First I wanted to give major props to us all for even being able to pull this off! And second I thought I would do a quick breakdown of the trip thus far (well, the beginning of the trip since thats when I will be participating)
On the 20th kelsey, lauren, and myself will be departing from LAX and SFO (or thereabouts) .
May 21st we be in LONDON TOWN! Woo Woo!!
Here is where i am slightly concerned... do we have any solid sleeping plans? I know we might have a few places to stay, but what is the official head count/accomodations?
We meet up with nat, nay and melanie... (anyone else?)
Leave london VERY early on the morning of the 24th ( like 6 am, i say we just stay up till we have to get on the first train!)
Arrive in Amsterdam that evening
May 24, 25, 26 in the cabin by the lake
May 27th we pool our moneys and get a hotel room in the city 'o Amsterdam
May 28th travel to Brussels
Staying with leda, who is basically the shit for letting like 5 or 6 girls crash at her pad, when shes not even gonna be there the whole time... leda rules
I will be going back to london via the railnsail on the 31st... kelsey may be going with me cuz ryan should be flying into london on the same day i leave...
I'm flying home on the 1st...
I figure a day trip to a city of our choice can be thrown in there at some point, I'm getting the cheapy benelux regional pass on this friday...
does anyone have an idea as to communication possibities when we are there... obviously our cell hones won't work, but do they have cheapy prepaid phones in europe we could purchase while we're there? Maybe we could get some really awesome walky talkies!!! just a thought...
Hmmmmm, I think thats it...
Monday, April 28, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Hey guys!
I'm still finishing up finals, so I don't have a whole lot of time to read through all the bloggie plans just yet, but include me in everything up until June 2nd. I'm in the process of trying to push my flight back a few days till the 7th... we'll see how that goes. It's my friends b-day on the 6th and she's going to be in Paris, so I wanted to try and meet up with her around that time since my flight will be out of Paris anyway. Is that around the time you guys are planning Paris? Also, can someone let me know what things I need to book for myself- like train tickets and what not? I'm so disorganized right now, I have no idea what's going on. But, I'm excited as hell!
love,
Mel
I'm still finishing up finals, so I don't have a whole lot of time to read through all the bloggie plans just yet, but include me in everything up until June 2nd. I'm in the process of trying to push my flight back a few days till the 7th... we'll see how that goes. It's my friends b-day on the 6th and she's going to be in Paris, so I wanted to try and meet up with her around that time since my flight will be out of Paris anyway. Is that around the time you guys are planning Paris? Also, can someone let me know what things I need to book for myself- like train tickets and what not? I'm so disorganized right now, I have no idea what's going on. But, I'm excited as hell!
love,
Mel
Wo hoo!
So Brussels is a FOR SURE! We can all stay at Leda's for as long as we want!! How awesome is that!?! She said she'll probably only be there for the 28th, but she'll show us around and tell us what cool stuff there is to do! SWEET!
Talk to y'all later!
Talk to y'all later!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Tentative Plans! My wish list...
I have been trying to plot out the general places we wanna hit and the dates...an overall plan.
so here's a list of places (maybe in a logical order, maybe not) that I am hoping to see, with asterisks on my top choices)...
okay:
London
Amsterdam
Brussels
Paris
(places in the south of france(?)...countryside, wine, berets, etc)
Madrid
*(ANYWHERE ELSE in Spain- I am super pumped on Spain! Barcelona, Ibiza, Malaga, wherever!)
Portugal (Lisbon or Porto, I'm not sure which one...)
Morroco (if we can manage)
Canary Islands (if it's cheap and we have time)
Italy. all of it. (DEFINITELY Rome-we should go there with Nat starting June 10th- also, Venice, Florence, I know people in Como and Milan...but in general, I'll take Nat's suggestions. I'd like to spend maybe 2 weeks exploring, but I don't know if we'll have time..)
Vienna. We can stay with Jesse's housemate there!
*Prague. the dollar goes farther there, plus its amazing.
*Pamplona for the running of the bulls, just a few days a the end...the festival goes from July 7-14...Have you read The Sun Also Rises???
Okay, that's a lot. Of course, in reality, I will be excited about anything and everything!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Brussels and my friend Leda
Hey guys, I thought I would forward you the message from my friend Leda... I'm not sure, does she say that we are able to stay with her housemates as long as we're there? That's what it kinda sounds like, but I'm not sure.... Anyway, she has some good tips, so here you go,
hey hey cool! i am going to paris for the 29th or 30th of may but i will definitely bethere the 28th at least.I can give you a few hints as to cheap travel:squats can be hard or easy to find and you generally ask dirty people withdreads or dread/mullet combination hirdos that look really bad.free places to stay are better found on www.couchsurfing.comyou are all welcome at my house in brussels of course and all myhousemates speak english.free travel comes off of www.taxistop.com or .net or something. you canalso be really gutsy and.... take the train without paying! there are notthat many controllers especially holland and belgium. when they ask foryour ticket say you will pay the fine, give your address and they'll sendyou a fine you dont have to pay unless one day you want to pay taxes inthe country you were travelling in. my friend and i did it all over italyand spain and france. well not all over really, but the worst people cando to you is kick you off the train and then you just get on the next one!gee, there's so much news to report but i am not really in a state towrite it all right now. not missing the greehouses really. laughing a lotbecause there is sunshine in brussels. yes, you'll be coming the righttime of year tra la laum... kisses and all that huggy stuffLM
hey hey cool! i am going to paris for the 29th or 30th of may but i will definitely bethere the 28th at least.I can give you a few hints as to cheap travel:squats can be hard or easy to find and you generally ask dirty people withdreads or dread/mullet combination hirdos that look really bad.free places to stay are better found on www.couchsurfing.comyou are all welcome at my house in brussels of course and all myhousemates speak english.free travel comes off of www.taxistop.com or .net or something. you canalso be really gutsy and.... take the train without paying! there are notthat many controllers especially holland and belgium. when they ask foryour ticket say you will pay the fine, give your address and they'll sendyou a fine you dont have to pay unless one day you want to pay taxes inthe country you were travelling in. my friend and i did it all over italyand spain and france. well not all over really, but the worst people cando to you is kick you off the train and then you just get on the next one!gee, there's so much news to report but i am not really in a state towrite it all right now. not missing the greehouses really. laughing a lotbecause there is sunshine in brussels. yes, you'll be coming the righttime of year tra la laum... kisses and all that huggy stuffLM
Monday, April 21, 2008
just in case....
you wanna see pics, or the page i found the hostel on.... here ya go!
http://www.hostelworld.com/availability.php
http://www.hostelworld.com/availability.php
Youth Hostel Van Goh, in Brussels!
here is the description of the hostel i found in brussels direct from the site! we can get it for 23 usd a night, no curfew,a bar, and breakfast... and van goh used to chill out here! they only have availabity for the 29th and 30th... note the 4 euro fee for sheets! so let me know if this is ok with everyone, and i will book it tomorrow...
oh yeah, how many people will be with us at that point??? i said 5...???
READ ME:
For more than 25 years we have been accommodating thousands of backpackers, students, trainees, artists from all over the world in one of the grooviest and cheapest youth hostel in Brussels. (Save money to eat waffles, chocolate and mussels!!!)*This has brought an incredible open-minded atmosphere in the place where the famous Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh used to work. Facilities: no curfew, breakfast included, laundry and KITCHEN; Groovy bar with more than 20 different Belgian beers, friendly multilingual staff, free locker-room, centrally located, guided tours (Brussels, Brugge, Antwerp, hop on hop off);lock-out from rooms from 10am until 2pm, daily cleaning. Recommended in every good backpackers guidebooks and websites; In a nutshell: the best place to stay! See you soon in the heart of Europe!Accommodation: dorm or quad, twin single rooms. Important notice: FOR HYGIENIC REASONS,BEDSHEETS RENTAL IS COMPULSORY AND IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RATES; AN EXTRA FEE OF 4 EUROS PER PERSON PER STAY (NOT NIGHT) WILL BE ADDED TO YOUR BILL.WE OF COURSE GUARANTEE YOU WILL BE ACCOMMODATED IN THE KIND OF ROOMS YOU HAVE RESERVED. NEVERTHELESS, IF YOU STAY MORE THAN ONE NIGHT,YOU MAY HAVE TO CHANGE ROOMS DURING YOUR STAY AND IF YOU HAVE BOOKED FOR SEVERAL PEOPLE,YOU MIGHT NOT BE ALL ACCOMMODATED IN THE SAME ROOM.When you make a reservation, please print out and bring the confirmation you received by e-mail. We need it at the check-in, thanks.** Female dorms are for females only and male dorms are for males only, please be careful when making your reservation, as we will not accept a male booking a female dorm and vice versa!**To our female travellers: it's sometimes possible to change rooms to stay in single-sex dorms (female rooms) even if there were any left the day you have sent your booking. There are sometimes cancellations which allow that:)Also, same thing for the lovers, if you travel as a couple, we'll try to put you together in a mixed room if it's possible.Print out the small one in the pics here on the right and you'll get here very easily!)Only written cancellations at least 48h hours prior arrival, will be accepted. Please note our age restriction is from 18 to 35 years of age.*not in a row :)
Overall Rating: 73%From a total of 455 Reviews
Facilities
Breakfast
Buffet
Included
Continental
Internet Access
Guest Kitchen
Postal Service
Card Phones
Cable TV
Common Room
Pool Table
Security Lockers
Key Card Access
BBQ Area
Washing Machine/Dryer
24 Hour Security
Towels Hire
Parking
Bicycle Parking
Bar
Restaurant
Tours Desk
Luggage Storage
24 Hour Reception
oh yeah, how many people will be with us at that point??? i said 5...???
READ ME:
For more than 25 years we have been accommodating thousands of backpackers, students, trainees, artists from all over the world in one of the grooviest and cheapest youth hostel in Brussels. (Save money to eat waffles, chocolate and mussels!!!)*This has brought an incredible open-minded atmosphere in the place where the famous Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh used to work. Facilities: no curfew, breakfast included, laundry and KITCHEN; Groovy bar with more than 20 different Belgian beers, friendly multilingual staff, free locker-room, centrally located, guided tours (Brussels, Brugge, Antwerp, hop on hop off);lock-out from rooms from 10am until 2pm, daily cleaning. Recommended in every good backpackers guidebooks and websites; In a nutshell: the best place to stay! See you soon in the heart of Europe!Accommodation: dorm or quad, twin single rooms. Important notice: FOR HYGIENIC REASONS,BEDSHEETS RENTAL IS COMPULSORY AND IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RATES; AN EXTRA FEE OF 4 EUROS PER PERSON PER STAY (NOT NIGHT) WILL BE ADDED TO YOUR BILL.WE OF COURSE GUARANTEE YOU WILL BE ACCOMMODATED IN THE KIND OF ROOMS YOU HAVE RESERVED. NEVERTHELESS, IF YOU STAY MORE THAN ONE NIGHT,YOU MAY HAVE TO CHANGE ROOMS DURING YOUR STAY AND IF YOU HAVE BOOKED FOR SEVERAL PEOPLE,YOU MIGHT NOT BE ALL ACCOMMODATED IN THE SAME ROOM.When you make a reservation, please print out and bring the confirmation you received by e-mail. We need it at the check-in, thanks.** Female dorms are for females only and male dorms are for males only, please be careful when making your reservation, as we will not accept a male booking a female dorm and vice versa!**To our female travellers: it's sometimes possible to change rooms to stay in single-sex dorms (female rooms) even if there were any left the day you have sent your booking. There are sometimes cancellations which allow that:)Also, same thing for the lovers, if you travel as a couple, we'll try to put you together in a mixed room if it's possible.Print out the small one in the pics here on the right and you'll get here very easily!)Only written cancellations at least 48h hours prior arrival, will be accepted. Please note our age restriction is from 18 to 35 years of age.*not in a row :)
Overall Rating: 73%From a total of 455 Reviews
Facilities
Breakfast
Buffet
Included
Continental
Internet Access
Guest Kitchen
Postal Service
Card Phones
Cable TV
Common Room
Pool Table
Security Lockers
Key Card Access
BBQ Area
Washing Machine/Dryer
24 Hour Security
Towels Hire
Parking
Bicycle Parking
Bar
Restaurant
Tours Desk
Luggage Storage
24 Hour Reception
The Brussels Plan
Hey guys, new post for the Brussels part of the trip! Guess what... I got us at least one nights stay at my friend Leda's house!! Woot woot! She said that we can spend the night of the 28th there, and possibly the night of the 29th. Is that when we're planning on being there? I couldn't remember. Anyway, it's pretty cool, she's leaving Brussels to go to Paris! What are the odds?
Lauren, Help!
Hey girlies, please read my super long comment on the "where are we going next" post. I spoke to Natalie, and that's some of what we talked about.
Lauren, how do you add people to this Blog. My mom really wants to meet up with us, if only for a week, at some point during our journey. She's still not certain if she'll be able to do it, but I thought she could be added to the blog, if that's okay.
I hope everyone is doing well... Muchos Lovos!!
Lauren, how do you add people to this Blog. My mom really wants to meet up with us, if only for a week, at some point during our journey. She's still not certain if she'll be able to do it, but I thought she could be added to the blog, if that's okay.
I hope everyone is doing well... Muchos Lovos!!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
What's booked
I purchased my Rail and Sail Ticket (thanks to you, Sharon my sweet!) and I also booked the cabin for 6 people. Hopefully all the people are actually coming. If they're not, we might have to find travelers that didn't book anything to bunk with us! Anywhoo, I'm not sure if you guys can look at this link because it's a secure site, but it's worth a try. It's the booking info for the cabin:
https://secure.hostelworld.com/hostelx/confirmed.php#directions
The directions of how we get there from central station is at the bottom. It sounds like it's only a 15-20 minute bus ride. That's not too bad (as long as it runs late...) If it doesn't, I'm sure those of us who are down with it can hitch back.
So we officially have a way to Amsterdam, and a place to stay!! How cool is that? Has everyone else booked their Rail and Sail tickets?
https://secure.hostelworld.com/hostelx/confirmed.php#directions
The directions of how we get there from central station is at the bottom. It sounds like it's only a 15-20 minute bus ride. That's not too bad (as long as it runs late...) If it doesn't, I'm sure those of us who are down with it can hitch back.
So we officially have a way to Amsterdam, and a place to stay!! How cool is that? Has everyone else booked their Rail and Sail tickets?
Where we be off to next?
soooo, any idea of where we want to go next?? i am super stoked on the progress we have made so far... ladies, we are kickin some ass on the prep work!! go us!
anyways... i have heard talk of goin south... is that what we are thinkin? any ideas, thoughts, or anything on the subject would be awesome...
i will have like 3 days to kill after we leave the 'dam... i dont think it will be economically sound for me to buy a eurail pass... so i'll probably prebook my tx for exactly where we go next...
gotta go back to this stupid timekeeping calss i'm in at work... lame!
anyways... i have heard talk of goin south... is that what we are thinkin? any ideas, thoughts, or anything on the subject would be awesome...
i will have like 3 days to kill after we leave the 'dam... i dont think it will be economically sound for me to buy a eurail pass... so i'll probably prebook my tx for exactly where we go next...
gotta go back to this stupid timekeeping calss i'm in at work... lame!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Rail and Sail Bitches!
Ok, so this info has been scattered around the blog a little too willy nilly for my taste (mainly my fault, by the way)... Here goes nuthin folks...
This be da website you wanna go to... http://www.stenaline.co.uk/ferry/book-now/....
On the right of the screen you will see the book/get quote area... this is where you wanna be! Go ahead and choose the Rail and Sail option from the drop down list... The route you want to select is Harwich-Hook of Holland (the last choice on the list)! After you are diverted to the next screen, go ahead and scroll down and hit the Book Now option...
So this first part you wanna choose your dates of travel, which i understand them to be the 24th of may... also choose AMSTERDAM CENTRAL from the outward dropdown list (the london/liverpool option above that is perfect) and we are goin for a one way trip ladies... the departure time you want to choose is 06.18... the site has all its time in MILITARY time... so, if your question is does that mean 6.18 am... then, my answer is, hell yes that say 6.18 am... once thats done... hit next...
Print or email yourself the itinerary... they wont let you continue if you dont do one or the other... hit next... and the first part of the trip is booked!
now for the sail part of it... check that the date that comes up is the right one... and hit search! you want to choose the Stena britannica the leaves at 0900 (am), then hit next!
on the home stretch now chicas.... adult and student tickets are the exact same price... so choose to your hearts content whether you preffer to be a student or adult... you can calculate the price if you want, but its gonna be 35 euros for sure (roughly 55 usd, and if its not 35 e, then you did something wrong)
then... to register or not to register... if you do, then they will save your booking info... if you dont-they will get rid of it when your done with your purchase... choose as you see fit!
Add your info... ie name, gender, nationality, etc...
the rest is pretty self explanatory...
and then we hit a small snag, which i do believe can be easily solved... the tickets need to be sent to a british address... Lurn, will you find out from pearl if she is down to let us use her address to send our rail/sail tickets to? and thats about it y'all... love ya all
This be da website you wanna go to... http://www.stenaline.co.uk/ferry/book-now/....
On the right of the screen you will see the book/get quote area... this is where you wanna be! Go ahead and choose the Rail and Sail option from the drop down list... The route you want to select is Harwich-Hook of Holland (the last choice on the list)! After you are diverted to the next screen, go ahead and scroll down and hit the Book Now option...
So this first part you wanna choose your dates of travel, which i understand them to be the 24th of may... also choose AMSTERDAM CENTRAL from the outward dropdown list (the london/liverpool option above that is perfect) and we are goin for a one way trip ladies... the departure time you want to choose is 06.18... the site has all its time in MILITARY time... so, if your question is does that mean 6.18 am... then, my answer is, hell yes that say 6.18 am... once thats done... hit next...
Print or email yourself the itinerary... they wont let you continue if you dont do one or the other... hit next... and the first part of the trip is booked!
now for the sail part of it... check that the date that comes up is the right one... and hit search! you want to choose the Stena britannica the leaves at 0900 (am), then hit next!
on the home stretch now chicas.... adult and student tickets are the exact same price... so choose to your hearts content whether you preffer to be a student or adult... you can calculate the price if you want, but its gonna be 35 euros for sure (roughly 55 usd, and if its not 35 e, then you did something wrong)
then... to register or not to register... if you do, then they will save your booking info... if you dont-they will get rid of it when your done with your purchase... choose as you see fit!
Add your info... ie name, gender, nationality, etc...
the rest is pretty self explanatory...
and then we hit a small snag, which i do believe can be easily solved... the tickets need to be sent to a british address... Lurn, will you find out from pearl if she is down to let us use her address to send our rail/sail tickets to? and thats about it y'all... love ya all
Hostels, continued
Yeah, they still have the 6 bed cabin available, and they also have an 8 bed room for two dollars more each person (for only two of the days). It would be $22.50 per person for the 23rd and 24th, and $20.50 per person for the 25th and 26th. There are 8 of us, aren't there?
me, nat, anna, lauren, sharon, kelsey, pearl?, melanie.... is that it? I really think that this may be the best option at this point. I'm just thinking about money and availability. We would all be able to bunk together, and the travel time to the city centre is 20 minutes by bus, then subway. The bus stop is right in front of the hostel grounds... Can we have a vote or something? Cause I really think we should be booking something this week... don't you think?
me, nat, anna, lauren, sharon, kelsey, pearl?, melanie.... is that it? I really think that this may be the best option at this point. I'm just thinking about money and availability. We would all be able to bunk together, and the travel time to the city centre is 20 minutes by bus, then subway. The bus stop is right in front of the hostel grounds... Can we have a vote or something? Cause I really think we should be booking something this week... don't you think?
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
From London To Amsterdam continued...
ok... i did a little a little more research... and i think this is a good one... we can take the train/ferry from lon-amst... we have a few options... but, i thought the overnight train/ferry combo was a good one... you get a cabin with a bunk bed, shower, bathroom (shampoo and conditioner)... breakfast in the morning etc... one way overnight (which also means we dont have to worry about booking a hostile for a night, and or anything else) is 165 a person, and 236 for 2... they are the same prices for adults and students... so it would be 118 a person if we split the fairs... and a daytime trip would be 45 a person, and 91 for two, so no extra discount there... these tickets need to be booked at least 14 days in advance soooooo please let me know how everyone feels about this idea... by the way it would be 710 for us to book everything together... which is still 118 a person... also they have set the train and ferry up so that where we get off at is very close to where we will be getting back on... all in all there are three stops to make, including Amsterdam...
From London to Amsterdam
I swear this is the last post!!!
But check this out... it is very informative as to how we get from London to Amsterdam...
http://www.seat61.com/Netherlands.htm
But check this out... it is very informative as to how we get from London to Amsterdam...
http://www.seat61.com/Netherlands.htm
Friends and Family
Hey there, since I'm going blogger-crazy today, I thought one more wouldn't hurt. I thought we could start putting the connections we possibly have here.
I'm going to call my mom today and see if I can get my uncle Franny's phone number. I know he lives in London, but I don't know where... and we might be able to stay with him, depending on where he lives. Do we really have six people, by the way? It's me, nat, lauren, shar, kelsey, and anna? wow... that cabin would be so cool for us... Oh shit! that's not the topic of this posting! Disregard that comment!!
Anyway, after I find out where they are located (and if they are willing to let 6 people crash at their house) I'll let you guys know.
I also decided I'm bringing my sleeping mat. If we can find rooms, and there are only a certain amount of beds, I seriously don't mind sacrificing my body to the almighty floor. I found these amazing pads that fold up into nothing and weigh even less. I also decided that I'm bringing my sleeping bag... Just in case. It doesn't weigh anything either, so fuck it! It's comming!!
I think I may also bring a tarp.. They are the lightest tents around!! Basically, we just need sticks and rope, and a tarp in order to make a tent. My friend Georgina is from London, and she said she travelled all around France camping. I just figure that it's probably a good idea to have a shelter of our own just in case we need one.
So that's all. I'm going to take a break and wait for you guys to respond.
MUCH LOVE!!
I'm going to call my mom today and see if I can get my uncle Franny's phone number. I know he lives in London, but I don't know where... and we might be able to stay with him, depending on where he lives. Do we really have six people, by the way? It's me, nat, lauren, shar, kelsey, and anna? wow... that cabin would be so cool for us... Oh shit! that's not the topic of this posting! Disregard that comment!!
Anyway, after I find out where they are located (and if they are willing to let 6 people crash at their house) I'll let you guys know.
I also decided I'm bringing my sleeping mat. If we can find rooms, and there are only a certain amount of beds, I seriously don't mind sacrificing my body to the almighty floor. I found these amazing pads that fold up into nothing and weigh even less. I also decided that I'm bringing my sleeping bag... Just in case. It doesn't weigh anything either, so fuck it! It's comming!!
I think I may also bring a tarp.. They are the lightest tents around!! Basically, we just need sticks and rope, and a tarp in order to make a tent. My friend Georgina is from London, and she said she travelled all around France camping. I just figure that it's probably a good idea to have a shelter of our own just in case we need one.
So that's all. I'm going to take a break and wait for you guys to respond.
MUCH LOVE!!
Flights!!!
Hey, this is for me and Nat
I found a bunch of tickies for about 66 euros, and then I found one for 47 euros, but it would be flying from naples on May16th, which is a bit early. The three tickets would be 149.97 euros.
I'm going to see how much train tickets would be... ugh. Anyway, I'll post the stuff I find as comments of this thread, like I did the last posting.
Here is the link for the 47 euro ticket. It's the second option. I'll send you the 66 euro one too, but I have to find it again.
http://www.thomsonfly.com/SelectFlight.aspx
Would it be possible for us to make our way back to Rome to fly out to London? I'm just wondering if we could find ourselves a cheap ticket with RyanAir. They unfortunately don't fly out of Naples.
Let me know!!
I found a bunch of tickies for about 66 euros, and then I found one for 47 euros, but it would be flying from naples on May16th, which is a bit early. The three tickets would be 149.97 euros.
I'm going to see how much train tickets would be... ugh. Anyway, I'll post the stuff I find as comments of this thread, like I did the last posting.
Here is the link for the 47 euro ticket. It's the second option. I'll send you the 66 euro one too, but I have to find it again.
http://www.thomsonfly.com/SelectFlight.aspx
Would it be possible for us to make our way back to Rome to fly out to London? I'm just wondering if we could find ourselves a cheap ticket with RyanAir. They unfortunately don't fly out of Naples.
Let me know!!
Hostles!!
Okay, I'm going to post the Hostles that I look at as comments of this post. I don't think I quite fully understand this thing yet...
So the cheapest thing I have found so far (but I haven't been looking very long...) would be $492.06 for 6 beds in a Cabin for 4 nights. I know that's a crapload of money... but it would work out to about $20.50 per person, per night. That's pretty good, I think. And that's in dollars.. not euros. We wouldn only have to put a $40.00 deposit down and we would be good to go.
It's close to the subway and there's a bus stop right in front of it. They supply pillows, but not blankets, they have a shared kitchen, I guess they have water somewhere... because it says "swimming and canoeing" and I guess it's in a wildernessy spot. Anyway, I'll let you know what else I find.
Here's the link:
http://www.hostelamsterdam.com/hosteldetails.php/HostelNumber.4525
So the cheapest thing I have found so far (but I haven't been looking very long...) would be $492.06 for 6 beds in a Cabin for 4 nights. I know that's a crapload of money... but it would work out to about $20.50 per person, per night. That's pretty good, I think. And that's in dollars.. not euros. We wouldn only have to put a $40.00 deposit down and we would be good to go.
It's close to the subway and there's a bus stop right in front of it. They supply pillows, but not blankets, they have a shared kitchen, I guess they have water somewhere... because it says "swimming and canoeing" and I guess it's in a wildernessy spot. Anyway, I'll let you know what else I find.
Here's the link:
http://www.hostelamsterdam.com/hosteldetails.php/HostelNumber.4525
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Hey guys- its Natalie.
Ok, so I am on board for the London plan- my mom has agreed to fund it provided we are not doing any extensive traveling in England since the Eurorail pass I have chosen is good for Amsterdam, Spain and France. We are just planning on staying in London right? So, I suppose booking that part of the trip by Tuesday is ok by me. Now, we just have to figure out our next step. Amsterdam first? I spoke with Naomi on the phone today and she is going to speak with her agent about the best/cheapest way to get there and if it is the most logical step to take next. Ohh its getting exciting!
Ok, so I am on board for the London plan- my mom has agreed to fund it provided we are not doing any extensive traveling in England since the Eurorail pass I have chosen is good for Amsterdam, Spain and France. We are just planning on staying in London right? So, I suppose booking that part of the trip by Tuesday is ok by me. Now, we just have to figure out our next step. Amsterdam first? I spoke with Naomi on the phone today and she is going to speak with her agent about the best/cheapest way to get there and if it is the most logical step to take next. Ohh its getting exciting!
Friday, April 11, 2008
I'm not sure if I'm doing this right!!
Hi there, hopefully this works....
So guys, the end of my program has become a COMPLETE disaster!!!! We have this huge group project that is worth our WHOLE mark, and we are having a ridiculous amount of issues. Girls crying, yelling, sending nasty email, not taking accountability for their actions, etc.. So my level of stress right now is wicked high!! UGH!!
I think that you're absolutely right, Lauren, that we should book our rooms by Tuesday, but not because we're worried that they're filling up... we're doing it because we are smart, organized, excited individuals! And we can't wait to book it!! Woot woot!!
I would love to hear Natalie's opinion on the plan one or two. I already said on "the book" that my vote is to meet you in London. I just want to share as many experiences with you guys as possible, and I think it would be a great opportunity for Natalie and I to see London!!! I don't have my heart set either way, but that's the plan I'm leaning toward.
I officially have my Eurail pass!! I won a pair of Ray-ban Wayfarer sunglasses on eBay (You know the one's... Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Elvis Costello... yes!) and they are hopefully on their way, so I'm good to go!!
So I don't have a problem booking the days for the hostel... Is there one in particular, or do I just have to do some research? How many people do I have to book for? and for how many days? and when will we get there if Natalie and I meet you in London?
OH MY GOODNESS!! I'm so excited, I can barely stand it!! Don't forget that I'm going to be pretty incognito after May 3rd, because I'll be in Florida!! But we'll probably have these details figured out way before then...
And I didn't know that you had to book hostels... is that just in popular areas? Because my friend in Belgium said that the cheapest hostels were the ones you find by asking around (the one's not typically listed in the traveler guides...) Anyway, that's just a thought.
Okay, I love you all and will talk to you soon!!
So guys, the end of my program has become a COMPLETE disaster!!!! We have this huge group project that is worth our WHOLE mark, and we are having a ridiculous amount of issues. Girls crying, yelling, sending nasty email, not taking accountability for their actions, etc.. So my level of stress right now is wicked high!! UGH!!
I think that you're absolutely right, Lauren, that we should book our rooms by Tuesday, but not because we're worried that they're filling up... we're doing it because we are smart, organized, excited individuals! And we can't wait to book it!! Woot woot!!
I would love to hear Natalie's opinion on the plan one or two. I already said on "the book" that my vote is to meet you in London. I just want to share as many experiences with you guys as possible, and I think it would be a great opportunity for Natalie and I to see London!!! I don't have my heart set either way, but that's the plan I'm leaning toward.
I officially have my Eurail pass!! I won a pair of Ray-ban Wayfarer sunglasses on eBay (You know the one's... Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Elvis Costello... yes!) and they are hopefully on their way, so I'm good to go!!
So I don't have a problem booking the days for the hostel... Is there one in particular, or do I just have to do some research? How many people do I have to book for? and for how many days? and when will we get there if Natalie and I meet you in London?
OH MY GOODNESS!! I'm so excited, I can barely stand it!! Don't forget that I'm going to be pretty incognito after May 3rd, because I'll be in Florida!! But we'll probably have these details figured out way before then...
And I didn't know that you had to book hostels... is that just in popular areas? Because my friend in Belgium said that the cheapest hostels were the ones you find by asking around (the one's not typically listed in the traveler guides...) Anyway, that's just a thought.
Okay, I love you all and will talk to you soon!!
Amsterdammmmm cont....
So... I am all about going to Amsterdam with you crazy ass fools. Book me and Kelsey a bed!
Here is my rough plan... Leaving LA on the 20th of May........ Amsterdam....... Other places (how many places is the question)..... Leaving Europe on the first........ New Hampshire........ Home on the 8th of June...... obviously the details are fuzzy still, and need to be ironed out...
I am also down for couch surfing... I don't know how likely it is that i'll need to surf some couches since i will only be there for like 10 days... but if the opportunity comes up then im down....
Also, Catherine Walsh (brys best friend) will be in London the week of the 20th for an audition for a crazy amazing acting school, and she is staying at the Y (just like the YMCA folks) where they totally serve lunch and dinner.... which is pretty awesome... so if we decide to stay in London for a few days then that would be a good option, she also mentioned that is was relitively inexpensive... Just a thought!!
Ok, i have been keeping up with the facebook thread (i swear!), its just a little hard for me to get to a computer when im not at work.... ANYWAYS.... i saw that you guys are talking about amsterdam, france, england, and spain... are any solid dates decided on yet?... an even better question is, do you know how long you wanted to be in amsterdam, and what the next destination will be? ahhhh! this is stressful! i am definitely feeling the anxiety build...
i have yet to buy a eurail pass, cuz im still unsure exactly what my needs will be... because im only going to be there for 10 days, so when you guys have some pretty solid dates and destinations in mind then i'll get a pass that will work...
well ladies, i am so excited to be with you guys in europa! love you all........
Here is my rough plan... Leaving LA on the 20th of May........ Amsterdam....... Other places (how many places is the question)..... Leaving Europe on the first........ New Hampshire........ Home on the 8th of June...... obviously the details are fuzzy still, and need to be ironed out...
I am also down for couch surfing... I don't know how likely it is that i'll need to surf some couches since i will only be there for like 10 days... but if the opportunity comes up then im down....
Also, Catherine Walsh (brys best friend) will be in London the week of the 20th for an audition for a crazy amazing acting school, and she is staying at the Y (just like the YMCA folks) where they totally serve lunch and dinner.... which is pretty awesome... so if we decide to stay in London for a few days then that would be a good option, she also mentioned that is was relitively inexpensive... Just a thought!!
Ok, i have been keeping up with the facebook thread (i swear!), its just a little hard for me to get to a computer when im not at work.... ANYWAYS.... i saw that you guys are talking about amsterdam, france, england, and spain... are any solid dates decided on yet?... an even better question is, do you know how long you wanted to be in amsterdam, and what the next destination will be? ahhhh! this is stressful! i am definitely feeling the anxiety build...
i have yet to buy a eurail pass, cuz im still unsure exactly what my needs will be... because im only going to be there for 10 days, so when you guys have some pretty solid dates and destinations in mind then i'll get a pass that will work...
well ladies, i am so excited to be with you guys in europa! love you all........
Thursday, April 10, 2008
AMSTERDaaaaammmn
So. Amsterdam is my main concern fer reals. I want to go nuts in this city with as many wonderful people as possible. I'd like to book beds at a hostel within the week, as they are filling up!
As of right now, I think the plan was for Nat and Naomi and Co. to work their way SouthWestward (from WHERE??) toward Amsterdam, while I (and possibly Sharon and Kelsey and Pearl) traveled Northeast from London. Those coming from London will take the Chunnel to either Paris or Brussels and then take a train North to Amsterdam. After Amsterdam, I think the plan right now is to head South.
Does this work for everyone?
An alternate plan would involve ya'll meeting us in London and spending a few days there, and then all of us take the Chunnel and go to Brussels, then Amsterdam, then head back south a different route. The main advantages of are that Natalie would get to see London and that I would get to see your beautiful faces and start partying right away.
Natalie, are you into this second plan? Did you have a different idea of when you wanna go to London, or have you given that up??
Everyone, discuss. Let's try to decide by Tuesday. Also, does everyone agree with my level of stress right now?? Or am I making your high come down? Maybe the travel agent was psyching me out...
As of right now, I think the plan was for Nat and Naomi and Co. to work their way SouthWestward (from WHERE??) toward Amsterdam, while I (and possibly Sharon and Kelsey and Pearl) traveled Northeast from London. Those coming from London will take the Chunnel to either Paris or Brussels and then take a train North to Amsterdam. After Amsterdam, I think the plan right now is to head South.
Does this work for everyone?
An alternate plan would involve ya'll meeting us in London and spending a few days there, and then all of us take the Chunnel and go to Brussels, then Amsterdam, then head back south a different route. The main advantages of are that Natalie would get to see London and that I would get to see your beautiful faces and start partying right away.
Natalie, are you into this second plan? Did you have a different idea of when you wanna go to London, or have you given that up??
Everyone, discuss. Let's try to decide by Tuesday. Also, does everyone agree with my level of stress right now?? Or am I making your high come down? Maybe the travel agent was psyching me out...
Welcome!
WHY am I complicating your life even more??? What. the fuck. is this blog.
The main reason I created this is so that we can have a more public way of planning this stuff. Right now I feel really overwhelmed with the NUMBER of people that may or may not be meeting up with us or letting us crash, etc. And I wanna have adventures in Europe with as many people as possible! So I thought that this blog would help us coordinate that.
Ideally, the blog will function like this:
I would post a blog saying I'd like to meet Natalie and Naomi (and whoever else they have in tow) in Amsterdam on May 22nd, and I want us all to stay there for three nights! I will get there via the chunnel to Brussels and I will have to stay a night in Brussels. What say you? Would you prefer to meet me in London and then work your way back up to Amsterdam?
***Let's make this decision by Monday. I will then go to my travel agenton Tuesday and book the correct number of beds in amsterdam for the nights that we decide on.***l
Then, we would all discuss our ideas and come to a decision by Monday. Whoever wasn't sure or was ambivalent about the decision will be able to then check the blog when they are making their travel plans and they will know where we will be!
WOW. that's very idealistic. maybe this idea won't work...but we DO need to think fast... What about booking beds? Can we each take responsibility for booking a different city?
Anyway. even if the blog doesnt work that well for decision makin'...we will also get to use it while we are on our trip. If we update it, our family and friends can stay posted on our AWESOME JOURNEY! damn it! I shoulda called the blog "awesome journey"!
Dang.
The main reason I created this is so that we can have a more public way of planning this stuff. Right now I feel really overwhelmed with the NUMBER of people that may or may not be meeting up with us or letting us crash, etc. And I wanna have adventures in Europe with as many people as possible! So I thought that this blog would help us coordinate that.
Ideally, the blog will function like this:
I would post a blog saying I'd like to meet Natalie and Naomi (and whoever else they have in tow) in Amsterdam on May 22nd, and I want us all to stay there for three nights! I will get there via the chunnel to Brussels and I will have to stay a night in Brussels. What say you? Would you prefer to meet me in London and then work your way back up to Amsterdam?
***Let's make this decision by Monday. I will then go to my travel agenton Tuesday and book the correct number of beds in amsterdam for the nights that we decide on.***l
Then, we would all discuss our ideas and come to a decision by Monday. Whoever wasn't sure or was ambivalent about the decision will be able to then check the blog when they are making their travel plans and they will know where we will be!
WOW. that's very idealistic. maybe this idea won't work...but we DO need to think fast... What about booking beds? Can we each take responsibility for booking a different city?
Anyway. even if the blog doesnt work that well for decision makin'...we will also get to use it while we are on our trip. If we update it, our family and friends can stay posted on our AWESOME JOURNEY! damn it! I shoulda called the blog "awesome journey"!
Dang.
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