What day is it? One thing's for sure... you'll always think twice before writing the date from now on. Is it 20 October, 2007 or October 20, 2007? Yeah I know... probably the least thing that has changed for you.
For me, it was gradual. I visited relatives in Richmond Virginia after having been traveling for work (domestic and international) for over two years. My independence was already established. My uncle was going to pick me up from the airport but when I landed I found he was tied up for the next hour. ...so I found a brochure that said one tourist attraction was the Edgar Allen Poe museum. Had a cab take me there. When I found it wasn't open yet (I'd taken a redeye) I walked around the historic downtown area for a while. I thought it was no big deal but my local family was surprised at just how independent I was. "Did you come out planning to visit the museum?" No, it was spur of the moment. ...but it was the first time I'd realized it myself. I was no longer a kid that needed an escort, I'd proven that I knew how to get around on my own.
Jennifer, you've taken that to the next level!!
Great feeling, isn't it?
Welcome back So much has changed since you were gone! Arnold changed the official language of Kalifornia http://tinyurl.com/3xpndy, our kurrenzy waz changed to de Amero http://www.amerocurrency.com/, and Sophia turnd 1 yeer old! Don't wory, we'l get u zpeakin and zpendin lik ze rest of uz in no tim!
cheers for the green and pink backpack! I'm so glad to hear that the backpack has been a good companion to you on your trip! It's taken me on many an adventure, and Lord knows where my cousin went with it before she gave it to me. I'm psyched that you've been bitten by the travel bug, too. Once bitten, you'll have the itch forever! :)
Keyboards? You started off having a difficult time with the keyboards. Have you been able to find keyboards with the U.S. layout or have you just gotten used to it?
First time I typed on a German keyboard, I popped up a web browser and tried to type in www.yahoo.com. It came out www.zahoo.com. At first I thought, "how clever! It translated it for me!" "...wait a minute... why are the Y and the Z keys switched?" Turned out there were a lot more keys in the "wrong" places than that!
Munchen Jstar! Twat up? I stayed at Wombats too! LOL. I actually liked Euro Youth Hostel down the street more, well at least the bar. The bar there was great. Jager's, the hostel in between the two always looked boring. Try the Itailian restaurant across the street on the corner it's pretty good. Check out the Hofbrau house and drink a stein for me. If you want a good tour check out Mike's Bike Tour. They take you around with cool beach cruisers through Munchen, the English Gardens and such. Hope all is well. Safe travels. Prost.
experience for life I'm way behind and just read all your entries in one fell swoop. It was great to see how you've met challenges and bounced back from them. You said God is testing you, but I think you're testing you too -- you put yourself in this situation, out of your comfort zone and all alone, and you've had fun and adventures and eye-opening experiences, so kudos to you for that! It makes me thirsty to travel just reading about your time there. Looking forward to seeing your pictures. Say hi to Colleen for me!
SLICE... I love reading about your adventures! And I'm super glad that you're better now =) Reading all your entries got me hopeful for my first visit to the UK (next summer, LOL). Must admit- although you're having a blast, we miss ya LOTS over here. Ok... can't wait for your next entry. *HUGS KISSES*
HELLO...I FORGOT TO TELL YOU THAT PEOPLE TOTALLY GET DRUNK AND CRAZY DURING THE OKTOBERFEST BUT OVERALL EVERYONE JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN. BE SURE TO GET ME A OKTOBERFEST T-SHIRT. HAVE FUN BUT NO STRIPPING.....
I've been remiss And haven't commented for a few days. However, it was quite the roller coaster from Rome on in, and it's been enjoyable seeing you bounce back from the down points, make some lemonade with the lemons, and move on to happy town (Munich, on beer). Oktoberfest is here, and all will be OK (except the hangover. Too bad you can't rectify that with the classic formula: gordo's burrito, Niner game, couch). Remember, think Beerfest (don't wear a white shirt or get into any drinking competitions with a group of German brothers. Everyone knows their gam gam is a w%$#@). DAS BOOT!
Your story about the creepy Italian guy on the train reminds me of that scene in Eurotrip with the creepy Italian guy on the train. It's not as funny in real life, though =/ Have fun in Germany...I wanna see pics of lederhosen and das boot!! haha
Take care of yourself...the City misses you! (and I do too)
LEDERHOSEN!! LOL!! That's all i gotta Say! don't you wish you had your toy! I can relate about staying at a hostel for so many days. I was like that too in JP. My last few days, i spent the money on a Hotel! =) it happens. Enjoy Germany and OKTOBEERFEST!
Whew Traveling alone does take a lot out of you. Get a notepad and start writing out all of the funny stories you can think of so that you won't forget to share them when you come home. You can make it into a scrapbook later or whatever.
...and enjoy!
It can be frustrating when your day does not go as planned, remember where you are... How many people in their lives dream to see the Pope? Even if it was on a giant video screen, it is a dream come true for many. Cheer up, you could be in Boca, or NJ - instead you are in Rome and going to Germany for OCTOBERFEST! In the mean time the Chicago Bears are stinking up the NFL.
Travelling alone does have its challenges but cheer up, you're in an amazing part of the world! I'm still very jealous that you're in Europe right now.
Sports update: Seahawks vs. 49ers this afternoon. Battle for first in the NFC West!
romans are cool. when i was in rome, i totally thought all the italians i met were incredibly friendly and coo. its nice to know it wasn't a fluke and that you're experiencing the same thing. i totally wanted to learn italian too. maybe you can pick some up and teach me when u get back. :)
You crack me up I like the teaser. Now I have to hang out with you when you get back to get the juicy stuff, huh? Fine, I will ;) Sounds like you've found some good peeps, and more Cali folks! Now you're in a place that I've been dying to go forever. Write more! Screw the people behind you, they can wait! Be safe, have fun. And stay dry.
Yay! Jen... I'm so very happy and excited for you. I read your blogs (kinda had to catch up) and they are awesome! I can't wait to see your pictures and hear more stories. You should be in Italy now - ahh... jealous!!! =) Enjoy this time as I know you are.... and cherish all the beautiful things! mwah! xoxo
I'ts? Hope that was a typo. Wow. I you are going to have seen and done so much by the end of this trip. It's crazy how much you've seen already. And read! I'm duly impressed with both. This should be a real mind opener trip for you. Kudos to you. Be safe. Keep having fun. And when you are in Rome you HAVE TO rent a moped for a couple hours and zip around town going "Ciao!" to people. Awesome. Ciao.
I'm off to Europe for the first time! I got my backpack, travel book, passport and an itch to see what's out there. I'll be roaming around for a month by myself to explore England, France, Spain, Germany and more if time permits. YAY GUYS! I'm actually doing it!... full info
Marc Miller
non-member comment
What day is it?
One thing's for sure... you'll always think twice before writing the date from now on. Is it 20 October, 2007 or October 20, 2007? Yeah I know... probably the least thing that has changed for you. For me, it was gradual. I visited relatives in Richmond Virginia after having been traveling for work (domestic and international) for over two years. My independence was already established. My uncle was going to pick me up from the airport but when I landed I found he was tied up for the next hour. ...so I found a brochure that said one tourist attraction was the Edgar Allen Poe museum. Had a cab take me there. When I found it wasn't open yet (I'd taken a redeye) I walked around the historic downtown area for a while. I thought it was no big deal but my local family was surprised at just how independent I was. "Did you come out planning to visit the museum?" No, it was spur of the moment. ...but it was the first time I'd realized it myself. I was no longer a kid that needed an escort, I'd proven that I knew how to get around on my own. Jennifer, you've taken that to the next level!! Great feeling, isn't it?