Singing In the Rain

Today I learned a valuable lesson. The only thing you can do when it rains is let it rain.

Carolyn and I left the apartments to walk downtown to the post office (a forty minute walk) instead of taking the bus to get exercise. Plus it was a beautiful afternoon so it wasn't an issue.

About half way threw are walk we found ourselves in the middle of a Cyprus demonstration.

Then right after that it started pouring. With good spirits we took it as it was and continued our walk because there was nothing else we could do. We got a little lost but asked a local police man where the post office was and were there in about fifteen minutes after that.

In front of the closed post office with post cards in hand

Unfortunetly, when we got to the post office it was closed. So after spending a solid thirty minutes in the rain we decided to get coffee at the starbucks close by.

Chai tea latte to brighten the day

We walked in soaked and ordered. After this we decided it was best to get to the bus so we could get home and dry off. Of course when the bus came he wouldn't let us on with our coffee's and yelled at us in Greek. So we got off the bus.

Mean bus driver response

We then soaked with coffee and exhausted paid for a taxi to drive us home.

The things we will do for our coffee.

The saddest part of the story is however, I didn't get to mail my letters which was the only reason we went downtown.

Moral of the story: Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain...with starbucks.

Green Monday

Today was the Green Monday Holiday, where families eat fruit and vegetables and go and play at the park. Carolyn and I thought we best participate to get the full Cypriot experience, so we met friends at the park and played volleyball, listened to music, and had an amazing time. I love experience different cultures and had a great day!

Canival

 Today we went to carnival by bus, to experience something that is similar to Mardi Gras and Halloween combined together.

We took a bus from Nicosia to Limassol, which it two hours away. There was lots of traffic, but they provided drinks and music, so the experience was very fun.

We arrived in time for the parade and had an amazing time! It was so much fun to experience the Cypriot Carnival experience.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Today was pretty uneventful we spent most of the day in the car, but it had a few highlights worth mentioning.

We left Rome this morning and spent about five hours on the bus. We eventually made a pit stop in the city of Pisa where we took pictures with the Leaning tower.

We also had lunch in Pisa. Austin, Carolyn, and I had lunch at a pizza place. The pizza was very tasty! There is nothing like fresh veggies on pizza!!! I also bought some gifts while shopping the venders. I found my brothers the cutest shirts.

We then got back on the bus and headed toward Florence.

The Vatican

This morning we woke up and took the metro to the Vatican. It was so beautiful. The area was wonderful and it was so exciting to get to be there on the first day of the conclave.

We even caught the end of the mass ceremony being broadcasted in the square.

The art work there was amazing. It was honestly breath taking I could help but take so many pictures.

We didn't get to see the SIXTEENTH Chapel, but I can't complain because of all the wonderful things I did get to experience. 

After our day at the smallest country in the world ( The Vatican) we did some shopping and ate.

We ate at a terrible lunch place called Americano, which should have been our clue. But that's ok we just did a happy walk to make the day better.

It was overall a really good day! We really enjoyed ourselves. I hope I get to go to Rome again someday. It is an amazing place to visit. 

Rome: Because We Wanted To

Today has been amazing, but then it's Rome how can one go wrong?

We woke up at 4:30AM to be packed and in the lobby for breakfast at 5:15AM. Talk about an early start! Then we headed to the airport and boarded for Rome, Italy.

We had to wait for forty five minutes for the bus and then another half hour for the bus which was unfortunate but it could have been much worse so I can't complain to much.

We arrived at the hotel and were really impressed with it. We then quickly assembled and went to the metro to meet our tour guide.

We got off the metro, climbed the stairs and right in front of us was the Coliseum. It was amazing.

After that we walked around the area and learned the history of all the old ruins and took tons of pictures. We even saw Caesar's grave site.

My favorite part of the tour was the Trevi Fountain, but we saw many other cool things including the Spanish steps, ADD LIST.

On the tour we even stopped for GILLARO which is the best I have ever had in my life. Nothing can compare.

  

After the tour a group of us went for dinner where I had delicious Gnottichi     

in Italy. We explored for a bit more and then went back to the hotel.

It was such a long, but amazing day.

Rome: Because We Wanted To

March 11, 2013

Rome: Because We Wanted To

Today has been amazing, but then it's Rome how can one go wrong?

We woke up at 4:30AM to be packed and in the lobby for breakfast at 5:15AM. Talk about an early start! Then we headed to the airport and boarded for Rome, Italy.

We had to wait for forty five minutes for the bus and then another half hour for the bus which was unfortunate but it could have been much worse so I can't complain to much.

We arrived at the hotel and were really impressed with it. We then quickly assembled and went to the metro to meet our tour guide.

We got off the metro, climbed the stairs and right in front of us was the Coliseum. It was amazing.

After that we walked around the area and learned the history of all the old ruins and took tons of pictures. We even saw Caesar's grave site.

My favorite part of the tour was the Trevi Fountain, but we saw many other cool things to though.

On the tour we even stopped for Gelato which is the best I have ever had in my life. Nothing can compare.

  

After the tour a group of us went for dinner where I had delicious Gnottichi     

in Italy. We explored for a bit more and then went back to the hotel.

It was such a long, but amazing day.

Greek Island

The fairy boat

Today Carolyn, Jess, Alison, and I went to the Greek Island of Aegina. We attempted to go to a different island, but they couldn't guarantee we would make it back to Athens on the ferry today so we opted for Aegina.

It turned out to be a blessing and reminded me of the fact that sometimes with a good attitude you can find an even better plan B.

We got off the ferry in our shorts and sun dresses hunting for a beach and some sun. It was still early and a lite cold, but we muscled through it.

Eventually it cleared and we were able to get some rays in the beautiful area.

After that we did lunch on the water. Then we split up. Paige and I did ice cream and the others rented quads to ride around the island. We opted out because we are both from the country and can do that any day at home.

Eventually we met back up for the ferry and came home sun kissed, tired, and completely satisfied with our day! Thanks Greece for the warm welcoming and for tomorrow-Rome.

Our Protector, Mr. New Booty on the way to the ferry

Side note: On our walk to the metro station we had a dog start following us, which isn't that strange in Athens there are dogs everywhere. It was however very sweet of Mr. New Booty (the dog) to guide us all the way and when creepy men stared or stepped toward us he got defensive and growled and protected us. When we got back ten hours later Mr. New Booty was sleeping outside our hotel. :)))

This is Mr. New Booty at our hotel that night. SAME DOG!!!

The Acropolis

This morning Carolyn and I up got ready and went upstairs to breakfast. The view was amazing. We can see Athens and the acropolis from our breakfast table.

After breakfast we went down to the lobby to meet the group for our tour.

Bronze Zeus at Museum

We first took the metro to take a tour of the Nation Archaeological Museum, where se saw many famous pieces from the years before Christ.

After that we went to a bus that took is to the Acropolis. It was amazing. Being able to see one of the ancient wonders of the world is truly amazing. I took so many pictures my camera's battery died. It felt so unreal to be there.

Greece Parliament Building

After hours of enjoyment Carolyn and I went to lunch at the cafe within the Acropolis museum. After we

rested our feet and fed our bellies we went and looked through the museum.

Following that we walked back to the hotel stopping in various shops to explore. We also wanted to get pictures with the guards at the parliament building but unknowingly we walked into a demonstration that was going on so we turned around once we figured that out and skipped that tourist experience.

After all that we were so excited to be back at the hotel as our feet were killing us! We then rested for a bit before we headed back out for dinner.

We ended up going to the hotel for dinner. Even though it was just up stairs it was a long walk.

After dinner we went to a close restaurant for coffee and tea and wifi but they only had wifi so we ordered soda instead. Then we came back and crashed for the night. Long day!

Boy begging by the acropolis

Cyprus to Greece

Today the group and I flew into Athens. After our arrival to the hotel we took a quick tour of the downtown area of Athens.

At the cafe we had lunch

We were tired so we grabbed a quick bite at a cafe downtown, did a minor amount of shopping, including a chocolate stop, and then went back to the hotel to take a nap.

Carolyn and I woke up from our naps and met up with fellow GLS members (Caleb, Nolan, Jeremy, & Austin).

We then went on the search for dinner. We asked several people for suggestions and went that way to find a restaurant. We kept getting lost so would then ask someone new for their suggestion. Eventually some man led us to a good authentic Greek place to eat. There was live music and dancing for all to enjoy.

At one point a man came in and took our picture and tried to charge us 12€. We told our server and he handled the situation.

Also people started to dance and pulled Carolyn up to dance. I took a video of the dancing, but then she begged someone to join her so I went up to dance. She took the opportunity to then go sit down. That's the last time I try to be nice!

At the end of our meal a man walked around handing out roses to all the ladies in the restaurant to celebrate national women's day. It was so sweet of him!

This was a very good day start to our adventure.

3,2,1 Blastoff!!!

The first leg of my trip is approaching. I will be leaving tomorrow to see both Greece and Italy. My schedule is as follows:

March 8: Cyprus to Athens

March 9: Tour of the Acropolis and visit the Athens Museum

March 10: Travel to a near by Greek Island

March 11: Athens to Rome with a tour of the Colosseum followed by a walking tour of Rome

March 12: Vatican Museum and St. Peters. Unfortunately due to the resignation of the Pope we will not be able to see the Sistine Chapel

March 13: Leaning Tower of Pisa on our way to Florence. Visit of a Copy of the Statue of David

March 14: Florence. The Uffizi Gallery

March 15: Travel to Venice. Six hours free in Venice to hopefully ride one of their famous boats

March 16: Fly Home.

I will be sure to take lots of pictures to share, and when I get home I get the chance to check off one of the goals on my MK&A travel list.

MK&A Travel List Goal:

_X_ San Fransisco (Full House)

___  Los Angeles (Billboard Dad)

___  Paris, France (Passport to Paris)

___  Sydney, Australia (Our Lips Are Sealed)

___  London, England (Winning London)

___ Atlantis, Bahamas (Holiday in the Sun)

_X_ Rome, Italy (When In Rome)

_X_ Manhattan, New York (New York Minute)

And by the end of my trip in May my list will look like this:

MK&A Travel List Goal:

_X_ San Fransisco (Full House)

___  Los Angeles (Billboard Dad)

_X_  Paris, France (Passport to Paris)

___  Sydney, Australia (Our Lips Are Sealed)

_X_  London, England (Winning London)

___ Atlantis, Bahamas (Holiday in the Sun)

_X_ Rome, Italy (When In Rome)

_X_ Manhattan, New York (New York Minute)

Feeling Blessed =)))).

FIRE

Today was pretty laid back. Carolyn and I woke up, ate breakfast, worked on homework, then went for our daily walk. After that grocery store, homemade spaghetti and meatballs, and then Disney movie marathon. My movie unfortunately was interrupted by what sounded like an explosion. I looked out my window to find a car igniting on fire. I called Carolyn in and proceeded to call the police because after ten minutes we heard no sirens and the gas on the ground was catching fire and moving quickly toward our building. Then we heard the sirens so naturally we did the American thing and whipped out our camera and started filming and taking photographs. Just another day in Cyprus....Enjoy the video and our commentary of the stressful event on my facebook page.

Side note rumors travel fast. Two theories have uprooted on facebook, none with any evidence of being true (a) angry ex girlfriend and (b) car was bombed to hide evidence of robbery that took place earlier in the day.

Neglected Blog Update

Sorry I have been so distant lately, I wish I could say I was busy, but really just went on a lazy streak for a bit. Italy and Greece are getting very close! We got our itineraries yesterday! Carolyn and I are so excited! We have a lot for free time in specific locations so we are trying to find reasonable priced activities to do. But, what else have I been up to?

Last Saturday while everyone was in Egypt I attempted to go downtown to the Turkish side with Meleana, unfortunately it didn't go as planned. We crossed to the other side and she asked a stranger for directions. He didn't speak any English and point where we pointed and was unhelpful. Then he started following us. Which was also uncomfortable. Eventually he asked to take a photo with me, so I obliged. After the first shot he asked for one more and then when trying to take it he grabbed my hand and kissed me on the cheek. I felt very violated. So we decided to go back to the Greek side and give up on our Turkish excursion.

Hard Rock Cafe

On Sunday, I had made plans to go to church, but the person I was going to go with was feeling sick so I stayed behind. Then Alexis asked me for coffee so we met up to do that. Coffee turned into dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe, which was fun. Then we met up with a fellow GLS'er Nolan at Ivanhoes (the Irish Pub) and played pool and darts.

This week has been pretty uneventful. We accomplish little on the week days. But, there are some notable events.

Monday, we had group karaoke at Ivanhoes, where Carolyn, Caleb, and I busted out "Party In the USA" for the bar to enjoy.

Wednesday, Carolyn and I went downtown and marked off goals on our list. We went for coffee at Starbucks then went to the post office and then shopped for the rest of the afternoon before the Wednesday siesta. (On Wednesday in Cyprus everything closes for the afternoon).

Ms. Dynamite at Club Nuovo

Carolyn, Neal, and I at Club Nuovo

Friday, a group of us went to club Nuovo for Neal's Birthday weekend celebration. It was a pretty fun night. They had a performer come in, named Dynamite who sang a set for us. Overall, it was a fun night.

At the park

Birds at the park

Today, Carolyn and I decided to go for a walk and try and find the park we have been told about that is by a church. We found it with ease and had the best experience! They had multiple birds there in cages for everyone to enjoy and we also went into the attached orchard and ate a fresh orange right from the tree. We took lots of pictures of the experience. After the park we went to out to lunch. Now we are home to work on homework, before the final day of Neal's birthday celebration, which will consist of dinner with large group. What can I say I'm loving life =))). Talk soon everyone!

Toucan!

Wild Bunny!

I loved this bird.