Sunday, July 26, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Where we went and where we stayed
For the most part we traveled by train and stayed in apartments. The aim was to book places that were near the city centre, but not too close, had an internet connection, and a washing machine!
For the most part that worked out ok . . . . . . .
Here is a map of the trip
View Europe in a larger map
London Hotel - Umi Hotel
The location was great - right near Kensington Gardens (94 & 148 buses). The hotel was a bit average for the price and the breakfast was SHOCKING! We had 4 breakfasts there - I had the fruit salad 3 times, I'm pretty sure all were from the same stock made at least 3 days earlier!
For some reason at the time of booking I didn't think internet or washing machines were important, so this place didn't have either included. I think you could use the internet in the foyer for about £3 for 15 minutes (or something equally extravagant!)
Wien Apartment - Belvedere
The location information on the website is for the office, not the actual apartments, although they are quite close to each other. The apartment we stayed in did not feature in any of the photos, but was quite similar and of good quality. We did request an apartment with a washing machine, however this did not work out. Also - there is no internet, but we knew that when we booked.
Praha Apartment - Marys
Great apartment, great location. Away from the main city, but surrounded by loads of good bars and restaurants - especially Pasticka - fabulous steak!
The internet stopped working for a couple of days, but once we reported the fault, they fixed it quite quickly. We went out for dinner on the first night with the washing machine loaded - when we got back 2 hours later the washing machine was STILL going - perhaps not that unusual for a front loader. Unfortunately, a sock had become jammed in the door and the temperature was up too high so everything was a darker shade of gray when the cycle finally finished!
Berlin Apartment
Again, this apartment was in a great location, just north of Berlin Mitte, and surrounded by loads of bars and restaurants. We went in search of traditional German fare and found AlpenStueck - the restaurant was great, the service fantastic, the traditional fare - ok, but overall brilliant! The menus were in German only, but the staff were happy to translate!
The apartment was run by a couple of dudes who had either an internet radio station or were music producers, and had an office on the floor above the apartment. The internet connection was great, but the advertised washing machine was no where to be seen. Apparently, the washing machine room was broken into, so if we wanted to bring our washing up to their office they would do it for us . . . . . needless to say, we didn't take a pile of our dirty undies up for them to wash!
Paris Apartment - Residences Paris
This was the first apartment we booked, so making sure we had the internet or a washing machine wasn't high on my list of priorities. The location was fantastic and it was definitely worth paying extra for the location. The internet connection was good, but only allowed one device connected at a time - so 2 iPhones and a netbook were never going to play well! There was a laundromat 2 doors down, which was perfect - popped the washing on and went in search of breakfast croissants and pain o chocolat.
Arles - Gite
I debated for ages about booking this place. On Google maps it looked pretty close to the train line but the reviews all said "very peaceful". Turns out it was VERY close to the train line - at times it was kinda like we were in a New York movie with the subway barreling past the apartment window! This is a bit of an exaggeration, but the trains were a bit annoying on occasion, and the bugs meant we couldn't have the door or windows open.
Oh yeah - and it was down a secluded dirt road just around the corner from a larger-ish looking penitentiary!
The website said laundry machine, there was laundry power and pegs in the cupboard, but no washing machine!!! The owners didn't speak English so we never got around to asking - just crossed our fingers and hoped there would be a washing machine in Barcelona (and Reid started recycling his undies!)
Barcelona - Friendly Rentals
This apartment was FANTASTIC! High speed internet, a washing machine, a full kitchen, air conditioning, and on Google street view was still under development - so BRAND NEW!
Plus the location was amazing - heaps of bars, restaurants, and great shops on our street, plus not too far from the city. We arrived on 23 June - the day before Sant Joan's day. All night there were celebrations and fireworks. 24 June (Sant Joan's day) was a public holiday - both days all the shops and restaurants were closed so we were pretty hard pressed to find much to eat!!
For the most part that worked out ok . . . . . . .
Here is a map of the trip
View Europe in a larger map
London Hotel - Umi Hotel
The location was great - right near Kensington Gardens (94 & 148 buses). The hotel was a bit average for the price and the breakfast was SHOCKING! We had 4 breakfasts there - I had the fruit salad 3 times, I'm pretty sure all were from the same stock made at least 3 days earlier!
For some reason at the time of booking I didn't think internet or washing machines were important, so this place didn't have either included. I think you could use the internet in the foyer for about £3 for 15 minutes (or something equally extravagant!)
Wien Apartment - Belvedere
The location information on the website is for the office, not the actual apartments, although they are quite close to each other. The apartment we stayed in did not feature in any of the photos, but was quite similar and of good quality. We did request an apartment with a washing machine, however this did not work out. Also - there is no internet, but we knew that when we booked.
Praha Apartment - Marys
Great apartment, great location. Away from the main city, but surrounded by loads of good bars and restaurants - especially Pasticka - fabulous steak!
The internet stopped working for a couple of days, but once we reported the fault, they fixed it quite quickly. We went out for dinner on the first night with the washing machine loaded - when we got back 2 hours later the washing machine was STILL going - perhaps not that unusual for a front loader. Unfortunately, a sock had become jammed in the door and the temperature was up too high so everything was a darker shade of gray when the cycle finally finished!
Berlin Apartment
Again, this apartment was in a great location, just north of Berlin Mitte, and surrounded by loads of bars and restaurants. We went in search of traditional German fare and found AlpenStueck - the restaurant was great, the service fantastic, the traditional fare - ok, but overall brilliant! The menus were in German only, but the staff were happy to translate!
The apartment was run by a couple of dudes who had either an internet radio station or were music producers, and had an office on the floor above the apartment. The internet connection was great, but the advertised washing machine was no where to be seen. Apparently, the washing machine room was broken into, so if we wanted to bring our washing up to their office they would do it for us . . . . . needless to say, we didn't take a pile of our dirty undies up for them to wash!
Paris Apartment - Residences Paris
This was the first apartment we booked, so making sure we had the internet or a washing machine wasn't high on my list of priorities. The location was fantastic and it was definitely worth paying extra for the location. The internet connection was good, but only allowed one device connected at a time - so 2 iPhones and a netbook were never going to play well! There was a laundromat 2 doors down, which was perfect - popped the washing on and went in search of breakfast croissants and pain o chocolat.
Arles - Gite
I debated for ages about booking this place. On Google maps it looked pretty close to the train line but the reviews all said "very peaceful". Turns out it was VERY close to the train line - at times it was kinda like we were in a New York movie with the subway barreling past the apartment window! This is a bit of an exaggeration, but the trains were a bit annoying on occasion, and the bugs meant we couldn't have the door or windows open.
Oh yeah - and it was down a secluded dirt road just around the corner from a larger-ish looking penitentiary!
The website said laundry machine, there was laundry power and pegs in the cupboard, but no washing machine!!! The owners didn't speak English so we never got around to asking - just crossed our fingers and hoped there would be a washing machine in Barcelona (and Reid started recycling his undies!)
Barcelona - Friendly Rentals
This apartment was FANTASTIC! High speed internet, a washing machine, a full kitchen, air conditioning, and on Google street view was still under development - so BRAND NEW!
Plus the location was amazing - heaps of bars, restaurants, and great shops on our street, plus not too far from the city. We arrived on 23 June - the day before Sant Joan's day. All night there were celebrations and fireworks. 24 June (Sant Joan's day) was a public holiday - both days all the shops and restaurants were closed so we were pretty hard pressed to find much to eat!!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
space invaders
www.space-invaders.com
London
Covent Garden
Paris (home of the Invader)
Apparently this space invader was only added the day before this picture was taken!
middle of the day "some guy" rocks up in white workman suit, lays out cones, pops up a ladder, applies the tiles, and off he goes!
the Louvre
Avignon (south of France)
Barcelona
London
Covent Garden
Paris (home of the Invader)
Apparently this space invader was only added the day before this picture was taken!
middle of the day "some guy" rocks up in white workman suit, lays out cones, pops up a ladder, applies the tiles, and off he goes!
the Louvre
Avignon (south of France)
Barcelona
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Barcelona (Gaudi)
For full size images see the Picasa web album
Park Güell (designed by Gaudi, was indented to be a self contained suburb)
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catlunya (with outdoor escalators for anyone too lazy to walk up the stairs - my excuse, it was really hot!!)
The Sagrada Familia
Designed by Gaudi, under construction since 1882, and expected to be completed by 2030!
Apparently this building is nicknamed the torpedo!
In case you've forgotten the F stands for FRIED!
Arc de Triomf
Another Gaudi design - Casa Batllo
Park Güell (designed by Gaudi, was indented to be a self contained suburb)
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catlunya (with outdoor escalators for anyone too lazy to walk up the stairs - my excuse, it was really hot!!)
The Sagrada Familia
Designed by Gaudi, under construction since 1882, and expected to be completed by 2030!
Apparently this building is nicknamed the torpedo!
In case you've forgotten the F stands for FRIED!
Arc de Triomf
Another Gaudi design - Casa Batllo
Saturday, July 4, 2009
South of France
To see full size photos go to the Picasa web album
Arles
By the river
Place de la Republique
Theatre Antique (1st century BC - although by the time they have finished the reconstruction it will all be pretty much 21 century AD)
Roman Amphitheatre (90 AD). Again under refurb, although this time they seem to have preserved the outside and just added stadium seating onto the inside.
View from the top of the Amphitheatre
Saint Remy de Provence
van Gogh lived in Saint Remy for a while and the area inspired many of this paintings . . . . . .
I can definitely see the resemblance!
Les Antiques
Avignon
Palais des Papes (with increasing civil unrest in Rome the Pope up'd sticks and moved from the Vatican to Avignon!)
Pont d'Avignon - does NOT span the entire river!!!
Sunset
Nice
Cassis
Field of sunflowers - just outside Arles
Arles
By the river
Place de la Republique
Theatre Antique (1st century BC - although by the time they have finished the reconstruction it will all be pretty much 21 century AD)
Roman Amphitheatre (90 AD). Again under refurb, although this time they seem to have preserved the outside and just added stadium seating onto the inside.
View from the top of the Amphitheatre
Saint Remy de Provence
van Gogh lived in Saint Remy for a while and the area inspired many of this paintings . . . . . .
I can definitely see the resemblance!
Les Antiques
Avignon
Palais des Papes (with increasing civil unrest in Rome the Pope up'd sticks and moved from the Vatican to Avignon!)
Pont d'Avignon - does NOT span the entire river!!!
Sunset
Nice
Cassis
Field of sunflowers - just outside Arles
Friday, July 3, 2009
Paris
To see the photos in full screen go to the Picasa web album
The Louvre
Happy to see some sun finally - it had been pretty cold up until now!
Sacre Coeur
View of the Eiffel Tower from Montmartre
Nothing stops progress. They have built a bridge over the Montmartre cemetery. Some of the tombstones only just fit!
Notre Dame (in the rain)
Notre Dame - close up
Notre Dame - inside
Eiffel Tower - at night (and in the rain)
Champs Elysees - red and white lights
Eiffel Tower - light show. On the hour ever hour 20 000 flash bulbs sparkle for 10 minutes all over the tower.
Centre Pompidou
Notre Dame (again, this time in the sun)
Notre Dame - from the back
Jardin du Luxembourg
Sacre Coeur - from the Musee d'Orsay
Statue on top of the Musee d'Orsay
With the exchange rate at about AU$1 = 0.55 Euro, this coke cost about AU$6
van Gogh - starry night @ the Musee d'Orsay
Hotel des Invalides
Eiffel Tower
Arc de Triomphe
The Louvre
Happy to see some sun finally - it had been pretty cold up until now!
Sacre Coeur
View of the Eiffel Tower from Montmartre
Nothing stops progress. They have built a bridge over the Montmartre cemetery. Some of the tombstones only just fit!
Notre Dame (in the rain)
Notre Dame - close up
Notre Dame - inside
Eiffel Tower - at night (and in the rain)
Champs Elysees - red and white lights
Eiffel Tower - light show. On the hour ever hour 20 000 flash bulbs sparkle for 10 minutes all over the tower.
Centre Pompidou
Notre Dame (again, this time in the sun)
Notre Dame - from the back
Jardin du Luxembourg
Sacre Coeur - from the Musee d'Orsay
Statue on top of the Musee d'Orsay
With the exchange rate at about AU$1 = 0.55 Euro, this coke cost about AU$6
van Gogh - starry night @ the Musee d'Orsay
Hotel des Invalides
Eiffel Tower
Arc de Triomphe
Monday, June 29, 2009
Berlin - art/sculpture
It rained one of the days we were in Berlin so we spent the day on Museumsinsel (Museum Island)
For one low price we went to the Bode Museum, Pergamonmuseum, and Altes (old) Museum, AND the price included audio guides that were actually really interesting and informative!
A saint (Peter or maybe Paul)
Rape of the Sabine (they think - the artist didn't leave any notes!).
Also - who makes a statue about someone getting raped!!
Apparently not sexual!
Voted most ugly
Voted most creepy
Muscleman!
Boo! (Immanuel Kant)
What do you get someone who has everything - statue of a girl clipping her toe nails!
Growl! I am important!
Can't remember who this dude is - but he thought that an angry face made him look more powerful
Zeus
Nefertiti (1350BC)
Jesus on the cross
Voted most hilarious
Defeat of Nazi's and the new controlling powers of Germany and Berlin
Concentration Camps
For one low price we went to the Bode Museum, Pergamonmuseum, and Altes (old) Museum, AND the price included audio guides that were actually really interesting and informative!
A saint (Peter or maybe Paul)
Rape of the Sabine (they think - the artist didn't leave any notes!).
Also - who makes a statue about someone getting raped!!
Apparently not sexual!
Voted most ugly
Voted most creepy
Muscleman!
Boo! (Immanuel Kant)
What do you get someone who has everything - statue of a girl clipping her toe nails!
Growl! I am important!
Can't remember who this dude is - but he thought that an angry face made him look more powerful
Zeus
Nefertiti (1350BC)
Jesus on the cross
Voted most hilarious
Defeat of Nazi's and the new controlling powers of Germany and Berlin
Concentration Camps
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