Football or Football?

I went to two different football games this week. The first was American football and the second was what we in the States would call Soccer. Both were fun.

One of flatmates was able to get tickets to the Chargers v Saints International Series game on Sunday 26 October at Wembley Stadium because her dad works for the Chargers. It was very exciting as I have ever been to a real professional football game. I was surprised at the number of Europeans there, but they were well represented. I enjoyed the game. I was rooting for the Chargers because they are as close to a home town team as I will get and I got the tickets through connections at the Chargers. In the end they lost. After the game, we waited for the crowd to clear before heading to the tube station. It was amazing to see such a mass of people all going in one direction. It is like the line of cars trying to leave a concert, but people instead.

The following Wednesday (29 Oct) I went to a football game that is commonly referred to soccer in the States. We went to Craven's Cottage, home of the Fulham Football Club. Fulham is the next borough over, so that is our home team. Apparently Fulham and Wigan, the opposing team, are the two worst teams in the league and bitter rivals. I was warned that a fight might break out. Sadly it did not happen. The game was fantiatic. Partly because of the fans. It was a Wednesday night and was nearing freezing (as in zero Celsius) but the place was packed. There was lots of chanting and it is hard not to get sweep in the excitement when the home teams scores. Football jumped close to the top of my list of favorite sports (not as high as motorsports, put it is up there). Clearly I was born in the wrong country. When we got there, my flatmate tried to buy a beer as one does at a sporting event but learned alcohol was only served at halftime. So you only have 15 minutes to buy your alcohol. I guess it keeps the crowd from turning into a drunken brawl, but there were a lot of police there to keep the peace just in case.

I may not start playing football, but I will certainly try to watch it once I return home.

Until we meet again,

-Maggie the traveler

Rainbows and Gumdrops, Part 3: Venezia

We arrived at Santa Lucia (Tuesday 21 Oct) after a few hours on the train. It was one of the best train rides ever. I just sat there watching the beautiful Tuscan scenery go by as I listened to my iPod. I was leaving Florence and on my way to Venice, how could I complain. It was beyond me. God has truly blessed me while my time in London that I am able to go on this trip. When we got off the train we walked out of the station. The weather had turned from Southern California warm to overcast and drizzle and slightly cold. Although the weather was bleak, I was mesmerized. The steps out of the station lead right to the Grand Canal. There, in front of me, was Venice. Canals, boats, I could not process what I was seeing. I felt as if I had stepped onto a film set. So bizarre. I don't understand how this city was created. No where else in the world is there a place like this. We got our tickets for the water bus (Route 41) and took our 30 minute ride around to our hotel. Oh yeah, we were in a hotel instead of a hostel. We got off at Arsenal, one stop down from St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco). We walked over a few bridges (the first of many) and turned up a street (not a street as we would normally think, but more like an alley or footpath [sidewalk]) which opened up to a big square. On the other side of the square was our hotel, Palazzo Soderini. We were buzzed in and once checked in were led to our room. We had two rooms here, a double with two twin beds and a triple with a king sized bed with a twin. The first room, the double, was fairly simple, nothing too fancy. But everything changed when we walked into the triple and were so amazed. This was no hostel. The ceilings were 20 ft high (and gorgeous) and the room was at least 20 ft x 40 ft. It was huge. There were two huge couches that could hold 4 people a piece and a massive TV with DVD player. We also had a balcony that looked over the square we just walked through. We were amazed by the grandeur of the room especially after the other places we had previously stayed.

After the awe passed we got ready and went out to discover Venice. We walked towards St. Mark's Square. We crossed over a few bridges and were there. I have seen the Walt Disney World version, but it does not compare. It is so much bigger in person. It is huge and so grand. I was in awe. After soaking it in, we went to find lunch. After lunch we wandered through the maze of shops, bridges, and canals. We would get to fork in the road and someone would say right or left and that is the way we would go. Somehow we made it to the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge. Um, wow. It was mid-day and the canal was busy with traffic: water buses, water taxis, and cargo boats. We walked up to the bridge and stared (a common activity on the trip but you would understand if you were there). We crossed the bridge and continued walking. We came across many more squares, bridges, dead ends, shops selling the same glass pieces as the last, and a Ferrari store like in Rome. Somewhere along the way we got gelato, I already miss it. After a while we decided to pull out the map to see where we were and what we had seen. I looked around and saw what looked like a car park (parking structure). Apparently we had walked the entire length of Venice in a matter of hours. It was getting dark by this point so we hopped on the next water bus back to our hotel. After getting ready and watching Dodgeball (there was a copy, in English to our surprise, in the room) we headed out to find this club mentioned in our guide book. Supposedly it was just past St. Mark's. After an hour of looking and asking for directions and always ending up back at St. Mark's we gave up. It was getting late so we ate at the first place we found open. Then we took our food to St. Mark's and listened to the battling bands. Two of the restaurants had a band in front surrounded by outdoor seating. The bands take turns going back and forth playing the most amazing music. There I was in St. Mark's Square listening to this beautiful music. Thinking about it now brings tears to my eyes. It was one of the best moments of my life. I recommend that everyone experiences this at least once in their life. I am planning at least a second. Eventually the bands stopped and closed down for the night. We were still hungry and wandered looking for food. Out of nowhere this little shop is open. We met a nice couple there, one from Canada and the other from Budapest. After enjoying an after dinner treat we, somehow, made it back to our hotel.

After a week of late nights and early mornings, we all got 8 hours of well deserved sleep. Our only objective for the day (Wednesday 22 Oct) was to go on a gondola ride. We shopped around a bit and ended up with a good price, especially split 5 ways. We were all amazed by the skill our gondolier, Franco. The canals have a good deal of traffic and he would steer within centimeters of the way without hitting. It was impressive. He was also very funny and even obliged us by wearing the traditional hat. He also seemed to know someone walking over every other bridge we went under. Money well spent. After that it was time for Jessica and myself to leave for the airport as Jenni, Katie, and Lucas were staying an extra day. We caught an express shuttle to the Aeroporto di Venezia Marco Polo. It was the coolest thing because, unlike the water buses, they venture out into open water, down a sort of highway. There are pylons marking the sides and the boats travel along as if it were a road staying on the right side and passing on the left for slower boats. I ever thought about that but once I saw it, it made complete sense. The main transportation is on the water so why not just change the pavement and cars for water and boats. So cool.

The rest of the trip went smoothly. We flew BMI back to London Heathrow. On the final approach, I could see London just out the window. I first spotted the O2 Arena on the east end and followed the Thames. The London Eye stands out and I could see Parliament and Big Ben. If I were sitting on the other side I could have probably found South Kensington. I thought to myself. I am flying home, I am living in London right now and this is my home. Like a hundred billion hot dogs, awesome. From the airport we went down to the tube station and hopped on the Piccadilly line which is a straight shot to South Kensington station, home.

My first trip was everything I could have hoped for and more. Of course, when traveling with so many people it became frustrating at times, but in the end it was worth it. I cannot wait to go back.

Roma still leaves me speechless. Firenze was great and good for visiting nearby sights. Venezia is going to take time to process, so different, so enchanting.

Next time you are all coming with me.

Until we meet again,

-Maggie the traveler

Rainbows and Gumdrops, Part 2: Firenze

We arrived by Eurostar in Florence (Firenze Santa Maria Novella) around 1330 on Sunday. We had a 10 minute walk to our hostel, Plus Florence, down the road from the station. Upon arrival at the hostel, we knew it would be a very different experience from Dublin and Rome. It looked like an apartment complex from the outside and the inside looked like a front desk from a hotel chain. Our room was not yet ready so we grabbed a map, left our luggage in the appropriately named Luggage Storage Room and set out to discover Florence. I wanted to see the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, or better known as the Duomo, so we headed in that direction. Along the way we ran into a street market where every four stalls sells the same thing. There were lots of cashmere scarves and leather bags/wallets. Eventually we made it to the Duomo. Um, wow. The detail on the outside of the building was so intricate. It is amazing to look at the craftsmanship from 700 years ago. I wonder if the workers ever thought if their work would still be around for as long as it has lasted. Just like the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon in Rome, the Duomo in Florence just appears from around the corner. It seems so unreal. The inside was not as impressive and St. Peter's but was beautiful nonetheless. Next we wandered around a bit more and decided to go see David. We found the Accademia and saw David. He is much taller than I thought. I had no idea that he was 14 feet tall. Looking at the statue, I could see the skill of Michaleangelo, you can see the tendons in the hand and on the back of the knee. He was truly a great craftsman. He could look at a piece of marble and release the statue within. There seems to be a recurring theme in Italy of my perception versus the actual; most things seem to be bigger than I once thought. We looked at the map and saw a few things on the south side of the city to see. We walked towards Ponte Vecchio. This bridge dates back to the 14th Century, like the Duomo. It is lined on both sides with shops. Looking down the street at it, I could not tell we were nearing the bridge. At the end of the bridge we got some gelato the traditional way, no cones. As we ate our gelato, we walked towards Piazzale Michelangelo. It sits atop a hill on the south east end of Florence which overlooks the entire city. After may steps, not the first nor the last of the week in Italy, we arrived at the top. The sun was beginning to set and it was such a gorgeous sight. I have seen pictures, but they do no justice to actually standing there after walking there from the Duomo, David, and Ponte Vecchio. From there you can see the entire city. The Duomo dwarfs the entire city, rising high above every other building. We sat on the steps there and stared. We sat for a half hour or so. I was trying to take it all in (and failing) and thinking about Rome and my new found love for Italy. The history, tradition, and culture are wonderful and captivating and mysterious. We finally headed down the hill and back to our hostel. It was Katie's birthday (we were all jealous of her as she spent her birthday in Rome and Florence) so we got ready to go out to dinner. By the time we got back and were ready, it was getting late. In London, there is always something open, but not so much in Florence or in Venice as we would later learn. After failing to find a place to eat we stumbled across a Chinese/Thai restaurant. It smelled good and the food at the table of the couple near the window looked good. In we went and had, quite possibly, the best Chinese meal I have ever had. It was delicious and fresh. Yum. All dinner we could not get over the fact that we were having Chinese in Italy, but we did not care because it was so good.

The next day (Monday), we decided to go to Pisa, less than an hours train ride away. From the train station, we walked about 15 minutes and around a corner, as usual, there it was. A tower and it was leaning. Like the Colosseum before, we stood and stared in awe. Finally realizing what we were seeing, we grabbed our cameras. No visit to Pisa is incomplete without the silly poses. We took photos holding the tower up, pushing it over, and leaning with it. We also took a group picture. After we set it up, I lined it up on my camera. We asked a fellow tourist to take the picture for us. As you can see, he did not get it exactly right which makes it even funnier. We then had lunch just down the street from the tower. We found a restaurant with a friendly staff. As usual we ordered pizza and pasta. It was so good, in fact the best pizza we had in Italy, maybe ever. The bread and sauce were fresh as was the extra gooey mozzarella. So good. We then headed back to Florence, but not before our train broke down, 200 feet after leaving the station. Half an hour later we were on our way. That night after dinner we met up with a friend who was staying with a friend in Florence for her break. It was fun to swap travel stories and we recommended a trip to Pisa.

On Tuesday morning we left Firenze for Venezia, a place that defies the imagination.

Until we meet again,

-Maggie the traveler

Rainbows and Gumdrops, Part 1: Roma

I have been back from Italy for a few days now and am still having trouble putting into words what I saw. Rome and the rest of Italy is overflowing with history, ancient history that I had trouble comprehending where I was and the sights I saw.

I will do my best to tell you about my Roman (Firenze and Venezia) Holiday.

We left on a Thursday evening from Stansted airport, about an hour train ride from central London. It started as a busy day as it was the last day of classes so we had a project due and a final to take. Once at the airport, the gate number switched three or four times as we were walking through the terminal creating mass confusion. Soon we were on the plane and en route to Roma, actually Ciampino Airport 10 miles outside of the city. We took a bus to the end of the Metro A line. It was nearing 2200 so the station was nearly empty. It looks a little run down and there is a good amount of graffiti. Then, to our surprise, the train shows up. It is new and shiny. We get in and there is plenty of room: a high ceiling and plenty of room between the sides. Also the carriages are open to each other so you could walk the train from end to end without getting out. Metro A took us to Termini, the central terminal where Metro A and B cross where we switch to Metro B. What a contrast Metro B looked like it came from New York City. It was covered in graffiti and had a dirty feeling to it. It just looked musty. After three stops we arrived at Bologna and our hostel, Youth Station Hostel. Since there were 9 of us we had a whole room to ourselves. It was actually more of a hallway than a room, but it was just a place to sleep. We were starving as it was nearly midnight and most of us had not had dinner. The front desk told us of a place around the corner that was open. We found it easily, Kebab King/Pizza Queen. They were almost out of pizza (which is baked like a sheet and cut and weighed, the it is folded in half like a sandwich) so most of us had doner wraps. So good.

The next morning we went straight to the Colosseum by way of Metro B. Walking out of the station we were not prepared for what we saw. There, across the street from the Metro station is the 2000 year old Colosseum. Just chillin', no big deal. We all stopped in our tracks and stared. We were not ready for it. WE finally got across the street and looked on in amazement. We finally pulled ourselves together to go get pizza for a breakfast/lunch.

Before we left London we scheduled a tour of the Vatican. We saw the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. I was surprised (I was surprised, were you surprised?) at the size of the chapel. I thought it was small with room for 100 people or so and ceilings only 20 feet or so from the ground. I was completely wrong. It is huge. The ceilings are at least 70 feet high and around 300 tourists inside. I was taken aback. The scale of the ceiling was so impressive. After the chapel, we went into the Basilica. It was gorgeous. And then we went out to the square. Wow. So much history. It is beautiful. The sun was setting at this time through the departing rain clouds. It was so beautiful. That night we went out to dinner. Pasta in Italy is so good. Then we went to the Trevi Fountain and sat and stared at it. We took a break and got gelato, the first of many. Then we went back to the Trevi Fountain and stared some more. I don't know what it is about the fountain. It is so beautiful at night. I have no words except to go and see it for yourself. It inspires awe in that it has continuously flowed for hundreds of years. I need that plumber because modern plumber does not work that well. We finally made it home. I could barely sleep because of all I had seen that day and in anticipation of what I was going to see the next day.

The next day we started at the Spanish Steps. I was sad it was not May because that is the only time they have flowers adorning the steps but it was lovely none the less. We were to make our way to the Pantheon. At some point while taking pictures (no surprise there) I got separated from the group. I knew where we were going so I took off in that direction figuring they had taken off without me. On my way I found a Ferrari store. I had to go in. The employees were wearing team attire, very cool. I would my way to the Pantheon and again could not believe what I was seeing. I was looking down little streets as I was walking and suddenly there it was. Out of nowhere and a 2000 year old building appears. I don't get. There is too much to try and process. My mind was blown. I could only stand in awe. After our fill of history there we ventured back towards the Colosseum and the Forum for a tour and stumbled upon the Vittoriano, a monument to the unification of Italy. We continued on to the Colosseum and the Forum. The tour was great, first we got to skip the line and then we got lots of good information. My favorite bit was that they would flood the Colosseum (arena comes from the Latin for sand as the ground was covered in it to absorb the blood) and have mock sea battles and train their navy. The tour continued over to Palatine Hill part of the Roman Forum. It was fun to walk around, climbing on huge pieces of marble that are 2000 years old. That night part of the group went out on a pub crawl, while myself and a few others went to diner (best pasta on the trip) and wandered Rome at night, we roamed Rome.

The next morning we packed up our stuff and made our way to Termini by way of Metro B. Early in the morning three of the eight made their way back to London. Now there were five and it did not feel like such a crowd getting around. At the train station we bought our tickets to our next destination: Firenze (Florence). See you there.

Roma had been everything I hoped it would be and more. The weather was perfect, the sights were awe inspiring, and the food was delicious.

Until we meet again,

-Maggie the traveler

The Prince and the Pauper

Yesterday's British Life and Culture was very busy. There were three big sites to visit: The Globe Theatre, Tate Modern, and Parliament.

Up first was Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. It is not the original building as it burned down many years ago. The building currently standing was built about 1/4 mile down the river, but it was done in the same way as the first. We were given a tour and explanation how theater was very different from what we know today. Plays were rarely performed more than a few times and actors were only given a few days to learn their part of a script. Their lines and the three words preceding (a cue) were given to them on rolled up paper (a role). We then walked to where the original Globe stood. It is only a sign and a marking on the ground.

We made a quick stop at Borough Market for lunch and then headed to Tate Modern. It in a building that used to be a power station. It is huge on the outside and sits right next to the River Thames at the Millennium Bridge. I went in expecting to see a few small galleries a la MOCA in LA. To my surprise practically the entire building is open to the public. I browsed through most of the collections but will have to make a second trip to see the good stuff again.

Our final stop on our jam-packed day was Parliament. After going through security and getting a picture badge (which they take without telling you), we walked in Westminster Hall. It is amazing to see the building up-close with such intricate details. We were given a tour of the building where we followed the path the Queen takes when she comes to open Parliament each year. We walked through each of the houses, Lords and Commons. The House of Lords is mainly ceremonial. They cannot create laws but they can amend ones created by the House of Commons. So they are still influential but don't have the same authority they used to. We then saw the House of Commons where the real work happens. Each hose has its own color, Lords are red and Commons are green.



It is amazing to be in a place where decisions about the creation of America happened: Benjamin Franklin, the Stamp Act, and the delivery of the Declaration of Independence just to name a few.

Until we meet again,

-Maggie the traveler

Returning Home

Last weekend was our first trip outside of England. Eight of us decided to go to Dublin for the weekend. I was in Dublin for a few days back in 2004 and was excited to return.

It started around 4am on Saturday morning. We caught a bus (actually two buses) at 0430 which took us Euston train station so that we could catch the 0525 train. We made it just in time. It was a nice train. The doors between each car were very cool, you pushed a button the the doors slid open like Star Trek. They were a lot nicer than Amtrak where you need to kick or punch the dingy door to get it open. The bathroom was futuristic too. Push a button and a curved door opens up. Once inside you push another button and the door closes and locks. Then another button unlocks and opens the door again. Craziness. We changed to a commuter train at Crewe and arrived at Holyhead just before noon. We were scheduled to take a ferry shortly thereafter to Dublin. Sadly the weather was not so good, gale force winds and rough waters, so we were delayed a few hours to a later ferry. I was thinking it was like the Catalina Flyer, but it was more like a mini cruise ship. Three hours later we were in Ireland.

After a short boat ride, we arrived at our Hostel, Shining Hostel. The halls were painted blue and red, but thankfully there was no boy riding around on a tricycle. This was my first hostel experience and it was not so bad. There were 8 beds in the room, so we had the room all to ourselves. It was nearing dinner time and we headed out to explore the town. We were located a block from the main street, O'Connell St. I had remembered a chain of fast-food restaurants called Supermac's and while walking down O'Connell St. we ran into one. I suggested we go there and it was delicious. That night we wandered around Temple Bar area, a couple of blocks full of very old pubs.

The next day, Sunday, we got on a bus tour that allows you to hop on and off for the whole day at a variety of stops. Our first hop off was the Guinness Storehouse. I am not much of a beer fan, but they have a nice set up. As you wind your way through the building, you slowly climb to the 7th floor. The brewing method is described, the history is covered, and they have tons of advertisements on display. On the 5th floor, you can pull your own pint. And on the 7th floor, they have the Gravity Bar. It has a wonderful view of the city, nearly 360°. This is where you get a free Guinness. The view was gorgeous and I found that fresh Guinness is not so bad. I will probably never want to drink it again, but when in Ireland. We hopped back on the bus and passed through Phoenix Park and back towards the center of town. I am going to have to return and explore some of the outskirts. We got off on the west side of O'Connell St. for a late lunch. We next went to Grafton St. A pedestrian only shopping street. This is where a lot of musicians and street performers are. This is also where some scenes from "Once" were filmed. That night we returned to Temple Bar and found a lively pub with lots of fun music to sing-a-long to and excellent Irish music to enjoy.

The next day, Monday, we went to the Jameson Whiskey Distillery. After the tasting there, it became the new favorite mixer of the group, especially with ginger ale. We continued our whirlwind tour by to Trinity College. A few went to see the Book of Kells but I had seen them a few years ago so a few of us wandered around. After rejoining, we went back to Grafton St. and visited a pub. My friend Katie and I went to the top of Grafton St. to Saint Stephen's Green. It is a small park in the middle of town. Absolutely gorgeous. A few scenes from "Once" were filmed here as well so that was exciting to see that. We returned to our hostel to pick up our stuff and got on a city bus to take us to the airport. When we got on at O'Connell St it was very crowded but by the time the bus arrived at the airport, there were very few others besides the 8 of us. We decided to fly home so that we could have more time in Dublin. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 2200 but was delayed about an hour. About an hour before our flight left, I noticed some people lining up. I did not understand this but since have learned that on Ryanair (which is the carrier we used) does not have assigned seating. You line up and first in line gets first choice. We were towards the front of the line so we got to sit together. Less than an hour after take-off we were back in England, but not yet in London only in Luton. Due to the flight delay we had to wait an extra hour for the next train to come at 0107. Finally after arriving at St. Pancras Int'l and taking the same two buses as the first morning, we arrived at our London home around 0230 Tuesday morning.

Nearly 72 hours after leaving for the Emerald Isle, we all returned in one piece and with a knowledge of hostels and a love for Dublin (at least I did).

Until we meet again,

-Maggie the traveler

Mind Your Head

Last Friday (3 October), for my British Life and Culture class we went to the Tower of London. It was overcast, windy, and frequently drizzled, perfect weather or hearing about beheading, betrayal, and imprisonment. The Tower of London sits on the River Thames adjacent to Tower Bridge. It is quite an impressive sight to see. Once inside we were given a quick tour of the grounds and then left to wander.

First we saw the ravens. Legend has it that if they (6 ravens) ever leave the Tower, a great tragedy will fall upon the Land and/or the Crown. There are 9 ravens who currently inhabit the Tower and there wings are clipped. I think that may be cheating a bit. We walked around the White Tower, the first and biggest, to the site of the beheading. Only those of high royal status were executed in the Tower, the others were executed outside on Tower Hill or on the other side of town at Marble Arch (now a popular shopping district).

Once our tour guide left us we first went to see the Crown Jewels as it was beginning to sprinkle. I was not as impressed as I would have thought. For the big ticket items, you stand on a conveyor belt as it goes past the jewels sitting in a case. Next we went into the White Tower. There is stored the Small Armoury. There are examples of armour, artillery, and war technology throughout the existence of the Tower, which goes back to the 11th Century and Norman the Conqueror.

We also went into the Beauchamp Tower. Prisoners were held here before their execution. Many carved inscriptions of inspiration, family crests, and names into the wall. It was very moving. Part of the horror is that the room looks out onto the place of execution.

As we were about to leave a few of us joined a tour group led by a Yeoman Warder, commonly known as a Beefeater. He told some fun stories and led the group into and Norman chapel where Anne Boleyn and other prominent prisoners are buried.

History came alive today. This is the same place where Henry VIII ruled from. The lives of many famous names ended here. It is hard for me to imagine all the stories in history to be true, but here is where it happened, right in front of me.

Until we meet again,

-Maggie the traveler

Beware the Eye of London

Yesterday I went to the London Eye. I booked my ticket through school (so it was cheaper). My ticket was for 18:30, perfect for sunset and night time pictures. I went with Jenni, as she was the only other one interested in going from our group. We took the tube to Westminster, coming up at the base of Parliament and Big Ben. We crossed the Thames and made our way to the Eye. After a short line and a quick security check, we boarded. The capsule (what the pod-like orb-things are called) holds about a lot of people (ours had about 15) with a wooden bench in the middle. The wheel moves continuously, so you have to be careful walking in. The capsule rotates to stay level as the wheel turns. The view gets better as you go up. It is amazing what you can see from that high up. As the wheel turned and we made our way to the top, the sun was about to fully set. The lights of the city were turned on. It was beautiful. Parliament and Big Ben are nearby and Buckingham Palace is just on the other side of the river. The BT Tower sticks out to the west while the Gherkin and St. Paul easily dwarf their surrounding buildings to the east. The descent was just as lovely. In total, a trip around takes a half hour. The time flew by. After wards, I took a few pictures and we got waffles with ice cream on top. It smelled like the waffle cones at Disneyland. They were delicious, an excellent dinner.










Until we meet again,

-Maggie the traveler