Hi All,
Last night we had dinner at the same place we had lunch two days ago. I ordered Chicken Souvlaki which was amazing, then we headed back to our hotel for our farewell party on the rooftop terrace. It was a lot of fun and had a great view of the Acropolis. We didn't get to bed until midnight!
This morning, I woke up at 3:15 AM for a 3:30 AM taxi to the airport with a few people. I'm still waiting at the airport check in as my flight is still two and a half hours away.
I have a short layover in Rome before catching my flight to Reggio di Calabria where I will meet up with a few people I know from Penn State. Two of my teachers are hosting a study abroad program there and I know one girl that graduated with me who is visiting as well. It will be a lot of fun!
I can't wait to get back to Italy where there is nowhere near the language barrier I had in Greece! Greece didn't even have the same alphabet!
Michele
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Where's the Rocky Music?
Hi All,
Today, we woke up and had a three hour walking tour of Athens - basically a tour guide to lead us up to the Acropolis, the place that saw the foundation of Western Civilization.
We started out walking to the same area we walked to yesterday - the bazaar where we all went shopping. Our tour guide pointed out a mosque and the first library in history. Then, we walked up a few hills and passed an area called the Agora which is where the people used to shop 2500 years ago! We continued walking up steps and ramps until we were told that we were halfway there. The whole time we were walking, I was waiting for the Rocky theme song to start playing in the background.
Then, we walked about a kilometer up a hill where we bought our tickets for the Acropolis. We then entered the gates and walked up the final ascent which was a mix of slippery marble ramps and stairs. It was quite a workout, but I think I must be in pretty good shape because I wasn't huffing and puffing!
All the walking was worth it when we climbed the final flight of stairs and saw the Parthenon standing right in front of us. A huge, imposing structure. The climb up makes you appreciate all the hard work that must have gone into building it! The Parthenon was supposedly made a bit crooked because nothing is ever perfect. To build something perfect back then was like slapping the Gods in the face!
Overall, the Acropolis was pretty small. I thought it was going to be a huge piece of land on a mountain, but it was very easy to walk around the perimeter in less than 20 minutes!
After a few photos, I decided to take the easy way down and take the elevator since I saw everything that I needed to see on the way up!
We met at the bottom and went out to lunch. I had a very good dish - Maksala (I definitely butchered the spelling)! It was basically Greek lasagna - potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and ground meat. It was very salty, but all the food I've had in Greece so far was too salty for my liking.
After, we went back to the bazaar we went to yesterday to finish up souvineer shopping. Then, we went back to the hotel for a bit. I left after a half hour to go mail a postcard and go to the supermarket with a few friends. That was our adventure for the day!
I think I am in Athens at a very unique time. It is in the process of modernizing itself. I would love to come back here in 20 years and see how different it is. I think that this is what every major, modern city had to go through at one point or another.
Another comment I have is that the Greek people are so nice. They are probably the nicest people I've met in Europe outside of Amsterdam and Italy (I'm biased on the latter, I know). The Greeks are so appreciative of our tourism. I think they are happy that some people are not discouraged by the media reports.
Tonight, we have our final dinner followed by a farewell party on our hotel's rooftop terrace which has a view of the Acropolis all lit up at night.
Then, I'm off to Italy for a week of backpacking fun!
Michele
Today, we woke up and had a three hour walking tour of Athens - basically a tour guide to lead us up to the Acropolis, the place that saw the foundation of Western Civilization.
We started out walking to the same area we walked to yesterday - the bazaar where we all went shopping. Our tour guide pointed out a mosque and the first library in history. Then, we walked up a few hills and passed an area called the Agora which is where the people used to shop 2500 years ago! We continued walking up steps and ramps until we were told that we were halfway there. The whole time we were walking, I was waiting for the Rocky theme song to start playing in the background.
Then, we walked about a kilometer up a hill where we bought our tickets for the Acropolis. We then entered the gates and walked up the final ascent which was a mix of slippery marble ramps and stairs. It was quite a workout, but I think I must be in pretty good shape because I wasn't huffing and puffing!
All the walking was worth it when we climbed the final flight of stairs and saw the Parthenon standing right in front of us. A huge, imposing structure. The climb up makes you appreciate all the hard work that must have gone into building it! The Parthenon was supposedly made a bit crooked because nothing is ever perfect. To build something perfect back then was like slapping the Gods in the face!
Overall, the Acropolis was pretty small. I thought it was going to be a huge piece of land on a mountain, but it was very easy to walk around the perimeter in less than 20 minutes!
After a few photos, I decided to take the easy way down and take the elevator since I saw everything that I needed to see on the way up!
We met at the bottom and went out to lunch. I had a very good dish - Maksala (I definitely butchered the spelling)! It was basically Greek lasagna - potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and ground meat. It was very salty, but all the food I've had in Greece so far was too salty for my liking.
After, we went back to the bazaar we went to yesterday to finish up souvineer shopping. Then, we went back to the hotel for a bit. I left after a half hour to go mail a postcard and go to the supermarket with a few friends. That was our adventure for the day!
I think I am in Athens at a very unique time. It is in the process of modernizing itself. I would love to come back here in 20 years and see how different it is. I think that this is what every major, modern city had to go through at one point or another.
Another comment I have is that the Greek people are so nice. They are probably the nicest people I've met in Europe outside of Amsterdam and Italy (I'm biased on the latter, I know). The Greeks are so appreciative of our tourism. I think they are happy that some people are not discouraged by the media reports.
Tonight, we have our final dinner followed by a farewell party on our hotel's rooftop terrace which has a view of the Acropolis all lit up at night.
Then, I'm off to Italy for a week of backpacking fun!
Michele
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Athens: Night One
Hi All,
I am sitting in my hotel situated off of a side street about five minutes away from Athens main shopping area for tourists. Our hotel is gorgeous and very modern. We were told that if we make a right out of our hotel, we will have no problems. I don't want to know what happens if we turn left!
After arriving at our hotel, we ventured to have lunch in the main shopping area. The food was the best I've had in Greece that was actually Greek food - I'm not a fan of lamb, so I had a cheese salad and shared a plate of fried cheese with someone. The fried cheese tasted like mozzarella sticks minus the breading. The cheese salad was a bit weird - it was like a plate of ricotta cheese that was spicy. We finally realized that it was better if you paired it with pita bread. Once we did that our palates were satisfied. Lunch was really cheap, too. €6 including a can of Coke!
After lunch, we walked around the shopping area. We all bought one pr two souvineers before heading back to the hotel. I liked the shopping area. It was like the bazaars that we learned about in school. You had to bargain with the store owners and get the best deal. Everyone here seems very nice & appreciative of the tourists, though.
Then, we walked back to the hotel to rest up before dinner. Our dinner was pretty good. It was a gyro. I'm starting to think that's all the Greeks eat - I think I've eaten it four times since I've been here. Gyros with French fries. Who knew the Greeks were so into French fries? Our dessert was really good! It was cinnamon battered apples and some type of flan-like cheese.
After dinner, we all went out to a local bar. It was pretty dead, but apparently they get a bit more lively after 11:00 PM. I was too tired to wait up, though, so I headed back to the hotel.
Tomorrow, we have our grand walking tour of Athens - the foundation of Western civilization. The history buff in me is just a little bit excited!
Thanks for reading!
Michael
I am sitting in my hotel situated off of a side street about five minutes away from Athens main shopping area for tourists. Our hotel is gorgeous and very modern. We were told that if we make a right out of our hotel, we will have no problems. I don't want to know what happens if we turn left!
After arriving at our hotel, we ventured to have lunch in the main shopping area. The food was the best I've had in Greece that was actually Greek food - I'm not a fan of lamb, so I had a cheese salad and shared a plate of fried cheese with someone. The fried cheese tasted like mozzarella sticks minus the breading. The cheese salad was a bit weird - it was like a plate of ricotta cheese that was spicy. We finally realized that it was better if you paired it with pita bread. Once we did that our palates were satisfied. Lunch was really cheap, too. €6 including a can of Coke!
After lunch, we walked around the shopping area. We all bought one pr two souvineers before heading back to the hotel. I liked the shopping area. It was like the bazaars that we learned about in school. You had to bargain with the store owners and get the best deal. Everyone here seems very nice & appreciative of the tourists, though.
Then, we walked back to the hotel to rest up before dinner. Our dinner was pretty good. It was a gyro. I'm starting to think that's all the Greeks eat - I think I've eaten it four times since I've been here. Gyros with French fries. Who knew the Greeks were so into French fries? Our dessert was really good! It was cinnamon battered apples and some type of flan-like cheese.
After dinner, we all went out to a local bar. It was pretty dead, but apparently they get a bit more lively after 11:00 PM. I was too tired to wait up, though, so I headed back to the hotel.
Tomorrow, we have our grand walking tour of Athens - the foundation of Western civilization. The history buff in me is just a little bit excited!
Thanks for reading!
Michael
First Impressions
Hi All,
We just arrived in Athens. It seems to be a very unique city. There is lots of graffiti, but the areas we are driving through seem to be good areas. The housing is a bit weird as well - it seems like every apartment building has a store or bank underneath it. It's similar to NYC, but the apartments have balconies with a lot of flowers and ivy growing over the side. It is almost as if the city itself is in the middle of a huge modernization project. I'm looking forward to exploring it further.
We will arrive at our hotel in a bit, check in, and venture out into the urban jungle. I'll keep you posted.
Mike
We just arrived in Athens. It seems to be a very unique city. There is lots of graffiti, but the areas we are driving through seem to be good areas. The housing is a bit weird as well - it seems like every apartment building has a store or bank underneath it. It's similar to NYC, but the apartments have balconies with a lot of flowers and ivy growing over the side. It is almost as if the city itself is in the middle of a huge modernization project. I'm looking forward to exploring it further.
We will arrive at our hotel in a bit, check in, and venture out into the urban jungle. I'll keep you posted.
Mike
Next Stop: Athens
Hi All,
We all had an early night last night and are currently waiting in our hotel lobby for our ferry boat to Galatas where we will catch a bigger ferry to Athens. Once we get to Athens, we have a dinner with our group. Tomorrow is our last day together and we are going to take a tour of all of Athens.
Over the past three days, I have learned why Greece is struggling so much when compared to the rest of the countries in the European Union. Their culture is so much different than the rest of the countries I have traveled to in the Euro zone. There is something to be said for their lifestyle, though. It's much more relaxed.
Next stop, Athens!
Michael
We all had an early night last night and are currently waiting in our hotel lobby for our ferry boat to Galatas where we will catch a bigger ferry to Athens. Once we get to Athens, we have a dinner with our group. Tomorrow is our last day together and we are going to take a tour of all of Athens.
Over the past three days, I have learned why Greece is struggling so much when compared to the rest of the countries in the European Union. Their culture is so much different than the rest of the countries I have traveled to in the Euro zone. There is something to be said for their lifestyle, though. It's much more relaxed.
Next stop, Athens!
Michael
Monday, May 28, 2012
Relaxing on Poros
Hello Everyone,
I have spent the last two and a half days in relaxation mode. When we finally got off our bus, we had to take a 10 minute boat ride to the island of Poros, a small, touristy island that our hotel is on. We arrived at our hotel and it was very chic. It is right on the water and has its own beach as well as a pool with a bar behind the hotel. The hotel itself is about two miles from downtown Poros, but that is fine as there is not a lot to do in the downtown.
After checking in and relaxing a bit, we had dinner at our hotel. They served us Greek salad as our appetizer. I was surprised to find out that Greek salad has no lettuce in it. Then, we had chicken gyros which were pretty good and a dish of vanilla gelato for dessert. After dinner, we went to the back of the hotel and hung out by the pool.
Yesterday, I slept in late and gave my laundry to the front desk to be cleaned. Then, I decided to walk into town to see it and look around. It was a beautiful walk - I am happy our hotel is far away from the town. It is much quieter. The town was very touristy, but I bought a postcard to send home as well as a pin for my pin collection before heading back to the hotel. After I got back, I took advantage of the free wifi and planned out half of my Italian trip next week. Then, we had dinner (Greek hamburger) and a toga party out by the pool. It was a lot of fun and a few of us jumped into the pool with our togas on. It was amazing!
This afternoon, we took a boat around the island of Poros and stopped at a beach. The island is beautiful and I really enjoyed the boat ride. After the boat, I went back to the hotel, had lunch, sat by the pool with a few people and planned the rest of my Italian trip.
Tomorrow we leave for Athens!
Thanks for reading.
Mike
I have spent the last two and a half days in relaxation mode. When we finally got off our bus, we had to take a 10 minute boat ride to the island of Poros, a small, touristy island that our hotel is on. We arrived at our hotel and it was very chic. It is right on the water and has its own beach as well as a pool with a bar behind the hotel. The hotel itself is about two miles from downtown Poros, but that is fine as there is not a lot to do in the downtown.
After checking in and relaxing a bit, we had dinner at our hotel. They served us Greek salad as our appetizer. I was surprised to find out that Greek salad has no lettuce in it. Then, we had chicken gyros which were pretty good and a dish of vanilla gelato for dessert. After dinner, we went to the back of the hotel and hung out by the pool.
Yesterday, I slept in late and gave my laundry to the front desk to be cleaned. Then, I decided to walk into town to see it and look around. It was a beautiful walk - I am happy our hotel is far away from the town. It is much quieter. The town was very touristy, but I bought a postcard to send home as well as a pin for my pin collection before heading back to the hotel. After I got back, I took advantage of the free wifi and planned out half of my Italian trip next week. Then, we had dinner (Greek hamburger) and a toga party out by the pool. It was a lot of fun and a few of us jumped into the pool with our togas on. It was amazing!
This afternoon, we took a boat around the island of Poros and stopped at a beach. The island is beautiful and I really enjoyed the boat ride. After the boat, I went back to the hotel, had lunch, sat by the pool with a few people and planned the rest of my Italian trip.
Tomorrow we leave for Athens!
Thanks for reading.
Mike
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Off to Greece
Hello from Greece!
We're on a very small, loud, uncomfortable bus for our five hour bus ride from where the ferry dropped us off in Patras to the other side of the island where we will board another boat to Poros.
The ferry was great. It was more like a cruise ship with staterooms, a restaurant, and even a mini-casino. Our fifteen hours flew by and I even won €2 in the casino playing roulette.
When we got off the boat, our bus driver initially said it would be a four hour drive, but he changed his mind and told us it would be five. We stopped at a very sketchy and dirty cafe for food, but I could only eat a bite of my gyro before it was attacked by flies and I lost my appetite. Then, we all got back in the bus and immediately stopped for gas. I guess the driver couldn't do it during our one hour food stop.
So far, I am unimpressed with Greece. We are still far from the touristy areas, but it is obvious why they are struggling with the Euro right now. I am already noticing a difference in the Greek work ethic and that of Western Europe. The poverty here is similar to that of parts of Mexico as well.
I'm holding out full judgement until after we arrive in Poros, so I'll keep my fingers crossed!
Mike
We're on a very small, loud, uncomfortable bus for our five hour bus ride from where the ferry dropped us off in Patras to the other side of the island where we will board another boat to Poros.
The ferry was great. It was more like a cruise ship with staterooms, a restaurant, and even a mini-casino. Our fifteen hours flew by and I even won €2 in the casino playing roulette.
When we got off the boat, our bus driver initially said it would be a four hour drive, but he changed his mind and told us it would be five. We stopped at a very sketchy and dirty cafe for food, but I could only eat a bite of my gyro before it was attacked by flies and I lost my appetite. Then, we all got back in the bus and immediately stopped for gas. I guess the driver couldn't do it during our one hour food stop.
So far, I am unimpressed with Greece. We are still far from the touristy areas, but it is obvious why they are struggling with the Euro right now. I am already noticing a difference in the Greek work ethic and that of Western Europe. The poverty here is similar to that of parts of Mexico as well.
I'm holding out full judgement until after we arrive in Poros, so I'll keep my fingers crossed!
Mike
Friday, May 25, 2012
Sorrento & Pompeii
Ciao Tutti!
As I write this, I am driving through the rolling hills of Italy, each more breathtaking than the last, and listening to Andrea Bocelli. This country is the most beautiful country in the world - I wish I could spend my whole life walking the countryside without a care in the world.
Yesterday, we woke up very early and made the four hour voyage by bus from Rome to Sorrento. We all slept quite a bit as we we running on less than four hours sleep. Our hotel in Sorrento was not downtown, but a good 30 minute walk up the side of a cliff on a road with no sidewalks. (Thank God for taxis!). We took the bus from our hotel down to the city of Sorrento and had one of the best meals I have ever had in Italy. The restaurant was called Il Buffalino and they specialized in buffalo products. I shared an antipasto platter with one of my friends which came with the best buffalo mozzarella I've ever had and a few different types of buffalo meats which were okay - they tasted like beef jerky or sausage. Then, I had a very good bowl of gnocchi with buffalo mozzarella.
After lunch, we walked around a bit. There is not a lot to do in Sorrento. You can eat or shop. It was a bit too chilly for the beach, so we didn't even try to go. We walked for about two or so hours, then the group started to walk up the mountain back to our hotel. I went into town to buy a few more things since I couldn't find anything I wanted. After finding them, I took a taxi to my hotel and wound up beating the group back.
We relaxed for a bit in our rooms and headed out to dinner at a restaurant next to our hotel with a view of the Bay of Sorrento. It was beautiful. I collapsed in my bed after dinner, though!
This morning, we left our hotel at 8:30 AM to go to Pompeii. It was very cool and we saw a whole different part that I did not see when I toured Pompeii last year. It was a lot of fun and very informational! I can't believe that they are still excavating it! After our tour, we had lunch and boarded the bus that I am on right now.
In about three more hours, we will arrive in Bari where we will board a ferry boat for Greece. It is a 15.5 hour ride, but we have cabins with beds in them, so it should be a lot of fun!
Ciao,
Michele
As I write this, I am driving through the rolling hills of Italy, each more breathtaking than the last, and listening to Andrea Bocelli. This country is the most beautiful country in the world - I wish I could spend my whole life walking the countryside without a care in the world.
Yesterday, we woke up very early and made the four hour voyage by bus from Rome to Sorrento. We all slept quite a bit as we we running on less than four hours sleep. Our hotel in Sorrento was not downtown, but a good 30 minute walk up the side of a cliff on a road with no sidewalks. (Thank God for taxis!). We took the bus from our hotel down to the city of Sorrento and had one of the best meals I have ever had in Italy. The restaurant was called Il Buffalino and they specialized in buffalo products. I shared an antipasto platter with one of my friends which came with the best buffalo mozzarella I've ever had and a few different types of buffalo meats which were okay - they tasted like beef jerky or sausage. Then, I had a very good bowl of gnocchi with buffalo mozzarella.
After lunch, we walked around a bit. There is not a lot to do in Sorrento. You can eat or shop. It was a bit too chilly for the beach, so we didn't even try to go. We walked for about two or so hours, then the group started to walk up the mountain back to our hotel. I went into town to buy a few more things since I couldn't find anything I wanted. After finding them, I took a taxi to my hotel and wound up beating the group back.
We relaxed for a bit in our rooms and headed out to dinner at a restaurant next to our hotel with a view of the Bay of Sorrento. It was beautiful. I collapsed in my bed after dinner, though!
This morning, we left our hotel at 8:30 AM to go to Pompeii. It was very cool and we saw a whole different part that I did not see when I toured Pompeii last year. It was a lot of fun and very informational! I can't believe that they are still excavating it! After our tour, we had lunch and boarded the bus that I am on right now.
In about three more hours, we will arrive in Bari where we will board a ferry boat for Greece. It is a 15.5 hour ride, but we have cabins with beds in them, so it should be a lot of fun!
Ciao,
Michele
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Romesickness Averted: Rome Sweet Home
Ciao Tutti,
Today was my last day in Roma - a very sad day, I know. I slept in to catch up on sleep as I felt like I may be coming down with something. It worked because now I feel fine!
I left my hotel at 11:15 AM and took the bus to the Vatican Museum as you cannot go to Rome without seeing the Sistine Chapel! I saw the gorgeous view of the Dome, a few of my favorite statues, the murals of Raphael, and the ceiling and walls of the Sistine Chapel. It is by far my favorite museum in the world!
Then, I grabbed gelato at my second favorite gelateria, Old Bridge, and walked across the bridge that connects the Castel Sant'Angelo with the rest of Rome. After swinging by IES, my school, to say bye, I walked to a restaurant called Cul de Sac which has amazing hand made pesto sauce.
Then, I walked through Piazza Navona one last time and grabbed a cafe espresso at my favorite place, Cafe Sant'Eustaccio. Then, I headed towards the Trevi Fountain to throw my coin over my shoulder to guarantee my return to Rome. After that, I went to the Spanish Steps.
Then, I went back to my hotel to meet the group for our farewell dinner as half of the group ended their tour in Rome. At our dinner, there was a pretty good ambiance and they hired an Italian musician to serenade us. Then, we headed to the Spanish Steps to the a proper group photo.
After the Spanish Steps, I took a group of friends to Trastevere so they could experience the true Italian nightlife. We even ran into my roommate, Silvio, and his friends including some of the people I met the night before!
We got back to the hotel pretty late and said bye to all of our friends that were leaving early. I can't believe the tour is almost over!
Ciao,
Michele
Today was my last day in Roma - a very sad day, I know. I slept in to catch up on sleep as I felt like I may be coming down with something. It worked because now I feel fine!
I left my hotel at 11:15 AM and took the bus to the Vatican Museum as you cannot go to Rome without seeing the Sistine Chapel! I saw the gorgeous view of the Dome, a few of my favorite statues, the murals of Raphael, and the ceiling and walls of the Sistine Chapel. It is by far my favorite museum in the world!
Then, I grabbed gelato at my second favorite gelateria, Old Bridge, and walked across the bridge that connects the Castel Sant'Angelo with the rest of Rome. After swinging by IES, my school, to say bye, I walked to a restaurant called Cul de Sac which has amazing hand made pesto sauce.
Then, I walked through Piazza Navona one last time and grabbed a cafe espresso at my favorite place, Cafe Sant'Eustaccio. Then, I headed towards the Trevi Fountain to throw my coin over my shoulder to guarantee my return to Rome. After that, I went to the Spanish Steps.
Then, I went back to my hotel to meet the group for our farewell dinner as half of the group ended their tour in Rome. At our dinner, there was a pretty good ambiance and they hired an Italian musician to serenade us. Then, we headed to the Spanish Steps to the a proper group photo.
After the Spanish Steps, I took a group of friends to Trastevere so they could experience the true Italian nightlife. We even ran into my roommate, Silvio, and his friends including some of the people I met the night before!
We got back to the hotel pretty late and said bye to all of our friends that were leaving early. I can't believe the tour is almost over!
Ciao,
Michele
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Home Away from Home
Ciao Tutti!
Hello from my favorite city in the whole world and my home away from home! I feel like I never left Rome. I guess that should have been expected since not a lot has changed here for over 2000 years.
When we arrived in Rome, our hotel was not ready. That was not a problem for me, though. I dropped my bag off, grabbed my bus ticket, and headed back to my old stomping grounds. After speaking with and giving directions to an old Italian lady on the bus, I got off and rang the doorbell of my study abroad school. I spent about a half hour there, speaking mostly Italian, with all the staff. It was really nice and enjoyable!
Then, I walked by my old apartment building and spoke with the woman who managed the building for a few minutes. Apparently, IES still rents my apartment for students! Then, I went and grabbed a panino from my favorite deli. The butcher remembered me and we had a small chat as well.
I walked down to Piazza Navona to eat my sandwich and people watch. It was as beautiful as I remember. After, I walked to the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps. Then, I walked into the phone store to get my Italian sim card and my Italian roommate, Silvio's, friend, Maia, was behind the counter. Small world!
After, I went to drop my laundry off at a place close to my hotel and relaxed for an hour or two. Then, we grabbed dinner with the group at an Italian restaurant which was not very good (by Italian standards) and went off to Campo di Fiore for a few hours out on the town.
This morning, we woke up at 7:00 AM for a tour of the Colosseum, Forum, and the Vatican. It rained on and off for our five hour walking tour, but it was still enjoyable and our tour guide was well informed. I learned a thing or two as well!
After our tour, I took a group of 17 people to my favorite restaurant, Monte Carlo. The wait staff remembered me and made us feel right at home. The food was definitely amazing. Then, I took a smaller group of my friends to get gelato at my favorite gelateria, Teatro del Gelato. Then, we walked to Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. After we arrived at Via del Corso, we parted ways and I headed back to the hotel.
After a nap, I met up with my Italian roommate, Silvio, my Italian teacher, Anna, and three people I've never met before. We went to San Lorenzo, a district where a lot of young Italians socialize. It was great to see everyone!
I am loving my time in Rome and am surprised by how easily I fell back in love with the city. The people are wonderful, the character of the city is unique, and I love the language. I honestly feel like there is no language barrier anymore (even though there still is a big one) and would love the opportunity to live here for an extended period of time. This city will always have a special place in my heart. For me, Rome will always be home.
Ciao,
Michele
Hello from my favorite city in the whole world and my home away from home! I feel like I never left Rome. I guess that should have been expected since not a lot has changed here for over 2000 years.
When we arrived in Rome, our hotel was not ready. That was not a problem for me, though. I dropped my bag off, grabbed my bus ticket, and headed back to my old stomping grounds. After speaking with and giving directions to an old Italian lady on the bus, I got off and rang the doorbell of my study abroad school. I spent about a half hour there, speaking mostly Italian, with all the staff. It was really nice and enjoyable!
Then, I walked by my old apartment building and spoke with the woman who managed the building for a few minutes. Apparently, IES still rents my apartment for students! Then, I went and grabbed a panino from my favorite deli. The butcher remembered me and we had a small chat as well.
I walked down to Piazza Navona to eat my sandwich and people watch. It was as beautiful as I remember. After, I walked to the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps. Then, I walked into the phone store to get my Italian sim card and my Italian roommate, Silvio's, friend, Maia, was behind the counter. Small world!
After, I went to drop my laundry off at a place close to my hotel and relaxed for an hour or two. Then, we grabbed dinner with the group at an Italian restaurant which was not very good (by Italian standards) and went off to Campo di Fiore for a few hours out on the town.
This morning, we woke up at 7:00 AM for a tour of the Colosseum, Forum, and the Vatican. It rained on and off for our five hour walking tour, but it was still enjoyable and our tour guide was well informed. I learned a thing or two as well!
After our tour, I took a group of 17 people to my favorite restaurant, Monte Carlo. The wait staff remembered me and made us feel right at home. The food was definitely amazing. Then, I took a smaller group of my friends to get gelato at my favorite gelateria, Teatro del Gelato. Then, we walked to Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. After we arrived at Via del Corso, we parted ways and I headed back to the hotel.
After a nap, I met up with my Italian roommate, Silvio, my Italian teacher, Anna, and three people I've never met before. We went to San Lorenzo, a district where a lot of young Italians socialize. It was great to see everyone!
I am loving my time in Rome and am surprised by how easily I fell back in love with the city. The people are wonderful, the character of the city is unique, and I love the language. I honestly feel like there is no language barrier anymore (even though there still is a big one) and would love the opportunity to live here for an extended period of time. This city will always have a special place in my heart. For me, Rome will always be home.
Ciao,
Michele
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Versailles Gardens
Bonjour!
Today, I went to the Gardens of the Palace of Versailles. It took about an hour and forty minutes to get there from our hotel, but it went fast. I met two women from Canada, one of which now lives in Switzerland, so we spoke for about a half hour.
When we arrived at Versailles, I split up from my group because they went to the Palace, but I wanted to go to the gardens. It was very cloudy, but was still very impressive. I took a tram around the gardens because they were so big - 660 hectacres! It had a huge canal and lots of fountains as well. They were definitely excessive!
After the gardens, I headed back to my hotel to try and do laundry & grab a bite to eat, but everything was closed because it is a Sunday!
Tonight, we leave for an overnight train to Rome. I can't wait to return to my second home!
Michael
Today, I went to the Gardens of the Palace of Versailles. It took about an hour and forty minutes to get there from our hotel, but it went fast. I met two women from Canada, one of which now lives in Switzerland, so we spoke for about a half hour.
When we arrived at Versailles, I split up from my group because they went to the Palace, but I wanted to go to the gardens. It was very cloudy, but was still very impressive. I took a tram around the gardens because they were so big - 660 hectacres! It had a huge canal and lots of fountains as well. They were definitely excessive!
After the gardens, I headed back to my hotel to try and do laundry & grab a bite to eat, but everything was closed because it is a Sunday!
Tonight, we leave for an overnight train to Rome. I can't wait to return to my second home!
Michael
Day in Paris
Bonjour!
Yesterday, I slept in until 11:30 AM and met up with a few friends at 12:45 PM at the Louvre. Since I spent a half of a day there last year, I only wanted to see the Mona Lisa. It seemed a bit bigger this time!
After the Mona Lisa, we found a typical French cafe for lunch. It was perfect. We climbed a spiral staircase and had a whole room to ourselves. There was an open window which overlooked the street and a small piazza. There was a small orchestra playing the whole time we were eating. It was very memorable. Our waiter was very funny and helpful as well. I ordered a ham & cheese panini which was wonderful.
After lunch, we hopped on a subway to the church named Sainte-Chapel. It was beautiful. The whole second floor was hand made stained glass telling different stories from the bible. It was well worth the trip up and down two flights of spiral staircases!
Then, we went to Notre Dame to try to get in, but the line was too long. We did see a bread festival in the piazza in front of Notre Dame, though. They were making all different types of bread and even bread sculptures!
We headed back to our hotel after Notre Dame because it started reining. After resting a bit, I went and grabbed a burger from McDonalds (trust me, that's the only edible option by our hotel) and a piece of flan.
Then, I went back and changed into a dress shirt and tie for Moulin Rouge! The show was amazing. It started at 11:00 PM and each person got a half of bottle of champaign with admission. I could only have two glasses! The theater was very unique and had a lot of character. I really enjoyed the costumes and the set - they were very French. The music was very good as well and there were also very entertaining side acts in lieu of an intermission. It was a very enjoyable night!
So far, I am enjoying Paris much more the second time around. The people are nicer and the city seems to have a lot more character. Our tour guide told us that we should say bonjour before saying anything else to anyone and we will be treated better. It is working!
Today, we are going to the Gardens of Versailles. Then, I'm going to head back and do malaundry while they walk around the palace. I've already done the palace and found it a bit overrated!
Thanks for reading!
Michael
Yesterday, I slept in until 11:30 AM and met up with a few friends at 12:45 PM at the Louvre. Since I spent a half of a day there last year, I only wanted to see the Mona Lisa. It seemed a bit bigger this time!
After the Mona Lisa, we found a typical French cafe for lunch. It was perfect. We climbed a spiral staircase and had a whole room to ourselves. There was an open window which overlooked the street and a small piazza. There was a small orchestra playing the whole time we were eating. It was very memorable. Our waiter was very funny and helpful as well. I ordered a ham & cheese panini which was wonderful.
After lunch, we hopped on a subway to the church named Sainte-Chapel. It was beautiful. The whole second floor was hand made stained glass telling different stories from the bible. It was well worth the trip up and down two flights of spiral staircases!
Then, we went to Notre Dame to try to get in, but the line was too long. We did see a bread festival in the piazza in front of Notre Dame, though. They were making all different types of bread and even bread sculptures!
We headed back to our hotel after Notre Dame because it started reining. After resting a bit, I went and grabbed a burger from McDonalds (trust me, that's the only edible option by our hotel) and a piece of flan.
Then, I went back and changed into a dress shirt and tie for Moulin Rouge! The show was amazing. It started at 11:00 PM and each person got a half of bottle of champaign with admission. I could only have two glasses! The theater was very unique and had a lot of character. I really enjoyed the costumes and the set - they were very French. The music was very good as well and there were also very entertaining side acts in lieu of an intermission. It was a very enjoyable night!
So far, I am enjoying Paris much more the second time around. The people are nicer and the city seems to have a lot more character. Our tour guide told us that we should say bonjour before saying anything else to anyone and we will be treated better. It is working!
Today, we are going to the Gardens of Versailles. Then, I'm going to head back and do malaundry while they walk around the palace. I've already done the palace and found it a bit overrated!
Thanks for reading!
Michael
Friday, May 18, 2012
Paris with the Group
Bonjour!
We arrived in Paris at 1:00 PM and hopped right on a bus for a coach tour. We drove all around Paris and stopped for lunch at the Eiffel Tower. I must admit that I like Paris much more than I did last time.
Our tour took us all over and finished up around 4:30 PM. We checked into our hotel and took a half hour nap before heading out to a dinner at a French bistro. The food was okay and the creme brûlée was definitely not made right. It tasted like scrambled eggs!
Then, we took a river cruise on the Seine River for about an hour. It was beautiful as the sun was setting during our cruise.
After our cruise, we went to a club called "Oz" which was an Australian themed bar. It was pretty cool!
Tomorrow, we have the whole day free, so we're going to go to the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre (and maybe Notre Dame)! Tomorrow night, I am going to see Moulin Rouge with a few people from our group.
I'll keep you updated!
Michael
We arrived in Paris at 1:00 PM and hopped right on a bus for a coach tour. We drove all around Paris and stopped for lunch at the Eiffel Tower. I must admit that I like Paris much more than I did last time.
Our tour took us all over and finished up around 4:30 PM. We checked into our hotel and took a half hour nap before heading out to a dinner at a French bistro. The food was okay and the creme brûlée was definitely not made right. It tasted like scrambled eggs!
Then, we took a river cruise on the Seine River for about an hour. It was beautiful as the sun was setting during our cruise.
After our cruise, we went to a club called "Oz" which was an Australian themed bar. It was pretty cool!
Tomorrow, we have the whole day free, so we're going to go to the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre (and maybe Notre Dame)! Tomorrow night, I am going to see Moulin Rouge with a few people from our group.
I'll keep you updated!
Michael
London in ONE Day
Cheers!
Yesterday was quite a busy day. We essentially did all of London in a day! We started at 8:30 AM with a pretty extensive breakfast buffet at our hotel. Then our tour guide picked us up for our four hour, four mile walking tour.
From our hotel, we walked to Kensington Palace, where a lot of Dukes and Duchesses reside. Then, we continued to walk through Kensington Park where we saw monuments for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. I was surprised by the grandiose nature of the latter. It was at least 70 feet tall, with gold all over and four statues representing the four known continents at the time - Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The one for the Americas had a buffalo on it - it was not the America we think of today!
Then, we continued to walk through the park until the park became Hyde Park. We walked down to a giant man made pond and saw the monument to Princess Diana. It was pretty small and I was expecting something a bir more grand. It was basically a small waterfall with a pool at the bottom of it. Then, we walked through a few gardens and exited Hyde Park about a half mile from Buckingham Palace. We tried to see the changing of the guards, but only caught bits and pieces because it was so crowded. On our way to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, we did catch a small parade, though. After we saw everything, we hopped on the tube to the Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. After that, our tour ended and I was exhausted.
We went to a pub after the tour for a bite to eat. After, my roommate and I walked across the Tower Bridge and down the river bank for about a mile. Then, we hopped on the tube to the London Eye. We met up with a group of 5-6 other people and did the Eye. It was much better the second time because it was sunnier, I actually knew what I was looking down at, and I was with people I knew.
Then, we headed to Harrods, the world's largest department store. It had anything and everything. They had amazing electronics an even a whole section dedicated to spy gadgets like what James Bond uses.
After Harrods, we went back to our hotel for a half hour and headed out to dinner at a French restaurant after.
We finished eating at 10:45 PM and I was exhausted, so I headed back to the hotel and went to bed.
We had to wake up at 6:00 AM in order to catch our 9:15 AM train to Paris. We are on the train now and I am thoroughly enjoying to relaxing ride.
After our train arrives, we have a coach tour of the city, then dinner at a French bistro, and a cruise at night on the Seine River. It should be a great day!
Mike
Yesterday was quite a busy day. We essentially did all of London in a day! We started at 8:30 AM with a pretty extensive breakfast buffet at our hotel. Then our tour guide picked us up for our four hour, four mile walking tour.
From our hotel, we walked to Kensington Palace, where a lot of Dukes and Duchesses reside. Then, we continued to walk through Kensington Park where we saw monuments for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. I was surprised by the grandiose nature of the latter. It was at least 70 feet tall, with gold all over and four statues representing the four known continents at the time - Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The one for the Americas had a buffalo on it - it was not the America we think of today!
Then, we continued to walk through the park until the park became Hyde Park. We walked down to a giant man made pond and saw the monument to Princess Diana. It was pretty small and I was expecting something a bir more grand. It was basically a small waterfall with a pool at the bottom of it. Then, we walked through a few gardens and exited Hyde Park about a half mile from Buckingham Palace. We tried to see the changing of the guards, but only caught bits and pieces because it was so crowded. On our way to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, we did catch a small parade, though. After we saw everything, we hopped on the tube to the Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. After that, our tour ended and I was exhausted.
We went to a pub after the tour for a bite to eat. After, my roommate and I walked across the Tower Bridge and down the river bank for about a mile. Then, we hopped on the tube to the London Eye. We met up with a group of 5-6 other people and did the Eye. It was much better the second time because it was sunnier, I actually knew what I was looking down at, and I was with people I knew.
Then, we headed to Harrods, the world's largest department store. It had anything and everything. They had amazing electronics an even a whole section dedicated to spy gadgets like what James Bond uses.
After Harrods, we went back to our hotel for a half hour and headed out to dinner at a French restaurant after.
We finished eating at 10:45 PM and I was exhausted, so I headed back to the hotel and went to bed.
We had to wake up at 6:00 AM in order to catch our 9:15 AM train to Paris. We are on the train now and I am thoroughly enjoying to relaxing ride.
After our train arrives, we have a coach tour of the city, then dinner at a French bistro, and a cruise at night on the Seine River. It should be a great day!
Mike
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Meeting the Group
Cheers!
Yesterday, I took it really easy. I relaxed, sent a few postcards, and only walked around Kensington - the area of my hotel.
I met up with the whole tour group and they seem like they will be a lot of fun to travel with. We went on a small pub crawl to soak in the British atmosphere. I found it weird that all the pubs close at 11:00 PM here, back home a lot of people only start going out at 10:00 PM.
The word pub comes from public house & it is where all the local people gather after work.
Today, we take a walking tour of London!
Michael
Yesterday, I took it really easy. I relaxed, sent a few postcards, and only walked around Kensington - the area of my hotel.
I met up with the whole tour group and they seem like they will be a lot of fun to travel with. We went on a small pub crawl to soak in the British atmosphere. I found it weird that all the pubs close at 11:00 PM here, back home a lot of people only start going out at 10:00 PM.
The word pub comes from public house & it is where all the local people gather after work.
Today, we take a walking tour of London!
Michael
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
London by Myself
Hi All,
Yesterday, I spent the whole day walking around London by myself. The weather was not the best as it kept raining on and off (some of which was pretty hard rain & hail)! I woke up early in the morning and went to get my Italian phone unlocked. They were able to do it for only £10 - much better than buying a new one for £50! Now, I can use my phone anywhere in the world with any carrier I want. This is good because instead of recharging my minutes when I'm in another country and paying money to roam AND to call the US, I can just buy a new sim card and not roam at all.
After I got my phone unlocked, I went to the pharmacy and bought a few odds and ends that I forgot in the States. Then, I took money out at a Barclays ATM (Barclays has an agreement with Bank of America so I do not get charged any international fees to take money out).
After dropping my stuff off at my hostel, I asked the front desk if they could hook me up with discounted theatre tickets. I got a ticket to go see Blood Brothers for £23.50 (about $35).
Then, I started my independent walking tour of London. I walked down to their Soho neighborhood (where all the artsy things are), then I walked down to the Covent Gardens (kind of like a Quincy Market), then down the Strand which is the London version of Park Avenue. I arrived at Trafalger Square which is a grand piazza with a clock counting down to the start of the London 2012 Olympics. It is a grand and beautiful square with a lot of people sitting and taking the views in.
Then, I walked down past the Horse Guards to Big Ben. After taking a few pictures, I crossed the bridge and went on the London Eye. I paid £15 because I was disabled. It was quite pricy, but enjoyable. I was able to see everything in London with a birds eye view. Since it was raining off and on, I tried my best to time my ascent when the skies were sunny. I shared my capsule with a few Italian tourists, so it was nice to practice my Italian a bit before I head to Rome. Apparently, my Italian is "benissimo" or "very good" - who knew?
Then, I walked down to Waterloo Station because it looked like it was going to pour. I almost made it, but was about a minute too late. I got a tiny bit wet and the hail was big, but I survived. I made it back to my hostel in about a half hour and relaxed for a bit.
After an hour, I left to go see the show, Blood Brothers. It was a very good show, probably one of the better shows I've seen, and had quite a bit of the British humor I enjoy quite a bit. The show was about a mother who had too many children and was going to have twins. She gave one of the babies to a woman who's house she cleaned. The twins were never supposed to know each other and it should have been easy because the families belonged in different circles, but they were drawn together by fate. It was a really good and somewhat sad show.
After the show, I went back to my hostel and did laundry. I'm now all set for another week of traveling around Europe.
This morning, I checked out of my hostel and caught a cab to my hotel where I will hook up with my graduation tour. The hotel is quite nice, but is in an alley off an alley which makes it very difficult to find. It is in a very good area, though. I would equate it to the Upper East Side. I walked around the area a bit, got very lost, and found my way back. Then, I was able to check into my room. My roommate was already there - he's also from Penn State. He was trying to catch up on sleep, but he said that there are quite a bit Penn State folks on the tour - a nice surprise!
I'll update you soon on my final day and a half in London, but thanks for reading!
Michael
Yesterday, I spent the whole day walking around London by myself. The weather was not the best as it kept raining on and off (some of which was pretty hard rain & hail)! I woke up early in the morning and went to get my Italian phone unlocked. They were able to do it for only £10 - much better than buying a new one for £50! Now, I can use my phone anywhere in the world with any carrier I want. This is good because instead of recharging my minutes when I'm in another country and paying money to roam AND to call the US, I can just buy a new sim card and not roam at all.
After I got my phone unlocked, I went to the pharmacy and bought a few odds and ends that I forgot in the States. Then, I took money out at a Barclays ATM (Barclays has an agreement with Bank of America so I do not get charged any international fees to take money out).
After dropping my stuff off at my hostel, I asked the front desk if they could hook me up with discounted theatre tickets. I got a ticket to go see Blood Brothers for £23.50 (about $35).
Then, I started my independent walking tour of London. I walked down to their Soho neighborhood (where all the artsy things are), then I walked down to the Covent Gardens (kind of like a Quincy Market), then down the Strand which is the London version of Park Avenue. I arrived at Trafalger Square which is a grand piazza with a clock counting down to the start of the London 2012 Olympics. It is a grand and beautiful square with a lot of people sitting and taking the views in.
Then, I walked down past the Horse Guards to Big Ben. After taking a few pictures, I crossed the bridge and went on the London Eye. I paid £15 because I was disabled. It was quite pricy, but enjoyable. I was able to see everything in London with a birds eye view. Since it was raining off and on, I tried my best to time my ascent when the skies were sunny. I shared my capsule with a few Italian tourists, so it was nice to practice my Italian a bit before I head to Rome. Apparently, my Italian is "benissimo" or "very good" - who knew?
Then, I walked down to Waterloo Station because it looked like it was going to pour. I almost made it, but was about a minute too late. I got a tiny bit wet and the hail was big, but I survived. I made it back to my hostel in about a half hour and relaxed for a bit.
After an hour, I left to go see the show, Blood Brothers. It was a very good show, probably one of the better shows I've seen, and had quite a bit of the British humor I enjoy quite a bit. The show was about a mother who had too many children and was going to have twins. She gave one of the babies to a woman who's house she cleaned. The twins were never supposed to know each other and it should have been easy because the families belonged in different circles, but they were drawn together by fate. It was a really good and somewhat sad show.
After the show, I went back to my hostel and did laundry. I'm now all set for another week of traveling around Europe.
This morning, I checked out of my hostel and caught a cab to my hotel where I will hook up with my graduation tour. The hotel is quite nice, but is in an alley off an alley which makes it very difficult to find. It is in a very good area, though. I would equate it to the Upper East Side. I walked around the area a bit, got very lost, and found my way back. Then, I was able to check into my room. My roommate was already there - he's also from Penn State. He was trying to catch up on sleep, but he said that there are quite a bit Penn State folks on the tour - a nice surprise!
I'll update you soon on my final day and a half in London, but thanks for reading!
Michael
Monday, May 14, 2012
London Called. I Answered.
Cheers!
I am now in London! After a brief delay, my flight arrived into London at about 4:00 PM. I took the Heathrow Express which had me in to downtown London by 5:00 PM. After getting a bit lost in the quite unaccessible underground, I finally made it to my hostel at 5:45 PM. The hostel is amazing. I am sharing a four bed room with an en suite bathroom and walk-in shower. It is also five minutes from the corner of Oxford Street and Regent Street (the equivilant of New York's 5th Avenue)!
At 6:00 PM, I met up with David, my Dad's cousin that I met last year in my travels to London, and his wife, Joan. We went to a pub and then to an Italian restaurant. It was a pleasure to see them both again and we enjoyed each other's company.
After they headed home, I went for a quick walk around the neighborhood to get myself acclimated to the area. It is even more beautiful than I remember!
After a quick phone call to my Mom & Dad, I headed back to my room. Tomorrow, I need to get my cell phone, find a pharmacy, and a Barclays' ATM. Then, I'm off to explore London.
I must admit that I have missed staying in hostels - meeting people around the world with the same interests, the comradery, and the independence. I laid down in my bed with a smile on my face.
I'm back & ready to take on Europe!
Michael
I am now in London! After a brief delay, my flight arrived into London at about 4:00 PM. I took the Heathrow Express which had me in to downtown London by 5:00 PM. After getting a bit lost in the quite unaccessible underground, I finally made it to my hostel at 5:45 PM. The hostel is amazing. I am sharing a four bed room with an en suite bathroom and walk-in shower. It is also five minutes from the corner of Oxford Street and Regent Street (the equivilant of New York's 5th Avenue)!
At 6:00 PM, I met up with David, my Dad's cousin that I met last year in my travels to London, and his wife, Joan. We went to a pub and then to an Italian restaurant. It was a pleasure to see them both again and we enjoyed each other's company.
After they headed home, I went for a quick walk around the neighborhood to get myself acclimated to the area. It is even more beautiful than I remember!
After a quick phone call to my Mom & Dad, I headed back to my room. Tomorrow, I need to get my cell phone, find a pharmacy, and a Barclays' ATM. Then, I'm off to explore London.
I must admit that I have missed staying in hostels - meeting people around the world with the same interests, the comradery, and the independence. I laid down in my bed with a smile on my face.
I'm back & ready to take on Europe!
Michael
Reflections on Ireland
Hey All,
I'm at the airport now waiting to board my flight. I woke up at 7:00 AM and went to my Great Aunt's convent. She took me via taxi to the airport. We spoke for another 3 hours, bought tea, and she brought sandwiches for us to eat. It was really nice to see her one more time.
I enjoyed my time in Ireland immensely and yesterday was probably my favorite day. It was nice to meet all the people I've only heard about and see some of the places my grandparents lived. It's important to learn about my Irish heritage and I hope I can bring my brother over here soon to show him. I know that I definitely have a better appreciation for being Irish after my four days here!
I'm off to London now. I'll post soon!
Cheers,
Mike
I'm at the airport now waiting to board my flight. I woke up at 7:00 AM and went to my Great Aunt's convent. She took me via taxi to the airport. We spoke for another 3 hours, bought tea, and she brought sandwiches for us to eat. It was really nice to see her one more time.
I enjoyed my time in Ireland immensely and yesterday was probably my favorite day. It was nice to meet all the people I've only heard about and see some of the places my grandparents lived. It's important to learn about my Irish heritage and I hope I can bring my brother over here soon to show him. I know that I definitely have a better appreciation for being Irish after my four days here!
I'm off to London now. I'll post soon!
Cheers,
Mike
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Family
Hi All,
Today, I took a tour of the Irish countryside and met a bunch of family that I don't remember meeting before.
First, we went to church in the church that Seamus and Caroline were married in. The parish was hosting its first communion, so it was quite interesting! I was surprised by the fact that it is not the same exact mass we have in the US. A few words were different and some of the prayers were things I never heard of before!
Then, Seamus showed me the boarding school he attended for five years, St. Patrick's Dioscle. After, we drove to Clare's house in County Cavern, Seamus' sister, and I met her husband and four boys, my second cousins. I also met my Grandma's sister, Lily. We ate dinner and headed up to see Lily's house. I saw a picture of my great-grandmother and great-grandfather as well as many other pictures.
Then, we went to meet my Pop-pop's sister-in-law, Mary McHugh. We spoke for a bit and then moved on to see the school that my Pop-pop attended. We could not see his house because the road was too narrow and it was raining too much to walk. Just another reason to come back! Then, we drove by the area that my Grandma used to live, but couldn't get down there because her road was also too narrow for a car.
Then, we went and met Seamus' brother, John, and his family - his sons are also my second cousins. We then went back to Clare's house for dinner and tea (yes, I'm becoming quite Irish). Afterwards, we stopped by Seamus' sister, Ann, and met her and her two daughters (also my second cousins). Then we headed back to Seamus' house and watched a few home movies.
It was really nice to meet all the relatives I have heard my family talk so much about. I can finally put a face to the name! Now, all I have to do is start laying the groundwork for the next Quinn Family Reunion in Lietrum!
Tomorrow, I leave Ireland and head back to London. Something tells me I will be back in Ireland very soon!
Michael
Today, I took a tour of the Irish countryside and met a bunch of family that I don't remember meeting before.
First, we went to church in the church that Seamus and Caroline were married in. The parish was hosting its first communion, so it was quite interesting! I was surprised by the fact that it is not the same exact mass we have in the US. A few words were different and some of the prayers were things I never heard of before!
Then, Seamus showed me the boarding school he attended for five years, St. Patrick's Dioscle. After, we drove to Clare's house in County Cavern, Seamus' sister, and I met her husband and four boys, my second cousins. I also met my Grandma's sister, Lily. We ate dinner and headed up to see Lily's house. I saw a picture of my great-grandmother and great-grandfather as well as many other pictures.
Then, we went to meet my Pop-pop's sister-in-law, Mary McHugh. We spoke for a bit and then moved on to see the school that my Pop-pop attended. We could not see his house because the road was too narrow and it was raining too much to walk. Just another reason to come back! Then, we drove by the area that my Grandma used to live, but couldn't get down there because her road was also too narrow for a car.
Then, we went and met Seamus' brother, John, and his family - his sons are also my second cousins. We then went back to Clare's house for dinner and tea (yes, I'm becoming quite Irish). Afterwards, we stopped by Seamus' sister, Ann, and met her and her two daughters (also my second cousins). Then we headed back to Seamus' house and watched a few home movies.
It was really nice to meet all the relatives I have heard my family talk so much about. I can finally put a face to the name! Now, all I have to do is start laying the groundwork for the next Quinn Family Reunion in Lietrum!
Tomorrow, I leave Ireland and head back to London. Something tells me I will be back in Ireland very soon!
Michael
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Dublin in a Day
Hi All,
Today, I took on Dublin by myself. Without the language barrier I have in most other countries, I felt like my bus tour yesterday gave me a good enough feel for the layout of the city to enable me to go out on my own without a proper walking tour.
Seamus dropped me off at the train station this morning. I was surprised that the parking lot was so empty. There were only two cars. I know it is a Saturday, but it really appears the recession is hurting Ireland a lot. Seamus was telling me that his driving time into Dublin is 25 minutes shorter than it was at the time of the boom. He only lives about 45 minutes away now, so that is a lot! Seamus was also saying that about 50,000 of the 65-70,000 high school graduates move out of the country for college and work. It's an amazing proportion - I suppose that is how Irish people are all over the world. All of our ancestors moved away at some point. Maybe it's in our blood.
After arriving in Dublin, I took a tram to O'Connell Street which is where I ate lunch yesterday. I walked to a street called Henry Street to try to buy an unlocked cell phone, but we realized that the sim card I bought does not have a pin, so I will have to wait to get back to the UK on Monday.
Then, I walked down to Temple College. It is a beautiful school and has the famous Book of Kells. It is an illuminated manuscript which tells the story of four books of the bible in Latin. It is Dublin's equivalent of the Mona Lisa.
Then, I walked down to the cultural center of Dublin, Temple Bar. It was filled with pubs, street musicians, and cobblestone streets, but was a bit too touristy for me. It was pretty cool, though. Temple Bar used to be a very bad area of Dublin, but the government poured a lot of money into it back in 1988. Now it is safe and beautiful!
Then, I went and had lunch at O'Neill's which was like a serve yourself Irish pub. I had a bowl of Irish Stew. It was phenomenal. I felt like I needed to eat a bowl of stew before I left Ireland.
After, I hopped back on the bus tour I took yesterday because my ticket was valid for two days. I went to the Guinness Storehouse and watched how they brew their beer. I hate beer, but a lot of people back in the States said it was a must do, regardless. It was a great experience and tour. Surprisingly, I found the beer a bit better here, even though I only finished a quarter of the pint that came free with the tour. What was even more amazing was the view they have from the top of their factory. You can see ALL of Dublin.
Then, I went back to O'Connell Street to meet up with Seamus and his son, James. We went to a place called Eddie Rockets for dinner. Imagine Johnny Rockets in Ireland. The burgers were great!
On the way home, Seamus told me a brief history of the Irish uprising and the IRA. It was really interesting as it has a lot of parallels with the American Revolution. I need to watch a few movies about it when I get back to the States!
Something that is currently being hotly contested in Ireland right now is their upcoming referendum on whether or not to remain in the European Union and allow the Germans to run the Irish monetary policy. Every single street pole has at least one propaganda sign on it! It will be interesting to see what happens. It sounds like they are going to stay in, but only time will tell!
Well, tomorrow I am going to Leitrim to see where my Grandmother and Grandfather came from as well as visit a few relatives that still live there. I can't wait to see everything, especially where my Grandmother lived!
Thanks for reading!
Michael
Today, I took on Dublin by myself. Without the language barrier I have in most other countries, I felt like my bus tour yesterday gave me a good enough feel for the layout of the city to enable me to go out on my own without a proper walking tour.
Seamus dropped me off at the train station this morning. I was surprised that the parking lot was so empty. There were only two cars. I know it is a Saturday, but it really appears the recession is hurting Ireland a lot. Seamus was telling me that his driving time into Dublin is 25 minutes shorter than it was at the time of the boom. He only lives about 45 minutes away now, so that is a lot! Seamus was also saying that about 50,000 of the 65-70,000 high school graduates move out of the country for college and work. It's an amazing proportion - I suppose that is how Irish people are all over the world. All of our ancestors moved away at some point. Maybe it's in our blood.
After arriving in Dublin, I took a tram to O'Connell Street which is where I ate lunch yesterday. I walked to a street called Henry Street to try to buy an unlocked cell phone, but we realized that the sim card I bought does not have a pin, so I will have to wait to get back to the UK on Monday.
Then, I walked down to Temple College. It is a beautiful school and has the famous Book of Kells. It is an illuminated manuscript which tells the story of four books of the bible in Latin. It is Dublin's equivalent of the Mona Lisa.
Then, I walked down to the cultural center of Dublin, Temple Bar. It was filled with pubs, street musicians, and cobblestone streets, but was a bit too touristy for me. It was pretty cool, though. Temple Bar used to be a very bad area of Dublin, but the government poured a lot of money into it back in 1988. Now it is safe and beautiful!
Then, I went and had lunch at O'Neill's which was like a serve yourself Irish pub. I had a bowl of Irish Stew. It was phenomenal. I felt like I needed to eat a bowl of stew before I left Ireland.
After, I hopped back on the bus tour I took yesterday because my ticket was valid for two days. I went to the Guinness Storehouse and watched how they brew their beer. I hate beer, but a lot of people back in the States said it was a must do, regardless. It was a great experience and tour. Surprisingly, I found the beer a bit better here, even though I only finished a quarter of the pint that came free with the tour. What was even more amazing was the view they have from the top of their factory. You can see ALL of Dublin.
Then, I went back to O'Connell Street to meet up with Seamus and his son, James. We went to a place called Eddie Rockets for dinner. Imagine Johnny Rockets in Ireland. The burgers were great!
On the way home, Seamus told me a brief history of the Irish uprising and the IRA. It was really interesting as it has a lot of parallels with the American Revolution. I need to watch a few movies about it when I get back to the States!
Something that is currently being hotly contested in Ireland right now is their upcoming referendum on whether or not to remain in the European Union and allow the Germans to run the Irish monetary policy. Every single street pole has at least one propaganda sign on it! It will be interesting to see what happens. It sounds like they are going to stay in, but only time will tell!
Well, tomorrow I am going to Leitrim to see where my Grandmother and Grandfather came from as well as visit a few relatives that still live there. I can't wait to see everything, especially where my Grandmother lived!
Thanks for reading!
Michael
Friday, May 11, 2012
The Other Homeland...where I actually hold citizenship
Hi Again,
Last night, I made it to Dublin and my family which I don't remember meeting, Seamus and his wife, Caroline, picked me up to the airport and brought me to their home about 25 kilometers outside Dublin. They have an eight year old son, James, and a five year old daughter, Richel. Seamus cooked us spaghetti bolognese for dinner & I passed out shortly after that (I guess 3 hours sleep over 36 hours will do that to you).
This morning, Seamus took me to a mall to try to buy a cell phone for a sim card I bought in Heathrow Airport, but no luck. Apparently, the cell phone company, Three, does not let you use phones with from a Three in another country. They are locked. That explains why my phone from Italy wouldn't work with the sim from the UK. It's kind of stupid if you ask me. It is the same company after all. That being said, I'll need to buy a phone in the UK.
Then, Seamus took me to meet my 88 year old Great-Aunt Veronica (who is in a convent) and her friend, Sister Mary. He dropped us off in the city center and the three of us took a hop on, hop off bus tour around Dublin and saw a few of the sites. We peeked our heads into Trinity College, one of the oldest and most famous colleges in the world. We also tried to get into Dublin Castle, but it was closed for a government meeting. Then, we tried to go to Old Christ's Church, but that was closed too!
We had lunch in a department store called Chery & Co. Apparently, it is the same restaurant my Great Aunt takes all her guests! We then hopped back on the bus and went to a famous jail, spelled gaol here, but could only take a guided tour of that after a 2 hour wait, so we headed back to the convent.
The convent was brand new & I participated in their 6:00 PM prayer service which was pretty cool. After another hour or two, Seamus came to pick me up and take me back to his place.
It was very nice to meet my Great Aunt again. I haven't seen her since I was little.
Tomorrow, I'm off to Dublin on my own so I can see a few things in a bit more detail, so I'm really looking forward to that.
Michael
Last night, I made it to Dublin and my family which I don't remember meeting, Seamus and his wife, Caroline, picked me up to the airport and brought me to their home about 25 kilometers outside Dublin. They have an eight year old son, James, and a five year old daughter, Richel. Seamus cooked us spaghetti bolognese for dinner & I passed out shortly after that (I guess 3 hours sleep over 36 hours will do that to you).
This morning, Seamus took me to a mall to try to buy a cell phone for a sim card I bought in Heathrow Airport, but no luck. Apparently, the cell phone company, Three, does not let you use phones with from a Three in another country. They are locked. That explains why my phone from Italy wouldn't work with the sim from the UK. It's kind of stupid if you ask me. It is the same company after all. That being said, I'll need to buy a phone in the UK.
Then, Seamus took me to meet my 88 year old Great-Aunt Veronica (who is in a convent) and her friend, Sister Mary. He dropped us off in the city center and the three of us took a hop on, hop off bus tour around Dublin and saw a few of the sites. We peeked our heads into Trinity College, one of the oldest and most famous colleges in the world. We also tried to get into Dublin Castle, but it was closed for a government meeting. Then, we tried to go to Old Christ's Church, but that was closed too!
We had lunch in a department store called Chery & Co. Apparently, it is the same restaurant my Great Aunt takes all her guests! We then hopped back on the bus and went to a famous jail, spelled gaol here, but could only take a guided tour of that after a 2 hour wait, so we headed back to the convent.
The convent was brand new & I participated in their 6:00 PM prayer service which was pretty cool. After another hour or two, Seamus came to pick me up and take me back to his place.
It was very nice to meet my Great Aunt again. I haven't seen her since I was little.
Tomorrow, I'm off to Dublin on my own so I can see a few things in a bit more detail, so I'm really looking forward to that.
Michael
Thursday, May 10, 2012
London's Calling....just for 6 hours
Hi Everyone!
I'm writing this as I look out of the window onto a rainy London tarmac. Yes, that means that I made it through the first leg of my journey and am about to embark on a flight to my other homeland....the one that I actually have a passport for, Ireland. Before I get too ahead of myself, let me back up a bit.
For those of you who don't know, I am going on a 45 day backpacking trip around Europe. I am obviously in London right now, but am only here for 6 hours before I head to Dublin to meet family members that I honestly do not remember meeting ever before - I'm kind of excited! I have always wanted to go to Ireland, see the land that the other 1/2 of my family came from, & really have an opportunity to learn a bit about my heritage. I know so much about my Italian half and I blame myself for not knowing more about my Irish half.
The only reason I am able to go to Dublin is because I was supposed to be on a Penn State Graduation Tour which was overbooked, so I was pushed onto a graduation tour with the same itinerary with Auburn University departing out of London three days later. I will be in Dublin until Monday afternoon, then fly back to London and have two days until my tour actually starts. I have contacted my family in London, Joan and David, and am going to try to meet up with them on Monday night.
Once I hook up with the Auburn University Gradation Tour, we will spend a few days in London, Paris, Rome, Sorrento (1 day), Pompeii (a morning), a few Greek Islands, and Athens. I will be in Rome exactly 365 days after I left. I find it quite appropriate. I have made arrangements to meet with a few of my teachers and friends from my time there, so I can't wait!
After my tour wraps up in Athens, I will fly to Reggio di Calabria to visit a Penn State study abroad program. I know a few students that will be there as well as one of my favorite professors from Penn State. Then, I am going to shoot up to Naples and go to Capri since that was one of the places I did not make it to while I was studying abroad. Then, I'll be off to Perugia for a night, Assisi, Florence (to visit one of my other Penn State professors), Bologna, Verona, and Milano. Again, I am trying my best to go to the other cities that are a bit off the beaten path that I was unable to go to last spring.
From Milano I will take a plane to Berlin to hook up with a different tour around Eastern Europe. We will then travel to Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Krakow, Auschwitz, and Warsaw. From Warsaw, I will catch a flight back to London and then a flight back to New York.
I am beyond excited for this trip. I am not only seeing a few places that I was unable to travel to last spring, but I will have the opportunity to see a few people I know throughout my travels!
I will keep you updated as I progress through Europe! By the way, I won't be able to post any pictures until I return as I only have a backpack with my iPad - no laptop. You can also track my progress on a map by clicking on the link on the right and subscribe to my posts via e-mail by entering your e-mail address to the right as well.
Thanks for reading!
Michael
I'm writing this as I look out of the window onto a rainy London tarmac. Yes, that means that I made it through the first leg of my journey and am about to embark on a flight to my other homeland....the one that I actually have a passport for, Ireland. Before I get too ahead of myself, let me back up a bit.
For those of you who don't know, I am going on a 45 day backpacking trip around Europe. I am obviously in London right now, but am only here for 6 hours before I head to Dublin to meet family members that I honestly do not remember meeting ever before - I'm kind of excited! I have always wanted to go to Ireland, see the land that the other 1/2 of my family came from, & really have an opportunity to learn a bit about my heritage. I know so much about my Italian half and I blame myself for not knowing more about my Irish half.
The only reason I am able to go to Dublin is because I was supposed to be on a Penn State Graduation Tour which was overbooked, so I was pushed onto a graduation tour with the same itinerary with Auburn University departing out of London three days later. I will be in Dublin until Monday afternoon, then fly back to London and have two days until my tour actually starts. I have contacted my family in London, Joan and David, and am going to try to meet up with them on Monday night.
Once I hook up with the Auburn University Gradation Tour, we will spend a few days in London, Paris, Rome, Sorrento (1 day), Pompeii (a morning), a few Greek Islands, and Athens. I will be in Rome exactly 365 days after I left. I find it quite appropriate. I have made arrangements to meet with a few of my teachers and friends from my time there, so I can't wait!
After my tour wraps up in Athens, I will fly to Reggio di Calabria to visit a Penn State study abroad program. I know a few students that will be there as well as one of my favorite professors from Penn State. Then, I am going to shoot up to Naples and go to Capri since that was one of the places I did not make it to while I was studying abroad. Then, I'll be off to Perugia for a night, Assisi, Florence (to visit one of my other Penn State professors), Bologna, Verona, and Milano. Again, I am trying my best to go to the other cities that are a bit off the beaten path that I was unable to go to last spring.
From Milano I will take a plane to Berlin to hook up with a different tour around Eastern Europe. We will then travel to Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Krakow, Auschwitz, and Warsaw. From Warsaw, I will catch a flight back to London and then a flight back to New York.
I am beyond excited for this trip. I am not only seeing a few places that I was unable to travel to last spring, but I will have the opportunity to see a few people I know throughout my travels!
I will keep you updated as I progress through Europe! By the way, I won't be able to post any pictures until I return as I only have a backpack with my iPad - no laptop. You can also track my progress on a map by clicking on the link on the right and subscribe to my posts via e-mail by entering your e-mail address to the right as well.
Thanks for reading!
Michael
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Reflections
College. The best
four years of your life. Four years ago,
I thought that was just saying was, well, just a saying. Four years later, I can tell you that saying
is true.
It is hard to believe that four years have passed by. I can still remember moving into my dorm
freshman year and taking my picture with the Nittany Lion Shrine. Over the last four years, I have immersed
myself within the Penn State community and have learned what it means to be
Penn State proud. I saw my football team
win a Big Ten Championship, witnessed Joe Paterno's 400th and 409th wins, and
gone on road trips to see Penn State win in the Big House and the Horseshoe,
two of the most storied college football stadiums in the country. I went to every bowl game including the Rose
Bowl, the Granddaddy of Them All, and saw Penn State pull out a win against a
future national champion LSU team. I
stormed the court when Penn State upset Illinois and saw Talor Battle hit
miraculous shot after miraculous shot to lead Penn State to the postseason,
twice. I was a part of the eighteen bus
contingent that traveled from Happy Valley to the Big Apple (twice) to cheer
for Penn State in its successful quest to cut down the nets in The Garden after
winning the first NIT in school history.
Then, there's THON.
How can I possibly describe THON when words do not do it justice? The textbook definition is that THON is the
largest student run philanthropy in the world, a yearlong effort which
culminates in a 46 hour no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon which raises
money for the Four Diamonds Fund and the fight against pediatric cancer. THON is so much more, though. For many kids, THON is "better than
Christmas". THON is a rainbow of
colors. THON is unity. THON is hope.
I've been involved with the Finance committee all four years - my first
three as a Committee Member and this year, the first year our total hit ten
figures, I was a Captain. I saw us raise
$7,490,133.87, $7,838,054.36, $9,563,016.09, and
$10,686,924.83. For me THON is Penn State
at its best - 15,000 student volunteers and the whole Pennsylvania community
rallying behind one cause. I will always
remember the people I met through THON and all the great memories I have of
Penn State because of THON.
I also had the opportunity to spend a full semester studying
abroad in Rome. Those four months were,
hands down, the best four months of my life. I lived in the city that was the birthplace
if the Western World and Western culture. I walked down the same paths that
Julius Caesar and other great minds of the world traveled. I chanted
"Forza Roma" at a soccer game where I learned just how crazy Italians
can be. I lit a candle in the Duomo, rubbed the Boar's snout and crossed the
famous Ponte Vecchio in Florence. I went to Barcelona (by myself) and walked
the entire La Rambla and learned about Catalonian pride. I attended a Carnivale
parade in Nice, played the slots in the world famous Monte Carlo Casino (and walked
out of it in the black) and saw where the world famous Cannes Film Festival
takes place. I climbed up to the top of a mideviel village called Enz. I had
the best spring break of my life - 5 cities in 12 days. I saw the astronomical
clock, Prague Castle and learned about the Velvet Revolution in the "City
of 100 Spires". I walked the streets of the city that once divided and
then reunited Europe, crossed over the remnants of the Berlin Wall, and saw
Checkpoint Charlie. I rode a boat through the canals and experienced the
liberal and welcoming people of Amsterdam. I sipped some wine and ate a French
baguette as I watched the Eiffel Tower light up, saw Notre Dame and went to the
Louvre in Paris. I took the Chunnel from Paris to London where I stayed in the
courthouse that inspired Oliver Twist, met family that I had never met before
and saw Big Ben. I sailed along the Grand Canal of Venice, crossed the Rialto
Bridge, saw a glass blowing exhibit in Murano and strolled through the lesser
known fishing village of Burano. I walked in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius
through the erie city of Pompeii. I stayed in a five star hotel overlooking the
Atlantic Ocean and walked along the streets of Sorrento, walked down the hills
of Positano, sipped limoncello in Amalfi, and took in the breathtaking views of
the Amalfi Coast from a villa in Ravello. I learned that the pizza in Naples
was not overrated at all. I explored a Roman Emporer's castle, went white water
rafting and drank from a waterfall in Croatia. I saw the square where the Palio
takes place in Siena, toured a wine farm in Tuscany, had the world's best
gelato in San Gimignano and took the cliche picture with the Leaning Tower of
Pisa. I made great friends that I will keep in touch with for the rest of my
life.
My senior year at Penn State was a year to remember. Penn State, an institution considered to be a
gold standard for integrity, was involved in a scandal that shook every Penn
Stater to their core. The Penn State
community grew together like never before and the students led the way. While our administration remained silent, the
student body organized a candlelight vigil for the victims. We protested for the termination of Graham
Spanier and most of us held peaceful
protests after our beloved coach, Joe Paterno, was fired. I stood on the steps of Old Main with my
fellow students as our student body president delivered a speech about the
values of a true Penn Stater. We somberly
sung the Alma Mater and lent each other a shoulder to cry on. I was one of 110,000 people who witnessed a
somber pregame prayer when Penn State played Nebraska the weekend after all the
events unfolded. Unfortunately, I
witnessed firsthand the reaction of the State College community to the death of
Joe Paterno. I held vigil at the Joe
Paterno statue, went to the wake of our beloved coach, attended a candlelight
vigil for Joe, saw the casket pass by, and went to Joe's Memorial Service. I was one of 10,000 other people who jumped
to their feet when Phil Knight delivered his famous quote.
College definitely is the best four years of your life. It is true.
I cannot believe it is over.
Thank you to my fellow Penn State students. Some of us lived in the same building, took
classes together, had the same minor, participated in THON together, or hung
out together. Without you my four years
would not have been the same. Most of
all, I need to thank my parents and family for their endless support over the
last four years. I now understand what
it means to be a proud Penn State Alumnus.
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