Germany! That's where I am, and yes, it is very rainy here. Right now, I am sitting in my hostel's kitchen area waiting for my room to be ready; I have three separate rooms booked at this place, so I have to move each afternoon.
Boo.
Oh well, at least I have a bed. It seems like every place here in Germany (or at least around Munich) is booked full, for Oktoberfest. Have yet to go there, but I'm totally excited.
So I am on my own, as I have failed to mention earlier in this post. I have another few weeks here in Europe, and I already know that I won't want to leave when the time comes. In Germany, for example, EVERYONE has been super-nice and accommodating, and just plain helpful. Went out to a bar last night with some hostel-mates, and we had no idea where to go; we just asked some German passersby, and ended up drinking with them in some nice bar. Totally a sweet night, too; and the beer here. . .phew, I looooove German beer.
So it looks like I will be going to Prague this weekend, or perhaps another part of Germany. Oktoberfestfever has taken over the entire southern part of the country, and I don't think I will be able to find a cheap place to stay. I'm excited for Prague, gaunna be a pretty city. . .and cheap, I've heard. I'll let you guys know more when I know, but it's off to see if my room is ready.
-Dyl
P.S. - The hostel here is Augsberg is by FAR the best place I've stayed here in Europe (except for our actual hotel in Switzerland). Amazing staff, sweet beds (nice and hard where they need to be, and soft everywhere else), and clean. This is a nice place, and i would recommend it to anyone hosteling in Germany: it's called Ubernacht. Check it out!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Generally Genoa
Just got back from Genoa about two hours ago. This was the place we had booked that was close to cinque terre. . .even if we didn't go there. Too rainy yesterday, too stressful for us. We got to the city in the afternoon, already a bit frazzled and completely hungry, and super confused about the transportation system in Genoa. We ended ip taking a lift (accendare) up the cliffsides upon which the city is built. This lift. . .it was like a mix of tram car and elevator, taking us up a few hundred meters to get to our busstop. Totally awesome, totally a new experience. Very unique to a cliff community.
Out hostel in Genoa was awesome, at one time one of the best hostels in the world (or so they claim). But the place had really nice, clean beds, a good sized bar area with bunches of purchasable foods, and a stellar lounge area which included a library. Probably the best traditional hostel we've stayed at so far. Breakfast, too, which is always nice. We put our bags in our rooms, and then headed into town for some dinner, which we struggled to find. It was a bit too early, five or so, and very few places were open yet; they don't open for dinner til 7 or 8 usually, and definitely not so early on a weekend night. But we found a place, and we ordered w/o actually knowing what we ordered, as the staff didn't speak much/any English. It had worked out well in the past, ordering blindly, but this time it was rough: I ordered polvo con patate, which turned out to be octopus and potatoes! I knew patate, but was very surprised to find polvo with tentacles and stuff on my plate. Not terrible, might I add. . .but I wouldn't order it again.
Our night ended with a wander throughout the main shopping district of Genoa, right on the coastline. Gorgeous. We only had one night there, but K and I agreed that it would have nice to explore the city a but more. It was then a packed train ride back to Milan, and here we be.
My next order of business: I have a ticket back from Europe! I'm not sure if I'm excited ir nervous or anxious to get back, but I have a flight. By the evening of October 25, I shall be back in Minneapolis. I flag from Brussels, which was about $100 dollars cheaper than Amsterdam and Paris; unexpected, as I hadn't ever pictured Brussels as a major airhub. But, in any case, my flight leaves at 10ish in the morning, stops at O'Hare, then touches down in Minneapolis at 5-something. But that is too far ahead to really think about. . .I'm just getting my schedule sorted our for next week.
K returns on Tuesday the 28th, and I think I have my schedule planned out from then on, if loosely. I'm headed strait to Munich (actually probably Augsberg) where I shall stay to experience Oktoberfest, then off to Prague for a goo while, and finally back over to the west into Belgium and the Netherlands. Gotta see Amsterdam, every person ever has told me so. Other than this rough schedule, I have no idea where specifically I'll be, but that's just what I want. . .the freedom to leave early or stay an extra day if I want. I like travel like that.
-Dyl
P.S. - Gotta say, I would never ever EVER be a bus driver in Genoa. The agrees there are curving winding, beautiful small streets, but getting a bulky bus around on those streets seems like pure he'll. . .and the speeding! I'm quite glad we decided against a car. . .
Out hostel in Genoa was awesome, at one time one of the best hostels in the world (or so they claim). But the place had really nice, clean beds, a good sized bar area with bunches of purchasable foods, and a stellar lounge area which included a library. Probably the best traditional hostel we've stayed at so far. Breakfast, too, which is always nice. We put our bags in our rooms, and then headed into town for some dinner, which we struggled to find. It was a bit too early, five or so, and very few places were open yet; they don't open for dinner til 7 or 8 usually, and definitely not so early on a weekend night. But we found a place, and we ordered w/o actually knowing what we ordered, as the staff didn't speak much/any English. It had worked out well in the past, ordering blindly, but this time it was rough: I ordered polvo con patate, which turned out to be octopus and potatoes! I knew patate, but was very surprised to find polvo with tentacles and stuff on my plate. Not terrible, might I add. . .but I wouldn't order it again.
Our night ended with a wander throughout the main shopping district of Genoa, right on the coastline. Gorgeous. We only had one night there, but K and I agreed that it would have nice to explore the city a but more. It was then a packed train ride back to Milan, and here we be.
My next order of business: I have a ticket back from Europe! I'm not sure if I'm excited ir nervous or anxious to get back, but I have a flight. By the evening of October 25, I shall be back in Minneapolis. I flag from Brussels, which was about $100 dollars cheaper than Amsterdam and Paris; unexpected, as I hadn't ever pictured Brussels as a major airhub. But, in any case, my flight leaves at 10ish in the morning, stops at O'Hare, then touches down in Minneapolis at 5-something. But that is too far ahead to really think about. . .I'm just getting my schedule sorted our for next week.
K returns on Tuesday the 28th, and I think I have my schedule planned out from then on, if loosely. I'm headed strait to Munich (actually probably Augsberg) where I shall stay to experience Oktoberfest, then off to Prague for a goo while, and finally back over to the west into Belgium and the Netherlands. Gotta see Amsterdam, every person ever has told me so. Other than this rough schedule, I have no idea where specifically I'll be, but that's just what I want. . .the freedom to leave early or stay an extra day if I want. I like travel like that.
-Dyl
P.S. - Gotta say, I would never ever EVER be a bus driver in Genoa. The agrees there are curving winding, beautiful small streets, but getting a bulky bus around on those streets seems like pure he'll. . .and the speeding! I'm quite glad we decided against a car. . .
Friday, September 24, 2010
A fashionable shower in Milan
We have ended up Milan for the last stretch of our trip here in Italy together. Today was our first full day here in the trendy city where EVERYTHING is overpriced on the main boulevards. They say that Milan is one of the central hubs of commerce here in Europe, and I believe it. We have seen about a thousand businessmen and women, all in fancy Italian suits (jealous), many of them shopping at some of the trendiest and most expensive stores I have seen since New York. Walking those avenues. . .didn't feel quite like Europe. Just felt too swanky, but only in the worst possible way. . .I don't like Milan so much.
But there is some amazing art and fashion here. This week is Fashion Week, or perhaps every week is here (who knows), but in any case there were a bunch of fashion events going on all day. Hair salons were set up in the middle of the street, prices were high for lunch, and (best of all), there is a performance art piece in the center plaza tonight. K and I were fortunate enough to wander through the Piazza del Duomo at the right time to see a final rehersal for their performance tonight; may I just say wow. . .Italians can dance. The show is for a fashion costume exhibition, and the dance was, to the best of my perceptions, technology themed, the mix of classic style to new elegance. . .and the costumes for the dancers will be robot suits. At least I hope so. . .their dance seemed to evoke robot suit pictures in my brain.
As I said in the title, it's raining here. Been pouring for a good hour, and I don't know if it'll let up by the performance at 8. . .only 2 hours away from now. K and I may have to rethink our plans for tonight.
-Dyl
P.S. - We actually didn't go to cinque terre yet. My last post was a lie, as it turns out, and I apologize to all of you adoring fans. We had been planning to head to C.T., but we couldn't find any open reservations at hostels at all in any nearby city. Had we still opted to go here at that time, it would have cost us at least two travel days on our Eurail Pass, and a ton of money, not to mention a rushed trip and a chaotic fly-by-seat-of-pants type day. We went to Austria instead! More on that later. . .
P.P.S. - I missed my P.S. from last post , as it was made just as we figured out that there were no reservations left in cinque terre. This is my makeup P.S..
But there is some amazing art and fashion here. This week is Fashion Week, or perhaps every week is here (who knows), but in any case there were a bunch of fashion events going on all day. Hair salons were set up in the middle of the street, prices were high for lunch, and (best of all), there is a performance art piece in the center plaza tonight. K and I were fortunate enough to wander through the Piazza del Duomo at the right time to see a final rehersal for their performance tonight; may I just say wow. . .Italians can dance. The show is for a fashion costume exhibition, and the dance was, to the best of my perceptions, technology themed, the mix of classic style to new elegance. . .and the costumes for the dancers will be robot suits. At least I hope so. . .their dance seemed to evoke robot suit pictures in my brain.
As I said in the title, it's raining here. Been pouring for a good hour, and I don't know if it'll let up by the performance at 8. . .only 2 hours away from now. K and I may have to rethink our plans for tonight.
-Dyl
P.S. - We actually didn't go to cinque terre yet. My last post was a lie, as it turns out, and I apologize to all of you adoring fans. We had been planning to head to C.T., but we couldn't find any open reservations at hostels at all in any nearby city. Had we still opted to go here at that time, it would have cost us at least two travel days on our Eurail Pass, and a ton of money, not to mention a rushed trip and a chaotic fly-by-seat-of-pants type day. We went to Austria instead! More on that later. . .
P.P.S. - I missed my P.S. from last post , as it was made just as we figured out that there were no reservations left in cinque terre. This is my makeup P.S..
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Terre Time
Last night here in Firenze. We are headed to Cinque Terre, or "five lands," which is an series of cliffside towns on the coast of Italy. We have to hike from a town called La Spezia, which should be a cool experience.l
We bought some food for a nice lunch at a supermarket, so it should be a nice day.
Went to the Uffizi gallery today, a really famous museum here, fameous for the Birth of Venus by Botticelli. Some fantastic art here in Firenze, but as this was the center of the Renaissance, I'm not surprised in the least. We went to the Gallery of the Academy yesterday, as well, and that museum is highlighted (indeed, overshadowed) by Michaelangelo's David. That is by far the most impressive piece of sculpture I have ever seen. The entire museum seems to be made for that one piece, and the 10 Euro entrance is COMPLETELY worth it. There ar no words adequate enough to describe that piece. . .if anyone ever gets a chance to see it, do it.
Probably the most breathtaking thing we did here in Firenze was climb the dome of the Duomo, a monstrous and highly impressive cathederal in the center of town. 463 steps up, 8 Euro later, and you have THE most impressive view of the city. Breathtaking literally, too. . .those are steep steps.
Lines have been somewhat of an issue here, with most big museums ir attractions. . .an hour wait is pretty common for seeing something good. This is a pretty touristy place. . .at least within a 4 block radius of the town center. Most of the attractions are within that space, so the tourists are clumped around there. However, getting outside of that central area, the city becomes authentic and genuine. . .one can absorb some of the real Florentian culture.
We bought some food for a nice lunch at a supermarket, so it should be a nice day.
Went to the Uffizi gallery today, a really famous museum here, fameous for the Birth of Venus by Botticelli. Some fantastic art here in Firenze, but as this was the center of the Renaissance, I'm not surprised in the least. We went to the Gallery of the Academy yesterday, as well, and that museum is highlighted (indeed, overshadowed) by Michaelangelo's David. That is by far the most impressive piece of sculpture I have ever seen. The entire museum seems to be made for that one piece, and the 10 Euro entrance is COMPLETELY worth it. There ar no words adequate enough to describe that piece. . .if anyone ever gets a chance to see it, do it.
Probably the most breathtaking thing we did here in Firenze was climb the dome of the Duomo, a monstrous and highly impressive cathederal in the center of town. 463 steps up, 8 Euro later, and you have THE most impressive view of the city. Breathtaking literally, too. . .those are steep steps.
Lines have been somewhat of an issue here, with most big museums ir attractions. . .an hour wait is pretty common for seeing something good. This is a pretty touristy place. . .at least within a 4 block radius of the town center. Most of the attractions are within that space, so the tourists are clumped around there. However, getting outside of that central area, the city becomes authentic and genuine. . .one can absorb some of the real Florentian culture.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Fire. Fire! Firenze!!!
We saw a mime today, in the piazza del Duomo. I wish we could have stayed. . .he was a good mike, a fun mime, but Kristi would have got annoyed.
Dunno why that sticks out in my mind, but that's the first thing I remember about today. We are in Florence, Firenze, now and this is without a doubt the best city we have been to so far. The atmosphere, the wonderful food, and the gorgeous landscape, it all adds up to amazing. We arrived at noonish, and walked to our hostel, which is more pike a house that rents the bedrooms. . .better, I think. We have a key, and a private room, and wonderful central accomodations. Ate lunch at "The William," a wonderful little place near the university, where all of the students eat. Had a steak and a beer. . .one of the best meals I've had.
We went shopping in the amazing shopping that exists here in Firenze. Leather goods today, mostly; I a journal, K a bag. Oh, and she got an amazing leather coat. . .from Lorenzo Leathers, a little ma-and-pa leather shop thar opperates in the main bazaar of this city. She looks. . .stunning in the coat; we're headed back tomorrow to see if I can fins one that suits me.
Met two wonderful people at dinner tonight, in a restaurant called "Zio Gigi," or Uncle Gigi. The restaurant had gotten full, and K and I were seated at a four person table, so we offered the two extra seats to the next customers in line, Tom and Sara(h?). Wonderful people, very fun; we bonded instantly. K and I ended up staying for a few extra hours to chat with these two, and to plan dinner for tomorrow night. Dammit, I love meeting people, and I love this trip!
We're headed to sleep now, off to adventure and wonder exploring Firenze tomorrow. Duomo, perhaps; museum, perhaps - we won't know til morning.
-Dyl
P.S. - This town is absolutely the best we've been to so far. If there were any place in Italy that I would consider living, it would be here in Firenze.
Dunno why that sticks out in my mind, but that's the first thing I remember about today. We are in Florence, Firenze, now and this is without a doubt the best city we have been to so far. The atmosphere, the wonderful food, and the gorgeous landscape, it all adds up to amazing. We arrived at noonish, and walked to our hostel, which is more pike a house that rents the bedrooms. . .better, I think. We have a key, and a private room, and wonderful central accomodations. Ate lunch at "The William," a wonderful little place near the university, where all of the students eat. Had a steak and a beer. . .one of the best meals I've had.
We went shopping in the amazing shopping that exists here in Firenze. Leather goods today, mostly; I a journal, K a bag. Oh, and she got an amazing leather coat. . .from Lorenzo Leathers, a little ma-and-pa leather shop thar opperates in the main bazaar of this city. She looks. . .stunning in the coat; we're headed back tomorrow to see if I can fins one that suits me.
Met two wonderful people at dinner tonight, in a restaurant called "Zio Gigi," or Uncle Gigi. The restaurant had gotten full, and K and I were seated at a four person table, so we offered the two extra seats to the next customers in line, Tom and Sara(h?). Wonderful people, very fun; we bonded instantly. K and I ended up staying for a few extra hours to chat with these two, and to plan dinner for tomorrow night. Dammit, I love meeting people, and I love this trip!
We're headed to sleep now, off to adventure and wonder exploring Firenze tomorrow. Duomo, perhaps; museum, perhaps - we won't know til morning.
-Dyl
P.S. - This town is absolutely the best we've been to so far. If there were any place in Italy that I would consider living, it would be here in Firenze.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Pizza in Napoli
Wow, so Napoli (naples) is a super awesome city. Much better than Rome.
Kristi and I got here a few nights ago, and we found our Hostel just outside our train stop, just up a hill. My oh my, what a view from. . .well, really anywhere in the city. Towering mountains in the distance, surrounded by gorgeous waters and ships, all surrounded by the fantastic buildings climbing the cliffs. Incredible, and breathtaking. The atmosphere here is wonderful, too; everyone is quite relaxed, and not worried about too much. Oh, and its HOT here. Maybe high 80's, low 90's, and little to no wind. I'm a bit sad that I only brought one pair of shorts.
K and I went to Pompeii yesterday. Very hot, very muggy, but fascinating. Took about 45 minutes from the main train station to get there, and by that time it was 11ish. We got in, and started poking around, finding the city of Pompeii to be, well, a city. The place was huge! It took quite a while to walk from one side to the other, maybe 30 minutes, and there were thousands of things to see along the way. Very amazing. Pictures galore.
K and I have a day to wander the streets of Napoli, perhaps to see a castle, before we will take the night train to Milan. Then, we train to Florence, and spend a good while there, basking in the sun and culture. Our next place has free wifi, so perhaps I will be able to update more frequently. . .
-Dyl
P.S. - If you want to leave me a comment, that might be the easiest way to get ahold of me, or leave me a message. . .do it, if you so desire!
Kristi and I got here a few nights ago, and we found our Hostel just outside our train stop, just up a hill. My oh my, what a view from. . .well, really anywhere in the city. Towering mountains in the distance, surrounded by gorgeous waters and ships, all surrounded by the fantastic buildings climbing the cliffs. Incredible, and breathtaking. The atmosphere here is wonderful, too; everyone is quite relaxed, and not worried about too much. Oh, and its HOT here. Maybe high 80's, low 90's, and little to no wind. I'm a bit sad that I only brought one pair of shorts.
K and I went to Pompeii yesterday. Very hot, very muggy, but fascinating. Took about 45 minutes from the main train station to get there, and by that time it was 11ish. We got in, and started poking around, finding the city of Pompeii to be, well, a city. The place was huge! It took quite a while to walk from one side to the other, maybe 30 minutes, and there were thousands of things to see along the way. Very amazing. Pictures galore.
K and I have a day to wander the streets of Napoli, perhaps to see a castle, before we will take the night train to Milan. Then, we train to Florence, and spend a good while there, basking in the sun and culture. Our next place has free wifi, so perhaps I will be able to update more frequently. . .
-Dyl
P.S. - If you want to leave me a comment, that might be the easiest way to get ahold of me, or leave me a message. . .do it, if you so desire!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Its been a long time. . .in Rome, that is!
Sorry, first off, for the absence of posts. Its been a bit hectic here in Rome. K and I are in a hostel at the northern outskirts of the city, and we've been seeing a bunch of the cityscape. The last few days have been about six or seven long hours of walking. . .in the heat and the crowds. But at least we can stop for gelato at almost every street-corner.
Today in particular was rough. This was the day we went to the ancient roman sites of interest: colosseum, the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Baths of Caracalla. . .of which, the baths were totally the most interesting and least crowded. We actually decided to skip entering the colosseum, for the lines were a billion years long, and we could see somewhat inside the gates anyways.
Sidenote: Kristi says happy birthday Jenna Kramer!
Rome itself has been. . .well, lame. It seems to me just another large city, with some very very touristy sites within. The crowds are terrible, always, and the tourists stupid and (almost) cruel to the Italians in their helplessness. This is not to say that there aren't amazing things in this city; when I first set foot in St. Peters Plaza, for example, or witnessing the glory of the fallen Roman empire through their monuments passed through the ages. These things are wonderful to see, but I am witness to many more crappy tourist shops and junk salesmen and scam artists than actual monument and art. Perhaps I am just not finding the right places and meeting the right people, but I must say I am disappointed with Rome. Venice was much better.
We DID find an amazing Irish pub (well, I think so; Kristi is a bit tired of me talking about this place). The owners were very happy to talk to me and Kristi, which many of the other shopkeepers seemed hesitant to do. Perhaps its because we ourselves are tourists - it IS obvious - but some part of me felt that the Irish bartender and English waitresses were happy to hear the English language as much as we liked speaking it, thus opening an avenue of conversation. Plus, this place had an awesome beef stew, and I had it at a time when I really needed a good, hearty, delicious meal. Perhaps I can convince Kristi to go back there tonight . .they had a wide selection of beer and alcohol, and I do enjoy alcohol. . .
All in all, I feel like we have seen enough of this city, and enough of the urban degradation which has punched its way into the Roman ruins and city of religion. Its off to Naples tomorrow morning, and then to Pompeii tomorrow afternoon. I expect a hot, muggy, wonderful day filled with history. . .and dust, as Kristi just said.
Happy birthday again, dad, and I hope everything is going well in the states over there. . .that last bit was for everyone, not just my dad *grin*.
-Dyl
P.S. - Zach and Rina, if you read this, give our kitties an extra big cuddle and hug for us. . .we miss them. . .terribly!
Today in particular was rough. This was the day we went to the ancient roman sites of interest: colosseum, the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Baths of Caracalla. . .of which, the baths were totally the most interesting and least crowded. We actually decided to skip entering the colosseum, for the lines were a billion years long, and we could see somewhat inside the gates anyways.
Sidenote: Kristi says happy birthday Jenna Kramer!
Rome itself has been. . .well, lame. It seems to me just another large city, with some very very touristy sites within. The crowds are terrible, always, and the tourists stupid and (almost) cruel to the Italians in their helplessness. This is not to say that there aren't amazing things in this city; when I first set foot in St. Peters Plaza, for example, or witnessing the glory of the fallen Roman empire through their monuments passed through the ages. These things are wonderful to see, but I am witness to many more crappy tourist shops and junk salesmen and scam artists than actual monument and art. Perhaps I am just not finding the right places and meeting the right people, but I must say I am disappointed with Rome. Venice was much better.
We DID find an amazing Irish pub (well, I think so; Kristi is a bit tired of me talking about this place). The owners were very happy to talk to me and Kristi, which many of the other shopkeepers seemed hesitant to do. Perhaps its because we ourselves are tourists - it IS obvious - but some part of me felt that the Irish bartender and English waitresses were happy to hear the English language as much as we liked speaking it, thus opening an avenue of conversation. Plus, this place had an awesome beef stew, and I had it at a time when I really needed a good, hearty, delicious meal. Perhaps I can convince Kristi to go back there tonight . .they had a wide selection of beer and alcohol, and I do enjoy alcohol. . .
All in all, I feel like we have seen enough of this city, and enough of the urban degradation which has punched its way into the Roman ruins and city of religion. Its off to Naples tomorrow morning, and then to Pompeii tomorrow afternoon. I expect a hot, muggy, wonderful day filled with history. . .and dust, as Kristi just said.
Happy birthday again, dad, and I hope everything is going well in the states over there. . .that last bit was for everyone, not just my dad *grin*.
-Dyl
P.S. - Zach and Rina, if you read this, give our kitties an extra big cuddle and hug for us. . .we miss them. . .terribly!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Here I sit, along an island town
Venice is amazing. Lets just start with that, and get it out of the way. Beyond the incredible history and culture congregated here in this (relatively) small set of islands, I am amazed at how modern this town is within its ancient structure. The buildings have lasted for centuries, yet the shops are new and modern and impressive. From eateries to clothing shops to the hundreds of tourist traps scattered all around the districts, Venice is alive and vibrant in its own, unique way. . .this city is unlike any other in the world. . .at least I think it is.
K and I took a trip off the main islands to visit Murano and Burano today. . .Burano was gorgeous, but ultimately boring, nothing to do no where to go. Murano, however, was fascinating. The island is known for its spectacular glassblowing, and spectacular it is. . .artisans from all over have attempted to copy their work, and most fail miserably. Quality work, and very nice people. I bought a pair of stunning wineglasses for myself (as I have no wineglasses), and I am going to be very pleased with them. I couldn't get the set I wanted, because it was €280, plus shipping. Waaaaaaay too much.
The hostel I am currently typing in now is pretty darn spiffy. . .breakfast included, which was a wonderful thing to wake up to, and our rooms are spacious enough and quiet enough. Most of all, the place seems very secure. Lockers and separate keys for all its patrons. . .a very nice hostel.
K has proposed Rome as our next big stop on our Italian tour. We have at least one more day here in Venice, perhaps two, and then to the southern part of the country. I suggested taking a night train some time, just to try it out, and (tentatively) we have a night trip planned from Naples to Milan, when we return to the northern half of the trip, near the end of our journey. A sleeping car, and relaxation to the chugga-chugga. . .romatic? Perhaps. . .
-Dyl
P.S. - Wireless access is IMPOSSIBLE to find here in Europe. I was under the impression that wireless coverage would be expansive, but it is instead difficult to find and incredibly expensive. Bummer.
K and I took a trip off the main islands to visit Murano and Burano today. . .Burano was gorgeous, but ultimately boring, nothing to do no where to go. Murano, however, was fascinating. The island is known for its spectacular glassblowing, and spectacular it is. . .artisans from all over have attempted to copy their work, and most fail miserably. Quality work, and very nice people. I bought a pair of stunning wineglasses for myself (as I have no wineglasses), and I am going to be very pleased with them. I couldn't get the set I wanted, because it was €280, plus shipping. Waaaaaaay too much.
The hostel I am currently typing in now is pretty darn spiffy. . .breakfast included, which was a wonderful thing to wake up to, and our rooms are spacious enough and quiet enough. Most of all, the place seems very secure. Lockers and separate keys for all its patrons. . .a very nice hostel.
K has proposed Rome as our next big stop on our Italian tour. We have at least one more day here in Venice, perhaps two, and then to the southern part of the country. I suggested taking a night train some time, just to try it out, and (tentatively) we have a night trip planned from Naples to Milan, when we return to the northern half of the trip, near the end of our journey. A sleeping car, and relaxation to the chugga-chugga. . .romatic? Perhaps. . .
-Dyl
P.S. - Wireless access is IMPOSSIBLE to find here in Europe. I was under the impression that wireless coverage would be expansive, but it is instead difficult to find and incredibly expensive. Bummer.
Monday, September 6, 2010
In Venezia!
Well, its been a struggle to find reliable internet over here in Europe. . .but we did it!
Kristi and I are at a campagnia, or campsite, here just outside of Venice. We're just finishing breakfast, after sleeping through a crazy storm last night. Our first day in Italy yesterday was. . .stressful. It was a bit of a struggle to find our first place to stay, and this was after a tiring train ride from Zurich.
Ahhhh. . .Zurich. As I only have 5 minutes left, I can't describe the awesomeness of Zurich. A later time.
But Venice. Today we are headed into the city, for some awesome exploring, and perhaps to buy Kristi a nifty purse. I am also searching for a wallet. . .and perhaps a few trinkeys for the folk back home.
Tonight we stay in a hostel on an island off of Venice. . .I hope they have internet.
-Dyl
P.S. - The thunder last night rolled off of the plains, just crashing through the countryside. . .gorgeous, beautiful, powerful, haunting.
Kristi and I are at a campagnia, or campsite, here just outside of Venice. We're just finishing breakfast, after sleeping through a crazy storm last night. Our first day in Italy yesterday was. . .stressful. It was a bit of a struggle to find our first place to stay, and this was after a tiring train ride from Zurich.
Ahhhh. . .Zurich. As I only have 5 minutes left, I can't describe the awesomeness of Zurich. A later time.
But Venice. Today we are headed into the city, for some awesome exploring, and perhaps to buy Kristi a nifty purse. I am also searching for a wallet. . .and perhaps a few trinkeys for the folk back home.
Tonight we stay in a hostel on an island off of Venice. . .I hope they have internet.
-Dyl
P.S. - The thunder last night rolled off of the plains, just crashing through the countryside. . .gorgeous, beautiful, powerful, haunting.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
I want to fly away. . .yeah yeah yeah.
So this is it. I'm about to break the barrier of the United States for the first time in my life. This is gaunna be big, and I am completely ready for this. Waiting sucks.
There are so many international flights leaving from JFK, so awesome to hear the languages and excitement to return home/go overseas. Actully being on wither country will be better. . .gates are opening, here we go!
-Dyl
P.S. - Gaunna be incommunicado for a while. Long flight, then finding my way around Zurich for the first time. I'll post when I can.
There are so many international flights leaving from JFK, so awesome to hear the languages and excitement to return home/go overseas. Actully being on wither country will be better. . .gates are opening, here we go!
-Dyl
P.S. - Gaunna be incommunicado for a while. Long flight, then finding my way around Zurich for the first time. I'll post when I can.
Boom boom, on go the lights?
Lightning, rain, thunder, excitement. This was how I left my city of Minneapolis. Waiting at the busstop, way before sunrise. . .I was sneaking out of the country. A thundering exit.
Now in the airport, waiting on Dunn Brothers to fix their espresso machine. Worth the wait, especially considering we don't board for another half hour.
4 hours in O'Hare is next. . .should be fun?
-Dyl
P.S. - Airports are cool at first, but they creep you out the more you stay. . .living "The Terminal" would suck.
Now in the airport, waiting on Dunn Brothers to fix their espresso machine. Worth the wait, especially considering we don't board for another half hour.
4 hours in O'Hare is next. . .should be fun?
-Dyl
P.S. - Airports are cool at first, but they creep you out the more you stay. . .living "The Terminal" would suck.
3. . .2. . .1. . .and. . .
One half of one hour until our bus leaves. This is crazy, we're actually leaving for another country today. This is so surreal, starting with the silence. Our fans are off for one of the first times since we moved in and IT IS EERIE in my house. Ticking of the clock is prominent. . .dammit, thats poetic/ironic/infuriating.
Jitters again. Kristi and I are. . .we're ready. Nervous, excited, hungry, scared.
Just gotta get my shoelaces tied, then out the door. Lock myself out of my own home for awhile.
I will miss my cats so dearly. . .they know somethings up, but just don't know what. I hope they are alright. . .Zach, Rina, Rob, Joe. . .make 'em feel better.
Airport coffee and a croissant will be. . .a start. . .
-Dyl
P.S. - Love to my family and friends. . .this would never have happened without your support and caring throughout my entire life. I shall return changed. . .but for the better. Gratitude. . .
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Countdown. . .
16 hours left. Getting hairy now. . .and I mean that literally, as I just found a big bunch of cat hair clinging to the couch/my leg. I'm really going to miss Jazz and Momo. A lot. . .
Last batch of errands: cat food, deposit one more check, check in with the last bank about our trip, finish packing. . .then wait.
Rob, Zach, Rina, and Joe all said they wanted to send us off. . .should be fun, I hope. Last time I'll see 'em for 2 months.
Kristi and I might not sleep tonight. Check that, won't sleep tonight. Too hyped up, jitters and such. Gaunna be wired in Zurich, too buzzed to sleep, too amazed to care. Europe, here we come!
-Dyl
P. S. - Dad. . .thank you.
Last batch of errands: cat food, deposit one more check, check in with the last bank about our trip, finish packing. . .then wait.
Rob, Zach, Rina, and Joe all said they wanted to send us off. . .should be fun, I hope. Last time I'll see 'em for 2 months.
Kristi and I might not sleep tonight. Check that, won't sleep tonight. Too hyped up, jitters and such. Gaunna be wired in Zurich, too buzzed to sleep, too amazed to care. Europe, here we come!
-Dyl
P. S. - Dad. . .thank you.
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