Friday, April 4, 2008
In the jungle, the mighty jungle - a day in the zoo
Today we visited the zoo.
here are some sound bites:
here are some sound bites:
- The weather is nice today. The sun is shining and it is warmer than yesterday (Chi)
- The zoo about 200meters from the hostel and i was so excited with goats they smiled and came arround me seems like I am their mother (TUONG)
- There were lots of crazy monkeys (Mika)
- The camels seemed hostile. If looks could kill...(Mira)
- I like to watch the monkeys business,they are so crazy,especially the monkey boss (Xu Meng)
- I have to say the monkeys there are really noisy, but they are out going and active, they acted like human being! It is amazing! (Ma Yiyang)
- Lions were really big and they looked depressed -maybe they are not happy in the zoo? (Netta)
- I am very hungry! (Erika)
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Heidelberg castle
Everyone had a good sleep after the exhausting trip yesterday. We met at 10 o´clock in the morning. The weather was somewhat better than expected. But still, this time of the year it should be much warmer. We took a bus to the centre of Heidelberg.
The public transportation is quite convenient in this region. We purchased a "24plus" ticket for 8,50 Euro. It allows five persons to use all means of public transportation within the region 24 hour after the ticket is stamped. It is the easiest way to get around.
"Universitätsplatz" was our stop. From there we took a short walk to the castle, passing the gorgeous university library (see picture)
The first challenge of the day was to climb up the 308 steps to the castle.
The castle itself is located on the hill ridges of the Odenwald. It was tough, but we all made it. There were a couple of school classes around the front court as well as a bunch of tourists, mainly Americans, Japanese and French. As it started to rain we seeked shelter in the inner court of the castle. Happily a guided tour in English was starting shortly after, so we took advantage of it.
Our tour guide, a student of history and linguistics, welcomed us. She said that she is a bit nervous since this will be her first guiding tour in English language. It was obvious that she is stronger in her native language German. However, the tour that she gave was very ok.
The history of the Heidelberg castle can be found here
After the tour we stayed in the castle for a little while. We saw the big oak barrel and took photos on the castle terrace.
Since we were all hungry, we decided to go back to the old town and look for a place to eat. We ended up in kebab place, were basically everyone ate a kebab. Our bulk order made it possible to bargain the price. And actually, kebab is called "Döner" in Germany and its taste is quite distinct compared to kebab offered in Finland.
The afternoon was used to discover the old town of Heidelberg. Some of the group drove to a supermarket and bought some groceries for the next day.
Tonight there is student party in Schwimmbad Club, which is very close to the hostel. Free entrance with student card.
Jarno & the box
The public transportation is quite convenient in this region. We purchased a "24plus" ticket for 8,50 Euro. It allows five persons to use all means of public transportation within the region 24 hour after the ticket is stamped. It is the easiest way to get around.
The first challenge of the day was to climb up the 308 steps to the castle.
The castle itself is located on the hill ridges of the Odenwald. It was tough, but we all made it. There were a couple of school classes around the front court as well as a bunch of tourists, mainly Americans, Japanese and French. As it started to rain we seeked shelter in the inner court of the castle. Happily a guided tour in English was starting shortly after, so we took advantage of it.
Our tour guide, a student of history and linguistics, welcomed us. She said that she is a bit nervous since this will be her first guiding tour in English language. It was obvious that she is stronger in her native language German. However, the tour that she gave was very ok.
The history of the Heidelberg castle can be found here
After the tour we stayed in the castle for a little while. We saw the big oak barrel and took photos on the castle terrace.
Since we were all hungry, we decided to go back to the old town and look for a place to eat. We ended up in kebab place, were basically everyone ate a kebab. Our bulk order made it possible to bargain the price. And actually, kebab is called "Döner" in Germany and its taste is quite distinct compared to kebab offered in Finland.
The afternoon was used to discover the old town of Heidelberg. Some of the group drove to a supermarket and bought some groceries for the next day.
Tonight there is student party in Schwimmbad Club, which is very close to the hostel. Free entrance with student card.
Jarno & the box
From Finland to Germany
Germany, here we come! We met at 16:00 o'clock at Apiankatu. Our airport shuttle, Opel Omega caravan was packed with two Chinese, two Vietnamese, two Germans and a lot of luggage. After a 45min ride we arrived to the airport and where we met the rest of our travel group. Our chauffeur, Max, took the car back to Valkeakoski. Check-in went smooth, the security check almost. Some of our travel group were told to use a plastic bag for their shampoos and deodorants. The usual stuff...
Our plane was about 30 min late. We hope that we'll still make it to the bus shuttle to Darmstadt. ☺
---
Here we go again, we made it to the bus! That was tight. Out of the aircraft, into the terminal, waiting for luggage, getting the luggage, out of the terminal, to the bus station
arrival bus station 20:30
departure of bus 20:30
Yippie!
Now we are on our way to Darmstadt. From there we'll catch a train to Heidelberg.
---
23:35 Arrived in Heidelberg!
PS: As every year, it was very hard to open the super-duper-hight-tech doors of the hostel rooms. See video
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
