Nneka's Notes from Europe... Part Deux

In Switzerland at the French and German borders.

She's Baaaaaaaaaack....This time last year, many of you laughed along with me and at me when I sent out my blogs, "Nneka's notes from the Jungle" and "Nneka's notes from the top of the world"; Now I have a brand new, unstamped passport and I'm back at it again. I was delighted when many of you said you were looking forward to my notes. So for those of you who do not wish to receive these updates while I'm away, please let me know and I will refrain from boring you any further! Ha ha ha!

This time I began my journey in Paris, France, where I stayed in my friend Tariks' cute apartment only minutes away from all of the action in the city. Although I've been to Paris before, this was my first time official introduction to the city. As a result, my timid friend turned tour guide saw to it that I got to see everything Paris had to offer. Tarik even took time off of work to ensure that he could escort me everywhere during my brief stay. He insisted that I sample a variety of famous French cuisine, recommended various artistic and cultural events to attend and even braved ascending the Eiffel tower (for the tenth time) in a huge storm, just so that I wouldn't leave Paris again without experiencing the tower first hand. I was delighted to see this city through different eyes, as I discovered that Paris isn't just museums, fine dining and couture fashion; but also an urban melting pot abound with diverse sub-cultures that truly make this a renaissance city.

Five days later I flew to stay with my friend David in Barcelona. Upon arrival, I was again greeted by a warm, enthusiastic local who was eager to tour me around his city. The funny thing is, not only had I been here before, but I was sure that I had already seen and done everything there was to do in Barcelona. I discovered right away this wasn't the case, as I was whisked away in his two door Hyundai to visit some other historical landmarks that I somehow missed during my last visit. I arrived to the charming, Spanish style apartment, complete with a traditional terrace as well as a hammock hanging from the living room ceiling for added comfort.

And to make things more interesting, my friend and fellow Bally Trainer of many years Mayerling, spontaneously decided to join me for part of the adventure. As I was driving down a busy street, I was shocked to see her eating outdoors at a busy cafe. I had no idea she was in the country! Talk about a small world!! In the week that Mayerling and I spent in Barcelona, we were driven to view all of the architectural masterpieces created by Antoni Gaudí and other iconic Spanish artists.


David and another local named Francisco even took us along on a road trip up the coast to the white sandy beaches of Costa Brava & Girona; where a majestic castle looms over a rocky, seaside cliff. After spending the weekend at our friends' summer home where we swam in turquoise blue waters, visited historical local pueblos and forts, and ate traditional pan con tomate (bread with tomato) at a formal reunion dinner; we truly were able to experience the essence of Cataluña. David also found extra bicycles for us to ride so that we could get some sort of exercise after spending so many days eating rich foods and laying at the beach being lazy! We were even given our own set of keys and spare local cell phone because, as David said, "Mi casa es su casa"... and here in Barcelona, I've learned that this is not only a saying, but a way of life! With a failed attempt to go island hopping by ferry, Mayerling and I decided to fly to the famed hedonistic island of Ibiza. This is where our luck began to go bad. We booked a cheap flight to leave early Wednesday, but missed the flight because we mistakenly arrived at the airport just before 10 P.M. instead of 10 A.M. when our flight left!

So after having to buy new tickets (more cash - ouch!), we had to stay awake through the night in order to get back to the airport to make our 6 A.M. flight. We were crushed when we reached the check in desk and discovered that the gates had just closed before we reached the counter. Had we not already booked connecting flights from Ibiza to London, we would have given up, already having missed TWO flights in a row; but instead we were forced to bargain and beg to try to get on any available flight to Ibiza. So after waiting for hours, we bargained our way onto a flight with a different airline, and by early afternoon had arrived to the sweltering, hot island.

Barcelona Beach Bods!

The worst part is that after missing so many flights, we ended up with only ONE day on Ibiza. Somehow we managed to walk several miles uphill with our luggage to our hotel room, then squeeze in lunch, shopping, a beach workout, traditional beach gathering at sunset, as well as bar hop to more than 15 clubs until sunrise! We even got a whirlwind island tour by hunky, hard-bodied local lifeguard named Álvaro, who charmed us on the beach earlier that day! After dancing the night away, drenched in sweat, Mayerling and I watched the sunrise as we walked from the last dance club to our sky rise hotel to get our luggage, then directly back to the airport to catch a flight to England. We were disappointed that we left our plush hotel (with pool, and balcony view overlooking the ocean) virtually untouched. We hadn't spent more than the thirty minutes it took to shower and dress in our room. If it weren't for the photos and the fact that I now look like I haven't slept in two days (because I haven't), I would have sworn that I only dreamt about Ibiza. Days later, I'm still recovering from all of the wild events on the island... and I don't even drink, as most of you know!

After departing from hot sandy beaches in Spain, we were greeted by windy, rainy weather in London; Mayerling and I were rudely awakened by the cold air as well as following events. After having our flight delayed an hour, we were then stuck on a train for hours due to flash floods from a sudden storm! After being detoured away from the immobile train, then lost in the maze like subway tunnels, we finally found the right Tube connection only to be stuck again, while left cooking underground on a subway train. So more than five hours after arriving in London, Mayerling and I were awe struck when we arrived to our next stop; A six story modern English style fortress of sorts (surrounded by wrought iron gates and mote), and situated directly in front of the Thames river, in view of the dreamy London Bridge. WOW! And the best part is that it was free!! I'm house sitting for a friend of a friend in this two bedroom, 1500 square foot posh pad with the most amazing view. As I sit here typing, there is a boat filled with tourists passing by with expressions of awe and enchantment behind their zoom lens cameras.

Very Statuesque!

Although Mayerling and I hadn't slept for two nights, we braved the flooded trains and freezing temperatures once more to head to Leicester Square to meet with my international crew (who represent more than 23 countries around the world) many of whom I had met in Santa Maria during the Michael Jackson trial. We went from the pub, to a crowded nightclub where we danced the night away.

On Monday, Mayerling will head to Amsterdam and I will travel to Naples, Italy, where I will stay with my feisty "friend" Fabiano and his family. From there, I plan to head south to Salerno, then back North to Rome, to visit another local friend. And then I will meet an old flame to take a road trip through Slovenia's mysterious caves, and later drive along Croatia's crystal coast for my birthday. Because there are a few weeks in which I will have nothing planned, I hope to spontaneously travel to Greece, Istanbul or Egypt before heading "Down Under" next month to Fiji and Australia.

So until I check in again, take care, keep in touch and remember; "

Life is not a destination, but a journey"... Love La Nnekita,


 A.K.A Nneka the Trekka