Surfers Paradise

A reader has brought to my attention that I have been tardy with my blog entries. Quite frankly I have fallen into a holiday routine of going to the beach in the morning, and lying on the couch reading in the afternoon.

This is why we come to the Gold Coast, the beach, and the weather. Above is Main Beach looking South, and below is looking North.

You can see high rise apartment and hotels line the beach. Looking back at the main mall is Cavill Avenue (below).
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Flat out in Surfers Paradise

Yesterday, the sun was out, and I spent the morning flat out on the beach at Surfers Paradise. I find the morning the best time, before it gets too hot. There's plenty to do on the Gold Coast, however it still has a laid back feel; you can do alot or a little depending on your mood.

It's also fairly easy to move around, unlike Sydney. Here they have one wireless transport card, Translink, that can be used on all public transport, and they are building a light rail. If you are traveling to Brisbane there is an excellent freeway system that will take you into the heart of the city.

 I must admit it does rankle me to admit that the Queenslanders are smarter regarding transport than us in Sydney, despite Sydney being the powerhouse of the Nation's economy, we still can't easily move around the place. It's a pressing issue for business and indeed, all Sydneysiders. Fortunately, we now have a Prime Minister who is actually from Sydney who will give the needed 'kick up the bum' to the NSW Government to get moving!

Travel info:

http://www.translink.com.au- the transport website for information on the Translink Card (the transport card) and a handy Journey Planner. Simple, and so easy.

Surfers Paradise & Pacific Fair

It was wet day in paradise, and I went in search for indoor pursuits. Unfortunately I chose a semi-outdoor shopping centre.

Pacific Fair or 'Pac Fair' as the locals call it, and I who visit my parent's holiday unit a few times a year, wouldn't dare to classify myself as one, is the main shopping centre on the Gold Coast. You will probably find yourself ending up at Pacific Fair, and no doubt probably run into someone you know.

The rain wasn't letting go, so I went to the movies, always a good bet on a wet day. I enjoyed the new Geoffrey Rush film, The Best Offer, and Geoffrey was brilliant as he always is in all his roles.

When the weather clears I will do something exciting, but then perhaps not. I'm on holiday after all.

Surfers Paradise

This is what brings people to the Gold Coast, the sunny weather, and miles of golden beaches. This is the main beach at Surfers Paradise.  A boardwalk runs along the side of the beach that is popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists.

The main mall is Cavill Avenue that runs east west to Surfers main beach, where you will find shops and a entertainment centre. The Avenue intersects with this mall where you will find most of the nightclubs.

I was strolling around Surfers yesterday thinking I've been coming here since I was a kid. It
s hard to put my travel writer's cap on to write about a place that is so familiar. Now, after having visited the great Theme Parks like Disney World, Universal Studios, Disney Land, and holiday islands like Hawaii and Fiji, it puts the Gold Coast in a different light.

So, while I ponder how best to scribe this place, here are a couple of websites to get you started (see below).

Travel info:

http://www.surfersparadise.com

http://www.discoverqueensland.com.au

New trip to the Gold Coast in Australia

This afternoon I will be flying from Sydney up to the beautiful Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. For my American readers the Gold Coast is Australia's version of I guess Miami, Florida. There are miles of golden beaches, theme parks, and a vibrant nightlife. Popular with international visitors and Australians escaping the winter chill it's about an hour flight from Sydney Airport to Gold Coast Airport, and from there about half an hour by car, bus or taxi.

FACTS: 

Gold Coast 

94km south of Queenslands capital, Brisbane
Population: 590,000
Airport - Gold Coast Airport
Theme Parks - Sea World, Dream World, Movie World (and many more)
Climate - sub tropical

You don't have to be rich to travel

I was having a conversation with someone yesterday who said that I won't be able to travel now that I'm a struggling university student. True, I won't be able to stay at 4 or 5 star hotels, and eat out at expensive restaurants, and live my, what some would call a hedonistic lifestyle. But, you really don't have to be rich to travel.

Firstly, if you can afford to live in a city in a modern Western country, like Sydney or New York, then you definitely can afford to travel in most of Asia or Southern and Eastern Europe. It's cheaper in those places than living at home. For example rents are cheaper, and you could rent out your existing apartment or house on http://www.airbnb.com, and come out ahead. Eating out is cheaper; a good coffee is around $4 in Sydney, but $1.50 in Spain. Beer is $5.50, and $2.50 in Spain. In Asia you can eat out at the food stalls for like $2. So, in essence, if you live in a Western Country you are really rich in comparison to other countries.

Travelling is so much easier now, and with all the information technology we can easily find the cheapest deals on flights (http://www.skyscanner.com), train trips, accommodation, or tickets to entertainment events.You can check travel reviews on http://www.tripadvisor.com before you book accommodation, or follow Travel Blogs like this one - if only to give you confidence that if I can do it, so can you.

However, if you wish to travel inexpensively you could hike, and just sleep under the stars in a bivy, tarp, or tent. (See my Ultra light Shelter system blog post). There are a number of long distance walks in Europe, like the Comino in Spain to the Cathedral at Santiago. There's the Appalachian Trail in the United States, which ever since I saw the National Geographic article, I've wanted to do.

If camping is too much of a stretch for you, then staying at a hostel in Europe is quite cheap, at around $20 a night, and you pay extra to have your own room if you like. It's definitely cheaper to rent an apartment instead of staying at a hotel.

In conclusion, you really don't have to be rich to travel. Sure, you have to be more careful with your money, but you can make it work. There are a number of options depending on how much you wish to spend. So, get out there, and get out on the road.

Decompressing after the Europe Trip

After the long flight home (23 hours) I'm starting to get back in sync with Sydney time. You need time to decompress after travel, to get back into the normal routine. The first few days after a trip are strange. You have to get used to not having to pack again, or that you really don't have to go out and do something, visit something, see something.

Sometimes you immediately start planning for the next one. This is winter time in Sydney, and at 13 degrees, we really don't have anything to complain about compared to a Northern Hemisphere winter where it snows. It doesn't snow in Sydney. Still I usually plan to go overseas in our winter, to Europe or America, where it is summer. It's a sneaky way to get two summers. I highly recommend it.

Another way is to go somewhere tropical, like Fiji. I love Fiji, and it's only five hours or so from Sydney, and it's relatively cheap. We are lucky to have a holiday house in sub tropical Queensland, where I often escape too. I think I spent six weeks up there last winter. Another favourite destination is Hawaii, and for my friends on the West side of America, that's where I would be heading. I love Hawaii, especially the North Shore.

However, I'm getting ahead of myself, first I have to update my blog entries, organise my photos, upload video, and add more information, and go through the normal decompression phase after travel.

Heathrow to Dubai on the Qantas A380 and on to Sydney

Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is easy to get to in London on the Underground. Simply take the Piccadily Line, the blue line, to Heathrow 2,3,4, which costs about 5 Pounds. When you are flying out of a busy airport you will have to allow extra time to clear security, customs and there are usually more flight delays, particularly in Northern Europe due to the weather. There is enhanced security, including body scans, at security. Arrive at the airport earlier than normal.

I had the opportunity to visit the British Airways First Class Lounge, a big step down from the Qantas First Class Lounge in Sydney where this trip first started, which seems like so long ago. UK, Spain, Amsterdam, Belgium, UK again and then Dubai and onto Sydney.

Qantas partnering with Emirates is a game changer for Australians travelling to Europe. Traditionally, we have always travelled directly to London. Next trip, however I'll probably change at Dubai, and take a direct flight to Spain or Central Europe, maybe doing a stop over in Dubai to see the place. I would recommend doing your Duty Free shopping in Dubai as it seems to be cheaper than Sydney. If you like good Scotch (Whisky) then Highland Park single malt is not much more than the price you would buy from the cellar door in Orkney, Scotland.

Anyway I left London on the 9.30pm QF 2 flight to Sydney via Dubai and arrived in Sydney around 5am on Saturday morning. I caught the train back home with all my Duty Free shopping from Dubai. You can catch the train under Sydney International and Sydney Domestic into the centre of Sydney or out to the Western Suburbs.Ticket prices are from $15 to $17.20.

I'll update the blog over the next couple of weeks with the video footage and more detail and information on the places I've visited on this trip. I'll do a lessons learned post and go over some of the gear that I've used.

TRAVEL INFO

The London Underground - http://www.tfl.gov.uk - excellent. You will need to use the Underground to get around London.

Qantas airline - http://www.qantas.com.au

TRAVEL TIPS:

- Take the Underground to Heathrow - 5 Pounds

- Do your Duty Free shopping in Dubai in the 1 hour that you have to wait for the plane to be refuelled.

- Fly on the A380 if you are doing the long haul to Europe from Australia, the seats are larger and more comfortable.

- Consider doing a Stop Over in Dubai for a direct flight into Europe

Ghent to Lille-Flandres and on the Eurostar to London

"In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below."

                                                 In Flanders Fields, Lt Col John McCrae

For short trips regular followers might know that I favour catching the train. The best thing about Europe is that they have high speed trains. One of the better known ones is the Eurostar, which we took yesterday. I've previously caught the Eurostar from London to Paris. From the heart of London to Paris was only about two hours. That's the beauty of high speed rail.

First, we had to travel to Lille-Flandres to meet up with the Eurostar. It's about an hour on the train from Ghent to Lille. Lille is actually in France, just over the border from Belgium. We pass through Flanders the scene of the carnage in World War 1. The train board had names like Cambrai, Dunkirk, and Amiens This is the region where Australians fought, and you can visit the Australian and British war cemeteries here. Unfortunately, I didn't have time on this trip. The red poppies of Flanders referred to in the poem above are a symbol of remembrance for the fallen.

Lille was packed with hordes of shoppers taking advantage of the sales. The sales in Europe involve large discounts that accounts for their popularity. We had a leisurely lunch at a French Cafe that could of been owned by Rene from Allo Allo. I didn't see Rene, but he could of been out the back with Yvette. I would recommend the Mussels, which come in a big pot with French Fries. Being in France the coffee is also much improved.

Now, catching the Eurostar means that we have go through the charade of customs at Lille, as the UK don't think they are part of Europe. Don't forget to fill out the customs form, and have your passport ready. You have to go through security like at the airport.

But, apart from that, the Eurostar whisks you to the heart of London to Kings Cross St Pancreas Station in about I don't know it seemed like an hour maybe. It was quick.

Tomorrow, we are making the long, it seems longer on the way back, flight to Sydney.

In Bruges

The thought of anything exciting happening in Bruges is actually pretty funny once you've visited the place. I have to admit I haven't seen the movie, In Bruges, yet, but I can't wait after visiting Bruges on Monday. People I have spoken to in Ghent find the whole idea hilarious. Apparently, nobody goes to Bruges except tourists. One local told me the story about an American tourist who asked what time Bruges closed, like it was an amusement park. Everyobdy it seems has a funny story about Bruges.

Anyway, I went with an open mind, and with the usual amount of research, I caught the tram to St Pieters Station, and then the 45 minute train ride to Bruges. A return trip costs 12.60 Euros from the vending machine. I set off North from the station aiming for a church steeple in the distance, which is always a good bet in Europe if you have absolutely no idea. I also followed the tourists, and that is another a good sign that you are on the right track.

 Bruges is actually not bad as a tourist destination, because it so small. It's only a short distance from the main train station, and it's quite compact, easy walking distance to the main attractions. It's also very cute, like cookie cutter cute. It's very well preserved, and don't think anything has changed much in five hundred years, and I bet in five hundred years people will still be coming to Bruges.

I actually walked completely through Bruges the first time, because I thought it would be bigger until I reached the canal on the Northern side of the town. Of course I had no map, or travel guide on my Kindle. I soon came to my senses, and returned to the centre of town, which is the market square (above). After you spend enough time in Europe you know where to go.

The Townhall is close to the market square (above). Bruges was one of those canal towns that flourished in the early Middle Ages, due to it's proximity to the sea, and ability to transport goods cheaply via it's canals. It's closer to the Atlantic than Ghent, which was a source of friction between the two places.

I did find a not bad ice cream shop called Da Vinci on Noordzand Straat. It was quite popular, and I wandered around eating my icecream cone. It was quite a pleasant little town, and adorably cute of course. You can easily see everything in 3 hours, so it might be just a half day trip, and then maybe continue on to Antwerp, Ghent or back to Brussels. It would be about an hour and a quarter to Brussels on the train.

I should mention that they have this thing in Belgium where you pay to go to the toilet, well, at least in Bruges. There is a lady who looks after the toilets, and you pay half a Euro to use the facilities. Well, they are clean I guess.

Anyway, that  was my afternoon in Bruges. No shoot outs, chases, or any excitement really. I did get asked to take a photograph from some tourists, but that was about it.

I escaped back to Ghent on the train.

TRAVEL INFO

Map of Bruges

How to get there: By train, short walk or bus ride from station. 12.60 Euro return from Ghent (45 mins)

Bruges Tourist web site - http://bezoekers.preview.brugge.be/en

Where to eat:

Da Vinci Icecream shop - good icecream

Noordzand Straat

Bruges

TRAVEL TIPS:

-  Bruges is compact & you can see most of it in 3 hrs.

You know what they call a Quarter Pounder in Belgium? A Royal with Cheese in Ghent

VINCENT: ...You know what they call a Quarter Pounder with Cheese in Paris (& Belgium)?

JULES: They don't call it a Quarter Pounder with Cheese?

VINCENT: No, they got the metric system there, they wouldn't know what the f.....k a Quarter Pounder is.

JULES: What'd they call it?

VINCENT: Royale with Cheese.

Pulp Fiction  (see clip from Youtube above)

Royal with Cheese

Vincent (John Travolta) from Pulp Fiction was right; it's the little differences that are funny in Europe. For example they really do put Mayonnaisse on French Fries in Holland, and a Quarter Pounder is called a Royal with Cheese in Belgium (top of page). Travel is interesting, because you see how other people go about things, like basic things, like eating. Or how they get around the place. Here in Ghent they have a well developed electric tram network, and get about on bicycles. Bicycles are huge in Europe with every city I've visited having dedicated bicycle lanes. Sydney is still catching up with the dedicated bike lanes, and we are soon going to reintroduce trams. Definitely better for the environment, and with the average traffic speed in Sydney about 26 kmph, bikes are probably faster anyway.

Ghent is pretty cool. A University town with a thriving arts community. On Saturday night we saw an excellent modern dance performance at the theatre called, 'What the body does not remember'. The good thing about dance is that you don't need to know the language. It would be hard if it was a play. We met some friends here, and enjoyed hanging out at the hip bars in the city. It's a very relaxed sort of place.

Ghent is an attractive city as well. Above is the celebrated Cathedral. Below is Ghent Castle also known as Gravensteen. For the ghoulish there is a torture museum inside that you can visit.



The main attractions are within a short stroll of each other, but if you need to go anywhere further you can hop on a tram for 1.20 Euro per trip if you buy it from the ticket machine, or 2 Euro from the driver. You could hire a bike and whizz around the city like the locals do. It's very quiet here, without all those noisy cars.

This place is like a Toll Booth for the canal. It wasn't too popular when it was built because the locals had to pay the tax to move their goods by water. Everybody hates paying tax. It's universal.

You may have noticed the grey skies, and the clouds that look like it is going to rain at any moment. That's because it really is going to rain at any moment. Basically, you need to take a mini traveller umbrella with you, and think layers of clothing. I take a Patagonia Down Jacket that weighs 600gm and scrunches down to a small brick sized package, which goes in my daypack. It is windproof and amazingly warm for it's weight. I also carry a Golite rain jacket that weighs hardly anything. I also have a light weight wool cap or Beanie, as you might know that you lose a lot of your body heat from your head. In combination with the mini umbrella that sort of covers all the bases, however in really strong wind then the mini umbrella won't cut it of course, and you will need a proper umbrella. At various times of the day you will find yourself taking off a layer or adding a layer depending on the weather conditions.

So, the best thing about Ghent is that you have this beautiful old city with all the benefits of modern living complete with it's cosmopolitan feel. Plus, it's only 30 minutes to Brussels or 45 minutes to Bruges, which I will be visiting tomorrow.

TRAVEL INFO

The best website on Ghent - http://www.visitgent.be/en/home

Travel Tip:

- Buy the tram tickets from the ticket machine for 1.20 Euro instead of 2 Euro on board.

- In Northern Europe think layers of clothing & carry a mini umbrella.

Amsterdam to Brussels 'the Crossroads of Europe' to Ghent?

Ghent? Ghent, Belgium where is that? You may of heard of Brugge, but Ghent (pictured above) is about half an hour west of Brussels on the way to Bruges. Like Amsterdam it is built around canals, water being the cheapest way to move goods in the Medieval period, due to lack of good roads and the marvel of the combustion engine. It's probably better if I just pull down a map (pictured below).

A student of history looking at that map might recognise it as probably the most fought over area in Europe. The bloodiest battles of World War 1 were fought here. You can see Arnhem up there in the top right, 'the bridge too far', of the ill fated parachute operation of World War 2. Of course Waterloo was fought within 20 km of Brussels (you can catch the train there to see the battlefield). Being the 'Crossroads of Europe' means there have been many battles, because it is a transport hub. It is convenient location for Europe's capital or enemy armies to move through.

To get to Ghent the fastest way is by the fast train to Brussels, which takes about an hour from Amsterdam, and then it is a half hour local train ride to Ghent. From Brussels you can also catch a fast train to London, Paris, or head east into Germany. Because it so convenient many visitors choose to stay overnight and explore Brussels or continue onto Brugge or Ghent.

However, I'm getting ahead of myself, because our train didn't leave until 4.30pm I had sometime to visit a museum. I thought I had to see one of the 40 odd museums in Amsterdam, so I chose the little known Stedelijk museum of modern art. Entry is only 7.50 Euros. If you keep going past the Stedelijk you will reach the number 1 attraction The Rijksmuseum.

To get out of Amsterdam by train you will have to make your way to Amsterdam Centraal, which is not a spelling error but how they spell it in Amsterdam. The cheapest way to get there is by tram or bus. If you have to make several journeys in a day it is probably best to get 7.50 Euro all day ticket on the tram. Remember, that taxis are expensive with a 7.50 Euro flag fall. You can just buy the tickets on board the tram.

Now, it gets a bit confusing when you have to catch the train to Brussels Airport. As you enter the airport you will see Burger King. Platforms 5 & 6 will take you to Brussels. The ramps down to the subway are located next to Burger King. We made our 4.30pm train with three minutes to spare. No sweat.

Brussels central train station, befitting 'the Crossroads of Europe" is massive. You will have to work out what platform your connecting train is leaving from, but if you have time you can pick up a coffee from Starbucks, and a Belgian waffle in the station.

We were met at Ghent station by our nice Airbnb host who drove us to our apartment in the historic old section of Ghent. When people are new to Airbnb they tend to put the extra effort in, and our host was fantastic. Actually, everybody has been great. I strongly recommend http://www.airbnb.com for short or long term accomodation. As you can see it's worked really well on this trip.

Ghent is beautiful, and so quiet. We went out to dinner for a nice steak tartare and french fries (a Belgian speciality). If you have been to Brugge, then why not try Ghent or Gent?



TRAVEL INFO

For everything you need to know about Amsterdam - http://www.iamsterdam.com/

Tourist information for Belgium - http://www.visitbelgium.com/

Ghent, Belgium - http://www.lonelyplanet.com/belgium/flanders/ghent

Travel Tips:

- Remember trains leave on time, so make sure you leave yourself enough time to make all the connections.

- Consider staying the night in Brussels to explore this famous city.

- Visit Ghent

Amsterdam - a walk in the Old City, the Red Light District, & eating out

Amsterdam is often the first stop for people on a GAP year, and there is a real young vibe to the city. Where we live, the bars are well frequented by young people drinking and socialising well into the night. There is the faint smell of something else sometimes in the air when strolling the streets too. Amsterdam, is a city, known for its tolerance.

It's also called 'The Venice of the North' due to the many canals. It is quite picturesque. Apparently, we have arrived in the first bit of good weather they have had in months; its rained for like five months. People were enjoying the sun, the parks were packed, and the restaurants and bars were doing a brisk trade. The place had a great atmosphere.

It is popular for tourists to hop on a boat to explore the canals in Amsterdam. This is the canal at the end of our street. Some of the house boats are quite elaborate with modern minimalist designs. For a travel blogger, I'm a terrible tourist and didn't catch the boat, but walked along the canals to the Old City.

Notice many of the old houses are leaning, and it is not due to my bad photography. It happens in these cities like Amsterdam, and Venice.

Amsterdam is a city of museums, and there are some excellent ones here. The main attractions are as follows:

1. Rijksmuseum - with the big name artists. Well worth a visit.


2. Van Gogh Museum — Vincent van Gogh needs no introduction. This museum has the largest collection of his work.


3. Anne Frank House — the Jewish girl who kept a diary who hid in rooms from the Nazis.

If your only in Amsterdam for a short time you should probably focus on the top three and add a boat ride around the canals, and a walk around the Old City. For all the relevant information on Amsterdam just visit http://www.iamsterdam.com/

However, there are like 40 museums in Amsterdam, so there to see and do. If you really want to you can go to one of the infamous Coffee shops, but I'm sure you can source it cheaper at your local pub, or so I've heard.

I know I keep going on about the bikes, which I think is great, because certainly it keeps everyone fit, and is bettter for the environment, but I'm amazed at the cargo bikes (pictured above). There is another type with a cargo bucket at the front, where you can actually fit two kids with little seat belts. Some have little steeering wheels so the kids can pretend they are driving, so cute!

Anyway, needless to say I did nothing touristy today, except a stroll to the Old City. As you probably guessed eating out is much more expensive. I'm still on Spain time, so I'm used to eating late, but here they eat earlier around 6pm. I don't think the Dutch are renowned for their cuisine, which has been described as rustic, however, due to immigration there are foreign restaurants, which are hard to find in Spain. I did have a magnificent six course meal at a Japanese restaurant on Albert Cuypstraat called Izakaya. They have a good high end bar if you want to drink. (details below).  The waffles are tasty here, and is something you should try.

The restaurant just happened to be in the better part of the Red Light district of Amsterdam. It's not considered polite to take photographs of the ladies of the night, so to speak. Well, basically it's just what you have heard that scantily lad ladies stand in a full length glass window to show that she is available. When the curtain is drawn she is not. I did notice one actually talking on her mobile phone, and the others just looked bored. I've heard that Bangkok makes this look lame, which it is, and just a little disrespectful to women.

Having said all that, I think that everyone needs to check Amsterdam off on the list, and admittedly I didn't see or do much. For me though, Venice does the whole canal thing better, plus there is better food, and is perhaps a more romantic location. Maybe I'm just missing the sunny skies of Spain instead of the grey skies of Northern Europe.


TRAVEL INFO:

Best travel website on Amsterdam - http://www.iamsterdam.com/

Izakaya restaurant
http://www.izakaya-amsterdam.com/home.html
Albert Cuypstraat 2-6 1072 CT Amsterdam The Netherlands
+31 20 305NoSkype 3090

Redlight district - a little lame.

TRAVEL TIPS:

- Taxis are expensive in Amsterdam, the flag fall is 7.5 Euros, so walk or catch the tram or rent a bike.

- Catch the tram all day for 7.5 Euros instead, or just walk. It's really not that far, and of course it's all flat.

- watch out for the bikes.

Flight from Seville to Amsterdam & our Airbnb apartment & bikes lots of bikes

I mentioned earlier that Seville is a great place to set up base to explore Southern Spain due to the excellent transport connections to the rest of Europe. On Tuesday we caught a taxi to Seville Airport, about a ten minute ride (22 Euros) from the centre of city. Checking the board for our flight I saw flights to all the main cities of Europe. If you heading north you might like to catch the fast train to Madrid, which is only a couple of hours away. It is a fairly long train trip, and a few changes, if you heading to Northern Europe, like we are today, but if you have the time, why not catch the train.

As you can see we have had a great time in Spain. It is constantly surprising. There is so much of Spain that we haven't seen from Madrid to the Basque Region in the North and Santiago, the original purpose for the trip. Barcelona was fun, that is a city you probably have to see. The highlights for me were Granada and Cordoba (you have to see Cordoba). There is so much more to see and do in Seville of course.

I've enjoyed the Spanish lifestyle, the excellent weather of course, so much like Sydney, and eating out, relatively cheaply, and at all hours of the day and night, except Siesta time of course. Fortunately, I have been travelling with a self proclaimed 'Foodie', so I'll do a blog post on some of the excellent restaurants in Barcelona, Seville, Granada, and Cordoba.

Spain is moving up to my top five places, and I will definitely be back to explore more of Spain. Despite, 20% unemployment in Spain, I never had a problem with any social problems. I can tell you now if Australia went to 20% unemployment (from about 5%) you would not be able to walk down the street in some parts of Sydney. Now, however it is time to fly to  in Amsterdam.

We caught a 1.30pm flight to Amsterdam and landed at 4pm Local Time. I wasn't really paying attention to the time, as I was engrossed in The Economist magazine. I was interrupted by a Dutch couple across the aisle who thought I was their nephew. I must look a little Dutch.

On the approach I did happen to look out the window and saw a billiard table flat green land punctuated by the occasional yellow fields as to be expected.

Standing at the baggage terminal it suddenly clicked that Dutch was similiar to German, which I found I sort of could sort of understand, from long ago German lessons at school. But don't worry everybody seems to speak English too, so I don't think I'll have to draw anymore childish drawings in my notebook.

I must admit it was a culture shock arriving in Amsterdam. After checking into our spacious Airbnd apartment (see website links) we went for a stroll around De Pijp our neighbourhood. Everything you have heard about the Dutch riding bikes is true.

I mean it is out of control. You really need to keep your wits about you. They are everywhere. There are mothers with two kids on bikes, front and back. There are cargo bikes towing stuff. Then there are scooters whizzing along the bike lanes. I've never seen so many people riding bikes.

I looked up on Wikipedia, a trusted information source, and found there are 800,000 bikes for 750,000 people in Amsterdam. It also, probably not surprisingly, has the highest number of bike thefts. There is an old Amsterdam joke that if you yell out, "Hey, that's my bike", then five people will jump off their bikes, and start running.

Anyway, I'm pleased with our Airbnb apartment. It's a spacious two bedroom apartment on the third floor of a terrace in the De Pijp area of Amsterdam. It has good internet access through WiFi at 65 Mbs. It's about a twenty minute walk to the centre of town or you can catch a tram or I guess, a boat.

Once again, I've done absolutely no research on Amsterdam. I know nothing apart from what you know, actually I probably know less. However, if you wish to know more, either follow my blog, or read the following information.

I'd probably just read the info.

TRAVEL INFO:

Amsterdam

Website: http://www.iamsterdam.com/

The official tourist website - Iamsterdam - so clever the Dutch.

Holland aka The Netherlands
official tourist website: http://www.holland.com/global/tourism.htm

TRAVEL TIPS:

- Watch out for bikes. They are everywhere.

- Dutch is sort of like German. If you don't know any German, they are very helpful and speak English.

- Did I mention about the bikes?

The Alcazar, Seville

Remember, I mentioned the Alcazar in the Seville Cathedral post. I was watching a BBC program on my travel companion 's IPAD (I think I'm now the only person without an IPAD) and I saw footage of the Alcazar, which I sought of had already dismissed. How could it measure up to the Alhambra in Granada, or Cordoba? Anway, the program changed my mind.

On Monday we went to the Alcazar.

It's both a fort, and a palace to conduct the affairs of governement, whether it is the Moors or the Spanish in charge. This is the Throne room (pictured above)

This is my highlight (pictured above). The Moorish courtyard.

The palace's gardens are amazing. There is also a nice cafe overlooking the gardens where you can have an expresso and a piece of cake.

Massive tapestrys hang from the walls, reminding visitors what Seville and Spain was all about in those days - Spanish galleons arriving with their precious cargo bringing the wealth from the New World. Seville was chosen, because it is 80km up river from the sea port, Cadiz, because it was safe from pirates. In particular the Protestant English 'Sea Dogs', and the worst one of all, according to the Spanish was the great 'El Dracque" - Sir Francis Drake. It was Drake himself who led the devastating raid on Cadiz to provoke the Spanish Armarda and with his cousin, Hawkins, so instrumental in its defeat.

The significance of the  defeat of the Spanish Armarda in 1588 by the English was the beginning of the end for Spain. It was a massive victory for England, the church bells rang out all over England, and the captured flags of the Spanish Fleet were hung from the walls of St Pauls. It was the beginning of Britain's 'Empire of the Seas'.

To give you an idea of the wealth that was pouring into Spain; Drake captured one Spanish Galleon, which was worth in today's money - $120 million dollars. But, all this wealth was only possible if the Spanish could control the sea lanes - if the galleons could make it back to Seville. 

Soon, we are moving on to the Netherlands, and to the next great sea power, The Dutch.

We are going to Amsterdam.

TRAVEL INFO:

The Alcazar
Seville (next to Seville Cathedral)
website: http://www.alcazarsevilla.org/
Ticket: 8.50 Euros
hours: October to March: From Monday to Sunday, 09:30 to 17:00.

April to September: From Monday to Sunday, 09:30 to 19:00.

Travel Tips:

- You can just buy tickets at the door. It's not that crowded.

"Cordoba, you have to see Cordoba", a day trip from Seville to Cordoba

"Cordoba, you have to see Cordoba." was the constant answer when we were asking people in Barcelona where to go next in Spain. Granada was mentioned next, so that was where we went next. I'm so glad we went, because the Alhambra was the highlight of our trip so far. Then it was onto Seville, principally, because it had good transport connections; the fast train North or East, or direct flights to the rest of Europe.

Anyway, on Friday, we decided to do a day trip to the port of Cadiz, which sounded interesting, but then on the next chapter of my Frommer's travel guide to Spain on my Kindle (you should really get a E book reader to avoid lugging around heavy travel guides) they mentioned you could do a day trip to Cordoba. "Cordoba, you have to see Cordoba." that little voice was saying in my head. I read further, the cogs slowly turning in my head, and said, "Cordoba, we have to go to Cordoba."

And, like a well oiled machine we sprung into action, mind you this was about 10pm the night before. Hastily, I checked online to see whether you had to reserve tickets, whilst my trusty companion booked rail tickets. Luckily, you didn't have to reserve tickets, and there was a train tomorrow morning to Cordoba. We are going to Cordoba.

Seville, is a a great place to set up base. From here you can do popular day trips to the "Blanco" White villages, Cadiz, a wine trip south, or into the mountains, or Cordoba. The main train station is called Santa Justa, and it's about a five to six Euro taxi ride from Santa Cruz. At the station just print out the ticket if you ordered it online, check the big board to see what platform to get on, and hop on the right train, and remember what I said in a previous blog post about catching the train in Europe.

Every since I saw the Alhambra in Granada I've been fascinated by the Moors, these Muslim invaders from North Africa who built this beautiful, sophisticated, technologically advanced fortress and palace. However, seeing the Alhambra, I'm experiencing a disconect between the story of barbarian hordes pouring across from North Africa and the mordern version of the Reconquista, and what actually really happened. How were such a small force, and remember the Moorish forces were never more than 60,000, conquer in such a short time, and occupy a country the size of Spain?

I was pondering this whilst looking out the train window, and thinking this land sort of looks almost like outback Australia, before the red dust starts; the dry yellow grass, the scattered patches of green, and those rocky outcrops in the background. I looked up to see this ancient fortress on top of this hill, and I wondered who built it. Was it the Moors, the Christians, or any of the invaders who came this way, the Romans, or the Visigoths (Germanic tribe)? How many different warriors peered over the ramparts, in this dry heat, across the simmering plain, thinking, "I'm a long way from home."

Arriving at Cordoba train station, a visitor could be forgiven wondering whether they got off at the wrong stop. Looking around I couldn't see no magical city or the tall sphires of any Cathedral/Mosque. I had absolutely no idea where to go. I went to the Tourist information section - closed. So, I did what I normally do when I get lost, which is getting too frequent (I know it's bad because I'm a pseudo travel blogger), and jumped in a taxi.

"Cordoba Cathedral, por favour"

"No, entiende." (I don't understand)

I ended up having to draw a  childish picture of a church in my notebook to show to him.

"Oh, the Mequista"

Five minutes later we were plonked into a different world.

This is Cordoba Cathedral (pictured above) or the Mequista?

Or is it?

Looks like a beautiful Mosque on the inside. The pillars stretch into infinity.

However, amidst these stunning pillars is the unmistakable Christian architecture of a Cathedral in the middle of the complex.

Again, the incredible decoration of a Spanish church.

The centre of the Mosque has been transformed with the Christian Cathedral built. However around it are examples of Islamic architecture.

It really is incredible isn't it.

This is the most amazing place I've visited. I can't put it in words, but I'll upload the video when I get back, and add more photograhs and information.

However, if all the Spanish and Islamic architecture is not enough there is this Roman arch and crossing the river is a Roman Bridge!

Now, there are not many places where you can find so many different architectural styles and art in such a small area.

In the 10th Century Cordoba was the biggest and richest city in Europe. Spanish galleons used to be able to sail up river from Seville and unload products from the New World.

We crossed the Roman Bridge, and looked back at the Cordoba, the sun just descending behind it, and thought, "I'm so glad I went to Cordoba."

My advice, and what I find myself saying now is, "Cordoba, you have to see Cordoba."
..........................................................................................................................
*As you can realise there is controversy over the addition of the Cathedral being built in the centre of this beautiful Mosque. It has been archeologically proved, and you can see some of the stone work of a Christian church on the site. The Vatican, in its defence, has stated it is simply reclaiming the site of the previously existing church, and has repeatedly declined all requests of Muslims to pray at Cordoba Cathedral.

FACTS SHEET:

Must see:

Cordoba

A city in Spain called Córdoba, and also called Cordova in English, is a city in Andalusia, southern Spain, and the capital of the province of Córdoba. An Iberian and Roman city in ancient times, in the Middle Ages it became the capital of an Islamic caliphate.

Get there: About 1hr and 20 minutes by the regular train from Seville. Costs about 30 Euros.
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Taxi ride is about 5 Euros from train station or you can wait for the bus. I guess you could walk, but it was 37 degrees Celcius today in Cordoba.


Cordoba Cathedral
http://www.catedraldecordoba.es/
hours: March - October

From 10.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday
From 8:30 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Sundays and feast days

November - February
From 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday
From 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. Sundays and feast days

Tickets: 8 Euros available at door.

Travel Tips:

- Actually know where you are going and do some research, unlike your intrepid travel blogger.

- If not, carry a small notebook, so you can draw a childish picture to show your taxi driver (like this one - stop laughing)

- Take some time to explore the old city, and the Jewish quarter, and the other tourist sites.

- Remember it's hot as hell here, so sunscreen, water, and keep in the shade as much as possible.