Day 16: Euro adventure – Bauhaus and bearpits

Disclaimer: I did not go to any pits with bears in them.

My last day alone in Berlin, I wanted to take it easy and rest a bit. Once Jess arrives, there’s so much to do and seriously heavy content too. I decided to keep things lighthearted, plus I think I’m getting sick AGAIN. I thought I beat you, asshole sore throat!

Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site and there’s an array of museums to visit. Pergamonmuseum, Neus, Altes etc. A lot of the exhibitions held similar subject matter as the Louvre and I’m pretty museumed out at this point, but the buildings are still worth seeing. Beautiful architecture. And because it was a Sunday, there were flea markets galore! It took a lot of will power not to buy artwork, jewellery, sunglasses, old cameras, books etc. I got through with my Euros still on me!

My next stop was the Bauhaus Archive. Now this was a museum I didn’t mind going to as I haven’t experienced much Bauhaus anywhere else. It was a wonderful learning experience – I honestly had no idea how much Bauhaus has influenced a lot of industrial design we see today.

Out of all the museums visited, I did this one the most thoroughly. I had time and the audioguide was free. Entry into museums and attractions are pretty decent in Europe. You wouldn’t pay more than 15€ for entry (and 15€ is rare – more often it’s about 8€) as opposed to when I took my French cousins to Eureka Tower. $20+ for entry each?! Seriously?!

I learnt a lot of new names from the Bauhaus Archive and how the movement combines art and beauty with practicality into every day objects. Textiles, homewares, architecture, tea sets, photography, paintings – it was so all-encompassing. And they need to be easily manufactured en masse. Very fascinating!

From there, it was suggested I should go to Mauerpark. I didn’t think it would be such a big deal – we’ve got parks in Melbourne. But I do enjoy people watching at parks and this particular one was a former part of the Berlin Wall and its “Death Strip”. So I thought it would be an interesting place to visit. What I got was the most amazing gathering of all types of people I’ve ever seen.

I had no idea how much of an institution this place is in Berlin especially on a Sunday. There were heaps of families, hanging out with their kids as they played soccer or rode their bikes. Almost every group had mini BBQs and/or hookahs – everything smelled delicious. There was a giant flea market selling awesome wares plus food and drink. I got my first curry wurst!

There were all kinds of performers – rock bands, brass bands, drumming circles, salsa dancers, soloists – it was all so creative. Even a guy who was just shopping in the flea market was making this awesome mix just using a pocket DJ deck thing he was perusing. He was just shopping!!!

But the highlight was a public, open-air karaoke session that happens every Sunday arvo in the “bearpit”. Any one could go up and have their moment in the spotlight. Some were good, some were ballsy but the main thing was how supportive this giant crowd was of everyone who chose to participate. There was such a great sense of community. You couldn’t help but smile every time the crowd roared and clapped.

Live in the moment – that’s how Mauerpark made me feel. Do what makes you happy. Many of these people singing and dancing would have day jobs but here was their opportunity to give a part of themselves to the world whether it’s through art, music, dance – anything they can to add their verse to the powerful play. Being in Mauerpark and feeding off that joyous energy, it was one of those moments where you think to yourself we are infinite.

In short – carpe diem, crazy kids. Also, I really stuffed that last paragraph with quotes from things. I like quotes.

Day 15: Euro adventure – au revoir France, guten tag Berlin

Saying goodbye is hard. Not that I’m that close to this side of the family, but family is family. I really felt by the end, Remi and I developed a fairly good rapport. We’re very similar, he and I. Extremely similar interests (writing, fantasy, history particularly Greek/Roman mythology and ancient Egypt), a bit shy and awkward at first but get us talking about a topic that means something to us and you won’t get us to shut up. There were still some silences between us but they weren’t uncomfortable. I’m going to miss that crazy French boy.

The family had a BBQ send off and I love listening to my cousins chat in French. It gets me every time.

I didn’t get in to Berlin until about 6:45pm and another tip coming at you: have change. A lot of change. I spent almost an hour screwing around trying to figure out which train ticket I needed and trying to break a 50€. And once I did break it, the machine wanted exact change!!! Why have 50s if you program your machines not to take them?! Arghhhh!!

Anyway, after that it was super easy to get around. The Circus Hostel is brilliant. Almost up there with Casa Gracia in Barca. While Casa Gracia was beautiful, Circus is simply cool. They have a micro brewery, rooftop yoga, a cafe. The rooms are decent and very clean which means 3/3 no bad experiences with hostels so far!

I did a bit of exploring, had a couple of drinks (alcohol is so cheap! Everyone drinks in public. Plus the hostel gives you a free sample of their in-house brewed beer and they make their own gin. Sahhh hip), stumbled across an amazing female rapper performing at a bar and she had crowds of people outside the bar watching and dancing. It was sick. Berlin is crazy cool.

I had a chili cheese burger. Mmmm. The hostel bar and cafe is called katz & maus. So is their gin. So cute.

I’ve been googling “hidden gems Berlin” and came across a place called Lichtblick-Kino. The website describes it as “with 32 seats, the Lichtblick cinema is one of the smallest cinemas in the city, and its premises – the former salesroom and the apartment of a butcher in the oldest house in the Prenzlauer Berg – have a special charm”.

My phone camera sucks in the dark. Ugh.

And it just so happens they were doing a midnight screening of one of my, if not my all-time, favourite films Casablanca. I couldn’t resist. So for 6€ I spent my first night in Berlin with Humphrey Bogart and Sam’s tinny piano. Play it, Sam!

First impression of Berlin: for my Melbourne friends, if Fitzroy were a city, not just a suburb, bam – you’ve got Berlin. More cobblestones, more bars, more cafes, more eateries, more bikes, more beards, more tatts, more hipsters!

I’ve been comparing these cities to stereotypes – Barcelona is the carefree, alternative hippy chick. Paris is the composed, intelligent, beautiful chick. And Berlin? She’s effortlessly cool. You would label her a hipster but she’s cooler than any hipster because she doesn’t try. She just is and she’s not snobby or pretentious about it either. I can picture all of these girls in my head. If only I could draw…

Lack of photos because darkness. Ugh.

Day 12: Euro adventure – museum day is here

I wouldn’t say I’m an art expert but I do enjoy looking and learning as much as I can. That being said, I sort of fly through museums. It’s like fomo almost – I don’t want to miss anything but I’ve probably missed the important details. That leads me to the most beautiful museum I’ve ever seen – the Louvre.

The Louvre was once the royal palace and my gosh, what an amazing palace it would have been. Take away the amazing art it houses, the building itself is a work of art. Blown away.

I powered my way through the areas I had most interest in – renaissance, Roman, Greek, Egyptian, sculptures, neoclassic etc – and finished off the marathon with the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Of course.

The Louvre demonstrated how high brow art and culture can turn people into savages. The sheer amount of people trying to get a good shot of the key pieces was staggering. One man was trying to use a selfie stick to get a good shot of the Mona Lisa and the security guard repeatedly smacked the stick away. Get the picture, jerk – your selfie stick is rude and selfish. I didn’t have much of an issue with selfie sticks until now. They’re a scourge. Take in the moment with your eyeballs!

It’s wonderful that Euro passport holders under 26 get in for free yet this was my cousin’s first time at the Louvre. These few days has been just as much of a Paris tour for him as it has been for me. I’m glad he was able to learn more about his city. It tends to be the way – you don’t really explore your own city or country until you have guests.

We had lunch with Remy’s friend again. I finally got my duck confit and it was crazy good. French gastronomy is impeccable. And these little bistros that are on every street, any one of them seem to have great French food for reasonable prices.

MOAR CHEEZ I'M SO HAPPY

Off we went to another museum, one dedicated to Asian art. French colonisation of much of South East Asia has given them an extensive collection of artefacts and there was a huge Cambodian section. Getting in touch with my roots here! It was massive. I think at one point, I fell asleep while walking. I tripped. I hoped no one saw. They probably did.

Our final stop for the day was another death related site, the Pantheon. There seems to be a death theme on this trip but they’re some of my favourite parts so far! It’s just fascinating and these people have had such an impact on the world as we know it. There was something about paying my respects to these greats.

The Pantheon houses the bodies of notable and great Frenchmen but not just anyone can get in. The current president picks and chooses a select few who he feels are worthy. The recent inductions were French resistants. Victor Hugo’s induction saw the greatest gathering of people on the steps of the Pantheon to witness the occasion. Voltaire is in there, Rousseau, Marie and Pierre Curie, Alexandre Dumas – the list goes on. And a memoriam for Antoine de Saint-Exupery as his body was never found. Incredible and such a beautiful crypt. The main foyer of the Pantheon is also stunning.

Surprised we were still awake at this point, we grabbed some dinner at a Cambodian restaurant in Chinatown (yes I came to Paris to eat Cambodian food) and I went back to the hostel to change. My cousin took me to this awesome bar called Le Comptoir General. You had to enter through a construction site door and it was by the Canal Saint Martin. This was the first time an area reminded me of Melbourne, and I saw young Parisians being young – drinking, dancing, laughing. There were heaps of people sitting by the canal, drinking wine and eating cheese (so French) while singing and chatting with one another. It was very cool, such a great vibe.

We danced a little bit then sat by the canal like everyone else, singing random songs to one another and unfortunately, I was made to rap for my new friend’s Snapchat. Curse you, V! But then he rapped in French and it was way, way cooler. It was a different side of Paris, one I’m glad I saw. Paris is beautiful and full of amazing stories and history, but it has felt a little cold. It lacked the welcoming and warmth of Barcelona but seeing this different side made me realise if Paris was a person, it would be the type that takes time to open up to you. At first standoffish but once it does let you in, you’ll be inspired and enchanted and eventually, in love.

Day 9: Euro adventure – adios Barcelona, bonjour Paris (not quite)

Leaving Barcelona was as hard as I thought it would be. What if I’ve peaked too early?! I should just stay in Barcelona, was my thought process. But I have family waiting for me in Paris and not showing up would be highly inconvenient.

Bye Barca 😦

I didn’t make it to Paris on my first day in France but I did get to spend some time with my lovely French relatives. It was nice to eat rice again, I never thought I’d say that but I guess you can’t completely get rid of that Asian side of you! Also spending time with them really highlighted how abysmal my Cambodian is. When you can only speak fluent English, and they can only speak fluent French but the in between is my pigeon Cambodian – it’s struggletown. They seemed to think my Cambodian was alright. They’re wrong.

She's so cute!

My cousin Remy took me to a chateau around where my aunts live. I love that you can drive 15 minutes and hello castle! Not to mention the French countryside is absolutely stunning. You can’t take a bad photo!

Now let me get this right.. The castle is called Chateau de La Roche-Guyon. Hey, hey! Formerly owned by the Rochefoucald family who were apparently very prominent back in the day. The castle is a mix of mediaeval and renaissance style, and had been attacked by the English several times being so close to a valley. They could attack from the water but apparently sabotaged their own mission to take over the castle by bombing the highest tower, and not being able to get past the rubble. Nice one, guys.

When Hermione comes down to the Yule Ball!

This was intense. These steps are too tall.

Weiner, weiner weiner.

I was like a little child running through the halls and dungeons and towers of this place. It was like I was Belle from Beauty and the Beast, Sansa from Game of Thrones and Hermione from Harry Potter. I don’t think my cousin understood why I was so giddy but nevertheless, he joined in with me while I hummed the GoT theme song throughout.

Pigeon keep!

I have no idea. Torture? Time machine?

Me and my new castle

Also, French towns are adorable but I can see why Belle kept singing “there must be more than this provincial lifeeeeeeee”. Stunning views but so very far away from people.

First day in France was lovely but the real games begin today. We’ve got the most intense few days planned. I don’t even think I can go to Euro Disney 😦 I wanted to collect them all (pokemon!)! But I can’t wait to take on this week. I’m coming for you, Paris!

Day 8: Euro adventure – the best way to spend our last night in Barca

So. I last left you in a state of self-inflicted sleep depravation in the name of good times. You can sleep when you’re dead.

I thought experiencing the grandeur of Sagrada Familia was mindblowing enough, but our last night in Barcelona was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.

Because Ach and I both thought it would be a good idea to stay up to the wee hours of the morning, lazing on the beach under our 8€ umbrella and some tapas at La Deliciosa was the only thing we could manage before Sagrada Familia.

Gaudi’s masterpiece cannot be described in words. My best attempt was comparing the inside to the scene in Superman (the golden Christopher Reeves era) when they’re on Krypton. It’s a weird comparison but just the detail and the almost luminescent whiteness of the columns juxtaposed with these amazing, vibrant stain glass windows – it’s out of this world.

Climbing down the Nativity Tower was interesting on the nerves. I’m not afraid of heights – just plummeting to my death and I felt that in my knees. It was well worth the views though!

Constantly under construction, it’s due to be competed in 2026 – 100 years after Gaudi’s death. The exterior is a ridiculous mash-up of Gothic and Art Nouveau but it works. I can see why his work can be polarising but it’s interesting, if nothing else. As one guy behind us said, “what was Gaudi smoking?”

Finding a bar to watch the Champions League final between Barcelona and Juventus was a trek but again, well worth it. The atmosphere was electric. You always hear about how much they love football, but my gosh they LOVE football. I’ll admit a part of me wanted Juventus to win but if they had, we wouldn’t have been able to experience the amazing madness that unfolded as soon as that last goal was scored.

We already thought the bar was fun but we decided to follow the masses of people chanting and blowing trumpets to one of the squares in Barcelona. There were even vendors pulling their carts of drinks towards the area. That should have been a dead giveaway.

It was pandemonium. The chants got louder. There were people on top of statues and trees and scaffolding. There were flares and fireworks and random bursts of huge BANGS. People of all ages, sizes, nationalities, gender were full of pure joy. At one point a girl wearing a Barcelona jersey in a wheelchair needed to get through this impossible crowd but they parted and cheered for her. It was beautiful. The energy throughout all of Barcelona was victorious, proud and passionate.

The traffic was awful but no one seemed to mind. They kept tooting away, waving their flags, yelling out their windows, hanging outside of their cars (so dangerous. No fucks were given).

This would never happen in Australia for a whole host of reasons. I still can’t believe what I saw and felt last night, and I probably won’t experience anything like it again. It’s moments like those where you really understand what passion is, what it is to be alive. That’s the best souvenir I possibly could have gotten from Barcelona. Aside from the tan, the tapas belly and the screwed up body clock. Why am I hungry at 11pm?!

Day 7: Euro adventure – Madrid and madness

As I write this, I have had zero sleep in almost 36 hours. The things we do on holidays…

It was Madrid day which meant getting up at 7am to catch a high speed train to the capital. The Renfe high speed train takes about 2.5-3 hours to get to Madrid from Barcelona and costs about 190€ depending on what kind of ticket you get. Even the cheapest tickets give you pretty cushy seats and amenities.

Plus the view from the train is breathtaking. The countryside of Spain is spectacular but my terrible camera phone hasn’t captured any of this. We do our best with what we have!

Madrid reminds me of Washington DC. It’s very clean, it’s quite nice to look at, A LOT of museums. I feel it lacks the character of Barcelona but I think this is due to the difference in architecture. The Gaudi influence on Barcelona really helps it stands out whereas Madrid is very white and grand.

We dawdled around a lot, managing to stop at a place called 100 montaditos. They sell “montaditos” for 1€ each so we’re thinking GREAT! Cheap lunch! And this is where we unravelled.

We probably ordered a touch too much (12 rolls and chips, to be exact) not realising montaditos meant little bread rolls with various fillings. So. Many. Carbs. We did alright considering but the people surrounding us were laughing at us. Making the masses smile, you know.

We decided to get to the Palacio Real de Madrid – literally the royal palace of Madrid. The largest palace in western Europe, it is another example of grand Madrid architecture. It was really beautiful however when we tried to get in, we find out they closed at 3pm for an official event. No matter. We decided to go to the Temple de Debod, a gift from the Egyptian government to Spain that was rebuilt in Madrid. Also closed early.

This is why sometimes spontaneity doesn’t work.

We hauled our butts back to Barcelona and tried to sleep before Ach touchdowned at midnight. The intention was to go out as soon as she checked into our hostel but Jess bailed and I want feeling much better myself. Bleary eyed and confused, I met Ach and wanted to take her to the flaming shots bar but it was about 2am by the time we headed out and they close at 2:30am.

Based on suggestions from Ach’s friends in London and random yelly people on the sleep, we decided on Opium – a club by the beach in Barceloneta. I’m not a huge clubber especially when cover charge, ten thousand power-tripping bouncers and obnoxious wankers are involved (it’s also SO LOUD) but it ended up being a ridiculously epic night.

Paid 20€ for cover but that meant a free drink and boy, they live a free pour here. I feel like everywhere does free pour except Australia. Don’t them any extra drops, guys!!!!

We spoke to some really lovely people (and also some strange ones who said and did things that I probably shouldn’t revisit), the DJ was ripping out some decent bangers and the club led out right onto the beach! It was amazing. People were just chilling by the water, dancing on the beach – such a fun atmosphere.

Before we knew it, the sun was coming up over the Mediterranean and we were still out at da club. This was 5:45am. So began the trek back home. By the time I got a taxi, got Ach to a couch to take a nap, it was 7am. Back to where I started. I made sure no one thought she was a hobo and then we started day eight.

But day eight isn’t over yet so I’m going to have my first sleep in 35 hours and enjoy my last night in Barcelona before telling you all about it.

I’m just trying not to think about the fact that I’m leaving amazing, amazing Barcelona..

Day 6: Euro adventure – gothursday and Tibidabo

Gothursday – we dedicated the day to visiting the Gothic Cathedral and the Gothic quarter and we actually saw this particular plan through.

Even though we have Google maps on us, it’s always enjoyable getting lost in Barca. It’s never made me nervous and even though I’m always pretty cautious with my belongings, I haven’t felt unsafe. I took us on a bit of a meandering mess of a route to El Barri Gotic but we got to take in more of the beautiful Barcelona architecture as a result.

The Gotic Catedral is impressive and so incredibly detailed. I’m staring at it, wondering how they managed to sculpt all those intricacies and how long it would have taken. I wanted to go inside but I don’t think we were dressed appropriately.

We found our way to El Barri Gotic (the Gothic Quarter) and it really felt like we were in Europe. Again, we can’t stop looking up making our presence in these tiny streets an OH&S hazard. Even though there were plenty of modern shops, it still had it’s charm and I’ve never really experienced anything like it.

I feel like I’m the last person on earth to visit Europe and now I see what everyone means when they talk about how Australia is such a young country compared to countries in Europe. You can really see and feel that once you’re here. Your mind wanders, speculating what may have happened on this street, or who may have lived in that building; or which century, not decade, a historic event occurred.

After our great Mexican lunch in El Barri Gotic (we were offered free shots again. I don’t understand. I understand I need to break from drinking though), we made our way to Mount Tibidabo. By the way, we’re totally nailing the public transport here!

I’m not going to lie – the only reason I know about Mount Tibidabo is because of FRIENDS. You know, when Joey teaches Ross the “Europe story” to help him get laid? Now I can use the story! It’s only half a lie…

The view from Tibidabo was unreal. Not just of the ocean but look in the other direction and it’s all green, grassy hills. Just a whole other perspective. There is also a giant church atop the mountain, the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Rather imposing especially with a name like that but beautiful nonetheless. I’ve been to more churches this week than I have in a long time. Am I saved yet?? Probably not…

Back in Barca, we decided no to a big night to prepare ourselves to go to Madrid the next day. Went on another adventure to find food (random bar, it is!) then settled in for a quiet and early night. I’ve been feeling under the weather the last couple of days and have stocked up on European drugs I don’t understand. They’re all really sweet but they’re getting the job done so I’m not complaining! Might have to stock up on these bad boys.

Day 4: Euro adventure – no hablo Espanol muy bien but I’m getting there

OK I’m back to a functioning human state!

So where I left you off in the most pitiful way, Jess and I still managed to take a short stroll down to see Santa Maria del Mar and grab some dinner. What I’ve been loving about Barcelona are the little laneways away from where we’re staying. We’re situated in avenue Diagonal and it is shmick. Gorgeous and really clean, structured urban planning. But stray a little bit away from there and it just gets a little bit more interesting and unique. The architecture in Barcelona is so charismatic, I find myself looking up rather than watching where I’m walking.

Our stroll to Santa Maria del Mar gave us an opportunity to see more of these littler streets, not to mention it is such a beautiful building. I’m sure the significance is a lot stronger for those with a religious background but theology is fascinating, even without growing up with those beliefs. The more you know, right?

We grabbed a bite at a restaurant called CheeseMe. We were lured in by the name but stayed for the ridiculously great sangria. I feel like I could spend hours just sitting at a restaurant or cafe and people watch the day away. Street performers, families, locals, tourists, adults, children – it’s all rather wonderful. Everyone is so full of life and you can’t help but wonder what their story is.

It was an early night for us even though our newfound dorm buddies rolled in around 5am again. #hostellyf. But it was a good thing Jess and I had an early one because we were in for a huge day of cycling around Barcelona.

Our initial plan was to ride to Mount Tibidabo but after speaking to the most incredible Dutch bike hire manager at Rent-a-Bike Barcelona just around the corner from our hostel, our route was changed entirely. This man was so energetic and effervescent – he reminded me of the Doc from Back to the Future. Legend.

We weaved through traffic and pedestrians in the tiniest of streets, stopped for some tapas at a place called Sol Soler in Placa del Sol (I hope I said that right. What did I say in my blog title??? No hablo Espanol muy bien, OK?!) and eventually reached Parc Guell.

"You want shots??" "Umm.. Ok?" Free shots!

Another Gaudi masterpiece, Jess and I hauled our bikes uphill because we couldn’t find the escalators (noob), locked them up on whatever pole we could find (double noob) then got completely and utterly lost inside and outside of the park (NOOOOOB). But the view from the top was breathtaking. Well worth it. We couldn’t go inside the monument because there was a 2.5 hour wait but it was very impressive from the outside. Hopefully for another day.

We rode past La Sagrada Familia (Saturdays plan) and dropped our bikes off. Enjoyed a quick nap and went to a tapas place recommended to us called Tossa (heehee). Sangria and croquettes were amazing but we didn’t get a great assortment of tapas. Luck of the draw I guess!

My uncle for years had been banging on about this bar in Barcelona that did 1€ shots and they were creatively named Harry Potter and Monica Lewinsky and Pulp Fiction – there are 600 different kinds. A lot of them involved fire or props. So now I finally have my chance to try this place out – Espit Chupitos El Gato Negro. It’s a little dive bar and the shots are 2€ now but I’m pretty sure we didn’t get charged for any of them. We had a Harry Potter (flames everywhere on the bar) and the Boy Scout (more flames and a marshmallow to toast and then dunk in our shot). We also grabbed a couple of cocktails – you can choose between 500ml or 1L. Lucky we went with 500ml because we were verrryyyyy happy 14€ later.

I believe the plan is to go back there tonight with the boys. Pray for mojo.

Day 2 and 3: Euro adventure – blah post because alcohol

It’s finally starting to feel like we’re on holidays now that we’re in Barcelona. After a quick brunch at Embassy East with Ach, we made our way to Southend Airport. I love that they have a train that goes directly to the entrance of the airport. Melbourne is seriously behind on their public transportation. Jess has developed a habit of not getting on a train or off a train quickly enough. I got off at Southend Airport only to discover she was still on the train heading to God knows where. Just another day with Jess 😛

Our hostel in Barcelona is so nice. Recommended by a friend, calling Casa Gracia a hostel is almost an insult. It’s beautiful, clean and has everything you could want – free breakfast, free wifi, linen, a bar etc. We didn’t get to our Barcelona accommodation until about 11:30pm and said we’ll just have a few quiet drinks and wake up early to go on a walking tour. The plan sounded good until we walked into our dorm and was greeted by a very friendly boy who, in about 1 minute, managed to get us to go outdo a club called Razzmatazz.

I’ve heard a lot about Razzmatazz so I had a fair idea of what we were getting into but wow. This place is like Revolver on steroids. What happens at Razzmatazz stays at Razzmatazz. Our new friend, another guy staying in our dorm, Jess and I didn’t get home until about 5am which isn’t terrible but considering we haven’t had much sleep and just got off a plane, we were in a world of struggle this morning.

After orange juice, water and sprite, Jess and I soldiered on and went on those open-top tourist buses. A great idea because we weren’t functioning humans at this point and we got to see a lot of Barcelona in one go. La Ramblas was super cool – a strip of markets and cafes with street performers. The view from Montjuic was incredible. So many rooftops and a great place to take in the Mediterranean Sea. 

This isn’t a great post. No photos and half-baked. I’m sorry. I’m still not really functioning right now. Hoping to be more alive tomorrow!

Day 1: Euro adventure – the mission to beat jet lag commences

That is one ridiculously long flight. Royal Brunei were great to fly with and provided me with enough in-flight entertainment to make my self-inflicted sleep depravation not a form of torture. 30 rounds of Bejewelled 2, anyone? Flipped? Never heard of it but I’ll give it a whirl! (It’s an OK movie)

Landed at Heathrow at 6:25am yet still managed to only get to Ach’s place at 10am. Comedy of errors, general ineptitude at reading signs – the usual first day travel stuff-ups. It was so good to see her again that it hardly felt like I wasn’t in Melbourne anymore.

We went to meet Mushy Bee, another traitorous Melbournian who left us for the greener, more awesome pastures of Tokyo (love you). I can’t tell you how great it feels to see these two. I was happier already despite the self-inflicted sleep depravation. The struggle was very real.

I always tell myself when I travel that I’m not going to shop. Nope. No shopping. I’m going to be good and save my money for other things. Nek minnut I’m in Zara buying a pair of really cute sandals. Such will power. The force is strong in this one…

Mushy, Ach and I went to a lovely high tea at Harrods. The restaurant was called The Georgian and we got the works – champagne, pastries, sandwiches, trifles, fresh strawberries. I never think I’ll get full on high tea – dainty cakes and finger sandwiches, ha please! – but oh my. Also the cucumber sandwiches BLEW OUR MINDS. They’re putting crack in them or something.

Love you Mushy!

Mushy had to rush off after our very brief reunion (don’t leave meeeeee again), Ach and I met up with Jess to go to – wait for it – the Harry Potter Studio Tour!!!!! That would have been met with one of these reactions: indifference, a mild interest or pure unadulterated squeals of elation. The last one was me.

I love movies. Not just watching movies but all the behind-the-scenes bizzo and commentary, to the point where the special features on DVDs almost eclipse the film itself. Such a sucker. So if you’re a fan of the Harry Potter movies or just movies in general, it’s pretty incredible seeing the work that went into costume, sets, special effects, animal training, props (oh my gosh the props!!) – the list goes on. Book in advance because I booked more than 2 months early and there were only three time slots left. The souvenir store was another test of will power, a gauntlet of nerdy Harry Potter delights taunting me. I made it through this one.

Dork

So by this stage, the sleep depravation was really kicking in. Close to 24 hours of reasonable consciousness but I was determined to go out as this was my only weekend in London. I don’t know how we did it or how we pushed through but Jess and I still managed to go out to a place called Loves Company, have a dance, have four Jagerbombs and- Oooook I see how we did it. Red Bull.

Ach’s housemates are lovely!

The night ended at about 3am – definitely over 24 hours of sketchy consciousness – and I did it. I beat the jet lag. I’m now at brunch with a latte, waiting for my Eastern Eggs on this cold, grey afternoon in Melb- I mean London. Not much has changed yet. It doesn’t feel like a proper holiday but I think having a couple of days to ease into it was a great idea. We fly to Spain this evening and I think the language barrier combined with a completely different culture will make it all seem real.

Where are my eggs, you hipsters?!

Stole all these photos from Jess, Ach and Mushy because my phone died 😦