Sunday 11 June 2006 Highlights: Watching World Cup match on the big screen
Today it was noticeable that the temperature is getting hotter for this travel day to Rome.
Our Rome campsite is similar to Venice however this time we have an independent and therefore much cheaper supermarket next door which will keep costs down.
As we got in too late to go into the city I spent the night watching the World Cup on the big screen which was a lot of fun with a huge group cheering and singing. I think I’m going to like my extended Rome stay.
Saturday 10 June 2006 Highlights: Walking around the Venice countryside, relaxing by a pool
Having seen what I wanted in Venice today I walked around the Venice countryside for a few hours and eventually found myself back at the campsite pool. Life is very hard some days.
Unfortunately they put someone in my room for the night so have to share tonight.
Friday 9 June 2006 Highlights: Gondola ride around Venice, Rialto Bridge, Torre dell Drologio
What a great day. Finally I experienced a warm day in Europe (I’m guessing around 24) and today I had the pleasure of exploring this marvellous city with five wonderful women (Natalie, Bernie, Melissa, Amy and Sally). What a great way to spend the day on the floating city of Venice.
Thursday 8 June 2006 Highlights: Nothing (Travel Day)
Today has a travel day to Venice. Nothing very special except the campsite is great (I have a room to myself when I should be sharing) and I had my first Italian lasagne at the campsite (not that good actually).
Wednesday 7 June 2006 Highlights: Travel day watching the landscape change
Today was a travel day only going back to Munich for the last time before I return for the World Cup on 24 June 2006. Saw a good movie on the bus ‘The Transporter’ and luckily got to call my sister Kara and nephew Andrew (before his big tennis match).
Having been given a warning about how expensive Venice can be I did a supply run at a local cheap supermarket and I’m now set for the Italian leg of the trip (15 days!) which should be great.
Tuesday 6 June 2006 Highlights: Boat cruise on Lake Lucerne, Buying an iconic Swiss Army Knife
Today was a lazy relaxing day which started with a very big breakfast which was free with accommodation. This was followed with a idyllic boat cruise around Lake Lucerne with Jess and Shannon. The Swiss sure have some of the most scenic sites in Europe.
Cruising on Lake Lucerne
When Luke joined us later in the day we went shopping now that things were open and I found a great Swiss Army knife place which was on my must do while in Switzerland. The four of us then went to the Supermarket and we made a great dinner (rolls, chicken, salad, wine, soft drink and even a desert). Great people once again.
I also got a chance to speak to a few USA citizens while they are in Lucerne. Most USA backpackers only get 3-4 weeks maximum to see Europe which is a real shame.
Monday 5 June 2006 Highlights: Walking tour of Lucerne, The Lion of Lucerne
Early in the morning I had my last chance to take in the fresh air and amazing sights of Lauterbrunnen for the last time before the short bus ride to Lucerne.
The view from my campsite in Lauterbrunnen
During the bus trip to Lucerne I decided with Luke, Jess, and Shannon that we would explore together over the next 2 days. Unfortunately the hotel didn’t let us check into 3 pm so we all went down to the Central Train station to check out tourist information for inspiration.
With today being a public holiday so most things were closed however we did get to do a very good walking tour of Lucerne. The most moving monument here was the Lion of Lucerne with is to remember over 600 Swiss who died defending a castle. The lion is also dying which is unusual for a national monument.
The Lion of Lucerne
As all 4 of us were very short on money we spent the night searching for a cheap eat, and finally found a very dark alley which sold kebabs, at one stage we asked about whether free water was included (I’m not kidding), yes real Aussie the backpackers were in town 🙂
Sunday 4 June 2006 Highlights: Lauterbrunnen Waterfalls
Today I headed off for a long hike around the Swiss mountains. The waterfalls were magnificent I even visited some inside a mountain. The weather wasn’t as good and the people going up to Jungfrajoch unfortunately missed out today.
Saturday 3 June 2006 Highlights: Train ride and sights at Top of Europe at Jungfrajoch
This place is just amazing the photos do no justice at all. Staying in a campsite for the first time I had a waterfall just outside my room. I stayed in a cabin with Luke (who I met in Bern) and Richie (NZ), each day we cooked a joint meal (Switzerland is very expensive). Luckily for me I got to go up to the ‘Top of Europe – Jungfrajoch’, which is the highest train station in Europe. The weather have this train trip cancelled the last few days apparently.
Friday 2 June 2006 Highlights: Exploring beautiful Bern
In the morning I explored the city again with Luke which mostly meant looking at some very nice buildings from the outside which include Einstein’s house while he lived in Bern.
Bridge over Aare River, Bern
Late in the afternoon I headed caught the BusAbout bus to Lauterbrunnen.
