Europe Trip in Summer 2012

[Busterinho]

Hej Guys,

my name is Michael, I am from Germany and I`m planning to
hitchhike through europe, beginning in the end of june. My plan
for now is to go via amsterdam, bruxelles, paris, off to spain.
Depending on how far I get, I`d like to go back to the northern
of Germany via Austria and maybe Italy.

I already have a little experience in Hitchhiking, since I gone
to my school with my thumb outside for 3 years (which is
only a short distance), and just for fun some longer distances
(like from Hamburg to Göttingen or stuff).

I want to get a tent and a bigger backpack with the typical survival-
stuff I already have, for the time on the street.

My question to you is: what experiences do you have, in the case
of a non-native speaker in france to get along, with only a few words
knowing in french and how to get along in spain (always heard its pretty
tough to tramp there)? Do you have any tips for working along the road
in france or spain? Do you know anybody for a little shower on the way? Maybe anything, i should visit along the road?

Basically I need just someone like minded, that reinforces my goals and shares some experiences with me. (Next to these, I`ve already been reading)

[kabuki_mono]

When it comes to Spain and France . I'd actually include Portugal in the same lot too.
Vagabonding is pretty simple, no one bothers you ... Just one vital rule, Don't drink or take drugs in public! Then the police will have a reason to not treat you nicely. Oh and people won't give you a penny (if you're busking or begging or whatever)
When it comes to work. You can always follow the picking route, which take you around France/Spain and Portugal picking whatever is in season.

South of France is a place to keep an eye open for vine yards.
East and the interior of the North of Spain for wine as well. Oranges in Valencia .. and many other places.
Portugal - in the North you have again wine. In the south (El Algarve) you have all the oranges and the green house mass productions but work can be tricky to find here as Portugal's recession is pretty tough on the people and on top of that all the work is being done by Romanians who get €30 a day for 12 hours work ... So when they see a 'European' they don't want you're services for the obvious reasons.

When it comes to language barriers. Years ago when I hitched through France I refused to speak in their language and I left with a bitter taste. This time round though, I tried my best with my basic French and they treated me wonderfully!!
Spain ... Expect a huge lack of English in the North heading towards Galicia. Think yourself lucky if you find one or two people that 'jibber' some sort of English. Portugal .. more the same .. but once you reach the south .. this is full of English, Germans, Dutch, French, Yank ... tourists .. so no problem there.

When it comes to showers ... A 5l bottle of water and some soap will do the trick Strip off, scrub yourself down and rise yourself off.. simple.

As what to see... so many things .. but I'll leave that to your picking!

Stay safe and Enjoy the road

[b:830497264f]Km[/b:830497264f]

[Fruupp]

[quote:df1472b765="Busterinho"]Hej Guys,

my name is Michael, I am from Germany and I`m planning to
hitchhike through europe, beginning in the end of june. My plan
for now is to go via amsterdam, bruxelles, paris, off to spain.
Depending on how far I get, I`d like to go back to the northern
of Germany via Austria and maybe Italy.

I already have a little experience in Hitchhiking, since I gone
to my school with my thumb outside for 3 years (which is
only a short distance), and just for fun some longer distances
(like from Hamburg to Göttingen or stuff).

I want to get a tent and a bigger backpack with the typical survival-
stuff I already have, for the time on the street.

My question to you is: what experiences do you have, in the case
of a non-native speaker in france to get along, with only a few words
knowing in french and how to get along in spain (always heard its pretty
tough to tramp there)? Do you have any tips for working along the road
in france or spain? Do you know anybody for a little shower on the way? Maybe anything, i should visit along the road?

Basically I need just someone like minded, that reinforces my goals and shares some experiences with me. (Next to these, I`ve already been reading)[/quote:df1472b765]

Hi Busterinho,

You might want to check out this book:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Work-Your-Way-A ... 345&sr=1-1

It will give you some great ideas and calm any fears you may have about working in a country where you are not familiar with the native language.

Slan

Fruupp

[Busterinho]

Hey Guys,

thanks for your help. I appreciate that a lot.
I will keep in mind what you said and already ordered the book.
I might write back, when I arrived after the Trip.
Thank you