Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Home
So I've been back stateside for a quite a few months now. Ireland never leaves you....it buries itself in your soul and grows daily. Senior year is going well so far, working, interning, living. C'est la vie!!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Home
My adventures in Eire are finally over, and what an experience it was. I think I'll keep writing periodic memories about my time in Galway because it's a huge part of who I am now.
But I must say it is good to be back. It's incredible how so much has changed in my absence, but at the same time nothing changed at all. It's as if the last five months of my life didn't happen. How is it possible that I was living in Ireland, traveling around Europe - and suddenly I find myself back in New England and the Bronx. It is just so bizarre.
My last week in Ireland was lots of fun. My mom and aunt came to Galway and it was one helluva of a week. I showed them around Galway for about three days which was a lot of fun. They got to experience the weather I became so accustomed to - gorgeous sunshine one minute, the next a torrential downpour. We walked up and down Shop and Quay Streets, ducking in and out of the touristy gift stores. We strolled down to the Claddagh so they could get a view of Galway Bay, but the wind was pretty icy so we then checked out some churches. We went to mass at the Cathedral after walking along the Roisin Dubh canal. At night it's a little creepy, but in evening light it's gorgeous - mini waterfalls, vines with purple flowers on a stone wall - absolutely lovely. Then it was dinner time. We walked along the Corrib River and went to McDonagh's for fish and chips. It was pretty good I must say. Then we went to King's Head to catch some music.
The next day we went to the Galway Crystal Factory and Royal Tara China store. We picked up a few goodies. Then we took a drive through Connemara which was breathtakingly beautiful. It's just so green and mountainous. We stumbled upon a horse fair so we checked that our for awhile - those horses were incredible creatures. We saw Kylemore Abby - this gorgeous manor on a lake surrounded by trees and giant rhodendron bushes. We checked out some cute little towns along the way as well. When we returned it was the huge Mayo v. Galway rugby game so Galway was bustling with cars and people. We walked along Salthill so I could show them where we spent most of our sunny days on the beach, looking at the hills of Clare and the Burren. We ate at An Pucan - my FAVORITE Galway restaurant. They loved it - it's just so cute and authentic and has great music every night without fail. We stayed there until closing then hit the hay.
Next day was a drive through the Burren, which I had only seen briefly. It's this large area covered in rocks. There's nothing quite like it. I mean there's tons of vegetation and it goes for miles - but there are so many rocks!! We saw the dolomon (i think) from thousands of years ago. Then we hit the Cliffs of Moher. I had seen them since we last went 7 years ago, but my mom and aunt were shocked at how much it's changed. It's much more of a tourist trap than it was then - you have to pay for it now and it's built up. Nonetheless, it's still an incredible sight to see. That night we ate at Monroe's, another of my favorites. They always have good music too, and since it's a bit off the beaten path it's not so touristy. Unfortunately though I was coming down with an awful cold, so I felt like death most of this weekend.
Then in the morning we were off the Kilarney. We first stopped downtown to take one last stroll through Galway and take some photos. God, I'm going to miss that place. There is no other city in the world that is comparable. It's Bohemian and Irish all at once. Lots of colorful characters, delicious food and memorable music. Salthill is my favorite area, and I'll miss our beach and our view. I have to go back because I didn't get to jump off the tower. Well I have to go back for many reasons - but that's just one excuse. Next time I wouldn't live so damn far away from everything in Dunaras, but I kind of liked being able to say I lived in Rahoon - the 'dodgy' area. So farewell Galway, you were good to me.
But I must say it is good to be back. It's incredible how so much has changed in my absence, but at the same time nothing changed at all. It's as if the last five months of my life didn't happen. How is it possible that I was living in Ireland, traveling around Europe - and suddenly I find myself back in New England and the Bronx. It is just so bizarre.
My last week in Ireland was lots of fun. My mom and aunt came to Galway and it was one helluva of a week. I showed them around Galway for about three days which was a lot of fun. They got to experience the weather I became so accustomed to - gorgeous sunshine one minute, the next a torrential downpour. We walked up and down Shop and Quay Streets, ducking in and out of the touristy gift stores. We strolled down to the Claddagh so they could get a view of Galway Bay, but the wind was pretty icy so we then checked out some churches. We went to mass at the Cathedral after walking along the Roisin Dubh canal. At night it's a little creepy, but in evening light it's gorgeous - mini waterfalls, vines with purple flowers on a stone wall - absolutely lovely. Then it was dinner time. We walked along the Corrib River and went to McDonagh's for fish and chips. It was pretty good I must say. Then we went to King's Head to catch some music.
The next day we went to the Galway Crystal Factory and Royal Tara China store. We picked up a few goodies. Then we took a drive through Connemara which was breathtakingly beautiful. It's just so green and mountainous. We stumbled upon a horse fair so we checked that our for awhile - those horses were incredible creatures. We saw Kylemore Abby - this gorgeous manor on a lake surrounded by trees and giant rhodendron bushes. We checked out some cute little towns along the way as well. When we returned it was the huge Mayo v. Galway rugby game so Galway was bustling with cars and people. We walked along Salthill so I could show them where we spent most of our sunny days on the beach, looking at the hills of Clare and the Burren. We ate at An Pucan - my FAVORITE Galway restaurant. They loved it - it's just so cute and authentic and has great music every night without fail. We stayed there until closing then hit the hay.
Next day was a drive through the Burren, which I had only seen briefly. It's this large area covered in rocks. There's nothing quite like it. I mean there's tons of vegetation and it goes for miles - but there are so many rocks!! We saw the dolomon (i think) from thousands of years ago. Then we hit the Cliffs of Moher. I had seen them since we last went 7 years ago, but my mom and aunt were shocked at how much it's changed. It's much more of a tourist trap than it was then - you have to pay for it now and it's built up. Nonetheless, it's still an incredible sight to see. That night we ate at Monroe's, another of my favorites. They always have good music too, and since it's a bit off the beaten path it's not so touristy. Unfortunately though I was coming down with an awful cold, so I felt like death most of this weekend.
Then in the morning we were off the Kilarney. We first stopped downtown to take one last stroll through Galway and take some photos. God, I'm going to miss that place. There is no other city in the world that is comparable. It's Bohemian and Irish all at once. Lots of colorful characters, delicious food and memorable music. Salthill is my favorite area, and I'll miss our beach and our view. I have to go back because I didn't get to jump off the tower. Well I have to go back for many reasons - but that's just one excuse. Next time I wouldn't live so damn far away from everything in Dunaras, but I kind of liked being able to say I lived in Rahoon - the 'dodgy' area. So farewell Galway, you were good to me.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Barcelona
Hola!!! I just spent a fabulous weekend in Barcelona – one last hurrah before I head back to the states! I’m really glad I squeezed it in – even though I had my last final the day after we got back!! I’m officially done with junior year, I’m a senior – eek!! I absolutely loved Barcelona because it’s just such a fun and unique city. Apparently it’s nothing like the rest of Spain, but I really wouldn’t know so I’ll take people’s word for it.
We left Galway at 3:30am to catch a 7am flight. We got to Girona Airport at 10amish, then hit Barcelona by 11. The metro was pretty easy to figure out and we hopped on that, then a ferrocarril – which is just another train system – and headed to our hostel. We got there, then climbed up one of the steepest mountains I’ve been on. Our hostel was located in the city’s Natural Park way up in the mountains. It was super cute, tucked away on a windy road. The countryside was absolutely beautiful, and the temperature was perfect. The hike was unbelievable with our backpacks. But we got there and the staff was very sweet and the hostel was like a glorified sleep away camp, and I mean that in a good way. Our beds were clean, we had personal lockers, the whole place was actually great – very unusual for a hostel!!
We then went to the Placa Catalunya, which is the main center. We walked along Las Ramblas, which is the busiest street. People lined it dressed up like statues or bizarre garden people or kittens, all to pose with tourists. It was so busy and cute. Further down were merchants with cute handmade jewelry and a whole section was full of artists. The architecture is the real draw to Barcelona. Every single building is different from the one next to it – some look like mini castles, and some look like they are straight out of Zorro with elegant balconies and flowing flower boxes. We popped into this little square that had a huge fountain and tons of little café tables around it. Palm trees lined the interior, and the flower boxes had vines dangling down them with vibrant blossoms coloring the yellow stucco buildings. We found a great market filled with fresh fruit, meats, and candies, but best of all – a Dunkin Donuts!!! I haven’t seen one of those puppies in 5 months! We then walked down to the port which had these modern art sculptures and beautiful sailboats. Gigantic fish just hung out along the stone lining we were sitting on – it was so cool. We walked along the boardwalk and then down the strip checkin out the palm trees. BMW was doing this huge promo thing, so we decided to partake and took a test drive in the X5 on their test course. It was literally like being on an amusement park ride in Disney, and we had an adorable German pilot for Luftansa in the car with us. We then walked all the way down the Ramblas again to the other side, and when we both almost fell asleep on a park bench we decided it was time to head to the hostel.
Next day we had a great lovely little breakfast in the outdoor café at our hostel, then headed back to Catalunya. We went to the Sangrada Familia, this gorgeous unfinished cathedral. It looks like a giant sand castle, and the top looks like a drip castle. We strolled around and went to where the Olympic Village was and hung out on the beach for a few hours – don’t worry mom – in the shade!! We then took a sky ride over the Mediterrean into the mountains and got off in these great gardens that had saguaro cacti! While we were relaxin on a bench listening to the music from the local restaurant this lady approached us and asked to take pictures of us for this tourist magazine she’s a graphic designer for. We just had to look and act really hot, and then she gave us tickets to a bunch of museums. It was hysterical. Oh and then I got the call about AIDAN!!! Very exciting news! We then went back to the center and I got some tapas – it was fried chicken pate and just thinking about it makes me nauseous. But we walked to the cathedral which was under massive construction, but I got Sangria at a café across the square and we hung out listening to a mariachi band – except they weren’t dressed like one. Someone Katie went to high school with was sitting right next to us so that was a small world experience! Also these kids started walking around with signs saying Free Hugs, and we hugging people. I thought they were definitely pick pocketing, but turns out they were just giving out some free love, and yup I got some Spanish hugs. We then walked back to the port and hung out on a bench for awhile, till it was dinner time and then back to the hostel.
Unlike our last few trips we literally just hung out in Barcelona and took it all in. We strolled – a new experience for us – and just took our time to appreciate the city since it doesn’t have major tourist attractions. It’s really cool because they have two official languages – Catalonian and Spanish, with the former almost more prominent. Katie knows Spanish and she was completely thrown by the Catalonian, but luckily her knowledge of espanol came in handy a few times. It was a fun weekend – literally no sleep though with all our early flights. I’m glad I saw it, I’ll definitely be back!!
We left Galway at 3:30am to catch a 7am flight. We got to Girona Airport at 10amish, then hit Barcelona by 11. The metro was pretty easy to figure out and we hopped on that, then a ferrocarril – which is just another train system – and headed to our hostel. We got there, then climbed up one of the steepest mountains I’ve been on. Our hostel was located in the city’s Natural Park way up in the mountains. It was super cute, tucked away on a windy road. The countryside was absolutely beautiful, and the temperature was perfect. The hike was unbelievable with our backpacks. But we got there and the staff was very sweet and the hostel was like a glorified sleep away camp, and I mean that in a good way. Our beds were clean, we had personal lockers, the whole place was actually great – very unusual for a hostel!!
We then went to the Placa Catalunya, which is the main center. We walked along Las Ramblas, which is the busiest street. People lined it dressed up like statues or bizarre garden people or kittens, all to pose with tourists. It was so busy and cute. Further down were merchants with cute handmade jewelry and a whole section was full of artists. The architecture is the real draw to Barcelona. Every single building is different from the one next to it – some look like mini castles, and some look like they are straight out of Zorro with elegant balconies and flowing flower boxes. We popped into this little square that had a huge fountain and tons of little café tables around it. Palm trees lined the interior, and the flower boxes had vines dangling down them with vibrant blossoms coloring the yellow stucco buildings. We found a great market filled with fresh fruit, meats, and candies, but best of all – a Dunkin Donuts!!! I haven’t seen one of those puppies in 5 months! We then walked down to the port which had these modern art sculptures and beautiful sailboats. Gigantic fish just hung out along the stone lining we were sitting on – it was so cool. We walked along the boardwalk and then down the strip checkin out the palm trees. BMW was doing this huge promo thing, so we decided to partake and took a test drive in the X5 on their test course. It was literally like being on an amusement park ride in Disney, and we had an adorable German pilot for Luftansa in the car with us. We then walked all the way down the Ramblas again to the other side, and when we both almost fell asleep on a park bench we decided it was time to head to the hostel.
Next day we had a great lovely little breakfast in the outdoor café at our hostel, then headed back to Catalunya. We went to the Sangrada Familia, this gorgeous unfinished cathedral. It looks like a giant sand castle, and the top looks like a drip castle. We strolled around and went to where the Olympic Village was and hung out on the beach for a few hours – don’t worry mom – in the shade!! We then took a sky ride over the Mediterrean into the mountains and got off in these great gardens that had saguaro cacti! While we were relaxin on a bench listening to the music from the local restaurant this lady approached us and asked to take pictures of us for this tourist magazine she’s a graphic designer for. We just had to look and act really hot, and then she gave us tickets to a bunch of museums. It was hysterical. Oh and then I got the call about AIDAN!!! Very exciting news! We then went back to the center and I got some tapas – it was fried chicken pate and just thinking about it makes me nauseous. But we walked to the cathedral which was under massive construction, but I got Sangria at a café across the square and we hung out listening to a mariachi band – except they weren’t dressed like one. Someone Katie went to high school with was sitting right next to us so that was a small world experience! Also these kids started walking around with signs saying Free Hugs, and we hugging people. I thought they were definitely pick pocketing, but turns out they were just giving out some free love, and yup I got some Spanish hugs. We then walked back to the port and hung out on a bench for awhile, till it was dinner time and then back to the hostel.
Unlike our last few trips we literally just hung out in Barcelona and took it all in. We strolled – a new experience for us – and just took our time to appreciate the city since it doesn’t have major tourist attractions. It’s really cool because they have two official languages – Catalonian and Spanish, with the former almost more prominent. Katie knows Spanish and she was completely thrown by the Catalonian, but luckily her knowledge of espanol came in handy a few times. It was a fun weekend – literally no sleep though with all our early flights. I’m glad I saw it, I’ll definitely be back!!
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Springtime in Ireland
So the other day was my first day out and about in Galway after traveling around Ireland and it was just one of those perfect days. The weather has finally been extremely nice here - trips to the beach, walks in the sunshine, etc.
But everything was finally in bloom, so not to sound really corny, but I couldn't stop smiling as I walked. I strolled to campus, and I've done this walk about 300 times in the last five months, but it was the first time all the trees along the walkway were in blossom. The bright green leaves, the light pink and white flowers just added a new dimension to my usually drab view. The grass was even greener.
Campus was bustling with students, and surprisingly the library was manageable. These Irish kids don't do work at home or print at home apparently. It's bizarre compared to America, where everything is done in your dorm, or the library is at least big enough to house everyone. I realized the other day that I only a month left and it's an extremely depressing thought. How did these four months go by so quickly? I love it here, and I don't want to go home. I miss my friends and family and WFUV, but I'm so comfortable here. Galway is adorable, the people are friendly and my life is very familiar here. I'm a brisk walk away from a gorgeous beach that's filled with families and adorable children with even more adorable accents. I'm two miles from a charming little town, I've got two grocery stores nearby. I guess I could do with a different laundry system. Currently I lug my load of dirty clothes about a half mile and they wash and dry it at the cleaners then deliver it. However, I don't feel my clothes get that clean or soft and my lights aren't so bright. I digress though.
Even today was cold and rainy and it was still nice and pleasant to be here. I like having my own apartment where I have no one to answer to. At home I'm not this neurotic about cleaning or being organized. If I go home I'll go back to being sloppy and lazy and my insomnia will come back. I think everyone in my life should move here. Problem solved!!
But everything was finally in bloom, so not to sound really corny, but I couldn't stop smiling as I walked. I strolled to campus, and I've done this walk about 300 times in the last five months, but it was the first time all the trees along the walkway were in blossom. The bright green leaves, the light pink and white flowers just added a new dimension to my usually drab view. The grass was even greener.
Campus was bustling with students, and surprisingly the library was manageable. These Irish kids don't do work at home or print at home apparently. It's bizarre compared to America, where everything is done in your dorm, or the library is at least big enough to house everyone. I realized the other day that I only a month left and it's an extremely depressing thought. How did these four months go by so quickly? I love it here, and I don't want to go home. I miss my friends and family and WFUV, but I'm so comfortable here. Galway is adorable, the people are friendly and my life is very familiar here. I'm a brisk walk away from a gorgeous beach that's filled with families and adorable children with even more adorable accents. I'm two miles from a charming little town, I've got two grocery stores nearby. I guess I could do with a different laundry system. Currently I lug my load of dirty clothes about a half mile and they wash and dry it at the cleaners then deliver it. However, I don't feel my clothes get that clean or soft and my lights aren't so bright. I digress though.
Even today was cold and rainy and it was still nice and pleasant to be here. I like having my own apartment where I have no one to answer to. At home I'm not this neurotic about cleaning or being organized. If I go home I'll go back to being sloppy and lazy and my insomnia will come back. I think everyone in my life should move here. Problem solved!!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Roma
The train ride to Rome was even more beautiful – we passed really cute towns and gorgeous countryside with lakes and mountains. When we finally got to Rome we found our hotel much more easily than the other places – it was right by Termini train station thankfully!! We immediately headed out and saw almost everything in half a day. Katie and I don’t fool around – we walk everywhere and see everything. Roma was a very interesting experience because by this point in the trip we were tired and the first two places were so charming and small, and Rome is enormous and crowded. Everywhere is Times Square. So while I did like it a lot and everyone should get there, I can’t say it was my favorite.
We went to Santa Mara Maggiore first – an unbelievably beautiful basilica in a residential/business area. Just – wow – like jaw-on-the-floor wow. We then went to the piazza della Republica – which is a lot like Lincoln Center in NYC. It has an ancient basilica with this more modern structure highlighting it. We walked to the Spanish steps which were covered in people and purple flowers and then Trevi Fountain. A man somehow got to the middle and dove into the fountain and was then arrested – it was quite the show. We went into many churches which were really cool because from the outside they look like nothing – just a building, but inside they are trimmed in gold and deep blues or pinks or greens and angels painted all over the ceilings.
We saw St. Ignacious Loyola’s church (go Jesuits!) – which I actually really really liked. The outside and in are beautiful. We saw the Pantheon which is so cool because you can really see how old it is. Next up piazza Navona which is a long oval center filled with the cutest restaurants and cafes and the buildings are all these bright colors. People were painting and playing music or doing comedy routines. We strolled to the Monument Victor Emmanuel which is so impressive and HUGE – I loved it! I think we headed back at this point – I’m honestly not sure if we even ate we were so tired. But we met a really cool guy from Chile in our hostel and girls from South Africa and Spain.
The next day we got up really early and went to Vatican City – Sunday. We got mixed in with this crowd of really pushy old people - and not very Christian regardless of their crosses and banners and pictures of Il Papa. It was chaos and we somehow ended up in a very special private ticket-only section in front of St. Peter’s…but we had no ticket and on one bothered us. Next thing we know the Pope comes out and says Mass about 200ft or 300ft from us!!! Parts were in English, but it was great to listen to nonetheless – lovely music. I mean I saw mass by the POPE. I could never go again and I’m pretty sure I’d still be covered. We then strolled over the museums which were closed, and then saw the Castel Sant’Angelo – an enormous egotistical mausoleum for some ancient person I forget. We walked along the river for a bit and then got some gelato and headed for Ancient Rome. We saw the Sacred Area, the Campidoglio and then walked through the Roman Forum which was incredible. As you go through suddenly the Colosseum pops up and it’s massive. It was really impressive to see and walk around. We hung out around there for a bit then headed back and pretty much crashed. We got dinner at this ridiculous place with rude waiters who microwaved our food. Bizarre!! That night as we were getting ready for bed this guy walks in the room and we know him from Fordham!! It was so random – of all the cities and hostels and rooms, and this kid we hung out with in Galway and Paris is in our hostel. So that was fun.
Next day we got up at 6:45 and went to the Vatican Museums. We only had to wait for them to open which was a relief and we were pretty far up in line. The museums are filled with insanely good art and sculptures – you really need a full day there. But we had a goal: the Sisteen Chapel. It’s not what you expect – you’re walking along and go up and down stairs and suddenly you’re in this small little chapel covered in wall to wall paintings. It’s beyond worth seeing – the paintings are so humbling and just knowing one man painted that ceiling and those walls – quite an experience. We left there and saw some ancient Roman sculptures, and then went into St. Peter’s. I really struggle to describe how impressive this building is – it’s enormous and the alter is so big you don’t even believe it looking at it. We saw La Pieta and just walked through it with our eyes as wide as they can go. I’m still not sure how to put the whole experience into words – I guess surreal. You’re in the heart of Catholicism and it should be so sacred, but it’s almost too much – too much gold and decorations and designs and tourists and people taking cheesy photos in the confessional booths. It was breathtakingly beautiful, but something didn’t feel right. I expect basilica’s around the world to be ostentatious, but I guess I wanted this to be humble and sacred, and not such a tourist trap.
Next we walked to Piazza del Popolo and at this point you’re really north in the city and it’s so pretty, way less people, and just cute. We got great pizza and the piazza itself is really cool. The center has a huge fountain you can sit in and around and two enormous churches sit in the entrance. This day was honestly kind of miserable because of the heat and our exhausted we were, but we still had things to see and do. We walked all the way to the bottom of the city and stuck our hand in the Mouth of Truth – mine’s still here, no worries! And then saw the Circo Massimo, where all the chariot races took place. We walked by the Colosseo again, and crashed back at the hostel. At night we walked around saw the Piazza della Republica lit up with the fountain – just like LCenter in summer.
Rome is huge. Just huge. The people aren’t very friendly and barely anyone speaks English which was quite a shock and very frustrating. It’s a capital city for Pete’s sake!! However the gelato was unbelievable – this one place had a chocolate that might as well’ve been brownie batter. It’s way too crowded, but I really liked how it’s a city with all these ancient ruins or gorgeous churches that just pop up as you turn a corner. Everything is ornate and the churches are really stunning from the inside – even just itty bitty chiesas make you go “Wow.”
I was a big hit with Italian men had many men profess their love for me – one man dressed as an ancient Roman soldier put his fake sword to my neck and said “I love you.” The city felt like a twilight zone at times.
Also – I had multiple people tell me I don’t look American! I’ve gotten that before from NYC cabbies…I don’t know what makes me not look American but they didn’t believe I wasn’t English, Irish, or French. They thought Katie was American, but not me!!
Overall, Italia is bella!!! The people are so darling and I picked up more Italian in one week than I have of Irish in 5 months. Ciao bella, Prego, Gratzie, and many more phrases will be stuck in my head. The whole place just tests your senses – one minute it’s cool windy – the next smoldering heat. The colors are enchanting and I’m not kidding you could smell lilacs, gardenias, and wonderful food smells everywhere. I had many forms of chocolate gelato, as well as coconut, pineapple, orange, peach, mint, nutella, tiramisu and stractiatella. Even though I feel like I ate the country’s entire store of gelato, most of those flavors were combined on one cone!! Also – I’m aware I probably spelled most of the Italian words wrong, so those of you who are Italian, my apologies but I’m too lazy to double check!! I loved Italy, but I’m glad to be back – Gaillimh is still my favorite, followed by Paris then Venice!! Ciao!!!
We went to Santa Mara Maggiore first – an unbelievably beautiful basilica in a residential/business area. Just – wow – like jaw-on-the-floor wow. We then went to the piazza della Republica – which is a lot like Lincoln Center in NYC. It has an ancient basilica with this more modern structure highlighting it. We walked to the Spanish steps which were covered in people and purple flowers and then Trevi Fountain. A man somehow got to the middle and dove into the fountain and was then arrested – it was quite the show. We went into many churches which were really cool because from the outside they look like nothing – just a building, but inside they are trimmed in gold and deep blues or pinks or greens and angels painted all over the ceilings.
We saw St. Ignacious Loyola’s church (go Jesuits!) – which I actually really really liked. The outside and in are beautiful. We saw the Pantheon which is so cool because you can really see how old it is. Next up piazza Navona which is a long oval center filled with the cutest restaurants and cafes and the buildings are all these bright colors. People were painting and playing music or doing comedy routines. We strolled to the Monument Victor Emmanuel which is so impressive and HUGE – I loved it! I think we headed back at this point – I’m honestly not sure if we even ate we were so tired. But we met a really cool guy from Chile in our hostel and girls from South Africa and Spain.
The next day we got up really early and went to Vatican City – Sunday. We got mixed in with this crowd of really pushy old people - and not very Christian regardless of their crosses and banners and pictures of Il Papa. It was chaos and we somehow ended up in a very special private ticket-only section in front of St. Peter’s…but we had no ticket and on one bothered us. Next thing we know the Pope comes out and says Mass about 200ft or 300ft from us!!! Parts were in English, but it was great to listen to nonetheless – lovely music. I mean I saw mass by the POPE. I could never go again and I’m pretty sure I’d still be covered. We then strolled over the museums which were closed, and then saw the Castel Sant’Angelo – an enormous egotistical mausoleum for some ancient person I forget. We walked along the river for a bit and then got some gelato and headed for Ancient Rome. We saw the Sacred Area, the Campidoglio and then walked through the Roman Forum which was incredible. As you go through suddenly the Colosseum pops up and it’s massive. It was really impressive to see and walk around. We hung out around there for a bit then headed back and pretty much crashed. We got dinner at this ridiculous place with rude waiters who microwaved our food. Bizarre!! That night as we were getting ready for bed this guy walks in the room and we know him from Fordham!! It was so random – of all the cities and hostels and rooms, and this kid we hung out with in Galway and Paris is in our hostel. So that was fun.
Next day we got up at 6:45 and went to the Vatican Museums. We only had to wait for them to open which was a relief and we were pretty far up in line. The museums are filled with insanely good art and sculptures – you really need a full day there. But we had a goal: the Sisteen Chapel. It’s not what you expect – you’re walking along and go up and down stairs and suddenly you’re in this small little chapel covered in wall to wall paintings. It’s beyond worth seeing – the paintings are so humbling and just knowing one man painted that ceiling and those walls – quite an experience. We left there and saw some ancient Roman sculptures, and then went into St. Peter’s. I really struggle to describe how impressive this building is – it’s enormous and the alter is so big you don’t even believe it looking at it. We saw La Pieta and just walked through it with our eyes as wide as they can go. I’m still not sure how to put the whole experience into words – I guess surreal. You’re in the heart of Catholicism and it should be so sacred, but it’s almost too much – too much gold and decorations and designs and tourists and people taking cheesy photos in the confessional booths. It was breathtakingly beautiful, but something didn’t feel right. I expect basilica’s around the world to be ostentatious, but I guess I wanted this to be humble and sacred, and not such a tourist trap.
Next we walked to Piazza del Popolo and at this point you’re really north in the city and it’s so pretty, way less people, and just cute. We got great pizza and the piazza itself is really cool. The center has a huge fountain you can sit in and around and two enormous churches sit in the entrance. This day was honestly kind of miserable because of the heat and our exhausted we were, but we still had things to see and do. We walked all the way to the bottom of the city and stuck our hand in the Mouth of Truth – mine’s still here, no worries! And then saw the Circo Massimo, where all the chariot races took place. We walked by the Colosseo again, and crashed back at the hostel. At night we walked around saw the Piazza della Republica lit up with the fountain – just like LCenter in summer.
Rome is huge. Just huge. The people aren’t very friendly and barely anyone speaks English which was quite a shock and very frustrating. It’s a capital city for Pete’s sake!! However the gelato was unbelievable – this one place had a chocolate that might as well’ve been brownie batter. It’s way too crowded, but I really liked how it’s a city with all these ancient ruins or gorgeous churches that just pop up as you turn a corner. Everything is ornate and the churches are really stunning from the inside – even just itty bitty chiesas make you go “Wow.”
I was a big hit with Italian men had many men profess their love for me – one man dressed as an ancient Roman soldier put his fake sword to my neck and said “I love you.” The city felt like a twilight zone at times.
Also – I had multiple people tell me I don’t look American! I’ve gotten that before from NYC cabbies…I don’t know what makes me not look American but they didn’t believe I wasn’t English, Irish, or French. They thought Katie was American, but not me!!
Overall, Italia is bella!!! The people are so darling and I picked up more Italian in one week than I have of Irish in 5 months. Ciao bella, Prego, Gratzie, and many more phrases will be stuck in my head. The whole place just tests your senses – one minute it’s cool windy – the next smoldering heat. The colors are enchanting and I’m not kidding you could smell lilacs, gardenias, and wonderful food smells everywhere. I had many forms of chocolate gelato, as well as coconut, pineapple, orange, peach, mint, nutella, tiramisu and stractiatella. Even though I feel like I ate the country’s entire store of gelato, most of those flavors were combined on one cone!! Also – I’m aware I probably spelled most of the Italian words wrong, so those of you who are Italian, my apologies but I’m too lazy to double check!! I loved Italy, but I’m glad to be back – Gaillimh is still my favorite, followed by Paris then Venice!! Ciao!!!
Firenze
If Venice is a storybook or fairytale, Florence is a movie. I mean walking along the river looking at the mountains just looks straight out of a movie – Much Ado About Nothing had to have been filmed nearby. I was really surprised by Florence because it wasn’t quite what I expected, but I loved it nonetheless. The train ride from Venice to Florence was great – the Tuscan country side was beautiful. Our little train compartment was filled with 6 people – all really nice Italian people.
We got there around 1pm and it was soooo HOT!! I expected a cute little town but it’s a bustling city with lots and lots of people! We took a bus – well many city buses to our hotel and got there FINALLY after lugging our bags through busy, hot hot streets and it was really nice and in a great location on Via Cavour on the Piazza della Liberte. We took our map and headed toward old Firenze and saw the Il Duomo – a massive white cathedral decorated in green and pink panels, with the bapistry? right across. We then just strolled from piazza to piazza and passed beautiful buildings and gardens and statues. One piazza was filled with gardenias so I was in heaven.
We walked along the river and just couldn’t get over the view of the mountains. We walked over the Ponte Vecchio and drooled over all the diamonds in the windows. We then went to Piazza della Signoria where the famous Uffizi museum is – again the line was crazy so we passed. But the piazza holds a copy of David and many other statues – like Perseus and Rape of Sabine. All the outdoor cafes were so cute and the apartments were lined with red flowers in the flowerboxes. After some more gelato we met up with Katie’s friend who took us to Santa Croce where Michelangelo and many other famous folks are buried as well other neat piazzas and palazzos. We got sparkling red wine and a delicious dinner – tortellini pruscuitto for me, followed by chocolate gelato. We strolled back to the Ponte Vecchio and listened to a man play the guitar for a while, and went back to Piazza Signoria with all the statues and fountains lit up.
The next day we went to the Fortezza da Basso which should have a pretty lake, but we couldn’t find it so we left. We tried to buy train tickets but apparently the trains were on strike, so instead we check out the basilica across the street – Santa Maria Novella. We saw the Accademia museum from the outside (it houses the real David) and passed the Palazzo de Medici. We strolled through a great outdoor market and chatted with the vendors – just so nice and not the fake kind. One guy warned us about Roma, “In Firenze we are all nice people and like nice people. In Roma – mean. Mean people, you won’t like it.” We met up with Sarah – our new friend again and scammed our way into the Boboli Gardens using her student pass.
The gardens were my favorite – huge and beautiful filled with ponds and statues of Roman gods. They love Neptune in Firenze! We walked around for a few hours and saw the most amazing view of the city and the Tuscan countryside. It’s dotted with olive trees and purple and pink flowers. Old buildings line the tops of the hills and mountains and it’s just absolutely breathtaking. Katie and I were pretty much dead at this point so we walked back to our hotel and then went to Sarah’s for some home cookin. We had pasta covered in garlic and olive oil, bread with olive spread and more olive oil. I feel like I ate and entire olive grove – so I was in heaven. The next day we left for Roma, and while Florence was much more urban than I expected, I still found it lovely and people were pretty great.
We got there around 1pm and it was soooo HOT!! I expected a cute little town but it’s a bustling city with lots and lots of people! We took a bus – well many city buses to our hotel and got there FINALLY after lugging our bags through busy, hot hot streets and it was really nice and in a great location on Via Cavour on the Piazza della Liberte. We took our map and headed toward old Firenze and saw the Il Duomo – a massive white cathedral decorated in green and pink panels, with the bapistry? right across. We then just strolled from piazza to piazza and passed beautiful buildings and gardens and statues. One piazza was filled with gardenias so I was in heaven.
We walked along the river and just couldn’t get over the view of the mountains. We walked over the Ponte Vecchio and drooled over all the diamonds in the windows. We then went to Piazza della Signoria where the famous Uffizi museum is – again the line was crazy so we passed. But the piazza holds a copy of David and many other statues – like Perseus and Rape of Sabine. All the outdoor cafes were so cute and the apartments were lined with red flowers in the flowerboxes. After some more gelato we met up with Katie’s friend who took us to Santa Croce where Michelangelo and many other famous folks are buried as well other neat piazzas and palazzos. We got sparkling red wine and a delicious dinner – tortellini pruscuitto for me, followed by chocolate gelato. We strolled back to the Ponte Vecchio and listened to a man play the guitar for a while, and went back to Piazza Signoria with all the statues and fountains lit up.
The next day we went to the Fortezza da Basso which should have a pretty lake, but we couldn’t find it so we left. We tried to buy train tickets but apparently the trains were on strike, so instead we check out the basilica across the street – Santa Maria Novella. We saw the Accademia museum from the outside (it houses the real David) and passed the Palazzo de Medici. We strolled through a great outdoor market and chatted with the vendors – just so nice and not the fake kind. One guy warned us about Roma, “In Firenze we are all nice people and like nice people. In Roma – mean. Mean people, you won’t like it.” We met up with Sarah – our new friend again and scammed our way into the Boboli Gardens using her student pass.
The gardens were my favorite – huge and beautiful filled with ponds and statues of Roman gods. They love Neptune in Firenze! We walked around for a few hours and saw the most amazing view of the city and the Tuscan countryside. It’s dotted with olive trees and purple and pink flowers. Old buildings line the tops of the hills and mountains and it’s just absolutely breathtaking. Katie and I were pretty much dead at this point so we walked back to our hotel and then went to Sarah’s for some home cookin. We had pasta covered in garlic and olive oil, bread with olive spread and more olive oil. I feel like I ate and entire olive grove – so I was in heaven. The next day we left for Roma, and while Florence was much more urban than I expected, I still found it lovely and people were pretty great.
Viva Italia
Italia – Ciao Bella!!
I just got back from my week-long trip to Italy and it was aaamaazzinngg. We did a lot - Venezia, Firenze, and Roma - so I’ll break this up into 3 posts. In Italy overall we found out they have strange laws on construction – they can only do it certain years and times of the year – and we went during prime construction. So every famous basilica and building had tons of scaffolding, but it was still unbelievable to see.
Our first stop was Venice, and it was my absolute favorite city out the three. My Italian tour book described it as “disturbingly beautiful,” which at first I thought was an odd choice of words. But once there I realized what it meant – the humidity makes everything hazy so it’s almost dreamlike. It was like a storybook - small and charming. When we got there it was about 9:00 at night and we had no idea where to go – all we knew was that we needed to take a water taxi to the island of Lido where our hotel was. So not to freak out mom I’ll just say it was a nightmare, but after a long night we got to our hotel safely by 12:30amish. It was really nice and right on the water.
We woke up really early and got on our water taxi and headed towards the main parts of Venice – first stop Piazza San Marco. The water trip was amazing – all these little islands surrounded us filled with palm trees and buildings you’d see in an old Spanish movie. The Piazza is gorgeous and we couldn’t go into the Basilica because of the line, but it was beautiful to look at. We then put the map away and just started meandering through the little streets. Shops filled with beautiful Murano glass and jewelry were lined up one after the other, and windows were filled with Venetian masks and mannequins in stunning masquerade costumes. The streets were like little alleys and as you went along you’d come across a bridge over a waterway and beneath you would be a gondola trimmed in gold and velvet. The gondoliers would yell after me, “You! Blondy girl! Ride?” Since we wound through the streets I’m not exactly sure of all the famous sites we saw, but we popped into beautiful churches as we went – one was enormous on the inside and the pillars were covered in red velvet –I think it was San Stefano. It was just so much fun – you’d be in these narrow shady streets and then out of nowhere you’d be in this huge open piazza filled with music and people. The buildings were all reds and oragnes, and some were blues with the plaster peeling away to reveal red brick beneath. Lilacs were flowing over every wall so the city smelled of salt water and lilacs. All over are water fountains with water just flowing out into a pool, and people drank from them, but I wasn’t daring around.
Our first gelato was as amazing as they tell you – I got a vanilla with nutella mixed in for a euro. Then we got pizza for lunch – and Ireland doesn’t have good pizza so this was an unbelievable treat. It tasted like pizza on Arthur Ave, but better! A man was outside Chiesa San Rocco singing opera songs in a beautiful tenor voice as we ate. We then went to the beginning of the Grand Canal, hopped on a water taxi and took a tour for an hour. The water taxis are like subways, but on water with a great view of all the buildings and bridges. We then walked through this great market by the Ponte di Rialto which is a beautiful bridge that connects two huge sections of Venice. We then stopped for dinner at a cute outdoor restaurant and I got lasagna and a glass of the house red – delicious!!! But most restaurants charge you to sit and for the service, so we didn’t eat out much. We were pretty beat so we headed back to our island, and walked around Lido down to the beach and I’m not kidding, it was so humid and hazy you could barely see 100 ft. down the beach, but it didn’t feel gross – it just looked so mysterious. We then went to the other side of the island and sat on the canal at sunset and couldn’t believe where we were.
The next day was basically the same, but we went to the island of Murano where all the famous glass comes from. It was small and adorable and then we went back to Venice and strolled through the streets again. We had lucked out the day before by walking around early because in the afternoon those tiny streets are packed with people so you can barely move. We then went back to Lido and hung out on the beach for the afternoon. The water was so clear and it was so hot – something I haven’t experienced in Ireland and forgot about!!
I wish I could describe every minute but it’s just impossible. The people in Venice were so friendly and nice and spoke excellent English and were willing to help us with any question or directions. When they found out we were Americans they didn’t get that look of dollar signs in their eyes like everywhere else we’ve been – instead they just seemed intrigued and wanted to chat. Sunset each night was gorgeous – it’s really a city for lovers and Katie and I just watched all these couples with extreme envy. The water taxis and gondolas and speed boats are so much fun to watch, and the food was amazing. People stand around the piazzas dressed in masquerade costumes and masks posing for pictures and money – it’s a riot! The city is a breeze to walk – it takes maybe a half hour to walk from top to bottom and probably an hour side to side – but there is so much to stop and see!! I really loved it, and will without a doubt make it back there when I have money and someone to ride a gondola with!!
I just got back from my week-long trip to Italy and it was aaamaazzinngg. We did a lot - Venezia, Firenze, and Roma - so I’ll break this up into 3 posts. In Italy overall we found out they have strange laws on construction – they can only do it certain years and times of the year – and we went during prime construction. So every famous basilica and building had tons of scaffolding, but it was still unbelievable to see.
Our first stop was Venice, and it was my absolute favorite city out the three. My Italian tour book described it as “disturbingly beautiful,” which at first I thought was an odd choice of words. But once there I realized what it meant – the humidity makes everything hazy so it’s almost dreamlike. It was like a storybook - small and charming. When we got there it was about 9:00 at night and we had no idea where to go – all we knew was that we needed to take a water taxi to the island of Lido where our hotel was. So not to freak out mom I’ll just say it was a nightmare, but after a long night we got to our hotel safely by 12:30amish. It was really nice and right on the water.
We woke up really early and got on our water taxi and headed towards the main parts of Venice – first stop Piazza San Marco. The water trip was amazing – all these little islands surrounded us filled with palm trees and buildings you’d see in an old Spanish movie. The Piazza is gorgeous and we couldn’t go into the Basilica because of the line, but it was beautiful to look at. We then put the map away and just started meandering through the little streets. Shops filled with beautiful Murano glass and jewelry were lined up one after the other, and windows were filled with Venetian masks and mannequins in stunning masquerade costumes. The streets were like little alleys and as you went along you’d come across a bridge over a waterway and beneath you would be a gondola trimmed in gold and velvet. The gondoliers would yell after me, “You! Blondy girl! Ride?” Since we wound through the streets I’m not exactly sure of all the famous sites we saw, but we popped into beautiful churches as we went – one was enormous on the inside and the pillars were covered in red velvet –I think it was San Stefano. It was just so much fun – you’d be in these narrow shady streets and then out of nowhere you’d be in this huge open piazza filled with music and people. The buildings were all reds and oragnes, and some were blues with the plaster peeling away to reveal red brick beneath. Lilacs were flowing over every wall so the city smelled of salt water and lilacs. All over are water fountains with water just flowing out into a pool, and people drank from them, but I wasn’t daring around.
Our first gelato was as amazing as they tell you – I got a vanilla with nutella mixed in for a euro. Then we got pizza for lunch – and Ireland doesn’t have good pizza so this was an unbelievable treat. It tasted like pizza on Arthur Ave, but better! A man was outside Chiesa San Rocco singing opera songs in a beautiful tenor voice as we ate. We then went to the beginning of the Grand Canal, hopped on a water taxi and took a tour for an hour. The water taxis are like subways, but on water with a great view of all the buildings and bridges. We then walked through this great market by the Ponte di Rialto which is a beautiful bridge that connects two huge sections of Venice. We then stopped for dinner at a cute outdoor restaurant and I got lasagna and a glass of the house red – delicious!!! But most restaurants charge you to sit and for the service, so we didn’t eat out much. We were pretty beat so we headed back to our island, and walked around Lido down to the beach and I’m not kidding, it was so humid and hazy you could barely see 100 ft. down the beach, but it didn’t feel gross – it just looked so mysterious. We then went to the other side of the island and sat on the canal at sunset and couldn’t believe where we were.
The next day was basically the same, but we went to the island of Murano where all the famous glass comes from. It was small and adorable and then we went back to Venice and strolled through the streets again. We had lucked out the day before by walking around early because in the afternoon those tiny streets are packed with people so you can barely move. We then went back to Lido and hung out on the beach for the afternoon. The water was so clear and it was so hot – something I haven’t experienced in Ireland and forgot about!!
I wish I could describe every minute but it’s just impossible. The people in Venice were so friendly and nice and spoke excellent English and were willing to help us with any question or directions. When they found out we were Americans they didn’t get that look of dollar signs in their eyes like everywhere else we’ve been – instead they just seemed intrigued and wanted to chat. Sunset each night was gorgeous – it’s really a city for lovers and Katie and I just watched all these couples with extreme envy. The water taxis and gondolas and speed boats are so much fun to watch, and the food was amazing. People stand around the piazzas dressed in masquerade costumes and masks posing for pictures and money – it’s a riot! The city is a breeze to walk – it takes maybe a half hour to walk from top to bottom and probably an hour side to side – but there is so much to stop and see!! I really loved it, and will without a doubt make it back there when I have money and someone to ride a gondola with!!
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