Switzerland: A Pleasant Surprise- Part Two

Topdeck Day 4
Today was the day of the optional excursion up Jungfrau summit, which B and I passed on because although it sounded like it would have spectacular views the cost of it (142 Swiss Francs) turned us off, plus, we were just as happy to explore Lauterbrunnen on our own. Most of the Topdeck tour, however, did go on the optional excursion so B, two new Topdeck friends from New Zealand and I were the last ones hanging around the dining hall/bar at breakfast.

With no set plans for the days we were taking our time with breakfast, making use of the free WiFi. One of the ladies that runs the hostel noticed us and scolded us for wasting our time there when we could be out exploring, she also told of us this cafe ten minutes away that apparently had amazing hot chocolate and black forrest cake- the cake sold us and we got vague directions on how to get there.  After putting a load of washing in the four of us headed out to explore the town. This town is picture perfect, as I imagine the rest of the Alps would be. Every thing you see looks like a postcard. After reaching the end of town (which didn't take too long, its pretty small) we bought supplies for a picnic lunch (the usual at that stage of a nice bread, cheese and meat). After lunch (which ended up having on a bench in the train station) we went in search of this cafe with amazing cake and hot drinks. As we started our journey we ran into two other Topdeck friends, two sisters from Victoria, who joined. A little further along we ran into another two, a pair of friends also from Sydney.  And so the eight of us walked, and walked, and walked (stopping numerous times for photos). The roads were pretty icy and slippery so it was a careful walk, with a lot of near falls (no actual falls that I can recall, though). We had been walking for way longer than ten minutes with no site of a cafe, nor a town, so we decided to ask for directions. A local told us there was a cafe but it would another half hours walk, we all decided that we had come this far so may as well so trekked on. However, we reached as far as you could go by foot and there was no sight of a cafe. We asked the lady at the cable-car place where the cafe was, this was where we were informed that there was no cafe near us! We had pretty much been on a wild goose chase for the past few hours, but it had been fun and it was an amusing situation so none of us really minded. It turned out that we had walked 1.5km to the town Stechelberg, the starting point for the cable-cars. Since we were there we decided to take the cable car up to the next town- Gimmelwald. When we got off, the lady running it asked why and looked sceptical, we soon discovered why- the town was totally isolated with everything shut for the off season. However, that kind of added to the fun of it, and the absurdity of the day. We found some sleds, which we helped ourselves to since there was no one there to ask and had some fun in the snow.

We decided to head back before it got dark and we got lost in the Alps, luckily there was a bus back from Stechelberg to Lauterbrunnen. Before heading back to the hostel we stopped by a store that sold genuine Swiss watches and knives for reasonable prices (and free engravings!). Oh, we also found a cafe in town and finally got some hot chocolate (sadly, no black forrest cake). We were all in a really good mood and the rest of the crew that did the Jungfrau excursion also had an amazing day so it was very happy atmosphere over dinner (I'm sure the drinks helped!). Dinner at the hostel was a real Swiss meal of fondue and rosti (that being said, I know we could of had it better somewhere else). The night was just as fun as the day and ended in a nice hot shower (using as many 1/2 francs as I could find).

Switzerland: A Pleasant Surprise- Part One

Topdeck Day 3 

Morning breakfast in Paris followed by a semi fail run for baguettes and cheese (it was too early in the morning so all that was open was the bakery thus we only got half of what we were searching for) before heading onto the bus to our next destination: Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland!

I will admit Switzerland wasn't at the top my list of places I wanted to go in the world, it just happened to be on the tour (that being said I was looking forward to eating cheese and chocolate once there!). But as the title suggests it turned out to be a pleasant surprise and a definite highlight of my trip.

Day 3 consisted mostly of travelling. I know the idea of being on a bus for hours on end does not sound fun to most, and actually deterred me from doing a tour for awhile but it wasn't too bad. I think I'm now conditioned to fall asleep on any mode of long distance transport whether it be plane, car or coach so did catch up on sleep on the bus. Plus, it was a chance to be social with your fellow Topdeckers. On this particular journey we did do a get to know you activity, each person had to introduce themselves a little and say what part of the trip they were looking forward to the most. We were also briefed, as we always are, about our next destination. One of the things we were told is that in the place we were staying we would have to pay for the showers- 1/2 franc for 4 minutes. It has been a few weeks since I got back and have been unpacked for awhile and yet I am still finding 1/2 franc coins everywhere, taunting me of the extra four minutes in the shower I could of had.

We arrived in Lauterbrunnen in the late evening, had enough time to settle in our new accommodations before meeting for dinner at the hostel bar/dining hall. Lauterbrunnen is a small town in the Swiss Alps and not surprisingly not much of a night life so we had a nice chill night hanging at the hostel bar discovering new drinks ( including a Swiss beer for women called Eve, I hate beer usually but this has proved to be the exception and a range of drinks whose different flavours are just known as their colours e.g. Green and Red) and things about each other over a round of "I Never".

A Perfect Day in Paris

Topdeck Days 1 & 2


The first day of the tour consisted mostly of travel. We all met in the foyer of Clink Hostel in London and from there we boarded the bus to Dover. From Dover we caught a P&O ferry to Calais, France. I like to think of the Topdeck social side as the highschool experience on speed (I've also heard the comparison to Big Brother numerous times too). So the ferry ride was a little like the beginning highschool; mingling with others, getting to know everyone and eventually finding your place. The ferry ride also was one of the first of many opportunities that highlighted what social network addicts we all are- as soon as someone discovered there was free wifi somewhere there was always a flurry of activity as people pulled out there phones and tried to connect.

Once we arrived in France we got onto our actual Topdeck bus and drove to our Paris accommodations.  We were staying at B&B Hotel, nothing special but not bad either however was kinda in the ghetto of Paris. After we settled in we went out for dinner. It was here I tried snails for the first time, I wasn't disgusted as I had anticipated I would be, however, I probably am not going to eat it again for tastes sake. After dinner we went for a night tour around Paris, pretty amazing seeing all these French icons such as the Eiffel Tower and the Moulin Rouge right in front of you.

The next day was our free day in Paris, which also happened to be my birthday- pretty lucky turning 22 in Paris, and it was a perfect day too. Together with B and two new Topdeck friends from New Zealand we explored the city. We decided we go have a quick look at the Lourve but not actually go in because we didn't have to time to explore the massive building and wait in the long queue, however when we arrived we discovered there was no line at all so didn't want to waste this chance and decided to go in and pay the Mona Lisa a visit. 

After the Lourve we headed up the Champs Elysee. Parisian drivers (and as we would discover later, Italians ones too) are crazy so trying to get a picture in the middle of the street was a bit of an adrenalin rush. A quick pit stop at the Laduree (the place which made the macaroon what it is today) before reaching the end of the street and climbing the long spiral staircase of the Arc de Triomphe. You will be rewarded for climbing the 284 steps with a spectacular view of Paris, a view that also includes the Eiffel Tower. 

We then indulged ourselves with a picnic under the Eiffel Tower, and whilst we were picnic-ing the weather decided to contribute to our perfect day by giving us blue skies and sunshine. Full of food and cheap wine we then climbed up the Eiffel Tower (once again no line for us). After the tower we continued to explore the city on foot before meeting the Topdeck group outside the Notre Dome. From there we headed to dinner- a dinner which included frogs legs. I didn't really enjoy them, it was not so much the taste but the fact that they looked like tiny human calves. After dinner there was an optional excursion to the Cabaret- an option which the majority of the group took. It was a fun night, various different acts and the host spoke in both French and English. And that was pretty much the end to my perfect day in Paris. 

March on Rome

From London we joined a Topdeck tour going to Rome. The above map shows the route and details of the journey. This post is going to be more about my Topdeck experience than about my experience of the countries (they will come). 

I absolutely loved my Topdeck experience and would highly recommend it to people. I love doing things in big groups and having lots of people around so this was perfect for me. It seemed that the majority of the group were in their early 20s and everyone was really friendly; we all clicked and bonded very quickly. Besides age, we all had a love and desire to travel in common. The majority of the group seemed to be from Australia with the other members coming from New Zealand, Korea, the UK and Canada. Another good thing about being in the big group was there was always someone that wanted to do what you felt like doing, so you were always guaranteed a buddy. 

After having to arrange everything from transport to meals in London it was nice not having to worry about any of that for awhile. Another thing I liked about Topdeck was that for every city we would be given a tour, so we could get our bearings and get an idea of what we would like to explore further, and then a totally free day to do whatever we wanted. I've heard of some people who have gone on tours were it was just so jammed packed with stuff and there isn't much freedom. Plus it ended up feeling they were just carted around from one attraction to another without really experiencing anything, this wasn't the case with Topdeck. 

All in all I would recommend doing a tour but doing it in combination with your own travelling in the cities you really want to explore (like for example I really wish I had more than one day in Paris).

London

So I just got back from the most amazing trip around Europe and London. But I shall start from the beginning- at London....

I fell in love with this city fast; the style and nature of the people, the buildings and just the general vibe of the city- stylish with a grungy edge. Plus the shopping, oh my the shopping, but shall get on to that later. We (I travelled with my highschool bestie B, you can read her travel blog here) were very blessed with the weather- apparently it was a very mild winter this year and thus we were treated with sunshine and only two rainy days during our entire trip. We stayed in a little apartment in Hammersmith, which was a short walk from the underground station, a Marks & Spencer and various bars and cafes. We spent a little under a week in London and here are some of the highlights:

Kensington Palace and The Orangery 
This was the first attraction we visited, the former home of Princess Diana. It was closed to the public the day we went but you could still take snaps from the outside. The Orangery was, however, open; a beautiful (but expensive) place where you can have high tea. We both treated ourselves to a slice of cake and juice whilst soaking in the posh atmosphere.

Piccadilly Circus
I had no idea what Piccadilly Circus looked like so when I stepped out from the underground (if you plan on using the underground a bit, get yourself an Oyster Card makes travel much easier and cheaper) I was caught by surprise, and my love for the city grew. It was like New York's Times Square except with red double deckers driving around.

Hop On- Hop Off Tour
A ticket costs us  £26 each, at the time they were running a promotion which meant the ticket was valid for two days. I would recommend doing this; it takes you around to all the major sites (e.g. Big Ben, London Eye) and includes a River Cruise Tour too. Additionally, being able to hop on and off as you please means its an easy way to get around the city. And just a touristy perk it means you can tick off riding a red double decker bus off the list.


Westmister Abbey
Entry was £16. This was a surreal tour, there are so many tombs in there that its hard to imagine its real. Plus it was also weird to be standing where the royal wedding took place, just thinking about the emotions and the buzz that would have been felt here just last April. 

Madame Tussauds
I have mixed feelings recommending this one- it was a lot of fun muking around and taking pictures but it is pretty expensive (£30) and we waited for like an hour in the line (and we are travelling during off peak). There are few additional attractions on top of the celeb figures such as a ride that takes you through London's history and short 4D film.

B@1 Soho
This is going to sound like a total plug but out of all the bars/pubs we went to this was by far my favourite. The bartenders are so nice and introduce themselves to you as you get served and try their hardest to learn your names. When we later asked one of the bartenders why they do that he stated "Its just polite". Maybe we were lucky or visited on a good night but the whole vibe of the place was very friendly- both the staff and fellow patrons. We spent our first night there getting insight of what to do and see from some patrons, tips that they think may not be covered in tour guides. The second night we visited it was like we were visiting friends. If you are looking for a place to go at night I highly recommend going here (and while you are here try the Irish Disco Biscuit- recommended to us by some patrons). 

Camden Markets plus other shopping
Camden Markets were awesome, an eclectic mix of stores and stalls. You can find new stuff, retro and vintage pieces, and punk and alternative clothing. I recommend this to shopaholics that have a streak of quirkyness or are slightly experimental in their style. Also don't be afraid to haggle. I must share the biggest bargain I found- a ski jacket that cost me only £3! It came in so handy whilst I was travelling through the Swiss Alps (just casually drop that in their like its whatevs for me to travel through the Alps).  
H&M- I love love. Hurry up and come to Australia. Cheap and trendy- plus we came during sales so extra cheap. Another cheap store was Primark- when we visited here my suitcase was beyond full so going here was a little painful cause I had to pass on soo many bargains. 

I'm Back (with epic travel plans)!

So with the busy-ness of finishing my undergraduate degree and re-establishing a neglected social life blogging came to a halt but I'm back with exciting plans- travel plans! Here is a rough itinerary outlining where in the world I will be in the next two months:

December 6-26: Sri Lanka

December 27- January 3: Sydney, Australia

January 4-9: London, England

January 11: Paris, France

January 13: Lauterbrunnen, Switerland

January 15: Florence, Italy

January 17-23: Rome, Italy

January 24: Back Home a.k.a Sydney

Hope to blog all about my travel adventures including my experiences  being part of a bridal party in Sri Lanka and Topdeck-touring around Europe so keep an eye out!

Fashion Spotlight: Colour Blocking

I love love the colour blocking trend that is coming in for Summer- so bright and fun. Walking through the stores today seeing all the different brightly coloured tops, skirts, dresses and shorts got me buzzed for Summer. However, as a girl who over the past few years, especially over the winter, has tended to favour the blacks, whites and grey (and a splash of red for colour) this trend is a little new for me. So this post is for those like me- keen to try the trend but in need of a little inspiration. My favourite out of the below looks is Stephanie Pratt's- bright orange and pink work really well together and I like the cut of the top.