Sometimes I like to sprint

I left Thursday after class to go to the airport to fly to London! I got in and met Aimee and we were off to the hostel. We checked in and ran into one of our friends from Stonehill. She had said how they had just been put into a weird room with some guy who like lived at the hostel and they had to switch rooms. Luckily, we were staying in a six person hostel, but there was only 2 of us that night. I was so tired and passed out! We woke up Friday and got ready and hit the town! We went and did all the typical London stuff which was very fun! Friday night we had 3 German roommates who came in, and must have had to go through 329048 zippers to get to the contents of their bags (yes, I counted). Then, they were worse in the morning! They decided a German pow wow was necessary in the room, which included slamming of doors. Needless to say we didn’t get a whole lot of sleep. Saturday we did pretty much the same thing by seeing more sites and doing a little shopping! We had rearranged the nights of the hostel a couple of times, so we had to change rooms on Saturday. We went to go to our new room, and opened the door to hell. The room looked like a college dorm room in a way…it had a refrigerator and half eaten food, a message chair..pictures of naked girls on the wall, and probably more, but one look and I was outta there. Aimee and I decided there was no way we were sleeping in that room. We asked to change, but they were booked for the night, so we deicded to go back to her school instead. We could have done that in the first place, but it’s a little more out of the way. So we hopped on a train and we were off to her school, which was beautiful! She had such a nice room too! We watched *Flashdance* and loved it! Then we talked and went to sleep. We were up at 6 and I finished packing. We had to walk to the train station, and we started going but then she remembered the gate might not be open. She ran inhead, and it wasn’t, so she paniked. We had to walk (or run) the long way and she wasn’t sure if we were going to make it ontime. Since I had no idea where we were going I didn’t know if I should panic orr not. Finally, I told her we could run if that would make her feel better. So that’s what we did, we ran through Engam England. We made it to the train station and of course our train was about 10 minutes late. The next stop for me was the bus to the airport, and that’s when we parted ways. Of course there was a TON of traffic, but I finally made it to Heathrow. I wanted to just do carry-on bags, but Heathrow said no! So I got in line to check my bags, and of course there was only one counter open. So, when I finally checked in they said to hurry through security. But I had to stop for a laugh when the women in front of me was literally throwing a tantrum and insisted on speaking to the manager because she didn’t want her “designer” purse to touch the bottom of the conveyer belt. I made it to the gate and on the plane where I attempted a nap but the turbulence did not agree. So, we were suppose to land at 12:50 and I want to make the 1:05 train to Roma Termini, to get the 1:46 non stop train to Perugia. Otherwise, I had to switch trains and it would take an extra 2 hours. So, luckily we landed “early” but still had to wait for our docking spot. We got off and took a bus to the airport. If I had been able to carry on my bags I would have been all set, but I was nervous because my bag was checked. It was about 12:50 (ok so we were early) when i checked the clock while waiting at baggage claim. If there was one time I REALLY wanted my bag first, this was it. And as luck would have it, number 4 baby! I grabbed it, and quickly walked through customs, while noticing it was 1:01. I knew if I was going to miss this train, it was going to be as it was pulling away which is such a slap in the face. So I sprinted down the escalators, across the moving walkway, and up 2 flights of escalators. I shoved my credit card in the machine, grabbed my ticket, validated it, and literally hoped on the train as the doors were closing. I spent the next 10 minutes walking the length of the train to make sure I was closest to where my next train was going to be. I knew I should have 10 minutes inbetween, but unfortunately I noticed 3 snails pass us, so I arrived in Roma Termini at 1:41, 5 minutes to get to the other side of the station and buy a ticket. I ran to the ticket machine to purchase, and since I had cash in my pocket I said cash, but apparently it didn’t want cash. So I had to void that transaction and start again. 1:43 and I was not at the right side of the train station. This time it liked my credit card, so I validated it and wobbled (with all my bags) to the train, and again was greeted with the doors closing behind me. oh life! I am very grateful that I made everything, but it was stressful!

I finally belong...

Quick story...there is a place we call "Euro Pizza" where you can get a slice of pizza for only a Euro..and its VERY good. its always very busy with American as well as Italian students. I usually only go on Mondays (I swear!) and get 2 slices of cheese pizza. Anyway yesterday Kate was hungry for lunch so we went to Euro Pizza. So we walk in, and the girl behind the counter looks at me, picks up two slices of cheese pizza and smiles. I am offically a regular :-)

The Best Week Ever

On Monday I went to Italian, but skipped photography so I could finish my paper for my Abnormal Psych class at 3:30! So I went to Abnormal Psych and I had a debate which went well! It was nice to get it over with! Then I went back to the apartment and showered and Kate and I met mom and the boys and we went to my birthday dinner! It was so much fun! I got steak that was delicious! For dessert I had a chocolate fondue which was so good! After dinner they came back so the boys could see my apartment and then they walked Mom home and Kate and I got ready. We met our friend Becky and the boys and went out because it was Karaoke night! It was fun because we were able to start the celebrating of my birthday, and I was so happy to be able to that with my friends and my brother! Becky, Kate, and I sang “Heaven is a place on earth” So we had a lot of fun and then came home! On Tuesday I slept in and that went to lunch with Mom, Scott and Aleks! We had a great lunch and then I had to leave to go to class and they were leaving for Rome! After class I came back and our living room was decorated with balloons and it was so nice! I took a little nap and then did some work on the internet. I got a package from Mom, Dad, and Scott with a cake and balloons and it was so nice! Then Becky, Kate and I went out to dinner. We found this great place and our waiter was so nice! I got spaghetti and it was delicious! All of a sudden Becky was like oh I have to go get something for my mom, so she left! Then Kate’s phone kept ringing, so I kind of thought something was weird. So anyway we left to come back to the apartment before going out that night. So anyway I opened the door and everyone yelled “SURPRISE!!!” and all my friends were there! It was soooo nice and I really was surprise! They all had princess hats on and we had three cakes and I got to blow out all three! I got wings and a wand and ears and a birthday crown! It was so nice of everyone to come and it was so fun! We had princess fizz to drink! So everyone sang and had cake and it was so nice! On Thursday I skipped Italian again for Thanksgiving!! Kate and I got a train to Orvieto, and met mom and the boys there! We walked around for a while, but realized all the places were closed for lunch! So we ended up grabbing a slice of pizza and then getting pizza at the train station. It was funny, but we said thanksgiving is about who you are with, and I couldn’t have asked for better people! So that was really fun, and then kate and I came back and got on the internet quickly and then made some pasta (we said we were lucky to have SO many thanksgiving meals!) then we cleaned up the kitchen, watched a Laguna and went to sleep! Overall, I had a great Thanksgiving!

Gondolas

So this weekend I went to Venice and had an amazing weekend! I left Thursday night and took the long train ride (about 5-6 hours) to Venice. But surprisingly it went by so fast! I had to switch trains once, and then I was able to get some homework done, I had two papers due so I had a lot of articles to read. So I got into Venice around 11ish on Thursday night. I was going to met up with my friends Abbie and Colin, but they were coming until Friday, so I found a hotel 3 minutes from the train station, since I didn’t want to be walking around by myself that night. So when I got in I found the hotel pretty easily and checked in. The room wasn’t anything great but it worked! I was able to buy internet time and it was soo nice! I was able to catch up on some of my shows I have missed and write emails. I also took a hot shower which felt very good! So then I woke up Friday morning and checked out, and took the water metro to meet Colin and Abbie. Colin was there first and Abbie came shortly after and it was so nice to see them! So we met the owner of our hostel and she gave us directions to our “apartment”. It seemed a little weird, but it was like a treasure hunt! So we had fun trying to find it, and we finally did! AND IT WAS HEAVEN! Normally hostels are small and just have a bed and a shared bathroom (sometimes you end up sharing in big rooms). But knowing me, I researched and researched and made sure this one had a good rating and reviews. So our apartment was beautiful! It had a full kitchen, table, TV, 4 beds, full bathroom (with a shower with jets and a radio!) It may not sound like much, but for poor college kids it was AMAZING! We contemplated spending the weekend in our apartment! But we ventured out! We spent about 3 hours and just went exploring without a map, which was fun! It was soo pretty! We did the Italian thin and sat down and got cappuccinos! At one point I wanted a picture of Abbie and I by the water, but she got a little too close and almost fell in! Luckily I was there to save the day! We decided we wanted to go back to the apartment and shower and get ready for dinner, but had no idea where we were. So at one intersection this man came up to us and asked us where we were going and he said he would take us there. So we start following him, and then he pointed out the best pastry shop and informed us he needed to buy some pastries. So we weren’t really sure what to do, but we followed him in and waited. He showed us the best pasties to get. Colin talked to him mostly, but anyway we finally got to a point and he asked someone something, and he told us he had passed where he needed to go, but he pointed us in the right direction and recommended a few places for us to go. It was so nice because people are so very helpful! So we went back and showered and headed out for dinner! We found a great place and got a lot of food! But we had a great meal! After we went to St. Marco’s square but nobody was there! So we walked around, and then tried to find a place to hang out at night! But it was dead! We got a great night sleep because we slept in for a while on Saturday. I think one of the things I loved about Venice was it was so relaxing! Most of the time there are so many things we want to see on the weekend its go go go! But this trip was relaxing, we did what we wanted when we wanted! So after getting ready Saturday morning we headed back to St Marcos! We got hot chocolate which was so good and then went to a museum! We stopped for lunch and also visited the Basilica which we were disappointed with! Next, the best time of my life..feeding the pigeons! Gross I know. At first I thought it was disgusting, but after I while I fell in love with them! There are places all over to buy bird feed, and the pigeons are smart and know when you have it because thy swamp you! It is such a funny feeling to have birds all over you! The 3 of us had fun! (Don’t worry we washed our hands after!!!) Mom called and they were in Venice! Yay! So we met then at their hotel and it was so nice to have my family there! It was fun too because Abbie and Colin were excited, and it was like Portsmouth was in Venice! I’m lucky to have such a great family and friends! So the boys grabbed some pizza and then we went on a gondola ride which was really fun! It was pretty at night, and you can’t leave Venice without going on a Gondola ride! After that we went to dinner. Scott and I got steaks which were not cooked at all. The place was nice, but they told us we had to be out by 8pm. Then, when the check came and Mom wanted to pay by credit card, the guy told us the “machine was broken”. It was not his lucky day because we were not stupid! Mom had read about how they try to get you to pay with cash because they lose some money when you pay with credit card. He told us it was our lucky day; they found a machine that worked! So anyway we were all tired so we went back and watched Laguna Beach and hit the sack! Abbie was up at 6am to catch her flight. Colin was up and out around 930. I left and went to the main building to pay and then I met the boys for lunch! We had pizza (obviously!) Then I left to go back to the train station and took a train home! It was such a fun weekend!!

When in Rome!

I had an amazing time with Aimee in Rome! On Thursday I took a train to Roma Termini, and I got some food and some muffins and waited for her to come! Unfortunately, her flight landed late and she had to wait for her luggage. So I did some homework and walked around and ended up buying a book that talked about Portsmouth! So that was nice! Then she finally came and she got off the train and looked at me funnily, and she goes, ah I think I left my bag on the train! It was funny! So anyway it was so nice to see her! So we walked to our hostel which luckily was only like 5 minutes away. We went up to our room which was for 6 people and there were people already sleeping, so we tried to be quiet and unpack and stuff. Then my friend Mike called, and he was staying at the same place! So we hung out with him. Then my friend Tom called from Perugia and he was in Rome with friends so we went to hang out with them too! It was fun! We wanted to sleep in, but it was kinda awkward because there were other people in our room. So this one girl woke us up and told us the cleaning lady we coming so we should leave soon. So we got ready and we took a very long bus ride to the Vatican! We stopped and got a cappuccino first, very Italian of us. We were confused as to where we wanted to take a tour, so we asked a lady and the museum had closed. So we decided to go back the next day! Next we went to the Trevi Fountain and tossed our coins in. It was a very pretty fountain, but also very busy! Then we were in need of an icecream break. So we found a place and each ordered two scoops of gelato. However, we received a 13 Euro gelato monster! The thing was huge! Mine had a lot of flags and Aimee’s had a pretty silver sparkler. After our “meal” we went to the Spanish steps, which were very pretty. We had read (in Mom’s packet of course) about a McDonald’s which was suppose to be very pretty, so of course we felt the need to stop. And it was, by far, the prettiest McDonalds I have ever seen! So we stopped for some French fries! We also did the Pantheon, and then got a good night sleep! Saturday morning we were up early and we went to the Vatican Museum. We ended up doing a tour which was so nice because we were able to pass by the people who were waiting in line (for hours) We took the tour which was good and then we were able to see the Sistine Chapel which was really cool! We had to keep reminding ourselves we were in Rome! After that we went to the Coloseeum and again did a tour to skip the lines. It was crazy to hear about all the violent and bloody things that took place there! Next we went to the Roman Forum which was very pretty! We called it an early night since Aimee had an early flight. After I she got on the train to the airport, I was off to see the Pope! I got to the Vatican around 11am and sat down to read my book. However, it started to become cold and right before 12, it started to drizzle a little. But anyway he popped his head out of a little window, and waved (he was waving to me obviously!) I waved back and when he started speaking Italian, and I didn’t know what he was saying, I was outta there! I’m really glad I went though!

Olive Harvest

On Sunday Jeanette and I went to an Olive Harvest! We went out to the countryside which was so pretty! We picked some Olives (after about one tree I was done!) The olives off the free were very sour and gross. After we went and cooked sausages and olive oil and bread, the olive oil was amazing! We were able to see the villa where the people live and it was so pretty!

The fair!

After that I went to a fair with Doug and his roommates, and I had SO much fun! We took a bus to the train station, and then our bus broke down, so we asked if we could walk to the fair from the train station, which we could! So we started walking! So we started walking towards the fair and then we saw it! We stopped and got some food first, and then we went to the actually fair! It was awesome! They had a lot of games and rides! We went on the bumper cars first which were probably my favorite! We also went on this crazy flipped ride and Doug lost his hat and his phone. Then we got a bus back to the train station, but another bus didn’t come for an hour, so we walked home, uphill! It was a long walk!