July 5

July 5

Sadly, this is my last blog for my Europe trip.
Today we woke up bright and early to catch a bus to Pisa- I guess our flight switched a little or something. After a like 2 hour drive, we arrived at the airport in Pisa. Somehow it worked out that we had enough time to catch a bus to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, take pictures for like 10 minutes, and race back to catch our flight. (It was really cool and a pretty day for pictures…it is quite shorter than I had expected though.)
Getting through the baggage drop-off (what’s that called?) took forever; they asked a ton of questions. I passed the questions and was quite underweight with my suitcase (19.7kg when 22.5kg is allowed). So that was good. Then we went through security (ugh) and waited for our plane.
The flight to JFK New York was long- like 9 and ½ hours. I had planned on sleeping for the first bit so that I would be able to adjust to the time switch better, but the stewardesses woke me up every five minutes for drinks, snacks, and two meals. So I gave up on sleeping.
We arrived at JFK fine but had a like 2 hour delay. We watched the movie Premonition (ok except the ending sucks) as we waited for the 40 planes ahead of us to take off. We got home significantly later. The flights themselves were fine though; I think I am better at not freaking out or something. Last time was so much worse for me…then again I did take too many Dramamine, and was way more claustrophobic and tired. Idk it was ok though…just kinda long.
O and then I had another 3 hour drive to get home to Bear Lake- like 5:30-6. So ya I am very glad to be home and not traveling. I think I will adjust better this time to the time change. As much fun as Europe was, I am so glad to be back in the US. I love America! –Even more than I realized.
Thanks again for reading my blogs! See you around…Luv Sharele

July 4

July 4
It’s the Fourth of July, and sadly they don’t celebrate it here. It doesn’t feel like a holiday at all. Anyway so today is our very last day in Europe.  We had a guided tour today. He took us to the main art, historic, and architecture spots of Florence. I learned so much from him. He is probably the second best tour guide so far. He just knew so much; I learned a lot, and I also learned…I’ve passed so many paintings in so many museums that I have forgotten that there is history in every piece. Some, that I would typically have passed by quickly if I were on my own, turned out to be significant to the history of art and its evolution. It was neat to look at the paintings and learn about why and what was important about it. However, I was glad he only showed us a few of the most famous and important; I don’t think I could have handled anymore than we did. Not that he wasn’t good or that I was bored, I just have given it all I have. I had a hard time staying with him and stuff. Funny.
We got to see Michelangelo’s David- way cool. I learned why he isn’t just some statue. He really is awesome- perfect. I was also happy to see The Birth of Venus and a couple of other paintings that I have studied about before. We also took pictures by Ghiberti’s Doors at the Baptistery- which I did my report on.
So the rest of the night I think I will pack and then go to bed early. I have a long day coming tomorrow…o man that’s gonna be a lot of traveling. I am not looking forward to it at all. Wish me luck- I’m sure security will be rough to get through due to the car bombing in Glasgow (Yes I was just there two weeks ago!) and I may end up having a break down or something on the plane.
O sad…good bye Italy…bye Europe. I will miss you! I’m so glad I came. Not only because I got to see the sights and travel, but I learned a lot and made friends and also connections who can help me with Interior Designing stuff later. Thanks Darrin for everything!
I may be posting like one more day…thanks everyone for following my trip on my blog. Thats so nice! Can’t wait to see you again- soon! Luv Sharele

July 3

July 3
Today was our last free day…ever. I can’t believe how fast this trip has gone by. It really has been a blast. Today was very laid back and I loved it. I slept in until like 11. Lila and I went shopping for hopefully the last time. I must say that I am nearly a pro at getting rid of the street people and avoiding the crazy sales people. I just have learned tricks and stuff and now they don’t bother me or insist upon me at all. It’s nice, and even though I sometimes feel kinda mean and rude. After shopping, Lila and I went on a little walk to the train station for these peanuts that we are obsessed with over here. They kinda remind me of peanut brittle or Boston baked beans; they are sooo good.
I saw on this postcard I bought this certain bridge thing I have seen tons before. I didn’t realize that it was in Florence. So Lila and I found it on the map and went there. (I still don’t know what it is called). I was so cool. There are all these colorful shops and houses that stick out of it. It’s really pretty…not to mention I just love bridges. So then we sketched it.
We spent the rest of the day at the internet café. A blogging marathon and I got to talk to Pete -so it was good. I am actually kinda sick today…like I’ve been spinning forever. I don’t get it, and food doesn’t help. Hopefully I didn’t eat something bad…very possible though. Lunch was gross.
O ya and today in her travels alone, Rachel ran into Blake and Jeff- the boys we met in Venice. They wanted to hang out, but haha no thanks. I’m tired. Luv Sharele

June 27

June 27
So today was Versailles, a very well-known palace. It is huge…several times bigger than everything we have seen. There are acres and acres of gardens with houses and stuff on them. Beautiful-really. The inside felt very similar to the other palaces and stuff. Ok so we had a tour guide…I don’t even know where to start. So I’ll describe him with adverbs to help you understand him…proper, rude, smelly (like rotting teeth –makes the top 3 worst smells so far), blunt/outspoken, loud, bossy, very knowledgeable, chauvinistic, and old. He almost ruined the day for me. Luckily Versailles is so amazing. PS I did learn stuff from him and it was ok. We kinda dressed up for it today, so I wore flats. I had to walk miles in them; it sucked. My feet may never heal. Jk…they are just really sore, and man am I tired.
Touring Versailles took all day- until 6:30. We did however go straight to the Eiffel Tower. After three days of trying, we successfully made it up to the top. I loved it! It was the most amazing view of Paris. I’m glad we finally made it up. The Eiffel Tower is definitely my favorite place in Paris. Luv Sharele

July 2

July 2

So today we woke up pretty early for a 3 and a half train ride to Rome. The train station actually turned out to be kinda eventful when two of our group disappeared just as the train was leaving. The biggest problem was that our ticket was a group ticket, and not valid unless all 10 are present. So we were worried. (Some said we should just say they were in the bathroom –that was where they went earlier, but I wanted to just tell it like it was.) It turned out they had just got on the wrong train. There were two trains (the fast one and the slow one) going to Rome. They had gotten on the fast one and actually had to wait in Rome for us. Anyway when the train guy came buy, they fibbed to him. But he knew the truth because the other train had called ours to tell us where the other two were. Should a listened to me…Haha it worked out ok though so whatever.

The ride was even more eventful because Lila ended up sitting semi-alone with someone who we are convinced is in the Mafia. He told her awful, scary stories of things he had done and stuff and then offered her everything she needed while in Italy….uh eww. As soon as she told me some of the stuff, I got super worried with her. Class A creep for sure…so we watched ourselves to be sure he didn’t come after her (he had told her a lot). But all is well- no worries now we hope.

So Rome was cool. We took a double-decker tour bus around. We went to the Coliseum-way neat. I could almost imagine how it was in ancient times. The place was huge. I thought it was a lighter color; it was actually quite dirty. But I liked it. It’s always neat to go to the places I have learned about in school or seen in movies.

We had pizza (Haha Pizza Nazi) and gelato for lunch. We also went to the Pantheon, a sweet fountain (I can’t remember the name of it), and the Vatican (We didn’t go in, due to the line. And we didn’t get to see the Sistine Chapel; it’s closed for renovation…too bad). It sprinkled on us today a little too, but it was so warm. I liked it.

After seeing the sights we made our way back to the train station. Lol so there was this over-priced restaurant that a couple ate at. (I wasn’t hungry thank goodness.) Lila only got a water bottle and a can of coke and paid 9 Euros for it! I only paid 1.50 for my water that was way bigger from the same place. When we asked the waiter why that was…he said it was because mine was to go. Ha what a git. Rachel and Brianne paid like 20 for water and like 9 ravioli’s. It actually wasn’t funny at all. For some it was the last straw.

I think we are all getting worn out…seriously. We are also getting irritated more easily by the others (yes even me) and are nearly ready to be going home. Don’t get me wrong this has been the experience of a lifetime, but I need to recuperate. I am excited for familiarity and good food and my cell phone and other clothing and a good bed and bathroom, etc. O ya and poor Lila had another terrible experience at the train station with a stalker guy. It was actually scary…needless to say these creeps have ruined Rome/Italy for her and a little for me too. The train ride back was especially long and smelly (I have never experience such a nasty bathroom.) Lila, Cassie, Rachel, and I listened to Brian Regan on the way home; that helped a little.

The city of Rome was beautiful. However, nothing has topped Venice. Rome does beat Florence though. I am defiantly glad I went…in spite of things. It is good to be back at the hotel and safe.

Stuff…
It’s strange- toilet seats are a rarity.
I hate our shower. There is something so wrong about ringing your hair out on the floor.
Luv Sharele

July 1

July 1st

So today was a low-key travel/free day. We left fairly early from Venice and arrived by train in Florence (Firenze) around noon. We actually didn’t have to wait very long at the train station this time. Lol…packing our ever-growing luggage around…especially Rachel, who has the most of us all.

So Italy is very warm…Florence is even hotter than Venice. I like it still. I must say however that I liked Venice better. We’ll see if my opinion changes after I see a little more of Florence. After we got situated into our hotel rooms, we hit the streets shopping. The shops do get tedious, especially considering we have been going through very similar shops for 3 days now. PS Florence is more expensive, which is disappointing because everyone said to wait for the shopping in Florence “it’s the best and cheapest.” Luckily I got all the gifts I need now so I don’t have to buy anything in particular. (O I was buying these cute bracelets 5 for 55 Euro and this one that I wanted was kinda rusty. So I asked the guy if he would sale it at a discount. He replied I could have it for free. I said thank you just as he was leaning in for a classical Italian kiss, the side check kiss thing. It was funny. Lila said it’s considered prostitution. I disagree…it’s just culture, and I got a free bracelet.

I had a slight experience at lunch today. Lila, Rachel, and I went to a small café thinking it would be a cheaper, lighter lunch. We got sandwiches and pasta (which turned out to be 10 Euros! Are you kidding me?). While I was in the middle of eating, a small thing went scurrying across the floor right by our table. I pointed to it, showing the lady by it that it was near her. The thing then scurried out into the open- A COCKROACH! I couldnt believe it. Our waiter simply lifted his foot and squashed it without a second thought. I heard the crunch and was instantly sick to my stomach. I was so appalled and upset by the price and he was a bad waiter…so I left no tip.
Shopping got old quickly. We did manage to see a lot of the shops. So we came back to the hotel. The rest of the night was spent at the internet café and eating.

Stuff…
So our hotel is kinda cute. It is in the middle of a very Italian ally way, hidden inconviently up like 6 flights of stairs. Lol it’s ok. Our room is nice, but our bathroom is interesting and small. The shower is just on the wall. It looks like they made the bathroom without a shower and then just added it in later. Taking a shower was interest. The water covers the whole bathroom floor. It’s strange.
Sad no church today…Luv Sharele