Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Claras,sangria and a city by the sea...
Before I get into some more of the details of our trip, I should probably apologize for the switching of tenses, grammatical errors, and random words that don't make sense-I'm still figuring out odd and ends of my iPad . And my editor (Katie) can't correct all my mistakes, even though she usually does a good job =) ( thanks katie!)
Adventure seems to describe Our trip perfectly. Each day has been something different, introducing new food, new sites, and new "bumps in the road". We leave today traveling from Barcelona to Nice. After spending numerous hours on eurail trying to figure out how the best times, and routes,we finally found the perfect one leaving Barcelona in the morning, switching trains in Figureres, and then continuing onto Montpellier, ending in Nice,France.
It's insane to think we have been traveling a week now. I wish we could have stayed and visited more of Spain. It's such a beautiful culture, one I definitely would like to spend more time in. Barcelona alone was an interesting city. Much more modern than Madrid, in the sense that most people spoke English, tourism was everywhere you looked, and the city fixated more upon image than anything. Don't get me wrong, I still found the beauty of this city. The building were historic, and the streets are kept very clean, filled with vendors, and Shops. Barcelona was our second Hostel experience, which turned out to be in our favor. We had booked 2 nights in a 4 bed mixed dorm and then 1 night in a private suit. We shared our mixed dorm with a brother and sister from Philadelphia, originally from Poway,CA (go figure out rival high school, such a small world!) they were spending 5 weeks traveling all around Europe visiting many similar places. It was nice to exchange tips and hear about some of their travels.
Since I'm a big foodie, I have to add something about the Barcelona cuisine. During our first day, we found a covered market that had rows of all different types of foods, fruits, meats, and so on. I decided to grab some fresh fruit while Katie and I split a banana walnut crepe with nutella.- which was delicious! It's interesting how much italian and french influence we saw in Barcelona. As for the rest of our time in Barcelona, we enjoyed many tasty dishes from fresh salads with goat cheese, to paella and fresh sangria.
Most of our time spent in Barcelona was very relaxing, we got a real sense of the city just by spending our time wondering the streets. I think my favorite part of our trip was our last night when Katie and I went to our favorite vegetarian spot (I feel like I'm allowed to can claim I have a spot after spending 3 days), we grabbed some falafel, two pear cider ales, and enjoyed dinner sitting on our personal terrace.
Although I am blessed to be able to travel all over Europe, I have been anticipating our travels to the South of France, Italy , and Paris . I have hear such amazing things about Italy, the food, art- my hopes not to gain a travelers 15 may be harder than I think. So far, train has to got to be my favorite form of travel. In general Europe is so much more civilized compared to the US. Their lifestyle, values, and overall life mentality seems to make more sense to me. Instead of an instant satisfaction, quick fix, right here right now approach, Europeans enjoy each moment for it's worth. They take their time, enjoy the long summer days, and even more so the longer summer nights, taking naps in between meals, drinking good wine at all hours of the day... I definitely think I could get use to this.
Our train ride has consisted of two stops. After our first stop in Figureres, we shard a section with a family of five + grandmother, traveling from Florida to Spain, and Paris. Originally from the west side of LA (again, small world, considering half of my life has been spent back and forth from those same parts), they planned on spending time around Spain and were now on their way to Paris. They seemed like they were all having such a great time together, traveling and site seeing, Makes me realize that there is always time to experience the many cultures of the world. Everything was smooth sailing, or as smooth as it could be, considering Katie and I know no French, until we realize after switching trains that we were on the wrong cart. I don't know how many times I looked at our tickets, and read: Cart 14, seats 63 and 64. And still, for some reason we got onto cart 16, to find that two other people were sitting in "seats". As we try to make our way through the t carts, we are getting those typical American looks. At one point we were told we should just stand back, due t the amount of traffic between the aisles. Finally we found our seats, and sat down across the sweetest, married couple. 63 years married , lived in Paris together and then moved to Nice, and have live there for 20 years. While speaking very little english, we learned of their 3 boys and daughter, and their love for watercolor.
I am excited to see how our hostel /hotel works out. It seems to be a great place, 10 minute walk from the beach, close to the train station, and sits along a main road in Nice. We have a double room booked for two nights, but I'm thinking we may find that we will want to stay longer.
Adventure seems to describe Our trip perfectly. Each day has been something different, introducing new food, new sites, and new "bumps in the road". We leave today traveling from Barcelona to Nice. After spending numerous hours on eurail trying to figure out how the best times, and routes,we finally found the perfect one leaving Barcelona in the morning, switching trains in Figureres, and then continuing onto Montpellier, ending in Nice,France.
It's insane to think we have been traveling a week now. I wish we could have stayed and visited more of Spain. It's such a beautiful culture, one I definitely would like to spend more time in. Barcelona alone was an interesting city. Much more modern than Madrid, in the sense that most people spoke English, tourism was everywhere you looked, and the city fixated more upon image than anything. Don't get me wrong, I still found the beauty of this city. The building were historic, and the streets are kept very clean, filled with vendors, and Shops. Barcelona was our second Hostel experience, which turned out to be in our favor. We had booked 2 nights in a 4 bed mixed dorm and then 1 night in a private suit. We shared our mixed dorm with a brother and sister from Philadelphia, originally from Poway,CA (go figure out rival high school, such a small world!) they were spending 5 weeks traveling all around Europe visiting many similar places. It was nice to exchange tips and hear about some of their travels.
Since I'm a big foodie, I have to add something about the Barcelona cuisine. During our first day, we found a covered market that had rows of all different types of foods, fruits, meats, and so on. I decided to grab some fresh fruit while Katie and I split a banana walnut crepe with nutella.- which was delicious! It's interesting how much italian and french influence we saw in Barcelona. As for the rest of our time in Barcelona, we enjoyed many tasty dishes from fresh salads with goat cheese, to paella and fresh sangria.
Most of our time spent in Barcelona was very relaxing, we got a real sense of the city just by spending our time wondering the streets. I think my favorite part of our trip was our last night when Katie and I went to our favorite vegetarian spot (I feel like I'm allowed to can claim I have a spot after spending 3 days), we grabbed some falafel, two pear cider ales, and enjoyed dinner sitting on our personal terrace.
Although I am blessed to be able to travel all over Europe, I have been anticipating our travels to the South of France, Italy , and Paris . I have hear such amazing things about Italy, the food, art- my hopes not to gain a travelers 15 may be harder than I think. So far, train has to got to be my favorite form of travel. In general Europe is so much more civilized compared to the US. Their lifestyle, values, and overall life mentality seems to make more sense to me. Instead of an instant satisfaction, quick fix, right here right now approach, Europeans enjoy each moment for it's worth. They take their time, enjoy the long summer days, and even more so the longer summer nights, taking naps in between meals, drinking good wine at all hours of the day... I definitely think I could get use to this.
Our train ride has consisted of two stops. After our first stop in Figureres, we shard a section with a family of five + grandmother, traveling from Florida to Spain, and Paris. Originally from the west side of LA (again, small world, considering half of my life has been spent back and forth from those same parts), they planned on spending time around Spain and were now on their way to Paris. They seemed like they were all having such a great time together, traveling and site seeing, Makes me realize that there is always time to experience the many cultures of the world. Everything was smooth sailing, or as smooth as it could be, considering Katie and I know no French, until we realize after switching trains that we were on the wrong cart. I don't know how many times I looked at our tickets, and read: Cart 14, seats 63 and 64. And still, for some reason we got onto cart 16, to find that two other people were sitting in "seats". As we try to make our way through the t carts, we are getting those typical American looks. At one point we were told we should just stand back, due t the amount of traffic between the aisles. Finally we found our seats, and sat down across the sweetest, married couple. 63 years married , lived in Paris together and then moved to Nice, and have live there for 20 years. While speaking very little english, we learned of their 3 boys and daughter, and their love for watercolor.
I am excited to see how our hostel /hotel works out. It seems to be a great place, 10 minute walk from the beach, close to the train station, and sits along a main road in Nice. We have a double room booked for two nights, but I'm thinking we may find that we will want to stay longer.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Madrid
this is taken in front of the opera house after a walking all around the city with my Katie baby.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Departing
The getting there:
1 traveling backpack
2 pairs of pants
1 jacket,1 cardigan
3 pairs of shorts
3 tanks tops
3 shirts
2 skirts
2 dresses
1 scarf
Boxers,running shorts
12 Paris of underwear
iPad ,chargers
Toiletries- your typical hygienic necessities ,along with some added little luxuries such as hand sanitizer, Wipes,Moroccan oil, nail file ect.
1 pair of sandals
1 Flats
1 Tennis shoes
some cheap jewelry, hair straightener, and minimal make-up; 27 lbs later, i am packed for a 4,6, or 3 month European adventure.
At the time, I was proud of myself for packing so efficiently,considering I tend to pack a my size suitcase for a weekend trip, but later I find that I probably could have taken even less. I figure it's all a learning experience =)
Today ends our first day of traveling. Starting off with a brief drive, and lunch in long beach,Katie and I settled into Jimbo's office/guest house. We were able to meet up with best friend and sister Pravie (Emily Pravlis) to share some quality time before leaving the states. After a Korean BBQ,Katie and I were off to bed in anticipation.
430am came in a blink of an eye, before I knew it I was up getting ready, and packing last minute necessities ( like toiletries, chargers,and of course my straightening iron). Jimbo traveling tip #1: BE ADAPTABLE. As Katie I prepare for the airport, wise Jim Danno offered some advice. My generous father had landed only a few hours prior from a vacation in Maui, and woke up at the crack of dawn to take his two daughters (Katie's adopted) to LAX. We go to find, that one of the good old Prius was completely dead. Katie,my dad,and our two backpacks adapt to our situation, and squish into this two seated Honda coupe.
After a quick 25 minute drive, Katie and I are saying our goodbyes to Jimbo's,and are in line to check in. Never thought I would see so many people traveling @ 5 in the morning. be adaptable seemed to be our theme for the day. Switched onto a later flight,and a possible upgrade to first class, Katie and I were finally on our to Madrid.
I don't believe I have ever been so laxed about traveling in my life. From the packing,to flying, and ultimately arrival; everything seemed easy and comfortable. One of our good friends Carlos met us at baggage claim, and begun to be our Madrid tour guide. He explained the metro,showed us all around the city,as well as helping check into our hostel. It was so nice of him to answer all our questions, and give us some inside "local" info.
Katie and I spent the rest of our afternoon walking around, grabbed some lunch and then taking ciesta (nap). I love the way the Spanish live. Their lives revolve around enjoying a simplistic life, so it seems.they enjoy fresh tapas, fine wine, and a good night out (coming home typically around 5,or 6 in the morning!).
Once we woke from our nap, around 8pm mind you, Carlos was home from his busy day and invited us over to where he is living at his Uncles. I have never seem a more spectacular view. From the terrace of his uncles, we could see the whole city of Madrid. It was gorgeous! We sent the rest of our evening walking through the streets, Enjoying some drinks and ending at a cholcolateria. Madrid reminds me a lot of a small town in a city, the feel local, rich culture, booming with life. I have truly enjoyed each moment spent so far.
1 traveling backpack
2 pairs of pants
1 jacket,1 cardigan
3 pairs of shorts
3 tanks tops
3 shirts
2 skirts
2 dresses
1 scarf
Boxers,running shorts
12 Paris of underwear
iPad ,chargers
Toiletries- your typical hygienic necessities ,along with some added little luxuries such as hand sanitizer, Wipes,Moroccan oil, nail file ect.
1 pair of sandals
1 Flats
1 Tennis shoes
some cheap jewelry, hair straightener, and minimal make-up; 27 lbs later, i am packed for a 4,6, or 3 month European adventure.
At the time, I was proud of myself for packing so efficiently,considering I tend to pack a my size suitcase for a weekend trip, but later I find that I probably could have taken even less. I figure it's all a learning experience =)
Today ends our first day of traveling. Starting off with a brief drive, and lunch in long beach,Katie and I settled into Jimbo's office/guest house. We were able to meet up with best friend and sister Pravie (Emily Pravlis) to share some quality time before leaving the states. After a Korean BBQ,Katie and I were off to bed in anticipation.
430am came in a blink of an eye, before I knew it I was up getting ready, and packing last minute necessities ( like toiletries, chargers,and of course my straightening iron). Jimbo traveling tip #1: BE ADAPTABLE. As Katie I prepare for the airport, wise Jim Danno offered some advice. My generous father had landed only a few hours prior from a vacation in Maui, and woke up at the crack of dawn to take his two daughters (Katie's adopted) to LAX. We go to find, that one of the good old Prius was completely dead. Katie,my dad,and our two backpacks adapt to our situation, and squish into this two seated Honda coupe.
After a quick 25 minute drive, Katie and I are saying our goodbyes to Jimbo's,and are in line to check in. Never thought I would see so many people traveling @ 5 in the morning. be adaptable seemed to be our theme for the day. Switched onto a later flight,and a possible upgrade to first class, Katie and I were finally on our to Madrid.
I don't believe I have ever been so laxed about traveling in my life. From the packing,to flying, and ultimately arrival; everything seemed easy and comfortable. One of our good friends Carlos met us at baggage claim, and begun to be our Madrid tour guide. He explained the metro,showed us all around the city,as well as helping check into our hostel. It was so nice of him to answer all our questions, and give us some inside "local" info.
Katie and I spent the rest of our afternoon walking around, grabbed some lunch and then taking ciesta (nap). I love the way the Spanish live. Their lives revolve around enjoying a simplistic life, so it seems.they enjoy fresh tapas, fine wine, and a good night out (coming home typically around 5,or 6 in the morning!).
Once we woke from our nap, around 8pm mind you, Carlos was home from his busy day and invited us over to where he is living at his Uncles. I have never seem a more spectacular view. From the terrace of his uncles, we could see the whole city of Madrid. It was gorgeous! We sent the rest of our evening walking through the streets, Enjoying some drinks and ending at a cholcolateria. Madrid reminds me a lot of a small town in a city, the feel local, rich culture, booming with life. I have truly enjoyed each moment spent so far.
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