Freethought & Rationalism Archive

KoopaFanatic · 06-07-2003, 01:34 AM

Well, I'm sort of getting fed up with the current job market. If the full-time position I'm interviewing for next week falls through, I'm going to go to work at a Boy Scout camp up north for about a month and a half and then find something else to do with my time. Something aside from a fruitless job search, at any rate. I seem to remember backpacking across Europe has been the trendy coming-of-age "adventure" for years, and from what I've heard there's a reason it's a classic.

So, has anyone actually done this? If so, do you have any suggestions? Places to go, cities to avoid, scams to watch out for, etc? For that matter, anyone care to come along? You know, safety in numbers and all that...

On a similar note, any European infidels out there who'd be willing to put a roof over an intinerant 20-something ugly American for a night or two? (I don't smoke or take up much room, and I'm a good cook and dishwasher

)

At this point it's just idle musing, but it's idle musing that I just might follow through on. Aside from a few weekend trips while I was studying in Belgium a few years back, I've never done any travelling that wasn't with my family or otherwise chaperoned. Mostly, though, I want to try putting some of my language skills (German, Portuguese and a smattering of French and Italian) to the test.

So, anybody have thoughts on the matter?

kwigibo · 06-07-2003, 02:27 AM

Do it, while you're still young. that's the only advice i can offer as i haven't been yet.

KoopaFanatic · 06-07-2003, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Do it, while you're still young. that's the only advice i can offer as i haven't been yet.

Yeah, that's kinda what I'm thinking. It dawned on me this morning that since I might be in danger of getting a real job, which would put an end to any chance to actually do the backpacking thing, I'd better do it now!

lunachick · 06-07-2003, 03:16 AM

The best place to make a good buck used to be Holland - I don't know if that's still the case, as I haven't done it for awhile.

Check out Bakkers in DeZilk. Check out ...oh fuck...something beginning with "L" in (I think) Noordweikerhout (sp?).

My memory is rusty

Once you are in the "circuit", and are making friends with other seasonal, transitional workers you will get lots of tips about where to stay, where to seek work, etc. In fact, as you travel you will bump into people you met in, say Israel (although not now

), in Greece, and people you met in Greece you will meet in Denmark, etc. They will know the seasons, the circuit, the accom, everything.

Follow them, hook up with them...they are invaluable. I've always been a lone traveller - I like it that way - but it doesn't matter. Those people will give you everything you need. You'll also get invited to wicked parties.

Good luck on your travels! I wish I was going again, but I had a child in Holland and had to call off my own nomadic life in honour of my child.

It's easier than you may think. All you need is guts.

Edited to add that I think the "L" word might be something like "Langeveldt"

Born Free · 06-07-2003, 04:22 AM

You're welcome to kip at our place no problem and we could even throw in a wee trip somewhere nice like Glencoe or Stirling, Edinburgh take your pick.

There is a choice of the couch which is leather and comfy enough but computer noises at night can be irritatating or lower bunkbed in young teenagers room he has all mod cons for your convenience, doesn't snore and could even be shipped out for a night or two if the worst comes to the worst. If it was to be a weekend you'd be garaunteed that room to yourself.

The con is we do smoke although we burn incense etc and we have a cat so I hope you're not allergic.

But otherwise we're decent enough people and we won't kill you in your bed at night.

This is a sincere offering if you do decide to go ahead.

Genghis Pwn · 06-07-2003, 08:19 AM

I am in Europe now. Spending the whole summer here.

06-07-2003, 01:34 AM	#1
KoopaFanatic Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Virginia Posts: 2,867	Backpacking through Europe? Well, I'm sort of getting fed up with the current job market. If the full-time position I'm interviewing for next week falls through, I'm going to go to work at a Boy Scout camp up north for about a month and a half and then find something else to do with my time. Something aside from a fruitless job search, at any rate. I seem to remember backpacking across Europe has been the trendy coming-of-age "adventure" for years, and from what I've heard there's a reason it's a classic. So, has anyone actually done this? If so, do you have any suggestions? Places to go, cities to avoid, scams to watch out for, etc? For that matter, anyone care to come along? You know, safety in numbers and all that... On a similar note, any European infidels out there who'd be willing to put a roof over an intinerant 20-something ugly American for a night or two? (I don't smoke or take up much room, and I'm a good cook and dishwasher ) At this point it's just idle musing, but it's idle musing that I just might follow through on. Aside from a few weekend trips while I was studying in Belgium a few years back, I've never done any travelling that wasn't with my family or otherwise chaperoned. Mostly, though, I want to try putting some of my language skills (German, Portuguese and a smattering of French and Italian) to the test. So, anybody have thoughts on the matter?

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06-07-2003, 02:27 AM	#2
kwigibo Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Gold Coast, QLD, Australia Posts: 5,814	Do it, while you're still young. that's the only advice i can offer as i haven't been yet.

06-07-2003, 03:16 AM	#4
lunachick Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: NZ Posts: 7,895	The best place to make a good buck used to be Holland - I don't know if that's still the case, as I haven't done it for awhile. Check out Bakkers in DeZilk. Check out ...oh fuck...something beginning with "L" in (I think) Noordweikerhout (sp?). My memory is rusty Once you are in the "circuit", and are making friends with other seasonal, transitional workers you will get lots of tips about where to stay, where to seek work, etc. In fact, as you travel you will bump into people you met in, say Israel (although not now ), in Greece, and people you met in Greece you will meet in Denmark, etc. They will know the seasons, the circuit, the accom, everything. Follow them, hook up with them...they are invaluable. I've always been a lone traveller - I like it that way - but it doesn't matter. Those people will give you everything you need. You'll also get invited to wicked parties. Good luck on your travels! I wish I was going again, but I had a child in Holland and had to call off my own nomadic life in honour of my child. It's easier than you may think. All you need is guts. Edited to add that I think the "L" word might be something like "Langeveldt"

06-07-2003, 04:22 AM	#5
Born Free Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Scotland Posts: 4,177	You're welcome to kip at our place no problem and we could even throw in a wee trip somewhere nice like Glencoe or Stirling, Edinburgh take your pick. There is a choice of the couch which is leather and comfy enough but computer noises at night can be irritatating or lower bunkbed in young teenagers room he has all mod cons for your convenience, doesn't snore and could even be shipped out for a night or two if the worst comes to the worst. If it was to be a weekend you'd be garaunteed that room to yourself. The con is we do smoke although we burn incense etc and we have a cat so I hope you're not allergic. But otherwise we're decent enough people and we won't kill you in your bed at night. This is a sincere offering if you do decide to go ahead.

06-07-2003, 08:19 AM	#6
Genghis Pwn Banned Join Date: May 2003 Location: Spain Posts: 168	I am in Europe now. Spending the whole summer here.

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