Today is our last day in Rome.....
It's a sad feeling to know that our vacation is coming to an end.
Yesterday we woke up and tried being as productive as possible....we went all around Rome trying to see all the sights. we went to the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and the Pantheon. We even got gelato at the same place the Griswalds did in European Vacation.
We had dinner and went out with the guys for a night on the town....it was an interesting one at that. We took the metro into the center...but at the exit of the steps there were a bunch of college students just sitting and drinking before they headed to the disco...random. The Disco that they took us to only played really bad house music...it was legitimately like a scene from Jersey Shore...only side stepping and a whole bunch of fist pumping. We met some interesting characters...somehow Heather and I got in the middle of a drunken Italian Frat party where they were making us fist pump with them..it was bizarre to say the least. Lol.
After we left we went to nave breakfast since it was 4am....it's funny the Romans do the exact same thing...breakfast before you go home.
We saw a fight, a passed out Italian ushered away in an ambulance, we learned the skills of fist pumping and saws drunk girl start taking off all her clothes. I would say last night was a Roman success. Lol.
Today is the Lazzio game...whioh I am very excited about...it should be a good time.
We leave for Madrid tomorrow to catch our flight home....next stop California.
<3
H & Nik
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
WHAT.JUST.HAPPENED!?
So...we are on the last leg of our trip...finally made it to Rome....and these Romans sure know how to have a good time.
The last two days in the Cinque Terre were unbelievable. Our new hostel in Riomaggiore was like a little apartment. We had the best roomies ever....we all went out together at night to the only bar in the Riomaggiore. But, first...we were at dinner and the owner of the restaurant kept coming by and talking to us and at the end of our meal we were asked to go inside to sing happy birthday to him and join in on his 78th birthday celebration. It was so cute...he was so sweet. We then went to the bar and ended up at a house party with some of the locals that one of our roomies knew....at the end of the night we were all laying in bed in our hostel and the room erupted in laughter and Heather says, "what just happened?!"....it was not an issue.
Te next day we went back into Levanto to go to the huge beach...and we tanned all day, ALL DAY!!!!! we went to The market got some fresh produce, which is ridiculously cheap, and lounged in the sun all day. We tanned, swam, slept and tanned some more....and swam again. It was the best day of vacation by far. We went to a pizzeria and back to our favorite gelato place to see Giuseppe....he was very happy to see us because he thought we had already left for Rome. We talked to him for about an hour before we had to leave to catch our train back to Riomaggiore. He didn't want us to leave....and we were definitely sad to go..because he was by fast one of the nicest people we've met on our trip. He holds a very special place in our hearts. We heart him.
Yesterday we took the train onto Rome and arrived at about 6:30...where Enzo picked us up from the metro. We went back to his place, met his roommates and they made us carbonara for dinner, these guys are great...so sweet. They took us out afterwards to the Drunken Ship, it's a bar, where we had fishbowl drinks, and played beer pong. It was a ridiculously good time. Heather and I woke up this morning laughing asking ourselves, "what just happened?!" it was so fun last night...with on,y 4 days left the adventures are still ridiculous and hysterical.
Sunday they are taking us to a series A soccer game here in Rome...we are so excited.
We'll see everyone soon....4 days to be exact. :-)
<3
H & Nik
The last two days in the Cinque Terre were unbelievable. Our new hostel in Riomaggiore was like a little apartment. We had the best roomies ever....we all went out together at night to the only bar in the Riomaggiore. But, first...we were at dinner and the owner of the restaurant kept coming by and talking to us and at the end of our meal we were asked to go inside to sing happy birthday to him and join in on his 78th birthday celebration. It was so cute...he was so sweet. We then went to the bar and ended up at a house party with some of the locals that one of our roomies knew....at the end of the night we were all laying in bed in our hostel and the room erupted in laughter and Heather says, "what just happened?!"....it was not an issue.
Te next day we went back into Levanto to go to the huge beach...and we tanned all day, ALL DAY!!!!! we went to The market got some fresh produce, which is ridiculously cheap, and lounged in the sun all day. We tanned, swam, slept and tanned some more....and swam again. It was the best day of vacation by far. We went to a pizzeria and back to our favorite gelato place to see Giuseppe....he was very happy to see us because he thought we had already left for Rome. We talked to him for about an hour before we had to leave to catch our train back to Riomaggiore. He didn't want us to leave....and we were definitely sad to go..because he was by fast one of the nicest people we've met on our trip. He holds a very special place in our hearts. We heart him.
Yesterday we took the train onto Rome and arrived at about 6:30...where Enzo picked us up from the metro. We went back to his place, met his roommates and they made us carbonara for dinner, these guys are great...so sweet. They took us out afterwards to the Drunken Ship, it's a bar, where we had fishbowl drinks, and played beer pong. It was a ridiculously good time. Heather and I woke up this morning laughing asking ourselves, "what just happened?!" it was so fun last night...with on,y 4 days left the adventures are still ridiculous and hysterical.
Sunday they are taking us to a series A soccer game here in Rome...we are so excited.
We'll see everyone soon....4 days to be exact. :-)
<3
H & Nik
Monday, September 19, 2011
Are you sisters?!?!
We had a great day today....
But, lets start out with our rooming situation.....okay so the way I always understood it was hostels are for... How should I put this... The younger generations... Nikki and I are roomed with a couple of grumpy old men! Now these aren't your typical old folks. Papou decided to mosey his bad self in at 5:30am! Not sure what he was doing considering this small beach town closes up at 10pm but who am I to judge... Any who back to my story, so papou walks his bad self in at the butt crack of dawn and begins slamming crap around opening and closing cupboards and doors and leaving lights on as he goes... And it gets better the next morning... or rather later that morning this crazy grandpa man gets up and drops his drawers right in front of us to change his underware...yes that's right we saw pappy in all of his decrepit glory! My eyes will never be the same again! As for the rest of our roommates there just as Rude and annoying leaving lights on and the door unlocked not to mention taking hours in the bathroom.
On to the pleasant part of our day....We finally made it to the beach to lay out...we went to Montorosso in the Cinque Terre. We rented some beach umbrellas and got our tan on....well that was until we napped and woke up to cloud coverage. So...what was the next best thing to do? Go grab some food....when we are at a loss or our plans go array...we eat...or siesta....soooooo, we ate. We walked around that cute little town and went back to tanning....took another nap and headed back to Levanto, where our hostel is.
Okay...so we go get tickets for the train....jump on board....doors shut....and BUSTED!!! We were definitely on the wrong train, and the lady working on the train lectured us about how it was the wrong train....our bad lady....all your trains look the same. How were we supposed to know?! Amywho....we made it back to Levanto....went back to the hostel and had manicure Monday....yes...we drank wine and did our nails before we went out for dinner.
Dinner was delicious...Heather ate a zucchini risotto with baby shrimp....and I had a pesto lasagna. While at dinner Heather found her Italian stallion at the resturaunt. As we went inside to pay the H was standing in front of the waiter who was sitting at the bench right behind her...and I decided to side step to see what he was doing....I caught him starring at her...so I was starring at him....which definitely got awkward because then he caught me starring at him. I Stared at him trying to debate what to do...Carly always tells me to act like I'm looking past them....but, I couldn't...there was only a wall behind him...so I awkwardly continued to stare...we walked out gave the appropriate ciao...and were on our way to the Gelateria....but, this time just to get coffee and to see Marcos...our Gelateria Italian Stallion. And his name isn't really Marcos...it's Guiseppe....he introduced himself tonight. While we drank our coffee he carried conversation with us...too many details to list here...but, let's just say we've made it F.B.O.....we got our proper Italian farewell and he says that now he has a reason to come visit the states!!!! :-)
Have I mentioned before that we love Italy....the food is delicious, the weather has been beautiful...and the Italians are so amazing. We have had a trip of a lifetime so far...and we are hoping to make this last week of our trip even more memorable!!!
Love you all!!!!
<3
H & Nik
Tomorrow we are off to the lower half of the Cinque Terre.....hoping to tan and snorkel!!!
But, lets start out with our rooming situation.....okay so the way I always understood it was hostels are for... How should I put this... The younger generations... Nikki and I are roomed with a couple of grumpy old men! Now these aren't your typical old folks. Papou decided to mosey his bad self in at 5:30am! Not sure what he was doing considering this small beach town closes up at 10pm but who am I to judge... Any who back to my story, so papou walks his bad self in at the butt crack of dawn and begins slamming crap around opening and closing cupboards and doors and leaving lights on as he goes... And it gets better the next morning... or rather later that morning this crazy grandpa man gets up and drops his drawers right in front of us to change his underware...yes that's right we saw pappy in all of his decrepit glory! My eyes will never be the same again! As for the rest of our roommates there just as Rude and annoying leaving lights on and the door unlocked not to mention taking hours in the bathroom.
On to the pleasant part of our day....We finally made it to the beach to lay out...we went to Montorosso in the Cinque Terre. We rented some beach umbrellas and got our tan on....well that was until we napped and woke up to cloud coverage. So...what was the next best thing to do? Go grab some food....when we are at a loss or our plans go array...we eat...or siesta....soooooo, we ate. We walked around that cute little town and went back to tanning....took another nap and headed back to Levanto, where our hostel is.
Okay...so we go get tickets for the train....jump on board....doors shut....and BUSTED!!! We were definitely on the wrong train, and the lady working on the train lectured us about how it was the wrong train....our bad lady....all your trains look the same. How were we supposed to know?! Amywho....we made it back to Levanto....went back to the hostel and had manicure Monday....yes...we drank wine and did our nails before we went out for dinner.
Dinner was delicious...Heather ate a zucchini risotto with baby shrimp....and I had a pesto lasagna. While at dinner Heather found her Italian stallion at the resturaunt. As we went inside to pay the H was standing in front of the waiter who was sitting at the bench right behind her...and I decided to side step to see what he was doing....I caught him starring at her...so I was starring at him....which definitely got awkward because then he caught me starring at him. I Stared at him trying to debate what to do...Carly always tells me to act like I'm looking past them....but, I couldn't...there was only a wall behind him...so I awkwardly continued to stare...we walked out gave the appropriate ciao...and were on our way to the Gelateria....but, this time just to get coffee and to see Marcos...our Gelateria Italian Stallion. And his name isn't really Marcos...it's Guiseppe....he introduced himself tonight. While we drank our coffee he carried conversation with us...too many details to list here...but, let's just say we've made it F.B.O.....we got our proper Italian farewell and he says that now he has a reason to come visit the states!!!! :-)
Have I mentioned before that we love Italy....the food is delicious, the weather has been beautiful...and the Italians are so amazing. We have had a trip of a lifetime so far...and we are hoping to make this last week of our trip even more memorable!!!
Love you all!!!!
<3
H & Nik
Tomorrow we are off to the lower half of the Cinque Terre.....hoping to tan and snorkel!!!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Stupid bugs please stop biting, we're not as sweet as we look!
Today was an eventful one..but, not really! LOL.
Yesterday we got into Levanto...we checked into our hostel and went to the beach and tanned. It was amazing...especially since it was 4 in the afternoon and it was still hot outside. We walked around the tiny town and did a little window shopping. As we were leaving the beach we were stopped by 2 Italians and told about a beach part that was happening at night. We told them we might make an appearance and left to go back to the hostel.
We hung out in the hostel for a little changed and went for dinner...where we had priscutto and melon, a caprese salad and we shared pasta....yes, it was a lot to eat...but, it was a long day! LOL.
We went to go search out the party on the beach...which was non existent because of the lightning storm...yes, there was lightning and thunder. So instead we went an got gelato and fell in love...we found the Italian man of our dreams...well sort of...He scooped us our gelato recommended that I try the pistachio and told us to have a seat at the bar. Finished our gelato and went to go see th rock concert in the park...on our way out our Italian Stallion waved and said "Ciao Bella"....We loves him!!!
Which brings us to today....we woke up with plans to go to the olive oil festival and beach in the next town over....and it was pouring rain, overcast and freezing!!! So...with all public transportaion being down...the boats don't run during a storm and naturally, there was a 24hr train strike! We decided to go to a market get lunch food and wine...an hung out In the commons all afternoon! The rain just stopped...just in time for the afternoon stroll with the locals...so we went out and did a little shopping...we're about to go out to dinner and grab a cup of coffee later...at least we can use our jackets we bought in Paris!!!
Tomorrow we are going to the beach...hopefully the storm passes so we can get our dark on! :-)
Oh...and the bugs here are ludacris....between H and I we have at least 30 bug bites...we're being eaten alive..gotta love Europe!!!
Oh and a second side note...our roommeates in this hostel are ANNOYING...not to mention middle aged grumpier old men! They have no consideration...have slammed every damn door and turned on every friggin' light in our room. Stupid grumpy men....at least we have a younger Belgian guy who likes to sing in the shower and entertain us! :-)
See you all in about a week!
<3
H & Nik
Yesterday we got into Levanto...we checked into our hostel and went to the beach and tanned. It was amazing...especially since it was 4 in the afternoon and it was still hot outside. We walked around the tiny town and did a little window shopping. As we were leaving the beach we were stopped by 2 Italians and told about a beach part that was happening at night. We told them we might make an appearance and left to go back to the hostel.
We hung out in the hostel for a little changed and went for dinner...where we had priscutto and melon, a caprese salad and we shared pasta....yes, it was a lot to eat...but, it was a long day! LOL.
We went to go search out the party on the beach...which was non existent because of the lightning storm...yes, there was lightning and thunder. So instead we went an got gelato and fell in love...we found the Italian man of our dreams...well sort of...He scooped us our gelato recommended that I try the pistachio and told us to have a seat at the bar. Finished our gelato and went to go see th rock concert in the park...on our way out our Italian Stallion waved and said "Ciao Bella"....We loves him!!!
Which brings us to today....we woke up with plans to go to the olive oil festival and beach in the next town over....and it was pouring rain, overcast and freezing!!! So...with all public transportaion being down...the boats don't run during a storm and naturally, there was a 24hr train strike! We decided to go to a market get lunch food and wine...an hung out In the commons all afternoon! The rain just stopped...just in time for the afternoon stroll with the locals...so we went out and did a little shopping...we're about to go out to dinner and grab a cup of coffee later...at least we can use our jackets we bought in Paris!!!
Tomorrow we are going to the beach...hopefully the storm passes so we can get our dark on! :-)
Oh...and the bugs here are ludacris....between H and I we have at least 30 bug bites...we're being eaten alive..gotta love Europe!!!
Oh and a second side note...our roommeates in this hostel are ANNOYING...not to mention middle aged grumpier old men! They have no consideration...have slammed every damn door and turned on every friggin' light in our room. Stupid grumpy men....at least we have a younger Belgian guy who likes to sing in the shower and entertain us! :-)
See you all in about a week!
<3
H & Nik
Saturday, September 17, 2011
We have Internet........
It's been an eventful couple of days....and Michele, the guy we were couch surfing with was the nicest guy...we met his sisters, friends and his mom. They were the nicest family...and his friends were absolutely hysterical.
On Wednesday we left Paris, after getting lost in the louvre for an hour, we headed off to the airport where we were the only americans on the flight. After grabbing our bags we waited outside the airport for Michele, our ride, when what would you know 8 of Italy's finest men ...and I mean finest men!...walk out and stopped to wait for their own ride.... After a short staring contest they walked over to tell us how beautiful we are... We love Italia!!!!!! It's been nothing but whistles and Bella this Bella that... These boys got swagga! Michele our host picked us up from the airport and we immediately started Teaching slang...he now knows about "swagga" and how to "holla"....we went to his house quickly to change and we were off to meet his friends for appertivos! ..we had a few shots of local liquor and a few mixed drinks...they just kept buying them for us...in between all the Italian all we understood was American this, California that and San Diego blah blah. His friends were teaching us how to say things in Italian, we felt like we we're at home with all of them...seriously the nicest group of people we could have met.
Then They took us to the food and wine festival that just started In town and we had the best risotto. We had the Risotto that Isolla Della Scalla (the town next to Verona) is known for.....it had pork in it...it...was...BOMB...And we also got to try the pumpkin risotto....which was even more delicious. With chunks of pump,in cooked in. :-)
We went to Verona during the day and went to casa di Guilette...where we got to write a message on the wall and take a picture rubbing Guillete's right breast (it's supposed to bring you luck in love)...walked around the gorgeous city....had delicious pasta and our first taste of real Italian gelato. We took the train back to Isolla Della Scalla...where we thought we got lost...but, we just took a detour.
Last night was another eventful night starting with pizza... Not that fake American stuff ...we're talking the real deal! We were promised it would be the best pizza we'd ever had....and it was. We got three different types of pizzas...split them in thirds and handled a piece of each, eating an entire pizza each. It was amazing. Michele took us to the town over..Monto-something?! And toured us around the city....where he bought us more gelato and told us a little about Italy and the laws (he's actually in law school)...he knew so much...
Both nights we watched the Colbert report with him before we went to sleep...that's actually where he learns a lot of his English....and every morning he made us coffee and gave us breakfast.
Verona was amazing, Isolla Della Scalla was beautiful and now we are off to the Cinque Terre to bath in the sun for 5 days...we're hoping to snorkel and maybe even rent a kayak. We are so excited to take the train through the Italian countryside until we fly home in 10 days..it's been the best vacation with a lot of laughter, wee are s grateful to Michele and his family for making Italy the best part of vacation thus far.
We miss everyone back home and you'll all be glad to know that our first couch surfing experience was a success.
<3
H & Nik
Oh...there has been a change in plans.... we decided to detour to Bergamo, just north of Milan and meet up with our Australian friend Jesse...instead of staying in Milan...all the Italians say Milan is overrated anyways.
On Wednesday we left Paris, after getting lost in the louvre for an hour, we headed off to the airport where we were the only americans on the flight. After grabbing our bags we waited outside the airport for Michele, our ride, when what would you know 8 of Italy's finest men ...and I mean finest men!...walk out and stopped to wait for their own ride.... After a short staring contest they walked over to tell us how beautiful we are... We love Italia!!!!!! It's been nothing but whistles and Bella this Bella that... These boys got swagga! Michele our host picked us up from the airport and we immediately started Teaching slang...he now knows about "swagga" and how to "holla"....we went to his house quickly to change and we were off to meet his friends for appertivos! ..we had a few shots of local liquor and a few mixed drinks...they just kept buying them for us...in between all the Italian all we understood was American this, California that and San Diego blah blah. His friends were teaching us how to say things in Italian, we felt like we we're at home with all of them...seriously the nicest group of people we could have met.
Then They took us to the food and wine festival that just started In town and we had the best risotto. We had the Risotto that Isolla Della Scalla (the town next to Verona) is known for.....it had pork in it...it...was...BOMB...And we also got to try the pumpkin risotto....which was even more delicious. With chunks of pump,in cooked in. :-)
We went to Verona during the day and went to casa di Guilette...where we got to write a message on the wall and take a picture rubbing Guillete's right breast (it's supposed to bring you luck in love)...walked around the gorgeous city....had delicious pasta and our first taste of real Italian gelato. We took the train back to Isolla Della Scalla...where we thought we got lost...but, we just took a detour.
Last night was another eventful night starting with pizza... Not that fake American stuff ...we're talking the real deal! We were promised it would be the best pizza we'd ever had....and it was. We got three different types of pizzas...split them in thirds and handled a piece of each, eating an entire pizza each. It was amazing. Michele took us to the town over..Monto-something?! And toured us around the city....where he bought us more gelato and told us a little about Italy and the laws (he's actually in law school)...he knew so much...
Both nights we watched the Colbert report with him before we went to sleep...that's actually where he learns a lot of his English....and every morning he made us coffee and gave us breakfast.
Verona was amazing, Isolla Della Scalla was beautiful and now we are off to the Cinque Terre to bath in the sun for 5 days...we're hoping to snorkel and maybe even rent a kayak. We are so excited to take the train through the Italian countryside until we fly home in 10 days..it's been the best vacation with a lot of laughter, wee are s grateful to Michele and his family for making Italy the best part of vacation thus far.
We miss everyone back home and you'll all be glad to know that our first couch surfing experience was a success.
<3
H & Nik
Oh...there has been a change in plans.... we decided to detour to Bergamo, just north of Milan and meet up with our Australian friend Jesse...instead of staying in Milan...all the Italians say Milan is overrated anyways.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
J'ai mal aux pedis (my feet hurt)....
We weren't going to blog today...but, we sat here reminiscing about today and thought we'd share...
We woke up and the first thing to happen was Rebecca and Kate our British roommates, definitely tried popping open a bottle of wine with a knife and a converse shoe...yes, it was 10am...well, They failed miserably and we just ended up with shards of glass scattered across the floor.
Then we took the metro to the louvre....or so we thought....came across an American who pondered weather we were French or American (it must be the cute new Parisian jackets we're rockin')...he informed us the Louvre was closed on Tuesdays...FAIL!!!! so...instead we decided to have a photo shoot in front of the Louvre, grab a pastry and buy some art work. Then we headed to the Musse d'Orssay. Too bad we stood in line for an hour before even purchasing our tickets....but, what made it all worth it was when we got inside. We got to see Degas. But also, saw an older gentleman fall into an exhibit....too bad the museum workers ignored the fallen man and were more concerned with readjusting the exhibit and making sure he hadn't done damage to the chair he took out. The old man, dusted himself off and away he went. While walking through the exhibit H and I noticed we were being followed by two younger workers...we'll call them Pierre and Jamal. Every time we stopped so did they, eventually following us to the end of the exhibit and blowing us kisses as we walked by! I told H to give it the "once around" because we thought Pierre was adorable and strut her swagger...but, that was a no go, she just laughed at me...she says she's working on her game, not to mention the language barrier might have been an issue...just sayin'...it was hysterical, and made us forget about how badly our feet hurt.
We also found little Greece...there were 10 Greek tavernas with a Parisian flare...we were hungry so we stopped for a Gyro. Where we made our newest friend....Toula Gata. A little cat that sat to eat lunch with us....she was so cute....we want to take her home.
Went to grab French Pastries...some starbucks...and made our way to the palace gardens where we sat for a couple of hours and people watched. Heather was eating a pastry...and a bird literally flew by and snatched it right out of her hands...and kept moving. These birds have attitudes just like some of the Parisians.
We repacked our bags and are ready to head off to Verona tomorrow...but, not before we finally make it to the louvre. Oh, we also had a fresh crepe for dinner...and it was delicious. We definitely spent a lot of money in Paris and I think it's safe to assume that it was mostly on food. :-) fat and happy kids!!!!
<3
H & Nik
P.s. Our Roommates names aren't really Kate and Rebecca...and the museum workers weren't really Jamal and Pierre...that's what we would name them if we had a choice! :-)
We are staying with Michele tomorrow in Verona...so, we'll try to write if we can connect to the Internet!!!
Au revoir Paris...Ciao Italia!!!!
We woke up and the first thing to happen was Rebecca and Kate our British roommates, definitely tried popping open a bottle of wine with a knife and a converse shoe...yes, it was 10am...well, They failed miserably and we just ended up with shards of glass scattered across the floor.
Then we took the metro to the louvre....or so we thought....came across an American who pondered weather we were French or American (it must be the cute new Parisian jackets we're rockin')...he informed us the Louvre was closed on Tuesdays...FAIL!!!! so...instead we decided to have a photo shoot in front of the Louvre, grab a pastry and buy some art work. Then we headed to the Musse d'Orssay. Too bad we stood in line for an hour before even purchasing our tickets....but, what made it all worth it was when we got inside. We got to see Degas. But also, saw an older gentleman fall into an exhibit....too bad the museum workers ignored the fallen man and were more concerned with readjusting the exhibit and making sure he hadn't done damage to the chair he took out. The old man, dusted himself off and away he went. While walking through the exhibit H and I noticed we were being followed by two younger workers...we'll call them Pierre and Jamal. Every time we stopped so did they, eventually following us to the end of the exhibit and blowing us kisses as we walked by! I told H to give it the "once around" because we thought Pierre was adorable and strut her swagger...but, that was a no go, she just laughed at me...she says she's working on her game, not to mention the language barrier might have been an issue...just sayin'...it was hysterical, and made us forget about how badly our feet hurt.
We also found little Greece...there were 10 Greek tavernas with a Parisian flare...we were hungry so we stopped for a Gyro. Where we made our newest friend....Toula Gata. A little cat that sat to eat lunch with us....she was so cute....we want to take her home.
Went to grab French Pastries...some starbucks...and made our way to the palace gardens where we sat for a couple of hours and people watched. Heather was eating a pastry...and a bird literally flew by and snatched it right out of her hands...and kept moving. These birds have attitudes just like some of the Parisians.
We repacked our bags and are ready to head off to Verona tomorrow...but, not before we finally make it to the louvre. Oh, we also had a fresh crepe for dinner...and it was delicious. We definitely spent a lot of money in Paris and I think it's safe to assume that it was mostly on food. :-) fat and happy kids!!!!
<3
H & Nik
P.s. Our Roommates names aren't really Kate and Rebecca...and the museum workers weren't really Jamal and Pierre...that's what we would name them if we had a choice! :-)
We are staying with Michele tomorrow in Verona...so, we'll try to write if we can connect to the Internet!!!
Au revoir Paris...Ciao Italia!!!!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Not an issue....
It was freezing in Paris today...started raining at one point...but, it's okay, Not-An-Issue...it forced Heather and I to do some retail therapy on the Champs Élysées....we bought new winter coats!!! And may i just say how adorbs they are! :-)
We accidentally toured all of Paris today on foot....kind of an issue, only because Toms are not the way to go. Saw the All there was to see, except the louvre and musse d'orssay! Thats on the to-do list for tomorrow.
The metro In Paris has a very eclectic group of people. There was a fruit stand set up in. Between two lines, a man serenaded the metro on his accordion on our way back tonight...also saw three guys put on a drum show with only clapping....it was awesome. As the drummers left the subway they started singing pitbull's part in "Tonight".... :-)
I think Paris is still one of my favorite cities to date....H and I sat at a coffee shop for an hour today just people watching and staring at what everyone was wearing...the Parisian women have some style...and I must say that Ive never seen so many Louis bags...but, also murses (man purses) and moxfords (man oxfords). Absolutely amaze! We had our first croque Monsieur today...mmmmmm mmmmmm!!!!
We miss everyone from home...but, you'll all be glad to know that we are staying fit from all the walking and making friends along the way!!!!
Love you all...see you in 2 weeks!!
<3
H & Nik
We accidentally toured all of Paris today on foot....kind of an issue, only because Toms are not the way to go. Saw the All there was to see, except the louvre and musse d'orssay! Thats on the to-do list for tomorrow.
The metro In Paris has a very eclectic group of people. There was a fruit stand set up in. Between two lines, a man serenaded the metro on his accordion on our way back tonight...also saw three guys put on a drum show with only clapping....it was awesome. As the drummers left the subway they started singing pitbull's part in "Tonight".... :-)
I think Paris is still one of my favorite cities to date....H and I sat at a coffee shop for an hour today just people watching and staring at what everyone was wearing...the Parisian women have some style...and I must say that Ive never seen so many Louis bags...but, also murses (man purses) and moxfords (man oxfords). Absolutely amaze! We had our first croque Monsieur today...mmmmmm mmmmmm!!!!
We miss everyone from home...but, you'll all be glad to know that we are staying fit from all the walking and making friends along the way!!!!
Love you all...see you in 2 weeks!!
<3
H & Nik
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Pub crawl.....it has a whole new meaning!!!
We now know why they call it a "Pub Crawl"....Heather and I definitely crawled into bed at 6am and were called "lame" for wanting to leave so early....apparently the "party is just beginning" at 6am. We started the Pub Crawl at our hostel's bar and ended it at a 7 story Disco...dancing the night away to music we (Americans) only knew the words to. At 5 am a bongo player started playing....fog machines started going off and Kings of Leon came over the speakers....Epic night we will never forget...Vegas has nothing on Madrid that's for sure!
We also did a Tapas tour with a couple of people...Soooo much food and sangria. We only payed €15, got tapas to feed an army and 5 sangrias. On the way back from the tapas tour we were ushered into a side bar...given a free shot and mojito and then went back to the hostel to repack for our move to Paris. But, before we went to bed we spent the night teaching 3 Parisian guys about "Swagger" and how to say it...I know it's hard to believe...but, it doesn't translate very well... ;-)
Before we went to the airport this morning, we went to the flee market to see what we could find...it was a fail. Huge Market, but didn't buy anything. We also went back to the mercado for lunch...tried some gazpacho and chorizo. Then made our way to a sweet shop where we got flan...sooooo good. Madrid will be missed...Heather and I were sad to leave because we had the best time. We met some of the nicest people that we will definitely keeping in touch with. Our first hostel experience was a definite success and we're hoping to have as much luck in Paris. The weather is supposed to be nice here in Paris...so I think we are going to try doing a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower and walk the champs élysées.
It was very weird to be overseas today while it being 9/11...every TV we saw was playing the coverage and a lot of Europeans asked us about it and where we were when it happened.
Well....We miss everyone and have plenty of pictures to share...At some point!!!
<3
H and Nik
We also did a Tapas tour with a couple of people...Soooo much food and sangria. We only payed €15, got tapas to feed an army and 5 sangrias. On the way back from the tapas tour we were ushered into a side bar...given a free shot and mojito and then went back to the hostel to repack for our move to Paris. But, before we went to bed we spent the night teaching 3 Parisian guys about "Swagger" and how to say it...I know it's hard to believe...but, it doesn't translate very well... ;-)
Before we went to the airport this morning, we went to the flee market to see what we could find...it was a fail. Huge Market, but didn't buy anything. We also went back to the mercado for lunch...tried some gazpacho and chorizo. Then made our way to a sweet shop where we got flan...sooooo good. Madrid will be missed...Heather and I were sad to leave because we had the best time. We met some of the nicest people that we will definitely keeping in touch with. Our first hostel experience was a definite success and we're hoping to have as much luck in Paris. The weather is supposed to be nice here in Paris...so I think we are going to try doing a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower and walk the champs élysées.
It was very weird to be overseas today while it being 9/11...every TV we saw was playing the coverage and a lot of Europeans asked us about it and where we were when it happened.
Well....We miss everyone and have plenty of pictures to share...At some point!!!
<3
H and Nik
Friday, September 9, 2011
¿Tienes Horchata?
Well...we had another successful day and it is not over yet. We started on a mission to walk the Central Park of Madrid and then go to the Reina Sofia Museum (The artwork of Pablo Picasso) and get some Horchata...But, we got a late start today as we were in the bar with everyone from the hostel until 2am...then showered and went to bed.
The people in the hostel are sooo nice...we met some really nice Australians and a couple from D.C that we were able to hang out with last night. And we are all going to do the Pub crawl together tonight...It should be a good time.
Since we woke up late this morning, we definitely missed breakfast. So, we went to the Peter Pan cafe and got some coffee and croissants to go. We were off to walk the park...it was massive and gorgeous. We stopped at the lake to just people watch and met some other Americans there....We sat and talked with them, for a while. Walked all over the park and grabbed some lunch at a cafe...We had a Mexican omelet Torta thing...it was delicious. It was egg and potato and cheese... doesn't sound good, but it was BOMB!!! And may I say...I definitely fooled the guy into thinking i knew español!!! Heather was impressed!!! Heather was on a mission to find the soccer fields at the park..We finally did, but unfortunately there were no games going on...What´s up with that?! Spain won the world cup and they aren´t even out playing in the middle of the day...fail!!!
We left the park and went to the Picasso Museum....we arrived and it was closed due to some festivities or something going on....So we are going back tomorrow. We definitely walked through the ghetto (don´t worry mom, it was during the siesta time...so no one was out)...and walked back to the plaza de Mayor to get some horchata. We sit down to find out the cafe is all out...So instead we got some Churros and chocolate. And started walking back to the Hostel...on the way back we spotted a place that had horchata to go...So, I fooled that Lady into thinking that I spoke Spanish, ordered our horchata and heaven became a reality with the first sip. :-)
Tonight is the Pub crawl...tomorrow is the Tapas Tour and Sunday before we leave we are definitely going to the flee market and to have lunch at the Mercado.
The most important thing we have learned in Spain is that all Policia are MUY MUY GUAPO! We think it must be some kind of requirement. "¡Hola Señor!"
And The Spaniards love them some Heather....as we were walking down the street to the Plaza De Mayor...a Spaniard in a Pink shirt came right at Heather with his arms open looking to get a hug...These guys have Swagger that´s for sure..Heather Ducked, the guy got denied, his friend laughed!!! We Love España!
Having a blast...staying out of trouble...for now....and trying to enjoy our last days here!!!
Love you all....
<3
H & Nik
P.S-Cat...The longer we´ve been here....the nicer the people of Madrid have gotten...as long as we are trying to speak their language they are more than willing to help us out. We have had Mexican Omelets, Churros, Horchata, Sangria and we are going to try Gazpacho before we leave. You would absolutely love it here.....It is beautiful, we can´t really complain!
The people in the hostel are sooo nice...we met some really nice Australians and a couple from D.C that we were able to hang out with last night. And we are all going to do the Pub crawl together tonight...It should be a good time.
Since we woke up late this morning, we definitely missed breakfast. So, we went to the Peter Pan cafe and got some coffee and croissants to go. We were off to walk the park...it was massive and gorgeous. We stopped at the lake to just people watch and met some other Americans there....We sat and talked with them, for a while. Walked all over the park and grabbed some lunch at a cafe...We had a Mexican omelet Torta thing...it was delicious. It was egg and potato and cheese... doesn't sound good, but it was BOMB!!! And may I say...I definitely fooled the guy into thinking i knew español!!! Heather was impressed!!! Heather was on a mission to find the soccer fields at the park..We finally did, but unfortunately there were no games going on...What´s up with that?! Spain won the world cup and they aren´t even out playing in the middle of the day...fail!!!
We left the park and went to the Picasso Museum....we arrived and it was closed due to some festivities or something going on....So we are going back tomorrow. We definitely walked through the ghetto (don´t worry mom, it was during the siesta time...so no one was out)...and walked back to the plaza de Mayor to get some horchata. We sit down to find out the cafe is all out...So instead we got some Churros and chocolate. And started walking back to the Hostel...on the way back we spotted a place that had horchata to go...So, I fooled that Lady into thinking that I spoke Spanish, ordered our horchata and heaven became a reality with the first sip. :-)
Tonight is the Pub crawl...tomorrow is the Tapas Tour and Sunday before we leave we are definitely going to the flee market and to have lunch at the Mercado.
The most important thing we have learned in Spain is that all Policia are MUY MUY GUAPO! We think it must be some kind of requirement. "¡Hola Señor!"
And The Spaniards love them some Heather....as we were walking down the street to the Plaza De Mayor...a Spaniard in a Pink shirt came right at Heather with his arms open looking to get a hug...These guys have Swagger that´s for sure..Heather Ducked, the guy got denied, his friend laughed!!! We Love España!
Having a blast...staying out of trouble...for now....and trying to enjoy our last days here!!!
Love you all....
<3
H & Nik
P.S-Cat...The longer we´ve been here....the nicer the people of Madrid have gotten...as long as we are trying to speak their language they are more than willing to help us out. We have had Mexican Omelets, Churros, Horchata, Sangria and we are going to try Gazpacho before we leave. You would absolutely love it here.....It is beautiful, we can´t really complain!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Day 2...and 12 hours of sleep!!!
H and I were definitely off to a good start today...We crashed last night after taking a shower. We slept from 8:30-8:30...and it was amaze.
We´ve never been to summer camp before...but, this is exactly what we imagine it to be like. Shower shoes...CHECK, Common Bathrooms...CHECK, and Getting the light turned on while you´re trying to sleep...CHECK! We met a really nice girl from Belgium....Who said we were the only nice ones she had met in Spain! Which was a mutual feeling before today!
We woke up, got breakfast and were out the door to make the most of Madrid. We headed down to the Shopping district and got STARBUCKS (it was like home) ;-) where we sat and people watched for about an hour. The highlight of our day though was a little 4 year old girl who walked right up to us and said, "Cuáles son usted que bebe"...We both looked at her for a second puzzled and her dad walked up and said to his daughter, "hablas engles?"....She replied no...said "Adios", waived and moved on her merry little way.
We then walked down to the Plaza de mayor...did a little more shopping, and walked down to the Palace, a beautiful Cathedral and stopped to have a snack in the palace gardens. We made our way back towards the Plaza de Mayor and had a late lunch. Sangria and free shots (we can´t complain). I did my best to talk to the waiter in Spanish-failed half way through and he sent someone over to speak Spanglish with us. HA! I´m trying...I think I get points for that.
We also went into the mercado...we think we are going to go back later in the week to grab lunch...it was amazing.
We are having a great time and there are a few things we´ve learned.....
1). The Spanards love geuras (white girls)..so we just say"Hola" to everyone.
2). The spanards must smell American on us...because they all start speaking english in the shops...without any attempt of Spanish
3). 5 days in Madrid might be a little too long...we are conquering the city...and only have about 1.5 days of things left to do.
We are going to post pictures as soon as we can get wi-fi working on the cell phone...EFF the international phone...it has not been our friend. We will figure it all out eventually...or...you´ll get to see pictures when we get back!
Love you all and we will keep you posted on everything!!!
<3
H & Nik
We´ve never been to summer camp before...but, this is exactly what we imagine it to be like. Shower shoes...CHECK, Common Bathrooms...CHECK, and Getting the light turned on while you´re trying to sleep...CHECK! We met a really nice girl from Belgium....Who said we were the only nice ones she had met in Spain! Which was a mutual feeling before today!
We woke up, got breakfast and were out the door to make the most of Madrid. We headed down to the Shopping district and got STARBUCKS (it was like home) ;-) where we sat and people watched for about an hour. The highlight of our day though was a little 4 year old girl who walked right up to us and said, "Cuáles son usted que bebe"...We both looked at her for a second puzzled and her dad walked up and said to his daughter, "hablas engles?"....She replied no...said "Adios", waived and moved on her merry little way.
We then walked down to the Plaza de mayor...did a little more shopping, and walked down to the Palace, a beautiful Cathedral and stopped to have a snack in the palace gardens. We made our way back towards the Plaza de Mayor and had a late lunch. Sangria and free shots (we can´t complain). I did my best to talk to the waiter in Spanish-failed half way through and he sent someone over to speak Spanglish with us. HA! I´m trying...I think I get points for that.
We also went into the mercado...we think we are going to go back later in the week to grab lunch...it was amazing.
We are having a great time and there are a few things we´ve learned.....
1). The Spanards love geuras (white girls)..so we just say"Hola" to everyone.
2). The spanards must smell American on us...because they all start speaking english in the shops...without any attempt of Spanish
3). 5 days in Madrid might be a little too long...we are conquering the city...and only have about 1.5 days of things left to do.
We are going to post pictures as soon as we can get wi-fi working on the cell phone...EFF the international phone...it has not been our friend. We will figure it all out eventually...or...you´ll get to see pictures when we get back!
Love you all and we will keep you posted on everything!!!
<3
H & Nik
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
We made it.....
It pays off getting to the airport in a t-shirt and work out shorts....we didn't have to wait to go through the body scanner @ LAX....they just pushed us through the regular metal detector....we were some of the lucky ones. Although this didn't pan out so well for us in the long run...since it was freezing on the plane and we didn't get blankets....we shared Heather's scarf to cover ourselves. Lol.
Heather has been poked, pinched, prodded, bumped, shoved and moved out of the way by other peoples butts and has decided to never sit in an isle seat ever again. We've never seen so many people get up to use the restroom.... We think we met everyone on that flight, since we were seated in the last row.... I think it was all the coffee! On a brighter note...we did get a total of 5 hours of sleep.....and...a major plus.... while waiting for our bags we did make friends with the Buenos Aires futbol team!
After waiting an hour at Madrid international for our bags...we went to the bathrooms, did a quick outfit change, brushed our teeth, applied fresh makeup (you never know who you'll meet) we were off to find our hostel. Only had to walk all the way through the airport to get to the metro...make 3 transfers and walk 2 blocks in the wrong direction...before we saw the "burger king"....which was close to home base.....all this was done with our 25lbs. Bags!
We got to the hostel at 9am....dropped our bags off, since check-in was at 12....and walked down to the Museo de Prado Plaza.....it was gorgeous. We walked around and went to the famous art museum. Biggest art museum we've ever been to...it definitely took us 4 hours to skim through everything..without a doubt could have been there all day.
Just got back to the hostel and got our room assignments...rooming with 6 girls and 6 guys...this should be interesting. But, the hostel is cute and down a random side street...surrounded by at least 6 other hostels....We're really hoping to meet some nice people And make some friends.....Well, Heather is sleeping on the table as I write this....we're exhausted and are going to call it an early night.....we made an executive decision to put the pub crawl off until tomorrow when we can give 110%!!!!
We don't have any other plans...we'll just see where the wind takes us until we fly to France on Sunday. Pictures to come later....the international cell won't let me connect to the Internet....
Love you all.....This is only the beginning of our adventures.
P.s. Les...I was sleeping on the plane while listening to my iPod and when I woke up Les Mis. Was playing....and I thought of you.
P.P.S....the Charlotte airport is the business....they have white rocking chairs scattered around and a grand pianist playing as you walk through....
<3
H & Nik
Heather has been poked, pinched, prodded, bumped, shoved and moved out of the way by other peoples butts and has decided to never sit in an isle seat ever again. We've never seen so many people get up to use the restroom.... We think we met everyone on that flight, since we were seated in the last row.... I think it was all the coffee! On a brighter note...we did get a total of 5 hours of sleep.....and...a major plus.... while waiting for our bags we did make friends with the Buenos Aires futbol team!
After waiting an hour at Madrid international for our bags...we went to the bathrooms, did a quick outfit change, brushed our teeth, applied fresh makeup (you never know who you'll meet) we were off to find our hostel. Only had to walk all the way through the airport to get to the metro...make 3 transfers and walk 2 blocks in the wrong direction...before we saw the "burger king"....which was close to home base.....all this was done with our 25lbs. Bags!
We got to the hostel at 9am....dropped our bags off, since check-in was at 12....and walked down to the Museo de Prado Plaza.....it was gorgeous. We walked around and went to the famous art museum. Biggest art museum we've ever been to...it definitely took us 4 hours to skim through everything..without a doubt could have been there all day.
Just got back to the hostel and got our room assignments...rooming with 6 girls and 6 guys...this should be interesting. But, the hostel is cute and down a random side street...surrounded by at least 6 other hostels....We're really hoping to meet some nice people And make some friends.....Well, Heather is sleeping on the table as I write this....we're exhausted and are going to call it an early night.....we made an executive decision to put the pub crawl off until tomorrow when we can give 110%!!!!
We don't have any other plans...we'll just see where the wind takes us until we fly to France on Sunday. Pictures to come later....the international cell won't let me connect to the Internet....
Love you all.....This is only the beginning of our adventures.
P.s. Les...I was sleeping on the plane while listening to my iPod and when I woke up Les Mis. Was playing....and I thought of you.
P.P.S....the Charlotte airport is the business....they have white rocking chairs scattered around and a grand pianist playing as you walk through....
<3
H & Nik
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