Madrid, Berlin and Munich (Octoberfest)

Hello all,

Apologies for my tardiness of late. Through a mixture of exhaustion, business, excitement and just all out partying I haven't been able to get a spare half an hour to keep you up to date on my latest travels. Evidently, now I have and here you go.

Madrid was Aaron and I's second stop in our whirlwind tour of Spain and one that Aaron and I knew very little about other than what had been conveyed to us through conversations with others who had travelled there in the past. Compared to the industrialised nature of the port city, Barcelona, Madrid had a completely different atmosphere to it, probably established by the significant difference in architecture. On our walking tour Aaron and I both felt that this city should really be in Germany or Austria rather than in the middle of Spain. The influence of the Hapsburg family who ruled a few centuries ago is incredibly evident around Europe once you know what you're looking for and Madrid wasn't short of this. We were able to explore the town centre with countless squares and historical landmarks, local markets, the royal palace (2800 rooms, the biggest in Europe) and Cathedral. Here we also learnt about Bull Fighting, a dying form of entertainment in Spain and across the world as a result of its treatment of animals. None the less it has a rich history in Spain and Las Ventas has been the scene of many pivotal moments in the sports past.

From there we travelled to Berlin, Germany. Before our trip had started Aaron and I both earmarked this city as a place that we were keen on visiting and it did not disappoint. It was the most interesting city of our trip caused mainly by the fact that it has been an epicentre for action from three of the biggest world events from the last 100 years, WW1, WW2 and the Cold War. The 4 hours we spent exploring the city by foot on our walking tour was time well spent as we learnt about the city's history. From the Brandbenburg Gate to the Holocaust Museum and the Berlin Wall we were always learning new and often being confronted with the harsh realities faced by many people in the last century. It is so hard to believe that these events have occurred in the course of my grandparents lifetimes. Certainly makes me appreciate how lucky we are to live in a country like Australia.

From one city in Germany and back to the scene of earlier travels, Munich. OCTOBERFEST!!!!!!! This was the craziest two and a half days! If I could sum it up I would suggest it is like the Royal Adelaide Show, only with 3 times the amount of rides, no animals (except the odd horse drawn carriage), no showbags, and all of the halls turn from little stalls into 14 beerhalls holding thousands of people, distributing litres and litres of beer, thousands of meals and each with its own Oompa Band! Basically it's an excuse for usually 'normal' adults to release their inner child with the assistance of a few well placed Steins of locally brewed beer. This was a great opportunity to enjoy what would be our last couple of days in Europe, catching up with friends from Croatian Sailing celebrating what has been an amazing 7 months.

So we've arrived back in London. This afternoon we were able to share lunch with some English relatives who I have never met and are now relaxing at our hostel before heading on a coach tour around Oxford, Warwick Castle, Stratford upon Avon and the Cotswalds. Saturday is Grand Final Day and don't think for a minute we're going to miss it. We've sought out a pub in the heart of the city which will be televising the game at 5.30am! After that we're off to the EPL to watch Arsenal v Chelsea, sure to be a definite highlight of the trip and then we're on a plane home!!!!! So this may or may not be my last blog from Europe. Stay tuned for my wrap up shortly.

Until then,
Watch this space!
Dillon

Croatian Sailing and Barcelona

Helloooooooo readers,

As I'm sitting in my hostel in Barcelona I thought it was about time I put together another edition of my blog to keep you all up to date on my travels.
Since I blogged last I have spent the majority of my time on a sailing boat, sailing around the southern islands of Croatia. Housing 38 passengers and 6 crew 'Cicero' is the biggest of the Fanatics fleet and could certainly saw the best and worst of us travellers over the course of the 7 day trip. On our round trip from Split we stopped at Markaska, Mjlet, Dubrovnik, Korcula, Vella Luca and Hvar. Spending a night at each of these spots we were able to explore the busy contrasted with the tranquil and everything in between.

For the first 5 days we were blessed with amazing sunny weather allowing for sun bathing and swimming during the day followed by dinner at a restaurant and parties most nights. Early on in the week we turned part adrenalin junkies as we went white water rafting just outside of Omis. Now I wouldn't go saying that these were waterfalls or anything remotely close but for someone looking to take in the scenes and get a little bit of excitement along the way it was the perfect afternoon. Some walked away with some bruises (thanks Shelley!) others sore arms from the paddling but most were content with a very nice afternoon.

Most mornings we were blessed with the wake up call of the boat dropping anchor signalling a morning swim in some secluded bay. For those with a rather sore head from the night before this provided a great way to freshen up while others worked on their acrobatics off the top railing of the boat. By far my favourite stop of the trip was Dubrovnik. Not knowing much about the city before we stopped I fell in love with the Old Town, surrounded by a massive wall and flanked by amazingly blue water on one side and mountains on the other. Smooth marble stones pieced together roads for the thousands of tourists who wanted to explore the little alleyways which always held something knew, a cafe, a bar which doubled as a 'beach', bucket bars or ice-creameries. Wherever you walked there was always something knew to find. This was the scene of the groups biggest night of the trip, as well as a picnic which Aaron and I shared with Adrienne, Chris and Shelley overlooking the boats moored at the marina.

Come Thursday we were on our way to Hvar (after stops at the little towns of Vella Luca and Korcula) and we were unfortunate to come across a bad patch of weather. The rough seas mixed with a stint of food poisoning from the night before didn't lead to an enjoyable day and forced us to dock on the far side of the island on which Hvar is situated. Consequently I was unable to get to see Hvar which was quite disappointing as those who had been on the trip previously or to Croatia before raved about the city. It just means I'll have to go back sometime!

After arriving back in Split we had our last night out together as a group, dining at a quiet italian restaurant and dancing at a cafe turned bar. The next morning we parted ways and after a load of washing, some free wifi and some very emotional farewells to Adrienne we were off to Barcelona!
The last two days Aaron and I have gone back to being the typical backpacker tourist, trying to cram as much sightseeing into the smallest timeframe. Yesterday's highlight was definitely La Sagrada Familia, a cathedral designed by Gaudi which is still under construction. If you're not sure what I'm talking about Google it because it is amazing. The amount of thought and detail put into each specific part of that building is astonishing and provides for possibly my favourite building of the trip, and it's STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION! We also ventured to Park Guelle which overlooks the city and provides for some great pictures, the old town and the cathedral.

This morning we were off to Park Nou, home of Barcelona Football Club and the biggest stadium in Europe holding just under 100,000 people. Unfortunately there isn't a game on while we were here but seeing the history and stadium itself was more than enough to keep us happy.

 Tomorrow we are off to Madrid before flying to Berlin later in the week. Hard to believe this time in two weeks I'll be on a plane home!

Until next time,
Watch this space,
Dillon

The last hurrah and Santorini

Hello readers,

Well I'm into my last month abroad and hasn't it started with brilliantly. The week started with my last game for Bovey, a sad but thoroughly enjoyable time. We travelled out to tiverton heathcote, probably up there as the most picturesque grounds I've ever played at. After a pre match pump up from Chris Bradley we looked to go out there and rectify what had been a pretty terrible last month of cricket. Thanks to some great bowling from Charlie Hill, Matt Kidd and the spearhead Charlie Carter we were set a very reasonable total of 114 to win. With some magic from Sam Wyatt-Haines we got over the line 8 wickets down to finish 3rd in the league, higher than the club has ever done before.
I think it's fair to say that the boys were keen to celebrate what has been a tough but rewarding season with the 2nds and 3rds who both won their leagues. It was great to be able to share a few drinks with the boys back at the club and say thankyou for everything that they have done for me over the last 5 months. It certainly was sad to say goodbye but this farewell was the start of a new journey.
After finally packing up my room and saying my final goodbye's to the Simmons's I was on a train to Gatwick Airport to start the rest of my travel with Aaron.
Before I move on I would like to say another quick thankyou to the Simmons's. Despite already having 3 children they welcomed me into their family with open arms and made me feel completely at home. I have no doubt that their warm nature kept homesickness at bay and certainly made the 5 month period a lot easier on an 18 year old away from home for the first time. They always knew how to keep me grounded and it was never long until I heard all the jokes after a tough day in the field and for this I am incredibly grateful. All the best to Jack and Will as they enter into their final years at school and to Rach as she looks to finish her teaching degree. Can't wait to see you all in Adelaide soon.
Anyway, after a 3 and a half hour flight we landed in Santorini in the greek islands.

Now for those who don't know much about Santorini, I was exactly the same until a week ago, it is basically a volcano which the greeks have chosen to inhabit and has turned into a tourist hot spot for those looking for some incredible, movie like, scenery and some sun. Sounds perfect after the worst English Summer in 100 years. And it did not disappoint. It was absolutely stunning. Our accommodation overlooked the Caldera, the centre of the volcano which is now covered by water, with Oia to our right and Fira to our left. In the distance you could see Islands everywhere and cruiseships, yachts and the odd stray dinghy venturing out to explore further amazing sights. Check out Atlantidas Villas, Oia, if you want to see the amazing hotel. After a day relaxing by the pool and a leisurely walk through Oia to take some amazing photos and look through the multitude of little speciality shops the rest of the party showed up. The reason for our travel was to celebrate Ros Howland's 50th Birthday. As a consequence, 13 of us from around the world ventured to Santorini.


The next day, Aaron and I decided to seize a free opportunity and explore more of the southern parts of the Island which we hadn't yet travelled through. We travelled through the tourist filled Fira before stumbling on the beautiful town of Perivolas which is famous for its Black Sand beach. We decided to down anchor here for the afternoon, hire an umbrella and chairs and have lunch overlooking the sea.
As amazing as this was, it was nothing compared to what the Howland's had planned for the next day. Kept as a surprise, we were taken out onto a sailing boat which ventured around the south tip of the island, with stops at the White and Red beaches for a swim, to the Volcanic Springs in the centre of the Caldera and back, watching the sun set on what had been the perfect day.

After three flights and 3 countires, Aaron and I are currently sitting in our hostel about to board the Fanatics sailboat which will take us through the Croatian Islands for the next 9 days. From what we saw on the way in, this will no doubt be an amazing week and I am extremely excited to get to meet some new people and take in some more sun.
So keep an eye out for my next blog!
Until then, watch this space,
Dillon