Wednesday, 6 June 2007
Hello from Mannheim
One month after setting off from London I have reached the great river Rhine.
Yesterday, I was in the old city of Worms with its beautiful Romanesque cathedral built in red
stone. Worms was the seat of Charlemagne's Empire and was a great centre of power throughout the Middle Ages. It's a great city, with large chunks of its city walls in tact. It was also the place where Luther made history by presenting his religious ideas to the Worms Diet or Parliament - an event that lead to the reformation in many German cities.
After history and great architecture yesterday, I passed the BASF industrial centre on the way down the Rhine. Mannheim is my first rest day for 200 miles. Amazingly, my blisters have healed and my feet are much better. The next challenge is going to be the heat.
Anyway, I'm making good progress, telling lots of Germans how I'm walking to Istanbul and
enjoying a great deal of the journey. Now I'll try and download some photos!
Paul
Yesterday, I was in the old city of Worms with its beautiful Romanesque cathedral built in red
stone. Worms was the seat of Charlemagne's Empire and was a great centre of power throughout the Middle Ages. It's a great city, with large chunks of its city walls in tact. It was also the place where Luther made history by presenting his religious ideas to the Worms Diet or Parliament - an event that lead to the reformation in many German cities.
After history and great architecture yesterday, I passed the BASF industrial centre on the way down the Rhine. Mannheim is my first rest day for 200 miles. Amazingly, my blisters have healed and my feet are much better. The next challenge is going to be the heat.
Anyway, I'm making good progress, telling lots of Germans how I'm walking to Istanbul and
enjoying a great deal of the journey. Now I'll try and download some photos!
Paul
Saturday, 19 May 2007
Brussels! Bruxelles!
I have arrived in the Belgium capital and can hardly believe that I walked all the way here (except the ferry across the channel ofcourse).
I haven't made up my mind about the city yet. I've only had an afternoon to look around and I'm still in shock for all the people: tourists, and people of so many different colours. It is a truly Cosmopolitan city which is bizarre after being in the white, affluent Flanders countryside for over a week.
The Belgian countryside has become more interesting with hills and forests. This has made walking more enjoyable. It was tough going with the winds that blew across the plains.
Other things I've notices is how house proud the Belgians are - always sweeping, cleaning and
repairing their house and garden. It's weird the way the country operates in two languages, because I've met many people who understand either French or Flemish but not both. What languages are national events broadcast in? Both, I can only assume - like the street signs in Brussels.
Well, I suppose its like Canada (with English and French) :)
Tomorrow is my first full day off from walking. I'll be shopping, sightseeing and resting.
A MASSIVE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SPONSORED ME.
Keep the money rolling in, and don't be shy about posting a message on my blog site.
It's easier for me to read than trawling through emails.
Next blog from Germany...
Paul
I haven't made up my mind about the city yet. I've only had an afternoon to look around and I'm still in shock for all the people: tourists, and people of so many different colours. It is a truly Cosmopolitan city which is bizarre after being in the white, affluent Flanders countryside for over a week.
The Belgian countryside has become more interesting with hills and forests. This has made walking more enjoyable. It was tough going with the winds that blew across the plains.
Other things I've notices is how house proud the Belgians are - always sweeping, cleaning and
repairing their house and garden. It's weird the way the country operates in two languages, because I've met many people who understand either French or Flemish but not both. What languages are national events broadcast in? Both, I can only assume - like the street signs in Brussels.
Well, I suppose its like Canada (with English and French) :)
Tomorrow is my first full day off from walking. I'll be shopping, sightseeing and resting.
A MASSIVE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SPONSORED ME.
Keep the money rolling in, and don't be shy about posting a message on my blog site.
It's easier for me to read than trawling through emails.
Next blog from Germany...
Paul
Monday, 14 May 2007
Hello.
Over a week after I left London, here is my first blog update. It is thanks to a wonderful couple that I am staying with in Poperinge, in the far Western extreme of Belgium. After camping in France it is a welcome treat to stay in the luxurious comfort of a guesthouse.
So far the walk has gone well. There has been up and down moments. But I'm confident that I can make it to Brussels by the end of the week.
That you for all the sponsorships I can see that they are still coming through.
So far, I have crossed the green hills of Kent, stopping at several welcoming pubs along the way.
The last couple of days have been across wind-swept Flanders.
My Portuguese friend Joao has walked with me for a couple of days in France, for which I thank him for enormously. If anyone else fancies coming to join me they are more than welcome!
I've ditched my Pedometer, but the rest of the equipment is good and useful. I've loosened my boots so that I'm not being crippled...
It's grey but cool. Hopefully, next blog from Brussels. Watch this space. Poperinge is a very cute town with a lovely name.
Dag
Paul
Over a week after I left London, here is my first blog update. It is thanks to a wonderful couple that I am staying with in Poperinge, in the far Western extreme of Belgium. After camping in France it is a welcome treat to stay in the luxurious comfort of a guesthouse.
So far the walk has gone well. There has been up and down moments. But I'm confident that I can make it to Brussels by the end of the week.
That you for all the sponsorships I can see that they are still coming through.
So far, I have crossed the green hills of Kent, stopping at several welcoming pubs along the way.
The last couple of days have been across wind-swept Flanders.
My Portuguese friend Joao has walked with me for a couple of days in France, for which I thank him for enormously. If anyone else fancies coming to join me they are more than welcome!
I've ditched my Pedometer, but the rest of the equipment is good and useful. I've loosened my boots so that I'm not being crippled...
It's grey but cool. Hopefully, next blog from Brussels. Watch this space. Poperinge is a very cute town with a lovely name.
Dag
Paul
Saturday, 5 May 2007
I'm Off!
I'm shattered after a long weekend of Graduation ceremony and celebration. I should be in bed because I have to get up at 6am to get to London for 8.30am but I've inevitably got the final equipment checks and packing to do.
Anyway, this blog is to confirm that I have booked the taxi to the train station to take me to Trafalgar Square; I am packed and ready to go; and I do intend to walk all the way to the Golden Horn this summer.
If you don't believe me tune into BBC London 94.9FM this Sunday morning, where they might mention me and my endeavour.
Hopefully, I'll be lucky enough to stumble on the internet in a Youth Hostel in Dover, where you can look out for my first travel weblog.
Anyway, this blog is to confirm that I have booked the taxi to the train station to take me to Trafalgar Square; I am packed and ready to go; and I do intend to walk all the way to the Golden Horn this summer.
If you don't believe me tune into BBC London 94.9FM this Sunday morning, where they might mention me and my endeavour.
Hopefully, I'll be lucky enough to stumble on the internet in a Youth Hostel in Dover, where you can look out for my first travel weblog.
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