On the way to Vienna I alighted in Salzburg and I am beginning to wonder what it is with all the chocolate manufacturers in Austria and Switzerland. Salzburg was bright and touristy and a chance to take a breath all alone after constantly being surrounded by people in hostels and on trains and at Laura's. And fortunately that sufficed - when I got on the train to Vienna I was already smiling broadly in anticipation of meetin Vera and her friends. And because Vera was still busy acquiring her new Ipad, I made my way to her flat by myself, but we got there at the same time and met in the stairway :).
I dropped off my luggage and out we went again to meet with Vicky and Lis and Caro for dinner (where I was living proof that there is no growing tired of pizza) and although due to a blocked nose the hearing on my right ear was severly compromised I enjoyed the talk and the laughter. It was delightful to finally meet Vicky and Lis whom I heard about so much already.
After dinner Vera and I joined some of her fellow students at a Mexican restaurant and the variety of different accents reminded me of Erasmus times. We later moved on to a pub and I ended up talking Obamacare, Tina Fey and etymology with Brianna and Jana which - as we admitted later - might not be suitable conversation topics for drinking out :). To put the balance right again we also discusses Mean Girls and kitschy movies. When we were asked to pay the bill, we decided to call it a night and missed the bus (which wasn't as easy as it sounds, because we left in time from the pub...), which effected on a leisurely walk home.
The following day we had strawberry breakfast (which was quite paradoxical to be honest, because belatedly Vera seems to have taken my stand on "strawberry time" to heart and thus those strawberries from Spain were the objectified evil. And I couldn't deny it :) ) and visited the park Schönbrunn. They were hosting an Easter fair there and we strolled around the stands. Notice: You can always sell Christmas decoration to tourists. Even on a socalled Easter Fair ;). After that we went to a lovely café (phil) for hot drinks and then it was time for meeting Vicky at the Ethnology Museum... actually, we might have been a tad bit late owing to our enthusiasm for finding ways ourselves XD. A museum with doors that won't open and confusing order (we managed to see exhibits in reverse more than once) but nevertheless we spent almost 3 hours there. So obviously we were starving when we got out and looked up a restaurant in my tourist guide (and this time we asked for directions right away, though we probably would have found it anyway - or Vera would, Vicky and I were mostly tagging along).
Somehow time had been flying and it was already evening when we got home again and I gathered my stuff to change from Vera's place to a hostel. But we agreed there's be time for another coffee before my departure the next day.
Alas, it didn't wort out that way... I spent the night [well, I had to give in to tiredness around 11pm] at a bar with my roommates from the hostel - some Austrian girls who were in town with a theatre workshop. On my final day of travel I rose early, checked out and roamed the city (and made some seat reservations for the train, because Vienna - Prague tends to be packed on the weekends) and hoped for Vera to rise early enough so we could still meet. But turns out her battery died and thus the last day of my journey was spent like my first: solitary save for my train encounters. Though, due to sad, sad books and some of the emotional turmoil that comes with travelling, I mostly bewildered the people in my compartment by spilling tears now and again before getting it together during a short walk around the train staion in Prague.
The rest of the journey was quite uneventful, apart from getting a real deal from a train conductor: I'd stayed on the train from Prague to Leipzig but still needed a ticket for the bit from Dresden to Leipzig. And I was pretty sure I could pay by card. Well, obviously I couldn't and I didn't have enough cash on me to pay for the ticket. The conductor told me to go through my luggage and see what money I could find and he would come back later. When he came back I had barely scraped up the money and he gave me some discount of 5€. Talk about people being nice.
23/3/2013
I said in the beginning that I wasn't sure of the purpose of this journey. And still I am not sure what I had in mind when I set out. But on the train to Zurich something happened. Something I had been waiting for so anxiously I didn't dare to put it into my travel accounts right away too afraid it could slip away again. When I came up with the route for thus trip, Vienna didn't make the list. Even though I'd enjoyed the city a lot during my last visits and I wanted to see Vera again if there was a chance. It didn't make the list because I thought Vera would not want to see me and because I was still so angry. I was afraid I would inflict a shitstorm of hurt and pinpricking on her - because let's not kid ourselves, that is how we bitches in Passive-Agressiva handle social interactions. So when I left from Leipzig I wasn't even sure I would go vie Vienna, or even if I would, I wasn't sure if I was going to meet up with Vera. I left it open for the time being and pushed it from my thoughts as well as I could. And because the feeling of impending woe didn't fade, I gambled for a compromise which meant staying at hers for one night and then changing to a hostel (because even I cannot do that much damage in a few hours, right??). This looked wacky even to me, but it also meant I wouldn't have to think about it anymore and could continue my floating without worrying about potential future catastrophes. And then it happened. It was Tuesday, around noon and my arrival in Zurich was only a few hours away. I put down my book for a moment, looked out of the window and allowed myself to ponder the next few days of my trip. I was looking forward to seeing Laura again and be less of a stranger for once, and I realized that I was genuinely happy to go to Vienna and to see Vera and that somehow Austria would never be that kind of combat zone. I was at peace. And it had taken me so long. So if that was the only thing I gained from this journey, it was worth it.
24/3/2013
20130327
Day 5 - 7 Rome-Zurich
Rest of Rome: Fortunately, the sun came out later that Monday afternoon and so I could stroll through the city a bit before spending another day sitting in a train. At the hostel bar I met two girls from Germany, Norina and Anika, and while they waited for their train that night we had a good time paying dice games and sharing travel stories.
The journey to Zurich was marvelous! All the mountains and the lakes and the cerulent sky along with the expectation of seeing Laura had me all excited and cheerful.
Apart from being outrageously expensive, Zurich is also nice to look at, especially from Uetliberg which we ascended right after my arrival so I could get at least some exercise XD. Then we went home to Laura and had delicious Indian food and watched a Swiss movie (Nachtlärm) before going to bed. [You never know how tiring sitting around all day can be! :-D ]
On Wednesday, we had to get up early to meet up with some of Laura's friends at the swimming pool. And after swimming for one hour we felt as if we could go right back to bed. But we didn't, of course! Rather we dropped off our swimming stuff at Laura's and went down to the lake for a cruise. Alas, when we arrived we realized that there was no morning cruise, so we decided to go see the museum (Chagall) first and make a cruise after lunch. Thanks to Laura being friends with someone who works at the museum, we got into the exhibition for free and could spend the money we saved there on the legendary vegetarian buffet (the cheesecake!).
Then finally it was time for the 1,5h cruise on Lake Zurich where we played card games and observed other passengers as well as the cityscape. And because my stay in Zurich was so shot we weren't done with sightseeing just then - Laura led me on a small tour through the city, pointing out this and that, making sure I had the full Zurich experience. When 5 o'clock drew near, I was totally exhausted and we rested at Laura's place for an hour before we had dinner.
Later that night we went out to a pub were we tried to figure out the rules for cricket (which was on TV that evening), but even after watching for almost two hours we had made only little progress.
Now, I'm on a train again to Austria.
21/3/2013
The journey to Zurich was marvelous! All the mountains and the lakes and the cerulent sky along with the expectation of seeing Laura had me all excited and cheerful.
Apart from being outrageously expensive, Zurich is also nice to look at, especially from Uetliberg which we ascended right after my arrival so I could get at least some exercise XD. Then we went home to Laura and had delicious Indian food and watched a Swiss movie (Nachtlärm) before going to bed. [You never know how tiring sitting around all day can be! :-D ]
On Wednesday, we had to get up early to meet up with some of Laura's friends at the swimming pool. And after swimming for one hour we felt as if we could go right back to bed. But we didn't, of course! Rather we dropped off our swimming stuff at Laura's and went down to the lake for a cruise. Alas, when we arrived we realized that there was no morning cruise, so we decided to go see the museum (Chagall) first and make a cruise after lunch. Thanks to Laura being friends with someone who works at the museum, we got into the exhibition for free and could spend the money we saved there on the legendary vegetarian buffet (the cheesecake!).
Then finally it was time for the 1,5h cruise on Lake Zurich where we played card games and observed other passengers as well as the cityscape. And because my stay in Zurich was so shot we weren't done with sightseeing just then - Laura led me on a small tour through the city, pointing out this and that, making sure I had the full Zurich experience. When 5 o'clock drew near, I was totally exhausted and we rested at Laura's place for an hour before we had dinner.
Later that night we went out to a pub were we tried to figure out the rules for cricket (which was on TV that evening), but even after watching for almost two hours we had made only little progress.
Now, I'm on a train again to Austria.
21/3/2013
Day 5 - Rainy Rome
It is raining today and after I've had really, really delicious pancakes for breakfast I set out for today's quest: A seat reservation for tomorrow and some stamps. While the former went smoothly and with only about 10 minutes wait, the latter turned out to be a bit more tricky. The first four shops I tried either did not sell stamps or had run out of them. Luckily, the fifth shop helped me to some Swiss Post stamps which I hope will work and so I came back to the bar soaked but feeling quite successful with regard to the tasks of the day.
I will write some cars now and then unpack and repack my rucksack for the journey and hopefully it is a bit drier outside later :).
18/3/2013
I will write some cars now and then unpack and repack my rucksack for the journey and hopefully it is a bit drier outside later :).
18/3/2013
20130326
Day 4 - Rome Marathon
Whoa. What a day! It is now 5 pm and I just ordered a beer in the hostel bar. As planned I#ve been out and about early today, crisscrossing the city in running shoes before I went to the Colosseum trying to find out where the Fun Run would start. Which proved to be rather difficult. But I still enjoyed the great atmosphere of the Rome Marathon: polyglot chatter, the smell of cooling gel, the hype... it was a real feat.
When I finally figured out where the Fun Run started, I realized that it was a real mass event. I will have to look up at home how many ran the short distance today, but there were loads of people from all age groups and fitness levels. Many runner dads with their children, 50 people running for Altzheimer Uniti Italy and a group of ladies in their 60s in all-pink.
The run itself was rather short but did not disappoint for hills and slopes were equally distributed and I had half in mind to walk for a bit after the fourth long incline, but then I realized that the goal was in sight already and kept on running. Sadly I didn't have my camera on me, because I would've liked to show you some pictures.
After finishing ( and after I collected some water, milk and gatorade) I made my way back to the marathon course to cheer the runners on the best I could.
First I stood at kilimeter 12 (I guess) 'til it was time for thefirst marathoners to finish, then I went around to the Piazza de Vincenza (km 39/40) and when we were 2,5h into the race I had to a Panini and went up to the last kilometre where I stayed for 3 hours applauding every runner und occasionally shouting "Daje" or encouraging the English and German speaking runners. Especially after 4 hours it got quiet on the last kilometre and most of the time I was the only one cheering (my hands bright red and strangely numb by now) but I couldn't bring myself to leave. I clapped my hands for everyone and many times my smile was returned or I was myself applauded.
When we were 6h into the race I started my way home along the course of the race and applauded everyone that I saw. Indeed, I am pretty sure I saw the last runner at 6:12 at the Piazza Vincenza. He was obviously hurt but refused to give up his race and I am sure he finished before closing time (7h).
Now I'm home. More or less. My knees hurt, my feet hurt, but I am happy. Very much so. I am dead tired, yet I am considering makin friends here tonight... but, alas, maybe the time won't suffice. I will settle for small talk tonight and see who will turn up for breakfast tomorrow ;).
17/3/2012
When I finally figured out where the Fun Run started, I realized that it was a real mass event. I will have to look up at home how many ran the short distance today, but there were loads of people from all age groups and fitness levels. Many runner dads with their children, 50 people running for Altzheimer Uniti Italy and a group of ladies in their 60s in all-pink.
The run itself was rather short but did not disappoint for hills and slopes were equally distributed and I had half in mind to walk for a bit after the fourth long incline, but then I realized that the goal was in sight already and kept on running. Sadly I didn't have my camera on me, because I would've liked to show you some pictures.
After finishing ( and after I collected some water, milk and gatorade) I made my way back to the marathon course to cheer the runners on the best I could.
First I stood at kilimeter 12 (I guess) 'til it was time for thefirst marathoners to finish, then I went around to the Piazza de Vincenza (km 39/40) and when we were 2,5h into the race I had to a Panini and went up to the last kilometre where I stayed for 3 hours applauding every runner und occasionally shouting "Daje" or encouraging the English and German speaking runners. Especially after 4 hours it got quiet on the last kilometre and most of the time I was the only one cheering (my hands bright red and strangely numb by now) but I couldn't bring myself to leave. I clapped my hands for everyone and many times my smile was returned or I was myself applauded.
When we were 6h into the race I started my way home along the course of the race and applauded everyone that I saw. Indeed, I am pretty sure I saw the last runner at 6:12 at the Piazza Vincenza. He was obviously hurt but refused to give up his race and I am sure he finished before closing time (7h).
Now I'm home. More or less. My knees hurt, my feet hurt, but I am happy. Very much so. I am dead tired, yet I am considering makin friends here tonight... but, alas, maybe the time won't suffice. I will settle for small talk tonight and see who will turn up for breakfast tomorrow ;).
17/3/2012
Day 3 - Rome
The first day in Rome is coming to its end. And the blue sky did indeed follow me from Venice! I've been mostly floating around in the city with an extended visit to the Marathon Village around noon. The way from the metro station to Piazza J. F. Kennedy alone was already exhilarating for I just needed to look out for running shoes: All bright coloured and fast-looking they streamed to the marathon registration. I registered for the Fun Run and then took a tour through all the booths of runnin events and attire, tried on the most gorgeous running shoes that I couldn't afford (see below) and after a while I made my way back to the city again. I sat for quite some time at the Circus Maximus reading and watching tourists and runners, before I started a spiralling quest through the streets which has my feet humming now.
I am really tired, even though I'd originally planned to go out for a beer tonight... but I will leave that for tomorrow it seems. I'm really looking forward to the run and shall get up quite early so I can get in a few kilometres before it starts.
16/3/2013
I am really tired, even though I'd originally planned to go out for a beer tonight... but I will leave that for tomorrow it seems. I'm really looking forward to the run and shall get up quite early so I can get in a few kilometres before it starts.
16/3/2013
20130324
Day two
Either one gets used to swaying houses quickly or it wasn't as bad this morning anymore. I've checked out at 9 and left my luggage in the hostel before making my way to the supermarket and then setting course for Piazza San Marco. It is 10 o'clock now and it seems I've taken quite a detour but am close to it now. Anyway, the Italiand aren't big on benches so I decided to take a break on the campo San Stefano and maybe read a little bit. After all, I still have 5 hours in Venice.
The weather today is splendid - all blue sky and sun and a gentle breeze.
15/3/2013
Well, maybe walking across San Marco once would have been enough... alas, now I have damp socks and shoes. Still, I had a lovely day in Venice, although I couldn't get hold of any stamps and thus I shall send the postcards I bought from Rome. I am quite amazed how smoothly my stay in Venice went, considerin that I hadn't planned ahead a lot. Now I am on the train to Rome hoping the blue sky will come with me.
15/3/2013
The weather today is splendid - all blue sky and sun and a gentle breeze.
15/3/2013
Well, maybe walking across San Marco once would have been enough... alas, now I have damp socks and shoes. Still, I had a lovely day in Venice, although I couldn't get hold of any stamps and thus I shall send the postcards I bought from Rome. I am quite amazed how smoothly my stay in Venice went, considerin that I hadn't planned ahead a lot. Now I am on the train to Rome hoping the blue sky will come with me.
15/3/2013
Interrail Venice - Rome - Zuerich - Vienna 14.3. - 23.3.2013 || Day one
And so it begins. The next stop of the train is Munich and only a little bit of snow can be seen on the fields outside now after having left sparkling white Leipzig behind. I am looking forwards to going further south and experince tempertures above zero degrees!!
Also I am making my way through "The Lord of the Rings" and I am quite certain I will cover a few hundred pages today, for it is still more than six hours 'til I arrive in Venice.
Overall, this trip does feel like an adventure, like a quest even, though I am not sure of its purpose.
14/3/2013 [might I add that I discovered this purpose later on? I did.]
We've just passed through Verona. I've been travelling merel a few hours and already I had the pleasure of meeting some interesting people. A baseball player from Miami who is staying in Frankfurt at the moment, a Swiss lady who spent 40 years of her life in Peru and was great company as we crossed the German border and discussed Tyrol's charm. These two have already left the train, but much to my delight the Wlshman who has been telling his life story and giving a short cultural history of the British Isles will get off only in Venice, so I can listen to him some more.
As we were passing through Austria I realized that I do miss it in a way that has little to do with the love that I associate with it. Because while it may never have been home, it certainly was a surprisingly welcoming place.
Now it seems I have to choose a hostel and hope to get a bed there.
14/3/2013
Found a hostel! And it didn't even take me that long! I'm sharing my room with two Australians who just finished high school and they seem nice enough :).
14/3/2013
Alright. Venice definitely is the perfect place for wandering around without a map, just drifting through the city and getting lost. I've been to the city for 1,5h to get some fresh air after the long train ride and I enjoyed it tremendously - the bridges, narrow streets, the water, the surprising lack of tourists (according to Aidan and what's-his-name? that might be due to the time of day as they told me the city was flooded with Americans). Venice would be a great place for a treasure hunt: left, left, second right, cross bridge, third right, when you reach the Kebab you've gone too far... something like that ;)
I'm quite tired and decided to call in early with plans to get up early as well. So now I am sitting on my bed and noticing something for the first time since I checked in: The hostel sways! Surely, this is no place for people who get seasick easily! I think it is amplified because we are on the topgloor, but still to someone who expects houses to be standing firmly it can be quite disconcerting...
14/3/2013
Also I am making my way through "The Lord of the Rings" and I am quite certain I will cover a few hundred pages today, for it is still more than six hours 'til I arrive in Venice.
Overall, this trip does feel like an adventure, like a quest even, though I am not sure of its purpose.
14/3/2013 [might I add that I discovered this purpose later on? I did.]
We've just passed through Verona. I've been travelling merel a few hours and already I had the pleasure of meeting some interesting people. A baseball player from Miami who is staying in Frankfurt at the moment, a Swiss lady who spent 40 years of her life in Peru and was great company as we crossed the German border and discussed Tyrol's charm. These two have already left the train, but much to my delight the Wlshman who has been telling his life story and giving a short cultural history of the British Isles will get off only in Venice, so I can listen to him some more.
As we were passing through Austria I realized that I do miss it in a way that has little to do with the love that I associate with it. Because while it may never have been home, it certainly was a surprisingly welcoming place.
Now it seems I have to choose a hostel and hope to get a bed there.
14/3/2013
Found a hostel! And it didn't even take me that long! I'm sharing my room with two Australians who just finished high school and they seem nice enough :).
14/3/2013
Alright. Venice definitely is the perfect place for wandering around without a map, just drifting through the city and getting lost. I've been to the city for 1,5h to get some fresh air after the long train ride and I enjoyed it tremendously - the bridges, narrow streets, the water, the surprising lack of tourists (according to Aidan and what's-his-name? that might be due to the time of day as they told me the city was flooded with Americans). Venice would be a great place for a treasure hunt: left, left, second right, cross bridge, third right, when you reach the Kebab you've gone too far... something like that ;)
I'm quite tired and decided to call in early with plans to get up early as well. So now I am sitting on my bed and noticing something for the first time since I checked in: The hostel sways! Surely, this is no place for people who get seasick easily! I think it is amplified because we are on the topgloor, but still to someone who expects houses to be standing firmly it can be quite disconcerting...
14/3/2013
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