But just roll with it folks. I totally intended this blog to be a memoir of my travels, not a live, on-the-go blog. Psh. Anyone can do that!
Anyway, here I am, several months after a trip that I would say helped to change me in many ways. If possible, I became more laid back after seeing Europe.. Which may or may not be such a good thing ha ha.
Alright! Recap time!
Reykjavik, Iceland - May 27 (for all of 2 hours)
Iceland is a beautiful place... from what I saw out the plane window coming in, and the digital map on the plane...
And the crazy thing is, the entire place was as foggy as Saint John! That's all I saw of Iceland.
Need to go back though. I hear they have some killer natural hot springs nestled into the truly beautiful landscape. And IcelandAir is SUPER cheap!
London, England - May 27-29
Day 1
Ok, also foggy. Not as bad as home, but still pretty foggy.
I had a pretty cool adventure finding my hostel, the St. Christopher's Inn at Shephard's Bush. I walked around Shephard's Bush area for at least 30 mins before finding the tiny sign...
However, all was forgotten once I got settled in. The beers were cheap, the food was cheap (but tasty), and breakfast was included the next day.
I finally got to talk to Katie (thank you FaceTime Audio Calls over Wi-Fi!!), which was a relief after several hours cramped on a plane and in airports without speaking to anyone from home. And of course, like any good son away from home on his own, I called my mother. She was happy to hear I was safe, but did complain about the frequency of my phone calls home... already.
After checking in and making sure my phone call quota was reached, I decided to head out and check out the area a bit. I had my card for the Underground, and found my way to the Royal National Hotel, the Contiki hotel, so I would know where to go the next day. And MAN, the Underground is efficient! I love the Tube system. Every city needs one of those bad boys. So quick. Except that rush hour is a bitch! So many people. As in, you look at the Tube car you are about to get on and think, "wow... no one else is getting on there!" and then 250 people push onto it. But still, super efficient.
Also of note - for tourists from our side of the pond, they have helpful little notices on the street telling you which way to watch for traffic!! It saved my life a couple of times.
Anyway, an easy night after flying over, with a couple of beer in the bar before heading up to catch some Z's.
Day 2
I got up and took full advantage of the free breakfast in the hostel. I realize now how awesome free breakfasts are while traveling! I got myself all checked out and headed to the Royal National to check in to my spot for the night.
Afterwards I took in some sights and met the first fellow Contiki traveler - Jordan Scott - an Aussie (there were many, many Aussies on this trip).
We headed out and about, checking out King's Cross Station. Truth be told, I definitely would have stood in line to get my photo taken at Platform 9 3/4, but the line was quite long and it was something in the neighbourhood of 45 pounds (there isn't a symbol for pounds on Blogger... weird.) so I said no thanks.
We walked aimlessly around in some pouring rain, looking for Wi-fi (you will see Wi-fi become something akin to a drug on these travels), as we tried to connect to a few more people from our group on Facebook.
That night was our Contiki Meet Up where we met the rest of our trip (who all turned out to be awesome!), including our Driver Cristian and Guide Trent. These two guys are incredible! If you do a Contiki, and don't get them handling your tour, you missed out.
After the meet up explained the "rules" of the night, it was a get-to-know-you session downstairs, followed by a way more successful get-to-know-you in the Contiki on-site bar at the Royal National. Many rums were consumed, many conversations had, lots of hockey talk with the fellow North Americans, lots of introductions and then more drinking (it was a bit of a theme on this trip... sorry liver).
That night was unknowingly the first glimpse into life on a Contiki tour: staying up until 2 am drinking, chatting, and making friends, before waking up at 5 am to hop on the bus, where you spend the first 4 hours trying to avoid the inevitable hangover, without success whatsoever.
Thus begins...
Day 3 - England side of the Channel
So, my first Contiki morning, waking up still half toasted from the night before, and up at 5 am to pack my stuff and get to the bus for the 6 am departure for the ferry to France.
We were apparently the most kick-ass Contiki group ever, because I'm pretty sure I remember us leaving London early - an unheard-of feat.
It was very cool, watching the mix of buildings from the middle ages and modern day manors whisk by, listening to the description of how Contiki started. Very cool, very humble beginnings of one group in a van, to growing into a crazy cool company that takes 1000's of people on various epic trips around the globe.
Cue the sleep.
About 2 hours later we made the English Channel and the Ferry across to Calais, France.
French customs put the ease of Canadian customs to shame. We got off the bus, formed a line, and there wasn't even a question asked to anyone that I can tell. A quick glance at the passport picture, then your face, and an entry stamp into France.
Fantastic people, the French. Almost as laid-back as the Italians, but like to drink, smoke, and curse more than any other culture I met.
That ferry ride was pretty epic, but I think that's for the next post.
As a teaser, a morning specialty hot chocolate (not at all as good as it sounded..), Nerf Guns, and coming into the City of Lights.
Stay tuned!! For real this time!
