Germany

We traveled by train from Paris to Munich, with just one transfer. The trip was beautiful. Terri and I were both a bit sniffly though, so I felt bad for the person sitting across from us. At one point, he gave us a package of tissues because we ran out and Terri was in dyer need. 

Once we arrived in Germany, we headed straight to the place we were couch surfing. Our host was very nice, they had another couchsurfer staying for a night, she was from Vietnam, but was living in Germany for school. The four of us chatted and relaxed for a very long time, eventually our host made us some food (sausage loaf, on Germany bread, with honey mustard sauce) it was good, but I was still hungry after. The four of us went into the city for the evening, to tour around, it was a cool experience to have a local show us around this way, and give us tips and advise. 

The next few days Terri and I explored the city (often walking it circles, trying to find stuff). We ate at a famous beer house, which was very crowded. We were lucky to find our own table. We had sausages (with warm sauerkraut) spatzel, pretzels  and beer. We also explored some of the local art gallery's and museums (night at the museum). On a more rainy day, we went to a little festival on the edge of the city, it was mostly aimed at tourists, but we did find some cool vintage nic nacs and a booth selling little wooden puzzles (the type where you have to fit four or so pieces into a little box). I figured out the corkscrew one fairly easily, then tried another for a long time and never did figure it out...

Our last day in Germany, we took a bus to Salzburg, Austria. The trip was about two hours but while worth it! There was so much to see, and castles to explore.  Terri and I got out of the main tourist areas at first to climb above the city and enjoy the views. It also happened to be a footpath to the castles. ;) I think we explored that area and the castle for most of our time in Salzburg, but neither of us minded, it was time well spent. :) We did explore the main square and tourist spots a little, but after traveling so much, it's nice to find a quieter spot. Salzburg didn't have as many tourist selfieing about as I expected, so it was great. We walked all over the city, found a delious pastry, Prosecco flavoured gummy bears for the trip back, and some beautiful post cards for a souviour. 

Munich was much more relaxed then other cities we've visited. It felt like a little break between the more busy city's. Next, is Venice! Terri and I are taking a 7 hour bus ride from Munich to Venice. We're already seeing so much of the Italian country side, rollings hills, vineyards, snow capped mountains, meadows fitted between mountains and endless castles and churches sitting atop cliffs or deep down in valleys as we write our blog posts today. For once I'm thankful there's no wifi, otherwise we'd miss this beauty.

The Gower Girls have Arrived!

Its day five for me today, we are in Paris! 

London was very neat, I loved it and Terri is already planning to move there (just kidding mum, don't worry). It reminded me so much of Victoria, in a way. I only spent two and a half days in London, it definitely wasn't enough, we'll be back. ;) The first day, I arrived, around midnight my time and around 7am in London, so of course Terri was ready to go and would not let me sleep a wink. She really impressed me with her knowledge of the underground system, trains and what not. Before I knew it, we were at our hostel. It was rustic, and you really got what you paid for. 

By now, the last 'meal' I had was on the plane, some sort of 'pasta'(no. Just no.). Terri and I found a little cafe across the street from our hostel, so we popped in for some breakfast, a traditional English breakfast. I had some coffee, which was more like an V1S1N0 (just not as good as the Stick's), and a classic breakfast (egg, toast, chips, bacon, sausage). It was tasty. 

Next, Terri took me to Buckingham Palace, it was very exciting, I hoped to see the queen, but no such luck. It was very crowded, around the palace, and some of the police rode around on horses. We spend the day wondering around, we walked through the park, we saw Big Ben, the London Eye, a couple random statues of lions, we had sandwiches for lunch, we saw the national gallery, then we went back to the gallery, then we went back again... I think we saw everything in there, but probably not. ;) 

We walked back to Westminster Abby to get inside for the evensong. It was very beautiful. I almost fell asleep while I was sitting there, listening to the lovely music (just a bit too relaxing). 

That evening, we searched everywhere for some good fish and chips, all we found was pre-made 'stuff' I guess this is the norm in London. Oh well, it was cheap and I was hungry. We had that with beer and Millions (one of Terri and I's favourite candy). By the time I got to bed that night, I Had not slept in 34ish hours. Whoops. Thanks Terri. 

The next morning, Terri told me the hostel had breakfast, it costed £2 for toast, yogurt and an old hard boiled egg (I know, I sound picky and spoiled, what can I say? I like good food). Oh. I almost forgot about the 'coffee' haha. It wasn't actually coffee. I still don't know what it was, but it scares me. Never again. 

After finding some real coffee( a nice cappuccino, but not up to per with the Stick) we headed off again. First stop Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross (Harry Potter). We left the station, after getting some photos, to find a nice little market outside, so we grabbed a baguette, some yummy cheese, and some mini donuts( shoulda got two each. Of the normal size. So good...). We rode a red bus to Baker Street (Sherlock) then made our way to Regent Park, for a picnic. 

After eating all the cheese and wishing we had more, we went to check out the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Both were much more impressive then I expected.  ;) 

We ate some candied nuts while walking across the bridge, then explored the other side a bit. On the way back, we had to wait for the bridge to go up, so a boat of tourist could go under...hmm. 

We were both tired at this point, but decided to throw in St. Paul's Cathedral, it was amazing, and much bigger in person. I loved the architecture. 

After walking around all day, we hunted for a place to eat, maybe a pub, we thought. We went to the pub inside of Kings Cross station, we both had beer and beef pot pie, which came with sautéed kale and mash. It was really good. The pot pie had red wine in it and the kale tasted fresh. :) 

Last day in London for now, we spend it doing laundry (yay), wondering around, the hostel's neighbourhood (found three thrift stores!) and walking over to a park to find a geocache.

Our flight to Paris was at 6:50pm that night so we made our way to Luton airport, on a train (and a shuttle bus), then waited for nearly two hours(guess we didn't have to get there so soon). 

 Once in Paris, it was around 9pm, we were both tired, and we had to figure out the train to the place we were staying (couch surfing place). It should have only taken an hour or two. But we got lost. And didn't have any wifi. It was, interesting... (Terri told me to skip this part) So anyway, we safely arrive at 12:45am, our host was very nice, and we didn't die. Or get mugged. Yay! 

She had a very tiny apartment, with a charming cat, whose name I can't pronounce. She smoked, so her apartment kinda gave me a headache at first, but I got used to it. We slept on a sketchy looking mattress (with clean, but slightly damp sheets, and a nice wool blanket), under a skylight, looking up at the stars. It was a prefect first night in Paris. 

That's all for now! Look back soon for a post from Terri, I'm sure she's dying to tell you all her thoughts about London! 

Gabe.