Firenze!! What a magical city!! I don't even know where to begin!!
We arrived at our rad hostel - Alex House for those of you traveling to Florence in the future - in an old-timey building about a block away from the river. I'm so tired now so please pardon the lack of proper titles, etc in the next few entries. We freshened up and headed to the piazza Michelangelo. Gorgeous panoramas of Florence awaited us! It was the perfect lighting for amazing pictures and overall amazing views!! We wandered back down and enjoyed a great authentic Italian dinner complete with amazing chianti. I had gnocchi, the first of many plates I would enjoy throughout my stay in Italia.
That night we met some great Canadian young people staying in our hostel. We enjoyed some q&a about the geography of our country and discussed several interesting topics like gun control and healthcare to name a few. One thing sort of bothered me though - the fact that they told us anti americanism was "in". Why is that? What makes that okay? We as Americans are expected to extend full understanding to all individuals of various cultures and when we don't we get sued or publically reprimanded. But we as individuals are written off as ignorant tourists by various cultures - something I experienced firsthand in Paris several times. Personally I'm offended - everywhere i go i make an effort to learn basic language and cultural traditions to ensure I behave accordingly. Perhaps I'm jaded by my strong patriotic roots but I love my country and all that it stands for.
The next morning, Meghan and I were up at 630 am to go stand in line at the accademia to see the David. WORTH IT!!!!! I even snuck a picture - to be revealed once I'm home and can upload stuff. We then climbed to the top of the duomo - more amazing views. Then we went shopping and that's where Florence OWNED ME. I'm happily the proud owner of a new Italian leather bag :-) We wandered around for the rest of the afternoon....then our all to short stay ended as we boarded a train to Venezia :-)
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Saturday, May 29, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Milano = Letdown
So Milan ..... Is pretty lame. at least the part that I saw. It's very
industrialized and blunt. Not at all like the pretty Italian
architecture I was hoping to see at my first stop in the country. We
got in late, and after getting hustled by a cab driver we arrived at
our hotel - hotel Pasteur. Cute but not as promised, which was sort of
a bummer. But we ended the night with delish Italian pizza - again -
amazingly fresh and just all around yummy. We woke up and hit the
shops first thing the next day, but again left a bit disappointed. As
a whole, I can take or leave Milan, but the food pretty much made up
for the other letdowns! Now - to Florence!
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industrialized and blunt. Not at all like the pretty Italian
architecture I was hoping to see at my first stop in the country. We
got in late, and after getting hustled by a cab driver we arrived at
our hotel - hotel Pasteur. Cute but not as promised, which was sort of
a bummer. But we ended the night with delish Italian pizza - again -
amazingly fresh and just all around yummy. We woke up and hit the
shops first thing the next day, but again left a bit disappointed. As
a whole, I can take or leave Milan, but the food pretty much made up
for the other letdowns! Now - to Florence!
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Nice = Perfect <3
So our first overnight train ride was....interesting. Haha. Less then ideal in terms of comfort, but love the idea of traveling and sleeping simultaneously. Plus nothing beats waking up and looking out the window to see the French countryside. I enjoyed about 2 1/2 hours of spectacular views of Tolouse, random hillside castles, vineyards, and Cannes. What a pretty part of the country. No doubt if I return to France this will be the area I come to visit. The big city is overrated for sure!
So we got off the train in Nice and stuck our luggage in a luggage locker. Meghan spotted the sign right away thanks to the tip to look for the sign with the suitcase on it! Then it was time to hit the beach!
We found a lil private club - Blue Beach Nice - and got right to relaxing! Our server, Joe, was the bomb!!! He told us lots about his city and showed the genuine hospitality we never experienced in Paris. I can now also say that I've officially sunbathed topless on the French Riviera! Hey - my classy friend Missy says everyone has to do it at least once, and if she says it's okay then I say it's okay! But my favorite part was the pug sunbathing on the beach :-) This was a true Parisienne-ish pug with all the right features, not the snaggletoothed monster I left behind in MD.
After a few hours, we showered to wash the train funk off and headed to the Chagall Museum, featuring many of his works depicting bible-related messages. The handheld tour guide gave lots of insight into the painting itself as well as the various messages. I think it's very interesting how he incorporated his hometown and his Jewish heritage into every piece in some form or another. This art was very different than the Chagall pieces hanging on my parents walls when I was growing up, and the contrast showed me just how versatile an artist he is. Plus, his collage-esque style engages my ADHD mind quite well. Don't worry Dad - I took lots and lots of pictures for you :-) I left vowing to refresh my bible history knowledge base - it's way too rusty.
Then it was time to catch the train to Milano :-) we grabbed wine, cheese, bread and a corkscrew and headed to Italia!
We thought we'd hear some announcement on the train, but instead Ashley's phone sent her a message saying "welcome to Italy!". It surprised us all how easy it is to move in between countries on the train. Our passports weren't checked or anything, which we're sorta bummed about because the country stamp is a good memory item!! We had a great piece of pizza at the train station - bigest piece EVER!!
Now we're in our lil private train car on our second leg into Milano. Italy isn't as pretty by train as France, that's for sure. The first pretty town I've seen is a port town that reminds me of my Charm City <3. It begs the question - how can Baltimore learn to capitalize on it's port ability more to increase it's attractiveness and desirability?
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So we got off the train in Nice and stuck our luggage in a luggage locker. Meghan spotted the sign right away thanks to the tip to look for the sign with the suitcase on it! Then it was time to hit the beach!
We found a lil private club - Blue Beach Nice - and got right to relaxing! Our server, Joe, was the bomb!!! He told us lots about his city and showed the genuine hospitality we never experienced in Paris. I can now also say that I've officially sunbathed topless on the French Riviera! Hey - my classy friend Missy says everyone has to do it at least once, and if she says it's okay then I say it's okay! But my favorite part was the pug sunbathing on the beach :-) This was a true Parisienne-ish pug with all the right features, not the snaggletoothed monster I left behind in MD.
After a few hours, we showered to wash the train funk off and headed to the Chagall Museum, featuring many of his works depicting bible-related messages. The handheld tour guide gave lots of insight into the painting itself as well as the various messages. I think it's very interesting how he incorporated his hometown and his Jewish heritage into every piece in some form or another. This art was very different than the Chagall pieces hanging on my parents walls when I was growing up, and the contrast showed me just how versatile an artist he is. Plus, his collage-esque style engages my ADHD mind quite well. Don't worry Dad - I took lots and lots of pictures for you :-) I left vowing to refresh my bible history knowledge base - it's way too rusty.
Then it was time to catch the train to Milano :-) we grabbed wine, cheese, bread and a corkscrew and headed to Italia!
We thought we'd hear some announcement on the train, but instead Ashley's phone sent her a message saying "welcome to Italy!". It surprised us all how easy it is to move in between countries on the train. Our passports weren't checked or anything, which we're sorta bummed about because the country stamp is a good memory item!! We had a great piece of pizza at the train station - bigest piece EVER!!
Now we're in our lil private train car on our second leg into Milano. Italy isn't as pretty by train as France, that's for sure. The first pretty town I've seen is a port town that reminds me of my Charm City <3. It begs the question - how can Baltimore learn to capitalize on it's port ability more to increase it's attractiveness and desirability?
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Monday, May 24, 2010
I'm on a train bound for the Riviera!
No big deal, right?? Nice here we come :-)
So, today was a better day - best yet really!! We woke up EARLY, had a great breakfast at our new hotel (Oceanic hotel- great for travelers on a budget who want a central Paris location!). Then we were off - women on a mission to get the damn logistics worked out once and for all!! Two train stations later with the help of a loverly Australian couple we found an amazing SNCF ticket agent who was English speaking and willing to help out three crazy American tourists. After lots of research and price comparison we left armed with tickets as follows:
Paris ---> Nice
Nice ---> Milan
Milan ----> Florence
Florence ---> Venice
Venice ---> Munich
Munich ---> Prague.
Then it was time to use the 3g data plan I sold my soul to AT&T for so I could use this iPhone overseas. Soon I had our tix on Easy Jet from Prague to Amsterdam and Amsterdam to London all set! Hurray!!! Then it was time to hit the pavement! Ash headed to an Afro American art museum and Meghan and I headed back to the Eiffel tower to finally make it to the top. Turned off by the throngs of tourists, we headed to Notre Dame to see the inside. I told her she'd get an equally good panorama from the Arc du Triomphe. We boarded a boat (only 9 euro for students :-)!) and headed to see the inside of the gargoyle and chimera protected cathedral.
What I experienced there blew my mind. Let me explain where I'm coming from first. I've been blessed and priveledged to set foot on some of the holiest sites in the world in places like Japan, Thailand, Egypt and Israel. Everywhere I went, my parents insisted I be respectful of the religion and their customs - covering my shoulders and legs, being reverently silent, etc etc. Well apparantly, mass in progress at the Cathedral of Notre Dame was not enough to invoke respect from the tourists exploring the displays on the outskirts. Between the cell phones ringing, kids screaming and crying, and general tourista (I know, tourista is a costa rica word but it seemed fitting) hubaloo, I had a hard time kneeling to pray after lighting a candle for my uncle and grandfather. I notice those being the most disrespectful were speaking native French or wearing clothes indicating faith other than Christianity. Seriously? Just because you don't practice a faith doesn't mean it doesn't deserve your reverence. Meghan and I even went as far as to "shush" one or two particularly rowdy parties. Upon exiting, we spoke with a nun expressing our condolences at the sad state of affairs. In strong English she replied "they're lucky I'm not in charge". LOVE IT! Food for thought people - be reverent when in the presence of other faiths. They deserve it.
We swung by the Musée de L'Institut du Monde Arabe. A favorite professor of mine suggested it, and what good grad student doesn't take the advice of a fave prof? What a neat place! I feel I finally got a truly unbiased perspective of what the Arab world is made of - art, people, beliefs, etc. We as individuals would do well to try and develop a well- rounded understanding of the facinating origins of this culture....not to mention the immense diplomatic implications.
Then it was back to the boat to head down the Seine to the Champs-Elysēes - final destination: Arc de Triomphe. Too bad we missed the memo about the GINORMOUS Eco-Friendly festival going on in the area. Wall to wall people made a 5 min walk last 30+ min and brought an equally discouraging crowd to this viewpoint. My long suffering bff made due with some pictures of the structure before we cried I'M DONE. In more ways than one, we were so very done, and it was back to Hotel Oceanic to regroup, meet Ash and handle the remaining logistical business.
Again, great success! We found amazing places to stay in Prague (a renovated medieval castle) and Amsterdam (a studio apartment on the canal) for less than half of what was expected. Woooo!!! Then we grabbed dinner next door at a cafe with great food but terrible service, and jumped on the train to head to Nice! We got there a bit early to grab the best seats (again, marissa is the source of amazing travel tips) and were greatly successful! Now I'm blogging, Megs journaling, and Ash is changing into pj's.
Here's a summary of lessons learned:
1) Paris is a cool city with lots of history but treats Americans like garbage nine times out of ten. My tourist money is better spent in other countries like Costa Rica or in the French countryside (in Nice we were treated like gold- see next entry). I prefer to channel my hard earned money to be spent among a population that appreciates it.
2) Plan more in advance to avoid drama and valuable time wasted once in Europe.
3) I need to be more adaptive to change. Vowing to do that from here on out.
4) Social workers make the best travel mates - it's all about maximizing the resources in front of you!!
Okay, time for bed. Trains seem not too terrible for sleeping - we'll see soon!! Can't have dark circles in the riviera :-)
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So, today was a better day - best yet really!! We woke up EARLY, had a great breakfast at our new hotel (Oceanic hotel- great for travelers on a budget who want a central Paris location!). Then we were off - women on a mission to get the damn logistics worked out once and for all!! Two train stations later with the help of a loverly Australian couple we found an amazing SNCF ticket agent who was English speaking and willing to help out three crazy American tourists. After lots of research and price comparison we left armed with tickets as follows:
Paris ---> Nice
Nice ---> Milan
Milan ----> Florence
Florence ---> Venice
Venice ---> Munich
Munich ---> Prague.
Then it was time to use the 3g data plan I sold my soul to AT&T for so I could use this iPhone overseas. Soon I had our tix on Easy Jet from Prague to Amsterdam and Amsterdam to London all set! Hurray!!! Then it was time to hit the pavement! Ash headed to an Afro American art museum and Meghan and I headed back to the Eiffel tower to finally make it to the top. Turned off by the throngs of tourists, we headed to Notre Dame to see the inside. I told her she'd get an equally good panorama from the Arc du Triomphe. We boarded a boat (only 9 euro for students :-)!) and headed to see the inside of the gargoyle and chimera protected cathedral.
What I experienced there blew my mind. Let me explain where I'm coming from first. I've been blessed and priveledged to set foot on some of the holiest sites in the world in places like Japan, Thailand, Egypt and Israel. Everywhere I went, my parents insisted I be respectful of the religion and their customs - covering my shoulders and legs, being reverently silent, etc etc. Well apparantly, mass in progress at the Cathedral of Notre Dame was not enough to invoke respect from the tourists exploring the displays on the outskirts. Between the cell phones ringing, kids screaming and crying, and general tourista (I know, tourista is a costa rica word but it seemed fitting) hubaloo, I had a hard time kneeling to pray after lighting a candle for my uncle and grandfather. I notice those being the most disrespectful were speaking native French or wearing clothes indicating faith other than Christianity. Seriously? Just because you don't practice a faith doesn't mean it doesn't deserve your reverence. Meghan and I even went as far as to "shush" one or two particularly rowdy parties. Upon exiting, we spoke with a nun expressing our condolences at the sad state of affairs. In strong English she replied "they're lucky I'm not in charge". LOVE IT! Food for thought people - be reverent when in the presence of other faiths. They deserve it.
We swung by the Musée de L'Institut du Monde Arabe. A favorite professor of mine suggested it, and what good grad student doesn't take the advice of a fave prof? What a neat place! I feel I finally got a truly unbiased perspective of what the Arab world is made of - art, people, beliefs, etc. We as individuals would do well to try and develop a well- rounded understanding of the facinating origins of this culture....not to mention the immense diplomatic implications.
Then it was back to the boat to head down the Seine to the Champs-Elysēes - final destination: Arc de Triomphe. Too bad we missed the memo about the GINORMOUS Eco-Friendly festival going on in the area. Wall to wall people made a 5 min walk last 30+ min and brought an equally discouraging crowd to this viewpoint. My long suffering bff made due with some pictures of the structure before we cried I'M DONE. In more ways than one, we were so very done, and it was back to Hotel Oceanic to regroup, meet Ash and handle the remaining logistical business.
Again, great success! We found amazing places to stay in Prague (a renovated medieval castle) and Amsterdam (a studio apartment on the canal) for less than half of what was expected. Woooo!!! Then we grabbed dinner next door at a cafe with great food but terrible service, and jumped on the train to head to Nice! We got there a bit early to grab the best seats (again, marissa is the source of amazing travel tips) and were greatly successful! Now I'm blogging, Megs journaling, and Ash is changing into pj's.
Here's a summary of lessons learned:
1) Paris is a cool city with lots of history but treats Americans like garbage nine times out of ten. My tourist money is better spent in other countries like Costa Rica or in the French countryside (in Nice we were treated like gold- see next entry). I prefer to channel my hard earned money to be spent among a population that appreciates it.
2) Plan more in advance to avoid drama and valuable time wasted once in Europe.
3) I need to be more adaptive to change. Vowing to do that from here on out.
4) Social workers make the best travel mates - it's all about maximizing the resources in front of you!!
Okay, time for bed. Trains seem not too terrible for sleeping - we'll see soon!! Can't have dark circles in the riviera :-)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Paris - days 2 & 3
Wow! It's been an eventful two days. Day #2 started off a bit late as we overcame our jetlag and slept off two two bottles of wine we had the night before. We had an excellent Parisian breakfast again and headed over to Notre Dame. We met up with a local tour guide who gives free tours and asks only for tips. We got the lowdown on the outside of the cathedral and the many stories that it tells, including the battle between heaven and hell. Did you also know that the gargoyles double as rain spouts? Wicked cool :-) The second tour that followed took us all over the bohemian left bank, and we saw some local prides like the bridge where couples hang locks inscribed with their names to seal their love for eternity. The perpetually single like myself also attach their own lock in hopes of eventually finding the right one. Awwwhhh. Then it was time for a snack, changing over some money at a great no-fees spot recommended by our tour guide and back to the hotel to figure out our next step in the game. We also met up with Ashely, a MSW student from Texas who is traveling with us.
Here things started to unravel a bit. The flights we'd originally planned on using had been cancelled because of the ash cloud and other options were over 5x the price!! Then we tried to look at train prices and the system was down! Gah! < Insert mini freakout / lunching here > But we didn't have much time to spend on that because it was time to get pretty and head to the moulin rouge!
Ugh - worst waste of money EVER!!! Mom and dad - I owe you a ginormous apology for making you take me last time we were here in Paris. I mean, I haven't danced in years, but for $130 apiece the dancers should have at least been able to kick ball change fist pump in unison. I was so frustrated between that and the fact that we couldn't see the stage I walked out and asked to speak to a manager (en francias none the less) but instead was escorted outside. Over it at that point, I head next door to the bar to wait for my friends. We stay out and dance with some euro hotties for a bit but soon the smell gets the better of us and we head home. We resume trying to reorganize our plans only to be greeted by more bad news and frustration. At that point I'm exhausted and annoyed and overwhelmed and tipsy and call my parents and announce I'm coming home (still the drama queen everyone knows and loves). They tell me I'm full of it and the night is over at a whopping 5am.
Today we slept in again and rush to make checkout in time. Our concierge finds us a new hotel in central Paris and we're off! We refuel at starbucks, swing by a train station to find out our ticket options for our next steps, and head to the Louve. I'm sad the egyptian exhibit is closed, but have an amazing time checking out all the masterpieces with the help of their handy new multimedia tour guide mini computers! The Venus de Milo is still my fave <3 Definitely an amazing illustration of female beauty!
We take a breather on the lawn outside the louve and re approach our next step dilemma. With the help of one of my amazing friends who did a eurotrip last year, we regroup successfully! Woooo!!!! Thanks Marissa I adore youuuuuu!!
Meghan and I have an amazing French dinner - escargot and steak for me, crab and asparagus salad and duck for her. Delish crepes for dessert too!!
Then it's back to the Eiffel tower to see it all lit up!! So gorgeous it brought tears to my eyes! The bagpiper playing in the background made it just perfect!!!
Now it's 230am and I can't sleep again! I'm excited for tomorrow - Up to the top of the Eiffel tower, Arc du Triomphe, inside of Notre Dame, the Museum of the Arab World, and whatever else we can squeeze in between the morning and 11pm when we board our overnight train to Nice! We'll spend the day on the French riviera, then get on another overnight train to Milan where we'll spend the day before heading to Florence! One night in Florence, 2 nights in Venice, and then to Germany!
Goodnight world!!
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Here things started to unravel a bit. The flights we'd originally planned on using had been cancelled because of the ash cloud and other options were over 5x the price!! Then we tried to look at train prices and the system was down! Gah! < Insert mini freakout / lunching here > But we didn't have much time to spend on that because it was time to get pretty and head to the moulin rouge!
Ugh - worst waste of money EVER!!! Mom and dad - I owe you a ginormous apology for making you take me last time we were here in Paris. I mean, I haven't danced in years, but for $130 apiece the dancers should have at least been able to kick ball change fist pump in unison. I was so frustrated between that and the fact that we couldn't see the stage I walked out and asked to speak to a manager (en francias none the less) but instead was escorted outside. Over it at that point, I head next door to the bar to wait for my friends. We stay out and dance with some euro hotties for a bit but soon the smell gets the better of us and we head home. We resume trying to reorganize our plans only to be greeted by more bad news and frustration. At that point I'm exhausted and annoyed and overwhelmed and tipsy and call my parents and announce I'm coming home (still the drama queen everyone knows and loves). They tell me I'm full of it and the night is over at a whopping 5am.
Today we slept in again and rush to make checkout in time. Our concierge finds us a new hotel in central Paris and we're off! We refuel at starbucks, swing by a train station to find out our ticket options for our next steps, and head to the Louve. I'm sad the egyptian exhibit is closed, but have an amazing time checking out all the masterpieces with the help of their handy new multimedia tour guide mini computers! The Venus de Milo is still my fave <3 Definitely an amazing illustration of female beauty!
We take a breather on the lawn outside the louve and re approach our next step dilemma. With the help of one of my amazing friends who did a eurotrip last year, we regroup successfully! Woooo!!!! Thanks Marissa I adore youuuuuu!!
Meghan and I have an amazing French dinner - escargot and steak for me, crab and asparagus salad and duck for her. Delish crepes for dessert too!!
Then it's back to the Eiffel tower to see it all lit up!! So gorgeous it brought tears to my eyes! The bagpiper playing in the background made it just perfect!!!
Now it's 230am and I can't sleep again! I'm excited for tomorrow - Up to the top of the Eiffel tower, Arc du Triomphe, inside of Notre Dame, the Museum of the Arab World, and whatever else we can squeeze in between the morning and 11pm when we board our overnight train to Nice! We'll spend the day on the French riviera, then get on another overnight train to Milan where we'll spend the day before heading to Florence! One night in Florence, 2 nights in Venice, and then to Germany!
Goodnight world!!
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Location:Rue de la Pépinière,Paris,France
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Day 1 - Paris
So we get to our hostel - it's super cute - small, cozy and CLEAN. We take a shower to try to wake up from the "I must be dreaming" feeling, throw on sundresses and head out to enjoy some Parisienne cafè. At our chosen venue, an intensely inebriated woman comments on my "nice boobies" - seriously lady, there's nothin there worth commenting on but thanks!! Meghan had her first croque monseuir (sp?) and fell in love.
Reenergized, we jump back on the metro and head downtown. As we exit the trocadore station, we catch a glimpse of that silly tower in the middle of the city.... aka the Eiffel Tower. After the oohs and aahs we find a great local park with an amazing view, and lay down to enjoy the scenery. One hilight - Meghan being a bit taken back by the police and saying "holy gun!" in response to the machine guns strapped across their chest. Good thing she didn't come to El Salvador.....
After awhile, we walk around the downtown Paris area and end up at an amazing Parisienne cafe! (noticing a pattern here people) We dine on French cuisine - eggplant ravioli for her, goat cheese salad por moi :-) Lets not forget the amazing wine - 2008 pouilly fume - YUM....and creme brûlée the size of my head. We worked hard to try and speak French - appreciated by the natives since they invited us back tomorrow telling us they'll be at work at 5 waiting for us :-)
Now we're back at the hostel, still drinking wine and totally loopy thanks to jet lag. Mariss - we just housed 2 fresh pain au chocolate from the 24 hr brasserie across the street. Amazing!! Took this pic from the window for you.
Goodnight everyone!!!
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Reenergized, we jump back on the metro and head downtown. As we exit the trocadore station, we catch a glimpse of that silly tower in the middle of the city.... aka the Eiffel Tower. After the oohs and aahs we find a great local park with an amazing view, and lay down to enjoy the scenery. One hilight - Meghan being a bit taken back by the police and saying "holy gun!" in response to the machine guns strapped across their chest. Good thing she didn't come to El Salvador.....
After awhile, we walk around the downtown Paris area and end up at an amazing Parisienne cafe! (noticing a pattern here people) We dine on French cuisine - eggplant ravioli for her, goat cheese salad por moi :-) Lets not forget the amazing wine - 2008 pouilly fume - YUM....and creme brûlée the size of my head. We worked hard to try and speak French - appreciated by the natives since they invited us back tomorrow telling us they'll be at work at 5 waiting for us :-)
Now we're back at the hostel, still drinking wine and totally loopy thanks to jet lag. Mariss - we just housed 2 fresh pain au chocolate from the 24 hr brasserie across the street. Amazing!! Took this pic from the window for you.
Goodnight everyone!!!
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Is this happening?
After a long flight on a warmer-than-usual plane, we've landed in Paris :-) It still doesn't feel any more real then it did when we took off. I'm excited to get to the Hotel Armstrong, perhaps shower, and get to some sightseeing!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
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