The plague has hit us in a fairly minor way. I am fighting a cold like a true champion and Natalie is back at camp guzzling OJ and praying that what I have doesn´t catch up to her. I ventured into town alone to make a few phone calls, catch up on internet things and listen to the new Gogol Bordello CD I bought.
Some exciting news: As Natalie and I walked through the streets of Madrid we found a great Irish pub called the James Joyce. It was phenominal, and coincidently I booked a gig there for sometime next year! I hope the band wants to travel:) After Ireland, I should have enough contacts to get a true European tour going!
Tomorrow is our last day in Madrid, we board the train to Lisbon Portugal tomorrow night at 10 pm and arrive at 7 am the next morning. I read in the news that my Cinncinati Bengals signed Terrel Owens this week, yikes!
Today, as we sat on the steps of the Royal Palace of the King of Spain (He doesn´t live there, just uses it as a place to meet dignitaries) we heard a bad violinist try to play over a loud speaker. I also got to play Flamenco guitar in an exclusive shop. The guitars were beautiful! They were hand made in Spain and the quality of the guitars were exquisite. Natalie is as patient as a saint when I pass a music store (they are so rare here, not kidding) and stands there as I pick up a guitar and play gypsy or Irish music!
I know that she´ll read this later, but I want to tell all of you that have been reading Thank You. Not for reading but for being part of this exciting part of my life with the most amazing woman I have ever met (sorry mom:). She really is so good to me, that there is nothing to complain about.
I hope this post finds everyone well. I have surpassed the 400 page mark in my book (hand written) and it should translate to a good story someday. I actually started researching my new texts books today thanks to a forward thinking professor who e-mailed out all the books for the semester. Natalie and I have been reading like feinds, and at the end of the summer we´ll have put down between 5,000 and 10,000 pages each! We found some English books in a bookstore in Italy, pain in the butt to carry, but worth the mental sharpening. I just finished Thomas Hardy´s "Jude the Obscure" and Natalie is reading James Joyce´s "The Dubliners" which I have already read. I am just getting into "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie and have already read "Murder on the Nile" thanks to Natalie. After Orient I have two more books to read, "David Cooperfield" which Dicken´s said was his very favortie book and "Nicholas and Alexandra" a historical retelling of the crazy Russian Royal family. If anyone wants a summary or to borrow them when we get home let us know!
Taske care until I can write again.
All the very best for our friends and family!
-Troy (minus Natalie for the next 12 mintues it takes to walk back to camp!)
European Honeymoon!
St. George May 2012, Hawaii after that???
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Day 37
Barcelona Train Station 9:03pm 7-27-10
Troy and I are waiting for our train to Madrid. Troy woke up with a cold this morning but we went down to the beach anyways. We read, enjoyed the sun and Troy played some guitar. We headed back to camp and started packing up. We got sandwhich stuff at a grocery store and took the metro to the train station. Once there we got a number and sat down to wait. We made some sandwiches and then we realized we were waiting in the wrong spot. I went to a different ticket window to buy our tickets for today. I asked the teller for the cheapest possible tickets and sold me tickets for a 3pm train. At two pm Troy and I headed to our platform and right before the guy stamped our ticket Troy said stop. The campsite had not given him his passport when he checked out! We got back in the ticket line and luckilly they let us exchange our tickets for the 6pm train. I stayed with our stuff while Troy took the metro back to the campsite. While wiating for Troy I met a woman from Finland and her traveling partner for the day, a guy from Austrailia. They had met yesterday and had taken the train to Barcelona together. We talked for a while and finally Troy got back with his passport. We exchanged info with Heini and Aaron and helped Aaron sort out his travels. Troy took our tickets out and looked at the price. The guy had charged 230 euro! I had thought it was only 115, but apparently that was per person. I went back to the ticket line for the 3rd time and got our tickets changed again to the overnight train. Heini and Aaron eventually left the train station and Troy and I found another waiting area. Our train leaves at 10:20pm and we get into Madrid tomorrow at 7:20 am.
Troy and I are waiting for our train to Madrid. Troy woke up with a cold this morning but we went down to the beach anyways. We read, enjoyed the sun and Troy played some guitar. We headed back to camp and started packing up. We got sandwhich stuff at a grocery store and took the metro to the train station. Once there we got a number and sat down to wait. We made some sandwiches and then we realized we were waiting in the wrong spot. I went to a different ticket window to buy our tickets for today. I asked the teller for the cheapest possible tickets and sold me tickets for a 3pm train. At two pm Troy and I headed to our platform and right before the guy stamped our ticket Troy said stop. The campsite had not given him his passport when he checked out! We got back in the ticket line and luckilly they let us exchange our tickets for the 6pm train. I stayed with our stuff while Troy took the metro back to the campsite. While wiating for Troy I met a woman from Finland and her traveling partner for the day, a guy from Austrailia. They had met yesterday and had taken the train to Barcelona together. We talked for a while and finally Troy got back with his passport. We exchanged info with Heini and Aaron and helped Aaron sort out his travels. Troy took our tickets out and looked at the price. The guy had charged 230 euro! I had thought it was only 115, but apparently that was per person. I went back to the ticket line for the 3rd time and got our tickets changed again to the overnight train. Heini and Aaron eventually left the train station and Troy and I found another waiting area. Our train leaves at 10:20pm and we get into Madrid tomorrow at 7:20 am.
Day 36 Continued. . .
Underground Train Barcelona to Masnou 10:21pm 7-26-10
After blogging Troy and I went looking for El Corte Ingles, a big department store in Spain. We got there and found a huge shopping area. The store had almost everything, clothes, books, cds, camping stuff, electronics and more! I got a tank top and Troy found the new Gogol Bordello CD. Then we went down the street to find the camping store Decathlon. After that we found ourselves on Las Ramblas, a very famous street in Barcelona. There were tons and tons of people and venders and human statues. Ramblas is said to be the most interesting street in the world. We wandered around streets and plazas making our way back to this all you can eat buffet place that we had seen earlier in the day. On our way we stopped in a neat little bar for a drink. We completely overate at the buffet place, the food was really good (Salad, pasta, pizza and dessert). It was almost 10pm by the time we got done eating, so we headed back to Arc Triomf to catch our train back to camp.
Side note: Troy finished his 3rd notebook and has almost written 400 pages about our trip.
After blogging Troy and I went looking for El Corte Ingles, a big department store in Spain. We got there and found a huge shopping area. The store had almost everything, clothes, books, cds, camping stuff, electronics and more! I got a tank top and Troy found the new Gogol Bordello CD. Then we went down the street to find the camping store Decathlon. After that we found ourselves on Las Ramblas, a very famous street in Barcelona. There were tons and tons of people and venders and human statues. Ramblas is said to be the most interesting street in the world. We wandered around streets and plazas making our way back to this all you can eat buffet place that we had seen earlier in the day. On our way we stopped in a neat little bar for a drink. We completely overate at the buffet place, the food was really good (Salad, pasta, pizza and dessert). It was almost 10pm by the time we got done eating, so we headed back to Arc Triomf to catch our train back to camp.
Side note: Troy finished his 3rd notebook and has almost written 400 pages about our trip.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Side Note.
Hi everyone. I have been typing my brains out today so we can catch you up. I´m sorry for the typos, but I can only type so fast:)
We hope you are enjoying your summer and that you miss us!:)
We are loving our trip, but it will be nice to see you all soon! We are a little past halfway and will be home August 28th!
Thanks again!
Troy and Natalie Rulmyr
We hope you are enjoying your summer and that you miss us!:)
We are loving our trip, but it will be nice to see you all soon! We are a little past halfway and will be home August 28th!
Thanks again!
Troy and Natalie Rulmyr
Day 36
El Mansou Campground Barcelona Spain 10:29am 7-26-10
We got up in the morning and packed up camp. We checked out of Rocca Mare and bught bus tickets to Ancona. We found internet right across the street from the strain station and got caught up. Then we bought our train tickets to Pisa. The cheapest tickets were in a hour and a half and we had to transfer twice. We finally got to Oisa and were looking for the leaning tower. We were both tired and cranky. We got to the tower and took some pictures of it (it really is leaning!) It was getting late in the afternoon and we wanted to find our campground so we headed out. We followed the signs just outside the city and found it. We were tired so we showered and got ready for bed (Traveling sure does take it out of you!).
We woke up the next morning at 6am to get to the airport at 8am to check in for our flight from Pisa to Barcelona. Turns out we didn´t have to check in until 11am since our flight was at 1, so we sat around reading and trying to drink all of our water so our packs would be lighter. We finally checked in, got our bags down to the maximum weight allowed and headed through the security to our terminal. We ate lunch at a pizza place in the airport and waited some more since our flight was delayed. We finally got on the plane and were bombarded with advertisements and sales pitches which must be how Ryanair keeps their prices so cheap. The flight was short and we headed to the info booth in the Reus airport to find out about camping. The lady had very little info on Barcelona and we didn´t know why until we discoverd that Reus airport is very far from Barcelona (About an hour and a half bus ride away!). We waited for the bus for almost tow hours and ended up talking to a couple of girls from Minnesota studying in Germany. We got to >Barcelona and went into the main station. Jenny and Liam had told us about Camping Barcelona in Mataro just outside the city, so we were headed there. We caughta train to Mataro and it was around 10pm when we got there. Matara was a beach town and it was Saturday night, with bands playing all along the beach. Troy and I walked up the beach for a while and asked several people about Camping Barcelona, but they seemed unsure. Then Troy found a hippy couple and asked them. The girl said it was 20km farther up the road, then she said it was only 5km farther. We thanked her and started walking hoping it was only 5 km. The road turned out to be a highway with no sidewalks. It was getting late, we had no idea how far we had to go, and we were walking on the side of a busy road. We saw a sign for camping and finally got there. It was 11:30 pm, but the campground was jumping. Kids and teens all over the place. We checked in, planning to stay two nights and set up our tent. We showered and got ready for bed, but there was a group of people talking and it was hard to sleep. Then at 3am a girl started screaming (a bug must have gotten on her), and at 6am some people next to us started packing up loudly. We decided not to stay and pay another 45 euro so we checked out and took the shuttle back to Mataro station, or close to it. Troy had seen a camping sign at Mansou, so we headed back there, found the campground checked in and set up. It was much cheaper and closer to Barcelona. We laid around the camp for a bit, did some laundry and headed to the beach. Troy and I played in the water, he body surfed and I laid out topless (What a scandel)! There were tons of women without tops, even (especially) old women. There was a topless mother with her two kids, but I still felt like I got a few wierd looks becuase of my horrendous tan lines. After that we got ready to go into Barcelona. We figured it wouldn´t be very crowded on a Sunday night. We got off the train at the Arc Triomf, a smaller brick version of the Arc in Paris. Then we went in search of the Casa Batllo by Gaudi and saw some other amazing architecture along the way. What intrests me most is not the uniqueness and imagination that was put into these buildings, but that more cities, people and countries, aren´t more unique and imaginative. We then went to the "Temple de la Segrada Familia" and Troy was creeped out, but I was amazed. The design and ideas are so different from anything else we had seen in new and old cities. The church had these bizare angular sculptures of religious figures and a cross coming out fromt he front horizontally with Christ hanging from it vertically. His head was down and you could not see his face. After that Troy and I continued to walk around the city. We found a cheap interenet cafe and blogged. Then we made our way back to the train station by the Arc. It was around 11 pm when we got back to camp and we tried to go to bed, but there were so many people out and about, I guess that´s just Spain. Troy conked out, but I was up until 2am.
I got up at 9 and showered and we got ready for the day. We went to the camp restaraunt and sat down at the table to write, but ended up talking. Finally we left camp and headed into Barcelona. We ate lunch at this crappy little bar restaraunt. Troy had a kabob and I had a burger and then I felt sick. We went to a candy store, but now I feel even worse. We are blogging again and then we are going to do some shopping!
We got up in the morning and packed up camp. We checked out of Rocca Mare and bught bus tickets to Ancona. We found internet right across the street from the strain station and got caught up. Then we bought our train tickets to Pisa. The cheapest tickets were in a hour and a half and we had to transfer twice. We finally got to Oisa and were looking for the leaning tower. We were both tired and cranky. We got to the tower and took some pictures of it (it really is leaning!) It was getting late in the afternoon and we wanted to find our campground so we headed out. We followed the signs just outside the city and found it. We were tired so we showered and got ready for bed (Traveling sure does take it out of you!).
We woke up the next morning at 6am to get to the airport at 8am to check in for our flight from Pisa to Barcelona. Turns out we didn´t have to check in until 11am since our flight was at 1, so we sat around reading and trying to drink all of our water so our packs would be lighter. We finally checked in, got our bags down to the maximum weight allowed and headed through the security to our terminal. We ate lunch at a pizza place in the airport and waited some more since our flight was delayed. We finally got on the plane and were bombarded with advertisements and sales pitches which must be how Ryanair keeps their prices so cheap. The flight was short and we headed to the info booth in the Reus airport to find out about camping. The lady had very little info on Barcelona and we didn´t know why until we discoverd that Reus airport is very far from Barcelona (About an hour and a half bus ride away!). We waited for the bus for almost tow hours and ended up talking to a couple of girls from Minnesota studying in Germany. We got to >Barcelona and went into the main station. Jenny and Liam had told us about Camping Barcelona in Mataro just outside the city, so we were headed there. We caughta train to Mataro and it was around 10pm when we got there. Matara was a beach town and it was Saturday night, with bands playing all along the beach. Troy and I walked up the beach for a while and asked several people about Camping Barcelona, but they seemed unsure. Then Troy found a hippy couple and asked them. The girl said it was 20km farther up the road, then she said it was only 5km farther. We thanked her and started walking hoping it was only 5 km. The road turned out to be a highway with no sidewalks. It was getting late, we had no idea how far we had to go, and we were walking on the side of a busy road. We saw a sign for camping and finally got there. It was 11:30 pm, but the campground was jumping. Kids and teens all over the place. We checked in, planning to stay two nights and set up our tent. We showered and got ready for bed, but there was a group of people talking and it was hard to sleep. Then at 3am a girl started screaming (a bug must have gotten on her), and at 6am some people next to us started packing up loudly. We decided not to stay and pay another 45 euro so we checked out and took the shuttle back to Mataro station, or close to it. Troy had seen a camping sign at Mansou, so we headed back there, found the campground checked in and set up. It was much cheaper and closer to Barcelona. We laid around the camp for a bit, did some laundry and headed to the beach. Troy and I played in the water, he body surfed and I laid out topless (What a scandel)! There were tons of women without tops, even (especially) old women. There was a topless mother with her two kids, but I still felt like I got a few wierd looks becuase of my horrendous tan lines. After that we got ready to go into Barcelona. We figured it wouldn´t be very crowded on a Sunday night. We got off the train at the Arc Triomf, a smaller brick version of the Arc in Paris. Then we went in search of the Casa Batllo by Gaudi and saw some other amazing architecture along the way. What intrests me most is not the uniqueness and imagination that was put into these buildings, but that more cities, people and countries, aren´t more unique and imaginative. We then went to the "Temple de la Segrada Familia" and Troy was creeped out, but I was amazed. The design and ideas are so different from anything else we had seen in new and old cities. The church had these bizare angular sculptures of religious figures and a cross coming out fromt he front horizontally with Christ hanging from it vertically. His head was down and you could not see his face. After that Troy and I continued to walk around the city. We found a cheap interenet cafe and blogged. Then we made our way back to the train station by the Arc. It was around 11 pm when we got back to camp and we tried to go to bed, but there were so many people out and about, I guess that´s just Spain. Troy conked out, but I was up until 2am.
I got up at 9 and showered and we got ready for the day. We went to the camp restaraunt and sat down at the table to write, but ended up talking. Finally we left camp and headed into Barcelona. We ate lunch at this crappy little bar restaraunt. Troy had a kabob and I had a burger and then I felt sick. We went to a candy store, but now I feel even worse. We are blogging again and then we are going to do some shopping!
Day 32
Rocca Mare Campsite 9:21 PM 7-22-10
I slept in til´nine then Troy and I slowly started getting ready. We ate some breakfast and read for a bit. Then we went in search of a grocery store. It took us a couple of tries and a man with a drugy pinkie nail giving us a ride, but we finally made it. We got some lunch and snacks and headed back to camp to eat. We lounged around reading and writing all day long. At four pm we headed to the beach. We goofed around for a couple of hours and Troy thought it would be funny to put rocks down my bottoms and unhook my top!
We walked back to camp and sat at some shaded tables and read and wrote some more (theme of the day). Then we had dinner, showered and now we´re headed to bed.
I slept in til´nine then Troy and I slowly started getting ready. We ate some breakfast and read for a bit. Then we went in search of a grocery store. It took us a couple of tries and a man with a drugy pinkie nail giving us a ride, but we finally made it. We got some lunch and snacks and headed back to camp to eat. We lounged around reading and writing all day long. At four pm we headed to the beach. We goofed around for a couple of hours and Troy thought it would be funny to put rocks down my bottoms and unhook my top!
We walked back to camp and sat at some shaded tables and read and wrote some more (theme of the day). Then we had dinner, showered and now we´re headed to bed.
Day 31
Rocca Mare Campsite Marche italy 10:43 PM 7-21-10
This morning Troy and I woke up on a boat. At 8am the sun was beaming through the glass so hot that we could no longer sleep. We had some breakfast with Jenny and Liam and talked about our plans. Since we gained an hour we had plenty of time before the boat docked so Troy and I relaxed and wrote and read for a bit. The boat docked and we said goodbye to the Greek/German family and Troy, Liam, Jenny and I headed toward Ancona.
Troy and I went to the info point and got campground information and Jenny and Liam got their tickets for the ferry to Croatia. We walked around town and came across a plaza in which some close venders were begining to shut down. We looked around and I ended up geting a pair of pants. Then we made our way to the train station and parted ways with Jenny and Liam. Troy and I caught a bus towards Falconara Merittima and I mistakenly made us get off 4 or 5 miles too early! We could have gotten back on the next bus, but I guess we kept thinking that our campsite was around the next corner, and we got lots of conflicting directions from the locals. We walked for hours, it was hot and we were tired. Finally we found it and checked in. We set up our tent and Troy wrote and I hemmed my new pants. Then we went to the beach. No sand, but softer rocks then Greece and the water was nice. After that Troy and I went in search of food. We found a restaruant on the corner that was open. The food was delicious and Troy and I had a great conversation. We walked back to our campsite to find them playing the movie 2012 in Italian. We thought about sitting and watching it, but it was in the middle of the film and in another language so we got ready for bed instead. We planned to hang around the campsite and be mellow.
This morning Troy and I woke up on a boat. At 8am the sun was beaming through the glass so hot that we could no longer sleep. We had some breakfast with Jenny and Liam and talked about our plans. Since we gained an hour we had plenty of time before the boat docked so Troy and I relaxed and wrote and read for a bit. The boat docked and we said goodbye to the Greek/German family and Troy, Liam, Jenny and I headed toward Ancona.
Troy and I went to the info point and got campground information and Jenny and Liam got their tickets for the ferry to Croatia. We walked around town and came across a plaza in which some close venders were begining to shut down. We looked around and I ended up geting a pair of pants. Then we made our way to the train station and parted ways with Jenny and Liam. Troy and I caught a bus towards Falconara Merittima and I mistakenly made us get off 4 or 5 miles too early! We could have gotten back on the next bus, but I guess we kept thinking that our campsite was around the next corner, and we got lots of conflicting directions from the locals. We walked for hours, it was hot and we were tired. Finally we found it and checked in. We set up our tent and Troy wrote and I hemmed my new pants. Then we went to the beach. No sand, but softer rocks then Greece and the water was nice. After that Troy and I went in search of food. We found a restaruant on the corner that was open. The food was delicious and Troy and I had a great conversation. We walked back to our campsite to find them playing the movie 2012 in Italian. We thought about sitting and watching it, but it was in the middle of the film and in another language so we got ready for bed instead. We planned to hang around the campsite and be mellow.
And yet, some more pictures!
1. Not a postcard! I Actually took this picture of the museum under the Acropolis!
2. The View (L-R: Troy, Natalie, Jenny and Liam)
3. Newlyweds and the Parthenon.
4. Troy´s butt, Jenny´s butt, Liam´s butt. Thanks Nat!
5. The head of a lion from Olympia.
2. The View (L-R: Troy, Natalie, Jenny and Liam)
3. Newlyweds and the Parthenon.
4. Troy´s butt, Jenny´s butt, Liam´s butt. Thanks Nat!
5. The head of a lion from Olympia.
Even More Pictures. . .
1. The Top of a temple excavated in Olympia Greece. (Shows the Centaurs fighting for the women of Lydia)
2. Natalie and I with our new Romanian Friends Mikail and Valentine. Good guys!
3. Dinner under a thousand year old olive tree!
4. Greek Dancers!
5. Delicious and cheap Greek Food! Yummy!
2. Natalie and I with our new Romanian Friends Mikail and Valentine. Good guys!
3. Dinner under a thousand year old olive tree!
4. Greek Dancers!
5. Delicious and cheap Greek Food! Yummy!
More Pictures. . .
1. Picture of the "Gang" aboard my first ocean cruise )Me, Nat, Shane, Alex and the two Spanish Girls! Not pictured is Mike)
2. Sunset at seas from Brindisi
3. The Gates of Ercolano
4. Mosaic Picture in one of the houses in Herculaneum
5. Natalie´s favortie room, the school at Herculaneum.
2. Sunset at seas from Brindisi
3. The Gates of Ercolano
4. Mosaic Picture in one of the houses in Herculaneum
5. Natalie´s favortie room, the school at Herculaneum.
Picture Catch up time!
Hi Everyone! I am so far behind on the pictures, so there will be many to catch up on! We have taken over 2000 pics and 50 videos so when we get home we´re going to throw a party!
1. A Picture of Herculaneum which was covered in mud 12 hours after Pompei was buried in ash from the historic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius.
2. A picture of the Marina in Sorrento Italy.
3. A Picture of Me looking out at the sea at Franceso Bay in Sorrento.
4. Natalie blogging for all of the readers! Sorrento gift shop by our campsite!
5. A very cool building that was only 20 wide at it´s thickest point. Sorrento Italy.
1. A Picture of Herculaneum which was covered in mud 12 hours after Pompei was buried in ash from the historic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius.
2. A picture of the Marina in Sorrento Italy.
3. A Picture of Me looking out at the sea at Franceso Bay in Sorrento.
4. Natalie blogging for all of the readers! Sorrento gift shop by our campsite!
5. A very cool building that was only 20 wide at it´s thickest point. Sorrento Italy.
Day 30!!!!!!!!!
Ferry from Patras to Ancona 10:57pm 7-20-10
Yesterday we woke up and had a mellow morning. Try went down near the ebach to write and I ate the last of the cornfalkes and went to join him. We sat and looked out at the beautiful water and I read some while Troy tried to catch up on his journal. Troy wanted to go to IDEA so we decided to get ready and take the bus into Patras. Jenny and Liam wanted to go s well and when we got there it wasn´t as cool as we had hoped. It was a cross between IKEA and Home Depot. We walkeda round the store for over an hour, then ehaded further down the road and found a huge produce store. We bought tons of fruits for tomorrow and vegatables for stir-fry dinner. Then we found a grocery store and bought a bunch of cheap snacks. We continued walking and Troy said it looked like a storm coming in from over the sea, then there was thunder and lightneing from the hills directly behind us. It got really windy and we worried because we left everything including electronics out at the campground. We found the nearest bus stop and waited and waited and waited. Finally the bus came and we headed back to camp where it was nice and sunny. We sorted out our groceries and headed down to the beach for a dip. We played frisbee in the water until Liam and Troy found clay at the bottom. They dug up a bunch of it and we put it all over our bodies and let it dry. We looked really stupid. Troy and Liam thought that we should take a bunch of clay and try to sell it, so they formed a bunch of clay balls and bagged them up (so silly!). Then we headed to the kitchen and began cutting veggies and cooking rice for our stir-fry. We got Tsatsiki for the last time in greece and some bread and had an amazing dinner of eggplant, carrot, cabbage, bell pepper, beans, chives, broccoli and corn with white rice. There was a man who was cooking in the kitchen also and he brought us some very strong homemade wine. After dinner we headed out early so we could check out in time to catch the 9am bus to Patras.
This morning we all slept in a bite later then we had meant to and started packing up. We made tons of ice tea because Jacky had given us tons of tea bags and we also had to pack up the clay (very heavy!). The lady at the front desk gave us a discount and some OUZO (Greek national alcohol) but we missed our bus. Luckily, the next bus came forty minutes later so we didn´t have to wait too long. We walked aroud Patras a little bit, then ehad to get our ferry tickets. We got a good deal on our tickets (50% off) and headed toward the dock where we snacked, blogged, and stole some sugar from a cafe for our iced-tea. We ran into Jacky again and got to take a picture with him and say goodbye before getting on the boat. We found a nice place to sit on these long fiberglass benches and a Greek/German family sat next to us. We ended up talking with them alot. I took a nap and Jenny, Troy and Liam went in the pool. A little later we headed to dinner. It was a la carte and Jenny and Liam paid 30 euro for theirs. Troy and I got a more simple dinner and paid only 16 euros. We came back to our spot and talked more with the family and Jenny and Liam went to find a cooler place to sleep but it was really windy outside so Troy and I stayed at the benches despite the heat and bright lights. Troy is already asleep and I´m getting tired too. Back to Italy tomorrow and we gain an hour so I get an extra hour of sleep:) I´m going to enjoy traveling in this direction much better.
Yesterday we woke up and had a mellow morning. Try went down near the ebach to write and I ate the last of the cornfalkes and went to join him. We sat and looked out at the beautiful water and I read some while Troy tried to catch up on his journal. Troy wanted to go to IDEA so we decided to get ready and take the bus into Patras. Jenny and Liam wanted to go s well and when we got there it wasn´t as cool as we had hoped. It was a cross between IKEA and Home Depot. We walkeda round the store for over an hour, then ehaded further down the road and found a huge produce store. We bought tons of fruits for tomorrow and vegatables for stir-fry dinner. Then we found a grocery store and bought a bunch of cheap snacks. We continued walking and Troy said it looked like a storm coming in from over the sea, then there was thunder and lightneing from the hills directly behind us. It got really windy and we worried because we left everything including electronics out at the campground. We found the nearest bus stop and waited and waited and waited. Finally the bus came and we headed back to camp where it was nice and sunny. We sorted out our groceries and headed down to the beach for a dip. We played frisbee in the water until Liam and Troy found clay at the bottom. They dug up a bunch of it and we put it all over our bodies and let it dry. We looked really stupid. Troy and Liam thought that we should take a bunch of clay and try to sell it, so they formed a bunch of clay balls and bagged them up (so silly!). Then we headed to the kitchen and began cutting veggies and cooking rice for our stir-fry. We got Tsatsiki for the last time in greece and some bread and had an amazing dinner of eggplant, carrot, cabbage, bell pepper, beans, chives, broccoli and corn with white rice. There was a man who was cooking in the kitchen also and he brought us some very strong homemade wine. After dinner we headed out early so we could check out in time to catch the 9am bus to Patras.
This morning we all slept in a bite later then we had meant to and started packing up. We made tons of ice tea because Jacky had given us tons of tea bags and we also had to pack up the clay (very heavy!). The lady at the front desk gave us a discount and some OUZO (Greek national alcohol) but we missed our bus. Luckily, the next bus came forty minutes later so we didn´t have to wait too long. We walked aroud Patras a little bit, then ehad to get our ferry tickets. We got a good deal on our tickets (50% off) and headed toward the dock where we snacked, blogged, and stole some sugar from a cafe for our iced-tea. We ran into Jacky again and got to take a picture with him and say goodbye before getting on the boat. We found a nice place to sit on these long fiberglass benches and a Greek/German family sat next to us. We ended up talking with them alot. I took a nap and Jenny, Troy and Liam went in the pool. A little later we headed to dinner. It was a la carte and Jenny and Liam paid 30 euro for theirs. Troy and I got a more simple dinner and paid only 16 euros. We came back to our spot and talked more with the family and Jenny and Liam went to find a cooler place to sleep but it was really windy outside so Troy and I stayed at the benches despite the heat and bright lights. Troy is already asleep and I´m getting tired too. Back to Italy tomorrow and we gain an hour so I get an extra hour of sleep:) I´m going to enjoy traveling in this direction much better.
Day 28
Kato Alissos Camp Site 5:57pm 7-18-10
I´m sitting at a picnic table by the market at our campsite, catching up on all that we have done in the past few days. Yesterday morning we got up and got ready to head to Patras. We rented a car there and Troy drove us (Liam, Jenny and myself) to Athens. Luckily it was pretty simple, just one national road straight to Athens, but once we got to the city we got a bit lost. We ended up parking really close to the Acropolis though and as we walked towards it we could see the Parthenon above us looking over the city. It was a hot day and we had lots of uphill and stairs to do, but when we got to the top of the Acropolis it was well worth it. The ruins were simply majestic and you could look out over Athens and see the entire city. It was very windy at the top and there are stray dogs sleeping everywhere in the shade. We explored the rest of the Acropolis, taking all the trails and going into the caves. Then we headed to another site and saw more ruins and a museum. We had dinner at a cafe right around the corner then we drive back to our campsite just 20km south of Patras, listening to music and enjoying the beautiful Greek sunset. When we got back it was getting dark, but we all decided to go for a dip in the ocean before bed.
This morning Troy and Liam were getting ready to take the rental car back to Patras and Jenny and I were going to sleep in but I awoke to Jenny screaming! She had woken up to a rather large centipede crawling up her thigh! She jumped out of her tent and Liam got the bug and killed it. After that she was pretty freaked out. Troy and Liam left to take the car back and Jenny and I had some breakfast. When Troy and Liam got back we all went down to the beach. We decided to explore a new beach but didn´t find anything great. We finally just sat our stuff down and jumped in the water. We floated around and goofed for a bit but it was such a hot day that we decided not to stay long. Tonight we are going to make Pesto for dinner because our new friend Jacky is leaving tomorrow and he gave us his basil plant.
I´m sitting at a picnic table by the market at our campsite, catching up on all that we have done in the past few days. Yesterday morning we got up and got ready to head to Patras. We rented a car there and Troy drove us (Liam, Jenny and myself) to Athens. Luckily it was pretty simple, just one national road straight to Athens, but once we got to the city we got a bit lost. We ended up parking really close to the Acropolis though and as we walked towards it we could see the Parthenon above us looking over the city. It was a hot day and we had lots of uphill and stairs to do, but when we got to the top of the Acropolis it was well worth it. The ruins were simply majestic and you could look out over Athens and see the entire city. It was very windy at the top and there are stray dogs sleeping everywhere in the shade. We explored the rest of the Acropolis, taking all the trails and going into the caves. Then we headed to another site and saw more ruins and a museum. We had dinner at a cafe right around the corner then we drive back to our campsite just 20km south of Patras, listening to music and enjoying the beautiful Greek sunset. When we got back it was getting dark, but we all decided to go for a dip in the ocean before bed.
This morning Troy and Liam were getting ready to take the rental car back to Patras and Jenny and I were going to sleep in but I awoke to Jenny screaming! She had woken up to a rather large centipede crawling up her thigh! She jumped out of her tent and Liam got the bug and killed it. After that she was pretty freaked out. Troy and Liam left to take the car back and Jenny and I had some breakfast. When Troy and Liam got back we all went down to the beach. We decided to explore a new beach but didn´t find anything great. We finally just sat our stuff down and jumped in the water. We floated around and goofed for a bit but it was such a hot day that we decided not to stay long. Tonight we are going to make Pesto for dinner because our new friend Jacky is leaving tomorrow and he gave us his basil plant.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Day 26
Firstly, because we are falling behind, I will type and Natalie will dictate.
Secondly, to Jim and Mary, we have stayed in several hotels, but almost everyone of our campsites offers bungalows! Do not get discoraged,and maybe we can all travel together.
Kato Alissos Campsite, Greece 10:06pm 7-16-10
We thought our ferry got into Patras at 5am. So we got up at four am and were ready to go. No one else was up and we were very confused. Finally we decided to go to sleep for a couple of hours. Later we found out that the ferry didn´t get in until10:30. . .Oops! Our boat docked and we said goodbye to the people we had met onboard and headed into Patras. We weren´tsure how we were going to get around not knowing the language or the Greek letters but we found that more Greek people speak English then Italians do. We made our way to the bus stop and finally figured out the right bus. We had no idea how to tell which stop was ours and we ended up getting off two stops too early at a different campground (One with a waterpark). we thought about staying there but decided against it. They gave us a ride to Kato Alissos and we checked in and set up our tent. Then we headed down toward the beach and the woman at reception told us there was greek dancing at the restaraunt that night,so we walked over and reserved a table. The restaraunt was quaint, with a thousand year old olive tree which spread over the dinning area. The tree was filled with large round lights.
Troy and I explored the beach for a bit and found a nice spot with some shade. The water was an amazing shade of blue and it was such a quiet day that I felt like I was in a Corona commercial. We read fora bit and then both feel asleep. I got sunburned. Then we got into the water and headed back to the tent. Two motorcycles pulled up next to us and started setting up camp. We learned they were two men from Romania, Mikail(Michael) and Valentine. They were very talkative and funny. They offered us some Romanian bourbon, which was very strong. We talked with them until dinner. We headed to the restaraunt. The prices were so cheap Troy and I decided to order a little bit of everything. The food was delicious and Mikail ended up joining us a bit later. The dancing started around 10pm and, of course,they pulled people out of the audience to dance. Needless to say Troy has plenty of video footage of me dancing. Later Troy and I both got pulled up and there was also a dance with fire!Mikail talked about "Pulp Fiction" all night and when we walked back to our tent Valentine let us try some Romanian food. Then we said goodnight and headed off to bed.
The next morning we headed up to reception to get breakfast and we saw this couple sitting on the benches. Troy asked them where they were from and it turns out that they were Canadian and that they had seen us in the McDonald´s in Naples. Troy and I sat down with them and had some breakfast. We talked about traveling and our plans and they were heading to the waterpark for the day so we decided to all go. Mikail and Valentine were leaving so Troy and I got a picture with them and said goodbye. Then we headed to the water park. We went on the slides, had some lunch and tried to take pictures of ourselves underwarter. We had lots of fun with our new freinds, Jenny and Liam. We made plans to travel together to Olympia and Athens over the next couple of days. After the water park we went in search of a grocery store for dinner food,but we ended up taking the wrong road and found some orange trees. Troy and Liam picked a bag full of oranges(the best I´ve had so far in Europe). then we got to the grocery store, got some pasta, sauce and parmesean cheese. Then we prepared dinner. Jenny,Liam, Troy and I hungout in the kitchen talking and enjoying each other´s copmpany.
The next morning Troy woke me up and said "We have four mintues to catch the bus!" I jumped up and got ready and we ran down the road to catch the bus to Olympia. Thankfully we made it in time. We got to Olympia and headed toward the ancient ruins. It was an incredibly hot day, but the ruins were amazing. We got to see where they light the torch for the Olympics and where the first Olympics were held. We ran around on the first track, then we headed to the museam and saw artifacts from 4300B.C.E. We headed back to camp and decided to have breakfast for dinner that night. When we got back to camp there were two new tents, one in our campsite. A guy asked if that was ok and we said it was The two guys who setup their tent next to us were in the kitchen as well cooking dinner. We ended up talking with them, Massimo and Jacob all night. After finishing our potatoes,egss and bacon Troy pulled out his guitar and we had a little singalong by our camp before going to bed.
The next day we decided to take a rest. it was sorely needed. Troy wanted to go to the music shop and Liam wanted to buy a harmonica so they went in to Patras while Jenny and I stayed back at camp. I got some laundry done and then we took our thermarests and went down to the beach. We talked and enjoyed the sun and the water while Massimo sat near us and built a table out of reeds. We headed back up to the campsite just before Troy and Liam got back. Everything had been closed in Patras, but Troy talked a shopowner into letting Liam buy a harmonica. They played together for a little bit. For dinner we had tortellini with red sauce and cheese and bread with tsatsiki sauce... So delicious! We tried to got to bed early because we wanted to catch the bus to Patras to rent a car to go to Athens early in the morning.
Secondly, to Jim and Mary, we have stayed in several hotels, but almost everyone of our campsites offers bungalows! Do not get discoraged,and maybe we can all travel together.
Kato Alissos Campsite, Greece 10:06pm 7-16-10
We thought our ferry got into Patras at 5am. So we got up at four am and were ready to go. No one else was up and we were very confused. Finally we decided to go to sleep for a couple of hours. Later we found out that the ferry didn´t get in until10:30. . .Oops! Our boat docked and we said goodbye to the people we had met onboard and headed into Patras. We weren´tsure how we were going to get around not knowing the language or the Greek letters but we found that more Greek people speak English then Italians do. We made our way to the bus stop and finally figured out the right bus. We had no idea how to tell which stop was ours and we ended up getting off two stops too early at a different campground (One with a waterpark). we thought about staying there but decided against it. They gave us a ride to Kato Alissos and we checked in and set up our tent. Then we headed down toward the beach and the woman at reception told us there was greek dancing at the restaraunt that night,so we walked over and reserved a table. The restaraunt was quaint, with a thousand year old olive tree which spread over the dinning area. The tree was filled with large round lights.
Troy and I explored the beach for a bit and found a nice spot with some shade. The water was an amazing shade of blue and it was such a quiet day that I felt like I was in a Corona commercial. We read fora bit and then both feel asleep. I got sunburned. Then we got into the water and headed back to the tent. Two motorcycles pulled up next to us and started setting up camp. We learned they were two men from Romania, Mikail(Michael) and Valentine. They were very talkative and funny. They offered us some Romanian bourbon, which was very strong. We talked with them until dinner. We headed to the restaraunt. The prices were so cheap Troy and I decided to order a little bit of everything. The food was delicious and Mikail ended up joining us a bit later. The dancing started around 10pm and, of course,they pulled people out of the audience to dance. Needless to say Troy has plenty of video footage of me dancing. Later Troy and I both got pulled up and there was also a dance with fire!Mikail talked about "Pulp Fiction" all night and when we walked back to our tent Valentine let us try some Romanian food. Then we said goodnight and headed off to bed.
The next morning we headed up to reception to get breakfast and we saw this couple sitting on the benches. Troy asked them where they were from and it turns out that they were Canadian and that they had seen us in the McDonald´s in Naples. Troy and I sat down with them and had some breakfast. We talked about traveling and our plans and they were heading to the waterpark for the day so we decided to all go. Mikail and Valentine were leaving so Troy and I got a picture with them and said goodbye. Then we headed to the water park. We went on the slides, had some lunch and tried to take pictures of ourselves underwarter. We had lots of fun with our new freinds, Jenny and Liam. We made plans to travel together to Olympia and Athens over the next couple of days. After the water park we went in search of a grocery store for dinner food,but we ended up taking the wrong road and found some orange trees. Troy and Liam picked a bag full of oranges(the best I´ve had so far in Europe). then we got to the grocery store, got some pasta, sauce and parmesean cheese. Then we prepared dinner. Jenny,Liam, Troy and I hungout in the kitchen talking and enjoying each other´s copmpany.
The next morning Troy woke me up and said "We have four mintues to catch the bus!" I jumped up and got ready and we ran down the road to catch the bus to Olympia. Thankfully we made it in time. We got to Olympia and headed toward the ancient ruins. It was an incredibly hot day, but the ruins were amazing. We got to see where they light the torch for the Olympics and where the first Olympics were held. We ran around on the first track, then we headed to the museam and saw artifacts from 4300B.C.E. We headed back to camp and decided to have breakfast for dinner that night. When we got back to camp there were two new tents, one in our campsite. A guy asked if that was ok and we said it was The two guys who setup their tent next to us were in the kitchen as well cooking dinner. We ended up talking with them, Massimo and Jacob all night. After finishing our potatoes,egss and bacon Troy pulled out his guitar and we had a little singalong by our camp before going to bed.
The next day we decided to take a rest. it was sorely needed. Troy wanted to go to the music shop and Liam wanted to buy a harmonica so they went in to Patras while Jenny and I stayed back at camp. I got some laundry done and then we took our thermarests and went down to the beach. We talked and enjoyed the sun and the water while Massimo sat near us and built a table out of reeds. We headed back up to the campsite just before Troy and Liam got back. Everything had been closed in Patras, but Troy talked a shopowner into letting Liam buy a harmonica. They played together for a little bit. For dinner we had tortellini with red sauce and cheese and bread with tsatsiki sauce... So delicious! We tried to got to bed early because we wanted to catch the bus to Patras to rent a car to go to Athens early in the morning.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Day 22
Endeavor Ship, Brindisi, Italy 6:44PM 7/12/10
Troy and I are sitting in a couple of lounge chairs by the pool on a large ferry from Italy to Greece. It's really more like a small cruise ship. I'm not really sure how this ferry boat works, but I think we're sleeping in these deck chairs tonight!
Yesterday morning we packed up camp and said goodbye to Sorrento. Then we caught the train to Naples, it had so many delays that it took almost 2 hours to get there. We got to Naples and bought our train tickets to Brindisi. Our train did not leave until 5:42pm and it was only 11am so we had some time to kill. Rather than pay a euro to use the bathroom at the train station, we paid a euro, got some ice-cream and used the bathroom at Mcdonald's next to the station. We stayed in there for a while and then we went to the creepy internet cafe we had used before to figure out our travel plans. We looked up campsites and ferry prices and decided to head to Patras instead of Corfu. It was closer to Athens and more convenient. We went back to Mcdonald's and got burgers and enjoyed the air conditioning a bit longer and then we headed over to catch our train. We still had some time so we went to the bookstore and bought more books!! Finally we got on the train and settled in for our 3 hour ride. the italian countryside was beautiful with rolling hills and rivers and cute little towns. We had a 7 minute gap between the train and the bus that we needed to catch and our train seemed like it was going very slow, so I started to wonder if we would make our bus. Sure enough, the train ended up being about 10 minutes late and we rushed off and toward the buses. We could not find the bus that said Brindisi on it and we were sure that we missed it, but Troy asked a resting bus driver anyways. He said Brindisi and he pointed to a bus in the far corner. Troy and I ran to catch it, not realizing that we had just been speaking to our own bus driver! We lucked out. We got to listen to the world cup final on the radio during our bus ride. Yay Spain! We go to Brindisi at 11:30 at night and found a nice little courtyard area with benches right outside the train station to sleep. I got to sleep first and Troy was supposed to wake me up in a few hours to switch off, but he let me sleep almost all night. I got up at 6:30 am and told Troy to get some sleep. He slept until 9am, then we got ready to head out and find the Brindisi port.
We knew the ferry didn't leave until 7pm so we had all day, but we ended up getting lost for a couple of hours in Brindisi, then we finally got the right directions and it turned out the port was about a ten minute walk from the train station, oh well! We got our tickets and there was a great park right there by the water, so we slept and relaxed for a couple of hours before our boat.
Then we got on the shuttle to take us to the ferry, we got to a security checkpoint and the officer did not even make us take our packs off, he had us walk through the metal detector, it went off, and he simply ushered us through! We got on the boat and claimed our deck chairs and we are ready to leave the port!
Troy and I are sitting in a couple of lounge chairs by the pool on a large ferry from Italy to Greece. It's really more like a small cruise ship. I'm not really sure how this ferry boat works, but I think we're sleeping in these deck chairs tonight!
Yesterday morning we packed up camp and said goodbye to Sorrento. Then we caught the train to Naples, it had so many delays that it took almost 2 hours to get there. We got to Naples and bought our train tickets to Brindisi. Our train did not leave until 5:42pm and it was only 11am so we had some time to kill. Rather than pay a euro to use the bathroom at the train station, we paid a euro, got some ice-cream and used the bathroom at Mcdonald's next to the station. We stayed in there for a while and then we went to the creepy internet cafe we had used before to figure out our travel plans. We looked up campsites and ferry prices and decided to head to Patras instead of Corfu. It was closer to Athens and more convenient. We went back to Mcdonald's and got burgers and enjoyed the air conditioning a bit longer and then we headed over to catch our train. We still had some time so we went to the bookstore and bought more books!! Finally we got on the train and settled in for our 3 hour ride. the italian countryside was beautiful with rolling hills and rivers and cute little towns. We had a 7 minute gap between the train and the bus that we needed to catch and our train seemed like it was going very slow, so I started to wonder if we would make our bus. Sure enough, the train ended up being about 10 minutes late and we rushed off and toward the buses. We could not find the bus that said Brindisi on it and we were sure that we missed it, but Troy asked a resting bus driver anyways. He said Brindisi and he pointed to a bus in the far corner. Troy and I ran to catch it, not realizing that we had just been speaking to our own bus driver! We lucked out. We got to listen to the world cup final on the radio during our bus ride. Yay Spain! We go to Brindisi at 11:30 at night and found a nice little courtyard area with benches right outside the train station to sleep. I got to sleep first and Troy was supposed to wake me up in a few hours to switch off, but he let me sleep almost all night. I got up at 6:30 am and told Troy to get some sleep. He slept until 9am, then we got ready to head out and find the Brindisi port.
We knew the ferry didn't leave until 7pm so we had all day, but we ended up getting lost for a couple of hours in Brindisi, then we finally got the right directions and it turned out the port was about a ten minute walk from the train station, oh well! We got our tickets and there was a great park right there by the water, so we slept and relaxed for a couple of hours before our boat.
Then we got on the shuttle to take us to the ferry, we got to a security checkpoint and the officer did not even make us take our packs off, he had us walk through the metal detector, it went off, and he simply ushered us through! We got on the boat and claimed our deck chairs and we are ready to leave the port!
Day 20
Nube D'Argento Campsite, 8:10PM 7/10/10
I can't believe we're on day 20, but what's more unbelieveable is that we have about 50 more days of travel!! Today we got up early again and did laundry and got breakfast before catching the train to Herculaneum. The day was already hot. We got to the train station, bought out tickets and headed up to the platform. We weren't sure what time the train was supposed to leave and there was a train sitting on the platform, so we got on. It was empty and Troy began to wonder if we were one the right train, then the doors starting closing and Troy said we should get off, he jusmped off the train and the doors shut in my face. I looked at Troy with a face of shock (that he thought was hilarious) and he stood outside telling me to push the emergency open button. I finally found it and pressed it, but nothing happened. A moment later, the doors opened and I jumped off. We asked a lady when the train to Herculaneum was leaving and she said about forty minutes. So we found a seat on a bench and waited. The train that we had gotten on ended up being our train and we had no idea why they shut the doors (just to scare me).
Finally we got on the train and got to Herculaneum (named because is was supposedly founded by Hercules. This city was insane, it had been buried 12 hours after Pompei in a mudslide caused by Vesuvius and they were in the process of digging it up. The buildings were amazingly preserved with mosaic walls and flooors and paintings. We wandered around being our own tourguides (Troy videotaped and narrated almost the whole thing!) We saw somw amazing murals and evidence of daily life there. Then we went to the boat exhibit, which ended up being the coolest part. There had been this boat by where the beach had been (which was 800 meters inland now simply due to time passing) and the boat had survived the volcano and had been preserved extremely well. One of the most interesting parts about Herculaneum was the fact that the people gathered their elderly and children and made their way down toward the ocean for shelter and they were found all together in the boat area. They said that the people did not rush too much because of the fact that the old were with them and all the children. There is no mention as to how many people escaped on boats. We finally decided that it was time to get out of the heat, so we headed back to camp and I took a nap. I woke up to Troy splitting his toe open on one of our tent stakes (lesson: always hammer your stakes all the way down!!) We knew this but the ground had been so hard around our site so we had marked the spot with a chair and I guess it got moved. Poor Troy was bleeding all over and we grabbed the first aid kit and bandaged him up. Tomorrow we check out and head to Naples to get to Brindisi to catch the ferry to Greece!!
I can't believe we're on day 20, but what's more unbelieveable is that we have about 50 more days of travel!! Today we got up early again and did laundry and got breakfast before catching the train to Herculaneum. The day was already hot. We got to the train station, bought out tickets and headed up to the platform. We weren't sure what time the train was supposed to leave and there was a train sitting on the platform, so we got on. It was empty and Troy began to wonder if we were one the right train, then the doors starting closing and Troy said we should get off, he jusmped off the train and the doors shut in my face. I looked at Troy with a face of shock (that he thought was hilarious) and he stood outside telling me to push the emergency open button. I finally found it and pressed it, but nothing happened. A moment later, the doors opened and I jumped off. We asked a lady when the train to Herculaneum was leaving and she said about forty minutes. So we found a seat on a bench and waited. The train that we had gotten on ended up being our train and we had no idea why they shut the doors (just to scare me).
Finally we got on the train and got to Herculaneum (named because is was supposedly founded by Hercules. This city was insane, it had been buried 12 hours after Pompei in a mudslide caused by Vesuvius and they were in the process of digging it up. The buildings were amazingly preserved with mosaic walls and flooors and paintings. We wandered around being our own tourguides (Troy videotaped and narrated almost the whole thing!) We saw somw amazing murals and evidence of daily life there. Then we went to the boat exhibit, which ended up being the coolest part. There had been this boat by where the beach had been (which was 800 meters inland now simply due to time passing) and the boat had survived the volcano and had been preserved extremely well. One of the most interesting parts about Herculaneum was the fact that the people gathered their elderly and children and made their way down toward the ocean for shelter and they were found all together in the boat area. They said that the people did not rush too much because of the fact that the old were with them and all the children. There is no mention as to how many people escaped on boats. We finally decided that it was time to get out of the heat, so we headed back to camp and I took a nap. I woke up to Troy splitting his toe open on one of our tent stakes (lesson: always hammer your stakes all the way down!!) We knew this but the ground had been so hard around our site so we had marked the spot with a chair and I guess it got moved. Poor Troy was bleeding all over and we grabbed the first aid kit and bandaged him up. Tomorrow we check out and head to Naples to get to Brindisi to catch the ferry to Greece!!
Day 19
Nube D'Argento Campsite 5:59PM 7/9/10
Last night Troy and I got somew food and relaxed by our campsite, watching the bats fly around eating mosquitos. Thank goodness, because I have about 30 bugbites already! We woke up early this morning and got ready to catch the train to Herculaneum, but when we got to the station all the trains and buses were on strike (today only). We ended up walking to a little park and Troy got caught up on his journal then we went back to the campsite pool until the afternoon when we decided to venture to the other side of town. We walked along the road for a bit, but there was nothing but hotels and restaurants and the path next to the road was getting more and more narrow so we decided to turn back. Then, continuing the trend of our relaxing day, we found a bench and a park overlooking the beach and we took a little nap. Then we headed to the gorcery store and bought fixings for a delicious dinner. WE had cheese, lettuce, salami, tomato and cucmber sandwiches with mayonaise! They were so good. Tomorrow, hopefully we'll finally get to go to Herculaneum!!
Last night Troy and I got somew food and relaxed by our campsite, watching the bats fly around eating mosquitos. Thank goodness, because I have about 30 bugbites already! We woke up early this morning and got ready to catch the train to Herculaneum, but when we got to the station all the trains and buses were on strike (today only). We ended up walking to a little park and Troy got caught up on his journal then we went back to the campsite pool until the afternoon when we decided to venture to the other side of town. We walked along the road for a bit, but there was nothing but hotels and restaurants and the path next to the road was getting more and more narrow so we decided to turn back. Then, continuing the trend of our relaxing day, we found a bench and a park overlooking the beach and we took a little nap. Then we headed to the gorcery store and bought fixings for a delicious dinner. WE had cheese, lettuce, salami, tomato and cucmber sandwiches with mayonaise! They were so good. Tomorrow, hopefully we'll finally get to go to Herculaneum!!
Monday, July 19, 2010
What's up with us you ask?
Hey everybody! Natalie and I are still in Greece. Nat has fallen behind on the blogging so I told her that I would help her keep everyone posted. She will continue her wonderful posts, but until then I'm here to make sure that you get to follow our progress.
We are staying outside Patras Greece which has been a perfect point for us to stay and do day trips to the coolest of attractions. We've seen Olympia, the birthplace of the olympics, Athens and even drove a rental car across the country.
Tomorrow we are actually heading back to Italy to catch a plane on Saturday to Barcelona Spain. It should be loads of fun.
One of the most interesting things about this week in Greece has been the meeting of our new friends Liam and Jenny. They are from St. John's Newfoundland and are traveling like we are. Jenny and Natalie say that Liam and I were seperated at birth. They have been really cool to hang with and travel around with. The reason we were all able to rent a car was that we split the cost 4 ways. We drove from Patras to Athens and went to the Acropolis. It was an amazing adventure.
Liam and Jenny are at the end of their trip and are sad that they have to return home, but we get one more good day with them on the ferry which we are all taking to Anacona Italy. Natalie and I will stay for two days at a camp site there and Liam and Jenny will move on to Croatia, then Budapest, then finally Brussels where they fly home.
The only real bummer about Europe is that the dollar is so weak that it cost us so much to do anything. We are flying from Pisa to Barcelona for $150.00 American, which is barely an hour and a half flight. Other than that we could not have asked for a better honeymoon to spend with each other. It has given us the opportunity to get to know each other even more (we're still sure we picked the right person!).
I would love to send postcards to everyone, but if you don't get one, please don't be offended, the postage here is outrageous. To send a post card from Greece costs almost $2.00 American. Thank God for the blog! We have so many pictures and video that need posting, but they will have to wait. I just wanted to let everyone know that we are having a great time and that we iss you all!
|With much Love!
Troy and Natalie Rulmyr
We are staying outside Patras Greece which has been a perfect point for us to stay and do day trips to the coolest of attractions. We've seen Olympia, the birthplace of the olympics, Athens and even drove a rental car across the country.
Tomorrow we are actually heading back to Italy to catch a plane on Saturday to Barcelona Spain. It should be loads of fun.
One of the most interesting things about this week in Greece has been the meeting of our new friends Liam and Jenny. They are from St. John's Newfoundland and are traveling like we are. Jenny and Natalie say that Liam and I were seperated at birth. They have been really cool to hang with and travel around with. The reason we were all able to rent a car was that we split the cost 4 ways. We drove from Patras to Athens and went to the Acropolis. It was an amazing adventure.
Liam and Jenny are at the end of their trip and are sad that they have to return home, but we get one more good day with them on the ferry which we are all taking to Anacona Italy. Natalie and I will stay for two days at a camp site there and Liam and Jenny will move on to Croatia, then Budapest, then finally Brussels where they fly home.
The only real bummer about Europe is that the dollar is so weak that it cost us so much to do anything. We are flying from Pisa to Barcelona for $150.00 American, which is barely an hour and a half flight. Other than that we could not have asked for a better honeymoon to spend with each other. It has given us the opportunity to get to know each other even more (we're still sure we picked the right person!).
I would love to send postcards to everyone, but if you don't get one, please don't be offended, the postage here is outrageous. To send a post card from Greece costs almost $2.00 American. Thank God for the blog! We have so many pictures and video that need posting, but they will have to wait. I just wanted to let everyone know that we are having a great time and that we iss you all!
|With much Love!
Troy and Natalie Rulmyr
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Hi everyone!
Hello from Patras Greece! Natalie and I went to Olympia today and are eating a very late dinner with our new friends from St. Johns Newfoundland Jenny and Liam. Sorry to be slacking on the blog, but there has been many travel days, and no writing days. I promise to catch everyone up soon. We have loads of pics to show and for those of you asking for more, sorry the site only loads five per blog and it takes forever.
We miss all of you.
Love,
Troy and Natalie
We miss all of you.
Love,
Troy and Natalie
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Day 18
Sorrento Beach 1:20PM 7/8/10
Last night we met this great British couple and I had meant to write more, but we ended up talking with them for most of the evening. So backtracking to yesterday, we got to the campsite and kept our fingers crossed that they had space, they did and they said we could stay as long as we wanted. They led us downhill to a more secluded backpacker area. It was kind of funny, there was a French couple, the British couple, and Italian couple and us (the American couple). We set up camp, got some groceries and then we walked down this little stairway that led to a road that took us right to the beach. We went in for a dip. Water finally! It was so nice. We both felt so refreshed and the water was not cold at all. Then we went back to camp, showered and watched the Holland Uruguay game at the camp cafe.
The next morning, we got up and went to the beach. It was really hot and we laid out reading for as long as we could stand it before going into the water to cool off. I got sand thrown on me repeatedly by a little Italian boy whose mom simply referred to as 'Anthony NO!' I laughed despite the fact that I was slightly annoyed and he turned and threw sand in the face of an old woman. After the beach, we ventured into town. Troy commented that the town reminded him of Catalina, and it did, a touristy little beach town. We headed to find the post office to send some postcards and some of our excess stuff back and the door to the post had this odd hermetically-sealed type double sliding door machanism. Troy pushed the button and the first set of dorrs opened, I followed him and the door almost closed on me. We were in this little chamber and the door in front of us wouldn't open until the door behind us was shut so we just stood there until it opened. Very futuristic for a town like Sorrento that lives off of it's lemon soap and limoncello sales.
After that, we went to a park that turned out to be an orchard that you could walk through. It had lemon and orange trees and tons of fruit rotting on the ground. We walked all the way to the back and there was this lady with a stand and she gave us a sample of Limoncello, Troy did not realized that it was alcoholic, and it sure was. That was some strong stuff. We stayed in the orchard and read for a bit, just to get out of the heat. Then we headed back, getting some gelato on the way. Big mistake. She gave us large cones that costed 8 euros each! Troy was upset and even moreso when his immediately began to melt all over his beard and shirt and shorts (which had just been washed). After doing some blogging, we headed back to camp and had some dinner while listening to a huge storm pass over Naples across the bay. Then we got our suits on and went to the pool for a bit. That was the night we met Jo and Matt, the british couple and we ended up sitting with them during the Spain v. Germany game and talking with them until about midnight even though they had to get up really early to catch a 6:30 train and needed to pack. It was fun to share our traveling adventures with another couple. They had been traveling for almost the exact same amount of time as us! But they were headed home and we had about 50 more days！I can't believe how long our trip is. It's not even half way over. Anyways, we exchenged contact info with Matt and Jo and we might see them again toward the end of our trip when we go to England!
This morning we woke up and decided to head into town before going to the beach. We wandered through some smaller streets that were more like walkways, but vespas were still driving down them! We looked in some shops and found the way down to another beach which looked nice. It was a series of docks on top of rocks with beach chairs for laying out. We went to the train station and bought a tour book for Hercualneum and Pompei and asked about the train tickets. She said that the trains run all day and the tickets were only 3.80 per person round trip. We made a plan to go to Hercualneum tomorrow.
Next we headed to the bookstore and bought some books in english to read. Troy got Ken Follet's World Without End and I got Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie. Then we got our suits and decided to check out the new beach that we saw. We headed down this steep ramp to the beach. There hotels and restaurants had monopolized most of the beach space and you had to rent the deck chairs and everything else. Troy and I found this tiny little space of public beach that was crowded with people and set our towels up on the lumpy conrete (not very comfy). We took turns going in the water and watching our stuff, but the water was much colder than the other beach. On the way back to camp we stopped at a cafe and had some pizza and fries. We walked in and out of shops some more then we headed back to the campsite pool.
Last night we met this great British couple and I had meant to write more, but we ended up talking with them for most of the evening. So backtracking to yesterday, we got to the campsite and kept our fingers crossed that they had space, they did and they said we could stay as long as we wanted. They led us downhill to a more secluded backpacker area. It was kind of funny, there was a French couple, the British couple, and Italian couple and us (the American couple). We set up camp, got some groceries and then we walked down this little stairway that led to a road that took us right to the beach. We went in for a dip. Water finally! It was so nice. We both felt so refreshed and the water was not cold at all. Then we went back to camp, showered and watched the Holland Uruguay game at the camp cafe.
The next morning, we got up and went to the beach. It was really hot and we laid out reading for as long as we could stand it before going into the water to cool off. I got sand thrown on me repeatedly by a little Italian boy whose mom simply referred to as 'Anthony NO!' I laughed despite the fact that I was slightly annoyed and he turned and threw sand in the face of an old woman. After the beach, we ventured into town. Troy commented that the town reminded him of Catalina, and it did, a touristy little beach town. We headed to find the post office to send some postcards and some of our excess stuff back and the door to the post had this odd hermetically-sealed type double sliding door machanism. Troy pushed the button and the first set of dorrs opened, I followed him and the door almost closed on me. We were in this little chamber and the door in front of us wouldn't open until the door behind us was shut so we just stood there until it opened. Very futuristic for a town like Sorrento that lives off of it's lemon soap and limoncello sales.
After that, we went to a park that turned out to be an orchard that you could walk through. It had lemon and orange trees and tons of fruit rotting on the ground. We walked all the way to the back and there was this lady with a stand and she gave us a sample of Limoncello, Troy did not realized that it was alcoholic, and it sure was. That was some strong stuff. We stayed in the orchard and read for a bit, just to get out of the heat. Then we headed back, getting some gelato on the way. Big mistake. She gave us large cones that costed 8 euros each! Troy was upset and even moreso when his immediately began to melt all over his beard and shirt and shorts (which had just been washed). After doing some blogging, we headed back to camp and had some dinner while listening to a huge storm pass over Naples across the bay. Then we got our suits on and went to the pool for a bit. That was the night we met Jo and Matt, the british couple and we ended up sitting with them during the Spain v. Germany game and talking with them until about midnight even though they had to get up really early to catch a 6:30 train and needed to pack. It was fun to share our traveling adventures with another couple. They had been traveling for almost the exact same amount of time as us! But they were headed home and we had about 50 more days！I can't believe how long our trip is. It's not even half way over. Anyways, we exchenged contact info with Matt and Jo and we might see them again toward the end of our trip when we go to England!
This morning we woke up and decided to head into town before going to the beach. We wandered through some smaller streets that were more like walkways, but vespas were still driving down them! We looked in some shops and found the way down to another beach which looked nice. It was a series of docks on top of rocks with beach chairs for laying out. We went to the train station and bought a tour book for Hercualneum and Pompei and asked about the train tickets. She said that the trains run all day and the tickets were only 3.80 per person round trip. We made a plan to go to Hercualneum tomorrow.
Next we headed to the bookstore and bought some books in english to read. Troy got Ken Follet's World Without End and I got Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie. Then we got our suits and decided to check out the new beach that we saw. We headed down this steep ramp to the beach. There hotels and restaurants had monopolized most of the beach space and you had to rent the deck chairs and everything else. Troy and I found this tiny little space of public beach that was crowded with people and set our towels up on the lumpy conrete (not very comfy). We took turns going in the water and watching our stuff, but the water was much colder than the other beach. On the way back to camp we stopped at a cafe and had some pizza and fries. We walked in and out of shops some more then we headed back to the campsite pool.
Day 17
Nube D'Argento Sorrento, Italy 8:50PM 7/7/10
We got to Naples and headed to the nearest internet cafe. We looked up thet campsite that we had planned to stay at, but it seemed really far and in the middle of nowhere, so we searched for another one. We found some cmaping in a town called Sorrento on the penninsula near Pompei and Herculaneum so we went back to the train station to get tickets. On our train to Sorrento, we met a couple from California. The husband was nice enough, but the wife was very loud and being a bit obnoxious. She was trying to call this hotel to book a room for them and the hotel wouldn't answer (I could sympathize with them). Then she kept announcing to the train how annoyed she was and how she had sworn that she would never come back to Italy and now here she was. I think she could tell that Troy and I were not amused by her, because she started directing her light insults at her self, which was even weirder. We simply smiled and felt some silent sympathy for her husband. We bid them good luck and finally got off the train in Sorrento!
We went stright to a convenient info booth (the first sign of the rampant tourism in Sorrento) and asked them where the campsites were. She told us that it was a 25 minute walk out of town, but it was really only about a ten minute walk through the busy downtown area. We ended up at this beautiful hillside camp area that had access to the beach!
We got to Naples and headed to the nearest internet cafe. We looked up thet campsite that we had planned to stay at, but it seemed really far and in the middle of nowhere, so we searched for another one. We found some cmaping in a town called Sorrento on the penninsula near Pompei and Herculaneum so we went back to the train station to get tickets. On our train to Sorrento, we met a couple from California. The husband was nice enough, but the wife was very loud and being a bit obnoxious. She was trying to call this hotel to book a room for them and the hotel wouldn't answer (I could sympathize with them). Then she kept announcing to the train how annoyed she was and how she had sworn that she would never come back to Italy and now here she was. I think she could tell that Troy and I were not amused by her, because she started directing her light insults at her self, which was even weirder. We simply smiled and felt some silent sympathy for her husband. We bid them good luck and finally got off the train in Sorrento!
We went stright to a convenient info booth (the first sign of the rampant tourism in Sorrento) and asked them where the campsites were. She told us that it was a 25 minute walk out of town, but it was really only about a ten minute walk through the busy downtown area. We ended up at this beautiful hillside camp area that had access to the beach!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Day 16
Train from Rome To Naples 12:17PM 7/6/10
We are sitting on our train to Naples. Yesterday was our big day in Rome, we got up, had free breakfast at our hotel, more like a buffet than a continental breakfast, then we rent and rented a vespa. Troy was a natural at driving it, but the streets of Rome are crazy! Our bike did not like second gear and it kept stalling. We first went to the Colosseum and the Dom de Aurea. The Colosseum was amazing and loomed over us as we rounded the turn towards it. We drove out toward the catacombs but they were closed so we came back toward the city and parked. We walked the circo massimo (Circus Maixmus) and the forums of the emperors ad lastly the Colosseum again! We walked by all these ruins that were being excavated and then by the Tiber river on the way back to the vespa (in between each site we got completely lost for about twenty mintues). We read the Italian guide to scooter rental and it said to just go with the flow because Rome was not designed for car, that's just what we did, we let Rome decide where we should go. Next we tried to find the Vatican but took the road too far and ended up way outside the city. We stopped, looked at the map, realized how far we had gone and turned back. Again we tried to get to Vatican City but finally we had to stop and ask for directions. It turned out we were right next to our hotel, so we went back to our room, showered and went out to dinner. We found a Cinese/Giaponnese restaraunt (Chinese/Japonese) with amazing food and we celebrated our one month marriage anniversary. I had fried Nuttella (amazing!) for desert while Troy had sushi.
We didn't have to return the Vespa until 10am the next day so we decided to get up early and take it to the Vatican. In the morning Rome was cool and the streets were empty. It was a completely different place. We were able to find our way easily and were the first ones to the Vatican at 6:08 am. We walkeda round and took pictures of the quiet, empty plaza. More people began to show up and at 6:30 they opened a gate to the inner plaza. Troy and I went in. We walked around and looked at all the Saints (presumably) that stood atop each pillar next to St. Peter's basillica. They opened another gate and we went through a security check, up the steps, and waited on the doorstep of St. Peter's until they let everyone in, about 20 people. I wondered why more people don't come early when its not hot or crowded. We couldn't go in with our vespa helmets so Troy stayed outside while I went in. It was a beautiful ornate church, so large and quiet with several sevices going on. I walked through and went out to give Troy a chance to go in. He didn't want to but I made him. And he came out five mintues later, angry at the money wasted on decadence when it could have gone to a better cause. After returning our vespa, we had breakfast at our hotel and took some food for lunch. Then we found out check-out was'nt til' noon so we took a nap. We packed up, walked to the train station and bought tickets to Naples. To be continued. . .
We are sitting on our train to Naples. Yesterday was our big day in Rome, we got up, had free breakfast at our hotel, more like a buffet than a continental breakfast, then we rent and rented a vespa. Troy was a natural at driving it, but the streets of Rome are crazy! Our bike did not like second gear and it kept stalling. We first went to the Colosseum and the Dom de Aurea. The Colosseum was amazing and loomed over us as we rounded the turn towards it. We drove out toward the catacombs but they were closed so we came back toward the city and parked. We walked the circo massimo (Circus Maixmus) and the forums of the emperors ad lastly the Colosseum again! We walked by all these ruins that were being excavated and then by the Tiber river on the way back to the vespa (in between each site we got completely lost for about twenty mintues). We read the Italian guide to scooter rental and it said to just go with the flow because Rome was not designed for car, that's just what we did, we let Rome decide where we should go. Next we tried to find the Vatican but took the road too far and ended up way outside the city. We stopped, looked at the map, realized how far we had gone and turned back. Again we tried to get to Vatican City but finally we had to stop and ask for directions. It turned out we were right next to our hotel, so we went back to our room, showered and went out to dinner. We found a Cinese/Giaponnese restaraunt (Chinese/Japonese) with amazing food and we celebrated our one month marriage anniversary. I had fried Nuttella (amazing!) for desert while Troy had sushi.
We didn't have to return the Vespa until 10am the next day so we decided to get up early and take it to the Vatican. In the morning Rome was cool and the streets were empty. It was a completely different place. We were able to find our way easily and were the first ones to the Vatican at 6:08 am. We walkeda round and took pictures of the quiet, empty plaza. More people began to show up and at 6:30 they opened a gate to the inner plaza. Troy and I went in. We walked around and looked at all the Saints (presumably) that stood atop each pillar next to St. Peter's basillica. They opened another gate and we went through a security check, up the steps, and waited on the doorstep of St. Peter's until they let everyone in, about 20 people. I wondered why more people don't come early when its not hot or crowded. We couldn't go in with our vespa helmets so Troy stayed outside while I went in. It was a beautiful ornate church, so large and quiet with several sevices going on. I walked through and went out to give Troy a chance to go in. He didn't want to but I made him. And he came out five mintues later, angry at the money wasted on decadence when it could have gone to a better cause. After returning our vespa, we had breakfast at our hotel and took some food for lunch. Then we found out check-out was'nt til' noon so we took a nap. We packed up, walked to the train station and bought tickets to Naples. To be continued. . .
Day 14
Atalntico Hotel: Rome 9:58PM 07/04/10
Two weeks into our trip. Happy fourth of July from Rome!
Today we woke up, got ready and headed to our train for Rome. We boarded early, air-conditioning on the train yeah, and by the end of the trip Troy and I were in deep conversation with an Italian Director (Claudio) and his editor (Andrea). We had a nice talk, exchanged info and they showed us to our hotel. We checked in, got to our room and watched some of the Tour De' France while we got ready to go out to dinner. We had some great pasta at a quaint sidewalk cafe just down the street from our hotel. We meet two different couples, one from Canada and one from California. Then we got sdome gelatto and headed back to our hotel for a bath and sleep.
Two weeks into our trip. Happy fourth of July from Rome!
Today we woke up, got ready and headed to our train for Rome. We boarded early, air-conditioning on the train yeah, and by the end of the trip Troy and I were in deep conversation with an Italian Director (Claudio) and his editor (Andrea). We had a nice talk, exchanged info and they showed us to our hotel. We checked in, got to our room and watched some of the Tour De' France while we got ready to go out to dinner. We had some great pasta at a quaint sidewalk cafe just down the street from our hotel. We meet two different couples, one from Canada and one from California. Then we got sdome gelatto and headed back to our hotel for a bath and sleep.
Day 13
Bed and Breakfast Venice 10:11 PM 07-03-10
Today we woke up in Venice after a good night sleep. We checked out of our Hotel and moved over to our bed and breafast a whole 200 yards from the our hotel's front door. Then we went in search of the Rialto, stopping for a pizza lunch on the way, but we got a bit lost and ended up in San Marco square first. The streets of Venice are so small and filled with people that when you get to a large plaza it's surprising. The square is grand and the buildings there are beautiful. They are all different styles whcih makes Venice seem like a conflicting city. It sometimes wants to be oranate and decorative and sometimes more repetitive and functional. We walked around the plaza finding the edge of the city and looked out upon the relatively open water. Then we did some more exploring in back alleys and small streets. We kept wondering until there it was, the Rilato Bridge, the oldest and most famous in Venice. Once a trade center for fruits and vegatables and fish, all we saw now were tourist shops. We climbed the steps and looked out at the view of the grand canal from the bridge. It was beautiful.
As the sun got lower we decided to see about a Gondola ride but it was 80 euro until 7:30 pm and 100 euro after that! We decided our money would be spent in many better ways, such as, the one kilogram bag of gummy cola that Troy found in the candy shop! Haribo, look it up! (Troy's words not mine). On the way back we witnessed an argument between two Italian men. Everyonje was staring and other Italians looked shooked which made me wonder what they were saying.
We went to the market, the local paper store (Like Office Max) and went back to our room. We unloaded all of our things and went out again to the internet cafe as usual and Troy called home to his Dad. His Dad said he was all alone while his Mom was in Vietnam. Then we went back to our room for the night.
Today we woke up in Venice after a good night sleep. We checked out of our Hotel and moved over to our bed and breafast a whole 200 yards from the our hotel's front door. Then we went in search of the Rialto, stopping for a pizza lunch on the way, but we got a bit lost and ended up in San Marco square first. The streets of Venice are so small and filled with people that when you get to a large plaza it's surprising. The square is grand and the buildings there are beautiful. They are all different styles whcih makes Venice seem like a conflicting city. It sometimes wants to be oranate and decorative and sometimes more repetitive and functional. We walked around the plaza finding the edge of the city and looked out upon the relatively open water. Then we did some more exploring in back alleys and small streets. We kept wondering until there it was, the Rilato Bridge, the oldest and most famous in Venice. Once a trade center for fruits and vegatables and fish, all we saw now were tourist shops. We climbed the steps and looked out at the view of the grand canal from the bridge. It was beautiful.
As the sun got lower we decided to see about a Gondola ride but it was 80 euro until 7:30 pm and 100 euro after that! We decided our money would be spent in many better ways, such as, the one kilogram bag of gummy cola that Troy found in the candy shop! Haribo, look it up! (Troy's words not mine). On the way back we witnessed an argument between two Italian men. Everyonje was staring and other Italians looked shooked which made me wonder what they were saying.
We went to the market, the local paper store (Like Office Max) and went back to our room. We unloaded all of our things and went out again to the internet cafe as usual and Troy called home to his Dad. His Dad said he was all alone while his Mom was in Vietnam. Then we went back to our room for the night.
Day 12
Venice Hotel 10:20 PM 7/2/10
That's right, I said Hotel! We are sitting in our comfy room with air conditioning, a bathroom asnd electricity! Despite the fact that we are relaxing and journaling now today was a difficult day. We spent last night on three trains catching bits of sleep whenever we could. We finally got to Venice after travelling for almost 19 hours straight and we were tired. We waited on the train station steps to get info from the information desk and wondered to a bridge to watch the sun rising over the canals, and I must say despite how tired we were it was beautiful. We found a park and ate a breakfast of bread and cheese sandwiches and received more dirty looks than I've ever gotten in my life. I would smile at people and they would frown at me. I couldn't believe how rudly we were treated. Then we went to the internet cafe and found out our cat had been put to sleep. I was a wreak so Troy booked us a hotel and we headed over hoping to shower or drop off our packs even though it was only 10:30 am. The hotel manager said a room would be ready by noon and that we could leave our packs there, yeah! He was extremely nice and helpful. I got some ice cream and Troy and I sat by the canal watching gondolas and ohter boats go by. No cars! It sounds dumb but I never thought about the fact that there are no cars in Venice.
Then we went back top the hotel and slept from noon to five. We woke feeling so much better. We got ready and went to dinner. We had wonderful pasta and reminisced about Eli. Then we got more ice-cream and went back to the park again. Tomorrow night we stay at a bed and breakfast.
(There were no accidents with Eli. He was 15 years old and had cancer. We were sad we couldn't be there, but we know that he had an amazing life!)
R.I.P. Eli (The Little Moo Cow)
That's right, I said Hotel! We are sitting in our comfy room with air conditioning, a bathroom asnd electricity! Despite the fact that we are relaxing and journaling now today was a difficult day. We spent last night on three trains catching bits of sleep whenever we could. We finally got to Venice after travelling for almost 19 hours straight and we were tired. We waited on the train station steps to get info from the information desk and wondered to a bridge to watch the sun rising over the canals, and I must say despite how tired we were it was beautiful. We found a park and ate a breakfast of bread and cheese sandwiches and received more dirty looks than I've ever gotten in my life. I would smile at people and they would frown at me. I couldn't believe how rudly we were treated. Then we went to the internet cafe and found out our cat had been put to sleep. I was a wreak so Troy booked us a hotel and we headed over hoping to shower or drop off our packs even though it was only 10:30 am. The hotel manager said a room would be ready by noon and that we could leave our packs there, yeah! He was extremely nice and helpful. I got some ice cream and Troy and I sat by the canal watching gondolas and ohter boats go by. No cars! It sounds dumb but I never thought about the fact that there are no cars in Venice.
Then we went back top the hotel and slept from noon to five. We woke feeling so much better. We got ready and went to dinner. We had wonderful pasta and reminisced about Eli. Then we got more ice-cream and went back to the park again. Tomorrow night we stay at a bed and breakfast.
(There were no accidents with Eli. He was 15 years old and had cancer. We were sad we couldn't be there, but we know that he had an amazing life!)
R.I.P. Eli (The Little Moo Cow)
Monday, July 5, 2010
Troy's on the clock . . .
Hey everyone! So Natalie says it's my turn to blog a little. We have been having an amazing time thus far and I hope to get a book out of it. The traveling has been hard at times. Going over the Alps was a hard traveling, and once off the gondolas we had a hard hike into the italian town of Cormeyeur. It's one thing to think about all the walking, but another entirely to actually do it with a fifty pound pack.
Some of the highlights:
1. Walking in a Paris subway tunnel because all the workers went on strike.
2. Riding a gondola over the French Alps and standing on the France/Italy border.
3. Waking up next to my wife everyday!
4. Waking up in Chamonix and looking up at a glacier
5. Meeting our Mexican American Friend Emmanuel
6. Meeting the director of Good Morning Aman and his Editor! (Claudio and Andrea!Grazie!)
7. Eating fresh food everyday.
8. Haribo! If you don't know what it means you should look it up!
9. Sharing our travels with our friends and family.
10. Writing every detail of our misadventures.
Specifically, and I know I'm jumping ahead, we rented a vespa today thanks to a family member who thought it would be an amazing wedding present. So we are zipping through the city of Rome on a bright red classic vespa. I have no fear, but Natalie wishes the Vespa had a cab. The Italians have no formal driving system in Rome because there are no traffic lanes, no rules and as long as you stay on your toes you should live to see tomorrow. If any of you thought California driving was madness, I now figure that if I can drive in Rome, then I can drive anywhere in the world. After all the sight-seeing I pulled up safely in front of our hotel and Natalie almost got down on the ground kissing it because we survived. Vespa and scooters just fly past you on every turn, every different color, make model with drivers of all ages and sizes. We followed a grandmother and her grandaughter. Many men in ties and business suits raced past us to go to work, the gerneral Italian just going to the market and one unhappy Italian who told me what he thought of my tenative driving. Tomorrow morning to avoid the traffic we are going to the Vatican at 6 am. From there we are giving the death scooter back. I really hope all of you are able to read this:)
I would also like to say hi to Nick and Jaime and baby Cameron, my mom and dad and Courtney, plus everyone else out there. When we get back I will be putting the full book up on the page. I've written 192 pages in 15 days (small pages). Have a great rest of your summer and until I 'm on here again stay cool (I know we will in the cool waters of the bay at Napoli:)!
-Troy
Some of the highlights:
1. Walking in a Paris subway tunnel because all the workers went on strike.
2. Riding a gondola over the French Alps and standing on the France/Italy border.
3. Waking up next to my wife everyday!
4. Waking up in Chamonix and looking up at a glacier
5. Meeting our Mexican American Friend Emmanuel
6. Meeting the director of Good Morning Aman and his Editor! (Claudio and Andrea!Grazie!)
7. Eating fresh food everyday.
8. Haribo! If you don't know what it means you should look it up!
9. Sharing our travels with our friends and family.
10. Writing every detail of our misadventures.
Specifically, and I know I'm jumping ahead, we rented a vespa today thanks to a family member who thought it would be an amazing wedding present. So we are zipping through the city of Rome on a bright red classic vespa. I have no fear, but Natalie wishes the Vespa had a cab. The Italians have no formal driving system in Rome because there are no traffic lanes, no rules and as long as you stay on your toes you should live to see tomorrow. If any of you thought California driving was madness, I now figure that if I can drive in Rome, then I can drive anywhere in the world. After all the sight-seeing I pulled up safely in front of our hotel and Natalie almost got down on the ground kissing it because we survived. Vespa and scooters just fly past you on every turn, every different color, make model with drivers of all ages and sizes. We followed a grandmother and her grandaughter. Many men in ties and business suits raced past us to go to work, the gerneral Italian just going to the market and one unhappy Italian who told me what he thought of my tenative driving. Tomorrow morning to avoid the traffic we are going to the Vatican at 6 am. From there we are giving the death scooter back. I really hope all of you are able to read this:)
I would also like to say hi to Nick and Jaime and baby Cameron, my mom and dad and Courtney, plus everyone else out there. When we get back I will be putting the full book up on the page. I've written 192 pages in 15 days (small pages). Have a great rest of your summer and until I 'm on here again stay cool (I know we will in the cool waters of the bay at Napoli:)!
-Troy
More Photos!
Here are some photos from Venice and Rome!
1: The Emperors Forums
2: Nat on a Vespa in front of the Colosseum
3: Troy mapping and writing his travel book!
4: A real life Venetian Gondola
5: Sunrise over the city of Venice
New Photos!
Here are some new photos!
1: Nat on the two person Gondola over a glacier!
2: A tiny frog in Chamonix
3: Mount Blanc from the Gondola
4: The Chamonix logo in the tourist office of Chamonix-Mont Blanc
Friday, July 2, 2010
Day 11
Helbronner Mt. France/Italy 1:21 PM 7/1/10
We are in a cloud (litterally). We got up this morning, pack our tent and left the campsite. We headed to the Gondola. Once on we went up and up and up. Then we got to a little station, got on another Gondola and went up and up some more. I was trying really hard not to freak out. We hit another station and spent some time there just gathering ourselves. Then we got on a smaller Gondola with just me and Troy (the other one fit 20 people, standing room only). The small one was really scary. I was tense and nervous and couldn't relax, but the view was spectactular!
Train to Venice 10:01 PM
What a day. We got over the Alps and into Italy and then we had no idea where to go or what to do. We walked to a souvenier shop and Troy asked where the train station was and if we needed to get our passports stamped. A lady there told him that the station was 6km away and that we should go to the police station for our passports. Then she gave us a ride to the police station. We asked them and they said we didn't need a stamp, but the lady had already left us so we had to walk back on the side of a highway with noo bikelane and no space for pedestrians. Then we walked toward the direction of town, following the river, not knowing where we were going. We got to a little downtown area, found a map and tried to figure it out, but without a "you are here" point of reference on the map, we didn't have much luck. Troy decided to go into a hotel and they gave us directions to the bus station and the Officio de Touristico. We walked there and bought bus tickets to Pre St. Dedidier. Nothing is marked though, so we missed out stop. But luckily we ended up in Aosta, right next to a train station. We walked around Aosta and stumbled a celtic festival...
To Be Continued...
We are in a cloud (litterally). We got up this morning, pack our tent and left the campsite. We headed to the Gondola. Once on we went up and up and up. Then we got to a little station, got on another Gondola and went up and up some more. I was trying really hard not to freak out. We hit another station and spent some time there just gathering ourselves. Then we got on a smaller Gondola with just me and Troy (the other one fit 20 people, standing room only). The small one was really scary. I was tense and nervous and couldn't relax, but the view was spectactular!
Train to Venice 10:01 PM
What a day. We got over the Alps and into Italy and then we had no idea where to go or what to do. We walked to a souvenier shop and Troy asked where the train station was and if we needed to get our passports stamped. A lady there told him that the station was 6km away and that we should go to the police station for our passports. Then she gave us a ride to the police station. We asked them and they said we didn't need a stamp, but the lady had already left us so we had to walk back on the side of a highway with noo bikelane and no space for pedestrians. Then we walked toward the direction of town, following the river, not knowing where we were going. We got to a little downtown area, found a map and tried to figure it out, but without a "you are here" point of reference on the map, we didn't have much luck. Troy decided to go into a hotel and they gave us directions to the bus station and the Officio de Touristico. We walked there and bought bus tickets to Pre St. Dedidier. Nothing is marked though, so we missed out stop. But luckily we ended up in Aosta, right next to a train station. We walked around Aosta and stumbled a celtic festival...
To Be Continued...
Day 10
Chamonix Campground 10:09 PM 6/30/10
Another beautiful day in Chamonix. We woke up around nine and took our time getting ready. Troy and I decided to walk around twon today and maybe do a little hike later on. We went to a few stores and got some things that we needed for our travels (a tarp, daypack for me, another carabiner and a sewing kit). Then we went to McDonalds for lunch. Not so great, but free wi-fi. After lunch we walked some more (big surprise). We ambled around town, then came back to our tent and I took a nap in the shade while Troy sewed his pack. it had been such a warm day that the shade felt good, but I awoke to rain drops so we pulled all our gear into the tent and it poured for almost an hour. Then we got ready to go for a walk to a lake on the other side of town. Wasn't so spectactular, but on the path around it we saw tiny little frogs, smallest I've ever seen. Then we went to a horrible Tex-Mex restaraunt! The food was aweful but the bathrooms were all bright purple! We headed back to our tents and on the way we saw giant slugs, a yellow and black striped snail and miniature wild strawberries growing. Tomorrow we are going over the Alps to Italy!
Another beautiful day in Chamonix. We woke up around nine and took our time getting ready. Troy and I decided to walk around twon today and maybe do a little hike later on. We went to a few stores and got some things that we needed for our travels (a tarp, daypack for me, another carabiner and a sewing kit). Then we went to McDonalds for lunch. Not so great, but free wi-fi. After lunch we walked some more (big surprise). We ambled around town, then came back to our tent and I took a nap in the shade while Troy sewed his pack. it had been such a warm day that the shade felt good, but I awoke to rain drops so we pulled all our gear into the tent and it poured for almost an hour. Then we got ready to go for a walk to a lake on the other side of town. Wasn't so spectactular, but on the path around it we saw tiny little frogs, smallest I've ever seen. Then we went to a horrible Tex-Mex restaraunt! The food was aweful but the bathrooms were all bright purple! We headed back to our tents and on the way we saw giant slugs, a yellow and black striped snail and miniature wild strawberries growing. Tomorrow we are going over the Alps to Italy!
Day 9
Train to St. Gervais connecting to Chamonix France 1:06 PM 6/29/10
Travel tip: When riding a train in France you don't need to get up until they announce your stop. From our train experiences, they always announce with plenty of time for you to gather your things and make your way off the train. Don't get in a hurry because you see people standing by the door or else you might be stuck standing in a crowd of people with your pack on for 20 mintues. In our defense, we were in teh jump seats to begin with because the train was so crowded.
I'm feeling much better about the trip. In Paris I was tired and we had to sleep on the streets. Avignon was much better even though it was hot.
1:54 PM
We just went through a little rain storm on the train! Thunder and lightening right next to us, so exciting! They say there is still snow on the mountains in Chamonix, what a difference from the opressive heat of Avignon. I finshed In Cold Blood by Truman Capote today and now Troy is reading it.
3:35 PM
Troy just discovered that he is allergic to French Carrots! Last night we had made sandwhiches with cheese lettuce and carrots and Troy's mouth started itching and his lips swelled up. Today, he decided to snack on a carrot on the train ride and the same thing happened.
Chamonix-Mont Blanc Campground 8:55 PM
We reached Chamonix-Mont Blanc. On the way it poured, we saw a deer and some beautiful landscapes. We are camping in a little ski-resort town in the French Alps. We are surrounded by mountains and there are several glaciers visable from here. It is so beautiful. We can see waterfall and there is a river that cuts through the city. We got off the train and found a campground. We set up camp. Troy and I were starving so we went and got pizza. Then we walked around town, went to the market and now I'm ready for bed.
Travel tip: When riding a train in France you don't need to get up until they announce your stop. From our train experiences, they always announce with plenty of time for you to gather your things and make your way off the train. Don't get in a hurry because you see people standing by the door or else you might be stuck standing in a crowd of people with your pack on for 20 mintues. In our defense, we were in teh jump seats to begin with because the train was so crowded.
I'm feeling much better about the trip. In Paris I was tired and we had to sleep on the streets. Avignon was much better even though it was hot.
1:54 PM
We just went through a little rain storm on the train! Thunder and lightening right next to us, so exciting! They say there is still snow on the mountains in Chamonix, what a difference from the opressive heat of Avignon. I finshed In Cold Blood by Truman Capote today and now Troy is reading it.
3:35 PM
Troy just discovered that he is allergic to French Carrots! Last night we had made sandwhiches with cheese lettuce and carrots and Troy's mouth started itching and his lips swelled up. Today, he decided to snack on a carrot on the train ride and the same thing happened.
Chamonix-Mont Blanc Campground 8:55 PM
We reached Chamonix-Mont Blanc. On the way it poured, we saw a deer and some beautiful landscapes. We are camping in a little ski-resort town in the French Alps. We are surrounded by mountains and there are several glaciers visable from here. It is so beautiful. We can see waterfall and there is a river that cuts through the city. We got off the train and found a campground. We set up camp. Troy and I were starving so we went and got pizza. Then we walked around town, went to the market and now I'm ready for bed.
Day 8
Campground on Ile de Barthelesse 8:54 PM 6/28/10
I'm very behind on my journaling. We've been hanging out in Avignon for the past couple of days. esterday we walked all over Avignon, came back to the campground, got cleaned up and watched the Mexico, Argentina football match. This morning we slept in again, walked across the back side of the island to the other bride. We got to Fort St. Andre but foudnt that there are lots of places named St. Andre, so the likelihood that my family is from here is slim. We went to the train station and bought tickets to Chamonix for tomorrwo. The ticket agent said it would be cooler there which will be nice since it has been so hot here in Avignon. We walked around a little more, then headed back to the campground after not only getting bread and cheese but lettuce, carrots, cherries and peaches, a deluxe dinner! Then we went for a little walk (as if we hadn't walked enough) around the island. People gave me and Troy wierd looks. We came back, showered and are getting ready to go to bed early so we don't sleep past our train.
I'm very behind on my journaling. We've been hanging out in Avignon for the past couple of days. esterday we walked all over Avignon, came back to the campground, got cleaned up and watched the Mexico, Argentina football match. This morning we slept in again, walked across the back side of the island to the other bride. We got to Fort St. Andre but foudnt that there are lots of places named St. Andre, so the likelihood that my family is from here is slim. We went to the train station and bought tickets to Chamonix for tomorrwo. The ticket agent said it would be cooler there which will be nice since it has been so hot here in Avignon. We walked around a little more, then headed back to the campground after not only getting bread and cheese but lettuce, carrots, cherries and peaches, a deluxe dinner! Then we went for a little walk (as if we hadn't walked enough) around the island. People gave me and Troy wierd looks. We came back, showered and are getting ready to go to bed early so we don't sleep past our train.
Day 7
Rocher des Doms, Avignon 1:44 PM 6/27/10
We are sitting at a garden on top of an ancient wall that protects the city of Avignon. Yesterday we got off the train and walked from the station to Avignon, except we went the long way around and it took us forever. We finally got to the city. First we saw these stone walls all around the city center (called Avignon Intramuros which means inside the walls). We went in and found a beautiful town with small winding streets, cute cafes and relaxing parks. I wanted to rest a bit, but we needed to find a place to sleep so we walked through the city. We found Rue de Saint Andre and took a picture of it. Then we exited the walls and walked along the Rhone river. we passed a bridge and were thinking about crossing the river at the next bridge, because there looked to be a beautiful park on the ther side, but when we got closer to the bridge we realized that it didn't go all the way across. The bridge went three quarters of the way across the river and stopped. We kept walking toward it anyways. We found some steps leading up the rampart. We headed back to the completed bridge and found a camp ground on the other side of the river. I felt elated to be staying somewhere legally with a shower and laundry facilities and no fear of being woken up in the middle of the night and kicked out.
We eschewed our plans to stay ina hotel Sunday night and decided to camp for three nights here next to Avignon. Our camp site is really neat! There are trees everywhere creating a canopy over the area.
The next day we slept in and got ready to go back to Avignon. I just cannot get over the beauty of this city. It is very peaceful and mellow, but with history at every turn. It's hard to imagine living among the past. We walked around the walls of the city and toward the back we found stairs leading to the top of the ramparts. We climbed higher and higher and the view became more and more amazing. We got to an area that opened up into a plaza and there was a site seeing monument. We went over to see what we had been looking at and found that the castle looking structure on the other side of the Rhone was Fort St. Andre. I looked out at it and around and I realized that you rarely ever meet St. Andres in the US. You'd have to be crazy to leave such a beautiful place.
We are sitting at a garden on top of an ancient wall that protects the city of Avignon. Yesterday we got off the train and walked from the station to Avignon, except we went the long way around and it took us forever. We finally got to the city. First we saw these stone walls all around the city center (called Avignon Intramuros which means inside the walls). We went in and found a beautiful town with small winding streets, cute cafes and relaxing parks. I wanted to rest a bit, but we needed to find a place to sleep so we walked through the city. We found Rue de Saint Andre and took a picture of it. Then we exited the walls and walked along the Rhone river. we passed a bridge and were thinking about crossing the river at the next bridge, because there looked to be a beautiful park on the ther side, but when we got closer to the bridge we realized that it didn't go all the way across. The bridge went three quarters of the way across the river and stopped. We kept walking toward it anyways. We found some steps leading up the rampart. We headed back to the completed bridge and found a camp ground on the other side of the river. I felt elated to be staying somewhere legally with a shower and laundry facilities and no fear of being woken up in the middle of the night and kicked out.
We eschewed our plans to stay ina hotel Sunday night and decided to camp for three nights here next to Avignon. Our camp site is really neat! There are trees everywhere creating a canopy over the area.
The next day we slept in and got ready to go back to Avignon. I just cannot get over the beauty of this city. It is very peaceful and mellow, but with history at every turn. It's hard to imagine living among the past. We walked around the walls of the city and toward the back we found stairs leading to the top of the ramparts. We climbed higher and higher and the view became more and more amazing. We got to an area that opened up into a plaza and there was a site seeing monument. We went over to see what we had been looking at and found that the castle looking structure on the other side of the Rhone was Fort St. Andre. I looked out at it and around and I realized that you rarely ever meet St. Andres in the US. You'd have to be crazy to leave such a beautiful place.
Day 6 Cont'd
Train from Paris to Avignon 3:19PM 6/26/10
We are on a train leaving Paris right now. We are headed to Avignon and a new adventure. This morning troy and I walked toward the Notre Dame, mass was going on and they had the whole front blocked off, so we had to take a detour. We wound our way through alleys and small backstreets until we reached the internet cafe. At the cafe I saw that Emmanuel had sent a facebook message. He wanted to meet and take a picture with us if we had time. We met up on the way to our train, took pictures, talked and hung our laundry out to dry. After our clothes were dry Emmanuel walked us to the station to send us off. We wished him the best of luck and headed off to catch our train.
We are on a train leaving Paris right now. We are headed to Avignon and a new adventure. This morning troy and I walked toward the Notre Dame, mass was going on and they had the whole front blocked off, so we had to take a detour. We wound our way through alleys and small backstreets until we reached the internet cafe. At the cafe I saw that Emmanuel had sent a facebook message. He wanted to meet and take a picture with us if we had time. We met up on the way to our train, took pictures, talked and hung our laundry out to dry. After our clothes were dry Emmanuel walked us to the station to send us off. We wished him the best of luck and headed off to catch our train.
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