I know I posted a comment on my last post, but to save you the trouble of going and finding it, here's the skinny:
I woke up this morning to go down and get the offered free breakfast from the hostel (none of the others have had this so far). As I was eating I was actually feeling a bit sick - not home sick, but physically sick. But I made myself keep eating because I was going to take any free food, still unsure if my cards worked or not, so I didn't know if and for how long I would have to stretch my 20 Euros.
I really didn't feel like I had any energy so I went back to bed. I didn't wake up until nearly 1 p.m. here. I was feeling better so I decided to get dressed and just walk around the area near my hostel. I was actually hoping to find where Notre Dame was located...apparently it's a 10/15 minute walk from here. But I couldn't find the way out of my street - my maps are either wrong or I have no sense of direction. I'm guessing the maps are wrong.
So I walked up and down the main street and down a few side streets to see what there was to see to sort of get a feel for the general area. I noticed about half way through I was starting to feel hungry. I really haven't been hungry since I landed a week ago in Rome. Even when Rachel and I ate in Genoa I didn't know I was hungry until I ate. Considering how I had felt this morning I started looking for something simple. I actually found a Subway of all things: and holy crap it was delicious! I got the BMT so it was ham, salomi, and pepperoni and it was 100x better than the stuff in America. After I was done, I was feeling really tired again and my stomach wasn't feeling the best. I'm guessing the constant traveling, the emotions and stress going up and down have finally started to wear on me - coupled with the knowledge that I'm here for just over a week so I can have a day of nothing but rest. So even though it's early, I've come back to the hostel and have just decided to read and really take it easy. I'm probably going to go to bed early tonight too and hope I'm really feeling up to getting and going tomorrow.
A bit about home: Now, I know I've said it before, but when I planned this trip, I didn't think it would be that hard to leave home, knowing I was coming back in a month. It's not like I signed a contract to leave the country for an unknown amount of time and I wasn't sure when I'd see everyone. I've found out (I'm not sure if it's the hard way, but it's a way) leaving by yourself to places where you have to depend on the kindness of strangers, your own inner strength and intelligence, and the knowledge you have of people believing in you from so far away, is much much harder than it sounds.
My family has always been very important to me, and I've known that, but I didn't realize to what extent before. Now I know: I have to be near them. I can be by myself and do just fine, but I love knowing that people I love and who love me are near by. That is one of the best souvenirs I'm bring back from this trip and it didn't cost anything, but it is priceless. The other thing I'm rediscovering is faith. It's a completely different story, but when I was 15/16 I was honestly questioning if I believed in any God at all. I had something happen that completely solidified my faith in God at just the right time and I've never had any doubt since then; but since I started college my faith was sort of on the back burner and laid dormant. This trip has helped to...restore/rekindle...it. That was just one more thing I didn't know I needed it to make it through this month and I'm going to make every effort to keep it when I come home.
Sadly, for you all, there are no pictures for this post, but if you look at a picture of yourself and at each other, you'll be looking at one of my greatest souvenirs! (if that helps).
Even though I'm not feeling the best, today is really the first day on this whole trip where I actually feel content/settled/at peace - not exactly sure what the right word is.
Not exactly sure what the plan is for tomorrow - I'm hoping I feel a bit better - but I think I might try to figure out the Metro here and go see the Eiffel Tower. There are free tours of Notre Dame on Wednesdays so that's my plan for Wednesday at least.
Miss and love you all, Homies!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Paris, France
Hello Homies! Alright, I know you're looking at the title and going "WHAT?!" Yeah, I'm in Paris a day early. What happened last night was I met up with Charlotte (who was going to go to France with me on Monday) again and her circumstances changed so she was leaving for France today. She told me not to change my plans, but honestly, I was still coming off of Friday's train experience and knew the odds of me being able to get such great help was unlikely twice in a row. That and Charlotte knew a cheaper way to get to Paris than I was going to take.
So this morning we left Genova and got on a train to Antibes, France. She was meeting a friend there, but it was about half way to Paris. And she said that her friend Christoph who was meeting her is a really good family friend and he would help me out (because last night my panic was back -- I was now in an even more remote part of Italy with a ton less English speaking people). So I quickly booked a hostel for tonight and the next two nights in Paris and planned to leave with her in the morning. We knew we'd just get our tickets for the train when we got to the station. And as it turns out, it was storming all the way up and down the coast so we wouldn't have really been able to do our walk through Cinque Terre and really appreciate it. Since it was going to be my last day I didn't feel like I had seriously missed out.
The trip to Paris was very nearly flawless. We got to Antibes and this is where Charlotte and Christoph were going to leave me. I was worried about missing the train, but really, it turned out there were only 2 platforms that were right next to one another so no biggy. But since it's travel something had to not go right. When I tried to purchase my ticket to Paris neither my debit or credit card worked. Since Christoph is a Frenchman (and a really nice guy -- he and Charlotte were so nice to me and they didn't even know me. They treated me like and old friend and I could not have been more grateful) I showed him my cards and he told me in France they do a lot less "credit" and more things with a pin. The lady at the station ran my debit as credit and he figured that's why it didn't work. Nevertheless, I paid for my ticket in cash, which left me just enough for my hostel and (per the advice of my two companions) a taxi from the train station to my hostel. They were so nice: they waited with me for about an hour (my train didn't leave until 4 and they stayed until about 2:30). On top of everything, Christoph gave me the phone number for his niece here in Paris in case I need anything. He said to call her and tell her I'm a friend of his and she'll help me out. Unbelievable!
They also told me not to worry too much about the language barrier. Christoph said it's practically mandatory for everyone in France to learn English so everyone should speak at least enough to communicate. Relief! I was a little worried leaving Italy where I had become accustom to Italian that I was sort of getting the hang of it and now I'd be starting over with French. He also had me practice a couple of phrases in French - apparently I have an amazing accent. He asked if I was sure I hadn't learned French as a child. I laughed a bit here.
I obviously made my train no problem, and got a taxi here so that's all good -- and the taxi fare wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting - not even close. That way I didn't have to deal with the metro at night with my luggage.
I don't have free Internet here, so I may not be on as frequently - I am going to stay in Paris at least until next Monday, but I'm going to move hostels, probably to something cheaper. Honestly, I'm paying a lot more this place for quite a bit less accommodation (I realize it's a hostel, but compared to the last ones, I would at least like free Internet. Tomorrow I have to figure out my cards and hope to God they worked otherwise I have 20 euros to my name. My credit card had worked this morning when I bought my first ticket, so I'm not sure what's going on (that was of course in Italy, so we'll see).
And mom, I never got an e-mail from you: did you send it to my gmail? I'm hoping to find a free Internet cafe sometime and hook up so I can get back to everyone. What a crazy day. I'm really tired. I've been up since 5:30 this morning. So I'm thinking I'm going to sleep in tomorrow and maybe just rome around this area since I'm staying for so long -- there's no need to rush for once.
I hope to get on here tomorrow but if not, don't worry -- I've just got to find some free Internet. Till later peeps!!!
So this morning we left Genova and got on a train to Antibes, France. She was meeting a friend there, but it was about half way to Paris. And she said that her friend Christoph who was meeting her is a really good family friend and he would help me out (because last night my panic was back -- I was now in an even more remote part of Italy with a ton less English speaking people). So I quickly booked a hostel for tonight and the next two nights in Paris and planned to leave with her in the morning. We knew we'd just get our tickets for the train when we got to the station. And as it turns out, it was storming all the way up and down the coast so we wouldn't have really been able to do our walk through Cinque Terre and really appreciate it. Since it was going to be my last day I didn't feel like I had seriously missed out.
The trip to Paris was very nearly flawless. We got to Antibes and this is where Charlotte and Christoph were going to leave me. I was worried about missing the train, but really, it turned out there were only 2 platforms that were right next to one another so no biggy. But since it's travel something had to not go right. When I tried to purchase my ticket to Paris neither my debit or credit card worked. Since Christoph is a Frenchman (and a really nice guy -- he and Charlotte were so nice to me and they didn't even know me. They treated me like and old friend and I could not have been more grateful) I showed him my cards and he told me in France they do a lot less "credit" and more things with a pin. The lady at the station ran my debit as credit and he figured that's why it didn't work. Nevertheless, I paid for my ticket in cash, which left me just enough for my hostel and (per the advice of my two companions) a taxi from the train station to my hostel. They were so nice: they waited with me for about an hour (my train didn't leave until 4 and they stayed until about 2:30). On top of everything, Christoph gave me the phone number for his niece here in Paris in case I need anything. He said to call her and tell her I'm a friend of his and she'll help me out. Unbelievable!
They also told me not to worry too much about the language barrier. Christoph said it's practically mandatory for everyone in France to learn English so everyone should speak at least enough to communicate. Relief! I was a little worried leaving Italy where I had become accustom to Italian that I was sort of getting the hang of it and now I'd be starting over with French. He also had me practice a couple of phrases in French - apparently I have an amazing accent. He asked if I was sure I hadn't learned French as a child. I laughed a bit here.
I obviously made my train no problem, and got a taxi here so that's all good -- and the taxi fare wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting - not even close. That way I didn't have to deal with the metro at night with my luggage.
I don't have free Internet here, so I may not be on as frequently - I am going to stay in Paris at least until next Monday, but I'm going to move hostels, probably to something cheaper. Honestly, I'm paying a lot more this place for quite a bit less accommodation (I realize it's a hostel, but compared to the last ones, I would at least like free Internet. Tomorrow I have to figure out my cards and hope to God they worked otherwise I have 20 euros to my name. My credit card had worked this morning when I bought my first ticket, so I'm not sure what's going on (that was of course in Italy, so we'll see).
And mom, I never got an e-mail from you: did you send it to my gmail? I'm hoping to find a free Internet cafe sometime and hook up so I can get back to everyone. What a crazy day. I'm really tired. I've been up since 5:30 this morning. So I'm thinking I'm going to sleep in tomorrow and maybe just rome around this area since I'm staying for so long -- there's no need to rush for once.
I hope to get on here tomorrow but if not, don't worry -- I've just got to find some free Internet. Till later peeps!!!
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Genova Italy Pictures
The view behind me, is the view I have from my hostel.
Me with my umbrella outside of St. Lorenzo's Cathedral.
St. Lorenzo's Cathedral from a distance.
Just a picture I took I thought was cool.
Genova, Italy
Hello Peeps!!! Ok, so after yesterday's freak out, internally I've settled down again (I feel a bit like a travel junkie: up once second, then down another). And things today could not have been more different than yesterday. WHAT AN AMAZING DAY!!!! Honestly, I think I prefer Genova over Rome. I know what you're thinking: "Really! But Rome is, well, Rome!" And that's true, but what I found when I was there, was that it was much easier to appreciate some of things (like the Santa Maria Maggiore) more than the Sistine Chapel, because they aren't so crowed. I've also been e-mailing mom, and at one point she asked me about the difference in food. Honestly, in Rome, I couldn't find any of what you'd call 'authentic' Italian food. I think the city is so commercialized by tourism, that they've made it so the food tastes much like American or British food.
Here in Genova, me and Rachel (one of my bunk mates who's from Australia) decided to explore the city together today and it was beautiful. The culture here is much more what I expected to see in Rome. I was nervous about coming here because my travel book hardly made a blip about it, but I'd honestly recommend it to anyone who wants authentic Italiano.
We took our bus down from our hostel (which sits right atop the city), into the center of the city and walked without even consulting a map. It was so nice. The smell in the city is floral. There always seems to be an undertone of it no matter where you go (and we went past some not great smelling establishments), and the smell of baking break and cooking food wafted out of every restaurant door and it completely finished off the image of Italy so perfectly. We passed a ton of markets today and actually bought some freshly picked strawberries which were so delicious. There is nothing like fresh fruit. We also started the day with an espresso and a croissant. We sat outside and ate and I felt very European.
We sort of went without any real purpose other than to see what we could find (with a constant quest in the back of our heads). Ok, so something that never occurred to me, was to pack a towel. All my research, never once, anywhere, did it say to bring your own towel to the hostels. Do you know how hard it is to take a shower in a strange place, with strangers, and not have a towel? Not fun. Even harder: finding a towel. My second thing, was a watch and/or alarm clock. Part of my paranoia has been getting up on time to check out or catch a train. Amazingly today, by chance, we found both!
After several hours of walking we finally decided it was time for lunch. We ended up going into this little shop that had, I guess you could call them pre-made pizzas, but not really. They were assembled, but not heated (and bonus, all the bread was all baked there and I'm guessing the fresh ingredients came from neighboring shops). I wasn't positive what I was getting, but it looked like like a mini pizza with ham and salomi with a white sauce on a nice thick crust. I ordered it, the lady heated it, folded it in half, wrapped it and gave it to me. I can't even begin to describe how fantastic it was!! I didn't get a picture of it because we were both starving and had them gone in about 2 minutes. We almost went back for another! If we hadn't been so full, we would have.
A couple times throughout our day we went down some back alleys and streets that weren't exactly great (in the one, I felt like I was in the opening of Tim Burton's "Sweeney Todd" going past a bunch of prostitutes -- no lie, at 10 in the morning. They were lining several back streets. We got out of there). Although, I did want a picture of some of them. I thought it would've been cool, but Rachel pulled me back saying we didn't want trouble. Sadly, she was right.
We ended up taking a spur of the moment tour of a photo gallery that had pictures of immigrants in Europe all the way from 1950 to now -- actually very moving. I'm glad we went in. Then later we saw St. Lorenzo's Cathedral (for those of you who don't know the story of St. Lorenzo's murder, I've found out, recently, that this is true: I can't remember why they executed him, but they put him on a 'spigit' just up high enough so he would be in pain, but not close enough to the fire below that he'd die. After 8 hours, he told his torturers he was cooked at that side and needed to be flipped. He did it on purpose knowing the more direct exposure to his organs would kill him. He died shortly after they turned him over).
Today was so great. Honestly, I think some of it was having someone to actually talk with for the day and to sort of work things out with. A couple times we weren't sure where we were and couldn't find it on the map, but it didn't freak me out all which was nice to be free of that feeling for awhile. We actually found a little super market and bought some fresh rolls and jam and apples: I'm going to go out and eat one for supper here shortly, and then we're saving the rest for tomorrow. Me and Rachel are sticking together for one more day and heading to Cinque Terre. We couldn't find anywhere open to sleep, so we're coming back to Genova after doing the walking of all 5 cities.
And a pleasantly unexpected bonus: I've found someone who's heading to Paris, by train also, on Monday. I'm not going alone. Her name is Charlotte and she's had almost the same experiences with trains as me, so we're both so happy to be going with someone. It's such a relief to know I'm not doing it alone.
Missing you all!! Thanks again for the fabulous support!!!
Here in Genova, me and Rachel (one of my bunk mates who's from Australia) decided to explore the city together today and it was beautiful. The culture here is much more what I expected to see in Rome. I was nervous about coming here because my travel book hardly made a blip about it, but I'd honestly recommend it to anyone who wants authentic Italiano.
We took our bus down from our hostel (which sits right atop the city), into the center of the city and walked without even consulting a map. It was so nice. The smell in the city is floral. There always seems to be an undertone of it no matter where you go (and we went past some not great smelling establishments), and the smell of baking break and cooking food wafted out of every restaurant door and it completely finished off the image of Italy so perfectly. We passed a ton of markets today and actually bought some freshly picked strawberries which were so delicious. There is nothing like fresh fruit. We also started the day with an espresso and a croissant. We sat outside and ate and I felt very European.
We sort of went without any real purpose other than to see what we could find (with a constant quest in the back of our heads). Ok, so something that never occurred to me, was to pack a towel. All my research, never once, anywhere, did it say to bring your own towel to the hostels. Do you know how hard it is to take a shower in a strange place, with strangers, and not have a towel? Not fun. Even harder: finding a towel. My second thing, was a watch and/or alarm clock. Part of my paranoia has been getting up on time to check out or catch a train. Amazingly today, by chance, we found both!
After several hours of walking we finally decided it was time for lunch. We ended up going into this little shop that had, I guess you could call them pre-made pizzas, but not really. They were assembled, but not heated (and bonus, all the bread was all baked there and I'm guessing the fresh ingredients came from neighboring shops). I wasn't positive what I was getting, but it looked like like a mini pizza with ham and salomi with a white sauce on a nice thick crust. I ordered it, the lady heated it, folded it in half, wrapped it and gave it to me. I can't even begin to describe how fantastic it was!! I didn't get a picture of it because we were both starving and had them gone in about 2 minutes. We almost went back for another! If we hadn't been so full, we would have.
A couple times throughout our day we went down some back alleys and streets that weren't exactly great (in the one, I felt like I was in the opening of Tim Burton's "Sweeney Todd" going past a bunch of prostitutes -- no lie, at 10 in the morning. They were lining several back streets. We got out of there). Although, I did want a picture of some of them. I thought it would've been cool, but Rachel pulled me back saying we didn't want trouble. Sadly, she was right.
We ended up taking a spur of the moment tour of a photo gallery that had pictures of immigrants in Europe all the way from 1950 to now -- actually very moving. I'm glad we went in. Then later we saw St. Lorenzo's Cathedral (for those of you who don't know the story of St. Lorenzo's murder, I've found out, recently, that this is true: I can't remember why they executed him, but they put him on a 'spigit' just up high enough so he would be in pain, but not close enough to the fire below that he'd die. After 8 hours, he told his torturers he was cooked at that side and needed to be flipped. He did it on purpose knowing the more direct exposure to his organs would kill him. He died shortly after they turned him over).
Today was so great. Honestly, I think some of it was having someone to actually talk with for the day and to sort of work things out with. A couple times we weren't sure where we were and couldn't find it on the map, but it didn't freak me out all which was nice to be free of that feeling for awhile. We actually found a little super market and bought some fresh rolls and jam and apples: I'm going to go out and eat one for supper here shortly, and then we're saving the rest for tomorrow. Me and Rachel are sticking together for one more day and heading to Cinque Terre. We couldn't find anywhere open to sleep, so we're coming back to Genova after doing the walking of all 5 cities.
And a pleasantly unexpected bonus: I've found someone who's heading to Paris, by train also, on Monday. I'm not going alone. Her name is Charlotte and she's had almost the same experiences with trains as me, so we're both so happy to be going with someone. It's such a relief to know I'm not doing it alone.
Missing you all!! Thanks again for the fabulous support!!!
Friday, April 27, 2012
Hollywood Has Nothing On Me
You know that scene in all the movies that has the person catching the train at the very last second and the look they have on their face is always one of determination, and then, when they finally jump onto the step they looked relieved? Yeah, they've got it all wrong. I know what you're thinking: "The movies lie?" Yes, yes, they do. Really what happens is more of a count down: at 20 minutes to departure you started getting nervous and looking around for help. At 10 minutes you enter worried. At 5 minutes you enter panic. And then, when you get to about 2 minutes, you reach desperate. How do I know this? This is how my day went: (On the way to Genova (or Genoa for Americans) Italy).
I made my train by quite possibly 30 seconds. I got on and sat down and it took off. I have never been so panicked before.
I thought that I had the train station all figured out -- there's an Arrival board and a Departure board. Well, I had seen the departure board read 'Genova' before so I kept looking for that to appear. It never did - so then I thought maybe it was cancelled, and how in the hell am I going to communicate enough with someone to get my ticket refunded? Finally with 20 minutes to go, I asked a poliza man and he didn't speak much English, but I understood him enough to know that he said to look at the times on the board, not the names of the cities the trains are departing to.
Ok, so I saw two trains with the right departure time, and that's when it occurred to me Milan is on the way to Genova, so even though my ticket said Genova, I had to get on the train to Milan (10 minutes to departure). So then I checked my ticket and saw what train number I was suppose to be on, so then all I had do was find the corresponding platform. I walked up and down a couple platforms but they all seemed wrong, and finally with less than 5 minutes to go (and I was in full-blown panic mode thinking of the money I'd have to pay for a hostel I wasn't staying, the money for one to stay Rome, the money I'd spent on a ticket I didn't use, and the money I'd need to pay for another, then the fact no one speaks good enough English so I could figure out how to work the train and risk doing it all again).
I don't know if I was super in tune to English because of this, but I saw a group of men probably in their early 50s, who were clearly American and they were coming off a train so I figured they knew how to work it, and I just ran up to the one guy, probably looking very panicked and out of my mind and asked if he knew where my train (by the number) was. He looked at my ticket, looked at the boards and told me platform 23. I was on 16. With my back pack. With my 50lb duffel. I ran all the way down and found the train.
(I haven't mentioned this in my blog yet, but a lot of men (mostly men) hang around the train station and "help" you but then they want a tip. Only a Euro or two, but still -- there was a guy and he lifted my bag into the train and I gave him 5 euros because I was so freaked out and out of breath. I hardly sat down and the train took off.
What didn't occur to me, was that I never even second guessed my good samaritan because I was so afraid of missing the train. So the train took off and the ticket lady with the ticket puncher came around (yeah, they actually do that - I thought it was something they just put in movies) and when I handed her my ticket she held onto for what I thought was way too long because she hardly looked at any of the others. Finally, thank God, she punched it and handed it back. I was on the right train.
But then I started getting worried about halfway through my 5 hour train ride how I was going to get to my hostel. I hadn't realized what a luxury it was my last one was a 4 block walk from the station. All my travel book said (and all the hostel website said was to take a certain bus off one train station or two off another train station). At this point, about the only stroke of luck I had was I got off on the station that only required one bus (though my ticket said I was getting off the one that'd require two), got a bus ticket no problem, but then, since like the metro, I don't travel by bus, I was afraid I was going to miss my stop. Finally I noticed a flashing sign at the front of the bus that displayed what stop we were at -- my only concern was I had missed the right one at the first couple stops we had already made.
For the stop I needed there were actually 2 possible stops (which I didn't realize) and having missed the first, I jumped off at the second (just another block down) and looked around seriously believing I had done something wrong. Well, today was the day for asking strangers for help, and since I had the address for the hostel written down in my one note book, I pulled it out and asked a guy in Italian where it was, pointing to the address. About the second miracle that day, I had landed right in front of it. Of course then I got inside and between all the stress of the day, the reception lady was really nice and I started balling and she thought there was something seriously wrong and wanted to know what she could do to help. Which just made me cry more. I got it under control and got up to my room, which is actually very nice. I knew when I booked it, the dorms are single sex, so there are a couple of girls in here with me right now -- one from Australia and one from Cubque Canada, and they were really nice, which made start crying again.
The girl from Australia (Rachel) said not to worry about it because she's been like I was today. That it happens when you're gone from home. And it's not that I didn't know that, but I thought knowing I was coming back in a month it wouldn't be that hard. Fortunately, Rachel talked me into going for a walk, which was quite lovely -- it was nice to have someone here to talk with directly about all the things I've been feeling (my last hostel was with 5 guys who seemed content to ignore me).
As it turns out I'm basically right on top of the city, so the view is beautiful and it looks out over the sea. I thought these few days would be time to chill and stay inside and let my sun burns heal a bit (got them despite sunscreen -- welcome to 12 hours in the sun), but I think I may venture out tomorrow and see what's going on.
Sorry no pictures guys, but definitely some tomorrow. I think I'm going to make my way around the city with Rachel, which'll be super nice to have some to go with for once.
I made my train by quite possibly 30 seconds. I got on and sat down and it took off. I have never been so panicked before.
I thought that I had the train station all figured out -- there's an Arrival board and a Departure board. Well, I had seen the departure board read 'Genova' before so I kept looking for that to appear. It never did - so then I thought maybe it was cancelled, and how in the hell am I going to communicate enough with someone to get my ticket refunded? Finally with 20 minutes to go, I asked a poliza man and he didn't speak much English, but I understood him enough to know that he said to look at the times on the board, not the names of the cities the trains are departing to.
Ok, so I saw two trains with the right departure time, and that's when it occurred to me Milan is on the way to Genova, so even though my ticket said Genova, I had to get on the train to Milan (10 minutes to departure). So then I checked my ticket and saw what train number I was suppose to be on, so then all I had do was find the corresponding platform. I walked up and down a couple platforms but they all seemed wrong, and finally with less than 5 minutes to go (and I was in full-blown panic mode thinking of the money I'd have to pay for a hostel I wasn't staying, the money for one to stay Rome, the money I'd spent on a ticket I didn't use, and the money I'd need to pay for another, then the fact no one speaks good enough English so I could figure out how to work the train and risk doing it all again).
I don't know if I was super in tune to English because of this, but I saw a group of men probably in their early 50s, who were clearly American and they were coming off a train so I figured they knew how to work it, and I just ran up to the one guy, probably looking very panicked and out of my mind and asked if he knew where my train (by the number) was. He looked at my ticket, looked at the boards and told me platform 23. I was on 16. With my back pack. With my 50lb duffel. I ran all the way down and found the train.
(I haven't mentioned this in my blog yet, but a lot of men (mostly men) hang around the train station and "help" you but then they want a tip. Only a Euro or two, but still -- there was a guy and he lifted my bag into the train and I gave him 5 euros because I was so freaked out and out of breath. I hardly sat down and the train took off.
What didn't occur to me, was that I never even second guessed my good samaritan because I was so afraid of missing the train. So the train took off and the ticket lady with the ticket puncher came around (yeah, they actually do that - I thought it was something they just put in movies) and when I handed her my ticket she held onto for what I thought was way too long because she hardly looked at any of the others. Finally, thank God, she punched it and handed it back. I was on the right train.
But then I started getting worried about halfway through my 5 hour train ride how I was going to get to my hostel. I hadn't realized what a luxury it was my last one was a 4 block walk from the station. All my travel book said (and all the hostel website said was to take a certain bus off one train station or two off another train station). At this point, about the only stroke of luck I had was I got off on the station that only required one bus (though my ticket said I was getting off the one that'd require two), got a bus ticket no problem, but then, since like the metro, I don't travel by bus, I was afraid I was going to miss my stop. Finally I noticed a flashing sign at the front of the bus that displayed what stop we were at -- my only concern was I had missed the right one at the first couple stops we had already made.
For the stop I needed there were actually 2 possible stops (which I didn't realize) and having missed the first, I jumped off at the second (just another block down) and looked around seriously believing I had done something wrong. Well, today was the day for asking strangers for help, and since I had the address for the hostel written down in my one note book, I pulled it out and asked a guy in Italian where it was, pointing to the address. About the second miracle that day, I had landed right in front of it. Of course then I got inside and between all the stress of the day, the reception lady was really nice and I started balling and she thought there was something seriously wrong and wanted to know what she could do to help. Which just made me cry more. I got it under control and got up to my room, which is actually very nice. I knew when I booked it, the dorms are single sex, so there are a couple of girls in here with me right now -- one from Australia and one from Cubque Canada, and they were really nice, which made start crying again.
The girl from Australia (Rachel) said not to worry about it because she's been like I was today. That it happens when you're gone from home. And it's not that I didn't know that, but I thought knowing I was coming back in a month it wouldn't be that hard. Fortunately, Rachel talked me into going for a walk, which was quite lovely -- it was nice to have someone here to talk with directly about all the things I've been feeling (my last hostel was with 5 guys who seemed content to ignore me).
As it turns out I'm basically right on top of the city, so the view is beautiful and it looks out over the sea. I thought these few days would be time to chill and stay inside and let my sun burns heal a bit (got them despite sunscreen -- welcome to 12 hours in the sun), but I think I may venture out tomorrow and see what's going on.
Sorry no pictures guys, but definitely some tomorrow. I think I'm going to make my way around the city with Rachel, which'll be super nice to have some to go with for once.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Perception
I just want to make a note of something that occurred to me today. It has to do with perception. When I first arrived in Rome, the whole thing of constantly hearing Italian was freaking me out. I kept thinking "how am I going to survive here?" Now after 2 1/2 days of being in Italy I'm not finding it scary or strange anymore. I haven't been here so long I understand what is being said around me, but like signs at the train station and signs indicating miscellaneous stuff around the city I find I nearly always know what it means. This all of course, makes sense logically: it's immersion. The thing I find truly peculiar is that now when I hear "proper" English, it throws me for a loop. What I mean is when I hear someone talking in English without an Italian accent or without a different accent, it actually shocks me more. Never mind that all the time, I'm thinking and speaking in English always wondering if people are going to be able to understand me when I speak to them.
At my hostel all the staff at least speak English (some with an accent -- some clearly having been born and raised in America) so I don't find that weird, maybe because I expect it there, but it's when I'm out wandering the streets that it shocks me. I think "what's someone from America doing here? Oh, wait, I'm here too!"
If this one trip has taught me anything, it really is the importance of learning another language, any language. I feel a bit douche-bagish when I start speaking to someone and they clearly are native to somewhere and can switch back and forward for me. For example, one of the guys who was staying in my hostel was from Germany. I can't speak any German and when he realized that, he switched over to English. When I was riding the train into Rome after landing, a family on the train asked if we (me and Kate, my flight buddy) could speak French -- that was all I understood. The guy immediately switched to English. Here at least, if I could speak French, it would be close to Italian. I just find it strange how Americans fully rely on everyone understanding English. It makes me feel bad, actually. So now, more than ever, when I get home, I'm determined to learn another language.
At my hostel all the staff at least speak English (some with an accent -- some clearly having been born and raised in America) so I don't find that weird, maybe because I expect it there, but it's when I'm out wandering the streets that it shocks me. I think "what's someone from America doing here? Oh, wait, I'm here too!"
If this one trip has taught me anything, it really is the importance of learning another language, any language. I feel a bit douche-bagish when I start speaking to someone and they clearly are native to somewhere and can switch back and forward for me. For example, one of the guys who was staying in my hostel was from Germany. I can't speak any German and when he realized that, he switched over to English. When I was riding the train into Rome after landing, a family on the train asked if we (me and Kate, my flight buddy) could speak French -- that was all I understood. The guy immediately switched to English. Here at least, if I could speak French, it would be close to Italian. I just find it strange how Americans fully rely on everyone understanding English. It makes me feel bad, actually. So now, more than ever, when I get home, I'm determined to learn another language.
Walk Like a Roman Pictures
This is really the best view I got of the Trevi Fountain. It's a huge thing, but I couldn't even get down to the bottom. Mostly seeing all the water made me want to go for a swim.
The only picture I got of the Sistine Chapel. It's huge in there. I can't believe the detail Michelangelo put in. I don't know how he did it upside down. Some of the paintings actually look like they're coming out of the ceiling. Really neat to see in person.
Me in St. Peter's Basilica
My Umbrella in Rome. I haven't figured out the self timer yet so I'll take a pic with it later.
Here are more of the angels. This is about half the pillar. I couldn't fit it all into the picture.
Walk Like a Roman
Alright, so if I've learned anything (and I feel I've learned quite a bit the last couple days) is how to walk like a Roman. I suppose one of the best things to do so you don't look so touristy is to cross the streets like citizens. Here in Rome, that means not waiting for the walk sign to appear, but to just walk out in front of oncoming traffic and have horns blare at you (Mom, my style of driving would fit right in here -- EVERYONE uses their horn! Though I don't think I like the manner of driving. Street signs mean very little here).
So down to business: today, I got up, ready to go see the Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel. That meant using the Metro. The thing I've truly been dreading. As it turns out, I prefer this method of travel. Go figure. Once I got my day pass (only 4 Euros) I figured out which metro line to get on -- very clearly marked, my guess would be for tourists -- and hopped into the train. I thought for sure I'd miss my stop, not because I didn't know when to get off, but because people are horrible on trains!! The doors are lucky to stay open, literally 15 seconds, so everyone wanting off is congregating at the doors pushing to get out, and everyone wanting in is pushing against the people getting off. Nightmare. But luckily I managed to get off and since it is a tourist thing, the way to St. Peter's Basilica was clearly marked. I wasn't planning on taking a tour today, I just thought I'd go and get a ticket in and walk around. I ended up taking a tour, mostly because the lines to get in wrap outside of the doors and down two whole blocks. On a tour, you by-pass this and since our tour group was small, we got in before a lot of other people.
We actually started out in the Vatican Museum (the tour included the museum, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica for 35 Euros), and made our way through the court yard and some of the halls of the "palaces." These halls were added on every time a new pope took over because he wanted to be Numero Uno and he had it decorated in which every way he felt would surpass the previous pope and make him more important. Unfortunately, as the Vatican is still a functioning church (we saw a ton of priests coming and going -- they actually looked more like a gimmick to add to the authenticity, but they weren't), we couldn't go into the main parts of it where they actually hold mass or live. I think that may have been very interesting, but alas, I cannot go there. At least until I become a member of Mission Impossible and can break in like Ethan disguised as a priest.
Then we got to go into the Sistine Chapel. Our tour guide actually gave a ton of information about the paintings in there. Now, we know it was painted by Michelangelo, but what many of us may not know is just exactly how cheeky he was. The pope he contracted to paint the ceiling for actually pissed Michelangelo off (Michelangelo came from Florence which was a very free thinking city and celebrated all form humanity -- Rome was not the same at all, though many popes and nobility were hypocritical in their behavior and 'bought' their way to Heaven, while executing the death penalty for citizens for similar offenses). For instance, the pope wanted Jesus painted right above the door the pope would enter through and stand every day to meet people. What that would have meant for the pope was he was so important that Jesus himself blessed him from the second he walked through the door. Well, Michelangelo would be damned if he let that happen, so under the pretense of flattery, he painted the pope's face instead. The pope took that to mean he was better than Jesus and was blessed by himself everyday. The catch are the two angels over the shoulders of the Pope/Jesus painting: One angel has his arm over the shoulders of the other angel and his fist has his thumb tucked under the first two fingers (like the letter 'n' in sign language). This symbol during that time was the equivalent to flipping someone off today (and since it's painted so high up, the pope couldn't see it). There are so many others, but it would take forever to explain them all. But for sure I am definitely going to do more research on the Sistine Chapel. The well known Genesis painting is another story if someone is curious. Just go to the Vatican Museum website.
As far as the actual chapel went itself, it was very impressive -- a lot bigger than I expected it to be, but it was really hard to appreciate it because the entire hall was packed. Standing room only and hardly that. And everyone is only allowed 10 minutes in the hall. I guess when you're pouring 20,000 people through there a day (yes, a day) 10 minutes is generous. If there was ever a way to see it empty I'd love to go back. Now you're not allowed to take pictures in the hall, but I discretely snuck just a couple.
After the Sistine chapel we went to St. Peter's Basilica. The largest church in the world. Our tour guide told us the entire church is an architectural illusion because everything in there is built so big, everything seems small, and it honestly did. I have some pics and I'll explain them (I didn't stay long here, because again, it was so crowded. If I could somehow get a private tour, I definitely would, but doing it as an everyday tourist was a bit much).
Since I was feeling good with the Metro, I decided to find the Trevi Fountain. Well, I got a little turned around getting off the train (again I curse the lack of street signs), but within a few minutes I was right on track. On my way to the fountain I found the Fontana del Tritone (the Fountain of Triton). It's a really small fountain, but cool to look at anyway. Continuing on with my journey, I did find the Trevi Fountain, but good lord, it was packed! You'd think it was Sea World the way people were crowded around it! I got a side view of it and didn't even try to make it down to the front. It was really very neat, but I'm guessing if it hadn't been an exceptionally nice day out, it may not have been so crowded. I could have continued down the roads to find the Pantheon, but the prospect of going through that crowd was off-putting, so I decided to head back to the hostel. I'll save that for my next trip to Rome.
Well, today was really my last day in Rome. Tomorrow I make my way to Genoa (or Genova in Italian). I don't really know what I'm going to do there -- there are a few things listed in my book, and it's only a 2 1/2 hour train ride to Cinque Terre, but I might use it as some chill time before I leave for Paris (wow, that feels like a strange thing to think about 'before I leave for Paris.'). I'm a little worried about getting on the right train. I'm hoping since I have to check out here at 10 and my train leaves at 12, I can figure it out. (Now I'm mostly hoping since I don't have an alarm clock I wake up on time -- I've been up and out by 9 each day but tomorrow would be the day that doesn't happen).
Ok, I feel like this post is way too long, so I'm going to cut it off here. There may not be anything tomorrow since it's a traveling day, but it's 5:40 here so I'll be up for a while to communicate with my people (you). (And I'm going to put up some pictures).
So down to business: today, I got up, ready to go see the Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel. That meant using the Metro. The thing I've truly been dreading. As it turns out, I prefer this method of travel. Go figure. Once I got my day pass (only 4 Euros) I figured out which metro line to get on -- very clearly marked, my guess would be for tourists -- and hopped into the train. I thought for sure I'd miss my stop, not because I didn't know when to get off, but because people are horrible on trains!! The doors are lucky to stay open, literally 15 seconds, so everyone wanting off is congregating at the doors pushing to get out, and everyone wanting in is pushing against the people getting off. Nightmare. But luckily I managed to get off and since it is a tourist thing, the way to St. Peter's Basilica was clearly marked. I wasn't planning on taking a tour today, I just thought I'd go and get a ticket in and walk around. I ended up taking a tour, mostly because the lines to get in wrap outside of the doors and down two whole blocks. On a tour, you by-pass this and since our tour group was small, we got in before a lot of other people.
We actually started out in the Vatican Museum (the tour included the museum, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica for 35 Euros), and made our way through the court yard and some of the halls of the "palaces." These halls were added on every time a new pope took over because he wanted to be Numero Uno and he had it decorated in which every way he felt would surpass the previous pope and make him more important. Unfortunately, as the Vatican is still a functioning church (we saw a ton of priests coming and going -- they actually looked more like a gimmick to add to the authenticity, but they weren't), we couldn't go into the main parts of it where they actually hold mass or live. I think that may have been very interesting, but alas, I cannot go there. At least until I become a member of Mission Impossible and can break in like Ethan disguised as a priest.
Then we got to go into the Sistine Chapel. Our tour guide actually gave a ton of information about the paintings in there. Now, we know it was painted by Michelangelo, but what many of us may not know is just exactly how cheeky he was. The pope he contracted to paint the ceiling for actually pissed Michelangelo off (Michelangelo came from Florence which was a very free thinking city and celebrated all form humanity -- Rome was not the same at all, though many popes and nobility were hypocritical in their behavior and 'bought' their way to Heaven, while executing the death penalty for citizens for similar offenses). For instance, the pope wanted Jesus painted right above the door the pope would enter through and stand every day to meet people. What that would have meant for the pope was he was so important that Jesus himself blessed him from the second he walked through the door. Well, Michelangelo would be damned if he let that happen, so under the pretense of flattery, he painted the pope's face instead. The pope took that to mean he was better than Jesus and was blessed by himself everyday. The catch are the two angels over the shoulders of the Pope/Jesus painting: One angel has his arm over the shoulders of the other angel and his fist has his thumb tucked under the first two fingers (like the letter 'n' in sign language). This symbol during that time was the equivalent to flipping someone off today (and since it's painted so high up, the pope couldn't see it). There are so many others, but it would take forever to explain them all. But for sure I am definitely going to do more research on the Sistine Chapel. The well known Genesis painting is another story if someone is curious. Just go to the Vatican Museum website.
As far as the actual chapel went itself, it was very impressive -- a lot bigger than I expected it to be, but it was really hard to appreciate it because the entire hall was packed. Standing room only and hardly that. And everyone is only allowed 10 minutes in the hall. I guess when you're pouring 20,000 people through there a day (yes, a day) 10 minutes is generous. If there was ever a way to see it empty I'd love to go back. Now you're not allowed to take pictures in the hall, but I discretely snuck just a couple.
After the Sistine chapel we went to St. Peter's Basilica. The largest church in the world. Our tour guide told us the entire church is an architectural illusion because everything in there is built so big, everything seems small, and it honestly did. I have some pics and I'll explain them (I didn't stay long here, because again, it was so crowded. If I could somehow get a private tour, I definitely would, but doing it as an everyday tourist was a bit much).
Since I was feeling good with the Metro, I decided to find the Trevi Fountain. Well, I got a little turned around getting off the train (again I curse the lack of street signs), but within a few minutes I was right on track. On my way to the fountain I found the Fontana del Tritone (the Fountain of Triton). It's a really small fountain, but cool to look at anyway. Continuing on with my journey, I did find the Trevi Fountain, but good lord, it was packed! You'd think it was Sea World the way people were crowded around it! I got a side view of it and didn't even try to make it down to the front. It was really very neat, but I'm guessing if it hadn't been an exceptionally nice day out, it may not have been so crowded. I could have continued down the roads to find the Pantheon, but the prospect of going through that crowd was off-putting, so I decided to head back to the hostel. I'll save that for my next trip to Rome.
Well, today was really my last day in Rome. Tomorrow I make my way to Genoa (or Genova in Italian). I don't really know what I'm going to do there -- there are a few things listed in my book, and it's only a 2 1/2 hour train ride to Cinque Terre, but I might use it as some chill time before I leave for Paris (wow, that feels like a strange thing to think about 'before I leave for Paris.'). I'm a little worried about getting on the right train. I'm hoping since I have to check out here at 10 and my train leaves at 12, I can figure it out. (Now I'm mostly hoping since I don't have an alarm clock I wake up on time -- I've been up and out by 9 each day but tomorrow would be the day that doesn't happen).
Ok, I feel like this post is way too long, so I'm going to cut it off here. There may not be anything tomorrow since it's a traveling day, but it's 5:40 here so I'll be up for a while to communicate with my people (you). (And I'm going to put up some pictures).
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Not So Different...
I totally wish I had my camera downstairs with me right now. I'm sitting at the "bar" in the hostel and the staff has the soccer game up on the wall. Ok, well the way the room is positioned, it's like an L shape -- the actual bar in the small branch and the, I guess it's a lounge area, is the long branch. Alright, well every guy at or in the bar is turned on his stool and has the classic tunnel vision while watching the game. Every guy in the lounge is rubber necking around the wall trying to see the game, ignoring all the girls around them. It's almost like being home. Glad to know there are some things an ocean and even culture can't divide.
Exploring Rome
First, I would like to say Disney/Pixar have very smart people working for them: at least the writers. I have this tendancy to get some place I feel safe (like my hostel) and just think to myself, "I could just stay here. I don't really have to go out and do anything. Then nothing can happen to me." It was at that point that Dory's voice from Finding Nemo popped into my head and said, "But then nothing will ever happen to you." At that point I threw back the covers and got up, took a shower, got dressed, and got ready for my day. I went down to the bar in the hostel and asked the guy the best way to get to the Colosseum and the Vatican. He said the Colosseum was about a 15 minute walk from here and the Vatican to take the Metro. Well, I wasn't feeling quite up to the task of figuring the Metro out so I descided to make for the Colosseum instead.
Per my map (which doesn't list my hostel, but includes the train station and directions from there) I set off for the Colosseum. I started off going in the direction I was sure was right (it turns out it was - that's got to be a once-in-a-lifetime sort of thing) and started following my map which is very accurate. The only thing that still kills me about Roman streets is the sort of fork the main road turns into, with a row of busineses or houses in between the now split street, but the main road doesn't seem to meet up again at the end so I was never quite sure which way was best. As it turns out I took myself down a longer way but it actually worked out for the best.
I was walking along the streets and noticed a large church that people seemed to be just walking in and out of - I thought for sure they were on tours, but I sat and watched a bit and it appeared others like me just sort of stumbled on this church and went inside. There was something about this massive church that drew me in, so I though, "what the hey" and went inside. I don't know if it was the size or the history pressing in on me, but I could actually feel something in my heart shift. It was like there was a piece of it and it recognized it was home and it started weeping for the joy of it. The church as it turns out was the Santa Maria Maggiore. It was founded in 352 AD. There's gold gild on the ceiling brought back from "the New World" by Columbus. This place was beautiful. I couldn't help but think about all the people who've walked through there for hundreds, thousands of years.
I finally left and made my way to the Colosseum. I didn't think I was going to take any tour of it or anything, just pay for a ticket to get inside and look around. Well, I stumbled across someone who was selling an English Speaking Tour of the Colosseum and The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for 25 Euros. I was leery thinking I had been scammed (along with 20 others) but actually it was great and informative. I knew it was where all the gladiators fought, but all the other history like about how Popes over the years, trying to make it less "Pagan," allowed citizens in to strip the marble and metal out of the walls (all the holes in the walls is where people dug out any and all metal when Rome was trying to rebuild itself and they needed materials for wagon wheels and weapons).
Then the other half of the tour was with a UK native woman and she was hilarious and took us through Palatine Hill and some of the Roman Forum. (History note: the Colosseum and Palatine Hill were both made into existence by an Emperor named Nero. He was an evil ruler and the people ended up revolting against him. He committed suicide shortly after he fled the city). Much of the stuff on Palatine Hill were ruins, due to the earthquakes, civil unrest, and natural elements. Rain is actually seeping through the ground destroying architecture underneath (Emperor after emperor and king after king wanted to be the almighty so they constantly built on top of previously existing structures).
Overall, I had a very historically filled day. The thought I kept having while standing in the Colosseum is that people died in there. People cheered for death in there. People from 1000s of years ago walked there as everyday life. I touched the same walls Emperors and Empresses touched. It's crazy!!!
My plan for tomorrow is to attempt the Metro and get to Vatican City. I'm finding the thought of trying to get the right ticket/pass and then get on the right train, then get off at the right place, then after all is said and done, find my way back, a little daunting. I'm hoping maybe one of the staff can advice me on what to get.
Per my map (which doesn't list my hostel, but includes the train station and directions from there) I set off for the Colosseum. I started off going in the direction I was sure was right (it turns out it was - that's got to be a once-in-a-lifetime sort of thing) and started following my map which is very accurate. The only thing that still kills me about Roman streets is the sort of fork the main road turns into, with a row of busineses or houses in between the now split street, but the main road doesn't seem to meet up again at the end so I was never quite sure which way was best. As it turns out I took myself down a longer way but it actually worked out for the best.
I was walking along the streets and noticed a large church that people seemed to be just walking in and out of - I thought for sure they were on tours, but I sat and watched a bit and it appeared others like me just sort of stumbled on this church and went inside. There was something about this massive church that drew me in, so I though, "what the hey" and went inside. I don't know if it was the size or the history pressing in on me, but I could actually feel something in my heart shift. It was like there was a piece of it and it recognized it was home and it started weeping for the joy of it. The church as it turns out was the Santa Maria Maggiore. It was founded in 352 AD. There's gold gild on the ceiling brought back from "the New World" by Columbus. This place was beautiful. I couldn't help but think about all the people who've walked through there for hundreds, thousands of years.
I finally left and made my way to the Colosseum. I didn't think I was going to take any tour of it or anything, just pay for a ticket to get inside and look around. Well, I stumbled across someone who was selling an English Speaking Tour of the Colosseum and The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for 25 Euros. I was leery thinking I had been scammed (along with 20 others) but actually it was great and informative. I knew it was where all the gladiators fought, but all the other history like about how Popes over the years, trying to make it less "Pagan," allowed citizens in to strip the marble and metal out of the walls (all the holes in the walls is where people dug out any and all metal when Rome was trying to rebuild itself and they needed materials for wagon wheels and weapons).
Then the other half of the tour was with a UK native woman and she was hilarious and took us through Palatine Hill and some of the Roman Forum. (History note: the Colosseum and Palatine Hill were both made into existence by an Emperor named Nero. He was an evil ruler and the people ended up revolting against him. He committed suicide shortly after he fled the city). Much of the stuff on Palatine Hill were ruins, due to the earthquakes, civil unrest, and natural elements. Rain is actually seeping through the ground destroying architecture underneath (Emperor after emperor and king after king wanted to be the almighty so they constantly built on top of previously existing structures).
Overall, I had a very historically filled day. The thought I kept having while standing in the Colosseum is that people died in there. People cheered for death in there. People from 1000s of years ago walked there as everyday life. I touched the same walls Emperors and Empresses touched. It's crazy!!!
My plan for tomorrow is to attempt the Metro and get to Vatican City. I'm finding the thought of trying to get the right ticket/pass and then get on the right train, then get off at the right place, then after all is said and done, find my way back, a little daunting. I'm hoping maybe one of the staff can advice me on what to get.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Muggles
I'm sure you are all already sick of my constant blogging -- three times in one day. Yeesh. But, before I go to bed (yes, bed it's almost 10 p.m. here) I had to post about something that just gives me a bit of a chuckle. I've exchanged all my American cash for Euros and it's not so much the paper bills, but the coins are hilarious! At least the 50 cent pieces are: they look almost like how I'd imagine a gold galleon from Harry Potter to look. I'm such a muggle. I'll take some pictures of them tomorrow and post them. Right now I'm going to finish my soda and and go up and get some good rest (I took about a four hour nap earlier).
Checked In
Totally not going to lie right now, I had a bit of a break down right after I posted my first post. Between being super tired and having lugged my duffel around unnecessarily, I was feeling a bit crazed. Then, I added to my own misery (because the best thing to do when you're feeling emotionally distraught is to become a masochist) I started freaking out about where I am going to go when I check out Friday morning. All the while I kept thinking "How do I get out of Italy as fast as I can?" Between the Italian speaking people (all of whom I was positive kept looking at me and thinking, 'another dumb American'), and my computer crashing right after I finished publishing my last post and me thinking I was now completely cut off from everyone, I was getting a little stressed.
Fortunately, I have now checked in and my hostel is AMAZING!!! Key cards to get into the room and bathrooms, very clean and the staff has been incredibly helpful so far. They told me where to go to get an adapter for my computer (the only problem having been it ran out of battery), and later they're taking anyone who wants to go on a free night walking tour of Rome. I still haven't decided if I'm going to do this. I've now been up for over 24 hours and am thinking I might turn in early so I can get up and go tomorrow right away. And bonus, I've now gotten a chance to change my underwear and let me tell you, there is nothing like a fresh pair of panties waiting to get into a bundle to make a girl feel refreshed.
I have to say, despite the hormone crisis, I have had some time to think about the city and it is honestly beautiful. Some of the cliches we think of are so true: motorcycles lining the streets, roads with just enough room to drive a very small car down, Italians walking hurriedly with one another speaking in sexy Italian, the sound of cars speeding by, constant honking, are all true. But at the same time, I haven't run into anyone who believes me to be an arrogant American. I'm staying in a 6 person dorm, and right now it's me and two guys. Both are very nice and thankfully not embarrassed to be sharing a room with a girl (too bad if they were because that's how it goes here). I have no clue if the other beds are going to fill up at all. Another bonus of the day: there's an elevator. I only used it to bring my luggage up, but when I came back from getting my adapter, I thought, "Hey, I've been going to the gym every other day for the last 4 months so my cardio is good, I'm going to walk the steps." Six flights of stairs later and I'm thinking I'm going to cancel my gym membership.
Alright, well, I think I'm going to stop blogging for today. I am going to get my camera out and take some pictures of the street from my window.
P.S. I'm heading straight to Cinnque Terre after Rome. Any suggestion on hostels would be appreciated.
Fortunately, I have now checked in and my hostel is AMAZING!!! Key cards to get into the room and bathrooms, very clean and the staff has been incredibly helpful so far. They told me where to go to get an adapter for my computer (the only problem having been it ran out of battery), and later they're taking anyone who wants to go on a free night walking tour of Rome. I still haven't decided if I'm going to do this. I've now been up for over 24 hours and am thinking I might turn in early so I can get up and go tomorrow right away. And bonus, I've now gotten a chance to change my underwear and let me tell you, there is nothing like a fresh pair of panties waiting to get into a bundle to make a girl feel refreshed.
I have to say, despite the hormone crisis, I have had some time to think about the city and it is honestly beautiful. Some of the cliches we think of are so true: motorcycles lining the streets, roads with just enough room to drive a very small car down, Italians walking hurriedly with one another speaking in sexy Italian, the sound of cars speeding by, constant honking, are all true. But at the same time, I haven't run into anyone who believes me to be an arrogant American. I'm staying in a 6 person dorm, and right now it's me and two guys. Both are very nice and thankfully not embarrassed to be sharing a room with a girl (too bad if they were because that's how it goes here). I have no clue if the other beds are going to fill up at all. Another bonus of the day: there's an elevator. I only used it to bring my luggage up, but when I came back from getting my adapter, I thought, "Hey, I've been going to the gym every other day for the last 4 months so my cardio is good, I'm going to walk the steps." Six flights of stairs later and I'm thinking I'm going to cancel my gym membership.
Alright, well, I think I'm going to stop blogging for today. I am going to get my camera out and take some pictures of the street from my window.
P.S. I'm heading straight to Cinnque Terre after Rome. Any suggestion on hostels would be appreciated.
ROME!!!!
Hello my American peeps! I'm missing you all already. I know, it hasn't even been a full day. Any who, the flights both went well. It was a little difficult leaving the La Crosse Airport after saying good-bye to Mom, Tina Mom, and Adam. I had to sit with my sunglasses on for part of the trip to Chicago so everyone wouldn't seeing me crying like a fool. Yeah, I rock. Getting onto the plane in Chicago was no biggy. I actually had a pretty descent seat: I was in the Emergency Exit row so I had a ton of extra leg room, was on the isle and only had one person to sit next to. And as it turns out, I really like the woman I sat next to. Her name was Kate and she travels all the time. I'm guessing she was in her mid-thirties. Kind of a quirky lady, but in a really fun way. I talked to her for part of the 9 long hours we were in the air. She's actually moving to Paris for a month after she finishes a work conference here in Rome. It was extremely comforting to have someone who travels a lot to talk to. Oddly enough after I got in the plane I haven't really been worried about my travelling. Strange I know, but I'm feeling pretty level with it at the moment.
We landed in Rome and I got a ticket to get on the train directly into Rome. I got off the train and left Kate without a problem, but apparently my lack of direction was setting in because God forbid I be able to figure out what street I'm on. It took me long enough to figure out there aren't street signs, but the name of the street in carved into the wall of the building on each corner. I walked around with my big heavy duffel bag (side note -- I was extremely worried I was going to go over the 50lbs limit and have to throw something out at the airport: 46 1/2 pounds!!! Cutting it close), for close to 45 minutes, even though my hostel was indicated to only be a 5 minute walk from the train station. I'm sure that's actually what it is, but I subconsciously decided I wanted the scenic tour. Nothing like the feeling your arm is going to fall off dragging a 50 pound bag, while in a foreign country, lost, and not knowing anyone. Yeah, that's the way to do it.
So I finally figure out where my hostel is (after entertaining a lot of the shop workers by walking back and forward in front of their shop about 3 times each), and get paid up. I can't actually check in here until 1:30, but that's where I'm sitting typing this. I have to go down a couple blocks later and get a power adapter for my stuff.
It's a weird feeling being in one of the oldest cites in the world, but right now I'm not feeling much motivation to do anything. Probably just from being tired. I maybe got an hour of not so great sleep on the plane. I'm thinking tonight I'm just going to lay in bed and figure out my next move for Friday morning. I'll hit the ground running tomorrow with the Colosseum and Vatican City (which includes some of the really neat churches and possibly the Sistine Chapel.
Love you all!!!
We landed in Rome and I got a ticket to get on the train directly into Rome. I got off the train and left Kate without a problem, but apparently my lack of direction was setting in because God forbid I be able to figure out what street I'm on. It took me long enough to figure out there aren't street signs, but the name of the street in carved into the wall of the building on each corner. I walked around with my big heavy duffel bag (side note -- I was extremely worried I was going to go over the 50lbs limit and have to throw something out at the airport: 46 1/2 pounds!!! Cutting it close), for close to 45 minutes, even though my hostel was indicated to only be a 5 minute walk from the train station. I'm sure that's actually what it is, but I subconsciously decided I wanted the scenic tour. Nothing like the feeling your arm is going to fall off dragging a 50 pound bag, while in a foreign country, lost, and not knowing anyone. Yeah, that's the way to do it.
So I finally figure out where my hostel is (after entertaining a lot of the shop workers by walking back and forward in front of their shop about 3 times each), and get paid up. I can't actually check in here until 1:30, but that's where I'm sitting typing this. I have to go down a couple blocks later and get a power adapter for my stuff.
It's a weird feeling being in one of the oldest cites in the world, but right now I'm not feeling much motivation to do anything. Probably just from being tired. I maybe got an hour of not so great sleep on the plane. I'm thinking tonight I'm just going to lay in bed and figure out my next move for Friday morning. I'll hit the ground running tomorrow with the Colosseum and Vatican City (which includes some of the really neat churches and possibly the Sistine Chapel.
Love you all!!!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Epiphany/Bon Voyage!
Well, I don't know if I spelt the title right, but really, who cares? Any who, it just occurred to me I have a a whole MONTH! I can take my time and do what I want to do. I don't think I was really worked up before, but I think I was apprehensive about leaving because I'm use to being able to do everything the way I do it now: I hop in my car and just go places. I can't do that in Europe, but I can hop a train and go and see a bunch of stuff! Honestly, you'd think this would be so obvious, but the full realization didn't hit me until 10 minutes ago.
Oh, and thanks again to everyone for the wonderful Bon Voyage Party! I'm going to put up some pics of that!
Oh, and thanks again to everyone for the wonderful Bon Voyage Party! I'm going to put up some pics of that!
The Countdown
I am now within the 24 hour mark of leaving (unsure grimace made here). I know this is certainly going to be an experience. At the moment, I'm not really sure what I'm feeling right now -- I've never done this before, and I think that is more than anything what is making me happy/nervous/anxious/scared/thrilled (pick your own adjective). Something that comforts me though, is knowing this can be done [hat tip to Brian S.]. What gets me though is the very idea that I'm sitting on my couch, at home, in La Crescent MN, right now, typing this while knowing this time tomorrow I'm flying to Europe, seems so surreal to me. I don't think it's really hit me yet and I don't think I'm going to fully comprehend it until I get back.
I suppose my three biggest concerns right now are: What if I run out of money? What if I'm some place and can't find a bed for the night? What if I'm spending time and money in Europe and have no clue what do with myself while I'm there (this includes too, what if I do something and it's really not interesting)? Realistically I know I'm tracking my money and would never let myself run out, I know there are always alternatives to finding a place to stay, and IT'S EUROPE! JUST GO DO SOMETHING! Never-the-less, the fear still lingers.
Visualize, if you will, the inner angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other: now one is saying this is a really good idea but the other is screaming at me telling me I'm an idiot for doing this huge of a trip on my own. I have no clue which inner persona is saying what. Comforting.
I feel I should be saying something great and inspired this close to being gone, but I can't think of anything. Naturally I'm thrilled to be making these making memories to have forever, I feel a little detached from myself right now, so I'm hoping after more than 5 hours of sleep and actually starting my trip I get better handle on myself.
Alright, 21 and 1/2 hours to go.
I want to give a thanks to all of you in my life: you are the most inspiration I'll truly ever need because you are amazing and wonderful and supportive. I don't know how I could have done this without every one of you. So thank you for loving me (which I know can be difficult), and for giving me the best parts of myself so I can do something great like this trip.
I suppose my three biggest concerns right now are: What if I run out of money? What if I'm some place and can't find a bed for the night? What if I'm spending time and money in Europe and have no clue what do with myself while I'm there (this includes too, what if I do something and it's really not interesting)? Realistically I know I'm tracking my money and would never let myself run out, I know there are always alternatives to finding a place to stay, and IT'S EUROPE! JUST GO DO SOMETHING! Never-the-less, the fear still lingers.
Visualize, if you will, the inner angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other: now one is saying this is a really good idea but the other is screaming at me telling me I'm an idiot for doing this huge of a trip on my own. I have no clue which inner persona is saying what. Comforting.
I feel I should be saying something great and inspired this close to being gone, but I can't think of anything. Naturally I'm thrilled to be making these making memories to have forever, I feel a little detached from myself right now, so I'm hoping after more than 5 hours of sleep and actually starting my trip I get better handle on myself.
Alright, 21 and 1/2 hours to go.
I want to give a thanks to all of you in my life: you are the most inspiration I'll truly ever need because you are amazing and wonderful and supportive. I don't know how I could have done this without every one of you. So thank you for loving me (which I know can be difficult), and for giving me the best parts of myself so I can do something great like this trip.
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