Paris....ahhh Paris...

Paris has been the craziest and most fun city we have been in, for sure. We had to come a night early because all the trains were full on the day we originally planned to travel, so we had to stay a night in this random hostel in the Latin Quarter, which is a really cool neighborhood where a lot of French students hang out.

This hostel was a trip. It was the first dorm styled hostel we have stayed in so we had to share a room with like 5 other random people. There was this one lady, who looked way too old to be staying in a youth hostel, who slept below me. She was way weird. She rolled her own cigarettes and had so much stuff-it seemed like she was living in that place. so during the night she wakes me up with her seriously loud snoring. I mean, it was bad. She was making this borrible, deep, nasaly noise that I could not stand. So I keep moving around in my bed thinking it might wake her up-no luck. I was desperate. So I rolled up a piece of paper and threw it at her. It didn't phase her at all. So I then got a handful of water and threw that on her-again, nothing. she continued to snore. I was starting to get pissed so I got up and walked out into the hall, thinking me getting up and opening/closing the door would wake her. No. I came back and she was still snoring. I finally had to dig through my stuff to look for some earplugs I had bought in Athens, way back when. I could only find one so I stuck it in and pinned my head to my pillow. She finally simmered down a little bit so i could go back to sleep, but still. Ridiculous. This woman has serious issues.

That day we walked to the Notre Dame and got there just as it was opening so it was virutally empty as we walked around inside. It was really nice to be in there when it was so silent, without any crowds to deal with. It's a beautiful building, lots of arches and a big dome with a lot of old paintings. After Notre Dame, we headed to the Louvre. We got there right as it was opening so we had a head start to the big attraction-the Mona Lisa. The Mona Lisa is a little overrated if you ask me. She hangs there, on her own wall, behind this barracade, so you can't really get up close and look at any of the detailing. Anyways, I stoof there for as long as I could and then moved on. The was a lot fo other cool stuff to see in the Louvre and it really was so interesting. Since none of the descriptions of the paintings are in English and I really wanted to know about some of them, I bought an audioguide. It was really helpful. you just punched in the number by the painting and it gave you a description about it. I highly recommend the audioguides.
We stayed at the Louvre for like 5 hours. We definitely saw a lot of stuff, but still, its so big, I doubt we got through half of it.

After the Louvre, we checked into our new hotel and then got ready to go to the Eiffel Tower. We wanted to go at night and see it all lit up, which was such a good idea. The Eiffel Tower is unreal. As soon as I saw it, I realized I was in Paris-it hit me. I couldn't believe how pretty it was. Then, it started to sparkle-i almost had to pinch myself it was so unbelieveable.

Earlier that evening, we met some really cool and funny guys who were actaulyl from Salt Lake actually (weird). They were in Europe for the World Cup. We hung out for a while and then decided to all go out to a club that night. They had rented a car so we all crammed in it and drove around PAris which is really cool. We found a club, that turned out to be a really popular gay club, but no big deal, it was a blast. We danced to some pretty sweet techno till 3:30 in the morning, then hungout outside at this cafe for another hour. We watched some crazy French guys get maced by some bouncers at another club which was crazy. Paris at night is crazy. We couldn't believe how many crazy people we met. Anyways, it was such a fun night. Quick story-when we were leaving the clud, we got pulled over by the French police. Then all of a sudden about 5 french army guys hopped out of their van and surrounded our car-machine guns and all! A little uncomfortable....They mad our driver get out of the car and explain why we had to many people in it. He totally played the "Ignorant American Card" and told them he thought it was made to fit 7 people. I guess the police guy bought it so he let us go. but still a little scary, but funny all at the same time... these boy were hilarious and way nice and we had a really good time that night.

The next day we took a day trip to Versailles, which is where King Louis palace is. It's really cool as well-really big, but they only let you go through a small part of it. We saw the Throne Room ,the Queen's Apartment and the Hall of Mirrors-amoung other rooms. Unfortuneately the gardens, which are gorgeous were like 7 Euros to get in, so we decided to skip it and head back to Paris.
On of my best friends from high school, Kaysen, happened to be in Paris the same time as me, so we planned on meeting that evening. she actually got a reservation at the same hotel, so it worked out great. It was really good to see her. I never get to see her so hanging out in Paris was pretty funny. We decided to go to dinner the next night.

Later that day we headed over to this modern art museum called the Pompidieu. Sadly, it was closed, but we could still wander around the big lobby and art store, which had tons and tons of cool prints, books and photography to browse through so it was not a total waste. After that we wanted to catch the US vs Italy World Cup match so we found a cafe across the street, ate some dinner and watched the match. It was a really good one and we ended up doing pretty well, tying Italy. Some Americans and this drunk French guy almost got into a brawl- it was pretty crazy. the drunk French guy kept yelling about Iraq and stuff, pretty vulgar stuff that I won't repeat, but it was the first and only anti-American stuff we've encountered which surprised us.

The next day, we found a church to go to. It was a french ward but for some reason, we still don't know, there were tons of American visitors that Sunday. It was really cool to go to church again in Europe. Weird story-we were talking to these girls behind us who happened to be BYU students. When I told them where I was from, one of them asked if I knew this girl, Melissa Madsen, which I did so that was weird. Then she asked if I had a sister named Shannon. She totalyl knows my little sister-lived on the same dorm floor freshman year. She thought I looked a lot like her so she thought she'd ask. Weird-small world.

The rest of the day we hung out around the Pompidieu again, had some lunch and then went up to this church. I can't rememeber what its called, but it was quite a hike up there. Later that night, we all had dinner with Kaysen and her friend. Me and Kays caught up, laughed a lot and then said our goodbyes sincee they were leaving that night. It was really cool to see her, especially in Paris.

Later that night, me and Rachel wanted to go back to the Eiffel Tower and climb it. So we did just that. 700 hundred stairs later, we were on the 2nd concourse and had a great view of the entire city. It was a tough climb, but worth it, totally.

The next morning we had to take a train to the coast of France called Calais-all thedirect trains from Paris to London were full so we had to ferry it over the channel. We are total ferry experts so it wasn't a big deal, but it took a lot longer to get to London than expected.

Overall, Paris was awesome. By far the most crazy and probably most fun we've expericed so far. Our motto for Paris was "It's Paris-it's what they do...." because seriously, they are crazy here. We loved it.

So stoked for London. It's the best feeling walking into a city where you understand what people are saying. Really refreshing.

Sorry this post turned into a novel. But Paris was a trip, man. So much happened there-so much that this would go on and on and on if I tried to explain it.

Hope the Mavs can pull out of their hole.

Happy Father`s Day!

Today is Fathers Day and since I am in Paris and uncapable of using the telephone to call my Dad, I am going to blog about my Dad today.

I have compiled a list of my favorite Dad Moments. So, in no particular order:

1. Playing Basketball: When I was in the 6th grade I tried out for my first basketball team. I was really nervous because it was my first time trying out for anything. I ended up not making the Parsons Junior high 6th Grade Basketball Team and I was devestated. I cried and cried and cried because all my friends had made it and I didn`t. However, my Dad didn`t let my give up. I remember him taking me outside in our little cement court and teaching all the moves he knew, You know; the ones that he used to throw during his days at SHS. The next year I tried out again for the Parsons Junior High 7th Grade Basketball Team and totally made it. Although I didn`t play much, my Dad still took me outside to help me with my shooting or dribbling. This continued all through junior high and high school. He would even take me outside after games when we got home; Me still in my uniform, outside going over what I could improve on. I can`t remember a game where my Dad wasn` there either. Home or away, he was there cheering me on. He will still talk about this one game my senior year where I made the winning shot, you know, just bring it up over dinner or something. It`s so funny.

2. Winter Formal: Winter Formal was this dance that the sophomores were in charge of putting on at my high school. I was in student council so I had to plan it, and help set up for the main event. I wasn`t going to actually go to the dance since I didn`t have a date , but my friends talked me into going since some of them didnt have dates either. So I bought this cute little outfit: a silver skirt and sparkly purple tank top. I got all ready for this dance and when I got there all my friends were dancing with boys and I was all alone. I didnt dare actually try and socialize, so I went in the bathroom and cried. I borrowed someones cellphone and called my Dad to pick me up. So he drove over in our green van and picked me up from the gym, all red and teary. He probably doesnt remember this story at all but I just remember him listening to me cry and then when we got home coming in my room and asking me what happened. My dad never really talks a lot during situations like that, he just listens, and sometimes thats all you need, is just someone there to listen.

3. Giants vs. A`s: In my family we like ball games: mostly basketball and baseball. But we are and forever will be Giants fans. We were lucky enough growing up, to be able to go to quite a few games in San Francisco which were always a treat. We`d sit there and eat hot dogs, garlic fries and ice cream and watch our favorite team win or lose (depending on the year). The summer after my sophomore year in college, I came home to do an internship with ESPN radio. One of the perks was that I got a press pass to go to any of the Giants games. So me and my Dad drove down to San Fran one day and I took to the Giants-A`s game. We got to eat in the press lounge before the game, sit in the press box, right behind home plate and kick it there right along side all the writers for the Chronicle and whatnot. It was pretty cool. My Dad loved it. He thought it was the coolest thing and I was so happy to see him enjoying that game so much. We had a lot of fun.

So there, those are just a few of the many favorite memories I have of my dad.

So, Dad if you are reading this, thanks for being such a great father. I really cant put into words how grateful I am to be blessed with a Father who loves me and sacrifices so much for me. Thanks for coming to all my games, for giving me lunch money everyday, for following me to the Beacon when I needed gas, and calling to tell me you made another deposit. You really are the best Dad a girl could ask for. I love you!!! Happy Fathers Day!

And happy fathers day to all the fathers who may come across this stupid little blog as well.

p.s. Paris is amazing.

Bonjour!

We have made it to France and the final leg of our trip. It's sad really, it being almost over. But this next week is sure to be packed full of cool stuff to see and do...

Biarritz, a small coastal town right next to the Spain/France boarder, was adorable. However, due to the train we were supposed to take today being full, we had to cut our stay quite short. But we did get to walk around a little at night and see the surfers taking on the waves. Biarritz reminded me of an old east coast beach town, sort of like Coney Island or something. It's really old, but the houses are beautiful and the beaches are nice too. I was sad we couldn't stay longer. Oh well, like my skin needs another day in the sun...

We got to Paris this morning and are staying in a true backpackers hostel tonight because our other hotel is unavailable tonight (they didn't expect us until tomorrow). We are in a dorm with 6 other random chicks.....should be interesting.

Just from the few hours we have been in Paris, I can see why it's so celebrated. Everywhere is just beautiful. I feel like I am not here really, like I am just in a make believe Paris- like one of those parts in Disneyland where the outside buildings look like these quaint little houses and shops, but are rather just cheap pieces of painted wood, housing nothing but scafolding on the other side.

But no, we really are here. These little cafes and shops are real. Tomorrow we have a full day. We are doing the Lourve in the morning; then Notre Dame, and a handful of other Parisen monuments, ending with the Eiffel Tower at night. Saturday we are taking a day trip to Versailles, home to King Louis the 14th? 16th? I cant remember, but its will be awesome. Sunday we are going to find another church to go to and then go see this really famous mosuleum (spelling?)

Monday we head to London and then fly back home Wednesday afternoon. Time sure does fly.
I have a cold. I never get sick and I had to get sick in Europe. Fantastic. That soccer game, the one in the bar, was so fun. We stqyed for a ahile, until Brasil scored. People went crazy, I mean CRAZY. It's so cool to see hoz ,uch these people love their teams. Soccer is huge over here. I mean, you thought people get excited over the Superbowl....That's nothing compared to soccer over here. It's exciting; I wish the U.S. was this crazed over our soccer team.

Anyways.....GO MAVS!!

San Sebast¡an...

You know those times when you feel totally and utterly content with your life? Like when you could stay in a single place and moment forever and being sublimely happy? That's how I felt today laying on the beach in San Sebast¡an.

But the train ride here?? Yeah, not so much.....

We took a night train from Barcelona. We didn´t leave until 10, but we were stoked because we had 1st class tickets. Well 1st class turned out to be us four sharing a ghetto, 70´s inspired train car with a spanish street performer and a wannabe soccer player who was way into the world cup. Our seats folded down into makeshift pseudo beds but with four of us, it was anything but comfortable. To make matters worse, I had taken 2 dramamine to make sure I didn´t get sick, and those things knock me straight out so I was painfully tired and unable to get comfortable for longer than 10 minutes. The spanish street performer kept trying to talk to us in spanish because we told him we spoke a little, but he kept going on and on and asking us questions. "No se señor...NO SE!" Jeez what part of "un poquito" do you not understand? The soccer player kept sighing really loud, like he was all pissed off to be on that train with us instead at midfield in Brasil or somewhere, chanting "Ole!! Ole ole ole!!!!!! . Annoying.

We finally got to San Sebastian at around 8 am, but we couldn´t check into until 11:30 so we had to drop off our stuff and then kill 3 and a half hours. We ate some chips and some bananas on a bench for a while, then walked down to a beach and feel asleep on the sand until we could go back and check in.

We finally checked in and went down to the beach which was like a five minute walk. The beach is huge, not really long, but just wide. Does that make sense? The sand is seriously the softest sand I have ever felt. The water was the perfect temperature ( I like my water a little on the cool side, especially when it really sunny out, which it was). We laid out for a few hours, got in the water a little and then went back to shower. After, we went to this local burger place. I know, i know, going to a burger joint in Spain does seem ridiculous, but we were tired, starving and didn´t want to walk miles and miles. They were actualyl pretty good, the hamburgers. We got some ice cream too after, which totall hit the spot. I love the ice cream Europe. Italy´s was the best, but still, we´ve had ice cream in pretty much every place we´ve been in and its GOOD. Oh, how I will miss it.
Today was pretty much the same routine. We laid out all day. I am baked. I mean, I felt well done, like an overcooked steak or something. It´s the best feeling, laying out and baking like that. This is when that total content feeling hit me. I was laying there, in the super silky sand listening to my ipod, with my hair all damp and beachy, and just loving my life at that exact moment. I felt really lucky to be there in Spain, sitting on this pretty awesome beach with some great friends. I don´t know how I got to be so lucky. But I will take and run with it, that´s for sure.

I took a break at about 2 and walked to this little cafe that makes toasted ham and cheese sandwichs for like 2 Euro. They are good. I had two.

Me and Rachel weren´t quite ready to head back to the hotel so we laid out for about hour and a half or so, until the tide came in and we were forced to leave.

Apparently there is a huge soccer match tonight-Brasil and I can´t remember who else. But there is this party at a bar near our hotel. Note about San Sebastian: it has more bars in a single square mile than anywhere in the world. We are staying pretty much in the middle of that square. Anyways, this Puerto Rican we met at the laundrymat told us about it and told us we should experience the world cup action with real fans. Should be fun I guess. Maybe our little train friend will be there...

Oh, so I am sitting in the train station the other night and I am watching this random spanish news show when all of a sudden they show a clip of Nadal with the French Open trophy. HELLO, I can´t believe he beat Federer and I can´t believe I missed it!! I heard it was a great match. Such a upset...wow.

Mavs are on a roll too I see. That´s good. I hate Shaq. I hate him a lot and I hope he cries when he loses in the finals AGAIN....mahahaha!!!!!!

On to France tomorrow. Biarritz. We only have 1 more week left. It´s crazy. I feel like we have been gone years. I really can´t wait to go to Costa Vida and get a pork salad, though. And bacon wrapped shrimp from Hamilton´s. I am the one on this trip who is ALWAYS hungry. I am not a big snacker, at all, and the girls I am travelling with are so they are content eating chips and cookies and fruit all throughout the day. not me. I need a meal, everyday, especially dinner. I need dinner everyday. I just do.

Hmm....it´s actually about that time.

Barcelona

WE have been in Barcelona for the past two days. Spain is great and Barcelona is crazy. We head from these Canadians we met that it is the Spanish version of London. I have never been to London (not yet...) but that seems right to me. It´s so trendy here. All the girls were those black leggings with big baggy shirt/dresses. Reminds me of a punked out version of Lindsey Lohan.
Barcelona didn´t get off to a good start however. We got into the city at around 10 pm and had made arrangements with our hostel to check in later, because they closed at like 9 or something. By the time we found the hostel, which took a while because we had some sketchy directions, it was 11:30. And, the address that we had was this random apartment building with no sign or anything on it. WE buzzed all the buttons on the intercom but no one answered. So yeah, not a good feeling to be in a foreign city with no where to sleep at midnight. Luckily there was another hostel down the street that I ran into and asked if they had rooms available. They did so we stayed there instead. It was pretty ghetto, probably the most ghetto place we´ve stayed, but the guy that owned it was cool. He was Argentine and looked like Heath Ledger. He also had a pet parrot so you know, that was cool.
Our first day in Barcelona we rode the metro (love the metros over here) up to the Temple de Sagrada de Familia, which is this famous temple built by a guy named Gaudi. He was this total radical architect who basically paved the way for modernism. This temple is insane. It looks like a giant candle just melted down and formed this huge temple. It´s the most intricate thing I have ever seen. Every inch of it is etched with detail. It´s crazy. You need to see it.
After the Temple, we walked along a path that our travel book recommended. It passed by a lot of examples of Gaudi´s work. Michelle, one of my travel friends, is way into architecture and so we had to see all of these places Gaudi built. We stopped at Le Perdera, which is a famous apartment complex Gaudi built in the 18th century. It kinda reminds me of Alice in Wonderland. WE got to walk around one of the aparments which was all decorated like it would have been when it was lived in. People actually still live in that complex today, which must be annoying with all the tourists, but still.

After the Gaudi tour we ate at this really good and really cheap restaurant..... and then we found H&M.

Now, I have never been to an H&M and I cannot believe I have this long without it. I am obsessed with it. Such cute clothes for so cheap. I couldn´t believe it-there must be a catch I thought. But no....everything was legit. We probably spent like 2 hours in the store. I ended up buying a really cute cream dress, a sweet polkadot shirt, a pair of black shorts (for 9 euros!!) and a funky black tank top with some weird graphic on it. I think I spent like 60 euro for all of that. Crazy. I love H&M. Where are they in the states? Does anyone know????? I must find out.

Later that night we went to the magic fountain (Thats really what its called) over by Olympic Park. Its really a sight to see. They do this light and laser show with the fountain, all to music, about every 30 minutes. Its really cool. Except the music they play is really random. They played that one song from the Nutcracker, the theme from Star Wars and even Battle Hymn of the Republic. Hmm...weird. But it was really cool.

We crashed that night and this morning we went to church. We found some missionaries while walking around and they gave us directions. They actually told us they'd meet us, but we were late so we followed this guy in a white shirt because we figured he must be going to church too. He was, and lent us his hymn book in Sacrament which was nice. It was really awesome to go to church in a foreign country. It´s funny, being there you realize that even though everything is in another language and I could barely understand anything, its still the church. Babies still cry, people still follow along in their scriptures and the Bishop still falls asleep. It´s really cool.

Anyways, we are going to the beach now. We are taking a night train tonight to San Sebastian.
I´ll check in later. Adios!

Le Cinque Terre

We made it to the Italian Riviera txo days ago. Ok this keyboard is so turned around its going to make typing this post very tedious; so I will be quick...

We stayed in a small coastal town called Monterosso which is at the end of a national park called the Cinque Terre. Its really beautiful. The Cinque Terre runs through about 5 little villages that rest up in the cliffs and you can hike through the, all in about 5 hours. We did the entire thing yesterday. IT was tough at parts; but so worth it. About half way through , we decided to try and find this secret beach a friend of ours told us about. We went through this creepy, dark, old abandonded train tunnel for about 15 minutes and came out the other side to this really small beach....full of naked people. It wasnt like we didnt know they had nude beaches in Europe, but it was just funny to walk all that way and see all these boobs and butts. We just laughed and hung out for a while and then headed back up the trail.....but I have seen enough naked bodies to last me a while...

That night we went to this great seafood restaurant and got big bowls of risotto and pesto spaghetti. Everything was delicious. Then these old men sitting behind us sent over a bottle of champagne for us. They came over and had a toast with us too...it was pretty cool. They owned a restaurant in Torino and were visiting for the week. Nice guys.We just sat at that restaurant for a while, talking and laughing because we have the hardest time getting our check. We will wait forever and they never bring it: Its funny. Its like there is something we just dont know about restaurant etiquette or something.

After dinner we went to this bar with some other American travellers and hung out; talking to different people. Because I know mother is freaking out, I want to add that we did not drink, just had some laughs with some really fun people. I actually met this 27 year old screen writer from LA and spent most of the time talking to him. He is going to law school in the fall and was travelling through Italy with his Mom. He actually asked me out for coffee the next morning so that was cool. We met outside our hotel at this little cafe and drank really good lattes. So yeah. I scored a date in Italy. Not bad. Too bad I cant get one in at home. Ironic...

That was this morning at now we are in Nice: France is cool I guess. We arent here very long but I am excited to look around. We go to Paris at the end of our trip so we will get to come back then.

I saw that the Mavs are in the Finals. Lame. I feel bad for Nash. He deserves it more....

Well, better get going. This keyboard is way too frustrating. Hope all is well with everyone!

Le Cinque Terre

We made it to the Italian Riviera txo days ago. Ok this keyboard is so turned around its going to make typing this post very tedious; so I will be quick...

We stayed in a small coastal town called Monterosso which is at the end of a national park called the Cinque Terre. Its really beautiful. The Cinque Terre runs through about 5 little villages that rest up in the cliffs and you can hike through the, all in about 5 hours. We did the entire thing yesterday. IT was tough at parts; but so worth it. About half way through , we decided to try and find this secret beach a friend of ours told us about. We went through this creepy, dark, old abandonded train tunnel for about 15 minutes and came out the other side to this really small beach....full of naked people. It wasnt like we didnt know they had nude beaches in Europe, but it was just funny to walk all that way and see all these boobs and butts. We just laughed and hung out for a while and then headed back up the trail.....but I have seen enough naked bodies to last me a while...

That night we went to this great seafood restaurant and got big bowls of risotto and pesto spaghetti. Everything was delicious. Then these old men sitting behind us sent over a bottle of champagne for us. They came over and had a toast with us too...it was pretty cool. They owned a restaurant in Torino and were visiting for the week. Nice guys.We just sat at that restaurant for a while, talking and laughing because we have the hardest time getting our check. We will wait forever and they never bring it: Its funny. Its like there is something we just dont know about restaurant etiquette or something.

After dinner we went to this bar with some other American travellers and hung out; talking to different people. Because I know mother is freaking out, I want to add that we did not drink, just had some laughs with some really fun people. I actually met this 27 year old screen writer from LA and spent most of the time talking to him. He is going to law school in the fall and was travelling through Italy with his Mom. He actually asked me out for coffee the next morning so that was cool. We met outside our hotel at this little cafe and drank really good lattes. So yeah. I scored a date in Italy. Not bad. Too bad I cant get one in at home. Ironic...

That was this morning at now we are in Nice: France is cool I guess. We arent here very long but I am excited to look around. We go to Paris at the end of our trip so we will get to come back then.

I saw that the Mavs are in the Finals. Lame. I feel bad for Nash. He deserves it more....

Well, better get going. This keyboard is way too frustrating. Hope all is well with everyone!

The Tale of the Attacking Gypsy Boy....

The past two days have been really funny. Let me tell some funny stories that will surely go down in the books as Good Times in Europe....

First, we left Rome yesterday. As we were walking to the train station, we stopped to buy some fruit from this guy on the side of the road. I bought some nectarines. They were pretty good. My Dad would be proud. Anyways, as we continued our walk down the Piazza de Repubblica, we noticed this unfortunate looking family of a mother and her three kids- a girl about 8 years old and a boy about 6. The mother was pushing a stroller with a baby inside. They looked pretty shabby. So anyways, we are walking along and pass this family and then out of nowhere the son starts, kicking Michelle. He is literally trying to trip her. Then he ran away, but only to coming running back to her and swiping at her bag of fruit. He totally ripped open her bag!!! He was trying to steal it!!! We are all like, "what is going on?" So this kid doesn't let up. He keeps running up behind each of us, trying to grab our bags of fruit!!! He hadn't got to me until all of a sudden I hear Michelle yell, " Brianne! Look out!!!" So I look behind me and see this child sprinting up beside me. I totally screamed as he darts at my bag, like a pro, and rips it open!! Luckily, I held on to my fruit, but it was so scary!! The funny thing was was that his mother was doing nothing about it. She just kept strolling along. Actually, she started yelling at the boy and we think its because he failed at strealing the fruit. We were all just like "Did that actually happen??" And yes, yes it did. We were histerical once we got on the train, because it really was quite a scene....
Ok, then we got to Venice. Venice was so perfect. We weren't there too long, just long enough to walk around a little and go to San Marco Square. The pigeons there are so gross. There's thousands of them, just pecking around. You can buy some food for them, which was just popcorn kernals, and feed them. So of course, we did it. They swarmed all around us and even perched on our hands, just pecking at the food. It actually is quite sick, but still, you have to do it...it's Venice.
Venice is really pretty. It's completely touristy, but still, it's really picturesque. We stayed right by the Grand Canal. We bought some gelato (my new found obession...) and roamed around the streets. It was so fun. We went to San Marco Square the next day and did the whole pigeon thing. We then took a train down to Florence which is where we are now. We had NO directions to get to our hotel...actually we had one. It literally went like this: Get on bus 1, 3, or 7......umm, ok.
So we had some trouble getting on the right bus and once we did it was pretty funny. The thing was packed....I mean, really, really full. We had asked the bus driver where we should get off and he spoke very little English so he just told us he would tell us. So we kept watching him in the big mirror, hoping he wouldn't forget about us. Finally, with the bus jammed full, he yells at us to get off. So we squeeze through about a million Italian people and get off the bus, as they all stare at us. Pretty funny. Once we get off, we asked for directions to the street where our hotel was on. We walk and walk and walk and finally find the address, but there's no sign or anything. It's just a building. So this guy walks into the building and looks at us like, " You stupid Americans, follow me...." So we did, down these stairs and into this random house where this lady is sitting at a cluttered desk. She immediately knows who we are and, luckily for us, speaks perfect English. To make a longer story short, we are staying at this completely random womans home, out of which she rents a couple rooms. It's actually kinda cute. But the whole time wea re going "Where are we????" Again, funny.

Now we are at this internet cafe where this super hot Italian guy is working behind the counter, making espressos. I think I need to order one.....

I tried to upload some pictures but the computers here are soooooo slooooowwww. So I guess I will try again next time.

Until then....Ciao!

Roma Italia

Greetings from Rome. We arrived yesterday around 8:00pm and spent most of the day sightseeing. We took the metro over to the Vatican (side note about the metro: we were warned by our friends who have been to Rome that getting around is so hard....ok, we must be elite travelers because cruising around Rome for us was cake. The Metro here is so simple and made our day a lot less stressful) The Vatican was so rad. It's huge and I didn't know there was so much to see here. The line was ridiculously long, about an hour and a half to get in. And it began to rain a little so we bought some umbrellas from this British guy and huddled together as we waited in line. But the wait was worth it. We went all throughout the museums, looking at all the beautiful paintings and sculptures that are strewn throughout the Vatican. We found our way to the Sistine Chapel which is amazing. It's so big...I had no diea just how huge it was. I seriously just gapped at how real the paintings were. There were so many people in there , but it stayed pretty quiet. Some of these images, I just couldn't stop staring at. Especially the center portion, which portrays the Creation. It is unreal how the figures pop out and come to life. Ahhh...I got the chills. So beautiful. After we came out of the Sistine Chapel, we went to see Pope JP II tomb. That was crazy because you pass by all these old Popes tombs as well. It's almost creepy. JP's (thats what we call him) tomb is all lit up with tons and flowers, letters, and pictures thrown about it. It was pretty cool. I kinda wanted to stay for Mass, but it was a long line and I am not Catholic so I decided against it.
After JP's tomb, we went out to St. Peter's square- where millions of Catholics gather to come see the Pope come out of the Vatican and wave about. That was cool too. Really big as well.
Next we walked to the Colosseum. It was amazing. You can't really see it until you turn this corner and than bam...there it is. It is so huge. I mean, it used to fit like hundreds of thousands of people. We walked around and just pictured what it must have been like to be there during that time and what the Colosseum must have looked like in its prime. The whole floor of it has been stripped away, revealing all the underground tunnels that Romans used to keep the animals they used during the Gladiator fights. It was so cool, almost haunting to be there. You could almost hear the cheering that must have gone on there. It made me want to watch Gladiator real bad....

We then ate lunch at this cute little pasta and pizzaria near the Pantheon. I had bruchetta bianca with is basically toast with garlic and olive oil. And I had a tomato bruchetta too. I also had a pizza....and a coke.......and white truffle gelato for dessert....but I WAS HUNGRY!!! I know my family is probably laughing at me but seriously, I wa starving. All that walking really works up an appetite.

After a quick run through the Pantheon, we went back to our hotel and crashed. We are going to try and go out tonight, maybe to a club, but we'll see. We always say we will go out but then the time comes and we are beat. But I really want to because let me tell you, there are some mighty hot pieces of Italian babe here and I want one. Seriously, I have never seen so many hot guys in one place before. I think I need to move to Italy because clearly Utah is not working out so much for me.

Well, that's about it for now. Tomorrow we go to Venice and then on to Florence. I will miss Rome though. It's beautiful.

Ciao!