kill them with kindness

Seeing your culture from the outside is quite the different experience. I've been told many times how friendly canadians are, and I always knew that to be true. But I didnt quite realize the extent of our friendlieness. Compared to what I was used to over in europe it was quite the shock to come home to. Now im not saying that Europeans are not friendly but canadians take it to a whole different level.

Over the five months I was away, Ive talked to many people from all over the world, and during that time ive come to see my own culture through their eyes. Generally everyone always says how friendly canadians are, not that I didnt beleive them but it was a strange expereince to see it from the outside. Even going through customs in the airport the people drilling you will questions are being friendly. Its almost like you get bombared with their friendlyness, its incredible. Like I mentioned in my last post I got my luggage searched once I arrived back in Canada and the women searching my things was even being friendly and making small talk. If that were to happen to me in Europe the people probably wouldnt even try to engage you at all with any sort of conversastion. Im not saying that people in Europe are rude or unfriendly but the extreme friendlyness of canadians is on a whole other level.

Honestly its something you need to experience to understand the full magnitude of, its hard to articulate the feeling of seeing ones culture from an outsiders perspective. I have enjoyed being able to see it as an outsider, it has given me a better prespetive on my own culture and the way I come across to people I dont know. Local people in each country we visited we very friendly but being in public places such as airports, public transport, and retial settings is completely different then in Canada. They are generally to the point and could seem very standoffish if you were not adjsuted to it. I didnt realize it was something I adjusted to until I came home. A few times when ive been out a coffee shops I almost feel as though im being bombared with their kindness, its like a forigen concept to me now.

I thought I was going to have reverse culture shock but I didnt think it would be quite as noticible as it has been. Anytime I go out I get caught of gaurd by the shop workers speaking english. I swear the first time it happend it took me a minute to realize what was happening and that I could converse with them no problem. I went to a movie the other night and while I was standing in line, bascially observing the people around me, it shocked me that everyone around me was speaking english. I have come so accustomed to no one speaking english around me that I was a little overwhelmed by it. It was almost a case of sensory overload, I just didnt quite know what to do. The first time I ordered something at a coffee shop and it was so simple I was like thinking to myself that I forgot how easy it is to do normal every day things such as ordering a coffee when you speak the language. Its something that you didnt know you took for grantued until it was taken away. The learning curve of adjusting to being the minority in a country was quite the adventure. I enjoyed learning about myself in many different ways when I was put into this situation. I now understand what its like to go to a country and not speak the language but still need to do everyday things.

My thoughts on driving after five months of not driving at all? It was actually a little stressful, I didnt expect it to be. I mean driving is pretty simple, its not something you forget how to do but obsevering the crazy drivers in europe and then getting behind a wheel is a little intimidating. I was sort of expecting everyone around to be driving the way they do in Europe, which put me on edge. After driving a few times though I realized that people here dont drive like lunatics!

Coming back to the real world was quite the adjustment, one in which Im still trying to get used to. I think it will be ongoing for the next little while of my life. As I sit here and look through my photos from my trip it almost feels like a dream. I cant beleive that was my life for the last five months. Being home was not something I was looking foward to, dont get me wrong I loved seeing all of my family and friends again but I do not enjoy being back. Not because I need to get a job and join the "real" world but because I became so accoustme to the lifestlye of the Europeans that I dont want to go back to the way I was before I left. I know that on this trip I have changed dramtically from when I left, But as I see my photos its feels like that trip almost didnt happen. its surreal to be reminising about such a big part of my life. I know that after a while I will get used to being back, but as of right now every time I go out I feel as though I dont belong. Experiencing reverse culture shock is not something I thought I would ever get the chance to experience, and what and experience it is turing out to be.

As things keep changing I will continue to update my blog.

Don't you just love airports?

Cuz I sure as hell don't! Talk about a hectic, stressful two days. Where to begin...well let's see I arrived at the bus stop and the bus almost left without me. Luckly he seen me and stopped, even though I made sure where I needed to stand in order to catch the bus.

I arrived at the bus terminal in Lisbon all set to take the airport shuttle to the airport...I asked where to catch the bus and guess what? The bus doesn't run that late at nights! It was only 11:30 what kind of airport bus doesn't run all night? Flights are at all god awful times during the day and night! So I asked how am I saposed to get to the airport he suggested taxi, or metro (subway) so I asked how much the taxi was and it depended on the size of your luggage and because mine is huge it was going to be 20€ which I was not about to pay. So I opted for the subway...I get t the subway station and go to buy a ticket only to notice that the machines don't take change, only bills and not 20€ which is all I had besides a new 5€ bill which they also do not take. Well at this point I was a little freaking out luckly a man who worked there came out and asked if I needed help, he changed my 20 into change of 2€ yay! But at least I had money to pay for the subway. Usually thr subways are not hard to figure out but this one was tricky I'm happy the guy helped me because I really don't think I would have figured it out. 

After an hour subway ride I finally got to the airport. I had quite a bit of time to kill before I could check in for my flight so I hauled up a seat and waited. Finally it came the time that I could check in, which I didn't know where to do that, but after a bit of wondering around I found it and checked in. My luggage wasnt over weight, my carry on wasnt to big so I thought hey this is great! No problems with my weight of suite case. So I proceed to fly from Lisbon to Frankfurt where I had a few more hours to kill, I went through the border patrol only to have a mini stroke. He informed me that I have been in Europe to long! Wtf! I checked into it before we left and add sure that if I didn't spend any more then 90 days in each European country it will be fine...he then proceed to tell me this was not true, even then I read it on the embassy website. So and this point I was thinking great I'm gonna get arrested or something...guess I'm not going home after all. He sat there and asked me questions of where I've been and how long I stayed and he said your Lucky your a Canadian citizen because other wise there would be legal action...so finally I made it through border patrol.

And guess what I had more time to kill so after claiming down from my freak out, because if I would have had to stay I have absolutely no money to stay with...I went to my next gate once it was on the board and have to weight in two lines, one because I was a transfer from another flight and then another to walk through to security. I waited in line for security and went through, I didn't beep so I figured hey I'm all good!...nope they took eight hours to examine my bag and then finally decided it was nothing, instead of just searching it they just stared at the screen debating what it could be. So I walked on...I get to the gate and there is a man standing there weighing your carry on bag, which apperently with this airline can only be 6kg! Wtf! What kind if international flight only has a 6kg weight restriction! Easyjet which is one of the lowest of the low planes has a 11kg weight for carry on! So I had  take stuff out. Luckly incase this happens I keep clothes I can out on if nessicary. So now I am wearing two pairs of pants, leggings and jeans, two tank tops, one t shirt, three sweaters, and a leather jacket, with stuff in the pocket of my hoodie! Come on! This is rediclous. Although the other passengers watching me another guy out on all see cloths has a good chuckle and we all chated for a while afterwards and discussed how stupid it was. If I wouldn't have put all the clothes on it would have been 100€ for the extra weight! It's not even that much for over weight in your luggage! Who are they kidding! Now at this point I am so ready to be on the damn plane and be on my way it's not even funny...just get me in the air! Lets hope once I get to Canada I don't have and problems going through security! 

But hey guess what? That would be to much to ask to not have problems even in your own country! I got to security got the third degree while they were checking m passport, finally got through so I figured I was in the clear...apperently not. I had to go back into security so they could search my entire suite case, as in rip all my shit of and go through every single thing in it! And all I wanted to do was see my family at this point! I Mean the women checking my stuff was perfectly nice and friendly but still, when your so excited to see your family that's all you want to do. With out futher adew I walked out of security and finally I'm home! 

Ending of a new beginning

Wow where has the time gone? It has seemed to have flowen by. As I'm sitting here on the verge of departure I can't help but feel many mixed emotions. I'm very sad about having to leave this beautiful continent and it's wonderful cultures, but I'm also excited to see all of my family and friends that I have not seen in six months. 

Reflecting on this trip I have come to realize a lot of different things about myself. I'm leaving here with a better understanding of myself. Which I was hoping to achieve before returning to Canada. I have growen and broadened my mind significantly since being over here. I have leaned how it felt to the minority, I have felt the unbending, deep love of families, I have become more educated as a whole, and I have changed for the rest of my life. Reflections is a key tool to understanding yourself, and knowing your mind it a very powerful tool. To harness the minds power is an incredible gift, one it which I hope to accomplish. 

Being on this trip has given me some great insight of what I needed to change about myself, in order to become the person I want to be. I have had the great experience of having many different cultures to influence me over the past few months. I sincerely believe that the people I have met on this trip have impacted me to and incredible degree. I can't particularly think of one main person that I've meet that has impacted me greatly. It's the small things you learn from them that leaves the lasting impression. Sometimes and often the people you meet while traveling will be a brief incounter, just a passing by, but then you meet the ones whom you will remain in contact with for the rest of your life. 

Learning about cultural differences and similarities have shaped my perspective on the world as a whole. Creating many lasting impressions that I hope to carry with me for the rest of my life. At the beginning of the trip up until now, I can see such a change in myself it's incredible. If someone would have told me that this trip was going to change my life I would not have thought it possible. I knew I would gain many valuable lessons, but I did not account for the way they would change me. Change is always welcome in my life, and I hope to keep broadening my mind with more traveling of the world. 

This trip has solidified the fact that I want to keep traveling the world. When you get out of your comfort zone and break through that initial nervousness, you really begin to realize that there was nothing really to be nervous about. If someone would have told me before I left that Kristy and I would become closer, I probably would not have believed them. I knew deep down that we would remain friends but I did not antisopate that we would grow closer as friends. We have been there for each other the entire trip even when things got though. I am glade to say that we have beat everyone's assumptions that we would not remain friends after this.

This is an end to a chapter in my life, but it is also the beginning of a new one. 

If anyone has any questions or comments I would be more then happy to hear them, either comment below or drop me a message on Facebook. 

Reality check

I have finally come to the realization after many weeks of being in denial about going home, that I am indeed heading home in four days. I am not looking forward to going back, don't get me wrong I want to see my family and friends but I do not want to leave this wonderful continent. More specifically Portugal, but Europe in general also. 

I have absolutely no idea where the five months have gone, honestly I doesn't feel like I've been away from home that long. I keep thinking about all the things I've seen, the things I've done, and the people I've met, and I keep wondering how it took five months. It's also weird to think that I've missed out on friends and families lives for five months, busy doing my own thing here in Europe. I think it will almost feel like I lost half a year in my "real" life when I get home. 

I'm not looking forward to having to face the music when I get home...by getting a job, I thought by now I might have actually figured out what I want to do with my life. This was kind of my hope while I was away. That some how I would figure out my career goal while I was over here. But at last I have not figured it out, which makes the task of finding a job even more complicated.  Well I know I want to get into photography but I also need a job to support myself on while I'm getting into the field. I absolutely hate looking for jobs, and the fact that I know I don't want to live in NS is also making it very difficult to try and commit to something.

I knew that when I got over here that I wouldn't want to come, I've always known that NS is not the place for me. Coming over here and experiencing everything Europe has to offer has solidified this for me. Like I said before this isn't good bye it's see you later...because I will be back here premently, this I can garuntee. I have never wanted something so much in all my life. 

Convinces that I will be glade to have back;

Hair dryer 

Curling iron

Straighter 

Hot shower 

Heat in the house

There's something about Portugal

There's something about Portugal 

There's something about Portugal as a country and as a culture that just gets under skin and takes a hold of you. It's infectious in every way possible making in impossible to ever want to leave. During my travels I've been to 20 different places and none compete with Portugal. It is absolutely without a dought my favoriate country out of the whole trip. 

So what is it about Portugal that is so infectious? Honestly I have to pin it down to two things; the people and the landscape. Portuguese culture is so different compared to north American culture. They don't stress, their never in a rush, and they enjoy the small things in life. As a general populous they are a very generous people, their not worried about the exect change you own them, they feel as though one day you will pay them back. For example if they treat you to lunch and you offer to pay them back they will refuse, knowing that you will repay the favour by either treating them to lunch or coffee or something of the sorts. 

Portuguese people are also very affectionate, family oriented people. They are always spending time with family members, weather it be going for a walk on the beach with the kids or going to lunch at a cafe. Sunday is the day to be with your family and go for a drive to the coast if they do not love near by. Something even as simple as greeting one another is more affectionate then in North American. As a North American when we meet up with someone generally say hey, or how are you, with absolutely no physical contact. But in Portugal and most of if not all of Europe all greet the same way, with a kiss to both cheeks, which as a foreigner can be quite shocking. However this slight show of affection is all it takes to make you feel at ease, even if its someone you don't particularly know. 

Coming from personal experience I can tell you how much of a shock it was to be kissed on both cheeks. My first experience with such a thing was in Portugal, I met this women while surfing and we got to talking for a few hours and then we began to part ways, next thing I know she's leaning in and I have no idea why!  Figured I would just go with it and see what happend but halfway through her leaning into me I realized oh right they kiss on both cheeks here! Although I realized last minute what was going on it took me by complete surprise, and I'm sure my face to those who were watching was priceless, it was one of panic and stress. 

Not only are the Portuguese people probably the friendliest people I've ever met, but the countries landscape is also one to be reckoned with. There are so many small towns that ate absolutely beautiful, so very quaint and charming. The ocean views, the city life, and the small towns and villages really make Portugal appealing in so many different ways. No matter where you are, weather it be a city of a village there is always a bar near by, and most of the time many many bars. Bars which are always packed no matter what time of day it is. Because the word bar here is a little different then North America. A bar in Portugal serves anything from coffee, food, to liquor. But generally when someone says bar in North America one associates it with drinking, partying and something that is open late. Whereas in Portugal their bars are more like cafes during the day and bars at night. 

I have met so many people from all over the world on my travels and so many people who visit Portugal either always go back, or end up moving there for good. It just has something about it that draws you in, it gets into your very soul and never let's go. 

The black market meets the buskers

The black market meets the buskers 

For any of you who are familiar with the black market, a store in Halifax, and the buskers which come to Halifax every year. During a stay in Lagos Portugal I encountered just the thing I am referring to. It was a protest of sorts which brought people from all walks of life to band together for one single cause. It was a sign of union between street performers, gypsies, hippies, and what all North Americans call run of the mill people. 

The protest was due to the fact that a local market that has been running for more then ten years, was shut down by the police. This market was held every weekend on a plot of land that is used for recreation. The vendors at the market don't pay any sort of fee to set up a stall, people who want to contribute to the community come sell and trade the things they need.  Keeping in mind that most of Portugal is suffering right now due to the economic down turn that is reaping havoc on most if not all of Europe.

 Over the many years this market has been running, the people who sell knew that one day it would come to and end, but what they didn't know was that it would come to a dramatic, hurtful end. Sometime last month while the market was set up the police showed up with guns and brut force, expecting problems from the people. Don't underestimate people's reactions to things was the mentality of the police. The police came in confiscated all the goods being sold, and fined each person whom was selling products. 

What you have to understand is the people selling at this market strictly rely on that income alone. They are a community of people whom have chosen a lifestyle of simplicity, meaning they construct, bake, cook, and grow everything they sell, including and not limited to repairs of any types of things you can imagen that needs to be repaired. 

To see the population of this community band together in a show of pride, and defiance of local authorities was quite the experience. The people are so down to earth and generous, they would give you the cloths off their back if you were in need. Their mentality towards life is if you can't afford to pay for the item in which you seek, they are more then willing to trade with you. For example if you needed bread but couldn't afford it, but knew how to repair a bike then the two parties would come to and agreement to do a trade. Bread for manual labour. 

The protest was not necessarily an act of uprise but just a general show of unity between the community members sticking up for what they believe is right. If the police just showed up without so much as a warning to shut something down in North America people would not stand for such an act. But this is where North American culture and Portuguese culture differs, they just take what happens and deal with it the best way they know how, which is to just bow down to authority. I'm not saying they should have caused a problem but something should be done. To come in without warning, claim that what they are doing is illegal only for the sheer fact that the government isn't getting a piece of the action if you please. There is no fee in which the vendors have to pay, which means the people who run the town are not seeing any of the benefits of such a thing. 

Southern Portugal

I feel like all I'm doing lately is apologizing to you guys about not updating my blog enough, once again I am sorry but this time it was beyond my control, we have no wifi. 

We finished up surfing, which I might add was absolutely the best day we had the whole two weeks being there. The conditions were perfect, it was sunny, and Kristy and I were catching greens left right and centre! Yay! Over the two weeks being there the beaches progressively got more and more busy with surf schools and locals alike. On our last day we finally got a taste of what it's like to not be a local and to try and surf. We've already had the rules explained to us so it wasn't a shock. We know that you have to pay fealty to the locals, which means they get priority of the waves. There are so many different rules but that is the most important. If your paddeling for a wave and someone else is you have to yield to the person on the inside, unless of course your on the inside. We got our first taste of the locals shutting us out and blocking every wave, if even he didn't catch the wave they would still paddle for it and make you back off. I got yelled at by one guy telling me to get of his wave, so we decided best course of action was to just move spots, so we moved over and they followed, so we moved back to where the were before, and yet again they followed. I understand the rules like I said but your not saposed to block every wave, if they get a wave it's your turn to get the next, it's just the way it works. But they were both dead set on not letting us get waves. I wouldn't have been so annoyed if they actually were good surfers but they weren't, they were learning just like us. Other then that little tricky bit we had an amazing last day surfing!

Leaving areia Branca was honestly the most sad I've been to leave a place, it is most def my fav place in the world. We said our good byes to all the surf guys and went out to aquarius for one last time. But at last it was not good bye it was see you later...because I will be back. 

And this is where our journey began to the southern most past of Portugal, we hoped on the bus and away we went to our next workaway in Lagos. Like always we didn't really have any idea of what to expect of this workaway like the last, so we were just going with it. They picked us up at the bus stop and right away we knew we were going to have an amazing time with this family. They welcomes us into their family with open arms, they are two of the nicest people I've ever met. But the funny thing is that neither of them are actually from Portugal! One is from France and the other from newzeland. However they have adapted to the Portuguese laid back kind of life style quite well. The workaway is very lot key and amazing. They have two houses, on in the tiny village and the other which is literally out in the middle of nowhere on 48 acres of land. The first week we went out to the house in the middle of nowhere, and it's absolutely beautiful out there, so peaceful and quite. We don't have wifi out there which is why I haven't been updating my blog. 

Who would have ever thought that I would be working on a farm in the middle of nowhere? If someone would have told me that a year ago I would have said they were crazy. Only downside to this workaway is that there are so many ticks! The other day I found 4 on myself, and were constantly picking them off the dogs. Anytime you come in from outside you have to check your self over. It doesn't help that we take the dogs for a walk in the bush. This weekend until Tuesday we will be at the other house, which is near Lagos. We are off Saturday and Sunday so were going to get to see some of the town which will be awesome. Tomorrow were going with the family to the market to do some shopping and then were going to head out to see the town. Looking foward to the next week, and can't wait to go back to the cottage. 

I seriously can't believe that we go home in a little more than a week, it doesn't seem like we've been away for six months! I have no idea where the time has gone. Going home feels like a foreign concept to me, I feel like where I am now is home. Going to be fun with reverse culture shock, even being over here I can see the difference in lifestyles. Oh and not go mention jet leg hahaha. 

The day isn't over until...

The day isn't over until someone kicks themselves in the back of the head...

One of the perks to ridin green waves, you usually end up kicking yourself in the back of the head at least once. It's always fun we you fall off your board and tumble ass over tea kettle in the wave three times while kicking the back of your head. Don't worry I'm ok, it's more hilarious then painful. Somehow when you fall you becom alot more flexible them you thought you were, there is no way in hell I could mange to get my feet near the back of my head otherwise. 

We are offically on week two of surf camp...boo I don't want it to be over. Don't get me wrong there are days I just want to punch a baby I'm so mad and frustrated but catching those green waves and feeling that rush makes up for the bad days, even though the greens are few and far between. However I am getting better then when we were here last that's for sure. 

Our two days off were Saturday and Sunday. Kristys birthday was on Friday so when we went to the surf shack on the morn if her birthday, we were standing outside chatting and Mario pops his head out and says girls come inside, so we do...next thing we know their singing her happy birthday in Portuguese. Joao bought Kristy a tart from our fav bakery and put a candel in it with a happy birthday sign. At first while they were signing happy birthday I followed along in English, and then all of a sudden the tune got super fast and didn't sound like happy birthday anymore, so I kind of just stood there and watched. They were clapping and siging it was awesome! We surfed all day then we went home a rested for a bit. We decided since we were going out for dinner with the boys, but not until 9:00 that we would go to our fav cafe aquarius and get crepes and ice cream. We k dw Joao was going to show up to check on us and ask us what time we were going for dinner, so we left him a note telling him where we were. Next thing I know kristys cracking up, apperently Joao has his face pressed against the window with his hand over his eyes looking for us, she waved and he came in. He looked at our plates and knew we had crepes, I swear I felt like a kid getting caught with my hand in the cookie jar. He was like girls! What are you doing? You surf and excerise all day and you come home and eat this! He was so mad, I'm just glade he showed up before we had the ice cream and just had the crepes hahaha. We went for birthday dinner to our fav fish resturant that Joao took us to last time we were here. We had sangria, tired some different types of fish and this time Joao and Mario came! Afterwards we went to barraca bar for "coffee" or so that's what the guys said, they both had coffee but then we ended up drinking and hanging out. Our plan al along was to go to the bar but we didn't think we would go so early. It was fun getting to hang out with the guys outside of surfing. All in all it was a pretty good night, we even got to see some gay French dudes breaking it down at the bar...not gonna lie it was one of the funniest things I've ever seen. 

Our weekend was pretty uneventful, Saturday we just kind of chilled at home, but Saturday night we went to the bar and watched the football game (soccer for all you Canadians :p) you know it's a small town when your the talk of the bar all weekend. Everyone kept trying to figure out who knew the new people at the bar. On Sunday we went to the beach, aka walked out our front door and own the steps and bam we were at the beach! The tide was out so we walked 

the whole length of the beach and then we went out separate ways, I chilled on the beach and she kept walking around. The maids were at our house on Sunday so we had to be out of their hair. I don't know what I'm going to do when I don't have maids to clean my house anymore...oh wait I do, they're called my parents...Haaha just kidding! 

Today Mario decided to tell us that we were lame because we only stayed out until 2:30 but I countered him by saying, dude your one to talk you left at 11:30! He laughed and replied with yeah but I had better things to go home to do with a wink...omg Mario actually joked about sex. I knew he would warm up to us! Although this is not the first occurrence since weve been here, the other day Kristy was going on about how I needed to find a rich old dude to marry so I could get all his money when he dies, of course Mario had to get in on this conversation. So he piped up and said jus marry and 80 year old in a wheel chair, so Kristy days yeah then you can have a Gardner, pool boy, and hot surf instructor, Mario goes yeah so he can bang you on his board! Kristy heard him but I totally missed it, I only caught the end of it. You all have it know that this guy Mario was so not loose last time, like I said we rubbed off on him and he warmed up to us. Last time we were here we also instated the. 30 second dance party, which we told Mario he had go continue when we were gone. So when we came back this time I asked him if he kept with tradition and did the

30second dance parties...and low and behold he did! See I knew he liked us. 

What's black, white and purple all over?

What's the answer to that question?...me 

I think I'm going to be premenently bruised while were here. The boards were using this time around are hard instead of foam boards, like we used last time. Don't get me wrong there so much better and easier to turn but they sure as hell hurt alot more when they hit you. So far I've managed to bruise both my feet, my knees, the back of my shoulder, and my side...I love surfing! No pain no gain. 

Today was an off day for me, the morning didn't start out well and then afternoon well that was just a flop. We ended up paddling out for green waves but the beach were at has a very steep bank right when you walk in which makes the waves crash right on the shore. Which means you can't get in until there are no waves, so that was fine we waited and then when we got a break we paddled out, no problem. We got out there and then one wave came and it was folding before we could get over it, which means bail off the board and go under, which I did...normal procedure. Until my freaking leash broke and my board took of...yeah that was fun. Luckly Mario was able to catch my board before it got taken to far. So I had to paddle in to get a new one put on, paddling in to say the least in these conditions was interesting to say the least. Once you get near the shore the waves are just crashing on top of you which makes it very difficult to get out, especially when you have to run up hill to get out. Oh how I love being slammed face first into the sand...luckly my face and head never hit like I thought they would. After that was all fixed up we went back out there, and for some reason I decided to be a baby and not catch any waves....man I need to get my shit together and grow a pair. Oh well at least I got some good paddeling practice in. Ohh well tomorrows another day lets hope it turns around. I am however really made at myself for being such a baby, usually I'm not like that but I guess today the ocean just got the best of me. I honestly don't think I've ever been so covered in sand in my life, I'm talking it was completly all over the inside of my wet suite...The INSIDE! How the hell does sand get on the inside if your wetsuit! 

Yesterday afternoons session however as freaking awesome, we got to go to peneich another town near here, that beach is alot easier to handle cuz there is no rip tide. I caught every wave yesterday no problem, today I just sucked. Oh well everyone has off days. I have developed a very good ability to keep my temper on check by doing this sport, there are many times when I just want to curse like a sailor at myself or the instructor but I don't. This could be a very frustrating sport if you let it get to you, which I try really hard not to let it. Only once so far have I wanted to punch a baby (obv not literally) tomorrow's our last day surfing for the week, and it's kristys birthday which means fun celebrations tomorrow night!   .

Let the 30 second dance parties begin!

Ok I'm gonna start off by adding someone from a previous entry, something i forgot to mention. The resturant I was taking about in the other blog along with the two guys. Well when we were there the other night I asked "lady killer" where the bathroom was, he asked would you like me to show you? I said yes please and stood up, next thing I know he picks me up and starts running up the hill,to where the bathroom was. Now that's VIP bathroom service right there, it was prob one of thr funniest things that's happend to me, I can't say as I've ever been carried to the bathroom. Once I was done in the bathroom I walked back to thr table and "lady killer" was standing there so of course I asked, what I don't get carried from thr bathroom to? He then told me that I could have yelled for him and he would have came and got me, of course I was only joking but stil.

Alright so today was our first day back surfing, and man did I get my ads kicked,...in a good way. Got up on the first wave which might I add was green! Today our teacher was Joao...no Mario..very sad. However we did see Mario out body boarding today when we were surfing and I think he might be teaching us sometime this week. Man is it ever different here now that's its more tourist season, there's people everywhere, tons of people,surfing and there were people staying in the house with us, although they left today, so it's just us again. And we are actually surfing out front of the house this time. In the winter time you can't because its to choppy, but I'm thr spring and summer its good. Only down side to this beach is that there is a heavy riptide, which means one you surf in its hard to get back out because the waves are crashing on top,of you, and you have to paddle out and around the waves instead of just straight out, which means by the time your out there your tired. This mornings session was great, but this afternoon was a little tough I didn't realize how tired I was until we got back out there for the second time. I think we might surf out front of the house most of the time while  we're here. Which means no long van rides with Mario so now we can't grill him, which I'm sure he appreciates so much hahaha.

It's so funny I don't think Joao knows what to do with girls staying in the house or he's just am overly worried person. We walked down to the surf hut yesterday to pay him because we didn't get in until late on Saturday night. As soon as we walked down he was like omg is everything ok girls? What's wrong? And yesterday he came to see us and asked like six times if we were ok and if everything was ok, he also did the same today. The night we arrived there was actually a party going on at the house, the guys who were staying and some locals were here, they had a big BBQ and were drinking some beer. I think this time around its going to be quite a different experience even though there's no one staying in the house. I think they have parties everhweekend here which will be fun if they do. Also another reason why it will be different? The house isn't freezing so were not freezing of butts off this time! Whoop! I hope we get Mario as an instructor at least once cuz we need to find out if he kept up with the 30 second dance parties while we were gone, we told him before we left that he needed to keep doing it. There will be no shortages of those that's for sure. Oh and on another note, we are usually hard boards. Ow instead of foam, talking about going big or going home, not only do we have hard boards but we were catching green waves the fist day! This is gonna b a good time, although I forgot how much this kicks my ass, man and I tied, I think I'm off to bed and it's only 9:16 hahaha real party animal I am.

I'm on a boat

It's once again  been a while since I updated my blog, I've just been tired or busy haha those are my only excuses. 

The other day we went on a really awesome boat trip, we got to see some of the island from the sea which was amazing. Cyprus is so beautiful and the water is so nice and warm. I can't believe the water is so much more warm then in Athens, I figured it might be a little the same but the water in Cyprus is warm and so clear it's incredible! I just can't get over how clear the water is, and beautiful sandy bottoms no rocks or anything. There is some sea weed but it's out deep and very short so it's only on the bottom. On our boat trip we went to three different spots to swim, each one was really cool. The boat trip was such a good price we couldn't pass it up, it was only 40TL (Turkish lira) which approx is $23.00 Canadian give or take depending on the exchange rate. We left at 10:30 and didn't come back until 4:30, we got lunch, a fruit snack, snorkelling equipment, and a stop at three beaches. There is no way in hell you would get all of that for so cheap anywhere else. The exchange rate in Cyprus on the Turkish side is incredible, it's all so cheap, food, clothes, activities etc. we didn't see much when we were snorkelling but it was still really cool, we seen some fish and some little rock islands. Those were cool to snorkel around, lots of stuff living around them. 

The first beach experience we had before the boat trip was to a beach called Alagadi which is a turtle beach. It has one of the biggest sea turtle population for egg laying, during the time they lay their eggs people patrol the beach all day and night to make sure nothing happens to the eggs and once the eggs hatch they help the baby turtles to the sea. This time of the year the turtles aren't there but it's beautiful all the same. It's one beach but it has many different little bays you can swim in. There's also some underwater caves which I wish I could have explored but I didn't have snorkelling equipment. We ended up going to this beach a few times because its one the nicest and also has the least amount of people on it. Sometimes it's nice to go to a beach that isn't packed, then other times its nice to go where all the people are. It's so nice to think that it's only may and weve been spending our time  off at the beach! 

During one of our many walks along the harbour front we ended up meeting these two guys who worked at a resturant called corner (because...it's on a corner) the first time we met these guys they were just trying to get us to eat there, but then we got taking for a bit and after we left we figured we would go back again sometime to play backgammon (which might I add is huge in Cyprus) every single resturant has backgammon boards you can use. When we went back to play backgammon, they were chatting us up and playing backgammon with us while they worked. I'm telling ya Turkish boys are freaking hot! After this we ended up hanging out with them a few times outside of work. The other night we went there for drinks and ordered sex on the beach, we both got an extra shot of vodka with it and the women who owns the resturant said it was on the house! I don't know if it was because she is nice of if it was because we've been going almost everyday to hang with the boys. The next day we went back and both ordered milkshakes which are 8tl each a d she only charges us 10tl for both, she was like well I don't really ha e much change so let's make it 14tl, actually you know what just make it 10tl, this also included a coffee too! Really this is why I have been so busy, and Kristy finally convinced me to learn how to play backgammon, I didn't really want to learn but the boys got on her side and they all convinced me to learn. The boys I keep referring to are named, Sever, and Mostofa two of the nicest guys we've met so far. We actually went to the beach the other day with them, they have a car which means we didn't have to take the bus! And I realized how much I actually miss driving around in the summer time with the windows down and the music blasting. It didn't hurt that the car was a BMW hahaha it's to bad that we didn't met them until our trip was almost over, it would have been fun to hang out with them more. 

Last night we went to the farm house for dinner with the gang, and they bought us a good bye cake! It was so incredibly nice! And the cake was so so good! I did not expect a cake, but I guess we started a tradition after buying David a cake. We had a Bon fire, sat around and chated and  had some tea. It was such a good evening. Isann one of the people who work on the farm had Friday off and we didn't know, and didn't get to days good bye, Kristy texted him saying goodbye and next thing we know she's getting a call (oh i forgot to mention that we got cell phones with this volunteer work) and he's asking we who it is, she said Kristy and next thing we know he's like I'm going to come over and say good bye. It was so nice of him to come over and day goodbye to us. We met the most amazing people while working on the farm, I am honestly going to miss all of them. I have learned so much from them, and each person was from somewhere different. Another person we met that was awesome, was Morhat he is Raychels driver and doesn't speak very much English but man can that guy drive. I think he's in the wrong career driving rich people around, he needs to be a race car driver! This guy is seriously the most skilled driver I've ever met. Even though he didn't speak much English we still managed to communicate with sign language, or ishann as our translator. I wish he would have spoke a bit more English because he seems like a pretty funny dude. 

To all of you who worked on the farm, you have taught me so much, and you all really made the experience! Safe travels...it's a small world perhaps we shall met again! 

Ask and you shall receive

Not a whole lot has been happening in the last week, that's why I haven't updated my blog. 

Mostly just been working, and then relaxing and wondering around the town. Been doing things on my own the last little while, seeing the town taking some great photos. Although there isn't a whole lot to take photos of in the town were living. Mostly just the harbour is the only site to see in the city, along with the big castle which is right on the harbour. We've walked a round it a few times now but have not gone in. 

Everyone in cyprus is so incredibly nice and friendly, and the guys have the confidence to actually talk to you! The staff at the hotel are very nice, although when I come into the staff entrance with my normal clothes on I always get stopped, they think I'm just a random person trying to creep on the hotel, but I come in my farm clothes and they say nothing. I guess they don't expect Raychels volunteers to dress ok when their not working hahaha. As soon as you explain to them they have no problem and usually ask you how you are and let you continue on your way. Yesterday every person I passed going into the hotel said hi to me, I mean it was in Turkish but I still new what they ment. (Merhaba) is the word for hello, that is all I know in Turkish because thank you is probably the most complicated word to say, how are you and I'm fine isn't to bad but thank you is a whole another story. 

One thing I've noticed since being here is the ratio to male and female, there are so many more men then women here it's incredible, it's so starkly noticeable, I'm not sure in why there is such a difference in the ratio but its very prominent. I think that has a lot to do with why most guys are not afraid to talk to you. 

Another thing that is kind of different is the fact that we walk through construction zones all the time, like its not big deal, everyone does it and the workers don't even care. If you tired to do that in Canada you would be arrested or at the very least screamed at and escorted out. The workers don't even wear construction gear, no protective anything. Most of them are actually just in normal clothes. It's so bad that scooters actually drive through the construction zones! They just drive up on the sidewalk if they can't get by a truck or machine. The other day I actually seen a car drive through the construction zone, and then drive up onto the sidewalk to get around. I'm telling ya the amount of people who drive on the sidewalks over here is rediclous! 

The other night we went out as a group for dinner, it was a little later at night around 8 and when we got there the waiter gave us blankets to use, because we were sitting outside! It was prob the coolest thing I've ever seen at a resturant. I only had a light sweater on so I worked out to my favour. It kept me nice and warm. We decided to keep with out tradition and if there's not chocolate on the menu we usually order it, we like to try it in each place we go. It was not the best here in Cyprus. It was more like hot milk with a little tiny bit of coca powder in it. It wasn't the best thing but it also wasn't to bad. 

The other day at the market we asked RayChel if we could get some more milk and cereal meaning like one of each...apperently she felt we asked a few times so we needed 5 boxes of cereal and 12 boxes of milk hahaha I have no sweet clue how were going to eat it all before we leave next Sunday. Should be a challenge! 

We worked at the market the other day, and we belly danced! It was so much fun! At first I was a little hesitant but it turned our to be a blast. We were all a little worried that people at the market might have a problem with so mucus kin showing seeing as the turkey side is mostly Muslim. But we didn't have any problems, no o e said anything and everyone seemed to really enjoy watching it. We got our pictures taken many times and we even got filmed by a camera crew for a news channel. They interview RayChel and filmed up dancing. The people who worked at the market really enjoyed having music on and being able to listen to it even if they couldn't see us. But word got around the market fast and soon everyone was coming to watch. I hope we get to do it next week! 

Hot water!

Sorry I've been slacking on my blog everyone...so much to do so little time!

The reason I haven't been updating as much is because either I've been to tired or have been to busy. Also we don't have wifi at our apartment and I have to walk down to the hotel to use it...that's alot work when your tired lol

Were on week two for the farm, I have no idea how time keeps going by so fast! We only have two more weeks until we're done on the farm and then were off to Portugal to surf! Cannot wait for that! I don't particularly love working on the farm but the people I work and love with are awesome so that make up for it. Mostly all we do at the farm is water, plant and weed. I don't mind watering but weeding is so hard on the back. Although the farm is pretty big so it takes a full five hours to water everything which is usually the length of a workday so time goes by petty fast. The other day we decided to name the chickens that live on the farm, names are rodger, Lucile, Phyllis, Gladis, snookie, Howard, and fancy feet. And yes we actually can tell them all apart. Most of the chicken look pretty different so it's not hard. This is what happens when were killing time while we wait for lunch we name the chickens! 

We had our first two days of this weekend, we finally got to check out the town were living in. Usually everyday were don't at the farm we go eat, use the Internet in the hotel, and then go to bed. We've been to tired to explore,but Saturday we went out and walked around and seen the harbour, which is pretty and then that night as a group we went out for dinner, to try some authentic Turkish food...which is so good! Sunday we went on a group excursion to a huge castle way up in the mountains. Working on the farm we can see part of the castle and it looks really neat but you can only get to it by car because the mountian is a huge military base so they allow cars t drive through but you cannot hike up. So Raychel our boss had her driver take us up to explore, it was amazing! We spent two hours up there and it is so much bigger then it looks from afar, even when you get to the top of the mountian you can't see it all because its built into the mountain. Alot of it was actually still there which was cool to see. After this the driver took us to a look off that looks over Nicosia which is all flat land, it's very strange to see because here we are standing on a mountain and everything in front of us it flat land. Sunday night we went out as a group to the onyx which is a resturant which is part of the hotel, Raychel took us we had dinner, dessert and wine and she paided for it all. It was absolutely amazing and to top the night off she has her driver take us back to the apartment! Man were getting spoiled on this trip, not only do our apartments we stay in have maids, but now we get free excursions, Free food, and a driver to take us around... Who wants to go back to real life...not me!

Cyprus...the Turkish side

Made it to cyprus! 

We arrived on the greek side but are staying in the Turkish side, we had some pick us up at the airport. We finally got a stamp! Let me tell you even though we've Ben traveling around Europe sine January we have only gotten one stamp and that was the one we got when we first landed. Since we've been staying within the EU we haven't been going through customs which means no stamps on our passports. I'm not gonna lie I've been seriously ticked off by not getting stamps! But since we were flying out of the EU we got a stamp! Since we flew into the Greek side we had to pass over the boarder into the Turkish side, which apperently requires a visa, however this was quite the interesting experience for us. Since we had someone pick us up he told us to give him our passports so he could get them checked, you would normally assume that them people checking the passports would need to see the holder of the passport...I guess not. We didn't even need to get out of the car, he got us our "visas" and everything, and when I say visa I'm really not sure what the point of it is, honestly it's a piece of paper with a stamp on it, saying its your visa. So it's all very official...

We arrive at the apartment not quite knowing what to expect since we were volunteering, we weren't sure if it would be nice or not. The apartment itself isn't to bad, there's three other people staying in it with us, two guys and one girl. Kristy and I have our own bedroom, and our own beds! Score! The two guys work on the farm with us, and the girl works at the hotel. It's a pretty sweet set up, we get free accommodation and food, to volunteer on the farm. A few downsides to the apartment, there's no hot water! Which means not warm showers :( the water isn't even like room temp it's freezing! This sucks because we're gonna be working out in the hot sun everyday on a farm which means were gonna need to shower often. Already had to have one shower worst experience of my life. Oh yeah and the shower doesn't drain...

We started our first day of work today, wasn't so bad not as hard as I was expecting which is good. We planted lots of things, dug holes to plant more things, water the plants, walked the dogs, mixed soil, and weeded. It was so nice out today too, which was good warm but not hot so we didn't sweat to death although it will probably be pretty warm if not hot most of the time. Yay! The people who run the farm are just doing it as a hobbie, he owns a few hotels in Cyprus which are very swanky, and she's a model. 

Since we're not in the EU anymore we've come across some cool things; they drive on the opposite side of the road, and car, they have their own currency. The driving really creeps me out, it's so weird! It's not so bad on the highway but turning and driving in the city is intense. It's also alot harder to cross the street because usually when doing so you look left then right...not here you have to look right then left. And it's confusing with the cars on the other side of the street. I know it doesn't sound hard but trust me it is. I'm so excited another perk of the volunteering is they take you on excursions every week! Which means were going to get to see lots of the island without having to pay transportation fees! Really we won't have to spend much money at all here because we can go to the hotel and have breakfast lunch and dinner, and we also get free groceries. We make a list and they go and buy everything for us, incase we want to cook our own food at the apartment or what not. 

Minus the shower I think this will be a fun three weeks, def a experience that's for sure! 

Venice fish

Made it to Venice! Got here yesterday around 3:00, and...we found the hostel no problem! Although if we wouldn't have had directions there is no way we would have found it. It's another weird one that has no sign outside so unless you know where it is you wouldn't find it. The hostel isn't to bad, however it doesn't ha e a kitchen which kind of sucks, seeing as Venice is kind of expensive. 

On our first day here we went on a gondola ride! It was one of the best moments so far. It was so sunny and beautiful we just had to take a ride, it was saposed to rain today but it ended up being super sunny and warm. We got a good discount in our gondola ride too! He gave us a deal...I guess we were looking good, bahahah. After the ride we wondered around the city because Venice is a city you need to get lost in. The streets make no sense and you have to cross so many bridges you never know which side of the main canal your on. So easy to get lost but honestl that's part of the fun and beauty of the city, you see the best things when your not looking for anything in particular. We decided last night tha we didn't want pizza or pasta because that's getting little old, that's all the restaurants serve in all of Italy. So last night we found a Chinese food resturant so we decided to give it a try. It was so good, the spring rolls were def top two for me. 

Today we went out donned in our rain gear and were all set for a riany crappy day but... It didn't rain! It got sunny and hot! Finally a break from all the rain. We went to San Marco square, went into the huge church that is complety covered in gold mosaics inside, wondered around the square and window shopped because no way we could afford the stuff in that place. We found a few neat looking cafes so we decided to stop and check them out and see the menu prices, hahaha yeah right who are they kidding charging 9€ for a cappuccino and 10€ for a hot chocolate that's absolutely rediclious! And the more rediclous thing is that they cafes were packed with people. Although I guess if you can afford to stay in Venice you can afford the stuff in the city. It's impossible,to find cheap accomidations even then hostels are expensive compared to every other city in Italy, and the stupid tourist tax is way more then everywhere else. Yup that's right they have a tourist tax, usually it's 1pr 2€ a night but here IRS 3€ a night! On top of your accomidations price I might add, cuz it's not included. We basically did the same thing today as yesterday just wondered around and seen the city, spend most of our time sitting in the sun enjoying the views. It's such a neat city, having to walk over bridges all the time and there's no cars it's all walking streets. Which means everyone has a boat, so the boat traffic is rediclous! They even have police boats, I don't mean coastguard I mean literally a boat that looks like a police car, with lights and sirens and everything. And if you want a bus, there water buses! We also went into a bunch of churches today. 

Castle and a two hour ferry ride

Our last in in como we went to visit our friend Emma, who lives in lecco which is a town on lake como. It was so great seeing her again, we had coffee and chated with the lake in our view, it was beautiful! It turned out to be sunny which is good, finally were able to see all the mountains around the lake, such a stunning place.

After we visited Emma for a bit we hoped back on the train and hiked a mountian...in flats...to see a castle. It seems is always have the most impractical foot wear when I go on adventures. We knew there was a castle in the area and I figured we could walk up the road to get to it, but as it turns out the path is a mule trail, so it was a bit tricky to do in flats. But I made it, the view was incredible however when I got to the top my freaking camera died! I had my iPod with me but that was almost dead too! I managed to get a few pics but my iPod isn't great quality for photos. The castle was really cool, it even had a falconry in it, that they still use today. We got to see all the birds they keep there,which was neat, apperently they do shows with them, but there wasn't one going in when we were there, it would have been cool to see.

Once done the castle, we hoped on the ferry and took it around to all the towns that are on the middle part of the lake. The ferry ride itself was around two hours, we were going to get of in belliggio but we didn't end up having time, because the last ferry was at 7:40. It was really nice to see more of the lake areas, it's such a beautiful place to visit. It was so quite and low key, no annoying peddlers bugging the crap out of you all the time.

Snow...in April?

Had a pretty fun night, hung out with some people from the hostel had some wine and played cards. 

Woke up this morning and there was snow on all the mountains around the lake...I guess it snowed over night. I believe it, it was so cold out last night, well cold for Italy. 

It actually didn't end up raining today, like it said it was going to. But it's still cloudy and a little foggy so we can't quite see much around the lake. Today we ventured out into the town, walked the water front, stopped at a cafe and had hot chocolate to same us up, because it is not warm out today, only around 6 degrees. 

After this we wondered some more then found a place to have lunch, once we were done eating this older couple leaned over to our table and asked us where we were from, we got chatting with them for a while about everything, traveling and what not. They asked us if we wanted to go grab a coffee since we were done eating. Kristy got up to pay when the older women jean did and came back because the waiter was going to get the check...or so we thought...we didn't get our check so we asked the waitress and she pointed to jean and Peter the couple and they piped up and said lunch is on us! They ended up paying for our lunch! How incredibly nice of them! We did not expect that at all. We headed out to get coffee after this and we offered to pay for the coffee to treat them since they bought out lunch, but they refused and paided for our coffee too! Then proceeded to tell us if we were ever in NYC that we could stay at their place! They were probably the most kind and interesting people we've met. We shared so many stories and and a great time getting to know them. We got her email just incase as she said we ever find ourselves in New York we could stay with them. They were he cutest couple I've ever seen, they were still so in love and you could tell. She would gaze at him and smile when ever he talked and vice versa. She was so cute she called her husband the judge because he used to be a judge, and as it turns out he studied history! I would say they were probably in their late 60's and jean went back to school after she retired so she could learn Italian because she loves Italy so much! How incredible is that! Kudos to her. They have been traveling their whole life, and go somewhere every year. They love lake como so much that they have been coming here for the last six years. I hope one day I have that kind of money to be able to travel all my life. They were such an inspiration, I want to pick his brain because he was a uni professor and history major. 

Such a great day, I can honestly say I will be sad to not see them again. 

Switzerland for the day nbd...

For those of you who don't know what nbd means it means no big deal

Yesterday we arrived in lake como which is a huge lake in Italy, a girl we met in a hostel in Florence is living here and told us it was beautiful so we figured we would check it out. We haven't had a chance to met up with her though, although im hoping we can. We're going to extend our stay here a bit because today we went to Switzerland, and didn't den up seeing any of lake como, expect through a bus ride to the border. Surprise, surprise it's raining today...it better stop raining soon because I'm getting awfully tired of it.

We went to a town called lagano in Switzerland, which is near the border of Italy, the drive there was beautiful and intense. The roads are through all these huge mountains and in some parts the street us only wide enough for one car to pass through. So while we were on the bus the bus driver just kept honking his horn before we would get to a part of the street that only fit one car. It was such a thight fit that I honestly have no idea how the mirrors on the bus weren't scraping on the mountian side. It was such a beautiful drive, mountains on one side and a huge lake on the other. When we got to the Switzerland I actually didn't realize that they had their own currency, that it wasn't part of the EU, which means they don't use euros. They use Swiss franks, another thing that perplexed me was I had absolutely no idea what language they spoke beucase it was so close to the Italian border. They seem to have spoken Italian for the most part. But some store names were in German, and the movies in the chocolate factory were in French. Switerzland actually has four national languages! Went didn't know what we should do once we got to lagano because we reall didn't know much about it, so we went to the tourism booth and asked what was good on a rainy day. He told us there was a chocolate factory, so we thought hey great! Perfect for a rainy day, all we had to do was find the train to take us to this other town...and hour and a half later...we found the stupid trian. We asked a ton of people how to get to the fanacuilar to get to the top of the mountian to catch the train, every single person pointed us in different directions. So I'm only assuming they didn't really know and felt compeld to help anyway. Finally we found someone who walked us pretty much to it which as very nice of them. The sad thing   Is, is that we walked by it accidently like three times! Of course leave it to us! We made it to the little town that the chocolate factory was in and found it no problem. I absolutely love Swiss chocolate, between the three of us I would say we bought around 3kilos! I think we're set for chocolate for a bit.

After the chocolate factory we went for some lunch at a little cafe and hooped on the bus back to lake como. We just stuck around the hostel for the night, hung out with some people, drank some wine and had a good time.

Milan

It was a short visit but it was fun!

I'm starting to get confused as to where we are, we've only been staying in places for a few days its hard to keep track!

This was def the biggest hostel we've stayed at so far, it had five floors, a club, a bar, a cafe, pool table, fooseball table, huge common area. It was pretty intense but I think they need to send less time making the common areas awesome and spend more time cleaning the dorms. The bathrooms were not very clean. I watched the cleaner this morning she walked in wiped the sink with a dirty rag and left. There's also a sign in the bathroom on the back of the door that instructs you on how to clean the toilet. It says if it's dirty pleas follow these instructions, wtf! I'm not cleaning some public toilet! Besides that the hostel wasn't to bad, it was very noisy, these people got up the first morning at like 7:00am and started screaming and siging, come on man be respectful. I mean I know it's a hostel and you can't be quite forever but that's really freaking early especially since I didn't get to bed until 6am. This morning it was just as bad, people got up and blasted music and started yelling across the halls to each other.

The first night we were in Milan we got invited out by these two guys, one of was from Chicago, and the other Melbourne. We also met some more Canadians who were from Quebec, they also came out with us. Originally it was going to be Kristy and I with these two guys going to some club they had heard about, but we went to get dressed and that changed we came back and were now going to a university party at a club. The guy who worked at the hostel invited us, what a sick job he had hanging out talking to people and drinking while you work. We ended up taking the tram, the Italian guy gave us directions on how to get here because he was driving. The two other Canadians went with him. We got there before they did and the bouncers were going to let Kristy and I in but not the guys we were with. We said they were with us so the let them in too, the other people showed up and they wouldn't let them in without paying cover. We didn't even pay to get in! Score one for us! It was def a good night out, the guy from Chicago is a photographer and it's so funny how much people love them selves, they would walk up to him and be like take our picture! Even guys were asking to get their picture taken. We also learned that apperently Italians don't dance like Canadians, we were quite the show. We got videotaped and photographed, we kept getting pestered by theses Italian guys who wouldn't take no for an answer,not even the figure deterred them.

There isn't much to see in Milan other then their huge ass church called the duomo, yes it has the same name as the church in Florence. It was quite the amazing church actually, very beautiful. I swear the amount of dead bodies we see in these church's we go to are rediclious! There's either whole bodies or bones of people on display. There's also a lot of people buried in the floors and you walk on their graves which I don't partially enjoy, I think it's a little disrespectful. Although some of the churches it's impossible to avoid stepping on the graves because the whole floor is covered with them. I actually ended up seeing the church twice because the night we went out I seen it all lite up which was very pretty. After the church we went to the big castle which was pretty neat, then after that we went to their big park, it had a few monuments, a big arch, a stadium, and a free aquarium. The aquarium actually turned out to be pretty decent especially for bing free. The tanks along we're very neat to see. They took alot of time creating the habitats which is cool to see. While we were in the park there was this big group of teenagers getting loaded, they had open liquor everywhere and were literally partying in the middle of  public park...only in Europe. Only in Europe do u see teenagers getting drunk at a park, or getting drunk on the subway. Gotta love the police force here.