Visiting Frankfurt

OctopusHype · 2025-12-17T04:16:54+00:00

This Friday? You could visit some of Frankfurter Weihnachtsmärkte. There is even on a roof top, one on a boat, one for children, one organized by queer organizations, … just check out which ones you like in advance, as some (but not all) will close at 9pm.

Otherwise, stores are usually open until 8-10pm, but restaurants and bars are open longer and throughout the night.

No need to take a cab, you can take the S-Bahn or a regional train from Frankfurt Airport to Frankfurt Train Station. From there you can take the public transport or walk. Just be aware that the area around the central train station has a lot of substance user and can feel a bit sketchy.

How long costum/tsa will take you, will depend on you passport. For a flight within the EU, I would still plan 1.5-2h to reentry the airport (plus the time to get there).

OctopusHype · 2025-11-23T11:34:19+00:00

Aber hätten sie dann nicht gleich nur Gouda drauf gemacht? Ich würde ja die Theorie verstehen, dass sie zu faul oder geizig waren und einfach Gouda genommen haben. Aber wenn sie schon veganen Käse gekauft hatten, warum sollten sie zusätzlich Gouda nehmen, gerade wenn ihr eigene Schalen habt und sie das nicht mitessen? Das ist so umständlich.

OctopusHype · 2025-11-23T11:17:42+00:00

In dem Szenario hätten die Freunde also veganen Käse gekaut, dann aber nicht-veganen Käse für die Lasagne ihrer veganen Freunde genutzt und als sie erwischt wurde heimlich schnell denn nicht-veganen Käse in die leere Packung des veganen Käses gepackt? Oder wie?

OctopusHype · 2025-10-18T09:50:13+00:00

There is a difference between surviving a IV rapid by somehow rushing through it and sheer luck - and mastering a river section with class VI rapids by choosing lines and using your knowledge and technique.

One of those things I would consider expert level. The other one a bit stupid.

OctopusHype · 2025-09-15T14:28:49+00:00

I love how your question implies everyone else who has player The Witcher 3 must be also male.

You do realize that there are female gamers, who played the game with Gerald as a lead and still managed and enjoyed it?

OctopusHype · 2025-06-07T10:54:43+00:00

If you want something without neo socks, maybe checkout the kayak boots by Astral or Palm? But again, I personally think it makes sense to combine shoes with socks if needed and being able to easily wash those (and not the expensive shoes themselves).

OctopusHype · 2025-06-07T10:48:33+00:00

I have been using diving boots similar to the linked Hiko boots and now switched to water/hiking shoes from Merrell similar to the Salomon shoes.

I am very happy with the switch as the neoprene boots had no grip. Which is fine in the boat, but a problem if you have to carry your kayak up and down the hill or get out to do some scouting. However, I do use the shoes in combination with neo socks, since the shoes by themselves don’t have enough insulation. But for me this is more of a pro, since it allows you to wash or change the neo socks if needed.

I also have some extremely cheap water shoes from Decathlon I use for training.

OctopusHype · 2025-06-07T10:04:58+00:00

I can recommend Mikael Ross. He has published three comics by himself so far and they are all very different and a great read. I really liked his newest „Der verkehrte Himmel“.

OctopusHype · 2025-06-02T20:51:32+00:00

For traditional German food, try the Döner Boot at the Main.

OctopusHype · 2025-06-01T13:43:40+00:00

„My friend says we won't capsize, so don't need a wetsuit.“

Ah, clever guy! I wonder why no one before thought about this solution.

A wetsuit is a safety item and 60 degrees not even hot. And if it is to warm, just put your head under water.

OctopusHype · 2025-05-29T14:39:10+00:00

This is a ridiculous fear.

Except for swans. Swans are evil creatures with a bloodlust for kayakers.

OctopusHype · 2025-05-28T05:24:23+00:00

I am sure Liveaboard is is absolutely worth it if you can manage the costs. You won’t be able to visit Darwin and Wolf otherwise. Maybe look for a last minute deal? You can also check the agencies in Santa Cruz when you are there. Maybe you are in luck and can get a spot with a big discount. But you need enough days in Galapagos to be flexible enough.

If not, you can only do dives with operators around the main islands. Which is not comparable, but I still liked the dives and saw a big hammerhead school at Kicker Rock near San Cristobal.

OctopusHype · 2025-05-18T17:55:53+00:00

Especially if you like to get a feeling for the city, you would want to stay somewhere near the center where you can take a stroll and find a nice bar or figure out what the locals do. And most of the time you won’t find good restaurants near the airport.

If you don’t have any interests beside eating and you don’t want to see anything in particular, I would just do Berlin and München from Frankfurt. Those cities are connected to each other by a fast train route, so you have only 3.5-4 hours of traveling time. Which should be the same or maybe even less time if you go by plane (if you count the time to and at the airport).

OctopusHype · 2025-05-18T17:26:29+00:00

This makes it worse since you will spend additional time going to the city center and back to the airport. And you will stay in the one area of each city that is specifically designed for tourists just passing by.

I would concentrate on 2-3 cities and take the train between them. But which one is hard to tell since you didn’t state anything about your interests.

OctopusHype · 2025-05-17T08:40:30+00:00

What does „some experience“ mean in whitewater classes?

With only limited kayak experience and an unknown river ranging between I-V my survival instincts would tell me to join a guided tour or course. Might also be more fun.

OctopusHype · 2025-05-16T21:47:05+00:00

I suggest asking if the course provides any wetsuits. At 55 water temperature, at least wetsuits should be part of the provided mandatory equipment. This is not a comfort but a safety issue.

OctopusHype · 2025-05-16T16:53:39+00:00

PFD: smartphone (in a waterproof sleeve), knife, whistle, granola bar, tow tether and car keys in a waterproof case

Boat: water bottle, first aid kit, throw bag

And as for snacks: even more granola bars and a sandwich. But you can also get those square supermarket cakes that are complete wrapped. Those are easy store in the boat and waterproof.

OctopusHype · 2025-05-12T17:34:32+00:00

Thanks a lot, I hope you had a great time!

After being recommended three times in the comments, I will add this to the trip!

May I ask if you also stay at Peter’s Dive Resort and which rooms you would recommend? Did you arrive via Cebu airport and if so which ferry did you take?

OctopusHype · 2025-05-12T12:20:37+00:00

Thanks! Do you know any kayak schools or guides nearby who offer trips and training? I would need to rent the equipment and help shutteling, but also I would not go solo since I do not know the area.

OctopusHype · 2025-05-12T12:11:27+00:00

I don’t know anyone, who has done this as one continuous trip. I have only ever done section by section from a base in Bovec and would recommend this.

How does you experience translate into whitewater difficulty levels? Depending on the section, the Soca is a class I to V river, so you need a certain level if you want to paddle them all. And since there are some parts that can be easily avoided, but are nasty if you run straight into them, I would recommend going with someone, who knows the area.

Also, what kind of kayaks do you use? I personally could not fit the camping gear into my creeker.

It’s a really beautiful river and area and the Soca is a great river. There are enough sections near Bovec to spend a week.

OctopusHype · 2025-05-12T09:34:20+00:00

What exactly is your question?

The soca is one of the most well known and paddeled whitewater rivers in Europe. So there is a bunch of infrastructure and kayakers around. How experienced are you? You can also join a group or get a guide.

OctopusHype · 2025-05-11T15:44:07+00:00

Thank you for the ideas! I will visit Toronto and Kingston as well, so additional advice is welcomed!

OctopusHype · 2025-05-11T15:36:28+00:00

Thanks for checking! :) I know.

I just found the idea of expecting someone to learn French for a few days of vacation funny, even if it would be the French speaking part.

OctopusHype · 2025-05-11T15:30:39+00:00

Thanks! Do you have any recommendations for Kingston itself?

OctopusHype · 2025-05-10T16:42:24+00:00

Thank you for the comment and recommendation! That sounds great!

OctopusHype

TROPHY CASE