Day 4: July 19, 2010
Time: 5:06pm (Rome Time)
Today we had a more relaxing morning. We woke up and were out the house by 9am. We took the bus to the metro, and then took the orange metro to the blue metro. We walked around Northern Rome, to the Centre Park Lookout. From the top you could see St. Peter's Basillica, and the walls around the Vatican. Below was a large open plaza, so we walked down to it and saw the fountains and Egyptian hieroglyphics. We climbed the sphinx and took pictures.
From there we went back to the Termini metro and were on it until we reached the Colloseo stop. As we walked outside, we saw it. HUGE. The famous Roman Collusseam. We walked around it and admired it. We didn't go inside because we are doing it in our tour tomorrow.
Every one of us was getting hungry so we tried to find a nice place to eat. We went into a pharmacy to get some bandaids, and asked for s nice restaurant that was close. Turns out the woman working there had connections with this quaint restaurant and could get us 10% off. We went with that and started walking. It took us a bus or two to arrive in the general location, and walked into the small side streets. We couldn't find this place anywhere, we asked for directions twice, and finally we found it. Taverna Della Scala. We sat down and ordered drinks. How good it felt to have fresh, cold water. I ordered spaghetti bolognaise to share with Rochelle, Gillie shared the 4 course meal with dad, Alannah had plain pasta with cheese, and mom had a seafood pasta dish (with a real size prawn in it!) Mamma Mia! The 3 young ones got super hyper over this funny video of Alannah saying "GASP" really funnily. Walking back, Gilie kept getting distracted by postcards.
We took the bus, and boy was it full! I was pushed up against many people (including this unattractive, short, fake, blonde guy who kept looking at his phone which had a picture of himself trying to model on the home page - disturbing...) and then the metro back to our first bus stop. We walked up a hill to the bus stop, tired and sweaty :S and waited for the bus for about 20-25 minutes. Longest wait ever - especially in that heat! Dad went to the bank, and met us back home. We all showered and now feel refreshed. :)l
Time: 11:26pm
We had a very quiet night tonight. Us girls were tired, so we decided that mom and dad should go out for dinner together. We stayed home and watched Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. We didn't really have any dinner, sp we improvised. We ate chocolate cereal, apple, peanuts, and ritz crackers. We cleaned up and finished the movie. I feel relaxed and ready for our day- tour tomorrow. I'll write tomorrow! xxxm
Monday, July 19, 2010
Best places in Rome!
Throughout these past few days,to me, the best places in Rome that i went to were...
St. Peters basilica- St.Peters basilica was probably the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life (so far!)Ceilings, statues, walls, floors, everything was detailed to it's biggest point. Michaelangelo's "La Pieta" was a pleasure to see in real life. When you walked in,it was in a glass window with it right in the middle to your right. Outside, there were many chairs surrounding a white mini stage. All around it were speakers and big screens. I didn't know what this was until my mom told me that the Mass was placed inside, but so many people came, that they would sit outside and be apart of the Mass by listening,and only seeing from the screens because the holy doors were closed.
The Trevi fountain- The Trevi fountain was a work of art! There were statues and a building holding it together. The whole thing was 85 feet tall and 65 feet wide!!!!! We all tossed a coin in the fountain and some day will return to Rome!
The Sistene Chapel- the Vaticans Sistene Chapel was unbelievable! Michaelangelo's paintings were so detailed that to do all of them, it took him 9 years on his back painting the ceiling,and up high on all the walls. Crazy huh! Michaelangelo is also very famous for his sculpting. I can believe that because outside the Sistene Chapel and lots of other beautiful places in Rome he has put a statue outside to top it of.
There were many other beautiful places to see, but these were my favourites!!!
XOr
St. Peters basilica- St.Peters basilica was probably the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life (so far!)Ceilings, statues, walls, floors, everything was detailed to it's biggest point. Michaelangelo's "La Pieta" was a pleasure to see in real life. When you walked in,it was in a glass window with it right in the middle to your right. Outside, there were many chairs surrounding a white mini stage. All around it were speakers and big screens. I didn't know what this was until my mom told me that the Mass was placed inside, but so many people came, that they would sit outside and be apart of the Mass by listening,and only seeing from the screens because the holy doors were closed.
The Trevi fountain- The Trevi fountain was a work of art! There were statues and a building holding it together. The whole thing was 85 feet tall and 65 feet wide!!!!! We all tossed a coin in the fountain and some day will return to Rome!
The Sistene Chapel- the Vaticans Sistene Chapel was unbelievable! Michaelangelo's paintings were so detailed that to do all of them, it took him 9 years on his back painting the ceiling,and up high on all the walls. Crazy huh! Michaelangelo is also very famous for his sculpting. I can believe that because outside the Sistene Chapel and lots of other beautiful places in Rome he has put a statue outside to top it of.
There were many other beautiful places to see, but these were my favourites!!!
XOr
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Day 3: July 18th - Rome
Day 3: July 18, 2010
Time: 5:19am (Rome time)
So as you know it's just after 5 in the morning here in Rome, and my sisters and I are having trouble sleeping. I, personally woke up at midnight, 3am, 4am and now 5am. It's boiling here and super humid at the same time. We need to wake up at 7:30, but I am getting up at 7 to shower. Adjusting to a new time difference is hard, but important to staying healthy and feeling good. I better try to sleep some more! Check back later! xxxm
Time: 12:15am
Whar a day! I showered and ate breakfast that consisted of peanut butter toast and chocolate cereal at 7:30am. By the time we left the house, it was about 9:00. We took the bus and then the metro. On the metro i saw these 3 Italian boys, tanned, ray ban glasses...HOT!! They kept staring (probably because we are a family of blondes). After arriving, we walked to the Trevi Fountain. It was beautiful! All intricate and made of stone. Each statue had a story behind it and we got to read about it in the guide book. As always, I took many pictures...how could I not? I mean it's Rome!!! It was boiling in the sun, and we kept drinking our water and juice, even though it could never really cool you down.
We walked through all the side streets to the Spanish Steps. There are so many steps that walking up to take pictures is tiring. The bells on the church started to ring, so we went around the corner and went into the church. For a parish church, it was big and beautiful. The ceilingnhad domes, and echoed the Priest's voice. All the wall and ceiling designs were coated with gold leafing. I couldn't imagine going to a place like that each week for mass!
Across from the Spanish Steps was my favorite place - the shopping triangle!!! :) It had it all: Dior, Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Alberta Ferretti, Lois Vuitton, Stuart Weitzman, Blumarine, Valentino, Jimmy Choo, Hermès, Bvlgari, Burberry, Bally, Guess, and Dolce & Gabanna. I almost died and went to heaven! We went in a couple of the stores, looked closely at some Jimmy Choos, and wished we were millionaires.
Us kids were getting pretty tired and hungry around mid-day, so we looked for a place to eat lunch. We looked at a few but it costs more money to eat in than take out. We made our way back towards the Metro, and stopped at a busy café. We sat upstairs imprint of the window, with air conditioning, and a view of the plaza. We ordered food and I ate the most amazing sandwich- panini of my life. It was ham and cheese. We went back home for a nap (Siesta).
We got up at 4:30 and left the house son after that. We made our way to the Vatican City - where all the cardinals and the Pope live. It's pretty much its own city. The sweedish guards were wearing funny blue and gold outfits and it was really cool to see. Inside St. Peter's Church - the most beautiful church in the world. There were many stone figures, monuments, amd a ginormous altar. We walked around, and loved it.
We kept walking and went passed the. Astel Anfelo. A museum at a castle - pretty cool! We walked over the River Tiber and went for dinner at this outdoor restaurant. Our waiter was really funny, and he joked around a lot. We loved the mist fan there.
We passed by thenPiatza Navonna and saw many buskers and sketchers. It was a great scene for some pictures and video. We ate gelato in the square beside the large fountain. I shared a 3-scoop ice-cream with Rochele. We walked by the Pantheon - a Nice building, but it was unfortunatlely half scaffolding.
Finally we went back to the Trevi Fountain at dusk to see the atmosphere. We pushed through the crowd of people to throw our coins in and make a wish. That fountain is famous, and must watch over it at night.
We were all extremely tiresd, so we decided to go home then and not miss the last bus. We were right at the stop, but for some reason the bus didnt stop. Dad had to yell, "hey!" to get him to slow down. Now I am lying in bed in Home sweet home away from home. Talk to you tomorrow! xxxm
Time: 5:19am (Rome time)
So as you know it's just after 5 in the morning here in Rome, and my sisters and I are having trouble sleeping. I, personally woke up at midnight, 3am, 4am and now 5am. It's boiling here and super humid at the same time. We need to wake up at 7:30, but I am getting up at 7 to shower. Adjusting to a new time difference is hard, but important to staying healthy and feeling good. I better try to sleep some more! Check back later! xxxm
Time: 12:15am
Whar a day! I showered and ate breakfast that consisted of peanut butter toast and chocolate cereal at 7:30am. By the time we left the house, it was about 9:00. We took the bus and then the metro. On the metro i saw these 3 Italian boys, tanned, ray ban glasses...HOT!! They kept staring (probably because we are a family of blondes). After arriving, we walked to the Trevi Fountain. It was beautiful! All intricate and made of stone. Each statue had a story behind it and we got to read about it in the guide book. As always, I took many pictures...how could I not? I mean it's Rome!!! It was boiling in the sun, and we kept drinking our water and juice, even though it could never really cool you down.
We walked through all the side streets to the Spanish Steps. There are so many steps that walking up to take pictures is tiring. The bells on the church started to ring, so we went around the corner and went into the church. For a parish church, it was big and beautiful. The ceilingnhad domes, and echoed the Priest's voice. All the wall and ceiling designs were coated with gold leafing. I couldn't imagine going to a place like that each week for mass!
Across from the Spanish Steps was my favorite place - the shopping triangle!!! :) It had it all: Dior, Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Alberta Ferretti, Lois Vuitton, Stuart Weitzman, Blumarine, Valentino, Jimmy Choo, Hermès, Bvlgari, Burberry, Bally, Guess, and Dolce & Gabanna. I almost died and went to heaven! We went in a couple of the stores, looked closely at some Jimmy Choos, and wished we were millionaires.
Us kids were getting pretty tired and hungry around mid-day, so we looked for a place to eat lunch. We looked at a few but it costs more money to eat in than take out. We made our way back towards the Metro, and stopped at a busy café. We sat upstairs imprint of the window, with air conditioning, and a view of the plaza. We ordered food and I ate the most amazing sandwich- panini of my life. It was ham and cheese. We went back home for a nap (Siesta).
We got up at 4:30 and left the house son after that. We made our way to the Vatican City - where all the cardinals and the Pope live. It's pretty much its own city. The sweedish guards were wearing funny blue and gold outfits and it was really cool to see. Inside St. Peter's Church - the most beautiful church in the world. There were many stone figures, monuments, amd a ginormous altar. We walked around, and loved it.
We kept walking and went passed the. Astel Anfelo. A museum at a castle - pretty cool! We walked over the River Tiber and went for dinner at this outdoor restaurant. Our waiter was really funny, and he joked around a lot. We loved the mist fan there.
We passed by thenPiatza Navonna and saw many buskers and sketchers. It was a great scene for some pictures and video. We ate gelato in the square beside the large fountain. I shared a 3-scoop ice-cream with Rochele. We walked by the Pantheon - a Nice building, but it was unfortunatlely half scaffolding.
Finally we went back to the Trevi Fountain at dusk to see the atmosphere. We pushed through the crowd of people to throw our coins in and make a wish. That fountain is famous, and must watch over it at night.
We were all extremely tiresd, so we decided to go home then and not miss the last bus. We were right at the stop, but for some reason the bus didnt stop. Dad had to yell, "hey!" to get him to slow down. Now I am lying in bed in Home sweet home away from home. Talk to you tomorrow! xxxm
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Day 2: July 17th - Arrival Day
Day 2: July 17, 2010...Plane (2) Rome
Time: 9:22pm (Rome time)
(continued from yesterday) When we arrived at Gatwick airport in London, they made an announcement that all passengers on the connect flight to Rome had to get off the plane, go all the way back through security, and arrive at the new gate, to get back on the same plane, without giving us itsndeparture time. It was ridiculous! We were continuing on the same flight, but they made us get off and make sure we were clean (it's not like we already did the whole security thing in Vancouver or anything...) We had to go for this long walk arrant the airport to get to the new gate, and haul all our bags with us. We had bought waters and drinks on the plane, and because they wanted us to go through security, they made everyone throw their liquids away after paying! I felt bad for the people who bought duty-free perfume and wine.)
Our Rome flight was just a continuation from England, and we had almost whe whole 3 column plane to ourselves. I sat with Alannah and we watched The Tooth Fairy. I lay down on the seats with het, and it was very comfy. The movie took up 3/4 or so of the plane ride :)
Afternpicking up our luggage we got in a car and were driven to our apartment where we were staying. The most beautiful thing about the apartments is the architecture. Sam, a co-owner showed us around and I took some cool pics. I am so glad they have free internet herr! We went grocery shopping at the local supermarket and then ate dinner at this cool Italian restaurant. It turns out, that dad's knowledge of some Italian is extremely useful - i guess listening to all those language CDs paid off! Sams house has this beautiful round roof patio. We took some of pictures, and hung out. We are sightseeing tomorrow! I hope it's super amazing! :) (and I hope I can sleep)
xo mel
Time: 9:22pm (Rome time)
(continued from yesterday) When we arrived at Gatwick airport in London, they made an announcement that all passengers on the connect flight to Rome had to get off the plane, go all the way back through security, and arrive at the new gate, to get back on the same plane, without giving us itsndeparture time. It was ridiculous! We were continuing on the same flight, but they made us get off and make sure we were clean (it's not like we already did the whole security thing in Vancouver or anything...) We had to go for this long walk arrant the airport to get to the new gate, and haul all our bags with us. We had bought waters and drinks on the plane, and because they wanted us to go through security, they made everyone throw their liquids away after paying! I felt bad for the people who bought duty-free perfume and wine.)
Our Rome flight was just a continuation from England, and we had almost whe whole 3 column plane to ourselves. I sat with Alannah and we watched The Tooth Fairy. I lay down on the seats with het, and it was very comfy. The movie took up 3/4 or so of the plane ride :)
Afternpicking up our luggage we got in a car and were driven to our apartment where we were staying. The most beautiful thing about the apartments is the architecture. Sam, a co-owner showed us around and I took some cool pics. I am so glad they have free internet herr! We went grocery shopping at the local supermarket and then ate dinner at this cool Italian restaurant. It turns out, that dad's knowledge of some Italian is extremely useful - i guess listening to all those language CDs paid off! Sams house has this beautiful round roof patio. We took some of pictures, and hung out. We are sightseeing tomorrow! I hope it's super amazing! :) (and I hope I can sleep)
xo mel
Day 1: July 16th - Departure Day
Day 1: July 16, 2010 ...Vancouver, plane (1) (2), Rome
Time: 2:43pm (Pacific Time)
This morning I woke up excited...we're leaving for Europe today! I awoke at 8:15am and had a quick shower. For breakfast I ate Mini Wheats cereal, and had orange juice. I spent most of my morning finishing up packing and updating the iPads. I needed to download more songs, get album artwork, and upload movies onto them. The movies we bought were Tooth Fairy, and Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. I needed to pack light because I am only allowed to check one bag traveling to England from Italy, and it can be a maximum of 33 pounds! Only! After weighing my suitcase, it turned out to be 32 pounds. Amazing I could do that - usually we are allowed 50 pounds of luggage. :S....let's hope the others let me store heavy stuff in their bags, or else I won't have room to pack all the things I buy in Italy!!!! :)
We got a cab to the airport, and waited in line for 40 mins. Luckily it was pretty smooth this time around, and on top of that we didn't get chosen for secondary inspection! Through security, we bought something to eat. I ate a small cheese pizza, and bought a non-toasted Subway sandwich for the plane...you can never trust plane food! I also bought a magazine..fashion of course! It's called Z!NK. It was FULL of editorials and after doing my styling courses at VCC the past week, it was great to be able to learn and relate to the process.
I am on the plane now, and have been for the last 1 1/4 hrs. The plane left exactly on time at 12:55pm, and it's been smooth sailing ever since. I read some of my magazine, and drew a few fashion sketches in my new sketchbook. Dad is watching Bounty Hunter, mom is reading her book, and GR&A are watching The Blind Side. I will report back later. xxxm
Time: 9:14pm (Pacific Time)
Wow....8hrs and 15 minutes! That is a long time! And we still have another hour or so on this plane. When we land we stay on the plane, and depart for Rome. That flight will probably be another few hours :S ugh.... I watched Valentines Day, and sketched a lot with Rochelle and Mom. I also took photo booth pictures with Gillie on her laptop. We wore funky glasses, and made funny faced....I hope nobody on the plane could see! Lol. I hope the pilot tells us we are descending soon, it would be nice to land. I am surprisingly not too board, and it feels like time is flying by - especially when I am doing something that I am excited about. We are keeping busy on our electronics, and on our sketchbooks. I bought a Subway sandwich to bring on the plane to eat, but when I got it out of all it's wrapping it was flattened, and completely soggy - Yuck! I am listening to my music now, but after all these hours, my ears are hurting from the tiny headphones...luckily Alannah was great in letting me borrow her headphones. Let's get back to sketching! xxxm (I didn't sleep for 26hrs straight, so this one day for me is this day and the next day)
Time: 2:43pm (Pacific Time)
This morning I woke up excited...we're leaving for Europe today! I awoke at 8:15am and had a quick shower. For breakfast I ate Mini Wheats cereal, and had orange juice. I spent most of my morning finishing up packing and updating the iPads. I needed to download more songs, get album artwork, and upload movies onto them. The movies we bought were Tooth Fairy, and Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. I needed to pack light because I am only allowed to check one bag traveling to England from Italy, and it can be a maximum of 33 pounds! Only! After weighing my suitcase, it turned out to be 32 pounds. Amazing I could do that - usually we are allowed 50 pounds of luggage. :S....let's hope the others let me store heavy stuff in their bags, or else I won't have room to pack all the things I buy in Italy!!!! :)
We got a cab to the airport, and waited in line for 40 mins. Luckily it was pretty smooth this time around, and on top of that we didn't get chosen for secondary inspection! Through security, we bought something to eat. I ate a small cheese pizza, and bought a non-toasted Subway sandwich for the plane...you can never trust plane food! I also bought a magazine..fashion of course! It's called Z!NK. It was FULL of editorials and after doing my styling courses at VCC the past week, it was great to be able to learn and relate to the process.
I am on the plane now, and have been for the last 1 1/4 hrs. The plane left exactly on time at 12:55pm, and it's been smooth sailing ever since. I read some of my magazine, and drew a few fashion sketches in my new sketchbook. Dad is watching Bounty Hunter, mom is reading her book, and GR&A are watching The Blind Side. I will report back later. xxxm
Time: 9:14pm (Pacific Time)
Wow....8hrs and 15 minutes! That is a long time! And we still have another hour or so on this plane. When we land we stay on the plane, and depart for Rome. That flight will probably be another few hours :S ugh.... I watched Valentines Day, and sketched a lot with Rochelle and Mom. I also took photo booth pictures with Gillie on her laptop. We wore funky glasses, and made funny faced....I hope nobody on the plane could see! Lol. I hope the pilot tells us we are descending soon, it would be nice to land. I am surprisingly not too board, and it feels like time is flying by - especially when I am doing something that I am excited about. We are keeping busy on our electronics, and on our sketchbooks. I bought a Subway sandwich to bring on the plane to eat, but when I got it out of all it's wrapping it was flattened, and completely soggy - Yuck! I am listening to my music now, but after all these hours, my ears are hurting from the tiny headphones...luckily Alannah was great in letting me borrow her headphones. Let's get back to sketching! xxxm (I didn't sleep for 26hrs straight, so this one day for me is this day and the next day)
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Passport to Paradise!
hey everyone!
this is melissa and rochelle's travel blog letting you know what we're doing this summer in Europe! We will be in italy and england, and its going to be super fun - especially when we're doing it from our new ipads :)
we cant wait to leave in july!
xxxm, XOr
this is melissa and rochelle's travel blog letting you know what we're doing this summer in Europe! We will be in italy and england, and its going to be super fun - especially when we're doing it from our new ipads :)
we cant wait to leave in july!
xxxm, XOr
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)