TravelStream™ news feed for member tpelaia on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/tpelaia en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Fri, 19 Jun 2009 03:15:40 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1245395667/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1245395667/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1245395667/tpod.html Fri, 19 Jun 2009 03:15:40 -0400 London, England Paris, France Madrid, Spain Granada, Spain Barcelona, Spain Nice, France

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Les Arcs, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

Time has really gone by quickly here and over the past several weeks, I am amazed how much I have accomplished and how much there is to discover in this great world of ours.

This trip was a personal obsticle for me as I am very much a homebody. I enjoy having my things around me and as much as I hate to admit it, I like my routines. I had to reassure myself that everything would be ok and I should just enjoy myself on this journey. And of course, I have.

My plane leaves for London, England from Nice tomorrow morning. I'm there overnight and I take a long flight back to Toronto on Sunday morning. Everything back home is in order and my dog has been well looked after.

Tonight, I'm making a special thank you dinner for my aunt and cousins. They have really spoiled me here. I was able to take some great photos of them during my visit. I had several developed and put into frames. I'll be giving them as gifts this evening. I hope they enjoy them.

As for today, just another relaxing day. I'll have to prep my bags before sometime, as I won't have time in the morning. My cousin's husband will be driving me to the airport in Nice. It looks like it's a drive that overlooks the ocean. I'm sure it will be beautiful.

I'm already thinking about my next BIG vacation. I will have another 8 month leave starting in January 2012. I'm thinking Italy, Spain, and Germany. I'll attempt an even longer visit, like two months, and earlier in the year. I'm thinking March and April would be perfect. I found in some situations there were way too many people for my liking and the weather quite unbearable at times (40's in Spain). Time to save up!!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1245395367/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1245395367/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1245395367/tpod.html Fri, 19 Jun 2009 03:14:09 -0400 London, England Paris, France Madrid, Spain Granada, Spain Barcelona, Spain Nice, France

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Les Arcs, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

It's been really great to have some time to just relax for the past few days.

I believe later this afternoon we are going to an old chapel that was burned.

Then to my cousins for appetizers.

Well, we went to the chapel, which was old and beautiful. What I didn't realize was there was a saint named, St. Rosaline who was burned to death in the fire. Her body is preserved and enclosed in glass for all to see. I was able to take a few pictures.

We also visited this castle that now belongs to a movie director. Very cool!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1245395158/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1245395158/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1245395158/tpod.html Fri, 19 Jun 2009 03:09:11 -0400 London, England Paris, France Madrid, Spain Granada, Spain Barcelona, Spain Nice, France

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Les Arcs, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

Nothing really exciting to report today. As you can tell I'm travelled out. I've been enjoying the time with my aunt and cousins. I believe my cousin wants to take me out and about after dinner, so we'll see.

My second cousin doesn't go to school on Wednesdays. I guess they stay later the other days, til 4:30 and get Wednesdays off. Hmm , will Canada adopt that system? Personally, if it was the same but Fridays off, then for sure I would like that, and assume others would too.

I promised to make dinner tomorrow night so I went to a nearby grocery store. It's similar to a walmart an grocery store all in one.

I found the selection incredible. The cheeses, breads, yogurt have take up a full aisle each. It was too hard to choose between items. Too much selection.

This place even had large appliances. One thing I saw that I wanted was their washing machines. I know, funny but true. They are half the size as ours and don't look like washing machines. Regardless, I found them cool. Although, the drum is much smaller so less clothes can be washed. Overall, it was a learning experience.

I went with my two cousins to the Medieval Village, as they thought I hadn't gone, but I stumbled over it the other day on my walk. I'm glad they took me again as the museum was open son we went in. They were between shows but I was able to see the interior of the old medieval chapel. If was beautiful. I guess several years ago they discovered 4 skeletons underneath when they were renovating. They have the bones covered by glass in their resting place for all to see. Unbelievable!!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1245144107/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1245144107/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1245144107/tpod.html Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:56:51 -0400 London, England Paris, France Madrid, Spain Granada, Spain Barcelona, Spain Nice, France

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Les Arcs, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

I was awake by 8 and has coffee with my aunt. I got ready and walked
into town. I was there yesterday with my cousin so there were a few
familiar sites. I sat down on a bench in the park, and a bird from a
tree above me, decidwles to drop a little gift into my shirt. I
didn't have anything to clean it up, but it was small, so I left it to
clean later.

I made my way up a hill and to my surprise a sign said "Medieval
Village". So, I walked on and was impressed with what I saw.

The village roads and buildings look like they have been well
maintained. Inside, they have been updated to small apartments. I
continued on with my walk and the village was quite large. I took some
pictures of the buildings and view. Then, I made my way back into the
town center. I walked back to my aunts as the sun was making it
uncomfortable to be outdoors.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1245038400/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1245038400/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1245038400/tpod.html Tue, 16 Jun 2009 05:26:17 -0400 London, England Paris, France Madrid, Spain Granada, Spain Barcelona, Spain Nice, France

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Les Arcs, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

Today I just spent some time with my family. No travelling around today!


]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1244952000/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1244952000/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1244952000/tpod.html Mon, 15 Jun 2009 04:42:05 -0400 London, England Paris, France Madrid, Spain Granada, Spain Barcelona, Spain Nice, France

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Les Arcs, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

I was up early again. I could hardly sleep as I was worried i'd miss my train this morning. I made it well in advance. Better early than 1 second too late!


I did not eat breakfast or even have my morning coffee! That was a first. I assumed I'd be having that on the train. I was deeply disappointed. The train looked like it was from the 50's or 60's. The seats were big, and well worn. There were no meal trays either, so you guessed it, no breakfast. So much for this first class ticket. It's like night and day from yesterdays experience. The train was also slower and made frequent stops.


I arrived at MontPellier famished and dehydrated! So I picked up some food, ate quickly and waited for my next train.


It was late, and I was concerned I was on the wrong platform. The train arrived and I boarded it. This set up was similar to the last train, no service, but much more up-to-date.


I had a little nap, and woke up feeling a little less tired. I really need a good nights rest. Two days of train travel is tiring.


I should be at my aunts near Les Arcs in about 1.5 hours. I hope to find some wifi, but I'm not sure if there will be any. Wish me luck.

Well, I made it here. So far so good.


]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1244865600/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1244865600/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1244865600/tpod.html Mon, 15 Jun 2009 04:34:58 -0400 London, England Paris, France Madrid, Spain Granada, Spain Barcelona, Spain Nice, France

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain and Canary Islands

I had a restless night. Thankfully, it's the last night in that
dreadful bed. I was up around 7, had breakfast and got myself ready. I
packed the last few things in my bag and checked out of the residence.
Two of the people I met emwere there to wish me well. It was great to
meet people from other parts of the world.

I walked to the train station which is not very far at all an waited
for my train.

I boarded the train and settled in for the 5 hour trip to Madrid, then
an hour layover to switch to the highspeed train to Barcelona, which I
am looking forward to.

There was a family with two kids that were in first class. I became a
little frustrated because the youngest was about two years old and
extremely rambunctious. As the train started to move, he was running
up and down the aisle like he was in a marrathon. I thoght to
myself, "oh no, this is going to be a long ride!" at one point, he
tree his toy car and it landed in between my back and the seat. I was
eating breakfast. He stopped and was stunned because he couldn't see
his car. I grabbed it and was tempted not to give it back, but I knew
it wouldn't stop help him settle down. Instead I gave it back to him
with a 'teacher' stare' and he was in his way continuing his mission.
(At which I believe he succeeded).

After breakfast, I noticed the whole family disappeared. I believe
they got off at the first stop. What a relief!

Well, I made it to Barcelona. I used the metro to get to my hotel. It
was straight forward.

I quickly checked in, and was on my way for a quick tour of the city.
My first stop was the Sacred Family. It's an huge cathedral created by
Gaudi. When I got gf the subway and made my way to ground level, this
me monument hovered over me! It was phenominal to see. I quickly
snapped a few photos and was in my way.

My next stop was the waterfront. It was a busy place and I can see
why. Tourists and locals were gathered here. Some just relaxing on
the edge of the seashore, others were raking pictures Or making their
way to the next destination.

The map I was using made it difficult to figure out where things
were. I noticed on the map that they have an Arc de Triomf as well,
so I made that my next stop. The sun was going down so it was harder
to take a decent picture, but I managed to get a couple here. This
attraction is much smaller than Paris' but I like it better.

I then wanted to see another one of Gaudi's works, so I tried to get
there on the metro but it was confusing. Due to some construction on
the metro lines, I ended up having to pay 3 times. I tried to get to
my connecting line but it took me to street level. It was frustrating.
I did stumble upon another of Gausi's works, at least I think. It
could have been just a copy cat! I captured a few on film and made my
way back to the hotel.

It was a busy day!! I went to bed and set my iPod alarm. Again, no
clock in the hotel room. Go figure!!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1244779200/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1244779200/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1244779200/tpod.html Mon, 15 Jun 2009 04:31:57 -0400 London, England Paris, France Madrid, Spain Granada, Spain Barcelona, Spain Nice, France

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Granada, Andalusia, Spain and Canary Islands

It´s my last full day in Granada. I woke up early, had some breakfast
and did laundry. The washing machines here are very odd. They seem to
go on for about 2 hours per cycle! I hung them out to dry since the
weather is so ridiculously fantastic, plus 42 to be exact!

I walked around the streets acting like a tourist today. I wanted
to get the final few souvenirs. There are too many shops to choose
from, all containing basically the same merchandise, with varying
prices. I found some decent bargains and even something for myself.

I´m at the school now, just waiting for my final class to start.
Afterwards, I´ll have to make dinner, pack and make sure I have
everything with me. Then, it´s off to Barcelona for 1 entire night!
I should have booked a few days in Barcelona, but I will remember for
next time to stay a few days there. Everyone keeps telling me how
wonderful it is there. I´ve already sorted out the details with the
metro, in order to get to my hotel as cost effectively as possible.

I forgot to mention in my earlier posts, but I can NEVER seem to find a
clock anywhere here. No clocks in the restaurants, stores, shopping
malls, etc. I usually don´t wear a watch, but I should be wearing one
here. It must be the relaxed attitudes here and that there is no
¨rush¨ to get to anywhere.

I´m going to have ONE last ice cream at my favourite place. I had one
last night somewhere different, supposedly the best in town, but I
don´t agree. Now comes the real dilemea, which flavour to choose!!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1244692800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1244692800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1244692800/tpod.html Thu, 11 Jun 2009 07:44:09 -0400 London, England Paris, France Madrid, Spain Granada, Spain Barcelona, Spain Nice, France

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Granada, Andalusia, Spain and Canary Islands

Today is a holiday in Granada, in order to celebrate the religious aspects of Corpus Christi. They definately take this holiday seriously. The crowds were double what they were yesterday. We were all packed like sardines! It was hot and uncomfortable at times. Some people were even passing out and had to be escorted to the nearby ambulance for medical attention.

The parade started off similar to yesterdays parade, with the GIANT heads. A band followed playing religious songs. People sang and threw confetti as the Corpus Christi monument passed. There were several churches and church groups represented in the procession. Everyone was dressed up in the parade, either in costume or in their respective clothing. The spectators were well dressed too.

It seemed to go on and on forever. As soon as the monument passed, people followed the parade, or disepated into the streets.

I made my way back to the residence. I´ve found a slightly quicker way there through the back streets. It was very confusing when I first arrived, but now things are becoming more and more familiar and less intimidating.

I´m certain there are several other events taking place today but most require you to travel out of the city. I will probably roam the streets again this afternoon, enjoy a tapas or two with friends from the residence, and who knows, maybe even an ice cream later on as a special treat! ;)





]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1244606400/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1244606400/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tpelaia/1/1244606400/tpod.html Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:05:42 -0400 London, England Paris, France Madrid, Spain Granada, Spain Barcelona, Spain Nice, France

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Granada, Andalusia, Spain and Canary Islands

There was a mysterious "event" I heard about yesterday that I was going to try and discover this morning on my own. I went out at around 10:30 am to look for it. There were an odd number of people out. I assumed that many people had the day off. There were a large number of children as well. Again, I assumed they had the day off from school.

As I walked closer and closer to the town center, there were more people, ballon vendors, puppet vendors and food vendors on the street. I felt like I was on the right track. I walked up one of the main roads that led to Plaza del Carmen, and there it was, La Terasca. I don´t know the direct translation but it´s a parade of some sort. The giant masks and stilt people were in the center of the plaza for all to see. I waited for about an hour before these masks were brought to life by the some locals. They march down the streets of Granada with these puppet giants.

An orchestra entertained the crowd as we waited with classical spanish music. A marching band preceeded the giant heads, and played very lively music, that you couldn´t resist moving to. What a way to start the day!

I took several pictures but suddenly, the battery on my camera died, so I raced back to the residence throught the crowds to get the replacement. The streets were innondated with people. I¨ve never been in a crowd so large. I would say there had to be at least 100 thousand people in the narrow streets. They were all waiting for the parade to pass by. I couldn´t wait as I had to be at my class for 1:15. I wrestled my way through the crowds of children, teenages adults and the elderly. Luckily I made it to school on time.

After class, the masses of people had dwindled. I was told that tomorrow, there would be even more people for the Corpus Christi parade.

Many students from the residence will be going to the fair tonight. I went on Monday so I really don´t feel up to the crowds of people again. We´ll see though. Maybe I´ll have a change of heart.



]]>