Ciao!
Good news! Rome is safe from vampires tonight. The loads of garlic in the bolognese sauce should hold them off for a while.
I now sit in my room relaxing after spending time cooking, cleaning (Yes Dad I do clean), vampire fighting, and listening to some good ol' Sinatra in the kitchen. I love Rome already :-)
Tonight for dinner: Spaghetti Alla Bolognese (a white wine bolognese made with bacon and all sorts of other yummies), salad, and bread with dipping oil. I could certainly get used to this whole cooking with all sorts of fresh (and cheap!) and beautiful fruits, meats, veggies, etc.
Jon- I spotted a shelf the other day. This shelf was a lot like the shelf we saw in London. I wish I could show it to you, but unlike you I did not have my camera on me to take a picture. It was a pretty good-sized one, too. You definitely would have been impressed. You could easily set a pen on top of it without the pen dropping. It was very impressive! Jon, I think you should grow a unibrow to shelve a pen as well. I mean think of all the benefits! Show off that Jellinger brow! Jenny would love it I assure you.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
8~28
It is 8 p.m. here in Rome. I am now sitting in a room with all six of my apartment mates. We all sit in our cozy little yellow living room with a glass of wine (some with an entire bottle) in hand. We got to our apartment around 1 this afernoon and moved right in. Our apartment has three rooms. There are two 3-person rooms and one 1-person room. There is also a kitchen, two bathrooms with showers, a balcony, and a foyer. This place comes equipped with an ironing board, a washing machine, and towels. I can already see myself calling this place a home. The walls are all a warm tuscan yellow. All the windows are decorated with nice floral or light green curtains. The place is furnished with warm-colored wooden furniture and comfy couches. The floor is, again, the warm wooden floor. Each room has some sort of artwork on the walls. This place feels very homey and very classy. It feels very....Italian :-)
It is 8 p.m. here in Rome. I am now sitting in a room with all six of my apartment mates. We all sit in our cozy little yellow living room with a glass of wine (some with an entire bottle) in hand. We got to our apartment around 1 this afernoon and moved right in. Our apartment has three rooms. There are two 3-person rooms and one 1-person room. There is also a kitchen, two bathrooms with showers, a balcony, and a foyer. This place comes equipped with an ironing board, a washing machine, and towels. I can already see myself calling this place a home. The walls are all a warm tuscan yellow. All the windows are decorated with nice floral or light green curtains. The place is furnished with warm-colored wooden furniture and comfy couches. The floor is, again, the warm wooden floor. Each room has some sort of artwork on the walls. This place feels very homey and very classy. It feels very....Italian :-)
8-27
Bongiorno bella Italia!
I know Grandma Kennedy would love this
right now- sitting on a bench
overlooking the cobalt blue ocean eating freshly picked strawberries. These are the best strawberries I have ever
eaten, and they are the reddest I have ever seen. Sitting here is such a treat
after my day of speed walking around Levanto.
I made a poor life decision when I decided to bring Birkenstock flip-flops
because my feet kill!
This morning I slept in until 9 and then
went downstairs for my free breakfast consisting of a cappuccino and two rolls
of bread with nutella. When I went down, I met up
with the other girls who were already finished eating. They were planning out their day of going out
to see other towns in Cinque Terre.
I brought up the idea of taking a ferry to get a view of the towns from
the ocean. Since it would end up costing
about 5 Euros more, they chose to take a train instead. I decided to stay back and explore more
intently the town of Levanto, and let them head out to explore. Plus, I
just needed a mental health day to myself.
It has been a fantastic day, but I had a scare
that I lost my journal. I realized this
when I got back to my hostel after walking around town and around the village
pretending to be Italian. I then had to
retrace my steps and go into each place I stopped to ask about my
"book," which completely blew my Italian cover. Oh well.
I eventually found my book at the first stop I made. On the way back, I discovered a fresh food
market where I picked up these strawberries.
Yum yum yum.
You wouldn't believe the people watching
here. I am finally in a land of very few
tourists and mostly Italians. Every
single person is tan. Every single
person also shows very much of this tan skin.
Needless to say, I don't stand out at all. :-/
The swimmers on the beach provide for me
the best people watching by far. I have
seen so many men in Speedos (mainly much much
older men), and all women except a few wear bikinis. The few not in bikinis wear nothing at all.
(These women, too, are much much
older.)
I was hit on by my first Italian last
night. He had white hair. Guido senior.
End of story.
Tomorrow I go to Roma.
Ciao for now-a!
Later on 8-26...
I am now sitting in a train on my way to Cinque Terre. I love this right now! Through the window I am greeted by gorgeous Italian hillside and neighborhoods. I heard my first Italian accentfrom the ticket lady. Ahh! So cool!
Even later -just switched trains-
I love Italy already! Right now a family is n the hallway trying to figure out their seat situation. They are shouting and frustrated, yet they are smiling and joking around- What!? I keep hearing them shout, "Veinti-uno, veinti-tre, bla de blassoo blada!" Italian is so beautiful! I love it! :-)
I just had my first cappuccino, too! It came from a Lavazza machine, and it was so yummy!!!
Even more laterer...
On the previous train, I sat with a Swiss man and an Italian man. We had a lot of fun struggling o converse with one another. The Swiss man is named Yanik and is from Bern. He is going to school in Interlaken for male nursing. I am so impressed with the many languages he is able to speak! He speaks German, Swiss-German, Croatian (his father is from Croatia), French, and English. He told me about his travels all over Europe and his plans for the future. He was so kind, and even offered to help with my heavy baggage. I told him he did not have to help, but he insisted. I then had absolutely no troubles geting my baggage on and off the train. He is another angel to come into my European travels. Not only did he help me, but he gave me the sweet sweet gift of fine Swiss chocolate. :-)
I cannot remember the Italian's name. Even if I did, I would likely butcher it. He spoke absolutely nothing but Italian. His hand gestures and facial expression are what he used instead of words which was quite entertaining. He offered both Yanik and me an energy drink. First, he offered one to yanik, who declined the offer the first time, but accepted it the second time he was offered. I, on the other hand, declined it twice, but then Yanik told me to accept it. I think it must be some sign of disrespect in this culture to not accept something that is offered. huh. I am now one chocolate bar and energy drink (ew) richer than I was when I got on this train. We parted ways, switched trains, and now I am sitting in a room with 4 women. The two across from me are conversing in Italian. I don't know what they're saying, but it is beautiful. I am so excited to learn Italian.
Anyhoots, I should fill you in on the goings on of yesterday. I climbed a mountain, and the view was spectacular! So many times I found myself stopping and standing utterly (because there were cows) in awe. Beautiful!!!!! The higher we went, the more phenomenal the view became. After a good and sweaty workout of climbing the mountain, we ended up in the town of Wengen. By the time we reached Wengen, the skies were gray and rain was a-pouring. Heading back down the mountain was a cool, wet, and an easy trek.
Mama- I can only
imagine sitting at a cafe enjoying a cappuccino with you in the morning. I look forward to when you and Mike come
visit so we can do that. This will then,
truly, be Heaven (minus all my other loved ones of course).
I am now sitting in a train on my way to Cinque Terre. I love this right now! Through the window I am greeted by gorgeous Italian hillside and neighborhoods. I heard my first Italian accentfrom the ticket lady. Ahh! So cool!
Even later -just switched trains-
I love Italy already! Right now a family is n the hallway trying to figure out their seat situation. They are shouting and frustrated, yet they are smiling and joking around- What!? I keep hearing them shout, "Veinti-uno, veinti-tre, bla de blassoo blada!" Italian is so beautiful! I love it! :-)
I just had my first cappuccino, too! It came from a Lavazza machine, and it was so yummy!!!
Even more laterer...
On the previous train, I sat with a Swiss man and an Italian man. We had a lot of fun struggling o converse with one another. The Swiss man is named Yanik and is from Bern. He is going to school in Interlaken for male nursing. I am so impressed with the many languages he is able to speak! He speaks German, Swiss-German, Croatian (his father is from Croatia), French, and English. He told me about his travels all over Europe and his plans for the future. He was so kind, and even offered to help with my heavy baggage. I told him he did not have to help, but he insisted. I then had absolutely no troubles geting my baggage on and off the train. He is another angel to come into my European travels. Not only did he help me, but he gave me the sweet sweet gift of fine Swiss chocolate. :-)
I cannot remember the Italian's name. Even if I did, I would likely butcher it. He spoke absolutely nothing but Italian. His hand gestures and facial expression are what he used instead of words which was quite entertaining. He offered both Yanik and me an energy drink. First, he offered one to yanik, who declined the offer the first time, but accepted it the second time he was offered. I, on the other hand, declined it twice, but then Yanik told me to accept it. I think it must be some sign of disrespect in this culture to not accept something that is offered. huh. I am now one chocolate bar and energy drink (ew) richer than I was when I got on this train. We parted ways, switched trains, and now I am sitting in a room with 4 women. The two across from me are conversing in Italian. I don't know what they're saying, but it is beautiful. I am so excited to learn Italian.
Anyhoots, I should fill you in on the goings on of yesterday. I climbed a mountain, and the view was spectacular! So many times I found myself stopping and standing utterly (because there were cows) in awe. Beautiful!!!!! The higher we went, the more phenomenal the view became. After a good and sweaty workout of climbing the mountain, we ended up in the town of Wengen. By the time we reached Wengen, the skies were gray and rain was a-pouring. Heading back down the mountain was a cool, wet, and an easy trek.
I am passing by so many vineyards in this train. AAAaaaahhh!!! So so beautiful!
Night time:
Cinque Terre is
gorgeous at night. Scratch that. Cinque Terre is gorgeous. Period.
I am now sitting on a ledge overlooking the ocean. The waves make sailboats sway, and only a few
people are out surfing. I seem to have
just missed sunset, so it is almost completely dark out. Only a few lights shine to light up the
buildings behind me. Is this what Heaven
is like?
And Cora- I have
seen so many cats! Every time I see one
I think of you :-) I am so exciting for you to go to Eau
Claire! I hope move-in is going well and
that your apartment and Eau Claire soon feel like home. Love and hugs your way!
Everyone- I love
Italy, and I wish there could be a way to share my joy with you. I know!
Do me a favor- Go and get
yourself an ice cream cone right now and savor every lick. In a way, we are savoring Italy
together. I know this may make no
sense. Just know that as I write this I
have a glass of wine in me. Oh boy. To end this entry, know that I share Italy
with you in spirit(s).
Sunday, August 26, 2012
8-26
I do not want to leave Switzerland! It is so beautiful here! I mean, could anything be better than a lake set between white-peaked mountains, creamy Swiss chocolate, and people who love life?
In Interlaken, people (visitors and locals) live life to the fullest and to the extreme. This is at least what I have noticed. People do everything here- from flying like flying squirrels in flying squirrel suits to whitewater rafting to cliff jumping to cliff diving to climbing entire mountains to biking through rough terrain to paragliding.
I went paragliding. :-) Two days ago I went paragliding for my 21st birthday. It was much better than getting drunk I can assure you. It was definitely one of the greatest experiences of my life.
I climbed into a van with seven other men and women. These men and women were from all over the globe. One of the women I spoke with was even from Denmark. I told her my last name, and she recognized it as being a town in Denmark- Jellinge. I'm famous!!! :-)
The van continued to climb and climb the mountain. I did not think it would ever stop! The view from the van only became more spectacular the more we ascended the mountain. When we reached our destination, we climbed out of the van, were given long backpacks to wear, and then we were assigned a pilot who wold end up taking off with us. We then had to hike over a short hill to get to our are for take-off. Eep! It was so exciting! On our walk, I learned my pilot is Jon's age (31) and has been paragliding for 14 years. He also lives on the mountainside- not bad if I do say so myself!
My pilot strapped me up, attached himself to me, told me to begin walking He then told me to freeze. And then we sprinted! We sprinted into the air! WE WERE OFF! (I was surprised I wasn't more frightened than I was. I must have had complete trust in the pilot, because the feeling was normal as I took off flying with him)
I was flying.
I was fying high.
I looked down. My feet were dangling free, and below me was a view I could not even dream of seeing. I'll try my best to put it into words-
I was in the midst of a valley surrounded by white-peaked mountains, trees seven stories high, two lakes the color of robin's eggs, an ancient building with a steeple peaking through the trees (this was a restaurant said my pilot). The buildings below me looked like toys. There is no way they were real. The sun was shining. The skies were blue. While looking around at all this glory, my pilot was telling me to smile for pictures, and smile I sure did!
Toward the end of the ride, he asked me if I would like a smooth landing or a "roller coaster" landing. I felt better than ever, so I said, "bring on the 'roller coaster'!" Soon I was twisting and turning through the air. I felt my stomach leap like it does when I am on a roller coaster- hence the name haha. The "roller coaster" was so much fun, and this is coming from a girl who doesn't even like going on rides.
I do not want to leave Switzerland! It is so beautiful here! I mean, could anything be better than a lake set between white-peaked mountains, creamy Swiss chocolate, and people who love life?
In Interlaken, people (visitors and locals) live life to the fullest and to the extreme. This is at least what I have noticed. People do everything here- from flying like flying squirrels in flying squirrel suits to whitewater rafting to cliff jumping to cliff diving to climbing entire mountains to biking through rough terrain to paragliding.
I went paragliding. :-) Two days ago I went paragliding for my 21st birthday. It was much better than getting drunk I can assure you. It was definitely one of the greatest experiences of my life.
I climbed into a van with seven other men and women. These men and women were from all over the globe. One of the women I spoke with was even from Denmark. I told her my last name, and she recognized it as being a town in Denmark- Jellinge. I'm famous!!! :-)
The van continued to climb and climb the mountain. I did not think it would ever stop! The view from the van only became more spectacular the more we ascended the mountain. When we reached our destination, we climbed out of the van, were given long backpacks to wear, and then we were assigned a pilot who wold end up taking off with us. We then had to hike over a short hill to get to our are for take-off. Eep! It was so exciting! On our walk, I learned my pilot is Jon's age (31) and has been paragliding for 14 years. He also lives on the mountainside- not bad if I do say so myself!
My pilot strapped me up, attached himself to me, told me to begin walking He then told me to freeze. And then we sprinted! We sprinted into the air! WE WERE OFF! (I was surprised I wasn't more frightened than I was. I must have had complete trust in the pilot, because the feeling was normal as I took off flying with him)
I was flying.
I was fying high.
I looked down. My feet were dangling free, and below me was a view I could not even dream of seeing. I'll try my best to put it into words-
I was in the midst of a valley surrounded by white-peaked mountains, trees seven stories high, two lakes the color of robin's eggs, an ancient building with a steeple peaking through the trees (this was a restaurant said my pilot). The buildings below me looked like toys. There is no way they were real. The sun was shining. The skies were blue. While looking around at all this glory, my pilot was telling me to smile for pictures, and smile I sure did!
Toward the end of the ride, he asked me if I would like a smooth landing or a "roller coaster" landing. I felt better than ever, so I said, "bring on the 'roller coaster'!" Soon I was twisting and turning through the air. I felt my stomach leap like it does when I am on a roller coaster- hence the name haha. The "roller coaster" was so much fun, and this is coming from a girl who doesn't even like going on rides.
Thursday 8-23
I am now sitting in a train on my way to Interlaken, Switzerland. This is a six hour train ride, so I have quite some time to sit and be reflective.
Yesterday was our last day in Paris. Right after I wrote you last I had quite a fright! I asked the information desk at the metro station for directions back to the hotel. I followed the directions and ended up in a town where noone spoke English. After asking about 6 or 7 people if they spoke English and could help me, I finally found someone. She was an angel who made directions very clear. She pointed to where I was on the map, and I learned I was in the complete opposite side of the city from where I wanted to be. I then followed this angel's directions, but -silly me- I took the correct train, but I ended up going the wrong direction. At the next stop, I got off to turn around. At this stop, I made eye contact with a man. I smiled at him. He did not smile back in response, so I looked away. After about a minute, I looked back at him only to see him staring at me- no smile, just a stern look in his eyes. I smiled again, and he just glared back. The train came and this guy was behind me. To make sure he wasn't following me, I walked quickly to the other train car to be sure.
He followed.
By this time I am completely freaked out. -Thank you so much Zach Boever for showing me the movie Taken :P-
Since I knew this guy was no good (and maybe I was wrong, but I couldn't be sure) I had to get away. I mean here I was all alone, lost, and in a whole new country. No way was I going to be a target. Bring it on Buddy!!!!
To ease my anxiety (or paranoia), I jumped off the train a millisecond before the doors closed. No way was he going to follow me now! Ha! Sucker! I then waited for the next train and was eventually back at the hotel safe and sound :-)
That night, the girls and I had a idea to picnic in front of the Eiffel tower at sunset with a bottle of wine and dinner. Once it would get really dark after eating, we would climb to the top.
Our idea did not go according to plan.
Instead of sharing one bottle, the girls decided to buy their own bottle. Each. I bought a small bottle and drank only a small glass of it. The other girls, however, finished an entire bottle on their own.....:-/ Can you guess what hapened next? Ding ding ding! You are correct! Yep, instead of climbing the tower, we ended up caring for one of the girls who puked in front of the tower.
It was a memorable day AND night. Bonjour Paris!
I am now sitting in a train on my way to Interlaken, Switzerland. This is a six hour train ride, so I have quite some time to sit and be reflective.
Yesterday was our last day in Paris. Right after I wrote you last I had quite a fright! I asked the information desk at the metro station for directions back to the hotel. I followed the directions and ended up in a town where noone spoke English. After asking about 6 or 7 people if they spoke English and could help me, I finally found someone. She was an angel who made directions very clear. She pointed to where I was on the map, and I learned I was in the complete opposite side of the city from where I wanted to be. I then followed this angel's directions, but -silly me- I took the correct train, but I ended up going the wrong direction. At the next stop, I got off to turn around. At this stop, I made eye contact with a man. I smiled at him. He did not smile back in response, so I looked away. After about a minute, I looked back at him only to see him staring at me- no smile, just a stern look in his eyes. I smiled again, and he just glared back. The train came and this guy was behind me. To make sure he wasn't following me, I walked quickly to the other train car to be sure.
He followed.
By this time I am completely freaked out. -Thank you so much Zach Boever for showing me the movie Taken :P-
Since I knew this guy was no good (and maybe I was wrong, but I couldn't be sure) I had to get away. I mean here I was all alone, lost, and in a whole new country. No way was I going to be a target. Bring it on Buddy!!!!
To ease my anxiety (or paranoia), I jumped off the train a millisecond before the doors closed. No way was he going to follow me now! Ha! Sucker! I then waited for the next train and was eventually back at the hotel safe and sound :-)
That night, the girls and I had a idea to picnic in front of the Eiffel tower at sunset with a bottle of wine and dinner. Once it would get really dark after eating, we would climb to the top.
Our idea did not go according to plan.
Instead of sharing one bottle, the girls decided to buy their own bottle. Each. I bought a small bottle and drank only a small glass of it. The other girls, however, finished an entire bottle on their own.....:-/ Can you guess what hapened next? Ding ding ding! You are correct! Yep, instead of climbing the tower, we ended up caring for one of the girls who puked in front of the tower.
It was a memorable day AND night. Bonjour Paris!
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Wednesday 8-22
I am in Paris sitting in a pew of the Sacre Couer. I'm surrounded by many lit candles, a high cieling, intricate pantings (much much much more intricate than in London), and flute music. A young girl is playing "My Heart Will Go On" on her flute for money just outside the church. So far, I like the feeling of Paris city better than London city. It just feels cleaner and more open. I dn't understand the language at all, so I don't feel as much like I am in a tourist destination. The buildings in Paris are mostly off-white or tan which only adds to the cleanliness feeling.
Let's see....To fill you in, yesterday we went to:
~the opera house where the Phantom resides from Phantom of the Opera
~Louvre Art Museum (It was closed, so I couldn't go in)
~Champs de Elisee
I've passed by a couple street musicians today. There was an accordion player and a saxophone player ~ So sweet!!!!!
As far as the language barrier goes, charades has saved me :-)
Later today....
The girls are headed back to the hostel to nap and change clothes. They insisted that I go to the Louvre, since I really wanted to yesterday when it was closed. It's true that I did really want to, but by the time they left I was so exhausted I needed a break. Instead of heading straight to the Louvre, I walked a block to one of the gardens we passed through. All I have wanted to do all day is stop and smell these roses. I mean that in both the figurative and literal sense. I am currently sitting in a chair next to an artist. She is painting this glorious scene in front of me -yellow roses, yellow black-eyed susans, and yellow daisies. I appreciate her. She really knows how to stop and smell the roses. I love this fellow artist. I love that she appreciates the beauty around her- it is rare to meet people like her. She and I have not spoken a word, since she knows no English, but we have smiled. I have pointed and gave her a thumbs up. It was a great conversation :-)
Man, it is truly beauiful here, and the people watching is once again phenomenal. I've seen all types of people- angry, happy, rich, poor, artsy, conservative, fanny-packed, birkenstocked-socked, etc. Here I have found another Heaven on Earth. Laura, come back here. This is one of your Heavens.
I am in Paris sitting in a pew of the Sacre Couer. I'm surrounded by many lit candles, a high cieling, intricate pantings (much much much more intricate than in London), and flute music. A young girl is playing "My Heart Will Go On" on her flute for money just outside the church. So far, I like the feeling of Paris city better than London city. It just feels cleaner and more open. I dn't understand the language at all, so I don't feel as much like I am in a tourist destination. The buildings in Paris are mostly off-white or tan which only adds to the cleanliness feeling.
Let's see....To fill you in, yesterday we went to:
~the opera house where the Phantom resides from Phantom of the Opera
~Louvre Art Museum (It was closed, so I couldn't go in)
~Champs de Elisee
I've passed by a couple street musicians today. There was an accordion player and a saxophone player ~ So sweet!!!!!
As far as the language barrier goes, charades has saved me :-)
Later today....
The girls are headed back to the hostel to nap and change clothes. They insisted that I go to the Louvre, since I really wanted to yesterday when it was closed. It's true that I did really want to, but by the time they left I was so exhausted I needed a break. Instead of heading straight to the Louvre, I walked a block to one of the gardens we passed through. All I have wanted to do all day is stop and smell these roses. I mean that in both the figurative and literal sense. I am currently sitting in a chair next to an artist. She is painting this glorious scene in front of me -yellow roses, yellow black-eyed susans, and yellow daisies. I appreciate her. She really knows how to stop and smell the roses. I love this fellow artist. I love that she appreciates the beauty around her- it is rare to meet people like her. She and I have not spoken a word, since she knows no English, but we have smiled. I have pointed and gave her a thumbs up. It was a great conversation :-)
Man, it is truly beauiful here, and the people watching is once again phenomenal. I've seen all types of people- angry, happy, rich, poor, artsy, conservative, fanny-packed, birkenstocked-socked, etc. Here I have found another Heaven on Earth. Laura, come back here. This is one of your Heavens.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
8-20
Today was......a day. I walked and I walked and I walked. It was fabulous, but it would have been much better if I'd not been feeling so ill. I awoke feeling nauseous, so I took it easy this morning. I eventually headed out, since IM IN LONDON and a silly ol' scratchy throat won't stop me from explorin'! After all the walking I became super hungry and passed a restaurant called Caffe Concerto - AWESOME! It satisfied my foodie side. They had a deal on the menu for a three-course meal for 8.95 pounds. I'm having:
1. Gourgettes Soup (I have no idea either)
2. Salmon
3. Cake du Jour
Ha! That was not any ol' boring salmon! It came with crushed potatoes, sauteed spinach, and sauteed on-the-vine tomates. It was gorgeous. Jenn and Mom, You would have loved it! It must have been sauteed in pure butter, because it was sinfully yummy. This is such an experience to eat here. The staff is dressed in tuxes, Frank Sinatra's "Young at Heart" is playing, and there is red everywhere.
Today was......a day. I walked and I walked and I walked. It was fabulous, but it would have been much better if I'd not been feeling so ill. I awoke feeling nauseous, so I took it easy this morning. I eventually headed out, since IM IN LONDON and a silly ol' scratchy throat won't stop me from explorin'! After all the walking I became super hungry and passed a restaurant called Caffe Concerto - AWESOME! It satisfied my foodie side. They had a deal on the menu for a three-course meal for 8.95 pounds. I'm having:
1. Gourgettes Soup (I have no idea either)
2. Salmon
3. Cake du Jour
Ha! That was not any ol' boring salmon! It came with crushed potatoes, sauteed spinach, and sauteed on-the-vine tomates. It was gorgeous. Jenn and Mom, You would have loved it! It must have been sauteed in pure butter, because it was sinfully yummy. This is such an experience to eat here. The staff is dressed in tuxes, Frank Sinatra's "Young at Heart" is playing, and there is red everywhere.
8-19
Today I am on my own, which I actually like very much. I am sitting at a small table with a black and white checkerboard-print tablecloth. I just finished my first ice cream cone in Europe :-) It was a vanilla clotted-cream ice cream, and yum! SO good!
......I got rained out of my spot at the table so I am now sitting on a bench shaded from the rain by tree branches and leaves. This bench overlooks a sparkling lake and a park with people playing some sort of a ball game. In the rain. It's POURING rain, yet people are smiling and happy and having fun. The game players don't give a rat's patootie about the rain and continue to play. Other passers by are running and covering themselves with their umbrella. The lovely part is that they are smiling, are sincerely happy, and are having fun trying to stay dry. The people-watching here is phenomenal. Even though I am getting very wet, and rainwater is blurring mywords as I write, I am in heaven. This is peace.
~And puppies! I have seen so many puppies today! :-)~
This whole meeting-new-people thing is awesome! (Awesome: such an American word) The man who served me an ice cream was very kind. He said to me, "Anything for you Madame." Such a gentleman! He came up to me as I was sitting at the table writing in this journal to ask how my cone was. We talked for a bit, and I found out he is actually from Rome. It is actually his dream to someday go to America - to San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and all the big cities. And boy was he polite! :-) I could certainly get used to that in Rome :-)
Sometimes I come across these moments where I am so happy. I'm in flipping Europe making my dreams come true! I've seen sigts that pictures certainly cannot capture, and I've met people from all over the world. So far, most people have been so kind!
Why, just now I met a couple from Egypt who are loving this rain. They say a typical day there is 40. Here I am thinking, "dang that's cold!" Silly me for assuming fahrenheit....
And dang this metric system! It has me all discombobulated!
Now to walk. Where will these feet take me this time?
Note: When people from Europe drink soda, they swish it around their mouths before swallowing.
I am now lost in London town, and I gotta say I couldn't be happier to be lost :-) I stopped at an organic market/cafe (I took some pictures). I have absoltuely NO IDEA where I am, but wherever this is I am comfortable. It feels homey. I sparked a few conversations and finally had someone show me where I am on my map. I tell ya, so far this has been quite the adventure today. I am now sipping a latte and eating the largest banana I've ever seen. This place is so, as us Americans would say, "chill" - as in relaxed. I love London! Oh, this place is called The Natural Kitchen and it is on Marylebone High Street. I know where I am!
Mom- I've passed by (and have gone into :-)) so many chocolate shops, and let me say, "There were rews and rews of chocolates."
Note: At restaurants in Europe you must ask for your bill. They will not bring it to you unless you ask. I like this fact. I do not feel so rushed.
Today I am on my own, which I actually like very much. I am sitting at a small table with a black and white checkerboard-print tablecloth. I just finished my first ice cream cone in Europe :-) It was a vanilla clotted-cream ice cream, and yum! SO good!
......I got rained out of my spot at the table so I am now sitting on a bench shaded from the rain by tree branches and leaves. This bench overlooks a sparkling lake and a park with people playing some sort of a ball game. In the rain. It's POURING rain, yet people are smiling and happy and having fun. The game players don't give a rat's patootie about the rain and continue to play. Other passers by are running and covering themselves with their umbrella. The lovely part is that they are smiling, are sincerely happy, and are having fun trying to stay dry. The people-watching here is phenomenal. Even though I am getting very wet, and rainwater is blurring mywords as I write, I am in heaven. This is peace.
~And puppies! I have seen so many puppies today! :-)~
This whole meeting-new-people thing is awesome! (Awesome: such an American word) The man who served me an ice cream was very kind. He said to me, "Anything for you Madame." Such a gentleman! He came up to me as I was sitting at the table writing in this journal to ask how my cone was. We talked for a bit, and I found out he is actually from Rome. It is actually his dream to someday go to America - to San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and all the big cities. And boy was he polite! :-) I could certainly get used to that in Rome :-)
Sometimes I come across these moments where I am so happy. I'm in flipping Europe making my dreams come true! I've seen sigts that pictures certainly cannot capture, and I've met people from all over the world. So far, most people have been so kind!
Why, just now I met a couple from Egypt who are loving this rain. They say a typical day there is 40. Here I am thinking, "dang that's cold!" Silly me for assuming fahrenheit....
And dang this metric system! It has me all discombobulated!
Now to walk. Where will these feet take me this time?
Note: When people from Europe drink soda, they swish it around their mouths before swallowing.
I am now lost in London town, and I gotta say I couldn't be happier to be lost :-) I stopped at an organic market/cafe (I took some pictures). I have absoltuely NO IDEA where I am, but wherever this is I am comfortable. It feels homey. I sparked a few conversations and finally had someone show me where I am on my map. I tell ya, so far this has been quite the adventure today. I am now sipping a latte and eating the largest banana I've ever seen. This place is so, as us Americans would say, "chill" - as in relaxed. I love London! Oh, this place is called The Natural Kitchen and it is on Marylebone High Street. I know where I am!
Mom- I've passed by (and have gone into :-)) so many chocolate shops, and let me say, "There were rews and rews of chocolates."
Note: At restaurants in Europe you must ask for your bill. They will not bring it to you unless you ask. I like this fact. I do not feel so rushed.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
8-18
I am currently at the British Library near King's Cross looking at some of the worlds oldest literature. There's everything from Chaucer to Shakespeare to Austen to original music scores of Handel's "Messiah" to the music of Mozart to Beethovens Sonatas to Mendelssohn's Wedding March. There are also medieval maps from when the world was flat ;-) as well as the original (dun dun dun!).....Magna Carta!
Now I am at the British museum looking at Pablo Picasso's prints, "The Vollard Suite." I could go into my rant about my favorites (like I did in my journal), but I will skip that part since i do not think that my readers (likely only my family) will much care about that part.
Anyhoots, after a long day of walkig and touring, we ended up going to:
1) The British Library
2) Regents Park (absolutel stunning and filled with roses upon roses as well as swans)
3) Bakers Street (home of Sherlock Holmes)
4) The British Museum
5) Covent Gardens
6) Somerset House
7) Trafalgar Square
8) Piccadilly Circus
9) Green Park & St. James Park
10) Buckingham Palace
11) Hyde Park
12) Kensington Gardens
13) Kensington Palace
~Now I am sitting in Cafe Rouge for dinner with the girls :-) ~
A list of places I ate at in Ireland (stolen from Nicole)
1) O'Shea's Restaurant near our hostel
2) Metro Cafe for lunch
3) Bobo's
.....I'll publish my other journal entries when I have more time to type
I am currently at the British Library near King's Cross looking at some of the worlds oldest literature. There's everything from Chaucer to Shakespeare to Austen to original music scores of Handel's "Messiah" to the music of Mozart to Beethovens Sonatas to Mendelssohn's Wedding March. There are also medieval maps from when the world was flat ;-) as well as the original (dun dun dun!).....Magna Carta!
Now I am at the British museum looking at Pablo Picasso's prints, "The Vollard Suite." I could go into my rant about my favorites (like I did in my journal), but I will skip that part since i do not think that my readers (likely only my family) will much care about that part.
Anyhoots, after a long day of walkig and touring, we ended up going to:
1) The British Library
2) Regents Park (absolutel stunning and filled with roses upon roses as well as swans)
3) Bakers Street (home of Sherlock Holmes)
4) The British Museum
5) Covent Gardens
6) Somerset House
7) Trafalgar Square
8) Piccadilly Circus
9) Green Park & St. James Park
10) Buckingham Palace
11) Hyde Park
12) Kensington Gardens
13) Kensington Palace
~Now I am sitting in Cafe Rouge for dinner with the girls :-) ~
A list of places I ate at in Ireland (stolen from Nicole)
1) O'Shea's Restaurant near our hostel
2) Metro Cafe for lunch
3) Bobo's
.....I'll publish my other journal entries when I have more time to type
It is a bit late to begin my blogging I realize since I have alreadydone so much. I will do my best to fill you in. Luckily I jotted down what I have been doing in my journal I carry around with me.
To begin, preparations for leaving were (of course) hectic- what with the last-minute running to the bank, completing errands, and saying tearful goodbyes to family.
On the plane to Dublin I sat next to a girl named Ashling. She had red hair complete with an Irish brogue. She fully prepared me for my trip in Ireland where everyone spoke with that beautiful accent and gave me some pointers and ideas of what to do and where to go.
Ya know what? I think that instead of rewriting/rewording what I already wrote in my journal, I will simply copy down what I already wrote.
So here ya go. You now have a chance to read my journal.... ;-)
8-16
I want to write about adventures from yesterday before I completely forget what I did. I write this whilst sitting in a bus on my way to a tour to Glendalough (sp?) and Wicklow on a tour. Wow- beautiful. Anyhoots, yesterday was awesome. Yes, awesome. I know I am super American to use that word, but it perfectly describes yesterday. Yesterday started off rather rainy as the girls and I walked under our umbrellas on our way to St. Stephen's Garden in Phoenix Park. The sky threw sheets of rain at us as we stood shielded beneath a masterfully designed archway to the entrance of the Gardens. Once the rain let up a bit, we walked with cameras in hand through the flower covered paths and swan and goose-filled ponds. Beautiful!!!
After garden-walking we made our way to a small restaurant where I enjoyed a delicious and strong cup o' jo (plenty of milk and sugar was added). We sat by a window where I had the chance to enjoy some of the best people watching ever. The style here is difficult to describe, since everyone in Dublin seems to be from everywhere. I believe Dublin to be a tourist central. One thing I can say about style here is that no one wears flared pants. It's all straight or tight-legged pants with small shoes. It doesn't matter if people are heavier in Europe, they still wear tight pants :-/
After lunch we walked to and around St. Patrick's Cathedral, which was very medieval and very beautiful. Goodness, we did so much yesterday that it's difficult to pinpoit what came next.....oh yes! We toured the Jameson Distillery and learned how Jameson makes his triple distilled smooth Irish whiskey. It was rather tasty, but I think the experience itself added to the taste.
Next on the agenda was to walk through more gardens and more churches. Once again I was overwhelmed with all of the beauty.
We wore our feet out silly, but that did not stop us from getting ready for or next activity. Back to the hostel to change! (I did not change. In fact, this is the fourth day in this outfit as well as the fourth day without a shower, but hey: When in...Ireland! :-) )
Now, to make this even more difficult to follow this post, I must interrupt. We're driving now through more of the city of Dublin, and I gotta say that the architecture is magnificent. Every aspect of everyhere is intricately detailed with swirls in the metal fences, tiny carvings in stone, and the natural wear and tear of the cobblestone paths. (-I'll describe the rest of the pub crawl later. Now I have to jot down what our tour guide is saying)
Our tour guide says:
-The place we stopped and took a couple pictures of is called Lower Loch Bray.
-Guiness is healthy because of the iron in the water which comes from bogs (Jon, I can't
help but think of that bog song we'd sing together "And in that bog there was a tree...")
-Braveheart was filmed here in these vast hills
-There is 80% more cattle and sheep than there are people (all fed naturally of course)
I notice so many yellow and purple flowers in the hills. All that green with a splash of color= WOW!
I didn't think it possible to be surrounded by this much beauty. Holy Crapola! There are sheep, mountains, beautiful flowers, and my driver is playing Danny Boy on tape. I'm overwhelmed. The mountains are huge!, but since they are so vivid, they do not seem real. No. It can't be. I am driving through a picture. Ashton Kutcher is about to jump out from around the corner and tell me I've just been spunked. So cruel.
~Later in the day~
Now I am riding in a bus on the way back from the tour. We hiked down in a valley through trees and mountains near a lake. We hiked the streets where the movie P.S. I Love You was filmed. We walked among sheep. We climbed trees. We watched children skip rocks. We stared across a lake at a mountain.
On our way back we drove through hoity-toity land of Ireland where I saw Bono's home and Enya's castle. This place is called Killiney.
Our tourguide also says:
-The irish say whiskey is Ishka Baha (sp?), which means "water of life." When they drink whiskey, they toast, "Slanta!" (slawn-cha), which means "to our health."
We stopped at another town called Dun Lougehery (sp?) which is a town on the ocean. It is the largest manmade marina and "where the money is," according to the guide. There are yachts, yacht clubs, HUGE yachts...oh! And did I mention there are yachts?
Another note: mist covers everything and blinds our sight. As we look out over the ocean we can hardly see anything! Apparently even though the water is just 10 degrees C, kids swim in it all year round. Our tourguide says the water is "good for ya." ~ I'm loving this tourguide.
AND another note: People are genuinely kind here. I forgot who told me, but someone said that in Ireland it is considered rude (extremely rude) to ignore someone who says hello to you. (I would have thought it rude no matter where you go)
So. Drinking in Ireland. Everyone drinks. Everyone gets drunk, however noone drinks and drives. Noone. It is SUPER look down upon and very shameful.
AND Brewley's has REALLY good coffee and REALLY good chocolate. MMMmmmm.
AND "Luck" is a word often thrown around and sued by the Irish. Go figure, huh?
AND I saw a rainbow today, but I did not find the pot of gold.
8-17
I am now seated on a plane on my way to London-Heathrow. In London I will be staying at a hostel called Clink78. Anyhoots, now that I have man moments I can tell you a bit more about my stay in Ireland (As if I havent told you enough already...). As I was saying in my last entry, we went on a pub crawl. We stopped first at an Irish pub of which I forget the name. There, I had my first glass of Guiness. I held it in my hands, took a few sips, did not like it, and was done. BLEH! Next we went to a bar where there was a phenomenal Irish band playing. One guy was going nuts on a fiddle, another on some sort of wind instrument (a piccolo maybe?), and the other on a guitar. It was Irish music at its best: high energy, karaoke sing-a-long songs, and some songs to which a few men got up and did a little Irish jig.
At the next bar was a one-man band playing guitar and singing songs of the Dubliners, Flogging Molly, and Mumford & Sons. The third place we went to was also great. It was apparently where a scene from P.S. I Love You (the movie) was filmed. At this bar, a guy bought me a drink and a shot and then proceeded to tell me his life story. He was a very nice guy, but when we went to the next place.....oh boy, the next place. It was a club. This club was like entering an entirely different world. Every girl (yes EVERY) wore tight mini skirts, thin or sheer tanks tucked in to the skirt, big and long hair, and caked-on makeup. The music playing was techno. Guys and these impressively dressed gals grinded to the music. Boy, was it ever so entertaining! All of us girls (me and the rest of my group) stuck together wearing our t-shirts and jeans. Needless to say, we stood out.
Anyhoots, the guy who bought me a couple drinks wanted to dance but not the kind of dance I am into, so I kindly (I hope it was kind) denied him and told him I wasn't into that and that I was "just here to have a good time with these girls." Even though I denied him he still wanted to dance so I had to get away. I hurried to the bathroo, which was FILLED with these scantilly dressed gals who were CRYING! What a sight! I got out of the bathroom to sit down, which I thought would be a safe bet. I even sat with Ana for Pete's sake! I think having a pretty girl with me only drew in more attention, so a guy from Germany came up and introduced himself....well hold on a moment: Where we sat was next to a crying girl (with the afore mentioned description) on whom a man applied makeup to console her (Interesting....wierd) .....Later on a very buff, tan, and tall man came up and introduced himself to us. I forget his name, but I believe it was Guido ;-) Crazy night!
Later on that day: My feelings now: I'm a little homesick and missing the comforts of home, but I know it's silly. Off to London now!
To begin, preparations for leaving were (of course) hectic- what with the last-minute running to the bank, completing errands, and saying tearful goodbyes to family.
On the plane to Dublin I sat next to a girl named Ashling. She had red hair complete with an Irish brogue. She fully prepared me for my trip in Ireland where everyone spoke with that beautiful accent and gave me some pointers and ideas of what to do and where to go.
Ya know what? I think that instead of rewriting/rewording what I already wrote in my journal, I will simply copy down what I already wrote.
So here ya go. You now have a chance to read my journal.... ;-)
8-16
I want to write about adventures from yesterday before I completely forget what I did. I write this whilst sitting in a bus on my way to a tour to Glendalough (sp?) and Wicklow on a tour. Wow- beautiful. Anyhoots, yesterday was awesome. Yes, awesome. I know I am super American to use that word, but it perfectly describes yesterday. Yesterday started off rather rainy as the girls and I walked under our umbrellas on our way to St. Stephen's Garden in Phoenix Park. The sky threw sheets of rain at us as we stood shielded beneath a masterfully designed archway to the entrance of the Gardens. Once the rain let up a bit, we walked with cameras in hand through the flower covered paths and swan and goose-filled ponds. Beautiful!!!
After garden-walking we made our way to a small restaurant where I enjoyed a delicious and strong cup o' jo (plenty of milk and sugar was added). We sat by a window where I had the chance to enjoy some of the best people watching ever. The style here is difficult to describe, since everyone in Dublin seems to be from everywhere. I believe Dublin to be a tourist central. One thing I can say about style here is that no one wears flared pants. It's all straight or tight-legged pants with small shoes. It doesn't matter if people are heavier in Europe, they still wear tight pants :-/
After lunch we walked to and around St. Patrick's Cathedral, which was very medieval and very beautiful. Goodness, we did so much yesterday that it's difficult to pinpoit what came next.....oh yes! We toured the Jameson Distillery and learned how Jameson makes his triple distilled smooth Irish whiskey. It was rather tasty, but I think the experience itself added to the taste.
Next on the agenda was to walk through more gardens and more churches. Once again I was overwhelmed with all of the beauty.
We wore our feet out silly, but that did not stop us from getting ready for or next activity. Back to the hostel to change! (I did not change. In fact, this is the fourth day in this outfit as well as the fourth day without a shower, but hey: When in...Ireland! :-) )
Now, to make this even more difficult to follow this post, I must interrupt. We're driving now through more of the city of Dublin, and I gotta say that the architecture is magnificent. Every aspect of everyhere is intricately detailed with swirls in the metal fences, tiny carvings in stone, and the natural wear and tear of the cobblestone paths. (-I'll describe the rest of the pub crawl later. Now I have to jot down what our tour guide is saying)
Our tour guide says:
-The place we stopped and took a couple pictures of is called Lower Loch Bray.
-Guiness is healthy because of the iron in the water which comes from bogs (Jon, I can't
help but think of that bog song we'd sing together "And in that bog there was a tree...")
-Braveheart was filmed here in these vast hills
-There is 80% more cattle and sheep than there are people (all fed naturally of course)
I notice so many yellow and purple flowers in the hills. All that green with a splash of color= WOW!
I didn't think it possible to be surrounded by this much beauty. Holy Crapola! There are sheep, mountains, beautiful flowers, and my driver is playing Danny Boy on tape. I'm overwhelmed. The mountains are huge!, but since they are so vivid, they do not seem real. No. It can't be. I am driving through a picture. Ashton Kutcher is about to jump out from around the corner and tell me I've just been spunked. So cruel.
~Later in the day~
Now I am riding in a bus on the way back from the tour. We hiked down in a valley through trees and mountains near a lake. We hiked the streets where the movie P.S. I Love You was filmed. We walked among sheep. We climbed trees. We watched children skip rocks. We stared across a lake at a mountain.
On our way back we drove through hoity-toity land of Ireland where I saw Bono's home and Enya's castle. This place is called Killiney.
Our tourguide also says:
-The irish say whiskey is Ishka Baha (sp?), which means "water of life." When they drink whiskey, they toast, "Slanta!" (slawn-cha), which means "to our health."
We stopped at another town called Dun Lougehery (sp?) which is a town on the ocean. It is the largest manmade marina and "where the money is," according to the guide. There are yachts, yacht clubs, HUGE yachts...oh! And did I mention there are yachts?
Another note: mist covers everything and blinds our sight. As we look out over the ocean we can hardly see anything! Apparently even though the water is just 10 degrees C, kids swim in it all year round. Our tourguide says the water is "good for ya." ~ I'm loving this tourguide.
AND another note: People are genuinely kind here. I forgot who told me, but someone said that in Ireland it is considered rude (extremely rude) to ignore someone who says hello to you. (I would have thought it rude no matter where you go)
So. Drinking in Ireland. Everyone drinks. Everyone gets drunk, however noone drinks and drives. Noone. It is SUPER look down upon and very shameful.
AND Brewley's has REALLY good coffee and REALLY good chocolate. MMMmmmm.
AND "Luck" is a word often thrown around and sued by the Irish. Go figure, huh?
AND I saw a rainbow today, but I did not find the pot of gold.
8-17
I am now seated on a plane on my way to London-Heathrow. In London I will be staying at a hostel called Clink78. Anyhoots, now that I have man moments I can tell you a bit more about my stay in Ireland (As if I havent told you enough already...). As I was saying in my last entry, we went on a pub crawl. We stopped first at an Irish pub of which I forget the name. There, I had my first glass of Guiness. I held it in my hands, took a few sips, did not like it, and was done. BLEH! Next we went to a bar where there was a phenomenal Irish band playing. One guy was going nuts on a fiddle, another on some sort of wind instrument (a piccolo maybe?), and the other on a guitar. It was Irish music at its best: high energy, karaoke sing-a-long songs, and some songs to which a few men got up and did a little Irish jig.
At the next bar was a one-man band playing guitar and singing songs of the Dubliners, Flogging Molly, and Mumford & Sons. The third place we went to was also great. It was apparently where a scene from P.S. I Love You (the movie) was filmed. At this bar, a guy bought me a drink and a shot and then proceeded to tell me his life story. He was a very nice guy, but when we went to the next place.....oh boy, the next place. It was a club. This club was like entering an entirely different world. Every girl (yes EVERY) wore tight mini skirts, thin or sheer tanks tucked in to the skirt, big and long hair, and caked-on makeup. The music playing was techno. Guys and these impressively dressed gals grinded to the music. Boy, was it ever so entertaining! All of us girls (me and the rest of my group) stuck together wearing our t-shirts and jeans. Needless to say, we stood out.
Anyhoots, the guy who bought me a couple drinks wanted to dance but not the kind of dance I am into, so I kindly (I hope it was kind) denied him and told him I wasn't into that and that I was "just here to have a good time with these girls." Even though I denied him he still wanted to dance so I had to get away. I hurried to the bathroo, which was FILLED with these scantilly dressed gals who were CRYING! What a sight! I got out of the bathroom to sit down, which I thought would be a safe bet. I even sat with Ana for Pete's sake! I think having a pretty girl with me only drew in more attention, so a guy from Germany came up and introduced himself....well hold on a moment: Where we sat was next to a crying girl (with the afore mentioned description) on whom a man applied makeup to console her (Interesting....wierd) .....Later on a very buff, tan, and tall man came up and introduced himself to us. I forget his name, but I believe it was Guido ;-) Crazy night!
Later on that day: My feelings now: I'm a little homesick and missing the comforts of home, but I know it's silly. Off to London now!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)