Well, I am sitting in Rome's airport waiting for our flight home (actually London, Chicago, then home)
Recap of the week:
Monday- April 12
We got into Pisa and the baggage check was closed. Bummer because we didn't want to walk with our big poacks in the rain trying to find the Leaning Tower. We decided to take a taxi there (10 Euro) and then walked on a crowded street with our packs in the rain, but we did get to see the Leaning Tower- it does lean :)
It cost too much to go to the top and we didn't want to wait in line or lug our bags up so we just looked, took pictures (I hit some lady in the nose trying to pose for a picture) and then took a shuttle back to the train station- this time only 2.50 Euro each!
We had a 4+ hour train ride to Rome. Once we got to Rome Termini we braved through all the crowds, got week long Metro passes and got on to go to our stop.
The Metro was packed and weird guys in sunglasses (hello... it is 7:00pm and you are underground) kept starting at us. We freaked out a bit when they followed us at our stop, but it turned out fine. We then got on our bus and met some girls from Point Loma.
We stopped at our campground- Camping Roma- and looked around in awe... awed at the fact that they had the nerve to call this place a campground. It was just a bunch of gravel and dead trees. Oh well. We were told to set up our tent anywhere... well, there was no place to set up. We went back and found out that to rent on of their tents with 2 costs it was only 40 cents more! So crazy.
Tuesday- April 13
The next morning we took cold showers :( and off we went to Vatican City. The line for the Vatican Museum had to be at least 5 hours long so we went to St. Peter's Basilica instead. It was pretty cool. We saw where Peter was crucified and where he is buried. I am not sure if I believed it, but it was still neat. They have this huge altar over Peter's body and people stand there and pray to him... so sad.
Next, we got in line and managed to pass at least 50 people as we waited to go to the top of the dome. Michelangelo built it, I guess. The view was pretty cool, but there were a ton of people up there. I got so dizzy going down the small spiral staircase- Yuck!
After going back inside the church one more time (it had emptied out quite a bit) we figured we'd see how the line to the museum was. We walked and walked, but saw no line. Once we got to the entrance a security guard motioned to me to hurry and hump over the barrier he had put up. We did and were the last people they let into the museum for the day! We didn't care about too much in the museum, so we made a straight line for the Sistine Chapel. The room was packed with tourists shoulder to shoulder all staring at the ceiling. I feel bad that I was not as impressed as I should have been. It was huge and really cool, but I think the fact that we had already seen so much led me to think, "oh wow... just another painted ceiling..." We bought a poster of it though. It might be better if I can actually look at the pictures closely and without a thousand people on top of me :)
From the Vatican we decided to walk to the Trevi Fountain. It took a while, but we made it. It too was crowded, but we still managed to take pictures and toss in a few coins :)
From there we walked some more and made it to the Pantheon. I guess it is famous for its dome, but I was not too impressed, oh well.
Then we walked to the Forum and the Coliseum. Now that is impressive! We arrived just as the sun was setting and got some great pictures with it all lit up.
By this time we were tired and so we headed back to the campground.
Wednesday- April 14
The next morning we skipped the showers- cold showers just aren't our thing- and headed back to the Vatican. I forgot to mention that the day before we went to a church and got tickets to see the Pope!
We were now in the square in Vatican City with maybe 10,000 people waiting for the Pope to arrive. He came in his little "Pope-mobile" and drove around the crowd waving (we couldn't see him too well). Then he went to the front and sat down (we had a pretty good view but he was far away). He proceeded to give a blessing in like 9 languages. I guess he blessed us and our families through us. The funniest thing were the groups of high school kids chanting something like "Here we go John Paul, Here we go!" at him.
After our blessing we headed back to camp and took showers. Then we made our way back to the Coliseum. We were able to walk past the line and get our tickets- we made a reservation the day before :)
The Coliseum is exactly like what I thought it would be. The amazing thing is how old it is. It was weird to walk around and be excited to see it, but also in the back of your mind feel guilty for being excited. I mean, so many Christians were murdered here. You almost feel bad for visiting it as a tourist.
After the Coliseum, we walked through the Forum (a bunch of old ruins) and also through Palantine Hill (now just a garden). Then we tried to get into a big white building we thought was the Forum or Capitol or something. No luck. That night we found out that the building was a memorial to Italy's first king and also the tomb of the unknown soldier. We decided to try to take the back entrance that we read about the next day.
Thursday- April 15
The next day we did go see the memorial and got a great view of the city. We then jumped on the Metro and then a bus and made our way to see the Catacombs.
We got there when they were closed for lunch- Italy has this weird habit of taking siestas. It can be annoying sometimes when you are trying to find food and all the restaurants are closed!!!
Anyway, we waited for an hour or so and then got to take the English (well, at least he claimed to speak English) tour of the Catacombs. It was pretty cool. The old Christian symbols they carved could still be seen. The bummer thing is that they built a basilica over the Catacombs, so pretty much all of the info is so tainted with myth and Catholicism. I wish I could have taken a Christian tour or something. It is really hard to separate Christianity from Catholicism. I think a lot of the religious relics are fakes. My thought is that once Constantine legalized Christianity, many people tried to rise as a church/cult leader and to do this they claimed to have items that might draw a crowd- dead saints bones, the arrow that killed a martyr, Peter's chains... There is actually a church we saw that day that has this huge altar that housed what they say are the actual chains that held Peter when he was in jail. Maybe they are, maybe they aren't. I just had a hard time believing it.
We did go see the prison where Peter and Paul were held. I guess it was real, but that too is so shrouded in myths that it makes it hard to believe. I guess that would happen with anything over 2,000 years old.
Anyway, after the Catacombs we headed back to camp, got cleaned up and went back to Cipro/ Vatican area and bought Kenny a suit. He needed one for Jamie & David's wedding anyway and really wanted one from Italy. It is nice.
Friday- April 16
The next morning we packed up all our stuff and checked out. It was starting to drizzle as we waited for the shuttle to take us to the airport. At about 10 minutes after the hour we figured we had missed the bus so we started to try to get a pastry or two from a shop. All of a sudden I saw the bus. We grabbed our packs and ran back to the stop. Luckily we made it, but we didn't have the tickets the driver said we needed (it was a private, charter bus- very nice). Once we got to the airport- maybe a 20 minute drive- the driver took us to where we could get the tickets... only 5 Euro a price!!! A taxi would have cost us at least 50 Euro.
We got a hotel info book at the airport and Kenny began making phone calls. The bummer thing was that none of the hotels had a shuttle running at that time.
So, Kenny went to the info booth wher they will book hotels for you for a fee. They told him we should stay at the Airport Hilton- well the book said the Hilton was 400 Euro a night! So, Keny said it would probably be too much, but then... surprise! The lady said she could get us a room for 185 Euro. Kenny being the smarty that he is :), said thanks and then called the hotel directly. The lady on the phone told him it would be 240 Euro. Kenny flat out said, "No, that is too much. Do you have anything cheaper?" She then said, "How about 140 Euro!!!" Yeah!!! The Hilton was only a 5 minute walk through the terminal. The room was so nice and we even had heated towels. The TV even had our names on it when we arrived. I took a bath and shaved my very hairy legs :)
About this time we were getting hungry. We asked the hotel how much for the buffet in their restaurant... 45 Euro a person! No way! We decided to take the free hotel shuttle back into Rome (took 1 hour) and went back to the Vatican City area to eat our last Italian meal of pizza. Then we hit our favorite gelateria- Gelateria Millennium. It is soo good! We had it every day we were in Rome. I had chocolate and banana and Kenny had banana and Millennium (chocolate, vanilla and other stuff) So Good!
A few other flavors we tried while we were in Italy:
Cookies-n- Cream
Cherry
Chocolate
Millennium
Banana
Coconut
Melon
Orange-lemon
Mocha
Fruit cake
Saturday- April 17
Didn't sleep too well waiting to wake up. Made it to the plane in plenty of time. The plane ride from Rome to London was pretty uneventful, but we did get a great breakfast. It was huge- yogurt, fruit, a muffin, and this great breakfast sandwich. Yummy!
It was crazy arriving in London. We had a 2 hour layover so I figured we would get a chance to shop or whatever... nope. It took us the full 2 hours pretty much to go through two security check points and get from one terminal to another. We actually had to ride on busses. It was weird.
Once we got to our gate they did another security check and wouldn't let you leave the gate area. No bathroom or food. It was dumb. They at least should warn you before you leave the shopping area.
Anyway, we had to take another bus to the plane. We watched three movies while on the flight and still had time to burn... yes, it was a LONG flight.
I did get to see Greenland and the Great Lakes. Pretty cool.
After forever ion the plane we landed in Chicago. We had to take a train thing to switch terminals and had to go through two different customs checks as well as more metal detectors. This was all just for transferring.
We had to uncheck our bags, go through another inspection where he cut a hole in the bags and tested it for drugs or weapons or whatever. Then we had to re-check our bags. After all that I was glad we had a 2 hour layover because it took us that long again. Have I mentioned that airport security/ customs people are so rude and unhappy?!? Well they all are!
The plane we got on for the last 4 hour ride was an MD-80. Stupid plane. After being spoiled with the 777's leg room and personal video screens. The MD-80 was torture. Small spaces, no video, no music and not even real food! You had to grab this "Bistro Bag" that contained a sandwich that had been sitting for who knows how long before boarding the plane.
Anyway, I was so happy when we got below the clouds and I saw beautiful San Diego! It actually is a very pretty place- especially after over 24 hours of travel time. I was even more happy to see Danny & Tonita pull up and wave to us. I am sad to be off vacation, but happy to see and talk to the people I love. I am ready to go back soon though :)
Overall, a perfect trip. We are blessed so much. Thank you Lord!!!
Saturday, April 17
Monday, April 12
April 11-12
We are on a train to Pisa. We pretty much saw all we wanted to yesterday in Florence so we decided to get out a day early. Glad that we did because today it is raining.
Sunday- April 11
We woke up early (freezing from a cold marine layer). It was too cold for showers so we got dressed and headed down the hill to go get a good seat to see the Duomo fireworks. Tried to use a phone card to make reservations for Uffizi and the Academia, but it didn't work. Went into the Duomo right as mass was about to start. It was going to be an hour so we decided to head out to see "David" (this is after the guard at the Duomo told us that there was nothing going on there today).
Well, normally there is a 2 hour wait to see "David" but we managed to be first in line and got in, in about 5 minutes! So nice :) "David" is amazing. Way bigger than I thought it would be and way life-like. I am so glad we got to see it and that it wasn't crowded. There is really nothing else in the museum, so we walked back to the Duomo.
As we got near, we heard loud drums. The stupid guard lied to us because the Easter celebration was indeed going on! Luckily it had just started and we managed to work our way in to get ok views. Kenny got great video. After about an hour of pomp and circumstance (and the people next to me blowing cigarette smoke in my face) a paper dove flew out of the Duomo and lit a cart loaded with fireworks. The awesome fireworks show went on for at least a half an hour. It was so cool.
After the show we fought the crowded streets and walked up to our campground. It was about 1:00 and we hadn't eaten yet, but most places were closed. We ended up eating some ok pizza at the campground bar and took showers (mine was warm, Kenny's cold). Then we spent about 2 hours washing clothes and charging batteries.
It was so nice to have a break in the middle of the day because that night we were able to go down town again and get dinner (it was ok- not great) and gelato (ok, $$) Then back to the campground and to bed. We managed to buy some souvenirs there too.
Monday- April 12
This morning it was raining. We took cold showers :( and then figured out a cool way to pack the tent without getting too wet. We should be getting to Pisa soon so I'll wrap it up. Then after Pisa... Rome :)
Sunday- April 11
We woke up early (freezing from a cold marine layer). It was too cold for showers so we got dressed and headed down the hill to go get a good seat to see the Duomo fireworks. Tried to use a phone card to make reservations for Uffizi and the Academia, but it didn't work. Went into the Duomo right as mass was about to start. It was going to be an hour so we decided to head out to see "David" (this is after the guard at the Duomo told us that there was nothing going on there today).
Well, normally there is a 2 hour wait to see "David" but we managed to be first in line and got in, in about 5 minutes! So nice :) "David" is amazing. Way bigger than I thought it would be and way life-like. I am so glad we got to see it and that it wasn't crowded. There is really nothing else in the museum, so we walked back to the Duomo.
As we got near, we heard loud drums. The stupid guard lied to us because the Easter celebration was indeed going on! Luckily it had just started and we managed to work our way in to get ok views. Kenny got great video. After about an hour of pomp and circumstance (and the people next to me blowing cigarette smoke in my face) a paper dove flew out of the Duomo and lit a cart loaded with fireworks. The awesome fireworks show went on for at least a half an hour. It was so cool.
After the show we fought the crowded streets and walked up to our campground. It was about 1:00 and we hadn't eaten yet, but most places were closed. We ended up eating some ok pizza at the campground bar and took showers (mine was warm, Kenny's cold). Then we spent about 2 hours washing clothes and charging batteries.
It was so nice to have a break in the middle of the day because that night we were able to go down town again and get dinner (it was ok- not great) and gelato (ok, $$) Then back to the campground and to bed. We managed to buy some souvenirs there too.
Monday- April 12
This morning it was raining. We took cold showers :( and then figured out a cool way to pack the tent without getting too wet. We should be getting to Pisa soon so I'll wrap it up. Then after Pisa... Rome :)
Saturday, April 10
April 10
Saturday- April 10
9:05 PM
We made it to Florence this afternoon and now we are sitting in the Camping Michelangelo's laundry facility waiting for our batteries to charge. Most of the time we have had to charge them in the bathroom (there is only so long you can sit in a bathroom until people start looking at you weird) :)
The bus ride from the rail station to our campground was a bit scary- packed bus and a crazy-fast driver- but our location cannot be beat! We have the most amazing view of the city- the Duomo, Academia, Uffizi and the river.
The ground is not level and we have close neighbors, but it is ok. The price is a bit steep too- 24 Euro per night. Still beats a hotel!
After we set up the tent, we walked up to a restaurant, ordered pizza to go (not the best) and tiramisu. We walked to Piazza de Michelangelo and ate with the best view! There is a replica of "David" in the center and we got some great night pictures of the city.
After about an hour or so we are going to bed. Tomorrow is Easter and they have fireworks by the Duomo and 10:00am.
Did I mention that there are a ton of people in the campground? I still have yet to meet an American camping. It is kinda cool.
This campground has hole in the ground toilets. I am not too thrilled. It is supposed to be more sanitary, but I am afraid I am going to fall in!!! Oh- and no toilet paper. It is a good thing Tonita gave us wet ones.
I forgot to mention the nicest thing Kenny did for me... When I got off the boat in Venice, I realized that I left my glove behind. He ran back on (with his backpack on and got it! As he ran back to get off he saw that they had closed the gate to get off. He proceeds to jump over while maintaining full stride! What he didn't notice was that there was an opening not 2 feet away :) None the less it was very sweet and classic chivalry ♥
Well, the charger is still charging and I have run out of things to say. I am not as good as Kenny wit this journal thing. He can write pages and pages about something I covered in 2 sentences. Oh well. We are both having fun and that is all that matters :)
9:05 PM
We made it to Florence this afternoon and now we are sitting in the Camping Michelangelo's laundry facility waiting for our batteries to charge. Most of the time we have had to charge them in the bathroom (there is only so long you can sit in a bathroom until people start looking at you weird) :)
The bus ride from the rail station to our campground was a bit scary- packed bus and a crazy-fast driver- but our location cannot be beat! We have the most amazing view of the city- the Duomo, Academia, Uffizi and the river.
The ground is not level and we have close neighbors, but it is ok. The price is a bit steep too- 24 Euro per night. Still beats a hotel!
After we set up the tent, we walked up to a restaurant, ordered pizza to go (not the best) and tiramisu. We walked to Piazza de Michelangelo and ate with the best view! There is a replica of "David" in the center and we got some great night pictures of the city.
After about an hour or so we are going to bed. Tomorrow is Easter and they have fireworks by the Duomo and 10:00am.
Did I mention that there are a ton of people in the campground? I still have yet to meet an American camping. It is kinda cool.
This campground has hole in the ground toilets. I am not too thrilled. It is supposed to be more sanitary, but I am afraid I am going to fall in!!! Oh- and no toilet paper. It is a good thing Tonita gave us wet ones.
I forgot to mention the nicest thing Kenny did for me... When I got off the boat in Venice, I realized that I left my glove behind. He ran back on (with his backpack on and got it! As he ran back to get off he saw that they had closed the gate to get off. He proceeds to jump over while maintaining full stride! What he didn't notice was that there was an opening not 2 feet away :) None the less it was very sweet and classic chivalry ♥
Well, the charger is still charging and I have run out of things to say. I am not as good as Kenny wit this journal thing. He can write pages and pages about something I covered in 2 sentences. Oh well. We are both having fun and that is all that matters :)
April 8-10
Thursday- April 8
We made it to the campground after about a 45 minute boat ride and I mile walk. The sites are pretty much right on top of each other, but it is ok.
Our tent is much bigger this time because we were able to completely stake it out- Kenny also figured out a cool way to use the guy lines. It did not rain until after we went to bed- Yeah :)
Had pizza for dinner and tiramisu for dessert. The restaurant charges 2 Euro a person to eat there.
Friday- April 9
Venice is beautiful. We decided that we have seen many cool palaces and churches so we decided not to go into St. Marks or the Doge's Palace. Instead we walked around and just enjoyed Venice. I am so glad we did. We saw cool back streets and great glass shops (bought a glass fish and a pig for D&T).
It was drizzly most of the day.
At one point we went on the water bus/ boat and took the ride up the Grand Canal- it was awesome!
After the boat returned to St. Mark's Square we were both cold and tired and wet so we decided to skip Venice and night and head back to Camping Miramare. We ordered pizza at the restaurant- this time "to go" (only 7 Euro) and ate it in our tent. I was tired so I pretty much crawled into my sleeping bag while Kenny looked up info on our next destination- Florence.
Saturday- April 10
We both slept pretty good last night. Woke up, took showers, charged the camera batteries and checked out of the campground. We got a card worth 10% off our next campground!
We took the boat into St. Mark's and walked around a bit with our packs trying to find postcards and a cheap gondola ride- bad idea. Our packs got heavier and heavier so we decided to just go to the main gondola station (although more $$). It was 70 Euro and pretty cool. I am not sure he took us on the right tour or not, but we got to see the Bridge of Sighs, Marco Polo's tomb and the inner canals of Venice. It was fun and romantic :)
We also bought an 80 Euro painting from a guy on the street. It was so pretty. Not detailed, but more impressionistic. It stood out because it is painted in all different shades of blue! It has the Palace, Basilica and canals. I didn't want to spend the money, but it is worth it. I hope we don't damage it as we try to get it back home!
Anyway, after the gondola ride and picture buying, we headed for the train station and jumped on the train to Florence. It was perfect timing and the train pulled out 5 minutes later. We have a 6 person 1st class berth all to ourselves. It is wonderful. We should be in Florence in a few hours :)
We made it to the campground after about a 45 minute boat ride and I mile walk. The sites are pretty much right on top of each other, but it is ok.
Our tent is much bigger this time because we were able to completely stake it out- Kenny also figured out a cool way to use the guy lines. It did not rain until after we went to bed- Yeah :)
Had pizza for dinner and tiramisu for dessert. The restaurant charges 2 Euro a person to eat there.
Friday- April 9
Venice is beautiful. We decided that we have seen many cool palaces and churches so we decided not to go into St. Marks or the Doge's Palace. Instead we walked around and just enjoyed Venice. I am so glad we did. We saw cool back streets and great glass shops (bought a glass fish and a pig for D&T).
It was drizzly most of the day.
At one point we went on the water bus/ boat and took the ride up the Grand Canal- it was awesome!
After the boat returned to St. Mark's Square we were both cold and tired and wet so we decided to skip Venice and night and head back to Camping Miramare. We ordered pizza at the restaurant- this time "to go" (only 7 Euro) and ate it in our tent. I was tired so I pretty much crawled into my sleeping bag while Kenny looked up info on our next destination- Florence.
Saturday- April 10
We both slept pretty good last night. Woke up, took showers, charged the camera batteries and checked out of the campground. We got a card worth 10% off our next campground!
We took the boat into St. Mark's and walked around a bit with our packs trying to find postcards and a cheap gondola ride- bad idea. Our packs got heavier and heavier so we decided to just go to the main gondola station (although more $$). It was 70 Euro and pretty cool. I am not sure he took us on the right tour or not, but we got to see the Bridge of Sighs, Marco Polo's tomb and the inner canals of Venice. It was fun and romantic :)
We also bought an 80 Euro painting from a guy on the street. It was so pretty. Not detailed, but more impressionistic. It stood out because it is painted in all different shades of blue! It has the Palace, Basilica and canals. I didn't want to spend the money, but it is worth it. I hope we don't damage it as we try to get it back home!
Anyway, after the gondola ride and picture buying, we headed for the train station and jumped on the train to Florence. It was perfect timing and the train pulled out 5 minutes later. We have a 6 person 1st class berth all to ourselves. It is wonderful. We should be in Florence in a few hours :)
Thursday, April 8
April 8
Thursday- April 8
This morning we woke up and ate a pitiful free breakfast at the hotel and then went to DHL to see how much it would cost to ship stuff back to the US- 80 Euro- way too much!
We found a Fuji film store and tried to see if they sold battery chargers. They didn't but the lady was so nice and wrote directions to a store (kinda like Best Buy). They had a charger!!! It works for our camera and video. I am so happy. It was 49.50 Euro.
We headed back to the hotel, packed up and went back to the train station to catch the train to Verona.
Verona is not that cool, but we are still glad we stopped. Juliet's house is so gross- all of the walls covered in writing a gum. We did rub her boob for good luck :)
We are now on a train for Venice. It is starting to get a bit cloudy and I hope it doesn't rain- at least until after we set up our tent :)
This morning we woke up and ate a pitiful free breakfast at the hotel and then went to DHL to see how much it would cost to ship stuff back to the US- 80 Euro- way too much!
We found a Fuji film store and tried to see if they sold battery chargers. They didn't but the lady was so nice and wrote directions to a store (kinda like Best Buy). They had a charger!!! It works for our camera and video. I am so happy. It was 49.50 Euro.
We headed back to the hotel, packed up and went back to the train station to catch the train to Verona.
Verona is not that cool, but we are still glad we stopped. Juliet's house is so gross- all of the walls covered in writing a gum. We did rub her boob for good luck :)
We are now on a train for Venice. It is starting to get a bit cloudy and I hope it doesn't rain- at least until after we set up our tent :)
Wednesday, April 7
April 3-7
Well, we were in Paris, but now we are not. We are now in Milan, Italy.
Our time in Paris was crazy and fun... so I never got a chance to write.
Here it is...
Saturday Night- April 3
We arrived at Paris Nord and it was crazy. So many people in this huge train station, some weird guy following us around, and us trying to figure out what Metro to take. Luckily I knew we needed to buy a carnet of Metro tickets, so we bought those and saved $$$.
We got on the right train and headed for Port Malliot, where we caught a bus headed for the campground. We had been on the bus for about 5 minutes when an old lady noticed our backpacks (they are hard to miss!) and asked "Camping?" She proceeded to tell us (all in French) to push the button to stop the bus. Luckily, Kenny figured it out and the bus stopped before we missed out campground.
Bois de Bologne is mostly for RVs, but we got a site right by the showers and with a view of the Eiffel Tower- oh, one thing... the Tower is AMAZING! I actually gasped when I first saw it :)
Sunday- April 4
The next morning we headed for Versailles. It is the coolest place! The size and grandness of it all is mind-blowing.
There was a line about a half a mile long to get in, but since we had a Museum Pass, we didn't have to wait!!! The Museum Pass in Paris is the best investment!
After walking through the palace we took a short nap by a little pond and then walked and walked and walked- the place is HUGE! We saw some "little" palaces and the Grand Canal and then went into the gardens to see the fountains. Kenny got us in for the student price by showing his business card- LOL :)
Once the fountains went on we ran from one to another taking video. They were very cool. After the fountains, we went into the king's chambers. They were ok, but pretty much the same as what we saw earlier.
Back to the Metro we went to leave, but our tickets wouldn't work so we jumped over the turnstiles :)
Once we got back to the campground we decided to eat at the restaurant there. We spent 10 minutes looking up what was on the menu in our phrase book, only to learn that they only serve one thing on Sundays- pate' veal. It was ok. The waiter laughed at me when I made a little sandwich out of my bread and pate'. It was the only way to eat it easily! I forgot to mention that we had a great breakfast of a baguette, cheese, salami and Candy-Up (chocolate milk) that morning.
Monday- April 5
We woke up and got more Candy-Up, cheese and a baguette and headed for Notre-Dame. Wow! What a neat place. I wasn't too impressed at first (having been jaded by the grandness of Versailles), but once we went inside it was amazing! So beautiful... all the stained glass and everything.
After walking through (with very few people since we got there early), we stood in line to climb to the top. While in line we met a young couple from Washington DC- Danny & Sandy (like Grease). They were so nice and we hit it off. We were able to take pictures for them and them for us as well and just joke and talk. It made it even more fun.
The view from the top was amazing- we took so many pictures of Paris and all the cool gargoyles :) We even saw Quasimodo's bell tower- this is where Sandy fell down the stairs :)
After Notre-Dame we walked to the Louvre. We skipped the lines- thanks again to the Museum Pass- and spent a few hours out of the cold, windy weather looking at famous art. We even saw the Mona Lisa- it was so neat to have a front row view.
After the Louvre, we got on a bus to the Eiffel Tower. After a few stops, this old lady tells us to get off because this is where the bus stops (all in French). Weirdest thing- the bus stopped and then another with the same number picked us up (costing $2 more!) and too us the rest of the way.
The Eiffel Tower is amazing and gets even more so the closer you get. We waited in line for an hour or so then up we went to the 2nd floor. After another wait we went to the top. It was a bit scary actually to go up the elevators that high, but totally worth it for the view on top.
We were able to eat at Altitude 95- an expensive restaurant on the 1st floor. Kenny ordered duck and I thought I would order rabbit because I had never had it before- it ended not looking like any rabbit I had ever seen! It was pureed rabbit and fruit in 2 squares- so gross!!! And it was 25 Euro! Kenny was so nice and ate it. I felt so horrible. His duck was ok. The weird thing is that it was on top of refried beans! Weird French food. Dessert made it all worth it. We had this great chocolate cake (8.5 Euro). Oh, I forgot to mention Kenny's coke for 4.5 Euro! They were mighty proud of themselves. It was a neat experience none the less.
Tried to mail a post card, but the post was closed :( My bad.
Tuesday- April 6
It rained and hailed all night, but we stayed dry.
The bad day begins...
The night before we had put our Nikon battery on a charger in the bathroom. In the morning it was gone :( Long story short, we lost a battery, charger, converter and even the carrying case. Bummer.
We packed up and left our bags at the campground. We went to the Rodin Museum (skipped the line :)) and saw The Thinker and The Gates of Hell. Then we went to the Musée d'Orsay (skipped a HUGE line) and saw Monet's Water Lilies and many Van Goghs. We then headed for the Arc de Triumph and climbed up for a nice view. The best part was watching the cars below in what is one of the busiest circle drives in Paris. We decided to walk to the Eiffel Tower. On the way we bought a charger, which didn't work :(
At the base of the Tower we bought ham & cheese crepes then went to sit down when an old lady took about 3-5 Euro from us. It sucked and I cried so I din't really enjoy my yummy crepe. Then we got on the wrong Metro train, it started to hail on us and we still had to get to the train station to leave. We were one Metro ticket short so I tried to get through the gates behind Kenny, but got stuck in the gate!!! My back was too wide with the tent on the outside. We had to try to get through 4 or so gates and every time I couldn't get through!!!
(INSERT DRAWING FROM JOURNAL)
Once we made it to the stop for the train, we had to go through a scary area with a ton of people only to find out we went the wrong way! Once we made it to the station we had to sit and wait in a room next to two drunk, smoking bums! The bathrooms stunk and I almost threw up. Finally we got on out train.
I am so thankful that we had our own cabin- it made it so nice after such a bummer of a day. They gave us champagne that night. We both slept pretty well and in the morning we got hot chocolate and a croissant.
Wednesday- April 7
We got off the train and tried to find a tourist info place to help us find a hotel room, but then just went outside and walked to a hotel with a doorman- it was a 5 star hotel starting at 250 Euro per night. He showed us what street the 3 star hotels were on and we walked in the first nice one we saw- San Carlo. It was 100 Euro and pretty nice. There were two girls at the front desk who were stupid ad wouldn't talk to us, but then another guy checked us in. He was kinda dumb- gave us wrong directions twice. Later in the day, though, there was a new guy at the desk who was great! He gave us a map, showed us where to go and even called DHL for us.
Once we check in we washed all our laundry in the sink and hung them all to dry. Then we took a nap :)
We got on the Metro and went to see the Duomo di Milano - it was amazing! Kenny wanted to pay 5 Euro a piece to get to the top so we did- I am so glad because it was unbelievable! We could even see the Alps from the top!
After an hour or so, we went to the church to see the Last Supper. Thankfully we had reservations and we got right in. It was way bigger than I thought it would be and so neat. We got to see it for about 10 minutes (and I even took video- I don't think I was supposed to!)
Once we got back to the hotel we rested a bit and then went next door to eat (oh, I forgot to mention our first meal in Italy was Mc Donald's!). I ordered a 4 cheese pizza and Kenny got gnocchi. It was sooooo good. Yum! The funny thing was the restaurant charges us each a charge of 1 Euro to eat there. Weird. Slept pretty good that night. It was nice to be in a hotel.
(I CAN'T BELIEVE I DIDN'T MENTION THE BEST TIRAMASU ON THE PLANT THAT WE ATE THERE)
Our time in Paris was crazy and fun... so I never got a chance to write.
Here it is...
Saturday Night- April 3
We arrived at Paris Nord and it was crazy. So many people in this huge train station, some weird guy following us around, and us trying to figure out what Metro to take. Luckily I knew we needed to buy a carnet of Metro tickets, so we bought those and saved $$$.
We got on the right train and headed for Port Malliot, where we caught a bus headed for the campground. We had been on the bus for about 5 minutes when an old lady noticed our backpacks (they are hard to miss!) and asked "Camping?" She proceeded to tell us (all in French) to push the button to stop the bus. Luckily, Kenny figured it out and the bus stopped before we missed out campground.
Bois de Bologne is mostly for RVs, but we got a site right by the showers and with a view of the Eiffel Tower- oh, one thing... the Tower is AMAZING! I actually gasped when I first saw it :)
Sunday- April 4
The next morning we headed for Versailles. It is the coolest place! The size and grandness of it all is mind-blowing.
There was a line about a half a mile long to get in, but since we had a Museum Pass, we didn't have to wait!!! The Museum Pass in Paris is the best investment!
After walking through the palace we took a short nap by a little pond and then walked and walked and walked- the place is HUGE! We saw some "little" palaces and the Grand Canal and then went into the gardens to see the fountains. Kenny got us in for the student price by showing his business card- LOL :)
Once the fountains went on we ran from one to another taking video. They were very cool. After the fountains, we went into the king's chambers. They were ok, but pretty much the same as what we saw earlier.
Back to the Metro we went to leave, but our tickets wouldn't work so we jumped over the turnstiles :)
Once we got back to the campground we decided to eat at the restaurant there. We spent 10 minutes looking up what was on the menu in our phrase book, only to learn that they only serve one thing on Sundays- pate' veal. It was ok. The waiter laughed at me when I made a little sandwich out of my bread and pate'. It was the only way to eat it easily! I forgot to mention that we had a great breakfast of a baguette, cheese, salami and Candy-Up (chocolate milk) that morning.
Monday- April 5
We woke up and got more Candy-Up, cheese and a baguette and headed for Notre-Dame. Wow! What a neat place. I wasn't too impressed at first (having been jaded by the grandness of Versailles), but once we went inside it was amazing! So beautiful... all the stained glass and everything.
After walking through (with very few people since we got there early), we stood in line to climb to the top. While in line we met a young couple from Washington DC- Danny & Sandy (like Grease). They were so nice and we hit it off. We were able to take pictures for them and them for us as well and just joke and talk. It made it even more fun.
The view from the top was amazing- we took so many pictures of Paris and all the cool gargoyles :) We even saw Quasimodo's bell tower- this is where Sandy fell down the stairs :)
After Notre-Dame we walked to the Louvre. We skipped the lines- thanks again to the Museum Pass- and spent a few hours out of the cold, windy weather looking at famous art. We even saw the Mona Lisa- it was so neat to have a front row view.
After the Louvre, we got on a bus to the Eiffel Tower. After a few stops, this old lady tells us to get off because this is where the bus stops (all in French). Weirdest thing- the bus stopped and then another with the same number picked us up (costing $2 more!) and too us the rest of the way.
The Eiffel Tower is amazing and gets even more so the closer you get. We waited in line for an hour or so then up we went to the 2nd floor. After another wait we went to the top. It was a bit scary actually to go up the elevators that high, but totally worth it for the view on top.
We were able to eat at Altitude 95- an expensive restaurant on the 1st floor. Kenny ordered duck and I thought I would order rabbit because I had never had it before- it ended not looking like any rabbit I had ever seen! It was pureed rabbit and fruit in 2 squares- so gross!!! And it was 25 Euro! Kenny was so nice and ate it. I felt so horrible. His duck was ok. The weird thing is that it was on top of refried beans! Weird French food. Dessert made it all worth it. We had this great chocolate cake (8.5 Euro). Oh, I forgot to mention Kenny's coke for 4.5 Euro! They were mighty proud of themselves. It was a neat experience none the less.
Tried to mail a post card, but the post was closed :( My bad.
Tuesday- April 6
It rained and hailed all night, but we stayed dry.
The bad day begins...
The night before we had put our Nikon battery on a charger in the bathroom. In the morning it was gone :( Long story short, we lost a battery, charger, converter and even the carrying case. Bummer.
We packed up and left our bags at the campground. We went to the Rodin Museum (skipped the line :)) and saw The Thinker and The Gates of Hell. Then we went to the Musée d'Orsay (skipped a HUGE line) and saw Monet's Water Lilies and many Van Goghs. We then headed for the Arc de Triumph and climbed up for a nice view. The best part was watching the cars below in what is one of the busiest circle drives in Paris. We decided to walk to the Eiffel Tower. On the way we bought a charger, which didn't work :(
At the base of the Tower we bought ham & cheese crepes then went to sit down when an old lady took about 3-5 Euro from us. It sucked and I cried so I din't really enjoy my yummy crepe. Then we got on the wrong Metro train, it started to hail on us and we still had to get to the train station to leave. We were one Metro ticket short so I tried to get through the gates behind Kenny, but got stuck in the gate!!! My back was too wide with the tent on the outside. We had to try to get through 4 or so gates and every time I couldn't get through!!!
(INSERT DRAWING FROM JOURNAL)
Once we made it to the stop for the train, we had to go through a scary area with a ton of people only to find out we went the wrong way! Once we made it to the station we had to sit and wait in a room next to two drunk, smoking bums! The bathrooms stunk and I almost threw up. Finally we got on out train.
I am so thankful that we had our own cabin- it made it so nice after such a bummer of a day. They gave us champagne that night. We both slept pretty well and in the morning we got hot chocolate and a croissant.
Wednesday- April 7
We got off the train and tried to find a tourist info place to help us find a hotel room, but then just went outside and walked to a hotel with a doorman- it was a 5 star hotel starting at 250 Euro per night. He showed us what street the 3 star hotels were on and we walked in the first nice one we saw- San Carlo. It was 100 Euro and pretty nice. There were two girls at the front desk who were stupid ad wouldn't talk to us, but then another guy checked us in. He was kinda dumb- gave us wrong directions twice. Later in the day, though, there was a new guy at the desk who was great! He gave us a map, showed us where to go and even called DHL for us.
Once we check in we washed all our laundry in the sink and hung them all to dry. Then we took a nap :)
We got on the Metro and went to see the Duomo di Milano - it was amazing! Kenny wanted to pay 5 Euro a piece to get to the top so we did- I am so glad because it was unbelievable! We could even see the Alps from the top!
After an hour or so, we went to the church to see the Last Supper. Thankfully we had reservations and we got right in. It was way bigger than I thought it would be and so neat. We got to see it for about 10 minutes (and I even took video- I don't think I was supposed to!)
Once we got back to the hotel we rested a bit and then went next door to eat (oh, I forgot to mention our first meal in Italy was Mc Donald's!). I ordered a 4 cheese pizza and Kenny got gnocchi. It was sooooo good. Yum! The funny thing was the restaurant charges us each a charge of 1 Euro to eat there. Weird. Slept pretty good that night. It was nice to be in a hotel.
(I CAN'T BELIEVE I DIDN'T MENTION THE BEST TIRAMASU ON THE PLANT THAT WE ATE THERE)
Saturday, April 3
April 2-3
London --> Paris
We are on the Eurostar right now on our way to Paris.
The last few days have been a blur.
Friday- April 2
After a 6 hour flight (where Kenny and I could not sleep), we arrived in London. It took us so long to get through customs and passport check and it was so HOT in the terminal. Once we finally made it though, we collected our bags and headed to the London Underground. It took 3 times as long as the Heathrow Express, but it was worth it because we paid way less, got a day pass for the tube and got to know how it worked.
After a few transfers, we made it to Carr-Saunders Hall where we checked our bags (we couldn't get the room until 2:00pm). We headed back out on the tube and made it to Victoria Station where we bought our hop-on hop-off buss passes. The bus ride was crazy. We flew past all of London's major sights with a tour guide we could hardly understand and a crazy driver.
We stopped for lunch at the Sherlock Holmes Pub and had a traditional meal of fish and chips. It was ok, but we found out later that we could have salved half the price had we bought it through the bus company- oh well! :)
After eating and killing another hour walking in circles, we got on the catamaran cruise that came with the bus tour. This by far was the highlight of my day.
The audio guide was easy to understand, the views of the parliament, Big Ben, and the London Eye were unbeatable, and the best part was that the Tower Bridge (a drawbridge) opened and we got a picture of a lifetime!
After the cruise, Kenny and I were beat so we headed back to the Hall, took a wonderful hot shower and crawled into bed at about 6:00pm.
Saturday- April 3
We slept until 9:30 this morning!!! After a rush job of showering and packing (check out was at 10:00am), we checked out and ate breakfast- not great, but FREE. The guy at the cafeteria even filled our water bottles for us. We then were able to leave our bags at the Hall until we needed them this afternoon. That was so nice and saved us tons of money.
(Just a note: we just arrived in France on the Eurostar)
We jumped on the Tube once again and headed for Buckingham Palace for the 11:30 Changing of the Guard. We couldn't see too much at first because every tourist in London was there!!!
After the little parade, most of the people left and we made it all the way up to the gate and took some great video. The guards must hate the fact that they have to put on this show every day. (They played Star Wars and Indiana Jones)
After the guards were all changed, we walked a bit around Green Park- very pretty with lakes and flowers- and then back on the Tube for Westminster Abbey and the Parliament Building.
The Tube dropped us off directly at the base of Big Ben- which is HUGE! We spent an hour or so just walking around the buildings and taking pictures.
We had to be at the train station by 2:30 to make sure we caught our 3:10 train to Paris. We checked our watch and saw that it was only 1:00ish so we decided to visit Whitechapel (place where Jack the Ripper killed the girls) and get Danny the t-shirt he wanted. We got on the Tube and the next thing we knew, it was 2:00! We abandoned our mission and headed back to get our bags at the Hall, back onto the Tube to Waterloo Station and then we had to figure out how to get on the train to Paris.
After validating the tickets, going through security and metal detectors, and getting our passports stamped, we made it to the train- only minutes later it was on its way to Paris- glad we made it!!!
Well, we are now on the train and should be in Paris shortly. Yeah!!!
We are on the Eurostar right now on our way to Paris.
The last few days have been a blur.
Friday- April 2
After a 6 hour flight (where Kenny and I could not sleep), we arrived in London. It took us so long to get through customs and passport check and it was so HOT in the terminal. Once we finally made it though, we collected our bags and headed to the London Underground. It took 3 times as long as the Heathrow Express, but it was worth it because we paid way less, got a day pass for the tube and got to know how it worked.
After a few transfers, we made it to Carr-Saunders Hall where we checked our bags (we couldn't get the room until 2:00pm). We headed back out on the tube and made it to Victoria Station where we bought our hop-on hop-off buss passes. The bus ride was crazy. We flew past all of London's major sights with a tour guide we could hardly understand and a crazy driver.
We stopped for lunch at the Sherlock Holmes Pub and had a traditional meal of fish and chips. It was ok, but we found out later that we could have salved half the price had we bought it through the bus company- oh well! :)
After eating and killing another hour walking in circles, we got on the catamaran cruise that came with the bus tour. This by far was the highlight of my day.
The audio guide was easy to understand, the views of the parliament, Big Ben, and the London Eye were unbeatable, and the best part was that the Tower Bridge (a drawbridge) opened and we got a picture of a lifetime!
After the cruise, Kenny and I were beat so we headed back to the Hall, took a wonderful hot shower and crawled into bed at about 6:00pm.
Saturday- April 3
We slept until 9:30 this morning!!! After a rush job of showering and packing (check out was at 10:00am), we checked out and ate breakfast- not great, but FREE. The guy at the cafeteria even filled our water bottles for us. We then were able to leave our bags at the Hall until we needed them this afternoon. That was so nice and saved us tons of money.
(Just a note: we just arrived in France on the Eurostar)
We jumped on the Tube once again and headed for Buckingham Palace for the 11:30 Changing of the Guard. We couldn't see too much at first because every tourist in London was there!!!
After the little parade, most of the people left and we made it all the way up to the gate and took some great video. The guards must hate the fact that they have to put on this show every day. (They played Star Wars and Indiana Jones)
After the guards were all changed, we walked a bit around Green Park- very pretty with lakes and flowers- and then back on the Tube for Westminster Abbey and the Parliament Building.
The Tube dropped us off directly at the base of Big Ben- which is HUGE! We spent an hour or so just walking around the buildings and taking pictures.
We had to be at the train station by 2:30 to make sure we caught our 3:10 train to Paris. We checked our watch and saw that it was only 1:00ish so we decided to visit Whitechapel (place where Jack the Ripper killed the girls) and get Danny the t-shirt he wanted. We got on the Tube and the next thing we knew, it was 2:00! We abandoned our mission and headed back to get our bags at the Hall, back onto the Tube to Waterloo Station and then we had to figure out how to get on the train to Paris.
After validating the tickets, going through security and metal detectors, and getting our passports stamped, we made it to the train- only minutes later it was on its way to Paris- glad we made it!!!
Well, we are now on the train and should be in Paris shortly. Yeah!!!
Thursday, April 1
April 1
Bye San Diego!
So, we are on our way! We left this morning around 8:30am. Rebecca took us to the airport and was so sweet to pray for us as we drove.
We are in Boston now (6:00pm local). It was a LONG flight and it is not fun to think that we have another one leaving in about an hour. The cool thing is that, that flight will take us out of this rainy city and on to London- which is probably drenched in rain as well :)
It is not completely real yet. It is weird to think that we will be in Europe in a few hours. Well, we will be getting back on the plane soon. More to come… :)
So, we are on our way! We left this morning around 8:30am. Rebecca took us to the airport and was so sweet to pray for us as we drove.
We are in Boston now (6:00pm local). It was a LONG flight and it is not fun to think that we have another one leaving in about an hour. The cool thing is that, that flight will take us out of this rainy city and on to London- which is probably drenched in rain as well :)
It is not completely real yet. It is weird to think that we will be in Europe in a few hours. Well, we will be getting back on the plane soon. More to come… :)
Europe: April 1-17, 2004
"Delight thyself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart..."
Thankful for:
- Both flights here no one was in the seats next to us
- Carr-Saunders Hall was safe and very comfy- and they only charges us half price!!!
- We got a front row seat on the London tour bus
- Kenny rubbed my back when it hurt this morning ♥ (April 3)
- Carr-Saunders Hall let us keep our bags there twice
- We made it to the Eurostar on time
- We got a great view of the changing of the guard
- Perfect weather in London!
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Kenny and Jen
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