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| Mallorca 2010 |
Besos, Linds
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Mallorca
In between my trips to Greece and my trip home I hopped over to Mallorca for a few days to visit two close friends of mine. They are completing Masters degrees during the summer on the island so I came for the weekend to distract them for a bit! And boy was I a distraction--- the conclusion we've made is that we think I was slipped something at a bar, which resulted in me being sick for the two full days I was there. It was a total bummer because I missed our on visiting the bodegas (up in wine country) and having precious beach time (not that I needed it at that point) but most of all, Ididn't get to really see Mallorca for all it's cracked up to be. The town, Palma, is adorable and the cathedral stunning. But other than that, I didn't get to see much. I hope to go back next summer before moving from Spain to see a bit more and really get a feel for what life is like on a Spanish island.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
24 days, 12 ferries, 9 islands.
I'm a beach girl through and through and traveling through the Greek islands has always been a dream I didn't think I could fulfill (since the ticket to get to Greece costs as much as the trip itself...) Well lucky for me a ticket from Spain is about 1/5 the price as flying from the States, so off I went on a trip of a lifetime. Now I will say this-- I normally try to seek out vacations that I know I won't want to do 10 years from now (i.e. Cambodia, Nicaragua, India, etc.) and while I saw my fair share of honeymooners and lovers walking hand in hand, I'm so glad I took this trip when I did because I think I was really able to see more out of each island than I would have had I been on a honeymoon or quick trip. I've been really missing my life on an island and this gave me the fix I needed to get through another year in the big city!
Greece lived up to all my expectations and in many cases exceeded them. I didn't think it was really possible for a place to look as beautiful as postcards make it out to be but the Greek Isles proved that thinking wrong. Time and time again I thought to myself, "This can't be real. I'm not really in the Greek islands right now, am I?" Since I went to so many places in such a short amount of time (and to prevent you from being bored out of your mind) I'll give a brief synopsis of each place but explain specific details in my photo album at the end of the post.
Naxos: Naxos is one of the most fertile of the Cyclades and has its highest peak, Mt Zeus. The port town, Hora, is divided into two towns: Bourgos, where the Greeks lived and the hilltop Kastro, where the Venetian Catholics lived. On Palatia Islet is Naxos’ most famous landmark, the unfinished Temple of Apollo. The historic village of Halki is full of handsome facades of old villas and houses.
Santorini: Once you venture past the tourist and cruise ship portions, you see an island that is rich in beauty and history and it truly is a living postcard, perfect from many angles but always magnificent no matter where you see it. Lonely Planet said it best when introducing Santorini: “Fantastic, fabulous Santorini deserves all the superlatives. Even the most jaded traveler succumbs to the awesome drama of this surreal landscape.” Santorini was once called Stongili (Round One) until a volcanic eruption in 1650 BC caused the center to sink, leaving a caldera with steep cliffs. Now, the caldera shimmers with white buildings, blue cathedrals, turquoise swimming pools, and hordes of tourists. The main town, Fira, is breathtaking looking out from the edge of the caldera during the day and glistening with lights up and down the cliff at night. Oia is much quieter than Fira... that is, until the sun begins to go down. Then, it is a crazed frenzy to get the best spot for what has to be one of the most soughtafter sunsets in the world. Even better is the hue that the town’s white buildings get when the orange and pink sun is setting against them, it’s magnificent!
Syros: The port town of Ermoupolis grew out of a refugee town that sprang up during the Greek War of Independence. The main square of Plateia Miaouli is lined by palm trees, bars and cafes, and the beautiful town hall. A small village to the north of town, Ano Syros, sits atop a large hill and was originally a medieval settlement. Now, it is an eerie, quiet/deserted maze of homes and restaurants with a church at it's peak.
Tinos: This ultra religious island is home to the Church of Panagia Evangelistria, which is said to be the spot where the sacred icon of the Megalochari, the Holy Virgin, was found in 1822. The icon is one of the most famous in Greece and its so-called healing powers lead to mass pilgrimages each year (not really my thing but interesting to see...)
Mykonos: What do I say about this island? I think I had the highest expectations for Mykonos just because I'd heard so much about its party scene. And while I caught a brief glimpse, the "partying" was nothing I was looking to take part in. While we stayed at Paradise Beach (along with thousands of other 18-year-olds), most nights we ventured into Hora, the small, seaside village dotted with restaurants, bars and boutiques. The Little Venice area was an absolute maze and I'm sure I walked in a circle at least 10 times before I found my way. So while I liked the island for nothing more than it's craziness, I would never go back and found it to be far to expensive and hyped for what I got from it.
Delos: Delos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and the most important in the Cyclades. With no permanent population, you really feel as if you are there thousands of years ago. Delos was the birthplace of the twins Apollo and Artemis and was first inhabited in the 3rd millennium BC. Delos reached the height of its power in Hellenistic times, becoming one of the three most important religious centers in Greece. In 167 BC the Romans made Delos a free port, with up to 10,000 slaves sold per day. But by the 3rd century AD there was only a small settlement on the island and in the following centuries it was looted, which is how it remains today.
Ios: Probably my second favorite island (although not much different than Mykonos--- not sure why I had such a different experience) I had the most fun here simply because of where we stayed. Our hotel (Francesco's, recommened to ANYONE who visits this island) was on a hill overlooking the sea and surrounding villages. The same view could be had from the pool, bar, and patio. Each night everyone got together for drinks and then ventured into the city for what has to be one of the coolest bar scenes I've ever witnessed. On one street alone there had to be over 100 consecutive bars, one after the other, all full and all fun! One night when we went home at 2:30 people looked at us like we were crazy, most places were just opening then! The beaches on Ios were also incredible and the party feel spread across all parts of the island. People go there to have a good time and it's hard not to! The only disappointing thing about the island was the 3 hour 4-wheeler ride (on our POS) out to Plato's grave, which ended up being nothing more than a pile of rocks. All in all, I felt I had the most well-rounded experience on Ios because it captured all you think about when you think of the Islands: sun, beach, party, beauty.
And Athens, there's far to much to explain about Athens. The history is so rich there you could spend days in their museums looking at rocks and pottery and still not see everything. Just walking around town and riding the metros feels like you are walking back in time. The city is incredible and vibrant and full of energy and life. The locals are so proud of their culture and their history and willing to share it with anyone that will listen. I loved every minute I had in Athens and don't even feel like I scratched the surface of what there is to see and do. Much more detail about Athens and what I saw will be described in the following photos.
So, as you can see, in typical Lindsay style, I crammed as much as possible into my 3.5 weeks and loved every minute of it. I look forward to going back with someone special in the future to have a completely difference experience!
Greece lived up to all my expectations and in many cases exceeded them. I didn't think it was really possible for a place to look as beautiful as postcards make it out to be but the Greek Isles proved that thinking wrong. Time and time again I thought to myself, "This can't be real. I'm not really in the Greek islands right now, am I?" Since I went to so many places in such a short amount of time (and to prevent you from being bored out of your mind) I'll give a brief synopsis of each place but explain specific details in my photo album at the end of the post.
Naxos: Naxos is one of the most fertile of the Cyclades and has its highest peak, Mt Zeus. The port town, Hora, is divided into two towns: Bourgos, where the Greeks lived and the hilltop Kastro, where the Venetian Catholics lived. On Palatia Islet is Naxos’ most famous landmark, the unfinished Temple of Apollo. The historic village of Halki is full of handsome facades of old villas and houses.
Santorini: Once you venture past the tourist and cruise ship portions, you see an island that is rich in beauty and history and it truly is a living postcard, perfect from many angles but always magnificent no matter where you see it. Lonely Planet said it best when introducing Santorini: “Fantastic, fabulous Santorini deserves all the superlatives. Even the most jaded traveler succumbs to the awesome drama of this surreal landscape.” Santorini was once called Stongili (Round One) until a volcanic eruption in 1650 BC caused the center to sink, leaving a caldera with steep cliffs. Now, the caldera shimmers with white buildings, blue cathedrals, turquoise swimming pools, and hordes of tourists. The main town, Fira, is breathtaking looking out from the edge of the caldera during the day and glistening with lights up and down the cliff at night. Oia is much quieter than Fira... that is, until the sun begins to go down. Then, it is a crazed frenzy to get the best spot for what has to be one of the most soughtafter sunsets in the world. Even better is the hue that the town’s white buildings get when the orange and pink sun is setting against them, it’s magnificent!
Paros: Paros has the reputation of being a friendly island and it did not disappoint. The main port of Parikia is not much to look at but once you venture out of the port you are pleasantly surprised. On the northern part of the island the little town of Naousa is said to quickly be stealing the glitz and glamour of Mykonos. It has a great waterfront area, wonderful restaurants, and an eclectic bar scene. There was even a fish and wine festival going on while we were there, full of dancing, drinking and new friends. Behind the waterfront is a maze of whitewashed streets filled with magenta bougainvilleaand small boutiques. This was, by far, my favorite island because I felt it had the most charm and down-home feel. I'd return in a heartbeat!
Sifnos: An island I wish I had gotten to spend more time in but due to ferry schedules we could only spend one night. With high barren hills, it was easily navigated in one day on a moto. The “capital” Apollonia isn't much to look at but the Kastro, a walled cliff-top village was incredible, with a small church perched on the tip of a long, rocky point.
Syros: The port town of Ermoupolis grew out of a refugee town that sprang up during the Greek War of Independence. The main square of Plateia Miaouli is lined by palm trees, bars and cafes, and the beautiful town hall. A small village to the north of town, Ano Syros, sits atop a large hill and was originally a medieval settlement. Now, it is an eerie, quiet/deserted maze of homes and restaurants with a church at it's peak.
Tinos: This ultra religious island is home to the Church of Panagia Evangelistria, which is said to be the spot where the sacred icon of the Megalochari, the Holy Virgin, was found in 1822. The icon is one of the most famous in Greece and its so-called healing powers lead to mass pilgrimages each year (not really my thing but interesting to see...)
Mykonos: What do I say about this island? I think I had the highest expectations for Mykonos just because I'd heard so much about its party scene. And while I caught a brief glimpse, the "partying" was nothing I was looking to take part in. While we stayed at Paradise Beach (along with thousands of other 18-year-olds), most nights we ventured into Hora, the small, seaside village dotted with restaurants, bars and boutiques. The Little Venice area was an absolute maze and I'm sure I walked in a circle at least 10 times before I found my way. So while I liked the island for nothing more than it's craziness, I would never go back and found it to be far to expensive and hyped for what I got from it.
Delos: Delos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and the most important in the Cyclades. With no permanent population, you really feel as if you are there thousands of years ago. Delos was the birthplace of the twins Apollo and Artemis and was first inhabited in the 3rd millennium BC. Delos reached the height of its power in Hellenistic times, becoming one of the three most important religious centers in Greece. In 167 BC the Romans made Delos a free port, with up to 10,000 slaves sold per day. But by the 3rd century AD there was only a small settlement on the island and in the following centuries it was looted, which is how it remains today.
Ios: Probably my second favorite island (although not much different than Mykonos--- not sure why I had such a different experience) I had the most fun here simply because of where we stayed. Our hotel (Francesco's, recommened to ANYONE who visits this island) was on a hill overlooking the sea and surrounding villages. The same view could be had from the pool, bar, and patio. Each night everyone got together for drinks and then ventured into the city for what has to be one of the coolest bar scenes I've ever witnessed. On one street alone there had to be over 100 consecutive bars, one after the other, all full and all fun! One night when we went home at 2:30 people looked at us like we were crazy, most places were just opening then! The beaches on Ios were also incredible and the party feel spread across all parts of the island. People go there to have a good time and it's hard not to! The only disappointing thing about the island was the 3 hour 4-wheeler ride (on our POS) out to Plato's grave, which ended up being nothing more than a pile of rocks. All in all, I felt I had the most well-rounded experience on Ios because it captured all you think about when you think of the Islands: sun, beach, party, beauty.
And Athens, there's far to much to explain about Athens. The history is so rich there you could spend days in their museums looking at rocks and pottery and still not see everything. Just walking around town and riding the metros feels like you are walking back in time. The city is incredible and vibrant and full of energy and life. The locals are so proud of their culture and their history and willing to share it with anyone that will listen. I loved every minute I had in Athens and don't even feel like I scratched the surface of what there is to see and do. Much more detail about Athens and what I saw will be described in the following photos.
So, as you can see, in typical Lindsay style, I crammed as much as possible into my 3.5 weeks and loved every minute of it. I look forward to going back with someone special in the future to have a completely difference experience!
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| Greek Isles 2010 |
Until then, yassas!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Madrid Madness
I often don't spend much time reflecting because I'm always planning for the future, whether it be what new job I want to have or what big trip I want to go on. But with the school year over and summer about to begin, I've spent a lot of time thinking about how I got here. I don't want to call it fate but I can't imagine being anywhere else at this point in my life. I've never felt more fulfilled and excited about life and all that lies ahead. My job this year, while demanding and stressful, has allowed me to grow as a teacher and mentor for my students like I never imagined. I'm lucky to go to work everyday and have students from around the world that are eager to see me, eager to learn, and willing to lend a hand. For that I'm truly grateful. I've never felt more ready and more excited to come back to start a new year. I'll be assuming a few new roles in my job next year (while still remaining a middle school math teacher); one being the new activities advisor and the other being one of four coordinators of the middle school. It should be a lot of hard work but I'm ready to step out of my comfort zone and see if there are other areas of teaching I may want to explore.
Along with my job comes the many coworkers that have grown to be great friends. Last night at a going away party for three very dear friends I looked around the room and wondered how in such a short amount of time our group of friends has become so close. They are my second family and our common bond has made us all the more fortunate to have one another in times of joy and sorrow because with our job it's often thousands of dollars and many thousands of miles to be in the comfort of "home." I'm grateful to have these wonderful people in my life and know that many of them will be lifelong friends.
The best part of living in Europe (as is pretty apparent in my many posts and is the true reason why I accepted the job here) has been the opportunity to travel. I've always loved to travel but never thought I'd be able to have work and travel coexist as easily as they do. Work hard, play hard is the motto around here... and that we do! Often times people will be talking on the morning bus about what they are doing the following weekend and if nothing is planned, within 3 days we are in another country. When else will I ever have the opportunity to do this? When looking back at old pictures I'm truly amazed at the experiences I've had in just the 9 short months that I've been here; I can't imagine what the next year brings.
Here are a few photos of what life has been like the past few months when we haven't been on vacation and instead have been here enjoying the wonderful city we live in! At some point I'll post Madrid photos from the whole year... but that will take a while!
I look forward to a relaxing month of July on the beaches of Greece, followed by a quick trip to the Spanish island of Mallorca to visit friends, and then a month home in August, where I finally get to go to the one place I've been dying to see for many years-- Alaska! I can't wait to be back to shop at Target, eat peanut butter, sit on my deck at home and gaze out at the water, and catch up with friends. It will be a fabulous summer!
I hope you all have a restful and enjoyable summer wherever you may be in the world and I look forward to catching up with many of you in the coming months.
All the best, Linds
Along with my job comes the many coworkers that have grown to be great friends. Last night at a going away party for three very dear friends I looked around the room and wondered how in such a short amount of time our group of friends has become so close. They are my second family and our common bond has made us all the more fortunate to have one another in times of joy and sorrow because with our job it's often thousands of dollars and many thousands of miles to be in the comfort of "home." I'm grateful to have these wonderful people in my life and know that many of them will be lifelong friends.
The best part of living in Europe (as is pretty apparent in my many posts and is the true reason why I accepted the job here) has been the opportunity to travel. I've always loved to travel but never thought I'd be able to have work and travel coexist as easily as they do. Work hard, play hard is the motto around here... and that we do! Often times people will be talking on the morning bus about what they are doing the following weekend and if nothing is planned, within 3 days we are in another country. When else will I ever have the opportunity to do this? When looking back at old pictures I'm truly amazed at the experiences I've had in just the 9 short months that I've been here; I can't imagine what the next year brings.
Here are a few photos of what life has been like the past few months when we haven't been on vacation and instead have been here enjoying the wonderful city we live in! At some point I'll post Madrid photos from the whole year... but that will take a while!
(click on the photo below to view the album)
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| Madrid Madness |
I hope you all have a restful and enjoyable summer wherever you may be in the world and I look forward to catching up with many of you in the coming months.
All the best, Linds
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Munich
I can't believe how long it has taken me to make it to this city! My good friend (and former Puerto Rican roommate) Agnes has been teaching in Munich for the same amount of time that I've been in Madrid. I was going to visit for Oktoberfest but the tickets shot up in price as the date neared (good thing I've already bought them for this year!) and I never made it. But, with a weekend free and the weather across central Europe finally starting to warm, my friends and I decided to bombard Agnes for 48 hours. What a weekend it was!
From our airport drinking games and late night clubbing to the bike tour around the city; from the biergarten and soccer game to the Hofbrauhaus and Dachau and everything in between, we squeezed in as much as we could. Agnes was a wonderful hostess and tour guide and I look forward to returning in a few months.
From our airport drinking games and late night clubbing to the bike tour around the city; from the biergarten and soccer game to the Hofbrauhaus and Dachau and everything in between, we squeezed in as much as we could. Agnes was a wonderful hostess and tour guide and I look forward to returning in a few months.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Belgium
I can't seem to pinpoint why but if there was one place in Europe that I was most excited to go it was Belgium. I finally got the chance over a long weekend in May. The most accurate description of the trip would be "a beer lovers paradise!" There are more beers on a list at a bar than most restaurants have food items. Over 500 at one place, even 50 on tap! It was truly amazing.
Brussels is known for its waffle, its fries, its chocolate and the Manneken Pis (a small statue of a little boy peeing that is seen as a symbol of Dutch and French cohabitation). It's a city where locals speak French, Dutch, Finnish, German and a bit of English (makes you feel really smart now doesn't it?) Linguistic tensions still remain, as native French and Dutch speakers dispute over which language should be the official one. Brussels is also known as the capital city of the European Union, so many people are in Brussels from Monday through Thursday, leaving on the weekends for home or other cities in the area. Therefore, many say the city lacks excitement and nighlife. I disagree completely, especially after you've tasted one of their many beers.
Brugge, on the other hand, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often referred to as the "Venice of the North" due to its extensive canal system. Tourists flock here for its medieval architecture and small town feel. The buildings are well-preserved, the people friendly, the local beer delicious (of course), what's not to love? Oh, wait. The torrental downpour we were stuck in? That might be one reason!
All in all, after two walking tours (aka bar crawls) I have to say Belgium doesn't rank too highly on my list of must-return-to countries but it would be at the top if I ever craved a beer!
Brussels is known for its waffle, its fries, its chocolate and the Manneken Pis (a small statue of a little boy peeing that is seen as a symbol of Dutch and French cohabitation). It's a city where locals speak French, Dutch, Finnish, German and a bit of English (makes you feel really smart now doesn't it?) Linguistic tensions still remain, as native French and Dutch speakers dispute over which language should be the official one. Brussels is also known as the capital city of the European Union, so many people are in Brussels from Monday through Thursday, leaving on the weekends for home or other cities in the area. Therefore, many say the city lacks excitement and nighlife. I disagree completely, especially after you've tasted one of their many beers.
Brugge, on the other hand, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often referred to as the "Venice of the North" due to its extensive canal system. Tourists flock here for its medieval architecture and small town feel. The buildings are well-preserved, the people friendly, the local beer delicious (of course), what's not to love? Oh, wait. The torrental downpour we were stuck in? That might be one reason!
All in all, after two walking tours (aka bar crawls) I have to say Belgium doesn't rank too highly on my list of must-return-to countries but it would be at the top if I ever craved a beer!
(click on the photo below to view the album)
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| Belgium Blog |
Tot ziens, Linds
Monday, April 5, 2010
Ireland
Ireland had always been a place I wanted to go but just never thought I'd make it there. But, when my newly-single best friend from grade school, Calli, decided she wanted to come over for her first European adventure, I told her to pick any place in Europe (expect Spain) and I'd meet her there. She chose Ireland. It couldn't have been a better choice.
We based ourselves in Dublin and spent a few days exploring and drinking our way around the city. We went to all the classic sights: Trinity College, Book of Kells, St. Patrick's Cathedral, St. Stephen's Green, Guinness Storehouse and Brewery and Jameson Distillery. We spent many nights in the Temple Bar district, watching live music, meeting people from around the world, and drinking amazing beer! We rented a car and drove down to the Rock of Cashel and Kilkenny. The following day we drove over to the western side of the country and visited Galway and the Cliffs of Moher. The countryside was so gorgeous and green, something you would miss if taking a train or bus. We got lost a few times but our trusty GPS, along with the helpful locals, always guided us back on track. For someone with my pickiness in regards to eating, this was my mecca. Meat and potatoes? Yes, please. And with a good beer? I'm in heaven.
One of the best parts of the trip was the most unexpected. Two great friends of mine that I taught with in Puerto Rico are now living in San Salvador, El Salvador. They randomly told me a few days before I was to leave that they would be taking a group of students on a trip to Dublin for a week and it just so happened to be the same week I would be there!! It was so fun to catch up with them, swap stories and be back together again, albeit on another continent. I miss them dearly and I hope to visit them in Central America soon!
Coincedentally, I also heard that Cheryl and Scott (another couple I know from Puerto Rico) would be in Dublin for a day while I was there. We had a nice time catching up, having a few drinks, and buying some jewelry :)
After all my friends had left I had a couple days left until I had to go back to Madrid so I decided to go up to Northern Ireland, more specifically Belfast. It was quite the experience to be in a place where in my lifetime The Troubles (a civil conflict that raged from 1969 to the late 1990's) had claimed thousands of lives, even as recently as 2001. Many innocent people, mostly Roman Catholics, died on the streets of Belfast. Bombing, assassination and street violence became a way of life for many people and my eyes were opened when speaking about that time with the owner of my hotel. He said he has vivid memories of being a child in the 70's and being barracaded out of the city. Tanks and armed men would patrol his neighborhood and he feared for his life on more than one occasion. Now, the city is like any other, with restaurants, bars, parks and schools. While it wasn't the most exciting city, it was interesting to walk the same streets that were the sites of so much bloodshed a few years back.
It was the perfect time to be in Ireland and a wonderful and relaxing way to spend Spring break.
Slán go fóill, Linds
We based ourselves in Dublin and spent a few days exploring and drinking our way around the city. We went to all the classic sights: Trinity College, Book of Kells, St. Patrick's Cathedral, St. Stephen's Green, Guinness Storehouse and Brewery and Jameson Distillery. We spent many nights in the Temple Bar district, watching live music, meeting people from around the world, and drinking amazing beer! We rented a car and drove down to the Rock of Cashel and Kilkenny. The following day we drove over to the western side of the country and visited Galway and the Cliffs of Moher. The countryside was so gorgeous and green, something you would miss if taking a train or bus. We got lost a few times but our trusty GPS, along with the helpful locals, always guided us back on track. For someone with my pickiness in regards to eating, this was my mecca. Meat and potatoes? Yes, please. And with a good beer? I'm in heaven.
One of the best parts of the trip was the most unexpected. Two great friends of mine that I taught with in Puerto Rico are now living in San Salvador, El Salvador. They randomly told me a few days before I was to leave that they would be taking a group of students on a trip to Dublin for a week and it just so happened to be the same week I would be there!! It was so fun to catch up with them, swap stories and be back together again, albeit on another continent. I miss them dearly and I hope to visit them in Central America soon!
Coincedentally, I also heard that Cheryl and Scott (another couple I know from Puerto Rico) would be in Dublin for a day while I was there. We had a nice time catching up, having a few drinks, and buying some jewelry :)
After all my friends had left I had a couple days left until I had to go back to Madrid so I decided to go up to Northern Ireland, more specifically Belfast. It was quite the experience to be in a place where in my lifetime The Troubles (a civil conflict that raged from 1969 to the late 1990's) had claimed thousands of lives, even as recently as 2001. Many innocent people, mostly Roman Catholics, died on the streets of Belfast. Bombing, assassination and street violence became a way of life for many people and my eyes were opened when speaking about that time with the owner of my hotel. He said he has vivid memories of being a child in the 70's and being barracaded out of the city. Tanks and armed men would patrol his neighborhood and he feared for his life on more than one occasion. Now, the city is like any other, with restaurants, bars, parks and schools. While it wasn't the most exciting city, it was interesting to walk the same streets that were the sites of so much bloodshed a few years back.
It was the perfect time to be in Ireland and a wonderful and relaxing way to spend Spring break.
Slán go fóill, Linds
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Lugano, Switzerland
Getting an international teaching job is a crazy process, especially at a job fair. You are thrown into a conference room with 100+ schools and 500+ teachers wanting the same job as yourself. So, for three days at a job fair in Boston last February I stood in long lines and waited for the opportunity to sell myself in two minutes to the director, who then decided if I was qualified enough to get an interview. Well, as luck would have it, while standing in the line for The American School of Madrid, I started talking to Carol, who was in front of me in line. Most people don't talk to each other because we are all competing for the same jobs but this was a long line and we both knew we'd be there for quite some time. We did the usual "where are you from," "what do you teach" introduction. But as we started to talk a bit more we realized that we had a very strange connection: Carol's teaching partner at St. George's School in Spokane, WA is my mom's best friend of 30 years! Crazy how worlds collide sometimes. Once I found that out, I knew I'd see Carol again. A day later I accepted a job in Madrid and Carol accepted a job in Lugano, Switzerland at TASIS.
Carol met up with Dana and I in January to ski for a day in Zermatt and we stayed with her in Lugano for the evening. But Lugano is such a gorgeous Swiss city I knew I needed to go back, so over a long weekend in March, three friends and I visited Carol and explored her amazing little town.
Lugano is the biggest city in Ticino, the Italian-speaking part of Switerland and is 5 miles from the Italian border. It lies on Lake Lugano and is surrounded by mountains, one of which, Monte San Salvatore, we climbed. The view from the summit is stunning with lakes and mountains as far as the eye can see. We visited Carol at school, became regulars at the local watering hole, and had many laughs. Thanks for your wonderful hospitality!
Can't wait for Carol to come to Madrid in May for San Isidro and a bullfight!
Ciao, Linds
Carol met up with Dana and I in January to ski for a day in Zermatt and we stayed with her in Lugano for the evening. But Lugano is such a gorgeous Swiss city I knew I needed to go back, so over a long weekend in March, three friends and I visited Carol and explored her amazing little town.
Lugano is the biggest city in Ticino, the Italian-speaking part of Switerland and is 5 miles from the Italian border. It lies on Lake Lugano and is surrounded by mountains, one of which, Monte San Salvatore, we climbed. The view from the summit is stunning with lakes and mountains as far as the eye can see. We visited Carol at school, became regulars at the local watering hole, and had many laughs. Thanks for your wonderful hospitality!
Can't wait for Carol to come to Madrid in May for San Isidro and a bullfight!
Ciao, Linds
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Rome
Ahhhh... the land of pizza, gelato, coffee and fine sights. A food lovers dream and one of my favorite places in the world. Rome is a city you could spend weeks in and still not scratch the surface. So with 3 days and a full itinerary, I set off to see it all! Here are the highlights:
--The Colosseum: Built in 80 AD, it is the largest amphitheatre ever built in the Roman Empire. It was used for gladatorial contests and public spectacles and could hold over 50,000 people. The overall condition is fading but the magnificence of it will never tire. I went three times just because it's that amazing!
--The Vatican (and St. Peter's Basilica): The Vatican City is a landlocked sovereign city-state whose territory consists of a walled area within the city of Rome. With only about 108 acres, it is thought to be the smallest independent state in the world (and amazingly enough has its own currency!) Home of the pope and one of the holiest sites of Christianity and the Catholic faith, St. Peter's Basilica is the largest church building in the Christian world. Started in 1506 and completed in 1626, St. Peter's Basilica holds the tombs of over 90 popes. St. Peter's square is a magnificent plaza where people from all over the world come to rest, reflect and worship.
--The Trevi Fountain: Completed in 1762, the Fontana di Trevi is busy at all times of the day or night. Local legend holds that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome. I threw a coin in during my trip in '98 so I had to do the same this time!
--The Spanish Steps: The steps were built in 1723 and are the meeting place for tourists, Roman teens, Italians and tour groups year-round. At the foot of the steps is the beloved Barcaccia ("Ugly Boat") fountain. Leading out from the bottom of the steps is the fashionable Via dei Condotti, Rome's trendiest street for fashion, with names such as Gucci, Valentino, Benetton, and Bulgari. Fun fact: Scalinata di Tinita dei Monti, or Stairs of Trinity of the Mountains, are the local name given because of where they lead, to the church of the same name. But the name "Spanish Steps" comes from where the steps rise, Piazza di Spagna, or Spanish square, named because the Spanish Ambassador to the Vatican lives on the square.
--The Pantheon: The only ancient Roman temple to survive the millennia intact, it is an engineering marvel you have to see to believe. After walking through the 20-ton bronze doors, you have to wonder how the massive dome holds up under its own weight- the tension around the ring of the oculus, along with the ribbed vaulting and the fact that the thickness of the concrete gets lighter towards the apex all aid in supporting the dome. It is now a church dedicated to Saint Mary of the Martyrs.
-- Plaza Navona: I spent much of my trip in this oblong plaza watching the world go by, sipping a coffee or eating some gelato. The plaza is full of life at all hours of the day, whether with tourists buying art in its center or Italian couples walking hand-in-hand beside one of the many fountains or sculptures.
-- The Mouth of Truth: An ancient Roman sewer-cover carved into a face with a gaping mouth, legend holds it will bite off the fingers of anyone who dares stick in his hand and tell a lie. Strange...
Addio, Linds
--The Colosseum: Built in 80 AD, it is the largest amphitheatre ever built in the Roman Empire. It was used for gladatorial contests and public spectacles and could hold over 50,000 people. The overall condition is fading but the magnificence of it will never tire. I went three times just because it's that amazing!
--The Vatican (and St. Peter's Basilica): The Vatican City is a landlocked sovereign city-state whose territory consists of a walled area within the city of Rome. With only about 108 acres, it is thought to be the smallest independent state in the world (and amazingly enough has its own currency!) Home of the pope and one of the holiest sites of Christianity and the Catholic faith, St. Peter's Basilica is the largest church building in the Christian world. Started in 1506 and completed in 1626, St. Peter's Basilica holds the tombs of over 90 popes. St. Peter's square is a magnificent plaza where people from all over the world come to rest, reflect and worship.
--The Trevi Fountain: Completed in 1762, the Fontana di Trevi is busy at all times of the day or night. Local legend holds that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome. I threw a coin in during my trip in '98 so I had to do the same this time!
--The Spanish Steps: The steps were built in 1723 and are the meeting place for tourists, Roman teens, Italians and tour groups year-round. At the foot of the steps is the beloved Barcaccia ("Ugly Boat") fountain. Leading out from the bottom of the steps is the fashionable Via dei Condotti, Rome's trendiest street for fashion, with names such as Gucci, Valentino, Benetton, and Bulgari. Fun fact: Scalinata di Tinita dei Monti, or Stairs of Trinity of the Mountains, are the local name given because of where they lead, to the church of the same name. But the name "Spanish Steps" comes from where the steps rise, Piazza di Spagna, or Spanish square, named because the Spanish Ambassador to the Vatican lives on the square.
--The Pantheon: The only ancient Roman temple to survive the millennia intact, it is an engineering marvel you have to see to believe. After walking through the 20-ton bronze doors, you have to wonder how the massive dome holds up under its own weight- the tension around the ring of the oculus, along with the ribbed vaulting and the fact that the thickness of the concrete gets lighter towards the apex all aid in supporting the dome. It is now a church dedicated to Saint Mary of the Martyrs.
-- Plaza Navona: I spent much of my trip in this oblong plaza watching the world go by, sipping a coffee or eating some gelato. The plaza is full of life at all hours of the day, whether with tourists buying art in its center or Italian couples walking hand-in-hand beside one of the many fountains or sculptures.
-- The Mouth of Truth: An ancient Roman sewer-cover carved into a face with a gaping mouth, legend holds it will bite off the fingers of anyone who dares stick in his hand and tell a lie. Strange...
(click on the photo below to view the album)
It was a fabulous trip and I hope the legend holds this time around, too; I can't wait to go back!
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| Rome Blog |
It was a fabulous trip and I hope the legend holds this time around, too; I can't wait to go back!
Addio, Linds
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Collin and Erin's Wedding
"Finally... my brother found someone that is smarter than he is."
I'm so grateful and thankful that my brother, Collin, and his wife Erin have tied the knot. As many say but is very rarely true, they are truly meant for each other. Family and friends were treated to an unforgetable week in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico full of activities, meals, laughs, drinks and fun. It was a wedding that no one will soon forget (and one that many will never be able to top, including myself!).
We all stayed in a villa just south of PV overlooking the ocean. It was gorgeous and enormous, big enough for us all to stay yet intimate enough that we all got to know one another quite well! We spent much of our time at the villa relaxing, reading, swimming, playing drinking games, eating meals, chatting and enjoying being away from the bitter cold back home. The bridal shower was held at the villa, as was the rehearsal dinner. One day was spent at a beach where we had a volleyball tournament while simultaneously another group went whale watching. The wedding was held at a beach south of the villa that is only accessed by water taxi. It was a beautiful beach wedding (the weather held out and didn't rain!), the bride and groom looked stunning and the reception that followed was full of surprises. All in all, it was the perfect way for what I believe to be a perfect couple to start their lives together. I'm sure I can speak for many other people when I say I did not want the week to end!
Since it would take far too long to write a caption for each photo... I'm not going to. The pictures are in chronological order and include our many dinners, days spent at the pool or beach, nights out on the town, bridal shower, rehearsal, wedding and reception. You may also note that it seems there was a surgery going on at one point-- my aunt slipped and fell on the day it rained. Instead of going to the emergency room and wasting the whole day, my brother and his friend sewed her up (if there was any wedding to get hurt at... this was the one, with 10 doctors in attendance)! I hope you enjoy.
I've also included a link to the professional photos taken at the rehearsal, wedding, reception, and "trash the dress" session the following day. They are spectacular!
I'm so grateful and thankful that my brother, Collin, and his wife Erin have tied the knot. As many say but is very rarely true, they are truly meant for each other. Family and friends were treated to an unforgetable week in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico full of activities, meals, laughs, drinks and fun. It was a wedding that no one will soon forget (and one that many will never be able to top, including myself!).
We all stayed in a villa just south of PV overlooking the ocean. It was gorgeous and enormous, big enough for us all to stay yet intimate enough that we all got to know one another quite well! We spent much of our time at the villa relaxing, reading, swimming, playing drinking games, eating meals, chatting and enjoying being away from the bitter cold back home. The bridal shower was held at the villa, as was the rehearsal dinner. One day was spent at a beach where we had a volleyball tournament while simultaneously another group went whale watching. The wedding was held at a beach south of the villa that is only accessed by water taxi. It was a beautiful beach wedding (the weather held out and didn't rain!), the bride and groom looked stunning and the reception that followed was full of surprises. All in all, it was the perfect way for what I believe to be a perfect couple to start their lives together. I'm sure I can speak for many other people when I say I did not want the week to end!
Since it would take far too long to write a caption for each photo... I'm not going to. The pictures are in chronological order and include our many dinners, days spent at the pool or beach, nights out on the town, bridal shower, rehearsal, wedding and reception. You may also note that it seems there was a surgery going on at one point-- my aunt slipped and fell on the day it rained. Instead of going to the emergency room and wasting the whole day, my brother and his friend sewed her up (if there was any wedding to get hurt at... this was the one, with 10 doctors in attendance)! I hope you enjoy.
I've also included a link to the professional photos taken at the rehearsal, wedding, reception, and "trash the dress" session the following day. They are spectacular!
Felicidades Erin and Collin, I love you both!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Zermatt, Switzerland
After spending two weeks with my parents I still had one week of Christmas vacation left (oh, darn... what a rough life!) One of my dreams has always been to ski in the Swiss Alps and it became a reality when I spent a week in Zermatt, a small resort town on the Italian border of the canton of Valais in the west of Switzerland. Zermatt is home to the Matterhorn, the most photographed mountain in the world. Almost one-third of the 4,000-meter mountains in the Alps are grouped around Zermatt, which has attracted mountaineers and thrill-seeking individuals for decades. Zermatt epitomises every image you'd have of Switzerland- high-alpine, awe-inspiring, clean and environmentally friendly (there are no cars in the town, amazing!)
My friend Dana and I flew into Milan, Italy, took a train into Switzerland and tranfered onto the famous Glacier Express. The train ride was incredible as we wound around canyons and past lakes and small villages. So beautiful! We stayed at a remarkably nice hostel the first night, from which we woke up with the Matterhorn basically crawling through our window. The following 4 nights we stayed at probably the nicest hotel in town (we somehow had the stars alligned when we booked and found an amazing deal!) We were served 5-course meals, had plush robes and slippers waiting for us each night, heated boot racks for our ski gear, a sauna and pool to relax by after a long day of skiing, and a facial to top it all off; it was heaven! The highlight of the trip was beginning our day skiing in Switzerland and ending the day skiing in Italy; the only run that crosses an international border. Amazing!
I think my perception of top-notch skiing is a bit jaded since I've skiied on some of the best mountains in the world. Although I wouldn't say the skiing was as good as Vail or Beaver Creek (because the runs weren't as long or wide), the infrastructure was second-to-none and the snow on day three was the most incredible powder I have ever experienced. You'll see in the pictures how amazing the scenery is. It's really too hard to explain the overall beauty of the town and the country. We are already planning a return trip next winter to do it again!
My friend Dana and I flew into Milan, Italy, took a train into Switzerland and tranfered onto the famous Glacier Express. The train ride was incredible as we wound around canyons and past lakes and small villages. So beautiful! We stayed at a remarkably nice hostel the first night, from which we woke up with the Matterhorn basically crawling through our window. The following 4 nights we stayed at probably the nicest hotel in town (we somehow had the stars alligned when we booked and found an amazing deal!) We were served 5-course meals, had plush robes and slippers waiting for us each night, heated boot racks for our ski gear, a sauna and pool to relax by after a long day of skiing, and a facial to top it all off; it was heaven! The highlight of the trip was beginning our day skiing in Switzerland and ending the day skiing in Italy; the only run that crosses an international border. Amazing!
I think my perception of top-notch skiing is a bit jaded since I've skiied on some of the best mountains in the world. Although I wouldn't say the skiing was as good as Vail or Beaver Creek (because the runs weren't as long or wide), the infrastructure was second-to-none and the snow on day three was the most incredible powder I have ever experienced. You'll see in the pictures how amazing the scenery is. It's really too hard to explain the overall beauty of the town and the country. We are already planning a return trip next winter to do it again!
Uf widerlüge, Linds
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