Monday, July 27, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Wine and MEATBALLS!
“It’s like an angel pissing on your tongue” – that is what the Dutch say when something tastes good. In case you were wondering.
Amsterdam was a huge, and very pleasant, surprise for me. While I had heard about the coffee shops that sell pot (because that is all anyone ever says about it) I had no idea that it was an adorable place with canals and bridges and beautiful brick buildings everywhere. Like taking the best of Boston and San Francisco and combining it into this quaint city with a fun atmosphere about it. I went in picturing a dirty druggy town. They DO have public, exposed urinals in the middle of everything (we were alarmed at first) but otherwise so cute.
And EVERYONE bikes there. My first two hours I kept walking in the bike lanes on accident because they are everywhere and the packs of bikers would yell at me or furiously ding their little bells until I moved. We finally rented bikes and cruised the city ourselves, yelling at stupid tourists that got in our lanes. (Okay so we actually cruised the city in complete disarray causing near-accidents with cars and bikers because we had no idea where we were going or what lanes belonged to us). So fun.
And we learned that pancakes are the staple of the Dutch diet. Pancakes with cheese, pancakes with butter … even pancake sushi. You name it, stick it in a pancake and they'll eat it.
The Red Light District was … incredibly disturbing. The end.
Monday morning we left Amsterdam …… and 1 subway stop, 3 train transfers, 1 flight, 1 bus and a pack mule later we arrived in Montepulciano, Italy. Words can’t describe this city. Medieval meets wine country meets the most gorgeous scenery you can imagine. We walked in to our apartment, and the view from the window looked fake. Something you see in a movie … or heaven. We headed straight for the nearest Italian restaurant and (language barrier) ordered a bottle of wine each, and just basked in the fact that we are here.
Side note: For all of you Twilight fans, the second movie in the series (New Moon) was filmed here just a few weeks ago. The scene where she follows him to Italy and runs through the fountain … it was all steps from where we are staying! We have seen photos of them in restaurants and shops. I care about these things. I should also mention that I saw the new Harry Potter movie opening night in Paris. I’m not ashamed.
We remain here for another week and then head to this lovely place that my dad sponsored a room for us for the night of my birthday, as a gift while I'm out here. THANK YOU!! – From Cassie and Danielle
http://www.residenzadarte.com/borgo_eng.html
Val, look familiar? ;)
Hope everyone’s summer is going well! Ciào!
Amsterdam was a huge, and very pleasant, surprise for me. While I had heard about the coffee shops that sell pot (because that is all anyone ever says about it) I had no idea that it was an adorable place with canals and bridges and beautiful brick buildings everywhere. Like taking the best of Boston and San Francisco and combining it into this quaint city with a fun atmosphere about it. I went in picturing a dirty druggy town. They DO have public, exposed urinals in the middle of everything (we were alarmed at first) but otherwise so cute.
And EVERYONE bikes there. My first two hours I kept walking in the bike lanes on accident because they are everywhere and the packs of bikers would yell at me or furiously ding their little bells until I moved. We finally rented bikes and cruised the city ourselves, yelling at stupid tourists that got in our lanes. (Okay so we actually cruised the city in complete disarray causing near-accidents with cars and bikers because we had no idea where we were going or what lanes belonged to us). So fun.
And we learned that pancakes are the staple of the Dutch diet. Pancakes with cheese, pancakes with butter … even pancake sushi. You name it, stick it in a pancake and they'll eat it.
The Red Light District was … incredibly disturbing. The end.
Monday morning we left Amsterdam …… and 1 subway stop, 3 train transfers, 1 flight, 1 bus and a pack mule later we arrived in Montepulciano, Italy. Words can’t describe this city. Medieval meets wine country meets the most gorgeous scenery you can imagine. We walked in to our apartment, and the view from the window looked fake. Something you see in a movie … or heaven. We headed straight for the nearest Italian restaurant and (language barrier) ordered a bottle of wine each, and just basked in the fact that we are here.
Side note: For all of you Twilight fans, the second movie in the series (New Moon) was filmed here just a few weeks ago. The scene where she follows him to Italy and runs through the fountain … it was all steps from where we are staying! We have seen photos of them in restaurants and shops. I care about these things. I should also mention that I saw the new Harry Potter movie opening night in Paris. I’m not ashamed.
We remain here for another week and then head to this lovely place that my dad sponsored a room for us for the night of my birthday, as a gift while I'm out here. THANK YOU!! – From Cassie and Danielle
http://www.residenzadarte.com/borgo_eng.html
Val, look familiar? ;)
Hope everyone’s summer is going well! Ciào!
Friday, July 17, 2009
No more baguettes =(
Today is my last day in Paris … until I return July 14, 2010 for next year’s Bastille Day ;)
The French seriously know how to celebrate their Independence. Danielle and I were up at 7am (a first) amidst thousands of people waiting at Champs Elysees for the parade to begin. They kicked it off with military flyovers (so fun) and throughout the rest of the day we came across every single possible type of service and military uniform that you have ever seen or imagined … Danielle announced that she had just walked into Baskin Robbins. The afternoon festivities gave way to a night of dancing when Danielle and I joined up with our firefighters for dinner and then on to the station, which had been completely transformed into a dance club. I was forced to learn how to dance to techno because the DJ laughed at me when I requested Lady GaGa.
My French relative, Lorenzo (second cousin? something cousin once removed?) has been a fantastic help for the last week here. One of the nights he gave us a night tour of Paris in his VW convertible! I thought I might die in the roundabouts, but otherwise very enjoyable and educational.
And I have finally experienced the famous Louvre! The Mona Lisa was kind of anticlimactic to be honest. Maybe I just don’t ‘get’ art … but if I wasn’t taught the importance of the painting, I would likely not give it a second look. I took a picture with her anyways ;)
Now we are headed to Amsterdam and after some research we have found some things to do there BESIDES smoke pot. And we have a four and a half hour train ride to learn some Dutch!
Goodbye Paris! We will miss you.
The French seriously know how to celebrate their Independence. Danielle and I were up at 7am (a first) amidst thousands of people waiting at Champs Elysees for the parade to begin. They kicked it off with military flyovers (so fun) and throughout the rest of the day we came across every single possible type of service and military uniform that you have ever seen or imagined … Danielle announced that she had just walked into Baskin Robbins. The afternoon festivities gave way to a night of dancing when Danielle and I joined up with our firefighters for dinner and then on to the station, which had been completely transformed into a dance club. I was forced to learn how to dance to techno because the DJ laughed at me when I requested Lady GaGa.
My French relative, Lorenzo (second cousin? something cousin once removed?) has been a fantastic help for the last week here. One of the nights he gave us a night tour of Paris in his VW convertible! I thought I might die in the roundabouts, but otherwise very enjoyable and educational.
And I have finally experienced the famous Louvre! The Mona Lisa was kind of anticlimactic to be honest. Maybe I just don’t ‘get’ art … but if I wasn’t taught the importance of the painting, I would likely not give it a second look. I took a picture with her anyways ;)
Now we are headed to Amsterdam and after some research we have found some things to do there BESIDES smoke pot. And we have a four and a half hour train ride to learn some Dutch!
Goodbye Paris! We will miss you.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Fun Day Task Force, this one's for you.
We are not going to Pamplona anymore. =(
July 14th was the only day of the San Fermin Festival that we could work into our schedule and when Danielle realized that Bastille Day falls on the same day, she (understandably) preferred to remain in Paris for the celebration rather than pay money to fly/train into Pamplona and risk her life.
But there is a consolation prize ...
We had just finished a round of espressos (and I was silently pondering ways to get to Pamplona by myself) when we happened upon twenty-two firefighters (full uniform) hanging out at a neighboring café. Pamplona was instantly forgotten as the three of us unanimously agreed it was time for another round of espressos.
Turns out they are with a huge number of firefighters that had come to Paris from other places to participate in the parade the morning of Bastille Day. AND … apparently after the parade all the fire stations in the city transform into hang-outs/bars for what we have deemed a ‘Firehouse Crawl’, and the festivities continue all night. We are meeting them tomorrow evening at one of the stations to start the crawl with them.
The bulls will be there next year.
July 14th was the only day of the San Fermin Festival that we could work into our schedule and when Danielle realized that Bastille Day falls on the same day, she (understandably) preferred to remain in Paris for the celebration rather than pay money to fly/train into Pamplona and risk her life.
But there is a consolation prize ...
We had just finished a round of espressos (and I was silently pondering ways to get to Pamplona by myself) when we happened upon twenty-two firefighters (full uniform) hanging out at a neighboring café. Pamplona was instantly forgotten as the three of us unanimously agreed it was time for another round of espressos.
Turns out they are with a huge number of firefighters that had come to Paris from other places to participate in the parade the morning of Bastille Day. AND … apparently after the parade all the fire stations in the city transform into hang-outs/bars for what we have deemed a ‘Firehouse Crawl’, and the festivities continue all night. We are meeting them tomorrow evening at one of the stations to start the crawl with them.
The bulls will be there next year.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Marie! The baguettes! Hurry up!
Bonjour from France!
Danielle and I happened upon our first French friend on the train ride from Germany. Thibault is a 23 year old Paris native who speaks fluent English, and he instructed us on everything Paris. Poor guy was dealing with two American girls who don't know a lick of French ( he says menage a trios doesn't count), but he cheerfully assured us, and I quote 'Your accents are so cute, they will forgive you.' He also wrote a list of places he recommends we frequent, categorized by what type of scene we feel like that night. The last category was 'Dirty Places" (the French equivalent to dive bars ... we hope ... )
Our new place is a charming little Bohemian flat located in the district of Paris called Belleville (questionable the gay district). There's nothing touristy about it (love this), and it's filled with the hustle bustle you would imagine in Paris. The streets are packed with lively pubs, cafes, open-air markets and one French speaking Asian with red hair operating a German hot dog stand (fact).
Aside from a few must-sees (ie Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre) we basically move from crepe stand to crepe stand. No real plan or agenda. Danielle has her handy little travel guides to keep us informed of where we are and the history behind all the places we go. And I have my credit cards to buy everything I see because I can't resist the fashion here!)
To summarize: I am having the time of my life with two of my best friends in one of the most amazing and fun cities in the world. Life is great. I'm afraid I might wake up! ;)
Editor's note: Apologies for not including Gustav, the German gnome, in my previous farewell. Daneille read my blog and was horrified that I forgot to mention him.
Gustav, my man, you served us well.
Danielle and I happened upon our first French friend on the train ride from Germany. Thibault is a 23 year old Paris native who speaks fluent English, and he instructed us on everything Paris. Poor guy was dealing with two American girls who don't know a lick of French ( he says menage a trios doesn't count), but he cheerfully assured us, and I quote 'Your accents are so cute, they will forgive you.' He also wrote a list of places he recommends we frequent, categorized by what type of scene we feel like that night. The last category was 'Dirty Places" (the French equivalent to dive bars ... we hope ... )
Our new place is a charming little Bohemian flat located in the district of Paris called Belleville (questionable the gay district). There's nothing touristy about it (love this), and it's filled with the hustle bustle you would imagine in Paris. The streets are packed with lively pubs, cafes, open-air markets and one French speaking Asian with red hair operating a German hot dog stand (fact).
Aside from a few must-sees (ie Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre) we basically move from crepe stand to crepe stand. No real plan or agenda. Danielle has her handy little travel guides to keep us informed of where we are and the history behind all the places we go. And I have my credit cards to buy everything I see because I can't resist the fashion here!)
To summarize: I am having the time of my life with two of my best friends in one of the most amazing and fun cities in the world. Life is great. I'm afraid I might wake up! ;)
Editor's note: Apologies for not including Gustav, the German gnome, in my previous farewell. Daneille read my blog and was horrified that I forgot to mention him.
Gustav, my man, you served us well.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Farewell to the squirrel that sits before the German Bank.
Where to begin ...
My last post was a quick scatterbrained announcement that I was alive ... and via comments I realized I didn't make anything clear.
For starters, yes, I found Danielle. 'A man named Oliver' turned out to be her adorable 25-year old cousin, and he actually found me (sleepwalking through the airport, trying to speak German) and directed me to Danielle's gate. This was the beginning of him taking care of us. He's like our little German Angel sent to protect us. Friend, tour guide, translator, travel agent and body guard. (Dad, are you paying him?)
We have been staying at his parent's house (Danielle's Aunt and Uncle), and they are the happiest, sweetest couple, and just absolutely spoil us. We spent the week exploring the city of Mannheim, Germany, and trying to master enough German to get by. I learned 'thank you' (Danke, pronounced dawn-kay) and kept accidentally saying 'donkey' out of habit. We also spent one night in Darmstadt, at Oli's apartment. It was coincidentally the weekend of a huge annual fair that takes over the town, and we got to partake in the festivities with all the locals. Live music, carnival rides, food stands, games ... the works. We spent the 4th of July on the American Army Base, and that was a huge festival too.
I am already attached to sparkling water, fresh loaves of bread, and drinking tea at all hours of the day. I didn't know that they listen to all our music that we have back home, which is fun because Danielle and I can dance and sing along like pros. (We have already heard Poker Face a few hundred times, it's strangely comforting)
One minor setback. A rash that developed on my arms (which I initially wrote off as a reaction to the dirty 7-dollar blanket I bought) developed into full blown allergies, complete with sneezing fits and a constant burning and itching in my nose. Just as I was about to scratch my nose off, Oli figured out what it was (I've never suffered allergies, and didn't realize what was happening) and went and bought me pills, which have helped immensely. Danielle's Uncle asked me about my symptoms, listened carefully, then said "You drink six beers. You be fine." Oh, I will miss him.
Tomorrow we take the train to Paris, France. I am a little nervous to move forward without our German protectant, but he has work. (Danielle and I forget these things) Our friend Allison is flying in from New York to meet us, and the three of us have six days together. We are titling this chapter 'Donkeys Unite.'
PLEASE NOTE: Danielle and I don't fly to Pamplona until the 13th, so if you see any headlines in the next week about Americans getting trampled, rest assured that I am safe and alive in Paris.
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