It certainly was sad to be leaving Switzerland, it was such a relaxing, layed-back place. However, the draw that Nuremburg had was something I just needed to see. This place has such a deep-rooted past in the National Socialist culture of Germany, that my educational interests could not pass up a trip here.
We arrived into Nuremburg Hbf to a scorching 32 degrees of sticky heat. We made our way towards our hostel which lay just inside the walls of the Old City which dated back centuries. Our first day was mroe or less spent shopping for food and preparing dinner.
We got settled and went out on a shopping spree for beer, meat, and breads - delicious gourmet cooking at its finest. The first night we again realized that the country of Canada travels in packs, and we were only 2 of nearly 10 Canadians staying at our hostel. We met David, a really nice guy from England, who likely will be hanging out with us tomorrow. We have also met a couple from Calagary, and another couple from Montreal ... all very nice people. After eating dinner, the notion was brought up to walk through the city, and experience some of the old town culture. To our amazement, Nuremburg has a Red-Light district only a few blocks from our hsotel ... nothing but window prostitutes trying to hock their wares. There were people there for every physical taste ... to put it mildly. Disgusting, yet funny, we walked past a row of windows on our evening stroll that had very senior aged women sitting in full lingerie, one wasw even knitting. Completely hilarious to our group of 4 guys just looking to walk around and see the sights.
We immediately returned to our hostel when we realized that the town didnt offer too much more to the youthful nightlife. We sat around with a room full of other travellers, speaking about our journey, drinking cheap Ger´man beers, and playing several card games that we have all picked up from our trips to the corners of the World. In hostels like this, there is usually a person who has been everywhere you can think of that people might live.
I have learned many new card games since beginning my trip, and look forward to learning even more. Morgan and I have decided to go our seperate ways for a while here, after Berlin he will be going to Dusseldorf, and I to Hamburg. Wether or not we meet up again for a lengthy period of time is still to be determined.
We spent our first full day in Nuremburg by first going to the Courthouse. The Nuremburg Palace of Justice is the location for the war crime trials of the Nazi perpetrators of the Holocaust and of the war crimes of the Second World War. The history this building has seen is remarkable. Relatively undamaged during the war, despite the surrounding buildings being obliterated, the courthouse stood to deal justice to the criminals of the war. The 4 charges that were dealt to the 24 Nazi defendants, would eventually lead to the sentence of death by hanging for many. Only problem on this day was that court was in session and we were not able to get inside the courthouse. Still a very interesting location with beautiful facades and architecture.
From the courthouse we moved on to the Nazi Party Parade grounds ... the location of the Nazi Rallies starting in 1934 and extending to the collapse of the Third Reich. Upion reaching this site, it became very apparent of the German governments will to seperate themselves from their past (purely speaking of the government of the 1950s and 1960s - Germany now is probably one of the msot anti-Nazi nations, and is doing very much to acknowledge their past and educate peeople so as the atrocities that were committed never happen again). The rally ground which at one point held upwards of 125 000 people and was purely a concrete jungle with grandstands and marching paths for the SS and elite armed units of the Reich, has since been transformed into a lavish park with green grasses, fountains, flowers and little more than small bulletin boards highlighting the past of each location. It was very surreal seeing the vague remnants, things that an untrained eye in the topic would glance over and not give a second thought to. Seeing the steps of the gallery, seeing the podium of the highranking officials, being able to visualize the scene witht he help of the pictures in the park was a very strange feeling I am glad I felt. It truly made me feel as though I was standing back in time ... a different feeling than when I have gone to the Holocaust camps. The only structure that still stands in the park that is identical fromt he war era is the monument to the fallen soldiers of Nuremburg from the First World War.
From the park, we moved onto the "Colloseum" and Zeppelin grounds. These sites were a little easier to distinguish as being from the Nazi era. There are lakes all around the site, the largest being made from the excavated site of Albert Speers National Stadium, designed to hold upwards of 400 000 people. The buildings in this complex really express the Nazi architectural designs and desires. The grandeur in the size and presentaton of these buildings in astounding. We moved arounnd the grounds, again a stifling hot day, and finally found ourselves at the Zeppelin site. This was a very strange feeling as well. The podium used by Hitler himself still stands in the place it did over 7 decades ago. Not to sound like a crazy neo-Nazi, but it was very strange from a historical perspective standing in the exact same place as one of the worlds worst people. The heavy, armed doors still adorn the building behind the podium overlooking the grounds. Wierd that now soccer fields are what lie in the grassy areas in front of the podium, and the Nuremburg soccer stadium is in the background.
The rich history of Nuremburg drew me to come here on my way to Berlin, the people are very helpful, and it truly is a place that with the right time and money, a person could be amazed with what they find.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Basking in Natural Beauty
On the morning of the 18th of May,
we travelled through the Alps and Innsbruck as we made our way to Zurich, Switzerland. The natural beauty of this country is unbelievable. We passed through sheer mountain cliffs that overlook crystal-clear lakes that stretch to the horizon. Mountain streams that cascade into waterfalls dot the country side as our train snaked its way through the mountain passes. As our train arrived in Zurich, the people are as beautiful as the landscape. Everyone is very friendly and more than happy to meet new people.
We arrived to disbelief at our hostel of the numerous add-ons to the price that shot our nightly rates to over $40 a night, but in hostel terms it is outrageous. The entire country is outrageously priced ... to put it into Canadian terms, a Big Mac meal at a Swiss McDonalds comes to a staggering price of $10.90. The landscape of the city is not at all what I imagined. I thought it would be very similar to Toronto, only cleaner with much nicer natural views. But that was a total understatement. The river flows into the Lake of Zurich which is surrounded by nothing but clean, public parks with many sunbathers and people enjoying the natural outdoors. Something very rare to see when you come from the GTA or anywhere in southern Ontario for that matter.
I did absolutely nothing in Zurich. My entire days were spent trying to make feeble attempts to flirt and chat up the gorgeous Swiss Misses, still ended up having some nice talks with a few, and will be keeping in touch with some ... so it was not all for a loss. I decided to return to the lake and tan for the first time in 2007. It was a balmy 28 degrees with not a cloud int he sky. I even went swimming and felt the European bug, and felt much more free with myself than I would have had I been back home ... you know what I mean. I brought my camera this last day into town to photograph the sights and awe this city commands. Only issue was it was difficult to get a lcear view of something for more than a few moments ... nobody slows down and continuosly blocks shots. Here I was, sitting on the shore of the Lake of Zurich, lining up a perfect shot to take with snow-capped Alps on the back, the boats all across the water, and tours coming and going fromt he main harbour, to line up the perfect shot, I clicked the shutter ... without even noticing, checked the review to see my shot, only to find the nude ass of an 80-yr. old man had emerged from the water. My perfcect shot ended up being the wrinkled backside of a senior citizen who was awfully comfortable with himself.
We were constrained for social outings in Zurich, because as backpackers, I certainly did not have the funds to enjoy the nightlife provided by Switzerland. It certainly is a place where you need to work in the country or just come here for a week ... otherwise it will drain all financial resources you bring with you.
we travelled through the Alps and Innsbruck as we made our way to Zurich, Switzerland. The natural beauty of this country is unbelievable. We passed through sheer mountain cliffs that overlook crystal-clear lakes that stretch to the horizon. Mountain streams that cascade into waterfalls dot the country side as our train snaked its way through the mountain passes. As our train arrived in Zurich, the people are as beautiful as the landscape. Everyone is very friendly and more than happy to meet new people.
We arrived to disbelief at our hostel of the numerous add-ons to the price that shot our nightly rates to over $40 a night, but in hostel terms it is outrageous. The entire country is outrageously priced ... to put it into Canadian terms, a Big Mac meal at a Swiss McDonalds comes to a staggering price of $10.90. The landscape of the city is not at all what I imagined. I thought it would be very similar to Toronto, only cleaner with much nicer natural views. But that was a total understatement. The river flows into the Lake of Zurich which is surrounded by nothing but clean, public parks with many sunbathers and people enjoying the natural outdoors. Something very rare to see when you come from the GTA or anywhere in southern Ontario for that matter.
I did absolutely nothing in Zurich. My entire days were spent trying to make feeble attempts to flirt and chat up the gorgeous Swiss Misses, still ended up having some nice talks with a few, and will be keeping in touch with some ... so it was not all for a loss. I decided to return to the lake and tan for the first time in 2007. It was a balmy 28 degrees with not a cloud int he sky. I even went swimming and felt the European bug, and felt much more free with myself than I would have had I been back home ... you know what I mean. I brought my camera this last day into town to photograph the sights and awe this city commands. Only issue was it was difficult to get a lcear view of something for more than a few moments ... nobody slows down and continuosly blocks shots. Here I was, sitting on the shore of the Lake of Zurich, lining up a perfect shot to take with snow-capped Alps on the back, the boats all across the water, and tours coming and going fromt he main harbour, to line up the perfect shot, I clicked the shutter ... without even noticing, checked the review to see my shot, only to find the nude ass of an 80-yr. old man had emerged from the water. My perfcect shot ended up being the wrinkled backside of a senior citizen who was awfully comfortable with himself.
We were constrained for social outings in Zurich, because as backpackers, I certainly did not have the funds to enjoy the nightlife provided by Switzerland. It certainly is a place where you need to work in the country or just come here for a week ... otherwise it will drain all financial resources you bring with you.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
A Bavarian at Heart
So it has been a while since updating this thing.
As we crossed the border from Austria into Germany on the 13th of April, a sense of awe came over me. The commanding presence of the mountains, and the pristine, untouched landscape. It is so different here than in southern Ontario.
As the train pulled into the Berchtesgaden Hbf, it was so easy to get a sense of the rich heritage and torrid past this town possesses. The entire town being taken over by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party in the late 1920s and early 1930s as the spot of true Bavarian lifestyle and heritage. It was the power source of Nazi government outside of Berlin.
The town gives all who enter a sense of pride and status. The mountains towering over you give a sense of being larger than the rest. It was a very strange feeling, but I loved it. The afternoon of the 30th was a beautiful day in the high 20s with unlimited visability. It was the best day our guide says he had seen in years. We were so LUCKY!!!
I was amazed at the elaborate system of underground bunkers and tunnels that have been carved into the mountain. The Nazis intended to build a 2 lane road that cut its way directly though the face of the Kehlstein mountain. Unbelievable feats of engineering have been undertaken at this spot.
By 3pm we began our ascent to the summit of Kehlstein mountain and the Eagles Nest. Hitler was given this mountain top teahaus for his 50th birthday from the NSDAP, and it only cost a staggering price of nearly 150 000 000 Euros in todays standards. Hitler, being afraid of heights, only managed to make the climb to the top of the mountain and visit his present 14 times. That works out to a price of nearly 10.5 million Euros a trip. As we stood on top of the mountain we could see the peaks of 3 countries. It was gorgeous. I will upload photos as soon as I get a chance.
The morning of the 14th, we travelled to Munich. Home of the worldfamous Oktoberfest and some very reknown beer gardens. The hostel we stayed in in Munich was a really cool place. We had a bar connected to us, and we were situated right across the street from the Augustiner brewery. Munich was a big party. Here we met Matt (Ricey) and Joel, the big limey Brit Arthur, Bruno the Brazillian (F*** the Brazllians, HaHaHa), Alex and David the Canucks, and both Morgan and I. Goodtimes were to be had. Some of whic I cannot explain on here ... the 8 of us know what went on.
While in Munich I experienced the authenticities of Bavarian cuisine. I have since eaten pigs feet, duck, pork saddle, sauerkraut, blue cabbage, and copious amounts of new beers. I have been called a true Bavarian by an old German man. I was shocked for a bit when I was told by a guy that although he knows I am adamently against the Nazis. I do study them, he explained that had I lived in the 1940s I surely would have been drafted into the Wehrmacht and thrown into the Aryan type regiments. Something I was kind of uneasy about hearing, but whatever, that was 60 years ago and will never happen again.
I LOVED Munich, and want to come back as soon as I can.
people are waiting for this computer, so I will try to update all I can before I leave here next week.
As we crossed the border from Austria into Germany on the 13th of April, a sense of awe came over me. The commanding presence of the mountains, and the pristine, untouched landscape. It is so different here than in southern Ontario.
As the train pulled into the Berchtesgaden Hbf, it was so easy to get a sense of the rich heritage and torrid past this town possesses. The entire town being taken over by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party in the late 1920s and early 1930s as the spot of true Bavarian lifestyle and heritage. It was the power source of Nazi government outside of Berlin.
The town gives all who enter a sense of pride and status. The mountains towering over you give a sense of being larger than the rest. It was a very strange feeling, but I loved it. The afternoon of the 30th was a beautiful day in the high 20s with unlimited visability. It was the best day our guide says he had seen in years. We were so LUCKY!!!
I was amazed at the elaborate system of underground bunkers and tunnels that have been carved into the mountain. The Nazis intended to build a 2 lane road that cut its way directly though the face of the Kehlstein mountain. Unbelievable feats of engineering have been undertaken at this spot.
By 3pm we began our ascent to the summit of Kehlstein mountain and the Eagles Nest. Hitler was given this mountain top teahaus for his 50th birthday from the NSDAP, and it only cost a staggering price of nearly 150 000 000 Euros in todays standards. Hitler, being afraid of heights, only managed to make the climb to the top of the mountain and visit his present 14 times. That works out to a price of nearly 10.5 million Euros a trip. As we stood on top of the mountain we could see the peaks of 3 countries. It was gorgeous. I will upload photos as soon as I get a chance.
The morning of the 14th, we travelled to Munich. Home of the worldfamous Oktoberfest and some very reknown beer gardens. The hostel we stayed in in Munich was a really cool place. We had a bar connected to us, and we were situated right across the street from the Augustiner brewery. Munich was a big party. Here we met Matt (Ricey) and Joel, the big limey Brit Arthur, Bruno the Brazillian (F*** the Brazllians, HaHaHa), Alex and David the Canucks, and both Morgan and I. Goodtimes were to be had. Some of whic I cannot explain on here ... the 8 of us know what went on.
While in Munich I experienced the authenticities of Bavarian cuisine. I have since eaten pigs feet, duck, pork saddle, sauerkraut, blue cabbage, and copious amounts of new beers. I have been called a true Bavarian by an old German man. I was shocked for a bit when I was told by a guy that although he knows I am adamently against the Nazis. I do study them, he explained that had I lived in the 1940s I surely would have been drafted into the Wehrmacht and thrown into the Aryan type regiments. Something I was kind of uneasy about hearing, but whatever, that was 60 years ago and will never happen again.
I LOVED Munich, and want to come back as soon as I can.
people are waiting for this computer, so I will try to update all I can before I leave here next week.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Why Austria?
So, here we are on the 9th of May (I write these down when I cannot get o a computer, so don't let me know that they are posted on the same day), we have just arrived in the city of Vienna, Austria. Believe it or not, the basic German I do speak, is helping me get along with simple questions, and very primative conversation.
Vienna is an awfully expensive place when compared to the rest of our trip thus far. Using the Euro is not nearly as much fun as the Polish Zloty or Czech Crown. We have formed a sort of possy at our hostel here in Vienna (Hostel Ruthensteiner - truly a great location). We consist of Aiden the Aussie, Morgan, and myself, Manu the Austrian, Pastor Matt from the US (mighty religious guy, but very nice), Duncan from Canada, Christine from Hawaii, and Karen from Washington. The 8 of us rented some of the most painfully dated bikes I have ever seen, no hand brakes, and rode around the city after happy hour. The city lights are amazing at night. After the rest of them returned to the hostel before midnight to go to bed, Duncan, myself, and Aiden missioned around the city for another 4 hours ... legs destroyed, we still saw some of the nicest partws of old Vienna.
You meet so many cool, new people when travelling like this.
Aiden and myself trained up to the Danube river on our last night of Vienna, sadly, we found the amaying ngiht life everyone was talking about ... For those of you that are Canadian, Vienna has a sort of Hess Village, as we have in Hamilton. Only imrovement, is their Hess is located on the water ... river barge after river barge, pontoon boats and floating bridges connect this floating bar wonderland. Drinks are a bit prices, compared to Toronto bars, but a night that is sure to please will ensue.
We have started cooking our own meals here in Vienna, as it is FAR FAR cheaper than buying stuff.
On the 12th we boarded a train for Salzburg ... making a pit-stop at the Holocaust fortress of Mauthausen. This place was strange when compared to the others we have been to so far. It is perched on top of a hill surrounded by green fields and the Alps in the distance. Not the setting one would think of when imagining a location of murder and death.
After touring around this place for about 4 hours, we returned and headed for our nights stay in Salzburg.
Upon reaching Salzburg, we discovered that our hostel (which turned out to be more of a B&B) was located on a hillside overlooking the valley where the citv is located. Our hostel had a front row view of the mountains and city lights, it was simply awesome. We ate dinner in town, food was good but service took forever, there was a massive group, that had pretty much bought all the servers.
We only stayed one night in Salzburg, as we boarded a train for Germany yesterday morning, the 13th. For all who are wanting to hear saucy tales of debauchery, I apologize, the scenery and not necessarily typical masculine things trump everything else thus far in this Alpine area of Austria. I sat in awe last night drinking a beer with the Mountains few miles from my terrace. Yesterday morning we had breakfast overlooking the valley, it was awesome, could get used to all that regularly.
I will try to post the first bit of Germany asap ...
Vienna is an awfully expensive place when compared to the rest of our trip thus far. Using the Euro is not nearly as much fun as the Polish Zloty or Czech Crown. We have formed a sort of possy at our hostel here in Vienna (Hostel Ruthensteiner - truly a great location). We consist of Aiden the Aussie, Morgan, and myself, Manu the Austrian, Pastor Matt from the US (mighty religious guy, but very nice), Duncan from Canada, Christine from Hawaii, and Karen from Washington. The 8 of us rented some of the most painfully dated bikes I have ever seen, no hand brakes, and rode around the city after happy hour. The city lights are amazing at night. After the rest of them returned to the hostel before midnight to go to bed, Duncan, myself, and Aiden missioned around the city for another 4 hours ... legs destroyed, we still saw some of the nicest partws of old Vienna.
You meet so many cool, new people when travelling like this.
Aiden and myself trained up to the Danube river on our last night of Vienna, sadly, we found the amaying ngiht life everyone was talking about ... For those of you that are Canadian, Vienna has a sort of Hess Village, as we have in Hamilton. Only imrovement, is their Hess is located on the water ... river barge after river barge, pontoon boats and floating bridges connect this floating bar wonderland. Drinks are a bit prices, compared to Toronto bars, but a night that is sure to please will ensue.
We have started cooking our own meals here in Vienna, as it is FAR FAR cheaper than buying stuff.
On the 12th we boarded a train for Salzburg ... making a pit-stop at the Holocaust fortress of Mauthausen. This place was strange when compared to the others we have been to so far. It is perched on top of a hill surrounded by green fields and the Alps in the distance. Not the setting one would think of when imagining a location of murder and death.
After touring around this place for about 4 hours, we returned and headed for our nights stay in Salzburg.
Upon reaching Salzburg, we discovered that our hostel (which turned out to be more of a B&B) was located on a hillside overlooking the valley where the citv is located. Our hostel had a front row view of the mountains and city lights, it was simply awesome. We ate dinner in town, food was good but service took forever, there was a massive group, that had pretty much bought all the servers.
We only stayed one night in Salzburg, as we boarded a train for Germany yesterday morning, the 13th. For all who are wanting to hear saucy tales of debauchery, I apologize, the scenery and not necessarily typical masculine things trump everything else thus far in this Alpine area of Austria. I sat in awe last night drinking a beer with the Mountains few miles from my terrace. Yesterday morning we had breakfast overlooking the valley, it was awesome, could get used to all that regularly.
I will try to post the first bit of Germany asap ...
Lazy Days in the Czech Republic
So,
It has been since the 8th of May that I have been able to get access to an internet connection for less than €2/min. I spent 5 days in Prague with Morgan and his relatives. His familyy was awfully gracious hosts and generous.
We spent the majority of the time doing the typical tourist stuff, and seeing much of the old city.
We went to the town of Plzen and ate lunch at the brewery, the town was in a big celebratory mode as well on the 5th as it was the towns day of liberation by US forces in World War II. Was very cool seeing everything and all the fanfare that went along with the day.
For the entire 5 days we did little else besides drink. Czech beer prices are remarkably cheap. Approximately $0.50/0.5L pints. What a super great system they have going. You can also buy beer in the bars and walk home with them.
The Czech people were all very friendly, and the females in this country were very visually pleasing as well. The food was delicious, but I soon found out that despite the fact that Sauerkraut and I are friends on the surface, we are enemies aferwards. The 5 days past pretty fast in Prague. I really wish I was able to experience more of the night life ... Canada did beat the Czechs in World Championship hockey, so at leasst there was something to brag about in the bars and trash talk ... I don't think any of them really knew what I was saying.
The first day we were given a rude welcome to the city when we were fined $25 for not properly validating our tickets before jumping on the subway. I will never make this mistake again.
For all those people out there that feel travelling to Europe will simply be a feast of carnal pleasures are totally wrong. Everything hereis the same in Canada, nobody just throws themselves at you eventhough you are a North American, English speaking, drop-dead beautiful gentleman ... it just doesn't happen.
We have finally managed to do a load of laundry here in Prague, I feel our foot odour may have started a national incident if we did not get on it sooner rather than later.
Signing off for now, or until I can find another free computer ...
It has been since the 8th of May that I have been able to get access to an internet connection for less than €2/min. I spent 5 days in Prague with Morgan and his relatives. His familyy was awfully gracious hosts and generous.
We spent the majority of the time doing the typical tourist stuff, and seeing much of the old city.
We went to the town of Plzen and ate lunch at the brewery, the town was in a big celebratory mode as well on the 5th as it was the towns day of liberation by US forces in World War II. Was very cool seeing everything and all the fanfare that went along with the day.
For the entire 5 days we did little else besides drink. Czech beer prices are remarkably cheap. Approximately $0.50/0.5L pints. What a super great system they have going. You can also buy beer in the bars and walk home with them.
The Czech people were all very friendly, and the females in this country were very visually pleasing as well. The food was delicious, but I soon found out that despite the fact that Sauerkraut and I are friends on the surface, we are enemies aferwards. The 5 days past pretty fast in Prague. I really wish I was able to experience more of the night life ... Canada did beat the Czechs in World Championship hockey, so at leasst there was something to brag about in the bars and trash talk ... I don't think any of them really knew what I was saying.
The first day we were given a rude welcome to the city when we were fined $25 for not properly validating our tickets before jumping on the subway. I will never make this mistake again.
For all those people out there that feel travelling to Europe will simply be a feast of carnal pleasures are totally wrong. Everything hereis the same in Canada, nobody just throws themselves at you eventhough you are a North American, English speaking, drop-dead beautiful gentleman ... it just doesn't happen.
We have finally managed to do a load of laundry here in Prague, I feel our foot odour may have started a national incident if we did not get on it sooner rather than later.
Signing off for now, or until I can find another free computer ...
Thursday, May 3, 2007
A Week in Poland ...
So Morgan and I have been in Poland for the past 5 days and are leaving tomorrow to go to Prague in the Czech Republic.
The first thing that is striking about Poland is how remarkably green and rural this country is. There are the main cities, and as soon as the city limits are reached, it is immediately in the middle of nowhere. Such scenes in these rural areas are of chickens running openly around the streets, an old man talking his holstein cow for a walk on a leash, and the remnants of communism is still seen everywhere.
The language barrier is extremely difficult, and I have only managed to pick up the simple phrases of how are you, good morning, hello, thank you, I need a train ticket to .. , and beer please. The streets do not have the standard north american signs posted on the corners, but they are located on the adjoining buildings ... it was mighty difficult for the first few hours figuring things out. The next problem we came across was the public transit system in Poland ... although the trains/trams.and buses run quite frequently, it is tough to figure out where you are going, as the maps read very similar to the TTC subway system in the sense that all the stops are labelled differently than the street, so it is painfully tough following things when you can't read the language. The girls working our hostels have been amazing! They have helped us call and write letters and do pretty much anything that one could thing of (please keep your minds clean when reading this). Our hostel's are Hostel Helvetia in Warsaw, and Mama's Hostel in Krakow. Anyone in these areas, I would highly recommend both these locations.
We have thus far been to Treblinka, Majdenak, and Auschwitz ... these places were horrific, and wonders how humanity could sink to such lows as to produce such mass killing factories. On the brighter side of things, Krakow is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. The river and the city centre are absolutely a joy to just sit in and watch the sights go by. Also, the vast majority of Polish females are a delight to the optical senses, I know Morgan, myself, the two Aussie guys we have been walking around with, as well as the Yank, and other Canadian are in awe how such gorgeous women are with such visually atrocious gentlemen.
This past week has truly been an enlightening experience, and has truly caused me to think of the tourists in Canada who do not speak English, from now on, I truly will be more thoughtful when dealing with them and try to lend a hand when I can.
Today is a national holiday in Poland, and the entire city is out in full-force. There has been a military parade through the city centre, marching bands, flags everywhere, street performers, and the true culture of Poland is coming out of the wood-work everywhere you look. Krakow truly is a city I would recommend all to come if they have the chance, ... ,as well as a small phrase book in Polish.
I will try to update this bog more often, and possibly upload pictures, but due to my electronic ineptitude that may prove difficult, I am averaging about 80 photos a day, so albums will be immense when I return to Canada.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer break thus far, and/or work/school is going well,
Take care
The first thing that is striking about Poland is how remarkably green and rural this country is. There are the main cities, and as soon as the city limits are reached, it is immediately in the middle of nowhere. Such scenes in these rural areas are of chickens running openly around the streets, an old man talking his holstein cow for a walk on a leash, and the remnants of communism is still seen everywhere.
The language barrier is extremely difficult, and I have only managed to pick up the simple phrases of how are you, good morning, hello, thank you, I need a train ticket to .. , and beer please. The streets do not have the standard north american signs posted on the corners, but they are located on the adjoining buildings ... it was mighty difficult for the first few hours figuring things out. The next problem we came across was the public transit system in Poland ... although the trains/trams.and buses run quite frequently, it is tough to figure out where you are going, as the maps read very similar to the TTC subway system in the sense that all the stops are labelled differently than the street, so it is painfully tough following things when you can't read the language. The girls working our hostels have been amazing! They have helped us call and write letters and do pretty much anything that one could thing of (please keep your minds clean when reading this). Our hostel's are Hostel Helvetia in Warsaw, and Mama's Hostel in Krakow. Anyone in these areas, I would highly recommend both these locations.
We have thus far been to Treblinka, Majdenak, and Auschwitz ... these places were horrific, and wonders how humanity could sink to such lows as to produce such mass killing factories. On the brighter side of things, Krakow is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. The river and the city centre are absolutely a joy to just sit in and watch the sights go by. Also, the vast majority of Polish females are a delight to the optical senses, I know Morgan, myself, the two Aussie guys we have been walking around with, as well as the Yank, and other Canadian are in awe how such gorgeous women are with such visually atrocious gentlemen.
This past week has truly been an enlightening experience, and has truly caused me to think of the tourists in Canada who do not speak English, from now on, I truly will be more thoughtful when dealing with them and try to lend a hand when I can.
Today is a national holiday in Poland, and the entire city is out in full-force. There has been a military parade through the city centre, marching bands, flags everywhere, street performers, and the true culture of Poland is coming out of the wood-work everywhere you look. Krakow truly is a city I would recommend all to come if they have the chance, ... ,as well as a small phrase book in Polish.
I will try to update this bog more often, and possibly upload pictures, but due to my electronic ineptitude that may prove difficult, I am averaging about 80 photos a day, so albums will be immense when I return to Canada.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer break thus far, and/or work/school is going well,
Take care
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