Today, after waking up early and eating breakfast, I walked around Florence. I went to all the markets and even the browsed through the shops along Via Cavour. I bought a ton of gifts for everyone that I still had to get gift for. After doing this wandering around for two or so hours, I went back to my hotel and picked up my luggage. I walked to the train station to catch the #7 bus back up to Fiesole for the last time. Riding the route brought back so many memories of all the times I had ridden it before. I kept thinking that at any moment one of the others or even Bob might hop on.
Unfortunately, that didn't happen but I made it up to Fiesole without any problems. After making the trek up to Villa Bonelli, I walked in and saw Chiara behind the front desk. She took me up to the room I'd be sharing with Betsy and her family. After plugging my laptop in I went and retrieved my suitcase from storage. I proceeded to then remove everything from the broken suitcase and place it on the bed. I then went through and tossed what I was going to toss. After doing that, I separated all my gifts from the rest of my clothes. After placing a layer of dirty laundry on the bottom of my suitcase I proceeded to pack my gifts and whatever else I could fit in the suitcase. After my big suitcase was full, I moved to my smaller suitcase. I only hope that they are not over weight as I have no recourse but to pay whatever fee it will be because I have no room to maneuver.
It was good to see Betsy and Eldon again. I have missed them and am glad we are traveling back together. I met Betsy's mom and brother today as well. They seem like nice people. I showed off all my gifts that I bought. Ooohed over pictures and gifts they bought. When Betsy took her family for a walk, Eldon and I went down to the Coop to get some dinner.
Tomorrow should be an interesting day, trying to move all the luggage we have to our last hotel in Italy. Being the same one as I stayed at last night, I don't think I'll have internet. I'm going to miss it here but I'm definitely ready to go home. My sister and grandma are picking me up at the airport and will be waiting with my cell phone and some chocolate milk. I've miss skim milk the most on the trip. Only two more days before I get to have some and see all the people I've missed. I'm going to be on campus on Friday into Saturday to catch up with all my friends. Call me, don't text as my plan has been removed. Can't wait to see everyone! Ciao!!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
On the way home
Monday morning came about too soon for my liking. Ania and I got up and prepared to leave Warsaw and Poland. We caught a taxi to the airport and there we separated. Ania had to go to the other terminal then the one I was in. I got in line to check-in but found out when I got to the desk that my bag was 3 kilograms or something over. So, I had to get out of the line and rearrange my luggage. I tossed out my towel and a zip-up sweatshirt right there in the airport and then transferred some of my gifts to my backpack. When I got back to the desk, after a long wait in line, I breathed easy when it weighed only the 20 it was supposed to. I walked to my gate and sat down and waited for a couple of hours before my flight boarded.
As my flight time got closer I apparently missed the boarding call. Twenty minutes before my flight was to leave I heard the final boarding call. I didn't hear them make the first call so I was panicked when I finally got on the airplane. My flight to Rome, though, was one of the best flights I have ever taken. Only two hours long, we were given a large sandwich and our choice of drink on the flight. The seats were also very comfortable and not crowded. I was surprised at this because it was such a short flight but it was one to remember.
When we landed in Rome, I hopped the shuttle train back to Roma Termini where I purchased another train ticket to Florence via a Eurostar. An hour and a half later, around 7 pm, I arrived in Florence. After stopping at the McDonalds for dinner, I walked to my hotel and checked-in. Didn't do much else once I got to Florence as I was exausted from all the traveling. I went to bed around midnight after completing a little paperwork.
As my flight time got closer I apparently missed the boarding call. Twenty minutes before my flight was to leave I heard the final boarding call. I didn't hear them make the first call so I was panicked when I finally got on the airplane. My flight to Rome, though, was one of the best flights I have ever taken. Only two hours long, we were given a large sandwich and our choice of drink on the flight. The seats were also very comfortable and not crowded. I was surprised at this because it was such a short flight but it was one to remember.
When we landed in Rome, I hopped the shuttle train back to Roma Termini where I purchased another train ticket to Florence via a Eurostar. An hour and a half later, around 7 pm, I arrived in Florence. After stopping at the McDonalds for dinner, I walked to my hotel and checked-in. Didn't do much else once I got to Florence as I was exausted from all the traveling. I went to bed around midnight after completing a little paperwork.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Last day
My last day to explore Warsaw. Tomorrow Ania flies home and I fly back to Italy. This morning, after preparing for the day, Ania and I walked back to the train station to get directions. She was going to her orphanage and needed to know how to get there. We walked back down the street a little ways to a shopping center where Ania got on a bus headed to Chotomow and her past. When she left, I went and browsed in the stores but didn't see anything I like. So, I wandered around town, heading toward our hostel. I decided to go to the market again and see if there was anything I'd like to get. I found a souvenir shop and bought a few more gifts for people before heading back to the hostel.
Back at the hostel I made an excel spreadsheet of all the things/gifts I have bought in Europe. It's really quite a work of genius, my spreadsheet, because it lists the gift, who it's for, where I purchased it, and how much in cost in euro/zlotty and in USD. I'll be able to use this when I fly home and have to claim my purchases. Once this was done I blogged a little and uploaded some pictures.
Ania came back around 5is and told me all about her time at the orphanage. We then walked to the market together where she bought some more gifts for her family and I browsed through the items available. We then found a restaurant to eat dinner. Neither of us had anything to eat all day besides chocolate so we were very hungry. Ania got chicken in a plum sauce and I got a chuck steak in roast sauce. We both had roasted potatoes for our side dish. My meal was fabulous. The sauce was very tasty and the steak was perfectly cooked. I really enjoyed the meal.
We walked back to the hostel and requested a taxi for tomorrow morning, 9 am. Ania and I will do a little shopping at the airport when we get there and spend the rest of our zlotty. I'm going to miss her, not sharing space with her anymore. She gets to go home and see her family. I have to wait a few more days, spend a little more time in Italy, before I get to see mine. I'm definitely ready to head home, be back home. I'm going to visit campus this Friday as I have things I need to take care of before school is out. But, I have to get some sleep so I'll be ready to fly to Italy and take a train from Rome to Florence. Wish me luck!
Back at the hostel I made an excel spreadsheet of all the things/gifts I have bought in Europe. It's really quite a work of genius, my spreadsheet, because it lists the gift, who it's for, where I purchased it, and how much in cost in euro/zlotty and in USD. I'll be able to use this when I fly home and have to claim my purchases. Once this was done I blogged a little and uploaded some pictures.
Ania came back around 5is and told me all about her time at the orphanage. We then walked to the market together where she bought some more gifts for her family and I browsed through the items available. We then found a restaurant to eat dinner. Neither of us had anything to eat all day besides chocolate so we were very hungry. Ania got chicken in a plum sauce and I got a chuck steak in roast sauce. We both had roasted potatoes for our side dish. My meal was fabulous. The sauce was very tasty and the steak was perfectly cooked. I really enjoyed the meal.
We walked back to the hostel and requested a taxi for tomorrow morning, 9 am. Ania and I will do a little shopping at the airport when we get there and spend the rest of our zlotty. I'm going to miss her, not sharing space with her anymore. She gets to go home and see her family. I have to wait a few more days, spend a little more time in Italy, before I get to see mine. I'm definitely ready to head home, be back home. I'm going to visit campus this Friday as I have things I need to take care of before school is out. But, I have to get some sleep so I'll be ready to fly to Italy and take a train from Rome to Florence. Wish me luck!
Exploring Warsaw
Yesterday, after the horrible night we had, Ania and I slept for a few more hours before going out into the city. We left the hostel around noon and head toward Warsaw's Old Town. This is what we saw along the way.
The Staszic Palace, Neo-Classical design, was badly damaged then burnt down during the Warsaw Uprisimg in 1944. After being rebuilt in 1949 it now the Polish Academy of Sciences. In front of the palace is a monument to Nicholas Copernicus with a depiction of the solar system on the ground. I took a picture of this, it will be posted in my photos albums. Our next stop was the Church of the Holy Cross. A Baroque church, it houses the hearts of Chopin and Reymont in urns inside its pillars. Continuing toward the Old Town, we passed the University of Warsaw with its beautiful gates. We also passed by the Presidential Palace with its security guards at the gates and a park that had photos taken during WWII when Germany was bombing Warsaw on display. Finally entering the castle square, Ania and I took pictures of King Zygmunt's III column. He was the ruler who moved the capital of Poland from Krakow to Warsaw. We also took pictures inside the Royal Castle courtyard.
We decided to head toward the New Town next. We passed by the Church of Our Lady of Grace, a renaissance church, where a wedding was taking place. Matter of fact, there seemed to be multiple wedding occurring yesterday as we passed by a lot of churches and people in bridal attire. Anyway, from there we made it to the Old Town Market Square where the statue of the Warsaw Mermaid is. Images of the half fish and half women statue is used on the crest off Warsaw since the 14th century. Legend goes that there was once two mermaids from the Baltic Sea who swam towards the Danish straits. One ended up outside Copenhagen while the other ended up in the Vistula River near Warsaw. Fisherman, upset that the mermaid was freeing the fish from their nets, fell in love with the enchanting song of the mermaid. But, an evil merchant decided to catch the mermaid, and when he did, he kept her away from water and put her on display. The mermaid's cries were heard by the son of a fisherman and he and a friend freed her. In recognition, the mermaid swore to protect the fisherman from if they were ever in danger. That is why she is armed with a sword and shield.
Anyway, cool story, cool picture taken. We walked by the museum of Madam Curie, a Polish physicist and chemist who was a pioneer in radioactivity. She was the first person to be awarded two Nobel Prizes. We then walked by the Church of St. Kazimierz which acted as a hospital during the Warsaw Uprising. After praying for a while inside the Church of Our Lady Queen of Poland, or the Field-Cathedral of the Polish Army, we walked across the street to the Warsaw Uprising Monument. It was unveiled the day of the the 45th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising on August 1, 1984 and built in memory of the Warsaw Uprising heroes who fell during the 63 day struggle against the occupants of Warsaw.
Ania and I then decided to go to the Museum of the John Paul II collection. On the way we passed by the Krasinski Palace, also known as the Palace of the Republic. Formerly the seat of the administrative authorities, the Treasury and Supreme Court, it now houses the Special Collections of the National Library. Behind the building, there is a garden that we walked through to get to the JPII museum. Ania and I thought that it would be a museum on JPII but it wasn't. It was a museum that housed a collection of European paintings that was dedicated to John Paul II. Either way, it was interesting to see painting by other European artists, not just Italian. There was a room dedicated to portraits, mythological scenes, scenes from the bible, and paintings of Mary and Christ as a child.
When we left the museum, Ania and I headed back to our hostel. We did a little shopping along our route and I got a few more gifts for people. Our feet were tired, our bodies were tired, and me wanted food. We stopped by a small grocery store to get spaghetti sauce and then used the hostel's kitchen to make our dinner. We had an uneventful night, thankfully, but still went to bed late.
The Staszic Palace, Neo-Classical design, was badly damaged then burnt down during the Warsaw Uprisimg in 1944. After being rebuilt in 1949 it now the Polish Academy of Sciences. In front of the palace is a monument to Nicholas Copernicus with a depiction of the solar system on the ground. I took a picture of this, it will be posted in my photos albums. Our next stop was the Church of the Holy Cross. A Baroque church, it houses the hearts of Chopin and Reymont in urns inside its pillars. Continuing toward the Old Town, we passed the University of Warsaw with its beautiful gates. We also passed by the Presidential Palace with its security guards at the gates and a park that had photos taken during WWII when Germany was bombing Warsaw on display. Finally entering the castle square, Ania and I took pictures of King Zygmunt's III column. He was the ruler who moved the capital of Poland from Krakow to Warsaw. We also took pictures inside the Royal Castle courtyard.
We decided to head toward the New Town next. We passed by the Church of Our Lady of Grace, a renaissance church, where a wedding was taking place. Matter of fact, there seemed to be multiple wedding occurring yesterday as we passed by a lot of churches and people in bridal attire. Anyway, from there we made it to the Old Town Market Square where the statue of the Warsaw Mermaid is. Images of the half fish and half women statue is used on the crest off Warsaw since the 14th century. Legend goes that there was once two mermaids from the Baltic Sea who swam towards the Danish straits. One ended up outside Copenhagen while the other ended up in the Vistula River near Warsaw. Fisherman, upset that the mermaid was freeing the fish from their nets, fell in love with the enchanting song of the mermaid. But, an evil merchant decided to catch the mermaid, and when he did, he kept her away from water and put her on display. The mermaid's cries were heard by the son of a fisherman and he and a friend freed her. In recognition, the mermaid swore to protect the fisherman from if they were ever in danger. That is why she is armed with a sword and shield.
Anyway, cool story, cool picture taken. We walked by the museum of Madam Curie, a Polish physicist and chemist who was a pioneer in radioactivity. She was the first person to be awarded two Nobel Prizes. We then walked by the Church of St. Kazimierz which acted as a hospital during the Warsaw Uprising. After praying for a while inside the Church of Our Lady Queen of Poland, or the Field-Cathedral of the Polish Army, we walked across the street to the Warsaw Uprising Monument. It was unveiled the day of the the 45th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising on August 1, 1984 and built in memory of the Warsaw Uprising heroes who fell during the 63 day struggle against the occupants of Warsaw.
Ania and I then decided to go to the Museum of the John Paul II collection. On the way we passed by the Krasinski Palace, also known as the Palace of the Republic. Formerly the seat of the administrative authorities, the Treasury and Supreme Court, it now houses the Special Collections of the National Library. Behind the building, there is a garden that we walked through to get to the JPII museum. Ania and I thought that it would be a museum on JPII but it wasn't. It was a museum that housed a collection of European paintings that was dedicated to John Paul II. Either way, it was interesting to see painting by other European artists, not just Italian. There was a room dedicated to portraits, mythological scenes, scenes from the bible, and paintings of Mary and Christ as a child.
When we left the museum, Ania and I headed back to our hostel. We did a little shopping along our route and I got a few more gifts for people. Our feet were tired, our bodies were tired, and me wanted food. We stopped by a small grocery store to get spaghetti sauce and then used the hostel's kitchen to make our dinner. We had an uneventful night, thankfully, but still went to bed late.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Warsaw--getting there
Yesterday, Ania and I woke up early, around 9 am and prepared to head out of Krakow and travel to Warsaw. After packing the last of our things, cleaning up the kitchen and bathroom, and moving the furniture back where it was, Ania and I left our Krakow apartment. Struggling down the two floors of stairs to the main level with our suitcases was not fun but needed to be done. We walked through the park one last time as we headed toward the train station. Once there, we checked the departure board to see which platform our train would be one before heading to that platform. We had to carry out suitcases up two flights of stair to get to the platform before waiting ten minutes for our train to arrive.
Ania and I had tickets for car 7, seats 54 & 56 on the train. After climbing aboard our car, we made our way to the little cabin area where our seats were. The area was completely full already, I barely could fit my new, larger suitcase up on the rack. Ania had to take her bag and leave it out near the bathroom where there was room. She stood out there the entire time while I sat in our seats with the rest of our luggage. We left Krakow at noon and headed for Warsaw.
It was a long train ride to new my home for the next three days. The passenger car I was travelling in was small, cramped, and full. Baggage was placed on the racks above our heads with little room for any more. I had my backpack on my lap and Ania's on the seat next to me, her seat. With still an hour to go, my knees were protesting the position they had been stuck in for the last two hours and my bottom was going numb. It didn't help to move in the seat to find a better position because there was none to be had. Vacillating between too warm and warm, the temperature in the car was non-conducive for anything but dozing.
Having completed four Sudoku puzzles ranging from easy to tough I had no inclination to start a fifth but I did so anyway to try and pass the time. Giving up halfway through the game I stared out the window at the passing scenery. Plowed and planted fields, farmhouses, roads going here and there dotted the landscape; trees, power lines and the occasional automobile interspersed throughout. It reminded me of the countryside back home, of my family's house set off from the road, trees surrounding it on three sides, farmland surrounding them. It's springtime here, no snow in sight, everything is green and growing. Flowers are colorfully blooming, it is a time of rebirth.
I wrote that last little bit while on the train. When we got into Warsaw, Ania and I struggled off the train with our luggage and started walking towards our hostel. It was a half-hour walk to our hostel. We braved the Warsaw traffic and pedestrian walk-ways armed with our map and written Google directions. When we finally reached our hostel we were ready to just crash. After paying the remainder of our bill, we were given the key to room 10 and headed for it. Upon entering the room, Ania and I dropped everything to the floor, retrieved our laptops from their traveling locations and proceeded to log onto wireless internet for the first time since Villa Bonelli really. In Follonica, Orvieto, and Rome we had to pay for internet, it's included here. We spent a good 2-3 hours checking email, making phone calls, and surfing the net.
Around 7pm we walked to this American Bar style restaurant for dinner. There we ordered some non-Polish food and ate with gusto. The background music, unfortunately, was only Beyonce and her newest songs. When we got there "All My Single Ladies" was playing. We decided it was time to leave when it started playing for the third time. Fortunately for us we were done with our meal. On our way back to the hostel we found a grocery store where we picked up drinks and ice cream for dessert. Later that night I braved the bathroom to take a shower. It was an experience, but I wasn't interrupted thankfully. We stayed up late even though we were tired.
Around 1 am, music started blasting from the main floor of our hostel. Ania and I didn't know what to do, thinking it would stop soon. After dozing until 4 am we had enough. Not only did the music not stop playing, it continued to blast throughout the hostel. Ania went downstairs and confronted the person working the desk downstairs. Turns out, she was having a party with a bunch of her friends, drinking and listening to blasting music. Ania told her to turn it off as we were trying to sleep. This morning we complained to the man at the desk. He said he would talk with the manager and we might get our money back for that first night but we'll see.
Ania and I had tickets for car 7, seats 54 & 56 on the train. After climbing aboard our car, we made our way to the little cabin area where our seats were. The area was completely full already, I barely could fit my new, larger suitcase up on the rack. Ania had to take her bag and leave it out near the bathroom where there was room. She stood out there the entire time while I sat in our seats with the rest of our luggage. We left Krakow at noon and headed for Warsaw.
It was a long train ride to new my home for the next three days. The passenger car I was travelling in was small, cramped, and full. Baggage was placed on the racks above our heads with little room for any more. I had my backpack on my lap and Ania's on the seat next to me, her seat. With still an hour to go, my knees were protesting the position they had been stuck in for the last two hours and my bottom was going numb. It didn't help to move in the seat to find a better position because there was none to be had. Vacillating between too warm and warm, the temperature in the car was non-conducive for anything but dozing.
Having completed four Sudoku puzzles ranging from easy to tough I had no inclination to start a fifth but I did so anyway to try and pass the time. Giving up halfway through the game I stared out the window at the passing scenery. Plowed and planted fields, farmhouses, roads going here and there dotted the landscape; trees, power lines and the occasional automobile interspersed throughout. It reminded me of the countryside back home, of my family's house set off from the road, trees surrounding it on three sides, farmland surrounding them. It's springtime here, no snow in sight, everything is green and growing. Flowers are colorfully blooming, it is a time of rebirth.
I wrote that last little bit while on the train. When we got into Warsaw, Ania and I struggled off the train with our luggage and started walking towards our hostel. It was a half-hour walk to our hostel. We braved the Warsaw traffic and pedestrian walk-ways armed with our map and written Google directions. When we finally reached our hostel we were ready to just crash. After paying the remainder of our bill, we were given the key to room 10 and headed for it. Upon entering the room, Ania and I dropped everything to the floor, retrieved our laptops from their traveling locations and proceeded to log onto wireless internet for the first time since Villa Bonelli really. In Follonica, Orvieto, and Rome we had to pay for internet, it's included here. We spent a good 2-3 hours checking email, making phone calls, and surfing the net.
Around 7pm we walked to this American Bar style restaurant for dinner. There we ordered some non-Polish food and ate with gusto. The background music, unfortunately, was only Beyonce and her newest songs. When we got there "All My Single Ladies" was playing. We decided it was time to leave when it started playing for the third time. Fortunately for us we were done with our meal. On our way back to the hostel we found a grocery store where we picked up drinks and ice cream for dessert. Later that night I braved the bathroom to take a shower. It was an experience, but I wasn't interrupted thankfully. We stayed up late even though we were tired.
Around 1 am, music started blasting from the main floor of our hostel. Ania and I didn't know what to do, thinking it would stop soon. After dozing until 4 am we had enough. Not only did the music not stop playing, it continued to blast throughout the hostel. Ania went downstairs and confronted the person working the desk downstairs. Turns out, she was having a party with a bunch of her friends, drinking and listening to blasting music. Ania told her to turn it off as we were trying to sleep. This morning we complained to the man at the desk. He said he would talk with the manager and we might get our money back for that first night but we'll see.
Friday, April 17, 2009
April 16, 2009
Today, our last full day in Krakow was spent just walking all over the town. Ania and I went to the mall again today because she wanted to pick up a book to read. The selection at the Empiks, these bookstores that had a small selection of English titles, didn’t suit what she wanted to read. So we went to the American Bookstore, that’s the actual name of the store, and found something that suited for Ania. Afterward, we went to the internet café again to just do a quick email check.
Anna had not gotten back to Ania yet so we don’t know what we’re going to do with the keys. We’ll probably just leave them in the apartment or if we see the cleaning lady, just give them to her. But, I wanted to check my email/webtools to see what room Brittany got for me in LaSalle; turns out, according to Brittany, LaSalle filled up 5-10 minutes before my registration time, again. Last year, it filled up before my time and it did so again this year. I’m very pissed off about that fact because now I’m living in Heffron next year in a miniscule room with little to no space. I wanted to be comfortable my senior year and not have to deal with as many issues that I’ve had to deal with concerning rooming problems. I have too much stuff to do next year to have to deal with fire alarms and loud people that is prone to Heffron. I’m stating right now that I will be a huge annoyance to the people in charge if I have to put up with that all year. Brittany did sign me up for the wait list in LaSalle but who knows if that will even pan out.
(Deep breathe in and out. Cleanse the mind of troublesome thoughts.) Okay. Yesterday, while Ania and I were walking around the mall trying to find English books, I ran across the “Quantum of Solace” DVD and had to pick it up. I’ve wanted to see the newest Bond movie ever since it came out. I bought it for 39.99 zlotty in a Saturn store which, incidentally, does not sell cars but is like a Best Buy. Anyway, while the case is all in Polish, the movie can be played in English, Polish, and some other language with six options for subtitles. Ania and I watched it last night after dinner and again tonight. I love the movie. LOVE IT!!!! Seeing Siena and what I believe may be the coast near Cinque Terre just brought back fond memories of my time in Italy. I cannot believe I’m headed back there to leave so soon.
Ania and I leave for Warsaw tomorrow on the 12:00 train. After watching Bond again, we finished up packing. I just have the essentials that I’ll need tomorrow left to pack and then I’m done. We’re supposed to arrive in Warsaw around 3 pm and then it’s a half hour walk to our hostel. There we’re supposed to have free wireless so I’ll be able to upload all my blog entries, do a thorough job of checking my email, and contact my parents, friends, and classmates. Then on Monday, Ania flies home and I fly back to Rome before hitching a train to Florence for my last three nights in Europe. But, before that all happens, I have to get some sleep. Night!
Anna had not gotten back to Ania yet so we don’t know what we’re going to do with the keys. We’ll probably just leave them in the apartment or if we see the cleaning lady, just give them to her. But, I wanted to check my email/webtools to see what room Brittany got for me in LaSalle; turns out, according to Brittany, LaSalle filled up 5-10 minutes before my registration time, again. Last year, it filled up before my time and it did so again this year. I’m very pissed off about that fact because now I’m living in Heffron next year in a miniscule room with little to no space. I wanted to be comfortable my senior year and not have to deal with as many issues that I’ve had to deal with concerning rooming problems. I have too much stuff to do next year to have to deal with fire alarms and loud people that is prone to Heffron. I’m stating right now that I will be a huge annoyance to the people in charge if I have to put up with that all year. Brittany did sign me up for the wait list in LaSalle but who knows if that will even pan out.
(Deep breathe in and out. Cleanse the mind of troublesome thoughts.) Okay. Yesterday, while Ania and I were walking around the mall trying to find English books, I ran across the “Quantum of Solace” DVD and had to pick it up. I’ve wanted to see the newest Bond movie ever since it came out. I bought it for 39.99 zlotty in a Saturn store which, incidentally, does not sell cars but is like a Best Buy. Anyway, while the case is all in Polish, the movie can be played in English, Polish, and some other language with six options for subtitles. Ania and I watched it last night after dinner and again tonight. I love the movie. LOVE IT!!!! Seeing Siena and what I believe may be the coast near Cinque Terre just brought back fond memories of my time in Italy. I cannot believe I’m headed back there to leave so soon.
Ania and I leave for Warsaw tomorrow on the 12:00 train. After watching Bond again, we finished up packing. I just have the essentials that I’ll need tomorrow left to pack and then I’m done. We’re supposed to arrive in Warsaw around 3 pm and then it’s a half hour walk to our hostel. There we’re supposed to have free wireless so I’ll be able to upload all my blog entries, do a thorough job of checking my email, and contact my parents, friends, and classmates. Then on Monday, Ania flies home and I fly back to Rome before hitching a train to Florence for my last three nights in Europe. But, before that all happens, I have to get some sleep. Night!
April 14, 2009
Today we were finally able to go to the grocery store. Ania and I picked up bread, yogurt, noodles, and a few other things the last us until we go to Warsaw on Friday. We were also able to go to the internet café, finally, and check our email. We booked our hostel for Warsaw today as well. We wanted to book the Oki Doki Hostel that is a ten minute walk from the train station. Unfortunately, they didn’t have any private double rooms available for the days we wanted to be there so we looked at a different hostel. The hostel we booked is called Hostel Tamka. It’s a half hour walk from the train station, but it had a private double room for us the three days we’re in Warsaw. Included in the price were linens, towels, breakfast, internet, laundry service, and storage for our luggage. This price, although we have to share a bathroom, was cheaper than that of Oki Doki’s private double. Anyway, we are only paying 210 zlotty or around $65 for the three nights, which was cheaper than any hotel I could find.
Those were the two highlights of our day today. In between grocery shopping and the internet café, we walked around the park for a bit. I also bought myself a purse from this little shop a few doors down from our apartment. It’s a smaller size with a short strap but long enough to stay on its own. It’s this really great spring green color and it was half off. I paid 51 zlotty for it which is around like $11, give or take; a great deal, I thought and Ania really liked it as well.
After dinner, Ania and I walked around town for more than an hour. We walked through the park, down to Wawel Castle and then around the river. We saw a duck fight, swans, and various couples performing public displays of affection on the grass. After walking back to our apartment, via the main market square which was closed down today; there were no little stalls open. Anyway, we walked through the square and got caramel ice cream sundaes which we enjoyed while walking through the park back to our apartment. This was our day today, very mellow and laid back. We were very glad that the grocery store was open and that the internet café was also open. We didn’t want to think about what would have happened had they been closed as well as the market as we were out of meal options and desperately needed provisions.
Those were the two highlights of our day today. In between grocery shopping and the internet café, we walked around the park for a bit. I also bought myself a purse from this little shop a few doors down from our apartment. It’s a smaller size with a short strap but long enough to stay on its own. It’s this really great spring green color and it was half off. I paid 51 zlotty for it which is around like $11, give or take; a great deal, I thought and Ania really liked it as well.
After dinner, Ania and I walked around town for more than an hour. We walked through the park, down to Wawel Castle and then around the river. We saw a duck fight, swans, and various couples performing public displays of affection on the grass. After walking back to our apartment, via the main market square which was closed down today; there were no little stalls open. Anyway, we walked through the square and got caramel ice cream sundaes which we enjoyed while walking through the park back to our apartment. This was our day today, very mellow and laid back. We were very glad that the grocery store was open and that the internet café was also open. We didn’t want to think about what would have happened had they been closed as well as the market as we were out of meal options and desperately needed provisions.
April 13, 2009
Ania and I got up today knowing that we needed to go grocery shopping. But, as we had a list of things we wanted to do, that was our last stop. Our first stop of the day was the train station. There, we purchased our tickets from Krakow to Warsaw. At the first window we went to and asked about a train to Warsaw, we were told to go to another window. After waiting for a few minutes in line, we finally got up to the window. Once there, Ania asked for a local train to Warsaw. The teller behind the window didn’t really understand what we were asking. Fortunately for us, the gentleman who was in the line ahead of us stepped in and translated to the teller what we were looking for. After all was said and done, Ania and I purchased tickets to Warsaw via the express train for 97 zlotty. Because we were under 26, we receive a 25% discount so our tickets only cost 75 zlotty. Both Ania and I laughed after we left the train station because we found it hilarious that the teller had to ask if we were under 26. We found it funny to think we look older, but it could have been that the teller had to ask.
Our next item of business was to walk around the mall. Unfortunately, when we walked to the train station we noticed that the mall was still closed. So, we walked to the grocery store, but it too was closed. It seemed like the town of Krakow closed for Easter weekend and would not be open again until tomorrow. We walked to the internet café and hoped it would be open but it too was also closed. So, after walking around for a little bit, we headed back to our apartment. Once there we did a little cleaning. Ania did the breakfast dishes as I washed the dinner dishes. Then we both went to our separate rooms and started the first stages of packing. Since I bought my new suitcase I wanted to see how I would fit everything in. I put my smaller suitcase inside the big one and was relieved to see that it fit nicely and wasn’t wider than my new suitcase. I then packed what I could and folded everything else up. Afterward, I blogged for a little bit.
Around 5ish, we decided to head back to the train station to use the internet kiosks set up there to contact our families as we both knew that they would be worried. It was more expensive than the café we use but we both needed some internet time. I knew that I would have a “Are you okay?” email from my mom and I was right. After checking my three email accounts and waiting for facebook to load my time ran out. We then walked back to the apartment but stopped by a little restaurant for a little dinner. We decided to call it an early night as we had big plans for the next day and to get our sleeping schedules back on track. Ania tried to get the TV working but was unable to.
Our next item of business was to walk around the mall. Unfortunately, when we walked to the train station we noticed that the mall was still closed. So, we walked to the grocery store, but it too was closed. It seemed like the town of Krakow closed for Easter weekend and would not be open again until tomorrow. We walked to the internet café and hoped it would be open but it too was also closed. So, after walking around for a little bit, we headed back to our apartment. Once there we did a little cleaning. Ania did the breakfast dishes as I washed the dinner dishes. Then we both went to our separate rooms and started the first stages of packing. Since I bought my new suitcase I wanted to see how I would fit everything in. I put my smaller suitcase inside the big one and was relieved to see that it fit nicely and wasn’t wider than my new suitcase. I then packed what I could and folded everything else up. Afterward, I blogged for a little bit.
Around 5ish, we decided to head back to the train station to use the internet kiosks set up there to contact our families as we both knew that they would be worried. It was more expensive than the café we use but we both needed some internet time. I knew that I would have a “Are you okay?” email from my mom and I was right. After checking my three email accounts and waiting for facebook to load my time ran out. We then walked back to the apartment but stopped by a little restaurant for a little dinner. We decided to call it an early night as we had big plans for the next day and to get our sleeping schedules back on track. Ania tried to get the TV working but was unable to.
April 12, 2009
Easter Sunday. My first Easter that I can remember that I am away from my family. We always go to Grandma’s house for Easter, have done for as long as I can remember. First, we would attend Easter Sunday Mass in the morning and then we would travel to Grandma’s house. There, with as many family members as could make it, we would have a large Easter dinner. Usually ham, turkey, venison or pork, pierogi, mashed potatoes, and various other trimmings would be served as the meal. Of course, deviled eggs would be served as well, those that were dyed the day before. For dessert there would always be a lamb cake, almost always poppy seed as it is Grandma’s favorite. But the most important aspect of the whole day would be that we were together as a family, enjoying the bounty of God, and celebrating the joyous occasion.
Grandma always has little baskets hidden around the house for all the cousins and parents. After greeting everyone already at her house, your first order of business was to find your basket. I always find everyone else’s before I find mine. Without fail, I am usually the last in my family to find her basket. I miss all these little traditions our family has surrounding this holiday. It’s been a rare event that has kept me away from my family during holidays. I don’t remember the last holiday, major holiday that I’ve been away from everyone. I think I’ve always been home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter. It’s weird to think of my family, immediate and extended, enjoying the holiday and each other’s company without me present. I’m not being pompous by saying this but I guess I miss that. I’m really missing my family now that I’ve been over here in Europe for so long. I guess distance does make the heart grow fonder.
So, on to what I did on this celebration of Christ’s rising from the dead. Ania and I awoke at 10 to prepare for the day. We walked to St. Mary’s Basilica around noon but when we got there Mass was already in progress so we left with the purpose of coming back for the 1pm Mass. We walked around the main square and ran into a few interesting performers. There was a man playing the xylophone on the corner near the church. He was accompanying the songs playing from the speaker set near him. The music was wonderful to listen to and he showed extreme talent in the songs he was playing. After pausing there and listening to him for a while, Ania and I continued on down the street. The next performers we came across were this older couple playing the accordion and cello. They were playing, when we first heard them, the chicken dance and other typical Polish music, polkas like ‘Roll Out the Barrel.’ It was glorious listening to them play because they took such joy in playing for the crowd in their traditional Polish attire. Ania and I walked around a little more before heading back to the Church. On our way we got distracted by the sound of Sting’s “Fields of Gold.” We walked over to the area where the man playing the song. He was playing an electric violin. We listened to him play two more songs before journeying back to the church for mass.
We entered the church as the previous Mass was just finishing. Ania and I took a seat near the back of the church. It was a different experience, attending a Polish Mass. I didn’t understand the majority of the Mass because I don’t know Polish. I knew when to say Alleluia, Amen, and make the sign of the cross but that was about it. Even Ania was stumped at some points because the Mass was different then the Polish Masses she attends back home. But, the basilica is so pretty inside that I just let the feeling and presence of the church command my attention during the mass.
After Mass, we walked to the other side of the square and bought pierogi and kielbasa for lunch from one of the stalls. We then went and got ice cream (lody) from another stall. We then just walked to the park and walked around through the park. We ended up down by Wewal Castle. Down there we came upon another musical group performing. When we got closer, Ania joked that it was the guys we saw in the market. I joked that it was a bunch of priests singing. Low and behold, it wasn’t priests singing but a bunch of monks. Both of us were slightly shocked because the group was all monks. Nuns were in the crowd dancing and the crowd was singing along. There was a monk playing the drum set, two or three playing various guitars, one on a flute of some sort, and one lead singing. It was the most interesting musical group I have ever seen. We stayed, watched, and listened for a while. It seemed the majority of the songs they played were religious themed but still interesting to listen too.
After we continued on our way we ended up back in the main market square. We walked a circle around the town. We headed back to the apartment to take a break before fixing dinner. We were slightly tired from our walk which took us around most of the center of town. Dinner consisted of the rest of the pasta we had and sauce with the rest of the Bundt cake we bought on Friday. Not much for an Easter dinner but nothing was open on Saturday and nothing would be open on Easter Sunday so we made do. After dinner we watched “The Italian Job” before getting ready for bed.
Grandma always has little baskets hidden around the house for all the cousins and parents. After greeting everyone already at her house, your first order of business was to find your basket. I always find everyone else’s before I find mine. Without fail, I am usually the last in my family to find her basket. I miss all these little traditions our family has surrounding this holiday. It’s been a rare event that has kept me away from my family during holidays. I don’t remember the last holiday, major holiday that I’ve been away from everyone. I think I’ve always been home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter. It’s weird to think of my family, immediate and extended, enjoying the holiday and each other’s company without me present. I’m not being pompous by saying this but I guess I miss that. I’m really missing my family now that I’ve been over here in Europe for so long. I guess distance does make the heart grow fonder.
So, on to what I did on this celebration of Christ’s rising from the dead. Ania and I awoke at 10 to prepare for the day. We walked to St. Mary’s Basilica around noon but when we got there Mass was already in progress so we left with the purpose of coming back for the 1pm Mass. We walked around the main square and ran into a few interesting performers. There was a man playing the xylophone on the corner near the church. He was accompanying the songs playing from the speaker set near him. The music was wonderful to listen to and he showed extreme talent in the songs he was playing. After pausing there and listening to him for a while, Ania and I continued on down the street. The next performers we came across were this older couple playing the accordion and cello. They were playing, when we first heard them, the chicken dance and other typical Polish music, polkas like ‘Roll Out the Barrel.’ It was glorious listening to them play because they took such joy in playing for the crowd in their traditional Polish attire. Ania and I walked around a little more before heading back to the Church. On our way we got distracted by the sound of Sting’s “Fields of Gold.” We walked over to the area where the man playing the song. He was playing an electric violin. We listened to him play two more songs before journeying back to the church for mass.
We entered the church as the previous Mass was just finishing. Ania and I took a seat near the back of the church. It was a different experience, attending a Polish Mass. I didn’t understand the majority of the Mass because I don’t know Polish. I knew when to say Alleluia, Amen, and make the sign of the cross but that was about it. Even Ania was stumped at some points because the Mass was different then the Polish Masses she attends back home. But, the basilica is so pretty inside that I just let the feeling and presence of the church command my attention during the mass.
After Mass, we walked to the other side of the square and bought pierogi and kielbasa for lunch from one of the stalls. We then went and got ice cream (lody) from another stall. We then just walked to the park and walked around through the park. We ended up down by Wewal Castle. Down there we came upon another musical group performing. When we got closer, Ania joked that it was the guys we saw in the market. I joked that it was a bunch of priests singing. Low and behold, it wasn’t priests singing but a bunch of monks. Both of us were slightly shocked because the group was all monks. Nuns were in the crowd dancing and the crowd was singing along. There was a monk playing the drum set, two or three playing various guitars, one on a flute of some sort, and one lead singing. It was the most interesting musical group I have ever seen. We stayed, watched, and listened for a while. It seemed the majority of the songs they played were religious themed but still interesting to listen too.
After we continued on our way we ended up back in the main market square. We walked a circle around the town. We headed back to the apartment to take a break before fixing dinner. We were slightly tired from our walk which took us around most of the center of town. Dinner consisted of the rest of the pasta we had and sauce with the rest of the Bundt cake we bought on Friday. Not much for an Easter dinner but nothing was open on Saturday and nothing would be open on Easter Sunday so we made do. After dinner we watched “The Italian Job” before getting ready for bed.
April 11, 2009
Holy Saturday. Ania and I, after waking up in the afternoon, decided to go shopping for our Easter dinner. We leave the apartment with our grocery bags in hand and walk to the smaller store near our apartment. We found the store closed when we got there but didn’t think anything of it. We decided to walk, then, to the mall and use the grocery store there. When we got to the mall, it too was closed. At this point we were pretty disgusted with ourselves because we now had no way of buying any food for dinner for Easter. So, we just walked around the main market square and went inside the cloth hall that houses more sellers. I bought this set of Polish boxes that I’m going to give away as gifts to people. I also bought another gift in the market for another one of my aunts.
That night, we had already decided on going to a Folk Show at one of the local restaurants. We got there just before 7 and the place was packed. Ania and I found a little table at the back of the restaurant and sat down. She ordered beer and I ordered wine. After having been in Italy and having tasted some really good white and red wines, I can definitely say that the red I was given was not a very good wine, but, this is Poland and not Italy which in known for wines.
The show consisted of a group of five people, three guys and two girls. There was a trumpet player, a violinist, an accordion player, and two dancers. While the players played traditional and local songs, the dancers danced traditional and local dances. After a half hour of this, our food was brought out. Goulash soup was our dinner. While tasty it was not very filling. But, I enjoyed myself so I cannot complain. After dinner was another half hour of songs and dances. The two dancers periodically took the diners as partners and for one of the dances I was chosen. I’m glad I know somewhat how to polka because I was twirled, spun, and pretty much tossed around the very small dance floor with my partner. I had a ton of fun dancing though, even though it was very tiring after a while. When I walked back to Ania, she was laughing and crying at how I was practically tossed around the dance floor. She got pictures of it too which I will post later.
After dinner, we walked around town for a good hour or so before going back to the apartment and crashing again. We decided to go to the Easter Mass around 12 so we set our alarms and went to bed.
That night, we had already decided on going to a Folk Show at one of the local restaurants. We got there just before 7 and the place was packed. Ania and I found a little table at the back of the restaurant and sat down. She ordered beer and I ordered wine. After having been in Italy and having tasted some really good white and red wines, I can definitely say that the red I was given was not a very good wine, but, this is Poland and not Italy which in known for wines.
The show consisted of a group of five people, three guys and two girls. There was a trumpet player, a violinist, an accordion player, and two dancers. While the players played traditional and local songs, the dancers danced traditional and local dances. After a half hour of this, our food was brought out. Goulash soup was our dinner. While tasty it was not very filling. But, I enjoyed myself so I cannot complain. After dinner was another half hour of songs and dances. The two dancers periodically took the diners as partners and for one of the dances I was chosen. I’m glad I know somewhat how to polka because I was twirled, spun, and pretty much tossed around the very small dance floor with my partner. I had a ton of fun dancing though, even though it was very tiring after a while. When I walked back to Ania, she was laughing and crying at how I was practically tossed around the dance floor. She got pictures of it too which I will post later.
After dinner, we walked around town for a good hour or so before going back to the apartment and crashing again. We decided to go to the Easter Mass around 12 so we set our alarms and went to bed.
April 10th, 2009
Friday, Good Friday, the day Jesus died. I should have gone to Mass today but, none of us got up until really late so we didn’t leave the apartment until around 2ish or so. We went to the mall first thing because Nikki wanted to get some pictures printed to we went to find a Kodak Express. At the mall, we hit the ground floor first. We stopped at this luggage store and I picked up a fairly large suitcase to replace Grandma’s that was destroyed when I came over to Italy three months ago. I cannot believe that it has been that long. Three months: in a foreign country on a foreign continent with limited access to my parents and family; three months: in places where I barely know the language, just enough to get me around. It had definitely been an experience that I will never forget.
But I digress. After buying my suitcase, Nikki found some place to print her pictures and then she went to check on the train to the airport. Ania and I went to the grocery store inside the mall to pick up a few things that we would need for the coming days: bread, snack food, drinks, etc. After walking back to the apartment and dropping off the food and my new suitcase, we went to the market square and walked around the stalls. Ania and Nikki bought some pierogi at the market and ate it there. The then went to the internet café to check on a few things while I went back to the apartment and made myself some noodles.
We all tried to go to bed early as Nikki had to be up at 4 to catch the train to the airport at 5. None of us could fall asleep until really late (or really early depending on how you look at it) so we were running on very little sleep when the alarms went off at 4 am. Ania and I walked Nikki to the train station through the quite streets of Krakow and the dark city park. It was kind of creepy walking through the deserted streets in the semidarkness. A funny thing happened on our way back to the apartment though. We had noticed that some of the streets were wet but didn’t think anything of it until we were walking down this one street on our way back when we saw the truck driving down the street toward us. It was washing the street but the water reached all the way to the buildings. It took a second for Ania and I to register the fact that this truck was coming at us and that we were going to get wet. We turned and ran for the doorway behind us and ‘hid’ ourselves inside the doorway until the truck passed by. The driver must have done something to the water because it came no where near us. We were laughing hysterically after this happened all the way to the apartment. Once back at the apartment we zonked out until noonish or so.
But I digress. After buying my suitcase, Nikki found some place to print her pictures and then she went to check on the train to the airport. Ania and I went to the grocery store inside the mall to pick up a few things that we would need for the coming days: bread, snack food, drinks, etc. After walking back to the apartment and dropping off the food and my new suitcase, we went to the market square and walked around the stalls. Ania and Nikki bought some pierogi at the market and ate it there. The then went to the internet café to check on a few things while I went back to the apartment and made myself some noodles.
We all tried to go to bed early as Nikki had to be up at 4 to catch the train to the airport at 5. None of us could fall asleep until really late (or really early depending on how you look at it) so we were running on very little sleep when the alarms went off at 4 am. Ania and I walked Nikki to the train station through the quite streets of Krakow and the dark city park. It was kind of creepy walking through the deserted streets in the semidarkness. A funny thing happened on our way back to the apartment though. We had noticed that some of the streets were wet but didn’t think anything of it until we were walking down this one street on our way back when we saw the truck driving down the street toward us. It was washing the street but the water reached all the way to the buildings. It took a second for Ania and I to register the fact that this truck was coming at us and that we were going to get wet. We turned and ran for the doorway behind us and ‘hid’ ourselves inside the doorway until the truck passed by. The driver must have done something to the water because it came no where near us. We were laughing hysterically after this happened all the way to the apartment. Once back at the apartment we zonked out until noonish or so.
Author/Book Review (April 10, 2009)
Meg Allison’s new book Dream Walk is one intense, action-packed, suspenseful novel. Although it was not my first eBook or even my first book by a Samhain author, it will forever stick out in my mind because of the intensity the novel had throughout the entire story. From the first page until the epilogue, I was hooked by the story. I came across Meg’s work after stumbling upon Samhain Publishing’s Yahoo! Group page. Fortunately for me the very next week was their Reader Appreciation/Read an EBook week. I logged on everyday to check out what was happening, read a multitude of excerpts by Samhain authors, and even won a few contests during the week. One of those contests that I won brought me to select Meg’s book as my prize. I had read her excerpt from Dream Walk the day before and put it on my to-be-bought-list. When I won one of the daily eBook giveaways from the group I chose Dream Walk, and I do not regret it now that I have finally read it.
The story: the heroin is a medium/erotic fiction writer who is losing sleep over nightmares where a demon is trying to make her insane. In walks the hero: a tall, dark and handsome bodyguard sent to protect the heroin from the demon. Both instantly feel the attraction that ignites between them upon their first meeting. The twists and turns throughout the story leave the reader turning the pages, unable to wait to see what happens next. A hot read that I could not put down and had to read in almost one sitting. I cannot wait until the next Sentinels book; Cami and Ian have only whetted my appetite for more. I’ll have to go out and buy more of Meg Allison’s books to keep me happy!
The story: the heroin is a medium/erotic fiction writer who is losing sleep over nightmares where a demon is trying to make her insane. In walks the hero: a tall, dark and handsome bodyguard sent to protect the heroin from the demon. Both instantly feel the attraction that ignites between them upon their first meeting. The twists and turns throughout the story leave the reader turning the pages, unable to wait to see what happens next. A hot read that I could not put down and had to read in almost one sitting. I cannot wait until the next Sentinels book; Cami and Ian have only whetted my appetite for more. I’ll have to go out and buy more of Meg Allison’s books to keep me happy!
April 9, 2009
After sleeping in this morning, we left the apartment after noon and walked around town. We had decided to go to a museum today but didn’t know which one yet. Upon entering the main market square, we saw that the Krakow Museum was now open. Turns out it was only closed because a new exhibit was opening. Ania asked the lady at the ticket office what museums were open in the city and she gave us a pamphlet of all the affiliated museums that explained what each was about. We decided not to see the exhibit in the Krakow Museum as it was of an actress we didn’t know about. Instead, we walked a short distance to the Town Hall Tower and went there instead.
There were three floors in the tower that we visited. It was interesting just walking up the old, medieval style tower stairs. The stone stairs were uneven and slightly hazardous to climb up as well as narrow. The first floor had a small exhibit showing period clothes as well as old pictures of the tower and the square. The next floor had copies of pictures taken from before automobiles were used. The last floor had windows to see the views of the city. It also had, in a glass case, the mechanism we assumed was used to run the clock on the tower.
After safely making our way back down the stairs, we walked around the market stalls. Browsing all the way through the stalls I couldn’t help but wish I had some way to transport home the items I really wanted to buy. But, trying to bring home glassware and expecting it to still be in one piece when it gets through customs. We walked around the market for a while then decided to walk around the edges of the market since we had not done that.
After a couple of hours just walking around and browsing the shops we came back to our apartment to rest a little before going out to eat. For dinner we went to this little outdoor eating place where all the servers are university students trying to earn money for summer trips. Nikki ordered cabbage rolls, Ania ordered tomato and rice soup, and I ordered venison stew in a bread bowl. All of our meals were delicious and we enjoyed them very much.
After dinner, we all went to the internet café and spent an hour on the internet doing various things. I finally booked my flight back to Italy. I decided to go into Rome instead of trying to get to Florence as it was much cheaper, about $200 cheaper, to go into Rome. Nikki told me that the most expensive train ticket from Rome to Florence was 36 euro so I’m saving a lot by flying into Rome. Plus, I know my way around the Rome airport, sort of, so I’ll be okay.
Anyway, after logging off, we walked back to this gelato/ice cream place we saw while walking around the square today. We went inside and sat down. The waitress brought us the menus and we each ordered a different sundae. Mine was this tall kiwi/apple concoction with kiwi, vanilla and strawberry ice cream with whipped cream and kiwi sauce on top. It was the most delicious mix of fruit slices, ice cream and toppings that I’ve ever had. Nikki ordered a similar sundae but with strawberries while Ania had a chocolate-themed sundae. We walked around for a little bit afterward as each of us was stuffed from dessert before heading back to the apartment for the night.
There were three floors in the tower that we visited. It was interesting just walking up the old, medieval style tower stairs. The stone stairs were uneven and slightly hazardous to climb up as well as narrow. The first floor had a small exhibit showing period clothes as well as old pictures of the tower and the square. The next floor had copies of pictures taken from before automobiles were used. The last floor had windows to see the views of the city. It also had, in a glass case, the mechanism we assumed was used to run the clock on the tower.
After safely making our way back down the stairs, we walked around the market stalls. Browsing all the way through the stalls I couldn’t help but wish I had some way to transport home the items I really wanted to buy. But, trying to bring home glassware and expecting it to still be in one piece when it gets through customs. We walked around the market for a while then decided to walk around the edges of the market since we had not done that.
After a couple of hours just walking around and browsing the shops we came back to our apartment to rest a little before going out to eat. For dinner we went to this little outdoor eating place where all the servers are university students trying to earn money for summer trips. Nikki ordered cabbage rolls, Ania ordered tomato and rice soup, and I ordered venison stew in a bread bowl. All of our meals were delicious and we enjoyed them very much.
After dinner, we all went to the internet café and spent an hour on the internet doing various things. I finally booked my flight back to Italy. I decided to go into Rome instead of trying to get to Florence as it was much cheaper, about $200 cheaper, to go into Rome. Nikki told me that the most expensive train ticket from Rome to Florence was 36 euro so I’m saving a lot by flying into Rome. Plus, I know my way around the Rome airport, sort of, so I’ll be okay.
Anyway, after logging off, we walked back to this gelato/ice cream place we saw while walking around the square today. We went inside and sat down. The waitress brought us the menus and we each ordered a different sundae. Mine was this tall kiwi/apple concoction with kiwi, vanilla and strawberry ice cream with whipped cream and kiwi sauce on top. It was the most delicious mix of fruit slices, ice cream and toppings that I’ve ever had. Nikki ordered a similar sundae but with strawberries while Ania had a chocolate-themed sundae. We walked around for a little bit afterward as each of us was stuffed from dessert before heading back to the apartment for the night.
April 8, 2009
After sleeping in until 11 today, we had a lazy afternoon. Ania and Nikki went to walk around town while I stayed behind and cleaned up the apartment a bit. Anna came over around 3:30 and took us to her office so we could pay the rent. She also asked us when to send the cleaning lady over to change the sheets and towels and such. As we had our Salt Mine tour at 4, we told Anna to just send the cleaning lady today.
Very soon after we got back to our apartment, we went back downstairs and met up with Mike, the guy taking us to our tour. We hopped into the van, the same one we took to Auschwitz, and drove about 45 minutes to a small town outside of Krakow where the salt mine is located. After about a 20 minute wait, we entered the salt mine with our English tour guide.
We walked down 54 floors, totaling about 340 steps before entering the first part of the salt mine opened to tourists around 34 meters below the surface. The tour consisted of only 1% of the total mine going down as low as 150 meters below the surface. We walked along the designated path, through caverns and chapels constructed by the miners with only primitive mining tools like the pick ax. There were many sculptures done by the miners in the rock salt found in the mine. The sculptures were magnificent to behold, especially knowing that no professional artist did the sculpting, only amateur miners.
The first chapel we visited was the chapel dedicated to St. Anthony, patron saint of lost things. Miners were said to have prayed to St. Anthony so that they would not be lost in the mine. After doing down more steps we visited a cavern turned into almost a cathedral. At 101 meters below the surface, the church was made entirely of salt: chandeliers, reliefs on the walls, statues, side chapels, floor, ceiling, walls—all of salt. There were reliefs of Harod and the magi, the slaughter of the innocents, the nativity, and travel to Bethlehem, fleeing into Egypt, the wedding of Cannes, the Last Supper, the crucifixion, and Doubting Thomas. All were beautiful reliefs, especially the one of the Last Supper which had excellent use of perspective but was only 12 centimeters deep. Inside the church, which our guide told us has Mass every Sunday and can be used for weddings; there was a salt monument to John Paul II, who visited the mines as a student twice and bishop once but never as the Pope.
We descended into many more caverns and other interesting sites before taking a lift back up to the surface. I bought a few gifts for people that I hope they will enjoy and even found something for Raquel’s baby shower.
After returning to the apartment we had a simple dinner of noodles and sauce before turning in for the night.
Very soon after we got back to our apartment, we went back downstairs and met up with Mike, the guy taking us to our tour. We hopped into the van, the same one we took to Auschwitz, and drove about 45 minutes to a small town outside of Krakow where the salt mine is located. After about a 20 minute wait, we entered the salt mine with our English tour guide.
We walked down 54 floors, totaling about 340 steps before entering the first part of the salt mine opened to tourists around 34 meters below the surface. The tour consisted of only 1% of the total mine going down as low as 150 meters below the surface. We walked along the designated path, through caverns and chapels constructed by the miners with only primitive mining tools like the pick ax. There were many sculptures done by the miners in the rock salt found in the mine. The sculptures were magnificent to behold, especially knowing that no professional artist did the sculpting, only amateur miners.
The first chapel we visited was the chapel dedicated to St. Anthony, patron saint of lost things. Miners were said to have prayed to St. Anthony so that they would not be lost in the mine. After doing down more steps we visited a cavern turned into almost a cathedral. At 101 meters below the surface, the church was made entirely of salt: chandeliers, reliefs on the walls, statues, side chapels, floor, ceiling, walls—all of salt. There were reliefs of Harod and the magi, the slaughter of the innocents, the nativity, and travel to Bethlehem, fleeing into Egypt, the wedding of Cannes, the Last Supper, the crucifixion, and Doubting Thomas. All were beautiful reliefs, especially the one of the Last Supper which had excellent use of perspective but was only 12 centimeters deep. Inside the church, which our guide told us has Mass every Sunday and can be used for weddings; there was a salt monument to John Paul II, who visited the mines as a student twice and bishop once but never as the Pope.
We descended into many more caverns and other interesting sites before taking a lift back up to the surface. I bought a few gifts for people that I hope they will enjoy and even found something for Raquel’s baby shower.
After returning to the apartment we had a simple dinner of noodles and sauce before turning in for the night.
April 7, 2009
We went to the mall in Krakow yesterday. We looked around before Ania and I left to walk around the town. We were going to go to the Krakow Museum, which is located in the main market square, but when we got there, we found that the Museum was closed due to construction. With that info under our belts, we decided to just walk around the market. We walked and browsed through every stall and made purchases for gifts for our family. I bought something for mom and Aunt Bridget, while Ania bought something for her mom and sister.
After looking at all the market stalls, we decided to go to the Florian gate. We looked all over for it before asking the people at information. Turns out, we walk by the gate every day when we go to the market for groceries. Very anti-climatic for all of us involved. But, Ania and I took pictures at the barbican, this little castle-looking building, and then the gate.
Afterwards, we went to the market and bought beef jerkey-like sticks of Polish meat and sat in the park for a little bit. When we got back to the apartment it was to find Nikki not there yet, and as she had the key, we decided to go do some shopping for supper in hopes she would be back by the time we were done. Ania and I picked up some eggs, butter, bread, and other things needed for a couple more days in our apartment. When we got back, we met up with Nikki and started dinner.
While the water was bubbling and the vegetables sautéing, we realized we forgot to pick up toilet paper. Nikki went out to get some and some more juice for dinner. By the time she got back, dinner was just about ready to eat. We ate really early and had the dishes done by like 6:30ish or so. The three of us then sat down, or rather lay down, and watched “Sex in the City.” After the movie, which got over by 9:30, I showered and we all went to bed.
After looking at all the market stalls, we decided to go to the Florian gate. We looked all over for it before asking the people at information. Turns out, we walk by the gate every day when we go to the market for groceries. Very anti-climatic for all of us involved. But, Ania and I took pictures at the barbican, this little castle-looking building, and then the gate.
Afterwards, we went to the market and bought beef jerkey-like sticks of Polish meat and sat in the park for a little bit. When we got back to the apartment it was to find Nikki not there yet, and as she had the key, we decided to go do some shopping for supper in hopes she would be back by the time we were done. Ania and I picked up some eggs, butter, bread, and other things needed for a couple more days in our apartment. When we got back, we met up with Nikki and started dinner.
While the water was bubbling and the vegetables sautéing, we realized we forgot to pick up toilet paper. Nikki went out to get some and some more juice for dinner. By the time she got back, dinner was just about ready to eat. We ate really early and had the dishes done by like 6:30ish or so. The three of us then sat down, or rather lay down, and watched “Sex in the City.” After the movie, which got over by 9:30, I showered and we all went to bed.
April 6, 2009
Today we visited Auschwitz. The representative of the company through which we booked the tour picked us up around 9 along with four other people. It took a little over an hour to get to Auschwitz. Once there, we watched a film about the concentration camp before entering Auschwitz. It was a different type of experience, walking through the once Polish army barracks turned Nazi concentration camp. We spent about two hours in the first camp, looking at various exhibitions set up in the old barracks. One exhibition housed all the items taken from the prisoners when they entered the camp. There was a room just filled with shoes; another with toothbrushes, hairbrushes, shaving brushes, and shoe brushes. Another room had all the women’s hair that was taken during the war. The hair was sent to German textile factories and was to be used as stiffening in fabric. We then visited the Death Block, number 11, where the nearby Death Wall is situated outside in the courtyard area. The whole overall experience was one that I will never forget.
After a 15 minute break, we drove to the nearby Birkenau camp, the second of the Auschwitz camps, the death camp. This is the camp with the infamous wall with the train tracks running through the gate. We only spent about an hour here but it was enough. We visited the ruins of gas chambers and crematoriums, more barracks that housed the prisoners, and the barracks that had the toilets and wash-basins that were too few for the number of prisoners in the camp. It was awful to see all of this; awful to think that people were evil enough to think of such an organized way to destroy millions of lives. I’m glad we went to visit the camp, it brought home the momentous damaged caused by one crazy, evil man.
After returning back to Krakow, we found a place to eat out for dinner. We had some great food, potato soup and pierogi. After dinner we returned to our apartments and went to bed after staying up late and talking.
After a 15 minute break, we drove to the nearby Birkenau camp, the second of the Auschwitz camps, the death camp. This is the camp with the infamous wall with the train tracks running through the gate. We only spent about an hour here but it was enough. We visited the ruins of gas chambers and crematoriums, more barracks that housed the prisoners, and the barracks that had the toilets and wash-basins that were too few for the number of prisoners in the camp. It was awful to see all of this; awful to think that people were evil enough to think of such an organized way to destroy millions of lives. I’m glad we went to visit the camp, it brought home the momentous damaged caused by one crazy, evil man.
After returning back to Krakow, we found a place to eat out for dinner. We had some great food, potato soup and pierogi. After dinner we returned to our apartments and went to bed after staying up late and talking.
April 5, 2009
We went and visited Wawel Castle today. We bought tickets to view the private apartments of the castle and also to see the Cathedral. Our tour for the private apartments wasn’t until 3:20 so we toured the Cathedral first. We all got audio guides and listened to our virtual guide as we walked about the Cathedral. It was a very interesting and engaging experience. I forgot my camera so I’ll have to get pictures from Ania later.
When we toured the private apartments, our group had many different people in it. It was an English tour but we had people from Sweden and Spain among the group members. The tour only took about 40 minutes but was very fascinating. Most of the paintings and artwork were extraordinary to look at as well as much of the Polish furniture. I really enjoyed the tour and would go back to the castle to visit other exhibitions that we didn’t see.
That night, we had pasta again but this time with chicken, peppers, and other vegetables. It was an experience trying to cook everything on this tiny stove with these tiny pots and pans. We called it another early night as we had our tour of Auschwitz in the morning.
When we toured the private apartments, our group had many different people in it. It was an English tour but we had people from Sweden and Spain among the group members. The tour only took about 40 minutes but was very fascinating. Most of the paintings and artwork were extraordinary to look at as well as much of the Polish furniture. I really enjoyed the tour and would go back to the castle to visit other exhibitions that we didn’t see.
That night, we had pasta again but this time with chicken, peppers, and other vegetables. It was an experience trying to cook everything on this tiny stove with these tiny pots and pans. We called it another early night as we had our tour of Auschwitz in the morning.
April 4, 2009
From the station, we found our way to our apartment after asking help a few times. Anna was waiting for us there and let us into our second floor apartment. We got a bigger apartment then they originally told us because they figured we were going to be here for 2 weeks, at least Ania and I will, so they wanted to give a kitchen so we could cook.
The apartment has 4 rooms plus the entry way: a bathroom, kitchen, and then 2 bedrooms; there are actually 8 twin sized beds in the apartment. After letting Anna out and choosing who would sleep where, we all crashed until the afternoon.
When we finally woke up later that afternoon, we walked around town a bit. We went to an info place to get a map and ask a few questions. After withdrawing money from the ATM, we walked around the main square area Rynek Głowny. Here we got some lunch, steak and kielbasa along with Polish beer. We then located a grocery store to purchase items to make for dinner.
Dinner that night was pasta with a red sauce. We also purchased some bread, yogurt, and other items needed for us to survive. We watched the movie “Mona Lisa Smile” after dinner and then went to bed.
The apartment has 4 rooms plus the entry way: a bathroom, kitchen, and then 2 bedrooms; there are actually 8 twin sized beds in the apartment. After letting Anna out and choosing who would sleep where, we all crashed until the afternoon.
When we finally woke up later that afternoon, we walked around town a bit. We went to an info place to get a map and ask a few questions. After withdrawing money from the ATM, we walked around the main square area Rynek Głowny. Here we got some lunch, steak and kielbasa along with Polish beer. We then located a grocery store to purchase items to make for dinner.
Dinner that night was pasta with a red sauce. We also purchased some bread, yogurt, and other items needed for us to survive. We watched the movie “Mona Lisa Smile” after dinner and then went to bed.
April 3, 2009
Leaving day. Today, everyone except Courtney and Adam who are staying in Rome until the 5th packed up and headed out. Allyson, her dad Mike, Ania, Nikki and I all headed toward Roma Termini together. We walked to the metro and then together to the station. It was hard saying goodbye to Allyson after so long of a time being together. I hope their trip was safe and okay. Nikki, Ania and I bought our train tickets to the airport and then waited. Ania and I saw Bob at the train station which was funny-weird in the sense that Bob seemed to always be just around the corner this entire trip.
After reaching the airport, the three of us waited in the check-in line for like 2 hours. They didn’t start checking in people for our 3:05 flight until 1:30. We thought we were going to miss the flight, but we got checked in and through security with a lot of time to spare. The flight was about 30 minutes late taking off but only took 1.5 hours so we landed on time at 5:05 in Prague. When we gathered our luggage and left the airport we took a shuttle to the main train station in Prague.
Driving through the streets of Prague was like taking a step back in time. It was amazing to see the old buildings and just look. I hope I can make it back there but it probably won’t be on this trip. When we arrived at the train station we purchased our tickets for the overnight train to Krakow and then had to wait 2 hours before we could board. Hanging around the train station was weird and a little creepy so I was happy when they finally announced which platform our train was on.
The three of us girls boarded the train with our luggage and found a section of the train for ourselves. After the train guy validated our tickets, we shut the lights off and prepared for a long night. Surprisingly, it wasn’t too difficult to fall asleep. We mostly dozed as it was either too hot or cold in the car. Nikki and I slept on the seats while Ania took the floor. It wasn’t the most comfortable arrangement but it worked. Around 3 am, another train guy punched our tickets and we then dozed until 6:30 when we arrived in Krakow.
After reaching the airport, the three of us waited in the check-in line for like 2 hours. They didn’t start checking in people for our 3:05 flight until 1:30. We thought we were going to miss the flight, but we got checked in and through security with a lot of time to spare. The flight was about 30 minutes late taking off but only took 1.5 hours so we landed on time at 5:05 in Prague. When we gathered our luggage and left the airport we took a shuttle to the main train station in Prague.
Driving through the streets of Prague was like taking a step back in time. It was amazing to see the old buildings and just look. I hope I can make it back there but it probably won’t be on this trip. When we arrived at the train station we purchased our tickets for the overnight train to Krakow and then had to wait 2 hours before we could board. Hanging around the train station was weird and a little creepy so I was happy when they finally announced which platform our train was on.
The three of us girls boarded the train with our luggage and found a section of the train for ourselves. After the train guy validated our tickets, we shut the lights off and prepared for a long night. Surprisingly, it wasn’t too difficult to fall asleep. We mostly dozed as it was either too hot or cold in the car. Nikki and I slept on the seats while Ania took the floor. It wasn’t the most comfortable arrangement but it worked. Around 3 am, another train guy punched our tickets and we then dozed until 6:30 when we arrived in Krakow.
April 2, 2009
Today I went to the Colosseo by myself. I know my mom will probably be angry that I went by myself but I enjoyed it. I woke up around 8, went to breakfast, and walked to the metro by 8:30. I took the metro from Otaviano to Termini then switched lines and took went from Termini to Colosseo. There, I got off the metro and walked over to the Colosseo. I hooked up with an English guide and by 10 I was being taken around for a tour.
I really enjoyed the tour of the Colosseo although I don’t think 20 euro was worth it since I was unable to attend the tour of Palatine hill because I needed to be back for the Scavi tour. So, after the Colosseo tour was completed, which was very interesting and fact filled, I walked around Palatine hill myself. I took a ton of pictures, but have since forgotten what some of the pictures are of. I will have to Google search and find what I took pictures of.
Around 11:30ish I hopped back on the metro and retraced my steps back to St. Peter’s Square. I met up with Eldon and then with Nikki and we went on our Scavi tour. For some reason I thought it was a tour of the Catacombs. It wasn’t. It was a tour of the necropolis buried underneath St. Peter’s. We saw the old burial ground that Constantine buried and helped preserve for the future. We saw many familial tombs consisting of various religions including Christianity. We then saw St. Peter’s tomb, which is/was a hole in the ground. That’s all the early Christians were able to afford. Our guide told us of the six layers on top of Peter’s tomb. The early Christians built a monument on top of Peter’s grave, Constantine built a monument on top of the earlier monument, and two medieval rulers did the same, until you come to the present day altar seen in St. Peter’s Basilica. The tour was very interesting and fact filled. I really enjoyed it very much.
That night, we had only 8 people at dinner, including Bob and Allyson’s dad, Mike. It was a low-key, night with most of us calling it early do to leaving in the morning. Courtney, having moved into my room after Betsy left, was my new roommate. I packed my bags and went to bed early.
I really enjoyed the tour of the Colosseo although I don’t think 20 euro was worth it since I was unable to attend the tour of Palatine hill because I needed to be back for the Scavi tour. So, after the Colosseo tour was completed, which was very interesting and fact filled, I walked around Palatine hill myself. I took a ton of pictures, but have since forgotten what some of the pictures are of. I will have to Google search and find what I took pictures of.
Around 11:30ish I hopped back on the metro and retraced my steps back to St. Peter’s Square. I met up with Eldon and then with Nikki and we went on our Scavi tour. For some reason I thought it was a tour of the Catacombs. It wasn’t. It was a tour of the necropolis buried underneath St. Peter’s. We saw the old burial ground that Constantine buried and helped preserve for the future. We saw many familial tombs consisting of various religions including Christianity. We then saw St. Peter’s tomb, which is/was a hole in the ground. That’s all the early Christians were able to afford. Our guide told us of the six layers on top of Peter’s tomb. The early Christians built a monument on top of Peter’s grave, Constantine built a monument on top of the earlier monument, and two medieval rulers did the same, until you come to the present day altar seen in St. Peter’s Basilica. The tour was very interesting and fact filled. I really enjoyed it very much.
That night, we had only 8 people at dinner, including Bob and Allyson’s dad, Mike. It was a low-key, night with most of us calling it early do to leaving in the morning. Courtney, having moved into my room after Betsy left, was my new roommate. I packed my bags and went to bed early.
April 1, 2009
Today we got to see the Pope. There was a Papal audience at 10:30 in St. Peter’s Square. We got really good seats near the center aisle and were very close to the Pope-mobile when it came by. The whole thing took about 1 ½ hours total. First a reading from Mathew was done, in like multiple languages: French, Italian, German, Spanish, Polish, and English. Then the Pope did a little spiel. After his speech, each of the Bishops that read the reading in their respective language announced the various groups that were there today. So, all the big groups were announced and then the Pope would say the summary of his speech is that language. It was pretty cool. Even St. Mary’s was announced and we, of course, cheered. Overall it was an interesting experience.
God must have watching today because he held off the rain until after the whole thing was with and everyone was filing out. So, we all headed back to the hotel to regroup. I was going to go with Allyson and her dad, Mike, to the Colosseo today, but with the rain we decided to go tomorrow. They went, instead, to tour St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museum. I went with the group to the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Eldon and I then split from the group to go to The Fountain of Trevi, and to San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains) church. I rode the metro again, tried to figure out how to take it to the airport, and then Eldon and I walked to the supermarket near the hotel.
The Fountain of Trevi is the most beautiful fountain of Rome and symbolizes the Baroque era. The fountain was completed in 1762 and inaugurated by Pope Clement XIII. The scenic effect is guaranteed by the small space of the surrounding square which serves as a theatre. The center statue represents Neptune and the side statues symbolize the abundance and the health that water has always given to the city of Rome.
The Pantheon, during classical antiquity, was a temple dedicated to all gods of pagan Rome. Marco Vipsanio Agrippa built it between 27 and 25 BC to celebrate his victory against the Persians. The original rectangular shape was modified after two fires when Adriano rebuilt it in a circular shape in AD 125. That is why it then became known as the ‘Rotunda’. In 608 AD it became a Christian church.
The Colosseo is the biggest amphitheatre ever built in the antiquity. It was started in 72 AD by the emperor Vespasiano of the Flavia family, that is why it’s also know as the ‘Amphitheatre Flavium.’ With its 50 meters high and its elegant architecture, it had a capacity of 55,000 spectators. Inside there were held gladiator duels and fantastic naval battles.
Most of the time we were walking around Roma today, it was raining. I’m glad Allyson and I didn’t go to the Colosseo because we would have been miserable as everything to see is not covered. I’m going to head there tomorrow morning before my Scavi tour with Eldon and Nikki. Then, the only other thing I really want to see is Saint Cecilia’s church.
I got a ton of pictures today: of the Pope, the audience, the various sights we saw, etc. I cannot wait to get internet to put them on facebook and my blog. I just hope it is not raining tomorrow and that everyone who’s leaving tomorrow travels safely.
God must have watching today because he held off the rain until after the whole thing was with and everyone was filing out. So, we all headed back to the hotel to regroup. I was going to go with Allyson and her dad, Mike, to the Colosseo today, but with the rain we decided to go tomorrow. They went, instead, to tour St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museum. I went with the group to the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Eldon and I then split from the group to go to The Fountain of Trevi, and to San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains) church. I rode the metro again, tried to figure out how to take it to the airport, and then Eldon and I walked to the supermarket near the hotel.
The Fountain of Trevi is the most beautiful fountain of Rome and symbolizes the Baroque era. The fountain was completed in 1762 and inaugurated by Pope Clement XIII. The scenic effect is guaranteed by the small space of the surrounding square which serves as a theatre. The center statue represents Neptune and the side statues symbolize the abundance and the health that water has always given to the city of Rome.
The Pantheon, during classical antiquity, was a temple dedicated to all gods of pagan Rome. Marco Vipsanio Agrippa built it between 27 and 25 BC to celebrate his victory against the Persians. The original rectangular shape was modified after two fires when Adriano rebuilt it in a circular shape in AD 125. That is why it then became known as the ‘Rotunda’. In 608 AD it became a Christian church.
The Colosseo is the biggest amphitheatre ever built in the antiquity. It was started in 72 AD by the emperor Vespasiano of the Flavia family, that is why it’s also know as the ‘Amphitheatre Flavium.’ With its 50 meters high and its elegant architecture, it had a capacity of 55,000 spectators. Inside there were held gladiator duels and fantastic naval battles.
Most of the time we were walking around Roma today, it was raining. I’m glad Allyson and I didn’t go to the Colosseo because we would have been miserable as everything to see is not covered. I’m going to head there tomorrow morning before my Scavi tour with Eldon and Nikki. Then, the only other thing I really want to see is Saint Cecilia’s church.
I got a ton of pictures today: of the Pope, the audience, the various sights we saw, etc. I cannot wait to get internet to put them on facebook and my blog. I just hope it is not raining tomorrow and that everyone who’s leaving tomorrow travels safely.
March 31, 2009
We left Follonica the same way we arrived, in a flurry of suitcases trying not to be blown away by the wind. Instead of taking the train, we took a coach bus to Orvieto. The trip to Orvieto seemed to take forever; it also seemed like we were traveling back to Florence as I saw many signs say Siena and Firenze. But, as Bob explained to me later, we had to go that way to get onto the autostrade to take us to Orvieto.
Orvieto is a city situated on top of a plateau. When we arrived we had to walk a short way up an incline to our hotel. Our first night, Eldon checked out the churches and came back and told us that about a free concert being preformed. So, we went to the concert that night. It was completely amazing. The music was classical, one composition by Brahms; I can’t remember what the other piece was. But it was soooo good to listen to a concert; it brought back memories of my concerts. I guess that I miss playing in a band but the SMU band doesn’t seem as challenging as I would have wanted.
Anyway, the rest of the weekend was pretty blah because it was raining off and on most of the time. We went to see these underground caves that had some old artifacts from Etruscan/Roman time; it was pretty cool. Jill and I then walked all the way to the end of the plateau where there was a look-out point of sorts. By this time it was raining pretty steadily. We walked around this garden area, took a bunch of pictures, and then walked back to the hotel. I went to Mass on Sunday, in a side chapel in the Duomo. It was in Italian so I didn’t really understand much. I tried to translate but I couldn’t catch all the words. I pretty much just let the feeling run through me and didn’t really hear anything.
Monday, we took the cable car down to the lower part of the town, off the plateau, where we then took a train to Rome. We got off in Rome at the Roma Termini station where the group then split up. Bob gave us the option of taking a taxi, where he would pay half of the fair, or taking the metro. Four took the metro, including me, while the rest took a taxi. It was an interesting experience, taking the metro with my entire luggage, but we finally made it to our hotel after getting off the metro at the nearest spot and then walking past the Vatican and meeting up with Bob, on accident, near the hotel.
The hotel is a renovated nunnery. The rooms look like a freshman dorm and but it’s comfortable and very near the Vatican, just like a ten minute walk or so. Bob walked us around the Vatican after we dropped our luggage off and then we had dinner.
Tuesday, today, Ania and I went to see St. Peter’s Basilica. We first went underneath the basilica and saw some of the pope’s tombs, including that of Pope John Paul II’s tomb. It was very moving experience. There were a lot of teenagers there that didn’t seem to understand the significance of what they were seeing but one has to be committed to their faith in order to feel the deep spiritual aspect of the tour. We then went into the basilica and walked around. We saw Michelangelo’s Pieta along with a lot of other sculptures and paintings. It was an amazing sight to behold.
Afterwards, we went back to the hotel where we met up with Nikki and Bailey. We went with them to the Vatican Museum to see the Sistine Chapel. We got a discount at the ticket office by showing our ISIC cards, 8 euro instead of 14 euro. Anyway, we really wanted to see the Sistine Chapel so we headed that way first. One hour, multiple courtyards, numerous sculpture rooms, tapestries, paintings, and artifacts later, we finally made it to the Sistine Chapel. It was everything you thought it would be including a pain in the neck, literally. You had to crane you neck to see the ceiling and there were people all over the place it was so crowded. But we saw what we came to see and then found our way out of the museum.
Ania and I headed back to the hotel for a little rest. On the way we stopped and got gelato. Back at the hotel, after logging online for a bit, we went our separate ways. I met Allyson’s dad at one point, before dinner, when they headed out to see the city. Dinner was a fun affair as we listened to Mike’s many stories.
Orvieto is a city situated on top of a plateau. When we arrived we had to walk a short way up an incline to our hotel. Our first night, Eldon checked out the churches and came back and told us that about a free concert being preformed. So, we went to the concert that night. It was completely amazing. The music was classical, one composition by Brahms; I can’t remember what the other piece was. But it was soooo good to listen to a concert; it brought back memories of my concerts. I guess that I miss playing in a band but the SMU band doesn’t seem as challenging as I would have wanted.
Anyway, the rest of the weekend was pretty blah because it was raining off and on most of the time. We went to see these underground caves that had some old artifacts from Etruscan/Roman time; it was pretty cool. Jill and I then walked all the way to the end of the plateau where there was a look-out point of sorts. By this time it was raining pretty steadily. We walked around this garden area, took a bunch of pictures, and then walked back to the hotel. I went to Mass on Sunday, in a side chapel in the Duomo. It was in Italian so I didn’t really understand much. I tried to translate but I couldn’t catch all the words. I pretty much just let the feeling run through me and didn’t really hear anything.
Monday, we took the cable car down to the lower part of the town, off the plateau, where we then took a train to Rome. We got off in Rome at the Roma Termini station where the group then split up. Bob gave us the option of taking a taxi, where he would pay half of the fair, or taking the metro. Four took the metro, including me, while the rest took a taxi. It was an interesting experience, taking the metro with my entire luggage, but we finally made it to our hotel after getting off the metro at the nearest spot and then walking past the Vatican and meeting up with Bob, on accident, near the hotel.
The hotel is a renovated nunnery. The rooms look like a freshman dorm and but it’s comfortable and very near the Vatican, just like a ten minute walk or so. Bob walked us around the Vatican after we dropped our luggage off and then we had dinner.
Tuesday, today, Ania and I went to see St. Peter’s Basilica. We first went underneath the basilica and saw some of the pope’s tombs, including that of Pope John Paul II’s tomb. It was very moving experience. There were a lot of teenagers there that didn’t seem to understand the significance of what they were seeing but one has to be committed to their faith in order to feel the deep spiritual aspect of the tour. We then went into the basilica and walked around. We saw Michelangelo’s Pieta along with a lot of other sculptures and paintings. It was an amazing sight to behold.
Afterwards, we went back to the hotel where we met up with Nikki and Bailey. We went with them to the Vatican Museum to see the Sistine Chapel. We got a discount at the ticket office by showing our ISIC cards, 8 euro instead of 14 euro. Anyway, we really wanted to see the Sistine Chapel so we headed that way first. One hour, multiple courtyards, numerous sculpture rooms, tapestries, paintings, and artifacts later, we finally made it to the Sistine Chapel. It was everything you thought it would be including a pain in the neck, literally. You had to crane you neck to see the ceiling and there were people all over the place it was so crowded. But we saw what we came to see and then found our way out of the museum.
Ania and I headed back to the hotel for a little rest. On the way we stopped and got gelato. Back at the hotel, after logging online for a bit, we went our separate ways. I met Allyson’s dad at one point, before dinner, when they headed out to see the city. Dinner was a fun affair as we listened to Mike’s many stories.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Contest from one of my new favorite authors
Grand Prize: $100 GC to Amazon.com
Runner Up: $25 GC to B&N and a box of surprise paperbacks and other goodies (like chocolate, bath goodies, ect). This is going to be a NICE prize!
Runner Up: $25 GC to B&N and a box of surprise paperbacks and other goodies. (same as above)
Plus chances to win books (almost) every day for a month!
Go to http://www.anyabast.com/blog/ for details on how to enter.
Hey Everyone
I'm doing great, just thought I'd stop by and tell everyone. I don't have wireless in my apartment in Krakow so I cannot upload any of my posts that I'm writing in a Word document on my laptop. Give me until we get to Warsaw for those. I really am having a blast in Poland and cannot wait to get home to tell all my stories. I love and miss all of you!!!!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Almost done with the semester
March 27, 2009
Today I took my second to last final here in Italy. It’s been a long road since Monday, coming back from my weekend in the Almalfi Coast. We didn’t arrive back at Villa Bonelli until around midnight. I stayed up until after 1 am, taking a shower and checking my email again. Monday morning we had our last Global Issues class and Bob gave us some information on the cities we would be traveling too. Then, I packed. I packed up everything I possibly could, did a load of laundry, and waited.
We had our last dinner at Etrusca together. Many people said it was the same as our first meal. I’ll have to check back to my blog to make sure but I think they were right. We had spaghetti with the oil and garlic and pepper sauce and then pizza. Everyone was making jokes about our time in Fiesole, things we said the first night there, and so on. It was a happy time, but with the lingering hint of sadness hidden beneath. At the end of dinner, before dessert, Lorenzo stood up and made a toast that all of us agreed to. He toasted Bob, thanking him for everything, and hoping that we weren’t the worst group he had. “Good food, good friends, and great times” I think was what he finished with. It fit the evening.
We returned to Villa Bonelli for our last night as a group, I’m coming back for one night before I leave with Betsy and Eldon. Then the next morning, after eating breakfast, I finished packing up everything else. I took my suitcase down to the storage area, along with everyone else, and we all headed to take the bus to the train station.
On the train to Follonica, I took my first final, Literature. It was a pretty easy final but I had not been feeling good again. I’ve caught my third cold since coming on this trip, my fourth cold since I’ve gotten the flu shot. On the train I had a huge headache and the sniffles. Then, I really had to go the bathroom. When I got up to see where the bathroom was I picked the wrong end of the train. I waited 2 ½ hours, almost just before we got off the train in Follonica, before checking and finding the bathroom on the other end of the car; stupid me, putting myself through the agony, without checking the other end of the car.
Anyway, we had to walk a ways to get to our hotel in Follonica which is right on the beach. The wind that day was horribly strong. It was a chore to walk against it. But, we finally got to our hotel, settled in, and explored. Our rooms face the beach and are better than the ones at Villa Bonelli. We have breakfast and dinner at the hotel. After breakfast, we take whatever final was scheduled for that day. I’ve had to take four finals in a row, one each day. Literature, Art, History, and Global Issues today. It was very stressful because after you took one final, you turned around and started studying for the next with no breaks. UGH!!!! Anyway, they’re done except for language on Sunday.
I’m going to miss it here, even though we’ve only been here a couple of days. I’m still sick, but it’s peaceful here. Falling asleep and waking up to the sea on the beach everyday. The beds are really comfortable too. We leave for Orvieto tomorrow. The bus is picking us up at 11ish or so. We’re only spending like two days in Orvieto before heading off to Rome and the end of our program.
I still need to find a flight back to Florence, and we need to book our train from Prague to Krakow. I’m going to purchase internet tonight and check all that out. But, now I’m going to take a nap, in the sunlight streaming through my balcony window overlooking the sea.
Dinner was great, again. I love eating at the hotel. Bob ordered wine for everyone; I had a little too much. But I had a great spaghetti course and then cooked salmon that tasted heavenly. We leave tomorrow so I bought some internet time. I have to run though because there is soooo much I have to do in this hour and not enough time to do it with.
I love all of you and hopefully Orvieto has free internet! CIAO!!!!!
Today I took my second to last final here in Italy. It’s been a long road since Monday, coming back from my weekend in the Almalfi Coast. We didn’t arrive back at Villa Bonelli until around midnight. I stayed up until after 1 am, taking a shower and checking my email again. Monday morning we had our last Global Issues class and Bob gave us some information on the cities we would be traveling too. Then, I packed. I packed up everything I possibly could, did a load of laundry, and waited.
We had our last dinner at Etrusca together. Many people said it was the same as our first meal. I’ll have to check back to my blog to make sure but I think they were right. We had spaghetti with the oil and garlic and pepper sauce and then pizza. Everyone was making jokes about our time in Fiesole, things we said the first night there, and so on. It was a happy time, but with the lingering hint of sadness hidden beneath. At the end of dinner, before dessert, Lorenzo stood up and made a toast that all of us agreed to. He toasted Bob, thanking him for everything, and hoping that we weren’t the worst group he had. “Good food, good friends, and great times” I think was what he finished with. It fit the evening.
We returned to Villa Bonelli for our last night as a group, I’m coming back for one night before I leave with Betsy and Eldon. Then the next morning, after eating breakfast, I finished packing up everything else. I took my suitcase down to the storage area, along with everyone else, and we all headed to take the bus to the train station.
On the train to Follonica, I took my first final, Literature. It was a pretty easy final but I had not been feeling good again. I’ve caught my third cold since coming on this trip, my fourth cold since I’ve gotten the flu shot. On the train I had a huge headache and the sniffles. Then, I really had to go the bathroom. When I got up to see where the bathroom was I picked the wrong end of the train. I waited 2 ½ hours, almost just before we got off the train in Follonica, before checking and finding the bathroom on the other end of the car; stupid me, putting myself through the agony, without checking the other end of the car.
Anyway, we had to walk a ways to get to our hotel in Follonica which is right on the beach. The wind that day was horribly strong. It was a chore to walk against it. But, we finally got to our hotel, settled in, and explored. Our rooms face the beach and are better than the ones at Villa Bonelli. We have breakfast and dinner at the hotel. After breakfast, we take whatever final was scheduled for that day. I’ve had to take four finals in a row, one each day. Literature, Art, History, and Global Issues today. It was very stressful because after you took one final, you turned around and started studying for the next with no breaks. UGH!!!! Anyway, they’re done except for language on Sunday.
I’m going to miss it here, even though we’ve only been here a couple of days. I’m still sick, but it’s peaceful here. Falling asleep and waking up to the sea on the beach everyday. The beds are really comfortable too. We leave for Orvieto tomorrow. The bus is picking us up at 11ish or so. We’re only spending like two days in Orvieto before heading off to Rome and the end of our program.
I still need to find a flight back to Florence, and we need to book our train from Prague to Krakow. I’m going to purchase internet tonight and check all that out. But, now I’m going to take a nap, in the sunlight streaming through my balcony window overlooking the sea.
Dinner was great, again. I love eating at the hotel. Bob ordered wine for everyone; I had a little too much. But I had a great spaghetti course and then cooked salmon that tasted heavenly. We leave tomorrow so I bought some internet time. I have to run though because there is soooo much I have to do in this hour and not enough time to do it with.
I love all of you and hopefully Orvieto has free internet! CIAO!!!!!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Videos
These are mostly videos of the waves coming in and hopefully the sound as well. Peaceful and serene.
March 22, 2009--Pompeii
Today I got to sleep in, well a little anyway, until 9 am. I packed up my stuff that I brought with me and went down to breakfast with Bailey. After dropping our stuff off at the meeting place, Bailey and I walked into town to find an ATM and pick up some goodies for the ride home. The ATM we were sent to was broken, so no good there, but Bailey got some granola bars.
We got onto the bus and drove to Pompeii around noon. We arrived in Pompeii at 2ish and met up with our guide. He took us around Pompeii, explaining all these different aspects about Pompeii. We saw the gladiator practice arena, the music amphitheater, stores, bakeries, and many homes. We visited the red light district of Pompeii and saw the erotic frescoes as well as the chambers used. We then went to the main forum of Pompeii where I got a great picture of Vesuvius. Mount Vesuvius is only 7 miles away from Pompeii, interesting little fact. We walked by many of the pots found after excavation as well as the plaster replicas of those who got caught in the volcanic gases and died. There is one cast of a dog which has the original bronze chains still on its neck. There is also a cast of a woman that may have been pregnant at the time of her death. Some other places we saw in Pompeii included many mosaics of wealthy families. We also visited two houses of the upper class and a Roman bath.
Some facts about Pompeii: only the first level of the city was preserved. On the first day of the explosion, volcanic ash rained down on the city covering about 9 feet deep. Those that didn't leave the first day, around 4000 or so, died the second day of asphyxiation caused by the volcanic gases. When the lava came, it covered the rest of the town and destroyed the second level of the buildings.
I had a great time touring Pompeii and am glad that I came on the trip to visit it. But, we had to head back to Florence at 5. We stopped around 7:30 to get some dinner before booking it back to Florence. We made it back to the station just after 10:30 so Betsy, Bailey, and I got a little something at McDonald's and waited for the 11:30 bus. We made it back to Villa Bonelli around midnight and were greeted by most of the group. Hugs were exchanged and quick stories were told. I didn't get to sleep until after 1 am.
We got onto the bus and drove to Pompeii around noon. We arrived in Pompeii at 2ish and met up with our guide. He took us around Pompeii, explaining all these different aspects about Pompeii. We saw the gladiator practice arena, the music amphitheater, stores, bakeries, and many homes. We visited the red light district of Pompeii and saw the erotic frescoes as well as the chambers used. We then went to the main forum of Pompeii where I got a great picture of Vesuvius. Mount Vesuvius is only 7 miles away from Pompeii, interesting little fact. We walked by many of the pots found after excavation as well as the plaster replicas of those who got caught in the volcanic gases and died. There is one cast of a dog which has the original bronze chains still on its neck. There is also a cast of a woman that may have been pregnant at the time of her death. Some other places we saw in Pompeii included many mosaics of wealthy families. We also visited two houses of the upper class and a Roman bath.
Some facts about Pompeii: only the first level of the city was preserved. On the first day of the explosion, volcanic ash rained down on the city covering about 9 feet deep. Those that didn't leave the first day, around 4000 or so, died the second day of asphyxiation caused by the volcanic gases. When the lava came, it covered the rest of the town and destroyed the second level of the buildings.
I had a great time touring Pompeii and am glad that I came on the trip to visit it. But, we had to head back to Florence at 5. We stopped around 7:30 to get some dinner before booking it back to Florence. We made it back to the station just after 10:30 so Betsy, Bailey, and I got a little something at McDonald's and waited for the 11:30 bus. We made it back to Villa Bonelli around midnight and were greeted by most of the group. Hugs were exchanged and quick stories were told. I didn't get to sleep until after 1 am.
March 21, 2009--Capri
Today, we woke up super early and met at the reception desk at 7:45. We then took the bus down to the marina to take a ferry over to Capri. We waited at the marina for about an hour because our ferry didn't leave until 9:15 am. It was very cold and windy and the waves were very choppy. Riding the ferry was very cool, it was like a really big bus/train with rows of seats for people to sit on. Not exactly what I'd pictured, but then I'd never ridden a ferry before.
When we got to Capri we were told that going to the Blue Grotto was definitely out as the waves were too choppy. Taken from Wikipedia: The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) is a noted sea cave on the coast of the island of Capri, Italy. Sunlight, passing through an underwater cavity and shining through the seawater, creates a blue reflection that illuminates the cavern.
Instead, half the group took a bus up to Capri Town while the other half walked up. I walked up and was definitely feeling yesterday's walk in my calves. I could feel my tendons stretching as we walked up stairs and inclines to get to the town. The walk up took about 15-20 minutes and we met the group that took the bus up on the top. After numerous pictures were taken, we started walking through the town. We walked past what is known as the living room of Capri, one of the main squares where people can people-watch.
We then walked to Augustus' Garden. This garden is very beautiful and has many gorgeous views of the water as it's set up sooo high. After the garden, we walked down this very winding path to get to the beach (check out my photos to see the path.) At the beach, it was warmer as we were on the other side of the island. Many people, Betsy and Bailey included, went for a dip in the sea. I chilled out, enjoyed the view, and did a little Sudoku. The group went off to have lunch while Betsy and I stayed at the beach and ate what we brought with us. We joined up with the group eating lunch when it got a little chilly on the beach.
After lunch, the three of us girls and Allyson, our tour guide, walked back up the winding path to the town. We bought some gelato and did a little tourists shopping. I bought some bottles of Lemoncello to bring back home for the family to taste. The four of us then walked back down to the marina where Betsy and Bailey bought sweatshirts at one of the shops. I bought a dishtowel with a map of Italy on it showing all the various types of pasta in Italy. I'm sure Aunt Jen will get a kick out of it.
After taking the ferry back to Sorrento and the bus back to our hostel, there was a mad dash for the showers in the girls bathroom. Dinner that night was provided by the hostel. It was a Mexican barbecue with chicken or beef tacos. I good meal and, with the cover band playing, decent entertainment. I called it, or tried to, early to prepare for Sunday. I ended up staying up until midnight like I normally do then falling asleep.
When we got to Capri we were told that going to the Blue Grotto was definitely out as the waves were too choppy. Taken from Wikipedia: The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) is a noted sea cave on the coast of the island of Capri, Italy. Sunlight, passing through an underwater cavity and shining through the seawater, creates a blue reflection that illuminates the cavern.
Instead, half the group took a bus up to Capri Town while the other half walked up. I walked up and was definitely feeling yesterday's walk in my calves. I could feel my tendons stretching as we walked up stairs and inclines to get to the town. The walk up took about 15-20 minutes and we met the group that took the bus up on the top. After numerous pictures were taken, we started walking through the town. We walked past what is known as the living room of Capri, one of the main squares where people can people-watch.
We then walked to Augustus' Garden. This garden is very beautiful and has many gorgeous views of the water as it's set up sooo high. After the garden, we walked down this very winding path to get to the beach (check out my photos to see the path.) At the beach, it was warmer as we were on the other side of the island. Many people, Betsy and Bailey included, went for a dip in the sea. I chilled out, enjoyed the view, and did a little Sudoku. The group went off to have lunch while Betsy and I stayed at the beach and ate what we brought with us. We joined up with the group eating lunch when it got a little chilly on the beach.
After lunch, the three of us girls and Allyson, our tour guide, walked back up the winding path to the town. We bought some gelato and did a little tourists shopping. I bought some bottles of Lemoncello to bring back home for the family to taste. The four of us then walked back down to the marina where Betsy and Bailey bought sweatshirts at one of the shops. I bought a dishtowel with a map of Italy on it showing all the various types of pasta in Italy. I'm sure Aunt Jen will get a kick out of it.
After taking the ferry back to Sorrento and the bus back to our hostel, there was a mad dash for the showers in the girls bathroom. Dinner that night was provided by the hostel. It was a Mexican barbecue with chicken or beef tacos. I good meal and, with the cover band playing, decent entertainment. I called it, or tried to, early to prepare for Sunday. I ended up staying up until midnight like I normally do then falling asleep.
March 20, 2009
The hostel is really nice; Betsy, Bailey, and I are in a room with 6 other girls. When you think of hostel (shared rooms, shared girls bath, bunk beds, and lockers) that’s what we have. But only, this hostel is nicer than the horror movie style hostels. Everything is really clean and hip. There’s free wireless internet, complimentary breakfast which consisted of croissants, cookies, cereal, tea, coffee, orange juice, and pineapple juice. It was good, if a little sugary.
The group met up together at 10:30 to head to the coast town of Positano. We took our bus to the town along this really curving road. The thing about this road is that it follows the cliff edges to the coast towns. The only thing keeping the vehicle from plummeting to a watery grave is a two foot high, one foot deep concrete wall on the edge of the road. The bus did its accelerate and brake routine all the way to Positano. I was glad to get off the bus when it finally stopped.
We stopped at this look-out point to take pictures and see the whole of Positano. It’s a picturesque town from afar but up close it’s a little dingy. We walked down to the beach, down many many many steps. I would tell you how far I walked around today but my pedometer finally died today. After falling out of my pocket and crashing to the ground multiple times, it finally gave up (at least the battery did). But, we finally got down to the beach.
Bailey and I took tons of pictures at the beach. I even took a video of the waves and the sound of the water. I think we just stared out at the sea which I believe is the Mare Tirreno, or Tyrrhenian Sea, part of the Mediterranean. Anyway, after all the pictures, finding the rocks we wanted, and getting caught unawares by the wave, Bailey and I started to walk around town a little bit. Betsy decided to stay and lie on the beach. Before going to far, Bailey and I met up with one of our tour guides, Remy and these two other guys, Josh and Joe. We decided to find someplace to go eat some lunch together. We ended up walking all over the place before finding this little restaurant up another hill.
Lunch was a really fun affair. We sat down around 1, 1:15ish and didn’t leave until 3:30. But, while we all ordered a first course, two of the guys ordered a second course afterward. We all shared a bottle of a good red wine with our meal as well. Conversation ran the whole gamut. We talked about stereotypes, where we all live, school, and just stuff in general. There were no lags in conversation or any awkward pauses. I had a good time.
When we left the restaurant we decided to walk back to the meeting point. We were to meet at 4:30 by the Bar International up this really big hill. By this point, it had been raining out for an hour or so. We started retracing our steps to get back up the hills to the bar. My umbrella broke halfway through the walk up. The winds buffeting us were brutal. Remy’s umbrella also broke during the walk. Somehow, Bailey’s held up to the fierce winds that slammed into us some times while pushing us at others. When we finally made it to the bar, we were semi-soaked and out of breath.
We found most of the group waiting in the bar already. Drinks were ordered and more conversation was had. Betsy was already there so Bailey and I didn’t have to worry about going and finding her. When 4:30 came around we walked to the bus, getting hit by the rain and wind again and traveled back to our hostel.
I took a shower as soon as we got back to the hostel. Now, most everyone has left to go grab dinner but since lunch was so large for me, I’m just going to snack on granola bars. Tomorrow we have to be up and ready to go by 7:45 as we are taking a ferry over to Capri. I would love to go visit the Blue Grotto but I don’t think it’s going to happen as the sea needs to be very calm or they don’t run the tour. With the weather like it is and it’s expected to be windy but no rain tomorrow so probably a no for the Blue Grotto. Oh, well. I’m sure that I’ll find something to occupy my time tomorrow on the island of Capri.
The group met up together at 10:30 to head to the coast town of Positano. We took our bus to the town along this really curving road. The thing about this road is that it follows the cliff edges to the coast towns. The only thing keeping the vehicle from plummeting to a watery grave is a two foot high, one foot deep concrete wall on the edge of the road. The bus did its accelerate and brake routine all the way to Positano. I was glad to get off the bus when it finally stopped.
We stopped at this look-out point to take pictures and see the whole of Positano. It’s a picturesque town from afar but up close it’s a little dingy. We walked down to the beach, down many many many steps. I would tell you how far I walked around today but my pedometer finally died today. After falling out of my pocket and crashing to the ground multiple times, it finally gave up (at least the battery did). But, we finally got down to the beach.
Bailey and I took tons of pictures at the beach. I even took a video of the waves and the sound of the water. I think we just stared out at the sea which I believe is the Mare Tirreno, or Tyrrhenian Sea, part of the Mediterranean. Anyway, after all the pictures, finding the rocks we wanted, and getting caught unawares by the wave, Bailey and I started to walk around town a little bit. Betsy decided to stay and lie on the beach. Before going to far, Bailey and I met up with one of our tour guides, Remy and these two other guys, Josh and Joe. We decided to find someplace to go eat some lunch together. We ended up walking all over the place before finding this little restaurant up another hill.
Lunch was a really fun affair. We sat down around 1, 1:15ish and didn’t leave until 3:30. But, while we all ordered a first course, two of the guys ordered a second course afterward. We all shared a bottle of a good red wine with our meal as well. Conversation ran the whole gamut. We talked about stereotypes, where we all live, school, and just stuff in general. There were no lags in conversation or any awkward pauses. I had a good time.
When we left the restaurant we decided to walk back to the meeting point. We were to meet at 4:30 by the Bar International up this really big hill. By this point, it had been raining out for an hour or so. We started retracing our steps to get back up the hills to the bar. My umbrella broke halfway through the walk up. The winds buffeting us were brutal. Remy’s umbrella also broke during the walk. Somehow, Bailey’s held up to the fierce winds that slammed into us some times while pushing us at others. When we finally made it to the bar, we were semi-soaked and out of breath.
We found most of the group waiting in the bar already. Drinks were ordered and more conversation was had. Betsy was already there so Bailey and I didn’t have to worry about going and finding her. When 4:30 came around we walked to the bus, getting hit by the rain and wind again and traveled back to our hostel.
I took a shower as soon as we got back to the hostel. Now, most everyone has left to go grab dinner but since lunch was so large for me, I’m just going to snack on granola bars. Tomorrow we have to be up and ready to go by 7:45 as we are taking a ferry over to Capri. I would love to go visit the Blue Grotto but I don’t think it’s going to happen as the sea needs to be very calm or they don’t run the tour. With the weather like it is and it’s expected to be windy but no rain tomorrow so probably a no for the Blue Grotto. Oh, well. I’m sure that I’ll find something to occupy my time tomorrow on the island of Capri.
March 19, 2009--Happy Birthday Mom!!!
Today is my mother’s birthday. This is the third birthday that I’ve missed in my immediate family since I’ve been over here in Italy. It’s kind of sad to think about it so I don’t a lot. I’ll have to think of really good gifts to bring home to each of them. I sent mom an email this morning wishing her a happy birthday.
We had our last Art class today, as well. We all met in front of the Pitti Palace at 1pm and bought a ticket that included two museums and two gardens. We first went into this museum that had ancient pieces and the modern interpretations of it. It was interesting to see some of the modern sculptures next to the old roman sculptures. Some of them were very weird while others didn’t look to bad. There were also modern paintings interpreting different sculptures or paintings. Overall, it was a really interesting exhibit.
The next stop in the museum was the precious metals portion. We saw pieces of marble inlay, jewelry, gold-work, and many other trinkets from the Medici family. There were a lot of precious stones in jewelry or crazy sculptures. My favorite room was filled with different types of jewelry. There were diamond and amethyst tiaras, massive earrings and necklaces, bracelets and tons of rings. Whatever stone there is out there, I’m sure it was set in a piece of jewelry in this museum. It was just glorious to see because as you walked into the room, it sparkled.
After the precious metals room, we walked across the inner courtyard of the Pitti Palace and up a good four flights of stairs to get to the Costume Museum. Here they showcased many women’s fashion from the 15 century to modern designs. There were also some 17th/18th century men’s designs as well. I loved the really old women’s clothing in the museum. The dresses were all gorgeous, even the modern ones. There was also a room with shoes and parasols from way back when. None of the guys were really interested in this particular museum but a few girls were, including me.
After looking at the Costume Museum, we went outside into the Boboli Garden. This garden is huge, and I mean HUGE! It was absolutely gorgeous as well. We walked around for a little bit, found this pond/fountain/island maze thing and continued on to the newest part of the garden: an exhibit on Pompeii. They had a replica of an ancient Pompeii courtyard garden set up in the Boboli Garden. This was very interesting to see as well; all the architecture, the water system, and the plants. (I cannot wait until I get to see Pompeii on Sunday.)
We then walked up this huge hill to get to the somewhat top of the Boboli Garden. After walking some more we exited the Boboli Garden and went to the next garden, the Bardini Garden. This one was smaller, quainter, but just as gorgeous and soothing as the Boboli Garden. In each garden, I felt calmer and more relaxed. The beauty of the gardens soothed my frayed nerves from this week. I didn’t want to leave so soon but I needed to get back up to Fiesole to grab my backpack and then head back down to Florence to the station to leave for the Almalfi Coast.
On my mother’s birthday, I experienced my first thunderstorm in Italy. Betsy and I were riding the #7 bus up to Fiesole when it started down-pouring in San Domenico. By the time we get up to Fiesole, it’s coming down in buckets and even hailing a little. Betsy and I run up the hill to Villa Bonelli but had to stop halfway in the doorway of the Coop because the rain was coming down sooo hard. By that point, my jeans were soaked through in the front and my sweatshirt was soaked in the back. I did not have my umbrella on me because it didn’t look like it was going to rain when I went into town earlier. When Betsy and I finally get to Villa Bonelli, our first thought is to get into dry clothes. When we walked into the room, however, it was to find that we left our window open and that we had a growing puddle on the floor. We cleaned up the mess, got into dry clothes/shoes, and headed back out to catch the bus down to the station. By this time Bailey, who is also going with us, caught up to us and headed out with us.
The ride to our hostel was horrible. The bus was completely full so there were no empty seats. The three of us had the back five seats with these two other guys. It was the most uncomfortable ride because there was no room and our seats didn’t recline so I couldn’t fall asleep; added to that was the fact that the bus driver was swerving all over the road and would accelerate then brake. It was also storming quite ferociously outside: thunder, lightening, and torrential rain. This all made for a nauseous ride and I was grateful when we finally got to the Seven Hostel around 2:15 am. We unpacked and all fell into bed, with our alarms set for 9 am.
We had our last Art class today, as well. We all met in front of the Pitti Palace at 1pm and bought a ticket that included two museums and two gardens. We first went into this museum that had ancient pieces and the modern interpretations of it. It was interesting to see some of the modern sculptures next to the old roman sculptures. Some of them were very weird while others didn’t look to bad. There were also modern paintings interpreting different sculptures or paintings. Overall, it was a really interesting exhibit.
The next stop in the museum was the precious metals portion. We saw pieces of marble inlay, jewelry, gold-work, and many other trinkets from the Medici family. There were a lot of precious stones in jewelry or crazy sculptures. My favorite room was filled with different types of jewelry. There were diamond and amethyst tiaras, massive earrings and necklaces, bracelets and tons of rings. Whatever stone there is out there, I’m sure it was set in a piece of jewelry in this museum. It was just glorious to see because as you walked into the room, it sparkled.
After the precious metals room, we walked across the inner courtyard of the Pitti Palace and up a good four flights of stairs to get to the Costume Museum. Here they showcased many women’s fashion from the 15 century to modern designs. There were also some 17th/18th century men’s designs as well. I loved the really old women’s clothing in the museum. The dresses were all gorgeous, even the modern ones. There was also a room with shoes and parasols from way back when. None of the guys were really interested in this particular museum but a few girls were, including me.
After looking at the Costume Museum, we went outside into the Boboli Garden. This garden is huge, and I mean HUGE! It was absolutely gorgeous as well. We walked around for a little bit, found this pond/fountain/island maze thing and continued on to the newest part of the garden: an exhibit on Pompeii. They had a replica of an ancient Pompeii courtyard garden set up in the Boboli Garden. This was very interesting to see as well; all the architecture, the water system, and the plants. (I cannot wait until I get to see Pompeii on Sunday.)
We then walked up this huge hill to get to the somewhat top of the Boboli Garden. After walking some more we exited the Boboli Garden and went to the next garden, the Bardini Garden. This one was smaller, quainter, but just as gorgeous and soothing as the Boboli Garden. In each garden, I felt calmer and more relaxed. The beauty of the gardens soothed my frayed nerves from this week. I didn’t want to leave so soon but I needed to get back up to Fiesole to grab my backpack and then head back down to Florence to the station to leave for the Almalfi Coast.
On my mother’s birthday, I experienced my first thunderstorm in Italy. Betsy and I were riding the #7 bus up to Fiesole when it started down-pouring in San Domenico. By the time we get up to Fiesole, it’s coming down in buckets and even hailing a little. Betsy and I run up the hill to Villa Bonelli but had to stop halfway in the doorway of the Coop because the rain was coming down sooo hard. By that point, my jeans were soaked through in the front and my sweatshirt was soaked in the back. I did not have my umbrella on me because it didn’t look like it was going to rain when I went into town earlier. When Betsy and I finally get to Villa Bonelli, our first thought is to get into dry clothes. When we walked into the room, however, it was to find that we left our window open and that we had a growing puddle on the floor. We cleaned up the mess, got into dry clothes/shoes, and headed back out to catch the bus down to the station. By this time Bailey, who is also going with us, caught up to us and headed out with us.
The ride to our hostel was horrible. The bus was completely full so there were no empty seats. The three of us had the back five seats with these two other guys. It was the most uncomfortable ride because there was no room and our seats didn’t recline so I couldn’t fall asleep; added to that was the fact that the bus driver was swerving all over the road and would accelerate then brake. It was also storming quite ferociously outside: thunder, lightening, and torrential rain. This all made for a nauseous ride and I was grateful when we finally got to the Seven Hostel around 2:15 am. We unpacked and all fell into bed, with our alarms set for 9 am.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Wireless is back!!
We got the wireless back at Villa Bonelli right before dinner tonight. It was a crazy, mad dash to grab up laptops once word got out. The first thing I did was go through all three of my email accounts and finally read everything. Dinner interrupted my reunion with my beloved laptop, though. Dinner was good. We had the garlic pasta again but pork for the second course instead of pizza or chicken. It was a good change for once and really enjoyable to eat.
But, to start with the beginning of my day, I had history class. My last history class in Italy with Luciana. After going over what will be on the final, we went to the Roman Ruins in Fiesole. We have been waiting to go there ever since the beginning of the semester but it just opened at the beginning of March. It was only 6 euro to get in and well worth the cost. There is a Roman amphitheater, ruins from a Roman bath, and ruins from an Etruscan and Roman temple. It was all very cool to see the history preserved in this place. I could tell where the rooms in the bath were, where the swimming pools and dressing rooms were. I could tell where the Etruscan Temple was in comparison to the Roman Temple that was built over top it. It was just an amazing experience to behold and I would gladly pay 6 euro to see it again with my camera, which I forgot in my room. After class, Luciana gave each of us her business card in case we are ever back in Fiesole. It felt sad to be saying goodbye because she is such a great teacher.
In language class, we went over the practice test, figured out what sections would be on the actual test, and then watched more of the movie. Chiara gave a burned copy of the movie to Courtney so we would all have the opportunity to watch it. As our last language class, I didn't feel the same as with history. We did our normal "Ciao" after class and walked out of the classroom.
After class, a few of us went downtown to take care of a few things. Betsy, Eldon, and I went to this embroidery stand near the Stazione. We bought an apron and had Lorenzo's name embroidered on it for his birthday. It's sooo cool because it also has 'King of the Grill' embroidered on it as well. The five of us that are traveling this weekend all chipped in to buy it since we will not be here for his birthday on Saturday. The three of us then went to the hotel we're going to be staying at for our last night in Florence and in Italy and booked a room for Eldon that night and a room for me on the 20th. They asked for no credit cards so if I don't make it it's not a big deal.
Afterward, Betsy and I went to the place where we are supposed to be able to get our taxes back on purchases. Unfortunately, you can only get taxes back on purchases over 150 euro and only if you have the special invoice that the store is supposed to give you. So, I don't know if we'll be able to get taxes back on our small purchases or not. We then walked through on of the markets and Betsy bought jerseys for her brothers. Upon arriving at the bus stop near the Duomo, we met up with Lorenzo and his sister and cousin who came over to visit him.
I'm now needing to pack for this weekend, pack to leave Fiesole, and figure out what to do with my schedule. UGH!!!!! Too much to do in sooooo little time. Got to go! Ciao!
But, to start with the beginning of my day, I had history class. My last history class in Italy with Luciana. After going over what will be on the final, we went to the Roman Ruins in Fiesole. We have been waiting to go there ever since the beginning of the semester but it just opened at the beginning of March. It was only 6 euro to get in and well worth the cost. There is a Roman amphitheater, ruins from a Roman bath, and ruins from an Etruscan and Roman temple. It was all very cool to see the history preserved in this place. I could tell where the rooms in the bath were, where the swimming pools and dressing rooms were. I could tell where the Etruscan Temple was in comparison to the Roman Temple that was built over top it. It was just an amazing experience to behold and I would gladly pay 6 euro to see it again with my camera, which I forgot in my room. After class, Luciana gave each of us her business card in case we are ever back in Fiesole. It felt sad to be saying goodbye because she is such a great teacher.
In language class, we went over the practice test, figured out what sections would be on the actual test, and then watched more of the movie. Chiara gave a burned copy of the movie to Courtney so we would all have the opportunity to watch it. As our last language class, I didn't feel the same as with history. We did our normal "Ciao" after class and walked out of the classroom.
After class, a few of us went downtown to take care of a few things. Betsy, Eldon, and I went to this embroidery stand near the Stazione. We bought an apron and had Lorenzo's name embroidered on it for his birthday. It's sooo cool because it also has 'King of the Grill' embroidered on it as well. The five of us that are traveling this weekend all chipped in to buy it since we will not be here for his birthday on Saturday. The three of us then went to the hotel we're going to be staying at for our last night in Florence and in Italy and booked a room for Eldon that night and a room for me on the 20th. They asked for no credit cards so if I don't make it it's not a big deal.
Afterward, Betsy and I went to the place where we are supposed to be able to get our taxes back on purchases. Unfortunately, you can only get taxes back on purchases over 150 euro and only if you have the special invoice that the store is supposed to give you. So, I don't know if we'll be able to get taxes back on our small purchases or not. We then walked through on of the markets and Betsy bought jerseys for her brothers. Upon arriving at the bus stop near the Duomo, we met up with Lorenzo and his sister and cousin who came over to visit him.
I'm now needing to pack for this weekend, pack to leave Fiesole, and figure out what to do with my schedule. UGH!!!!! Too much to do in sooooo little time. Got to go! Ciao!
St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick’s Day. Two days before my mother’s birthday. A Tuesday here in Italy.
I had my literature class this morning. None of us knew what we were going to do for class since she pushed back the final to next week. So when we arrived in class we were surprised with a movie of one of Machiavelli’s works. We get about 30 minutes into the movie before it stops working. Chiara was frustrated with it because she had purchased the movie and it wasn’t working. So instead, we talked about a contemporary of Machiavelli before calling class 40 minutes early. That was our last literature class. I didn't realize that until later that day. It's kind of weird to think about it, that we're that close to being done with our semester abroad.
Those of us in literature went back to Villa Bonelli to wait until Language class at 11. What we found upon returning to class was most of the guys already drinking in lieu of St. Patrick’s Day. Did I mention that most of the group was wearing green? It was weird to see all the various shades of green everyone was wearing. Freaky weird. But, it is a major day in America and the Irish Pubs in Italy go all out for it too.
In Language class we watched part of a movie as well. This time it was on purpose though. We had a little assignment dealing with the beginning of the movie and then we watched the first part of the movie for the rest of class. “A Beautiful Life” is the title of the movie, in English, although we watched it in Italian with English subtitles. Before we left class, Chiara handed out a practice test for us to work on as our Italian final is also next week. The practice test was not so difficult once I focused on it but everything was in Italian and I’m not the greatest at understanding the language yet.
The rest of the afternoon was spent doing laundry for me. With the dryer broken, I had to hang everything up. There were clothes all over the bathroom, the room, the window and the shutters. Any possible place for me to hang something, there was a piece of clothing on it. But my laundry is done now and I will have the pick of my clothes for the Almalfi coast this weekend.
I still haven’t heard from Dr. Minnerath yet but I’m hoping tomorrow I’ll get a response back. My whole schedule is a mess due to the switch in the Honors course. I’m thinking of taking Analytical Chemistry but the lab interferes with my Micro lab. As it is I’m sitting at only 13 credits and I need 15 for my scholarship. I don’t know what Bio Research to sign up for if Minnerath is not teaching next semester. She really needs to get back to me so I can finalize everything. Ugh!!!!
On the brighter side, though, Bob thinks that Wi-Fi maybe up tomorrow. One can only hope at this point, but I’m not holding my breath. It’s off to bed with me now. Ciao!
I had my literature class this morning. None of us knew what we were going to do for class since she pushed back the final to next week. So when we arrived in class we were surprised with a movie of one of Machiavelli’s works. We get about 30 minutes into the movie before it stops working. Chiara was frustrated with it because she had purchased the movie and it wasn’t working. So instead, we talked about a contemporary of Machiavelli before calling class 40 minutes early. That was our last literature class. I didn't realize that until later that day. It's kind of weird to think about it, that we're that close to being done with our semester abroad.
Those of us in literature went back to Villa Bonelli to wait until Language class at 11. What we found upon returning to class was most of the guys already drinking in lieu of St. Patrick’s Day. Did I mention that most of the group was wearing green? It was weird to see all the various shades of green everyone was wearing. Freaky weird. But, it is a major day in America and the Irish Pubs in Italy go all out for it too.
In Language class we watched part of a movie as well. This time it was on purpose though. We had a little assignment dealing with the beginning of the movie and then we watched the first part of the movie for the rest of class. “A Beautiful Life” is the title of the movie, in English, although we watched it in Italian with English subtitles. Before we left class, Chiara handed out a practice test for us to work on as our Italian final is also next week. The practice test was not so difficult once I focused on it but everything was in Italian and I’m not the greatest at understanding the language yet.
The rest of the afternoon was spent doing laundry for me. With the dryer broken, I had to hang everything up. There were clothes all over the bathroom, the room, the window and the shutters. Any possible place for me to hang something, there was a piece of clothing on it. But my laundry is done now and I will have the pick of my clothes for the Almalfi coast this weekend.
I still haven’t heard from Dr. Minnerath yet but I’m hoping tomorrow I’ll get a response back. My whole schedule is a mess due to the switch in the Honors course. I’m thinking of taking Analytical Chemistry but the lab interferes with my Micro lab. As it is I’m sitting at only 13 credits and I need 15 for my scholarship. I don’t know what Bio Research to sign up for if Minnerath is not teaching next semester. She really needs to get back to me so I can finalize everything. Ugh!!!!
On the brighter side, though, Bob thinks that Wi-Fi maybe up tomorrow. One can only hope at this point, but I’m not holding my breath. It’s off to bed with me now. Ciao!
March 16
Another day in Paradise. Today was a gorgeous day out. I sat up on the main landing of Villa Bonelli, out in the sun, for a good 3 hours this afternoon. Courtney, Adam, Eldon, and I played cards while sitting in the sun. We periodically switched seats to change the angle of the sun on each respective person. I know I got a little burnt because at the end I was feeling a little sore. I was out in the sun too long because when we came back inside I got an instant headache. Too much sun with too little water to hydrate me.
In Global Issues today, Bob scared us with a little speech saying that he assumes we read everything thoroughly and that’s how he is going to test us. He also warned us about bringing in guests to the hotel. Some people have been doing that and that is illegal and Bob said the next time it happens, said person will be going home the next day. He was very upset and I was embarrassed sitting in class having to listen to it because the situation never should have gotten to that point.
I wanted to do laundry today but the dryer is out of commission so I’ll have to do laundry tomorrow, not that big of a problem. The wireless internet is down at Villa Bonelli. The router apparently blew and they might get it fixed by this weekend but who knows. This is really a bad time for the internet to be down because class scheduling starts this next week and we are all still trying to plan our after stuff.
Ania and I officially booked our apartment in Krakow. We now just need to find our way from Prague to Krakow and I need to book a flight back to Florence. I also need to book a room for that night because Betsy and her family don’t come back to Florence until the 21st and I’ll be back on the 20th. I’m going to ask Villa Bonelli otherwise I’ll find something in town.
We leave for Rome next Tuesday so I have to start thinking about what I’m going to take with me. I know I’ll have a backpack and a suitcase but I need to decide what clothes and other stuff I’m bringing with me. I also need to figure out how to secure everything I’m leaving here at Villa Bonelli in my broken suitcase.
The rest of the day went pretty well. We had a different type of pasta for dinner, yeah variety!!!! But otherwise, I found out that my Honors course switched days so now my schedule is off. I cannot take radiation biology because that’s when Honors is now. I cannot take Analytical Chemistry because the lab is the same time as my microbiology lab. I cannot take Physical Chemistry because the class runs over into another class of my that I’m taking for the St. T’s Institute. Dr. Minnerath is going on Sabbatical so I don’t know what I’m going to do about research and everything. She hasn’t gotten back to me regarding my emails and now they’re useless because of the Honors change. I don’t know what other courses I should take. I’m going to have to really take the time and figure it out but without internet access on my laptop it will take some maneuvering to figure out. I’m over stressing the situation, I know, but I register on Monday and I’m the type of person who stresses out about something until it’s finalized or over with. It’s just who I am, especially since I’m an ocean away from those I need to talk to and those that I can talk to.
I’m just going to call it a night early. Try and sleep and hope for the best.
In Global Issues today, Bob scared us with a little speech saying that he assumes we read everything thoroughly and that’s how he is going to test us. He also warned us about bringing in guests to the hotel. Some people have been doing that and that is illegal and Bob said the next time it happens, said person will be going home the next day. He was very upset and I was embarrassed sitting in class having to listen to it because the situation never should have gotten to that point.
I wanted to do laundry today but the dryer is out of commission so I’ll have to do laundry tomorrow, not that big of a problem. The wireless internet is down at Villa Bonelli. The router apparently blew and they might get it fixed by this weekend but who knows. This is really a bad time for the internet to be down because class scheduling starts this next week and we are all still trying to plan our after stuff.
Ania and I officially booked our apartment in Krakow. We now just need to find our way from Prague to Krakow and I need to book a flight back to Florence. I also need to book a room for that night because Betsy and her family don’t come back to Florence until the 21st and I’ll be back on the 20th. I’m going to ask Villa Bonelli otherwise I’ll find something in town.
We leave for Rome next Tuesday so I have to start thinking about what I’m going to take with me. I know I’ll have a backpack and a suitcase but I need to decide what clothes and other stuff I’m bringing with me. I also need to figure out how to secure everything I’m leaving here at Villa Bonelli in my broken suitcase.
The rest of the day went pretty well. We had a different type of pasta for dinner, yeah variety!!!! But otherwise, I found out that my Honors course switched days so now my schedule is off. I cannot take radiation biology because that’s when Honors is now. I cannot take Analytical Chemistry because the lab is the same time as my microbiology lab. I cannot take Physical Chemistry because the class runs over into another class of my that I’m taking for the St. T’s Institute. Dr. Minnerath is going on Sabbatical so I don’t know what I’m going to do about research and everything. She hasn’t gotten back to me regarding my emails and now they’re useless because of the Honors change. I don’t know what other courses I should take. I’m going to have to really take the time and figure it out but without internet access on my laptop it will take some maneuvering to figure out. I’m over stressing the situation, I know, but I register on Monday and I’m the type of person who stresses out about something until it’s finalized or over with. It’s just who I am, especially since I’m an ocean away from those I need to talk to and those that I can talk to.
I’m just going to call it a night early. Try and sleep and hope for the best.
March 15
Today actually started at 12:30 am for me. That was when everyone came back from the bars and beach after leaving the guesthouse after dinner. When we finally woke up for good, we all packed up our bags and paid Manuel for our stay. We also told him about the broken plate and glasses and offered to pay but he said it was fine. So we hopped on the train from Monterosso to La Spezia.
In La Spezia we found out that there was no direct connection to Firenze so we bought our tickets and headed to Pisa. From Pisa we got on a train to Firenze not more than five minutes from getting of our first train. After arriving in Firenze we were lucky enough to have the #7 bus waiting for us at the station and rode it all the way up to Fiesole.
When we arrived at Villa Bonelli we found out the internet was down. Not good after most of us hadn’t called home in a while. We all, at least Betsy and I, called it an early night due to exhaustion and lack of internet to amuse us. Another very lazy Sunday.
In La Spezia we found out that there was no direct connection to Firenze so we bought our tickets and headed to Pisa. From Pisa we got on a train to Firenze not more than five minutes from getting of our first train. After arriving in Firenze we were lucky enough to have the #7 bus waiting for us at the station and rode it all the way up to Fiesole.
When we arrived at Villa Bonelli we found out the internet was down. Not good after most of us hadn’t called home in a while. We all, at least Betsy and I, called it an early night due to exhaustion and lack of internet to amuse us. Another very lazy Sunday.
March 14th
Today we hiked Cinque Terre. We bought our ticket at Monterosso, grabbed a map, and hopped on the train to the first of the five cities. Our ticket included our passes onto the trail, bus and train transport to and in the cities, and many other things we weren’t aware of until we got back to Monterosso.
We took the train from Monterosso to Riomaggiore, where we then hiked the Via dell’amore or lover’s lane, the first part of the five hour total hike. Unfortunately for us, that was the only part of the Coastal Paths that was opened. But the path was a gorgeous to walk along and I took many pictures that I will upload as soon as possible. We picked a beautiful day to hike because it was sunny and warm and the views were postcard perfect. We stopped many times along the way to just look and soak up the sun.
When we got to Manorola, the 2nd city, we walked along the coastal path as long as we could before turning back. Before we did that, though, we walked out onto these rocks in this cove area and sat and enjoyed the view and the sun. I have a fair share of pictures, even though my battery threatened death multiple times throughout the day. From the 2nd city we took the train to the 3rd city of Corniglia. Here we climbed 328 steps to the top of the cliff where the city is at. I bought some earrings to match two of my necklaces: one I bought in San Gimignano and the other I got for my birthday, the Lia Sophia one. I also swear I saw Robert Patterson driving in the city but I might have been mistaken. We then walked back down the 328 steps to catch the train to the next city.
We decided against stopping in the 4th city of Vernazza today because it was 5:30 before we got on the train. When we were back in Monterosso, our first order of business was finding the meat we were grilling tonight and the pasta we were cooking. I split from the group to head back to our ‘guesthouse’ as my contacts were killing my eyes. On the way I stopped at this little corner store right before the steps up to our guesthouse. I bought these caring for 1 euro each. One was of two dolphins and the other was a turtle. The turtle’s shell came off so it’s like a little jewelry holder or some other such thing.
We are now grilling and cooking our food outside, preparing for dinner. Whew!!! Dinner was an event. There was no stove so everything was cooked on the grill. Three different types of pastas had to be cooked before Lorenzo even got to the meat. It was a great time, great party, and everyone way enjoying themselves. Unfortunately, one plate and four glasses were broken during the night. Tomorrow, we will fess up to the owner when we pay fro the rooms. But, we cleaned up everything: washed all the dishes, pots and panes, glasses, and silverware we used and didn’t use; we cleaned the tables and all the cooking areas; and we put everything back to where it was when we found it.
I am now sitting in my bed, finishing writing this. I feel the sun I got today on my face and arms. When I wake tomorrow I’m sure I’ll be slightly burnt. I cannot wait to get back to Firenze and Fiesole though. This weekend was a great trip with all of us but…well but. There seems to be always a but on our trips. For this trip, it’s the fact that I don’t like to get drunk. I don’t like to lose control of myself that much. People say they don’t like to lose control of themselves yet still get drunk, but that’s not me. I’ve never been falling on the floor, puking my guts out, cannot remember what I did last night drunk, and I don’t ever want to be. Some people on this trip must don’t understand that about me. I feel like I need to be the sober, responsible one when everybody else is drunk. I don’t mind it, taking on that responsibility. I like to feel useful and needed, and if filing that position is how I can do that then that’s fine with me. I’m not going to apologize for not being drunk and making a fool of myself by being loud and running on the beach. I’m not sorry that I don’t do those things. I have fun my own way and that’s just not it.
We now since I’ve vented, I’m going to bed. Very therapeutic, venting is. Good for the body and soul. Bonanotte! Ciao!
We took the train from Monterosso to Riomaggiore, where we then hiked the Via dell’amore or lover’s lane, the first part of the five hour total hike. Unfortunately for us, that was the only part of the Coastal Paths that was opened. But the path was a gorgeous to walk along and I took many pictures that I will upload as soon as possible. We picked a beautiful day to hike because it was sunny and warm and the views were postcard perfect. We stopped many times along the way to just look and soak up the sun.
When we got to Manorola, the 2nd city, we walked along the coastal path as long as we could before turning back. Before we did that, though, we walked out onto these rocks in this cove area and sat and enjoyed the view and the sun. I have a fair share of pictures, even though my battery threatened death multiple times throughout the day. From the 2nd city we took the train to the 3rd city of Corniglia. Here we climbed 328 steps to the top of the cliff where the city is at. I bought some earrings to match two of my necklaces: one I bought in San Gimignano and the other I got for my birthday, the Lia Sophia one. I also swear I saw Robert Patterson driving in the city but I might have been mistaken. We then walked back down the 328 steps to catch the train to the next city.
We decided against stopping in the 4th city of Vernazza today because it was 5:30 before we got on the train. When we were back in Monterosso, our first order of business was finding the meat we were grilling tonight and the pasta we were cooking. I split from the group to head back to our ‘guesthouse’ as my contacts were killing my eyes. On the way I stopped at this little corner store right before the steps up to our guesthouse. I bought these caring for 1 euro each. One was of two dolphins and the other was a turtle. The turtle’s shell came off so it’s like a little jewelry holder or some other such thing.
We are now grilling and cooking our food outside, preparing for dinner. Whew!!! Dinner was an event. There was no stove so everything was cooked on the grill. Three different types of pastas had to be cooked before Lorenzo even got to the meat. It was a great time, great party, and everyone way enjoying themselves. Unfortunately, one plate and four glasses were broken during the night. Tomorrow, we will fess up to the owner when we pay fro the rooms. But, we cleaned up everything: washed all the dishes, pots and panes, glasses, and silverware we used and didn’t use; we cleaned the tables and all the cooking areas; and we put everything back to where it was when we found it.
I am now sitting in my bed, finishing writing this. I feel the sun I got today on my face and arms. When I wake tomorrow I’m sure I’ll be slightly burnt. I cannot wait to get back to Firenze and Fiesole though. This weekend was a great trip with all of us but…well but. There seems to be always a but on our trips. For this trip, it’s the fact that I don’t like to get drunk. I don’t like to lose control of myself that much. People say they don’t like to lose control of themselves yet still get drunk, but that’s not me. I’ve never been falling on the floor, puking my guts out, cannot remember what I did last night drunk, and I don’t ever want to be. Some people on this trip must don’t understand that about me. I feel like I need to be the sober, responsible one when everybody else is drunk. I don’t mind it, taking on that responsibility. I like to feel useful and needed, and if filing that position is how I can do that then that’s fine with me. I’m not going to apologize for not being drunk and making a fool of myself by being loud and running on the beach. I’m not sorry that I don’t do those things. I have fun my own way and that’s just not it.
We now since I’ve vented, I’m going to bed. Very therapeutic, venting is. Good for the body and soul. Bonanotte! Ciao!
Friday the 13th
Friday the 13th. Supposed to be an unlucky day or a day filled with superstition. For me, Friday the 13th is just another day in Italy/MN/WI/where ever I am. This is the 2nd Friday the 13th this year, the first being last month. Kayla was the one to actually remind me of this little fact.
So today we went to Cinque Terre. I woke up like I normally do, 8 am, and started to pack. When Betsy and I went to eat breakfast we found a bottle of Champagne outside our room from ‘Bob.’ Bob doesn’t acknowledge these little gifts: flowers for Valentine’s Day, flowers for Women’s Day, wine for birthdays, etc. We know they’re from Bob and thank him accordingly but he always insists they’re not from him.
After catching the bus down to the station, we all got on the train to La Spezia. Close to 3 hours later we disembark the train at La Spezia, purchased our tickets to Monterosso, and hopped back on another train. When the train left La Spezia, it went through a lot of tunnels before the landscape changed. After leaving one tunnel, instead of hills and tress and homes, we saw water and waves and rocks. All or most of us gasped and ran to the windows on that side of the train. Pictures were taken, heads were stuck out the window, and the excitement began.
We passed through the first four of the five Cinque Terre towns. Each time we stopped at the town, we marveled at the views. It was gorgeous to see. I believe Bob told us it is the Adriatic Sea, but it is really the Mediterranean Sea. It was just amazing to see and amazing to behold.
Upon disembarking the train in Monterosso, the fifth town, we walked along this boardwalk type place on our way to Manuel’s Guesthouse, the place we are staying at. Many stops were made along the way for more pictures. We met up with Manuel at this wine bar, where Betsy said he’d be waiting, and walked up the 132 or so steps to our place for the weekend.
We had four rooms, each with a different number of people occupying them. The guys shared a room with two queens and two twin beds. Courtney and Michelle are in a room with a queen bed; Nikki, Bailey, and Jill are sharing a triple room; and Betsy, Ania, Allyson, and I are sharing a quad. We thought we were getting two triples and 2 quads but this way worked out better for us all.
After dropping our stuff off in our rooms and taking care of paperwork, we headed out to explore the town. Wine and food was bought for the weekend and it was decided that we would eat out tonight and grill our tomorrow. We then found the restaurant to go to for dinner. It was right near the beach and had a good variety of dishes. Then came the beach.
We walked down to the water and behaved like tourists. Many of the group, not me though, rolled up their pants and took off their socks and shoes and walked along the shoreline. I did walk out near the water and put my hands in. It was pretty cold water, definitely not warm enough to swim in. But that did not stop Lorenzo from taking a little dip. Betsy accidentally pushed him into the water so he went in totally figuring ‘why not’ since he was mostly wet already. It was a great relaxing time since most of the day was spent traveling and being uncomfortable on the trains.
We went back to the hotel/Guesthouse to prepare for dinner. Allyson straightened my hair and Ania did my make-up. We just had fun dressing up for dinner; Betsy even wore a dress. Maybe I forgot to mention it, but we came to Cinque Terre because it’s Betsy’s Birthday tomorrow and because we wanted to see these cities. We’re killing two birds with one stone in a sense. So this weekend is a celebration for Betsy since she’s turning 21.
Dinner was fabulous. Ania and I shared spaghetti with seafood for our first course. The dish had octopus, clams and mussels in it along with a tomato sauce over the spaghetti. It was a delicious meal that was very filling. Unfortunately we didn’t think it was going to be that much so we also ordered Grilled sea bass for the second course. OMG!!! It came out Grilled but looking like a fish. Our waiter proceeded to clean it for us at the table. It was really amazing to see. He skinned the top, took away the spine and head and left us with a great fish dish. With lemon squeezed on top and a little salt, we both ate our fish right up. Did I mention it was a whole fish; the size of like a woman’s size 8 shoe. A pretty big fish. Thank goodness it was good otherwise I would have regretted the bill. Overall it was a pretty expensive meal for Ania and I but we both don’t plan on spending much more this weekend since we brought food with us to tide us over and because the grilling out tomorrow night.
Monterosso is a beautiful city and I cannot wait to hike to the other four cities tomorrow. It is going to be a great weekend and a memorable birthday for Betsy. I hope for no drama but it’s bound to happen. But, I’m off to bed. I need to rest to build up my strength for five hours of hiking tomorrow. That’s how long it’s supposed to take to hike through all five of the cities, not including browsing the individual cities. I’m going to get postcards here to send home and to keep. Maybe I’ll even find some gifts for people.
So today we went to Cinque Terre. I woke up like I normally do, 8 am, and started to pack. When Betsy and I went to eat breakfast we found a bottle of Champagne outside our room from ‘Bob.’ Bob doesn’t acknowledge these little gifts: flowers for Valentine’s Day, flowers for Women’s Day, wine for birthdays, etc. We know they’re from Bob and thank him accordingly but he always insists they’re not from him.
After catching the bus down to the station, we all got on the train to La Spezia. Close to 3 hours later we disembark the train at La Spezia, purchased our tickets to Monterosso, and hopped back on another train. When the train left La Spezia, it went through a lot of tunnels before the landscape changed. After leaving one tunnel, instead of hills and tress and homes, we saw water and waves and rocks. All or most of us gasped and ran to the windows on that side of the train. Pictures were taken, heads were stuck out the window, and the excitement began.
We passed through the first four of the five Cinque Terre towns. Each time we stopped at the town, we marveled at the views. It was gorgeous to see. I believe Bob told us it is the Adriatic Sea, but it is really the Mediterranean Sea. It was just amazing to see and amazing to behold.
Upon disembarking the train in Monterosso, the fifth town, we walked along this boardwalk type place on our way to Manuel’s Guesthouse, the place we are staying at. Many stops were made along the way for more pictures. We met up with Manuel at this wine bar, where Betsy said he’d be waiting, and walked up the 132 or so steps to our place for the weekend.
We had four rooms, each with a different number of people occupying them. The guys shared a room with two queens and two twin beds. Courtney and Michelle are in a room with a queen bed; Nikki, Bailey, and Jill are sharing a triple room; and Betsy, Ania, Allyson, and I are sharing a quad. We thought we were getting two triples and 2 quads but this way worked out better for us all.
After dropping our stuff off in our rooms and taking care of paperwork, we headed out to explore the town. Wine and food was bought for the weekend and it was decided that we would eat out tonight and grill our tomorrow. We then found the restaurant to go to for dinner. It was right near the beach and had a good variety of dishes. Then came the beach.
We walked down to the water and behaved like tourists. Many of the group, not me though, rolled up their pants and took off their socks and shoes and walked along the shoreline. I did walk out near the water and put my hands in. It was pretty cold water, definitely not warm enough to swim in. But that did not stop Lorenzo from taking a little dip. Betsy accidentally pushed him into the water so he went in totally figuring ‘why not’ since he was mostly wet already. It was a great relaxing time since most of the day was spent traveling and being uncomfortable on the trains.
We went back to the hotel/Guesthouse to prepare for dinner. Allyson straightened my hair and Ania did my make-up. We just had fun dressing up for dinner; Betsy even wore a dress. Maybe I forgot to mention it, but we came to Cinque Terre because it’s Betsy’s Birthday tomorrow and because we wanted to see these cities. We’re killing two birds with one stone in a sense. So this weekend is a celebration for Betsy since she’s turning 21.
Dinner was fabulous. Ania and I shared spaghetti with seafood for our first course. The dish had octopus, clams and mussels in it along with a tomato sauce over the spaghetti. It was a delicious meal that was very filling. Unfortunately we didn’t think it was going to be that much so we also ordered Grilled sea bass for the second course. OMG!!! It came out Grilled but looking like a fish. Our waiter proceeded to clean it for us at the table. It was really amazing to see. He skinned the top, took away the spine and head and left us with a great fish dish. With lemon squeezed on top and a little salt, we both ate our fish right up. Did I mention it was a whole fish; the size of like a woman’s size 8 shoe. A pretty big fish. Thank goodness it was good otherwise I would have regretted the bill. Overall it was a pretty expensive meal for Ania and I but we both don’t plan on spending much more this weekend since we brought food with us to tide us over and because the grilling out tomorrow night.
Monterosso is a beautiful city and I cannot wait to hike to the other four cities tomorrow. It is going to be a great weekend and a memorable birthday for Betsy. I hope for no drama but it’s bound to happen. But, I’m off to bed. I need to rest to build up my strength for five hours of hiking tomorrow. That’s how long it’s supposed to take to hike through all five of the cities, not including browsing the individual cities. I’m going to get postcards here to send home and to keep. Maybe I’ll even find some gifts for people.
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