Crackly
Crackly Joined: January 1st 2007
Logged in: April 20th 2011
Logged in: April 20th 2011
Travel Blog Posts
So you want to use the Eurail to get around Europe?? Its an awesome way to get around and you will meet some interesting locals and hear some amazing stories. This blog will discuss France, Slovenia and Spain.**** Slovenia has an excellent and relatively cheap railway system. The conductors and station staff were the most helpful and friendly I met in Europe. Booking tickets is easy and there were usually enough staff to get you seen to within 15 minutes at most train stations. English is fine except in some of the smaller country stations. In summer for the last 3 years they have had a special on tickets where for a full paying fare, you get the second half price. Its ALWAYS in your interest to ask about special fares or offers. Even if you ... read more
RECOVERED
G'day. I know its been a while since my last blog, but Ive been a busy boy! After using the Eurail exstensively and getting asked a lot of questions by my readers, I thought it would be a good idea to put all my tips and hints down for easy access. So here goes.....**** You know, I really loved the train system in Europe. Doing international trips, sleeping in the night trains, dining in the restaurants and meeting other travellers or locals was a real buzz. Every country has its quirks and differences when it comes to train network. So I'll start with Switzerland. Switzerland is known for having punctual trains and yes, this is true. If you are 2 minutes late to the station, chances are you have already missed your train ( I ... read more
Luxembourg city
Neatly tucked between France, Belguim and Germany is one of Europes (and the worlds) smallest soverign countries. Im talking about Luxembourg (or the official name - Grande Duche de Luxembourg). With a total territory of 2,585 sq kilometres (or 1000 sq miles) it is about the 20th smallest country in the world. A founding E.U. member, the official language is Luxembourgish. But hey, French or German are fine. And while it can be a bit harder to find someone, English should get you around reasonably OK. Just be aware, most people in ticket booths, retail or hospitality can't speak English very well once you get of Luxembourg City, so if you need to get off at a stop write down any directions or place names as this will really help. One thing you notice pretty ... read more
A house covered in flowers
Everything you've ever heard about the Scottish Highlands or the famous Lochs is not true!!! No, in fact, it's even better than what you've seen or heard. Driving my Fiat Punto through the Scottish countryside I couldnt help but feel blown away by the beauty and peace of the Highlands. Have you ever been to a place that really blows your mind?? Well, this is one such place. From the picturesque beauty of little towns like Luss and Fort William to the natural majesty of Glencoe or Ben Nevis (Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Scotland which makes it the highest in the UK) there is something for everyone. Plus, how can I forget the Lochs of Scotland!! Just amazing. **** Scottish people are without doubt some of the most genuine and helpful you ... read more
The Matterhorn Reflection in a Lake
Most people have heard of the Matterhorn; the famous mountain in Switzerland. It is over 4,000 metres high and is well and truly part of the Swiss Alps. Zermatt is the perfect place to base yourself for your European Alps experience. Zermatt is almost always busy with tourists. In winter, it is a playground for skiing, snowboarding and for those who just like to see the town blanketed with bright white snow. But summer also is busy because people come to see the views and sunshine. To get to Zermatt, I took the Glacier Express train ride through some of the worlds most amazing scenery and views (see the photos). I would strongly recommend this if you can afford it, as the trains windows give you total 360 degree views. There is not a bad ... read more
View from our Accomodation
Sicily may as well be its own country. People here are Sicilian first and Italian second. They are fiercely proud of their culture, food and traditions. If you say to them that you love Sicily, thay arent the least surprised as they love it too. However, if you are after an experience that is unforgettable, head to Palermo, Sicily. **** Have you ever been in Italy in the summer months of June, July or August?? For those who have, including me, you will know that it is full of tourists. Places such as Florence, Rome, Venice and the Amalfi coast are just packed. Dont get me wrong, its impossible to not enjoy Italy, but there are a lot of people sharing the country with you!! Thats what great about Sicily. Yes, its still busier than ... read more
Exiting Skocjan cave
Well yes its Crackly again. This blog is a little different to all my others. Its mainly because of the fact that words cannot describe the awe-inspiring beauty of these magnificent caves. No matter how hard I try, I am unable to find the words to explain how truly breathtaking this cave system is. For the first time, I understand what it means when something takes your breath away. I felt so small and insignificant... but Skocjan will do that to you **** How to get there??? Well the caves are in The Skocjanske jame Regional park in Slovenia ( or in English Skocjan Caves Regional Park). What I did was catch the train to Divaca station and walked to the caves. (You can catch the train from Ljubljana to Divaca. Take the train heading ... read more
Andorra La Vella Streetscape
I hope youve been practicing your Catalan. Yes, the only country in the whole wide world where the official language is Catalan. But its OK, French, Spanish or English will get you around - no worries!! Another interesting thing is, that out of the population of around 80,000, Spanish make up 37%, Andorran 34% and French, around 15% - the Andorran population is outnumbered by the Spanish. **** Yes, nestled neatly between Spain and France - two of Europes' biggest countries- is one of Europes smallest. Many Europeans like it here because of the shopping. This is because there is no tax on alcohol, cigarettes, and most electrical goods. In fact its like a big duty-free one shop stop. Andorra La Vella (the capital city) is packed out most days as tourists drop in for ... read more
Typical sight around Vaduz
Oh yes, if ever there is a country that boxes above its weight, it has got to be Liechtenstein. In only 160 square kilometres (62 sq miles) you can view amazing alps, sample some of the worlds finest wine, drink crystal clear water, try mountain biking, skiing, bushwalking, fishing or you can just plonk your bum down and sip coffee and people watch. The country (well, officially a principality) is the worlds 4th smallest. But dont be fooled by its size. It is surrounde by the Saminata mountains on one side and the Swiss Alps on the other. The highest peak is 2599m -Mt. Grauspitz. Most people after a trluy magnificent view take the chairlift from Malbun to the Sareiserjoch. This chairlift takes you from 1600 metres above sea level to 2000 m (or 5250 feet ... read more
Lake Bled
Slovenia is a relatively small country. Its population is around 2,000,000. I must say though, for such a small country it really packs a punch!! From the peaks of the majestic Jesenice Alps to the deep underground chambers of the Skocjan caves, this country has something for all travellers whether you are backpacking or going 5-star luxury. We spent time in Lake Bled, Piran, Koper, Ljubljana (the capital city) and also visited the Skojcan caves. Lake Bled is a premier attraction of Slovenia. In winter, the lake freezes and the alps are blanketed in pure white snow. Its a winter wonderland. IN summer ( when we visited) the lake becomes a place to relax, unwind and walk. You can swim in the lake-the water is cool but crystal clear. In peak season it pays to book ... read more
