narrowing down to what time of the year you plan on going might make things easier. It wasn’t mentioned, but are you travelling alone? It is a good idea to take a friend. specify what you want out of this trip (sightseeing? partying? historical sights?) i will try to do my best to share my opinion that you might find helpful.

Welcome, sourlemonpie!

If you travel on a tight budget, I recommend to spend as much time as possible in countries like Poland, Czech and Hungary. The most expensive places are London, Paris, Scandinavia and Italy (except everything south of Rome). Spain is a pretty good country for backpacking, especially if you speak their language (like you obviously do), prices are very reasonable as well.

Most things are cheaper in the east, especially transport and food. Hostel beds are now almost as pricey as in Western Europe, but most hostels are very small and have an own kitchen, where you can cook your own meals.

All EU countries except the UK and Ireland have now signed the Schengen treaty. Poland, Czech, Slovakia and Hungary are planning to abandon their border controls in 2007.

Money: If you avoid restaurants and don´t spend tons on beer in bars 40 Euros per day should be sufficient.

I have been in Auschwitz in April this year. I´m German – I thought I knew everything about our history but it´s really something quite different to actually see the place. It´s way beyond explanation. I totally recommend a visit there.

Hey, hi guys, and thanks for the welcome!

When am i planning to go… i haven’t really thought about it yet, but it may be October-November 2007.

So far, i’m thinking of going alone, since i haven’t told my friends about this yet. A friend of mine is in Spain, so that country may be my first stop. I have an aunt and a friend in Germany too (well, my aunt is in Berlin and my friend in Darmstadt, so i guess it’s not that close anyway), so i can stay there too.

I like to get out and have fun, but i am not a heavy drinker or i don’t die if i don’t get out. I’m more up for historical places, museums, etc etc.

UK might be left apart since is farther (sp?) and i need extra money.

I’ve always wanted to visit concentration camps, at least Auschwitz. I really like WW2-Holocaust places. I went to a pretty cool Holacaust Memorial museum in Dc, but i guess in Europe it’s a totally different story.

I had a list of places i’d love to visit in Europe, but i lost it.

Mostly of the places people visits, well, are Schengen places (you know, Spain, France,Italy Holland, Germany, Belgium)… the fact is, for some reason, i am not really interested in them (the only place that drawns my attention in France, for ex,is Louvre museum…and for some weird reason, Pére Lachaise)…. (excepting for Germany and Italy). I’d love to visit other places…but i am not sure if my pocket can handle it!

Languages. Well, some english, as you can see… spanish, italian (i learned it at school). I learned some German at school, but now it’s been cut to "wie heiBt du" or "radiergummi".

How can you possibly remember "radiergummi", of all words?

If you are going in October and November, I recommend to make Spain the last stop, not the first. Reason: The weather in central Europe is usually still pretty nice in October (very much like in the Sierra – sunny days and chilly nights, not too much rain), but Novembers are pretty ugly here. Cold, wet and dark. Spain should be MUCH nicer in November than Germany.

Berlin is quite interesting but it´s not a pretty city. It´s always nice to have relatives to visit, thus you can really get in touch with the local culture, but if you´re interested in enjoying the evenings as well a stay in a hostel wouldn´t be a bad idea either, just to meet some people to go out with. The good nightlife is the most important reason why many people visit Berlin in the first place, unfortunately it´s just damn hard to find…

Darmstadt! "Darm" means "gut" ("tripa" in Spanish). As the name suggests, the place is really shit. So I hope at least your friend is worth going there!

By the way:

Fun fact: the world-famous "Imodium" anti-diarrhea pills are pruduced in Darmstadt!

How long will you be there?

The good news is that you are going in what is considered off-season so the plane ticket will cost less. Places to stay will cost less also as opposed to summer travel.

Don’t worry about going by yourself. You’ll make friends.

Since you’ve never been to Europe it probably doesn’t matter where you go. As suggested, Eastern Europe is much cheaper than Western Europe. Go to Germany and then take the train to Czech Rep and Poland. Each place has it’s own culture so you’ll see something new whereever you go.

And where would be a good place to go in South America?

Short reply (i have a lot to say but ill do it when i come back from work!):

Places in South America? Peru of course. Cuzco, and don’t miss Iquitos or anything near to the Amazon. If you’ve got the money, i frankly would suggest to visit the Manu…if you like wildlife and animals. Ica too, so you can visit the Nazca lines…and so and so!

I would visit Brasil as well, mostly Rio. And FLorianapolis, even if ive heard it’s expensive…… Argentina is beautiful, but if you’ve been in Europe…. it’s called the South American Europe! Chile…. i think i like it cause it’s very organized and clean, but i never saw anything really special about it.

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And where would be a good place to go in South America?

Too many to pick just a few. I have met a guy who travelled 6 months just in Brazil. He said there´s still so much he didn´t see there.

My favourite place was Patagonia though. It fascinated me so much because you can´t go to uninhabitated places in Europe, there are none left.

Hahaha it was just an example, i know other words! It’s just… this is stupid, but back in school, for us, the word "radiergummi" sounded funny. And people mentioned it often. I know other words, but i can’t really speak the language. It’s pretty difficult. I wonder if for a German spanish is as hard to learn as German is to us.

AHahahaha… no idea about Darmstadt. My german friend said it was "boring". But i guess i’ll visit him… since it’s a school mate and haven’t seen him in years. Still, Berlin is more up. Other nice places in Germany, not so far from Berlin?

I had even considered (if i get to go in October), to go to Octoberfest… but i have the idea that’s going to be pretty pricey.

What is cool about Poland and Czech?

And…how much does it costs (aproxx) to move from a country to another?

How long will i stay… i have no idea. Till i run out of money, and i don’t really have a lot. Maybe 2500$.

sorry double post.

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What is cool about Poland and Czech?

They are less expensive than Western Europe and more of a contrast due to the iron curtain. Prague has much to see including day trips to Ceské Budĕjovice and Ceské Krumlov.[url=‘http://www.contipromotor.cz/images/cesky_krumlov4.jpg’]Ceské Krumlov[/url]

Never been to Poland but I hear Kraków is great.

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And…how much does it costs (aproxx) to move from a country to another?

Munich to Prague was about $30 U.S. Most of that covered from Munich to the border. Once you’re in Eastern Europe, everything is less expensive.

Judgin by the pic, looks gorgeous.

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quote:
What is cool about Poland and Czech?

They are less expensive than Western Europe and more of a contrast due to the iron curtain. Prague has much to see including day trips to Ceské Budĕjovice and Ceské Krumlov.[url=‘http://www.contipromotor.cz/images/cesky_krumlov4.jpg’]Ceské Krumlov[/url]

Never been to Poland but I hear Kraków is great.

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And…how much does it costs (aproxx) to move from a country to another?

Munich to Prague was about $30 U.S. Most of that covered from Munich to the border. Once you’re in Eastern Europe, everything is less expensive.

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Hahaha it was just an example, i know other words! It’s just… this is stupid, but back in school, for us, the word "radiergummi" sounded funny. And people mentioned it often. I know other words, but i can’t really speak the language. It’s pretty difficult. I wonder if for a German spanish is as hard to learn as German is to us.

I found it quite easy to learn Spanish. I had 6 years French in school which helped a lot. The grammar is almost the same, many words are similar and the pronounciation is very simple for German speakers. I picked up my Spanish while travelling in South America (1 year altogether). You are right that learning German is tricky – the Grammar rules are not simple by themselves and then there are always 100 exceptions. It is also not verz rewarding if you already speak English because everybody does so as well in Germany.

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AHahahaha… no idea about Darmstadt. My german friend said it was "boring". But i guess i’ll visit him… since it’s a school mate and haven’t seen him in years. Still, Berlin is more up. Other nice places in Germany, not so far from Berlin?

By Peruvian standards, Germany is tiny and transportation way faster – some trains travel at 250 km/h. So – everything is sort of near Berlin, but there are not so many nice places in northern Germany (maybe I am biased, I am from the south!). Hamburg is worth a look. In Bavaria, Nuremberg and Regensburg are beautiful cities and then of course there are the mountains south of Munich.

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I had even considered (if i get to go in October), to go to Octoberfest… but i have the idea that’s going to be pretty pricey.

Wait! Octoberfest is mostly in SEPTEMBER (dont ask me why). It always lasts 16 days and ends on the first Sunday in October.
And, YES, it wont be cheap. 40 Euros for a hostel bed and 100 for having a nice day at the fest.

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What is cool about Poland and Czech?

In Poland I only know Krakow and Gdansk – they are certainly worth a few days each. I heard Warsaw is ugly. Czech: Prague is Europe’s most beautiful capital in my opinion. Cesky Krumlov and Olomuc shouldnt be missed either.

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And…how much does it costs (aproxx) to move from a country to another?

How long will i stay… i have no idea. Till i run out of money, and i don’t really have a lot. Maybe 2500$.

Do some research on the cost of railpasses. I have actually no idea how much they are. If you want to save money, consider the Eurolines buses. They have a good network across the continent and sell travelpasses, too. Buen viaje!

If you take German classes in here (super intensive courses, i think that’s like… three hours daily, M-F)… it takes you like, uhm… three years and a half. My best friend, who’s been always obssessed with Germany and stuff, took classes for four years, two times per week. And she’s still into basics.

Her bf (the german guy)… uhm, he’s pretty smart and stuff, but i don’t see him interested in learning spanish at all. It kinda… it’s not like pisses me off, but i have to admit it kinda bothers me. Unless they’re considering to move on to Germany (as i think they are).

These rail passes buses / trains… are they only for Germany, or also for the rest of Europe?

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These rail passes buses / trains… are they only for Germany, or also for the rest of Europe?

Eurail passes are valid for most European countries (as the name suggests!), same for the Eurolines pass (if that still exists).

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Her bf (the german guy)… uhm, he’s pretty smart and stuff, but i don’t see him interested in learning spanish at all. It kinda… it’s not like pisses me off, but i have to admit it kinda bothers me. Unless they’re considering to move on to Germany (as i think they are).

It would certainly piss ME off, regardless where I´d be moving.

Hah, yeah that question was a little bit silly! I looked for some info, but i have to see which kind of pass is more convenient.

And yeah, if i were living in Germany, i would learn German!

I talked about my plans with a friend of mine, and she wants to come with me. She’s quite excited about coming with me, but let’s see what happens. It’s quite different to go alone than with somebody else!

Yesterday, in this forum, i saw some pics somebody posted and this city…. Rothenburg (sp?), looks quite beautiful. I still have to investigate more about these German cities to see which ones (not too many, of course) will be the chosen ones to go…. in the other hand, i’ve heard so much about Munich that sounds like a must-see. Nuremberg? For some reason, sounds pretty historical. And i love that, so i don’t know…..

That’s all in Germany so far.

In Spain…. i am not really interested in this country, but plane tickets from here to Spain are the cheapest, so, if i am already there, i guess i can visit the country….

Auschwitz = a must see in my list. I don’t know even how to get there yet, but it’s a must see.

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Auschwitz = a must see in my list. I don’t know even how to get there yet, but it’s a must see.

Most people go there from Krakow, a beautiful old town about 1 hour east of it. You can book a tour from Krakow, they will bring you there in the morning, take you around the place and go back in the evening.

IMPORTANT: There are actually TWO concentration camps:
– Auschwitz I (=the original one, in former barracks of the Polish army)
– Auschwitz II Birkenau (2 km away, this is the one where the gas chambers were). It is much bigger than Auschwitz I but unfortunately much of it has been destroyed when the Nazis left.

Most tours only visit Auschwitz I !! There is a good tour there and a good exhibition/documentation, but Auschwitz II Birkenau is far more impressive. When booking a tour, make sure it visits BOTH camps!

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Yesterday, in this forum, i saw some pics somebody posted and this city…. Rothenburg (sp?), looks quite beautiful. I still have to investigate more about these German cities to see which ones (not too many, of course) will be the chosen ones to go…. in the other hand, i’ve heard so much about Munich that sounds like a must-see. Nuremberg? For some reason, sounds pretty historical. And i love that, so i don’t know…..

Yes, Rothenburg is nice, but I haven´t been there in a long time. I think it was with my parents when I was about 10 years old.

The pictures you are referring to are indeed impressive. All the places they were taken at are in southern Germany so you wouldn´t need much time to visit all these places.

Silly question, but… do i need tickets to get in? How much does it costs, if so?

I can’t remember if it was you or MB but either one said Krakow was worth the visit.

(to Auschwitz).
ANd if i get to go, ill bookmark both of them, of course!

Auschwitz was free entrance if I remember correctly. I haven´t been in the Dachau site for 10 years – I don´t remember.

If you want to save money, you can avoid the tours from Krakow altogether – just take a train to Oswiecim, the camps are so huge you can´t possibly miss them.

Where’s Dachau? Germany?

And where can i take that train? Germany itself or i still have to cross to Poland?

Dachau is a Munich suburb. You can take the S-bahn (covered by railpass, although you wouldn’t want to waste a day of a flexi or select pass on local transportation) to the Dachau station. There’s a bus (maybe a couple of euros) from there to the camp. Admission is free.

Train to Auschwitz would be from Krakow — which isn’t particularly close to Germany….

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quote:

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What is cool about Poland and Czech?

They are less expensive than Western Europe and more of a contrast due to the iron curtain. Prague has much to see including day trips to Ceské Budĕjovice and Ceské Krumlov.[url=‘http://www.contipromotor.cz/images/cesky_krumlov4.jpg’]Ceské Krumlov[/url]

Never been to Poland but I hear Kraków is great.

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And…how much does it costs (aproxx) to move from a country to another?

Munich to Prague was about $30 U.S. Most of that covered from Munich to the border. Once you’re in Eastern Europe, everything is less expensive.

Dude this place looks just like the one from the movie "Hostel" where they torture and kill foreigners, freaky!!

It is the town. Hostel also shot in Prague and some Germany. [url=‘http://roobert.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/dsc00295.jpg’]This[/url] looks to be the view used in the movie.

quote: Dachau is a Munich suburb. You can take the S-bahn (covered by railpass, although you wouldn’t want to waste a day of a flexi or select pass on local transportation) to the Dachau station. There’s a bus (maybe a couple of euros) from there to the camp. Admission is free.

Train to Auschwitz would be from Krakow — which isn’t particularly close to Germany….

I wanna make both. Definitely. I wanna go to Munich, so if it’s near enough, i can give a try to Dachau.

Hey, that view doesn’t looks bad! (from Hostel).

If you aren´t in Munich anyway forget it. They´re all the same, really. There isn´t much left of the Dachau camp apart from the main building. The camp was used to accommodate refugees after the war, then the barracks were destroyed. Nazi stuff was pretty taboo in Germany until the 70ies, when the camp was restored to what is used to look like before the war.

Maybe this will sound as the guy from "Deutsch Kultur Kwestion" thread, but…. can you get books like "Mein Kampf" in Deutschland, with no problem?

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Maybe this will sound as the guy from "Deutsch Kultur Kwestion" thread, but…. can you get books like "Mein Kampf" in Deutschland, with no problem?

Actually, no. There is simply no publisher who wants to print that piece of shit. Besides that, for some weird reason, the government of Bavaria owns the copyright – they don´t want to print it either. It is available in university libraries though (to read, not to buy). If you are interested in it, get a Spanish version in Lima.

I once spent an hour or so with it to get an impression. I guess it´s interesting for an historian but it´s really utter rubbish – this man WAS mad.

Here’s available (mMein Kampf). I remember i had to read it in a class. I don’t know if i am distracted or what, but i really couldn’t…. swallow? understand? a word of what the guy had to say.

Maybe cause back then i wasn’t really informed about how was Germany before war and stuff. It was kind of complicated for me to read.

No, I had exactly the same impression. I got no clue how the brain of that madman worked.

It is. It’s like… very confusing. I wonder if he could understand himself!

There’s this other book, i haven’t read it though. It’s something like "Fuhrer X: Memories of a former neonazi". Something like that.

I don´t know that book.

Hitler was a terrible writer. He did not actually write "Mein Kampf" himself – Rudolf Heß did it for him when they were in jail together. Hitler just edited it. Heß was another sort of weirdo altogether and I doubt if he always understood what Hitler meant.

Hitler totally stopped to write stuff when he got to power. He used the telephone a lot, that´s why there is absolutely nothing left to be nailed down to him – that´s why Nazi apologists claim that Hitler didn´t even know about the Holocaust. That is of course bullshit but there is no way to prove what he ordered.

His SPEECHES had a tremendous impact though. I wonder why – when I watch taped Hitler speeches I always have the weird impression that he didn´t talk but rather BARK. Charlie Chaplin took the piss out of that quite brilliantly.

Not only that he barked (and probably also did spit the audience as well), but i have the impression that everything in German sounds even…. harder.

As a quote i did read once (don’t take offense, i like the language, has &quotersonality&quot:

"German is the dogs’ language".

I am trying SO HARD to remember who said it.

Hehe, true, BUT: in Austria, they sing like the Chinese when they talk!

A Swedish guy told me that Danish people talk as if they were puking. I’ve never talked to one, so i can’t really say!

And HOLY. A while ago, i watched "Children of Beslan". Russian seems a very…complicated…. language.

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A Swedish guy told me that Danish people talk as if they were puking.

OMG!

I asked my friend’s bf, btw. He laughed as well, and said "naaahh".

Anyway, capitulating……

Spain. The less, the better. Although is cheap… i don’t really want to stay for too long there. I’ve heard Barcelona is awesome if you like parties. I like them but i am not a party animal, so i don’t know……

Germany. Berlin, of course. Munich – Nuremberg. Should i make both, or only one, don’t know yet.

Poland.-Auschwitz.

And damn, im in a dilemma. A lot of people i know is in UK. Still, going there complicates stuff. A lot.