Well, I'm back in the States after a month over in Europe. I love to travel, but it is always nice to get home. However, I already feel the stress of what I need to accomplish this summer-ah!
All in all, it is very different to travel with people rather than solo, let alone with family. I think we did pretty good all over Italy. Then to be able to meet up with 5 of my best friends in Paris for a week is icing on the cake. Here are some of my favorite moments:
My mother's fan supply(4 total), especially the one attached to a bottle of water for misting, in Italy.
Aunt Karen calling people "Madame"-Isn't that French?
Getting lost in Rome and ending up in a suburb at 1 in the morning and Aunt Karen saying to the bus driver, "I'm not getting off this bus." She eventually gave in and got off.
Morning breakfast on our terrace in Positano.
"No Soup For You"-Sheila being waved away from the counter, "Too complicated" he said, for asking too many questions while she was trying to order.
The Traveling Wilbury's minibus.
Aunt Karen looking for the World Cup games, "Futbol?"
Nyle keeping calm while driving the Wilbury's around the countryside of Tuscany with two backseat drivers trying their hardest to keep their mouths shut.
Running through the streets of Paris, in the rain with Lesley and going over a grate blowing up air, "My shirt, my skirt" she yelled as she tossed me her umbrella that was now inside out.
Becky giving some of her sandwich to a gypsy. Later, "I'm hungry, I shouldn't have given the gypsy my sandwich."
"GW" which stands for "gypsy watch"-we would say it when we put our bags down to take a photo.
"Oui Oui Magnifique"-I will never forget our call out to make sure we had our entire group.
The look on Becky's face after climbing 200+ stairs up the Arc de Triumph.
Lesley nearly losing her skirt, "Lesley your skirt is falling down." Lesley, "Oh no" as she calmly pulled it up.
The Parisians enjoy walking around naked and being "active" and the 6 Americans couldn't believe their eyes, watching a show out of the bedroom window like it was a movie.
Walking around the Louvre at night, after Becky insisted it was a university.
Any and all gypsy jokes. "Do you think I could pay a gypsy to carry my bags? Do you think I could pay a gypsy to carry me?"
Charlie's "The Paris You'll Never See" all-inclusive tour-a la, we got lost and Charlie said, "Well it's the Paris you'll never see."
"Double Trouble" Lesley and Becky in the same dress at Versailles.
Being "punked" at the store in Paris with only Extra Small and Small sizes. That boy worker was so pleasant when I came into the store but now I know he was thinking, "Oh you Americans don't fit in our clothes but enjoy looking, hahahahaha-fattie."
Me having a pee emergency-friends surrounding me at a tree on the Champs Elysee while I peed in a bottle, then Charlie yelling, "Police."
Charlie figuring out at the Arc de Triumph that the tube of the urinal was not connected, "I'm peeing on myself." hahahaha
Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical-end is story. Brilliant!
Big Mama I and II-oh the night train. I might be over that experience in my life. Some things come with age and I think the couchette night train experience has officially been retired.
What an amazing adventure I just had for the last month. My credit card and checking account balance prove that I had a great time, or at least spent enough money to have had a great time. But it is all worth it to spend two weeks with my family in Italy and two weeks with friends in Paris and London. Who gets to do that? How lucky am I? Very, I will say, because it is hard to find a family willing to travel together or 6 friends who get along so well that they can travel together and experience different cultures. What a wonderful feeling. Everything from the Italian pasta to the Parisian cheese and pane au chocolates with wine, wine, and more wine tossed in there made for an incredible month in Europe.
What is next, I don't know, but I know it will be an adventure. Stay tuned....
Monday, July 26, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
London
It has come to the end of my trip. As wonderful as it is to travel and be gone, I do enjoy getting home and have a month, I'm ready.
I forgot to write about our high tea yesterday. It was Alice in Wonderland themed and so fun.
Today we did a whirlwind tour of some of the sights in London to get some photos. Although we had already been to these places, it just wouldn't seem right to not see them.
We continued on to Harrod's, where you can't afford anything, and then to Notting Hill-so cute.
I finished my time in London at the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. It is a ring with swirling water that shows her inclusive spirit. People were all around enjoying the day.
For our last night in London we had the best Indian meal I have ever had. It was delicious!
I forgot to write about our high tea yesterday. It was Alice in Wonderland themed and so fun.
Today we did a whirlwind tour of some of the sights in London to get some photos. Although we had already been to these places, it just wouldn't seem right to not see them.
We continued on to Harrod's, where you can't afford anything, and then to Notting Hill-so cute.
I finished my time in London at the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. It is a ring with swirling water that shows her inclusive spirit. People were all around enjoying the day.
What Do You See?
An old man and woman seemingly married for 50 years, he helping her with the camera bag and another sack as they walk off together on the streets of Salzburg.
The young father holding his daughter’s hand, a new walker, adventuring the cobblestone platz of Salzburg.
A Euro couple, two men, and their dog walking the platz while enjoying each other’s company.
A 70ish year-old woman, her leather pants and Lady Gaga boots in Salzburg.
A husband and wife in matching red jeans.
A son walking hand-in-hand between his two fathers on the streets of Como, Italy.
A Como waiter giving me complimentary limoncello.
A son taking his father’s hand out of anticipation.
An Asian couple, each carrying one end of the same duffle bag, in Milano Centrale train station.
A little girl in Montopulsiano, Italy running down the cobblestone street to greet a tiny puppy.
A French couple enjoying themselves with the window across the street, curtains wide open.
Spending time with family and friends for a month in Europe.
Me, traveling, observing, hearing, enjoying and sharing the culture of Europe. That, is love.
“Love is, all around.”
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Oops, I love you London
London in a nutshell because we've basically been shopping only.....
We arrived Wednesday and hit the ground running to Oxford Street and the shops. I found an orange watch that I love. We met Brenda up in Soho for dinner before heading to the theatre.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical is playing in London. It is based off the film version, which I had never seen before. I had absolutely no expectation for the show. When I arrived at the theatre there was a HUGE sparkling high heal in the marquee. I knew I had arrived. Once we were in the theatre we were decorated with a pink feather boa(came with the ticket), which we proudly put it around our necks, and made it to our seats. From the opening number until the end I was mesmerized. I loved every single second of this show. The story of acceptance and tolerance is so phenomenal, especially the acceptance of one's self for who he is. I laughed, I sang(quietly, but these are all popular songs we know), I cried-it was touching and out of this world. The show is supposed to come to the US this coming year. I met a guy out tonight who says the Kylie songs will be replaced with Madonna. We'll see if he is right. Anyway, the show was just great. The high point for me came at the end when the three leading "ladies" belted out "We Belong". It was powerful and moving.
We then headed to a pub to share a drink with Brenda before she headed home. Cary, Charlie and I then went to another bar, The Village, where there was karaoke going on. None of us did a song, but we sure sang. Our new best friends were a couple of guys we belted "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me Yet" with. It was a great time and London sure has some showbirds who do karaoke-sheesh!
Today, Thursday, Lesley set out on her own and C&C and I went shopping-yes, again! If you ever get to London please go to the Liberty of London store. Even if you don't buy anything, it is a gorgeous building and so fun to shop around in. Then we headed for high tea, which was a fabulous experience, before shopping more. I'm not quite sure how I am going to fit an already packed suitcase with TWO more pairs of shoes-oops, I love you London! Or for that matter the jacket I bought today. Oops, I love you London. My bag was FULL after Paris, but I haven't stopped shopping. Oops, I love you London.
Tomorrow is our last full-day here so we are going to hit some sights and what else, shop, at Harrods.
We arrived Wednesday and hit the ground running to Oxford Street and the shops. I found an orange watch that I love. We met Brenda up in Soho for dinner before heading to the theatre.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical is playing in London. It is based off the film version, which I had never seen before. I had absolutely no expectation for the show. When I arrived at the theatre there was a HUGE sparkling high heal in the marquee. I knew I had arrived. Once we were in the theatre we were decorated with a pink feather boa(came with the ticket), which we proudly put it around our necks, and made it to our seats. From the opening number until the end I was mesmerized. I loved every single second of this show. The story of acceptance and tolerance is so phenomenal, especially the acceptance of one's self for who he is. I laughed, I sang(quietly, but these are all popular songs we know), I cried-it was touching and out of this world. The show is supposed to come to the US this coming year. I met a guy out tonight who says the Kylie songs will be replaced with Madonna. We'll see if he is right. Anyway, the show was just great. The high point for me came at the end when the three leading "ladies" belted out "We Belong". It was powerful and moving.
We then headed to a pub to share a drink with Brenda before she headed home. Cary, Charlie and I then went to another bar, The Village, where there was karaoke going on. None of us did a song, but we sure sang. Our new best friends were a couple of guys we belted "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me Yet" with. It was a great time and London sure has some showbirds who do karaoke-sheesh!
Today, Thursday, Lesley set out on her own and C&C and I went shopping-yes, again! If you ever get to London please go to the Liberty of London store. Even if you don't buy anything, it is a gorgeous building and so fun to shop around in. Then we headed for high tea, which was a fabulous experience, before shopping more. I'm not quite sure how I am going to fit an already packed suitcase with TWO more pairs of shoes-oops, I love you London! Or for that matter the jacket I bought today. Oops, I love you London. My bag was FULL after Paris, but I haven't stopped shopping. Oops, I love you London.
Tomorrow is our last full-day here so we are going to hit some sights and what else, shop, at Harrods.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Au Revoir Paris
It has been such a great time to be in Paris this week. The weather has been spectacular. Besides my first day with rain, the rest of the time has been all sun, all the time.
In Monmartre neighborhood
Yesterday I met up with the kids after they took in the Louvre. We met in Monmartre for the "best baguette" in Paris. After hustling up the hill(remember we have been walking, walking, walking for days)we found this....
Closed! Must have not been that good.
We wandered, ate, then made it the rest of the way up to the Sacre Coeur, one of my favorite sights in all of Paris.
If you have been following this blog you know we have one last thing to do and late in the afternoon yesterday, we finally got to the Eiffel Tower and it had a rainbow above it.
As Cary, Charlie, and Lesley went up the tower, Becky and I did a senior picture photo shoot(I had already been up and didn't care to do it again).
After a dinner break, there was only one thing left to do and that was to see the Eiffel Tower at night.
Lesley, Cary, Charlie, and Becky
The Eiffel Tower @ night
Today is our last day in Paris. Up until now we have walked and walked and done what good tourists do, see the sights. I did it 11 years ago, but that was at the end of a 6 week backpack trip and we were tired. I didn't love Paris then. This trip has been more sights and I have to say, Paris is a huge city and one that I like a lot. Today however, solidified coming back as soon as I possibly can.
We are staying in the Marais neighborhood. Besides it being the "new" place to be and full of cuties, it is full of shopping! Cary, Charlie and I set out about 10 this morning and came back about 6 with bags FULL of clothes. We. Did. Damage. You're welcome Paris economy. In Paris they have a month of sales at all the stores, "saldes". So we hit up some fabulous dress shirt stores, bookstores, and a huge department story, BHK-WOW! After nearly 2 hours in there I found Cary and Charlie and had one thing to say, "Get me out of here before I find something else." I got some amazing deals on fashion that you just can't find in the US. The Euros know how to do fashion. They add simple details here and there that really make a shirt a totally different look. I LOVE IT. My friend Jeremy is going to be so proud because I now own a pair of white jeans. Yes, I said it, white jeans that I am going to rock in Chicago!
There was one Pretty Woman moment when we walked into a shop and the cute worker said, "Bonjour!" He was all of a size 27 waist and what I realized is that his "bonjour" was really, "Hello, there is NOTHING here for you" when I saw that the largest size in the shop was small. That's right folks, small and extra small were the ONLY sizes in this shop. I'm not a huge guy but Europe can make one question things a little. In America I'm a large typically, here an XL or XXL. So a shop filled with S and XS was a slap in the face, "fat American." haha!
There was one Pretty Woman moment when we walked into a shop and the cute worker said, "Bonjour!" He was all of a size 27 waist and what I realized is that his "bonjour" was really, "Hello, there is NOTHING here for you" when I saw that the largest size in the shop was small. That's right folks, small and extra small were the ONLY sizes in this shop. I'm not a huge guy but Europe can make one question things a little. In America I'm a large typically, here an XL or XXL. So a shop filled with S and XS was a slap in the face, "fat American." haha!
So needless to say, after today, just hanging out in the neighborhood, I'm now in love with Paris and could come back in a month. Becky is off back to the States in the morning and we are off to London for a few days. I cannot wait to get there!
J'adore Paris!
J'adore Paris!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Oui Oui Magnifique
I'm WAAAAAY behind in posting from Paris, sorry, having too much fun. I arrived here on Wednesday and now it is late Sunday night/Early Monday morning. Everyone is going to the Louvre tomorrow but I have been there and want to keep my memory of Winged Victory as is and the experience with Jen, Lauren, and Sara from 1999, so, I get to sleep in and can stay up to update all of you.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Lesley and I met Brenda at the apartment. Cary and Charlie arrived, sans luggage and Becky finally got here.
We headed out, walked around, bought cheese, wine and bread, and after enjoying, headed to dinner. The night ended with some fun shots at Notre Dame.
Friday, July 16, 2010
When Cary and Charlie waited for their luggage, the ladies and I set out to L'Orangerie, a Monet museum. It was small but quite wonderful. They have a couple of huge paintings in oval rooms and the design of the room only adds to the spectacular willows and lilies of Monet.
The boys finally meet up with us as we enjoy the fountains at the Louvre complex/gardens.
From there we headed to Angelina's for lunch where I had one of the best croque madams of my life and desserts to die for. Next on the agenda, I think, I'm forgetting stuff, but I think we went to the Musee D' Orsay, my favorite museum in all the world! It is an old train station that in 1986 opened as a converted museum.
The Louvre
We then walked more and had lunch on the grass by the Louvre before walking more and more and more down the Champs-Elysees to the Arc De Triomphe.
In a state of emergency, my 5 dear friends blocked me as I peed in a bottle. I nearly filled it. Not a toilette in sight, it had to be done. Along our walk we also sampled the best macron cookies. Yum! Once we arrived we headed up the stairs to the top of the arc.
Moulin Rouge was well, cheesy and cheesy and fun, I guess. I really wish I would have seen Nicole Kidman and Ewan Mcgregor, but I knew that wasn't going to happen. The costumes were fun but seemed a bit dated. I expected more from the French but the experience was well worth it, especially since Cary had to wear Charlies socks under his sandals due to the "covered toe" rule. It was cute.
Lesley, our tour guide today just said, "When you here "Oui Oui Magnifique" you'll know where I am." This is in lieu of the traditional stick with scarf on it that most tour guides have. As we got going we heard, "Oui Oui Magnifique over here" and Lesley would give us information. However, very quickly the term began being used to simply find each other. Once we were through the palace we had to use the bathroom. Upon finishing Becky made her way to the very crowded square, we boy simply raised our voices, "Oui Oui Magnifique" and Becky looked straight at us. Then Lesley came out of the gift shop across the way. After a simple, "Oui Oui Magnifique" she found us. It is glorious!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Lesley and I met Brenda at the apartment. Cary and Charlie arrived, sans luggage and Becky finally got here.
We headed out, walked around, bought cheese, wine and bread, and after enjoying, headed to dinner. The night ended with some fun shots at Notre Dame.
Friday, July 16, 2010
When Cary and Charlie waited for their luggage, the ladies and I set out to L'Orangerie, a Monet museum. It was small but quite wonderful. They have a couple of huge paintings in oval rooms and the design of the room only adds to the spectacular willows and lilies of Monet.
The boys finally meet up with us as we enjoy the fountains at the Louvre complex/gardens.
From there we headed to Angelina's for lunch where I had one of the best croque madams of my life and desserts to die for. Next on the agenda, I think, I'm forgetting stuff, but I think we went to the Musee D' Orsay, my favorite museum in all the world! It is an old train station that in 1986 opened as a converted museum.
Musee D'Orsay houses one of my favorite scenes, this clock.
Charlie, Cary, and Becky at Musee D' Orsay
From there, gosh, I think we headed back home for some cheese, bread, and rose. I mean, why wouldn't we? After walking ALL day, we headed to dinner for Brenda's birthday. The service was great and servers even better. Brenda even got a picture with them! Charlie, bless his heart, then tried to get us to a bar where the bar tenders get in a shower over the bar. Becky found the place in her research, not even me. We walked and walked and walked and walked....did I say bless his heart yet? Charlie FINALLY got us to our destination but I think we must have walked 3 miles out of our way. Bless his hear. Becky, sure as she can be heads to the door. The bouncer, "You can't go in?" Becky, "Why not?"
"It's a gay bar. For men only."
"I want to go in." God I love her!
"You can't."
"What? I can't go in?"
"No, not until 12:30 when show is over." Totally defeated, Becky returns to us. I promised her I would check it out, so will be heading there tomorrow or Tuesday. She was SO upset.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Got up early and with a pane au chocolate in hand headed to Notre Dame. We walked right in and viewed the church. Yup, still there and still a church. Then headed to St. Chapelle. It was a very pretty church and the stained glass tells the story of the Bible, apparently, but that was lost on me. We walked more and more and to the Louvre.
We then walked more and had lunch on the grass by the Louvre before walking more and more and more down the Champs-Elysees to the Arc De Triomphe.
Becky was a bit tired, but once at the top, this is what she saw....
View from top
View from under
Honestly, we were so tired after all of this but what an incredible day we had. Once we made it home we enjoyed cheese, bread, and rose-why not? Then headed on a Seine River cruise before heading to the Moulin Rouge.
Moulin Rouge was well, cheesy and cheesy and fun, I guess. I really wish I would have seen Nicole Kidman and Ewan Mcgregor, but I knew that wasn't going to happen. The costumes were fun but seemed a bit dated. I expected more from the French but the experience was well worth it, especially since Cary had to wear Charlies socks under his sandals due to the "covered toe" rule. It was cute.With all this activity we totally skipped dinner. In Paris? We skipped dinner in Paris? Shame on us!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
We slept in a bit today, it was needed, and headed to Versailles outside of Paris. With pane au chocolate(croissant filled with chocolate)we headed to the train. I've seen the sights before, but they have added a little eye candy since last time....
We walked and walked some more. The phrase "Oui Oui Magnifique" (pronounced 'we' and meaning 'Yes Yes Magnificent')came in handy today. You see, the other day we had our first macaron at Laduree. These are delicious cookies like nothing you have had before. They have a crisp outside but then you bite into the cookie part and it becomes soft and then you hit the flavored cream inside-YUM! Anyway, we decided that NYC and Chicago need macaron shops. The name just came to us, "Oui Oui Magnifique." Then on our journeys we decided that since Charlie took us on a wild goose chase the other night that we would also give tours through our company, the "Paris You've Never Seen Tour" because we were in some places that we would never want to see. That brings us to "Oui Oui Magnifique" and Versailles.
Look at "Double Trouble". They came out today in the same dress ready for our trip to Versailles. What a pair.
Then the walking began again. I think we must have walked for an additional 3 miles on top of about 4 or 5 today alone, to find the palace and farm of Marie Antoinette.
We found them. The farm was adorable, like out of a storybook. Apparently she came to these grounds to escape the people and trying times of being a queen.
Then the walking began again. I think we must have walked for an additional 3 miles on top of about 4 or 5 today alone, to find the palace and farm of Marie Antoinette.
We found them. The farm was adorable, like out of a storybook. Apparently she came to these grounds to escape the people and trying times of being a queen.
Our day was about to end with dinner when we arrived at our restaurant to find fire trucks. Apparently they had a grease fire. Hmm, won't eat here I guess. After a nice dinner, we headed home to find our hot neighbor across the way. Let's just say that the French don't shut their curtains and walk around with very little on. Imagine the 6 of us voyeuring in the shadows of mine and Lesley's room. When the police came down our street Charlie, "Great, we're going to get arrested in Paris for peeping." Haha, quite a sight as all 6 of our heads ducked in unison as he opened the curtain to see what the police were doing. Je t'aime Paris!
Wow-that is the last four days in a very small nutshell. Let me just tell you that I have fabulous friends and we are having the most amazing trip ever. Love you guys!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
First Day in Paris
15 hours of travel, ON A TRAIN-wow! I actually got to sleep this time and Big Mama 2 was not breast feeding or wearing silk PJs, so it was much better. I'm just happy to be in Paris and to see my friend Lesley. I take a shower and we venture out into the rain.
After a hearty croque madame and a beer, Lesley and I decided to go to the Musee de l'Orangerie. About 30 feet from the door of the restaurant is the entrance to the Metro. We are soaked in that distance. Not to be deterred, we get off the train and up to street level. It is pouring. This nice, nice girl at the water booth sends us on a wild goose chase AROUND the entire Louvre complex. Getting splashed by a huge puddle when a car went through didn't stop us. The rain didn't stop us. We walked and walked and walked, even over a train grate. "My skirt, my skirt!" Lesley screamed at her skirt flew up and her umbrella went inside out. I was thrown the umbrella as Lesley addressed the dress. It wasn't like we weren't following the signs, but we could not find this musee anywhere. Finally a guy on the street overheard us and kindly told us it is closed due to the weather. Man, I wish my work shut down when it rained. I would love to stay in bed on those days. It was time to go back to the hotel to regroup.
Oops, after a long nap, we headed to grab drinks with James Wagner who was in town with his teenage tour group. I don't know how he does it. But he escaped and met us for drinks in this really cute part of town. It was us and many, many locals.
After a hearty croque madame and a beer, Lesley and I decided to go to the Musee de l'Orangerie. About 30 feet from the door of the restaurant is the entrance to the Metro. We are soaked in that distance. Not to be deterred, we get off the train and up to street level. It is pouring. This nice, nice girl at the water booth sends us on a wild goose chase AROUND the entire Louvre complex. Getting splashed by a huge puddle when a car went through didn't stop us. The rain didn't stop us. We walked and walked and walked, even over a train grate. "My skirt, my skirt!" Lesley screamed at her skirt flew up and her umbrella went inside out. I was thrown the umbrella as Lesley addressed the dress. It wasn't like we weren't following the signs, but we could not find this musee anywhere. Finally a guy on the street overheard us and kindly told us it is closed due to the weather. Man, I wish my work shut down when it rained. I would love to stay in bed on those days. It was time to go back to the hotel to regroup.
Oops, after a long nap, we headed to grab drinks with James Wagner who was in town with his teenage tour group. I don't know how he does it. But he escaped and met us for drinks in this really cute part of town. It was us and many, many locals.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Big Mama Part Deux
After two great weeks with my family in Italy, it is time to venture on to Paris to meet up with Lesley while we wait for our friends to join us. But before I can meet up with Lesley, I must battle another night train. I'm not going to lie, I have some apprehension about 15+ hours on a train after the Big Mama incident. I'm on edge a bit, if you will. Although Bib Mama was very nice, the breast feeding, silk PJs and having 6 people in a 4 person coachette got to me. It couldn't possibly happen again, could it?
July 13th
7:10pm- My family drops me off at the train station in a small tuscan town. I'm on edge and I feel it. I don't want to be on a train for 15+ hours. It certainly isn't like it was before when I traveled after college with Jen, Sara, and Lauren. The 4 of us had our own coachette with no worries of who might be in with us. That didn't work so well for me the last time. Plus, I always get sort of weird when I'm about to leave my family. Even after 15 years of not living at home, leaving Mom and Dad feels like leaving for college. I really wanted to eat before my trip, but we couldn't find an open restaurant anywhere. Finally I just had to get into the train station and make this happen, plus, I had to pee.
7:13-The bathroom closes at 7pm for the night--really?
7:32-Train is supposed to leave but hasn't arrived. It is going to be 15 minutes late. I have a 33 minute layover in Florence so this only leaves me less than 15 minutes to get to my next train.
7:55-train arrives and leaves quickly.
8:25-Train stops on tracks. I don't have time for this. I begin a minor panic. "What am I going to do in Florence if I have to stay for the night?" "I still know the code to get into our hotel and I could sleep in the lobby area safely until about 6am before the front desk guy shows up."
9:10-In Florence!
9:30-Train arrives for Paris. It's great because I see a ton of backpackers and couples. Surely what happened before cannot happen again. I will of course be in a coachette with backpackers. I just know it. As I get to car 95 a woman is shouting at the conductor. It becomes obvious that this woman is crazy. She has 2 large rolling suitcases and 2 mangy dogs on chain leashes. "Oh hell to the NO can I possibly be in a car with her." The conductor waves her down a few cars. I approach and he changes my car to 89, bed 101 and waves me down. I'm now following Crazy and her dogs. She keeps walking. "I'm Safe." I get to car 89 and four large black women are screaming at the conductor in French. Screaming, they grab their tickets and run! They get on the train. I follow and Crazy gets on behind me. Could this night train be WORSE than Big Mama(who ended up being very nice it was just awkward when she caught my eyes as she breast fed.)?
9:32-I find my coachette. It is empty. My dreams have been answered. Now all I need is a rainbow with a leprechaun, lollipops, and a pot of gold at the end.
9:36-a mother and her 8 year old son show up. I think, "Another kid?" He was very nice with his little stuffed animal.
9:37-Screaming from down the hall approaches. Arrival of girl and two of the women from the screaming before. She politely asks for me to put her bag on the top bunk. 30 seconds later she exits.
9:38-Enter Big Mama #2 WITH her 3 year old. Really? Really. REALLY! She is screaming at the conductor in French. The nice woman with her son steps up to help. She smooths things over. I'm thinking, "At least Big Mama #1 was quiet and such a sight in her silk PJs-haha)."
9:40-In come 3 suitcases. A lot of French goes on for 5 minutes or so. I decide to climb to the top bunk to remove myself from the situation. I don't understand French but I can tell Big Mama 2 is NOT happy. This is supposed to be a space for 4 people, that is what I paid for, but now I'm in a coachette with 5 people(2 kids, another Big Mama, and another woman).
9:53-Things get settled and the train departs.
10:22-I decide that if this is the way it is going to be, I need a beer! I venture out into the train to find the bar car.
10:27-I find the conductor who tells me there is NO bar car on a night train. What the hell?
10:34-I pop sleeping pills and hope for the best. Celine is on the ready.
10:37-Enjoying a "carpet picnic" in suite 89, top bunk, "It's the best." The menu? Paprika Pringles(I remember these from 11 years ago), water, soft cheese and crackers, and Ringo cookies. Since all I ate today were some sweets at 10am and a slice of pizza at 12:30, this hits the spot.
10:47-YO-remember how hot the last night train was? Well I'm sweating worse than Whitney on a heavy crack day.
10:49-The Ringo cookies are really hitting the spot.
10:50-It's going to be a long night.
10:52-I take out the smutty novel Cary gave me, The Assignment, about two cops partnered for years who are chosen to investigate a gay club in town--dun dun duuuuun, Gee Wally, I wonder what's going to happen?
11:11-3 year old singing himself to sleep in French is really adorable.
12:05a.m.-About ready to slip the kid a sleeping pill. Singing himself to sleep is NO LONGER adorable. The 8 year old is fast asleep and has been for hours.
3:20-must have fallen asleep.
3:21-awake.
3:22-visions of sugarplums dance through my head.
6:40-Little Buddy is up singing to himself.
7:10a.m.-it has been 12 hours since my family dropped me off at the train station.
9:15-Arrival time-train is still going.
9:30-still going...
9:45-STILL GOING...............
10:00-stopped at station in Paris-finally!
10:25-off train and to Metro. Crazy and the dogs were on my car, but a few coachettes down. As she walked to the exit she was screaming at the dogs and screaming at herself in French-CRAZY!!!
10:39-Seemlessly on the Metro. Little girl is using the train poles as her dancing pole. I want to trip her.
11:00-Off the Metro-It's pouring rain.
11:02-Left or Right, which direction to go? I got left. Should have gone right.
11:03-POURING rain. I'm wet.
11:15-'Bonjour!" upon entry to hotel. How can that not make you smile? I smile.
11:17-Lesley Rae Weber answers the door. I have never been more happy to see her in my life. "I need a beer and a croque madame STAT!"
July 13th
7:10pm- My family drops me off at the train station in a small tuscan town. I'm on edge and I feel it. I don't want to be on a train for 15+ hours. It certainly isn't like it was before when I traveled after college with Jen, Sara, and Lauren. The 4 of us had our own coachette with no worries of who might be in with us. That didn't work so well for me the last time. Plus, I always get sort of weird when I'm about to leave my family. Even after 15 years of not living at home, leaving Mom and Dad feels like leaving for college. I really wanted to eat before my trip, but we couldn't find an open restaurant anywhere. Finally I just had to get into the train station and make this happen, plus, I had to pee.
7:13-The bathroom closes at 7pm for the night--really?
7:32-Train is supposed to leave but hasn't arrived. It is going to be 15 minutes late. I have a 33 minute layover in Florence so this only leaves me less than 15 minutes to get to my next train.
7:55-train arrives and leaves quickly.
8:25-Train stops on tracks. I don't have time for this. I begin a minor panic. "What am I going to do in Florence if I have to stay for the night?" "I still know the code to get into our hotel and I could sleep in the lobby area safely until about 6am before the front desk guy shows up."
9:10-In Florence!
9:30-Train arrives for Paris. It's great because I see a ton of backpackers and couples. Surely what happened before cannot happen again. I will of course be in a coachette with backpackers. I just know it. As I get to car 95 a woman is shouting at the conductor. It becomes obvious that this woman is crazy. She has 2 large rolling suitcases and 2 mangy dogs on chain leashes. "Oh hell to the NO can I possibly be in a car with her." The conductor waves her down a few cars. I approach and he changes my car to 89, bed 101 and waves me down. I'm now following Crazy and her dogs. She keeps walking. "I'm Safe." I get to car 89 and four large black women are screaming at the conductor in French. Screaming, they grab their tickets and run! They get on the train. I follow and Crazy gets on behind me. Could this night train be WORSE than Big Mama(who ended up being very nice it was just awkward when she caught my eyes as she breast fed.)?
9:32-I find my coachette. It is empty. My dreams have been answered. Now all I need is a rainbow with a leprechaun, lollipops, and a pot of gold at the end.
9:36-a mother and her 8 year old son show up. I think, "Another kid?" He was very nice with his little stuffed animal.
9:37-Screaming from down the hall approaches. Arrival of girl and two of the women from the screaming before. She politely asks for me to put her bag on the top bunk. 30 seconds later she exits.
9:38-Enter Big Mama #2 WITH her 3 year old. Really? Really. REALLY! She is screaming at the conductor in French. The nice woman with her son steps up to help. She smooths things over. I'm thinking, "At least Big Mama #1 was quiet and such a sight in her silk PJs-haha)."
9:40-In come 3 suitcases. A lot of French goes on for 5 minutes or so. I decide to climb to the top bunk to remove myself from the situation. I don't understand French but I can tell Big Mama 2 is NOT happy. This is supposed to be a space for 4 people, that is what I paid for, but now I'm in a coachette with 5 people(2 kids, another Big Mama, and another woman).
9:53-Things get settled and the train departs.
10:22-I decide that if this is the way it is going to be, I need a beer! I venture out into the train to find the bar car.
10:27-I find the conductor who tells me there is NO bar car on a night train. What the hell?
10:34-I pop sleeping pills and hope for the best. Celine is on the ready.
10:37-Enjoying a "carpet picnic" in suite 89, top bunk, "It's the best." The menu? Paprika Pringles(I remember these from 11 years ago), water, soft cheese and crackers, and Ringo cookies. Since all I ate today were some sweets at 10am and a slice of pizza at 12:30, this hits the spot.
10:47-YO-remember how hot the last night train was? Well I'm sweating worse than Whitney on a heavy crack day.
10:49-The Ringo cookies are really hitting the spot.
10:50-It's going to be a long night.
10:52-I take out the smutty novel Cary gave me, The Assignment, about two cops partnered for years who are chosen to investigate a gay club in town--dun dun duuuuun, Gee Wally, I wonder what's going to happen?
11:11-3 year old singing himself to sleep in French is really adorable.
12:05a.m.-About ready to slip the kid a sleeping pill. Singing himself to sleep is NO LONGER adorable. The 8 year old is fast asleep and has been for hours.
3:20-must have fallen asleep.
3:21-awake.
3:22-visions of sugarplums dance through my head.
6:40-Little Buddy is up singing to himself.
7:10a.m.-it has been 12 hours since my family dropped me off at the train station.
9:15-Arrival time-train is still going.
9:30-still going...
9:45-STILL GOING...............
10:00-stopped at station in Paris-finally!
10:25-off train and to Metro. Crazy and the dogs were on my car, but a few coachettes down. As she walked to the exit she was screaming at the dogs and screaming at herself in French-CRAZY!!!
10:39-Seemlessly on the Metro. Little girl is using the train poles as her dancing pole. I want to trip her.
11:00-Off the Metro-It's pouring rain.
11:02-Left or Right, which direction to go? I got left. Should have gone right.
11:03-POURING rain. I'm wet.
11:15-'Bonjour!" upon entry to hotel. How can that not make you smile? I smile.
11:17-Lesley Rae Weber answers the door. I have never been more happy to see her in my life. "I need a beer and a croque madame STAT!"
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Ciao Italy
I can't believe that two weeks went by so fast and it is time to leave Italy. The memories from Italy with my family will be long lasting. On Tuesday we set out into the Tuscan countryside before they dropped me off at the train station. It was a wonderful trip and the best way to celebrate my parent's 40th Anniversary. They depart for Roma tomorrow morning, very early, as they jet back to the United States! Here are some pics from our Tuscan journey.
After two great weeks with the family in Italy I say ciao and I'll see you again!
After two great weeks with the family in Italy I say ciao and I'll see you again!
Happy 40th Anniversary Mom and Dad!
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