Lyke 2 Travel

Barcelona, Spain: Flamenco, Paella, Sangria & Street Music

2009-06-08T03:42:00.009+02:00

During my final trip of the Semester I traveled with my roommate Emily to Spain and Portugal. Our first stop was Barcelona, Spain. The richness of the culture, combined with the night life and beautiful architecture left me wanting more. We spent four full days in Barcelona and I truly felt like I could have stayed indefinitely.
The people were warm and helpful with directions and sight-seeing advice, the food and drinks were delicious and the night life was some of the best I had experienced within Europe.
Emily and I were lucky enough to attend a Flamenco performance accompanied by a traditional Castilian meal, which included a robust red wine from Toro, Sangria (sweetened red wine with fruit), a seafood filled paella, a large steak and a traditional dessert. The passion of the Flamenco dancers was mesmerizing to watch and was echoed within the people that we met throughout Barcelona.
Beyond the Flamenco dancers there was great music and art to be found along the streets of Barcelona. I saw some of my favorite street musicians in all of Europe in Barcelona.
There was much diversity to be found throughout the countries of Europe, yet Barcelona seemed to be a world of it's own. Perhaps it was the magic of the art and architecture, or the passion of it's people that has left Barcelona engrained in my mind. There was something comfortable and strangely familiar about Barcelona that made my visit there unforgettable.

London: Abbey Road and the West End

2008-12-03T16:32:00.011+01:00

I made the decision that for at least one trip while studying abroad I would try to travel on my own. I chose London to be my "alone" trip and went for four days over Thanksgiving.

I found this to be one of my favorite trips thus far. I think that traveling by myself was extremely rewarding. I was able to find out that I could figure out all of the travel details (trains, buses, flights, metro, currency, etc.) on my own.

What I think was most interesting is that I learned more about what I really enjoy doing while traveling -- rather than feeling an obligation to work around other's plans. It was nice to have this time alone towards the end of my stay in Europe to reflect on why I came here in the first place, and what I hope to do before I leave.

During my stay in London I visited Abbey Road, Big Ben and some of the more touristy areas. I also saw "The Lion King" and enjoyed visiting some great pubs and restaurants. My favorite part was wandering around without an itinerary: getting lost and exploring the West End. Above are some pictures from my travels through London.

Thanksgiving in London Without Turkey

2008-12-03T16:28:00.006+01:00

Over my school's Thanksgiving break I traveled to London.

I spent Thanksgiving day enjoying some fabulous Thai food and wandering around the city aimlessly for the better part of the day.

One of my favorite aspects of London was the great variety of international cuisine (and the beer didn't hurt either!). Going to school in Chicago I have become accustom to the idea of being able to chose from basically any food from around the world. Rome, unfortunately provides few options for upscale international cuisine. Below are a few pictures of my favorite food that I enjoyed in London.

Ancient Rome is Everywhere

2008-11-14T21:05:00.009+01:00

When you walk through Rome you constantly discover hidden piazas, narrow streets with interesting shops and the occasional ruin that goes back thousands of years.

While my parents were in town we were able to visit the Pantheon. The Pantheon, meaning "the temple of the Gods" dates back to 125 AD and is the oldest intact domed structure in Rome. There is an opening (pictured a.bove) in the center of the dome of the Pantheon called "the great eye".

Here are a few pictures of my visits to ruins within Rome and the Pantheon.

Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica

2008-11-14T20:44:00.011+01:00

Vatican City is a 110 acre enclave in Rome that is actually the smallest sovereign state in the world. It is the center of the Catholic Church, where Pope Benedict XVI resides and the home of the massive St. Peter's Basilical.

Vatican City or The Holy See was created in 1929 and has about 800 residents, granting them passports and issuing postage stamps. The Vatican Museums hold an incredible art collection and the Sistine Chapel holds the amazing frescoes of Michelangelo, Botticelli and Raphel.

While my parents were in Rome I made another visit to The Vatican. It is overwhelming to attempt to take in all of the art, architecture and extreme wealth that a visit to The Vatican has to offer. Photographing all of St. Peter's Basilica could take weeks!

As a tourist visiting The Vatican, expect long lines always- but especially on Friday and Saturday afternoons. The best time to visit is early in the morning one weekdays. The Vatican museum can take the better part of an afternoon to visit. Allow a full day if you are interested in exploring St. Peter's the tombs and the Vatican Museum.

Meeting Relatives and Tasting Olive Oil in Northern Italy

2008-11-13T14:16:00.007+01:00

One branch of my family tree on my Mom's side runs through northern Italy. I wrote about my visit to Lago di Garda earlier in this blog. While I was in Verona with my parents, they hired a driver and we made a trip to visit the Salagno Olive Oil Co. about 15 minutes outside of Verona.

While there, we got to meet some distant cousins who run the facility and make some fantastic olive oil and olive products, including some great beauty products. Francesca Salvagno, 26, gave us a very nice tour and we were joined along the way by her father, Giovani. We also met her sister and a cousin who works at the company.

It was a really neat experience to get the chance to meet distant family in the hills of Italy! I especially enjoyed watching the process of how they make their olive oil. I thought it was especially interesting that many of the people who came in to buy olive oil while we were there bought unfiltered olive oil. Francesca Salvagno told us that she herself preferred the unfiltered olive oil as well!

I don't think that I will ever taste olive oil the same way again!

Four Hours in Innsbruck, Austria

2008-11-13T14:02:00.011+01:00

Innsbruck, Austria, is known to most people because it hosted two winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976, more than a decade before I was born. I had already been to Vienna and Salzburg, so I knew that Austria had some amazing scenery. I was further impressed by this visit to the capital of the Tyrol region.

We decided to break up our train trip from Munich, Germany, to Verona, Italy, with time for some shopping and lunch in Innsbruck.
Nestled in the alps Innsbruck is a beautiful town with great restaurants and shopping. Be sure to have some weinerschnitzel (breaded and fried veal) while in Innsbruck!

Here are some visits of my short trip to Innsbruck...

Munich Churches and Cathedrals

2008-11-13T13:43:00.012+01:00

Munich is a city with a beautiful skyline and some great architecture, most of it rebuilt after World War II ended in 1945.

There are many beautiful churches to visit within the city center. Here are some photographs of my visit to a few of the many churches within Munich.

Meeting My Parents in Munich

2008-11-13T13:35:00.008+01:00

My parents came to Europe for a two week vacation and to visit me in Rome. You can check out some of their adventure's on my Dad's blog Lyke2Drink.

I caught up with them in Munich after a flight that took me from Rome to Athens to Munich -- finding an affordable flight from Rome to Munich was not easy!

As a student studying abroad for 4 months it was wonderful to get the chance to have my parents visit! Munich was the perfect city to spend some time with my father since he is a beer writer. I was happy to get the chance to see Munich during the fall when it is especially beautiful. One tip: if you only have one full day in Munich do not make it a Sunday. On Sundays practically all of the shops are closed.

My favorite beer that I had in Munich was the Augustiner Weissbier. I recommend a nice wheat beer to compliment some pork knuckle and spatzel!

Europe by Train

2008-11-13T13:31:00.007+01:00

A Great way to travel Europe is by train. I suggest you visit the Rail Europe site before you head overseas to learn if there is a rail pass that works for you. Also keep in mind that discount airlines may also get you there faster and cheaper, making it possible to make great memories over long weekends.

Typically a first class train ticket is roughly 1.5 to 2 times as expensive as a second class ticket. On many trains there is not a great difference between traveling first class and second class. It is a good idea when traveling to consider all of your options (i.e. on an overnight train you may want to consider a sleeper car etc.. or sometimes there are high speed trains available between major cities, saving time over local and regional trains).

The train is a great place to catch up on reading or to just watch the countryside roll by. Most of the longer haul trains in Europe will have a dining car on board selling sandwiches, snacks, soda and even beer and wine. European train stations are typically in or near the middle of town, making it easy to visit top attractions or find a hotel.

One of my scariest train experiences was while traveling on an overnight train from Krakow to Prague. The train was old and we did not spend the extra money on a sleeper car -- so we were constantly worried about falling asleep, in fear that someone was going to come into our car.

My favorite train to take in Italy is the high speed train between Rome and Florence. These trains are typically new and clean, and the ride is scenic.

Budapest Food

2008-10-26T14:44:00.005+01:00

Here are some photographs of the food that I enjoyed in Budapest.
The Hungarian goulash was my favorite. My goulash was covered with a puff pastry dome (pictured below).
Overall, during the colder months Hungarian food is heavy- including thick soups and stews with hearty meats and vegetables.

Budapest: Who Knew Hungary Looked So Good?

2008-10-26T14:30:00.010+01:00

Budapest is fairly "modern" as European cities go. Oh, there are ancient sections of the city, but Budapest was really created in 1873 with the unification of Buda, Pest and Obuda, which were three separate towns for centuries.

Budapest has been attacked by the Mongols, ruled by the Turks, part of the Habsburg Empire, controlled by the Nazis and then the Communists. The first free elections were held in 1990 and Soviet troops finally left the country in 1991 -- they had been hanging around for decades. Hungary joined NATO in 1998 and is a member of the European Union.

Through all of this Budapest has held on to its unique Eastern European culture. While in Budapest I noticed that everything seemed to be under renovation and construction- I can only imagine how Budapest will look in the next 5-10 years with such growth, including a large influx of international tourism.

Emily's Dream: The Sound of Music Tour

2008-10-26T13:04:00.009+01:00

Anyone who knows my friend Emily Duszynski will tell you she is a little bit obsessed with the movie "The Sound of Music." That may sound strange, since the movie was made more than 20 years before she was born, but it was for this precise reason that we recently found ourselves on a bus with a giant picture of Julie Andrews on the back in the midst of Salzburg, Austria, with a bunch of other people not there for the scenery or Mozart or the food or....well you get the idea.

The Sound of Music won the Oscar for best film in 1965. Directed by Robert Wise and starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, the film features the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein (Edelweiss, My Favorite Things, Do-re-Mi, etc.) originally created for Broadway (Confession time: I may actual be one of these "Sound of Music" people. A few years ago I was in New York and went to see a revival of it on stage with Richard Chamberlain as Captain von Trapp.)

The play and the movie comes from the book "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers" an autobiography by Maria von Trapp.

Here are some photos from the tour, which costs 37 Euro and was actually very enjoyable, even if you aren't a huge "The Sound of Music" fan. The tour lasts roughly 3.5 hours and takes you to some truly beautiful places. Also, our tour guide had a great sense of humor about his job and the film in general, which made some of the men dragged by their wives feel a bit more comfortable!

The Beauty of Salzburg

2008-10-26T12:52:00.008+01:00

Salzburg, Austria, is located along the German border. While it is the fourth largest city in Austria and the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, tourists flock to the town because of the movie "The Sound of Music" (more on that later).

Salzburg is truly a charming city. It has been named a UNESCO world heritage site for being one of the best preserved cities in the Alps.

Unfortunately, I was only in Salzburg for one full day (most of that was spent on "The Sound of Music Tour") and it was rainy. Salzburg boasts a world class music festival that takes place during the summer months of July and August.

My goal is to return for the festival and spend a longer amount of time exploring everything un-von Trap that Salzburg has to offer!

St. Stephens Cathedral in Vienna

2008-10-24T22:54:00.008+02:00

While in Vienna St. Stephens Cathedral is a must to visit.

My friends and I climbed to the top of the tower, which was quite a hike (445 ft hight to be exact)! The views from the top are spectacular. I recommend climbing to the top of the tower first, this way you are able to get a better idea of the layout of the city.

If you are claustrophobic this climb is not a good idea. The entire way up is a narrow windy staircase (there is an elevator available as well).

Vienna at Night

2008-10-24T22:52:00.005+02:00

Here are some photos that I took of Vienna at night...

The cake is a Sacher Torte -- a famous chocolate cake originating in Vienna. I found it to be a bit pricey and not worth all of the hype.

The candles are in honor of Joerg Haider, a famous right-wing Austrian politician who was killed in a car accident while we were in Austria.

Vienna, Austria

2008-10-24T22:33:00.013+02:00

While traveling for fall break Vienna, Austria, was my third stop.

Vienna holds beautiful architecture, a rich history and great shopping!

Vienna is the capital city of Austria and was founded around 500 BC. Vienna has a population of 1.7 million people and was named as having the second highest quality of life out of all cities in the EU (European Union) in 2008.

In Vienna the people are friendly, the food is hearty and the views are scenic! Here are a few pictures that I took of my travels through Vienna...

Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp

2008-10-24T01:35:00.007+02:00

If you are planning a visit to Krakow it is imperative to leave yourself time for a day trip to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp. Located 50 kilometers west of Krakow (in a suburb of Oswiecim) sits the remains of Nazi Germany's largest concentration camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau

It is estimated that the Nazi's killed 1.1 million people at the camp during two and a half years of murderous operation.

Leaving Krakow early in the day is important in order to have enough time to explore Auschwitz-Birkenau. On a three and a half hour tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau you have the chance to visit the wooden baracks, crematoriums and gas chambers, as well as powerful exhibits that display belongings of the camp's victims such as eyeglasses, luggage, shoes and clothing (including small children's and baby clothes).

I found two exhibits in particular to be most astounding. First, there is an exhibit that contains roughly 7,000 kilograms (15,400 lbs) of human hair cut from an estimated 140,000 victims. This only accounts for a small fraction of the victims -- the rest is said to have been destroyed or sent to the Alex Zinc Company to be made into various products (including clothing, blankets and womens stockings). Secondly, there is an exhibit that contains a large heap of artificial legs and crutches. Our tour guide explained that a great number of the victims who had artificial legs were likely injured during WWI. These men could have very well fought alongside the men that were now Nazis.

The final photograph is of what is known as "The Black Wall" this is where thousands of political prisoners, mostly Polish resistance fighters were executed by gunshot at close range.
It is nearly impossible to process what you see at Auschwitz-Birkenau and it can be an extremely emotional journey for many visitors. However, the importance of visiting such a place cannot be overlooked. As Elie Wiesel writes, "I decided to devote my life to telling the story because I felt that having survived I owe something to the dead, and anyone who does not remember betrays them again."

Statues Around Prague

2008-10-23T05:50:00.007+02:00

Along with architecture, Prague has some of the most beautiful statues in the world. The Charles Bridge is lined with statues (that depict biblical scenes), statues are carved into buildings and are the centerpieces of every square.

Below are a few of my favorite photographs that I took of statues throughout Prague.

Prague Castle

2008-10-23T05:47:00.006+02:00

When visiting Prague my friends and I climbed up to the Prague Castle. Prague Castle is one of the largest castles in the world and surely, one of the most remarkable European sites to visit.

The history of the Prague Castle dates back to roughly 870 when the Church of Our Lady was first built. The views of the city are incredible from the castle.

Be sure to allow at least 2-3 hours to climb to the castle and to explore the inside of the cathedral and castle grounds.

Prague Food: Kampa Park

2008-10-23T05:42:00.005+02:00

While in Prague I was able to eat some fabulous food. My favorite dining experience was at Kampa Park.

Hailed as one of Prague's best restaurants the view is to-die-for. Located at the foot of the Charles Bridge, Kampa Park has a variety of seating options including a beautiful patio that fills up quickly during the summer.

I splurged and had poached lobster on top of a bed of risotto with a vanilla foam. There are reasonably priced options on the menu though (for the student traveler). If you plan for one expensive dinner while in Prague, I recommend Kampa Park.

The Churches of Prague

2008-10-23T05:36:00.007+02:00

Throughout Prague churches and cathedrals dominate the skyline. One of the most visible churches is St. Vitus Cathedral which is located in the Prague Castle complex.

I found visiting St. Vitus Cathedral to be overwhelming. After all, it took nearly six centuries to complete building the Gothic masterpiece.

St. Vitus is the largest temple in Prague and houses the royal tombs of Czech kings and queens as well as patron saints.

Also pictured in the last two photographs are St. George's Basilica and St. Nicholas Church at Malostranske Namesti, respectively.

Prague at Night

2008-10-23T05:32:00.007+02:00

Prague is a city that completely transforms at night. The frequent fog combined with foot-lit castles and cathedrals is beautiful and almost eerie.

If you are interested in photography or getting impressive pictures of your travels through Europe be sure to photograph Prague at both day and night -- different aspects of the architecture truly shine at night!

Prague Architecture

2008-10-23T04:03:00.013+02:00

Prague (Praha) is the capital city of the Czech Republic. The city is located along the Vltava River in the middle of Bohemia.

Prague is a city of nearly 2 million people, but because it was spared massive bombing during the two World wars, it is a historic preserve for architecture from the last 1,100 years. Prague is known as the "Golden City" and the "City of a Hundred Spires" and once you climb to Prague Castle you realize why.

Czechoslovakia was created after World War I, as negotiators carved up the once great Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Germans marched in and took control of the country in 1939. The Soviet Union marched in 1945, but they hardly were liberators. It would be 1989 before the country would emerge from the Iron Curtain. In 1993, the Czech Republic and Slovakia peacefully separated into two countries.

Prague was my favorite city to visit in Europe. The well preserved architecture makes you feel as though you have stepped back in time. My peers (teens and early 20-somethings) barely remember, if they were alive at all, what it was like to live under the Iron Curtain. Prague has emerged as one of the most thriving cities in Europe and I highly recommend a visit! Allow yourself at least three days to experience all that Prague has to offer.

Krakow Shopping

2008-10-22T08:05:00.003+02:00

A trip to Krakow would not be complete without visiting the large market in Grand Square (Pictured below).

Vendors sell a great variety of carved and hand painted wooden trinkets including chess boards, dolls, jewelry boxes, etc. Many of the wooden boxes are reasonably priced and make great gifts.

When visiting the market you should allow yourself about an hour to make it from end to end. Also, keep in mind that many of the vendors are willing to bargain!

European Street Musicians

2008-10-22T08:03:00.013+02:00

While traveling through Eastern Europe I came across some great street musicians.

A fun and inexpensive afternoon in Prague can be spent grabbing a sandwich and taking your time crossing the Charles Bridge. The bridge is full of vendors selling art and jewelry but the real treat is the musicians- most of them quite impressive.

I took videos of my two favorites- which can be found at the bottom of this entry (both were on the Charles Bridge in Prague). Enjoy!

Krakow Food & Drink

2008-10-22T07:56:00.008+02:00

One thing that I did not hold back on while visiting Krakow was eating! The food in Krakow is generally hearty. I particularly loved the perogies (dumplings that can be stuffed with meat, cheese, potatoes or cabbage).

My favorite restaurant, which I highly recommend for great dining on a student budget, is Restauracja Stodoen. Located right off of Grand Square, this eatery give a lot of bang for your buck. They offer a great selection of traditional Polish food and the atmosphere is cozy and fun. Happy eating!

Krakow, Poland

2008-10-22T07:45:00.011+02:00

Krakow was my first stop while traveling for my fall break from classes. This was my first time visiting eastern Europe and I cannot wait to get the chance to return!

Krakow was once Poland's capital city and still has a regal character. Pope John Paul II, Karol Wojtyla, is the most famous native son of Krakow, Poland. He was Pope from 1978 to 2005. When Pope John Paul II died the entire city went into mourning, even Krakow's two rival soccer teams held mass together in honor of the Pope. Photographs of Pope John Paul II can be found throughout the city.

Some of the great sites to visit include Wawel Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral, which is a national shrine containing the tombs of a number of Polish kings. The Basilica of the Virgin Mary's (Kosciol Mariacki) is located in the city's Grand Square (Rynek Glowny), a medieval classic that is one of the most beautiful spots in Eastern Europe. Krakow's Grand Square is beautiful and bustling. There are many restaurants that line the outside of the square as well as a market in the center of the square that sells many products unique to Poland. While visiting Krakow I spent the majority of my time exploring the Grand Square.

Below are a few photographs from my trip to Krakow.

Krakow Art in Photos

2008-10-22T07:25:00.007+02:00

Stockholm at Night

2008-10-14T20:04:00.010+02:00

Here are some pictures of Stockholm at Night!

A Rainy 48 Hours in Stockholm

2008-10-14T19:51:00.021+02:00

Although it rained the entire 48 hours that I spent in Stockholm, the city still shined. Stockholm has the perfect balance of trendy restaurants and nightlife, modern transportation and architecture as well as a beautiful old town.

The people were very friendly (most speak English) and were eager to help with any questions that we had. One of our taxi drivers was more like a tour guide, pointing out historic buildings and museums. The driver even gave us top notch tips on where to dine.

My only regret in visiting Stockholm is that I wish that we had planned for more time in thye capital of Sweden. Unlike a few places featured on this blog, I would allow at least 3 full days to take in all that Stockholm has to offer!

Stockholm Food

2008-10-14T19:44:00.011+02:00

Here are some photographs of my favorite culinary experiences while traveling through Stockholm. Stockholm has a great selection of restaurants including a lot of international cuisine -- be sure to wash it down with some of Stockholm's incredibly hip nightlife.

Stockholm Museums

2008-10-14T19:37:00.017+02:00

In Stockholm there is certainly no shortage of museums and beautiful places to see. I found two museums in particular to be worthwhile to visit.

First, even if you only have one full day in Stockholm I highly recommend visiting the Nobel Prize Museum. The Nobel Prize Museum is located in its birthplace of Sweden, where it was created by Alfred Nobel, a chemist best known for inventing highly explosive dynamite. In Alfred Nobel's last will he left 31 million SEK (roughly $4.5 million USD) in order to establish five prizes that would be distributed each year to "those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit on mankind".

The Nobel Prize Museum displays each winner and highlights specific winners in exhibits throughout the museum. In the opening foyer of the museum there is an exhibit that honors the most current Nobel Prize winners.

Another museum worth visiting while in Stockholm is Sweden's National Museum. This Museum highlights Swedish artists as well as Swedish furniture, clocks, jewelry, pottery, etc. Allow yourself a few hours to tour the many rooms of the National Museum.

Absolut Ice Bar in Stockholm

2008-10-14T19:28:00.011+02:00

While in Stockholm my friends and I made a visit to Absolut Ice Bar. Ice Bar is located in the Nordic Sea Hotel and can be easily accessed with public transportation.

Absolut Ice Bar was the world's first permanent ice bar. Everything, from the walls to the bar -- even the glasses -- are made out of ice.

Entrance to the Absolute ice bar is 180 SEK or roughly 18 Euro ($25 usd). Entrance includes 40 minutes in the -5 degrees (C) bar, a parka rental with attached gloves and one Absolut cocktail.

I found Ice Bar to be more of a "photo op"- touristy, pricey and somewhat silly. Yet, a neat thing to have done and worth a visit if you have some extra cash while traveling through Stockholm.

Italian Wines: A Beginner's Guide

2008-09-30T12:18:00.004+02:00

At 21-years-old I confess that I'm no expert when it comes to Italian wine. However, I do posses three things that have prepared me to explore the subject while spending the semester in Rome:

1. I enjoy wine, primarily whites. Just like school, if you are going to study something, it helps to have a level of interest in the subject.

2. I'm in the right place to learn about wine. Wine is a big part of the Italian culture. It is clearly the national beverage and most restaurants take more than a passing interest in the wines they serve.

3. My roots have taught me to explore and appreciate different styles of beverages. My Dad writes about beer wine and spirits for a number of magazines and has a blog you can check out at Lyke2Drink.

Whenever my friends and I are traveling within Italy we like to try wines that are local to the region that we are traveling in. At the very least we split a bottle of wine with dinner. In many areas of Italy wine truly is cheaper than water (considering that in most restaurants in Italy tap water is not offered and you must pay for bottled water)!

If you visit Italy or just enjoy the wines, it is important to know there are four primary regions known for their vineyards. Tuscany (which surrounds Flroence and is located north of Rome), Veneto (in the northeast part of the country), the Piedmont (in the northwest ) and Sicily (the island located off the toe of the Italian boot).

Chianti is probably the best known Italian wine. It actually comes in three levels of quality and price. Chianti, Chianti Classico and Chianti Classico Riserva. The best way to understand the system is to remember that the more words, the higher the price. To make a wine a Chianti the producer must use at least 75% Sangiovese grapes. In Europe, many wines are labeled by the style or blend, and not the grape. That sometimes makes things a little confusing.

The Piedmont is known for making reds from Dolcetto and Barbera grapes. Vento produces a range of wines, including the Italian version of Champagne, called Prosecco. Sicily has a large number of vineyards and is one of the country's biggest producing regions, yet the Sicilians drink less wine than most other Italians. This means they share more of their wine and prices tend to be less than what you would pay for a bottle from another part of the country.

I find that the best way to get to know wine is to ask your server what he/she recommends- in many cases the house wine at Italian restaurants is usually local, inexpensive and relatively good. One of the first words that I learned in Italian was Vino (wine) followed closely by Birra (beer) of course!

Ciao for now!

Venice: City of Glass and Masks

2008-09-30T01:49:00.010+02:00

What leather is to Florence, masks and glass are to Venice.

The masks come from the tradition of the Venetian Carnival. The glass comes from the Isle of Murano.

While visiting Venice I purchased a Murano glass ring (below) and a unique mask. It is important to shop around while in Venice because there are lots of glass shops, it is best to compare prices and styles before purchasing.

Happy Shopping!

Around Venice in 48 Hours

2008-09-30T01:28:00.019+02:00

Venice (Venezia) is located in northeastern Italy along the Adriatic. It is a city of about 250,000 residents in the metro area (just over 60,000 live in the central city) that swells daily as a throng of tourists converge to experience the romance of the "City of Water."

Venice is actually a series of 118 islands in a lagoon filled with 150 canals near where the Po River and the Piave River. The City State of Venetian was a major trading and naval power during the Renaissance, located at a crossroads between Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

When traveling to Venice I highly recommend spending at least one night in the city. This allows you to get a better idea of how the locals live (most ferries filled with tourists leave around 6pm). Also, BUY A MAP! Venice is full of streets that turn into dead ends without notice. 48 hours allows for the perfect balance of sightseeing, shopping and dining in Venice.

Below are a few of my favorite photos from my trip to Venice.

Ciao for now!

Window Shopping for Food in Venice

2008-09-30T01:17:00.011+02:00

When you are touring Europe as a student on a budget, trying to get as much in during a weekend before heading back to class, not every meal is going to be consumed in a fancy restaurant. Eating on the go is something that happens more often than not and you start to become adept at window shopping for your next meal.

Typically I look for fresh sandwiches with mozzarella and prosciutto or a home made pastry. While in Venice be sure to try a tramenzinni. These are small triangular white bread sandwiches that can be stuffed with anything from ham and cheese to tuna or veggies. Happy eating!

Venice and Gondola Rides

2008-09-30T01:01:00.013+02:00

While visiting Venice (Venezia) last weekend I had the incredible experience or riding in a gondola! Typically it is about 60-80 Euro for a 50 minute ride. Sometimes it is possible to bargain the price down to around 50 Euro. I went with my three friends and we each forked over 20 Euro. Sure this is expensive, but in my opinion worth it. We went on a sunny, yet cool day- perfect for a gondola ride. I have heard it recommended to take a gondola ride at night, yet I found that during the day you can get a better view of the homes, churches and restaurants that back up right onto the canal.

The gondola is a traditional rowing boat that was once a major source of public transport in Venice, but now they serve primarily as a vehicle to separate Euros from tourists. The reality is that you cannot go to Venice and not take a gondola ride -- and the gondaliers know it. There are several hundred people who make their livings as Gondoliers along the canals in Venice. Our Gondolier's name was Marco, he showed off his steering skills by getting very close to corners of buildings and then, with a smooth turn of his oar, we would just miss collision.

It's not just modern day tourists who have fallen to the allure of the gondola. In "The Innocents Abroad," Mark Twain talks about life in Venice and gondolas. These wooden boats are as much a symbol of Venice as the Empire State Building is for New York.

I highly recommend bringing lunch and a cold bottle of local Prosecco along for your ride!

Ciao for now!

Something to Think About...

2008-09-26T05:03:00.006+02:00

Although this is meant to be a "travel" blog, as a student traveler and a first-time-voter I find the upcoming election important to mention. This election will of course effect every person, but I feel that young people will be the most impacted. As my generation enters the workforce we are faced with a very scary prospect. I must say, after the primaries I found myself exhausted from politics. Moving overseas has reengaged my interests in the election ten fold.
Watching the first presidential election that I am of age to vote in from overseas has been an interesting experience. The world truly is watching us, and there is a great deal of coverage in Europe surrounding the upcoming US election.
This week I will be writing a post on how other students studying abroad can go about getting an absentee ballot, and what they can do from overseas to be involved in the political process.

I found Eve Ensler's recent essay on Sarah Palin to be thought-provoking and wanted to share it with my fellow bloggers:

I am having Sarah Palin nightmares. I dreamt last night that she was a member of a club where they rode snowmobiles and wore the claws of drowned and starved polar bears around their necks. I have a particular thing for Polar Bears. Maybe it's their snowy whiteness or their bigness or the fact that they live in the arctic or that I have never seen one in person or touched one. Maybe it is the fact that they live so comfortably on ice. Whatever it is, I need the polar bears.

I don't like raging at women. I am a Feminist and have spent my life trying to build community, help empower women and stop violence against them. It is hard to write about Sarah Palin. This is why the Sarah Palin choice was all the more insidious and cynical. The people who made this choice count on the goodness and solidarity of Feminists.

But everything Sarah Palin believes in and practices is antithetical to Feminism which for me is part of one story -- connected to saving the earth, ending racism, empowering women, giving young girls options, opening our minds, deepening tolerance, and ending violence and war.
I believe that the McCain/Palin ticket is one of the most dangerous choices of my lifetime, and should this country chose those candidates the fall-out may be so great, the destruction so vast in so many areas that America may never recover. But what is equally disturbing is the impact that duo would have on the rest of the world. Unfortunately, this is not a joke. In my lifetime I have seen the clownish, the inept, the bizarre be elected to the presidency with regularity.

Sarah Palin does not believe in evolution. I take this as a metaphor. In her world and the world of Fundamentalists nothing changes or gets better or evolves. She does not believe in global warming. The melting of the arctic, the storms that are destroying our cities, the pollution and rise of cancers, are all part of God's plan. She is fighting to take the polar bears off the endangered species list. The earth, in Palin's view, is here to be taken and plundered. The wolves and the bears are here to be shot and plundered. The oil is here to be taken and plundered. Iraq is here to be taken and plundered. As she said herself of the Iraqi war, "It was a task from God."??

Sarah Palin does not believe in abortion. She does not believe women who are raped and incested and ripped open against their will should have a right to determine whether they have their rapist's baby or not.

She does not believe in sex education or birth control. I imagine her daughter was practicing abstinence.

Sarah Palin does not much believe in thinking. She has tried to ban books from the library, has a tendency to dispense with people who think independently. She cannot tolerate an environment of ambiguity and difference. This is a woman who could and might very well be the next president of the United States. She would govern one of the most diverse populations on the earth.

Sarah believes in guns. She has her own custom Austrian hunting rifle. She has been known to kill 40 caribou at a clip. She has shot hundreds of wolves from the air. (?)

Sarah believes in God. That is of course her right, her private right. But when God and Guns come together in the public sector, when war is declared in God's name, when the rights of women are denied in his name, that is the end of separation of church and state and the undoing of everything America has ever tried to be.

I write to my sisters. I write because I believe we hold this election in our hands. This vote is a vote that will determine the future not just of the U.S., but of the planet. It will determine whether we create policies to save the earth or make it forever uninhabitable for humans. It will determine whether we move towards dialogue and diplomacy in the world or whether we escalate violence through invasion, undermining and attack. It will determine whether we go for oil, strip mining, coal burning or invest our money in alternatives that will free us from dependency and destruction. It will determine if money gets spent on education and healthcare or whether we build more and more methods of killing. It will determine whether America is a free open tolerant society or a closed place of fear, fundamentalism and aggression.

If the Polar Bears don't move you to go and do everything in your power to get Obama elected then consider the chant that filled the hall after Palin spoke at the RNC, "Drill Drill Drill." I think of teeth when I think of drills. I think of rape. I think of destruction. I think of domination. I think of military exercises that force mindless repetition, emptying the brain of analysis, doubt, ambiguity or dissent. I think of pain.

Do we want a future of drilling? More holes in the ozone, in the floor of the sea, more holes in our thinking, in the trust between nations and peoples, more holes in the fabric of this precious thing we call life?

Around Florence for a Weekend

2008-09-22T23:56:00.014+02:00

This past weekend I traveled to Florence, Italy (Firenze, Italia). Florence is a great place to travel to from Rome. There are high speed trains that can make it between Rome and Florence in under an hour and a half!

Florence is the cultural and political capital of Tuscany. It served as the capital of Italy from 1865 to 1870 and during the Renaissance the Medici Family ruled with an iron fist. The city is located along the Arno River and has many bridges. The Ponte Vecchio is among the most famous bridges in the world and is lined with shops. It is a city that any lover of food, art, wine or architecture can truly appreciate.

Here are some pictures from my weekend.

Ciao for now!

Florence Shopping

2008-09-22T23:54:00.006+02:00

While in Florence I couldn't resist the shopping! I shopped around for a leather bag and leather boots. I found that the leather mart in Santa Croce was the best place to shop for quality leather. I bought my bag (pictured below) at Leather Factory Firenze. I found Carla, one of the owners, to be especially helpful. I recommend checking out her store if you make a trip to Florence. I bought my boots (also pictured below) at Bologna, which is directly across the street from the Duomo. Bologna has a large selection of reasonably priced Italian leather shoes and boots. Happy shopping!

Ciao for Now

Florence Statues

2008-09-22T23:47:00.018+02:00

Florence is a beautiful city for a variety of reasons. What truly sets Florence a part is it's beautiful statues and sculptures. Of course, statues can be found throughout much of Europe, yet Florence is in a class of its own with so many remarkable works of art on just about every street corner.

Look to your left, look to your right or sometimes just look up and you will spot a masterpiece. Of course Florence has great museums, including the Uffizi and Bargello, plus the sculptures that are part of the Duomo and the Santa Croce churches, and the Medici collection at the Pitti Palace.

A couple of days roaming Florence is like an intense art seminar. Michelangelo's David is the most famous sculpture to be found in a city with statues by Donatello, Ammannati and Raphael, among others.

Florence at Night

2008-09-22T23:44:00.011+02:00

Florence has a variety of different bars and clubs that are sure to guarantee a good time. When venturing out at night I recommend dressing to impress. Then women here are incredibly chic and well dressed and the men are not afraid of fashion either. The first night when my friends and I arrived from the train station we felt under-dressed simply walking down the street!
One of our favorite night spots in Florence was Shot Cafe (pictured below). Bring your US dollars because they have a great deal, 1 Euro= 1 USD. If only the leather markets followed this same philosophy!

Ciao for now!

Sweets in Florence

2008-09-22T23:42:00.008+02:00

While in Florence I indulged in some delicious sweets. Gelato is a must anywhere that you travel in Italy, but what you may find most impressive are the candy and chocolate shops. I passed this candy shop in Florence in the evening when it was closed but couldn't resist taking some pictures.

Ciao for now!

The Duomo in Florence

2008-09-22T23:24:00.019+02:00

The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore is known as the Duomo in Florence, Italy.

The basilica is noted for it's huge dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and its colorful marble exterior. Construction was started in 1296 by Cardinal Valeriana and would last last 170 years.

The Duomo has a great impact on the skyline of Florence. At times it lurks like a giant in the background. Some of the best views of the Duomo can be caught glancing down a side street.

While in Florence be sure to climb the Duomo- from the top you can take in some spectacular views of Florence!

Ciao for Now!

Tour De Bette

2008-09-17T22:52:00.007+02:00

About 3 weeks before I left for Europe my Aunt Bette (Elizabeth Salvagno) passed away at the age of only 44. Bette was an incredible woman and was a major role model in my life. I know that Bette was really excited for me to study abroad, and in honor of her memory I will be photographing her hiking sandals throughout Europe. Bringing Bette's sandals along with me reminds me to get the most out of everything that studying abroad has to offer. Bette truly made the most out of her short time on earth.
At Bette's memorial service I was able to witness what a mark she had made on so many lives. Bette always had a plan, a strategy to make things more organized- or easier to handle. Bette was someone who I could turn to for advice and counsel. In fact, she helped me to make the decision to transfer schools to Loyola Chicago. I can vividly remember her writing out a list of pros and cons surrounding transferring schools. Coming to Loyola in turn enabled me to study abroad at the John Felice Rome Center.
I know that Bette would have wanted me to take away as much as possible from my time in Europe. Bette always encouraged me to travel and to work hard in college. Studies were extremely important to Bette, but she also knew how to relax and have a good time as well. What I mostly hope to emulate from Bette was her ability to leave everything better than when she came to it.
Bette may be gone in the physical sense but I will take her advice and the example that she set with me through life.

Religion in Italy: Part of the Culture and the Landscape

2008-09-17T03:24:00.024+02:00

Vatican City is in the midst of Rome, but it is recognized as a sovereign state. Just 110 acres, it is the smallest country in the world. But you don't have to visit St. Peter's to come face to face with the cross and symbols of the Catholic Church while touring Italy. In fact, it almost feels impossible to take a photograph without a cross, statue of a saint or church in the background.

Here are a few shots from my first couple of weeks in the country to prove it.

Furry Italian Critters

2008-09-16T16:53:00.006+02:00

Ciak: Monterosso Eatery

2008-09-16T16:52:00.009+02:00

While in Cinque Terre we had many incredible meals. One of my favorites had to be at Ciak which is located in Old Town of Monterosso. They have fabulous seafood, delicious pesto sauce and a variety of local wines. If you make a trip to Monterosso I highly recommend stopping at Ciak for dinner!

Lunch Break in Cinque Terre

2008-09-16T16:14:00.011+02:00

While on our hike through Le Cinque Terre my friends and I stopped in Vernazza (the second town from Monterosso) for lunch. We wanted a light lunch that would boost our energy without weighing us down. We came upon Gianni Frannzi on Piazza Marconni. Once you are in the Piazza of Vernazza there are a few restaurants that have outdoor seating next to the water. Gianni Frannzi is the second restaurant on your left. If you plan to stop for a meal in Vernazza the food at Gianni Frannzi's is fresh and reasonably priced. There is a good selection of seafood, pasta and salads. As my Grandma Lena would say Mangia Mangia!

My Hike through Le Cinque Terre

2008-09-16T15:14:00.011+02:00

If you are planning to visit Le Cinque Terre I highly recommend hiking in between the five towns. There is a train that can take you to each town but truly, nothing could beat the sheer beauty of hiking Cinque Terre.
The hike costs 5 Euro and is roughly 8 miles. It is imperative that you dress to hike and wear sneakers or good hiking sandals. You can choose how many towns you would like to hike to and can take the train between the rest. My roommates and I decided to give it our best shot to hike the entire trail.
We started our hike in Monterosso. The next town over is Vernazza, the leg of the hike between Monterosso and Vernazza is the most strenuous. Mostly uphill, on a narrow path, oftentimes on the side of a cliff- it can be intimidating. If you are up for the challenge the views are breathtaking, and there is a good chance that you will meet some interesting people along the way.
The next town over from Vernazza is Corniglia. This is very close in difficulty to the first leg of the hike. Once you have completed this portion the remainder of the hike to Manarolla and Riomaggiore are simple in comparison.
It is possible to complete the hike in around 4-5 hours but if you want to stop in each town allow for closer to 7 hours. This means start early, once it gets dark out it is difficult to see what you are doing since many of the paths are not lit.
Each town is beautiful but I found Monterosso and Vernazza to be my favorites. I took nearly 400 photographs of the hike and I will continue to add as many as I can. Here is a taste of what awaits you if you decide to hike Le Cinque Terre...

Le Cinque Terre

2008-09-16T13:54:00.010+02:00

I returned to Rome yesterday from an incredible weekend in Le Cinque Terre. Le Cinque Terre, in English, "The Five Lands" is comprised of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. My friends and I stayed in Monterosso, which is known for having the best bars, restaurants and nightlife out of the five towns. Here are some of my favorite photos taken in Monterosso from this weekend...

Some Pics from Along the Way

2008-09-11T13:12:00.024+02:00

Since I am leaving tomorrow to head on my second trip away from Rome I thought it would be nice to post some of my favorite pictures from my first trip. Enjoy!

The Colosseum

2008-09-11T11:26:00.006+02:00

On my first trip back to the Colosseum, my roommates and I fell into the trap of getting our pictures taken with one of the "gladiators". Bad decision. Although we now have some priceless photographs the wimpy guy posing as a gladiator tried to rip us off. My advice, which worked for us- simply walk away. Our gladiator tried to charge us 10 Euro! That is $15 USD! I wish we could have fed him to the lions!
After our run in with the rob-you-blind-gladiator we enjoyed some cold beers on the lawn in front of the Colosseum. I highly recommend doing this in the evening because the Colosseum is beautifully lit at night.
Tomorrow I am leaving for Cinque Terre, expect some incredible photographs early next week!

Ciao for now!

Insalata Ricca

2008-09-11T11:05:00.006+02:00

This weekend, while suffering from carb-overload my roommates and I decided to stop at a restaurant known for their salads. If you are craving a salad while in Rome then Insalata Ricca, located on Largo dei Chiavari in Campo d. Fiore, does not disappoint. Their menu includes a large selection of fresh salads with your choice of meat, seafood or simply veggie. Insalata Ricca also has a long list of small plates as well as pasta and meat entrées. My roommates and I found Insalata Ricca to be a nice change of pace- perfect for lunch to break up an afternoon of shopping!

Assisi, Italy

2008-09-06T08:33:00.014+02:00

My final stop on my first trip through Italy was Assisi. Assisi is the birthplace of St. Francis (San Francesco) and there are many statues, sculptures and churches erected in his honor throughout town.
Assisi is mostly built on a large hillside. Wear comfortable shoes for your visit because much of the walking is uphill. With that said, the views are to die for. I found myself entranced. Simply staring down an alleyway, that in most cities would be unsightly, held incredible views in Assisi.
At the bottom of the hillside is the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. This church is where St. Francis of Assisi started the Franciscan movement. Encased within the larger basilica is a small chapel, The Porziuncola (Italian for "Little portion"). St. Francis was given The Poriziuncola from Benedictine monks in the 9th century. The Basilica was then built around this small church in honor of St. Francis.
Assisi can be explored in about 2-3 days and is definitely worth visiting if you are in the Umbria region. Assisi is known for their toy makers and embroidery. There are many shops that sell religious goods including rosaries, statues and wall-hangings.
Assisi is an incredibly photogenic place, so this post will be full of pictures. Do not leave home without your camera when visiting Assisi!

Ciao for now!

(Photographs taken by Brhea Lyke)

Pictured from top to bottom:

An alleyway in Assisi

Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli

The Virgin Mary statue located at the top point of the Basilica of Santa Maria
A sunset in Assisi

A toy of St. Francis at a shop in Assisi

Lago di Garda

2008-09-05T19:36:00.009+02:00

During my travels through Northern Italy I visited Lago di Garda (Lake Garda). This trip was incredible for a variety of reasons. The area and towns surrounding Lake Garda are gorgeous. Picture crystal clear waters, with white rock beaches and alpine mountains for a backdrop!
Located about halfway between Venice and Milan, Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy. During my stay at Lake Garda I visited Sirmione, which is one of the more touristy areas on the lake.
Being the last weekend of Italian holiday, it was a bit crowded- but the water was perfect and the scenery was otherworldly. The beach that my roommates and I swam off of is where the Scaliger Castle is located (pictured above).
I found it particularly special to visit Lake Garda because my maternal ancestors are from the surrounding area. Salvagno, my maternal grandmother's maiden name is a popular last name in the region. I couldn't help but think, while swimming in the lake, that generations ago my ancestors probably spent many hot days swimming in the same waters.

Ciao for now!

Below is a video that I thought you all would enjoy of a little Italian boy dancing
(and falling) on the beach.

Verona, Italy

2008-09-05T16:32:00.010+02:00

I just returned last night from my school's orientation which included about a week of travel through Northern Italy. The first stop on our trip was Verona. Verona is a beautiful city with great shops and restaurants within the city center. In the heart of the city is the Arena di Verona. I was lucky enough to get the chance to watch the closing-night performance of the opera "Aida" inside of the Arena.
The Arena di Verona was built in 30AD, and can best be imagined as a more intact version of the Roman Colosseum. The arena delivers incredible acoustics, it is hard to imagine that there are no microphones involved. The performance of "Aida" was breathtaking, at one point there were over 100 performers on stage including horses!
If you ever get the opportunity to attend a concert at the Arena di Verona be sure to bring something to sit on, although the venue is beautiful the seating is on original marble (imagine sitting for 3 hours on pavement). Also, ladies, do not even think about wearing heals. I know an opera sounds glamorous, and it is, but the marble is slippery and there is nothing stopping you from falling hundreds of feet to your death!
I took a few videos of the opera to share with all of you so that you can get a better idea of what I experienced. I will be adding more soon, but below is a short video posted from the first act of the opera... Enjoy!

Ciao for now!

Pictures of the John Felice Rome Center

2008-08-30T20:47:00.010+02:00

Here are some photos that I took of the JFRC (John Felice Rome Center) where I am living and taking classes. The JFRC was founded in 1962 and was originally used as a convent. Roughly 150 students live and attend class at the JFRC. Much of the faculty also lives on campus. The John Felice Rome Center is located in Monte Mario on Via Massimi, which is a quiet wealthy residential area. There are also a few shops and restaurants in the center of town. Monte Mario is Rome's largest hill located on the Northwest side of Rome. Much of the walking that my roommates and I do off of campus is uphill- exhausting, yes but with all of the pizza, pasta and mozarella that we will be eating it can't hurt!

Ciao for now!

First Swim in the Mediterranean Sea

2008-08-30T03:48:00.008+02:00

Today my entire school went on a bus excursion to Maccaresse Beach (40 minutes west of Rome). We had a luncheon at the Paradise Restaurant and relaxed and swam all day. Tip alert: lounging on the beach is a GREAT way to beat a case of jet lag!
Maccaresse beach in late August is full of Italians, as well as tourists. Many venders pass by selling knock-off handbags, colorful beach towels, handmade jewelry and an array of other goods. I am going to keep this post short because I did not do much on this trip besides nap on the beach!

Ciao for now!

(Photograph of beach by Brhea Lyke)

First Return to the Trevi Fountain

2008-08-30T03:27:00.011+02:00

Visiting the Trevi Fountain or in Italian, Fontana di Trevi was breathtaking. The Trevi Fountain may be a tourist trap during the day and early evening but late at night (between 1am-6am) visitors can have the fountain almost completely to themselves. Guards watch the fountain 24/7 so it is still safe to visit at night. The area between the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain is filled with great upscale shopping and dining.
When I traveled with my family to Europe at age 14 we visited the Trevi Fountain together. Legend has it that if you throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain you will return to Rome again someday. Legend proved to be correct- and of course I threw another coin in this time around!

Ciao for Now!

(Photograph of Trevi Fountain by Brhea Lyke)

I Made it to Rome!

2008-08-30T03:04:00.009+02:00

After a whirlwind 3 days I am finally settled into Rome. My first evening was spent visiting the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. I was exhausted from the travel but the astounding beauty managed to keep me awake! I arrived in Rome at 8am, but to me it felt like 1am since I traveled from Chicago. In order to beat the jet lag it is important that you do not go to sleep until it is "bedtime" in Rome. This was difficult to do but was definitely the best way to get myself on Rome time.

I hope to update again soon. On Sunday I leave for a tour of Northern Italy, including: Verona, Assisi and Ostia Antica.

Ciao for now!

(Photograph by Brhea Lyke)

About to Embark on a Four Month Journey

2008-08-19T02:10:00.004+02:00

With travel books highlighted, destinations mapped out and suitcases packed I am nearing my departure for Europe. I can hardly believe that I will be living in a "foreign" country for four months! I created this blog with hopes to share my travels with my friends and family. Also, I am hoping to give readers an inside view of the good, the bad and the ugly of what it is like to be a traveler on a student budget.

This will be my second trip to Europe. When I was 14 I went with my family on a trip through Rome, Florence, Bruges, Brussels, Paris and London. I had an eye-opening experience and have been hoping to return ever since.

Although my last trip to Europe was awesome, I am excited to return a bit older with the freedom (and responsibility) of traveling without parents. I am sure that I will experience some incredible places, visit historic sights, relax on beautiful beaches and meet some interesting people along the way. I hope to share these experiences with all of you.

Ciao for now!