May 27, 2013

Photo Bombing the Vaux

It was a half-sunny, half-stormy day as two mischievous blondes made their efforts to leave their mark on the chateau we have all grown to know and love: the one and only Vaux-le-Vicomte.




The next photos were supposed to be jumping shots. These pictures document our failures and few successes.

Dancing by the canal.
More great moves by the canal. Referring to the clouds.
Feet on the ground, but hair in the air.
Okay, we needed we break. Normal photo!
Run away! King Louis XIV is coming!
Finally! But where's the chateau?!
I don't jump off towers.
Umbrella, please take me home.
Go, go, gadget arms!
Off to another chateau for more Mary Poppins adventures.
Is the camera working?
Alex, when you hold the umbrella over your face: we can't see your face.
Too bad we didn't actually high-five on accident!
This house just kept getting in all of the shots!  (Thank goodness.)
 V-L-V is still the most fun chateau around town!

More time with Alex in Italy: The Italian Job

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May 24, 2013

The Italian Job


Marc and I had the pleasure of hosting his sister, Alex, in Europe for her college graduation present! She was able to visit London with some friends, hike around Barcelona with Marc, and I drew the lucky Italian card!

Considering its actual age, Italy never gets old to me! Alex and I devoted six glorious days to gelato, pasta, and acqua del rubinetto, and we enjoyed nearly* everything that happened!

(Nearly* = just watch Alex's expression when asked about the Via Appia Antica, and I can tell you about the shock your body goes into when you try 3 gelato servings in one day instead of the regular 2.)

VENICE!



I'm planning on house squatting someday in one of the several seemingly abandoned palaces lining the Grand Canal. Humidity aside, this place is absolute magic. I love boats (Alex managed a false appreciation - this I appreciated), gorgeous Byzantine mansions, and no vehicles on the roads!

The private bridge entrance to our beloved hostel, A Venice Fish!
We stayed in an authentic 15th century mansion-turned-hostel, and could only find wonderment around every corner and wanderlust over every bridge! I cannot wait to come back!

 

FLORENCE & PISA!


I was indisposed most of the day, but we had a hilarious talk with Canadians on the train ride from Venice, and I had a nice nap on a sunny slab outside of the Duomo. I also had to stare my fate in the face as I walked sickly past the gelato festival, completely unable to conjure up any desire for my favorite food in the world. Florence and I agreed upon a rain check, since I was so clearly unable to make a good first impression.


By the time our train reached Pisa, I was feeling slightly more ambitious, and we exited the station with about an hour to get to the Field of Miracles and back. We had decided a taxi would be the easiest, and hopefully not too pricey. We ran into two American guys (actually almost drunk sailors, just pretend they're pirates) trying to do the same thing, so we were able to swing a pretty good deal and keep it quick.

 

ROME!



Oh, to be in Rome - twice in six months! I feel very spoiled to have been in this great city so soon again, and the blame can be split between Alex and the Trevi Fountain. We basically repeated all of the fun experiences from our Christmas trip: paying a visit to the best waiter in the world, Valter; finding more Vespas to "borrow" for photos; and eating my favorite gelato.


Alex got TWO cups!!! #impressed
When will I get to come back next?! 



Thankful and thrilled for yet another great week in Italy, and, of course,  in Europe!

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May 4, 2013

Eurail vs. Eur-crazy

When I first began thinking about Iberian Insanity 2014, I was dead set on the Eurail Pass. I was leaning on my previous super-positive experiences with the Eurail Select Pass in 2011 for Benelux, France, and Germany. There was no other way to travel throughout a large period of time and a large region of awesomeness.

I will not be buying a train pass. I am going to figure it out as I go with planes, trains, buses, and carpooling (organized hitchhiking).


However, there are a lot of ways to do this, and the Eurail Pass is not a bad idea! Depending on your time and budget, you can choose to stay for a shorter or longer journey, and include more or less places. Most of the passes have the option of 3-10 "travel days" in the duration of 2 months.

*These passes cannot be purchased more than 6 months before first date of travel! That puts a good purchase time starting in January, 2014.

Go to Rail Europe to find the pass that works best for you! If you have questions, comment below.

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