I finally did it! I escaped and went to Zurich alone. It was good because I got to see the city which I wanted to see by myself. I prefer to go alone and go and do what I want to do and not walk snails pace around the city and see very little. Firstly Zio paid for my return ticket, $50. I almost died. It's only $13 in Melbourne for a place of that distance. I would have laid it regardless, how else was I meant to get there. Then the ticket to Milan, $110. Again I died. Because Tony said you can get a special ticket for $25 but we weren't given the option so I don't know.
Anyways at the platform Zia and Zio were standing there with me auntie the train came. There I was standing with my backpack feeling like the biggest kid in the world. Actually inside my backpack I wanted water so I asked Zia for some to fill my bottle about half way. She wanted me to take the big 2 liter bottle with me in my backpack. I didn't know what to think. Was she serious or joking? I said no and she said no take it. The hell?! Anyways I managed to settle with getting my bottle 3/4 full.
In the city I went to the cathedral. That was beautiful. Oh and I didn't go to any museums because hmm...IT'S A MONDAY! Nothing is open Monday's. I don't understand you Europe! Why you no open?! Anyways so I walked around and was looking for the Vans I liked in Madrid. I only managed to find a different color but I didn't like it. The hunt continues. But maybe it's good I didn't get them in Madrid. Imagine the stress I would have put myself under. I would have paid €90 for shoes and then €124 for a train the day after. I would have died. So glad I didn't but not so happy I didn't either.
For lunch I found a small place which I got a wrap with chicken and vegetables. It was like an Asian dish in a wrap which was pretty interesting. But I didn't want anything big because I wasn't hungry but I knew I had to eat anyways. So I found wifi at the place and I was messaging mum. I was saying how I'm now 88.88% done with Europe and how happy she must be about that, which she agreed. So I dropped a bombshell that I would love to work in Europe. Eh she wasn't the happiest. So I left the cafe and went and walked up to what looked like a university. Ah finally. YOUNG PEOPLE! Who all spoke Swiss German....but regardless they all looked like they were fresh to the uni scene and I was ready to keep walking by because I had my backpack and I felt like a slight douche. The same feeling I got when I went to H&M today and decided to check out the price of my tshirt I love because it's in a different currency. So I went to the change rooms just after and realised I was wearing the tshirt I was just looking at. Ah. Holiday brain.
When it was time to go I was a bit hesitant to leave because I didn't want to actually leave. I just prolonged my visit. I decided to just have maccas again. I went back to the same one near the station I went to this morning. Actually when I got off the train I really needed to piss. So I went to the station toilets and you need to pay. That's cool. But it didn't take my coins. So I just took off and thought if I don't find a toilet ASAP I'll piss myself. No staff were there so what was I to do? I couldn't enter. So I found maccas and they had a pin code for the toilets. I just waited or someone to walk out and I just dashed in there. That is the story of how I got to use a toilet for free. Anyways I went back there and had dinner. When I got back Zia didn't believe me that I ate.
The best thing though, I found an English book shop. I couldn't decide which book to buy because one was plenty for me. I got Poor Economics because I'm a nerd like that. Then I needed to piss. So I walked around and I found a toilet. It was so weird, it was all just one bowl for washing and pissing. The toilet seat was so strange but it was free. No complaining there. When I left I saw a guy walking past and then I smelt all the pot on him. Ah the love Europeans have for the stuff. It's just so casually smoked in the streets.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Sunday 16th September
I slept in massively this morning because I had, I think, too much coffee. Also there was no special Sunday breakfast either, not like I cared because everything is pretty special seeming as I've been eating out most of the time. It's the little things like these that you appreciate. I did however book hostels which had breakfast included because you want to get up and go in the mornings and not hang around and decide where to eat for breakfast. Everywhere I've gone has had breakfast included, except for Paris.
Anyways we had a large lunch today with family over and we pretty much played a game of "Fill Angelo up until he's about to explode". Fun game because they almost won but I got in there at the end and crapped it out.
Later on we went for a drive to Appelzel because there is a brewery there and it's a famous town for its alcohol as well, on a side note Alina lives nearby to the town. So drove all the way there only to discover that the brewery was closed. So we walked around the town and because of the holiday, everything was closed. Even the shop which had English books inside which I've been craving to find. Ah well! I did however see a table shoot up out of nowhere and water went spraying out. For no reason whatsoever.
We made our way to a park which had a cable car and sleds and such, so Joel, Tony and I went on it. It was actually pretty fun sliding down it. But I forgot what the name was of it. Anyways it was that much fun that then Guiseppe got in on it and thought he'd give it a crack after declining the offer he ended up loving it that much he wanted to go again but we decided to leave. Whilst that was happening though Zia got me an Appelzel beer and I drank it with ease, it was pretty good. But I needed to use the toilet so I went and as I was waiting I saw the toilet door for the ladies open and inside of one of the cubical was a wet dog. Yep. Not sure what the story behind it is but it was wet. Once I got into the guys toilets I had some stupid kid scream at the top of his lungs, it was piercing. Seriously I wanted to slap that kid hard.
Anyways tonight I had to have an early night so I could get up early and on time for Zurich. But just after dinner Cristina came by with photos of me from when I was a kid. I hadn't even seen the photos before! They were all from when she came 16 years ago and it was pretty amazing to see how much and how little people have changed since. And also it was slightly embarrassing.
Anyways we had a large lunch today with family over and we pretty much played a game of "Fill Angelo up until he's about to explode". Fun game because they almost won but I got in there at the end and crapped it out.
Later on we went for a drive to Appelzel because there is a brewery there and it's a famous town for its alcohol as well, on a side note Alina lives nearby to the town. So drove all the way there only to discover that the brewery was closed. So we walked around the town and because of the holiday, everything was closed. Even the shop which had English books inside which I've been craving to find. Ah well! I did however see a table shoot up out of nowhere and water went spraying out. For no reason whatsoever.
We made our way to a park which had a cable car and sleds and such, so Joel, Tony and I went on it. It was actually pretty fun sliding down it. But I forgot what the name was of it. Anyways it was that much fun that then Guiseppe got in on it and thought he'd give it a crack after declining the offer he ended up loving it that much he wanted to go again but we decided to leave. Whilst that was happening though Zia got me an Appelzel beer and I drank it with ease, it was pretty good. But I needed to use the toilet so I went and as I was waiting I saw the toilet door for the ladies open and inside of one of the cubical was a wet dog. Yep. Not sure what the story behind it is but it was wet. Once I got into the guys toilets I had some stupid kid scream at the top of his lungs, it was piercing. Seriously I wanted to slap that kid hard.
Anyways tonight I had to have an early night so I could get up early and on time for Zurich. But just after dinner Cristina came by with photos of me from when I was a kid. I hadn't even seen the photos before! They were all from when she came 16 years ago and it was pretty amazing to see how much and how little people have changed since. And also it was slightly embarrassing.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Saturday 15th September
I asked Zia last night to knock on the door in the mornings to wake me up and I slept in slightly because of how tired I was last night but she said she didn't like doing it. It's okay, it doesn't bother me at all.
Pat had organized for us to Skype with him but he invited over Nonna and Nonno too. At my house. Not sure if he invited himself over, he'll need to clarify that part I guess. But I went over to Tony and Cristina's after Pat called us up and I got it all hooked up. Now there is always a slight lag in these things and it's sometimes annoying but older people just don't understand it. Hence why mum yells at me every-time I call her! Well they were yelling and talking and lagging and blurry and moving rooms and the kids were loud and screaming and the background was dark so we couldn't see. Finally it worked well, except it was blurry but there was a lag still. In the end we gave up after 30 minutes but it was the first time some of us got to see each other in a while. Marcus, Monica, Micaela, Agatha, Pat, Nonno, Nonna, mum, dad talking to Zia, Zio, Cristina, Joel and yours truly. But like I said it didn't last long so it felt more awkward than anything.
Once Tony got back from work we went to go to check out what's Europe's biggest waterfall. It's funny how it worked because we were split into different cars, boys in one and girls in the other. When we got there you could see the bus loads of Asians and old people. It was pretty amazing seeing the waterfall because the water there is actually pretty clear so seeing that is something that just amazed me. I think I looked bored but I wasn't, I'm just not used to strolling down the street at a slower pace than when I'm alone. When I go solo I just blitz through things to see more of everything but less of the detail. I'm
Not used to the slow romantic style walk of checking out the works. But we were able to actually walk around, despite Zio doing the usual old man thing and walking off or walking extra slow. That said, he paid for the four of us to go on a boat to get to the rock which sits right on the waterfall.
Ah let me explain that boat ride. And let me explain how I pissed myself laughing from an image that'll never got away. There was a 3 year old girl taking a piss in the crystal clear pristine waters of Europe's largest waterfall in Switzerland. Yep. She was held in the right position to piss directly into the water and I turned right at the exact moment to see it. Ah the memories. But let me explain how clear the water was, you could again see the bottom, you could see massive fish in and swans on the water. It was amazing.
I was told to bring my passport as well because I'd need it for when I go outside of Switzerland. We went to a town which was bombed in WWII from an American who confused it for Germany. German towns and Swiss towns look different, but the boarders changed and from the air I guess everything looks the same. Switzerland is a neutral country which doesn't engage in wars and therefor this is just one of those things that happens. So we got some sweets and walked around the town. Once we left we headed straight to Germany. For 20 minutes I was in Germany. We reached the first town, got to a place which had a restaurant, cafe and pizza place. Zio wanted to eat at the restaurant but no one else did, but I was going with the flow. Then everyone wanted pizza, but they saw too many flies inside and apparently on the food. So we left Germany...just like that. There was no need for the passport either which was good because I ended up creasing the thing from having it in my back pocket.
We just drove back to Fraunfeild and where we had Italian for dinner. Majorly of us got pizza which was actually amazing. Yet the prices weren't and Zio paid for the whole lot of us. I did however take a nice crap in the toilet there before I ate because Zia again over-fed me for lunch and I was in massive discomfort. However during dinner I asked if the waiter could get a photo of all of us. Firstly she held the camera upside down and didn't know why she couldn't use it right. Secondly she thought she took several photos but didn't because she never pushed the button down. So she did it again, this time she did it the right way around.
Pat had organized for us to Skype with him but he invited over Nonna and Nonno too. At my house. Not sure if he invited himself over, he'll need to clarify that part I guess. But I went over to Tony and Cristina's after Pat called us up and I got it all hooked up. Now there is always a slight lag in these things and it's sometimes annoying but older people just don't understand it. Hence why mum yells at me every-time I call her! Well they were yelling and talking and lagging and blurry and moving rooms and the kids were loud and screaming and the background was dark so we couldn't see. Finally it worked well, except it was blurry but there was a lag still. In the end we gave up after 30 minutes but it was the first time some of us got to see each other in a while. Marcus, Monica, Micaela, Agatha, Pat, Nonno, Nonna, mum, dad talking to Zia, Zio, Cristina, Joel and yours truly. But like I said it didn't last long so it felt more awkward than anything.
Once Tony got back from work we went to go to check out what's Europe's biggest waterfall. It's funny how it worked because we were split into different cars, boys in one and girls in the other. When we got there you could see the bus loads of Asians and old people. It was pretty amazing seeing the waterfall because the water there is actually pretty clear so seeing that is something that just amazed me. I think I looked bored but I wasn't, I'm just not used to strolling down the street at a slower pace than when I'm alone. When I go solo I just blitz through things to see more of everything but less of the detail. I'm
Not used to the slow romantic style walk of checking out the works. But we were able to actually walk around, despite Zio doing the usual old man thing and walking off or walking extra slow. That said, he paid for the four of us to go on a boat to get to the rock which sits right on the waterfall.
Ah let me explain that boat ride. And let me explain how I pissed myself laughing from an image that'll never got away. There was a 3 year old girl taking a piss in the crystal clear pristine waters of Europe's largest waterfall in Switzerland. Yep. She was held in the right position to piss directly into the water and I turned right at the exact moment to see it. Ah the memories. But let me explain how clear the water was, you could again see the bottom, you could see massive fish in and swans on the water. It was amazing.
I was told to bring my passport as well because I'd need it for when I go outside of Switzerland. We went to a town which was bombed in WWII from an American who confused it for Germany. German towns and Swiss towns look different, but the boarders changed and from the air I guess everything looks the same. Switzerland is a neutral country which doesn't engage in wars and therefor this is just one of those things that happens. So we got some sweets and walked around the town. Once we left we headed straight to Germany. For 20 minutes I was in Germany. We reached the first town, got to a place which had a restaurant, cafe and pizza place. Zio wanted to eat at the restaurant but no one else did, but I was going with the flow. Then everyone wanted pizza, but they saw too many flies inside and apparently on the food. So we left Germany...just like that. There was no need for the passport either which was good because I ended up creasing the thing from having it in my back pocket.
We just drove back to Fraunfeild and where we had Italian for dinner. Majorly of us got pizza which was actually amazing. Yet the prices weren't and Zio paid for the whole lot of us. I did however take a nice crap in the toilet there before I ate because Zia again over-fed me for lunch and I was in massive discomfort. However during dinner I asked if the waiter could get a photo of all of us. Firstly she held the camera upside down and didn't know why she couldn't use it right. Secondly she thought she took several photos but didn't because she never pushed the button down. So she did it again, this time she did it the right way around.
Friday 14th September
This morning just after I got up, I went for breakfast straight away. Zia started making me breakfast when Nonnas sisters husband came in and just gave me 100CHF and left. That's pretty much $100. I felt so bad because I didn't do anything except visit Switzerland but they seem to have appreciated that. Before I knew it he was gone, so he just came over for that and that's it. I chilled for a bit but I didn't understand what Zia wanted, she seemed to just waffle on and my habit is if someone does that, I just say yes and do my own thing. So I had a shower, wrong move. Talk of the town is that Zia asked me for anything that needed to be washed, I said yes, then I went to have a shower. Yep, talk of the town.
After lunch I was talking to Zia about where I've been and I was showing her photos. We were talking for about 2 hours about a lot of things and my phrase book and google translator on my phone was working like a charm, so I thought. I got a translation of "si tratta di un castello rispetto alla polonia" from "Your house is a castle compared to Poland". Actually it's better than my Nonnas house. But what happened was google translated that "your house castle respect Poland". See I thought that Google and I did a good job because Zia got all happy and she hugged me. Nope.
After talking for a while I went for a walk with Zia and Joel around Münchwilen and they showed me some interesting things. The town is actually really nice to look at because it has a fair amount of art works and a really beautiful clear creek. It's actually so clean the water, that you can see the rocks at the bottom clearly, unlike our brown creeks at home.
Joel wanted me to come with him for dinner at McDonald's whilst his parents went shipping, and yeah I was cool with that actually. We went to Winterthur and Cristina met up with a friend and went shopping and then Tony, Joel and I went for McDonald's. Let me just say how expensive it is there, about $12 for a small meal. Crazy insane prices, but they have ice tea so that's okay. There was actually a set of registers for people to place orders on and one was logged out, so I tried my log in..then it asked for my password. I suppose that I almost logged into my McDonald's account in another country. Thank God I didn't, imagine what would have happened if I did. So we went walking around and I got myself a Swiss army knife and a red original leather case for it. I spent 73CHF on that, from the money I got this morning. Badass. Joel got a magic box which as you flip it, it changed images, I didn't need it but I let Joel just keep it.
In the bank they had set up a competition where you throw the ball into the hole and you win a prize. I got it in the first time and won two prizes. I knew I'd get it because I'm Aussie and amazing. Seriously all that sports we play at home really had paid off. I got myself a pen and I let Joel pick something else. Tony got the last credit card pocket Swiss knife thing but he gave it to me. They're worth about 26CHF. It's pretty good to know that my family is looking out for me...with weapons and shit. But I am thankful that I got it, seriously it's amazing. I mentioned that I needed new shoes so then Tony took me into almost every shop with shoes but I wanted the Vans I saw in Madrid but haven't seen elsewhere since. I should have got them then and there!
After lunch I was talking to Zia about where I've been and I was showing her photos. We were talking for about 2 hours about a lot of things and my phrase book and google translator on my phone was working like a charm, so I thought. I got a translation of "si tratta di un castello rispetto alla polonia" from "Your house is a castle compared to Poland". Actually it's better than my Nonnas house. But what happened was google translated that "your house castle respect Poland". See I thought that Google and I did a good job because Zia got all happy and she hugged me. Nope.
After talking for a while I went for a walk with Zia and Joel around Münchwilen and they showed me some interesting things. The town is actually really nice to look at because it has a fair amount of art works and a really beautiful clear creek. It's actually so clean the water, that you can see the rocks at the bottom clearly, unlike our brown creeks at home.
Joel wanted me to come with him for dinner at McDonald's whilst his parents went shipping, and yeah I was cool with that actually. We went to Winterthur and Cristina met up with a friend and went shopping and then Tony, Joel and I went for McDonald's. Let me just say how expensive it is there, about $12 for a small meal. Crazy insane prices, but they have ice tea so that's okay. There was actually a set of registers for people to place orders on and one was logged out, so I tried my log in..then it asked for my password. I suppose that I almost logged into my McDonald's account in another country. Thank God I didn't, imagine what would have happened if I did. So we went walking around and I got myself a Swiss army knife and a red original leather case for it. I spent 73CHF on that, from the money I got this morning. Badass. Joel got a magic box which as you flip it, it changed images, I didn't need it but I let Joel just keep it.
In the bank they had set up a competition where you throw the ball into the hole and you win a prize. I got it in the first time and won two prizes. I knew I'd get it because I'm Aussie and amazing. Seriously all that sports we play at home really had paid off. I got myself a pen and I let Joel pick something else. Tony got the last credit card pocket Swiss knife thing but he gave it to me. They're worth about 26CHF. It's pretty good to know that my family is looking out for me...with weapons and shit. But I am thankful that I got it, seriously it's amazing. I mentioned that I needed new shoes so then Tony took me into almost every shop with shoes but I wanted the Vans I saw in Madrid but haven't seen elsewhere since. I should have got them then and there!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Thursday 13th September
When I got up this morning I had to thank my mum because Zia was told by mum that I just love to eat toasted ham and cheese sandwiches. What a joke. Mum warned me about it because I had called her up about a week ago and she told me that she didn't know what to say so she made up something. So sure enough Zia got out a normal toaster and a brand new sandwich press. She actually went to buy one. See what you did mum! So I got two sandwiches and a whole lot of hassling to eat up. I had coffee because they know I love coffee and it was pretty good to actually get more decent coffee for once. Now I didn't understand what I was being told seeming as my Italian is massively under developed and irregularly used. I was asked yesterday if I wanted to go to a chocolate factory and I said yes. Cristina said to be ready by 9am. I got up at 9am and Zia as slow making my breakfast because she didn't know how to use the new toasted press. Again, thanks mum. I went for a shave as I hadn't in about a week and oddly yuck. Especially since I had just met my family after so long and I looked like crap. I shaved and by 10am I was ready and we went to the Minor chocolate factory.
Cristina drove us over in Zio's car and I had no idea but it was his. When we got there it was one day too late for a guided tour so only groups could go in. But we could walk around. Which was pretty sweet because it was all open and the glass walkway was over the factory so it was interesting to watch. At the end we got chocolate which I thought I was going to buy for myself but Zia paid for it and I felt bad, it was about $20 worth. Then Cristina asked me for my opinion on a gift set and I said the annoyingly loud mug that makes noise each time you lift it is funny. She got it, again worth $20, and gave it to me. I didn't know it was my gift! I thought it was for someone else because originally she picked up a $10 gift set.
When we got back Zia again stuffed me with food and was happy with her little smile and kept trying to feed me more. I had a nap and we went to the town of Wil to go and buy stuff. I needed shaving cream as mine ran out this morning and when Zio said we were going to the shops I thought he meant directly across the road. Nope he drove for almost 10 minutes when I was told he wasn't able to drive. Apparently he can mum. Again thanks. When we got there they started taking me to shops with jackets worth $500 and asking if I liked them. Then I realised they wanted to buy me one. I said no, I don't have luggage space and they're expensive. They said they'll get me a watch. I said no, I have 3 already. Then they just got me shaving cream. But I saw lederhosen and it was almost $200 so I thought I'll get a shirt for Oktoberfest. Nothing was my size and Zia asked every shop assistant to look for me for my size because of how small I am and the sizes are too big. Long story short we found nothing for me. On the way out I saw H&M. Ah well. But I asked where Frey chocolate is because Pat and Agatha were asking for some. Since we were in the CoOp supermarket I thought it was a good question, but they don't sell it, however another major supermarket does. Whilst in the supermarket though there was a whole section of cakes and such and Zia said to pick anything and not to worry about the price. I thought if I go for a portion controlled food then I'd be told to have another and another, like the wafers which were opened. So I just grabbed a raspberry tart to just get it over and done with. I got yoghurt for the morning as I can't just live on bread, ham and cheese alone. This kind of went out the door as it just ended up sitting in the car, along with cheese and such for a good hour or so whilst we visited Zio's sister.
Just to make it clear, that's my Nonnas sister and my God do they look the same! Except this one probably has a valid reason for the walking stick but she looks to be slightly younger than Nonna. It was great to actually meet more family because it helps me feel like I'm at home and more relaxed and less awkward. I spoke to Frank, the son for a while outside because he spoke some English. His father just spoke to me in Italian and some German and I had no idea what was going on. Pretty much the picture attached describes how I feel. I also met Carmela who was in her room most of the time.
Once we got home we just had a quiet one. I ended up sleeping pretty well. Something I've needed for ages.
Cristina drove us over in Zio's car and I had no idea but it was his. When we got there it was one day too late for a guided tour so only groups could go in. But we could walk around. Which was pretty sweet because it was all open and the glass walkway was over the factory so it was interesting to watch. At the end we got chocolate which I thought I was going to buy for myself but Zia paid for it and I felt bad, it was about $20 worth. Then Cristina asked me for my opinion on a gift set and I said the annoyingly loud mug that makes noise each time you lift it is funny. She got it, again worth $20, and gave it to me. I didn't know it was my gift! I thought it was for someone else because originally she picked up a $10 gift set.
When we got back Zia again stuffed me with food and was happy with her little smile and kept trying to feed me more. I had a nap and we went to the town of Wil to go and buy stuff. I needed shaving cream as mine ran out this morning and when Zio said we were going to the shops I thought he meant directly across the road. Nope he drove for almost 10 minutes when I was told he wasn't able to drive. Apparently he can mum. Again thanks. When we got there they started taking me to shops with jackets worth $500 and asking if I liked them. Then I realised they wanted to buy me one. I said no, I don't have luggage space and they're expensive. They said they'll get me a watch. I said no, I have 3 already. Then they just got me shaving cream. But I saw lederhosen and it was almost $200 so I thought I'll get a shirt for Oktoberfest. Nothing was my size and Zia asked every shop assistant to look for me for my size because of how small I am and the sizes are too big. Long story short we found nothing for me. On the way out I saw H&M. Ah well. But I asked where Frey chocolate is because Pat and Agatha were asking for some. Since we were in the CoOp supermarket I thought it was a good question, but they don't sell it, however another major supermarket does. Whilst in the supermarket though there was a whole section of cakes and such and Zia said to pick anything and not to worry about the price. I thought if I go for a portion controlled food then I'd be told to have another and another, like the wafers which were opened. So I just grabbed a raspberry tart to just get it over and done with. I got yoghurt for the morning as I can't just live on bread, ham and cheese alone. This kind of went out the door as it just ended up sitting in the car, along with cheese and such for a good hour or so whilst we visited Zio's sister.
Just to make it clear, that's my Nonnas sister and my God do they look the same! Except this one probably has a valid reason for the walking stick but she looks to be slightly younger than Nonna. It was great to actually meet more family because it helps me feel like I'm at home and more relaxed and less awkward. I spoke to Frank, the son for a while outside because he spoke some English. His father just spoke to me in Italian and some German and I had no idea what was going on. Pretty much the picture attached describes how I feel. I also met Carmela who was in her room most of the time.
Once we got home we just had a quiet one. I ended up sleeping pretty well. Something I've needed for ages.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Tuesday 11th September
So rather than the usual September 11th anniversary the rest of the modern world is used to remembering, here in Barcelona it's their independence day. National independence I believe they call it. But Catalonia isn't a nation, yet they're fighting for it, for 300 years that is.
And guess who got caught in the riot and march?
And guess whose government has warned its citizens that whilst traveling never to enter any such events?
And guess who joined in?
...me
I got up with four British girls and one less annoying Canadian, which means I had no annoying Canadian. Seriously she would have to be the very fest annoying Canadian I've ever met and that's a pretty good effort seeming as Canadians are never like that, normally. When I went down stairs I met two girls from the hostel joining the tour so this meant already that it was going to be a good day. By girls they're really ladies but girls will do. So I got to meet Nutty Natty, the tour guide, who shortened her name because it's just far too long. I went on the Gaudi your with her an the two girls from the hostel but we had to go to the meeting point. The meeting point was Plaza Real (Royal Square) and there was nothing royal about it, but there was a square. We were smack bang in the middle of a gypsies market. They were everywhere selling everyone's things. It was actually pretty funny. But I didn't he my wallet or anything stolen, which I find a shame because I have nice things.
When I was walking down I was talking to Natty and she said that yesterday was Coopers second day on the job. Funny that because he mentioned how he worked for Top Deck and is sick and tired of traveling and he's been here in Barcelona for almost a year and he's not sure about the job security so he applied for several jobs. Second day at work. Yep.
I did see Bridey and Danny as well. In a twist of fate I was walking up to the hostel yesterday tired and ready to sleep and a block away from the hostel was Bridey and Danny from Contiki. It was just pure luck I saw them. We just chatted for a bit but that's all. Instill think it's funny to bump into people in another city half way across the world. I'm not even that popular, at all. Or am I? Anyways I saw them again today in the way to the meeting point as they were getting the bus to the airport.
During the tour we saw some of Gaudi's most famous buildings, stuff I've learnt about in school over 10 years ago. To think about that just blows my mind. To see it, blew my mind. Amazing. The Basilica was fantastic but seeing his other work was just as good. Natty explained how the nativity scene on the church was made. Gaudi used actual animals for his moulds, by drugging them, so that's why none of the animals are there in full, they're either half appearing and what not. As for the baby, he stole a dead baby.
At the end of the tour four of us got lunch and my god. It was €10.95 I think (I got short changed by the bitch at the counter because hey, it's Spain) and it was an all you can eat. It was actually pretty good, I can't complain at all. I got heaps of fresh veggies as well from there. Then I went around with probably the nicest American I've met so far. I found a gift for mum and it was so hard to find her something but I can't write what it is. Yet. She'll love it, I just know it.
We went to the hospital that Gaudi designed and died in as well. That was a walk! But then we tried to find Gaudi park and that was worse. Google maps wasn't complete and the map ingot wasn't the best. Actually the €3 map I got from the hostel that I got for free after talking to that lady about her love life, it's free no matter what. They just charge people for it, even though it's meant to be free from the government to tourists. Despite that we found the park. It was insane and busy and beautiful and VERY Willy Wonka.
The park was fantastic because it's what you see in every Barcelona advert. And I had been missing a lot of it in my time here because I didn't know what to actually do. Seeming as all the shops were closed today for the national independence, this meant I had a chance to see what every damn tourist should see. But after stuffing my face up I needed to take an epic shit. I found a toilet but kept walking, until the pain was so unbearable I had no option. I ran to the toilet to be greeted by a piss covered toilet and floor and no toilet paper. I walked out and sprayed my hands with disinfectant a few thousand times. I went to the toilet at the entrance and the guy was giving out toilet paper at the door. I asked for some but he wouldn't give me any at all, only to the women. Stupid cunt. DAMN SPANISH.
That aside I got to the hostel and left a nice present there in Spain. From Angelo with love. Then I agreed for dinner and to meet on the roof top at 8.15. Actually getting out of the metro was insane. Like I said, I was in the riot/march and had to walk so slow to get out of it. My option was to join in the chanting, then take photos from ground zero and on the rooftop of the hostel. It was so busy that you couldn't imagine it. I still can't believe it, but it was busy.
I met some people from the hostel there and we chatted for a bit. We actually decided to grab some food once the crowd died down a bit and by 9pm it did. All I can say is that I'm glad I went to McDonald's for desert later on because that €16 cannelloni was not bigger than my palm and was full of cheese and overly processed meat. Worst ever. But the funny thing is we thought we sat at the table for the pizza place but ended up being the fine dining place. When one of the guys called over a waiter for the pizza place he didn't come and we figured out why later on. Very awkward because we couldn't just get up and leave as well. For one person okay, for 10 people then it's hard. So I realised the time was 10pm, I went past McDonald's and got a tart then up to my room to pack. I had a shower so I didn't need to in the morning. But I couldn't sleep.
And guess who got caught in the riot and march?
And guess whose government has warned its citizens that whilst traveling never to enter any such events?
And guess who joined in?
...me
I got up with four British girls and one less annoying Canadian, which means I had no annoying Canadian. Seriously she would have to be the very fest annoying Canadian I've ever met and that's a pretty good effort seeming as Canadians are never like that, normally. When I went down stairs I met two girls from the hostel joining the tour so this meant already that it was going to be a good day. By girls they're really ladies but girls will do. So I got to meet Nutty Natty, the tour guide, who shortened her name because it's just far too long. I went on the Gaudi your with her an the two girls from the hostel but we had to go to the meeting point. The meeting point was Plaza Real (Royal Square) and there was nothing royal about it, but there was a square. We were smack bang in the middle of a gypsies market. They were everywhere selling everyone's things. It was actually pretty funny. But I didn't he my wallet or anything stolen, which I find a shame because I have nice things.
When I was walking down I was talking to Natty and she said that yesterday was Coopers second day on the job. Funny that because he mentioned how he worked for Top Deck and is sick and tired of traveling and he's been here in Barcelona for almost a year and he's not sure about the job security so he applied for several jobs. Second day at work. Yep.
I did see Bridey and Danny as well. In a twist of fate I was walking up to the hostel yesterday tired and ready to sleep and a block away from the hostel was Bridey and Danny from Contiki. It was just pure luck I saw them. We just chatted for a bit but that's all. Instill think it's funny to bump into people in another city half way across the world. I'm not even that popular, at all. Or am I? Anyways I saw them again today in the way to the meeting point as they were getting the bus to the airport.
During the tour we saw some of Gaudi's most famous buildings, stuff I've learnt about in school over 10 years ago. To think about that just blows my mind. To see it, blew my mind. Amazing. The Basilica was fantastic but seeing his other work was just as good. Natty explained how the nativity scene on the church was made. Gaudi used actual animals for his moulds, by drugging them, so that's why none of the animals are there in full, they're either half appearing and what not. As for the baby, he stole a dead baby.
At the end of the tour four of us got lunch and my god. It was €10.95 I think (I got short changed by the bitch at the counter because hey, it's Spain) and it was an all you can eat. It was actually pretty good, I can't complain at all. I got heaps of fresh veggies as well from there. Then I went around with probably the nicest American I've met so far. I found a gift for mum and it was so hard to find her something but I can't write what it is. Yet. She'll love it, I just know it.
We went to the hospital that Gaudi designed and died in as well. That was a walk! But then we tried to find Gaudi park and that was worse. Google maps wasn't complete and the map ingot wasn't the best. Actually the €3 map I got from the hostel that I got for free after talking to that lady about her love life, it's free no matter what. They just charge people for it, even though it's meant to be free from the government to tourists. Despite that we found the park. It was insane and busy and beautiful and VERY Willy Wonka.
The park was fantastic because it's what you see in every Barcelona advert. And I had been missing a lot of it in my time here because I didn't know what to actually do. Seeming as all the shops were closed today for the national independence, this meant I had a chance to see what every damn tourist should see. But after stuffing my face up I needed to take an epic shit. I found a toilet but kept walking, until the pain was so unbearable I had no option. I ran to the toilet to be greeted by a piss covered toilet and floor and no toilet paper. I walked out and sprayed my hands with disinfectant a few thousand times. I went to the toilet at the entrance and the guy was giving out toilet paper at the door. I asked for some but he wouldn't give me any at all, only to the women. Stupid cunt. DAMN SPANISH.
That aside I got to the hostel and left a nice present there in Spain. From Angelo with love. Then I agreed for dinner and to meet on the roof top at 8.15. Actually getting out of the metro was insane. Like I said, I was in the riot/march and had to walk so slow to get out of it. My option was to join in the chanting, then take photos from ground zero and on the rooftop of the hostel. It was so busy that you couldn't imagine it. I still can't believe it, but it was busy.
I met some people from the hostel there and we chatted for a bit. We actually decided to grab some food once the crowd died down a bit and by 9pm it did. All I can say is that I'm glad I went to McDonald's for desert later on because that €16 cannelloni was not bigger than my palm and was full of cheese and overly processed meat. Worst ever. But the funny thing is we thought we sat at the table for the pizza place but ended up being the fine dining place. When one of the guys called over a waiter for the pizza place he didn't come and we figured out why later on. Very awkward because we couldn't just get up and leave as well. For one person okay, for 10 people then it's hard. So I realised the time was 10pm, I went past McDonald's and got a tart then up to my room to pack. I had a shower so I didn't need to in the morning. But I couldn't sleep.
Wednesday 12th September
It goes like this. I had three hours sleep at most last night and I was worried I'd miss my flight if I didn't get up on time. So I had my two alarms set just incase I wasn't able to hear or feel the alarm. I put my phone under my pillow so I can feel it vibrate and then I have the alarm really low so I just hear it. I tried this out at home before I left and it actually worked. And it was good because it meant that my phone and wallet could only be in one place, and if it's under my pillow it'll be less likely to be stolen. That's a bonus. Everyone was saying but if someone steals my wallet they also steal my phone. True. But it's that large that I'll feel it and notice it anyway so it didn't bother me at all I think it was the safest option. How do I know? I was in Barcelona and I walked down La Rambla twice without having my wallet stolen. I was in the middle of a market full of stolen goods and didn't get my wallet stolen. By wallet I mean my actual wallet, my fake wallet wasn't touched either. My fake wallet is my old small wallet in which I put in my back pocket so it'll appeal more to pick pockets than my usual bulky wallet which the pick pockets should know I'd feel if it moved the slightest. But I'm slightly annoyed that it didn't get stolen the fake wallet. But if my real one did and my fake one wasn't then I'd be more pissed off. So inside the fake wallet was my Victorian Public transport card which has a photo because then it looks like a photographic ID card, an old VISA card which hasn't got any preloaded money and a sample AMEX cars. It looks real to anyone who didn't know because every card looks different and these have numbers on the credit cards.
But then today also marks the end of the phase for me being a solo traveler and I've moved into my next phase of going to visit my European family. It's the day that actually means I get to se family I haven't seen in 6 years, 16 years and most for the first time. Some I never knew existed. As I walked down Plaça. de Gracia this morning from my hostel to the aerobus (bus service to the airport) it hit me then. This part of my trip is over and the next just started. Whatever I've done for the past 28 days has been amazing, whatever I've done for the past 9 weeks has been incredible but whatever happens in the next 3 weeks is probably the most important for me. Blood is thicker than water and seeming as I haven't seen some family in years and some I've never met, it's going to mean a lot.
The flight was easy, I think about 30% was filled so I'm amazed that the flight wasn't cancelled at all. It claimed to be from 7.35am to 9.20 but we landed earlier but by the time I got my bag it was later. I got off the plane and to collect my bag and between baggage collection and the exit is a glass panel and all I could see was Zia Giovanna pacing up and looking out for me. I hadn't even collected my bag and it was 9.25am, she looked like she was worried about me not exiting. But I did. And she didn't recognize me. Tony, who I haven't seen in about 16 years recognized me and it didn't hit me that he was Tony. He kept saying he last saw me when I was 5, I thought he was joking. Then Zia mentioned Christina and that's when it all came back to me. Tony and Christina got married and came to Australia for their honeymoon. We had a dinner for them one night in the garage (as a good wog family does) and all I remember was Tonys purple suit. He hasn't actually changed at all in that time. Zio was lost, we couldn't find him in the airport and Zia was attached to me. But it was all good, it was to be expected.
Once we got back to their apartment block I went to where I'm staying, with my parallel grandparents, Zia and Zio. But that's all good, because the bed I've got is better than most I've stayed in during all of Europe. Probably not better than the Hilton but that's okay. Zia had a massive tray of lasagna ready to cook up and Tony was chatting to me in some English, German and Italian. It's a bit hard to have a full conversation but that's okay. Like mum said, all I need to know is "mangia". I actually freaked out when I saw a table setting for over 10 people but only 4 of us in the apartment.
In comes one cousin, another aunty, another and another. I met for the first time Joel (Jo-Elle for those non Europeans playing at home that need to know how to pronounce it) who is Tony and Christina's son. I saw Christina for the first time in 16 years and then Carmela and Carmelo for the first time ever. I hear so much about them and I've never met them until today and it's just amazing. Guiseppe, who is Carmela's son, so I guess my cousin, came along too. He and Joel speak English which is awesome but they're not exactly fluent but that's okay. It seriously felt like all we did was eat and eat but I loved it. Finally a home cooked meal!!! It's the little things in life that matter.
Then afterwards I needed to sleep once everyone left. Having only 3 hours sleep is a drainer. I slept for about 3 hours and felt kind of blegh and yuck but I needed it I think. When I got up for dinner, Guiseppe came and asked if I'd like to go out later with him drink drinks with his girlfriend as well. Seriously I've traveled this far, I'm up for drinks 24/7. Zio gave me a shot of something when I got there, I don't even remember if it was the morning or afternoon, that sleep ruined me.
Night came and so did the wifi password from Tony and thank god for that. I can only pick up wifi if I sand at the felt door of Zia's and stand only as far as two feet away from it. But that's fine. Tiny and Christina let me over to use their wifi in their apartment which was fantastic but I didn't want to use too much of it and be anti social. Which was good because they called me over to the kitchen for cake which was still warm. Warm cake is better than a warm toilet seat.
Later on I met Alina, Guiseppe's girlfriend. She seemed to blend into the family well, it makes me think how much my family here is so much closer than mine back at home. Not just physically as well, they're all pretty much in one apartment block, but emotionally. Anyway what I discovered is that Guiseppe is more like me than what my cousins back home are, by age, interests and such. But the best thing by far, both spoke English to me tonight, and their English is pretty good too. But the worst thing, we don't live together. What separates us is land and water for 16,000km. But what keeps us together are the Morello and Guarnaccia names.
But then today also marks the end of the phase for me being a solo traveler and I've moved into my next phase of going to visit my European family. It's the day that actually means I get to se family I haven't seen in 6 years, 16 years and most for the first time. Some I never knew existed. As I walked down Plaça. de Gracia this morning from my hostel to the aerobus (bus service to the airport) it hit me then. This part of my trip is over and the next just started. Whatever I've done for the past 28 days has been amazing, whatever I've done for the past 9 weeks has been incredible but whatever happens in the next 3 weeks is probably the most important for me. Blood is thicker than water and seeming as I haven't seen some family in years and some I've never met, it's going to mean a lot.
The flight was easy, I think about 30% was filled so I'm amazed that the flight wasn't cancelled at all. It claimed to be from 7.35am to 9.20 but we landed earlier but by the time I got my bag it was later. I got off the plane and to collect my bag and between baggage collection and the exit is a glass panel and all I could see was Zia Giovanna pacing up and looking out for me. I hadn't even collected my bag and it was 9.25am, she looked like she was worried about me not exiting. But I did. And she didn't recognize me. Tony, who I haven't seen in about 16 years recognized me and it didn't hit me that he was Tony. He kept saying he last saw me when I was 5, I thought he was joking. Then Zia mentioned Christina and that's when it all came back to me. Tony and Christina got married and came to Australia for their honeymoon. We had a dinner for them one night in the garage (as a good wog family does) and all I remember was Tonys purple suit. He hasn't actually changed at all in that time. Zio was lost, we couldn't find him in the airport and Zia was attached to me. But it was all good, it was to be expected.
Once we got back to their apartment block I went to where I'm staying, with my parallel grandparents, Zia and Zio. But that's all good, because the bed I've got is better than most I've stayed in during all of Europe. Probably not better than the Hilton but that's okay. Zia had a massive tray of lasagna ready to cook up and Tony was chatting to me in some English, German and Italian. It's a bit hard to have a full conversation but that's okay. Like mum said, all I need to know is "mangia". I actually freaked out when I saw a table setting for over 10 people but only 4 of us in the apartment.
In comes one cousin, another aunty, another and another. I met for the first time Joel (Jo-Elle for those non Europeans playing at home that need to know how to pronounce it) who is Tony and Christina's son. I saw Christina for the first time in 16 years and then Carmela and Carmelo for the first time ever. I hear so much about them and I've never met them until today and it's just amazing. Guiseppe, who is Carmela's son, so I guess my cousin, came along too. He and Joel speak English which is awesome but they're not exactly fluent but that's okay. It seriously felt like all we did was eat and eat but I loved it. Finally a home cooked meal!!! It's the little things in life that matter.
Then afterwards I needed to sleep once everyone left. Having only 3 hours sleep is a drainer. I slept for about 3 hours and felt kind of blegh and yuck but I needed it I think. When I got up for dinner, Guiseppe came and asked if I'd like to go out later with him drink drinks with his girlfriend as well. Seriously I've traveled this far, I'm up for drinks 24/7. Zio gave me a shot of something when I got there, I don't even remember if it was the morning or afternoon, that sleep ruined me.
Night came and so did the wifi password from Tony and thank god for that. I can only pick up wifi if I sand at the felt door of Zia's and stand only as far as two feet away from it. But that's fine. Tiny and Christina let me over to use their wifi in their apartment which was fantastic but I didn't want to use too much of it and be anti social. Which was good because they called me over to the kitchen for cake which was still warm. Warm cake is better than a warm toilet seat.
Later on I met Alina, Guiseppe's girlfriend. She seemed to blend into the family well, it makes me think how much my family here is so much closer than mine back at home. Not just physically as well, they're all pretty much in one apartment block, but emotionally. Anyway what I discovered is that Guiseppe is more like me than what my cousins back home are, by age, interests and such. But the best thing by far, both spoke English to me tonight, and their English is pretty good too. But the worst thing, we don't live together. What separates us is land and water for 16,000km. But what keeps us together are the Morello and Guarnaccia names.
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