Cable Cars

Today my adventure was to hop on the cable car and venture up 1385 meters to Mottarone, at the top of the mountain overlooking Stresa. I took a lot of pictures that probably look repetitive, but that's because I could never get a shot that I thought gave the view justice. The ride up wasn't so bad--even for those of you afraid of heights, just stand in the middle. I only lost my stomach once. When you pass the cable poles there is a swinging motion that occurs. There were two kids in with me on the ride up who kept yelling "whoooaaaa" every time we passed one. Pretty funny. If anyone makes it here and goes for the cable ride, I suggest bringing a blanket and packing a picnic lunch. When you get to the top of the mountain, you can walk/hike (I did it in flip flops, it's not that bad), to the very top and there is plenty of room to cop a squat and enjoy the view. It's beautiful, and again, the pictures don't do it justice. I stopped in Alpino, the halfway point, on the way down. They have a beautiful botanical garden, with scenic lookout points as well. Unfortunately, by that point my allergies were torturing me, so I enjoyed the view and headed for sea level. I did make a pit stop in the "toilet" and had to laugh because, as is common, it's just a hole in the ground; but, to make it entertaining (at least to me) there was a sign in four languages asking you to "please hit your mark." Maybe they could elevate the hole just a tad for the ladies so it's not an aerobic exercise to stand back up. Just a thought. Tomorrow I head for the Italian Riviera, San Remo, I have decided to leave, although definitely plan to come back at some point, as this place is worth visiting over and over again. Ciao.

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Isola Bella

Did I mention I’m never leaving this place? So there are three small islands on Lake Maggiore, one of which, Isola Bella, I visited today. Forget the villa; I want to live in a palace. And I don’t even need the palace; I just want access to the gardens. Absolutely amazing. Such a beautiful sight and so full of color, I walked around in them for what seemed like hours. The sights from the island are even more beautiful than from the shores of the mainland. I have fallen in love with this place and will leave behind a small piece of my heart if and when I ever leave. It’s amazing and I recommend a trip here to anyone. Skip the coast and head for the lakes. There are white peacocks in the gardens of Isola Bella. This provided some entertainment late in the afternoon, as the peacocks had yet to show their feathers. When they finally did it was a mad dash to capture a photo. I can’t make too much fun because I too got caught up in all the hoopla and managed to get a couple great shots. They are very beautiful birds, and mix so well with their surroundings. To end my day, I hopped on the boat back to the mainland and parked myself at a bar/disco/restaurant right on the water. I wish I could have hooked my eyes up to a TV. or something to project a live feed of the view. I had the water washing up about 20 feet from me, the sun slowly setting behind the mountains to my left, which were specked with villas overlooking the lake, the mountains directly in front of me were glimmering from the setting sun, and Isola Madre (another island in the lake) was lit up, as the sun was directly upon it. Not to mention all the boats dotted across my view coming in for the day. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending. When the sun finally disappeared, I grabbed my sweater and meandered along the water towards my hotel. Days like today bring such a smile to my face and really make me thankful that I pulled the trigger and decided to embark on this adventure.

O.K. and to top it all off, there were just fireworks outside my room. My favorite!

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Milano

I was so geared up about Lake Maggiore, I completely forgot about Milan. Milan reminds me of New York, just on a slightly smaller scale and not quite as go,go,go. The buildings are older and therefore more beautiful (in my mind), it’s not in a grid, so it’s easy to get lost (or walk in beautiful circles discovering new things along the way), it’s not as dirty but it’s no Chicago, and the shopping is great—if you find the right stores, otherwise it’s ridiculously expensive. I think I might be a bit tipsy. Anyways, it’s a great city; I enjoyed walking around in it, but was just as happy to leave. I did walk in the Duomo, which was beautiful. Unfortunately the exterior is being refinished, so I couldn’t capture the amazing spires out front, but I did my best. The church was massive, large stone pillars, ceilings that reached up to the sky, and beautiful stained glass windows. I’ve decided that’s what I like best about most churches, the stained glass, such an amazing talent to have, I can’t even imagine putting something that elaborate together. Needless to say, I felt right at home—there were even white fuzzies floating around the city, which seems to happen every spring in New York, specifically to wreak havoc on everyone’s allergies, and the one drug I forgot for my journey—allergy pills. I’m hoping the fresh mountain air will cure the sneezing. And for today's local entertainment..at breakfast, I was seated next to this nice older Indian gentleman who would like to meet for a drink when he’s in New York, or would be happy to be my tour guide when I visit India—he suggests next year, he’s in the shoe business, that must be his line with all the women! Then, while enjoying my foccacia outside the duomo, a nice Greek decided to chat with me. I often try to pretend I do not speak the language they are, but ineviditably, they dumb look I give oozes English, so I’m caught. Lucky for me, he wanted to have a drink in Milan and my train was leaving in 45 minutes and I would not be returning. I ask; where is George when I need him to be my man repelent? Kidding (maybe).


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Lake Maggiore

I have died and gone to heaven. Stresa, perched in the middle of Lake Maggiore in Northwestern Italy, it’s amazing, absolutely beautiful. I wanted to pinch myself after arriving here. My hotel is right on the lake, I have a balcony and my view is North, looking out to the mountains. To describe my current state of affairs, I am sitting on my balcony, slight chill in the air and I’m wrapped in my favorite new sweater purchase from Milan, I can see the silhouette of the mountains in the background, as the half-moon is now just over head and casts enough light to make them out. There is a bottle of chianti to my right and my glass is ever so close to my hand! I wish I could say there were birds, or just silence, but I think the dishwasher is stationed three floors below, so every often I hear plates and silverware clanging, not too bad though, doesn’t take away from it, that’s for sure (maybe the wine helps). Aside from that…I have found a place I may never leave, especially if I could secure one of the many villas lining the lake. I think I have found my “Under the Tuscan Sun” situation. Wow. I haven’t even toured around yet, but I could walk along the flowers and the trees along the lake forever. I plan on venturing off to discover the three islands on the lake tomorrow, then I’m not too sure, if it’s nice, maybe I’ll attempt a tan, although the outdoor swimming pool is empty and I would feel a little strange laying out next to an empty pool. I haven’t completely lost my mind; at least not yet.

Venice Pics

Here they are...and oh my God, it's almost May! When did that happen? Time has flown by.

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More Canals

Venezia...island of canals, does that even make sense? Meg and I were only here for a day trip in 2001, which also consisted of a 7 a.m. stint in the local washateria to dry our clothes. Very quick and didn't get to see enough. Lucky for me the weather was beautiful, got to hang out in a sundress even....I'm loving the sun! Thankfully, the warm weather hasn't been here for long, so it doesn't smell too bad, every so often, you'd pass through an area that kind of knocked you back for a second; I can handle that--NYC in August isn't any better. I love Venice. Getting lost on all the tiny streets, the gondola men all dressed up in their stripes and scarves, and the people are so fun. Had dinner at a great place I stumbled across and the waiter was kind enough to give me a ride back to St. Mark's in his boat (married, with two children-mr. and miss incredible, very safe); such a cool experience to be on the water at night and getting a guided tour of the lit up buildings of Venice. I did a lot of browsing and bought a few glass jewelry pieces that I love (found a replacement glass ring for the one I broke--YEAH!). I met an older couple from California while waiting in line for the ATM, they weren't too impressed with the place, didn't see what all the fuss was about. It took all my effort to nod and delicately suggest where they should go--how could anyone not fall in love with a city like this. It's so cool! No cars, you're only dodging pigeons in the main square (which seem to be a tourist attraction in and of themselves, vendors sell packets of corn to tourists so that the pigeons flock and land on you and then you have a friend take your picture. With pigeons! These aren't doves people, they're flying rats...they've been eating garbage who knows what else and now they are crawling and pecking at your hands and arms, dirty, dirty. Ewe.). I digress. Anyways, it's a maze nobody is afraid to get lost in, that's what you are supposed to do, even the locals don't know their way around completely; and then while meandering the streets you get to cross over these little bridges that connect one side to the next--you can stop and smile at the gondola riders below, or just check out the locals boating around. It's so much fun, highly recommend a trip here for everyone. I enjoyed it so much. Off to Milan next and then I'm meeting up with George in Lake Como. ha-ha! ;)

I have pictures to post, but no time to do so right now. Will do tomorrow morning before heading off. P.S. Meg--As I was wandering the city streets, I found the restaurant we ate at. So funny, it was outside, but on a covered patio, slightly lifted off the ground, with a black iron fence that surround the tables, remember it at all? I walked around a building and saw it and immediately had a flashback. Too funny.

The Cretans

I spent a fabulous week in Crete, Greece. The winds were much warmer than they were in Copenhagen, and although it wasn’t ideal beach weather the whole time, I was able to enjoy a couple days basking in the sun, albeit slightly bundled. Crete was beautiful, I had no idea it was so mountainous. I don’t remember if Santorini was like that or not. The roads driving through the mountains in Crete were a little frightening in some spots. There are few if any guardrails and the roads edge is most of the time a drop off into a ravine. Like the rest of Europe, the Cretans drive like crazy people, passing around curves, flying down the windy roads, there’s one curve where you can see cars that have flipped over the edge, lying in the brush, scaring all the passengers that this could be their fate. My week consisted of beach hopping, my favorite being Falasarna. The water was beautiful, sun was shining, and the only problem was the wind, although I guess I should be grateful for the free microdermabrasion treatment that I received, ouch. We also took a girls trip over to the East side of the island. Checked out the palace ruins in Knossos, the beach, the rocks, and the champagne in Hersonisis, and then headed back West to take a sightseeing trip to the Samaria Gorge. Unfortunately, the gorge was still closed for the winter, so we were unable to do the 11-mile hike down into it; that is on the list for next time! All in all, I met some great people, enjoyed gorgeous views and sunsets, and gorged myself on some fantastic food. I must say though, after a week of Greek food, I was done, although I did get to try a lot of stuff I had never even heard of before, so that was nice (and tasty) but I’m looking forward to some pasta and pizza in Venice.

Thank you so much to Cortney, Ken, and Echo for your hospitality, it was so nice to be in a home; I did a gazillion loads of laundry, but more importantly, got to eat some queso and make a black bean burrito! That should hopefully cure my Mexican fix for a month!

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Kobenhaven

The parks in Copenhagen are absolutely beautiful! Amazing the trees, flowers, lakes, everything, smack dab in the middle of this huge city. They are gorgeous. My one complaint, there is nowhere to simply grab a sandwich here. It's a little strange. Unless of course I wanted to try my luck at the many 7-11's around, which I didn't. Everything was sit down, I just wanted to grab something quick to take to the park. Oh well. So day one was a little overcast and I woke up exhausted, staring at my suitcase and the "cold" outside and thought...I don't want to play today. So, I walked around a little bit and called it an early night to attend to my book, which I had forgotten about while in Sweden. Today was sunny and warm enough to enjoy--no scarf, which was the best part. Like every other city so far, Copenhagen has some beautiful historic buildings, I didn't get to go to Tivoli Gardens, the amusement park, because it wasn't supposed to be open, although by the time I got home tonight, I realized they opened today--oh well, no roller coasters for me. I've enjoyed it and would definitely recommend a visit, although I'm sure the summer months are much more enjoyable. I'm so ready for some sun and beach time, I can't even tell you. Just to shed a layer of clothing, go on a hike and freaking break a sweat and not freeze...how exciting does that sound! :) So I fly to Crete tomorrow, where I will be "docked" for an entire week--complete with washing machine, kitchen, car, and even a dog! I'll be domesticated again and won't know what to do with myself!!! On that note, I'm not sure what the internet availability will be, or how often I will get to update; but, I'll take excellent notes from my adventures and post when I can. Just don't worry if it's a few days--I'm just baking on the beach.

Since I didn't update yesterday (April 10), happy belated birthday to Scott!

Side note, who knew that George Michael was still touring...he's playing in Sweden the end of April; damn, I should have postponed my trip! lol

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Swedish Fish

Easter weekend in Stockholm was non-stop, bar-hopping. It seemed that when we asked the locals what to do, they pointed to a cocktail and said you're looking at it. We did tour around the city and get to see some great buildings and cute areas. Friday the sun was out, so we went and had a late lunch at an outdoor bar, sun shining, sunglasses on, and suddenly things started falling around us. We covered our beer, then we realized it was snow, we ended up staying outside a little longer, wrapping ourselves in blankets. That was the strange thing, all the bars with outdoor space had blankets to keep everyone warm. Stockholm is beautiful though, I thought. All these small towns separated by water, small bridges connecting each one to the next. Obviously an old Viking town, which showed in the decorations on the buildings, the statues, the bridges, it was really cool. We walked by city hall and it was an amazing setting, right on the water, steps that led right down to it, no barriers, just beautiful. We ventured to Ice Bar on Sunday, it's made completely of ice, the bar, the couch, the cocktail tables, the walls, even the glasses you drink out of, all ice. You get 45 minutes in there, they give you these parkas, with furred hoods and heavy gloves. It actually didn't seem too cold, but by the end my toes and fingers were forzen (from holding my ice glass of course). It was fun though, the pictures turned out great, and it was a cool thing to be a part of for a brief period of time! All in all, I would venture back to Sweden, although in the summer months!

And...Happy birthday Tina!

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Train Travel

Just a quick side note. I took a train from Hamburg, Germany today, ending up in Stockholm, Sweden (all day pretty much and I had to switch trains in Copehagen). So, I had fallen asleep for the first leg of the trek, and woke up thinking we were at a train station. I was surrounded by white metal to the right, and we kept moving from side to side--swaying. I then looked to my left and realized there was a motor home...it took me a little while, but I finally realized that my train had docked on a ferry to cross over into Denmark. Who knew trains could do that! Needless to say, the water was very rough and I'm still feeling the after effects of the swaying, like I just spent the day at waterworld...maybe it's just the wine? Don't think so. I'm just glad I don't have to do that again, very nerve wracking being confined in a train in a ferry hall. But, at the same time very cool, so I thought I would share. Those suffering from motion sickness should not attempt.

Hamburger

So today I spent the day in Hamburg. It’s a small town, one that I wasn’t too sure about at first, as my hotel, which is clean and basic, is sandwiched between two sex shops. So, initially I didn’t think there was a lot to offer. Not to mention that the shops around me sell hookahs and sequined slippers; but, I’m 300 meters from the train station, which will come in handy with my bag of rocks tomorrow morning at 7 a.m. As I began my tour through Hamburg, right after crossing over to “the other side of the tracks,” I was extremely pleased with the city. It’s the largest (or was, I threw that page away already) port city in Germany. There are rivers everywhere, which aren’t clogged with run down house boats or tours, like Amsterdam. They have done a great job combining waterways with plenty of outdoor space, which makes the city very unique. In the main center square, Rathaus Market, you can step right down next to the water, feed some swans, ducks, or flying rats (aka pigeons), and it’s lovely. The shopping is great (more shoes) and again, there are a ton of outdoor cafes. The only unfortunate thing, they have not outlawed smoking in restaurants. I feel like everybody smokes here. My nose burns from all the smoke I’ve been breathing in, yuck! New York has spoiled me. A bar, o.k., but a restaurant, not so keen on. Anyways. I’m on a train all day tomorrow, headed to Stockholm for Easter weekend. In addition, I will be celebrating my sisters 24th birthday with her, which will be fun, since I don’t think I’ve been around for it since she was 13. No better time than the present! Other than that, I’m headed to Crete next week and I am looking forward to warmer weather—and more importantly, wearing flip flops. My feet hate me…too much walking on cobblestones in confined shoes! Happy Easter!

And I can’t forget…Happy birthday to Berto (April 5th) and Courtney and Ray (April 6th)

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Berlin

As I previously stated, I love Berlin. It is such a cool city. Yesterday however, a cold front blew through in the middle of my walking tour and froze everybody out. The strangest thing happened in the beginning of the tour though, we were walking up to one of the museums and this guy approached me, asked me if I was on a train from Paris to BVA airport a few weeks ago, I said yes, he said o.k., I would like to wish you a nice day. He did a little bow and left. I realized after thinking about it that he was sitting diagonally across the row from me on that train. What a small world…I’ve been to Ireland, London, and Amsterdam since then, and I randomly run into somebody in Berlin that was on my train in Paris. And no, he’s not stalking me, he had every opportunity to try to talk to me and he politely wished me a good day and left. He was a very nice, gentleman. Anyways, just proves that you never know who you will bump into. So, last night I attempted to go to the Reichstag Building, which has this sphere that offers a great view of the city. It was over an hour wait, and in the cold (I already couldn’t feel my fingers), so I opted for pretty pictures of the building, and then got my ass up early this morning (7 a.m.) and beat the crowds. I bet the view is prettier at night with all the lights, but I was glad I made it up there. The other two cool monuments were the memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe,and then the empty library representing all the books the nazi’s burned. In the pictures it’s hard to see the empty bookshelves, but I did my best.

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I love Berlin

I caught an early train to Berlin and arrived this afternoon. I walked around for a little bit, dragging my computer, and I'm now sitting outside at a cafe near the Sony Center, drinking proseco and people watching (I feel like such a nerd with my computer). The area is beautiful, all these new buildings, they did a great job. Not sure if I'll have time to post tomorrow, as I have a tour and a whole list of things to do, and I'm on the early train to Hamburg on Wednesday. All I have to say is this city is amazing. It's so cool, the architecture is fantastic, again, tons of outdoor space. I absolutely love it. Will post pictures, etc. on Wednesday.

In which case, happy early birthday Carrie (I'll leave out your age;)--love you!

Eau de Cologne

Today was a tour through Cologne and it was definitely a tour! I walked more today than I think I have this entire trip. My feet are rejecting me and although it’s a tad to cold and I’m in need of a pedicure, I may just sport the flip flops tomorrow. My luck though I’ll run over my toes with my suitcase which seems to increase in weight each time I re-pack. It’s like I’m stealing lamps or something. Anyways, Cologne is still a city full of cobbled streets and old buildings surrounded by mega stores. The claim to fame here is the Dom, Germany’s greatest cathedral, high gothic style built over the course of six centuries. I think I took 10 pictures of the exterior and wasn’t satisfied with any of them because it looked fake. It looks fake staring at it. It’s amazing and absolutely enormous. The stone has blackened which only adds to its surrealness. I climbed 509 steps to the Sudturm tower and although the views weren’t as pretty as Wurzburg, the interior of the tower was amazing. You can stop by the bell tower while you are up there as well; it houses one main bell, and 5 smaller ones. The mechanisms to ring them all looked so intricate; however, I was glad they weren’t able to ring while staring at them. I believe I would have lost all hearing capabilities. I did stop by house #4711, which was the house of origin for Eau de Cologne, which earned the town worldwide recognition. Unfortunately it was closed, so I didn’t get to see the fountain flowing with scented water. Oh well. My final stop was the Schokoladenmuseum, which is “willy wonka made real.” It’s the Lindt chocolate factory/museum. It was actually very cool to see the production line in action, filling the square molds, shaking them into place, wrapping the squares, finishing off the truffles with the chocolate drizzle, and of course, how they make the hollow chocolate treats. Very enjoyable, and I was able to taste a sample from the chocolate fountain. It was an action packed day and very exhausting. I’m looking forward to sleeping tonight.

Since you all will be reading this on Monday—Happy birthday Megan! Welcome to your late 20’s. lol

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