Enlightening Pompeii

From Rome, I ventured off to see the infamous city covered in rock and solidified ash and lava... Pompeii. One can walk through the streets of the old city and marvel at the immensity of it all. Pots, statues and pillars line the streets and the semi-remaining dilapidated buildings tell a horrific and interesting story. The ampi-theather and stadium give you a sense of a bygone era and the solidified bodies in foetal or sleeping positions tell of how suddenly the fiery Vesuvius erupted. The old city is incredible and definitely worth the visit. I spent a good few hours moseying around it, marvelling at both the beauty and sadness of it all... getting “lost” in the maze of streets and houses.

The “new” city boasts wonderful restaurants and friendly people... perhaps over friendly at times. If you look foreign, and in particular a girl, you may begin to feel slightly pestered and slightly overwhelmed with the attention you may receive from the opposite sex. The new city is lively and yet still seems old school, with plenty of shops and restaurants, lining busy streets, just next to the old city.

I spent only a day and night there before heading off to the wonderful Capri, so unfortunately I was only able to visit the old and new city, but had I had more time I would have loved to have climbed to the top of Mount Vesuvius, as one of the friends I made in Pompeii did. I met two lovely girls in Pompeii and we spent the evening learning about each other over the most divine food and slow strolls through the lovely Pompeii.

Pompeii definitely makes it onto my list of favourite places and I highly recommend it, whether you are a history lover, avid photographer or simply an adventurous soul.

 

When in Rome...

After leaving Paris, I headed for wonderful Italia. I took a train to Stuttgart, Germany to drop off some of my stuff at the dorm I would be staying in during my study programme. I then hopped on a train to Munich from where I took an overnight train to Rome.

Rome was amazing, and Italy in general was my favourite country (although Ireland is an extremely close second).  The food, the weather, the people, the sites... all just incredible. If I thought Paris felt like I was walking through a museum, then Rome must be the greatest museum of all time. Whether you are visiting the Colosseum or the Vatican City, or for that matter the Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Capitoline Hill or the infamous Trevi Fountain, the history is both beautiful and interesting. I opted for a hop-on-hop-off bus to get around Rome, but later in my stay decided to walk, and just “get lost” in the city. This was actually, when I saw the most and experienced the real Rome, and thus I recommend doing this at least once when visiting Rome. You will discover places that you may not have, had you just stuck to tour groups or hop-on-hop-offs, not to mention the amazing family-run restaurants down random side streets, serving the most delicious food I have ever tried. More than that, it is also cheaper than that found just outside the main sites.

I spent two days in beautiful Roma. On my first day there, I visited the Colosseum, which was breathtaking, and a real education. I felt as though I had been taken back in time and half-expected gladiators to begin a fight at any time. I also ventured to the Roman Forum and Palatino Hill, passing the Arco di Constantine on route. I enjoyed the most delicious Gelato on the edge of the Trevi Fountain and threw my three coins in... this hopefully means my speedy return to the beautiful city. While on the Hop-on-Hop-off, I also saw the incredible Capitoline Hill.

On day two, I headed off to see the Vatican City. This is one of the smallest cities in the world and is where the Pope (leader of the Catholic Church) stays. Unfortunately, I was not willing to wait the 4 to 5 hours to get inside, so I settled for the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel instead. They were breathtakingly beautiful, and the Sistine Chapel was all that I pictured it to be, with Michelangelo’s incredible artwork donning the ceiling. Strangely enough, I actually preferred the paintings and statues in the rest of the museum to the main attraction (the Sistine Chapel). I also visited the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps, before getting lost in the city (deliberately) to see sites that were not necessarily on the usual tourist map. I met the most amazing people in Rome and loved sharing meals with them and venturing off to see the Colosseum at night. They truly made my stay wonderful and I was reminded of how beneficial staying in Youth Hostels can be.

Some tips to keep in mind when visiting Rome (Italy in general):

• Take a hat, or buy one as soon as you get there.
• Carry water or juice with you, as drinks can be quite pricey outside places such as the Colosseum. Rather buy from a supermarket and then freeze one bottle so that it will be cold later in the day.
• Also, carry a re-usable bottle so that you can fill up at the ample water fountains around Rome.
• Eat at restaurants a little further from the main attractions. They will be cheaper and give you a better idea of the real Rome.
• When eating out, it is important to be aware that if bread is placed on your table you will be expected to pay for it. So if you do not want that, ask them to remove it when you sit down. Also, be aware that you will pay for water. When asking for tap water you will probably be met with a “we don’t have”, so you may as well order a cold drink.
• Be prepared for the heat. It is crazy hot in Italy in summer, and somehow there seems to be no shade... so remember sun block.
• When visiting the Vatican City/Museum you need to cover up as a sign of respect. This means no shorts, strappy or revealing shirts and no short dresses. Ladies, I recommend taking a scarf/shawl, made from light material, that you can just put over your shoulders.
• Ladies, be aware of getting lifts from random people (although you should always be aware of this) as doing so has certain connotations associated with it. Also, be prepared for whistles, hooting and many Italian men trying to flirt with you... particularly if you look foreign, as I do.

I loved Rome and all the people that I met there. The food was the best I have ever eaten and the Gelato phenomenal.

Peace, love and happiness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Paris with Love...

After a little wait at the station in Cherbourg, I climbed on a train and did the four hour train trip to Paris.Upon my arrival, I immediately felt overwhelmed and utterly unprepared. The station was massive and there were at least five different types of trains to take. I felt like I was at Heathrow, but that everything was in a different language. Had it not been for a lovely French couple that I had met on the train from Cherbourg, I am not sure how I would have found my way to my hotel. They were kind enough to help me buy my ticket and took me to the right underground (RER). They explained how the underground worked, gave me one of their maps and even waited with me until I boarded the right one. I do not remember their names nor did I take down their contact details (which I truly wish I had done) but it once again proved to me just how incredible people can be.

When I told people that I would be going to Paris (on my own), the common response was; “Geez, you are brave going to Paris on your own”.I quickly released that there is a fine line between bravery and stupidity. I think I may have leaned more toward the latter. In all honesty, I struggled in Paris. I found the language a huge barrier (especially since I did not know a word of French, other than your obvious hellos and goodbyes) and the Parisians not super accommodating. I have to, however admit that this may not be every body’s experience of Paris, unfortunately, however it was mine. I quickly learnt that talking in Afrikaans, or mentioning I was South African from the start got me a better response than speaking in English. My first night in Paris was by far the worst of my trip. After almost two days with no sleep, overwhelming experiences and 2 hours trying to find someone who would/could sell me a sim card for my cellphone, I pretty much broke down. After Skype sessions with my family and a close friend, I followed their advice, calmed down, had a long bath and got an early night. I woke up prepared to take on Paris and enjoy it as much as possible. I proved to myself once again just how much a positive attitude could help in improving your experience of something.

It got better by the hour, and slowly I really started to enjoy it. The Eiffel Tower was incredible (although in my opinion slightly overrated), Notre Dame was beautiful, both inside and outside and the Arc De Triomphe at the end of the Champs-Elysees breathtaking. I have honestly never walked down a longer street, lined with Versace, Dolce and Gabbana and the most interesting and talented street performers. Notre Dame is truly beautiful... and free and is definitely worth a visit. I never managed to do a tour of the infamous bell tower made famous by Hugo’s “Hunch Back of Notre Dame”, but it is apparently something worth seeing. Some of my favourite places were, however the more real places, such as the side streets of the Latin Quarter or steep stepped hills of Montmartre. I even ended up walking through a random local market in the middle of a buzzing area, while trying to find my way to Montmartre. It was a little intimidating as I was the only foreigner around and did not have a clue what was happening around me, but was definitely an experience I will never forget. I found the Louvre a little boring (and this is coming from an art lover), but it was still very exciting to see the infamous Mona Lisa and other incredible art.

In general walking around Paris felt like I was walking in a museum, with beautiful old buildings, architecture and paintings, combined with the most modern transport systems and efficiencies expected of a first world country (city). The food can be a bit tricky. I am not adventurous when it comes to food, particularly if I do not know what is in something, so trying new foods is definitely my weakness. Although in fairness, I have improved a hang of a lot since starting my travels. Paris is famous for its patisseries and crepes, among other things... and these I was prepared to try. Enjoying a ham and cheese crepe atop Montmartre (along with the most incredible view) was the perfect reward for climbing like a billion steps (slight exaggeration). In addition, devouring croissants and other pastries (purchased from local patisseries) on the lawns beneath the Eiffel Tower or in the Luxembourg Gardens gave me a true Parisian experience. I also really enjoyed visiting the Pantheon and walking down small side streets (let alone the infamous St Michel and St Germain Boulevards), while trying to find my way to the Bastille.

I recommend Paris for lovebirds and lovers of art and architecture alike. I suggest going with someone, even it is just a friend, as it truly is the city of love and thus one can quickly become lonely when alone. When feeling overwhelmed, push on... get an early night and take on the new day with a positive attitude and an excited spirit.

Whilst Paris may not have been my favourite place, I have to admit that I do believe that being on my own and visiting Paris as my first non-English speaking country had a huge role in my less than positive experience. I have heard great things about the city of love from friends who have visited it with family, friends or partners and I would love to go back again with a friend or family, as I believe my experience would be completely different as I would be better prepared and not so lonely. 

The Louvre

Clock inside the Pantheon

 

Montmarte

Crepes

 

 The Eiffel Tower

 

The Arc de Triomphe

 

Street performers on the Champs-Elysees

Notre Dame

Notre Dame

Notre Dame

 

A year ago my journey began....

Ok, so it has been way to long since I last posted. Exams, essays and limited internet access unfortunately made it a little tough.
I cannot believe that it was literally a year ago that I started my wonderful adventure, and in fact today a year ago, I was celebrating Fathers’ day with my family in England. I was absolutely terrified and also incredibly excited at the same time while I waited to board my first international flight and yet in the end it turned out to be the experience of a life time. One I will never forget and for which I will forever be grateful. I only wish I could be still living the dream that was, my trip last June/July.

One of my best friends leaves tomorrow, for his adventure of Europe and the UK and I truly wish I was going too. Since he will be visiting some places I did not have the pleasure of visiting, I have decided to try doing a few posts about those places, even if they're just based on internet sources, “Let’s go Europe” and his experiences. Hopefully I will get to visit them in the near future and will then be able to report on how accurate these posts are.

JP, have a wonderful trip. Take photos, make friends, talk to people, experience new things, take every opportunity, sleep as little as possible, eat as much as possible, do stupid stuff (not to stupid) say yes and live. Stay safe and much love.

I will be posting about my experience of Paris shortly, so stay tuned.

 

Boring boat trip.

From Ireland I took a ferry across to France, so as to get to the city of love and romance, Paris. I learnt a lot on this ferry trip...most importantly... take along something to do. Something that can keep you busy for between 16 and 18 hours... unless you are a seasoned traveller and have learnt the art of sleeping anywhere, anytime (lucky you). I unfortunately had not learnt that skill quite yet, and so was wide awake (with the exception of a restless hour or so) for basically the entire 18 hour trip. Usually you would have Wi-Fi available, and it's free at that, so make use of the time to upload some of your photo's, without having to pay crazy internet cafe prices, or rely on, sometimes "iffy", hostel internet. Unfortunately the Wi-Fi wasn't working, so unfortunately YouTube videos, Facebook and Twitter were out of the question. Movies saved to my computer, writing in my journal, and making friends with random strangers (who are now not so strange) sufficed none-the-less.

If like me, you are trying to save money, book a seat instead of a bunk and make sure you have your sleeping bag with you. The seats recline, but I found crashing on the floor was a bit easier. The floors are carpeted with about 30 seats in a room with plenty of space around the seats, so you should have space. If you are willing to pay a bit more, go for a bunk. These are apparently a lot comfier and more private, especially if you are travelling in a group.

Be prepared to spend a little more on the ferry. Prices are rather high for food and the cinema etc., particularly when converting Rand into Euro's, so take a packed lunch, snacks and something to drink if you want to avoid paying. That, my friends, is how to travel cheaply/like a student.

My ferry trip was pretty boring, and excruciatingly long, but I did meet some really wonderful people. Take the time to chat to people around you. If you are lucky you might meet someone who is from the place you are visiting next. They can give you some tips on sites to see, cultural expectations, laws you may not have known about, and most importantly may help you overcome the language barrier a little. I was extremely fortunate to meet a lovely French girl who helped me learn a few phrases and wrote some things down for me. She also helped to find someone who was going to the station in Cherbourg, and so I was able to walk with someone who knew his way around.

I have met the most interesting people on my limited travels and have been so incredible amazed to see how kind and helpful people can be, regardless of culture, nationality or language. It is simply about taking the time to get to know someone, sharing a story or two and making a friend. :)

Unfortunately no photo's for this one, but please continue to read this blog and subscribe if you like.
Have a blessed week.

Beautiful Belfast...

It seems I have once again been neglecting my blog. My apologies. :)

On my 21st birthday, I had the privilege of visiting Belfast. Yes, that's right... Birthday in Belfast... has such a cool ring to it. A family friend, who had studied at Queens University in Belfast, took me through. It was truly an incredible experience.

Visiting the Titanic Museum was one of the most educational, interesting places I visited, and definitely, worth the money you pay to get in. So a definite gold star from my end. With floors and floors of Titanic information, you can fully understand the immensity of it all. Each floor tackles a specific aspect of the Titanic. With the bottom floor giving you a rollercoaster-ish type of ride "through the ship yards"... showing exactly how it was built. The middle floors show you exactly what life on the ship was like, giving you an idea of how everything looked and what exactly was on board. Another floor shows you all the movies, books or songs etc that have been made based on or in tribute to the Titanic. Whilst yet another floor focuses on the discovery of the Titanic (you can even watch a film of the underwater exploration). To add to the experience you can see the infamous Samson and Goliath from outside the museum. These are two giant cranes, with Samson being the bigger of the two, situated in the Harland & Wolff Shipyard.

Taking a "black taxi" tour of Belfast is awesome. You get an inside view of how Belfast is, and more importantly used to be. It is incredibly interesting, and if you know to ask, as did I, you can ask them to take you past Campbell College, which is where the famous author, C.S. Lewis went to school. You can even sneak a photo at the famous lamppost from "The lion the witch and the wardrobe."

If you're lucky, you might get to see the Parliamentary Buildings at Stormont... from the outside. They were preparing for the Queens arrival on my visit there.

One of the things I found most fascinating were the murals all around Belfast. They take you back in time and show you the history of Northern Ireland in beautifully, yet sometimes quite frightening, pictures, painted to represent the fears, beliefs and feelings of the citizens of Belfast. These murals vary depending on which side of the city you are on. Specifically whether you are on the side of the Catholics or the Protestants. These two sides are separated by a wall, now termed the Peace Wall. This was my favourite site in Belfast. It is quite scary to see how the wall was extended through history as fighting intensified. Now, as an attempt to beautify this, everyone is free to write or paint on it... basically acceptable graffiti. :) The messages of peace, love and hope are inspiring and beautiful.

Finally, I ended off my day touring around the breathtakingly gorgeous Queens College. With incredible old buildings and incredible botanical gardens next door, it was the perfect way to end my Birthday in Belfast before heading back to lovely Dublin.