Final Thoughts

Hemingway through his character Robert Jordan muses on how complex the Spaniard is. One day he is ready to run like a coward and the next to fight to his death. The country itself is the same way. One day the country is divided along those that have money and those that don't, different dialects of the same language, and geographical regions and the next they are one country (Unified by winning the Eurocup. Weird, huh?) And the next, back to their old squabbles. I don't think that I could fully describe the country in one post and do it justice but I'll try to do my best.
Overall, I enjoyed my trip. After a few days of adjustment I really began to enjoy myself. The Spaniards are some of the friendliest people you will ever as are the Dutch and Italians. I felt like I had a little more not just about Europe but myself as well. What I learned about myself, well, you'll either have to beat it out of me or get me drunk enough to spout it out (along with my dinner.) People say you should always travel with someone because it's more enjoyable and that you'll have someone to share memories. I'll concede that, yes, you would have a fun time with other people but if you're like me, an introspective bookworm, traveling alone tends to clear things up for you about who you are (helps if you know the language.) especially when traveling in a somewhat unfamiliar country.
Anyway, as much as I hate quick and hastened endings, I'm afraid that all of you will have to be subjected to one. Like always, there were something things that I wished I had done and been more assertive but I guess there's no point in dwelling on the past unless it's to make sure that you turned off the faucet before you left the house for your trip.

Until the next trip,
Ingles

Would You Like Some Cheese with that Wine?

Rome
Day 1
My cousin Lucho and I arrived at the Da Vinci airport. The airplane ride was pretty much empty and the ride was surprisingly uneventful. We arrived at the airport around eight. Apparently, we had to take a train from the airport to the Termini station in Rome. We arrived at the hostel and it was pretty much pleasant. We stayed in a different building from teh reception. The receptionist was actually an Italian whose family emigrated from Italy to Brooklyn and came back to Italy. Afterwards, we went for dinner in a nice section called Trastevere. There we had Italian style pizza for dinner which was pretty good. Mine had buffalo cheese and Lucho had his with eggs, ham and olives. Regrettably, we did not have wine that night.

Day 2
We woke up earlyish for breakfast which was... satisfactory. We started the day off by going to see the Pyramid of Cestius which was cool. Outside of the metro stop there was a small monument to the those executed by the fascists in Italy (see pictures on facebook later this week.). The next stop was the Circo Massimo which was a pretty big disappointment for me. Apparently, years and years of weather and fascists have taken its toll on the once glorious Roman track into, well, an earthen track for joggers and tourists who like to jog. Afterwards we headed to the Foro Romano but took a detour inside the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II and the regimental museum inside (Interesting. The Italians still can't fight a war even with NATO training if you ask me.) to get away from the heat and sun. After a little searching we finally found the entrance to the Foro. The reason we went there before the Colosseum was because buying a ticket at the foro allows you to get in the Colosseum. We took a quick break for lunch at an expensive tourist place that was close by but had good food to eat. I had a calzone. It was very delicious. The foro and Colosseum were amazing especially the various exhibits that they had. I got to see the grave of Caesar Augustus's wife. Then we took a break in our air conditioned room and showered. We went out for dinner at the Plaza Noro after passing by the Spanish Steps, Panthenon, Fountain Traino and had ice cream after dinner which was spaghetti with salmon sauce. We then went to see the outside of the St Peter's Basilica at night and the Vatican Walls protecting the city. We also got to see a Swiss guard in their night uniform.

Day 3
After checking out of the hostel, we went to see a basilica that was near the hostel in the Plaza Republicano. Afterwards, we went past Peter's Basilica and managed to catch a glimpse of Swiss guard in their purple and orange uniform. I suppressed the urge to giggle because the guard could probably kill me seven different ways using only his pinky nail. We headed to the castle that was near the Vatican City mainly because it was cold. Nice, sweet coldness in a city that was hot enough to cook eggs on the sidewalk. Anyway, we headed back the Plaza Noro for lunch to eat at one of those small shops that we passed by. We ended having white wine with a delicious spaghetti and a nice meat sandwich thing with a rolled up mint leaf in the middle. Then we headed back and essentially napped in the airport until we our flight arrived. The flight arrived about a couple of hours late but we still managed to get back alive. Pissed but alive.

Barcelona

Day 1
Went to the beach and did nothing.

Day 2
We went to see the various Gaudi works in the city. The Sangrada Familiar and Pedreda. We didn't go inside either of them because there were too many people and it was too damn hot to wait in line. I also bought liquor and olive oil that I wanted to bring back to the states. Later that day, we saw Hancock. I didn't think it was too bad. The movie didn't bowl me over but it was decent and bearable. It could've done more and do some things better but it was still better than most crap you see. At night we saw Sideways while drinking cheap Cava and eating pizza. It seemed very appropriate for the occasion. Cava is Spanish carbonated wine.

Day 3
I packed.


The trip back wasn't too bad. Just had the soil I brought back for Chris confiscated by Customs. Although, they did let my rum pass through for some reason.