Munich to Venice Day Sixteen

Day 16

Today was overcast and quite cold in Munich. Well I was up at 5:30am to catch my transfer to the airport. My transfer driver picked me up and he spoke English.... Yah. It was really good. I got yo ask him a whole lot of questions that I had about Munich. Also we went on an autobahn on the way to the airport. He drove 160km. In the land down under our highest speed that we are aloud to go on the freeway is 110km per hour so to me this speed was quick.

I got to the airport at 6:15am... Yawn. It's way to early to be awake and ready to board a plane. Corrections planes. This was the only transfer flights that I had to take two plans to get to my destination. The first plane went from Munich to Dusseldorf and then from Dusseldorf to Venice. The planes were both packed. The first plane ride I sat bedside this couple and the man beside me had the worst breath. Which he kept looking out the window and breathing on me... Yuck. But the second flight wasn't too bad.

When I arrived at Venice airport I had already organised a ferry transfer to my hotel. I went to the meeting point and they walked me and a few others out to this little speed boat. We walked out the door of the airport and the heat just hit us. We were all wearing jeans and jackets because we had just come from Germany. But now summer had arrived and I couldn't wait to get changed. If we were aloud to jump off the boat I would of. That's how hot it was. We walked about 5minutes to the boat terminal. 

This boat ride right here was the one of things that I was most nervous about on the trip. I get travel sickness and I didn't know how rocky the boat would be. The speed boat had little lounges and was half enclosed and the other half had no roof. The ride took about half an hour to get to my drop off point and the boat ride there was so beautiful. We went down the canals and under some bridges. I was In awe. 

                              

When the boat dropped me off at the jetty I realised that I was in love. Venice... Wow.... The weather, the water and the old buildings. It was everything I had thought it would be. 

I found my hotel quite easily and checked in. I was checking at reception when the man said the ceiling in your room is quite low. Just don't sleep standing up on your bed and you will be ok. A bit hesitant I took the keys and the bell boy brought my bag up 2 flights of stairs to my room.

Once I got in the room I realised just how right the ceiling comment he had made had been. I could hardly put my hand up in the air.  And I'm short. 

I                                         

Other than that the room at the hotel Toronto was quite nice. Old fashioned, clean and comfortable. Plus the wifi signal and the air conditioning was amazing.

                                

After getting changed out of my hot jeans into something cooler I got my maps out ready to explore. I walked out of my hotel room and didn't get very far when my mouth started to water at the thought of having some gelato. And did I have gelato. I also couldn't believe how hot it is. Especially compared to where else I had visited so far. I walked around Venice and got lost.

                                       

I ended up at this restaurant called Rossopomodoro just off saint marco square and had gluten free lasagna and salad for dinner. In Australia all meals that you order usually come with a salad or vegetables but here you have to order them on top of your man meal. Another thing that no one has told me is that in Italy there is a land tax which is about 3euros extra a night that you stay. Plus there is a tax on their food also. 

                                          

The sun didn't set until 9:30pm. On the way back to my hotel room I may or may not have had 2 more cups of gelato. 

Munich Day Fourteen & Fifteen

Day 14

Today started off a bit boring. One thing that is not a well known fact is that in Europe everything is shut on a Sunday. So keeping this in mind I attempted to explore. Some shops and restaurants were open but very few. But I was determined to make the most of the day.

I found this little restaurant down an alley near milka world that was great. It was cheap and healthy. Which is a little hard to come by when your travelling.

                                          

After lunch I walked and I explored a bit more. I walked to the English gardens and set my self up beside a fountain with a book. I told you today was boring... Some days it's good to have a chilled out day. It was really nice not to have anything planned today and to do what ever I felt like doing. People don't realise that traveling is really tiring. Don't get my wrong traveling is fantastic but really takes it out of you. So today since there wasn't much to do I decided to relax.

I have been travelling solo for a total of 2 weeks today and out of these two weeks that I have been in Europe this is the first that has actually been warm. So I enjoyed the sun and the heat while it lasted. 

                                    

The rest of the afternoon I didn't do much. I wandered the streets, looked in a few shops (the ones that were open). I went back to the hotel and got ready for the soccer World Cup grand final which Germany was playing in. I spoke to reception and they suggested that I go to a sports bar down the street which was popular. 

                                   

Not being a major soccer fan I wasn't to sure what to expect. All I knew that it was gonna be crazy because Germans are really passionate about soccer. I got to this sports bar and ordered some dinner and drinks and waited for the game to start. I'm not to sure if you call a soccer a match or a game but I'm sure you get my drift.

I'm a firm believer that when you travel solo you have more confidence to talk to strangers and that you make more friends along the way. This wasn't one of these times. I tried to talk to the man at the next table. He didn't speak English. I tried to speak to the waitress, bar man and another couple and they all didn't speak much English. And they did the polite smile and nod when I spoke but I knew they had no idea what I was talking about and were just being polite. This made me feel a bit lonely. When you travel to places that English isn't their first language you do know that u might run into some trouble. But in Germany I did feel like a bit of an outsider. At least with soccer you pretty much know what is going on even if the commentary was in German. 

After a nail biting game Germany won and everyone went crazy. Yelling, screaming, dancing crying, hugging and cheering. It was insane. After another drink or two I stumbled back to the hotel and crashed. 

Day 15

I got up this morning and every where I went it was dead. It was so extremely quite. Everyone must be sleeping off their hang overs from last night. Today is my last day in Munich. I have enjoyed Munich but I think 5 days here is a bit too long. But I'm in Germany and I'm going to make the most of my time. So what do I want to do.... Shop! There were so many sales on. I went to the shops, the markets and of course I went back to milka world to buy some more chocolate for my family. I wasn't too sure if the chocolate would make it home or I would end up accidentally eating it.... Yum... 

                                 

Today I saw a few protests going on. I spoke to a lady sitting watching a rally and she told me that they happen all the time. It's crazy you don't really see a lot of this go on in Australia. 

I shopped some more and had lunch at the markets. The markets are amazing. They have this massive beer garden in the middle of all these food stores. In Australia people just sit at tables with people you know but here everyone sits with everyone. It doesn't matter if you are strangers as long as you have a beer in your hand. 

                              

This evening I went to a restaurant and had dinner and had a fairly early night. I have to get up early to catch my 6:30am transfer to Venice. YAH! 

Munich Day Twevele

Day 12

Today I had a bit of a sleep in before I got up and had breakfast in the hotel. I can't believe how much traveling takes it out of you. It was an overcast and cold day in Munich today. It's meant to be their summer and I'm still wearing a jacket and years. So much for heading home with a tan.

                               

After breakfast I started exploring. I got a map of Munich from the hotel and planned what I was going to do for the day while having breakfast. I walked down through the centre of town which was about 10mins walk from my hotel. I already had a general idea where a few things were located from the little surprise tour that I got taken on yesterday by my inappropriate transfer driver. I walked through the shopping mall until I came to the glockenspiel. When I got to my hotel last night I grabbed some brochures from the foyer with trips that they do. I came across a free walking tour which started from the glockenspiel.

                                      

 I never knew free tours existed. The tour guide let us know that it's a free tour but at the end of the tour we pay her in tips. And we can pay her in what we think the tour was worth. In Australia tipping not compulsory. It's one of those things that if Australia's love the service they will tip but it's not frowned upon if you don't. So when it comes to tipping I have no idea what to give.

Before coming over to Europe I made myself a budget of 50 euros a day. I know when you go traveling that sometimes you spend your daily budget, sometimes you don't spend any of it and some times you go way way over your budget. Well that's what I have found anyways. So not knowing exactly what I was going to do that day and not knowing what top tip... I was out of my depth. The walking tour was great. She took us to all the major spots and told the history of Munich with a hilarious seance of humour. 

                                     

We walked through the markets and she told us the do's and don'ts of Munich. The places to eat and the places to stay away from. We walked past a statute of a women with a gold breast holding a bunch of flowers. She told us that People come here from far and wide to see this statute and that her name was Juliette. If you bring her flowers or cop a feel of her gold bits you will be lucky in love. I didn't have any flowers so I went with the second option. 

                                 

On the tour I started talking to a few other solo travellers. A man from California, a man from India and a girl from Prague. The tour went for about an hour and a half and was great. I awkwardly gave my tip to the lady and the 4 of us decided to circle back to this church that she told us about. 

When you look at the top of this church it has a cross on it that is facing the wrong way. The tour guide told us a story that one night long ago a strong wind blew the gold cross off the church into the street. The priest of the church looked at the cross and knew they has to put the cross back on top of the roof but were to elderly to do it. So they went down the pub and recruited a man to do it for them and gave him a pint of beer for his troubles. So this man began to climb the church with the cross and the pint of beer drinking it on the way up. When he got to the top being intoxicated he put the cross on the wrong way. The priest started yelling at the man to change the cross back to its original position when the man slipped and his beer glass started falling towards the ground. It feel out of his hand, bounced off the roof, hit the gutter and hit the ground where the priest where standing. Astonished that they beer glass didn't break the priest took this as a sign and left the cross the way it was. 

The tour guide told us that at the top of this church you could see a 360 degree view of Munich.  We walked back to the church and paid our 4euros and climbed the stairs. My bum and legs got the best work out. The climb to the top took about 5 or so minutes of going up steep ass stairs. But when we got to the top it was worth it. 

                               

Stunning 360 degree views of the city. Amazing. The balcony was oh so tiny  it it was beautiful. After the church we went and had some lunch in the beer garden markets. 

                                

The markets where amazing. Fresh food, cheeses, hand made gifts.... I was blown away by its beauty .

I had a fresh fruit smoothie and we decided to go to .... milka world... Don't know what that is... It's a Germany chocolate shop! 

                               

There was milka everything. Ice creams, cup cake mixes, shirts, coffee and of course chocolate. And we brought so so much of it. After milka world I told the guys about the surfers on the river and asked them if they had seen them yet? We walked over to the English gardens... We may have got a little lost on the way but we got their. 

                               

The guys wanted to go see the alliance arena and I wasn't overly too keen so I continued on without them through the park. 

The park was beautiful. 

                           

I explored the gardens and a bit more of Munich before I headed back to my hotel room. When I got back to my tin can sized hotel room I realised that some one had tried to break into my bag and my lock was half broken.

                                       

I couldn't get into it. The most I could do is unzip half of my bag and put my hand in it. No matter where I stay whether it's a hostel or hotel I always lock my bag before I leave the room. I have spoken to many people who thought I was crazy for doing it even when I stay in a hotel. And my answer to them was you never know what happens when your out of your room. 

I went down to reception and the receptionist used bolt cutters on my suitcase so I could get into it. Which was great because it was still fully functional it now just needs a new lock... I never travel with anything expensive or anything I can't afford to loose and I put anything valuable in my hand bag that never leaves my side eg. Passport. I'm just very thankful that they didn't steal anything.

I was pretty cranky about my suitcase getting broken into so I ended the day at a beer hall with a few glasses of wine and some ice cream.

                                    

Munich day Thirteen

Day 13

Before I travel any where I like to do research. Yep... I'm that kind of person. I like to have a general idea of what I would like to see in the places that I go to. Before I left The land down under I did a lot of research into the places I wanted to see in Europe but I didn't do a lot of research into Munich. I just knew it was somewhere I always wanted to go. When my transfer driver was driving me to the hotel the other afternoon his said "what brings you yo Munich?" And I replied with "it's just somewhere I have always wanted to visit." He was a bit startled with my answer and ask "why."  I thought about this for a second before I replied. I honestly had no idea why I wanted go go to Munich or anywhere I wanted to travel. I just had the feeling that I had to see those places. But I knew one place I did want to see is Dacahu concentration camp memorial.

I have always been a bit of a history buff and I wanted to see it for myself. I got up early this morning and went to a travel company that was located in the train staton across from my hotel. I brought a ticket to go to the memorial. The ticket included train and bus fair to the site, access and a tour guide. The group had about 20 people in it and I met these 2 sisters and 1 gentleman from Australia. Australians are everywhere in Europe. It took about 20minutes via the train and then we got onto a bus which was jammed packed full of people. Before we got on the bus the tour guide said I hope you don't mind people in your personal space. When he said that I thought how packed could it be. Turns out the answer was VERY!!!!!! We were crammed in this bus with people pressed up against us. 

We got to the camp and had a short loo break while the tour guide got our tickets. 

                               

The tour was very good but sad. He gave us a lot of information and answered all of our questions. The tour guides very first statement to us is " This is not a concentration camp! This is a memorial. If you want to see a concentration camp you will need to jump in a time machine because this is not one." I thought this was a very powerful statement. A lot of people come to these places to be shocked and learn about the history.  But him saying that gave me a real peace about the tour that it was more to remember what happened here and it could easily happen any where.

As we walked in he spoke about a building that was too the left of the camp. He mentioned that this building was used before the camp existed. This building was used in World War One to make weapons, then used by ss soldiers (which were nasty soldiers in the camps)  and is now used to train riot police for Germany. Everyone was a bit shocked with this statement but then the tour guide said something that changed our view. He said " We see that as our past. And we have decided to move on and to make a better future."

During the tour it rained on and off. The poncho went on and was pulled off many times.

We the. Walked through the main gate and we're told that this gate will never be locked again which represents that this camp will never happen again.

                                 

There is a lot of information that we got given. And a lot of sad information given also. I won't go into details about because I don't won't to wreck your experience if you would like to go here. The tour went for an 1.5 and then we headed back to Munich by bus and train. By the time we got back it was 3pm. I went back down to the markets for a better look and some lunch. 

                                      

The markets were beautiful. Munich is so beautiful.  I spent the rest of the afternoon exploring and shopping. I spoke to a women in a shop today and she let me know that everything closes in Europe on a Sunday.  So tomorrow may be interesting. 

Traveling Changes You

I never understood people that don't want to travel. I've always thought how can you not want to explore? Go on adventures? Find out what's out there? I'm a big believer that when you travel it can be one hell of an experience  and maybe not the experience you were hoping for. I've have been traveling for a few years now and everywhere I have been I have learnt something about myself, I have found that I have been so appericative of where I live and become more independent.

                        

In Fiji I found I felt that I was so blessed to live in Australia where the wage are so high. When I went to Fiji I saw so much poverty as it.Fiji is very 3rd world. Although you wouldn't think so by the above picture. When I was sunbaking on the islands I was speaking to this lovely staff member and she was telling me how they work 14 day weeks and get roughly $2 a day. $2 that is insane! But you know what the strange thing is. All the staff that were there earning $2 a day were the happiest people that I have ever met. They were helpful, friendly and were always laughing. We all worry about $ so times but take a page from the  Fijians money isn't everything. 

My next trip was to New Zealand bro. I know this is what you would except me to say but I overcame my fears and felt like I became a stronger person for it. I used to suffer from anxiety. And if u suffer from it or know someone who does you will know its crippling. My anxiety ranged from being afaird that I would get sick when I'm out with friends and wreck their  evening to be scared to try new things. My anxiety got so bad that I was pike on friends and make up excuses so I didn't have to go out.Traveling was a big step forward for me at this time. I knew I wanted to travel but it still scared me. When I got to newzealand I had allready booked a bungee jump in I was excited and nervous but I couldn't wait. The day came for me to do it and my anxiety kicked in and made me feel sick so I cancelled and changed it to the next day. The next day I gathered up my confidence and walked down to the centre shaking with fear. When I got to the centre I changed to do the Nevis swing and we headed up the mountain.

I felt so sick. I wanted to hurl. I nearly did as I stepped onto the platform. When they dropped me 60m off a cliff face in that moment althought it was filled with sheer terror I felt free.

                                   

A lot of people let fear hold them back from doing the things they want to do. I did and do sometimes. But after this experiences I try not to let fear get to me. And I try to give anything a go when I travel. Fear! You don't control me...

After NZ my anxiety took the back seat to my new found confidence and I decided to do my first trip solo.... When traveling 

Nz and Fiji I had friends with me but doing europe alone and being so far away from home scared me. I didn't know if I could do it. I wouldn't even go see a movie by my self. For awhile before I booked Europe i tried to get friends to come. No one was keen, had the money or wanted to. Then I got lucky and my brother was like hell yes I will go with you. I was so excited.... I was going to europe it was something that I had always always wanted to do. 

We spoke about what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go.The week that we were meant to go he cancelled on me! I was frurious!!! It was my dream to go to Europe and him canceling would stop me going. I'm not gonna lie I was pretty pissed off with him at that moment. 

I was speaking to my boss the next day and I told her about the situation. She said these words to me that shock up my perspective "Would you rather go alone to Europe or not go at all?" 

Was it really that simple? Could I go alone? My anger flushed away as I said "I would rather go alone" in that moment I knew what I was going to do. I wasnt anxious I just knew it's what I wanted and I was going to go to europe.  I'm not going to lie yes when I booked I was scared but excited. Everyone I told that I was traveling alone said to me "aren't you scared? Won't you be lonely? It's so far away what if something happens? Don't you want to share the experience with someone? I couldn't do it". They didn't expess exciement for me just so so much negativity. I didn't get a "Good on you Sarah I'm proud of you for going for your dreams" at all. 

When I was in Europe for the first time it was a whole new experience. I wasnt lonely, I wasn't scared.... I was excited, adventours and a explorer. This by far in my life was one of the best things that I have even done. And I'm so thankful for my boss to give me that little push. I prefer traveling alone now. When I was in Europe you wake up in the morning and the day is yours! No one telling you what to do, or where to be, I wasn't following anyone's schedule or having fights cos I didn't want to do what they wanted to do. I got up and said.... "What do I want to do today?" And you know what..., it felt good! 

                               

 I was more willing to talk to random people...I always knew I was outgoing but I learnt that "traveling Sarah" spoke to anyone. She didn't care.

 I spoke to taxi drivers, people on the bus, people on tours that I did ect. It was a bit of an eye opener for me. I realised that I don't have to wait for people to go for my goals. Other people don't control my happiness. If I want something I can go for it!!!! One saying that I have picked up over the years and I'm sure I have used before in this blog is "A good goal should scare but excite you!" And this is what traveling solo does. 

When I got back from Europe I found that I wasn't afaird of going to movies by my self, I was more independent and I would get up and say "what do I want to do today?" Don't worry I'm not a bitch. If I was with a friend I wouldn't disregard what they wanted to do. What I'm speaking about is that traveling solo has given me this new found confidence to try things I had never tried before. And I took this confidence back home with me. If I can travel solo any one can do it. 

                            

My most recent trip to Europe (which im still blogging about... Stay tuned) was for longer than I ever thought I wanted to be alone for. I went for nearly 6 weeks. I took more risks, caught trains, did a small top deck tour, caught ferries and did things I never thought I would want to. You may be thinking caughting a train... Big whoop! But when your alone in Europe caughting a train and doing day trips to places solo and organizing it your self was something i hadn't done before. I had always booked little day trips with a travel company. I have also dealt with motion sickness all my life so going on boats... Was a pretty big deal for me. Espically an 8 hour ferrie ride over open water from Santorini to Athens. 

                          

In this trip my luggage was broken into and also lost by the airline. I got lost in Venice for a good serval hours and no one spoke English. These chicks were fighting on the small top deck tour and I was smack bang in the middle of it. I danced on a bar and did shots in Mykonos. I accidently punched a girl. (All stories i will tell u later in my blogs) but what I'm trying to say is this trip changed me as a person. Not only did my confidence sky rocket anything that this trip threw at me I wasn't scared I just breathed and pushed through. 

                          

Traveling is a whirlwind... Traveling is life changing.... And has made me grow as a person so much. I am so wonderfully blessed to be able to do it. 

Don't take for granted being able to travel. There is a lot of people in this world that will never leave the place they were born. 

Go out and explore... We weren't made for one corner of this world.... 

Love S

  

How to keep safe when traveling solo

My family and friends have different thoughts about me when I travel. If I dont text

My partner thinks: that the movie taken has happened
My dad thinks: that Ive been in a plane crash
My brother thinks: tht sarahs having a great time
And mum thinks: that I have died

I get alot of warnings from people before traveling alone. You stay safe they stay but they never really gave me tips how to do so they just told me not to go.

Keeping safe when travelling is something we all want to do. No matter if your traveling to Europe or to India I have complied some tips and tricks to help you stay safe and give your family members some security.

1.Book in advance
One of the biggest tips I could give you is book your hotel in advance. There is nothing worst then turning up to a new city and having to search for a hotel only to be told that they have no available. The good thing about booking in advance is you dont have to worry about wherr you will be sleeping the next night, you can give your family and friends the phone number and address for the hotel plus you will allready know if your staying in a dodgy part of town or your centrally located to what you would like to see.

Hotel in Wellington New Zealand 

2. Give family and friends your itinerary

Your friends and family will feel a bit more at ease if they know where your going to be every night. Espically if your dad would go Liam Neisen taken style in the country your in to try and find you. If you give them an itinerary that has your hotel names, phone numbers, flight numbers and times,  dates you will be in certain places they will feel that they will be able to get in contact with you if they need to.

3. Book a tour

Another option is you can book a tour. Tour companies are a great way to stay safe while your traveling. Your itinerary is pre set, your always in a big group and your family have a point of contact if they need you.

4. Arrive during the day 

This is a great way to get your bearings when you arrive in a new city. I can not count the times where I have arrived at night by myself and catch a cab wondering if they are going to take me to the right hotel. A new city can be scary at night. Espically if your alone.

5. Book transfers

Transfers are a great to pre purchase so you know your going to go straight to your hotel safely. The cool thing is you will get to catch to the local driver and see pick his brain for things to do and see.

6.Book activities and day trips

This is a great way not only to meet new friends but to make sure you get to see what you want to see safely. 

7. Research research research

- research what you want to see and do while your there

- what places are safe

- where your hotels are going to be located and there reviews on trip advisor 

- ask friends who have been there beforw where to stay and what to do

- pre buy train tickets or car hire

-  if you need visas

- currency 

- where your countries embassy is just in case 

- where the local police station is

- get a pre paid sim card

- load your familues and friends numbers in your phone and write them down in a book and keep it in your bag just incase you loose your phone 

8. Contacting your family 

- Check in on face book so your family can see where you are.

- organiee a way that you will contact your loved ones either viber (free messaging app that runs off wifi)

-call them off facebook 

-or if you have the money call them off your phone

- set up a blog and blog daily so your friends and family can see what you are up to

- organise a time you will contact them.a day so they wont be worried 

London Day Ten

Day 10

Before I left for my European adventure I tried to plan as much as I could about my trip. And I knew when I got to London there was one place I had to see and that was Stonehenge. I booked a tour before I left with a company called Golden Tours. The tour office is located on Buckingham Palace Road which is a bit to far to walk at 7am. I caught a taxi to their office and lined up ready to get on the bus. The bus took 2 hours to get to stonehenge. It was the funniest thing that stonehenge is situated on a side of a road. Your just driving along through the middle of no where and there it is.

When I booked they said the tour lasted 2 hours. The bus drives past stonehenge and down a side street into a little carpark. The busload of people and myself waited on the bus while the bus driver went and got us audio guides. When he came back to the bus he let us know that we have an hour and a half until we need to be back on the bus. 

It took a couple of minutes to walk to the information centre from the car park. When I got into the information centre I lined up to take the small bus that runs every couple of minutes up to stonehenge. When I booked this tour I didn't realise it was self guided. I got on the bus and it took a couple of minutes to get up to Stonehenge. When I walked up to the attraction it is roped off around it and have little numbers that when you pressed them on the audio book it explained bits and pieces about the ancient site. I spent about half an hour listening to the history listen and then jumped back on the bus to the little gift shop and cafe. 

I headed back to the bus. I was a bit disappointed with this tour because I had so many questions that weren't answered by the audio headset. But it was amazing to see this in the flesh. I jumped back on the bus and we headed back towards the city. They failed to mention that they don't drop you were you got picked up but about a 20 minute walk back. About 2 hours later when we all got dropped off at this point I stared at my map wondering how I was going to find my way back. I started talking to a couple from Texas and we started to walk back together. 

It took roughly half an hour but I walked past Harrods, Harvey Nichols and did a bit of shopping. I then walked to Hyde Park. It was so beautiful and huge.

It took awhile to walkaround the park. There were people on paddle boats, swans, ducks, flowers and deck chairs. Deck Chairs I didn't realise that you have to hire them out. 

They were also setting up a festival for the weekend. The guys setting up said I could have a sneak peek inside which was pretty cool.

I walked up to the main shopping strip and went to Primart. Primart was so cool and amazing cheap. Discounted clothes, make up, shoes and pj's (Boys and Girls clothes). There was nothing over 15-20pounds.

After Primart I walked about 30mins to the Sherlock Holmes Museum. 

This was really cool. I then walked back to the hotel which took about 30mins. My body is so tired. I must be still jet lagged. 

Tomorrow I'm off to Munich 

   

London Day Nine

Day 9

Today I had a bit of a sleep in and walked down to get back on the hop on hop off bus. I jumped on the bus and it was PACKED! I got off at one of the next stops and meet a couple from Melbourne. And we walked together to another bus stop. Its crazy how many people that you meet from your home country when you travel. We got to talking and we realised that they were seeing Wicked tonight as well. When we got to the stop I realised how close we were to Piccadilly circus.

A did a bit of shopping and went to one of my favourite places MnM World. I did a little bit of exploring then had lunch at this little Italian place and had some amazing gluten free pizza. I went to Henleys the Worlds biggest two store. It was amazing. 7 story's of toys. 

They had storm troopers made of lego. I got back onto the bus and got off the bus at Westminster Abby.

I visited Westminster Abby, Parliament House and Big Ben. I then went walked to the Apollo Theatre for Wicked.

Wicked was the first show that I saw in London. The show was FANTASTIC! I would recommend it to anybody. It was so funny and entertaining. 

Edinburgh to London Day Eight

Edinburgh to London Day Eight

This morning I got up at 5:30am.... Ohhhhh so early. The transfer driver picked me up at 6am and took me to the airport. The driver was really cool. He was telling me how his driven around all of these famous people.

This is my its way to early to be up face

I got to the airport before line to my flight had even open and waiting in line for 15 or so mins before the flight booked in. The flight was quick and smooth and I was in London in no time. I walked out the gate and there was the transfer driver with a card with my name on it. It took roughly half an hour to get to my hotel. It wasn't a pleasant ride thought the driver was driving erratically. I got to my Hotel about lunch time and I booked a ticket for Wicked for tomorrow night. I didn't realise until I got to my hotel room that the Tour De France was on today. I brought a hop on hop off bus ticket because last time I was in London it was such a good way to get around. But this time there was so many road blocks that it was so slow to get around. 

I got off the bus at Buckingham palace to watch the end of the race. It was pretty cool. They had food vans and natural ice blocks. There was so many people there. People had even scaled the gates to watch the race. The sky looked pretty dark and I forgot my umbrella so I thought I would take shelter under the tree. It started to pour down rain and then I found that another 200 people had the same idea as me. 

People scaling the gates to watch the race

After the bikes flew by I walked up to Harrods for a bit of a late afternoon shop. I forgot how large Harrods. 

Harrods is so cool. They have a huge section devoted to fresh foods and sweets. There is so much to look at. 

I went to get back on the bus and the bus driver told us that the bus doesn't go back to the hotel when it was meant to. There was a few people that were arguing with the driver. The people who were arguing with the driver got off at a stop near a train station and I got off at the last stop. If I walked back to the hotel from this stop it would of taken me an hour. When the bus driver dropped me off he told me the if I run quick there was a bus in front of us that will take me to the hotel. I was very lucky that I got there on time. 

People don't realise how expensive dining out every night while travel can be. When I got back to the hotel at 9 I popped into a little supermarket close to my hotel and got a salad, bananas, muesli bars, water and chips for only 6 pounds.