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Published: April 29th 2011
Since we last spoke much has happened and currently we find ourselves somewhere in the Czech Republic, which looks a bit like Germany, which looks a bit like Belgium, which looks a bit like…well…France.
Yes we covered four countries in the short space of five days and it has, and does, look all the same. We have started our overland adventure by making our way quickly through Europe as it is the most draining on the wallet and we just want to hurry up through to the ‘good stuff’.
Our first day included now less than three countries as we left London with Odyssey Overland on course for Tournai in Belgium. After a very smooth channel crossing to Calais, we began the drive to Belgium. Our new home for six months (well almost the six months) is Calypso the truck (not a bus!) and holds 24 people and all their belongings as well as shelter and food. We are sure it’ll be quite an adventure as we have all worked out that we get along great and all have a penchant for booze and gossiping.
After our first night under canvas in Belgium we began the trek for
Cologne or Koln, home of the fantastic cathedral or dom. The town itself is a prime example of German organization, clean, orderly and with everything on hand however it does have a dark side after being almost completely flattened thanks to allied bombings in the second World War. The only thing that was left standing, ironically, was the cathedral. If you are passing through Germany, the structure itself is well worth a visit.
After a quick camp at a very efficient and very clean campsite we set off for Bamberg. Yes Bamberg, not Hamberg as many people want to claim. The town itself is a UNESCO Heritage site and almost has a touch of Brugges in that it is a small, quaint medieval town which has been established on the banks of a weaving river.
The town is home to another impressive cathedral, countless ‘bier gartens’ and not too many lederhosens. It took a few hours to see the sights which included a small visit to one of the many impressive cake shops – on a side note if you do visit German towns you MUST sample the local sweet treats. We of course HAD to try the
tangy and sweet rhubarb tarts but of course apple tarts/strudels looked equally desirable.
Next stop was the picturesque city of Prague, it was my second time in this majestic city but was Susan’s first. It is still equally beautiful and has much to offer to the budding traveler, with the Charles Bridge and the castle up on the hill particular highlights. However, there was a bit of disappointment in that the prices have quadrupled and the amount of tourists has increased by..well a hell of a lot. I would still sya Prague is a place to see, but with those on a tight budget beware.
Prague was followed by Budapest, again a place I have visited when I was younger but a first for Miss Kelly. A slightly more down trodden version of Prague but in my opnion much more interesting. With its relics of long and hard Communist era and quiet demeanor it is a bit more intrepid traveler friendly than over priced Prague.. Highlights included the Hero’s Monument, the chain bridge over the river Danube and the views from the Palace on the Pest side of the city but unfortunately these are also the places where
the tourists flock. The biggest highlight was actually wandering around the streets for hours and getting lost amongst the grey facades of what was once a magnificent city and once the power capital of Europe.
Hungary is to be followed soon by Romania for a few days then slowly we will be weaving our way through Bulgaria and down into Istanbul where we will be based for a few days. We are moving at quite a quick rate thanks to the prices of Europe but soon enough we will be slowly the pace down as we start moving into the more adventurous terrain of central Asia as we follow the Silk Route.
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Mum
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E for Europe!
Thanks girls, great blog as usual, Just back from the pub from watching the Royal wedding (gorgeous) - the Poms ceratinly know how to do the pomp and ceremony and the crowds were very happy and smiley. Sorry Europe seems expensive - hey, its E.U. a lot of it and look wot has happened in Cyprus! Glad to hear things will slow up for you a bit soon, thought they would, as very soon it will be more natural pastures new. Love keeping up with your whereabouts on the map - just as well as the putor connection seems to be very slow. Mind you I am not talking about computers at the moment as ours as gone to in a funny mood, all slow and weary and Dad's marking will start arriving before too much longer. Simon and putor geck is in England but there is talk of him doing it from there!! Magic?! Whoops, this was supposed to be a comment, not an e-mail. No worries. Continue to have fun you two. Lotsa luv from Cyprus, Mxx P.S. Still awaiting the England leap!!! And have missed Colin - hope you didn't leave him behind.