Hello Ladies & Gentlemen,

Today, I had the pleasure of attending a Budapest free city walking tour followed by a tour of the Buda Castle Labyrinth, it was good times. Sure I’ve hated on free walking tours in the past and guess what, I probably will again in the future. This one was different, it was actually quite cool. The above photo is the first non communist commissioned statue. “The Princess”.

Woke up early and these 4 ladies from the USA had come in, they were going on a tour. I was going to go for a walk so decided it was a perfect match. Arrived at the meeting spot and the guides were cool. I think this is the *major* factor in whether or not you’ll enjoy a tour. The lady in Prague looked ghastly boring. In fact, I saw another tour going later and it looked boring, anyways.

We checked out lots of things, here is some of the tidbits I picked up on… The city was Buda and Pest and later got combined to become “Budapest”. The divider is the river that runs between the two sections. Buda is easy to get lost in as it’s old school road structure, Pest is on grids and the country loves the guy who founded it. Supposedly if you lose your ID card you need to fill out 2 forms at police office because they have no photocopier. Your average person here earns ~500E a month after tax. The tax goes as high as 46% here, it’s on the Scandinavian code or whatever. Also they are about the same on the world development scale as Uruguay. The whole transition from Communism occurred ~20 years ago so she said that it’s their grandchildren who will be living in a “sorted out place”. FYI ~60% of the income around here comes from tourism. Live a little for the host, will ya?

The hero is this first King Stephen who brought Christianity in 1000A.D and as a result ~65% of the population is Christian. Someone asked what would have happened had he not brought it, she said they would have lost their land. Looks like it happened anyways. They backed the Germans in WWI and lost a lot of land, then again backed them in WWII and again lost even more land. Also the entire royal palace was looted and basically burned so it’s now just a boring museum according to the guide lady.

The parliament is the 3rd largest in the world, it`s basically like some other countries except the architect added 1m to make it bigger, ha. The church and parliament are same height as they have the `same power` and no other buildings can be taller. There are also a few famous inventions from here but they elude me, one was the hologram, yeah they elude me.

After that, myself, the US ladies, another US lady and a gent from Canada hit up the labyrinth under the Buda Castle. It was cool and it was used for many things including a bomb shelter for as many as 10,000 people and darker things like torture and prison when the “Commies” came in. The catacombs, labyrinth whatever was cool and there is even a wine fountain, supposedly it’s NOT for consumption though, tasted watered down anyways so don’t bother.

I think the walk was good for the old cough, the labyrinth, not so much. Whenever I’m sick, this whimsical whacky world has a way of bringing me in touch with a nurse. She gave me some reminders and suggestions and basically I’m going to “lay low” for a while, ya heard?

Went to a local cafeteria that is out of the eyes of the tourist traps and had some traditional Hungarian food. Don’t get goulash, everyone makes it and there are other dishes that are more “Hungarian” like potato soup, mushroom soup, spinach stew, lamb stew with potatoes or dumplings. The dumplings reminded me of what my ex gf’s mom used to make. Wish I had ordered some but I had limited Hungarian coin on me and they don’t take euros.

Always ask the price when ordering wine or they will get you in on a 6E meal and give you a 95E bottle, for real. Also I asked about all the Mercedes and BMW cabs, what the deal was. She said those are the ones you see driving around the TOURIST areas in Europe and they only have them because they rip tourists off. Always negotiate a price and never trust the meter, never thought of that, did you? Then we see them in a sick ride and assume they are more trustworthy, hmmmmmm.

Tonight at 10PM there is a free Indie Rock Concert in the Deaktor subway stop aka downtown. There is a massive fountain with glass bottom and underneath it, a massive club with a glass ceiling. All free to get in. The Jewish district is also supposedly great for dinner and amazing pubs, no cover required. She said there is no reason whatsoever to do a pub crawl in this city, told you she was cool. They also have a massive theater but the acoustics suck so no composer has ever played there twice. As a result it’s mainly rented out for raves and techno parties.

Finally, this city is considered quite “safe”. So safe that many people walk around all over at night, I think part of it is the “grid system” you can spot enemies and weirdos a long way away and always have an exit every block. Also the Prime Minister of Hungary works right near the royal palace and there is no security, anywhere. He just walks out and jumps in his car like anyone else.

Funny how so many say going overseas is so “dangerous”. Lots of people should compare their backyards on a global scale before making such blanketed and often false assumptions.

Update: Found a place in the Jewish quarters where you can get a large pint for ~1E, I felt like I was at The Jam in Lagos, ok, not really but kinda. Also had a great meal for under 10E. Say good day to the crew as I have health issues to attend to. Now I’m sitting here with two nice French girls from Paris. If you’re playing Hostel Roulette your best bet is to never get empty, reason is that every night there is something going on, one must choose their battles carefully.

Flick of the cap,

P.S: These cars below, you had to be on a waiting list to get. They were total garbage with 21 horsepower but if you had one, it was the bomb because you couldn’t buy things, only what was given to you. No gas outlet, you had to mix oil and gas and pour into engine and check with a stick. Also it was made out of a cardboard composite basically, yeah!!!

P.P.S: As someone from North America I find it hard to relate to the hardships these people have suffered. We’re lucky for too many reasons to mention, for real.

Search Du Jour!?: “Saw Playboy Limo” – Result, here.

Greetings,

Decided to kick it another day in Prague, when a friend of yours from the other side of the world, that you met on the other side of Europe is in town and has his trip ending, you chill out. Today, I took a train from Prague, Czech Republic to Vienna, Austria. I then got on the wrong train which was going to Munich, Germany and ended up at the right station to get a train to Budapest, Hungary, huh!?

If you’re on Eurail, you can go from Prague -> Vienna and Vienna -> Budapest FREE with no reservation. The 1st class cabs are ok but nothing special. These trains now have “premium” which are basically for really fat people. It’s just a big big seat. Ok, I’d love to sit in it but for 25E surcharge, I wonder if I just started sitting in it, hmmm… Also Once you get to Ostrava in Czech Republic from Poland, it is also free. SO if you want to check out Krakow, it will only cost you 20E each way… Pretty sweet, I know nothing except I’ll be in Krakow, at some point, again. Spain, France, Germany and supposedly Italy are the ones that really “screw ya” on the reservation fees.

Anyways, life is good but not soo good, I’m official “SICK”. Considering I had a death cough in Lagos and it’s never gone away, now is the time to destroy that “coughing demon” who lives deep in my oil tar sands of lungs. This just may be a great time to quit smoking, bright side, bright side. You know you’re sick when you’re sitting at a train station with a parka on, shivering and it hurts to swallow when everyone else is going about their business in shorts like it was the middle of #@$# summer, oh wait, it is.

Yesterday was cool, basically just “sifted” through the streets consuming egregious quantities of pizza, for real. We split a large at this one joint, then later bought 2 “Iceland” pizza’s. Iceland is supposedly a backpacker holy grail, you can go in and get anything for only 1E, a pizza for the kids? 1E, having guests and want to impress them? Grab the casserole for 1E, etc… I’d appreciate a place like that. Also cool when some European people ask you for directions in Prague, eh do I look like I live here, don’t answer that, sweet.

Met a girl traveling with her little brother on one of the trains, she has a blog as well and after eating Bohemian Goulash for breakfast on the train, then passing out for a 2 hours, she was kind enough to give me the rest of her dinner that her and her brother didn’t eat, tip of the hat. Oh yeah, if you’re on trains and you like tea (who doesn’t), bring your own bags. They want like 3E for a green tea but will give you hot water for free(they always hook me up at least), hmm yeah. People who offer their extra food are champs, even when they know you already polished off a meal 2 hours previous. Back to tea, I bought the Goulash and 2 Pepsi’s for ~7E. Later, 1 pepsi and 1 green tea cost me 4.25E… Sucks being back on the Euro, I am slightly gutted about leaving Poland / Czech Republic, I just love it there.

Topic of saving money, feel kinda lame for my insane lack of planning. Met this guy who has been couch surfing the whole time, another guy who does as well. I told him I had been paying, he said that is weak. He is kinda right, yes, no? Thing is, couch surfing requires knowing where you want to go. I woke up today thinking I was taking a train to Austria. When I got to Austria I knew I wasn’t spending any time here so looked for an exit. It’s cool but feels like a Western City, snore. After Krakow and Prague, I have standards, standards in way of architecture, people, food, prices, company…

Regarding hostels etc… If I pay average on a global scale of $450US-$500 a month that is ~$4500-$5000 over 10 months… How much would you spend in rent back home, for some lousy basement room? Thought so. Flip side is what could $4500-$5000US get ya? Definitely get you an iPhone and some other good gadgets OR that much more in the tank for further adventures… Or you could buy a web business that will potentially pay you forever. Just if you are paying for a hostel, pay the extra few $$$ and get right in the core, where rent would be most expensive and you want to spend your limited time…

I’ll update the rest of this from my hostel, if I find one, somewhere in Budapest

Turns out Hungary is on it’s own dollar, the subway system is easy to use. The hostel I’m in is actually pretty chill and it costs 19E a night for a 4 person dorm. Still too much, ran into more couch surfers, I am dedicated to sleep on someone’s couch, anywhere. Ran into a girl on the subway doing couch surfing and these Polish people doing it. Seems like I’m the only person not doing it? Huh?

Budapest is rather beautiful thus far. Just took some photos of station, that church and whatnot, most day photos are of Vienna, fyi.

I have photos, I can’t be bothered to add them, I’ll do it another day in some “Train Trip” photo set or something when I get an apartment, really soon, hopefully. Getting a little tired of the old “roulette wheel” here. I just hit a crappy spin, it’s all dudes except this one English girl with metal in her face.

This one dude kinda creeped me out in Krakow and guess who is here, yes “Creepy Chad” as we’ll call him. I really hope he is not in my room. Everyone just bounced so here I am updating this blog while some weirdo is playing guitar, I hope he doesn’t start singing Kum By A or something homofied like such. I’m getting to the end of my “hostel tolerance”.

In Asia, I had my own hotel / guest house rooms, what a different trip that was. That or I’m just extremely sick and would rather be anywhere but here now with “Creepy Chad”. I also think I hear Christian Rock in the background, what the h3ll is going on here!?

Flick of the Cap,

P.S: COUGH

Search Du Jour: “Private Walking Tour Prague” – Result, here.

Greetings,

Prague is a laugh but not the safest place. I never understood why women go to the bathroom together and now. In Prague in some shady big @ss  night club, yeah, definitely, seriously. Heard some weird stories and seen some random things. Wherever you’re from it’s a once and a while reminder, wait a Seattle second or a Nanning nanosecond, we’re not in Kansas anymore.

Also, supposedly there are “fake cops here” who will ask for your passport etc … There are different schools of thought but some say having  $$$ in your passport as a whatever is the best bet, other side? You never have it, and you don’t. Suffice to say an acquaintance of mine was asked for it aggressively late at night and he was like “no passport, no passport” and after 4 times the guy said ok, 1000kr and he’s like I have nothing… The guy told him to get lost.  Reality is once someone has your passport, it’s kinda game over. That’s your life, yes? If you think he’s a fake, tell him to bring you to the station…

Be aware.

Now that that code crap is out of the way, Prague is a city that you have to come visit should you enter this area.  FYI This place is NOT a developing country and in 2006 it was granted “Developed Country” status. Supposedly in the country areas it is still “cheap” compared to other economies however Prague, no. There is coin being banked around here.

You can still get dorms for supposedly 7-20E depending on what you’re looking for. I’m in at 15 and it’s perfect. Actually you can get a private room for 30, so if you’re with anyone, b-line it to one of them.

My friend and the creator of the “Mashups” arrived on Sunday from Lagos, went on a free all you can drink private walking tour. I discovered even more of this fine city. The lady I met here went back home yesterday, tip of the hat as it was cool hanging out with her. Most cities you’ll have “old town”, this “Old town” just goes on forever and I like how the streets are massive. In other parts of Europe the streets are so small you have no room to spot enemies or unsavory weirdos in the depths of the night.

Finland is a requirement in the beginning of August. 3-6th arrival I’m thinking. Budapest is calling me as my ex gf of forever is from there and well it’s somewhere I want to go visit. Of all things I got an email from her today, looks like another one of my friends got her number and is like showing up with perfume and shit on to go for a coffee, huh? Don’t they know girls who like gents like myself find that insanely metro!?

Slovenia, Poland (again), Romania, Lichenstein, Luxemboug, Austria, Switzerland …

I’ve spent ~2+ weeks in the block now, I’ll be back. If you aren’t married or think your life kinda sucks take a trip here and just see what else is out there before jumping to potentially ludicrous conclusions, yes? Some of these expensive countries without crap except mountains and business centers should be good for a day or so. Another factor to consider is the expiring Eurail pass. Traveling in the block is cheaper than say whatever to Lichtenstein or other locations mentioned above. Also the difference between 2nd and 1st class is larger in these countries (train wise) so if I paid for a pass why not ride these again. Germany and France have some very nice trains. I don’t really care about the train quality, I rode all sorts of weird and cheap things in SE Asia, loved it.

Went on a pub crawl and it was pretty lame, also the last bar was in the middle of nowhere, it’s like ehhh do you have an agreement with a cab agency? I walked it through these random parks then took the subway at about 7am. Last time I ever go on a pubcrawl but sometimes it seems like a good idea when you’re already in a great mood and the people you are with are like “sure whatever!” You could have said “Let’s go climb mount Everest” and it would have been the same enthusiasm probably… It’s also a weird lot that go on pubcrawls besides like random Rugby teams. It’s a lot of people looking for a party and you can have as much wood as you want but if you got no sparks in the crew, you’re not getting a fire.

My friend is going home in 2 days after a most epic 6 month tear through this wonderful place. It’s weird I started thinking about this trip and that vibe when it’s over. Most say it’s like manic depression and well you already had your fun.

One of the dudes we were hanging out with was from the Netherlands Antilles, at that 4 storey club the top floor is “Black Music” which is kinda like a wtf? Are they not aware? He found it funny but also wtfesque. Also it plays like “Holla Back Girl” and “Poker Face” and stuff. It’s weak music but that is where you’ll find all the ladies smiling like “OMG I LOVE THIS SONG” with gentleman just kinda standing and drinking next to them or getting toooo into it. You may even see 2 guys in pub crawl shirts fix their bangs before hugging it out hahahahaah.

Anything else to say before this update’s retired? No.

Flick of the Cap,

Search Du Jour!?: “Visa Problems Vietnam” – Result, here.

Greetings and good day,

It’s been a wild time here in Prague. The city is extremely interesting and supposedly one of the only cities in Europe that did not get destroyed in World War II, as a result, everywhere all the old architecture stands firm. Really enjoying my time here and I recommend you come visit, it does remind me of Krakow, Poland.

If you’re leaving a night club really late at night, you better watch that meter, we left the 5 storey club at 5am and the meter was jumping so fast at 200 I caught him and by the time we stopped it was 500, he was a big burly dude, I told him he ripped us off and I was paying him 200 not a penny more, he took it then sped off leaving us in a cold rain in the middle of nowhere, I use no maps but I always remember landmarks, a short walk later, we were home.

The lady I’m enjoying the company with is really cool but when one of your best friends in the world says “Dude, you gotta msg this girl, she’s Czech and in the area” well, you do it, yes? The beauty of traveling alone is that if you are open minded with a chill demeanor, you’re really never alone but with new interesting people who are very similar to you, regardless of where they are from.

Instead of eating in town square, been picking stuff up and going to parks, hanging out by the rivers and doing stuff like that. I will note that someone asked me if it was expensive to travel the world, the reality is that it doesn’t have to be. If you do not go to expensive clubs, drink in the town squares, you don’t spend that much. The hostel I found is perfect although it ranks lowest in Prague, just remember this… WHO FILLS OUT THE SURVEY’S? No one I’ve ever met…

Lot’s to see and do, waiting to meet one of my good mates from Lagos here tomorrow then shortly after going south. I need to be in Finland for the beginning of August, I smell another “bender train trip in the making”, indeed I do. I still need to make it to that lake I don’t know why but something about it is calling me. I told him I’ll be in townsquare at the statue at X oclock in a tuxedo and a top hat doing jumping jacks, no way he’ll miss me.

It’s Saturday aka the “Deadzone” on the internet but I don’t care these pictures need to be uploaded. I will note that Prague has a plethora of top end cars, the nicest cars I’ve seen in Europe to be exact. If you’re doing Europe, come to Prague, it is that simple…

Oh yeah, it’s been raining the last few days and I mean POURING, oh well you gotta enjoy the bad to appreciate the good, or something like that… Side note, how weird is it that in today’s world a friend can msg you and say hey, I know someone who is in the area and you can msg them and boom, you’re chilling, on the other side of the world? It’s pouring now, great time to do some monkey work.

Also, never buy any leveraged 3x funds on the stock market before leaving for a long time, they can “deball you”. If you do, better be sure you’ve bought lots of equities on the other side so the “torture” can be minimized, then again it’s all part of the game, not in the mood to get gored? Don’t get in the arena…

It’s Saturday, go out and enjoy a drink and talk to someone new. The festival is on today but if it’s raining like this, nah. Prague is fun as it is, cruise around and see what happens, always a good plan, anywhere in the world.

Almost forgot, that 5 storey club is SICK! On the 2nd floor they have like this big crucifix of a space man with lasers coming out of his eyes and stuff as smoke screams from the machines to make it a big cloud of awesomeness, it’s expensive to get into, your best bet is to do the Pub Crawl, spend the 25E and get free entrance and drinks everywhere, if not it gets pricey, trust me, hahaha.

Ran into these Hare Krishna dude at lunch, I’m not overly into all this gear but I opened the pamphlet and it said “The mission is pleasure but most don’t know what pleasure is or how to find it, they find it in material things which enslave them instead of give them freedom”. That’s all I read but I will say I’ve never met anyone who seemed to be having more fun, these guys were hilarious.

This update is all over the map kinda like myself, this is what happens when lots happens and I don’t update, yes. You can buy a boxed merlot wine for ~2E at tesco and it looks like a juice box, write that down.

I’ve also been thinking about how most people are, we spend so much on ourselves but give so little to others, I think a much better way to live is to spend less on oneself and give more to others. Giving does feel better than receiving, it’s true. You’ll have a 40E dinner and then not drop 25 cents into the hands of someone with nothing. Sure they messed up or whatever but still, why not? Many never give and they never receive. You look for “trades” where you want to get back from those you give to, that’s small and wrong. You give to guy X without wanting anything in return and guy Y will give to you without wanting anything in return, something, somewhere and it may not be $$$ but a favor, directions, anything… Think about it. Get in the mix and your life becomes 10000X more fun.

Considering I had no desire to ever come to Europe, I am so glad I did, this “Euro Trip” leg of this “Round da Worlda” has been absolutely out of this world and I can see why people move here, Europe is fun, especially the Eastern Block. Regarding women, Czech Republic has it all but I think most say that because they never made it to Poland. If you like it here, you’ll like it there, that’s what I’m saying. If you do go to Poland, make sure you hit up Krakow, you’ll thank me.

Back to the park, you can be enjoying yourself and doing what you want (literally) and next to you there is this trendy cafe serving 5E pints playing awesome music and you have the best of all worlds, throw in some lovely company and well it just may be heaven on earth… I look around and I’m eating exactly what I want and all I can think of is “how much would this cost in a restaurant”… Remember restaurants buy their food where you do and some dude cooks it and they have all this rent, I’m just saturated. Going to a restaurant should be a fun treat, if you eat out everyday for 10+ months, you begin to loathe them and turn into that guy ordering off the menu like “can you make me this?”.

I’m a simple man, give me potato salad, some ham and cheese and I’m good to go. Throw in some fruit and or veg to prevent scurvy and that’s all you need to “get your engines going”.

Often Docks say do not enter unless with ferry man or whatever, if you speak another language just go and hang out, if someone comes which they probably won’t, just act like you don’t speak English or the local language. Same applies for gypsies, they say “you speak English” mainly because locals are onto their tricks, just shake your head.

Oh yeah, those jackets you buy in Sapa, Vietnam haha they are NOT waterproof but perfect as a shell for when it gets slightly chilly, if you bought one and went to say the top of Whistler, you’d be in for a really cold and wet day. I mean if it cost you $35US … Gotta cut costs somewhere aka everywhere.

Finally, why do so many of you go to the gym for cardio? Why don’t you just drink vodka water on a Saturday night and dance for 5 hours with strangers, better than your 3X a week run on a treadmill. Instead of buying that gym pass, pay for club entrance fees.

Tips hat,

P.S: Why all the hating on the crooked photos, I liked em!

P.P.S: Thanks to whoever is sharing this via the “Facebook Like” button and other means, I have no clue who you are but we’re getting a lot of traffic “round heah”.

Search Du Jour?!: “possible to fracture forehead and not know?” Result, here.

Greetings,

Went on a stroll yesterday as I do everyday and saw these kids writing stuff in chalk on the street. Obviously I took some chalk and wrote “STOP HAVING A BORING LIFE . COM” for all to see. As I was doing that, some ladies from Australia began to inquire what I was doing. Before that though, I saw a Playboy Limo go by and someone filming something inside, hmmm…

We josh for a bit and they are going to “THE PUB” which, is actually,  a sick place. It has taps on the tables and you push which person you are then pour your own beer. You can also buy food there and there is a competition between tables. Since it was myself and 2 ladies, we weren’t “in the competition” but there were groups of 10 dudes a table just hammering it. It cost ~36Kr a beer which is ~1.5E. I had 2 pints and we split a bunch of appetizers, it cost me 8E, tip included.

On the way home I said farewell to my new friends and took a long way home, no rush really. As I approached my hostel that I found randomly I saw police so I walked closer, it was the playboy limo and they were all getting out. These ladies looked smashing however I will say this. If you hang out in tropical destinations for the better part of a year around the world, it’s not the same…

The women are still beautiful but you’ve seen women like that and actually partied with them so it just changes your perspective. If you only ever lived in your one area, hung out with the “hot girls from high school” or married your University sweetheart then maybe but… Know what I’m saying? That said, I think going to a Playboy Mansion Party would arguably be one of the best times ever, just saying.

Yesterday I got an email from that lady who is a friend of my friends, this is the email I sent her:

“Hi,

Gav just emailed me, I’m a good friend of his, old university roomates type thing. I’m in Prague for tonight, maybe another day or so. He said I should send you a note. If you’re in town feel like having a pint?”

As a result, I am meeting her at her hostel tonight. Considering she is from Czech Republic and I’ve already met her once briefly in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, should be a cool time. We can also talk about a large group of mutual friends. Small world, yes?

Oh yeah, “Pleasure Island” which is a massive electronic music festival is taking place at the airport on the 24th of July … Things that make you say “hmmmmmmm”, yes? ELECTRONIC MUSIC FESTIVAL IN PRAGUE, Can you feel it!? I think Paul Van Dyk will be there, I like that guy.

Flicks cap,

P.S: I almost got smoked by a porsche last night so I got my travel insurance today, feels good to be covered.

P.P.S: For some reason hearing the clock tower do it’s thing at 8:30pm is a big deal, we were walking to the pub and that is the big crowd photo, snore.

Search Du Jour!?: ” “Private Tour” Mekong Delta ” Result, here.

To whom it may concern,

Went on a walking tour today, a private one. By private I mean I just got out of bed and went for a really long stroll. I saw some other walking tours but they didn’t have any smoking hot Brazilian women so I just kept walking. I talked with one lady for a bit who ran it but she seemed kinda boring. I went on 1 and well it was dope but not my style.

Prague is BEAUTIFUL and I’m glad I went on this stroll, I saw a lot and missed a lot I’m sure but hey, I’m in Prague and I took these photos, I’d say I saw a good chunk. Check this, some family was going into the gothic torture museum. I went into Warwick Castle when I was like 10 and saw their dungeon and it gave me nightmares for like a decade.

The kids that went in were like 7 and 9, eh dad? How about you leave them outside to play with the buskers or anything while you go get your sick gothic torture fetish fix, yes? haha, seriously though… Parents these days, shakes head.

I went to the tesco lotus to pick up some food today as I’m really sick and need some “soul cleansing” whatever that means… I had all the stuff then said “cooking for yourself is depression at its best” so I put it all back and bought some random stuff. I thought one was potato salad but it was like goats cheese, I like goats cheese but NOT 150g at once. I did my best to kill it though.

Tonight, I’m going to venture to have a decent dinner somewhere, I’m in Prague, I can get a nice dinner for under 10E. Back home all I have is some crap served by a waitress who hates her life and cooked by a kid I wouldn’t want hanging out with mine when I have them  in the future, ok I’m grossly over exaggerating but whatever.

Basically there is lots to see and do here, unless I bounce tomorrow, I may go on a catacombs tour just because I think castles, underground lairs and even dragons are cool. Ever thought as well that you are lucky to be around, I mean everyone who is here in the now had family that survived through these times… I’m talking medieval times where you’d get tortured for anything really.

Finally, I have realized that traveling alone is NOT for everyone but if you can hack it, it’s a totally different trip. What do I mean by that? If you’re in a group and approach anyone they are apprehensive, if you have a kind and open demeanor, you can approach anyone and be well received, think about it. One day when I’m not constantly traveling I will write more in the “thoughts” section but for now, too much else to talk about really.

I have been testing this theory lately, seriously.

Oh yeah, the American dude left this morning, gave me a map and a rail pass. He was going to Krakow, Poland so I filled him in on some stuff. I gave the rail pass to this French kid I met on the street and didn’t use the map. Maps take away all the fun. If you’re alone, do NOT take a map out and just ask interesting people for directions along the way, your day will be very different and seconds change minutes that change hours that change days that change lifetimes… Ever thought how missing a bus changes everything in your life because everyone you ever meet will not be the same who were there 5 minutes earlier…

Oh yeah once more, that massive tower you see over the river is the biggest tourist attraction and takes a while to get there. I got there and the line you see below is the around the corner part, I’m talking hundreds of people in line, I have no clue what is in there but I am not waiting to find out. Also the picture inside the church was taking in stealth mode, shhhhh.

Just remembered something, some friends may be coming here and a friend messaged me with the contacts to this girl he used to work with in Victoria who is from Prague and recently moved home, he said she is cool and could `fill me in on the city`, that sounds alright to this gentleman, indeed it does. Flip side is, I really want to milk that Eurail pass to the end now, we`re approaching it being 2/3rds done, where does time go!?

Flick of the ball cap,

P.S: Nothing.

Search Du Jour?!?: “hot girls on beach in algarve” Result, here.

Greetings,

Took a train today from Krakow Poland to Prague, Czech Republic. Ever wake up in a city and say “I’m totally done here, I’ve done everything I wanted AND MORE!??” Probably not, actually most of you yes. We have a very different readership here, I like it. People who read this blog either do trips like this, have done trips like this, will do trips like this or would love to do trips like this.

So if you’re on a Eurail pass like yours truly, Poland is NOT included. Take a local train from Krakow to Katowice then Ostrava as it is the nearest Hub on the Czech Republic side. It cost me 20E then it was free riding until Prague. I was going to take an overnight train to Vienna, Austria but they only had sleepers and I can get on 1st class for free during the day, no brainer.

We here at SHABL DO NOT pay for sleepers, can you say gross, bed bugs and just rank? I’d rather sleep in a comfy 1st class chair or a floor for that matter, at least you know it gets ajaxed regularly. I met a cool crew of British women in Katowice, Katowice has my least favorite train station EVER. Up there with Madrid and Jakarta, maddening.

The place looks scary, the staff is not so friendly and the “signs” are non existent. I have a sweet photo of the info desk with no one there, the lady came back and was well, let us just say she does not belong on the front line, she looked seriously depressed, hope she cheers up soon.

In Ostrava I met a crew of Mexican dudes and when they found out I was going where they were asked if they could follow me to the train, obviously I gave them the tip of the hat and said, “let’s go” or something of that nature.

Got in at 10PM. Hey, you, train station people, ever thought of opening a line exclusively for departures within the next say few hours? I hate waiting in line when I have a crew outside that could bring me to a hostel and there are all these people in front of me inquiring about tickets next week, really? Seriously?

I finally get out but hey, those Mexicans knew these Swedish dudes, lets get to that. I go outside and everyone left, it took me forever, then the Swedish guys came out. I’ll say people from that chunk of the world are pretty cool. They were going to a hostel, I went with them. I get there after a long search…

So, what is worse, NOT booking and having NO guarantee but just showing up anywhere or searching everywhere like some crazed whatever looking for a hostel that may or may not be in a sick location. Yeah and on that topic, the room I was sleeping in is NOT a bed and is NOT for rent. The owner crashes there when he has a night out on the town, tip of the hat as it’s the best room I’ve ever had.

So we get to this hostel and it’s booked, I think maybe I’ll go to the train, take a “short cut”. Hey if you are in a new city always back track, don’t assume there is a grid, definitely not over here. Meet these 2 people from the USA and walk with them as it was sketchy and when you have all your stuff you are very vulnerable, no matter who you are…

After some time I find a hostel, I get there totally destroyed and tired and open the door for a little “roulette”. On that note, getting sick of hostels, big time. I want to rent an apartment soon, we shall see but then again I’m never home so it only makes sense.

Get to this hostel and it’s really nice rooms. I mean I really like my room and the showers are amazing, I needed one. It’s just myself, this American and this guy from Taiwan. Everyone thinks I’m American so I am just going to say “yes” because I have no problems with the USA. As a Canadian it’s pretty cool having the biggest plot of land in the world and being mad chill and next to the 600lbs gorilla as your tighest crew member, ever thought of that?

So it’s past midnight, I have lots of photos but adding them feels like work and I’m not in the mood to do some monkey work right now. So far Prague is alright, I’m on a mission though so won’t be here long. I will say that the “nightlife” has gotten ghastly boring. If you’re with a beautiful woman, having some drinks is well, sociable and often exhilarating. Also remember that it is healthy to at least “see what’s happening” on a Saturday night.

If you’re on the travel scene, it’s a party every night and hear you me, most of the time it just kinda sucks. As a result I will be deploying my time, energy and moula into food and checking out castles and lakes and what not. I saw a photo on the web and I fell in that 4 letter word instantly. It just gave me a “happy sensation”, you know that feeling you get sometime.

On this entire trip there has never been anywhere I “need to go see” but this place I absolutely have too, I’m even looking up tours and stuff and when I get there I want to shut my brain off and just absorb it, if it is as cool as I think, I may end up wanting to spend my summers there ok ok I’m getting out of control.

Cordially,

P.S: Mental Note: Remember KFC boxes everywhere and “2 for 1″. Also, the dude passed out in the doorway of the last update is NOT me. You think I’d post something like that if it were me? Also how did I take it and when did I start wearing sandals!?

Search Du Jour!?!?: “Thailand Snake Whiskey” – Result is here.

Greetings and good day,

This was simply a wild weekend in Krakow, Poland. I believe less is often more and as a result, I will leave it at that except to add it was extremely gluttonous and excessive, it was anything but boring. Hey, ever been to Slovenia? Neither have I but I think I’m going to go there. I gotta go to Prague first, for some reason I’m not overly thrilled about Prague or any German city. Slovenia however, that is another matter.

Note: That guy is NOT me, I don’t wear sandals and I’m not 50 or homeless, just clarifying…

It was nice to see my friend again, I’m sure I’ll see her again, somewhere. Typically if you meet someone on the other side of the world, then meet them again in another country, you will probably see each other again, yes?

I will talk about accommodations… I dropped the ball and by that I mean I forgot to book us anything until she got here, WHOOPS. I’m not a details guy, give moi a break, ok? Anyways…

We roll in at 3:30 or something and they say only 2 spots left in some 10 person dorm, I’m  ike whatever we’ll take it. We get there and it appeared as though all the spots were taken, there is another door… Walk through it … WOAH!? My dream apartment? This massive hardwood floored room, a sick ceiling with chandeliers, a “Big L” white sofa with a table that is perfect to put a drink, your feet or act as a podium to your own private party. It has a good sized dining room table and 2 windows over well nothing except …

It was above this cool hip hop club that played some of the best hip hop I’ve heard in years, it has rekindled my love affair with hip hop, can I say that? Whatever, I just did.

I ran into these snobby French people. Now, I love French people and call a spade a spade. They were snobs. So anyways I speak french and ask if they are French and she says “Definitely not Quebecer” to which I quipped “You most CERTAINLY are not.”. Moments later she finds out I have been here for 1 week and didn’t know there was a certain section in this town and was shocked…

Why would you be shocked? There are many types of travelers, those who walk around with maps, meet no one and get lame / insanely dorky photos of themselves in front of landmarks that have no meaning to them. Anyways she was with her mother, acting snobby and staying in a crappy youth hostel, how posh! I said I have better things to do then hang out near someone googling city maps on a Saturday and left. This brins me to my point.

I’ve realized what this trip is about, it’s to meet as many cool people in this world as possible. To go on missions and despite being a foreigner, experience some “what it’s like to live here moments”. Also when I finish traveling, I’ll have what I consider good friends from every country in the world. That beats a trip to the Salt mines or a concentration camp.

I do not understand why people go visit Concentration Camps, why would you want to be somewhere that evil? It’s a massive $#$#up in history and frankly, I don’t go to “buzz kill places”. I see people coming to the hostel, booking their trip there, eating crappy spaghetti with no meat for dinner (pikers) and then going to some lame city tour and leaving. This brings me to my next point and I will go ON about this later…

Most of you travel lot are really lame and your weak vibe often hinders my buzz. You come across the world and you stay in the cheapest place, cook all your own food and just go see lame tourist attractions, why don’t you stay home, eat your spag and just go on wikipedia. You people PUMP NOTHING into the economies of the countries kind enough to accept visitors who often rely on tourism. Countries that don’t need your tourism $$$ are like China and you’ll know that when you are there.

I urge you, if you’re out and about to go enjoy a beer in the city center or some pub  for 2E instead of drinking one with some random people in this tiny hostel common room for 1.25E. You’re traveling, wow, get a life people. If you meet no locals, enjoy no night life, try NO cuisine, you haven’t been there people, sorry but it’s true. Now, if you’re a long term backpacker, I hear ya but if you’re on vacation … NO EXCUSES!

Anyways the reality is this was an absolutely off the walls weekend, it’s rare I meet a lady who is as crazy as I am or maybe even crazier, I dare say. It was fun, I’m done with Krakow to be frank, thing is this… If I didn’t have that Eurail pass I’d love to just well hang out somewhere and work on some mini sites, I registered one today. I haz ideas, I need some grafters to do my bidding.

On the topic of the Eurail pass, it feels like I’m married as I have invested so much into this pass and well “committed to it”. I don’t like it, I have lost some freedom to “do what I want to do”. I wonder what it is like for people who are married on that day they look at their spouse and are like “I don’t even like you anymore….”

The apartment we had was sick, I’ve realized what I want in life and remember, had I booked in advanced I’d of been guaranteed accomodations but would have slept with 10 sweaty people on a tiny bed when in reality I booked last, rolled the dice, paid the same price and had a massive pad for myself and my friend with a private DJ. Booking in advance is like a GIC that pays 2% or less on your money… You’re guaranteed something, something boring.

Just ran into one of my favorite bartenders. Just like how in Lagos, “The Jam” was my favorite place, my stomping grounds if you will. here in Krakow, it’s “The Cosmopolitan Club”. Amazing bartenders, nice venue, great vibe and conveniently under my “apartment”, if I can call it that!? hahah

Oh yeah, on Friday some dude lit a fire in town square, not a good idea because those Polish cops which are bigger than any guy you’ve ever seen in a gym in North America took this dude down with authority, it was quite the spectacle, I was there but my camera just sucks (insert something really gross here, will ya?).

On the topic of that, when you’re with a lady or a gent (for you ladies), unless you’re stinking up the place (which I realize most do) going into an empty club can be awesome, your own private bar fully stacked with bartender, own dance floor. It’s like being a trillionaire who has a club running 24/7 so that if they want a drink they can go, ever thought of that? However, if your date is boring you will have a boring time, if not well you’re laughing.

Flick of the cap,

P.S: If you finish a meal and don’t want it, get it to go and give it to a homeless guy, make his day.

Greetings old, new and soon to be friends,

Typing with a busted and bandaged finger really sucks but I used to show up to work on my death bed and if I’m just chilling listening to good beats and can still type as fast as a whoever does the minutes of a court case, it’s not the end of the world. If you’re in Europe, you should come visit. I’ve basically just been living in Krakow Poland and by that I mean trading stocks, hanging out, not doing any tourist stuff just chilling and living.

I’m not feeling bloggy and this finger is really messing u0 my game, ok I am not goign to fix anything, errors are errors and this is NOT some newspaper so if I hit the wrong keys, who cares. Now, last night was fun. I was just trading stocks and chilling when well a party started and well I wasn[;pt stinking up the place so I joined, glad I did.

There is a klub that will remain nameless and has such a sick layout and during the day has some very interesting people, at night the music well sucks. I mean it is so slow that it is for people who if they were riding a bike need training wheels. I’[ve never used training wheels and nevver will. When you[’re on a roll and went for a stroll to a bar, you want up beat move yo body type music, am I wrong”? It makes me sad as I love the name and the club but the music man…

Later we hit up this place, no clue what the name is and everyone basically scattered excep0t myself and for the sake of this blog we’ll cal the 2 Vikings. It had a weird vibe and I saw these 2 dudes grinding and was like, wtf is this a gay bar” Turns out it was like 5 years ago but still the sickest venue with some of the sickest music and obviously there were tones of women, ones that like dancing with gentlemen. Also open until well I don’t think it closes!?

Writing this update feels like waiting in traffic, uncomfortable and stressful. As a result, I’[m done. Just come visit Krakow Poland if you are in the area, you won[t regret it. Tonight my lady friend from the wedding is coming to visit me and well have some fun. After that I’[m going to Prague then Berlin. I think the best way to 0play it is to go have a nice dinner tonight and slee0p wherever and rent an a0partment for Saturday.

I dunno, we’ll see how it plays out. She’s full of surprises and doesnt make plans either, hence we get along. I do know a nice dinner is in order, as a backpacker the ONLY time you go to a restaurant let alone a nice one is when you have great/special company, or at least that is how I roll.

The sun is shining, it’s a beautiful day. After this I will throw on my board shorts and hit up that fire hose in town square, yes, that is a brilliant idea. I will say this, I can’t stand hearing people com0plain about the weather, just take it ok? It really annoys me, you complain about the cold, you complain about the heat… Complaining is a very easy to catch mental cancer, don’t do it and please, don’t spread it. Notice a complainer, only people who chill with them are others waiting for the turn, SNORE!

This update feels awkward like ~use your imagination~

Oh yeah, think for yourself and speak your mind.

To my traveling and drifting friends in Europe, the EURO is NOT worth $1.30US, men with deep pockets will short this thing to where it belongs, if you don’t need to hit up the atm, hold off or just chill in the block until the “rally because we’re screwed from what we thought were the lows” is over. I could be wrong, but that is how I’m playing it based the thoughts of gentlemen I know with more knowledge than myself.

Flick of the Red Socks ball cap,

P.S: This city is really old and beautiful, you can feel the history, don’t need to go to museums.

P.P.S: The stock market is the new “battlefield”, get your bows out and align yourself with the guys “making it rain” nuclear styles.

Search Du Jour – “Lagos Women Portugal” Result, here.

Nod of Acknowledgment,

Turns out last one was 300, who cares, whatever like it matters. On the 00`s I get deep and stuff like that, can`t help it, it`s just how this blog plays out now and until I`m being cremated or buried in a dirty casket or cryogenic frozen in some lab next to Walt Disney and other people who will miss the present but feel the future.

I tip my hat to the gentlemen that I meet, who with smiles roam the streets, send out greets and sleep on dirty mattresses with no sheets who respect free speech and would rather have no home then spend their lives 9-5 in some bs seats. When you’re on a roll, you must go for a stroll just do what you want in your life or you’ve basically already sold your soul. Seriously, it’s like 80 years of being on parole.

When my finger heals, behind this adhesive seal, I’ll fill you in on the deal, with great vigor and zeal. It’s been real. This morning I woke up at 6am after 4 hours of sleep to these 2 drunk ladies tripping over big things in tiny thongs. They said “Sorry for waking you up” and i quickly quipped “No, thank you for waking me up”. I realized it was time for me to start my roll with an early morning crack of dawn stroll. I strolled through the town square smoking what was one of the worst cigarettes of my life. It tasted like blood stained dirt with a side of arsenic and formaldehyde.

I found a homeless man, I saw him yesterday and gave him a coke, a smoke and shared a joke, he was stoked. He talked gibberish, I smiled and gave him my packet. He then in perfect English said thank you very much but his eyes told a long story of better days and went on his way. When is the last time you made somebody’s day? When is the last time someone made your day?

Think of it like pay day or a bank account, you need to build an account before you can hit up the ATM. Also building wealth and saving things of value is fun, you should try it some time instead of overextending your credit on stuff you don’t need while forfeiting your freedom in a slow torturous bleed. All this? It’s all to hide insecurities you don’t even know you have. On a totally unrelated topic, I really like women with nice calves.

I tip my hat to thee and thank yee for spending time on these here pages. We’re and by that I mean you, myself and everyone who reads, spreads and enjoys this new type of blog doing some different. A blog that is only here to tell you to do what you want in your life. If you aren’t doing what you want you will never be happy. If you are doing what you want you can never be anything but happy, even in the darkest of hours. You never know when an inane accident may end your life so enjoy every nanosecond of it and act with the attitude of a kid and forget the complications and games you learned in your teens. That my friends is the gateway to your dreams.

Also, if you’re alone at night with a group of women, that is when you are most likely to get sucker punched in any city of the world by a guy who hasn’t been laid since black and white TV aka when the “Leafs” won their last cup hahaha who is just insanely jealous, envious and resentful that he’s with a bunch of losers and you’re with a bunch of beauties and having WAY MORE FUN. This is a true story that happened to a great friend of mine. I think I already mentioned it on this blog, if you’re a cool guy this is how you’ll meet a fist in your friendly face late at night in what could be any random place. Obviously the guy who threw the sucker punch was a sucker so there was no damage but it’s still NOT COOL.

A bunch of `good old boys` are coming to Poland for a wedding end of the month, will be great to see them. They are the guys I aka we the crew I lived with in University got our crib from. Sick duplex, 7 rooms and a 3rd floor that was the `afterparty lounge`. Also have some gents from Lagos moving this way to do the rest of the block. If this summer was a stock it would simply be BTFO.

I am also in the market for plate mail armor. I want to wear the armor every Sunday and trim hedges, giving free shaves, administer some vigilante street love and other random stuff with my sword. Sunday is a very special day of the week, we owe everything to the sun and there is no better day to enjoy a massive meal with your family. Instead of using a steak knife I’d rather use a broad sword, thank you. The plated armor HAS to be authentic aka some dude wore it and risked getting killed / probably killed people in battle. I will also consider chain mail but would prefer the protection of plated.

Friendly flick of the cap,

P.S: I am thrilled to see rappers teaming up with house DJ`s and rapping to electronic. It`s the best of both worlds, I should have gotten involved years ago, it`s the future of `fun music`. I`ve seen it even if only in my head.

P.P.S: Never believe a word people say when you first meet, especially at a club. They can tell you a few sentences but their body language is telling you the whole story.

P.P.P.S: We don’t edit videos, we make them.

Search Du Jour:!? “How to not make life boring Result is here.