Happy New Year!

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Wishing you all a happy New Year from the tip of a mountain top!

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My new hat…

I am leaving Florence with a new hat. I love hats because it is the easiest way to cover up the fact you just didn’t do your hair that day. Especially, if your traveling throw it on and go. I got this hat at the street market in Florence, I even got it for a deal- I’m a haggler. You have to, or else you will get taken advantage of. That is something I have learned while traveling, the second locals realize you are a tourist, especially an American, they hike up the price. So I say as little as possible just to throw them off, use what local language I can, then (BAM) shock ’em when I speak perfect English after I’ve gotten my deal 😉 I myself once worked in retail, had a quota and a threatening manager, so sure you’ll do what you have to in order to keep your job. Along with selling people things they probably don’t really need – case in point why I no longer work in retail. I bring that up because my mom was off looking at somethings on her own, and I was observing from a distance the gentleman trying to scam her. She was looking for authentic goods made in Florence, every time she would ask he would say “Oh, yes, sure!”. He practically had is hand in her purse paying himself. So I walked over to see the tag and they were in fact goods from China and Persia. That’s when we walked away, but they can be so pushy but as a touring customer always remember you have the right not to be hustled or cheated. But what do you think about the hat?

Fall Break Part III -From Roma to Firenze We Go

I recently got busy with school (yes I do have class and homework for all you wondering) so I haven’t had a chance to finish sharing the rest of my fall break adventures. After Rome the girls and I took a train to Florence where we stayed for two nights. Florence is a lot more laid back and relaxed in comparison to Rome. It’s a lot smaller of a city and the people there are in even less of rush. But we didn’t complain we were very much looking forward to relaxing. Rome was a nonstop trip, with no down time. There’s just so much to see and do. Here are some photos from our last afternoon in Rome before we left for Florence.

Throwing in my last coin into the Trevi before leaving Rome

Fall Break Part I – ROMA!

My fall break consisted of 7 days, 5 cities and an endless amount of memories. From my previous post you may know our first stop was Naples, from there we took a train to Roma! Where we stayed for two nights. I had been to Rome once before about two years ago, and absolutely loved it! That trip was the first time I had ever been over seas, and without family traveling with me. I have to admit I wasn’t sure if it was going to be the same. The previous time I had been I loved it so much I didn’t want to leave. Seriously, I remember calling my mom and asking her what would happen if I stayed or “happen to miss my flight” and she reminded me that eventually I would find my funds nonexistent. But hey, a girl can dream, right?  Anyone who has been Rome can tell you that it has an ability to fill you with happiness almost like you are in a dream. I can confirm it was just as spectacular as the very first time I was there. Only only difference this time was I didn’t need a map. I was able to recall my way around, which was really neat, cause I was able to be a little tour guide to my friends. It also allowed us to branch out and to non-touristy things. None the less you still have to go visit the famous sites; the Vatican, Trevi, Pantheon, Colosseum, etc which we did. I don’t think I have every done so much walking in my life. On the full day that we were in Rome we literally walked, and I kid you not for 16 hours straight! From 10:30AM-2:30AM! Yes we stopped for a pizza, and cappuccinos here and there but we were determined to see and do it all – and we did!

Firenze!

Took a trip to Firenze, Italy! Another one of my favorite places. Its been about 2 years now since I first came and like Roma just as magical as I remembered. It rained but that’s okay cause there’s nothing like standing in front of this beautiful piece of history, the Duomo enjoying life. It almost looks to perfect to be real.

Munich

After Oktoberfest the girls and I took a day to explore around Munich. It was quite interesting to compare the atmosphere there to the feel of Prague. Munich seemed to be more alive, the people were very inviting and lively. Our first order of business was brunch! Which we ended up having at this very traditional German restaurant. The atmosphere of the restaurant was very ‘Mom and Pop’ it felt as if we were guest in the owners home. I had a delicious pumpkin soup, which helped me accept that fall has officially arrived. After brunch we visited Munich’s central square where the Marienplatz is located. This was where markets and tournaments were held in the Middle Ages. Located there is this tower with figures that dance and play music every day a certain hours. From the square we strolled through the buzzing streets and came upon this farmers market, where I found a delicious young Italian wine. Apparently this is the season for young wine, and though you can drink it like lemonade I was warned not to drink too much cause it ferments in your stomach which will cause a very delayed buzz. So I bought two bottles for the road. From the farmers market we made out way to St. Peter’s Church which has a tall tower (that you can pay one Euro you can hike up 300+ stairs to get to the top of) and see a panoramic view of the city. I’ll admit the view was worth the hike and the tush exercise. We ended the day with some froyo, and I wouldn’t of had it any other way cause I have been craving it! Yogourtland is certainly on my list of places to visit when I get back home!

I Survived Oktoberfest!

This past weekend I made my way to Munich, Germany for the world famous Oktoberfest! It was so much more than what I had expected. We woke around 5:30 AM to make sure we would get to the grounds early enough to get into a tent. It was an animal house; thousands of people made their way to the grounds in the early hours of the morning. We waited for about an hour for the tent to open but once it did it was a free for all. It was literally as if I was in one of those Black Friday commercials where all the crazy shoppers are waiting outside the doors to get in first for a sale. Then once the doors open bust in like a stampede of animals. At one point the crowd had swept me up and I wasn’t even using my two feet, I was being carried in. It didn’t take long for tent to fill up with excited souls to party and mingle. Once we were all at our tables dozens of beer-maidens came down the rows holding liters of beer. They smacked them down on the table and the festivities began! It was at Oktoberfest I had my very first beer. As great of a memory it will always be, I can certainly say that if I ever have another beer again it would be too soon.

To the Moon and Back!

Today is very special to me because it is mine and my honey’s anniversary, although we are apart I wanted to do something special to celebrate. Near the Charles Bridge in Prague there is a small gate that people place love locks on. So I thought I would add our own lock of love. This is for you love, thank you for being my best friend and biggest fan! I love you to the moon and back! ❤

Farmers Market

Today our Czech class’ assignment was to visit the local farmers market and test our Czech, we also had to explore and try some new food. It was so nice to find organic fruits and veggies my classmates and I were ecstatic! Molly especially – as you can see she filled up her backpack with lots of greens! Trying to eat healthy here in Prague is a definite struggle. Most of their meals consist of meat and potatoes as you can see below.

Flower Power

Today’s outfit consisted of my new high-waisted skirt that I got here in Prague. I have a pear shape so I love anything high-waisted. Some boots with knee-high socks, and my watch. When I shop I try to get pieces that I can mix and match so having a neutral colored watch is great cause it goes with anything!

Yesterday I introduced my new friend Alanna, she’s in my Czech class. This is how we spent our break from class; dancing and wearing flowers in our hair. However it wasn’t until after our grass playtime that I remembered I’m allergic to it – go figure.

I leave you with this quote: “Even if happiness forgets you a little bit, never completely forget about it.” Have a great day!