Ramada & Suites Genova Center Genoa

... a lot of ground in a short period of time, but it does take its toll at times. It was a really odd experience to travel through a 13-mile long tunnel cruising at 100. Remember, this is the cruising speed. You’ll get much higher passing other cars, getting out of the way for the Ferrari coming up behind you or chasing the Ferrari that just passed. (Take a look at the speedo shot a few posts ago..) There is not a lot of room for error. Think ...

... br>so the woman behind the desk in the hotel last night seemed to have a fascination with everything american. but the strangest things at that.....
she kept going on about american cleaning products (specifically floor cleaner) and deodorant. and then her mom came by and couldn't stop raving about penny loafers. very odd. but they were nice and since she thinks i am now her new best friend we got a discount on the hotel.

... them like that any more (thank f**k!). I can't even remember how to ask for 2 beers (which is my current minimum requirement. It's 3 when Jamie's around). The lack of lingistic skills I have would be acceptable in most circumstances, but travelling with a Yank who is fluent in 2 languages that most Americans are even aware exist?!? Now that just doesn't seem right.

so left avignon today with thoughts to head to cinque terre, but due to traffic jam only made it as far as arenzano. found a cute pensione and jason was getting sick of driving so seemed like a good place to stop. tried a few others but was like walking through a sad run down old people town so didn't make it more than 5 mins there. well, happy hour time now, so will write more later....

All of my photos have now been updated with titles and captions, if you're so inclined to read them.

I am heading to Nice tomorrow and trying my luck at a hostel. They call it a "mixed room" which I think may mean boys and gals together. Eben, Jen, is that right? We'll see. Maybe I'll keep the emergency siren Lucy gave me with me ...

And I'm off to Nice next, which apparently is also a beach. Here is what I can't get over. I LOVE THE SEA! By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea...

I went swimming again today! And this time not just sort of getting in the water, marveling at the fact I was in the water, then getting out. Like actually swam around for probably 10 minutes! The best part was that I didn't have a towel. I had been laying out (on the solarium of the castle roof, of ...

We leave the station following this random guy without saying too many words. I have no idea what is going to happen in the next few hours, but in the couch surfing spirit I hope all will be ok. He lives just off the main street in town. The flat is small but amazingly decorated, especially for Christmas. Neil and I will be spending the night at one of his other flats a few streets away. We are quickly joined by his wife and sit down to what turned out to be ...

... run out of things to do. I looked for a restaurant, but they all opened at 7pm, and I had to get the bus back to the airport at 6:30. So in the end I went to a cafe/bar and got a glass of sangria, which they delivered with bar snacks of pastrami sandwiches and nuts! All be it dried out, and I had no idea if they'd charge any more, it was all I really needed for dinner. Turned out to be 50c. Not too shabby. While waiting for the bus, I was mistaken for an Italian for the ...

... nature of the way things were and the amazing structures present in the height of the Roman Empire. I stood in the Colosseum and got chills imagining the electric atmosphere of what it must have been in its hayday. I am certain the intensity and grandeur of the events held in the Colosseum are beyond our comprehension. We've all seen Gladiator but to see it live and think of it in person is mind boggling. Gladiators were put out on the oval surface of the Colosseum in front of ...

... side making me look like a 12 year old with two odd shaped tumors growing out from under my armpits. THis topless girl had to have fake ones, but they were helpful. Whenever I was in the water I would find those shiny beacons and they would lead me back to my chair. THe water was so incredible. Cool, yet very clear. ONce again, not sand, but rocks, flat, the size of turtles. THe key was to find two the size of your feet and balance. THe train ...