So this week was pretty uneventful, especially compared with all the craziness the two weeks before. It was good getting back into my routine and going to class, even though my Spanish was atrocious. We had a big exam Thursday so I spent the week basically just doing homework and studying for that – trying to remember anything I had learned before Spring Break. Then, we had an excursion this weekend so we didn’t have class Friday. Kelly and Patrick went to Paris this weekend so she didn’t go on the excursion – and they left Thursday night.
Friday morning we were supposed to leave at 8am (yeah, super early) but we were all there and the bus was at least 30 minutes late. Therefore we couldn’t see the Stonehenge-like thing on the way to Burgos (where our excursion was). But we rode on the bus for a couple hours at arrived at Atapuerca. This is where they found the oldest human remains in Europe. So we first went to this introductory place where the guy just discussed Neanderthals, etc. with us and it was made to look like a little village. Then we went to the actual cave – yes, we got to wear hard hats and everything. And he talked to us about the three different caves, the fossils, and just all the history. Definitely not my kind of thing but whatever I had Tiffany so we made it fun…and we were wearing hard hats so that was funny.
After all the Atapuerca stuff we finally had lunch – another reason no one really paid attention we had to eat breakfast at like 730 and lunch wasn’t until 230. We ate at this random truck stop restaurant, I guess because nothing is really close to Atapuerca. Lunch was disgusting – it was the nasty beans I don’t like (lentils/lentejas) and fish with the bones that was an unsettling temperature. So that was pretty much completely unsatisfying. I guess it’s a good thing I brought fruit from home. But then we rode another hour or so to Burgos. This is a small city in the Castilla y Leon region. Pretty much all that’s in Burgos is the cathedral – which resembles the Notre Dame form outside and on the inside reminded me of the cathedral in Toledo. But we had a hilarious tour guide that would repeat stuff in Spanish and English and so it was pretty entertaining. The cathedral was beautiful – you should look it up. After that we checked into our hotel, which was pretty nice, and had free time for the rest of the night. Tiffany and I rested for a little bit then walked around Burgos for the entire night. We got some coffee since we were both exhausted, then just wandered, and then got a little dinner. So I think we walked and talked for around 3-4 hours. Then we just came back to our hotel and hung out for a little bit before bed.
Saturday morning we had a hike – but it wasn’t mandatory so there were only probably 40 or so of us (out of the group of 80, 40 from Bilbao and 40 from San Sebastian). We had an excellent breakfast with endless coffee and then headed out on the bus for an hour or so. Our itinerary said we would go weather conditions permitting and our director said it was cold but not too cold and it wasn’t supposed to rain until after 4 hours and that’s all the time we looked at. So we started hiking and it was so cold. But this hike is huge for Spaniards – it’s the “Camino de Santiago” – people do this hike to end at Santiago and it’s a big religious, or I guess it can be non-religious, experience. They average 25km for 20 days depending on where they start or how much they can walk. And it’s mostly through the Basque countryside, but some of it goes through suburban areas like Burgos. So it was cool to actually pass people doing this while we were walking. However, it was freezing cold, windy and misting. So after we’d hiked our 10km in 3 hours we were all completely numb and miserable. After that we rode back to the hotel and had a couple hours of free time. But by now everyone was ready to leave so we all just hung out in the hotel until lunch – but Tiffany and I went to the grocery store to look around a little. It was hard because we just couldn’t warm up. But then we finally had lunch – salad, pasta, chicken on the bone and French fries, and some really good dessert thing. So once again USAC failed with a good lunch –but it was so much food if I didn’t like most of it I still got plenty. Then we finally headed back to San Sebastian about an hour late. We stopped at the Stonehenge thing which I thought was pretty dumb and random – and our bus got stuck so we all had to get out and watch the driver try to get out of a ditch which was pretty funny. And we ended up getting back here around 8pm (instead of 630). I just wanted to be inside in my warm pajamas so I had dinner, and just relaxed for the night. Also, since I don’t have a camera I’m going to get Tiffany’s pictures and I’ll try and put a few up. But today I’m just hanging out – I have to read and write a composition for class and I’m continuously working on Sara’s trip here (which is this week!!!). Also, Tiffany and I decided we want to go to a random town in the Basque country this week so we’re going to see if we can do that. But for now - off to do homework.
More later.
Love, Jill
Burgos: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burgos
Camino de Santiago: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camino_de_santiago
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
The Crazy Finale to My Spring Break
So, Monday Jess & I decided to go to one of the five hill towns called Montepulciano. Jess discovered this place because it is where they are filming the next Twilight movie (New Moon). Monday morning we got up early & headed out on my first real train ride as Jess likes to say. It was a pretty cheap roundtrip ticket. The ride was beautiful – just seeing all of the pretty countryside and the millions of vineyards all around. We finally got there and realized we didn’t need much entertainment; thankfully, it was just fun to be in a cute little small Tuscan town surrounded by the countryside. We used Rick Steve’s (Jess’s new hero) to figure out how to actually get from the train station to the bus station into town, which was a 15 minute uphill, winding walk. When we first found the main square, there was a huge antique market in and we looked around forever. We both ended up buying a couple bracelets – the people were so nice and helpful it was kind of hard not to buy something. They went out of their way to refit our bracelets to fit us. Then we headed on to lunch at some random local place that Rick had suggested of course – I had soup & Jess had porkchops. We were definitely the only two people that only ordered one course. This was our first time realizing that Italians in Montepulciano cannot take pictures. This picture was the first of many awful attempts. After lunch we were hardly full and walked around in search of gelato. I had been in Italy almost a week and had only had gelato once, this was horrible! So we found one place in the town that had it – and they had some kind of mousse gelato which was delicious. It kinda started sprinkling and it was chilly on and off but we toughed it out. So then we headed back to the antique market because Jess and I had both wanted to buy a ring (even before the trip) and we told a lady we’d be back. So we went to one stand and tried on pretty much every ring and made the people mad. But I ended up talking this guy into a much lower price (“It fits! It is a miracle! Less price only because it’s a miracle!”) and so I got a cute little antique ring that actually reminds me of the one my mom has that I’m in love with. Then Jess & I found this other lady that was super nice and has us waving “ciao” and cracking up. She was telling Jess not to get some rings because they looked bad and giving her suggestions on which ones to buy. So of course she had to buy one from her. Then, even though Jess had been taking a million pictures throughout the town (“Edward might stand here; I bet Edward will be here; I could see him standing here” haha) we decided to climb the clock tower – because that’s the focal point of the town in the book and where all the action is kind of centered around. So we climbed up there and took a ton more pictures and had a great view of the Tuscan countryside – and it was cool because we could see some of the other village towns. So, then we just walked around a little bit more, got a sandwich for dinner and headed back to Rome. We got back to Jess’s apartment around 11 and I worked on my plans for the rest of the week.
Tuesday I got up and went and saw the Spanish Steps – the last major tourist attraction I hadn’t hit yet. Then I came back and had lunch with Jess before heading out on my train to Florence. I navigated the city all by myself that day – had to ask for some directions, but knew the buses and everything to do at the train station for my trip. So then I had a good 3-4 hour train ride to Florence to meet Kyle, another friend from TU who I had actually seen in Barcelona and Ireland. He met me at the train station and it’s a long story but I couldn’t stay at his apartment so I stayed at these girls’ apartment – one of whom I had actually met when I visited the guys in Edmond a couple years ago because she’s from there. But they were super nice and very warm and welcoming. Then Kyle and I just walked around town a little bit, he told me some random information and we went to dinner. For his program they get food vouchers at certain restaurants so we went to one of those restaurants – I didn’t have to pay for any meal with Kyle since he had these vouchers! Then we hung out at the girls’ apartment. That night I got kind of sick but I think it’s the excessive amount of travelling and unsettling and lack of sleep but I didn’t really know what to do so one of the girls forced me into bed and I slept from 11pm until noon.
Wednesday, after waking up at noon and getting ready one of the girls suggested where to get lunch so I got a sandwich and sat on the steps of the Duomo people-watching and eating for a couple hours. I love the Duomo – it’s just so cool and a great place to hang out. Then, Kyle had a couple hours between classes so we went and saw the David. This made us decide Kyle should be a sculptor (you all know the lack of artistic ability in my family or else I would have too). It was a lot bigger than I’d expected and just so detailed – I was really impressed. I’m not the biggest art person so the rest of the museum wasn’t too great but I just sat and admired him for a while. Then he showed me his paintings and drawings at his school. He has definitely improved since being over here and it was cool to see stuff he’s done – I was so impressed and told him, like Jess, he can just give me a painting for my birthday. Then, Kyle had to go to class so I just wandered around for the next couple hours, sitting in random piazzas, people-watching, writing, and exploring. Then I met Kyle after class and we got gelato at his favorite gelato place and picked up groceries to cook dinner with the girls. We went back to their apartment – they were glued to a season of Friends, I got to watch tons of episodes last week, it was great. And they cooked rice (maybe it was that Italian rice I forget the name, who knows), chicken, and some sauce stuff to cover, salad & strawberries. Then we just sat around and talked forever, I read about different places in Italy and things in Florence (I was working on planning my trip to Cinque Terre I was going to go Thursday through Saturday), and we watched some more Friends. Kyle and I went up to Piazza di Michelangelo which has the most amazing view of the city before he headed home and I went to bed.
Thursday, Kyle had class in the morning but I met him for lunch. I did have as nice of weather as I’d been getting the past week which was sad. It was rainy and kind of cold. But after lunch with Kyle I went to Michelangelo and hung out for a bit, then I walked around, went to a couple piazzas, looked around Ponte Vecchio and back to the girls’ apartment before meeting up with Kyle again. It’s hard when it’s cold and rainy to want to go venture around and explore when I don’t really want to be outside. But I finally met up with Kyle and we went and got my stuff and were going to drop it off at his apartment before dinner and I headed out for Cinque Terre. We went to his apartment & I met his roommates and I was very thankful I was staying in an apartment of girls not boys – it is very different and I’m not sure I could’ve handled it (reminds me of going to Adam’s in Wichita). Then we went and got takeout pizzas from a place nearby where he had vouchers and ate at his apartment with his roommates. It was time for me to go to Cinque Terre and I just couldn’t do it. I couldn’t go by myself, with the possibility of bad weather, completely disconnecting myself from everybody for another few days – and this time I didn’t even have any minutes left on my phone. So I ended up on a train back to Rome with lots of thought and talk with Kyle, the girls, and Jess. I got to Rome pretty late and it was kind of stressful trying to find my way to Jess’s apartment without my phone or her there with me. But I made it to Piazza Venezia and the bus that I was supposed to get on never came so I flagged down a cab. The only place I could give him was Jess’s school – which he didn’t know and had to stop and ask a few times and no one knew. So finally I used his cell phone, he didn’t speak more than a few words of English so this was difficult, and I called Jess, got her address & we found her apartment. By the time I got there I was exhausted and just passed out.
The next morning Jess and her roommates were going on an excursion with their program. She was trying to figure out how I could get there and meet them because they were going to Sorrento and would have tons of free time and it’d be nice and pretty. But it was kind of difficult to figure out & by the time I got there it’d be kind of pointless so I decided I’d just stay in Rome, relax, and take some pictures with my disposable camera. I am so thankful to have Jess and her nice roommates because they let me stay there two nights by myself. So they all left and I did stuff on the computer, got some groceries for the next couple days, and just hung out. Friday I ate breakfast and ran in Jess’s favorite park which is right by her house. Then I got a sandwich and ate on the grass in front of the Colosseum – that could be my favorite place in Rome besides Trastevere, but completely different places, so maybe just my favorite touristy place slash monument. Then I just went back to Jess’s apartment and hung out, made a grilled cheese for dinner which I have been craving for forever, skyped some friends, and went to bed early.
Saturday I got up and decided I’d make it to some major sites because I wanted pictures. So I went to Piazza Venezia, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. I also bought a Roma shirt that I’ve been wanting and was only 5 Euros. I was looking for a good Italy coffee cup but the only ones I could ever find were super touristy and ugly so I figured a shirt and some postcards and pictures made up for it. After that I tried to find the Vatican. Yes, tried to find the Vatican. Jess’s apartment and street isn’t on the map that I had so I kind of tried to figure it out but I got super turned around in this big park and just couldn’t figure it out. I looked it up on the internet as well and couldn’t find the bus stop either so I decided that was okay since I had already seen it. So then I went back to Jess’s apartment and got to Skype my mom and sister. We talked for a good couple hours but that was really exciting cause I hadn’t talked to either of them in such a long time and Jess’s internet is really good so neither of us were blurry and the connection only dropped a couple times. After I talked to them I just packed, walked around the park a little, and made dinner. I skyped a couple friends from Tulsa – it’s a pretty big Greek weekend that I missed last year as well, and we lost last year so I’m anxious to see how things go.
So then I rode a bus to the train station to wait for a shuttle to take me to the airport. That was a pretty interesting wait with some interesting people out at that hour. But I'm alive and that's all the matters...right? Then I rode the shuttle out to the airport and waited some more for my flight. My flight went great and we actually landed in Barcelona early. So I asked some man and figured out how to get to the major bus station so I could wait for my bus back to San Sebastian. I ended up getting on a train & buying a metro pass which I guess was wrong because I couldn't get out of the station but I finally talked a police officer into letting me out. So then I got some lunch & waited for the bus. When the buses arrive everyone goes crazy & 2 arrived at the same time so no one knew which bus to get on or where they were going and it was just complete madness. But I asked around & my bus ended up arriving late (supposed to be leaving at 315 & it got there a little after 315). And it ended up being a double decker bus which meant there wasn't any room for our luggage so the guy had to sit and arrange it all so we didn't pull out until 345. So I slept in the cramped claustrophobic upper level until everyone started freaking out. I have no idea what was going on but I heard something about arriving in San Sebastian around 1130 or 12 (we were supposed to arrive at 10) and everyone was just going crazy. Then we stopped at some random bus station and people got off for snacks and bathroom but I was too nervous to get off cause I had no idea what was happening so I just slept. Then the girl next to me woke me up because everyone was signing something because we took a wrong turn or somehow ended up in the wrong place and wouldn't be back in San Sebastian until 1230 or 1. So I signed it, whatever. If I could get money back that'd be awesome. Then we stopped at the truck stop we normally stop at a couple hours later and I got some dinner. And then it was still 4 more hours back to San Sebastian. We finally pulled in at 130am, and it was raining and I had to wait for a taxi behind a hundred other people. I finally got in the taxi - all my stuff soaking wet and made it to my apartment. However, I guess since I was so late my host mom had locked the door & I couldn't get in. So I tried buzzing and ringing the doorbell but she didn't hear. My phone was dead & out of minutes so I couldn't call. So I walked to Kelly's and buzzed her apartment like 10 times until Patrick & her let me in. So I finally got into bed at around 2-3am. And was woken up by some wonderful construction. But hey, I had a great vacation & I'm alive & back in Spain. Now all I have to worry about is planning my sister's trip over here which I'm super excited about & she'll be here in less than 2 weeks! Hope everyone has a great week.
More, but less eventful stuff, later.
Love, Jill
Tuesday I got up and went and saw the Spanish Steps – the last major tourist attraction I hadn’t hit yet. Then I came back and had lunch with Jess before heading out on my train to Florence. I navigated the city all by myself that day – had to ask for some directions, but knew the buses and everything to do at the train station for my trip. So then I had a good 3-4 hour train ride to Florence to meet Kyle, another friend from TU who I had actually seen in Barcelona and Ireland. He met me at the train station and it’s a long story but I couldn’t stay at his apartment so I stayed at these girls’ apartment – one of whom I had actually met when I visited the guys in Edmond a couple years ago because she’s from there. But they were super nice and very warm and welcoming. Then Kyle and I just walked around town a little bit, he told me some random information and we went to dinner. For his program they get food vouchers at certain restaurants so we went to one of those restaurants – I didn’t have to pay for any meal with Kyle since he had these vouchers! Then we hung out at the girls’ apartment. That night I got kind of sick but I think it’s the excessive amount of travelling and unsettling and lack of sleep but I didn’t really know what to do so one of the girls forced me into bed and I slept from 11pm until noon.
Wednesday, after waking up at noon and getting ready one of the girls suggested where to get lunch so I got a sandwich and sat on the steps of the Duomo people-watching and eating for a couple hours. I love the Duomo – it’s just so cool and a great place to hang out. Then, Kyle had a couple hours between classes so we went and saw the David. This made us decide Kyle should be a sculptor (you all know the lack of artistic ability in my family or else I would have too). It was a lot bigger than I’d expected and just so detailed – I was really impressed. I’m not the biggest art person so the rest of the museum wasn’t too great but I just sat and admired him for a while. Then he showed me his paintings and drawings at his school. He has definitely improved since being over here and it was cool to see stuff he’s done – I was so impressed and told him, like Jess, he can just give me a painting for my birthday. Then, Kyle had to go to class so I just wandered around for the next couple hours, sitting in random piazzas, people-watching, writing, and exploring. Then I met Kyle after class and we got gelato at his favorite gelato place and picked up groceries to cook dinner with the girls. We went back to their apartment – they were glued to a season of Friends, I got to watch tons of episodes last week, it was great. And they cooked rice (maybe it was that Italian rice I forget the name, who knows), chicken, and some sauce stuff to cover, salad & strawberries. Then we just sat around and talked forever, I read about different places in Italy and things in Florence (I was working on planning my trip to Cinque Terre I was going to go Thursday through Saturday), and we watched some more Friends. Kyle and I went up to Piazza di Michelangelo which has the most amazing view of the city before he headed home and I went to bed.
Thursday, Kyle had class in the morning but I met him for lunch. I did have as nice of weather as I’d been getting the past week which was sad. It was rainy and kind of cold. But after lunch with Kyle I went to Michelangelo and hung out for a bit, then I walked around, went to a couple piazzas, looked around Ponte Vecchio and back to the girls’ apartment before meeting up with Kyle again. It’s hard when it’s cold and rainy to want to go venture around and explore when I don’t really want to be outside. But I finally met up with Kyle and we went and got my stuff and were going to drop it off at his apartment before dinner and I headed out for Cinque Terre. We went to his apartment & I met his roommates and I was very thankful I was staying in an apartment of girls not boys – it is very different and I’m not sure I could’ve handled it (reminds me of going to Adam’s in Wichita). Then we went and got takeout pizzas from a place nearby where he had vouchers and ate at his apartment with his roommates. It was time for me to go to Cinque Terre and I just couldn’t do it. I couldn’t go by myself, with the possibility of bad weather, completely disconnecting myself from everybody for another few days – and this time I didn’t even have any minutes left on my phone. So I ended up on a train back to Rome with lots of thought and talk with Kyle, the girls, and Jess. I got to Rome pretty late and it was kind of stressful trying to find my way to Jess’s apartment without my phone or her there with me. But I made it to Piazza Venezia and the bus that I was supposed to get on never came so I flagged down a cab. The only place I could give him was Jess’s school – which he didn’t know and had to stop and ask a few times and no one knew. So finally I used his cell phone, he didn’t speak more than a few words of English so this was difficult, and I called Jess, got her address & we found her apartment. By the time I got there I was exhausted and just passed out.
The next morning Jess and her roommates were going on an excursion with their program. She was trying to figure out how I could get there and meet them because they were going to Sorrento and would have tons of free time and it’d be nice and pretty. But it was kind of difficult to figure out & by the time I got there it’d be kind of pointless so I decided I’d just stay in Rome, relax, and take some pictures with my disposable camera. I am so thankful to have Jess and her nice roommates because they let me stay there two nights by myself. So they all left and I did stuff on the computer, got some groceries for the next couple days, and just hung out. Friday I ate breakfast and ran in Jess’s favorite park which is right by her house. Then I got a sandwich and ate on the grass in front of the Colosseum – that could be my favorite place in Rome besides Trastevere, but completely different places, so maybe just my favorite touristy place slash monument. Then I just went back to Jess’s apartment and hung out, made a grilled cheese for dinner which I have been craving for forever, skyped some friends, and went to bed early.
Saturday I got up and decided I’d make it to some major sites because I wanted pictures. So I went to Piazza Venezia, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. I also bought a Roma shirt that I’ve been wanting and was only 5 Euros. I was looking for a good Italy coffee cup but the only ones I could ever find were super touristy and ugly so I figured a shirt and some postcards and pictures made up for it. After that I tried to find the Vatican. Yes, tried to find the Vatican. Jess’s apartment and street isn’t on the map that I had so I kind of tried to figure it out but I got super turned around in this big park and just couldn’t figure it out. I looked it up on the internet as well and couldn’t find the bus stop either so I decided that was okay since I had already seen it. So then I went back to Jess’s apartment and got to Skype my mom and sister. We talked for a good couple hours but that was really exciting cause I hadn’t talked to either of them in such a long time and Jess’s internet is really good so neither of us were blurry and the connection only dropped a couple times. After I talked to them I just packed, walked around the park a little, and made dinner. I skyped a couple friends from Tulsa – it’s a pretty big Greek weekend that I missed last year as well, and we lost last year so I’m anxious to see how things go.
So then I rode a bus to the train station to wait for a shuttle to take me to the airport. That was a pretty interesting wait with some interesting people out at that hour. But I'm alive and that's all the matters...right? Then I rode the shuttle out to the airport and waited some more for my flight. My flight went great and we actually landed in Barcelona early. So I asked some man and figured out how to get to the major bus station so I could wait for my bus back to San Sebastian. I ended up getting on a train & buying a metro pass which I guess was wrong because I couldn't get out of the station but I finally talked a police officer into letting me out. So then I got some lunch & waited for the bus. When the buses arrive everyone goes crazy & 2 arrived at the same time so no one knew which bus to get on or where they were going and it was just complete madness. But I asked around & my bus ended up arriving late (supposed to be leaving at 315 & it got there a little after 315). And it ended up being a double decker bus which meant there wasn't any room for our luggage so the guy had to sit and arrange it all so we didn't pull out until 345. So I slept in the cramped claustrophobic upper level until everyone started freaking out. I have no idea what was going on but I heard something about arriving in San Sebastian around 1130 or 12 (we were supposed to arrive at 10) and everyone was just going crazy. Then we stopped at some random bus station and people got off for snacks and bathroom but I was too nervous to get off cause I had no idea what was happening so I just slept. Then the girl next to me woke me up because everyone was signing something because we took a wrong turn or somehow ended up in the wrong place and wouldn't be back in San Sebastian until 1230 or 1. So I signed it, whatever. If I could get money back that'd be awesome. Then we stopped at the truck stop we normally stop at a couple hours later and I got some dinner. And then it was still 4 more hours back to San Sebastian. We finally pulled in at 130am, and it was raining and I had to wait for a taxi behind a hundred other people. I finally got in the taxi - all my stuff soaking wet and made it to my apartment. However, I guess since I was so late my host mom had locked the door & I couldn't get in. So I tried buzzing and ringing the doorbell but she didn't hear. My phone was dead & out of minutes so I couldn't call. So I walked to Kelly's and buzzed her apartment like 10 times until Patrick & her let me in. So I finally got into bed at around 2-3am. And was woken up by some wonderful construction. But hey, I had a great vacation & I'm alive & back in Spain. Now all I have to worry about is planning my sister's trip over here which I'm super excited about & she'll be here in less than 2 weeks! Hope everyone has a great week.
More, but less eventful stuff, later.
Love, Jill
Sunday, April 12, 2009
no pictures.
Soo it seems like awhile ago but I definitely need to update all of you. We'll see how much I can remember...
Monday I spent the day in Tolo - it's a tiny little town so I just walked around, took some pictures and relaxed by the beach. I had a balcony with my room that looked out over the beach & my hotel was like right on the beach so I could sit at tables and look at the beach so I drank some coffee and read. So Monday was super relaxing. Tuesday I got up and went to Nafplio. I loved it! It was perfect weather so I just walked around the entire day. Literally. I left my hotel at 945 and didn't get back until 730 that night. It was amazing. Nafplio is just a cute little town - I people-watched, shopped around, sat in the different squares, read up on the history, and walked along the water. It was such a great day, very relaxing as well. And I finally tried the drink that I saw everyone in Greece drinking - all the people all the time - its a NesCafe Frappe. So now if you go to Greece you know what to drink, haha. But it's just like an instant coffee frappuccino - not that exciting at all. But it was wonderful. I got a couple souvenirs, of course, so that was great.
Then Wednesday was the rough day. I got my wake up call at 540 (haha, mom I suggested a wake up call) then took a taxi to Nafplio and rode the bus for a couple hours to Athens. Then at the bus station I bought a ticket to the Athens airport. I'm glad I left super early because I don't think I could've waited for the next bus (they leave every hour). But I got to the airport in plenty of time & just hung out and got on the computer. One of the flights to Rome was delayed like 4 hours - from noon to 430 but mine left at 210 so that was fine. But I just hung out and ate some lunch and went into the terminal. I sat there and looked through my pictures on my camera and tried to look through my Nafplio book that said the real names of everything so I could remember. Then I got to Rome around 3. BUT my bag didn't come - I was trying to be optimistic but I waited about an hour & it hadn't come so I went and filled out the papers and the ladies that work there are so dumb so it was somewhat difficult. But I gave them Jess's number and they said they'd call. Then I had to ride the train around because I couldn't remember the right stop - I thought I knew but I was wrong. So I finally made it to the right one and met up with Jess. But by the time I met up with her we needed to be heading to dinner because we were meeting up with Kelly & her boyfriend, Patrick. So I still had my big bag that I had bought, with my laptop in it (which I ended up ripping the bag because it shouldn't have been holding a computer) and another little bag. Then we went to this place Jess wanted to try that supposedly is known for good wine & cheese. So we got a meat & cheese thing that was really good & then I had my first Italian pasta. It was really good. However, we were talking about where we had been - Kelly & Patrick had been in Rome since Monday) and I wanted to show them my pictures. And I guess my camera fell out of my bag on the plane. I was so upset because I knew it had to be there and I really wanted it for Rome. But whatever. I called Alitalia, the Rome airport, and e-mailed the Greece airport. I'm still working on a way to call the Greece numbers they gave me. I just really want my Greek pictures back - I'm sorry if I don't find my camera but I really want to show all those pictures. And I'll take some pictures from Jess and my other friend Claire if I can't find my camera.
So then that night I met Jess's roommates and we went out with them and Jess and I got to skype some people from Tulsa so that was exciting. She has fast internet in her apartment so it makes it easier.
The next morning I woke up and worked on getting my bag back which was difficult, and just hung around the apartment with Jess. Then we had lunch at her favorite pizza place - you can eat so cheap here! And then I walked to her class with her. Then while she was in class I went and wandered around by the Colosseum for a little bit then came back to her apartment to meet her. That night Jess cooked dinner for me which was delicious and we just relaxed. Then we went and saw Trevi Fountain & ate at her favorite gelato place - Gelatisi or something, and it was so good! Then by the time we got back it was like 1230 so we went to bed.
Friday we woke up and I got my bag back. They brought it around 1030 which was exciting. And then we went to Jess's favorite park to run for a little bit. Then we showered and went towards the Vatican. On our way we had a very Italian thing - Soupli. It was delicious so that was fun to try. And people walk around eating all the time - very unlike San Sebastian - so we definitely fit in. Then we walked around the Vatican which was pretty cool to see. And then we went to a very Italian area called Trastevere. It is like narrow cobblestone streets and you can easily get lost in it because they all looked the same. But we walked around until dinner, which we had to have early cause we were going to see the Pope. So after dinner we walked back to Jess's apartment, grabbed jackets and went to the Colosseum. The Pope was processing down a main street and ending at the Colosseum to do the Stations of the Cross (Jess is Catholic so she was pretty excited about Easter in Rome). So we went there & listened to him talk with about a million other people & watched this little thing. There I met up with my friend Claire who I worked at camp with. After that Jess & I went to this really popular area called Campo and hung out there for most of the night. We met up with two people Jess knew that were studying in Vienna with her boyfriend (my friend, Hugh) and she had met before. So we hung out with them a little.
Saturday I woke up early to go tour the Colosseum with Claire & her friends. I loved the Colosseum - it was so cool & I read the history in one of her friend's travel books which was super interesting. Then we went and met up with Jess & had lunch - Jess & I got super cheap sandwiches at one of her favorite little places and then walked around the Pantheon. After that Jess and I headed back to her apartment. She was going to mass with the Pope at the Vatican and had to wait in line for like 4 hours. So I just hung around her apartment - we're trying to plan a little day trip to take so I worked on that. But I went to the grocery store because we wanted to cook a little Easter meal and everything is closed on Easter. Then I met Claire at the Colosseum & she came back to Jess's apartment with me to borrow some clothes because her bag got stolen off her bus on her way here & she had hardly any clothes. But I was exhausted and just stayed at Jess's apartment, sleeping, skyping, and looking at stuff for our trip.
Today Jess & I got up around 10. She told me all about Mass with the Pope which sounded soo crazy - a huge group of people fighting & running to get in. Just a big ordeal. But pretty cool. Then we ate our egg that we had bought. The big thing in Rome, or maybe all of Italy, is these big hollow eggs that come with a prize inside. Jess doesn't like chocolate so we got white chocolate & it had Winnie the Pooh on the outside. Also, she gave up peanut butter for lent so she wanted to have some peanut butter. So we broke open our egg this morning, which had a winnie the pooh harmonica (i think harmonica) and she had some peanut butter. Then we went & met Claire to say bye and get my clothes back. Also, Jess's big - Lizzie - had been to Rome not very long ago & ate at this restaurant and wanted us to go back and meet the guys - so Jess had a picture and the guys' names. Then we came back here & cooked our gnocchi for our easter meal - which was really good. Now we're just relaxing & going to see the Spanish steps tonight cause I still haven't done that.
We're working on planning our trip though. We want to do this bike trip through Lucca which sounds amazing because its Tuscany so its beautiful but we don't know if we'll be able to or not. Also, we want to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa & Montepulciano (where they're going to film part of the next twilight!). It's not super expensive either - train tickets can be like 15euros which is very doable. And then Tuesday night I'll be in Florence with my friend Kyle until Thursday or Friday - which I still don't have a plan after that, haha.
But hopefully I can still get my camera back - I have to find a phone to use to call Greece.
Happy Easter!
Love, Jill
Monday I spent the day in Tolo - it's a tiny little town so I just walked around, took some pictures and relaxed by the beach. I had a balcony with my room that looked out over the beach & my hotel was like right on the beach so I could sit at tables and look at the beach so I drank some coffee and read. So Monday was super relaxing. Tuesday I got up and went to Nafplio. I loved it! It was perfect weather so I just walked around the entire day. Literally. I left my hotel at 945 and didn't get back until 730 that night. It was amazing. Nafplio is just a cute little town - I people-watched, shopped around, sat in the different squares, read up on the history, and walked along the water. It was such a great day, very relaxing as well. And I finally tried the drink that I saw everyone in Greece drinking - all the people all the time - its a NesCafe Frappe. So now if you go to Greece you know what to drink, haha. But it's just like an instant coffee frappuccino - not that exciting at all. But it was wonderful. I got a couple souvenirs, of course, so that was great.
Then Wednesday was the rough day. I got my wake up call at 540 (haha, mom I suggested a wake up call) then took a taxi to Nafplio and rode the bus for a couple hours to Athens. Then at the bus station I bought a ticket to the Athens airport. I'm glad I left super early because I don't think I could've waited for the next bus (they leave every hour). But I got to the airport in plenty of time & just hung out and got on the computer. One of the flights to Rome was delayed like 4 hours - from noon to 430 but mine left at 210 so that was fine. But I just hung out and ate some lunch and went into the terminal. I sat there and looked through my pictures on my camera and tried to look through my Nafplio book that said the real names of everything so I could remember. Then I got to Rome around 3. BUT my bag didn't come - I was trying to be optimistic but I waited about an hour & it hadn't come so I went and filled out the papers and the ladies that work there are so dumb so it was somewhat difficult. But I gave them Jess's number and they said they'd call. Then I had to ride the train around because I couldn't remember the right stop - I thought I knew but I was wrong. So I finally made it to the right one and met up with Jess. But by the time I met up with her we needed to be heading to dinner because we were meeting up with Kelly & her boyfriend, Patrick. So I still had my big bag that I had bought, with my laptop in it (which I ended up ripping the bag because it shouldn't have been holding a computer) and another little bag. Then we went to this place Jess wanted to try that supposedly is known for good wine & cheese. So we got a meat & cheese thing that was really good & then I had my first Italian pasta. It was really good. However, we were talking about where we had been - Kelly & Patrick had been in Rome since Monday) and I wanted to show them my pictures. And I guess my camera fell out of my bag on the plane. I was so upset because I knew it had to be there and I really wanted it for Rome. But whatever. I called Alitalia, the Rome airport, and e-mailed the Greece airport. I'm still working on a way to call the Greece numbers they gave me. I just really want my Greek pictures back - I'm sorry if I don't find my camera but I really want to show all those pictures. And I'll take some pictures from Jess and my other friend Claire if I can't find my camera.
So then that night I met Jess's roommates and we went out with them and Jess and I got to skype some people from Tulsa so that was exciting. She has fast internet in her apartment so it makes it easier.
The next morning I woke up and worked on getting my bag back which was difficult, and just hung around the apartment with Jess. Then we had lunch at her favorite pizza place - you can eat so cheap here! And then I walked to her class with her. Then while she was in class I went and wandered around by the Colosseum for a little bit then came back to her apartment to meet her. That night Jess cooked dinner for me which was delicious and we just relaxed. Then we went and saw Trevi Fountain & ate at her favorite gelato place - Gelatisi or something, and it was so good! Then by the time we got back it was like 1230 so we went to bed.
Friday we woke up and I got my bag back. They brought it around 1030 which was exciting. And then we went to Jess's favorite park to run for a little bit. Then we showered and went towards the Vatican. On our way we had a very Italian thing - Soupli. It was delicious so that was fun to try. And people walk around eating all the time - very unlike San Sebastian - so we definitely fit in. Then we walked around the Vatican which was pretty cool to see. And then we went to a very Italian area called Trastevere. It is like narrow cobblestone streets and you can easily get lost in it because they all looked the same. But we walked around until dinner, which we had to have early cause we were going to see the Pope. So after dinner we walked back to Jess's apartment, grabbed jackets and went to the Colosseum. The Pope was processing down a main street and ending at the Colosseum to do the Stations of the Cross (Jess is Catholic so she was pretty excited about Easter in Rome). So we went there & listened to him talk with about a million other people & watched this little thing. There I met up with my friend Claire who I worked at camp with. After that Jess & I went to this really popular area called Campo and hung out there for most of the night. We met up with two people Jess knew that were studying in Vienna with her boyfriend (my friend, Hugh) and she had met before. So we hung out with them a little.
Saturday I woke up early to go tour the Colosseum with Claire & her friends. I loved the Colosseum - it was so cool & I read the history in one of her friend's travel books which was super interesting. Then we went and met up with Jess & had lunch - Jess & I got super cheap sandwiches at one of her favorite little places and then walked around the Pantheon. After that Jess and I headed back to her apartment. She was going to mass with the Pope at the Vatican and had to wait in line for like 4 hours. So I just hung around her apartment - we're trying to plan a little day trip to take so I worked on that. But I went to the grocery store because we wanted to cook a little Easter meal and everything is closed on Easter. Then I met Claire at the Colosseum & she came back to Jess's apartment with me to borrow some clothes because her bag got stolen off her bus on her way here & she had hardly any clothes. But I was exhausted and just stayed at Jess's apartment, sleeping, skyping, and looking at stuff for our trip.
Today Jess & I got up around 10. She told me all about Mass with the Pope which sounded soo crazy - a huge group of people fighting & running to get in. Just a big ordeal. But pretty cool. Then we ate our egg that we had bought. The big thing in Rome, or maybe all of Italy, is these big hollow eggs that come with a prize inside. Jess doesn't like chocolate so we got white chocolate & it had Winnie the Pooh on the outside. Also, she gave up peanut butter for lent so she wanted to have some peanut butter. So we broke open our egg this morning, which had a winnie the pooh harmonica (i think harmonica) and she had some peanut butter. Then we went & met Claire to say bye and get my clothes back. Also, Jess's big - Lizzie - had been to Rome not very long ago & ate at this restaurant and wanted us to go back and meet the guys - so Jess had a picture and the guys' names. Then we came back here & cooked our gnocchi for our easter meal - which was really good. Now we're just relaxing & going to see the Spanish steps tonight cause I still haven't done that.
We're working on planning our trip though. We want to do this bike trip through Lucca which sounds amazing because its Tuscany so its beautiful but we don't know if we'll be able to or not. Also, we want to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa & Montepulciano (where they're going to film part of the next twilight!). It's not super expensive either - train tickets can be like 15euros which is very doable. And then Tuesday night I'll be in Florence with my friend Kyle until Thursday or Friday - which I still don't have a plan after that, haha.
But hopefully I can still get my camera back - I have to find a phone to use to call Greece.
Happy Easter!
Love, Jill
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Running solely on adrenaline
I calculated it all:
86 hours =
7 hours of sleep
over 13 hours on a bus
countless times asking for directions
7 cups of coffee
4 airports
5 & ½ hours just plain waiting, sometimes in a line
3 (probably more) times just not knowing where I am/where I’m going/what’s going on
5 outfits, haha :)
3 countries (2 new!)
20 pictures
So this long story begins Thursday. Kelly’s boyfriend came Thursday so she went to pick him up, and without her and a couple other girls class was really funny I think we were all just ready for spring break, including our teacher. But Thursday night, instead of working on packing of course, I just hung out and used Internet, skyped a little and tried to work on my trip.
Friday morning we had our usual class at 9am which was super early. But I decided I need to skype Sara before she comes to Spain to try and have stuff worked out before I get back from spring break (which will only be less than two weeks until she comes). So I set my alarm for 6 to get up and get to school to skype her by 7. But for some reason I woke up at 5 and then 530, I think my paranoid always sets in on those early mornings thinking I’m not going to get up so I got up and got to school before 7 – some people were still out from the night before! But I got to skype her for a couple hours sitting outside cause it was finally nice weather and our skype was actually working. Then I went into class around 830 and once again we had 5 people in class. So the day before I talked Mary into letting us watch a real movie but in Spanish (with English subtitles) so we only worked for a little & got to watch the whole movie. We got out at 1; I went home, worked on packing a little, and took a nap. Then I got up and was feeling like doing something so I went up the mountain behind where I live – which was beautiful and just really relaxing. Then I got ready and went to Kelly’s to meet and hang out with her and her boyfriend – her dang roommates had eaten most of our cookies so there were like 5-10 left but I got to take a few to my host mom & Paula. That night the three of us went out for pintxos – Kelly and I actually have a favorite place we’ve been to a few times so that was exciting. And it was a nice night so we just walked around, by the port area and in Parte Vieja. I was back by like midnight but then I had to work on packing. This other girl in my class was going to let me use her suitcase because all I have is a backpack and the two giant ones I brought for the semester. But her parents were here and it just never worked out – so I tried fitting everything in a little duffle of Kelly’s. But then I realized I always need more room on the way back and of course I’ll have some souvenirs. So I just ended up bringing my huge bag and filling it halfway. So I finally got done – more or less – with packing around 130 and then got ready and went to bed.
My bus was supposed to leave at 730am Saturday but I wanted to give myself enough time to get stuff together and walk to the bus station. My paranoia once again woke me up at 530 and I couldn’t go back to sleep. So I got to the bus station a little early, and the bus was late, but another girl from USAC, Aimee was on my bus so that was good. I slept on and off, read, and listened to music on the way to Barcelona. We got to Barcelona around 3, Aimee had to check on some stuff, we wandered around a little and got coffee and then I headed to the other bus station to get a bus to the airport. I guess the airport that is mostly just RyanAir is like an hour outside of the city and you have to take a bus. So I had to take two metros (yes, Elizabeth told me some stuff before but I had to figure out which metro and figure out the dumb bus station on my own!) and then I got to the bus station at the perfect time because a bus was leaving in like 15minutes – but man, that’s probably the most Americans I’ve been around in awhile it was really strange. But I got to the airport over 2 hours ahead of time and it’s just really weird I didn’t really know about checking in – and every departure had the same two counters listed. So I finally did the computer check-in and then after this random girl from Spain talked to me for a few minutes about learning English, etc. I got up and went to the line to check my bag in because all of a sudden there was a huge line. (I wasn’t sure where to go before because the signs were wrong) But I waited in that line at least an hour and moved maybe a foot. But then it was getting late so they called everyone going to Rome to the special line so we could check in and get on our flight. I was planning on only waiting in line for a little bit so I hadn’t even eaten yet and got rushed onto the plane. I ended up buying a sandwich on board which wasn’t so great and eating at like 10pm. But whatever. So I got to Rome at like 1115pm which was ahead of schedule and got a bus ticket (Jess didn’t think they’d still be running and I’d have to pay like 30euros for a taxi). I was supposed to meet Jess around 1230 at the Termini Train Station and she said where the taxis line up. So I waited by the first set of taxis I saw for about 45minutes and Jess still wasn’t there. So I wandered around and couldn’t find her. So finally at like 1am I texted her to see where she was, she said she was in the front of the station but I couldn’t find her so we ended up calling and meeting in the middle – I guess she had meant some other taxis – funny thing though I had actually walked past where she had been standing and somehow we didn’t see each other! So then we had to catch two buses and it’s a different schedule that late so Jess had to call her friends for help and we finally got to her apartment around 2 or 230 I think. Then of course we had to catch up, and one of her roommates came home so I got to meet her. So we ended up talking until like 345 in the morning and we had called a taxi to come for me at 530 (ever since Ireland I’m really paranoid).
So I got one hour of sleep, got up and showered and met the taxi outside. The guy said he wanted to stop somewhere for a couple minutes on the way and since we had time I didn’t really care. So we passed these random people standing outside by a car. Then I look ahead to the intersection and there’s a car that looks like it got in a wreck. And then I look at them again and there is a man lying on the ground & they put a coat over him. I honestly have no idea if he is alive. But they were just standing there talking – there was no ambulance or anything so the driver was going to help but I feel like they should’ve been panicking more or something! I couldn’t see his face so I don’t know if he was moving or breathing or anything. But then as we drove off I saw his motorcycle up a few more feet – so I guess he was on it and got hit by that car. But it just looked awful! But anyways, it only took like 5 minutes to get to the smaller train station so I bought my ticket and waited for like 20 minutes. Jess tried to tell me where to go but I just followed the other guy that had a suitcase. And then on the train, man is it hard to stay awake on those things! I tried so hard but I would just wake up to see where we were stopping and go back to sleep, but in reality it was only like a 30 minute ride all together. But then I got to the airport, got all checked in and went to my terminal. I was going to get coffee but I tried to tell the guy and he pointed for me to go somewhere else and another lady wouldn’t listen to me so I decided I’d rather sleep than be awake with caffeine. But I tried to use wifi and apparently you have to pay so I just slept, probably very cute and peacefully, until they called us to board (and there were at least 20 more people there when I woke up). So our plane wasn’t even half full so I had a whole row to myself and stretched out and tried to sleep. But finally it was a flight with free food and drinks so that was exciting. So I got coffee and orange juice, (which was red! And delicious!) and some cookies they gave us. Then I got to Athens ahead of schedule and picked up tons of maps. I am so thankful that my grandma sent me her friend’s e-mail address because stuff she’s told me has already been so helpful on this trip. I had a general idea of where I was going and what bus to take, and I knew to get a few city and metro maps.
So once I got into Athens, which was probably an hour or so long bus ride, I just got off the bus and was in awe and started wandering around. I should’ve gathered my bearings and figured out directions and stuff but I couldn’t stand still long enough. I got off in the main square and just headed to where it looked pretty (haha, I’m such a good traveler) and wandered down this random street. I saw this store that had about a million leather flip flops that weren’t too expensive. So of course I had to go try some on, and the guy was super nice so that was great (most everyone can speak a little English). So of course I bought some, I’ve definitely been missing my flip flops. But I bought some because I figured I couldn’t find the store again if I tried. But then I walked up to this like major square (I still don’t know the name) and there were at least 100 other stores just like it! But I still love mine and would’ve gotten the same. But anyways this square was huge and there were at least a million people in it and in all the side streets. There were all the random stores – touristy stuff, jewelry, clothes, purses, shoes, etc. just anything you could imagine all around this place. So I wandered around for awhile and it was so hard not to spend tons of money – I didn’t buy anything! But then I knew I was wanting to try a gyro for lunch and the street I walked up on happened to have one so I sat down (along with the other 500 people doing the same thing) in the square and ate my gyro and people-watched. It was pretty entertaining, very touristy – I couldn’t tell you where half those people were from. But then I just wandered around a lot around there. But then I decided I wanted to see the Acropolis and then head to my hotel but I could not find it. Haha yeah, I couldn’t find the Acropolis I felt dumb. I was so turned around in that little square and kept thinking I knew where I was and really I had no idea. By then my back was hurting and I was tired of walking so much so I was planning on giving up and just decided to head back to the square. I actually found it pretty easily so I sat down and figured out where to go. I started walking down the main road towards the Acropolis and stopped to make sure I was going the right way and some nice old man asked if I was okay and verified that I was correct and we talked for a couple minutes (he said the town I’m staying in is so nice). Then I saw The Arch and The Acropolis. I decided against walking up there because it was raining and I wanted to try to get to Nafplion before too long. So then I headed back to where this one lady & man (who could hardly speak a word of English) told me to go. So I waited for the bus 57 but wasn’t really sure where to get off so I tried to read street signs, got off at the first place, asked where the next street was and walked there. If you ever go to Athens tell me and I will tell you exactly where not to go because this is it. There are all the men selling their random crap and making stupid comments to me walking by. But I tried to talk to this man at the bus ticket window to try to find the station to get to Nafplion and his friend had to talk to me cause he didn’t know English. It took the guy (who was a driver) and I at least 30 minutes to understand that I didn’t need to go buy a ticket and I was going to be getting on the bus he was driving (and his friend was a PER-SON, haha – he’s a PER-SON and I didn’t need to get a ticket from a PER-SON). So I got on his bus and made him tell me where to get off so I’d know. But it was super easy so I finally got to the station and asked where to buy a ticket for Nafplion and got it. Then the bus ride ended up being a lot longer than I was expecting so I got to sleep a little but I finally got to Nafplion (by the way people just randomly ring the little bell and get off in the middle of nowhere so I was super nervous) and bought a ticket to bus to Tolo (like 10 miles away) and a sandwich for dinner. So it took me asking a few different people to realize where the Tolo bus comes, so I finally got it and then rode it all around Tolo and as me and one other girl were left on the bus the driver realized I was still on and stopped on the side of the road and told me to get out. But the whole time people would just see where they were going and get out but I never saw my hotel so I didn’t push a button cause I had no idea where I was going. So I tried to ask him where it was and he didn’t understand me so I just started walking back towards town. I stopped in a random souvenir shop and asked a lady and she had to call someone to find out where it was and told me to go a kilometer more down by the port (ha, like I could judge distance, especially a kilometer). So I just started wandering – and man, there are TONS of young people here. I was not expecting it – they all seem like high schoolers or maybe early college kids. But there are so many and they are everywhere, in huge crowds! But anyways, I finally found my hotel and got checked in and the people are super nice. (if the weather is nice I can have my breakfast outside) I thought I got wireless but apparently not, and I can’t get the tv to work, but I guess that’s probably a good thing. Also, I have a HUGE balcony and can see the beach. But the downside is there are tons of loud high schoolers (or whoever they are, from other countries) and I’m ready to go to bed. So hopefully I’m tired enough to drown them out. And I’m praying for sun tomorrow – it will not be fun with the rain and I would love to just wander around this town and sit by the beach. But anyways, there was the beginning (yeah, just the beginning, haha) of my wonderful adventure. More later.
Miss you all.
Love, Jill
86 hours =
7 hours of sleep
over 13 hours on a bus
countless times asking for directions
7 cups of coffee
4 airports
5 & ½ hours just plain waiting, sometimes in a line
3 (probably more) times just not knowing where I am/where I’m going/what’s going on
5 outfits, haha :)
3 countries (2 new!)
20 pictures
So this long story begins Thursday. Kelly’s boyfriend came Thursday so she went to pick him up, and without her and a couple other girls class was really funny I think we were all just ready for spring break, including our teacher. But Thursday night, instead of working on packing of course, I just hung out and used Internet, skyped a little and tried to work on my trip.
Friday morning we had our usual class at 9am which was super early. But I decided I need to skype Sara before she comes to Spain to try and have stuff worked out before I get back from spring break (which will only be less than two weeks until she comes). So I set my alarm for 6 to get up and get to school to skype her by 7. But for some reason I woke up at 5 and then 530, I think my paranoid always sets in on those early mornings thinking I’m not going to get up so I got up and got to school before 7 – some people were still out from the night before! But I got to skype her for a couple hours sitting outside cause it was finally nice weather and our skype was actually working. Then I went into class around 830 and once again we had 5 people in class. So the day before I talked Mary into letting us watch a real movie but in Spanish (with English subtitles) so we only worked for a little & got to watch the whole movie. We got out at 1; I went home, worked on packing a little, and took a nap. Then I got up and was feeling like doing something so I went up the mountain behind where I live – which was beautiful and just really relaxing. Then I got ready and went to Kelly’s to meet and hang out with her and her boyfriend – her dang roommates had eaten most of our cookies so there were like 5-10 left but I got to take a few to my host mom & Paula. That night the three of us went out for pintxos – Kelly and I actually have a favorite place we’ve been to a few times so that was exciting. And it was a nice night so we just walked around, by the port area and in Parte Vieja. I was back by like midnight but then I had to work on packing. This other girl in my class was going to let me use her suitcase because all I have is a backpack and the two giant ones I brought for the semester. But her parents were here and it just never worked out – so I tried fitting everything in a little duffle of Kelly’s. But then I realized I always need more room on the way back and of course I’ll have some souvenirs. So I just ended up bringing my huge bag and filling it halfway. So I finally got done – more or less – with packing around 130 and then got ready and went to bed.
My bus was supposed to leave at 730am Saturday but I wanted to give myself enough time to get stuff together and walk to the bus station. My paranoia once again woke me up at 530 and I couldn’t go back to sleep. So I got to the bus station a little early, and the bus was late, but another girl from USAC, Aimee was on my bus so that was good. I slept on and off, read, and listened to music on the way to Barcelona. We got to Barcelona around 3, Aimee had to check on some stuff, we wandered around a little and got coffee and then I headed to the other bus station to get a bus to the airport. I guess the airport that is mostly just RyanAir is like an hour outside of the city and you have to take a bus. So I had to take two metros (yes, Elizabeth told me some stuff before but I had to figure out which metro and figure out the dumb bus station on my own!) and then I got to the bus station at the perfect time because a bus was leaving in like 15minutes – but man, that’s probably the most Americans I’ve been around in awhile it was really strange. But I got to the airport over 2 hours ahead of time and it’s just really weird I didn’t really know about checking in – and every departure had the same two counters listed. So I finally did the computer check-in and then after this random girl from Spain talked to me for a few minutes about learning English, etc. I got up and went to the line to check my bag in because all of a sudden there was a huge line. (I wasn’t sure where to go before because the signs were wrong) But I waited in that line at least an hour and moved maybe a foot. But then it was getting late so they called everyone going to Rome to the special line so we could check in and get on our flight. I was planning on only waiting in line for a little bit so I hadn’t even eaten yet and got rushed onto the plane. I ended up buying a sandwich on board which wasn’t so great and eating at like 10pm. But whatever. So I got to Rome at like 1115pm which was ahead of schedule and got a bus ticket (Jess didn’t think they’d still be running and I’d have to pay like 30euros for a taxi). I was supposed to meet Jess around 1230 at the Termini Train Station and she said where the taxis line up. So I waited by the first set of taxis I saw for about 45minutes and Jess still wasn’t there. So I wandered around and couldn’t find her. So finally at like 1am I texted her to see where she was, she said she was in the front of the station but I couldn’t find her so we ended up calling and meeting in the middle – I guess she had meant some other taxis – funny thing though I had actually walked past where she had been standing and somehow we didn’t see each other! So then we had to catch two buses and it’s a different schedule that late so Jess had to call her friends for help and we finally got to her apartment around 2 or 230 I think. Then of course we had to catch up, and one of her roommates came home so I got to meet her. So we ended up talking until like 345 in the morning and we had called a taxi to come for me at 530 (ever since Ireland I’m really paranoid).
So I got one hour of sleep, got up and showered and met the taxi outside. The guy said he wanted to stop somewhere for a couple minutes on the way and since we had time I didn’t really care. So we passed these random people standing outside by a car. Then I look ahead to the intersection and there’s a car that looks like it got in a wreck. And then I look at them again and there is a man lying on the ground & they put a coat over him. I honestly have no idea if he is alive. But they were just standing there talking – there was no ambulance or anything so the driver was going to help but I feel like they should’ve been panicking more or something! I couldn’t see his face so I don’t know if he was moving or breathing or anything. But then as we drove off I saw his motorcycle up a few more feet – so I guess he was on it and got hit by that car. But it just looked awful! But anyways, it only took like 5 minutes to get to the smaller train station so I bought my ticket and waited for like 20 minutes. Jess tried to tell me where to go but I just followed the other guy that had a suitcase. And then on the train, man is it hard to stay awake on those things! I tried so hard but I would just wake up to see where we were stopping and go back to sleep, but in reality it was only like a 30 minute ride all together. But then I got to the airport, got all checked in and went to my terminal. I was going to get coffee but I tried to tell the guy and he pointed for me to go somewhere else and another lady wouldn’t listen to me so I decided I’d rather sleep than be awake with caffeine. But I tried to use wifi and apparently you have to pay so I just slept, probably very cute and peacefully, until they called us to board (and there were at least 20 more people there when I woke up). So our plane wasn’t even half full so I had a whole row to myself and stretched out and tried to sleep. But finally it was a flight with free food and drinks so that was exciting. So I got coffee and orange juice, (which was red! And delicious!) and some cookies they gave us. Then I got to Athens ahead of schedule and picked up tons of maps. I am so thankful that my grandma sent me her friend’s e-mail address because stuff she’s told me has already been so helpful on this trip. I had a general idea of where I was going and what bus to take, and I knew to get a few city and metro maps.
So once I got into Athens, which was probably an hour or so long bus ride, I just got off the bus and was in awe and started wandering around. I should’ve gathered my bearings and figured out directions and stuff but I couldn’t stand still long enough. I got off in the main square and just headed to where it looked pretty (haha, I’m such a good traveler) and wandered down this random street. I saw this store that had about a million leather flip flops that weren’t too expensive. So of course I had to go try some on, and the guy was super nice so that was great (most everyone can speak a little English). So of course I bought some, I’ve definitely been missing my flip flops. But I bought some because I figured I couldn’t find the store again if I tried. But then I walked up to this like major square (I still don’t know the name) and there were at least 100 other stores just like it! But I still love mine and would’ve gotten the same. But anyways this square was huge and there were at least a million people in it and in all the side streets. There were all the random stores – touristy stuff, jewelry, clothes, purses, shoes, etc. just anything you could imagine all around this place. So I wandered around for awhile and it was so hard not to spend tons of money – I didn’t buy anything! But then I knew I was wanting to try a gyro for lunch and the street I walked up on happened to have one so I sat down (along with the other 500 people doing the same thing) in the square and ate my gyro and people-watched. It was pretty entertaining, very touristy – I couldn’t tell you where half those people were from. But then I just wandered around a lot around there. But then I decided I wanted to see the Acropolis and then head to my hotel but I could not find it. Haha yeah, I couldn’t find the Acropolis I felt dumb. I was so turned around in that little square and kept thinking I knew where I was and really I had no idea. By then my back was hurting and I was tired of walking so much so I was planning on giving up and just decided to head back to the square. I actually found it pretty easily so I sat down and figured out where to go. I started walking down the main road towards the Acropolis and stopped to make sure I was going the right way and some nice old man asked if I was okay and verified that I was correct and we talked for a couple minutes (he said the town I’m staying in is so nice). Then I saw The Arch and The Acropolis. I decided against walking up there because it was raining and I wanted to try to get to Nafplion before too long. So then I headed back to where this one lady & man (who could hardly speak a word of English) told me to go. So I waited for the bus 57 but wasn’t really sure where to get off so I tried to read street signs, got off at the first place, asked where the next street was and walked there. If you ever go to Athens tell me and I will tell you exactly where not to go because this is it. There are all the men selling their random crap and making stupid comments to me walking by. But I tried to talk to this man at the bus ticket window to try to find the station to get to Nafplion and his friend had to talk to me cause he didn’t know English. It took the guy (who was a driver) and I at least 30 minutes to understand that I didn’t need to go buy a ticket and I was going to be getting on the bus he was driving (and his friend was a PER-SON, haha – he’s a PER-SON and I didn’t need to get a ticket from a PER-SON). So I got on his bus and made him tell me where to get off so I’d know. But it was super easy so I finally got to the station and asked where to buy a ticket for Nafplion and got it. Then the bus ride ended up being a lot longer than I was expecting so I got to sleep a little but I finally got to Nafplion (by the way people just randomly ring the little bell and get off in the middle of nowhere so I was super nervous) and bought a ticket to bus to Tolo (like 10 miles away) and a sandwich for dinner. So it took me asking a few different people to realize where the Tolo bus comes, so I finally got it and then rode it all around Tolo and as me and one other girl were left on the bus the driver realized I was still on and stopped on the side of the road and told me to get out. But the whole time people would just see where they were going and get out but I never saw my hotel so I didn’t push a button cause I had no idea where I was going. So I tried to ask him where it was and he didn’t understand me so I just started walking back towards town. I stopped in a random souvenir shop and asked a lady and she had to call someone to find out where it was and told me to go a kilometer more down by the port (ha, like I could judge distance, especially a kilometer). So I just started wandering – and man, there are TONS of young people here. I was not expecting it – they all seem like high schoolers or maybe early college kids. But there are so many and they are everywhere, in huge crowds! But anyways, I finally found my hotel and got checked in and the people are super nice. (if the weather is nice I can have my breakfast outside) I thought I got wireless but apparently not, and I can’t get the tv to work, but I guess that’s probably a good thing. Also, I have a HUGE balcony and can see the beach. But the downside is there are tons of loud high schoolers (or whoever they are, from other countries) and I’m ready to go to bed. So hopefully I’m tired enough to drown them out. And I’m praying for sun tomorrow – it will not be fun with the rain and I would love to just wander around this town and sit by the beach. But anyways, there was the beginning (yeah, just the beginning, haha) of my wonderful adventure. More later.
Miss you all.
Love, Jill
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Mi Casa
So I realized that no one really knows where I've been living the past three months so I decided to give you guys a little photo tour of my apartment...
El Baño:
La Ducha:
The Hallway:
The Living Room:
Kitchen:
Paula at my desk drawing a picture for me:
Kelly & I made no bakes!
We were talking about how we haven't had them in so long & her boyfriend, Patrick, got here yesterday so we thought it'd be nice to have something for him. HOWEVER there is no peanut butter (well its just really hard to find) in Spain, no cocoa powder, and we forgot to buy vanilla. Also, Kelly only has one liquid measuring cup in her apartment, and big and little spoons. So...after we converted the recipe, we used sugar, butter (judging w/spoons), oatmeal, cola cao (which is like hot chocolate powder mix), and nutella (chocolate-hazelnut spread instead of peanut butter). But they actually turned out okay :)
Paula & Me in my room:
This morning I woke up at 630 to skype my sister - saw the sun rise! Then, had class & just got to watch a movie since only 4 of us were there. And now I'm just packing and getting ready for vacation. I still haven't put anything into a bag but everything is sitting out - I need to borrow a smaller suitcase from a friend and I'll be ready to leave tomorrow! Tonight I'm going out for tapas with Kelly & Patrick so I can meet him and then hopefully some sleep before my 6 hour bus ride in the morning!
Hopefully more later...from Greece or Italy!
Love, Jill
El Baño:
La Ducha:
The Hallway:
The Living Room:
Kitchen:
Paula at my desk drawing a picture for me:
Kelly & I made no bakes!
We were talking about how we haven't had them in so long & her boyfriend, Patrick, got here yesterday so we thought it'd be nice to have something for him. HOWEVER there is no peanut butter (well its just really hard to find) in Spain, no cocoa powder, and we forgot to buy vanilla. Also, Kelly only has one liquid measuring cup in her apartment, and big and little spoons. So...after we converted the recipe, we used sugar, butter (judging w/spoons), oatmeal, cola cao (which is like hot chocolate powder mix), and nutella (chocolate-hazelnut spread instead of peanut butter). But they actually turned out okay :)
Paula & Me in my room:
This morning I woke up at 630 to skype my sister - saw the sun rise! Then, had class & just got to watch a movie since only 4 of us were there. And now I'm just packing and getting ready for vacation. I still haven't put anything into a bag but everything is sitting out - I need to borrow a smaller suitcase from a friend and I'll be ready to leave tomorrow! Tonight I'm going out for tapas with Kelly & Patrick so I can meet him and then hopefully some sleep before my 6 hour bus ride in the morning!
Hopefully more later...from Greece or Italy!
Love, Jill
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