Europe 2011 Snapshot Part 1

29 Feb

Six months ago I ventured across the globe and traveled around Europe with the help of Contiki. I could have organised everything myself but because I wanted to do and see everything in such a short period of time, I figured that a tour would be the way to go. I really do think that I captured so much in so little time.

Here is a tiny tiny snapshot of the things I got to see….


London Eye - London

The London Eye, London

I must say I was blessed with perfect weather for the days I was in London. England is usually gloomy and cold, even in the summer time, but I was super lucky with clear blue skies the day I went exploring around London.

Buckingham Palace Guards - London England

Soldiers @ Buckingham Palace

I just had to do this trick photography with the soldiers outside of Buckingham Palace – they looked more like toy soldiers to me.

Tower Bridge - London England

Tower Bridge, London

See the clouds? This is the usual weather for London. Day 3 in London brought upon clouds, clouds and more clouds. Luckily for me though, the rain held off until night time so my sight seeing was not interrupted. This is the Tower Bridge and many, many make the mistake by calling it the London Bridge. The London Bridge is another smaller bridge that is no where near iconic – it’s actually nothing special. 

Eiffel Tower - Paris France

Eiffel Tower, Paris

It really does look as beautiful in real life as it does in pictures. I got the chance to see the Eiffel Tower during the day and sunset, and she was gorgeoussssssss! (Yes, I am calling her a she). Sadly I didn’t get to see her at night, with all those pretty lights but I guess that’s what google is for, or photo stalking all those that have gone to or will be going. No matter what time of the day, the lines to go up the Eiffel Tower are bonkers. Makes you realise how many tourists there are at any point in time. 

Arc de Triomphe - Paris France

Arc de Triomphe, Paris

I must admit I didn’t know too much about this momument prior to this trip. It is truly one amazing arch though. It is gorgeous by day and by night. The Arc de Tripomphe is located on the centre of a roundabout – and let me tell you it is one crazy roundabout. There are no lanes and there’s about a good 6-10 entrances and exits. You enter as you wish, all at the expense at your own life! My friend and I risked our lives and ran across to get to the Arc de Triomphe haha we both prayed to make it out alive, and we did. Phew!

Moulin Rouge - Paris France

Moulin Rouge, Paris

Hey sister, soul sister, gotta get that dough sister… yeah okay lame. The Moulin Rouge is so popular that people in the middle of the street stopped to take photos (like me). It did seem that more people were interested in taking a photo with it than going inside. I would have loved to have gone in but we were so strapped for time :(

Sunset - Monaco City

Monaco City, Monaco

Sunsets in Europe are absolutely gorgeous (a few more sunrise/sunset shots to come). This was the first that I saw and it was in Monaco City. The tour only did a night trip to this “country”. Umm there was no way we can afford to stay in the country. Apparently you need to be a millionaire to even live in Monaco. What’s even more amazing is that the normal roads that cars drive on is in actual fact the Grand Prix Formula 1 Race Course!

Nice - France

Nice, France

It was the most perfect day to take a day trip out to Nice. Clear blue skies, burning sun, hot. Pictured above is Nice’s most famous Pebble Beach – yes it is a beach with pebbles. I swear it’s so clean – no sand in your bikini, no sand in your hair, nothing! I prefer it so much better than sand. The only downfall is that the pebbles are extremely uncomfortable to lie on, even with you towel. It’s so bumpy but then I guess it’s sort of like a hot stone massage, lol. Nice is absolutely stunning; definitely a place I would return to and stay for much longer.

There’s so much more I wish to include but for those who know me, I take photos of EVERYTHING so you can only imagine how hard it was for me to select those 8 photos. Part 2 is on its way……

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31 Responses to “Europe 2011 Snapshot Part 1”

  1. Angie 29 February, 2012 at 1:08 PM #

    Awww… thanks alot Tina, making me me Paris now! =p Some great photos you have there =) I can’t wait to go back to Europe and explore more of it.

    • Tina @ bitemeshowme 29 February, 2012 at 2:21 PM #

      Thanks Angie – I know, I’m dying to go back already. Sadly won’t be any time soon :(

  2. shez 29 February, 2012 at 1:42 PM #

    Ahhhhh!! You’re making me so excited about my week in Nice. I’ve never been to a pebble beach before so am hoping its just as good as everyone says it is.

    • Tina @ bitemeshowme 29 February, 2012 at 2:15 PM #

      I assure you it won’t disappoint. Though I’m not sure how the weather is when you go.

  3. Tina@foodboozeshoes 29 February, 2012 at 1:59 PM #

    Some lovely photos. How was the Contiki tour…? They have such a poor reputation… :/

    • Tina @ bitemeshowme 29 February, 2012 at 2:20 PM #

      Thanks, Tina! You know I had the same thoughts but it’s only as bad as you make it. Sure, it also depends upon the others on your tour but mine was rather small – 31 odd as opposed to your 50 odd – and we were tightly knit in the end. Thankfully there was no bitchiness between the girls which meant no drama. Sure you’ll have your antics and scandals and what not (that’s totally expected) but if you don’t go looking for trouble, there won’t be any :) I can honestly say I had a BLAST on my contiki tour. Would I do it again? I probably wouldn’t, only because now I know where I want to return back to in Europe – not all places tickled my fancy. The tour did give me a grand overview in the little time I had :)

  4. OohLookBel 29 February, 2012 at 4:01 PM #

    Your pictures are so cute, and just like a postcard! I did a coach tour of Europe years ago and it was so much fun. Didn’t go to Monaco and Nice :( They look very glamorous!

    • Tina @ bitemeshowme 4 March, 2012 at 4:31 PM #

      Thanks a lot belle! A lot of the scenic shots were definitely post card worthy! Monaco is gorgeous but only as a stop over – we can’t stay there because it’s too expensive and you’d probably have to e a millionaire hahah as for nice, yes it’s a must. You must must go if you get the opportunity to.

  5. sugarpuffi 29 February, 2012 at 5:13 PM #

    wow it looks like you had a blast!

    • Tina @ bitemeshowme 4 March, 2012 at 4:32 PM #

      I definitely has a fantastic time. It really opened up my eyes – the world is so big and there’s just too many beautiful things out there!

  6. Miss Piggy 29 February, 2012 at 8:20 PM #

    I did a Contiki Trip in Europe when I was in my early 20s. It’s a great way to travel if you’re own your own as you make new friends along the way. Love your photos – the picture with the The Soldier is GREAT.

    • Tina @ bitemeshowme 4 March, 2012 at 4:33 PM #

      Thanks Mel :) I def don’t regret doing a contiki tour. Although this just makes me want to go back that much sooner! Pleasure meeting you today by the way ;)

  7. gastronomous anonymous 29 February, 2012 at 11:04 PM #

    oh man, looking at your photos made me realise how much i miss europe :( i love paris!

    • Tina @ bitemeshowme 4 March, 2012 at 4:34 PM #

      For all those that have been, yup there’s no place like Europe! So sad that it’s soooooo far

  8. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella 29 February, 2012 at 11:08 PM #

    Aww I love your instagram pics and the one with the soldier is fantastic! :D

    • Food Porn-er 1 March, 2012 at 10:30 AM #

      I have to agree w Lorraine. Very clever!!!
      Love Europe!!

      • Tina @ bitemeshowme 4 March, 2012 at 4:35 PM #

        I think I need to get me back there, stat

      • Food Porn-er 4 March, 2012 at 10:00 PM #

        Me too! I want to head back for this summer and for the Olympics!!!

      • Tina @ bitemeshowme 12 March, 2012 at 4:30 PM #

        I thought about returning this year.. It’s just too expensive lol

    • Tina @ bitemeshowme 4 March, 2012 at 4:34 PM #

      Thanks Lorraine! I just had to do that soldier photo. Haha figured so many people do that exact thing

  9. Julie 1 March, 2012 at 3:56 PM #

    Tina did you go alone on the tour? I didnt want to contiki i always think they partied too much and all i want to do is just eat without the partying lol im such a nanna

    • Tina @ bitemeshowme 4 March, 2012 at 4:38 PM #

      I did go with a friend but we didn’t stick by each others side 24/7. At times I did feel like I was on my own :) haha I can definitely say contiki is not quite the eating tour. There’s not much time to sit down at restaurants and have a feed. Most of the time food is provided at campsites or else it’s up to you to find food while you sight see during the day. Or there are optional dinners at restaurants but they’re generally overrated and no good. I only learnt that towards the end of my tour… Lol

  10. annie 2 March, 2012 at 9:01 PM #

    looking forward to reading part 2 :). can’t wait for my trip to start. waiting two and a half months for that trip feels like forever!

    • Tina @ bitemeshowme 4 March, 2012 at 4:40 PM #

      Hahahahha this isn’t even anything compared to what I saw! 29 days is a long time and you will see soooo much. I would suggest you have lots of memory cards/space and if possible a spare camera battery. I assure you that some days you will kill your battery before the afternoon!

      • Annie 7 July, 2012 at 12:41 AM #

        just got back last saturday. had the best time ever! right now im having post-europe + singapore withdrawals and missing everyone from the tour rly badly. took waaay too many photos! battery once died in the middle of jungfrau mountain :(

      • Tina @ bitemeshowme 10 July, 2012 at 11:14 PM #

        Oh no! I had a spare battery so I never ran out hahahha! Which tour did you do?

  11. JasmyneTea 3 March, 2012 at 8:47 PM #

    I want to be there! One day… Until then I’ll live vicariously through your posts :) Lovely photos!

  12. Lucas @ CoverVersions.tv 12 March, 2012 at 11:23 AM #

    Some great photos here. I too would have been tempted to give the ole “i’m crushing yer head” trick on the guards too.

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Contiki Weekly Buzz: March 13, 2012 | | The Official Contiki BlogThe Official Contiki Blog - 14 March, 2012

    [...] 1. BiteMeShowMe:  Europe 2011 Snapshot Part 1 [...]

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    [...] first real taste of Greek food (excluding Greek Salad) funnily enough in Greece when I went on my Euro Trip in 2011. My first and last meal in Greece was a gyros (pronounced yee-ross). I can’t [...]

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