Big trip completed. Time to get back into reality, pack a job, rent an apartment and start earning money. Like everyday people do. Except, I was never one of those people.
Tan in fading, so does memories. But still every morning I’m waking up with a hope to find a paradise with palm trees and never ending sunshine somewhere just around the corner. My head is itching from irrational thoughts about going away- right now, but I guess we all get the so called ‘after travel blues’. Funny enough, I couldn’t push them away, if I can’t go backpacking again, why don’t I go somewhere for a shorter holiday?!
Said it, booked it, packed and left.
Bought one way ticket to Paris with megabus.com for £20 and left next day.
Rough plan was that I have one week till new job starts and I have open borders around all Europe. So the first draft looked like this Paris- Lille- Bruges- Brussels- Amsterdam.
First stop- PARIS, France. I’ve been to Paris like 7years ago but why not again. Paris is always a good idea!
With just one day to spend, I had a chance to visit usual places, such as Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Cathedral Notre Dame. This time it was more about getting lost in small parisian streets, pop into cafes for some pasta and wine, and discover churches that aren’t categorised under ‘must see top 10’.
After rediscovering Paris all over again on foot, after getting caught in ridiculous rain and after falling asleep on the bench twice, it was time for the next stop- LILLE, Northern France. Spent some quiet moments just sitting in a main square cafe, drinking vanilla late and watching people stroll by, then doing a little bit of jam shopping in local boutiques and cycling back home le france style- with a banquet in my basket:) Spending two days at my friends house we headed up north to visit Belgium and Netherlands.
What surprised me the most in this trip was Brussels. I didn’t expect it to be so lively and beautiful. No one ever recommended me to visit this town, it was more about ‘go to Amsterdam, night life is amazing’. But how can I skip Brussels if it’s very much on my way anyway. And I must say- it is stunning. With delicious food, outstanding BEER, amazing waffles and a busy nightlife, Brussels has it all. While in Brussels, we’ve also visited Titanic exhibition, which I highly recommend! Before Brussels we’ve stopped for a few hour walk around Bruges. Small in size but full in shops, boutiques and cafes, overall it’s a beautiful little town worth seeing if you have some spare time.
Amsterdam was a great surprise to me as well. I had always thought of Venice as the city of canals; it had never entered my mind that I should find similar conditions in a Dutch town. Amsterdam has more than 150 canals and 1,250 bridges, but it never seems crowded, nor bent and bitter from fleecing the tourist. And I must admit, I’ve enjoyed it more in a day time then at night. Some tourists think Amsterdam is a city of sin, but in truth it is a city of freedom. And in freedom, most people find sin. If you know what I mean:)
On the other hand, to compliment its beauty, Amsterdam is quite expensive too, dorm beds starting at 22euros/night if you book way in advance. If not, you might end up on a street or paying a fortune. Being a last minute planners and real backpackers we haven’t booked anything and sods law just poked us in the eye. Cheapest dorm room was 45E p.p.p.n. or no vacancies. Luckily at 10PM (still with the backpacks) we found a 5* river view hotel on secrethotels.com and ended up in Wyndham Apollo Hotel, paying 70£ for a double room, with living room, view to canal and phone in the bath. Yes, a phone! It still counts as backpacking, doesn’t it?!
A few interesting facts I’ve came along while in Amsterdam.
Interesting Fact: Even though prostitution is legal in the Netherlands, streetwalking is illegal. This is why the women working in the Red Light District cannot leave their windows to solicit customers.
Random Fact: Amsterdam has a population of 750 000, but there are over 1 000 000 bikes on the streets at any point in time. And over 30 000 bicycles end up in Amsterdam’s canals each year.
Fun Fact: Marijuana is illegal in the Netherlands – it is merely tolerated by officials.
I am very lucky to have friends mixed all around the world, which means I always have someone to show me around and take me to ‘secret’ non touristy places for some great eats. After spending so much time in Asia, Europe seems incredibly pricey, but if you manage your budget wisely, you won’t end up spending those life savings. And last but not least thing I’ve discovered in this trip (no it’s net the peach beer) is site called blablacar.com which is a great alternative for traveling around Europe. Check it out if you’re not aware of it yet!
And even tho we were blessed with unpredictable weather, including beastly showers and heat waves, trip was really inspiring and healing the urge to jump on a first plane, at least for a few months.
Happy travels! From London with love, R.
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