Ive finally made it to Attendorn after hitching for 2 days from Prague.
I arrived yesterday evening and at with Thilos parents before heading to a hill that overlooks the city.
It will be a great weekend canoeing and camping.
The first day I hitched I made it all the way to Heidleberg on the Autobahn. Taking 4 different vehicles.
Going from Prague to Plsen I rode in a Flatbed Tow Truck.
From Plsen to Nuremburg I road between two tots in their child seats...that was quite a squeeze but we had a good time playing.
From Nuremburg to Frankenhöhe I road in a car with a nice gentleman who after hearing about my journey so far gave me 20 euro and a box of merci chocolates!!
Because of his generosity I was able to have all my food costs covered the next day. (I only had a $10 arriving to Germany).
I had the highlight of my hitching on my last trip that took me closer to my destination and just past Heidleburg. I road in a Mercedes Benz (I dont know what model number but its one of the brand new ones) going 220 Kilometers an hour at some points..thats about 140 mph for my American readers...and the ride was so smooth. The driver that drove it is a break designer and tester so gets new models for high end cars so he can test the breaks. How cool of a job is this! But that wasnt the most remarkable part of this driver. He told me a personal, first hand story about his experience with the fall of communism in Germany and the Berlin Wall..which sadly I dont know enough about. I will definately go to the museum Checkpoint Charlie that he recommended to me. It tells of all the myriad ways that people would try to cross over into West Germany. His story though..was so touching..about family seperated for decades and then suddenly..showing up at their door in Western Germany. I love stories with a happy ending!
I camped that night behind the Bergstraße station. Now, a thing to keep in mind is that wild camping is illegal in Germany although many people still do it. So I found a semi-discreet spot and broke some small trees and bushes to cover it up from the backroad. Itd only work for the night though...
I didnt sleep so well so I slept in the morning when it was warmer and woke up again at 9:30am and quickly broke the tent down. Just as I was putting the cover away some police drove by, stopped, reversed, and got out. I greeted them with a Guten Morgen and they asked if I was camping. I said yes I just woke up. I couldnt find a place to sleep last night and dont have any money at the moment so it was my only option. While the male officer looked at my passport the female officer asked me about my trip and then the male officer returned, gave me my passport, and told me to have a nice day. Not too shabby! Thank goodness I didnt have this scenario in Ukraine! haha
This day was a bit complicated for hitching. I just had to go from Heidleburg to Attendorn, which is close to Köln, but the first people to pick me up took me INTO Frankfurt. So it took me another hour to get back onto the Autobahn which is the only place one can successfully hitch from. Once on the autobahn I had some lunch at Burger King..I missed Burger King after so much McDonalds, and then I had to walk along the autobahn to a bridge, cross over, and then walk back to the station going the opposite direction.
I waited around 2 hours for a car at this station. People would just shake their heads or completely ignore me as if I was a begger here..yikes! Definately not the same as yesterday when I was in Eastern Germany.
A young man picked me up and took me up to A45 on the way to Olpe..which is the town next to Attendorn. After around 30 minutes I got a lift from a Turkish truck driver (who admittedly doesnt like Americans much but made an exception with me and even gave me his map book of europe) He really liked that I traveled around Turkey. He dropped me off at Siegerland.
Finally I was picked up by a man named Achim who is an online radio dj and has the widest smile ever. He took me all the way to Attendorn!
Some things I Noticed while traveling the Autobahn:
There is A LOT of nature and trees along the road!
People in Germany are really generous. On my second day I was given around 20 euros..sometimes without even mentioning my story or that I had no money..like when I was in frankfurt trying to get back onto the autobahn.
The cars here are REALLY nice and almost all of them have blue-tooth phone capabilities so people can listen through the car speakers and just talk normally.
Most cars here are Manual..NOT automatic.
Thats all for now, I'll add photos when I have a chance.
Now I must shower, pack my things, and get ready for a wet and fun weekend in the countryside. See you all next week
Friday, June 10, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Prague on the go
I am now in the great city of Praha, Prague Czech Republic after arriving Sunday night.
After being dropped off at the turnoff for getting to Centrum or the Center I walked, and walked, and walked until I came across a McDonalds. From there I was hoping to find a couch but since I couldn't I did some more walking heading north and found a discreet place to put up my tent that was void of needles and bums or drunks.
At 9:30am I packed my things up and went to the McDonalds where I spent a good portion of the day working on some photos and submitting my resume to more places. It was a stormy day and I did not want to be outside for the intermittent downpours.
At around 4pm after the rain subsided and I had a couch confirmation I went to Malostranski Metro so I could cross the bridge facing the Charles Bridge. Crossing the Bridge put me in Old Town. I met some 3 German girls that were on Holiday after just completing their medical degrees. We walked for a bit and came to The Old Town Square where I took some 360degree panoramas (which I can't seem to create so no photo available)
I'll call it a day and head for Germany taking this route.
View Larger Map Tomorrow I'll meet Thilo and his beau before heading off for a weekend camping/canoe trip.
After being dropped off at the turnoff for getting to Centrum or the Center I walked, and walked, and walked until I came across a McDonalds. From there I was hoping to find a couch but since I couldn't I did some more walking heading north and found a discreet place to put up my tent that was void of needles and bums or drunks.
 |
| Clandestine Operations inside Prague |
 | |
| After a good night's rest..except for a helicopter, the city is oblivious to my presence |
At around 4pm after the rain subsided and I had a couch confirmation I went to Malostranski Metro so I could cross the bridge facing the Charles Bridge. Crossing the Bridge put me in Old Town. I met some 3 German girls that were on Holiday after just completing their medical degrees. We walked for a bit and came to The Old Town Square where I took some 360degree panoramas (which I can't seem to create so no photo available)
By the time we were there it was already around 6:20pm so I had to head back to meet my host, Adam, by 7pm. Adam took me to his favorite afterwork chillout place where we knocked down a few cold ones before heading home for the evening. Unfortunately on our way home the heavens opened up and let loose a
torrential downpour.I didn't get too wet though since I have rain gear but dang! Luckily today is really gorgeous.
So TODAY the plan is to venture around Praha Zoo
to see how the animal world goes about their business in captivity.
From there I'll take a metro to visit Prague Castle and once I get some nice photos of Prague Castle and some of the surrounding palaces.
I'll call it a day and head for Germany taking this route.
View Larger Map Tomorrow I'll meet Thilo and his beau before heading off for a weekend camping/canoe trip.
The best part of it all is that
I'm doing all of this on less than $20.
I'm doing all of this on less than $20.
Who says you need money to enjoy life?
Friday, May 27, 2011
No cutting corners!
So I spent the last day in Warsaw, Poland with some wonderful hosts that treated me like family. The hot shower and being able to wash and DRY my clothes (WITH A DRYER!) was awesome.
I spent yesterday touring the city of Warsaw. Particularly Old Town as my hosts suggested.
It almost brought a tear to my eye thinking how it was all destroyed and remembering back to the films like Saving Private Ryan where there were families stuck in all of that hell.
So after seeing the NEW old town (it was rebuilt in about 10-15 years after it's destruction) I decided to call it a day. I went to McDonalds, my favorite Wifi spot and sent some requests before taking a tram to the edge of the city.
TRAVEL TIP: If you aren't a student don't even THINK about getting the 50% off tickets for public transport!
I figured I'd just take a short tram ride and be out of the city. But about 2 stops from my destination a guy came in checking tickets. I didn't have a student ID nor could I pay the 80cl which is a $22 fine so he took me off the tram and told me that he was going to take me to the police. Uh - Oh! Think fast. So I told him the truth. I was pick-pocketed two days earlier and have just the $20 I had stashed in my backpack. I actually had $40 stashed but that would have been able to pay the fine. They asked where I'm staying..I said I hitch-hike and I have my tent..or if people let me stay in their home I do. So he just shook his head and wagged his finger at me and said "this ticket is for STUDENTS only..if you haven't started your semester and don't have an ID you can't buy this ticket. Don't do it again." I'll take his advice. Crisis averted.
I should have really interned for a crisis management firm..it was my favorite communications class.
Anyways...I took a tram to Odecia which is the last stop. From there I ended up walking for 8km, stopping now and then to try and hitch but to no success. After I finally made it past 3 towns and found a place with a very nice shoulder and far enough out of warsaw and definately on the way to JUST Krakow..I stopped. It took me about 30minutes and 2 cars. The first was a car full of guys and children...gypsies I presume. He put a golden ring in my hand and asked if I spoke English or Deutsch and then said "Muuuhhney Muuuuhney" in the most childish voice I ever heard." Holy hell did that piss me off. I was like..."YOU have a car..I don't. Why do you think I'm hitch-hiking?! Because i don't have money." I gave him the ring back and they left.
The second car was a couple and their baby. Luck woudl have it that they are also affiliated with couchsurfing and have hitch-hiked themselves. In fact..the girl who is Polish met her husband who is Lithuanian when he showed her around his city during her studies. haha They were such a funny couple to observe. When they argued they'd Kiss...then say "no no no" (about who would drive or whether he/she should have a bite/etc) and then kiss again and then the other would say "yes yes yes." It was the sweetest thing ever..what a cool way to argue :)
We had some dumplings for dinner and they went to a store and bought me a small sack lunch for the next day. They then contacted the person in Krakow that would host me (we were going to be arriving after midnight) and she came to the car and it was just..What a lucky car to hitch with!
Monika, my current host has been really cool. We chatted a bit and she showed me her house which is currently being renovated. We chatted about music and life before going to bed as she'd have to work in the morning. This morning she prepared some food from the sack lunch, gave me a map and public transport ticket (just in case).
I didn't do much today. I walked around the main square and observed all the many people and events going on. Taking in the history of the old buildings and the frescoes and gargoyles that were on them. I found a nice shaded spot as it was really sunny and sat around chatting to two locals.
Tonight I'll spend a relaxing evening with my host..over some good music and great conversation.
It's supposed to rain tomorrow so Im' thinking I'll stay in Krakow until Tuesday so I can visit Auschwitz on Monday and then head for Worclaw on Tuesday.
Note: Sorry for sending that message on facebook, I should have sent some private messages first. My thinking was if I received a dollar from some friends then I'd be fine. I finally did contact family as many people thought I was being hacked and I'll get an early b-day advance that will see me through until I get my replacement card and my trip will resume with adequate funds. So friends don't worry as I'm not in dire straights..I should have thought of more avenues.
I spent yesterday touring the city of Warsaw. Particularly Old Town as my hosts suggested.
It almost brought a tear to my eye thinking how it was all destroyed and remembering back to the films like Saving Private Ryan where there were families stuck in all of that hell.
So after seeing the NEW old town (it was rebuilt in about 10-15 years after it's destruction) I decided to call it a day. I went to McDonalds, my favorite Wifi spot and sent some requests before taking a tram to the edge of the city.
TRAVEL TIP: If you aren't a student don't even THINK about getting the 50% off tickets for public transport!
I figured I'd just take a short tram ride and be out of the city. But about 2 stops from my destination a guy came in checking tickets. I didn't have a student ID nor could I pay the 80cl which is a $22 fine so he took me off the tram and told me that he was going to take me to the police. Uh - Oh! Think fast. So I told him the truth. I was pick-pocketed two days earlier and have just the $20 I had stashed in my backpack. I actually had $40 stashed but that would have been able to pay the fine. They asked where I'm staying..I said I hitch-hike and I have my tent..or if people let me stay in their home I do. So he just shook his head and wagged his finger at me and said "this ticket is for STUDENTS only..if you haven't started your semester and don't have an ID you can't buy this ticket. Don't do it again." I'll take his advice. Crisis averted.
I should have really interned for a crisis management firm..it was my favorite communications class.
Anyways...I took a tram to Odecia which is the last stop. From there I ended up walking for 8km, stopping now and then to try and hitch but to no success. After I finally made it past 3 towns and found a place with a very nice shoulder and far enough out of warsaw and definately on the way to JUST Krakow..I stopped. It took me about 30minutes and 2 cars. The first was a car full of guys and children...gypsies I presume. He put a golden ring in my hand and asked if I spoke English or Deutsch and then said "Muuuhhney Muuuuhney" in the most childish voice I ever heard." Holy hell did that piss me off. I was like..."YOU have a car..I don't. Why do you think I'm hitch-hiking?! Because i don't have money." I gave him the ring back and they left.
The second car was a couple and their baby. Luck woudl have it that they are also affiliated with couchsurfing and have hitch-hiked themselves. In fact..the girl who is Polish met her husband who is Lithuanian when he showed her around his city during her studies. haha They were such a funny couple to observe. When they argued they'd Kiss...then say "no no no" (about who would drive or whether he/she should have a bite/etc) and then kiss again and then the other would say "yes yes yes." It was the sweetest thing ever..what a cool way to argue :)
We had some dumplings for dinner and they went to a store and bought me a small sack lunch for the next day. They then contacted the person in Krakow that would host me (we were going to be arriving after midnight) and she came to the car and it was just..What a lucky car to hitch with!
Monika, my current host has been really cool. We chatted a bit and she showed me her house which is currently being renovated. We chatted about music and life before going to bed as she'd have to work in the morning. This morning she prepared some food from the sack lunch, gave me a map and public transport ticket (just in case).
I didn't do much today. I walked around the main square and observed all the many people and events going on. Taking in the history of the old buildings and the frescoes and gargoyles that were on them. I found a nice shaded spot as it was really sunny and sat around chatting to two locals.
Tonight I'll spend a relaxing evening with my host..over some good music and great conversation.
It's supposed to rain tomorrow so Im' thinking I'll stay in Krakow until Tuesday so I can visit Auschwitz on Monday and then head for Worclaw on Tuesday.
Note: Sorry for sending that message on facebook, I should have sent some private messages first. My thinking was if I received a dollar from some friends then I'd be fine. I finally did contact family as many people thought I was being hacked and I'll get an early b-day advance that will see me through until I get my replacement card and my trip will resume with adequate funds. So friends don't worry as I'm not in dire straights..I should have thought of more avenues.
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