What an amazing part of Italy. The Amalfi Coast is truly a gem, and is certainly one of my favorite places I have visited in this country. We started the trip on a bus that left at 6:30 am Friday morning. Early, yes, but we were excited, so time was not an issue for me. There were 75 of us students on the trip, so two full buses on the road, and we were off.
We arrived in Napoli in the early afternoon and had a few hours to wander the city. Here is some history on this city. Its really old, HAHA. OK, so most of the towns are really old. Anyways, its a very large city, the third largest in Italy behind Milan and Rome. It is the pick-pocketing capitol of Italy, and therefor is pretty dangerous to be in at night, and especially alone, or being a woman. There are parts of town that even a group of full grown adult men should not be in at night. But, none the less, an important city, famous for their Pizza. It was very tasty, I must say, but not the best I have had in Italy.
After jumping back on the bus, we headed to our hotel to unload and rest before dinner. Everyone was pretty wiped from being up early and crammed on the bus for so long. Dinner was served at a local restaurant, and wasn't very good. But, it was food none the less, so I was not going to complain.
The next day, Saturday, we spent on the island of Capri. What a stunning island, very beautiful and rich in seafood and lemons. All day we slept on the beach, basking in the sun watching the crystal clear water wash up on the rocks! So amazing! The island is small, but full of many amazing things, including beautiful caves, fresh lemons, and expensive shopping and stunning beaches. I really enjoyed swimming, and the smile from ear to ear is still beaming across my face as I reflect on the time at the beach.
Pompei was also amazing, which is where the group spend Sunday morning. The ruins are incredible, and the view of Mt. Vesuvius is so neat! What a story this place has, its rich history is something worth learning.
The bus left Sunday around 2pm and we arrived back home in Florence around 8pm. We all passed out from the sun and travel filled weekend, but really enjoyed out time! Can't wait to come back and visit again, it was wonderful <3
Ciao Bella
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
They're Here!!
Americans, Americans, everywhere, Americans!!
It is true. Travel season is upon us, and I never thought I would feel like we were being invaded, here in Italy, since I AM American and only living in Italy temporarily. The lines are longer, the streets are fuller, and there is more and more english speakers filling the city to the brim. Its exciting in a way, hearing the familiar sounds of children yelling in English, and hearing people speak to one another in a language I know so well. I remember back to the first week we were here, all of us roaming the streets with maps in hand. I can't remember the last time I looked at a map of Florence, it seems like I have been here so long that I just know my way around.
On my way home from class today, I was walking in the piazza near the Duomo, and there were two American women standing outside the cafe reading a map and looking very confused. I stopped next to them and politely asked if they needed some help. "She speaks english!" They squealed, and I chuckled. Yes, I do. :)
The asked me for some directions to a famous church in the town, and I gave them a nice route by the river to walk, and also pointed out the same way of the map so they would be able to follow the names of the streets. I asked them where they were from, and how long they would be guests in Italy. They were very impressed with me living here and attending Culinary School. I always get such warm reactions when I tell people what I am doing here, it makes me smile. I told them of a few places they should visit here in Florence, and explained the wonderful tradition of Aperitivo, which everyone MUST attend atleast once while they are here. Its such a fun thing to participate in, and a wonderful way to eat and drink for an cheaper one time price!
Class was amazing today, tuna and anchovies. I am learning so much here, and really enjoying the new techniques that I can bring home to Riverview Farms Catering and to my family and friends!
Ciao Bella
It is true. Travel season is upon us, and I never thought I would feel like we were being invaded, here in Italy, since I AM American and only living in Italy temporarily. The lines are longer, the streets are fuller, and there is more and more english speakers filling the city to the brim. Its exciting in a way, hearing the familiar sounds of children yelling in English, and hearing people speak to one another in a language I know so well. I remember back to the first week we were here, all of us roaming the streets with maps in hand. I can't remember the last time I looked at a map of Florence, it seems like I have been here so long that I just know my way around.
On my way home from class today, I was walking in the piazza near the Duomo, and there were two American women standing outside the cafe reading a map and looking very confused. I stopped next to them and politely asked if they needed some help. "She speaks english!" They squealed, and I chuckled. Yes, I do. :)
The asked me for some directions to a famous church in the town, and I gave them a nice route by the river to walk, and also pointed out the same way of the map so they would be able to follow the names of the streets. I asked them where they were from, and how long they would be guests in Italy. They were very impressed with me living here and attending Culinary School. I always get such warm reactions when I tell people what I am doing here, it makes me smile. I told them of a few places they should visit here in Florence, and explained the wonderful tradition of Aperitivo, which everyone MUST attend atleast once while they are here. Its such a fun thing to participate in, and a wonderful way to eat and drink for an cheaper one time price!
Class was amazing today, tuna and anchovies. I am learning so much here, and really enjoying the new techniques that I can bring home to Riverview Farms Catering and to my family and friends!
Ciao Bella
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Una Canzone D'Amore
Io lavoro e penso a te
Torno a casa e penso a te
Le telefono e intanto penso a te
Come stai? E penso a te
Dove Abbiamo? E penso a te
Le sorrido abbasso gli occhi e penso a te
Non so con chi adesso sei
Non so con cha cosa fai
Ma so di certo a cosa stai pensando
E troppo grande la citta
Per due che come noi
Non sperano pero sis tan cercando cercando
Scusa e tarde e penso a te
Ti accompagno e penso a te
Non son stato divertente e penso a te
Sono al buio e penso a te
Chiudo gli occhi e penso a te
Io non dormo e penso a tes
Just wanted to share some Italian love with all my readers! Ciao Bella
Torno a casa e penso a te
Le telefono e intanto penso a te
Come stai? E penso a te
Dove Abbiamo? E penso a te
Le sorrido abbasso gli occhi e penso a te
Non so con chi adesso sei
Non so con cha cosa fai
Ma so di certo a cosa stai pensando
E troppo grande la citta
Per due che come noi
Non sperano pero sis tan cercando cercando
Scusa e tarde e penso a te
Ti accompagno e penso a te
Non son stato divertente e penso a te
Sono al buio e penso a te
Chiudo gli occhi e penso a te
Io non dormo e penso a tes
Just wanted to share some Italian love with all my readers! Ciao Bella
Ganzo
Saturday, April 18th, was the first day all semester I worked at Ganzo. This is a pretty big surprise, considering this is the restaurant affiliated with Apicius, and its run with several students volunteering their time in the kitchen, the bar, and the front of the house. Ganzo, which means, “cool” in Italian, is a pretty hip restaurant, with fun Italian food. The school puts many students in the restaurant to work, some having a full semester internship. On Saturdays, there is a brunch, which is served from 11-2pm, and this is the shift I was asked to work this week. It was pretty fun, a little slow business wise, but interesting to talk to some new people. I met this kid, Christian, who is from Hawaii and in his 4th semester at Apicius. We spent some time talking about how we both miss home, but absolutely love this opportunity, and really enjoy the culture in Italy. We had a good time, it was only the two of us in the kitchen, the chef was in and out, mostly in the dining room and talking with the restaurant manager, so the two of us were left to get the food out. We also talked about the differences between restaurant work and catering, what I like more about catering, and the pros and cons of opening up our own restaurants in the future. I am hoping to work a few more shifts in the next month, so I am excited to learn a little more and get that much more experience in a restaurant.
The Buffet prep included Panini’s with chicken and arugula, fruit, slices of fresh carrot cake, (which my roommate Bonnie prepared on Friday, and was delicious I may add ☺) Seafood salad, olives, sliced cheese and meats, and also eggs, potatoes, bacon and sausage to order. Everything was quite tasty, and free for me to eat, which made it that much better. The kitchen at this restaurant is a good size, larger then the Hilton kitchen, which is surprising considering Café Max at the Hilton, can seat 6 times the amount of people. It is also very well organized, with several reaching refrigerators with specific items in each. The flow is very easy; nobody is stepping over each other, plenty of space to prep several different foods without the worry of cross contamination, and yes, the possibility of “Harboring Pathogens”. (That’s for you Susie Q, with love from Cupcake). The paid staff at Ganzo is for the most part, very considerate and caring to the students, which is nice considering the students are volunteering their time.
Hopefully there will be more about this place in my future blogging, because it’s fun to get a feel for different types of restaurants and how each kitchen is unique. One Block West, you are still number one in my heart!
Ciao Bella. I send you love from the sweet streets of Florence <3
The Buffet prep included Panini’s with chicken and arugula, fruit, slices of fresh carrot cake, (which my roommate Bonnie prepared on Friday, and was delicious I may add ☺) Seafood salad, olives, sliced cheese and meats, and also eggs, potatoes, bacon and sausage to order. Everything was quite tasty, and free for me to eat, which made it that much better. The kitchen at this restaurant is a good size, larger then the Hilton kitchen, which is surprising considering Café Max at the Hilton, can seat 6 times the amount of people. It is also very well organized, with several reaching refrigerators with specific items in each. The flow is very easy; nobody is stepping over each other, plenty of space to prep several different foods without the worry of cross contamination, and yes, the possibility of “Harboring Pathogens”. (That’s for you Susie Q, with love from Cupcake). The paid staff at Ganzo is for the most part, very considerate and caring to the students, which is nice considering the students are volunteering their time.
Hopefully there will be more about this place in my future blogging, because it’s fun to get a feel for different types of restaurants and how each kitchen is unique. One Block West, you are still number one in my heart!
Ciao Bella. I send you love from the sweet streets of Florence <3
Monday, April 13, 2009
Buona Pasqua di 5 Terre!
Happy Easter from the Cinque Terre! Easter Sunday, what a wonderful holiday as a child. I remember loving to wake up on this morning and have chocolate for breakfast! Who could ask for more?
Alex and I woke up, ate some hard-boiled eggs and fruit, and went in search of coffee. We found some to-go coffee, which is a rare find in Italy, and took it back down to the waters edge. I decided this was the perfect time for a swim, so I changed into my suit and jumped right in. Little chilly, but it felt so wonderful to be swimming, its been so long and I remembered how much I missed it! Alex snapped some photos, boy was it chilly!
After the morning swim, I took a quick shower and we boarded another boat to the town of Portovenere. This was a town recommended to us by Alex’s family, who spends some time in Italy every year. We were pleasantly surprised by this town, right on the water with lots of little places to eat. We both enjoyed salads for lunch, and wandered through the streets, looking at all the places where olive oil, foccacia and pesto were made. It all smelled so delicious! We took lots of pictures of the water, and the town, it was all so wonderful!
After a long day, we were ready to head back. We bussed to La Spetzia, where we caught a train to Pisa, and then got on the train back home to Florence. It was such a nice weekend, and certainly one of my most favorite, if not THE favorite, places in Italy. It truly was magical!
Ready for another week at school, its all going by so fast now that the end is near. Few more weeks of class, then Finals, and then HOME to the US! Ciao Bella
Alex and I woke up, ate some hard-boiled eggs and fruit, and went in search of coffee. We found some to-go coffee, which is a rare find in Italy, and took it back down to the waters edge. I decided this was the perfect time for a swim, so I changed into my suit and jumped right in. Little chilly, but it felt so wonderful to be swimming, its been so long and I remembered how much I missed it! Alex snapped some photos, boy was it chilly!
After the morning swim, I took a quick shower and we boarded another boat to the town of Portovenere. This was a town recommended to us by Alex’s family, who spends some time in Italy every year. We were pleasantly surprised by this town, right on the water with lots of little places to eat. We both enjoyed salads for lunch, and wandered through the streets, looking at all the places where olive oil, foccacia and pesto were made. It all smelled so delicious! We took lots of pictures of the water, and the town, it was all so wonderful!
After a long day, we were ready to head back. We bussed to La Spetzia, where we caught a train to Pisa, and then got on the train back home to Florence. It was such a nice weekend, and certainly one of my most favorite, if not THE favorite, places in Italy. It truly was magical!
Ready for another week at school, its all going by so fast now that the end is near. Few more weeks of class, then Finals, and then HOME to the US! Ciao Bella
Cinque Terre
Saturday, March 11th, the school planed a day trip to the Cinque Terre. This little group of towns along the northwest coast of Italy is known for the pesto and olive oil. Another favorite from this region is their house made foccacia, which is to die for! What an amazing part of Italy is, truly a treasure of this country. Taylor, Alex and I all went on this day trip, and met the rest of the group at the train station at 7:30am. The train ride to La Spetzia, which is the main town outside of the Cinque Terre, was about 2 hours, where we switched trains and took another train into the town of Monterosso. We stopped at the café, enjoyed a cappuccino and some famous Foccacia, and started our day’s hike through the towns. The weather was beautiful; the perfect temperature for hiking.
After the café and bathroom break, we began the hike. It was about two hours to the next town over, Vernazza, which is quite a sweet and quaint little town. Here, the group split up to wander the main street, filled with shops and gelaterias. I had a nice lunch, some tasty pesto pasta. I topped the meal off with a gelato cone, mint and chocolate, my favorite! After a few hours in the town, we got on a boat that took us to the town of Manarolo, which is smaller and also very cute! Each of these towns has many different colored buildings, all built into the cliffs over looking the Ligurian Sea. Very beautiful! In Manorolo, we walked through via dell Amore, which is a bridge/tunnel that is filled with graffiti from lovers! The concept goes as follows: Before the towns had trains between them, the people would walk these hiking trails to get from town to town. This made it very rare that people would marry outside of the town they lived in, and until people started making there way from town to town, it was hard to meet people. This bridge is said to have been a meeting place for lovers, and for many years, visitors and locals have been writing their names on the walls with hearts and love poems. Very sweet <3
The last town we ended in, was the town of Riomaggiore. This is where Alex and I had booked a hostel to stay the night. We had decided earlier in the month that we wanted to stay the night instead of come back with the school, so we found a place to stay for Easter weekend. As the rest of the school group left, we checked into our hostel and dropped our bags. What a cute little place we stayed in, out own private bathroom and full kitchen along with a large bed and a smaller twin size. Very clean also, which is a plus when it comes to booking hostels. You just never know!!
We found a little café to enjoy some dinner, and both of us wanted seafood because we have been missing it in Florence, and wanted to take advantage of being so close to the ocean. I ordered some shrimp risotto, and Alex enjoyed some penne pasta with salmon. We also shared a salad, it was all so yummy! After dinner we walked down to the water, and sat on some rocks, sharing more stories about our lives before Italy. We have really become close, and I am so grateful to have her as a part of my life. Its like we have been friends for much longer then a few months! I collected some sea glass, and we hiked back up from the water to our rooms. After some quick showers, it was bedtime. Both of us were exhausted!
Ciao Bella
After the café and bathroom break, we began the hike. It was about two hours to the next town over, Vernazza, which is quite a sweet and quaint little town. Here, the group split up to wander the main street, filled with shops and gelaterias. I had a nice lunch, some tasty pesto pasta. I topped the meal off with a gelato cone, mint and chocolate, my favorite! After a few hours in the town, we got on a boat that took us to the town of Manarolo, which is smaller and also very cute! Each of these towns has many different colored buildings, all built into the cliffs over looking the Ligurian Sea. Very beautiful! In Manorolo, we walked through via dell Amore, which is a bridge/tunnel that is filled with graffiti from lovers! The concept goes as follows: Before the towns had trains between them, the people would walk these hiking trails to get from town to town. This made it very rare that people would marry outside of the town they lived in, and until people started making there way from town to town, it was hard to meet people. This bridge is said to have been a meeting place for lovers, and for many years, visitors and locals have been writing their names on the walls with hearts and love poems. Very sweet <3
The last town we ended in, was the town of Riomaggiore. This is where Alex and I had booked a hostel to stay the night. We had decided earlier in the month that we wanted to stay the night instead of come back with the school, so we found a place to stay for Easter weekend. As the rest of the school group left, we checked into our hostel and dropped our bags. What a cute little place we stayed in, out own private bathroom and full kitchen along with a large bed and a smaller twin size. Very clean also, which is a plus when it comes to booking hostels. You just never know!!
We found a little café to enjoy some dinner, and both of us wanted seafood because we have been missing it in Florence, and wanted to take advantage of being so close to the ocean. I ordered some shrimp risotto, and Alex enjoyed some penne pasta with salmon. We also shared a salad, it was all so yummy! After dinner we walked down to the water, and sat on some rocks, sharing more stories about our lives before Italy. We have really become close, and I am so grateful to have her as a part of my life. Its like we have been friends for much longer then a few months! I collected some sea glass, and we hiked back up from the water to our rooms. After some quick showers, it was bedtime. Both of us were exhausted!
Ciao Bella
Monday, April 6, 2009
Earthquake
Hi there everyone, just a quick post to let everyone know that I am alright here in Italy. The earthquake that occurred at about 3:30am this morning happened about two hours south of me, and it was very devastating to the country. The death count is over 100, and there are still several people missing. Please join us all in a prayer for the families and friends effected by this event, and keep them in your thoughts as you go through this week. I want to take a minute to tell all of you how much I love and miss you, and think about you all, and am very grateful to have so many friends and family members who care about me. Glad to be safe here in Italy, and will keep you updated on the next 6 weeks of my Italian life. Ciao Bella!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Toga Night!
These pictures take place at the Pink Palace, where we stayed in Corfu. They throw a huge toga party with Greek food, dancing, plate breaking, ouzo shots, and so much more! And the best part, everyone makes their own Pink Toga!!! It was a blast!
IT WORKED!!
Ok, so the pic post was successful!! YES!! So, below are pics from Spring break in Greece. I will try and load a bunch of shots on here to catch everyone up on the last few months, but only a few from each event, cause there are hundreds and hundreds of photos!! Ciao :)
Photo Test
If this works, I will be so happy! Here is an attempt to post pics on my blog, since it hasn't been working right.
Bring out cha' dead!!
Day two in Paris, what a city! The weather was less pleasant today, overcast and hazy, but it wasn’t cold and wasn’t raining, so I am not complaining! The city was still full of people, lots of school groups, I think because its around the time students have spring break, so there are lots of travelers.
We started the morning with some eggs and toast, and for me, a few cups of tea. It was nice. After a little discussion on what to do for the day, we decided to see the catacombs below the streets of Paris. It was pretty incredible! 6 million bodies are stacked in neat little rows of bones and skulls, pretty creepy, but very interesting. Trips me out to think about what their lives were like before they were dead, and stacked upon millions of other people. What a cool thing to see, very worth it. And, it was only 4 Euros. Another plus!
After, we got back on the metro and went to Notre Dame, which was also amazing to see! Some history on this site, it is the main catholic cathedral in Paris, and is absolutely breathtaking! The outside is carved with several gargoyles, and other such creatures, and is a true tower to see in the city. Notre Dame de Paris was among the first buildings in the world to use the flying buttress [arched exterior supports]. Its gothic style is a site to see! We decided to climb to the top, another fee that was included in my museum pass, so that was lucky! It was very cool from the top, and because it was a bit hazy and overcast, only the silhouette of the Eiffel Tower was visible, but still an awesome view!
After climbing back down all the stairs, and trying to give my legs a minute to stop shaking, we walked across the street to the prison where Marie-Antoinette was held hostage. It was a neat place, but not really what any of us were expecting. This was also included in my pass, so I didn’t pay to get it, which was nice!!
Now it’s back at the apartment, taking a breather before we go out for the night! I am really hoping to see the tower all lit up! Ciao Bella!
We started the morning with some eggs and toast, and for me, a few cups of tea. It was nice. After a little discussion on what to do for the day, we decided to see the catacombs below the streets of Paris. It was pretty incredible! 6 million bodies are stacked in neat little rows of bones and skulls, pretty creepy, but very interesting. Trips me out to think about what their lives were like before they were dead, and stacked upon millions of other people. What a cool thing to see, very worth it. And, it was only 4 Euros. Another plus!
After, we got back on the metro and went to Notre Dame, which was also amazing to see! Some history on this site, it is the main catholic cathedral in Paris, and is absolutely breathtaking! The outside is carved with several gargoyles, and other such creatures, and is a true tower to see in the city. Notre Dame de Paris was among the first buildings in the world to use the flying buttress [arched exterior supports]. Its gothic style is a site to see! We decided to climb to the top, another fee that was included in my museum pass, so that was lucky! It was very cool from the top, and because it was a bit hazy and overcast, only the silhouette of the Eiffel Tower was visible, but still an awesome view!
After climbing back down all the stairs, and trying to give my legs a minute to stop shaking, we walked across the street to the prison where Marie-Antoinette was held hostage. It was a neat place, but not really what any of us were expecting. This was also included in my pass, so I didn’t pay to get it, which was nice!!
Now it’s back at the apartment, taking a breather before we go out for the night! I am really hoping to see the tower all lit up! Ciao Bella!
Versailles- Tre Belle
Today we went to Versailles, and it was so incredible! Here is a bit of history for those of you that are unfamiliar with this historical monument in Paris. It is every kings dream palace, and truly is a beautiful mansion for the royal. Louis XIV and his court lived in this palace, along with his wife, Marie-Antoinette. The rooms, which there are several, are decorated to a tee, with rich colors and decadent fabrics. I was jaw dropped and stunned through the whole place, and although I was there for 6+ hours, I didn’t see everything.
When I woke up this morning, there was a cute dark haired girl at the dinning room table, and I introduced myself. Her name is Danielle, and her boyfriend Tommy went to school with Greg at UCI. They are also in Paris this week, visiting Greg and sight seeing. She asked if I wanted to go to Versailles with them, and I was very excited! I didn’t have a plan for the day, and anything with company sounded perfect, so I got dressed and we headed out.
After a few minutes of walking, we stopped for breakfast. Crepes! I decided on egg and cheese, which also had lettuce and tomato, and it was the perfect breakfast; inexpensive and filling!
After we sat and ate for a bit, we headed to the metro station to catch a ride to Versailles. It is about a 25-minute ride, so we shared a little and read the important info from the Europe Travel God, otherwise known as Rick Steve’s. He sure is helpful, and for those of you wanting to travel someday, I highly suggest his books! They are a lifesaver, and a money saver, and a time saver………
Anyways, we got off the metro at the last stop and wandered up the hill to the gates of Versailles. It is absolutely stunning, with shinny gold fixtures and large, extravagant entrances. I was amazed! I went in to buy my tickets, and decided to buy the museum pass for two days, which means that I can enter almost every museum for the next two days for free. This was a great deal, just around 30 Euros.
So, we started in the Main Palace, ooing and awing at every room, with the lavish draperies, and extravagant furniture and décor. It truly makes you feel as though you’re in the presence of royalty, and I couldn’t stop clicking pictures! It was truly spectacular.
After walking through the palace, we exited to the gardens, which are even more of a sight to see. Everything is trimmed so proper, with exact hedges and trees; it seemed as though no leaf was out of place. We ate a Panini, made with a baguette, which makes it more French rather then Italian, and sat on a bench, watching the people pass. After lunch, we went down to rent bikes so we could ride through the gardens, and even though this is a faster mode of transportation then by foot, we still didn’t cover everything!
We rode up to the top, where the house built especially for the queen still sits, and toured through it. Very beautiful as well.
Out behind the house, there are a set of four or five little French houses, which make up a sweet little villa around the pond. These were the most adorable I have seen, and truly made me feel as though I was part of ancient history in France, and they were so quaint and sweet. In the middle of all the cottages, there was a pond, filled with large catfish and goldfish, ducks and a few swans. Absolutely beautiful, the most perfect place for a picnic with the one you love. I will come back again.
Danielle and Tommy made dinner, chicken Parmesan and pasta, and it was tasty! I complimented her, and although she knows I cook, I told her it was better, because I didn’t have to cook, it was a nice treat!
More adventures to come soon, tomorrow we visit The Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre, and more. Ciao Bella, I miss you all
When I woke up this morning, there was a cute dark haired girl at the dinning room table, and I introduced myself. Her name is Danielle, and her boyfriend Tommy went to school with Greg at UCI. They are also in Paris this week, visiting Greg and sight seeing. She asked if I wanted to go to Versailles with them, and I was very excited! I didn’t have a plan for the day, and anything with company sounded perfect, so I got dressed and we headed out.
After a few minutes of walking, we stopped for breakfast. Crepes! I decided on egg and cheese, which also had lettuce and tomato, and it was the perfect breakfast; inexpensive and filling!
After we sat and ate for a bit, we headed to the metro station to catch a ride to Versailles. It is about a 25-minute ride, so we shared a little and read the important info from the Europe Travel God, otherwise known as Rick Steve’s. He sure is helpful, and for those of you wanting to travel someday, I highly suggest his books! They are a lifesaver, and a money saver, and a time saver………
Anyways, we got off the metro at the last stop and wandered up the hill to the gates of Versailles. It is absolutely stunning, with shinny gold fixtures and large, extravagant entrances. I was amazed! I went in to buy my tickets, and decided to buy the museum pass for two days, which means that I can enter almost every museum for the next two days for free. This was a great deal, just around 30 Euros.
So, we started in the Main Palace, ooing and awing at every room, with the lavish draperies, and extravagant furniture and décor. It truly makes you feel as though you’re in the presence of royalty, and I couldn’t stop clicking pictures! It was truly spectacular.
After walking through the palace, we exited to the gardens, which are even more of a sight to see. Everything is trimmed so proper, with exact hedges and trees; it seemed as though no leaf was out of place. We ate a Panini, made with a baguette, which makes it more French rather then Italian, and sat on a bench, watching the people pass. After lunch, we went down to rent bikes so we could ride through the gardens, and even though this is a faster mode of transportation then by foot, we still didn’t cover everything!
We rode up to the top, where the house built especially for the queen still sits, and toured through it. Very beautiful as well.
Out behind the house, there are a set of four or five little French houses, which make up a sweet little villa around the pond. These were the most adorable I have seen, and truly made me feel as though I was part of ancient history in France, and they were so quaint and sweet. In the middle of all the cottages, there was a pond, filled with large catfish and goldfish, ducks and a few swans. Absolutely beautiful, the most perfect place for a picnic with the one you love. I will come back again.
Danielle and Tommy made dinner, chicken Parmesan and pasta, and it was tasty! I complimented her, and although she knows I cook, I told her it was better, because I didn’t have to cook, it was a nice treat!
More adventures to come soon, tomorrow we visit The Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre, and more. Ciao Bella, I miss you all
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Pisa to Paris
OK, so this was quite an adventure!! My day started off, this being Wednesday, April 1st, to my alarm clock at 5am. This was set so I could get up, make a cup of coffee, and get online to skype with Nick. We were to exchange spring break adventures and catch up. It was very nice, glad that I was able to see him this time and not just talk.
After the conversation, I jumped in the shower to try and wake up for the day. I had class at 9am, Italian, which I really am enjoying, so it was a nice thing to get ready for. After class was over, I ran home, changed clothes, and headed for the gym. I was on a very tight time schedule, so it was a short workout, but something none the less. After the gym, I ran home, showered and went to my second class of the day, Tradition of Italian Food, which is an awesome class! Very tasty, too! :)
I decided to sit in on another class that I am not enrolled in, called food and wine paring, which is a subject I am interested in. The teacher who instructs this class is also my wine appreciation teacher, so it was no problem for him that I sit in on the class. Lucky for me, it was a class paring fortified wines, such as port and sherry, to chocolate! No complaints!!
I left this class early so that I would be able to run home, get my last minute things together and head for the train station. I boarded a bus, called Terra vision, that was to take me to Pisa airport. This is about an hour and fifteen minute ride, so not to bad. I am really into this new book I started, so it went by fast.
When exiting the bus, it was pouring down rain, and I dropped my itinerary in the puddle. No fun, but I have cat like reflexes, OK that's a lie, so it ended up being soaking wet. The man behind the counter laughed at me when I checked in.
I sat down to keep reading, and it was getting close to boarding time, so i gathered my belongings to stand in line. Then the flight was delayed a 1/2 hour, so I sat back down and impatiently waited, really wanting to just get there. I was starving, and there was nothing in the airport to eat, so my patience was running a bit low. I found a vending machine, and ate some corn chips. This was dinner.
It was finally time to board the plane, so I got back up to wait in line, this time for like 20 minutes before we actually started moving outside, across the tar mat, and onto the plane. I was ready to pass out at this time, my energy from 5am was pretty much gone.
On the flight, I sat next to a woman whose name was Natasha, and we spend the tail end of the flight talking. She is a bathing suit designer, so we had something in common right away, since i swim, and she travels to Florence often to work. We got on the subject of work, I talked about catering, and my love for food, she shared that she lives in Paris and has a daughter who is one. Before she had mentioned children, I told her that I had looked into being a nanny abroad sometime in my life, and she offered me a job, like right there on the plane. haha. She wants someone to live with them in Paris, she has a seperate living space in her apartment for a nanny to live, and they also take vacations and travel so also someone to go when the family leaves. It is so unbelievably tempting to tell her I will do it, but I have to many other obligations at the moment, so I need to get some things in order. But it was pretty neat to talk to her!
After the flight landed, I scrambled to find my pack that was under the plane because it was too big to carry on, and went on the search for the bus. Greg gave me great directions to his apartment, but I was so tired, STARVING, and don't speak a lick of french, so it was a bit of a nightmare. If my flight had not been late, it would have been better, cause there was one last bus leaving the airport, which i ran too, then got on the metro, in the wrong direction, got off, had to buy another ticket, etc etc. Then, I roamed Greg's street for way way to long trying to find his apartment, and when I finally got here, I was so tired I could hardly stand!
What an adventure! Glad to be here in Paris, and am looking forward to the weekend!
Au Revoir!
(Ciao Bella)
After the conversation, I jumped in the shower to try and wake up for the day. I had class at 9am, Italian, which I really am enjoying, so it was a nice thing to get ready for. After class was over, I ran home, changed clothes, and headed for the gym. I was on a very tight time schedule, so it was a short workout, but something none the less. After the gym, I ran home, showered and went to my second class of the day, Tradition of Italian Food, which is an awesome class! Very tasty, too! :)
I decided to sit in on another class that I am not enrolled in, called food and wine paring, which is a subject I am interested in. The teacher who instructs this class is also my wine appreciation teacher, so it was no problem for him that I sit in on the class. Lucky for me, it was a class paring fortified wines, such as port and sherry, to chocolate! No complaints!!
I left this class early so that I would be able to run home, get my last minute things together and head for the train station. I boarded a bus, called Terra vision, that was to take me to Pisa airport. This is about an hour and fifteen minute ride, so not to bad. I am really into this new book I started, so it went by fast.
When exiting the bus, it was pouring down rain, and I dropped my itinerary in the puddle. No fun, but I have cat like reflexes, OK that's a lie, so it ended up being soaking wet. The man behind the counter laughed at me when I checked in.
I sat down to keep reading, and it was getting close to boarding time, so i gathered my belongings to stand in line. Then the flight was delayed a 1/2 hour, so I sat back down and impatiently waited, really wanting to just get there. I was starving, and there was nothing in the airport to eat, so my patience was running a bit low. I found a vending machine, and ate some corn chips. This was dinner.
It was finally time to board the plane, so I got back up to wait in line, this time for like 20 minutes before we actually started moving outside, across the tar mat, and onto the plane. I was ready to pass out at this time, my energy from 5am was pretty much gone.
On the flight, I sat next to a woman whose name was Natasha, and we spend the tail end of the flight talking. She is a bathing suit designer, so we had something in common right away, since i swim, and she travels to Florence often to work. We got on the subject of work, I talked about catering, and my love for food, she shared that she lives in Paris and has a daughter who is one. Before she had mentioned children, I told her that I had looked into being a nanny abroad sometime in my life, and she offered me a job, like right there on the plane. haha. She wants someone to live with them in Paris, she has a seperate living space in her apartment for a nanny to live, and they also take vacations and travel so also someone to go when the family leaves. It is so unbelievably tempting to tell her I will do it, but I have to many other obligations at the moment, so I need to get some things in order. But it was pretty neat to talk to her!
After the flight landed, I scrambled to find my pack that was under the plane because it was too big to carry on, and went on the search for the bus. Greg gave me great directions to his apartment, but I was so tired, STARVING, and don't speak a lick of french, so it was a bit of a nightmare. If my flight had not been late, it would have been better, cause there was one last bus leaving the airport, which i ran too, then got on the metro, in the wrong direction, got off, had to buy another ticket, etc etc. Then, I roamed Greg's street for way way to long trying to find his apartment, and when I finally got here, I was so tired I could hardly stand!
What an adventure! Glad to be here in Paris, and am looking forward to the weekend!
Au Revoir!
(Ciao Bella)
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