a fun-filled, jam-packed nine days I had with some friends from Australia.

Landing in Rome from London, the first thing was to find our accommodation, which wasn't too difficult. We did all the tourist things (Vatican City, Colosseum, Roman Forum) which were all dripping with history. But my favourite memory from Rome is one particular restaurant in which we practically became locals. We ate there the night of the World Cup Final, which was insane. The Italians really are football crazy! I had the best meal there - spaghetti with pepper and cheese - and way too much wine. It was by far my favourite night in Rome!

Catching the train from Rome to Florence was easy enough, and we were greeted with breathtaking scenery. I've never seen anything like the Cathedral in Florence. Although I found there was not much to do, it's beauty is enough to captivate you for days on end.

Florence

Our next stop was Cinque Terre. I hadn't heard much about this place, but it's made up of five villages, in which you can walk from village to village (although not the easiest walks, but very worthwhile for the views!) The water was beautiful to swim in, and this was my favourite place in Italy we visited.

Cinque Terre

We made a little pit-stop on our way to the airport to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Not really much to see here, only thing we did was get the perfect tourist shot holding up the Tower.

Paris is something else entirely different. I'd heard a lot of negativity surrounding Paris and the French, but I couldn't have loved Paris anymore. The pastries and bread are as good as everyone says, and standing under the Eiffel Tower was possibly the most exciting moment of my life. You dream about going to all these places, and when you're actually there you have to pinch yourself to let you know that yes, you are in-fact at the place you've been dreaming about since you were a little girl. And that feeling is magical.

"Love Locks' Bridge - Paris

TTFN x

Brighton

Brighton, Brighton, Brighton...where to begin. Firstly, you were defiantly worth the 7am wake up on a Saturday. Secondly, you were even more beautiful than I expected. And thirdly, how soon can I return?

As soon as I stepped off the train at Brighton station I immediately noticed it's colourful nature. No, it was not like London. London is bleak and mind-numbing...but Brighton is vibrant and happy. The people, the atmosphere, and it's sheer pride are enough to see how it lures in the crowds. 

Being an Australian, I laughed at Brighton Beach. Everything about it seemed so wrong. There were pebbles where there was meant to be sand, the water looked horrible and cloudy, it was raining, and not to mention the temperature of the water was something I would not be keen to swim in! But that's what makes it so special. Brighton Beach is everything a beach shouldn't be, and that's why I love it.

Another thing you can't go pass up is fish & chips. You can't go to Brighton and not have fish & chips (although I will forgive you for not putting vinegar on them...that's just plain weird!) Sitting in the park with friends, eating our lunch...it was just a moment of bliss. 

Walking through the streets, they were lined with colourful decorations and market stalls. Brighton just has such a happy feel to it. From now on, Brighton is my happy place. After all, it's only a train ride away, but it feels a million miles away from busy London. 

TTFN x

My London

"When man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." - Samuel Johnson.

I've tried looking for more quotes or opinions to express my thoughts on London, but none even come close to the one above. London is something else entirely. London is loud, and proud, and is definitely not what people expect when they arrive.

London is busy. The people in London are busy. They are always in a rush to get somewhere. Home? To a meeting? Who knows. All I know that when in London never ever get in the way of a Londoner. The people are not friendly - they will not stop for a chat or even share a simple 'good morning.' It's just not the London way. 

The streets are dirty, often piled with litter and swimming with the homeless. I find it quite funny actually, how you can walk down an empty street and see a mass of litter and a homeless man, and the next corner you take is filled with tourists shopping acting like everything is normal. 

The weather is dreadful. If it's not raining, it's overcast. It's usually cold and windy, making you wrap your scarf and coat tighter around your shivering body. You should always, always carry an umbrella with you. London's weather is unpredictable, and it always looks like it's going to rain. The lack of sun is somewhat depressing, and you have to try not to notice the colour of your now pasty skin.

But there's something about London that draws you back. It's intriguing. On a rare sunny, warm day, the parks are flooded with people taking in the sunshine with a pint or bottle or wine, and you think to yourself, "this is why I'm here." This is why I put up with the rain, the cold days and nights, the bleak city. 

There's always something going on; always something happening. People try to leave London, but end up returning because they simply cannot be anywhere else. As I said before, London has something about it that draws people in and doesn't let them out. 

London is my city, and I never want to let it go.

Portobello Road Markets

I don't know what it is about markets. It might be the smell of foreign food, the endless hours of people-watching, or the promise of snagging a bargain, but either way I just love them. Hence, I've managed to make my way though quite a few markets since being in London. It's safe to say I've eaten way too much market food, drunk way too much and spent more money than I'm keen to admit. Markets just make me impulsive.

The Portobello Road Markets were no different. Perhaps the most famous markets in London, these markets are located in the beautiful area of Notting Hill. It's exactly as you'd expect it: vibrant, colourful houses surrounding the market stalls, people everywhere, and busy restaurants and pubs. 

I didn't know where to start, so I just walked. To say it was crowded was an understatement. Wherever I walked I was constantly squashed between dozens of random people (I would hate to see how busy these markets get in the summer!)

My first stop was a second-hand book stall. I was in heaven. I literally could have spent all day, and all my money, flicking through the old pages of classic books. I ended up controlling myself and thankfully only purchased a Beatrix Potter book.

I was getting quite peckish, and luckily I was just entering the food markets. The only problem with market food is that I never know what to eat. There is every single kind of cuisine you could wish for. I opted for some sort of chickpea patty, and it was unbelievably good. And to make the day even better, the sun decided to come out after weeks of constant rain and cloud. It was looking to be a pretty perfect day!

After what felt like an hour, I eventually made it to the end of the markets, and it was time to turn around and walk around the other side of the road. There were so many interesting things being sold, including polaroid cameras, which I so desperately wanted to buy, but didn't due to my lack of funds. But that was okay, because when I reached the next stall I saw the most delectable looking brownie. I obviously had to try it, and it was the most amazing thing I have ever tasted. I could eat these for the rest of my life and die a happy lady!

So there you have it - my day at London's most iconic markets. I ate, and shopped, and ate some more. I was full, I was happy, and I was in London. I could not have asked for a better day.

TTFN x

Italia

I've just returned from the Easter holidays in Italy - my first European holiday since moving to England 2 months ago. I was meeting 2 friends in Rome, then we would head south to Sorrento.

Walking out of Termini Station, I instantly felt out of place. I had no idea where I was, or how I was supposed to get to the hostel I was meeting my friends at. All I had was a map I couldn't read nor understand, and a suitcase and a bag I was desperately clutching too in attempts to not be pick-pocketed in my first moments in Rome. After about twenty minutes of wandering completely in the wrong direction I miraculously bumped into my friend on the street, and had never been so happy in my life to see a familiar face.

It's easy to see why Rome is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. With it's architectural and artistic treasures, noisy markets and its romantic corners, Rome certainly knows how to impress.

Rome

Moving south to Sorrento, it took a lot of chocolate and a very long 4 hour bus ride to see what all the fuss was about. And boy was it worth it. With houses scattered on ruggered terrain overlooking Naples and Mt Vesuvius, Sorrento is an appealing place with an undeniable laid-back charm. Wandering around the town centre is enough to see why it's so easy to fall in love with.

Sorrento

The next site to tick off the list was Pompeii - "an ancient town frozen in its 2000 year-old death throes, Pompeii was a thriving commercial town until Mt Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, killing some 2000 people." We arrived at 10am, and did not leave the ruins until 6pm that night. It would be an understatement to say that there was a lot to see. It easy to see why this site attracts so many tourists worldwide.

Pompeii

Quite possibly my favourite part of the whole holiday was our day trip to Capri. "Get past the designer boutiques, and you will discover an island of rugged seascapes, Roman ruins and an unspoiled rural inland" - and we sure did. We ended up completing something like a 2 or 3 hour walk along one of the walking tacks around the coastline, and in doing so I saw some of the most spectacular views. It honestly looked like something out of a movie. Yes, I could definitely picture myself living in a little house on the island of Capri, where the streets are too narrow for cars, the houses overlook some of the most spectacular views, and the people are very friendly, and the food is indescribable. 

Capri

Yes, this is my happy place. In the short amount of time I had here, and the limited number of places I was able to visit, I can honestly say that I am in love with Italy.