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I got soul but I'm not a soldier. More bands like The Killers need to come to Calgary, more often.In other words, I went to the show, loved it, hope they come back again soon. Posted by Bella at 11:44 PM# And I thought they actually cared. Also on the Calgary Herald Q website.Recently, I found myself with a group of people who I hadn't seen in a while. Some were friends who I hadn't seen in a while and who I have genuinely missed their contact and others, well; they were just old friends who just turned into being acquaintances. The most common question that came up during our mingling was, "So, how are you doing?" Like really. Do these people who I hadn't seen in years really care about how I was doing? If they did, they could have shown some more enthusiasm or interest. I could have thrown them off and answered like this: Joe Blow: "How are you doing?" Megan: "Thanks for asking! I have a bit of a cramp today. Oh and my back left tooth hurts - probably the molar - I'm guessing I might have a cavity. And then the bank account isn't looking so hot as it's reading -$23.94 until next payday. Other than that, I woke up this morning without a headache, so I think I am doing a-ok." Those are the answers that people fall over backwards hearing because they never expected it. For whatever reason in our society it seems to be the social norm to just ask someone how they are while greeting them. This doesn't mean you want their life story, this just means a basic one or two word answer. Anything more than that is something not quite bargained for. In answering the question, I could have whipped up something real witty just to catch them off guard but no, I came up with the answer most come up with which is: "Fine thanks, and how are you?" But after enough people's eyes glaze over when you actually dive into a long winded answer by telling them the truth, I begin to wonder why people ask how you're doing if they really aren?t showing the interest. Just a word of caution to you: if you ask me, I'm going to answer honestly. Like, really honestly. So don't be surprised or offended if I throw you off with something other then the ol' "fine thanks" comment. After all, you asked me. Posted by Bella at 12:18 AM# It's not that I don't care... I might just care too much. Ok so take it personally or don't- those of you who do this will maybe and hopefully one day wake up and go "Holy CRAP! I have treated Megs like garbage - I need to apologize."I care that you're getting married: just don't flaunt your ring to me many times over. I love that you just bought a new car: it's not that I'm jealous or anything... but layoff on the additions that you're making to your pimpmobile. Bringing you back something from Italy: no problem! Maybe if you had given me money I might have just done that. Lend you money you ask: forget that. I'm tired of paying for you when you say you "forgot your Visa card". I enjoy being treated out too you know... Can't afford it this time: well then quit it with the weddings, house moves, birthdays and anniversaries all in the same time. You can't afford a couple dollars for a house warming gift for me than screw you charlie*. I'll pay you back really: rrrrrrrright. I haven't heard that one before. Is it a new excuse? How about sending me mail: it's not like I haven't ever sent you a postcard or a letter from wherever the heck I may be. "We should get together sometime... I'll call you": and I will prewarn myself not to hold my breath. "I just didn't think you'd mind": of course I don't mind. Now how about you do it instead? And some of you might wonder why I am kinda nice and let my friends trample over me like a jungle gym - well because one day I like to think they might just help me out like I have done for them. Good gracious... one would think I'm like pms'ing or something. *Charlie is not a real person so don't bother asking. Posted by Bella at 1:45 PM# Smart. Also found on the Calgary Herald website.I want a bug green coloured one and I want the interior to be orange. I've seen the colour combo. And if I get bored with that, I can always take off the paneling and try it all over again. So why is the Smart car called "Smart". It doesn't drive itself. It doesn't fill up gas by itself. And it definitely doesn't wash itself. The company that designed and is producing these little guys, DaimlerChrysler, shipped the little dappers off to Canada in their North American debut in 2004. Since then, seeing them on the street has been a small spectacle. Well, obviously when they're stacked up against the Ford Escalade they will look odd in comparison. Since 1999 when the Smart Car was introduced in Europe, over 100,000 of them were sold worldwide (a statistic produced by Transport Canada in 2004). These cars are as cute as a spotted pup - but why aren't there more of them on North American roads? To look at them, the answer seems almost clear: size. To be in a head on collision with this bite sized car would probably be one of them scariest experiences in your life, and probably the last one too; I would assume so anyway. And according to the Car Enthusiast, while the car is relatively safe on paper, but it is not very likely to win a fight with momentum. In Europe, these cars are as popular as Tim Hortons is to Canadians. They are the epitome of chic in Rome and Milan. The fact that most of the vehicles are roughly the same size, (ok slightly longer and wider than the 2.5 meter long Smart) would probably make me feel a little safer to drive in. If I wasn't so afraid of watching SUV's hubcaps pass by me on city streets, this little fuel efficient wonder would be parked in my garage. And at only $22,250 for a fully loaded Smart Car, why wouldn't you make the transition to a smaller car rather than a gas guzzling SUV? In Canada unfortunately this car isn't as practical as it would be if we were living in Europe. I'd love one but I am not so sure I could go grocery shopping in it. And it wouldn't be all that practical if I needed to move to a new home. And I guess my dog wouldn't really be down with it. On the plus side, you can park in any space possible including perpendicular to the sidewalk. That certainly seems smart to me. Posted by Bella at 12:37 AM# Anyone want some more press-time? I am looking for a few good people to share their car stories with me. Seriously kids, by doing these car reviews it help purchase groceries for me for when I move out. God that sounds desperate...Anyways, you know the drill. Fill out the questions with your witty answers and email them to me: meganepratt@mac.com. ===== Name: Age: Job: What kind of car do you drive? What was your first car? What was your worst car? What would be your daily driving choice if you were looking at all-around convenience? If money were no object? What do you think your car says about you? What would one find in the backseat of your car? Would you recommend your car to anyone? Would you buy another one? Posted by Bella at 9:36 AM# Plato: Wise men talk because they have something to say. Fools talk because they have to say something. Also found on the Calgary Herald website.It's true; everyone is a critic. Heck, I am my own worst critic. Everyone also believes they have a valid point to every argument. Again, that's me. When something happens in the news - it's not long until someone has a comment about it. Whether it be a bike rider who is injured with a head injury while riding to work (my comment: well maybe they should have worn a helmet), or, the new Pope being elected into power (my comment: obviously they don't want a long term Pope kicking around so maybe they are grooming a new one in the backlight while this guy hangs around for a couple years til he kicks the bucket). Or how about the adscam going on during the Liberal watch (my comment: God I feel bad for Martin - he just looks like a lost puppy in this whole thing. Maybe the Conservatives planned this to get the Liberals out of power...). Everyone has to throw their two cents in. It bothers me though when people are critical of Blogs. Are they enough to make online and newspaper journalists freak out over losing their jobs to us? Hardly. Currently, I don't believe Blogs have reached the point where the information in them are as authentic as what printed newspapers (most of them minus smut like the National Enquirer, Daily Star, etc.) print. Blogs still have a long way to go. Right now, anyone can be a Blogger. Heck, look at me. When it comes to being a critic of blogs though, who the heck is to judge? I like to think that those who post anonymous comments on my website are maybe too chicken to post their name beside their usual catty remarks. Are people who are credited writers just afraid that blogs have become as popular as they are or that everyone and their dogs can consider themselves a writer after having a little Blogspot of their own? I find that blogs are a safehaven for those of us who enjoy posting our own comments on any sort of worldly issue without really having to be too reliable in our sources. Sure, depending on the topic it is helpful to have some sort of back up but really, I don't know of many blogs I would actually take reliable information out of. When I write my blogs, my readers are usually pretty trained to know that they are not to take my work and comment on it in their Thesis as their main source. Some of what I write is just based on hearsay or on something I randomly read and had a little thought on. When I sit back and scan through some of the blogs that are out there in the world, it really comes down to people with too much time on their hands, writing about whatever they want to write about. My website is a mosaic of random information: some take with a grain of salt and consider the source. I am not schooled in most (if any) of the topics, they are just things I find interesting or bothersome at times. Again, I just have an opinion on everything going on. The funny part is that I don't make people read my Blog. They do so on their own. I don't really see it fair to critique something that you are not being forced to read everyday. Anyone can be a Blogger. But not everyone can be considered a reliable source. But then I guess if you consider the National Enquirer your daily source for all things true, then Joe's Blogspot is also your safest bet for where to get your news. Posted by Bella at 8:17 AM# Moving out. June 01 I am in my new digs.Scary. Fun. Yippee. Yikes. Um. Cool. Posted by Bella at 8:41 PM# Rat Zinger = Rott Weiler Congrats Pope Benedict XVI.Too bad you don't believe in things like birth control. And we wonder why there are so many people infected with AIDS. Bring on the "faith-ignorant" comments kids; everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Posted by Bella at 11:19 AM# If everyone tells everyone they're special - it's another way of saying no one is. My first week back from Italy and I am still trying to get used to it. I want to walk out in front of traffic, I want to take the metro, eat big thin pizzas with tuna on them, drink Fanta and say "si" when someone asks me a question. I said si the other day and dude I said it to raised his eyebrow. Some people's children.Well, I have decided that I need to move out. Some for personal reasons- other mainly for the reason that I just really need to start being my independent self. Can't rely on my 'rents to cook for me everynight or for the bathroom to be stocked full of toilet paper all the time. I need to bust a move on out and take a flying leap in to what seems like an infinite abyss of risks. (Fuck, I love that saying). A good friend of mine put me in touch with a coworker of his who owns a cute little white house in Inglewood. And when I say "cute" - it certainly is. And when I say "small" - it definitely is. But it looks perfect for little ol' me and my fish Beta. I would have the basement suite which includes a bathroom, a big bright kitchen and a main room. So it's not that big but the price seems right and it's super close to work and all those uber funky stores in Inglewood and uh... it would be mine (if you minus the fact I would be renting it from someone... it almost seems like it would be mine). Have a couple days to think about it and figure out which shoes to jump in with. The ripe ol' age of 22 sure creeps up on you quickly. Farkin' responsibility everywhere you turn. Could be good for me. Could also be one of the scariest things in my life I have ever conquered. Posted by Bella at 4:28 PM# A little Italian insight. Also found on the Calgary Herald Q website.While away on my 3 week jaunt to Italy, where according to Catherine Ford, "the light makes every complexion look like peaches and cream; the men are wonderful, and the scenery and history spectacular", I never thought I would have come back to appreciate things more and less. Courteous drivers: Stepping off the bus at the main train station in Milan, I wasn't told how to cross streets. I just thought that if there was a crosswalk, drivers would act the same as they do here. Well. After 10 minutes of waiting at a street corner for someone, anyone, to stop and let me cross the street, one of the random loitering dudes who I was sure was about to rob me, pushed me into the street. My heart stopped, but so did the car. He said, "just walk- they stop". Rrrrright. This was something that I got very good at. The whole motto was "Be Bold- show no fear". Our tourguide in Rome had taken us to one of Rome's busiest intersections. He had a couple choice words for us "Italians can smell fear- show no hesitance when you walk on the streets or they will keep driving. If you are bold and show no fear- they will stop and let you cross". This was something that stayed very prominent in my mind for fear of being thrown across the roads by some crazed Italian driver. It was true though, the cars do stop as do buses, trucks, motorcycles and bikes. But the minute you show slight hesitation, they will continue on their path and will attempt to run you over. I grew accustomed to this way of being a pedestrian in Italy. But, if I attempted that here, I would be slapped with a very ugly fine after being hit by a speeding car- crosswalk or not. Toilet seats: I had a slight idea that there would be the occasional time that I would have to pay to use the washroom, maybe use a not so nice facility- but those were things I could deal with. What I was not prepared for was the lack of toilet seats; something I take very much for granted here. My advice to you ladies, go to the gym and learn the simple exercise called the "squat". You will be forever grateful for it if you travel abroad- unless you enjoy cold porcelain against your ass. Metro system: You want to get somewhere? No problem- there are probably about 20 buses heading in that direction at any given time. You don't want a bus you say? How about the Metro? Sure you have to walk down quite a few levels of stairs and argue with the ticket validation system, but once you're there, it's not a problem. It will take you anywhere you want to go. Something about Italy, and Rome in particular that I enjoyed the most was the transit system. Although, it is handy to know the basics of Italian in order to talk to the bus driver or train station attendant in order to make his destination your right one. Something that I envy about Rome is that everything you need, everywhere you want to go- is all so close together, not like Calgary. In Calgary I wouldn't dream of walking downtown from my house. And if I did, it would take me hours. In Rome, to walk to wherever you wanted to get to took mere minutes. If the Calgary transit was as efficient as the Metro system in Rome, we would all be much happier commuters and I am sure there would be far less drivers clogging the streets. Good ol' home cooked food: Catherine was right. Everything was spectacular- including the food. When you think of Italian food and you think pasta, pizza and paninis. I figured I would come back from the trip about 50lbs heavier because of all the pasta and pizza I was going to indulge in. I came back quite the opposite actually. The food was fabulous but something I missed was my morning bowl of Life cereal. Something that the Italians aren't so big on is eating breakfast. Some of the Americanized hotels and hostels serve breakfast to accommodate the travelers but even then you're lucky to find toast in some places. Although the food was splendid, my bowl of Life here was a fantastic welcome home meal. === Although it's good to be home so I can sleep in the comfort and privacy of my bed, enjoy toilet seats and not worry about getting my ass pinched by overly aggressive Italian men; the pace of life the Italians enjoy was something that left me longing for much more. Posted by Bella at 8:12 PM# Vatican secrecy will trump the media again. Also found on the Calgary Herald Q page.Everything about the Vatican has remained to be fairly mysterious and secretive. The secrecy within the Vatican is something that has made the papacy so compelling. On Saturday April 2 at 7:37 p.m. when John Paul II passed away, the notice to reporters was done through email. This had never been done before primarily because there was never the technology that there is now. Some believe this was a good thing; keeping the people at bay with what happened within the Vatican walls. It kept the Vatican full of mystique and secrecy. The way it should be. En route back from Rome, I indulged in a little news article done by the New York Times. There was an interesting article which discussed the now very present media within the Vatican- something that was in between of being damaging but positive to the Vatican. The article featured an interview with the President of CNN's domestic networks, Jonathan Klein. Now when I think of CNN, I think of them always being front line with everything newsworthy. But when I read what Mr. Klein had to say about finding out info within the Vatican, it made me wonder why secrets can't just be kept secret. Mr. Klein said this about finding information out about the vote of the new Pope: "The challenge will be to get inside the College of the Cardinals. We have great reporters, good sources but the conclave literally means 'with key' in Latin. They go to great efforts to maintain secrecy, including sweeping the room for bugs. It is going to be a difficult story to cover". Good call Mr. Klein. Maybe CNN should find out what everyone wants to know, when the white smoke bellows from the chimney. Not before. There are secrets and traditions for a reason- why tamper with it for a little front line story? Vatican officials have continually made it abundantly clear that the process in choosing the new Pope is something that is kept in absolute hush-hush mode. The cardinals are sworn to secrecy and the Sistine Chapel and surrounding buildings will be checked for media bugging several times a day. Everyone is anxious to know who will take the reigns after John Paul II. Even I want to know and until my trip to Rome, I really wasn't all that interested. But I think we should leave the Cardinals to their conclave until they are ready to tell the world. We'll see the white smoke when they're ready. Posted by Bella at 6:46 PM# The Readers Digest Trip to Italy: Screw the journey, it's about the destinations. Left Calgary at 12.45 after a super delayed departure. Damn planes. The flight was long and boring and it didn't help much that I sat beside some of the most pompous Americans I have ever met. Thankfully though I had a window seat and I could scope out the mountains and eventually, Seattle. Got into Seattle and tooled around the airport a bit as I had some time. Urm.. I had a lot of time. Plane didn't leave for about 7 hours.Got to the plane, sat beside a cute old lady who turned into this crazy boozehound who took all the free booze bevies from the cart when the flight attendant came around. She looked innocent enough. I watched quite the plethora of movies including Ms. Sweden, Finding Neverland (about twice), Friends, Sponge Bob and some other one which must have been riveting seeing how I can remember it so well. Finally got to Kobenhaven (Copenhagen for all of you) and kicked it for a couple more hours doing.. urm... nothing. At this point I hadn't slept in a bit and was kinda tired of not being to my destination. Got on the plane and sat by this Finnish guy who thought I was American so he didn't talk to me until he saw a Canadian flag of mine. Moo wa ha ha. He wouldn't shut up after it. Hot damn. Palle helped me from the plane to the luggage area to the bus to the train station where he showed me my hotel and vanished. He was like my secret guardian angel making sure I was there safely. Awesome wicked fun. Got to the hotel, found my room and Aaron and sighed a deep sigh of relief. I was in Milan. ==== Milan sucks. It's stinky and dirty and nothing like the fashion mags and runway models make it out to be. The one impressive thing about Milan was covered in scaffolding which kinda killed it for us. Meh. That's ok, cuz we were going to Padova to rock it up. Got on the train and landed in this quaint Italian town. Now this town is what Italy is suppose to be. Found our hostel with the help of some university students who were rather intoxicated. Erm, they didn't actually help- they kinda pointed but it was our collective directional skills that did most of the navigating. Thank God for knowing which way is north. Found the hostel, made our beds and decided to walk a bit. We walked and walked and uh, walked until we got tired. Got back to the hostel and figured we needed some food. Duh. Couldn't find any but had some good ideas from the dude at the front desk as to where to go. Ended up not using his advice but asking a random Italian couple on the street (well, Aaron did as he has this amazingly bold way with people to just walk up and uh, talk to them) and they pointed us to a restaurant down the street, first left, second right, next left and the place in the middle of the buildings. Found it and enjoyed the most expensive meal of our Italian experience. Who knew you had to pay a table charge and a bread charge and to have water and to have a server and probably to walk through the door too. Back to the hostel and off to bed. Got up quasi early, enjoyed breakfast at the hostel and rocked it to Venice. The train took us right to the front steps of the grand canal and damn was it grand. We managed to speak english loudly enough that another english (or german or something) lady came over to us and offered us her two boat passes which was going to save us a chunk of moola. Well ok! Took those and began our tour of a city on the water called Venice. Went to Lido and wow oh wow oh wow. *If you ever go to Venice, go to Lido. Just do it. Like seriously.* Tooled around Lido checking out cool fun buildings and ocean and beach and Aaron bought the most expensive Snickers bar I am sure he will ever purchase. But damn it was good. Got back onto the boat and went to the lovely and intriguing city of Venice. This place was everything I thought it would be... and more. It wasn't as dirty as people had warned me about, but it was as expensive. *You can purchase a "condo" if you will, for only 25,000 euros which really, isn't all that expensive*. Not sure if any of you have ever heard this, maybe I made it up to make myself feel better about the experience, but, I was shit on by what must have been a giant pigeon. Attacked from behind, he left his mark on my jacket hood and backpack. Really, it's suppose to be good luck. I mean, it had to have been. We tooled around Venice, through the streets and in and out of stores, visiting San Marco Piazza and then on a beautiful gondola ride. Ok so you go to Venice and what is the first thing you think of? Ok well for me it's the gondola ride with some hot Italian singing sweet serenades to you while snuggling with your honey. (Yes, I live in a fantasy world at times...) We were approached to take a ride for a cheap 120 Euros. Ha. We walked away. Then another dude came up to us and said he would do it for 110 Euros. Double ha. Then, the last dude came and said, how much would you pay?. We hummed and haaed until we and him collectively came up with 80 Euros. The ride was roughly 30-40 minutes but was tres interesting. Who knew Marco Polo was more than just a game? (Megan's blonde moment number 673 on the trip). Continued touring Venice and then headed back to our beds in Padova. Found some people speaking english at the hostel who invited us along for pizza. MMm pizza, Fanta and awesome Italian tv. Next day was suppose to be our day to Florence (Firenze). Well, erm, who knew that the trains would be packed? Damn Easter getting in the way of things already. We were unable to make it on a train until the next day so today was the day for Padova. We trekked it back to the hostel, begged for our beds back and hoofed it all over Padova for the day, checking out this wicked awesome cool little place. Went for dinner to a buffet type place called Brek and had the weirdest pizza of our lives. Artichoke hearts, black olives, ham and mushrooms. We ate, ok Aaron ate, everything but the Artichoke hearts. I ate everything but the artichoke hearts, black olives, and mushrooms. ==== We were to be at the train station for our uber, and I mean uber, early train. No problem. Ok yah it was a problem. The buses gave us, or me, a bit of a scare when they weren't showing up when they were suppose to. Made our train with about 20 minutes to spare and made it to rainy Firenze, Toscana (Tuscany). We dropped our bags off at the eclectically painted Archi Rossi hostel and borrowed the hostels umbrella and quickly made our way back to the train station (which was koinkily-dinkily only about 2 blocks from the hostel) and went to Siena. Ok so it wasn't that great. It could have been if it wasn't raining and the buses were on time and taxis were in abundance and uh... yah. This was our worst day I do believe- and Aaron might disagree or hey he might agree. We were cold, wet, tired and uber frustrated as we missed our train which was going to take us to Pisa so we could get the famous snapshots by the ol' Leaning Tower. Meh. Who needs that when we know there is a hot shower at the hostel screaming our names? Screw Pisa and Siena, back to the hostel. Showered and went to a place called Foccacia for dinner. Aaron had a calamari and spinach sandwich and I had a sausage and cheese one. MMm. Night over? Hell no. We went to the Ponte Vecchio for the pictures and a quick jaunt around the town. This was a beautiful town at night. Had some fantastic gelati and then made it back to our pillows and warm beds. Next day was full on Firenze. Had a kick ass breakfast with some equally awesome coffee cake which was recommended by some friends of Aarons who had tried it before and suggested we make the dash for it if we saw it- boy were they right- and it wasn't the first time they had these wicked suggestions. Firenze here we come- back to Ponte Vecchio so I could take some photos and then we walked to Piazza degli Uffizi (where cool things like Michelangelo's David, an outdoor sculpture gallery and tons more) and then to the Piazza del Duomo and down the streets and back up some other streets and then to Piazzale Michelangelo which offered a fantastic panoramic view of the city. Then back down to the hostel where we grabbed our bags and grabbed the train to Rome. Rome Rome Rome. ==== The train ride was semi long but highly entertaining as two American chicks who were still drunk and hung over and high and all that good stuff from the night before. They offered some laughs. We played Scrabble, discussed how Canada just switched to the 24 hour clock after being on the 23 hour clock for the past lifespan of the country, how Italian men are kinda silly and uh... annoying, and then how we sat with the Godfather. Yes my readers, the Godfather. This guy looked like he was straight from the movies. See, we had a little cabin in the train here. Enough for 6 people. Mr. Godfather got on at a later stop and sat with us. We didn't think he spoke a word of english until he got up to get off and he offered us wellwishes for our vacation. Well this made us feel kinda dumb but man we laughed. You follow? Maybe you had to be there. Got to Rome, found our hostel and I burst out into tears. Now, something you have to realize here is that I am not one to stay in hostels. I have sooo rarely done the hostel thing that well, I just wasn't kosher with them. I was more of the "this is my vacation/holiday thing" where as Aaron was like, "this is traveling". So yah. Got to Yellow Hostel and automatically recognized the party scene and started the waterworks. Who would have thunk that this place would have been the best place we stayed at for the whole trip? And who would have thunk that at one point I could have actually seen myself staying there for longer due to how much I loved it? Aaron got aces in my book on that one. Anywho- got our linens, made our beds and went for dinner to a quaint pasta place (there were only 4 times we ate pasta... nope 5) on our whole trip. Odd.) and enjoyed our food. Went back to the hostel and crashed. I got to sleep in the next day til about 10 and then it was full on Rome. We enrolled ourselves in a tour called Romeing Tours. Now at first we were slightly hesitant about this tour but enjoyed ourselves to the nines. Saweet. I have so much useless/useful knowledge up in my ol' head now because of the expertise of our Fabio looking tour guide. Who knew that someone could make Roman history fun and exciting? Guess it helps when you actually get to see the places first hand instead of reading about it in a book. Saw places like the Circus Maximus, Mouth of Truth, the place where Julius Caesar was killed, the Roman Forum, the mysterious Jewish Ghetto and the Pantheon, Colosseum, Il Vittoriano (aka- the White Cake) and tons others. In the span of this 4 hour tour we saw and learned more than we would have if we did it by ourselves. And on this lovely tour we met Olivia from England and Teresa from Edmonton who we chummed around with for the rest of the day. After the tour ended, we had some dinner and walked around aimlessly, but still in awe of where I was. I was in Rome. Eventually hoofed it back to the hostel where we watched the tail end of some movie and then to bed. Now on that tour, we came across a lot of random ruins. Just random ruins in the middle of the city. Kris pointed out one area where a swag of cats lived. Now, ok. Stray cats in the city- no biggie. Well, when there are 30,000 stray cats in the city because of Amnesty Internationals continuous feeding... that is a story of interest. Back about 20 years ago, Rome had a rat problem, so cats were brought in. The cats rid the place of the rats but found solace in the continual feeding from Amnesty therefore they could kick it in the sun, on the ruins, doing nothing all day and be safe. Well, now Rome has another rat problem because these cats are so freakin lazy. Ha. Ha. Ha. Suckers. Next day was full on Vatican Tour. Olivia left us and went back to England so Teresa kicked it with Aaron and I. On this Vatican Tour we went to St. Peters Basilica, the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and tons more. We managed to hit St. Peters Square before the Pope kicked it which was lucky in a way. It wasn't as crowded and we were able to go into the Basilica. After the tour, we went back to the hostel and got ready for our night on the town. Tonite was the Pub Crawl which started with a tour of some more famous places in the city along with some scary stories. We saw Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and then 4 pubs, 4 free shots, and wicked drink discounts. At first I was super not impressed with the whole pub crawl thing as I may have been a bit of a stick in the mud. Holy crap- lots of drinks later, Teresa and Aaron and I found ourselves stumbling through the streets of Rome in search of our hostel. A taxi eventually took us back there and we slept like babies til the morning. Morning came and Glenn from England joined our little threesome and we decided to do full on Rome. We found a cheap pizza place which we thoroughly enjoyed twice over, then did the Palentine, Colosseum, an expensive streetside cafe, then to the Pantheon and eventually back to the hostel as it was rainy and Teresa needed to get to the train to head to Florence. We went for dinner to the same pasta place we had been to the first night in Rome and then took Teresa to the train and then watched Top Gun and then bed. Ahhh bed. Next morning we checked out and headed to Naples for our trips down south. We didn't know exactly what to expect from Naples but knew we had a kick ass accommodation coming at us. A place that I had found and booked. Well. Got to Naples and found a taxi after a confusing conversation with the hotel dude on the phone who have us directions. Taxi driver ended up not knowing where he was going, and then charged us extra because we were tourists. Nice. Found the hotel but found that it wasn't what we wanted or expected. Uh where was the beach? Big beds? Uh... what was this? Crappy dump. Aaron had a few words with the dudes running the joint and we hightailed it out of there and on to find the 6 small rooms hostel. It was pouring with rain, we were tired and cold and wet and didn't really know exactly where we were going but knew that we were being farked with from the various locals. Apparently they don't take too nicely to tourist. Who knew. Found the hostel but they didn't have any spare rooms. So we went to Giovanni's and found a spare room. And hey- with a view of the beach. It was comfy enough- it's not like we were spending a lot of time in the room anyways. Ended up going for pizza to the best little place called Sorillo Pizza, thoroughly enjoyed it and hoofed it back to our room where we crashed hard. Now, Naples was sketchy. So sketchy in fact Aaron kept a knife with him. This place sucked. Pompei was our destination the next day. Got there, found a fantastic panini place and had the best tuna panini of my life and then we entered the city of Pompei. Now for only 10 Euros, you too can walk around this city which was once covered in lava. Now, if you want to tour this place, be my guest, but bring entertainment. We were bored out of our skulls. Now maybe I don't have enough appreciation for old things like that but holy man were we bored. So we left. Went back to the gates and decided to head back to Naples and maybe find some shopping as I hadn't bought anything. Got back to Naples and en route back to Giovanni's I had my "ahha" moment and decided we needed to go back to Rome. This place sucked. Rome it was!! Booked the train tickets and hotel just in time, the Pope kicked it that night and all the hotels bumped their prices about 50%. Went back to Sorillo for pizza (this night it was to be tuna on my pizza) and then back to the hostel to write some postcards and sleep. Mmm sleep. Got a fairly early train to Rome and found our hotel which was uber close to Yellow Hostel, dropped our bags off and began our venture to Vatican City. We had found out about the Pope dying it from Christian at Giovanni's so we figured there would be something to see at Vatican. Mourners had already begun to arrive and had begun their celebrations of his life. Something that I earlier was hoping wouldn't happen while I was in Rome, I was now embracing. We managed to get a couple copies of the official Vatican newspaper and then hung out, just people watching for a couple of hours. We went back to the hotel for dinner to the same pasta place as we had enjoyed for 2 nights prior and then back to the Vatican at night. Slept in a little which was awesome. After our prep, we randomly tooled around the city and I got some shopping done where I found some Italian leather shoes and some Murano glass rings which was something we had both been looking for, and then to the Vatican again to check out the hustle which was the media. They were like vultures. Aaron was interviewed by the American network ABC and I was interviewed by NBC. No idea if it made any airtime but I know Aaron had some good things to say- as he usually does. We eventually found our way into a line which took us back into the Vatican City walls- and 5 hours later, in to see the Pope lying in state. Fantasically amazing. The 5 hour line up was long and sometimes chilly, (and it didn't help that I really really had to use the washroom) and pushy- but, in the end was amazing. I can say that I was one of the first thousands of people who saw the Pope. We were quickly ushered out of the view of the Pope and we made it back to the Metro, then to the hotel where our night ended with more CNN. The next day we layed it low just kinda hanging out. Today was my last day in Rome before I busted it on to the night train to Milan. We went to the Borguese Museum which I thoroughly was not impressed with. Not that fact that we went, but like the museum itself. Got real bored with all the statues and paintings. Maybe I need to be more cultured - who knows. I know Aaron really liked it which was good. I mean, glad he enjoyed it! Went to a church afterwards which has a crypt full of bones. Ok so you're thinking, "duh of course it has bones". Well my fine feathered friends, this place had like skulls and skeletons and crazy bones all in weird positions representing weird things. I can't even explain it to you- but it was odd. After that we went back to the Vatican and watched the madness, thanking each other and commenting on how lucky we were that we got to see him earlier on before the mounds of people arrived from all over. We found a cafe and had pizza where we chatted with a rather chatty American and then we went back to the hotel to grab our stuff and took it to Yellow where Aaron was going to be staying for the next 2 nights before he headed to Greece. I prepped myself for what was suppose to be a first class train trip to Milan and we headed to the train station. Said Ciao to Aaron, sobbed a bit cuz I didn't want to go home and then began the adventure of a lifetime- home. Well. This train trip was nothing like how it was suppose to be. Talk about confusion. I didn't get first class, or even second class for that matter. I was standing, yes, standing with tons and tons and tons of stinky sweaty people for about 8 hours while the train made it's overly slow way into Milan. To top that, we were an hour late so I was stressing that I was going to miss my plane. Got the airport after a hefty taxi ride, made it on the plane, slept for about an hour or so, got back to Kobenhaven and then had about 2 hours which I spent converting Euros to American dollars and talking to Scott from Calgary. Who knew it- another Calgarian in Kobenhaven, on my flight. Got on the plane and had 2 seats all to my self! Wahoo! This meant I could stretch out and do my thing and my thing I did. The flight seemed like it would never end. Like- never. Watched the movies the Incredibles, Spanglish, Sleepy Hollow, Oceans 12 and uh... played some random games and listened to some music. Just an idea of how much time I had on this flight. Got to Seattle and parted ways with my new Canadian friends and then found a quiet place in the corner of the airport to cry a little. I didn't want to be in Seattle, I wanted to be either back in Italy with my bestest partner in crime or back home in my bed. Not in between. Found a hotel brochure, called them, booked it, grabbed a taxi and got to the hotel. Opened my room door, sighed, and crashed on the bed. Had a great shower, went for a run (cuz I suddenly had energy) checked my email and fell asleep watching tv. Woke up the next morning in a panic because I didn't know where I was, decided to check out later and just stay in bed longer and then went shopping. Ahhh sweet Seattle shopping. Spent way too much, went to the airport and checked in and hung out reading the highly informative and interesting New York Times and then got on the plane that seated about 75 and got into Calgary and had my family welcome me with open arms. And wow. That is my trip. Holy crap. I'll see if I can post a couple fun key pictures on the site... maybe in a couple days. Ciao. Posted by Bella at 12:52 AM# When in Rome- definitely do what the Romans do. Thanks for the comments kids. Glad that you have urm.. enjoyed... what I have written. I have tons more to tell you but that was just a mere snippit of my day. And if it didn't make sense- well that is because I was travelling and uh- not everything comes out the way I want it to when I have a severe lack of sleep in me. Like now.Anyways. I am in Seattle now and will be home late late tomorrow night. So look for something Friday. Ciao. Posted by Bella at 9:27 PM# Alright kids. Lay off. Yes. I am a writer. I can take it. But lay off. So we came back to Rome after kicking it and hating it in Naples the other day. Glad we came and booked when we did. Our hotel prices went up �50 right after we booked. The city is crazy and I am incredibly sad to be leaving.We stood in line last night for over 5 hours to walk past the Pope lying in state at St. Peters. It was insane- think of the worst line up you have ever been in and quadruple it by hundreds of thousands. It was an awesome sight though. Like I still dont know what to say about it. Anyways, I am off to enjoy my last day in Rome. You all take care. I will be home Friday. Over and out. Posted by Bella at 2:10 AM# When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Drink. Hey you guys.Leaving Rome right now which might be for the best. Pope aint doing so hot apparently. Damn. The weather is hot and I feel sticky. This place is fantastic. BEAUTIFUL. Thanks to those who have emailed me... and those who havent... hrn. ANyways, off to Naples now and then Amalfi. Staying somewhere super swank tonite which is going to be fun. While I have enjoyed the hostels, an actual private room will be nice too. Ok am off. Take care kids. Home soonish. Posted by Bella at 1:54 AM# |
