Ariel Abroad

Hi everyone! So the following is a guest blog appearance from Tasha Anderson. For those of you that don't know her, she is my best friend from New Hampshire/Boston/Sam Francisco. She is extremely bright, youI'll be able to tell from her writing. Her guest blog will be describing our first night's adventure in Capri, where she met me for a weekend get a way from her study abroad class in Florence. I will continue the stories of the weekend In another post to come. I would also like to say to the adults- don't be alarmed, we were safe and responsible, although it may not seem like it. I also want to point out that our travel days included some of the worst experiences, thus giving us a need for the many drinks we consumed. (My ferry included a women next to me puking into a bag, giving me nauseous for the hour boat ride from Napoli to capri. And Tasha's ferry arrived at the dock and couldn't unload the passengers for an entire extra hour on the rocking and heated boat--due to a reason we still don't know. #italians). These experiences left us thirsty for some wine! Enjoy: Those of you who don’t know me naturally will not know how much I enjoy a good mystery. Be it a mystery solved by a sociopathic British genius and his dullard companion or one solved by a gang of meddling kids and their gluttonous dog, it makes no difference to me-- I love them all. Given this enthusiasm, hopefully you can begin to understand how it was that I greeted the enormity of this morning’s hangover with mixed feelings rather than pure dread. Did I feel like I was going to throw up and was my vision blury? Sure. But so was memory: I was presented with a mystery! What had happened the night before? I turned to Ari who was sleeping next to me in our pullout bed . I sung out a hardy “Goodmorning!” She rolled over, telling me to go back to sleep. The mystery would have to wait a few more hours to be solved... When we got up at 10:30 the struggle was very real. I had lost most of my zest for sleuthing -along with most of my zest for life- by the time it was Ari’s turn to wake me up. We had made an itinerary before our night had gone black, and this she balanced on my butt. “We have activities to do.” She tried to sound enthusiastic. I knew that tone: It would be useless to fight against such determined cheeriness in my feeble state. Wincingly we assured each other that we were barely hungover as we combined our arsenals of medication. 4 tylenol, 4 tums, 2 pepto bismal chewables and 2 liters of water-- “just in case” -- and we were up, mostly dressed, and out the door; ready to begin our projected activities. We were hardly two steps out of our little house when we noticed a barrier that we didn’t remember traversing the day before. We stood puzzling at the upside down flower pot and mound of dirt and flowers that blocked our way up the stairs. “No...” Ari supposed after a few minutes reflection, “I don’t think it was like that yesterday...” The bloodhound in me awoke. My mind was turning. Several few silent beats later, I thought I had it. “I think we must’ve done that last night.” A few more thoughtful seconds and we looked at each other: In a rush we remembered. Bent over from the exhaustion of recollecting, Ari casually mentioned that she might be a little hungover. “Me too, but just a little...” I assured her. After a ten minute walk we finally reached the village of Annacapri where, according to our itinerary, we were to breakfast before hopping on the public bus that would take us to the beach. We wandered through the tiny streets, inspecting the tiny shops - meandering along with our “tiny” hangovers and the vague hope that we might stumble upon a very large coffee. Suddenly something hit me hard in the stomach. It was Ari. She was pointing and tapping on the window of one of the tiny shops. Bottles and bottles of lemoncello were displayed in the window of one of these tiny shops. Again we made eye contact and remembered... It was late. The restaurant had closed and all but our table had been rolled inside for the night. The square that we sat it in was completely empty but we were surrounded. Both waiters, a chef and the bus boy stood hovering over us, distributing lemoncello's. Empty jiggers surrounded the empty bottle of rose that stood on the red and white checked table cloth. I gesticulated wildly with my vodka tonic. We cheered “Salute” for the upteenth time. Our Italian was getting good... As the day wore on we encountered clue after clue that helped us peice together our night. We smelled cigarette smoke: “I think we must’ve done that last night...” Casually we had accepted the cigarettes that had been offered to us. We had delighted in playing Grace Kelly, ashing the majority and choking on the rest. We were sure that our new friends suspected nothing. Finally it was time to go, to head to the discotech with our authentic italian tour guides. As we rose to leave, we realized that something wasn’t quite right-- that is to say, we weren’t quite right. It was imperative that we lose none of our suavité in the eyes of our italian friends. Acting on this impulse, we made a swift exit. We sprinted home, zig zagging in our heels through the narrow maze of lanes until finally we crashed-- First into the potted plant, and then into our beds... We will never know exactly what happened that night. In spite of what Ari may suggest, we can never really know exactly which one of ate all 18 cookies or why it was that we didn’t realize free limoncello has just as much alcohol in it as limoncello you’ve bought... As we lay side by side in our lounge chairs, two pesky kids looking out over the crashing waves of the Tyrrhenian Sea I realized that some mysteries don’t need to be solved, some just need to be appreciated. I will never know how I got so lucky to have a friend like Ari, how I could be luckier still and able to travel to around the world with her, how I haven’t murdered her even though she persists in sleeping pantless and spoons me in the night regardless of what country we are in ... It’s those mysteries that need not be solved, it’s those mysteries that just need to be appreciated and it’s those mysteries that are my absolute favorite. I write from our little sunken garden, looking fondly upon the little bit of soil still visible on our steps, the only remaining evidence of our night of debauchery. As this day and that mystery come to a natural close, another one presents itself: What will we do for dinner tonight? -Tasha Anderson Many clues were still continuing to be found throughout the weekend. I will tell you ,ore of our sober adventures soon!

( Mt. Pilatus view from helicopter to give you an idea of where we went to. It was very cloudy though when I was at top. ) Lucerne is a more big city feel. Fancy and upscale stores everywhere. I guess all watches are made here. Switzerland is the most expensive country. A meal at McDnalds is 15 francs do coffee is like 5!!!! I wish I had stayed more in the small towns of Switzerland. But I managed to meet the one other non India or Korean person in my hostel that is a guy from San Francisco who is doing his post grad travel. He went to university of Colorado in Boulder. We found a hike to do the next day- Mt. Pilatus- that our hostel owner warned us would be too difficult in the rain. We ignored him. Asked another Swiss in town and did some research and it consistently said it was a pretty easy hike and about 4 hours. 4 hours didn't seem bad at all! The other option was to pay 100 francs to get to the top. At the top is a hotel. I was pretty sore from my hike in Interlaken the day before but oh well. We started the hike and learned quickly that the mud was very much a problem. I was ankle deep in it most of the way up. We also learned that 4 hours was not round trip time but instead the time just to get it to the peak. This hike consisted of quick and steep switch backs all that way to the top. So our last lesson was the Swiss compare this hike to the hardest in the country and thus their "easy to moderate" description were quite bias and very different from my little hiking experience. Finally we reached a point where the tram stopped and where We could hop on for free. We took in to the top and thank gosh we did. The was snow up there!!! We got some hot coco and warmed and chose to take the gondola to the bottom. Best decision. This place was so cool though. On top of the world it felt like. The elevation is 6,982 ft and we made it 4,800. Let me also point out that the visitors at the top we wearing winter coats and pants. We arrived covered in mud and sweat in my lulu lemon 3/4 length leggings and a tank top. I lost all feeling in my fingers and toes. The receptionists jaw dropped when we told her we hiked most of the way which made us feel better about taking the tram the rest of the way. Great long day! Today I'm going to explore the city and finally do some laundry. I only saw Alexa and her gang for the evening. I tried to convince them to come, hike but now I'm happy they didn't cause Alexa would have killed me 15 minutes in. Which she later agreed with. Tomorrow I train to Basel in the northwest and then fly out to southern Italy!!! Can't wait to relax on the Capri beaches with Tasha!

After the long day visiting the towns of Cinque Terre, I met up with Alexa her crew to go clubbing. Next thing I know the lights are being turned on at he club and someone tells me it's 4:30am. Literally didn't believe them. we proceeded to make our way back towards our hostels but first there was an important stop that needed to be made. It's 5am at this point. There is this thing called the secret bakery that is only open 4am-6am. Its the bakery that makes all the goods for the local store in the area before they open in that day. It's in a hidden ally way and has no signs. My friends from home who went abroad in Florence for a semester told me about it. After lots of searching we found the alley and knocked on a few random doors. A man peeks out and says something in Italian. We say 5 chocolate croissants please! 1 euro for each! So fresh and melted in our mouths. After going to bed at 5:30am and seeing the sun rise, it's safe to say the next day was not a pleasant one for me. I spent the most it by going to the central market where there are fresh groceries that are all locally produced and then many restaurants upstairs to choose to eat at in the market where they cook right in front if you. Later I met up with Tasha and her classmates for dinner and wine. Happy to go to bed early and prepare for my next adventure to Switzerland! Italian trains are not trustworthy. And I know this from word of mouth and personal experience last January. Italians in general are slower paced and not on time- so I guess that's why their trains operate untimely. I had a close call with my connecting train in Milan, thanks to my train running late. This resulted with me getting off my train and running in all sorts of directions trying to find my next train to Brig, Switzerland that is supposed to depart in 5 mins. I ask someone and of course it's the furthest platform. Still no signs it's going to Brig but I just take a chance and get on. Each stop I'm getting more nervous it's not the right train. But then I use up a bunch of data and research on,one to find out I am ok. The views on this train ride were unreal. There was this huge lake surrounded by beautiful mountain landscape and the amazing Italian architectured homes. I think it was more beautiful than Lake Tahoe. The mountains continued on, pointed and sharp shaped mountains. I was like a little kid with my head stuck up against the window the entire train ride into Switzerland. Interlaken was beautiful. A clean quiet town in the center of the Swiss alps towering in every direction. When I got to my hostel and joined the free walking tour of the city. Met some guys from Philadelphia which was cool! We all went and got classic Swiss cheese fondue after and beer made at the local brewery. Both were amazing. The Swiss people however if they don't speak English fluently I learned that they come off extremely harsh and rude because the words they know are just so direct. But they mean well, I think...? We dipped bread and potatoes into the fondue. Soooo yummy! I'm in love with the Swiss architecture. The houses blend in with the mountains. They are all different shades Of brown and off white with forest green shutters. I can't believe the beauty of this country. The next morning it was raining but I decided I wasn't going to let that stop me from doing a hike here. One of my new "friends for a day" joined me. He's also on a post grad trip traveling Europe. But his was supposed to end 2 weeks ago after his 4 week plan. He cancelled his ticket home and kept going through Europe. I think that's genius and I should also. But I won't don't worry mom and dad. The hike was the most consistently steep/up hill with no breaks or flat spots I have ever been on. And it was raining and so slippery. Two hours of straight uphill hiking... I felt like I was doing step ups in the lifting room for two hours with no break and 5 lbs of cheese fondue in each hand. The view was worth it however. And did I mention there was an option to take a 5 minute train up? For the weak! The way down was tougher bc it was so darn slippery. I am extremely muddy from the hike and Now I'm on the train to Lucerne, Switzerland. I got in a little trouble with a train attendant before getting on my train for not having the ticket printed or using the mobile app, but somehow I just played dumb and left him and got away with it! Hopefully some more good hikes to come in Lucerne (supposed to rain everyday).

And I’m back! Not the strongest start as my flight was delayed 2 and a half hours, making me miss my connecting flight. Getting a new flight and that too was delayed. It all worked out though! To my disappoint, I did not see the Eiffel Tower from he plane during my Paros connection. Or i miss it as I was passed out drooling disgusting the Paris man beside me… I guess I never know. So now that I’m back at the blog I’m going to point out that this time I a, using an iPad which is the worst thing ever to type on. So there will be many errors and little less effort…I really hate typing on this! I have had the most amazing two and half days. The first day I walked around solo and was reminded how much I love the city of Florence. I sat at restaurant and ordered a glass or red wine that was so incredible. I went to bed at 9pm exhausted from travle and lack of sleep. Then woke up at 1am and was awake to witness my drunk bunk mate stumble In from the clubs at 5am and hear him fall asleep. I then Slept 6:30am-9:30am. I quickly learned that sleeping in hostels will not allow for much sleep if I didnt get ear plugs. The Argentinian man across from me snored like a pig. However I can’t talk because I’m sure I am too. On way was to Europe I had a bit of anxiety and nerves thinking of staying in hostels alone with strangers.. Sharing rooms and all… But I immediately was reminded how wonderful traveling people are. Most are alone like me and some have one friend here, but everyone is so kind and wanting to learn about you and your plans and your experiences. I’m loving it. My new logo- #solotraveler (and dad– that means hashtag, not pound solo traveler) I met up with Tasha the next day and we had a boozy lunch and went walking around (I have walked about 8 miles a day). We then met up with my friend Liz from my classes who was here with her family. I also ran into two girls from high school (Susannah Felton and Rachel Jacobs) randomly in he street!! The later yesterday Alexa and her crew arrived! I took them to the best pizza shop. Then We each bought a bottle of wine and accidentally took the 45 minute long way walk to Piazza Michaelangelo, a place across the river from center of Florence where you can watch a beautiful sunset over the city. The normal way to walk there would have taken 10 mins by the way. But it was an adventure and there was lots of laughing. We stayed till dark and then went straight to the American pub where all abroad people go and sign their schools t shirts that hang on the ceiling. We then got scolded for dancing in the tables and left. Got back around 1:30am…which really is early for Europe but I had a plan to get up early and go to Cinque Terre. My bunkmate was hanging in the lounge area when I got back and found out he was going there today as well. Again I love people in hostels. I clearly wasn’t making progress trying to do my train tickets at that point. So he said I should go with his group. He got me on his tour trip so I tagged along with a bunch of abroad people i don’t know to go on this day trip! Had to wake up at 5:45am however…. So struggle was real. Cinque Terre means 5 towns. They are all along the coast in a row and in history, people would have to hike to get from one town to the next. We arrived at the first town (see picture above) explored and then trained to the next where we ate lunch. This is birth place of pesto and fricotta bread (sp..?) (flat square bread). So I had that exactly and it was incredible. After this we did the hike to the last town (we skipped the two least scenic ones). The hike was amazing along the water and extremely steep. I ended up ditching the group cause if you know me…They we way to slow. It took about 1and half hrs. Made it to the last city and it was a beautiful beach. Fell asleep in the sun with my new friends (lots of new friends theses past few days… But like friends for a day is how I classify them cause I really will never see them again). Then train and bussed back. It was the best day. Cinque Terre is breathtaking. I have much better pics on camera but haven’t loaded them. Soon you will see!

Italy has been an experience of a lifetime and I’m so fortunate to have been able to come here. I think I have learned more about myself. I also have 25 new best friends that I love dearly. I will definitely be back.

The travel back was comical. It involved a delayed train, a missing connection, and two incredibly American looking girls running with arms full of shopping bags and backpacks around train stations. I mean literally running. But all is well and we made it back. This coming weekend I head to Rome! Only a week and half left here

Lots of love xo

Tomorrow, 24 of us students head to Amsterdam alone. Seems to be that a lot of things are legal there…

Tomorrow we head to our new campus location, near Venice. I don't want to leave this location, but I’m excited to see more!

So far I am having the best time. The food is incredible and fresh. The other students are already becoming my best friends. And I just can’t wait to see more.