TravelStream™ news feed for member markpedri on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/markpedri en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Sat, 09 Aug 2008 09:08:15 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/markpedri/1/1218287160/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/markpedri/1/1218287160/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/markpedri/1/1218287160/tpod.html Sat, 09 Aug 2008 09:08:15 -0400 Europa!!

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Innsbruck, Austrian Alps, Austria

As I sit here on the train from Innsbruck to Zurich I am amazed by the views. Fields of Lavender everywhere and mountains beyond mountains. In fact the mountains are even snowcapped. I am looking out at these lush green meadows filled with little wooden huts that must be used allow crops sufficient times to dry. There is even a river beside the train tracks. It is creamy green. The color comes from the glaciers that feed it. As I am typing a mom and her son are leaving our carriage. Even though I don't understand German very well, I do smile back when they offer a kind goodbye. The current station is St. Anton am Arlberg and is a place first on my list to surely return to. Though it has been quite sometime since the last trip, I have a feeling it won't be too long before the next. Perhaps even within the year. I have to try the skiing. I just met a medical student from Innsbruck who raved about the conditions here and can't wait to test them myself. It is hard however to come back to the same place when there are so many other wonderful ones not yet seen. I have a Rwandan friend living in Capetown who is begging me to visit (although I told him not until the World Cup in 2010), a Brazilian and Swede to visit, and a friend going to Chad this winter on a mission trip which sounds delightful. And to top it off I didn't even make it to Poland, the Czech Republic, Russia or even Spain. This place seems so much like home though. I can't explain exactly why but it seems like the "realest" place I have been to, beautiful and real, nature at its very best. The mountains are monstrous, shear cliffs of rock and ice, overlooking the most gorgeous alpine homes. It feels as if I am at a ski village, and perhaps this is why I am so found of the place. As we pop out of yet another tunnel, I now see the source of the creamy green color. Several hundred meters to my left there is a HUGE STEEP rock face. Although not covered at the moment by snow, I can see that in the winter there are several chutes that traverse it and probably give way to avalanches several times a winter. Now, along the face runs a waterfall. As I peer up the fall in search of the glacier, I can only imagine it there. I know its up there though. I haven't seen it, but it must be just like the ones up at St. Moritz in Switzerland, and I have seen those. Oh... wait... we may be in Switzerland already. Nevertheless, wherever we are, I am sure it is close to heaven (at least mine).
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Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany

So... Ask me if I thought I would ever return to Frankfurt again. Nope, but here I am. Ask me if I thought I would be visiting a friend there who is contemplating becoming a Monk there. Nein (I think that means no in German). Well, I am. Before that though, I promised I would tell you guys about Nice and Monaco. Brilliant!! Nice was everything I thought it would be. Ironically enough I found the best Bruscetta in Nice. I also found the largest pint (actually a LITER), there as well. So as I sat there with my fork and stein, I grooved to some great Jazz. It seems like most European cities host concerts all summer long, at least all across southern europe they do. The jazz was AMAZING. The square was packed all night with people, their families, and pets; all groovin to some of the best Jazz I have ever heard. Next, I headed down to the beach for a midnight dip. I though for sure it would be pretty empty. Nope, in fact there were almost as many people as during the day. Apparently I am not the only one with a good idea these days. The deep was great. After the swim, I noticed a dance party just up the beach. At first it was odd, everyone was decked out in white linen and I thought for sure it was some sort of private event. The electronic music was great and even though I was wearing a red shirt and jeans, I just had to hit it. It was great. The next day it was on to Monaco. Monte Carlo, was.... well.... Monte Carlo. It just so happened that I got to see the "best of the best." That particular week there was a yacht expo if you will. I have never seen boats so large in my life. They were far larger than any I have seen in the states. They had several well over 300 feet (even a couple over 400), they must have been 10 stories high. Amazing. Most were British, and all were absolutely beautiful. I hadn't seen any with heliports though, maybe I wasn't looking hard enough. So, after walking around and grabbing lunch, I headed back to the station, which so happened to be the nicest station I have ever been in. I imagine it is like some being built in Dubai.

The last time I was in Frankfurt, I didn't care too much for it. I likened it to an industrial city, much like those of the "far west." I guess I was looking for someplace a little more European. However, I must not have ventured far enough away from the city center, because this new encounter was amazing. The city reminded me very much of Vienna, with a quaint historic district filled with restaurants and local shops. It also, straddled a river, the Main. The most excited part of the trip to Frankfurt was meeting up with Sasha. Sasha is a Ride for World Health brother, who I haven't seen since I rode my bike across the US last summer for several weeks. I thought our encounter would revolve around reminiscing about our time on the ride and catching up, but instead it took on altogether different theme. Sasha was studying Buddhism at a local Pagoda and would serve as my reintroduction to a wonderful life philosophy. I was able to sit in on a lecture. This particular lecture was on attaining hightened states of concentration through meditation, a state which I could immensely benefit from (as could we all). After several hours of Dharma building, I realized how much I admired the freedom, wholeness, and empathy the monks (and laypeople) shared with one another and the world. There gentleness and concern for humanity really opened my heart. I left very inspired and ready to learn more about meditation and Buddhist philosophy. I wasn't quite ready to delve into whole heartedly, but I saw the potential Buddhism had to bring peace to my mind and compassion to my heart. When I got home, I downloaded a meditation training mp3, listened to it, and took to the streets of Frankfurt, more in tune then I have been in quite a while. Quite an amazing experience I must admit.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/markpedri/1/1215012540/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/markpedri/1/1215012540/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/markpedri/1/1215012540/tpod.html Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:32:58 -0400 Europa!!

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Nice, Provence, France

What do you say we leave for Nice? If we drive all night we can make it by the morning....No one has to know if we decide to go... What do you say we leave for Nice...
REMIX
So, as I look out the window there seems to be a huge yacht sale... tons of people are gathered around, hoping from boat to boat, exchanging hellos, and catching up after a long year away from the sea and their friends. We are in Alassio and headed for Ventimille, and then onto Monaco and eventually Nice. Milan was too damn hot and its time for a little excursion to the sea (almost said Ocean). I have very fond memories of the Nice of summers past (well actually just one, but a fond one nevertheless). I have dreamed of once again laying out on the pebble laden beach, sipping martinis (NOT.. actually from what I remember, large Heinekens were the refreshment of choice, but then again the last time I was here I was 18 with a crazy friend, still crazy I might add (MIKE)). I am hoping this Nice will be similar to the one of old, the cultural hub of the French riviera. The last time I was here I started a storybook romance with a girl from Poland (one of many.. hmmm... whats happening here : )). Talk about long distance relationships... What was I thinking (a phrase I have begun to use quite of these days : )
So.. the nice thing about living in Milan (which I WILL do someday), is that your only a few hours away from two of the most beautiful places (actually like 100 but 2 in particular) the Italian-French Riviera, and the French-Italian-Swiss Alps. I WILL make it up to Mont Blanc and Chamonix before I leave, if it kills me, which it coincidently just may depending on what I plan on doing there of course. I was planning on Prage and Warsaw, but a friend from the states is at a Bodega (??? Is this right Sasha or is that just Spanish for store) in Germany and may have just rerouted my itinerary (unless of course I can convince him to head north with me). Here is where I need all of you who have been to Poland and the Czech Republic to convince me that I MUST go there NOW. I was also planning on heading to Barcelona and the Islas Balleras (Ibizia), but time flies when your having fun. Any clue what I should do in Monaco??? 
For all of you who are wondering how my Italian is progressing. No precoccupate, tutti e buona. Ho parlato bene ieri con abbiamo andato per gelato nel Monte Vecchio (by the way, one of my new goals is to try each of the some odd 400 flavors of gelato). Andro di parlare bene ogni giorni dalle departaro. La settimana pasata era mi prima settimana e adesso io capisco tanti Italianio per abitare qui. (NOT) Anyway, as you can see I am progressing (notice I didn't add the word rapidly). Moreover, I am having a wonderful time and am so glad I this summer is unfolding as it is.

Fear not life, only not living (someone should have told that to the guy who decided to jump in front of a train (not ours thankfully) and delayed us 2 hours in Genoa. God bless him and his family.
Che sera sera,
Me
I have plenty of great pics to upload... Jazz concerts in the square, beach dance parties, beautiful clock towers, mediterranean magic...
There coming shortly, for now you'll just have to use your imagination.
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Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Firenze, Firenze!!
Well, well, well..... 
After visiting my cousin and friends in Ferrara I headed to Florence (Firenze) for a fashion show among other things. I'll get to that in a bit. So, I met up with a cousin I hadn't seen since the 90's (don't say it). He just finished studying architecture and is preparing for his professional exams. He and a friend, Stephan, showed me around the city. It was a spectacular city that is completely surrounded by a mid-evil wall, supposedly the oldest of its type in the whole of Europe. The city was actually a papal city and therefore not in need of defense (well at least the castle in the center of the city didn't need defending). Anyone who dared invade the castle would have to fight all of the faithful (I guess you could compare it to the Haj in Mecca or maybe even Palestine or Jerusalem). Thats a different kind of wall though : ), and it doesn't seem to be stopping any fighting. So after the city tour, we of course had a panini and cafe, always great I might add. So after some rest we were off to a concert. Before the concert we went to Apperativi. So this concept is kind of like happy hour, but only it lasts many an hour, and the food is great and free (so people are actually... happy), You could come for one drink and stay for hours. College kids do this several times a week in order to save money on eating out. The funny thing is,.. the free food here, is actually better than much of the food elsewhere. So... more rest... Then, since Wed night is also college night. In Ferrara college students are almost forced to go out and be social. The social dynamic are altogether different, its actually.... well.... social. There is no in or out crowd, everyone is just everyone, quite a neat concept. Everyone is always so nice... you always want to go out. After a quick nap, we headed off to a concert. It was awesome!!

Firenze was even better. Of course I had to do a little searching for a hotel room since I had no reservation. No ti preoccupe (I found one with little stress and ended up meeting great people there). I quickly headed over to the castle in the center of town for some photos. As I was walking over to it, I kept seeing all these guys and girls that looked like they were stepping out of a Valentino or Armani magazine. It turns out, they actually did. It was Florence's annual fashion and design show. Damn.. the castle was were the expo was held and therefore off limits to the public. Moreover, I was quite intrigued about the show and wanted to get in. How was I going to do this though....
After all, everybody who was anybody, was there and I... of course was a nobody. The next day, I went up to the registration lady and told them I was studying fashion at Milan's (and therefore the world's greatest) fashion institute but had forgot my ID. After many a smile, I registered, and they let me in. WOWWWWWWWWW
There were so many great things behind those castle walls. Just check out all the pics. It was amazing. I never had seen so many wonderful designs. Tons of classic Ferraris (and other cars I had never heard of), Jets, and of course cloths, shoes, and everything. Of course much of this stuff will never hit the US. Why, I guess some of the style are not transatlantic. Some of it will be hitting the streets next year, so keep a look out. Of course after seeing hundreds of designers, I had choosen a few of my favorites, among them D.A.T.E, Re-Hash, Nixon, and Converse (yes... converse). After scouring Florence for a few hours, I was even able to pick up a few things for my own collection. Look out... and just check out the pics.....after all they are worth a thousand words....
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/markpedri/1/1213866540/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/markpedri/1/1213866540/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/markpedri/1/1213866540/tpod.html Thu, 19 Jun 2008 05:10:35 -0400 Europa!!

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Milan, Lombardy, Italy

Forza Italia!! One trip to Europe 100,000 frequent flyer miles, 4 weeks of Italian classes in Milan $1,000, an evening "home" with new friends celebrating Italy's victory over France in Euro 2008... Priceless : )

What a day!! Today I attended my first Italian lesson. My classmates are fabulous. There is a girl my age from LA, two Australians (one who is in her 60's), a couple from Leeds (England) on Sabatical (who moved over for a year with their entire family, awesome!!). And my teacher, Christina, just the nicest, ever.
The lesson was awesome, I jumped in on the last class of a four week beginner course. Next week I will start the second level de nuovo. Wish me luck!!

After the lesson, I made some important phone calls (my bro's BDAY!!), and did some computer stuff. A friend studying for his TOEFL invited me over to watch the game with his friends. After and interesting walk, and talk, about life, health, wealth, sustainable forestry and trading in Madagascar (an interest of his), we headed to the store. We picked up some pasta, pesto, and biere... Of course. What a cool group!! Locals, a couple Americans (a girl from Wisconsin whose boyfriend is Italian), and some South Americans. Fortunately no Frenchmen, as they are the opponents for the evening. After some chants, waves, and celebration, I headed back to Monza a little inebriated. Its funny how some of the best site seeing occurs after a few drinks and in the wee hours of the morning. "Lost" (sort of on purpose), I ran into all sorts of interesting structures (piazzas, arches, ruins, ancient buildings, churches, aqueducts, ect...). The streets were full of celebration (Italians with their faces painted and cloaked with flags, honking their vespa's horns, as they headed home). People were still celebrating in the clubs, bars, and cafes.

After navigating Milan's tram system, I ended up in Milano F.S. for my train back to Monza. I ended up taking a bike trail back some 5 odd km back to the house. It was the coolest walk, through the neatest little town, ever. The path is shared by a river, which of course has a few waterfalls along the way. Its banks were flanked by beautiful trees which shadowed the early morning night as it fell upon the path.

What a day, game, night, walk, and life....

Ce Vidiamo,
Marco
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Monza, Italy

Qualntity!! (To see or to be)
What is more important, Quality or Quantity? This is a difficult question to answer. Seeing as how we have only one life to live, is it more important to see as much of this beautiful planet as possible or should we cherish one special corner and let others enjoy theirs? Until now, I have always ascribed to the former. I believe that life is to be lived to its fullest and that only by traveling to foreign lands and exposing ourselves to its treasures, can we grow and evolve as humans. I have often used the argument that as Americans we must use our freedom (passports) to travel for all who would like to, but are restricted from, due to their inability to obtain even travel visas. Alas, lets not forget about them altogether, on our journeys, but instead try to sort out the forces that are restricting their freedom in the first place. Only by placing ourselves in their shoes, will we be able or willing to solve their dilemma. Lets be careful though, not to make, their struggle, ours. We must not give up our freedom to help them find theirs. BALANCE my friend BALANCE.
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Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Hey folks,
It looks as if I am tearing this place up. I finally found a place where I feel completely at home only to realize that I must head back down the Danube to Budapest tomorrow. Vienna, I will be back. Budapest as I said before was amazing, moreover, you'll love the photos accompanied by my new friend, the sun. The weather has been wonderful the last few days and I hope it will last. So, today I went to the Wien (German for Vienna) Fan Zone. There were tons of die hard "futbol" fans all decked out with there favorite jerseys on. It was such an international gathering. If life were always like this, I may just have to learn German and just stay. The city is both historic and cosmopolitan all at the same time. I have never seen a city so well put together. The public transportation system is excellent and it seems as if everyone is on a bike. Oh, and its so clean. Perhaps the best thing is its diversity and how well people seem to get along and respect each other. So social, so sweet. Man... I bet stop writing before jealousy gets the best of me.
Ciao,
Mark
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Budapest, Hungary

As I sit here on the train to Budapest, looking across this beautiful lake, I am reminded of another tucked away in rolling hills, only that was Lake Kivu (Rwanda). This one is Lago Balaton, according to my Brazilian friend's guidebook (Portuguese) and according to the map, it seems to be the only one in Hungary. Along the shore, there are tons of cute cottages, some surrounded by red clay tennis courts (doubles anyone?). In the distance, the sun casts a golden hue over the lake and then turns into a fiery red amber as it disappears behind the hills. This is the first time I have seen the sun in days. If today is a sign of things to come, Hungary will be quite nice.
Unfortunately, it was quite a comically deficient day. We did however spend several hours in downtown Zagreb, which apparently is the FASHION CAPITAL of eastern Europe. It felt as if they were filming Europe's next top model right before my very eyes. Before the confusion set in, I consulted with my Brazilian friend (not the authority on all things fashionable I might add), he confirmed my suspicions, and I left it at that. Moreover, Zagreb is also a very rich city, historically, architecturally, artistically, and culturally. It seemed as if around every corner there was someone who reminded me of friends back home. There was even a women who I easily would have mistaken for my mom (had I not been in Croatia of course).
Other highlights of the day, brown pigeon, not chicken, and no brown cow. I found a few more friends for Sam, rode the slowest train ever built, and danced away some of the 6 hour train ride to Budapest. Oh, I also learned from my friend (who still has the revolutionary spirit flaming inside of him), how to forget all about the revolution. It involves distracting oneself from the revolution and instead focusing on evolution, if you get his drift. Che follower or not, he is one smart kid.

Dream awake, sleep in bed;
for if they're at all worth living,
the rest, you'll need, at night.
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Zagreb, Croatia

Ohhhhhhhh Croatia,
Well it looks like I skipped some Zs. I guess I will have to start over and head back to Zagreb. Lesson number #3 of name that capital. Its Croatia. Guess what... more of the same, rain. But before we left Ljubljana we visited its lone castle. Even with the rain, it was gorgeous. It is smack in the middle of the city tucked upon a hill. The city grew around it, but at one point it was home to every major civil department in the country (per the tourist video I fell asleep during... See photos). I decided then that it was necessary to grab a domestic red wine, which was served cold from the tap before leaving Slovenia for perhaps FOREVER. So then we headed off to another country. Man, don't you love Europe, a new country in only a little over 2 hours by train (a slow train I might add... see photo). So when I got to Zagreb a hostile (not hostel) ad greeted me as I got off the train (see photo). Then after an hour walk or so with what seemed like a ton of luggage on my shoulders, we reached out destination, only to find out that we needed reservations and the best we could do is find a spot on the common room floor, nice!! The crowd is nice though. For instance there is this Australian (looks perfectly normal) who is fascinated with "man's connection to spirituality). He convinced us to head to Sarejevo. He was headed there to look for people inspired by the Virgin Mary, who is supposedly spotted there quite often. He told me one of them knew when the end of the world was going to be. I told him not to tell me. He did say however that miracles are granted there often, that info I may just want. God nows I could use a miracle or two, ok maybe 3. There are a lot of funny pics you guys should check out. Like the "do not climb or else" sign posted in the castle, the train that we to took to Zagreb, and the "space invaders against feminism" (my favorite).
Enjoy my friends,
Wish you were all here with me!!
Ciao,
Mark
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Ljubljana, Slovenia

So here I am, day two in Zurich, brown cow but no chicken yet (inside joke, see photo). I spent the better part of the day on what I consider the best hike of my life. A expat (US), now living in Tazmania, told me to take the tram up to the hills. He said there I would find two huge cell phone towers, one of which could be climbed for an awesome view of the city. When I got there I found a zoo, a magnificent view, as well as the perfect place for a wedding (if anyone is in the market for that sort of thing). Moreover, I found the perfect Swiss miss (swiss-french poodle), for Sammy, taking a walk with its owner (see pic), who knows...
Wawawoowa (thats cause I heading east to the Bloc). (Next stop Ljubljana). Never heard of it? Me neither, but I'm going anyway. It turns out it is in Slovenia. The reason I am going, oh because I met a guy from Brazil who was going to go to Interlaken for a concert, but at the last minute decided that he had to go see about a girl from Barcelona (really from Brazil too), who is going to a music festival in Austria. Think I am kidding, nope. Actually as I write this, I am on the train, sitting next to a girl from Bern who is heading to Sofia, yep... geography lesson number 2. Its in... Bulgaria (thanks Spotlight). So...nI have been called random (among other things) in my life, now I have some insight as to why.
The worst part of the day was actually the best. On my walk to the train station, the sky opened up and it started pouring. Know what... I am not even mad, kind of impressed. I just kept plowing my way to the station and got there completely soaked, albeit elated. One of the best showers, and days, of my life.
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