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Ice Bar in Stockholm
This place is made from 90% ice at -6 deg C. They only serve Vodka and you can only stay in there for 30 minutes at a time. Well from Berlin we caught an overnight train to Stockholm in Sweden. We weren't really sure when we were to get off the train to catch the ferry across the stretch of water that seperateds the 2 but we guessed it would work out. Hopped on the train at 11:30pm and straight into a sleeper cab and to bed. Woke up at about 4:30am with the train still rocking and rolling gently along, only to find out when looking out the window that the train wasn't moving!!!. During the night, the train had reached the port of somewhere, driven straight onto the ferry and it was as simple as that - all just too crazy to imagine. We eventually arrived in Stockholm to find accomadation a bit light on due to some convention or something, but secured lodgings in a hostel. We shared a room with 5 sets of double bunks which was very cosey as it was also unisex. No issues though, and infact it was very cheap and good way to travel. First night we booked into the "Ice Bar" for a few drinks, which at -6 deg C was mostly made out of ice. This included the bar,
Nina, Andes and of course us.
After ~3 years of chatting to these guys on the internet we finally got to meet them in person. Pretty cool since they live on the other side of the world. ice carvings and even the drinking cups. After being fitted out with thermal jackets we were in and sucking down the various flavoured Vodkas for our 1/2 hour time slot. The bar personnel are only allowed to work in there for 3 hour stints before they also change over. Night 3 we met up with a couple called Nina and Anders whom I have been chatting to on and off on the internet for about 3 years. We spent a great evening together having dinner and drinks with them at the expense of the Best Western Hotel chain (but that's another story). Stockholm also houses in a museum an old wooden sailing ship called the Vasa, that sunk in the harbour in early 1600s or something rediculous. Because of the cold and low salt levels in the water in the area, the ship managed to stay in pretty good shape for raising and partially restoring. Spent 4 hours there and could have spent longer as it was just so fascinating - check it out on the internet maybe.
Next stop was Denmark and the city of Copenhagen, unfortunately we were unable to catch up with Princess Mary, but the locals
Hans Christian Anderson show.
This little concert in Copenhagen was in dedication to Hans. The puppetry was just fantastic. tell us she is 4 months pregnant - cool huh. Went to the area known as the Tivoli which is a cross between an outside carnival, music festival, food and drink fest and theatre all rolled into one. It was the aniversary of Hans Christian Anderson, so we managed to witness a fantastic performace on the history of this great story teller.
Moving right along, next stop was Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Now here was an eye opener and not for the faint hearted. Coffee shops certainly arn't always what they seem, and the wiff of Drugs fills the air. The shop windows in the Red Light district resembles Hay Street in Kalgoorlie from the days of old and it really is not the sort of place you would encourage your kids to go. Although very interesting and amusing, there were also many historical facts about the place as well. The canal cruises pretty much tell you all, especially about what famous people stayed where and when over the years. Hot chips and mayo is the favourite food of the area and we gave them a go, a couple of times.
As we are drawing close to the end of
Eiffel Tower
Like you couldn't tell what this was huh. Didn't go up to the top as the cues to get in the lift where just to long. Pretty neat though. our European leg we sort of pushed ourselves along a bit to get in what we could. Spent a couple of nights in Brussels (Belgium) which like many of the countries had some amazing architecture. They also bang out some pretty good chocolate and have a chocolate fountain and all 😊.
On to Paris in France as we missed it going through a couple of months ago. Our first night there turned out to be just another one of those occassions. We had dinner at a little cafe, and at the table next to us were 2 women who had the dog with them. They asked if we minded the dog being there, and as it seems to be the done thing in europe we had no issue. After dinner one of the ladies (the one who spoke english) asked us if we would like her to drive us around and show us the night lights of Paris. As we had only just arrived and had seen basically nothing we accepted her invitation. OK the french are just as crazy drivers at the Italians and greeks etc but we survived and had a great evening. The following days were spent
Fondue!!!
Had a great night at this little restaurant, ended up with mouth blisters from the hot cheese and beef. sightseeing at the Louve, Eiffel Tower etc.
Getting lots of Train trips in and the scenery from France to Switzerland was as beautiful as it had been through the valleys between Czech and Germany a few weeks ago. Spent our time in the capital of Bern, including this time a pop/rock music festival. Didn't really do much sightseeing here, just used the time to rest and recuperate as our days are numbered.
Next and final European stop is Munich where we stayed for 2 days before flying out to Chicago. One lesson for all travellers, Munich is closed on Sundays!!!! Luckily, the beer house wasn't. We had an evening drinking beer out of humungous mugs whilst listening to the Oompah band.
Still loving it all, and are meeting so many people from all over the world on the way. It is actually very hard work sometimes though, and a bit daunting, but thousands are doing it.
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Mum.
non-member comment
Great!
I have loved catching up with you all along. Frances has been following it all too! She found it for herself, I just told her you were doing one. I think she envies you. look forward to you geting home and hearing all about it. Love, muxxx