So, I'm alive! I made it to Italy, safe and sound. Not that the crazy Italian drivers didn't try their best to change that fact. Also, tolls/ticketing are very confusing when you don't understand the language. Haha. My dad and I beat jet lag by not sleeping for about 30 straight hours (I watched 3.5 movies on the flight, complete with delicious indian food). But despite the crazyness of the first day (arriving at the airport, then promptly getting exposed to pyscho drivers and getting lost trying to find the hotel), we made it. Plus, I got Belgian chocolate in Belgium. And it is damn good chocolate. That same night, I got my first glimpse of Venice, which is basically the place I wanted to visit the most in Europe. And it was completely and utterly beautiful, especially at night.
My dad and I both have an extra camera battery, and we finished the charge on both of them by early evening on Saturday. Every time we hit a beautiful area, we would find some random church, or canal, or bridge that would be even more gorgeous. There are tower spires and domes peaking out from behind other buildings, displayed along the way as you move back and forth or from one side of the canal to the other. The best part about the city is that its charm lies in the fact that you need to get lost. Seriously. And it's a maze...you walk one way and hit a canal, or another way and there's a dead end, or another and you end up in front of an imposing church. Some of the streets are tiny, or look like literally a crack between two wall corners, while others are open air piazzas where you can sit on a bench and listen to gregorian chants/opera coming from the nearest church/theatre. We even saw Mozart's house, completely unexpectedly. For the past days, we basically just wandered around, through a good portion of the city, without any form of guidebook besides a map, and still it feels like it would take weeks to see more of what the city has to offer.
The downside is that its incredibly touristy, which I suppose I should have figured out before I got here, but wasn't prepared for. I mean, how many floating cities are there after all? This works for us when we need food, since sometimes they put meat in dishes and we aren't exactly fluent enough to feel comfortable taking our chances without English speaking waiters/menus. But it does ruin it a bit that half the people walking around carry maps, and all the stores are catered towards tourists. We tried to stay away from the more crowded area/main tourist paths ('this way to san marco...') by taking the empty twisty roads whenever possible. I've heard plenty of English, Spanish and French spoken, though apparently Italians are the biggest tourists. The cruises are the worst...don't take them if they stop in Venice! They are contributing to the destruction of the city. Still, despite all the decrepit buildings, and the construction, and the sadness that the city is sinking, it is an incredible place and I love it. I mean, even the Ghetto is beautiful. It just feels like there is magic in the air as you twist and turn through the windy streets. We even got to see lots of native Venetians come out to play at the Regatta Storica, or gondola races down the Grand Canal (plus, lots of cool looking boats/costumes). Literally everyone was out watching from any available space (or blocking views via boats moored along the canal) and it was really great to see. I also loved going up the bell tower next to St. Mark's Basilica for the incredible views of the entire city (plus, the deafening bell tolling). I definitely took plenty of pictures so far, because basically every area of Venice is picturesque and different in some way. The bridges over canals and connecting one block tot the next are so enchanting. I don't know how anyone could become immune to Venice's beauty.
Anyway, every time we try to get to sleep at a reasonable hour (since we have to wake up early to go explore), it fails, so we are currently running on barely any sleep. For the past couple of days. Oops. Well, I have 4 hours to sleep now. Then its the last day in Venice, and on to Florence!
xx
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Viaggiare è Vivere!
So my dad and I are off to Italy. I still am not fully comprehending that fact, but I'm sure that once I step off the plane in Milan, I'll get it. I have said a bittersweet goodbye to NYC already and started packing last night (finally!!!) Today is the last time I will be in the United States until 2011.
Right now all I can think about is baggage. I am bringing one big suitcase and one duffle bag for carry on. Weight limits are always the worst part of traveling, and unfortunately I have to do it at least twice a year, every year. Such a struggle. Some of the things I am bringing include:
-A brand new camera, the Canon Powershot S90. YES. Literally JUST bought it yesterday. It was about time that I got a camera upgrade BEFORE I travel so that I can take lots of pictures. My dad needed a camera and after doing all the research/hitting up camera shops across the city for various reasons, I now have a new one myself. It's tiny but powerful and it has manual controls for more advanced photography work than the "auto" settings of my SD 850IS. The camera manual is my inflight reading, along with a book of Italian phrases. Hopefully nothing will happen to it (I don't think I will be climbing any volcanoes in rainstorms this time...) I love being able to look back at picture and remember the amazing times I had, so this camera is key. This trip is going to be well documented!
-Lots of cords. Camera/cell phone/iPod/computer cables. Have to make sure all my electronics work. That's basically all I have to bring besides clothes. Plus travel adapters for every area of the world but New Zealand, Australia and Japan. Don't think I'll make it there on this trip!
-A present for my host family from the MoMA gift shop. It's called NY in a Bag:
-A pretty well stocked medical kit. Contents include bandages ranging in size, finger splints and finger condoms (have to protect the fingers for violin), and ointments for cuts. Also bringing my year supply of contacts, plus some contact lens solution. Being able to see is nice.
-Clothes, shoes, coats, all that good stuff. I probably could have brought less clothes to save more room for presents, but I honestly didn't do too badly with the packing. I will be wearing a heavy coat on my return trip, and even now, my big suitcase was not completely full. I don't want to have to spend money on getting more clothes when I could spend it on traveling, anyway. Only bringing 3 pairs of heels...one of which I will be wearing on the plane to conserve room, since I always wear, rather than pack, the heaviest pair of shoes I own, regardless of whether they are sensible plane attire. HA. I will be repping Stanford with my Class of 2012 sunglasses on the cobblestone streets, of course.
-A fake wedding ring, as a friend recommended for Morocco! Not sure if it will do anything, but hey, the rock is shiny. Not bringing much jewelry anyway, because I don't really want anything important stolen this trip, and also it's one thing that I have given myself permission to shop around for as souvenirs. In fact, I'm bringing earrings I have from Guatemala.
-A shiny visa that allows me to stay in Spain for 6 months. Plus, it includes the Schengen area (which basically includes all of the European countries I am visiting). It's so pretty!
That's my life right now, in a bag. Or two. Hopefully my suitcases develop an anti-gravity forcefield so that I don't have weight issues.
We leave JFK in the evening and then arrive in Brussels early morning, where I will buy chocolate before we get our connecting flight to Milan. Once we get out of the airport, we go directly to Venice. Not going to lie, Venice is the place I am most excited to visit. We stay there for the next three days (we get to see the Regatta Historica on that Sunday), and then we hit Florence on the 7th.
See you on the other side!
xx
Anais
Right now all I can think about is baggage. I am bringing one big suitcase and one duffle bag for carry on. Weight limits are always the worst part of traveling, and unfortunately I have to do it at least twice a year, every year. Such a struggle. Some of the things I am bringing include:
-A brand new camera, the Canon Powershot S90. YES. Literally JUST bought it yesterday. It was about time that I got a camera upgrade BEFORE I travel so that I can take lots of pictures. My dad needed a camera and after doing all the research/hitting up camera shops across the city for various reasons, I now have a new one myself. It's tiny but powerful and it has manual controls for more advanced photography work than the "auto" settings of my SD 850IS. The camera manual is my inflight reading, along with a book of Italian phrases. Hopefully nothing will happen to it (I don't think I will be climbing any volcanoes in rainstorms this time...) I love being able to look back at picture and remember the amazing times I had, so this camera is key. This trip is going to be well documented!
-Lots of cords. Camera/cell phone/iPod/computer cables. Have to make sure all my electronics work. That's basically all I have to bring besides clothes. Plus travel adapters for every area of the world but New Zealand, Australia and Japan. Don't think I'll make it there on this trip!
-A present for my host family from the MoMA gift shop. It's called NY in a Bag:
-A pretty well stocked medical kit. Contents include bandages ranging in size, finger splints and finger condoms (have to protect the fingers for violin), and ointments for cuts. Also bringing my year supply of contacts, plus some contact lens solution. Being able to see is nice.
-Clothes, shoes, coats, all that good stuff. I probably could have brought less clothes to save more room for presents, but I honestly didn't do too badly with the packing. I will be wearing a heavy coat on my return trip, and even now, my big suitcase was not completely full. I don't want to have to spend money on getting more clothes when I could spend it on traveling, anyway. Only bringing 3 pairs of heels...one of which I will be wearing on the plane to conserve room, since I always wear, rather than pack, the heaviest pair of shoes I own, regardless of whether they are sensible plane attire. HA. I will be repping Stanford with my Class of 2012 sunglasses on the cobblestone streets, of course.
-A fake wedding ring, as a friend recommended for Morocco! Not sure if it will do anything, but hey, the rock is shiny. Not bringing much jewelry anyway, because I don't really want anything important stolen this trip, and also it's one thing that I have given myself permission to shop around for as souvenirs. In fact, I'm bringing earrings I have from Guatemala.
-A shiny visa that allows me to stay in Spain for 6 months. Plus, it includes the Schengen area (which basically includes all of the European countries I am visiting). It's so pretty!
That's my life right now, in a bag. Or two. Hopefully my suitcases develop an anti-gravity forcefield so that I don't have weight issues.
We leave JFK in the evening and then arrive in Brussels early morning, where I will buy chocolate before we get our connecting flight to Milan. Once we get out of the airport, we go directly to Venice. Not going to lie, Venice is the place I am most excited to visit. We stay there for the next three days (we get to see the Regatta Historica on that Sunday), and then we hit Florence on the 7th.
See you on the other side!
xx
Anais
Monday, August 23, 2010
Now that I have a little over a week left in America until the end of the year, it's about time that this blog goes live. I will be attempting to describe my adventures in Europe and Northern Africa on this blog so that I can update you on what is going on in my life and you can feel free to keep in touch/stalk me at your will.
I'm starting out my overseas experience in Northern Italy. My dad and I are taking the first vacation together in years, spending the entire month of September before school starts enjoying museums, historical sights, fine wine, and interesting cuisines in parts of Italy, France, possibly Andorra and Spain. Some trips I want to do sometime during the other three months include Amsterdam, Morocco, Prague and Rome. I am dying to catch a futbol game, and looking forward to seeing my two favorite paintings (Guernica and Tres de Mayo) at the Reina Sofia. In terms of classes (classes?) I'm currently signed up for a grand total of 17 units, including Flamenco dance, of course. As of now, I don't know yet what I'm doing for winter break but I'm definitely spending it in Europe (and you are welcome to join me!)
I still can't believe Junior Year is here already. I knew from the start that I would be studying abroad in college. The fact that Stanford International Relations majors are required to do so only made it better. I live to travel, and what more can I ask for besides the opportunity to spend some quality time seeing the world? Choosing the right place to go to, however, was probably one of the most difficult choices I have ever made. In fact, I'm still not even totally sure of my decisions. I originally thought I'd be preparing to leave for Santiago, Chile right about now. The lure of getting to go to two different places led to a second new and improved plan of doing fall in Madrid, winter in Santiago (I liked the class selection better, plus the perks of the seasons). Of course, "The best laid schemes of mice and men / Go oft awry." And this is why I never bother with four year plans.
I literally decided not to go to Chile the week before my application was due. I am planning to do the Ethics in Society Honors Program, and I need to be on campus in the winter so I realized that going to Santiago was out, but I comforted myself with the knowledge that I am going to take a year off before law school and volunteer in Latin America. I had the opportunity to volunteer teaching Spanish/maths/literacy to the most incredible (and absolutely adorable) children in a small village in Guatemala (and yes, I did want to take my students home with me...too bad thats illegal). I have always loved mentoring/tutoring and especially after reading "Three Cups of Tea," I know that working within education would be something I would love to do. But for this year, Madrid it is! Though I have been to Madrid once before, I know that living there for a longer period of time, and being able to explore Europe (even as a poor college student) will be an incredible chance for me to be able to appreciate the history, art and culture.
While I am incredibly excited to start wandering through Europe, I am a bit sad that I'm leaving NYC behind. I don't know when I'll be back on the East Coast again, and this summer has been pretty excellent. Despite the fact that I've lived here my entire life, there's always something new to do (plus, you can never get enough of the pizza). My internship at Legal Aid was interesting and I definitely made the most of my free time. I am so glad I got to see the people that I've missed during my time on the West Coast. I've decided that one day I am going to live in the Village. Because it is that awesome. Additionally, I also got to rediscover my love of Washington, DC. I couldn't be happier at Stanford but I've definitely been reminded why I once considered choosing DC for college. Definitely want to spend a lot more time there in the future. I had a great time seeing lots of amazing people, plus geeking out over rare copies of "Common Sense" and Locke's Second Treatise, the original Constitution (my 'Mecca'), tons of free museums, and the epic Sunday drum circle which was complete with people watching, great rhythms and lots of dancing. Had a bunch of transportation misadventures along the way but the feel of setting out for somewhere new made up for any stress. I finished this last week in North Carolina, and flew back home this morning for one last week to frantically pack and get my life together before I depart.
I leave America on September 2 and arrive in Milan on September 3. Then my father and I are hitting Venice (hey, I have to see it before it sinks), Florence, Southern France, Monaco, and Barcelona before I have to be in Madrid on September 22. I'm staying in Europe until January 4th, when I leave for SFO from Paris. We shall see how things go. At least I finally got my passport (and visa) back from the Spanish Consulate! That's always important.
And so it begins...
Much love,
Anais
I'm starting out my overseas experience in Northern Italy. My dad and I are taking the first vacation together in years, spending the entire month of September before school starts enjoying museums, historical sights, fine wine, and interesting cuisines in parts of Italy, France, possibly Andorra and Spain. Some trips I want to do sometime during the other three months include Amsterdam, Morocco, Prague and Rome. I am dying to catch a futbol game, and looking forward to seeing my two favorite paintings (Guernica and Tres de Mayo) at the Reina Sofia. In terms of classes (classes?) I'm currently signed up for a grand total of 17 units, including Flamenco dance, of course. As of now, I don't know yet what I'm doing for winter break but I'm definitely spending it in Europe (and you are welcome to join me!)
I still can't believe Junior Year is here already. I knew from the start that I would be studying abroad in college. The fact that Stanford International Relations majors are required to do so only made it better. I live to travel, and what more can I ask for besides the opportunity to spend some quality time seeing the world? Choosing the right place to go to, however, was probably one of the most difficult choices I have ever made. In fact, I'm still not even totally sure of my decisions. I originally thought I'd be preparing to leave for Santiago, Chile right about now. The lure of getting to go to two different places led to a second new and improved plan of doing fall in Madrid, winter in Santiago (I liked the class selection better, plus the perks of the seasons). Of course, "The best laid schemes of mice and men / Go oft awry." And this is why I never bother with four year plans.
I literally decided not to go to Chile the week before my application was due. I am planning to do the Ethics in Society Honors Program, and I need to be on campus in the winter so I realized that going to Santiago was out, but I comforted myself with the knowledge that I am going to take a year off before law school and volunteer in Latin America. I had the opportunity to volunteer teaching Spanish/maths/literacy to the most incredible (and absolutely adorable) children in a small village in Guatemala (and yes, I did want to take my students home with me...too bad thats illegal). I have always loved mentoring/tutoring and especially after reading "Three Cups of Tea," I know that working within education would be something I would love to do. But for this year, Madrid it is! Though I have been to Madrid once before, I know that living there for a longer period of time, and being able to explore Europe (even as a poor college student) will be an incredible chance for me to be able to appreciate the history, art and culture.
While I am incredibly excited to start wandering through Europe, I am a bit sad that I'm leaving NYC behind. I don't know when I'll be back on the East Coast again, and this summer has been pretty excellent. Despite the fact that I've lived here my entire life, there's always something new to do (plus, you can never get enough of the pizza). My internship at Legal Aid was interesting and I definitely made the most of my free time. I am so glad I got to see the people that I've missed during my time on the West Coast. I've decided that one day I am going to live in the Village. Because it is that awesome. Additionally, I also got to rediscover my love of Washington, DC. I couldn't be happier at Stanford but I've definitely been reminded why I once considered choosing DC for college. Definitely want to spend a lot more time there in the future. I had a great time seeing lots of amazing people, plus geeking out over rare copies of "Common Sense" and Locke's Second Treatise, the original Constitution (my 'Mecca'), tons of free museums, and the epic Sunday drum circle which was complete with people watching, great rhythms and lots of dancing. Had a bunch of transportation misadventures along the way but the feel of setting out for somewhere new made up for any stress. I finished this last week in North Carolina, and flew back home this morning for one last week to frantically pack and get my life together before I depart.
I leave America on September 2 and arrive in Milan on September 3. Then my father and I are hitting Venice (hey, I have to see it before it sinks), Florence, Southern France, Monaco, and Barcelona before I have to be in Madrid on September 22. I'm staying in Europe until January 4th, when I leave for SFO from Paris. We shall see how things go. At least I finally got my passport (and visa) back from the Spanish Consulate! That's always important.
And so it begins...
Much love,
Anais
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