Yay for the Guinness Storehouse! I went there this morning with Jennifer and actually had a really good time. The building has seven floors (though the sixth one is just for bathrooms) and takes people through the making, marketing, even the business side of Guinness. I mean, I don't like beer but Guinness is better than the stuff I've had in the states. Of course, I can't finish a pint here either, but whatever. It took us about an hour and a half and the both of us got to try different kinds of Guinness and see commercials from throughout the past.
Later though, the two of us met up with the rest of the class to go out to our first Irish match - hurling! It was (for me anyway) surprisingly fun. I don't like sports usually, so the idea of sitting and watching a 70min match didn't sound appealing at first. And then I saw the ball go whizzing across the field and men beating at each other with sticks and I actually got to liking it. Even when the two teams got in a somewhat significant fight during the middle of the first half I was still entertained. I mean, these guys were carrying hockey like sticks and at any given time were either trying to use them to hit a ball through 20 men or bashing each other. And of course no one was wearing gloves or any kind of padding and after you turn 18 it's up to you whether you wear a helmet or not. So when during the second half, you saw guys reach up and rip off their helmets and throw them half a field (or fitch) away you just had to marvel at their balls.
Who knew that that could be so interesting to watch?
After the game I stopped by a department store with Jennifer and picked up some sheets- finally (I'd been subsisting on the cover sheet I'd brought backpacking with me). Finally though I arrived home and myself and my roommates all decided that with the first day of class tomorrow, tonight was not the time to go out. We'd gotten enough of that, and spent enough money the last few days. Of course, Katie, Christy and I did decide to order Domino's later that evening, but whatever. I was still in bed by 11:30pm or so.
I call that well done.
Monday, July 2, 2007
June 30 - Hop On, Hop Off!
I think in the end I'd have to recommend the hop-on hop-off system of touring a city. Arcadia (the study abroad program) was ever so kind and gave each of us a ticket to the bus so that we could travel around and get to know Dublin a little bit better, and that's exactly what we did. I had originally planned to get up at 10:00am but through so body aches and cries for sleep it wasn't until 11am that I actually started moving. Anyway, what this all resulted in was that I didn't get to Fitzwilliam Ct until 12:30pm (of course this includes a little 10min portion of time where I got lost getting to the flat, but let's not talk about that).
I felt better though when I met up with Jennifer and Michelle and they weren't ready to go either.
Finally all three of us made it to the bus stop on the other side of St Stephan's Square, and on the walk through the park I got a great look at some of the greenery that Ireland has to offer, even in Dublin. Because I do think that that part of my expectation of the country was met. The grass and the trees are just so wonderfully green here, with bright flowers and far-reaching smells. And the grass even feels different. It's not fake looking like you find on golf courses, but it's soft and so inviting for sitting - even to me who doesn't like to sit on the ground (I'm way to distracted by the thought of bugs crawling in really uncomfortable places).
The first place the three of us got off was at Dublinia and the Viking World. It's a multimedia fill museum-like place, where visitors get to take a look at what Dublin was like in ancient times and what the Vikings that first settled the area looked like. I had a lot of fun - surprisingly enough. Because really? I don't like museums. But this time around there were things you could touch and mess with and not feel like you were damaging a priceless piece of history. Even more than that, I was able to travel at a faster speed with nothing requiring too much attention and Jennifer and Michelle were with me at that pace - wonderful!
After leaving Dublinia we hopped back on the bus and got off at the next stop, Christ Church Cathedral. We didn't decide to go inside the church, but we looked around the grounds, generally just getting a feel for the place. After that though we stopped at St. Patrick's Cathedral, a beautiful and large church that has a beautiful park beside it. We toured the park first, taking pictures and watching an idyllic scene of couples and families frolicking among the flowers and green, green grass. Even I couldn't resist sitting down for a while, running my fingers through the grass.
We left the church as it was closing, and spent the rest of the evening riding the tour bus through the end of it's run, looking at the stops, deciding where we wanted to visit later. Eventually I ended up back at my flat, and took some time to cook myself some spaghetti in bolognese sauce (I even browned some meat to go in it). Later though things got really crazy - the joys of hosting 25 college aged men and women in Ireland.
I can't think of another time where I've been part of the hosting party of a get together like this. All the people of the program getting together, drinking, eating, laughing, just having a great time even though none of us were leaving the apartment. And I even enjoyed it. I don't think in the past I would have been as open to hosting people for this long (especially when thing's started getting rowdy) but tonight? I'm part of the excitement and I'm having fun. Maybe that's it. Since I feel so much a part of the people and the party, I don't feel the same about having them all here. I think it's a great way to end a Saturday night in Dublin -though I don't think I would do this kind of thing too often - it's a little loud.
I felt better though when I met up with Jennifer and Michelle and they weren't ready to go either.
Finally all three of us made it to the bus stop on the other side of St Stephan's Square, and on the walk through the park I got a great look at some of the greenery that Ireland has to offer, even in Dublin. Because I do think that that part of my expectation of the country was met. The grass and the trees are just so wonderfully green here, with bright flowers and far-reaching smells. And the grass even feels different. It's not fake looking like you find on golf courses, but it's soft and so inviting for sitting - even to me who doesn't like to sit on the ground (I'm way to distracted by the thought of bugs crawling in really uncomfortable places).
The first place the three of us got off was at Dublinia and the Viking World. It's a multimedia fill museum-like place, where visitors get to take a look at what Dublin was like in ancient times and what the Vikings that first settled the area looked like. I had a lot of fun - surprisingly enough. Because really? I don't like museums. But this time around there were things you could touch and mess with and not feel like you were damaging a priceless piece of history. Even more than that, I was able to travel at a faster speed with nothing requiring too much attention and Jennifer and Michelle were with me at that pace - wonderful!
After leaving Dublinia we hopped back on the bus and got off at the next stop, Christ Church Cathedral. We didn't decide to go inside the church, but we looked around the grounds, generally just getting a feel for the place. After that though we stopped at St. Patrick's Cathedral, a beautiful and large church that has a beautiful park beside it. We toured the park first, taking pictures and watching an idyllic scene of couples and families frolicking among the flowers and green, green grass. Even I couldn't resist sitting down for a while, running my fingers through the grass.
We left the church as it was closing, and spent the rest of the evening riding the tour bus through the end of it's run, looking at the stops, deciding where we wanted to visit later. Eventually I ended up back at my flat, and took some time to cook myself some spaghetti in bolognese sauce (I even browned some meat to go in it). Later though things got really crazy - the joys of hosting 25 college aged men and women in Ireland.
I can't think of another time where I've been part of the hosting party of a get together like this. All the people of the program getting together, drinking, eating, laughing, just having a great time even though none of us were leaving the apartment. And I even enjoyed it. I don't think in the past I would have been as open to hosting people for this long (especially when thing's started getting rowdy) but tonight? I'm part of the excitement and I'm having fun. Maybe that's it. Since I feel so much a part of the people and the party, I don't feel the same about having them all here. I think it's a great way to end a Saturday night in Dublin -though I don't think I would do this kind of thing too often - it's a little loud.
June 29 - The Flat! (aka the apartment)
Oh god, having to get up at 7am sucks and I hope I don't have to do it too often. Today was mostly all about orientation and information, as from 9:00am until 12pm all 25 program participants were stuck in a room and talked at about the rules, housing, and general class information.
Sometimes it's really hard for me to remember that I have to go to class on Monday.
After that though myself and my three roommates moved into our flat! Imagine a large two bedroom aparment, decorated in slightly aged 60's, 70's yellow/orange decor. Not too shabby but not the best on the block either. I got really lucky and my roommate Katie and I got the bigger room with attached bathroom! Yay! The other girls didn't get it too bad though, with their room only slightly smaller and right next door to the other bathroom. We barely unpacked before we decided to go out and find a grocery store and somewhere to buy sheets.
So we walked. And walked. And walked some more, asking directions here and there trying to find a grocery store. Because I didn't want Ireland's version of "Whole Foods". I wanted a nice, cheap(er) place to buy some essentials. And through the help of a few different store owners we found our way to a Tescos. You know what I notice the most about Irish products (really all European products)? They're all smaller and yet more expensive. The toiletries, food (especially meet), all of it - smaller portions but more expensive. Not cool.
Anyway, we made some purchases and wandered back to the flat spending the rest of the early evening eating straightening up and the preparing to meet up with people to go out. I'm getting the feeling that Dublin's going to be kind of a wild ride for me. I'm not too worried about it though - I'm a big girl and have no problem saying no. At least it's a great way to get to know the local populus - trying out anywhere from 1 to 3 different pubs definitely lets you meet the local, eh?
Jealous yet?
Sometimes it's really hard for me to remember that I have to go to class on Monday.
After that though myself and my three roommates moved into our flat! Imagine a large two bedroom aparment, decorated in slightly aged 60's, 70's yellow/orange decor. Not too shabby but not the best on the block either. I got really lucky and my roommate Katie and I got the bigger room with attached bathroom! Yay! The other girls didn't get it too bad though, with their room only slightly smaller and right next door to the other bathroom. We barely unpacked before we decided to go out and find a grocery store and somewhere to buy sheets.
So we walked. And walked. And walked some more, asking directions here and there trying to find a grocery store. Because I didn't want Ireland's version of "Whole Foods". I wanted a nice, cheap(er) place to buy some essentials. And through the help of a few different store owners we found our way to a Tescos. You know what I notice the most about Irish products (really all European products)? They're all smaller and yet more expensive. The toiletries, food (especially meet), all of it - smaller portions but more expensive. Not cool.
Anyway, we made some purchases and wandered back to the flat spending the rest of the early evening eating straightening up and the preparing to meet up with people to go out. I'm getting the feeling that Dublin's going to be kind of a wild ride for me. I'm not too worried about it though - I'm a big girl and have no problem saying no. At least it's a great way to get to know the local populus - trying out anywhere from 1 to 3 different pubs definitely lets you meet the local, eh?
Jealous yet?
June 28 - Socializing the Irish Way!
Ireland is still going pretty good I think. 99% of the other program participants arrived today and we had a big lunch all together to try and get to know each other. I mean, I still kind of stuck with the people that I met yesterday, but I met the other people who will be living with us in our flat, and hung out with some pretty cool people.
After lunch we waited an hour for people to shower and change before going back out. We hit a pub called Fitzgeralds, right across the street (across the river) it was pretty nice. I had a glass of Guinness (I wish I'd ordered a half pint but I didn't know it was called that until after I got my glass). We spent a couple hours there, went back to the hostel to pick up some more people and then headed back out to see some more of the pubs of Dublin. Seeing a theme here?
The first place we went was the Brazen Head again because we "oldies" wanted to give the new people a glimpse of the oldest pub in Ireland and have a chance to get some food. After that the best way to describe our evening is as an old fashioned pub crawl. Walking around about 6 of us at this point, sampled 3 more places sometimes have a beer, sometimes only a shot, before we settled in a place called "The Legal Eagle". The best way I can think of describing this place is as a pothead's dream. It smelled of incense and had live music - which consisted of a smoke machine and a few people strumming guitars and singing into the mike. Imagine a few straggly people with long hair and you won't have a hard time picturing yourself here. It was here though, that myself and a girl named Bailey decided that it was time to go home. I mean, all of us had to get on a bus tomorrow at 8:30am and I knew that if I was going to get up in time for breakfast and to repack? I did not need to go out anymore. I wasn't drinking anymore necessarily, I just knew that if I kept following these people around I wouldn't be in bed until midnight or later. Especially since the sun doesn't go down until about 10:30pm.
All in all, I'm happy to report that Ireland is still a lot of fun. Nice people, cool buildings, and the accents are pretty rockin. So don't worry about me. I'm doing just fine.
After lunch we waited an hour for people to shower and change before going back out. We hit a pub called Fitzgeralds, right across the street (across the river) it was pretty nice. I had a glass of Guinness (I wish I'd ordered a half pint but I didn't know it was called that until after I got my glass). We spent a couple hours there, went back to the hostel to pick up some more people and then headed back out to see some more of the pubs of Dublin. Seeing a theme here?
The first place we went was the Brazen Head again because we "oldies" wanted to give the new people a glimpse of the oldest pub in Ireland and have a chance to get some food. After that the best way to describe our evening is as an old fashioned pub crawl. Walking around about 6 of us at this point, sampled 3 more places sometimes have a beer, sometimes only a shot, before we settled in a place called "The Legal Eagle". The best way I can think of describing this place is as a pothead's dream. It smelled of incense and had live music - which consisted of a smoke machine and a few people strumming guitars and singing into the mike. Imagine a few straggly people with long hair and you won't have a hard time picturing yourself here. It was here though, that myself and a girl named Bailey decided that it was time to go home. I mean, all of us had to get on a bus tomorrow at 8:30am and I knew that if I was going to get up in time for breakfast and to repack? I did not need to go out anymore. I wasn't drinking anymore necessarily, I just knew that if I kept following these people around I wouldn't be in bed until midnight or later. Especially since the sun doesn't go down until about 10:30pm.
All in all, I'm happy to report that Ireland is still a lot of fun. Nice people, cool buildings, and the accents are pretty rockin. So don't worry about me. I'm doing just fine.
June 27 - The Green of Ireland!
My first day in Ireland was surprisingly a lot of fun. It didn't start out so hot, with me arriving in the airport and not finding either of the two people I thought would be waiting. And continuing with me waiting for the next girl to get in, her flight getting delayed, and me still not finding our meeting up with her. I found out later that the first two had left the airport way before I got in, and that somehow I just crossed wires with the girl getting in later, so it ended up she also got to the hostel before me. But whatever. Finally I just took a cab to the hostel (which was minorly expensive) but I got there nice and easy and didn't have to drag my two suitcases two blocks.
But you know what did bother me? When I checked in with Aer Lingus in Berlin I found out that my bags were overweight. That's right. Even though I had to pay 5 Euros a piece for my checked luggage, combined their weight still had to be 20 kg or less. And mine were 27.6. Furthermore, when your bag is overweight they charge you 8 EUROS per kg you're over. But even worse than that? They charged me for being 10kg over! I was only 7.6! 8, if they were being real bastards and decided to round up. But they charged me for 10 kg, meaning I coughed up 80 Euros before I even left Germany.
I'm trying not to be bitter.
Anyway, after checking into the hostel things got better really quickly. Jennifer, the girl I was going to meet coming off the plane, came by and said hi and introduced me some of the other people that had also arrived early. She then let me in on the plan to meet up for dinner later. So a quick hour to refresh later, a group of 6 went off to explore Dublin. Or at least Dublin 1 anyway. We spent some time walking around the Temple Bar area before finally settling in a cheaper part of town to have dinner. But of course the evening wasn't over yet. Being in Dublin we just HAD to check out a pub before we went to bed. After a quick check at the map, we decided to head to the Brazen Head, a pub rumored to be the oldest in Ireland. It was so much fun! We had a few pints (I shared one with Jennifer - no more beer for me thank you) and generally had a wonderful time getting to know each other and soaking up Irish culture. It makes me really excited about the rest of the 6 weeks - if the first night is this fun, maybe more won't be worse?
But you know what did bother me? When I checked in with Aer Lingus in Berlin I found out that my bags were overweight. That's right. Even though I had to pay 5 Euros a piece for my checked luggage, combined their weight still had to be 20 kg or less. And mine were 27.6. Furthermore, when your bag is overweight they charge you 8 EUROS per kg you're over. But even worse than that? They charged me for being 10kg over! I was only 7.6! 8, if they were being real bastards and decided to round up. But they charged me for 10 kg, meaning I coughed up 80 Euros before I even left Germany.
I'm trying not to be bitter.
Anyway, after checking into the hostel things got better really quickly. Jennifer, the girl I was going to meet coming off the plane, came by and said hi and introduced me some of the other people that had also arrived early. She then let me in on the plan to meet up for dinner later. So a quick hour to refresh later, a group of 6 went off to explore Dublin. Or at least Dublin 1 anyway. We spent some time walking around the Temple Bar area before finally settling in a cheaper part of town to have dinner. But of course the evening wasn't over yet. Being in Dublin we just HAD to check out a pub before we went to bed. After a quick check at the map, we decided to head to the Brazen Head, a pub rumored to be the oldest in Ireland. It was so much fun! We had a few pints (I shared one with Jennifer - no more beer for me thank you) and generally had a wonderful time getting to know each other and soaking up Irish culture. It makes me really excited about the rest of the 6 weeks - if the first night is this fun, maybe more won't be worse?
June 26 - Back to Berlin!
I know it's bad of me to be absent with so many days, but truthfully not that much happened. I've been back in Berlin seince the 22 and have spent most of that time asleep. Because you know what happened on the morning of the 22? I got sick. That's right, after almost four weeks of living out of my suitcase and getting little sleep and eating strangely, on our last day in Athens I get sick. Luckily (or unfotunately) it was just some kind of 24hr stomache thing, but it still meant that I felt tired and crappy for most of the day. But with the help of some DayQuil/NyQuil I survived my flight into Berlin (even when we arrived and had to walk to the terminal in the rain).
But yeah, back to my last few days in Berlin. I really have been doing nothing. It's such a luxary! Since I did the cultural stuff the first time around, I got to relax and prepare myself for my courses in Dublin (which hopefully won't be too hard). The exciting thing this time was that Makiko came and visited! She came in Saturday (23rd) afternoon and Lian and I met her at the Obstbahnhof trainstation. We hung out and had dinner and helped her decide what kind of cultural tours and landmarks were the best to see in her three days in Berlin. I guess when I really think about it, the other cool thing Lian and I did anyway was spend some time in Hauptbanhof the main station which is HUGE. Lian made the comment that Berliners don't have malls, they have trainstations. And at this one it was obvious why. It was about 5/6 levels with food places, clothing stores, and all different kinds of shops. It was a great way to spend a lazy afternoon (especially when a lot of the places were having great sales!).
And yet the time has come for me to leave Berlin and head to Ireland. The one place that I've always wanted to go and hopefully will be all that I've dreamed of and more. I'm going to try and not be too blinded by the books I've read and the movies I've seen. I'll try anyway. I'll also try to keep up with the blog when I'm there. You can read about any mini trips I take while I'm there and if I get the chance to visit Spain and France on a couple of my free weekends (cause I want to do that too). And if I have better access to the internet these posts might even become more regular! What a thought!
But yeah, back to my last few days in Berlin. I really have been doing nothing. It's such a luxary! Since I did the cultural stuff the first time around, I got to relax and prepare myself for my courses in Dublin (which hopefully won't be too hard). The exciting thing this time was that Makiko came and visited! She came in Saturday (23rd) afternoon and Lian and I met her at the Obstbahnhof trainstation. We hung out and had dinner and helped her decide what kind of cultural tours and landmarks were the best to see in her three days in Berlin. I guess when I really think about it, the other cool thing Lian and I did anyway was spend some time in Hauptbanhof the main station which is HUGE. Lian made the comment that Berliners don't have malls, they have trainstations. And at this one it was obvious why. It was about 5/6 levels with food places, clothing stores, and all different kinds of shops. It was a great way to spend a lazy afternoon (especially when a lot of the places were having great sales!).
And yet the time has come for me to leave Berlin and head to Ireland. The one place that I've always wanted to go and hopefully will be all that I've dreamed of and more. I'm going to try and not be too blinded by the books I've read and the movies I've seen. I'll try anyway. I'll also try to keep up with the blog when I'm there. You can read about any mini trips I take while I'm there and if I get the chance to visit Spain and France on a couple of my free weekends (cause I want to do that too). And if I have better access to the internet these posts might even become more regular! What a thought!
June 21 - Bye to Laura!
Today started out kind of crappy but ended up being a cool way to end our Europe whirlwind. I woke up kind of randomly at 6:30am and took a look around - what do I not see? Laura in her bed. Not only is she not in her bed, it doesn't look slept in and Lian isn't in her bed either. I wait for about 15 min, take another look around at this point start to worry. I take a look around outside, ask the people at the desk if he's seen two small Asian girls wandering around, and then head back to my room. At this point I really start to worry. I pick up my book and start reading, determined to wait an hour or so before I officially freak out. Finally, at around 7:30am Lian and Laura roll in, coming from watch the sunrise over the Acropolis. Yeah that's right, I'd been sitting in my bed, becoming more and more worried, and these two had been having a moment with a group of the kids from the hostel. I was not a happy camper.
After going back to bed I woke up at 12pm ready to go the pharmacist to try and find some stuff to treat my hearing problem in my left ear (it being about a week now since I'd been able to hear completely from it). Eventually I got over being pissed at the fact that the two of them had seriously scared me and the three of us left for the central market area, all of us going to windowshop before heading to the Acropolis when it was cooler. By the time we got there it was 5:30pm - keep in mind though that the sun doesn't set until about 9pm and it doesn't get cool enough to walk around outside until 6-ish. I don't know if I was impressed as I should have been. It was cool to see the Parthenon in all its glory, but so much of it was under reconstuction that it took away from the overall splendor of the site. And then to read about how Sir Elgen had stolen a chunk of the artifacts from there in the past and had dumped them in the British Museum.
Imperialist bastards.
After the Acropolis we tried again and this time found the theater with the Greek dance troup. We had found the correct path on our way home last night, so tonight all we had to do was avoid the swarms of bugs that had come out with the setting sun. Seeing swarms of small bugs always makes me worry about breathing them in or swallowing them. So I walked the little path with my hand over my nose and mouth letting in just enough oxygen so that I could breathe, but covering enough that I didn't feel like I was inhaling insects. It's a fine line.
But anyway, the performance was nice. It was a really large troupe with men and women and all the dances showcased both sexes and dances from throughout Grecian history. What I did notice was that the cool hopping and special dance steps were only allowed to the men. Most of the dances were in lines and it was always the man on the end that did everything intricate and different. The women got one small wooden spoon number and that was it. Not as impressive as I was hoping for. Luckily the bugs were gone by the time the show was over (11:00pm) and the metro was still running so we didn't have to walk all the way back! Yay! Finishing off the evening with some McDonalds and talking about relationships is what I feel a fitting end to not only our time in Athens but of the trip. Because after tomorrow Lian and I head back to Berlin and Laura to China - and who knows when/if we'll see each other again?
After going back to bed I woke up at 12pm ready to go the pharmacist to try and find some stuff to treat my hearing problem in my left ear (it being about a week now since I'd been able to hear completely from it). Eventually I got over being pissed at the fact that the two of them had seriously scared me and the three of us left for the central market area, all of us going to windowshop before heading to the Acropolis when it was cooler. By the time we got there it was 5:30pm - keep in mind though that the sun doesn't set until about 9pm and it doesn't get cool enough to walk around outside until 6-ish. I don't know if I was impressed as I should have been. It was cool to see the Parthenon in all its glory, but so much of it was under reconstuction that it took away from the overall splendor of the site. And then to read about how Sir Elgen had stolen a chunk of the artifacts from there in the past and had dumped them in the British Museum.
Imperialist bastards.
After the Acropolis we tried again and this time found the theater with the Greek dance troup. We had found the correct path on our way home last night, so tonight all we had to do was avoid the swarms of bugs that had come out with the setting sun. Seeing swarms of small bugs always makes me worry about breathing them in or swallowing them. So I walked the little path with my hand over my nose and mouth letting in just enough oxygen so that I could breathe, but covering enough that I didn't feel like I was inhaling insects. It's a fine line.
But anyway, the performance was nice. It was a really large troupe with men and women and all the dances showcased both sexes and dances from throughout Grecian history. What I did notice was that the cool hopping and special dance steps were only allowed to the men. Most of the dances were in lines and it was always the man on the end that did everything intricate and different. The women got one small wooden spoon number and that was it. Not as impressive as I was hoping for. Luckily the bugs were gone by the time the show was over (11:00pm) and the metro was still running so we didn't have to walk all the way back! Yay! Finishing off the evening with some McDonalds and talking about relationships is what I feel a fitting end to not only our time in Athens but of the trip. Because after tomorrow Lian and I head back to Berlin and Laura to China - and who knows when/if we'll see each other again?
June 20 - Sweating through the motions
Why is everything worth doing in Athens about 15 million steps in the vertical direction? The only thing that we got accomplished today was seeing the Ancient Agora. Imagine a set of ruins with a few reconstructed buildings/areas and a small museum. Nice and all, except the three of us got there at about 4pm thinking that it would be cooler (temperature wise). But it wasn't it was still really hot - the sun was beating down on us and Laura and I were melting into little puddles of goo. After finally leaving the Agora we walked down and on the way trying to find food ended up in this market area with both sides of the streets lined with small shops and jewelry stands. In one thrift store like place I even managed to pick up a few new books. With a new rolling duffle with more room comes the possibility of more book space. By the end of the street we ended up finding a McDonalds (we all wanted to be cultural and all, but at the end of the trip ALL of us are poor and a 1 Euro cheeseburger is very exciting).
But what you don't know at this point is that our plans for the rest of the evening was to go see this traditional Greek dance performance group - and I needed to stop by a pharmacist. Yet what happens? I mention that I need to go throughout the day but Lian's like "let's try and do the Acropolis!" and Laura and I get distracted by the jewelry stands, and eventually we have to just head out to the performance. Of course the reality of the story being closed didn't really hit me until the very end of the evening when we couldn't find the actually performance venue. We climbed a freaking MOUNTAIN (a small one, but still) and I'm dying the entire way, my lungs burning with sweat dripping off my body, and we don't get to the theater. Lian didn't have real directions and the locals were vague and only somewhat helpful, to the point that we had to just give up and go home. And it's at that point that I realize that there is no way for me to go the pharmacy and that I would have to just deal with my pains for another day.
Let's just say that my good humor didn't last the night.
But what you don't know at this point is that our plans for the rest of the evening was to go see this traditional Greek dance performance group - and I needed to stop by a pharmacist. Yet what happens? I mention that I need to go throughout the day but Lian's like "let's try and do the Acropolis!" and Laura and I get distracted by the jewelry stands, and eventually we have to just head out to the performance. Of course the reality of the story being closed didn't really hit me until the very end of the evening when we couldn't find the actually performance venue. We climbed a freaking MOUNTAIN (a small one, but still) and I'm dying the entire way, my lungs burning with sweat dripping off my body, and we don't get to the theater. Lian didn't have real directions and the locals were vague and only somewhat helpful, to the point that we had to just give up and go home. And it's at that point that I realize that there is no way for me to go the pharmacy and that I would have to just deal with my pains for another day.
Let's just say that my good humor didn't last the night.
June 19 - Music through the walls
Still holding my opinion on Athens. Hotel Lazanni is fine, we have A/C and the room is a good size (even though we seem to be placed in the prostitute neighborhood, an experience all on it's own). Since the three of us has to do the whole sleep in the airport thing in Chania, we got into Athens bone tired. On the bus ride back all three of us fell asleep and had to be woken up by the guy who check people's tickets. Eventually though we got to the hotel and collectively decided that it was time for a LONG nap - about 5 hours long. We all woke up at 3pm kind of ready to begin the day.
We started out by trying to find the Central Market - and we found it, it just wasn't impressive. Maybe earlier in the day there were actually people there and booths that weren't fish and vegetables, but not at 4pm. At 4pm the only people there are the ones buying groceries to take home and cook dinner with. Very quickly we decided to leave to head out to Lykavittos Hill, a place famous for the view of Athens and the sunset. What Lian neglected to inform me of was that there were like 15 million REALLY steep steps that one had to traverse before getting to the funicular that would take us to the top. And even when we got to the top we had to go up more steps to pass the cafe to really see the city. And while I enjoyed the view when I got to the top, I was not happy with Lian's repeated comments on how cool and wonderful the view was. At this point I was like three sets of stairs behind the other two and sweating quite unattractively.
It was weird to watch the sun begin to set at about 8pm, but it did get really nice. From the top of the hill you could see a huge panoramic view of Athens, the Acropolis, and just a lot of the houses built around small mountain/hills that seemed to just burst out from in between them. Being officially beyond exhausted at this point we all headed back, stopped at the minimart for snacks and are right now sitting in the room listening to the screams and cheers of drunk people at the bar a couple doors down, singing along to "American Pie". What a way to finish our first day in Athens.
We started out by trying to find the Central Market - and we found it, it just wasn't impressive. Maybe earlier in the day there were actually people there and booths that weren't fish and vegetables, but not at 4pm. At 4pm the only people there are the ones buying groceries to take home and cook dinner with. Very quickly we decided to leave to head out to Lykavittos Hill, a place famous for the view of Athens and the sunset. What Lian neglected to inform me of was that there were like 15 million REALLY steep steps that one had to traverse before getting to the funicular that would take us to the top. And even when we got to the top we had to go up more steps to pass the cafe to really see the city. And while I enjoyed the view when I got to the top, I was not happy with Lian's repeated comments on how cool and wonderful the view was. At this point I was like three sets of stairs behind the other two and sweating quite unattractively.
It was weird to watch the sun begin to set at about 8pm, but it did get really nice. From the top of the hill you could see a huge panoramic view of Athens, the Acropolis, and just a lot of the houses built around small mountain/hills that seemed to just burst out from in between them. Being officially beyond exhausted at this point we all headed back, stopped at the minimart for snacks and are right now sitting in the room listening to the screams and cheers of drunk people at the bar a couple doors down, singing along to "American Pie". What a way to finish our first day in Athens.
June 18 - Bus troubles....
This day was ok, but nothing too special. Because Poppy offered to take us to the port for our ferry back to Heraklion, we needed to get back to the hotel by 2:30pm. Not a big deal except we didn't drop our luggage off at her place until 12:00pm and the bus to Akrotiri (home of the red sand beach) didn't show up until 12:30pm. Finally though we did get there, and after a little bit of hiking made it far enough to see the beginnings of the beach. Then, when we started on the path to see more, we see this humungous cloud of small bugs just waiting for us to walk throuhg, beathe in, and swallow. It was a unanimous decision to turn around and spend some time at a small jewelry stand and then find our way back to Villa Manos. Here's when the wakiness starts. We get to the bus stop at 2pm just in time to wait 20min for the bus to arrive (keep in mind that we are supposed to back at 2:30pm and the red beach stop is 20min away from Villa Manos). After finally getting on the bus it proceeds to go all the way back to Fira WITHOUT STOPPING IN FRONT OF VILLA MANOS. At this point we have to call Poppy and tell her that we are not going to be back in time, and then get on the bus to Kamari which we found out yesterday stops at Villa Manos. But you know what? This time around the bus driver ignored our pleas to stop and PASSED THE HOTEL! It was horrible. We had to ride the bus all the way around and then get off.
Miraculously we make it back to Villa Manos at 3:30pm and take a cab to the port. Where we wait for our 4:55pm ferry. Or so we think. Because the ferry is 40min late! When it finally does show up it's a mad dash to find a seat, with some people telling us we have assigned seat numbers and others saying it doesn't matter where we sit. The only good part is that I was able to nap the entire way, because that ship was so sway-y I definitely would have been more than unhappy and sick feeling. When we eventually made it back to Heraklion is was another bus ride back to Chania ( 3hrs) and a cab ride to the airport (40 min) where all three of us are now, waiting for our 6am flight. Goody, goody, gumdrops. Whatever. We made it here alive and now just have to nap a little while before leaving. Things could be worse.
Miraculously we make it back to Villa Manos at 3:30pm and take a cab to the port. Where we wait for our 4:55pm ferry. Or so we think. Because the ferry is 40min late! When it finally does show up it's a mad dash to find a seat, with some people telling us we have assigned seat numbers and others saying it doesn't matter where we sit. The only good part is that I was able to nap the entire way, because that ship was so sway-y I definitely would have been more than unhappy and sick feeling. When we eventually made it back to Heraklion is was another bus ride back to Chania ( 3hrs) and a cab ride to the airport (40 min) where all three of us are now, waiting for our 6am flight. Goody, goody, gumdrops. Whatever. We made it here alive and now just have to nap a little while before leaving. Things could be worse.
June 17 - I think I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so!
Damn those 8am ferries! It was torture to get up and pack up all our crap to head to the port. But we made it out, took a cab, and ended up at the port with time to spare. My plan was to sleep on the boat, since I can get a little seasick, but it would have been fine except for these two screaming, laughing, playing siblings (a boy and a girl) whose father was asleep. It sucked so much! All I wanted to do was go back to sleep and instead I took these little mini naps, like four of them, and it was completely unsatisfying.
All this paing was made up for though when I got my first glimpse of Santorini. It is a beautiful island with all these cliffs and mountains rising in the distance. The three of us all gathered on the deck to take dorky pictures and watch this wonder come closer and closer. When we docked though, it was hard to imagine what we would see later that day. The port town of Santorini was teeny tiny and had like nothing there except some rental car places. Whatever, all was good and the Villa Manos guy came and got us and drove reassuringly confident up a twisty, turny, mountain road that eventually lead to the main road and village. And you know who we saw playing in the pool at Villa Manos? The Korean family! It was ridiculous! Here we were just checking in from the ferry and there they were playing in the pool. The mom was really nice and waved at us, even though Lian had kind of freaked them out when we saw them yesterday by offering them our leftover cheese.
And at the Villa Manos we met Poppy the proprieter and all around cool woman. She spoke good English, gave us free orange juice, and told us all about the village and what we could do with our time. Taking her advice, we all changed into bathing suits and headed off the Kamari, one of the beaches to the south that had black sand. It was really cool to look at, but you want to know why the beache had black sand? I'll tell you! It was because the sand was really lots of eroded rock from the mountains on the island. Meaning that it go super hot in the sun and was terrible uncomfortable to stand on. Not only that, nobody mentioned that while it wasn't a nude beach, there would be lots of woman sunbathing topless - with only a few of them having the body to be doing so proudly. Whatever, Laura and I went in the water and I was able to marvel at it's clearness, temperature and complete lack of waves! I was able to bob here and there, but there were no crashing waves - it as almost unnatural compared to the variableness of the NC coast.
But not only that - Santorini is the only place so far that really matched totally the idea I had in my head of white, boxy houses stacked on top of each other leading into blue, blue ocean. It amazed me how perfect it was. After spending some more time at the beach we all head to Ia, a more well known town that is also famous for the spectacular sunset visitors can view there. And who did we see eating dinner at a restaurant in the town? The Korean family! Yes for the fourth time we now we met up with family, this time taking pictures of the two little girls. Eventually though we continued on to find the "sunset beach" viewing area, which was really just a place closer to the coast that gave people a wonderous view of the sun setting down into the ocean behind beautiful houses. It was after watching the sunset that I had a new and somewhat nerve wracking experience. You see, the entire time Lian and I were watching the sunset there was this group of three people next too us speaking in Japanese - an older woman, a young man, and a young white woman. Finally after the sun had set I decided that through much soul searching I would try and offer to take a picture of the three of them. With Lian egging me on I used some halting, Japanese and struck up a conversation, taking their pictures and finding out that the white woman was the guy's wife and she was learning Japanese at college in Germany. Go figure. But since I hadn't spoken any Japanese in a year, it wasn't pretty- as much as the mother seemed impressed with my making myself understood at all.
Finally though we headed back to Manos - twice more meeting up with the Korean family, finally getting the mother's address so we could email her the pictures we had of and with her children. It was really funny and I was glad that she wasn't freaked out by us (mainly Lian and I) being so amused. Back at the hotel we just did the usual getting ready for bed routine, this time with added benefit of knowing that we didn't have to get up until 10 the next morning. Yay!
All this paing was made up for though when I got my first glimpse of Santorini. It is a beautiful island with all these cliffs and mountains rising in the distance. The three of us all gathered on the deck to take dorky pictures and watch this wonder come closer and closer. When we docked though, it was hard to imagine what we would see later that day. The port town of Santorini was teeny tiny and had like nothing there except some rental car places. Whatever, all was good and the Villa Manos guy came and got us and drove reassuringly confident up a twisty, turny, mountain road that eventually lead to the main road and village. And you know who we saw playing in the pool at Villa Manos? The Korean family! It was ridiculous! Here we were just checking in from the ferry and there they were playing in the pool. The mom was really nice and waved at us, even though Lian had kind of freaked them out when we saw them yesterday by offering them our leftover cheese.
And at the Villa Manos we met Poppy the proprieter and all around cool woman. She spoke good English, gave us free orange juice, and told us all about the village and what we could do with our time. Taking her advice, we all changed into bathing suits and headed off the Kamari, one of the beaches to the south that had black sand. It was really cool to look at, but you want to know why the beache had black sand? I'll tell you! It was because the sand was really lots of eroded rock from the mountains on the island. Meaning that it go super hot in the sun and was terrible uncomfortable to stand on. Not only that, nobody mentioned that while it wasn't a nude beach, there would be lots of woman sunbathing topless - with only a few of them having the body to be doing so proudly. Whatever, Laura and I went in the water and I was able to marvel at it's clearness, temperature and complete lack of waves! I was able to bob here and there, but there were no crashing waves - it as almost unnatural compared to the variableness of the NC coast.
But not only that - Santorini is the only place so far that really matched totally the idea I had in my head of white, boxy houses stacked on top of each other leading into blue, blue ocean. It amazed me how perfect it was. After spending some more time at the beach we all head to Ia, a more well known town that is also famous for the spectacular sunset visitors can view there. And who did we see eating dinner at a restaurant in the town? The Korean family! Yes for the fourth time we now we met up with family, this time taking pictures of the two little girls. Eventually though we continued on to find the "sunset beach" viewing area, which was really just a place closer to the coast that gave people a wonderous view of the sun setting down into the ocean behind beautiful houses. It was after watching the sunset that I had a new and somewhat nerve wracking experience. You see, the entire time Lian and I were watching the sunset there was this group of three people next too us speaking in Japanese - an older woman, a young man, and a young white woman. Finally after the sun had set I decided that through much soul searching I would try and offer to take a picture of the three of them. With Lian egging me on I used some halting, Japanese and struck up a conversation, taking their pictures and finding out that the white woman was the guy's wife and she was learning Japanese at college in Germany. Go figure. But since I hadn't spoken any Japanese in a year, it wasn't pretty- as much as the mother seemed impressed with my making myself understood at all.
Finally though we headed back to Manos - twice more meeting up with the Korean family, finally getting the mother's address so we could email her the pictures we had of and with her children. It was really funny and I was glad that she wasn't freaked out by us (mainly Lian and I) being so amused. Back at the hotel we just did the usual getting ready for bed routine, this time with added benefit of knowing that we didn't have to get up until 10 the next morning. Yay!
June 16 - Home of the Minortaur!
Knossos: home of the Minotaur and all sorts of other legends. A short 20 minute bus ride took all three of us to the home of the oldest civilazation in Europe. Before that though, things were a little hasty. Lian and I got up early to go check out the other hotel options for that evening, the Lena and a generic Youth Hostel, and make a choice. Without any indecision or second thoughts (after seeing the rooms in the youth hostel and dealing with the rude woman at the desk) we decided to spend our last night in Heraklion at the Hotel Lena. All in all, Costas (the man who ran the Mirabello) was really helpful. He was totally willing to help us find new places to stay, and after we told him our issues with Villa Manos in Santorini called them up, and talked to the owner about where we could stay. So not only had he helped us in Heraklion, he helped us book a room at our number one choice in Santorini.
Anyway, what all this waking up early, napping again and then moving to the Hotel Lena meant that we were really tired when we started out our day at about 12pm. We stopped at the grocery store and bought the makings of a sandwich to eat in the park before we left, since our guidebook warned us that the cafes at the ruins were over priced. So with our ham and cheese sandwiches and chips we sat in the park, in the shade even, and watched a nice little Korean family eat.
Finally though we said goodbye to Heraklion and boarded the bus to Knossos. Once we got there though, it was kind of a surprise. I had never been to see ruins before and with all I knew about the Minotaur, the labyrinth, and the Minotian people I just wasn't prepared to see a somewhat reconstructed pile of rubble. Luckily (or unfortunately) we paid a little more and got a guided tour of the site, which at least meant that I knew a lot more about that pile of rubble than I would have on my own. But it was really warm and as much as the guide tried to keep her talks to shady areas, it very quickly became uncomfortably, ungodly hot. Still it was really cute when in front of us at the ruins was the little Korean family we saw in the park! The three of us noticed them when the two girls starting 'La la la' singing in front of us and dancing. It was so cute!
Then Lian started to not feel so good, and with Laura and I wilting from exhaustion, we headed back to the hotel for what we thought was a nap and what turned out to be an hours long siesta. I don't take naps though so I spent the time checking my email and chatting with friends over skype. Eventually we all regrouped and headed out to dinner to spend our last night in Heraklion before heading out to Santorini.
Anyway, what all this waking up early, napping again and then moving to the Hotel Lena meant that we were really tired when we started out our day at about 12pm. We stopped at the grocery store and bought the makings of a sandwich to eat in the park before we left, since our guidebook warned us that the cafes at the ruins were over priced. So with our ham and cheese sandwiches and chips we sat in the park, in the shade even, and watched a nice little Korean family eat.
Finally though we said goodbye to Heraklion and boarded the bus to Knossos. Once we got there though, it was kind of a surprise. I had never been to see ruins before and with all I knew about the Minotaur, the labyrinth, and the Minotian people I just wasn't prepared to see a somewhat reconstructed pile of rubble. Luckily (or unfortunately) we paid a little more and got a guided tour of the site, which at least meant that I knew a lot more about that pile of rubble than I would have on my own. But it was really warm and as much as the guide tried to keep her talks to shady areas, it very quickly became uncomfortably, ungodly hot. Still it was really cute when in front of us at the ruins was the little Korean family we saw in the park! The three of us noticed them when the two girls starting 'La la la' singing in front of us and dancing. It was so cute!
Then Lian started to not feel so good, and with Laura and I wilting from exhaustion, we headed back to the hotel for what we thought was a nap and what turned out to be an hours long siesta. I don't take naps though so I spent the time checking my email and chatting with friends over skype. Eventually we all regrouped and headed out to dinner to spend our last night in Heraklion before heading out to Santorini.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
June 15 - Itinerary Changes from Hell! (Though it all worked out...)
Today was another travelling day. We spent the morning in Chania, Laura and Lian went to a museum while I window shopped and sent emails. Nice, relaxing and exactly what I wanted. We caught the 4:30pm bus to Heraklion, a port city that is about 2 1/2 hours a way. Since it doesn't get dark here until about 9pm or so, it was really easy to take a later bus because we knew there wouldn't be a problem finding the hotel. After getting to Heraklion things got a little bit exciting though. We had originally decided to follow this itinerary: June 15 - Heraklion; June 16 - Travel to Santorini, stay there; June 17 - Day in Santorini, back to Heraklion; June 18 - Heraklion, travel to Chania; June 19 - Athens. And then we found out at the bus station that there only three seats in business class going to Santorini on the 16th and they were going to cost 45 Euro each. Aaaahh! We then had a minor catastrophe were spent time calling hotels, trying to get knew rooms so that we could change the itnerary to stay in Heraklion an extra day now and travel to Santorini and the 17th. I was not a happy camper. I was freaking out about money true, but I don't like suddenly chaning plans at the drop of a hat, and in my eyes not really asking enough questions. Anyway, everything worked out. We got the extra night in Heraklion and a new place to stay in Santorini, meaning that each of us saved about 30 Euro - which I'm sure I can find ways to spend!
Oh and by the way, I'm trying not to complain all that much, but my left ear was stuffed up all day and still is now - I can barely hear anything out of it and it doesn't make me a happy camper.
Oh and by the way, I'm trying not to complain all that much, but my left ear was stuffed up all day and still is now - I can barely hear anything out of it and it doesn't make me a happy camper.
June 14 - Snorkeling blind....or maybe not
Yay for swimming in and exploring Cretan waters! The main bulk of our day was spent on the M/S Irini a medium ship that for 3 1/2 hours took us out to two of the near by islands - Thodoru and Lazaretta. Thodoru is a protected island, home to the endangered Cri-Cri, a dear like animal that is native to Crete. But really, I was just amazed at how blue the water was. Yet it wasn't only blue. The water was green, teal, and turquoise all depending on the depth. And everything was so clear! The ship also gave members a chance to go snorkeling, which was cool to me in theory and then sad when I realized that without my glasses I wouldn't be able to see much (water helps, but not enough to really see). Luckily, or unfortunately for some, there weren't really any fish to see. So I just spent my time wading beside the ship in the VERY cold, beautifully blue water. The second island, Lazaretta is not protected, so not only could we swim in the water near the island, we got to swim onto the shore and walk along the small beach. Again without my glasses it wasn't as exciting as it could be, but it meant that I concentrated a lot more on the tectures and what things felt like between my toes.
We ended the cruise with a shot of Raki, a traditional Cretan alcohol. In my opionion? SO GROSS! It tasted horrible and burned all the way down. And then every time I burped afterward, I tasted it again! I feel it was a somewhat disappointing end to a great few hours. The lady who was heading the tour and gave out the Raki was nice though, so I couldn't really fault her on not noticing that her native drink was one of the most distgusting things ever. Oh Well.
After we got back from the boat trip, tired and salty, we collectively decided on a laid back evening. We have a quiet dinner and went back to our fantastic hotel room to shower, repack and an Amaretto Sour nightcap. All in all, I don't think my time in Chania could have gone any better and I would love to have more time here someday.
We ended the cruise with a shot of Raki, a traditional Cretan alcohol. In my opionion? SO GROSS! It tasted horrible and burned all the way down. And then every time I burped afterward, I tasted it again! I feel it was a somewhat disappointing end to a great few hours. The lady who was heading the tour and gave out the Raki was nice though, so I couldn't really fault her on not noticing that her native drink was one of the most distgusting things ever. Oh Well.
After we got back from the boat trip, tired and salty, we collectively decided on a laid back evening. We have a quiet dinner and went back to our fantastic hotel room to shower, repack and an Amaretto Sour nightcap. All in all, I don't think my time in Chania could have gone any better and I would love to have more time here someday.
Friday, June 15, 2007
June 13 - Creta!
Crete is soo pretty. Right now it is much higher on my beautiful list than Athens. Of course I say that now, but when I had to sleep for three hours in the Chania airport I was not a happy camper. I like my bed. I like my covers. Having to make do by lying on duffle and hiding my bookbag behind me did not make me chipper. Anyway, once we got past the somewhat crappy airport it got a lot better.
On the bus ride from the airport all you see is houses surrounded by mountains in the background and blue, blue water. It made me even more anxious to get to the beach. The three of us got off the bus about a half hour later, and through some hand gestures and written explanations got a cab to take us to our hotel. And you know what - our hotel is also beautiful!! The floor and ceiling is made out of this light tan wood and we have nice beds and a bathroom and air conditioner!! Not only is the room itself wonderful, but we have a little balcony that opens out onto the city and a huge lemon tree that first thing Lian picked a couple from.
Well, after taking another couple hours and napping after our airport ideal, we headout out into the main part of the city. We walked along the harbor and collected information about glass boat rides and even snorkling! We walked in and out of shops, really doing what I enjoy the most - interested wandering. And we had lunch/linner at the nicest little place. It's sign said that they prepared home made food and since the prices weren't so terrible, we stayed and had traditional Greek food. Lian and I had Mousaka a lasagna-like dish in that eggplant is layered with potato and meat, and then baked with cheese on top. Laura got a stuffed eggplant and both the dishes were similar but had their own particulars that in the end made me prefer my mousaka.
After linner we walked some more, looked out and then headed to the grocery store and bought the makings of a nice cocktail and fruit evening. Walking back we watched the sun go down and I can't describe how happy a thought it was to know that I have another day to spend here.
On the bus ride from the airport all you see is houses surrounded by mountains in the background and blue, blue water. It made me even more anxious to get to the beach. The three of us got off the bus about a half hour later, and through some hand gestures and written explanations got a cab to take us to our hotel. And you know what - our hotel is also beautiful!! The floor and ceiling is made out of this light tan wood and we have nice beds and a bathroom and air conditioner!! Not only is the room itself wonderful, but we have a little balcony that opens out onto the city and a huge lemon tree that first thing Lian picked a couple from.
Well, after taking another couple hours and napping after our airport ideal, we headout out into the main part of the city. We walked along the harbor and collected information about glass boat rides and even snorkling! We walked in and out of shops, really doing what I enjoy the most - interested wandering. And we had lunch/linner at the nicest little place. It's sign said that they prepared home made food and since the prices weren't so terrible, we stayed and had traditional Greek food. Lian and I had Mousaka a lasagna-like dish in that eggplant is layered with potato and meat, and then baked with cheese on top. Laura got a stuffed eggplant and both the dishes were similar but had their own particulars that in the end made me prefer my mousaka.
After linner we walked some more, looked out and then headed to the grocery store and bought the makings of a nice cocktail and fruit evening. Walking back we watched the sun go down and I can't describe how happy a thought it was to know that I have another day to spend here.
June 12 - A little bit of Athens
NEW DUFFLE BAG! That's right - even before talking about the little bit of Athen's I saw, it's more important to say that I got a new duffle bag, and it has wheels! My entire pink one fits inside the new on with room to spare. It's incredible and it only cost be 20 Euro, which with what I know rolling duffles cost in the US I'm not too upset about.
But back to Athens. We arrived at 4pm and spent this first hour searching out the baggagle storage and finding information about the bus/metro system. But eventually all was tucked away and we went on an adventure of finding the hostel we'll stay in later in the month. When we first hit the are of town I was a little bit worried because things looked a little dodgy, but once we were inside the place looked nice with lights and a desk man that seemed competant. But after spending that time in the city we had to go back and sit in the airport. And wait. And wait. And wait. For about 6 hours in fact, because out flight didn't leave Athens until 5:30 the next morning. And I couldn't go to sleep, because sleeping in airports is just not my idea of a good time. And then the flight was only half an hour. It almost made me cry.
But back to Athens. We arrived at 4pm and spent this first hour searching out the baggagle storage and finding information about the bus/metro system. But eventually all was tucked away and we went on an adventure of finding the hostel we'll stay in later in the month. When we first hit the are of town I was a little bit worried because things looked a little dodgy, but once we were inside the place looked nice with lights and a desk man that seemed competant. But after spending that time in the city we had to go back and sit in the airport. And wait. And wait. And wait. For about 6 hours in fact, because out flight didn't leave Athens until 5:30 the next morning. And I couldn't go to sleep, because sleeping in airports is just not my idea of a good time. And then the flight was only half an hour. It almost made me cry.
June 11 - Laughing out Loud
This is a day mostly for travelling and for closing up loose ends. Lian and I woke up at about 9am packed up the rest of our stuff and checked out of the camping ground. Laura had left about an hour before to spend some more time justing walking around Venice and finished some of her sketches. I really wish I could draw like that. It looks like fun, but also soothing. And sometimes, only sometimes mind you, I do get sick of reading and would like to have something else to do that doesn't require too much brain power. But anyway, after Lian and I checked out of our room, we spent an hour finishing up hostel bookings for Athens. Most of it was done luckily, so really we just had to make the final deposits and write down some information.
Finally though it was time to leave Venice and head back to Milan, so Lian and I took the 12pm shuttle back to the center of the city and took a couple hours to have lunch, stroll, and for me to buy a pair of sunglasses. I know I don't have contacts yet, but I mean too, and the sunglasses here are just so cool. They weren't too expensive and I consider it a worthy purpose. Sorry again about this taking so long to post. Internet is just not very reliable, or it's non-existent, when you're out in somewhat in the middle of nowhere. Keep checking though and more stuff will be posted when possible.
I just thought of something though - what was really funny was when we came back last night to Alba Doro we decided to peek into the bar and see what was going on, and you know what we saw? Toga party! A group of people, obviously with their roomsheets wrapped around them, bopping awkwardly to some not so nice music. I walked in the back door and burst out laughing. I just couldn't take it! All these dorky and drunk guys and girls where haltingly trying to dance to what sounded like old American music. Take my word for it - Not a pretty sight.
Finally though it was time to leave Venice and head back to Milan, so Lian and I took the 12pm shuttle back to the center of the city and took a couple hours to have lunch, stroll, and for me to buy a pair of sunglasses. I know I don't have contacts yet, but I mean too, and the sunglasses here are just so cool. They weren't too expensive and I consider it a worthy purpose. Sorry again about this taking so long to post. Internet is just not very reliable, or it's non-existent, when you're out in somewhat in the middle of nowhere. Keep checking though and more stuff will be posted when possible.
I just thought of something though - what was really funny was when we came back last night to Alba Doro we decided to peek into the bar and see what was going on, and you know what we saw? Toga party! A group of people, obviously with their roomsheets wrapped around them, bopping awkwardly to some not so nice music. I walked in the back door and burst out laughing. I just couldn't take it! All these dorky and drunk guys and girls where haltingly trying to dance to what sounded like old American music. Take my word for it - Not a pretty sight.
June 10 - Glass and Lace
Today was a really great day. We started out planning to tour the Academia (an art museum) and then visit two near by islands: Murano and Burano. After visiting the train station, and spending a significant amount of time buying our train ticket back to Milan, we decided that instead of starting with the Academia we would visit the islands and then tour it. Murano is known for its glass. Period. The ferry ride there was about an hour and since I escaped my usually batch of light sea sickness, I stood at the side and got to watch not only the Venice coast line, but ships and islands around the way. It was a great way to spend an hour and the weather was warm and the wind felt great. I might have to start rethinking my whole aversion-to-ships thing. But back to the glass. Beautiful both in average and fantasical ways, it comes in a ridiculously wide range of colors and shapes. And even more than seeing the finished product, the three of us got to see some of the glass being made. The 'Master' started with a glass vase and then made a horse - all starting from real live molten glass on the end of a pipe. It was incredible!! I mean, I'd seen that kind of stuff on T.V. but it is so much more spectacular and mind blowing when you see it in person.
After spending too much money and time on Murano, we pushed the Academia back to tomorrow and headed off to Burano, the home of lace and incredible buildings. Burano was a surprise. I don't like lace especially and I thought quaint little villages were beyond me at this point. But in Burano the houses were small and stucco looking and stood in a 'dazzlying array' of colors. Blues and purples and reds and oranges all borded by small rivers and stone bridges. I thought that I enjoyed seeing Venice, but this little village was really breathtaking. Everything was just so nice and around the houses and businesses were little green filled parks and gardens. And just like the buildings, the plants and their flowers were also vibrant and unbelievable. The three of us stopped for lunch at this small restaurant and Laura won the food pick by ordering this pizza on bruschetta, which is not only an appetizer, but a toasted, crunchy, flavorable, crust and for toppings that was proschuitto and artichokes. Not something I would automatically associate with creamy, crunchy, goodness. But it was.
I also in the end, was impressed with the lace that Burano had to offer. I spent a little more money and got some momentos to always be with me. Sounded pretty good to me.
After spending too much money and time on Murano, we pushed the Academia back to tomorrow and headed off to Burano, the home of lace and incredible buildings. Burano was a surprise. I don't like lace especially and I thought quaint little villages were beyond me at this point. But in Burano the houses were small and stucco looking and stood in a 'dazzlying array' of colors. Blues and purples and reds and oranges all borded by small rivers and stone bridges. I thought that I enjoyed seeing Venice, but this little village was really breathtaking. Everything was just so nice and around the houses and businesses were little green filled parks and gardens. And just like the buildings, the plants and their flowers were also vibrant and unbelievable. The three of us stopped for lunch at this small restaurant and Laura won the food pick by ordering this pizza on bruschetta, which is not only an appetizer, but a toasted, crunchy, flavorable, crust and for toppings that was proschuitto and artichokes. Not something I would automatically associate with creamy, crunchy, goodness. But it was.
I also in the end, was impressed with the lace that Burano had to offer. I spent a little more money and got some momentos to always be with me. Sounded pretty good to me.
June 9 - Cultural enrichment is just not my thing...
Sometimes I think that museums are overrated. Sometimes, I think that it is more important to go out into the city and wander around, using the time to experience a new place, then spend hours wandering the halls of one building.
Are we sensing a theme yet?
So yeah, today we went to another museum (Corerr) and another church (the Basillica) and then another museum (The Doge's Palace) all in the San Marco Piazza. The square is beautiful - looking out over the water, people of every nationality wandering around, holding hands, and even feeding the multitude of pigeons. So about an hour into the museum I said 'Fuck it', told Lian I would met her outside, and went out to experience the Venetian people. And in my opinion the next 45 min was a much better use of my time. I people watched, read, and rested - really I just enjoyed being in Venice, a place I might never see again.
Correr was an ok museum. It had historical statues and paintings, all helping to depict the history of Venice. Did you know that the city is often portrayed in paintings as a tall, blonde, regal, woman wearing a crown? Yep it is. In the Basillica the walls are all gilded in gold and it is filled with not only the treasure brought back from the pillaging of other countries (raping isn't mentioned) but this church also displays the bones of Saints in it's treasury. Whole hands, bone fragments, etc. all strung up in small plastic cylinders and put out for the world to ogle. Not exactly the most dignified end, now is it? One of the many reasons I am going to be cremated.
The Doge's Palace was were the Doge, the ruling head of the Council of Ten, lived and carried out government business. A somewhat uninteresting building on the outside, the inside is filled with huge, expansive, rooms with dark wood paneling, spectacular paintings, and a prison. It's got a few levels and luckily it didn't take too long to get through - I think I would have gone stir crazy.
After getting out of the palace we headed back to Piazza Roma to catch the bus back to the camp grounds and on the way bought some really fantastic crepes. I know, I know, crepes are French. But Italians do it really well - sugar cinnamon ones especially. Laura really liked her baked apple. To each her own.
Are we sensing a theme yet?
So yeah, today we went to another museum (Corerr) and another church (the Basillica) and then another museum (The Doge's Palace) all in the San Marco Piazza. The square is beautiful - looking out over the water, people of every nationality wandering around, holding hands, and even feeding the multitude of pigeons. So about an hour into the museum I said 'Fuck it', told Lian I would met her outside, and went out to experience the Venetian people. And in my opinion the next 45 min was a much better use of my time. I people watched, read, and rested - really I just enjoyed being in Venice, a place I might never see again.
Correr was an ok museum. It had historical statues and paintings, all helping to depict the history of Venice. Did you know that the city is often portrayed in paintings as a tall, blonde, regal, woman wearing a crown? Yep it is. In the Basillica the walls are all gilded in gold and it is filled with not only the treasure brought back from the pillaging of other countries (raping isn't mentioned) but this church also displays the bones of Saints in it's treasury. Whole hands, bone fragments, etc. all strung up in small plastic cylinders and put out for the world to ogle. Not exactly the most dignified end, now is it? One of the many reasons I am going to be cremated.
The Doge's Palace was were the Doge, the ruling head of the Council of Ten, lived and carried out government business. A somewhat uninteresting building on the outside, the inside is filled with huge, expansive, rooms with dark wood paneling, spectacular paintings, and a prison. It's got a few levels and luckily it didn't take too long to get through - I think I would have gone stir crazy.
After getting out of the palace we headed back to Piazza Roma to catch the bus back to the camp grounds and on the way bought some really fantastic crepes. I know, I know, crepes are French. But Italians do it really well - sugar cinnamon ones especially. Laura really liked her baked apple. To each her own.
June 8 - Playing hooky in Venice!
YAY for Venice! We set out today full of thoughts about the sights we would see and the stuff we would experience. And while we did see and do a lot of stuff, we didn't do the museum, cathedrel, church stuff that we had been doing before. And in my opinion it went a lot better. Since we have about three days in Venice we decided that instead of being so gung-ho the first day, we would take our time and duck in and out of little shops and cafes and really experience the sinking city. We left on the 10am shuttle to the city and didn't leave to go back to the camp site until 10:30pm. A long time, but totally worth it.
We had gelatto and strolled and even bought baguettes, prochutto and cheese to make sandwiches that we could enjoy while people watching. I bought a few things (for myself and others) but knew that the large and beautful carnival masks were beyond me. Not only in price but because there would be no way that I could carry it. I have one book bag and really overload duffle. No way was a huge elaborate mask with silver butterfly wings and feathers going to fit in it. Even if it would have been a purchase that would change my life. But I saw some stores with signs saying they shipped around the world, so maybe if I see something else that I can't live without, I might take advantage of it.
Just to let you know, you might not see the pictures, but I am taking a lot and eventually (meaning when I got to Ireland at the very latest) I'm going to post it somewhere for all to see.
You know, I look at what I've written before and I don't know how I had so much more to say. I just don't know how to convey some of the things that I've seen. Buildings of burnt orange and red, bridges left and right going over small canals filled with water that while isn't blue has a beauty all its own. And travelling through the water? Gondalas and water taxis and buses, people going left and right and filling the air with the sound of a language I wasn't born knowing. But about those gondalas? Very expensive. So expensive that I am going to leave this city without ever riding one. Depressing no? But you know what did meet my expectations? The glass.
I hadn't really thought about hot Venetian glass is one of the most beautiful in the world but now I can say that after seeing it with my own eyes I completely agree. Colors and shapes exploded around me as Laura, Lian and I walked across the Rialto, and even I couldn't escape buying a piece or two. If any of you get the chance to get your hands on a piece of it, count yourself lucky. I know I feel that way.
We had gelatto and strolled and even bought baguettes, prochutto and cheese to make sandwiches that we could enjoy while people watching. I bought a few things (for myself and others) but knew that the large and beautful carnival masks were beyond me. Not only in price but because there would be no way that I could carry it. I have one book bag and really overload duffle. No way was a huge elaborate mask with silver butterfly wings and feathers going to fit in it. Even if it would have been a purchase that would change my life. But I saw some stores with signs saying they shipped around the world, so maybe if I see something else that I can't live without, I might take advantage of it.
Just to let you know, you might not see the pictures, but I am taking a lot and eventually (meaning when I got to Ireland at the very latest) I'm going to post it somewhere for all to see.
You know, I look at what I've written before and I don't know how I had so much more to say. I just don't know how to convey some of the things that I've seen. Buildings of burnt orange and red, bridges left and right going over small canals filled with water that while isn't blue has a beauty all its own. And travelling through the water? Gondalas and water taxis and buses, people going left and right and filling the air with the sound of a language I wasn't born knowing. But about those gondalas? Very expensive. So expensive that I am going to leave this city without ever riding one. Depressing no? But you know what did meet my expectations? The glass.
I hadn't really thought about hot Venetian glass is one of the most beautiful in the world but now I can say that after seeing it with my own eyes I completely agree. Colors and shapes exploded around me as Laura, Lian and I walked across the Rialto, and even I couldn't escape buying a piece or two. If any of you get the chance to get your hands on a piece of it, count yourself lucky. I know I feel that way.
June 7 - It's raining, it's pouring, the old man is snoring...
Verona is a nice little town. That has a heck of a lot of rain! We got kind of a late start and headed out to the main Piazza at about 9:30am and had like two hours of really nice weather. And then - it started. It was kind of annoying when it first began to rain, but we all thought it was like what happened in Milan and since we had started carrying umbrellas at this point, it wasn't a big deal. But it didn't stop. It went on and on, and instead of lightening up became a torrential downpour. And do you know what I learned during that downpower? Wet marble and flipflops don't mix. Yep that's right folks, I took a slip coming out of a covered area and landed on the ground, my back feeling the full force of the step behind me. Not fun. Though luckily I escaped it unharmed and we were able to continue on our way.
We had more stuff planned, but because of the rain we concentrated on the DeScalla Castle- which was mostly a museum. It contained both painted art and statues, but I was even more impressed by the view from the windows. Verona is like the most typical Italian town that you can think of. Beautiful orange and yellow buildings with bridges extending over majestic rivers. And with little cafes and gelatos places lining every street, there really isn't much like.
After spending some time at the castle, we headed back to pick up our stuff and catch our train for Venice. Venice! It was two and a half hours very well spent in my mind. We got in at 7:30pm and made our way over bridges, past canals to wait for the shuttle to our hostel - which is actually a camp ground. But don't worry, our room is a nice little room with three beds and a shower. Not the Ritz, but perfectly respectable for the price we paid. Tomorrow though is going to be wonerful. So look for updates about the wonders of the Venetian town and its people.
We had more stuff planned, but because of the rain we concentrated on the DeScalla Castle- which was mostly a museum. It contained both painted art and statues, but I was even more impressed by the view from the windows. Verona is like the most typical Italian town that you can think of. Beautiful orange and yellow buildings with bridges extending over majestic rivers. And with little cafes and gelatos places lining every street, there really isn't much like.
After spending some time at the castle, we headed back to pick up our stuff and catch our train for Venice. Venice! It was two and a half hours very well spent in my mind. We got in at 7:30pm and made our way over bridges, past canals to wait for the shuttle to our hostel - which is actually a camp ground. But don't worry, our room is a nice little room with three beds and a shower. Not the Ritz, but perfectly respectable for the price we paid. Tomorrow though is going to be wonerful. So look for updates about the wonders of the Venetian town and its people.
June 6 - Verona: Home of Romeo and Juliette
Today started out with the three of us hitting the Duomo. It was surprisingly fun. I mean, I'm not always the one who loves to check out the cathedral for hours. Architecture and stained glass windows only do so much for me. But we went in and got out little walking tours and got to go around and see all this amazing stuff and hear about how so-and-so requested in and such-and-such decided that it would look better here and that some Pope said the adding some gold would make it even better. Didn't listen so much to the info about the stained glass - I had like no knowledge about the people whose stories they were depicting so I didn't pay too much attention. It was really cool that it is said that on this cross high up over one of the central windows, there was a nail from Jesus' crucifixition. Don't know how much I believe that, but it was an interesting story. And even higher than that cross there was a beam of metal that held up another cross this time with the crucified Jesus on it. I took some video of the whole thing so wait for that to come. But even more gruesome than that was the statue of Batholemew, one of Jesus' twelve deciples. It shows him standing with what looks like cloth draped around him, but what is actually his skin - which had been removed during his torture because of his belief in Christ. There was some incredibly detail to both the muscles and bones of Bartholemew and the when you walked around it you could see how the fabric/skin had fingers, toes, and even his face - complete with beard.
After touring the main floor of the Duomo we went up onto the top, by way of an elevator (or lift) instead of the 165 steps. Definitely the better way to go. It was ridiculous to see all the statues (over 1800) and spires up close. It's mind boggling to think of the kind of work that went into creating it. Also when you get to the top you get a better look at the gilded statues of Madonna that adornes the top of the cathedral. Apparently the patron saint of Milan, I think it's really interesting that a woman is the symbold of the city and it's most well known cathedral.
Finally though it was time to leave Milan and we headed out to Verona. A small city outside Venice, it is a couple ours from Milan by train. Luckily the hostel owner was able to give us directions on how to get to Central Station and from there enough people to help us get a ticket. No biggie. The train ride was nice, though they didn't announce the stops and each time we did stop there wasn't really a clearly viewable label of the station so Lian and I went through some stressful moments trying to figure out each time if this was where we were supposed to get off. Eventually though it all worked out and we arrived in Verona in one piece. Minus Laura's journal which got left on the train as we rushed to make sure that we got off it before it left.
Finding a hotel in Verona was the next big step. As we were leaving the train we saw/heard these three young girls speaking in English and after chatting with them found out that there hotel was close by and in that area there were a couple other places we could try. After visiting a few of them we decided on the Hotel Sienna, which was the cheapest option, but was still expensive. We left our stuff and went out the explore some of the town before it got really dark. We walked to the Piazza (ADD NAME) and saw some really beautiful buildings, but since it was dark we quickly decided to move on to dinner and leave the sightseeing until tomorrow.
The little Italian place where we had dinner was the next surprise. We go there because it's the cheapest option and has some really fantasic pictures of Spaghetti Pomodoro. We seat down and all is cool, the waiter has even been nice enough to say that Lian can get tap water. But 10 secs later he comes back to say his boss has ex-nayed this and we have to order a glass or get nothing. So we say nothing and wait for our food....but this is not the end! He comes back to tell us that we have to order a drink! Ordering just food is not an option in this establishment, and to eat you have to drink. Damn. It seems that some things really are too good to be true. Eventually we give in and order a bottle of water and three glasses. All is well. Until we get our food. Surprise #2! Our pasta is served to us in like the smallest bowl imaginable! It was good, but shit, nobody was ordering from the kid's menu and we weren't expecting those portions. Long story short, we used the money we saved on dinner to buy some really good gellato (I had melon) and spent the rest of the evening admiring the scenery in the piazza and listening to some great jazz. Sounds nice huh?
After touring the main floor of the Duomo we went up onto the top, by way of an elevator (or lift) instead of the 165 steps. Definitely the better way to go. It was ridiculous to see all the statues (over 1800) and spires up close. It's mind boggling to think of the kind of work that went into creating it. Also when you get to the top you get a better look at the gilded statues of Madonna that adornes the top of the cathedral. Apparently the patron saint of Milan, I think it's really interesting that a woman is the symbold of the city and it's most well known cathedral.
Finally though it was time to leave Milan and we headed out to Verona. A small city outside Venice, it is a couple ours from Milan by train. Luckily the hostel owner was able to give us directions on how to get to Central Station and from there enough people to help us get a ticket. No biggie. The train ride was nice, though they didn't announce the stops and each time we did stop there wasn't really a clearly viewable label of the station so Lian and I went through some stressful moments trying to figure out each time if this was where we were supposed to get off. Eventually though it all worked out and we arrived in Verona in one piece. Minus Laura's journal which got left on the train as we rushed to make sure that we got off it before it left.
Finding a hotel in Verona was the next big step. As we were leaving the train we saw/heard these three young girls speaking in English and after chatting with them found out that there hotel was close by and in that area there were a couple other places we could try. After visiting a few of them we decided on the Hotel Sienna, which was the cheapest option, but was still expensive. We left our stuff and went out the explore some of the town before it got really dark. We walked to the Piazza (ADD NAME) and saw some really beautiful buildings, but since it was dark we quickly decided to move on to dinner and leave the sightseeing until tomorrow.
The little Italian place where we had dinner was the next surprise. We go there because it's the cheapest option and has some really fantasic pictures of Spaghetti Pomodoro. We seat down and all is cool, the waiter has even been nice enough to say that Lian can get tap water. But 10 secs later he comes back to say his boss has ex-nayed this and we have to order a glass or get nothing. So we say nothing and wait for our food....but this is not the end! He comes back to tell us that we have to order a drink! Ordering just food is not an option in this establishment, and to eat you have to drink. Damn. It seems that some things really are too good to be true. Eventually we give in and order a bottle of water and three glasses. All is well. Until we get our food. Surprise #2! Our pasta is served to us in like the smallest bowl imaginable! It was good, but shit, nobody was ordering from the kid's menu and we weren't expecting those portions. Long story short, we used the money we saved on dinner to buy some really good gellato (I had melon) and spent the rest of the evening admiring the scenery in the piazza and listening to some great jazz. Sounds nice huh?
June 5 - The City of Fashion!
Getting to Milan actually wasn't too painful. Though my duffle bag ended up being humungous, and it really sucked having to go up and down a few flights of stairs with that and my book bag. Anyway, we navigated the German subway system and got all the way out to Schoenfeld Airport and get on our flight to Milan. The plane ride was about two hours and while I tried to nap on the way, the seats didn't tilt back and that made it pretty impossible to find a comfortable position. Except for Laura who had the window seat and this really spiffy travel pillow. She set herself down, laid her head on the window and was out for the remainder of the flight. The one thing I have to say about Milan from the air is that it is really GREEN. Again, I amazed at how much farmland and forest there is this area and how cities and small villages just seem to pop up in the middle of them.
Find the hostel was a bit of an adventure though. We were able to find the train to Cardona (main Milan), but then we had a hard time finding the bus or anyone to explain the bus system to us. Eventually the stop for the Number 27 Bus just appeared when we left the train station, but by this point we had no idea how to get a ticket and how we were going to recognize our stop in time to press the stop button. AHHHGGG! But we got on the bus, and thanks to some spectacular luck, got to our hostel without being fined 30 Euro for not having a ticket.
After settling our stuff down - Hotel America is pretty nice by the way - we set out to explore Milan. About ten minutes walk from our hostel is the Duoma Cathedral and all that surrounds that. Unfortunately, we arrived at the Duoma just before mass was about to start and most of it was sectioned off from tourists, but whatever - we plan to hit that tomorrow. Unable to explore that, we set out to see the surrounding area, looking in on the Opera house and the square that holds a statues of Leonardo DiVinci. Finally though we went to see the Brera Art Gallery because in addition to it housing some great works of art, there was a bar right across the street from it that starting at 6pm would have a free buffet for everyone who bought a drink. It was fantastic! Wonderful food, some warm, some cold, pasta and other salads, fruit and this pudding stuffed bread things. Each of us had a drink and did some serious snacking, because this was going to be dinner for the night. Bad news though? As we were finishing up our food, it started to really rain. Not just the sprinkle it had been doing earlier, but really rain. THAT sucked. We waited awhile hoping it would slow, but it didn't really and finally we just made for it. Slowly, and sometimes not so slowly, we made our way back to Hotel America, though I finally bought another mini umbrella from this guy by the opera house for 5 Euro. While it was a waste because I already have a mini umbrella, it was a decision I am ok with because maybe I saved myself from enough rain to keep from getting sick.
And my wrist still hurts. Though it's only the left one now. Boo.
Find the hostel was a bit of an adventure though. We were able to find the train to Cardona (main Milan), but then we had a hard time finding the bus or anyone to explain the bus system to us. Eventually the stop for the Number 27 Bus just appeared when we left the train station, but by this point we had no idea how to get a ticket and how we were going to recognize our stop in time to press the stop button. AHHHGGG! But we got on the bus, and thanks to some spectacular luck, got to our hostel without being fined 30 Euro for not having a ticket.
After settling our stuff down - Hotel America is pretty nice by the way - we set out to explore Milan. About ten minutes walk from our hostel is the Duoma Cathedral and all that surrounds that. Unfortunately, we arrived at the Duoma just before mass was about to start and most of it was sectioned off from tourists, but whatever - we plan to hit that tomorrow. Unable to explore that, we set out to see the surrounding area, looking in on the Opera house and the square that holds a statues of Leonardo DiVinci. Finally though we went to see the Brera Art Gallery because in addition to it housing some great works of art, there was a bar right across the street from it that starting at 6pm would have a free buffet for everyone who bought a drink. It was fantastic! Wonderful food, some warm, some cold, pasta and other salads, fruit and this pudding stuffed bread things. Each of us had a drink and did some serious snacking, because this was going to be dinner for the night. Bad news though? As we were finishing up our food, it started to really rain. Not just the sprinkle it had been doing earlier, but really rain. THAT sucked. We waited awhile hoping it would slow, but it didn't really and finally we just made for it. Slowly, and sometimes not so slowly, we made our way back to Hotel America, though I finally bought another mini umbrella from this guy by the opera house for 5 Euro. While it was a waste because I already have a mini umbrella, it was a decision I am ok with because maybe I saved myself from enough rain to keep from getting sick.
And my wrist still hurts. Though it's only the left one now. Boo.
June 4 - Goodbye Berlin!
I guess it's a little strange to take a guided tour of the city after you've been there for three days, but that's what we did and I highly recommend it. Free World Tours has walking (and biking, though there's no way you'd get me on a bike for three hours) tours of a lot of popular world cities and the one of Berlin was not a disappointment. Out guide was a woman named Charly and she took a group of about 40 of us around the city and while some of them were repeats for me, it was great to hear the history. I mean, we went past Brandenburg Tor, the Reichstag, the Hotel where Michael Jackson dangled his baby Blanket out the window, and even stood over the place where Hitler's bunker used to be located. Plus not only was the guide informative, she was really funny and even when we were surrounded by trucks and construction, managed to make herself heard for the majority of the time. And even better? JESSICA WAS TAKING THE TOUR TOO! That's right, due to a total coincidence Jessica and her friend Caitlyn were also taking the walking tour, so I got to spend the day with some really great people. Apparently my summer tradition will not go totally unbroken, for while I didn't get to go out for a day with Jenny, Jessica and Liz all together, I did get to go out with each one of them at least once.
Nice.
At the end of the tour we got our hand stamped so we could get a discount on the Pub Crawl tour that they had, and I'm really excited about it. I don't really drink but I wanted the chance to see the Berlin nightlife and I think this will be the best way.
Well we didn't got out to the pub crawl, but we had some fun all on our own. Lian, Laura, Aaron, Ashley and I decided that even though it was a Monday night and both Aaron and Ashley had homework, we would go explore some of the happy hour specials in Berlin. We decided to end the night right at BR 101, a little Jamaican/Brazillian place that had 3 Euro cocktails. Wonderful! I had two very yummy drinks (though I don't think Tequila will ever be my favorite alocohol. All in all it was a great way to spend our last evening in Berlin before we set out for the bulk of our trip.
Nice.
At the end of the tour we got our hand stamped so we could get a discount on the Pub Crawl tour that they had, and I'm really excited about it. I don't really drink but I wanted the chance to see the Berlin nightlife and I think this will be the best way.
Well we didn't got out to the pub crawl, but we had some fun all on our own. Lian, Laura, Aaron, Ashley and I decided that even though it was a Monday night and both Aaron and Ashley had homework, we would go explore some of the happy hour specials in Berlin. We decided to end the night right at BR 101, a little Jamaican/Brazillian place that had 3 Euro cocktails. Wonderful! I had two very yummy drinks (though I don't think Tequila will ever be my favorite alocohol. All in all it was a great way to spend our last evening in Berlin before we set out for the bulk of our trip.
June 3 - Body Pains
My writsts hurt. That's right, I'm complaining. I don't care what anyone says, even if I am in another country and might never have another opportunity like this again, I get the right to complain sometimes. Left and right wrists hurt. Somehow I hurt the left one of the way to Germany, I guess through the many hours of carrying an overly large carry-on and personal item. Then last night my right wrist did that thing where after I rotate it to left my purse onto my shoulder something snaps in my hand, radiating pain down to my wrist until it decides to stop. The radiating pain has stopped in my right hand but my wrist still hurts. And trying to lift, push, or pull things with my left hands is not fun and I'm going to try very hard to not have to do it much (of course this promise only lasts until we leave for Milan and the hard core 'backpacking' begins).
In addition to the somewhat shooting pain in both wrists, I managed to have another really great day. It didn't start out so great, because for some reason, even though I went to bed around 1am, I woke up at about 7:30am and couldn't go back to sleep. I mean, there I was laying on my sleeping bag (and Laura's foam mat, so it wasn't that uncomfortable) and I couldn't sleep. It was horrible. I tried moving after about half an hour but my body was so tired, I couldn't stand the thought of really being awake. I then moved to the chairs in the living room, hoping that maybe it was the lying on the ground that was making it impossible to sleep. But nope. I listened to my iPod and meditated in vain - sleep was permanently elluding me. Finally I took out my Mom's laptop and then sat on the chair and read an ebook. A good one, but damn, all I wanted to do was sleep and be unconscious.
Later though, I took a shower and prepared for another long day in Berlin. We started out and went to the Postdammer mall to have lunch (because even though I was awake at 7:30am we didn't leave until 12:30pm). And at the mall, after I finished a satisfying snitzel with egg and potatoes, I saw Jenny Guo! Finishing up a purchase for her lunch too! I'm kind of ashamed to say that I screamed her name, ran and hugged her and kind of jumped up and down. Shameful. I know. You don't need to tell me.
After chattering with her at the table for a little while, it was decided that since she was on her own, Jenny would join the four of us on our excursion to museum island. So even though we got a little lost, the company made the work well worth it. Before the Museum though we went by Brandenburg Tor and the Parliment buidling to show Laura some of what she missed. It was so cool! Like two days later the square/park that surrounded Brandenburg Tor was filled with more people and even more dogs! There was a group of these really beautiful huskies and so many people were out walking their little dogs even though the day was clouded. And there, underneath Brandenburg, I met up with Jessica Lin! And not surprisingly, another screaming, hugging, and jumping episode commenced.
Long story short, eventually we did finally get to the museum. I'm not always a museum person but since it took us a little longer to get there we only had about an hour and a half to look around which was just the right amount of time. Pergamonmuseum was really nice though. It was an museum island, an actual small island that has four museums that people can go visit. It had really nice examples of Islamic art, and even some Roman statues. I'm actually really glad that Jenny came with us, because once we got inside we split up but Jenny and I stayed together and she (due to an unnatural obsession with the History Channel) was able to give me all this cool information about Babylon, Cuniform and the origin of 'eye for an eye'. After we left the museum we decided it was time to go the 'redlight district' and have some dinner and ice cream. We got cheated into paying more than we really wanted to for dinner (no damn signs denoting when the specials end) and then took a stroll off to get some ice cream and head home. It was on our way to the train station that we saw actual, real live prostitutes. There were three of them and they were all wearing corsets with tights and high heeled white boots. But one of them was really sickening. She sincerely looked like someone had taken out two ribs and a couple organs to get her waist that small. We spend a few minutes pretending to take pictures of each other trying to get one of the woman, but she kept turning and we couldn't get a good one without being really obvious. Eating ice cream on the walk back was just the perfect end to a day filled with new experiences.
Go figure.
In addition to the somewhat shooting pain in both wrists, I managed to have another really great day. It didn't start out so great, because for some reason, even though I went to bed around 1am, I woke up at about 7:30am and couldn't go back to sleep. I mean, there I was laying on my sleeping bag (and Laura's foam mat, so it wasn't that uncomfortable) and I couldn't sleep. It was horrible. I tried moving after about half an hour but my body was so tired, I couldn't stand the thought of really being awake. I then moved to the chairs in the living room, hoping that maybe it was the lying on the ground that was making it impossible to sleep. But nope. I listened to my iPod and meditated in vain - sleep was permanently elluding me. Finally I took out my Mom's laptop and then sat on the chair and read an ebook. A good one, but damn, all I wanted to do was sleep and be unconscious.
Later though, I took a shower and prepared for another long day in Berlin. We started out and went to the Postdammer mall to have lunch (because even though I was awake at 7:30am we didn't leave until 12:30pm). And at the mall, after I finished a satisfying snitzel with egg and potatoes, I saw Jenny Guo! Finishing up a purchase for her lunch too! I'm kind of ashamed to say that I screamed her name, ran and hugged her and kind of jumped up and down. Shameful. I know. You don't need to tell me.
After chattering with her at the table for a little while, it was decided that since she was on her own, Jenny would join the four of us on our excursion to museum island. So even though we got a little lost, the company made the work well worth it. Before the Museum though we went by Brandenburg Tor and the Parliment buidling to show Laura some of what she missed. It was so cool! Like two days later the square/park that surrounded Brandenburg Tor was filled with more people and even more dogs! There was a group of these really beautiful huskies and so many people were out walking their little dogs even though the day was clouded. And there, underneath Brandenburg, I met up with Jessica Lin! And not surprisingly, another screaming, hugging, and jumping episode commenced.
Long story short, eventually we did finally get to the museum. I'm not always a museum person but since it took us a little longer to get there we only had about an hour and a half to look around which was just the right amount of time. Pergamonmuseum was really nice though. It was an museum island, an actual small island that has four museums that people can go visit. It had really nice examples of Islamic art, and even some Roman statues. I'm actually really glad that Jenny came with us, because once we got inside we split up but Jenny and I stayed together and she (due to an unnatural obsession with the History Channel) was able to give me all this cool information about Babylon, Cuniform and the origin of 'eye for an eye'. After we left the museum we decided it was time to go the 'redlight district' and have some dinner and ice cream. We got cheated into paying more than we really wanted to for dinner (no damn signs denoting when the specials end) and then took a stroll off to get some ice cream and head home. It was on our way to the train station that we saw actual, real live prostitutes. There were three of them and they were all wearing corsets with tights and high heeled white boots. But one of them was really sickening. She sincerely looked like someone had taken out two ribs and a couple organs to get her waist that small. We spend a few minutes pretending to take pictures of each other trying to get one of the woman, but she kept turning and we couldn't get a good one without being really obvious. Eating ice cream on the walk back was just the perfect end to a day filled with new experiences.
Go figure.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
June 2 - Gold embellishment everywhere! And crappy recycling crazy Berlin
Did you know that in Germany everyone is crazy about recycling? It's true and they enforce it in a somewhat infuriating way. We went to the grocery store and bought these cheap large bottles of water for .19 cents. And you know what? They charged us an extra .25 cents to make sure that we returned it to the store! They had a machine where if you brought back the bottles it would give you a credit receipt for the .25 cents per bottle that you got refunded back at the register. It's unbelievable I tell ya. Recycling's all well and good, but not when you're charged for the privalege.
Still all was well, and with the help of Aaron's mad subway managing skills, we got all the way to Schoenfeld airport to pick up the last part of our trio - Laura. Just in time to get a call for her informing us that because of a two hour delay leaving New York she was not stuck in Dublin trying to get a new flight into Berlin. It's always great to find out that a 45min bus ride was completely for naught. Well we did find out that she was going to be routed to London and then catch a connecting flight to Berlin, so at least we knew where she was. Though she wasn't coming in untill 8pm instead of 10am.
But moving on now, let me tell you about a little part of Berlin called Potsdam. It's home to the 'castle' of Freidrich the Great, and while the castle wasn't really all that moving the garden's were beautiful. Luscious and full of fountains, it was really great to walk through - especially while the day was cool and slightly clouded- it made all the walking completely do able. We saw Freidrich's Roman bathhouse and spent some time admiring the Princess' tea room. Or at least marveling at the strangely compelling, gold encrusted 'China-men' that adorned the outside. I took some great pictures and after walking around the castle grounds, we continued on to the village. It was great! Really quaint with these nice little shops with touristy items or delicious baked goods. You could look around and see places to buy purses and jewelry or gelato and croissants. The smells were definitely enough to make your mouth water and I got to try a few different German dishes (though for lunch we had German prepared Thai, which was actually pretty good).Dinner we went to a German restaurant called 'Englechan' and I got to try raviolli, spaghetti, and snitzel (which was definitely the best in my opinion). Fried pork sounds so much better in German doesn't it?
Oh yeah, after Potsdam and before dinner we did head out to Tegel airport (45min in the other direction) and picked up Laura.
And then the world was complete.
Still all was well, and with the help of Aaron's mad subway managing skills, we got all the way to Schoenfeld airport to pick up the last part of our trio - Laura. Just in time to get a call for her informing us that because of a two hour delay leaving New York she was not stuck in Dublin trying to get a new flight into Berlin. It's always great to find out that a 45min bus ride was completely for naught. Well we did find out that she was going to be routed to London and then catch a connecting flight to Berlin, so at least we knew where she was. Though she wasn't coming in untill 8pm instead of 10am.
But moving on now, let me tell you about a little part of Berlin called Potsdam. It's home to the 'castle' of Freidrich the Great, and while the castle wasn't really all that moving the garden's were beautiful. Luscious and full of fountains, it was really great to walk through - especially while the day was cool and slightly clouded- it made all the walking completely do able. We saw Freidrich's Roman bathhouse and spent some time admiring the Princess' tea room. Or at least marveling at the strangely compelling, gold encrusted 'China-men' that adorned the outside. I took some great pictures and after walking around the castle grounds, we continued on to the village. It was great! Really quaint with these nice little shops with touristy items or delicious baked goods. You could look around and see places to buy purses and jewelry or gelato and croissants. The smells were definitely enough to make your mouth water and I got to try a few different German dishes (though for lunch we had German prepared Thai, which was actually pretty good).Dinner we went to a German restaurant called 'Englechan' and I got to try raviolli, spaghetti, and snitzel (which was definitely the best in my opinion). Fried pork sounds so much better in German doesn't it?
Oh yeah, after Potsdam and before dinner we did head out to Tegel airport (45min in the other direction) and picked up Laura.
And then the world was complete.
June 1- Being able to sleep on transatlantic flights is a myth isn't it?
So I arrived in Berlin! No death or plane evacuation needed! There was that whole somewhat terrifying change of planes in Frankfurt, but luckily all of the flight people spoke enough English to at least say 'Terminal A'. I had the aisle seat during the flight from Philadelphia to Frankfurt, so while I didn't get to see as much of the scenery, I also didn't have to wait for someone next to me to get up so that I could go pee. So I think I got the better end of that bargain. Unfortunately I didn't really get a chance to sleep on the flight, which means that when 4am came around for those on the Eastern side of the US, it REALLY felt like 4am to me. No matter what the sky looked like outside the plane (it was a really pretty sunrise with a mix of blue, pink, and orange by the way).
After getting off my flight to Berlin, I was pleasently surprised that my luggage had survived the three plane transfer to Berlin, one of the fears that kept me awake for my 8hr flight. I even met both of my friends outside (after about 15min) and Lian had gotten her luggage and Aaron had found us both. Yay! We then got a taxi from the airport back to his, and his roommate Ashley's, apartment - which cost about 35 Euro, but all of us deemed it appropriate since it saved me from lugging a suitcase, large duffel and a travel tote across two metro buses and God knows how many stairs.
Three flights of stairs later, Lian and I's luggage was safely stored in Aaron's room and he kept his promise to keep us awake until at least 5pm so we would acclimate to the time change better. We took the rest of the morning and afternoon and travelled around Berlin. We saw some great architecture and even better greenery. We saw such memorable places as Brandenburg Tor and a monument to the Soviet soldiers who died during WWII. Still, it's not too often that you see a humungous national park smack dab in the middle of city - but people should do it more often. It's really very relaxing. It's amazing how much Berlin looks like any other big city. In the mall, you can't tell the German shopper from the American, and the only the German signs reminded me that I wasn't home. For lunch I had a Dooner, which is this mix of meat and veggies stuffed in a pita pocket. Very filling for only about 3 Euro.
But here's the deal - Aaron doesn't have wireless, so no telling how often I'll be updating. When I do I'll make sure to deviate by day and try and post pictures whenever wacky and hilarious. Who knows, this could even be your inspiration to take a European holiday of your own.
After getting off my flight to Berlin, I was pleasently surprised that my luggage had survived the three plane transfer to Berlin, one of the fears that kept me awake for my 8hr flight. I even met both of my friends outside (after about 15min) and Lian had gotten her luggage and Aaron had found us both. Yay! We then got a taxi from the airport back to his, and his roommate Ashley's, apartment - which cost about 35 Euro, but all of us deemed it appropriate since it saved me from lugging a suitcase, large duffel and a travel tote across two metro buses and God knows how many stairs.
Three flights of stairs later, Lian and I's luggage was safely stored in Aaron's room and he kept his promise to keep us awake until at least 5pm so we would acclimate to the time change better. We took the rest of the morning and afternoon and travelled around Berlin. We saw some great architecture and even better greenery. We saw such memorable places as Brandenburg Tor and a monument to the Soviet soldiers who died during WWII. Still, it's not too often that you see a humungous national park smack dab in the middle of city - but people should do it more often. It's really very relaxing. It's amazing how much Berlin looks like any other big city. In the mall, you can't tell the German shopper from the American, and the only the German signs reminded me that I wasn't home. For lunch I had a Dooner, which is this mix of meat and veggies stuffed in a pita pocket. Very filling for only about 3 Euro.
But here's the deal - Aaron doesn't have wireless, so no telling how often I'll be updating. When I do I'll make sure to deviate by day and try and post pictures whenever wacky and hilarious. Who knows, this could even be your inspiration to take a European holiday of your own.
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