So havn't blogged in ages. clearly seeing as my last post was from france.
Since then, I have spent close to 2 weeks in London and I've fallen in love.
2002 saw the film 'Paris Je T'aime' constucted under the guidance of a plethora of big name and obscure directors, each with their own segments. So pretty much 11 or 12 short films in one centralising the city of Paris and how 'love' both metephorically and literally can be obtained emotionally.
2010 sees a similar movie being released- New York, I love you. Same principles, same style but different city. Prior to my travels i would have been like every typical individual around the globe and agreed with such a city and decision to make the second film in this 'series' in New York, but after visiting London for the second time; it really is the best city.
Every single day was enjoyable amid varying weather (from bright spells to actual snow) and you could literally stroll around all day and not be bored. Saw all the obvious sights- big ben, london eye, madame tussauds etc and also all the famous areas like soho and picadilly. Picadilly was my favourite area as it had everything- excellent shops, good cafes and alot of people.
Supermarkets in itself were an impressive feat- they were HUGE and contained everything foodwise, all chopped up, and aisles dedicated to premade foods and meals. Also sushi was an abundance in the supermarkets. Just a note, London's japanese food is so much better than Australia. Much.
Clothing wise, I reckon London beats Paris hands down- alot better prices and better ranges especially Topman; they better open one in Melbourne!!!
I am definately going to go back to London but maybe in the Summer. And definately with my mum as she studied there and would be amazing to travel there with her to explore new areas and visit her university etc. .... and use her purse ;).... just kidding.
Now I am in Amsterdam Netherlands and wow. It is VERY different to any other city i've travelled to. Firstly it was in the negatives weather wise- like -4 or something? I literally had my scarf in my mouth. And some VERY interesting views and window displays.... the 200 metre walk to our hotel involved passing several coffee shops and some 'attractive' ladies in the windows... actually quite disturbing!
Anyway the weather here is unbearable so predominantly spending time in the hotel and small walks around dam square. Hopefully tomorrow can explore Anne Frank huis which will be poignant to say the least; the telemovie made of her ordeal still harrows me since I watched it in 2003.
Oh, best thing about the hotel- our rooms has 'Nespresso' machines you know, those machines that George Clooney endorses. It is massive here in Europe and just starting out in Australia and i must say- BEST COFFEE EVER. I am 100% buying one as soon as I'm back in melbourne it is THAT good, better than any coffee shops.
and also, i had an ice cream in the snow today. Must be the dumbest person here in Amsterdam ;)
Hope everyone is well
xx
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Herro Kitty
So it is the final night in Paris, then off to London tomorrow and I cannot wait! As much as I have loved Paris, it will be immensely refreshing to be in a native language speaking city, not that my sub par attempt at French didnt get a workout ;)
Last two days I visited the Eiffel tower, the Champs Elysee et l'Arch de Triomphe; also chilled at the gardens near the Louvre (didnt have a chance to visit inside of it as the staff of all major museums were on strike, but thats ok, I only wanted to see the Mona Lisa) and also Pritemps and the Designer discount village (lol, not even cheap!!!).
Weatherwise has been cold but been blessed with sunlight the last 2 days (albeit amid rain aswell). Spoke to my mum for over an hour today which was awesome I miss her! (and her purse hehe)
Off topic, I've been addicted to Starbucks! at least 1 a day, sooo good in this cold!
anyway, time to tackle London town!!!! Will update from there
ps europeans are obsessed with hello kitty
xx
Last two days I visited the Eiffel tower, the Champs Elysee et l'Arch de Triomphe; also chilled at the gardens near the Louvre (didnt have a chance to visit inside of it as the staff of all major museums were on strike, but thats ok, I only wanted to see the Mona Lisa) and also Pritemps and the Designer discount village (lol, not even cheap!!!).
Weatherwise has been cold but been blessed with sunlight the last 2 days (albeit amid rain aswell). Spoke to my mum for over an hour today which was awesome I miss her! (and her purse hehe)
Off topic, I've been addicted to Starbucks! at least 1 a day, sooo good in this cold!
anyway, time to tackle London town!!!! Will update from there
ps europeans are obsessed with hello kitty
xx
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
In an old house in Paris all covered in vines, lived 12 little girls in 2 straight lines
Bonjour from paris!
Currently in the city of binding lights and it is as every bit as beautiful as depicted in media instruments. Except it is bloody FREEZING!!! and besides some hotel dramas it is going well! staying right near la tour eiffel itself tomorrows agenda involves properly exploring it in the rain.
Unfortunately i dropped my insulated gloves on the toilet floor of a macdonalds so bye bye to them but i purchased for €20 the warmest and biggest scarf you will ever see it literally weighs a tonne. oh and EVERYTHING in Paris is expensive so so so so so expensive. An umbrella is €10 (damn why didnt i listen to my mum and bring one!) and food is ridiculously priced too. But i guess thats what comes with its beauty and chic exterior: the harsh prices.
Yesterday after exploring the L'Opera and Rue de Rivoli, we travelled to Le Gallerie Lafayette which is like David Jones but 1000 times bigger, over 7 floors and maybe 1000000 different brands. Ridiculous yet amazing.
Hope you all think of me whilst willing away your time in the sun while I endure 5 degree days.
xx
Currently in the city of binding lights and it is as every bit as beautiful as depicted in media instruments. Except it is bloody FREEZING!!! and besides some hotel dramas it is going well! staying right near la tour eiffel itself tomorrows agenda involves properly exploring it in the rain.
Unfortunately i dropped my insulated gloves on the toilet floor of a macdonalds so bye bye to them but i purchased for €20 the warmest and biggest scarf you will ever see it literally weighs a tonne. oh and EVERYTHING in Paris is expensive so so so so so expensive. An umbrella is €10 (damn why didnt i listen to my mum and bring one!) and food is ridiculously priced too. But i guess thats what comes with its beauty and chic exterior: the harsh prices.
Yesterday after exploring the L'Opera and Rue de Rivoli, we travelled to Le Gallerie Lafayette which is like David Jones but 1000 times bigger, over 7 floors and maybe 1000000 different brands. Ridiculous yet amazing.
Hope you all think of me whilst willing away your time in the sun while I endure 5 degree days.
xx
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Barcelona je taime
So been in barcelona since wednesday and its been great!!! Barcelona is soo much better than Italy!!!
Anyway after spending 4 hours at the Malpensa airport in Milan, Blyth and I boarded our Lufthansa flight to Barcelona. The best thing about the flight was the inflight magazine lol, everything else sucked but oh well it was only a 1.5 hour flight.
As soon as we arrived in Barcelona, it was already a full 360 to that of Italy; there were actual bright lights and a densely populated surrounding, something which Italy did not have! (around rome airport was barren farm land and mud lol). As soon as we departed the aeroplane we were impressed with the airport! It was full of shops and cafes and very modern! We took a cab to our hotel and wow... our hotel looked amazing!!!! After entering our room we felt like we were in Tokyo or somewhere in the future; it was beyond modern. The lights dimmed based on touch and we had a bang and olufsen tv. The shower had inbuilt storage for towels and shampoo and the bathroom had a modern telephone installed as did the bedroom. The back walls were tinted and had storage units for pillows and bedside tables!! It was amazing!! Free minibar and the elusive bathrobe and slippers set. Very impressed.
We went to the local shopping centre to stock up on some basics and were pleasantly suprised at how massive it was! Huge! especially the supermarket. It also had european staples of H&M and Zara.
The last couple of days we have done touristy things and seen all the major barcelonian sights. Barcelona is ridiculously beautiful and yet seemingly modern concurrently. The city centre is full of designer boutiques and hip, trendy stores. Food is also alot cheaper (€8.95 for a full buffet!) compared to Italy. Just overall a much better directed and funtioning country to Italy and i´m loving it!
Heading to Paris tomorrow night by train which should be uncomfortable but nevertheless interesting.
Hope the typical melbourne weather is going well!
xx
Anyway after spending 4 hours at the Malpensa airport in Milan, Blyth and I boarded our Lufthansa flight to Barcelona. The best thing about the flight was the inflight magazine lol, everything else sucked but oh well it was only a 1.5 hour flight.
As soon as we arrived in Barcelona, it was already a full 360 to that of Italy; there were actual bright lights and a densely populated surrounding, something which Italy did not have! (around rome airport was barren farm land and mud lol). As soon as we departed the aeroplane we were impressed with the airport! It was full of shops and cafes and very modern! We took a cab to our hotel and wow... our hotel looked amazing!!!! After entering our room we felt like we were in Tokyo or somewhere in the future; it was beyond modern. The lights dimmed based on touch and we had a bang and olufsen tv. The shower had inbuilt storage for towels and shampoo and the bathroom had a modern telephone installed as did the bedroom. The back walls were tinted and had storage units for pillows and bedside tables!! It was amazing!! Free minibar and the elusive bathrobe and slippers set. Very impressed.
We went to the local shopping centre to stock up on some basics and were pleasantly suprised at how massive it was! Huge! especially the supermarket. It also had european staples of H&M and Zara.
The last couple of days we have done touristy things and seen all the major barcelonian sights. Barcelona is ridiculously beautiful and yet seemingly modern concurrently. The city centre is full of designer boutiques and hip, trendy stores. Food is also alot cheaper (€8.95 for a full buffet!) compared to Italy. Just overall a much better directed and funtioning country to Italy and i´m loving it!
Heading to Paris tomorrow night by train which should be uncomfortable but nevertheless interesting.
Hope the typical melbourne weather is going well!
xx
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
leaving italy!
So currently in Milan in an awesome hotel and going to the Malpensa airport in a couple of hours to head to Barcelona. Definately ready to leave Italy!!! Although i will miss Milan.
Since leaving Venice we arrived to Milan and took an express train from the centrale stazione to the airport where the hotel shuttle met us and took us to the hotel. We got a nice room, free mini bar with all the trimmings (champagne, beer, cokes, water and snacks) and a kettle!! so lots of coffee mm. It is soo much colder here in Milan than in Venice and it especially made it seem like Summer in rome!!
Yesterday after an amazing buffet breakfast, we headed into Milan central and it was bloody freezing! but we got gelati and then hit the shops! I must say the shops were amazing and the people were actually relatively good looking! (Rome had NO pretty ladies and venice was just as bad). Bought a pair of jeans mc hammer style and a pair of pants from zara. After a good lunch and gelati we did more shopping and sightseeing and then headed back to our hotel.
Now im pumped for spain! Sooo over italy! It will be good to get away after being here so long, the people are rude and basic amenities are so overpriced!
cannot wait to do some washing and wear clean clothes! Hope you are going well
xx
Since leaving Venice we arrived to Milan and took an express train from the centrale stazione to the airport where the hotel shuttle met us and took us to the hotel. We got a nice room, free mini bar with all the trimmings (champagne, beer, cokes, water and snacks) and a kettle!! so lots of coffee mm. It is soo much colder here in Milan than in Venice and it especially made it seem like Summer in rome!!
Yesterday after an amazing buffet breakfast, we headed into Milan central and it was bloody freezing! but we got gelati and then hit the shops! I must say the shops were amazing and the people were actually relatively good looking! (Rome had NO pretty ladies and venice was just as bad). Bought a pair of jeans mc hammer style and a pair of pants from zara. After a good lunch and gelati we did more shopping and sightseeing and then headed back to our hotel.
Now im pumped for spain! Sooo over italy! It will be good to get away after being here so long, the people are rude and basic amenities are so overpriced!
cannot wait to do some washing and wear clean clothes! Hope you are going well
xx
Saturday, November 21, 2009
still in Italia
So currently still in Venice Mestre but in a new hotel which is much better! the gym is still crap but they have massage chairs which are awesome!!
Saw Venice mainland over 2 days, got lost heaps because every alleyway was a different turn!! And there were a plethora of similar bridges adjoining various parts. Regardless it was beautiful and i must admit- i found the best gelati there. (and cheapest AND run by asians lol!!). Sachertorte flavour with actual cake bits in it... mm the best. Actually no i lied there is a better actual gelatatria in the Mestre square but that actual flavour is best.
There were also massive seagulls and a million pidgeons. Seriously pidgeons are the most annoying animals in the world. They follow you EVERYWHERE!!!!
Heading to Milan on Monday which should be interesting, but not really planning on seeing much of it (besides oggling at models and laughing at the ridiculous prices at the various couture flagship stores) as our hotel is adjacent to the airport.
Its strange how new habits have formed and a lifestyle has resumed- i wake up around 7.30-8 am and am usually in Bed by 9pm. This contrasts my melbourne habits of a bedtime close to 2 am. Also, its quite strange as my beverages consumed throughout the day are highly caffeinated (several cafe espressos, 1-2 fantas and a coke before bed lol).
Its intriuging how The Venice Mestre area is densely populated by elderly, Indians/pakistanis and also asians! So many asian restaurants and even an asian grocer (bought a massive pack of chilli flakes there!!). I wish we considered booking a serviced appartment, the frozen pasta meals here look amazing and are really cheap! Im starting to get sick of kebabs and pizza biancos.
Im excited for Barcelona as they seem to be much more chilled out and relaxed as opposed to my current Italian counterpart. Its actually quite humerous and impressive some of the feats these elderly Italians achieve. It is not rare to see a VERY elderly woman, riding a bicycle one handed and smoking a ciggerette in her free hand.
Anyway hope everyone is well, I watch BBC or CNN religiously (as it is the only english channel)and i hear there is extreme weather but an extreme cool change coming up? Hope you are all enjoying the sunlight whilst i endure 13 degree days (actually not that bad).
xoxo
Saw Venice mainland over 2 days, got lost heaps because every alleyway was a different turn!! And there were a plethora of similar bridges adjoining various parts. Regardless it was beautiful and i must admit- i found the best gelati there. (and cheapest AND run by asians lol!!). Sachertorte flavour with actual cake bits in it... mm the best. Actually no i lied there is a better actual gelatatria in the Mestre square but that actual flavour is best.
There were also massive seagulls and a million pidgeons. Seriously pidgeons are the most annoying animals in the world. They follow you EVERYWHERE!!!!
Heading to Milan on Monday which should be interesting, but not really planning on seeing much of it (besides oggling at models and laughing at the ridiculous prices at the various couture flagship stores) as our hotel is adjacent to the airport.
Its strange how new habits have formed and a lifestyle has resumed- i wake up around 7.30-8 am and am usually in Bed by 9pm. This contrasts my melbourne habits of a bedtime close to 2 am. Also, its quite strange as my beverages consumed throughout the day are highly caffeinated (several cafe espressos, 1-2 fantas and a coke before bed lol).
Its intriuging how The Venice Mestre area is densely populated by elderly, Indians/pakistanis and also asians! So many asian restaurants and even an asian grocer (bought a massive pack of chilli flakes there!!). I wish we considered booking a serviced appartment, the frozen pasta meals here look amazing and are really cheap! Im starting to get sick of kebabs and pizza biancos.
Im excited for Barcelona as they seem to be much more chilled out and relaxed as opposed to my current Italian counterpart. Its actually quite humerous and impressive some of the feats these elderly Italians achieve. It is not rare to see a VERY elderly woman, riding a bicycle one handed and smoking a ciggerette in her free hand.
Anyway hope everyone is well, I watch BBC or CNN religiously (as it is the only english channel)and i hear there is extreme weather but an extreme cool change coming up? Hope you are all enjoying the sunlight whilst i endure 13 degree days (actually not that bad).
xoxo
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Venice etc
Firstly i gotta say- My mum is the greatest! Today blyth n i did laundry and it was such a task lol, so difficult that we didnt even use washing detergent cos we didnt know how to use it! haha so i take things for granted!
so since my last blog i went to Placa di Roma or something, which was the third largest shopping centre in europe. It was quite big but not THAT big but the shops were beyond amazing. After telling myself not to buy anything until after the end of the trip i relented and bought a pair of jimmy choo mens leather boots. I didnt even know jimmy choo did mens footwear. Also, Zara and H&M are amazing!! So much nicer than clothing in Melbourne. Also, this seasons colour is purple. EVERY store was predominantly stocked with purple garments. So go buy purple things and be ahead of the times haha.
Sunday was our last full day in Rome so just got lunch near the trevi fountain and went to some flea market in Travestere which was ridiculously packed.
Yesterday (Monday) we took the train to Venice it took 6 hours or so and was boring but thats ok. lol.
We are staying at Venice Mestre (about 10 mins from Venice centre) and its quite a nice area, alot more modern than rome! Tomorrow off to check out historical venice so that should be good! Im getting abit overwhelmed by Italy so abit keen to relax abit from all the sightseeing!
Hope you all are well, going to try to put photos up soon xx
so since my last blog i went to Placa di Roma or something, which was the third largest shopping centre in europe. It was quite big but not THAT big but the shops were beyond amazing. After telling myself not to buy anything until after the end of the trip i relented and bought a pair of jimmy choo mens leather boots. I didnt even know jimmy choo did mens footwear. Also, Zara and H&M are amazing!! So much nicer than clothing in Melbourne. Also, this seasons colour is purple. EVERY store was predominantly stocked with purple garments. So go buy purple things and be ahead of the times haha.
Sunday was our last full day in Rome so just got lunch near the trevi fountain and went to some flea market in Travestere which was ridiculously packed.
Yesterday (Monday) we took the train to Venice it took 6 hours or so and was boring but thats ok. lol.
We are staying at Venice Mestre (about 10 mins from Venice centre) and its quite a nice area, alot more modern than rome! Tomorrow off to check out historical venice so that should be good! Im getting abit overwhelmed by Italy so abit keen to relax abit from all the sightseeing!
Hope you all are well, going to try to put photos up soon xx
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