I've learned a few things in the last 24 hours

       1. Edinburgh is BEAUTIFUL. I got here tired, wet and a little cold after several hours of travelling and I had to walk up a hill with my 30lbs. backpack on my back. The whole time there was only one thought in my head- this city is absolutely breathtaking!!! Unlike pretty, flat London- Edinburgh is all up or down a hill, the old part of the city is VERY old, all stone. Really made me stop in the middle of the hill and have to take it all in. The vibe of this city is totally different than London, and I think I like it much more (only been here 24 hours, give me a chance..).
       2. The hostel world- the people who live and stay here, the atmosphere, how things work, is a world I haven't had the chance to know up until now. I found out yesterday that there are people that actually live here! When I think about it- it's cheaper than rent, you don't have to sign a contract, you get to meet people from around the world, no extra bills to pay and so on.. At first it's all a little intimidating- you don't know anyone, don't know how things work. It's always the same- the first day I get somewhere I'm immediately regreting my desicion to come here, wishing I was travelling with someone so that I'd have someone to talk to.. But then I get out of my shell (it takes me a couple of hours), I realize that it's a plus to be on my own because I don't have to commit to one person, I can meet and talk to anyone I think is interesting and change my plans on a moments' notice. At dinner time last night the kitchen was packed with 20 people cooking, chopping, baking and preparing dinner and I got excited at the thought of actually cooking something. Haven't done it yet, only a matter of time. I'm in a room with 7 other girls, kind of like the army (a little nicer). I don't have a lot of space for myself, but I realize that I don't need a lot to get by. Everyone I've met is really nice and I know that in the week to come in this beautiful country things will only get better..
I took a free 4 hour tour of the city today and got really excited about all the things to do and see in the city. The sun actually came out today (very rare for this time of year, I think I brought it with me from London) and it made it really fun to walk around. Going for a pub crawl tonight- you all know I'm not a big drinker, but I'm up for trying anything. I'm even planning on having Haggis while I'm here.. I'll let you know how that works out..
For now- fantastic city, fantastic people!!!

Leaving London tomorrow

It's been a fantastic week!! and I can honesly say that I'm ready to move on to the next city..

If I had a pedometer with me during these last few days I think it would show an average of 6-8km a day.. I really feel like I have walked this city. I've been lucky enough to have wonderful, clear and sunny weather since Thursday and it's made the trip that much better.
I think my best 2 days were Friday- morning tour about the Jewish history of London, where I met a lovely girl from NYC, We apent most of the day walking and talking about everything- from family, philosophy, goals and chocolate. And later on I saw "Avenue Q"- a HILLARIOUS puppet show, R rated, with people I met earlier in the week. And Saturday- a day trip to Bath with Shira (one of my oldest friends who lives here) and Luke (my new Australian mate). We strolled around Jane Austen land and smiled all day. The clouds were kind enough not to bother us too much and the whole day was absolutely magical.
Sunday I spent about 8 hours walking the city, and my feet didn't really appreciate it last night. But I got to see more of this glorious city and that's more important to me.
I think that he best part of this journey is seeing and exploring these places AND meeting nice, exciting, interesting people from all over the world to share my everyday with.
I know I'll return to London one day, soo much I didn't get to see, and so much I want to see again.
Thank you Shira- for being my friend and making me feel at home here, Paul- for opening up your home and sharing your space, ideas and thoughts with me, Lisa and Luke- for wanting me to join you on your exloring days, and Erin- for Friday. You all made this trip so special..

Off to Edinburgh!!!

I have a cold..

I guess the fear and anwiety I was feeling a couplke of days ago was just that- fear and anxiety of the unknown, lack of sleep and not knowing where I am exactly.. in the last 3 days I've managed to meet a lovely Australian duo, get a cold, stay in bed and cough my brains out, and bounce back, visit the London National Gallery, Greenwich (Beautiful) and walk around the breathtaking city. I feel much more at ease with this travelling thing and as much as I'm enjoying London- I'm already excited about Scotland and then France!! So thanks for the kind thoughts and wishes- I knew the yuckiness would pass and the excitement would kick in soon enough. The sun is out (unbelievable..) and I'm off to enjoy the rest of this beautiful day..

Bought my first pair of European earring...

I arrived in London a little over 24 hours ago. Unlike HOT Israel, London is cold, cloudy and windy and I'm starting to wish I brought more winter clothes.. I can't help it- I don't have many winter clothes and the thought of buying new ones didn't occur to me. So I'm layering, and so far I'm doing good. I think all the years in SF trained my body well on adjusting to Fall/Winter.

I can't get over how HUGE this place it, how many people and how much history. It seems like everywhere you turn there's a street where I can just see English gentlemen in tophats, pocket-watches and canes walking.. too funny. I took a tour on Shakespeare's London and got a little glimpse at the history of this city.
I found a market area, bought my first pair of earring (those of you who know me well know I can't go long without satisfying my fix.. ).

I'm lucky enough to have an amazing friend here (Shira) who got me a room in the apartment above hers. I have my own room, kitchen and bath basically to myself.

I think I'm still in a little bit of shock that I'm here, I'm actually doing this. In some ways I'm so excited to see new things and meet new people, and, if I'm being perfectly honest, in other ways I miss home and am thinking of turning back early..

I reminded myself this morning that moving to SF was much harder than this, and I'm sure there were moments early on where I had wished I hadn't moved. But before long I got busy and had a great time. I know that's how it'll be here, and if I choose to go abck home sooner than what I had initially planned- no big deal (Europe isn't going anywhere..). My plan is still to wake up every morning with a smile, and I figure when that doesn't happen anymore it's time to pack up my things.

Right now-- I'm here and I'm making the most out of it!! Thanks for all your love and support, I know I've got people around the world who love me.
I LOVE YOU ALL TOO!!!

Suggestions anyone??

It dawned on me today that many of you lovely readers have been to the places I'm going, and that I haven't really asked anyone for suggestions, favorite spots, things to avoid, things I HAVE to see.. etc.

My first stop is London, and thanks to Mom and her talent for research and being prepared- I have plenty of information and things to see and do. I am, however, very open to hearing about other experiences and opinions.

So.. If you've been (or know someone who's been or planned on going so you know a little bit about the area) to England, Scotland, France, Spain or Italy and want to share any of your experiences with me- I would LOVE it!! All of these places are new to me, and I really want to get as much out of every area as I can.

Started packing, leaving in 2 days!!! (can't believe it, but it's here!!)

Before the trip..

Inspired by the movie "Julie&Julia" and about to embark on a special kind of adventure- I decided to write down my thoughts, experiences and any special moment along the way and share it with anyone who wants to join me.

My dream has always been to travel around Europe. I never felt the desire to go to the Far East or South America like most post army Israelis. And now that I'm back in Israel after 3.5 wonderful years of living in San Francisco, I've decided to take this rare moment without any real obligations and take a break from "real life" and go. I'm going alone, so it's really MY trip. I hope and plan to meet amazing exciting people along the way (fellow travelers and locals). My goal is to wake up every morning (whatever bed I wake up in..) with a smile.

It's 9 days before my trip- first stop in London, and I'm starting to realize that I'm actually going and I have to get my shit together and make a list of what I want to take with me, where I want to sleep and what I want to see.

So for you who want to read about my experiences and my rambling thoughts- welcome!! and thank you for taking the time to read. You are a big part of this journey as well.

I am Naomi- and this is me.. tasting Europe..