Today we headed straight for the beach! After a ferry and long bus ride we ended up at Amaroni Beach all by our lonesomes. We definitely showed Venice how southerners do sun bathing! Sand in Europe is nothing like sand in the states. Over here, it is more like fine graded dirt than anything. However, who cares about the sand condition when you are staring at the Mediterranean?
I rented a beach chair and ate a burrito (who knew there would be burritos in Venice?) for a whopping 10 euro. A day at the beach was a great idea before we hop on this over night train. We are all pretty beat and most of us got a little toasty.
I will have to admit that I am a little nervous about sleeping on this train but I'm sure the mattress will be better than this hotel's! I just hope I can snag a second pillow and that there is a plug to watch a movie.
Since I have no pictures from today, here are some thoughts on the trip:
Things I miss:
My Naynay (childhood blanket that was given to me by my Aunt Kathy)
Conditioner (Europeans don't use it but I managed to find some 2 in 1 shampoo)
Ranch dressing
Peace Tea (either Caddy Shack or Sweet Lemon)
Chicken (all kinds but mostly fried)
Yes, Dad, Alana, Meg, Lou, Jeremy and Sara, they have plentiful amounts of mayo therefor I am satisfied in that area.
Things I may never use again because I don't have it here:
Wash Cloth (be grossed out if you want but my skin is in pristine condition since coming to Europe)
Perfume
Q tips (okay so maybe on occasion and I still don't care if you are grossed out. Meghan, don't say it...)
Things I have learned to love:
Cappuccino and one raw sugar (just one in the morning and sometimes one instead of eating dinner)
Large amounts of water
Not using a hair dryer but once in a blue moon.
Walking as a main means of transportation
I can definitely dig the way of life over here, but there are just those few comforts of home that will send me straight back over the pond.
Where all do we have left to go?
Vienna
Prague
Amsterdam
(somewhere for a night that we haven't picked yet, any suggestions?)
Munich
Paris
Thanks to Mrs. Seaman's French class in high school, I am super excited about French cuisine. We sampled some of the culture's recipes every Friday in class and it has got me looking forward to it. I'm sure I will be tired of bratwurst by then anyways...
Although I am knocking quite a few places off the bucket list, I am constantly adding more. This trip may have sparked a very expensive hobby....
See you all in Vienna!
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Day 22 - Hitting the town!
I must preface this post with a few details about our hotel:
1. The most uncomfortable mattress I have ever come in contact with is in room 32 (my room).
2. I require two pillows to sleep, I only had one.
3. There is no air conditioning.
4. The most obnoxious french high school students are staying here.
Other than that, the hotel is great! The breakfast has a few more options than the last. Most importantly they have a cappuccino maker and that is what counts!
We hit the ground running around 10am this morning and headed to a public works company named Insula. On the way we got to see a bridge designed by Calatrava. Check this puppy out:
Insula is a company that handles most of the restoration projects of Venice's waterways. It is so crazy the amount of work that goes into these canals and utility systems. Venice has to constantly make innovations in order to keep their public works working and up to date with society. Here are some pics from the presentation:
A big thank you to Insula! It was very cool to get a more in depth look at how the city of Venice keeps afloat!
After the presentation we had the day to ourselves. We picked up some lunch at a near by grocery store and I was very happy to get some rotisserie chicken and caesar salad. Everyone know how much I love coke and I am ready to get a coke in the states because in Europe it has quite the diet taste to it. Needless to say, I have cut back on my coke intake greatly although most of these guys wouldn't think so!
After lunch, we headed to the hotel to change in less formal clothing and hit the town. We decided to head to St. Mark's square again and the Rialto Bridge to do some shopping. The Rialto Bridge is the first dry path across the grand canal. It is full of shops and people. I will have to say that the market in Florence was a lot better but it was still cool to walk across the bridge and browse. Here are some pics:
The view from the top of the bridge:
And the other side:
Mimi and Papa, can we get one of these "water taxis" for the lake?
I could have been a starving artist in Venice in another life..
Harv, I have not found a violin shop yet but I will keep an eye out for you!
After a long day of wandering through Venice, I think I will eat and call it an early night! I will hate to see Venice go tomorrow. This has been such a fairy tale since we stepped out of the train. We are headed to Vienna tomorrow night. It will be my first experience in an over night train so everyone cross your fingers!
I miss everyone terribly! I will be one happy camper to hug everyone's neck once I am back in the states. With that being said, you all are going to come with me next time I travel the world, right? Ciao!
1. The most uncomfortable mattress I have ever come in contact with is in room 32 (my room).
2. I require two pillows to sleep, I only had one.
3. There is no air conditioning.
4. The most obnoxious french high school students are staying here.
Other than that, the hotel is great! The breakfast has a few more options than the last. Most importantly they have a cappuccino maker and that is what counts!
We hit the ground running around 10am this morning and headed to a public works company named Insula. On the way we got to see a bridge designed by Calatrava. Check this puppy out:
Insula is a company that handles most of the restoration projects of Venice's waterways. It is so crazy the amount of work that goes into these canals and utility systems. Venice has to constantly make innovations in order to keep their public works working and up to date with society. Here are some pics from the presentation:
A big thank you to Insula! It was very cool to get a more in depth look at how the city of Venice keeps afloat!
After the presentation we had the day to ourselves. We picked up some lunch at a near by grocery store and I was very happy to get some rotisserie chicken and caesar salad. Everyone know how much I love coke and I am ready to get a coke in the states because in Europe it has quite the diet taste to it. Needless to say, I have cut back on my coke intake greatly although most of these guys wouldn't think so!
After lunch, we headed to the hotel to change in less formal clothing and hit the town. We decided to head to St. Mark's square again and the Rialto Bridge to do some shopping. The Rialto Bridge is the first dry path across the grand canal. It is full of shops and people. I will have to say that the market in Florence was a lot better but it was still cool to walk across the bridge and browse. Here are some pics:
The view from the top of the bridge:
And the other side:
Mimi and Papa, can we get one of these "water taxis" for the lake?
I could have been a starving artist in Venice in another life..
Harv, I have not found a violin shop yet but I will keep an eye out for you!
After a long day of wandering through Venice, I think I will eat and call it an early night! I will hate to see Venice go tomorrow. This has been such a fairy tale since we stepped out of the train. We are headed to Vienna tomorrow night. It will be my first experience in an over night train so everyone cross your fingers!
I miss everyone terribly! I will be one happy camper to hug everyone's neck once I am back in the states. With that being said, you all are going to come with me next time I travel the world, right? Ciao!
Day 21 - Venice
I know, I know... You are ready for an update. You all are such demanding followers however, very avid and I appreciate that!
But, on the way we got some really great photos! Check out Venice:
The view outside of our hotel:
No, I have not ridden a gondola... They are a little expensive for my budget!
All along this bridge, couples come to put a lock on it for good luck.
I have no clue what building this is but I thought it was neat:
Alana, these next few are for you... No, I didn't buy you anything.
Yes, I got made fun of for taking all of those! So, you better feel loved!
St. Mark's Square and Cathedral:
The tower that Galileo supposedly dropped a feather and a cannon ball from; you all know the story from there:
St. Mark's up close and personal:
One more:
And one last time for effect as usual:
A view at night...
Who sent my boat to the Mediterranean??
The night life in St. Mark's Square; yes, that is a band:
Europeans have won me over in one respect: their love for dogs and more specifically dachshunds:
Venice is simply AMAZING. It is one of those places you would want to stay about two nights. And definitely come with your lover! Make sure you bring a lock! I have thoroughly enjoyed not seeing any cars, bikes and minimal people. It is a very nice change from the hustle and bustle of Florence. Since this is our last stop in Italy, I will say that if I had to pick one place to go, it would be Venice. There is simply nothing like it in the world.
After a long day of walking the entire group went to a bar/lounge and enjoyed a few drinks before bed. I have not found an European to make me a good long island but, I have only found one to make it at all! That being said, I am craving one!
The food is absolutely amazing in Italy but, after two weeks here, I am a little over pizza and pasta. I have most certainly learned to enjoy the Mediterranean salad that is served pretty much everywhere. I will need to get all of my comfort foods when I get home! Don't worry, I am by no means starving over here!
Day 22 coming in just a few! Stay posted!
Internet Problems Again...
I am experiencing some wifi problems again in Venice. So this will be a short, no pictured post from my phone.
We had some technical difficulties on the train because there was another earthquake in Italy yesterday. This delayed our train about an hour. But, we made it to Venice, or Venezie as the locals say, yesterday around 2pm safe and sound. I am not sure where the earthquake was but it was not near us.
Our hotel is situated right on a little water way and it is gorgeous! You guys should see this place. It is something out of a fairy tale.
I hope to post some pictures this afternoon once we get back for the day so everyone cross your fingers!
I will say this a million times before the trip is over, thank you all who are constantly reading my blog! At 21 days in I have 2300 views! Whoa! You guys are great!
It is the 22nd day of 42, Venice is the 6th stop of 11 in the 3rd country of 8, we are on our 2nd language of 5 (if you don't include the Brit's ha!), and I am loving every minute of it!
We had some technical difficulties on the train because there was another earthquake in Italy yesterday. This delayed our train about an hour. But, we made it to Venice, or Venezie as the locals say, yesterday around 2pm safe and sound. I am not sure where the earthquake was but it was not near us.
Our hotel is situated right on a little water way and it is gorgeous! You guys should see this place. It is something out of a fairy tale.
I hope to post some pictures this afternoon once we get back for the day so everyone cross your fingers!
I will say this a million times before the trip is over, thank you all who are constantly reading my blog! At 21 days in I have 2300 views! Whoa! You guys are great!
It is the 22nd day of 42, Venice is the 6th stop of 11 in the 3rd country of 8, we are on our 2nd language of 5 (if you don't include the Brit's ha!), and I am loving every minute of it!
Monday, May 28, 2012
Day 20 - The Duomo
Today has been my favorite day in Florence thus far and it is only half way over! (Remember, I am still 7 hours ahead of everyone in the states!) We woke up early to head straight to La Duomo (The Dome). One of the books we were required to read for the trip was Brunelleschi's Dome which portrays the building of Santa Maria del Fiore which florentine's call La Duomo. Flippo Brunelleschi was a well known artist at the time and was hired to build the massive dome and cupola after winning a competition on just how to build it. The coolest part about this dome is that Brunelleschi built the entire thing without centering. What is centering? It is the elaborate wooden scaffolding that all other domes before this one used to hold the structure in place until the dome was complete and mortar had cured allowing it to be self-supporting. Some thought Brunelleschi was an idiot however, the Opera del Duomo (governing body overseeing the dome's construction) found his methods ingenious. So low and behold, La Duomo:
You can see a small bit of the outside view of La Duomo in the left corner:
Yes, that facade is made entirely of marble. And we thought we had impressive marble in Sylacauga...
Take a look at the images of hell that circles the bottom of the interior dome:
Can you imagine that kind of scene in Trinity Presbyterian Opelika or FPC Sylacauga? Yeah, me either.
We climbed all the way to the top cupola. I am not sure on the number of stairs but I am seriously over spiral stair cases...
You all may be seriously tired of the doors and ceilings I post on here but I honestly cannot get enough of them. American's really need to get with ornate ceilings and doors.
Lorenzo Ghiberti's bronze doors on The Baptistery of San Giovanni. Michelangelo described these doors as "Paradise". They are now called The Doors of Paradise.
Ponte Vecchio across the Arno River:
There are about three roads full of outdoor shops with all sorts of leather things, scarves, jewelry and knickknacks. Slap in the middle of all that is an indoor food market. Of course this was my favorite part of the market.
I will hate to leave Florence tomorrow. Life is pretty sweet here. Tomorrow, we are headed to Venice and I am pretty excited about that. Why couldn't we take a few days off London and Paris to stay in Barcelona, Rapallo, Florence and Venice a little longer Anoop?
Thank you everyone who is religiously reading my blog! It helps me stay on top of it!
I think for the rest of the afternoon, I will catch up on some reading, maybe take a nap and enjoy some quite time.
Day 19 - Museum, Museum, Bridge
Okay, everyone here knows I love art. But let's be real, how much art can one take when all the art is portraits and Jesus/Mary scenes? Well, two was our limit on art intake for the day. The first stop was La Galleria Degli Arazzi. This is a museum that collects painting, sculptures and tapestries. Most of the paintings were portraits and scenes of Jesus' crucifixion. The first few paintings were pretty cool, but after those.... Here are some pictures from outside the gallery:
And now a few from inside the gallery:
The view from the gallery observation deck:
Our next museum was the University Gallery (I forgot the Italian translation). This is home to Michelangelo's David sculpture. This puppy is massive. I had seen this sculpture in many pictures over the years in school, but I honestly had no clue how massive this puppy is. David's big toenail was the size of my face! The coolest part of this piece is that as you move around the sculpture you see David's face change from an afraid look to a look of determination. Sneaky, sneaky Michelangelo! David was the only highlight from the University Gallery and I am so sorry I did not sneak a picture for you all!
After the last museum, we all headed back to the hotel to check in our rooms. This room is much better than last nights! But, I had quite the internet situation on my hands for about 12 hours. Like I said before, Europeans are so stingy with wifi to the point of utter annoyance. After several hours of problem solving, I got it under control to catch you all up on my blog and FaceTime Meghan. Alana, you really need to fix your FaceTime issues!
Keep reading for pics for the Duomo! Ciao!
And now a few from inside the gallery:
The view from the gallery observation deck:
Our next museum was the University Gallery (I forgot the Italian translation). This is home to Michelangelo's David sculpture. This puppy is massive. I had seen this sculpture in many pictures over the years in school, but I honestly had no clue how massive this puppy is. David's big toenail was the size of my face! The coolest part of this piece is that as you move around the sculpture you see David's face change from an afraid look to a look of determination. Sneaky, sneaky Michelangelo! David was the only highlight from the University Gallery and I am so sorry I did not sneak a picture for you all!
After the last museum, we all headed back to the hotel to check in our rooms. This room is much better than last nights! But, I had quite the internet situation on my hands for about 12 hours. Like I said before, Europeans are so stingy with wifi to the point of utter annoyance. After several hours of problem solving, I got it under control to catch you all up on my blog and FaceTime Meghan. Alana, you really need to fix your FaceTime issues!
Keep reading for pics for the Duomo! Ciao!
Days 16, 17, & 18 - Rapallo and Florence
I finally got a little bit of internet! Europeans are extremely stingy with it. I think it is absolutely ridiculous but that is just my two cents.
So.... have y'all missed me? (That answer better be YES!)
What did you do after Rome, you ask? Kendall, Drew, Cameron, Schmid, Morgan and I went to Rapallo, Italy. This is a small, small town on the east coast. It was GORGEOUS! I have to give Morgan some credit here because he picked this spot and the hotel which was also wonderful. Vacationing in a small town with the Mediterranean outside my window was exactly what I needed. The views were amazing, the food was awesome, and the company was great. Here are a few pics:
It was beautiful at night...
Obviously we did very little the first day other than lay out on the beach, walk around and eat. We most definitely made up for laziness on the second day. We hopped a train over to Cinque Terre. A little background on the area; Cinque Terre is made up of five towns: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Some of these towns were damaged by floods in October but it was still pretty awesome to see them. We road the train to Monterosso al Mare and then rented sea kayaks to paddle over to Vernazza. We paddled about 5 miles total (if not more) and it was the best 25 Euro I have spent on this trip. I got my paddling practice in for Nantahala after graduation so I suggest that a couple of others who are reading this get theirs in too. (cough, cough, dad, cough, Meghan)
I hereby swear that these pictures are not fake, did not come from the internet, and where in fact taken by my iPhone 4S. Steve Jobs, I owe you one.
This is paradise....
This is Vernazza. You can clearly see the damage from flooding. These buildings were completely under water in October.
It is kind of weird that this just popped out of the ocean a few thousand years ago.
So, I can now say that I have swam, kayaked, tasted, and even peed the Mediterranean Sea. That knocked a few off the bucket list. The Mediterranean is SUPER salty. We were literally covered in salt once the water dried off our skin. It was a great exfoliation!
This may be obvious without having to be said, Rapallo and Cinque Terre have been my favorite part of Europe thus far. I am most certainly going to have to come back. It was a dream come true.
Saturday, we hopped a train to Florence since there were no trains that would put us there in time by Sunday. We thought we booked a 3 star hotel in Florence, but we most certainly did not get that. This hotel was a piece of you know what. Thank goodness we only stayed there one night.
Yes, I am wishing I was in Rapallo still but Florence is great too. The only downfall to Florence is the ridiculous amount of tourists here. The shopping is really fun in the market and around the Duomo (I will explain in my next post). Florence is a must see but you can really do it all in two days and one night.
I am trying to catch up on posts so keep reading! Thanks guys! Miss you all! Ciao!
So.... have y'all missed me? (That answer better be YES!)
What did you do after Rome, you ask? Kendall, Drew, Cameron, Schmid, Morgan and I went to Rapallo, Italy. This is a small, small town on the east coast. It was GORGEOUS! I have to give Morgan some credit here because he picked this spot and the hotel which was also wonderful. Vacationing in a small town with the Mediterranean outside my window was exactly what I needed. The views were amazing, the food was awesome, and the company was great. Here are a few pics:
It was beautiful at night...
Obviously we did very little the first day other than lay out on the beach, walk around and eat. We most definitely made up for laziness on the second day. We hopped a train over to Cinque Terre. A little background on the area; Cinque Terre is made up of five towns: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Some of these towns were damaged by floods in October but it was still pretty awesome to see them. We road the train to Monterosso al Mare and then rented sea kayaks to paddle over to Vernazza. We paddled about 5 miles total (if not more) and it was the best 25 Euro I have spent on this trip. I got my paddling practice in for Nantahala after graduation so I suggest that a couple of others who are reading this get theirs in too. (cough, cough, dad, cough, Meghan)
I hereby swear that these pictures are not fake, did not come from the internet, and where in fact taken by my iPhone 4S. Steve Jobs, I owe you one.
This is paradise....
This is Vernazza. You can clearly see the damage from flooding. These buildings were completely under water in October.
It is kind of weird that this just popped out of the ocean a few thousand years ago.
So, I can now say that I have swam, kayaked, tasted, and even peed the Mediterranean Sea. That knocked a few off the bucket list. The Mediterranean is SUPER salty. We were literally covered in salt once the water dried off our skin. It was a great exfoliation!
This may be obvious without having to be said, Rapallo and Cinque Terre have been my favorite part of Europe thus far. I am most certainly going to have to come back. It was a dream come true.
Saturday, we hopped a train to Florence since there were no trains that would put us there in time by Sunday. We thought we booked a 3 star hotel in Florence, but we most certainly did not get that. This hotel was a piece of you know what. Thank goodness we only stayed there one night.
Yes, I am wishing I was in Rapallo still but Florence is great too. The only downfall to Florence is the ridiculous amount of tourists here. The shopping is really fun in the market and around the Duomo (I will explain in my next post). Florence is a must see but you can really do it all in two days and one night.
I am trying to catch up on posts so keep reading! Thanks guys! Miss you all! Ciao!
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