The Big Trip

Hi All

Well, its come to the final entry of my travel blog!!! I've now been home for a few nights and gradually adjusting back to normality (whatever that is). Thought I'd do an overall summary of the trip. Firstly, just a couple of statistics!!

68 nights away (16 times - packing suitcase)
Rome
Florence
Ancona
Split
Dubrovnik
Zagreb
Pecs
Budapest
Prague
Karlov Vary
Prague
New York
Savannah
Charleston
Savannah

About 6 Train trips, 5 buses, even a ferry. Numerous metro/trams/bus trips in cities (over 100)
Approximately 15 different types of beer
About 5 of wine(bit more expensive so drank less)
4 visits to McDonalds (I know - I was desperate)
3 visits to Subways (healthier)
Countless restaurants (from cafe style to 5 Star)
Pizza in every country (its cheap and easily obtained)
Cuban food in Prague; Thai food in Budapest; Prague; Charleston; Brazilian BBQ in Prague; Italian food everywhere.

Highlights:
Sitting in a restaurant in Dubrovnik right at the harbour's edge and watching the sun set on the old fortress walls
Watching a high school orchestra rehearse in Florence while eating a Gelato
Listening to Prague Philamonic Orchestra while looking at the ornate ceilings and chandeliers
Looking at the great masters in Zagreb Museam and having it all to myself
Catching the subway in Prague and going up and down the escalators (longest and tallest I've ever seen)
Walking through Central Park and getting lost in the "Rambles"
Going to Chicago the Musical on Broadway (top highlight)
Sitting at a diner in NY for Breakfast and chatting to two elderly transexuals
Looking at all the lights of Manhattan on the Circle Line Ferry
Sitting at "Reds" in Charleston with Joe and having a Margarita and catching up on old times
Travel Blog (Visits 1752) 20 entries

Not so good....
Those bloody stairs!!!!! (You should see the bruise!!!!)
Subsequent - the flight home (not great when you are in pain!!)
Having to lug your suitcase everywhere because you are by yourself (eg - if you need to visit toilet at train station, you cannot leave case with someone)
Blisters (I'm now an expert on Bandaids)
"I'll have a table for 1" - most restaurants give you the shit tables and look at you as if you are a leper
The rain in New York
Ear infection in Prague (from spa treatment)
Finnair (wouldnt let me on a plane and had to buy another ticket)

Overall, everything went really well. I didnt have any huge hassles and accommodation etc was great. Travelling by myself had its good and bad things. It was great pleasing only yourself. Getting up when you wanted, seeing what you wanted to see. It was also a great feeling of accomplishment when you did something. I must admit, in most cities, I felt great walking around like a "native" and coping with transport, finding things etc.

It was lonely, especially in the evenings - must admit, have read heaps. Would have been great also to have someone to lean on at times and let them do the organising etc. I think that's what made me feel quite tired - not having anyone else helping with things.

So... as I said, its now back to normality. I must admit, I feel a bit displaced and not really sure what to do.. after being on the move for so long, its hard to do nothing. Its a strange feeling (restless, but also pleased to be home)

I hope that the blog wasnt too boring for all the readers. It was great for me being able to recall what I'd done and its a great record for my trip.

So, for the last time (with a little bit of sadness), its adieu for the time being. I'll be catching up with everyone in the next week or so...

Thanks for reading
Cheers Kay

For Pam's eyes only...

Arrive Perth Sept 1th Flight no 475 Qantas at 12.50 pm..... Will be very jetlagged as I will have been travelling for over 36 hours!!!!!!
-------------------------------

For everyone else.....

Well, the big trip is nearly over and i only have one more day before I start travelling back.

Unfortunately Charleston has been great for me.... I got here and checked in to this really swanky inn. It was quite expensive and I wanted to shout myself something nice for the last week. I had a suite with a huge bed downstairs and lounge and kitchen upstairs. Anyway to cut a long story short, i fell down those stairs quite heavily and landed on my left shoulder and leg. So, I have been in quite considerable pain for the last three days and it has really limited what I can do. I havent broken anything but severely bruised it. Because its my shoulder that Ive had problems with in the past, I think its made it worst. I acnt lift my arm to high.

Ive complained to the hotel after finding out that other people have also fallen (all rooms have carpetted stairs) and also that my room should have had a handrail. Even the manager admitted that she has also fallen in one of the rooms. So Im not impressed. Legally, I could sue them, however Im trying to get a refund on the cost of the room.

Its really pissed me off because its ended my holiday like it has. However, Ive still been able to catch up with my friend Joe and we've been out to dinner a few times. He works during the day but each night picks me up right outside the hotel and then helps me hobble everywhere. Its been great seeing him (Kris - he hasnt changed but I havent got the 'word')

So... not really a happy chappy at the moment. But oh well, at least it happened at the end of my holiday.

So... Im really looking forward to travelling back now (not) I leave Charleston tomorrow by Bus and then go back to Savannah, then leave Savannah (fly) at 07.30 am for Los Angeles. I then leave LA at 9.30 pm and have a 20 hour flight to look forward to...All with a gummy shoulder, leg... Ive got some pain killers so will pop the odd one or to...

When i get back, I will do up a final Blog that doesnt sound so miserable and gloomy. I really wanted to round it all off with my final impressions and the highlights of the trip..

Once I get home, Im sure that Ill be feeling less negative....

So...its hooray for now, Im going to hobble back to hotel (Im currently at the library) and some lunch and a nap (amazing how pain makes you tired) and then we are going out again to dinner and apparently having the yummiest steak ever....

Cheers
Kay

Hi All

Here I am, down south at Sultry Savannah - a bit of a shock after leaving New York. Much slower pace, much more gracious.

Sorry about delay in an entry but US must think that everyone has laptops and gets access at flash hotels because there are absoluely no internet cafes. Im currently in the Savannah college of Art and Design using their library.

Luckily from a TAFE background, I wondered whether they had public access and low and behold, they did. Quite lucky really because even the tour guide couldnt tell me where to get internet access.

So here I am.

Before telling you about Savannah, let me tell you about NY.

Well, I had the most crappiest weather ever. For 5 of the 7 days, it was rainy and windy. The last day was absolutely horrible with a ex-hurricane low going over the city. So for the 2 OK days (still cloudy but at least a bit clear) I fitted most stuff in. I went up the Empire State Building (couldnt even see the top most of the other days). I went on an evening cruise of the harbour. I walked throughout Greenwich Village and even went up to Harlem.

I also did Macy's and had a look at lots of flash shops that I couldnt afford.

I went to two Broadway shows (yes, two). The first one was Wicked which wasnt a parody of the Wizard of Oz as I first thought but was the story of the Wicked Witch of the East and Glinda, the good witch. It told the story of how one of them went bad and the other went good and their relationships. It did refer to Dorothy but was a story set behind it all. It was very good and costumes etc was excellent.

On my second last night, I thought Id take the chance to see if I could get tickets to Chicago. The guy at the hotel thought my chances were bad to nil. Usher has been playing the lead role for the last month or so and the show has been a sell out.

Anyway, i went to the box office and luckily got one ticket that was in the middle of the theatre and absolutely one of the best.

The show was BLOODY FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!! I cant recall ever enjoying something as much. Usher (I wasnt a fan) was absolutely wonderful and a real showman (Richard Gere played the role in the movie). After the show, I walked out of the theatre to rows and rows of girls waiting for Usher to come out. It was very exciting (although it was raining).

The orchestra was on stage the whole time and of course played Jazz so that added to it. Overall, Id score it 15/10.

Walking through Greenwich Village was good as well. Its very ecletic (sic) with intereseting shops and buildings. Greg - I couldnt get to that music place you said, but did go to Cafe Wa where Bob Dylan played (wasnt open but took a photo for you).

Had lunch at a famous pizza joint - was great.

Went up to Harlem to have a look the next day. Was going to have lunch up there but the restaurant that was recommended in Lonely Planet had a huge line up. I felt VERY noticeable standing in line with lots and lots of tall negros so decided to give it a miss. Harlem is pretty safe but I really stood out like a sore thumb!!!!

Got used to the subway in NY and the last couple of days used it a lot. Got off at lots of stops, walked up steps, had a look around and then got on again. Because the weather wasnt good, it was the only way to see things.

Empire state building - great!! Very tall - views, although cloudy were OK. Couldnt see a long distance away but that was OK. Crowds were OK as well. apparently sometimes you have to wait hours, I waited about 1 hour.

Ferry cruise was wonderful. I got the best photo of the statue of liberty. The lights of Manhattan was great. Unfortunately, camera cant really make them out too well but it was great.

Also went out to dinner in Soho with the two US ladies that I met in Prague. That was nice. Restaurant had a story, in that they were all former employees of the World Trade Centre restaurant - they were all off duty at 9/11 and obviously all lost their jobs. One of the ladies (Ana) was CEO of a foundation that gave them money to start the restaurant which works as a coop. Food was lovely.

So, NY apart from the weather was fantastic. I would have loved to have fine days and if I had of, would have done a lot more. Still, I got to do the major things and just experience it all.

Then down to Savannah (which as I said, is a big change from NY).

First night, went and had dinner then a bit of a walk around. Came across a pub that had a band playing. However, as soon as Id got myself a drink they went on a break (which seemed a long one). So I finished my drink and went back to the motel. Id been up since 04.15 am so that I could catch my plane in NY so was tired anyway.

Yesterday went on a trolley tour of the historical district. the town is based on these squares (22 of them) and each square has these fantastic stately houses around them. Very pretty. The Grandad beard moss hangs off all the trees, everything is very green.

Yesterday, I stayed on the trolley for most of the time and only got off to eat lunch.

Today, though, I got off pretty early and have been walking around. I've been to three houses and done tours. Lovely. So southern and gracious. The last tour, I was the only person
on it so got the full bit. The houses all are furnished with beautiful antiques and you get the story of the families etc. Names like Robert E Lee and George Washington stayed at one of them so there is lots of history. To be honest, I cant remember much of the Civil War history and will read up on it when I return.

Tomorrow Im going to have a day off. I desperately need a hair cut so may try nad find a shopping mall.

Then the next day (my last at Savannah) I'm either going to go to the beach or on a paddle steamer .

Then off to Charleston to see Joe for about 6 nights which will be good. He'll be working, but at least we'll be able to catch up at night. Charleston has a great historic district as well.

Then Im coming home. Decided not to go to Mexico. To be honest, Im getting quite weary and really looking forward to coming home. I was going to find somewhere to sit back and relax in Mexico but decided that Id really like to sit back and relax in Karratha instead (sick I know!!!).

So, I get back to Perth on the 16th and then fly back to karratha on the 17th (Pam - Ill send you the times later - I didnt note them down when I checked itinerary and it means having to go back to bigpond.

(Greg and Nat - re telling me about Steve Irwins death). Its amazing, its been on CNN and all news stations (Larry King repeated an interview that he had done with him and people are talking about him everywhere. He was really admired here in the US and because Im Australian, people are telling me how much they loved him. Im amazed at their reactions. One guy got quite emotional.

The trip is starting to wind down (and so am I). Its amazing how quickly its gone, yet sometimes it feels like Ive been away for ages). Ive certainly seen heaps and had travelled such a long distance is such a relatively short time. Its funny to think that today Ive seen gracious southern US homes and only 1 month ago, I was seeing roman ruins in Croatia. Such diversity!!!!

Well, better go.. Ive been on this computer for ages and theres someone waiting to get on. Hopefully Ill be able to access one again in a few days

Hooray for now...

Cheers Kay

Got to do this very quickly. Am doing it from hotel Business Centre and very expensive. However very quick internet. So here goes. not fixing typing msitakes.

Well....got to JFK. First Impressions. Shit...Airport is about 80 years old. Very dirty, very disorganised and the people at customs have attitude. But.... it is New York. On plane from Finland got frisked, handbag gone through and they looked at things like lipstick etc. Id bought some make up at duty free and it got taken away fom me and put in hold and I got it at the other end so thats OK.

So...first impressions, werent good and I thought. Shit... However walked out of arrivals hall, went to information desk. Heard a guy from a transit service saying he was going to 46th st.. I was going to 56th street. So 10 minutes later was in vehicle. 60 minutes later was in hotel for all of $17 bucks so not bad.

Hotel fantastic. Was upgraded into a suite (22nd floor) with own lounge etc and wide in TV in both rooms. Impressed. Howver took shoes off and noticed carpet was soaking. So next day, shifted into another room and lost upgrade and 4 floors (18th). Last night, took shoes off and noticed carpet was wet. Its been raining here and apparently hotel has a few leaks. Seems OK though, its drying. Will see how tomorrow goes because apparently its going to piss down.

First Impression - very very clean city and well organised. Not as congested as I thought. Traffic flow very good. People on the streets really friendly and overall very good. To be honest, there were more people in Florence and Dubrovnik and because it wasnt English speaking, I probably felt more intimidated.

Anyway, hotel window view Times Square (literally can read the signs). 10 minutes to Central park and has metro station down stairs (havent tried yet). Bloody ripper. Cant get better. Its not too expensive $150 US which is pretty good for central NY.

First night. Didnt do much had 6 hour time difference and was a bit buggered. however enjoyed the 58 ENGLISH SPEAKING CHANNELS and had a mammoth channel flicking episode... got RSI of the thumb.

Yesterday...raining off and on for morning and then pretty heavy mid dayish and then tapered off afternoon. Did Central Park because i thought there wouldnt be many people out (i was right) and it was lovely. Its absolutely huge and gorgeous. Didnt do much, saw tribute to John Lennon and got lost in a place called the rambles - no one else around, in fact, got a bit nervous in case anyone jumped out of the bushes. Couldnt even here any traffic and just lovely.

Then went to Museam of Natural History. Lots and lots of stuffed animals but well done Got lost there too... not the best maps. Then onto Museam of Art - great Egyptian exhibition and was impressed.

Then caught my first taxi and went to a Deli and had BBQ ham. So for $25 I got...4 slices of very think ham and a gallon of BBQ sauce. Two huge scoopes of mash potatoe and another gallon of normal gravy. Beans and carrots. And then for extras I got a bowl of coleslaw and a bowl of pickles (oh and a Bud). Needless to say, I ate 1/4 of it (drank all the bud). Really, I'd like half the meal for half the price. My hotel doesnt have a bar fridge otherwise I would have taken it to go (see know the lingo) but it would have gone off. Then walked down to Times square and enjoyed the millions and millions of lights. Really spectacular.

Today, went on one of those red buses and did a tour of downtown. Rained though and not pleasant. My feet are especially sore because my shoes got wet yesterday and renewed my blisters. Lovely!! You would think that after 6 weeks, I would have hardened feet but no... still got bandaids on them. In fact, bandaids have been one of my biggest purchases. Im a specialist on them.

Saw Ground Zero. Wasnt going to because I thought it would be depressing (it was) but the bus stopped close to there. Also went to China town but because feet was sore, didnt walk to the interesting bits. May go down there later this week. Then bus went through SOHO and the village and went on Brooklyn tour which was interesting.

Have got tickets to "Wicked" on Broadway which is a parody of the Wizard of Oz. Apparently its the "hottest" show at the moment. Going tomorrow night. Also got tickets for Ferry Ride at night as well.

Tomorrow apparently its going to be raining hard so not sure what Im going to do. I have umbrella but everything else gets wet.

So....better close off as its getting a bit steep here.

Overall, NY is not as scary as I thought. Weather though hasnt been good. Still havent seen top of Empire State Building yet - only clouds. Bit of a bummer... But its still good.

So...bye from the Big apple.. Ill find a cheaper internet service and do a more comprehensive one (plus photos).

cheers and beers (might try a coors tonight!!)

Kay

Hi All

Well, I'm back in Prague after a short break at Karlovy Vary (you might know it as Carlsbad). Lovely spa town nestled in a valley. Georgeous Buildings and very quaint.

Funny place. Its got lots of thermal pools and some of the hotels have spas attached. Lots of older rich Europeans and even funnier Russians visit the place to take the waters and have procedures done. Some of them sound like torture and I cant imagine what they were. Others were quite normal like massages etc.

I went to one spa (GrandPupps) which is the biggest and most expensive hotel (I didnt stay there) - only went to get massage. Anyway, I had a mud bath, which ended up being peat dissolved in water and then a partial massage. You go into a room, take off all your clothes, they give you a dressing gown.

There were lots of older people wandering around in these gowns (with nothing on underneath). Didnt want to think about that. Anyway, I had a bath first (which to be honest, was as boring as anything and I spent most of the time wondering who was going to come into the room.

Then I had a back massage (which actually was very good). They dont worry about towels etc and seeing a guy was doing the massage, I was a little bit uncomfortable. But obviously, he wasnt. I thought about all those older europeans and then didnt worry after that.

Then the next day, I went to a public spa (Spa number 5) and had a leg massage. Pretty poor. Again, you strip off, shower and then massage and then get into this deep hot pool (again, naked) and with people around. I did have a wrap and must admit, it stayed pretty close to the edge of the pool.

After that, I went into the public pool (with bathers thank god) and they had the most amazing spa bath. Nozzels at all different levels so you could do your feet, thighs, neck and all other bits in between. Needless to say, I pummelled all my cellulite away and had the best foot massage.

Walked out (after going to female dressing room) where again, people walked around naked) and felt very relaxed.

However, one drawback. I have a bloody ear infection from the water. I get these quite a lot (swimmers ear). but this one is a bad one. I'm totally deaf in the left ear (which at the moment is good because they are playing ACDC really loud in this internet cafe and I was never a fan) and its throbbing madly. Went to the chemist and all the gave me was some herbal drops which smell nice. (the chemists here are much more strict - you can only get pain killers at chemists and a lot of stuff that we consider non-presciption, they need prescriptions). So, I'm giving the drops a go. I fly in about two days and am quite concerned.

At least my ear smells nice.....

Went to the movies yesterday and saw Pirates of the Caribbean. it was in English. Thoroughly enjoyed having 3 hours of english to listen to (plus Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom are OK as well)

Today, going to the Communism Museam (apparently its weird) and just bumming around. Tomorrow (last day) am going to do exciting stuff like washing and then find a really nice restaurant to go to...

So...Prague

Lovely buildings;Quite Modern;
Great Transport;
Rains a lot;
Czech people are very quiet (amazing for Europeans). They say in the guide book that you can tell tourists by how loud they speak in the Metro and they are right. Czech people speak very quietly and are unobtrusive. Europeans speak really loudly and to be honest, are sometimes pains in the ass. Pick pockets are rife apparently in the Metro and they say that they listen out for tourists and then go for them. Needless to say, Ive been left alone, seeing I dont have anyone to speak to....
Pet Friendly(also in Croatia and Hungary) they allow pets on the metro and they can also stay in most hotels. You see lots of older men walking cuddly little dogs.
English speaking not too bad. Better than Hungary.

Well, better go.. painkillers are running out and the ACDC beat is starting to get in time with my ear...

Next blog update - THE BIG APPLE. I am so excited. Cant believe that in a few days time, I will be in the middle of it. Ive booked accomodation not to far from Central Park. it was recommended to me by the US girls. Apparently its close to the metro. They are going to show me around a bit was well which Im really looking forward to..

Also, just got word that I'm going to catch up with my American friend Joe. Havent seen him in 10 years so am really looking forward to that.

So...adios from Prague and Eastern Europe. Ive enjoyed it all and recommend to everyone to visit. Hasnt been as difficult as Id imagined getting around and the challenges have been fun.

Cheers Kay