So.
Last night i was here till 3am. By here, I mean work. Sucks.
And now, i am still here, 10:37 pm and not leaving anytime soon.
Ross is upset. His fix doesnt work and he wants to go home.
Looking around, everyone seems to be intently working. I am impressed by the dedication of a lot of ppl here. Now everyone has found my blog. I am gonna follow in the tracks of that google guy and get sacked for all the bitching that i've done on this thing. Ah well.
Anyway. Enough of this. Back to surfing the net.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
It's been a while
While this site is still in use, i might as well make some use of it. Even if noone reads this except my parents :P.
Does anyone know how to restrict access to this? Or is it always viewable?
Anyway after working for 5 months, i'm getting pretty sick of work. I can't wait till the project is over and i can do some normal hours. Just a month to go.
City to Surf this weekend. Thats gonna be funny. I'm not even sure i can do the distance walking, these back problems are gonna have be looked at.
Anyway its late. I'll think i'll try and post before i sleep every night.
Does anyone know how to restrict access to this? Or is it always viewable?
Anyway after working for 5 months, i'm getting pretty sick of work. I can't wait till the project is over and i can do some normal hours. Just a month to go.
City to Surf this weekend. Thats gonna be funny. I'm not even sure i can do the distance walking, these back problems are gonna have be looked at.
Anyway its late. I'll think i'll try and post before i sleep every night.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Sunday, April 17, 2005
The end... for now
So, 2 weeks of craziness is over.
I pulled my first sleepover at work, and did about 60 hours in 4 days. Honestly tho, it wasnt all bad, the time coulda felt a lot worse. I am amazed at the skill of the developers, and have realised that i never wnat to do development at work.
The highlight of this week has been go karting. It has been everthing i expected and more. It was a lot more tiring but a hell of a lot of fun. I got my 4 wheel drift happening and multiple cautions for spinning out :D
Will try to organise a mini grand prix sometime in the near future. I think im addicted.
Tell me if u are intersted.
I pulled my first sleepover at work, and did about 60 hours in 4 days. Honestly tho, it wasnt all bad, the time coulda felt a lot worse. I am amazed at the skill of the developers, and have realised that i never wnat to do development at work.
The highlight of this week has been go karting. It has been everthing i expected and more. It was a lot more tiring but a hell of a lot of fun. I got my 4 wheel drift happening and multiple cautions for spinning out :D
Will try to organise a mini grand prix sometime in the near future. I think im addicted.
Tell me if u are intersted.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Week 1
Hours worked: 70
It wasn't all bad tho. The hours didn't seem as bad as I thought they would be, nor is the work as boring. Generally the people there are cool, and i enjoy the work environment.
Karting today. A comedy of errors.
Went at 2pm. Corporate Day. Went back to Yao's. Went back to karting at 6. Both of Will's front tyres blew out.
Car is still 1 km from eastern creek karts as we speak.
Back to work.
It wasn't all bad tho. The hours didn't seem as bad as I thought they would be, nor is the work as boring. Generally the people there are cool, and i enjoy the work environment.
Karting today. A comedy of errors.
Went at 2pm. Corporate Day. Went back to Yao's. Went back to karting at 6. Both of Will's front tyres blew out.
Car is still 1 km from eastern creek karts as we speak.
Back to work.
Monday, April 04, 2005
The door slammed shut
So. It begins.
Today was a strange day.
I started on project, and it turns out that I am chargable which is good.
There is a deadline on the 15th which is bad.
The work i do will be credited to me which is good.
I will work ridiculous hours, like 9-11's and also saturday, which is bad.
It's only until the 15th which is good.
The work is quite repetitive which is bad.
I will get to learn about the system, which is good.
I wont get to bludge on the bench which is bad.
I am not alone in testing, viv, luce and jen will join me which is good.
I'll miss karting on saturday, which is bad.
See I told you it was a strange day.
I spose I knew when i selected this job that times like this would happen. I guess its time to man up, and suck it in.
Today was a strange day.
I started on project, and it turns out that I am chargable which is good.
There is a deadline on the 15th which is bad.
The work i do will be credited to me which is good.
I will work ridiculous hours, like 9-11's and also saturday, which is bad.
It's only until the 15th which is good.
The work is quite repetitive which is bad.
I will get to learn about the system, which is good.
I wont get to bludge on the bench which is bad.
I am not alone in testing, viv, luce and jen will join me which is good.
I'll miss karting on saturday, which is bad.
See I told you it was a strange day.
I spose I knew when i selected this job that times like this would happen. I guess its time to man up, and suck it in.
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Bored
So, for some obscure reason, i feel the need to blog again. Well, not so much a need, but more a desire. Why you ask? I think I feel my youth, freedom, independence, life etc all slipping by before my eyes.
I call the cause of this "Full time work". Yes. Those who have already spoken to me have already heard my bitching about this, but now that i have actually been assigned to a project, (and what are the chances of ONLY me, out of 18 other ppl being put on a project while everyone else gets to bludge?) that it all seems all too real. The last 3 weeks of training have been a bludge, but already im tired, and have slept a lot of the day away.
A few observations:
The more you earn the more you spend.
Weekends are too short.
Everyone is in a relationship.
It's time to lose weight.
20 gigs of music isn't that much after all.
I call the cause of this "Full time work". Yes. Those who have already spoken to me have already heard my bitching about this, but now that i have actually been assigned to a project, (and what are the chances of ONLY me, out of 18 other ppl being put on a project while everyone else gets to bludge?) that it all seems all too real. The last 3 weeks of training have been a bludge, but already im tired, and have slept a lot of the day away.
A few observations:
The more you earn the more you spend.
Weekends are too short.
Everyone is in a relationship.
It's time to lose weight.
20 gigs of music isn't that much after all.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Shanghai and Home
So we arrived in Shanghai, and were given a room on the 25th floor by the great Jono Wang. He took care of us wonderfully in Shanghai, making sure we had everything we desired.
Shanghai is not much of a city for tourist attractions. We went up to the 87th floor of the Grand Hyatt for Coffee, which was nice, and walked along The BUND and Nanjing road, which pretty much did it for the tourist bit. The highlight of shanghai is the fake stuff market. There is fake anything there.
Clothes, Watches, Sunnies, pretty much every designer label was faked there. I bought several items, invluding my omega speedmaster watch, which we had to go back and return cos it didnt show the correct time, and the actually exchagned it for another without a single word, and even apologised profusely!
Bought a stack of DVDs and headed home.
Sydney is Sydney. I walked around the CBD today, and noticed several new buildings have gone up, it seems like i have been away for so long, maccas has finished renovating and there are thigns i dont recognise.
Observations:
Sydney has the most number of asians out of any non asian country in the world.
Sydney is quite busy in the day, and not with that many tourists... i think. Tourists blend in a lot easier here, there isnt much diff between a FOB and a tourist.
My body is sore all over from ball. Knee hurts. Shoulder hurts.
Getting old.
Miles
Shanghai is not much of a city for tourist attractions. We went up to the 87th floor of the Grand Hyatt for Coffee, which was nice, and walked along The BUND and Nanjing road, which pretty much did it for the tourist bit. The highlight of shanghai is the fake stuff market. There is fake anything there.
Clothes, Watches, Sunnies, pretty much every designer label was faked there. I bought several items, invluding my omega speedmaster watch, which we had to go back and return cos it didnt show the correct time, and the actually exchagned it for another without a single word, and even apologised profusely!
Bought a stack of DVDs and headed home.
Sydney is Sydney. I walked around the CBD today, and noticed several new buildings have gone up, it seems like i have been away for so long, maccas has finished renovating and there are thigns i dont recognise.
Observations:
Sydney has the most number of asians out of any non asian country in the world.
Sydney is quite busy in the day, and not with that many tourists... i think. Tourists blend in a lot easier here, there isnt much diff between a FOB and a tourist.
My body is sore all over from ball. Knee hurts. Shoulder hurts.
Getting old.
Miles
Thursday, February 03, 2005
The H.K.
So here I am, back to the place of my birth.
HK has the most residential high rises of any place i have been in the whole world :D Isnt it cool that i can make grand statements like that now :D
Staying at Kels place atm, and havent really seen much of the city.
First Impressions:
The streets are dirty.
I wanna go ball.
Miles
HK has the most residential high rises of any place i have been in the whole world :D Isnt it cool that i can make grand statements like that now :D
Staying at Kels place atm, and havent really seen much of the city.
First Impressions:
The streets are dirty.
I wanna go ball.
Miles
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Tokyo Again
So I'm back in Tokyo, and about to hit HK. Japan has been one of the best countries that i have been to by far, be that because of my love of anime and miniskirts or for more rational reasons, it is hard for me to tell.
The fact is, I really wanna come back to this country and spend an extended period of time here, to really see what the culture is like, not just to scratch the surface like i have in this whirlwind week here.
Anyway, jsut a short post to let you all know im alive.
Also.
Lee call my mum, the computer is dead and she is going nuts.
Mum. What did you do to my computer. What exactly is wrong. You need to send more details if you want me to help. Just call Matthew.
Miles
The fact is, I really wanna come back to this country and spend an extended period of time here, to really see what the culture is like, not just to scratch the surface like i have in this whirlwind week here.
Anyway, jsut a short post to let you all know im alive.
Also.
Lee call my mum, the computer is dead and she is going nuts.
Mum. What did you do to my computer. What exactly is wrong. You need to send more details if you want me to help. Just call Matthew.
Miles
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Tokyo and Kyoto
Ive been here a few days, but i havent had time to post anything cos its hard to find internet here. Anyway, Japan is AWESOME. I love this country. Tokyo is so packed full of people, its buildings as far as you can see. Neon lights abound, and the girls all wear miniskirts, even though its between 0 and 5 degrees.
Its a shame we dont have much time here, we are really rushing through everything, seeing what we can, and not really having a chance to sit back and just soak it in.
Kelvin made it here safely, for those of you who care...
So we hit shinkjuku, harajuku, Shibuya, Ginza and Akihabara, which is the electric city, you can get any electrical good there.
Japan is a BIT sleazy tho, those of you who have been here will understand why, but thats only at night. I got my haircut here, its pretty cool, i went to a classy hairdresser and the guy was cool.
my limited jap has got me prety much nowhere here, but its fun to try and speak anyway.
Jackson, I can get some Master Grade models here, do u want me to get one for you?
jono u loser. my email is the name of this blog at gmail.
in kyoto atm, saw nijo castle, was ok not that spectacular, will hit up the temples tomorrow.
so far i have eaten, tonkatsu, tempura, unagi, sushi, sashimi, okonomiyaki, its ALL good
anyway gotta go
Its a shame we dont have much time here, we are really rushing through everything, seeing what we can, and not really having a chance to sit back and just soak it in.
Kelvin made it here safely, for those of you who care...
So we hit shinkjuku, harajuku, Shibuya, Ginza and Akihabara, which is the electric city, you can get any electrical good there.
Japan is a BIT sleazy tho, those of you who have been here will understand why, but thats only at night. I got my haircut here, its pretty cool, i went to a classy hairdresser and the guy was cool.
my limited jap has got me prety much nowhere here, but its fun to try and speak anyway.
Jackson, I can get some Master Grade models here, do u want me to get one for you?
jono u loser. my email is the name of this blog at gmail.
in kyoto atm, saw nijo castle, was ok not that spectacular, will hit up the temples tomorrow.
so far i have eaten, tonkatsu, tempura, unagi, sushi, sashimi, okonomiyaki, its ALL good
anyway gotta go
Monday, January 24, 2005
FC BARCALONA 3 REAL RACING CLUB 0
BARÇA! BARÇÄ! BARÇA!
RONALDHINO!
well im not a huge soccer fan, but i admit that the atmosphere at the camp nou was electric. The crowd was awesome and to top it off, we moved from our original crap seats to be 2nd ROW FROM THE FIELD, ON THE SIDE.
Ronaldhino was about 5 meters from us at times.
The only complaint i have was that he ran away from us after he scored his goal. I think andrew was about to cry.
Alby creamed his pants at least 10 times that game and took about 100 photos.
Just taking it easy here.
Miles
RONALDHINO!
well im not a huge soccer fan, but i admit that the atmosphere at the camp nou was electric. The crowd was awesome and to top it off, we moved from our original crap seats to be 2nd ROW FROM THE FIELD, ON THE SIDE.
Ronaldhino was about 5 meters from us at times.
The only complaint i have was that he ran away from us after he scored his goal. I think andrew was about to cry.
Alby creamed his pants at least 10 times that game and took about 100 photos.
Just taking it easy here.
Miles
Saturday, January 22, 2005
SPQR
What does SPQR stand for again? Its the letters that represent rome. Is it in latin or something? Someone tell me.
Anyway, Rome has been great, we have found new great places for food, great pizza and awesome gelato.
We have also hit all the major sites of Rome.
Ancient Rome was ordinary to be honest, the ruins didnt impress me that much, they are just broken bricks and columns. The colesseum was impressive from the outside, but inside was quite dissapointing.
The Vatican was impressive. St Peters Basilica is HUGE and the sculptures in there are unbelievable. Bernini's, Michaelangelo's, Raphaels...
The Vatican Museum is also amazing, with the Sistine Chapel the absolute highlight. The detail that is gone into by Michaelanglo is just stunning. The Raphael rooms are also stunning. You can easily tell the work of a master, it really stands out.
Without Naming any names, i thought id give an inventory of the items that we have acquired so far on this trip, naming only designer labels of course..
1 Giorgio Armani Suit
1 Saville Row Suit
1 Paul Smith Suit
1 Burberry Suit
2 Burberry Shirts
3 Emporio Armani Ties
1 Dior Tie
5 Versace Ties
2 YSL Shirts
1 Timberland Boots
HAHAHAHAHA
Miles
Anyway, Rome has been great, we have found new great places for food, great pizza and awesome gelato.
We have also hit all the major sites of Rome.
Ancient Rome was ordinary to be honest, the ruins didnt impress me that much, they are just broken bricks and columns. The colesseum was impressive from the outside, but inside was quite dissapointing.
The Vatican was impressive. St Peters Basilica is HUGE and the sculptures in there are unbelievable. Bernini's, Michaelangelo's, Raphaels...
The Vatican Museum is also amazing, with the Sistine Chapel the absolute highlight. The detail that is gone into by Michaelanglo is just stunning. The Raphael rooms are also stunning. You can easily tell the work of a master, it really stands out.
Without Naming any names, i thought id give an inventory of the items that we have acquired so far on this trip, naming only designer labels of course..
1 Giorgio Armani Suit
1 Saville Row Suit
1 Paul Smith Suit
1 Burberry Suit
2 Burberry Shirts
3 Emporio Armani Ties
1 Dior Tie
5 Versace Ties
2 YSL Shirts
1 Timberland Boots
HAHAHAHAHA
Miles
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
ROME
Firstly, shout out to my sister, who got her International Studies/Law at UNSW.
6 more years of study! Yay!
Seriously thought its a great achievment and she sure hammered me.
Rome is great, weather a bit shit tho.
blog more later
Miles
6 more years of study! Yay!
Seriously thought its a great achievment and she sure hammered me.
Rome is great, weather a bit shit tho.
blog more later
Miles
Monday, January 17, 2005
Florence Day 2
GO STEELERS! Watched the game at a bar with some Jets fans. I felt bad, he was so devastated. I only started following the steelers this year. Poor guy. I was the only happy guy on the whole table.
Woke up late.
Went to see the Uffizi Museum which is said to house some of the greatest renaissance and classical art pieces in the world.
There were indeed several standout works there, the highlights for me being the boticellis, leonardos, the sole michaelangleo, and the caravaggios. To my inexperienced eye, they are simply the ones taht stand out, and when I saw them i knew that i was looking a piece from a master.
The use of light, perspective, realism attention to detail easily surpass their peers. Im sure u have all heard of "The birth of Venus", "The Holy Family" by michaelanglo, "The Annunciation" by Leonardo. These were a few of the priceless masterpieces that were at the uffizi.
The second achievement of the day was stumbling upon a florentine market, about 1 km out from the city centre as i wandered aimlessly after the uffizi. (We split up today). This was a market where they sold homemade goods, such as bread cheese, jams, herbs etc, and of course there were free samples to be had. I even bought a jar of pesto to take home!
Keep me updated with things happening in sydney!
Miles
Woke up late.
Went to see the Uffizi Museum which is said to house some of the greatest renaissance and classical art pieces in the world.
There were indeed several standout works there, the highlights for me being the boticellis, leonardos, the sole michaelangleo, and the caravaggios. To my inexperienced eye, they are simply the ones taht stand out, and when I saw them i knew that i was looking a piece from a master.
The use of light, perspective, realism attention to detail easily surpass their peers. Im sure u have all heard of "The birth of Venus", "The Holy Family" by michaelanglo, "The Annunciation" by Leonardo. These were a few of the priceless masterpieces that were at the uffizi.
The second achievement of the day was stumbling upon a florentine market, about 1 km out from the city centre as i wandered aimlessly after the uffizi. (We split up today). This was a market where they sold homemade goods, such as bread cheese, jams, herbs etc, and of course there were free samples to be had. I even bought a jar of pesto to take home!
Keep me updated with things happening in sydney!
Miles
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Venice -> Florence
Venice was as tourist trap as you can get.
Gucci, Pucci, Amamni, Cavalli, Fendi, Zegna, you name it, there was several of each store in the city. The city itself is very small, the absolute hightlight of the city was Piazza San Marco (St Marks Square).
There is a large church at the end of a rectangular square, reminiscent of st peters square in vatican city im sure. In the square, there are thousands of pigeons who actually land on people who have food in their hands. You can buy bags of feed and have the pigeons swarm you.
We didnt get any real italian food there, the pasta and pizza we had was quite ordinary.
We are now in Florence, and this is a much more "Italian" city. One thing i notice here is that they love to wear flashy shoes. Red, Blue, Yellow, all of the puma casual type. There are not as many designer brands here that I can see.
We saw Michaelanglo's David in the Galleria D'Academia, and it was quite impressive. He is "The Man". Kinda like looking into a mirror for me tho :D
We havent done much here yet, im gonna try hit a bar 2nite to watch the Steelers, who are my adopted team since I saw them hammer the eagles at matty fosters house.
Miles
Gucci, Pucci, Amamni, Cavalli, Fendi, Zegna, you name it, there was several of each store in the city. The city itself is very small, the absolute hightlight of the city was Piazza San Marco (St Marks Square).
There is a large church at the end of a rectangular square, reminiscent of st peters square in vatican city im sure. In the square, there are thousands of pigeons who actually land on people who have food in their hands. You can buy bags of feed and have the pigeons swarm you.
We didnt get any real italian food there, the pasta and pizza we had was quite ordinary.
We are now in Florence, and this is a much more "Italian" city. One thing i notice here is that they love to wear flashy shoes. Red, Blue, Yellow, all of the puma casual type. There are not as many designer brands here that I can see.
We saw Michaelanglo's David in the Galleria D'Academia, and it was quite impressive. He is "The Man". Kinda like looking into a mirror for me tho :D
We havent done much here yet, im gonna try hit a bar 2nite to watch the Steelers, who are my adopted team since I saw them hammer the eagles at matty fosters house.
Miles
Friday, January 14, 2005
Venice
Foggy. Slightly Smelly. Narrow Streets. Nice Renaisance Buildings.
Gonna hit up san marco now.
Miles
Gonna hit up san marco now.
Miles
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Salzburg
So we took a daytrip to Salzburg, which is a lovely town aboue 300Km west of vienna. It has a population of only about 150K and its claim to fame is of course the most famous musical in the world
The Sound of Music
Highlights
A pricey tour of the lakes and mountains took us to some awesome places, which were absolutely serene and beautiful. Imagine the scene in Hero where they fight on the lake and you are getting the picture of what we saw yesterday.
Alby's literal 10 dollar handshake - As we shook hands with the guide, alby kept the 10 euro tip in his hand and shook hands with the guide. Think drug money payment in the ghettos of south central LA.
Alby asking the poor waitress to explain the ENTIRE MENU of a restaurant, which had about 15 odd items, the poor girl didnt know how to translate most of it and Alby's insistance on knowing what Pork aspiz was, by asking her 3 times, made me feel for the poor girl.
Seeing as we are on the topic, lets recap some alby highlights from this trip.
Alby running from ESPN girl in NYC.
Alby leaving "Suprises" in the toilet in Lima.
Alby playing poker with stomach cramps, hiking his shorts up to his chest and asking permission to fart. How can you take money from a guy like that?
The Rio Explosion
Alby getting escorted out of the Mona Lisa gallery at the lourve after repeatedly trying to take photos after being told not to. This caused him to lose our tour group and he wandered the louvre looking for us, trying to track us with the static from the headsets.
Alby constantly stopping to look at real important stuff, like starbucks and maccas.
Alby pretending to take a photo in prague while listening to another tour group guide giving explanations of the city.
Alby walking out into our Berlin room naked after a shower.
Alby showing us his "rash" caused by his jeans chafing his inner thighs.
i just had to write it down before i forgot...
Miles
The Sound of Music
Highlights
A pricey tour of the lakes and mountains took us to some awesome places, which were absolutely serene and beautiful. Imagine the scene in Hero where they fight on the lake and you are getting the picture of what we saw yesterday.
Alby's literal 10 dollar handshake - As we shook hands with the guide, alby kept the 10 euro tip in his hand and shook hands with the guide. Think drug money payment in the ghettos of south central LA.
Alby asking the poor waitress to explain the ENTIRE MENU of a restaurant, which had about 15 odd items, the poor girl didnt know how to translate most of it and Alby's insistance on knowing what Pork aspiz was, by asking her 3 times, made me feel for the poor girl.
Seeing as we are on the topic, lets recap some alby highlights from this trip.
Alby running from ESPN girl in NYC.
Alby leaving "Suprises" in the toilet in Lima.
Alby playing poker with stomach cramps, hiking his shorts up to his chest and asking permission to fart. How can you take money from a guy like that?
The Rio Explosion
Alby getting escorted out of the Mona Lisa gallery at the lourve after repeatedly trying to take photos after being told not to. This caused him to lose our tour group and he wandered the louvre looking for us, trying to track us with the static from the headsets.
Alby constantly stopping to look at real important stuff, like starbucks and maccas.
Alby pretending to take a photo in prague while listening to another tour group guide giving explanations of the city.
Alby walking out into our Berlin room naked after a shower.
Alby showing us his "rash" caused by his jeans chafing his inner thighs.
i just had to write it down before i forgot...
Miles
Monday, January 10, 2005
Vienna - Korea Culture Centre
Korea? Why do I have korea in my blog?
It all makes sense when I tell you that we are all currently staying at the Korea Culture Centre for Vienna. Otherwise known as THE KIMCHI HOUSE. I kid you not. Still weird?
Go to this link for the KimChi House -
http://myhome.hanafos.com/~kachine/
If anyone is in Vienna PLEASE GO TO THESE PEOPLE!!!!
It all started when we were approached by a korean couple in their 50s once we got out of the station at Sudbahnhof. They thought we were korean and talked to us in korean. They asked if we would like to stay at their house, which was actually in a really good position right next to the international station.
We felt that we could trust this couple and took them up on their offer. We then had to pile 9 people and all our luggage into a Chrysler Voyager. It was absolutely packed but it was a fun ride and Kim, the father, was very friendly.
It's strange cos it feels like we have been adopted in a way. It doesnt seem like we are staying at a hostel, its like we are staying at a friends parents house. Could be any of the parents of the korean guys at uni, its like that.
They serve breakfast, and thats right it is rice and kimchi! The koreans will know i have acquired a taste for kimchi, and it is awesome here.
My Culturification has also continued in Vienna in leaps and bounds. Let me describe the places I have been so far.
8-1 Modernized version of the Nutcraker - a bit strange but the orchestra was great
9-1 Vienna Boys Choir - Crap seats but great singing by a group of boys aged from 6-12.
9-1 Evening - A Concert in a Small Room in the Kursalon, one of the best places in Vienna, listening to Strauss and Mozart with dancer and opera singer on stage with the music. This is one of the highlights of the trip so far. The orchestra was excellent and the singers and dancers were great.
Tomorrow we will go to Salzburg, and I will run through the hills singing
THE HILLS ARE ALIVE, WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC. I'll even try get a photo.
Miles
It all makes sense when I tell you that we are all currently staying at the Korea Culture Centre for Vienna. Otherwise known as THE KIMCHI HOUSE. I kid you not. Still weird?
Go to this link for the KimChi House -
http://myhome.hanafos.com/~kachine/
If anyone is in Vienna PLEASE GO TO THESE PEOPLE!!!!
It all started when we were approached by a korean couple in their 50s once we got out of the station at Sudbahnhof. They thought we were korean and talked to us in korean. They asked if we would like to stay at their house, which was actually in a really good position right next to the international station.
We felt that we could trust this couple and took them up on their offer. We then had to pile 9 people and all our luggage into a Chrysler Voyager. It was absolutely packed but it was a fun ride and Kim, the father, was very friendly.
It's strange cos it feels like we have been adopted in a way. It doesnt seem like we are staying at a hostel, its like we are staying at a friends parents house. Could be any of the parents of the korean guys at uni, its like that.
They serve breakfast, and thats right it is rice and kimchi! The koreans will know i have acquired a taste for kimchi, and it is awesome here.
My Culturification has also continued in Vienna in leaps and bounds. Let me describe the places I have been so far.
8-1 Modernized version of the Nutcraker - a bit strange but the orchestra was great
9-1 Vienna Boys Choir - Crap seats but great singing by a group of boys aged from 6-12.
9-1 Evening - A Concert in a Small Room in the Kursalon, one of the best places in Vienna, listening to Strauss and Mozart with dancer and opera singer on stage with the music. This is one of the highlights of the trip so far. The orchestra was excellent and the singers and dancers were great.
Tomorrow we will go to Salzburg, and I will run through the hills singing
THE HILLS ARE ALIVE, WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC. I'll even try get a photo.
Miles
Saturday, January 08, 2005
Prague - More!
Well Prague is quite nice, but i think it was overhyped for me personally.
The architecture here is amazing as everyone says, with a mix of baroque, gothic and renaissance architecture. (didnt that sound so cultured? :) )
The dissapointment tho, was Prague castle. From the city, you look up onto a hill where there is this fairy tale castle, and night its lit up with lights, but when you get in, its just a big tourist trap.
Undeniably, Prague is a pretty city, the gothic cathedrals and beautiful women make sure of that. But Prague is perhaps the most westernised and captilized of all the Eastern European cities. The main square here is filled with souvenir stores, Maccas and tag heuer shops and other touristy crap.
It seems safe tho, except for the random dog fights, drunk guys staggering around at 9pm and raged taxi drivers. No, Seriously, it is safe...
Off to Vienna now, where i will hopefully get to listen to some classical music and continue my culturification. Check it out, i made up a word!
In Germany we visited Sachenhausen, which is a concentration camp on the outskirts of berlin. Its quite a bleak place as to be expected, even tho it wasnt a death camp, like auschwitz or Dacau, thousands of people still died there from mistreatment, medical experiments, cold, and general abuse from prisoner and guard alike.
Its shocking to realise all those abominations that were carried out to jews, communists, other religous groups, homosexuals, and anyone the germans didnt like only happend 50 years ago. Now there is already a memorial, and to people of our generation, it seems like something that barely affects us and we learn about in high school.
Its a lot closer than we would like to know, and if things had gone differently, most of you guys wouldnt have the freedoms that you have today. Think about that.
Miles
The architecture here is amazing as everyone says, with a mix of baroque, gothic and renaissance architecture. (didnt that sound so cultured? :) )
The dissapointment tho, was Prague castle. From the city, you look up onto a hill where there is this fairy tale castle, and night its lit up with lights, but when you get in, its just a big tourist trap.
Undeniably, Prague is a pretty city, the gothic cathedrals and beautiful women make sure of that. But Prague is perhaps the most westernised and captilized of all the Eastern European cities. The main square here is filled with souvenir stores, Maccas and tag heuer shops and other touristy crap.
It seems safe tho, except for the random dog fights, drunk guys staggering around at 9pm and raged taxi drivers. No, Seriously, it is safe...
Off to Vienna now, where i will hopefully get to listen to some classical music and continue my culturification. Check it out, i made up a word!
In Germany we visited Sachenhausen, which is a concentration camp on the outskirts of berlin. Its quite a bleak place as to be expected, even tho it wasnt a death camp, like auschwitz or Dacau, thousands of people still died there from mistreatment, medical experiments, cold, and general abuse from prisoner and guard alike.
Its shocking to realise all those abominations that were carried out to jews, communists, other religous groups, homosexuals, and anyone the germans didnt like only happend 50 years ago. Now there is already a memorial, and to people of our generation, it seems like something that barely affects us and we learn about in high school.
Its a lot closer than we would like to know, and if things had gone differently, most of you guys wouldnt have the freedoms that you have today. Think about that.
Miles
Friday, January 07, 2005
Prague
Prague is cool.
Its cheap and Buildings are awesome. Eastern Euro Chicks are so hot.
Internet is so expensive.
Miles
Its cheap and Buildings are awesome. Eastern Euro Chicks are so hot.
Internet is so expensive.
Miles
Sunday, January 02, 2005
London -> Paris -> Amsterdam
Yes loyal readers, it has been a packed couple of days.
We left London and caught the Eurostar to Paris, where we found out that our accomodation was quite far from the centre of Paris by the taxi driver asking us.
"So, why did you choose to stay so far out of Paris?". That and the 50 Euro taxi fare to get us there.
The hotel itself was fine, but it was a hassle to just get into paris, requiring us to catch a bus and a train. Its really hard to get around in a city you know nothing about, whose transport system you dont understand.
Having said that, it is one of the reasons that I went on this trip, to learn to be more independent, and experience differnt things.
Paris is beautiful, even more so than London, the buildings are amazing and it truly does deserve its reputation as a romantic city. Notre Dame was amazing, the Paris Opera house owns the Sydney one in terms of class and the Musee D'Orsay and the Lourve were unbelievable.
Like it or not, I am slowly being culturefied on this trip. I have discovered an appreciation for art, by looking at some beautiful works of art by the most celebrated artists that ever lived.
I am surprised at the liking that i took to the renoirs, sisleys, Monets and most of the impressionist movements at the d'Orsay. The Lourve Building itself is incredible, just walking into the area is an experience and the museum itself is the biggest in the world. The Mona Lisa is mysterious but overated in my very educated opinion :P The effect is spoilt by the 5 guards who are currently telling you to move along and the crowd of 100 other people who are pushing each other to see it.
Funny Story:
Alby got himself escorted out of the area after he tried to take a photo, got told off by a guard, assured him that it wouldnt happen again and then immediately tried to take another photo. This was during our guided tour, so of course we lost him for the rest of it.
Getting home after NYE was a struggle as we met got to our station and found Taxi drivers who had formed a conglomerate and were trying to ask for triple the price of a normal fare to get home. There was no way we were gonna pay them, so after a long struggle we got a bus and made it home, where alby and I sat with some polish, the highlight being the drunk polish who kept leaning on me and telling me about the ukraine and eating fish with vodka in very ver slurred speech....
The Eurail is easy to use and we arrived in Amsterdam with no problems. It should be noted tho that we have the crappest tickets available and are forced to sit in the luggage area, but thats ok, all part of the budget backpacking experience.
Our first meal in Amsterdam was "ALL YOU CAN EAT RIBS". Of course I was in heaven. The ribs came with 3 sauces, Honey Soy, Chilli and BBQ. Awesome. 15 Euros is a small price to pay for such extravagance. We got Fries and Salad also, (Unlimited of course). It is a decent competition for R and R.
We then walked around Amsterdam and let me just say, the stories are true and just leave it at that. We have family members reading this!
Amsterdam is a very nice city. It is much more relaxed and the people are much nicer than the French. Definitely Recommend.
Miles
We left London and caught the Eurostar to Paris, where we found out that our accomodation was quite far from the centre of Paris by the taxi driver asking us.
"So, why did you choose to stay so far out of Paris?". That and the 50 Euro taxi fare to get us there.
The hotel itself was fine, but it was a hassle to just get into paris, requiring us to catch a bus and a train. Its really hard to get around in a city you know nothing about, whose transport system you dont understand.
Having said that, it is one of the reasons that I went on this trip, to learn to be more independent, and experience differnt things.
Paris is beautiful, even more so than London, the buildings are amazing and it truly does deserve its reputation as a romantic city. Notre Dame was amazing, the Paris Opera house owns the Sydney one in terms of class and the Musee D'Orsay and the Lourve were unbelievable.
Like it or not, I am slowly being culturefied on this trip. I have discovered an appreciation for art, by looking at some beautiful works of art by the most celebrated artists that ever lived.
I am surprised at the liking that i took to the renoirs, sisleys, Monets and most of the impressionist movements at the d'Orsay. The Lourve Building itself is incredible, just walking into the area is an experience and the museum itself is the biggest in the world. The Mona Lisa is mysterious but overated in my very educated opinion :P The effect is spoilt by the 5 guards who are currently telling you to move along and the crowd of 100 other people who are pushing each other to see it.
Funny Story:
Alby got himself escorted out of the area after he tried to take a photo, got told off by a guard, assured him that it wouldnt happen again and then immediately tried to take another photo. This was during our guided tour, so of course we lost him for the rest of it.
Getting home after NYE was a struggle as we met got to our station and found Taxi drivers who had formed a conglomerate and were trying to ask for triple the price of a normal fare to get home. There was no way we were gonna pay them, so after a long struggle we got a bus and made it home, where alby and I sat with some polish, the highlight being the drunk polish who kept leaning on me and telling me about the ukraine and eating fish with vodka in very ver slurred speech....
The Eurail is easy to use and we arrived in Amsterdam with no problems. It should be noted tho that we have the crappest tickets available and are forced to sit in the luggage area, but thats ok, all part of the budget backpacking experience.
Our first meal in Amsterdam was "ALL YOU CAN EAT RIBS". Of course I was in heaven. The ribs came with 3 sauces, Honey Soy, Chilli and BBQ. Awesome. 15 Euros is a small price to pay for such extravagance. We got Fries and Salad also, (Unlimited of course). It is a decent competition for R and R.
We then walked around Amsterdam and let me just say, the stories are true and just leave it at that. We have family members reading this!
Amsterdam is a very nice city. It is much more relaxed and the people are much nicer than the French. Definitely Recommend.
Miles
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