I am now back at home in Spring, TX sitting in my bed, and am in total disbelief that this is all over. Daniel and I had such an adventure coming home yesterday, mostly because I am a sick as a dog and Daniel had to constantly take care of me. Momma Daniel did such a great job:-) I am indeed incredibly happy I have antibiotics and my family's TLC now. After two long flights and customs, we ran to baggage claim where we knew our families would be waiting. Seeing everyone was like getting a cold glass of water after an entire day of thirst. It was so weird to leave Daniel after having been with him non-stop for an entire month. But we indeed did depart, and the TresAmis Trip offically came to a close. By the time I got home it was 4am Europe time, and I felt very sick and very exhausted. After giving my family their gifts, I knew I needed to get to bed fast. Much to my dismay, my nose started bleeding uncontrollably. It bled for so hard and for so long, I had to go to the EMERGENCY ROOM!! So I was, just home from Europe and off to the emergency room. In the end, they finally got it to stop, and gave me medicine for my sore throat/ear infection/ intense sinus infection/ cough. ...Yay! Thank you so much to my family and Gared for taking care of me.
So if you rewind to our last day in Rome, it was very relaxing. We woke up early to see if I would feel good enough to make it to Assisi, and unfortunately I wasn't feeling so hot at all, so we just stayed in the whole day. We ventured out to the pharmacy in the morning, and went to the market to get some yummy pasta and vegetables to make for lunch in our hostel. After I took a VERY long nap, and Daniel just relaxed until it was time for dinner. Courtsey of my parents, we had a LOVELY last dinner at our cute little Italian cafe. Daniel had the most amazing Spaghetti and clams in butter sauce! After, we made a trek over to the Trevi fountain to see it in all of its glory at night, while enjoying one last gelato.
Daniel, Tim, and I had so much fun. Our personalities were so amusing together. Tim and I butt heads, but at the same time had so many funny moments. Daniel and Tim are so alike and loved competition and good ol' fun. Daniel and I both love France, that's enough for me to be great friends with anyone:-) And it all culminates in the fact that all three of us love to see the world and experience it's richness. This trip has shown me many new things, but most importantly, it has reinforced who I am and who I was before I left for Madrid. It has inspired me to see the rest of this amazing planet. God, nature, food, photos, epic architecture, people, and the exhilaration of travel have made this experience unforgettable. I would do it again in a heartbeat. This is Maria, checking out:-)
Thanks to everyone who read our blog it really means so much to us. All the rest of the pictures from our trip will be on facebook today!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Europe by the Numbers and an Attempt at Poetry (Daniel's Sign Off)
Days Away : 30
Times I Brushed My Teeth : 27
Hostel Reservations : 11
Hotels Booked : 4
Walking Tours Taken : 6
Day Trips Taken : 5
Countries Visited : 8
Rude Europeans Encountered : 12
Time Spent Lost : 3 hours 36 minutes
Churches Visited : 107
Protestant Churches Visited : 3
Laws Broken : 243
Times The Law I Broke Was J-Walking or Other Traffic Violation : 242
Souvenirs Bought : 26
Liters of Beer Consumed : 19
Clubs/Pubs/Bars Visited : 22
Days I Was Clean Shaven : 4
Tim and Maria Fights Endured : 17
Sick Days : 3
Missed Trains : 2
Games of Catan : 7
Games of Cards : 48
Loads of Laundry : 3
Loads of Laundry Where Nothing Went Wrong : 1
Bottles of Wine : 13
Skype Calls Home : 14
Items Lost/Stolen/Broken : 4
Important Items Lost/Stolen/Broken : 2
Train Rides : 29
Videos Made : 23
Videos Posted : 16
Blog Entries : 13
Languages in which I Can Speak at least 2 Words : 8
Statues Seen : 56,728
*Notes about Europe by the Numbers
1) These numbers are pretty much completely made up. But we'll call them rough estimates.
2) These are my numbers. Not Tim's or Maria's. For instance, to find Maria's bottles of wine consumed, divide by 736. To find Tim's liters of beer consumed, multiply by 736.
3) I started "counting" from the time I met up with TresTresAmis. My other travels and study abroad are not included.
4) I thunk that are all.
My Attempt at Poetry (don't judge me)--Into a Tuscan Sun
As we ride North into a Tuscan sun,
I think to our trip, both moving and fun.
I remember Madrid when we all met,
And the rain in France that made us so wet.
I reflect on Lourdes and the prayers we prayed,
And missing some trains, the prices we paid.
The camp at Auschwitz, the Krakow ghetto,
The puppets in Prague made by Jepetto.
The beaches in Normandy : sacrifice,
And the chocolate in Belgium : our new vice.
Beer in Munich is the best in the world,
But after the Hard Rock we almost hurled.
Nice was nice, much better than Toledo,
Speaking of day trips, we saw Saint Pio.
Thanks Mom, thanks Dad, thanks Maria and Tim,
I'll end now, as my Tuscan sun turns dim.
*Notes about Into a Tuscan Sun
1) Written on a train from Foggia to Rome.
2) Unedited.
3) Amsterdam is not included (sorry, Amsterdam).
4) Michael is not the only poet in my family.
Hope you've all enjoyed reading my entries here and watching my FB video blog. Be sure to stay tuned for Maria's sign off!
Until then, this is Daniel, signing off ;)
Times I Brushed My Teeth : 27
Hostel Reservations : 11
Hotels Booked : 4
Walking Tours Taken : 6
Day Trips Taken : 5
Countries Visited : 8
Rude Europeans Encountered : 12
Time Spent Lost : 3 hours 36 minutes
Churches Visited : 107
Protestant Churches Visited : 3
Laws Broken : 243
Times The Law I Broke Was J-Walking or Other Traffic Violation : 242
Souvenirs Bought : 26
Liters of Beer Consumed : 19
Clubs/Pubs/Bars Visited : 22
Days I Was Clean Shaven : 4
Tim and Maria Fights Endured : 17
Sick Days : 3
Missed Trains : 2
Games of Catan : 7
Games of Cards : 48
Loads of Laundry : 3
Loads of Laundry Where Nothing Went Wrong : 1
Bottles of Wine : 13
Skype Calls Home : 14
Items Lost/Stolen/Broken : 4
Important Items Lost/Stolen/Broken : 2
Train Rides : 29
Videos Made : 23
Videos Posted : 16
Blog Entries : 13
Languages in which I Can Speak at least 2 Words : 8
Statues Seen : 56,728
*Notes about Europe by the Numbers
1) These numbers are pretty much completely made up. But we'll call them rough estimates.
2) These are my numbers. Not Tim's or Maria's. For instance, to find Maria's bottles of wine consumed, divide by 736. To find Tim's liters of beer consumed, multiply by 736.
3) I started "counting" from the time I met up with TresTresAmis. My other travels and study abroad are not included.
4) I thunk that are all.
My Attempt at Poetry (don't judge me)--Into a Tuscan Sun
As we ride North into a Tuscan sun,
I think to our trip, both moving and fun.
I remember Madrid when we all met,
And the rain in France that made us so wet.
I reflect on Lourdes and the prayers we prayed,
And missing some trains, the prices we paid.
The camp at Auschwitz, the Krakow ghetto,
The puppets in Prague made by Jepetto.
The beaches in Normandy : sacrifice,
And the chocolate in Belgium : our new vice.
Beer in Munich is the best in the world,
But after the Hard Rock we almost hurled.
Nice was nice, much better than Toledo,
Speaking of day trips, we saw Saint Pio.
Thanks Mom, thanks Dad, thanks Maria and Tim,
I'll end now, as my Tuscan sun turns dim.
*Notes about Into a Tuscan Sun
1) Written on a train from Foggia to Rome.
2) Unedited.
3) Amsterdam is not included (sorry, Amsterdam).
4) Michael is not the only poet in my family.
Hope you've all enjoyed reading my entries here and watching my FB video blog. Be sure to stay tuned for Maria's sign off!
Until then, this is Daniel, signing off ;)
San Giovani Rotondo, Italia
Another crazy day. If you're ever in need of a trip planner don't ask Tim, Maria, and I for any help unless you enjoy :
a) exhaustion
b) illness
c) frustration
Because we thrive on these three things (we learned that trick together at Klein Oak) it works out pretty well for us though.
Maria and I woke up at 6 AM this morning to be on an 8:20 train to Foggia after which we would catch a bus to San Giovani Rotondo, the location of the shrine of Padre Pio. To make a long story short, we travelled for about 11 hours today to stay in San Giovani for less than 2. As if that wasn't enough, Maria is still getting sicker (our trip to Assisi tomorrow may or may not happen at this point). She's a trooper though, and I know if you asked her, she would say that today was worth the fight.
When we arrived at the shrine, we knew we didn't have much time so we took a quick walk around to see where we wanted to spend our few precious moments. We saw the church where Pio said his masses, his confessional, the new church that has been built to better accommodate the pilgrims, the crypt where Pio is buried, and the crucifix before which he was praying when he received stigmata. It was all very cool, but I particularly liked the crypt. While there, I personally felt closest to Pio. Definitely turned out to be my best prayer of the trip.
Another thing that seemed to be unique about this shine was pictures. In his confessional, by statues, in his cell, and in several other spots pilgrims had left photos : presumably of people for which they wanted to ask Padre Pio to pray. While in the crypt, I remembered that I had brought a small family photograph to show to my host family on my study abroad. I decided that this would be a good place to leave it :)
When we got home from the shrine Maria was exhausted and headed straight to bed, which is exactly where I'm headed when I finish blogging for the night. It's my turn to sign off and I have a few more things if like to leave you with. Stay posted for one more post ;)
TheTresAmis
a) exhaustion
b) illness
c) frustration
Because we thrive on these three things (we learned that trick together at Klein Oak) it works out pretty well for us though.
Maria and I woke up at 6 AM this morning to be on an 8:20 train to Foggia after which we would catch a bus to San Giovani Rotondo, the location of the shrine of Padre Pio. To make a long story short, we travelled for about 11 hours today to stay in San Giovani for less than 2. As if that wasn't enough, Maria is still getting sicker (our trip to Assisi tomorrow may or may not happen at this point). She's a trooper though, and I know if you asked her, she would say that today was worth the fight.
When we arrived at the shrine, we knew we didn't have much time so we took a quick walk around to see where we wanted to spend our few precious moments. We saw the church where Pio said his masses, his confessional, the new church that has been built to better accommodate the pilgrims, the crypt where Pio is buried, and the crucifix before which he was praying when he received stigmata. It was all very cool, but I particularly liked the crypt. While there, I personally felt closest to Pio. Definitely turned out to be my best prayer of the trip.
Another thing that seemed to be unique about this shine was pictures. In his confessional, by statues, in his cell, and in several other spots pilgrims had left photos : presumably of people for which they wanted to ask Padre Pio to pray. While in the crypt, I remembered that I had brought a small family photograph to show to my host family on my study abroad. I decided that this would be a good place to leave it :)
When we got home from the shrine Maria was exhausted and headed straight to bed, which is exactly where I'm headed when I finish blogging for the night. It's my turn to sign off and I have a few more things if like to leave you with. Stay posted for one more post ;)
TheTresAmis
Tim Signing Out
Hey Everyone!
This will be my last blog so hear we go! Today we had a full day in the beautiful city of Rome. We started with the Colosseum which despite being in ruins was still an amazing structure considering it was built about 2000 years ago. It was very easy to imagine the crowds roaring to the fighting of the gladiators.
Next after about an hour searching in the heat (did I mention Rome is hot?!?) we found the Roman Forum, whose greatest feature was the free water.
Later we ventured to the Trevi Fountain (which was beautiful) but before we stopped for gelato! Italy's gelato is the best yet! After we stopped for a cheap but delicious Italian lunch. We ventured to the Pantheon and saw the tomb of the artist Raphael.
Afterwards we went up to the top of Castle Saint Angelo, which had an amazing view of Rome, but Daniel and Maria complained the whole way up ;).
We went to the vigil at St. Peters so Daniel finally got his mass at the Vatican! There were 14 Priest, 6 Bishops, and 3 Cardinals residing! By chance we ventured into the crypt after mass and venerated Pope Paul VI!
We made it back to the hostel and had a great free dinner, while meeting lots of people!
So I have to say that this trip has been absolutely amazing and easily my favorite summer in my life thus far. Daniel, Maria, and I have learned a lot about each other and how to live with one other (sort of). I want to thank our parents for making this trip possible and providing support a long the way. Anyways I love you Daniel and Maria and I will never forget the memories we formed. Dont have too much fun without me!
This is Tim signing out!
This will be my last blog so hear we go! Today we had a full day in the beautiful city of Rome. We started with the Colosseum which despite being in ruins was still an amazing structure considering it was built about 2000 years ago. It was very easy to imagine the crowds roaring to the fighting of the gladiators.
Next after about an hour searching in the heat (did I mention Rome is hot?!?) we found the Roman Forum, whose greatest feature was the free water.
Later we ventured to the Trevi Fountain (which was beautiful) but before we stopped for gelato! Italy's gelato is the best yet! After we stopped for a cheap but delicious Italian lunch. We ventured to the Pantheon and saw the tomb of the artist Raphael.
Afterwards we went up to the top of Castle Saint Angelo, which had an amazing view of Rome, but Daniel and Maria complained the whole way up ;).
We went to the vigil at St. Peters so Daniel finally got his mass at the Vatican! There were 14 Priest, 6 Bishops, and 3 Cardinals residing! By chance we ventured into the crypt after mass and venerated Pope Paul VI!
We made it back to the hostel and had a great free dinner, while meeting lots of people!
So I have to say that this trip has been absolutely amazing and easily my favorite summer in my life thus far. Daniel, Maria, and I have learned a lot about each other and how to live with one other (sort of). I want to thank our parents for making this trip possible and providing support a long the way. Anyways I love you Daniel and Maria and I will never forget the memories we formed. Dont have too much fun without me!
This is Tim signing out!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Roma, Italia
Hi everyone!! I feel like its been a while since I got a really good blog entry in!! I do believe Tim wrote one yesterday, especially since it was his last day, but somehow it didn't get posted. Hopefully he will be able to repost it when he is aafe an sound in the United States. I must say yesterday was soo incredibly epic, and its going to be such a great blog entry.
This morning, very early, Tim set off to catch his flight back home. We were soo sad to see him go!!! Daniel and I only have 2 more days on this beautiful continent, one of which will be spent in San Giovanni Rotondo, and the other in Assisi!! They are both going to be incredible.
Today Daniel and I had fun going to smaller churches throughout Rome. Its amazing how in Rome, art is not kept in museums, it totally belongs in the churches. We had a long list of churches we wanted to visit. The first one was beautiful and we soent so much time sitting in the pew, admiring the frescoed ceilings and larger than life statues of saints. The second...third..and forth churches wetent so sucessful. We figured out later then sooner that they all close between noon and 4pm. Nevertheless, we took a long pizza and gelato break, and then got right back to it. We saw five more churches that BLEW my mind, becausr they wete all filled with art that I studied in my art history class. There were sculptures by Michaelangelo and dramatic paintings by Caravaggio everywere!! I loved praying with all of this artwork, it was glorious!!
We finished the night at the most amazing cheap Italian restaurant, and I definitely had the most amazing spaghetti of my LIFE!!! We had bruchettes for an appitizer, and tiramiseu for dessert all for soo cheap!! Whoo!!
Were so excited to see Tims confirmation saint tomorrow, but were sad we have to go without him!!!
Loveeeee!!!! TheTresAmis
This morning, very early, Tim set off to catch his flight back home. We were soo sad to see him go!!! Daniel and I only have 2 more days on this beautiful continent, one of which will be spent in San Giovanni Rotondo, and the other in Assisi!! They are both going to be incredible.
Today Daniel and I had fun going to smaller churches throughout Rome. Its amazing how in Rome, art is not kept in museums, it totally belongs in the churches. We had a long list of churches we wanted to visit. The first one was beautiful and we soent so much time sitting in the pew, admiring the frescoed ceilings and larger than life statues of saints. The second...third..and forth churches wetent so sucessful. We figured out later then sooner that they all close between noon and 4pm. Nevertheless, we took a long pizza and gelato break, and then got right back to it. We saw five more churches that BLEW my mind, becausr they wete all filled with art that I studied in my art history class. There were sculptures by Michaelangelo and dramatic paintings by Caravaggio everywere!! I loved praying with all of this artwork, it was glorious!!
We finished the night at the most amazing cheap Italian restaurant, and I definitely had the most amazing spaghetti of my LIFE!!! We had bruchettes for an appitizer, and tiramiseu for dessert all for soo cheap!! Whoo!!
Were so excited to see Tims confirmation saint tomorrow, but were sad we have to go without him!!!
Loveeeee!!!! TheTresAmis
Friday, August 5, 2011
Roma, Italia
I is exhausted. This are why :
Shortly after composing our last blog entry, we hopped on a night train to Rome. We decided to try something new and go without a couchette for this ride (hard to be a 4€ train ticket.) in hindsight, we really should have just paid for the couchette. Total, we slept about an hour a piece (coming in 10-15 minute intervals). Needless to say, we were exhausted upon our arrival in Rome.
Nonetheless, we checked in at the hostel, grabbed breakfast, and began our day. After all, Tim only gets two days in Italy. Much to our dismay, we could not find a ticket to St. Giovani Rotundo so Tim will not get to visit the final resting place of his confirmation saint, Padre Pio. However, Maria and I still plan to go after Tim flies out, take some pictures, and photoshop him in so it's basically the same anyway...
We did not want to lose anymore time so we quickly headed to the Vatican. My favorite part of any building, I have learned, is the ceiling. You can only imagine how much I loved the Sistene Chapel. The rest of the Vatican museum was cool too. We especially enjoyed taking pictures with the statues, in the positions that the statues were in.
We spent 2 or 3 hours in the museum before grabbing a quick lunch and heading to St. Peter's Basillica. The Basillica was definitely the most impressive church I have ever seen. Maria especially liked seeing Michelangelo's Pietà and going to mass in St. Peter's. Tim also enjoyed going to mass in St. Peter's. I, however, did not enjoy going to mass in St. Peter's because NO ONE TOLD ME THEY WERE GOING. It's okay. I am making Maria go back with me for Sunday mass (I didn't have go twist her arm too much for that one).
We left the Vatican and headed back to our hostel for a round of much needed showers. After that, we headed over to the colussium to eat our last fancy dinner of the trip. Courtesy of Mom and Dad, we each ate a pasta plate, shared lamb ribs, drank some classy white wine, and polished it all off with some gelato. Thank you :)
We're calling it a night early tonight--we really our exhausted and have one last (maybe) big day ahead of us tomorrow. Thanks for reading, and expect to hear from me at least once or twice more before I return to good ol' American soil ;)
TheTresAmis
Shortly after composing our last blog entry, we hopped on a night train to Rome. We decided to try something new and go without a couchette for this ride (hard to be a 4€ train ticket.) in hindsight, we really should have just paid for the couchette. Total, we slept about an hour a piece (coming in 10-15 minute intervals). Needless to say, we were exhausted upon our arrival in Rome.
Nonetheless, we checked in at the hostel, grabbed breakfast, and began our day. After all, Tim only gets two days in Italy. Much to our dismay, we could not find a ticket to St. Giovani Rotundo so Tim will not get to visit the final resting place of his confirmation saint, Padre Pio. However, Maria and I still plan to go after Tim flies out, take some pictures, and photoshop him in so it's basically the same anyway...
We did not want to lose anymore time so we quickly headed to the Vatican. My favorite part of any building, I have learned, is the ceiling. You can only imagine how much I loved the Sistene Chapel. The rest of the Vatican museum was cool too. We especially enjoyed taking pictures with the statues, in the positions that the statues were in.
We spent 2 or 3 hours in the museum before grabbing a quick lunch and heading to St. Peter's Basillica. The Basillica was definitely the most impressive church I have ever seen. Maria especially liked seeing Michelangelo's Pietà and going to mass in St. Peter's. Tim also enjoyed going to mass in St. Peter's. I, however, did not enjoy going to mass in St. Peter's because NO ONE TOLD ME THEY WERE GOING. It's okay. I am making Maria go back with me for Sunday mass (I didn't have go twist her arm too much for that one).
We left the Vatican and headed back to our hostel for a round of much needed showers. After that, we headed over to the colussium to eat our last fancy dinner of the trip. Courtesy of Mom and Dad, we each ate a pasta plate, shared lamb ribs, drank some classy white wine, and polished it all off with some gelato. Thank you :)
We're calling it a night early tonight--we really our exhausted and have one last (maybe) big day ahead of us tomorrow. Thanks for reading, and expect to hear from me at least once or twice more before I return to good ol' American soil ;)
TheTresAmis
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