Brooke Does Europe

Bittersweet ending

2008-12-22T21:00:00.000-08:00

Taking this trip was the best decision I've ever made. I can't imagine that I ever second guessed my decision. If I didn't take this trip it would have been a regret of mine. As I don't believe in having regrets, or at least not obssessing over them, but just accepting them as a part of your life, and that life isn't perfect and not everything you want is attainable for whatever reason(s).

BUT if I didn't take this trip, it would have been a regret of mine that I wouldn't have gotten over. It's something I needed to do. Something I always wanted to do. Something I needed to do to get out of my system.

This is a bittersweet ending for me, especially considering I couldn't make up my mind about whether to stay or go, and feeling guilty and almost ashamed at myself for not staying longer. I emailed a few friends asking for advice.

A common response was: This is your last opportunity to travel like this, so think long and hard about whether you want to go home now.

Well, I thought about it, long and hard, and it hit me. No, this isn't my last opportunity to travel like this. Why should it be? Why can't I do this again? Or the better question, Why shouldn't I do this, again?

When I go home and in 5 months, a year, etc., am unhappy I can go back to Europe. But just because I'm coming home doesn't mean it's definite; nothing is.

But at this time, I'm tired and running out of money so it is time to go home.

This trip has been absolutely amazing. The blog is just a glimpse of my trip and what I've experienced - words can't even begin to explain. I contribute the success of my trip mainly to my hosts. I accomplished the goal of my trip: to stay with locals and see what life is like in other countries. Not only did I experience their lifestyle and culture, but I met, for the most part, exceptional people. I mean that with all its meaning, truly exceptional people. People that I not only enjoyed spending time with, but people I have learned from. You could only be lucky enough to have met the people I have.

But it's a strange feeling to accept that my trip is over, and now, back to reality. As I'm ready to go home, I am a little nervous to go back. Will I be able to fit back into American society so easily? Ha, ha... did I really before, anyways?

Seriously, it's hard to grasp that I will go back to the US and interview and eventually get a job with only 2 weeks vacation. I can't get over it. I think that's the killer. If we had 4-6 week vacations like the Europeans, America would be gold, or close to it. Two weeks ain't freedom. No, sir.

What I'll miss about Europe

2008-12-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

-The fresh and tasty food. The food taste better here, especially in Spain and Italy, than in the US. It's so fresh and flavorful. It tastes like it should.

-Markets. While the countries I've visited have supermarkets, it's more common to have specialty stores, e.g., produce market, meat market, seafood market, bakery, wine market, etc. And they're abundant. I love that you have the wide selection of seperate markets as opposed to having to shop at a f***ing Jewel or Kroger. Gross. But on the other hand, it can be a pain in the a**. Like when you can't find a store that sells beer! It's a f***ing crisis!

-Street vendors selling empanadas

-Abundant outdoor cafes

-The coffee

-The pastries. We all know how I feel about those puppies. In Italy, usually they're served warm.

-Laidback lifestyle. Yes, Europeans do have a more relaxed lifestyle and for the most part, a higher standard of living. Hello?! 4-6 weeks vacation?

-The appreciation of good food.

-Availability of fast food that isn't McDonald's or KFC. Yes, McCrap and Krusty F***ing Chicken is available in Europe (not so as much in Italy), but fast food that is good. For example, kebab and falafel joints, bakeries with pizza and pastries stuffed with an assortment of cheeses, spinach, meats and sausages. The point is, fast food doesn't have to be crap.

-Internet cafes every few blocks.

-Sqaures and/or neighborhoods where cars are prohibted.

-Last, but not least, a Spanish or Italian man who will look you sqaure in the face and smile. I'm sorry, but I love it.

This is why I came back to Spain

2008-12-20T03:46:00.000-08:00

For the inexpensive, yet absolutely fresh and delicious food, and cheap beer. I can't remember what this fish is called, but you get a stack of deep fried, salty goodness. You eat the entire fish, tail and all. It's so good.

Picked up a Canadian and now we're in Barcelona

2008-12-17T08:42:00.000-08:00

Ginger and I in Valencia

Last night at my hostel I met Ginger, a Canadian from Alberto. She was talking about her trip to Morocco to others and I walked over and joined the conversation. After 10 minutes it was just us. After we drank my 2 dollar bottle of wine, we headed to a pub.

She's my new bf. Totally cool. Straightforward, sarcastic, funny, and real.

She's in Barcelona for 3 nights and she insisted I join her. So I did. Tonight I'm staying in the hostel with her. And then tomorrow I go stay with my other bf, Aida, the Bosnian I met last time I was here.

To hang with such good people is a fanatastic way to end my trip.

Sunday night with the Germans

2008-12-16T07:18:00.000-08:00

OK, so I got "peer pressured" to go out, again, on Sunday night, when all I wanted was to chill and go to bed at a decent hour.

I met these great and absolutely hilarious guys (Torben and Jan) in the hostel's kitchen. They were sitting at the table in front of me and after a while they asked where I was from. An hour or so, and a couple of beers later, they insisted I join them at a pub.

OK, how could I say no? I was tired as all hell, and almost said no thanks. But hey, again, I'm in Spain! OK, so it was more because they were Germans, and I enjoyed hanging out with them. I've only met a handful of Germans while on this trip, but I like them a lot, and I enjoy talking to them. I'm interested in what they have to say about Germany after WWII and the collaspe of the Berlin Wall, and the current state of Germany.

I also enjoy when Europeans talk about the differences of other European countries. The funny thing is I find myself more like the Danes, the Dutch and the Germans.

They made me wish I had gone to Germany. But I don't regret it; it's a future trip. And now I have guys I can stay with in Cologne, Germany.

In pic from left to right is Torben, Jan and me.

"I hate Santa Claus"

2008-12-16T06:43:00.000-08:00

So Alex the guy from Austria was absolutely hilarious. Omigod, he had me rolling the entire night. He spoke excellent English and therefore gave and got sarcasm very well.

He asked me do Americans celebrate Christmas like in the movies. I get this type of question a lot, e.g., Do Americans go on dates like in the movies?, etc.

I asked him what was his impression of an American Christmas. He started laughing and said, "Well, on Christmas Eve you open 1 present, and then on Christmas day you get a bunch of presents and then you have a big dinner with a turkey or something."

I told him that sounds about right. Every family is different, but that's generally how my went as a child. I explained further, that Catholics go to church at midnight, so they could be the first to celebrate Jesus' birth. (The latter part was pure sarcasm, and he laughed his ass off.) But seriously, others usually attend church Christmas Day morning. But it depends. And a lot of people don't go to church.

And yes, we have a big dinner turkey and/or ham dinner on Christmas Day. Christmas Eve usually is a more simple dinner. But again it depends because some families celebrate their Christmas Day on Christmas Eve.

So then we get on the subject of the commercialization of Christmas, and then he says, "I f***ing hate Santa Claus!" And I almost pissed my pants I was laughing so hard.

I was like dude, "How could you hate Santa Claus?"

"Well, it was invented by Coca Cola to increase coke sales. And it's not what Christmas is about. And now f***ing Santa Claus has made his way to Europe."

I disagreed. I explained that Santa Claus is derived from St. Nick and wasn't he from Austria or the Nordic countries, or something? He disagreed with me.

Well, I had to look this up. His Coca Cola story is an urban legend. Santa Claus comes from or is Saint Nicholas. Santa became popular in the 19th century due to the influence of caricaturist and political cartoonist Thomas Nast. His cartoon of the plump jolly guy, that we all know, was published in Harper's Weekly.

But was Santa invented to purely increase retail sales? No, I don't think so. Have American corps used it to make a profit? Of course. And of course, Santa Claus is associated with the commercialization of Christmas.

But I still like Santa. Ho, ho, ho!

Saturday Night Pub Crawl in Valencia

2008-12-16T06:14:00.001-08:00

So I'm staying in a really nice hostel and there was a pub crawl on Saturday. You pay 10 Euros and they take you to 3 pubs and a club. At each place you get one free drink.

I had absolutely no desire to go out on Saturday. I was just beat. But the two girls in the photo were staying in my room. One was from Germany and the other from Switzerland. Very nice, sweet girls. So I ended up changing my mind because, well, again, I'm in Spain! Or because I'm lush. I swear when I go back home, I'm getting on the wagon!

It was a blast. It was so much fun and just cool to hang out with people from all over Europe.

There were about 10 of us. In pic above from left to right is a guy from Belgium; Daniel from Germany who makes about 50 euros a day playing guitar on the streets of Barcelona; Girl from Germany, forgot her name; me; Alex from Austria; Dunkin from Scottland; and Jennifer from Switzerland. Not in pic was a girl from Ireland and a guy from Maryland. Dunno where they were.

Alex is the guy who looks like he's giving me kiss. He's not. He actually bit my cheek. Not hard, just a little bite. Now this isn't the first time this has happened to me! I've had, dunno, more than a handful of guys tell me, "I just want to bite you." or "I just want to bite your cheek." Now, I have no idea why men have an urge to bite me, but it's in a playful manner so it's not creepy, just weird and funny.

Like that monster zit on my upper lip? I can't get rid of the f***er.

Pics of Italy

2008-12-16T06:13:00.001-08:00

See below. Scroll down the page.

I'll say it again

2008-12-15T03:19:00.000-08:00

I love Spain.

I'm a knob

2008-12-13T12:07:00.000-08:00

or partly a tard! When I reread some of my writings that's what I feel I write like. Seriously, some of it doesn't even make sense or flow. I swear, I'm a better writer than that!

Arrived in Valencia, Spain

2008-12-13T11:49:00.000-08:00

I decided to go back to Spain as of 6 pm last night. I took a 5 hour train from Naples to Milan and was considering going to Switzerland and then Germany, but once I arrived in Milan and felt the cold I made my mind. Thought it would have been nice to visit Switzerland and Germany during Christmas time, I don't want the 32 degree weather. No thanks, I'll get that back in Chicago.

In addition, it was raining and cloudy all but maybe 2 days while I was in Italy. After 2.5 weeks of that weather it brings you down. Ugh, it's downright depressing. Probably another factor that contributed to me coming home on the 24th. So I came to Spain to get some sunshine, even if it's 55 degrees, still warm to me.

I really wanted to visit Sicilly, but it was going to be raining the next few days. Couldn't do it. Guess I'll go to Jersey to see some Sicillians.

So I took an overnight train where I shared a sleeper car with a nice woman from Nigeria, though her bo burnt my nostril hairs and she ate harboiled eggs.

I hung out with an American from Northern Michigan who wasn't thrilled with his space. He was sharing a sleeper with 3 other dudes and felt cramped. Then a Serbian starts munching on a huge salami sandwich that stunk up the room.

Seriously, what's with people eating the most smelliest food in an enclosed private space? We both agreed, it should be banned.

So I shared my bottle of wine with him and then we drank at the bar. It was the only way to survive the night.

He was a nice guy. He's traveling Europe for 24 days. He busted out of Europe after a breakup and taking a voluntary lay-off.

OK, I changed my return date, again

2008-12-10T12:48:00.001-08:00

I arrive in Chicago on Dec 24.

Why? Several reasons:

1) The madness taking place in Greece. It could end tomorrow, or next week. Point being is the tension and negative vibe will most likely still exist for the next month or two, or longer. I do not want to experience this while traveling Greece. Especially being a woman traveling solo.

2) I can't travel for the next 3 months without a permanent home. It's too damn tiring and expensive. I could find another farm somewhere, but it's too time consuming. The entire process takes about 2-3 weeks, and I do not want to wait that long for a decision.

3) I think I'm just ready to come back to the States. It could be a combo of just travel fatigue and homesickness. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually miss the US. I think it's because I'm in Italy and I see how fortunate I am NOT to be living here. (More on that later.) But if Denmark or The Netherlands were my last stop... well that's another story.

4) I'm tired of meeting new people. I know, this probably sounds horrible. But I am. I don't want to explain why I'm traveling. I don't even want to tell people where I'm from. Today for example, while Pasquele's car was getting fixed (story later) one of the mechanics walks towards me and I'm thinking Ugh, please don't talk to me. Why? Because his English is very poor and I don't feel like spending 10 min of my time having a completely uncommunicative conversation. This is when you know it's time to go back home because two weeks ago I would have been more than happy to strike up a conversation with anyone.

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What will I do when I return? Well, I think I need me some New Orleans for sure. I definitely need some live music. And of course I look forward to seeing family and friends.

Work? Well, until I find a real job I can always work part-time at my friend's company. I totally jinxed myself about finding a job during a not-so-hot economy. Things will work out, they always do. A typical, lazy explanation to bad situations. But hey, it's making me feel good now!

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I leave Naples, Italy tomorrow with no destination scheduled. I'm either going back to Spain or to Germany. I'll decide tomorrow morning. I just can't decide. This isn't the first time I've made last minute travel decisions. Actually it's pretty much how I've done it all along while Couch Surfing. It's my idea of living on the edge. ;)

I'll see you, my friends and family soon!

Naples, Italy, it ain't Florence

2008-12-10T10:16:00.000-08:00

Some say it's a great city with nice people and fantastic food... and then there's those who call it a cesspool. I'd say it's all of the above. So why did I go? Because it's another part of Italy and it's completely different.

The south is poorer, has high unemployment, dirty, and is run by the mob. From Naples to Sicily it's a mob run state. In addition to the bad things, the people are more friendly and the food is suppose to be out of this world. So I had to go.

Naples also had a garbage problem not to long ago. The garbage wasn't being collected so people started to burn it. Germany had to take the garbage since the Italians couldn't handle it.

All of my Italian hosts told me to go - that I would be safe, just be careful and watch your wallet, and stay with someone through Couch Surfing. In Italy, there's a joke that people from Naples are thieves. Shit, my impression of all Italians is that they are thieving scammers. And for the record, they have this reputation throughout Europe. And of course, it's not everyone, but one too many makes a generalization.

But anyways, I liked the city. The people were very nice. They smile! Not like the French. (BTW, had this conversation with other Europeans, too, and they agree, the French don't smile. But it was disappointing because it rained the entire time I was there. Which put a damper on things.

Italian gas station.Two gas pumps right on the side of the road. I saw stations like this in Spain, too.

Naples is an old city, too, without much preservation.

Me in a sqaure with my new jacket I bought for 10 Euros at a market in Bologna.

Some sort of religious thing....

Market

While in Naples

2008-12-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

My host Pasqueles, cooked some of the best homemade food I've ever had. This guy can cook it up! I stayed with him last Tuesday-Thursday and he cooked everyday lunch and dinner.

His sauces were unreal. Some of the sauces included a tomato with boar, pesto (OMIGOD!), spicy tomato with chunks of beef. Let's not even get started on the cheese and wine this mofo served! Seriously, I can't handle it, it was that good.

He was a superb host. But all of my hosts in Italy have been great.
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Naples is known for having really good pizza (known as the birthplace) and food. But I didn't eat out once. We tried going to get pizza one day but his car started overheating and, well, we had to take care of his car. I didn't even care becaus if you had his food, the pizza meant nothing.

Plus I've been eating pizza all over Italy. And I love pizza from Chicago so I really don't care.

Arrived in Naples, Italy last night

2008-12-10T05:18:00.001-08:00

Staying with Pasquales a Couch Surfing host. He's great.

How to drink coffee like an Italian

2008-12-10T02:00:00.000-08:00

Stand at the bar and down the espresso in 2-3 drinks. (That's Gianluca my host in Venice in pic.) Most Italians I see drinking coffee, drink an espresso and do this. Me, I like to sit my fat ass down at a table and drink a coffee with milk. It's my time to relax.

I found it so weird. It's like they just come for a shot of caffeine and that's it. What happened to enjoying the coffee?

And within all of Europe, no one walks and drinks coffee.

Venice pics

2008-12-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

Water stained building. A week before I came to Venice the city was flooded hip deep. It was fine when I arrived.

This is how crowded the streets were and it was December. Seriously, I couldn't imagine visiting Italy in the summer. I would never do it. I would visit in September.

Boardwalk

Moving time via boat.

Water taxi stop. Since Venice is a city of 118 islands. You get around by littles ferries or walk over bridges like seen in pics below. No cars on the island because there's no room.

This is how narrow the waterways are.

Got 60-100 Euros (about 80-130 US)? That's how much a gondolas ride cost. Yeah, no thanks, I've been on a boat before.

Pics are a little hazy because they weather was such.

Venice is built on wood piles as seen in pic. It's crazy. Read more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venice.

This city is just... I don't even know. It's like a fairytale, almost surreal. It's amazing. It's so special. I think I'm more baffled on how the city was built.

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My host Gianluca showed me Venice on Monday. I stayed with him last Sunday and Monday. He was great. I really enjoyed hanging out with him. Sunday and Monday night he cooked delicious pastas and we got drunk on wine and talked all night.

I liked his bad a** attitude. He live in Canada for 22 years. He worked for Canada's version of the CIA, so he has that cop attitude. I found him hilarious.

My Italian Cowboy

2008-12-09T11:56:00.000-08:00

Gianluca, my host, is cooking pasta while we listen to Alan Jackson. I love it!

More on Bologna, Italy

2008-12-08T11:28:00.000-08:00

Great city. I wish I could have spent more time there. So far, it's my favorite city in Italy. It was a real Italian city with real Italians. Rome and Florence is filled with tourists so you don't get a real sense of Italian life.

Unfortunately I do not have any pics at this time because I had to use my host's camera since my battery was dead. Hopefully he will send me the pics later.

Pics of Florence, Italy

2008-12-08T08:45:00.000-08:00

pic of square
florence is full of markets. clothing can be very cheap.
pic of street. bikes and scooters are everywhere.
church up on hill with cemetery. look close to the detail on top. it's amazing.
view from the top of the hill.
pic of Arno River.
remains of brick wall that used to enclose and protect city.
"The American bombshell" per Italian Cowboy (Gianluca, Couch Surfing host in Venice)

Dress up time

2008-12-08T08:34:00.000-08:00

Wednesday night in Florence, after Checco prepared a simple pasta dish of roasted garlic, olive oil and hot pepper, I helped him translate his portfolio to English. As he was getting up to go the toilet he put on his slippers. Well, I insisted he wear the Indian ones as seen in pic.

After he returned from the bathroom he dressed up in this traditional Indian wear. And then of course he insisted I try it on.

Photography is his hobby so he's always taking pictures. It's always fun hanging with someone who is passionate about photography - it's fun, and there's no room for vainness

Not one, but two Italian men cooking me dinner

2008-12-08T07:59:00.000-08:00

OK, not necessarily for me. When I arrived in Florence on Tuesday, my host Checco (polka dot apron) and Luca cooked dinner for me and two of their friends. We ate baked chicken and roasted potatoes, and drank wine. It was delicious.

It was so cool to see two Italian guys put on aprons and cook together. I got a kick out of watching them raise their voices in heated quibbles over different cooking techniques.

They were excellent hosts. Always filling my glass, asking me if I need anything, and making me feel at home.

And they were very nice men. It was a pleasure.

OK so now we are listening to Dean Martin

2008-12-07T14:51:00.000-08:00

and looking for a fucking battery charger for my camera. kiss my ass italy. why? because where is the fucking BestBuy? (OK, i'm kidding, but isn't there something similiar.... seriously? OK, BestBuy where are you? you mother fuckers, haven't you taken over the world like mcdonalds and kfc?)

in all seriousness, i'm kicking myself for not buying a camera with batteries.

Arrived in Mirano, Italy

2008-12-07T07:35:00.000-08:00

It's 20 min outside of Venice. Staying with a Couch Surfing host. He's cool.

By the way, Venice is not flooded anymore. It was last week.

Phil and I in Rome

2008-12-06T10:34:00.000-08:00

1st pic is of castle. The Tiber River runs through the city and there are beautiful bridges to compliment it.

2nd pic is the line to get into The Vatican (actual church). The line was unreal. I couldn't imagine what it's like in the summer. We went in the morning so we only waited 20 min.

3rd and 4th is Philip and I cheersing at a restaurant.

5th pic is us eating gelatto in front of the famous Trevi fountain.
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We saw everything in about 3-4 days. I mean everything. We trucked our asses all over that city despite the occasional rain.

I think I'm most amazed with The Vatican. Unbelievable. If that church was in my neighborhood, I may have considered becoming Catholic.... OK, maybe not. But seriously, it was breathtaking. And the Sistine Chapel was glorious. You have to go. You have to go. OK, one more time, YOU HAVE TO GO.

Oh, and we ate nice lunches and dinners and drank tastey wine. And of course we did nothing but lay around for a couple of days.

I tell ya, renting an apartment is the way to go. It comes furnished with pots, silverware and plates, so you can cook. It can be real money saver and it's relaxing. I cooked breakfast a few times. And it's nice to be able to store drinks and snacks in the fridge. And in Europe (not sure about US) it's cheaper than a hotel.

In addition to my rant on Rome

2008-12-06T09:36:00.000-08:00

OK, so I reread my rant on Rome and I have to say I wasn't entirely fair. Yes, I meant what I wrote previously, but not everyone was an a**hole.

Philip and I had great service in all but one or two restaurants we dined at. It was the best service I've received in Europe in regards of attentiveness. In addition, the people were very friendly.

The woman we rented our apartment from was extremely nice. And the agency we went through were very accomodating. We changed places because first we stayed in a b&b, but it was more like staying in a room at your grandma's house. Don't get me wrong, I like staying at my grandma's house, but not with my boyfriend, if ya know what I mean. ;)
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Yeah, and grandma (not my lovely grandma) but this grandma can kiss my a**. So Philip and I had our own dining room where we received a nasty ass complimentary breakfast, which consisted of store bought pastries that you purchase in the gas station in the US for .50 cents; Kellogg's Corn Flakes; and white bread, like Wonder Bread.

Come on! Are you serious? Considering the money we paid grandma she should have made us some homemade bisquits and jam. No only that, but I'm in Italy I don't want to eat Corn Flakes! I don't eat that s*** when I'm at home. And there's bakeries on every f***ing corner!

OK, one more complaint about grandma. So like I said Philip and I had our own dining room. On our second day I'm having coffee while waiting for Philip to get ready and she tried telling me I couldn't sit in that seat, that it was for someone else, and that mine and Philip's seat were over there. I just about had it with her.

OK, so one more complaint, I swear it's the last! On the third day when we finally decided to jump ship as we are walking out, I notice on the other dining room table (for other guests) was bakery style bread. Not only one, but two!

F*** you grandma!
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Anyways back to Rome.... so it was like in 48 hours all those little things added up to total frustration and feelings of helplessness.

I'm sure it can be hard for service employees to work in a touristy city. I remember serving and bartending and I hated tourists. If you got a southerner or a European, forget about it, because you knew no matter how much you busted your ass you were not gonna get a 15-20 percent tip.

BUT I just don't like being nickeled-and-dimed. And that's what I felt in Rome.

(In pic above is an example of kindness in Rome. A gift to me from a waiter at a restaurant that Philip and I dined at two nights in a row because the food was really good. OK, second night was not planned. The first restaurant that grandma recommended wasn't very good. Cool atmosphere and good apps, but entrees well, they weren't buono!)

Arrived in Bologna, Italy on Friday

2008-12-06T06:57:00.000-08:00

After a 3 hour delay, having no seat for 1 hour, and hearing a couple f*** in the bathroom that reeked of piss, I finally arrived. I'm staying with a Couch Surfing host Francesco and his brother.... um I forgot his name!

They live in a little country housed 20 min outside of city center. They're very nice.

I'll write mo lata.

Arrived in Florence on Tuesday

2008-12-06T06:55:00.001-08:00

Stayed for 3 days with my Couch Surfing host Checco, a Sicillian, and his two roommates, Luca from Naples and Carmen from Madrid.

They were great. Exceptional hosts. I'll post more lata.

Not staying on farm near Venice

2008-12-05T03:45:00.000-08:00

I made a boo boo. I totally forgot to register for my Italy WWOOF membership. And I need it in order to wwoof on the farm. The owners told me they would wait for me, but I need my membership card upon arrival, and that may take a couple of weeks to receive via mail. And I'm hopping around so I do not have a permanent address to send to.

You're probably thinking Why not have it mailed to the farm? I asked, but again, they need it upon arrival. I understand because they want to make sure people pay the membership fee (35 dollars). It's a little disappointing because I would have liked to spend Christmas in Italy. But on the bright side, now I get to visit Naples and Sicilly. So next week when I'm done visiting Italy, I will go to my farm in Greece. Luckily the owner has room for me now.

And the farm in Greece will be more quiet and low key. Whereas the farm in Venice is huge and appears to be a bit chaotic. Not only do they make wine, cheese and sausage, they also offer field trips to local schools. So yeah the more I think about it, I'm glad I won't be surrounded by kids. Hey, what can I say? I like quiet.

Brooke's Dirty Thirty

2008-12-05T03:42:00.000-08:00

So, I just realized I won't be in town for my 30th birthday (Feb 10). Awe shucks.

Well, I think I will have to throw a little bash when I return.

2nd adapter broke

2008-12-04T09:54:00.000-08:00

Mother F***er! (That's for you Nicole.)

The Best of Rome

2008-12-04T03:38:00.001-08:00

The view from Orto Botanico, a park.

We went here on Friday and it was so clear you could see snow capped mountains, but my camera was out of juice! D'oh!

So we went back on Sunday on a not so clear day, but you get the picture.

The dome building is the Vatican.

Where's Brooke?

2008-12-04T03:16:00.000-08:00

Where's Phil?

Pics are of the Palatino and Foro ruins, next to the colosseum. It's a huge park, that was once considered the center of the city.

This is an example of why Rome is so amazing. In the middle of the city are ruins.

Train from Barcelona to Milan

2008-12-04T02:49:00.000-08:00

Our train left Barcelona at 8pm and arrived in Milan at 11am. We woke up to views of snow capped mountains.

Then from Milan we took a 4.5 hr train to Rome.

Us eating dinner in the dining car. Wine was delicious. Food was OK, but better than Amtrak.

Phil and Brooke getting drunk in the bar car.

I think this is the "Creepy Brooke" look.

FYI, close family and friends of mine say when I drink "Creepy Brooke" comes out. Meaning, I get a little freaky. OK, that's all I'm gonna say.

Our room.

Behind the chairs, two bunk beds pull out. To left (not in pic) is a small closet and sink.

It may look extremely small, but it's comfy.

I like taking overnight trains. I've done it twice to DC. Spending 10-12 hours on a train may sound like hell to some, but I really enjoy. It's relaxing and romantic.

We could have spent .25 less money to fly, but it's just not the same.

I highly recommend taking an overnight train whether it's in Europe or in the US.

More Water Please

2008-12-02T17:38:00.000-08:00

That's me filling my bottle with water from a spigot in a park. Spigots are pretty common in Rome. You can find them in parks, near some monuments.

The water is perfectly safe to drink. From what I've read, Rome has some of the best drinking water in the world. (Oh yeah, and so does Chicago. So people, quit buying bottled water. It's all good!)

Lady, play me some music

2008-12-02T17:30:00.000-08:00

It was neat watching this little old lady playing an accordion by the Patheon in Rome. She received a lot of coins from pedestrians.

Brooke got duped

2008-12-02T16:53:00.000-08:00

I'm a chump.

See the a**hole dressed as a Roman gladiator? Yeah, those guys are everywhere in Rome. But the first time I saw them was Saturday at the colosseum.

After we walked outside, I saw this guy and found him amusing, so I decided to take a picture of him from afar. But he caught me. He grabbed my hand and with his charm persuaded me to wear a stupid headband and pose for a picture.

Then he insisted Philip take a pic with him.

Then the mother f***er said, "5 Euros." I was surprised. I thought to myself Aren't you a character like at Disney World or something who gets paid to do this? No, he's not.

Philip claimed he knew the guy was gonna ask for money. So I argued why did he let me take a picture with him. He said because I was having too much fun. OK, Phil, that's cool, but not cool that this guy is getting 5 Euros for being a sneaky prick.
_________

I was more mad at myself for falling for this scam. I felt like a country bumpkin in a big city. My game was totally off in Rome. I lost my street wits. I blame it on Philip... I was in la la land with my boyfriend and not thinking clearly.

Rome, the city of hustlers

2008-12-02T03:56:00.000-08:00

See now, I have a love/hate relationship with Rome. It's absolutely beautiful and the history is down right amazing, but seriously, this city is ridiculous. It's run like a credit card company, ie, expensive charges and hidden fees. From the restaurants to the street vendors - it's like they're all out to get your money with no ethical standards.

The street vendors are out of control. They're in your face constantly trying to sell you roses, glow stick things and telescopes. Mother f***ers even try selling you umbrellas when you're using one!

It's to the point where it's just plain obnoxious. Hey, I understand these dudes gotta make a living, but no is no. Last night for example, my reserved, sophisticated boyfriend told a vendor if he brings a rose over to our table he will punch him in the face! If you know Philip, this type of behaviour is out of character for him.

Don't even get me started on how outrageously priced food and drinks can be. I understand restaurants and bars are overpriced in tourist areas, but 4 euros (about 5 US dollars) for a Coke? Kiss my fat a**! Even when Philip and I ventured out of the tourist hoods, prices where the same.

Not to mention, more restaurants than not, charge you for a basket of bread. Come on, are you serious? Or are we just spoiled that in ALL Italian restaurants in the US, a basket of bread is complimentary?

AND a few times we have been over charged. Now, I understand this happens as a tourist, but I've been traveling since September and this is the first city I have been over charged in, and not to mention it's happened more than once.

One more complaint, the cabs. Automatic charge is 2.40 Euro plus mileage, OK fine, but at night it's 4.40 Euro plus mileage. So you're paying 4.40 Euro right off the bat, just to get in the cab. What's so bogus is Rome's metro doesn't run all night, so your forced to take a cab, because you're not gonna truck your ass all over Rome at 2 am in the morning.

Omigod, I almost forgot! Get this one. On Saturday, Nicole, Philip and I go to this jazz club. It was a 10 Euro cover charge. When we received our drink bill there was a 5 Euro fee, per person to sit at the table! F*** off!

It's common in Rome to be charge 1-2 Euros to sit at a table in a cafe, bar or restaurant. BUT we paid a 10 Euro cover charge! And you're gonna charge us an additional 5 Euro to sit at a table? Philip the attorney that he is, told them we weren't paying the table charge and we didn't.
__________

I know I've complained a lot, but my comfort level was not at its highest because I was consumed with being ripped off. Frankly, I was pissed off too much. I know there's nothing you can do about it, but I don't like. It doesn't make me feel good about this city or its people. At one point I told a dude to f*** off. Now, I know it's not smart, but that's how pissed off I was. I kept thinking Oh, my Denmark, how I miss you so!
__________

Now don't be scared to come to Rome. My recos, come for 3 days to sightsee and go to other cities for food and drink.

Oh, and pretend like you don't speak English. I've learned to just shake my head and talk gibberish as if it's another language, when they're in my face. These people think Americans are rich, which I suppose we are compared to them.

Or just be a bad a**. Don't let anyone take advantage of you. If you show any kind of weakness they will.

D'oh!

2008-12-02T03:52:00.000-08:00

Philip missed his flight yesterday. Obviously, I spent one more night in Rome with him.

I'm ready to bust out of this city. I'm tired of these triffling ass people. Yes, you read right, I used the word triffling.

I leave for Florence in 1.5 hours.

Coming Home March 2

2008-11-30T13:42:00.001-08:00

I leave Rome, the city of scammers, tomorrow, for Florence. (More on these f***s later.) On Dec 5 I'm to arrive at a farm near Venice, where I will wwoof for one month. Then the first week of January I head to Greece for 6 weeks to wwoof on an olive farm.

As of now, I do not know where my farms are located and how I will get there! Both farms were recommonded to me by the Irish couple I met in Fejo, Denmark. They wwoofed for 2.5 years in Europe with their two toddlers.
________

As I've said before, I'm not ready to come home. The bottom line is I'm staying because when will I have this opportunity again? OK, and I'm having way too much fun to come now.

Not Coming Home December 1

2008-11-28T06:54:00.001-08:00

So have a Merry Christmas without me!

Sorry people, I need some more time. I haven't changed my ticket yet. (I have until tomorrow to change it.) But I think I'm coming home the end of Feb or beginning of March.

Stay tuned for more details!

Arrived in Rome on Wednesday

2008-11-28T06:52:00.001-08:00

Good times. Beautiful city... so beautiful! Omigod... I love it, but will write later as Philip leaves Monday so not spending time at a computer.

Ah, relaxation time

2008-11-24T08:47:00.000-08:00

Since Philip has arrived it's been very relaxing. Luckily, he's not a big drinker so there's no pressure to go out. Though I do feel a little bad that we didn't on Saturday, but I just couldn't do it.

Today, we sat at a cafe (as in pic) for a couple of hours, hung at the beach for an hour or so, had lunch, and walked around. And tonight we'll probably have a nice dinner.

It's been very nice.

Tomorrow, we take an overnight train to Rome.

My Love Muffin Arrived

2008-11-24T08:20:00.000-08:00

So Philip arrived in Barcelona on Saturday afternoon. That night we all went to dinner. (Sorry for the poor pic.)

Food was excellent, but us girls were all tired and beat from the previous week. Sorry Philip!

Nic and Mags were leaving early the next morning so after dinner, Nicole went home to bed and the rest of us walked around for an hour or so. Then we headed home.

Mags finally took some pics of monuments. According to her, the men are her monuments. She kills me! Too funny. She's here to party and relax. Good for her, that she's doing what she wants. Not what I would do, but still good for her.

Me and Philip

My Girls

2008-11-24T08:07:00.000-08:00

I couldn't have imagined having a better time with Nicole and Mags. We all got along so well and had such a great time. I don't think you understand, we had a really good time.

The thing about these girls is that they're such good people. They're the type of friends who got your back and watch out for you. Friends who don't judge, and who are unselfish.

I had the time of my life with these girls. I'll never forget it.

Love ya.

Friday Night - Last Night with My Girls

2008-11-24T07:30:00.001-08:00

After the beach we headed to a tapas bar where after one last drink I headed home for a nappy. I woke up around 10:30 pm where Mags was passed out on the couch wearing a towel. I woke her because she looked dead.

Mags told me Nicole arrived at the tapas bar shortly after I left and was a little peeved because she thought we were done for the night. Well think again! Brooke and Mags don't dissapoint.

DING! DING! ROUND TWO!

I wanted to stay home, but I put on my big girl pants and got ready. Hey, this is my last night in Europe with my girls!

So Brooke and Mags got ready, and left at 1:30 am to meet Nicole and Aida to celebrate our last night together in Europe together. FYI, while Mags and I napped, Nicole hung out with Aida, the Bosnian woman I picked up at the beach.

Friday night in Barcelona was kick a**. We didn't go to one bar the entire evening. We drank on the streets, like everyone else. Hopping around from one square to the next and meeting all kinds of people.

See the six pack Nicole is holding? Well, men sell beer out of the cans for 1 Euro. And the best part, we never had to wait; they were everywhere.

Maggie invited some girls she met that day. A few girls from Alabama. They were nice, but not really our types, well except for Mags. We were the party! I think they were a little scared of us because we're all a little crazy!

And they were McCain girls. Everytime we met guys they asked where we were from and when we said Chicago they would yell, "Obama!" So we ended up chanting, "Obama!" a couple of times with random strangers. And those girls didn't like it too much. They would ask, "What about McCain." Come on girlfriends, get with the program! He's old news!

At 5 am we left the streets and headed home. I insisted Aida come with us, and she did. We picked up some beer and talked and laughed until 6:30 am. Then Aida and Nicole went to bed. Mags and I stayed up until 8 am to watch the sun rise.

It was such a fun night. It really can't get any better.
_______

So more on Aida. She is super cool. Nicole and I both have a crush on her. She lived in San Fran for years so her English is perfect. Nicole and I both agreed, it felt like we were hanging with an old friend. Nicole and I already miss her!

Friday at the beach in Barcelona

2008-11-24T06:55:00.000-08:00

We all went to the beach. Nicole stayed for an hour and headed to sightsee. Maggie and I picked up a 6 pack and chilled on the beach... and then some.

The two guys in bottom pic played Spanish music on their guitars the entire time we were there. They invited us over, but I declined because there was an Italian wearing a doo-rag making girating moves with his pelvis as he waved us over. No thanks. I didn't feel like dealing with some dude trying to hit on us hard core. (FYI, Italians can be very aggressive.)

But after 2 more drinks I said f*** it we'll join 'em. And it was great. Could it get any better?!

It was too bad Nicole had left because this would have been right up her alley.

In their group included one woman, two Italians, two Spanish guys, and one Dutch dude. Then there was Mags and I, and Aida, a Bosnian woman who I insisted come join us. She was sitting at a nearby chair watching us and I waved her over. She refused, but after 3 attempts she finally came. She is right of Maggie in the pic.

When we first came to the beach the two guitarists played around the beach. We joined them and we all sat in a circle as they played and sang.

Nicole finally got it

2008-11-22T10:24:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Nicole finally got it. Meaning she got what it feels like to enjoy her trip and take it in. I mean, really take it in. She told me last night she got it. And you could tell because girlfriend was glowing. She looked great.

She's been having a hard time because too many people back home are giving her guilt trips that she's partying too much and she needs to see more. Well you know what I gotta say to that? F*** 'em. I told her this is her trip, not theirs, and people will always tell you what you should. It applies in all aspects of life. Oh you should get married, oh you should have kids, etc. And again I say F*** 'em.

I told her she should be partying in Madrid with her girls. That's truly experiencing the Madridian culture and its people. In addition, I told her she will site see in Barcelona and Italy - that's where the beauty is. And on Sunday she will be traveling by herself until she meets Philip and I in Rome. So she'll have 4-5 of being by herself and so she will not be drinking like she has.
________________

On another note, Nicole also let go of American expectations, for e.g., waiting longer than usual for the bartender to bring another beer or check. You have to ask for a beer or the check. They're not like American bartenders who ask you as soon as you have only a few sips left do want another one or the check.

And she's learned to dine like a European. When I've dined with Americans while traveling they tend to annoy me because they're always in a hurry to see see see! Gotta get one more shot of another monument!!!! Soooo not my style.

And most Americans eat to fill the belly and leave soon after. Europeans don't eat like that. They lounge and hang out with friends and family shootin' the s***. Even if they have only have one coffee or beer they'll still hang without drinking more.

The Spanish share food which I've mentioned before. They don't split all the food up to make sure everyone receives the same amount - because ya know, Americans gotta make sure no one gets more than them. And Spaniards eat off the same plate. I´ve eaten salads, and other dishes with 1-2 other people dipping their fork in there. I'm cool with it.

So back to Nicole. The first few days, Nicole was like a typical American. She annoyed me because she did behaved like a typical American! And of course I told her she needs to chill out, relax, this is Europe! Hey, I can understand where she's coming from, and I'm not hating on her, but I've been by myself or with locals for 2 months and I'm just not used to it. And most importantly, I want her to get it, and finally she has.

Also, I'm very happy that she will be traveling by herself. It's good to travel alone. It makes you more independent, resourceful and in tune with yourself.

Back to the Poop Story

2008-11-22T10:07:00.002-08:00

So on Thursday we decided to stay in, and again "hang low" but ended up drinking 5 bottles of wine between the three of us....

In Barcelona, we are renting an apartment. You find them on Expedia or travel websites, just google it.

It's modern, clean, roomy, and has a balcony that we've been chillin' on. It's so much better than a hotel.

OK, so back to the poop. So on Thursday we're laughing it up and still trying to figure out if the poop was an attempted mugging. I told Mags to google "bird shit mugging Madrid" and guess what? Ya, those Spanish bitches tried mugging us.

We found news articles that wrote about how 2-3 people will pull something like this to distract you so they can swipe your wallet. Good thing for me and Nicole is that we were aware of our bags. And most importantly, since we're both so damn crazy we were moving around way too much for them to pick.

And my purse is small and very hard to get into. I have difficulty removing items sometimes.

One thing is for sure muggers in Madrid need to up their skills! And muggings more than not, tend to be nonviolent - just picking your pocket or purse.

But don't let the muggers scare you. It's still a safe city. You just gotta be aware of your surroundings. When walking in crowds hold onto your purse or wallet in your pocket. Or as Rick Steve says, wear a small money belt under your shirt. And don't keep you wallet out. For example, when you get cash at an ATM don't stand there like a knob holding your wallet. Put it back in your wallet, take your cash and ATM, and go into a bar or store and then insert money and card.

Gotta have street smarts.

Arrived in Barcelona on Thursday

2008-11-22T10:07:00.001-08:00

Madrid Madness is Over

2008-11-22T09:44:00.001-08:00

Our last night in Madrid was Wednesday and it was a blast like everyday. We're all having so much fun it hurts.

We decided to "hang low" by going to a jazz bar that Rolando recommended. It was cool.

The Spanish jazz band was good and after their set the club played funk. It was refreshing to hear other music. Seriously, if I hear Kid Rock's All Summer Long I´m gonna fly home to America to punch him in the face! He's got to be one of the biggest tools. Oh, and to any of my readers who like that song, stop reading my blog... I can't be associated with you. ;)

My overall opinion on Madrid is it's just a party. I can't get over how f***ing great it was. There's really nothing else to do there. I don't think I would recommend it to people who aren't foodies or drinkers. Dunno, I think if you don't experience the nightlife, you not experiencing Madrid. F*** the museums! Go to Italy or France for that.

Madrid isn't that beautiful of a city. I was actually a little disappointed. Of all the European cities I've been to it's the least impressive in regards to asthetics.

And these mother f***ers are dirty. People throw trash on the street and in restaurants. I'm not joking. It's common to throw used napkins and cigarettes on the floor in authentic tapas bars. You won't see this in more contempary or touristy joints.

But with all the griddiness, I still dig it. And our time in Madrid was just plain craziness! But all of it good, even the half-assed muggings.

Nicole and I got pooped on, but was it an attempted mugging?

2008-11-19T12:11:00.000-08:00

Today Nicole and I walked around Madrid today for 4 hours. (Mags left us after a .5 because she wasn't feeling well.) We walked through one of Madrid's park and decided to sit on the bench for a bit. After a short while we felt something wet fall on us. I felt it on the top of my head and Nicole felt it on her back.

We both looked at each other and noticed grey poop on our backs and in our hair. We both started screaming and laughing. OK, so I was laughing more as Nicole was screaming and gagging.
_____________

Prior to this incident, a Spanish chick comes over to us and asked us something in Spanish. I told her, "No Espanol." Then she walked away, in front of us, looking around.

Nicole said she saw her friend when she talked to me. I did not.

Then after a few minutes the poo hits us and as we stand up freaking out, I notice the friend standing about 10 feet behind Nicole and the Spanish girl about 10-15 ft in front of us. They both come over with tissue to help wipe off the s**t. Still, I'm laughing so hard I'm almost crying and Nicole is going back and forth trying to wipe the shit off her jacket and almost puking a few times. At the same time, one girl is wiping my back and the other girl is wiping Nicole's jacket.

During all of this chaos I'm thinking these girls are just being helpful. And not to sound naive, but they looked normal; they weren't gypsies or homeless. But, I'm cautious of my purse which is wrapped around my shoulder diagonally, which was half opened. I opened it to make sure all of my stuff was in there, and it was.

Then one girl goes into my backpack which was on the bench and takes out the bottle of water and tries to open it to poor on a napkin. I told her no. Still, at this time it did not occur to me that this was a setup.

Then I tell them gracias several times and with a hand gestures try to tell them thanks and goodbye.

At this point Nicole and I are still overwhelmed with getting shit on that it didn't hit us that these girls may have tried to mug us, that this whole event was a setup. Then I remembered my purse being opened, and asked Nicole if that was a setup. Then Nicole tells me one girl opened her bag that was on the bench, but Nicole took it and checked to make sure nothing was stolen, and nothing was. Then I told her my experience. And then we both thought that maybe this was a setup. We've gone through the event many, many times and still can't come up with a conclusion.

Those girls had many chances to steal our things out of our purses and didn't. The oddest thing was the shit was grey, not white, but it still fell on top of my head. Did those girls make some homemade poo? It just seems too fishy, too many coincidences. Or it could be that we're suspicious considering our experience the other night. I dunno.

But after this, Nicole and I agreed: we need to get the hell out of Madrid! Jesus.

We are Champs

2008-11-19T11:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Nicole and I vowed we weren't going out drinking. But she broke her vow.

We all laid in bed yesterday afternoon and evening. Just chillin'. Then at 10 pm Nicole and Mags went to get something to eat. I decided to stay home. I wasn't feeling too hot yesterday and I was just plain tired.

Two hours later they still weren't home. They came home at 2:30 am drunk on Sangaria. Bad, bad girls!

It probably sounds like we're partying too much, but seriously, it's Madrid. I can't explain it. The nightlife is so happening into the early morning. It's so great that you can't resist.

The difference between Spaniards and Americans is that they don't drink fast like Americans. Or maybe as much as Americans. I've noticed this and have been told this by Spaniards. When I was hanging out with my hosts in Mijas and Malaga we would stay out until the early morning, but not always drink a lot.

When you're out late say at 5 am, people aren't f***ing s**t faced like they are in the States. This isn't to say there aren't drunk people, it's just more controlled, I suppose.

Back home, if you're going to a 4 am or 5 am bar it's because your wasted. Seriously, would anyone in their right mind go to Brewbakers or Grouchers sober or only buzzed?! Wuf.

So point of my entry is that while in Madrid enjoy the party! You'd be a fool not to.

We still can't get over it

2008-11-19T11:07:00.000-08:00

Nicole and I beat up a mugger. Omigod too funny! We've been laughing nonstop since it happened.

Hey Bartender, where ya going?

2008-11-18T15:33:00.000-08:00

You want to know what's going on after closing time, ask the bartender. They always know what's up.

Monday night was supposed to be low key.... We left the hotel at 11:30 pm and Rolando took us to a tapas bar. We munched on cheese, ham and olives, and drank beer. Well next thing we know it's 2 am and the bar is closing. But we were having such a good time talking and laughing that we still wanted to stay out.

So I asked the bartender for a place to go and she shouts, "Flamenco! We go to flamenco bar!" So she took our group and 3 other Spaniards to this flamenco bar 5 minutes away. (In pic is group.)

It was a great place. No dancers were present, but the music and decor were authentic and therefore fantastic. And the 3 people we met were very nice and fun.

After this place closed at 4 am we headed to a club, but I said, "Bye, bye" after one drink because I was done. I just couldn't stay out anymore.

Nicole and her Spanish boyfriend Antonio.

Mags and her Spanish boyfriend Rolando (OK, .5 Spanish, .5 English). OK, so his real name is Roland, but I thought his name was Rolando so I've been calling him that for the past couple of days. It was just brought to my attention yesterday that it's Roland. But I told him it's too late he's Rolando! I love that name.

We've been hanging and laughing with him for the past couple of days. We all really like him a lot. The jokes, sarcasm, frank conversations, and laughter was nonstop. And he's been such a gentlemen to treat us to dinner and drinks, and lunch the next day. He's quite a gem.

Street Musicians of Madrid

2008-11-18T15:27:00.000-08:00

Madrid has really good street musicians and they're everywhere playing during the day and at night.

The other day I listened to a group of 7 playing classical music.

I love street musicians. Even like the bad ones. They make me chuckle.

I miss Chicago

2008-11-18T14:35:00.000-08:00

I haven't been homesick during my trip. Seriously, not at all. I didn't want to come back! I wasn't sure if I was going to - especially if McCain got elected.

I'm not sure why I'm a little homesick. It could be from overdosing on clubs. But I think it's partly due to Obama getting elected. But mostly due to having two of my Chicago friends here. They're making me miss my family and friends, and Chicago.

We were trying to convince Rolando (Maggie's Spanish boyfriend) to come visit us in Chicago. So he asked what is so cool about it. Of course we said the food, music, festivals, the lake, etc. And most notably its people.

Chicagoans are just good people. Yes we have our share of mother f***ers (it's still the word of the week!), but unfortunately they're everywhere. But overwhelmingly, I think Chicagoans are some of the best people in America. (Milwaukeeans and New Orleaners are included, too.) We're real, down-to-earth and nice people. Anyone I've ever met who has visited Chicago says the same.

Oh, and according to Rolando, us Chicago girls know how to drink beer!

See you in Chicago Rolando!

The Word of The Week

2008-11-17T14:23:00.000-08:00

Mother F***er

I'm not used to this

2008-11-17T14:05:00.001-08:00

Staying with women. I've stayed with only 3 since being in Europe.

Jesus! Maggie and Nicole take FOREVER to get ready! It's a damn ordeal to leave the hotel! It takes at the most, 40 min for me to get ready. Maggie and Nicole take like 2 hours to get ready!

We decided at 9:30 pm to shower and get ready. It's now 11:07 pm and we will not be leaving until another .5 hr.

They're driving me nuts! Cuz if you know me, I can be very impatient. I don't like waiting on people.

Come on Mother F***ers let's go!!!!!

Eat that crap up!

2008-11-17T12:52:00.000-08:00

Spaniards standing in a loooong line at KFC.

Nicole's First Italian Kissing Experience

2008-11-17T12:19:00.000-08:00

As I've written before Spaniards and Italians tend to be very affectionate. So last night when we were hanging with The Italian, he went to give Nicole a kiss on the cheek after we did the first round of shots. As he was going in to give her an innocent kiss she backed away uncomfortably and rejected him.

I laughed and told Nicole let him give you a kiss - it's their way of showing they like you, and it's not sexual.

And he was very apologetic. I explained to him in America we don't kiss like you guys do with strangers or even with friends.

I'm so used to the kissing that I'm a kissing machine. I kiss everyone. Upon meeting The Italian we did the kisses on booth cheeks. And everytime he bought a round a gave him a kiss on the cheek.

So I found it amusing the way Nicole reacted. In the end, she let him give her a kiss. It was cute.

The Night of Shots

2008-11-17T07:32:00.000-08:00

Maggie told Nicole and I not to let her have shots. That she couldn't handle anymore since she was sick yesterday. Well that was before we left....

The dude below is The Italian we hung out with at one club. He bought us two rounds of shots and two rounds of beer.

Then at the next destination the bartenders gave us two shots for free and a round of beer for free, too.

Now I wasn't planning on doing shots either or drinking that much for that matter, but hey if people buy me shots I drink 'em. It would be incredibly rude to refuse!

me, The Italian, Nicole, and Maggie.

Don't F*** With Chicago Bitches

2008-11-16T20:05:00.000-08:00

So Nicole and I were walking home this morning after a night of partying and she got half-assed mugged. This little f***er came out of nowhere and tried grabbing Nicole's purse. She started yelling, "Mother f***er! Mother f***er! That's my purse!"and hit him on the back. Then I start yelling "Mother f***er! Mother f***er! and kicked his a** to the ground where he laid on his side with his legs curled and hands over his head. We scared that mother f***er.

It all happened so quickly, that after I kicked him and he fell, I looked to Nicole to make sure she had her purse. And then he ran away. But I swear I would have kick that prick in the nuts and then in his face if I had the chance. No doubt.

An old boyfriend once told me: "If you get attacked, yell like a crazy person and you'll scare them off. And that's what Nicole and I did. Oh, and we beat the mugger's a**! But in all seriousness, we're lucky that he didn't have a knife or gun.

But don't be worried that Madrid is a dangerous city. It actually has a reputation of being one of the safest in Europe. And muggings happen everywhere. S*** within the past few months I know two friends who have been mugged in Chicago. One during the day in Greek Town and the other at night in Lakeview.

Nicole and I both agreed that we weren't aware of our surroundings. When I walk alone day or night (in US and Europe) I constantly look behind me to make sure no one is following me. Nicole does the same.

But what's so f***ed up about it is that Nicole and I can't stop laughing about it!

The party is all here!

2008-11-16T09:58:00.000-08:00

Nicole just arrived after having a 1.5 hr delay at O'Hare and unfortunately missed her connector so had a 5 hr layover.

Oh, and Dr. Debbles, Nicole says your sleeping pills didn't work. Did you distribute kidney pills again?

It's been announced!

2008-11-16T09:18:00.000-08:00

Maggie is ready for round 2!

Lines at da clubs

2008-11-16T09:03:00.000-08:00

Between 5 am and 6 am lines to get into clubs can be outrageous.

But I don't wait in lines. I don't do it at home, and I don't do in Europe. OK, I did when I was in college, but I've been over that for a long time. Sorry, no place is that cool that I need to stand in line for an hour.

So usually what happens is I stand near the door contemplating whether or not it's worth it and some guys invite me to cut in front of them. One of the perks of being a chick.

_________

I'm diggin' the clubs in Madrid. Maggie and I went to three clubs last night and all clubs had great music, a good vibe and cool crowd. The first played Spanish music, the second played Spanish and good hip hop, and the third was a smokin' dj mixin' it up just right.

Saludo!

2008-11-16T08:44:00.000-08:00

Dude in pic let us cut in front of the line. Oh, and the lemon was not intended to be in the pic. And Maggie has a look of disgust cuz she didn't suck the lemon after her shot.

Maggie and I cheersing to our second free shot of the night.

In Malaga and Madrid, men and women hand out promotional flyers for a free shot at a club. And it's common when you pay a cover you receive a free shot. But girls usually don't have to pay covers. I've never had to.
__________

Around 5 pm we headed to a tapas bar for some snacks of olives, potato salad and pork sandwich. After a few beers we headed home for a little nappy.

After waking up and showering, we left the hotel at 1:00 am and went to another tapas restaurant and ate some delicious smoked ham, cheese and a chilled tomato soup with pork and cheese. And then, of course we ended the night dancin' it up.

At 1:00 in the morning restaurants and bars are packed. Spaniards are known for not eating dinner until 10 pm or later. Many restaurants do not open for dinner until 8 pm.

A Spanish Mullet

2008-11-16T08:41:00.000-08:00

They just ain't in America.

Poor Mags

2008-11-16T08:27:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Maggie: a) Had a one hour flight delay. b) Sat on the tarmac for 1.5 hr. c) Lost her luggage, thanks to the airline, and d) Had to change hotels because the roof was caving in. (The hotel moved us to a very nice sister hotel two blocks away.)

And today, she's been sick all day today, puking. She thinks she may have a bug.

Welcome to Europe girlfriend!

But luckily the airline just delivered her bag and she seems to be feeling better.

Alvaro's Spanish Neigborhood

2008-11-16T07:53:00.000-08:00

View from Alvaro's apt.

He claims to live in a poor neighborhood, but it didn't seem poor to me. Just middle to lower middle class. Dunno, my opinion of poor are ghettos - now that's poor. But he also grew up in a kickass penthouse overlooking the sea, so his opinion of poor could be different than mine.

Anyways when he picked me up from the train station on Friday he warned me that his neighborhood isn't that nice looking and if I'm scared I don't have to stay with him.

I thought to myself, Well, if only you've seen some of the neighborhoods I've lived in.

I asked him if it's dangerous, like gangs, etc., and he said no, it's safe. I thought So what's the problem?

We drove through his hood and pulled up to his apartment and it was totally fine. Some graffiti on buildings, but its everywhere in Europe, and it isn't necessarily gang related. Usually it's not.

----------------

I totally digged his neighborhood. It's exciting and real. I would just sit on his bay window and watch: People sticking their heads out of their home windows talking to others on the street; People yelling from their car for their friends to come down. (They don't honk their horn or ring the bell, they yell from their car.); People just doing everyday things like riding scooters, coming home with groceries and walking their dog.

In pic is laundry drying. You see this everywhere.

Of all the people I've stayed with in Europe only 2 people have had dryers. I get different reasons why most Europeans don't have dryers. One is it's just the way of life. The others are for economical and environmental reasons.

How is it staying with people?

2008-11-15T01:58:00.000-08:00

So far I have:

-heard people banging.

-had a cat take a dump a foot away from me.

-had a cat bite my toe. (F***ing cats!)

-shared a bed, shared a room, had my own room, or the couch.

-stayed in clean homes and not so clean homes.

-had majority of hosts cook for me, be my tour guide, and party pal.

-had more chemistry with some than others.

-made friendships that will last a lifetime.

90% of the time it has been fantastic. The remaining 10% was OK, but not bad. But 100% of the time it was well worth it. The entire time I´ve been in Europe I´ve only paid for 2 nights of housing! But again, as I´ve expressed before, I´m not doing it just to save money. How f***ing boring and uneducational would it be to stay in hostels and hotels.

People back home often asked me what it´s like staying with people. Some people may find it strange or unsafe to stay with people you don´t know. At first I was a little nervous, but you gotta take chances and have faith that there are good people out there, and there is.

Plus, people who belong to Couch Surfing, Servas or Wwoof tend to be like minded people. More often than not, they´re liberal, open-minded, generous, warm, welcoming, and genuine. People who got soul. People who aren´t just about "me." If there were more of these people in the world it would be a better place.

In addition, within this community of travelers, there´s a common understaning or unwritten rule that you take care of a fellow traveler. You take care of someone now, and someone down the road will take care of you. It´s how it should be in all aspects of life - you help take care of people.

As I write this, I think about my favorite people in my life, and they all follow this philosophy.

Liter of Beer Night!

2008-11-14T16:06:00.000-08:00

Every drink at this bar was served in a liter sized cup. I know, it´s gross. I felt like a total f***ing pig drinking it. Especially considering how much I´ve been drinking lately and that I didn´t even want to go out last night. Ah, but what the hell, I´m in Spain!

In pic is one of Alvaro´s friends Brittany. She´s from Colorado and is teaching English in Spain for the next year.

Alvaro went to comfort his buddy who´s dog is ill so I ended up hanging with Brittany. She was really cool.

It was relaxing and cool to hang with an American and just talk freely. Not that I´m complaining, but it can be tiring to communicate with someone who´s English isn´t very good. (FYI, Alvaro´s is very good.)

And it was interesting to hear her take on Spain and the differences from America. Like for example, she carries tissue and anti-bacterial liquid with her at all times because toilet paper and soap is scarce in Spain restrooms. And it is. But I´ve just delt with it. A little germ is OK - we as the human race have survived this long, right? But kudos to the corporations who have successfully marketed anti-bacterial liquids.

And of course we ended the night at a club. I gotta tell ya, if I see one more f***ing strobe or neon light or hear one more cheesy ass American pop song I´m taking the first flight back to Chicago. I need some live music!

Don´t get me wrong I´ve had fun and I like to dance, but I´m not a clubber. I never have been. OK maybe when I was 19 with a fake ID I visited some clubs, but my preference is to hang at bars with live music, preferably blues. I just don´t feel the music.

It´s not just the music that´s a turn off, but the people. I don´t hang out or date cheese dicks, and that´s who generally hangs at clubs. Dudes with greased hair and girls with too much makeup. Or as I usually say, people with no soul. I can´t explain any further, you either get it or you don´t.

But regardless, I´m sure I will be partying and dancing until the wee hours at more clubs and having a good time while in Spain.

More Hugs Please

2008-11-14T15:06:00.000-08:00

Every Spaniard (and Portugese) I´ve met and have hung out with is so huggy. They hug me and their friends, a lot. It´s endearing. And it just feels good. (And they give many kisses, too.)

They give good, hearty hugs, not like American hugs. Too many Americans give half-assed hugs with only one arm and a little pat on the back. It´s such a cold, uncomfortable exchange. I have been guilty of this misbehavior, too. It doesn´t feel good and it´s not rewarding in any manner; it´s a perfunctory gesture.

It´s like we´re scared to touch each other. Or we´re scared to be rejected in the event the other person doesn´t want to hug back. I also think many take it as sexual, which is so silly.

I admire the Spaniards´affectionate culture.

(In pic is me and my host Alvaro)

Beaches of Malaga

2008-11-13T12:54:00.001-08:00

Typical city beach here. Think of North Ave Beach in Chicago: beach in front, city behind.

It´s nice, but probably not as relaxing as other beaches due to city noise. But it´s still cool.

Again, this is why I came to Malaga: to lounge on the beach and chill before my party animal friends meet me in Madrid on Saturday. Maggie and Nicole have already warned me sleeping is not on the agenda and to rest up. Watch out Madrid!

I know some of you are wondering who they are so I´ll share. I met Maggie at my previous job and Nicole through my friend Debbles (Deborah). Both are super cool girls, laidback and like to have a good time.

It´s funny, three years ago, when I was in New Orleans for 2 weeks, for work, Nicole was down there at the same time. At the time, I only had hung out with her maybe twice. But we hooked up and had one hell of a time. I´ll never forget that trip!

So I´m excited for them to meet me - we´ll have a great time.

One of My Most Memorable Days in Europe

2008-11-13T12:30:00.000-08:00

Wednesday I was in awe when we arrived at this beach, which is 40 minutes outside of Malaga in Granada Province. The landscape was amazing.

During the drive there, the views of the mountains and Mediterranean Sea were marvelous.

After 3 hours of taking in the sun and the view, I felt like I meditated for hours. It was a higher degree of relaxtion that I´ve experienced only a handful of times in my life.
________

After the beach Alvaro drove me to a nearby village for tea on a rooftop cafe with views of the mountains, and then to a tapas restaurant to munch on calamari, fish and shrimp.

Later in the night two of his friends came over. We drank Spanish wine and snacked on olives and cheese.

His buddies were very nice. The one recently visited NY and was telling me all about his trip and how he loves NY.

It was a lovely day.

What do you need my little princess?

2008-11-13T12:19:00.001-08:00

In a jokingly manner, my new host Alvaro will ask me that question when it comes to food and drinks. Then I´ll laugh and he´ll say, "But you are while you´re in my home." And he does treat me like a princess! He´s a very attentive host and such a gentleman. He´s just a big sweetheart.

All I gotta say is his parents did a great job of raising him. I wanna give them a hug.

I arrived at Alvaro´s on Tuesday. He met me at the train station and took me to a viewpoint where you can see all of Malaga and the sea. Then he dropped me off in the center to walk around while he went to Karate class. After class we ate and drank some kick ass tapas and beer. We ended the late night at a bar, where his friend works, for complimentary shots of Jager.

2 of My Favorite Things

2008-11-10T15:54:00.000-08:00

Chillin´on the beach and drinkin´a beer.

This is why I came to Malaga - to sit my lazy traveling a** on a beach. Oh, and did it feel good.

For the Ladies

2008-11-10T15:44:00.000-08:00

I keep getting jokes about the "hot Spanish guys"... well here´s one for ya.

Dude, can someone tell me

2008-11-10T10:52:00.000-08:00

who the white guy was that Oprah hung on during Obama´s speech in Grant Park?

I´m balling my eyes out

2008-11-10T09:42:00.001-08:00

FINALLY, I just watched Obama´s acceptance speech at Grant Park, and I´m crying in a f***ing internet cafe. I still can´t get over it.

______

So many people back home have told me: "Oh you missed one hell of a party in Chicago!

Well, I did, but it´s not about the party to me. Of course I was a bit envious of those celebrating in the US, especially in Chicago, but on the other hand, it´s been incredibily moving and interesting to hear so many Europeans be so damn exicted about Obama.

Before, and after the election, when someone hears my accent they automatically ask if I´m American. After I say yes, the next question is: "You like Obama?" or if their English is poor they just say, "Obama?" with a smile. When I say, "Yes!" or nod they´re very happy. It´s common when I´ve been out people have chanted, "Obama! Obama!".

I always wondered what would have happened if I liked McCain.... There was this douchebag American I met back in Montpellier, France who after guys started chanting, "Obama! Obama!" asked, "What about McCain?" He got booed.

(The reason he´s a douchebag is not because he supported McCain, but because he was lame. There were 15 of us at a Couch Surfing meetup in Montpellier, France and he didn´t talk to anyone. He was a pompous f*** from Southern California. I as others tried conversating with him and he didn´t reciprocate. People like him shouldn´t Couch Surf while traveling. He´s just looking for a free bed.)

But anyways, it´s been great to receive congratulatory emails and texts from my previous hosts. I even receive congrats when I contact potential Couch Surfing hosts.

Hi, can I move in?

2008-11-10T02:05:00.000-08:00

This is the view from Leo´s balcony. That´s the Mediterranean Sea in the back. Could you imagine coming home to this everyday? I can´t.

Leo actually lives in Mijas, which is about 45 min southwest of Malaga. He´s 15 min from the beach.

His neighborhood is filled with apt or condo complexes and a few hotels and resorts.

A snapshot I took while on a walk.

Pic of the beach.

We went to the beach in the late afternoon on Saturday and Sunday. The weather is about 70-74 degrees. It´s definitely warm enough to lay out.

Since Saturday Leo and I have been chillin´at the beach, coming home and having Asian cuisine for dinner. He´s a good cook for not cooking often. And it´s nice to eat some vegetables!

Leo went out late Saturday, but I stayed home.

Last night after dinner we watched CNN and "The Matador" staring Pierce Brosnan and Greg Kinnear. It was a good movie.

When I first met Leo, I didn´t think I was gonna like him. He seemed kind of cocky and arrogant. But that was only my first impression. We get along really well. He´s easy to be with, and he´s been a great host.

More pics of the beach.

This beach town is a popular vacation spot for English and Dutch tourists. Many of the restaurants and bars on the strip offer English menus and English speaking staff.

Damn Couch Surfing Hosts!

2008-11-08T12:08:00.000-08:00

They´re the cause of my recent excess in drinking. Jesus.

Don´t get me wrong, I´ve been having a great time, but all my hosts (but 2) want to take me out to whoop it up. Yes, I´m grateful but the partying is wearing me the hell out.

After Leo and his friend Alex picked me up at train station, Leo asked if I was ready to experience the Spanish night life. I thought Ah sheeeeit, we´re gonna be out all night.

And that we were, until 6:30 am that is. Another reason why I´m diggin´Spain: many bars and clubs are open until 4 am, all night and/or into the wee hours of the morning like 6 am and 10 am. I´ve been told some places are open until 2 or 3 pm the next day.

Yesterday, I felt like crap, having a cold and not getting enough sleep, so I wasn´t excited to go out. All I wanted to do was eat dinner and sleep.

But the thing is you have to get over being tired. I told myself to suck it up - I´m in Spain!

So I did. And I had blast. Today I feel good. It must be from all the vitamin B in the beer....

We started at a lovely tapas restaurant and then headed to a bar for a Malaga Couch Surfers Meetup. For the night a group of 10 - 15 very cool people whooped it up Spanish style.
________

In pic above are three Americans who are temporarily teaching English and living in Spain.

Leo and Alex

Alma, Kurro and I. Alma is Finnish and has lived in Spain for the past 2 years. I talked to her for most of the night. I liked her a lot. Kurro is Spanish and is the moderator for Couch Surfers Malaga, which means one of his responsibilities is to organize meetups. He was really cool, too.

Arrived in Malaga, Spain last night

2008-11-08T05:56:00.000-08:00

I´m staying with a Couch Surfing host, Leo, an expat from South Africa.

Flamenco & Tapas

2008-11-08T05:13:00.000-08:00

Seville is known for flamenco dancing and tapas. It´s said to be at its best here.

On Thursday night, Bruno sent me where he sends all of his Couch Surfers: to a flamenco tabernas, a bar with local, skilled dancers and musicians performing for free. Or you can see flamenco at a Tablaos, which are highly touristy and pricey.

Flamenco consists of clapping, guitar, singing, rapid foot-tapping, and swirling dancers.

This dancer had it going on. I appreciated her intensity.

OK, back to food. Tapas... yum.

Seville claims to be the birthplace of tapas, which are small plates, appetizer size portions for cheap, like a few dollars.

Many tapas bars have food displayed on the bar. Additional items can be ordered off the menu, too. And you can order an entree size serving.

I tried shrimp with tomatos and onion. And the nice guys next to me offered me to try their dish of octopus in some sort of creamy sauce. This is why I like Spain, it´s totally cool to offer some stranger a taste of your food. As some of you who have witnessed, I´m all about eating off strangers´plates in bars. If they wanna share, why not?

This is what a typical bar in Seville looks like. People stand or sit at the bar, eat, and drink booze or coffee.

From what I´ve seen in Spain and France, coffee is an acceptable drink to order at most bars. Clubs excluded.

In Chicago and most of the US, you don´t go to a bar to drink coffee, you go to a coffee shop. If you went to a bar, chances are the bartender would be pissed he had to make a pot of coffee.

Seville pics

2008-11-08T04:14:00.000-08:00

I don´t even know what to say. I like this city a lot. I wish I could have stayed a couple of days longer, but I have 7 days until I have to be in Madrid to meet some friends and I want to see more of Spain. (No sweat friends.)

I feel like a broken record, but the architecture is beautiful. The bars and restaurants are as authentic as you can get. I feel like I´m in Spain.

Top pic is of the Rio Guadalquivir.

Palm trees and other lush vegetation line the riverwalk.

Building on right, I believe is an old fortress.

All pics below are from the city park Jardines de los Reales Alcazares.

It´s an outstanding city park. The vegetation is so lush, exotic and copious. Many trees are gigantic that you almost feel enclosed in a little rain forest.

In pic to the left is a lovely mural.

Orange trees are inside and outside the park.

Porto! Porto!

2008-11-08T03:29:00.000-08:00

Wednesday I arrived at Bruno´s place in Seville, Spain. He´s another Couch Surfing host.

Him and his friend Alfredo (in pic below) picked me up at the train station and headed back to his place for dinner, beers and futbol.

We watched his home team of Porto, Portugal play against, well, I can´t remember. Anyways, in order for Alfredo and I to get a beer we had to chant "Porto! Porto!".

And when they scored we had to stand up, hug and shout "Porto! Porto!".

These two guys were very huggy, not just with me, but with each other. I´ve noticed French and Spanish men are more affectionate towards each other than American men. For example, French men give one kiss on each cheek. I´ve seen Spanish men do it, too.

Alfredo is Mexican. He lived in France for 2 years and is now living in Spain. His English is poor and I don´t speak Spanish so we would try to communicate, but ended up just laughing a lot because we couldn´t communicate.

Their friend Marco came by during the game, but he´s not in any pics.

After the game we went to a couple of bars and headed home.

A little spread of cured meat, cheese, bread, and Spanish beer, Cruzcampo.

This meat and cheese was out of this world. So good.

The proper way to eat it according to Bruno is to take a piece of bread, slather some butter on it, and then add a piece of meat and cheese. It´s good, but I don´t need the butter.

And he served some sauteed jalepano peppers and frozen pizza.

Spain, it´s where it´s at

2008-11-06T08:45:00.001-08:00

I arrived in Seville, Spain last night. I was planning on staying longer in France and visiting Aix-en-Provence and Perpignan, but the weather was crap, so I headed south. And I was tired of France. It´s expensive and the people are only OK (my hosts and their friends excluded). I´m not trying to rip on ém, but it just ain´t my style, I guess. I like countries, cities, etc, where the people are down to earth and friendly. The people I came across were a little stuffy and not overly friendly.

One reason I loved Denmark and The Netherlands, and now Spain is because the people are really nice and friendly.

So at this time I have no desire to visit France again, unless it´s with my foodie pal, David.

Now I´m in Spain and I´m loving it. I wish I would´ve came sooner.

I´m Couch Surfing at Bruno´s. He´s cool and so are his friends.

Goodbye My Love

2008-11-06T08:29:00.000-08:00

Dear French Pastry,

I´m sorry, but I must leave. Oh, how I´ve enjoyed your fresh, flaky, chewy, and chocolate goodness, but it´s time, because if I eat one more, I will grow a second chin.

So until we meet again, farewell, My Love.

WE DID IT!

2008-11-05T16:00:00.000-08:00

We elected Obama! I´m estatic and tearful all day today!

I´m dying at the same time. Election results did not come in until 3 am my time; therefore, all bars and restaurants were closed. In addition, my hotel has no English TV channels, no computer and no phone! I was totally shut out from the world! I obviously didn´t plan well.

I barely slept last night. I tossed and turned, kept thinking about the election.

And I left Montpellier, France at 7 am this morning. So I´ve been on trains all day and as of now have 1 hr until my next train leaves, which arrives in Seville, Spain at 7:30 pm. So needless to say I've been completely out of the loop! The only reason I knew Obama won was because Philip texted me updates.

This is progress! Electing a black man as the President of the United States. How f***ing unbelievable, and what a groundbreaking time in our history. It feels absolutely great!

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE send me any election details from yesterday. Even if you think it´s stupid, tell me. What was the mood at work, outside? Did you go out? What was it like watching Obama speak in Grant Park?

Why I Love Mike Barski

2008-11-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

Check out his blog about my trip at

http://brookeshalftimereport.blogspot.com/

Saint Guilhem-le-désert, France

2008-11-05T07:39:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, Bérengère drove me to this little village outside of Montpellier. Unfortunately, it rained a lot so we didn't walked around much, but it was still nice to see.

During the summer, people canoe and swim in this river.

Why?

2008-11-05T07:30:00.000-08:00

Why do people have to eat food in an internet cafe? Do you really think I want to smell your stinky a** sandwich, and listen to you eat? No, I don't.

And in case you can't read, there's a sign that reads no food.

Same applies at home when people eat McDonalds or KFC on the train. Gross. Eat it in the restaurant.

Nimes, France

2008-11-04T09:42:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, Bérengère took me to the city of Nimes, one hour outside of Montpellier. What a beautiful city. The Roman architecutre is amazing.

Example of a Roman waterway system.

Inside a colosseum.

A colosseum. Bull fighting takes place here, as well as concerts and other events. Yes, bull fighting is a sport in some parts of the south of France.

Same colosseum.

Examples US Election Coverage in French Publications

2008-11-03T10:09:00.000-08:00

Obama and McCain's faces, OK mostly Obama's, have been on so many French newspapers and magazines. And of course, it's covered constantly in TV news.

To the left, a satirical publication, like The Onion. Headline reads: Bad work... it's always for the black people.

Headline reads: Can he win?

Headline reads: The last chance for America

I'm tired

2008-11-03T09:59:00.000-08:00

No, I'm exhausted.

I left Bérengère's today and I'm staying in a cheap hotel today and tomorrow to just relax. She said I could stay at her home, but all I want is to sleep and lay around, all day long.

I need some rest badly. I've been partying like it's nobody's business for the past few weeks. I'm too old for this!

Montpellier Pics

2008-11-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

I think Montpellier is one of my favorite cities I've visited thus far in Europe. I love the elegant architecture, narrow and cobbled streets, and the parks. And it's 15 min or less from the Mediterranean Sea, but I haven't visited it yet because the weather has been dreary.

It's considered a college town, but there's a mix of all ages. And there is an immigrant population from North Africa, the Middle East and Italy which is evident due to the kebab and pizza joints.

I had many Parisians tell me not to visit Montpellier. But I took their opinions, like I do many, with a grain of salt, because they couldn't give reasons why not to go.

I can't explain it, but I just like the vibe here. And I think I like it because it's not posh, like Paris.

A Roman aqueduct. For info read: aqueducts or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanitation_in_Ancient_Rome

The Romans were the first to create a modern sanitation system for water. I find it fascinating.

Happy Belated Halloween

2008-11-02T08:40:00.000-08:00

The French do not celebrate Halloween like Americans. From what I was told, it's only become somewhat popular in the last few years. Some kids go trick or treating, but many households do not have candy available.

On Friday night, I only saw a handful of people dressed in costumes. Pic above is a Couch Surfer who lives in Montpellier.

Bérengère and I.

On Friday was the Montpellier Couch Surfers meet up. In many cities around the world, there are meet ups with local Couch Surfers. Everyone in the pic lives in Montpellier with the exception of myself and the tall dude in back.

In Amsterdam, they have meet ups every Friday. In Chicago, they've only had two meet ups thus far.

We started the night at a wine bar and then went to a club where we danced until 4 am. It was a lot of fun.

Arrived in Montpellier, France on Thursday

2008-11-02T08:32:00.000-08:00

I'm staying with another Couch Surfing host, Bérenègere. She's great. I like her a lot. It's a little difficult to communicate at times, because her English is fair, and I don't speak French. But we get along just fine.

Thursday night, we met two English people I know through my previous job, Jess and Stephen, both have lived in Montpellier for the past few years.

We started at a cozy wine bar and then had dinner at a French restaurant.

Sorry no pics. I totally forgot.

Hangin' with Ron Jeremy

2008-10-30T09:33:00.000-07:00

No, I wasn't, but in the pic to the left, Xabi, my Couch Surfing host looks like a porn star.

Xabi (pronounced shah-bee) and his girlfriend Jeanne took me out for some good old drinking. And damn, I thought I could drink! We went bar hopping and drank all kinds of booze. They were very cool to show me the good spots in Toulouse.

They were a lot of fun and really cool to talk with.

Here's another pic of Xabi not looking like a porn star.

At this bar, they only serve rum. I had rum with mango juice and they had rum with banana.

Xabi asked what I like-meaning eating and drinking-and I said pretty much anything. I'll crack open a Keystone, even if it's not good beer, if it's the only thing available. Same with food. It may not be my preference, but I'll consume it.

But holy sh** did I try the most awful liquor ever! Xabi introduced me to this French liquor called Pastis (in pic). You poor it over ice or you can add juice.

If there's one thing I don't eat is black licorice. And that's what it tasted like. It was so horrible that it made me nauseas.

As appreciative as I was for the thought, I just couldn't down it. Of course Xabi joked and said, "But I thought you liked everything!" Luckily, it didn't offend them that I couldn't drink it.

Awful drink #2 of the night, Absinthe.

To make the drink: You put a sugar cube on a spoon, over your glass, and poor the liquor over it. Fill the glass half full, and leave some on the spoon. Then you light the spoon with fire and let it burn for 10 seconds and dump it in the glass, stir and drink.

I felt like I was in a damn meth lab.

Again it tasted like black licorice. So I had a heineken.

I wish I could have spent more time with them, even though my liver would have been mad at me.

Last Day in Toulouse

2008-10-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

I decided to spend a third day in Toulouse. Yesterday, I left Nathalie's and went to a new Couch Surfing host. But I needed to waste time before he got home from work, so I bummed around town.

After walking around a bit, drinking a coffee and eating a chocolate eclair, I went to the movies to watch Oliver Stone's "W" because I needed to do something that didn't involve walking. I did something to my foot and it really hurts, and I'm not sure what the problem is. Ugh....

So I sat through the movie being the only person who laughed out loud. I try not to laugh too hard, but I couldn't help it. I think a few people were laughing at me. If I was in an American movie theater, I'm sure people would have been laughing. I think since the audience were French, it was probably easy for them to miss jokes because their English may be only fair.

I didn't really know much about the movie prior to watching it. The movie ads are everywhere in France. It was a pretty good movie. Josh Brolin's role as Bush is really good - as are the rest of the characters. Though at many times I was cringing because Bush is such a f***ing idiot, which was obviously Stone's intention, to portray him as the dope that he is. And if I heard W call his father Poppy (sp?) one more time I was gonna puke.

So if you like political movies go see it. Even if you're not a political junkie, it's still a good movie to see.