Your Mission, Should You Choose To Accept It…

Super jealous. My sister and cousin were fortunate enough to head off to London for about two and a half weeks in total. It was my sister’s first time in London and while I am super jealous, I am also super excited for her because I was sure she was going to have a great time. And she did!

Just before they left, I gave them “Top Secret” envelopes. In these envelopes were letters to them, instructing them of their “Top Secret” Mission – should they choose to accept it. Their mission was to be the best tourists London has ever seen. I know people frequently say “be a traveler and not a tourist”, but sometimes being a tourist is the part of the fun! There’s a reason the iconic sights are iconic and so many people flock to see them. And so, attached to their letters were “Photo Bucket Lists” consisting of a number of these cliche tourist-type things to do in London, and some of the things that I enjoyed most. I kept them pretty ambiguous so that it doesn’t become a complete checklist, but is rather a guide for things to do. And to make sure my sister brings back the photos that are expected. Haha.

Here is the list I sent them with for their mission (in no particular order):

□Platform 9¾

□Drinking a Cup of Tea

□Oxford Street

□Christmas Tree

□London’s West End Musical

□Red Double Decker Bus

□The Queen’s Guard

□Drinking a beer in an English Pub

□Red Telephone Box

□A model (hint: Abercrombie)

□Big Ben

□The Queen

□Tower Bridge

□Shakespeare

□Buckingham Palace

□The Union Jack

□A Lion (hint: Trafalgar Square)

□Drinking Starbucks

□Eating Mushy Peas

□With a Mime

□As a Mime

□Eating a Scone

□One Direction

□With Ms. Brown

I thought I’d share this list on here as an example of things to do while in London. It is such an amazing place, I think you could spend months there and still learn something new every day. Most of us are only lucky enough to get there for a few days unfortunately, and as such have to cram a massive amount of awe-inspiring sights into what effectively becomes a total blur. Its quite funny though, because they came back saying that they felt like they had “failed” at seeing London because every time someone asked if they had done something they said no. Which just goes to show that it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks you should do on your holiday – as long as you have a good time and make memories you will have been successful!

Contiki Final Review. I don’t normally like hashtags, but #NoRegrets.

And so Contiki is over. Here is my full honest review of my Contiki experience, the things I learnt, my favourite parts and anything else I can think of.

First off, let me say Contiki really is good value for money. I still maintain you would be hard pressed to see and do as much as you do with accommodation, transport and food for the same price by yourself. However, I can also see how Contiki might not be for everyone. It it unbelievably fast-paced, and because I did such a short tour it was even more so. However, I will also add that if you do only have limited time off or limited time to travel, then a tour like the European Highlights is perfect. Don’t not go because you think it is not enough time. I saw so much more in the last two weeks than I ever thought possible.

The stories about Contiki being one big party are true from my experience. You go out a lot. But what do you expect when you put 50+ young adults together in one place? Alcohol is also a wonderful ice breaker. But you don’t need to drink and party every night if you don’t want to. The one thing I will say though is don’t distance yourself unnecessarily from the group. You’re really only screwing yourself if you do this. For example, if everyone goes for a beer at the campsite before dinner, join them. Don’t drink if you don’t want to but definitely still go be social! There are very few people who are actually going to care or notice whether or not you’re drinking if you’re still having fun. Don’t be stupid and get so hungover you miss entire sightseeing days (unless to get drunk is all that you’re there for obviously). I was out late most nights, and I did miss a couple of breakfasts, but I never missed a day exploring which I’m so happy for.

The trip is what you make of it. Be brave and speak to the other person standing by themself, or go to the group standing together and just introduce yourself. Yes its a bit scary at first, but pretty soon you don’t even think about it. Also, facebook is great for getting in touch before so you can at least recognise a couple of faces. It also makes remembering everyone’s names a lot easier. Go to the kick start meeting the night before if you can – we had about 20 people that went and it made the next morning much easier.

Contiki’s included demonstrations are pretty much sales pitches. Some of them were interesting, like the perfumery for example, and some of them are clearly just there to sell you stuff. You don’t have too much of a choice but to go to them, so just do it because they’re pretty short mostly. But don’t sit and whine about having to go because that’s annoying. Also don’t necessarily believe them when they say it’s cheaper there than somewhere else. Some of it was, but some of it wasn’t. Example: clog slippers (which are AMAZING) are actually quite a bit cheaper in Amsterdam.

Food wise, you get what you paid for. Don’t expect five star meals because that’s not what you’re going to get. Having said that, the food at the Rome Contiki Village was absolutely amazing. The pizza from the restaurant there is also the best. Get up on time for breakfasts, even with a hangover. That little bit of food can make your day much better. If you’re put down to be a cookie or dishie, embrace it. You don’t have much choice either, and when there’s five of you doing it it goes super fast. It’s also a great chance to chat with the onsite teams which you probably wouldn’t do otherwise. And its like no work at all really.

Optional dinners varied, and it sounds like they vary tour to tour as well. Personally, the French dinner was mind-blowing and one of my favourite meals the whole trip. The free wine doesn’t hurt either. Tuscan dinner was a waste I thought. It was nice to sample the different foods, but I didn’t think it was spectacular. I would have rather gone to a restaurant somewhere. Sea Palace was good fun, and it was the farewell dinner so there was no ways I was missing it. I think it’s really good value because the actual menu prices there are incredibly high. And again, lots of wine.

The other optionals I did were all worth it. I’m not convinced  Cabaret was worth the price, but I still loved it because its something I’ve always wanted to see. Also, with the group its awesome, especially if people get pulled upon stage. Go to  O’Sullivans afterwards. The only optional I didn’t do that I think I would do if I went again is the Munich bike ride. Apparently that was a lot of fun. If you’re offered an unofficial optional in Amsterdam DO IT. It is hilarious, entertaining, and very eye-opening.

The Vatican Tour is awesome. You get to skip the queue as well. Don’t rush through the Sistine Chapel – take your time and stand alone for a few minutes and really take it all in. It makes such a difference. Same with Dachau Concentration Camp if you go there. Don’t rush. Actually take the time to think about what you are experiencing and what they must have gone through.  I didn’t do the Imperial tour but I heard it was also quite good, it was just incredibly hot that day. Gondola ride was also fun, and it’s Venice – you have to do it. I got the tour photo and I absolutely love it. Its much harder to get your own photo of the whole group than you think. We didn’t get hoodies or shirts because not enough people wanted, which I’m really bleak about. So just be warned that they can cancel optionals if not enough people are interested.

List of optional “Me-Time Activities” we were offered 🙂

Also note that where they say “see” on your itinerary, they literally mean see. You drive past it if its on a coach orientation tour. Entrance to things is not included for things like the Eiffel Tower (unless clearly stated). I knew that, but some people thought it was I think so they were pretty mad when it turned out it wasn’t. Remember when taking photos through the coach window that your flash on your camera should be off. I was lucky coz my camera takes really fast photos so I actually got some decent shots that don’t even look like they’re from behind glass.

Sitting on the coach there are a couple of good options. Everyone knows the cool people are always in the back half of the coach. Only kidding. It actually gets really hot back there, and does start to smell a bit if people didn’t get a chance to shower. Haha. My favourite seat was the first one after the middle stairs because there was a railing so I could sit sideways or backwards and lean on that. If you want your seat leaning all the way back to sleep, the seat just before the middle stairs are best because there’s no one behind you to squish. Windows are best for sleeping, aisles are best for leg room. Even though I felt really antisocial sitting in the very front seat the one day, it’s also awesome because you get to have a good chat with your TM and driver. Make the effort to do this one day if you want because they have really good stories to tell. Seats near the doors are great for getting off the coach quickly at services and therefore missing the queues that obviously form from 50 people in one place.

The accommodation wasn’t too bad, aside from our Florence accommodation which was terrible, especially for the boys. Venice is average, and only some units have air conditioning. Ibis in Paris was good. Nieuw Slotenia/Slovenia (whatever its called) in Amsterdam is really good despite its dodgey outside appearance. The Contiki Villages are all decent. Showers are small EVERYWHERE except Amsterdam. You might not always get hot water. Make a plan for where to keep your room key because climbing through windows is not as much fun as it sounds. We had two chances to do washing – in the French Riviera you could do it yourself, and in Rome you could too. In Rome you also have the option to hand your washing in. I did that and it cost about 13€ for almost 4kg I think. Just be warned it is hot wash and hot dry, so its possible your clothes might shrink or get damaged.

Make the most of your free days. You will walk a lot. I preferred walking to taking the metro to get to places because we could really experience the place we were in. Eat the local food, and don’t worry about getting fat. Just walk some more. I’m pretty sure I actually lost weight, but I haven’t checked yet because I’m still on holiday. Make the effort to speak the language, even if the locals laugh they really appreciate it. If you’re from South Africa and speak Afrikaans, use it in Amsterdam – almost everyone I encountered could understand it basically at least. Obviously because of walking so much your feet will get sore. I switched shoes every day (I had one pair of vans-type shoes, ballet pumps and comfortable sandals that I alternated between) and my feet only swelled up on like day 12. If you’re prone to swelling, buy antistax. Or better yet, bring it with because some girls were paying 40€ for a box. Heel cream and socks when you sleep can change your life.

Don’t get dehydrated! Drink lots and lots and lots of water all day, everyday. Especially if you’re there in summer. It gets crazy hot, and the last thing you want is to ruin your limited time in a beautiful city by feeling sick.

CONTIKI OVERALL RATINGS (with explanations where necessary):
Accommodation: 7/10

Most of the accommodation is completely suitable to sleep in! Some were a bit cramped (like Venice), and I lowered the rating coz I was super disappointed we didn’t end up staying in the Chateau (in hindsight, it was probably better that we didn’t, but that’s not the point). Also, Florence let me down, because the accommodation was so far away it messed with a lot of my expectations, although my bed was comfortable at least.

Included food: 6/10 (boosted by the Rome dinner, also bear in mind that I hate breakfast normally)

Rome dinner was amazing. I normally hate breakfast, so this is difficult for me to rate because for me almost all breakfast is horrible. But again, it was decent food – nothing special normally (except Rome), but enough to give you the energy you need (and line your stomach).

Optional dinners: 7/10

Optional activities: 8/10

Contiki Team (TM, driver, on site teams etc): 9/10

My TM and driver were absolutely incredible, and I would give them a 10+. However, the on site team in French Riviera stopped us from partying at one point which sucked, and the Rome guys at the Contiki Village were super sleazy. I had almost nothing to do with the Venice on site team, so I can’t comment on them. Thing to remember though is that the on site teams also change each season normally, so there’s that.

Included activities: 8/10

Contiki Experience overall: 10+/10

There is no ways I would change a thing!

MY FAVOURITE DAY:
My favourite day would have to be our first day in Rome with the orientation tour. Rome has always been one of the top places on my list I wanted to visit, and it did not disappoint. The history is fascinating and it is so beautiful. The men are beautiful too, which doesn’t hurt. Rome was one of the days where I fully realised where I was and what I was doing. The party that night to end it all off just added to it.

It’s true, I heart Roma!

MY FAVOURITE CITIES:
I loved every place we went to. If I had to pick my favourites, I would say Munich and Amsterdam. Not for the obvious reasons of beer and weed. Haha. I loved Munich because the people were so friendly. We also only had about 4 hours here, and I feel like there is far more to see and do than we were able to. And the food is amazing. I loved Amsterdam because it took me by surprise. It is beautiful. And it is diverse. There’s also a lot to do, and I think if you go out of the city you can be surprised with what you’ll find. Its also great because its so chilled during the day, but completely wild at night so you get the best of both worlds. I especially loved the beautiful gardens we saw in Edam and the peaceful canals, which don’t smell as much as Venice.

WHAT I LEARNT THIS HOLIDAY:

Things will not always go according to plan – be prepared to just go with it and enjoy it while you do!
Be responsible for yourself. You don’t need to be responsible for anyone else – everyone is an adult.
Don’t judge anyone – people will make their own choices. You don’t have to do it if you don’t want to, but you are in no position to judge what anyone else wants to do. It’s not wrong, it’s just different.
The trip is completely what you make of it. If you don’t make friends or you don’t enjoy it or whatever, that is on you and only you. No one is responsible for making you happy, except yourself.
Take time in the mad rush to just stand and enjoy where you are. Don’t rush so much to see everything that you don’t actually enjoy it.
You will learn alot about yourself along the way.
Make friends with everyone, and don’t be afraid to join different groups. I never would have made such good friends with some people if I hadn’t sat with them for dinner on the first night in Paris.
Don’t get ripped off by cabbies.
When you find a bathroom, use it. Especially in Paris. You never know where the next one might be.

TOP THINGS TO REMEMBER TO PACK:
Mosquito and insect repellent
Travel pillow – I had a three way micro bead pillow, and it saved me multiple times
Antibiotics – the Contiki cough is real
A big scarf/pashmina thing – it works for over your shoulders in churches, a blanket in the coach and a sun protector if necessary
Sunblock, although the sun is different and I didn’t actually burn
Good walking shoes for in case your feet do start to hurt
Band aids
Enough memory cards for your camera, and extra batteries (always have a spare one on you)
Adaptors and a power board

Also remember small change for toilets, and to budget for tipping your TM and driver. They recommend 2€ per person per day. It adds up and it sucks if you want to tip them but can’t afford to.

Also, if you’re from South Africa or anywhere that needs visas, apply as early as possible. It really gets rid of a lot of unnecessary stress.

Money wise, I had budgeted 80€ a day, including optionals. I ended up only going about 60€ over at the end, but I probably didn’t need to. Most of your money will go to food and drinks.

In conclusion, after a lot of waffling right now, doing Contiki and going by myself was the best decision I have ever made. I got out my comfort zone, I found my courage and I made plenty new friends and memories along the way. I will never forget this trip, my first time in Europe and the amazing things I have seen and done. If you are thinking about doing it, stop thinking right now and go book it. You will not regret it. Don’t get hung up on the quality of food and accommodation. Rather focus on the quality of the experience you will have – one which I don’t think I will ever do justice explaining. If you have any questions though, feel free to ask and I will answer the best I can!

Contiki family, if you’re reading this, thank you to each and every one of you for contributing to the best two weeks of my 21 years of existence. Even if you didn’t know, you all had an impact on me this trip and made it what it was. Love you 🙂

MY BEST PERSONAL MEMORIES:
When Tam got out the cab at the RN and all I heard was “hello darling” and I was like “I am not going to be alone!”. BFF 😉 haha
Harry jamming to “Get lucky” the first day on the coach
Miranda’s conversation with the cabby
Extra still sparkling water
Salted caramel gelato missons
My girly chat the last lunch in Amsterdam with Katie, Grace and Miranda
Seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time
War stories after a big night out and looking through the photos
Chasing the Sun
When the wake up song played in any club or bar we were in
#hashtag
Mark shining the torch at us all on the beach in Antibes
Dwayno in the Mediterranean Sea

There’s a lot more engraved in my memory, but I don’t want to give it all away. Haha. Can’t believe it’s only two days until I fly home to South Africa! Time to start planning my next trip I think, maybe an Aus reunion?

x

Contiki Day One. Some South Africans, Aussies and a couple Canadians walk into a bar…

Up bright and early this morning to weigh our bags and get  on the coach. Three of our group missed the bus and were  left behind to find their own way to Paris, so note to self: DON’T MISS THE BUS! Clare gave us a safety talk and a bit of an introduction to the tour. We were all really tired though, so I think she may have only had half an audience at times. It was a shortish trip to Dover where we boarded the ferry to cross the English Channel and head to Calais. No problems with security here at least. The ferry is absolutely massive – think its more than 7 levels with a duty free, a food court and a whole lot of other stuff. A few of us went and got a proper breakfast. Being on the ferry is the strangest feeling. Just as I thought I was getting used to it we went over another big wave and all sense of stability was lost. But finally we are in France.

Welcome to Calais.

Firstly, everyone drives on the wrong side of the road. Secondly, it is beautiful. I mean it kind of looked like Stellenbosch in places, but its not. Its France. Excitement.

Every now and then Clare would tell us a bit of history as we passed important things such as the World War I battlefields. Ten members of the group (and our missing friends) are joining us in Paris. We have 21 South Africans, 2 Americans, 2 Canadians and the rest are all Aussies. So far I’ve met almost everyone who’s already here, and will meet the rest later probably.

World War 1 Battlefields.

We’ve checked into the Ibis Budget Hotel in Paris. Its quite nice actually. Plain and simple, but clean and has what you need for a place we’re basically only sleeping and changing. We had dinner at a Turkish place just next door, really yummy and tender chicken. Then we went on our sightseeing drive. We saw almost all the major sights Paris has to offer. As we were driving at one point Clare was telling us a story about a rumour about Napoleon and asked us to look for something in the 40-somethingth window on our left. We’re all staring out the window counting when she suddenly tells us to look to our right. And there was the Eiffel Tower! We’re really in Paris now.

We stopped off somewhere for champagne and escargot. They weren’t bad. In fact they don’t really taste like anything. Having  them again tomorrow night because I didn’t know we were having them tonight. We carried on with our drive and then had a chance to jump out and actually see the Eiffel Tower up close. Its every bit as cool as I had imagined. We were given the choice to line up and go up if we wanted, but then we had to find our own way home so we all decided to rather carry on with the drive and take the coach home.

Escargot 🙂

When we were back we decided to go back to the Turkish place for some drinks. It was weird in the beginning because they were playing live Turkish music. But eventually almost the whole group ended up there and everyone was just chilling and drinking and playing drinking games and stuff. Think this is going to be a crazy tour if last night is anything to go by! Was such fun though.

The group at Le Sultan Turkish restaurant

Love,
The Parisian Traveler
x

 

Find Contiki Day 2 here.

Contiki European Highlights: 29/06/13 – 12/07/13

Here’s my plans for my 3 weeks in London and Europe, with details of my Contiki Tour. For more details, click on the links 🙂

24/06 – Hop on a plane and fly to London!

25/06-28/06 – London town, with all the exciting tourist-y things such as a The Original hop-on hop-off tour, the London Eye, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace etc. Spending a night at the Royal National Hotel to catch up with my tour mates before the tour begins.

29/06 – DAY 1: LONDON TO PARIS

We leave London early this morning, and board the ferry to France. On day 1 we get to see the White Cliffs of Dover; go on an exclusive ‘Paris by Night’ sightseeing tour with Champagne & escargot; see the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs-Élysées, and Notre Dame Cathedral.

30/06 – DAY 2: PARIS

Day 2 in Paris is a “free day” with an option to have a Parisian Dinner that evening and a chance to go to the Nouvelle Eve for the Cabaret.

01/07 – DAY 3: PARIS TO BEAUJOLAIS WINE REGION

Tonight includes a “special stopover” at Contiki’s French Château (Chateau de Cruix) along with wine tasting. We get to see the Château Fontainebleau as well as the Chablis, Burgundy & Beaujolais vineyards.

02/07 – DAY 4: BEAUJOLAIS WINE REGION TO FRENCH RIVIERA

Today we see the PapalPalace in Avignon. We get to visit a French perfumery and also take a scenic drive along the Côte d’Azur on the way to Antibes.

03/07 – DAY 5: FRENCH RIVIERA

Today we get the chance to explore the neighbouring towns of the French Riviera. We also get to see the RoyalPalace in Monaco and a visit a Monte Carlo casino.

04/07 – DAY 6: FRENCH RIVIERA TO FLORENCE

On our way to Florence today we get to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Tonight there is a chance to have a “Tuscan meal” with the whole group.

05/07 – DAY 7: FLORENCE TO ROME

Day 7 is a very busy day! There is a chance to discover the Statue of David, Ponte Vecchio, the MediciPalace and more on locally guided walking tour of Florence. We will also get the chance to see the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s BellTower, the Baptistry & Piazza della Signoria, after which we will learn about Florence’s leather craft with a demonstration. We also take our group photo today!

Then it’s off to Rome – starting with a special access Rome sightseeing coach tour where we will see the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon & Piazza Navona as well as St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City.

06/07 – DAY 8: ROME

Today we have a free day to explore Rome. We have the options of going on a Vatican tour, as well as an “Imperial Tour” where we visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

07/07 – DAY 9: ROME TO VENICE

Once in Venice we get a private boat through the canals and islands of Venice and we will see the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Square. There is also the option to do a walking tour and go on a Gondola ride.

08/07 – DAY 10: VENICE TO MUNICH

We take a scenic drive past vineyards, orchards & castles on the way to Munich and also get to see the Glockenspiel & Marienplatz. We can then go on a city bike tour of Munich. Also hoping to find time for a beer hall today!

09/07 – DAY 11: MUNICH TO RHINE VALLEY

On day 11 we visit the Dachau concentration camp memorial. We will also see the Lorelei Rock and learn how beer steins are crafted. There is an option for wine tasting too!

10/07 – DAY 12: RHINEVALLEY TO AMSTERDAM

Today we see the canals & a windmill on a countryside bike tour in Edam where we also visit a cheese farm & a clog maker’s house. We will also get to see Amsterdam’s canals & gable houses by night.

11/07 – DAY 13: AMSTERDAM

Day 13 is a free day to explore Amsterdam. I hope to get a chance to go to the “Anne Frank Huis”. We can go on a canal bike tour and tonight we have the option of a canal cruise and dinner at the Sea Palace Restaurant.

12/07 – DAY 14: AMSTERDAM TO LONDON

Today we return to London after what I’m sure will be an incredible trip!

13/07-17/07 – London town again, until my flight leaves.

18/07 – Land back home, and bore everyone I know with countless retelling of my stories! Make an album and video to remember my holiday!

Full details of the tour are available at http://www.contiki.com/destinations/europe/tours/117-european-highlights

Wanderlust. That is all.

BUCKET LIST

THE BUCKET LIST. I love the movie. And I love thinking of things I’d like to do or experience or achieve one day. I recently turned 21 and realised that I am actually mid-way to my mid-life. Slightly depressing, but true nonetheless. Eek. Therefore, cue The Bucket List. Cheesy and possibly overdone? Yes. But also necessary I feel. It sort of makes my crazy travel ideas and ambitions feel more  like goals than dreams. Which makes them feel (slightly) more possible.

I’m trying to build it up to a “40 before 40” list eventually. I also pretty much end up adding to it every time I watch a programme on Discovery or the Travel Channel. Oh well. Can’t blame myself for wanting to get as many experiences out of my life as possible.

I’m crossing them off as I go, and will most likely write about the best ones and include pictures. After all, a picture speaks a thousand words.  So without further delay, I bring you Megan’s Bucket List, in no particular order:

1. Watch a live musical in London’s West End

2. Watch a live musical on Broadway

3. New Years Eve in New York City

4. See the Northern Lights

5. Get lost and find something incredible along the way

6. Do something kind for a stranger

7. Read the Diary of Anne Frank

8. Visit a concentration camp

9. Sing karaoke in front of a crowd

10. Run a 5km race

11. Run a 10km race

12. Learn to speak a new language

13. Go on a road trip around South Africa

14. Learn to surf

15. Go to Wilderness Park in Wisconsin

16. Eat Creme Brulee in France

17. Make a difference in someone’s life

18. Get my PhD in Psychology

19. Visit every continent in the world (Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Australia, Antarctica)

20. Eat Spaghetti Carbonara in Rome

21. Start a blog

22. Watch a sunrise on the beach

23. Swim with dolphins

24. Go to the La Tomatina Festival

25. Go to Walt Disney World

26. Write a book

27. Make a snow man

28. Go skydiving

29. Go bungee jumping

30. See Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower

31. Stand in a rainbow

32. Go to OppiKoppi