I got in around 7:30 last night, eventhough it's cold and foggy I'm happy to be home.
I didn't have much time to update the blog while I was on the cruise because we were often only on one island for a couple hours if that, so we had to rush. The cruise wasn't very fun unfortunatly. The ship was really old and the staff were very useless, but I did have a good time with my friends.
The morning we got off the ship (Friday the 25th) I had breakfast scrambled eggs and taters tots. Well after we all got back to the hotel one of the girls was so sick she had to go to the hospital. I was feeling ok until about noon when I got the chills and was freezing cold. My body stared aching and I had a fever. My stomach was in knots too. I was vomiting and had bad diarreah(in case you wanted to know that) I was trying to rest at the hotel but I was in so much pain. I called home of course, and my mom told me that maybe I should go to the doctors to make sure you are alright. I was thinking of going anyways. So I caught a cab for 10euro. When I got there I went to security who does the registration if you want to call it that. She told me to go to the left and wait. I had number 65, they were on number 29. I waited and waited. This nice lady came up and brought me her number which was 46. So I went in when they called my number and I just sat there and watched. This is when I got freaked out. They dropped needles then picked them up and used them. They had this big box of cotton balls just sitting there. The docotors used the same gloves on different patients. I got freaked out. I went to the bathroom again and felt a litte better then I just left. I got back to the hotel then went to the store and picked up from sprite and crackers. I felt a lot better after that.
Yesterday morning I got on the metro line and headed for the airport. I was there super early, so I had lots of time to wander around. I got on my Lufthansa flight from Athens to Franfurt which was ok. Then I had to rush to the United flight from Frankfurt to San Francisco. They were boarding when I got there, but I still had plenty of time. The plane was super nice and the flight staff were nice too. We each had a little tv screen on the backs of the seats. I watched Letters from Iwo Jina, Freedom Writers, and part of Catch and Release( I fell asleep) I went through US customs then got my luggage and met my parents and came home.
I took about 2600 pictures and I will put them up on shutterfly or snapfish and send the link to you all so you can check that out if you want.
I had a great time and I also had fun updating my blog so I could still keep in contact with home. Good thing I kept this blog because I didnn't have much time to journal. Oh well, I will try and remember each day.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
It`s Still Raining
Howdy!!!!
Well it's Tuesday afternoon and I'm in Kusudasi Turkey. The cruise has been fun, but I'm used to much bigger ships and as I'm sitting here I am swaying from the left to the right, like I have been on the ship. I have been feeling really nausious since the ship left, but I'll be ok. The food is so so, and there is no entertainment or anything on board so it gets really boring. Today I had a massage for an hour and it was sooooo relaxing, I loved it.
I really hope the weather clears up over the next couple of days because we all have to stay inside and I don't like having to be inside all the time. Tonight we sail to Rhodes, then Santorini on Thursday and Friday morning we are back in Athens.
All the tourist shops have the same stuff, and I can't find much to bring back. I guess that is a good thing, right? All I have bought are shot glasses and postcards.
Alright well off to check the weather then going to shop for a little bit, maybe Turkey has something different...we'll see.
Well it's Tuesday afternoon and I'm in Kusudasi Turkey. The cruise has been fun, but I'm used to much bigger ships and as I'm sitting here I am swaying from the left to the right, like I have been on the ship. I have been feeling really nausious since the ship left, but I'll be ok. The food is so so, and there is no entertainment or anything on board so it gets really boring. Today I had a massage for an hour and it was sooooo relaxing, I loved it.
I really hope the weather clears up over the next couple of days because we all have to stay inside and I don't like having to be inside all the time. Tonight we sail to Rhodes, then Santorini on Thursday and Friday morning we are back in Athens.
All the tourist shops have the same stuff, and I can't find much to bring back. I guess that is a good thing, right? All I have bought are shot glasses and postcards.
Alright well off to check the weather then going to shop for a little bit, maybe Turkey has something different...we'll see.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
It's Raining, It's Storming...
I'm Tired!!!!
This trip is starting to wear me out. Last night I met up with Lizzy, Anythony, Twila and Sherren and went to dinner. Well I was eating sushi(I was craving and it was like 2 blocks for the hotel) and I saw them walk by so we chatted then I left and went with them to their dinner and just sat there. We all wanted to do the same things today except they also wanted to see the Acropolis but I saw it yesterday. So we all met at the breakfast room and planned our day today. First we caught the metro at the Sygmata station and went to the flea market for a couple hours. It was super busy and I also realized while I was there...I don't like flea markets but oh well it was fun. Then we all got some lunch then went back to the metro and came back to Sygmata where they went to the Acropolis and I went to the National Gardens. It was really neat in there I didn't feel like I was in the center of a huge city, but off somewhere quiet and tranquil. They had a mini zoo there with peacocks, chickens, roosters, cats all in the same cages...weird I know. There was also a pond with turtles. It is sooo cool to watch turtles swim(I've never seen them swim before) I just walked around and took a bunch of pictures then left. Thats when it started to downpour. It's really humid so the rain is warm and you are hot and sweaty too, it's hard to get used to. There wasn't much else to see. all the shops are closed on Sundays, it's like a ghost town here today.
For the past two nights I had my own room, but this morning I switched and am now rooming with someone else. I walked in there a little bit ago but she was sleeping so I didn't stay long, it was kinda akward. Tonight is our pre tour meeting thats where we meet the other tour mates and supposedly "get to know each other." At the Italy meeting I forgot everyones name that first night. We all had to ask each other the next day who everyone was again. It should be fun though, we'll see.
I'm looking forward for the next 5 days to be relaxing.
Hmmmm what to do. Oh there is a Starbucks that is close, a Toffee Nut Latte sounds good. I haven't had one for a long time. Maybe it's closed cause it's Sunday..hmmm I'll check it out.
This trip is starting to wear me out. Last night I met up with Lizzy, Anythony, Twila and Sherren and went to dinner. Well I was eating sushi(I was craving and it was like 2 blocks for the hotel) and I saw them walk by so we chatted then I left and went with them to their dinner and just sat there. We all wanted to do the same things today except they also wanted to see the Acropolis but I saw it yesterday. So we all met at the breakfast room and planned our day today. First we caught the metro at the Sygmata station and went to the flea market for a couple hours. It was super busy and I also realized while I was there...I don't like flea markets but oh well it was fun. Then we all got some lunch then went back to the metro and came back to Sygmata where they went to the Acropolis and I went to the National Gardens. It was really neat in there I didn't feel like I was in the center of a huge city, but off somewhere quiet and tranquil. They had a mini zoo there with peacocks, chickens, roosters, cats all in the same cages...weird I know. There was also a pond with turtles. It is sooo cool to watch turtles swim(I've never seen them swim before) I just walked around and took a bunch of pictures then left. Thats when it started to downpour. It's really humid so the rain is warm and you are hot and sweaty too, it's hard to get used to. There wasn't much else to see. all the shops are closed on Sundays, it's like a ghost town here today.
For the past two nights I had my own room, but this morning I switched and am now rooming with someone else. I walked in there a little bit ago but she was sleeping so I didn't stay long, it was kinda akward. Tonight is our pre tour meeting thats where we meet the other tour mates and supposedly "get to know each other." At the Italy meeting I forgot everyones name that first night. We all had to ask each other the next day who everyone was again. It should be fun though, we'll see.
I'm looking forward for the next 5 days to be relaxing.
Hmmmm what to do. Oh there is a Starbucks that is close, a Toffee Nut Latte sounds good. I haven't had one for a long time. Maybe it's closed cause it's Sunday..hmmm I'll check it out.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Day 2 In Athens
I love Greece!!!!!
I mean I love Italy too, but Greece is so different. Maybe because it's much busier, and people speak english...not quite sure, but I know I will be back here and I haven't even gone on the cruise yet.
This morning I set a wake up call with reception at 6:30. I hung up the phone then went back to sleep. So reception calls me 30 min later and says you didn't get up, so I'm calling again. I have no idea how he knew that I didn't get up. Maybe because there was no electricity or water going. Anyhow I got up 30 min late.....no drama I'm on holiday(I'm used to saying that instead of vacation now) I think we(Americans) are the only ones that actaully call it a vacation, everyone else calls it a holiday. Anyhow, last night I planned my day and got out my WONDERFUL map of athens and started planning. So this morning I ended up walking to the Acropolis which is about a 15min walk most of which was uphill. The Plaka dist. where I'm staying is pretty much at the bottom of the acropolis. So I ended up going in this cool back entrace where no one else was. At first I was like where am I, but I saw a ton more stuff that the people that went in the main entrance. So I was basically on the east and south side of the acropolis at that point. Then I got to the top of the acropolis with the parthenon which was awesome (Gayle...I took tons of pics of the columns) I took a lot of pics and left which was good because it started getting super busy with tours and stuff. I then walked to the Temple of Olympian Zeus which was cool, again a ton of pics of columns, thats all that is still there. Then I looked east up to the mountain and it was black clouds and these huge white clouds above them, not good. Last night we had a pretty bad storm here with thunder and the power kept going out. Good thing I took 2 advilPMs cause I kinda slept through it. Anyhow I also wanted to go to the stadium but decided not to. I hopped on the metro to come back towards the hotel area. On the way back from the metro station to my hotel I found a cool bakery, and ended up seeing Twila who also did the Italy tour with me and she is also doing the cruise. So I got a turkey sandwhich and this round chese thing...forgot the name. Then I saw the baklava, so I got a piece for dessert. Just as we got back to the hotel it started raining, so it was good timing. I ate lunch and took a little nap. Around 3 I walked back to the main metro station Syndagmatos and got off at this cute neighborhhod Monastiraki and in just a minute I'm going to walk up to the outdoor meat and seafood maket. Apperently it's a must see while in Athens. Too bad I don't have a BBQ with me I could have bought a nice piece of fish or a steak and cook it up...I'm craving american food. Then I'm going to walk around for a little while and see what else is going on.
My nose has been stuffy the past couple days so I have been trying to take it easy a little bit. I don't want to get sick next week or after that because I do have to go back to work unfortunatly. (Hi work folks)
Ok I'm off to the market I go...
I mean I love Italy too, but Greece is so different. Maybe because it's much busier, and people speak english...not quite sure, but I know I will be back here and I haven't even gone on the cruise yet.
This morning I set a wake up call with reception at 6:30. I hung up the phone then went back to sleep. So reception calls me 30 min later and says you didn't get up, so I'm calling again. I have no idea how he knew that I didn't get up. Maybe because there was no electricity or water going. Anyhow I got up 30 min late.....no drama I'm on holiday(I'm used to saying that instead of vacation now) I think we(Americans) are the only ones that actaully call it a vacation, everyone else calls it a holiday. Anyhow, last night I planned my day and got out my WONDERFUL map of athens and started planning. So this morning I ended up walking to the Acropolis which is about a 15min walk most of which was uphill. The Plaka dist. where I'm staying is pretty much at the bottom of the acropolis. So I ended up going in this cool back entrace where no one else was. At first I was like where am I, but I saw a ton more stuff that the people that went in the main entrance. So I was basically on the east and south side of the acropolis at that point. Then I got to the top of the acropolis with the parthenon which was awesome (Gayle...I took tons of pics of the columns) I took a lot of pics and left which was good because it started getting super busy with tours and stuff. I then walked to the Temple of Olympian Zeus which was cool, again a ton of pics of columns, thats all that is still there. Then I looked east up to the mountain and it was black clouds and these huge white clouds above them, not good. Last night we had a pretty bad storm here with thunder and the power kept going out. Good thing I took 2 advilPMs cause I kinda slept through it. Anyhow I also wanted to go to the stadium but decided not to. I hopped on the metro to come back towards the hotel area. On the way back from the metro station to my hotel I found a cool bakery, and ended up seeing Twila who also did the Italy tour with me and she is also doing the cruise. So I got a turkey sandwhich and this round chese thing...forgot the name. Then I saw the baklava, so I got a piece for dessert. Just as we got back to the hotel it started raining, so it was good timing. I ate lunch and took a little nap. Around 3 I walked back to the main metro station Syndagmatos and got off at this cute neighborhhod Monastiraki and in just a minute I'm going to walk up to the outdoor meat and seafood maket. Apperently it's a must see while in Athens. Too bad I don't have a BBQ with me I could have bought a nice piece of fish or a steak and cook it up...I'm craving american food. Then I'm going to walk around for a little while and see what else is going on.
My nose has been stuffy the past couple days so I have been trying to take it easy a little bit. I don't want to get sick next week or after that because I do have to go back to work unfortunatly. (Hi work folks)
Ok I'm off to the market I go...
Friday, May 18, 2007
Here In Athens
Sooo I just lost all my blog...Arhhhh I'll start over.
So yesterday was fun. I took the metro into the city and walked around a bit. I had the best pizza yet. I really like water and here they don't give you tap water, when you ask for water they bring your a glass bottle and you have to pay between 2-6E for it. But...I learned how to ask for tap water...you say Acqua Del Rubinetto. Water from the tap. Pretty cool huh? Too bad I learned that a little too late. Ok back on topic. So I wanted to do some souvenir shopping, but all they really had was these ugly t-shirt that say Italia on it, and I know no one would wear it. Anyhow after that I went back to the Trevi Fountain and took yes more pictures then went to this gelati place that our tour manager Natalie recommended...and boy was it good. After that I did a little bit more shopping then it was back to the hotel to get ready for our farewell dinner. We left the hotel around 7ish and Pino our driver took us to the restaurant. The food was ok, but the wine was so bad no one drank it. It tasted like sparkling grape juice with a sour after taste...it was nasty. After dinner we got back to the hotel and sat around and talked for a little bit. I ended up going to bed around 12 because I had a 5am wake up call. The shuttle picked 6 of us (the ones that had early flights) at 6 and we got dropped off at the airport. I knew I had to go to the domestic terminal but he dropped me off at the international one(no tip for him) so I made my way back to terminal one. Here is the best story.....I got in the "domestic check-in" line and this guy comes up to me and asks me where I'm going and I said Athens he was like you have to go over two partitions and check in there...so I went over there and waited in line at the "domestic check-in" counter..this time the lady said I was in the wrong place. I was like I have been waiting here and some guy told me that I have to come here to check in...she was like nooo this isn't the place, you have to go over there(she pointed across the way to the next Alitalia check in counter.) So I went over there and got this guy....He checked me in but my luggage was overweight by 10klg. He gave me 5kg's for free....how nice. So he told me that my boarding pass has been printed but I need to go to the desk two rows back and pay, then come back and bring him my luggage then he would give me my boarding pass and take my luggage. Soooo I go over 2 rows, the lady says nooo this isn't the place to pay for that so you have to go back that way(pointed to where I just was) I finally found this really nice lady to help me, and I had to pay 60E for my bag. Yikes!!!! After that was all figured out I went to the gate and waited for the plane then landed here about 12:15pm. I was proud of myself because I took public transportation all the way here. I followed the signs that said trains and went. So I was the next one in line at the metro ticket counter and this guy comes running up and goes to the next ticket agent and get a ticket. I was like "I wasn't in line or anything." So he got his ticket then I got mine and went to wait. I had no idea what time the next train left. So I was waiting there for the train that that guy that cut in front of me comes up and apologizes because he was in a hurry. Then he tells me that he just missed the train (i see it driving away) In my head I was like HA HA that sucks for you, but I didn't say anything. Well like 5 min later another metro train comes up and we wait a bit then leave. I got the the Syndagmatos metro station then had no clue where to go. I just followed everyone else up the esclators...Then to this one street then got out my handy map of the city and the hotel is listed on the map, so it only took me 10 min to walk here, not bad. So to get from the airport to this hotel only costs me 4E. There is a dry cleaning place next door so I just took some of my things there to get cleanded, cause I haven't done any wash, and I need some clean clothes for the next week. I'm going to wait for a few of my other tour mates who did the Italy trip and are also doing the cruise, and we will probably grab some dinner or something. I also have to plan my day tomorrow. Ok well that was my day today.....exciting huh?
Until tomorrow....
So yesterday was fun. I took the metro into the city and walked around a bit. I had the best pizza yet. I really like water and here they don't give you tap water, when you ask for water they bring your a glass bottle and you have to pay between 2-6E for it. But...I learned how to ask for tap water...you say Acqua Del Rubinetto. Water from the tap. Pretty cool huh? Too bad I learned that a little too late. Ok back on topic. So I wanted to do some souvenir shopping, but all they really had was these ugly t-shirt that say Italia on it, and I know no one would wear it. Anyhow after that I went back to the Trevi Fountain and took yes more pictures then went to this gelati place that our tour manager Natalie recommended...and boy was it good. After that I did a little bit more shopping then it was back to the hotel to get ready for our farewell dinner. We left the hotel around 7ish and Pino our driver took us to the restaurant. The food was ok, but the wine was so bad no one drank it. It tasted like sparkling grape juice with a sour after taste...it was nasty. After dinner we got back to the hotel and sat around and talked for a little bit. I ended up going to bed around 12 because I had a 5am wake up call. The shuttle picked 6 of us (the ones that had early flights) at 6 and we got dropped off at the airport. I knew I had to go to the domestic terminal but he dropped me off at the international one(no tip for him) so I made my way back to terminal one. Here is the best story.....I got in the "domestic check-in" line and this guy comes up to me and asks me where I'm going and I said Athens he was like you have to go over two partitions and check in there...so I went over there and waited in line at the "domestic check-in" counter..this time the lady said I was in the wrong place. I was like I have been waiting here and some guy told me that I have to come here to check in...she was like nooo this isn't the place, you have to go over there(she pointed across the way to the next Alitalia check in counter.) So I went over there and got this guy....He checked me in but my luggage was overweight by 10klg. He gave me 5kg's for free....how nice. So he told me that my boarding pass has been printed but I need to go to the desk two rows back and pay, then come back and bring him my luggage then he would give me my boarding pass and take my luggage. Soooo I go over 2 rows, the lady says nooo this isn't the place to pay for that so you have to go back that way(pointed to where I just was) I finally found this really nice lady to help me, and I had to pay 60E for my bag. Yikes!!!! After that was all figured out I went to the gate and waited for the plane then landed here about 12:15pm. I was proud of myself because I took public transportation all the way here. I followed the signs that said trains and went. So I was the next one in line at the metro ticket counter and this guy comes running up and goes to the next ticket agent and get a ticket. I was like "I wasn't in line or anything." So he got his ticket then I got mine and went to wait. I had no idea what time the next train left. So I was waiting there for the train that that guy that cut in front of me comes up and apologizes because he was in a hurry. Then he tells me that he just missed the train (i see it driving away) In my head I was like HA HA that sucks for you, but I didn't say anything. Well like 5 min later another metro train comes up and we wait a bit then leave. I got the the Syndagmatos metro station then had no clue where to go. I just followed everyone else up the esclators...Then to this one street then got out my handy map of the city and the hotel is listed on the map, so it only took me 10 min to walk here, not bad. So to get from the airport to this hotel only costs me 4E. There is a dry cleaning place next door so I just took some of my things there to get cleanded, cause I haven't done any wash, and I need some clean clothes for the next week. I'm going to wait for a few of my other tour mates who did the Italy trip and are also doing the cruise, and we will probably grab some dinner or something. I also have to plan my day tomorrow. Ok well that was my day today.....exciting huh?
Until tomorrow....
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Back In Rome
Well yesterday was a huge driving day. We went from Venice to San Marino then to Rome which took about 8 hours, but the scenary was beautiful.
So the other day when I was writing while in Venice and I was on my way to the gondola ride, I totally got lost and didnt make it back by 4:45 and they had already left. I was sooo bummed out. I ended up just sitting in San Marco square waiting for them to come back. The others said that it wasnt much fun and it only lasted like 10 min...maybe they were just saying that to make me feel better I dont know. Then we went to dinner at some cute little restaurant and ate the typical antipasto, then the second course was lasagna AND pesto fettuchini. The third was kind of like a beef strogonoff and green beans and potatoes. Dessert was terimisu(i know I spelled that wrong) After dinner we hopped back on the boat, where they dropped us off that the train station, then it was back to the hotel.
The next morning we got our wake up call at 5:45, and left at 7. We hopped on the bus with Pino(our driver) and started out long trek back to Rome. We stopped off in San Marino for a little break. San Marino is its own country, and the 3rd smallest in the world. I also paid 2.50E and got my passport stamped, which is pretty cool. Then we got back on the bus and was stuck in some traffic but finally made it to rome. We took a night walking tour and went to the Pathenon, Trevi fountain, and a few other Piazzas. Then we took a bus tour around the city for a little bit. We finally arrived at our hotel at 11pm. This morning was an optional tour of the coloseum, but I already did that the first day I got here so I decided to sleep in this morning. It was very nice I must say. Well now Im off to do some shopping but I have no clue where I am. I hopped on a bus that was near the hotel and got off when everyone else did and started walking the same direction as everyone else. I have a metro pass so I need to find where that is...hmmm Im also hungy cause I didnt have breakfast...A Cappuchino sounds soooo good right now.
Tomorrow morning I fly out of Rome and go to Athens for my week long cruise. I have a few days in Athens before the cruise leaves though.
Ok off to find the shopping area...
So the other day when I was writing while in Venice and I was on my way to the gondola ride, I totally got lost and didnt make it back by 4:45 and they had already left. I was sooo bummed out. I ended up just sitting in San Marco square waiting for them to come back. The others said that it wasnt much fun and it only lasted like 10 min...maybe they were just saying that to make me feel better I dont know. Then we went to dinner at some cute little restaurant and ate the typical antipasto, then the second course was lasagna AND pesto fettuchini. The third was kind of like a beef strogonoff and green beans and potatoes. Dessert was terimisu(i know I spelled that wrong) After dinner we hopped back on the boat, where they dropped us off that the train station, then it was back to the hotel.
The next morning we got our wake up call at 5:45, and left at 7. We hopped on the bus with Pino(our driver) and started out long trek back to Rome. We stopped off in San Marino for a little break. San Marino is its own country, and the 3rd smallest in the world. I also paid 2.50E and got my passport stamped, which is pretty cool. Then we got back on the bus and was stuck in some traffic but finally made it to rome. We took a night walking tour and went to the Pathenon, Trevi fountain, and a few other Piazzas. Then we took a bus tour around the city for a little bit. We finally arrived at our hotel at 11pm. This morning was an optional tour of the coloseum, but I already did that the first day I got here so I decided to sleep in this morning. It was very nice I must say. Well now Im off to do some shopping but I have no clue where I am. I hopped on a bus that was near the hotel and got off when everyone else did and started walking the same direction as everyone else. I have a metro pass so I need to find where that is...hmmm Im also hungy cause I didnt have breakfast...A Cappuchino sounds soooo good right now.
Tomorrow morning I fly out of Rome and go to Athens for my week long cruise. I have a few days in Athens before the cruise leaves though.
Ok off to find the shopping area...
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Ciao from Venice
Hi All!!
I have to make this super quick because I have a gondola ride to catch and its 4:20 and the ride is at 4:45 and I have no idea where I am!!!! I love it though....
We are spending the day in Venice today. This morning we took the train into the city and met at St. Marks Plaza from there we went to a glass blowing and lace making thing. It was pretty cool, but all the glass was super expensive and too fancy for me. From there it was free time and I decided to take the advice or a family friend Kathy and head to Burrano. So I caught the ferry and went out there. It was soooo beautiful. The color of the houses are amazing. I dont think there is one white house there. They are all yellow, red, blue, green, purple and others. I just got back but I got off the ferry on the opposite side of St. Marks square so I was heading back to where I have to meet for the gondola ride and I stumbled upon this internet cafe. Anyhow I have to go find my way to St. Marks....Hopefully it isnt too far..Oh well. Oh by the way there are a million piggons here...and people pay 1£ for bird feed and the birds actaully fly and land all over your head and shoulders. It makes me sick. Ok I wish I could write more, but I have to go....Talk to you all soon.
Gina
P.S. These italian keyboards dont have appostrophies. Im not doing that on purpose....Haha..
I have to make this super quick because I have a gondola ride to catch and its 4:20 and the ride is at 4:45 and I have no idea where I am!!!! I love it though....
We are spending the day in Venice today. This morning we took the train into the city and met at St. Marks Plaza from there we went to a glass blowing and lace making thing. It was pretty cool, but all the glass was super expensive and too fancy for me. From there it was free time and I decided to take the advice or a family friend Kathy and head to Burrano. So I caught the ferry and went out there. It was soooo beautiful. The color of the houses are amazing. I dont think there is one white house there. They are all yellow, red, blue, green, purple and others. I just got back but I got off the ferry on the opposite side of St. Marks square so I was heading back to where I have to meet for the gondola ride and I stumbled upon this internet cafe. Anyhow I have to go find my way to St. Marks....Hopefully it isnt too far..Oh well. Oh by the way there are a million piggons here...and people pay 1£ for bird feed and the birds actaully fly and land all over your head and shoulders. It makes me sick. Ok I wish I could write more, but I have to go....Talk to you all soon.
Gina
P.S. These italian keyboards dont have appostrophies. Im not doing that on purpose....Haha..
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Milano
Hey!!!
First off.....This hotel(Holiday Inn) rocks, they have internet!! We had quite an eventful morning. As we were leaving our hotel in La Spezia a hotel worker was directing our bus driver(Pino)back out of the parking area and the bus driver hit a pole and shattered the front window. This window is huge and probably very expensive to replace. So we drove back in and waited until they taped the window with a little bit of everything...duct tape, masking tape, and some white wallpaper type material. Anyhow, after that whole ordeal it was off to Milano.
We got here in the afternon, and had to meet up to leave at 6pm. If you want to shop for the good stuff come here....Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Armani, Dolce & Gabana, Louis Viutton...they have it all, and thats about it here as well. We just got back from dinner, and it was the worst one yet. First course was pretty good noodles with red sauce then came the main dish....pork, french fries, and a side salad. No one ate the pork....it was so dry and bland...good thing I had a big lunch. Well its off to Venice tomorrow via Lake Grata on another cruise....There has been a few so far.
I do have to say the weather has been PERFECT!!!! It hasnt rained except one night in Rome. Every place we have visited has been absolutely magnificent. The weather report does say that rain is expected in Venice. Well see.
I hear our bus drive Pino....he does a little magic on the side so I think he may show us a few tricks. So off to hang with the group I go.
Ciao!
First off.....This hotel(Holiday Inn) rocks, they have internet!! We had quite an eventful morning. As we were leaving our hotel in La Spezia a hotel worker was directing our bus driver(Pino)back out of the parking area and the bus driver hit a pole and shattered the front window. This window is huge and probably very expensive to replace. So we drove back in and waited until they taped the window with a little bit of everything...duct tape, masking tape, and some white wallpaper type material. Anyhow, after that whole ordeal it was off to Milano.
We got here in the afternon, and had to meet up to leave at 6pm. If you want to shop for the good stuff come here....Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Armani, Dolce & Gabana, Louis Viutton...they have it all, and thats about it here as well. We just got back from dinner, and it was the worst one yet. First course was pretty good noodles with red sauce then came the main dish....pork, french fries, and a side salad. No one ate the pork....it was so dry and bland...good thing I had a big lunch. Well its off to Venice tomorrow via Lake Grata on another cruise....There has been a few so far.
I do have to say the weather has been PERFECT!!!! It hasnt rained except one night in Rome. Every place we have visited has been absolutely magnificent. The weather report does say that rain is expected in Venice. Well see.
I hear our bus drive Pino....he does a little magic on the side so I think he may show us a few tricks. So off to hang with the group I go.
Ciao!
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Ciao from Monte Rosso
Hi all!!
We have some free time so I decided to come in and update everyone. Yesterday we spend the evening in Florence. I went to the Uffizi museum, and the art work is amazing. After we all got dolled up and ready we went up to this cute little restaurant looking into this valley up in the Tuscan Hills. We had the anit-pasto, then pasta, then meat, then some espresso and sweet after dinner drink, plus free flowing wine. Everyone had a great time. After that we went to Space Electronica Disco until the wee hours of the morning. We had to be up at 6am, and headed off to Pisa. We saw the leaning tower then kept going to a little port town to catch a boat to Monte Rosso. The water is amazingly clear and I'm about to head out and meet the others for a little fun in the sun. This evening we stay in La Spezia. Hopefully it will be a relaxing evening.
The gelato is fabulous, but you have to be careful because they can sure charge an arm and a leg for one scoop.
Alright, well it's off to the beach I go
Arriverdecci,
Gina
We have some free time so I decided to come in and update everyone. Yesterday we spend the evening in Florence. I went to the Uffizi museum, and the art work is amazing. After we all got dolled up and ready we went up to this cute little restaurant looking into this valley up in the Tuscan Hills. We had the anit-pasto, then pasta, then meat, then some espresso and sweet after dinner drink, plus free flowing wine. Everyone had a great time. After that we went to Space Electronica Disco until the wee hours of the morning. We had to be up at 6am, and headed off to Pisa. We saw the leaning tower then kept going to a little port town to catch a boat to Monte Rosso. The water is amazingly clear and I'm about to head out and meet the others for a little fun in the sun. This evening we stay in La Spezia. Hopefully it will be a relaxing evening.
The gelato is fabulous, but you have to be careful because they can sure charge an arm and a leg for one scoop.
Alright, well it's off to the beach I go
Arriverdecci,
Gina
Friday, May 11, 2007
Hello from Florence
So yesterday and today we are in beautiful Florence. This morning we visited a leather factory where I bought a new purse it's sooo nice. Then we took a walking tour of the city, and we saw the Duomo and the Pointe Vecchio, and a ton of other stuff. I'm meeting up with a couple of the other girls and we are going to check out the Uffizi Gallery which should be cool. The weather has been so perfect. We sleep with the windows open, and the evenings are fantastic. I'm waiting for a storm to hit or something. Venice is next on our stop but on the way we visit Pisa, and spend a night in La Spezia(It's up north) So far I have taken about 600 or so phots. I just keep clicking away. I'm always the last one in the group because I stop and take pictures of like everything. The food is pretty good. Tonight we have an optional dinner up in the mountains(Tuscany) then we are going to some Space Electronica Dance Club or something. I have met some great people and a couple not so great ones, but thats ok. Alright well off to get some pizza and gelato before I meet the others at the museum.'
Talk to you all soon,
Ciao!!
Talk to you all soon,
Ciao!!
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Buona Sera
Hi everyone!!!! Oh my gosh I have been having so much fun. I have to make this quick because I only have 15 minutes left at this cute little interet cafe on the Island of Capri.
Where do I begin. The flight went well, but there was no in-flight entertainment which sucked. Other than that the planes were fine. I got to my hotel(in the middle of no where) on Sunday afternoon. I went into Rome later that night to meet up with some of the girls on the tour, but I couldnt find them between the other thousand people on the spanish steps or the old italian men trying to sell you roses and toy planes...weird I know. Then on Monday I met up with a few of the other girls and we spend the day in Rome. We took the bus to the train stataion, then the Metro. I had the best cappuchino ever and it only cost .75Euro, which isnt bad. Then we went to the Coloseum which was awesome. We ate lunch at this really cute sidewalk Cafè. We left Rome around 4pm to be back to meet the other tour mates for a 6:30 meeting. Good thing we left when it did because it started storming...like thunder and lighting and pouring rain. We left on the tour bust Tuesday morning.
We went to Pompeii yesterday and saw ruins and stuff, then ate lunch at an overpriced tourist trap, but oh well. We left pompeii then headed for Sorrento which took about an hour. The roads are so narrow and people drive CRAZY here. We had dinner last night right on the coast, with all the doors open, it was a beautiful night. We has antipasta, prosciutto, gnocchi, meat, potaoes, and dessert, and never ending wine. We had a good time. This morning we hopped on a ferry and headed to beautiful Capri island. Then we took this boat tour around the entire island, which Im still feeling the effects of, due to the rocking of the boat and stuff.
The weather is beautiful, and im having an awesome time. I have met some really cool people who are mostly all from Canada and Austraila. I think im picking up the accents, its funny. Well I better go, only 4 min left at this cafè.
Tomorrow we head up to Florence for 2 nights. That should be fun, but here its been go go go. Ok, back to shopping....Talk to you all soon.
Arriverderci,
Gina
Where do I begin. The flight went well, but there was no in-flight entertainment which sucked. Other than that the planes were fine. I got to my hotel(in the middle of no where) on Sunday afternoon. I went into Rome later that night to meet up with some of the girls on the tour, but I couldnt find them between the other thousand people on the spanish steps or the old italian men trying to sell you roses and toy planes...weird I know. Then on Monday I met up with a few of the other girls and we spend the day in Rome. We took the bus to the train stataion, then the Metro. I had the best cappuchino ever and it only cost .75Euro, which isnt bad. Then we went to the Coloseum which was awesome. We ate lunch at this really cute sidewalk Cafè. We left Rome around 4pm to be back to meet the other tour mates for a 6:30 meeting. Good thing we left when it did because it started storming...like thunder and lighting and pouring rain. We left on the tour bust Tuesday morning.
We went to Pompeii yesterday and saw ruins and stuff, then ate lunch at an overpriced tourist trap, but oh well. We left pompeii then headed for Sorrento which took about an hour. The roads are so narrow and people drive CRAZY here. We had dinner last night right on the coast, with all the doors open, it was a beautiful night. We has antipasta, prosciutto, gnocchi, meat, potaoes, and dessert, and never ending wine. We had a good time. This morning we hopped on a ferry and headed to beautiful Capri island. Then we took this boat tour around the entire island, which Im still feeling the effects of, due to the rocking of the boat and stuff.
The weather is beautiful, and im having an awesome time. I have met some really cool people who are mostly all from Canada and Austraila. I think im picking up the accents, its funny. Well I better go, only 4 min left at this cafè.
Tomorrow we head up to Florence for 2 nights. That should be fun, but here its been go go go. Ok, back to shopping....Talk to you all soon.
Arriverderci,
Gina
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Today Is The Day
Well I'm going to be leaving for the airport in a couple of hours to catch my Lufthansa flight to Frankfurt. My suitcase is right at the limit of 50lbs. I have my ipod stocked with music, and a few People magazines I have collected the past few weeks. I have my crosswords, and sudoku books to work on. Hopefully they have a good movie selection. The flight is 10 hours....not too bad right?
Ciao
Ciao
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Rain, Rain, Rain
2 DAYS LEFT!!!
I'm starting to worry a bit because I looked up the weather report for Rome for the next 10 days and it's says nothing but rain, showers, and thunderstorms. I also looked up Sorrento, and Florence and it says the same thing. Looks like I need to get a better umbrella, or I will be getting quite wet. I really hope we have some sunny days!!!!
Well off to the travel store I go.....
I'm starting to worry a bit because I looked up the weather report for Rome for the next 10 days and it's says nothing but rain, showers, and thunderstorms. I also looked up Sorrento, and Florence and it says the same thing. Looks like I need to get a better umbrella, or I will be getting quite wet. I really hope we have some sunny days!!!!
Well off to the travel store I go.....
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