A Picture Perfect Dinner on the Arno River
We enjoyed a great spread of typical Italian food, such as fagioli, bruschetta, prosciutto (delicious), salami, pasta, pate, wine, champagne and biscotti dipped in dessert liquor. However, even better than the food was the breathtaking view (left).
The Class Schedule
Going through orientation day (9/3) was painfully long and boring, but did provide an opportunity to meet new friends. At least they gave us the equivalent of the little red drawstring bags freshman receive at ISU... (LdM bags, shown modeled by Dani. Only one per customer, offer good while supplies last.)
We flew Ryanair from Paris to Pisa, then caught a train from Pisa to Firenze S.M.N. arriving around 10pm (22:00 - gotta get used to European time!) on September 2nd. As we walked Florence's (Firenze) narrow, criss-crossing streets, Ryan and I were in awe to finally have arrived at our new hometown. Upon checking in, we met our new roommates, Zack & Tom, who are both great guys.Abito in Firenze...
Jeff Edwardsc/o Lorenzo de MediciVia del Melarancio 6/r50123 Firenze, ITALIA
Statue Impressions: It's What We Do Best
Paris: A land of PDA
Upon arriving in Paris, we checked into our quaint hotel, Hotel Marignan, in a traditional French style building in the 5th arrondissement - the Latin Quartier. (Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, or districts, that spiral counter-clockwise outward from the center of the city). After checking in and catching up, we walked to the Notre Dame Cathedral in the Ile de la Cite and had dinner along the River Siene within view of Notre Dame (right). After a great dinner (with a waiter who acted like the stereotypical Parisian) at a brasserie (cafe), we caught the metro (subway) to the Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) to see it light up at night (above) and laid on the lawn, enjoying the sights and the evening.
The following day, Katie's last with us on the trip, we decided to begin at Sacre Coeur (right), a cathedral in the artsy 18th arrondissement (Montmarte) with an amazing view of the city. However, a few funny things happened on our way there. We needed to make a stop so Ryan could use the restroom, so as we were wandering about, we came around a large sign. On the other side, a well dressed old man was urinating in broad daylight on the sidewalk at 10am...and got Katie. Goo. After freaking out on that guy, we made it to a cafe where Ryan took so long in the restroom that the barista came outside and asked us to check on him because he thought he fell asleep in the bathroom! The whole place laughed as Ryan walked out...
Just like Fergie. After enjoying the convenience of getting around London's tube system (buy an Oyster card if you go - it saves time & money), we caught the Chunnel to travel to Paris in style. For some reason or another, traveling 1st class was cheaper than riding 2nd class. This meant that we enjoyed great service (hot towels!), comfort and good food and drinks.We're riding first class...
Stompin' "the Yard"
A few of the coolest experiences we had were attending an evensong service at Westminster Abbey (above) & an afternoon mass at St. Paul's Cathedral."Church is the only place where someone speaks to me and I don't have to answer back." - Charles de Gaulle
Attending the evensong service at Westminster Abbey was awesome; I could feel the history trapped in the beautiful walls around me. Since 1066, all but two coronations have taken place there and it is the burial place of many famous people, especially poets.
St. Paul's Catheral (above) was equally impressive. After the service (which saves you money - admission to the church is free if you attend!), we explored the cathedral which features the tombs of great British heroes Admiral Nelson & the Duke of Wellington, a whispering gallery that allows you to hear whispers from anywhere in the huge dome and a great view of London (after climbing a bajillion stairs through tiny passageways and staircases).
Seriously though? It's a good question. Anyway, London has some of the best collections of art in the world and someone who appreciates art could definitely spends DAYS exploring (or doing one of my favorite museum activities: statue impressions) the different museums, parks, palaces, buildings & churches- Tate Modern, Madame Tussaud's, the National Gallery, the British Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum and the list continues...How Does One Measure the Success of A Museum? - Paul Getty
London is the largest city in Europe and there definitely isn't a shortage of things to do and see. Captain Edwards assumed the helm once again as we drove from Edinburgh all the way through England to London, again in a tiny red car. The first day in town, Ryan unfortunately had to visit the hospital with a case of strep throat. Thankfully, he was given some medicine and was good to go later in the afternoon. Meanwhile, Katie and I expLONDONed (exploring London? Lame word? Probably.) We took the free tour from New Europe and covered:"By seeing London, I have seen as much of life as the world can show." - Samuel Johnson
Another attraction of note was the Tower of London & Tower Bridge The Tower of London cost 14.50 Euro but was well worth it. It is a medieval fortress that houses a great history (including superstition about ravens), Yeoman warders (Beefeaters) and the crown jewels (including the three largest diamonds in the world - very impressive!)
First things first: its pronounced Ed-in-bur-uh.
For those of you without access to my facebook, here is the link to the album from Ireland.
