at 9.30 this morning we had Zoe's 19th Birthday breakfast - Watermelon (not like Thailand) and Coissants - real good. We had some chill time, took Oscar for a walk and then at 2pm Michelle and Thia picked her up to take her to an undisclosed location (the Hilton) for some undisclosed activity (jacuzzi, steam room, sauna). I had packed her bag and she didn't have a clue what would happen.
This evening we all ate together and then watched Blue Crush, which was surprisingly better than I had anticipated.
Friday, August 29, 2003
Hey all, have been offline a few days as we've been laying flooring in 'the office'. I've reacclimatised to the UK, which basically turned cold upon my arrival (apparently), but it's a nice change from some of the heat that I've come across (and loved) since I've been away. It's Zoe's birthday this weekend, which should be cool - she doesn't know what we're doing!!
Sunday, August 24, 2003
Guys, I'm home, in the fare city of Cardiff. I decided that my time in continental Europe was over and booked a flight while in Ljubljana. I didn't mention this sooner because I wanted to surprise Zoë - it's her birthday next Saturday (30th) and I thought it would surprise her to know that I'd be around. Our prior arrangements would have meant that I would be back on the 3rd of September.
More on Rome
Rome was a real nice city to stay in, an incredible concentration of vast relics from the Roman Empire. Also great Gelatti (ice cream). I had Cappuccino and this one with nuts in...mmmm.
I wandered next to the river, getting lost only a few times and even had a conversation with a local guy - his part in Italian and mine in English. I'm not sure what was said.
Apparently Rome is a Spa town (I don't really know how that works), and this is why there are little water fountains everywhere that people drink from. Now I can't stand spending money on something as basic as water and the only place where I have done so consistently was when we were in Poland and even Darek and Eva were drinking bottled water all the time. So I filled all my bottles from these little fountains. I even had what I dubbed "holy water" from the fountains next to the Vatigan.
On Thursday night I stayed at the lovely 'Gullivers House' - a great hostel where they really make you feel welcomed and at home (they even have video nights and breakfasts).
Friday morning I got up and ready for the long trip to Milan (by train) without Tim. I got on the train and immediately this girl called Melissa got on. She lives near Milan and is studying English - so I had someone to talk to! That was a real blessing. She had her dog (a shitsu) with her whose name is Gandalf.
From Milan train station I travelled to Bergamo, which is a city about 1 hour away. As I got on the Bergamo train I came across these guys from London who were heading to Bergamo Airport and so I had company on that leg of the journey - that was sooo God.
If you're in Cardiff at the mo give me a call!
More on Rome
Rome was a real nice city to stay in, an incredible concentration of vast relics from the Roman Empire. Also great Gelatti (ice cream). I had Cappuccino and this one with nuts in...mmmm.
I wandered next to the river, getting lost only a few times and even had a conversation with a local guy - his part in Italian and mine in English. I'm not sure what was said.
Apparently Rome is a Spa town (I don't really know how that works), and this is why there are little water fountains everywhere that people drink from. Now I can't stand spending money on something as basic as water and the only place where I have done so consistently was when we were in Poland and even Darek and Eva were drinking bottled water all the time. So I filled all my bottles from these little fountains. I even had what I dubbed "holy water" from the fountains next to the Vatigan.
On Thursday night I stayed at the lovely 'Gullivers House' - a great hostel where they really make you feel welcomed and at home (they even have video nights and breakfasts).
Friday morning I got up and ready for the long trip to Milan (by train) without Tim. I got on the train and immediately this girl called Melissa got on. She lives near Milan and is studying English - so I had someone to talk to! That was a real blessing. She had her dog (a shitsu) with her whose name is Gandalf.
From Milan train station I travelled to Bergamo, which is a city about 1 hour away. As I got on the Bergamo train I came across these guys from London who were heading to Bergamo Airport and so I had company on that leg of the journey - that was sooo God.
If you're in Cardiff at the mo give me a call!
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Hey guys, sorry it's been so long. I was going to update from Ljubljana in Slovenia, but the place I logged in at wouldn't access blogger.
Slovenia
We had a great time in Ljubljana, the sleepy capital of Slovenia. When we got off the train we saw a poster for a brand new hostel and went to check it out. Celica is a former prison which has only been opened as a hostel and arts centre for 2 months. It's amazing, nothing like a prison. It was painted all bright colors outside and there were pieces of funky artwork all over. It was amazing. Best hostel so far.
On the first night I went out with some guys who were staying there, looking for a club, or at least a late night bar, but none were to be found. I guess this was Monday night - but this is a capital city!!
The next day I started chatting with one of the girls, Anne and it turns out she's a follower and is on a great adventure at the moment. She introduced me to some more people who are followers and we ended up having a little impromptu God time in the "all faiths prayer room"!! It was real cool to enjoy this time of sharing.
We found this little restaraunt in L called Cafe Romeo which serves delicious Burritos for 1200 Tolars (that's about £3.50) and they even passed the cali test. The ice cream in slovenia is lovely and about 50p a cone...mmmm
On Tuesday night we caught the night train to Venice which left at 3.20am, so we had to stay awake for ages and then barely slept on the train. Venice is very overrated, but definately unique - very expensive. We hooked up with some people we met at Sir Tobys in Prague and found a little restaraunt that didn't charge all the venician extras. It was lovely.
Last night we took the night train to Rome, which is where I sit updating you - tired, worn out and ready for a goodnight's sleep at Gullivers House!
I hope to see the Sistene Chapel today - itàs one of the priorities of this little pilgrimage!
Over and out!
Slovenia
We had a great time in Ljubljana, the sleepy capital of Slovenia. When we got off the train we saw a poster for a brand new hostel and went to check it out. Celica is a former prison which has only been opened as a hostel and arts centre for 2 months. It's amazing, nothing like a prison. It was painted all bright colors outside and there were pieces of funky artwork all over. It was amazing. Best hostel so far.
On the first night I went out with some guys who were staying there, looking for a club, or at least a late night bar, but none were to be found. I guess this was Monday night - but this is a capital city!!
The next day I started chatting with one of the girls, Anne and it turns out she's a follower and is on a great adventure at the moment. She introduced me to some more people who are followers and we ended up having a little impromptu God time in the "all faiths prayer room"!! It was real cool to enjoy this time of sharing.
We found this little restaraunt in L called Cafe Romeo which serves delicious Burritos for 1200 Tolars (that's about £3.50) and they even passed the cali test. The ice cream in slovenia is lovely and about 50p a cone...mmmm
On Tuesday night we caught the night train to Venice which left at 3.20am, so we had to stay awake for ages and then barely slept on the train. Venice is very overrated, but definately unique - very expensive. We hooked up with some people we met at Sir Tobys in Prague and found a little restaraunt that didn't charge all the venician extras. It was lovely.
Last night we took the night train to Rome, which is where I sit updating you - tired, worn out and ready for a goodnight's sleep at Gullivers House!
I hope to see the Sistene Chapel today - itàs one of the priorities of this little pilgrimage!
Over and out!
Saturday, August 16, 2003
Austria
Iäm sitting in a cybercafe in Graz, about 3 hours south of Vienna. itäs a real nice city.
iäve just remembered some stuff about budapest...on the last night I had a bit of money to use up so we went to a pub just around the corner from our (really bad) hostel and had a delicious meal, for relatively cheap.
being in the Eurozone is pretty expensive, in fact a Vanilla milkshake costs 2euros and 10 cents, which is about 30p more than at home. Iäm back on bread and cheeze.
We camped out last night at Camping Central because there were no rooms at the hostel. Itäs areal nice place to camp and weäre both glad that tim brought his tent. There is a real nice pool - itäs massive. Iäm going back there for a swim soon.
last night we ate at a little pension owned by a lovely older couple. They just about understood my "no meat" and so I had omlette. It was good food and nice to just chill after a long day of carrying bags.
Weäre off to Bled tomorrow, which is in slovenia, in the Julian Alpes. It sounds and looks nice, so iäm really looking forward to the rest in nature. Cities are getting to me a bit. i need sea, or lakes!
I hope everyone is well. Im missing you all and am really looking forward to 2 weeks time when I can eat cereal and catch up with friends.
Love to all.
Iäm sitting in a cybercafe in Graz, about 3 hours south of Vienna. itäs a real nice city.
iäve just remembered some stuff about budapest...on the last night I had a bit of money to use up so we went to a pub just around the corner from our (really bad) hostel and had a delicious meal, for relatively cheap.
being in the Eurozone is pretty expensive, in fact a Vanilla milkshake costs 2euros and 10 cents, which is about 30p more than at home. Iäm back on bread and cheeze.
We camped out last night at Camping Central because there were no rooms at the hostel. Itäs areal nice place to camp and weäre both glad that tim brought his tent. There is a real nice pool - itäs massive. Iäm going back there for a swim soon.
last night we ate at a little pension owned by a lovely older couple. They just about understood my "no meat" and so I had omlette. It was good food and nice to just chill after a long day of carrying bags.
Weäre off to Bled tomorrow, which is in slovenia, in the Julian Alpes. It sounds and looks nice, so iäm really looking forward to the rest in nature. Cities are getting to me a bit. i need sea, or lakes!
I hope everyone is well. Im missing you all and am really looking forward to 2 weeks time when I can eat cereal and catch up with friends.
Love to all.
Thursday, August 14, 2003
Weáre now in Budapest...apologies for the weird spellings, this is a hungarian kezboard.
Itás a massive citz and verz hot...must be more than 35 degrees and thereás no water to cool zourself- besides the near by danube river, which probablz isnát clean.
IÁm missing home quite a lot today and will be glad to get to a smaller city, or even the beach. Tomorrow weáre heading to Vienna, then Gratz. So weáll be in the eurozone for a few dazs before heading to Slovenia for some time near the Julian mountains. Then on to Italy.
The place weáre staying is a real dive, like a cross between talybont and the house in fightclub, though nicer than fightclub (just). Iáll be glad to leave.
Love to all.
Itás a massive citz and verz hot...must be more than 35 degrees and thereás no water to cool zourself- besides the near by danube river, which probablz isnát clean.
IÁm missing home quite a lot today and will be glad to get to a smaller city, or even the beach. Tomorrow weáre heading to Vienna, then Gratz. So weáll be in the eurozone for a few dazs before heading to Slovenia for some time near the Julian mountains. Then on to Italy.
The place weáre staying is a real dive, like a cross between talybont and the house in fightclub, though nicer than fightclub (just). Iáll be glad to leave.
Love to all.
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
Yesterday Krys gave us a guided tour of Krakow - we saw 'the mound' a big piece of grass that overlooks the entire city. we ate for about 1 pound in the evening and then walked around his favourite pubs and clubs. They were all in basements of the huge buildings in the town centre and had a real cavern like feel.
I drank lots of blackcurrant juice - the juice here is 100% fruit, which is awesome.
When we left one of the pubs we came across a guy busking, singing old standards and he was surrounded by people 3-4 person deep. They were all singing along and loving it. I think here is a place you can really enjoy busking, especially when you're good at interacting with people.
We've been adding 'ovich' and 'ski' to the end of all our words in an attempt to sound Polish!
Tonight to Budapest...
I drank lots of blackcurrant juice - the juice here is 100% fruit, which is awesome.
When we left one of the pubs we came across a guy busking, singing old standards and he was surrounded by people 3-4 person deep. They were all singing along and loving it. I think here is a place you can really enjoy busking, especially when you're good at interacting with people.
We've been adding 'ovich' and 'ski' to the end of all our words in an attempt to sound Polish!
Tonight to Budapest...
Monday, August 11, 2003
Well, we've arrived in Krakow, having said our farewells to Darek and Eva. We played one last round of Uno on Saturday night and on Sunday morning Darek took us to the train station at Gliwice for an express train staight to Krakow. This is the furthest east I've ever been, which is weird.
We're staying at a student residence just outside of the centre, which is basic, but fine. Yesterday we visited Krakow Castle. There's a story of King Krac (who the place is named after) who made the area suitable for living by outsmarting the resident dragon. Apparently he made him eat a sheep stuffed with gunpowder, which meant that he had to drink from the river and ended up drinking so much he exploded. At least that's what I could work out from Darek and Eva's explaination.
After the castle we walked through a park where there was an amazing outdoor photo exhibition. All the shots were taken from a helicopter and they were of places like Whitsunday Islands (also Frasier, Zoe) and Carpet sellers in Morrocco etc. Must have been 100. That was the best thing so far.
Then we visited the town square which is huge. Being Poland, Catholocism is rife and Krakow has lots of Cathederals. There is more room for photography than in prague - space to stand back and get it all in.
We ate a traditional Polish meal at a unique restaraunt - I had dumplings stuffed with Cabbage and Mushrooms (was more like ravioli than British dumplings).
In the evening we heard a Jazz band in the main square and then went and watched some folk dancing, which was audience participation!
Today we meet our new friend Krystoph for a local's tour of Krakow!
We're staying at a student residence just outside of the centre, which is basic, but fine. Yesterday we visited Krakow Castle. There's a story of King Krac (who the place is named after) who made the area suitable for living by outsmarting the resident dragon. Apparently he made him eat a sheep stuffed with gunpowder, which meant that he had to drink from the river and ended up drinking so much he exploded. At least that's what I could work out from Darek and Eva's explaination.
After the castle we walked through a park where there was an amazing outdoor photo exhibition. All the shots were taken from a helicopter and they were of places like Whitsunday Islands (also Frasier, Zoe) and Carpet sellers in Morrocco etc. Must have been 100. That was the best thing so far.
Then we visited the town square which is huge. Being Poland, Catholocism is rife and Krakow has lots of Cathederals. There is more room for photography than in prague - space to stand back and get it all in.
We ate a traditional Polish meal at a unique restaraunt - I had dumplings stuffed with Cabbage and Mushrooms (was more like ravioli than British dumplings).
In the evening we heard a Jazz band in the main square and then went and watched some folk dancing, which was audience participation!
Today we meet our new friend Krystoph for a local's tour of Krakow!
Saturday, August 09, 2003
Pears at the Giant Peach...
After my bottomless cola and Tim’s trip to the museum of communism we travelled to the Giant Peach, home of Andrew Jones and family to see if anyone was about. Having navigated our way from the tram we were greeted by Erica and Rebecca, who are living at ‘The Peach’ over the summer, on vacation from Hawaii.
We chatted for a while and discovered that Tim’s super power is that he has the brain of a sports almanac – ‘almanac man.’ After some pears and water we headed back to Sir Toby’s, where we met Jeremy and departed for Joe’s Pizzaria for tea.
Jeremy assures me that I must try this drink (something ‘sunrise’) that has OJ, ice and vanilla – as served in the coffee chain ‘Coffee Bean’ (next time I’m in Cali...)
In the evening we ate Strudel on Charles’ Bridge with Tim, Tim (from Canada), Krys (Poland) and Jeremy after I did some gathering at Sir Toby’s (‘Dude, you comin out for strudel?’)
Darek and Eva in Gliwice
We are currently at the home of Darek and Eva, some friends of Tymek (Polish version of Tim) who are now my friends ;~) Darek picked us up from the station (after our 6 hour journey from Prague) at Gliwice and has brought us to their home here where we have had lots of fun. These guys are so warm and hospitable.
Yesterday we visited their local swimming pool – in the open air in the middle of a forest!
The weather has been lovely, I’m not sure exactly how hot, but the evenings are cooler than those of Prague which is good.
Ali and Kerry are here from Glasgow too.
Uno with Darek...
Last night we were up til 12.30 playing Uno with Darek... we all donned Polish names for the occasion – I’m Jasiu and Tim’s Tymek. It was very funny. We played the 7’s rule where if you put down a seven everyone must put their hands on top of the pile and the last one to do so picks up two cards (bear in mind that everyone but ‘the guys’ were in bed and that we were laughing very loud). Darek is very funny.
Tomorrow we head to Krakow.
After my bottomless cola and Tim’s trip to the museum of communism we travelled to the Giant Peach, home of Andrew Jones and family to see if anyone was about. Having navigated our way from the tram we were greeted by Erica and Rebecca, who are living at ‘The Peach’ over the summer, on vacation from Hawaii.
We chatted for a while and discovered that Tim’s super power is that he has the brain of a sports almanac – ‘almanac man.’ After some pears and water we headed back to Sir Toby’s, where we met Jeremy and departed for Joe’s Pizzaria for tea.
Jeremy assures me that I must try this drink (something ‘sunrise’) that has OJ, ice and vanilla – as served in the coffee chain ‘Coffee Bean’ (next time I’m in Cali...)
In the evening we ate Strudel on Charles’ Bridge with Tim, Tim (from Canada), Krys (Poland) and Jeremy after I did some gathering at Sir Toby’s (‘Dude, you comin out for strudel?’)
Darek and Eva in Gliwice
We are currently at the home of Darek and Eva, some friends of Tymek (Polish version of Tim) who are now my friends ;~) Darek picked us up from the station (after our 6 hour journey from Prague) at Gliwice and has brought us to their home here where we have had lots of fun. These guys are so warm and hospitable.
Yesterday we visited their local swimming pool – in the open air in the middle of a forest!
The weather has been lovely, I’m not sure exactly how hot, but the evenings are cooler than those of Prague which is good.
Ali and Kerry are here from Glasgow too.
Uno with Darek...
Last night we were up til 12.30 playing Uno with Darek... we all donned Polish names for the occasion – I’m Jasiu and Tim’s Tymek. It was very funny. We played the 7’s rule where if you put down a seven everyone must put their hands on top of the pile and the last one to do so picks up two cards (bear in mind that everyone but ‘the guys’ were in bed and that we were laughing very loud). Darek is very funny.
Tomorrow we head to Krakow.
Wednesday, August 06, 2003
Prague, city of strudel
or so I hear, I hope to try their famous dessert tonight. I had a conversation with a German guy at our hostel last night about how difficult it is to make studel - apparently he tried and failed. If the Germans can't do it it must be difficult!
Anyhow Prague is good although I was very knackered after a gruelling 'tourist' day and am chilling out now at Bohemia Bagel, home of the bottomless cola and 1.5 crowns per min connection. We ate out for 2 quid last night - a full on meal mmmm. Tim is loving the 20-25 crown beer (45 crown in a pound!)
Met a guy called Jeremy from Santa Monica last night, he taught me Jack Johnson songs on the guitar and helped me learn some of the state locations in the US. He was in Prague to have a tattoo finished...long way to come eh?!
Sir Toby's is a real nice hostel that is in a cheaper part of prague. The metro system here is awesome. I shot a whole film on my camera yesterday, but had to buy a little photo of the view I really wanted - looking over Charles Bridge as I couldn't find the vantage point.
Tomorrow morning we're off to Poland - Katavicha to stay with some friends of Tim's. Then to Krakaw.
Keep me posted with how you're all getting on.
or so I hear, I hope to try their famous dessert tonight. I had a conversation with a German guy at our hostel last night about how difficult it is to make studel - apparently he tried and failed. If the Germans can't do it it must be difficult!
Anyhow Prague is good although I was very knackered after a gruelling 'tourist' day and am chilling out now at Bohemia Bagel, home of the bottomless cola and 1.5 crowns per min connection. We ate out for 2 quid last night - a full on meal mmmm. Tim is loving the 20-25 crown beer (45 crown in a pound!)
Met a guy called Jeremy from Santa Monica last night, he taught me Jack Johnson songs on the guitar and helped me learn some of the state locations in the US. He was in Prague to have a tattoo finished...long way to come eh?!
Sir Toby's is a real nice hostel that is in a cheaper part of prague. The metro system here is awesome. I shot a whole film on my camera yesterday, but had to buy a little photo of the view I really wanted - looking over Charles Bridge as I couldn't find the vantage point.
Tomorrow morning we're off to Poland - Katavicha to stay with some friends of Tim's. Then to Krakaw.
Keep me posted with how you're all getting on.
Monday, August 04, 2003
Finally finished my day of packing. Decided to shave my head in the end but not before a slice of MULLET MANIA! Good to hear that Viv and Helen are back in the land of blog, having done a few days' touring round Cali.
By the way...last night had a great BBQ at the Fosters' place, Power Doug was on form as he dodged the flames!
There are now two Jonathans in our community, so Jon and I spent the evening wondering about nicknames...Mark came up with 'Jonny Danger' for the other Jon, not quite sure why but it may stick!
By the way...last night had a great BBQ at the Fosters' place, Power Doug was on form as he dodged the flames!
There are now two Jonathans in our community, so Jon and I spent the evening wondering about nicknames...Mark came up with 'Jonny Danger' for the other Jon, not quite sure why but it may stick!
Sunday, August 03, 2003
To shave or not to shave?
This morning is taken up with packing for our journey from Prague through Barcelona. One thing that I haven't yet concluded upon is whether to shave my head and abandon 3 or so months of growth or to persist through the heat of Croatia, Italy and Spain? Perhaps it will protect my scalp having hair? Perhaps I should just go back to the whole straight edge facade...
Not really an important blog.
This morning is taken up with packing for our journey from Prague through Barcelona. One thing that I haven't yet concluded upon is whether to shave my head and abandon 3 or so months of growth or to persist through the heat of Croatia, Italy and Spain? Perhaps it will protect my scalp having hair? Perhaps I should just go back to the whole straight edge facade...
Not really an important blog.
Saturday, August 02, 2003
This weekend I discovered the truth about Starbucks...while they distribute literature about being 'fairtrade' there is only one particular product that is. Having read through this literature I was unaware that it only related to their filter coffee and that I had been drinking non-fairtrade latte's for months without realising.
Shall we boycott?
I showed Thia around Cardiff yesterday. It was fun and we got to chat loads.
On Thursday I had met this lady who encouraged me by explaining how all that I'm planning to do can tie in nicely together. I always thought that my degree and any church planting/ ministry opportunities would be mutually exclusive and she encouraged me otherwise. Very exciting.
On Thursday I had met this lady who encouraged me by explaining how all that I'm planning to do can tie in nicely together. I always thought that my degree and any church planting/ ministry opportunities would be mutually exclusive and she encouraged me otherwise. Very exciting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)