Versailles...words cannot describe

There are a few places during my trip that I've always wanted to visist. The Versailles castle was one of these places. Back in grade 11 I had done a project all about the castles history, therefore going and seeing this place first hand made it that much better.

I went right as the castle ground were opening...talking to others they said you need a full day to really just see the gardens...well I'm making it a full day to see everything. One of the most breathtaking parts of the journey was walking up to the castle down Avenue de Paris and seeing the sun glistening against the golden gates...I was actually going to see Versailles.


I walk around the front gardens before purchasing my ticket and entering the castle, but even the first gardens are magnificient. Orange trees line the superbly manicured lawns with flowers blossoming arays of different colours. Of course I had to pick and try to eat one of the Versailles oranges...its just something I had to do.

After spending an hour in and amongst the gardens, I noticed how many people had already swarmed the ticket booth...whew thank goodness I already purchased my ticket...so I waltzed into the castle...looked and laughed at numerous paintings on the first floor, entered the second floor...and then...there it was...the hall of mirrors...Some of the complete majesty is lost with the hords of people, but still...the room takes your breath away. One mirror for every window...I believe thirteen to be exact. The light just makes everything in the room glisten.

The rest of the castle is just peanuts compared to the hall of mirrors, however they had some unique art alligned with each room from a man named Jeff Koon which I thought was a humerous contrast. One of the pieces actually allowed me to get a very unique picture of the war room.

The piece of art was that of a balloon animal, shaped as a dog...anyway I digress. The next stop for me was the Grand Trianon...I was again able to beat the crowds as there were only a handful of people gazing at this next magnificient building. After snapping some pictures I ventured inside...only to learn that there have been many dignitaries before me who have stood in the exact same place. Magaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan, Pierre Trudeau and others to just name a few. I was blown away at how many special events this place has hosted. After walking around the grounds a little, I ploped myself down for some lunch. Again I couldn't believe that I was viewing, let alone eating at the mindblowing castle of Versailles.

Boy this day was full of walking...I really don't know how many kilometers I walked, but if you ever look at an arial view of the castle...I walked every part...except for the forests in the back used for hunting. Ya afterwards my whole body ached...totally worth it though. I also got lucky with the next area of my excursion...the Petit Trianon...before this week no one except staff had ventured inside the Petit Trianon...it was just newly opened and I was fortunate enough to take a gander...really it was just another area for Marie Antoinette to sleep and keep her vast array of clothing...but non the less, it was still jaw dropping...mainly the staircase.

Time to take a look at the map...and set my gears into garden mode...since I was close I took off for Marie Antoinettes little garden play area. There I was able to see enormous fish, plush rasberries(which of course I tried), beautiful smelling flowers and fields of grapes for wine...which I snuck in and tried aswell...even though the first grape was the sourest thing I've ever tasted...the others weren't too bad, but I was very sceptical. I was at the far end of the grounds and its still mind-blowing to think of all the places built onto this land

Time to walk around the gardens...now this may sound like an easy feat, however the gardens aren't the local ones that are put together by your little ol neighbors. No this ones have to be fit for a king...therefore they are huge mazes full of flowers, fountains, rock formations and anything else a king could want. I decided to set my mode on wander and try not getting lost...well it turns out I like to explore areas that the average person doesn't get too see. Soooo I push through a rickety old wooden fence and begin to explore the back areas of the grounds that aren't shown on the map. A few statues and old foundations, but not a whole lot. On the other hand, I did find out first hand how well the grounds were protected from intruders...ya had to go back the way I came...good 45 minutes later.

One thing that I missed from Versailles was that none of the fountains were turned on...yes they're still beautiful, but for some reason water spraying out of a dragon's mouth just appeals to me...go figure right. My favorite of the fountains going in was the Neptune fountain, however that changed when I saw this crazy one with a golden greek god pushing himself out of rocks...have a look for yourself.

I was agast at how much time the gardeners must put into each and every garden since there's atleast 30 different areas worthy of huge flower arrangements, grass manicuration or special rock placements...I just wonder how they would have cut the grass hundreds of years ago without the machines like they have now...boy I bet that guy hated his job.

Another area of my excursion led me to an area that only allows people inside on very special occaisions...I think it's once every year or something...well this explorer isn't going to be outdone by some metal gates...I want to see what's inside...so I venture around the back, find a forrested opening...ohhh and what have we here...just big enough for me to squeeze through...hmmm guess it pays off eating only bread and crackers. It's turns out to be this huge outdoor ampa-theatre, where the seats are all grass and the rocks form the area where people would sing or perform.

I snuck in an snuck out snapping only one pictures just so I didn't disturb anything...or get caught.

Walking around the grounds sure tire's one's self out...so I found a plush grassy area by the huge resevoir of water at the back of the castle and I lied down...then fell asleep. Just enough time to recouperate myself and finish off the gardens and see the last fountain...the Neptune fountain. Turns out they were doing construction on it so I couldn't get a good picture...buuuut I guess that's what postcards are for. Guards are starting to shoo people off the grounds anyways, the suns going down and I grab just one more photo...still thinking to myself what a glorious day.

As I'm strolling back to the train station humming a nice tune to myself, I gaze upon a strange doorway...It's all full of boxes. I stop for a second and ponder if this is a mistake or if it's real...well I've been exploring all day lets go see. Turns out it's man made and is one of the weirdest things I've ever seen...very unique for a picture. After putting my camera away and look towards the road I see a swarm of tourists just gathering around the street wondering if they too could get a good picture...I strut on by and give them my permission to take a picture...well looks like I won't be the only one now with this...

Boy oh boy...Versailles was every little bit of what I imagined...next is Vimy Ridge and I don't really know what to expect...until next time.

Barcelonaaaaaaaa and South France

Holy smokes you really wouldnt think it should take this long to write a new blog post...well folks the thing is I couldn't find computers worthy of writing this glorious tale, therefore here we are. Now currently Im in France, but Im going to start off with last Thursday as I arrived in Barcelona.

I was really looking forward to going to Barcelona, one for the numerous fun times that I was told would happen and two for the sun and beaches...well only one really happened. Lucky for me I arrive the day it clouds over...good thing was... it never really rained on me...yes.

Onto the first day. A little meet and great and off I go with a guy from Scotland to a place called park Guell. If you know anything about arcitechture you'll know that it was one of the Famous Gaudi arcitechtural builds in Barcelona...dont worry I really didn't know either. After heading there walking around the mountain side for what I thought was a little while I look at the time and wow will you look at that...the days gone. Turns out the trip to Barcelona is just like the many before it...intense walking excursions and many sights to see.

Day two Gaudi Cathedral or in reality Cathedral Sagrada familia. Just to be honest with everyone, when I first looked at coming to Barcelona the Gaudi stuff was just...eh so so to me, but geez pictures do not do his work justice. You really have to see the stuff first hand as its just amazing how intrecate everything is. All the small details and just random items he puts into his work...just blew me away...and yes I became a fan.

You cant see it in this picture but the entrance to the Cathedral has the entire Nativity scene of the birth of Jesus sculpted out of rock all in hand...crazy stuff...o and theres a giant Christmas tree full of doves between the two double pillars.

Again the cathedral along with a few other small stops completed the second day...geez i couldn't believe how fast these days were going, and man the people just everywhere...it was sick to think that this was the start of their slower season...I would not want to see what busy season was like.

The big reason I had planned to come to barcelona was for their biggest festival, called Marcé. Its based on their Saint and it just a crazy outdoor music festival with just enormous ammounts of things to do. Now I was checking the list of band performing and something caught my eye...one of the bands was from Canada and...it was...SAM ROBERTS...yes thats totally awesome. Just a sidenote...not a superfan or anything, but have a few of his songs on my ipod and hes Canadian....so ya gotta see what he's like live.

A group of us Canadians with a few Americans tagging along because they just know we know how to bring the party decide to head there a little early just so we can get close...turns out theres a Spanish group playing before hand and holy smokes...the place is jammed tight like sardines...turns out it starts to rain aswell...ooops guess I lied earlier on...oh well. Ya so after that group goes well past its playing time and after all of us non spanish speakers had enough of the band we make our way to the front for the REAL concert.

FRONT ROW AND CENTRE BABY...and boy was this concert a rocking...it filled up super quick after these guys let loose the golden sounds from above. probably funniest part was when Sam Roberts comes out on stage...chugs a Moloson Canadian beer then throws it into the crowd...unfortunately it hits a girl right infront of me...right in the head...and she was a super die hard fan...boy did that baby swell up fast. He sees this...apologizes right away then brings her up on stage...ya I think he made her night after that.

The concert was outstanding so I booked another day to stay in Barcelona and by golly am I glad that I did. Me and another guy that I've been meeting up with along the way headed out to the Olympic area and on our way there we saw an advertisement for the bull fight...well hello something I've been wanting to do this whole time while in Spain and Portugal lands on my lap. We finish of there and race to the bull ring, we get the cheapest tickets...and even though this turned out to be one of my most expensive days...it was sooooo worth it.

I really wasn't sure what to expect when I went in. I knew they killed the bull, but that was basically it. Now these guys have guts...you would never find me inches away from a huge bull who is just super pissed because you have these little turds in tights poking at you and just tauting you.

I do agree to a certain extent that its severe torture as they end up killing six bulls throughout the night, but it was still unique and entertaining to see how they actually perform the entire show. I was impressed, but at the same time would probably not go again.

The picture above and to the left is tought to make out but if you're able to zoom it in you can see the matador stabbing the sword into the bulls back...pretty intense and graphic stuff...definitely not for the faint of heart as three people fainted during or after the show.

After these past few intesified filled days what more could you ask for...well lets see...how bout a nice 12 hour train ride...hmmm ya that sounds real nice. Well it should because thats where I was headed...Nice, France (pronounced Neese for those that aren't sure)

Turns out the rain enjoys following me places...it just knows how muuuuuch i love it. So the left is Nice.(there was a sunny break and I thought it just looked stunning with the rays over the water and birds flying across)

Again walking was on the agenda as me and some fellow backpackers explored the town of Nice. I was able to walk through some beautiful outdoor markets as well which made me salivate as the food looked and smelled soooo good...darn budget.

O and a quick note for my Grandma. There was a stand with some of the sweetest smelling wild lavander I have ever smelled...and for my sister...well she needs to look at this next picture...a stand chalked to the brim...of all olives.

She probably doesn't check the blog so I might just have to email it too her, but boy oh boy, these olives were to die for. Now of course I didn't try them all, but geeez....just look at those bad boys.

After the Nice walkaround on Monday it was time to hit sunny Monaco...unfortunately for me it still wasn't sunny. Luckily though me and some others were able to find a quaint little spot along the beach and get a few gorgeous rays in before it clouded over once again.

After beaching it for a good couple hours, it was off to the world renouned Monte Carlo Casino...home to the world series of poker as well as many other high rollers.

I wanted to waltz in and take a look at all the different games they had going, but because Monaco loves its money...they were charging 10 euros to get inside just to look around. I said thanks but I can see just fine from right here. While the others went to gamble away some of their savings me and another member of the group headed off down the F1 racing track around Monaco. They actually close the entire city of Monte Carlo when they host the race...geez only a ritzy place like Monaco could you do that...also just to point out, I saw more ferraris and lamborghinis then any place else. Plus the Yatchs....ya lets not get into how big those babies were

Clouds clouds and more clouds was in store for me in Nice, therefore I was good and ready to be heading towards the Paris region. Unfortunately, I wasn't very clear on the directions to stay at Cyril's parents house. But I'm three weeks in...so I have a little travel sense behind me.

Now this is when the fun starts. The train I catch isn't going to be taking me to the location I need to go, therefore I get as close as possible. A side note I forgot to mention was that in all the commotion of trying to figure out where the bus was heading I never purchased a ticket....soooo....being the last one left, and at the final stop guess who's there to greet me?

No not Santa Clause or the Easter Bunny, but the ticket checker guy....live and in the flesh...no myth about it. He asks me to present my ticket, so I give him my train ticket. (Hey Im not going to stand there looking like bacon ready to be cooked Im gonna do my best to sell the situation) He looks at the ticket...takes a long hard look at me...looks at the ticket again...then asks what country Im from. I reply Canada, while pointing to the stitched on flags. He smiles and laughs....tells me next time make sure I buy a ticket and say hello to Ottawa for him.

Well let me just clean up my underwear and then Ill continue the story...boy was I ever lucky. Now I just need to find a phone. I end up wandering around an unknown town before catching a break yet again. A shop is open and they have a phone I can use for free. I call up Cyril's mom and everything works out. As Im waiting to get picked up I just laugh to myself thinking...now this is what travelling is all about.

Granada and Madrid

The view from the Hostel in Granada...great day and another beautiful city. So far I haven`t been to a city I despise so I think its been a pretty good success thus far. Now Granada was great but it wasn`t my favorite city...I was able to meet some great people, but for thrills this isn`t the place to go.

But hold on a second...this place has free tapas...yes free, but you do need to buy a drink...really whatrver feels nice on the palat will do. I was able to go on a tapas tour put on by the hostel and wow it was great. The group was awesome and the tapas...mmm...mmm..mmm. Well except for one place...we got baked potatoes...weird stuff.

As for sight seeing, the city has one huge draw...called the Alhambra. Its the last standing Moorish stronghold in Spain. Also the biggest one in the world. I think it could be one of the seven wonders if I was listening in to people talking. That was a great visit...long walks, but well worth it.

After the walk through of Granada off to Madrid I went. Again I realize the Eurail pass does not allow free travel by train...hmmm guess they forget to mention that when buying the thing. Turns out the trip to Madrid costs me about 7 euro`s as the ticket guy ends up messing up my days. Oh well off to Madrid where Im meeting up with a fellow Canadian I met in Seville.
I arrive in Madrid really late on Friday night. Of course no cabbie wants to take me the distance of the hostel...sooo looks like im going to be going on a nice trek of the city around midnight in the hunormous city of Madrid. Good thing for me I don`t get jumped or anything, but of course take the good ol round about getting to the hostel. Man I can`t believe how after you spend a few days in the city you can`t believe you get lost in the first place...geeez.


The next day in Madrid turns out to be their crazy all night party or festival. Therefore the picture on your right is of one of the features of this grand night festival. It was pretty crazy. People stay up from 9pm to 7am when everything closes. I wish I took a picture of all the people because all the streets were just jammed with people and partying and drinking in the streets. And yes...I did indulge in the street drinking...sheeesh its part of the culture right...

Sunday equals Real Madrid. My first ever proffesional soccer game. Me and the guy from Canada head to the field around noon and get our ticket from a scalper...turns out we thought we had better seats then what we paid for...oh well lesson learned. Expensive but sooo worth it. We also went on a tour of the stadium which allowed us to see the field up close and personal...absolutely breathtaking. Seats over 89 thousand people.

In the game there were seven goals scored...I couldn`t believe that at a soccer game there was that much action. Still I wish the crowd was a little rowdier, but eh them the breaks. I had a blast. Madrid won and I also bought a jersey...wooosh there goes my budget out the window for that day.


Monday was a slower day just getting everything settled. One I was really tired from a night of partying after the soccer game then did some laundry...n basically just walked around the city of Madrid. I bought my ticket for Barcelona and I`m heading there early Tuesday morning...soo a little bit more of a lax day tonight. I saw a pub was hosting the Monday night football game, however staying up until it starts at 1 am...ya probably not the best idea. Hopefully Ill get a little relaxing time in Barcelona before Im off to France, but I highly doubt it.

The Beach, the Views and Sevilla

After a couple days in and around Lisbon it was well time to hit the beaches, do some water activities and plainly just relax. Unfortunately no relaxing would be done when I took the train to Lagos.


First off, I didn't think too much ahead with the hosteling situation as I thought I'd be able to waltz into Lagos around ten at night and get a cheap hostel...well was I ever in for a rude awakening. Not only were all the hostels booked up on a Friday, but so were all the good guest houses. Best option was this hotel downtown...yeah 50 euros...yipes. It worked out for the best in the end, but still was another small detail that I'm learning to deal with.













The next couple of days I met up with a group of guys from the U.K and was able to chill with them and hang out at the beach...awesome guys and I may meet up with a few in the future. Now the beaches in the area are outstanding. Gorgeous views and sparkling sand. Still that was only Lagos...when I headed off to Sagres...even more breathtaking with views and rock formations.









The picture on the right...was in the general area where I ate my dinner on Saturday...over looking the ocean and gazing at the rock formations. I was absolutely taken aback by the sheer beauty and disbelief in me actually being there.





Because I loved Lagos so much I stayed an extra couple of days...had to cancel a few other things I wanted to do...but whatever it was all worth it.





Next stop was off to Seville or Sevilla as it's pronounced here. This is the home of flomenko and the worlds biggest Cathedral. It's been a great city full of winding streets, beautiful looking girls and interesting architechture and lay-out. Im surprised that I haven't been terribly lost in this city thus far.





I met up with my first Canadians of the trip and we were able to go through Seville together which was awesome. I'm also re-meeting one of them in Madrid and we're hopefully going to go watch a Real Madrid soccer game together.



Lucky for walking the streets of Sevilla at night we were not only able to see the sights lit up, but see a street band perform live as well.

To me it look as if they were just practicing as there wasn't too many people around and they had other musicians going around fine tuning those that needed it.

That was a pleasure to see, as was the next day of walking the whole city and seeing the Cathedral and numerous other sites. It was scorching hot, but was worth it. Walking through the parks, churches and out door art works makes this city a unique visit. Really it can all be seen in a day therefore, I'm off to Granada as my next stop before heading to Madrid, then Barcelona.

Down below is the street performance that I was able to whitness walking around at night. The video doesn't give the band its worth, but it was still interesting enough I just had to share.

O just another quick note I had to add...The other day taking the bus from Lagos to Sevilla, I was charged 40 euro for the trip and thought nothing of it until I arrived and looked at my ticket...I was charged for a round trip...ahh yes isn't that great. I guess if you're not learning you're not living...won't be making that mistake again.

London, Lisbon and Sintra

Boy...didn't think it would start like this. Get off the plane in London and have a few hours to spare. At first I was thinking of playing it safe and staying back at the airport...but I though...naw screw that I'm doing this trip so I can live a little, when's the next time I'll get a chance like this.

Found a luggage protection place, bought my tickets and headed off to down town London. Came out of Victoria Station into a mass of people...all in a hurry to get some where...sheesh you could feel the stress walking down the streets. Walked down to the London Eye, Big Ben
and a few other sites...then walked back and now off to Lisbon...


I arrive in Lisbon just before eight pm local time. Collect my gear, thoughts and papers...then it finally sunk in...wow from here on out It's all up to me to get it done.

Decieded bus and hopped on and setting up my GPS. Routes looking good except the train is going to the left I need the right...lucky for me there's a stop before that...





unfortunately...I miss follow the directions and end up walking around Lisbon at night, in a red shirt with all my gear for probably an hour...oh cool night views.


thankfuly only one dark alley. After some speedy heart beats later I've found it and settle in.



I talk to a few people, but click with a guy from Los Angeles. We chat and I find out he's heading to the same place I'm thinking of going to.


Fast forward to this place out side of Lisbon called Sintra...absolutely breathtaking...it's no wonder they called it a fairytale. Lushous trees and flowers cake the landscape and the castles nestled in their midst. Amazing. So many landscape pictures from eye squeezing look out points.


Boy did today ever kill me for walking...yes it was better then paying the bus fare, but afterwards...Crikey did my feet ever hurt.

I now have a crazy amount of pictures that I'm going to put them on the photo host page as before and put them on a slide show so you're able to see them there.

Unbelievably the night wasn't finished as of yet as when we got back, we found out there was a bull fight on. So the two of us rushed down to Lisbons best eating establishment. I was told they served the best chicken and to buy the Vino Verde.

So I look on the menu...hmm all Portoguese...oh wait there's the vino verde...hmm 6 euros and just a small one alright we split that and he orders the chicken and I...well this item looks pretty good from what portoguese I've been learning...I'll get that.


Turns out we get a full bottle of wine for 6 euros and it was one of the smoothest, tasting and drinking wines I've ever had. Also because I'm in Portugal I want a local type food...well ends up I get good ol'Bacon and Eggs...wowie superstar something you can't get any place else.




After the meal we head off on the metro down to the bull fighting stadium...this massive place is rocking...and up at the ticket booth...sold out...for the past three hours...oh well guess it was worth a shot.

New Photos

From the East Coast to Beyond

Well its the day to begin my journey overseas and I must say, these last few weeks on the east coast have been very eventful.

From the beautiful beach at white point to the attempts at clamming to my first ever sailing experience I've been jammed packed with enjoyment.

Now as I begin removing items and perfecting my packing I look back and now forward to what lies ahead.

First off let me fill you in to the sailing experience that I was able to share with Joe, Mike and Scott. Now the days before this weren't the greatest. Lots of rain and no sun, however I was fortunate enough to go out on the Whaler with Joe as he showed me around the Halifax harbour.
The exciting part comes when the wind starts picking up and further out in the waters 6 foot swells start forming. Now as Joe and Mike told me...this isn't very big, but to me a prairie boy...ya they were pretty darn big.

So after that shaky little incident all went well and I was able to snag three mackerels, but I never got to eat them...oh well some other time.

Anyways back to the story about the sailing. So the day was clearer then most...a few sunny periods and boy was I excited about this. We took the boat out into the harbour again, plus we got to just lazily move about the waters.

Now this is the life...no place to be...just relaxing on a sunny...well mildly sunny day on the ocean waters. Wow.

Also just to point out I got my glorious locks of flowing hair removed just the other day. It will now be much shorter and easier to manage...but I must admit...at first I was a little nervous about it.

I tried making a video but I couldn't get it linked up to my blog so if you're so inclined to check it out you can follow this link below.

http://www.jumpcut.com/view?id=6D57ABCA783611DD99F9000423CF3686

So that's about the whole east coast journey. In a couple hours I'll be starting my new journey. Stay tuned for that.