Hello from Vienna!!!
I have to say, Vienna might just be my second favourite city in the world (obviously NYC is my number one choice). This place is so many things: beautiful, full of history and culture, fun, relaxing...I could go on forever. I could also stay here forever. It´s funny how things work out though, because originally I had never planned on coming to Austria. I did´t know really anything about it, and although people had told me how incredible they found it, I had no desire to see this place. But then something inside my head clicked a few days ago and I said to myself, ¨How often are you over here? Just do it!¨ So, I did it, and I am very glad I did. I spent my first day here walking around the city centre- what a great place. Its a fusion of huslte and bustle with modern buildings and shops, but also plays host to some of the oldest churches and buildings in all of Austria. Needless to say I learned a lot and enjoyed the view along the way! Then today I spent most of my time at this beautiful palace where there are acres and acres of grounds that you can walk around and see gardens, statues, hiking trails, etc... I absolutely savoured my time here and was able to do a lot of thinking and reflecting on my life and my time in Europe. Great day!
The hostel I am staying at is great. There are two buildings- the main building with some rooms, and then a private building across the street, which I was fortunate enough to stay in. Its beautiful, the people are friendly and speak great english, and very clean! They also have happy hour where drinks are super cheap, which is a great way to meet new people, as I learned last night. I met some incredible people last night who I chatted with from all over the world.
When it comes to pronouncing names of places and streets, I am a lost cause. But when it comes to ordering drinks, we all agreed that BEER is pretty much universally understood everywhere. And where there´s beer, there is bound to be a good time.
I will be thinking of you all at happy hour tonight, and will raise my glass to you!
Love and friendship,
Kaila
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Leather Market Makes MY World Go Round...
Ah, Florence. I just love the smell of leather right outside my door. That's right folks, the leather market in Florence was just steps away from the hostel I am staying at in Florence, Italy. I had to restrain myself multiple times in the leather market, and keep reminding myself that I have SO many purses at home which I never use. But boy, was it tempting!
The city of Florence is lovely. Not my favourite place I've visited on this trip, but a nice relaxing city where I was able to take it easy. I needed a break from running from tourist site to tourist site in some of the bigger cities, like Rome. So I used today to unwind a bit. I had a late breakfast, and then joined a walking tour that the hostel offered in the morning. But I have to be honest, the walking tour and tour guide were a huge bore, so I bailed after an hour, and set out on my own to see Florence the way I wanted to. The Duomo is incredible and LARGE! Holy moly, I felt dizzy looking up towards the top from the street! But I have to say my favourite part of the day was getting on the local transit and travelling to a place called Piazza d' Michaelangelo. This was a lookout just outside of the old city and up one big hill. At the top, you can see the entire city of Florence, and many more miles of incredible land and vinyards beyond that. To my surprise, it was not jam packed with tourists, which was a bit refreshing. People even asked me for directions (in English) which really made me excited...I guess I look like I fit right in here HAHA! Loves it!
The hostel I am staying at is called Archi Rossi, and I can't rave enough about it (other than the walking tour haha). The walls are covered, and I mean COVERED, in graffiti that previous and current guests have designed. I must say, it gives the place a very relaxed and comforting vibe. I added to the artwork, so now I will be a permanent member of this hostel! I tried to find Lisa and Kim's names, but trying to find one name is like trying to find a needle in a hay stack...impossible. The best part about this hostel you ask? THE BREAKFAST!!! Normally at hostels you get a choice of cerial or toast, which is spread out nicely on a table. But not, not at Archi Rossi. This place is like the Hilton of hotels when it comes to breakfast. You can choose from ten different items on a breakfast menu, which they prepare right next door in the kitchen while you wait. Breakfast items include french toast, bacon and eggs, bacon, egg and cheese sandwich (which I had this morning), cerial, pancakes, etc.....AMAZING. And on top of that they offer at least nine drinks that you can choose from ranging from the traditional OJ, apple juice, coffee, tea, iced tea, cappuccino, and a few more that I can't recall at this moment. Basically, what I'm trying to say, is this place rocks!!
Tomorrow morning I am leaving bright and early for Venice!! I have been told that you can do Venice in a day, and since I am leaving Europe October 9th, I figured I would spend a day there and then move on. I decided to take the overnight train (great way to save money) from Venice to Vienna, Austria. I am really excited to go to Austria, even though I know very little about it. But one of my roommates from 4th year, Victoria, is living in Austria, so she has given me some great tips as to what to see and do while I am there! Then from Austria I will head to Berlin, stay for about three days, and then finish the trip in Amsterdam!! It's absolutely beautiful over here, and I recommend you all try and make it over here at some point to experience this wonderful and beautiful part of the world!!
I miss you all lots and love you more!!!
Send me life updates, I would love to hear from you!
Love and friendship,
K
The city of Florence is lovely. Not my favourite place I've visited on this trip, but a nice relaxing city where I was able to take it easy. I needed a break from running from tourist site to tourist site in some of the bigger cities, like Rome. So I used today to unwind a bit. I had a late breakfast, and then joined a walking tour that the hostel offered in the morning. But I have to be honest, the walking tour and tour guide were a huge bore, so I bailed after an hour, and set out on my own to see Florence the way I wanted to. The Duomo is incredible and LARGE! Holy moly, I felt dizzy looking up towards the top from the street! But I have to say my favourite part of the day was getting on the local transit and travelling to a place called Piazza d' Michaelangelo. This was a lookout just outside of the old city and up one big hill. At the top, you can see the entire city of Florence, and many more miles of incredible land and vinyards beyond that. To my surprise, it was not jam packed with tourists, which was a bit refreshing. People even asked me for directions (in English) which really made me excited...I guess I look like I fit right in here HAHA! Loves it!
The hostel I am staying at is called Archi Rossi, and I can't rave enough about it (other than the walking tour haha). The walls are covered, and I mean COVERED, in graffiti that previous and current guests have designed. I must say, it gives the place a very relaxed and comforting vibe. I added to the artwork, so now I will be a permanent member of this hostel! I tried to find Lisa and Kim's names, but trying to find one name is like trying to find a needle in a hay stack...impossible. The best part about this hostel you ask? THE BREAKFAST!!! Normally at hostels you get a choice of cerial or toast, which is spread out nicely on a table. But not, not at Archi Rossi. This place is like the Hilton of hotels when it comes to breakfast. You can choose from ten different items on a breakfast menu, which they prepare right next door in the kitchen while you wait. Breakfast items include french toast, bacon and eggs, bacon, egg and cheese sandwich (which I had this morning), cerial, pancakes, etc.....AMAZING. And on top of that they offer at least nine drinks that you can choose from ranging from the traditional OJ, apple juice, coffee, tea, iced tea, cappuccino, and a few more that I can't recall at this moment. Basically, what I'm trying to say, is this place rocks!!
Tomorrow morning I am leaving bright and early for Venice!! I have been told that you can do Venice in a day, and since I am leaving Europe October 9th, I figured I would spend a day there and then move on. I decided to take the overnight train (great way to save money) from Venice to Vienna, Austria. I am really excited to go to Austria, even though I know very little about it. But one of my roommates from 4th year, Victoria, is living in Austria, so she has given me some great tips as to what to see and do while I am there! Then from Austria I will head to Berlin, stay for about three days, and then finish the trip in Amsterdam!! It's absolutely beautiful over here, and I recommend you all try and make it over here at some point to experience this wonderful and beautiful part of the world!!
I miss you all lots and love you more!!!
Send me life updates, I would love to hear from you!
Love and friendship,
K
Monday, September 27, 2010
The city transit are Mercedes...
Thats right, all of the public transit vehicles in Rome are Mercedes. It is so funny to be walking down the street and then just see a bus with the Mercedes symbol rockin on the front!
Wow, I dont even know where to begin. The last two days have been incredible, filled with loads of walking, site seeing, experiences, memories, etc..Yesterday I tackled Rome. And what an incredible city it is! There is so much history there. It has a very similar feel to New York City from a tourists perspective. Not in the sense of the buildings themselves, but in this indescribable magical feeling that lingers in the energy of the city. Jam packed with tourists, really all you have to do is look for a big crowd of people to find the hot spots like the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. It was really cool- as soon as I got off the subway and walked outside, the Colosseum was standing RIGHT infront of me. For those of you who dont know, the Colosseum is what I was looking forward to seeing most of all on this trip, and it did not disappoint! First of all, I got in free since it was Europe Tourism day- SCORE! I splurged and got an audio guide which was really cool. I definately recommend getting one of those if you go to this historic land mark. Its hard to believe that so long ago people would be placed on a platform to battle it out with animals to entertain others! Walking the city was much easier that I expected, and I found most of the land marks without too much trouble. But like I said, if I was ever lost, I would just look for a crowd of people, and BAM, I would find what I was looking for. Once again, the Italian men did not disappoint. Every where I turned I saw one beautiful face after another.
Today I tackled Vatican City. I have to be honest, the museums were a bit of an underwhelm, but the art was still pretty incredible. The line to get in spanned, no joke, four city blocks!!! When I saw that I was realy to give up (can you sense my impatients?). But luckily, I had booked a reservation online and got in without having to wait in line. Another not to any travelers in this are...BOOK A RESERVATION to get into the Vatican museums!! Definately helps, and does not eat up your entire day, althought I am sure you could get a great sun tan from waiting in a line like that. You can not help but be silent when you enter St. Peters Basilica, for more than one reason. Yes, security tells you to be silent, but also just walking in will take your breath away as you marvel at the architecture and sheer beauty of this building!
I spent the evening relaxing on the beach outside the hostel. I got myself a nice salad and a tall can of beer (£0.45 and surprisingly good) and watched the sunset. I am sad that this is the last beach on the agenda, but I am definately leaving with fond memories of the Italian coast, with hopes of returning someday.
I hope you are enjoying the pictures and the blog so far!! I will update as often as I can!
Florence is on the agenda for tomorrow, so until then, arrivederci!
Love and friendship,
Kaila
Wow, I dont even know where to begin. The last two days have been incredible, filled with loads of walking, site seeing, experiences, memories, etc..Yesterday I tackled Rome. And what an incredible city it is! There is so much history there. It has a very similar feel to New York City from a tourists perspective. Not in the sense of the buildings themselves, but in this indescribable magical feeling that lingers in the energy of the city. Jam packed with tourists, really all you have to do is look for a big crowd of people to find the hot spots like the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. It was really cool- as soon as I got off the subway and walked outside, the Colosseum was standing RIGHT infront of me. For those of you who dont know, the Colosseum is what I was looking forward to seeing most of all on this trip, and it did not disappoint! First of all, I got in free since it was Europe Tourism day- SCORE! I splurged and got an audio guide which was really cool. I definately recommend getting one of those if you go to this historic land mark. Its hard to believe that so long ago people would be placed on a platform to battle it out with animals to entertain others! Walking the city was much easier that I expected, and I found most of the land marks without too much trouble. But like I said, if I was ever lost, I would just look for a crowd of people, and BAM, I would find what I was looking for. Once again, the Italian men did not disappoint. Every where I turned I saw one beautiful face after another.
Today I tackled Vatican City. I have to be honest, the museums were a bit of an underwhelm, but the art was still pretty incredible. The line to get in spanned, no joke, four city blocks!!! When I saw that I was realy to give up (can you sense my impatients?). But luckily, I had booked a reservation online and got in without having to wait in line. Another not to any travelers in this are...BOOK A RESERVATION to get into the Vatican museums!! Definately helps, and does not eat up your entire day, althought I am sure you could get a great sun tan from waiting in a line like that. You can not help but be silent when you enter St. Peters Basilica, for more than one reason. Yes, security tells you to be silent, but also just walking in will take your breath away as you marvel at the architecture and sheer beauty of this building!
I spent the evening relaxing on the beach outside the hostel. I got myself a nice salad and a tall can of beer (£0.45 and surprisingly good) and watched the sunset. I am sad that this is the last beach on the agenda, but I am definately leaving with fond memories of the Italian coast, with hopes of returning someday.
I hope you are enjoying the pictures and the blog so far!! I will update as often as I can!
Florence is on the agenda for tomorrow, so until then, arrivederci!
Love and friendship,
Kaila
Saturday, September 25, 2010
When in Rome...
Hello from Rome!!
We arrived in Rome today, and are staying about thirty minutes outside the city centre right on the coast! The view from my window is Mediteranian, Mediteranian, and more Mediteranian! I love the Italian coast...have I mentioned that yet??? I plan on spending the rest of my day lounging on the beach, but first, I think you all deserve an update!
Cinque Terre was AMAZING! It took us about four hours to hike the entire National Park, through the five villages located through the mountains on the Italian coast. I have never seen views like we saw at the tops of the mountains, it literally takes your breath away. I will it admit, it was the hardest trek I have every completed, going up and down steep hills, and just when you think there are no more hills, they get even steeper! But we were rewarded at the end with a lovely swim in the Mediteranian in the small village of Monterosso (google it).
We had a lovely dinner at the pizzeria on site, and I decided to try this four cheese pizza. Aunt Kelly, you would go nuts. They put brie, blue cheese, goat cheese and fresh mozzerella on a fresh layer of home made dough wtith olive oil to top it off. Seriously, best pizza ever! I want to go there for dinner everyday of my life. No joke. It was also really neat to watch the Italian family that owns the Pizzeria. It is very clear that family is the first and foremost important thing to Italians (or the ones that I have seen at least). I really liked the way the three generations of family worked together. You could really see the love they have for each other, and it reminded me a lot of my family. Quick shout out to the LeMaitre/Hawkins clan- I love you guys!
Leaving the campground this morning was a little bit difficult, because that meant we no longer have our own cabin. The privacy was awesome, and the people here were beyond kind to us. If you are ever going to this area, I will hook you up with this place. Its situated between mountains, and it actually reminded me of camping in New Hampshire. Auntie Ann, you would have been in location and food heaven here! I thought of you often!
The only thing I do not like about Italy so far is the fact that in public places, you have to PAY to PEE! We arrived at a few of the train stations (and its enough that we have to pay the prices we do for a train ticket) but ontop of that we have to pay to pee. But the stubborn me said, nah, I will hold it....that was hard. HAHA!
I am SO excited to tackle Rome and the history this city has to offer. The plan is to adventure through Rome tomorrow, and then on the 27th tackle Vatican City before leaving for Florence. And just our luck, September 27th is World Tourism Day so we got FREE tickets into the Vatican and Vatican museums!!! How freaking lucky are we, eh? I guess we will just have to spend that saved money on some nice Italian wine...
Miss you all more each day!
Big love and friendship,
Kaila
We arrived in Rome today, and are staying about thirty minutes outside the city centre right on the coast! The view from my window is Mediteranian, Mediteranian, and more Mediteranian! I love the Italian coast...have I mentioned that yet??? I plan on spending the rest of my day lounging on the beach, but first, I think you all deserve an update!
Cinque Terre was AMAZING! It took us about four hours to hike the entire National Park, through the five villages located through the mountains on the Italian coast. I have never seen views like we saw at the tops of the mountains, it literally takes your breath away. I will it admit, it was the hardest trek I have every completed, going up and down steep hills, and just when you think there are no more hills, they get even steeper! But we were rewarded at the end with a lovely swim in the Mediteranian in the small village of Monterosso (google it).
We had a lovely dinner at the pizzeria on site, and I decided to try this four cheese pizza. Aunt Kelly, you would go nuts. They put brie, blue cheese, goat cheese and fresh mozzerella on a fresh layer of home made dough wtith olive oil to top it off. Seriously, best pizza ever! I want to go there for dinner everyday of my life. No joke. It was also really neat to watch the Italian family that owns the Pizzeria. It is very clear that family is the first and foremost important thing to Italians (or the ones that I have seen at least). I really liked the way the three generations of family worked together. You could really see the love they have for each other, and it reminded me a lot of my family. Quick shout out to the LeMaitre/Hawkins clan- I love you guys!
Leaving the campground this morning was a little bit difficult, because that meant we no longer have our own cabin. The privacy was awesome, and the people here were beyond kind to us. If you are ever going to this area, I will hook you up with this place. Its situated between mountains, and it actually reminded me of camping in New Hampshire. Auntie Ann, you would have been in location and food heaven here! I thought of you often!
The only thing I do not like about Italy so far is the fact that in public places, you have to PAY to PEE! We arrived at a few of the train stations (and its enough that we have to pay the prices we do for a train ticket) but ontop of that we have to pay to pee. But the stubborn me said, nah, I will hold it....that was hard. HAHA!
I am SO excited to tackle Rome and the history this city has to offer. The plan is to adventure through Rome tomorrow, and then on the 27th tackle Vatican City before leaving for Florence. And just our luck, September 27th is World Tourism Day so we got FREE tickets into the Vatican and Vatican museums!!! How freaking lucky are we, eh? I guess we will just have to spend that saved money on some nice Italian wine...
Miss you all more each day!
Big love and friendship,
Kaila
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Wine, love, and a bit more wine from the coast of Italy!
Hello everyone!!!
We have arrived in ITALY!!! We spent one night in Milan, which is an absolutely lovely city. Let me tell you. If you ever go to Milan, take your best clothes and ensure that you do not look like a tourist. This city is filled with so much beauty, even though I was wearing a nice dress, I felt TOTALLY underdressed!! The people in Milan have such a fabulous sense of style, and make it look so easy too! And ladies, let me tell you, this city is FULL of the most GORGEOUS men I have ever seen in my entire life. I felt like I got whiplash from all the stunning men that were walking past me on the streets. DAYUM! Funny little sidenote...the hostel we were staying at was an old psychiatric hospital which was surrounded by a tall cement wall with big rusty gates locking us in at night. All I could think of was the Blairwitch Project or The Grudge...but I slept better in this hostel than I have the whole trip!
Onward to Cinque Terre, a collection of five small villages off the coast of Italy. We arrived here today, and we are actually staying in this cute little campground! We have this cabin/trailer to ourselves which is a nice change from a 10 person hostel! As we were coming in on the train, the water sparkled like Ive never seen before in my life. What I would have given to jump right from the train into the Mediteranian! We had dinner at this little Pizzaria on site and it was the best pizza we have had in our entire lives! I am seriously considering marrying the owners son (he makes a mean pizza) and living off dough, cheese, love, and proscuitto.
Tomorrow we are tackling our hiking adventure and then spending the entire afternoon on the beach. We will be thinking of you all as we bask in the glory of our present Italian life. Send us life updates and messages when you can- we would LOVE to hear from you!!!
Big love and friendship,
Kaila
We have arrived in ITALY!!! We spent one night in Milan, which is an absolutely lovely city. Let me tell you. If you ever go to Milan, take your best clothes and ensure that you do not look like a tourist. This city is filled with so much beauty, even though I was wearing a nice dress, I felt TOTALLY underdressed!! The people in Milan have such a fabulous sense of style, and make it look so easy too! And ladies, let me tell you, this city is FULL of the most GORGEOUS men I have ever seen in my entire life. I felt like I got whiplash from all the stunning men that were walking past me on the streets. DAYUM! Funny little sidenote...the hostel we were staying at was an old psychiatric hospital which was surrounded by a tall cement wall with big rusty gates locking us in at night. All I could think of was the Blairwitch Project or The Grudge...but I slept better in this hostel than I have the whole trip!
Onward to Cinque Terre, a collection of five small villages off the coast of Italy. We arrived here today, and we are actually staying in this cute little campground! We have this cabin/trailer to ourselves which is a nice change from a 10 person hostel! As we were coming in on the train, the water sparkled like Ive never seen before in my life. What I would have given to jump right from the train into the Mediteranian! We had dinner at this little Pizzaria on site and it was the best pizza we have had in our entire lives! I am seriously considering marrying the owners son (he makes a mean pizza) and living off dough, cheese, love, and proscuitto.
Tomorrow we are tackling our hiking adventure and then spending the entire afternoon on the beach. We will be thinking of you all as we bask in the glory of our present Italian life. Send us life updates and messages when you can- we would LOVE to hear from you!!!
Big love and friendship,
Kaila
Monday, September 20, 2010
Glass half empty? More like half full!
Hello my lovelies on the home front!
I hope you are all keeping well! I am writing from Barcelona. It is our second day here, and I have to say, I am absolutely in love with this city! Of all the cities we have visited so far, Matt and I have both agreed that this is the first one that we feel like we could live in. It is absolutely beautiful and has something for everyone- beaches, running paths, biking paths, university, boating, the arts, pretty much you name it and it is here!
Yesterday we spent the day on the beach which was exactly what we needed. As much fun as hostels can be, they can also limit the amount of sleep you get, especially where you are sharing a room with ten or so people. So we spent the day lounging and swimming in the Mediteranian Sea (which rocks by the way)! The water was unreal- crystal clear and SO warm! Very thank ful for the nice weather so far!!
As I´m sure most are aware, spending 24/7 with another person can be fun, interesting, funny, fascinating, and the list goes on. I am really enjoying spending this trip with Matt- we call it our reunion tour, as it is the first time we have really spent significant time together since going off to university. But today we decided to take a day apart for ourselves and re-fuel I guess you could say. I was very excited to explore the city on my own, but a little nervous, as Matt has been the one guiding this DIRECTIONALLY CHALLENGED girl around haha! So, as I set out on my own, I decided I had two options: 1) look at the day from a "glass half empty" position since I am horrible with directions and always get lost, or 2) look at the day from a "glass half full" position, and use this day as my opportunity to prove to myself that I can do anything I put my mind to...including making my way around various tourist sites and back to the hostel in one piece. I won´t lie, at first I wanted to cry, give up and head back to the hostel (as we separated after our first stop of the day). But out of no where I got this incredible surge of energy and determination to prove to myself that I could manouver around the city without help, other than a map (perhaps a metaphor for future endevours?)
As cliche as the it may sound (lets face it- we all love cliches), you really can do ANYTHING you put your mind to, even if it seems like the most impossible thing you could imagine. Without a crutch to lean on, I forced myself to learn from my mistakes and navigate with the tools I had. By myself I travelled the city and was able to navigate to several of (in my mind) the most difficult sites to get to (uh, they were on a fricken mountain) and made it home by foot in one peace. I have NEVER felt so proud of myself, seriously. I told myself I would not let myself settle for taking a cab, or asking directions. I knew deep down that I could do this. I wanted to share this with everyone because for those who know me, you know I can´t get anywhere without mapquest to save my life. But I am very happy to say, I have taken a great risk, conquered my fears and what I considered a personal disability, and see this experience most definately as glass half full.
I love you and miss you all!!!
Love and friendship always,
Kaila
I hope you are all keeping well! I am writing from Barcelona. It is our second day here, and I have to say, I am absolutely in love with this city! Of all the cities we have visited so far, Matt and I have both agreed that this is the first one that we feel like we could live in. It is absolutely beautiful and has something for everyone- beaches, running paths, biking paths, university, boating, the arts, pretty much you name it and it is here!
Yesterday we spent the day on the beach which was exactly what we needed. As much fun as hostels can be, they can also limit the amount of sleep you get, especially where you are sharing a room with ten or so people. So we spent the day lounging and swimming in the Mediteranian Sea (which rocks by the way)! The water was unreal- crystal clear and SO warm! Very thank ful for the nice weather so far!!
As I´m sure most are aware, spending 24/7 with another person can be fun, interesting, funny, fascinating, and the list goes on. I am really enjoying spending this trip with Matt- we call it our reunion tour, as it is the first time we have really spent significant time together since going off to university. But today we decided to take a day apart for ourselves and re-fuel I guess you could say. I was very excited to explore the city on my own, but a little nervous, as Matt has been the one guiding this DIRECTIONALLY CHALLENGED girl around haha! So, as I set out on my own, I decided I had two options: 1) look at the day from a "glass half empty" position since I am horrible with directions and always get lost, or 2) look at the day from a "glass half full" position, and use this day as my opportunity to prove to myself that I can do anything I put my mind to...including making my way around various tourist sites and back to the hostel in one piece. I won´t lie, at first I wanted to cry, give up and head back to the hostel (as we separated after our first stop of the day). But out of no where I got this incredible surge of energy and determination to prove to myself that I could manouver around the city without help, other than a map (perhaps a metaphor for future endevours?)
As cliche as the it may sound (lets face it- we all love cliches), you really can do ANYTHING you put your mind to, even if it seems like the most impossible thing you could imagine. Without a crutch to lean on, I forced myself to learn from my mistakes and navigate with the tools I had. By myself I travelled the city and was able to navigate to several of (in my mind) the most difficult sites to get to (uh, they were on a fricken mountain) and made it home by foot in one peace. I have NEVER felt so proud of myself, seriously. I told myself I would not let myself settle for taking a cab, or asking directions. I knew deep down that I could do this. I wanted to share this with everyone because for those who know me, you know I can´t get anywhere without mapquest to save my life. But I am very happy to say, I have taken a great risk, conquered my fears and what I considered a personal disability, and see this experience most definately as glass half full.
I love you and miss you all!!!
Love and friendship always,
Kaila
Thursday, September 16, 2010
I could get used to this...
Hello my beautiful friends and family!!!
I miss you all dearly, but I have to admit, I am having the time of my life over here in Europe!! So the last time I blogged, I believe we were in Paris. Oh, Paris...how I love Paris. There are so many things I could say about Paris, but I will just start with my favourite part...it is SO ROMANTIC!!!! There are couples everywhere who are not afraid to show one another how they feel. They are very affectionate (which I thought I wouldn´t like) but it is so beautiful to see people who are not ashamed to proclaim their love for another person! Of course, me being the hopeless romantic that I am would ooo and awww every time I saw a couple do something cute (*cue Matt rolling his eyes). If you every go to Paris, the light show at the Eiffel Tower is a must, as well as spending at least 3 hours at the Louvre. Incredible works of art!
From Paris we journeyed to a place called Irun, Spain, which is where we had a 10 hour layover before continuing on to Lisbon, Portugal. I was not expecting much from Irun, Spain, but it completely surprised me with its incredible architecture and absolutely beautiful beaches. We spent the day soaking up the sun before making our way back to the train station, and then continued onward on our first over night train journey (which rocked by the way) to Lisbon.
Let me tell you...if you ever thought about going to Lisbon, Portugal, DO IT! This place is breath taking. As you can see from the pictures on facebook, our hostel was incredible, and we had a view from our balcony that overlooked the entire city, which included the historic Castelo S. Jorges. Lisbon is very easy to get around and we were very impressed with the public transit system. We spent our second day there in a place called Caisus, which was the beachier part of Lisbon. Took a train about 30 minutes outside of the city to this lovely area filled with multiple beaches, cobble stone streets, and the coolest hiking adventure EVER! I´m talking about Bocca do Inferno. It was about a 30 minute hike from Caisus, but was one of the most beautiful sights I have seen thus far on the trip. We took off over the razor sharp rocks and adventured between the cliffs and then after a while decided to head back to the beaches. I am proud to say, after an afternoon on the beaches of Lisbon, I no longer look like a tacky tourist with pasty white skin! haha. Our last night in Lisbon we made dinner and drank out on our beautiful balcony, and talked into the wee hours of the morning, which was great seeing as its really been four years since we´ve been able to spend a significant amount of time together. We really are two peas in a pod!
After a horrible attempt at sleeping on the night train to Madrid, we finally arrived, which brings me to where I am now. Cats Hostel is great so far, but I will definitely keep you updated with details about our crazy adventures in Madrid!!!
Before I end this super long blog I want to leave you with some facts I have learned thus far...
1. I have never seen sexier men than I have in these past 7 days in Europe. Holy moly.
2. Cheap wine is amazing- don´t underestimate its quality or its ability to make you incredibly tipsy!
Big love and friendship,
K
I miss you all dearly, but I have to admit, I am having the time of my life over here in Europe!! So the last time I blogged, I believe we were in Paris. Oh, Paris...how I love Paris. There are so many things I could say about Paris, but I will just start with my favourite part...it is SO ROMANTIC!!!! There are couples everywhere who are not afraid to show one another how they feel. They are very affectionate (which I thought I wouldn´t like) but it is so beautiful to see people who are not ashamed to proclaim their love for another person! Of course, me being the hopeless romantic that I am would ooo and awww every time I saw a couple do something cute (*cue Matt rolling his eyes). If you every go to Paris, the light show at the Eiffel Tower is a must, as well as spending at least 3 hours at the Louvre. Incredible works of art!
From Paris we journeyed to a place called Irun, Spain, which is where we had a 10 hour layover before continuing on to Lisbon, Portugal. I was not expecting much from Irun, Spain, but it completely surprised me with its incredible architecture and absolutely beautiful beaches. We spent the day soaking up the sun before making our way back to the train station, and then continued onward on our first over night train journey (which rocked by the way) to Lisbon.
Let me tell you...if you ever thought about going to Lisbon, Portugal, DO IT! This place is breath taking. As you can see from the pictures on facebook, our hostel was incredible, and we had a view from our balcony that overlooked the entire city, which included the historic Castelo S. Jorges. Lisbon is very easy to get around and we were very impressed with the public transit system. We spent our second day there in a place called Caisus, which was the beachier part of Lisbon. Took a train about 30 minutes outside of the city to this lovely area filled with multiple beaches, cobble stone streets, and the coolest hiking adventure EVER! I´m talking about Bocca do Inferno. It was about a 30 minute hike from Caisus, but was one of the most beautiful sights I have seen thus far on the trip. We took off over the razor sharp rocks and adventured between the cliffs and then after a while decided to head back to the beaches. I am proud to say, after an afternoon on the beaches of Lisbon, I no longer look like a tacky tourist with pasty white skin! haha. Our last night in Lisbon we made dinner and drank out on our beautiful balcony, and talked into the wee hours of the morning, which was great seeing as its really been four years since we´ve been able to spend a significant amount of time together. We really are two peas in a pod!
After a horrible attempt at sleeping on the night train to Madrid, we finally arrived, which brings me to where I am now. Cats Hostel is great so far, but I will definitely keep you updated with details about our crazy adventures in Madrid!!!
Before I end this super long blog I want to leave you with some facts I have learned thus far...
1. I have never seen sexier men than I have in these past 7 days in Europe. Holy moly.
2. Cheap wine is amazing- don´t underestimate its quality or its ability to make you incredibly tipsy!
Big love and friendship,
K
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