Going to Europe

[hillaas]

Ok, as i have mentioned a few times here before, Daniel and myself will both be leaving for Europe 2 days after christmas. We will be going with a school group performing music in 4 different countries.

I would like to know, what is there to see and do in the places we will be visiting and if you guys know anything about the towns or attractions we will be seing. Any advice and tips would also be greatly apprectated!

Here is our itinery.

Bangkok
Rome
Prato
Florence
Salzburg
Vienna
Paris
London
Bugbrooke


Any past stories, tips, places to go, things to see and people to do would all be great!

Thanks in advance,
-Andre

[Kylie eats dugong for tea]

you dont deserve to go to europe.

[Lowee]

burn the tickets

[dirty man]

i have no idead what there is to do in europe, never been there

[Lowee]

You'd better watch National Lampoons Europe Vacation, I'm sure its full of handy things to do when in Europe.

[AlinaPOW]

Woah, that's rad!
I hear the Eiffel Towers quite nice this time of year :p

London. Oh good god boy, you've gotta bring spending money to London! I've heard about all these awesome underground punk stores and stuff over there *drools*

[Lowee]

You could try and make a beefeater laugh, like Mr Bean did, theres 20 minutes of fun right there!

[hillaas]

I like the sound of underground punk stores. I'll have to go searching when i get there.

[Erik]

europe is calling my name, but only when i want to call it's name i will go :|

[Daniel]

lol some funny responses

[cdejonge]

I didn't know both of you were going. I can only comment on Rome. Too many dodgy beggars. Avoid wearing backpacks there if you can. If somebody seems like they are trying to give you directions, they probably want money or are trying to distract you so you can get mugged.

Buy your own water from supermarkets. They'll rip you off everywhere. Most places have no air conditioning. You may have to pay to use the toilets in some places.

In Rome this year we went to the Colossuem (only walked around it, would probably be nice to go inside), the Roman forum (I liked this, but it was very hot on the day - but I guess you're going in Winter), the Trevi Fountain (very nice, crowded but quick to see), the Spanish Steps (also very nice and close to Trevi), St Peter's and Sistene Chapel (arrive very early for this. We did St Peter's first, then lined up a bit for Sistene Chapel. For Sistene Chapel either line up very early or mid afternoon).

The Metro is excellent and cheap to travel around on. But be careful for dodgy people. Especially old grandmas with fake babies. If you want more info, let me know.

Trevi fountain:
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h121/cdejonge/Travel/East_Europe_2006/DSCN3423-Trevi_Fountain-small.jpg

Feel free to check out my other photos:
Europe 2006: http://s63.photobucket.com/albums/h121/cdejonge/Travel/East_Europe_2006/
Canada and Alaska 2005: http://s63.photobucket.com/albums/h121/cdejonge/Travel/Canada_Alaska_2005/

or anything else I have uploaded there.

[Sammas]

If you travel all the way to Italy and don't take the time to visit the Amalfi Coast you are ccccaaaaarraazzzzzy! Its possibly one of the most beautiful places on earth.

http://costieraamalfitana.italguide.com/Amalfi-Coast,-Campania,-Italy.jpg

[hillaas]

Thanks for the tips Cam. I'm sure i'll head off to a few of those places.

Actually, you aren't the first person to mention dodgy people and Gypsies in urope. I think i'll have to watch out when im walkin round the streets.

[hillaas]

Thaks also for the tip Sammas. That picture looks absolutely amazing! It would be so great to go and check out the towns on the Amalfi Coast. It ;ooks absolutely stunninG! Thanks for the tip and picture!

[cdejonge]

Awesome photo Sammy! My mum and dad liked it too. We did a 5 day Amalfi coast tour this year also. That's Positano yes? We have similar photos but not all of that in one shot. Spectacular!

[hillaas]

Thanks for the link to the pics Cam.
I'll have to have a look at all of them on friday when my internet speeds up again.


Hhaha. Liking this one VV

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h121/cdejonge/Travel/East_Europe_2006/DSCN3426-CAMIO-small.jpg

[Madtwins]

Hillaas!!! Fuck! Shit!! Feel so jealous!!!
How can it be - so many cities for a 2 days?

Go to th Camden Town in London!!!!! There are many uderground clothing! And Carnaby street also can be visited...

If we will be on you place we should go to the theatre in London - maybe Almeida theatre....
:confused: tell us when you back from your trip all details! Wish you luck!

[Sammas]

Awesome photo Sammy! My mum and dad liked it too. We did a 5 day Amalfi coast tour this year also. That's Positano yes? We have similar photos but not all of that in one shot. Spectacular!

I wish I could say it was my photo, but I borrowed it from the internet. My amateur photography doesn't come near doing the place justice. :o

Its an amazing part of the world... its almost overwhelming. Just stay off the roads, absolute nutcase horn happy drivers. We lost both wing mirrors off our hire car :eek:

[cdejonge]

haha, you're brave driving! We let the bus drivers do it for us :p

[hillaas]

Hillaas!!! Fuck! Shit!! Feel so jealous!!!
How can it be - so many cities for a 2 days?

Go to th Camden Town in London!!!!! There are many uderground clothing! And Carnaby street also can be visited...

If we will be on you place we should go to the theatre in London - maybe Almeida theatre....
:confused: tell us when you back from your trip all details! Wish you luck!

No, no, no. We leave 2 days AFTER Christmas and stay for 24 days.

We are going to see "We will rock you (http://www.queenonline.com/wewillrockyou/)" at the theatre in London (good thing i didn't end up seeing it in Australia) already so that should be good.

Thanks for the places for clothing girls! Much appreciated!

[Colezy]

I hate you Andre. Got room in the suitcase??

[hillaas]

If you are under 20kg!

[kyle_182]

ive been to paris, i cant remember what good things there are to check out but just basically go to all those tourist attractions, eiffel tower, luvre, arc de triumph those things are cool. you can also go to disney land there.

[AlinaPOW]

ive been to...

...Cities that never close down, from New York to Rome, and Old London Town.

[AlinaPOW]

In Rome this year we went to the Colossuem (only walked around it, would probably be nice to go inside), the Roman forum (I liked this, but it was very hot on the day - but I guess you're going in Winter), the Trevi Fountain (very nice, crowded but quick to see), the Spanish Steps (also very nice and close to Trevi), St Peter's and Sistene Chapel (arrive very early for this. We did St Peter's first, then lined up a bit for Sistene Chapel. For Sistene Chapel either line up very early or mid afternoon).



You only liked the Roman forum 'coz it had the word 'forum' in it.

[hillaas]

...Cities that never close down, from New York to Rome, and Old London Town.

Haha!

Were singing that song when were over there.

[cdejonge]

You going with family Andre? I'm guessing you're lucky and don't have to pay for any of this? :p

[hillaas]

Ok, as i have mentioned a few times here before, Daniel and myself will both be leaving for Europe 2 days after christmas. We will be going with a school group performing music in 4 different countries.


Mum and Dad are paying for it but all spending money comes out of my own pocket.

[Jake]

I highly recommend the 'Rough Guide to..' tour books, they give honest information about restaurants, hotels, sights etc. You should be able to buy them for most of the cities you're visiting.

London..I can give you endless information!! I'll write something out and I just added you to MSN, so I can send it to you on there. The main sights, Camden, shows to see (if you're interested in seeing more that is), must-see areas..

I should also be able to come up with a fair amount on Paris. The main thing coming to my head is the Cimitere du Pere-Lachaise - famous for Jim Morrisons grave, but is also an amazing place to walk around.

Oh, and I better see you when you're in London mmkay?

[hillaas]

OK, sounds good!

I'll be on MSN some time later this week cos of exams so i'll talk to you then Jake.
But thanks for the tips and for giving me a heads up on the "Rough Guide to" books.

Cheers!

[Marv From NZ]

I'd check out the Tower of London. Alot of fascinating shit happened in there.

[hillaas]

Sounds good.


I'm getting really excited about this tour. We have been rehersing all weekend and we did a performance of our whole repitour (can't spell) today and it sounds awesome! Another two performances tomorrow and then the next performance is overseas. Can't wait!!

[Jake]

I've got your London list ready and will work on the Paris one later on and email them to ya tonight or tomorrow. Trip of a lifetime!

[hillaas]

YAY!

You are so kind Jake! I'll go on msn tomowwow night if i can because i've been a bit busy. Thanks for all the compiling and work you are doing!!

[Daniel]

Hey Jake could you email a copy to me :)

i cant wait

do you now any good places to shop for punk stuff that wont burn my pocket
the Australian exchange rate to pounds is like 1/3 :S

[Kevin]

We are going to see "We will rock you (http://www.queenonline.com/wewillrockyou/)" at the theatre in London (good thing i didn't end up seeing it in Australia) already so that should be good.

woah, that show is still going? looks like they've changed the cast and crew though, but if they're as good as the australian bunch, then it's gonna be an awesome show.

also, watch eurotrip before you leave

[Daniel]

haha eurotrips a pissa

i cant wait for we will rock you it will be awsum as

[Jake]

Hey Jake could you email a copy to me :)

i cant wait

do you now any good places to shop for punk stuff that wont burn my pocket
the Australian exchange rate to pounds is like 1/3 :S

If you give me your email, sure :p

Anywhere in Camden will have punk stuff, at varying prices (and quality..), but that'd be your best bet for punk stuff in London really.

[Daniel]

camel99@gmail.com

i added your myspace also :D

thanks

[hillaas]

woah, that show is still going? looks like they've changed the cast and crew though, but if they're as good as the australian bunch, then it's gonna be an awesome show.

also, watch eurotrip before you leave

Dont worry. Saw that one a looooong time ago!

Many ideas came from that film!!

[Liz]

You're lucky.
I've only been to the UK and Germany and I was about 8.
I don't actually remember much. Except for my scary German relatives. :rolleyes:

[Jake]

When I was 7/8, my parents took my brother out of school for a term and we backpacked around Europe for 6 weeks (using night trains mainly), and then a hire car around England and Scotland - seeing mainly family in the latter. It was a never-forget experience and I'm so grateful for it. I'm also glad that we were made to keep journals every single day, re-reading that just brings so many memories flooding back. It's made me want to travel a lot more now though!

[Daniel]

woah that sounds amazing/awsum!!!

i want to do something like that for a 1yr or something

[Jake]

Ok, so I made a typo, it was actually 6 weeks around Europe, and then the rest of 3 months in England and Scotland! But I would have loved to stay longer and see more of southern and eastern Europe - and revisit most of the places I went to!

[Daniel]

cool have you sent the "places to stay"?

camel99@gmail.com?

[Jake]

I was going to compile a list of that? I just sent the places of interest and sights. To be quite honest, the places I've stayed in, you'd want to stay clear of, and I don't know places to stay in London. I'd recommend the 'Rough Guide To..' again though, they give you honest info and a range from budget to top-prices.

[Daniel]

im just there for the punk stores in london :p
know any?

[Jake]

im just there for the punk stores in london :p
know any?

I swear I've already said all of this. I'm not meeting up with you if you're this slow. London is too fast and you'll die or something.

Camden has lots of shops and market stalls selling punk stuff, and will be your best bet for punk stuff. Carnaby Street has all the brands, which might include 'punk' themed stuff, at XextremeXpricesX (ie. you won't be eating if you shop there..). Oxford Street is the same, but more affordable.

[hillaas]

Jake, after readingg you little story about you backpacking adventure, it reminded me of my backpacking around Thailand holiday. It was heaps of fun! I think thta backpacking is the best way to see a country.
Anyway, you said that you kept a journal-typre thing. I think i'm going to do that in Europe. I was pondering whether to do it or not but if it brings back all the memories i think i will.

[hillaas]

I'm going in 3 sleeps everyone!

Any other suggestions or travel stories before i head off?

[Colezy]

Ummmm, drink bottled water if you think its not too safe to drink tap water, try to stand up on the plane every now and then, take lots of photos and HAVE FUN!!!!! :D

[Astoria!]

Enjoy yourself :D Think you can stow me away ?

[jessebelle]

You gotta find out exactly what they think of TLE over there... I'm gonna do that when I go to America.. hopefully next year :)

Have fun there, my uncle and nan have been there, they said was good.

[Jodez]

Good luck on your trip Andre :) Your so lucky! Will be less of a forum without you on here :p haha

Nah have a good one, take LOTS of pics with ur new cam and make sure you post them on here

[Lowee]

...don't come back.


Just kidding, enjoy Europe, etc. Now someone's gotta find a replacement Andre for the forum.

[Rosie28]

Do we have to have a replacement? :p

[hillaas]

Ummmm, drink bottled water if you think its not too safe to drink tap water, try to stand up on the plane every now and then, take lots of photos and HAVE FUN!!!!! :D

Thanks for the advice I will do just that!

Enjoy yourself :D Think you can stow me away ?

Sorry, i'm already taking Colezy.

You gotta find out exactly what they think of TLE over there... I'm gonna do that when I go to America.. hopefully next year :)

Have fun there, my uncle and nan have been there, they said was good.

I'll ask anyone i meet (if i remember) and report back to you guys!

[hillaas]

Good luck on your trip Andre :) Your so lucky! Will be less of a forum without you on here :p haha

Nah have a good one, take LOTS of pics with ur new cam and make sure you post them on here

Will do!!

I love my camera! <3

...don't come back.


Just kidding, enjoy Europe, etc. Now someone's gotta find a replacement Andre for the forum.

I'll be back in amonth, don;t go replacing me now!

Do we have to have a replacement? :p

You and Liz seem to be as much of a post whore as i am so i'm sure you will survive :p

[cdejonge]

The bottled water tastes crap there too. Only had good water on the cruise and one hotel in Amalfi. Most fridges in hotels are barely cold too.

As for post whores, there's always newbies to start crap new threads. :)

[Jodez]

What time you leaving?

[hillaas]

.....and regulars to flame them.


(And i'll just have to deal with the water.)

[hillaas]

What time you leaving?

5.30pm
...............

[cdejonge]

To save money, buy drinks from supermarkets. Don't help anyone, most of them are trying to get money off you, or distract you to pick-pocket.

[hillaas]

Yeah i wrote that down from your last post. Thanks again!

And i have been told to avoid baby-throwers. Am i right t do this?

[cdejonge]

Yeah i wrote that down from your last post. Thanks again!

And i have been told to avoid baby-throwers. Am i right t do this?haha yep, and 70+ middle eastern looking mothers with babies of totally different complexion.

[Jodez]

haha i think you will have some interesting stories to share with us when you get back :p

[hillaas]

Yeah. I'm sure there will be plenty.

I'll come and post a blog or something here if i can and on myspazz. Not that most of you will care but i'm gonna TRY to do it anyway!

[cdejonge]

I'll care. Honestly. Because I've been there. So post away!

[hillaas]

Even if you didn't care i would!

After our day stopp off on Thailan, we go to Rome so i'll try to do a blog shortly after that just for you Cam!

It just depends on internet and if i can/want to get to a computer or not.

[cdejonge]

Out of all places I went to (wasn't that many), Rome was best for number of Internet cafes and good prices. Mostly around Termini (main train station) I found them. Some were very cheap, especially for phone calls.

[hillaas]

Cool. I'll see what happens along the way.

Andyway, i'm heading off soon so i hope you all have a fun month without me here on the forum :p and all goes well!

Cheers all!
-andre

[Jodez]

Bye my special little manwhore :p

[Lowee]

He's gone, someone delete his account, and move the forum to a new url.

[Julian]

Hahahaha I thought the EXACT thing before

[Jodez]

^^hehehehe:p i think he would freak out, should spam up his myspace haha j/k

[Lowee]

We could frame him for a crime while he's out of the country, I don't think you get internet access in gaol. If we could some how link him to Harold Holt, or the woman whose baby was taken by a dingo, I mean, Andre.

[Colezy]

Ahahaha, I love your ideas, Lowee! :p

The dingo/andre/baby thinger was Azaria Chamberlain (the baby).
The Harold Holt thing is such a mystery. I wonder if it will ever get solved?

[Julian]

Andre ate my baby

[Lowee]

That's the spirit!

Now, someone print that off and take it to their local police station. And Mel or one of the photoshop wizards can create a photo of Andre munching on a kiddo, it's bound to fool a judge.

[Lowee]

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/3635/stranglerkq8.jpg

That tricky bastard!

[Jake]

Andre, I dunno if you read this before you go, but you can get internet for free in quite a few libraries around Europe - or cheaper than 'net cafes anyway.

[Daniel]

back from europe :)
had an awsum time

but also glad to be back home :)

[Jawn]

Fuck. I mean. Welcome back. :)

[Jodez]

OMG its Daniel

[Jodez]

*waves* HI dude. How'd everything go????!

[Colezy]

Great. That means Andre is back.
Glad you guys had fun :)

[Jake]

Pft you can both die, you came all this way and didn't see me. What a wasted trip.

[Marv From NZ]

You'd wanna see them Jake???? :p

[Jake]

Anybody from that hemisphere is better company than most Poms - I'm even being nice to the Kiwi guy in charge at work :p

[Marv From NZ]

But is he a nice Kiwi?

[Jake]

He's a threatening 6'8" and holds down my friend so that me and the other girl can beat him up. He's lovely, even if he does talk funny :p

[hillaas]

I'm back too!

Europe is so good in so many ways! Had such an awesome time. Went to Camden. That was soo cool. Problem is now for me it is like noon and here in Aus it's 11pm and i only woke up 4 hours ago. I wish i was back there rather than here (as do probably a lot of you).

[Liz]

I love NZ accents! :p

[hillaas]

I love English accents.

[Liz]

My dad's English. His accent is the greatest.

Oh yeah, welcome back Andre.

[hillaas]

Ciao!

Hallo!

Bonjour!

Hello!

[jessebelle]

Welcome back Andre

[Lowee]

Shit, I must have blown up the wrong plane......

...just kidding, welcome back Andre!

[hillaas]

I just visited the myspace of the girl Daniel and I stayed with in England for 3 nights and guess what....she now has Wake Up as her song!

We recruited another TLE fan!

[Colezy]

Haha, well done!!
Got any photos or stories, boys???

[Johnny_Wah]

Welcome back fullas

[Marv From NZ]

I love NZ accents! :p

Mate you'd love mine then. It's as Kiwi as it gets.

[Rosie28]

I love New Zolland accents toooo! :p

Welcome back Andre!

[Jake]

My Kiwi boss was talking about when he went surfing, felt something brush against his leg and 'peddled' really fast back to shore. I wanted to ask what he was doing on a bike out there..

And Andre, I'm not inviting you out to party with me when I make Melbourne cool. You'd just bring the tone down again. :p