Completely random

Oh! I finally got new shoes... I know, a week before I don't seriously need them anymore. But they're so comfy :[


Also, why is it that this blog's second largest viewing sample is from Russia? Just wondering. I find it curiously confusing. I'd really love to know!

I have strange bruises on my arm... I'm pretty convinced I'm gonna die from some strange obscure disease. And also, I included the ridiculous (but hard to capture) bruises I started getting on my hips from my pack.

This was actually a really pointless posting. But I didn't feel like tacking on another PS to the last one, so here we find ourselves.


I'm off to bed, I hope everyone enjoys their afternoon, and to those in Russia, well we're just ahead of the game, aren't we?

Alright, make a note in your diaries

I was wrong. It NEVER happens, like ever, but I'll go ahead and admit it.
And I didn't even have to, because I never wrote about the reservations I had about going to Italy, but you've stuck with me this far, I cannot tell a lie.

So to be honest I kind of dreaded going to Italy. After my experiences in Belgium I didn't like the idea of going somewhere that was known for not speaking English. My reservations were totally misguided. While there's been many time I've have to use a make-shift sign language (like dramatically acting out putting on and taking off a heavy backpack then turning a lock- to ask for a "left luggage" service) for the most part everyone's been proficient enough in English to get what I need, or friendly, creative and patient enough to play charades. On top of that, Italy (minus Milan which you already know I'm not a fan of) has been absolutely gorgeous and full of wonderful locals.

I'm so glad to be out of Florence. Don't get me wrong, I loved Florence, it's my favorite sized city. After two days I can instruct tourists on where to go, and give directions- which is my FAVORITE. The best cities are ones I can do that in two or three days. But the litter of tourists quickly became unbearable.
I'm in Lavanto, Italy now- in the Cinque Terra Italian Riviera. The train ride in from La Spenzia was beautiful. It was mostly spent in tunnels, going through mountains, but the flashes of Tyrrhenian Sea were incredible- a picturesque clear blue, surrounded by mountains...

So Lavanto is just a little town, but on the Riviera there are 4 other small cities, all along the coast- and all gorgeous. Unfortunately all but one or two are closed because of some sort of rockslide, but more on thar later.

In fact, I wrote this at dinner, then went out on the beach and then wandered around til I found an open bar... where I ordered wine and only have 2€ in change (it was 4) and he gave it to me instead of breaking my 20. I love Italy.

PS, the little tripod truck is becoming increasingly common, there was at least 4 in that little parking lot. And that delicious food is gnocchi, with tomato and basil sauce... oh my God. Amazing. Top 3 favorite meals of Europe.

You can be the judge

I waited just under three and a half hours, paid 11€ and only had time for 15 minutes in the museum.
Was it worth it?
For me, completely.

Aaaaaand more Florence

A few notes:

-who can spot the Pokemon?
-and yeah, that man made of marble is doing exactly what it looks like he's doing.

All the essential food groups

Lemon and melon
Pistachio and almond
And of course chocolate

True story. Pretty much my entire food consumption yesterday.

Here's Florence!

Lindau is the city of sleepers

-written 22/6/13-

Why? I wish I had an exact answer.

Let me begin with saying, I love Lindau on the Bodensee. It's such an tiny place, so relaxing and calm and quiet... which is great if you're retired, or just looking for a rest.

I ended up staying an extra day because of my foot. And also I caught the lazy bug that apparently everyone gets. I didn't do too much with my extra day here, I walked around, fed some birds, bought an abundance of food, went home, changed, bought a Swiss Army Knife (hey I'm as good as in Switzerland, it counts), walked along the water, sat down and read about Russia, got some currywurst... then walked around more. I basically just walked all day. Oh and I ate a lot of ice cream. It's way too available in Europe, I mean c'mon guys.

A major problem I've heard about is that there's nothing to occupy the youth. There's essentially NO shopping for anyone younger than 62-years-young, and of course not even a 24-hour Walmart to stomp around in looking for something to do with friends (or maybe my friends and I were the only people that did that.) So as a result- and this really interested me throughout the trip- maybe I'll have to do my thesis on it and come back! Anyway, throughout the trip, the kids are über present, loud, obnoxious, and extrovert. They all seem to crave attebtion- from anyone that'd give it. Which did cause some needed hilarity at times. When I was sitting by the water a big group walked up, boys dressed as girls, girls dressed as guys... and they went all out. Right down to underwear and make up. They were loud, and talking in fake voices, and happily flirting with people and posing for pictures. It was actually really funny. One of the guys dressed as a girl was trying to pick me up (acting AS a girl) I think he had some gender confusion.

On my way home around 11 I encountered my first problem in Lindau. The guy from yesterday said crime is essentially non existent (unless it's a tourist) which I've found to be true. But on my way home I had a car pull up next to me and ask for directions. They were looking for Austria, so I literally just pointed across the lake and said, "all I know is that's it right there." And they kept bothering me, asking if I was alone, needed a ride, where I'm from, if I have a boyfriend, how old I am. I made up ridiculous answers to what I chose to respond to, like "I'm 127 years old." But I did have my knife in my hand the entire time. An oolder guy on a bike pulled up behind them at one point, they were in the bike lane, so it's possible he was waiting for them to move, but I would think he had plenty of room to pass. I like to think he was making sure I was okay- but he did pedal away before the guys left, so I dunno. THEN, as soon as I convince them that Austria awaits and they should go, they pull away, and not even 5 seconds later guys slow down, smile and yell something in German and slowly pull away. What a great day to have bought a knife.

So as you can see from the animals in my pictures, it's a town to relax in. When I woke up this morning and it was drizzling THAT was almost enough for me to say "ehhhh screw Milan." There must be something in the kool aide.

Oh and PS- those strawberries are the juciest, softest strawberries I've ever eaten. Not the tastiest, but definitely juicy.