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Inter-rail diary 2006: Western Europe

Laurel and Hardy style adventures in Western Europe
Kirsty Fisher writes...

Although I’ve known about my inter-rail trip for about a month now, I’m still a bit nervous - particularly when it comes to writing an interesting diary. I’ve decided to just focus on enjoying myself, in the hope that my life-long unlucky streak (falling over/losing shoes...) will provide entertainment. It’s doubtful that I can return from Western Europe without a few stories to tell when I can have a Laurel and Hardy style adventure simply catching a bus. Luckily my travelling buddy Ben is less prone to such behaviour, but usefully, he’s a bit of a historian - so I’m relying on him to provide me with interesting local information throughout the journey.

Packing, unpacking, and then packing again...
Three weeks ago, all I did was daydream that travelling would be walking off a train, onto a path that weaves between charismatic buildings and staggeringly beautiful historical landmarks; then it ends conveniently at the cheapest hostel where dinner is ready...

Since then I’ve considered route, accommodation and timekeeping. I’ve even researched destinations. I have packed, unpacked, then packed again, after finding what I thought I’d forgot was there all along, right at the bottom of my rucksack in an irritatingly well-concealed compartment.

The Route Plan

I have written my route plan with the locations in order. Also, I’ve added a few words that I presently associate with that particular location. This probably shows how ignorant I am, but in a month or so I’ll be able to make up my mind with experience.

- Brussels: Expensive with a big fish market.
- Bruges: Horses wearing nappy-like garments to avoid messy streets.
- Amsterdam: Naughty museums, people and restaurants.
- Bavaria: Beer, sausage, and fairytale castles.
- Verona: Romeo and Juliet
- Bologna: Spaghetti Bolognaise
- Rome: Romulus, Remus and Russell Crowe.
- Nice: Nice.
- Barcelona: Architecture, drinking and dancing.
- Madrid: Drinking and dancing again.
- Gibraltar: Monkeys. Marks and Spencer’s.
- Marrakech: Dress codes and harassment. Cattle ridden public transport.
- Valencia: We’re going to La Tomatina! (A fight using tomatoes)
- Andorra: Nice scenery. Very small.
- Paris: Restaurants, romance and tourists.

Useful Information

DieBahn travel service
I was advised to purchase a copy of the Thomas Cook European timetable, which is probably very good. However, I found a free website that includes all the information required. I planned my whole route location to location. I know times, changes, when to reserve, duration and even what platform to go to.

eBay.co.uk
Rather than blowing all my spending money on travel guides at £15 - £20 a time, I turned to eBay and ended up with six quality and up-to-date guidebooks at very little cost. The one I’ve found particularly useful was Lonely Planet - Western Europe. I also bought an MP3 player (£7) with 2GB memory card (£22). It won’t be the end of the World if it gets lost or stolen, and is much smaller and cheaper than my original one.

Map of Europe
I paid 5.99 for a Michelin map of Europe from Waterstones. It was ideal for planning a basic route. Also the destinations are spelt originally (e.g. Munich - Munchen) so I won’t get confused if checking timetables abroad.



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Click here >> for more on the trip	Click here >> for the Lille update
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