chriswelch.com

My hometown's an interesting place. Since it's not quite a farm town, but not quite a full fledged city, we have all the basic amenities: malls, mega-theaters, chain restaurants, Wal-mart. What we lack though, is a sense of vitality. It seems that when in my hometown people instantly adopt the attitude of "this place sucks".

I'm not throwing any stones, mind you, cause I do it too sometimes. It's the community. We're a very family friendly area, very middle class, and very average. Nothing racey happens here. We have culture, but it closes at 11. There are bars-a-plenty but even still, they aren't busy but a couple of days a week.

So I think it's time for some solutions... first of all, we need good places to hang out. When we're back from college, the last place we want to be is home with our parents hanging out with our friends. It's a drag, and if you can remember back to when you were in college you'd know what I'm talking about.

A good place to hang out is like a home base, where you can leave from to go do something and then come back to hang out more — and be left alone. Think of it as a 20-something thicket of solitude (for all of you who know who Quail Man is).

But here comes the hard part... instead of complaining about there being nothing to do, do something about it! At worst, Parker-Brothers has published over a hundred games, probably more. If Risk or Monopoly doesn't sound up your alley, then pick up and go for a drive, take a walk, go bowling (one of the things that doesn't close at 11). The fact of the matter is, there is stuff to do, it's just that we need to stop being affected by this hometown duldrum and actually want to participate in life...

And another thing... what's up with "I'm bored... No, I don't really feel like doing anything." I mean what the f@*# is that all about? Or "Oh, sorry, I'm doing something." I mean how about "Oh, yea someone's coming over, wanna come over too?" Seems to me like the more the merrier. If you know people that cam easily interact with their fellow human-beings, then why not have them tag along?

Okay, okay, maybe I've tipped my hand. I've been resorting to entertaining myself while I'm home cause people just don't seem to be available to go out. I'm not letting it get me down too much. There's plenty to do, you just gotta find it.

So I'm going to go find something to do now. With only 3 days till my 10 week adventure starts, I'm gunna live it up while I can, come along if you're not too busy... or too bored to do something (how ironic).

The final day is coming. Only 12 hours from now I'll be taking off on my 10-week adventure. Don't forget to check the Where Am I? section for a listing of my trip itinerary, and this page for (hopefully) weekly progress reports.

In other news, I had a really nice week with my family and friends, and got to have some quality R&R. I saw some people I hadn't seen in a long time, spend time with many parents and sister, and most importantly got to have lunch with Matt one last time (okay, well maybe not most importantly — sorry Matt). It was great to get to catch up one last time. Hilary and Steve, I know I didn't get to see you, but your time is coming. Muw-hahaha....

I just took what is likely to be my last long, hot shower for the awhile, and boy it sure felt good. Most of the time was spent thinking about what I'm gunna say in today's entry, though, which I think I'll sum up in 2 sentences. I'll miss all of you a whole lot, and I will undoubtedly look forward to seeing you all again. On the other hand, though, I'm really, really excited to have a real life adventure. (yea, it's pretty structured, but don't knock it, pal)

I'm bringing along Plato, Dillon (gratis Matthew) and my trusted side-kick, my Game Boy Advance, to keep me company, and for my 12-hour journey "across the pond" I'll be meeting with my travel advisors, Mr. Steves and Mr. Frommer. Upon landing in London, I will be checking into my hostel and heading out to see the sights on my first day in Europe.

All things told, I was a little nervous, but now that I'm all put together and have my "ducks in a row" I'm feeling really good and ready to tour the world as a proud Canadian citizen. (well, hey, you can't expect me to go to France as an American, can you? Tell me aboot it, eh!)

CIAO!

So day three comes to a close. This keyboard is hard to type on, and I gotta say, I'm pretty dackered (tired — not drunk), so I'm going to make this as brief as I can.

First I'll say that Rick Steves was right. I'm amazed at how "un-british" London really is. It's basically New York, except shorter, 200 years older (most of the buildings were burned down in the Great Fire), and with an accent. It's crazy how at home I feel, although I must admit, that I'm glad I'm not driving in these whacked out streets ;P

Everythings really expensive here, but at least they have fish and chips, which are really good, in my humble opinion. Also, the double-decker bus tours are truly a God-send, and the architecture is really amazing (lots of history)

Some things of note, is that britons are really polite — even in their signage. It's not "Exit" it's "Way Out"; it's not "Yield" it's "Give Way" and innumeriable other examples. Also, I've seen one person who had brown eyes so far. Everyone has green or blue eyes (usually blue) and I love it — and can I tell you how in love I am with English accents???

Overall, though, like I said, I'm not terribly feeling out of my element. Things are pretty American here, and if I'm feeling homesick (which I'm not yet), I can just go watch all of our movies, or listen to our bands in a Borders or the local cinema (not theatre).

Other stuff... I haven't had many kinks in my trip yet... the only things so far is that I got a wee blister on my 4th right toe, and my lock was too big for the locker hasp, so I had to go buy a smaller one. Oh yea, and I cut myself on the left pointer finger while trying to open the package of the lock in question (I know I know... never cut towards your hand). Other than that, things are proceeding "swimmingly" :) I'm definitly feeling good about the next 9.5 weeks.

For all of those concerned about me travelling along, as I anticipated, I'm meeting people in the hostel I'm staying at (which is awesome), and while we don't hang out during the day (I'm very protective of my trip), I do get to hang out with them after hours (by the way... beer sucks).

So there you have it. An update for day 3 of my trip (don't expect me to remember which day I'm on, going forward. You can help me count and contact me if I mess the days up. Take care all, I know I will be.

This afternoon I found myself overlooking the fields of the West Country as the light blue and partly cloudy sky cast its shadows over the bright green hills. It was warm with a cool breeze, and I was convinced I was the happiest I'd ever been in my life. It was a surreal and overwhealming experience. Taking this trip is one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life.

Day seven, and all is going brilliantly. I looooove Bath. It's truly an amazing town, with architecture that spans hundreds of years. I took a tour today that was phenomenal (sorry folks I've given up on 100% spelling): Stonehenge, Avebury, and the Cotswolds. Brilliant! I ate in a 625 year old pub in Lacock, and walked through 5000 year old ruins.

I've had the chance to meet people at the places I've been staying and they are truly great people. Yesterday I spent the day with two lovly ladies from Puerto Rico. After talking to them I will no longer be referring to myself as coming from America, rather I'm from the States, or the US since America is bigger than just the US (as in North and South America).

Apparently people seem to think I have a Canadian accent — I don't know what they're talking aboot :) But then again, I've also been told that I have a thick southern accent. Apparently they're very easy to confuse. There is a lot of moaning about Americans, but generally it's been tolerable. Honestly, I'm thankful for our media in the US in the respect that the opinions that I've come across here, I was already exposed to from TV.

Today is my day off. I'm really a kick-ass sight see-er. I haul my butt all over the places (oh yea, feet are doing well). So since I see so much stuff so quickly, I get down time where I can chill and just hang around perfecting my redneck tan. Thank God one more time for Rick Steves'. I've seen so much great stuff in such a short time, and I definitly wouldn't have been this efficient without his info.

I'll have some great pictures when I get back, so look forward to those. I'm already making plans for the new photos section.

Okay, that's it for me for now. Look forward to checking back in a few days. Cheers!

I'm feeling burned out. Today was my last day in London. Tomorrow is Cambridge and the day after is Paris. Did you know that gas costs US$5/gal in England? How's that for a reason to save on fuel economy?

I went to the British Museum but unfortunatly didn't get the chance to go to the British Library, which houses one of the few remaining Magna Carta's. I did the museum thing sufficiently on this trip. I feel satisfied.

Ugh... I feel so sleepy. Maybe it's from too much reading. I started Plato's Republic. Good book — with lots of thinking.

I got to call my parents and sister this morning from the top of the Eiffel Tour this afternoon (morning for them). Paris illuminates her tower every night, like a shining jewel, and there's a music festival in Paris for the next week or so celebrating the beginning of summer. It was a surreal experience as 7 friends who didn't know each other a few days ago walked among thousands of others from around the world for one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. How surreal, as I got that feeling that I was really somewhere in a totally different part of the world.

It's been a crazy five days. Trying to get a room here without reservations has been a test in patience but a valuable lesson. Call a day or two in advance. Time is so very precious — and bags can get so very hot and heavy. I've been meeting up with some of the coolest people so far, and because of that, I've decided to cancel the Loire leg of the trip and spend 2 more days in Paris. It's been worth it. I'm definitely getting the hang of this travelling in a country that doesn't speak your language thing.

Another thing I think I'm finding out, is that as cool as it is to meet people, you really shouldn't flex your schedule too much, cause there'll be more people to meet down the line, and how many people there are... Just wait till you see the pictures :)

Some French people really are as rude as the stereotype indicates, but most of them aren't. While I haven't experienced it directly, some of the people I have been travelling with have. Damn Frenchmen... go fight some Germans, why dunncha? I think they just like to have something to piss and moan about.

Right now I'm looking forward to a good night's sleep, the beach and southern Europe. I'm thinking about cancelling the French Riviera leg as well. I'm really not feeling France that much, and although I'm quite impressed with Paris as a magnificant city, Spain and Italy sound great. Speaking of Paris, the opulent public projects in this city are really so much more impressive than I ever imagined.

Finally, I really shouldn't be left alone. I'm such a clutz. During the trip so far, I've lost a flashlight, missed a reservation, locked my key in a locker, lost my sleeping shorts and a laundry bag filled with underwear. Total damages so far has been US$80. Not too bad, I guess, but what an inconvienience (although it was kind of cool to replace everything, and have to go out and do some shopping). Don't buy underwear in France though... yikes... expensive.

I'm thinking about home right now, and wishing you're all taking care of yourselves. Love you mom, dad, and Kate.

I've meet 4 Puerto Ricans so far on my journey and have decided that I have to go there for a visit. They were so awesome I have to see if the rest of the island is that cool (and good looking). Jorge & Carlos from Paris, and Mariana & Amanda from the U.K. you guys are the absolute coolest people.

I'm safe and sound in Madrid for the night for the steep price of €19. Not a bad deal, considering it's a hotel room and has a TV and stuff (with English Language CNN). The train ride here was gorgeous. Spain is a naturally beautiful country. But I gotta run cause they're apparently closing this place down soon.

Hasta la vista (C:

I feel so full. I spent the day pretty much eating and walking around the city. The food here is relatively cheap and plentiful. They have fast food sandwich shops with the crust cut off. How cool is that??? And they taste amazing. Also, Fanta is my nectar of the gods.

Other than my Puerto Rican friends that I was thinking about yesterday as I was making my way around España, I also wanna say hey to my other friends: Mandy, Cate, and Jason from Paris. Very cool people, and I miss them. Even though I have a sweet little room here in the city, there's nothing cooler than hanging out with people. After Madrid I'll be ready to hit the hostal scene once again. The nice thing about a hotel room, though, is that you have the place to yourself. Gives you the chance to do the laundry in the sink, and clip your nails :)

Madrid is cool, but I was sorta walking around thinking that all these major cities I've been in (including London and Paris) are starting to feel very much the same. But since I must be "militantly optimistic", I decided to take the back roads and find the little streets that give a lot of character to a city, like Brooklyn, Chelsea or the Village do for NYC. I did find a few, and that sorta made me feel better. I just hate the thought of travelling all this distance to see the same city dubbed in 7 languages. Granted Madrid is one of the youngest major cities in Europe (90% of the current population is new within the last 100 years), but I am looking forward to devoting some more time to finding each city's character, and not just their tourist attractions. Also, I'm really looking forward to some of the more rural destinations I'll be heading to.

One result of this trip is that I absolutely have to come back. I've already planned out my next holidays. The one I'm on now really falls under the "Major Stuff in Europe" category. My next adventures will include renting a car, bringing a friend and sampling the best of rural Europe, one country at a time. So far I'm planning on Italy, Spain, and the British Isles. These trips will sorta be like the ones I have at home where myself and someone else pick a random place we havn't been before and drive there. I like those trips the best because rural areas are the concentrated version of the country's personality — metropolitan-ites are too McDonaldized.

On a final, very personal note... Me gusto Español. I'm getting pretty good at this language. Latin is helping more than I could have ever imagined. The only thing throwing me for a loop is the use of pronouns (it seems that they're totally optional... sometimes), and conjugating verbs. Since I don't know how to conjugate Spanish, I sound totally gringo when I try to put words together... hey, as long as it works, eh?

It's so much fun when the other person finally understands what you're saying. Most of the people are understanding, too... well, everyone except that jerk at the sandwich store (mentioned above) who yelled at me, and was being rude cause I didn't know what he was saying. C'est la vie.

By the end of this trip, I'm will have mastered the secret to travelling well. Rick Steves watch out. I'm on the lose.

I was hoping to send out e-mails about my trip today to my friends and family, but I won't have time. Sorry guys... my 2 hours is almost up, so I'm posting this instead.

Finding a place to stay is a lot more difficult than I had anticipated. It seems that all the rooms in hostels all over Europe are reserved weeks in advanced, and not wanting to lock myself in that much, I'm going to have to take my life into my hands (or balls, as my dad appropriatly puts it) and just go and try to get a room when I get to my next destination.

The biggest thing that scares me about this is that I don't speak Portugese (which is my next destination) and it is different enough from Spanish that I could have problems. I'm going to spend some time calling around, and see if I can get something. Fortunatly, hostels seem to be willing to help you get a room for that night only.

(there is some kind of protest or demonstration outside... freaky)

I'm a little nervous about this new aspect to my trip, but I guess I'm going to have to look at it positively, and as an adventure, cause there really is no other choice. I doubt I'll be homeless on a given night, but I do think there is a possiblity that my budget could be decimated if I don't play my cards right.

Time to get serious... it's game time.