TravelStream™ news feed for member ryanandree on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/ryanandree en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:30:27 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212761700/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212761700/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212761700/tpod.html Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:30:27 -0400 Anniversary Trip to Europe

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Berlin, Germany

After a late night at the club, we spoiled ourselves with some sleeping in and a great post-drinking lunch of greasy burgers at a place called White Trash Fast Food. It's a unique mashup of an old Chinese restaurant and punk rock show venue and eatery. think sculpted drangons platered with next week's band flyer. How Berlin. We both ate far too much then jumped on the s-bahn for a trip to the south of the city to see the old Berlin Wall. We walked down the longest remaning stretch, admiring the graffiti over graffiti over graffiti. Met the man responsible with tearing the most amount of wall down by hand, and bought a chunk of wall from him. Very cool. Just over a really neat rampart-topped bridge was a section of town back in former West Berlin called Kruzeburg. It's an old neighborhood and pretty spread out, yet all the streets seemed to have endless cafe's, galleries and little indy shops selling their wares. A bit more gritty than Prenzlauerburg but very unique in style. We hopped in and out of some stores, marvelling at how low prices were even for Berlin. Bought a couple things and headed back to the Hostel. My dinner making scents had drawn a few people down from the hostel, and with our newfound friends we collabotatively decided to go out for drinks ion our neighborhood. Found a bar that had late night happy hour (score!) and ordered a few rounds of mojitos. We laughed and shared travel stories, then made our way back to the hostel for some rest. Once again the sun was coming up. It comes up EARLY over here. Very strange.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212676200/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212676200/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212676200/tpod.html Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:21:51 -0400 Anniversary Trip to Europe

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Berlin, Germany

Wow, I hadn't cooked anything in 8 days. Felt strange...

Whelp, time for a great breakfast! Full bellys gave us the energy needed to explore the huge city. Decided that the TV Tower would be a great place to get our bearings. At 271 meters, you could see everything from up there! Berlin is a flat somewhat spread out city, so we were able to lay out some plans for our exploration. We strolled the the park below the tower and through a large Iberian Spanish cultural exposition. Watched some horse demonstrations and saw some major celebrity, complete with bodyguards and spray-on tan. From there we walked down the main street in Berlin to see the Babel Platz, the site where Nazis held book burnings. Nice little square with a moving memorial: A white shelved library room you looked down into from 20 feet above. Very fitting.

Strolled past Museum island and had a great inexpensive meal at a pizzeria under the subway, then on to the Hamburger Banhof contemporary art museum. AWESOME! Saw very important work from the Contemporary Masters like Joseph Beuys, Warhol, Nauman and Rebecca Whitehead. Will take a while to absorb it all...

That night we got an ¨Amsterdam Taxi Ride¨ aka side saddle on the cargo rack of a bike, to a club I had wanted to visit. The club is on the 16th floor and they had some good minimal DJ's, stiff drinks and a great rooftop patio with a dope view of the glittering city. We danced till the sun came up, got lost on the walk home, and finally crashed when we found the place. Fun times.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212582600/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212582600/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212582600/tpod.html Sat, 07 Jun 2008 19:20:14 -0400 Anniversary Trip to Europe

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Berlin, Germany

Overnight trains/sleeper cars/couchetts... sound more idyllic and romantic than the really are... I don't recommend them! Get a sleeper seat!

The ride in, after the sun was up, was very pretty. The German countryside is gorgeous, but very flat. Full of great churches and big ass (modern) windmills.

After quite an uncomfortable, loud, and pretty sleepless night on the sleeper train, we stepped on German soil at 8:30 am. The German U-Bahn and S-Bahn (underground and street level train system, respectively) are precisely on time, surprisingly clean, and quick. We had to switch from above ground to under ground once, then we arrived at our station. 1/2 block later, we were in front of East Seven Hostel. A friendly welcome, then up (you guessed it) 3 flights of stairs to our great private room. A king size bed and very comfy pillows, under a great big window opening to the private courtyard below. We did not sleep well on the train, so our first order of business was a nap. Refreshed afterwords, we walked around the neighborhood we were in, Prenzlauerburg, checking the stores, little shops and bars that dot the area. Explored a great park and found no less than three small grocery stores. So we bought some food (cheap!) and some beer (very cheap!) and headed back to the hostel. Met some great people from Australia, UK, Netherlands, and a Scot-Irish-Canadian and dove into a huge political discussion. We "hit the wall" and couldn't keep our eyes open and called it a day.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212509820/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212509820/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212509820/tpod.html Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:22:17 -0400 Anniversary Trip to Europe

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Paris, Île-de-France, France

Scherrie:
So we tried our best to get some sleep on the train and we both managed off an on for most of the way. The train was mostly empty when we started but as the morning went on more and more people kept getting on. Eventually we did have to share our seats with others but they were quite older people who seemed nice. We got to Paris right on time---damn these trains are reliable and timely. Here it is we decided to see the main monuments in centralized places so we can get more bang for our buck.
Centre Pompidou, NotreDame, Louvre, Arc de Triumph, and Eiffel Tower
The weather most of the wayup from Nice and in Paris was horrible. In fact the rain was so bad that several towns on the west side of France and tons of houses were damaged. All day in Paris we dodged the rain by using the metro system which at frist was confusing but with a map and some determination we figured it out. The rain did seem to follow us but strangely enough it didn't pour until we got on the last metro to Paris Nord.
We waited abuot 2 hours to get on our train and in the mean time managed to consume some beer and watch a fight break out in the train station. Our seats were pretty good and watching the Policia scramble was cool. Funny enough Ryan and I had just been comparing the city to other big cities like NYC in the US. Paris obviously wanted to show us what it had to offer. Ryan's better at covering the details so catch his end of it too.
Ryan: 5 major sites in 6 hours. Some call us crazy, others call us adventurous... probably a bit more of the first. The Pompideau was crazy. A huge hulking structure that had all its a/c, electric, and water systems on the outside. Very modern place in the nestled amoung traditional older structures from the 1700 and 1800's. Just a few blocks from there we went to Notre Dame cathedral, the poster child of high gothic architecture. Saw the flying butresses, gargoyles, and the saints above the narthex and east entrances. Stunning! After a quick 360, we hoofed it back over the Seine over to the Louvre. Though closed (all museums were closed that day, though it was ok b/c of out time constraints) we were still able to walk through the center and see the I.M. Pei pyramid, and marvel at the absolutly endless stretch of the museum's wings. Back to the Metro to hit up the Arc de Triumph. A marvellous structure, with great friezes and sculptures, right in the middle of a very busy traffic circle. Crazy. But got some great pics, and hopped back to the Metro to the Eiffel Tower. WOW! Imposing yet airy, the metal structure looms over the park and the Seine. It was so crowded, we couldn't even get to the first level... plus we were not going to haul our asses (and all our stuff) up all those stairs! But we had a nice sit in the park and rested a bit. Then it was time to hop back on the Metro and catch our overnight train to Berlin Germany.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212415320/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212415320/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212415320/tpod.html Wed, 04 Jun 2008 07:17:13 -0400 Anniversary Trip to Europe

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Nice, France

Ree was sleeping so soundly that Ryan decided to go to a local market for breakfast. We decided we would visit the Ville de Vieux on a cliff that borders Nice on the east. After discovering the acensure(elevator) was broken we took MORE steps---uggh---to the very top to see yet another amazing view of the coast. There was a cascade at the top and an old fort from the 1600's. It turned out to be a beautiful park and it included an old cementary with amazing masoleums and crypts. We watched a huge boat parallel park in the harbor on the other side of the cliff, cheeky driver. We wove down a random set of stairs back to the Plaza Rosseti where we had lunch. Huge pizza and crisp salad finished off with beer and wine. Finally! Time for a day at the beach, even though we knew the water was cold we had to take a plunge anyway. Aside from Ree' screaming we took a freezing dip and then laid in the sun for a while to dry off. On the way back to the hotel we picked up a more frugal choice of snacks for dinner and the ride to Paris. We watched the French Tennis Open? and hit the hay early to be ready to make our 6:35am train to Paris. Yes we decided to see a bit of Paris before our train to Berlin. We have about 8 hours....can we do it?! Check out our next post for the conclusion to this saga!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212332400/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212332400/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212332400/tpod.html Wed, 04 Jun 2008 05:28:06 -0400 Anniversary Trip to Europe

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Nice, Provence, France

After discovering the italian fest the day before, we decided brunch there was in order. Delicious sandwich and a great antipasta plate later, Ree and I went for a beachfront walk. Discovered a great big market with misc flowers, antiques, foods, and some very foreign herbs and spices. The smells of all these items were intoxicating, especially when mixed with the salty sea breeze. Got some great pictures of Plazza Rosetti (note the italian heritage in spelling and name...) and the big church on its periphery. We hopped a bus to the Matisse museum, up the hills and through the ritziest part of the Cotes d Azure. The museum was free(!) and had some amazing famous work; Blue Nude IV, early sketches and portraits, and huge late paper cut outs. Out one of the windows of the museum, we spotted some ruins, and turns out they were part of the museum of archeology, and they were free too! A sprawling three acre 3rd century Roman village, complete with 2 bath houses, a few homes, and even a coliseum. WOW! We spent a few hours marveling at the site, amazed at the water and sewer system and the pool! The Romans knew how to live! The coliseum was still in use, believe it or not, and they were setting up for a concert the day we were there. Took the bus back down the hill and did some Paris research at the hotel, then realized we hadn't eaten since early that morning so we walked back out past Place Messina for kabobs and lamb patties, followed by great gelato. Fast food, Nice style! Bought a bottle of local Cotes du Rhone for 3 Euros and headed back to the hotel. This time, Scherrie got to play the old woman, passing out early. I wasn't too far behind, after watching Ocean's 13 for the first time, dubbed in French. Still not a great flick, even with 1/2 a bottle of wine in me...

One more day in Nice, then off to Paris and Berlin!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212258840/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212258840/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212258840/tpod.html Mon, 02 Jun 2008 06:21:25 -0400 Anniversary Trip to Europe

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Nice, Provence, France

HAPPY ANNY!! Whoo hoo ten years is a long time and we feel very fortunate to be able to spend it here in the South of France of all places!
So we had a fresh and early start to the day enjoying breakfast at the hotel. It was delightful and filling--I don't think we can ever get enough of croissants and coffee. The funniest thing was there were two pet turtles in the dinning room with us enoying the sun. One however did seem like a bully litterally shoving the other out of its way so it could have all the sun. Following we wove our way down the promenade to the MAMAC museum. This is Nice's contemporary museum and has a collection that is out of this world. There was a new exhibition by Richard Long a earthworks artist who began in the early 50's. His work was litterally hands on and he made huge installations using different types of mud. We also got to see one of Ree's favorite artists Nikki de Saint Phalle! The work is kooky and colorful, but don't let that fool you she was one of the most intense and cutting edge artist of her time. MAMAC has one of the largest collections of her work in the world. Along with this work we saw works by many other Pop artists, Fluxus and art ranging from the 50's to the present. The roof top of the MAMAC is a terrace of sorts and we had seen videos of Anne and Ben running back and forth on this during thier visit but considering my grace and issues with plummenting from high places we decide to walk and take pictures of the outstanding view. We could see all of Nice!!
We went back to the beach to enjoy what was left of the sun and came across a Italian festival. Authentic Italian wine, cheese, sausage and more(free samples). Ree had to buy a microbrewed beer from Toulon to enjoy later. Following a nap (Scherrie) we ventured out to have a romantic meal off of on Rue de Anglais. We settled on Le Lodge, OMG it has to be some of the best food Ryan and I have EVER had. Ryan enjoyed Swordfish and Ree had Leg of Lamb!! You'd think that we would have to scrimp the rest of the time we were here but the menu was fixed and it only cost us 19 euros each, this included apps.
After we went club/bar hopping! Ryan had reasearched a house club named Before and we had no problem finding it. We strolled in (no cover) and were impressed at the music the dj was playing. Gearing up for a great night of dancing we noticed that the bartender was cleaning up alot. It was only midnight they couldn't be closing already. Clubs in France open late and go well into dawn. Well it turns out that Before is called that for a reason it's only open BEFORE the clubs open. Not to thrilled about that we went out to find another club. Some of the ones we found were either too expensive(The Klub) or wouldn't let us in(PINK). Never been denied entry before at a club but there is a first for everything. We found two other bar/clubs that night--Maori(top 40) and Bodegavita(piano bar) which was right around the corner from us. Bodegavita was the bomb. We have never witnessed a live band perform Prince's Kiss with a conga line forming on the second floor above us!
The night finally ended with Ryan and Ree stumbling around the corner to their hotel and heckling people from the balcony--no one heard we were too far up but it was fun anyway.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212182760/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212182760/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212182760/tpod.html Mon, 02 Jun 2008 06:02:45 -0400 Anniversary Trip to Europe

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Nice, Provence, France

Woke up in Avignon and we both had been attacked by bed bugs! Not too bad but it is very itchy and kind of unsettling. Got up early to make reservations for our trip to Nice and rushed down to explore the Palais de Papes and to find the exact spot where Ryan's grandfather stood for a photo 63 years ago. Continued the family tradition set by Ryan's dad and photographed Ryan in the same spot. It was very touching. We forgot to ask which train station we had to leave from, realizing that the station was 10 miles away: Oh no! Luckily we found the bus we had to take to the TGV station with ample time to make the train. Ree did have to run inside a post office to make change it was crazy! We got into Nice around 5ish and decided to visit the beach. The beach is nothing but smooth rocks and pebbes kind of harsh onthe bum. But whoah what a beautiful and amazing city! We had a very long train ride and a long walk to the hotel and beach so we decided to cal it an early night.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212109200/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212109200/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1212109200/tpod.html Sat, 31 May 2008 05:06:47 -0400 Anniversary Trip to Europe

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Avignon, Provence, France

Checked out of hostel in A'dam and hopped the high speed train to Paris. Wow, it's way faster than I Imagined! Bought Paris Metro tickets right on the train. Paris subway smelled like every other subway in the world, tres mal! Fairly easy to find our way around... had to take Metro to another station, Gare de Lyon, in the southern part of town. Another high speed through the rolling hills of the French countryside, then the beautiful mountains in the south. Rained the whole way. Arrived in Avignon about 9 pm and made the short trek to the hotel. We checked in and went out exploring the dark city. Found an "Irish" pub and had a beer, listening to a DJ play some horrible Americana-esque rock and roll and 80's junk. At lest we had the beer. Ree ate a huge hot dog that came with fries ON TOP. Sleep... and don't let the bedbugs bite.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1211966040/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1211966040/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryanandree/1/1211966040/tpod.html Wed, 28 May 2008 11:18:49 -0400 Anniversary Trip to Europe

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Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands

We're HERE! Well it took sometime and backtracking to find our hostel but we made it, even in the rain. We'll update with photos when we get to Avignon! A bit mild and damp but the rain only lingers. Seem to have nice boys from Las Vegas in the same room. It's just begun!
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