RTW: p54 – England: London, Hostels, and English

SO after finally hitting an English speaking county, I discovered not only were the London hostels crap and expensive, but full of french students who were studying English, but didn’t want to practice it with everyone else?!
After staying 1 night in a very expensive but bad hostel, I moved to a slightly cheaper, still below-average hostel and began the search for work and real accommodation.

There are a load of Hostels around Bayswater, Russell Square, Kings Cross, and even a YHA in Soho. I tried 2 in Bayswater and they are severely lacking quality. The average price per night is around the £17-22 mark, some weekly rates apply but only for rooms that tend to have long-term guests – My Dutch room mate had lived there for 2 years! eek! and after smoking some amsterdam-cigarettes snored ridiculously loud, I didn’t sleep for 2 weeks. Another guy apparently had lived there for 8 years. Seriously, get a life! – The only plus side is many have their own kitchens. I visited the Generator, and they have good entertainment with a bar, movie screen, nightly games etc, but the rooms were incredibly small, barely enough room to stand between the two bunk beds. My advice is maybe try somewhere a little further out, Ealing maybe? or if you are traveling with a friend a Bed & Breakfast type place. And DEFINITELY go to an internet cafe for net action, you can now (edit 2008) get 1-2hrs of internet for £1!

I met up with Shane and Jason, 2 Aussies I met in Munich, and went to the Emperial War museum which was great and FREE! I continued the free path by visiting Hyde Park (the pic of me is at Princess Diana Memorial Fountain) and Portabella Markets for more random crap.

RTW: p55 – La Fiesta! »« RTW: p53 – Madrid, Cat’s Hostel & Ibiza

RTW: p53 – Madrid, Cat’s Hostel & Ibiza

Madrid was damn hot, but finally a hostel with air-con! I was slightly confused trying to find my hostel, but I met a Korean Guy with a map who kindly guided me right to the hostel before making his way to his own hostel! Cat’s Hostel has a bit of a reputation and was recommended to me. They have electronic arm bands that let you in and out of the hostel, your room, and locker! Breakfast is coffee/hot chocolate and a doughnut or crossaint, and there is a nice bar in the basement. But the key here is all the rooms face onto a central courtyard where people hang out and it has a great atmosphere. This makes it perfect for meeting people and I talked to quite a lot of the guests there. Its also close walking to some of the key sights and entertainment. All in all a great hostel.

When i first checked in Continue Reading…

RTW: p54 – England: London, Hostels, and English »« RTW: p52 – Potsdam

RTW: p52 – Potsdam

With the cup and LP gone, its the first time in a while we actually had to think of what to do! So we got back on the tourist path.
Visiting the Topography of terror, Check-point Charlie museum with some amaizing stories of escape to the West, various other museums, one with a special on the history of the World Cup (check out the photo of the last Australian qualifying team!!) and a bar with a pool by the river.

We also took the train to Potsdam, viewing the massive park containing SAN SOUCI Palace, but Joe wasn’t home. And a odd little movie-themed park with some funny little rides. Here I also say goodbye to gabby for a few weeks!
Finally Dom, whats this Sequin covered night club here??

RTW: p53 – Madrid, Cat’s Hostel & Ibiza »« RTW: p51 – Love Parade 2006!

RTW: p51 – Love Parade 2006!

Starting as a protest (basically some guys following a car with a couple of subs), Love Parade grew to be the world’s largest outdoor dance festival.
With the authorities refusing to class it as a protest anymore, Love Parade organizers could not afford the clean up bill, as previously it was paid by the Government (condition of protest) and so it was canceled for 2 years. Continue Reading…

RTW: p52 – Potsdam »« RTW: p50 – Berlin 2 & The Generator Hostel