I was going to blog yesterday. It seemed only fitting as it was June 10, just one month since my arrival back in Boston. However, as I sat on my daily commute on the T, nostalgic for the cleaner and faster Tube, I still had no idea what to write. Truthfully, I still don't. How exactly do you conclude four months, months which I will probably later consider a substantial part of my life? How do you put memories and thoughts and emotions into words and how do you draw wisdom from something which was seemingly so eye-opening yet fun?
So, I decided to conclude it in a similar fashion to how this blog not so long ago began, with a list, the list of things I already miss, of things that are suddenly different at home and things that probably will never change. I apologize if it seems to be just a mess of different things put together into a post, but I couldn't think of a better way to explain and conclude my life living in one of the most beautiful and enchanting cities I've ever visited.
And I digress, the things that I miss--
1. As I already implied, the tube, for its efficiency, cleanliness, even with the lack of trash barrels within 100 yards of every station. I certainly thank it for getting me to and from class, work and everywhere else in between in a quick fashion, to quick for me to even pull out a book, which I now do every day on the commute from Wellington Station to Back Bay Station, and then again in the traffic of 93 N. Did I mention that I hateee traffic?
2. The Champion and Eagle, where I wish I had had the courage to ask how they made or where they got their veggie burgers. Thank you for feeding me for months and for serving delicious things such as the aforementioned veggie burgers and mushy peas. I'm working on the chef at work to make me some mushy peas and maybe, just maybe, add them to the menu, because after all, fish & chips aren't fish and chips without the mushy peas, or steak fries, but that's an entirely different discussion to bring up with chef. Oh and pims, Champion & Eagle definitely provided my fair share of Pims.
3. While we're on the subject of food, not that you're suprised, I won't even begin to tell you how much I miss the cuisines of both Greece & Italy, Amsterdam & Pari, and yes even London, I miss the wonder of sushi in London, which I never expected to be good. But boy, I was gladly surprised. A special thanks to itsu and wasabi for quickly providing delicious sushi and for being just one of the few places which serves BimBop. And also to hiyasaka sushi in covent garden for making it possible to completely over eat Sushi.
4. The ease of traveling. While driving the three hours to Stamford, CT to visit friends last week, it occurred to me how much more of a challenge the US was to travel. Even more so, when one of my British colleagues asked me to meet him for a weekend in San Francisco, and they think Americans don't know our geography?? I had to inform him that traveling to San Francisco is about as easy as traveling to, well, London! Anyway, it was in those moments that I realized I couldn't just hope on the T or the Stansted Express or a quick and cheap plane to take me to places I've never dreamed of going to. Just to get to work has suddenly become an order with a 15 min drive to the train station then 20 min T ride to the Back and then the walk to work, and that's all without traffic, which as it is you know a Monday, or Tuesday or even Sunday is always in full form...and yes, I've already blogged about traffic. I won't even extend that to 5 hour bus rides to NYC or expensive flights just to get back and forth to Madison. And, as much as I love NYC and Madison, they're definitely no Rome or Santorini.
5. The friends I made. Now separated across the country for over a month, it's funny how for granted you take living and spending almost all hours with certain people. You realize that like college and even camp, being abroad with people, you learn things about people you wouldn't realize under normal conditions. You learn what people are like to live with and travel with and discover new things with. In the process, I found some great friends and even some best friends. Many of which will luckily be around in Madison in the fall, which is just something for me to look forward to.
It's funny being away from home for so long. And I haven't been home for awhile. Including my semester abroad, fall semester in Madison, last summer in Madison and all of last year at school, I hadn't been home for more than 2 weeks since I left for sophomore year. You forget what home's really like. You get this grand idea in your head that you think home is and suddenly you're there, laying in your bed at 12:20 in my childhood home in Andover, Mass. Is it what I had in my head? Well that's the funny thing. Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't. Sometimes its better, sometimes its worse. Home, sometimes sweet, home and I can't believe how fast a month's already gone by.
So with that, I'm saying goodbye to the blog and goodbye to all of you. This blog has been a wonderful way to remember some of the best and worst days, weeks and months of my life. As a diary of what I did and a journal which got me through it all, I'm not sure how I would have gone abroad without a blog! So to all of you, thank you for bearing with me through past 6 months and supporting me in this and for always encouraging me to keep blogging, some of you even encouraging me to write a book, maybe one day! With ideas in the works, a potential cooking/photographing my way to a cookbook blog or a senior year bucket list blog, I may be back and I'll be sure to let you all know if and when that happens. But for now, I'll see you all around!
With that, carlyonqueue, over and out.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
The final trip
5 am on Monday May 10 came quick. Before I knew it we were leaving the El Greco hotel and I had a long day ahead of me taking me all the way back to Boston, MA. I was full of both excitement and dread. I was not looking forward to the 22 hours of traveling I had ahead of me but after 4 months, I was ready to return home.
So we hoped in a cab from our hotel to take us to the Santorini airport where we would all fly from Santorini to Athens before many of us parted ways for the last time. I had a plan: sleep through the flight to Athens. Mission Accomplished.
Then we arrived in Athens where Katie, Becky and Avery had flights to Atlanta, GA, Paris and Madrid. So Hannah and I left them and made our way through the airport just in time to board our next flight, Athens to London, the plan again was to sleep. This time, mission was not quite as successful. With a breakfast served on board and a free movie, we watched television, talked and slept a little. Then we were back on familiar grounds at Heathrow. London for the last few hours, what did we do? Went through passport control, who discussed the bars we went to rather than the classes we took, got our bags and went through customs and then found a pub to enjoy one more fish & chips. Then I was on my own again, which was weird because I hadn't flown alone since I first arrived in London.
So I went underground to go from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 so I could get on my final flight from London to Boston. So I arrived at the Terminal and went to check in, which is what brought on trouble. I walked up to the counter to check in and the not-so-friendly employee helping me informed me that my flight was cancelled. Oh god. Volcano strikes again? But I had JUST checked my flight online and it was on time. So I asked how that was possible. Then she realized I wasn't on that flight...idiiot...but that my flight would most likely get cancelled as well. Great. But she took my bag anyway and told me that my gate would be posted by 2:30 and that it may be later than that and that of course my flight could get delayed up until the minute its supposed to leave the gate. Then she took my bag and she told me my bags would be checked through to Boston. Needless to say, I did not like her. Then I called my mother freaking out and crying that I would not get home before sitting down just infront of the screen which posts the gates and sat there watching for the remaining hour I had before it was supposed to board, very very anxiously. By 2:45, my flight had a gate and I was checking in to again wait for us to board, which did not happen until 3:30. The flight attendant told us to be quick as we had a 4:00 runway time...which we didn't make so we again had to wait until 5. By that time, I was ready to go still convinced this flight would never take off. But, it did. I got lucky being on the only flight out of 3 American Airlines flights to Boston that day to get out. Only took us an extra couple of hours and got a few interesting views of the Volcano. I hate that volcano, can't say I'm upset to not be under its shadow anymore. Then from a distance I saw it, that familiar coastal town, the colorful water tower and the runway always seemingly too close to the ocean. Boston was on the horizon and I was finally home.
Before long, I was going through passport control, picking up my bags and going through customs for the final time. I was greeting my mom on familiar soil, who had a french toast bagel with honey walnut cream cheese and a bottle of water ready for me, she knows me well and yes, I felt like it was real, I was actually home., We then made the trek to the car then the quick drive up 93 to Andover. Exhausted, I hung out with my family before passing out in my own bed...I felt as though I might sleep forever...maybe I did.
So we hoped in a cab from our hotel to take us to the Santorini airport where we would all fly from Santorini to Athens before many of us parted ways for the last time. I had a plan: sleep through the flight to Athens. Mission Accomplished.
Then we arrived in Athens where Katie, Becky and Avery had flights to Atlanta, GA, Paris and Madrid. So Hannah and I left them and made our way through the airport just in time to board our next flight, Athens to London, the plan again was to sleep. This time, mission was not quite as successful. With a breakfast served on board and a free movie, we watched television, talked and slept a little. Then we were back on familiar grounds at Heathrow. London for the last few hours, what did we do? Went through passport control, who discussed the bars we went to rather than the classes we took, got our bags and went through customs and then found a pub to enjoy one more fish & chips. Then I was on my own again, which was weird because I hadn't flown alone since I first arrived in London.
So I went underground to go from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 so I could get on my final flight from London to Boston. So I arrived at the Terminal and went to check in, which is what brought on trouble. I walked up to the counter to check in and the not-so-friendly employee helping me informed me that my flight was cancelled. Oh god. Volcano strikes again? But I had JUST checked my flight online and it was on time. So I asked how that was possible. Then she realized I wasn't on that flight...idiiot...but that my flight would most likely get cancelled as well. Great. But she took my bag anyway and told me that my gate would be posted by 2:30 and that it may be later than that and that of course my flight could get delayed up until the minute its supposed to leave the gate. Then she took my bag and she told me my bags would be checked through to Boston. Needless to say, I did not like her. Then I called my mother freaking out and crying that I would not get home before sitting down just infront of the screen which posts the gates and sat there watching for the remaining hour I had before it was supposed to board, very very anxiously. By 2:45, my flight had a gate and I was checking in to again wait for us to board, which did not happen until 3:30. The flight attendant told us to be quick as we had a 4:00 runway time...which we didn't make so we again had to wait until 5. By that time, I was ready to go still convinced this flight would never take off. But, it did. I got lucky being on the only flight out of 3 American Airlines flights to Boston that day to get out. Only took us an extra couple of hours and got a few interesting views of the Volcano. I hate that volcano, can't say I'm upset to not be under its shadow anymore. Then from a distance I saw it, that familiar coastal town, the colorful water tower and the runway always seemingly too close to the ocean. Boston was on the horizon and I was finally home.
Before long, I was going through passport control, picking up my bags and going through customs for the final time. I was greeting my mom on familiar soil, who had a french toast bagel with honey walnut cream cheese and a bottle of water ready for me, she knows me well and yes, I felt like it was real, I was actually home., We then made the trek to the car then the quick drive up 93 to Andover. Exhausted, I hung out with my family before passing out in my own bed...I felt as though I might sleep forever...maybe I did.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Santorini
You know that island you think of when you think of the Greek Islands? It's beyond beautiful with all sorts of white buildings lining cliffs and beautiful blue topped churches. Or it's the one in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, 1 and 2. Well that's Santorini, probably the most picturesque place I have ever been.
Upon arrival, after a quick 25 minute flight, we arrived in Santorini. Eager to grab our bags, although Hannah's took a little longer than usual, we headed to grab a cab to take us to the hotel, where we planned to hit the pool or beach or just sun, whatever our hotel had. So we headed to the cab line, where I told them we needed two cabs. He answered 5 people? And I said yes, 2 cabs and he showed me to his small sedan and said 1 cab. It was like a clown car, like when the Holsteins and Swartzs used to try and fit all 8 of their family members, their 2 large dogs and luggage all into Beth's station wagon. Our cab driver put 4 of us in the back, 1 in front, 3 bags on the top fastened in with rope and 2 bags in the trunk. It was unbelievable. Then before we knew it, we had arrived at our hotel, El Greco Hotel. The hotel did not disappoint either. With beautiful vilas, 3 pools, 1 pool bar, 1 restaurant and a lot of comfy chairs, we were pleased. Then quickly got into our rooms and out by the pool, with snacks, to discuss what we wanted to do with our final 4 days in Santorini. Oh and did we have plans. Within an hour, we spoke with the conceirge and had our 3 days planned.
Day 1:
Our first day, we walked the 10 minute walk to Fira, the capital city, and found our way to the tram, which was to take us down the cliff, with beautiful views, to the Old Port. From there, we then planned to ride the donkeys up the cliff. Now, I really wanted to ride the donkeys. I felt like it was a must-do for Santorini. However, if you know me at all, you might know about my fear of undomesticated animals, and by undomesticated I mean anything about dogs and cats, and yes that includes strays, those scare me too. I have no idea why. It's not rational. Nothing I do or think or say is. Anyway, we decided on our order, Kate then Avery then Hannah then me then Becky. I figured it was good, I was near Hannah who is good with animals and in front of Becky who rides horses. So we were off to a good start. Up until we go to the first curve and the donkeys ahead of me had gotten off to a quick start. But Becky caught up to me and I was fine for a few minutes. Then my donkey got confused. He slowed down and somehow lost Becky's donkey. Mind you, these donkeys don't really have a system. One donkey has a bell attached and he leads and the rest follow the bell. No guides go with you. So when my donkey lost becky's donkey, it lost its bell and had no idea where to go. So she yelled to me different ways to get him to move and he slowly did. But then it got worse. He stopped again and again and would not move. He was lost and then he sensed my fear. Thus I sat in the middle of this cliff with no one in front of me or behind me, SCREAMING. HELP ME! Oh god, it was terrifying. The man up above saw it too. Then the donkey began to HOWL, it was a noise I hope to never hear again. And then he continued to do it until 3 Greek girls came down to path and decided to help me. However, their help turned into the donkey RUNNING down the mountain, at full speed. I've never seen a donkey move so fast. So one of the Greek girls had to find a way to stop him and help get me off. As I heard the man above yell, that's not supposed to happen. So my new friend, the Greek girl, helped me navigate the path and find the man who worked at the bottom and translated what had happened. He wanted to put me back on a donkey, I wanted my money back. We compromised and he put me back on the donkey and then attached my donkey to another donkey, which he hoped on, and led me up the mountain. In the end it was okay, but after my experience with a hostile donkey, I dont think Im rushing back to ride the donkeys anytime soon!
After the tramatic event, we got to the top, bought the photos, yes I wanted proof I had done it, and decided to walk around Fira. With so many cute shops we spent the rest of the morning before getting lunch, which had the most beautiful view I have ever seen. Then we headed back to the pool to start tanning, and yes, we did get more tzatziki as a snack. That night, we planned to go to Oia, the town on the tip of Santorini, which is known for the most spectacular views. So we went for dinner and enjoyed it.
Day 2:
On Saturday, we had arranged to spend the day on a private Catamaran. The Boat took us by the black and white beach and showed us the island. It headed out to the volcano islands and allowed anyone who wanted to swim to go into the hot springs. It was a little cold for my liking plus I was still feeling fine and not sea sick so I didn't want to push it. Note to self: bring dremamine. The boat included drinks and food so after the swimmers got back on the boat we headed in between the two volcano islands for lunch, where we served a delicious barbeque of tzatziki, eggplant spread, greek salad, chicken kebabs and the most delicious lamb sausages. Then we headed back to the port enjoying apples and cinnamon and wine for dessert and, when we were back on land, homemade ice cream bars. We then spent the remainder of the day sunburning at the hotel and ended up eating dinner in comfy chairs at the hotel pool, perfect. And yes, they had dolmas and tzatziki.
Day 3:
Our final day in Santorini was also my final day in Europe, sans that whole travel day I had ahead of me...yuck. So we spent it relaxing, snacking, swimming at the hotel. And again, ate dinner in the same comfy chairs before packing up everything and preparing for our 5am departure for the airport the following morning. Oh was that Monday going to be a long day. But more on that later.
Upon arrival, after a quick 25 minute flight, we arrived in Santorini. Eager to grab our bags, although Hannah's took a little longer than usual, we headed to grab a cab to take us to the hotel, where we planned to hit the pool or beach or just sun, whatever our hotel had. So we headed to the cab line, where I told them we needed two cabs. He answered 5 people? And I said yes, 2 cabs and he showed me to his small sedan and said 1 cab. It was like a clown car, like when the Holsteins and Swartzs used to try and fit all 8 of their family members, their 2 large dogs and luggage all into Beth's station wagon. Our cab driver put 4 of us in the back, 1 in front, 3 bags on the top fastened in with rope and 2 bags in the trunk. It was unbelievable. Then before we knew it, we had arrived at our hotel, El Greco Hotel. The hotel did not disappoint either. With beautiful vilas, 3 pools, 1 pool bar, 1 restaurant and a lot of comfy chairs, we were pleased. Then quickly got into our rooms and out by the pool, with snacks, to discuss what we wanted to do with our final 4 days in Santorini. Oh and did we have plans. Within an hour, we spoke with the conceirge and had our 3 days planned.
Day 1:
Our first day, we walked the 10 minute walk to Fira, the capital city, and found our way to the tram, which was to take us down the cliff, with beautiful views, to the Old Port. From there, we then planned to ride the donkeys up the cliff. Now, I really wanted to ride the donkeys. I felt like it was a must-do for Santorini. However, if you know me at all, you might know about my fear of undomesticated animals, and by undomesticated I mean anything about dogs and cats, and yes that includes strays, those scare me too. I have no idea why. It's not rational. Nothing I do or think or say is. Anyway, we decided on our order, Kate then Avery then Hannah then me then Becky. I figured it was good, I was near Hannah who is good with animals and in front of Becky who rides horses. So we were off to a good start. Up until we go to the first curve and the donkeys ahead of me had gotten off to a quick start. But Becky caught up to me and I was fine for a few minutes. Then my donkey got confused. He slowed down and somehow lost Becky's donkey. Mind you, these donkeys don't really have a system. One donkey has a bell attached and he leads and the rest follow the bell. No guides go with you. So when my donkey lost becky's donkey, it lost its bell and had no idea where to go. So she yelled to me different ways to get him to move and he slowly did. But then it got worse. He stopped again and again and would not move. He was lost and then he sensed my fear. Thus I sat in the middle of this cliff with no one in front of me or behind me, SCREAMING. HELP ME! Oh god, it was terrifying. The man up above saw it too. Then the donkey began to HOWL, it was a noise I hope to never hear again. And then he continued to do it until 3 Greek girls came down to path and decided to help me. However, their help turned into the donkey RUNNING down the mountain, at full speed. I've never seen a donkey move so fast. So one of the Greek girls had to find a way to stop him and help get me off. As I heard the man above yell, that's not supposed to happen. So my new friend, the Greek girl, helped me navigate the path and find the man who worked at the bottom and translated what had happened. He wanted to put me back on a donkey, I wanted my money back. We compromised and he put me back on the donkey and then attached my donkey to another donkey, which he hoped on, and led me up the mountain. In the end it was okay, but after my experience with a hostile donkey, I dont think Im rushing back to ride the donkeys anytime soon!
After the tramatic event, we got to the top, bought the photos, yes I wanted proof I had done it, and decided to walk around Fira. With so many cute shops we spent the rest of the morning before getting lunch, which had the most beautiful view I have ever seen. Then we headed back to the pool to start tanning, and yes, we did get more tzatziki as a snack. That night, we planned to go to Oia, the town on the tip of Santorini, which is known for the most spectacular views. So we went for dinner and enjoyed it.
Day 2:
On Saturday, we had arranged to spend the day on a private Catamaran. The Boat took us by the black and white beach and showed us the island. It headed out to the volcano islands and allowed anyone who wanted to swim to go into the hot springs. It was a little cold for my liking plus I was still feeling fine and not sea sick so I didn't want to push it. Note to self: bring dremamine. The boat included drinks and food so after the swimmers got back on the boat we headed in between the two volcano islands for lunch, where we served a delicious barbeque of tzatziki, eggplant spread, greek salad, chicken kebabs and the most delicious lamb sausages. Then we headed back to the port enjoying apples and cinnamon and wine for dessert and, when we were back on land, homemade ice cream bars. We then spent the remainder of the day sunburning at the hotel and ended up eating dinner in comfy chairs at the hotel pool, perfect. And yes, they had dolmas and tzatziki.
Day 3:
Our final day in Santorini was also my final day in Europe, sans that whole travel day I had ahead of me...yuck. So we spent it relaxing, snacking, swimming at the hotel. And again, ate dinner in the same comfy chairs before packing up everything and preparing for our 5am departure for the airport the following morning. Oh was that Monday going to be a long day. But more on that later.
Athens
We arrived in Athens on Monday afternoon with just enough time to check in to our hotel, take naps and then head to the small town near our hotel, we stayed outside the city near the beach thus making our walk to dinner each night filled with sand, water and if you have facebook, jumping pictures on the beach! Anyway, the first night, eager for Greek food, we headed in to town searching for the first Greek restaurant we could find. We had already determined that we would eat Greek food and only greek food for the following week...and at that, we were pretty damn successful. However, on that first night, we seemed to be walking down the International Street walking by Italian, American and Mexican Restaurants. You name a non-Greek type of cuisine and we probably walked by it. However, we did persevere and found a cute Greek restaurant where we sat outside and ordered ourselves some pita, tzatziki (you'll notice that was consumed a lot), a warm goat cheese dish, beet salad, greek salad and chicken kebabs. It lived up to every expectation.
The next morning, we woke up early to get a jump start on our first day in Athens, which we planned to spend seeing the sites. We climbed the Acropolis and saw the Agoras. Enjoyed Greek Salads, Tzatziki, Dolmas (also a trend you'll notice, although this one was the best--served warm in my favorite greek soup broth) and Spanikopita. Then continued on to see the Olympic Stadium. We got lucky as with the strikes in Athens, everything that day was closing early around 3ish. Thus, exhausted, we went home for naps then headed out to one of the restaurants we spotted on the beach the night before.
Our second day in Athens, we planned to spend exploring the Plaka. DING! DING! DING! For those of you paying attention to dates or current events, we were in Athens on the day you probably saw it on the news filled with riots and strikes in downtown. However, we planned ahead and decided we wanted to go into the city center so we left bright and early, before the taxis joined the strike and hit the plaka for some shopping. Then enjoyed a long lunch, yes there was tzatziki, before trying to find a way to get home. The hotel had told us we could probably find a cab but we were out of luck so we did as they told us and called them to see if they could get us a ride home. They directed us to the tram, which was conveniently located near Parliament. DING DING DING AGAIN! Yes, Parliament is where the strikes and fire and bombs and riots you saw on TV were happening. What kind of hotel tells you to go to the strike? Luckily, we didn't listen to them and continued to look for a cab, which we successfully found! By then, of course, we managed to be hungry again and went to dinner again in the town near our hotel, a Mediterranean place, yes there were more dolmas and tzatziki, and grabbed some gelato for our walk home on the beach.
By Wednesday night, I couldn't believe the next morning, I'd be boarding a plane to my last destination on our extended semester vacation. However, Santorini was next and there's nothing bad about that.
The next morning, we woke up early to get a jump start on our first day in Athens, which we planned to spend seeing the sites. We climbed the Acropolis and saw the Agoras. Enjoyed Greek Salads, Tzatziki, Dolmas (also a trend you'll notice, although this one was the best--served warm in my favorite greek soup broth) and Spanikopita. Then continued on to see the Olympic Stadium. We got lucky as with the strikes in Athens, everything that day was closing early around 3ish. Thus, exhausted, we went home for naps then headed out to one of the restaurants we spotted on the beach the night before.
Our second day in Athens, we planned to spend exploring the Plaka. DING! DING! DING! For those of you paying attention to dates or current events, we were in Athens on the day you probably saw it on the news filled with riots and strikes in downtown. However, we planned ahead and decided we wanted to go into the city center so we left bright and early, before the taxis joined the strike and hit the plaka for some shopping. Then enjoyed a long lunch, yes there was tzatziki, before trying to find a way to get home. The hotel had told us we could probably find a cab but we were out of luck so we did as they told us and called them to see if they could get us a ride home. They directed us to the tram, which was conveniently located near Parliament. DING DING DING AGAIN! Yes, Parliament is where the strikes and fire and bombs and riots you saw on TV were happening. What kind of hotel tells you to go to the strike? Luckily, we didn't listen to them and continued to look for a cab, which we successfully found! By then, of course, we managed to be hungry again and went to dinner again in the town near our hotel, a Mediterranean place, yes there were more dolmas and tzatziki, and grabbed some gelato for our walk home on the beach.
By Wednesday night, I couldn't believe the next morning, I'd be boarding a plane to my last destination on our extended semester vacation. However, Santorini was next and there's nothing bad about that.