After laying out on the grassy knol for a few hours, I realized that I severely burned the back of my legs- mainly in the knee-pit area. What did I expect? I'm in Spain for God's sakes, I was fairly dehydrated, I'm in the company of one of the most tanned people I know, or have ever known, and some how I figured that this was the day that laying in the sun would result in a glorious, golden tan (I had enough insight to lay on my stomach because I thought I had had enough sun on my face and shoulders that day).
We continued to wander aimlessly in Barcelona, checking out markets again- can never see too many beaded necklaces, and walking cane widdled out of drift wood. Barcelona is home to an Architect/designer/Artist named Gaudi who designed all these bazaaro but really cool looking buildings. Em and I took a long walk to find some of them. The final stop was the Gaudi Cathedral- an amazing gigantic church that looks like its melting kind of. It has been under construction since the early 1900 and won't be done until about 2020. Crazy bones.
Well Emily was out of Barcelona the wee hours of the morning so it was decided that instead of paying for a hostel for herself she should stay up all night and take the bus to the airport at 3am. Well really it turned into us having dinner and then both falling asleep in my bunk in my room in the hostel until 2. Emily left then and I continued to sleep. Alas, it was the end of the Emily European adventure with me.
Not to worry though i was headed to Madrid in the morning, and who knows what was awaiting me there. Actually, who did know? Not me certainly, I had no idea what there was in Madrid, I just booked the flight because it was free.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Tapas(out)
Right so Barcelona + Rach & Em = awesome.
We spent the first full day there wisely, mainly hanging out on the beach. We found these concrete seat things to lay on and lucky for us they were Right in front of a big jungle gym looking thing that was actually a big work out place on the beach. Now by work out place, I really do mean children's jungle gym that had been held captive by a number of older, very tanned gentlemen in speedos doing lunges and jumping jacks.
This treat to the sense was more then anyone could ask for, but alas we were blessed with more stimulation when one senior in a white booty short number really got into a set of chin ups. He then worked his way into hanging upside down from the chin-up bar (aka portion of monkey-bars) and attempting some sort of aerial crunch. You may think to yourself isn't that dangerous? Well don't you worry he was wearing his running shoes with large black tube socks the whole time so his feet were protected the whole time.
After I got a few work out ideas from the Jungle-stud-gym, we wandered around looking at some of the markets and kiosks and such. Got a couple cool things, you know the usual, fresh fruit, friendship bracelets, leather Austin power-ish boots.
That night our hostel was putting on a tapas and flamingo night so Em and i decided to join in this adventure. So basically us, a group of Aussie guys, a couple Aussie girls, two 'my new haircuts' from Miami, and a gangely,-fanny pack-enthusiast German were headed out to discover some Spanish classics. First stop tapas. Tapas= not enough food considering they are giving away sangria at the same time for €1 each. Good times none the less. Got chatting with a few of the other people on the adventure. Em got cornered by a man name Danny; from Germany, wore a fanny pack (we nick named him Fanny Danny). Description of this guy- he was probably originally cast to play Foggle in Superbad, but then they decided not to give him the part because he was a bit too awkward.
Next, Flamingo! Head into a small little club with a little stage. A few musicians take the stage and sit down with a singer. She starts singing, or was she just stabbed? The face she made while singing would lead you to believe the latter. Her singing however was quite good, and the guitaring and such was good. What we could not figure out was what a younger gentleman was doing on stage with them- ah I see he was resident clapper- trained for years. Well a few minutes in our worlds were rocked by the dancing. A middle aged looking woman came out on stage with what I would describe as a standard flamingo look: tight black dress with polka dots on flared skirt bottom, slicked back black hair with very important slick-to-face-curl-sideburns. She moved crazy. That's all i can say.
We moved on to an Irish pub where everyone decided it was a good idea to take a chalkboard with all the shots on it and try all of them. Em and I left there early and spent some time sitting on the side of the road. Really just getting to know ourselves a little better- soul searching if you will. The next day was spent lying face down on a grassy knol.
We spent the first full day there wisely, mainly hanging out on the beach. We found these concrete seat things to lay on and lucky for us they were Right in front of a big jungle gym looking thing that was actually a big work out place on the beach. Now by work out place, I really do mean children's jungle gym that had been held captive by a number of older, very tanned gentlemen in speedos doing lunges and jumping jacks.
This treat to the sense was more then anyone could ask for, but alas we were blessed with more stimulation when one senior in a white booty short number really got into a set of chin ups. He then worked his way into hanging upside down from the chin-up bar (aka portion of monkey-bars) and attempting some sort of aerial crunch. You may think to yourself isn't that dangerous? Well don't you worry he was wearing his running shoes with large black tube socks the whole time so his feet were protected the whole time.
After I got a few work out ideas from the Jungle-stud-gym, we wandered around looking at some of the markets and kiosks and such. Got a couple cool things, you know the usual, fresh fruit, friendship bracelets, leather Austin power-ish boots.
That night our hostel was putting on a tapas and flamingo night so Em and i decided to join in this adventure. So basically us, a group of Aussie guys, a couple Aussie girls, two 'my new haircuts' from Miami, and a gangely,-fanny pack-enthusiast German were headed out to discover some Spanish classics. First stop tapas. Tapas= not enough food considering they are giving away sangria at the same time for €1 each. Good times none the less. Got chatting with a few of the other people on the adventure. Em got cornered by a man name Danny; from Germany, wore a fanny pack (we nick named him Fanny Danny). Description of this guy- he was probably originally cast to play Foggle in Superbad, but then they decided not to give him the part because he was a bit too awkward.
Next, Flamingo! Head into a small little club with a little stage. A few musicians take the stage and sit down with a singer. She starts singing, or was she just stabbed? The face she made while singing would lead you to believe the latter. Her singing however was quite good, and the guitaring and such was good. What we could not figure out was what a younger gentleman was doing on stage with them- ah I see he was resident clapper- trained for years. Well a few minutes in our worlds were rocked by the dancing. A middle aged looking woman came out on stage with what I would describe as a standard flamingo look: tight black dress with polka dots on flared skirt bottom, slicked back black hair with very important slick-to-face-curl-sideburns. She moved crazy. That's all i can say.
We moved on to an Irish pub where everyone decided it was a good idea to take a chalkboard with all the shots on it and try all of them. Em and I left there early and spent some time sitting on the side of the road. Really just getting to know ourselves a little better- soul searching if you will. The next day was spent lying face down on a grassy knol.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Travels and Tribulations
Off to Barcelona to with me on a flight around 3. This flight was hilarious because they announced about half way through the flight that they would be selling smokes on the flight that could be smoked then. I actually was like was the shite. I have never heard of this in my life- only in Italy would this be even remotely possible. Alright so I'm so so on guard about this, pretty well ready to flip out when the guy comes out and explains to some people keen on the idea. What these things actually are, are sticks that look like cigarettes, but you don't light them you just put it on your mouth or whatever and nicotine seeps into your body through your lips. I was laughing so hard by this point. The best part was that it cost 6€ for two of these bad boys. Everything about these things screamed rehab.
After a long flight and quick cab ride to the hostel I was in Barcelona, and reunited with EMILY! Amazing! So I got there about 1130pm, so obviously we went own to Los Ramblas for a pitcher of Sangria. After so much chat and a whole lot of laughter we headed back to the hostel was some rest.
Em and I were in different rooms so I went back to mine, and by this time it was about 2 so I really tried hard not too make any noise and wake my neighbours. Well apparently it didn't matter because at about 5am two guys came in and were chatting rather loud. this was annoying however they weren't done yet. One of them dragged a table across the ground, while the other sang a little song. This was so maddening however the last straw was when one of them threw up all over the floor. I love hostels. Don't worry though when they were sleeping at 10 the next day I slammed a bunch of stuff around and had a spontaneous coughing fit.
After a long flight and quick cab ride to the hostel I was in Barcelona, and reunited with EMILY! Amazing! So I got there about 1130pm, so obviously we went own to Los Ramblas for a pitcher of Sangria. After so much chat and a whole lot of laughter we headed back to the hostel was some rest.
Em and I were in different rooms so I went back to mine, and by this time it was about 2 so I really tried hard not too make any noise and wake my neighbours. Well apparently it didn't matter because at about 5am two guys came in and were chatting rather loud. this was annoying however they weren't done yet. One of them dragged a table across the ground, while the other sang a little song. This was so maddening however the last straw was when one of them threw up all over the floor. I love hostels. Don't worry though when they were sleeping at 10 the next day I slammed a bunch of stuff around and had a spontaneous coughing fit.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Two Scoops
Day two I was going to actually get off the bus and explore a few of these places. I walked around teh coleseum, went in teh Pantheon, and got so many tourist pics it was great. I was exausted by 3 and came back to the hostel for a nap until 5, had some dinner then wanted to see af ew of the big sights by ngiht. I convinved a guy from the hostel to come with me to avoid mugging, so we hopped the metro and went to Teravi fountain. Incredible.
Of course in Italy you have to have Gelato so we went for one of those. Well let me tell you, I was wearing a grey sweat pant material dress- we're talking minimal shape, borderline un-attractive, however comfortable and good for 40 degree weather. Well apparently this dress is hot stuff because the Italian man at the gelato place asked where I was from, said he loved it there, I was beautiful, I had a nice body, and gave me my ice creamm for free. Well as if I wasn't uncomfortable enough, he then asked me if my boobs were real. I acutally laughed right in his face and then bolted. Its a good thing that cone was so good so I forgot about that- until a police officer said Oh la la to me today. I can't catch a break.
Today I saw basically everything you should see when you come to Rome. I went in the Colosseo, the Roman Forum and St. Peter in Chains Basilica. then I went to Vatican city and saw the sisteen Chapel and unfortunatly for me my brain is mush because it has been blown too many times here in Rome.
Don't worry though everyone I'm on my way to Barcelona tomorrow to mett Emily and I'm sure we'll do a lot of education things and reconstruct my brain- or lay on teh beach and drinkl wine.
Of course in Italy you have to have Gelato so we went for one of those. Well let me tell you, I was wearing a grey sweat pant material dress- we're talking minimal shape, borderline un-attractive, however comfortable and good for 40 degree weather. Well apparently this dress is hot stuff because the Italian man at the gelato place asked where I was from, said he loved it there, I was beautiful, I had a nice body, and gave me my ice creamm for free. Well as if I wasn't uncomfortable enough, he then asked me if my boobs were real. I acutally laughed right in his face and then bolted. Its a good thing that cone was so good so I forgot about that- until a police officer said Oh la la to me today. I can't catch a break.
Today I saw basically everything you should see when you come to Rome. I went in the Colosseo, the Roman Forum and St. Peter in Chains Basilica. then I went to Vatican city and saw the sisteen Chapel and unfortunatly for me my brain is mush because it has been blown too many times here in Rome.
Don't worry though everyone I'm on my way to Barcelona tomorrow to mett Emily and I'm sure we'll do a lot of education things and reconstruct my brain- or lay on teh beach and drinkl wine.
Isn't it Rome-Anttics
Well I hopped on a flight to Rome on Sunday morning. And by hopped on I mean that I had to get up at 4am, walk to the bus stop and wait there for an airport bus then get on my flight at 6:30. Waiting at the bus stop meant standing in a down pour of rain. Thank you Scotland, thanks big guy. Anywyas I got to Rome at 10 and then had to hop a bus to get to the city and my hostel.
First impressions of Rome- looked a lot like Mexico. I was astonished- palm trees, huge dirt patches, graffiti EVERYWHERE, and some speratic garbage piles. I was actually thinking to myself is Rome actually like the Sixth sense of cities: everyone has heard its amazing and then you actually get there and everyone has kept the big finale a secret that its actually a dump. Now before you go telling everyone that I said Rome was a dump you have to read further.
I had to get another bus to my hostel. I wrote the dirrections wrong of course and did a full lap on this bad boy. I lookeed cool doing it too with my huge back pack and hoodie I was sporting in 30 degree weather. so I ended up finding myt hostel and setting up shop by noon. Really cute hostel, small but everyone is really nice.
I decided since I got my ass out of bed so early I mine as well take advantage of a full first day in Rome. So far still thinking that Rome is still a pile that everyone has jsut decided to keep quiet about, but I go to the train station where there are a bunch of hop on bus tours and I decide to hop on indeed. There are approximatly 1 billion different companies, but they all go to the same place. So I found a cheapish one and got on. I soon realized after paying that I had infact chosen a Christian tour of the city- why would I do that. No panic thoguh when you think about Rome's highlights are all Christian and so all the tour's are like Christian ones; no missing out there.
A few minutes into the tour we get out of skeez land Rome and things start looking up. Less graffiti, no garbage, and the buildings are staring to look like what I had imagined. I went around for a bit and sight-saw: vatican city, the coleseum, the roman forum, the Teravi fountain, Circus maximo, so many things, a lot of which were created in B.C. time- my mind exploded.
First impressions of Rome- looked a lot like Mexico. I was astonished- palm trees, huge dirt patches, graffiti EVERYWHERE, and some speratic garbage piles. I was actually thinking to myself is Rome actually like the Sixth sense of cities: everyone has heard its amazing and then you actually get there and everyone has kept the big finale a secret that its actually a dump. Now before you go telling everyone that I said Rome was a dump you have to read further.
I had to get another bus to my hostel. I wrote the dirrections wrong of course and did a full lap on this bad boy. I lookeed cool doing it too with my huge back pack and hoodie I was sporting in 30 degree weather. so I ended up finding myt hostel and setting up shop by noon. Really cute hostel, small but everyone is really nice.
I decided since I got my ass out of bed so early I mine as well take advantage of a full first day in Rome. So far still thinking that Rome is still a pile that everyone has jsut decided to keep quiet about, but I go to the train station where there are a bunch of hop on bus tours and I decide to hop on indeed. There are approximatly 1 billion different companies, but they all go to the same place. So I found a cheapish one and got on. I soon realized after paying that I had infact chosen a Christian tour of the city- why would I do that. No panic thoguh when you think about Rome's highlights are all Christian and so all the tour's are like Christian ones; no missing out there.
A few minutes into the tour we get out of skeez land Rome and things start looking up. Less graffiti, no garbage, and the buildings are staring to look like what I had imagined. I went around for a bit and sight-saw: vatican city, the coleseum, the roman forum, the Teravi fountain, Circus maximo, so many things, a lot of which were created in B.C. time- my mind exploded.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Adios Edinburgh
Alright so that last week I was chilling out in Edinburgh still. Doing lots of things that I didn't get to do. I took a tour of Mary King's Close- a hokey historical type tour with ghost stories and the whole lot. It was quite fun actually. Well I had fun, however the girl who screamed and cried through the whole thing seemed to think other wise. It was outrageous actually the panic this kid was expressing. It was underground, so fair enough a bit creepy, however there were no jump out things or ghosts walking around. Listen up parents. When your kid is crying when you enter the first room of a tour and panicking so much that the tour guide gives her a flashlight so she doesn't pass out in fear, you should probably re-consider the tour. Maybe Lego land would be better suiting- or I know how about a little trip to the doctor's to get some tranquilizers or a little sedation.
Anyways I also walked about the Parliament and had some good days with a few friends that was really really great. Yesterday it was quite nice so I was walking around with my roomies on our way to some paddling pools (I'm an avid paddler now), and had to walk through the grass market, a place lined with pubs. It was quite packed even though it was only noon, I think the nice weather had something to do with it. Quite a few of the pubs had big groups of guys outside the doors. one particular group was actually singing The Live aid 'feed the world' Christmas Carol while one of the group barfed everywhere. No one panic though, he cleaned up on his sleeve and only one of his mates saw (except be and my eagle eyes).
Just a classy memory to keep in mind while I head to Rome tomorrow!!
Anyways I also walked about the Parliament and had some good days with a few friends that was really really great. Yesterday it was quite nice so I was walking around with my roomies on our way to some paddling pools (I'm an avid paddler now), and had to walk through the grass market, a place lined with pubs. It was quite packed even though it was only noon, I think the nice weather had something to do with it. Quite a few of the pubs had big groups of guys outside the doors. one particular group was actually singing The Live aid 'feed the world' Christmas Carol while one of the group barfed everywhere. No one panic though, he cleaned up on his sleeve and only one of his mates saw (except be and my eagle eyes).
Just a classy memory to keep in mind while I head to Rome tomorrow!!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Arthur's Feat
So I climbed Arthur's Seat the other day. I tell you this because I've been wanting to do this basically since it stopped being unbearably cold so the fact that I finally did it is about time. So my adventure began by checking the weather outside- good news it was neither overcast or pouring down so things were different then usual weather here. So sun for me means another step to the day- sunscreen on my pasty white limbs. And then I set out
Arthur's seat is a big hiking hill just beside the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace that overlooks the whole city. there are a number of different trails, but I mainly wanted to go straight to the top. I chose the path I thought would get me there and set out. Well I chose this steep-ass outrageous trail that I walked for about 20 minutes when I reached the end of it it was a bout half way up. No good. SO I set out on another trail- success. In no time at all I found myself at the top and took it upon myself to sit there for about a half an hour. It was beautiful and I of course took a personal photo shoot- results: hideous.
After that I headed down the royal mile to partake in one of my favorite activities now that I have time on my hands in Edinburgh: watching busker shows. Or as I like to call it 'Hobo Motivation Hour'. There are more then usual because the fringe festival is coming up and its crazy with tourists. May favorite so far is a kid- probably about 17- who juggles. Fair enough man I can't juggle and I certainly don't have as cool of a hair style as he does with his faux-hawk with spindly long side burns gelled to stick out straight out to the sides. This kid juggles or whatever but if anyone heckles him he just stops his show and packs up. That's it- no more show. Has a little hissy-fit and packs up his stuff. Now I have seen him complete his show. Mainly juggling, terrible jokes, and then he gets two men from the audience, stands on there shoulders and proceeds to talk for about ten minutes (not exaggerating) about money that you should give him. Bit of a prick.
Going to Rome, Barcelona, and Madrid next week!
Arthur's seat is a big hiking hill just beside the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace that overlooks the whole city. there are a number of different trails, but I mainly wanted to go straight to the top. I chose the path I thought would get me there and set out. Well I chose this steep-ass outrageous trail that I walked for about 20 minutes when I reached the end of it it was a bout half way up. No good. SO I set out on another trail- success. In no time at all I found myself at the top and took it upon myself to sit there for about a half an hour. It was beautiful and I of course took a personal photo shoot- results: hideous.
After that I headed down the royal mile to partake in one of my favorite activities now that I have time on my hands in Edinburgh: watching busker shows. Or as I like to call it 'Hobo Motivation Hour'. There are more then usual because the fringe festival is coming up and its crazy with tourists. May favorite so far is a kid- probably about 17- who juggles. Fair enough man I can't juggle and I certainly don't have as cool of a hair style as he does with his faux-hawk with spindly long side burns gelled to stick out straight out to the sides. This kid juggles or whatever but if anyone heckles him he just stops his show and packs up. That's it- no more show. Has a little hissy-fit and packs up his stuff. Now I have seen him complete his show. Mainly juggling, terrible jokes, and then he gets two men from the audience, stands on there shoulders and proceeds to talk for about ten minutes (not exaggerating) about money that you should give him. Bit of a prick.
Going to Rome, Barcelona, and Madrid next week!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Frolicing In The Meadows
So traveling has stopped for the time being. I made my way back up to Edinburgh to chill for a couple weeks and take in some of the things I didn't get a chance to while I was working. It has been really really good. I've been staying with my friends Sarah and Claire and they are the best ever. Can't say enough how awesome they are!
Anywho, spending the days walking around has been pretty fun. There is a big place called The Meadows- basically a huge grassy knoll type where everyone goes when its the slightest bit warm. There is a big free pitch and putt at one end, then a few fields and pathways, and cricket pitches. Not going to lie when I say everyone goes down when its nice out I mean that everyone seems to go down there and drink until they can't stand up. Lots of people just having wine with picnics, or a beverage after work. But there are also a smattering of inebriated children and shady looking junkie types.
So I'd been going down in the evenings because there are usually a few cricket games being played and I thought I'd try and figure out what the shit the frigin game is all about. (I still have not a clue beyond clues how cricket works, even after numerous evenings of watching ancient men in white shuits run about). So I grabbed a bench off to the side and started watching one evening. A bit into my cricket stalking a group of sketch ass drunk people sit at the next bench. These people were really classy, four guys one girl. They were sharing a couple bottles of Buckfast (a real classy wine cider-ie-majorly-caffeine-shit-mix alcohol that is cheap as dirt and gets people really drunk so its often the choice for down on their luck alcoholics). The girl was yelling most of the time. Couple of the guys were talking about how funny it was that they had stolen a TV from a store a few days before and had to go back and steal the remote because they forgot it the first time around.
I was just minding my own business and watching the cricket. That was until the cricket ball got whacked my way. I went to throw it back and I have obviously been out of sports much too long because I managed to actually throw it directly in the direction of the dunk bench. Shit shit.
So the person who I almost took his head off with the ball was like what the hell so I did all I could and apologized profusely. Good news he was like no worries and just laughed. However Girl- who seemed most drunk- decided she had better come over and talk to me. Well her name was Jade and she had most of her teeth still. She was smoking weed and told me all about her boyfriend, who also came over to talk to me. He wasn't as lucky to have as many teeth as Jade but I told her she was very lucky to have him. She introduced herself, shook my hand, and gave me an unwelcomed kiss on the cheek. No good.
There friend came over as well to chat of course. (I also got a peck on the cheek from him, also not very welcome). He seemed the least pickled which was great. He decided to chat with me for some time, about many things, like his friends and how wasted they were, places to avoid in Edinburgh, slang he used as a Scottish person, where I'm from and how he wanted to go there for sure. So if you ever run into a slightly shady looking Scottish man named Bruce, my name is Sally and I'm from California.
Anywho, spending the days walking around has been pretty fun. There is a big place called The Meadows- basically a huge grassy knoll type where everyone goes when its the slightest bit warm. There is a big free pitch and putt at one end, then a few fields and pathways, and cricket pitches. Not going to lie when I say everyone goes down when its nice out I mean that everyone seems to go down there and drink until they can't stand up. Lots of people just having wine with picnics, or a beverage after work. But there are also a smattering of inebriated children and shady looking junkie types.
So I'd been going down in the evenings because there are usually a few cricket games being played and I thought I'd try and figure out what the shit the frigin game is all about. (I still have not a clue beyond clues how cricket works, even after numerous evenings of watching ancient men in white shuits run about). So I grabbed a bench off to the side and started watching one evening. A bit into my cricket stalking a group of sketch ass drunk people sit at the next bench. These people were really classy, four guys one girl. They were sharing a couple bottles of Buckfast (a real classy wine cider-ie-majorly-caffeine-shit-mix alcohol that is cheap as dirt and gets people really drunk so its often the choice for down on their luck alcoholics). The girl was yelling most of the time. Couple of the guys were talking about how funny it was that they had stolen a TV from a store a few days before and had to go back and steal the remote because they forgot it the first time around.
I was just minding my own business and watching the cricket. That was until the cricket ball got whacked my way. I went to throw it back and I have obviously been out of sports much too long because I managed to actually throw it directly in the direction of the dunk bench. Shit shit.
So the person who I almost took his head off with the ball was like what the hell so I did all I could and apologized profusely. Good news he was like no worries and just laughed. However Girl- who seemed most drunk- decided she had better come over and talk to me. Well her name was Jade and she had most of her teeth still. She was smoking weed and told me all about her boyfriend, who also came over to talk to me. He wasn't as lucky to have as many teeth as Jade but I told her she was very lucky to have him. She introduced herself, shook my hand, and gave me an unwelcomed kiss on the cheek. No good.
There friend came over as well to chat of course. (I also got a peck on the cheek from him, also not very welcome). He seemed the least pickled which was great. He decided to chat with me for some time, about many things, like his friends and how wasted they were, places to avoid in Edinburgh, slang he used as a Scottish person, where I'm from and how he wanted to go there for sure. So if you ever run into a slightly shady looking Scottish man named Bruce, my name is Sally and I'm from California.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Bonjour!
So I arrived in Paris and it was madness. Apparently the day I came was the longest day of the year and in Paris its celebrated with the Fete de musique and a huge festival. there is live music EVERYWHERE. it was the coolest thing. I checked in my hostel and then walked beside the canal near my hostel. It was unreal. I got a video of an old guy rocking out to a dj, people creating their own marching band in the street, and much impromptu dancing. One thing that really caught my attention was the attendance of a certain person in each of the groups of people I saw dancing around the various music events. This would be the "awkward old white guy" (AOWG for short). This guy was more then likely a tourist in each situation because all of the AWOG's I witnessed this night had either a large hat with awkward brim, or long neck covering, or some sort of man purse/ fanny pack combo strapped to his body. While I did in fact see at least four separate AWOG's during my exploration of Paris this night, my favorite had to be the one enjoying the traditional African music. He found it appropriate to go to the middle of the watching crowd and 'get his grove on' as I'm sure he would have described it. This guy actually put his fanny pack down and did some sort of pepper grinder dance to the African drumming- everyone really enjoyed it.
After that excellent introduction to the city I went for a tour the next day. So I saw all the good stuff: The louvre, Arch du Triumphe, and of course, the Eiffel tower. Really really cool to actually see all these things. Of course I went up the tower and saw the view. On the tour I met a few Aussie girls who were staying at the same hostel that I was staying at. Really great people. however, all the aussies Allie and I met seemed to be from Melbourne so we're pretty sure that there is no one left there.
Anyways these girls convinced me to go on a pub crawl with them, put on by one of the tour companies. So we headed out and met the guide- these guy basically just yelled a lot, liked to swear, and pretty well just spazed out constantly. Well the crawl was super fun and we made it out to quite a few pub and met tonnes of cool people. Basically the crawl is to show people places to go, gives people on the crawl drink specials, and then they give you some rancid shot for every drink you buy. The drink specials are some different weirdo cocktail at each bar followed by the free shot- which equals hang over city.
The next day I was traveling back to Scotland. To get home I had to take a forty minute trip on the metro, a hour long bus trip to the airport, an hour long flight, and then a hour long train. Alright then no problem. Step one metro- well this was going fine except for my whole 15kg backpack on my back that I had to stand up wearing through the whole forty minutes, meanwhile the heat and smells of the metro actually required me to focus and take deep breaths like no other so that I didn't hurl everywhere. Bus trip- went better right off the bat- I got a seat, and I got to sleep. No worries though, the rest of the trip went well as well. And Edinburgh had never looked so good!
After that excellent introduction to the city I went for a tour the next day. So I saw all the good stuff: The louvre, Arch du Triumphe, and of course, the Eiffel tower. Really really cool to actually see all these things. Of course I went up the tower and saw the view. On the tour I met a few Aussie girls who were staying at the same hostel that I was staying at. Really great people. however, all the aussies Allie and I met seemed to be from Melbourne so we're pretty sure that there is no one left there.
Anyways these girls convinced me to go on a pub crawl with them, put on by one of the tour companies. So we headed out and met the guide- these guy basically just yelled a lot, liked to swear, and pretty well just spazed out constantly. Well the crawl was super fun and we made it out to quite a few pub and met tonnes of cool people. Basically the crawl is to show people places to go, gives people on the crawl drink specials, and then they give you some rancid shot for every drink you buy. The drink specials are some different weirdo cocktail at each bar followed by the free shot- which equals hang over city.
The next day I was traveling back to Scotland. To get home I had to take a forty minute trip on the metro, a hour long bus trip to the airport, an hour long flight, and then a hour long train. Alright then no problem. Step one metro- well this was going fine except for my whole 15kg backpack on my back that I had to stand up wearing through the whole forty minutes, meanwhile the heat and smells of the metro actually required me to focus and take deep breaths like no other so that I didn't hurl everywhere. Bus trip- went better right off the bat- I got a seat, and I got to sleep. No worries though, the rest of the trip went well as well. And Edinburgh had never looked so good!
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