Oldmate

There is one place in the world that without a doubt easily lays claim to single handily having the most profound effect on the way we live and think today. As the incubator of western civilisation, this country of great gods and goddesses, poets and philosophers, politicians and athletes; has bequeathed modern civilization with the building blocks of our society. I was always aware that English was derived through Latin but what I wasn’t aware of is Greek plays an almost equally important role as the root of the English language. Over a Mythos beer I think I could easily argue with you that Politics, Democracy, History, Physics, Law, Ethics & Philosophy - all words derived from Greek - are some of the most important words in the English Language and have fundamentally influenced our societies ... read more

After spending some time in Austria we jumped on a bus and made the quick (3hrs) journey down to Budapest. Easily the most fun city I have visited in my European travels. We arrived at the central bus station and jumped on the very efficent tube into town and then onto a soviet era tram to our hostel; the coolest hostel ever! We stayed at backpacker which was recommended to me by a friend who had stayed there before. They were too busy to fit us into a dorm but happily plunked us a in a very comfy 3 man tent, complete with mattresses, sheets and blankets in the backyard. When I asked if I could leave my backpack in the living room the answer was "This place is yours, do as you please". The ... read more

After exploring the lovely Prague, Brettles and I departed for Wien - the home of the Wiener Snitzel! Although it is reportedly known for other cultural achievements. Sorry if this next historical bit bores you but I just find it all riveting. I've learnt so much about European history since I started traveling. I also spent a while in Vienna so I have much to write. Vienna has been of huge historical significance since it's inception in 500 BC by the Celts. It has been the seat of two of the greatest European dynasties; The Babenberg(10th-13th centuries) and of course the Habsburgs empire who ruled until the end of the Holy Roman Empire in 1918. It is important to understand the enormity of what once was Habsburg Empire; it stretched from Switzerland east into the Ukraine, ... read more

Wow! There is plain and simply no other way to start an entry about this fairytale city of ancient castles, cathedrals and bridges. Broadly the modern Czech republic is comprised of germanic like bohemia in the west and the wine loving slavic Moravia in the east. Whilst only established as an independent country in 1993 Czech has a deep and magic history that still reverberates through the centre of it all, Prague. Maticka Praha (Little Mother Prague ) as the locals call it is situated on the Vltava Riva and comprises of Hradcany(the castle district), Mala Strana (little quarter), Stare Mesto (Old Town) and Nove Mesto (new town). But lets not get confused here, the new town is an embryonic 657 years old! The town is dominated by the Prague Castle on the hill, King Charles ... read more

The day begun as you can imagine with us all feeling just a little sorry for ourselves. The two Chilean girls left an hour or so before us so the group was now reduced to 8. The two Danes were very quiet and didn't interact with the group that much, so really the group became the Poms, Spanish & us Australians. After lots of toast, fresh fruit and chinese tea we got ready to head off. The weather closed in on us and started to pour. For the next 2 and a bit hours we head uphill in torrential rain with streams forming on the very slippery tracks. But it's not as bad as it all sounds, it was, strangely enough, pretty fun. After ascending the mounting it was time for us to go down the ... read more