Budapest, Hungary
I Love Budapest. This city is so charming and peaceful. Maybe it has something to do with the cool, crisp air, the gray heavy skies, the periodic, light sprinkles, or the golden leaves floating to the ground. Today Josh and I went to the little island in the river between Buda on the left and Pest on the right. It was unbelievably serene. So quiet and calm. A mother played soccer with her son. I made a small pile of leaves fell/sat back into it a couple times. Josh sat against a tree and journaled for a bit. I took some macro pictures of an ant crawling across the leaves. It truly feels like autumn. At times, however it even feels like winter, as it's about the same temperature as it is in Tucson in winter. We went to a a Turkish bath today, but it was only open for women on Monday. So we will go again tomorrow morning. We've been having a great time with our Hungarian couchsurfing host Gabi. She has taken us around and made us feel at home. Last night we went to one of her friend's house where we ate a home-cooked, traditional Hungarian dish called rakott krumpli which consisted of potato, egg, sausage, sour cream with spices, cheese and some bacon on the top. It was layered, prepared like a lasanga. Afterward, we had thin pancakes, almost like crepes, that Gabi prepared. We covered our pancrepes (as I call them) in chocolate spread, home-made jam, and other sweet things. Apparently, pancakes are eaten as a desert after lunch or dinner, never for breakfast. Tomorrow, Josh and I leave for our next city, and I will miss Budapest very much. There is such a beautiful energy here. I write that risking sounding out there, but there's no better way to describe it. It is so peaceful and exciting at the same time. This is a place I will definitely return to and where I could potentially see myself living at some point... or at least shooting a film.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Welcome to Hungary
Budapest, Hungary
There is some sweet Jazz music playing as I sit in the community area of a really cool hostel that is essentially an apartment that has a bunch of beds. It feels so comfortable and relaxed here. I feel much more connected to Budapest than I did Prague. We arrived yesterday morning. We took a night train and unfortunately, Josh's expensive digital SLR camera was stolen in the night by two Hungarian gypsies, according to the creepy, bald train conductor with a lazy eye. We wandered around a bit yesterday and ate an amazing meal of sauerkraut and beef goulash at a local indoor market. Last night we met up with a couple girls from couchsurfing -- one of which is supposed to host us tonight. We sat at a laidback bar and talked, and everyone else drank. When the bar closed at 1:00 AM, we headed out to a club. The cover charge was 1000 Forints, approximately seven US dollars. It was like some underground series of tunnels and rooms with pipes and ducts running across the ceiling, and different music playing in different sections. I checked my jacket -- with my sweatshirt inside it and my beanie, scarf and gloves stuffed in pockets -- for another 200 Forints. I danced for awhile while everyone else proceeded to drink more. Overall I had a good time, but it was slightly tense when a Turkish guy who was part of the "group" got very upset that I was dancing with his friend. Fortunately, there was a professional Australian football player named Craig who kept everything cool. The whole experience was rather bizarre and was only exacerbated by the strobing, colored lights and loud American dance music vibrating the walls. Josh and I got back to our hostel at 5:00 AM and after making a quick video journal entry, I passed out.
There is some sweet Jazz music playing as I sit in the community area of a really cool hostel that is essentially an apartment that has a bunch of beds. It feels so comfortable and relaxed here. I feel much more connected to Budapest than I did Prague. We arrived yesterday morning. We took a night train and unfortunately, Josh's expensive digital SLR camera was stolen in the night by two Hungarian gypsies, according to the creepy, bald train conductor with a lazy eye. We wandered around a bit yesterday and ate an amazing meal of sauerkraut and beef goulash at a local indoor market. Last night we met up with a couple girls from couchsurfing -- one of which is supposed to host us tonight. We sat at a laidback bar and talked, and everyone else drank. When the bar closed at 1:00 AM, we headed out to a club. The cover charge was 1000 Forints, approximately seven US dollars. It was like some underground series of tunnels and rooms with pipes and ducts running across the ceiling, and different music playing in different sections. I checked my jacket -- with my sweatshirt inside it and my beanie, scarf and gloves stuffed in pockets -- for another 200 Forints. I danced for awhile while everyone else proceeded to drink more. Overall I had a good time, but it was slightly tense when a Turkish guy who was part of the "group" got very upset that I was dancing with his friend. Fortunately, there was a professional Australian football player named Craig who kept everything cool. The whole experience was rather bizarre and was only exacerbated by the strobing, colored lights and loud American dance music vibrating the walls. Josh and I got back to our hostel at 5:00 AM and after making a quick video journal entry, I passed out.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Stranger in a Strange Land
Prague, Czech Republic
Yes, I am in Prague. It is very strange. For the first time in my life, I am really in a foreign place where I don't speak the language whatsoever and the only person I really know is my travel companion, Josh.
It all started a couple days ago when Josh and I realized that we might not use all of our travel days on our Eurail pass before it expires. So two days ago, in Florence, we decided to just have a crazy train adventure, travelling to far off lands. We chose Prague (Praha, in Czech) first. Yesterday we travelled on four trains for 16 hours. It was intense. We arrived at 10:45 and spent an hour wandering around looking for a hostel. We found one that cost 400 Crowns, approximately 18 US dollars. We took our monstrous packs to the room and then headed out into the night. We ate some sausages with mustard and sauerkraut from a late night stand. We took pictures of random things. Then we meandered back to our hostel. The hostel has definitely contributed to my sense of feeling so foreign. It's like a converted old hospital or something, so sterile and cold. This morning, while retrieving my watch from behind the "bed" -- really some bizarre couch without a back, covered with a sheet -- I pulled up a black stocking. Fortunately, they offer free internet, so I am here. And to be honest, checking my email and blogging really makes me feel more connected. I can't put it into words though how truly strange it is to be in a place where you don't understand anything and are fully reliant on the kindness, and ability to speak English, of others.
Yes, I am in Prague. It is very strange. For the first time in my life, I am really in a foreign place where I don't speak the language whatsoever and the only person I really know is my travel companion, Josh.
It all started a couple days ago when Josh and I realized that we might not use all of our travel days on our Eurail pass before it expires. So two days ago, in Florence, we decided to just have a crazy train adventure, travelling to far off lands. We chose Prague (Praha, in Czech) first. Yesterday we travelled on four trains for 16 hours. It was intense. We arrived at 10:45 and spent an hour wandering around looking for a hostel. We found one that cost 400 Crowns, approximately 18 US dollars. We took our monstrous packs to the room and then headed out into the night. We ate some sausages with mustard and sauerkraut from a late night stand. We took pictures of random things. Then we meandered back to our hostel. The hostel has definitely contributed to my sense of feeling so foreign. It's like a converted old hospital or something, so sterile and cold. This morning, while retrieving my watch from behind the "bed" -- really some bizarre couch without a back, covered with a sheet -- I pulled up a black stocking. Fortunately, they offer free internet, so I am here. And to be honest, checking my email and blogging really makes me feel more connected. I can't put it into words though how truly strange it is to be in a place where you don't understand anything and are fully reliant on the kindness, and ability to speak English, of others.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Back to the City
Florence, Italy
I just got back a little bit ago from exploring Florence. Josh and I arrived here in Florence around four o'clock today. It was rather cold and the sky was gray. We walked to the popular hostel, but it was booked. Rather than be disappointed, I just accepted that everything is working out as it is meant to. So we walked about three meters down the street to a hostel/hotel where we got a room with two beds and we get the key, but there is a communal bathroom. Unfortunately there's no kitchen for Josh to work his magic. We're staying here because I didn't get any affirmative responses from people on Couchsurfing. I washed some shirts, a pair of socks, and a pair of underwear in the sink and hung them up on my neon pink clothes line on our balcony. Then I bundled up in my sweater, rain jacket, scarf, gloves and beanie before heading out. We went to the market and I bought some stale bread, salami, cheese, and Nutella. We walked for a bit and then sat on the steps of the Duomo and ate our sandwiches -- mind you I did not put Nutella on my salami and cheese sandwich. After eating, we just wandered around the city, with no particular destination in mind. It sprinkled occasionally. We sang "Over the Rainbow" by each singing one word at a time. It is such a drastic change from Cinque Terre. We're back in the urban jungle, cut off from Nature and relaxation. Cinque Terre was amazing and I kind of miss it. However, I'm sure Florence has some wonderful things to offer... I'm really looking forward to seeing Michelangelo's "David." I know will enjoy my Florentine adventures.
I just got back a little bit ago from exploring Florence. Josh and I arrived here in Florence around four o'clock today. It was rather cold and the sky was gray. We walked to the popular hostel, but it was booked. Rather than be disappointed, I just accepted that everything is working out as it is meant to. So we walked about three meters down the street to a hostel/hotel where we got a room with two beds and we get the key, but there is a communal bathroom. Unfortunately there's no kitchen for Josh to work his magic. We're staying here because I didn't get any affirmative responses from people on Couchsurfing. I washed some shirts, a pair of socks, and a pair of underwear in the sink and hung them up on my neon pink clothes line on our balcony. Then I bundled up in my sweater, rain jacket, scarf, gloves and beanie before heading out. We went to the market and I bought some stale bread, salami, cheese, and Nutella. We walked for a bit and then sat on the steps of the Duomo and ate our sandwiches -- mind you I did not put Nutella on my salami and cheese sandwich. After eating, we just wandered around the city, with no particular destination in mind. It sprinkled occasionally. We sang "Over the Rainbow" by each singing one word at a time. It is such a drastic change from Cinque Terre. We're back in the urban jungle, cut off from Nature and relaxation. Cinque Terre was amazing and I kind of miss it. However, I'm sure Florence has some wonderful things to offer... I'm really looking forward to seeing Michelangelo's "David." I know will enjoy my Florentine adventures.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
I Love Cinque Terre
Riomaggiore (Cinque Terre), Italy
Life is truly incredible here in Cinque Terre. My new travel buddy Josh and I arrived a couple days ago. We were stopped in the street by a woman who offered us a place to stay. It's a nice little apartment with two double beds and one bunk bed, as well as a kitchen. It's been delightful to stay there, mostly due to the fact that Josh has been preparing dinner the past few evenings. The day we arrived, we spent the afternoon on the stone beach in Corniglia, the middle town of the five. We had a wonderful time skipping stones, building a stone tower, swimming (I did), and watching the vibrant, crimson sun drip into the ocean. Yesterday we hiked from the last town, Monterosso, to the fourth town, Vernazza. It was a somewhat difficult hike, but we stopped every twenty feet to take pictures. So we managed to finish that one hike between two towns in only six hours. Today we hiked between the other four towns. Today was cold and overcast in the morning. While hiking along, it rained occasionally, which I enjoyed. We met two Americans, Ben and Stephanie. We all hiked together. At one point, we hiked up some steps off the path. They lead to an old abandoned house. It was very strange. The rooms were filled with deteriorating furniture and debris. There was an old, rusty scooter out front. While exploring the wooden sheds, we discovered tons of bottles and large containers for wine, as well as the instruments to bottle wine. And strangely, the bathroom was in very good condition. Amidst the debris strewn about the floor of the shed, we discovered a cat skeleton, still intact. I climbed across the side of a slanted rock face to join my compatriots when I was attacked by the limb of an agave. It slashed me twice on the forehead. However, there need not be alarm, as it seems to be a minor flesh wound and recovery will be rapid. I can't tell you how beautiful Cinque Terre is... and I can't upload pictures as this computer doesn't have the capability. Let me just tell you though, there is such peace here. I thought Como was beautiful, and it is, but this is just stunning. Hiking alongside vineyards. Looking down from 50 or 100 feet and being able to see through the spectrum of blues and greens that is the ocean to the rocks beneath. Strolling through quaint towns with multi-colored buildings. And brilliant, glorious sunsets. Cinque Terre is truly a place to relax and appreciate the beauty of life. Today in Corniglia, the two people we were with stopped into a frozen yogurt place for a treat. There was an older gentleman with a fluffy, white beard serving the frozen yogurt. I asked if I could take a picture and he agreed (which hasn't been my experience with several other people), and then suggested that I get a picture with him. I stood next to him and he put his arm around me and squeezed me close, smiling and joking as the picture was taken. He was such a cheery man. It's people like Roberto the yogurt man that make Italy special.
Life is truly incredible here in Cinque Terre. My new travel buddy Josh and I arrived a couple days ago. We were stopped in the street by a woman who offered us a place to stay. It's a nice little apartment with two double beds and one bunk bed, as well as a kitchen. It's been delightful to stay there, mostly due to the fact that Josh has been preparing dinner the past few evenings. The day we arrived, we spent the afternoon on the stone beach in Corniglia, the middle town of the five. We had a wonderful time skipping stones, building a stone tower, swimming (I did), and watching the vibrant, crimson sun drip into the ocean. Yesterday we hiked from the last town, Monterosso, to the fourth town, Vernazza. It was a somewhat difficult hike, but we stopped every twenty feet to take pictures. So we managed to finish that one hike between two towns in only six hours. Today we hiked between the other four towns. Today was cold and overcast in the morning. While hiking along, it rained occasionally, which I enjoyed. We met two Americans, Ben and Stephanie. We all hiked together. At one point, we hiked up some steps off the path. They lead to an old abandoned house. It was very strange. The rooms were filled with deteriorating furniture and debris. There was an old, rusty scooter out front. While exploring the wooden sheds, we discovered tons of bottles and large containers for wine, as well as the instruments to bottle wine. And strangely, the bathroom was in very good condition. Amidst the debris strewn about the floor of the shed, we discovered a cat skeleton, still intact. I climbed across the side of a slanted rock face to join my compatriots when I was attacked by the limb of an agave. It slashed me twice on the forehead. However, there need not be alarm, as it seems to be a minor flesh wound and recovery will be rapid. I can't tell you how beautiful Cinque Terre is... and I can't upload pictures as this computer doesn't have the capability. Let me just tell you though, there is such peace here. I thought Como was beautiful, and it is, but this is just stunning. Hiking alongside vineyards. Looking down from 50 or 100 feet and being able to see through the spectrum of blues and greens that is the ocean to the rocks beneath. Strolling through quaint towns with multi-colored buildings. And brilliant, glorious sunsets. Cinque Terre is truly a place to relax and appreciate the beauty of life. Today in Corniglia, the two people we were with stopped into a frozen yogurt place for a treat. There was an older gentleman with a fluffy, white beard serving the frozen yogurt. I asked if I could take a picture and he agreed (which hasn't been my experience with several other people), and then suggested that I get a picture with him. I stood next to him and he put his arm around me and squeezed me close, smiling and joking as the picture was taken. He was such a cheery man. It's people like Roberto the yogurt man that make Italy special.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Venetian Wonders
Venice, Italy
I had a cappucino with my new friend Josh at a little cafe just before coming here to the internet cafe. For some odd reason, the room is and has been rocking as if I were on a boat. Very strange. I've been here for a couple days. Where do I begin? It was very overwhelming when I arrived. It was getting close to nighttime so I had to find a hostel, since I didn't have a couchsurfing host. Fortunately, I found one, and all was good. I know I'm being rather vague here, and for that I apologize. I have a full bladder, but you pay by the time here, so I don't want to stop and then start again. I know, probably too much info. At the hostel, I met a guy named Josh who is from the US and has been living in Spain for several months, as he ran out of money while travelling. He is a really cool guy and we spent the day yesterday wandering around Venice and just 'splorin'. I've been slowly, very slowly getting better physically. My throat isn't scratchy anymore, but I still have a congested nose and now this peculiar dizziness. We learned that most of the glass items sold here are actually manufactured in China and passed off as the coveted "Venetian glass". Also, interestingly, apparently the canals are also trash bins as we saw a woman, most likely a local, casually toss her cigarette butt into one. There are SOOOOOOOOO many tourists here. It's no wonder everything is so expensive. We tried as best as possible to get away from the tourists. Yesterday, while eating our grocery store-bought focaccia in a little quiet plaza, two little boys were playing on a large cauldron-esque monument thing. I could tell that they're imaginary world was that they were on a ship, as one of the boys dropped "la mapa" - a piece of paper acting as a map of the oceans or something- into "l'acqua." So, after I finished eating, I groaned and slowly climbed up the monument, acting like a sea monster. The boys screamed and crawled backwards. I retreated and then ascended again. More squeals from the boys. I made a silly face and biting motions, while producing sea monster noises. Eventually, I fell backwards and lay still, to which the boys exclaimed, "E mata" - He's dead. It was fun. I learned that the Gondolieri - the men who operate the gondolas- make around 1000 euros a day. Last night, while Josh and I wandered around trying to find our way to a waterbus to go back to the hostel, we discovered a part of the city that is not meant to be discovered. If you do not want the magic of Venice to be ruined, please do not read on. . . . There were cars. Real cars. I saw them. I even touched one. It was such a disappointment. It was like being backstage at Disneyland and seeing Goofy with his head off. However, there have definitely been moments where I just looked around, took a deep breath, and thought to myself - and at times said to myself - "I am in Venice!" It's pretty amazing that I'm really here. Life is pretty amazing.
I had a cappucino with my new friend Josh at a little cafe just before coming here to the internet cafe. For some odd reason, the room is and has been rocking as if I were on a boat. Very strange. I've been here for a couple days. Where do I begin? It was very overwhelming when I arrived. It was getting close to nighttime so I had to find a hostel, since I didn't have a couchsurfing host. Fortunately, I found one, and all was good. I know I'm being rather vague here, and for that I apologize. I have a full bladder, but you pay by the time here, so I don't want to stop and then start again. I know, probably too much info. At the hostel, I met a guy named Josh who is from the US and has been living in Spain for several months, as he ran out of money while travelling. He is a really cool guy and we spent the day yesterday wandering around Venice and just 'splorin'. I've been slowly, very slowly getting better physically. My throat isn't scratchy anymore, but I still have a congested nose and now this peculiar dizziness. We learned that most of the glass items sold here are actually manufactured in China and passed off as the coveted "Venetian glass". Also, interestingly, apparently the canals are also trash bins as we saw a woman, most likely a local, casually toss her cigarette butt into one. There are SOOOOOOOOO many tourists here. It's no wonder everything is so expensive. We tried as best as possible to get away from the tourists. Yesterday, while eating our grocery store-bought focaccia in a little quiet plaza, two little boys were playing on a large cauldron-esque monument thing. I could tell that they're imaginary world was that they were on a ship, as one of the boys dropped "la mapa" - a piece of paper acting as a map of the oceans or something- into "l'acqua." So, after I finished eating, I groaned and slowly climbed up the monument, acting like a sea monster. The boys screamed and crawled backwards. I retreated and then ascended again. More squeals from the boys. I made a silly face and biting motions, while producing sea monster noises. Eventually, I fell backwards and lay still, to which the boys exclaimed, "E mata" - He's dead. It was fun. I learned that the Gondolieri - the men who operate the gondolas- make around 1000 euros a day. Last night, while Josh and I wandered around trying to find our way to a waterbus to go back to the hostel, we discovered a part of the city that is not meant to be discovered. If you do not want the magic of Venice to be ruined, please do not read on. . . . There were cars. Real cars. I saw them. I even touched one. It was such a disappointment. It was like being backstage at Disneyland and seeing Goofy with his head off. However, there have definitely been moments where I just looked around, took a deep breath, and thought to myself - and at times said to myself - "I am in Venice!" It's pretty amazing that I'm really here. Life is pretty amazing.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Switzerland, here I come (exclamation point)
Lugano, Switzerland
I'm in Switzerland for the day. It's beautiful here too. But I prefer Como. I had a traditional meal for lunch, I don't really even know what it was... some type of meat with noodles on the side. They use Francs here, not Euros. So I took care of some banking with the Swiss, a.k.a. I withdrew some Francs from the ATM. I have yet to buy some chocolate, yet I can assure you it will be a hefty quantity as the smallest denomination of money that I could withdraw from the ATM was 50 Francs, which is approximately (by my calculations) 50 US dollars. To be honest, I'm feeling a little ill. I awoke this morning with a scratchy throat. I thought it might have been because I slept with my mouth open, however, the scratchiness is still there hours later, and it takes some effort to swallow. So if you're reading this, think of me as healthy and happy. One last thing. The public bathroom experience I had was amazing. They are like self-contained space ships. Truly amazing. I guess you'll have to wait for my video journal to see what I'm talking about. I'm starting to get a little dizzy. I think I've had my fill of Switzerland for awhile -- this is probably due to the fact that I'm feeling ill. Okay, ciao.
I'm in Switzerland for the day. It's beautiful here too. But I prefer Como. I had a traditional meal for lunch, I don't really even know what it was... some type of meat with noodles on the side. They use Francs here, not Euros. So I took care of some banking with the Swiss, a.k.a. I withdrew some Francs from the ATM. I have yet to buy some chocolate, yet I can assure you it will be a hefty quantity as the smallest denomination of money that I could withdraw from the ATM was 50 Francs, which is approximately (by my calculations) 50 US dollars. To be honest, I'm feeling a little ill. I awoke this morning with a scratchy throat. I thought it might have been because I slept with my mouth open, however, the scratchiness is still there hours later, and it takes some effort to swallow. So if you're reading this, think of me as healthy and happy. One last thing. The public bathroom experience I had was amazing. They are like self-contained space ships. Truly amazing. I guess you'll have to wait for my video journal to see what I'm talking about. I'm starting to get a little dizzy. I think I've had my fill of Switzerland for awhile -- this is probably due to the fact that I'm feeling ill. Okay, ciao.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Connecting with Nature
Como, Italy
Today was amazing. It definately started off interestingly. I awoke midnight-ish because a couple guys in the room were snoring horribly. I grabbed my nearby earplugs and fell back asleep. I awoke later at around six o'clock this morning because their snoring was so loud it bothered me through the earplugs. I wanted to go back to sleep so I decided to focus on my breathing. "Breathe in acceptance, breathe out Love. Breathe in acceptance, breathe in Love." And, as I drifted off, it became, "Breathe in acceptance, breathe out Love Jumanji." That's how I fell back asleep.
I took the cable car up the mountain. At the top, the air was fresh, the view was beautiful, and there was a delicious campfire fragrance floating about. I walked for a bit to the lighthouse. I continued on for awhile, working up a sweat and enjoying it. Eventually, I noticed a small flower on the ground near the road. I decided I would use the macro feature on my camera to take a picture of it. So I kneeled down to snap the photo. As I got closer to the ground, I realized the folliage was alive with grasshoppers. I took some close-up pictures with my macro. I also observed that some of the grasshoppers were mating. So I took more pictures. Additionally, I just watched for awhile. It was very interesting because they were so comfortable procreating just out in the open, sometimes right next to another of their kind. And shortly after their legs flailed wildly, the one on bottom, presumably the female, would climb over to a bunch of leaves and proceed to eat, with the other grasshopper still clinging to its back. While I was watching one particular couple, I saw another grasshopper poop a short distance away. I hope all of this is not too graphic for anyone... it was just so fascinating I had to share. Later, I saw a bee and wanted to take a picture of it, or thirty. So I sat down on the ground and then spotted a ladybug. The bee flew away so I leaned in to shoot the ladybug, completely oblivious to the plants around me. Within moments, my arms were lined with little white bumps that stung and itched furiously. I doused my arms with some of my precious water, and shortly thereafter, it started to feel better. I experienced two other plants of the stinging, devil family, although different species, throughout the course of my photographic adventures. Later, while hiking through the forest, I broke into song, as often happens when I'm happy. No particular lyrics come to mind, but they were priceless if I can recall correctly. The sunset was exquisite. Vibrant flames of orange and red. Of course I managed to take photographs and shoot some video. I had a small meal on the mountain, followed by a conversation with an Italian man, translated by the owner of the restaurant. The Italian man shared with me his philosophy on President Bush, American wine vs. Italian wine, and also that he is a fascist. I don't know if he was joking. He also mentioned a time when he met an American man who liked very much to eat vegetable soup. I Love Italia.
Today was amazing. It definately started off interestingly. I awoke midnight-ish because a couple guys in the room were snoring horribly. I grabbed my nearby earplugs and fell back asleep. I awoke later at around six o'clock this morning because their snoring was so loud it bothered me through the earplugs. I wanted to go back to sleep so I decided to focus on my breathing. "Breathe in acceptance, breathe out Love. Breathe in acceptance, breathe in Love." And, as I drifted off, it became, "Breathe in acceptance, breathe out Love Jumanji." That's how I fell back asleep.
I took the cable car up the mountain. At the top, the air was fresh, the view was beautiful, and there was a delicious campfire fragrance floating about. I walked for a bit to the lighthouse. I continued on for awhile, working up a sweat and enjoying it. Eventually, I noticed a small flower on the ground near the road. I decided I would use the macro feature on my camera to take a picture of it. So I kneeled down to snap the photo. As I got closer to the ground, I realized the folliage was alive with grasshoppers. I took some close-up pictures with my macro. I also observed that some of the grasshoppers were mating. So I took more pictures. Additionally, I just watched for awhile. It was very interesting because they were so comfortable procreating just out in the open, sometimes right next to another of their kind. And shortly after their legs flailed wildly, the one on bottom, presumably the female, would climb over to a bunch of leaves and proceed to eat, with the other grasshopper still clinging to its back. While I was watching one particular couple, I saw another grasshopper poop a short distance away. I hope all of this is not too graphic for anyone... it was just so fascinating I had to share. Later, I saw a bee and wanted to take a picture of it, or thirty. So I sat down on the ground and then spotted a ladybug. The bee flew away so I leaned in to shoot the ladybug, completely oblivious to the plants around me. Within moments, my arms were lined with little white bumps that stung and itched furiously. I doused my arms with some of my precious water, and shortly thereafter, it started to feel better. I experienced two other plants of the stinging, devil family, although different species, throughout the course of my photographic adventures. Later, while hiking through the forest, I broke into song, as often happens when I'm happy. No particular lyrics come to mind, but they were priceless if I can recall correctly. The sunset was exquisite. Vibrant flames of orange and red. Of course I managed to take photographs and shoot some video. I had a small meal on the mountain, followed by a conversation with an Italian man, translated by the owner of the restaurant. The Italian man shared with me his philosophy on President Bush, American wine vs. Italian wine, and also that he is a fascist. I don't know if he was joking. He also mentioned a time when he met an American man who liked very much to eat vegetable soup. I Love Italia.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Beauty everywhere
Como, Italy
Wow. Como is such a breath of fresh air. The town is nice and the lake is breathtaking. I walked up the edge and looked over to see several massive swans gliding about on the water. They are such large, beautiful birds. I'm staying in a hostel here, as I didn't plan far enough in advance for a couchsurfing host. The hostel is very sterile, but I'm sure it will be just fine. I wandered around for awhile today and for dinner I purchased some bread, pomodore (tomatoes), prosciutto, and mozzarella di bufala. It was delicioso. I am very tired as I had to walk quite a distance from the train station to the hostel with my giant pack. It feels good to be here near nature -- the lake, the trees, the swans. Tomorrow, I'm going to take the cable car up to the top of the mountain and then hike across it. Apparently I'm very close to Switzerland here, so for a little bit today, I entertained the thought of taking a several day detour into Switzerland. However, I feel that I think I want to stick to Italy, for right now, and I'll just do a day trip into the South of Switzerland, for some chocolate perhaps. Man am I tired. One other thing, I'm very pleased with how my Italian is coming along. I feel very comfortable asking directions, etc., and I can actually understand most of what they tell me. Okay. Goodnight.
Wow. Como is such a breath of fresh air. The town is nice and the lake is breathtaking. I walked up the edge and looked over to see several massive swans gliding about on the water. They are such large, beautiful birds. I'm staying in a hostel here, as I didn't plan far enough in advance for a couchsurfing host. The hostel is very sterile, but I'm sure it will be just fine. I wandered around for awhile today and for dinner I purchased some bread, pomodore (tomatoes), prosciutto, and mozzarella di bufala. It was delicioso. I am very tired as I had to walk quite a distance from the train station to the hostel with my giant pack. It feels good to be here near nature -- the lake, the trees, the swans. Tomorrow, I'm going to take the cable car up to the top of the mountain and then hike across it. Apparently I'm very close to Switzerland here, so for a little bit today, I entertained the thought of taking a several day detour into Switzerland. However, I feel that I think I want to stick to Italy, for right now, and I'll just do a day trip into the South of Switzerland, for some chocolate perhaps. Man am I tired. One other thing, I'm very pleased with how my Italian is coming along. I feel very comfortable asking directions, etc., and I can actually understand most of what they tell me. Okay. Goodnight.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Moving right along...
Milano, Italy
I'm sitting at a large, multi-level shopping store, that also has internet access, that looks out over the Piazza del Duomo. Dejà vu. That was wierd having dejà vu about sitting here and what I was typing. So after adjusting to the wierd French keyboards, I'm now having to RE-adjust to the more normal Italian keyboard. Next time I travel Europe I'm going to buy a laptop and bring it. From here I can't actually see the Duomo, only the masses of pigeons and tourists. I have to say that I don't like Milano. At one time, including up until yesterday, I had thought of living in Milano and modeling. However, I feel very much disconnected from this city. Tomorrow I will go north a little bit to the -hopefully- relaxing and beautiful Lake Como for a couple days to escape the madness of the city and people. I'm definately done with this place. Yesterday, when I was lost and without a map, I felt so alone like I've never felt on this trip so far. It was very unpleasant.
On another note, it's interesting to watch the square here in front of the Duomo. There are these guys that walk around with handfulls of bread crumbs or seeds to feed the pigeons. They do this so that they can put some in the hands of tourists and take pictures of them surrounded by pigeons in front of the Duomo. What's funny is that wherever these photographers go, they are followed by, or more accurately, encircled by tons of pigeons that sort of move with them. It's rather entertaining.
Back on the Milan-bashing note, this is definately not a place that anyone coming to Italy should visit. Even the Duomo and the pigeons aren't worth the trip. It's funny because I always think that I can hide my emotions pretty well -- not that I try to, sometimes I just think I'm not being very expressive -- however, apparently my emotional state of being is as clear as day. I came back to the apartment where I'm staying last night, walked in the door and I think all I said was "Buonasera," and my host, Flo, in the other room told me to come into her room and she asked what was wrong. I feel better today. That's pretty much it.
I'm sitting at a large, multi-level shopping store, that also has internet access, that looks out over the Piazza del Duomo. Dejà vu. That was wierd having dejà vu about sitting here and what I was typing. So after adjusting to the wierd French keyboards, I'm now having to RE-adjust to the more normal Italian keyboard. Next time I travel Europe I'm going to buy a laptop and bring it. From here I can't actually see the Duomo, only the masses of pigeons and tourists. I have to say that I don't like Milano. At one time, including up until yesterday, I had thought of living in Milano and modeling. However, I feel very much disconnected from this city. Tomorrow I will go north a little bit to the -hopefully- relaxing and beautiful Lake Como for a couple days to escape the madness of the city and people. I'm definately done with this place. Yesterday, when I was lost and without a map, I felt so alone like I've never felt on this trip so far. It was very unpleasant.
On another note, it's interesting to watch the square here in front of the Duomo. There are these guys that walk around with handfulls of bread crumbs or seeds to feed the pigeons. They do this so that they can put some in the hands of tourists and take pictures of them surrounded by pigeons in front of the Duomo. What's funny is that wherever these photographers go, they are followed by, or more accurately, encircled by tons of pigeons that sort of move with them. It's rather entertaining.
Back on the Milan-bashing note, this is definately not a place that anyone coming to Italy should visit. Even the Duomo and the pigeons aren't worth the trip. It's funny because I always think that I can hide my emotions pretty well -- not that I try to, sometimes I just think I'm not being very expressive -- however, apparently my emotional state of being is as clear as day. I came back to the apartment where I'm staying last night, walked in the door and I think all I said was "Buonasera," and my host, Flo, in the other room told me to come into her room and she asked what was wrong. I feel better today. That's pretty much it.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
My Last Day in France
Nice, France
Today is my last day in France. It has been a good one. I slept late. Ate a pastry and coffee on the balcony. Went to the beach. Since I was going to the beach, I decided to wear my shorts that I wear whilst swimming. (Note: They are not swim shorts, simply shorts that I swim in.) Furthermore, to save myself a step at the beach, I took off my underwear at the apartment, so they wouldn't get wet while swimming. So I couldn't help but smile as I walked down the street wearing ultra short shorts and absolutely nothing underneath. The picture here shows me proudly wearing my giant neon sign that says, "I'm a tourist." (Note: This picture was taken by me using the trusty self-timer.) I went to a nice, little secluded beach today that Nico told me about. As usual, lots of topless women... all over 55 years of age. I spent some time collecting sea glass and interesting stones. There was an interesting construction of stairs and platforms that jutted out into the ocean. Initially I thought it had been connected to some sort of building that had been destroyed. Later, I learned that it is intended for diving. Either way, I decided to draw it. It was my fourth illustration on my travels so far. The first three having been created yesterday. I sat on a little ledge making my sketch. As time went on, the tide came in and so accordingly, the waves came splashing over the ledge and puddled beneath my bum and towel. However, I am a dedicated artist and I did not move from my place of creation, until the piece was finished. Here I have included a picture of my sketch next to the real image. (Note: I took some creative license and eliminated the green buoy, and added a sailboat and a seagull or some type of water-faring bird.)
Tonight I took Nico out to dinner as my way of showing appreciation for his generosity and hospitality. We went to a great little restaurant that serves classically French/Nicoise food. We started with an appetizer of farcis, onion rings, and ratatouille. For the main course, I ate escargot. It was actually delicious. Afterward, Nico treated me to the "best ice cream in Europe," as rated by some person or thing that rates ice cream in Europe.
And now, as I am leaving France, I will list the things which I will miss and the things I will not miss, starting with the positive.
Some things in France that I will miss:
- old buildings
- crepes
- dogs with scarves
- cute, old French people
- little bakeries everywhere and the pastries they sell
- Stephanie - my host and friend from Aix en Provence
- painters painting
- old men playing bocce ball
- old doors and window shutters
- friendly French people
- buying cheese, meat and bread (perhaps tomatoes) at a market and making a sandwich
- standing at the top of the Arc de Triumphe in Paris while it rained
- laundry hanging on clotheslines out the windows
- Nutella
Some things in France that I will NOT miss:
- dog poo on the street, everywhere
- the messed up (qé,z;) computer keyboards
- unfriendly French people
- people smoking everywhere
- the insanely slow ticket office at the train station in Aix en Provence
- people that wouldn't give me permission to take pictures of their dogs
- muslim beggars/ potential gypsies
- the rest of the dog poo that is everywhere on the street
- Monaco (technically not in France)
- grapes with seeds in them
- people being insistent that I drink wine
- the lady in Paris that invited me out with her friends and then spoke French the whole time
- specifically the pile of dog poo in Montpellier that I stepped in, even though it supposedly gave me good luck, according to French superstition
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Exploring Nice
Nice, France
Yesterday I went to Antibes. It was not my favorite. Today I decided to explore Nice. I walked up a hill to the ruins of an old Chateau (castle) that was there. I had a view of the entire city. I then walked down and through Vieux Nice -- the old part of Nice, with the narrow streets and old buildings. It was cool. It seems that most cities have an old part, and I generally like it. Then I walked along the Promenade des Anglais -- the boardwalk along the shore. A week ago, at the market in Aix en Provence, I purchased some old postcards from the 30's from different cities, including Monaco, Cannes, Montpellier and Nice. So I went to the areas on the Promenade des Anglais where the pictures of the postcards were taken. It was very fascinating to see how much had changed. There used to be a large pier with a domed building upon it. That whole thing is gone. I eventually made my way to the beach, if you can call it that. In Nice, the beaches do not have sand; instead they have stones, just like river rocks. It wasn't the most comfortable to sit upon, but it was definately a new experience. I went for a swim in the Mediterranean, which was a bit chilly at first. However I took my mind off the cold by singing songs with such original lyrics as, " I'm swimmin' in the Mediterranean... I'm peein' in the Mediterranean," and , "The salt water heals all things..." or something like that. When I'd had enough I trekked back through the tiny waves atumblin' the stones, to my towel. Some time later, I was shooting some video of the Impressionistic sunset, when the silhouette of a man slowly approached from the distance. At some point he stopped and set up his fishing pole. I captured all of it in HD (thanks to Gene's video camera suggestion) and it looked stunning -- more beautiful than in real life. I then did some journaling and sketched a picture of the coastline and fishermen. The sun set and it started to get dark -- yes, apparently that also happens in France. As I finished writing a couple of post cards, it started sprinkling. I have to admit that I was a bit cold in my shorts, t-shirt and sandals, but it was wonderful. For being such a large city, I think Nice still manages to possess some of the charm found usually in smaller towns.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Day Trip Adventures
Nice, France
Today I went on another day trip. First I went to Monaco. It was like a poor attempt at a Disneyland for adults. Very, very lame. Interestingly, I met some Italians who didn't speak English, so of course I tried to have a conversation with them. I realized how little Italian I know. However, at one point, one lady was speaking very quickly and yet I understood her completely. It was like a Twilight Zone. After leaving the land of Monotony, I mean Monaco, I decided to heed my host's advice and make a stop in a small town called VilleFranche. I am SO glad I did. It was beautiful. It was peaceful. There weren't hoardes of people milling about and taking photographs. It was so quaint and delightful. I wandered around the harbor for awhile, taking pictures and enjoying the sound of the ocean gently splashing against the rocks. I ate dinner outside at a cafe, a few feet from the water. While there was a dead bird in the water initially, it floated away after a few minutes, and the experience was once again exquisite. I ate baked sea scallops and foie gras in Port. Scrumptious. Such a beautiful little town... I think I will have a villa there. I walked to the train station and purchased a ticket from a machine, thinking I would make the supposed 9:30 train (according to a guy on a scooter with an eyebrow piercing). Well there was no 9:30 train. Every time I heard a noise or saw train lights, I jumped up, only to have the train fly by without stopping or sail by going the opposite direction. I started to think that the French were watching me with a camera and taunting me by sending by all sorts of trains without stopping. At 10:00, a little over an hour after I arrived, I started to worry that a train wasn't coming. Luckily, some other lifeforms arrived we waited together. The scheduled 10:34 train didn't come, so the Americans I was talking with kindly gave me a ride in their rental car and dropped me in Nice as they were passing through.
After all that walking and waiting, I am hungry. I think I will eat a pastry.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
You Cannes do it!
Nice, France
Please excuse the silly blog title. I wanted to think of something clever, but I am very exhausted and so it was down to, "You Cannes do it," "I Cannes do it," or "I think I Cannes". And the selection committee has since dispersed to smoke lots of cigarettes and drink lots of wine as they, "Live it up, Frenchie style," according to their spokesperson. What any of that means, I haven't the foggiest, as they say in the North. (Note: They don't actually say that in the North, at least not frequently enough to have that saying attributed to them, whoever they are.) So, I went to Cannes today. I was escorted by a lovely French lady who I met yesterday afternoon here in Nice whilst looking for the tourist office. She used to live in Cannes so she was able to show me the 'happening spots'. (Note: To the best of my knowlege, there are in fact no real 'happening spots' in Cannes. This description was just created for the sake of making Cannes sound more interesting.) Truly beautiful though, was a little, quiet beach where we ate our sandwiches. The water was crisp and calm. Several old people swam about. At one point it sprinkled a bit which was quite refreshing. Later, while looking out over the city, it rained a bit harder. And I enjoyed every moment of it, Thank you Tucson! (The comment at the end of the last sentence is referring to the place I grew up, Tucson's lack of rain during the majority of the year, thus causing me to Love the rain and think of it as sacred.)
I started taking pictures of French dogs in Paris and realized that I would continue this throughout my travels in France, and perhaps the rest of Europe. So today in Cannes I was very pleased with the dogs that I was fortunate enough to photograph. In fact, my now dear friend and host from Aix, Stephanie, taught me how to precisely and politely ask in French if I may take a photograph of your dog, sir or madam. And here it is: Puige pond une photo de votre chien, si vous plais? If you are French and reading this, I apologize for bastardizing your language with such horrific grammar in the above sentence.
Hrm dee drm... (That is me thinking) Okay, I'll be honest, thinking is very difficult right now. My eyes just want to slam shut and shut down the mainframe. Wow, okay, I think when I start using computer analogies it's time for me to say bonsoir. Bonsoir.
Wait! I thought of something. It was cool to be in Cannes today, because that's where I'll be next May to win an award for my short film. Okay that's all, Nico just walked into the room with a gorgeous looking plate of salad, smoked salmon and bread. He thinks it is basic, but for me it is pure luxury. Good night.
Please excuse the silly blog title. I wanted to think of something clever, but I am very exhausted and so it was down to, "You Cannes do it," "I Cannes do it," or "I think I Cannes". And the selection committee has since dispersed to smoke lots of cigarettes and drink lots of wine as they, "Live it up, Frenchie style," according to their spokesperson. What any of that means, I haven't the foggiest, as they say in the North. (Note: They don't actually say that in the North, at least not frequently enough to have that saying attributed to them, whoever they are.) So, I went to Cannes today. I was escorted by a lovely French lady who I met yesterday afternoon here in Nice whilst looking for the tourist office. She used to live in Cannes so she was able to show me the 'happening spots'. (Note: To the best of my knowlege, there are in fact no real 'happening spots' in Cannes. This description was just created for the sake of making Cannes sound more interesting.) Truly beautiful though, was a little, quiet beach where we ate our sandwiches. The water was crisp and calm. Several old people swam about. At one point it sprinkled a bit which was quite refreshing. Later, while looking out over the city, it rained a bit harder. And I enjoyed every moment of it, Thank you Tucson! (The comment at the end of the last sentence is referring to the place I grew up, Tucson's lack of rain during the majority of the year, thus causing me to Love the rain and think of it as sacred.)
I started taking pictures of French dogs in Paris and realized that I would continue this throughout my travels in France, and perhaps the rest of Europe. So today in Cannes I was very pleased with the dogs that I was fortunate enough to photograph. In fact, my now dear friend and host from Aix, Stephanie, taught me how to precisely and politely ask in French if I may take a photograph of your dog, sir or madam. And here it is: Puige pond une photo de votre chien, si vous plais? If you are French and reading this, I apologize for bastardizing your language with such horrific grammar in the above sentence.
Hrm dee drm... (That is me thinking) Okay, I'll be honest, thinking is very difficult right now. My eyes just want to slam shut and shut down the mainframe. Wow, okay, I think when I start using computer analogies it's time for me to say bonsoir. Bonsoir.
Wait! I thought of something. It was cool to be in Cannes today, because that's where I'll be next May to win an award for my short film. Okay that's all, Nico just walked into the room with a gorgeous looking plate of salad, smoked salmon and bread. He thinks it is basic, but for me it is pure luxury. Good night.
Monday, October 1, 2007
In Nice with Nico
Nice, France
I just arrived in Nice about an hour ago. I had intended to get in earlier, but I didn't leave enough time to get my ticket in Aix en Provence. I got to the station about a half an hour before the bus left. Little did I know that it would move slower than the DMV at its busiest. It was painful, but I focused on just breathing and trusting that everything would work out. I did miss the intended schedule, so I bought my ticket for the next one. I would take a bus from Aix to Marseilles, and the train from Marseilles to Nice. Before getting on the bus, I met a German guy named Julian. We talked pretty much the whole bus ride. When we got to Marseilles, I had a two hour layover, so we walked down the street and ate lunch outside a little cafe. I am using Couchsurfing once again, and this time I'm staying with a French guy named Nico who is 29 years old, works as a grip in the film industry, and is currently preparing purple artichokes for us for dinner. He picked me up from the train station and brought me back to the apartment. He showed me around and told me to treat everything as if it were my apartment. I am amazed by the generosity of the French people I am/have been staying with. Unfortunately he won't be able to show me around as he's working all week, but if I stay until Sunday, he'll take me canyoning - which, as I understand it, means climbing up or down a narrow canyon as water flows through it. So we shall see. Every day I am more and more certain that I will extend my stay in Europe. I am enjoying the freedom of being able to stay longer in a place if I choose. Au revoir.
I had a great time with my hosts in Aix en Provence. One of the girls, Stephanie, is now a good friend, I feel. I went with them to Montpellier for the weekend and it was nice. Steph and I shared lots of funny moments as my wacky personality came to the surface. I had only been with my Aix hosts for five days and already I felt as if it was my home. I was slightly sad to leave this morning.
I just arrived in Nice about an hour ago. I had intended to get in earlier, but I didn't leave enough time to get my ticket in Aix en Provence. I got to the station about a half an hour before the bus left. Little did I know that it would move slower than the DMV at its busiest. It was painful, but I focused on just breathing and trusting that everything would work out. I did miss the intended schedule, so I bought my ticket for the next one. I would take a bus from Aix to Marseilles, and the train from Marseilles to Nice. Before getting on the bus, I met a German guy named Julian. We talked pretty much the whole bus ride. When we got to Marseilles, I had a two hour layover, so we walked down the street and ate lunch outside a little cafe. I am using Couchsurfing once again, and this time I'm staying with a French guy named Nico who is 29 years old, works as a grip in the film industry, and is currently preparing purple artichokes for us for dinner. He picked me up from the train station and brought me back to the apartment. He showed me around and told me to treat everything as if it were my apartment. I am amazed by the generosity of the French people I am/have been staying with. Unfortunately he won't be able to show me around as he's working all week, but if I stay until Sunday, he'll take me canyoning - which, as I understand it, means climbing up or down a narrow canyon as water flows through it. So we shall see. Every day I am more and more certain that I will extend my stay in Europe. I am enjoying the freedom of being able to stay longer in a place if I choose. Au revoir.
I had a great time with my hosts in Aix en Provence. One of the girls, Stephanie, is now a good friend, I feel. I went with them to Montpellier for the weekend and it was nice. Steph and I shared lots of funny moments as my wacky personality came to the surface. I had only been with my Aix hosts for five days and already I felt as if it was my home. I was slightly sad to leave this morning.
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