Europe Trip Part I

After the New Zealand trip training, we decided to try out backpacking in Europe. We simply bought a EuropePass to 5 countries, got the Eurorail Thomas CookBook and with our 2 newly bought backpack, we then set off for a one month Europe trip.

As this was the first time we were using Europass, we were not aware that as long as we trepassed a country border, we need to buy a pass. We were being fined for not getting a ticket when our train going from Netherland to Paris, by-passed Belgium. We paid the fine with US Dollar after which we regretted because there is not many European countries accepting Singapore dollars.

Itinerary
25 to 27 July England (London)
28 to 29 July Amsterdam (Netherland)
30 July to 03 August France (Paris)
04 to 09 August Switerzland (Zurich, Zermatt, Lucern, Interlaken)
10 to 15 August Italy (Venice, Rome)
15 to 16 August On the ship from Brindisi (Italy) to Padras (Greece)
17 to 22 August Greece (Athens)

Greece

It took more than one day from Brindisi (Italy) to Patras (Greece) by sea. We boarded the ship with only one slice of pizza without any drink. This pizza is the best we can find in the world. Maybe it is because we survive the 27 hour just with it... a pathetic slice of pizza shared between my sister and me...

This is the most budgeted trip.... never will this be repeated in my life anymore! What's wrong with getting 2 slice of sandwiches and hot chocolate from the ship?

 

Patras. We love this unique stairs... but the feeling doesn't last long because this is a routine climb to get back to guesthouse everyday

Italy - Venice, Rome, Brindisi

Accessories shop, St Marco Square (Venice).

Normal Business hour of shop is 10:00am to 12:00pm, 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

Hanging clothes technique in Rome

Switerzland III

My flag is flying proudly in the air of Kapellgasse, Lucern

Switerzland II

Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe). Wearing only a T-shirt and thin jacket, we conquered the "Top of Europe". In the end, we could only afford to stepped out not more than 200m from the viewing station... watching the rest of the team taking their mountain walk

Switerzland I

Cottages at Zurich

House outside city

Hut at country side

Countryside waterfall

This is a good thing about backpack. We just walk without direction around the country side when we got to see a waterfall flowing from no where to no where

Paris II

A crowded junction without traffic light

People queuing up for water in the park.

Paris was hit by heat wave when we were there. I guess it is normal because there are so many water tapes around in the city and park. Like the kids, sometimes I do take a quick 'shower' under the tape.

Paris is a art city

Red light district

Paris I

Louvre Museum is huge. I believe no one can cover all pieces of arts within a day... especially when they chose to spend times snapping themselves with Mona Lisa portrait

Amsterdam - Netherland (Holland)

I came to Holland to see colourful tulips and rows of windmill... but I only get to see two windmills at Haarlemmerweg. No tulips to be seen... not even in the Westerpark or any florist shop along the Dam Square

Traffic light signalling the crossing of bike only

Toilet built permenantly in the middle of the street, Slotermeelaan