Mom's road trip around Italy

Dad had given mom a trip to Italy for Christmas and we thought coming at the end of my semester made the most sense.  So she and cousin Maggie came on Good Friday.  I met them in Rome at the Hilton hotel by the airport. I found them getting ready to take naps. No people you can’t take a tap; we’ve got places to go, things to see, and pizza to eat! So we rallied and headed to the city center and wandered around. Now most people have never been to Rome in their lives or have gone once, but this was my fourth time in 3 months. Rome is a cool city don’t get me wrong, but I didn’t quite have the curiosity or excitement that I had during my first visit.  The pope held Stations of the Cross at dark at the Colosseum and that was just awe inspiring.  We only stayed for a little bit because we were exhausted.  Saturday I had eggs for breakfast paired with a nutella croissant of course, but people I got scrambled eggs after several months. Yippy! We toured Rome some more and went to the Vatican.  What a pretty place it is.  There are two simple requests when in the Sistine Chapel-no photos and no talking. People just love to find ways to do both. You know those people who try and sneak their phones up their sleeves to get a picture. It’s so much more beautiful in there when it’s silent and people can follow two simple requests.  We had to get gelato before we got on the bus back to the hotel and thought we’d indulge on the bus, but the bus driver had another idea for us-throw it away! No sir we can’t just throw good gelato away, we’ll scarf it down in two minutes instead.  Sunday, Easter, one of my favorite holidays. We were up before 5am to head to the Vatican. We dressed in our Easter dresses and headed through the parking lots, over barriers, dodging cars and made it to the bus.  We arrived outside the St. Peter’s Square gates at 7:15 and they opened at 8.  Imagine day after Thanksgiving shopping, but times 10 worse and people speaking just about every language imaginable. When the gates opened you are forced to push them, hug them, dance on them to survive.  My hands couldn’t even go down to my sides.  But we made it, and found seats. You are supposed to fax in a letter to the Vatican office 2-6 months before the service to get tickets to special masses. It’s not completely necessary though as lots of people who came early enough got seats. We were to the right of the stage only 15 rows back.  There were over 150,000 people in the square all the way back to the river.   It was a perfect day with not a cloud in the sky.  On my life list has been to attend Easter or Christmas mass at the Vatican and it did not disappoint my hopes. Papa Francesco is so loved all around the world and it was evident in the crowd with different nationalities represented and many young people in attendance. Ah it was just perfect. An experience of a lifetime.  Being there and actually understanding some of what Papa Francesco was saying and seeing him wave around in his convertible pope mobile was awesome. We wandered around Rome the rest of the afternoon as did about 2 million other people. It wasn’t quite like my first trip there in January where you didn’t have to wait in line for things.  

Easter mass at the Vatican

If you’re going to go to Rome, or Italy for that matter go November-February even though you won’t have great weather. It’s worth it! Monday we rented a little Fiat Punto and headed out to the hills.  I was impressed with mom’s driving; navigating through crazy aggressive drivers, bicyclists and whatever else may be on the road. We went to the city of Viterbo which looked like a little Italian ghost town. The day after Easter is a holiday in Italy and we probably didn’t see more than 100 people in town. We enjoyed a delicious lunch of lasagna with at least a pound of cheese and some sort of red vegetable.  And chocolate cake for dessert of course.  Maggie headed back to Rome to continue her trip to Greece and mom and I continued to Siena.  The drive was beautiful around a huge lake. We stopped in Siena and wandered for a while. I can see why my friends loved studying abroad there.  We then continued to Florence back to my pensione to pick up my luggage. 

mom's experience at Gusta Pizza 

We ended up spending the night there because our Air B&B place didn’t come through.  I’ll never forget that smell of cat pee as you walk in the building.  Tuesday was spent touring Florence-seeing David, my school, getting mom’s daily cappuccino, walking up Piazza Michealangelo, eating gelato twice, Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, the leather market and one last trip to Gusta Pizza. I think that was at least my eighth trip there and it’s definitely a must eat in Florence.  Again Florence was crowded but it was nice to run through the city one last time.  We headed off toward Padova in our little Punto.  After a few missed turns (because who needs a real paper map when you have a couple of pictures and your own brain) we finally made it to our hotel in Padova just after 1am.  Wednesday we headed to Venice. Think of what you picture Venice to be. Maybe it’s only what you’ve seen at the Venetian in Vegas or maybe you’ve seen glorious photographs. After a day spent wandering around the canals a and islands of Venice I can say that looking at those glorious photographs is better than a visit.  Our experience was walking around graffitied streets with tons of people. Just when we thought we’d seen it all we turn around and there’s a massive cruise ship coming into port. We spent some time at the island of Murano, famous for glass blowing, to watch a demonstration and consequently buy some glass.  If you’re looking for that romantic gondola ride make sure you bring 80Euro and you don’t mind your 25 minutes being spent along side motorboats. 

Portofino

Thursday was a pleasant drive to Lake Garda spending time lounging by the lake with fresh OJ and a croissant.  The lake is a beautiful mix a beautiful Mediterranean hue and snow capped peaks in the background.  We then continued on to Portofino on the coast for dinner.  Such a beautiful town and definitely worth the visit.  After taking a dirt, one-way road we made it to our hostel.  Yes, mom stayed in her third hostel in a year at the age of 52. Pretty cool right?  It was an awesome place that looked like a home from Lord of the Rings.  The stars were brilliant and we enjoyed catching up with world travelers.  Friday we set out to hike the five villages of Cinque Terre.  The coastal trail was closed and probably will be for another year. Mom was a little anxious that we hadn’t planned much but quickly learned, yet again, that most times when you try to plan something in Italy it just doesn’t go the way you thought it would.  We took the ferry to Riomaggiore and began our trek up stone stairs, along the highway and down through forests.  We stopped in Corniglia, my favorite of the towns, for a pesto lasagna lunch.  The popular town of Vernazza was definitely popular that day. We were amazed at the crowds.  The last leg to Monterosso was along the coastal trail that was another but a walk in the park.  Overall the hike was beautiful. I’d suggest going during the week in the off season, sometime after the trail opens next year.  Find out which town is your favorite.  Gelato was our reward in Monterosso before we began the three hour drive to Turino.  Upon arrival in Turino we didn’t have a hotel so we drove around for a while before finding one. Saturday we explored the 2006 Olympic city of Turino nestled at the base of the alps. Beautiful city as was the little town of Susa.  Ahhh Susa I could live there.  After fueling up on cheese bread, apples and chocolate we headed to George Clooney’s home. Okay not actually his home, but Lake Como where he does have a house.  Lake Como is stunning right along the Switzerland boarder. Nice and peaceful watching float planes take off and couples enjoy strolls along the shore.

Riomaggiore

Turino

  This is the second time I’ve gotten to take a trip with just one of my parents. When I was 16 dad and I went to Ireland for 9 days and drove around the Emerald Isle. Pretty cool to be able to travel like that; to live on the road in a foreign country and to be with your mom or dad. My warning to anyone driving in Italy-be ready to pay lots of tolls and practice your aggressive and defensive driving. Go to Italy in the off season if you can or find little towns away from all the crowds, unless you’re into that sort of thing. Rent a car and let your mind and body wander. Stay in hostel, talk to a stranger and try a new food!

thanks for coming momma

the land of chocolate and tulips

Bruges

    All semester I had wanted to see the tulip festival in Holland. I had gotten several laughs at this, but I was stoked to make this little dream a reality.  I left for Brussels (yeah that's not in Holland, but I might as well make this into an extended trip) on Wednesday night and arrived at the Hello hostel. The taxi driver told me to watch out for prostitutes at night so that was a nice little welcome.  Thursday I left early to catch a couple of trains to go to Bruges. There were a few girls speaking English before we got on the train so I asked where they were going and they invited me to join since I was alone. Bruges was a fairytale. It was absolutely stunning. I felt like I was walking around scenes only dreamed about but not actually real places. I had a Belgian waffle and fries for lunch, classic.  The day was spent walking around the canals with Medha, a new friend from Clemson. Bruges is famous for beer, lace and the singer Gotye.  It is the most charming European city I've visited. Check out the movie "In Bruges" and you'll see why I loved the city so much.  Look for the dog who is claimed to be "the most photographed dog in the world" because he perches out a window along a canal all day long.

Bruges, Belgium

 









 

Meredith and I at the Autonium

 I met up with Meredith and her friends in Brussels Thursday night. I haven't seen Meredith in almost 5 years since we met at HOBY WLC in Washington DC after sophomore year of high school. We go to schools on the opposite side of the country, but she is studying in Spain

Julie and I at the Keukenhof Gardens

for the semester so we worked out a trip together.  She's one of those people who you don't have to talk to more than a couple times a year, but you know you'll be friends for life.     We spent Friday touring a chocolate factory, taking pictures at the Atomium (CNN named it Europe's most bizarre building), and walking around the city center.  Brussels is a nice city. I think it'd be a very livable, international city as it the houses the European Commission and pretty much everyone speaks English.  No trip to Brussels is complete without going to the Manneken Pis, better known as peeing baby statue, which has been a landmark since the early 1600s. For 25Euro I took a series of trains for 3 hours to Amsterdam! The train ride was beautiful through the Dutch country side.  Julie and I met up at the train station and headed to Leah Smith's apartment.  Leah was gracious enough to let us stay with her for the weekend and she made an excellent tour guide.  We indulged in Stroop Waffles, Bitterballen, and french fries. Of course we had to see the Red Light District. it's an interesting experience to see women selling themselves and to watch men walk out after a session.  I don't really know how I feel about it, but when in Amsterdam.

land of all things Dutch

    Saturday was tulip day!!! We took a trip outside of town to the Keukenhof Gardens. We joked this was like an adult Disneyland, because besides kids with their parents we were the youngest ones there. The gardens were immaculate. I was soooo happy to see the hundreds of different types of tulips and other flowers. We found an open field of tulips that we ran through only after we successfully jumped across a canal.  There are tulip festivals around the world, but the source of many of those bulbs comes from Holland.  If you ever get a chance, go check out the tulips in the Netherlands.  Of course we took pictures at the seemingly random but famous "Amsterdam" sign and then had Dutch pancakes at Leah's favorite restaurant, The Pancake Bakery. I opted for one with cheese and chorizo thinking back to the endless amounts of chorizo we ate in South America. It certainly was tasty.  Julie and I toured the Anne Frank house that night. Another place I've always dreamt and read about. I think I've read Anne's dairy at least 3 times and she continues to be a source of inspiration to me.  The museum was simplistic and well done really taking you back and imagining what her life was like.  Definitely a must see in Amsterdam.

Julie, Leah and I

   Sunday was spent walking around town and then catching our flight back.  Amsterdam is my favorite big European city. It's liberal, but has something for everyone. The canals make the city's design intricate and like a maze. The food is incredible both sweet and savory and the people are happy go lucky.  The also have peanut butter and cookie butter (which I learned is called Speculous)That was my experience there and in the future it is one place I think I could live.  I know you're all wondering if I smoked weed in a coffee shop and the answer is.......no. haha But if you are someone who is into that there are plenty of opportunities for you.
    What a great weekend it was especially right before finals.  Three of my worlds collided; Meredith from HOBY WLC, Leah from High School, and Julie from abroad.  How fortunate am I travel to beautiful places with beautiful people?    

"Some tourists think Amsterdam is a city of sin,

but in truth it is a city of freedom.

And in freedom, most people find sin."John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

Friends

This past year has been one to remember and it's really the people who have made it so great. I've learned that friends are a necessity and without them in your life, well it might be boring. When I joke that strangers are friends we've never met, I'm not fully kidding. I think there's lots of truth in meeting new people and becoming friends. Friends more than just the craze of "becoming officially friends" once you're friends on facebook.  I haven't seen a lot of my friends in a year, but that doesn't mean that anything has changed. Between the snapchats, facebook posts, skype and viber calls, and letters I feel connected and not forgotten.  I do have friends around the world and I'm forever grateful for those connections. I'm fortunate to have friends from all parts of my life-from Coke Scholars I haven't seen in 3 years to roommates at DU I am happy you're all in my life.
   Since I have lots of time on train rides to write and think I'd thought I'd just mention some of the people who have contributed to this last year of experiences and introduce you to some awesome people who I call my friends.

Susie-training for her first marathon,hiking across Switzerland this summer,stellar lax player&coach
Annie-graduating early this summer,avid golf& Spartans fan,napper extraordinaire and karaoke singer
Allison B.-most likely to survive in the wilderness, runner and hiker of world's tallest peaks
Katrin-looking to qualify for the Boston Marathon, lover of popcorn,studied abroad in Beijing
Hannah E.-outdoor enthusiast, smile that lights up a room, never complains
Ali-has the biggest sweet tooth I know, smart and athletic and nice
Megan-great visitor anytime you want to procrastinate, coolest caddie, always willing to get treats
Brittney- life could be a movie, always has a new story to share, great listener, dependable friend
Sam- friend who knows how to make you feel like you're the coolest person in the room
Rachel-most photogenic and has the most pictures on facebook(4473), everyone wants to be around
Garret-will always be a child at heart, can count on you to always make people laugh
Mur- best road trip partner, never afraid to dance, little dynamite on the lacrosse field
Allyson- rock climber and biology major, better than most guys at sports video games
Ana-wildest red head but incredibly dependable, friend who knows how to take adventures
Kiki- All American girl who will be the nicest dentist you've ever met
Megan- leader and follower, always follows through, cares about everyone
 Brandan- always has something funny to share, will be a wealthy family man, loves the go pro
Laura-artist and business lady making stationary, runner of half marathons across the country
Cassie- a heart that's bigger than she is tall, loves rollerblading and driving Chester

Irene-engineer+backpacker+sorority girl=all around great person

Rylie- phenomenal cook, chocolate lover, zumba dancer, prettiest smile
Angie- coolest ski bum, never afraid to try something new, loves trivia nights
Tiffany- married but still always finds time to get ice cream, always doing something funny
Allison-graduating soon and already has a job lined up, drives a manual car, hard worker
Zoe-always tackling something new, volunteers with the cutest old people, headed to Africa
Christian-currently in Taiwan, will solve a world problem some day, master of all trades
Steph-one of the best college women's soccer players, studies hard and will one day be a lawyer
Stacey-will be the nicest and prettiest nurse you've ever met, always kind, runs a lot
Miranda-makes the funniest faces, college soccer player, wife, skier
Kenna-will save lots of lives as a doctor, good at every sport she tries
Jasmine- currently in Ukraine, dependable and caring and happy to be who she is
Sarah- beautiful ballerina, fun friend who remembers everything

Jen-smarty pants, heading to grad school in the fall, climbed a volcano with mono
Kelly-little bundle of energy, runner and moving west this summer to pursue her dreams
Meghan-loves Starbucks and bagels, wants to join the Peace Corp, always full of stories

Julie-loves gelato and chocolate, someone everyone can count on anytime anywhere
Jamee- incredibly kind, always up for an adventure, a smile and laugh to make you happy
Michelle- so funny at all times of the day,has a wide range of music on her itunes making her a great DJ
Connor- studies a ton but it pays off, knows how to make people feel important and always means well
Yesenia- dependable and friends with everyone, hard working and determined, happy forever
April- kind and helpful, cares way more about others than herself

 I wish everyone had the privilege of meeting each and every one of you!  The list could go on and on and in my mind it does. But in the end I'm so happy for the experiences I've gotten to share with so many different people all around the world. There's the saying that friends are family you can choose and how great is it when you find those friends that become family?

"Friends are hard to find. In a lifetime you get only a few. And when you find them

you always know them by sight and heart alone, you always

grow a little bit taller in your soul, and you know

you have been blessed just to know them."

Pretty Prague

I'd heard from many fellow European travelers that Prague was their favorite city they visited so from the beginning I wanted to check it out.  Julie left on Thursday and I was supposed to go that day too, but "summer schedule" had begun and I arrived at the airport to be told the flight had left 4 hours prior. No big deal, I got put on the next flight which was Saturday with no change fee. Things really do always turn out just fine and I was able to get school work done.  Upon my arrival Saturday Julie and I set out to see the city. We saw the Jubilee synagogue, astronomical clock, Prague Castle, the dancing house, a few churches and my personal favorite-the Charles Bridge.  Prague is known for its unique architecture and colorful buildings. We'd find ourselves just looking up at seemingly random buildings and staring at their intricate architecture. At one point there were some nicely dressed young men and who could they be??? LDS missionaries of course! A little reminder of home right there. There were so many happy people out just walking around.  There was an unusually high population of men.  The male to female ratio in the city had to be about 4:1.  We kept seeing these Thai message places with water tanks full of little fish and Julie has always wanted one of these fish pedicures. So she spent 25 minutes in a display case with her feet dangling in fish water while they ate her dead skin and I had a message by a 4 foot tall Thai grandma.  I had to hold back from laughing as she jumped across my back as I'm lying on a foam pad, in a bright orange cloth outfit, and thai music playing.  Quite the experience for $15.  The John Lennon Wall was also an experience. Since the 1980s it was been used to share quotes and artwork of Beatles lyrics and ideas of peace.  A group of 60 year old Asian women just loved us and wanted to take pictures with us and talk to us about America. They said "We from Korea. South Korea. You know Gangnam Style?"  Oh well of course we do and I proceeded to do a little dance for them.

And here are our new friends 

I stumbled upon the Patagonia store. It's now become a fun thing to see how many countries I can find a store in and even more relevant now that I've been to the actual Patagonia region. Walking around that night was fun too. Most of the bars allow smoking inside them which is a great way to keep Julie and I out.

pretty buildings 

    Eating bratwursts, langos, gelato, apple strudel, and trdelnik wasn't bad either.  Beer is cheaper than water which makes sense since legend has it that the god of hospitality invented it in the Czech Republic.  The city was clean and the streets were relatively large. Everyone spoke a good deal of English which was necessary when trying to navigate the confusing streets. It's a city of culture and proud people.  I saw more tongue piercings, dreadlocks (on an Asian too), and colorful hair than I have in any other city. I loved Prague especially the river! Definitely a place worth visiting.

astronomical clock

Julie and I at the Charles Bridge