Travels of Angela Bridges

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482 photos in 24 sub-albums

9/19 LONDON The plane ride went very smoothly. At the train station I had to stop and soak it all in. People move so fast and I kept getting in their way. I stood gawking at all the people, the stores, the signs, the little bakeries, everything new to me. I just watched in awe, thinking, “Wow, this is a British sign! A British store!” After asking around and observing others I figured out how to get around on the underground subway. I can’t believe I’m really here!!!
Pieter and Raewyn have a cute little flat in northwest London. Houses in London are half a million dollars for a teeny tiny flat! This is quite an expensive, busy, crowded city. It’s overwhelming at first. One dollar = 0.58 here, so it’s like cutting your money in half. There is so much history here. Really quite clean, old buildings pretty well maintained. I was surprised at how few British accents I heard. There are lots of nationalities, mainly Turkish and middle eastern I think. Pieter took me to Big Ben, London tower, London Bridge, the London Eye Ferris Wheel, and we went inside the Dali museum and Tate modern. I was disappointed at the Dali gallery; they had none of his famous paintings, just some fabulous sculptures and some disturbing drawings. Tate was impressive, just my style, tons of abstract and familiar artists. Afterwards we all went to a Turkish restaurant and I had a delicious minced lamb dish with yogurt and bread. Mmmm. Then I passed out from jetlag.
9/20 CANTERBURY Met Marty and Ken on train to Canterbury. Nice couple. Ken is a Retired lawyer. They Live in Mexico and Tucson. Saw Canterbury castle, it is just ruins... Lovely town, cobble stone streets, mostly newer since it got bombed in WWII, Canterbury cathedral all that survived. Gorgeous old building, tons of history. Note- read Canterbury tales. Children in uniform with British accents running around school in back, felt like I was in a movie. Had to pinch myself- I'm really here! Now back to the Soer residence, Pieter is cooking Indian food for dinner! Bought Rae an elephant in market, guy said it’s really old, I asked how old, oh hundreds of years. So it’s probably bullshit, but it’s cute anyway. Hope she likes it.
9/21 CAMBRIDGE I am so lucky Pieter is on sick leave and able to show me around! Such a nice host! We went to Cambridge today and went from chapel to college until our feet gave out on us. Kings College was my favorite. I fell in love with the place, would love to study there someday. Then we took a punt ride down the river. Our Guide was a nice German named Christian. He tried to teach me how to man the punt. I was quite clumsy with it! It’s harder than it looks. Had an English breakfast and lager for lunch, which consists of sausage, ham, tomato, mushrooms, chips (French fries), and egg. Very tasty. Cambridge is a nice college town, with tons of old churches and schools, and of course shops (what would a college town be without them?). We had Chinese for dinner then went to a British pub. Love the white beer called hoegaarden. Much prefer the English ale to our imports as well. Pieter and Rae are not party animals so we just had a few drinks.
9/23 PARIS Long day at eurostar. Left too early, waited in station for 3 hours. Kind of a waste of the day but better safe than sorry! Met Marla on the train, nice girl from New York, living in London on business until December. My first impression of Paris was the group of protesters outside the train screaming eurostar has no security in French. Then numerous foreign women perhaps Turkish or Indian approached me at different intervals asking if I spoke English, then gave me a letter asking for money with different sob stories. I finally just acted like I didn't know English. Then an African man followed me around while I searched for my hotel and tried to communicate in French. I couldn't understand anything but I didn't trust him and he was annoying me so finally I said “no, merci”, and walked as fast as I could away from him. Finally I found my hotel, put my stuff down, and walked to a nearby seafood restaurant to splurge on a good meal. I am a bit overwhelmed here in a huge dirty city not knowing the language. I yearn for a little countryside village ...but I am so very close to all the amazing sights so that makes up for it. It is a new experience, living in a big city. It would be nice to have a friend here, like dear Pieter and Rae. I should check couchsurfing for a pal to sample the nightlife with...hmm. On the other side of the coin, it is nice to be in my own room, with my own bathroom, with peace and quiet. To do what I want and not have to worry about pleasing someone else. It’s all about finding a nice easy balance.
9/23 PARIS Thank God! All of Paris is not so dirty, scary, and crowded. Just my neighborhood. But 5 min. Walk down the street and you are in the center of Parisian culture! So I'm ok with that. I walked by everything I possibly could today. Went inside Notre Dame, visited all the shops, and walked along the seine. Got to the louve just as they were closing, so missed Mona Lisa. Perhaps tomorrow I will ditch Versailles and museum hop. Ran into a cute guy and we went to the Eiffel tower together. I really had a great time with him. He is European, Islamic and Indian. Also Muslim. His name is Adel. Will get his engineering degree this year. Nice guy really. We laughed and joked and made weird faces and sound effects, ran around in the rain like little children. He practically begged to come up to my room afterwards but I declined. Anyway, he respected that and still wanted to see me tomorrow. So now I know where everything is and have a better idea of the subway here. Want to go to the top of the Eiffel tomorrow too. Really enjoyed just walking around and taking it all in today. Paris is beautiful, very sophisticated and elegant. Traffic is crazy and it is crowded like any big city, nevertheless its historical charm and wide sidewalks, endless cafes and boutiques and gorgeous seine river are a treasure.
9/24 PARIS Slept in until noon, (travel is catching up with me) then met Adel. Muslims go one Sunday of every month without any food or water, and this happened to be that day for him. I felt so bad for him, but he didn't complain at all. He said it’s good for the body and the mind; it makes you stronger and more appreciative. We went to the Louvre and spent all day there. Mona Lisa really is different up close, smaller in scale than one would imagine. Saw ancient artifacts and art dating 2000 yrs. Before Christ! Unbelievable. We wondered how they can pinpoint the exact year. Afterwards, we went back to the Eiffel tower and this time I went to the top. It was the most amazing view! Absolutely breathtaking! Made me realize just how big this city really is. By this time I was quite the weary traveler. Adel wanted to take me to the sacre, then to the latin quarter for some night life and clubs, and the Moulin rouge, and I regretfully could think of nothing but food and bed. My legs betrayed me. I am getting old.
9/25 BRUGGE While waiting for my train to Amsterdam I met a nice man named Santiago, from Buenos Aires. He reminded me of Serafin. He convinced me to take a detour with him to Brugge, Belgium. I am so glad I did! So far this is my favorite place, and Santiago was a lot of fun. We got separate rooms in a nice hotel, and then walked around in the rain while he sang beautiful songs in Spanish. Later we had some delicious rabbit for dinner, and headed to a pub to sample Belgium beer. My favorite beer is now raspberry Belgium. Mmm...
9/26 BRUGGE Brugge is the most charming little medieval village, with Dutch buildings, cobblestone streets, horse drawn carriages and such nice people. How refreshing after all the big cities. We checked out of the hotel and left our bags there so we could wander around. I tried some delicious Belgium chocolate, and we went in the belfry and some old churches. My new friend seemed to be growing attached to me and I am glad to part ways. I am not looking for love here, I am running from it. I did have a marvelous time and he is a great guy. It truly is more fun when you have someone to play with. But I will meet many more wonderful people. Of this I have no doubt. Brugge was magical, truly a fairytale. I will never forget it. I am learning to not hold on to things, but to cherish my experiences and move on to the next. There are always more. I am on the train now to meet Anne, from couchsurfing.com. Amsterdam, here I come.
9/27 AMSTERDAM Last night Anna took me to a bar here and we had some Amsterdam beer and a chat. She is such an interesting woman! A true Aquarius- like Pieter, who never runs out of things to say. She has a little flat in the old Latin quarter, now called the pipe. I am staying in a room in the attic. Didn't sleep well but that's ok. She is in her 40s, divorced with a son and daughter in their 20s. She was one of those cool moms that all the kids wanted to hang out with. She still is, I think. Young at heart. A free spirit. I like her. She gave me tons of advice on what do see and do here, enough for at least 3 days. She said I could stay until Thurs. And she could show me around then. She has autographs all over her bathroom wall from travelers who have enjoyed her company from all over the world.
After some espresso I went off to explore. Covered most of Amsterdam on foot. I think I have overdosed on churches and museums because all I felt like doing was walking, shopping, bar hopping and eating. Amsterdam is not a beautiful city in my eyes; I wasn't really even inspired to take pictures. A lot of construction everywhere. Canals. Shops. Bars. Red light district, of course. I thought it would be more glamorous, but they are just normal ugly worn out overweight strung out looking hookers. Nothing special except that they rent out a window and a room, stand there in their lingerie, shaking their butt or rubbing lotion on their tired bodies. They pay taxes and have to get licensed. Smoking cafes, where they sell pot and smoke freely. It is still illegal but they don't enforce it at all. It is considered a soft drug. They also sell mushrooms and ecstasy here. So after much walking I began to get a feel for things, and sat to have beer. Then tea. Then I got the courage to go into a smoking café and sat next to a guy and his father. We hit it off immediately and he shared his joint with me. They mix them with tobacco so they aren’t so strong. Which is good, because my tolerance is low. It’s been years since I smoked weed. His dad was smoking too! He said his parents were hippies; it wasn't a big deal for them. His name was Brandon, from Connecticut. A firefighter. Ahh, I liked him very much...we talked and joked around for hours, until his dad wanted to leave to get dinner. I enjoyed his company tremendously. There are all kinds of people in these cafes, old and young, business like and hippy like ... People I would never picture smoking a joint. It was quite an experience. Amsterdam has such a wonderful nightlife. After all the beer, tea, coffee, and pot I felt like I was on a cloud, and I'm afraid I lost all track of time and forgot my manners. I had been gone more than 12 hours and not thought to call Anna and let her know I was alright. Poor woman was worried sick when I finally called around midnight because I got lost on my way home. Luckily I was just down the block. I forgot to ask how her job interview went. Pot got the best of my manners. I hope she forgives me and doesn't leave any negative comments on couchsurfing. I feel awful. Slept like a baby though. I need to wash clothes very soon... And decide if I should stay here one more night or start my journey to Germany and Oktoberfest.
9/28 AMSTERDAM Had a nice lunch with Anna at a Moroccan restaurant in a historical building. Nice place. She forgave my mishaps last night. Anna had kind of figured that I’d been partying and lost track of time, she’d just never had a guest been gone for that long. Afterwards I browsed the market square shops for hours. Can't find any small, decent gifts. Its hard when you have to pack light and have 4 more countries to go to still. Can't get everyone something from everywhere. So, since I can't decide I just look. Anyway, went back to my favorite café, the rokery, and tried to finish my joint. Couldn't do it, just threw the rest out. it was fun to dabble a bit since i was in amsterdam where its no big deal, seemed part of the cultural exoerience to me, but enough was enough. I was a bit worried about the tobacco in it but it didn't get me hooked again. I think I'm immune to that now. If anything, it tasted nasty to me. Got that nice fluffy serene feeling again and walked back to Anna’s. She cooked a nice Dutch meal, and we watched television while I looked for a place to stay in Germany.
9/30 STUTTGART Well, I finally arrived at the kongress hotel around 2 AM. I got off at the wrong stop twice, forgetting there were numerous stations in each city. I finally realized that hbf meant central station, and found a train that was supposed to go straight there, but midway they kicked everyone off and I couldn't understand German and have no idea why. Then the next 2 trains I waited for never came. Finally I found a girl who spoke English and she said it was just delayed. Much later the cab driver told me it is typical with night trains in Germany. Now I know! Well, everything can't go smoothly all the time! I was unbelievably impressed with my hotel. How I got such a great deal I do not know. It is an elegant 4 star hotel, with sauna, fitness room, and a Turkish bath. My room is huge with a minibar, feather down comforter and pillows, bathrobe, the works. And it includes a huge breakfast buffet with everything you could want, not just the usual European bread, meat and cheese breakfast, but also eggs and cereal, sausage, fruits, veggies, yogurt, juice, coffee, everything... All for just 50 euros a night! I feel like a princess. This is truly luxurious. Especially after sleeping on a mattress in the attic at Anna’s. Although that was fine too. You get used to just about anything, and realize just how easily one can live without certain things, and how little one really needs.

What a day! Today I hated Germany. I almost cried (actually, truth be told, I did). I found the people to be cold, not at all helpful, and few spoke English. I can't expect them too either, I mean, I am in Germany, what did I expect? It’s just that language barriers hadn’t presented any problems until now. I wanted to go to Rothenberg or the Burg Eltz Castle, (which is still intact and has managed to preserve all its original furnishings!!!) I took the underground to central station, and somehow got lost among all the unfamiliar signs. Finally I found the tourist center, where not a thing was in English. I waited in line and asked the agent a few questions that he couldn’t understand. I did manage to find out where the trains were, and went back to central station and followed the db sign upstairs. The man at the ticket counter did not understand me either. I asked for a train to the burg eltz castle, and he gave me the train to the city Kassel. Not where I wanted to go. Next I stopped in an internet café to try and find info, but it was expensive, one Euro for 2 minutes, so I gave up on that. The lady from the hotel had told me that the beer festival in Stuttgart was the same as the Oktoberfest in Munich, and she had given me directions (thank god). So I took the subway there and drank and ate until I just about puked. I had this weird dish called snoodelen or something like that, which was sauerkraut with some unidentifiable things mixed in. The beer was ok. I liked Belgium and English ale better. Anyway, Oktoberfest was just a festival like any other, with rides, games, shops, food, and drinks. It was a really young crowd. Some of the older generations wore costumes. Around dusk it got so crowded I felt claustrophic and a bit sick from sugar and alcohol so I headed back to my hotel by subway. At my stop I couldn't figure out how to open the door to the tram and nobody budged to help me, they just sat back and watched as I pushed and pulled and searched for a button. Finally I frantically asked “does anyone speak English?” No one answered. I tried again, “how do you open the door?” Finally a girl showed me the button, but it was too late. I had to get out at the next stop and take another rail back. This was when the tears came and I decided I hated Germany. Once back in my room I thought about it and changed my attitude. I am a tourist. It is my duty to learn the ways of this culture and find my way around. If people are not helpful, perhaps I am approaching them wrong or maybe they just don't like tourists invading their homeland. It’s not personal, and I will not let it get me down! I will ask more questions, be more assertive and pay more attention. I will try harder. I can not leave Germany without seeing a castle and Rothenberg. There is more here than Stuttgart and the kongress hotel! I won't give up. Tomorrow I will march back in that train station and this time I will bring a map, make the choo choo sound and point to where I want to go.
10/1 ROTHENBURG Well, I didn't make it to any castles, but I did get to Rothenberg. I did just as I planned, choo choo sound and all. The lady still didn't understand me, didn't really seem to want to bother. Luckily, the ticket agent next to her knew a bit of English and interpreted for her. Rothenberg is a lot like Brugge. A quaint medieval village, without a modern building in sight. Old museums and churches, torture chambers and such were closed because it is Sunday. It is high up on a hilltop, enclosed by fortress walls. Lots of shops, specializing in Christmas stuff. My mom would love this place. Breathtaking views and again horse drawn carriages and cobblestone streets. I am so glad I got to see this, even if the sights were closed. Met a nice German boy who laughed at my battle with the German trains, he said its better to find it humorous than to get mad. It’s just the way things are. I can agree now that I feel more comfortable with the system. I debated staying to see the black forest, Munich, the Rhine River, burg eltz and King Ludwig’s castles... Decided I have had enough of Germany and its funny trains. I missed the Rhine and don't feel like backtracking. I should have taken Pieter’s advice and stayed in Cologne, but it’s too late now. Time to move on. I have learned that its better to ask than to assume, always seek out a map and tourist office immediately, and even though hotels are nice and cozy, you get a much better, authentic experience when you couchsurf with a local (plus great advice, directions and a new friend are big bonuses!). I am not even halfway through my trip yet! Hard to believe.
10/2 SALZBURG Finally got the train system down and made my way to Salzburg seamlessly. Met a guy at the station there, we were both trying to find a phone to call the same hostel. We trekked there together and got along very well. He is a spoiled rich kid of 22, I think his name was Clark, whose parents pay for him to travel the world for a year! Lucky boy. Really quite respectful and mature for his age though. We walked around town, went up the lift to the castle to breathe in the majestic views, then ate some pumpkin soup and apple strudel and watched the sound of music in our hostel. It was my first hostel experience. Not the best to start with, it catered more to children and families, but it was good enough. For 20 euros you get a bed in an 8 bed dorm and a locker and a full breakfast and hot shower in a shared bathroom. Just like camp really. In some you will meet an older crowd, and many have bars and single rooms too. I will try more out in Venice, I think. Good way to meet people, although I've been doing a pretty good job of that on my own! I am enjoying the scenery here in Austria, so much green and gorgeous old baroque architecture. Fresh mountain air. Ahhh. Splendid. Pity I can't stay longer, but Italy and Greece are calling my name.
10/3 KUFSTEIN I am on the train to Venice. There was a stopover in a cute town in Tirol, Austria called Kufstein. I got to roam about for an hour. There is a lovely river with a whitish opaque look to it, the Alps shrouded with trees looming above, green rolling hills, stunning! There is even a castle here, but I didn't have enough time to investigate it. Austria is beautiful! We just passed by Innsbruck, and I have never seen anything more beautiful. How I would have loved to stay here and hike one night! The green Alps are everywhere you look, streams here and there with sheep grazing, little cottages spotting the canvas of the train window. I could stop... Get off on the next stop and enjoy nature at its finest for a day... The clouds create a dreamy mist over the tops of the mountains, lush forest everywhere. But it’s already late and I am happy just to have witnessed this. Some day I will take another trip here just to hike the Alps. Today I gaze out the window and give my eyes a feast. It is too bad pictures don't turn out so well from this vantage point.
10/3 VENICE Venice is quite expensive. I have a hotel on the canal, right in the center. It is a nice old room, and I have my first bidet. And how do I use it? This I know not. There is a high tide and water everywhere. It is beautiful with all the lights reflecting on the water. I walked around and window shopped. Lots of Milano glass sculpture, exquisite artwork. Would love to bring back some. Trying to keep a budget though and the room alone is my day’s allowance. But I have so far been pretty good and stayed below budget, so it’s ok. I can manage. After this my sweet tooth got to me again (I’m such a food whore when I travel) and I had some gelato, Bellini, and their strawberry white wine with some dessert and now that I am well on my way to lardville I am retiring for the evening. It was a long ride here. Got to speak to my mom for a minute but I was so hyped up about my travel experiences that I'm afraid she couldn't get a word in. I do miss everyone. But I'm not homesick. I'm quite happy. Couldn't be more entertained, for I am on a month long adventure and it’s orchestrated purely by me and my fancy.
I think the best thing for me is the knowledge that I put myself here, I did this! With God’s help and very good luck and karma and hard work. I have achieved a life long goal and am just blessed and quite proud really. I am really here. And it’s even more wonderful than I could have imagined. Such a learning and growing experience.
10/4 VENICE Venice is a tourist cesspool. A bit overrated and way overpriced in my opinion. It does have its charm, no doubt about that. The narrow lanes and canals, clothes hanging on lines everywhere, drunk Italian men singing their hearts out, and such historic churches and palaces! I only got inside the doges palace, some small churches, and the bell tower on San Marcos square. The main church I waited in line for 30 minutes for and then they told me I had to get rid of my backpack and get back in line so I gave up and roamed about. It is so easy to get lost here, even with a map. I chose to use my nikes for transportation instead of the 80 Euro gondola rides or the 5 Euro boats. Still I managed to spend way too much money. You can't help it here- they even charge you to sit! To use a toilet! Everything has a price and it is all expensive. I'm glad I only have a day here. I really have gone overboard on food and drink and extras that are unnecessary. I should spend less on that and more on gifts for people and museums and stuff... Trial and error. This is how I learn. The advantage of a tourist pit is that everything is tourist friendly and bilingual. The downside is that you get a less authentic experience- it seems like more of a theme park than a cultural exchange. I know I was just complaining about language barriers, but it’s kind of disappointing when everyone speaks English in Italy. Most folks you meet are tourists. I found myself peeking into windows wondering how the Italians here live, what their flats look like, what they believe in, their traditions, How they interact with each other, etc. Yes, I love art and history and to see all the famous sights. But I've found that I am much more interested in learning other cultures, and meeting people from all over the world. Hearing about their lives. And seeing nature in its many shapes and forms. The things I treasure most are simple and free.

10/5 VENICE well I got to see that church this morning and it was well worth the wait in line! Gold spackled walls and elaborate décor embellished every square inch. Not to mention the murals and sculpture. It was incredible. Ahh. Venice is glorious! I must say it. Yes, it’s crowded and touristy, but this is why. Then on my boat ride back to the station I got to see the rest of Venice float by. Ah, the art and history here are just unparallel.
10/5 FLORENCE I accidentally took the wrong train again and almost ended up in Slokvia. Luckily I realized it and only went an hour out if my way. Got turned back around and made in here to Florence. Got to try out a lovely hole in the ground toilet too! Gross. Florence seems to have a hip night life, but I just had a glass of wine and got online to try to book a couch to surf. Italy is killing my wallet. Florence is just as bad as Venice. Everything was booked, too. I had to try 8 hotels until I finally found a vacancy in a 4 star hotel for 100 Euro. Ouch. It is very nice though. Quite a weird setup, much like a townhouse, with the bathroom and hall down stairs and the bedroom upstairs. Can't wait to see the city tomorrow!
10/6 FLORENCE Florence is lovely! Everywhere you look there is art, sculpture, statues, murals, mosaics, cathedrals, museums. Gelato and bakeries on every corner. It overwhelms the senses. I went to the dome and they made me put a paper shawl on my shoulders to cover up. Then to some more churches and a small palace. Paid to get in but they don't tell you before hand that you only get to see one room (which was magnificent!), then a small museum and a statue. After this I walked about aimlessly and looked at everything, then sat for some salad and wine. Met a nice group of guys from Florida, and we wanted to hang out tonight but I will be staying with Lucia. So we chatted until I had to go meet her. She lives in Chianti, wine country, in a stunning red brick home amidst grape vines and a garden. She gave me my own room and cooked a scrumptious 3 course Italian dinner, pasta then meat then fruit for dessert. She also has 2 sons but I only met her 16 yr old, Christophe. Very nice people. I went to bet early and slept like a baby in her comfortable bed.
10/7 FLORENCE We woke early and had a traditional Italian breakfast (cookies and coffee) then she dropped Christophe off at school, and showed me the side of Florence tourists don't usually see. She was a wonderful host and shared her traditions and culture and some history with me too. She had to go around 11 am. Then I walked a bit, ate a quick lunch and headed for the train station.
10/7 ROME Francesco picked me up in Rome and took me to his lovely penthouse suite in the center. Very nice roman gentleman. There are 2 other girls here who have the spare room tonight and I get the sofa. They are very friendly, from Singapore and Austria, Eve and Libby. Tomorrow they leave and I get the bedroom. Francesco made me very comfortable here. I walked around and got lost as usual, then he called and picked me up and took me on a quick tour by car and bought me some delicious melon gelato. Gave me a lot of historical info and insider info I never would have gotten from the guide books. Then we came back and I am exhausted.
10/8 ROME Rome is stunning. Every building towers over you, competing for the sky. Ancient ruins where, if you close your eyes and use your imagination you can see the old Romans in all their glory (and gore). Some of these forums and churches date back 2000 years! I can feel the roman warriors in the air; there is an electric aura here. The Vatican is its own city now, in order to separate church and state. St Peters basilica is a work of art, with marble and gold and Michelangelo’s genius. The Sistine chapel was closed, unfortunately. Finally got to see a castle, castel angelo, the coluseum, circo massimo, plazza venezia. Been walking all day. Now drinking wine and people watching.
Later Francesco took me to a lavish, top dollar restaurant and we had raw fish and lobster. Delish. Never thought raw fish could be so good. He is quite famous here, being the supplier of free internet access to all of Rome. In the morning he helped me find the right train and then I worked on his injured shoulder a bit. It had been hurting him for months, and he was so happy to feel no more pain. Afterwards he cooked up a lunch of beef and sparkling wine. Fantastic cook.
10/10 LEVKAS Spent all day traveling yesterday. Met some interesting people on the night ferry, Belinda and Michael. We drank and talked for hours, then danced. They invited me to their home in Levkas. The ocean is like crystal glass, you can even see clouds reflecting on the surface. Such an easy laid back life here. No worries at all. This is my fantasy land. They are like gypsies, they travel and live on the boat, sell things here and there, live cheaply. No problems. Very little work. Food here is spectacular, fresh fish and bread... Wine in barrels you just fill up your jug... Houses half built so they don't have to pay for them, just a relaxed easy town. Showered, napped for a half hour or so, then took a nice walk into the village. Shopped around for a bit and realized I wasn't in the mood, then accidentally bypassed Bindy’s house on the way back and hiked to the top of the mountain, where I found the most spectacular views! The exercise felt so good after all the sitting on trains and ferries. When I returned, they had wakened from their siestas and we had James pick us up for dinner. They butchered a goat for us right on the spot, cooked it up and served it fresh. Delicious! Such an odd flavor, almost like a hint of feta. And the cheese is incredible! At this point sleep deprivation got the best of me, we ate sweets and I slept like a baby.
10/11 LEVKAS Next day we rented scooters and cruised all around the island. So many beautiful photos! We saw the ruins of an old castle. Then we headed for the beach, where the sand consists of little pebbles instead of fine sand. It’s nice because it doesn't stick to you and it’s still soft to touch. Micha and I talked for hours. I had thought they were still a couple, but they broke up years ago. She came from New Zealand and fell in love, never went home. They lived on a boat for years, traveling here and there. Now they are just friends. Belinda is such beautiful woman, inside and out. So free, fun loving, practical and down to earth. So comfortable in her own skin. I love her. Love them both really. Micha is a typical Leo, from Russia. Very passionate, loving, generous, loyal. In the evening we read poetry and music and discussed life, society and love. Such deep people. Bindy and I acted like sisters, it’s so wonderful to meet a female who I connect with, who connects with me. We were both so excited and girly, Micha had to laugh. For dinner we were invited on the Italian’s (Pablo and Jay) boat and Pablo cooked an Italian feast.

10/12 LEVKAS Spent last 2 days in paradise. Fantastic friendship in Micha and Bindy, spectacular views. Scooters. Dinner on boat. Ahh. This afternoon micha took me on his parents’ boat. His mom speaks a little English and was very sweet, showed me pictures. His father only spoke Russian. He is trying to convince me to sail with them, but I'm set on Santorini. Afterwards we relaxed, went to the beach and basked in the sun. Had some coffee, checked out more views, then Belinda cooked us a scrumptious vegetarian dinner and we went to bed.
10/14 SANTORINI I am almost on the last leg of my journey. I feel like I’ve been traveling for years. No complaints though. Santorini was such a different experience from Levkas and the Ionian Islands. It is so desolate, an island of stark contrasts and barren black and red rock. Bright white and vivid blue buildings really set the stage against the deep blue waters and black sand beaches. The strong heat and winds make it tough to grow anything, but they manage to make it work for them. They grow their grapevines in a circle, like a basket, to protect them from the elements. They also grow these delicious tiny tomatoes, capers and olives. Aside from this there is no green, no trees. A clear cut horizon. A land built on volcanic ash and molten lava. Interesting to see, but a day was enough. Fira, the capital, was another tourist trap. I was lucky to have Belinda with me, she speaks Greek and we got along well with the venders (tourists sharks really- Belinda understands their ways because she works with them- cant blame them for trying to make a buck, but they really take advantage and rip tourists off because they know they can- which is why all these touristy places are so expensive- the natives are getting rich from it) and we got a hotel for 10 euros each, (for English speakers usually it would be 30-85) and the owner even gave us some of his special homemade Santorini wine- this is quite a treat! It was fruity, neither white nor red. We walked along the black beach and took bus to the castle where we explored the little village on the mountain. Then we went to Fira and shopped overpriced stores, and hiked the 600 steps to the bottom and back up the mountain. Ate an expensive dinner and took a taxi back.
10/15 ATHENS On 10 hour ferry again. Feeling a bit seasick and cant wait to get home again. Slept on floor most of the way. Belinda’s Greek friend Thenasa picked us up in Athens and took us to dinner. We are staying with him and his mother, who is a famous Greek folk singer, and her music is hauntingly beautiful. (When you can’t understand the words you get to focus more on the notes and instruments and tone, and to just appreciate the sound without the meaning). Thenasa takes care of her.
10/16 ATHENS Thenasa showed us around Athens today, just saw the acropolis... ahh, history...and it is being reconstructed so beautifully. It is not in bits and pieces like the roman ruins, but almost intact. The sleek marble is amazing, to think of all the earthquakes and centuries of hardship it has survived... We shopped around, had a traditional Greek lunch, then Bindy and I had our last binge on sweets. Now at airport heading to London, where I will reunite with my new friends Pieter and Rae, and we will see a show and visit the national gallery of art, then next day I fly home sweet home! Can’t wait.
10/17 LONDON Arrived back in London again at 1am and slept at the airport. Actually woke feeling very rested. It’s not so bad. The seats are much more comfortable than the floor or seat of the ferry was. I slept with my suitcase under the seat with my arm resting on it, and my backpack I used as a pillow. Rae is waiting for me at home. They both work today, so I will get some nice alone time. I’m really looking forward to it. I can't wait to be back in my condo, with my loving puppy and my unnecessary luxuries.
I took a long luxurious bath, then strolled Covent Garden and Leicester square. London is such an exciting city! Met Pieter at national gallery, saw Rembrandt and others, ate Indonesian, then Rae joined us to head to the Agatha Christy play, the mousetrap, the longest running play in its 53rd year! On the way we spotted a crowd outside the new Monty python, and stopped to investigate. It was opening night. And many of London’s most famous celebrities were attending! I got pictures of some of them, but the crowd became too dense eventually to get a shot. I personally only recognized the first lady, Kim I think was her name; she was the only woman in Monty python. There was an actor from Harry potter as well, one of the professors. Also the guitarist from queen, a famous singer and many actors and actresses. It was very exciting! The crowd was ecstatic!
The mousetrap was a brilliant production! A whodunit thriller that leaves you clueless until the very end. The culprit was the last person I suspected! It was such a masterful plot with a very talented cast. Such characters! Pity I couldn't have seen more shows! London nightlife is just oozing with excitement. This was really my first glimpse and I want more! It was only a Tuesday night, and felt like a weekend. And I love the diversity here, all walks of life in their many styles and mannerisms, shopping, rushing to work, drinking tea or beer, cramming together like sardines in the subway, the clickity clack of a nice pair of boots, the flash of a rainbow colored Mohawk, the glamour and glitz mingling with the poorly kept and careless, so many cultures. Great place to people watch! Pity it’s so expensive here.
Now I’m on my way home and full of joy and content. I have truly had the time of my life! And learned so much about myself, and life, and love. I've learned to be more comfortable around others, to feel at home anywhere. To let go and make the best of things. I've learned that everywhere you go there are good, loving and trustworthy people. It’s not necessary to cling tightly, but rather to truly enjoy what time you have and cherish the memories. If paths cross again it will be wonderful. If not, I will never forget the great moments shared. When you let go of all your comforts and routines, all of your fears and familiar faces, truly step away from your home, your comfort zone, you are free. Absolutely free. Your mind opens up if you let it, and you realize how much more there is to life than your little corner of it. What a shame it would be to never step outside the box. .. I feel alive, I feel blessed. I am full. Ready to go home, to relish my experiences and find a steady rhythm again, while I plan my next trip... I am addicted now. My first mission is to thoroughly explore Arizona. I've called it home so many years, but never really took much of an interest. Now I want to know everything.

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