Budapest, Vienna, and Salzburg

This past weekend I had the opportunity to travel along with what I now recommend as an excellent program: Euroadventures. The business that targets study abroad students with the chance to bus all over Europe in small groups, charges discount rates and a cheap way to visit many of Europe's most desired destinations. I decided to give it a try as I headed out to Budapest, Vienna, and Salzburg with my roommate for the long weekend.

I had heard great things about Budapest before I left, including the sights and cheap hearty meals. The city lived up to its previous reputation, as I ravenously indulged meaty meals for 300 Forints (about two dollars) and explored the city's heritage. The Hungarians were overly welcoming towards us Americans. I couldn't ask for much more besides good people and good food. However, I'm not ashamed to say I spent most of my time in Budapest--actually the entire afternoon--at the famous baths. Naturally heated by the earth for hundreds of years, the bath scene was a speedo-clad man's delight. Hundreds of people congregated towards the massive three pools surrounded by bright yellow Hungarian architecture, as pockets of Americans, including myself, watched in awe. From underwater chess tables to high-force fountains, it was no wonder that I overstayed the recommended 20 minute advisory. Between the baths and the cheap Hungarian food, Budapest had won me over with simple pleasures.

Vienna was our destination for the Saturday portion of our trip. The highlights were brief but satisfying, how many people can say they say the premier of a famous opera at the Vienna Opera House where the likes of Mozart and Beethoven played? The name of the opera was "Lohengrin" about a medieval Austria-Germany and a Swan-Knight. The notorious wiener schnitzel was on point, but I had better hot-dog shaped food to come the next day in Salzburg. Although I enjoyed Vienna, I was rushed to see all the sights, such as St. Stephen's Cathedral, which had suffered many reconstructions due to World War II allied bombings. I still appreciated going to a new part of the continent, even if it was so brief.

The last stop of the trip felt more like a 3 hour tour of a city that had days of history to offer: Salzburg. As the second most famous city in Austria, I enjoyed the overcast Sunday attitude the weather had brought on. Having come from fun grandparents who loved the story of Sound of Music, I decided to catch a short tour about the film from the city in which the tale came from. After touring the gardens where "Do-Re-Mi" was recorded and filmed, I went to the shopping district to visit the original house where Mozart lived. I was a little ashamed that my knowledge of Mozart wasn't as fresh as I had liked it to be, but that feeling shortly passed once I climbed to the top of of one of Salzburg's many hills to Augustiner Brau, a local beer hall. This destination was categorically the highlight of my trip, as I sat in wonder as the crowds of Austrians piled in the hall after church around noon to eat an authentic meal and enjoy a large beer served in a classic-style beer mug. I did my worst, rounding up an arsenal of food my stomach would be pleased of, including completely authentic pretzel, bratwurst, and sauerkraut. I was in heaven, eating food just like my grandma had prepared back home! An interesting side note: it might have been the best beer I'll ever consume. So, I recommend to anyone reading this who happens to be in Salzburg, do NOT miss this beer hall!

Picture Roll...

Hungarian Goulash (hold the soup)

At the Baths

Vienna Opera House

Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg

Enthused by the "Do-Re-Mi"s

A Typical Meal at the Beer Hall

Spring Break Adventures - Abetone and Amsterdam

For Spring Break I took off down the road to the mountains of Pistoia, which is only 30 minutes away from my house in Florence via train. A quick bus ride up to the top of the mountains of Abetone would take me to the best skiing I've ever encountered. And who knew such skiing existed in Tuscany, Italy? I was under the impression Tuscany was under the sun, pardon the pun; not covered in snow in April.
Upon my arrival, I checked into a quaint hotel called the Bascolungo and hit the slopes for two days. Upon the top of the mountain the view was breathtaking, I had truly never seen mountains like these in the States. At one point, I couldn't see fifteen feet in front of me because I was so high in the clouds, shrouded by their presence. I have to admit the slopes were out of my league, but by the end of the day I was tackling black diamonds and near-ninety degree drops. Weaving back and forth down the mountain, I sharpened my skills as I skied to several other small towns only accessible by skiing. These villages served wine and hearty food to the worn out snow-adventurers, as I enjoyed the view and sight of the empty resort on a weekday. I knew here that Abetone would always have a place in my heart; the rush of adrenaline and sporty activity was what I had been longing to do for so long in Florence.

Part two of my Spring Break consisted of another grueling 20+ hour train ride across Europe, as I had done before to Prague, only this time I headed to the Netherlands to visit highly-anticipated Amsterdam. Although my time in Amsterdam was brief, I was blown away by the attractions of the city. I made my way to the Heineken Beer Factory, where the beer was first invented, and then strolled through the park to see the infamous "I Amsterdam" sign. After contemplating funny "I Amstergraham" and "Grahamsterdam" play on words, my friends and I stopped at the Anne Frank Museum before catching a ride through the canals of the city. Having been entirely built upon water, the city's unique architecture was astounding that it could stay afloat for such a time. I even got a chance to see what was claimed as the most narrow house in the world!

Despite my quick duration in both these places , I vowed to return to both of them someday, merely out of admiration. It could have been the snow and wind blasting by me as I hurdled down miles of mountains in Abetone, or the laid-back canal life of Amsterdam that had so affectionately gained my respect. Either way, I profoundly realized how blessed I was to be spending time hopping around Europe and understanding the ways of different people, and how thankful I was for the people who had gotten me this far.

As my party-going friends often exclaim... "Pics or it didn't happen!"

Prague / Praha / Praga / Prag

I took an overnight train for the first time, heading straight for Prague, one of my top anticipated destinations of my low-budget, practically-starve-myself-to-see-the-sights adventure around Europe. The 20+ ride was without a proper meal, but don't worry, I packed at least three sleeves of Mentos to keep me busy.
I met up with my best friend from high school, Kyle, and some other Virginia Tech Hokies, to take on the city. To begin about Prague, whoever told me the city was a cheap destination must have been out of their mind. Maybe to them it seemed that way because of the currency exchange, I was using Czech Crowns instead of Euros. I learned my first lesson in Old Town Square where I ordered Prague-style mashed potatoes and cabbage with a bratwurst... after paying the equivalent of $20.
Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed Prague for the couple days I was there. The city was unexpectedly different than anything before I had seen in Europe. Prague was full of art, but not in a Sistine Chapel in-your-face style, it was more subtle, and I have to say weirder. The city has a strange dark feeling about it, but an amicable darkness... must have been the full moon.
I went through all the typical tourist motions throughout the day, but with my own creative twists. I spent the morning on a walking tour absorbing as much of the history and legacy of the famous city I had planned on coming to see for months now, learning the story of King Charles IV and how Prague was shaped in the early 1300s. I got a peek at the Astronomical Clock, rated "Europe's most overrated sight", and have to agree with the stigma attached to the clock; I couldn't even truthfully read what time it was. Next, I grabbed a few famous Pilsner beers and headed to the river to paddleboat for an hour, enjoying the city sights. After managing to complete all of the "must do's" in Prague, it was time for some solo adventure-time and soul searching. I came to Prague with the mission of trying the famous Absinthe there, and took hours trying to decipher what was the real deal and what were fake tourist traps. Where I landed might have been a hybrid of these two ideas, but I was not unsure of the quality of their absinthe; I had done my research thoroughly. The place was called Absintherie, and there wasn't a single thing in the bar that wasn't murky green colored. I ordered the top-shelf French brand called "Amer" and was amazed by the fountain-style presentation, a show indeed. Absintherie wasn't my only desired stop, so I hurried off down the block to burn a couple hours at the Museum of Communism, which detailed the long history of Prague's enslavement to the Communist government. Watching film cut from the Velvet Revolution, I found myself starting to truly understand a city that I had known nothing about just a few days before my arrival. Together, along with the Prague Castle, I was getting quite the bohemian experience. Breaking from the group to find my own peace of mind around the Old Square was something I had been longing for the entire trip, and being alone in such a large city was overwhelming, but rewarding. Prague was my oyster, and I found all the little pearls of splendor that brought me happiness. As Frederich Nietzsche once contemplated, "the individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." This is why I came abroad in the first place, to "own myself". Now I'm just cataloging it.

At the Prague Castle with Kyle

Prague-style mashed potatoes with cabbage and ham

Clock Tower -- Old Town Square

Paddleboating and Pilsner

The Absinthe Bar -- Absintherie

Nice, Cannes, Eze, and Monaco - A School Trip Extravaganza

For the second of my school-sponsored trips at Lorenzo de Medici, my roommates and I took off along with a hundred other students to swarm the streets of Southern France. My first impressions of France came from my trip over a month ago to Paris. "Time flies while having fun", couldn't have a more appropriate setting while I venture across Europe, but I instead choose to follow the advice of Groucho Marx: "time flies like an arrow, but fruit flies like a banana". It was with this lighthearted side I travelled to Nice, where I found myself enchanted by the shores. To see a European beach was not just a geographical experience of the world, but also an anatomical experience, as I gawked at the nude swimmers amongst such crisp cold waters.

After inhaling a large French-style crepe, which was doused in mayonnaise and complete with two full onions (talk about stinky breath), I was rushed back on the bus to get to Cannes. Our quick tour of Cannes consisted of a brief walk-through of the city, hitting the main highlights of the Cannes Film Festival Theater, and the Ritz-Carlton. Our tour guide informed us that the top room within the famous hotel went for $35,000 a night, equipped with commodities only appreciated by A-listers. 

I spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the beach and boardwalks beside them. The beach was a stunning sight as the sun set around 6 o'clock, as I sat and watched the various spectacles going on. There were interpretive dancers and aspiring musical artists, but what caught my attention the most was the rollerblading scene. I hadn't roller bladed in years, and thought the sporting activity was of a dying breed. However, in Southern France, a strong revitalization was taking place right in front on me. There were speed cones, grinding rails, and high jumps; it was a rollerblader’s paradise. People young and old, with various forms of rollerblades came out to showcase their skills and have some fun. I sat in wonder for hours watching the show until it got dark, dining on a plate of French eggplant and rotisserie chicken, and then made my way back to the hotel for the night. 

The next morning we continued our adventure to Eze, where we made a brief stop to look how and where movie stars live in the mountains overlooking the sea. Our group had made plans to visit one of the top perfume factories in the world, Fragonard. Now I must admit to you all that I am no perfume connoisseur, I know, a great surprise. However, I did find the methods of the factory peculiar because of their strict worker qualifications. Only 1000 "true noses" existed in the world, and many were hired at this academy of sorts known as Fragonard. True noses must abstain from smoking, drinking, and eating spicy foods, a strong commitment for their life while employed at Fragonard. No spicy meatball for these workers indeed. 

Eze was a brief stop on our way to the most highly anticipated destination of the trip, Monaco. Monaco, at point the richest country in the world, was not letting me leave without proving that fact. I can't say that I've ever been to a place before that simply astonished me solely from wealth, but Monaco's perfectly trimmed hedges and brilliant architecture was truly overwhelming. Trigger-happy with my camera, I sauntered the gardens and viewed the castle where Prince Albert II, the constitutional monarch (King), resided. I got a chance to ride along the Monaco Grand-Prix circuit, which exist entirely on city streets, and also a shot at the Monte-Carlo Casino. Being the first casino I'd ever been to, I'd say I did my first trip right. The Monte-Carlo Casino boasts that only models of Ferrari, Maserati, and Porsche are allowed to park outside the casino. I went inside with 20 Euros, and frustratingly watched it disappear round after round of blackjack and slots. Although I lost $28 in reality, I can say it was a $28 I won't say I regret it. I just blew a Jackson, but I did it at the most famous casino in the world... bucket list anyone? *Check*. 

Once back on the bus home, I was already missing the splendor of Southern France. Before I had thought of France just as over-cast Paris, and now I had come to appreciate the country in a new light. Before going, I had known next to nothing about Southern France and had no ambitions of going there; now I can't wait for my return. 

Enjoy the photos!

Beach at Nice with my roommates

The view from Monaco Castle

Tar Heel born and bred

Fragonare perfume factory

Eze restaurant

Monaco Bay

Ferrari front parking at the Monte-Carlo casino

Ventures In Venice - The Celebration of Carnivale

To say Venice knocked me off my feet would be a severe understatement to how much I enjoyed my time in a city upon water. I spent the weekend exploring the old city that may one day be completely overwhelmed by the water surrounding it. I took off for the weekend with my new roommate from Laguna Beach, California. We went to Venice with only the hotel we picked out in our itinerary, and the knowledge that Venice's most famous holiday, Carnivale, was kicking off that weekend.
Lucky for us, the Hotel Firenze was placed in the middle of the city's biggest cultural center, Piazza San Marco. Once on the water ferry that took us from the bus station to San Marco, I began to realize from the morning sun what an incredible city Venice was. The canals gave the city an unreal appearance, along with the pristine pastel-colored buildings lining them. After we regrouped at the hotel, we went about discovering the city, touring the Doge's Palace and sampling Venetian white wine while watching the unique water taxi's. Around nighttime, the masquerades of Carnivale began. However, we sat down on a bridge to enjoy a Black Ink Squid pasta dish from Alfredo's, a cheap restaurant with prices from around 7 Euros for a fantastic Venetian seafood meal. Carnivale consisted of hundreds of young and old people; some of the costumes were highly elaborate, while others (like us) just entailed a simple mask. Anonymity was in the air as people danced and talked in all the main centers of the city, my favorite of these being the Per Rialto Bridge. Small lights adorned the largest bridge in Venice, it almost reminded me of a small Ponte Vecchio as people drank and sung traditional Italian songs. The only incident that put a damper on the night was my roommate, who decided to take an accidental swim in the canal beneath the bridge; the seaweed lining the steps of the river was slippery enough to make anyone fall in! I ended my night upon the rooftop terrace of my hotel, with a night-view of the city that I think few have ever seen. Venice had become my new number one travel destination without a doubt!
The next day's adventure extended to a small set of islands near Venice, which we had heard were picturesque little towns that attracted tourists for their quaint settings. After hopping on a cheap water ferry, we landed in Burano, known for its renowned blown glass objects. I bought a few pendants for my family and watched local Venetians pour off the boat, filling the suburbs with the Carnivale-party atmosphere that had began the night before. The city was surely not under-advertised, the different colored shops and businesses was truly a unique sight for any tourist; a total "mother approved" spot.
Once back in Venice, we hopped around local bars, meeting Italians from all over the country with different traditions of celebrating the national Carnviale movement that sprung out of Venice's popularity. Some of our new friends even gave us a tour to the abandoned house where the James Bond "Casino Royale" final scene was shot!
At the culmination of my trip, taking the water ferry back throughout the city to the train station, I came to the realization how different Venice was from Florence and Tuscany. The wine was different, along with the pizza, pasta, people, and environment. I had found that I was actually learning something unteachable in any lecture, the "feeling" of experiencing the different vibes to a new city or region. It was this piece of personal knowledge I cherished most upon reflection of my time in such a fantastic city.

Pictures Galore! 

Water Taxi/ Gondola

San Marco Port

San Marco Square, Dodge's Palace

My roommate pre-bridge accident

View from Per Rialto Bridge

Canals at night (by Alfredo's)

The Town of Burano!

In a Villa in Venice sipping Vino

Venice was the most beautiful in the morning!

Per Rialto bridge at night

View of San Marco Square from our hotel