European Discovery 2011

I promised to write about my European Adventure and yes, I realize this is VERY late, but better late than never. Here goes….

Europe was amazing! Granted I did an express tour of 8 countries (England, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Vatican City, Switzerland, France) in 14 jam packed days; I still feel like I did everything I wanted to do in each respective place…except I didn’t get to shop as much as I would have liked…go figure.

Here are some of my highlights:

London, England:

• I saw: London Eye, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abby
• Partied it up with local friends (Abacus and Shaka Zulu)
• Shopped (WOO HOO to London Fashion, LOVE!)

Amsterdam, Netherlands:

• Went to a sex show… YEAH that’s right!
• Wondered through the red-light district (actually quite awkward)
• Visited the Anne Frank museum

Rhine Valley, Germany:

• Visited a 17^th century Wine Cellar for a wine tasting
• Saw many castles that the Rhine is known for
• Drove by Loreley Rock

17^th century Wine Cellar

V pretending she knows how to ride a bike

Munich, Germany:

• Bike tour of the city with Canadian Flavour (tour guides from Vancouver)
• Visited a Beer Garden and drank a Shandy (me naw like beer!)

Austrian Tyrol, Austia:

• Went zorbing (like a hamster in a ball)
• Played volleyball on the beach
• Visited Swarovski Crystal World

Venice, Italy:

• Did a walking tour of the floating city and shopped
• Had Champaign on a gondola ride
• Had a venetian FEAST for dinner

Carefully trying to pour

Rome, Italy:

• Did the Vatican tour
• Visited the Trevi fountain (made wishes)
• Went to the Colosseum and the Spanish Steps

Florence, Italy:

• Learn about Florence's leather craft with a demonstration
• Saw the statue of David, AMAZING!
• Visited the Santa Maria del Fiore before heading out to a delicious Tuscan Dinner
• Partied the night away at the Space Electronic Disco

Santa Maria del Fiore

Lucerne, Switzerland:

• Stayed at a Jailhouse Hotel (mad creepy yet fun)
• Walked across Wooden Chapel Bridge in Lucerne (before being scared shitless by locals)
• Tried to enjoy the “view”… or lack thereof of Lion Monument

Actual Picture we took of Wooden Chapel Bridge

Top of the Eiffel Tower

Paris, France:

• Went to the Louvre and saw the Mona Lisa
• Went to the TOP of the Eiffel Tower
• Visited and purchased a perfume from a French perfumery
• Drove by the Arc de Triomphe and shopped on Champs Elysees
• Had a Parisian dinner with my lovely cousin who lives and works in Paris

While in Europe, I learned a lot about culture and history but I also learned a lot of ‘random’ interesting things while I was there. Here are some of the many ‘random’ interesting’ things I learned in no particular order.

Top 10 things I learned in Europe: 

1. Brown girls are stank all around the world (as per my previous blog post)

2. People from New Zealand are often referred to as “Kiwi’s” (Bird)

3. Contrary to popular belief, we as North American’s DO have accents. We sound like the people in Hollywood movies

4. Italian men have swagger, regardless of age

5. Not all British people have horrible teeth!

6. Roman men generally smell of B.O

7. Pizza served at “Pizza Pizza” is a disgrace to authentic Italian Pizza

8. Aussie’s pronounce the word aluminum- A-L-U-M-I-N-I-U-M. SO weird!

9. Regardless of where in the world I travel, I will encounter and Indian man trying to sell me shit on the streets (don’t believe them when they say they’re just giving you flowers bc they think you’re pretty :@)

10.  Summers in Europe aren’t always hot

Beer Garden

Overall, I really enjoyed my trip. I went with one of my best friends, and we’re still friends after spending all that time together- now that’s true love! I met amazing people from all over the world that I am still in touch with. I got to experience all the touristy things I wanted to, and will surely go back to many of the countries I visited.

I would COMPLETELY recommend Contiki if you’re considering it. It really takes the planning out of your trip if you want, but also allows you flexibility if you’re the type who wants to do your own thing. The bus driver and Tour Guides are very knowledgeable and helpful, and really just help make your trip easy and stress-free. Big shout outs to all my Contiki people. Especially A.W, G.F! Also to Nick Boyes for being the BEST tour Guide ever!!

Last thing, the song “Glad you came” by the Wanted was the Euro-Tune of summer 2011. Get with it Radio stations.

<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiEEJds8JFE>

European Discover August 2011