meg926's TravelStream™ — Recent TravelPod.com entries

meg926's TravelStream™ — Recent TravelPod.com entries TravelStream™ news feed for member meg926 on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/meg926 en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Fri, 13 Feb 2009 20:15:14 -0500 http://www.travelpod.com My new life in San Francisco! — San Francisco, California, United States http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1234573740/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1234573740/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1234573740/tpod.html Fri, 13 Feb 2009 20:15:14 -0500 Megan, Nina and Erica's European Adventure

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San Francisco, California, United States

So I'm continuing this (much out of date) blog, to talk about my new life in San Francisco. I figured it was easier than starting over completely (and there might be other travel adventures in the near future). I moved out here from New Orleans a few months ago after our whirlwind European travels, and I'm still adjusting to life in SF. I have a good group of friends out here from Dartmouth, so it's been a pretty easy transition. There are things about N.O. that I miss (mainly my family, friends and doggie Lucy), but I'm enjoying discovering new places and fun activities in my new city. I'm currently living in the Inner Sunset neighborhood with 12 (yes 12...that's not a typo) roommates. I know it sounds totally bizarre but I'm living in a big (you should see the size of the kitchen), newly renovated house with 13 bedrooms and six bathrooms. Everyone is really great and I feel very spoiled - three flat screen TVs with all of the movie channels, nice modern furniture, huge kitchen (it's worth mentioning twice even though I primarily microwave things instead of actually cooking anything), etc.So life is good so far. I have to run but will write more about my adventures soon!
]]> Au revoir Nice, Hola Barcelona — Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1213977540/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1213977540/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1213977540/tpod.html Sun, 29 Jun 2008 18:28:33 -0400 Megan, Nina and Erica's European Adventure

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Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

A new entry is on the horizon but first I must attempt to change my flight one last time about 3 days before I am scheduled to fly home.  Please contain your excitement.  I'm pretty sure the new entry will blow your socks off as usual.NinaSo Barcelona.  Barcelona. Barcelona. Barcelona.  Well, let´s see.  Firs of all, we took an overnight train.  That was quite an experience.  Usually by the time we board the trains we are so completely exhausted from our touring and late nights in the previous place that we enjoy the rest and crash immediately.  This wasn't really the case on the overnight train.  We had just been in Cinque Terre, a sleepy little town where people go to relax and have their honeymoon or hike.  We swam in the gorgeous warm sea and went to bed early there.  It was lovely.  Our dinner of fresh seafood was fantastic and Nate´s company was a pleasure.  Soooo, when we climbed aboard the overnight train we were in for a long, boring, cramped ride.  Our bags wouldn't fit in the overhead so we put them at the food of our couchettes, which proved to be a mistake.  After a glass of red wine and a Tylenol p.m. I passed out wonderfully only to wake up every hour in the fetal position.  It really wasn´t all that bad, but I think next time I´ll know what I´m in for and plan accordingly.  We arrived at about noon in Barcelona after switching trains 2x, in Toulouse and Narbonne at 5am and 9am respectively. We had met up with a couple in Nice who were headed in the same direction for the Sonar festival going on in Barcelona this weekend.  Actually, funny story, a random kiwi boy named Christopher walked up to us having a snack outside of the Nice train station and asked if we know whether or not hitchhiking was legal in France. Haha.  Not the sharpest guy, we ended up realizing that we were going to the same place and let him know that there was an overnight train, so he wouldn´t have to worry about hitchhiking at all.  He and his Swedish girlfriend, Josie, ended up tagging along with us and we all hung out at train stops.  So once we arrived in Barcelona they tagged along with us to our hostel.  as it turns out there was a bit of a mix up and our room had been given away and the hostel had filled up.  we were none too pleased.  After what felt like non-stop travel we were ready to shower!  So we grabbed our packs and started to wander towards an internet cafe that the desk clerk pointed out.  We left Josie and Christopher behind saying we´d just see them there.  This internet cafe did not exist.  We looked and looked.  Meanwhile, Megan is calling a list of hostels the same desk clerk had given us, all of which were fully book.  Well, of course it was dawn back in New Orleans, so we didn´t want to place a desperate call home to wake anyone up so Megan called and called and we wandered and wandered hoping to find an internet cafe.  Finally, after about 2-3 hours we gave up and I called my parents.  Anne and Robert to the rescue!!!  My dad booked us the nicest hotel either of us can remember staying in.  These 2 days have been fantastic.  Oh the beds.  The only way I can think to describe the beds would be what I imagine sleeping on a cloud in heaven to feel like.  I am not exaggerating.  We had a flat screen tv, in the bedroom AND bathroom.  The shower was like a waterfall.  Fluffy robes.  Slippers.  A mini fridge.  AN IRON!!!  (I was really excited about the iron, I´m not gonna lie).  Anyway,  I can´t say I don´t feel totally spoiled rotten right now.  After the long weeks of walking in unpadded shoes and carrying about 55lbs on our backs we were so appreciative of the incredible gift.  Le Meridien will always have a special place in my heart.So onto Barcelona.  Our new hotel was situated right on La Rambla, the main street that reminds me much of a clean version of Bourbon street.  There are street performers and stands, artists, caricaturists, flower markets.  It is really fun to just walk up and down the street.  The performers act as statues, like in he quarter, only they don´t appear to be as wobbly or drunk.  They have elaborate costumes and some even interact with passerby.  Our favorite is a man who is dressed like a circus clown and follows people walking down the street imitating their most striking feature.  It is very funny...until you become one of his victims.  Megs bought a very cute, very appropriate, relatively short skirt while we were in Nice and wore it out on Saturday.  Well, she can´t help the gorgeous long limbs of hers, and as we walked past the clown he bent over and looked up her skirt, much to the amusement of onlookers.  Not so much to Megs.After checking in to the hotel and wandering teh day away, we decided to head out to find the clubs and bars recommended by my terribleg uide book.  After a few hours at Sugar talking with the bartender and a [enter here the word for a man who sits at the same bar after work and talks with the same people every night],  found ourselves at a huge music festival.  During our pre-travel research I had stumbled upon the website for SONAR and we had talked about going, but never really made plans.  After becoming friends with the man at our Florence Hostel, Ivan (Ee-von), who is from Barcelona, we were reminded of the event.  It's biiiig.  So we up and went at the last minute.  It started at midnight.  We got there at about 1am and met Ivan.  We stayed there for the night listening to insane techno/electronic/DJ music.  It was interesting.  We were so glad to tumble into our heavenly beds for the day.  That afternoon we just wandered some more.  So...I started this entry about a week ago and the rest of the memories are fuzzy.  Sadly, Megs left on Monday the 23rd with her family.  Well, sadly for me, exciting for Megs because she gets to visit some of the most amazing places in the world.  Although, I think her internet rates are something like 6 dollars for 10 minutes, so we probably won't be hearing from her any time soon.  I stayed a few more days in Barcelona with our friend Ivan who runs the Florence hostel.  He's from Barcelona and was there to visit friends and family.  His friends were wonderful.  Although they didn't really speak any more English than I spoke Spanish, they made me feel welcome.  His friend Leda let me spend two nights in her bed in her apartment and spent the night with friends.  Did I mention how incredible these people were? The Spanish are kind and friendly and I could just go one and on.  Anyway, I stayed at her lovely apartment (she does interior design for a living) and hung out with her and the rest of Ivan's friends for 3 days.
]]> Ciao Erica — Florence, Italy http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1213694040/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1213694040/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1213694040/tpod.html Sun, 22 Jun 2008 08:38:55 -0400 Megan, Nina and Erica's European Adventure

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Florence, Italy

Erica, We miss you, but I know you're happy to be a home snuggling with your puppies.  Hope all is well.  Ciao, my darling. NinaAdding to Nina's entry (and it's an important one because we do greatly miss Erica!), I'll just say a few more words about our time in Florence. I have to take advantage of the free internet here while I can...Erica left yesterday morning at the crack of dawn, and Nina and I decided to stay an extra day here in order to  plan the rest of our trip. And this hostel is so nice it's just hard to leave! For the past few days in Florence, I tried to show Erica and Nina a few of my favorite places from my time abroad. Some highlights include going to the Uffizi, seeing the David at the Accadamia (in my opinion a bit of a rip-off for the 10 euro price but it had to be done) and walking up to the Piazza Michelangelo for a beautiful view of the city. We also went to one of my favorite restaurants (Acqua al Due) as well as my favorite gelato place (Festival del Gelato - how can you go wrong with a name like that?). It's been kind of bizarre to wander past places I frequented four years ago, but it's been so nice to be back and it will be hard to leave today. As soon as we get our act together (Nina is still trying to cram everything in her bag at the moment), we plan to head to Cinque Terre. It really is a beautiful place and I'm excited to go back again. We heard that there was a train strike yesterday, so we're just hoping we can make it there. It will be an adventure for sure (as everything is in Italy)...Ciao for now!
]]> Cinque Terre and Nice — Nice, Provence, France http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1213884540/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1213884540/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1213884540/tpod.html Sat, 21 Jun 2008 09:32:49 -0400 Megan, Nina and Erica's European Adventure

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Nice, Provence, France

Bonjour! We're currently in Nice. We arrived here yesterday evening after a long day of traveling. We had originally planned to come straight here from Florence, but we decided at the last minute to stop in Cinque Terre, located on the coast of Italy. I took a day trip there when I studied abroad in Florence and really wanted Nina to see it. After finally getting our act together on Tuesday morning, we made it to the train station in Florence and hopped on a train to La Spezia (where you have to transfer to a smaller train that goes to Cinque Terre's five towns). Since we hadn't originally planned to go there, we didn't have accomodations; therefore, we asked about hostels at the information booth at the La Spezia station. The woman pointed us to a hostel in the town of Manarola, just two stops away. So we hopped on the train for a short ride. However, at our stop the door near us was broken (of course), so we missed the 30 second window we had to make it off and were forced to get off at the next stop and turn around. We were waiting ready at the door when we made it to our correct stop. I went to step off the train and the door closed on my chest! Nina was there to push it open (my savior), but it wasn't too pleasant and pretty embarassing, especially considering about 20 people on the platform were watching this unfold. Finally, after a bit of a struggle, we made it onto the platform. I was admittedly flustered from being trapped in the train door (who does that happen to???) but was happy to finally be in the right place. However, as soon as I went to lift my huge backpack, I immediately crashed the thing into my shin, creating an instant and enormous bruise. (Seriously, the injuries on this trip just keep piling up). After the pain subsided and I calmed down a bit from the events of the last two minutes, we got directions and walked up the steep and endless hill that led to the hostel. We were both panting and sweating profusely when we got there, only to find out that it was completley booked! It was quite the series of events. Fortunately, we met a guy (Nate from St. Paul, MN), who was in the exact same predicament, and the three of us found a very lovely and reasonably priced bed and breakfast just up the hill (I swear we're going to have very toned legs after this trip). The view from the window was gorgeous and the breakfast the next morning was incredible.After the disastrous series of events that occured immediately upon our arrival, everything worked out and we were glad to make a new friend to hang out with in Cinque Terre. After throwing down our huge backpacks in our room (clean with a private bath!), we put on our bathing suits and headed back down the huge hill to swim in the ocean by the rocky cliff. The setting was beautiful and the water felt incredible. We all agreed it was so much fun to swim like a little kid again. Later we headed back to town for a delicious seafood dinner and to watch the France vs. Italy Eurocup game. I am a big fan of France, but I had to keep my mouth shut while watching the match with all those Italians. Unfortunately, there wasn't much to cheer for as France lost 2-0 and were knocked out of the tournament. It was still great to watch the game in a big group of rowdy fans. There's nothing like watching a soccer match with a group of Europeans. It's just not the same in the U.S...I really don't believe we have that kind of passion for any sport. Anyway, Nina and I are now both Netherlands supporters! Although I think I look pretty horrible in orange... On Wednesday morning, we packed up and headed to Nice. After a lenghtly train ride, we finally arrived here last night and found the hotel that we booked just that morning. It was located by the train station near several sex shops with neon signs (note - planning ahead does pay off sometimes). After grabbing a quick dinner at the market across the street, we headed towards the beach and the center of town (Old Nice) where we grabbed a few drinks at a place called Chez Wayne's (we really know how to immerse ourselves in the local culture). Despite the name and all the Americans, it was fun - live music and reasonably priced drinks. Today I've been walking around Nice, enjoying the incredible weather, while Nina is dealing with the logistics of the rest of her trip since she's decided to travel by herself for an extra week.Tonight we head to Barcelona on an overnight train. The total trip time is about 15 hours...ugh.  We'll give one last update at some point during our time in Spain. Until then...au revoir!!!
]]> Santorini — Santorini, Greece http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1212509400/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1212509400/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1212509400/tpod.html Sun, 15 Jun 2008 12:25:35 -0400 Megan, Nina and Erica's European Adventure

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Santorini, Greece

Greetings from Santorini! Where to begin...we arrived here yesterday after spending four days in Mykonos. Before getting to Santorini I'll mention a bit more about our time in Mykonos because there's lots to tell. We stayed at a place called Mykonos Camping where we had our own bungalow. Even though the term "bungalow" sounds somewhat exotic and luxurious (or at least the ones I've seen before), the room was only about 10 feet by 10 feet with three cots squished together, leaving very little room for all our stuff. After about the first half an hour and for the rest of our time there, we had stuffed littered everywhere (most of which was Nina's since she is carrying around a 60 pound bag). Needless to say, we did not spend too much time in the room. When the location is that gorgeous, why would we though? I think in our last couple of entries, we mentioned we met a brother (Ryan) and sister (Steph) from Boston who we convinced to travel with us to Mykonos. The night before they were supposed to leave (they had plane tickets from Athens to Rome), we stayed out until dawn at a nearby beach club and they slept through their alarm for the 7:15 a.m. ferry. They rushed out of there and tried to make a later one and we didn't think much of it after that. However, a couple of hours later as Erica and I were waiting for the bus into town, we saw Ryan coming back on the hostel's shuttle. He had decided to stay in Mykonos and is still there - planning to work all summer. We agreed it's perfect for him as he <i>always has a Heineken in his hand. We think that's what he spends most of his money on...hilarious. This place has that kind of effect on you...Speaking of partying, we definitely did our fair share in Mykonos. We mainly hung out at the gorgeous beaches all day - either Paraga Beach, the more peaceful one near our place or Paradise Beach, the more crowded and rowdier place to hang out (at about 5 every day the bars along the beach start blaring music and encouraging beach-goers to start dancing on the various platforms). Most nights we went out in Mykonos town at various clubs until the early hours of dawn. Mykonos is the party island and we had a blast. Yesteray we were feeling the pain for drinking and staying up all night for four nights in a row. Mykonos is a challenge to any seasoned partier - even for three girls from the Big Easy. Fortunately, we were able to meet lots of cool people at our hostel (Ryan as we've already mentioned) as well as two different groups of guys from West Virginia and Yale. We also randomly ran into a guy who we had hung out with our last night in Athens. It's crazy how that happens when you're traveling throughout Europe. We even have plans to meet up with him in Rome as we'll be there for one night of his stay.  Like I said, yesterday our bodies hated us for the abuse they took in Mykonos but we were able to arrive in Santorini in one piece. We found the hostel that was recommended to us and dragged ourselves to a cute Italian Restaurant on the water. Afterwards, all we wanted to do was pass out, so we headed back to our room and started to get ready for bed. We were all claiming how much we enjoyed our private room with its own bathroom ater our accomodations in Mykonos. Erica even said, "I've never in my life been so happy to see a towel. This place is like the Ritz." Nina and I agreed and were making some other comments about our comparably luxurious room, when I spotted the biggest spider I've ever seen in person outside of a zoo. It was <i>at least the size of a baseball with weird markings all over it. Of course we all screamed and jumped on our beds, not knowing what to do next. After a few minutes, a nice Canadian couple came by (I have a new appreciation for that country!) and asked what was wrong. After another 20-30 minutes of watching it and trying to figure out what to do (seriously it was that scary), I ran down the street for help and found what I thought was a really tough looking guy who claimed that he wasn't afraid of spiders. He came back with me to be our hero, but when he saw the size of this thing, he quickly told us he couldn't help us and left. Finally, one of the Canadians (the guy of course) attempted to kill it will one of the huge travel books I'd packed. It took him another 10 minutes, but he finally smashed it and we were able to try to sleep (although we refused to open any doors or windows despite the stifling heat). So we haven't had a crazy night out in Santorini yet (tonight hopefully), but we did relive Arachnaphobia (spelling?). This morning we woke up newly refreshed from a full night of sleep. We rented ATVs and went to Fira, Santorini's biggest town. The ATVs are by far the best way to get around here and we had such a blast riding them. In Fira we wandered around and did a bit of shopping. Seriously, I can't stop taking pictures here. Before I forget, I realize I said I downloaded pictures on facebook in my last entry; however, I found out later that it didn't work. However, I'm trying it again today so check back if you get a chance!Now for some more random thoughts/comments about our time in the Greek Islands so far from Erica:Hello all! As you have probably realized this is my first entry to the blog. The trip so far has been amazing for me but none of us has come out of Mykonos unscathed. The injuries are quite numerous and varying. Mine happened one night walking from our beach to Paradise beach en route to a club. It was pitch black, I mean no light whatsoever, and I lost my footing and just slid down the side of a rock scraping my right leg from foot to knee. So I know have several really nice looking scrapes all down my leg. Nina had an unfortunate incident in the ocean. While in the ocean she sat on a sandbar and just happened to sit smack on top of a sea anemone!! Needless to say extreme discomfort soon followed... And as for Megs, upon finding out she was locked out of our bungalow she decided to climb through the window and now has a large scrape on her back. Oh well it's only a small price to pay for being in such an amazing place!Ok we have to go because our time is running out but we'll try to write more again soon!
]]> In Paris! — Paris, Île-de-France, France http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1211732460/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1211732460/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1211732460/tpod.html Sun, 15 Jun 2008 11:53:29 -0400 Megan, Nina and Erica's European Adventure

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Paris, Île-de-France, France

Nina and I arrived in Paris early this morning! Our flight was pretty easy and routine and we made it to our hotel just a couple of blocks from Notre Dame. The taxis driver only backed up three different times after a wrong turn (once on a freeway entrance) but we somehow made it in one piece. Despite the exhaustion we were able to make it to Notre Dame (absolutely gorgeous) and the Rodin Museum, which was well worth the 45 minute wait. Many of the artists famous works (Le Penseur and Balzac most notably) are set in an icredible landscape of manicured lazns and beautiful flowers. I attempted to recall all I learned from my modern sculpture class soph year but it didnùt matter. It was just amazing!
]]> Venezia — Venice, Veneto, Italy http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1213191480/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1213191480/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1213191480/tpod.html Sun, 15 Jun 2008 11:42:26 -0400 Megan, Nina and Erica's European Adventure

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Venice, Veneto, Italy

Hello from Venice! We arrived here yesterday after a five hour train ride from Rome. Our last two days there were filled with more sight seeing and great food. We tackled the Sistine Chapel, St. Peters, Spanish Steps and more that I'm probably forgetting at this point. One of the highlights was a two hour lunch at a fantastic place near Vatican City - thanks to another recommendation by Nina's family friends. They even gave us free dessert - a molten chocolate cake with whipped cream that was to die for! There was still so much more we could have done, but fortunately we threw a coin into the Trevi Fountain the first day, ensuring our return! Now we're in Venice, one of my favorite places. This is my fourth trip here, but its the first time for Nina and Erica. Unfortunately, I can't write too much as internet (like everything else) is so unbelievably expensive here...1 euro for 10 minutes. We've been wandering around all day just taking in the sights. This city is completely filled with tourists, but its just so unique that I don't get sick of coming back. I keep trying to get Erica and Nina to take a picture of pigeons covering them in Piazzo San Marco, but they're both pretty horrified at the idea. Tonight we plan to go to Harry's Bar for their famous bellinis (they are the original creator) before exploring some other areas of the city.Ok I really must run now, but Ill try to report more when we make it to Florence on Friday. Until then...ciao!
]]> Florence, you know how much? — Florence, Tuscany, Italy http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1213453920/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1213453920/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1213453920/tpod.html Sat, 14 Jun 2008 11:00:02 -0400 Megan, Nina and Erica's European Adventure

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Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Ciao, friends and family, from Firenze!Nina here.  This will be my 2nd wonderful entry.  I must say, I've been a bit of a deliquent when it comes to recording our adventures.  I haven't made an entry to my journal since Mykonos.  Shameful, I know. So here we are in Florence.  It is such a beautiful city.  Our hostel is the nicest we've stayed in yet, if I do say so.  Free internet!  Cheap laundry.  Comfy beds. Clean bathroom (that one's a biggie). TV. Cute front desk boy.  All the stuff you look for in a hostel.  Yesterday we arrived off the train from Venice.  I made the mistake of losing track of my clutch purse for a minute or two very late at night in a bar in Venice and returned to find it, my debit card, my american express, and my 60 euros cash inside, all gone. Oops.  I really feel stupid for that one.  It's all ok now, but I had to deal with the cancellation and card replacement for about 3 hours.  Lesson learned.  Well, after just barely catching the train to meet Megs and Erica we spent a few hours napping and reading until arriving in Florence.  We walked through the streets to find our hostel, weaving through vendors and tents selling leather goods and italia soccer gear.  It has now become like a song that gets stuck in our heads, but the chorus of African fake purse and fake sunglass vendors rings throughout all of Europe. "Miss Lady, Miss Lady, you know how much? Ok wait.  Excuse me.  Miss Lady. You know how much?  For you, half price.  Nice lady, for you, half price."  We are still unsure of what exactly it is half of, but I guess we are just so special. Clearly,  I mean, for us, half price.Our first stop was the duomo, which is less than a block from our hostel.  So beautiful.  I can't believe I finally got to see the beautiful creation I did a history research project on in high school in person.  That Brunelleschi, man, I give him major props.  The view from the top is mindlblowing.  A word I've come to use often in our travels.  Really just a breathtaking 360 degree view.  Did I mention the 456 steps we climbed to get there?  Yeah, our rear ends are pretty much rock hard now.  I tell you, one thing we know we'll take home from this trip will be some added strength in the stair stepping muscles.  We've probably climbed about 5000 by now.  Anyway, after that we went to a lovely dinner at a place Megan's guide book (our savior) recommended.  We stretched it our to about a 2 and a half hour meal, which is one of my favorite things to do.  Enough wine and we could've made it 3 and a half, but from time to time we try to take it easy on our poor, exhausted little bodies.  We did stop by a very cheesy pub called Fish and enjoyed the second half of the Netherlands vs. France game.  France ate it hard.  So sad. 4-1 I believe. We also were able to enjoyed the exotic dancer-like moves of a few underdressed, overly made-up, American teens in desperate need of attention.  You should've seen these girls.  It was a sight.  Today we wok up early and walked back through the vendors to a wonderful inside market full of fresh meat and produce on our way to the Uffizi.  I hope I spelled that correctly.  It was chocked full of hot art.  Yeah, you heard me, chocked full.  Megs, our personal tour guide and art history expert informed us of the important works as we zig-zagged through.  I personally like the Boticelli works because they are so whimsical.  I just want to jump in and dance around with the subjects.  La dee da, skip to my loo.  You know.  Anyway, after that we did a bit of damage in the stores in town then took a break to eat.  Right now the girls are a a sculture museum, the name of which escapes me, and I'm taking some personal time to get in touch since I've been very bad about that and plan my travels.  I have decided to take a week of time to travel alone and it's time to get more concrete on the details of that part of the trip.  So I'm off to research.  We called it a night early last night and hope to wine and dine tonight.  It's a special restaurant Megs loved when she was abroad here, so I trust that it will be magnificent. I hope everything is going well at home and in your own adventures.  I plan to be more responsible about my contributions to the blog.  Until then, ciao.Nina
]]> When in Rome... — Rome, Lazio, Italy http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1212854340/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1212854340/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1212854340/tpod.html Sat, 07 Jun 2008 13:28:54 -0400 Megan, Nina and Erica's European Adventure

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Rome, Lazio, Italy

Ciao from Roma! We've been traveling quite a bit recently but finally made it here. Two days ago we took a six hour ferry from Santorini back to Athens, then after a short night there (and one more gyro), we flew to Rome yesterday morning. After finding our hostel, we quickly set out to sight see as there is just so much to do in this city! Our first stop was the Trevi Fountain where we each threw a coin into the water, ensuring a return trip to Rome. Then we wandered over to the Pantheon with an (accidental) detour through the area near the Campo de' Fiore, a cute area with an open air flower and vegetable market. We were starved after wondering around for a couple of hours, so we tucked into a cute restaurant on one of the picturesque medieval streets in the area. Erica and I went straight for the mushroom pizza, which was just delicious (I think it's hard to find bad pizza or pasta anywhere in this city). The waiter was very friendly and even offered to give us a free shot if we went out later in the area. We haven't taken him up on it yet, but we immediately experienced how friendly Italian men are to three American girls. We were refreshed after our meal and the delicious Italian coffee, so we headed out to find the Pantheon. After carefully consulting her map every few minutes (we all look so American so why not embrace being tourists?), Nina navigated us through the curving streets to the Pantheon. Of course my camera died right as I whipped it out to take a pic, but it didn't ruin the moment of marveling at the ancient building's incredible beauty. It certainly is an architectural marvel and we spent some time just looking around in awe at its beauty (both inside and out!). After walking around for a few hours we returned home to freshen up and head out to dinner at the restaurant Da Fortunata - one of the recommendations from Nina's family friends, the Stones. The view facing the Pantheon was fantastic and the food was delicious (we all ordered pasta dishes, which were all just incredible!). I don't think I could ever get sick of the food in this coutry...Anyway, after dinner we wandered back to the Campo de' Fiore and grabbed drinks at a couple of the many bars in the area. We met two new friends, recent grads from Hamilton College, who we ended up sight seeing with all day today. The area was packed and definitely a fun place to hang out after dinner.Today we headed to a few more of the endless sights in this city (seriously, walking down the street every day we run into the most amazing ruins and buildings....it's unbelieveable). We tackled the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Forum. We decided to pay a little extra to go on a guided tour of all three areas in order to bypass the incredibly long line. It turned out to be a great decision as our guide was great and we learned some interesting stuff. For instance, at Palatine Hill the emporer's palace included a "vomitorium" to allow guests to relieve themselves during the 8 hour feasts consisting of 15 different courses! There were of course other fun facts but I just couldn't resist including that one. We were also fortunate enough to see the house of Augustus, Rome's first emporer. His house was actually located below the current ruins because the Emporer Domition (not sure the spelling) built over all of the existing structures during his reign in order to build one giant palace for himself. However, the ruins of Augustus' house are still there and have just been recently opened to the public. We had to wait awhile to see it as they only allow six people in at a time, but it was definitely worth the wait. The building is over 2,000 years old and still contains some of the original wall frescoes. It was an incredible sight to see! However, we're not sure how much the Italians truly appreciate this treasure - while we were there, one of the workers accidentally kicked off a piece of the wall, then quickly shoved it away. Oops...so glad they're only allowing six people in at a time for conservation purposes...Im still struggling to remember the Italian I learned when I studied in Florence my junior year of college. It's pretty sad how little I retained but I do make a feable attempt. Of course, like in France, I say something in very broken Italian and most respond in perfect English. Oh well at least we're trying and not just assuming everyone speaks our language. I have to run now as my time is running out (it goes so quickly!) and I have to get ready for our night out. We plan to go on a Colosseum Pub Crawl. I'm sure it will be all tourists, but it should be fun. And we get a free tshirt for the coverage charge so who can resist. I'll try to write more at the end of our time in Rome as I'm sure there will be so much else to report. Ciao for now!
]]> Mykonos — Mykonos, Cyclades, Greece http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1212156960/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1212156960/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/meg926/1/1212156960/tpod.html Fri, 30 May 2008 10:49:32 -0400 Megan, Nina and Erica's European Adventure

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Mykonos, Cyclades, Greece

The lazy member of the group is going to try to manage an entry, but I've got to say, there will probably be more detail than many of you will care to know.  I may backtrack a little over some of what Megan's already shared since I haven't actually had the chance to read any of the blog myself.  They charge a lot for internet over here, so give me a break. Greece is AMAZING!  Where do I begin?  I can't remember what I told you yet, but suffice it to say that awe inspiring was probably coined to describe the beaches of Greece.    We flew to Athens.  They actually charge for drinks on the plane! For those of you world travelers, this is not big news, but for little ole untravelled me it came as quite a shock and annoyance.  We were starved. You can't get a mini bottle of water or so much as a pretzel for under 2 euros).  Anyway, we arrived in Athens exhausted from our 420am wake-up call.  Of course, Erica and Megs slept soundly on the plane while I read about Ancient Greek history.  I've developed a pretty bad sleeping pattern over here and it's not jet lag related.  I just can't seem to get more than 4 hours of sleep at a time.  (Until last night.  Triumph!  I did wake up after 4 hours, but since, for once, we didn't have to wake up at dawn for a flight or to beat the museum crowds, I was able to go back to bed for 2 hours).  Back to wednesday the 28th.  We took the metro to our hostel, which proved to be a challenge to find.  Enjoyed the shady courtyard for 30min until check-in time and then changed and headed out. Poor Megan.  After dealing with all the planning of the ferry and buying our tickets ahead of time, she (we) made the mistake of trusting their website, which told us to go to a main office to pick up our tickets ahead of time. An office that turned out to be a giant abandoned room in a very sketchy office building on a busy street.  We saw three sex shops and a strip club on the way there.  The sex shops had large awnings reading SEX SHOP in giant lettering and that's it.  After that debacle we walked right up to the Acropolis.  For that I have no words.  After my countless Art History, Greek Mythology, and History studies I was pretty impressed.  I can't even imagine the amount of labor it took to place each of those stones and carve the amazing statues (or what's left.  Lloyd's right.  It's all in London.).  The view from the acropolis is worthy of the gods, that's for sure. You know what we all noticed and (which has now become one of our favorite no-longer-inside jokes) in every single picture they take, every single one, Asians feel a need to hold there hands above there heads.  It's too funny.  They throw them up with gusto and hold them in the air as if they've just reached the top of Kilimanjaro or something.  That is not meant to offend the culturally sensitive.  It's a simply undeniable fact.  As we walked over to a little raised area that holds the Greek flag.  A girl said, "You're American, right?"  I said yes.  She asked me to take her because her brother, who she's traveling with would just laugh if she asked him.  We started to chat and she is very sweet.  She's from Boston and has a hint of an accent.  After we chatted she asked me if she could tag along with us and I was thinking "Finally!"  I set out on this trip with the hope and goal to meet new people and do spontaneous things, so at least the first goal was being met.  Anyway,  the 6 of us left and walked around Athens all day.  It's not so bad.  I understand why everyone says to just go for a day and see what you need to see and then leave, but I loved it.  They have men outside every restaurant trying to get you to come in and they're very aggressive to the point that they'll follow you down the street, but they're harmless.  I've developed a great ability to be rude and it feels wonderful.  No not really, but Megs and Erica are far too polite to them. We were trying to walk to the Metro when some guy tried to get us to take his taxi and started to follow us, then he asked if we needed to go somewhere, if we need help and on and on and I just turned to him in response to "What can we do you for ladies?" and said, "You can leave us alone.  We don't want you near us." He left.  You can't be polite because they will continue.  You must be direct with them and they'll respect it.  I have gotten to use my very keen negotiating skills while here as well and gotten our charges reduced in a number of ways, from gift shops, to restaurants, to beach chaises.   Anyway,  I digress.  After we walked around for a while and exhausted ourselves, the 6 of us sat down at a cafe and ordered some wine.  It was lovely.  They had fans spraying mist and we were sold.  I got up to see if we could tun off the oscillator and have the mist on us constantly (to no avail).  BUT when I went to sit down I made I contact with man (I like to think he was checking me out) who looked EXACTLY like Brad Pitt.  I kid you not.  In fact, I recognized him from last year when he made it on the cover of all the American tabloids for being mistaken for Brad Pitt at the Olympic games.   He has long hair and wears hats, so they were all saying Brad was trying to go incognito in Athens.  Anyway, it was that guy. So I had a mini heart attack, which was silly, but I was like a giddy school girl.  He totally heard us talking about him the entire time, although we did change the subject eventually.  We ever tried to pretend we were taking a picture of me and Megan while Steph snapped him in the background, but he covered his face.  Ha!  So he and his male companion got up to leave and with Megs last bit of encouragement(thank you Megan) I stood up and asked him to take a picture with me.  I felt like Brad Pitt had his arm around me.  Haha.  I know.  Star struck is so declasse, but whatever.  He was very sweet to me and the policeman who took our picture then asked if we were going to get married. Haha.  Well, the picture is safe and sound on the disposable camera I brought.  I wanted to add a little suspense.   After that we went back to our hostel with everyone to share a bottle or two or three of wine and shoot the breeze.  Later we changed for dinner etc.  I ended up leaving half way through dinner because I was so deliriously sleep deprived.  After a fourth person asked me "what's wrong" or "are you ok?" I thought it best to head home.  My eyes were trying to shut and I was having trouble stopping them.  It was just unpretty and undignified.  We awoke to head to Mykonos at 5am, but of course, having gone to bed at 1030 pm  I awoke at 230am(insomnia problems).  They turn off the computers at night to protect them from drunken guests.  So I lay in bed, panicking that Megs, who's stayed out with Steph, had been kidnapped.  I know I'm a little nuts.  It when 415 am rolled around she fell into bed exhausted and got 45 inutes of sleep before our wake up call.  So we walked with stray dogs who followed us, back to the metro and headed to the ferry.   The ferry ride was nice, but I don't think details will be necessary for that portion of the trip.  Can I just say that the water in Mykonos is so blue that it doesn't look real.  It's like liquid sapphires.  I would have to describe it as very similar to the fake waterfalls at putt-putt golf course.  You know what I mean?  It's that insanely blue-green color that they dye it. I feel a little overindulgent here though because we aren't touring museums and soaking up important cultural experiences.  We are lying on the beach, reading our books, and going out til 5am at dance clubs.  That's really what they do here.  I must say, it's not usually my thing.  That doesn't mean I'm not loving every moment of it, but a beer is 6 euros and i had my neck licked and body parts grabbed while dancing last night and that's just to name a few shocking events.  Haha. We girls have become quite the escape artists, helping one another run from the groping Grecian men and creepy club goers.  I've got to say it's really fun though.  I mean,  I've never been a big clubber, but meeting all these Aussies (they are everywhere!) , Brits, and Canadians (a lot of them too) is great fun.  Sidenote: Erica overheard a couple having sex in the showers at our hostel.  I guess that's what you do when you're sharing a tiny "bungalow" with other friends and you meet a member of the opposite sex around here.  I dunno.  Ew.     Mykonos mykonos mykonos.   Ah how lovely you are.  But now it's time to get dressed and ready to catch the bus into town and grab a little dinner.  I hope it was entertaining.  I will write again soon.  Hi from Megs and Erica.   Note from Megan: I couldn't upload pics on the travel blog so I just made a new facebook album so check it out (for older relatives I'm sure you can find a young one to help you this this). Until later...
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