Amy and I landed in Rome late in the afternoon and headed to our apartment on the Via Dei Coronari. I found this great loft on a web site that I've used extensively in my travels for booking accommodations...for those of you plannning to travel in the future, I highly recommend it. It is http://www.venere.com/. It was on a quiet street near the Piazza Navona...the only thing is that it was on the top floor of the building - up about 10 flights of stairs. I think a few of you saw my suitcase before I left....and well, it was as heavy as it was big...so carrying it up the stairs was a 2 person job (thanks Amy). The thing I learned about my particular suitcase, is that it being a little bit of an older style, it's not made from one of these light materials...it is actually heavy...even when it's empty. I realized this could be a problem during two months of travel, so I dediced to keep my eyes open for a lighter version.
When we arrrived at our apartment, we got in touch our friend Mona, also an ex-SCLA comrade, that left in February to come live in Rome (do you see a pattern here?). Mona's been living in Rome for the last 5 months and LOVES it. Seeing her was great - she looked happy and helathy and in her element. By the time we hooked up it was close to 9, so we wandered over to the Trastevere (literally meaning "over the Tevere") and found a little outdoor cafe for dinner. Trastevere is the area where more of the locals hang out - vs. Pantheon or Piazza de Spagna - which is where I've spent more of my tine in past visits to Rome. It was nice to be a little more entrenched with the locals and see how they live.
Our next day, Amy and I really didn't have a plan, so we got up a little on the late side, did a great 5 mile run on the Tevere, and then set out to just wander the streets of Rome. And wander we did...and wander, and wander....for literally hours. I think we say every inch of Rome - or at least it felt like it when we collapsed in our apartment at 7:00. After a quick power nap we headed down to the Campo Di Fiore - endearingly referred to as "the Campo", and had a long and yummy dinner. The campo also seems to be a hot bed of activity after dark. Although with the average age of the "harger outers" in the square beinbg about 16, Amy and I felt like the chaperones. Still - GREAT people watching.
On Thursday, after another ambitious run, Amy and I met up with Mona again, and we headed over to Vatican City to see the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. I'd never seen the Vastican Museum before, and I have to say - for me it was just OK. The first 20 or so rooms were all about pagan Roman art and Egyptian art, which frankly to me have little to do with Christian art which is what I was there to see. Had I gone to the Met to see and Egyptian art exhibit it would have been a different story, but I just expected something different in the Vatican. That being said, as we got closer and closer to the Sistine Chapel, the art became more interesting and relevant...and I began to enjoy it more. When we fianlly got to the Sistine Chapel, the room was literally packed with people. It is supposed to be a "sacred" sight, and the guards in the room kept trying to keep people silent, but it seemed really to be a lost cause. A bit of a a shame really. But the are was very beautiful and told a very intersting story of the history of God and Christianity.
But for all the beauty of the Sistine Chapel, to me, nothing compares to the sheer awesomeness of St. Peter's Basilica. I've been there several times before, but each time I am moved by it's beauty. There's also a little prayer cahpel there that is strictly kept quiet and for prayer only, so that was a nice break from all the tourists. This is, for me, alwasy a highlight of my visits to Rome.
Thursday evening, Shery and her friend Micah from San Francisco got into Rome, so we met up with them yet again in Trastevere. We had a fantastic dinner at a place called Le Mani in Pasta..and proceeded to get very drunk...well at least I did...funny how youl always think everyone else is drunk when you are. But the great thing about Rome is that you walk around so much, that by the time we got home around 2 I wa completely fine. It was totally great to see Sherry who has been on the road travling for the past 9 months. The last time I saw her I met up with her in Australia back in November. Since then she's traveled all over southeast asia, croatia, greece and then spend a month in sorrento taking italian language and cooking school. It's crazy, I've only been on the road about 3 weeks and I feel like I've been gone for so long, I can't even imagine having been traveling for 9 months. That being said, I feel like I could do this forever..at least at this point I feel that way. I love it. I'm so happy and carefree and stress free. It's like, well if we miss our bus or ferry or train, there will be another one coming along soon...so just sit back and relax. Anyway, I'm digressing...
Our last day in Rome was spent much like the first. Running in the morning, and walkeing all afternoon. the big highlight purchase of the day was a new lightweight dufflebag/suitcase, which will now take me through the rest of my trip. I felt a little bad about leaving my last suitcase...but I knew I had a long time to go...and it was just going to get heavier. Made me ahppy that the housekeper at the apartment was trhilled to know she would be a the new owner of a good quality (albeit heavy) red suitcase...
Friday evening we went up to the American Academy, where Mona has been hanging out since she's been in Rome. Her boyfriend got a position a a chef at the Academy, which houses artisitcally brilliant Americans as they study and become inspired to do great things by being in Rome. Composers, artists, historians...all get shcolarships to come and study...and its apparently a big feather in their cap back to the 'real' world. It's a beautful building in Trastevere with an insane view of Rome. I can see why Mona loves it. Sadly she will be retuning to SF at the beginning of July, but I guess all good things must come to an end...including our time in Rome. Saturday we departed for our next chapter...the villa in Siena awaits!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Erin Go Bragh
Well I've been in Europe for two weeks now, so I apologize for this being the first time I've updated my blog. I'll admit, it's not easy to sit in front of a computer when Europe is right outside the door, but I promise I will do my best to keep you all updated...
I arrived in Ireland on June 6th and met up with my friend Amy who I will be travling with for the next month, and our Irish friend George who now lives in Dublin. Amy and George and I all worked at The Sports Club / LA together, and all left within the last 6 months, and have all spent or will spent at least 2 months traveling before getting back to work. I guess SCLA can do that to you. George was the perfect Irish host and literally made me feel right at home. We spent a day rambling around Dublin before Amy and I hit the road to explore Southwest Ireland in our little black VW Polo. Oh - and just a reminder to all you Yanks...the Irish drive on the other side of the road...and actually that would be a stretch, becuase what they really do is drive right in the middle of the street and swerve out of the way just before hitting you head on. I give Amy a huge amount of credit for attacking the driving in Ireland...and although I only had a couple of branches come inside my left window, she did a great job of keeping us alive in crazy Ireland.
Our three stops on our 6 day tour were Dingle, Kinsale and Kilkenny. If I could make a couple of general observations about Ireland they would be that 1. it is very green, 2. it is very rural, and 3. the people are very friendly. The Dingle Peninsula was the highlight of the trip - with it's stunning views of the sea contrasted by green rolling hills and sheep wandering right down the same road on which you were driving (see pic below). The first day that we were there, we drove up to a coastal town called Castlegregory and hooked up with a real Irish cowboy, Lawrence, to go horse back riding on the beach. It was difficult to guess his age...I think the sea air gave him a few extra years...but he was roughly 50. So I started asking him some questions...Have you lived in Castlegregory all your life? Have you ever been to the US? Turns out he had never left Castlegregory and never traveled to the US. As we rode our horses along the beach of the Atlantic, I commented that it was mind boggling that Ireland and the US share this ocean. Lawrence said...yes, next stop, New York City! Next stop indeed, but a world away. When I told Lawrence what I would be seeing on my trip, he said that I'd see nearly the whole world before I was done...so interesting how our perpectives are so different. I wouldn't trade my life for anything, but I do have a curious respect for people that lives of such simplicty. Seems we can learn a thing or two from these folks.
Amy and I spent the rest of our day wandering on the beach and then having dinner in a typical Irish pub. As it turned out, we sat next to a French couple from Brittany. They spoke very little english, so my french was put to the test....and, well...I didn't completely suck...at least enough to translate for Amy and get us through about an hour of conversation. My 7th grade French teacher Ms. Forrester would be so proud.
Our next day involved a trip to the Blasket Islands off the farthest west coast of Ireland. Another breathtaking excursion...complete with donkeys, sheep and a local boat driver. Amy and I kept wondering what do all these people do for work....there's literally no industry there. So we asked - and the answer we got was that in the off season, he pulls pints at the local bar...a very healthy part of the Irish culture.
The next day we drove into Kinsale, south of the town of Cork. We stayed there a night and then set off to visit the Blarney Castle and the Kilkenny Castle. Amy and I both kissed the Blarney Stone, which is said to grant all who kiss it the eternal gift of gab....not sure we needed any help in that area. But to do it you have to lay on your back and arch your neck/head down a hole that leads to a 100 foot drop. A little scary to say the least (pic below). Spent the last night in Kilkenny partying with the locals who dedicated some kind of song to us in the pub...easy to be local celebrities when you're from California.
And the next day we said goodbye to Ireland and set off for our next adventure in Rome. Ireland was a great way to start my journey...at home with friends, surrounded by lush greenery, and a place where you can really just sit back and breathe. But the true beauty of Ireland is in the hospitality the Irish people. All you need to do is share a pint with them and you're their best friend...seems like a culture that works for me!
I arrived in Ireland on June 6th and met up with my friend Amy who I will be travling with for the next month, and our Irish friend George who now lives in Dublin. Amy and George and I all worked at The Sports Club / LA together, and all left within the last 6 months, and have all spent or will spent at least 2 months traveling before getting back to work. I guess SCLA can do that to you. George was the perfect Irish host and literally made me feel right at home. We spent a day rambling around Dublin before Amy and I hit the road to explore Southwest Ireland in our little black VW Polo. Oh - and just a reminder to all you Yanks...the Irish drive on the other side of the road...and actually that would be a stretch, becuase what they really do is drive right in the middle of the street and swerve out of the way just before hitting you head on. I give Amy a huge amount of credit for attacking the driving in Ireland...and although I only had a couple of branches come inside my left window, she did a great job of keeping us alive in crazy Ireland.
Our three stops on our 6 day tour were Dingle, Kinsale and Kilkenny. If I could make a couple of general observations about Ireland they would be that 1. it is very green, 2. it is very rural, and 3. the people are very friendly. The Dingle Peninsula was the highlight of the trip - with it's stunning views of the sea contrasted by green rolling hills and sheep wandering right down the same road on which you were driving (see pic below). The first day that we were there, we drove up to a coastal town called Castlegregory and hooked up with a real Irish cowboy, Lawrence, to go horse back riding on the beach. It was difficult to guess his age...I think the sea air gave him a few extra years...but he was roughly 50. So I started asking him some questions...Have you lived in Castlegregory all your life? Have you ever been to the US? Turns out he had never left Castlegregory and never traveled to the US. As we rode our horses along the beach of the Atlantic, I commented that it was mind boggling that Ireland and the US share this ocean. Lawrence said...yes, next stop, New York City! Next stop indeed, but a world away. When I told Lawrence what I would be seeing on my trip, he said that I'd see nearly the whole world before I was done...so interesting how our perpectives are so different. I wouldn't trade my life for anything, but I do have a curious respect for people that lives of such simplicty. Seems we can learn a thing or two from these folks.
Amy and I spent the rest of our day wandering on the beach and then having dinner in a typical Irish pub. As it turned out, we sat next to a French couple from Brittany. They spoke very little english, so my french was put to the test....and, well...I didn't completely suck...at least enough to translate for Amy and get us through about an hour of conversation. My 7th grade French teacher Ms. Forrester would be so proud.
Our next day involved a trip to the Blasket Islands off the farthest west coast of Ireland. Another breathtaking excursion...complete with donkeys, sheep and a local boat driver. Amy and I kept wondering what do all these people do for work....there's literally no industry there. So we asked - and the answer we got was that in the off season, he pulls pints at the local bar...a very healthy part of the Irish culture.
The next day we drove into Kinsale, south of the town of Cork. We stayed there a night and then set off to visit the Blarney Castle and the Kilkenny Castle. Amy and I both kissed the Blarney Stone, which is said to grant all who kiss it the eternal gift of gab....not sure we needed any help in that area. But to do it you have to lay on your back and arch your neck/head down a hole that leads to a 100 foot drop. A little scary to say the least (pic below). Spent the last night in Kilkenny partying with the locals who dedicated some kind of song to us in the pub...easy to be local celebrities when you're from California.
And the next day we said goodbye to Ireland and set off for our next adventure in Rome. Ireland was a great way to start my journey...at home with friends, surrounded by lush greenery, and a place where you can really just sit back and breathe. But the true beauty of Ireland is in the hospitality the Irish people. All you need to do is share a pint with them and you're their best friend...seems like a culture that works for me!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
The Starter Trip
To whet my appetite for more, I began my travels by spending the last week on the east coast visiting friends in Massachusetts and Washington DC. Let me preface this entry by sharing three things that became very clear on this trip: 1. pack light for Europe, 2. you can live in a gigantic house almost anywhere in this county for the price of a one bedroom condo in San Francisco, 3. friends move on, but always will always stay close if they love you...and I love being around them.
I started my trip in Boston visiting my friend Eileen, who I've known as long as I can remember. Eileen is a trooper. She moved from the Bay Area about 10 years ago and since has lived in Colorado, Connecticut, Las Vegas, Michigan and Massachusetts. She's also got 2 kids - 16 and 12...and yes, she's as young as me ;-). Although her path in life couldn't be more opposite that mine, it's amazing to me that we still want the same things from life. While she was changing diapers and building a family, I've been working on my career and traveling the world. The funny thing is - her kids are almost grown, so I have a feeling, she'll soon be travelling the world and working on her career....and I'll be in diaper changing mode. Life is very interesting. Either way - she lives in a town called Barre, about an hour and a half from Boston. She's got a great house - OK - it's a little remote - but she lives on a huge piece of land and when I went running in the morning, I didn't see a car for miles. Check out the casa in the pic. We don't get to see each other all that often, but when we so it's like not a day's gone by...
My next stop was Washington DC where I visited with my friends Kristine and Wayne. These two have been on the fast track to domestic bliss...got engaged last June, moved to DC in September, got married in October, pregnant in November got a dog in January and will have a baby in July. Kris and Wayne are two of the most spirited people I know - and despite their accelerated domestic journey, they are still as crazy as ever - and I love it! And their dog, Zoe, is the most adorable Golden Retriever I've ever seen (see for yourself!) Thier house is just beautiful...check out their casa in the pic below. Mamma mia - the kids are all grown up. Spending time with these guys inspires me. They've made compromises for the relationship, but neither of them have given up one ounce of who they are. And because of it - they make a great team.
I loved hanging out with my friends. Spending time with them, makes me realize how awesome it is to be around people you love. Seems we all live really solo lives. Before subletting my apartment and moving in with Patrick and Natalie, I lived alone for so many years. I didn't even realize how much I've really missed having people to say good night to, and to share my day with...it's really nice. Just makes me want more of it. Gotta remember that when I move back into my apartment in September.
So the countdown has begun and in a week I'll be in Ireland! I swear, I keep crossing things off my list, but then I also keep adding things....why doesn't the list get shorter? I guess I just keep telling myself that after I go, the list will disappear even if it's not finished..so I should just stop worrying. Anyway, next time I write I'll be sharing stories from my trip, so stay tuned for more!
I started my trip in Boston visiting my friend Eileen, who I've known as long as I can remember. Eileen is a trooper. She moved from the Bay Area about 10 years ago and since has lived in Colorado, Connecticut, Las Vegas, Michigan and Massachusetts. She's also got 2 kids - 16 and 12...and yes, she's as young as me ;-). Although her path in life couldn't be more opposite that mine, it's amazing to me that we still want the same things from life. While she was changing diapers and building a family, I've been working on my career and traveling the world. The funny thing is - her kids are almost grown, so I have a feeling, she'll soon be travelling the world and working on her career....and I'll be in diaper changing mode. Life is very interesting. Either way - she lives in a town called Barre, about an hour and a half from Boston. She's got a great house - OK - it's a little remote - but she lives on a huge piece of land and when I went running in the morning, I didn't see a car for miles. Check out the casa in the pic. We don't get to see each other all that often, but when we so it's like not a day's gone by...
My next stop was Washington DC where I visited with my friends Kristine and Wayne. These two have been on the fast track to domestic bliss...got engaged last June, moved to DC in September, got married in October, pregnant in November got a dog in January and will have a baby in July. Kris and Wayne are two of the most spirited people I know - and despite their accelerated domestic journey, they are still as crazy as ever - and I love it! And their dog, Zoe, is the most adorable Golden Retriever I've ever seen (see for yourself!) Thier house is just beautiful...check out their casa in the pic below. Mamma mia - the kids are all grown up. Spending time with these guys inspires me. They've made compromises for the relationship, but neither of them have given up one ounce of who they are. And because of it - they make a great team.
I loved hanging out with my friends. Spending time with them, makes me realize how awesome it is to be around people you love. Seems we all live really solo lives. Before subletting my apartment and moving in with Patrick and Natalie, I lived alone for so many years. I didn't even realize how much I've really missed having people to say good night to, and to share my day with...it's really nice. Just makes me want more of it. Gotta remember that when I move back into my apartment in September.
So the countdown has begun and in a week I'll be in Ireland! I swear, I keep crossing things off my list, but then I also keep adding things....why doesn't the list get shorter? I guess I just keep telling myself that after I go, the list will disappear even if it's not finished..so I should just stop worrying. Anyway, next time I write I'll be sharing stories from my trip, so stay tuned for more!
Monday, May 14, 2007
Leap of Faith
Well, I did it. The job that I once loved became the job that I no longer love...and it was time for a change. So I took a leap of faith. I have chosen to forgo the reliable paycheck in hopes of discovering something more...something meaningful, joyful and fulfilling. We all give so much of ourselves to our employers, and I wonder if we're slowly giving away valuable minutes in our lives. Sure, we all need to work. We need to support ourselves, and we need to feel like we're contributing to this world and enhancing our lives. But work should always bring us satisfaction and be a tool for growth. If it is, and you're happy, you're on the right track. But if not, it might be time to reevaluate...which is what I am doing. I've started to contemplate what type of work will make me ultimately happy. I have my suspicions, but having worked for 17 years without stop, I've decided that I might need to step back a little to get some clarity on the matter.
For now, I've chosen to focus on all the other aspects of my life that make me who I am. My friends, my family, my faith....spending time with my nieces and nephew, asking myself what I need and want in love. Developing my interests and seeing a bit of the wonderful world we live in.
So on June 5th I'll take off to spend 2 months in Europe. I'm lucky enough to have several friends that will be meeting up with me along the way - and I am also looking forward to the few times that I will be on my own. The trip is meant to be insanely fun - but with any luck, I'll also learn about myself and others - and ultimately become ready for what lies ahead.
For those of you who wish to follow my travels, my itinerary is roughly as follows:
June 5-12 Ireland
June 12-16 Rome
June 16-23 Sienna
June 23-July 4 Croatia
July 4-7 Rome
July 7-10 Sorrento
July 10-17 Sicily
July 17-23 Nice
July 23-25 Milan
July 25-30 Geneva
July 30 - Aug 3 Barcelona
Aug 3-5 Paris
So along the way I'm be writing posts, uploading photos and letting you know what's going on in my journey. So stay tuned...and enjoy!
For now, I've chosen to focus on all the other aspects of my life that make me who I am. My friends, my family, my faith....spending time with my nieces and nephew, asking myself what I need and want in love. Developing my interests and seeing a bit of the wonderful world we live in.
So on June 5th I'll take off to spend 2 months in Europe. I'm lucky enough to have several friends that will be meeting up with me along the way - and I am also looking forward to the few times that I will be on my own. The trip is meant to be insanely fun - but with any luck, I'll also learn about myself and others - and ultimately become ready for what lies ahead.
For those of you who wish to follow my travels, my itinerary is roughly as follows:
June 5-12 Ireland
June 12-16 Rome
June 16-23 Sienna
June 23-July 4 Croatia
July 4-7 Rome
July 7-10 Sorrento
July 10-17 Sicily
July 17-23 Nice
July 23-25 Milan
July 25-30 Geneva
July 30 - Aug 3 Barcelona
Aug 3-5 Paris
So along the way I'm be writing posts, uploading photos and letting you know what's going on in my journey. So stay tuned...and enjoy!
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