NationStates Jolt Archive

As if the subject of this thread wasn't blatantly obvious by the title, I am spending the summer in Europe.

I start off May 31st flying into Budapest to begin a 4 week study abroad program. The program has 2 week stays in Cluj (Romania) and Istanbul. Well, technically not Istanbul proper. We're staying at a University (the name escapes me) a distance outside of the city. The program mostly focuses on Economic transitions after the fall of the Soviet Union, but people tell me that it's mostly an excuse for students (and an awesome Swedish prof) to travel to a region that isn't frequented much by North American travelers.

But then, the real fun begins.

After our program ends in Istanbul July 1st, a group of us are heading to Athens to gaze upon the ruins (and wymonz) of Greece. Of course, we plan to visit all the old things, and explore the nightlife a bit. We're renting a really nice apartment for 3 or 4 days.

And then I'm on my own. I've got a backpack, a Eurail global pass, and 6 weeks to explore western Europe. Considering my only other Transatlantic voyage was to France for a week, this is a rather daunting task. I plan to hit every single nation my Eurail pass gives me train travel to, including Scandinavia. If I have time, I might make a Chunnel crossing and check out Britian.

Now, this is where NSG can help me. Many of you are European. While I am going to visit all the famous places of Europe, I don't wan't to be just another American tourist. I want to experience what Europe really is, not the normal tourist stuff.

So, tell me the best places to go in Europe. I'm not looking for a comprehensive list. If you happen to know a charming little Italian village that makes the best Pesto sauce, post it. If anyone has any general traveling advice, you're welcome to post that too.

EDIT: NB brought this up; Would any of you Euros like to meet me in your city and show me around, or possibly put me up for a night or two? I don't bite!

Go to housteads and wonder at the ruin of the greatest empire.


Then you can stop at the George for cream tea. It is rather good.

...can you be a wee bit specific?

...can you be a wee bit specific?

Northumberland in England. The Roman Wall and such.

Plus it's Harry Potter country these days.

Jealousy is an understatement.


Try to walk the old trench lines from WWI. Or see Waterloo.

Or anything remotely war-related. :D

Oh, I plan to. Lord knows when I'll be in Europe next, so I might as well do everything I can.

Luxembourg! C'mon, give it one good day and you can see an entire country! Can you really pass up those bragging rights?

Luxembourg! C'mon, give it one good day and you can see an entire country! Can you really pass up those bragging rights?

I won't forget Liechtenstein either.

As if the subject of this thread wasn't blatantly obvious by the title, I am spending the summer in Europe.

So, tell me the best places to go in Europe. I'm not looking for a comprehensive list. If you happen to know a charming little Italian village that makes the best Pesto sauce, post it. If anyone has any general traveling advice, you're welcome to post that too.

Bavaria is one place I couldnt miss.

Also, try to make it 12 eeks, not 6. Unless you really have to, strech these vacations to the maximun, because this kind of thing doesnt happen often.

The last travel I did, I was suposed to spend 17 days traveling. I spent 40 days, wanted to keep on traveling, and only came back because I hurt my hand and it got seriously infected.

So, in my opinion, do EVERYTHING you can to get some extra days. I spent these 40 days in Chile and Argentina alone, and they are two countries. Europe is huge. 6 weeks is quite a lot, but it sure isnt enough.

Also,there's this place in Rome. With this name. Near this Hotel, see?Anyways, awesome pasta. Like, teh haxxorz.

Unfourtunately, I can't extend my travels any longer. I'm comming back 2 days before the Semester starts. I honestly wish I had more time, but it can't be helped. :(

Also, try to get the adress of some people here in the forums, and see if you can visit them. While traveling its a very good idea to save money on shelter, so if could get some places to sleep, specially in the big cities (like London and Paris), that would be great.

In fact, unfortunaly, most of the money you do use while traveling is paying hostels, hotels, shelters etc.

Hmm...all the euros must be asleep. You'd think they'd be eager to share some insider info with a fellow generalite. Guess I picked the wrong time to post this.:(

Avoid the North of England like the plague. We've got nothing.

One of my old Econ professors takes annual class trips to Turkey.. expensive, but a lot of fun, seems to be the consensus view. Should be a nice trip. :p

Visit Russia, express your political views, get heavy metal poisoning. Best thing I ever did.

Visit Holland because...

uh....

something..

Go to housteads and wonder at the ruin of the greatest empire.


Then you can stop at the George for cream tea. It is rather good.
Meh, its ok there, but you should definitely see the Roman Wall and the castles on the North East coast.
Avoid the North of England like the plague. We've got nothing.
:eek: Judas!

Also, Innsbruuck, Austria has a music festival over the summer - not sure when. But loads of the choirs go and warm up in the park. It's amazing just to sit and listen to them.

Go to London! Many NSGers could meet you there, and it's a fantastic city.

Visit Holland because...

uh....

something..

Windmills! And clogs! *nod*

Visit Holland because...

uh....

something..

...because you make one of the best foodstuff ever? Honestly, around here, a little "as known from your vacation in Holland" or "imported directly from Holland" slapped onto the label in some prominently visible spot will ensure the product sells like, how do they say it in English, hot cake?


As for the OP, I do recommend Germany because.. well, I like our extended forest areas. And most of the lakes. And the sea shore can be cool, too. And the "mountain ranges". And the marshland areas. Oh, and Berlin. And Quedlinburg, presumably. And, as a US-American, you'll probably enjoy our little villages with their timber-framed houses all over, and stuff.

.. no, you won't get any specific location names, because I didn't mean anything specific, but just 'that type of area'.
Yes.

Visit southern Europe and go bathing.

Go to London! Many NSGers could meet you there, and it's a fantastic city.

The problem is most people think the South East of England IS London. My advice would be to visit the county of Kent, most notably the east of it. It is easy to reach from the continent (40 minute ferry from Calais to Dover) and your Eurail pass will work in the UK. We have;

- Canterbury City - A fantasticly old and surprisingly cosmopolitan city. It has the Cathedral (they charge to visit now, yes I know thats outrageous) and the old city walls which are wonderful for a slow stroll in the summer.

- Broadstairs Beach - Great sandy and unpolluted beaches in the top corner of the county, good enough to rival any continental beach in my opinion.

- Whitstable fish market - Sample some of the best seafood the UK has to offer, including the famous oysters.

- Faversham brewery - Reputedly the oldest Brewery in the world at Shepherd Neame, and some of the finest real ales around.

The whole lot is within an hour of each other and you have the added bonus of no language barrier. Well worth a few days out of your itinerary.

The problem is most people think the South East of England IS London. My advice would be to visit the county of Kent, most notably the east of it. It is easy to reach from the continent (40 minute ferry from Calais to Dover) and your Eurail pass will work in the UK. We have;

- Canterbury City - A fantasticly old and surprisingly cosmopolitan city. It has the Cathedral (they charge to visit now, yes I know thats outrageous) and the old city walls which are wonderful for a slow stroll in the summer.

- Broadstairs Beach - Great sandy and unpolluted beaches in the top corner of the county, good enough to rival any continental beach in my opinion.

- Whitstable fish market - Sample some of the best seafood the UK has to offer, including the famous oysters.

- Faversham brewery - Reputedly the oldest Brewery in the world at Shepherd Neame, and some of the finest real ales around.

The whole lot is within an hour of each other and you have the added bonus of no language barrier. Well worth a few days out of your itinerary.

QFT. But if TSI does want to meet other NSers, London would be the place to do it. But certainly, visit other areas of England. I suggest York, but it's very up North, and would take a while to get there.

QFT. But if TSI does want to meet other NSers, London would be the place to do it. But certainly, visit other areas of England. I suggest York, but it's very up North, and would take a while to get there.

Thats the great thing about Kent, its literally "on the way" between the continent and London.

IMHO if you want to see beautiful nature, you should visit the East Frisian Islands. Juist for example is a beautiful island

when you come to Belgium you should probably visit Brugge, it has some nice old buildings, but it is rather touristic and there isn't really a lot of nightlife there. that's why i prefer gent. less tourism, 3 very nice cathedrals, and if you go between 14 and 23 juli (wich you should) there is one of the largest street-festivals in europe, the 'gentse feesten' (i must warn you that it will be very crowded though). i don't know what kind of music you like, but it would surprise me if you can't find anything you like. but there is much more than only music.
you should probably also trie our chocolate and our beer. trie to find a bar where they sell a lot of special beers, and trie not to get to drunk, they are heavier than you think ;).

QFT. But if TSI does want to meet other NSers, London would be the place to do it. But certainly, visit other areas of England. I suggest York, but it's very up North, and would take a while to get there.Best plan to meet other NSGers would be to post in next NSG meet thread. Lots of British NSGers and even another American one too if Erastide can make it.

Maybe this time we might do some proper research into finding a good pub. Maybe one that serves great real ales and a fantastic hotpot, or yorkshire pudding or something. :)

Well in the South East of England such as Kent and the London area you could visit Camden for its nightlife, Gravesend to see Pocahontas' burial site and old forts. Meopham the longest village in the country is close by. And go a pub crawl. They're alays fun.

Hmm...all the euros must be asleep. You'd think they'd be eager to share some insider info with a fellow generalite. Guess I picked the wrong time to post this.:(

You posted that at quarter to three in the morning. Yes, we were asleep :p

Maybe this time we might do some proper research into finding a good pub. Maybe one that serves great real ales and a fantastic hotpot, or yorkshire pudding or something. :)

With me organising it? Ha.
Although if (when) it's in Leicester I'll delegate that to Stalin.
It would be great to have some Real Genuine Americans pop by and drink some proper beer, though :)

Anyway, if in England I advise going to The Real World as well as London. London really isn't representative. Or particularly pleasant. And try the food! It's great! And if you wind up in Scotland, eat haggis. It really is tasty :)

Or see Waterloo.

There's not a huge amount there. Just a statue of a lion on top of a hill.

Visit Holland because...

uh....

something..
Because you can spend all day sitting on top of a dyke? ;)

- Canterbury City - A fantasticly old and surprisingly cosmopolitan city. It has the Cathedral (they charge to visit now, yes I know thats outrageous) and the old city walls which are wonderful for a slow stroll in the summer.
Canterbury is nice, but whatever you do don't try and drive into it. If you take the train to Canterbury East, it's a nice stroll along the City Wall into the town centre.

Incidentally, I don't think there is anything wrong with the Cathedral charging. The cost of maintenance is enormous, and, baring in mind that most people these days are there not to use it as a church, but to gawp at it in the same way they would a castle, why shouldn't it charge like any other tourist attraction?

Besides, if you are there to use it as a church, then they should let you in without charge.

Well in the South East of England such as Kent and the London area you could visit Camden for its nightlife, Gravesend to see Pocahontas' burial site and old forts. Meopham the longest village in the country is close by. And go a pub crawl. They're alays fun.

Gravesend?

The place is one of the shittiest shit holes in the country. He should avoid it like the plague, not be encouraged to go and see it.

I go through Meopham on the train, although I would have thought that it's appeal as a 'long village' is pretty limited. It's not as if there's anything in particular to see. :p

There's not a huge amount there. Just a statue of a lion on top of a hill.


Because you can spend all day sitting on top of a dyke? ;)


Canterbury is nice, but whatever you do don't try and drive into it. If you take the train to Canterbury East, it's a nice stroll along the City Wall into the town centre.

Incidentally, I don't think there is anything wrong with the Cathedral charging. The cost of maintenance is enormous, and, baring in mind that most people these days are there not to use it as a church, but to gawp at it in the same way they would a castle, why shouldn't it charge like any other tourist attraction?

Besides, if you are there to use it as a church, then they should let you in without charge.



Gravesend?

The place is one of the shittiest shit holes in the country. He should avoid it like the plague, not be encouraged to go and see it.

I go through Meopham on the train, although I would have thought that it's appeal as a 'long village' is pretty limited. It's not as if there's anything in particular to see. :p

Man its not as bad as Chatham. Now that place should be knocked down and all records of it burned.

Man its not as bad as Chatham. Now that place should be knocked down and all records of it burned.

Oh, I don't know, I think Gravesend gives Chatham a run for its money. I'd still agree with the second part, though. :p

Oh, I don't know, I think Gravesend gives Chatham a run for its money. I'd still agree with the second part, though. :p

:p No. Our chav problem is going down. Had the fact that the local council is going to knock down one of the biggest council housing estates in the town and build more expensive housing I can see an influx of chavs moving to Chatham or Dartford...

:p No. Our chav problem is going down. Had the fact that the local council is going to knock down one of the biggest council housing estates in the town and build more expensive housing I can see an influx of chavs moving to Chatham or Dartford...

Perhaps they should knock them down while the chavs are still in them? :p

If they're going to move, they should go to Dartford. Then, they would be closer to the Cockney's, and could being a reunification process, and the rise of the Cockchav empire.

Perhaps they should knock them down while the chavs are still in them? :p

If they're going to move, they should go to Dartford. Then, they would be closer to the Cockney's, and could being a reunification process, and the rise of the Cockchav empire.

A CockChav empire?! Are you mad man?! It'd be the end of the world.

Have a butcher's, whatever, innit?

Yeah mate. Sort it out on the dog and bone and get the tea leafs to supply the goods.

A CockChav empire?! Are you mad man?! It'd be the end of the world.

Have a butcher's, whatever, innit?

How far north in Britain were you planning to go TSI?

A wee trip to Glasgow/Edinburgh is always nice.

As if the subject of this thread wasn't blatantly obvious by the title, I am spending the summer in Europe.

I start off May 31st flying into Budapest to begin a 4 week study abroad program. The program has 2 week stays in Cluj (Romania) and Istanbul. Well, technically not Istanbul proper. We're staying at a University (the name escapes me) a distance outside of the city. The program mostly focuses on Economic transitions after the fall of the Soviet Union, but people tell me that it's mostly an excuse for students (and an awesome Swedish prof) to travel to a region that isn't frequented much by North American travelers.

But then, the real fun begins.

After our program ends in Istanbul July 1st, a group of us are heading to Athens to gaze upon the ruins (and wymonz) of Greece. Of course, we plan to visit all the old things, and explore the nightlife a bit. We're renting a really nice apartment for 3 or 4 days.

And then I'm on my own. I've got a backpack, a Eurail global pass, and 6 weeks to explore western Europe. Considering my only other Transatlantic voyage was to France for a week, this is a rather daunting task. I plan to hit every single nation my Eurail pass gives me train travel to, including Scandinavia. If I have time, I might make a Chunnel crossing and check out Britian.

Now, this is where NSG can help me. Many of you are European. While I am going to visit all the famous places of Europe, I don't wan't to be just another American tourist. I want to experience what Europe really is, not the normal tourist stuff.

So, tell me the best places to go in Europe. I'm not looking for a comprehensive list. If you happen to know a charming little Italian village that makes the best Pesto sauce, post it. If anyone has any general traveling advice, you're welcome to post that too.

EDIT: NB brought this up; Would any of you Euros like to meet me in your city and show me around, or possibly put me up for a night or two? I don't bite!

Since I'm wandering around Eastern Europe, Italy and Greece for most of July, I might just meet you.....:D

Beyond that, I'd avoid any of the British Isles, but for Eire, like the plague.

Windmills! And clogs! *nod*
Not even a red light district and weed?:p
...because you make one of the best foodstuff ever? Honestly, around here, a little "as known from your vacation in Holland" or "imported directly from Holland" slapped onto the label in some prominently visible spot will ensure the product sells like, how do they say it in English, hot cake? So, what foodstuff are we talking about? And everything from Holland is good, like the pills and weed and Kim Holland. I can't think of anything else we make.

Because you can spend all day sitting on top of a dyke? ;) We all do that here.:p

IMHO if you want to see beautiful nature, you should visit the East Frisian Islands. Juist for example is a beautiful island
QFUT

So, what foodstuff are we talking about?

Everything (except tomatoes)?

Most notably, though, anything you can in any way imagine to come from a jar and put on a piece of bread, cheese, practically every and any sweets you make (that includes any sweet sauces and the like) and most of your (non-alcoholic) beveradges (beveredges? bevaredges?beveridges?), and.. well, anything, really.

Oh, I don't know, I think Gravesend gives Chatham a run for its money. I'd still agree with the second part, though. :p

Having grown up in Gravesend and going through Chatham, Gillingham and Dartford on a daily basis I am in complete agreement with both of you. Stick to east Kent, its much nicer, and prettier to boot:D

...because you make one of the best foodstuff ever? Honestly, around here, a little "as known from your vacation in Holland" or "imported directly from Holland" slapped onto the label in some prominently visible spot will ensure the product sells like, how do they say it in English, hot cake?

Everything (except tomatoes)?

Most notably, though, anything you can in any way imagine to come from a jar and put on a piece of bread, cheese, practically every and any sweets you make (that includes any sweet sauces and the like) and most of your (non-alcoholic) beveradges (beveredges? bevaredges?beveridges?), and.. well, anything, really.hot cakes and beverages

Also: http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/ad/screwloose.gif
Is this some fantasy Holland only existing in your Latin-addled brain that you're talking about?

Also: http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/ad/screwloose.gif
Is this some fantasy Holland only existing in your Latin-addled brain that you're talking about?

My thoughts exactly :p

As for the OP:

Hmm, definitely go see


- Mont St. Michel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mont_Saint_Michel) in Normandy/France. And while you're in the area, make sure to eat Moules Frites, steamed mussles in a light cidre sauce with french fries. Most heavenly meal ever, hands down.
- the west coast of Ireland, incl. Connemara (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connemara) and the Burren (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Burren).
- Amsterdam
- the Alhambra (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alhambra) in Granada/Spain
- Prague
- Krakow incl. the concentration camps in Auschwitz and Birkenau
- Budapest
- Vienna (never been there but it sounds fantastic so one of us should go see it at least :p)
- Florence!!! And Siena! Both in Tuscany/Italy.

All that comes to mind right now. And of course totally subjective.

- Florence!!! And Siena! Both in Tuscany/Italy.

All that comes to mind right now. And of course totally subjective.

Florence is great, very touristy, but still has to be seen. I can recommend the Basilica, the Duomo and the Campanile, the Uffizzi (book before you go, I had to queue for 2 and a half hours!) and the Ponte Vecchio. The street market is pretty good - loads of really cheap leather goods, I picked up a great jacket, and of course the food is out of this world. I highly recommend the ice cream!

Hmm, stay away from Denmark. That is all.

Florence is great, very touristy, but still has to be seen. I can recommend the Basilica, the Duomo and the Campanile, the Uffizzi (book before you go, I had to queue for 2 and a half hours!) and the Ponte Vecchio. The street market is pretty good - loads of really cheap leather goods, I picked up a great jacket, and of course the food is out of this world. I highly recommend the ice cream!
I recommend everything he recommended except the Ponte Vecchio which was overrun with tourists when I was there and hence really nothing to write home about. Had forgotten all about it, actually. Not too many tourists in the rest of the city, though. And when I was there the Uffizi were being renovated so I think most people didn't bother because you could only see part of the collection - good for me because I only had to wait half an hour or so. And all I really wanted to see anyway were the Botticellis, so eh. :p


Oh, and TSI: don't go to Pisa. Seriously. Don't. It's ugly and industrial and all there is to it is that one stretch of way that has the leaning tower and one or two adjacent buildings. Just look at the pics (http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schiefer_Turm_von_Pisa) and save yourself a trip.


Oh, and go to Venice. Even back in the 80s it was chockful of tourists and the canals stank to high heavens, but, well, it's Venice.

Hmm, stay away from Denmark. That is all.

Why, is something rotten in it?




...






...I'll just...I'll just go now...

Why, is something rotten in it?
...
...I'll just...I'll just go now...

Boo-urns, but I still giggled. Why? It's full of Danes, and it's flatter than Lara Flynn Boyle. The only thing worthwhile is Kronborg in Elsinore (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elsinore) (keeping with the Hamlet theme), but it's still very much dime a dozen. The precious time it otherwise would take to see all there is to see in the country, around two-three hours, would be better spent in either of the Laplands under the midnight sun in an ice hotel, or taking in a fjord in Norway's Finnmark or something.

Windmills! And clogs! *nod*

And Tulips!

Boo-urns, but I still giggled. Why? It's full of Danes, and it's flatter than Lara Flynn Boyle. The only thing worthwhile is Kronborg in Elsinore (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elsinore) (keeping with the Hamlet theme), but it's still very much dime a dozen. The precious time it otherwise would take to see all there is to see in the country, around two-three hours, would be better spent in either of the Laplands under the midnight sun in an ice hotel, or taking in a fjord in Norway's Finnmark or something.

I hear Trondheim is nice..

I hear Trondheim is nice..

It's decent, and Sør-Trøndelag isn't far from Akershus where Oslo is, so it's not that out of the way. I'm much more fond of the north of the country, though, but that's the Scandinavian in me.

Why, is something rotten in it?




...






...I'll just...I'll just go now...


That really was poor. Genuinely, I've heard, and, indeed, made, some really poor puns, but this one has tramped across the realm of poor, flown over abysmal, and returned to humerous through the back door.;)

I recommend everything he recommended except the Ponte Vecchio which was overrun with tourists when I was there and hence really nothing to write home about. Had forgotten all about it, actually. Not too many tourists in the rest of the city, though. And when I was there the Uffizi were being renovated so I think most people didn't bother because you could only see part of the collection - good for me because I only had to wait half an hour or so. And all I really wanted to see anyway were the Botticellis, so eh. :p


Oh, and TSI: don't go to Pisa. Seriously. Don't. It's ugly and industrial and all there is to it is that one stretch of way that has the leaning tower and one or two adjacent buildings. Just look at the pics (http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schiefer_Turm_von_Pisa) and save yourself a trip.


Oh, and go to Venice. Even back in the 80s it was chockful of tourists and the canals stank to high heavens, but, well, it's Venice.

I went to Florence last year in April and it was full of tourists (mostly middle aged Americans I might add), so I guess you have to pick what time of year you go.

I took an afternoon to go into Pisa by train, and your absolutely right, the only thing to see is the tower, and its swathed in scaffolding and plastic wrapping now.

Venice is still on my "to do" list

Having grown up in Gravesend and going through Chatham, Gillingham and Dartford on a daily basis I am in complete agreement with both of you. Stick to east Kent, its much nicer, and prettier to boot:D

The view from Luton Arches is one of the best in the country! Where else does a view say "I'm so happy that I'm up here on this train rather than down there"?

Alas, some of us have to put up with much more than 'going through' these areas. They're some of the only places left around London these days where it's possible to live when you don't have much money. Hopefully that will mean that a lot of young professionals will start to move to the area, and it will improve. There's a huge amount of regeneration going on at the moment (although I'll be damned if I can work out what they're doing on Rochester riverside; they just seem to be picking up dirt and then dumping it in the river).

The view from Luton Arches is one of the best in the country! Where else does a view say "I'm so happy that I'm up here on this train rather than down there"?

Alas, some of us have to put up with much more than 'going through' these areas. They're some of the only places left around London these days where it's possible to live when you don't have much money. Hopefully that will mean that a lot of young professionals will start to move to the area, and it will improve. There's a huge amount of regeneration going on at the moment (although I'll be damned if I can work out what they're doing on Rochester riverside; they just seem to be picking up dirt and then dumping it in the river).

Its riverside aprtment blocks and eventually a new station

The view from Luton Arches is one of the best in the country! Where else does a view say "I'm so happy that I'm up here on this train rather than down there"?

Alas, some of us have to put up with much more than 'going through' these areas. They're some of the only places left around London these days where it's possible to live when you don't have much money. Hopefully that will mean that a lot of young professionals will start to move to the area, and it will improve. There's a huge amount of regeneration going on at the moment (although I'll be damned if I can work out what they're doing on Rochester riverside; they just seem to be picking up dirt and then dumping it in the river).

Yeah that looked weird to me too. All I saw was bulldozers and large mounds of dirt. Oh well riverside apartments it is.

Its riverside aprtment blocks and eventually a new station

Oh, I know the theory. A Local Councillor I spoke to described them as the 'slums of the future'. That inspired a lot of confidence. :p

hot cakes and beverages

Also: http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/ad/screwloose.gif
Is this some fantasy Holland only existing in your Latin-addled brain that you're talking about?
You're just jealous.

The only difference between the Dutch and the Germans is that everybody likes the Dutch.;)
And Tulips!True:p

I went to Florence last year in April and it was full of tourists (mostly middle aged Americans I might add), so I guess you have to pick what time of year you go.Or you're probably right and it's always like that and I just didn't really notice because it's a city and such a quintessentially "holiday destination" one that I think the tourists struck me as kind of belonging in the city.

I took an afternoon to go into Pisa by train, and your absolutely right, the only thing to see is the tower, and its swathed in scaffolding and plastic wrapping now.AGAIN? I was totally gonna write that because that's how it was when I was there but I checked wiki and it said it was reopened to the public after 12 years in 2001. Some quality renovation, that must have been.

The only difference between the Dutch and the Germans is that everybody likes the Dutch.;)

Actually there's this one German girl I know...


Well, no, actually she's kind of insane, so nevermind.

Oy, and what about Rome, eh? Roma!

You're just jealous.

The only difference between the Dutch and the Germans is that everybody likes the Dutch.;) :fluffle:

Actually there's this one German girl I know...


Well, no, actually she's kind of insane, so nevermind.
Hehe:p
Oy, and what about Rome, eh? Roma!
Seconded, but you can skip the Colosseum, it sucks rather badly.
:fluffle:
:fluffle: :fluffle: Let's go to a private room:fluffle:

Why, is something rotten in it?
...
...I'll just...I'll just go now...
I don't get it. :( *prepares for rightful mocking*

Seconded, but you can skip the Colosseum, it sucks rather badly.

I liked it because of entrance LIIII. It amuses me. Ancient typos on the ampitheater. :D

Aye, and then there's all the other stuff. The forums, and those statue things, and the Pope, and great food...

I liked it because of entrance LIIII. It amuses me. Ancient typos on the ampitheater. :D

Aye, and then there's all the other stuff. The forums, and those statue things, and the Pope, and great food...
A typo?:confused:

The Forum Romanum is nice, just as the Vatican. Maybe I should go back one day....

And visit Amsterdam, you haven't been to Europe if you haven't been there.

I don't get it. :( *prepares for rightful mocking*

As in "Something is rotten in the State of Denmark".

http://www.enotes.com/shakespeare-quotes/something-rotten-state-denmark

I don't get it. :( *prepares for rightful mocking*
Act I, scene 4 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrases_from_Hamlet_in_common_English).

:fluffle: :fluffle: Let's go to a private room:fluffle:Too bad, Ruffy's already in there with me.

A typo?:confused: It should either be LIII (53) or LIV (54)

As in "Something is rotten in the State of Denmark".

http://www.enotes.com/shakespeare-quotes/something-rotten-state-denmark

Act I, scene 4 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrases_from_Hamlet_in_common_English).
Doh. Never seen Hamlet, but I should have figured that. :/

HC > Ruffy.:p

Too bad, Ruffy's already in there with me.

;) (http://assets.jolt.co.uk/forums/images/smilies/fluffle.gif)

HC > Ruffy.:pMaybe so, but you are still Dutch. :P

Maybe so, but you are still Dutch. :P

They're worse than USians?

It should either be LIII (53) or LIV (54)
IIII was a less common way to say 4, so it was right, just less used.:p
Maybe so, but you are still Dutch. :PSo everybody likes me.:p

IIII was a less common way to say 4, so it was right, just less used.:p Those crazy Romans!

They're worse than USians?Hmm. Good point.


HC, wait up!

So everybody likes me.:pNicely done, sir, nicely done.

Hmm. Good point.


HC, wait up!

Nicely done, sir, nicely done.
I'll wait.;)

And thanks:p
I just noticed Ruffy's sig, I might TM him...:p

I might TM him...:pI'm not sure you can do that. I already have him patented.

I'm not sure you can do that. I already have him patented.
Then just post your pictures (of yourself that is;) ).

I might even post mine:eek:

Then just post your pictures (of yourself that is;) ).

I might even post mine:eek:Sweetie, I posted my picture tons of times before. I'm also way too old for you. You should pay more attention. :p

Sweetie, I posted my picture tons of times before. I'm also way too old for you. You should pay more attention. :pI can't find it:( and you're not too old. Do you even know my age, anyway?:p

I got called sweetie :D:D:P

I can't find it:( "Tons of times before" =/= "in the current thread". Sheesh.
and you're not too old. Do you even know my age, anyway?:pIf I had to guess I'd say min. 19, max. 24/25.
Ergo, I'm too old for you. ;P
I got called sweetie :D:D:PSarcastically, sweetie, sarcastically. :P

[/hijack]

Aaaaaaand to get this thing back on track, especially considering there are threads for both age and pictures around this very moment ;), I'll suggest that TSI also go see Barcelona. I've never been but it sure sounds amazing. Oh, and from what I've seen, Lisbon is pretty cool, too.

Wow. This thread has turned into a rather interesting thing here. Keep the words flowing.

"Tons of times before" =/= "in the current thread". Sheesh.[quote]No way:p I don't see them anywhere, not even in the thread for it.
[quote]If I had to guess I'd say min. 19, max. 24/25.
Ergo, I'm too old for you. ;P19 is correct. Don't tell me you're older than 25:eek:

Aaaaaaand to get this thing back on track, especially considering there are threads for both age and pictures around this very moment ;), I'll suggest that TSI also go see Barcelona. I've never been but it sure sounds amazing. Oh, and from what I've seen, Lisbon is pretty cool, too.And he can skip Liege Guillemuis in Belgium. The entire city looks like a dump.
I'd say: Rome => Vienna => Barcelona => Paris => Luxembourg => Brussels => Amsterdam => Koeln

edit: I ignored the sarcasm;)

Let's see...

Holland, Switzerland, Italy, Greece... Do a couple of islands there.

Prague, Roma, London, Berlin...

The south of france, near Monaco.

Did I mention Prague? I'm sure I did.

I hear Trondheim is nice..
Fascist propaganda!
19 is correct. Don't tell me you're older than 25:eek:

:p Hihihi

Nøøb!

No way:eek:

And don't forget Luxembourg, it's nice there.:)

[QUOTE=Whereyouthinkyougoing;12569728]"Tons of times before" =/= "in the current thread". Sheesh.No way:p I don't see them anywhere, not even in the thread for it.
19 is correct. Don't tell me you're older than 25:eek:

Seen it. :p Also, 33, but I've never really held much respect for those age differences n' all.
Unless I missed a birthday...

And he can skip Liege Guillemuis in Belgium. The entire city looks like a dump.
I'd say: Rome => Vienna => Barcelona => Paris => Luxembourg => Brussels => Amsterdam => Koeln

Luxembourg, yay!

Hmm, 33 :)


Anyway, have a nice trip:p

After our program ends in Istanbul July 1st, a group of us are heading to Athens to gaze upon the ruins (and wymonz) of Greece. Of course, we plan to visit all the old things, and explore the nightlife a bit. We're renting a really nice apartment for 3 or 4 days.

Be very careful in Athens, because its economy is based on foreigner traps.

Walk or take the subway as much as possible (the subway in downtown is brilliant now), because the taxis will take very circuitous routes for 4-5x the required price.

Keep your hands in your pockets and on your wallet, because street thieves are very accomplished.

I keep a money belt with me for larger denominations, and keep the bare minimum of money in my wallet. That way if I'm ever held up, I can show my wallet with a little money, and convincingly look poor (a good trick anywhere you go).

Last I heard, Athens was the most expensive city in the EU to go shopping for clothes and things in, so don't.

Never go to a restaurant where you are not given a menu with prices. When they find out you are not Greek (hell I'm Greek but I don't look Greek enough since I live in Canada), they will increase the prices. Quite a bit.

Give exact change for things (especially taxis) otherwise you might find yourself having 'given' a larger 'tip' than you expected.

Otherwise, see what you have to in Athens, because the rest of Greece is the most beautiful! The pictures of Greece in the post cards are from Santorini, a tourist trap in and of itself, but one of the most beautiful islands in the world!

Hmm, 33 :)


Anyway, have a nice trip:p
ROFL. So quickly I fall from grace. :( :p

ROFL. So quickly I fall from grace. :( :p
No you don't:p :fluffle:

ROFL. So quickly I fall from grace. :( :p

Pfft! You know that the damn Niederländer are always hight on something :p

ROFL. So quickly I fall from grace. :( :p

Hey, my limit is currently set a 29 for completely unrelated reason, so nyah. :p

hot cakes and beverages

Also: http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/ad/screwloose.gif
Is this some fantasy Holland only existing in your Latin-addled brain that you're talking about?
Umm. Yes.

I resent the notion that I had a 'fantasy Holland', ma'am. I'm just reporting what I see and hear nearly every damned day (seems like ever single one of my friends has gone to Holland loads of time in their life and they all unanimously hail the abovementioned goods), in fact, these days it's twice a day as they put up a huge commercial for Chocomel with the aforementioned "...the delicious beverage as known from your Holland trip" or something right on my way to uni.

Yes.

You just are deluded, and/or much smarter than m and able to tune out of the Holland-foodstuff-praise all the time.

I'd invite you out to western France but I'm going back to Michigan in June. As for western France I suggest staying away from the excessively touristic crap like St. Malo or Mont St. Michel. However, I'm sure a Yooper like yourself knows a tourist trap when he sees one. Still, I suggest visiting some of the smaller French cities on your way through. I suggest Nantes and Angers (I live in Angers) although I'd advise staying away from Rennes. Also, La Rochelle is the worst tourist trap I've ever seen in my life.

Unfortunately I didn't have the excessive cash reserves needed to travel around on spring break so I only know les Pays de la Loire and Bretagne very well.

I suggest staying away from the excessively touristic crap like St. Malo or Mont St. Michel.
:eek:

Noooooooooooooooooooooo! Don't tell him to not go to Mont St. Michel! It's awesome! Who cares if it's full of tourists - so are Rome and Paris and frigging Disneyland, for that matter. It's still a rock in the ocean completely covered with churches built on top of churches built on top of churches and it's cool.

*pouts*

Of course, it might have helped that when I was there they had an awesome art exhibition that opened at night, with all kinds of different art pieces (from monk's faces carved into slim ebony columns to light installations) spread all over the place, and you'd basically go explore all the twisty ways and nooks and down steep dark steps just to turn around a corner and stand in front of another funky installation.
Seriously one of the coolest places I've ever been.

Hi TSI,

if you're planning to visit Bavaria, let me know.
I'd invite for a guided tour in Nuremberg and/or Regensburg.

I'll send you an email, additionally, so you'll have my email address and if you're interested just let me know.

Binkies
(formerly known as Highland Island)

As far as where I plan to go after Greece, I'm completely flexible. I'll probably take the ferry from Greece to southern Italy, and work my way up the boot, then proceed to Austria and then into Germany. But it's all tentative. I guess one of the best things about backpacking is you go at your own pace. If I want to stay an extra day in Venice, I can.

Anyway, just got back from the travel clinic, got my Hep A and Typhoid Fever vaccines.

Umm. Yes.

I resent the notion that I had a 'fantasy Holland', ma'am. I'm just reporting what I see and hear nearly every damned day (seems like ever single one of my friends has gone to Holland loads of time in their life and they all unanimously hail the abovementioned goods), in fact, these days it's twice a day as they put up a huge commercial for Chocomel with the aforementioned "...the delicious beverage as known from your Holland trip" or something right on my way to uni.

Yes.

You just are deluded, and/or much smarter than m and able to tune out of the Holland-foodstuff-praise all the time.

I have my own fantasy Holland :)


...several, in fact :p

As far as where I plan to go after Greece, I'm completely flexible. I'll probably take the ferry from Greece to southern Italy, and work my way up the boot, then proceed to Austria and then into Germany. But it's all tentative. I guess one of the best things about backpacking is you go at your own pace. If I want to stay an extra day in Venice, I can.

Anyway, just got back from the travel clinic, got my Hep A and Typhoid Fever vaccines.

meh, venice isn't as nice as you'd think. waaaaaaaay to much tourists, and dirty water everywhere. we had some luck with our guide though, and we visited some less known stuff to. and because the city basically lives of tourists, everything is very expensive.
if you're in italy you should try to visit assisi. it's on a hill, and all buildings are quite close together, very medieval. when we visited it there was a large festival going on in wich people from two parts of the city competed against eachother. there was this large traditional percusion contest, very impressive. it has a beatiful cathedral to.
sienna and firenze are interesting too. Rome is a little bit to crowded, but if you find a good guide you could go to the less crowded places. i often find this more rewarding than going to see something extremely well-known. (there is also less chance that someone steals something from you, and less-known things are often cheaper too)
when you go to paris and you don't have enough time to do a lot, i'd visit musee d'orsay instead of le louvre, but that's just me. Montmartre by night is very cool to. if you search you can also find shops where they sell very inexpensive but good wine, iirc there was one not to far from the notre dame.
oh, and remember that stuff like the mona lisa, or the Sistine Chapel only look good on postcards and souvenirs, in reality they are rather disappointing.