Alrighty well today we woke up, got ready and headed north of Edinburgh towards Alien Rock Climbing Center. There is actually 2 climbing centers, Alien Rock 1 and 2. They are both in the area off of center edinburgh called Leigh. So we caught a bus and went up there...we arrived at Alien Rock 1 only to find out it really is only for pros and that you have to be trained in belaying and such to climb there. They said we could go to alien rock 2 though, which is less huge and proffesional, although it didn't open till 4 pm. So then we were faced with 3 hours to kill. We got some lunch and hung out in a park watching old people "bowl" on a lawn. It was very scottish. Eventually 4 oclock arrived and we went to the second climbing center. We stayed there till about 8 or so and then caught the bus back. Now we're enjoying pizza and one last glass of wine, since its almost our last night here. Tomorrow morning we stall until our train at 1 PM goes to London.
We won't write in the morning and probably wont have internet at our hotel in London so this is probably our last blog from Europe. Thanks so much to all of you who read it and kept up with our adventures. Hopefully our ramblings weren't ever to boring. Love to you all and can't wait to see you in the States.
Jane and Tucker
PS-Mom I'll write a postcard to Grandpa and then send it the moment I get home! Its just to hard to send it here...love you
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
June 24th- Edinburgh Scotland
Well this morning we woke up and had some breakfast and then went and did some stuff. Then we went to the Royal Mile again and did a bit of shopping and they walked down to the Hollyrood Area. This is where the Palace of Holyrood is, thats where the Queen stays, and where Our Dynamic Earth is. We went to Dynamic Earth and it was awesome. Its called a museum but realy its a science center it leads you back in time and you see how the universe and earth was created and how it is today and what could happen in the future. This was Edinburgh's millineum project. Then we went to Hollyrood Park and Arthurs Seat. Arthurs Seat is this huge mountain surounded by lots of smaller hills. We walked and climbed and hiked all around for hours, eventually climbing to the tip top. The views were incredible! Then, in all Scotish nature, it started raining, so we took our time getting down and eventually made it back here to the hostel where we made dinner. We made pasta with red sauce, had some spiced up bread, strawberries (i like those now...) bananas and a fruit similar to clemintines. For desert we are having cookies and baklava.
Its so beautiful here, I believe this to be my favorite city and I can't wait to return in the future. Its weird being inside our hostel with full sweats and even a hat on and going to bed with comforters where as when we get home it will be twice as hot. I think it would be most beautiful here during Christmas time if anyone is looking for a good vacation spot-here one is!
Well we're gonna have desert and maybe watch some of Johnny English before bed.
Love you all! See you in a few days!!
Its so beautiful here, I believe this to be my favorite city and I can't wait to return in the future. Its weird being inside our hostel with full sweats and even a hat on and going to bed with comforters where as when we get home it will be twice as hot. I think it would be most beautiful here during Christmas time if anyone is looking for a good vacation spot-here one is!
Well we're gonna have desert and maybe watch some of Johnny English before bed.
Love you all! See you in a few days!!
Monday, June 23, 2008
June 23rd- Edinburgh
So Edinburgh really is my favorite city yet. I guess the phrase really does go save the best for last. This city has so much cool, brutal and ugly, and hilarious history. Its still so goregous and has all sorts of green open beautiful spaces!
Today we went on a free walking tour run by the same company that gave it to us in Paris. Our guide's name was Georgia and she was from NY but has been studying at the college in Edinburgh. So we started our tour on The Royal Mile and went all around. First we went to city chambers where she described how from the front of this building it looks about 4 stories, its actually 11 because behind it is all down hill cliff because of a volcano that was once in Edinburgh millions of years ago. Then we went to Meerkat Cross which is where they used to hold punishments for all sorts of things. Such as if someone stole they would have their ear nailed to the door and then left for 24 hours. If they couldn't bare the pain they could rip their ear out but then would have a lasting mark and people would know they were punished. This is also where, if the queen were to die, 3 days later someone would climb to the top and announce the predassesor. (i spelled that wrong) Then we went to St. Giles Cathedral (i'm not gonna give you all the history...it'd take forever) then we saw the statue of Charles II that people would laugh at. Lots of funny stories i'll tell you about sometime. Then we went to the Heart of Edinburgh right outside of the Cathedral. Ten we went to this building that is from 1550 (crazy old) it's now a museum about the classes. Then we saw where Robert Burns lived and we saw some trick stairs. These are very cool..back in the day they would install stairs in their houses that would have a faulty or trick one. This is because if a burgular tried to rob them they would not know to skip the 8th stair and fall through. Then the owner could catch them. They still exist today. Then we saw the sight by the castle that is where the Military Tattoo (a big festival) is held and where they used to do witch burnings. (i first typed bitch wurnings hahahah) Then we saw Edinburgh castle and then across the way we saw the building/school that JK Rowling used as her inspiration for Hogwarts! SOooo cool...it was actually first a school for orphans but now is an elite private school where Rowling's kids actually go! Then we went on Victoria St. which is home to the hostel that is part of William Hare and William Burke's story. I suggest you look that one up! or ask me when i get home..its creepily intersting. Then we saw Maggie Dickenson's Pub, another story i'll tell sometime. And Grass Market where they held all the hangings. We then saw the window where JK Rowling wrote the first book because she could see all of Edinburgh, including the Hogwarts building from there. Sooo cool! Then we went to Greyfriars church and graveyard which is supposidly haunted. We saw a mort safe, which is like this huge thing that rich pepole would put all around their grave so they couldn't get dug up. We also saw where John Gray was buried and where Grayfriars Bobby was buried too. If you've never heard of Bobby please please go google it. Its an amazing story.
Then we saw the Royal Museum of Scotland and the Elephant House, which is where Rowling also did most of her writing. We then saw Deacon Brodie's Pub, Deacon Brodie was the inspiration for Jekyll and Hyde, again i'd love to write about it but i've not got much time so google it!
Then we went across to Prince's Street Gardens. So so so green and beautiful. Breathtaking really. We saw the Walter Scott Monument and stoped in the park to hear about the Stone of Destiny. Seriously hilarious stories involved with that. Again...google it...especially read about what happened between 1950-1951
Then we ourselves walked up and down the Royal Mile and saw the inside of the Cathedral, closer veiws of lots of things, etc. I also bought some warmer clothes cuz its freezing here compared to Athens!
Well I'm running out of time! So write more later...once i buy more internet time!!
Love you all!!
EDIT: I forgot when I wrote earlier that after our walking tour we went to the Scotch and Whiskey Experience Museum. It teaches you how scotch whiskey is made and everything about it pretty much. It was interesting and we all got like an ity bit about of Scotch to try. It was eh alright...I mean if your an expert im sure it was fantastic, although I am not haha so that was cool.
Today we went on a free walking tour run by the same company that gave it to us in Paris. Our guide's name was Georgia and she was from NY but has been studying at the college in Edinburgh. So we started our tour on The Royal Mile and went all around. First we went to city chambers where she described how from the front of this building it looks about 4 stories, its actually 11 because behind it is all down hill cliff because of a volcano that was once in Edinburgh millions of years ago. Then we went to Meerkat Cross which is where they used to hold punishments for all sorts of things. Such as if someone stole they would have their ear nailed to the door and then left for 24 hours. If they couldn't bare the pain they could rip their ear out but then would have a lasting mark and people would know they were punished. This is also where, if the queen were to die, 3 days later someone would climb to the top and announce the predassesor. (i spelled that wrong) Then we went to St. Giles Cathedral (i'm not gonna give you all the history...it'd take forever) then we saw the statue of Charles II that people would laugh at. Lots of funny stories i'll tell you about sometime. Then we went to the Heart of Edinburgh right outside of the Cathedral. Ten we went to this building that is from 1550 (crazy old) it's now a museum about the classes. Then we saw where Robert Burns lived and we saw some trick stairs. These are very cool..back in the day they would install stairs in their houses that would have a faulty or trick one. This is because if a burgular tried to rob them they would not know to skip the 8th stair and fall through. Then the owner could catch them. They still exist today. Then we saw the sight by the castle that is where the Military Tattoo (a big festival) is held and where they used to do witch burnings. (i first typed bitch wurnings hahahah) Then we saw Edinburgh castle and then across the way we saw the building/school that JK Rowling used as her inspiration for Hogwarts! SOooo cool...it was actually first a school for orphans but now is an elite private school where Rowling's kids actually go! Then we went on Victoria St. which is home to the hostel that is part of William Hare and William Burke's story. I suggest you look that one up! or ask me when i get home..its creepily intersting. Then we saw Maggie Dickenson's Pub, another story i'll tell sometime. And Grass Market where they held all the hangings. We then saw the window where JK Rowling wrote the first book because she could see all of Edinburgh, including the Hogwarts building from there. Sooo cool! Then we went to Greyfriars church and graveyard which is supposidly haunted. We saw a mort safe, which is like this huge thing that rich pepole would put all around their grave so they couldn't get dug up. We also saw where John Gray was buried and where Grayfriars Bobby was buried too. If you've never heard of Bobby please please go google it. Its an amazing story.
Then we saw the Royal Museum of Scotland and the Elephant House, which is where Rowling also did most of her writing. We then saw Deacon Brodie's Pub, Deacon Brodie was the inspiration for Jekyll and Hyde, again i'd love to write about it but i've not got much time so google it!
Then we went across to Prince's Street Gardens. So so so green and beautiful. Breathtaking really. We saw the Walter Scott Monument and stoped in the park to hear about the Stone of Destiny. Seriously hilarious stories involved with that. Again...google it...especially read about what happened between 1950-1951
Then we ourselves walked up and down the Royal Mile and saw the inside of the Cathedral, closer veiws of lots of things, etc. I also bought some warmer clothes cuz its freezing here compared to Athens!
Well I'm running out of time! So write more later...once i buy more internet time!!
Love you all!!
EDIT: I forgot when I wrote earlier that after our walking tour we went to the Scotch and Whiskey Experience Museum. It teaches you how scotch whiskey is made and everything about it pretty much. It was interesting and we all got like an ity bit about of Scotch to try. It was eh alright...I mean if your an expert im sure it was fantastic, although I am not haha so that was cool.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
June 22nd PM Edinburgh, Scotland
So we are in Hostel Heaven I like to call it!
But first let me back up a bit...its been a crazy 2 days.
Yesterday, as I wrote, we flew to London using AirOne. This morning we woke up in our Rome hotel and took the bus to the airport where we checked in, paid extra money because originally when I booked the filght I didn't think we'd have checked baggage, and boarded the flight. It was a smooth flight to Dublin until the last 15 minutes...apparantly it was really windy in Dublin, my stomach didn't like that part...Then we arrived in Dublin. We went through customs and ya da ya da ya da made our way to the next check in desk where we checked in for our flight for Edinburgh on Ryan Air. Ryan Air is interesting...small planes and no seat numbers, kinda chaotic but cheap so it works. We had a few hours to kill in Dublin so we got food and walked around. Then we were like oh crap our tickets say "Gates close at 2:45" not open...so we went to gate D78 as it said. Yep they were boarding so we went through the line...they ripped our tickets...and we walked outside (at all the european airports you just walk to the plane and go up steps) well as we're waiting to get on the steps this guy is like wait where is a mr young and immel...we say thats us...he says your getting on the wrong flight. Oops haha they take us back inside and say sorry you're plane has been changed. Which of course it doesn't say that anywhere so that was a close call but we both laughed at it. I mean we made it almost on the plane before they noticed we weren't supposed to haha it would have been interesting to get off and be like wait where the hell are we?!
So then we got on the real flight to Edinburgh. We were on the runway I believe longer than the actual flight which was like 50 minutes. Once in Edinburgh we found a bus to the train station where we got our tickets to London for Thursday and then we walked towards our hostel. Well then it starts raining, not the raining that we've been used to hear...light drizzle...but like pouring. And its cold here too, but you know what the funny thing is?! After all the cities we've been to, this has been my best first impression. I love it here!! Its seriously amazing, so much history and cool buildings not all over run by touristy and big city like stores.
Then we arrived in our hostel after a walk in the rain. (Which i loved) Our hostel is great here. We have internet, really hot showers, 2 kitchens, a living room, a sun room with tv and oh my its just great. It really is like a home which at this point I really needed. So for dinner we went 2 blocks to a grocery store and stocked up for a couple days because here we can keep whatever we want in the kitchen as long as its labeled. So we got bread and meat and cheese for delicious sandwhiches tonight and cereal and milk for the mornings! So now I'm gonna go watch the Spain-Italy Futball match.
Love you all and can't wait to see you in 5 short days.
But first let me back up a bit...its been a crazy 2 days.
Yesterday, as I wrote, we flew to London using AirOne. This morning we woke up in our Rome hotel and took the bus to the airport where we checked in, paid extra money because originally when I booked the filght I didn't think we'd have checked baggage, and boarded the flight. It was a smooth flight to Dublin until the last 15 minutes...apparantly it was really windy in Dublin, my stomach didn't like that part...Then we arrived in Dublin. We went through customs and ya da ya da ya da made our way to the next check in desk where we checked in for our flight for Edinburgh on Ryan Air. Ryan Air is interesting...small planes and no seat numbers, kinda chaotic but cheap so it works. We had a few hours to kill in Dublin so we got food and walked around. Then we were like oh crap our tickets say "Gates close at 2:45" not open...so we went to gate D78 as it said. Yep they were boarding so we went through the line...they ripped our tickets...and we walked outside (at all the european airports you just walk to the plane and go up steps) well as we're waiting to get on the steps this guy is like wait where is a mr young and immel...we say thats us...he says your getting on the wrong flight. Oops haha they take us back inside and say sorry you're plane has been changed. Which of course it doesn't say that anywhere so that was a close call but we both laughed at it. I mean we made it almost on the plane before they noticed we weren't supposed to haha it would have been interesting to get off and be like wait where the hell are we?!
So then we got on the real flight to Edinburgh. We were on the runway I believe longer than the actual flight which was like 50 minutes. Once in Edinburgh we found a bus to the train station where we got our tickets to London for Thursday and then we walked towards our hostel. Well then it starts raining, not the raining that we've been used to hear...light drizzle...but like pouring. And its cold here too, but you know what the funny thing is?! After all the cities we've been to, this has been my best first impression. I love it here!! Its seriously amazing, so much history and cool buildings not all over run by touristy and big city like stores.
Then we arrived in our hostel after a walk in the rain. (Which i loved) Our hostel is great here. We have internet, really hot showers, 2 kitchens, a living room, a sun room with tv and oh my its just great. It really is like a home which at this point I really needed. So for dinner we went 2 blocks to a grocery store and stocked up for a couple days because here we can keep whatever we want in the kitchen as long as its labeled. So we got bread and meat and cheese for delicious sandwhiches tonight and cereal and milk for the mornings! So now I'm gonna go watch the Spain-Italy Futball match.
Love you all and can't wait to see you in 5 short days.
Dublin June 22nd middle of day
So i'm paying high prices for this internet so its gonna be quick.
We're in Dublin! for a whole 2 hours!! haha we arrived here from Rome at 1210 and are waiting for our flight to Edinburgh here in about 30 minutes.
Will write or call from Edinburgh!
Love you all!
Dublin is awesome :D
We're in Dublin! for a whole 2 hours!! haha we arrived here from Rome at 1210 and are waiting for our flight to Edinburgh here in about 30 minutes.
Will write or call from Edinburgh!
Love you all!
Dublin is awesome :D
Saturday, June 21, 2008
June 21st- Rome Italy PM
So surprise we do have internet access at our hotel in Rome. Today we got up semi early and walked to the train station in Athens. From there we got on a metro that took us to the airport. Once there we walked up and down this really long hallway with 157 check in desks, finally finding ours. We were first to check in so that was nice but then once getting through security and such we found out our plane was delayed 50 minutes. So we took quite a bit of time to read and relax in the gate. Then we boarded the plane after a bunch of employees, who were apparantly must have been on their first day of work, wasted 30 minutes of time literally not doing anything productive while we stood in line. The plane ride went pretty quick we both slept and it seemed to go quick. We arrived in Rome late but still safely. We then had to find transportation to get to the other Rome airport-Ciampino. This required us to get on a train into Rome Centro and then take a charter bus to Ciampino airport. This took about 3 hours. Then once off the charter bus we got to CIA Airport...we asked some guys how far it was to our hotel and they seemed to think we were crazy for wanting to walk. Well we were crazy...it wasnt that far but it was all interstate roads to the hotel so there was nowhere to walk. So then we had to do something we havent done all trip...take a taxi. It only costed us 12 euro but was probably worth it. So once at this nice hotel we had dinner at their restaurant because neither of us had really eaten all day and it was the closest place (what with being in the lobby and all) I had pasta with bacon and tomatos and mixed fruit, Tucker had Sea Bass and some cheesy bread. Both meals were really good. Then we had tiramisu and Black Chocolate Truffle Ice Cream...Delicious! So now Im really tired and we have to get up really really early tomorrow to catch our flight to Dublin and then Edinburgh so its off to bed with us!!
Will write from Scotland!
Love you and miss you!
Will write from Scotland!
Love you and miss you!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Friday June 20th PM
Today after writing I went back to bed for a bit and then Tucker and I got up and got ready for the day. We headed out towards an area of Athens that we had been before but were trying to find the museum of Greek Costumes. By the time we got there though it was closed! What kind of museum is only open from 10-1? So then we went to the best bookstore in Athens apparantly and it really was cool. It had Greek and English literature across 7 stories of books. (I tried to find Twlight Caroline but they were sold out in English..apparantly its in high demand so I got Feast of love and Chasing Harry Winston instead) Then Tucker and I enjoyed some food in their cafe. Tucker got "fresh fruit juice" that was literally an apple, pear, banana, oranges and other stuff in a blender and mixed up. Then we walked towards Plaka-the center of Athens where the acropolis is. We were going to see if this one movie theater had showings of Get Smart because its a skorcher today and we've pretty much seen all of Athens that we wanted to. Unfortunatly showings aren't until 8:45 pm because they're outside so that didnt work out. Then we went to this cafe and proceeded to eat for a few hours. It wasn't even that much food or money though. We just kind of slowly ordered more water...cheap pita bread...some cheese...kebabs...wee bit of wine and coffee...and yea it was very relaxing just sitting in the shade.
Then after food Tucker walked me back to the book store where I was planning to read for about an hour as he went a little bit away and climbed up Lykavittos Hill again. I thought he was crazy to want to do this again but just as long as he didn't hurt himself and come back quick I was okay with it. Well to my surprise he ran all the way up this hill that took us 2 hours yesterday just to get up. He went up and back down in less than 30 minutes. Ya... surprised me when he walked back into the book store 30 minutes early...dripping with sweat!
Now we're back at the hostel ready to shower and play some cards...listen to music...relax...cuz tomorrow we wake up semi early and catch a flight to Rome.
We probably won't have internet in Rome so it might be a bit till we write again!
Love and miss you all!!
Then after food Tucker walked me back to the book store where I was planning to read for about an hour as he went a little bit away and climbed up Lykavittos Hill again. I thought he was crazy to want to do this again but just as long as he didn't hurt himself and come back quick I was okay with it. Well to my surprise he ran all the way up this hill that took us 2 hours yesterday just to get up. He went up and back down in less than 30 minutes. Ya... surprised me when he walked back into the book store 30 minutes early...dripping with sweat!
Now we're back at the hostel ready to shower and play some cards...listen to music...relax...cuz tomorrow we wake up semi early and catch a flight to Rome.
We probably won't have internet in Rome so it might be a bit till we write again!
Love and miss you all!!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Friday June 20th- AM Athens Greece
So lets see its really early in the morning here but in order to beat the lines for internet you gotta get up early :D
Yesterday after writing about our laudromat experience we got changed into our clean clothes which was way nice and walked to Lykavittos Hill in the center of Athens. Now this hill is the tallest point in Athens and in all my books and research about Athens it always says, Unless you are very very ambitious take the tram up the side, dont hike. Well we hiked it. So it was walking all up hill in the city towards it, then over 250 steps just to get to the base of it from street level and then a steep hike up it. Its something like 300 meters tall...however many feet that is...
THe view from the top was very very worth it, we were even way higher than the acropolis. The only bad part was we did all this at like 1 in the afternoon when the sun was way high in the sky with no clouds. 40 degrees Celcius... really really hot. We were dripping with sweat and each drank a liter of water at the top.
So after that exhausting hike we climbed back down and took our time getting back to the hostel where we showered and rested. Then we went to dinner at this place called Daphne's. We had the most delicious meal yet there. This restaurant is famous with celebrities apparantly and has customers such as William Shatner and Hillary Clinton. It well deserves it. First off the restaurant itself was gorgeous, it used to be a mansion and was redone, we ate in the courtyard with candle lighting and we could see the acropolis. So beautiful. Then we got bread and some sort of spread that was unbelievable! THen Tucker had a Fiery Pepper Steak and I hade Spicy Pork- these both came with the same sides of spinach, carrots, and potatoes. We both cleaned our plates literally. It was soooo good. Even the spinach, which i never eat. Then desert oh my goodness, we got Traditional Greek Pastries A la mode. 3 pastries with this sauce and ice cream on top. So damn good!! I'm not even sure what the pastries were but they were good!! So after dinner we came back and hung out in the hostel basement where there is air conditioning and then went to bed!
So today we're going to enjoy our last full day in Athens and hopefully find this one 7 story book store that apparantly has a lot of english books...
Love you all!! and miss you!! Be home in a week!!
Yesterday after writing about our laudromat experience we got changed into our clean clothes which was way nice and walked to Lykavittos Hill in the center of Athens. Now this hill is the tallest point in Athens and in all my books and research about Athens it always says, Unless you are very very ambitious take the tram up the side, dont hike. Well we hiked it. So it was walking all up hill in the city towards it, then over 250 steps just to get to the base of it from street level and then a steep hike up it. Its something like 300 meters tall...however many feet that is...
THe view from the top was very very worth it, we were even way higher than the acropolis. The only bad part was we did all this at like 1 in the afternoon when the sun was way high in the sky with no clouds. 40 degrees Celcius... really really hot. We were dripping with sweat and each drank a liter of water at the top.
So after that exhausting hike we climbed back down and took our time getting back to the hostel where we showered and rested. Then we went to dinner at this place called Daphne's. We had the most delicious meal yet there. This restaurant is famous with celebrities apparantly and has customers such as William Shatner and Hillary Clinton. It well deserves it. First off the restaurant itself was gorgeous, it used to be a mansion and was redone, we ate in the courtyard with candle lighting and we could see the acropolis. So beautiful. Then we got bread and some sort of spread that was unbelievable! THen Tucker had a Fiery Pepper Steak and I hade Spicy Pork- these both came with the same sides of spinach, carrots, and potatoes. We both cleaned our plates literally. It was soooo good. Even the spinach, which i never eat. Then desert oh my goodness, we got Traditional Greek Pastries A la mode. 3 pastries with this sauce and ice cream on top. So damn good!! I'm not even sure what the pastries were but they were good!! So after dinner we came back and hung out in the hostel basement where there is air conditioning and then went to bed!
So today we're going to enjoy our last full day in Athens and hopefully find this one 7 story book store that apparantly has a lot of english books...
Love you all!! and miss you!! Be home in a week!!
June 19th Athens Greece
So its mid day and there isnt too much to report really. Except we did do laundry in a Greek Laudro Mat so that was exciting :D and lets see we are staying at this hostel 2 more nights and have tons of time in Athens so to be honest we are just taking it slow through Athens and just seeing what we can! Tonight we're going to a restaurant called Balthazar...that should be fun! And ya I will write again with news
Love you all!!
Love you all!!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Wednesday June 18th PM
Good Evening!!
We got up this morning and headed out to the Ancient Greece sights. We went to the Agora and the Acropolis and then hiked back down to main level and walked to the Museum of Greek musical Instruments. This was a tiny museum and we were like the only ones it but it was cool still. Then we walked through all sorts of little streets with shops and restaurants along them. We found dinner/late late lunch at a really good restaurant where we had traditional mousaka and an amazing salad and some chicken gyros. Then after food we walked past this Greek movie theater that was selling a ton of old/new movie posters. We got a few cheap and that was nifty. Then did the walk back to the hostel and are here now!
Hope the rain has stopped in Iowa and cant wait to get home!
Love you all!
We got up this morning and headed out to the Ancient Greece sights. We went to the Agora and the Acropolis and then hiked back down to main level and walked to the Museum of Greek musical Instruments. This was a tiny museum and we were like the only ones it but it was cool still. Then we walked through all sorts of little streets with shops and restaurants along them. We found dinner/late late lunch at a really good restaurant where we had traditional mousaka and an amazing salad and some chicken gyros. Then after food we walked past this Greek movie theater that was selling a ton of old/new movie posters. We got a few cheap and that was nifty. Then did the walk back to the hostel and are here now!
Hope the rain has stopped in Iowa and cant wait to get home!
Love you all!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
June 17th- Athens Greece
Hello! So we made it to Athens after 36 hours of traveling...yup 36 hours. Let me back up a bit...
We stayed in Rome for 3 nights at a place with no internet so relied on cafes...We saw a lot of Rome in the 3 days we were there...I personally loved the Roman Forum ruins and St. Peters Basilica, I think Tucker agrees. On Sunday we got to shop a bit in Rome and that was way fun. I finally got meself a dream souvenir. :D you'll see
On Monday June 16th we woke up really early and rolled out the door with all our stuff and caught the 7:36 AM Train from Rome to Ancona. Once we arrived in Ancona Italy we had to find a bus to the port. We made it there alright and got tickets from Ancona to Patras Greece using superfast ferries. We just got on deck tickets because they were only 25 more euros from our rail pass, so way cheap. Now this boat...pretty big but I will have to say we were on this boat for 22 hours with no designated seats or bed just lounges, bars, restaurants, and decks. The boat was really nice and we entertained ourselves using slot machines (dont worry we only ended up losing 2 euros) renting a dvd player and watching Shrek (twice) and Day after tomorrow. There was a pool on board but it wasnt open so that sucked. We tried sleeping....i got about 2 hours Tucker got like 5 throughout the morning so not half bad...We arrived in Patras Greece at 1130AM Greek time and asked for directions to the Train Station...Well we followed this guys directions wrong and got lost...anyways we found it eventually but definatly walked more than needed with all our luggage...sweeeaattty ew... anyways we got aboard this really old confusing train with a bunch of other backpackers (thats the nice thing, I never feel alone or stupid cuz there are always atleast 4 other people trying to figure the same thing out) we found our seats with some confusion and made our way to the small station of Kation...where we had to change trains again (this was all really crazy) We finally made it to our hostel thanks to the help of some random Greek People who spoke English (thank god)
We checked in, showered and then asked for our free welcome drink. Haha yup Tucker and I each did a shot of ouzo. the greek classic. tastes like licorice...and kinda stings...
For the last hour we've just been hanging out at the hostel with cool new people. Hostels are fun cuz you meet people from everywhere. People are always way suprised to hear we're only 17 and 18...we dont tell people that unless asked...and apparantly I look Austrailian...I'm gonna take that as a compliment.
I'm rambling now...must stop
Love you all!!! and i love Greece!!!
OH ya and the Coldplay should be out to you now...you should all go buy it. We're in love with it.
We stayed in Rome for 3 nights at a place with no internet so relied on cafes...We saw a lot of Rome in the 3 days we were there...I personally loved the Roman Forum ruins and St. Peters Basilica, I think Tucker agrees. On Sunday we got to shop a bit in Rome and that was way fun. I finally got meself a dream souvenir. :D you'll see
On Monday June 16th we woke up really early and rolled out the door with all our stuff and caught the 7:36 AM Train from Rome to Ancona. Once we arrived in Ancona Italy we had to find a bus to the port. We made it there alright and got tickets from Ancona to Patras Greece using superfast ferries. We just got on deck tickets because they were only 25 more euros from our rail pass, so way cheap. Now this boat...pretty big but I will have to say we were on this boat for 22 hours with no designated seats or bed just lounges, bars, restaurants, and decks. The boat was really nice and we entertained ourselves using slot machines (dont worry we only ended up losing 2 euros) renting a dvd player and watching Shrek (twice) and Day after tomorrow. There was a pool on board but it wasnt open so that sucked. We tried sleeping....i got about 2 hours Tucker got like 5 throughout the morning so not half bad...We arrived in Patras Greece at 1130AM Greek time and asked for directions to the Train Station...Well we followed this guys directions wrong and got lost...anyways we found it eventually but definatly walked more than needed with all our luggage...sweeeaattty ew... anyways we got aboard this really old confusing train with a bunch of other backpackers (thats the nice thing, I never feel alone or stupid cuz there are always atleast 4 other people trying to figure the same thing out) we found our seats with some confusion and made our way to the small station of Kation...where we had to change trains again (this was all really crazy) We finally made it to our hostel thanks to the help of some random Greek People who spoke English (thank god)
We checked in, showered and then asked for our free welcome drink. Haha yup Tucker and I each did a shot of ouzo. the greek classic. tastes like licorice...and kinda stings...
For the last hour we've just been hanging out at the hostel with cool new people. Hostels are fun cuz you meet people from everywhere. People are always way suprised to hear we're only 17 and 18...we dont tell people that unless asked...and apparantly I look Austrailian...I'm gonna take that as a compliment.
I'm rambling now...must stop
Love you all!!! and i love Greece!!!
OH ya and the Coldplay should be out to you now...you should all go buy it. We're in love with it.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
June 15th Rome Italy PM
Hello Hello so its our last night in Rome for now and we are again in an internet cafe. In the last two days we have seen pretty much all of Rome. Heres just a few highlights- The Vatican, guided tour through museums and Sistine Chapel, The Colloseum (another guided tour.) St. Peters Basilica, the largest cathedral and most impresive in the world. The Spanish Steps, The Roman Forum ruins, Piazza Venezia, a few other Piazzas, Fountain di Trevi (we both through change in) and a whole lot more that I will give a detailed description of in our hostel in Athens where the internet is free.
Mom and Dads- heres an updated itenerary...weve changed some things
Tonight...same Rome hostel
Next 2 Days: Train to Ancona Italy
Ferry from Ancona to Patra Greece
Train from Patra to Athens Greece
June 17th stay in Athens at Hostel Aphrodite (you already have info on it)
June 20th check out of Hostel Aphrodite and check into Anita Hotel in Piraeus Greece
(25 Notara St. Piraeus Greece, 18531 Tel: 302104121797)
June 21st Fly to Rome Check into Hotel Palacavicchi (Via di Ciampino, 70 00178, Rome Tel 0679349595)
June 22nd Fly to Edinburgh
The rest is the same
Notice that we arent going to Santorini Island anymore...tooo much money for like 24 hours on an island wasnt worth it...instead were going to Piraeus for one night.
Love you and miss you all!!!!
Mom and Dads- heres an updated itenerary...weve changed some things
Tonight...same Rome hostel
Next 2 Days: Train to Ancona Italy
Ferry from Ancona to Patra Greece
Train from Patra to Athens Greece
June 17th stay in Athens at Hostel Aphrodite (you already have info on it)
June 20th check out of Hostel Aphrodite and check into Anita Hotel in Piraeus Greece
(25 Notara St. Piraeus Greece, 18531 Tel: 302104121797)
June 21st Fly to Rome Check into Hotel Palacavicchi (Via di Ciampino, 70 00178, Rome Tel 0679349595)
June 22nd Fly to Edinburgh
The rest is the same
Notice that we arent going to Santorini Island anymore...tooo much money for like 24 hours on an island wasnt worth it...instead were going to Piraeus for one night.
Love you and miss you all!!!!
June 15'Rome
We are in an internet cafe and i have no idea how much it costs. So this is just me saying Were good, happy and alive! Will right as soon as I can.
Love All
Love All
Thursday, June 12, 2008
June 13th- Florence Italy AM
Alrighty well its 730 AM here in Florence Italy we arrived yesterday at about 130 PM but first let me back up to Venice.
Our third day in Venice we went to Lido Island, another island part of Venice. Its known for its beaches and well deserves it. The beach is huge and was way relaxing, Tucker got tanner and i got nothing cuz this time i put sunscreen on constantly. We had a pizza lunch, litterally all we eat is pizza, pasta, and gelato, and then relaxed some more. When we got back to the hostel/hotel the staff was having dinner and we got to join them. You see we've been eating dinner the previous 2 nights and paying for it...but this time we were the only guests interested in dinner so they just invited us for there 'family' dinner. Way good food again, and wine too. After dinner we jammed. Three of the workers are from Morocco...so funnny! I have never sat at a dinner table with 9 people and only spoke the same langauge as 2 others *tucker and the owner) there was also a guy from afghanistan and a few italians...many languages being spoke but somehow we all understood eachother. anyways jamming, the moroccans got out their Jembas spelling? and taught Tucker and I some beats. We also sang and danced and even rapped haha it was so fun. THen we went to the tower...its this tower thing on St. Erasmo Island that the owner has keys to because hes part of the group organizing a new display there. We got to explore it and see the island at night which was beautiful.
The next morning we checked out and got on a train to Florence.
We arrived, put our stuff down at our very nice and new hostel- The Plus FLorence. And went out to the city. We went to Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral- which is the 4th largest cathedral in the world, it really was huge! Then The Ponte Vecchio, which is Florences oldest bridge and only one to surrvive WWII and we went to Santa Croce Church which is where the tombs of a lot of renaissance era artists including Michaelangelo. We saw a lot of just small streets and alleys through Florence too.
This morning we tried to go to the Accademia Gallery to see David but sadly its closed this morning for a staff meeting so the David we saw in a courtyard will have to do (see there are actually 3 davids in Florence, one bronze one, a one in a courtyard, and the one in the museum)
Love you ALL!!! WE get on a train to Rome this afternoon and hopefulllly our hotel will have internet!
OH YA yesterday Tucker bought the new Coldplay Cd! I havent listened to it yet but he says Its pretty sweet. You should all get it when it comes out there
Our third day in Venice we went to Lido Island, another island part of Venice. Its known for its beaches and well deserves it. The beach is huge and was way relaxing, Tucker got tanner and i got nothing cuz this time i put sunscreen on constantly. We had a pizza lunch, litterally all we eat is pizza, pasta, and gelato, and then relaxed some more. When we got back to the hostel/hotel the staff was having dinner and we got to join them. You see we've been eating dinner the previous 2 nights and paying for it...but this time we were the only guests interested in dinner so they just invited us for there 'family' dinner. Way good food again, and wine too. After dinner we jammed. Three of the workers are from Morocco...so funnny! I have never sat at a dinner table with 9 people and only spoke the same langauge as 2 others *tucker and the owner) there was also a guy from afghanistan and a few italians...many languages being spoke but somehow we all understood eachother. anyways jamming, the moroccans got out their Jembas spelling? and taught Tucker and I some beats. We also sang and danced and even rapped haha it was so fun. THen we went to the tower...its this tower thing on St. Erasmo Island that the owner has keys to because hes part of the group organizing a new display there. We got to explore it and see the island at night which was beautiful.
The next morning we checked out and got on a train to Florence.
We arrived, put our stuff down at our very nice and new hostel- The Plus FLorence. And went out to the city. We went to Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral- which is the 4th largest cathedral in the world, it really was huge! Then The Ponte Vecchio, which is Florences oldest bridge and only one to surrvive WWII and we went to Santa Croce Church which is where the tombs of a lot of renaissance era artists including Michaelangelo. We saw a lot of just small streets and alleys through Florence too.
This morning we tried to go to the Accademia Gallery to see David but sadly its closed this morning for a staff meeting so the David we saw in a courtyard will have to do (see there are actually 3 davids in Florence, one bronze one, a one in a courtyard, and the one in the museum)
Love you ALL!!! WE get on a train to Rome this afternoon and hopefulllly our hotel will have internet!
OH YA yesterday Tucker bought the new Coldplay Cd! I havent listened to it yet but he says Its pretty sweet. You should all get it when it comes out there
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
June 12th Venice Italy
Ciao!
Sorry we didnt write last night. WE got into the hostel around 730 and immediatly had dinner and party with the owner of the hotel and all the workers. Way fun, they treat us like family. I cant really write, no time...but we get on a train to Florence where hopefully we will have internet for awhile. Last night was spectacular and hilarious ill fill you all in as soon as I can with all our adventures in Venice.
Mom- its not really smelly but there are def. times where it smells of water, other than that just like another big city.
Kim and Jeff- weirdly they didnt have french fries with our mashed potatos, next time will ask. They do have french fries at like every restaurant though!
Love you all!!!
Oh and mom, after tomorrow were in Rome...we dont have near as much time there as you did but would you mind giving me all the best places to visit? dont be afraid to state the obvious either haha love you
Sorry we didnt write last night. WE got into the hostel around 730 and immediatly had dinner and party with the owner of the hotel and all the workers. Way fun, they treat us like family. I cant really write, no time...but we get on a train to Florence where hopefully we will have internet for awhile. Last night was spectacular and hilarious ill fill you all in as soon as I can with all our adventures in Venice.
Mom- its not really smelly but there are def. times where it smells of water, other than that just like another big city.
Kim and Jeff- weirdly they didnt have french fries with our mashed potatos, next time will ask. They do have french fries at like every restaurant though!
Love you all!!!
Oh and mom, after tomorrow were in Rome...we dont have near as much time there as you did but would you mind giving me all the best places to visit? dont be afraid to state the obvious either haha love you
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
June 10th Venice Italy
So yesterday after writing Tucker and I relaxed for awhile at our hostel (Mom it does live up to the pictures its gorgeous here) The hostel looks like something right out of the movie Under the Tuscan Sun for those of you who have seen it. After relaxing for a while we took a boat to Murano Island. The glassblowing capital of the world. We got a chance to watch pieces actually be made inside a factory. This was way cool. Then we explored the tons of shops throughout Murano. All having different amazing pieces of art made out of glass. We got a wee bit lost because as we all know Jane is not good at directions without them written in front of her... we made it back to the boat in plenty of time though for our dinner at the hostel. We figured a home cooked meal sounded pretty good, expensive it seemed but good. Boy were we smart in choosing that! It was a 4 course meal of Pasta with zuchini (fresh from the island), the best chicken and mashed potatoes ever, salad and cheeses, and tiramasu for dessert. It was wondeful. Oh and we had some white wine that Tucker drank most of, he was really smily after dinner...
Today we woke up and had free breakfast at the hostel. Delicious. Then we went to main Venice. We explored and just wandered throughout Venice. Lots and lots of shops containing only one of the following, glass, jewlery, masks, or food. The little alleys are easy to get lost in but it was nice because it is not at all scary in Venice. We then took a boat ride down the Grand Canal and enjoyed all the buildings along it. Now we are back at the hostel ready for another magnificant dinner to be served! We will write more tomorrow!
Love you all and miss you!
Today we woke up and had free breakfast at the hostel. Delicious. Then we went to main Venice. We explored and just wandered throughout Venice. Lots and lots of shops containing only one of the following, glass, jewlery, masks, or food. The little alleys are easy to get lost in but it was nice because it is not at all scary in Venice. We then took a boat ride down the Grand Canal and enjoyed all the buildings along it. Now we are back at the hostel ready for another magnificant dinner to be served! We will write more tomorrow!
Love you all and miss you!
Monday, June 9, 2008
June 9th Venice Italy
We have only 10 minutes on the computer per day so sorry I cant write much at all. We arrived at our hostel in Venice, its on a completely different island than actual venice which is a hastle but worth it because its gorgeous here. There is like no one on this island except small villas and plants. Beautiful. We are both tired from the night train and are going to eat dinner here at the hostel tonight, expensive but convienant. First we are goin to go to Murano Island though, its the capital of glass blowing in the world apparantly. Tomorrow we are going to do actual Venice and ya I will write more then.
Love you all so much and miss you like crazy.
Love you all so much and miss you like crazy.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Sunday June 8th-PM Nice, France
So after I wrote this morning we got breakfast and headed down a bit of a walk to the Marc Chagall Museum. This was way cool and Mom you would have loved it. It had all Chagall art including many of his stained glass pieces. We took quite a few pictures and enjoyed reading about the story of all the pieces.
After that we realized what a gorgeous day it was and went to the beach, neither of us had our swimsuits or towels but we bought cheap mats (the rocky beach hurts without them) and laid on the beach for awhile. Tucker got tanner and I got burnter. Ya, I hurt a bit but it wont stop me from enjoying myself. Ya as a matter a fact my skin is radiating heat... oh well tomorrow when the pharmacies open i'll get aloe.
So after the beach we walked along the promenade des anglais and got a linner. Then we walked to Le Chateau again, the giant hill/mountain thing with a waterfall on top that we went to 2 days ago, this was a gorgeous walk and standing in the mist of the waterfall at the top was a nice reward after walking in 85 degree heat. Then we walked back down and hiked it up hill for an hour to our hostel.
Thats where we are now to say goodbye to Nice and to grab our luggage and go to the train station. So Au revoir France, Bonjourno Italy.
LOVE YOU ALL!
After that we realized what a gorgeous day it was and went to the beach, neither of us had our swimsuits or towels but we bought cheap mats (the rocky beach hurts without them) and laid on the beach for awhile. Tucker got tanner and I got burnter. Ya, I hurt a bit but it wont stop me from enjoying myself. Ya as a matter a fact my skin is radiating heat... oh well tomorrow when the pharmacies open i'll get aloe.
So after the beach we walked along the promenade des anglais and got a linner. Then we walked to Le Chateau again, the giant hill/mountain thing with a waterfall on top that we went to 2 days ago, this was a gorgeous walk and standing in the mist of the waterfall at the top was a nice reward after walking in 85 degree heat. Then we walked back down and hiked it up hill for an hour to our hostel.
Thats where we are now to say goodbye to Nice and to grab our luggage and go to the train station. So Au revoir France, Bonjourno Italy.
LOVE YOU ALL!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Sunday June 8th- AM Nice, France
Good Morning, or one in the morning for you, 8 for me. So its not even been 12 hours since I last blogged so not a whole lot to say except that this morning it was pouring for the first time since we've been here. Dont get me wrong we've had lots of rain, but always just light downs for about an hour never a down pour like this.
Today is our last day in Nice, tonight at 9:30 pm we take an over night train to Venice. Today we are going to see the Chagall Museum and probably get a pair of converse :D Then just explore Nice for one last day.
Tomorrow we arrive in Venice at 7:37 AM and check into Holiday Center Lato Azzurro, hopefully its nice.
Then after that on June 12th we go to Florence. For mom and dads we are staying at The Plus Florence Hostel for that one night. Heres some info on it
Today is our last day in Nice, tonight at 9:30 pm we take an over night train to Venice. Today we are going to see the Chagall Museum and probably get a pair of converse :D Then just explore Nice for one last day.
Tomorrow we arrive in Venice at 7:37 AM and check into Holiday Center Lato Azzurro, hopefully its nice.
Then after that on June 12th we go to Florence. For mom and dads we are staying at The Plus Florence Hostel for that one night. Heres some info on it
Saturday June 7th PM
Bon Soir!
Its about 10 Pm here and today was what tucker calls sweeeeeeeeeeeeet and most amazing day ever. Picture this, jumping off 25 foot cliffs into pools of water 10 ft in diameter. Maybe I should back up a little?
So when I wrote this morning I didnt think we were going to be able to do this so I didnt mention it when i wrote buttttt yesterday we saw a poster here at our cool hostel, villa saint exupery, best hostel i've ever stayed in, the poster was about canyoning, a full day of jumping, climbing, swimming, absailing etc. We both thought it looked pretty awesome so we asked the front desk about it, its 55 euros a person and its a full day of going to the Italian Alps, climbing a mountain, and coming down through the canyon between the mountains. We signed up but they said we probably wouldnt be able to go because it needed a min of 4 people to go for it to work. Well after writing this morning I went back to the front desk and apparantly 4 more people had signed up since we went to bed! This made Tucker so happy when I told him we were going.
So then at around 11 we got in a van with Erik, our French guide/instructor/driver guy, Ruth, an actress from Australia whos been in London the last 5 months, Alina, a Canadian college student and a newly wedded couple from the other side of Canada. It was way cool talking to these people throughout the day. Then we drove for about 35 minutes into Italian country, so gorgeous! I wish I would have had my camera to take pictures but no. So we drove up a bit and stopped and got out. Then we put all our gear into our wet suits and turned those into back packs and started hiking. We hiked up a mountain in our swimsuits, tennis shoes, and wetsuit backpacks. I got a wee bit cut up from branches but just kept treking. Then we got to the top where we could see the watery canyon. We sat and ate our sack lunches then began our long way down. It was awesome, we repelled down cliffs, swam, slid down cliffs, climbed on rocks annnnnd jumped off sweet cliffs. The highest being between 25 and 30 feet. We also slid down a 20 foot rock thing. Finally we made it to the bottom after a few hours. SOOOOOO COOOOOOL! I can not express how awesome this was, so not what i was expecting to do in Europe! I just googled it on images and it shows pretty good ideas of what we did. Check it out google.com/images search canyoning.
So ya there is a line to get on computers so au revoir for now. write in the morning
LOVE YOU ALL!!
Its about 10 Pm here and today was what tucker calls sweeeeeeeeeeeeet and most amazing day ever. Picture this, jumping off 25 foot cliffs into pools of water 10 ft in diameter. Maybe I should back up a little?
So when I wrote this morning I didnt think we were going to be able to do this so I didnt mention it when i wrote buttttt yesterday we saw a poster here at our cool hostel, villa saint exupery, best hostel i've ever stayed in, the poster was about canyoning, a full day of jumping, climbing, swimming, absailing etc. We both thought it looked pretty awesome so we asked the front desk about it, its 55 euros a person and its a full day of going to the Italian Alps, climbing a mountain, and coming down through the canyon between the mountains. We signed up but they said we probably wouldnt be able to go because it needed a min of 4 people to go for it to work. Well after writing this morning I went back to the front desk and apparantly 4 more people had signed up since we went to bed! This made Tucker so happy when I told him we were going.
So then at around 11 we got in a van with Erik, our French guide/instructor/driver guy, Ruth, an actress from Australia whos been in London the last 5 months, Alina, a Canadian college student and a newly wedded couple from the other side of Canada. It was way cool talking to these people throughout the day. Then we drove for about 35 minutes into Italian country, so gorgeous! I wish I would have had my camera to take pictures but no. So we drove up a bit and stopped and got out. Then we put all our gear into our wet suits and turned those into back packs and started hiking. We hiked up a mountain in our swimsuits, tennis shoes, and wetsuit backpacks. I got a wee bit cut up from branches but just kept treking. Then we got to the top where we could see the watery canyon. We sat and ate our sack lunches then began our long way down. It was awesome, we repelled down cliffs, swam, slid down cliffs, climbed on rocks annnnnd jumped off sweet cliffs. The highest being between 25 and 30 feet. We also slid down a 20 foot rock thing. Finally we made it to the bottom after a few hours. SOOOOOO COOOOOOL! I can not express how awesome this was, so not what i was expecting to do in Europe! I just googled it on images and it shows pretty good ideas of what we did. Check it out google.com/images search canyoning.
So ya there is a line to get on computers so au revoir for now. write in the morning
LOVE YOU ALL!!
Saturday June 7th-Nice
Hello Hello
So its 8 something in the morning here and we just finished our delicious free breakfast of cereal toast and juices. We aren't sure what we are going to do today but it will probably include the Musee of Chagall art so that will be exciting.
Yesterday after writing we went and hiked up this hill near the bay in Nice. It was a lot of steps but way cool because it had all these intertwining trails and a giant waterfall at the top and many mini ones along the sides. Tucker loved the chance to hike and climb. Then we went down near the beach and climbed around on the giants rocks where people fish off of. Again, Tucker was a big fan. He put his parkour shoes to good work. Then we walked along shops, i found a few pairs of converse that I'm trying to decide which one I like best... :D Then we got dinner at a supper market and ate outside and ended with a quiet evening play cards at our hostel.
Will write more this evening.
LOVE YOU ALL
and miss you so ridicuously much!!!
So its 8 something in the morning here and we just finished our delicious free breakfast of cereal toast and juices. We aren't sure what we are going to do today but it will probably include the Musee of Chagall art so that will be exciting.
Yesterday after writing we went and hiked up this hill near the bay in Nice. It was a lot of steps but way cool because it had all these intertwining trails and a giant waterfall at the top and many mini ones along the sides. Tucker loved the chance to hike and climb. Then we went down near the beach and climbed around on the giants rocks where people fish off of. Again, Tucker was a big fan. He put his parkour shoes to good work. Then we walked along shops, i found a few pairs of converse that I'm trying to decide which one I like best... :D Then we got dinner at a supper market and ate outside and ended with a quiet evening play cards at our hostel.
Will write more this evening.
LOVE YOU ALL
and miss you so ridicuously much!!!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Friday June 6th- Nice France
YAYYYY INTERNET!!!
We are in Nice France and have been for a few days but internet has been down everywhere! Its been way frustrating so I am sorry about not writing but I am going to make up for it now because its free at our lovely hotel, Villa Saint Exupery!
Ok so backtracking to Paris.
(sorry if i've already written some of this)
Sun June 1st: The first Sunday of every month in Paris is free museum day, no price for any tickets to museums. We took full advantage of this and went to Le Louvre, saw the Mona Lisa and much more! Then went to Musee d'Orsay which I personally liked better. Lots of Renoir, Van Gogh, Monet, Manet. It was awesome to see these paintings which I have seen so many replicas of. Then we went to the Moulin Rouge and got seats so close to the stage Tucker was resting his arm on it. We had dinner, escargot, veel, and ice cream. The escargot was surprisingly good- the veel not so much and of course the ice cream was delicious. We tried champagne, Tucker was able to drink a whole glass, I thought it was absolutely disgusting and had one sip :D Then we danced to the live band and of course it being us we totally started the dancing- rumba and cha cha. :D OH AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFF
Mon June 2nd- Paris
Took a walking tour through the company New Europe. Our guides name was Brock and he was way cool. We saw, are you ready for this?, Notre Dame, Napoleons Tomb, Latin Quarter, Tuileries Gardens, Assemblee National, Les Invalides, Opera Garnier, Academie-Francaise, Champs-Elysees, Place de la Concord, Grand et Petit Palais, Pont Neuf, Louvre, Orsay, Palais Royal, Arc de Triomph. The tour was way informative and told a lot of the history of Paris. It was also very funny.
Then we went back to explore the Opera Garnier more. HOLY COW it is huge and amazing. most extravagant performing place i've ever seen. Then we went to Notre Dame, obviously amazing and touching. Then went to a stained glass chapel down the street (thanks uncle Dale) This chapel was really really cool. Then that evening we went up the top of the Eiffel Tower, expensive but worth it. The view was incredible and we stayed up there for an hour. Then once we got down it was just starting to get dark and the tower was starting to light up so we decided to get food and stay beneath it till it was fully dark. Way worth it, it was a sight to see! The lights on it were beautiful.
Tuesday June 3rd
Happy Birthday Caroline!
We took the metro out to Versailles this morning, got lost on the metro it was really confusing but made it. Versailles is breathtaking, if you think the palace is big wait till you see the gardens! Too bad the fountains weren't on though. We took a guided tour through the palace, expensive but interesting.
That night we went back to Notre Dame and climbed so so so so many stairs to the top. Itw as so cool to see the gargoyles up close! Then we went to a sit down dinner across the street. The waiter spoke like no english and we thought we ordered fanta, instead he gave us beer. So we tried it-eww that was gross. We didnt drink any and at the end of the meal the waiter was really confused and asked what was wrong with the beer, i used my bit of french i know and explained we didnt want it...luckily he didnt charge us.
Wed June 4th
At 9:42 we left Paris and went to Nice. It was a 6 hour train ride but the countryside was gorgeous. Then we got view of the ocean! So cool and beautiful. The scenery here is awesome. We checked into the Mercure, a 4 star hotel because we got a good deal on it at the train station. The hotel was lovely, laid out on the roof top pool and relaxed. Then walked and found an awesome grocery store with cheap food. We got all sorts of things including a bottle of red wine. We both agreed it was better than everything else we'd drank so far. but still not wonderful.
Thurs June 5th
We woke up late and relaxed all day in the hotel. We went and explored nice for a while. I love it here with all the little shops and streets, way less touristy. Also we went to the beach. It was cloudy and rainy so didnt stay long but it was cool to watch the waves. We went to the same store for dinner and tried a white wine and rose wine. Both better than the red.
Fri June 6th
Checked out of the Mercure and into this hostel. Its an old monestary converted to hostel haha the chapel is now a bar/internet/hang out room. Its very nice here. well we're going to go enjoy the beautiful weather now!
LOVE YOU ALL WILL WRITE MORE LATER!!
We are in Nice France and have been for a few days but internet has been down everywhere! Its been way frustrating so I am sorry about not writing but I am going to make up for it now because its free at our lovely hotel, Villa Saint Exupery!
Ok so backtracking to Paris.
(sorry if i've already written some of this)
Sun June 1st: The first Sunday of every month in Paris is free museum day, no price for any tickets to museums. We took full advantage of this and went to Le Louvre, saw the Mona Lisa and much more! Then went to Musee d'Orsay which I personally liked better. Lots of Renoir, Van Gogh, Monet, Manet. It was awesome to see these paintings which I have seen so many replicas of. Then we went to the Moulin Rouge and got seats so close to the stage Tucker was resting his arm on it. We had dinner, escargot, veel, and ice cream. The escargot was surprisingly good- the veel not so much and of course the ice cream was delicious. We tried champagne, Tucker was able to drink a whole glass, I thought it was absolutely disgusting and had one sip :D Then we danced to the live band and of course it being us we totally started the dancing- rumba and cha cha. :D OH AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFF
Mon June 2nd- Paris
Took a walking tour through the company New Europe. Our guides name was Brock and he was way cool. We saw, are you ready for this?, Notre Dame, Napoleons Tomb, Latin Quarter, Tuileries Gardens, Assemblee National, Les Invalides, Opera Garnier, Academie-Francaise, Champs-Elysees, Place de la Concord, Grand et Petit Palais, Pont Neuf, Louvre, Orsay, Palais Royal, Arc de Triomph. The tour was way informative and told a lot of the history of Paris. It was also very funny.
Then we went back to explore the Opera Garnier more. HOLY COW it is huge and amazing. most extravagant performing place i've ever seen. Then we went to Notre Dame, obviously amazing and touching. Then went to a stained glass chapel down the street (thanks uncle Dale) This chapel was really really cool. Then that evening we went up the top of the Eiffel Tower, expensive but worth it. The view was incredible and we stayed up there for an hour. Then once we got down it was just starting to get dark and the tower was starting to light up so we decided to get food and stay beneath it till it was fully dark. Way worth it, it was a sight to see! The lights on it were beautiful.
Tuesday June 3rd
Happy Birthday Caroline!
We took the metro out to Versailles this morning, got lost on the metro it was really confusing but made it. Versailles is breathtaking, if you think the palace is big wait till you see the gardens! Too bad the fountains weren't on though. We took a guided tour through the palace, expensive but interesting.
That night we went back to Notre Dame and climbed so so so so many stairs to the top. Itw as so cool to see the gargoyles up close! Then we went to a sit down dinner across the street. The waiter spoke like no english and we thought we ordered fanta, instead he gave us beer. So we tried it-eww that was gross. We didnt drink any and at the end of the meal the waiter was really confused and asked what was wrong with the beer, i used my bit of french i know and explained we didnt want it...luckily he didnt charge us.
Wed June 4th
At 9:42 we left Paris and went to Nice. It was a 6 hour train ride but the countryside was gorgeous. Then we got view of the ocean! So cool and beautiful. The scenery here is awesome. We checked into the Mercure, a 4 star hotel because we got a good deal on it at the train station. The hotel was lovely, laid out on the roof top pool and relaxed. Then walked and found an awesome grocery store with cheap food. We got all sorts of things including a bottle of red wine. We both agreed it was better than everything else we'd drank so far. but still not wonderful.
Thurs June 5th
We woke up late and relaxed all day in the hotel. We went and explored nice for a while. I love it here with all the little shops and streets, way less touristy. Also we went to the beach. It was cloudy and rainy so didnt stay long but it was cool to watch the waves. We went to the same store for dinner and tried a white wine and rose wine. Both better than the red.
Fri June 6th
Checked out of the Mercure and into this hostel. Its an old monestary converted to hostel haha the chapel is now a bar/internet/hang out room. Its very nice here. well we're going to go enjoy the beautiful weather now!
LOVE YOU ALL WILL WRITE MORE LATER!!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
June 1st- Paris
Bonjour, sorry for not writing yesterday the internet is down occasionally at our hostel. The keyboard ere sucks so sorry for all the tyepos. Tonight we went to the Moulin Rouge we have soooooooooooooooooo much amazing stuff to say about it but this keyboard is frustrating so i;ll write in the next city. we saw the louvre today, including mona lisa, !!!!! and musee d;orsay with tons of monet and more We;ve seen the eiffel tower and arc de triomph andmore. i would love to write more.
In Nice, mom and dadd, for the first two nigts we told the hostel iin nice we are checking in 2 nights late because we are staying at a nice hotel that we got a discount on at the train station, we both need a good nights sleep etc. we will call you from nice or write with the hostel info.
love you all
In Nice, mom and dadd, for the first two nigts we told the hostel iin nice we are checking in 2 nights late because we are staying at a nice hotel that we got a discount on at the train station, we both need a good nights sleep etc. we will call you from nice or write with the hostel info.
love you all
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