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).
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