TravelStream™ news feed for member kandradisa on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/kandradisa en-us Copyright ©2010 TravelPod.com Sun, 25 Nov 2007 02:53:14 -0500 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/thanks_2007/1196052600/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/thanks_2007/1196052600/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/thanks_2007/1196052600/tpod.html Sun, 25 Nov 2007 02:53:14 -0500 Thanksgiving trip to Prescott Valley, AZ

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Prescott Valley, Arizona, United States

Here I am in Prescott Valley again. I'm enjoying the time, but very exhausted. We watched Heroes tonight, but they turned me into a spoiler. Hopefully it didn't ruin the show for them too much. Nothing really new or exciting...i'm writing only b/c I want to put a map pin here.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1185487800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1185487800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1185487800/tpod.html Thu, 26 Jul 2007 11:51:14 -0400 Around the world in 23 days...well maybe just across the Atlantic...

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Mildenhall, United Kingdom

Hello all! I realize that these logs are a bit out of order considering that I haven't written about Venice or Ireland yet. However, I've recieved quite a few emails inquiring about my whereabouts. If I've already sent you the following in an email, please ignore this log.

Anyhow, we got back to England (and all the rain) on Saturday. Everyone keeps telling me that it's not usually this cold & wet...that I just came in a bad month. Oh well, it's still different and I can use a break from the intense sunshine. Matthew's been working a lot, so I've been a bit bored. Can't complain too much though...I pretty much expected this. However, I'm learning how to drive on the left side of the road in the "passenger's" seat, so that's been fun. I almost got myself killed this afternoon by forgetting to look to my right for oncoming traffic before I pulled out to make a right hand turn. It's so different, but I really like it. I could get used to it, i think. Actually, I should probably run because I'm on base and I really don't want to drive back to the house in the dark.

We are supposed to go to London, and hopefully, Warwick Castle this weekend. So, I should have something interesting to write about after those trips. Take care.

~ sandi ~
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1184342400/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1184342400/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1184342400/tpod.html Mon, 23 Jul 2007 11:56:18 -0400 Around the world in 23 days...well maybe just across the Atlantic...

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Rome, Italy

Hello friends! It's been a good week since the last entry, so I figure that it's about time. One little thing before I dive into my story. Matthew and I learned a great lesson from visiting Rome...it is always a good idea to bring along some type of guide when visiting a foreign country. Whether this be in the form of a book or a small tour guide by the name of Alonzo, never leave familiar territory without one. As you will see by my great lack of knowledge of this spectacular city, as well as the numerous amounts of pictures we took with no idea as to what we were looking at...there is nothing like wandering blindly through the streets of a country where you don't speak the language.

We arrived in Rome on 14 July. After attempting to navigate the metro & bus system in Rome, we finally made it to the hotel. Since our Italian is a bit shaky, the entire process took about 4 hours! Our hotel was located way on the west side of the city. I have to take complete credit for this considering that I was in charge of the hotels. In and of itself, the hotel wasn't so bad, but the area was pretty far off from what we thought Rome would be like. We did however become masters of the transportation system, although it wasn't until we successfuly navigated our way to Termini...the train station which acted as our gateway to Venice. Oh well, at least we were able to see parts of Rome that tourists don't typically see.

Since this all happened over a week ago, I'll give the highlights. On our first day, we were fortunate to happen upon a free concert in the Circus Maximus in the heart of Rome. It just so happened that it was Genesis. Imagine thousands of people crammed into a huge valley with ancient Roman ruins as a backdrop. It was incredible. The concert was great and definitely an event I won't soon forget.

The following day (our only full day in Rome), we headed out to the Vatican. On the way, we met a couple who was stationed at Aviano Air Base in northern Italy. They were on a short vacation as well and since they were on their way out, gave us some great advice about both Rome & Venice, which proved to be excessively helpful. After saying our goodbyes, we headed onward to the Vatican. The lines were short and within less than half an hour, we were on the inside. Just a tip for anyone travelling to Rome with the intent of seeing the Vatican...make sure you are dressed modestly. The guards are very serious about modesty and will not allow shoulder or thigh-bearing women inside. The inside of the Vatican is ornate and absolutely beautiful! A lot of love, dedication, and money have gone into this building. We were blown away. I've included a few pictures of both the outside and inside & will let them speak for themselves.

I have to admit that my main reason for visiting the Vatican was not to see the pope or attend mass (since I am not Catholic), but to see the Sistine Chapel. However, had we brought a guide book along, we would have realized that the chapel is closed on Sundays. Consequently, we had to leave Rome without seeing Michelangelo's ceiling. And by the way, it's a good thing I didn't travel all that way to be blessed by the pope, because he was kicking back on a beach somewhere in South America.

After the Vatican, we headed over to the Colosseum. The most interesting part about the Colosseum to me is that they used it for naval battles. They would draw the wooden floor back and fill up the basement with water. At one point, they built a wooden whale and released 50 grizzly bears into the arena to fight. The Romans went all out when it came to entertainment.

One thing that stood out about Rome was the grafitti. It was everywhere. It seemed that it didn't matter how old the building or important the landmark...there's a picture of this artwork in the picture gallery. As for the rest of Rome, I've included random pictures and once again, I'll let them speak for themselves. We did get to see the Pantheon, but since it was closed, we just walked around the outside. It's original purpose and it's purpose today is interesting to me. Originally built as a temple to the seven deities of the seven planets in the state religion of Ancient Rome, it is now used as a Christian Church. In fact, the building's consecration as a church saved it from the abandonment and spoliation which befell the majority of ancient Rome's buildings during the early mediaeval period. It is probably the most well preserved building still around today.

That's pretty much all I can say about Rome. Both Matthew and I agree that it was the best part of the trip, and even when we left, we didn't feel like we had seen enough. At some point I would really like to go back!

Till next time,

~ sandi ~
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1184631900/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1184631900/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1184631900/tpod.html Sat, 21 Jul 2007 20:26:10 -0400 Around the world in 23 days...well maybe just across the Atlantic...

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Venice, Italy

Another Test...
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1184888460/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1184888460/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1184888460/tpod.html Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:53:26 -0400 Around the world in 23 days...well maybe just across the Atlantic...

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Dublin, Ireland

Hi all! This is just a quick update to let you know we're alive. We're in Dublin right now. Tomorrow we are heading to Glendalough, Ireland for the day to experience the green side of this country. Rome was wonderful, but both Matthew and I are thinking that Dublin is probably the best place we've visited. I'll send updates on the other visits once I get some more time. Today, I went to my very first castle ever, Dublin Castle. The most amazing thing to me is that it is still being used by the Irish leadership. The president is inaugerated there every year. Anyhow, that's all I have for you right now. I promise that more detailed entries will come in the very near future. Till then...

¬ sandi ¬
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1184290200/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1184290200/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1184290200/tpod.html Thu, 12 Jul 2007 15:33:57 -0400 Around the world in 23 days...well maybe just across the Atlantic...

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Mildenhall, United Kingdom

I took some random pictures and wanted to share them with you. The first two are of a beautiful sunset from last night. The sun sets here around 9:45pm and rises at about 4am. Craziness! The third picture is of a WWII bunker that apparenlty are scattered across this country. I thought it was pretty interesting.

Until next time...

~ sandi ~
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1184112000/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1184112000/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1184112000/tpod.html Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:09:28 -0400 Around the world in 23 days...well maybe just across the Atlantic...

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Ely, United Kingdom

I had the fortunate experience of going to Ely Cathedral today. It is absolutely beautiful! A lot of love & dedication has gone into the workmanship of this building. It's amazing what people can & will do for God. I've attached some pictures along with their explanations. The pictures hardly do it justice. Although hardly any pics I take during this trip will... Enjoy!

Take care,

~ sandi ~
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1184029800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1184029800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1184029800/tpod.html Tue, 10 Jul 2007 15:49:43 -0400 Around the world in 23 days...well maybe just across the Atlantic...

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Mildenhall, United Kingdom

I finally arrived in good ol' England. The flight was relatively non-eventful, with the exception of a two-and-a-half hour delay in Las Vegas. Running on 30 hours of no sleep by the time I boarded the plane, I'm actually quite surprised I found my seat without issues. I sat next to a young English couple, with whom we exchanged a grand total of 10 words. British airlines are a million times better than American airlines, so after enjoying a tasty meal and a glass of red wine, I floated off into dream land for about seven hours.

The country side here is beautiful. The first thing I noticed from the plane was how green everything is. Living in the desert has put me in awe pretty much every time I see green, but this place is luscious in it's greenery. Driving on the left side of the road will take some getting used to, but fortunately I don't have to drive anywhere. Matthew said he's still trying to get used to it and he's been here over a year!

Well, I better run. My tour guide is going to be working 12 hour shifts this week, so sight-seeing on a grand scale might be out of the question until this weekend. I'll try to write more on the travel log in the meantime, but expect short stints. If you don't have my email, you can reply to these postings and I will get them. I would love to hear from you all!

Take care,

~ sandi ~
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1183899420/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1183899420/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kandradisa/europe-2007/1183899420/tpod.html Sun, 08 Jul 2007 12:01:37 -0400 Around the world in 23 days...well maybe just across the Atlantic...

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

Well, I'm 7 hours out from leaving for the trip. It's 9am and I've been
awake since yesterday. It's not quite 24 hours yet, but will be by the
time I finally get to sleep. The things we do for fun...



I just wanted to get a head start on this travel pod.
Hopefully I'll keep up with it to let all of you know what's going on
in each city.



Love you all,



~ sandi ~
]]>