Europe trip 2008 - ManosGeorgia
This is it. We are leaving England. And we are leaving it with a glorious trip across Europe. A 50+ day trip.
The map below shows the path we intend to follow starting from Manchester and...

Τελευταιες μερες στο Μαντσεστερ
Manchester, United Kingdom
Last few days in Manchester.
In this blog will try to keep you up to date with all the exciting moments of our trip! This of course depends on the availability of free wireless internet on the destination city, so keep visiting regularly if you don't want to miss a sensational event.
Σε αυτο το μπλογκ θα γραφουμε τα σπαρταριστα νεα μας απο τις προετοιμασιες για το ταξιδι, αλλα και για τις εμπειριες μας κατα τη διαρκεια του ταξιδιου.
Εφοσον βρισκομαστε σε μερος με free wireless internet... Πηραμε και το USB WiFi μας, ισως η τελευταια αγορα μας απο τον παραδεισο του ebay. Τερμα ΚΑΙ το ebay...
Η φωτο κατω ειναι το παραθυρο μας στο Μαντσεστερ. Να βλεπουμε το γρασιδι τωρα που μπορουμε!
Φωτος απο Μαντσεστερ
written by  ManosGeorgia on July 10, 2008 from Manchester, United Kingdom
from the travel blog: Europe trip 2008

Leaving Dos and Packing
Manchester, United Kingdom
Manos here.
Final few days in Manchester. We are off on Friday.
Thursday and Friday were the days of the leaving do's. Pints on Thursday, wine on Friday. See photos of my leaving do at the greek place Bouzouki By Night, where Paul, Mike, Marek and me (was there another one? I cant remember after the wine...) demonstrated their greek dancing skills in "zeibekiko"... (i am awaiting for the priceless videos from Juliet!).
A snap shot of the infamous Canal Street, well, we certainly had some funny and extraordinary memories from that street ahahahhaaa.
An old-flatmates photo also attached, Angela take care of that restless little monster!!
We have now had the removal company taken a bunch of belongings from our house. Packing was a leeeeeeeengthly nightmare over the weekend, especially with the (rare for Manchester) heat of 26deg... A picture below shows about 18-19 of the 22 boxes we finally got sent! And these will be in Cyprus in less than half the time that we will arrive there!!
FINALLY, A MUST PHOTO OF ARIS' FANS IN PICCADILLY GARDENS!!
Ερρρ δεν εχει μεταφραση στα ελληνικα. Η γεωργια διατυμπανιζει οτι δεν ξερει να γραφει ελληνικα και ενταξει.... παμε στο ζουμι:
Φωτος απο: Το παρτυ αποχαιρετισμου των συναδελφων στα μπουζουκια οπου χορεψαν (και μαλιστα αξιοπρεπως) οι αγγλοι συναδελφοι μου.
Τους παλιους συγκατοικους.
Τα 18-19 κουτια απο τα 22 που συνολικα στειλαμε μολις σημερα. Αντε να φτασουν και ολα ασφαλη, γιατι ειχαμε κατι παρατραγουδα με μια μεταφορικη εταιρια που τελικα δε μας μετεφερε τα πραγματα και βρηκαμε μια εναλλακτικη. Ο φορτηγατζης να οδηγαει ηρεμα και ωραια, και τιποτα δε θα σπασει!!
Αυτα, μεχρι την Παρασκευη το πρωι οπου θα οδηγουμε προς Newcastle.
written by  ManosGeorgia on July 28, 2008 from Manchester, United Kingdom
from the travel blog: Europe trip 2008

We left England!!!
Bergen, Norway
(Manos writing)
Sunday morning... I am awaiting for our "half baked" bread to get cooked by the shop in the campsite, while typing on this terribly old desktop :) I don't know if this even has USB connection to bring our card reader to upload pics, so no photos for now.
Oh, the keyboard is funny, I can type these: Ø, Æ, ¤, ü, û, â, å. nice!!
Okay, some little last minute problems encountered on Thursday are now sorted. We left Manchester at 10.25am on Friday morning (after around 2 hours attempting to squeeze everything in the boot and the back seats of the 206 - some items were victims and we through them away).
We arrived in Newcastle after 13:00, the "Queen of Scandinavia" boat finally embarked on 16:00 with an hours delay (but we arrived in Bergen on time).
England is back! The port in Newcastle is pretty ugly and the weather was gloomy at the time. Anyways. With some british pounds still in our pockets, we took our chances in the boat's slot machines and won some 30-35GBP, which treated us the cocktails of Friday night!
Saturday was quite relaxing, we even had the chance of sunbathing. Both me and Georgia are now double-coloured red/white.
18:00 is when we arrived in Bergen. This is a marvelous city. We had some chance to walk around yesterday, more today. And finally, Norway IS VERY EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!!!!! (milk 1.7GBP, beer in front of the see 6.5GBP and so on).
written by  ManosGeorgia on August 2, 2008 from Bergen, Norway
from the travel blog: Europe trip 2008

Magnificent!!!
Bergen, Norway
(Για την ελληνικη "εκδοση" προχωρηστε κατω απο τις φωτογραφιες)
Norway is gorgeous! Well, it was raining for half the day on Sunday, but it still was great. For a strange reason, there was no wind even in a cloudy-rainy day, contrary to the UK's winds.
We spend Sunday in Bergen. There is so many things to do. We visited the old Bryggen with the wooden houses, got the 45degrees (or more!!) tram to the hill, had a long walk around ending up seeing a magnificent lake by Bergen city. Later, we travelled by car on road 561 all the way to Hellesoy (to the northern-most that we will go during our trip) looking at the majestic reflections in the fjords and lakes along our way. Everything is simply AMAZING. The pictures don't do justice...
We had found Wales very beautiful back in the UK, but Norway has smashed every place we have visited in our lives!
Bergen:
Bryggen:
διαδρομη (route) 561:
Φτασαμε στη Νορβηγια στο Bergen το Σαββατο. Ειναι η 2η μεγαλυτερη πολη της Νορβηγιας και ΠΟΛΥ ΟΜΟΡΦΗ!!!! Με το λιμανακι της, τα καραβακια της (το βραδυ ολοι οσοι εχουν μπαρκαρισμενα τις βαρκες/κοτερα τους καθονται με παρεες και τα πινουν ομορφα και ωραια), τα παλια σπιτια της. Μας εκανε και πολυ καλο καιρο!!
Η περιοχη Bryggen στο Bergen ειναι η παλια πολη, με ξυλινα σπιτια (και αρκετα στραβες κατασκευες! Να, η Γεωργια προσπαθει να στηριξει ενα κτιριο με την ομπρελλα της!!!), που παρ επιπτοντως καηκαν στην μεγαλη φωτια του Bergen το 1702 και ξαναχτιστηκαν οπως ηταν. Ηπιαμε την (ΠΑΝακριβη) μπυριτσα μας εκει.
Κυριακη τριγυρω στην πολη, μετα πηραμε το τρενακι (ανεβαινε με κλιση 45+ μοιρων) και ανεβηκαμε στο διπλανο λοφο οπου η θεα πραγματι ειναι εντυπωσιακη εστω και υπο βροχη.
Αργοτερα πιασαμε εναν περιφερειακο δρομο (561 στις φωτος) του Bergen που σε οδηγουσε απο το ενα νησακι στο αλλο. ΕΚΠΛΗΚΤΙΚΗ θεα απο αλλο κοσμο τα αταραχα νερα να αντανακλουν τα ΠΑΝΤΑ, μεχρι και το πιο μικρο συνεφακι, το κλαδι στα δεντρα, τον κοκκο της αμμου (καλα το παρακανα). Οι φωτος κατω τα λενε ολα... Μειναμε επι ποση ωρα αφωνοι και μετα «αααα» και «ωωωωω» να διαδεχονται το ενα το αλλο...
written by  ManosGeorgia on August 4, 2008 from Bergen, Norway

ΚΑΤΑΠΛΗΚΤΙΚΑ ΚΑΤΑΠΛΗΚΤΙΚΑ ΚΑΤΑΠΛΗΚΤΙΚΑ!!!!!!! (The fjords)
Eidfjord, Norway
Georgia here!
On Monday we headed to the Handagerfjord. Driving in Norway through the mountains is quite of experience. There are lots of tunnels, other small and other very long (11km!). The mountains are rocky and cliffs everywhere but the trees find their way to grow. The whole route was amazing and you can find breathtaking waterfalls in every corner!
Τη Δευτερα πηγαμε στο Handagerfjord. Αμετρητα τουνελς (περασαμε κι απο ενα 11150 μετρα μηκος, δεν ενδεικνυται για κλειστοφοβικους!), απιστευτα τοπια με τα βουνα, τους γκρεμους, απειροι καταρακτες παντου μεχρι σε σημειο που οι Νορβηγοι δεν ασχολουνται (τουριστικα) με αρκετους.
The fjords are more astonishing than we imagined and the clear waters reflect the huge cliffs and mountains amazingly! We did canoeing on the peaceful Eidfjord being the only people in it and stared at the nature’s wonders!
Τα fjords εκπληκτικη θεα, ειδικα οταν καθρεφτιζονται τα παντα στα νερα. Καναμε βαρκαδα σε ενα fjord, to Eidfjord και ηταν πολυ ησυχα. Εμπειρια!
After a long day, it was time to get some rest by the few hundred meters high cliff overlooking one of Norway’s highest waterfalls (Voringfossen)!!!!
Μετα απο μια κουραστικη μερα, ωρα ξεκουρασης στην ακρη του γκρεμου!!!!!! Απεναντι απο εναν απο τους πιο ψηλους καταρακτες της Νορβηγιας:
Heading towards Preikestolen on Tuesday, the magnificent views of Norway continued. The scenic route was frequently very narrow with enormous rock cuttings hanging on top of our car and sudden cliffs dropping from the other side!!! Again…. Wow!.... WHAT A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY THIS IS.
Even though there are many bridges and tunnels, in several places you still need to cross the fjords by ferry. It gave us a break from the driving & another chance to see the incredible fjords on a boat and also get close to one of Norway’s glaciers :)
Ολα τέλεια γυρω απο το Μπεργκεν κ τα fjords!!!!
written by  ManosGeorgia on August 4, 2008 from Eidfjord, Norway

Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
Strand, Norway
Preikestolen (or “Pulpit Rock”) is not a Preike that was stolen (easy humour!!!). It is one of Norway’s greatest landmarks. This is an overhanging mass of rock at 604m above the Lysefjord water level. It takes 2 hours of trekking, almost climbing rocks to get there. But it really IS a worthwhile exercise, we got rewarded with magnificent views on our way! Our legs are now aching… lol
As for the Preikestolen itself? We let the pictures do the talking…. (oh yes, we sat and lied down right on the edge of this 604m tall cliff…. YEAAAHHH).
Το Preikestolen (η αλλιως Pulpit Rock) ειναι ενα απο τα κορυφαια αξιοθεατα της χωρας. Ενας βραχος με γκρεμο υψους 604 μετρων. Η διαδρομη ειναι πολυ απαιτητικη, με μεγαλο κομματι να αποτελειται απο βραχους που σχεδον πρεπει να σκαρφαλωσεις. 2 ωρες ορειβασιας, που ομως μας ανταμειψαν και στην διαδρομη, αλλα και στον προορισμο. Ειναι απιθανο συναισθημα οταν βρισκεσαι εκει πανω, 604 μετρα πανω απο την επιφανεια του fjord. Ε, το ριξαμε και στις καλλιτεχνικες ποζες, ξαπλωσαμε στο χειλος του γκρεμου, ηταν φοβερα!! Περισσοτερα, στις φωτος κατω!
Περπατααααα:
Στο βαθος διακρινονται οι προπορευομενοι μας:
Ω ναι!!!
superman:
Χαλαρωμα!!
ARIS FC IN PREIKESTOLEN / ΑΡΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΣΤΟ PREIKESTOLEN!!
As requested!
written by  ManosGeorgia on August 6, 2008 from Strand, Norway

Magnificent!!!
Bergen, Norway
(Για την ελληνικη "εκδοση" προχωρηστε κατω απο τις φωτογραφιες)
Norway is gorgeous! Well, it was raining for half the day on Sunday, but it still was great. For a strange reason, there was no wind even in a cloudy-rainy day, contrary to the UK's winds.
We spend Sunday in Bergen. There is so many things to do. We visited the old Bryggen with the wooden houses, got the 45degrees (or more!!) tram to the hill, had a long walk around ending up seeing a magnificent lake by Bergen city. Later, we travelled by car on road 561 all the way to Hellesoy (to the northern-most that we will go during our trip) looking at the majestic reflections in the fjords and lakes along our way. Everything is simply AMAZING. The pictures don't do justice...
We had found Wales very beautiful back in the UK, but Norway has smashed every place we have visited in our lives!
Bergen:
Bryggen:
διαδρομη (route) 561:
Φτασαμε στη Νορβηγια στο Bergen το Σαββατο. Ειναι η 2η μεγαλυτερη πολη της Νορβηγιας και ΠΟΛΥ ΟΜΟΡΦΗ!!!! Με το λιμανακι της, τα καραβακια της (το βραδυ ολοι οσοι εχουν μπαρκαρισμενα τις βαρκες/κοτερα τους καθονται με παρεες και τα πινουν ομορφα και ωραια), τα παλια σπιτια της. Μας εκανε και πολυ καλο καιρο!!
Η περιοχη Bryggen στο Bergen ειναι η παλια πολη, με ξυλινα σπιτια (και αρκετα στραβες κατασκευες! Να, η Γεωργια προσπαθει να στηριξει ενα κτιριο με την ομπρελλα της!!!), που παρ επιπτοντως καηκαν στην μεγαλη φωτια του Bergen το 1702 και ξαναχτιστηκαν οπως ηταν. Ηπιαμε την (ΠΑΝακριβη) μπυριτσα μας εκει.
Κυριακη τριγυρω στην πολη, μετα πηραμε το τρενακι (ανεβαινε με κλιση 45+ μοιρων) και ανεβηκαμε στο διπλανο λοφο οπου η θεα πραγματι ειναι εντυπωσιακη εστω και υπο βροχη.
Αργοτερα πιασαμε εναν περιφερειακο δρομο (561 στις φωτος) του Bergen που σε οδηγουσε απο το ενα νησακι στο αλλο. ΕΚΠΛΗΚΤΙΚΗ θεα απο αλλο κοσμο τα αταραχα νερα να αντανακλουν τα ΠΑΝΤΑ, μεχρι και το πιο μικρο συνεφακι, το κλαδι στα δεντρα, τον κοκκο της αμμου (καλα το παρακανα). Οι φωτος κατω τα λενε ολα... Μειναμε επι ποση ωρα αφωνοι και μετα «αααα» και «ωωωωω» να διαδεχονται το ενα το αλλο...
written by  ManosGeorgia on August 3, 2008 from Bergen, Norway

Civilisation!
Oslo, Norway
Okay, after the fjords and Preikestolen and all the countryside, time for Oslo.
Travelling from Preikestolen (through Stavanger) to Oslo WAS A REAL PAIN. They are STUPID with the traffic rules in Norway. On a dual carriageway, max speed 70-80km/h, we had to sustain a painfull 500km doing between 60 & 80 km/h....
Anyway, we visited the Vikings museum, an open air folks museum (where there were demonstrations of how they lived across Norway in the old time - we also had some of their traditional sweet pitta delicious!!!), the Fram museum (the first ship to travel to the North pole, it completed 3 trips, 2 of the them to the North pole and the last to the South pole) etc.
The town hall was impressive from the inside (an Edward Munch painting decorates it among other paintings), all telling Oslo's and Norway's story. Kon-tiki museum was again interesting, demonstrating the boats (rafts I should say) a Norwegian from the past used in his expeditions. There even is a ski museum!!! Of course... so much snow in Norway...
Ξεκινησαμε στις 7/8 απο Preikestolen για Οσλο. Καπου στα 500km. Τα ορια ταχυτητας ειναι ΕΞΕΥΤΕΛΙΣΤΙΚΑ και βαρεθηκαμε τη ζωη μας οδηγοντας στο εθνικο τους δικτυο με 60 εως 80Km/h. Σε ενα κομματι στο τελος, ανεβηκε στα 100... για παρηγορια.
Τις επομενες μερες, πετυχαμε την αλλαγη φρουρας εξω απο το παλατι, η φωτο δειχνει την πορεια της μπαντας προς το παλατι. Δωσανε ολοκληρη παρασταση! Μετα πηραμε το καραβακι για να παμε απεναντι, στα μουσεια. Στο open air museum περασαμε αρκετη ωρα. Εκει εχουν μεταφερει αυτουσια διαφορα σπιτια των περασμενων αιωνων και δειχνουν πως ζουσαν οι Νορβηγοι παλια. Δοκιμασαμε μια πιτουλα "morlefse", μας αρεσε τοσο που γυρισαμε να αγορασουμε κι αλλη (κ πηραμε κ τη συνταγη!!!!).
Επισης πηγαμε στο Vikings Ship museum, στο δημαρχειο (πολυ ενδιαφερον εξω-μεσα, με πινακες και τοιχογραφιες παντου, απο την ιστορια των νορβηγων). Εκει δινεται καθε χρονο το βραβειο Nobel ειρηνης. To Fram museum ηταν εξοχο, μπηκαμε μεσα στο πρωτο κ μοναδικο ξυλινο πλοιο (Fram) που πλησιασε το βορειο πολο!! Το Kon-Tiki museum ηταν για τα expeditions ενος τρελλο-νορβηγου ερευνητη που ταξιδευε στουν οκεανους με... σχεδιες! Μεχρι και σε μουσειο για σκι πηγαμε!!!! (εκει πηγαμε γιατι ειχε ωραια θεα της πολης).
Εντυπωσιακο τελος το Vigelands sculpture park, ενα τεραστιο παρκο οπου βρισκονται περιεργα γλυπτα!
An extremely rare sign, worth of snapping!!!!! >
Ενα απο τα αμετρητα συντριβανια:
Η πορεια της μπαντας προς το παλατι για την αλλαγη φρουρας:
Folks museum:
Vigelands sculpture park:
Fram:
(ειπαμε, στο ταξιδι μας αυτο, μοιραζομαστε το οδηγημα!):
Kon-tiki: Που πας με αυτο στον ωκεανο???
written by  ManosGeorgia on August 8, 2008 from Oslo, Norway

And now.. Sweden!
Karlstad, Sweden
Στις 12.43 τελειωνει το μαρτυριο του να οδηγας στη Νορβηγια... Οι προσδοκιες μας επαληθευτηκαν, τα ορια ταχυτητας γινανε ρεαλιστικα!!
Μια επιβεβλημενη επισκεψη σε ενα παρκο με τους τοπικους ταρανδους, τους ταισαμε και μπανανιτσα! Στην Σουηδια ζουνε περιπου 400 000 ταρανδοι, αλλα δυστυχως δεν ειναι εποχη κυνηγιου κι ετσι δε θα φαμε ταρανδο, οπως μας ειχαν προτεινει. (μειναμε στο χαιδεμα!)
Μας επιασε μια μπορα σχεδον ολη την Κυριακη και ηταν αρκετα μερη κλειστα. Φτασαμε Karlstad το βραδυ, οπου οι αθεοφοβοι ηπιαμε ποτα σε... αγγλικη pub!! (οχι οτι ειχαμε και επιλογες).
(Ενω τα Νορβηγικα δεν μπορουσες καν να τα ακουσεις στο ραδιο, τα σουηδικα ακουγονται πιο ωραια).
Ανεβηκαμε μεχρι Sunne οπου ειδαμε μια τοπικη γιορτη με τραγουδια (σουηδικα κ μη) και χορους. Ειδαμε ενα ακομα υπεροχο ηλιοβασιλεμα στον φαρο του Karlstad. Λοιπον, το Karlstad ειναι διπλα στην λιμνη Vanern. Αυτη η λιμνη εχει το μεγεθος περιπου του νομου θεσσαλονικης, απο το φαρο νομιζες οτι εβλεπες θαλασσα. Η Γεωργια ονομασε το Karlstad "κορακουπολη". Κατσαμε κ φαγαμε 1 γλυκο + καφε στο κεντρο. Με το που τελειωνουμε και παμε να φυγουμε, σε χρονο dt ειχαν μαζευτει 10 κορακια στο τραπεζι και ετρωγαν ο,τι ειχε μεινει!!!!!!!!
(Η Σουηδια παλι ειναι "Μελισσοχωρα").
Τελικα δεν ειχε ηλιοθεραπεια στην λιμνη Vanern λογω καιρου.
ENGLISH:
At 12:43 we have eventually reached Sweden where they have proper speed limits.
Moose (Elk) Park in Sweden, also feeding them!!
The local festival of Sunne:
Karlstad, by the vast lake Vanern:
Κορακουπολη:
written by  ManosGeorgia on August 10, 2008 from Karlstad, Sweden

Driving by lake Vanern
Kristinehamn, Sweden
Με τον καιρο να καλυτερευει, οδευουμε προς Stockholm, με ενδιαμεση σταση στο Kristinehamn. Μικρη και ομορφη πολη, στην ακρη της λιμνης Vanern. Την περπατησαμε, και στο τελος πηγαμε σε ενα σπιτι – καφε, οπου τσακισαμε 3 φρεσκοτατα σουηδικα γλυκακια. Βεβαιως και επισκεφτηκαμε το Picasso Sculpture. Το οποιο τελικα ηταν σχεδιο του Picasso που το εχτισε ενας Σουηδος μαθητης του. Ειναι το κοσμημα της πολης.
Kristinehamn:
Picasso Sculprute:
written by  ManosGeorgia on August 12, 2008 from Kristinehamn, Sweden

"The capital of Scandinavia"
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm was marvellous! Excellent architecture, with old and new buildings alike, we actually stayed there 3-4 days and had the time to explore it well. Highly recommended are the city bikes, you pay some money and get a bike for 3 days. We went to kind of far islands, visited again an open air museum (wow so big...). They also had an annual festival (free stages around the city) and Stockholm was even more vibrant!
The old city (Gamla Stan) with the narrow streets is a great place to walk around and have a coffee/beer!
We had a vodka on Absolut's Ice Bar. This is a bar made full of ice!!! Everything, even the glasses were made of ice! Well, with the temperature at -5 degrees, we couldnt last long in there, although warm coats were provided... Great experience!
The weather was most of the time sunny and warm, we even saw people having a dive in the clear Stockholm waters! Oh shitty Manchester.... I mean... When it starts raining there, it never stops being gloomy. In Stockholm, we had 2 downpours, but then warm and sunny weather shortly.
Stockholm is a happy city.
Στο ICE BAR:
Παταμε ποδι στην "πρωτευουσα της Σκανδιναβιας"! Φτανουμε καπως αργα εκει, το βραδυ συνανταμε τον Jorgos απο το Emperor. (Δυστυχως τα εφερε ετσι η κατασταση και δεν συναντησαμε τον Socke).
Η Στοκχολμη εχει φεστιβαλ! Μας ξεγελασε το πληθος το πρωτο βραδυ, και ετσι τριγυρνουσαμε σε μερος που δεν ειχε πολλα μπαρακια. Ξοδεψαμε 2 πρωινα σε καποια μικροπροβληματακια, αλλα ειχαμε 3.5 μερες να κατσουμε κ να χορτασουμε την πολη.
Η Stockholm ειναι πανεμορφη! Τι να πρωτοπεις, για το Gamla Stan, το Skeppsholmen, to Djugarden, το Sοdermalm (πως λεγεται τελος παντων)... Πηραμε και city bikes, παιρνεις μια καρτα και μετα παιρνεις ποδηλατο απο καποιον σταθμο ποδηλατων, και το αφηνεις σε αλλο σταθμο ποδηλατων. Ετσι, εχεις την ευχερια να δεις μακρυνες αποστασεις κ να κανεις κ στασεις για χαλαρωμα κ φωτογραφιες! Η Γεωργια ηθελε πολυ να παρουμε ποδηλατα!
Ειδαμε απο ψηλα την Στοκχολμη, απο τα καναλια μεσα απο το tour που καναμε, απο τα σοκακια, το αυτοκινητο, απο τα τουνελ κατω απο την πολη, απο το μετρο....
Α παρ επιπτοντως, το Οσλο (κυριως) αλλα κ η Στοκχολμη εχουν απιστευτο δικτυο απο τουνελς κατω απο την πολη, με διασταυρωσεις και τα ολα. Οι δικοι μας ακομα σκεφτονται για μια υποθαλασσια... Στην Στοκχολμη ειδαμε και πλωτο πολιοροφο παρκινγκ, δεν ξερω γιατι δεν κανουν και ενα στο Θερμαικο.
Πηγαμε και σε κατι γνωστους των γονιων της Γεωργιας, σε προαστιο. Μεσα στο δασος, ξεχνας οτι εισαι σε πολη! Σουδικο 3 course meal απο τη Σουηδεζα συζυγο του Κυπραιου γνωστου.
Πηγαμε και στο Ice Bar της Absolut!!! Φτιαγμενο εξ ολοκληρου απο παγο! Μεχρι και τα ποτηρια ηταν απο παγο! Εννοειται οτι μας δωσανε κατι γουνινα παλτα, γιατι η θερμοκρασια εκει μεσα ειναι -5. Ε δεν κατσαμε και πολυ... αφου ουτε η βοτκα, ουτε το κουνημα στο ρυθμο της μουσικης σταθηκαν ικανα να μας ζεστανουν! Ice bar... τσ τσ τσ... Πλακα ειχε!
Απο τα μουσεια μαθαμε οτι οι παλιοι Στοκχολμεζοι πινανε 6λιτρα μπυρα τη μερα, κουτσομπολευανε, πλακονωντουσαν και στο ξυλο, ριχναν τα σκουπιδια απο τα παραθυρα. Ωραια... Παντως τωρα ολα φαινονται ιδανικα!!! Και ο καιρος, που χτυπουσε 25 βαθμους (εστω κι αν πετυχαμε και δυο δυνατες μπορες).
Εννοειται πηγαμε και στο open air museum (εχοντας καλες αναμνησεις απο αυτο του Οσλου). Ειδαμε glass works (φτιαχνανε ταρανδακια), παλια τυπογραφεια, σχολεια κτλ.
Οταν καναμε το tour με το καραβακι, ειχε ζεστη. Περνωντας αναμεσα στα στενα περασματα, μας βλεπουν 2 Σουηδοι απο την προβλητα εξω απο τις αυλες τους (με μαγιο), μας χαιρετανε και μολις περναμε μπροστα τους, τσουπ βουτια στη λιμνη!!! Απεναντι, μια Σουηδεζα (κι αυτη με μαγιο) εκανε ηλιοθεραπο-γιογκα στη δικη της προβλητα!
Η τελευταια μερα ηταν τοσο γεματη, που αργησαμε να φυγουμε και χασαμε την κρατηση για το επομενο μερος διαμονης. Τελικα δεν χρειαστηκε να κοιμηθουμε στο αμαξι, αφου σε μια μικρη πολη, μπηκαμε σε ενα hostel με οδηγιες απο τηλεφωνου και εντολες για το που θα βρουμε κλειδια και που θα αφησουμε τα λεφτα (φυγαμε το πρωι και δεν ειδαμε κανεναν υπαλληλο!).
Αυτα ειναι...
written by  ManosGeorgia on August 13, 2008 from Stockholm, Sweden

"The capital of Scandinavia"
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm was marvellous! Excellent architecture, with old and new buildings alike, we actually stayed there 3-4 days and had the time to explore it well. Highly recommended are the city bikes, you pay some money and get a bike for 3 days. We went to kind of far islands, visited again an open air museum (wow so big...). They also had an annual festival (free stages around the city) and Stockholm was even more vibrant!
The old city (Gamla Stan) with the narrow streets is a great place to walk around and have a coffee/beer!
We had a vodka on Absolut's Ice Bar. This is a bar made full of ice!!! Everything, even the glasses were made of ice! Well, with the temperature at -5 degrees, we couldnt last long in there, although warm coats were provided... Great experience!
The weather was most of the time sunny and warm, we even saw people having a dive in the clear Stockholm waters! Oh shitty Manchester.... I mean... When it starts raining there, it never stops being gloomy. In Stockholm, we had 2 downpours, but then warm and sunny weather shortly.
Stockholm is a happy city.
Στο ICE BAR:
Παταμε ποδι στην "πρωτευουσα της Σκανδιναβιας"! Φτανουμε καπως αργα εκει, το βραδυ συνανταμε τον Jorgos απο το Emperor. (Δυστυχως τα εφερε ετσι η κατασταση και δεν συναντησαμε τον Socke).
Η Stockholm ειναι πανεμορφη! Τι να πρωτοπεις, για το Gamla Stan, το Skeppsholmen, to Djugarden, το Sοdermalm (πως λεγεται τελος παντων)... Πηραμε και city bikes, παιρνεις μια καρτα και μετα παιρνεις ποδηλατο απο καποιον σταθμο ποδηλατων, και το αφηνεις σε αλλο σταθμο ποδηλατων. Ετσι, εχεις την ευχερια να δεις μακρυνες αποστασεις κ να κανεις κ στασεις για χαλαρωμα κ φωτογραφιες! Η Γεωργια ηθελε πολυ να παρουμε ποδηλατα!
Ειδαμε απο ψηλα την Στοκχολμη, απο τα καναλια μεσα απο το tour που καναμε, απο τα σοκακια, το αυτοκινητο, απο τα τουνελ κατω απο την πολη, απο το μετρο....
Α παρ επιπτοντως, το Οσλο (κυριως) αλλα κ η Στοκχολμη εχουν απιστευτο δικτυο απο τουνελς κατω απο την πολη, με διασταυρωσεις και τα ολα. Οι δικοι μας ακομα σκεφτονται για μια υποθαλασσια... Στην Στοκχολμη ειδαμε και πλωτο πολιοροφο παρκινγκ, δεν ξερω γιατι δεν κανουν και ενα στο Θερμαικο.
Ποτακια ηπιαμε στο κεντρο, αλλα και στο Ice Bar της Absolut!!! Φτιαγμενο εξ ολοκληρου απο παγο! Μεχρι και τα ποτηρια ηταν απο παγο! Εννοειται οτι μας δωσανε κατι γουνινα παλτα, γιατι η θερμοκρασια εκει μεσα ειναι -5. Ε δεν κατσαμε και πολυ... αφου ουτε η βοτκα, ουτε το κουνημα στο ρυθμο της μουσικης σταθηκαν ικανα να μας ζεστανουν! Ice bar... τσ τσ τσ... Πλακα ειχε!
Απο τα μουσεια μαθαμε οτι οι παλιοι Στοκχολμεζοι πινανε 6λιτρα μπυρα τη μερα, κουτσομπολευανε, πλακονωντουσαν και στο ξυλο, ριχναν τα σκουπιδια απο τα παραθυρα. Ωραια... Παντως τωρα ολα φαινονται ιδανικα!!! Και ο καιρος, που χτυπουσε 25 βαθμους (εστω κι αν πετυχαμε και δυο δυνατες μπορες).
Εννοειται πηγαμε και στο open air museum (εχοντας καλες αναμνησεις απο αυτο του Οσλου). Ειδαμε glass works (φτιαχνανε ταρανδακια), παλια τυπογραφεια, σχολεια κτλ.
Οταν καναμε το tour με το καραβακι, ειχε ζεστη. Περνωντας αναμεσα στα στενα περασματα, μας βλεπουν 2 Σουηδοι απο την προβλητα εξω απο τις αυλες τους (με μαγιο), μας χαιρετανε και μολις περναμε μπροστα τους, τσουπ βουτια στη λιμνη!!! Απεναντι, μια Σουηδεζα (κι αυτη με μαγιο) εκανε ηλιοθεραπο-γιογκα στη δικη της προβλητα! Αυτα ειναι...
written by  ManosGeorgia on August 13, 2008 from Stockholm, Sweden

Having fun with music!
Goteborg, Sweden
Our trip continued to Goteborg. Great city, with canals, a waterfront, old buildings. Before that, on our way to Goteborg, we made a stop for some sunbathing by lake Vattern. So nice.....
Goteborg was in the festival mood too and we stayed there one more day than planned. The greek element and appreciation of the greek culture (old and new) is obvious everywhere! The city's symbol is Poseidon, the God of the sea (coz the sea plays a big role for Goteborg). In one stage by the Opera house, they had two singers, one of them greek, singing traditional greek songs (in a modern version) and so on!
A funny story is that the church that is on the city's hill was the first building the ships could see from the far. So, the Goteborg-ians had put explosives underneath, so that in an emergency they could bring down the church and make the city "invisible" to the hostiles.
Πηγαινοντας προς Goteborg, μας δελεασε ο ζεστος σουηδικος ηλιος, και πηγαμε για ηλιοθεραπεια σε μια σουηδικη λιμνη!!!! Αααααχ, χαλαρωμα! 1-2 βαθμους κελσιου ακομα, και θα βουτουσαμε στη λιμνη...
Το Goteborg ηταν η πρωτη πολη που δεν συναντησαμε ελληνες τουριστες. Παρ ολα αυτα 1)ηταν γεματο ελληνικα εστιατορια 2) Εχουν ως σημα τον Ποσειδωνα (βλεπε φωτογραφια) 3) Το φεστιβαλ τους ειχε ελληνικο χρωμα.
Και το Goteborg ηταν σε περιοδο φεστιβαλ. Σε μια κουλτουριαρικη σκηνη, μας αρεσαν τα βιολια κτλ και κατσαμε. Ξαφνικα ακουμε ελληνικο τραγουδι!!!!! Η μια τραγουδιστρια ηταν μια Μαρια Στελλας και επαιζαν τσαμικα κ τσιφτετελια σε εκδοση κουλτουριαρικη με αφρικανικο "χρωμα". Οι αλλοι θελαν να κανουν ησυχια και εμεις να χορεψουμε χεχχεχεχ... Σε μια αλλη σκηνη, ακουγαμε τραγουδια (αγγλικα κ σουηδικα). Τσουπ, πετανε και μια Παπαριζου, Number 1!!!!!!
Εχουν μια εκκλησια στο λοφο, που ειχαν βαλει πυρομαχικα απο κατω της. Αν ερχοντουσαν εχθροι, θα την εριχναν, γιατι ηταν το κτιριο που φαινοταν απο μακρυα και ετσι θα εκρυβαν/προστατευαν την πολη τους! Η επισκεψη μας στο Goteborg τελειωσε παρακολουθοντας την παρελαση (κατι σαν μινι-καρναβαλια) που ηταν και το τελος του φεστιβαλ.
A little disagreement with Gustav Adolf on where to found the city. Εδω ο Μανος διαφωνει με τον Gustav Adolf για το πού θα χτιστει η πολη το 1614 >>
written by  ManosGeorgia on August 16, 2008 from Goteborg, Sweden

Minutes before entering the 11km long bridge to Denmark
Malmo, Sweden
We made a quick stop in Malmo, just before crossing over to Denmark. There, we visited Sandiago Calatrava’s twisting tower. Impressive structure, consisted of private apartments.
Στο Malmo της Σουηδιας περασαμε απο τον εντυπωσιακο πυργο σχεδιασμενο απο τον Sandiago Calatrava. Ειναι για διαμερισματα και οι βλακες δεν φτιαξανε μια καφετερια, να πηγαινει ο κοσμος να τα ακουμπαει και να βλεπει τη θεα.
written by  ManosGeorgia on August 18, 2008 from Malmo, Sweden

Our third country is... Denmark!
Copenhagen, Denmark
The landscaping started resembling Manchester: Flat land and stronger winds.
Must visits in Copenhagen are a drink / beverage by Nyhavn canal, the little mermaid (the city’s symbol since it was donated by Jacobsen, Carlsberg’s founder) and a café called La Glace (open since 1870) with the most freshest (sic) deserts in the world (this one is in the city centre, off Nytorv square).
We also had some great time in Carlberg’s visitor centre, with the highlights being the signed LIVERPOOL shirts, the collection of around 17000 unopened beer bottles and drinking some of the finest beers (Jacobsen, limited edition beers).
Little Mermaid:
Playing with the water:
Delicious cakes:
Calsberg, enjoying a pint of Limited Edition beer:
Φτασαμε στην Copenhagen στις 18/8. Και αυτη πολη ομορφη πολη. Εχει αρκετα καναλια που την ομορφαινουν. Ενα απο αυτα, το Nyhavn, εβαλε να το χτισουν οι φυλακισμενοι ενας παλιος βασιλιας και τωρα ειναι γεματο καφετεριες!
Καλα και η Δανια ειναι φωτια στις τιμες. Ως συναρτηση, αυτοι εδω πουλανε βενζινη 92 (!!!!) οκτανιων. Σε πολυ λιγα βενζιναδικα θα βρεις 98-99 οκτανια.
Περπατησαμε την πολη πανω-κατω αρκετες φορες (και φυσικα ξεπατωθηκαμε). Δυστυχως ενω περιμεναμε να βρισκουμε city bikes (παιρνεις τα ποδηλατα σαν τα trolleys των σουπερ-μαρκετς) αυτα ηταν αφαντα...
Εχουν ως συμβολο μια γοργονα, που την δωρισε ο Jacobsen (ιδρυτης της Carlberg). Πηγαμε και στο Carlsberg brewery, οπου μεταξυ αλλων ηπιαμε εκπληκτικες μπυρες (αντε να πας να παραγγειλεις αυτες τις Jacobsen τωρα στην Κυπρο... θα σε κοιτανε σαν εξωγηινο). Εκει εχουν συλλογη απο κλειστα μπουκαλια μπυρας. Αναμεσα στα 17000 μπουκαλια, ετυχε και βρικαμε και τις Mythos, KEO και ΑΛΦΑ!
written by  ManosGeorgia on August 19, 2008 from Copenhagen, Denmark

Hans Christian Andersen flavour!
Odense, Denmark
Before reaching Odense, we visited Hamlet's castle and the town of Helsingor. This is a cute small town with old houses around 500 years old. You can actually "touch" Sweden from Helsingor! Maybe a few minutes on the ferry?
Odense is the birth place of Hans Christian Andersen and you can tell from everything, even the pedestrian traffic lights show his figure!!! We walked around his first neighbourhood, perhaps where he used to play kids games on the streets! We were also impressed by the Danish designers, they have some great home stuff, you can decorate your house with great pieces, but of course we dont have the money to buy anything :))
Το Odense ειναι η γεννετηρα του Hans Christian Andersen. Μεχρι οι Γρηγορηδες/Σταματηδες στα φαναρια εχουν τη φιγουρα του με το μπαστουνακι! Συμμαζεμενη πολη, περιεργα γλυπτα τριγυρω, περασαμε απο το σπιτι της γιαγιας του που γεννηθηκε και απο το σπιτι που εζησε τα φτωχα παιδικα του χρονια, φαγαμε και μπανανιτσα εξω απο το σπιτι του χαχααχχαα πεινουσαμε.
written by  ManosGeorgia on August 21, 2008 from Odense, Denmark

Country side
Ringkobing, Denmark
We came to the West Judlands of Denmark to enjoying the lake and the country side. Magnificent views of the lake, staying at a camp site, right next to a Field with "Highland cows"-looking animals, walking through little villages, we visited the oldest Viking town of the country (Ribe), it was nice and a change from the city life of the last week.
There is an annual sand sculpture "festival" with massive up to 4m high sculptures from sand, where we also enjoyed trying to build our own sculptures with little success... :)
There are cycle routes all over West Jutland, it is a relaxing area, we may have been the only tourists that could speak english (German is the language for this place, they where everywhere!!).
Μειναμε 2 βραδυα σε ενα καμπινγκ (οπου συνεννοουμασταν με νοηματα, επειδη δεν ξεραν αγγλικα!) διπλα στο Ringkobing fjord. Εχει μικρα χωριουδακια, ενα απο αυτα το Ribe ειναι το αρχαιοτερο χωριο Viking της Δανιας. Ηρεμια και γαληνη! Στους δρομους εβλεπες μονο αυτοκινητα με γερμανικες πινακιδες. Ειμασταν η εξαιρεση.
Πηγαμε σε ενα ετησιο "festival" με γλυπτα (4μ υψος) απο αμμο. Εντυπωσιακα κομματια. Ειχε και ενα μερος να δοκιμασουμε την τυχη μας να χτισουμε κατι, αλλα στεφηκε με εχμ αποτυχια.
From our visit to the (astonishingly for such a little village) large air museum by Ringkobing fjord - Georgia is playing with an old Scandinavian plane:
written by  ManosGeorgia on August 22, 2008 from Ringkobing, Denmark

Autobahns!
Hamburg, Germany
We entered Germany in the afternoon. Georgia was the driver, and yes, she was stunned by how fast the cars would approach us from the back: No speed limits in the Autobahns!!! (I later experienced this myself, but didnt manage to exploit the rules with a stuffed 206 1.4l...)
Hamburg is mostly a large industrial city like Oslo, however there are plenty of historical buildings around and the canals make it really cute. We had some delightful German beer in St Pauli (which is a small Amsterdam). Sorry lads, only very few english laggers are comparable!
The city centre is dominated by the impressive canals and the harbour. But the Hamburgers have something else to look forward to: The "Harbour City", which is due in the following years. A new city was being created, at the time of our visit they were carried out the infrastructure works (eg metro) and a few sky-scrapers. Really amazing project.
We also visited the old Russian submarine U-434, which rumours say it reached the New York city coast. Amazing how narrow every room, passage and working place is in the submarine. Nice experience to be in a real submarine!!
written by  ManosGeorgia on August 24, 2008 from Hamburg, Germany

A short stop in Holland
Arnhem, Netherlands
We only had 1 night to spent in Holland, with our eager to move down south to the Spanish coast growing! From recommendations, we chose Arnhem!
This is a small-ish city by the River Rhein. Romantic walks and views by Rhein was the highlight (there we saw the boat-hostel, moored on Rhein!), but Arnhem had a few more things to see and do. Plenty - but seriously plenty! - of parks, green areas, lakes and other waters were there to walk and we did our best! Everything in a compact package, it was easy to walk around!
(Επισης, κατα τη διαρκεια της επισκεψης μας συνειδητοποιησαμε οτι το "Αρνχεμ" ειναι η πολη που ποδοσφαιρικα τη φωναζουμε "Αρνεμ", δηλαδη η πρωην ομαδα του Μαχλα η "Βιτεσε Αρνεμ" ειναι εκει!)
written by  ManosGeorgia on August 26, 2008 from Arnhem, Netherlands

Magnificent Belgium!
Brugge, Belgium
When we had decided to go to Brugges, we didn't know what to expect there. We were thinking of a nice city, like the others, such as Copenhagen, Stockholm etc. Actually, it was more than that. It was... medieval! Really medieval looking city centre, from the cobbled streets to every single building! (the cobbled streets did cause us pain in our a@@@s when riding the bikes that we rented.... but nevermind).
They have a good network of canals, everything is looking so matching with the scenery, so medieval, we also had probably the best guide to visit every secret of the city on a map we were given at the hostel. For example we saw the scalp of the old traitor that opened the gates to the enemy, the upsite down canon stuck on a corner into the pavement, we had marvellous pancakes stuffed with good portion of cheese and ham... Found the best place (cheap!) to taste a bunch of Belgian beers etc
Belgian beers... nice... (stilll prefer the Danish Jacobsen I guess).
So many things, so astonishing views on the streets, also inside the city hall, the churches etc etc. To our surprise, we found that in Church in Brugges, they keep Jesus Christ's blood, that was stolen during the crusades. We paid a visit of course. They seem quite religious, well, maybe they USED to be very religious, they have Madonna's scultpures at the corner of almost all houses.
Oh and there is Michael Angelo's Madonna sculpture, which is really something for the Flammish city.
We also had a short trip on the boat. That was nice! Kind of romantic stuff, and great views of the city from the waters!!
And OF COURSE we visited the CHOCOLATE MUSEUM!!! In which after watching a demo of how they make the praline chocolates, we tasted them (and then we run out to find a chocolate shop to buy more... and more...)
We were extremely satisfied with our stay, we decided to stay longer and cut one day from our next stop (Brussels). Good choice. The photos below tell only a fraction of what we saw and experienced in Brugges....
written by  ManosGeorgia on August 27, 2008 from Brugge, Belgium

In the EU capital!!
Brussels, Belgium
We headed to Brussels with the idea that we would encounter a multicultural city, and yes, it was pretty much like that! They advertise well being the capital of the EU.
We went straight for the central square, which is a very large relaxing square overlooking the prestigious city hall. Walking through the narrow steets, suddently we found ourselves among PACKED restaurants with outdoor tables. Well.... WE HADN'T SEEN SO MANY LOBSTERS GATHERED IN A SINGLE STREET!!! It seems EVERYONE was ordering (nicely looking!) LOBSTERS for dinner...
Oh yes, we continued tasting the Belgian beers... next to an open air music festival. We sat outside for free, but the music was loud and we enjoyed it (until the rain started!). Plus we enjoyed a splendid fireworks display! On another occasion, we found ourselves eating and drinking beer (belgian, of course) for free!!! I guess it was part of the festival.
Not to forget, that we started FEELING THE SUMMER, with temperatures of up to 28 or 29 degrees!!!!!
Of course we walked around the EU commission and parliament buildings.
We also visited the Atomium. Well, this is an.... atom. But 260 billion (!!!!!!!!) times magnified! Impressive?
Last (but not least) we visited the museum and the (undeveloped until today) fields of the Waterloo Battle. Historical Battle, it was quite something to know you are standing on the fields where one of greatest Battles took place...
written by  ManosGeorgia on August 30, 2008 from Brussels, Belgium

In the centre of Europe!
Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Luxembourg was a cute little city of a small country (less than half a million people). It too has an important role in the EU, with the european bank of investment and some juristicial bodies lying there. Of course we had a round through that (new) area of the city. The most impressive structure of the area though is the philarmonic: Looks good outside, probably clear hearing experience inside!
A strange sculpture in honour of the steel industry of the past (by the way, Arcelor Mittal have their head quarters in Luxembourg):
We had the opportunity for some walking around the nature, as the city is built on hills and the forest is next door! Marvellous views from the top of the one hill to the other! And great weather for walking (at least the first of the two).
Here is a statue of the popular Duke of Luxembourg from the past:
We visited the popular casemates, which were part of the defensive system. Nowadays, there are remains of the old wall, giving us great views from around the city. The casemates were underground hiding places - big rooms and corridors within the rock!
In Luxembourg they already have three official languages (luxembourgish, french and german), but they all know english too ;)) (contrary to Spain, to be commented later). All in all a nice visit in a small city, with green areas, plenty of walking paths and spectacular views from all the high points!!!!
written by  ManosGeorgia on September 2, 2008 from Luxembourg, Luxembourg

SEA AND SUN!!!!!!!!!! (and HUMID HUMID HUMID TOO HUMID)
Valencia, Spain
It was a very very long (but not that tiring) trip to Valencia. We travelled some 10-11 hours one day, the rest 4h the next! But we got there! To the sun! To the Mediterranean!!!
Okay here we have to list the negative things about Valencia (and Spain):
1) Toll roads. (applies also to FRANCE). THINK before you DRIVE on motorways! We spent as much in tolls as in petrol. Outrageous...
2) HUMIDITY. Way too humid, even in September.
3) Language. We had to be lucky to find a Valencian speaking English.... LEARN A LANGUAGE, VALENCIANS! Some seemed to know English, but preferred to reply in Spanish - so our dialogs ended up like them speaking in Spanish and us speaking in OUR language - Greek.
4) Turbulant sea. Too much wind and waves.
5) Driving (see below)
6) THEY DON´T SELL (AND DRINK) FRESH MILK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Only long-last "derivatives"... Oh my God... No FRESH milk?????????? (This is for Spain, not only Valencia).
7) Expensive camp-sites for not as high standard of services as in Scandinavia.
Still, WE ENJOYED our 7-night stay!! There were plenty to see and do (yet we preferred the sea and sun most of the time hehehe). We stayed in El Saler camping, just off Valencia.
We got some tan eventually! The sea in all of the beaches around Valencia were most of the time too wavy, some days even red flags were raised. But there were endless and beautiful sandy beaches.
Driving in the city is an unforgetable experience. You are on a 5-lane road ending up in a 6-7 lane roundabout!!! and then trying to squeeze your car through the 2-lane exit... hahaa.
Valencia has many attractions! From the sandy beaches in front of the city, to the old town and the old towers (part of the walls), to the modern artistic area with magnificent structures (hemisferium, opera, museum of modern art, aquarium and stuff) designed by Calatrava. A must visit!
(have you noticed the holes? They are from Napoleon canonballs)
This sign (writen in Greek) is in the main train station:
Paellas and Sangrias... miam miam. delicious!!
And as Formula 1 fans, we of course drove on the streets where the new Valencian Grand Prix was held this year!! We even made a "virtual" pit stop (no there wasn´t anyone waiting for us to change the tyres...). Maybe one day, we ll be swimming in Valencia, and walking to the grand stands next door to watch Fellippe Massa and Ferrari!!!!
Georgia is waiting for tyre changing in the pit stops!!!
Last, a photo from our visit to Algemesi (a village near Valencia). On the Virgin Mary's birthday (8 September), they have big celebrations, with parade of traditional dancers and music - it is a street "party" for Virgin Mary's birth outside the church and on the streets. The highlight was the men-towers!!
written by  ManosGeorgia on September 5, 2008 from Valencia, Spain

Gaudi....
Barcelona, Spain
After one week of sun bathing and relaxing, it was time for a city visit! And what a city!! Barcelona!!!
Barcelona wasn't that humit and hot as we were expecting. That helped us to see the city around! We also camped outside Barcelona, where it was really chilly at night!!!!!!!
What can one say about Barcelona? Attractions: Plenty. Architecture: First class. History: Abundant. Diversity: Plentyful!!
We stayed 4 days and they weren't enough! Even from day 1, we figured out that the name Gaudi means a lot to Barcelona. He was a genius really. We were lucky to decide to visit one of his projects: Casa Battlo (this house does NOT have a single corner... it resembles the nature, every single piece is astonishing, the roof, the facade, the Interior... even the loft!) >>>
(<<[these are the chimneys!!!)
More Gaudi structures (including the Park Guell, where Gaudi's excellence is demonstrated):
And La Sagrada Familia (or, Gaudi's unfinished project, that is being constructed for 100 years). This again is impressive. HUGE! Seriously big church...
Around Barcelona old city:
(under this bridge, you can see a scull sculpture!)
More Barcelona beauty:
Open air - escalators!!!!!
On 13/9 we hopped off the turistic bus to visit Camp Nou Museum. When we found out that there was a game that night, Barca-Racing Santader, we changed our plan!!! Oh yes, we were in Camp Nou, the biggest stadium in Europe watching Barca live!!!!! (Georgia needed some persuading!).
Catalunia History Museum was very interesting - and interactive too! >
On the teleferik (cable car) and at the Castle:
By the end of our visit, we were really aware that (most of?) Catalonians do not consider themselves Spanish. We had learned Gaudi's contribution to the city. We admired the Olympic Games area and we had also some time to walk across La Ramblas, the busiest street of the city!
(we forgot to comment on the homeless / beggars issue... but... okay.. no big deal).
The ICING ON THE CAKE: In the village (Alella) next door to our campsite, there was a WINE FESTIVAL!!! Which of course meant cheap local tapas and plenty of wines!!!! We appreciated it a lot!!! (Allelia is supposed to be famous for its wines, but we are not experts on this subject)
** English is not enough when travelling in Europe. Really... You need to know at least one more language! We ll discuss this later.
written by  ManosGeorgia on September 12, 2008 from Barcelona, Spain

Pyrinees (and.... Spa!)
Andorra la Vella, Andorra
This is the smallest country we are visiting in our trip (Monaco is not exactly a country). Some 60-70 thousand people sum up its population!
The tiny Principaut de Andorra offered us two things: A change from the Mediterranean climate to the mountain surroundings and some... spa time!!!!
Impressively located villages between the mountains, it is a recommended destination even for the summer. We enjoyed mountain hiking (for our standards, ascending 500m altitude was an achievement!), breathtaking views from altitudes of 2500 metres! Nature everywhere! And, of course, there was some of the Principality atmosphere!
Life from altitude of 2500 metres!!
For quite a while during our trip, we were expecting the moment to get to Andorra. The reason?? CALDEA SPA CENTRE!!! Advertised as the biggest in Europe (probably correct), we went there two 3-hour sessions of spa: Saunas, Turkish Baths, jaccuzis, pools with water of 36 deg temperature... SOOOO RELAXING!!! And we also treated ourselves with a professional massage too!!!!!!
(Manos also dived in the cold 14 degrees pool, but only lasted 30 seconds, before rushing into the hot water pool!!!!!)
They seem to have a nice taste of humour in Andorra la Vella. We found teddy bears like this (in various colours) in many places in the town!
written by  ManosGeorgia on September 16, 2008 from Andorra la Vella, Andorra

French hospitality!!!
Nice, France
Here we have to mention QUERALBS, a small village (population of 300 people) on the mountains of Catalonia. We visited this picturesque little village on our way to Andorra. All houses are made of stones and the streets are cobbled. We were really in the middle of nowhere, very quiet and really gorgeous place to visit!!
Στο δρομο προς Ανδορρα, μετα τη Βαρκελωνη, ξεχασαμε να αναφερουμε οτι ειχαμε παει σε ενα καταλανικο χωριουδακι πανω στα Πυρηναια. 300 ατομα κατοικοι!!! Παρα πολυ γραφικο μερος της Ισπανιας (Καταλωνιας), με ωραια θεα!
In France, we stopped in Carcassone, a small touristic city in south France, with a prestigious castle standing on the hill (we didnt enter it). It looked a great place to stay, judging from the 3 hours we spent there!
Μερικες φωτος απο Carcassone, τουριστικο μερος, δυστυχως δεν ειχαμε χρονο να παμε στο καστρο, το οποιο πραγματι φαινοταν εντυπωσιακο. Ειχαμε αλλες 4-5 ωρες οδηγημα μεχρι την Nice...
Then we headed for Nikaia (now known as Nice), in South-eastern France. It took its name from ancient Greeks who had founded the city.
There still were people trying to sunbathe, in late September!!! Anyway, we visited the Laskaris music instrument museum. Funny experimental musical instruments were exhibited and also some of the palace's original furniture was there.
Η Νικαια, στην Γαλλικη Ριβιερα, ειναι πολυ ομορφο μερος. Ολη η περιοχη εκει στα νοτιοανατολικα της Γαλλιας πρεπει να ειναι πανεμορφη, κρινοντας απο τις ματιες που ριχναμε απο το αμαξι.
Στο μουσειο Laskaris (καμια σχεση με την Λασκαρη):
(πειραματικο οργανο "αρπα-βιολι")
We of course walked up the hill where a few hundred years ago they created a waterfall (from water diverted from a nearby canal)!!!! Outstanding views of all sides of the city from up there!!!
Ο καταρρακτης αυτος στο λοφο της Νικαιας ειναι τεχνητος, με την εννοια οτι παιρνει νερο απο ενα κοντινο καναλι! Τον εφτιαξαν 100-200 χρονια πριν!! Απο ψηλα εχει πολυ ομορφη θεα της πολης!
We also dared to visit the modern art museum (it was free!). Haha, it was HARD to understand the meaning of STONES forming circles on the floor!!!!
Πηγαμε (τζαμπε) σε μουσειο μοντερνας τεχνης. Εκτος απο πετρες στο πατωμα που σχηματιζαν κυκλους (!!!) ειχε και εναν "πινακα ζωγραφικης" που προφανως καποιος τεμπελης αρχισε να μουντζωνει με λασπη. Παρε και 2 μουντζες απο μενα:
More Nikaia photos:
FRENCH ARE SUPPOSED TO BE SNOBBISH WITH THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. TO PUT THINGS RIGHT, THEY WERE NOT. THEY ALL KNEW ENGLISH AND THEY ALL TALKED TO US IN ENGLISH. CONTRARY TO SPANISH, WHO EVEN THIS 1% THAT KNEW ENGLISH, THEY WOULD ALWAYS REPLY TO US IN SPANISH...
written by  ManosGeorgia on September 19, 2008 from Nice, France

Posh luxurious and wealthy!
Monaco, Monaco
Two facts we were impressed by: 1) Local people (in museums and in cafes) knew some basic Greek!!!! 2) We had a nearly proper frappe there!!
Principaute de Monaco... What can one say... FERRARIS. POSH. RICH. PORSCHES. FORMULA 1. POSH. FERRARIS. LUXURIUS. FERRARIS. PORSCHES. POSH. FERRARIS... AROMA OF PRINCIPALITY LIKE NOWHERE! And in case we forgot to mention, full of Ferraris, Porsches and other similar super-cars!
We OF COURSE drove the world famous Grand Hotel hairpin on our little Peugeot 206! We drove through the tunnel (yet the other way round), we walked almost every corner of the Monaco Grand Prix (many parts of the Grand Prix are only used during the Formula 1 weekend and access was not allowed to make a complete lap!)...
We spent some time outside the Monte Carlo Casino and the Grand Hotel... So many Ferraris... You could hear an approaching Ferrari engine every 2 minutes! It was weekend and the weather marvellous for them to show off!
(Ferrari Enzo!!!)
Oh our visit was not only to check Felippe Massa's tyre tracks on the kerbs... We visited the palace located on a hill, from where we stared at the centre of the city (unfortunately, photos were not allowed). We saw the guards change, we walked through the adjacent public park with impressive trees and cactus.
We had a frappe next door to the palace...
Monaco is a different place in this planet...
written by  ManosGeorgia on September 21, 2008 from Monaco, Monaco

Near the end....
Ancona, Italy
In a bad mood. 53rd day of our trip. We didnt have the time to see Italy (and had used our budget). A great summer journey. A journey that started in the heart of the summer on 1st August (a summer that never visited Manchester) from the one end of Europe (Norway) and is due to finish in the far-most of Europe (Cyprus).
All we can say is that WE HAVE TO DO THIS AGAIN.
The smiles in the photo are fake.... Goodbye trip...
written by  ManosGeorgia on September 22, 2008 from Ancona, Italy

Ioannina, Greece
54th day.
Arriving in Igoumenitsa - we visited a friend. Here is the local church:
Cloud games with the mountains:
We made the best of our trip to Thessaloniki, by stopping in Ioannina. Ioannina offered us some of the greek beauty. Highlight is the lake and the venetian wall. We took the boat to visit a little island in the lake. This island (with some 200 inhabitants) has some history in the greek revolution against the Ottoman empire - now you ll find monasteries and a small museum. We also had some tasty greek fish by the lake!!
This is a reaaaaally old tree (one can find such trees in many greek towns and villages - impressive):
We didn't have the time to visit Metsovo, the other touristic town of the area. Another time!
We arrived in Thessaloniki around 23.00.
THE END
PS We will post a general comments article soon.
written by  ManosGeorgia on September 23, 2008 from Ioannina, Greece

Review time!
Thessaloniki, Greece
Georgia has left Thessaloniki for Cyprus and I am following her shortly.
Here is a short review of the places we visited. I ve already missed Norway, Brugge, Monaco, South France, Stockholm and the swedish festivals, Andorra and Copenhagen...:
NORGE:
+ Friendly people, astonishing scenery (fjords, waterfalls, cliffs), Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), Oslo Open Air Museum, wonderful Bergen
- Too expensive, no proper highways, drug dealers in Oslo train station
I would definately go again!!! I want to explore more fjords... I want to go hiking to Kjerag (google it), I want to go to Bergen again.
SVERIGE:
+ Very friendly people, majestic Stockholm, free August music festivals around the country, great little towns, tourist city bikes, excellent campsite network, very clean even during the festivals
- Erratic weather, expensive car parks in Stockholm.
I d like to go to Stockholm again! Goteborg is a great visit during the festival too!
DANMARK:
+ Bike-friendly country, good campsite network, peaceful countryside, Beautiful city of Copenhagen, Jacobsen beer
- Expensive, flat and as dull as England country side, Copenhagen city-bikes were like ghosts (nowhere).
I enjoyed Denmark and I might like to go to Copenhagen again.
DEUTSCHLAND - HAMBURG
+ Bratwurst, beers, submarine museum, cheap, funny atmosphere in St Pauli, Autobahns without speed limit
- Not a place to stay long (2 days were enough)
NEDERLAND - ARNHEM
+ Great little city with much green space, walking by river Rhine
- Where are the souvenir shops???
BELGIE
+ Brugge....... wonderful!! Belgian beers, bike-friendly cities, cosmopolitan Brussels
- Traffic in Brussels
I will definately go to Brugge again!!!!!
LETZEBUERG (luxembourg)
+ Marvellous city on the hills, exellent views, great walking paths around the city, very cheap fuel.
- A bit quiet.
Luxembourg is different and cute. I dont think i ll visit it again, but I liked it.
ESPANA & CATALONIA
+ Sun, Gaudi buildings and designs in Barcelona, festivals and fiestas, city architecture, great food
- Spanish denying to communicate in other languages but spanish, disappointing sea (if you want just sunbathing okay, but do NOT go to Spain expecting to find proper sea for swimming), humidity, toll roads (rip off), rediculously expensive hotels and hostels, beggars and homeless issue, driving conditions in the city
I will NOT go to mainland Spain in the summer again - the sea is only suitable for wind surfers. Barcelona did the trick though - great city.
ANDORRA
+ Magnificent views during the mountain hiking, Caldea Spa centre, very cheap country
- A bit quiet
A place that I d like to visit over the winter in the future.
SOUTH FRANCE - MONACO
From our short stay in Nice, I think I made my mind: I have to visit Cote D Azur in the near future! As for Monaco? Out of this world! Posh... and posh! I d like to have a dinner in the Casino in the future!!
Oh, not to forget the ULTIMUM RIP OFF: French toll roads. You pay more on tolls than on petrol...
written by  ManosGeorgia on October 1, 2008 from Thessaloniki, Greece