Baby went to Amsterdam, she put a little money into traveling

Now it's so slow, so slow.

Okay, so the original plan for the weekend was to go on a solo trip somewhere... Vienna and Salzburg, Budapest, Slovenia or Slovakia... didn't happen. 

My roommate Semaj really wanted to go to Amsterdam, and her usual travel buddies weren't feeling it, so I decided to go back with her. Absolutely no regrets. We got to do a lot of things I didn't get to do last time, for whatever reason. But before I get into that... lemme tell you a little something about German trains.

I had always heard how fabulous German trains are. How they're always on time, and perfect in every way, shape, and form. Well Since arriving in Europe close to two months ago, I've been forced to sit on the floor of two trains due to lack of space. Those same two trains proceeded to break down, both resulting in a minimum of 1.5 hour delay. Wanna guess what country of origin they were? That's right. German. (But I bet they were American-made)

So yeah, we sat on the floor. And drank with Germans. By the end of the 6 hour long ride (origionally supposed to be a 4.5 hour ride) we had killed a bottle of wine, half a bottle of vodka, and a carton of cranberry juice. Of course most of that was split between Travis, Paul, Rachel and the Germans. I mostly just encouraged. 

That's the first part of the story. But as some may have considered, the problem with one train being late is that it has a ripple effect. Because we got to Düsseldorf an hour and a half late, we couldn't get a train to Amsterdam until 4:00 the next morning. Soooooo we camped out in the train station. Luckily there were 10 of us, so security wasn't as big of an issue as it would've been if I were alone, or Semaj and I had gone alone. Plus we had originally planned on camping out in the park outside our hotel instead of booking a room to sleep in for just a few hours. 

So everything would've been fine if it weren't for this zombie women out of her mind on meth. She literally stumbled around like a zombie, walked through the front doors of the station, then stopped right in front of us and stared for like a minute, before limping away. Luckily I was against the wall and inbetween two huge potted plants and Daniel sleeping right next to me, but everyone else would've been zombie lunch...

Semaj stayed up all night keeping an eye out, but I really wasn't that worried. I don't think we would've had trouble. We were all finally waking up to get on the 4:00 train when all of a sudden this drunk homeless guy decided he was going to come sit right down next to us, so we immediately sprang up and gathered our belongings and went upstairs for the train. We passed the zombie meth lady, who spent the next five minutes bent at the waist half attempting to tie her shoe... and who then followed us up the escalator. It was a relatively terrifying night, to be honest. Thank god I slept through most of it.

So we finally get to Amsterdam around 9:00 the next morning- approximately 9.5 hours later than originally intended. We walk around for a bit, tour the city, get some breakfast, go to the Red Light District, then find our hotel and crash for about 3.5 hours before going out again. 

We went to the Van Gogh museum- which was fantastic. I actually didn't get any pictures whatsoever, but Semaj did and they're on Facebook. Overall it was a good trip- Rachel and "Mean Paul" (even though he's nice) went their own way, and the rest of us went another, but we all had different ideas of what to do, so the second day after visiting the Maritime Museum (the interior provided below) the girls and guys separated. Semaj, Stephanie and I went to get food, because we were close to strangling each other we were so hungry, exchanged kisses on the cheek for internet passwords, then went shopping. Feels like we didn't really do much, but it was nice just kind of chilling in the city. After we met up with the guys again we hung out in the park by the hotel and just enjoyed the nice weather and sunlight until 22:30 (10:30 PM) when it finally set.

Nice weekend in Amsterdam. The train coming back (German) was delayed too... but only by 30 minutes.

Definitely looking forward to Prague next weekend- where Cassie is meeting us! This week it's gonna be Semaj, Alex, Leah, Angela and us... should be fun. Either way, it'll be fantastic to see a friendly face. 

Florence... Rome and the Vatican

Again, so sorry about not posting anything... from the look of it, it wont get much better. My posts will be just as silly, rushed, three-quarter hearted (because I half-ass nothing), and delayed as ever.

So the last few weeks have been interesting... I've had a bit of trouble adjusting to being in a group. Which I may or may not have said in the last post. It's been really difficult for me to "join the group" and adjust myself to a strict, rigorous, and disciplined schedule. It's been especially hard trying to work and agree in a group when I've been so (functionally) independent on my own. Just this past weekend I had to walk 30 minutes out of the way to appease a drunk travel partner because they believed they knew the way to where we were going... even though I had the map. It's entirely frustrating.
I don't think the problem is functioning in a group, however. I think it's the people that I've been trying to function with. For the most part it's been people I wouldn't ordinarily hang out with, people that share nothing more than a common language with me for the most part. Luckily Outward Bound greatly prepared me to deal with situations like that... but it's been tiring and frustrating trying to readjust to the lifestyle, especially after so looking forward to having a social life after a month of solitude and "one-night-stand" friendships.
That being said, it's gotten easier over the past week. But it's still hard. I'm looking forward to being on my own for the day or so it'll take to get to France, and then traveling with Alia- who I'm already comfortable with and can tell to shut up (kidding...?). I probably shouldn't insult one-fifth of my readers like that. Anyway...

Okay so last weekend I went to Florence and Rome with Travis, Nathan, Luke and Daniel. It was loads of fun, and sooooo good to be back in Florence. It was nice being able to show them around without worrying about a map, too. We ended up staying a block over from where I stayed the last time.

So I ended up breaking my sandals the second day, I literally just bumped my foot against the curb and it just snapped. Which made me super sad, because they were my favorite shoes, my nicest pair, and ones that Sean had bought me :[ Luckily I brought an extra pair... but they weren't made for much walking and they too were destroyed by the end of seeing Rome.

We spent one day in Florence, and two in Rome and the Vatican. We basically got to Rome a little late and toured some of the sites at night, then woke up early and tackled the entire city in one day. I couldn't even tell you everything we saw... basically anything in Rome that there is to see, we saw. The Trevi fountain, Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica, Pantheon, the Vatican- Sistine Chapel ect.

I wasn't a fan of the Sistine Chapel. That's not to say I didn't like seeing it- it was exactly as I imagined-- absolutely gorgeous. But as soon as you walk in you have security hushing you, and telling you no pictures or videos... it was just a really hostile, tense environment. We were packed in there like sardines, feeling like the security guards were looming over us, fingers on the pin of a grenade to be dropped if everyone touched the power button of their cameras or phones. Nathan ended up getting kicked out for taking pictures... which surprised no one.
Anyway, I just didn't like that it felt like the church was taking advantage of tourists, benefiting off of their regulations that forces them to purchase overpriced postcards from the gift shop. Just doesn't seem like something that Jesus himself would approve of... seeing as (I believe) a similar situation in the bible resulted in his only fit of fury depicted.

So Rome has way too many tourists. I'm pretty sure there's no longer any such thing as a "local." It was a beautiful city, but I would die happy if I never had to go back there again. Just not for me, at all. And I'm glad I waited to do it with a group.

Overall, it was a great trip, I had a great time- absolutely no complaints.

I've been everywhere, man

And after that Johnny Cash reference... wow. I've been not very nice to ya'll the last few days. I deeply apologize.

Lemme catch ya up!

My next destination was Venice... lemme just say, I loved it. Absolutely beautiful place, with wonderful people. Older men kept stopping me in the street to tell me how pretty I was and to ask if they could buy me coffee or dinner or drinks. It was great. Both days I just kinda wandered around the city, went to Piazza San Marco... which was wow. When the street I was on emptied into the square my facial expression just dropped. It was absolutely incredible.

I did a lot of shopping in Venice, but mostly just walked around watching the people a lot. Hung out with some girls from Texas, Canada, and Australia, as well as some youngsters from the UK (one of which shares the same birthday with me!)

So the first night I paid the staff 5 euros and had dinner at the hostel along with bottomless homemade sangria. It was delicious... and lots of fun hanging out and drinking with the staff. One of them had a tattoo I never got an answer to, saying: "meow, that is the noise a cat makes." Second day I was more on my own- everyone in my room checked out, but I had a nice day just walking around, and I got dinner from a fancy restaurant, and the manager gave me a free shot of lemon... something because I said it was my birthday (hey it was my last day of vacation and the day before my birthday). And then he short changed me 10 bucks... but I realized before I managed to walk very far and went back and he apologized profusely and then told me to come back at closing and he'd give me a bunch of drinks for my birthday. I told him sure, but didn't go... so it's the second Mario I've ditched this trip. I should probably know better than to disrespect Italians in their own country.

So anyway, I drank with the people at the hostel, they made me stay up since it was my birthday even though I was completely exhausted. Then around midnight we went to a bar close by, I had my first legal drink and went home and passed out. The trip was definitely starting to take a toll on me. Exhaustion completely set in.

The next day (my birthday!) I left Veinice at 6:30 on a train for Innsbruck. It was a somewhat crazy train day- it took like 5 hours to get there, and two connections. Some woman in my compartment started yelling at the train attendant in French because she wanted her visa... but I got to hear an Italian say "Mamma Mia!" as a result. So well worth the incredibly awkward two hours that followed.

On the last train into Innsbruck I sat next to a little girl, who was totally adorable, and taught her how to play "Fastball" on my phone, drew her a picture, and taught some English. She gave me I guess what would be the European equivalent of a Twinkie- which was a packaged croissant with cream filling- it was really nice since I was about ready to pass out from hunger.

Anyway, finally got to Innsbruck in one piece... and it was drizzling. I was able to find the university without much trouble, even with the distraction of the mountains. I pretty much got in and threw my cap off and unpacked. It felt soooo good to settle down.

We went to orientation... which was a complete nightmare. I understand why Europeans have a negative impressions of us. The majority of the group (not UNO kids by the way) acted like children. The best description I've gotten about how the group flight went was "it was like kids on a schoolbus, no one could stay sitting, people were yelling to each other from across the room and throwing stuff." So glad I wasn't there. At orientation they kept complaining, and making dumb comments, or randomly yelling out "penis".

At opening ceremony last night we had the honor of having the Ambassador of the United States to Austria, as well as a string quartet and several other honorary guests. It was a really lovely ceremony. The quartet playing "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" which was absolutely gorgeous... and of course was unbearable to the group of students mentioned earlier. The girl in front of me started goofing off, then turned around and tried to stare me down. Of course I stared back, completely unintimidated whatsoever.

The reception after was really nice, a great jazz band played, lots of food and drinks, and which a gorgeous alpine backdrop. Later me and the guys went out for drinks and pool at this really neat billiards hall that reminded me of an airplane hangar.

Overall, great couple of days. Really busy but good. Today we started classes, and I'm really excited to start. Being in Europe has definitely inspired me to buckle down and educate myself as best as I can, and take advantage of all of the opportunities around me. I've grown much more eager and curious and I can't wait to tackle Europe and classes over the next 7 weeks. I can already tell it's going to pass way too fast and I'm already dreading going home.

Innsbruck is unbelievable.

Ahhhhh Cinque Terre...

It was absolutely gorgeous. If I hadn't of already booked my rooms for Venice I would've stayed another night.

Beaches were unbelievably beautiful, the people were fantastic... it was a breath of fresh air for sure.

I had the BEST sandwhich yesterday, from a lovely guy named Mario, who was trying to convince me to stay at his place and he'd cook me dinner (after the sandwhich with fresh pesto, prosciutto, and ciabatta I was tempted to take him up on it) but I gotta say, that pesto was the best I've ever had. I went back and bought more and had it for breakfast this morning.

I gotta say I'm digging Italy for all the kindness and free stuff I've been getting. I guess Italy is a good place for girls in that sense. I paid .39€ for that sandwhich yesterday after batting away a few solid minutes compliments and advances. Which the break is good, because Italy's been the most expensive country I've traveled to.

So as far as Levanto went, yesterday I woke up hiked down to Montorosso, which took about 2 hours, then I wandered through all the towns along the Italian Riviera, taking the train from one place to the next. I Meredith uno walking for like 12 hours, and came home, showered and went on the beach... where the sunlight decided to be obscured by clouds for the first time all day. Also gad the vest pizza of the entire trip, as well as some more wine.... and then went home and passed out.

I have to say, Italy is winning in terms of purchases. I finally got my shoes- nice comfortable Italian sandals with actual support. They feel amazing. Also got my new purse- which was the one thing I really wanted from Europe, as well as a few other things I'd rather wait to share in person. Mind you, Italy was horrible for my budget, but lovely on the eyes and great for personal souvenirs.

Currently on my way to Venice, where I'll spend the next two nights before starting my Innsbruck program. It's crazy how fast trip trip has flown by, I can't believe it's going to be ending so soon.

Fleur de Florence

I had so many great titles for this one, but I knew you'd groan at all of them.
Sooooo, all ya'll get is a boring, but appropriate, one.

Fleur de lis are really big here, it's almost like being home!

Anyway, so Florence is definitely in the top 5 for favorite locations of the trip. There's some serious pros and cons, and I can totally understand people hating it, but for me it was great.

We're going to start with the downside to Florence- that way you can be like "there's no way it's going to get better from here, Florence sucks and I'm just gonna start reading." This is how we'll separate the Florence of Arabias from the Florence Nightingales. (You decide which one is the compliment.)

CONS

Dang Florence, you are not a cheap date. Food is expensive here. I've paid more for food here than anywhere else.
Half pint of beer? 4-5 €
Pizza? 4.50-10 €
Cappuccino? 1€ (yay!!!)
Croissant? also 1€ (another small victory!)

Florence kinda gets around... Tourists GALORE. And when I say tourists, I mean elbow to elbow. Standing in the way, walking in front of your bike, rubbing up on your back REPEATEDLY in line, asking for directions without even knowing where their hotel is (and expecting you to know). Those dang tourists. Seriously. Horrible. Absolutely horrible. It makes me smile when I watch them overpay for cheap mass produced "leather" goods in the rat trap of a market square.

Unfortunately, Florence isn't much of a cook. I've had three pizzas since getting here (don't judge, where else but its country of origin to get your favorite food?) And I know, I know, you get pizza in Naples or somewhere south of there if you want pizza from Italy. But Naples got kicked off my route, so me saving my appetite for pizza was destroyed. So anyway, three pizzas. ONE was actually good. Not great, but good. Luckily the staff were amazing, so it made it all the better.

My roommate had two people yell at her for not speaking Italian. To be fair, I wasn't there to see what happened... it may have gone down differently, but I have no idea. I haven't had a single problem with it whatsoever. For the most part everyone's been very accommodating and nice about me not speaking Italian. 


PROS

Florence, you got class. Absolutely diverse city. There's a poshy section with Louis Vuitton, Coach, Prada, Michael Korrs, Burberry, Fendi, Versace, Armani... the list goes on. But there's also a ton of street vendors... everywhere. The best are the ones not in the markets, but off the beaten path (as off the beaten path as you can get in Florence). So there's a lot of quality window shopping to do. Also a good place to get knock offs if you're into that kind of thing? Personally all I wanted from this trip was a nice, handmade, quality leather bag from Italy, and I'm happy to say I got it. I'm a big window shopper though, I like looking and I'm a sucker for markets, I love being among the people, even if I'm getting elbowed and shoved. I just like watching people interact.

Gelato, gelato, and more gelato. That's it.

Tuscany at your fingertips. Florence is a great via point for a vast number of locations. Today I had wanted to do a Tuscan bike tour, which was expensive and booked up, so I rented a bike from my hostel and went at it. It was nice going at my own pace, and seeing what I found interesting. I'm sure I would've seen a lot more on the tour, but hey, I really enjoyed my day. I biked about 20 miles today, 2-3 miles of that up a nasty hill with a one speed bike. But the scenery was gorgeous. Absolutely beautiful. The other parts were gorgeous as well, though had more tourists. For the most part, I had gotten so sick of the tourists any time I saw a group I'd turn around. Unfortunately though, the reason their touristy is because they're actually nice places, so I'd spend a few minutes and leave. I also found a little side of the road fruit stand, and I got a peach, a tomato and a few little apple looking things, all absolutely delicious. Best peach I'd ever had. And yes, I ate the tomato whole. I ended up stopping by again later (because I ate everything) and got a few more peaches, some apricots, some more soft apple thingies, and he gave me a handfull of cherries. With both trips I only spent 4.50€. It started raining earlier- first time rain has disrupted plans this entire trip, so I'll deal with it. But when I was starving and it hadn't let up around 8, I ventured out to a place an employee recommended for pizza. It was so dreary and gross outside, when I sat down and say the cook glance at me, I gave an incredibly sincere smile, showing how happy I was to be dry and have food. Well within a few minutes the waitress brought me over some prosciutto on fresh baked bread and said "on the house." I was so surprised, I had never had it happen before, I didn't know what to do.

Florence is cultured. Home of Michelangelo, the sculptor of David, as well as the home of the world's oldest art museum. On top of that, there's gorgeous architecture and creativity... I got to visit the museum today, and hopefully see the David tomorrow before I leave.


So yeah, I can understand both sides of the argument. I can understand why people would hate it- though "bustling and big" is relative when you compare to places like Milan (which I hated). But