White Water Rafting and Mountain Biking in Austria!

Our first entrance into Austria was met with a lovely moon. I don't mean moon like in the sky.

The truck next to
our lovely Contiki coach was fun of lively Austrian gentlemen who thought it would be great to moon us so we had a nice view of a white butt out of the window. The girls screamed and I wish I would have taken a picture but oh well....



Once we were in the Austria though, the view, the real natural view was spectacular. We first hand saw "The Hills Are Alive With The Sound of Music."That day was quite an adventurous one for us. We went white water rafting in the mountains of Austria. I have always wanted to go white water rafting. This was a real jam packed adventure though, I'm not sure I was ready for it. We had full body wet suits as the water in Austria is cold. We had life jackets, rain jackets, special water shoes, brief episode of training and then we hit the water. We also first had to demonstrate that we could swim and had to jump out of the raft into the water, get our hair wet, and demonstrate that we could get back in or rather be pulled back in. The waves were immense. We also had moments to just sit back and enjoy the view which was gorgeous. We did tip over at one point and thank goodness for a fellow rafter who pulled me in. It was exciting and absolutely amazing. I was terrified but I was so glad that I did it.

After the experience, the first thing that we were met with were shots of SCHNAPS, the traditional Austrian alcohol. We all drank it down. Then we had really good goulash which is this red stew with potatoes and meat and really good bread served in white bowls. This was one of the best meals that I had. After being in such cold water eating this hot steaming stew with the bread melting in it was awesome. I really needed that.

That night we stayed in cabins in Hopfgarten which is a little complex owned by Contiki. The village itself is really cute and small. They have a local bar called the Steal Bullet and sperm shots are very popular there. Our own tour manager and driver served us our traditional meat and potatoes dinner. They were dressed up as Helga and Hansel. :)

The next day we spent mountain biking in the mountains in Austria. This was also a challenge. The hills were steep and I only then realized how out of shape I was. We decided to take a "short cut" that was shorter but took us on very steep slopes. Once we got to the meeting area, I could barely move. I almost instinctively threw the bike down, took off my helmet and collapsed on the green grass. Above me were mountains and below me was the most comfortable green grass that warmed my whole body. I will never forget that grass, those mountains, and that sunshine. The barbecue we had there cooked by Fritz I am convinced was the best food I have ever had in my life. A spring cabbage salad with sizzling sausage and a hot potato. This potato was like sent from God. I have never in my life had a potato that was taken off the grill in front of you and melted in your mouth like that. The sour cream, ketchup sauce, and sweet mustard sauce were also incredible on the potato and sausage. That was the best meal I have ever had in my life.

The ride down was much easier and really really really fast. I breaked the whole time and I was scared I was going to break too hard and fly out into the brooks beneath me. We had the rest of the afternoon to explore the village and go bass fishing, swim in a lake, or just ride our bikes and get lost in the way things used to be with a local post office and bank. At night there was a "pimp and hoe" party with other awesome Contiki tours. There was of course a poll there for everyone to show off what they had. Austria was awesome! So much adventure, amazing food, tons of fun!

A gondola ride in Venice

I have always wanted to go to Venice especially with recent news that it is sinking. When we took the fairy ride over to Venice I was super excited. We first came into the famous St. Marten's square. This square really is full of pigeons everywhere. They sit on people and run after people. They only managed to run away from me though. We walked around Venice for hours. It was really lovely. Venetian glass blowing and masks are very popular there. For 10 days, they have a festival where everyone walks out and wears masks. There are designer stores also in Venice everywhere. Gucci and Pucci as well as Armani decorate the streets. As soon as we were ready for our gondola ride, we were given really good champaign on a gondola in Italy. The gondoliers though cute were not as romantic as we had thought. We even had some traffic on the water as the different gondolas made their way through. Our ride was during the daytime so we could see all the narrow streets looming above us, people with flower baskets on their balconies waved to us. There were staircases disappearing into no where as the water levels of Venice are rising. Our gondolier didn't sing either. Some even talked on their cell phones. I thought it was funny how modernity even plays a role here. This reminded me of the Bedouins in Israel who use cell phones riding camels in the desert. In regards to the gondoliers apparently it is forbidden for them to sing so that they do not disgrace the Italian heritage. A special singing assistant can also be arranged with an accordion who will uphold the true Venetian musical principles. This is ironic that they try to uphold tradition here but the gondoliers themselves aren't what one would expect them to be. We then had dinner in a local Venetian restaurant. A man playing a clarinet walked around our tables. Roses were sold. Everywhere we dine, we had live entertainment. We also saw a traditional glass blowing presentation. Venice is wonderful. I wish we could have stayed more there at night in St. Marten's Square to see it light up in all its grandeur.

Florence

We spent two days loving Florence. Florence is the city of statues, art filled streets, a crazy night life, delicious Italian dining, and shopping galore. Did you know that the story of Pinocchio was created near Florence? There are tons of the puppets being sold in different sizes in the streets. I made sure to buy two. Pashmina's and leather are also known to be made in Florence. Speaking of leather, Florence is also full of illegal vendors selling knock off Louis Vutton, Chanel, Gucci, Dolce and Gabanna purses. If one is caught purchasing these items, they can be charged up to $2,000 Euros so I made sure to stay away however tempting it was.

In Florence, we had two huge family style dinners. Both were feasts for a wedding. We were served countless plates of pasta, salads, different meats, and stir fries and vegetables. On our second evening there we were met with cocktails, fountains, champaign everywhere. We saw an engagement of a fellow Contiki tour also dining with us. There was also a live Opera singer performing for us and a live band.
Florence was magnificent. That is exactly the right word to describe it.

On both nights in Florence we also went out. The first night to a karaoke bar "The Red Garter Pub" which is a favorite and then the second evening to the unbelievable Space Electronic Disqo Techa. This club has two amazing floors. We were given VIP status and taken to an exclusive glass room above a huge dance floor full of spaceships and dancing people. I have never been to a club like this. In the VIP room we were given unlimited wine and champaign. The first drink for everyone were on the house as soon as we got to the club and let's just say we partied hard and in style. Talking the taxi home with fellow drunk friends was also quite an adventure. We made sure to get all the high heels out of the taxi.

Lucerne, Switzerland!

Lucerne, Switzerland was probably by far my most favorite city that we went to. I didn't know what to expect but as soon as I arrived in this beautiful city it was literally like I was in another time. The streets were bright and cheery. The architecture was beautiful. The Swiss Alps were in the background as if floating on a lake making the whole place look like a fairy tale. I love mountains. There were castles in the hills, white swans floating on the lake, flowers on bridges, and the chocolote was yes...HEAVENLY! This was the best chocolote I had ever had. We were given a few hours to explore the city and then we were taken to a traditional Swiss Folk Restaurant.

The fondue we had at the restaurant was the best. The cheese was really good. Again we were offered a soft drink and wine and the main meal was also very good with potatoes and veal. We had a professional yodeler and the Swiss displayed and played all their traditional instruments. Following this festive evening of yes the "chicken dance" too, we were taken to a high class bar. The bar was full of candles and white leather couches. Then we were told that there was an exclusive "beach bar" that we had to go to so our tour manager took us there.
At this bar we literally had to check our shoes in because the floor was covered in sand. The dancing, the drinks, everything was awesome. Switzerland was as happening as it was gorgeous.

The next day we went up in a train and then cable car to the Swiss Alps. This is seriously probably one of the most beautiful things that I have ever seen in my life. They were gorgeous. Everywhere you look, it's you and the mountains. The view was incredible. It was funny also that there was a little zoo of beavers up there. I took a picture of two of them kissing. I loved Switzerland. I for sure want to come back here again.

Loving the Louvre and the Moulin Rouge

On the second day in Paris, we woke up to have breakfast on the top of the roof of our hotel. I was thrilled when I saw the chocolote croissants and abundance of nutella. After breakfast, we were driven into the heart of Paris, given a map and allowed to explore Paris on our own. I was so excited about this opportunity for freedom. Friends and I went to the Louvre first. I knew I couldn't leave Paris without going to the world famous art museum The Louvre. Apparently, if one were to go through the entire museum, it would take 9 monthes. It is the second largest in the world. The first is in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Da Vinchi Code was shot here.

Once we were there, we went straight for the Mona Lisa. Our Contiki tour manager gave us a secret entrance tip that saved us from standing hours in line to get into the museum. For that info, you'll have to try Contiki yourself :) It's top secret, but it works. You can count on it.
When we got to the Mona Lisa, there was a large crowd there to see her. You could just follow the flock of people and you knew that you would get to her. Now I can proudly say that I saw her as well. Indeed it does seem like her eyes are always watching you. It's incredible how one piece of art can gather and excite so many people.

Then we got a bit lost but did end up finding Venus Di Milo, the ideal woman. The Louvre is absolutely gorgeous. It was time spent well and I really recommend you to go there. I wish that I would have went to see "The Thinker" a famous statue that is in gardens in Paris and to the Mussee Dorsee which has art from the impressionist period. My favorite artist is Renoir. We did go see The Notre Dame which was beautiful. We even found the golden circle that we stood on meaning we would come back to Paris.

The rest of our time was spent exploring the beautiful streets of Paris. We made sure to check out the Sex and the City bridge where Carrie and Mr. Big were reunited. We had a very delicious baghuette from Paul's. We sat a lovely cafe and enjoyed a crepe with nutella. Doesn't really get much better than that. I felt that the best part of exploring Paris was actually walking in the streets, enjoying the cafe, and really being a part of it.

The same night we went to the Moulin Rouge. I had no idea what to expect but it was unbelievable. We had dinner at the theater with unlimited wine and champaign, soup, steak, desert. There was a fish and a vegetarian option as well. I had steak. I realized even more that the more expensive something is, the smaller the portion is. My steak was like a medallion but it was delicious. The show was spectacular. The costumes were incredible. And yes, the women were topless. I think in Paris though this is considered stylish not raunchy. At that evening, many of us got drunk. We were not used to this unlimited supply of high class alcohol. It was wonderful.
I spent the coach ride home apparently talking to myself out loud.
Goodbye Paris. You were unforgettable.

Tuesday, July 24th 2007 First Day in Paris

Arriving in Paris was unbelievable. I kept looking all around me and was awed with the different architecture, all the quaint little streets with people hanging flowers from their balconies. Funny enough I had just seen Ratatouille in theaters and it made me look forward to Paris all the more. It's about a mouse who dreams of becoming a chef and becomes one in Paris.

At first when we left the airport, we took a ride on our fabulous couch (European term for bus) through the city. It is very comfortable with roomy air conditioned seats. Then after we arrived at our nice hotel we were given an hour and a half to rest. This same night we went up to the Eiffel Tower. I didn't honestly know what to expect. I had heard that it wasn't really that great. Our tour manager by the way who is a kiwi :) = New Zealender and our driver who is an Aussie = Australian were awesome from the start. The Kiwi whose name is Ryan distracted our attention by pointing to a place where Napoleon had supposedly put his name in with bullets (which by the way didn't really happen) when on the other side he suddenly told us was the Eiffel Tower. It was definitely one of those "wow" moments.

Going up the Eiffel Tower was really incredible. We got VIP passes since we are with Contiki so we pretty much headed up for the top quickly. There were hundreds of people waiting in line. Going up on the elevators with the whole group was so much fun. Seeing the sun set at the top was wonderful. Then when it was time to go down, we started running down the steps. All of a sudden I had a feeling that a million Paparazzi were taking our pictures because the whole tower was sparkling. I was in it at the time and couldn't really understand what was happening until I realized that these flashes were coming from the tower itself. I rushed down to see it sparkling on its own, without me in it, but the second I got down it was over. Being up there when it happens though was out of this world. I heard there was an engagement there that night too.
Paris is fabulous!
All the Best,
Inna

July 23, 2007 Ready for Europe

Today I am leaving for Europe. I am actually originally from Europe, Moldova, so going back will be quite special for me. I moved from Moldova when I was 4 so I really don't remember anything. But my family has brought me up in European culture, all the superstitions, many traditions, and with lots of "European" principles too. Going to Europe again after so much time will be different. I know that this Contiki trip is going to bring so much into my life.

My adventure is full of different countries. I am going to be going to Paris, Lucerne-Switzerland, Florence, Venice, Tyrol-Austria, Munich, and Prague. All of this will happen in the next two weeks! This isn't going to be just sightseeing but I am going to the clubs and experience the night life, go up into the Swiss Alps, go white water rafting in Austria (white water rafting is something I've always wanted to do.)

I hope that by going to these different countries I will be able to be immersed in the culture as well as learn about how different the world really is or maybe even how much the same. Either way, I am so excited yay CONTIKI Europe here I come !!!!
I'll write soon and keep you updated on my adventure.
All the Best,
Inna