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.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Barcelona
It's been too long for an apology so instead of wasting time with one, I'll get right to telling you about the end of my semester abroad a la Barcelona, Athens and Greece and maybe I'll even dazzle you with some kind of conclusion, you know what I learned over there or something like that. However, this might be coming to you in installments seeing as its already 12:20. And with that, I quit procrastinating.
BARCELONA--
We last left off on Friday morning as my friends and I journeyed to Barcelona. Arriving smack dab in the middle of siesta, we spent the afternoon in the hotel. To be honest, I was bored, really bored. However, by 830, Siesta was over so we headed over to the the tapas bar across the street, which we had conveniently been watching all afternoon and it looked good. Upon walking in, we immediately befriended the waitor who was quick to bring over the sangria and his English speaking self to help us decipher the menu and direct us on what we should order. Within 15 minutes, different plates of delicious tapas, which Hannah correctly taught me to pronounce, were slowly being placed in front of us: Goat Cheese in Philo, Fried Calamari, Eggplant Crisps, Grilled Scallions with a delicious sauce, croquettes and more. While it seemed almost unimaginable, we consumed it all and loved every bite of it.
The next morning, we slept in. With not a lot on our agenda, we left the hotel around 12 to get some lunch and walk around the port. We went to a restaurant down near the port, which the hotel suggested. While on the pricey side, Paella was on the menu and this was a must-do for my Barcelona Agenda. We then walked home via the port stopping for pictures and market stands and of course street crepes (this one had white chocolate...my favorite!). We then were back in time again for siesta where we hit the roof top of our hotel for naps then again via window watching picked another restaurant for dinner, an Italian restaurant across the street.
After a not so busy day, I was antsy for adventure. So we decided to head down to Las Ramblas, where we conveniently bumped into 2 of the boys from Palace Court, who joined us for lunch, more tapas, and to explore Barcelona. With their map, and Hannah's friends studying abroad in Barcelona, we were on the subway and off to Parc Guell, Sangrada Familia and more of the Guadia Architecture. We had certainly earned our siesta today but planned to meet up with the boys again for the light show and the infamous Barcelona club scene. So, after our naps, we were off again to Bar La Pepa, our favorite restaurant across the street with our favorite waiter. Then hoped in cabs to take us over to the Magic Fountains, a light show which is done to music, both classical and modern. We sat in awe and also wondering, what does one major in to become a magic fountain engineer? designer? who knows! Then we were read to hit the Dow Jones Bar, a bar suggested to us by others studying abroad with us in London who made it to Barcelona before us. This bar was of course set up to resemble the stock market, as demand changed for the drinks--so did the prices! Also, Hannah would probably want me to tell you, she took a shot on fire.
While maybe it's because I've never taken a single spanish class and I never really had any interest in Spain, I wouldn't call Barcelona my favorite city. While beautiful with architecture so unique, which I've decided is beginning to probably sound not unique to all of you, because what city did I not find so different than everything else?! The things we did see did have that wow factor, there was just a lot of down time and if you know me, you know I dont do well with down time. Anyway, our time there was short and by Monday morning, we were on yet another plane headed this time to Athens.
More later on the land of Dolmas, Feta and more Dolmas, really I think we ate half the dolmas in the country!
BARCELONA--
We last left off on Friday morning as my friends and I journeyed to Barcelona. Arriving smack dab in the middle of siesta, we spent the afternoon in the hotel. To be honest, I was bored, really bored. However, by 830, Siesta was over so we headed over to the the tapas bar across the street, which we had conveniently been watching all afternoon and it looked good. Upon walking in, we immediately befriended the waitor who was quick to bring over the sangria and his English speaking self to help us decipher the menu and direct us on what we should order. Within 15 minutes, different plates of delicious tapas, which Hannah correctly taught me to pronounce, were slowly being placed in front of us: Goat Cheese in Philo, Fried Calamari, Eggplant Crisps, Grilled Scallions with a delicious sauce, croquettes and more. While it seemed almost unimaginable, we consumed it all and loved every bite of it.
The next morning, we slept in. With not a lot on our agenda, we left the hotel around 12 to get some lunch and walk around the port. We went to a restaurant down near the port, which the hotel suggested. While on the pricey side, Paella was on the menu and this was a must-do for my Barcelona Agenda. We then walked home via the port stopping for pictures and market stands and of course street crepes (this one had white chocolate...my favorite!). We then were back in time again for siesta where we hit the roof top of our hotel for naps then again via window watching picked another restaurant for dinner, an Italian restaurant across the street.
After a not so busy day, I was antsy for adventure. So we decided to head down to Las Ramblas, where we conveniently bumped into 2 of the boys from Palace Court, who joined us for lunch, more tapas, and to explore Barcelona. With their map, and Hannah's friends studying abroad in Barcelona, we were on the subway and off to Parc Guell, Sangrada Familia and more of the Guadia Architecture. We had certainly earned our siesta today but planned to meet up with the boys again for the light show and the infamous Barcelona club scene. So, after our naps, we were off again to Bar La Pepa, our favorite restaurant across the street with our favorite waiter. Then hoped in cabs to take us over to the Magic Fountains, a light show which is done to music, both classical and modern. We sat in awe and also wondering, what does one major in to become a magic fountain engineer? designer? who knows! Then we were read to hit the Dow Jones Bar, a bar suggested to us by others studying abroad with us in London who made it to Barcelona before us. This bar was of course set up to resemble the stock market, as demand changed for the drinks--so did the prices! Also, Hannah would probably want me to tell you, she took a shot on fire.
While maybe it's because I've never taken a single spanish class and I never really had any interest in Spain, I wouldn't call Barcelona my favorite city. While beautiful with architecture so unique, which I've decided is beginning to probably sound not unique to all of you, because what city did I not find so different than everything else?! The things we did see did have that wow factor, there was just a lot of down time and if you know me, you know I dont do well with down time. Anyway, our time there was short and by Monday morning, we were on yet another plane headed this time to Athens.
More later on the land of Dolmas, Feta and more Dolmas, really I think we ate half the dolmas in the country!
Friday, May 14, 2010
i'm writing this on a piece of paper
Hello again from 10,000 fee, Although this time I'm writing on real, even lined, paper. Thanks Becky! Currently I'm sitting on my way from Prague to Barcelona, Spain, another place my parents have never been (+1 pt Carly!) The past week has gone by so fast!
Prague--
This city was unlike all the other cities I've been to. While the narrow cobblestone streets and bridges reminded me of Florence, the architecture certainly did not. While walking across the Charles Bridge, the Town Hall, with its spires seemed to almost transport me back to Disney Land circa 1993 and Cinderella's Castle.
For the past few days, the family and I spent the day exploring the city. Upon arrival, we checked into our hotel and headed over to the Charles Bridge to meet my friends for dinner. Dinner was amazing, however, not what I later learned is characteristic of Czech food, although I did find that food surprising like good. Anyway, we enoyed it and the view, which looked over the water and at the bridge. The clear sky, wasnt so bad either.
The following morning, we began our exploration making our way towards the Prague Castle stopping along the way at various places before hiking the way up the hill til we finally arrived at the Caste. Exhausted, it was time for lunch and we stopped for traditional czech cuisine, goulash, dumplings, the gamut. By the way, bread dumplings are kind of weird. They're kind of like the middle of a bagel but a little moist. Conclusion: go for the potato dumplings. Then we made our way back again stopping again along the way. By then, my legs were tired and desperate for a nap.
And of course, before long it was time ot eat again. We again went to a traditional czech restaurant. We shared appetizers of sausages, beet and roast beef salad and had roast duck, prok, cabbages, sauerkraut, schnitzel, etc. The men next to us couldn't stop staring at my meal, which kind of freaked me out a little...
The following day, we spent the ENTIRE day in the Jewish Quarter--seeing all 6 temples, the cemetery and of course the jewelry stores. Midday, we did stop for some Greek Food, a nice preview for what's to come (HANG IN THERE: GREECE POSTS COMING SOON!!). But by the end of the day, I think I was jewed out. So again, we went back for naps, something I think I did everyday on every trip I took. Then we made dinner reservations to eat at the top of the Dancing Buildings, Celeste. It was beautiful and was one of those restaurants that gives you a little treat from the chef before your meal. I'm a big fan of those, note: if I ever open a restaraunt, I'd like to do this. However, this restaurant even did it after the meal and the home-made bonbons may have been the highlight of the meal! Anyway, the food was delicious. Then we headed back, stopping for some gelato, anything to delay packing...again.
So now I've left my family for a week, dont worry I'll have plenty of time to see them this summer. (Yes, for my Boston readers, I've decided to take a job at home). Now, I'm off with my friends (Hannah, Avery, Becky & Kate to Barcelona then Athens and Santorini. But more on those later...off to the land of Sangria, Tapas & more Sangria.
Prague--
This city was unlike all the other cities I've been to. While the narrow cobblestone streets and bridges reminded me of Florence, the architecture certainly did not. While walking across the Charles Bridge, the Town Hall, with its spires seemed to almost transport me back to Disney Land circa 1993 and Cinderella's Castle.
For the past few days, the family and I spent the day exploring the city. Upon arrival, we checked into our hotel and headed over to the Charles Bridge to meet my friends for dinner. Dinner was amazing, however, not what I later learned is characteristic of Czech food, although I did find that food surprising like good. Anyway, we enoyed it and the view, which looked over the water and at the bridge. The clear sky, wasnt so bad either.
The following morning, we began our exploration making our way towards the Prague Castle stopping along the way at various places before hiking the way up the hill til we finally arrived at the Caste. Exhausted, it was time for lunch and we stopped for traditional czech cuisine, goulash, dumplings, the gamut. By the way, bread dumplings are kind of weird. They're kind of like the middle of a bagel but a little moist. Conclusion: go for the potato dumplings. Then we made our way back again stopping again along the way. By then, my legs were tired and desperate for a nap.
And of course, before long it was time ot eat again. We again went to a traditional czech restaurant. We shared appetizers of sausages, beet and roast beef salad and had roast duck, prok, cabbages, sauerkraut, schnitzel, etc. The men next to us couldn't stop staring at my meal, which kind of freaked me out a little...
The following day, we spent the ENTIRE day in the Jewish Quarter--seeing all 6 temples, the cemetery and of course the jewelry stores. Midday, we did stop for some Greek Food, a nice preview for what's to come (HANG IN THERE: GREECE POSTS COMING SOON!!). But by the end of the day, I think I was jewed out. So again, we went back for naps, something I think I did everyday on every trip I took. Then we made dinner reservations to eat at the top of the Dancing Buildings, Celeste. It was beautiful and was one of those restaurants that gives you a little treat from the chef before your meal. I'm a big fan of those, note: if I ever open a restaraunt, I'd like to do this. However, this restaurant even did it after the meal and the home-made bonbons may have been the highlight of the meal! Anyway, the food was delicious. Then we headed back, stopping for some gelato, anything to delay packing...again.
So now I've left my family for a week, dont worry I'll have plenty of time to see them this summer. (Yes, for my Boston readers, I've decided to take a job at home). Now, I'm off with my friends (Hannah, Avery, Becky & Kate to Barcelona then Athens and Santorini. But more on those later...off to the land of Sangria, Tapas & more Sangria.