Travel Review – Scotland Roadtrip – Day 2 Edinburgh

We stayed at a Travelodge just a bit further from the town centre but close to a little shopping centre and good bus connections. The bus to the town centre was £1.70 and can conveniently be paid when getting on the bus.

Our first stop was the visitor centre at the Waverly train station. We bought a ticket for the sightseeing bus (£15) and we got the Scotland explorer pass for 3 days (£31) After sorting this we got on the bus right next to the station. Halfway through the tour we got off at Edinburgh castle which is definitely a must go to when in Edinburgh. The view over the city was beautiful and you could even see up to the three bridges. 

After getting back on the bus and seeing the rest of the main sights we had a little stroll through the town centre. To please my Harry Potter fan heart we walked up to Greyfriars Kirkyard which was used for name inspiration by Rowling. Most popular here is the thombstone from Thomas Riddell alias Voldemort. 

We also went to the Gallery for a quick look around before getting to Sixt to pick up our car for the ongoing journey. Overall Edinburgh is a really pretty city and with more time and better weather I’m sure we would have gone to explore more of the sights. 

Travel Review – Scotland Roadtrip – Day 1 Glasgow

Arriving in Glasgow early in the morning for the first day of this 5 Day adventure. It was pretty cold but still a lot nicer than the weather forecast had us expecting.
From the airport are frequent busses going directly to the city centre (£8 a single adult fare). The bus stop is easy to find, and busses are very convenient and comfortable. Our suitcases were stored in the baggage rack for us and all seats have a USB charging facility.

We got off at the central station to store our bags at left luggage for the day and besides had a great look around the big station. Heading for a stroll along River Clyde which got nicely set up parts to sit and relax. We walked towards the SEC Centre and the SSE Hydro and came across some pretty bridges.

Discovering a lot of similar names to London on the way back into the city centre like Charing Cross station, we took a break near the Stewart Memorial Fountain in the Kelvingrove Park. A beautiful and big park just at the bottom of the Glasgow University which should be our next destination.
After a walk around and a little hike up to the Glasgow University it came quickly to light that it was well worth it to go up to this big building and discover all the other parts of the campus on the way. While arriving it seemed they had some even going on as the BBC Radio 1 Bus was standing just outside on the parking ground, so we only had a little sneak peek inside the main building. However, I would definitely recommend going up to the university as the view over the city from there is just amazing.

While heading down the hill again our next stop was the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The building itself is already impressive and pretty and they had a very varied range of art in the different exhibitions. The entry is free, in the main hall is a little café and while we had a walk around the premises 2 people started to play the big organ in the main hall. The museum goes from Scottish history to ancient Egypt and is worth a little look around.

Last stop in Glasgow for us was the Glasgow Cathedral. On the way we passed a pretty mosque which golden dome we already saw earlier from the Hydro/Riverside. The Cathedral is a very beautiful building and a must see for everyone with a love for historic old buildings for sure. The inside was just as great to see and again with the free entry worth considering putting on the sightseeing list for Glasgow. The architecture is lovely with all its vaulting especially in the tombs.

We went back to the train station to pick up our suitcases to be ready to board our train to Edinburgh. The train was booked in advance, but the average pricing seems to range from £12 to £17 and takes about an hour to reach Edinburgh Waverly which is the main train station in the centre.

Travel Review – French Riviera – Day 2 – Monaco

On Day 2 of my short adventure to France I decided to take the train to Monaco seeing that the main train station from Nice was just around the corner from my accommodation. I can recommend booking a return day ticket beforehand on the app from OUI.sncf. Tickets only cost a few Euro and it saves time at the train station as there is no need to get physical tickets from the machine. Trains run very frequently and it only takes about 25 minutes. Also, the train line goes all the way along the waterfront, so you have a nice view included in the train ride 😊

When I arrived in Monte-Carlo I went outside on the terrace of the train station (little door in the corner next to the small café stand). As the train station is quiet high up on the mountain, this gave an awesome first impression of the city and all the yachts in the Port. I made my way through small alleys until I reached the main yacht Port. Unfortunately, most of the area was barricaded as they were working on setting up all the seating for the Formula One race which was due a month later. But it was still very nice to walk along it and even recognizing some parts from the TV when watching that race.

I pass the port as on the other side of it you can walk up the hill to reach the palace from the Prince of Monaco (there also seem to go busses up there as it is quite a hike). I arrived around midday while the guard change took place. On the way is the Maritime Museum and a nice little green park. I would say that from the palace you get the best view of Monte-Carlo. On one side you see down to the main city and the famous big port with all the yachts. However, on the other side of it they set up a few demonstrative cannons and a view over the second smaller port with just as pretty yachts.

I went down to the smaller port (Port de Fontvieille) to have a lunch break sitting at the water. It is a very nice area and I assume also less busy than the main city area. It was really nice and very hot. Back on the move, I walked back in the direction of Monte-Carlo city. I walked along a shopping street with a lot of cute little shops just behind Port Hercule.

I decided to take a walk along the Grand Prix race track. So, I took the J.F. Kennedy Avenue along the water towards the Sun Casino. The track is going through a tunnel at this point but it was also possible to walk through this tunnel as pedestrian. I walked until the Japanese Garden before going up the hill to reach the Casino de Monte-Carlo which is the most famous Casino of the 3 big ones that are in this area. And a lot of people presented their sport or special cars here. From here I walked along some more smaller alleys until I got back to the train station to head back to Nice.

Few pictures:

Travel Review – French Riviera Day 1 – Nice

I went on a spontaneous short trip to the French Riviera and it’s a lovely place I can definitely recommend. A quick 2 hour flight from London to get to Nice Airport. I then took a bus with a day ticket for 6 Euro to get right into the centre. I booked a self catered apartment right in the centre on the shopping street Avenue Jean Médicin. It was ideally located with a big Monoprix just around the corner to cover the food shopping for the next few days. I walked down the Avenue to explore the area a little and along the Avenue de Verdun towards the Modern Art Museum.

From this spot I went on a Hop-On, Hop-off Bus as it became kind of a thing to do whenever visiting a new city. The ticket for the bus was 20 Euro and went along all the main sights and gave a great overview of the city. The tour also provided some insight of all the big old buildings everywhere in the city. These used to be Grand Hotels and were refurbished and changed to flats to be saved from destruction. One building on top of the hill is the Regina where Queen Victoria used to reside so often that she brought her own furniture here.

The Bus also took the long way further along the coast to the East to a beautiful place called Villefranche-sur-mer. This town is definitely worth visiting. It’s just as hilly as all other places typical for the French Riviera. However the impressive Citadel Saint Elme for example now contains a couple of galleries, museums, garden, open-air cinema and of course provides a great view of the bay.

After 1.5 rounds with the bus I got off at the central train station to head back to my apartment. The next day I wanted to go to Monaco. I arranged to buy train tickets to go there in advance via an app called OUI.sncf -Train Travel. Very easy to handle and the ticket is accessible on the app directly.

January 2018

Hi everyone.

So it’s almost February… I know, where did the time go right?

So having a little review of the first month of the new year. Any changes? Not really. It has been quiet, quiet at work and quiet with concerts surprisingly for me.

My first concert of the year was a very short acoustic set from Fall Out Boy in Kingston. Big up for Banquet Records. They amaze me over and over, to get all the great bands to come play in Kingston or even just do an In-store signing session. So Pete Wentz’ explanation why the set is that short was, because they just don’t know how to play most of their songs acoustic. Well fair enough. After a show in Brixton they will return end of March to play the o2.

Followed by this I saw my friends from The Bottom Line at the Islington Academy on their UK tour promoted by Live Nation. Some dudes who, with all honesty, have my total respect for what they already achieved and have my full support, whereever they will go. The show was amazing and a lot of fun. Classic covers, classic crowdsurfing and of course a bunch of jokes on the way. I’m excited what this year will bring for them after they have been announced to play Download Festival (Guess who is going 🤘)

And of course this is the month where my nephew was born. A little overdue and a little struggle to begin with but finally he is here 🙂 with this in mind I can’t wait to go back to Germany for the Easter holidays.

I also had a visitor and a final return to Pottys Pancakes in Potters Bar. Of course we had to get snow on that day… I also started a new Instagram account for all sorts of travel pictures. Check it out!! Travelpics I also went to the cinema to see The Greatest Showman. I am pretty picky when it comes to musicals as I easily don’t like them. But I loved this one. Great movie and I have the Soundtrack stuck in my head ever since and on repeat on Spotify!! Can definitely recommend to see it. While talking music. Mike Shinoda from Linkin Park published 3 songs he wrote to cope with his grief over Chester. Access them here: Post Traumatic EP

Good Charlotte December 2017

Part 1. Friday 1.12.
Friend and me went to Birmingham to see Good Charlotte on this tour. It was freezing cold so instead of queuing we sat at Pizza Hut and went to the venue an hour before door time. It appears that the most didn’t fancy lining up considering we easily managed to get into the second row. The people before us said they were queing since 10am. Lol.

The show started and I got a bit emotional after all the Linkin Park songs. But then friend looked at me not feeling well. I gathered security to get her out to the medic room. As the show went over curfew I had to leave earlier due to our train back to London. But I found out that friend was really bad and unable to walk due to chest pain and breathing problems. We tried to make it to the train station (missed the train) but then had to call an ambulance. It took two calls and 25 minutes for someone to arrive… After that we went to the hospital to wait 2 hours without treatment. It appears barely anyone got treatment but left at some point (maybe thats their plan) considering there was a man with head bandage were it bleeded through… We then decided to leave and get a coach back to London.

Part 2. Sunday 3.12.

Round two for Good Charlotte this time in Brixton. For this show I had a Meet and Greet. Friend and me decided to book while we were in Birmingham but only one order got through. After all friend didn’t join me on this one anyway. Waiting patiently in line until it was almost my turn. As I know Olli who was taking the pictures I started chatting with him while the last person was greeting the band before me. Part of the band looked over a bit confused while we were talking. Then Billy complimented my shirt, I said thanks, he said again that he really likes it, I just smiled and said thanks again but I actually started to think he might want to pay attention to the poor girl whos turn it currently was with them lol…

So it was finally my turn and I was happy that I decided to take the M&G and met the band I already know for a long time. Making the round to hug everyone the conversation between the Madden brothers and me went kinda like this:

Me: So when you gonna be back in Germany?

Joel: In Summer

Benji: We already announced it, are you even a real fan?

Me: Well you didn’t let me finish.

Benji: Just kidding.

Me: I meant like actually for tour and not a one off set at a festival.

Us getting in line for the picture

Joel whispering over: Probably in Fall next year.

Then I was about to leave

Benji: So which German city is your city?

Me: Closest is Hamburg

Benji: Alright we gonna come play in Hamburg then! 
When leaving the room their brother Josh sorted out the merch package. I was waiting as someone wanted to take a picture with him but he handed me my package in the meantime. So when they were done we left the room and he was shouting after me. I initially didn’t react but then security stopped me and he was actually just checking if I got my merch haha.

The show was great and a bit different to the other ones as it was the anniversary show. They had three people filming the entire set so I think there might be some hope for a live dvd 😬 i somehow managed to wait around after despite pretty much everyone being kicked out from security so I was lucky to be the only one left waiting at barrier and got a drum stick from Dean as well as a pick from Paul and a pick from one of the support bands. 

So overall pretty successfull. On my way home it appears that I was the first to tweet pictures of Sam Carter from Architects joining the band on stage for one song. So my notifications blew up after GC, Architects and Josh started to like the post 😆

Life Update: It’s been a while…

Hey everyone!

I know I know it’s been a while. I started this year actually doing pretty good in regards to writing my blog on a regular basis but I somehow lost track…

I still have some articles in the pipeline from the All Time Low tour in March which I definitely want to finish and share at some point. I had such an awesome time traveling the country, cheering for my fave band on stage a good 9 times and made it into one show for free. I also met the guys a few times, had laughs with the crew as well as support acts and made a new friend. 

I also had a blast seeing Ed Sheeran at London’s O2 couple days ago and been reunited with my Italian friend after 3 years… However, I am still writing for Invicta so check my reviews and stalk me on there. 🙂 I’ve also been back in Germany for some family gatherings in the meantime and finally got my new tattoo 👍

So a lot of good things happened but I still recently got really bad into overthinking. Just about all sort of things, literally everything. I’ve always been a ‘thinker’ but it just got really bad. I feel restless, don’t get enough sleep and just don’t know what to do with all these thoughts. It goes beyond the occasional ‘I wish my brain would shut up for a minute’ most people experience from time to time. 

I’m also the PRO in procrastination. There are just so many things I would like to do. Partly things that are not doable/affordable but halfway things I just procrastinate. Let it be out of laziness or simple lack of motivation. Whatever you want to call it… 

Ciao.

Random Life Update #4

Hey everyone.

I figured that I managed to show proper absence from my blog recently. So, time to catch up 🙂

I was lucky to do my first artist interview for Invicta Magazine. I interviewed the Irish singer Bry and reviewed his sold out London show. He supported Twenty One Pilots on their tour last year and is currently touring Europe with his own headline show. He is also due to release a video for latest single Disarm which will feature actress Evy Lynch (Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter) You can check out my articles on Invicta. 

The same week I went to my old place in South West London and had a catch up with my friend. I also took the occasion to take a long walk along the river to get some steps together for my fitness plan. 

Despite of work there was not that much going on to be fair, which is why I had a little lack of creating a blog entry earlier. However I received a nice parcel the other day from Hopeless Records. It was a special edition vinyl from Sum 41 –13 voices. They arranged a signing in Cologne which I was not able to attend therefore I got the vinyl sent to me. I was happy and surprised that it was signed despite of me not attending the actual signing. 

Last week I went to see them play a small intimate show in Kingston organized by Banquet Records. They barely played anything new but most of the single releases they had. It was an amazing show and a lot of fun. A review for this one can also be found on Invicta 😉 

So we already reached March. The month I’ve literally been waiting for. This month for me is all about All Time Low. Starting with an intimate show tomorrow (Thursday) in a 400 capacity venue before the UK tour starts on Friday at the Eventim Apollo. I’ll then have my friend visiting me on Saturday for a roadtrip to Cardiff. All I am saying at this point is: so far I will be attending 7 shows overall in the UK but I will definitely create more blog entries around this tour! 

Don’t forget to follow my blog and leave some comments when you like.

Ciao.

Travel Review – Lisbon Day 2

Starting off day 2 of our city trip with a really nice breakfast at our Fenix Music hotel. They had a variety of juice in small cute bottles, a pancake maker with a glass front to be able to watch it in the making and even a smoothie maker. And yet again we had a really great service when we went for our breakfast. So far I ain’t got much negative to say about this hotel. One is the bathroom light I mentioned in my previous post, the sound box could be a bit better and last is the bathroom itself. It appears quite fancy and has a very good rain shower but is not really practical when you share the room. Be prepared to get naked in front of that person 😀 But overall I stay with it to say that this hotel is awesome and offers a great service. Or maybe it’s just me not being used to it that hotel staff welcomes you right away when stepping out of the lift.

Anyway, so today we went back to our sightseeing bus and took a different route out to Belém. On the way there we got a great view on the bridge Ponte 25 de Abril as well as the Cristo Rei statue. Unfortunately the weather covered it in quite big foggy clouds but still nice to see. Belém itself was personally not really my fave spot as not just the lighthouse was tiny but the actual tower too. Heading back into town we got off at the Rossio Square to get on the cute little tram 28 to bring us for 2.90€ up the hill to our next destination. 

After climbing up the last few metres we reached St. George Castle. We decided to spend the 8.50€ to explore the castle, the ruins around, the peacocks and walked along on top of the castles walls. The terrace around the entrance offers a wonderful view over the city with the bridge and waterfront from one of the highest spots of Lisboa. We decided to take a walk back downtown and got to the Baixa Pombalina with it’s Rua Augusta Arch and plenty of restaurants. After discovering that guys will talk to you every few steps to either sell you something or make you go to their restaurant we decided to leave and head to the Hard Rock Café for Cocktails and Nachos during their Happy Hour offer on weekdays (17-19). 

After our snack we got on one of the TukTuk vehicles right in front of the door. We had a lovely girl taking us to the highest natural point of the city and we passed another viewing platform on the way there called Largo das Portas do sol, which is just around the corner from the castle. Anyway we enjoyed a really great nightview over the city and the bridge. She also told us a few interesting facts like the rebuilding of the whole downtown after the earthquake of 1755 with a more geometric road network.

I want to finish off this post with two little things I came across. First off it is hard to find a postbox anywhere in fact I found none apart from the ones at the post office directly to get our postcard on it’s way. Secondly we basically couldn’t find any small shops to buy food, snacks or drinks. So here a little hint, there is a bigger grocery store called Pingo Doce in a parallel road next to the Rossio Square.

Travel Review – Lisbon Day 1

A good 2.5 hour flight from London and we got safely into Lisbon. It was pretty easy to get into town from the airport. We decided to take the AeroBus for €3.50 per person instead of the Metro, which got us basically directly to our hotel at Marqués de Pombal. There seem to be a lot of hotels in this area and also the Hop on, Hop off sightseeing busses start from here. From this place it is also possible to reach the waterfront within a 20min walk.

My first impression from Lisbon is very positive. The people seem to be very friendly, welcoming and always try to help. So far we only took one tour with the sightseeing bus to get a good overview from the city and it seems to me that there is a lot of construction work for new buildings is going on. It also looks like there is a pretty mix of older more traditional looking houses with their pretty balconies and the newer hotels and office complexes. But I also want to mention that there are a couple of areas with quite poorly looking houses, barely maintained and I’m not even talking about any suburbs here.

On the first day we decided to get our dinner at the Hard Rock Café as it is also just down the road. The food was good and we have been really well looked after. I can definitely recommend this place even though it might be a bit pricier than somewhere else but to be fair we couldn’t really find anything else close by.

We will spend 2 more days in Lisbon before heading to Estoril and explore the area towards the west a little bit more. I will write another blog post for this but before finishing off with some pictures I want to mention that the HF Fenix Music hotel we stay in is totally amazing!! 

A music themed hotel itself already got me by it’s description but it is actually awesome. The reception looks like a drumkit, the bar like a piano and they have a little studio area as well. We have a room with a massive balcony overlooking an outdoor area which seems to function as an open air stage. You can also easily connect your device with sound boxes in the wall via bluetooth. Lights can be changed to blue or red via touch pad and you can also let the curtains down using this. What I find a bit odd is the little complicated way of switching the light on in the bathroom area. Another thing I really like apart from the rooftop pool, is that you only need to tap your key card on the door to open it, same when you use the lift and it automatically goes up to the correct floor.