The day we left, we tried to get into the crypt at St. Peter's, but the line was too long, so we abandoned that idea. Anyway, then we got a taxi and drove to the airport, caught a train to Frankfurt, then back to Boston, and by then we were getting pretty tired.
So, we got home last night at 11:30pm USA time, which is 5:30 in the morning Rome time, so we were tired both ways. Then we fell asleep, which was horrible for me, because I kept waking up after these dreams that an animal would sacrifice themselves every hour at my window.
Wow. That was even weirder writing it down.
Well, here I am. Writing my final post. Although soon, I will put a link to ALL the pictures from my trip on the blog, in case you haven't been able to access Facebook.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Thursday, April 28, 2016
April 28: Bones
Ah, we've finally caught up to today.
Originally, we were going to go to the Catacombs. But this weird guy on the street told us we had to buy a different ticket to go outside of Rome on the bus, so we decided not to go.
First, we went on the metro to the Mouth of Truth, which is a statue of a giant face that, legend says, will bite your arm off if you tell a lie while it is in there. Turns out it's not true. :(
Next, while my mom went walking along the river, my dad, brother and I went to the Church of Bones, which is a whole collection of contraptions and objects made of skeletons and bones, all done by one monk with the bones of his brothers. Unfortunately, there were no photos allowed, but it was so cool! There were skeletons sitting in niches, covered by robes, and chandeliers made of bones!
Finally, we all went to Vatican City, intent on going to the Crypt underneath St. Peter's. Unfortunately, the line was super long, so we didn't go. However, we did get ice cream (yay) and then went home! And...here we are!
Tomorrow: After three weeks, finally going home!
Originally, we were going to go to the Catacombs. But this weird guy on the street told us we had to buy a different ticket to go outside of Rome on the bus, so we decided not to go.
First, we went on the metro to the Mouth of Truth, which is a statue of a giant face that, legend says, will bite your arm off if you tell a lie while it is in there. Turns out it's not true. :(
Next, while my mom went walking along the river, my dad, brother and I went to the Church of Bones, which is a whole collection of contraptions and objects made of skeletons and bones, all done by one monk with the bones of his brothers. Unfortunately, there were no photos allowed, but it was so cool! There were skeletons sitting in niches, covered by robes, and chandeliers made of bones!
Finally, we all went to Vatican City, intent on going to the Crypt underneath St. Peter's. Unfortunately, the line was super long, so we didn't go. However, we did get ice cream (yay) and then went home! And...here we are!
Tomorrow: After three weeks, finally going home!
April 27: We Missed the Pope!
So, if you're wondering about the tagline of the post, the Pope came out at 10:00am out or St. Peter's Basilica, and we left shortly after that for the Vatican.
The museum was the place we went first. It was awesome! Not so much the museum (I mean, it was cool too, seeing all the artifacts and cool designs) but the highlight was the Sistine Chapel! Michelangelo's frescos were just stunning! The Creation of Earth, The Creation of Adam, Temptation and Banishment, they were all so amazing!!! The ceiling of that place was the coolest thing I have seen in Rome so far!
After the museum, we went into the Basilica. The only cool thing in St. Peter's was Michelangelo's Pieta, and to be honest, I was a little bored there, but it was cool.
After that, we went to walk home (which didn't turn out to be such a good idea). I tried to convince my parents to take the metro, but no, we had to walk two hours through a park and around to our apartment. I was miserable when we got home. But at least we got home.
Next: Bones!
The museum was the place we went first. It was awesome! Not so much the museum (I mean, it was cool too, seeing all the artifacts and cool designs) but the highlight was the Sistine Chapel! Michelangelo's frescos were just stunning! The Creation of Earth, The Creation of Adam, Temptation and Banishment, they were all so amazing!!! The ceiling of that place was the coolest thing I have seen in Rome so far!
After the museum, we went into the Basilica. The only cool thing in St. Peter's was Michelangelo's Pieta, and to be honest, I was a little bored there, but it was cool.
After that, we went to walk home (which didn't turn out to be such a good idea). I tried to convince my parents to take the metro, but no, we had to walk two hours through a park and around to our apartment. I was miserable when we got home. But at least we got home.
Next: Bones!
April 26: Colosseum!
Sorry this post is a little late, I've just had lots of things going on the last few days. But, here it is!
Two days ago, we went to the Colosseum at 8:30 in the morning with a guide, so we could experience the wonders in full! It was so amazing! I posted a ton of photos on my Facebook page, but it was just so awesome to see a part of ancient history right in front of me, and walk inside it no doubt! I could have spent days there, but there was another attraction in store for us...
We went with our guide to the Forum, which is a wide open space where the Romans held meetings and did other stuff. To be honest, it was a bit underwhelming, but at least we ate lunch there.
After the Forum, we walked to the church where the chains of St. Peter and Michelangelo's Moses statue was. It was interesting to see a religious side of Rome (like I haven't before), but the chains were cool to see.
Next, and finally, we went to the steps designed by Michelangelo, which were very underwhelming. But then we walked home, and I got some rest.
Next: Vatican City!
Two days ago, we went to the Colosseum at 8:30 in the morning with a guide, so we could experience the wonders in full! It was so amazing! I posted a ton of photos on my Facebook page, but it was just so awesome to see a part of ancient history right in front of me, and walk inside it no doubt! I could have spent days there, but there was another attraction in store for us...
We went with our guide to the Forum, which is a wide open space where the Romans held meetings and did other stuff. To be honest, it was a bit underwhelming, but at least we ate lunch there.
After the Forum, we walked to the church where the chains of St. Peter and Michelangelo's Moses statue was. It was interesting to see a religious side of Rome (like I haven't before), but the chains were cool to see.
Next, and finally, we went to the steps designed by Michelangelo, which were very underwhelming. But then we walked home, and I got some rest.
Next: Vatican City!
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
April 25: Churches and Walking
We started the day with going to the Pantheon, which had an amazing inside! I posted, like, a million pictures on my Facebook page, which are in great detail.
After the Pantheon, we walked across the River Tiber to an island near Rome, then to Trastevere, an old neighborhood with a HUGE church, which my mom and I snuggled up in, since by then we were kind of tired. After that, we went to an island where the Roman Jewish Quarter was. First, we went to a cookie shop with AMAZING cookies, then we crossed the island again and walked by the Tiber River. Then, we went to a museum, which had cool artifacts from the past, and then on a tour to the synagogue near the museum.
After that, we had lunch, and then began our walk back to the subway. We passed the Colosseum on the way to the metro, which looked so awesome! We did see it today, but that post will have to come tomorrow...
After the Pantheon, we walked across the River Tiber to an island near Rome, then to Trastevere, an old neighborhood with a HUGE church, which my mom and I snuggled up in, since by then we were kind of tired. After that, we went to an island where the Roman Jewish Quarter was. First, we went to a cookie shop with AMAZING cookies, then we crossed the island again and walked by the Tiber River. Then, we went to a museum, which had cool artifacts from the past, and then on a tour to the synagogue near the museum.
After that, we had lunch, and then began our walk back to the subway. We passed the Colosseum on the way to the metro, which looked so awesome! We did see it today, but that post will have to come tomorrow...
Monday, April 25, 2016
April 23-24: Walking Tours and Arriving in Rome
So, on the morning of our arrival in Rome, we were in Naples, and we walked down to the Archaeological Museum with artifacts from Pompeii. We saw the original Faun statue (situated at the House of the Faun), cool theater mosaics, and much more! There was also a cool secret room, which had penises, piles of dicks, boobs, and lots of pictures and models of people having sex in it. Yeah, man, that was some heavy stuff.
Then we went to catch our train to Rome (yay!). It was only an hour long ride, but for some reason it felt like forever. Then we took the Metro to our neighborhood, and we got a little lost, but we finally found it.
Our renter, Elianna, was waiting for us, and she showed us the apartment (which is pretty cool). After that, even though my mom said we were just going to stay in our neighborhood that day, we went out to meet her friend from France. Long story short, we got really lost and didn't get back until 10:30 at night (urrrrgh).
The next day, we climbed the Spanish Steps, and started a self-guided tour called the Heart of Rome walk. Soon we came to the Trevi Fountain, which is amazing (photos are on my Facebook page). Then we went to the Piazza Colonna, where we saw the column of Marcus Aurelius, which is in the same area as the Parliament building. Then we went to the Piazza Navona, where we saw the Four Rivers Fountain, with four River Gods and an Egyptian obelisk. Then we met my mom's friend and her friend, and hung out, getting some gelato (ice cream) and walking around.
We walked by the Pantheon (which was SO crowded, so we didn't go in) and then took the metro home. However, we did go to the Pantheon the next day, which will be the next post, hopefully coming soon, if I have the time. We're about to get a tour of the Colosseum and the Forum, so that should be fun...
Then we went to catch our train to Rome (yay!). It was only an hour long ride, but for some reason it felt like forever. Then we took the Metro to our neighborhood, and we got a little lost, but we finally found it.
Our renter, Elianna, was waiting for us, and she showed us the apartment (which is pretty cool). After that, even though my mom said we were just going to stay in our neighborhood that day, we went out to meet her friend from France. Long story short, we got really lost and didn't get back until 10:30 at night (urrrrgh).
The next day, we climbed the Spanish Steps, and started a self-guided tour called the Heart of Rome walk. Soon we came to the Trevi Fountain, which is amazing (photos are on my Facebook page). Then we went to the Piazza Colonna, where we saw the column of Marcus Aurelius, which is in the same area as the Parliament building. Then we went to the Piazza Navona, where we saw the Four Rivers Fountain, with four River Gods and an Egyptian obelisk. Then we met my mom's friend and her friend, and hung out, getting some gelato (ice cream) and walking around.
We walked by the Pantheon (which was SO crowded, so we didn't go in) and then took the metro home. However, we did go to the Pantheon the next day, which will be the next post, hopefully coming soon, if I have the time. We're about to get a tour of the Colosseum and the Forum, so that should be fun...
Sunday, April 24, 2016
April 22: Traveling
Today, we did quite a lot of walking and traveling. In the morning, we went out to the park in Florence, where we ran around for a bit. Then we caught a three-hour train for Naples, during which we read and slept.
When we arrived in Naples, we met Elizabetta, who was the woman we were renting our apartment from. We walked through Pompeii, which was SO cool! We learned tons of things, (almost) all of which are listed here:
When we arrived in Naples, we met Elizabetta, who was the woman we were renting our apartment from. We walked through Pompeii, which was SO cool! We learned tons of things, (almost) all of which are listed here:
- Shop and store ruins can be identified by a thin track in the ground for a sliding door.
- There were no street names, so people would say "Let's meet at the fountain that looks like (a) ___________."
- There is a temporary art exhibit set up, including a nude angel in the main square.
- There is an app that shows you places in Pompeii now and in the past for comparison.
- It is good to walk on mosaics because it drives them into the Earth.
- Only men were allowed to be hot in the sauna and then jump into the cold water. Women were only allowed hot water.
- There was a (modern) restaurant halfway through the city that serves excellent (real) french fries.
...and much more!!!
Well, then we got to our apartment and settled down. The end. Yesterday's post is coming soon. Sorry about the delay.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
April 21: A Museum Day
So, today was a day for museums.
First, we got up in the morning (obviously) and walked down to the Leonardo da Vinci Museum. Inside, they had reconstructions of Leonardo's inventions and copies of his notes and ideas. It was truly amazing to see what a genius mind like Leonardo's thought of but never created. I posted a ton of photos on my Facebook page, which I heartily suggest you check out.
Next, we considered going to the Galileo Museum before we went to the Uffizi (yu-feet-zee), but we didn't have time to do that and eat lunch, so we just ate lunch (french fries again, yum!).
When we got to Uffizi, we were greeted with a wall of sculptures (three hallways, actually), which were fun to look at. But what we had really gone for, of course, were the paintings. And we got paintings! We saw things such as the Baptism of Christ (Leonardo da Vinci), the Venus and Spring (Botticelli) and much, much more. We also saw a Medusa shield and the Hermaphrodite. Check my Facebook page for over 30 photos, with more to come.
So, in short, even though we didn't go to the Galileo Museum, the day was still pretty awesome. After the Uffizi, we just walked around Florence. Fun!
Tomorrow we'll be taking a train to Naples and going to Pompeii! Bye!
First, we got up in the morning (obviously) and walked down to the Leonardo da Vinci Museum. Inside, they had reconstructions of Leonardo's inventions and copies of his notes and ideas. It was truly amazing to see what a genius mind like Leonardo's thought of but never created. I posted a ton of photos on my Facebook page, which I heartily suggest you check out.
Next, we considered going to the Galileo Museum before we went to the Uffizi (yu-feet-zee), but we didn't have time to do that and eat lunch, so we just ate lunch (french fries again, yum!).
When we got to Uffizi, we were greeted with a wall of sculptures (three hallways, actually), which were fun to look at. But what we had really gone for, of course, were the paintings. And we got paintings! We saw things such as the Baptism of Christ (Leonardo da Vinci), the Venus and Spring (Botticelli) and much, much more. We also saw a Medusa shield and the Hermaphrodite. Check my Facebook page for over 30 photos, with more to come.
So, in short, even though we didn't go to the Galileo Museum, the day was still pretty awesome. After the Uffizi, we just walked around Florence. Fun!
Tomorrow we'll be taking a train to Naples and going to Pompeii! Bye!
April 20: In Florence
Yesterday, we got up in the morning ready for adventure! First, we walked to a park near our house, then promptly went back to our house to leave our sweatshirts there. Then, we walked through a bridge with lots of shops on it, then we went to the Piazza Della Signoria, where the copy of Michelangelo's David statue was, among others, like the Rape of the Sabine Woman (shiver).
Then we went into the Duomo, one of the largest churches in the world, and let me tell you, it was amazing! We tried to take a trip up to the top, but you could only get a ticket for everything in the Duomo, not just a trip to the top, so we abandoned that idea. But it was still amazing!
After the Duomo, we had lunch at a nice restaurant, then got gelato (delicious!).
Then we got into line for the Accademia, the museum home to the original David and so much more! It was so exciting and awesome to see those old paintings and sculptures that have been around for hundreds of years! My brother and I were thrilled!
After that, we caught a bus to Fiosole, a high-up town with a great view of Florence. We stayed there and walked around for a little while, then went back and fell right asleep!
Today is a day of museums. I will post about it tomorrow.
Then we went into the Duomo, one of the largest churches in the world, and let me tell you, it was amazing! We tried to take a trip up to the top, but you could only get a ticket for everything in the Duomo, not just a trip to the top, so we abandoned that idea. But it was still amazing!
After the Duomo, we had lunch at a nice restaurant, then got gelato (delicious!).
Then we got into line for the Accademia, the museum home to the original David and so much more! It was so exciting and awesome to see those old paintings and sculptures that have been around for hundreds of years! My brother and I were thrilled!
After that, we caught a bus to Fiosole, a high-up town with a great view of Florence. We stayed there and walked around for a little while, then went back and fell right asleep!
Today is a day of museums. I will post about it tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
April 19: Dogs and Travel
Yesterday morning we got up in Venice and went to bed in Florence.
We woke up and cleaned out our rental house. Then we left our stuff there and took a boat to St. Mark's, where we went to the Doge's Palace (my mom and brother and I call it "the Dogs Palace"), which was very interesting. We saw armor from ancient times, and paintings, plus we walked over the Bridge of Sighs, which was fun. I sighed on it.
Then we flew down to the train station and boarded a train for Florence. Upon arriving in the city after a two hour journey, we got lost in finding our apartment. However, we finally did, and, after getting settled, we went out, ran around in the park, then found a place for dinner. I ate french fries.
Then we went to bed. The end.
Today's post is coming soon.
We woke up and cleaned out our rental house. Then we left our stuff there and took a boat to St. Mark's, where we went to the Doge's Palace (my mom and brother and I call it "the Dogs Palace"), which was very interesting. We saw armor from ancient times, and paintings, plus we walked over the Bridge of Sighs, which was fun. I sighed on it.
Then we flew down to the train station and boarded a train for Florence. Upon arriving in the city after a two hour journey, we got lost in finding our apartment. However, we finally did, and, after getting settled, we went out, ran around in the park, then found a place for dinner. I ate french fries.
Then we went to bed. The end.
Today's post is coming soon.
Monday, April 18, 2016
April 18: Venice Stuff
So. Venice.
It's a pretty amazing place and all. Yesterday, we went to the clock tower at St. Mark's square, from which we got an awesome view of Venice and its surrounding islands. Unfortunately, my brother and I descended into the first stage of a brawl, and my parents got us quickly out of there before it ascended (or descended).
Then, we met up with my mom's (and my) friend Melissa Hayes-Hart, and her boyfriend Peter, who just happened to be in Venice for their ninth anniversary. With them, we went to the island of Murano, near Venice, where we went to a glass blowing factory to see how glass was made, and we got some souvenirs too. See my Facebook page for some photos on that.
After that, we took a boat back to Venice and went home to have some dinner. After that, we walked to the train station and began a tour down the Grand Canal. However, we cut it short so we could go home, and we are continuing it today.
If anyone has any requests for photos that they do not see on my Facebook page, you may ask in the comments of this blog or my Facebook.
It's a pretty amazing place and all. Yesterday, we went to the clock tower at St. Mark's square, from which we got an awesome view of Venice and its surrounding islands. Unfortunately, my brother and I descended into the first stage of a brawl, and my parents got us quickly out of there before it ascended (or descended).
Then, we met up with my mom's (and my) friend Melissa Hayes-Hart, and her boyfriend Peter, who just happened to be in Venice for their ninth anniversary. With them, we went to the island of Murano, near Venice, where we went to a glass blowing factory to see how glass was made, and we got some souvenirs too. See my Facebook page for some photos on that.
After that, we took a boat back to Venice and went home to have some dinner. After that, we walked to the train station and began a tour down the Grand Canal. However, we cut it short so we could go home, and we are continuing it today.
If anyone has any requests for photos that they do not see on my Facebook page, you may ask in the comments of this blog or my Facebook.
Sunday, April 17, 2016
April 17: A Whole Lot of Walking, Flying and Mumbo-Jumbo
So, as the title of this post suggests, I have a lot to say about today.
My parents woke me up at 4:45 in the morning this morning (only about 9:45 in the US, my usual bedtime) and we took a thirty minute plane to Athens, after which we took a two hour flight to Venice. From there we took a water taxi to the city, and then...here we are.
But wait! There's more!
This afternoon we walked around the city, going to St. Mark's, getting gelato (ice cream) and just having overall fun. Until my brother and I got into a little fight, and I'll let my bruises explain the rest (no, just kidding, he's only 8).
Now, after I finished my lunch of pasta for dinner, alongside some green beans, I have to head into bed. Early night tonight!
Head over to my Facebook page for photos!
My parents woke me up at 4:45 in the morning this morning (only about 9:45 in the US, my usual bedtime) and we took a thirty minute plane to Athens, after which we took a two hour flight to Venice. From there we took a water taxi to the city, and then...here we are.
But wait! There's more!
This afternoon we walked around the city, going to St. Mark's, getting gelato (ice cream) and just having overall fun. Until my brother and I got into a little fight, and I'll let my bruises explain the rest (no, just kidding, he's only 8).
Now, after I finished my lunch of pasta for dinner, alongside some green beans, I have to head into bed. Early night tonight!
Head over to my Facebook page for photos!
April 16: Artifacts and a Picnic
On the morning of April 16, we went to a journey to Crete's Archaeological Museum, which ties in with Knossos and all that stuff. We saw the Bee Pendant, the Snake Goddess, and so much more! It was awesome seeing all these cool artifacts from Minoan times! Check my Facebook page for 40+ photos!
Later that day, we went on a picnic at the beach with the people whose house we were staying in (including Odysseas [Ode-iss-ay is] and Elias, the two children) and we basically just played volleyball, ate ice cream, and ran around the whole time. It was very fun.
Blog about today coming up soon.
Later that day, we went on a picnic at the beach with the people whose house we were staying in (including Odysseas [Ode-iss-ay is] and Elias, the two children) and we basically just played volleyball, ate ice cream, and ran around the whole time. It was very fun.
Blog about today coming up soon.
Friday, April 15, 2016
April 13-15: Another Whole Bunch of Stuff
So, to be completely honest, I forgot to post my blog yesterday and the day before. Sorry about that.
After I made my last post, I went with my parents took my brother and I to an old Venetian fortress near my house. It was very...uh...Venetian. I look forward to going to Venice on Sunday, where I can see Venetian fortresses actually in Venice.
Yesterday, we went on a "road trip" of sorts, where we went on an hour-long car ride to a cool cave which was used to hide out in during the Turk invasion of Crete. Unfortunately, the Turks found everyone and killed them. But it was still a darn awesome cave, with lighting and stalactites to make it even more awesome.
After the cave, we went to an olive oil factory, which wasn't the most exciting thing in the world, but it was still cool to see.
Last night, my dad, brother and I got lost looking for ice cream in the city. That was eventful, I guess.
Early today, we went to Knossos, guided by our friend's friend Stella, who was also an archaeologist. Seeing the palace was cool, but unfortunately I have been mildly sick, so I couldn't focus and became light-headed at some points. But it was really cool, and you can check my Facebook page for pictures.
Tomorrow we will go to the Archaeological Museum, near Knossos. On Sunday we will leave Crete, fly back to Athens and then fly to Venice. Fun!
After I made my last post, I went with my parents took my brother and I to an old Venetian fortress near my house. It was very...uh...Venetian. I look forward to going to Venice on Sunday, where I can see Venetian fortresses actually in Venice.
Yesterday, we went on a "road trip" of sorts, where we went on an hour-long car ride to a cool cave which was used to hide out in during the Turk invasion of Crete. Unfortunately, the Turks found everyone and killed them. But it was still a darn awesome cave, with lighting and stalactites to make it even more awesome.
After the cave, we went to an olive oil factory, which wasn't the most exciting thing in the world, but it was still cool to see.
Last night, my dad, brother and I got lost looking for ice cream in the city. That was eventful, I guess.
Early today, we went to Knossos, guided by our friend's friend Stella, who was also an archaeologist. Seeing the palace was cool, but unfortunately I have been mildly sick, so I couldn't focus and became light-headed at some points. But it was really cool, and you can check my Facebook page for pictures.
Tomorrow we will go to the Archaeological Museum, near Knossos. On Sunday we will leave Crete, fly back to Athens and then fly to Venice. Fun!
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
April 12-13, 2016: A Lot of Stuff
My, have I got a lot to tell you.
Yesterday, we went to the Acropolis Museum and then the Acropolis itself. For photos, you can check my Facebook page, because the pictures tell a better story than I can ever do on this blog.
At about 7:00, we went to Piraeus, where we got on the boat we will take overnight to Crete. We got dinner (fish, pasta and vegetables, yum!) then went to sleep. The night was horrible. I didn't get a wink of sleep. Zip. Nada.
We arrived this morning and rented a car to drive to our house that we acquired through a home swapping website. And, in fact, that is where I am posting from.
As always, you can see photos on my Facebook page.
Yesterday, we went to the Acropolis Museum and then the Acropolis itself. For photos, you can check my Facebook page, because the pictures tell a better story than I can ever do on this blog.
At about 7:00, we went to Piraeus, where we got on the boat we will take overnight to Crete. We got dinner (fish, pasta and vegetables, yum!) then went to sleep. The night was horrible. I didn't get a wink of sleep. Zip. Nada.
We arrived this morning and rented a car to drive to our house that we acquired through a home swapping website. And, in fact, that is where I am posting from.
As always, you can see photos on my Facebook page.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
April 12, 2016: Waking Up
I was awakened this fine morning at 10:00 in Athens time, ready for a new day.
Today we will take the metro to the Acropolis to see the Parthenon and the Temple to Athena Nike, among others. Checkout from the hotel is at 2:00, and at 9:00, after dinner, we will depart on an overnight boat to Crete.
The may or may not have wifi on the boat, and if they do, I will post from there, but if they don't, I will post from our house in Crete tomorrow.
Monday, April 11, 2016
April 11, 2016: Back from Dinner
I have just returned from a delightful pasta dinner in the city of Athens, in the shadow of the Parthenon. I was out with my brother, mother and father, and walked through some amazing gardens before settling down and eating dinner.
Tomorrow I will go to the Acropolis and share with you some images and a video from there.
See my Facebook page (with a link in my previous post) for images from today's adventure.
Tomorrow I will go to the Acropolis and share with you some images and a video from there.
See my Facebook page (with a link in my previous post) for images from today's adventure.
April 11, 2016: Finally, We Got to Athens!
It has been a long and difficult ride. We took a plane from Boston that took 7 hours, then a 2 1/2 hour layover in Frankfurt, Germany, then a 2 1/3 flight to Athens. Now, here we are, in our hotel, at the Crowne Plaza.
Right now we will go out into Athens to get some ice cream (it is 80 degrees here!), then come back for dinner. Tomorrow we will go to the Acropolis, then take an overnight ferry to Crete.
For some photos, see my Facebook page. The link is included in my last post.
Right now we will go out into Athens to get some ice cream (it is 80 degrees here!), then come back for dinner. Tomorrow we will go to the Acropolis, then take an overnight ferry to Crete.
For some photos, see my Facebook page. The link is included in my last post.
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Facebook/Photos Announcement
Hey, guys.
So, I may not be able to post a whole lot of pictures on my blog during this trip, but if you want the full photo experience, I suggest you check out my Facebook page, where I will be posting most of my photos and some videos, too.
So, I may not be able to post a whole lot of pictures on my blog during this trip, but if you want the full photo experience, I suggest you check out my Facebook page, where I will be posting most of my photos and some videos, too.
So excited!
Oh, by the way, you should check out the movies I did for Social Studies in school. #1 is a retelling of a Greek Myth, #2 is a reenactment of the Trojan War, and #3 is an interview with Socrates, Plato and Aristotle (all on the subject of Greece!).
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Announcement
Beginning the week before April vacation and ending the week after, I will be updating this travel blog with my adventures in Italy.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Wednesday, June 25, 2014: Iceland Adventure!
8:59 AM (Eastern time)
Remember how I
said yesterday would be boring? Well, it was actually very fun! Our
friend Gulli picked us up in the morning at 9:00, and we went on a
really long drive to a waterfall. And when I say really long, I mean
really long. Italicized. Did
you notice that?
The
video below should explain everything, but here's out agenda:
- Pingvallir National Park entrance
- Waterfall (small)
- Hiking around Pingvallir
- Open space where Iceland Parliament met
- Where North American and European tectonic plates meet
- Chasm where you can throw kr (Iceland currency)
- Geysir (the original)
- Watching Geysir erupt five times
- Gullfoss waterfall (HUGE!)
- Bathroom break
- Snack break
- Expensive dinner
- Climbing on beach rocks
- Visiting Gulli's friend, who owns horses, a dog, a cat and bees (yes, you heard me right)
- Back to our rented apartment
- Sleep
- At 6:00 this morning, wake up, brush teeth, eat quick breakfast
- Say goodbye to Gulli at airport
- Fly on a 5-hour 15 minute-long flight from Reykjavik to Logan Airport
Enjoy
this video, which I put together specially
for
this blog. Not seen anywhere else (except for maybe YouTube).
See
you soon!
Tuesday, June 24, 2014: Another Plane Ride
6:21 pm (Iceland time)
I
have to say, today was a deadly bore. Apart from a BORING plane ride
and a BORING Despicable
Me 2,
everything was SUPER-SUPER-BORING!
We
left our hotel in the morning to take a 3-hour flight to Reykjavik,
Iceland. They didn't have those little video screens in front of you,
so they had little mini tablets to do stuff on. My brother an I spent
almost the whole ride playing Pac-Man
and
Temple Run
and watching movies. BORING, right?
At least we have the sights to see in Iceland tomorrow, but I'm
predicting that will be BORING, right?
Monday, June 23, 2014
Sunday, June 22, 2014: The Burrow
8:06 pm
Today was, no doubt, a very successful day. This morning, George and I woke up early to play Monopoly. It was a very tight match, and we ended up not finishing before bedtime that night. More on that next post.
This morning we went to an ancient barrow (a narrow tomb [with giant spiders, might I add]) and then to ice cream and to a pub called the Fox and Badger for lunch. I got chips (which is what they call fries in the UK), and crisps (what they call chips in the UK) and then we set off for the Bath Sports & Leisure Center to swim for two whole hours.
Oh, you should have been there. There was a big pool and a small pool (the big pool was freezing and the small pool was warm, so you might guess where we chose to hang out) and then there were the waterslides.
One big and one small - that's how they do everything, isn't it? The big one was longer (obviously) but the smaller one was wider and could take two (or even three) people. Each one of them ended with a splash (literally). The smaller one actually landed in the pool, and the bigger one ended in a tiny space, full of water, next to the lifeguard's chair.
As I said before, it was a very successful day. So successful that we're going to bed early, and we're about to hear the story for tonight. Whoops, it's started. Here we go!
Today was, no doubt, a very successful day. This morning, George and I woke up early to play Monopoly. It was a very tight match, and we ended up not finishing before bedtime that night. More on that next post.
This morning we went to an ancient barrow (a narrow tomb [with giant spiders, might I add]) and then to ice cream and to a pub called the Fox and Badger for lunch. I got chips (which is what they call fries in the UK), and crisps (what they call chips in the UK) and then we set off for the Bath Sports & Leisure Center to swim for two whole hours.
 |
| Me on top of the barrow |
 |
| Me in front of the Fox & Badger |
 |
| The view from the barrow |
One big and one small - that's how they do everything, isn't it? The big one was longer (obviously) but the smaller one was wider and could take two (or even three) people. Each one of them ended with a splash (literally). The smaller one actually landed in the pool, and the bigger one ended in a tiny space, full of water, next to the lifeguard's chair.
As I said before, it was a very successful day. So successful that we're going to bed early, and we're about to hear the story for tonight. Whoops, it's started. Here we go!
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Saturday, June 21, 2014: Pranks
9:32 pm
After that, we got locked in a Monopoly stalemate. We're still playing it today, and we'll probably still be playing it when we leave in a couple days. We've already bankrupted the bank, and George is richer than me (for now) but I have almost twice the properties that he has.
Yesterday (I'm writing this on the 22nd), my friend George and I woke up and decided to play a trick on his brother Charlie and my brother Lir. So, when they came down, George forgot to activate his helicopter so I made my dad's little Dalek talk. Here's what a Dalek sounds like:
It didn't work, but it was pretty funny.
Speaking of Daleks, here's me at the Doctor Who Experience two days ago:
After that, we got locked in a Monopoly stalemate. We're still playing it today, and we'll probably still be playing it when we leave in a couple days. We've already bankrupted the bank, and George is richer than me (for now) but I have almost twice the properties that he has.
Our families took a 1.5 hour drive up to Fossil Beach in Kilve. We frolicked there for a while and then went to get ice cream near the beach. Then, 1.5 hours later, we watched 2 episodes of Phineas and Ferb, played a few rounds of Monopoly, ate dinner, took showers and went to bed.
This morning George and I woke up at 5:54 in the morning (to play more Monopoly).
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Friday, June 20, 2014: A Marvelous Experience
11:23 pm
Wow! A huge day yesterday - we woke up in Kentish Town and ended up in Bristol. So complicated! So, first we took a tube to Paddington Station, where we changed to the National Rail to Bristol. Our friend Nick picked up our luggage, and we went to Cardiff, Wales for the Doctor Who Experience.
First, we took the walking tour. The guide explained everything within 1.5 miles that had starred in Doctor Who or its spin-offs, The Sarah Jane Adventures and Torchwood. Then we went into the building and the fun began.
There was a Dalek scene (see an earlier post), Weeping Angels (see video below), Cybermen, the Doctor, and the Pandorica (look all these things up on the Doctor Who Wiki, Tardis Data Core).
If you don't know what a Weeping Angel is, watch this short video:
After that, we went through the exhibition, which featured clothing, props, costumes and much, much more from the TV series. Here are just a few of the things we saw:
Wow! A huge day yesterday - we woke up in Kentish Town and ended up in Bristol. So complicated! So, first we took a tube to Paddington Station, where we changed to the National Rail to Bristol. Our friend Nick picked up our luggage, and we went to Cardiff, Wales for the Doctor Who Experience.
First, we took the walking tour. The guide explained everything within 1.5 miles that had starred in Doctor Who or its spin-offs, The Sarah Jane Adventures and Torchwood. Then we went into the building and the fun began.
There was a Dalek scene (see an earlier post), Weeping Angels (see video below), Cybermen, the Doctor, and the Pandorica (look all these things up on the Doctor Who Wiki, Tardis Data Core).
If you don't know what a Weeping Angel is, watch this short video:
After that, we went through the exhibition, which featured clothing, props, costumes and much, much more from the TV series. Here are just a few of the things we saw:
 |
| The interior of the TARDIS from 2010-2013 |
 |
| Rose Tyler's outfit from 2008 |
 |
| The War Doctor's version of the TARDIS |
 |
| A chained Weeping Angel from 2012's The Angels Take Manhattan |
 |
| A Wooden Cyberman from the most recent episode, The Time of the Doctor |
 |
| A Sontaran from 2008's The Sontaran Stratagem/The Poison Sky |
After that, we happened to stumble upon the shop, where I purchased Spin & Fly TARDIS, rare Cyberman action figure, Seventh Doctor audio and a 2-in-1 novelization of 2 classic episodes from the '70s.
Check out my pictures page for more!
Toodles!
P.S.: If you want to know more about the Experience, click here.
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