It's absolute insanity when I think that the semester is coming to an end one week from today. The cliche applies. It feels like just yesterday I was unpacking my bags and loading up my ikea drawers with wintery things, wondering when I was going to be able to pull out the shorts and sandals from my smaller suitcase. Yesterday I repacked that smaller suitcase with clothing I knew I wasn't going to wear over the next week.
I will admit, packing was a little premature but I want to enjoy the last week. I have one free day with no class or exams and I don't want to spend it packing up my room. Unfortunately, that one day is still not enough to do an see everything for one last time. The Coliseum, the forum, the Pantheon, the Vatican...there's way too much! Not to mention the food! Ostera del Moro di Tony is a phenomenal find in Trastevere and though I've been there many times, I want to go back. There's about a million more restaurants I want to try that I haven't been to! There's just not enough time. Where did the semester go?
As sad as I am going to be when I am in the car at 2 am EDT going to the airport, I will be glad to be going home. I miss the minor things: water pressure in the shower, a dryer, my car, sushi--all things I can't wait to have again. I can't wait to see my family also. I've always been a very independent person and going to school eight hours away in Maryland never phases me. I didn't think I would have a tough time being away from them in Rome and I haven't, but it will be really nice to say 'hi' without having to send a BBM or email telling them to get on skype to chat. Yep. I'll be glad to have the little things back.
Here's to my last week in Rome. It's been the most amazing, most fun three and a half months of my life and I wish it could go on forever. Grazie Roma.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Vidi: Part 7, Madrid
Madrid was one of my favorite cities that I have visited so far. It's not that it offered anything particularly more spectacular than London, Paris or even Rome, but it was just a great time. I attribute it to good company, good weather, good food and drink, and good night life.
Good company.
I spent the entire weekend surrounded by old friends and really fun new friends. My friend from Barrington, Lindsay, is studying in Madrid for the semester. My friend Erin, also from Barrington, was visiting her for the week. We met up with them on Thursday after we settled into our hostel and it was so good to see faces from home. Two of Lindsay's friends were particularly fun: Ethan and Jake. They showed us around Madrid, taking us to all the major spots. We also met up with one of Courtney's friends from her freshman year at American University, also named Lindsay. She was spending the year in Madrid teaching English and her near perfect Spanish was helpful while getting around the city.
Me & Lindsay
Good Weather.
It was beautiful both days we were there, making it very easy to want to explore. On the first day we did some light shopping near our hostel (Equity Point Centric...great location near Puerta de Sol), saw the Eqyptian temple, and just walked and walked. It was in the high 60s, maybe even 70s, and the sun just would not stop shining. It made for really great views of Madrid from the Eqyption temple. At night we made our way to Mercato San Miguel for a tapas dinner. It was a unique experience but certainly delish. (I'm rather disappointed in myself for not really celebrating my first legal St. Patrick´s day but the pubs were smokey and packed, an experience I get at Scholars in Rome on a weekly basis.)
The Egyptian Temple
On Friday we shopped around Puerta de Sol for a little and sat by the fountains, taking in the rays. I was really hungry and got a small gelato to hold me over. Not as good as Italy; sorry, Madrid. After that we walked to Plaza Mayor where bull fights used to be held. There were all sorts of gypsy attractions trying to lure in tourists including a Disney princess shell that just sat there and a man who looked as though he stepped out of Lord of the Rings who would periodically hop down from his pedestal to scare the plaza's visitors, including my roommate. After Plaza Mayor we took a long stroll to Park Retiro where the good weather really manifested itself. At the center of the park is a large pond where you can rent rowboats. It was so beautiful that we spent most of the day in the park working on our tans. Literally, we lounged for several hours. Lindsay, Erin, Jake and I rented a rowboat and cruised around the pond for a little.
Retiro Park
Good food and drink.
Our first Spanish meal was at a restaurant called Lateral. We ordered several tapas, the best being sirloin on bread with melted brie. To die for. We also enjoyed avocado with shrimp, goat cheese salads, and little hamburgers with sherry sauce. This meal was also great because, when divided by seven people, it came out to be just ten euros each and we were all satisfyingly full. Later that day was when we ate at San Miguel. It wasn't the best food I have ever had but the experience was certainly worth it.
On Friday morning my roommates got Dunkin Donuts (of all the places in the world? Guess your marketing reach is pretty far, Caitlin) and I tried to order a churro at a local cafe that advertised it but apparently they were out, hence the gelato later in the day. When we got to retiro we stopped at a little cafe near the pond and I devoured green olives that were stuffed with something amazing (little did I know this would start my olive-marathon that would continue for the rest of spring break). When we met with Lindsay she had brought me four little sandwhiches from this shop we went to the day before called Mallorca. They were the best little sandwhiches I have ever had.
The last food stop of the day, which has been by far my favorite dining experience of spring break was at a tapas bar called El Tigre. I love this place so much and it might constitute a return trip to Madrid. You pay six euro for a drink (I chose Sangria) that is three times the average size and also receive a plate full of tapas. This was my first experiene with croquettes and I tried to recreate the magic in the Canary Islands but they just weren´t as good. We also got some kind of egg/potatoe combo as well as bread with some ham and cheese. All of it was so delicious and perfect after a day of lounging in the park. The place is crowded though. Had it been a sit-down scenario where they serve you I would have given it five stars, although the fact that is so packed is part of its ambiance.
Good Nightlife.
The first night we went to a club called Joy. It was big and different from the clubs I'd been to in Rome. The setup was similar to a theater with multiple levels. The bottles of champagne brought to our area wasn't bad either.
The second night we went to Kapital, a seven story club not far from our hostel. Each floor has a different theme and the atmosphere changes as the night progresses. There were many dancers dressed like pirates, an acrobatic performance, and a huge hole in the ceiling that would open occasionally, blasting the crowd with cold air. Very cool. From the club we went straight to the airport to hit our next stop in Spain.
Good company.
I spent the entire weekend surrounded by old friends and really fun new friends. My friend from Barrington, Lindsay, is studying in Madrid for the semester. My friend Erin, also from Barrington, was visiting her for the week. We met up with them on Thursday after we settled into our hostel and it was so good to see faces from home. Two of Lindsay's friends were particularly fun: Ethan and Jake. They showed us around Madrid, taking us to all the major spots. We also met up with one of Courtney's friends from her freshman year at American University, also named Lindsay. She was spending the year in Madrid teaching English and her near perfect Spanish was helpful while getting around the city.
Good Weather.
It was beautiful both days we were there, making it very easy to want to explore. On the first day we did some light shopping near our hostel (Equity Point Centric...great location near Puerta de Sol), saw the Eqyptian temple, and just walked and walked. It was in the high 60s, maybe even 70s, and the sun just would not stop shining. It made for really great views of Madrid from the Eqyption temple. At night we made our way to Mercato San Miguel for a tapas dinner. It was a unique experience but certainly delish. (I'm rather disappointed in myself for not really celebrating my first legal St. Patrick´s day but the pubs were smokey and packed, an experience I get at Scholars in Rome on a weekly basis.)
On Friday we shopped around Puerta de Sol for a little and sat by the fountains, taking in the rays. I was really hungry and got a small gelato to hold me over. Not as good as Italy; sorry, Madrid. After that we walked to Plaza Mayor where bull fights used to be held. There were all sorts of gypsy attractions trying to lure in tourists including a Disney princess shell that just sat there and a man who looked as though he stepped out of Lord of the Rings who would periodically hop down from his pedestal to scare the plaza's visitors, including my roommate. After Plaza Mayor we took a long stroll to Park Retiro where the good weather really manifested itself. At the center of the park is a large pond where you can rent rowboats. It was so beautiful that we spent most of the day in the park working on our tans. Literally, we lounged for several hours. Lindsay, Erin, Jake and I rented a rowboat and cruised around the pond for a little.
Good food and drink.
Our first Spanish meal was at a restaurant called Lateral. We ordered several tapas, the best being sirloin on bread with melted brie. To die for. We also enjoyed avocado with shrimp, goat cheese salads, and little hamburgers with sherry sauce. This meal was also great because, when divided by seven people, it came out to be just ten euros each and we were all satisfyingly full. Later that day was when we ate at San Miguel. It wasn't the best food I have ever had but the experience was certainly worth it.
On Friday morning my roommates got Dunkin Donuts (of all the places in the world? Guess your marketing reach is pretty far, Caitlin) and I tried to order a churro at a local cafe that advertised it but apparently they were out, hence the gelato later in the day. When we got to retiro we stopped at a little cafe near the pond and I devoured green olives that were stuffed with something amazing (little did I know this would start my olive-marathon that would continue for the rest of spring break). When we met with Lindsay she had brought me four little sandwhiches from this shop we went to the day before called Mallorca. They were the best little sandwhiches I have ever had.
The last food stop of the day, which has been by far my favorite dining experience of spring break was at a tapas bar called El Tigre. I love this place so much and it might constitute a return trip to Madrid. You pay six euro for a drink (I chose Sangria) that is three times the average size and also receive a plate full of tapas. This was my first experiene with croquettes and I tried to recreate the magic in the Canary Islands but they just weren´t as good. We also got some kind of egg/potatoe combo as well as bread with some ham and cheese. All of it was so delicious and perfect after a day of lounging in the park. The place is crowded though. Had it been a sit-down scenario where they serve you I would have given it five stars, although the fact that is so packed is part of its ambiance.
Good Nightlife.
The first night we went to a club called Joy. It was big and different from the clubs I'd been to in Rome. The setup was similar to a theater with multiple levels. The bottles of champagne brought to our area wasn't bad either.
The second night we went to Kapital, a seven story club not far from our hostel. Each floor has a different theme and the atmosphere changes as the night progresses. There were many dancers dressed like pirates, an acrobatic performance, and a huge hole in the ceiling that would open occasionally, blasting the crowd with cold air. Very cool. From the club we went straight to the airport to hit our next stop in Spain.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Vidi: Part 6, Paris
Because I've been too busy jet-setting, this post is long overdue and I'm afraid some of the details might have become hazy. I'm blogging from the Canary Islands which also makes it a little more difficult.
Paris started off a little hectic. The second I set foot in the Ciampino airport in Rome I knew I had left my passport hidden in my closet in Rome. I bolted out the door and to a line of taxis, holding out my Blackberry to show the first driver the address and frantically saying "rapido, rapido. no documento". He eventually caught my drift and though he didn´t know exactly where to go he took off. When we got to my apartment (rather a block away where we have taxi's drop us off and pick us up since you can't actually drive down Via Livio Tempesta) I told him to wait two minutes and I ran as fast as I could, luggage in tow, to get my passport. I made it back with a half hour to spare before the gate opened but it was a little too close for comfort, and a lot more money than I wanted to spend before even getting to Paris.
The flight wasn´t that bad. I bought a scratch ticket for two euros on board hoping my luck would turn around. I didn't win anything. From the airport in Paris (Beauvais...avoid it if you can) you have to take and hour and a half bus into Paris where you can catch the metro or grab a taxi. Teryn and Courtney took a taxi to their hostel and I headed toward the metro because I was staying with my roommate from Maryland, Katie. Little did I know I´d be needed that two euro I spent on a scratch ticket because the metro ticket machine only took coins or European credit cards. Just my luck that I had neither. I got to practice my Italian, begging a middle aged Italian woman who was on my flight for 50 cents to complete the two euro and ten cents I needed. An hour and fifteen minutes later I was off the metro and at Katie´s building. But she told me the wrong code to the door and eventually I snuck in behind some residents. For whatever reason I couldn´t call her from my phone but she could call me. I wandered the building waiting for her to call so I could find her room...she was napping. Eventually I made it and that was enough excitement for the night. We shared her twin bed and decided to get a good night sleep before all of our site-seeing in the morning.
Our first stop was som breakfast which for me included a ham and cheese omelet and some orange juice, and for the first time since leaving the US, bread and butter. We next made our way to the Louvre where I couldn´t help but being the worst tourist, commenting how things are so much different than how The Da Vinci Code portrayed them. But Robert Langdon would appreciate my attention to detail. The Louvre was a great attraction but I would equate it to Da Vinci´s Mona Lisa: something you have to see when you come to Paris but far less exciting that the hype surrounding it.
The Louvre
The Mona Lisa
After the Louvre we rode the metro to the Champs Elysee where we meandered in a few shops, but neither of us really in the mood to buy. We walked all the way to the top and posed for some photos in front of the Arc de Triumph. On our way back down the road, we stopped in Laduree, a very famous bakery/restaurant that was mentioned on Gossip Girl. We waited in line for close to hald hour to purchase eight macaroons, but nothign else has been more worth the wait. If you ever go, I highly suggest the vanilla, raspberry, orange-passion fruit and chocolate macaroons (if you are a chocolate person...they are very rich). I´d also suggest avoiding the coffee macaroons. We tried to savor each one as much as we could but all eight were gone in hree minutes or less.
Arc de Triomphe
Macaroons at Laduree!!!
Our next stop was the Eiffel Tower. Again, pop culture failed me and it wasn't how I pictured it due to the MaryKate and Ashley Olsen movie, Passport to Paris. Nonetheless, it was pretty impressive. I probably took 20 picturs of the Eiffel Tower alone, some with us in it but mostly just the tower. We didn´t climb up to the top. The lines were outrageous and we were there at peak time.
The Eiffel Tower
Our second to last stop of the day was Muse D'Orsay which I enjoyed much more than the Louvre. It´s a much smaller museum but it houses hundreds of famous impressionism pieces. My favorite impressionist is Edgar Degas. I did an art project on him in middle school and really loved all his depictions of ballerinas. Of course, Monet´s paintings were beautiful and very cool to see up close. I also saw a number of pointalism pieces that I really liked.
We went back to Katie´s dorm to get ready for the night. We went to a little brasserie with one of her friends from Paris and her guest from home. I ordered steak frites. It wasn't the best steak frites I've ever had but when in Paris...
Katie and her friends in her program (mostly girls as it is an art program) have several male French friends that they go out with. After dinner we went to a restaurant that one of them works at for a drink. It was called Leonard Cafe, I've been told after Leonardo Da Vinci. I ordered a drink called "The Leonard" that was delicious. I don't recall all the ingredients but tequila was involved and it was an orangey-pink color. Katie and I's sorority sister, Jen, met us there after needing a break from her travelling companions. We proceeded to a bar with her local friends where we had what Jen and I consider a truly French night out.
The next day we woke up and planned to meet Jen to go see Versailles, a good distance outside of the city. I remember seeing the movie Marie Antoinette and it surprisingly depicted Versailles quite accurately. The rooms were really lavish and I found myself taking tons of pictures, even if I didn´t know what I was capturing. My favorite room was Marie Antoinette's bedroom. After walking around for a couple of hours, and talking up Laduree to Jen, we stopped at the small shop inside Versailles and bought a box of 15 macaroons to share. We ate them on the metro ride back to Paris and they were still just as delicious.
Jen, myself and Katie at Versailles
Marie Antoinette's boudoir...oooh la la la!
Once in Paris we made our way to a little organic restaurant that Jen´s guidebook swore by but of course with our luck it had shut down. We detoured across the street and it was a good decision. I had french onion soup for the first time and it was amazing, and surprisingly very filling. After our pick-me-up lunch we took the metro to Marmote to see Sacra Couer. We climbed to the top of the hill (do you see a trend in my travels across Europe?) and got to see some beautiful panoramic views of Paris, despite the ensuing rain.
View from Sacra Couer
We got back on the metro and headed for a large department store where I purchased a large travel Longchamp for a fraction of its cost in the US. It´s too bad it was so late in the day because the area was ladden with shops where I surely would have found things to buy. Oh well, guess it saved me money.
Alas the day ended and we headed back to Katie's dorm after we, guiltily, ate KFC for dinner. I set my alarm for 5am so I could make my flight on time. I had such little time in Paris but I saw so much. A couple more days would have been nice but I guess I'll just have to go back.
Paris started off a little hectic. The second I set foot in the Ciampino airport in Rome I knew I had left my passport hidden in my closet in Rome. I bolted out the door and to a line of taxis, holding out my Blackberry to show the first driver the address and frantically saying "rapido, rapido. no documento". He eventually caught my drift and though he didn´t know exactly where to go he took off. When we got to my apartment (rather a block away where we have taxi's drop us off and pick us up since you can't actually drive down Via Livio Tempesta) I told him to wait two minutes and I ran as fast as I could, luggage in tow, to get my passport. I made it back with a half hour to spare before the gate opened but it was a little too close for comfort, and a lot more money than I wanted to spend before even getting to Paris.
The flight wasn´t that bad. I bought a scratch ticket for two euros on board hoping my luck would turn around. I didn't win anything. From the airport in Paris (Beauvais...avoid it if you can) you have to take and hour and a half bus into Paris where you can catch the metro or grab a taxi. Teryn and Courtney took a taxi to their hostel and I headed toward the metro because I was staying with my roommate from Maryland, Katie. Little did I know I´d be needed that two euro I spent on a scratch ticket because the metro ticket machine only took coins or European credit cards. Just my luck that I had neither. I got to practice my Italian, begging a middle aged Italian woman who was on my flight for 50 cents to complete the two euro and ten cents I needed. An hour and fifteen minutes later I was off the metro and at Katie´s building. But she told me the wrong code to the door and eventually I snuck in behind some residents. For whatever reason I couldn´t call her from my phone but she could call me. I wandered the building waiting for her to call so I could find her room...she was napping. Eventually I made it and that was enough excitement for the night. We shared her twin bed and decided to get a good night sleep before all of our site-seeing in the morning.
Our first stop was som breakfast which for me included a ham and cheese omelet and some orange juice, and for the first time since leaving the US, bread and butter. We next made our way to the Louvre where I couldn´t help but being the worst tourist, commenting how things are so much different than how The Da Vinci Code portrayed them. But Robert Langdon would appreciate my attention to detail. The Louvre was a great attraction but I would equate it to Da Vinci´s Mona Lisa: something you have to see when you come to Paris but far less exciting that the hype surrounding it.
After the Louvre we rode the metro to the Champs Elysee where we meandered in a few shops, but neither of us really in the mood to buy. We walked all the way to the top and posed for some photos in front of the Arc de Triumph. On our way back down the road, we stopped in Laduree, a very famous bakery/restaurant that was mentioned on Gossip Girl. We waited in line for close to hald hour to purchase eight macaroons, but nothign else has been more worth the wait. If you ever go, I highly suggest the vanilla, raspberry, orange-passion fruit and chocolate macaroons (if you are a chocolate person...they are very rich). I´d also suggest avoiding the coffee macaroons. We tried to savor each one as much as we could but all eight were gone in hree minutes or less.
Our next stop was the Eiffel Tower. Again, pop culture failed me and it wasn't how I pictured it due to the MaryKate and Ashley Olsen movie, Passport to Paris. Nonetheless, it was pretty impressive. I probably took 20 picturs of the Eiffel Tower alone, some with us in it but mostly just the tower. We didn´t climb up to the top. The lines were outrageous and we were there at peak time.
Our second to last stop of the day was Muse D'Orsay which I enjoyed much more than the Louvre. It´s a much smaller museum but it houses hundreds of famous impressionism pieces. My favorite impressionist is Edgar Degas. I did an art project on him in middle school and really loved all his depictions of ballerinas. Of course, Monet´s paintings were beautiful and very cool to see up close. I also saw a number of pointalism pieces that I really liked.
We went back to Katie´s dorm to get ready for the night. We went to a little brasserie with one of her friends from Paris and her guest from home. I ordered steak frites. It wasn't the best steak frites I've ever had but when in Paris...
Katie and her friends in her program (mostly girls as it is an art program) have several male French friends that they go out with. After dinner we went to a restaurant that one of them works at for a drink. It was called Leonard Cafe, I've been told after Leonardo Da Vinci. I ordered a drink called "The Leonard" that was delicious. I don't recall all the ingredients but tequila was involved and it was an orangey-pink color. Katie and I's sorority sister, Jen, met us there after needing a break from her travelling companions. We proceeded to a bar with her local friends where we had what Jen and I consider a truly French night out.
The next day we woke up and planned to meet Jen to go see Versailles, a good distance outside of the city. I remember seeing the movie Marie Antoinette and it surprisingly depicted Versailles quite accurately. The rooms were really lavish and I found myself taking tons of pictures, even if I didn´t know what I was capturing. My favorite room was Marie Antoinette's bedroom. After walking around for a couple of hours, and talking up Laduree to Jen, we stopped at the small shop inside Versailles and bought a box of 15 macaroons to share. We ate them on the metro ride back to Paris and they were still just as delicious.
Once in Paris we made our way to a little organic restaurant that Jen´s guidebook swore by but of course with our luck it had shut down. We detoured across the street and it was a good decision. I had french onion soup for the first time and it was amazing, and surprisingly very filling. After our pick-me-up lunch we took the metro to Marmote to see Sacra Couer. We climbed to the top of the hill (do you see a trend in my travels across Europe?) and got to see some beautiful panoramic views of Paris, despite the ensuing rain.
We got back on the metro and headed for a large department store where I purchased a large travel Longchamp for a fraction of its cost in the US. It´s too bad it was so late in the day because the area was ladden with shops where I surely would have found things to buy. Oh well, guess it saved me money.
Alas the day ended and we headed back to Katie's dorm after we, guiltily, ate KFC for dinner. I set my alarm for 5am so I could make my flight on time. I had such little time in Paris but I saw so much. A couple more days would have been nice but I guess I'll just have to go back.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Vidi, Part 6: London Twon
I wasn't expecting to like London. I don't know why, but it's just not a place I thought I would enjoy. I had this notion of "dreary London" being miserable, wet and gray. At times it was wet and mostly gray but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that London is far from a miserable place.
Not only did I not hate London, I actually loved it and want to go back. I never considered studying abroad in London because I always thought it was a sort of cop-out. I thought the fact that Londoners speak English was too easy and not enough of a cultural challenge. But, experiencing the local flavors of language and food in the Queen's town was a refreshing change of pace from Rome, a city with so much culture it can be overwhelming. In fact, that's exactly what my weekend in London was: refreshing.
Courtney's dad was in London for the weekend on business and graciously allowed us to stay in the hotel with him. We stayed at the Marriot at Canary Wharf. The big, comfy beds and generous water pressure in the shower was very welcomed. So was the ease of the Tube, the cheeriness of the cab drivers, and the convenience of having friends (Courtney's sorority sisters, Jackie and Lauren) studying in London who could show us the ropes.
We flew RyanAir from the Ciampino airport in Rome to London-Gatwick. Flying RyanAir is a unique experience but flying in Europe alone is an experience. It has probably been close to 10 years since I haven't needed to take my shoes off to go through security. I didn't need to take my toiletries out either. While easy and quick, getting through security in Europe doesn't quite have the comforting effect that the thorough US searches do. Once we got through security we proceeded to our gate, which is only open for 30 minutes prior to boarding during which everyone clamors for a spot and a standing line forms...it really made me miss Southwest's number system. Once our tickets were checked we were directed towards a bus that would drive us to the plane where we would be boarding on the tarmac. All very different ideas to me. I was told that flying RyanAir was like "flying for your life" but the ride was surprisingly smooth. The flight attendants came around multiple times with drinks and snacks FOR PURCHASE (an annoying difference from US flights). These weren't just flight attendants though, they were sales people, pushing everything from scratch tickets to electronic cigarettes that you could smoke during the flight. Someone could easily go broke on a RyanAir flight. Luckily, and quite frustrating, RyanAir only lets you carry on one bag so my wallet was tucked securely away in my carry-on above my head.
Once we landed we bought a train/Tube ticket that would get us to Canary Wharf. Once we exited the Tube station I was shocked at how pretty London was at night. There were hundreds of tall, illuminated glass buildings, making the city glow. It was unusually warm so hundreds of people were out having drinks along the wharf.
Canary Wharf
We checked into the hotel room, met Courtney's dad, and got ready for a night out in London Town. Courtney's dad kindly offered to take us out to dinner at Hi Sushi, a restaurant recommended to us by a friend who came to London the weekend before. There was about a half hour wait so we went next door and had a pint at an English Pub.
After dinner we went back to Jackie and Lauren's flat and were left speechless. The place was like a palace compared to our apartment in Rome (but I'm not complaining, Mom). It was really cute and a comfy place to live. Their flat was on a street lined with brick buildings called "Abbey House" or "Morley House". It was quaint and comfortable. Just around the corner was dozens of restaurants and shops, looking very much like Georgetown. We went out with Lauren and Jackie for a FREE night out on the town. Lauren and Jackie know lots of club promotors so we went to one called Luxx. We got in for free and drank for free. It was great and lots of fun but certainly left its mark the next morning.
Me, Courtney, Teryn, Lauren and Jackie at Luxx - photo courtesy of Jackie's Facebook
The next morning who rose and shined, or rather Teryn and Courtney shines and I just Rose. Nonetheless, we got breakfast and set out to see the sites. We caught part of St. James Park, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge (which everyone thinks is the London Bridge).
In front of Buckingham Palace
Courtney, Teryn and I in front of Buckingham Palace
Big Ben, a double-decker bus and a black cab!
The London Eye
Lauren, Liz, Teryn, Jackie and I in front of the Tower Bridge
We had two definite pictures we wanted to take: one with the Buckingham Palace guards and the other in a red phone booth. I was disappointed to learn that the guards weren't out but we did manage to take some pictures in a phone booth.
Hello, Mum!
After lots of site seeing and a long hike to Kensington Palace where we were hoping to see Diana's dresses, we took a load of and had tea. You can have tea at The Orangery at Kensington Palace, which used to be a greenhouse. It was a warm and relaxing break from what was becoming a very cold and gray day.
Tea at Kensington Palace!
We were too tired to brave the London club scene for a second night so we had a late dinner and crashed. The next morning, our last morning in London, was rainy. We spent it trying to spend our British Pounds (something I quite enjoyed) and searching for fish and chips. Getting fish and chips in a pub was one of my non-negotiables for London yet I negotiated. We went to a restaurant called the Canteen where I had haddock fish and chips. It was delish!
I really did love London and want to go back desperately. There was so much I wanted to do and see that I didn't get to. Maybe one day I will get to...
1. Ride on the London Eye
2. Ride a double-decker bus
3. Go to Hyde Park (and some of the other 3,000 parks)
4. Make faces at the Buckingham Palace Guards
5. Go to Harrods and shop!!!
6. Eat fish and chips in a pub
7. See Diana's dresses
8. Go inside Westminster Abbey
9. Take a cruise on the Thames
and although this isn't in London...
10. See Stonehenge.
Maybe in my next life!
Not only did I not hate London, I actually loved it and want to go back. I never considered studying abroad in London because I always thought it was a sort of cop-out. I thought the fact that Londoners speak English was too easy and not enough of a cultural challenge. But, experiencing the local flavors of language and food in the Queen's town was a refreshing change of pace from Rome, a city with so much culture it can be overwhelming. In fact, that's exactly what my weekend in London was: refreshing.
Courtney's dad was in London for the weekend on business and graciously allowed us to stay in the hotel with him. We stayed at the Marriot at Canary Wharf. The big, comfy beds and generous water pressure in the shower was very welcomed. So was the ease of the Tube, the cheeriness of the cab drivers, and the convenience of having friends (Courtney's sorority sisters, Jackie and Lauren) studying in London who could show us the ropes.
We flew RyanAir from the Ciampino airport in Rome to London-Gatwick. Flying RyanAir is a unique experience but flying in Europe alone is an experience. It has probably been close to 10 years since I haven't needed to take my shoes off to go through security. I didn't need to take my toiletries out either. While easy and quick, getting through security in Europe doesn't quite have the comforting effect that the thorough US searches do. Once we got through security we proceeded to our gate, which is only open for 30 minutes prior to boarding during which everyone clamors for a spot and a standing line forms...it really made me miss Southwest's number system. Once our tickets were checked we were directed towards a bus that would drive us to the plane where we would be boarding on the tarmac. All very different ideas to me. I was told that flying RyanAir was like "flying for your life" but the ride was surprisingly smooth. The flight attendants came around multiple times with drinks and snacks FOR PURCHASE (an annoying difference from US flights). These weren't just flight attendants though, they were sales people, pushing everything from scratch tickets to electronic cigarettes that you could smoke during the flight. Someone could easily go broke on a RyanAir flight. Luckily, and quite frustrating, RyanAir only lets you carry on one bag so my wallet was tucked securely away in my carry-on above my head.
Once we landed we bought a train/Tube ticket that would get us to Canary Wharf. Once we exited the Tube station I was shocked at how pretty London was at night. There were hundreds of tall, illuminated glass buildings, making the city glow. It was unusually warm so hundreds of people were out having drinks along the wharf.
We checked into the hotel room, met Courtney's dad, and got ready for a night out in London Town. Courtney's dad kindly offered to take us out to dinner at Hi Sushi, a restaurant recommended to us by a friend who came to London the weekend before. There was about a half hour wait so we went next door and had a pint at an English Pub.
After dinner we went back to Jackie and Lauren's flat and were left speechless. The place was like a palace compared to our apartment in Rome (but I'm not complaining, Mom). It was really cute and a comfy place to live. Their flat was on a street lined with brick buildings called "Abbey House" or "Morley House". It was quaint and comfortable. Just around the corner was dozens of restaurants and shops, looking very much like Georgetown. We went out with Lauren and Jackie for a FREE night out on the town. Lauren and Jackie know lots of club promotors so we went to one called Luxx. We got in for free and drank for free. It was great and lots of fun but certainly left its mark the next morning.
The next morning who rose and shined, or rather Teryn and Courtney shines and I just Rose. Nonetheless, we got breakfast and set out to see the sites. We caught part of St. James Park, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge (which everyone thinks is the London Bridge).
We had two definite pictures we wanted to take: one with the Buckingham Palace guards and the other in a red phone booth. I was disappointed to learn that the guards weren't out but we did manage to take some pictures in a phone booth.
After lots of site seeing and a long hike to Kensington Palace where we were hoping to see Diana's dresses, we took a load of and had tea. You can have tea at The Orangery at Kensington Palace, which used to be a greenhouse. It was a warm and relaxing break from what was becoming a very cold and gray day.
We were too tired to brave the London club scene for a second night so we had a late dinner and crashed. The next morning, our last morning in London, was rainy. We spent it trying to spend our British Pounds (something I quite enjoyed) and searching for fish and chips. Getting fish and chips in a pub was one of my non-negotiables for London yet I negotiated. We went to a restaurant called the Canteen where I had haddock fish and chips. It was delish!
I really did love London and want to go back desperately. There was so much I wanted to do and see that I didn't get to. Maybe one day I will get to...
1. Ride on the London Eye
2. Ride a double-decker bus
3. Go to Hyde Park (and some of the other 3,000 parks)
4. Make faces at the Buckingham Palace Guards
5. Go to Harrods and shop!!!
6. Eat fish and chips in a pub
7. See Diana's dresses
8. Go inside Westminster Abbey
9. Take a cruise on the Thames
and although this isn't in London...
10. See Stonehenge.
Maybe in my next life!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Vici, Part 3: SKYDIVING!
I was really against skydiving. I never had the urge to throw myself out of a plane in the United States so wasn't to excited by the idea of doing it over the Swiss Alps. If my friends weren't so adamant about hurling themselves out of plane 13,000 feet up, I never would have considered it. Especially not for the price I paid.
But they were really adamant. Back in College Park, my friends and I joke about FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). I had a big FOMO about skydiving. I also didn't know what I was going to do with myself for several hours while my friends were parachuting down from the sky. So FOMO got the best of me and I reserved my skydiving spot before we left Rome.
I think my friends thought I was so against it because I was afraid. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared at all but that wasn't the reason I didn't want to do it. The guys you dive with are professionals, who do this over and over all day long. It was the price. I feel like someone should pay me $385 dollars to jump out of a plane over the Swiss Alps and not the other way around, but that wasn't the case. So, $385 dollars later I have an experience that I will never regret nor ever repeat.
The ride to the Scenic!Air airplane carrier was a pretty one. Once again FOMO got the best of me and I ordered the video of me skydiving like my friends. I am so glad I did this. I can't wait to get home and show my friends and family my jump, especially because skydiving is so out of character for me.
We all suited up, looking like astronauts or something out of Top Gun. Unfortunately there was quite a bit of a wait, which didn't help the jitters and increased anticipation. I finally went up in the third plane with Hayley, a friend who is studying in Florence, and a third girl. Hans, my diving partner asked me when I wanted to jump. I said not first and not last because I wouldn't get out of the plane. So I jumped second.
The free fall was the coldest, scariest, longest 45 seconds of my life. I think you are supposed to look up but I looked straight down, watching myself plummet through the clouds to the ground. I don't know if I could even speak or breath but "oh my God! oh my God! oh my God!" kept going through my head or coming out of my mouth. I held my arms out like Hans told me and when the camera was in my face, I gave the thumbs up. I'm still shocked I could manage that.
Forty-five seconds after the jump, or 10 minutes in my mind, Hans pulled the chute and we were floating just below the clouds. I was speechless, even breathless. Hans spun me in a circle but I quickly ended that, barely even able to handle being 13,000 feet about the ground. No tricks for me. The harness was incredibly uncomfortable so he loosened it as we hung out in the air.
I brought my camera on a string around my neck but didn't have a lot of faith in myself to use it out without it falling to the grou. But I did and captured the most breathtaking experience.
Soon enough we were fast approaching the ground and it was over. It was the scariest thing I have ever done but also the most exciting. My friends didn't think I was going to get out of the plane and that I would land in tears. Neither happened. I've been telling people that it felt like an out-of-body experience. Riding up in the plane, I wasn't nervous at all. I was all smiles. I thought I would have been petrified to do anything up in the air, let along take pictures, but I did. When I landed, I couldn't believe that I did it. I felt like someone else did and I was just there watching it all happen. If there is an experience to define "surreal", this was it.
Me and Ilana, ready to jump!
Getting suited up by Hans
On the way up!!
During my dive!
During my dive...there's Hayley!
During my dive...the town below looks so far away!
I LANDED!!!
Telling my camera guy, Andy, that that was the scariest thing I've ever done.
As I relived the dive while I wrote this, I still can't believe I did it! It was an amazing experience that I am so glad I did.
But they were really adamant. Back in College Park, my friends and I joke about FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). I had a big FOMO about skydiving. I also didn't know what I was going to do with myself for several hours while my friends were parachuting down from the sky. So FOMO got the best of me and I reserved my skydiving spot before we left Rome.
I think my friends thought I was so against it because I was afraid. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared at all but that wasn't the reason I didn't want to do it. The guys you dive with are professionals, who do this over and over all day long. It was the price. I feel like someone should pay me $385 dollars to jump out of a plane over the Swiss Alps and not the other way around, but that wasn't the case. So, $385 dollars later I have an experience that I will never regret nor ever repeat.
The ride to the Scenic!Air airplane carrier was a pretty one. Once again FOMO got the best of me and I ordered the video of me skydiving like my friends. I am so glad I did this. I can't wait to get home and show my friends and family my jump, especially because skydiving is so out of character for me.
We all suited up, looking like astronauts or something out of Top Gun. Unfortunately there was quite a bit of a wait, which didn't help the jitters and increased anticipation. I finally went up in the third plane with Hayley, a friend who is studying in Florence, and a third girl. Hans, my diving partner asked me when I wanted to jump. I said not first and not last because I wouldn't get out of the plane. So I jumped second.
The free fall was the coldest, scariest, longest 45 seconds of my life. I think you are supposed to look up but I looked straight down, watching myself plummet through the clouds to the ground. I don't know if I could even speak or breath but "oh my God! oh my God! oh my God!" kept going through my head or coming out of my mouth. I held my arms out like Hans told me and when the camera was in my face, I gave the thumbs up. I'm still shocked I could manage that.
Forty-five seconds after the jump, or 10 minutes in my mind, Hans pulled the chute and we were floating just below the clouds. I was speechless, even breathless. Hans spun me in a circle but I quickly ended that, barely even able to handle being 13,000 feet about the ground. No tricks for me. The harness was incredibly uncomfortable so he loosened it as we hung out in the air.
I brought my camera on a string around my neck but didn't have a lot of faith in myself to use it out without it falling to the grou. But I did and captured the most breathtaking experience.
Soon enough we were fast approaching the ground and it was over. It was the scariest thing I have ever done but also the most exciting. My friends didn't think I was going to get out of the plane and that I would land in tears. Neither happened. I've been telling people that it felt like an out-of-body experience. Riding up in the plane, I wasn't nervous at all. I was all smiles. I thought I would have been petrified to do anything up in the air, let along take pictures, but I did. When I landed, I couldn't believe that I did it. I felt like someone else did and I was just there watching it all happen. If there is an experience to define "surreal", this was it.
As I relived the dive while I wrote this, I still can't believe I did it! It was an amazing experience that I am so glad I did.
Vidi, Part 5: Switzerland
The nice thing about the internet is that you can disseminate information quickly. So theoretically, my online-journal (a.k.a. this blog) should be the fastest way for you to catch up on my adventures in Europe. But then there is human error and I have a lot of that. I'm sorry that these are so overdue but I promise, the pictures alone are worth it!
I left for Switzerland early in the morning on February 10. Teryn, Courtney, Sarah, Ilana and I went on an organized trip to Interlaken through a company called Bus2Alps. It included a 12-hour bus ride to Interlaken from Rome, accommodations at a hostel, entry to a local bar, a trip leader, and a discount on the extreme activities in Interlaken.
[Side note for Mom: If I don't have a job after college I'm coming back to Europe and working for Bus2Alps. What's better than marketing and sales experience while country-hopping throughout Europe?! You better hope I find a job state-side!!]
We checked in on Friday around 7:30 a.m. at our hostel, Backpackers Villa. Across the street from our hostel was the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel and Spa. We could sit out on our balcony and watch paragliders land as they soared down from the mountain. After we settled down I took a nap due to the lack of sleep I got on the bus (who would have known that coach buses in Italy are MUCH smaller than those in the US). Ilana and Sarah walked over to Outdoor Sports Interlaken to change our SKYDIVING(!!!!!!) time from Saturday to Friday. Once I'd regained enough energy I met them at Utopia cafe, where the owner made fresh sandwiches and filled us in on what to do in Interlaken.
View from our balcony.
After lunch (which was at 10:00 a.m.), everyone wanted to nap before our big jump except for Ilana and I so we strolled around the (very) small town. We drooled over many chocolate shop window displays and took lots of touristy pictures throughout the town.
Chocolate store in Interlaken
Posing in front of the Alps
Typical street in Interlaken.
Skydiving was an adventure to great to relay in this post, it deserves its own. But once we all had our feet safely planted on the ground again, we were exhausted and hungry. The ride back to our hostel was a silent one, while we sat quietly taking in what we had just done and preparing to chow down at Hooters Interlaken.
On Saturday we set out to make our way up to a small town called Murren, about halfway up the Alps. This was quite the process, which included taking a train, riding in a cable car, and hiking, which was the most enjoyable part. I thought I took amazing pictures of the Alps while I was skydiving but my pictures from the hike blew them away.
Church in Interlaken
Panoramic view of the Alps from the top of the cable car
In the Swiss Alps!!!
Sun hiding behind a mountain
As the sun began to set in the Alps, we made our way back to Interlaken for some R&R and fondue before the 12-hour drive back to Rome in the morning (which I turned 21 on!).
Switzerland was one of the most beautiful places I've ever been, which would be saying a lot if I was a big-world traveler but my repertoire isn't that big. However, if I were a big world traveler, I'm confident it would still be one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. I wish I could say the same for the people; we had several very unfriendly experiences with the locals. I hope these encounters were simply bad luck, otherwise, this was the best weekend I had abroad so far. To date, I have never done so many cool things or laughed as hard. It was well-worth the 12 hour drive.
I left for Switzerland early in the morning on February 10. Teryn, Courtney, Sarah, Ilana and I went on an organized trip to Interlaken through a company called Bus2Alps. It included a 12-hour bus ride to Interlaken from Rome, accommodations at a hostel, entry to a local bar, a trip leader, and a discount on the extreme activities in Interlaken.
[Side note for Mom: If I don't have a job after college I'm coming back to Europe and working for Bus2Alps. What's better than marketing and sales experience while country-hopping throughout Europe?! You better hope I find a job state-side!!]
We checked in on Friday around 7:30 a.m. at our hostel, Backpackers Villa. Across the street from our hostel was the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel and Spa. We could sit out on our balcony and watch paragliders land as they soared down from the mountain. After we settled down I took a nap due to the lack of sleep I got on the bus (who would have known that coach buses in Italy are MUCH smaller than those in the US). Ilana and Sarah walked over to Outdoor Sports Interlaken to change our SKYDIVING(!!!!!!) time from Saturday to Friday. Once I'd regained enough energy I met them at Utopia cafe, where the owner made fresh sandwiches and filled us in on what to do in Interlaken.
After lunch (which was at 10:00 a.m.), everyone wanted to nap before our big jump except for Ilana and I so we strolled around the (very) small town. We drooled over many chocolate shop window displays and took lots of touristy pictures throughout the town.
Skydiving was an adventure to great to relay in this post, it deserves its own. But once we all had our feet safely planted on the ground again, we were exhausted and hungry. The ride back to our hostel was a silent one, while we sat quietly taking in what we had just done and preparing to chow down at Hooters Interlaken.
On Saturday we set out to make our way up to a small town called Murren, about halfway up the Alps. This was quite the process, which included taking a train, riding in a cable car, and hiking, which was the most enjoyable part. I thought I took amazing pictures of the Alps while I was skydiving but my pictures from the hike blew them away.
As the sun began to set in the Alps, we made our way back to Interlaken for some R&R and fondue before the 12-hour drive back to Rome in the morning (which I turned 21 on!).
Switzerland was one of the most beautiful places I've ever been, which would be saying a lot if I was a big-world traveler but my repertoire isn't that big. However, if I were a big world traveler, I'm confident it would still be one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. I wish I could say the same for the people; we had several very unfriendly experiences with the locals. I hope these encounters were simply bad luck, otherwise, this was the best weekend I had abroad so far. To date, I have never done so many cool things or laughed as hard. It was well-worth the 12 hour drive.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Vici, Part 2: Firenze, Day 2
It would be a lie to say we rose with the sun. A far more accurate account would be to say that I rose to my alarm, and everyone else rose as a result of my 3-year brewing, burning desire to go to the San Lorenzo leather market. But if it weren't for me, Courtney, Teryn, Ilana and Sarah would have been waken up by the sounds of parade of clamoring pots, protesting something down our street. Lucky for them.
Before the leather market, we went to the Galleria dell'Accademia. While the Gallery hosts lots of beautiful pieces of artwork, its most famous for Michelangelo's "David", which was carved from one 13 foot-tall slab of marble. Taking pictures of The David is completely forbidden, so of course I'm about to incriminate myself, but I got a great shot!!
Michelangelo's "David"
Onward to the leather market, which was my favorite part of the whole weekend. The last time I was here, I didn't do a lot of bartering. My parents bought me a purse (and I found the stand that I got it from again!) and a wallet. This time, I was in the market to shop, and to get a lot for my money. I got a leather jacket, originally intended to be 250 euros, for 100 euros. I also got a leather bag (which still retains that new, rich leather smell) for 60 euro, a couple of wallets for 15 euro each, and several pashminas. The one thing I wish I bought but ran out of time for, as my friends had less of a desire to shop than I did, is leather gloves. I guess I'll just have to go back!!
San Lorenzo leather market
As in the United States, shopping works up an appetite. We had lunch at a restaurant near our hostel called "The Diner", which we walked by several times, drooling over the smell of greasy, American diner food. Inside it was a cosy nook in the wall, filled with American students nursing their hangovers with omelettes and bacon. I actually ordered and omelette for the first time in my life! (Nota bene: Soup is not The Diner's strong point, so just steer clear. Broccoli and cheddar was more like broccoli puree.)
Recharged and ready to go, we walked to the Ponte Vecchio. The Ponte Vecchio spans the Arno River and is famously-known for the shops that line it. Originally, these shops were all occupied by butchers but today the Ponte Vecchio is home to many jewelers and offers some of the best window shopping in Italy. Although I didn't buy anything on the Ponte Vecchio, I picked plenty of things out that I would happily own!
The Ponte Vecchio
Lots of jewelry!!
View of the Arno River
Ilana, Me, Teryn, Courtney and Sarah at the midpoint of the Ponte Vecchio
After a day of sightseeing and shopping we went back to dinner at my absolute favorite restaurant in all of Italy: Aqua Al 2. We met one of Ilana and I's sorority sisters and two of Sarah's, and the ate of use enjoyed a multiple course meal and lots of house wine. I had been telling Teryn about this restaurant ever since we talked about studying abroad in Italy. I went with my family three years ago per the advising of my cousin Caitlin, who studied in Florence. I waited for three years to get the balsamic steak again, advising anybody and everybody to go to this restaurant while they were in Florence. As dinnertime approached, I was nervous I hyped it up too much for my friends. When everything was cleared from the table and we sat there, satisfyingly full, everyone reassured my that my hype was worth it.
Filetto all'Aceto Balsamico!!!!!
We introduced ourselves to our waiter, Velentino, who happened to be our waiter at The Diner, and is a part-owner of both restaurants. We told him we are from Washington, D.C., where the third and newest Aqua Al 2 location just opened. If you aren't lucky enough to eat at Aqua Al 2 in Florence, you better make your way to the DC location. I know that will be one of my first meals back in DC!!
After eating at Aqua Al 2, the rest of our time in Florence pales in comparison. Visiting Florence made me appreciate studying in Rome so much more. In Florence, I couldn't turn the corner without seeing an American girl in yoga pants and sneakers, and I heard much more English on the streets than Italian. Although Florence is considered the most cultural city in Italy (or so says my Italian professor), it felt too small and too American for me. It was a nice break from the bustle of Rome, but I was glad when we pulled in to Stazione Termini.
Before the leather market, we went to the Galleria dell'Accademia. While the Gallery hosts lots of beautiful pieces of artwork, its most famous for Michelangelo's "David", which was carved from one 13 foot-tall slab of marble. Taking pictures of The David is completely forbidden, so of course I'm about to incriminate myself, but I got a great shot!!
Onward to the leather market, which was my favorite part of the whole weekend. The last time I was here, I didn't do a lot of bartering. My parents bought me a purse (and I found the stand that I got it from again!) and a wallet. This time, I was in the market to shop, and to get a lot for my money. I got a leather jacket, originally intended to be 250 euros, for 100 euros. I also got a leather bag (which still retains that new, rich leather smell) for 60 euro, a couple of wallets for 15 euro each, and several pashminas. The one thing I wish I bought but ran out of time for, as my friends had less of a desire to shop than I did, is leather gloves. I guess I'll just have to go back!!
As in the United States, shopping works up an appetite. We had lunch at a restaurant near our hostel called "The Diner", which we walked by several times, drooling over the smell of greasy, American diner food. Inside it was a cosy nook in the wall, filled with American students nursing their hangovers with omelettes and bacon. I actually ordered and omelette for the first time in my life! (Nota bene: Soup is not The Diner's strong point, so just steer clear. Broccoli and cheddar was more like broccoli puree.)
Recharged and ready to go, we walked to the Ponte Vecchio. The Ponte Vecchio spans the Arno River and is famously-known for the shops that line it. Originally, these shops were all occupied by butchers but today the Ponte Vecchio is home to many jewelers and offers some of the best window shopping in Italy. Although I didn't buy anything on the Ponte Vecchio, I picked plenty of things out that I would happily own!
After a day of sightseeing and shopping we went back to dinner at my absolute favorite restaurant in all of Italy: Aqua Al 2. We met one of Ilana and I's sorority sisters and two of Sarah's, and the ate of use enjoyed a multiple course meal and lots of house wine. I had been telling Teryn about this restaurant ever since we talked about studying abroad in Italy. I went with my family three years ago per the advising of my cousin Caitlin, who studied in Florence. I waited for three years to get the balsamic steak again, advising anybody and everybody to go to this restaurant while they were in Florence. As dinnertime approached, I was nervous I hyped it up too much for my friends. When everything was cleared from the table and we sat there, satisfyingly full, everyone reassured my that my hype was worth it.
We introduced ourselves to our waiter, Velentino, who happened to be our waiter at The Diner, and is a part-owner of both restaurants. We told him we are from Washington, D.C., where the third and newest Aqua Al 2 location just opened. If you aren't lucky enough to eat at Aqua Al 2 in Florence, you better make your way to the DC location. I know that will be one of my first meals back in DC!!
After eating at Aqua Al 2, the rest of our time in Florence pales in comparison. Visiting Florence made me appreciate studying in Rome so much more. In Florence, I couldn't turn the corner without seeing an American girl in yoga pants and sneakers, and I heard much more English on the streets than Italian. Although Florence is considered the most cultural city in Italy (or so says my Italian professor), it felt too small and too American for me. It was a nice break from the bustle of Rome, but I was glad when we pulled in to Stazione Termini.
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