Thursday was a long day of carrying all of my luggage to my classes throughout Rome. In my film class we filmed a scene from Bicycle Thieves inside a church right near my program at IES. After that I had my Italian class where we learned how to make Carbonara, Tiramasu, and Pesto Sauce. I opted to make the Carbonara since it is one of my favorite things to order in restaurants here. Ours wasn't as good as all of the restaurants I've had but it'll suffice. After class me and my friends who were going to Munich as well ran to the bus to get a bus to the termini station. Apparently it was rush hour because the bus was packed, smelt bad, and had some grumpy Italians on it. Finally we arrived just in time for our fast train to Florence.
Once we arrived in Florence we got on a bus that would eventually bring us to Munich, after a 8-9 hour ride! We were in Munich around 5:30 am and went into the hostel to take a pretty quick nap. We then meet up with our euroadventures tour guide who brought us to the Munich Glockenspiel in the city center to see it go off at 12 pm. Although it was a 13 minute show of bells and plastic people going around in circles ... it was pretty boring, but I saw it so I can check that off my list! After that we all got our bikes for our city bike tour! Our guide gave us some history on Munich and on the Glockenspiel again. It is so weird to hear about the history of a city like Munich because everything seems so recent, where in Rome everything is 300 BC. We rode around on California beach cruiser bikes which have broader handle bars ... which were hard to figure out in the beginning of our tour. We went to the Hofbräuhaus, to the Eisbach river surfers (which was awesome, it seems like a practice course for amazing surfers, they don't go anywhere really but they ride the wave back and forth until they mess up - didn't expect that in Germany!), from the city palace of the Wittelsbach dukes and kings, to the nudist meadow in the center of the English Garden (it twas pretty cold when we went so we didn't see too many of the crazies in the garden). We also rode through Munich’s old town and into the English Garden – including a one hour beer stop in the second largest beer garden in the world - the Chinese Tower. At the Chinese Tower there was a polka band playing in the tower and we had some great German food!
After the bike tour we ran back to the hostel to change and then went out with some other tour guides to the Beerfest. The Spring Beerfest is preferred by the natives because the lines aren't as long and it is just as fun. We walked into a huge carnival with rides and games everywhere. They brought us into this huge blue and white tent that had a band playing in the front. The place was filllledd and everyone had their 1 liter stein of beer. We saw people in the front area near the stage dancing on their benches so of course we went over to sit with them! It was such a fun time! We sat with native Germans who were really nice to us and some of them looked like they were in the lollypop guild! The band played German songs and drinking chants and later in the night they transitioned into Lady Gaga and Cotton Eye Joe! (We were pleasantly surprised with that one!)
The next morning we woke up early to go to the Dachau concentration camp which was the first Nazi concentration camp opened in Germany. There they had some of the remaining buildings still up. It was an eerie place to visit, especially since it wasn't too long ago until the liberation happened. They had a video for us and then we were able to walk around the camp. We saw the "beds" they had for everyone and the areas that they called "showers" when in reality it was where the Crematoria was there.
We later went back into the city center Marienplatz in Munich and I had weiner schniztel! After that we went back to the hostel to change to go back to Beerfest. We went on some of the rides and tried the different candies available before going back into the big blue tent. The next morning we woke up even earlier to pack up and leave Munich. On the way back home we went to the Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. The palace was the inspiration for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle. It was beautiful and was on top of the mountain so we had great views of the city once we climbed to the top!
After that we had a 12 hour bus ride back to Rome! We arrived around 4 am and took a bus back to my apartment so I could sleep a few hours before going back to classes at IES at 9:30 am. I think after uploading a few pictures I'll need a nap and then we have some homework and papers due in the next week or two! Should be fun.
Finally finished adding all of my pictures! Here is Munich! http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2041439&id=1376760021&l=42fd6e8ace
Ciao!
Krista
Monday, April 26, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Eyjafjallajokull (ay-yah-FYAH-lah-yer-kuhl) = Stranded in Barcelona
Thursday afternoon me and 2 of my roommates left for Barcelona from Rome. We found out later that half of our program in Rome wasn't able to fly out due to the Eyjafjallajokull eruption in Iceland. The volcano is still going now and the ash closed down most European flights. Somehow we made it to Barcelona tho. We got there late and found our hostel via the amazing metro system they have there. It is so simple and easy to figure out, unlike all of Rome's public transportation.
Friday we woke up relatively early and went out into the city. We first went to Park Guel which was so bizarre but very cool. We climbed up to see a gorgeous view of the city and then on the way down we walked through the mosaic filled park. Some of the buildings look like they came from Candyland, everything looked so fake and like it should be a cartoon. We then went to lunch at La Rita which was awesome. They had the best sangria we had in Barcelona (loved the apples). After we took the metro to Sagrada Familia made by Gaudi (but it's still being constructed now). It was massive and unlike anything I've seen before. It almost looked like a wet sand drizzle castle that you make on the beach. There were fruit on the tops of the church and modern interpretations of the bible imprinted all over it, overall it was an awesome church to see. After that we walked around and saw the Casa Mila also made by Gaudi and it was super modern and bizarre as well. Barcelona looks like a fake city. Our next destination was to The Magic Fountain of Montjuic in the center of the city. There we met up with my friend from home Brigitte (who is studying abroad in Barcelona). The fountain has scheduled times it goes off and the water goes along with the music (which usually ends up being big American hits which is ironic). It looked like a mix of the fountain show in Vegas and Fantasia water show in Disney. After that we went to dinner at Rosa Negra which is some great Mexican'ish food (which we can not find in Rome). Later in the night we went to the Opium club which was right on the beach.
The next day we walked along Las Ramblas and spend the day on the boardwalk and the beach. On Las Ramblas we got different kinds of paella, yum. We later met up with two of my sorority sisters from PSU, Hillary and Megan. We all went to dinner together where we got tapas! After that we got lost a few times and finally met up with Brigitte at Ovella Negra (almost every place has Negra in it's name, not sure why). Ovella Negra is a huge beer hall that basically looks like a cafeteria with a little bar in the middle, very cool. People in Barcelona get a drink called Calimocho which is red wine and coca-cola so we tried that out, and didn't hate it. Later we went to the huge club called Razzmatazz. The DJ that night was playing all specialty music (which is the genre of music I worked with during my summer internship). I love that kind of music but it was bizarre to dance to, especially when they added random house beats in the background.
The next day was Sunday, the day we thought we were coming back to Rome. Unfortunately the damn volcano stopped us from leaving and cancelled all the flights to Rome. After extreme stress, phone calls, and hours on the computer, Monday I was able to book a flight for myself back to Rome later that night. After that my flight was delayed and then when we landed we couldn't get off the plane for an hour due to "traffic" at the airport. Then I took a train to Termini station in Rome and a bus back to my apartment, Finally!!
My friend Benzi from PSU (who is studying abroad in France) was here before I got back from Barcelona so we took him out that night. Tuesday we woke up and I basically showed him all of Rome in under five hours! We had a big Italian lunch, went to the Colosseum (got in for free because it is culture week), the Roman Forum (which I have learned about and seen from a distance but never went in before), The Trevi Fountain, had some gelato, Spanish Steps, had some suppli, the Wedding Cake, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo Dei Furi, and Castel San Angelo (we were busy!). Later I came back to my apartment to finish my paper for my mafia class, and for taco tuesday!
Today I had classes back at IES and finally had time to unpack my stuff from Barcelona ... and then repack my bags for Munich. I have to take my luggage around with me tomorrow all day through my field study class and then at the taping of my film class because we have to leave from IES to Termini to get on our bus to Munich (12 hour ride, should be interesting). I'll upload pictures from Ireland/Scotland/Barcelona sometime next week. (I never seem to have free time here!)
Hopefully the volcano won't affect our trip to Munich, or my trip to Paris next weekend. Keep your fingers crossed so no more natural disasters happen while I'm traveling! Thanks!
Here are my pics from Barcelona! http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2041436&id=1376760021&l=320544b897
Ciao!
-Krista
Friday we woke up relatively early and went out into the city. We first went to Park Guel which was so bizarre but very cool. We climbed up to see a gorgeous view of the city and then on the way down we walked through the mosaic filled park. Some of the buildings look like they came from Candyland, everything looked so fake and like it should be a cartoon. We then went to lunch at La Rita which was awesome. They had the best sangria we had in Barcelona (loved the apples). After we took the metro to Sagrada Familia made by Gaudi (but it's still being constructed now). It was massive and unlike anything I've seen before. It almost looked like a wet sand drizzle castle that you make on the beach. There were fruit on the tops of the church and modern interpretations of the bible imprinted all over it, overall it was an awesome church to see. After that we walked around and saw the Casa Mila also made by Gaudi and it was super modern and bizarre as well. Barcelona looks like a fake city. Our next destination was to The Magic Fountain of Montjuic in the center of the city. There we met up with my friend from home Brigitte (who is studying abroad in Barcelona). The fountain has scheduled times it goes off and the water goes along with the music (which usually ends up being big American hits which is ironic). It looked like a mix of the fountain show in Vegas and Fantasia water show in Disney. After that we went to dinner at Rosa Negra which is some great Mexican'ish food (which we can not find in Rome). Later in the night we went to the Opium club which was right on the beach.
The next day we walked along Las Ramblas and spend the day on the boardwalk and the beach. On Las Ramblas we got different kinds of paella, yum. We later met up with two of my sorority sisters from PSU, Hillary and Megan. We all went to dinner together where we got tapas! After that we got lost a few times and finally met up with Brigitte at Ovella Negra (almost every place has Negra in it's name, not sure why). Ovella Negra is a huge beer hall that basically looks like a cafeteria with a little bar in the middle, very cool. People in Barcelona get a drink called Calimocho which is red wine and coca-cola so we tried that out, and didn't hate it. Later we went to the huge club called Razzmatazz. The DJ that night was playing all specialty music (which is the genre of music I worked with during my summer internship). I love that kind of music but it was bizarre to dance to, especially when they added random house beats in the background.
The next day was Sunday, the day we thought we were coming back to Rome. Unfortunately the damn volcano stopped us from leaving and cancelled all the flights to Rome. After extreme stress, phone calls, and hours on the computer, Monday I was able to book a flight for myself back to Rome later that night. After that my flight was delayed and then when we landed we couldn't get off the plane for an hour due to "traffic" at the airport. Then I took a train to Termini station in Rome and a bus back to my apartment, Finally!!
My friend Benzi from PSU (who is studying abroad in France) was here before I got back from Barcelona so we took him out that night. Tuesday we woke up and I basically showed him all of Rome in under five hours! We had a big Italian lunch, went to the Colosseum (got in for free because it is culture week), the Roman Forum (which I have learned about and seen from a distance but never went in before), The Trevi Fountain, had some gelato, Spanish Steps, had some suppli, the Wedding Cake, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo Dei Furi, and Castel San Angelo (we were busy!). Later I came back to my apartment to finish my paper for my mafia class, and for taco tuesday!
Today I had classes back at IES and finally had time to unpack my stuff from Barcelona ... and then repack my bags for Munich. I have to take my luggage around with me tomorrow all day through my field study class and then at the taping of my film class because we have to leave from IES to Termini to get on our bus to Munich (12 hour ride, should be interesting). I'll upload pictures from Ireland/Scotland/Barcelona sometime next week. (I never seem to have free time here!)
Hopefully the volcano won't affect our trip to Munich, or my trip to Paris next weekend. Keep your fingers crossed so no more natural disasters happen while I'm traveling! Thanks!
Here are my pics from Barcelona! http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2041436&id=1376760021&l=320544b897
Ciao!
-Krista
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Loving the good Irish Craic.
Thursday night we took a flight from Rome to Glasgow, Scotland. Once we arrived we soon found that there were no seats available to sleep in. So from 1am to 7am we all slept on the tile floor under the vents that projected ice cold air. Why do you ask? Perhaps because we let boys plan this trip therefore they didn't think of showers/sleeping arrangements/place to leave bags during the day. Just being honest.
After a sleepless night and me having a "tiff" (Pavics will enjoy me using that word) or two with the people who planned this part of the trip, we took a train to the main city of Glasgow and had breakfast there. Glasgow is really pretty and reminds me of Harry Potter, especially the train station! We then took a train to Edinburgh which only took about 40 minutes. Once we were there we walked around the city and went to the Edinburgh Castle. Then we went to a pub for some grub and I got broccoli soup and beef ale pie (so good). We then walked around some more on the Royal Mile and saw a red telephone booth where we tried to fit as many people as we could. Since we only had 6 people we fit 5 and had Josh take the picture for us!
We then went to the Scotch and Whiskey experience where we met some old guys from Switzerland that came for the day just because they love whiskey so much. I soon found out that I don't share the same love of whiskey that they do. There they had a little ride that brought you around and taught us how to make whiskey, and then we went into a room and smelled the 4 main types of whiskey: 1 that smelt like coconut/vanilla ish - another that smelt like flowers and perfume - one that smelt like fruit - and then there was the scary one that smelt like a fireplace. I chose the fruity one. We then tried our whiskey and I decided I was not a fan. After that trip we decided to go climb King Arthur's Seat which is a ginormous mountain that overlooks the city of Edinburgh, Scotland. We got to the top, and took some great pictures and then made it down so we could get to the airport in time to arrive to Dublin.
While waiting on the plane on the runway to go to Dublin our plane's electricity went off and then came back on about a minute later and the pilot began speaking over the loudspeaker but he came in sounding really scary and kind of like an alien which freaked everyone out on the flight. About 15 minutes later the loudspeaker sounded a tad bit normal and they said we were using backup electricity and we took off. We were all pretty scared about that flight (hoping everything wouldn't turn off half way through the flight) but we were so tired from barely sleeping the night before that we passed out anyway.
Once we arrived in Dublin Mick was waiting at the gate for us and brought us to our own personal van driven by his friend John (we totally had the hook up). The van took us to our hostel and we all dropped our bags/cleaned up/ and then met a few friends from IES Rome at a pub called The Porter House which makes some of their own beer (they had strawberry beer! crazy and actually good!). It had about 4 floors and live music in the middle that everyone could see/hear.
The next morning we met up with Liz who brought us to her school Trinity in Dublin. She told us great stories about her "common" dinners that sound like something out of Harry Potter (yet again, I'm sensing a theme here) where she has to finish her meals as soon as the Fellows finish that part of their meal, the Scholars have to stop theirs as well and they get taken away immediately. She also told us about the window where a person can legally shoot a Catholic from (Queen Elizabeth started up this joint and was anti-Catholic for a while). After walking around her campus and running into a few of her friends, she took us to a place to eat lunch that was 3 stories above a "7-11ish store" that we would never be able to find ourselves. We had soup and sandwiches which were great and then we said our goodbyes to Liz.
Our large group of 9 then went to a free 3 hour tour hosted by Sandeman. (This company has people a few years older than me giving free tours around main cities in English. They make it relevant for us and funny so we stay interested. Our tour guide took us to Dublin Castle, City Hall, the Medieval Walls, Viking Remains, Christ Church Cathedral, Adam and Eve Church, Temple Bar area, and Trinity College. Once our tour was over we sprinted over to the Guinness Factory before it closed. We toured around there and enjoyed our pint up on top of the Galaxy Bar which was all glass and had a great view of Dublin, especially at sunset (which was when we were there). After that we all sprinted back to our hostel and changed to meet Mick for dinner.
Mick took us to the O'Neils and treated us to an Irish Dinner. I got potatoes with cabbage and chicken which was awesome! We picked the best seats there because there was a Norwegian singing group that was celebrating their competition by having a private party next to us. Every five or ten minutes they would break out into song and they were so talented - great entertainment during our meal! Mick then took us to The Cobblestone pub which was farther away from the busy city of Dublin. There we saw a real live "session" where people from the community who play instruments come whenever and play together. Mick actually made friends with two of the younger players who played the fiddle and the bagpipes (the one without having to blow air / instead it was under his arm which he pumped ... not sure what it is called). He then told the musicians to come with us to the next place that had a dance floor. Mick took us to "O'Shea's" and had the boys up on the stage in a few minutes. He told them which song to play and got us all up on our feet to dance a set dance! Everyone loved it!
After that we split our ways and then we went to the Temple Bar area before going back to the hostel. The next morning we woke up and Mick met us at the hostel with his friend Claire who drove us to the Boyne Valley. There we saw the Newgrange which was made 5000 years ago ... years before the Egyptian pyramids! This was where bodies were buried or ashes were laid. It also helped the farmers find the winter equinox since that was the only time the sun's rays would meet the right window and fill the area with light. After that trip we went to see some real celtic crosses which were beautiful. We saw many sheep/horses/cows along the way! On our way back to Dublin we stopped for a lunch/dinner near the water and then walked along the beach! (PS. we had AMAZING weather in Dublin! always sunny and warm - very unlike what it usually is!) After the beach we went back to Dublin and me and the girls went shopping for a little bit. Later we went back and changed and Mick met us at the hostel - then he took us to some posh place for our last drink and to say goodbyes. Liz and a friend came as well and we were so grateful and happy to see the both of them again. *Best tour guides / family a person could as for in Ireland!* Later that night we went back to the hostel and took an hour nap before going to the airport to come back to Rome. We were sad to go but we heard it was supposed to rain the next day which made us feel a bit better :).
Monday was all about sleeping in and relaxing. Today I had class and I'm ready for my Taco Tuesday and to go to Scholars and see if they have my new favorite drinks (that i found in Dublin) Bulmers Cider and Kopparberg Cider (Pear/ Mixed Berry / Apple).
Here are my updated pictures from Ireland and Scotland!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2039444&id=1376760021&l=a9d81ce17e
Until then,
Ciao!
-Krista
After a sleepless night and me having a "tiff" (Pavics will enjoy me using that word) or two with the people who planned this part of the trip, we took a train to the main city of Glasgow and had breakfast there. Glasgow is really pretty and reminds me of Harry Potter, especially the train station! We then took a train to Edinburgh which only took about 40 minutes. Once we were there we walked around the city and went to the Edinburgh Castle. Then we went to a pub for some grub and I got broccoli soup and beef ale pie (so good). We then walked around some more on the Royal Mile and saw a red telephone booth where we tried to fit as many people as we could. Since we only had 6 people we fit 5 and had Josh take the picture for us!
We then went to the Scotch and Whiskey experience where we met some old guys from Switzerland that came for the day just because they love whiskey so much. I soon found out that I don't share the same love of whiskey that they do. There they had a little ride that brought you around and taught us how to make whiskey, and then we went into a room and smelled the 4 main types of whiskey: 1 that smelt like coconut/vanilla ish - another that smelt like flowers and perfume - one that smelt like fruit - and then there was the scary one that smelt like a fireplace. I chose the fruity one. We then tried our whiskey and I decided I was not a fan. After that trip we decided to go climb King Arthur's Seat which is a ginormous mountain that overlooks the city of Edinburgh, Scotland. We got to the top, and took some great pictures and then made it down so we could get to the airport in time to arrive to Dublin.
While waiting on the plane on the runway to go to Dublin our plane's electricity went off and then came back on about a minute later and the pilot began speaking over the loudspeaker but he came in sounding really scary and kind of like an alien which freaked everyone out on the flight. About 15 minutes later the loudspeaker sounded a tad bit normal and they said we were using backup electricity and we took off. We were all pretty scared about that flight (hoping everything wouldn't turn off half way through the flight) but we were so tired from barely sleeping the night before that we passed out anyway.
Once we arrived in Dublin Mick was waiting at the gate for us and brought us to our own personal van driven by his friend John (we totally had the hook up). The van took us to our hostel and we all dropped our bags/cleaned up/ and then met a few friends from IES Rome at a pub called The Porter House which makes some of their own beer (they had strawberry beer! crazy and actually good!). It had about 4 floors and live music in the middle that everyone could see/hear.
The next morning we met up with Liz who brought us to her school Trinity in Dublin. She told us great stories about her "common" dinners that sound like something out of Harry Potter (yet again, I'm sensing a theme here) where she has to finish her meals as soon as the Fellows finish that part of their meal, the Scholars have to stop theirs as well and they get taken away immediately. She also told us about the window where a person can legally shoot a Catholic from (Queen Elizabeth started up this joint and was anti-Catholic for a while). After walking around her campus and running into a few of her friends, she took us to a place to eat lunch that was 3 stories above a "7-11ish store" that we would never be able to find ourselves. We had soup and sandwiches which were great and then we said our goodbyes to Liz.
Our large group of 9 then went to a free 3 hour tour hosted by Sandeman. (This company has people a few years older than me giving free tours around main cities in English. They make it relevant for us and funny so we stay interested. Our tour guide took us to Dublin Castle, City Hall, the Medieval Walls, Viking Remains, Christ Church Cathedral, Adam and Eve Church, Temple Bar area, and Trinity College. Once our tour was over we sprinted over to the Guinness Factory before it closed. We toured around there and enjoyed our pint up on top of the Galaxy Bar which was all glass and had a great view of Dublin, especially at sunset (which was when we were there). After that we all sprinted back to our hostel and changed to meet Mick for dinner.
Mick took us to the O'Neils and treated us to an Irish Dinner. I got potatoes with cabbage and chicken which was awesome! We picked the best seats there because there was a Norwegian singing group that was celebrating their competition by having a private party next to us. Every five or ten minutes they would break out into song and they were so talented - great entertainment during our meal! Mick then took us to The Cobblestone pub which was farther away from the busy city of Dublin. There we saw a real live "session" where people from the community who play instruments come whenever and play together. Mick actually made friends with two of the younger players who played the fiddle and the bagpipes (the one without having to blow air / instead it was under his arm which he pumped ... not sure what it is called). He then told the musicians to come with us to the next place that had a dance floor. Mick took us to "O'Shea's" and had the boys up on the stage in a few minutes. He told them which song to play and got us all up on our feet to dance a set dance! Everyone loved it!
After that we split our ways and then we went to the Temple Bar area before going back to the hostel. The next morning we woke up and Mick met us at the hostel with his friend Claire who drove us to the Boyne Valley. There we saw the Newgrange which was made 5000 years ago ... years before the Egyptian pyramids! This was where bodies were buried or ashes were laid. It also helped the farmers find the winter equinox since that was the only time the sun's rays would meet the right window and fill the area with light. After that trip we went to see some real celtic crosses which were beautiful. We saw many sheep/horses/cows along the way! On our way back to Dublin we stopped for a lunch/dinner near the water and then walked along the beach! (PS. we had AMAZING weather in Dublin! always sunny and warm - very unlike what it usually is!) After the beach we went back to Dublin and me and the girls went shopping for a little bit. Later we went back and changed and Mick met us at the hostel - then he took us to some posh place for our last drink and to say goodbyes. Liz and a friend came as well and we were so grateful and happy to see the both of them again. *Best tour guides / family a person could as for in Ireland!* Later that night we went back to the hostel and took an hour nap before going to the airport to come back to Rome. We were sad to go but we heard it was supposed to rain the next day which made us feel a bit better :).
Monday was all about sleeping in and relaxing. Today I had class and I'm ready for my Taco Tuesday and to go to Scholars and see if they have my new favorite drinks (that i found in Dublin) Bulmers Cider and Kopparberg Cider (Pear/ Mixed Berry / Apple).
Here are my updated pictures from Ireland and Scotland!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2039444&id=1376760021&l=a9d81ce17e
Until then,
Ciao!
-Krista
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Spring Break: Greece & My Parents Still Say Trastevere Wrong
Friday morning I flew into Athens, Greece from Rome. Once we arrived we took a train into the main part of the city where our hostel was and dropped off our stuff. We then went to dinner at "God's Restaurant" right near our hostel and I got Yhani a french fry'ish appetizer with cheese and marinara sauce and then Kebab for my main meal, it was pretty good! After dinner we walked around near our apartment and up near the Acropolis as far as we could since it was closed for the evening. As the sun set we found old theaters and climbed up this high cliff (although most of us were wearing sandals which didn't work out too well). At the top of the cliff we had the most AMAZING views of Athens. The Acropolis and Parthenon were lit up in the dark and it was just amazing.
We then went back to our hostel for a nap and the ones who survived the traveling went out to see what the night life in Athens is like. We took a short train into the city to check out the different bars and clubs. The people in Athens dress so bizarre. Girls tease their hair crazy big, even messier than the 80's and wear insane outfits. We then got a kebab at a stand before going back to the hostel. The next morning we woke up superrr early and went straight to the Acropolis where our friend, Amanda who has taken a lot of classes on these buildings, gave us a little tour and background information. The views and the buildings are amazing. After walking all around up there we went back down to the museum that had some of the original pieces of these buildings that had to be kept safe. After we went to Hadrian's Arch and Temple of Zeus. We later went down the the market area of Athens and used up all of our "touristy tickets" from all of the top spots in Athens. Our friend Lauren met up with us and then we went out to dinner. Once dinner was over we took a "ferry" over night to Crete. The ferry was basically a cruise ship but instead of sleeping in a cabin we slept on airplane seats - which weren't extremely comfortable.
Finallyyyy the next morning we arrive in Crete and take a taxi to our Villa that will hold 11 of us for the week. It was MUCH bigger and more beautiful than I thought it would be. We had 2 indoor hot tubs / 2 outdoor pools / a gym / 2 kitchens / 2 living rooms / 5 bathrooms / and 6 bedrooms! It was on Olive Farm Villa's land so there was a farm right near us with turkeys / roosters / cows / sheep / goats / and a doberman pincher ... which scared us a bit. After walking downtown near our villa in Crete and walking along the superrr windy beach we went back up to make ribs / cheeseburgers / and hot dogs! We used our fireplace to grill everything and everyone pitched in - it was a lot of fun. The next day we laid out by the pools and walked around the town some more. We then went to one of the only restaurants open that day (because it wasn't their touristy season yet) Jay Jays for dinner. That night they had a guy sing and play guitar to greek songs as long as songs we knew (he was awesome). The next day we went to Chania one of the main cities in Crete and then later had dinner there. The next morning my friend Caitlin and I had to take a flight back to Athens and then fly back into Rome.
Pictures from Greece:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2038737&id=1376760021&l=15916c0aa7
Once I got back to Rome I met up with my parents and went to dinner with them at a restaurant right near my apartment. Then I took them to Campo De Fiori at night. The next morning we woke up super early and went to Villa Borghese for the Borghese Gallery. After that we accidentally ended up at the Spanish Steps, then picked up our tickets to Easter Sunday's Mass at the Vatican. We then took pictures at the Trevi Fountain and then had lunch at the Pantheon. After that I took them to what I think is the most beautiful church in Rome, Gesu. Then I took them to my favorite watering hole - Scholars Irish Pub. After a pint and a few pictures there we went to Piazza Navona. We looked at the market and all of the art there and saw an artist drawing pictures of people and they were amazingg. So pops asked me if I wanted it and I said sure and we got a picture of me! haha I then took them to La Boticcela or what we call it, Penn State Bar because the owner is a big Steelers fan and has PSU stuff all over the place. Then we went out to dinner and I met up with one of my best friends from home (home home, NY) Brigitte and took her and her friends out that night since they were visiting from Barcelona, where she is abroad this semester.
The next morning my parents and I visited S. Maria Cosmedin and the Mouth of Truth. We then went to see where I go to school near Castel San Angelo and I took them to my favorite pizza and gelato places. After we went back and saw S. Maria in Trastevere and I took them up a trail to see a gorgeous view of Rome. There we saw a huge fountain and many huge villas as well as another temple of St. Peter. Later that night we went to the Colosseum to see the Pope for his Good Friday Stations of the Cross.
The next day we took a bus to Naples and a ferry to see Capris for the day. We took a boat around the island and our tourguide Pino showed us all around. It was a gorgeous day and Capris is really pretty. The next day was Easter and we woke up super early to go to St. Peter's square at the Vatican for Easter Mass with the Pope. It was outside and before we sat down it was so nice out side. As soon as we sat down tho it was raining the whole time :/. After being drenched for about 6 hours and after the full mass we left and went back to change! We then went out for lunch with my roommate Nicole and then took our respective naps due to our busy week. Later I met up with my parents and went to dinner and we said our goodbyes.
Pictures from Rome with my Parents:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2038718&id=1376760021&l=7030508a7e
Monday was the first time I could sleep in for a long time! I had great plans for the day but unfortunately everything in Italy was closed so we basically still had no food after being away for a week. Later that day my two friends from PSU, Hilary and Megan from my sorority came to visit from Barcelona so we all went out to dinner and I took them out for the night.
Tuesday started our short week of classes :/ after class I got back and our internet in our building was shut down. I called the people in charge of maintenance and they said to hold my horses and they will fix it in 72 hours. SEVENTY TWO HOURS. Dear lord. That wasn't working for me since I had an internship interview later that day via Skype. Luckily I found unsecured wireless from someone on our street and was able to get online. (PS. Our internet still doesn't work and it's very slow now that I'm stealing someone's). After my interview Nicole and I made tacos for Taco Tuesday :) and I went to Scholars because I could finally do Karaoke again because lent was over. I decided George Michael - Faith was a good idea.
Wednesday I had a long day long day of classes and made Sponge Bob Mac n Cheese that my parents brought from home for me!!! Then I went to the soccer fields to see my roommate, Nicole, play on the IES club team against another IES team. She scored a goal! But their team lost pretty badly (the other team was stacked!). Today is Thursday and I just got back from class / had another internship interview and I'm finishing up packing for my weekend to Scotland and Ireland!! I'm still keeping crazy busy!
Ciao,
Krista
We then went back to our hostel for a nap and the ones who survived the traveling went out to see what the night life in Athens is like. We took a short train into the city to check out the different bars and clubs. The people in Athens dress so bizarre. Girls tease their hair crazy big, even messier than the 80's and wear insane outfits. We then got a kebab at a stand before going back to the hostel. The next morning we woke up superrr early and went straight to the Acropolis where our friend, Amanda who has taken a lot of classes on these buildings, gave us a little tour and background information. The views and the buildings are amazing. After walking all around up there we went back down to the museum that had some of the original pieces of these buildings that had to be kept safe. After we went to Hadrian's Arch and Temple of Zeus. We later went down the the market area of Athens and used up all of our "touristy tickets" from all of the top spots in Athens. Our friend Lauren met up with us and then we went out to dinner. Once dinner was over we took a "ferry" over night to Crete. The ferry was basically a cruise ship but instead of sleeping in a cabin we slept on airplane seats - which weren't extremely comfortable.
Finallyyyy the next morning we arrive in Crete and take a taxi to our Villa that will hold 11 of us for the week. It was MUCH bigger and more beautiful than I thought it would be. We had 2 indoor hot tubs / 2 outdoor pools / a gym / 2 kitchens / 2 living rooms / 5 bathrooms / and 6 bedrooms! It was on Olive Farm Villa's land so there was a farm right near us with turkeys / roosters / cows / sheep / goats / and a doberman pincher ... which scared us a bit. After walking downtown near our villa in Crete and walking along the superrr windy beach we went back up to make ribs / cheeseburgers / and hot dogs! We used our fireplace to grill everything and everyone pitched in - it was a lot of fun. The next day we laid out by the pools and walked around the town some more. We then went to one of the only restaurants open that day (because it wasn't their touristy season yet) Jay Jays for dinner. That night they had a guy sing and play guitar to greek songs as long as songs we knew (he was awesome). The next day we went to Chania one of the main cities in Crete and then later had dinner there. The next morning my friend Caitlin and I had to take a flight back to Athens and then fly back into Rome.
Pictures from Greece:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2038737&id=1376760021&l=15916c0aa7
Once I got back to Rome I met up with my parents and went to dinner with them at a restaurant right near my apartment. Then I took them to Campo De Fiori at night. The next morning we woke up super early and went to Villa Borghese for the Borghese Gallery. After that we accidentally ended up at the Spanish Steps, then picked up our tickets to Easter Sunday's Mass at the Vatican. We then took pictures at the Trevi Fountain and then had lunch at the Pantheon. After that I took them to what I think is the most beautiful church in Rome, Gesu. Then I took them to my favorite watering hole - Scholars Irish Pub. After a pint and a few pictures there we went to Piazza Navona. We looked at the market and all of the art there and saw an artist drawing pictures of people and they were amazingg. So pops asked me if I wanted it and I said sure and we got a picture of me! haha I then took them to La Boticcela or what we call it, Penn State Bar because the owner is a big Steelers fan and has PSU stuff all over the place. Then we went out to dinner and I met up with one of my best friends from home (home home, NY) Brigitte and took her and her friends out that night since they were visiting from Barcelona, where she is abroad this semester.
The next morning my parents and I visited S. Maria Cosmedin and the Mouth of Truth. We then went to see where I go to school near Castel San Angelo and I took them to my favorite pizza and gelato places. After we went back and saw S. Maria in Trastevere and I took them up a trail to see a gorgeous view of Rome. There we saw a huge fountain and many huge villas as well as another temple of St. Peter. Later that night we went to the Colosseum to see the Pope for his Good Friday Stations of the Cross.
The next day we took a bus to Naples and a ferry to see Capris for the day. We took a boat around the island and our tourguide Pino showed us all around. It was a gorgeous day and Capris is really pretty. The next day was Easter and we woke up super early to go to St. Peter's square at the Vatican for Easter Mass with the Pope. It was outside and before we sat down it was so nice out side. As soon as we sat down tho it was raining the whole time :/. After being drenched for about 6 hours and after the full mass we left and went back to change! We then went out for lunch with my roommate Nicole and then took our respective naps due to our busy week. Later I met up with my parents and went to dinner and we said our goodbyes.
Pictures from Rome with my Parents:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2038718&id=1376760021&l=7030508a7e
Monday was the first time I could sleep in for a long time! I had great plans for the day but unfortunately everything in Italy was closed so we basically still had no food after being away for a week. Later that day my two friends from PSU, Hilary and Megan from my sorority came to visit from Barcelona so we all went out to dinner and I took them out for the night.
Tuesday started our short week of classes :/ after class I got back and our internet in our building was shut down. I called the people in charge of maintenance and they said to hold my horses and they will fix it in 72 hours. SEVENTY TWO HOURS. Dear lord. That wasn't working for me since I had an internship interview later that day via Skype. Luckily I found unsecured wireless from someone on our street and was able to get online. (PS. Our internet still doesn't work and it's very slow now that I'm stealing someone's). After my interview Nicole and I made tacos for Taco Tuesday :) and I went to Scholars because I could finally do Karaoke again because lent was over. I decided George Michael - Faith was a good idea.
Wednesday I had a long day long day of classes and made Sponge Bob Mac n Cheese that my parents brought from home for me!!! Then I went to the soccer fields to see my roommate, Nicole, play on the IES club team against another IES team. She scored a goal! But their team lost pretty badly (the other team was stacked!). Today is Thursday and I just got back from class / had another internship interview and I'm finishing up packing for my weekend to Scotland and Ireland!! I'm still keeping crazy busy!
Ciao,
Krista
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