Just thought I'd check in.
I have been crazy, busy this last month.
2 people quit at the hostel where I work so I've been working nearly 40 hours there!
Plus 20hrs/week at the Software company!
I know!
I have also moved back to Capitol Hill, in Seattle. I love love it, it makes me happy! So I have been busy trying to get my new place to feel like home, it's almost there. Just needs some pots&pans, which I'm ordering from Amazon.com soon.
Next week I'll be back down, closer to 40 hrs.
I want to start refocusing on my plan to create an eco-hostel.
I'm hoping to visit Australia in March, to check it out and get some more ideas.
I will also begin putting together a game plan/budget
I manifest what I want.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
BC
I went up to BC for this awesome week-long Personal Development Course with Peak Potentials.
Let me just say, it was amazing!
I am committed to communication and integrity.
I created lasting friendships; while improving myself.
I learned how to be a lover, worked on communication and practiced paying it forward.
I went bungee jumping at 160 ft!
I will never forget the week, my new friends, and the change I saw in myself. I will continue acting in my higher power, with love in my heart and speaking my truth.
Opahey
Let me just say, it was amazing!
I am committed to communication and integrity.
I created lasting friendships; while improving myself.
I learned how to be a lover, worked on communication and practiced paying it forward.
I went bungee jumping at 160 ft!
I will never forget the week, my new friends, and the change I saw in myself. I will continue acting in my higher power, with love in my heart and speaking my truth.
Opahey
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Packing Help
My parents went to Europe for 3 weeks. They spend 2 weeks in Scotland (where the weather is similar to here) and the last week on the beach in Spain. It sounded like a wonderful trip. I helped my mom pack, she wanted to bring way too many clothes and nice outfits. I walked her through each of her items and decide what she would actually wear. It was a lot of fun and I really helped her out.
So if you or someone you know is going on a trip and needs a little help picking out the right clothes, I'd be happy to come walk them through their outfits. I've had a lot of practice.
So if you or someone you know is going on a trip and needs a little help picking out the right clothes, I'd be happy to come walk them through their outfits. I've had a lot of practice.
home
The rest of my trip was a blast. I really loved my time on the Adam bio-farm and the time I was in Germany. Berlin has so much history and art. And I got to drink lots of beer in Munich and spend time with my friends Jen and Travis.
Now I am home. I am still looking for a new job. I've been home almost 2 months.
I am getting unemployment benefits and have been taking some classes through the unemployment office.
Now I am home. I am still looking for a new job. I've been home almost 2 months.
I am getting unemployment benefits and have been taking some classes through the unemployment office.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
up next
I was planning on going to another WWOOF farm in Tyrol after Vienna, but I have changed my mind and now plan to go to Prague. I had been planning on going there and my plans changed and now I'm changing them back again.
I have about 12 days left of my trip.
My tentative plans are to spend 3 nights in Prague (I go there tomorrow!)
3 nights in Berlin
and the last 4 nights in Munich!
I just looked at my flight info and realized I'll be arriving in Seattle on the 25th! not the 26th! For some reason I thought I lost a day during my travels, like I did on my way here. but since I'm going through time the other direction I reach the west coast the same day I leave Munich, but have to stay overnight in LA because the connection was not long enough for customs. Oh silly airlines. But oh well I get to hang out with Caroline for a night!
So now that you are up to date, I'm going to look into Hostels in Prague and Berlin.
Tonight we are going to a wine tasting at a beach bar in Vienna with Irene's cousin Isabella. It should be fun and a good way to wrap up my time in Vienna!
I have about 12 days left of my trip.
My tentative plans are to spend 3 nights in Prague (I go there tomorrow!)
3 nights in Berlin
and the last 4 nights in Munich!
I just looked at my flight info and realized I'll be arriving in Seattle on the 25th! not the 26th! For some reason I thought I lost a day during my travels, like I did on my way here. but since I'm going through time the other direction I reach the west coast the same day I leave Munich, but have to stay overnight in LA because the connection was not long enough for customs. Oh silly airlines. But oh well I get to hang out with Caroline for a night!
So now that you are up to date, I'm going to look into Hostels in Prague and Berlin.
Tonight we are going to a wine tasting at a beach bar in Vienna with Irene's cousin Isabella. It should be fun and a good way to wrap up my time in Vienna!
Vienna
I arrived in Vienna on Saturday morning, a family staying at the Adam farm was heading up to the Vienna zoo and I got a ride with them.
Since arriving we have seen so many things, I can't keep track of what happened each day!
We walked around downtown Vienna, went to the NaschMarkt and flea market(I was excited for it but, it was more like a big garage sale where everyone was selling their old junk! It was more exciting to see what other people were finding interesting, that getting anything for myself.)
The NaschMarkt is kind of like Pike Place market, with a bunch of permenate stands selling produce, olives, fish, meat, cheese, wine. We got some dried fruit beacuse it looked so good and a woman kept giving us samples. Yum!
We went to a beach bar on the river, where they had brought in sand. Fun!
We saw all the major buildings downtown; the City Hall, Heldenplatz, the museums, the University, the parliment and the secession.
We went back to the City hall building on Sunday night, they have food stands from around the world and show operas, symphonies, plays and other concerts. That night we watched Europakonzert of Mozart, Bruch and Beethoven. We had drinks and dinner first from the stands then took a seat to watch. It was really fun! and it was surprisingly crowded!
We also went to Kahlenberg where you can look down the hill and see all of Vienna.
Then we went to the SeeGrotte, an underground cave where they use to mine gypsum and later used to film The 3 Muskateers and build airplanes during WWII before it was flooded in 1912.
Now it's a tourist attraction. You can walk through the upper caves and then go down below to take boat through the grotte. It was interesting and Irene helped translate what the tour guide said.
Then she took me a strange restaurant that has the best Weiner Snitchzel. It was good, but it was bigger than my head!
We went to the cementary where Beethoven, Strauss, Brahms and many other famous Vienitians are buried. It is a huge cementary and we only saw a tiny bit!
While she is at work, I get to hang out in her apartment, I've been watching Queer as Folk season one, and it's so good, I don't want to leave to go sightsee! haha
I have also posted lots of photos on Picasa, and you can see photos from everything I've been talking about there, just use the link for Pletvice Lakes below!
I have had a lot of fun staying with Irene, I hope she comes to visit Seattle again soon, I know my mom would love to see her!
Well Irene and I have been having a lot of fun! I almost don't want to leave. And I'm getting excited to getting home, but no about looking for a job. So I want to make the most of the time I have left.
Since arriving we have seen so many things, I can't keep track of what happened each day!
We walked around downtown Vienna, went to the NaschMarkt and flea market(I was excited for it but, it was more like a big garage sale where everyone was selling their old junk! It was more exciting to see what other people were finding interesting, that getting anything for myself.)
The NaschMarkt is kind of like Pike Place market, with a bunch of permenate stands selling produce, olives, fish, meat, cheese, wine. We got some dried fruit beacuse it looked so good and a woman kept giving us samples. Yum!
We went to a beach bar on the river, where they had brought in sand. Fun!
We saw all the major buildings downtown; the City Hall, Heldenplatz, the museums, the University, the parliment and the secession.
We went back to the City hall building on Sunday night, they have food stands from around the world and show operas, symphonies, plays and other concerts. That night we watched Europakonzert of Mozart, Bruch and Beethoven. We had drinks and dinner first from the stands then took a seat to watch. It was really fun! and it was surprisingly crowded!
We also went to Kahlenberg where you can look down the hill and see all of Vienna.
Then we went to the SeeGrotte, an underground cave where they use to mine gypsum and later used to film The 3 Muskateers and build airplanes during WWII before it was flooded in 1912.
Now it's a tourist attraction. You can walk through the upper caves and then go down below to take boat through the grotte. It was interesting and Irene helped translate what the tour guide said.
Then she took me a strange restaurant that has the best Weiner Snitchzel. It was good, but it was bigger than my head!
We went to the cementary where Beethoven, Strauss, Brahms and many other famous Vienitians are buried. It is a huge cementary and we only saw a tiny bit!
While she is at work, I get to hang out in her apartment, I've been watching Queer as Folk season one, and it's so good, I don't want to leave to go sightsee! haha
I have also posted lots of photos on Picasa, and you can see photos from everything I've been talking about there, just use the link for Pletvice Lakes below!
I have had a lot of fun staying with Irene, I hope she comes to visit Seattle again soon, I know my mom would love to see her!
Well Irene and I have been having a lot of fun! I almost don't want to leave. And I'm getting excited to getting home, but no about looking for a job. So I want to make the most of the time I have left.
Biohof Adam
I am volunteering at the Biohof Adam - the organic farm of the Adam's family. It consists of Franz & Maria, the father and mother, Hannes, Werner & Gerti (3 children in their 20's), 12 cows, ducks, chickens, turkeys and cats(Felix, Lily and a few others).
They have vineyards, animals and produce.
I had an awesome room with a double bed, a desk and couch, I had a beautiful view out my two little windows. I had my own shower and bathroom. I almost didn't want to leave it!
Because of the language barrier, we never discussed when I should get up for breakfast, when I should start helping or finish for the day, when I could take breaks and for how long.
So I just came down around 8, ate breakfast and sat in the kitchen until someone said to come help them. Or I wondered around the farm looking for someone working and asked if I could help them.
Other times I wanted to leave what I was doing to use the restroom or get some water, the son would ask oh would you like to take your break now? You don't need to hurry back.
One time I went to the bathroom and sat in my room reading and couldn't put my book down! I felt bad for being gone so long, but when I returned to help again, he said I hadn't been gone long at all!
So I guess they are just happy for some help and they aren't picky with how long you help or if you don't want to do something you don't have to.
For the first couple days we got the wine ready to bottle, then I helped bottle and cork wine. It was fun, but hard work. The next day my muscles were sore!
A bag or 500 corks cost around 150Euro! man I didn't know cork was that expensive, now they are starting to switch to metal screw top lids. Hannes' said they work just as well, are cheaper and have less problems than cork.
Did you know cork can have a bad smell and ruin a good bottle of wine?
I helped glue labels on juice bottles, and harvest potatoes.
One day I had to be down at breakfast at 7am, so I could go into town to help with shopping. I went with the mother and father, so I didn't really understand what was going on.
We went to one store that sold wine bottling supplies, gardening supplies, flowering plants, household supplies, some snacks and clothing! I couldn't figure it out! I guess that's what you get in a small town near wineries and farms.
We went to 2 different grocery stores of the same name, a pharmacy, and some other stores.
Since it's an organic farm, they don't have much machinery and we did most things by hand!
I went to a soccer game with the two boys, in Graz. Austria vs. Montenegro. It was a shut out! Austria won 5 to zero! It was a pretty fun game!
The language barrier kind of sucked at the farm. The parent's don't speak much english and I know very little german so we either had to have one of the kids translate or we used hand motions and I tried to do what they asked!
Overall it was fun and the family was super nice. We both love cats and Hannes and Gerti have even been to Costa Rica. The family does a lot of traveling and I invited them to come visit me in Seattle!
They have vineyards, animals and produce.
I had an awesome room with a double bed, a desk and couch, I had a beautiful view out my two little windows. I had my own shower and bathroom. I almost didn't want to leave it!
Because of the language barrier, we never discussed when I should get up for breakfast, when I should start helping or finish for the day, when I could take breaks and for how long.
So I just came down around 8, ate breakfast and sat in the kitchen until someone said to come help them. Or I wondered around the farm looking for someone working and asked if I could help them.
Other times I wanted to leave what I was doing to use the restroom or get some water, the son would ask oh would you like to take your break now? You don't need to hurry back.
One time I went to the bathroom and sat in my room reading and couldn't put my book down! I felt bad for being gone so long, but when I returned to help again, he said I hadn't been gone long at all!
So I guess they are just happy for some help and they aren't picky with how long you help or if you don't want to do something you don't have to.
For the first couple days we got the wine ready to bottle, then I helped bottle and cork wine. It was fun, but hard work. The next day my muscles were sore!
A bag or 500 corks cost around 150Euro! man I didn't know cork was that expensive, now they are starting to switch to metal screw top lids. Hannes' said they work just as well, are cheaper and have less problems than cork.
Did you know cork can have a bad smell and ruin a good bottle of wine?
I helped glue labels on juice bottles, and harvest potatoes.
One day I had to be down at breakfast at 7am, so I could go into town to help with shopping. I went with the mother and father, so I didn't really understand what was going on.
We went to one store that sold wine bottling supplies, gardening supplies, flowering plants, household supplies, some snacks and clothing! I couldn't figure it out! I guess that's what you get in a small town near wineries and farms.
We went to 2 different grocery stores of the same name, a pharmacy, and some other stores.
Since it's an organic farm, they don't have much machinery and we did most things by hand!
I went to a soccer game with the two boys, in Graz. Austria vs. Montenegro. It was a shut out! Austria won 5 to zero! It was a pretty fun game!
The language barrier kind of sucked at the farm. The parent's don't speak much english and I know very little german so we either had to have one of the kids translate or we used hand motions and I tried to do what they asked!
Overall it was fun and the family was super nice. We both love cats and Hannes and Gerti have even been to Costa Rica. The family does a lot of traveling and I invited them to come visit me in Seattle!
Graz
I stayed with Hilde for a few days, helping her around the house, washing windows, replacing the tire on the wheelbarrow, while I tried to find a farm.
She took me up to the mountains to try some local wine and special food from the region.
We went to a circus where her grandson was preforming breakdancing. Graz has a 3 week summer camp where kids learn circus tricks and then preform for their families. It was really fun and some of the stuff the kids could do was amazing! There were stilts, unicycles, juglers, tightrope walkers and more!
After the circus we had indian food, yum!
Hilde will drive me out to the WWOOF farm on Monday, I can't wait!
She took me up to the mountains to try some local wine and special food from the region.
We went to a circus where her grandson was preforming breakdancing. Graz has a 3 week summer camp where kids learn circus tricks and then preform for their families. It was really fun and some of the stuff the kids could do was amazing! There were stilts, unicycles, juglers, tightrope walkers and more!
After the circus we had indian food, yum!
Hilde will drive me out to the WWOOF farm on Monday, I can't wait!
Monday, August 10, 2009
New Photos!
ok I spent all day uploading my photos onto Picasa for your viewing pleasure.
Please try going here:
You are invited to view Becky's photo album: Pletvice lakes national park
Pletvice lakes national park
pletvice, croatia -
Aug 10, 2009by Becky
View Album Play slideshow
Message from Becky:
picasa photo album
If you are having problems viewing this email, copy and paste the following into your browser:http://picasaweb.google.at/lh/sredir?uname=beckstravelingagain&target=ALBUM&id=5368285806086021761&authkey=Gv1sRgCLbuj6TE3IWungE&feat=email
If that doesn't work you can go to google's Picasa and looking for me by my name or beckstravelingagain.
Please try going here:
You are invited to view Becky's photo album: Pletvice lakes national park
Pletvice lakes national park
pletvice, croatia -
Aug 10, 2009by Becky
View Album Play slideshow
Message from Becky:
picasa photo album
If you are having problems viewing this email, copy and paste the following into your browser:http://picasaweb.google.at/lh/sredir?uname=beckstravelingagain&target=ALBUM&id=5368285806086021761&authkey=Gv1sRgCLbuj6TE3IWungE&feat=email
If that doesn't work you can go to google's Picasa and looking for me by my name or beckstravelingagain.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Graz - Austria
I took a 2.5 hr bus ride and then a 4 hour train ride (split between 3 trains!) to get to Graz. The woman in charge of WWOOF Austria, Hildegard, met me at the train station and I am staying at her house. She is very nice and we have been talking about everything. I think she enjoys sharing a meal with me and I do the dishes.
Now is the hard part. There is a list of over 1000 organic farm families in and around Austria. I need to choose 1 or 2 to visit and help out at for a week or so. The list is long and I don't know who to choose. She will help me pick a few to email. Hopefully I will find one to take me ASAP and head their way.
I am very interested in one farm that makes icecream! You know I love icecream! and I would also like to work on a vineyard. I like wine and would like to know more about how it is made!
I will let you know what I pick!
Tonight Hildegard will take me up the Mountain to see where she used to live in the Country. I don't know when I will leave here for a farm, but she doesn't seem to mind. :)
Now is the hard part. There is a list of over 1000 organic farm families in and around Austria. I need to choose 1 or 2 to visit and help out at for a week or so. The list is long and I don't know who to choose. She will help me pick a few to email. Hopefully I will find one to take me ASAP and head their way.
I am very interested in one farm that makes icecream! You know I love icecream! and I would also like to work on a vineyard. I like wine and would like to know more about how it is made!
I will let you know what I pick!
Tonight Hildegard will take me up the Mountain to see where she used to live in the Country. I don't know when I will leave here for a farm, but she doesn't seem to mind. :)
Adrenline Check Eco Hostel- Soca River Valley - Slovenia
I wanted to go to Bovec to do outdoor water sports and found this place on hostelworld. Then I got on the bus and 4 hours later, was dropped off here!
Oh the drive was wonderful. We went up a huge mountain and then back down the other side. There was 50 switch backs. We stopped at the top for a half hour break and I met a nice girl that worked there. I told her she was so lucky, it was so beautiful, it was like heaven! I would love to go back there for hiking with a friend.
Then we went down the mountain and the driver dropped me off in the driveway of the camp. I stayed in a 10bed dorm room and I slept very well, even got afternoon naps after our busy activites!
They have all kinds of activities, but I chose hiking, river kayaking, canyoning and climbing. Each day was soo much fun! I loved climbing and river kayaking. I would like to do more when I get back home.
I met 2 travelers from Holland who are traveling in a tiny Fia 500. They participated in the same activites with me each day and we became good friends. Next they are going to Italy to get some car parts. While I will travel to Austria.
Oh the drive was wonderful. We went up a huge mountain and then back down the other side. There was 50 switch backs. We stopped at the top for a half hour break and I met a nice girl that worked there. I told her she was so lucky, it was so beautiful, it was like heaven! I would love to go back there for hiking with a friend.
Then we went down the mountain and the driver dropped me off in the driveway of the camp. I stayed in a 10bed dorm room and I slept very well, even got afternoon naps after our busy activites!
They have all kinds of activities, but I chose hiking, river kayaking, canyoning and climbing. Each day was soo much fun! I loved climbing and river kayaking. I would like to do more when I get back home.
I met 2 travelers from Holland who are traveling in a tiny Fia 500. They participated in the same activites with me each day and we became good friends. Next they are going to Italy to get some car parts. While I will travel to Austria.
Ljubljana - 2nd night
After my walking tour I met some americans from San Fransisco and Seattle! I sat with them and chatted for a while about our travels and back home. It was nice to be around familier people. They invited me to dinner at their apartment.
We had lots of delicious pasta for dinner and I brought a large bottle of red wine to share. We talked more about our adventures. One guy from Seattle would like to start a hostel with me, he said! We will keep in touch and see what happens when we get home. Most of them just graduated from College.
We went to a bar and played foosball will some guys from Spain. In the beginning I was always winning, but after a few drinks- the terrible shot of tequila! We stopped winning :( But it was so much fun!
On the way to our next place, I got some icecream, it was soo amazing! I can't believe I haven't eaten any in so many days.
Then we went to a huka bar but we were too late to get a huka. The girls went to find a bathroom and were gone so long, I went to find them, they needed saving from some boys inside trying to give them strong drinks! Ha the guys tried to give me one too, but I did not taking, instead saying I had been waiting for the girls and leading them out of the bar!
The huka bar boasted that they had the best Mojito in town, so I had to try it, even though I did not need another drink! It was yummy and I shared it with the table of new friends!
Then I went home because I had to get up 5:45 to catch the bus to Bovec!
We had lots of delicious pasta for dinner and I brought a large bottle of red wine to share. We talked more about our adventures. One guy from Seattle would like to start a hostel with me, he said! We will keep in touch and see what happens when we get home. Most of them just graduated from College.
We went to a bar and played foosball will some guys from Spain. In the beginning I was always winning, but after a few drinks- the terrible shot of tequila! We stopped winning :( But it was so much fun!
On the way to our next place, I got some icecream, it was soo amazing! I can't believe I haven't eaten any in so many days.
Then we went to a huka bar but we were too late to get a huka. The girls went to find a bathroom and were gone so long, I went to find them, they needed saving from some boys inside trying to give them strong drinks! Ha the guys tried to give me one too, but I did not taking, instead saying I had been waiting for the girls and leading them out of the bar!
The huka bar boasted that they had the best Mojito in town, so I had to try it, even though I did not need another drink! It was yummy and I shared it with the table of new friends!
Then I went home because I had to get up 5:45 to catch the bus to Bovec!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Ljubljana
Tuesday, I took the train from Zagreb to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia.
It is small and pretty and laid back. Yesterday I met a nice man in the lobby of my hostel and we went to grab a drink and chatted for a few hours. It was really nice and easy. I told him about how I'm thinking about opening my own hostel. He had some great suggestions.
He was Swiss and will take some friends Biking around Croatia in a couple weeks and he was planning his route.
We both are very travel oriented and we talked about American's work mentality. It was a very nice time. And afterward I came back to my hostel for a nap!
I couldn't believe it was almost 8 when I woke up! I showered and went out for dinner. I had a nice salad with shrimp and a glass of white wine. It was a nice dinner. I walked around looking for some music events, but I was too late and they were cleaning up.
Today, I took a walking tour of the old town of Ljubljana and decided to stay another night.
Tomorrow I plan to take a train and a bus to Bovec to do some more rafting and canyoning. I'm taking a train and then a bus rather then just a bus, because I can use my eurail pass and then only pay 7 euro or something for the bus.
I'm thinking about squeezing in a few more travel days before I start volunteering, because I still have 5 days left of my EuRail pass.
I'm really excited to start volunteering and Jenn will be joining me, so we can share this organic farming experience!
I feeling very happy and relaxed now, the first month my emotions were up and down, but now I've got a hang of it and having a great time!
It is small and pretty and laid back. Yesterday I met a nice man in the lobby of my hostel and we went to grab a drink and chatted for a few hours. It was really nice and easy. I told him about how I'm thinking about opening my own hostel. He had some great suggestions.
He was Swiss and will take some friends Biking around Croatia in a couple weeks and he was planning his route.
We both are very travel oriented and we talked about American's work mentality. It was a very nice time. And afterward I came back to my hostel for a nap!
I couldn't believe it was almost 8 when I woke up! I showered and went out for dinner. I had a nice salad with shrimp and a glass of white wine. It was a nice dinner. I walked around looking for some music events, but I was too late and they were cleaning up.
Today, I took a walking tour of the old town of Ljubljana and decided to stay another night.
Tomorrow I plan to take a train and a bus to Bovec to do some more rafting and canyoning. I'm taking a train and then a bus rather then just a bus, because I can use my eurail pass and then only pay 7 euro or something for the bus.
I'm thinking about squeezing in a few more travel days before I start volunteering, because I still have 5 days left of my EuRail pass.
I'm really excited to start volunteering and Jenn will be joining me, so we can share this organic farming experience!
I feeling very happy and relaxed now, the first month my emotions were up and down, but now I've got a hang of it and having a great time!
back to Zagreb
I headed back to Zagreb and it feels so nice. I became friends with the hostel employees at Hostel Nocturno, so it felt like visiting old friends or family.
I stayed for 2 nights and just relaxed.
I went to the Bulldog Cafe and had a coffee and updated my journal, then I sat for a while longer and ordered a beer! and stayed for another hour or so. It was so nice and relaxing and I got caught up in my journal.
Kristina (from the hostel) came with me to the train station and sat and chatted for a while before I got on my train to Ljubljana.
Last time I was at the hostel (a month ago!) we found a small sick kitten in the storage unit, the girls took him and brought him back to life and now he's their pet! His name is George and they had photos for me, that they took of him to show me!
So nice to be back amongst people I know for a few days.
I stayed for 2 nights and just relaxed.
I went to the Bulldog Cafe and had a coffee and updated my journal, then I sat for a while longer and ordered a beer! and stayed for another hour or so. It was so nice and relaxing and I got caught up in my journal.
Kristina (from the hostel) came with me to the train station and sat and chatted for a while before I got on my train to Ljubljana.
Last time I was at the hostel (a month ago!) we found a small sick kitten in the storage unit, the girls took him and brought him back to life and now he's their pet! His name is George and they had photos for me, that they took of him to show me!
So nice to be back amongst people I know for a few days.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Pletvice Lakes National Park
I wanted to get to the park in the early morning, but was getting a ride there from those crazy men. They stayed up drinking all night and were all hung over. We didn't leave until afternoon. Which worked out ok because it gave me time to chat with Bjeli's daughter who lives in Graz (she said I could stay with her while I'm in Austria!) and I got to walk to the spring by their house one last time.
I absolutely loved the park. When I got there it was confusing where to go to buy my ticket and store my big backpack but once I got on the trails and away from the crowds it was great. I followed Rick Steve's recommendation and saw that it was the same as one of the recommendations in the park, but backwards! So I was going against the crowds and had whole patches of solitude around the lakes. That was the best part. It was a beautiful day, since it had rained the day before it was cool and sunny. Very similar to hiking in Seattle!
I loved the park and caught the last bus to Zagreb
I'm here now in Zagreb for 2 nights, to relax and catch up on my blog and I started a flikr account for my photos because I have so many!
Check them out at www.flikr.com/beckstravelingagain
I absolutely loved the park. When I got there it was confusing where to go to buy my ticket and store my big backpack but once I got on the trails and away from the crowds it was great. I followed Rick Steve's recommendation and saw that it was the same as one of the recommendations in the park, but backwards! So I was going against the crowds and had whole patches of solitude around the lakes. That was the best part. It was a beautiful day, since it had rained the day before it was cool and sunny. Very similar to hiking in Seattle!
I loved the park and caught the last bus to Zagreb
I'm here now in Zagreb for 2 nights, to relax and catch up on my blog and I started a flikr account for my photos because I have so many!
Check them out at www.flikr.com/beckstravelingagain
Bihac
I took a 7 hour bus trip to the northwest corner of Bosnia to Bihac. I walked all around town trying to find an tourist info and then to find an internet cafe. It was soo hot! But I used the internet and saw that I had a place to stay and that I should get a taxi there.
When the taxi was driving me further and further out of town I began to wonder where we were going! But then I saw a sign for Bjeli sport and knew we were on the right track.
We got near the end of the road and saw a man wearing a speedo washing some vans that said Bjeli sport white water rafting and knew I had come to the right place!
They have a tiny pool and I got my own room with a tiny window facing the mountains! They hardly spoke english, but they were very friendly and I felt completely relaxed.
The next day I walked to a little spring near their house and then went with Bjeli to learn to role the kayak. It was tough because he had to tell one guy who then told me, some things were lost in translation, I'm afraid. I tried but I couldn't make it. I would like to take some classes when I get home.
A girl from Slovenia and her family stayed at Bjeli's place that night, they did night rafting and went out drinking, it sounded like fun but I was already signed up to do rafting the next day.
The girl was about my age and worked for Princess cruise line, hearing her talk about it made it sound like a lot of fun and you get to travel all over the world! Maybe I'll look into working on a cruise ship?!
The next day I went white water rafting, unfortunately it was pouring down rain which delayed our start, then I got a ride with a van of rowdy 45 yr old men and it was too much for me, I was overwhelmed and ready to just get on the river!
When we finally got on the river our boat had 9 people! and we went down a 5m fall and the guy in the back next to me fell forward and cut open his eyelid on the person in front of him! He needed 7 stiches! I hit my head on the person in front of me and it still hurts!
There was a few big rapids at the begining then a long time of very flat water. It was not as good as eastern washington. I thought I would be english speaking boat, but although everyone else could speak and understand english they mostly spoke in Croatian/Bosnian and I never really knew what was going on. It make it boring.
Sad, because I love white water rafting at home!
When the taxi was driving me further and further out of town I began to wonder where we were going! But then I saw a sign for Bjeli sport and knew we were on the right track.
We got near the end of the road and saw a man wearing a speedo washing some vans that said Bjeli sport white water rafting and knew I had come to the right place!
They have a tiny pool and I got my own room with a tiny window facing the mountains! They hardly spoke english, but they were very friendly and I felt completely relaxed.
The next day I walked to a little spring near their house and then went with Bjeli to learn to role the kayak. It was tough because he had to tell one guy who then told me, some things were lost in translation, I'm afraid. I tried but I couldn't make it. I would like to take some classes when I get home.
A girl from Slovenia and her family stayed at Bjeli's place that night, they did night rafting and went out drinking, it sounded like fun but I was already signed up to do rafting the next day.
The girl was about my age and worked for Princess cruise line, hearing her talk about it made it sound like a lot of fun and you get to travel all over the world! Maybe I'll look into working on a cruise ship?!
The next day I went white water rafting, unfortunately it was pouring down rain which delayed our start, then I got a ride with a van of rowdy 45 yr old men and it was too much for me, I was overwhelmed and ready to just get on the river!
When we finally got on the river our boat had 9 people! and we went down a 5m fall and the guy in the back next to me fell forward and cut open his eyelid on the person in front of him! He needed 7 stiches! I hit my head on the person in front of me and it still hurts!
There was a few big rapids at the begining then a long time of very flat water. It was not as good as eastern washington. I thought I would be english speaking boat, but although everyone else could speak and understand english they mostly spoke in Croatian/Bosnian and I never really knew what was going on. It make it boring.
Sad, because I love white water rafting at home!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Sarajevo
I stayed two nights at Haris Youth Hostel.
I was tired of being sick so I went to the doctor. They took a sample of my blood and said I had an infection and told me to go to the hospital. Haris took me to the hospital and they did a very thorough check. They were worried I had the flu or swine and they had to do an expensive test on me that took a long time.
I was taken to a room to lay down and they gave me an antibiotic on an iv. I lied there for over 3 hours. Finally they told me my results were negative and I only have a virus. The doctor prescribed bed rest and some medicine similar to TheraFlu.
I slept the rest of the day and night.
The next day I went on a tour of Sarajevo. I didn't want to miss out! I saw sniper alley, the tunnel build to escape and bring back supplies, the snow luve in the mountains for the Olympics, the Olympics museum and parts of old town.
Today I am relaxing in a double room in old town.
Tonight is a party to celebrate Haris Hostel's 6 yr bday
I will relax until then.
Tomorrow morning I will get on a 7 hour bus ride to Bihac (in the northwest corner of Bosnia). I am excited to do some white water rafting or kayaking on the Una river this weekend.
Hopefully I can get enough rest today and on the bus ride to feel better again. I have been feeling so exhausted from my cold that when faced with a difficult question I just start crying.
I do not want to cry anymore, I just want to enjoy myself!
I was tired of being sick so I went to the doctor. They took a sample of my blood and said I had an infection and told me to go to the hospital. Haris took me to the hospital and they did a very thorough check. They were worried I had the flu or swine and they had to do an expensive test on me that took a long time.
I was taken to a room to lay down and they gave me an antibiotic on an iv. I lied there for over 3 hours. Finally they told me my results were negative and I only have a virus. The doctor prescribed bed rest and some medicine similar to TheraFlu.
I slept the rest of the day and night.
The next day I went on a tour of Sarajevo. I didn't want to miss out! I saw sniper alley, the tunnel build to escape and bring back supplies, the snow luve in the mountains for the Olympics, the Olympics museum and parts of old town.
Today I am relaxing in a double room in old town.
Tonight is a party to celebrate Haris Hostel's 6 yr bday
I will relax until then.
Tomorrow morning I will get on a 7 hour bus ride to Bihac (in the northwest corner of Bosnia). I am excited to do some white water rafting or kayaking on the Una river this weekend.
Hopefully I can get enough rest today and on the bus ride to feel better again. I have been feeling so exhausted from my cold that when faced with a difficult question I just start crying.
I do not want to cry anymore, I just want to enjoy myself!
Bosnia
I headed back to Dubrovnik and stayed overnight at the Backpackers Club because I knew where it was. The next morning I headed to Mostar on the bus.
Yeah Bosnia!
I stayed near a river and I saw some local guys jumping in and it was so hot I decided to give it a try.
The river was freezing, about 10 decrees. I was hoping it would knock out my cold but it did not! boo
There were a few guys staying at the hostel, everyone else was on a tour. We made scrambled eggs, veggies and rice for dinner. It was pretty good and cheap.
The next day we all sat around relaxing. Then everyone left except me and a nice guy named Frazier. We walked around and visited some historic places in town. He was very nice and it was great hearing about someone elses adventures.
There is a big orange school that is the only unsegregated school in the city. We visited 3 old bank buildings that are were destroyed but are still standing. One of them became a sniper tower and Frazier ran up to look for shell casings. I stayed in the park watching a man tear off metal from the outside of the bank building.
The next day I took the tour offered by the hostel of the surrounding area. There was soo much to see and I was coughing all morning in the van.
We went to Kravice waterfalls and got to climb behind them, jumped from a rope swing.
We visited the hills where teenagers saw the mother mary.
an old turkish house built under a cliff,
and Pocitj and old medival town where only 4 people still live.
The tour was 14 hours and I was exhausted when it was over. I came home and went right to bed
In the morning I took the train to Sarajevo. I met a nice young couple from Holland on the train and they shared their candy.
My hostel is a long walk up hill from the old town but it has a beautiful view.
Yeah Bosnia!
I stayed near a river and I saw some local guys jumping in and it was so hot I decided to give it a try.
The river was freezing, about 10 decrees. I was hoping it would knock out my cold but it did not! boo
There were a few guys staying at the hostel, everyone else was on a tour. We made scrambled eggs, veggies and rice for dinner. It was pretty good and cheap.
The next day we all sat around relaxing. Then everyone left except me and a nice guy named Frazier. We walked around and visited some historic places in town. He was very nice and it was great hearing about someone elses adventures.
There is a big orange school that is the only unsegregated school in the city. We visited 3 old bank buildings that are were destroyed but are still standing. One of them became a sniper tower and Frazier ran up to look for shell casings. I stayed in the park watching a man tear off metal from the outside of the bank building.
The next day I took the tour offered by the hostel of the surrounding area. There was soo much to see and I was coughing all morning in the van.
We went to Kravice waterfalls and got to climb behind them, jumped from a rope swing.
We visited the hills where teenagers saw the mother mary.
an old turkish house built under a cliff,
and Pocitj and old medival town where only 4 people still live.
The tour was 14 hours and I was exhausted when it was over. I came home and went right to bed
In the morning I took the train to Sarajevo. I met a nice young couple from Holland on the train and they shared their candy.
My hostel is a long walk up hill from the old town but it has a beautiful view.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Montenegro
On Monday Morning Tess and I caught an early bus to Montenegro. It was a long ride and when we stopped at the border, we were surprised to see Andrew from our boat was also on our bus!
We chatted with some guys from Austria who were going to Butva for 9 days! That sounded like an incredibly long time to stay in one place, especially after we have been moving around soo much!
We got off in Kotor and walked through the old city. Tess wanted to cash some travelers checks and it took us forever to find some banks. We went in circles about 5 times. Once we found the square that had about 10 banks, we had to find one that would exchange travelers checks! So you see they are not very helpful to travel with these days!
After getting some cash. They use Euros in Montenegro. We got some snacks, pizza and icecream and headed back to the bus station. We contintued down to Budva, the beach resort town.
We were offered some rooms when we exited the station, but decided to walk towards the beach till we found one.
Luckily a woman stopped us in the street and asked if we needed a room. We did and she led us to the most beautiful 4 story white house on the block, with fountains out front and balconies on each floor!
Then they had to find someone who spoke english! I had to talk to a woman on the phone, who could translate for us. We ended up getting a big room with a huge bed on the 3rd floor with a balcony and air conditioning, our own bathroom and shower and minifridge. For only 13 euro a night each!
Awesome!
We went to the grocery store and stocked up on picnic food.
We learned that there has been a huge building boom and everyone has been losing thier view to ugly, unfinished buildings. The economy has been hurting people everywhere.
We had a great picnic dinner on our balcony with some yummy strong sangria. Then we headed down to check out the beach.
The next day was my birthday! But I didn't feel like celebrating because I have such a bad cough and we have airconditioning so all I want to do is lie in bed!
We had some great breakfast in our room, yougart, cereal and milk. Then we headed to the beach. I got a beach umbrella and layed down. Every half hour I went for a little swim. Later in the day we layed around in bed, sleeping on and off and enjoying the air con.
The bed was huge, we could each be lying down and still have 2 feet between us!
Tess is really great, I hope I can visit here in Britian sometime.
That night we went out to dinner on the beach, the restaurant food was terrible, everything was very salty and there was a live band that was not very good. We ran into some guys from our apartment along the beach, they were actually on our bus from Dubrovnik!
We got a drink with them and then headed back to our room. We drank the rest of our sangria on our balcony and chatted. I called my mom and texted Tim.
It was nice night.
We chatted with some guys from Austria who were going to Butva for 9 days! That sounded like an incredibly long time to stay in one place, especially after we have been moving around soo much!
We got off in Kotor and walked through the old city. Tess wanted to cash some travelers checks and it took us forever to find some banks. We went in circles about 5 times. Once we found the square that had about 10 banks, we had to find one that would exchange travelers checks! So you see they are not very helpful to travel with these days!
After getting some cash. They use Euros in Montenegro. We got some snacks, pizza and icecream and headed back to the bus station. We contintued down to Budva, the beach resort town.
We were offered some rooms when we exited the station, but decided to walk towards the beach till we found one.
Luckily a woman stopped us in the street and asked if we needed a room. We did and she led us to the most beautiful 4 story white house on the block, with fountains out front and balconies on each floor!
Then they had to find someone who spoke english! I had to talk to a woman on the phone, who could translate for us. We ended up getting a big room with a huge bed on the 3rd floor with a balcony and air conditioning, our own bathroom and shower and minifridge. For only 13 euro a night each!
Awesome!
We went to the grocery store and stocked up on picnic food.
We learned that there has been a huge building boom and everyone has been losing thier view to ugly, unfinished buildings. The economy has been hurting people everywhere.
We had a great picnic dinner on our balcony with some yummy strong sangria. Then we headed down to check out the beach.
The next day was my birthday! But I didn't feel like celebrating because I have such a bad cough and we have airconditioning so all I want to do is lie in bed!
We had some great breakfast in our room, yougart, cereal and milk. Then we headed to the beach. I got a beach umbrella and layed down. Every half hour I went for a little swim. Later in the day we layed around in bed, sleeping on and off and enjoying the air con.
The bed was huge, we could each be lying down and still have 2 feet between us!
Tess is really great, I hope I can visit here in Britian sometime.
That night we went out to dinner on the beach, the restaurant food was terrible, everything was very salty and there was a live band that was not very good. We ran into some guys from our apartment along the beach, they were actually on our bus from Dubrovnik!
We got a drink with them and then headed back to our room. We drank the rest of our sangria on our balcony and chatted. I called my mom and texted Tim.
It was nice night.
Dubrovnik
Stayed in Dubrovnik for another night. We got up and went to the beach. I woke up with a sore throat and no voice, must be getting sick. Too many people on the boat, not enough sleep and too much heat and beer!
I guess we are still in beach/swim mode from the boat.
After the beach we headed into the old town of Dubrovnik to get some lunch and watch the men's finals at Wimbledon. Did you see the game?! It was long and intense! We stayed for the whole thing, each time expecting a win at the end of set, only to have them tie again!
Dubrovnik is probably my least favorite town. It's too big and crowded. The tourists pour off the cruise ships here.
One cool thing we saw was, Dubrovnik Fashion Week was taking place while we were there.
I guess we are still in beach/swim mode from the boat.
After the beach we headed into the old town of Dubrovnik to get some lunch and watch the men's finals at Wimbledon. Did you see the game?! It was long and intense! We stayed for the whole thing, each time expecting a win at the end of set, only to have them tie again!
Dubrovnik is probably my least favorite town. It's too big and crowded. The tourists pour off the cruise ships here.
One cool thing we saw was, Dubrovnik Fashion Week was taking place while we were there.
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