We made it to Barcelona! What an experience that was! We booked our flight on Ryanair for somewhere around 30 euros so we weren't expecting much. We had heard that they make a lot of their money by charging people for bags that weigh more than the limit and we thought the limit was 10 kg (I have no idea how many pounds this is). So we spent the better half of an hour redistributing our clothes between our check bags and carryon bags in the middle of the airport just to find out that our bags were light enough all along. The flight didn't have assigned seats which was strange and it was full of loud Spaniards coming back from Rome where they had a huge soccer game this weekend. But we made it and found our way to our hostel so all is well.
This morning we did Fat Tire Bike Tour number 2. It was so great and I really love Barcelona! It is so much more modern than the other cities that we've been in. I almost feel like I am in America. One of my favorite things is that the streets are parallel and at right angles so it makes it a lot harder to get lost! Also, I remembered the name Gaudi from art history in high school but didn't realize how much of the city he designed. It's all so cool - the Park Guell, the Segrada Familia, and other little random houses that we see along the streets.
We also had lunch on the beach as part of our tour and it was beautiful! Great weather, great architecture and great people. This will be up there on my list of favorite cities for sure : )
Tonight we plan on having a good Spanish dinner of tapas and experiencing some nightlife. And tomorrow we'll be at it again going to the Picasso museum and La Ramblas.
We were wondering today what we've missed back at home...hows the swine flu? How are Jon and Kate? Are there any good movies out right now? Let me know so I'm not too behind on my pop culture when I come home!!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Munich, Florence, Castiglion Fiorentino and Rome
i apologize in advance for this email not having correct grammar. i cant really figure out the keyboard i am using. i probably could if i tried but it would take a lot of time and thats something that i dont have much of!
lots has been going on since prague...
munich was interesting. we did a few cool things but i dont think its a city that i would necessarily want to go back to. we went to the haufbrahaus and had some authentic german beer in a beer garden and lots of sausage! the next day we went to Dauchau, the concentration camp. i really had no idea what to expect but i definetly learned a ton there. it was strange though because it was a gorgeous day outside and the camp was well kept and quite pretty so it almost seemed like a nice place to be. but knowing everything that went on there completely contrasted the mood of the day.
later that day we wanted to go on a bike tour and happened to hear about a free one that would fit in with our time frame. i guess the lesson we learned was that you get what you pay for. hah. the guide told us a few facts that were obviously not right such as the statue of the pope that he told us was the king. and we stopped halfway through at a beer garden for a snack which was great until halfway through and the sky opened up and it started pouring! we rode 15 minutes back in a torrential downpour which was cold and miserable at the time but funny looking back.
then we got on another night train...we have all come to really love them...and arrived in florence early the next morning. we had some breakfast and were the very first people in line to see the david. i had already seen it when i was there last but it was still very impressive. then we shopped around for a few hours and were on our way to my favorite place ever!
yes...we went back to castiglion fiorentino. my heart was racing as we pulled up and i was overly giddy. it was exactly like i remembered which was bittersweet. i love that place more than anything but without all of my study abroad friends, and knowing i was only going to be there for one night was a little sad. but we had a great meal at santa chiara, saw all of our old friends...dr. o, paulo, vanessa, sharon, marco, thomas and ramon. poor jessica and ashley had to listen to me, becca and katie relive every moment of that summer we could think of. we stayed at an adorable bed and breakfast and left the next morning for rome.
we have an apartment here which is great! we have room to spread out, a big shower and can FINALLY do some laundry in an actual machine. handwashing clothes isnt nearly the same as what we have back at home. we saw the typical roman things...the colloseum, roman forum, baths of caracalla, vatican and the vatican museum, trevi fountain and pantheon. last night the owner of our apartment made us reservations at the best trattoria in rome. it was the best meal ive eaten in my life hands down! it was unlike any italian food that ive ever had....mmmm.
we are running low on sleep but are determined to make the most of tonight because becca has to leave tomorrow to start her job on june 1! we will miss her so much! the trip will slow down without her here but she always makes sure that we dont look back and regret not doing something so hopefully we can keep up her energy even without her.
update on my feet...they are killing me! i thought that after a few days i might get used to walking so much but thats not the case. it basically gets worse and i sit down at every chance i can. the other girls are having the same issue though so its not just me being lazy. i wear tennis shoes when i know i am going to be doing a lot of walking but we do way more than alot of walking usually so its impossible to not be sore everyday. i need a good pedicure and massage when i get home.
tomorrow is our last day in rome and then we are flying to barcelona for a few days! thats ashleys territory from last summer so hopefully it will go smoothly!
all together, the trip has gone surprisingly smooth. we all have our moments that are hard but we have more than enough fun and laughs to make up for any stress or tiredness. and there have been no major mishaps. i feel like such big girls for figuring things out so well! we really can do anything!
i miss all of you at home though...friends, family, stella, my kiddos at work! i think about yall and wish that i could be sharing these amazing experiences with more of you! this trip so far has been more than i could ever have hoped for...
lots has been going on since prague...
munich was interesting. we did a few cool things but i dont think its a city that i would necessarily want to go back to. we went to the haufbrahaus and had some authentic german beer in a beer garden and lots of sausage! the next day we went to Dauchau, the concentration camp. i really had no idea what to expect but i definetly learned a ton there. it was strange though because it was a gorgeous day outside and the camp was well kept and quite pretty so it almost seemed like a nice place to be. but knowing everything that went on there completely contrasted the mood of the day.
later that day we wanted to go on a bike tour and happened to hear about a free one that would fit in with our time frame. i guess the lesson we learned was that you get what you pay for. hah. the guide told us a few facts that were obviously not right such as the statue of the pope that he told us was the king. and we stopped halfway through at a beer garden for a snack which was great until halfway through and the sky opened up and it started pouring! we rode 15 minutes back in a torrential downpour which was cold and miserable at the time but funny looking back.
then we got on another night train...we have all come to really love them...and arrived in florence early the next morning. we had some breakfast and were the very first people in line to see the david. i had already seen it when i was there last but it was still very impressive. then we shopped around for a few hours and were on our way to my favorite place ever!
yes...we went back to castiglion fiorentino. my heart was racing as we pulled up and i was overly giddy. it was exactly like i remembered which was bittersweet. i love that place more than anything but without all of my study abroad friends, and knowing i was only going to be there for one night was a little sad. but we had a great meal at santa chiara, saw all of our old friends...dr. o, paulo, vanessa, sharon, marco, thomas and ramon. poor jessica and ashley had to listen to me, becca and katie relive every moment of that summer we could think of. we stayed at an adorable bed and breakfast and left the next morning for rome.
we have an apartment here which is great! we have room to spread out, a big shower and can FINALLY do some laundry in an actual machine. handwashing clothes isnt nearly the same as what we have back at home. we saw the typical roman things...the colloseum, roman forum, baths of caracalla, vatican and the vatican museum, trevi fountain and pantheon. last night the owner of our apartment made us reservations at the best trattoria in rome. it was the best meal ive eaten in my life hands down! it was unlike any italian food that ive ever had....mmmm.
we are running low on sleep but are determined to make the most of tonight because becca has to leave tomorrow to start her job on june 1! we will miss her so much! the trip will slow down without her here but she always makes sure that we dont look back and regret not doing something so hopefully we can keep up her energy even without her.
update on my feet...they are killing me! i thought that after a few days i might get used to walking so much but thats not the case. it basically gets worse and i sit down at every chance i can. the other girls are having the same issue though so its not just me being lazy. i wear tennis shoes when i know i am going to be doing a lot of walking but we do way more than alot of walking usually so its impossible to not be sore everyday. i need a good pedicure and massage when i get home.
tomorrow is our last day in rome and then we are flying to barcelona for a few days! thats ashleys territory from last summer so hopefully it will go smoothly!
all together, the trip has gone surprisingly smooth. we all have our moments that are hard but we have more than enough fun and laughs to make up for any stress or tiredness. and there have been no major mishaps. i feel like such big girls for figuring things out so well! we really can do anything!
i miss all of you at home though...friends, family, stella, my kiddos at work! i think about yall and wish that i could be sharing these amazing experiences with more of you! this trip so far has been more than i could ever have hoped for...
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Prague
Two years ago today was my first day in Italy doing study abroad...we took a moment to celebrate our anniversary : )
But anyways...back to THIS year! Our overnight train was great!! It was running an hour late but that was just fine. So we got on around 8 and since we were just on a train, there was obviously nothing at all to do. We were forced to go to bed early which was great! We all had a little bed and the movement of the train made for the best night of sleep I've gotten in a long time.
We got to Prague at 10 in the morning and immediately made our way to the Prague Castle. It actually looked really modern. I guess they covered the original stone with stucco or something because it wasn't at all what I picture when I think of castles. So when we got there we got in the longest line (that's usually where we end up) without even knowing what exactly it was for but it turns out that that day you could tour the President's quarters for free. That was cool...I guess it is like the White House of the Czech Republic. All of the tours were given in Czech though so we just walked through and admired how beautiful it was, without knowing anything else about it. After that we toured the rest of the castle grounds which included a Cathedral, a Basilica (St. George's - I took a picture of it for you Dad!!), and a dungeon where they kept prisoners of nobility. I didn't know much about the history of Prague so we got an audioguide that helped us a lot.
After that, we went back to our hotel for some much needed showers and went out for dinner. Today we slept in for a while then went to the Jewish Quarter where we toured a few synagouges and museums. Prague had a huge Jewish population and it was quite informative. One thing I learned was that the reason the step on and crush glass during a wedding is to symbolize that even during the happiest times they should remember the destruction of the Holy Temple. Then we had lunch, did some browsing through a market and are resting for a few hours.
I know I have said this before but I am having such a great time. I am getting the opportunity to see such important parts of history, beautiful works of art and other cultures. Everywhere we go is so unique and has its own atmosphere. We are trying to learn how to say a few words everywhere we go but aren't so great at it. And the girls I am with are so amazing. I knew this before the trip but we are having the best time together. I can't imagine being here without them. I have laughed so hard that I've cried and gotten a great ab workout several times. Besides being hilarious, they are smart and kind and I couldn't ask for more in traveling companions : )
We are leaving tomorrow bright and early to get on a six hour train to Munich, where we are going to Dauchau. I know that will be a rough day but its definetly something that I think we need to see. Then after that we are going to ITALY!! I have been looking forward to that for so long now.
My time at the internet cafe is running out but thanks for checking up on me! I hope all is well in America and I'm not missing anything too important!
But anyways...back to THIS year! Our overnight train was great!! It was running an hour late but that was just fine. So we got on around 8 and since we were just on a train, there was obviously nothing at all to do. We were forced to go to bed early which was great! We all had a little bed and the movement of the train made for the best night of sleep I've gotten in a long time.
We got to Prague at 10 in the morning and immediately made our way to the Prague Castle. It actually looked really modern. I guess they covered the original stone with stucco or something because it wasn't at all what I picture when I think of castles. So when we got there we got in the longest line (that's usually where we end up) without even knowing what exactly it was for but it turns out that that day you could tour the President's quarters for free. That was cool...I guess it is like the White House of the Czech Republic. All of the tours were given in Czech though so we just walked through and admired how beautiful it was, without knowing anything else about it. After that we toured the rest of the castle grounds which included a Cathedral, a Basilica (St. George's - I took a picture of it for you Dad!!), and a dungeon where they kept prisoners of nobility. I didn't know much about the history of Prague so we got an audioguide that helped us a lot.
After that, we went back to our hotel for some much needed showers and went out for dinner. Today we slept in for a while then went to the Jewish Quarter where we toured a few synagouges and museums. Prague had a huge Jewish population and it was quite informative. One thing I learned was that the reason the step on and crush glass during a wedding is to symbolize that even during the happiest times they should remember the destruction of the Holy Temple. Then we had lunch, did some browsing through a market and are resting for a few hours.
I know I have said this before but I am having such a great time. I am getting the opportunity to see such important parts of history, beautiful works of art and other cultures. Everywhere we go is so unique and has its own atmosphere. We are trying to learn how to say a few words everywhere we go but aren't so great at it. And the girls I am with are so amazing. I knew this before the trip but we are having the best time together. I can't imagine being here without them. I have laughed so hard that I've cried and gotten a great ab workout several times. Besides being hilarious, they are smart and kind and I couldn't ask for more in traveling companions : )
We are leaving tomorrow bright and early to get on a six hour train to Munich, where we are going to Dauchau. I know that will be a rough day but its definetly something that I think we need to see. Then after that we are going to ITALY!! I have been looking forward to that for so long now.
My time at the internet cafe is running out but thanks for checking up on me! I hope all is well in America and I'm not missing anything too important!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Anne Frank Update
We just finished the Anne Frank tour which was really really cool. BUT one of the best parts was that in line we met, and became BFFs, with some actors from LA. The girl was in the episode of Greys Anatomy a few weeks back where all of the kids that were graduating from high school got in a car accident and she was the valedictorian!! I wanted to ask her to give us her speech again because it made me cry the first time but decided to not look like a crazy stalker. So I just played it cool...
London and Amsterdam
Wow what busy girls we have been on our "foreignland journey" (we heard some Brits say this and thought it was funny).
The flight over here wasn't that bad...only 8 and a half hours, most of which we slept. We got to London around 8 in the morning and headed straight to a Fat Tire Bike tour where we saw a bunch of things like Kensington Palace, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Princess Diana's memorial, Parliament Square and a few other things. It was fun to ride the bikes around such a beautiful city. There were so many gorgeous parks and ponds and the contrast of the old Victorian and modern buildings was neat. Later that night we went on a Jack the Ripper tour (which gaves me nightmares) but was really intersting.
The next day we went to the Tower of London, Big Ben, the Globe Theater (where we got to see part of Romeo and Juliet...sooo cool!), Westminster Abby and the London Eye. The next thing we did was probably my favorite part so far...we went to go see Spring Awakening in London's Theater District. The show was amazing! Anybody who has a chance to see it should although some parts were for mature viewing audiences ; )
The next morning Jessica and I went to Harrods (I bought a cuuuuute pair of shoes) and then we met up with the other girls and took the train all day to Amsterdam. We got here last night and walked around for a while, had dinner and got a few hours of sleep in our horrible smelling hotel. Haha. Amsterdam is not at all what I expected. It is a beautiful city and we have seen some great sites but it is grungy and dirty. I guess that's just part of what you get here.
Today we woke up early to go to the Van Gogh museum where we saw Starry Night. It was really cool to see it in person! Now we are about to go to the Anne Frank house and after that we will be getting on an overnight train to Prague!
We have taken lots of pictures, made lots of new friends, gotten lost a few too many times, not gotten enough sleep and have had to run to more trains that I would like but all in all, every minute has been amazing.
Internet access has definetly gotten pushed to the wayside but I hope to get back on in a few days.
So far, so good! Continue to pray for us!
The flight over here wasn't that bad...only 8 and a half hours, most of which we slept. We got to London around 8 in the morning and headed straight to a Fat Tire Bike tour where we saw a bunch of things like Kensington Palace, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Princess Diana's memorial, Parliament Square and a few other things. It was fun to ride the bikes around such a beautiful city. There were so many gorgeous parks and ponds and the contrast of the old Victorian and modern buildings was neat. Later that night we went on a Jack the Ripper tour (which gaves me nightmares) but was really intersting.
The next day we went to the Tower of London, Big Ben, the Globe Theater (where we got to see part of Romeo and Juliet...sooo cool!), Westminster Abby and the London Eye. The next thing we did was probably my favorite part so far...we went to go see Spring Awakening in London's Theater District. The show was amazing! Anybody who has a chance to see it should although some parts were for mature viewing audiences ; )
The next morning Jessica and I went to Harrods (I bought a cuuuuute pair of shoes) and then we met up with the other girls and took the train all day to Amsterdam. We got here last night and walked around for a while, had dinner and got a few hours of sleep in our horrible smelling hotel. Haha. Amsterdam is not at all what I expected. It is a beautiful city and we have seen some great sites but it is grungy and dirty. I guess that's just part of what you get here.
Today we woke up early to go to the Van Gogh museum where we saw Starry Night. It was really cool to see it in person! Now we are about to go to the Anne Frank house and after that we will be getting on an overnight train to Prague!
We have taken lots of pictures, made lots of new friends, gotten lost a few too many times, not gotten enough sleep and have had to run to more trains that I would like but all in all, every minute has been amazing.
Internet access has definetly gotten pushed to the wayside but I hope to get back on in a few days.
So far, so good! Continue to pray for us!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Everything I Own...
...at least for the next 5 weeks. Yes, that's right. I'm not typically a high maintenence girl but I'm not sure about this. It's all that I am bringing and I am carrying it around everywhere I go. All 18 pounds of it. Wish me luck!!
Countdown to Departure
Tomorrow is the day that I have been looking forward to for almost 2 years! I am leaving with 4 of my best friends (Ashley, Jessica, Katie and Becca) to backpack through Europe for 5 weeks. We have been talking about this and planning it since our study abroad trip during the summer of 2007 and I really can't believe its finally here!
I graduated on Friday and spent the weekend moving out of my house and packing so it has been a real whirlwind but I feel like I am as prepared as I can be.
We have apartments/hotels/hostels booked for almost every city, our Eurail passes, a few change of clothes, cameras and our Rick Steves guide book.
Here is a map of our route...I know it doesn't look very organized or make much sense but its the best we can do. For various reasons, we are going a little bit out of the conventional order but it should work out and we will be able to hit all of our most important stops.
I graduated on Friday and spent the weekend moving out of my house and packing so it has been a real whirlwind but I feel like I am as prepared as I can be.
We have apartments/hotels/hostels booked for almost every city, our Eurail passes, a few change of clothes, cameras and our Rick Steves guide book.
Here is a map of our route...I know it doesn't look very organized or make much sense but its the best we can do. For various reasons, we are going a little bit out of the conventional order but it should work out and we will be able to hit all of our most important stops.
Tomorrow at 4:20 we will be on our way to London to begin! After that, we are going to Amsterdam, Prague, Munich, Florence, Castiglion Fiorentino (our beloved home during study abroad), Rome, Barcelona, Nice, Interlaken, Salzburg, Vienna, Berlin, Brussels, Bruges, Paris then back to London to fly home. We leave to come home June 23 then I move into my apartment and start my job on June 29! We are hoping to make lots of memories, meet new people, enjoy our time with our best friends, relax before we have to come back to the real world and start jobs. Keep us in your prayers and check back for updates!
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