Darcos Cruz

Paris, France and THE END

2008-08-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful city!!!!!

After London I took the Eurostar high speed train to Lille. Then in Lille I took the French TGV high speed train to Paris Gare Du Nord Station. After arriving around 20:00 I went to where I was staying to leave the bags. Then I went to visit the city at night and have dinner in the famous Saint Germain street. The Louvre Museum was beautiful at night. The next day I visited all around the city including the Moulin Rouge, theaters like the Olympia, the Louvre museum, the famous avenue Champs Elysee's, the arch of triumph, the Concorde, the Eiffel Tower, and the Notre-Dame DE Paris.

The Eiffel Tower was the most impressive landmark that I saw in this entire trip. It is shocking and exciting to see. I went to see it at night and during the day. Right now it has the stars of the European Union flag and at night the tower illuminates blue with the stars illuminating in yellow just like the European Union flag. Then every so often it started flashing in white like a Christmas tree. I could not stop starring at it. French soldiers were guarding the tower along with police. The view from top is just amazing, specially at night. On a clear day, you can see up to 40 km away.

The people were friendly and helpful. The food was delicious even though I am not a fan of seafood. After two amazing days in Paris I took a train back to Lisbon, Portugal where I had to flight home. I was very sad that I had to leave Europe after spending the most amazing trip in my live. However I was satisfied that I had the opportunity thanks to the Miami Herald to open my mind to a new world ahead of me that I never thought I would be able to see.

After this trip I feel more relaxed, happy, and fulfilled with awesome memories. Finally I was able to experience the beautiful things this world has to offer. Once again, I want to thank the Miami Herald and everybody that made this trip possible. I also want to thank my girlfriend Diana Pinto for joining me in this adventure and for helping me so much.

It was a pleasure writing this blog about my trip and I wish the best to everybody!!!!

Take care!!!!

London, England

2008-07-31T06:24:00.000-07:00

Hello!!!!

London has been the city I always wanted to visit and it didn't disappoint me!!!!

I took the famous Eurostar high speed train that goes under the English channel from Brussels to London. It is amazing how fast that train moves that it takes under 2 hours to get to London from Brussels stopping in Lille, France.

I had to stay 2 days in London because there are a lot of things to see. I was amazed by the city and all the impressive monuments and places it has to see. The frustrating but interesting thing is that a lot of things are totally different than the rest of Europe and the world. First, they drive on the opposite side of the road. Second, their electrical plugs are different(240 Volts) than the rest of Europe so I couldn't use my power converter. And last, their currency is different than the rest of Europe because they are not part of the European Union. Not only that, but the British pounds are stronger than the Euros.

I got to London at night so all I did was to go to Piccadilly Circus and walk around for a while and have a nice typical London dinner of fish and chips, I love it!!!!!

The next day I visited all the amazing places including the Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, London Tower Bridge, the Parliament among many other things to see. I was very excited and in shock to see all this famous places that have been so significant in the history of the world. I also took a boat tour that was very relaxing and entertaining. I visited the Shakespeare theater which was very exciting for me because I remember reading a lot about him in High School.

The English people were very nice to me and always helpful. I don't have any complains of this city and is one of my favorites in this trip.

I took the Eurostar high speed train to my next city which is the most visited city in the world, Paris, France.

Until next time!!!!!

Brussels. Belgium

2008-07-27T01:34:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone.....

Hope you are all having a great weekend!!!!

I had a great time in Brussels, which is another beautiful city. I am amazed at how the cities around Europe are so similar in architecture but at the same time so different from one another.

I found Brussels to be a very relaxing city with very easy going people. My arrival was not very good, since I got here at night and the train station was under construction. There was no one to ask for guidance but I was able to find my way out.

During the day I enjoyed the sites of the Grand Place which is this beautiful square surrounded by museums, cathedrals, restaurants and shops. It was always full of interesting things to do. I had to definitely enjoy a Belgium waffle, truffle and a nice Belgium beer!!!

I also visited the Royal Palace, which was amazing to see!!! Full amazing valuable objects, paintings and furniture. Then I adventured myself into the city, where I found the Court of Justice (amazing building), the Waterloo street, and the Mercedes Benz House (I was in shock and amazed)!!!

Later, I went to visit the site of the European Union Headquarters. What an impressive building!!! It felt powerful to be in front of one of the most important institutions in Europe.

During my last evening there, I enjoyed dinner at this cozy Belgium restaurant were I ate mussels with garlic sauce, tomato soup and a delicious chocolate tart (as they call it). Their menu is very backpacker friendly. They have special menus for tourists and I was able to afford a very delicious meal in a beautiful restaurant for less than 13 dollars.

I was sad to leave but my next destination awaited..........London!!!!

Until next time...

Amsterdam, Netherlands

2008-07-24T14:31:00.000-07:00

What a confusion I have in my head!!!!!

I have visited so many cities that I start mixing them up in head. However, one city I would never mix is Amsterdam. Amsterdam has kicked Barcelona out of first place and become my number one city. It is so beautiful that I cannot begin to explain. After a long 10 hour train ride I arrived in Amsterdam. First thing I did was to get a boat tour through the beautiful canals of the city. That ride was so calm and peaceful that it makes you fall in love with that city. After that ride we started walking to Dam square which is the most famous square in Amsterdam. I went to the history museum, then the Jewish museum. I also visited the flee market and I was in shock to see how they have boat houses in the canal and they live there.

Now the most important place in Amsterdam for me and for a lot of people is the Ann Frank house where you can go see inside where she and her family was hiding from the Nazis in WWII. That was really impressive and shocking to see. I also visited the Van Goh museum of the famous painter and other very famous artist but is hard to write their names and I don't want to misspelled it. After we saw the entire city, my girlfriend and myself decided to take a walk in the famous Red District. Let me just say it felt very weird and out of place for me. But is part of the city so I had to visit it.

After a long but amazing day in Amsterdam, I took a train to Brussels, Belgium where I am currently located. I was fortunate to have Internet in this Hostel. I really wanted to stay longer in Amsterdam but I had reservations here already so I had to move on but the experience was amazing.

I will keep you guys updated and tell you about Brussels next time.

Good bye

Munich, Germany

2008-07-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

Munich was an adventure that I enjoyed a lot. The train arrived in Munich late at night when everything that could provide information was closed. It was a hard time trying to figure out how to get to the Hostel I had reserved. Only a taxi driver was able to guide me because none of the locals knew anything or just didn't want to help. I have to admit I didn't see the Germans as friendly people. However the city is beautiful with a mix of modern technology and old beautiful architecture designs. One thing though is that it was really cold when I got there. It was a tough change from the warm weather of Venice to the cold of Munich. But that gave me an excuse to wear my favorite jacket.

The next day I visited everything in the city including the famous beer place and the square or plaza where they celebrate October Beer Fest. I got some cool facts about the millions of liters of beer that Germans drink in this city every year and October Fest. I apologize I don't write the names of the things I saw but I am having a hard time understanding their language so is impossible for me to write it. I saw some beautiful churches, and museums.

However, my favorite thing was the BMW showroom and Museum. As some people might know Munich is the headquaters for BMW and where it was founded. I love cars so I felt like in heaven when I saw it. Another beautiful place was the Olimpic stadium and the tower that gives you an amazing view of the city. Also, since I love food I had to end the day eating German food which included a delicious sausage in a bread and big fries.

Munich was different than the other cities in ways that I cannot explain but it was beautiful. I love every part I visited including the shopping places they have. So far I feel very accomplished to experience this because all this places are so different than back home that is hard to understand sometimes.

Take care everybody

Venice, Italy

2008-07-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

Wow Wow Wow....

A city on top of the water!!!! I cannot begin to describe how it feels to be in this city. It is just so different from anything that you can think of!!! Just knowing that you have to move around by water amazes me.....cars are almost non existent, which for me is astonishing, coming from the United States where cars are essential....People just move around in a boat or by foot!!! I think there are more tourists than local population!!! The funniest thing was to see the taxi boats. I was left wondering how the meter would work!!!

It is a very small city but big enough to make you want to stay for a while!!! Everything is so relaxing and romantic that you cannot deny how contagious it is!!! I was fascinated by the size of the streets ( at times, two people cannot fit in the same street if walking side by side). St Mark Square was just like being in a movie!!! I loved visiting the St. Mark Basilica, which interestingly enough is being kept in its original state!!! I got to enter the museum and see the famous 4 horses originally displayed on the top of the basilica!!!

Then, I just had to visit the tower so I took a tour and was able to capture the beauty of the city from above. Then I took a walk to the Riale bridge which was awesome. The view is just unbelievable. I felt so happy to be able to stand there and just admire this wonder of the world that is Venice. I walked a lot around the city and could just not stop smiling!!!!

I loved this place.......and so did my girlfriend!!!

We had an amazing time but it was time to move on to Munich!!!!

Until next time......

Rome, Italy

2008-07-22T09:43:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Rome after a hectic trip to Barcelona!!!

Rome is a paradise for history and beautiful architecture!!! I never imagined it to be so amazing.... I got there late at night and had the luck to find a hostel right next to the Termini station...That was definetely convenient because the station is right in the middle of the city so I was able to move around quickly!!!

The first thing I wanted to do was to see the Collisseo!!! I got the metro and it left me right in front of this amazing structure. I was in shock of how amazing it was. I definetely took my time to go around it and visit every corner!!! I took great pictures from every angle!!!

I chose to be there for a day so I had to move around like a tourist....see all the attractions first and then try to mingle with the locals....

I visited the famous Fountain de Trevi, Piaza de Venezia, the Forum (which was cool because I tried to imagine all these philosophers and governants discussing the future of the great empire). My favorite place was definetely the Vatican....I made sure to wake up early and take the metro to the St. Peter Square....the line was already big but it was not crowded yet. Inside it was unbelievable....It was awesome to see this important site. I visited the Cupola which gave me fantastic 360 degree view of the city and then headed to the tombs of the popes. To get to the Cupola we had to take 320 steps. I had chills when I saw the tomb of Pope Jonh Paul II. It was a white marble tomb surrounded with white candles and white flowers. I noticed that every visitor would kneel and pray in front of his tomb....It was pretty unbelievable that I was standing right in front of one of the most memorable Popes of our times.

Since I only had a day I decided to end the night at this cozy and typical italian restaurant called Pastarito. The food was delicious and the portions just how I like them (big).

Overall the experience was incredible. I had time to see everything that I wanted!!! The transportation is pretty easy to follow ( there are two metro lines that will basically take you all around the city). The people were pretty nice!!!!

The next day I took a train to Venice!!!

Madrid and Barcelona Spain

2008-07-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

Wow it has been a hectic week!!!
Hey guys......

After Lisbon I took an overnight train to Madrid. It was pretty good and I got to my destination early and rested.

The city was beautiful...I only had a day so I made the most of it by visiting the most popular spots. I went to Plaza Mayor which was amazing. Then as we were walking to El Palacio Real we had the luck to witness an official ceremony to receive the Japanese Prime Minister. I took nice pics that I will share with you later.

Then I continue my tour around the city to the other spots including the Prado Museum which was amazing.

I found this city to be pretty nice...I didn't know what to expect but I was definetely overwhelmed and positively surprised. Everything including the transportation was pretty accessible.

The people were very nice and I felt very comfortable because I was able to communicate. It was interesting to hear them speak around me....It is definetely different. I felt really out of place travelling from country to country on my own. I didn't know I had it in me!!! I am happy so far!!

On the next day I took my first train to Barcelona,which thanks to the Miami Herald I was able to travel first class, which was pretty comfortable.

Once I got to the Barcelona station everything changed.....The train workers were on strike, I couldn't get a train to leave the city....the only one avaliable was for this sunday. I got nervous after hours of asking for answers and not getting anything....finally I decided to visit the city on a hop in and out tour bus....It was the best decision we made. I was able to visit most attractions including the sagrada familia, park goul and the olympic stadium. It was phenomenal....I also took a teleferic ride that gave me the most beautiful view of Barcelona ever. We had lunch at the port where the world trade center is and it made me put things into perspective. I had time to reflect about home.

The buses were pretty flexible and in less than 8 hours we were able to see what we wanted. It was pretty impressive.
Later I returned to the station to find out that I could not travel that night to Rome because of the strike. I was tired, frustrated and could not find any soul to give me any info. I decided to take a cheap flight to Rome to not loose my trip days. Even though I have not slept for two days due to some obstacles in travelling, I am still enjoying my trip.
I am now in Rome and its beautiful but my favorite city so far is Barcelona.

Interned access is very limited in the places I have been but I will keep you updated on my journey as soon as I can.

See you on my next city.....

Lisbon, Portugal

2008-07-14T07:13:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I have arrived in Lisbon, Portugal safe and sound after a very long trip!!! It took me approximately 14 hours to arrive.
My first experience of Europe was Zurich, were I stopped for a transfer. Unfortunately I only had one hour until my next flight so I was unable to see the city. For my surprise it was raining and very cold but, nevertheless it was beautiful. I used my time at the airport wisely.....eating swiss chocolate (I have never seen so many different and delicious chocolates in my life before!!)

I arrived in Lisboa, Portugal on Sunday 13th and the first thing I received was a "Benvindo" (I had to look it up). Later I was told that it meant "Welcome". It is quite different from anything I have ever experienced before. I have lived in both extremes of the world and on Sunday I had the opportunity to suck in the history of this beautiful city.

My first stop was of course the very well known Pasteis de Belem, which are these warm and delicious custard filled pastries. Thanks to my girlfriend I was able to get a better tour of the city because she is Portuguese. Later I visited the Jeronimos which is a beautiful cathedral in Belem, located in front of the famous river Tejo. I fell in love with the bridge 25 de Abril, which looks exactly like a replica of the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco. I also took a trip around Belem, which is the port from which the Portuguese started their journey of discoveries around the world.

I also took a train ride to the old part of town called Cascais. There I was just amazed with the disposition of the streets. They are so little and narrow that you think that you are a kid in your own country. I walked around trying to take in all the beautiful views of the ocean and the town.

To finalize my perfect day, I had a Portuguese dinner (caldeirada de peixe = fish stew) with my girlfriends family and finished the night with a night tour of Lisbon downtown.

So far, I have realized how much I have missed of the world in these 21 years. Outside of the good life of the United States, I had only experienced the extreme poverty and violence of Iraq. So this is a huge eye opener for me!!! I realized that I have so much more to experience and learn from this. I have been blessed!!!

I'll see you guys soon.....in Madrid (that's my next stop)

Adeus minha gente....LOL

Pre-travel update for my Europe trip

2008-07-08T19:40:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody,

As some people might remember, my name is Darcos Cruz and I am the US Marine and FIU student that won the Miami Herald Backpacking Travel Contest to Europe back in March. I still cannot believed that I won this contest and it has been extremely exciting planing this trip for the past couple of months. I cannot stop thinking about it since the day I won. Since March I have been very busy finishing my spring semester at FIU. Also I had a lot of training that I had to attend with the US Marine Corps. I think I chose the perfect time to go on this trip because I just finished two weeks of intensive training with the Marine Corps in the Mojave Dessert in California. Therefore this trip is a huge relieved from that training.

Just to let you know a little more about myself. I am going into my junior year at FIU and my major is Criminal Justice. I am doing very good in school and I am eager to get my Bachelors degree. Also, as previously mentioned before, I am a US Marine since right after high school a few years ago. I got activated and deployed to Fallujah, Iraq in 2006 and I came back in mid 2007. Over there I was basically an infantryman/machine gunner patrolling different areas. I have to admit that deployment has been one of the greatest experiences a human being can have and it changed me a lot.

Therefore, the reason why I am so excited about this Europe trip is because this is the first time I go on a trip that I know is going to be fun, full of positive things, and instructive for my brain. I want to open my mind to new things, ideas, and just feed my brain with a lot of knowledge and what better place than Europe for that. I also enjoy history so Europe is going to be like heaven for me. I cannot wait to see all the ancient architectures and set foot on historic places that I never imagined I would come. I planned to do this trip in 20 days. The countries that I am planning to visit are as followed: Portugal, Spain, Italy, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, England, Netherlands, and France. I figured this was the best thing I could do in 20 days since they are not too far apart from each other. I think all this countries have a lot to offer and I won't be disappointed. I am going to start in Portugal and kind of work my way around in a circle and end in France.

Right now I feel like a little kid waiting to go to Disney World for the first time. I want to thank everybody for your attention and the Miami Herald for making this dream a reality. Just to add one more thing, my significant other will be joining me as we travel our way around Europe. Her name is Diana Pinto and she has been a great help in planning this amazing trip. I will update this blog as I start my trip on July 12 to keep you guys updated on everything that went on during the day including my thoughts and reaction to Europe.

I wish everybody an amazing day.