Weekend in New York

Life is great, all you need to do is make the most of it. I have always wanted to live the life as an extrovert so I took the opportunity to go to New York for 1 weekend. New York initially changed me about 7 years ago, as it was the first time I had ever travelled alone and it changed me. 7 years later I returned and it was an amazing feeling, as an overwhealming sense of accomplishment crossed my veins as I was not alone any more, Giovanna was next to me with her huge smile.

We did all the touristic attractions, Times Square, Metropolitan Museum, Stand up comedy, watched the Jersey Boys on Broadway, walked through China Town and little Italy and Soho on our way to Ground zero or where the WTC, World Trade Centers are.

One could spend hours, days visiting Manhatten, descovering everything that it has to offer. However, if you take the time to talk to the locals when eating a Bagel or something you realize that the life in the big apple is only really worth if if you have the money. A 2 bedroom flat in NY is about 5k dollars a month, which means most people live in Queens or Brooklyn and commute every day. Life in the Big Apple is like a continous deja-vu as you have seen all the streets in the movies, TV series and yet you have never physically been there. Wow, what a strange feeling.

If you have never been to New York, I would say you haven't lived yet. This 8 million people city which never sleeps, inspires, creates dreams and makes them come true if you have the right attitude.

 

Cambridge 2011

Some say that all good comes to those who wait. Well I waited 29 years to see Cambridge and I must say I was impressed. This little village of 300 thousand people clearly dominated by its large Colleague student community brings something young and vibrant to the city. University of Cambridge actually covers over 20 different Colleges and most of the city is devoted to education. Students have to eat in their colleges 1 a week with the warden of the college all dressed up. This is unique to the life of most University students. The result is clear, people learn from example and Cambridge is unique in the UK as it has the lowest crime rate associated with drinking.

There are loads of things to see, however I guess one of the highlights is the punting, a bit like the Gondolas in Venice. this is mainly organized by the students trying to get a few more pounds in their pockets.

 

While I was there, I was lucky enough to catch the air show at Duxford, a little outside Cambridge. This Sunday afternoon was dedicated to female pilots who have made their mark in the UK over the years. It was amazing, to see all the different planes, stunts, and just enjoy the nice weather. Of course there is a museum which is worth a visit for 20 pounds(they have a B-52), but actually seeing the Spitfires in action was like a dream come true. I had never seen a air show in my life. I guess it is true all good things do come to those who wait.

Vegas just keeps getting better and better!

This was the 3rd time I went to Vegas for a few days…and what can I say? Vegas is simply amazing!

The truth being said, it is always fun, but what really makes the difference is who you go with. This time I took the opportunity to focus more on the shows. Every casino, has its own shows from erotic, to stand up comedy, to musicals, to whatever your heart desires! Just walking down the strip is an adventure or an experience that every mortal should go through once in their life.

Most people have this perception that Vegas is all about adult entertainment and gambling however if you choose to visit Vegas with people who are not really interested in that… well it does not mean that Vegas is boring. Actually that is what makes Vegas so great there is something for everyone!

I will keep this blog entry short, as what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas… but I can tell you that it was a blast! If you have never been, just go there for a few days and see for yourself. There is no place on earth like Vegas!

Tips for Vegas:

Tip#1 Hotels and accommodation are cheap! It is worth spending 80 dollars for a room on the 50th of Trump Towers with a view that makes your heart stop. Go for it.

Tip#2 Don’t stay in Vegas too long, I recommend at least 2 nights but not more than 4! It can get expensive.

Tip#3 If you are there you have to go to the Grand Canyon! Rent a car and drive it is part of the the Vegas experience.

Tip#4 Vegas is not only for men! I saw plenty of women there who were with their partners and had a blast! Take your partner you might be surprised.

Tip#5 I would recommend staying at one of the ends of the strip. When you walk up/down the strip it only gets better and better and bigger!

Tip#6 Only take into a casino what you want to loose. Hang around and figure out the rules before loosing your money blindly. If you are at the tables, always get a free drink.

Tip#7 Just go once in your life! No matter your age/sex or tastes… you will enjoy Vegas! Don't hesitate, don't postpone, just go. Check it off your bucket list!

Fenway Park: Boston 2011

My visit to Boston would not be complete if I did not walk around Fenway Park. Most people outside the US have no idea what Fenway Park is or how important it is. Until you visit or see a professional game of Baseball it will always be an question mark. The game is actually lots of fun. The crowd really gets into it plus America’s history is relatively short in comparison to Europe, hence sport plays a much bigger role.

Fenway Park is the home of the Boston Red Sox. It is called Fenway because Red Sox owner John I. Taylor said, "It's in the Fenway section of Boston, isn't it? Then call it Fenway Park." It was also Taylor who changed the club's name from Americans to Red Sox prior to the 1908 season.  I went there in the Winter and it was strange to see the pitch in snow, but still interesting. You this is a historic monument, which is about to be considered National Heritage (and hence will be never allowed to be taken down) as it is the oldest Baseball park in the US with its first game on the 20th of April 1912. It goes so far back that this park as seen how Boston changed in the last 100 years.

 

Walking through the park it is clear the amount of passion that the city has for the game, the team and of course the rivalry with the New York Yankees (most famous rivalry North American professional sports).

Weekend in Edinburgh

It had been a while since I was last in Scotland and wow, it was great to be back. During the 2 years I lived in Scotland I had never visited Edinburgh… I know what a disgrace so I thought I would put thing right by visiting it with a few friends.

I caught the plane from Amsterdam and landed in Edinburgh. The airport is actually not that big. But my first impression was wow, it is so easy to get to the city centre… Bus 100 and there you go 20 minute bus ride with free internet.

 

Walking around Edinburgh is amazing, well specially in the snow. There are several nice things to see in Edinburgh, but just like any other tourist headed towards the Castle.

 

After the castle and a bit of touristic shopping walking down the Royal Mile (because it is exactly one mile from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse). Of course a meal of Fish and Chips was in order. To give the Scottish credit, with the cold weather the idea of warm deep fried fish with vinegar and the famous brown source (similar to HP) is very very nice, specially if you are cold and hungry.

 

One big highlight for me was the Elephant House, where Harry Potter Books were born!!! What a nice little cafe next to the Scottish Museum.

It was a special feeling to see Princess street, the main shopping road in Edinburgh as there was a German market on. It is kind of strange to Travel from Netherlands to Scotland and have Fritzel, so I decided to have the proper Mead, being a warm 14% drink which is also known as honey wine.

“As long as only one hundred of us remain alive, we shall never on any conditions be brought under English rule”

 

There are a few things which really make Edinburgh interesting, not only the castle and the tourist attractions, but the fact that so much history happened in this place. Being known for ghosts and being able to go around the city late a night looking for ghosts, or going to the Grassmarket where there is always going on, or the fact that there so many international people studying/working. Just walking down the street you get a warm feeling. Weather this is what true Scotland is about I am not sure, but is definitely a side that I had not quiet experienced and I am really glad that I made it to Edinburgh.

 

Of course like all trips there is always a catch… I caught the snow, and this caused the airport to close for a couple of days…Being stranded in Scotland is actually not too bad. Complete chaos at the airport, ticket service desks, hotels, but to be fair no one controls the snow or the weather. This is what the castle looked like on the first day I was there.

 

 

Tips and Tricks for Visiting Edinburgh

It is actually very cheap to fly to Edinburgh.

There are several hostels hotels, i would recommend near the city centre on the bus root. I stayed in Haymarket which is a good place. Within walking distance to the castle.

Travelling around: I would go by bus, get a daily ticket 3 pounds. It is 3.5 pounds to the airport via bus. Or if you are pushed for time: 20 pounds by taxi.

Food: Be sure to try Haggis, Fish and Chips. Well the truth is go in to a pub and look at a menu I am sure that most of things on there will be worth trying at least one:) I also enjoy the beer/whisky but if you are not an alcohol drinker, or just are thirsty try the orange wonder: Iron Brew.

Experience: Glasgow is known for its football, but Edinburgh is much more a Rugby city, so go to a pub and watch a game of Rugby. There is nothing like that. Of course at night you must have a wee whisky. Single malt is recommended. Take the opportunity to ask about whisky as there is much more to it than a few brands like Glenfiddich.

Time: To truly know Edinburgh I would say 3 days is a good amount of time, as there is so much in Scotland to see it would be a pity to stay too long in Edinburgh.

Weekend in Bari

Hello everyone,

 

It has been a while since my last entry however I thought I would let you know that life is still as interesting as ever. This weekend I had the pleasure of travelling to the south of Italy: Bari.

 

This place has a special meaning for me as I went to see where “Pandinha” comes from. It was great to meet her family and friends. More than that I went to see a true Italian Party and an Italian football match: Bari – Parma.

So if you have ever wondered what an Italian Party is about well let me tell you: it is not quite like you would imagine… yes of course everyone is dressed to impress. The women have taken the time to do their hair put make up on actually they are all extremely beautiful: fashion is part of the Italian life style. The men are also very conscious of how and what they dress. Makes the party interesting: almost like a gala night straight out of the box. Beyond that is the music, there is a whole range of Italian songs that foreigners never see or hear. However these songs have the ability to get everyone wild and crazy. (I guess every nation has this). The food is amazing. Now the interesting thing is however that I would have thought that the Italians by nature are known as the true “lovers” of the world but the truth is that the society still is very connected to its roots: men typically hang out with the men and the women with the women. Why? I do not fully know. Still it is interesting to see. Dont get me wrong when the music gets going there is no distinction just party!!!!

 

The other highlight for me was to see a football game in an Italian Stadium. The stadium is actually beautiful!!!

What I found amazing was that even though I went to see Bari=Parma, the 58000 seat stadium was 40% full!!! Which means that football is such a big part of society. That is what people do: watch football on Sundays. I was in the “Curva Norte” where all the “hardcore” supporters cheer their team. It was great to see the environment and the passion/support for the team which currently is in last position of the league. That did not matter for 90 minutes the flags, the songs went on and on. Even thought the team lost at the end, there was still enough passion in the air to be proud of. I really loved it:)

 

Of course there were many other highlights, romantic moments during this trip but I would like to say that the last night was special as I spent a truly  Italian night with Pandinhas friends. They are all great. Even though my Italian is not fluent, their body language helps one understand what is going on. Imagine this…

Having a meal with 6 Italians, (of course they know the owner) in this little cozy restaurant, which is part of the old city, decorated with 70/80 music stars, the room is filled with “arcs” which remind one of a church, no lights, only candles on the tables. We all have a glass of wine or beer eating the traditional pizza and sharing funny stories. What a night. Thank you guys:) http://www.lauascezze.com/

 

 

Tips and Tricks for travelers to Bari:

Arriving in Bari it is an adventure to find the city center as the roads in the south of Italy are very confusing. I always find myself complaining about why do the Dutch keep digging up the roads, but the alternative is Bari. Even though driving in Bari is perhaps what makes it a special place. Of course parking is a challenge so if you get a car, get the smallest one you can find.

 

I traveled there by plane: it is cheap (40 euros return ticket from Dussuldorf) and great. Thanks Ryanair:)

The city itself is big, where the highlight clearly is the old part of the town. It is beautiful. I have travelled around but there are few places on this planet which are as nice as the old part of Bari. If you go to Bari it is a MUST. There are several churches all with their own history. It is actually very interesting as that part of Italy has been ruled by so many nations: result it is visible throughout the city. I particularly liked the Basilica of Saint Nicolas, the Cathedral and the Castle. But again 2 days it is hard to see everything that the city has to offer.

 

Italy actually is driven by football so if you can watch a game during the weekend you will see what I mean. The game is like a passion that the nation thrives on. Some would say that it is an outlet of frustration of the current political situation but is an experience which justifies the trip itself.

 

Meals are GREAT, I mean you have to start the day with a Cappuccino and a Cornetto (chocolate is great), after that your day can only get better. There are great little pastry shops all over the place… meals are about 10 euros including drinks. It is just paradise on earth.

 

I would say that 2 days + travel time in Bari is the perfect amount to stay there.

New Year in Milan?! Yeahhhh

Ya, after the family Xmas is always the huge party…This year I decided to celebrate it in yet another country: ITALY!!! The last few years… New year has been in Portugal, Netherlands, Spain… and now Italy:)

I flew to Bergamo, and caught the bus to Milan to meet up with some friends.

I had the time of my life… ended up walking around, shopping, eating, and partying through the night… I arrived on the 31st in Milan and what a night that was… I did and saw things that I never thought possible… but it was truly amazing to be surrounded by Italians who are actually really friendly and passionate about everything. You can tell this from the way they move their hands when they talk:) I made lots of new friends and practiced my Italian… it is actually very similar to Portuguese so it was not that difficult.

So here is what happens in Italy on new year… everyone buys fire crackers… and there are little (well maybe no so little) explosions all over the place… Milan sounded like it was in a civil war…For those of you have weak hearts… I do not suggest Milan for new year…. however if you an adrenalin junkie looking for a thrill there is no better place. It was a real thrill, and then at the stroke of midnight… well the place goes wild.

We had not booked any special party or reserved any venue and ended up in this bar which was amazing… the music fantastic and EVERYONE was having so much fun… I would have never ended up there on my own… but you know what they say… life begins when you leave your comfort zone… and that is what I did… and I really enjoyed it!!! Thanks guys:)

The next day… was a calm day walking around Milan and getting ready for the Milan sales… ya… the 3rd of January Milan goes on a huge sale…. and all the women in the country go wild…. It is actually an amazing experience to see so many women so happy with what they are buying. I loved watching the boyfriends/husbands carry the bags while their partners just keep spending and spending… The truth is that there are really good deals… as 50% in Milan actually is a lot of money:)

 

After shopping and my first movie in Italian… it was time to go to Bergamo… I had heard wonderful things about Bergamo… this little village of a 120 thousand people to the north of Milan. There is a huge shopping centre but the most important thing is the high city… which is this little old city surrounded about walls for historical reasons… and it is AMAZINGGGG!!! I was lucky enough to get a guided tour from some friends…. and I really enjoyed my self… I mean the simple life style that you read/dream about actually does exist… you just need to go the right places!!! Bergamo!!!!!!! Had a traditional Italian meal… and ended up going to bed with a smile on my face like I was in 7th heaven!

 

I am now currently sitting at Bergamos airport waiting for my flight back to Eindhoven… but I am thinking that I will come back to Bergamo… it is a beautiful place… well worth coming back to!

 

Gareth

Weekend in Paris

It has been sometime since my last entry, but the truth is I have been travelling around Europe during the whole month of December. I guess the first amazing trip was: Paris… actually it was more than just Paris, ended up driving through Germany Belgium and ended up in Paris. Checked out Euro Disney amongst other places. It was a very personal trip so I wont tell you all about them… but I guess I could leave you with a couple of nice pictures… which defined the trip:

and….

It was snowing in Paris which actually made it a magical place to visit. I have been to Paris before however I had never seen it in the snow… it is a beautiful city…. I would even say Magical:)

Gareth.

London Baby!!!

Another crazy weekend…. this time the destination was LONDON!!!! I had already been to London, however this time I was with a few friends… and we all had the same idea…. LETS JUST GO AND HAVE FUN:)

 

So I went with 2 Italians, 1 Dutch guy, 2 Austrians girls, 1 Polish girl, 1 French girl… what a combination.

We all live and work here in Eindhoven and decided to go to London for the weekend. We stayed in a Hostel near Kings Cross which was really good. So it takes about 45minutes by plane from Eindhoven to London and another 1 and half hours to the city centre by bus. That trip was amazing as we meet some Russians on the way and the fun began:)

 

From then onwards the trip had all the signs to be memorable in every aspect:) I wont go into all the details but here is a quick summary of what we saw and did:

- Night life, 2 night clubs, 4 pubs… crazy times

- British Museum, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, London Bridge, London Eye, Buckingham Palace

- Underground, Starbucks, hot dogs, restaurants, lots of laughing and fun:)

 

 

We left Friday after work… and caught the first flight back on Monday morning… we just made it back for work:) eheheheh.

Some people have asked me how on earth can I keep affording all of these trips around the world… so I thought I would publish the cost of this weekend:

55€ for the hostel (3 nights)

55€ return ticket to London

14€ for return ticket buses to airport and back

15€ Underground for the weekend

About 50€ for museums and entertainment.

60 € Food (3 Dinners, 2 Lunches, 3 Breakfasts and lots of coffee)

TOTAL COST for one MEGA weekend: under 200€ :)

 

Now let me ask you how much did you spend this weekend:)

A weekend in Vienna:)

 

Hi everyone, this is just a quick entry about my wonderful trip to Vienna. Well it all started with an amazing trip to Amsterdam. I spent the night in Amsterdam, walking around and looking at the beauty of Amsterdam which lies beyond what the common tourist sees. I did this as my flight to Vienna from Amsterdam was 7am, and getting to Schipol from Eindhoven that early is not that easy. As a result I spent the night in Amsterdam. Friday nights in Amsterdam are always fun.

 

I then caught my flight to Vienna, and what can I say… well I never really thought much about Vienna as a touristic place to go… well how wrong can one be?! It is a city FULL of history and culture, completely different from most cities in Western Europe. I only had one weekend and as a result could not see everything however I really got a great feeling about the place… I will be back one day.

It was really good to go there and meet up with Alice my little sister and her mother( and a few of her friends). Going to places with good friends really makes a difference. I had not really made a plan on what I wanted to see, however things were already predefined…. which was GREAT:) as we did not waste time on discussing what we were going to see… making the most of the little time we had.

 

Here is a short summary of what I saw:

State Opera, Sisi Museum, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Museum of Modern Art,commonly known as the MUMOK, Secession, Hofburg, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Wiener Schnitzel, and saw a bit of an opera:)

 

 

What a weekend:) I really recommend Vienna if you are looking for a nice culture weekend:)

 

It is really easy to get to the city centre and there are lots of places to stay. 16m from the airport to the city centre… and then the metro is really easy to use. 5€ for a day pass.

 

A weekend in Prague!!!

After Amsterdam and Roosendaal Sky Diving…. I had this urge to continue travelling…So got a couple of friends together and we rented a car and drove to Prague on Friday night. The plan… well it was simple:

 

Leave Eindhoven… Drive to Prague, stay there until Sunday afternoon and drive back:)

 

Some people say that life is boring, well I am a strong believe that you make life what you want. So what if the trip is 10h drive… look at things from a different perspective…. 10h (one way) with friends, talking, laughing, has probably more meaning than a few drinks in the pub one night.

Plus we got to see a beautiful city… Prague. It is a magical place.

 

So here is the summary from an Engineers point of view:

1854km

20h in a car

23 coffees

4 friends + plus a mascot

1 opel Corsa 1.2

NO Tom Tom, just a map (ya we did it the old fashion way)

Departure: Friday at midnight

Arrival in Prague: 10am

Departure from Prague: 4pm Sunday

Arrival in Eindhoven: 2am Monday morning:)

Lots of fun:) Yes we saw night clubs, castle, bridges, museums', heard classical music, the church, the astrological clock, had great meals… but what really inspired me was knowing that there are no limits to what you can do when you put your mind to it.

 

Thanks guys for the great weekend.

Let me finish this entry with a GREAT quote:

“Build a world made of maps and dreams of using them all”

Indoor Sky Diving

 

Hi guys,

 

This is just a quick entry to let you know about my crazy weekend… I had a few friends over from Portugal and we played Laser quest, Karting, and to top it off… we went sky Diving… but indoors…

 

It was AMAZING… It is not as easy as it looks… check me out trying my best… LOL.

 

We went as a group and I tried it for 2 minutes… It just takes practice…

 

We went to Roosendaal (close to Rotterdam).

 

Here is the site: http://www.indoorskydive.com/

 

A weekend in Stockholm

So I decided to go to a new place… a new country… why not SWEDEN:)

Stockholm is a great place… and I was lucky with the weather.

Here are few tips on how to get there: fly Ryanair… catch a bus to the city centre and just enjoy yourself.

 

I went on the boat around the city which was a great way to get an overview of the city and then I moved on what I really wanted to see.

 

People are really nice and the night life is amazing. A highlight for me was the ICE BAR!!! I had heard of this place, and wanted to try it out… SIMPLY AMAZING!!! All the glasses, walls, tables, chairs are ICE!!!! As you walk in you get a jacket and some gloves (to hold your drinks) and you just have this great feeling of being and doing something different!!! I strongly recommend you going there if you have the chance.

 

Crazy Weekend in Vegas:)

Hi guys,

This is just a quick entry to let you know about my crazy weekend in Las Vegas. I had already been, but this time I went to meet with some american friends. It was truely a crazy weekend:)

You know what they say: What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas... so I wont go into too many details on what exactly happened... but I can say that we did it all:
Casinos, shows, strippers, gambling, rides, dancing, meeting people, drinking, not sleeping...

This is a photo taken from the Stratosphere... amazing place:)

Of course the Bellagios fountains are a must for anyone who goes to Vegas...

Gareth:)

Eindhoven -> Amsterdam -> Detroit -> Vegas -> Memphis -> Amsterdam -> Eindhoven in oneeee crazy weekend:)

Snapshot of my life since April!!

This was just a small idea I had... as they say a picture is worth a thousand words... well check out this video:)
Next one will be better... there is only so much you can do in 2 minutes:)

Gareth

Weekend in Utrecht...

Hi guys,

I just had to put this photo on my blog.... The truth is the sky is the limit... and this photo captures our wish to touch the sky... there are no boundaries for us:)

I went the other day to Utrecht :) Just south of Amsterdam:)

It is an amazing place, went on the canals, walked around, but the cool thing was to go with a few friends from here in Eindhoven.

Thanks guys for the great day:)


Gareth

One day in Leuven:)

This is a quick entry because I wanted to share with you another personal goal that I had set for myself a few years ago which I finally achieve with some help of course...:)

I had to deliver my first seminar... so I talked for 2 hours in front of 40 people, and at the end they all stood up and clapped:)

I was blown away, because I always considered myself just another guy who knows a little bit of this and a little bit of that.. however I got the feeling that I can talk in front of crowds and that I do know some things which can help people... the feeling of being able to share that is AMAZING:)

I really am happy that it was a success... of course I had help, and with out my friends I would not have done it... however I now know that there are no limits for us:) the sky really is the limit.

Talking to 40 people and captivating them is not an easy task, and I can still improve a lot but there is hope:)

eheheheh

Gareth

PS - Did the same seminar the next day.. in the Netherlands (north) and wow, the people are different... It still was a success and I really enjoyed it ... as I was not as nervous:) eheheh what a life I have:)

Another weekend in Venice:)

Hi guys, following my trip to Venice last month... I decided to go again. However this time the idea was to go alone, and take a weekend to think about what I am doing in life... a personal trip... not to meet people, just to look and think about what I am doing in general...well ya that did not really work out for me. As I went on a Saturday and came back on a Sunday... However that night was the Earth Hour...

Maybe you are not aware of it, but the idea was to turn off lights around the world as a symbol to save our planet.. giving the earth an hour freedom if you wish.

So I was walking in Venice and I came across these volunteers, and I thought that I could help, so I decided to make friends and help them with this noble event. IT WAS GREAT. I got to go on a Gondola in Venice when the lights of the Rialto were off, with my candle and my new friends:) IT WAS FANTASTIC. BRUTAL!!!!

This is where they came from:

http://www.wwf.it/client/render.aspx

They were all very interesting people and they made my trip to Venice worth while... thanks guys:)

You know how sometimes you think that people are crazy to travel alone, well if you do it once in your life... you will be amazed to see how much more you can learn, listen, see. It really is a great feeling. I would not always do it, but this one time really made me feel like a better person... How many people would go to Venice, for a weekend and make really good friends there?

It was like a personal goal, if you can do that... well then what can't you do? The answer is simple. We can do anything if we put our minds to it. This is positive thinking...


Carpe Diem:)

Gareth

One night in Rotterdam:)

Hi guys, I decided that it would be great to catch up with some old friends... they were in the neighbourhood... well so they came to Rotterdam. I found out that it actually only takes 1:15 to get from Eindhoven to Rotterdam... so I caught the train like 80% of all Dutch, and went there after work.

The trip was great, and I must admit I have not been to Rotterdam for 6 years.... and boy was I surprised. It actually is really a nice city, really modern, very different from Eindhoven.

I had a great meal with my friends, and of course we had to cross the famous Erasmus bridge...:)

Well what can I say... it was really great and I am sure that I will go back to Rotterdam one day... part of discovering the Netherlands:)

Kamone

A weekend in Dusseldorf:)

a

Hi guys,

Well after my weekend in Venice, I thought I should check out Dusseldorf...So I went to Amsterdam to see a friend, had a coffee with her and caught the high speed train to Dusseldorf:) The train is actually very cool:) 2hours... you can hook your laptop to it, it is great. Flying is over rated for short distances, I mean think about it... if you fly, you need to be at least 1h before your flight... you land, and have to go through security checks and then you have to get to the city centre....

IF you go by train... well... Need to be there 1minute before the train, and then you get out in the city centre!!!

Anyway... moving on I wanted to go and meet Pedro... the playmaker and old friend from Portugal...

It was great to catch up with him, he is really a cool guy:) We are not that different, we both left our comfort zone looking for new challenges in life... so I found them in Eindhoven and he found them in Dusseldorf.Had this great meal... Portuguese food in Dusseldorf... well to be honest the international community in Dusseldorf is AMAZING:)

Went out at night... and ya Dusseldorf is pretty cool:) Met a few of Pedros friends....from Spain, Iceland, Japan, Portugal,.... lol what a night:)

(Gudrun, me, Pedro:)
friends 4ever:)

Next day we went sight seeing and ended up spending this great day in a chocolate shop:)

After that had a game of football with some of Pedros Friends... it was really cool to go to Germany to play football... Well the best part was to play with Pedro again... just like the old days: Tropinas852!!!! He still hasn't lost his touch:P

Ya you guessed it I did not take this photo, as the weather was cold, but still it gives you a feeling of what Dusseldorf has to offer:)

Thanks Playmaker for the great weekend:)

I will have to back there again soon:)

Kamone, Ideas, Gerrit:)