Some further observations and details from Madrid - when the pedestrian light goes green it chirps like a bird - truly! The working girls that occupy the street our hostel is on, work day and night. Puts the Kings Cross work ethic to shame. Everyone here has a keen liking for facial piercing, namely round the mouth, and tattoos - everyone is inked.

Today we wandered the city - buildings are amazing and such a big place. Traffic, the buzz and congestion reminds us very much of London (and maybe Pitt Street on a busy day). We checked out the Royal Botanical gardens and took much delight in getting photos with the Australian trees - simple minds.

We also indulged in a crazy buffet lunch. Being on the blessed travelling budget, we are trying to economise with food i.e. gorge one meal in order to skip the next! Oh how we got a 7 Euro worth, indeed. May not even be hungry at brekkie...

Not gettting enough of the Baja Beachclub on Sunday night, we went back for lunch on Wednesday - not bad tucker too. Sans oiled up barmen though...

So we have arrived in Madrid and so far so good. As we wandered the city last night we spied what we believed to be the local World Cup celebrations. Instead we found ourself smack bang in the middle of Madrid´s week-long gay pride celebrations - party time! We have been planted in the city at the best possible time, although the vast numbers of fine looking gay Spainish men is very crushing.

The room conveniently lacks air-con and we are in the centre of the red light district, which means the streets outside never sleep, but such only adds to the experience of this busy city.

Struggling to get the pics uploaded - please be patient - trying trying trying.

It was so long and farewell to our beloved hotel and into yet another average hostel - when in Barcelona always go for the hotel. Naturally we bolted outside asap, to both see the city and escape the mediocracy that is hostel living in fair Barcelona.

First stop was into the posh part of the city to see Gaudi´s Casa Mila (or La Pedrera) - that is his fantastic curvy one. It is absolutely amazing - especially up on the roof. Take a look http://www.barcelona-on-line.es/album/pedrera.htm

Next it was shopping and more wandering round busy Barcelona. No purchases made except for Katie´s effort with the honey coated macadamias, which came in at a startling 8 Euro for a little bag!!! Granted they were tasty.

It was a baguette for lunch again - just like the previous10 lunches and dinners. We gag everytime we see baguettes now.

Spain is playing a World Cup match as we type - sure to be bedlam here tonight. We found some trashy British gossip mags (shame) which we are going to devour - dare say we miss London, its magazines, British Big Brother and Jade Goody!

More tanning tomorrow - had withdrawals today...

Pics to come in Madrid, hopefully. Barcelona is not too techno-savvy.

Almost forgot this cracker - the link to the infamous Baja Beachclub as we relayed in our last posting http://www.bajabeach.es/

Yesterday was oh so hectic - lazing round the rooftop pool really takes it out of you! Kate now sports a tres attractive sunglasses tan - from her fake Gucci´s no less - we call them Gacci´s. Spot of lunch in the local cafe, more tanning then off to Port Olympica for a night on the town.

As we were wandering for an ATM a local Spanish lad struck up a conversation with us - well he tried. The kid knew about 5 words in english but continued to try and speak at length with us. He then proceeded to follow us for a drink and a dance (heavy Spanish accent). We thought we had lost him when he left to get some money out but oh no, an hour later he tracked us down eatintapasas and drinking sangria. Much fun. Our stalker later bought his brother who could actually speak english, whilst our original brother sat silently in the corner. Hand actions will only take you so far.

Then it was off to the Australian Bar which boasted every other world flag but Australia´s..... Crocodile signs and shark warnings aplently though! There were 4 token Aussie´s in the place, including us. Got chatting to a bunch of poms - yes they are everywhere. They were on a ´stag weekend´and obviously had the groom´s father in tow. Good old grandpa kept telling us to call our parents and stick together - bless him. measly measley 1 free vodka each, we decided to move onto greener pastures, and how we did.

Let us explain to you the sheer brilliance that is BAJA BEACHCLUB. It is the Paragon combined with Club Troppo, Shire nightclubs and Gold Coast drinking establishments - a classy mix indeed. The barmen are oiled up and wearing only boardies. The DJ booth is actually a boat and the bargirls/dancers/skanks are wearing bikinis that would make Jordan blush. Needless to say we thought it was hilarious and were very annoyed we didn´t take out our cameras to show you picture evidence. It is a must on all your future travel ventures to Barcelona.

When the night couldn´t get any better, it did. We finally found our famous connection we have been pining for. We met 2 Californian boys (yes they actually live near the real life OC!!!!!!!!!!), and one of them is the brother of a real-actual-proper-legit-totally true USA World Cup Soccer player! It may be a strained connection, but our brush with fame was real all the same.

After a hectic night we rolled out of bed and straight back to the pool - tanorexia anyone??? Tonight we may venture into the city - shops close at 9 every weeknight (bliss) and we want to catch the game - go boys!!!! Also a big shout out to our Nic and Keith - a big congrats on your special day. Sorry we couldn´t make it - hope you got the telegram and Champers.

Stay tuned for some pics (in back entries too) as we hope to download them in next few days before Madrid. And wish us luck as we slum it back into the world of hostels as of tomorrow...sob.

Adios.

Is that a barbie I can smell - no just our burning flesh. Ok ok, so we got a little over zealous with the notion of our apparent olive Australian skin - Barcelona sun is a tad more efficient. We are not tomato red, rather a nice burgundy. But it is back to the rooftop pool tomorrow for more glorious sun - the lack of such in London gives one terrible cravings.

Today we did a bus tour round the city, indulged in some fabulous tappas, hit the (dirty) beach and saw Gaudi´s infamous unfinished work, Temple Sagrada Familia. This is such an amazing building, finished or not.

We better run - the dubbed TV programmes are calling, as is the continuous CNN coverage of the rioting soccer fans in Germany. Why can´t they simply have a drink, hit eachother then hug and make up, like rugby players. All this need for hooliganism (British media´s favourite word) and starting fires, is truly beyond us.

Medical results have confirmed we have not contracted leprosy, scabies, gout or gangrene from the filthy Gothic Point Hostel. We are still unsure about the rabies though...

Though our night was made alot better by our new Irish friend, Patrick. In true Irish style, he could tell a bloody good story. He had been in Spain for about 3 weeks and was headed off today - the initial plan was to work and live there for the whole of Summer, but Patrick has already drank his Euro supply dry! Bless.

This morning we bolted out of that dump and right into the arms of sweet sweet luxury - our 4 night stint in a proper hotel has begun. The rooftop pool is a gem - we planted our white-selves there all day, leaving a far better shade of browny-red. Adding to our pleaure was the forecast on BBC in our room - London is 14 degrees - ha! Sorry friends.....

Tomorrow is tours, beach and sangria. Be sure to check our new pics for earlier postings.

Adios!

The last night in Prague was not the quiet one in we had planned - dancing and drinking till all hours. Liver sure to declare war any day now. Much to our delight, the cool group of the trip, aka the posse, arrived at the same bar we were at. We imagine there is always one such group on every such tour. How they and their egos will be missed.

Looking vile and feeling worse, we headed out to the airport and finally got a bit of sleep on the flight over to Barcelona. To say they speak little english here, is akin to praising the French for their tact. It has been quite the debacle and the trip from the airport dragged on like an epic tale of loss and frustration.

Finally we arrived at the hostel, Gothic Point. The place is simply repulsive. You would not send your worst enemy here to sleep. Our bed i.e. paper thin matress on chipboard floor, is reached by a ladder, above the proper bed on the ground below us. A loft - more like a torture chamber. Terrified to go back (and catch something) so we are keeping busy round the city tonight. Off to the hotel tomorrow - may the cleanliness engulf us, in compensation for enduring tonights terrifying challenge at Gothic Point... Pics to come - you won´t believe it till you see it!

May the force be with us.

Czech, Czech, Czech, Czech it out!

After a laborious bus trip involving a two hour wait at the border, we finally made it to Prague. We near missed the whole bloody thing when we slept through our alarms - lucky our roommates knew we had to get up. Low key first night with a great cheap Czech meal. Then yesterday was laundry...finally. It was quite sad to see the sheer joy as we watched our clothes spinning in the washing machines. Our whites have not looked this good since Sydney and the Napisan (it is 15 quid at the Aussie shop in London!).

We trekked round the city seeing all the famous sites and absolutely beautiful scenery. The buildings here are amazing - another city with so much history. The buildings remain untouched as Hitler blocked any bombings on Prague during WWII, as he wanted it to remain intact and become the new cultural centre, after the war.

After much civility it was time to let loose...Prague styles. Out came the absthince and cocktails in fishbowls. We headed to a local club that allegedly had scorpions on the bar! Much to our disappointment there were no scorpions to be found. The club was quite dingy, with an 'interesting' industrial-like decor, with some different tunes that are unlikely to ever be released in Australia...

We are pleased to have found our fellow travelers like a party just as much as us. The fact they are all Aussies, probably has something to do with this. It was midweek suburban clubbing at its best!

Today we went out to the amazing Prague Castle - the many buildings are huge and the view is like no other. It is definitely worth the hour trek up the hill with a 12% gradient.

P.S. The last pic is of the mammoth escalators at the train station - we have christened it, "The escalator of death".

So we recovered from the pub crawl and set out to the Berlin Wall. This history in this city is vast and shocking. Hitler's regime then the rise of communism makes Berlin a city that is like no other. We were happy to see how the Berliners' acknowledge their past and give respect where it is deserved.

Then there was...THE BIKE TOUR. This was an amazing way to see the city and learn so much about its history. All was going well until we lost the pack at an intersection near Check Point Charlie. The lights took forever to change, and much like Amsterdam, one does not take chances with the traffic in Berlin - it is a law unto itself.

Of course we watched the Socceroos as well - sob sob. Fingers crossed for the next game.

We have included some pics of famous Berlin landmarks for you as well. One needs no explanation - the other is the infamous Adlon Hotel at which Michael Jackson dangled baby "Blanket" from the top balcony!

Do we find the parties or do they find us???

Pic 1: Texan boy who was very happy to try the Vege.

Pic 2: Irishman Andy - our pick for te next Vegemite advertising campaign!

Today has been busy and varied. First stop Van Gogh Museum which was brilliant - amazing to see such works in the flesh, not that this analogy works in this instance, but you get the point. Wandered through the city alot and got some great pictures.

Next stop - The Sex Museum. An open mind is recommended here, as is the photo with a giant penis. We obliged to both.

Then we went to Anne Frank's house which has been converted into a museum. This was a very interesting and important place.

We learnt the difference between Coffee Shops and Cafes. Cafes are just that - Coffee Shops have a little more on the menu. The trams provide a slightly bumpy ride, but once you get the hang of it it is quite fun - dogem cars on a larger scale! We also got the mandatory tourist pic - standing in giant clogs. It also seems that Amsterdam is the one place where pedestrian crossings really have no meaning and that drivers/cyclists/trams will simply go where they please and when they please. There have been a few near-death moments due to the confusion over the definition of a crossing (and that we keep looking to the wrong side of the road, forgetting they drive the other way round...)

Off to Berlin tomorrow - 10 hours on a bus...

Firstly, bear with us as this keyboard's letters are partially rubbed off......

So Gatwick Airport - we didn't sleep a wink. Read our trashy mags and consumed our body weight in airport food. Then it was onto makeshift airlines, oh sorry, Easy Jet. You can see right into the Pilot's cabin! Finally, an hour of shut-eye.

Navigating the train and tram system here has been a funny time - signs written in Dutch are mighty scary! Finally we got to the hostel, "Inner Amsterdam", or perhaps "On the fringes of Amsterdam" or "Sauna Hostel". The room would make a mouse feel cramped, but it is more the lack of ventalation or air-con, that is truly killing us. Bless the hostel experience!

We looked around the city today, amazed at all the clogs and tulips for sale and the amazing architecture. Lost Vege in some coffee shop - he surfaced back in our room some time later looking a little vague and laughing alot - not sure what his story was???

Despite the cold and rain (contrary to all recent weather conditions and forecasts) we headed out tonight to see Amsterdam by night. Great Italian meal...in Holland...then off to THE RED LIGHT DISTRICT. All rather interesting, as were the countless propositions by locals on the way. Didn't get caught up in the madness - back at hostel now to have a quiet beverage.

Tomorrow it is museums and sites, and the purchasing of a jumper to battle the cold! Till then.

OFFICIAL HOME BAR OF THE VEGEMITE DIARIES - THE GLASSBLOWER, LONDON

Enjoy a beer or cheap double vodka with Chris, Sheree and the team - the food is also great and we used to work there (and hopefully they will have us back on our return to London when we are homeless and jobless....hint hint)

Address: 42 Glasshouse Street, Piccadilly Circus - a 2 minute walk from the big lights/exit 4 on the Piccadilly Underground

Check out this site - mmm Vegemite....

http://www.kuro5hin.org/story/2002/3/13/214522/234

Aussie Aussie Aussie, oi oi oi!!!!!! Clearly we are continuing on our winning streak - go the mighty Socceroos. And yes we still call it soccer, not bloody football. We are also getting our thoughts and names in print, well Kate is, she had a letter published in TNT Magazine, an antipodean publication here. Craving air-con, fresh food, and venues to swim in. Currently packing - we are amazed at the load we have amassed in such a short time here - and we claim we have shown restraint!

In breaking medical news - all traces of tequila have left our bodies after Friday night's Mexican theme - ah bless the ideas that seem so good at the time. In true Australian tradition, we collected a souvenir from the night. The orange road cones are much larger over this side of the world.... Ever sensible Andy was scared that our antics were being caught on CCTV - as we explained - if this is the worst thing they saw on London CCTV on a Friday night, things are looking good!

That's it for now - next stop Amsterdam - if we get there. Katie has just dropped the minor detail that Easy Jet, which we are booked on, has no allocated seating. We are off to commence our combat training, in order to land the best seat.

How could we forget to mention the glorious thrashing of England by our trusty Wallabies yesterday - go boys! Had planned to check it out at the local but had to work. Thanks for all the updates via text.

Hello all - so here is our attempt to chronicle our adventures on the other side of the world and keep you informed. Aptly titled 'The Vegemite Diaries', in reference to our Aussie heritage, one of our major sources of sustenance and alluding to an earlier well-known tale of travel and life experience.

It is going to be fun and certainly crazy, in true Kate and Katie style! Please post comments and give any suggestions, but remember this is a public site, for all ages and creeds (i.e. parents), hence send a personal email if you are going to cross the line*.

It will all start on Tuesday when we are sleeping at Gatwick airport, in order to make the 4.30am check-in...

*We have kindly borrowed this term from dear flatmate, Andy.