Rome sweet Rome

Well, I'm back in Rome. Happy to be back in Rome, actually. VERY happy. Ever since we left, things seem to have been going wrong. I guess if things are going to go wrong, might as well be in Italy.
But today ... I got to sleep in! We're staying in this beautiful hotel. Everything there is real expensive. I took a shower in this jacuzzi shower this morning. Crazy. There is a knob you turn to switch the settings of where the water comes out, the low jets, the high jets, or one of the 2 shower heads. Its a good thing I was the only one in there, because im sure someone watching would have cracked up. it always came out unexpectdly strong in unexpected places. Never the less, i got clean. haha.
Breakfast was not that great. Americans, im sure, have the best brekfasts. its only criossants and fake coffee here. After breakfast, mom planned out a walking tour of all the fountains in Rome. I thought it was a great idea, because there were a few that i still had yet to see.
The weather was great the whole day. it was really refreshing to look at all the fountains during the warm weather. Sometimes, i just wanted to jump in though (not allowed here). Window shopping was great, between all the fountains. shopping here is amazing. shoes ... wow. im so tempted. but ever since the leather jacket, i must refrain.
We ate lunch at this restaurant and the waiters were big flirts. too bad i dont understand what they were saying... till one of them actually stopped and asked if i knew spanish. i saidi knew a little, and then he said that i was a beautiful girl. the other one told my mom he was in love with his sister, while we were on our way out.
In other news, Rome traffic is crazy. trying to cross streets is a life-endangering sport aruond here. i wouldnt even attempt to drive around here! Between the huge busses, the tiny egg-shaped cars, and the millions of motorbikes, there is no vacant street. as long as you keep eye contact with the person thats attempting to run you over, you're usually safe to cross in front of them. its hard to keep your confidence, though. luckily i havent died yet.
Also, im sick of riding busses. its the most horrible way to travel. trains are better than buses, and we even wussed out on the train in sicily on the way to rome. we booked a short flight ... the best decision since Rome. The transportation system here is impeccible. you can get anywhere pretty cheaply. you just never know how smooth or crowded the ride is going to be. Our recent travel mishaps called for a trip to the farmacea. we finally ended up with what i think is the italian dramamine equvalent (motion sickness medicine - a necessary companion to any 6 hour journey). what i think is funny, is that this medicine company sponsors the barf-bags on the plane we took from sicily to Rome.
In other news, we're headed home tomorrow. EARLY in the morning here. We will get home in the afternoon tomorrow, but are leaving from Rome at 7AM (leaving the hotel at 4:30AM). Its going to be a long day. Im happy to be getting home, sad to leave rome. I think i found my favorite big city on this planet.
I used up almost my whole memory card for my camera (500 pictures). plus postcards to make up for the stuff i saw, but didnt get pictures of. btw, im sending lots of postcards. i have no idea if-when they will get to yall, especially the ones i mailed in sicily (where all the post boxes were caked with what looked like 15 years of dust.) but nevertheless, if its the thought that counted, then i guess you can wait a decade for it to arrive : )
ill be home soon. i guess home is where i call it nowadays. san antonio, or something like that. well, off to eat for now!

sunburn and soaked, all in one day.

So i love Rome so much. We just finished dinner at the same restaurant we ate at last night. It was crowded so we kinda shared a table with 2 students from London. They were good company. It was a little ackward at first, because we didnt all talk much, yet we were sitting so close. The food was delish. I came to Italy with the intention of being a wine conesseur, but instead have become a tiramisu expert. I try it most places we go and eat, and it has become sort of a comfort food. All the food here is good. definately a highlight of the trip. Today I flipped a coin over my shoulder in to the trevi fountain, wished to come back. i hope some day i will. someday soon.
We visited a whole lot of ruins today. I love walking around all the ancient building materials. its quite impressive. especially the colliseum. WOW. we went inside and MAN is that cool. Its amazing how little it has been valued over the years. I mean most of the materials were stolen from it and used to build other things. There is so much of it still standing, though. I have heard so much about the place, and to actually stand in there, imagining everything happening. its quite fun. The roman ruins are all in this huge park area. Its so fun to climb up the steps. everywhere you look, you see ancient old columns, remains of buildings, flowers growing everywhere, and large trees providing shade from the hot sun.
Mom visited some art today, while i just sat in the swuare, taking a nap by a huge fountain. This was all around this square that michelangelo designed. also impressive. You could prettymuch see the whole city from the square. A young student was sketching for a watercolor next to me, kids were trying to avoid the police whistles as they wanted to get as many body parts as possible into the cool water from the fountain. People were checking maps, and deciding what part of this great city to see next. I enjoyed myself there. Wrote a few postcards. got a little sunburnt. It started to rain on me, so i took some cover near one of the buildings. it was nice that it cooled off a bit. The weather has been superb...
Until it started raining. We were by the Trevi fountain. stopped at the world renowned best gelato shop ever, and got stuck in there for a while, avoiding the rain. enjoying very hefty portions of orange and pineapple gelato. talk about world's greatest. we got soaked on the way home. purchased our THIRD umbrella of the trip ... thatll teach us to not pack the umbrella in the backpack when it doesnt look like rain in the morning. best 3 euro investment of the trip, though. AND we saw a double rainbow on the way back, and then another one near our hotel. so cool.
well, our travel plans need a little modifying. we thought we could take a night train, but turns out it doesnt leave from the place we're trying to depart from. i dont know how we're going to fit everything in. its possible. definately. but ive enjoyed the multi-night stays at hotels. im looking forward to seeing the coast, and the more coastal towns. anyhow, its 11:11 here, i get to make another wish. and then get some sleep ciao for now!

Resting in Rome

okay, so i was posting then it totally wigged out on me. summary of everything i jsut typed but dont want to type again: we got a lot of rest today.

After our nap in Rome, we got up and went to the ruins. first we got a little lost and stopped at st. peter in chains. actually got lost on the way there, too, but thanks to some old lady in the park, we found our way. then we were looking for the ruins that were supposedly really close ... and suddenly, there was the coliseum peeking out above the trees! we wandered through this large park, first coming upon a church with a lot of elderly people coming out. saw some older men playing some bowling-type game. flowers and trees everywhere. a couple was getting their wedding pictures taken in the park. people were playing pine-cone-fetch with their dogs. lots of lovers. lots of flowers, all against the backdrop of the ancient roman buildings.

Wemade our way over to the roman arches and the closer to the coliseum, and took lots of pictures. Wedding couples were a dime a dozen around Rome this afternoon. dogs, too. everyone has a dog around here. After we had enough of the area, we headed toward the rest of the ruins. its all in like a big park area. huge open space, very hilly. i love it. the entrance was closed, because sunset was approaching. we saw it all through the iron fencing, though. had a great view of the central part of rome. We did a lot of climbing up hills this afternoon. it was worth it, because wherever you looked, things were so beautiful. so many flowers, and trees. so many things were happening in the little parks we walked through. Rome was very alive today. the weather was perfect and the sky has been so blue. I think its becoming my favorite place.

Florence was great, dont get me wrong, just spent a lot of the time tired and worn out. I liked Pisa, but was glad we only made a quick trip there. I think my favorite thing in Florence was the people we met and the library that michelangelo designed.

What else can i say ... ive been taking lots of pictures. i am looking forward to tomorrow when we get to actually go into the park with all the ruins, and check out the other major sites in Rome. I want to take a walk at night, and see all the fountains lighted up. there is a reccomended night walk, and i really want to take it. On Monday, we're visiting the Vatican.

I dont have internet in the hotel, but i will try and stop here tomorrow. this internet place is close to the hotel, so it shouldnt be a stretch to post tomorrow about all the stuff im looking forward to seeing.

Can You Hear Me Now?! Prego?!

Well, I finally found internet again. This computer is so slow and has a bad connection, though, so who knows if this will even post.
Things are going well. We are running around so much. I'm getting tired and worn out. Today is a holiday over here, so we get to visit all the churches nad museums for free! Wahoo!
Well, since I last posted, I have been in Florence. Its really nice here. I like it a lot. There is great shopping ... yeah, i purchased a leather jacket. Its perfect, and i like it a lot. I'm glad i did, though, because it just gets colder and colder here! I also got a haircut ... its shorter. its ... chic.
We went to Pisa yesterday, just ats a day trip. I think the 1 1/2 hour tain ride was my favorite though. We had a sorta tour-guide passenger for part of the time. he kept telling us all about all the little towns we were traveling past. very interesting. he was real kind.
Well, i'm gonna try and post before the site crashes. Sorry its not much! I'll write more and better, as soon as possible!!

30th of May, and Wearing a Sweater (or two)

Breakfast this morning was wonderful. all kinds of fruits, eggs cooked every way imaginable, bacon, pasteries galore! Fabio made a way better cappucino, though. His breakfasts werent as great, but atleast he could make the coffee.
We're going to take a little side trip today. We'll see lots of architecture. Then we'll be in Florence for a while (4-ish days) ... enough time to find a haircutter and do some shopping. I'm looking forward to both of those cities.
I think i figured out what it is about Padua that i dont like as much. Its that its just a big city. Well, its better than being in Texas, yes, but its really justa big college town/urban city. However, there are no residences here, whatsoever. Venice was a huge mix of urban nd houses. The people worked, and did business in the same place, most of them having shops below their houses. There were tons of tiny gardens and yards all over Venice. Most of the grand canal was flanked with huge merchants' homes. Very elaborate architecture. So i'm glad i finally put my finger on it. its not just the weather.
Speaking of, its rainy today. I didnt bring an umbrella, but perhaps i'll have to buy one. Its off to the bus and onto the train station now! (btw, i havent been posting pictures only because none of the computers here seem to have USB ports.)

Lost in Padua

Not to say anything wrong about my graduation shindigs, but Paduans seem to know how to celebrate a college degree. From what I can tell, you dress up all nice like, and your friends and family gather around you, take you into the street, douse you in flour and make you change into some strange costume. Usually they make you read something while they laugh at you. Then you're allowed to attempt to shake off all the flour, and change back into your nice, regular clothes. They sing to you real loud, once in a while, grab you by the arms and drag you wherever they want to take pictures with you. They put a huge laurel wreath around your neck ... like horses get when they win races. Also, we went to eat at this fancy schmancy restaurant, but about half of it was rented out for some graduate. Talk about a party.
Anyhow, I am going to try and get atleast some rest tonight. We saw a lot today, and got lost a few (hundered) times. Its not as fun to get lost in Padua. Maybe its just because my legs are so tired. My favorite thing today was the Scrovegni chapel. The whole thing was painted comic-strip style: different little squares for different scenes depicting the life of christ. It was all so straightforward. not just paintings of old guys with beards. i know ... they're saints or wahtever, but really ... i dont knwo them personally to be like 'hey that's saint joe' and be all excited. also, you can only see so many madonnas before she starts looking bored about posing for so many different painters. BUT .. giotto, the guy that painted the scrovegni chapel, he knew how to paint! gorgeous colors, light, and perspective. he didnt make things all complex, either. man. what a site. its all recently restored. they make you go through this de-humidifying chamber before you even go into the chapel. really, THAT special. I dont expect many other chapels to top that.
Like i was saying, i'd better get some rest. take care! Day trip to vecenza tomorrow, then back here to take a train to florence. here i come florence. i'm ready for shopping (and a haircut!)

Goodbye Venice, Hello Padua!

So Venice was great. Now i'm in Padua, and this hotel has internet! wahoo! we'll only be here one night, though. its a nice hotel but i liked the other one better. this one is under renevation and really in the middle of the city. outside our window we just see rooftops and constructon. at villa crispi, we saw a nice neighborhood. plus, fabio, the front desk guy at villa crispi was totally cool and really good at english. overall, venicians are way better english speakers than paduans.
We rode the train from Venice to Padua. its real easy to get around here. mom has a difficult time finding her way, but its a good thing im here to help us find our way. buses are most confusing. bye tickets at tobacco shops, which never seem to be open when we want to get bus tickets. therefore, we've been riding buses without tickets which, well, saves us a little money.
Mom is pushing me out the door to walk around before it starts raining. so, bye for now, and i'll try to post again later tonight. ciao!

Iàm here!

This keyboard is in italian, so excuse my .... italian. weàre having a great time here in Venice. Everything is like a picture, but a million times better. Iàve sent postcards ... probably the only ones that will beat me home! Weàve been up and down the Grand canal a few times, taken a million pictures, and just taken time to soak up the scene here in venice.
The hotel weàre staying at is extremely quaint. Too quiet at night, and has a nice little breakfast in the morning. Sleeping hasnàt been too great. I keep waking up in the middle of the night. probably because i crash as soon as we get to the hotel. Weàve been eating extremely good food. Pizza, wine and pastas. Gelato is just as as addicting as i heard it was. My personal favorites are cherry, and lemon. My favorite thing to do in Venice is get lost in the backstreets. Away from all the tourists and shops. You find the best coutryards, gardens and squares.
Well, weàre off to Padua tomorro. Iàm so excited to see some countryside. Iàll try and keep yall posted more often! I hope all is well back home. Iàm so glad to be here, and iàm getting in great shape from walking everywhere.

Less Than 24 Hours! Holy Schmoley!

I'll be boarding a plane bound for Italy in less than 24 hours. I think its appropriate that I post our itinerary now:

Italy Trip May 25 to June 10, 2006

May 25, 2006 (Thursday)
Depart 10:00 pm Houston
Arrive 2:40 pm Friday May 26 Paris, France

Depart 3:25 pm Paris, France
Arrive 5:05 pm Venice Italy

May 26—29: (Friday pm– Monday am) VENICE
http://www.villacrispi.it/

Major sights: St Marks Cathedral, Doges Palace,
St Marks Square, Hotel Daniella, Harry’s Bar for a bellini

May 29 (Monday am) Train to Padova (Padua)

May 29—30: (Monday – Tuesday am)
http://www.toscanelli.com/

Scrovegni Chapel
University of Padua, Caffe Pedrocchi, Basilica of St. Anthony

May 30 (Tuesday am) Train to Firenze (Florence)

May 30—June 3: (Tuesday am to Friday ?) FLORENCE
www.hotelpagnini.it

Uffizi Gallery
Accademia
Palatine Gallery @ Pitti Palace
Science Museum, Leonardo Museum, and all major sights
Possible day trip to Pisa

June 03 (Friday) Train to Roma (Rome)

June 3—June 6: (Saturday to Tuesday) ROME
www.hoteltirrenoroma.it

Roman forum, Coliseum, Vatican museums, all major sights
Appian Way

June 6 (Tuesday) Train to Naples

Naples: (see Rick Steves Walk p.618) Archeological Museum
Pompeii, Herculeum, etc.

June 6 –June 7 (Tuesday night) NIGHT TRAIN TO SICILY

June 7—June 8 (Wednesday) SYRACUSE (SICILY)
casamiahotel@venere.com

Archimedes Tomb, Archeological Museum

June 8 (Thursday) Train to Amalfi Coast/Rome

June 8—June 10 (Thursday to Saturday) ROME
http://www.hotelhiberiarome.com/

Final major sights missed during earlier days

June 10, 2006 (Saturday)
Depart 7:20 am Rome
Arrive 9:30 am Paris, France

Depart 10:20 am Paris, France
Arrive 1:50 pm Houston


So thats it in a nutshell!

Scattered Across the Globe

I just found out my best friend is going to Italy and Paris at the end of June. (this is a shout-out to her: hey Jess, my babe. have a splendid time. I know you will!) It is a lifelong dream for her, and I'm so pumpped. Seems like everyone is going abroad this summer. Another best friend is traveling to central Mexico. How cool is that. I'm really glad to see we're all getting these great opportunities. Perhaps in the near future we'll all be traveling together in our adventures around the globe. That would be extremely amazing.

Well, I got some toiletries, and talked to different people that can take care of my kitty, Madge:

So that's a good thing. Im going to try and fit everything in my bag today. I'll carry it around the house for a little while to see if I can haul it easily over there. I'm sure I'll end up re-packing several times.

You know, Jess gave me this book about all the other cultures of the world. It tells you whats acceptable etiqutte in different countries. Its so very cool. I remember Italy says something about how shoes are noticed and they show your status so you should wear nice shoes. I have lots of cool shoes I would love to bring, but shoes are hard to pack! ... and they're not exactly the lightest item of clothing. So shoes are definatley my hangup with the packing.

While I'm in Italy, so far I want to purchase a hat and shoes. Maybe even a scarf. I sold back all my books that I had left from college yesterday, and got some good spending money for Italy!! That was a nice unexpected source of mula. I took care of all outstanding busineess in College Station yesterday. Its a relief to have that done. Moving and traveling is such a shuffle, much less at the same time.

Well, I'd better get on with my day if I expect to be anywhere near ready when Italy gets here: 3 MORE DAYS!!

The Countdown Begins

Well, I have graduated! I have moved out of College Station and most of my furniture is set up in my new San Antonio place. I've got a couple weeks off before the job starts ... So what should I do in the meantime? Well, travel to Italy with my mom, of course!

I'll be there from May 25 till June 10th-ish. IN JUST 5 DAYS!!

May 25 is coming up sooner than I thought. Its THIS THURSDAY! Mom's got lots of travel shows and books for me to read to catch up on all the info I need to know before we head out. I need to find someone to watch the kitty, as well. Luckily she's real sweet and most people like her, so maybe I won't have to bribe someone too much. I of course need to pack, too! Light is the key word. We're not checking any bags, and we're walking and carrying our stuff everywhere. Which is really good, but its difficult to pair everything down to one duffel bag and a backpack. The temptation to overpack is overwhelming.

I'm really looking forward to all of this and can't wait to get on that airplane. It'll be here before I know it, though.