As is the case everytime I say I will do something, it doesnt happen. Paradise ended up costing money, so we went to a beach hostel and hung with the people there. Some Aussies and Canadians. Talked politics, then caught a cab home.
The next morning, we didnt go to Delos, but continued living the life in Mycanos and visiting with Stephanos, our excitable bartender. I wandered around town by myself, dressed as a gypsy, while the Riggs family had beach time (I was too fried to even consider it). Two scoops of overpriced ice cream, one man on a mule, and many tourists later I headed back to the hotel where the Riggs treated me to amazing dinner of Scorpion fish soup and pasta, finished with a souffle split four ways. Decadent, that. Then Mr. Riggs, Eric and I headed back into town where we found a bracelet for Titi to thank her for saving my moms nerves many times over and then we went to a couple bars and clubs that I was not dressed for but danced and laughed nonetheless.
Yesterday we caught flights back to Athens where mommy and daddy Riggs abandoned Eric and I to wait five hours for our flight to Berlin. I met Andrew from Philly who was a self-made business man at the age of 18. He talked with an arrogance that made me not want to like him, but I liked the things he said. He slipped away without saying goodbye or exchangig info, so I can talk freely about him online.
I got hit with some kind of sinus thing that made me want to chop off my head so I sought comfort in the greasy arms of McDonalds, and though my double cheeseburger, fries, and M&M McFlurry were just what I wanted, what really made me feel better was the Deutsch guys in line, trying to decide what to get.
"Oooh, ein Quateh Poooowndeh."
"Mitt cheese!!!"
"Ja, ist classic."
"Oh, ja ja."
The flight got in around midnight to Berlin, Eric and I caught the train into town, then caught a cab. I wish I had stayed at the BaxPax hostel when I actually had time in Berlin. The bar was open on a Monday night, the location was central, and the bathrooms were clean. It had character, but not in the way that requires vaccinations.
I slept in my person pocket for the last time and it was the most memorable. A wine bottle in my luggage had shattered, so I woke with glass shards tangled in my hair and my skin smelling of cheap Greek wine. Deborah Riggs would probably say that was a better experience than actually drinking it. She wasnt a fan.
This morning we woke up with intent to see the city, but ended up just seeing Mathias (my friend who we stayed with in Stockholm) on his break from class, then missing our train to Hessich. The next one got in an hour later and Titi was laughing at me.
We threw my clothes in the wash, ate some of the fresh bread Jenns opa makes, then headed for Shaumburg with Titi and Adrian. I sent Eric and Adrian running around as Titi and I relaxed downstairs. We were all rewarded by spaghetti ice cream in town, I paid Titi the money I owed her, and now we are relaxing at home, eating pizza and talking of nerd things. Tomorrow Eric and I catch a train at 4:20am for me to catch a plane at 7:30am to get in at 9:30-10pm tomorrow.
Europe trip 2009 is coming to a close. I AM NOT READY! But the adventure of Healy/Lizzy/Hey Chica continues. Look for another blog about moving to Texas. If you are still bored and in front of a computer.
And anyone who I have met on my travels is more than invited to stay with me in whatever city I am residing at the time. Except for that creepy Italian guy. You know who you are. If I have learned nothing, it is the importance of community and supporting travelers.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Opa!!!
Grandfather en Duetsch, oops in Greek!
Chris from came over for dinner in Bucharest, we watched the Michael Jackson memorial. I was shocked when he didn't pop out of the gold coffin and moonwalk. Chris was thrilled with the little Welsh boy who sang and talked about how Michael touched him. Sorry, couldn't resist.
The next morning, Chris missed his first two trains to Constanta and came back for his bag, breakfast, and a walk around the park and the old town which was under construction and not quite ready for visitors yet. I though it had more flavor that way.
He caught his 3rd train out, then Eric and I sat in the park and journalled. I wandered a bit and stumbled upon a group of old men playing chess. They looked shocked to see a female and a couple almost poked me to see if I was real. There should be a sign or something posted. Not that I would have been able to read it.
The flight to Athens went on without a problem and Eric and I took a taxi to the hotel. The driver was very nice and even gave Eric the CD playing in his car when Eric mentioned he liked it, but I made sure he knew I was aware of Zone 1 and Zone 2 and how much the taxi should cost. Basically, I was a tough bitch.
The hotel was luxurious and overlooked the Acropolis. We met the Riggs parentals for drink on the roof and basked in the view. The next day we explored the Acropolis and the new museum and the ruins of the Theatre of Dionysis. Dinner in a roof garden was fish (with the head, of course) and veggies. Chris from Palermo was in town, but we just missed each other. I would have liked more time in Athens, but the next day we caught a ferry to Mycanos, where we spent most the day switching hotels from a crazy-fancy resort on the water to one closer to town where all four of us could stay. (We were booked in two different hotels originally, a 45 minute cab drive apart) Layed out on the beach, then I scored a free Tolberone drink from the bartender, which he refilled for free as well and I thought I would just die from cream overload.
Today I fried myself on the beach with a couple Albanian guys, then met Alex, Tommy, and George from Wisconsin who are going out to Paradise tonight. I will see if I can get Eric to go out with me.
Tomorrow is Delos, the next day is back to Athens to catch a flight to Berlin, then to Hannover the next day (after a stop in Hessich) to catch a flight the next morning to Florida. Aye aye aye!
Chris from came over for dinner in Bucharest, we watched the Michael Jackson memorial. I was shocked when he didn't pop out of the gold coffin and moonwalk. Chris was thrilled with the little Welsh boy who sang and talked about how Michael touched him. Sorry, couldn't resist.
The next morning, Chris missed his first two trains to Constanta and came back for his bag, breakfast, and a walk around the park and the old town which was under construction and not quite ready for visitors yet. I though it had more flavor that way.
He caught his 3rd train out, then Eric and I sat in the park and journalled. I wandered a bit and stumbled upon a group of old men playing chess. They looked shocked to see a female and a couple almost poked me to see if I was real. There should be a sign or something posted. Not that I would have been able to read it.
The flight to Athens went on without a problem and Eric and I took a taxi to the hotel. The driver was very nice and even gave Eric the CD playing in his car when Eric mentioned he liked it, but I made sure he knew I was aware of Zone 1 and Zone 2 and how much the taxi should cost. Basically, I was a tough bitch.
The hotel was luxurious and overlooked the Acropolis. We met the Riggs parentals for drink on the roof and basked in the view. The next day we explored the Acropolis and the new museum and the ruins of the Theatre of Dionysis. Dinner in a roof garden was fish (with the head, of course) and veggies. Chris from Palermo was in town, but we just missed each other. I would have liked more time in Athens, but the next day we caught a ferry to Mycanos, where we spent most the day switching hotels from a crazy-fancy resort on the water to one closer to town where all four of us could stay. (We were booked in two different hotels originally, a 45 minute cab drive apart) Layed out on the beach, then I scored a free Tolberone drink from the bartender, which he refilled for free as well and I thought I would just die from cream overload.
Today I fried myself on the beach with a couple Albanian guys, then met Alex, Tommy, and George from Wisconsin who are going out to Paradise tonight. I will see if I can get Eric to go out with me.
Tomorrow is Delos, the next day is back to Athens to catch a flight to Berlin, then to Hannover the next day (after a stop in Hessich) to catch a flight the next morning to Florida. Aye aye aye!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Bhudda my Pest, Magura, and now Bucresti
Budapest was killer, Eric and I picked up the sexy Swedish militia woman, Kiowa, and we went to the Turkish baths, then walked the gorgeous city park. One of my favorite castles so far was in the park. Then we headed to a serious Hungarian dinner, meeting Dan from Boston along the way and dragging him along.
Pre-drinking at the hostel lead to a night of spectacular dancing where we literally let loose and scared all the locals with our bodacious moves. Then I sang opera all the way home like a cultured little piggy. Somewhere in all this we convinced Kiowa t come to Magura with us.
The next day we just walked around the town, seeing the Buda side and then crossing the very exciting chain bridge where a party was going on and the vendors were selling adorable jewelry and delicious candy.
Caught the night train to Brasov, where we set up a gypsy booby trap (supposedly they run on the train, grab your bag, and hop of) that kept entangling and enraging the ticket collectors. As I sat, drinking wime we macguyvered open and looking at the moon, I was just completely content.
Then we finally used my mom's hoarde of wet naps by mopping up the nasty train floor and made a bed for me there while Kiowa and Eric had their own bench. This set up worked well until a Romanian man woke uop with "Please wake up, it is morning." Other peopleneeded our seats and we were very groggy and reluctant, but they were persistent so we awoke and arranged ourselves in a way to facilitate them. Then a woman came by demanding reservations which we did not have and the woman in Budapest assured us that we did not need. Surprisingly, the Romanian couple we had been so begrudging to facilitate pleaded our case and we were allowed to continue our trip. Then they gave us bread. I like them.
We took a bus from Brasov to Moeciu, then had Josef, the owner of the hostel, come pick us up after a failed attempt to find the trail to lead us up the mountain to the hostel. He took us immediately to Dracula's Bran castle. Unfortunately my camera was dead, but Kiowa took many pictures. I thought it was rather small, but it was my favorite. I enjoyed reading about REAL Romanian history along with the myth. That castle had seen a lot more interesting things than Vlad.
Then Josef took us to his farm on the mountain where we picked berries, went on moonlight hikes, rented a horse for 10 eurp an hour and rode her in the rain, drank fresh milk with honey that I had bought from an old Romanian women (the honey, the milk was free from the hostel's cows), and hiked to the top of the mountain and wondered how life could be any other way but this at that moment.
This morning we hiked down the mountain and caught a train to Bucharest and on the train I met Chris from Wales, who was gorgeous and I got along with quite well while Eric exchanged info with a cute Romanian girl and Kiowa got trapped by a mniddle aged Asian man. On a whim, I messaged Chris' hostel with my info and an invite to dinner. He accepted and should be here shortly. Not bad for a Tuesday.
Pre-drinking at the hostel lead to a night of spectacular dancing where we literally let loose and scared all the locals with our bodacious moves. Then I sang opera all the way home like a cultured little piggy. Somewhere in all this we convinced Kiowa t come to Magura with us.
The next day we just walked around the town, seeing the Buda side and then crossing the very exciting chain bridge where a party was going on and the vendors were selling adorable jewelry and delicious candy.
Caught the night train to Brasov, where we set up a gypsy booby trap (supposedly they run on the train, grab your bag, and hop of) that kept entangling and enraging the ticket collectors. As I sat, drinking wime we macguyvered open and looking at the moon, I was just completely content.
Then we finally used my mom's hoarde of wet naps by mopping up the nasty train floor and made a bed for me there while Kiowa and Eric had their own bench. This set up worked well until a Romanian man woke uop with "Please wake up, it is morning." Other peopleneeded our seats and we were very groggy and reluctant, but they were persistent so we awoke and arranged ourselves in a way to facilitate them. Then a woman came by demanding reservations which we did not have and the woman in Budapest assured us that we did not need. Surprisingly, the Romanian couple we had been so begrudging to facilitate pleaded our case and we were allowed to continue our trip. Then they gave us bread. I like them.
We took a bus from Brasov to Moeciu, then had Josef, the owner of the hostel, come pick us up after a failed attempt to find the trail to lead us up the mountain to the hostel. He took us immediately to Dracula's Bran castle. Unfortunately my camera was dead, but Kiowa took many pictures. I thought it was rather small, but it was my favorite. I enjoyed reading about REAL Romanian history along with the myth. That castle had seen a lot more interesting things than Vlad.
Then Josef took us to his farm on the mountain where we picked berries, went on moonlight hikes, rented a horse for 10 eurp an hour and rode her in the rain, drank fresh milk with honey that I had bought from an old Romanian women (the honey, the milk was free from the hostel's cows), and hiked to the top of the mountain and wondered how life could be any other way but this at that moment.
This morning we hiked down the mountain and caught a train to Bucharest and on the train I met Chris from Wales, who was gorgeous and I got along with quite well while Eric exchanged info with a cute Romanian girl and Kiowa got trapped by a mniddle aged Asian man. On a whim, I messaged Chris' hostel with my info and an invite to dinner. He accepted and should be here shortly. Not bad for a Tuesday.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
My favorite flower was the sun, now I know better
I met up with Stefan yesterday who did not take me to Bratislava, but who showed me more of Wien. We got caught in a rain storm at the schloss, so we headed to the hostel where we met Eric, back from the Leopold museum.
The three of us ate some rice then went out pub hopping. Peach dessert wine is amazing, in case you were wondering. Most of the clubs were dead, but we ended up in an Irish pub that had cheap drinks and all the students, then eventually headed home after the metro quit running.
This morning we slept in, caught a train to Hungary, then caught an evening tour from a local who was AMAZING. Hungary is so cool, I love it already. The people look like Sarah Pirisky, there are sunflower fields, and the language is so cool. We thought about going out tonight, but I am exhausted and tomorrow promises Turkish baths, cave crawling, more Turkish baths where locals party, then a self inflicted pub crawl. Then on Saturday we will catch a night train to Romania!
The three of us ate some rice then went out pub hopping. Peach dessert wine is amazing, in case you were wondering. Most of the clubs were dead, but we ended up in an Irish pub that had cheap drinks and all the students, then eventually headed home after the metro quit running.
This morning we slept in, caught a train to Hungary, then caught an evening tour from a local who was AMAZING. Hungary is so cool, I love it already. The people look like Sarah Pirisky, there are sunflower fields, and the language is so cool. We thought about going out tonight, but I am exhausted and tomorrow promises Turkish baths, cave crawling, more Turkish baths where locals party, then a self inflicted pub crawl. Then on Saturday we will catch a night train to Romania!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Schnitzel und strudel
Mathias and Bengta came to collect us around noon and we headed out for hotdog wraps with potatoes and crab salad. Very interesting and filling. Then we went to a museum which held a story even more pathetic than Titanic, this much-celebrated ship sank in the harbor on its maiden voyage. The brine in the water preseved it to where you can see many of the details on the intricate carvings. We walked around town, found ice cream, saw a protest about the going-ons of Iran government, and then went home to get ready for a patrty.
The party was just so Swedish. I dont know what made it that way, whether is was the girl with short blonde hair and high shorts, or the slurred language, or the park the flat over-looked, but I just felt so authentic. We stayed up and chatted and drank and snacked until 2am, when we went to Mathias' flat, collected our things, and caught a 3:45am bus to our 6:30am flight to Berlin.
In Berlin we caught the Alternative Tour, which Eric had to carry his pack around for because all the train station lockers were full. The Tour was AMAZING, though. That is the Berlin I knew I would love. We learned about the city-santioned giant food fight, the grafitti, the day-time raves, the naked dance clubs, everything. I am moving to Berlin for at least a year. A cold, cold year.
Unfortunately, we had to cut the tour short and caught a train to Prague. Prague was just as amazing as everyone said. The Jewish history is amazing. My favorite part was Piskas Synagouge where they wrote the names of all the Jews who died in Prague and surrounding areas during the holocaust. The walls were covered.
We went out with a couple girls from America and a guy from the islands by Iceland. Some Czech locals insisted we try a shot that was sure to mess us up in the morning, but it tasted like gingerbread and had no effects on me. Maybe czech people are lightweights.
Yesterday we caught a train into Wien (Vienna) and I fried up some saugage, mushrooms, and potatoes, then we went out for apple strudel and Eric also got some schnitzel which is basically super fried pork. Delish! I will try cheese strudel today. Then we met up with Stefan, who I met in Copenhagen, and went to a film festival which played reels of classical music. they do this every night for two months, sometimes it is concerts (which we saw last night) and sometimes it is operas.
Passed out in our private hostel room (it was all that was available because we accidentally showed up in Vienna a day early) and then I made some hearty breakfast this morning, Eric shaved his head, and now I am heading into town, maybe catching a train to Bratislava. Probably not, but I can dream.
Budapest tomorrow. I have officially been travelling for 3 months. Only 15days left. Ready to see my people, but don't want to go back to the states.
The party was just so Swedish. I dont know what made it that way, whether is was the girl with short blonde hair and high shorts, or the slurred language, or the park the flat over-looked, but I just felt so authentic. We stayed up and chatted and drank and snacked until 2am, when we went to Mathias' flat, collected our things, and caught a 3:45am bus to our 6:30am flight to Berlin.
In Berlin we caught the Alternative Tour, which Eric had to carry his pack around for because all the train station lockers were full. The Tour was AMAZING, though. That is the Berlin I knew I would love. We learned about the city-santioned giant food fight, the grafitti, the day-time raves, the naked dance clubs, everything. I am moving to Berlin for at least a year. A cold, cold year.
Unfortunately, we had to cut the tour short and caught a train to Prague. Prague was just as amazing as everyone said. The Jewish history is amazing. My favorite part was Piskas Synagouge where they wrote the names of all the Jews who died in Prague and surrounding areas during the holocaust. The walls were covered.
We went out with a couple girls from America and a guy from the islands by Iceland. Some Czech locals insisted we try a shot that was sure to mess us up in the morning, but it tasted like gingerbread and had no effects on me. Maybe czech people are lightweights.
Yesterday we caught a train into Wien (Vienna) and I fried up some saugage, mushrooms, and potatoes, then we went out for apple strudel and Eric also got some schnitzel which is basically super fried pork. Delish! I will try cheese strudel today. Then we met up with Stefan, who I met in Copenhagen, and went to a film festival which played reels of classical music. they do this every night for two months, sometimes it is concerts (which we saw last night) and sometimes it is operas.
Passed out in our private hostel room (it was all that was available because we accidentally showed up in Vienna a day early) and then I made some hearty breakfast this morning, Eric shaved his head, and now I am heading into town, maybe catching a train to Bratislava. Probably not, but I can dream.
Budapest tomorrow. I have officially been travelling for 3 months. Only 15days left. Ready to see my people, but don't want to go back to the states.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Silly Stockholm, Chocolate is for Puckos
Okay, time for a more comprehensive post.
I wish I had more time in Olso, I didnt even get to see the Viking Museum! But what I did see was beautiful, the mountains reminded Eric and I of Colorado. The weather was very mild during the day, but could get rather chilly at night. Which really feels like day here.
Although I am a terror to travel with, I am glad Eric is here because I am getting quite homesick, and I cant even find a payphone which will take my card to call my family and Jenn! The care package my mom sent with eric was very nice. It screamed "I love you" with the M&Ms and pants I asked for and whispered "Stay regular" with the anti-diarrhea pills I did not ask for. Thanks, Mom.
The conference in Göteborg was very good for me, I have a lot of ideas about school and the direction I want my life to go in. I am now thinking sexologist/researcher for a while, then settle down into therapist when I am ready to commit to a place for more then 3 years. Though, after a couple days, I found myself exhausted by the conference so I played hooky and went to the harbor with Eric and our new friend Alex (A Suisse girl who was in the bunk bed below me and also attending the conference). We layed out on the boulders and watched the Swedes (some topless, but not many) bask in the sun and timidly try out the cold, cold water.
We did go out one night, which resulted in meeting some very interesting locals. George, an Aussie staying in our hostel had arranged to meet with a girl from couchsurfers who ended up being very nice, but Alex and I sat with a group of local guys because Anna's (the couchsurfer) table was full. I spoke in a British accent because it was easier for Swedish Eric to understand and she therapized Ludwig, who had anger managment issues which were prominantly displayed when he tried to fight a guy just for approaching our table to ask Alex and I where we were from.
On the train to Stockholm, Eric slept and I looked out at the lush scenery, interrupted every so often by a lake crowded with Swedish people. Mathias met us at the train station and I was so excited to see him. 2 years ago he was a roommate of my then-boyfriend, Keith, in Gainesville. Very often I would take Mathias out grocery shopping with us and I would cook him dinner (which was admittedly awful). So to see him again after so long was very nice.
We bought bus tickets, headed to his stuio flat and after some home made raspberry lemonade we set out for a picnic in the park. We were not the only ones with this idea, I think because the winter is so harsh, Swedish people just love to be outdoors in the summer. There was no event, but the park was as crowded as if there was an outdoor concert or something.
We went to city hall, a scenic route along the river, and we laughed about Swedish art that spotted the landscape. Then Mathias bought us all the weird things Swedes eat, like tubed caviar.
The night train to Berlin was booked for the next three days, so once again I had to begrudgingly return to the bed of Ryanair. We fly to Berlin at 6:30am Sunday morning, which means we have to catch a bus at 3:45am. Yeck. Then we will either spend the day and night in berlin, or go straight to Prague. Which is my preference, but it depends on if the hostel has an opening.
This morning after a very weird Swedish brekkie, Mathias headed off to work and Eric and I were supposed to head into the city, but he conked out. I will let the poor boy sleep for now. This afternoon promises the old boat museum and maybe old town Stockholm.
xxx
I wish I had more time in Olso, I didnt even get to see the Viking Museum! But what I did see was beautiful, the mountains reminded Eric and I of Colorado. The weather was very mild during the day, but could get rather chilly at night. Which really feels like day here.
Although I am a terror to travel with, I am glad Eric is here because I am getting quite homesick, and I cant even find a payphone which will take my card to call my family and Jenn! The care package my mom sent with eric was very nice. It screamed "I love you" with the M&Ms and pants I asked for and whispered "Stay regular" with the anti-diarrhea pills I did not ask for. Thanks, Mom.
The conference in Göteborg was very good for me, I have a lot of ideas about school and the direction I want my life to go in. I am now thinking sexologist/researcher for a while, then settle down into therapist when I am ready to commit to a place for more then 3 years. Though, after a couple days, I found myself exhausted by the conference so I played hooky and went to the harbor with Eric and our new friend Alex (A Suisse girl who was in the bunk bed below me and also attending the conference). We layed out on the boulders and watched the Swedes (some topless, but not many) bask in the sun and timidly try out the cold, cold water.
We did go out one night, which resulted in meeting some very interesting locals. George, an Aussie staying in our hostel had arranged to meet with a girl from couchsurfers who ended up being very nice, but Alex and I sat with a group of local guys because Anna's (the couchsurfer) table was full. I spoke in a British accent because it was easier for Swedish Eric to understand and she therapized Ludwig, who had anger managment issues which were prominantly displayed when he tried to fight a guy just for approaching our table to ask Alex and I where we were from.
On the train to Stockholm, Eric slept and I looked out at the lush scenery, interrupted every so often by a lake crowded with Swedish people. Mathias met us at the train station and I was so excited to see him. 2 years ago he was a roommate of my then-boyfriend, Keith, in Gainesville. Very often I would take Mathias out grocery shopping with us and I would cook him dinner (which was admittedly awful). So to see him again after so long was very nice.
We bought bus tickets, headed to his stuio flat and after some home made raspberry lemonade we set out for a picnic in the park. We were not the only ones with this idea, I think because the winter is so harsh, Swedish people just love to be outdoors in the summer. There was no event, but the park was as crowded as if there was an outdoor concert or something.
We went to city hall, a scenic route along the river, and we laughed about Swedish art that spotted the landscape. Then Mathias bought us all the weird things Swedes eat, like tubed caviar.
The night train to Berlin was booked for the next three days, so once again I had to begrudgingly return to the bed of Ryanair. We fly to Berlin at 6:30am Sunday morning, which means we have to catch a bus at 3:45am. Yeck. Then we will either spend the day and night in berlin, or go straight to Prague. Which is my preference, but it depends on if the hostel has an opening.
This morning after a very weird Swedish brekkie, Mathias headed off to work and Eric and I were supposed to head into the city, but he conked out. I will let the poor boy sleep for now. This afternoon promises the old boat museum and maybe old town Stockholm.
xxx
Monday, June 22, 2009
All Sexed Out
The flight to Oslo went very smoothly, I much prefer Norwegian Airlines to Ryanair. Eric found me after minimal confusion, we found our out-of-the-city hostel, bought food, and relaxed.
Then the next day we headed into the conference (out of town also, but on the other side), checked in, then wandered the city a bit. We saw an opera house that is reminiscent of Sydney, a couple okay parks, the super sweet harbor, and an old fortress grounds. But I think our favorite views were from the mountain where the conference was held.
A reception at the city hall had us feeling all fancy, and I was twitterpated with all the open-minded and unique people at the conference. My favorite part was when I went to the bathroom and someone came out of the mens room, held the door open for me and said "Your choice." Second favorite part? Either all the cool things I learned, or the mounds of delicious food.
Now we are in Goteborg for another sex conference, and today I met members of the AASECT. I know that whatever I do in my life, I want to be promoting sexual health and education. I feel so at home with these people and I get so passionate at the symposiums. It just feels right. I am so happy right now. I didnt realize how much I missed academia.
But sleep is lacking, the sun only goes down for a couple hours up here. And I am busy busy busy (which is why I dont post). Cant believe I have less than a month left on this trip!!!
I will try and be better at posting, truly.
Then the next day we headed into the conference (out of town also, but on the other side), checked in, then wandered the city a bit. We saw an opera house that is reminiscent of Sydney, a couple okay parks, the super sweet harbor, and an old fortress grounds. But I think our favorite views were from the mountain where the conference was held.
A reception at the city hall had us feeling all fancy, and I was twitterpated with all the open-minded and unique people at the conference. My favorite part was when I went to the bathroom and someone came out of the mens room, held the door open for me and said "Your choice." Second favorite part? Either all the cool things I learned, or the mounds of delicious food.
Now we are in Goteborg for another sex conference, and today I met members of the AASECT. I know that whatever I do in my life, I want to be promoting sexual health and education. I feel so at home with these people and I get so passionate at the symposiums. It just feels right. I am so happy right now. I didnt realize how much I missed academia.
But sleep is lacking, the sun only goes down for a couple hours up here. And I am busy busy busy (which is why I dont post). Cant believe I have less than a month left on this trip!!!
I will try and be better at posting, truly.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Hamburgers in Copenhagen
Somehow, I managed to find Nina amoungs all the other tall, gorgeous blondes in the Hamburg train station and she took me around the city before heading home for steak, potatoes, and corn. And Baileys and ice cream. I have great affection for this girl.
The next morning, we woke up and ran out of the house (after delicious breakfast including egg salad on rolls) and showed up at the handball tournament in plenty of time. I actually quite like handball, though it is very much a contact sport. It is basically soccer with your hands, but you can assault the person with the ball. When the guys play, it is just BOOM, and the person is down, but the girls do more of a grappling which seems like it would inflict more pain. You can take 3 steps while holding the ball, then you need to dribble or pass. And they put some sort of sticky substance on the ball which I made the mistake of touching. Nina played in 3 games, the first two they won (I think) and the last one they were dominated.
Then she dropped me off at home while she went out for more. I was going to go out to the Reeperbahn and party, but it was cold and I didnt want to go out alone really, so I slept in until the Fishmarkt. 5 AM the bands start up and I found a great couple from South Africa to chat up. Then I danced with a fiesty old Deutsch lady and a drunk bum. 3 euro Sex on the Beaches at 5am from a dispenser feels like magic to me. Around 7AM I headed to the house to pack up, start the dishwasher, and head to Denmark.
On the train I met Jose from Madrid and we exchanged music and he taught me Espanol. Then I got into Copenhagen, got confused by the currency, and got yelled at by a bus driver. Another bus driver let me ride for free, then my hostel ended up being really cool, so it was an okay day.
This morning I woke up, headed into town and really fell in love with the city. The Italian Quarter is full of edgy shops and people, the center had a sign exhibition up of funny signs from all over the world, and the real story of the little mermaid broke my heart. Then I met Stefan from Austria who helped me find the hippie emcampment of Christianhavn, brought me to a place to eat smorrebord, and walked around some gardens with me. Hopefully Eric and I can meet up with him in Wien.
So my last day alone was excellent and tomorrow I meet up with Eric after a flight to Norway. A new adventure begins!
The next morning, we woke up and ran out of the house (after delicious breakfast including egg salad on rolls) and showed up at the handball tournament in plenty of time. I actually quite like handball, though it is very much a contact sport. It is basically soccer with your hands, but you can assault the person with the ball. When the guys play, it is just BOOM, and the person is down, but the girls do more of a grappling which seems like it would inflict more pain. You can take 3 steps while holding the ball, then you need to dribble or pass. And they put some sort of sticky substance on the ball which I made the mistake of touching. Nina played in 3 games, the first two they won (I think) and the last one they were dominated.
Then she dropped me off at home while she went out for more. I was going to go out to the Reeperbahn and party, but it was cold and I didnt want to go out alone really, so I slept in until the Fishmarkt. 5 AM the bands start up and I found a great couple from South Africa to chat up. Then I danced with a fiesty old Deutsch lady and a drunk bum. 3 euro Sex on the Beaches at 5am from a dispenser feels like magic to me. Around 7AM I headed to the house to pack up, start the dishwasher, and head to Denmark.
On the train I met Jose from Madrid and we exchanged music and he taught me Espanol. Then I got into Copenhagen, got confused by the currency, and got yelled at by a bus driver. Another bus driver let me ride for free, then my hostel ended up being really cool, so it was an okay day.
This morning I woke up, headed into town and really fell in love with the city. The Italian Quarter is full of edgy shops and people, the center had a sign exhibition up of funny signs from all over the world, and the real story of the little mermaid broke my heart. Then I met Stefan from Austria who helped me find the hippie emcampment of Christianhavn, brought me to a place to eat smorrebord, and walked around some gardens with me. Hopefully Eric and I can meet up with him in Wien.
So my last day alone was excellent and tomorrow I meet up with Eric after a flight to Norway. A new adventure begins!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Remember Berlin
After another motorcycle tour and a few caves and a walk of Tubingen, I met Moni's daughter and caught a train to Heidelberg, where I met Kathy from Hong Kong. We went for a walk and bought some pasta and sausage, which seemed like a good idea until the sausage started melting in the pot! Turns out it was some sort of meat paste. Oops. the next day we rented bikes and went to an INCREDIBLE park with crazy rides and intelligent water routes. Look at my pictures in a couple weeks and you will see what i mean. We went back into the old town when it was open and had a picnic and ice cream, then I napped and read until dinner and drinks with two canadians, and Aussie and two guys from mexico. Their views on America were very interesting.
Hopped a train to Berlin and found my hostel, which is very nice but far from the city, in the woods which are rampant with wild boars! I started and finished The da Vinci Code, which reminded me of all the things I saw in Paris. A good book. Went to a beer garden with a guy from NY and a guy from Deutschland. the next morning i went on a free tour and learned a lot about the city, but loved the memorials the most. They were all so tastefully done and i was moved by each one. the berlin wall was not such a big deal, nor was Checkpoint Charlie. Today I tried for an alternative tour with a couple Irish guys and a brother and sister from the US, but we were too late and I provoked a homeless guy (told him I was traveling with a backpack and asked him for money in return for his pleas) and ended up leaving my umbrella behind rather than return to his curses.
I gave them a pretty close tour to the one I received yesterday, surprised at how much info I retained. I cannot wait to come back with eric, to try out the amazing nightlife and do the things i didnt have time for this visit. Like the reightstag, alternative tour, and book burning memorial at night.
Tomorrow to nina and hamburg!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Ja, ja.
The train ride into Reutlingen was one of the more challenging I have had in a while because I was coming into a little town. So there were few English speakers to help and not all the stops were posted, but I arrived to Uncle Stefan with no problems and minimal stress on my part. I have really gotten the hang of this train thing.
Stefan whisked me away to meet Moni at their favorite restaurant, which has a gorgeous view from the porch. I had delicious Craotian food, because I am not going to make it into that country. And I simply must eat cuisine from all of Europe before I go back to the states.
Stefan and Moni have been so good to me, I just want to tattoo "Danke!" onto my forehead so they know how grateful I am. They have a lovely home, and set up a room for me complete with towels, a phone with flat-rate to the US, a computer, "Do Not Disturb" signs, and a Cosmo magizine telling me how to have great sex. They must think I need to have more fun on this trip. Moni is one of the best women I have ever known. She snatches my laundry, tells me I am "hardly welcome" (when she means heartily) in her home, and treats me like a daughter. I feel so loved and so at home and I liebe liebe liebe them.
Yesterday Stefan made eggs (medium boiled in a machine that is made for only that purpose, how cool is that?), bought bread, and fish. You eat the eggs out of the shell and the fish on the bread and it is delicious. Jenns Oma and Opa cooked like this for breakfast, but I had forgotten how good it was. Ich liebe Deutschland. The deutch also have so many contraptions. In addition to the egg boiler, they have things to tear the top of the eggs. One is a weight that you drop on top of a semi-sphere, one is a knife, and one is a tool that Stefan calls a "woman tool" because it makes men cringe to see it.
Stefan took me on a motorcycle tour of the area, and it rained a little, but was never really uncomfortable. We went to the Lichtenstein castle, but were 10 minutes late. So we had a cappicino and enjoyed the view at the restaurant. Then we had dinner, spargel (asperagus), potatoes, fried eggs (placed on top) and sauce. Delish. Then we went into the city and enjoyed the open air concerts. Saturdays the shops stay open late and everyone in the city comes to stroll around, eat sugar-coated almonds and other goodies from the sales-carts, see everyone else, and some people actually shop. Moni likes a store called "Haus" which they say has nothing you actually NEED, like most stores in America. The band, The Friendly Elf, was quite good and we rocked out. Apparently about 80% of Deutsch bands sing in English. But they greet the crowd in Deutsch. But tell them to clap in English. Once I know German, I wonder if I will be able to distinguish the two or if I wont even think about it.
Today I will have another German breakfast, perhaps motorbike with Stefan to a cave, or Tubelingen, and then leave my new family and head to Hiedleberg. It will break my little Deutsch girl heart, but the trip must go on!
Kiß kiß kiß
Stefan whisked me away to meet Moni at their favorite restaurant, which has a gorgeous view from the porch. I had delicious Craotian food, because I am not going to make it into that country. And I simply must eat cuisine from all of Europe before I go back to the states.
Stefan and Moni have been so good to me, I just want to tattoo "Danke!" onto my forehead so they know how grateful I am. They have a lovely home, and set up a room for me complete with towels, a phone with flat-rate to the US, a computer, "Do Not Disturb" signs, and a Cosmo magizine telling me how to have great sex. They must think I need to have more fun on this trip. Moni is one of the best women I have ever known. She snatches my laundry, tells me I am "hardly welcome" (when she means heartily) in her home, and treats me like a daughter. I feel so loved and so at home and I liebe liebe liebe them.
Yesterday Stefan made eggs (medium boiled in a machine that is made for only that purpose, how cool is that?), bought bread, and fish. You eat the eggs out of the shell and the fish on the bread and it is delicious. Jenns Oma and Opa cooked like this for breakfast, but I had forgotten how good it was. Ich liebe Deutschland. The deutch also have so many contraptions. In addition to the egg boiler, they have things to tear the top of the eggs. One is a weight that you drop on top of a semi-sphere, one is a knife, and one is a tool that Stefan calls a "woman tool" because it makes men cringe to see it.
Stefan took me on a motorcycle tour of the area, and it rained a little, but was never really uncomfortable. We went to the Lichtenstein castle, but were 10 minutes late. So we had a cappicino and enjoyed the view at the restaurant. Then we had dinner, spargel (asperagus), potatoes, fried eggs (placed on top) and sauce. Delish. Then we went into the city and enjoyed the open air concerts. Saturdays the shops stay open late and everyone in the city comes to stroll around, eat sugar-coated almonds and other goodies from the sales-carts, see everyone else, and some people actually shop. Moni likes a store called "Haus" which they say has nothing you actually NEED, like most stores in America. The band, The Friendly Elf, was quite good and we rocked out. Apparently about 80% of Deutsch bands sing in English. But they greet the crowd in Deutsch. But tell them to clap in English. Once I know German, I wonder if I will be able to distinguish the two or if I wont even think about it.
Today I will have another German breakfast, perhaps motorbike with Stefan to a cave, or Tubelingen, and then leave my new family and head to Hiedleberg. It will break my little Deutsch girl heart, but the trip must go on!
Kiß kiß kiß
Friday, June 5, 2009
Unflip the leden, out flop the hosen
Salzburg was great and even though Will and Jordy didn't get to meet up with me, Jordy gave me a call and a tip about Mozart chocolate. The park was gorgeous and had some fun dwarfish statues, old Salzburg was the only place I have had a desire for a horse driven carriage ride (though I did not give in). I also had strawberry strudel, so now I have to have apple and cheese strudel when I go to Vienna. And schnitzel. Just when I thought I was safe from "Ciao, Bella"s, the owner of the cafe ended up being Sicilian and grabbed my camera to take pictures of the two of us together. Oh well.
Back in Munich I met Esther, Mark, and Tim from London and we went to a great beer hall where I had sausage and sauerkraut. Not my favorite, I ate leftovers this morning for breakfast. But I gave it a go. However, my asparagus soup was lovely. We had a couple more drinks at the hostel then went out to another bar. It is possible to have fun in Munich without drinking beer. But I do feel like I was missing out.
This morning I caught the free tour of Munich and I really do like the city. It was also interesting to hear about all the (mostly Nazi related) history. I didn't make it to Dachau, but I will for sure be back, if not just for Oktoberfest. But I could see myself living here. I was sold when I was caught looking at a group of punk kids (my age, really) who had cool hair and I thought they would never accept a normal looking girl like me, and then they started up conversation. I wonder if Berlin will impress me more. It really just matters which has the best uni for me (I am thinking of studying my PhD here) and actually, I would probably prefer to live close to a big city, but in a smaller village where English is not heard as often as Deutsch. However, Munich's position in Europe is a turn on, it is more central than Berlin.
It is funny that I am now assessing the cities I visit as places I would want to live or not.
A couple hours and I will be in some small city in south Deutschland visiting Jenn's uncle Stephan. I am so excited to be in a smaller city and to be visiting family, because that is what I consider Jenn and hers.
Congrats to all the FWBHS grads of yesterday, in particular my brother. Love you, proud of you.
Back in Munich I met Esther, Mark, and Tim from London and we went to a great beer hall where I had sausage and sauerkraut. Not my favorite, I ate leftovers this morning for breakfast. But I gave it a go. However, my asparagus soup was lovely. We had a couple more drinks at the hostel then went out to another bar. It is possible to have fun in Munich without drinking beer. But I do feel like I was missing out.
This morning I caught the free tour of Munich and I really do like the city. It was also interesting to hear about all the (mostly Nazi related) history. I didn't make it to Dachau, but I will for sure be back, if not just for Oktoberfest. But I could see myself living here. I was sold when I was caught looking at a group of punk kids (my age, really) who had cool hair and I thought they would never accept a normal looking girl like me, and then they started up conversation. I wonder if Berlin will impress me more. It really just matters which has the best uni for me (I am thinking of studying my PhD here) and actually, I would probably prefer to live close to a big city, but in a smaller village where English is not heard as often as Deutsch. However, Munich's position in Europe is a turn on, it is more central than Berlin.
It is funny that I am now assessing the cities I visit as places I would want to live or not.
A couple hours and I will be in some small city in south Deutschland visiting Jenn's uncle Stephan. I am so excited to be in a smaller city and to be visiting family, because that is what I consider Jenn and hers.
Congrats to all the FWBHS grads of yesterday, in particular my brother. Love you, proud of you.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
The hills are alive with the sound of cars
Genoa was a nice place to decompress, not much there but I made a friend from germany, Antja, who went with me on a quest for tiramisu. It isnt as common as one would think in Italy. I saw a stall in the bathroom with a showerhead, but it also had a hole in the ground and reminded me of pictures mom had brought back of toilets in Turkey. So I decided not to hop right in and asked. Thank goodness. It WAS a toilet, NOT a shower. If I had decided to be wildly open-minded, as is my nature, I would have been in for an incredibly unrefeshing experience.
The next day I headed to Interlaken, which is apparently the extreme sports center of the world. Canyoning, sky diving, paragliding, hangliding. I would have loved to participate, but Visa decided that someone had stolen my card and went to Europe. They were only two months late in catching it. I had fondue with a group of guys from Michigan, it seems like everyone in Interlaken was visiting from Michigan. The hostel was called the Lazy Faulken Backpackers hostel and was also hosts for couchsurfers and a hotel and a bar. Loved it.
I went to an Indian food market and couldnt find any meat, the sales clerk discerned the origin of my not complete satisfaction and went down the street and underground to bring me a huge hunk of frozen "lamb flesh." Even though it was huge, I bought it because of all his trouble and have had some delicious sandwiches and I attract new friends when I am cooking.
The scenic train through Switzerland was panaramic and I sat next to a couple from South Africa and an older man from Switzerland who spoke every language fluently, except English. So we chatted in Espanol.
Then on the train from Zurich to Munich, I saw a guy with a backpack and since it was a long train ride (5.5 hours) I decided to be obnoxious and speak to him. Turns out he lives in Munich and studies in Luzurn and just happens to prefer travelling with a backpack, even when he isnt "backpacking." We talked for 5 hours straight.
Robert is ill with pnuemonia, so he cant show me around Munich as I had hoped and the guys I know in Salzburg are no where to be found, so I will strike out on my own.
I cant believe it is boiling in Italy and rather chilly here (Salzburg more tha Munich). Though I am walking around in sandals and shorts and am obviously not a local. I still think I will give skinny-dipping in the river a try in Munich, but I will be chilly the next couple hours walking around the hills of Salzburg.
The next day I headed to Interlaken, which is apparently the extreme sports center of the world. Canyoning, sky diving, paragliding, hangliding. I would have loved to participate, but Visa decided that someone had stolen my card and went to Europe. They were only two months late in catching it. I had fondue with a group of guys from Michigan, it seems like everyone in Interlaken was visiting from Michigan. The hostel was called the Lazy Faulken Backpackers hostel and was also hosts for couchsurfers and a hotel and a bar. Loved it.
I went to an Indian food market and couldnt find any meat, the sales clerk discerned the origin of my not complete satisfaction and went down the street and underground to bring me a huge hunk of frozen "lamb flesh." Even though it was huge, I bought it because of all his trouble and have had some delicious sandwiches and I attract new friends when I am cooking.
The scenic train through Switzerland was panaramic and I sat next to a couple from South Africa and an older man from Switzerland who spoke every language fluently, except English. So we chatted in Espanol.
Then on the train from Zurich to Munich, I saw a guy with a backpack and since it was a long train ride (5.5 hours) I decided to be obnoxious and speak to him. Turns out he lives in Munich and studies in Luzurn and just happens to prefer travelling with a backpack, even when he isnt "backpacking." We talked for 5 hours straight.
Robert is ill with pnuemonia, so he cant show me around Munich as I had hoped and the guys I know in Salzburg are no where to be found, so I will strike out on my own.
I cant believe it is boiling in Italy and rather chilly here (Salzburg more tha Munich). Though I am walking around in sandals and shorts and am obviously not a local. I still think I will give skinny-dipping in the river a try in Munich, but I will be chilly the next couple hours walking around the hills of Salzburg.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Luke, I am your Godfather
So I know I promised FABULOUS posts about Italy, but who has time? Every city has been incredible and I have been too busy enjoying and experiencing to get on here and talk about it.
From Rome, I went to Napoli and had AMZAING pizza with other fried things with tomatoes and sugar and nuttella. I am going to become a nuttella person when I get home and make crepes and do all other sorts of extraordinary cooking. Marry me now while you have the chance!
Mom leaving broke my heart, until I got to Napoli. The hostel was one of my all time favorites (La Cantrora, i believe). I watched the champion futball game with Leonard, a Hollander from the hostel. We went to a great little Italian bar in the student part of town and sat with Mario, Luigi, and Aldo. We all rooted for Barcelona and were not dissapointed! Sorry, Man U fans! The next day I met Dave and Danny from N. Carolina, though Dave is living in LA now. We went to Pompeii and took great pictures, playing gladiator and to see the casts of people who perished in the volcanic activity was incredible. Then we went out for that AMAZING pizza I told you about.
The next morning I headed to Sicily and forgot my tennis shoes in Napoli. Oh well. On the train, I sat with a woman who kept pressing food into my hands, chided me for picking at my face, and pulled my skirt over my knees when men walked by and scowled at them. She called herself Mamma Italia and I love her madly. The other companion in my car was Alexander, who walked me to my hostel when we got in 2 hours late, as Palermo is no place for a girl alone at night. Met Chris from Vancouver and we had a perfect day at the beach with watermalon and Magnum ice cream, then we went to the hostel and I cooked up swordfish we had picked up at the market. Went to a free "rock" concert with Catt from Melbourne, Aus and Sebastian from Columbia. Sebastian helped improve my spanish quite a bit and we worked on his English. The next morning, Chris went out and bought food for breakfast and I whipped it up. We finished it off with a cannoli and coffee. Perfecto. Then Catt, Seabastian, and I went on a trek to find the church with the tree in the middle (which we eventually did) and the catacombs with the preserved bodies of women, children, men, you name it. Eerie and unbelievable.
Caught the night train to roma, where I am now, about to catch another train to La Spezia and eventually Genoa, where I will sleep tonight and then on to Germany, via Switzerland. Italy has been amazing, but it has been enough. I am ready to go "home" to Deutschland.
From Rome, I went to Napoli and had AMZAING pizza with other fried things with tomatoes and sugar and nuttella. I am going to become a nuttella person when I get home and make crepes and do all other sorts of extraordinary cooking. Marry me now while you have the chance!
Mom leaving broke my heart, until I got to Napoli. The hostel was one of my all time favorites (La Cantrora, i believe). I watched the champion futball game with Leonard, a Hollander from the hostel. We went to a great little Italian bar in the student part of town and sat with Mario, Luigi, and Aldo. We all rooted for Barcelona and were not dissapointed! Sorry, Man U fans! The next day I met Dave and Danny from N. Carolina, though Dave is living in LA now. We went to Pompeii and took great pictures, playing gladiator and to see the casts of people who perished in the volcanic activity was incredible. Then we went out for that AMAZING pizza I told you about.
The next morning I headed to Sicily and forgot my tennis shoes in Napoli. Oh well. On the train, I sat with a woman who kept pressing food into my hands, chided me for picking at my face, and pulled my skirt over my knees when men walked by and scowled at them. She called herself Mamma Italia and I love her madly. The other companion in my car was Alexander, who walked me to my hostel when we got in 2 hours late, as Palermo is no place for a girl alone at night. Met Chris from Vancouver and we had a perfect day at the beach with watermalon and Magnum ice cream, then we went to the hostel and I cooked up swordfish we had picked up at the market. Went to a free "rock" concert with Catt from Melbourne, Aus and Sebastian from Columbia. Sebastian helped improve my spanish quite a bit and we worked on his English. The next morning, Chris went out and bought food for breakfast and I whipped it up. We finished it off with a cannoli and coffee. Perfecto. Then Catt, Seabastian, and I went on a trek to find the church with the tree in the middle (which we eventually did) and the catacombs with the preserved bodies of women, children, men, you name it. Eerie and unbelievable.
Caught the night train to roma, where I am now, about to catch another train to La Spezia and eventually Genoa, where I will sleep tonight and then on to Germany, via Switzerland. Italy has been amazing, but it has been enough. I am ready to go "home" to Deutschland.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Bravo, brava, bravi
I think "prego" is best translated as "at your pleasure." Italians use it for please, your welcome, and also for "go ahead." No one really told me this translation, but observation has clued me in. Or I could be way off.
IMPORTANT: The best ice cream I have had so far in Italy has been right by the vatican on Via Candia and the place is called Millenium. I ahve had at least one gelato a day since getting into Italy, so I am sort of an expert.
Went to an opera today, Pigliaccio (probably misspelt) and it was AMAZING. I promise a more comprhensive post of all my happenings in Italy, from food to sights to activities and anecdotes, but it has just been crazy. My mom catches a taxi to her flight in four hours so I am going to go cuddle up with her instead of wasting my time on a heartless computer.
IMPORTANT: The best ice cream I have had so far in Italy has been right by the vatican on Via Candia and the place is called Millenium. I ahve had at least one gelato a day since getting into Italy, so I am sort of an expert.
Went to an opera today, Pigliaccio (probably misspelt) and it was AMAZING. I promise a more comprhensive post of all my happenings in Italy, from food to sights to activities and anecdotes, but it has just been crazy. My mom catches a taxi to her flight in four hours so I am going to go cuddle up with her instead of wasting my time on a heartless computer.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Milano, Venezia, Firenze, and in between
Our last day in Barcelona, mom and I split up to view the city our own ways and ended up seeing all of the same things. After traveling by myself for so long and then suddenly having a partner, I needed a day of viewing by myself. We saw the dribbly cathedral, the squiggly house, and the Arc de Triomf (those suckers are everywhere). There is no denying, Barcelona is wicked cool.
Then we hopped on the night train (not as bad as the ones to Spain and Portugal, but not as nice as from Cannes to Paris, I miss French trains) and shared a cabin with who Canadian girls. There are more Canadians over here than there are Europeans.
We arrived in Milano and walked to the city center, through all the high end fashion shops, and ate an incredible margherita (cheese) pizza in front of the gorgeous catherdral (the fourth biggest in the world). Then we caught the metro back to the train station and caught the train to Venezia.
Venezia was fantastic. The small ally-sized streets, the romantic canals, it was unbelieveable. We bought a day pass on the bus (which is a boat, there are no cars in Venezia), and saw the islands of Lido, Burano (where they specialize in point-lace), Mezzorbo (which has nothing really, but a nice park and cemetary), Murano (the glass-blowing island), and another which I don't remember but was full of parked cars. But no one was driving. Very funny. On Steve's advice, we went to the Museum de'll Academia (that's not the correct name, but it is close) and it was interesting. The use of gold in the paint is incredible and even though I am not much for religious art (I find it too condemning, I prefer Italian lover's art), I found one piece that made the trip well worth it. Not that I didn't enjoy everything else, but it was a banner of God's wrath after the Jews proved impatient and untrusting. It had snakes attacking everyone and people were marble with death, a babe scking at his cold mother's teet. Very powerful.
Then we came to Firenze, where the markets are the best I have seen so far. Massive and cheap. And the architecture is amazing. We went to Pisa, which was very cute and surprisingly cheap food and clothes. Took pictures at the tower. Today we are going to see some of Michealangelo's sculptures then head to Rome!!!
Then we hopped on the night train (not as bad as the ones to Spain and Portugal, but not as nice as from Cannes to Paris, I miss French trains) and shared a cabin with who Canadian girls. There are more Canadians over here than there are Europeans.
We arrived in Milano and walked to the city center, through all the high end fashion shops, and ate an incredible margherita (cheese) pizza in front of the gorgeous catherdral (the fourth biggest in the world). Then we caught the metro back to the train station and caught the train to Venezia.
Venezia was fantastic. The small ally-sized streets, the romantic canals, it was unbelieveable. We bought a day pass on the bus (which is a boat, there are no cars in Venezia), and saw the islands of Lido, Burano (where they specialize in point-lace), Mezzorbo (which has nothing really, but a nice park and cemetary), Murano (the glass-blowing island), and another which I don't remember but was full of parked cars. But no one was driving. Very funny. On Steve's advice, we went to the Museum de'll Academia (that's not the correct name, but it is close) and it was interesting. The use of gold in the paint is incredible and even though I am not much for religious art (I find it too condemning, I prefer Italian lover's art), I found one piece that made the trip well worth it. Not that I didn't enjoy everything else, but it was a banner of God's wrath after the Jews proved impatient and untrusting. It had snakes attacking everyone and people were marble with death, a babe scking at his cold mother's teet. Very powerful.
Then we came to Firenze, where the markets are the best I have seen so far. Massive and cheap. And the architecture is amazing. We went to Pisa, which was very cute and surprisingly cheap food and clothes. Took pictures at the tower. Today we are going to see some of Michealangelo's sculptures then head to Rome!!!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Ramblin
Sorry Marcelo and Philip! I am bad at remembering names, let alone spelling them!
Yesterday we switched hotels, to a seedier one in the middle of the action. I love it. We walked Las Ramblas, the big street geared toward tourists in Barcelona. Saw the harbor, ate at a GREAT Brazilian place that Leo (the Brazilian we met in Madrid) suggested. Just like his grandma makes it apparently. I should meet his grandma. Then we went to the Olympic grounds which were amazing. To see an Olympic games is something I have on my to-do-before-I-die list. It keeps getting longer.
Then we went to a great fruit market, tucked away right by our hotel. Then to the Gothic quarter which is also by our hotel. The buildings were beautiful, but as always, Europe is under construction, so I had to peer around scaffolds and cranes.
After that we walked up the Ramblas to a flamenco show. It was vibrant and interesting. My whole trip I have noticed that Spain is a place of beauty and violence. The bull fight, the intensity of the flamenco dancers, and even the danger on the beautiful streets.
Last day in Spain, then a night train to Milano.
Yesterday we switched hotels, to a seedier one in the middle of the action. I love it. We walked Las Ramblas, the big street geared toward tourists in Barcelona. Saw the harbor, ate at a GREAT Brazilian place that Leo (the Brazilian we met in Madrid) suggested. Just like his grandma makes it apparently. I should meet his grandma. Then we went to the Olympic grounds which were amazing. To see an Olympic games is something I have on my to-do-before-I-die list. It keeps getting longer.
Then we went to a great fruit market, tucked away right by our hotel. Then to the Gothic quarter which is also by our hotel. The buildings were beautiful, but as always, Europe is under construction, so I had to peer around scaffolds and cranes.
After that we walked up the Ramblas to a flamenco show. It was vibrant and interesting. My whole trip I have noticed that Spain is a place of beauty and violence. The bull fight, the intensity of the flamenco dancers, and even the danger on the beautiful streets.
Last day in Spain, then a night train to Milano.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Mom's Blog
http://debratake.blogspot.com/
The spa was all booked up, so we were lucky to get 30 minutes, 15 minutes for a head massage for me and a partial back massage for mom. Which is too bad because my feet NEED a pedicure. I have some strange going-ons down there. Mom thinks it's athlete's foot. So glad I broadcast that to the world, now I will never find love. Oh well.
Spain has the worst food in Europe so far. But I have to get used to it. After Italy, I won't be in the countries known for their wild amazing dishes. Oh Belgium, I miss you.
Today we really just relaxed. It was great, I needed it. Tomorrow I will be fully recooped and ready to truly explore Barcelona.
The spa was all booked up, so we were lucky to get 30 minutes, 15 minutes for a head massage for me and a partial back massage for mom. Which is too bad because my feet NEED a pedicure. I have some strange going-ons down there. Mom thinks it's athlete's foot. So glad I broadcast that to the world, now I will never find love. Oh well.
Spain has the worst food in Europe so far. But I have to get used to it. After Italy, I won't be in the countries known for their wild amazing dishes. Oh Belgium, I miss you.
Today we really just relaxed. It was great, I needed it. Tomorrow I will be fully recooped and ready to truly explore Barcelona.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Ma did Madrid
We ended up not taking a siesta and went to the rail station but the ticket window was closed. But the trip wasn't fruitless because mom bought a couple oranges on the way back. (Pause for laughter.)
She decided to stay in and read and I went out with Aaron. On the train, my mom and I had met an adoarble little blond girl from Austin who was in Aaron's group, but he had lost her somewhere in Sevilla. Oops. We went to a bar and had a couple free shots and I had a free glass of Sangria (yay for being a girl) and then we went to Bhudda, this three story club with hookah on the bottom, a bar in the middle, and a discoteca on the top, with a terrace full of caravans with more hookah. Basically, it was awesome. I danced with Aaron and other Texas Tech students (so long as they aren't Aggies, I don't care) till 3:30am when Aaron escorted me back. He's a good bloke.
The next morning, mom and I went to the station to buy our tickets from Madrid to Barcelona and caught an earlier train to Madrid. We blew off the hostel and got a hotel more centrally located. Mom is over the hostel situation, so from here on out it is going to be hotels. We got our bullfight tickets first thing and then went out to see what was going on for the Saints holiday. All we saw was a medieval festival, but who doesn't like Spanish wenches?
The bullfight was wild. At first, they had six mini matadors taunt the bull and he chased them around, then two men on horses came out and stuck the bull with a lance, the bull overturned a horse and I thought it was gored straight through, but later found out they had padding. Mom and I were aghast. Then the main matador comes out, "dances" with the bull and sticks a sword in the top of his back, through some organs, and then dances some more, then the bull falls and a mini matador sticks a knife in it's neck, the bull dies and is dragged off by a pack of mules. This was repeated six times and only the first really made me flinch. I think it was because the horse fell and seemed upset. Horses are my animal. I love them. But after the first bout, none of the other horses seemed to care that a bull was thrusting his horns into them, and I picked up on the nonchalance. Another thing that deadened my heart after the first bout was realizing how stupid the bulls are. They just chased anything that moved and if the object of their malice disappeared behind a wall, the bull seemed to think that they ceased to exist. I have a low tolerance for stupidity.
Three novices, and then a hero. When this matador came in, I discovered what bullfighting was about. It seemed choreographed. Whatever he wanted the bull to do, it obliged. And when it came time to plunge the sword, it went in completely and the bull fell only when the matador was ready. Gasps of "Muy bien" flitted around the arena and when it was over, people stood and cheered and waved white hankerchiefs. He walked the arena picking up flowers the ladies threw and tossing men back the hats they had thrown. I wanted him to catch my eye, tell me I was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and ask me to marry him right there. We would have had the most wonderful life of tight sequinced pants and rocky mountain oysters.
The next matador came out with an attitude and performed miserably. When the bull finally died, he sulked out of the stage to no applause. Then, the hero came back for another try and he didn't impress again. I was kind of glad that the marriage fell through.
Mom and I stopped in a cafe for coffee, bailey's, and ameretto to wait out the crowd and then we went out looking for a party. First we found McDonalds. I had been fighting a hankering since Paris and finally gave in. Delicious. Then we found a cool bar with beds and Pedro and Leonardo from Brazil and Philippe from London. Pedro left early, but Leo and Phil stayed up and talked with us until about 3am. We tried for a jazz club, but had just missed the music and the only good discoteca was across town, so mom and I opted for bed instead. I really hope I run across Leo again one day because we both have that travellers mentality and we talked of politics, religion, and tattoos. Brazil is definitely on my list of places to visit.
This morning mom and I left some unnecesarily heavy clothing at the hotel, then headed for the train station. Found out that our night train to Milano only goes every other day, so we will be an extra day in Barcelona at the expense of one in Venice, but ces't la vie. After much walking and poor directions, we found our fancy hotel in Barcelona and set about planning our stay here. Looks like massages and pedicures tomorrow, after a month and a half of backpacking, mom is trying to turn me back into a woman.
Even though it is Saturday in Barcelona, I think we are going to bed early. Though there is a bar made completely out of ice that is whispering my name.
She decided to stay in and read and I went out with Aaron. On the train, my mom and I had met an adoarble little blond girl from Austin who was in Aaron's group, but he had lost her somewhere in Sevilla. Oops. We went to a bar and had a couple free shots and I had a free glass of Sangria (yay for being a girl) and then we went to Bhudda, this three story club with hookah on the bottom, a bar in the middle, and a discoteca on the top, with a terrace full of caravans with more hookah. Basically, it was awesome. I danced with Aaron and other Texas Tech students (so long as they aren't Aggies, I don't care) till 3:30am when Aaron escorted me back. He's a good bloke.
The next morning, mom and I went to the station to buy our tickets from Madrid to Barcelona and caught an earlier train to Madrid. We blew off the hostel and got a hotel more centrally located. Mom is over the hostel situation, so from here on out it is going to be hotels. We got our bullfight tickets first thing and then went out to see what was going on for the Saints holiday. All we saw was a medieval festival, but who doesn't like Spanish wenches?
The bullfight was wild. At first, they had six mini matadors taunt the bull and he chased them around, then two men on horses came out and stuck the bull with a lance, the bull overturned a horse and I thought it was gored straight through, but later found out they had padding. Mom and I were aghast. Then the main matador comes out, "dances" with the bull and sticks a sword in the top of his back, through some organs, and then dances some more, then the bull falls and a mini matador sticks a knife in it's neck, the bull dies and is dragged off by a pack of mules. This was repeated six times and only the first really made me flinch. I think it was because the horse fell and seemed upset. Horses are my animal. I love them. But after the first bout, none of the other horses seemed to care that a bull was thrusting his horns into them, and I picked up on the nonchalance. Another thing that deadened my heart after the first bout was realizing how stupid the bulls are. They just chased anything that moved and if the object of their malice disappeared behind a wall, the bull seemed to think that they ceased to exist. I have a low tolerance for stupidity.
Three novices, and then a hero. When this matador came in, I discovered what bullfighting was about. It seemed choreographed. Whatever he wanted the bull to do, it obliged. And when it came time to plunge the sword, it went in completely and the bull fell only when the matador was ready. Gasps of "Muy bien" flitted around the arena and when it was over, people stood and cheered and waved white hankerchiefs. He walked the arena picking up flowers the ladies threw and tossing men back the hats they had thrown. I wanted him to catch my eye, tell me I was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and ask me to marry him right there. We would have had the most wonderful life of tight sequinced pants and rocky mountain oysters.
The next matador came out with an attitude and performed miserably. When the bull finally died, he sulked out of the stage to no applause. Then, the hero came back for another try and he didn't impress again. I was kind of glad that the marriage fell through.
Mom and I stopped in a cafe for coffee, bailey's, and ameretto to wait out the crowd and then we went out looking for a party. First we found McDonalds. I had been fighting a hankering since Paris and finally gave in. Delicious. Then we found a cool bar with beds and Pedro and Leonardo from Brazil and Philippe from London. Pedro left early, but Leo and Phil stayed up and talked with us until about 3am. We tried for a jazz club, but had just missed the music and the only good discoteca was across town, so mom and I opted for bed instead. I really hope I run across Leo again one day because we both have that travellers mentality and we talked of politics, religion, and tattoos. Brazil is definitely on my list of places to visit.
This morning mom and I left some unnecesarily heavy clothing at the hotel, then headed for the train station. Found out that our night train to Milano only goes every other day, so we will be an extra day in Barcelona at the expense of one in Venice, but ces't la vie. After much walking and poor directions, we found our fancy hotel in Barcelona and set about planning our stay here. Looks like massages and pedicures tomorrow, after a month and a half of backpacking, mom is trying to turn me back into a woman.
Even though it is Saturday in Barcelona, I think we are going to bed early. Though there is a bar made completely out of ice that is whispering my name.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Seeing Sevilla
As I mentioned yesterday, my mom and I had financial difficulties. Her card would work one place, then wouldn't at the next. Luckily we were able to pay for our hostel, a sexy new bikini for me, reservations for our night train to Italy, and a couple bites to eat. But the reservations for Sevilla (which were a pain in my butt because one lady said there was no availability and the next guy said oh yeah, no problem) and the bullfight did not accept her card. We found out today that both her cards had been put on hold because she used them over here, even though she had called before hand to make sure they knew.
Also, she had issues with her phone service over here, but with Fluff's help we got it all sorted.
We still managed to have a lovely and productive day in Madrid.
Today we got into Sevilla and my friend from Paris, Aaron, met us. He lead us to our hostel, and then to a restaurant where we ate pallea, a rice dish with either seafood or meat. Mom got the meat and it was much better, except that they left the bones in so you had to either chew carefully and spit the remains out, or use your hands.
Then Aaron took us around Sevilla. It is gorgeous and just so SPANISH. Love it. And the weather was beautiful. We talked of everything Texas and had a delightful time. Aaron dropped us at the hostel and we will take a siesta until meeting him to go out tonight. Siesta then fiesta!
Also, I made my mother her own section in my blog. It's called Debra's Take. I will have her update it later.
Also, she had issues with her phone service over here, but with Fluff's help we got it all sorted.
We still managed to have a lovely and productive day in Madrid.
Today we got into Sevilla and my friend from Paris, Aaron, met us. He lead us to our hostel, and then to a restaurant where we ate pallea, a rice dish with either seafood or meat. Mom got the meat and it was much better, except that they left the bones in so you had to either chew carefully and spit the remains out, or use your hands.
Then Aaron took us around Sevilla. It is gorgeous and just so SPANISH. Love it. And the weather was beautiful. We talked of everything Texas and had a delightful time. Aaron dropped us at the hostel and we will take a siesta until meeting him to go out tonight. Siesta then fiesta!
Also, I made my mother her own section in my blog. It's called Debra's Take. I will have her update it later.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
My shower is bipolar. It's so hot and cold.
Tip for Europe: Bring a VISA. Bring a DEBIT CARD. The easiest way is the wa I ahve been doing it, withdrawing money with your visa debit card at banks, a little at a time. Hardly anywhere takes American Express. Most places take Visa or Mastercard, but because it is international, some places can't run an American one.
So my mom and I had to exhaust our cash paying for train reservations.
So my mom and I missed the bullfight.
So I am running late for a train.
Hasta luego.
So my mom and I had to exhaust our cash paying for train reservations.
So my mom and I missed the bullfight.
So I am running late for a train.
Hasta luego.
Madrid
The train ride to Madrid was eventful. My crazy Canadian guys did not go to sleep, as they swore up and down they were planning to do, but rather bought lots of booze and were so loud that people bought couchettes and migrated to other cars to get away from them. I didn't get a lot of sleep, but the ride went pretty quickly, thanks to Gilbert from Miami. He had a lot of questions about backpacking and was supposed to e-mail him so I could get together with him and his mom for a bullfight here, but I have misplaced his e-mail.
As soon as I got to Madrid, I set off for the airport. I had decided last minute that it was better for me to collect my mother there than have her hail a sketchy cab and try to find her own way to the hostel. After walking most of the sirport, thanks to some poor direcions, I finally found her. She braved the metro like a champ, even though it was packed to the gills, and we found our hostel no problem. It is right in the center and newly renovated, so to me it is a palace. She is not so easily impressed, but is still very gung-ho.
We walked around and tried some shopping, but couldn't find an acceptable swimsuit or skirt for me, but mom eyed the Spanish shawls and I am in love with a bag, so we will go back today probably.
When our room was ready, we had a monster of a nap and then headed to the grocery store, picking up her first European pasteries on the way. We bought a few, but the thing we ate first was a roll with custard in it. Oragsmic! We finally made it to the grocery store (mom is an even worse wanderer than I) and we scooped up juice, fruit, and just as mom was drooling over cheap wines, she got harrassed by an employee. Apparently we aren't allowed to bring in bags from other stores (the pastry place), we have to spend a euro and put it in a locker up front. So we paid for what we had and left.
Dumped our stuff at the hostel and went to find the chicken place which Aaron had said was his favorite dish while being in Europe, but it was closed. We settled for a place close by and mom ordered a Spanish omlette which was like an egg pie with potatoes, greenbeans, and who knows what else in there. I had an omlette with prawns and mushrooms and we shared a ham and tomatoe canape because we didn't know what it was. Mom's omlette was amazing, mine was good, and the canape was not for us.
Then we went home and she put me to bed because she thinks I am running a fever. I am sick, I blame the Canadians. They were sick, too, and they had me up all night for like 3 nights. Oh well. Juice and fruit should cure me, stat.
As soon as I got to Madrid, I set off for the airport. I had decided last minute that it was better for me to collect my mother there than have her hail a sketchy cab and try to find her own way to the hostel. After walking most of the sirport, thanks to some poor direcions, I finally found her. She braved the metro like a champ, even though it was packed to the gills, and we found our hostel no problem. It is right in the center and newly renovated, so to me it is a palace. She is not so easily impressed, but is still very gung-ho.
We walked around and tried some shopping, but couldn't find an acceptable swimsuit or skirt for me, but mom eyed the Spanish shawls and I am in love with a bag, so we will go back today probably.
When our room was ready, we had a monster of a nap and then headed to the grocery store, picking up her first European pasteries on the way. We bought a few, but the thing we ate first was a roll with custard in it. Oragsmic! We finally made it to the grocery store (mom is an even worse wanderer than I) and we scooped up juice, fruit, and just as mom was drooling over cheap wines, she got harrassed by an employee. Apparently we aren't allowed to bring in bags from other stores (the pastry place), we have to spend a euro and put it in a locker up front. So we paid for what we had and left.
Dumped our stuff at the hostel and went to find the chicken place which Aaron had said was his favorite dish while being in Europe, but it was closed. We settled for a place close by and mom ordered a Spanish omlette which was like an egg pie with potatoes, greenbeans, and who knows what else in there. I had an omlette with prawns and mushrooms and we shared a ham and tomatoe canape because we didn't know what it was. Mom's omlette was amazing, mine was good, and the canape was not for us.
Then we went home and she put me to bed because she thinks I am running a fever. I am sick, I blame the Canadians. They were sick, too, and they had me up all night for like 3 nights. Oh well. Juice and fruit should cure me, stat.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Lisboa Constrictor
The night train to Lisboa was rough without a couchette, but just as comfortable as a long flight. I was in a compartment with cushiony leather benches and I ended up taking two spots (neither of which were assigned to me) so I could lay down. I found that if I pretended to sleep, then people would take other seats and allow me to take up all the room. A bitch move, but it worked. No one in my compartment spoke English and I was really lonely. That homesickness kicked in and I just wanted to get Lisboa over so I could meet my mom in Madrid.
When I got off the train and into sunny, warm Lisboa, those feelings dissolved. I found that I slept better than Clara and Raewyn, two Canadian girls who had also been on my night train from Paris to San Sebastian. They had a couchette, but Spainish trains don't have very good ones. I immediately felt better about not spending the extra 20 euros. I used my Spanish to help them book a night train to Madrid, one night after mine, and was feeling very cool and bilingual until later when I was told that Portugese people hate it when people speak to them in Spanish. It's an identity thing.
Clara and Raewyn settled in their hostel and I found mine. It was much improved from the last one. First of all, there was actual backpackers there. And it wasn't some sketchy apartment. I met back up with the girls and we wandered around until it started drizzling and we decided to turn in for siestas before going out that night. Spain and Portugal are known for their night life. Around midnight locals head to a bar or a friend's house for chill pre-party drinks, then around 3am they go to a dance club and around 7am they go to after hour places where they party till about noon. This happens on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I had forgotten and told the girls I would meet them at 8pm.
Luckily at the hostel I met a group of Candaian guys, Darren, Dave, Angelo, Fabio, and Nick, who had been out the night before and a Canadian girl traveling by herself, Lea. So we all went out together and it didn't matter that no where was hopping yet because we were a party all on our own. We wandered looking for a place for about an hour or so, climbing a thousand stairs and about six hills, until we ended up at the bar the guys had been to the night before. We danced, watched Fab try to pick up Portugese school girls, and just had a good time until about 5am when we hailed a cab (they are cheap in Spain) and climbed into bed. At least I did, the guys stayed up even later. Crazies.
The next morning it was cloudy and chilly and I slept in. I ended up going out with the guys to find Castelo de Sao Jorge aound 5pm. The ruins were really cool and provided tons of picture opportunities. On the way tere, we had to circumvent a religious parade that was going on in honor of the saints. It was very cool to just randomly stumble upon.
We stayed in, because Sundays the clubs aren't really going and I struck up conversation with a guy from Brazil. I keep forgetting that they speak Portugese in Brazil. But apparently it is difficult for Brazilians to understand Portugal portugese. Talking to him I ralized how much I enjoyed non-nothern Americans. On one hand it is awesome to be able to speak to someone with no language barriers, but talking to this guy I learned so much more than I had in my two days with the Canadians.
So today I branched out, hanging with this group of guys was starting to become a safety net. I took off on my own and didn't wait for them to get ready. It was great, I found real Portugal today. In the peeling buildings and hanging clothes and savory smells and brick stairs that lead you no where but you don't know that until it is too late. I found gardens and the harbor and small shops with cheap clothes. I also found that there are book stands everywhere. In the city center there was a huge book fair, in the metro station there was a book market, and in the middle of a garden there was a book stand. So they love to party all night and read all day.
Now I am waiting at the hostel, back with the guys, until our night train to Madrid. I cannot wait to see my mom in the morning. I am so excited, I could pee and throw up everywhere. Which makes me really attractive right now. I have all our hostels booked, plans to see a bullfight and a recommended restaurant in Madrid, have Aaron show us around and take us out in Sevilla, and amazing seats booked for an opera in Rome. But tomorrow she will be jet lagged and I will be exhausted from stying up every night in Lisboa and taking a night train so we will spend the day cuddling and napping. I am way ready for that.
My mommy is coming, my mommy is coming, my mommy is coming!
When I got off the train and into sunny, warm Lisboa, those feelings dissolved. I found that I slept better than Clara and Raewyn, two Canadian girls who had also been on my night train from Paris to San Sebastian. They had a couchette, but Spainish trains don't have very good ones. I immediately felt better about not spending the extra 20 euros. I used my Spanish to help them book a night train to Madrid, one night after mine, and was feeling very cool and bilingual until later when I was told that Portugese people hate it when people speak to them in Spanish. It's an identity thing.
Clara and Raewyn settled in their hostel and I found mine. It was much improved from the last one. First of all, there was actual backpackers there. And it wasn't some sketchy apartment. I met back up with the girls and we wandered around until it started drizzling and we decided to turn in for siestas before going out that night. Spain and Portugal are known for their night life. Around midnight locals head to a bar or a friend's house for chill pre-party drinks, then around 3am they go to a dance club and around 7am they go to after hour places where they party till about noon. This happens on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I had forgotten and told the girls I would meet them at 8pm.
Luckily at the hostel I met a group of Candaian guys, Darren, Dave, Angelo, Fabio, and Nick, who had been out the night before and a Canadian girl traveling by herself, Lea. So we all went out together and it didn't matter that no where was hopping yet because we were a party all on our own. We wandered looking for a place for about an hour or so, climbing a thousand stairs and about six hills, until we ended up at the bar the guys had been to the night before. We danced, watched Fab try to pick up Portugese school girls, and just had a good time until about 5am when we hailed a cab (they are cheap in Spain) and climbed into bed. At least I did, the guys stayed up even later. Crazies.
The next morning it was cloudy and chilly and I slept in. I ended up going out with the guys to find Castelo de Sao Jorge aound 5pm. The ruins were really cool and provided tons of picture opportunities. On the way tere, we had to circumvent a religious parade that was going on in honor of the saints. It was very cool to just randomly stumble upon.
We stayed in, because Sundays the clubs aren't really going and I struck up conversation with a guy from Brazil. I keep forgetting that they speak Portugese in Brazil. But apparently it is difficult for Brazilians to understand Portugal portugese. Talking to him I ralized how much I enjoyed non-nothern Americans. On one hand it is awesome to be able to speak to someone with no language barriers, but talking to this guy I learned so much more than I had in my two days with the Canadians.
So today I branched out, hanging with this group of guys was starting to become a safety net. I took off on my own and didn't wait for them to get ready. It was great, I found real Portugal today. In the peeling buildings and hanging clothes and savory smells and brick stairs that lead you no where but you don't know that until it is too late. I found gardens and the harbor and small shops with cheap clothes. I also found that there are book stands everywhere. In the city center there was a huge book fair, in the metro station there was a book market, and in the middle of a garden there was a book stand. So they love to party all night and read all day.
Now I am waiting at the hostel, back with the guys, until our night train to Madrid. I cannot wait to see my mom in the morning. I am so excited, I could pee and throw up everywhere. Which makes me really attractive right now. I have all our hostels booked, plans to see a bullfight and a recommended restaurant in Madrid, have Aaron show us around and take us out in Sevilla, and amazing seats booked for an opera in Rome. But tomorrow she will be jet lagged and I will be exhausted from stying up every night in Lisboa and taking a night train so we will spend the day cuddling and napping. I am way ready for that.
My mommy is coming, my mommy is coming, my mommy is coming!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Yes, Mom
I was not suprised to find a message in my inbox this morning from my mother berating me for my "immature" behavior last night and I would like to take the time to address what my intent was in posting. Because a lot of people who read my blog are thinking of doing a similar trip, it is important that they understand the kind of situations you can get in.
I thought I was being smart last night by going out with people I could trust (the employee of my hostel who could be held responsible for my dissapearance) and attaching myself to a group of friends who speak my language. But those safety nets fell apart, and I got stuck in a predicament that could have ended badly if I didn't have my wits about me because I am consious of the amount of alcohol I consume. Unlike the other American girls last night, but they can afford to do that because they have friends who babysit them.
Should you just stay in every night if you are a girl travelling alone? No. But you should always be aware of your surroundings and know your way home via streets that are big and usually populated. And if things do go badly, do not lose your cool. Just get out of the situation as quickly as possible. And when it is over, think of things you could have done differently (there was really nothing, other than remembering my money was in my shoe, but even then I had taken the precaution of only bringing just enough for the evening).
If you were offended by my blog or worried about my well-being or now think I am irresponsible, I am sorry. But the point is, everything has a risk. This trip is rife with them. All I can do is decide which risks are worth taking and never let myself be oblivious to what is going on. And although I adopt a cavalier additude about dangerous situations after they happen, I am very shrewd and serious when they are happening.
But now back to my trip:
Even though San Sebastian was dreary and cold again today, I ventured out. The second mountain was covered in a rain cloud, so I scratched my plan to climb to the castle-thing and instead got lost in San Sebastian, because I had not done that yet. Then I made my way down to the beach and watched the waves crash against the seawalls and sometimes even come up over them. There were holes drilled in the ground and as the waves came and went it sounded like San Sebastian was breathing. Incredible.
Now I am waiting in the hostel for my night train to come and take me to Lisbon. Only 4 days until my mom meets me in Madrid. We have looked up bullfighting and reserved tickets for the Opera in Rome. I cannot wait. As long as she keeps the lecturing down and the fun pumped up. :) Which she will. She out parties me anyday, which makes the e-mail I recieved today less threatening.
I thought I was being smart last night by going out with people I could trust (the employee of my hostel who could be held responsible for my dissapearance) and attaching myself to a group of friends who speak my language. But those safety nets fell apart, and I got stuck in a predicament that could have ended badly if I didn't have my wits about me because I am consious of the amount of alcohol I consume. Unlike the other American girls last night, but they can afford to do that because they have friends who babysit them.
Should you just stay in every night if you are a girl travelling alone? No. But you should always be aware of your surroundings and know your way home via streets that are big and usually populated. And if things do go badly, do not lose your cool. Just get out of the situation as quickly as possible. And when it is over, think of things you could have done differently (there was really nothing, other than remembering my money was in my shoe, but even then I had taken the precaution of only bringing just enough for the evening).
If you were offended by my blog or worried about my well-being or now think I am irresponsible, I am sorry. But the point is, everything has a risk. This trip is rife with them. All I can do is decide which risks are worth taking and never let myself be oblivious to what is going on. And although I adopt a cavalier additude about dangerous situations after they happen, I am very shrewd and serious when they are happening.
But now back to my trip:
Even though San Sebastian was dreary and cold again today, I ventured out. The second mountain was covered in a rain cloud, so I scratched my plan to climb to the castle-thing and instead got lost in San Sebastian, because I had not done that yet. Then I made my way down to the beach and watched the waves crash against the seawalls and sometimes even come up over them. There were holes drilled in the ground and as the waves came and went it sounded like San Sebastian was breathing. Incredible.
Now I am waiting in the hostel for my night train to come and take me to Lisbon. Only 4 days until my mom meets me in Madrid. We have looked up bullfighting and reserved tickets for the Opera in Rome. I cannot wait. As long as she keeps the lecturing down and the fun pumped up. :) Which she will. She out parties me anyday, which makes the e-mail I recieved today less threatening.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
San Sebastian es muy loco!
I spent my first day in San Sebastian sun bathing topless and buying gorceries so I would have plenty to eat until my mom came to Madrid. My girls are sunburnt. Not gonna lie. Then the only other backpacker in my hostel, a small little Asain guy (29 years old, looked 16), invited me to climb the mountain with him after dinner. So I did. He was weezing and I was just trotting along. It made me feel good. Then when we were working our way down, he started patting me on the head and trying to get romantic. (Apparently in Japan, they are synonymous. Didn't know that.) I sad no, only friends and he said, yes, after tonight only friends and if he lived in Florida he would want to be my girlfriend. So I had to be really sharp with him, but I am glad I didn't have to use force. I could have knocked him out cold, no matter what martial arts he knew, I was sure my "kick him in the nuts and run" kung fu was stronger. He ended up leaving me so I could watch the sunset in peace, the way I knew my arents would if they were here.
I didn't go out that night because of the same girl-alone-in-a-strange-place issue. And to be honest, I am getting really tired of guys. In Euope, it's just excessive. And if you've met me, you know I love attention so me being tired of it means a lot. Or maybe I am just growing as a person. Today I slept in, and stayed in when I realized it was chilly and cloudy. I just read and ate. Fabulous.
When I was getting ready for bed a hostel employee, Fabio, and his friend, Fernardo, asked me to go out dancing with them. Friends from back home had been giving me grief for not going out much, so I went. At the first bar I saw a group of girls that were clearly American. They were blonde and drunk. Turns out they were from Texas. I invited them to the next bar we were going to. A discoteque (dance club) on the beach.
The club was hot and crowded and the drinks were making me feel light and you didn't know whose sweaty hand was where and you didnt care, you just followed the music. Just like you would expect in Spain. I kept cockblocking the Spainards because my American friends didn't have their wits about them. Somewhere along the way, Fabio left without alerting me. Then the American girls started getting ready to leave because one, Bren, was puking in the bathroom and another thought she was in love with some Spainish guy (a fact her fiancee would not be enthused about), and another was no where to be found.
I realized that in my tipsy happiness I had taken off my shoes and stockings, forgetting that is where I kept my 10 euro, which I hadn't had to spend because people were graciously buying me drinks and entrance to the clubs. So my money was gone. Oh well, only 10 euro. More importantly, my keys were gone. I looked and couldn't find them so Fernardo said he would walk me back to the hostel and let me in.
A good plan, until he and his friend Miguel got into a brawl with a bunch of midgets. No lie. Fernardo was confident and cocky, until he got cornered by like 12 of them. I followed and saw Miguel lying in the street, being kicked by like three of them so I turned around and went back in the club. Someone had turned in my keys so I walked back to my hostel. Wary and cold. Then my key wouldn't work so I had to pound on the door for about 15 minutes until someone decided to wake up (it was like 6am). I yelled at Fabio for abandoning me and told him about Fernardo, who strolled in about 30 minutes later, bruised but smiling. He then tried to let him sleep with me (I assume, because he only speaks Spanish) and I thought you abandoned me, just fought midgets, and you LOST. In what way is that supposed to woo me?
So wow, my friends got attacked by midgets.
I didn't go out that night because of the same girl-alone-in-a-strange-place issue. And to be honest, I am getting really tired of guys. In Euope, it's just excessive. And if you've met me, you know I love attention so me being tired of it means a lot. Or maybe I am just growing as a person. Today I slept in, and stayed in when I realized it was chilly and cloudy. I just read and ate. Fabulous.
When I was getting ready for bed a hostel employee, Fabio, and his friend, Fernardo, asked me to go out dancing with them. Friends from back home had been giving me grief for not going out much, so I went. At the first bar I saw a group of girls that were clearly American. They were blonde and drunk. Turns out they were from Texas. I invited them to the next bar we were going to. A discoteque (dance club) on the beach.
The club was hot and crowded and the drinks were making me feel light and you didn't know whose sweaty hand was where and you didnt care, you just followed the music. Just like you would expect in Spain. I kept cockblocking the Spainards because my American friends didn't have their wits about them. Somewhere along the way, Fabio left without alerting me. Then the American girls started getting ready to leave because one, Bren, was puking in the bathroom and another thought she was in love with some Spainish guy (a fact her fiancee would not be enthused about), and another was no where to be found.
I realized that in my tipsy happiness I had taken off my shoes and stockings, forgetting that is where I kept my 10 euro, which I hadn't had to spend because people were graciously buying me drinks and entrance to the clubs. So my money was gone. Oh well, only 10 euro. More importantly, my keys were gone. I looked and couldn't find them so Fernardo said he would walk me back to the hostel and let me in.
A good plan, until he and his friend Miguel got into a brawl with a bunch of midgets. No lie. Fernardo was confident and cocky, until he got cornered by like 12 of them. I followed and saw Miguel lying in the street, being kicked by like three of them so I turned around and went back in the club. Someone had turned in my keys so I walked back to my hostel. Wary and cold. Then my key wouldn't work so I had to pound on the door for about 15 minutes until someone decided to wake up (it was like 6am). I yelled at Fabio for abandoning me and told him about Fernardo, who strolled in about 30 minutes later, bruised but smiling. He then tried to let him sleep with me (I assume, because he only speaks Spanish) and I thought you abandoned me, just fought midgets, and you LOST. In what way is that supposed to woo me?
So wow, my friends got attacked by midgets.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Donde es el bano?
I did switch hostels and on the way I sang and bopped around to my iPod, fitting in with all the other crazies in Paris. I met two friends (which was appropriate because it was called the Friends hostel and I would have sued them for false advertisement if I ended up lonely). Amir from Iran and Aaron from Austin, TX. I also met a cool Aussie chick named Kylie, but that is where her story ends. Amir, Aaron, and I went to Versailles and it was gorgeous. Perfect weather. We rented a boat and had a terrible time trying to steer. By terrible I mean fantastically fun but with little success.
Then we had crepes (banana and nutella for the win) and headed to the Moulin Rouge. I had a coffee and attempted the out of tune, broken down piano in the Moulin Rouge. We kicked a girl out of there room when we got to the hostel so we could have a sleep over. Then the next morning, we went our seperate ways with plans of meeting Aaron in Seville with my mom so he could get us free drinks. And of him helping me move in to Austin and me putting him up on the beach in Destin for a weekend. A very important contact, that one.
Also, a couple days ago I decided to start going by my middle name, Healy (pronounced Hae-lee). It is something I had been planning on doing when I moved to Austin, but I figured why not start here. So I keep confusing myself and everyone I meet by introducing myself as one person and then referring to myself as another.
Yesterday I tried to get a train to San Sebastian, but they were booked up so I ended up on the night train. During the day I went to Pere-Lachaise, the huge cemetary where Jim Morrison was born, and met a lawyer who studied in Virgina but lives in Paris named Glen. He became my personal tour guide.
Then I went to the Bastille, too early for any of the artists to be set up along the river. Then I went to Sacre Coeur and saw Paris from above, which was something that needed to be done. Then I went to the Saint Ouen disctrict in hopes of wandering in the huge flea market, but everything was closed and I ended up in a sketchy ghost town. On my way back into Paris I saw a bunch of old men playing a game like horseshoes, but with balls. They threw a small rubber ball and then tried to toss their 700 gram metals balls as close to the rubber one as possible. I cannot explain this without it seeming like one big double entendre. They caught me looking and tried to explain the game in French and ended up having me feeling the weight of their balls (oh, be an adult, would you? hardee har har) and they posed for a group picture.
Then I went to a supermarket and bought all the boxes of sweets they had for under a euro. I am in a period of eating and my bank account can't handle that. Best idea of my life.
Caught the night train to San Sebastian, befriending a quartet of Canadian girls along the way. This time I did not reserve a couchette, but slept in a seat as penience for all the money I spent in Paris. I was very excited because it looked like my parter was not going to show up, but at the last minute he boarded the train. A creepy middle age man. Super. The car was hot and smelled like people stew. I went to go to the bathroom, but someone explained to me that the conductor had not unlocked them yet. I headed back to my seat and heard a guy inquiring about the bathroom and decided to share my wealth of knowledge. Turns out the voice belonged to Jordy, a guy from Texas who I had met in Danielle's new hostel in Amsterdam and had talked for about 15 minutes and we had become facebook friends. He and his friend Will (who I had also met in Amsterdam) were sitting in an area full of open seats! So I bid the Canadians adeiu and curled up with my Texas boys. (They play American football, but in Salzburg, Austria) How cool is that?
I arrived in San Sebastian and got to my hostel, which is someone's house that they are charging people to stay with them in. It's strange, but I think I like it. They don't speak English, so it is an adventure. I ahve my hostek booked for Lisbon but not for anywhere else. Tomorrow I will set up the hostels for my mom and I and then I will be staying with Jared in Naples, Jenn's uncle Stephan in Germany, and I am trying to hint heavily that Robert should ask his mom if I can sleep on their floor for a couple nights, but he doesn't seem to be picking up on it. What gives, Robert? ;-P
So now I have slept half the day away in Spain and I will head out for groceries and bikibi shopping and seeing the gorgeous landscape. Expect sunset pictures!
Then we had crepes (banana and nutella for the win) and headed to the Moulin Rouge. I had a coffee and attempted the out of tune, broken down piano in the Moulin Rouge. We kicked a girl out of there room when we got to the hostel so we could have a sleep over. Then the next morning, we went our seperate ways with plans of meeting Aaron in Seville with my mom so he could get us free drinks. And of him helping me move in to Austin and me putting him up on the beach in Destin for a weekend. A very important contact, that one.
Also, a couple days ago I decided to start going by my middle name, Healy (pronounced Hae-lee). It is something I had been planning on doing when I moved to Austin, but I figured why not start here. So I keep confusing myself and everyone I meet by introducing myself as one person and then referring to myself as another.
Yesterday I tried to get a train to San Sebastian, but they were booked up so I ended up on the night train. During the day I went to Pere-Lachaise, the huge cemetary where Jim Morrison was born, and met a lawyer who studied in Virgina but lives in Paris named Glen. He became my personal tour guide.
Then I went to the Bastille, too early for any of the artists to be set up along the river. Then I went to Sacre Coeur and saw Paris from above, which was something that needed to be done. Then I went to the Saint Ouen disctrict in hopes of wandering in the huge flea market, but everything was closed and I ended up in a sketchy ghost town. On my way back into Paris I saw a bunch of old men playing a game like horseshoes, but with balls. They threw a small rubber ball and then tried to toss their 700 gram metals balls as close to the rubber one as possible. I cannot explain this without it seeming like one big double entendre. They caught me looking and tried to explain the game in French and ended up having me feeling the weight of their balls (oh, be an adult, would you? hardee har har) and they posed for a group picture.
Then I went to a supermarket and bought all the boxes of sweets they had for under a euro. I am in a period of eating and my bank account can't handle that. Best idea of my life.
Caught the night train to San Sebastian, befriending a quartet of Canadian girls along the way. This time I did not reserve a couchette, but slept in a seat as penience for all the money I spent in Paris. I was very excited because it looked like my parter was not going to show up, but at the last minute he boarded the train. A creepy middle age man. Super. The car was hot and smelled like people stew. I went to go to the bathroom, but someone explained to me that the conductor had not unlocked them yet. I headed back to my seat and heard a guy inquiring about the bathroom and decided to share my wealth of knowledge. Turns out the voice belonged to Jordy, a guy from Texas who I had met in Danielle's new hostel in Amsterdam and had talked for about 15 minutes and we had become facebook friends. He and his friend Will (who I had also met in Amsterdam) were sitting in an area full of open seats! So I bid the Canadians adeiu and curled up with my Texas boys. (They play American football, but in Salzburg, Austria) How cool is that?
I arrived in San Sebastian and got to my hostel, which is someone's house that they are charging people to stay with them in. It's strange, but I think I like it. They don't speak English, so it is an adventure. I ahve my hostek booked for Lisbon but not for anywhere else. Tomorrow I will set up the hostels for my mom and I and then I will be staying with Jared in Naples, Jenn's uncle Stephan in Germany, and I am trying to hint heavily that Robert should ask his mom if I can sleep on their floor for a couple nights, but he doesn't seem to be picking up on it. What gives, Robert? ;-P
So now I have slept half the day away in Spain and I will head out for groceries and bikibi shopping and seeing the gorgeous landscape. Expect sunset pictures!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Look at that S car go!
My journey to Paris went off without a hitch and when I arrived I had some worries about a place to stay, but my hostel had a glitch that made it think I was SUPPOSED to check in Friday. So I was golden.
My first thought was to visit the Musee d Orsay or Louvre because Friday afternoons are free to students. But I got caught up in a sea of Parisians who had taken to the street. Being Mayday, I was not sure if this was a celebration or a protest so as much as I wanted to join the mass and scream "Viva la revolution!" I did not. Apparently it was a protest of the president. If it had been gay rights, I would have been all over it.
So then I wandered into a restaurant. Since it was my one month anniversary with Europe, I decided to have a nice, undeniably French dinner. Escargot for course one, lamb and frites (fries) for course two, and chocolate mousse to finish. Hit the spot!
Then I wandered back to my hostel and read myself to sleep. I wanted to go out and party, it was Friday night in PARIS! And a national holiday! But I am a girl alone and my hostel here is not good for meeting people.
The next morning I took the Metro to le Grande Arche (though I meant to go to the Arc de Triomphe, oops), walked to the Arc de Triomphe, then the Place de la Conchorde and on the way I stopped at the original Sephora and prettified myself and Ladurees Cafe for some macaroons. Then on to Rue Cler, which is a pedestrian street mentioned in both my travel book (Rick Steves Europe through the Backdoor) and Almost French, which I had read a couple days earlier. I bought a bagette, two croissants, an apple tart, a rasberry tart, some chocolate wonder, a taster of cheeses, and ham. And a pickle. I then wandered to the Eiffel Tower and had a delightful picnic. But I have to say, the Eiffel Tower during the day is UGLY. Seriously. All day I had been joking to myself (becquse I have no friends, how sad :D) that if I had a cool accent I would pronounce it the Awful Tower and after seeing it in the daylight, I almost decided to start calling it that for keeps.
Went back to my hostel for a nap. For the record, do not stay at Hostel Blue Planet. 25 euro a night and it is clean enough, but my toilette is outside of the bedroom, which has only one key. So in the middle of the night if I have to pee, I have to knock on the door and wake someone up to get in. Or try propping open the door. Internet is 6 euro an hour. Like $9. There really isnt a good kitchen. They claim to serve breakfast but really they give you special coins for a vending machine in the morning and the common area is stuffy, so you dont meet a lot of people. Somehow, I managed to make a friend. Ursula from Peru. She likes Betty Boop. Shes cool. We went to go see the Eiffel Tower at night and it was incredible.
Sometimes when I am walking around, it hits me. !?! Im in PARIS!!! Its an incredible feeling. There is something in the air, this city is just potent with romance.
This morning Ursula and I went to the Louvre and then I broke off and went to the Musee dOrsay. The Louvre was incredible, my favorite part was the Italian paintings. They are so vibrant! In the Musee dOrsay I was most taken by the works of Van Gogh, which surprised me. If I were to make an art museum, I would organize the rooms according to the emotions the pieces evoke instead of the styles they are. Battle scenes just seem out of place on top of lovers embracing and a child suckling his mothers teet.
Men here definitely are different than in the states. Much more forward. Ursula and others say that maybe I seem too available and friendly because I smile and make eye contact with people, but Ive been approached by men I didnt even notice were there. I dont remember if I was smiling.
I think I may go to Versailles tomorrow, but if I do I am changing hostels. I found a place that is 10 euro less a night.
My first thought was to visit the Musee d Orsay or Louvre because Friday afternoons are free to students. But I got caught up in a sea of Parisians who had taken to the street. Being Mayday, I was not sure if this was a celebration or a protest so as much as I wanted to join the mass and scream "Viva la revolution!" I did not. Apparently it was a protest of the president. If it had been gay rights, I would have been all over it.
So then I wandered into a restaurant. Since it was my one month anniversary with Europe, I decided to have a nice, undeniably French dinner. Escargot for course one, lamb and frites (fries) for course two, and chocolate mousse to finish. Hit the spot!
Then I wandered back to my hostel and read myself to sleep. I wanted to go out and party, it was Friday night in PARIS! And a national holiday! But I am a girl alone and my hostel here is not good for meeting people.
The next morning I took the Metro to le Grande Arche (though I meant to go to the Arc de Triomphe, oops), walked to the Arc de Triomphe, then the Place de la Conchorde and on the way I stopped at the original Sephora and prettified myself and Ladurees Cafe for some macaroons. Then on to Rue Cler, which is a pedestrian street mentioned in both my travel book (Rick Steves Europe through the Backdoor) and Almost French, which I had read a couple days earlier. I bought a bagette, two croissants, an apple tart, a rasberry tart, some chocolate wonder, a taster of cheeses, and ham. And a pickle. I then wandered to the Eiffel Tower and had a delightful picnic. But I have to say, the Eiffel Tower during the day is UGLY. Seriously. All day I had been joking to myself (becquse I have no friends, how sad :D) that if I had a cool accent I would pronounce it the Awful Tower and after seeing it in the daylight, I almost decided to start calling it that for keeps.
Went back to my hostel for a nap. For the record, do not stay at Hostel Blue Planet. 25 euro a night and it is clean enough, but my toilette is outside of the bedroom, which has only one key. So in the middle of the night if I have to pee, I have to knock on the door and wake someone up to get in. Or try propping open the door. Internet is 6 euro an hour. Like $9. There really isnt a good kitchen. They claim to serve breakfast but really they give you special coins for a vending machine in the morning and the common area is stuffy, so you dont meet a lot of people. Somehow, I managed to make a friend. Ursula from Peru. She likes Betty Boop. Shes cool. We went to go see the Eiffel Tower at night and it was incredible.
Sometimes when I am walking around, it hits me. !?! Im in PARIS!!! Its an incredible feeling. There is something in the air, this city is just potent with romance.
This morning Ursula and I went to the Louvre and then I broke off and went to the Musee dOrsay. The Louvre was incredible, my favorite part was the Italian paintings. They are so vibrant! In the Musee dOrsay I was most taken by the works of Van Gogh, which surprised me. If I were to make an art museum, I would organize the rooms according to the emotions the pieces evoke instead of the styles they are. Battle scenes just seem out of place on top of lovers embracing and a child suckling his mothers teet.
Men here definitely are different than in the states. Much more forward. Ursula and others say that maybe I seem too available and friendly because I smile and make eye contact with people, but Ive been approached by men I didnt even notice were there. I dont remember if I was smiling.
I think I may go to Versailles tomorrow, but if I do I am changing hostels. I found a place that is 10 euro less a night.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Swine flu, don't bother me
Something that has been interesting in Europe is the way I receive international news and how it affects me. In Brussels, my friend Robert told me about the earthquake in Italy. Thank goodness it happened then, after he had been and before I had gone. Papers everywhere talk about Obama. How he is going to end piracy, the war in Iraq, and basically how the size of his heroicism will rival the size of his ears. Also, Michelle Obama touched the queen of England, half of England cares, the other does not. So now it is the swine flu. My cousin Barrie is reconsidering her trip to New York and my mom may not be able to meet me in Spain.
What if they close the borders and I get stuck in Spain? It's enough to make me want to run to Germany, which feels like my European home base. I almost feel more at home with Germans here than I do Americans, brits, or other Anglo-Saxons. And I am sure their healthcare system beats that of Spain.
Yesterday I stayed in and read, then watched Friends episodes all night. I enjoyed the lovely view and weather from inside. very relaxing. Today I caught the train to Monaco (Monte Carlo) and discovered that local trains in France do not require a reservation. Saves me money, yay! Monaco was lovely, but very touristy. I enjoyed the stone buildings embedded in the cliffs and it was fun to see the yachts sporting flags from all over the world, but I lamented the lack of beach and "realness." Then I went to Eze, which was the opposite. I did not go up the mountain into town, but ate a banana on the stony beach and enjoyed the relaxed views. In Nice, I went into a not-nice part of town. I didn't realize how bad it was until a man with no teeth started fretting about me finding my way. I was just wandering, but then I started heading to a better (which unfortunately always seems synonymous with non-Muslim) part of town. Where I got accosted by a man.
Man: *some French moonspeak*
Me: Pardon? Non francious.
Man: Espanol?
Me: Non, Englais.
Man (taking my hand): I love you.
Me: Oh. Merci?
Man: I love you, would you like to eat lunch with me and my friends?
Me (trying to get my hand free): Oh, no. I have to go.
Man: I love you, you're beautiful.
Me: Merci. Au revoir!
Man: I love you, I would like to sleep with you.
Me: No, no, no, goodbye.
I preferred the "bad" part of town.
Then I went into Valbonne Village (my cousin lives in Valbonne) and bought Barrie some flowers, walked around the quaint, EXPENSIVE little village, and then she picked me up and we headed home.
Tomorrow morning I leave for Paris. If creepy old man did not give me the swine flu.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Family!
The all-you-can-eat pancake cruise was just as amazing as it sounds. I ate soooo many. Then we went to Den Hauge, found out Madurodam is a theme park thing, not a city and you had to pay to watch the light show so Danielle and I used our peeping skills (which we honed in the day prior) and looked in through the fence. I thought it was cool, but she grew bored so we went to a bar. She got a beer and I balked at the high prices of cocktails. So the owner bought me a drink. Chocolate milk mixed with coconut rum was delish, but a bit heavy. However, I don't complain about free drinks. So then Danielle went to her new hostel and I walked back to the boat alone.
Caught a train the next morning to Antwerp, which is gorgeous. I remembered how much I adored Belgium. Then I reserved a train to Paris and I remembered how much I hated Belgian ticket masters. Got to Brussels, missed my train to Paris and I was afraid I would get stuck in Brussels AGAIN, but without Megan and Robert to entertain me. But a wonderful lady in the ticket booth put me on the next train with no charge for another reservation and booked a night train to Cannes.
Paris was wonderful, but cold and wet. I saw Notre Dame and I am DEFINITELY going inside when I go back. It's the first church which really called to me this trip. Had a lovely trip on the night train (love them and they are cheaper than most hostels) and ended up in bright, warm Cannes. I need a bikini! At least bottoms. But I wore my sundress and felt fabulous and at home on the warm beach.
Met my cousin Barrie and her wonderful family. Husband Hawk, her three girls: Harriet, Vivian, and Sophie. Barrie bought me a chocolate croissant and it was delightful, then I school Viv at Gin Rummy. Now I am hogging the computer, so catch ya later, alligatorz!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
I Amsterdam
Yesterday Danielle and I "peeped" for four minutes, went to the hash museum, and decided Anne Frank's house was not worth waiting in the queue so we skipped it. Couldn't find the sex museum, just the erotic museum which looked lame, so we just walked around the red light district and then I went to the hostel and took a glorious, slobbery nap.
We went to Haarlem for the flower parade, which was very neat but the most strange and disorganized parade I have ever seen.
We went to the "Lots of Cheese"store which did indeed have a lot of cheese.
After the flower parade we headed back to the red light district to see the night time hookers (much better groomed than the ones out at 11am on a Saturday).
Today I slept in way late, because it was drizzly and grey outside. In an hour we are going on an all-you-can-eat pancake boat tour. Delicious! Then to Den Hauge for the light show.
Things I have been meaning to mention:
Being in London really made me excited baout living in Austin. It has the same big city going-ons mixed with the beauty of parks and nature and just outside the city you have open fields.
I didn't kiss the Blarney stone in Cork because David, the local I met on the ferry, told me that local boys get drunk and pee on it. And Cork was dreary that day so I stayed on the train.
I am so excited about going south for warmth!
We went to Haarlem for the flower parade, which was very neat but the most strange and disorganized parade I have ever seen.
We went to the "Lots of Cheese"store which did indeed have a lot of cheese.
After the flower parade we headed back to the red light district to see the night time hookers (much better groomed than the ones out at 11am on a Saturday).
Today I slept in way late, because it was drizzly and grey outside. In an hour we are going on an all-you-can-eat pancake boat tour. Delicious! Then to Den Hauge for the light show.
Things I have been meaning to mention:
Being in London really made me excited baout living in Austin. It has the same big city going-ons mixed with the beauty of parks and nature and just outside the city you have open fields.
I didn't kiss the Blarney stone in Cork because David, the local I met on the ferry, told me that local boys get drunk and pee on it. And Cork was dreary that day so I stayed on the train.
I am so excited about going south for warmth!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Amsterdam!
Ireland ended up being cold and wet everywhere, so I stayed dry and warm on the train and finished Hareliquinn, a book Danielle loaned to me. It was a nice, relaxing day and I enjoyed the lush green of Ireland as it rolled by.
I did not know that gaelic was still in use, but the train made announcements in both gaelic and english. I spent a good deal of time trying to figure out what the moonspeak was on the board and finally broke down and asked. I guess some of the people who live in the countryside still use it.
Yesterday I woke up and bounded out to the airport, where I got to my flight with minimal problems (I had to pay a fee because I was checking in at the airport, not online and then I raced around the airport trying to find a postcard for Lucky) and had a pleasent enough flight to Einhoven, in the Nethrlands.
On the bus to the train station I struck up conversation with Neil, a policeman in the Netherlands who had been hill-walking in Ireland and he helped me find my train and even bought me a sandwich when it turned out we were going to be on the same train. Unfortunately I will just miss him in Norway, but he was a very interesting guy.
I liked Amsterdam immediately, it just had a great vibe and an adorable look. My hostel is on a boat and the staff is so friendly. And the showers get really hot. The weather was gorgeous yesterday and looks to be the same today and it is much warmer than the UK.
After a shower and some laundry, I met Danielle at the ferry landing (we are across the canal from central Amsterdam, but the ferries are free.) There are so many bokes in Amsterdam! Thousands just by the train station!
We wandered around, found a cafe and ate a space cake and then had pancakes for dinner (mine was bacon and onion - delicious) because that is what they do here. We were going to see the red light district, but when we came back for Danielle to change, I just passed out. I blame the space cake.
When she gets out of the shower we are going to head into the city, see the Hash Museum, Sex Museum, and Anne Frank House and then head to Haarlem to catch the end of the flower parade.
Amsterdam? My favorite so far.
Unfortunately I am getting sick. I blame the Canadians in Dublin.
I did not know that gaelic was still in use, but the train made announcements in both gaelic and english. I spent a good deal of time trying to figure out what the moonspeak was on the board and finally broke down and asked. I guess some of the people who live in the countryside still use it.
Yesterday I woke up and bounded out to the airport, where I got to my flight with minimal problems (I had to pay a fee because I was checking in at the airport, not online and then I raced around the airport trying to find a postcard for Lucky) and had a pleasent enough flight to Einhoven, in the Nethrlands.
On the bus to the train station I struck up conversation with Neil, a policeman in the Netherlands who had been hill-walking in Ireland and he helped me find my train and even bought me a sandwich when it turned out we were going to be on the same train. Unfortunately I will just miss him in Norway, but he was a very interesting guy.
I liked Amsterdam immediately, it just had a great vibe and an adorable look. My hostel is on a boat and the staff is so friendly. And the showers get really hot. The weather was gorgeous yesterday and looks to be the same today and it is much warmer than the UK.
After a shower and some laundry, I met Danielle at the ferry landing (we are across the canal from central Amsterdam, but the ferries are free.) There are so many bokes in Amsterdam! Thousands just by the train station!
We wandered around, found a cafe and ate a space cake and then had pancakes for dinner (mine was bacon and onion - delicious) because that is what they do here. We were going to see the red light district, but when we came back for Danielle to change, I just passed out. I blame the space cake.
When she gets out of the shower we are going to head into the city, see the Hash Museum, Sex Museum, and Anne Frank House and then head to Haarlem to catch the end of the flower parade.
Amsterdam? My favorite so far.
Unfortunately I am getting sick. I blame the Canadians in Dublin.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Nifty Thrifty Ireland
Yesterday I got on the train to Belfast only to end up in Northern Ireland with a pass that is not valid there (I thought BritRail covered it), so I got kicked off my train and had to stow away on another one to get back to Republic of Ireland where my rides are already paid for.
On the train over I had the pleasure of sitting next to someone with some strange habits. He whistled constantly and I thought it was because he was merry and had a tune in his head, but when it continued for over an hour I decided he must have a condition. When he first got on the train I thought he worked for a newspaper company because he was passing out papers to the nearby tables (while whistling), but then he sat down and straightened the paper on my table and started reading. Then he pulled out lunch and then played solitare. These things would not have been so strange, I think, if it were not for the whistling.
I was kind of glad that I got sent back to Dublin because as I progressed north, it got colder and much more dreary whereas in Dublin it was warm and bright. I bought 8 euro worth of food which will last me my stay here, and then headed off to wander. I found lovely parks, which I liked better than London's parks which are more just manicured grass and flowers. In Ireland the parks have more trees which make private little coves of grass where you can tousle with a lover, practice juggling, or have a family picnic in relative privacy. Trinity College where they were playing kricket and then I got delightfully lost in a lovely residential area. An American named Paul pointed me in the right direction and we had a lovely talk as we walked. He's a secret agent or something. I came to really enjoy Dublin once it was warm and sunny. I think my affection for a city is very dependent on the weather.
When I came back to the hostel to cook dinner, I struck up conversation with Garrett, a guy from Winnipeg, Canada who is moving to Dublin. It surprised me how many people actually live in the hostel.
I really do believe in manifestation. I had been hankering for some brownies and Garrett and his friend Mike had bought brownie mix earlier that day. I was one happy Lizzy. Then Garrett ended up rounding a huge group of people up to go out and we went to a Reggae pub which was too busy for Mike's taste and because it was his last night, we went to another pub where we were not allowing in because Garrett was carrying an empty Vodka bottle (which no one had partaken of) as a "flag" to lead our group. Then we couldn't get into another one because I was not 21. If I wanted that sort of treatment I would have stayed in the States! We eventually landed in a club that was pretty much dead, but we danced all night and came home satisfied ad tired.
Today I plan on taking the train to Cork, which is hopefully prettier than Dublin's weather, but first I have to grab my sack lunch that I left back at the hostel. I would really like to find a celtic ring as an Irish souvenier. That is my quest.
On the train over I had the pleasure of sitting next to someone with some strange habits. He whistled constantly and I thought it was because he was merry and had a tune in his head, but when it continued for over an hour I decided he must have a condition. When he first got on the train I thought he worked for a newspaper company because he was passing out papers to the nearby tables (while whistling), but then he sat down and straightened the paper on my table and started reading. Then he pulled out lunch and then played solitare. These things would not have been so strange, I think, if it were not for the whistling.
I was kind of glad that I got sent back to Dublin because as I progressed north, it got colder and much more dreary whereas in Dublin it was warm and bright. I bought 8 euro worth of food which will last me my stay here, and then headed off to wander. I found lovely parks, which I liked better than London's parks which are more just manicured grass and flowers. In Ireland the parks have more trees which make private little coves of grass where you can tousle with a lover, practice juggling, or have a family picnic in relative privacy. Trinity College where they were playing kricket and then I got delightfully lost in a lovely residential area. An American named Paul pointed me in the right direction and we had a lovely talk as we walked. He's a secret agent or something. I came to really enjoy Dublin once it was warm and sunny. I think my affection for a city is very dependent on the weather.
When I came back to the hostel to cook dinner, I struck up conversation with Garrett, a guy from Winnipeg, Canada who is moving to Dublin. It surprised me how many people actually live in the hostel.
I really do believe in manifestation. I had been hankering for some brownies and Garrett and his friend Mike had bought brownie mix earlier that day. I was one happy Lizzy. Then Garrett ended up rounding a huge group of people up to go out and we went to a Reggae pub which was too busy for Mike's taste and because it was his last night, we went to another pub where we were not allowing in because Garrett was carrying an empty Vodka bottle (which no one had partaken of) as a "flag" to lead our group. Then we couldn't get into another one because I was not 21. If I wanted that sort of treatment I would have stayed in the States! We eventually landed in a club that was pretty much dead, but we danced all night and came home satisfied ad tired.
Today I plan on taking the train to Cork, which is hopefully prettier than Dublin's weather, but first I have to grab my sack lunch that I left back at the hostel. I would really like to find a celtic ring as an Irish souvenier. That is my quest.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Dubious Dublin
This morning I missed the 8:10 train to Holyhead, but that was okay because the 9:10 train was the crucial one. 8:10 would have just given me more time. But I wasn't really worried about it until the 9:10 train got delayed and became the 9:35 train. So I was in a bit of a crunch.
I figured if I missed the last ferry of the day I could just go to Manchester for the night or something, but I would be losing 9 euro for a room I wasn't staying in.
But for once the travel fairy took sweet pity, or actually I had just planned for my stupidity, and the train arrived 40 minutes before the ferry was supposed to depart. I got on, no problem. For some reason I thought a ferry is just for cars and is a sort of barge, but this one was like a mini-cruise. It had a cinema, casino, restaurants, shops, and many lounges with comfy cushioned benches for Lizzys to sleep on. Delightful.
Coming into Dublin was beautiful and I made an Irish friend, David, who had been living in London but was moving back to Cork. He told me about the islands as we passed them and let me know that the two ugly towers were actually famously associated with Dublin.
I found my hostel no problem and it is definitely the sketchiest one I have stayed in so far. The showers are two floors below the rooms, the toilets don't have seats and the rooms don't have lockers. However it is huge and has a lot of common areas so it is good for meeting people. I really don't mind, but it would not be one I would take my mom to. But for 9 euro a night? I can dig it.
I kind of find Dublin to be pretty sketchy, but I haven't seen much of it. I may go out to a pub tonight with my new French friend, Guilliam, but I will probably stay in, read, and sleep. Tomorrow I am taking scenic train rides and seeing beautiful countryside and then maybe I can go out in this more industrial city.
I figured if I missed the last ferry of the day I could just go to Manchester for the night or something, but I would be losing 9 euro for a room I wasn't staying in.
But for once the travel fairy took sweet pity, or actually I had just planned for my stupidity, and the train arrived 40 minutes before the ferry was supposed to depart. I got on, no problem. For some reason I thought a ferry is just for cars and is a sort of barge, but this one was like a mini-cruise. It had a cinema, casino, restaurants, shops, and many lounges with comfy cushioned benches for Lizzys to sleep on. Delightful.
Coming into Dublin was beautiful and I made an Irish friend, David, who had been living in London but was moving back to Cork. He told me about the islands as we passed them and let me know that the two ugly towers were actually famously associated with Dublin.
I found my hostel no problem and it is definitely the sketchiest one I have stayed in so far. The showers are two floors below the rooms, the toilets don't have seats and the rooms don't have lockers. However it is huge and has a lot of common areas so it is good for meeting people. I really don't mind, but it would not be one I would take my mom to. But for 9 euro a night? I can dig it.
I kind of find Dublin to be pretty sketchy, but I haven't seen much of it. I may go out to a pub tonight with my new French friend, Guilliam, but I will probably stay in, read, and sleep. Tomorrow I am taking scenic train rides and seeing beautiful countryside and then maybe I can go out in this more industrial city.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Lon-done
This morning the weather.com said 67 degrees farenheit and so I set forth in a scarf, jeans, sandals, and tank top. I was not disapointed. I read my great-grandfather's book, "No Man Is Single," in Regents park for an hour and on the way I accidentally ran into Sherlock Holmes' museum/estate. Fluffy had been badgering me to go, but I didn't think I would have the time. What a lucky happenstance.
Then I headed to Spitalfields Market for a free alternative fashion show. The clothes were amazing and some were too artsy for me to understand. I really liked the big-girl models who showed a line made of only rubber and latex. FABULOUS. I will post my London pictures later tonight.
On my way back to the tube station I saw the giant egg of London. APparently it is a business building, but from the first day it called to me. What can I say? I like eggs. So I set off to find it. When I did find it, I took a picture and then walked inside and talked to a receptionist.
Me: What is this building for?
Receptionist: It's a finance/business building.
Me: It looks like an egg.
Her: Yes, I know. It's very famous.
Me: Eggs are delicious.
Her: There is a restaurant at the top, but it's private for people who work in the building.
Me: Do they serve eggs?
Her: No.
Me: Well that's a wasted oportunity for irony. Have a wonderful day working in your egg!
[Exit]
After that I took the tube to London Tower and crossed London Bridge and then moved on to my theatre walk which Jenn had prerecorded the instructions for me. I was nervous to listen to them, thinking it may make me way too homesick but instead I was laughing the whole time. The walk took me to Drury Lane, and I didn't see any men with a muffin, let alone a man with enough muffins to be termed "The Muffin Man."
I found another market area but it was nothing compared to Campton, Borough, or even Spitalfields. As I was walking a guy approached me asking for money. I was tired of having to explain that I was a backpacker and had no money, so I decided to throw him off and said "Non English, do you speak French?" (but I asked it in French) Thinking myself very clever I was surprised when he started speaking to me in French (which despite some time with Rosetta stone, I know very little of). So I just said "Non." and walked off. But then I started laughing and I went back and admitted that I spoke English and not French and he impressed me so much and caught me at my game so here, take 37 pence. I think it was well spent.
On my way to find Soho, I walked past a Vue cinema and there was a large queue. Apparently the premeire of Star Trek was going to happen in a couple hours and everyone wanted to see the stars. I thought about sticking around, but decided that I am not the sort of person to wait around for other people. People should be waiting around in hopes to see me. I finally found Soho and Old Compton Street and all the XXX stores and it was lovely. I like Camden better, though.
I hoped to walk by the Vue again and see a star or two, but I didn't remember how to get back so I just hopped on the tube and came back to Cynthia's house where I had a lovely sausage and potatoe and brocolli meal. Posting pictures tonight, finishing great-grandfather's book, and Ireland tomorrow, hopefully.
Then I headed to Spitalfields Market for a free alternative fashion show. The clothes were amazing and some were too artsy for me to understand. I really liked the big-girl models who showed a line made of only rubber and latex. FABULOUS. I will post my London pictures later tonight.
On my way back to the tube station I saw the giant egg of London. APparently it is a business building, but from the first day it called to me. What can I say? I like eggs. So I set off to find it. When I did find it, I took a picture and then walked inside and talked to a receptionist.
Me: What is this building for?
Receptionist: It's a finance/business building.
Me: It looks like an egg.
Her: Yes, I know. It's very famous.
Me: Eggs are delicious.
Her: There is a restaurant at the top, but it's private for people who work in the building.
Me: Do they serve eggs?
Her: No.
Me: Well that's a wasted oportunity for irony. Have a wonderful day working in your egg!
[Exit]
After that I took the tube to London Tower and crossed London Bridge and then moved on to my theatre walk which Jenn had prerecorded the instructions for me. I was nervous to listen to them, thinking it may make me way too homesick but instead I was laughing the whole time. The walk took me to Drury Lane, and I didn't see any men with a muffin, let alone a man with enough muffins to be termed "The Muffin Man."
I found another market area but it was nothing compared to Campton, Borough, or even Spitalfields. As I was walking a guy approached me asking for money. I was tired of having to explain that I was a backpacker and had no money, so I decided to throw him off and said "Non English, do you speak French?" (but I asked it in French) Thinking myself very clever I was surprised when he started speaking to me in French (which despite some time with Rosetta stone, I know very little of). So I just said "Non." and walked off. But then I started laughing and I went back and admitted that I spoke English and not French and he impressed me so much and caught me at my game so here, take 37 pence. I think it was well spent.
On my way to find Soho, I walked past a Vue cinema and there was a large queue. Apparently the premeire of Star Trek was going to happen in a couple hours and everyone wanted to see the stars. I thought about sticking around, but decided that I am not the sort of person to wait around for other people. People should be waiting around in hopes to see me. I finally found Soho and Old Compton Street and all the XXX stores and it was lovely. I like Camden better, though.
I hoped to walk by the Vue again and see a star or two, but I didn't remember how to get back so I just hopped on the tube and came back to Cynthia's house where I had a lovely sausage and potatoe and brocolli meal. Posting pictures tonight, finishing great-grandfather's book, and Ireland tomorrow, hopefully.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Lovely
I met up with Chris at the glorious Globe theatre and we headed into Brixton (the "Brooklyn of London") and he bought me delicious Japenese chicken curry and then took me out for dancing and drinks at the Mango Landing. A great little bar that plays reggae hip hop music. The taste of liquor is bothering me less and less, which is good in some rights (I will be 21 about 2 weeks after I return to the US) and bad in others (I have probably inherited an addictive nature). The best I can do is be careful not to over-indulge, but isn't that all aspects of life?
We crashed around 1-2am and got a little sleep before waking up and hurrying about to get ready for rock climbing in Bowels. His friend, Stephen came and picked us up and we then picked up Steph and Alex. The weather was cold and cloudy, despite BBC's assurances that it would be warm and brilliant. However Steph let me borrow her extra sweater and after we got to climbing I wasn't so bothered.
I impressed everyone (or so they claimed) by scaling my first route with minimal difficulty. Feeling accomplished, I was okay with watching everyone else climb different routes and reaching the top or bouncing back to the bottom, but I did attempt a second, much more difficult course. After I fell I decided to call it quits because I was so tired from the past couple nights' activities and I had a distracting headache. I had already hit my goal. So I wandered around in the sunshine which did finally come out and collected flowers for people or talked with Steph and just enjoyed my day outside. I will definitely rock climb again one day, if only because the people who do it are so cool and they form a sort of community as most people who share a unique interest do.
We were climbing well past the end of the festival at the Globe for Shakespeare's birthday, but I wasn't bothered. However I did hurry back to Cynthia's house in a whirl, to take out my contacts and shower ASAP. I feel badly about leaving Chris so abruptly, he wanted me to go to a pub where they play jazz, but I was just ready to get back to my temporary home.
We crashed around 1-2am and got a little sleep before waking up and hurrying about to get ready for rock climbing in Bowels. His friend, Stephen came and picked us up and we then picked up Steph and Alex. The weather was cold and cloudy, despite BBC's assurances that it would be warm and brilliant. However Steph let me borrow her extra sweater and after we got to climbing I wasn't so bothered.
I impressed everyone (or so they claimed) by scaling my first route with minimal difficulty. Feeling accomplished, I was okay with watching everyone else climb different routes and reaching the top or bouncing back to the bottom, but I did attempt a second, much more difficult course. After I fell I decided to call it quits because I was so tired from the past couple nights' activities and I had a distracting headache. I had already hit my goal. So I wandered around in the sunshine which did finally come out and collected flowers for people or talked with Steph and just enjoyed my day outside. I will definitely rock climb again one day, if only because the people who do it are so cool and they form a sort of community as most people who share a unique interest do.
We were climbing well past the end of the festival at the Globe for Shakespeare's birthday, but I wasn't bothered. However I did hurry back to Cynthia's house in a whirl, to take out my contacts and shower ASAP. I feel badly about leaving Chris so abruptly, he wanted me to go to a pub where they play jazz, but I was just ready to get back to my temporary home.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
All I Ask of You
Today the weather was wonderful and got me out of bed much earlier than anticipated. I headed to Buckingham palace and watched the changing of the guard, or rather watched people watch the changing of the guard, I walked in the lovely HUGE gardens that would take weeks to see fully and then went to Chinatown where I had some lovely chicken and mushrooms with fried rice. Chinatown in Sydney is way better.
Then I started walking to Westminster to see Big Ben up close and noticed that there was a queue for Phantom of the Opera and decided to get in line and see if any tickets were available. For 20 quid I got nose bleed seats and loved every minute of it. It was amazing.
Then I walked to Big Ben getting ushered into a Holland day festival along the way, went to Camden Town via the tube and LOVED it. It is so edgy and punk and wonderful and they say you should get pierced or tatted in Camden before you die so I got a large British flag on my left shoulder blade. It sounds kind of tacky, but I think the artist made it look quite classy. Just kidding, Dad, but I did get my ear pierced. Could be worse.
Then I went to Platform 9 and 3/4 and got my picture taken then came home to find that my Scottish friend, Chris, went to As You Like it at the Rose to try and catch me and tell me he didn't live in Bristol, but Brixton. So he is in the show now and I am going to meet him at the Globe, probably have a drink or two, then stay the night at his place so we can wake up bright and early and go rock climbing in the morning.
One of the best days I've had on the trip so far and definitely the best day in London. I realized that I have been bogged down with all the things I "should" be seeing and I haven't done much of my London, the London of the random festivals and walking into incredible shows and meeting interesting people. That is no longer an issue. London, take me!
Then I started walking to Westminster to see Big Ben up close and noticed that there was a queue for Phantom of the Opera and decided to get in line and see if any tickets were available. For 20 quid I got nose bleed seats and loved every minute of it. It was amazing.
Then I walked to Big Ben getting ushered into a Holland day festival along the way, went to Camden Town via the tube and LOVED it. It is so edgy and punk and wonderful and they say you should get pierced or tatted in Camden before you die so I got a large British flag on my left shoulder blade. It sounds kind of tacky, but I think the artist made it look quite classy. Just kidding, Dad, but I did get my ear pierced. Could be worse.
Then I went to Platform 9 and 3/4 and got my picture taken then came home to find that my Scottish friend, Chris, went to As You Like it at the Rose to try and catch me and tell me he didn't live in Bristol, but Brixton. So he is in the show now and I am going to meet him at the Globe, probably have a drink or two, then stay the night at his place so we can wake up bright and early and go rock climbing in the morning.
One of the best days I've had on the trip so far and definitely the best day in London. I realized that I have been bogged down with all the things I "should" be seeing and I haven't done much of my London, the London of the random festivals and walking into incredible shows and meeting interesting people. That is no longer an issue. London, take me!
Friday, April 17, 2009
This Little Piggy Loves Markets
I laugh at plans, hahaha. I decided the Isle of Wight would have to wait, I had to see London first (and this way I got to sleep in). So instead, I went on the London Eye, found Borough's market and stole a chocolate, found a book market under a bridge and maybe stole 3 books, or maybe took them for free which was maybe the purpose? I found the Globe and Rose theatres but I didn't have my student ID so the Globe tour will have to wait. Crossed London Bridge, which did not fall down, and climbed the monument.
The London Eye was 17 quid and it was dreary and not worth it. Want to see London from up high? Pay 2 quid (student price) and feel accomplished after climbing over 300 stairs.
Sunday the Globe theatre is open for Shakespeare's birthday celebration, and a festival is being held. Hopefully I will make it back from rock climbing with Scottish Chris in time to attend, but if not I will take the tour with my student discount.
Despite it being cold and rainy I enjoyed the walk and made a couple friends on London bridge. Clare and Sarah from Iowa who are studying in Dublin. Perhaps I will meet up with them next week. I also made friends with a guy on the street (who I believe was named William, but something tells me I am confused). He was trying to sell me a clean conscious, but all I had to give was a tangerine. He told me I was lovely and I told him I was sorry his eye blood vessels burst. Don't even know what his charity was for, but hello if you are readying this maybe-William!
Then I went to dinner with my FIRST COUSIN ONCE REMOVED (thanks Dad), Cynthia, and her husband John who came in today from Cairo. He works for Coca-Cola. We went to a Japanese restaurant which was lovely, aside from the homeless man who pounded the window as he passed. I had glorious sushi.
Afterwards I raced to Leichester Square to watch a Burlesque-esque variety show called La Clique and made friends with a couple satff member, Nahil(?) and Victoria and a fellow audience member, Alex who bought me my first Cosmopolitan. Yummy. The show consisted of a large black man in Spandex and wigs singing in a lovely baritone, a comedic "Swedish" magician, a nudist magician, and some insane acrobats. It was wonderbar! I ahd to take a taxi home because it was too late to catch the tube, but well worth it.
Tomorrow I will hopefully make it to Stratford-Upon-Avon, Camden market, and a showing of As You Like It in the Rose theatre. Afterwards I will either go out with Katherine (who is actually my second cousin - thanks, Dad) in London, or Chris in Bristol and stay the night out there so we can hop up in the morning and go rock climbing. That conversation went so:
Chris: "Do you like rock climbing?"
Me: "Guess we'll find out."
I was sad to learn that apparently York is very sketchy at night and maybe not a place I want to live. But then Megan Arant's comment re-heartened me and I think I can handle it. The plan stays in place! (Hahaha, "plans")
Also, I booked a flight from Dublin to Amsterdam on freaking Ryanair. What a drag, but it is cheaper and way less time than trying to cross the UK and do all that ferry stuff. Ryanair is like that creepy boyfriend who you think makes hairdolls of you, but you need to keep him around to make rent.
The London Eye was 17 quid and it was dreary and not worth it. Want to see London from up high? Pay 2 quid (student price) and feel accomplished after climbing over 300 stairs.
Sunday the Globe theatre is open for Shakespeare's birthday celebration, and a festival is being held. Hopefully I will make it back from rock climbing with Scottish Chris in time to attend, but if not I will take the tour with my student discount.
Despite it being cold and rainy I enjoyed the walk and made a couple friends on London bridge. Clare and Sarah from Iowa who are studying in Dublin. Perhaps I will meet up with them next week. I also made friends with a guy on the street (who I believe was named William, but something tells me I am confused). He was trying to sell me a clean conscious, but all I had to give was a tangerine. He told me I was lovely and I told him I was sorry his eye blood vessels burst. Don't even know what his charity was for, but hello if you are readying this maybe-William!
Then I went to dinner with my FIRST COUSIN ONCE REMOVED (thanks Dad), Cynthia, and her husband John who came in today from Cairo. He works for Coca-Cola. We went to a Japanese restaurant which was lovely, aside from the homeless man who pounded the window as he passed. I had glorious sushi.
Afterwards I raced to Leichester Square to watch a Burlesque-esque variety show called La Clique and made friends with a couple satff member, Nahil(?) and Victoria and a fellow audience member, Alex who bought me my first Cosmopolitan. Yummy. The show consisted of a large black man in Spandex and wigs singing in a lovely baritone, a comedic "Swedish" magician, a nudist magician, and some insane acrobats. It was wonderbar! I ahd to take a taxi home because it was too late to catch the tube, but well worth it.
Tomorrow I will hopefully make it to Stratford-Upon-Avon, Camden market, and a showing of As You Like It in the Rose theatre. Afterwards I will either go out with Katherine (who is actually my second cousin - thanks, Dad) in London, or Chris in Bristol and stay the night out there so we can hop up in the morning and go rock climbing. That conversation went so:
Chris: "Do you like rock climbing?"
Me: "Guess we'll find out."
I was sad to learn that apparently York is very sketchy at night and maybe not a place I want to live. But then Megan Arant's comment re-heartened me and I think I can handle it. The plan stays in place! (Hahaha, "plans")
Also, I booked a flight from Dublin to Amsterdam on freaking Ryanair. What a drag, but it is cheaper and way less time than trying to cross the UK and do all that ferry stuff. Ryanair is like that creepy boyfriend who you think makes hairdolls of you, but you need to keep him around to make rent.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Middlesex East London
Something that I have found interesting is the volume of Muslims in Western Europe. My Jack the Ripper walk took me through the Muslim center of London, which ironically enough is in East side.
My thrid-cousin Katherine showed me the way to the tube (subway) station and then walked me over to Abby Road where the Beatles recorded and took the crosswalk picture. Of course I took one, but it's more me running so I won't get hit by a car.
On my self-guided tour I went to Spitalfields market and bought a lovely scarf (the last one this trip, I promise!), then walked around town and saw the Bell Foundry that the Liberty bell and bells for Big Ben were forged in, Hoop and Bells which is the oldest pub in London, London Royal Hospital, and Ten Bells Pub where Jack's victims all frequented.
I also tried a hot cross bun and was not impressed. The flatjacks my second-cousin Cynthia (Katherine's mom) made however? Delicious. Now she is making chicken curry and I am going to be open-minded.
Tomorrow I am taking the train to the Isle of Wight and then coming back to London to do the "cultural walk." Saturday is Bath and Bristol with Chris, maybe. Sunday is Camden, Theatre Walk including a celebration at the Globe for Shakespeare's birthday, and probably another walk. Monday is two more walks and then Tuesday I am off to Dublin. Looks like I am going to fly from Dublin to the Netherlands. Saves time and money, but I do hate flying.
My thrid-cousin Katherine showed me the way to the tube (subway) station and then walked me over to Abby Road where the Beatles recorded and took the crosswalk picture. Of course I took one, but it's more me running so I won't get hit by a car.
On my self-guided tour I went to Spitalfields market and bought a lovely scarf (the last one this trip, I promise!), then walked around town and saw the Bell Foundry that the Liberty bell and bells for Big Ben were forged in, Hoop and Bells which is the oldest pub in London, London Royal Hospital, and Ten Bells Pub where Jack's victims all frequented.
I also tried a hot cross bun and was not impressed. The flatjacks my second-cousin Cynthia (Katherine's mom) made however? Delicious. Now she is making chicken curry and I am going to be open-minded.
Tomorrow I am taking the train to the Isle of Wight and then coming back to London to do the "cultural walk." Saturday is Bath and Bristol with Chris, maybe. Sunday is Camden, Theatre Walk including a celebration at the Globe for Shakespeare's birthday, and probably another walk. Monday is two more walks and then Tuesday I am off to Dublin. Looks like I am going to fly from Dublin to the Netherlands. Saves time and money, but I do hate flying.
Drip-drip-drop Little April Showers
If you catch the quote from my title, you win my everlasting affection. I am currently in London watching the rain plop onto the trees and windows and readying my courage to go out. The rain isn't what scares me, I love succulent, wet rain. No, it is London. Will it live up to the glory everyone places on it? I will soon find out. After lunch.
Yesterday I went to Blackpool with Danielle and her flatmate, Sam. The call of seagulls and brown sugar sand were everything I expected and I loved the tourist-trap markets and gypsy tents. We rode the carousel and went into a mosters of the deep sea exhibit, which I felt like my time and money could have been better spent on the Ferris Wheel, but I am sure that has to do with me being from Destin and therefore jaded by the sealife. But it was a fun time.
I left the girls there to collect my things from Lancaster and then head to London where I took my first taxi at the insistence of my cousin. She greeted me at her door and we got along immediately, we talked nonstop as she fed me, took me to a pub, and then as we seperated into our respective rooms for the night.
I was suprised to find that she worked for the NFL here, where they play one game a year. Apparently British people are into American football.
This morning I woke up, settled into my living quarters (this is the longest I will stay at one place during my trip - I have drawers!), had a bagel and read the paper which talked mainly of Obama and the new law passed in Pakistan and very little of British going-ons, and then tried to plan my trip after London which thoroughly exhausted me. The only real work I did was booking a hostel in Ireland.
But I will not while my time in London away on a computer! So I will have a sandwich and then be off.
Yesterday I went to Blackpool with Danielle and her flatmate, Sam. The call of seagulls and brown sugar sand were everything I expected and I loved the tourist-trap markets and gypsy tents. We rode the carousel and went into a mosters of the deep sea exhibit, which I felt like my time and money could have been better spent on the Ferris Wheel, but I am sure that has to do with me being from Destin and therefore jaded by the sealife. But it was a fun time.
I left the girls there to collect my things from Lancaster and then head to London where I took my first taxi at the insistence of my cousin. She greeted me at her door and we got along immediately, we talked nonstop as she fed me, took me to a pub, and then as we seperated into our respective rooms for the night.
I was suprised to find that she worked for the NFL here, where they play one game a year. Apparently British people are into American football.
This morning I woke up, settled into my living quarters (this is the longest I will stay at one place during my trip - I have drawers!), had a bagel and read the paper which talked mainly of Obama and the new law passed in Pakistan and very little of British going-ons, and then tried to plan my trip after London which thoroughly exhausted me. The only real work I did was booking a hostel in Ireland.
But I will not while my time in London away on a computer! So I will have a sandwich and then be off.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Due to the bad economy, Penny Lane is now known as Tupence Lane
Nottingham was a cool, artsy town. I found Nottingham castle and statues of Robin and the Merry Men (pictures to be posted soon) and there were great B&Bs for super cheap. I want to spend a weekend there in the future.
So to recap, I plan to come back to the UK and:
Spend two weeks in a small Scottish cottage in the highlands
Spend a weekend in Edinburgh
Live in York for three months
and stay in a B&B in Nottingham for a weekend.
After Nottingham I went to Birmingham which is a cute little shopping town, but everything was closed so I went straight to the hostel and started reading Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe which deals with the characters of Nottingham. It was so cool to read about places I had just visited and the people I had been thinking on.
On the train to Birmingham I was feeling anti-social and just listening to music but a guy sat across from me and he started pulling interesting things out of his bag and he looked so emo-chic that I ahd to strike up conversation. His name was Adam, he's 19 and in university and may hang with me in London. I can't help but be a social butterfly.
In the hostel in Birmingham I stayed in a mixed room for the first time and my bunkmate was a guy named Chris who lived right out of the city but was watching a show and couldn't get a train back home so late on Easter. He took pity on my diet of sunflower seeds and bread and tossed me some chocolate. There were also a couple Swedish girls, a guy from France, and another American, Eliza from Indiana. On top of Eliza was an Irish guy who came in during the middle of the night, began snoring like a beast and then slept most of the morning. When he did wake up, Eliza and I discovered that he slept only in shiny bikini underwear and was not afraid to show it. I'm thinking Ireland will be an adventure.
I took the train to Lancaster, met my friend Danielle and she made me real food (Yay!) and I called my family because she has this thing called Magic jack which lets her have a Florida landline here. It really is magic. Free calls to the US, ftw!
Today I woke up, had a real breakfast (Bacon!!!) and set off for Liverpool where I listened to 96 Beatle songs on my iPod, found Penny Lane and saw some crappy stunt cycling. I didn't realize that Liverpool was such a big city. The first big city I've really been in on this trip. It's nothing compared to London, I am sure, but was a bit of a jolt. Very cool place, great for a day trip but I wouldn't do more.
Then I came back to Lancaster where Danielle and friends had made shepard's pie and we feasted and made merry. Hoorah!
Tomorrow is the Coney Island of England - Blackpool! And then to London. I don't even know what to expect, which is perhaps best.
So to recap, I plan to come back to the UK and:
Spend two weeks in a small Scottish cottage in the highlands
Spend a weekend in Edinburgh
Live in York for three months
and stay in a B&B in Nottingham for a weekend.
After Nottingham I went to Birmingham which is a cute little shopping town, but everything was closed so I went straight to the hostel and started reading Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe which deals with the characters of Nottingham. It was so cool to read about places I had just visited and the people I had been thinking on.
On the train to Birmingham I was feeling anti-social and just listening to music but a guy sat across from me and he started pulling interesting things out of his bag and he looked so emo-chic that I ahd to strike up conversation. His name was Adam, he's 19 and in university and may hang with me in London. I can't help but be a social butterfly.
In the hostel in Birmingham I stayed in a mixed room for the first time and my bunkmate was a guy named Chris who lived right out of the city but was watching a show and couldn't get a train back home so late on Easter. He took pity on my diet of sunflower seeds and bread and tossed me some chocolate. There were also a couple Swedish girls, a guy from France, and another American, Eliza from Indiana. On top of Eliza was an Irish guy who came in during the middle of the night, began snoring like a beast and then slept most of the morning. When he did wake up, Eliza and I discovered that he slept only in shiny bikini underwear and was not afraid to show it. I'm thinking Ireland will be an adventure.
I took the train to Lancaster, met my friend Danielle and she made me real food (Yay!) and I called my family because she has this thing called Magic jack which lets her have a Florida landline here. It really is magic. Free calls to the US, ftw!
Today I woke up, had a real breakfast (Bacon!!!) and set off for Liverpool where I listened to 96 Beatle songs on my iPod, found Penny Lane and saw some crappy stunt cycling. I didn't realize that Liverpool was such a big city. The first big city I've really been in on this trip. It's nothing compared to London, I am sure, but was a bit of a jolt. Very cool place, great for a day trip but I wouldn't do more.
Then I came back to Lancaster where Danielle and friends had made shepard's pie and we feasted and made merry. Hoorah!
Tomorrow is the Coney Island of England - Blackpool! And then to London. I don't even know what to expect, which is perhaps best.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Oh, Robin Hood!
I booked a hostel in Birmingham today (all the ones in Manchester are full) but first I am going to swing by Nottingham to hopefully find the band of Merry Men and party it up!
Somethings I won't be able to get used to in Europe:
Having to pay to use the bathroom
Having to pay for water/no water fountains and rare drinkable tap water
Belgium and Germany: Pushing instead of pulling to enter a building and vice versa to get out
UK: Looking right then left for traffic
Germany: Doorknobs don't turn
Somethings I won't be able to live without in the States:
The train
One language
I found a place that has breakfast all day for 1.75£. Wonder if they are open on Easter.
By the by, uploaded pics from Brussels and Scotland. photobucket.com/lizzydoeseurope
Somethings I won't be able to get used to in Europe:
Having to pay to use the bathroom
Having to pay for water/no water fountains and rare drinkable tap water
Belgium and Germany: Pushing instead of pulling to enter a building and vice versa to get out
UK: Looking right then left for traffic
Germany: Doorknobs don't turn
Somethings I won't be able to live without in the States:
The train
One language
I found a place that has breakfast all day for 1.75£. Wonder if they are open on Easter.
By the by, uploaded pics from Brussels and Scotland. photobucket.com/lizzydoeseurope
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Talk with my mouth full
Today all the hostels in the UK were full because it is Easter weekend, so I decided to set out on the train and try my luck because I was done with Scotland. It was lovely, but I was done.
I decided to wait on Ireland until after London because then I can use my Eurail pass and not spend extra money (Eurail covers Ireland but BritRail doesnt, weird).
I bought a postcard for my Grandad and then boarded the train for Endinbrough. I wish we had stayed in Edinbrough rather than Glasgow, it's so much nicer! I decided Scotland is a place I would like to stay for two weeks in some summer to write, but I would definitely stay in Edinbrough for a couple days in the beginning.
From Edinbrough I caught a train to York and on the ride I started talking to Tara, a terribly interesting Londoner and we have tentative tea plans for when I am in her neighborhood. If she looks me up.
I love New York, I love the York family, so it only seems right that I love old York. (However I don't like York candies, so there is that). It is beautiful! I would love to live there for at least a couple months of my life. I think I will. Unfortunately I walked all the way to the hostel to find out what I already knew (that it was full). Then I found a wall that you can walk on, so I jumped on and ended up walking half the city. Lovely, lovely, lovely.
Finally headed back to the station and caught a train to Derby. Really dreadful place, but it had a cheap hotel. I walked around and ended up in a kind of bad part of town so some homeless guy from Pakistan pointed me in the right direction and told me to leave my imaginary boyfriend for him. Then I stopped in a bar and did kareoke with a group of lovely locals, but a couple of the guys creeped me out so when they asked where I was from, I used my Canadian alias and I felt badly about it later. Oh well.
Tomorrow maybe Nottingham and then Manchester?
When I get to Cynthia's I am booking as many of my future hostels as possible. I love having the freedom to be where I want and when, but I can't afford staying in 50£ hotels because of it.
I decided to wait on Ireland until after London because then I can use my Eurail pass and not spend extra money (Eurail covers Ireland but BritRail doesnt, weird).
I bought a postcard for my Grandad and then boarded the train for Endinbrough. I wish we had stayed in Edinbrough rather than Glasgow, it's so much nicer! I decided Scotland is a place I would like to stay for two weeks in some summer to write, but I would definitely stay in Edinbrough for a couple days in the beginning.
From Edinbrough I caught a train to York and on the ride I started talking to Tara, a terribly interesting Londoner and we have tentative tea plans for when I am in her neighborhood. If she looks me up.
I love New York, I love the York family, so it only seems right that I love old York. (However I don't like York candies, so there is that). It is beautiful! I would love to live there for at least a couple months of my life. I think I will. Unfortunately I walked all the way to the hostel to find out what I already knew (that it was full). Then I found a wall that you can walk on, so I jumped on and ended up walking half the city. Lovely, lovely, lovely.
Finally headed back to the station and caught a train to Derby. Really dreadful place, but it had a cheap hotel. I walked around and ended up in a kind of bad part of town so some homeless guy from Pakistan pointed me in the right direction and told me to leave my imaginary boyfriend for him. Then I stopped in a bar and did kareoke with a group of lovely locals, but a couple of the guys creeped me out so when they asked where I was from, I used my Canadian alias and I felt badly about it later. Oh well.
Tomorrow maybe Nottingham and then Manchester?
When I get to Cynthia's I am booking as many of my future hostels as possible. I love having the freedom to be where I want and when, but I can't afford staying in 50£ hotels because of it.
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