a travelling TISH

Gallery: LAGOS

atish — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 02:12:00 GMT

Gallery: SAN SEBASTIAN

atish — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:07:00 GMT

Gallery: PAMPLONA

atish — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:06:00 GMT

Loose in LAGOS

atish — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:03:00 GMT

After our thirteen and a half train trip, which was literally hell. We jumped on a four and a half hour bus ride to get us to Lagos. So by the time we wondered the streets with our large arse packs, and found our pensione we were exhusted. But the little old lady who owned the hostel was so lovely, and reminded us of our nans. She didn't speak much english but would give us a cuddle when she got confussed. After a well needed shower, we bought some supplies for dinner and had an early night. As we finally got to watch english speaking tv, and it was pay as well. We were all a little to happy to see a tv.

We woke up to a beautiful day, and went for a walk around to historic centre. We then went to the main beach Meina Praia, which was tucked away, which felt like the middle of no-where. It was simply amazing, just like a post card, but the water was frezing. On the beach was Linda's beach bar which was literally on the beach. Loz and I had a litre of sangria with lunch which was yummy. I had a pita pocket with traditioal portugese chicken, and was probably my best feed yet, which is a big call. After stuffing ourselves silly we decided to skip dinner for drinks instead. Loz and I had nearly a full bottle of vodake before heading out. We found this cool little club in one of the streets in Lagos which had fish bowl cocktails. Now it was an actual fish bowl full of vodka and a small amount of pineapple. It didn't take long before we were all feeling drunk. Loz attempted to skull the fish bowl at one stage which resulted in her spewing in the corner. But still got up and started skulling again. It was a crazy night, and I enjoyed listening to some good RNB and dance again. After the fish bowl was done, we stumbled back home for some vegemite crackers before passing out in bed.

This day was definately our sickest yet. Yes we all threw up most of the morning, before going back to sleep and waking up at 2 pm. We didn't do much for the day, except go back to our favourite cafe which has the best milkshakes and their presentation of food makes me jealous. After a late lunch we had nachos for dinner and passed out again on our beds.

After a good nights sleep we made our way down to the harbour and booked a grotto cruise which goes along all the little coves of Lagos. We left at 12 pm, and got to see some amazing sights on the boat. On the way back we picked out a beach which was within walking distance, and went there for the afternoon. But it was jam packed of Aussies, drunk Aussies. As we were laying on the beach. we saw a Portugese man trying to break this dog's neck, which had been sitting with the Aussies all afternoon. So that caused a huge fight on the beach as the dog had scratched his boy on the back. It got pretty intense as on-one could understand each other. After a while it sorted itself out and the dog was let free. We cooked anither awesome dinner for tea, and were going to wonder the strees but decided to chill out again for our last night.

We got up fairly early, and caught a bus to Luz, another beach just down on the Algarve coast. We stayed there a little while before going back to the hostel and packing up our gear. We caught the 3.30 bus back to Lisbon, where I am at the moment. So will update you, at a later date on the rest of my travels..

SAN SEBASTIAN part 2

atish — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:51:00 GMT

After our bus trip from Pamplona, we checked into our hostel which was such a relief. We were so over the tent, and were excited to be in a hostel. We went and checked out the beach straight away, which had freezing water. Then headed straight for the supermarket, which is the best in the world! Nothing like I have seen before. We bought lots of vegies and had a good home cooked diiner, before passing out on our beds from exhustion.

The morning started off doing tasks then we went to the surf beach which didn't have any surf at all. But was beautiful and relaxing to lay on. Although it was full of topless women, the most I have seen on beach so far. The afternoon I met back up with Loz and Matt, and cooked another awesome dinner. We decied to have a few drinks and head into town, but were quite disapointed, so reorted to a maccas midnight feast instead.

After a big sleep in, we just chilled out all day. We had to check out at 11am but left our bags at the hostel and just wondered around. Our train to Lisbon left at 10.30pm, which was a very different feeling. But happy to be travelling with Loz and Matt who have cracked me up everyday.

Party town PAMPLONA!

atish — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:05:00 GMT

Luckly, Michael who was in my roon in San Sebastian was going to Pamplona as well. After a quick breakie and last tour of San Seb, we headed up to the Bus terminal. Because of the lack of taxi's and Spain's routine siesta's we had to get the later bus, which made me late meeting up with Matt and Loz. Sorry guys! We found a litlle crew who were all trying to find the shuttle that would take us to our campsite. Finally we found the crowd of Yellow and Green fanatics shirts. It was only a short 10 minute bus ride back to the camp, where we checked in and got to meet our little 3 person tent. They were selling lilos to sleep on, but Loz and I thought we would tought it out for our first camping experience. We set ourselves up with a could possy, with our sangria that later turned into a bottle of vodka. We watched 400 fanatics arrive which would elvolve into 1200 by the next day. Which added to the total of 4000 crazy people, and that was just at our camp site. So after many drinks, Loz, Matt and I retreated back to our tent.

We did wake up with a small hangover, which was made worse by the conditions we were living in. As the camp was not full yet, we decided to hang by the pool for most of the day, then did a walk of the bull run in the afternoon. It was actually longer than we thought, about 800 metres I think. Matt's face turned a little green, as he was doing the run the day after tomorrow. We made our way back to the camp for yet another night of drinking. This time I made the mistake of calling on international roaming.. Not a good idea. Also we got to experience a lightning storm, which was great when laying in a small thin tent. Luckly it held up though.

So this day would have to be the most crazist of my life so far! It was the opening ceremoney of the San Fermin festival. It started at 11 am, which meant sangria before midday. We started to head towards the Town Hall as that is where all the chaos happens. But because of the mass amounts of people, we only got half way. It was ridiculous! There was sngria, champagne, flower, mustard and buskets of water being thrown at us. It started getting really crowded, and then the pushing began! People were trying to get in and some were trying to get out, therfore little Loz and Tish were getting trampled in the middle. I don't think I have ever been so scared in my life. I saw the headlines 'Stupied Aussie girls die before the bulls are realeased!' I was lucky that Brendan Wall was in our group and was able to drag me to a safer area. Which I found a large rubbish bin to stand on, and got some of the best photos yet. For the rest of the afternoon we drank and wondered the streets of Pamplona, which had parties and people everywhere. We did go and check out the crazy fountain that all the Aussie's and Kiwi's jump off, and let the Spaniards catch them, which has proved to be a bad idea in the past. As it is where more people have dies than the actual bull race. I have never seen anything like it! Men and women diving into a sea of people, hoping that someone catches them. Luckly this year no-one did die. So it was back to the camp site for more drinking and a well needed shower, as we were covered in Sangria.

As it was the firat bull race, we were up at 5 am to catch the bus into town to watch and partake in the race. The boys made their way to the start and we headed to that arena to watch. It was remarkable to watch the men and women being chased around the areana by the bulls, something i'll never forget. Matt survived but didn't make it into the arena unfortunately. We just chilled at the camp all day and started our daily drinks in the afternooon. Loz and Matt went to watch a real bull fight, while I headed to the street party with my old gymnastics coach's daughter, who I run into at all large events. The street party was mainly fanatics and the odd Spanish who was crazy enough to party with us. I enjoyed my 2.69euro champagne, and loved being loose with Rachel. We miossed out on the fireworks as we couldn't understand where to go. So we got to see some shot up over the massive buildings that were blocking them. But it was such a good night it didn't matter anyway. We all squished into a tent for the night as the temps were freezing through the night.

Once again, our alarms all went off at 5 am but we were definately too hung over this time to get up. I slept it off for a while, before finding a spot by the pool all day. I got to eat another crap lunch, as the camp site didn't provide any nutritional food for the week. In the afternoon, the boys got to togerther and played a football match which resulted in a few injuries. But was great for the spectators. We finished up our week with a few drinks and a game of cards and all had an early night.

The next morning Loz, Matt and I got up early to watch our last bull race. This time Rach and I stood by the track just near the arena to get close to the action. It was even more crazy, espically when the bulls turn around and start running the other way. After the race we got another spanich omlette on a bagette, which are beautiful. Then we got back to camp and packed up our shit and got on another bus into town, changing for another bus to San Seb. It was such a memorable week, full of highs and lows but definately something i'll never forget!

Gallery: MADRID

atish — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:51:00 GMT

Small town SAN SEBASTIAN

atish — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:17:00 GMT

The day started with no breakfast and packing my bag ready for another bus trip. This time my bag was a lil more full after my few purchases. We finally boarded the bus for a short journey to San Sebastian. But you wouldn't believe that it was 38 deg when we left Madrid and was 18 deg in San Seb! As I didn't know anyone on my bus this time, I decided to stay in and catch up journal writting and figuring out my remaining budget.

Unfortunately it rained all day, so not much can be done in San seb when raining. But I did have one of the best days, as I finally got through to my airline and was able to change all my flights back home! So i'll be back in Sydney on the 20th of August now. That afternoon I made friends with a few people in the hostel and decided to have a hostel party that night. Which was made even better with the 3.69 euro bottle of vodka, purchased at the supermarket. Once we were all drunk enough we headed out to a club, which was one of the smallest i had ever been in. And wasn't my cup of tea, so I headed back for a good night's sleep. Apologies for the poor effort in San Seb, but I will be back with Loz and Matt after Pamplona.

Gallery: BARCELONA

atish — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 23:55:00 GMT

Madness in MADRID

atish — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 23:35:00 GMT

When we left Barcelona at 8am, we had no idea that it was going to be the longest bus trip ever! We had our usual little stops, also dropped off and picked up people at Valencia. I sorted of wished i had time to stop there as I have always wanted to see Ibiza. Because we were delayed by so many things, we didn't reach Madrid till 8pm that night. And it was hot, 34 deg! Our guide told us it was going to be 40 deg tomorrow, which made all our faces drop to the ground. Espically when we got up to the hostel and realised no air con, no fan and smoking allowed every where! That night Spain was in the Euro Cup final, which caused complete chaos. I retreated to my room for an early night, which I have no idea how I did with the amount of car horns, and fire crackers going off.

The next day I went down to eat my crappy breakfast and checked my emails, which always puts me in a good mood when i get some from back home. But then I found that Spain was in sale season, so I picked up a few things I have had my eye on. That was along the Gran Via, then I caught the metro to Espagna to check out all their sky scrappers, which were nothing compared with Tokyo. Then I visited Madrid's only monuments the Palacio Real and Ameria Real which looked just like some big buildings. I walked through the Plaza Mayor which is the oldest landmark, and back up to the hostel through the main part of town Sol. Once I sat down and put my feet up, I realised that the gallery I wanted to see was going to be closed tomorrow so I caught another metro to the Reina Sofia. Which was 41 deg! But once in the gallery it was worth that amount of sweat, as it has been the best gallery so far. It had Picasso's Guernica, which was enormous. It also had works by Miro and Dali, but my favourite was by an artist who I hadn't heard of, Juan Gris. So it was good to end the day on a good note, except having to avoid all the hookers outside my hostel.

The following day, after my shitty breakfast, I arranged to met Loz and Matt at 1pm who had just got in from Barcelona. Before that I made a few calls home to loved ones, which put a very big smile on my face. We went back to their hostel and booked all our remaining accomodation for Portugal and when i get back to Paris. After a lazy afternoon we cooked an awesome dinner with lots of chicken and vegies. Which was followed up by laying on the couch and watching You, me and Dupree.

Brilliant BARCELONA

atish — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 08:29:00 GMT

So, once again Jade and packed our bags very early and left our beautiful hostel in Nice for big blue busabout bus. After a quick morning stop, and lunch at Avignon, where Jade got off, we went through to Barcelona. Mind you we left Nice at 8am and arrived in Barcelona after 7pm!

My first night I headed out on my own which ended up being a crazy night. As Spain won the Euro Cup semi final. There were fire crackers, car horns, and constant screaming everywhere. But the glimpse of Barcelona I got to see, I loved.

The next day I awoke from a brillant nights sleep, for once. Then met Loz and Matt after breakfast. We decided to go see Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, which is the church he never finished. They are still trying to get it finished for the hundreath anniversary of his death! Then we checked out the olympic area, that hosted the 1992 summer games, not so exciting. By this time we were so hot we went to the beach for the afternoon. Which looks good from far but is far from good. While swimming in the ocean you notice some condoms, tampons and pads floating around.. NOT NICE! After doing nothing for a while we found an all you can eat sushi train. I think the three of us cleared over 30 plates in under an hour! With a free drink and dessert. I'm so coming home fat! So I wondered back up the Ramblas to my hostel for the night.

Today I met up with Loz and Matt and wondered down the Ramblas and made a plan for the day. We first went and saw the rest of Gaudi's works before going to Picasso Museum. It was a good experience but was a little disapointed that Guernica wasn't displayed there, which was a piece I studied through high school. We got a little lost in the back street which Matt and I blamed on Lauren's poor map reading skills, but it was hidden in small alley. As it was extremely hot again we went back to the beach but decided no water this time! But before that we sat in the train station for an hour and a half, waiting to buy our train tickets to Portugal. But yay they are now done and organised! Tonight we went to a buffet just down from my hostel, which we all over ate again, i'm still feeling sick and it's 1am. After dinner we went to see Gaudi's Pack Gueil which was amazing, and had a great view over Barcelona. Then we saw the icing on the cake, which was the magic fountain. It has to be the bast fountation in the world.. it even plays music on the hour, you'll have to see the photos to see how fantastic it was. So then I said goodbye to Loz and Matt even though i'll see them in a few days in Madrid, and will now say goodbye to you all.. night

Scenic NICE and rich MONACO

atish — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 08:02:00 GMT

When leaving Cinque Terre, I was also leaving Nicole.. who I realised I knew from Surfection. She grew up with my old manager and dated a work mate of mine, its such a small world sometimes.

I met up with Jade in Manarolla and got on a train back to La Spezia. Once we arrived in Nice, we caught a tram (my first ever) then called our hostel and they came and picked us up. From the moment we got in the car we could tell they were really laid back. We both decided to have crepes for dinner, and found a beautiful resturant down by beach, pretty expensive but definately worth it. Then when I got back from eating my lemon and sugar crepes I made a phone call back home that put a big smile on my face.. Thanks Greg.

At this stage it's getting quite hard to remember what day it is. Anyway we had a very lovely day by the water. Firstly we had the biggest breakfast so far, then met up with Loz and Matt to discuss our Portugal trip. Then Jade and I made our way down to the beach and found a nice patch of pebbles to lay on. After many hours in the sun, we went and had a look around the old town, which was filled with cute little shops. We decided to cook a nice healthy dinner that nig ht with lots of green veggies. As the hostel had an awesome kitchenb with all cooking supplies.

Once again after breakfast Jade and I walked down to the centre of town, to catch the train to Monaco. We headed straight for the port with all the rich cruisers, it was ridiculous! We realised that there isn't much to see in Monaco, so we went up to the casino, posed for some photos in front of the ferrari's, had some lunch, used the casino's toilets then got back on the train. Once again the temperatures were over 35deg, so we went back to the beach and layed by the water all afternoon.

Nice was so beautiful, somewhere I could live for a while.. Greg start saving your money, Just kidding. Our stay was probably made so much better with the awesome accomodation we had.

Crazy CINQUE TERRE and PISA on the way

atish — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:54:00 GMT

Saturday morning, I packed my stuff yet again and got back on the bus. It was a short ride luckly. We stopped at Pisa for a couple of hours on the way. It took that whole time to try perfect some good photos for the album. It was actually alot amaller than I had expected.

Then we stopped at La Spezia where I had to get off for Cinque Terre. I ran into another Nicole that i had met on the bus who was staying at the same camp as me. We had to get on train, which took us to Deiva Marina, and then we had to get on a bus that took us to our camping site. A little out of the way but cute Italian owners. It was good that I had Nicole with me because there was no body else staying at that one. And the camp is full of retired residents.

Sunday was my only full day at the Cinque Terre, which means five villages. They are all herritage listed and famous for their walking tracks, Jade was staying at Manarolla, one of the villages while Nicole and I were a little way out. We all decided that Monterosso was the most beautiful of all the villages so we decided to go there for the day. It was so lovely, maybe my best day yet. We found the locals part of the beach and layed there for most of the day. For lunch we had pesto focassia which was incredible. During the hottest part of the day, we wondered around the main part of the village with lemon slushi's, as it was ridiculously hot. In the afternoon we went back to beach and played cards before finding a cheap resturant for dinner. We had a beautiful table by the water, which i had a mushroom pasta and took part in drinking a couple of bottles of wine. Nicole and stumbled back to our accomodation and enjoyed a nice nights sleep.

My stay in Cinque Terre was a little to short but I am greateful I got to see it at all. And has been terriffic meeting such good friends Jade and Nicole who I will stay in touch with when back in Australia.

Stylish FLORENCE

atish — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:38:00 GMT

The night before my bus trip to Florence, I went out for a few drinks with Alejandro who was in my cabin. We met up with a few people on Busabout and Matt the kiwi who was also in my cabin. So to cut a long story short in was quite difficult getting up after a few hours sleep. The bus ride was short, and we stopped at Orvietto and Sienna along the way. Once at the camp site we were a little shocked, as it was in the middle of no where but luckly the cabins were really nice. We all went out for a group dinner at the House of Sizzle, which was beautiful, but really filling. Before dinner we went on an orientation walk which we got to see the Duomo, and the fake David as it takes hours to line up for the real one in the mueseum. We also got to wonder around the old and orthentic buildings and shops.

The next morning Nicole from Melbourne and I woke up to the hottest morning yet. Once we finally got into Florence we wondered around the shops and admired all the real leather throughout the shops. The sun really took it out of us so we didn't stay out for long. On the way back to the camping ground I saw that the temperature was 39.5deg.. I knew it was hot!

Friday, we decided to have a little sleep in, and I did my washing. In the afternoon, Nicole and I went back into the Florence, with the un bearable heat. We went back to the markets we saw to pick up a few souvenirs and some little things for our selves. I also got to taste the bast gelati I have had so far! After walking around for a few hours we headed back and I cooked my self pasta for dinner. Overall I loved Florence, I thought the culture was beautiful and they had the best fashion and style so far.

Gallery: NICE+MONACO

atish — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 05:56:00 GMT

Gallery: CINQUE TERRE

atish — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 05:53:00 GMT

Gallery: FLORENCE+PISA

atish — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 05:49:00 GMT

Gallery: AMALFI COAST

atish — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 05:38:00 GMT

Gallery: ROME

atish — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 05:34:00 GMT

Gallery: VENICE

atish — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 05:20:00 GMT