david.kairis's TravelStream™ — Recent TravelPod.com entries TravelStream™ news feed for member david.kairis on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/david.kairis en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:47:45 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com Lappeenranta — Lappeenranta, Southern Finland, Finland http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1214995560/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1214995560/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1214995560/tpod.html Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:47:45 -0400 The Path(s) of David
Lappeenranta, Southern Finland, Finland

Will also update later (sorry) but we are leaving the house today...

damn, got so much to update! just need the time!
]]> St. Petersburg — St. Petersburg, North-West Russia, Russian Federation http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1214995380/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1214995380/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1214995380/tpod.html Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:45:42 -0400 The Path(s) of David
St. Petersburg, North-West Russia, Russian Federation

Will update later! but had amazing time as ususal!
]]> Moscow — Moscow, Central Russia, Russian Federation http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1214393820/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1214393820/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1214393820/tpod.html Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:48:43 -0400 The Path(s) of David
Moscow, Central Russia, Russian Federation

sooo....Russia...Moscow..wow

After an epic train journey from Kosice via Ukraine and direct to Moscow (about 2 days) with Paz going a little mad from being trapped in the sleeping carriage (not a single window could be opened) we arrived :)

Once again standard operating precedure took place, find any alternative people and question about squats/antifa/hippy/etc

After walking towards red square, down arbat street, we met a few punk types who told us that these kind of places dont exist in Russia, being that Russia does not have real democracy (although its quesntionable if any country does) We continued undetered and soon met a kind man who took us in the metro to where he had seen "hippy type" people. We arrived at the said station and within 2 mins bumped into a rainbow sister on her way to "empty hills" festival. It seemed as if all the alternative people in Moscow were leaving the city for the four day (free) festival about 50km out of the city.

making a snap decision we decided to join her and took the Metro to the end of the line where the bus shuttling people to the festival was leaving from. As we arrived, Paz bumped into the man organising the buses, who after a small chat with Paz decided that we could travel for free (saving us 500 rubles each). After a wait for the last bus we left for what was to be an amazing festival.

Situated within the Russia countryside, with a river running through, it contained 4 stages (each one an element name) and many people, the music was amazing and being the only guys not from Russia there Paz and I became mini legends and experienced Russian hospitality to max with Vodka (of course) and others passed and shared between many people :)

high points include meeting Masha, Alexander, the Blues stage crew and drinking with them, the blues stage (my main haunt) not to mention speeding for about 2 days around the fest ^_^ meeting so many diffrent people :)

we spent four days camped out in the woods, the only slight problem was the insects and we left with quite a few bites.

After a day spent traveling back to Moscow which includes a free train ride back while a group of about 20 of us made a party on the train, drums, trumpet, guitar and the all important pivo (Beer)

We were invited back to a house in Moscow where we stayed with Nafaina and garry (DJ Sativa) for a few days. We went on busking missions to arbat street (Moscows most popular street we were told) where we played together and met many more people from the festival. Everyday in Moscow there is a gathering of people in the park just east of the Kremlin (cant remember the name of park) where they gather every everning for fire shows, poi and company of others. So we busked for cash then moved to the park everynight to enjoy the company of Moscows alt scene and drink together ^_^

Here we met with lilia and Senya who invited us back to her flat to stay for a few days, although a few days turned into nearly a week (im typing this from her brothers computer now). Russian hospitality is amazing, perhaps it is because we are non-russian, but I advise anyone who can, to travel to Russia and experiance this for themselves!

After a brief excusion into Moscows northen forest for a psy-trance party (it was DJ Sativa's birthday) and after much dancing and partying we started the long trek back to the house. It was that same day (after sleeping till the afternoon) that we left for another festival outside of Moscow, once again within the beutiful Russian countryside. And spent the next four days camped out in the woods drinking, smoking and sitting around many diffrent camp fires.

It was here that I tryed Salvia while sitting with the group up on fairy hill, and I must say, twas a intresting experience, having reality pause for a time, as if everything leading to that point was a false experience and I caught a small sight of what perhaps death or some form of alternative reality was like (in a positive way)

Another highlight was drinking Russian tea (black tea, condensed milk and vodka) around the fire on the last night.

We took the train back to Moscow in time to meet with Lilia's brother Ruslan who's birthday it was the day before and so we took the night out on the town, taking the Metro to Moscows (and Russia's) top university, situated on a hill overlooking Moscow. Lilia and her friends come here to work, her work being a fire show for people at night ^_^

We spent the night watching the show, playing drums, drinking and having fun :) and after a successful night at work (or rather play) we danced and played our way home along the Metro.

Now im sitting here in the flat typing this all up, I think there is a plan to travel to ðÿçàíü a small town southeast of Moscow, where I expect even more Russian hospitality and great people :)

With regard to the original plan, that is getting to Japan in time for the G8, I think we are going to have to resort to plan B, Plan B which is to travel to Serbia for the European rainbow gathering in August and then from there plan our next destination.

We entered Russia later than planned (although I dont regret in anyway traveling to Budapest) and then realised that the trans-siberian (and ferry to Japan) was more than we had expected (and a plane is out of the question). To auto-stop (hitchike) across Russia we would need the full month.

Still, its not as if this journey is uneventful for anyone ^_^

the idea which is floating about now is to travel to Saint Petersberg, then into Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Poland and link up with the Derkacz crew for part 2

Anyway, things are as always going well and when I next get to a computer I shall try to update again (I expect pics to follow but not sure when...having lost the mini-usb to usb cable for my camera I have to use other peoples)
]]> Budapest is great! I updated later! — Budapest, Hungary http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1212242940/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1212242940/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1212242940/tpod.html Tue, 10 Jun 2008 03:06:39 -0400 The Path(s) of David
Budapest, Hungary

Just an amazing time in and around Budapest, heres a selection of Lucas photos he took while on the trip :)
]]> Kosice — Kosice, Kosice, Slovakia http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1212995160/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1212995160/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1212995160/tpod.html Mon, 09 Jun 2008 03:53:46 -0400 The Path(s) of David
Kosice, Kosice, Slovakia

Well,
we left Budapest and entered Slovakia relativly quickly, getting a couple of short rides out of the town, then two sets of HGVs took us all the way to the Slovakian town of Kosice, close to the Hungarian boarder.

Once we disembarked we realised, or rather Paz did, that while sleeping in the back of the truck he had left his small bag containing his phone, driving licence and an assortment of CD given to us/him while on the jounrney. Good start eh?

Still, we were happy to have left Hungary and entered Slovakia, another day another country, not to mention that our last experiance in Slovakia was great and we wanted to vist again before we jumped east.


Kosice is Slovakias 2nd largest city, after its capital, and is a very nice town, housing the countrys oldest gothic church, which every weekend is full of weddings, at least 6 a day! Right, thats the tourist part done with, so on with our story...

After a brief panic, we collected ourselves and headed to the nearest place with an internet point, sent the emails to cancel the phone etc and then decided to head into the center of town, our aim, find some food, net access and start hitching again (we had arrived at about midday). The usual practice of walking around the city then followed, that is spot any alternative peoples, question them about squats et al and then find these places. This is how we met Alexander and Zana (and later their housemate Milka) Alex was the first man in Kosice we saw with dreadlocks, and rushed towards him :-)

Alex took us to the colosseum, one of the only radical/punk spaces in Kosice, there we set our bags for a time, had a quick wash and met with Ivan while smoking together, he told us that their used to be squats and the like in Kosice, but in the last years they had been closed down.

we decided to leave the town later, and after Alex bought us a loaf of bread and a bar of chocolate, we set out to the exit point of the town, direction east. After a brief spell of rain, and half a loaf of bread we attemped hitching from the petrol station, although no luck, and with the promise of a place to go if anything happened we headed back to town and Alexs place.

We stayed the same night (and the following 2) in their house, where we were amazingly well looked after!

Since we had about 21sk between the two of us (and my bank being -38 pounds) we needed a source of income, and fast. So we took to the streets of Kosice, armed with a single drum and our spirits!

We have been playing now on the streets for about 2 1/2 days, earning around 2000sk for the first 2days with 1/2 a day left before we catch a direct train to Moscow (or so the plan goes) we already have made the amount for one ticket there, saving us cash, and everything we earn helps eh?

Anyway, other things in Kosice that have happened..we met many great and good hearted people, from the other local street performers, to the Punks and local underground scene, talking and drinking together walking the streets.

Paz coined the title of my book (I might write as) and it makes a funny quote too - You are not just the legend of 55, you are the legend of Dawai!

Anyway, its the last day here now, we have to get ready, pack and leave to catch the train at 8pm, but first the streets await!
]]> Trebisov — Trebisov, Slovakia http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1212241800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1212241800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1212241800/tpod.html Sat, 31 May 2008 10:07:37 -0400 The Path(s) of David
Trebisov, Slovakia

After leaving the rainbow we ended our first day of hitching at Trebisov, spending the night on a roadside, passing trucks in the night.

after a walk, entered the town at about 11am ish and were greeted with smiling faces (and slightly amazed) a group of children took us to the local park behind their flats and listened to some music we gave them, then offered us help carrying bags and such to the petrol station (although we raided the local coop first)

We also met with Robert, Eva and Robert jnr who stopped us in the street, they bought us some food for the road and then offered to buy a round at the local pub, which of course we accepted! we then preceded to start our drinking day with them, which continued on into Hungary!

Spent an amazing time in Slovakia, which has great mountains and countryside, not to mention the people!

of course im still skipping a HUGE amount, but its so much to write, perhaps when I have a whole day with a computer alone to myself I can add more, although this might not happen for a time, since we dont have net access where we are staying in Budapest,
]]> Rainbow — Jawornik 2,0, Poland http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1212240060/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1212240060/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1212240060/tpod.html Sat, 31 May 2008 09:46:45 -0400 The Path(s) of David
Jawornik 2,0, Poland

ok, so its pritty hard to express all what and which happened at the rainbow, it was truly magic!

here's a short list you may find intresting

Derkacz! (a polish duck who kept us company for the rainbow, taking on mythical properties!)
Food missions to the local town (at least a 45min walk through the forest/mountain road)
Many food circles, and amazing food! (even cooked myself, can you guess what?)
LOTS of songs, dancing,
Amazing people and company
Amazing scenery, set in the polish countryside, encircled by valleys, forests and mountains
Water direct from a spring
Meeting uncle teddy (Tardek) a man who shared his home, heart and company
Horse ride back to the rainbow with Tardek
Walking over fire
Full moon
Electric storm sorounding us, silent flashes giving way to thunder and hail, mixed with rain
While the storm raged above and around, the rainbow got down to some hardcore partying in the kitchen, all of us with lightening as our strobe lights :0
Rain and mud, but not damp spirits!
Sunny sunny days too, lovely and hot
sleeping in the kitchen
the long nights and times sat around the fire

and everyone we met was great :)

After the rainbow, we were offered a place to come in Budapest (which we accepted!) and continued to carry the rainbow energy with us!
]]> Sanok — Sanok, Southern Poland, Poland http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1212239520/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1212239520/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1212239520/tpod.html Sat, 31 May 2008 09:21:30 -0400 The Path(s) of David
Sanok, Southern Poland, Poland

Sanok!

Well, we arrived late, after a long ish bus ride, and after a slightly dodgy situation with some kids/young guys who all seemed to suffer from some form of aggression and chucked a few rocks and posed with sticks at us, still was a bit of a dodgy moment when we left and they followed us down the road.

Although saying that, we never would have then met Tardek's family who housed us for the night and (knowingly or not) saved us from the polish "dress men" or so im told they are called commonly.

Anyway, the following day we spent walking around Sanok and later catching the bus for the correct Jawornik (yeah, rainbow!)
]]> Jawornik? — Jawornik, Poland http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1212238740/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1212238740/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1212238740/tpod.html Sat, 31 May 2008 09:10:23 -0400 The Path(s) of David
Jawornik, Poland

So, after another day of traveling, we finally arrived at our destination (or so we thought!) the village of jawornik just south of Kraków (30ish KM) and the site of this years polish rainbow....

After reaching the village, everything checked out, exept there was no railroad in sight (which was marked on our map) and after a police car drove by and had a little chat with us, we found out that we were at the wrong Jawornik, our one was still a good few days traveling! Bugger eh...

anyway to cut a story short here, we slept the night in a petrol station (after the police gave us a lift out to the main road) and after a uneventful day of trying to hitch our way out, we decided to catch a bus instead...taking us to....
]]> Stayed our 2nd night in Poland — Rybnik, Southern Poland, Poland http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1212238440/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1212238440/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david.kairis/1/1212238440/tpod.html Sat, 31 May 2008 08:58:53 -0400 The Path(s) of David
Rybnik, Southern Poland, Poland

Stayed a night in Rybnik at Aleks house, the first polish man who picked us up.

He offered us his home and hospitality for the night, once again amazing people we meet on this journey and such kind hearts!

(im just writing quick entrys since its been a while and I want to write from where I am, not to menntion it would take forever, since no computers at the Rainbow)
]]>