CAMELOT FANTASIES

those trains there must be very luxurious. most likely complete with restaurants, shopping, and even entertainment.

that is beauty of living in Europe. you can go anywhere by train and see so much and experience all those different cultures.

very interesting. germans are supposed to be the ultimate masters of the heavy industrial machinery.

those Japanese trains sound like a lot of fun.

have you ever been on a long cruise like a 7 day or a 15 day cruise? that is another cool way to see a bunch of countries while leaving the driving to somebody else.

Germans have a reputation they certainly don't live up to anymore. Especially when it comes to the German railway company. They still hold the monopoly on public railway transportation in Germany so they have been charging a whole lot of money for mediocre passenger service for years. Until a couple of years ago, it was prohibited for bus companies to offer service from one major city in Germany to another in order to protect the railway company from unwanted competition. This law was just approved and kept intact for such a long time because the former CEO of the company had huuuuuuuge political influence. Anyway, since a couple of years there have been more and more bus services popping up, offering really cheap transport across the country for really cheap prices. The buses offer free internet connection and cheap food and drinks. That's something you can only dream about on German trains which charge you more than double to get - for example - from Frankfurt to Berlin (about 350 miles). Due to the traffic conditions you obviously take longer to arrive but the amenities they have on offer really make up for that.

International bus services have been existing for years and whenever I can't get a cheap flight, I travel by bus anyway. So having the possibility to travel by bus in Germany is really good for me.  In my dear Balkans the bus is the only way to get around anyway... but their buses are still a whole lot more convenient than the German ones... but nothing beats the Argentinian ones in my opinion. I have no clue about bus services in the US. When I was over there, I frequently saw Greyhound buses and so on but I never got the chance to travel with them. I didn't have to anyway because I always had a car at my disposal and nothing beats having the chance to stop wherever you want to take a break, enjoy the scenery, etc.

Japanese trains are amazing. They are the best way to get around anyway because on the highways they drive so damn slow.

Speaking of train travel, one of my dreams is still a trip on the Trans-Siberian railway from Moscow to Beijing (via Mongolia). I bought the travel guide many years ago but I still haven't had the opportunity to do it. I doubt I have enough money to enjoy it the best way possible. 

Germans have a reputation they certainly don't live up to anymore. Especially when it comes to the German railway company. They still hold the monopoly on public railway transportation in Germany so they have been charging a whole lot of money for mediocre passenger service for years. Until a couple of years ago, it was prohibited for bus companies to offer service from one major city in Germany to another in order to protect the railway company from unwanted competition. This law was just approved and kept intact for such a long time because the former CEO of the company had huuuuuuuge political influence. Anyway, since a couple of years there have been more and more bus services popping up, offering really cheap transport across the country for really cheap prices. The buses offer free internet connection and cheap food and drinks. That's something you can only dream about on German trains which charge you more than double to get - for example - from Frankfurt to Berlin (about 350 miles). Due to the traffic conditions you obviously take longer to arrive but the amenities they have on offer really make up for that.

International bus services have been existing for years and whenever I can't get a cheap flight, I travel by bus anyway. So having the possibility to travel by bus in Germany is really good for me.  In my dear Balkans the bus is the only way to get around anyway... but their buses are still a whole lot more convenient than the German ones... but nothing beats the Argentinian ones in my opinion. I have no clue about bus services in the US. When I was over there, I frequently saw Greyhound buses and so on but I never got the chance to travel with them. I didn't have to anyway because I always had a car at my disposal and nothing beats having the chance to stop wherever you want to take a break, enjoy the scenery, etc.

Japanese trains are amazing. They are the best way to get around anyway because on the highways they drive so damn slow.

Speaking of train travel, one of my dreams is still a trip on the Trans-Siberian railway from Moscow to Beijing (via Mongolia). I bought the travel guide many years ago but I still haven't had the opportunity to do it. I doubt I have enough money to enjoy it the best way possible. 

Trans-Siberian trip by train from Moscow to Beijing via Mongolia would be a dream trip indeed. so much breath taking landscape and also a chance to experience various cultures.

an individual can grow a lot on a trip like that one. it is a also a process of self discovery.

wow. just unbelievable natural landscape.


there is heaven right here on earth. we just have to go find it like at this place.


this scenery is magical Nikki.




 

Hola peeps. Just driving by to say a quick hello. Been crazy busy since my last visit here and am very busy today too. I have guests coming this evening so I'll have to get on with cooking in about an hour or so.

Must admit, didn't get to see any tennis until today. Gulbis vs Nishi was just too yammy and the fact that, the match happened early in the morning on a Saturday really helped my schedule. But I only saw the 2nd set as I was in bed until 8am I think. Far too many errors and a bit of a ploy there from Gulbis, but nothing distracted Nishi as he continued to play solid tennis. I was a bit disappointed with the result but only because I wanted this to be far more competitive given the caliber of players they are and the way they both made this far in this tourny. But Gulbis looked clueless out there against Nishs. First time meeting for both so I get that but still, in the 2nd set, Gulbis should have figured Nishi out.

I am still very happy with the result regardless as I like both players immensely but would have liked it a bit more competitive. I do think Gulbis would be very keen on beating Nishi next time as he found today's challenge quite mind boggling and he tends to love it. He loves a challenge. Like Dolgo, Nishi too can be very unpredictable.

So I'll catch you guys tomorrow in full force as I'll finally have some freetime to post.

Oh and I am very sorry about Nadal, herc. It seems he's very tired and lacks confident but at the same time, things are just plain weird with both Nadal and Nole and just before RG. Well, anyway, I guess we'll find out at year end what was all that about.

I must mention, judging by some highlights, Almagro played an excellent match especially in the 3rd set. He was in the zone. Given that he had a history of choking against Nadal so many times in the past and at times, coming even close and then folding again, that was one mighty performance from him. But one time it's going to work out, one time you gotta believe, one time it's your day. Even a dog has its day they say.

Having said that, I don't think Almagro will be all that good today and may even lose. I do think Nishi will take this title. He seems very focused; plus, he's come as far as the final and he is supremely confidentl and isn't intimidated by any player on tour.