PERFECT PAROS :)

Arrived in Paros yesterday and it is such a beautiful peaceful place compared to Mykonos. Its nice to be in a place that makes you feel so relaxed. Apparently it has something to do with the Slate they have here, we are made of 80% water and apparently this slate has similar values so it sort of works in harmony with the human body. Last night we went out for dinner to a cute little restaurant right on the beach and enjoyed more awesome Greek food, Greek dancing and plate smashing. Had the most amazing Strawberry Daiquiris, they were to die for. Today we went on the most amazing boat cruise today, we stopped a few times and just jumped into the Agean Sea, right in the middle of no where, pretty freaky at first but once in it was all good, unbelievably salty tho, you got out and dried and I swear you could exfoliate your skin with the amount of dried up salt left on you. Stopped at a little beach and ate fresh octopus, greek salad, lamb skewers, chicken skewers, stuffed vine leaves, ouzo, red wine - it was amazing. All up we were on the boat for about 7 hours, such an awesome experience. Got back and did a bit of shopping, brought 2 dresses, came back and then got ready to go out for dinner, had a mixed souvlaki, so different to back home. Went to the Salon Bar and did a little more shisha. Home now getting packed up and ready to head off to Santorini, so cant wait to see what Santorini has to offer. So far the Greek Islands have been everything I thought they would be. Until Santorini, see ya :)

IN MYKONOS

Well Mykonos is all that people say it is, it is amazingly beautiful. You can understand why the rich and famous party here. The place is just amazing, the building, the people, the scenery - its all just devine. Not to mention the food. Lost half teh guys from thde first 2 days but get a whole lot more today so time to start meeting new people. Havent really done myuch here other than chill on the beach and drink. First night we went out for dinner then did another pub crawl around Mykonos, man was that awesome. Nothing here closes before 2am mind you nothing opens here before 12pm. Im loving it, have 1 1/2 days left here thn its off to Paros for me. Sorry o pix have been going up, i cant get access to a good enough computer to do any downloading so the only pix coming are my iphone pix downloaded to facie. Anyway I better get out into this awesome sunshine and enjoy it for all of you slaving away at home to. Love a miss yas, till Paros, see ya xxx

ATHENS ADVENTURE

Well left Venice for Athens yesterday. Sad to say goodbye to Venice but so ready for the next installment of my massive adventure. Caught a flight and arrived at my hostel quite late. But man was I surprised when I stepped out onto my balcony. The acropolis was just sitting there. All lit up and looking spectacular. Took a wander thru the streets and it was packed still even at 11pm, people selling stuff, restaurants packed and just people exploring. It was a pretty awesome experience. I find myself constantly pinching myself, it's hard to believe that I'm actually here visiting some of the most beautiful sites in the world. I definitely am living the dream and now can laugh at all those that weren't happy for me. He who laughs last laughs the loudest. My kids are so gonna benefit from not having me around for 15 weeks cause already I know that I am a much better person than the one that left. I miss them terribly but everyday and every new adventure brings us closer together. Right now I'm sitting on the boat making our way to Mykonos where in less than 3 hours I will be swimming in the beautiful bright blue waters. I can't wait. At least Venice has given me the perfect tan so that I'm not gonna look out of place heheheissing everyone but at the same time I'm not - if u know what I mean :) love u guys and I love reading all your comments and well wishes its sort of like ur here living the dream with me mwahhhh

VENICE VENICE VENICE - OH HOW I LOVE U!!!!

I'm in Venice - yay. This place is just beautiful. So many photos taken. Spent last night in Venice, wow it was amazing. Everything I had dreamed it would be. Today was an early start because I wanted to do both Murano & Burano. Murano is know for its beautifull glassworks and Burano for its colorful homes and exquisite lace. Got on the ferry for Murano at 10. OMG Murano is amazing, the glass jewellery here is just beautiful. I have spent way to much money on it already :) after looking around all the canals I took another ferry to Burano. That place is outta this world! The homes and the colors are amazing. Also the lace is so pretty. Those women are amazing. I posted pix on facie cause I don't have very good wifi here to hook into with my tablet. I can't wait to post more pix and show u exactly what I'm seeing. Venice like I said is beautiful.

VENICE!!!!

After driving through some of the most beautiful countryside so far we arrived in Venice. First thing we noticed was the heat then the pool. OMG I couldn't wait to get my room then go for a swim. Had the most relaxing afternoon/evening just chilling and drinking cocktails by the pool. Anyway back to the ride here, OMG!!!!! The Alps between Austria and Italy are amazing. Hillsides dotted with ancient ca

stles and really old homes, its mind blowing to know just how old some of these buildings really are. So looking forward to exploring and getting lost in Venice tomorrow :) But today it's going to be sun and swimming and lots of it ;)

MY SPEED LESSON IN MUNICH

Now that was a quick stopover in Munich but it was an awesome one. During the last 24 hours I've been saying goodbye to a lot of awesome people. Sad but par for the course :( Everyone is off on their own little adventures to other parts of Europe. Well Munich was awesome, went shopping when I got here then a group went to this amazing Beirgarten. We sat there for about 5 hours and drank out of 1 liter beer jugs, they were awesome. Also ate the traditional white sausage, very tasty. Got back to the hostel about 11, packed my stuff then came downstairs and had a few good bye drinks. Bed ended up being 4am. Alarm went off at 6.30 so I could get ready for the bus that leaves at 8am. Just about to have breakfast now. Ended up being in Munich for less than 24 hours but man did I pack a lot of fun into that 24 hours :) Off to Venice now, this was one of my favorite places to visit so I'm definitely looking forward to this stop. Until Venice ;)

WACHAU VALLEY

OMG this would have to have been the best day of my trip so far, I had a ball, it was awesome. The scenery and the people on the trip were just awesome. All up we biked 26 kms through the Wachau Valley and stopped at 2 wineries and sampled some amazing wines. Also stopped at a gorgeous little village and sampled, apricot schnapps, apricot liqueuers, apricot marmalade, mustard and chocolates. Stopped in for lunch at a cute little restaurant and had the best pork schnitzel. Everything was to die for. Cycling along the Danube was just magical. So many photos taken today I dont know which ones to post. We stopped at a little beach off the Danube and Claire and myself were the only 2 willing to go for a swim, it was very cold but so worth it. I can now say that I swam in the River Danube :) We were gone for over 9 hours in total, it was such a long day but so worth every minute and every sore muscle im going to have tomorrow, im totally exhausted now, definitely going to be a very early night tonight cause its up nice n early for the trip to Munich.

9 HOUR WINERY BIKE TOUR

Today is a day trip to the World Famous Wachau Valley. This is our itinerary - Bike between stunning Unesco Villages of the Wachau Valley, see where Richard The Lionheart was once imprisoned. Taste local chocolates, jams, schnapps & liqueurs, visit small family run wineries, master the art of wine appreciation in a laid-back environment, swim in the River Danube or play beach volleyball. All up the tour goes for 9 hours, god help us and others on the road with 20 tipsy bike riders on the loose for 9 hours on country roads lol Hands up if anyone wants to come ;)

MASSIVE 1ST NIGHT IN VIENNA......

Well what a big awesome 1st night. Started with a walking tour of Vienna then a meal of the biggest Schnitzel you have ever seen. Once we got back to the hostel we all decided to go into the bar and have a couple, well it wasnt just a couple, I think I dragged myself off at about 1.30 and 9 Jagerbombs later, OMG they are just way to easy to drink. Had a pretty awesome night and managed to drag myself up outta bed and get ready for the Bike Riding tour at 9.45 this morning, gonna have a nice big breakfast first though. I have no idea who is going on this tour but it should be good. At least the rain has stopped. Yesterday it was raining but quite warm. Oh well time to sign off again ;) Catch you later. PS: THAT PHOTO OF THE WEDDING DRESS IS IN FACT A WEDDING CAKE!!!!!! IT IS A LIFE SIZE VERSION OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WEDDING DRESS, TOTALLY AMAZING!!!!!!!!

VIENNA HERE I AM

Well after a very nice relaxing day yesterday in Prague recovering from the massive pub crawl it was an early start to Vienna today. On the way we stopped at this rest stop, it was pretty random in it architecture lol. It was like a mini lego land but with dragons and knights everywhere. It was pretty cool. Kids would absolutely love it. Vienna so far ..... Well we got to the hostel and dropped all our gear. I walked across the road to where there is a massive market complete with old and new and a ton of food shops and restaurants. Took lots of pix but will have to post later. Came back to my room and fell asleep on my bed for 20 mins. Just come down to the lounge room to do a little Internet surfing before heading out again. Not sure how many of the bus crew are heading out tonight but it should be a good night anyway. I think it's a 9.30 start in the morning so not to bad, have to work out where to go though first. Anyway first impressions of Vienna are - markets and lots of places to eat, the smells everywhere are just awesome and the food looks Devine :)

MORNING AFTER THE PUB CRAWL!!!!

Well what an awesome night. 16 absinthe shots with cranberry chasers and I was still standing. Had such an awesome night. Came back about 3.30, could have kept going but didn't wanna b left with no one from my hostel there, better to be safe and come home with the crowd. The club we went to at the end was awesome, so crowded tho. It's the biggest club in Europe, 5 floors all with diff themes from The ice bar, R n B floor, techno, chill out room and a few more. Very cool concept. Having a very relaxed day today. Can't be bothered doing to much. A few are hiring bikes but I'm not sure if I will do that yet :)

PUB CRAWL TONIGHT TO TOP OFF ANOTHER DAY OF SOLID WALKING

Hey, what another busy day. I've been convinced to join some of the guys on tonights pub crawl, wasnt gonna go but apparently the last club we go to is mad as, apparently known across the world for how good it is. Went on another walking tour today, Prague has some pretty weird, wild and whacky history behind it. The guides mother-in-law died at 92 and lived in 9 countries during her life, the strange and whacky thing was that she was born and she died in the exact same house, she never ever moved :) After the walking tour today a couple of us came back and went for a swim in the hostel pool and then had a sauna, it was awesome, so soothing on my poor old feet. I swear I have walked over 100km since leaving Melbourne. I'm going out tonight prepared, I've already taken 2 neurofen just in case my feet decide to go blah lol Sitting at the computer typing this pigging out on hot chips and mayonaise - so yum. Oh well not to much to write about today just lots more sight seeing, went to the same places I went to yesterday but this time had the guide explaining the history to us. I will let you all know tomorrow how this pub crawl goes, lets pray its kind to me ;) I hope everyone back home is all cool and happy, chat tomorow :)

PRAGUE - 1ST IMPRESSION NOT GOOD BUT THEN.........

Well got to Prague and the Hostel is nice but I cant say the same about the area where the Hostel is, Its pretty nasty. But hey its safe and the rooms a re cleam and we have a pool, sauna, bar and restaurant. I got unpacked after a pretty uneventful trip from Berlin to Prague then decided to go for a walk into the Old Town. Well it was a good idea but for some readson I couldnt follow a bloody map this time and ended up somewhere totally miles away from where I actually was supposed to be. Oh well, after asking someone where I actually was I managed to find my way to these steps that led up a massive hill, I had no idea where I was going but hey what the hell, I just followed the crowds and man was I pleased I did. The view at the top was spectacular. 270 degree views of the city of Prague and when I say spectacular I mean spectacular. I only had my iphone on me so all these pix are prett basic quality and i'm so looking forward to going back to these sites with a guide and a much better camera. All in all I walked the city of Prague for close to 5 hours, I was exhausted when I got back but it was worth every minute and every sore muscle. Back at the hostel now having a nice cold beer and getting ready for so food. Chilling with Billi and Nick tonight. I will fill you all ion more on the true Prague tomorow but 2nd impressions once I got to where I wanted to go, I LOVE IT :)

SACHSENHAUSEN CONCENTRATION CAMP AKA SPECIAL CAMP NO. 7/1

Gee what a day!!!! So humbling to be actually walking in the footsteps of everyone that suffered at the hands of the Nazi Regime here. To look at it now it is sort of beautiful and so peaceful but to learn about the atrocities that were done here is something else. This was a Political camp so nowhere near as horrible as what happened in Auschwitz but not to take away anything from the 53000 people that lost their lives here in such horrible ways. Walking thru under the guard towers and knowing that they were ordered to shot anyone that entered the Neutal Zone or anyone that just wasn't doing what they should. At its busiest 35,000 people were housed in an area no bigger than maybe 1 sq km. In total 200,000 people were imprisoned here by the Nazis. It was initially used to imprison Political Prisoners but later it was used as a training ground for the Holocaust once certain groups had been defined as racially or biologically inferior. For me the worst part of it was the Pathology Center, this is where they carried out so many horrible and nasty experiments. I ony managed to stay in that building for a couple of minutes if that, it was way to airy for me, it didnt feel right being there for some reason. If I had of been there I wouldn't be here today, one guy had a fascination with anyone with tattoos and anyone with one mysteriously disappeared, this guy was found to have over 300 tattooed skins all dried and framed decorating the walls of his office. The next worse place there was "Station Z" This was sort of like a processing station where people who entered here were never seen again. Things were done here that just should never ever have happened. I saw the actual furnaces where 53000 people were cremated, i felt sick. But I am really glad I got to experience this and really grateful for everything that I have ever been so lucky to have and to be born and raised in the best country in the world. Off to Prague tomorrow so something different again, looking forward to it. So tomorrow there will be the tales of Prague to hopefully entertain you :)

ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE WITH BERLIN

OMG Berlin is to die for. Had the best day today. Spent 4 hrs riding around Berlin on groovy Cruiser bikes seeing some of the most amazing sights. I saw the Berlin wall today that was awesome. Rode through the Tiergarten - it's the most beautiful park u have ever seen. It is MASSIVE. 2 1/2 km's by 1 km at its widest point. Saw a man sunbathing naked there lol, oh not really naked, he was still wearing his socks lol Met a really cool chick Billi, she's from Brisbane. Today's ride has made me want to go out and buy a cruiser when I get home. On the bike tour we had lunch in this awesome beer garden, very special day today. To top it off I got a little edition to my tattoo collection, I'm really happy with it. Chris the tattooist was so cool, very nice guy and so helpful. Tomorrow it is the concentration camp so thinking it may be a little somber but still looking forward to it. I think im gonna have an early night tonight since its gonna be a long day tomorrow. But all in all Berlin has definitely won the heart of this little Kiwichick. Its raining right now so I'm kinda thinking its shower time then bed. Its currently 10.45 Monday night. Night all xxxx

LEAVING AMSTERDAM

Well leaving this place in 330 minutes. Had a great time but sorry to say lst night I didnt make it out, I went up to my room about 9pm and crashed, didnt wake up this morning til my alarm went off at 6.30. I had the best sleep. Now all refreshed and ready to see just what Berlin has to throw at me when I get there :) Really missing the boys today moreso than I have been. I would so love to talk to them, gonna try get my phone up n running today, I finally brought a new charger yesterday cause mine broke, so its now all charged and ready to put the new sim in.

BERLIN OR BUST.........

Well I am now in Berlin, its starting to freak me out just how many countries I am visiting in such a short amount of time. Day 5 and country number 3 already. We got in about 6pm, I got my room, unpacked then jumped in the deep end. I decided to ask the counter for the area that has the tattoo shops, apparently its not the nicest of areas but it is safe so they say. I took the S Barn (Train) to Warcschauer Station, only 5 stops. I got off and OMG as you can see from the pic it was dodge lol. I walked for about 30 mins and came across 2 tattoo shops, both closed, took pix and am gonna do a bit of research tonight and see what they are like. May end up getting the tattoo Nikora suggested while here, not sure yet, have to wait in see. The area wasn't really that bad, it was absolutely packed, its quite weird seeing so many people around quite late and it still being so light. For dinner I had a Curry Berliner, its a Bratwurst sausage with ketchup and curry powder, OMG it was to die for. I'm getting so good at navagating the cities i'm visiting and having so mush fun doing it, I thought I would be so much more worried and timid doing it. But i'm surprising myself at every stop. Who would have thought that this little Kiwichick could cope so well in the big wide world? Tomorrow i'm booked into a bike tour of Berlin, it goes for about 4 hours and is supposed to be awesome. We bike through a park that is 2.5kms long and at its widest point, 1km wide. On Tuesday I am going on a tour of Sachenhausen, It was a Political Concentration Camp. Not to sure what to expect but really interested to go. Its 10pm now still quite light out but not as light as Amsterdam, i'm guessing its about 20 degrees, currently i'm sitting in the beer garden of my hostel plowing thru a pitcher of Sangria - mmmmmmmm, i'm gonna sleep well tonight ;) As long as i'm up by 10am, all is good, have to meet the tour operator at 10.30. I think I better sign off here, hope I'm not boring you all to much with my rantings ;) But im having fun so that's the main thing. I must say, even tho i'm having lots of fun and keeping unbelievably busy I cant stop missing my boys and Shannon and mum and dad, i look at pix constantly but haven't quite got the courage to call home yet, I don't think I will cope that well. But at the moment I am fine, having a little tear here and there but coping as best I can. Until tomorrow I better sign off, loving and missing you all and wish you could all be here experiencing everything that I am. I'm 40 and finally experiencing what most people experience in their 20's xxxxx

LAST DAY IN AMSTERDAM

Well got up relatively early considering i wasn't in bed before 3.30am. Came down had brekkie then Sam came over and we planned our day. Didn't really want to do to much as my feet were caning from the night before. We decided to head into the red light district again and try find Hunters Coffee shop for Debs, we found it. Took a couple of pix and brought a t-shirt, scored a menu, coasters and a glass to. Had an awesome cheeseburger in a little cafe down one of the many side streets. The burger was OK but the chips were to die for, I had mayo on them, yummo. I had had enough by this stage and started walking back stopping in the park for a nice relax before heading back to the hostel. Turns out we stayed, there for 3 hours. I slept for over and hour, it was so nice, so many people. It was awesome to just sit in the sunshine and do absolutely nothing for a few hours. Was gonna head into town again tonight and do a show but honestly I cant be fagged. I think i'm gonna go up to my room, sort my stuff out, get ready to leave tomorrow as its a 7.45 pick-up in the morning. Either going to come back down and have a couple of quiet ones or maybe just stay up on my room and chill with a book, sleeping may be hard as it doesn't get dark till around 11pm. PS: Shannon I brought some more new "FLAT" shoes ;)

FOR YOU DEBBIE AND ROSS

Hey Debs I found Hunters Coffee Shop and took a couple of pix for you. Got Ross a Polo Top, a glass, menu and a couple of coasters. I stole those last three things ,) I thought I done good lol

I SURVIVED ;)

Well that pub crawl was an experience. The clubs here are so so so different. Had a ball, danced and drank so much but was still able to find my way home. Met so many awesome people from all over the place. The funniest bunch was a group of girls here from Scotland, they were hilarious, I swear one of them was nuts but in a good way. Sorry to say but the majority of Aussie blokes over here are complete knobs. So arrogant! In saying that I have met a couple of really nice ones so I guess they make up for all the horrible ones. I would say the nicest people so far would have to be the Canadians. They are genuinely a really nice bunch of people and so friendly. A couple of chicks here in my hostel and on my bus just wont speak to me, they sit there and just stare, I find that quite funny. Maybe they don't like the fact that the "OLD" Kiwichick talks to all the blokes lol. But the majority of them are very nice. Oh well, time to catch up with Sam, don't know where we are going to go today but I guess its going to involve a shit load of walking again, don't now how my feet are going to cope with that, all I can say is bring on the bus ride to Berlin tomorrow, my legs will be rested lol

AMSTERDAM AND FRIENDS

Well what a day. decided to do the walking tour. Met up with so many nice people but hooked up with one in particular and spent the entire tour and rest of the afternoon with him, great bloke and what a city. So glad I did the walking tour. Saw so many secret little places you just wouldnt find if you were exploring this city on your own. Saw the oldest house in Amsterdam. Pretty amazing. Back at the hostel now and getting ready for the pub crawl. 6 clubs in the one night, drinks and admission included and if I survive the night i get a free t-shirt lol. Stay tuned for how I go. Went thru the Anne Frank Museum, man what an experience. To actually be standing in the exact spot where she was hiding for all that time, quite humbling and very freaky. So glad I did it. Well lets see if tomorrow I can remember exactly what is about to happen. It has the reputation "The night you wont remember but the night you will never forget" lol. Wish me luck xxxxxx

AMSTERDAM - WOW!!!!!!!!!

Hey I survived my first night in Amsterdam. It a different kinda place, awesome tho. We were wandering the streets at midnight and it was packed like it was the middle of the day, pretty awesome, I was shopping at 10pm. It do sent get dark til about 11. Very strange. Forgot to take my camera out last night but going on a walking tour today so will be able to take lots of today. Went to the red light district last night - wow is the only word I can use for it. Anyway off again, post pix later,see ya xxxxx

AMSTERDAM HERE I COME ...........

Now this is going to be interesting, What will Amsterdam dish out for this Kiwichick ;) I will let you all know when I get there. Watch this space lol.

I MADE IT TO PARIS :)

Hey I'm here, Paris! Well the freeway sucked, there was a massive crash so took about an hour to drive 1km. Finally got to my room at 7. Met up with a nice guy and had dinner with him then we went for a walk round the area around our hostel. Just got back And they are having big 4th July celebrations tonight. From what I've seen of Paris so far it's pretty hectic but very pretty. Not sure about the locals but all the backpackers are awesome. Sitting drinking with a Swedish couple now. Got to have an early night tho cause I'm off to Amsterdam early in the morning. I'm getting so good at navigating round all these new countries, I'm pretty proud of myself :)

OFF TO PARIS........

Its almost 5am and im awake getting ready to leave for Paris. Im a little apprehensive today cause today is D-Day, im now gonna be on my own until 14th September, no family no -one familiar. I think now the scary times are to begin. Had the most awesome time yesterday walking round the bits of London I didnt do the day before with Kerry. It really is an awesome place to see. I must have looked like a right knob walking round with my mouth hanging open. Buildings built in 1757 and the likes, I mean thats just freaky when you come from NZ and Australia. These buildings and statues are amazing and to think that they have been there for almost 3000 years - WTF!!!!! Where we come from they start ripping things down pretty much as soon as they turn anything resembling "old" and thats if they even last til then. I had the most amazing pea, radish, taragon and mint risotto for lunch - OMG!!!!!! It was to die for. Brought some really amazing shoes, so funky, cost a small fortune tho lol. Oh well I better start getting ready to leave, got to be at the station about 6.45am. Pretty excited but very nervous. Next time im here I will be in Paris. Wish me luck everyone and see you back here soon xxxxxxx