Photo TR: [Study] Abroad - The world and its coasters

[thrillerman1Can you see the donkey in my toast?]

I would have to agree with your assessment of Balder. You made some really valid points, and while I do think it's a fantastic coaster, it's still just missing something for me personally. One thing's certain, however, and it's that I had a blast on it during TPR's 2008 visit (great trip participants on what is probably my favorite park day I've ever experienced).

[viking86Beware of the freeze-dried donkey!]

Very interesting trip report, thanks for sharing! This must be the first time Ive seen pictures of my hometown (Bergen) on TPR. Not surprised about the rain though, we are famous for it...

And yes, Norway is expensive. I'm going home to Bergen tomorrow after spending two weeks in Denmark and the price difference is just ridiculous. I'm not looking forward to going to the store or fill up the tank on my car when I get back home as its going to feel super-expensive! I feel my Visa card is going to cry...

I also agree with you about Balder. Its a fun ride but its very controlled. My favorite part is the first drop in the backseat, which feels quite wild, particularly in the evening when it seems to be going faster for each ride. But the overall ride does not live up to the hype for me. Considering the small footprint I don't really think the park could have done any better, but as for the rankings I don't agree. But its still a ride I enjoy a lot.

[coastererI think Intamin should make a donkey!]

Shoot you live in Bergen? Now you have me feeling really self-conscious about the fact that I repeatedly misspelled "Sognefjord". You live in a beautiful place, viking86, but you're pretty far from a coaster. The price difference in Norway is shocking. I mean, Denmark is definitely on the very high end of things, but Norway is just a whole other level. A simple meal at a McDonalds or other fast food restaurant goes for around the equivalent of $17 U.S.

I think Balder is great for what it is, and like you were saying, the first drop is great! After the ride was over, it was one of those things where I said "I could see it", in regards to how other people would like it. And maybe if it was really hauling I could see how it could be a favorite to some people. But I think I just look for different things in a coaster. I think it's a really important ride though, to have as a benchmark for airtime, and sort of a base mark Intamin standard that other rides can be compared to.

[x2isawesomeI'm a know-it-all about donkeys!]

Really enjoying all of the pictures of the amazing scenery. Balder is really up there on my coaster to do list. Hopefully a scandi tpr tour next year.

[clint_lyttleI Guess Donkeys Are Okay]

I'm really enjoying this report. Your descriptions are amazing, and you've really opened my eyes up to the theme parks of the world! I hope to see an update soon!

[coastererI think Intamin should make a donkey!]

Guys thanks so much for the comments. It makes writing these things all the more worthwhile.

I’m gonna take you way back with this update, tying in the first update of this thread with the rest of my trip through Italy. Italy was the start of my two week break, where I made it from Milan to Tbilisi across land and over sea. My stay in the fashion capital was brief – I had last minute plans to meet up with an old friend from high school who was stationed in Northern Italy with the air force, and was anxious to see him. After an afternoon flight, I hopped on a bus out of town to the west, got dropped off out of the city, and started walking, all the way around the bend to this small park, Europark Idroscalo. I didn’t spend long here, but long wasn’t needed. It was a beautiful day though, and in no time I had the wacky worm, the slightly different mouse, and the other Pinfari ride. It was a nice stop for the credits but nothing spectacular. Making my way back into the city, I caught a late bus to Bologna for the night, and stayed with a short old, wonderful woman renting out rooms for backpackers at semi-decent prices. This woman was Italy through and through, exactly like you’d see in the movies, and she treated me to a wonderful breakfast the next morning.

From there it was another train ride to Mirabilandia where I met up with my friend Ben, who I mentioned was stationed up here in the air force. Now, I’ve been wanting to ride Katun for forever, more than just about any other ride. I’m a huge B&M invert fan, and let me tell you, this thing did not disappoint. The ride is stunning, and sprawls out across the entire park. We didn’t have to wait long for it ever, and racked up some 17 rides throughout the day. This was the ride I’ve been waiting for. I could ride this thing all day and not get sick of it. This thing was a masterpiece and sits right now at the top of my steel coaster list with Goliath from Walibi World.

The rest of the park was spread out and maybe a little sparse. I know people love iSpeed, but to me it was only so-so. That layout is just all over the place. It meanders without making much sense at all - it didn’t even come close to Katun for me. We loved the vegetable themed kiddie coaster though, and loved the laid back atmosphere of things over here. We took a lunch break in Ravenna, driving through the beautiful old city streets for a while in an attempt to find a pizza joint, which we eventually did. Couldn’t have asked for a better day really. We spent the night in Ben’s room on the base in Aviano, and then headed off to Garda the next day, which I already showed you guys.

From there it was an early drive to Venice where I got about 25 minutes as the sun was rising, and then a train to Ancona to catch an overnight ferry to Greece, sleeping on the floor and landing in Iguomenitsa at around 6 in the morning. Overall, I can see why people love Italy so much. What a beautiful country, relaxed and charming, with incredible food and such a luxurious ambience. It wasn’t the easiest to navigate as a tourist, with hardly any hostels and overpriced transportation tickets and rooms, but the food more than made up for it.

Thanks for reading guys, and thanks for the comments, I love hearing from you!