Oh Heidelberg!

Yesterday was a warm and sunnt day, the perfect day to go "strolling" (as my guide book put it) along Philosophenweg! It's across the river from the old town of Heidelberg and is supposed to be really nice.  Natalia, a Polish student I met at the hostel Firday, had also recommended Philosophenweg so I asked if she wanted to go with me.  After an adventerous bus ride(the roads into the old town were closed for the Autumn festival) to my new hostel we set out on our way.  If I thought the 303 stairs up to the Schloss were bad then I was in for a wake up call! The "stroll" was more of a steep uphill hike!  I had to stop several times to catch my breath until we reached the plateau near the top.  The view was breathtaking as it is directly across from the Schloss and you are looking down on the Altstadt (old town).  The crazy thing is,  people live on this hill and have to walk it every day! And if I thought the climb up was bad......the walk down was quick but wow are my legs getting a workout!
Later in the evening I headed back into to the old town to explore the festival! It was full of street vendors, shops, and performers.  And not really that different from our own festivals, except I couldn't understand what anyone was saying! Haha Except the singers who all sang in English! I had a crepe for dinner and could read all the ingredients as they were mostly spelled the same! It had mozzerella, tomatoes, arugula, creme fraiche (spelled exactly the same), and a balsamic glaze! Not bad! After a winderful day, I headed back to the hostel....

After exploring Altstadt several times yesterday I thought I'd try and see something I have not seen yet! I have become quite good at taking public transportation, despite having no idea where any of the locations listed are! So I got on the bus and kept my eye out for Karlstor(Carl's gate) on the number 33 bus. We neared the area and according to my official Heidelberg tourist map the next stop was mine! Hmmmm....that's weird, we're at a main depot. No problem, it must be the next one. Nope, I end up taking the bus across the river to the othe side, all the way to Ziegelhausen. Far enough away that I don't know if I was in a suburb or a whole new town! Luckily the bus driver let me stay on when everyone else got off and take the bus all the way back (without buying a new bus ticket thankfully)! Aw well, it was a great adventure with great sights! I didn't get to see Karlstor on the way back either as there was no stop! I think I'll take a bike out tomorrow to see!  Instead I wandered through the old streets, avoiding the busy Haupstrasse (main street).  I saw the old University buildings built in the 1100's and some old churches. 
While I've been lucky to be staying at some nice hostels so far, they are so noisy at night! My eye cover has been great at keeping the light out but I think I will need some ear plugs if I am ever going to get a decent sleep!
So even though it's late afternoon, I am going to have a siesta for a couple of hours to rest before the noise starts up again later!

Across from Heidelberg Schloss

I go out walking....

Today was a beautiful sunny day in Heidelberg.  It was the perfect temperature for exploring, not too hot and not too cool.  After about 25 minutes meandering towards the West I came across a charming village of store fronts and street vendors, churches and street entertainment. As I continued along I was in awe of the beauty of the cobblestone streets...and then from over top of a building, the ruins of the Schloss.  I headed in that direction and discovered this amazing structure overlooking the city.
And soon I discovered how far up it was...303 steps to be exact! I knew I should have stopped for lunch first! But it was worth it, imagine how great my legs will look! The castle was beautiful and it took very little imagination to see what it used to be.  In fact a lot of it is still standing and you can go in and walk around, with a tour of course....I might go back tomorrow!
After heading back down all 303 stairs I slowly took in the sights of the small "village" street one could only find in Europe.  I stopped and had a falafel, which was delicious (they use raw red cabbage instead of pickled turnip, much better!) and people watched! There is an Autumn festival on Saturday so there are many tourists!
On my way back to the hostel I stopped at the train station to inquire about a ticket to Paris, which I am considering as my next stop! Then I grabbed my bag and headed to my new hostel! Yuk! I checked in at a restaurant and then they showed me a room right next to the door.  It has camp style bunk beds, and even as I type this with my head bent over it is touching the mattress! But I've met some lovely people and ate a wonderful traditional German meal of pork schnitzel and potatoes! Yum!
Walking through Heidelberg later with my peach gelato (it's not just in Italy anymore) I thought of all of you! There are so many things I want to share with you! Did you know that there were many stores filled with Christmas decorations? Today I saw a chub lollipop as big as my head and gummy candies made to look like beer! And tonight as I enhale the scent of my citrus spray, to cover the smell of the German kitchen, I wish I could really describe the awe that I feel being here in this country, getting to experience these amazing things!
Gutten nacht!

More Munich!

Munich

Glockenspeil!

Well I survived Day 1! I wentback to Oktoberfest last night to take in the late night sights! Wow! It was not at all what I expected.....picture Stampede on red bull! People drink beer by the litre, while dressed in costume , surrounded by thousands of others doing the same! I thought it would be a quaint little Bavarian festival, I was wrong! After a fairly early bed time I woke up feeling refreshed and more settled.... I got to work planning my next stay. After some research I decided on Heidelberg! I booked 2 nights and my train ride and then set out on a mission to find the Glockenspeil! when I stepped into Marienplatz I knew that I had found what I expected of Germany. Flower boxes filled with red flowers, clocks, gingerbread trim, and fountains! It was so pretty I couldn't wait to see more! As I continued to explore If found more and more I loved! This is why I came to Europe! I had my first "hot dog", served by a Chinese German woman! She didn't speak English so I am not sure what I ate!  I slowly meandered back to cental station and had a tea before picking up my bag and heading to catch my train! I can't believe I managed, with everything in German I am starting to have some sympathy for my  ESL students. Driving on the train I saw the most amazing town that I can't wait to go back and see? I'm now contemplating the next few places so I can enjoy more of my travels! I arrived to Heidelberg at night so I am eager to see it tomorrow in the sun!

I've arrived!

After only 7 hours in the air we landed in Munich.  Figuring out how to get to the hostel was probably the part I was most nervous about.  It was a nice surprise to fin there are pictures of a bus and train at the airport to help you find where you need to go! I did have to ask for help buying a s-bahn ticket to the stop I needed; the ticket agent seemed pretty put out at first but after a smile and a plea she was more than helpful. 

I arrived a central station Munich and after a wrong turn and some backtracking I found the "Wombat Hostel"! I was so relieved to be able to drop off my bag, which despite my efforts to majorly downsize, weighs too much! My shoulders are killing me! I am going to have to figure something out and fast! My feet are also killing me, so much for those comfy puma's; flip flops aren't even allowed in some parts of Oktoberfest as there is a high risk of injury with broken bottles etc.....I will definitely be sporting my running shoes tomorrow!

I took a walk around and it's pretty cool to look around and see so many people dressed in costume! I will head out later to have a famous Munich beer.  After only 3 hours of sleep in 2 days I will definitely be going to bed early!

Now to plan the next stop on the adventure!

My plane!

Up Off and Away!

Well here I go! After months of researching, planning and organizing, the time has arrived! I am sitting at B19 of terminal 3 at the Toronto airport waiting for them to announce boarding. The plane is here and people are arriving.  I'm nervous and excited and even though I have no idea how to find anything when I arrive in Munich, I have a feeling everything will workout! Only a minor setback today as we had to turn around on the highway because I forgot my jacket! My dad asked if I could live without it....Nope! I will keep you posted on what's happening but don't forget to message me...or even better come for a visit!

Money, money, money

Today we had a visit from a family friend who travelled extensively in his youth.  He couldn't believe I would just be travelling using credit cards.  To be honest I hadn't even thought far enough ahead as to how I was going to pay for things in India.  He suggested traveller's cheques which I was told by several people were obsolete.  I started research right away and people in forums and on blogs say don't bring cash, don't use credit cards, and don't bring traveller's cheques! Um okay....so what's left?  Sounds like I need to do a little more research and poll my friends! ;)  Let me know if you have an opinion on how to carry/get money in India, China, and South East Asia!!! 
There always seems to be something new to think about!
On another note, this time next week I'll be enroute to Munich! Wow! :)

A place to stay!

I booked a hostel! I was starting to get worried as there were slim pickings for a place to stay my first few nights.  And I was even considering staying in a temporary tent hostel as I couldn't find anything else!  Those of you who know me well know that I would not enjoy this experience!  Thankfully, I found a great hostel with all positive reviews.  I'm only staying one night but this should be enough to experience Oktoberfest and then I'm moving on to another place in Germany.  I haven't decided where yet but I'm off to see my grandparents this weekend so maybe my grandpa will have some insight! :)  I still can't believe that I'm going in just over a week! WOW!

Flight Booked!

And now it's real! My ticket is booked for September 25.....2 weeks away! Arriving in Munich on the 26th, now to book a place to lay my head! Eek........

Booking the first nights....

I have been searching for the right place to stay my first nights in Germany.  My dad found a great flight to Munich, which is the home of Oktoberfest, which will be happening when I hope to fly in!  So now I have to decide: Hostel or someone's home.  I've been checking out this website called air bnb.  People can post rooms, couches or their whole home for rent.  Seems a bit cosier but perhaps I would prefer to stay in a more public setting with a lot happening?  And of course since it's a festival the prices have all been jacked up....but I need to experience it if I'm in the area, right!?!?!?!  So now to make the final decision and press the booking button...........

I'll keep you posted on my confirmed plans! :)

My "suitcase"  (aka all my belongings) for the next year! The purple one is staying behind at my mom and dad's......

And so it begins.....

I can't believe after months of planning the time is almost here!  Leaving Calgary last week was hard, especially saying goodbye to friends.  Packing for a year was a whole other hardship....and into a backpack to boot!  But I did it! I know some of you can't believe it, but I have pictures to prove it! :)  I'm in Toronto finishing up the last minute details and visiting with family.  Then I'm on my way! First stop: Germany!  I feel like there's still lots to do but I know it will all come together before I leave at the end of the month!