BUDAPEST!!!! I just got back from an amazingly relaxing trip to Budapest. Turns out Budapest is actually two towns on either side of the Danube river connected by bridgest. The Buda side is known for being richer and a better place to raise your famil, while the Pest side is where all of the young people lives and is known to be more fun.
We arrived on Swiss air Thursday night and I have to say Swiss air is the best flight I have ever flown on. Any flight that gives be chocolate after great food and free wine on a 1 hour flight earns major brownie points in my book. We finally arrived at our hotel only to have our jaws drop to the floor. We stayed in a 5 star hjotel that the European Defense Ambassadors were staying. There was security everywhere and it also gives you an idea of how amazing this hotel was (we felt a little out of place but soaked in everyminute). We have a gathering right away where we were greeted with champagne and some people even showed up in their robes and slippers from the room. We were living in style. The first full day, friday, we woke up for breakfast and then our city walking tour. I think everyone will agree with me that breakfast was one of the highlights of our trip. It was like a breakfast candy store. Omlets made fresh, smoothies, pastries, endless kinds of cereal, fruit, sandwhich stuff, eggs, hasbrowns, BACON, the list goes on and on and on. Basically we all stuffed ourselves every morning because it was soooooo good. THen we went on to our walking tour which was great to see some of the main sights of Buda and Pest. Also the transportation there with undergrounds, metros and buses make it easy to get anywhere. We saw the palace, monuments, the public baths, the opera house and many more (see pictures online soon). That afternoon, I decided to experience my first public baths with a group of friends. I had never realized how huge they were!! The place we went to had 3 huge outdoor pools (pretty much hot tubs) but all different temperatures. Then it started snowing so we spent most of our time outside in the amazingly warn baths with snow falling on our heads. On the inside of the complex were so many different baths it was easy to get lost, there were whirlpools, hot, cold, scented, colored, sanas, uv rooms, the list goes on. It was fun to explore everywhere, but outside definetly was the best.
Saturday we willed ourselves up again with breakfast galore and then went on our second tour that was communism based. I had never realized how recent it was that communism still ruled HUngry. Our guide had lived through it and gave accounts of the differences in perspectives and lives between her, her parents and grandparents, affected by these times. Our first stop on the tour was the lady with the palm leaf statue that was created during the communist rule but it is now recognized as the liberation statue and is also one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Budapest. Next we went to the communist park where all of the communist statues that were erected were placed after the rule ended. It was very desolate and made you feel disjointed. It was cool to see the stuaes and hear the history instead of them being destroyed. Finally they ended our tour on a positive note by taking us to the underground wine cellars with the largest wine barel in the world (there are only two others like it with the same dimentions).
Then the tour dropped us off at the market where I finally had Langosh (I cant remember how to spell it correctly but thats how it is said). It is a fried dough that they traditionally put sour cream, garlic sauce and cheeze on. it was deliciously bad for you:) We explored a bit got some souveniers and then my friends and I decided to go to the hospital on the rock.
We went on a tour and saw where the hospital was, the old tools and medicines. This hospital was also used in WWII by the Germans as a bunker to hide and stay protected because Hungry sided with the Nazis during the war. I cant believe they actually lived through it and the tours made WWII and communism rule so real and made me realize how recent everything happened. Of course after all of this touring everyone made it back to the hostel to enjoy their spa with a grand pool, 2 hot tubs, 2 saunas and a steam room. More relaxing was so nice after midterms. we were living the life.
That night was the boat cruise. We had an endless buffet dinner with Hungarian food, wine and a jazz band and beautiful views of the city from the Danube river. We had a blast dancing and eating until we couldnt manage anymore food. Then the next morning I had to fly home:( And now I am about to go to class again.
Update: I also saw my friend Bert last night. He had surgery on his jaw and now has to titanium plates in his chin. He looks much better, feels better and is walking around and will most likely come home today. his mom is here and I showed her around a bit (hopefully she can have a little bit of fun and see some sights while she is here).
Hope everyone is doing well at home. Miss you all!!!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Barcelona and life...
I am soooooo bad about updating this. It has been two weeks since Barcelona and I still have not written about it and I am about to leave for Budepest today! In my defense we did have miderns and a little mishap this week with my friend falling and fracturing his jaw.
Barcelona was absolutely amazing though. If I was able to choose another place to study abroad I would want it to be there. When we first arrived we checked into our hostel which Tom, my friend from home, suggested becuase he studied abroad in Spain. We were advised to speak to Israel if we needed anything. Luckily he was the one to check us in and as a result told us everywhere to go in the city, how to get there and during our entire trip got us into clubs and amazing resturant. The highlight of our trip was going to his favorite tapas bar and ordering a bunch of tapas appitizers to share and drinks. We tried some wierd fish almost like squid that I cant remember the name of, veal, these famous spanish potatoes, spanish omlets, warm goat cheeze, and so many other things. It was great to get a taste of authentic Spain food right when we arrived.
My favorite part would have to be the HUGE fruit market off of the famous Las Ramblas street. I got huge bowls of fruit for 2 euro and half pinables cut up for 1. It was a fruit lover heaven. Las Ramblas street itself was great for tourist watching and the endless street performors that line the street are fun to watch and laugh at. Twice we walked all the way down to the beach where we sat for hours, soaked in the sun, drank beers on the beach and just watched the sailboats on the calm ocean...it was the life. We also saw alot of Gaudi buildings, the famous church (which is suppossed to be the biggest , most significant architectual completion in our lifetime), and also when to Gaudi park. Because of the nice weather we just wandered and saw so many cool things. The park was especially fun because you could hike to the top and see the entire city.
Of course we had to go experience the well known Spain nightlife as well. Yet Spain going out there does not mean late at night but actually early morning. The last night we were there we met up with the entire group of Gonzaga people on the trip and went to a world known club called Razzamataz which has 5 rooms with balconies and pathways on top of the buildings that are outside to get from one huge themed dance room to the other. It was insane. We didnt even leave from our meeting place with a hostel until 1:45 and then left the club at 5:45 only to have to check out of the hostel at 10 am and catch a plane. I have to admit it was worth it for the experience of seeing such an amazing club. I dont think I could live in Barcelona and survive their night life.
This week was midterms which was alot of cramming. I had 3 in one day and then one yesterday, which happened to be the day we found out about my friend Bert so I was a little distracted for the test. I hope I did ok at least. I did go see Bert at the hospital with some friends he was in good spirits and will have surgery on friday and his mom arrives today. They will put a metal plate in his chin and then they believe he will be able to stay in Florence which is the best news. We will see though just keep him in your prayers.
I leave for Budapest in 3 hours though. I have no idea what to expect. I guess it is cheap and known for its baths so I have brought a swimsuit. Also I know we have an authentic dinner planned on a boat. I will try to update more often to let you know how it is! I miss everyone alot.
Barcelona was absolutely amazing though. If I was able to choose another place to study abroad I would want it to be there. When we first arrived we checked into our hostel which Tom, my friend from home, suggested becuase he studied abroad in Spain. We were advised to speak to Israel if we needed anything. Luckily he was the one to check us in and as a result told us everywhere to go in the city, how to get there and during our entire trip got us into clubs and amazing resturant. The highlight of our trip was going to his favorite tapas bar and ordering a bunch of tapas appitizers to share and drinks. We tried some wierd fish almost like squid that I cant remember the name of, veal, these famous spanish potatoes, spanish omlets, warm goat cheeze, and so many other things. It was great to get a taste of authentic Spain food right when we arrived.
My favorite part would have to be the HUGE fruit market off of the famous Las Ramblas street. I got huge bowls of fruit for 2 euro and half pinables cut up for 1. It was a fruit lover heaven. Las Ramblas street itself was great for tourist watching and the endless street performors that line the street are fun to watch and laugh at. Twice we walked all the way down to the beach where we sat for hours, soaked in the sun, drank beers on the beach and just watched the sailboats on the calm ocean...it was the life. We also saw alot of Gaudi buildings, the famous church (which is suppossed to be the biggest , most significant architectual completion in our lifetime), and also when to Gaudi park. Because of the nice weather we just wandered and saw so many cool things. The park was especially fun because you could hike to the top and see the entire city.
Of course we had to go experience the well known Spain nightlife as well. Yet Spain going out there does not mean late at night but actually early morning. The last night we were there we met up with the entire group of Gonzaga people on the trip and went to a world known club called Razzamataz which has 5 rooms with balconies and pathways on top of the buildings that are outside to get from one huge themed dance room to the other. It was insane. We didnt even leave from our meeting place with a hostel until 1:45 and then left the club at 5:45 only to have to check out of the hostel at 10 am and catch a plane. I have to admit it was worth it for the experience of seeing such an amazing club. I dont think I could live in Barcelona and survive their night life.
This week was midterms which was alot of cramming. I had 3 in one day and then one yesterday, which happened to be the day we found out about my friend Bert so I was a little distracted for the test. I hope I did ok at least. I did go see Bert at the hospital with some friends he was in good spirits and will have surgery on friday and his mom arrives today. They will put a metal plate in his chin and then they believe he will be able to stay in Florence which is the best news. We will see though just keep him in your prayers.
I leave for Budapest in 3 hours though. I have no idea what to expect. I guess it is cheap and known for its baths so I have brought a swimsuit. Also I know we have an authentic dinner planned on a boat. I will try to update more often to let you know how it is! I miss everyone alot.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
RIOTS!!!!!!
Yesterday was the beginning of the chocolate festival in Florence so of course it was my priority to attend. We got delicious chocolate covered fruit skewers, and some people got the hot chocolate which here is basically liquified melted pure chocolate that you can add flavor, whipped cream and shavings to and it is so rich you cant even finish half. The chocolate was endless so many hinds and lots of fun shapes and combinations and the best part FREE samples. We even tried a rum truffle that was so stong I think if you had a whole one you would be tipsey.
Then I came home to do some hw. Yet I was distracted of course by skyping my parents. Then in the midst of this I heard a rucous outside my window. Looking outside I see a mob of protestors with helmets and bandanas blocking their faces and a police baracade at the other side of the street, with full gear and shields....right on out street!!!!! In front of my window (we are on the 3rd floor so great view). We ran to the front of our pensione to try and ask what was going on in our limited Italian and all we figured out was COMMUNISTS!!! As we were watching we heard multiple huge bands with bright flashes and then a smoke bomb was released filling the air with orange smoke and making the pensione all hazzy and smell like fireworks. Then the "movement" began to advance on the police and thats when we were like "oh ;#^%". Thank goodness no actual big riot broke out becuase after some intense chanting and negotiations they began to move down the other street. Basically it was like nothing I have ever expeienced. In the pensione we were running back and forth, screaming, taking pictures and videos...we are such tourists but I have to show everyone!!!!!!!!! Well that was my exciting story for the day just thought I would share that I am safe. My poor parents got hung up on skype to me saying "There is a riot outside my window with a police baracade ill call you back. what the hell is going on!!!!""" sorry mom and dad!
Then I came home to do some hw. Yet I was distracted of course by skyping my parents. Then in the midst of this I heard a rucous outside my window. Looking outside I see a mob of protestors with helmets and bandanas blocking their faces and a police baracade at the other side of the street, with full gear and shields....right on out street!!!!! In front of my window (we are on the 3rd floor so great view). We ran to the front of our pensione to try and ask what was going on in our limited Italian and all we figured out was COMMUNISTS!!! As we were watching we heard multiple huge bands with bright flashes and then a smoke bomb was released filling the air with orange smoke and making the pensione all hazzy and smell like fireworks. Then the "movement" began to advance on the police and thats when we were like "oh ;#^%". Thank goodness no actual big riot broke out becuase after some intense chanting and negotiations they began to move down the other street. Basically it was like nothing I have ever expeienced. In the pensione we were running back and forth, screaming, taking pictures and videos...we are such tourists but I have to show everyone!!!!!!!!! Well that was my exciting story for the day just thought I would share that I am safe. My poor parents got hung up on skype to me saying "There is a riot outside my window with a police baracade ill call you back. what the hell is going on!!!!""" sorry mom and dad!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Cooking Class and Siena
Last night I was lucky enough to get a spot in the extremely popular cooking classes that GU arranges. Our menu was stuffed zucchini, homemade gnocchi with tomato and pesto and then chocolate salami...yummy. It was so much fun. Our teacher was histerical, blunt and made everything seem so easy. but, of course I doubt it will be at home and plus we dont have the nice little man that preps and cleans everything for you. I definetly am going to try though...I still want to learn how to cook some of the other amazing foods here.
Today was our day to Siena. The weather is finally starting to turn nice and it made Siena that much better. There is a main square and we literally sat there for an hour in the sun and got gelato just enjoying the sun and people watching. The best part of our day trip was probably lunch. We ventured to this tiny alleyway when we first arrived, following the directions of a guidebook. We walked into the whole-in-the-wall TINY resturant where they had people more tables for us to fit. Next we realize there is a communication barrier so with our tiny Italian we ordered water and wine. Then we find out that there is no menu. Being completely confused college tourists the man said he will just bring us family style plates of the food. So heck why not. Turns out we had the most authentic and amazing meal. we had bread galore and a whole platter of all different kinds of sliced meat and cheese. Also there were some sort of marinated onions, potatoes and a pea salad and a bean salad. It was SOOOO good. Then in the end with all of that food they only charged us 8 euro each...we were estatic. We also ventured around the city and saw the churches. Of course the coolest was st. Dominico that has St. Catherines head preserved for you to see....creepy. Oh also we had these deepfried downut,ricecake, noodle, funnelcake,elephant ears thing that I guess is a rare treat as theya re only available1 1/2 months a year (we just saw the huge line and said we want what they are getting). It was amazing...of course deep friend always is. I feel like all i do is talk about food but it is SSSOOOOOO good here.
Whelp thats about it. Hope all is well at home
Today was our day to Siena. The weather is finally starting to turn nice and it made Siena that much better. There is a main square and we literally sat there for an hour in the sun and got gelato just enjoying the sun and people watching. The best part of our day trip was probably lunch. We ventured to this tiny alleyway when we first arrived, following the directions of a guidebook. We walked into the whole-in-the-wall TINY resturant where they had people more tables for us to fit. Next we realize there is a communication barrier so with our tiny Italian we ordered water and wine. Then we find out that there is no menu. Being completely confused college tourists the man said he will just bring us family style plates of the food. So heck why not. Turns out we had the most authentic and amazing meal. we had bread galore and a whole platter of all different kinds of sliced meat and cheese. Also there were some sort of marinated onions, potatoes and a pea salad and a bean salad. It was SOOOO good. Then in the end with all of that food they only charged us 8 euro each...we were estatic. We also ventured around the city and saw the churches. Of course the coolest was st. Dominico that has St. Catherines head preserved for you to see....creepy. Oh also we had these deepfried downut,ricecake, noodle, funnelcake,elephant ears thing that I guess is a rare treat as theya re only available1 1/2 months a year (we just saw the huge line and said we want what they are getting). It was amazing...of course deep friend always is. I feel like all i do is talk about food but it is SSSOOOOOO good here.
Whelp thats about it. Hope all is well at home
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Random Florence Stuff
So 2 days ago I went on a run with a guy from my Pensione who has been here the whole year, and we went on a running tour of Florence food places. Needless to day I am soooo excited to try all of these new resturants that look amazing...so stay tooned. So far I am convinced I have found the best gelato and pizza but we will see if this changes.
Also, today I finally saw the David. WOW. He is amazing to look at. You could probably stare at the statue for hours. I cant believe how it is possible to make a staue that big yet so realistic.
This weekend I am staying in Florence. I may do a day trip possibly to either Siena or Verona. We will see, but the weather is nice so I could just walk around outside for all I care! Ill keep everyone informed.
Also, today I finally saw the David. WOW. He is amazing to look at. You could probably stare at the statue for hours. I cant believe how it is possible to make a staue that big yet so realistic.
This weekend I am staying in Florence. I may do a day trip possibly to either Siena or Verona. We will see, but the weather is nice so I could just walk around outside for all I care! Ill keep everyone informed.
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