Whoever said that there was power and strength in numbers, definitely backpacked around Europe..
Staying in hostels can be tricky. Especially, with that small, but resilient group 'the sleeper/sightseer' who is generally the direct opposite to the 'partier/sunbaker.' With such different needs who controls when the lights go on and off, when noise is made and when quiet prevails? There are certainly no set guidelines.
In my opinion this occurs when the majority prevails. Or in our case, when 5 girls book into a hostel and become that said majority.
I'm not particularly proud of it, sometimes a little bit guilty, wouldn't ever want to share a room with us, but definitely wouldn't swap our power for the world.
There have been some notable times when we may have inconvienvced other members in the room.. slightly..
The time in Cesky when we returned home drunk, 5am in the morning, and turned the lights on.
The time in Cesky when, we were still packing at 12pm much to the annoyance of the grumpy couple in our room. The grumpy couple phenomena is another story in itself [if you want private time then stay in a hotel!]
The time in Salzburg when we had to leave at 6am in the morning so turned on the lights to pack. not to mention the talking factor..
The time in Prague when we had to catch a bus at 8am. See above.
The time in Berlin when we came home before dinner and found the lights off+someone sleeping. Lets just say they weren't sleeping for long+definitely enjoyed the music we put on.
There is also a completely separate category of: our mess. In Vienna our room mate checked in, then brought her friends up to see how we had spread our belongings over the whole room. Seriously. One of those friends realised upon previous experience+description of the room it was us+didn't need to see it. scary?..
We haven't even touched upon the bathroom issue. Surprisingly a lot of hostels have an ensuite bathroom. 5 girls, 1 bathroom. Do you think you're going to get a go???
The best part is that we are completely aware of these things and continue to do it anyway..
So if you ever see 5 girls coming towards your hostel? run.
Thursday, 25 October 2007
Wednesday, 17 October 2007
10 reasons not to go home
or more precisely why i am running away from my dad's insane emails..
'I've been searching mycareer and seek in readiness for your return to reality'
1. The table dancing at Oktoberfest.
tallest people in the HB tent. Trip highlight? hell yes!
2. The beach in Lagos.
Trying to hide from boys/events of the previous night, when the town is so small that everyone ends up on the same beach. Clever work girls.
3. The clubs in Berlin.
That let you run amuck and request songs.. all night.. without getting sick of you. Joy.
4. Wok to walk Restaurants in Amsterdam.
Heaven on earth.
5. The street adventures in San Sebastian.
'How to try and go out, without ever making it inside a club'
6. The pub crawl in Rome.
The lack of pub crawl, which came about when the leader got scared of us and ran away.
7. The Sound of Music tour in Salzburg.
The scariest moment of the trip so far.
The skipping, the dancing, the singing.
The horror.
8. Rafting in Cesky Krumlov.
Drinking down a river.
Best sport ever.
9. MTV watching in Stuttgart.
Post Oktoberfest chill out time.
10. Drinking under the Eiffel tower in Paris.
Flashback to being 16 and binge drinking in a park?
Quite possibly.
Tuesday, 9 October 2007
To push or not to push?
Securing the right seat on the bus is perhaps the biggest dilemma facing today's traveller.
There are of course, many different plans of action available to the individual.
There is
- The wait:
Running from the hostel to the bus so as to put your bags under the bus first and thus becoming 'the first' in line, which is only effective if 'the line' is observed. Definitely the most passive of options and extreley reliant on the actions of others. (This method never works as people always cheat, see below for further details.)
- The sneak:
Sneaking to the front of the line after securing your bags under the bus. I would not recommend this course of action as no one ever likes someone who overtly pushes to the front. I should know as i am generally the person who takes offense - don't even talk to me about the girl in blue shirt who pushed to the front on the way to Vienna grrrrrr.
- The Push
Turn up late from the hostel, perhaps having just fallen out of bed. Dump your bags and shoulder charge your way to the front of the bus. Effective. Only if you are massive or prepared for hatred. Your choice.
- The Sneaky Push
To me this is the most effective option. Stay up the front of the group. Get in line and discreetly talk, flirt, manoeuvre your way somewhere near the front of the line, from where you can glare down anyone trying to push in or work their way to the front. If you're clever the crowd will accept you place in the line and you'll be on the bus ready to examine the crucial aspect of seating. Does help to be a group of five girls.
Where to sit?
Without a doubt the best place on the bus is the back. Whether this is some flashback to primary school where it was cool to be on the back seat i don't actually know. But if you do get the back and manage to keep it to yourself you will be traveling in luxury for the journey.
Don't sit
- near someone tall
- near someone eating
- near someone annoying
- near someone who will talk to you (the bus is for sleeping..)
- somewhere where you can't attract the attention of the guide 5who else will organise you routes and accommodation for you after your own failure to do so)
-near 3 boys with bb guns purchased in Cesky Krumolov. BB GUNS DO HURT WHEN FIRED AT CLOSE RANGE.
The most important art, essentially for that of a comfortable journey is how to get a seat to yourself and deter others from sitting with you. From extensive train experience i have found occupying the other seat with your bag whilst pretending to be asleep works a charm.
I won't however, go into actually being able to sleep on the bus..
There are of course, many different plans of action available to the individual.
There is
- The wait:
Running from the hostel to the bus so as to put your bags under the bus first and thus becoming 'the first' in line, which is only effective if 'the line' is observed. Definitely the most passive of options and extreley reliant on the actions of others. (This method never works as people always cheat, see below for further details.)
- The sneak:
Sneaking to the front of the line after securing your bags under the bus. I would not recommend this course of action as no one ever likes someone who overtly pushes to the front. I should know as i am generally the person who takes offense - don't even talk to me about the girl in blue shirt who pushed to the front on the way to Vienna grrrrrr.
- The Push
Turn up late from the hostel, perhaps having just fallen out of bed. Dump your bags and shoulder charge your way to the front of the bus. Effective. Only if you are massive or prepared for hatred. Your choice.
- The Sneaky Push
To me this is the most effective option. Stay up the front of the group. Get in line and discreetly talk, flirt, manoeuvre your way somewhere near the front of the line, from where you can glare down anyone trying to push in or work their way to the front. If you're clever the crowd will accept you place in the line and you'll be on the bus ready to examine the crucial aspect of seating. Does help to be a group of five girls.
Where to sit?
Without a doubt the best place on the bus is the back. Whether this is some flashback to primary school where it was cool to be on the back seat i don't actually know. But if you do get the back and manage to keep it to yourself you will be traveling in luxury for the journey.
Don't sit
- near someone tall
- near someone eating
- near someone annoying
- near someone who will talk to you (the bus is for sleeping..)
- somewhere where you can't attract the attention of the guide 5who else will organise you routes and accommodation for you after your own failure to do so)
-near 3 boys with bb guns purchased in Cesky Krumolov. BB GUNS DO HURT WHEN FIRED AT CLOSE RANGE.
The most important art, essentially for that of a comfortable journey is how to get a seat to yourself and deter others from sitting with you. From extensive train experience i have found occupying the other seat with your bag whilst pretending to be asleep works a charm.
I won't however, go into actually being able to sleep on the bus..
The art of Facestalking
Facebook is an amazing tool for the average stalker.. ahem.. traveller.
It allows an unique insight into the whereabouts of that special someone.
Or, I guess, in the vast majority of cases, the 'not so special' someone (hence the phrase 'stalker').
Facebook also functions as a useful tracking device, where anyone back home can keep track of an overseas partner (or to be honest, an ex they are not quite over).
Recently friends raised concerns about the healthiness of this practice, while watching two nameless people [you know who you are] stalk during an overseas facebook session.
Which leads me to explore the possibilities of facebook whilst travelling:
1. THE PROFILE PICTURE
Perhaps the most important aspect of facebook.
Look your best.
Look recognisable (there's nothing worse than trying to figure out who the hell that person is)Don't overtly pose
Alcoholic beverage in said photo entirely optional, and discreetly encouraged.
2. YOUR RELATIONSHIP STATUS
When travelling the best thing you can do is have no relationship status.
Saying you are 'in a relationship' will tell girls you pashed in Ios you have a girlfriend at home(oops).
Similarly saying you are 'single' may upset (paranoid) partners back home. slightly.
3. PHOTOS
Photos are an integral part of your account.
Regardless of what you are doing, and your feelings about your trip, it is extremely important to give the impression that you are having a great time.
Even if you are not.
What's the point in travelling if you can't make the people at home jealous?On another note, it pays to be selective, a trashy photo in Lagos is much more suitable than a snap of the pope in Rome.
4. FRIENDS
Add anyone and everyone.You'll look much more popular if you're friends with the friend of a friend of a guy you once spoke to in Croatia.It's all about quantity over quality (or actual friendship relationships)
This is also a very handy way to ascertain the name of anyone you may have pashed, but don't know the name of.
Never underestimate the stalker potential of Facebook.
Adding someone allows you to stalk to your hearts content.
Additionally if you're on the same network as their friends you can conveniently read back and forth between conversations on their wall. So basically, if you happen to end up in Berlin after some facebook 'research', in the same hostel as your special someone, then it just goes to show that coincidences do happen... and you just can't fight fate..
It allows an unique insight into the whereabouts of that special someone.
Or, I guess, in the vast majority of cases, the 'not so special' someone (hence the phrase 'stalker').
Facebook also functions as a useful tracking device, where anyone back home can keep track of an overseas partner (or to be honest, an ex they are not quite over).
Recently friends raised concerns about the healthiness of this practice, while watching two nameless people [you know who you are] stalk during an overseas facebook session.
Which leads me to explore the possibilities of facebook whilst travelling:
1. THE PROFILE PICTURE
Perhaps the most important aspect of facebook.
Look your best.
Look recognisable (there's nothing worse than trying to figure out who the hell that person is)Don't overtly pose
Alcoholic beverage in said photo entirely optional, and discreetly encouraged.
2. YOUR RELATIONSHIP STATUS
When travelling the best thing you can do is have no relationship status.
Saying you are 'in a relationship' will tell girls you pashed in Ios you have a girlfriend at home(oops).
Similarly saying you are 'single' may upset (paranoid) partners back home. slightly.
3. PHOTOS
Photos are an integral part of your account.
Regardless of what you are doing, and your feelings about your trip, it is extremely important to give the impression that you are having a great time.
Even if you are not.
What's the point in travelling if you can't make the people at home jealous?On another note, it pays to be selective, a trashy photo in Lagos is much more suitable than a snap of the pope in Rome.
4. FRIENDS
Add anyone and everyone.You'll look much more popular if you're friends with the friend of a friend of a guy you once spoke to in Croatia.It's all about quantity over quality (or actual friendship relationships)
This is also a very handy way to ascertain the name of anyone you may have pashed, but don't know the name of.
Never underestimate the stalker potential of Facebook.
Adding someone allows you to stalk to your hearts content.
Additionally if you're on the same network as their friends you can conveniently read back and forth between conversations on their wall. So basically, if you happen to end up in Berlin after some facebook 'research', in the same hostel as your special someone, then it just goes to show that coincidences do happen... and you just can't fight fate..
Monday, 24 September 2007
Lessons
Fishbowls at inside out in Lagos are dangerous.
There are no exceptions.
Hostels in the Czech Republic will introduce you to the phenomena of sensor lights.
These will sometimes leave you sitting in the dark ont he toilet.
Wierd.
Barcalona is famous for the Zagrada Famalia and pickpockets.
The former are probably something to try and avoid.
Quad biking in Sanaorini was the best idea ever.
You may want to try driving without the handbrake on.
On the proper side of the road.
Preferably nowhere near on coming buses.
Just a thought.
If you donät know a boys name -whatshisname- will generally suffice.
Dont be in denial. winter will come.
If you were in denial when packing become aquainted with the terms Zara and HandM.
Bars in Prague expect you to pay for coasters.
Best to beaware of this before you write over numerous amounts of them.
When rafting in Cesky Krumlov a map may be a great idea.
Champagne more important.
Some idea of what to do -irrelevant.
The Greek islands serve the best drinks ever.
Not so much drinks as alcohol with a splash of juice.
But whos complaining?
Budapest airport has the best latte cups in europe.
Also the easiest to take home with you.
Not that im suggesting anything..
Giros are your best friend in greece.
Well at the drunken time of consumption atleast.
Flirting gets you everywhere.
Free entry to clubs in mykonos.
extra food in resturants.
Alcohol after serving time in Barcelona
Train Tickets in San Sebastian
Your own train carriage to Lisbon.
With the exception of entry into gay clubs in Viennna.
San Sebastian serves the best Sangria ever.
5 different types of alcohol.
After La Tomatina in Valencia youll need it.
Travel towels do not work.
period.
Kings is a dangerous drinking game.
In Dubrovnik.
In San Sebastian.
Anywhere.
Hostel food ettiqute dictates if it isnt labelled its free.
sometimes when it is labelled its also free.
especially when intoxicated.
Finally, if you dont remember it didnt happen.
Even if you do remember you can still deny it.
There are no exceptions.
Hostels in the Czech Republic will introduce you to the phenomena of sensor lights.
These will sometimes leave you sitting in the dark ont he toilet.
Wierd.
Barcalona is famous for the Zagrada Famalia and pickpockets.
The former are probably something to try and avoid.
Quad biking in Sanaorini was the best idea ever.
You may want to try driving without the handbrake on.
On the proper side of the road.
Preferably nowhere near on coming buses.
Just a thought.
If you donät know a boys name -whatshisname- will generally suffice.
Dont be in denial. winter will come.
If you were in denial when packing become aquainted with the terms Zara and HandM.
Bars in Prague expect you to pay for coasters.
Best to beaware of this before you write over numerous amounts of them.
When rafting in Cesky Krumlov a map may be a great idea.
Champagne more important.
Some idea of what to do -irrelevant.
The Greek islands serve the best drinks ever.
Not so much drinks as alcohol with a splash of juice.
But whos complaining?
Budapest airport has the best latte cups in europe.
Also the easiest to take home with you.
Not that im suggesting anything..
Giros are your best friend in greece.
Well at the drunken time of consumption atleast.
Flirting gets you everywhere.
Free entry to clubs in mykonos.
extra food in resturants.
Alcohol after serving time in Barcelona
Train Tickets in San Sebastian
Your own train carriage to Lisbon.
With the exception of entry into gay clubs in Viennna.
San Sebastian serves the best Sangria ever.
5 different types of alcohol.
After La Tomatina in Valencia youll need it.
Travel towels do not work.
period.
Kings is a dangerous drinking game.
In Dubrovnik.
In San Sebastian.
Anywhere.
Hostel food ettiqute dictates if it isnt labelled its free.
sometimes when it is labelled its also free.
especially when intoxicated.
Finally, if you dont remember it didnt happen.
Even if you do remember you can still deny it.
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