Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Ahh, Gelato
I'm so sad...I just had my final serving of gelato (we're leaving Italy tonight). Lots of good food here, among other things, of course! Sean went kayaking, I went wandering, and we have a long night of train travel ahead of us. We have to take 4 different trains to get to Munich. However, the last train ride is 8 hours and we will be able to sleep.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Cinque Terre
This is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Cinque Terre, or 'Five Lands', has somehow maintained its historic atmosphere while catering to floods of tourists. We are staying in Vernazza, which so far I think is the nicest and most picturesque. This is the region in Italy where pesto was invented (along with some really good wine). We had an amazing dinner at the base of a castle/fortress at the highest point in the town. The day was spent hiking between towns. The longest stretch was 90 minutes of extremely steep hills. Most of it was right along the coast. For the intrepid hikers (not me), there are lots of longer, more difficult hikes that go higher and inland. We have seen all but one of the towns--that one is tomorrow. My feet and legs are begging me to stop the madness, so I think I will explore a little less tomorrow.
The waves crashing against the rocks provided a peaceful soundtrack for our day, and the occasional breeze gave relief from the heat. In the springtime, the hike would not have seemed strenuous, but in this heat, it was rather difficult.
It's really fun to have internet cafes everywhere to stay connected to the real world. We're staying in a rented room, not a hotel (there aren't any real hotels in Vernazza--just a collection of individuals who rent rooms and apartments), so there isn't wireless internet here. I think the hostels in Munich and London have free internet access, but who knows. Our Rome hotel advertised internet in the rooms but didn't have it. Anyway, it's fun to read your comments and emails!!!
The waves crashing against the rocks provided a peaceful soundtrack for our day, and the occasional breeze gave relief from the heat. In the springtime, the hike would not have seemed strenuous, but in this heat, it was rather difficult.
It's really fun to have internet cafes everywhere to stay connected to the real world. We're staying in a rented room, not a hotel (there aren't any real hotels in Vernazza--just a collection of individuals who rent rooms and apartments), so there isn't wireless internet here. I think the hostels in Munich and London have free internet access, but who knows. Our Rome hotel advertised internet in the rooms but didn't have it. Anyway, it's fun to read your comments and emails!!!
Monday, July 23, 2007
Vatican City
We are currently awaiting our tour into the Vatican. Oh, and it's official...Sean and I can share pants. They actually look good on him. More later.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Rome, day 1
Our day started a little late, but it seems like we saw EVERYTHING today! I am the good kind of tired right now. We found a fancy hotel with a nice guy who is letting us use the internet.
Today we saw the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, several beautiful churches, a panoramic view of the city from the top of a building, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, saw a really great street performer, had a very good meal at an outdoor restaurant on Piazza Navona, marveled at the sheer number of fountains, sculptures and other cool things everywhere you look, and walked our feet off. Tomorrow we head to the Vatican. There, you have to be dressed modestly (no bare shoulders or shorts) or they won't let you in. Here's the hilarious thing: Sean didn't bring pants, and after a fruitless search for affordable pants on Sunday when stores are closed, he decided that he's going to try to wear my pants (jeans). THAT will be a sight to behold. I have no idea how they will fit. I'll definitely take a picture, assuming they fit at all.
This is very fun so far...I'm looking forward to more good Italian food in the days to come. If I keep walking this much, there's no way all the food will affect the waistline.
Time for bed (almost). More soon, I hope. (Our hotel advertised internet access, but doesn't actually have it. Bummer.) Have a great day, everybody!
Today we saw the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, several beautiful churches, a panoramic view of the city from the top of a building, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, saw a really great street performer, had a very good meal at an outdoor restaurant on Piazza Navona, marveled at the sheer number of fountains, sculptures and other cool things everywhere you look, and walked our feet off. Tomorrow we head to the Vatican. There, you have to be dressed modestly (no bare shoulders or shorts) or they won't let you in. Here's the hilarious thing: Sean didn't bring pants, and after a fruitless search for affordable pants on Sunday when stores are closed, he decided that he's going to try to wear my pants (jeans). THAT will be a sight to behold. I have no idea how they will fit. I'll definitely take a picture, assuming they fit at all.
This is very fun so far...I'm looking forward to more good Italian food in the days to come. If I keep walking this much, there's no way all the food will affect the waistline.
Time for bed (almost). More soon, I hope. (Our hotel advertised internet access, but doesn't actually have it. Bummer.) Have a great day, everybody!
In Italy
Getting here was a bit of an adventure (flights delayed out of london, took 2 hours to get baggage), but we are here!!! We slept way too late this morning, but I really needed it. On our way to the Colosseum right now. More later!