Roma

First day in Rome.
To be honest I'm not as taken by Rome then I thought I would be.

Today it was a high of 28 degrees Celcius, clear blue skies, and the heat just beating down all day. You have no choice but to carry hat, sunglasses, water bottle with you as a minimum. I think I drank a good 2L today, and I'm still thirsty, and am going to drink more.

I went to visit the Coluseum, the Forum, the Palace. Saw the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, I walked from the Coluseum all the way back to the Hostel. I'm not sure how far Km wise it was but it was long.
I bought a transit pass, which I thought was a Rome Card (it is valid for 3 days and gives you unlimited travel on buses and Metro train lines, and free admission to 2 sites and discounts at the rest for 23 Euro). But I guess what I bought was just a transit pass for 25 Euro.

Coluseum: is absolutly huge, but not as big as I thought it would be though. I spent the extra Euro for a tour, which was ok, but went to fast for me, cause your moving fast, and always looking at the tour guide not really the sight.

The Palace and Forum were good, they were included in the tour, and this tour guide was better, he told us all about the history, and how common phrases today came to be from the Romans.
Such as the wedding; with the sides of the husband and wife at the alter and the wedding dress, and the carrying across the threshold, and the wrong end of the stick (not sure if that one is true or not though).

The Trevi Fountain: Was amazing, so many details, and tourists, and it was big.

I stopped for lunch at Burger King. Markets are scarse around Rome, and the one I did find last night was expensive, and I didn't really know what I wanted to eat.

This morning, I thought I would go pruse the Vatican, however I did hear that was a Holiday today (so I thought that everything would be closed), and it wasn't until I got on the train to go, that it clicked. "I'm in Rome, where the population is huge and 90% of them are Catholic." That and the train was crowded, and Nun's were in their full robes, and priest's (I'm not cathloic, and I'm not sure the correct term for them so I'm sorry if I get the wrong term, or offend anyone) were in their suits.

So I went to the Coluseum instead.

Lat night in Rome. I arrived at the hostel around 1630 hours, and just came got settled in saw the guy from the States, I met in Vienna. He suggested places I should go. He is now doing photography and expanding his portfolio in European Cities. Meeting models (or wannabe models), and doing fun photoshoots.

On my way back to the hostel, I came across a bakery, and bought some chocolate crossaunts for breakfast. It won't be any different to the breakfasts I have had in other hostels, where you get a big plate, utensils, cups, and a single bun with butter and jam.
I have no idea what I want for dinner, or for Lunch tomorrow, but I will need to find a supermarket or something so I am not spending all my money on Café's or restraunts.

---Man I could kill for a AAA Alberta Steak right now with potatoes, and veggies. Or Honey/Garlic, or BBQ Wings. Or BBQ Ribs. YUMMMMMMM---

Now either, there are very tiny mosquetos, or I am getting heat rashes, I think there might be bed bugs here, I have a whole bunch of tiny red spots, and I didn't have them before I got here. But they are itchy, and all over my arms and legs.

And yesterday, after I arrived, I went for a little walk, with nothing. After about 200/300m I came to my senses and turned around came back. I have never been so happy as to have a cold shower in my life!!

Last day in Venice

Today was my last day in Venice.

This morning was raining. Not hard but it was enough to get you wet. I decided to go see the Doge's Palace in Piazza San Marco. This Palace was where the early Venician Democratic system took place. The Doge's (Du-o-ge) Palace houses the parliments, the courts, and the Bridge Of Sighs (named because of the prisoners sighing while being dragged off to the prison). They don't like people taking photos anywhere inside the Palace so unfortunitly I wasn't able to take any.

It stopped raining at around 1300 and clear blue, sunny skies were present for the rest of the day.

I decided today, that since I will maybe only be in Venice once, to induldge. I got a HUGE slice of Pizza for lunch, and went to a little café for dinner.

In the afternoon, I walked the Jewish Ghetto, which was the first Ghetto in the world. I also just got lost and walked around. Somehow I managed to wind-up further back from where I started. Lucky the water busses run and from the water I can almost navagate.

Also today I went to the train station, waited in line for almost an hour, to have Italian's yell and curse that the service was slow, it was kinda scary. But in the end I got my train time for tomorrow, and I'm set to go to Rome.

I don't think I have allowed myself enough time to see all of Rome, 3/3.5 days might not be enough to see all the major stuff.

Venice

Today has been a travel day.

Starting at 0500 hours waking up to get final preperations done to check out.
My train was sceduled to depart Wien Sudbahnhof at 0621 hours. For an 8 hour trip to Venice St. Lucia Train Station.

After checking-in to my hostel (which used to be an old Cereal Storage Wearhouse, and right across from the tourist district, but in a residential neighbourhood. It's peaceful yet close enough to everything) I hoped on the bus (which is a water bus!! How cool is that!?) and went to get lost and explore. I stumbled across Piazza San Marco (which has been shown in many movies, maybe most recently The Itialian Job at the very begining where Donald Sutherland calles his daughter before the job)

Venice which is arrgumentably the most romantic city in the world, is very beautiful, I have just got here I have already fallen in love. The canals, the fresh sea air in your face, the arcitecture, it is amazing.

I am hoping to met up with the Canadian's I have met in Vienna, however I am still waiting to hear back from them.

But for a day and a half, I will be ok on my own and hopefully meet new people in Rome to go around with. I am really excited to take my Night Train! I hear they are weird, and that its easier to go to sleep because you are being rocked by the rails, like a baby in a cradle ( not that I am one) but also that I am back in my second home country...Switzerland. Only to return to my first home country.

Anyways, on to the present. Venice, 8 hour train trip, really beautiful, I'm thinking of going out tonight and walking around agian at Sunset (actually no, thinking about that, I am going to do it!) It is 2017 hours right now and I have about 2 more hours of sunlight.

Tomorrow I would like to go see the Palace in the Piazza San Marco, and the basilica. Hopefully make it up to Lido.

Tomorrow is Also Think Pink day for KISC!!! So all staff and ex staff are to wear pink, get together, and just promote the centre. I think I might just wear my t-shirt. KISC ROX!!!

Day 2 & 3, Vienna

Yesterday (with my new found friends)
We went to the Museum of Modern Art (it was really creepy and weird)
I'm not an art lover so all I'm going to say is the building looked interesting, glass floors off the elevator, and levels all over the place.

Then we walked into a café got a little something for lunch, and wandered around downtown Vienna.
It has been pouring rain the entire time, and we still walked and browsed the cobble-stone pedestrian roads in the shopping district, went into a cathedral and then had to go met Leah's (the other Canadian) friend at one of the train stations as they were traveling together to Venice on the night train.

Today it was actually sunny and warm, so I decided to go to the palace, and tour the gardens. The two Dutch guys left for Budapest this morning.

I leave for Venice at 0623 tomorrow morning, and arrive at 1421. Then tour around friday afternoon, saturday. Sunday I'm right back on a train again. This time to Rome, where there will be so much to do and see that I need to try to fit into about 3/3.5 days!! I wonder if I can do it without freaking out!?

Vienna

So day one in Vienna was an interesting day
My first night here I made some new friends from Canada (former Albertian) and from Holland!

Yesterday we went to the Technical Museum as it was raining (and forecasted to rain the rest of this week) for the morning. We walked down town to find lunch, and stumbled accross a demonstration to the parliment building, so We go and have a tour of the parliment building today (assuming there are no demostrations).

Basicly for the resst of the day, we came back to the hostel, played cards, talked.

This is looking to be a very relaxing city (good thing too, because Venice and Rome will keep me going hard)

That is about it for Day one in Vienna. I leave for Venice on Friday on an 0730 train, and I am not really close to the train station, so we shall see how it works out! (fingers crossed, and I'll make it!)

Home in: 8 Days (wow)

Thoughts from the Train

June 22, 2009

The time now is 1530, I have been riding the rails for about 7 hours now. Its really given me a long time to think, and all that I can think about is my sisters text/e-mail she sent me. " we're at swisschallete for fathers day dinnner, im having a salad. like always. and a shirly temple. and i relized how much i miss you. no one will eat my cherry =( . . . .just wanted to let you know. =) hope france is going well! Love you!" and how I'm off in the big scary world ALONE. Right now it’s kind of scary, but I know I will have a blast and that once I get out and keep my mind busy it will be ok. But that is really hard when your sitting on a train waiting to get to that place that will keep you busy. I have another 4 hours left before I arrive in Vienna, Austria from Utrecht, Holland. Before now I have been hanging out with Pip and her family and friends so I have really felt alone. I know I can get through the next 10 days, but it feels like a daunting task.
Alex I'm sorry I didn't reply but I REALLY MISS YOU TOO!!!!

On the brighter side the country side at 200km/h is really nice! Whether I'm in Germany, or Austria right now I have no idea. There isn't exactly "Welcome to Germany" or "Welcome to Austria" signs on the tracks.

On Saturday, I met Pip and Christal at the Utrecht Train station and we went to Pip's friends house where we would stay for that night and last night. Christal's other friend from Denmark was to meet us there. That night we Tried to drive into Amsterdam. I use tried not because we got lost, but because the only weekend we were there they decide to shut down the highway for maintenance. Anyways we went home and tried it again in the morning. This time we took the train, and Pip was suppose to meet us in Amsterdam but was meeting a few friends instead so it was just the 3 of us. Amsterdam was fun we took a canal cruise, learnt about some of the house's, toured the Anne Frank House, and walked through the infamous Red Light District, which was more eerie then Paris' because in Amsterdam Prostitution is Legal, and although smoking weed is not, it is "tolerated" so prostitutes and weed everywhere.
And as before see Paris for the clarification.

I am only in Vienna until the 25 where I train it to Venice on the Friday (26) and then train to Rome on the Sunday (28), until July 1 then Night train to Zurich to arrive on the 2nd and fly home home on the 3rd :)

I love traveling, but its just a little overwhelming alone, so I do wish I had a close friend or family member with. But it will be ok, this is a historical and soul searching trip, and already I feel like a better person, and a stronger person because of it!

Vimy Ridge

Today I left Paris destened for the WWI battle grounds.

I arrived in Arras (small town north of Paris) I was looking for a bus to get me there, as I had heard that they had a few going there. After talking to the bus guy (who spoke no english and me trying as hard as hell to understand him and desipher the words coming out) I went to a bus station, talked to all the bus drivers (who spoke little english) and they all said that this is the wrong bus go back to the bus depot where after the bus guy told me that is where I needed to be. So after getting the run around by the bus drivers, and some of the a hotel information people. I finally gave up on the bus, and had to splurge for a taxi if I wanted to see it today. It cost 21. 20 Euro from the train station to the park (a total of about 12km).

At the Monument (which I believe is considered Canadian Soil because it is a chunk of land donated to the Canadian People by the French Government. The Office of Veteran's and Foregin Affirs, runs and maintains the park. and all the Staff there are on work contracts from Canada!!
The staff I met today were from Ontario, Quebec, BC. and they all were very nice, and great to meet some new friendly Canadian faces.

After I had seen the Monument (which was very moving; after seeing the landscape, and the monument, and what had happened and the symbolism behind it I had to hold back tears!!)
It was very nice, White Limestone made up the monument, with the angels embracing the fallen to heaven, the tomb of the unknown soldiers, with the weeping mother waiting for her son to come home, above the tomb. The road leading to the parking lot is bordered by full flourishing maple trees, while in the back ground the shell trenched ground and trees only grow leaves on the top. I toke a tour of the trenches, and the tunnel they have how the battalions would sleep and the trenchs where allied and axis no-mans-land met within 25 metres.
Even with my decription, I can't give this place enough justice, if you are ever in France, this is a must see to all Canadians.

After leaving the Memorial park, I caught a train to Lille where I am spending the night and catching another train tomorrow morning to Utrecht, Holland, where I shall met Pip and her friend again and go around see a little bit of Holland, before I go on an 11 hour day train journy to Vienna on Monday.

I believe as of now: Home in 14 days!!
still I love traveling, but I can't wait to come home and sleep in my own bed, and not live out of my backpack, and just relax without feeling pressured to get up to catch a train, plane or automobile, sleep in (because I am exhausted, but I have to keep going. Maybe Utrecht will let me recharge my batteries)

Paris (cont)

Okay, I've been slipping a bit... but in My defence, I was out all day seeing the sights, and when I got back to the Hostel I crashed.

Addendum to Day: 1

It was pouring down rain. After seeing the Louvre, went met Pip (she had been up all night from her "undate") and went for a coffee. Then went to see the Pantheon (where great minds like Rousseau, and Voltaire are buried) After Dinner we went for a walk throught the area where my Hostel was. We went to the Sacre Coure, strolled through the Red Light District, saw the Bal du Moulin Rouge (in the heart of the district), and the famous neighbourhood of Montmartre (where I was).

Some thing I wish to point out before I go on:

-my Hostel was NOT in the Red Light District

-we were NOT propositioned

-I had no idea that my Hostel was close to the district when I booked.

Jour: 2
In the Morning we took a walking tour of Paris. We we're shown around by an Australian guide who is studying in Paris. We saw the Eiffel tower, the Arc Du Triomphe, the Louvre, the Notre Dame, and learnt about the statues in the city.

In the afternoon we walked down to see the Arc du Triomphe and the round-a-bout that surrounds it (on average there is a collision every 30min, and insurance won't cover you in that incident).


After going back to Pip's family's appartment we had dinner, and went back to the Arc at sunset to watch the lights come on, and see a beautiful Paris Sunset. After the Sun had set we walked down to see the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower is so much better lit up.



Jour: 3

Today Myself and Mr/Mrs. Weeks went to the Palace of Varsilles (not spelt right, but hard to spell). We toured throught the Palace, saw the Kings chambers, the Queen's Chambers, the Doulphin house, had lunch in the ENORMOUS gardens.

Jour: 4

For my last day in Paris, went to the Catacombs, inside the Notre Dame, the Opera House (where the Phantom of the Opera is based out of), shopping, and just tried to have a somewhat relaxing day, before Pip's friend Christal from Australia came to stay with them. That night Myself and the two Aussi's made pizza and garlic bread, while the couple went out for an anivarsiry dinner. After our dinner we went sat by the Eiffel Tower and just chilled for an hour before we came back because we we're absolutly exhausted, from everything over the last 4 days.

That was my time in Paris: Tomorrow (well today since I'm writting it now) Vimy Ridge and the Canadian War Memorial!

Jour 1 Paris

Paris:

Jour: 1, Nuit: 2

This is going back a few days, but trying to make a post for each day. On Monday in Paris Myself, and Mr, & Mrs Weeks (Pip's parents) toke a tour of the Royal Muesse Du Louvre!!

I saw the Mona Lisa, the Cover of coldplays new ablum (the _________ of Medusa)

I saw the Venus Du Milo

It was the biggest, and most crowded museum I have been too!!

Then we took a walk down to La Notre Dame.

Paris is absolutly Beautiful,

tomorrow's Adventure: Eiffel Tower, Arc Du Triomphe, "free" walking tour,

City of Lights

Paris: Nuit un.

I CAN'T FRIGEN BELIEVE I'M IN PARIS!!!!!

but the trip here was almost a nightmear!!!

First we can't find a reservation on the train, so we miss our train to Bern and eventually to Bassel to meet Pip's parents.

Then we catch the train to Brig and then a train to Geneva, the train breaks down in Montreux and we are stuck for 30min then another train comes to replace it, but we miss that because Pip needed credit for her phone to keep in touch with her parents. We then catch a train to Geneva just run to the France platforms, and just make a train to Paris, no reservations! (lucky they did have some seats available or we would have stood in the luggage area for the 5 hour trip)

We finally make it to Paris!!!!! at 1700hours. Pips parents ended up going through Bassel to Paris and met us at their rental appartment. I am at a hostel about (I've counted it) 2 metro lines, and 13 stations from them!!

I have seen the paris underground more then I have seen the sights. But that will soon change tomorrow, when we do a walking tour tomorrow morning, and then see all the cool sights!!

I STILL CAN'T FRIGEN BELIEVE I'M IN PARIS

It was really hard to say goodbye to everyone today! and make sure we got everyone. But the new shorties are going to have an awesome time and a very busy one to!!

Not much more to report about tonight, will try to keep everyone up to date as the days go on!!
Home in 20 days! =O

Here We Are, At The End.

"Here we are, At the End, say goodbye, To all your friends, Here We Go, Watching the sun go down, sitting on roof tops, make the time stop, I never want to come back down."
- Theory of A Deadman (Album: Scars and Souviners 2008)

of Yesterday (June 12, 2009) my Spring Season at Kandersteg has officially come to an end *tear tear cry cry*

We had to hand in our keys, Polo shirt, and pants. We had a giant meeting where we discussed the season as a group, the highs and lows, a sad ending to the working season. Last night for a final goodbye the Spring shorties, went to the bar with the long term staff, and then most of us off to High Moon for the disco. As of right now, Rakel (IS) and David (RU) are on the train home, with about 4 more leaving today. I leave kandersteg tomorrow, and depart for Paris with Pip and her family! I'm really exicted to see Europe yet really nervous because I won't really have a home out here anymore.

As the season came to an end, we had Staff Day Out (Wednesday June 10, 2009). Where all the staff had a day out filled with fun, and excitment. In the morning we went White Water Rafting on a class 3 river, then drove to Interlaken where we had lunch, and toured a chocolate factory which was dilicious, and informative. For a short break before we back to the chalet we had ice cream across the street at a fancy hotel, on their rooftop restraunt, And to top it all off we had an amazing 3 course dinner at the Doldenhorn hotel in Kandersteg (*****). Where we had a few speeches, some awards of the season ( I got Most Canadian out of the 4 here, which is a good thing.... I think). Then just for us, one of the bars was opened up, so it was a good day for everyone.

On Thursday almost all the shorties, had the morning off. Then it was mandatory to work in the afternoon, because we had to be packed, and out of our staff rooms, by 14oohrs. At 1400hrs we started work on Deep Cleaning our rooms, and bathroom. So until Sunday, the Canadian Room is my new home.

This will be my last posting from KISC, but while traveling I will try to give regular updates on places and events. But no promises (Subject to cost and availibility of internet connection).

Kander-Lodge Openning Weekend

The the time that everyone has worked so hard, and stressed so much over has finally come and gone....

The Kander-lodge openning weekend.

As of friday we were on a special Rota, where everyone was everywhere.

Mine was as follows:
Friday: 0700hrs start in Catering (set up for breakfast) till 1300hrs 2 hour break then shop at 1500hrs till 1700hrs, and back to catering at 1700hrs. We had a special meat fundue for the Members, and Work Party. I didn`t end up finishing till about 2100/2200hrs.

Saturday: House/Special. 0800 start. So daily cleaning but carrying the house phone for if Gillan (Guest Service Director) for any "special" projects that needs doing. As I'm daily cleaning, I get called to do check outs, check-ins, and Gillian a few times for some projects. Daily cleaning and other stuff took forever to finish. I had a 1 hour "break" for lunch, where I ate lunch, and then got called into a special meeting for the BBQ Dinner after lunch. Director Mark needed the people who haven't showered or shaved to do it at lunch to look nice for the party. I didn't really have any time after the meeting but raced to have a quick shower and shave and then back to work. After lunch it was back to house, FINALLY finished daily cleaning, and some other tasks, then over to Gillian at 1400hrs to set up for Apero Service. Almost everyone at 15oo had time to change and get ready for the opening at 1600hrs. Except me, I finished setting up for Apero then listened to speaches from the Chair of the Members Committee, from the World Bureau, and the Swiss Scout Commission. Then outside for the sign unvailing, and back to work. The Apero finished at 1700hrs, then Race over the BBQ to help finishing setting up, and serve, and refill the grill for the cooks. For the BBQ we had rain, cold heavy rain. I had no coat, or sweater, only a t-shirt becuase I had no time to grab one. The BBQ was finished at 1900hrs with everyone soaked, and freezing. I finally had time to have a short break, before I was suppose to be at the opening party. The openning was good, we had the bar going, a local Band which was really good. The Pinkies partied till midnight dancing and having a great openning party.

Sunday: We were expected to work after the party to help clean up. The schedule said till 0100 hours, but we finished at 0030 hours and booked it over to the High Moon Pub, where they had a Disco that night. That was the closest thing I have had to clubbing in 3 months. We are so ready to party we stayed till 0300hrs, and came back to the centre. Six hours later we started work. Today I was on Members Programme. My duty was to take the Members on a walk to Ochinnesee take the gondola up the mountain, do the Rollarbahn (which was AWESOME) and just be a good ambassador to the centre. It was a nice somewhat relaxing end to the weekend, so I thought. Most of the members after lunch wanted to go for a hike up the mountain and back to the gondola, I went with them. It was a nice walk, steep in parts but a better view of the lake. I returned to the Centre at 1600hrs, Tom (Programme Manager) told me to have an hours rest then back to the Programme Office for some other work. After the break I was told to do some Geocacheing, or place one of the Programmes caches after working out the activity which the scouts had to do to get the coordinates for the location of the cache. At this point it was almost 1800 and the GPS was playing up, so I left it and went to dinner.

Sunday was Dave's (STS) and Mike's (Grounds Asst.) 20th birthday. Dave was having a Sauna with BYOB, I was planning on attending, but watching a movie I passed out on the couch. I ending up going to bed, and sleeping about 11hours. It was really nice, except waking up this morning was hard. I have this afternoon off. As a surprise from Mark for all the hard work this past weekend.

I am still exhausted from this past weekend, and think I might go have a nap latter this afternoon.