Initial thoughts on what to pack.

Well, I have finally put some thought into what to pack. Two weeks in Europe has to be done on one backpack in order to be manageable. I initially thought a 60 liter backpack was the way to go but after checking several forums and talking with other backpackers, I am confident that the 40 liter is the way to go. Anybody I have talked to that gives me advice says over packing was their biggest problem on their first trip.

I have decided to go with the North Face Terra 60 as my backpack. I tried on several different backpacks at Gander Mountain and Dicks Sporting Goods. I found that the shoulder straps are the weak point in many packs. The suspension on the Terra 60 is incredible, and the waist belt is made of a really soft almost gel like material. It can expand as needed and has lots of adjustments so you can get that perfect fit on your back.

So enough about the backpack. Here is my initial list of what I am packing. Any advice?

* One pair of khaki north face pants/zipoff to shorts
* One pair cargo shorts
* 3-4 north face/under armor moisture wicking shirts
* 3-4 boxers
* 3-4 pairs of socks
* Sandals
* Light shell, one long sleeve shirt
* Sneakers (will purchase new and wear in one week prior)
* Small thin towel
* Camera and iphone, small headphones, ipod. (possibly netbook/high def camcorder)
* Lightweight daypack, padlock.
* Toiletries, toothbrush and paste, chapstick, tanning lotion, deodorant, shampoo, soap, asprin, antacid, ear plugs. (I plan to pack very light on all of this and pick them up over there. That way I can discard them before I board the plane to come home.)
* Sunglasses, money belt
* One credit card, one atm, some cash, two id's, passport, plane tickets.
* Guidebook and .pdf cheat sheet (which I am currently writing, will post later)

Ryan

Passport should be here shortly.

Well, my passport is now en route. It should be here in about two weeks. I went to the local US post office to order one. For those of you who are interested in international travel, you better plan at least 4-6 weeks in advance.

Here is what you'll need for a first time applicant:

* A completed DS-11 application form.
* One of the following: Previously issued and undamaged U.S. Passport, Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth Naturalization Certificate or a Certificate of Citizenship.
* If you apply in person, you will also need 2 photos, a drivers license, military or government ID.
* You will also have to pay a fee, which is about $100.00.

Europe 2009: The Weather Map

For those of you looking to travel to Europe, I found a great site that uses the Google Maps API and overlays information about current weather statistics. I have posted an embedded map below. If you want to generate your own code, please check out this page.

Things to do: Munich, Germany

Visit the Dachau Concentration Camp

Dachau was Germany's first concentration camp, started in 1933 because the prisons were overflowing with people the government didn't like. They didn't have enough money to just build more prisons the way we do in our War on Drugs, so the Nazis built work camps like Dachau. Dachau was not setup to be an extermination camp like Auschwitz however almost 30,000 prisoners were killed here, and many others lost their lives due to other causes while at the camp. The exact numbers are hard to determine.

I'm positive this will be one of the more sobering times of the trip, but the history cannot be forgotten. If you decide to do this, you should allow at least 3 hours of time. Dachau is suburb located 45 minutes from downtown Munich. The best way to get there is to take the S-Bahn (S2) to Dachau station, and then follow the signs. Bus service runs regularly between the station and the camp. It's a 10 min walk from there to the main entrance. The Memorial Site is open on all days except for Mondays, between 9 am and 5 pm. Entry is free but paying a guide is highly recommended.


Visit the Munich Hofbräuhaus

The world-famous Hofbräuhaus was founded in 1589 and has since been one of Munich's most popular tourist attractions. This place is everything that Bavaria is all about. It is a huge beer drinking hall and you'll see all the traditions of a Bavarian beer drinking place. Long wooden tables and benches, beer which is only served in 1 liter sized glasses (the beer "Maß"), giant pretzels on sale - to soak up the beer and an ompah band playing traditional Bavarian brass band music. I've also been told by a reader that they also play some modern pop/hip-hop. This should certainly be interesting. :)


I have a lot more to post. I just have to finish doing some editing. So check back.

Things to do: Interlaken, Switzerland

Ok. I've been waiting and doing my homework on Switzerland for awhile now. I finally think this post is ready to go. Switzerland looks like a hidden gem in Europe. Everyone thinks of Berlin, London, Paris, Rome etc as the place to see but Switzerland should not be forgotten.

Interlaken is frequently visited by adventure-seeking backpackers throughout the year. The town is home to numerous backpacker-friendly hostels and companies that provide guided services in skydiving, canyoning, hang gliding, paragliding, and skiing, to name a few.

Canyon Swinging? I found a great blog that has some good information and video of a girl who attempted it.

Skydiving? Interlaken has it! In fact this is one of the things I would love to do. If I could knock out two of the things on my all time "gotta do" list within a two week span, that would rock! From the homework I did, skydiving in the Swiss Alps will set you back no less than $300 and it is all or nothing. There is certainly no wuss out money back policy.


If you seek the thrill like I do, Skydive Interlaken is your place to do it. One of my friends Josh, just came back back from a trip to Europe. Here is his video of him skydiving in Interlaken:



Canyon Diving? For more information on Canyon Diving in the Swiss Alps, check out our previous post here.

Hostels? After you are worn out from all the extreme sports, Balmers is a great place to wind down the day.

Nightlife? You probably won't find much in Interlaken. I've heard from multiple sources that nightlife is almost non-existent. The best bar is Metro Bar which happens to be at Balmers!



Last Two:
Groove Armada - Lightsonic
Kings of Leon - Crawl