Spring Break 2009

I should have gone to Florida or Mexico with my friends....NOT!!! Spring break 2009 was thebest yet as I hit four cities. I will write about each separately as they were all different andunique in thier own way.

London

First city...LONDON! The Tube, Underground system is amazing! More cities should mimic ths. Gets you anywhere in minutes considering London is a huge city. We get to our hostel which isnt the best but sufficient enough. We hit the town and go to see the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace which I later found out was the wrong one and place. It was still interesting though. In that area was Big Ben, the London Eye, Westminister Abbey, and St. James  Park. Very historic and political area. Had a quick bite of English Breakfast and headed to the Tower Bridge, Tower of London, and the River Thames. Another historic area and beautiful site for pcitures. After that we went to the British Museum which is massive.  They had exhibits from every continent and history from each as well. Very diverse museum with 5 levels all for FREE! Cannot beat that. After this feat, we decide to walk home. Which was a good and bad idea. Good because we saw Picadilly Circus and some of the main avenues of London. Bad because the walk took us about an hour and a half. Maps are decieving! We obviously crash once we arrive and awaken for dinner. Fish and chips were on our minds but considering I do NOT like fish, I settled for a burger and tried a small peice of the fish. Still don't like it! Next day watched the Liverpool v. Manchester United game. Intense game being in London and at a pub. After lunch we went inside the Tower of London. We got to see the famous jewels, crowns, and staffs of the royal family. Inside there was also an interactive exhibition of weapons, facts, and games which looked like it was for kids BUT we played right along with them and enjoyed ourselves as well. We left there and tried to find other open things but were out of luck so we just walked around and found ChinaTown and Covent Garden which both happened to be popular destinations. The next day our other roommate came so we retraced our steps and showed him everything we saw and than some. What we saw that wasnt mentioned before was the Churchill Museum. His bunker during the war and exhibition showed his great leadership and wisdom.  Good guy! Afterwards we finally found the REAL Buckingham Palace.  Thank goodness. It was closed or something so we went to the Ritzy neighborhood of London which seemed high end. We found a museum campus with the Natural History, Science, and Victoria and Albert Museums. Only went into one but it happened to have my roommates favorite sculptor/artist. Meant to be I say! Anyways, we skipped through Camden Town and found Regeants Park. Beautiful, large park that had tons of soccer buffs and amazing gardens. We ended the night early because we had an early flight to Dublin the next day...

Dublin

The green country! We arrived at the airport and there was an hour long line to get into the city. I guess St. Patrick is a popular guy around those parts. Anyways, we get in and head for my friends apartment at UCD. They were wonderful hosts and tour guides. The first day we went to the center and our roommate told us all we needed to see. Picutres have more information. Afterwards we walked to the Guiness Warehouse which was huge and informative. The top was probably the highlight and highest point in Dublin where you could see all of Dublin with your glass of Guiness. Memorable! After the beer, we found the St. Patrick Cathedral but could not enter. So sad! Couldn't find anything else except street performers and drunk people so we went home to prepare for the next day (St. Patricks Day).  Our hosts woke us up early so we don't miss the parade which lasted about two hours. Amazing parade though with marching bands, floats, DJs, and costumes. It was like Carnivale meets Rave party! Afterwards we found a pub to eat some traditional Irish food. Let me say that the corned beef and cabbage was spectacular.  I could not even speak! I had to take a nap after that. Was awoken to continue the night. Could not even last considering we have another early flight but this time to Madrid...

Madrid

We arrived in Madrid to yet another great train system. YES! We headed to another friends place who was another great host and guide. She took us for some excellent tapas and drinks. After food we went to the Templo de Debod park. This temple was a gift from Egypt for Spain helping them in some war and was transfered peice by piece to this park in Madrid! Ancient artifact at its finest. We hung out in the park, had some wine, and watched the sunset which seemed to be the thing to do. Once it got dark we went home to rest up and meet up with some friends later on. More wonderful people and met up with a home friend studying there. Good times! Totally slept in the next day seeing that I have been waking up early almost everyday. Once up we got going to Reina Sofia where Picasso and others are no stranger. I accidently got to close to Picasso's Guernica and almost got tackled by the guard. HA! Sorry! Its so big, I just wanted to see detail. Anyways we continued our day with a walk through town marveling at historic buildings, museums, and parks. Went home to finally shower up and went to a fancy dinner at the WORLD'S OLDEST RESTAURANT!! Its called Botin and in the Guiness Book of World Records. Roast sucking pig was the specialty so you know what I got. My host also told me to ask for el fogon. The waiter immediately took us to the kitchen where they have the fire pit that has been there since the restaurant started. There was also little bambino pigs on plates waiting to be cooked. Kind of gross but it was an interesting site to see. After that the waiters loved me for being interested in their establishment. Gave us free postcards! Small talk I'll tell you. Anyways, went home early after a few drinks becuase we had yet another early flight to Barcelona....

Barcelona

Yea...missed the flight and had to get on the next one. SUCKED! Not a smart move but first mistake of all my travels. Fingers CROSSED, knock on wood! Whatever. We arrived and went to our hostel.  We rested a bit and saw some of the normal stuff of the city. The monument of Colum, Plaza Catalunya, and the Port were at the top of that list.  After seeing those sites we went to a Casino. I don't know why because I don't gamble but it was a good idea at the time. The people there were real friendly anyways so we stood awhile. The next day we saw some Guadi works in La Pedrera and Sagrada Familia.  Amazing architectural works that have aa unique touch owned purely by Guadi.  That night we saw Crookers and Girl Talk at some giant warehouse club.  I thought I was in a mosh pit the whole time! They really know how to get the crowd going. Our last day in Barcelona was probably the most chill but we got to see Barcelona v. Malaga calcio match. There was no competition as Barca won 6-0. Stadium fits easily 70,000 people so you can imagine the chanting and excitement.  Headed back home after a long, intriguing, and much needed break. Pictures are below...CIAO

London pics: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2553219&id=1915685&l=085d305b85

Dublin pics: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2553235&id=1915685&l=1360fa4ecd

Madrid pics: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2553240&id=1915685&l=5869f6ce22

Around town...

So during the week while I've been in Firenze, I have done a couple of notable things that I thought I should mention. First were a couple of concerts I went to. The first one was Yung Joc who is a rapper in the USA from Atlanta. I was a little sick but he still rocked the mic. The other concert I went to was Pitbull. He was legit as well! His energy and stage presence made the concert more than it was. Besides concerts, I have gone to many of the musems that make Firenze a leader in the art world. First thing to mention is David by Michaelangelo. WOW! He is much taller and bigger than I thought. This sculpture was made to perfection and cannot be missed if in Firenze. I also went to the top of the Duomo.  You see all of Firenze from up there in every direction.  Truly a site to see. Very calm and humble up there until the tourist come and start talking. Left at that point to the other museum, which is my neighbor; the Uffizi Gallery. You would need three hours or two days to get through all of it. I went for the main attractions which to me are the Birth of Venus, Spring, and the Annunciation. All unique in thier own way. Ease dropping on English speaking tours is always fun to learn new stuff. The Pitti Palace was also a stop one day. It is across the street from my school so not hard to miss, find, or get to. Behind the palace is the Boboli Gardens which has about a mile radius. This was the Medici's "backyard".  If you could get through all of it and not get lost, you are Google Maps. Still has amazing views and relaxing spots to just absorb the weather. Cannot wait to go in the spring! Once I get my student pass, I will be entering more for a cheaper rate. This past Sunday I went to my first soccer game. The crowds in Europe are way more intense than in the States. I like it better! For the LOVE of the GAME!! Anyways, we lost so that ruined the day but being there overall was an experience in itself.

Rome, Pompei, & Sorrento

I did all these cities plus one more in a weekend without missing class. Tiring but needed. Thursday night after class we went to Rome. It was night so we couldn't see much but hit the night scene. Many people out and about. Nothing special. Next day we woke up and hit the ground running. It was our mission to see most of the main attractions of Rome and we did pretty well. First was Vatican City since we were about 5 minutes from it. The square is beautiful and the line to go inside the church was too long to wait. Knowing that we went to see the Sistine Chapel. It took us about half an hour to get to it but it was well worth it once we arrived. Knowing Michelangelo painted 12,000 square feet of the chapel ceiling between 1508 and 1512 (for FREE) made it that much more intriguing. Seems impossible to me. The museum also included paintings from Raphael and Dali as well as ancient artifacts from Egypt like mummies and statues of royalty. Once this was completed, we passed by the Castel Sant'Angelo on our way to Piazza Navona. On our way to the Pantheon, there was more random coolness that we didn't have a clue into what it was. We took pictures of it though. The Pantheon was interesting except they didn't let us in for mass. I swear I have bad luck in these situations. Knowing this we got a quick bite and head straight for the Trevi Fountain. WOW! I have never seen anything like this. You turn a corner and BAM, awesomeness all in your sight. Took us about 10 minutes to get to the fountain to make a wish because there were so many people just eating gelato and hanging out. Without time to spare, we go to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Has to be one of the biggest buildings I have ever seen. Obviously it was closed so we could only marvel its beauty from afar. Guess this was good because it gave us enough time to catch the ruins and Colosseum before the sun went down. We got to the ruins and it was serene to see history with my own eyes. Could say the same about the Colosseum but I couldn't get the movie Gladiator out of my head. HA! Anyways it was an amazing, LONG day of walking and visiting what we learn, watch, and hear about. It was an experience and trip I would never forget.
Next day we wake up early to head to Pompeii. The lost city was extraordinary. Knowing it was lost by a volcano gave it a mysterious feel. We explored the city for about two to three hours and still did not see everything. AND there is still more excavating that needs to be done. We explored with our tour guide who told us how they lived and what different rooms were used for. We left due to him repeating stuff and went to see the teatro and amphitheatre. Also saw a brothel where the women had specializations instead of just doing everything. Craziness even back then. After long hours in Pompei we left for our hotel in Vico Equese. Small town near Sorrento where we would be at in the morning. Nice town and view from the hotel. Had dinner and after caught the end of the Napoli v. Juventus soccer game. Obviously we were rooting for Napoli since we were so close to it. Word of advice: Always go for the home team! The next day we had breakfast and went to Sorrento. Amazingly beautiful town on the coast which is easily comparable to the infamous Amalfi Coast. Walked for more hours and ended up at a wood shop where everything was hand made. Got a nice music box. Around early afternoon we headed back to Florence. Longest, most productive weekend yet.

Photos of Rome at:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2542568&id=1915685&l=a481b

Photos of Pompei & Sorrento at:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2542831&id=1915685&l=aae57

Prague

Next up..Prague! Just something about this city that made it one of my top three cities (for now). When we got there, we had a traditional Bohemian lunch. Included garlic soup and beef goulash with three different kinds of dumplings. Delicious! Once our stomachs were full, we hit the town with no destination. That is where most of the pictures come from. Most museums were closed BUT we came across a Leonardo da Vinci exhibit-Man. Inventor. Genius. We had to go in! In the entrance there was a timeline of his life and what he did (artistically, inventions, etc) until his death. As you continue on there were replicas of his inventions, sketching, and paintings. This man was truly beyond his time and thought of things that today are continually being used. Remarkable exhibit! Afterwards we met up with some friends and enjoyed the night. Next day we went straight for the St. Charles bridge. It is lined with statues on each side and has a great history. One saint was even thrown off of it to die! There was even a good luck dog to rub so I had to get some of that. HA! After crossing the bridge we decided to check out this breakfast joint called Bohemia Bagel. Best decision we ever made in our lives!! Thanks to lonely planet's suggestion, we had one of the best breakfast meals ever! Literally! SO fresh and cooked to perfection. I even had leftovers and if you know me, never happens!! Barely able to walk afterwards, we went to the Prague Castle. This place is a city within itself. You could possibly put downtown Florence in this castle. It is also elevated on a hill so the views were phenomenal. You could see all of Prague and an Eiffel Tower twin that is off in the distance. After we toured the churches, towers, and streets of the castle, we went to a Jewish neighborhood. Obviously every museum and synagogue was closed on Saturday. Left that to see the astronomical clock in effect on the hour. It was interesting but I guess I was expecting more to happen. Just some saints pass by and a skeleton as well. Maybe I didn't have a good view with all the spectators there before we arrived. Who knows! Anyways we went to a pizza place for a small dinner since we were full already. We had some cheap pizza and beer and lost track of time. Worse mistake because I missed the Dali exhibit!! Ran to catch it and sure enough weren't letting people in like half an hour before closing. I don't like these rules but you snooze, you lose! If that was closed we figured everything else was too so we hit the town again for our last night. Magical and Gothic city. Loved it.

Photos can be seen at:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2542542&id=1915685&l=862bd

Venice

SO I went to Venice and guess what was there....CARIVALE 2009!!! HA! Went just to pick up a friend arriving there but it happened to be Carivale so it worked out. And it is true...once you get off the train station there is water EVERYWHERE!! Well not everywhere but the streets are literally made of water. You have to walk about a mile out of your way to cross the river. Still amazing! Anyways, once we got to Venice we checked in and left to see the town. There were people everywhere and one could not stop without a domino effect happening. I had my mask and hat ready but there were unique, colorful more eccentric costumes to enjoy. We headed for St. Marks square expecting to see thousands of pigeons and was happily awaited by a stage surrounded by thousands of costumes. No pigeon in sight!! On stage they were dancing and performing different Carnivale traditions. We could not see because of the capacity so we decided to leave and find a gondola. Best decision before the sun went down. The guy also spoke Spanish so we got a special tour. He also gave us a bottle of wine/champagne (couldn't decide which one) for the trip. Cruising the streets of Venice at dusk was a memory I would never forget. Our guide said we passed the house where Mozart used to live in which was an interesting fact. Once the ride was done we tried to run to a museum which closed as soon as we got there. Oops! Next day we went to Murano which is an island of Venice where glass making is a specialty. If you have glass in Italy, its from Murano! Exploring the island was fun and seeing all the random glass structures. Had to buy some glass. Left the island and went straight to the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. The permanent collection is comprised of masterworks of Cubism, Futurism, Surrealism, and American Abstract Expressionism. Among the artists represented are Picasso, Braque, Duchamp, Kandinsky, Ernst, Magritte, and Dali. It was incredible and the story of Peggy was heard a little from the English tour guide who we followed until we had to leave. HA! We left to catch the train to Florence which was one of the worst rides I have ever taken in my life. Besides that, the trip was memorable. Until next time....CIAO!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2542506&id=1915685&l=236ee

Amsterdam

I AMsterdam!! Did not find the sign but still loved this magical city. It was cold but he sun was out and waiting for us to take the town. We arrived and headed to the Heineken Factory. This was closed the first time I went so I was excited to see what it had to offer. At the beginning, they give you a history of the beer and family. They also have art up all around that shows different advertisements from various generations and countries. Very interesting! After you walk awhile the halls lead you to where they actually make the beer and show you the process. They even let you stir some and taste it before they put barley. Worst thing ever! You could also watch videos inside the large beer containers which was interesting. Obviously after all this touring we had to try the famous beer and what to look for to make sure it is at its finest. Talked the guy into giving us a little extra too! HA! Breaking the ice is half the battle...after that were more rooms of technology to enjoy its history of commercials from the last 30 years. To end it all, we had some more drinks and were on our way. We walked by the Red Light District since our hostel was in the area and looked around. The next day we were up and out to the Van Gogh museum. We walked there which took us about an hour but the walk made the city that much better. It had a New York feel but cleaner. Everyone was walking or on a bike. Sun was out. Perfect day to explore a city. Van Gogh is one of my favorite artists so going there again was no problem for me. The museum also had Monet and other impressionist. After the three floors of art, we hung out around the museum campus and enjoyed the park while the sun was still out. Did not take any pictures because obviously the Netherlands doesn't have the same outlets as Italy. Camera was not in use but I think I make up for it with the other amazing photos! :)

Siena & San Gimignano

Back tracking a little. I took a day trip with the school to Siena and San Gimignano which are two cities south of Firenze. They are both small but carry a lot of history for Italy. Although these are popular spots to visit, the day was gloomy and rainy which did not help the mood or trip. We made do and headed straight to St. Catherine's church where her head and finger are still preserved inside. Kind of creepy but cool to know such preservation exists for the saint of the church. It was massive and as most Italian architecture, had high ceilings. Afterwards we hit Siena's piazza il Campo. Its a must see site including a huge piazza with a nice tower. In this piazza is where the scene of the thrilling Palio bareback horse-race. It only happens twice a year so I'll miss it but it gets very intense (saw a video of the crowd storming the winner and countless injuries). About 5 minutes from there was Siena's Duomo and Palazzo Pubblico which are two of the purest examples of Italian Gothic architecture. The pictures tell it all. With no time to waste, we bused to San Gimignano. The rain started coming down harder but we could not miss the spectacular view from the top of the highest point in town on a tower. Took about 15 minutes to get up but it was well worth it. After this hike I could not take anymore of the rain and headed back to the bus for Firenze. If the link to the photos is not working , please let me know.

Ciao

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2542808&id=1915685&l=039ba