Author Topic: ok. so. if i wanted to go to europe for a bit... (Read 880 times)

JB88 · « **on:** June 11, 2005, 07:25:10 PM »

and write and make some art and explore.

what do i need to do?

VOR · « **Reply #1 on:** June 11, 2005, 07:29:03 PM »

Have a passport?

JB88 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 11, 2005, 07:54:23 PM »

not yet, but i can get in in new orleans same day.

VOR · « **Reply #3 on:** June 11, 2005, 08:06:22 PM »

Ok then, that would be step one. Since you seem unsure about a destination or and kind of specific itenerary, I'd visit a travel agent. They can help you with lodging, transportation to and once you reach wherever you're going, and give you some good literature on local laws and customs.

If you buy a phrasebook it will be of limited use as a communication aide, but the locals will likely feel sorry for you and speak to you in English when they see you with it.

Any ideas where you'll be going?

_Ro_ · « **Reply #4 on:** June 11, 2005, 08:32:49 PM »

First of all where in Europe do you wish to go?

I personally don't care for western europe, but i love the food, people, culture and architecuture of Central Europe.

This past March and April I took 6 weeks and traveled through Romania, Serbia and Hungary (family in Budapest)

The hell with a travel agency, wing it man! Is way more fun. Most the young ppl know english, so if ya get lost find a young person.

Study the country you plan to go on the net and by reading books.

Brasov Romania, 3 ppl eating $15

Belgrade Serbia, 2 ppl eating $15

CAUTION, you might not want to return.

JB88 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 11, 2005, 10:11:20 PM »

ya, i think that i'll avoid the travel agents, though i suppose i view my european friends here as the next best thing.

where is the energy and the creativity at over there right now?

_Ro_ · « **Reply #6 on:** June 11, 2005, 10:47:40 PM »

I'm a little bias, but Budapest is known as the Paris of Central Europe the arts a very alive in Budapest. If you want 2000 years of history piled up in one place i would highly recommend Budapest.

*Travel from country to country via train (DO NOT ever take a cab from any train station), use the buses when traveling within the country.

*Know and understand the local currency.

*Never give your passport to anybody. (Some plain cloth'd guys might approach you claiming they're cops with badges and everything. DON'T DO IT)

mosgood · « **Reply #7 on:** June 11, 2005, 10:54:05 PM »

Buy a first class Eurail pass. The rail system is good and first class makes sure you always get a good seat.

I HIGHLY recommend it

JB88 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 11, 2005, 11:16:26 PM »

is there anywhere that i would be able to work to get money when i needed it?

(or do you guys have a posse on your borders too? lol)

JB88 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 12, 2005, 12:00:32 AM »

i am a pretty good artist with a degree in photography and video and half a masters in scultpure. i am an decent teacher as well...did assistanceships in grad school. enjoyed it thouroughly.

i have an opinion that i like to write with from time to time and i have a wide open brain seeking nourishment. i would like to complete a book before i am 40.

i am relatively intelligent and dont mind doing shotty jobs if it gets me from point a to point b, but i would prefer using my knowledge of art and/or technology be of use.

i need little more than a large room that i can make stuff in.

with a shower and a pub nearby.

a college wouldnt hurt.

i wonder if i could continue my studies there.

hmmmm.

JB88 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 12, 2005, 12:11:37 AM »

excellent.

thank you gsholz, much oblidged sir.

_Ro_ · « **Reply #11 on:** June 12, 2005, 12:11:39 AM »

JB88, do you have any idea what country you want to go too?

and a pub close by isn't a problem in Europe;)

JB88 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 12, 2005, 12:17:00 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by _Ro_
JB88, do you have any idea what country you want to go too?

and a pub close by isn't a problem in Europe;)

no ro, i really dont.

i think that i just want to find a place for a bit that is far away from the us (i need a bit of perspective) where the people are relatively friendly and will welcome me in for a bit.

id like to find a creative center, a place where i can learn and exchange.

i had originally thought of south america, mostly because of its cultural differences, but i realize that i am going to have to learn how to travel first.

europe seems the right choice because of the amount of english that is spoken there. it would be nice to learn another language, but easier if my mistakes are translatable.

i just have a yen.

time to fly for a bit.

_Ro_ · « **Reply #13 on:** June 12, 2005, 12:31:23 AM »

I'm thinking about doing the same thing JB88....I'm retired from the military and i have been to Budapest 15 times......i love the country.

Look in to Budapest in your spare time, Prague and Vienna are close by way of train.

If i wanted to go some place cheap to live i would think about Romania. It is a very poor country but you can live cheap and the Romanian ppl are very friendly. Stay away from Bucharesti though, too many gypsies. Cluj, Brasov, Sibiu and Timisoara are very nice.

Nilsen · « **Reply #14 on:** June 12, 2005, 02:59:11 AM »

88..

As an emergency job, you could contact your embassy or walk into bars and nightclubs. I know form experience that they will hire you for short periods if you know how to get beer into a glass without spraying the guests. If you can make a gin & tonic to boot you are hired fo life.

Whatever you do... skip all kinds of guides and guided tours. Do as you do now and ask people who have been in the areas you want to go too.

The train idea is not a bad one at all, but you have to love people.