The bus ride was quite interesting...We didn't know where to catch the bus (or which bus was correct) so by the grace of Heavenly Father, we had a bus driver go off his route and drop us off where we needed to be. What a blessing!!
It was winding and on cliffside-highways which was a perfect start to a heavenly spot to lounge.
So we file off the bus into a little port of heaven and immediately we both fell in love with the place. There are sailboats and yachts docked in the port and there is a castle out on a little spit of land and a quaint little waterfront at the base of a beautiful, green mountain. With the wretched luggage in tow, the sweat dried to our bodies getting covered in new sweat, and exhaustion from lack of sleep and protein hitting us, we begin the hunt for our Air BnB.
It was seriously a HUNT. The directions just said to "locate the trailhead and start walking up". There were 3 trail heads! We walked up one, were unsure, went back down, walked up another, hiked a little, then went back down. We were super confused and nobody knew what we were talking about when we asked for help.
So, trailhead #1 it was. We hiked up the steep mountain, through people's mountainside vineyards, were told to get off their property, dodged their goats, crossed their fences, and 2 hours later, were drenched in sweat and exhausted, pausing for a little break on what seemed endless and overhearing an ocean-side concert going on. Mom was about to murder me and all I could do was muster up every positive comment I could. I had no clue where we were going and I was beginning to doubt this hike would ever end. It was freaking HOT too.
Well, 3 hours later, we made it to the top with our luggage in hand....and there's nothing. We keep walking. A picnic table. Keep walking. An abandined military building. Keep walking. A biker on a road (which made mom furious because we got laughed at for asking if there was a road to this "Hiker's Oasis Air BnB"), the bker didn't speak English but only pointed down the mountain on a different path.
We continue on into the foliage and down the mountain, find a jeep on a trail, find a little sign nailed to a tree, follow some sketchy arrows, and *VIOLA*. We found it. A little building nestled on the mountainside above some olive tree orchards, overlooking the most beautiful view of the Meditteranean that I have ever seen, and some tables and chairs outside. The men who showed us to our room with bunk beds were not the most welcoming hosts but we were so exhausted that it was bliss. We did not DARE to go back down the mountain to eat dinner because we were NOT about to climb up that blasted thing again. So, we shared a granola bar and avoided the big dinner party that was going on outside.
http://www.rifugiomuzzerone.it/eng/index.html#home
Prices went up because now people know about this place...dang it!
Well, I woke up at sunrise (thanks, jet lag) only to see the most beautiful sunrise ever. Burning orange, pink, and red sky over the little island in the distance. Then we got up, found out there is a short trail that heads directly down to the square through orchards, go swimming, eat gelato, eat pasta, have our debit card go on the fritz so we can't withdraw cash, we negotiate our way onto a water taxi for 15 euros each so that we can travel to one of the 5 villages of Cinque terre, go swimming again, watch a hilarious water polo coach in a speedo yelling at all the little boys in the water, eat some incredible calamari, walk around town, and seriously enjoy the best boat ride of my life. I thought I died and went to heaven.
I could cry thinking about it right now!
BUT the best part: We decided to eat dinner up on the mountain after we saw them feed a whole group of search and rescue workers at 1 am the night before.
AMAZING. Best meal I have ever eaten. It was like, 8 courses which included a cold seafood salad, a chickpea pancake cut up into small pieces with their homemade pesto, another pasta dish, and just overall heaven on a dish. I regret not taking pictures of each plate and especially having not written them all down! The guys who run that refuggio are magicians in the kitchen.
Thursday, May 30, 2019
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Pisa, Italy
When we woke up in our little Pisa room over a church courtyard, we shook off the groggy and planned out the bus route to the leaning tower before having to head to the train station.
A traveler's mistake: Do not take your luggage with you. Do. Not. It was heavy, awkward, heavy, miserable to carry, and was awful. We got on a bus and hoped it would take us where we needed to go! Wellllll, we got off in a panic because I had no idea where we were going and we ended up in a University part of town. Very cute but it was 100 degrees and we were hungry and we were weighed down by our luggage. Thankfully, before too many twists and turns, I asked a passerby lady who kindly pointed us to the courtyard with the tower not too far off.
We found a nice little cafe, got mom an italian espresso and a pancetta sandwich and browsed the adorable market set up in front of the tower/cathedral. Walking through the huge arches and through the insanely huge crowd was great and not so great. Seriously, believe me when I say- do not take your luggage! We had to stop so many times and we were dripping in sweat. Not fun.
But beautiful place! Everything in Europe is just so grand and exquisite. I love the architecture. It is like nothing else in America!!
As we finished our route through Pisa, we ended up at a little restaurant just across from the train station. We ate our hearts out! Some divine bruschetta, meatballs, and salad. The waitress was a sweet girl probably around 23 or so. Mom asked about her music tattoo and she got to talking about her favorite artists and such. Her dream is to visit America and we definitely invited her to come to Seattle where so many great musicians came from. She was tickled. I gave her my email in case she ever came to America!
Finally, after enjoying our time in Pisa, we conjured up some strength through the 100000 degree weather and dragged our suitcases over to the train station. We ended up getting on an earlier train but seemed no problem. We were so excited to get to the coast! Mediterranean sea? Sign me up!
Our train went from Pisa to La Spezia where we had to catch a bus to get to Porto Venere. I lucked out on choosing Porto Venere as our place to stay because it was magnificent but it also caused a lot of pain and heartache (okay, some hilarious laughs now but it was rough!)
Anyways, when we arrived in La Spezia, I befriended yet another bus driver who went clear out of his way to drive us from the station to another bus stop so we could get on the correct bus to La Spezia. I just love these Italians!! The bus ride was beautiful and went up and down these cliff edges that way too small for a bus! But the driver, just like every other European driver, made it work juuuuust fine.
La Spezia deserves a post all to itself because of the extent of what I want to say so move on to the next post to get your fill of laughs.
A traveler's mistake: Do not take your luggage with you. Do. Not. It was heavy, awkward, heavy, miserable to carry, and was awful. We got on a bus and hoped it would take us where we needed to go! Wellllll, we got off in a panic because I had no idea where we were going and we ended up in a University part of town. Very cute but it was 100 degrees and we were hungry and we were weighed down by our luggage. Thankfully, before too many twists and turns, I asked a passerby lady who kindly pointed us to the courtyard with the tower not too far off.
We found a nice little cafe, got mom an italian espresso and a pancetta sandwich and browsed the adorable market set up in front of the tower/cathedral. Walking through the huge arches and through the insanely huge crowd was great and not so great. Seriously, believe me when I say- do not take your luggage! We had to stop so many times and we were dripping in sweat. Not fun.
But beautiful place! Everything in Europe is just so grand and exquisite. I love the architecture. It is like nothing else in America!!
As we finished our route through Pisa, we ended up at a little restaurant just across from the train station. We ate our hearts out! Some divine bruschetta, meatballs, and salad. The waitress was a sweet girl probably around 23 or so. Mom asked about her music tattoo and she got to talking about her favorite artists and such. Her dream is to visit America and we definitely invited her to come to Seattle where so many great musicians came from. She was tickled. I gave her my email in case she ever came to America!
Finally, after enjoying our time in Pisa, we conjured up some strength through the 100000 degree weather and dragged our suitcases over to the train station. We ended up getting on an earlier train but seemed no problem. We were so excited to get to the coast! Mediterranean sea? Sign me up!
Our train went from Pisa to La Spezia where we had to catch a bus to get to Porto Venere. I lucked out on choosing Porto Venere as our place to stay because it was magnificent but it also caused a lot of pain and heartache (okay, some hilarious laughs now but it was rough!)
Anyways, when we arrived in La Spezia, I befriended yet another bus driver who went clear out of his way to drive us from the station to another bus stop so we could get on the correct bus to La Spezia. I just love these Italians!! The bus ride was beautiful and went up and down these cliff edges that way too small for a bus! But the driver, just like every other European driver, made it work juuuuust fine.
La Spezia deserves a post all to itself because of the extent of what I want to say so move on to the next post to get your fill of laughs.
Au Revoir, les enfants!
Wednesday was my last day with the kids since I was leaving to Italy with mom.
We took the kids to the park and walked the wretched hills all around Sevres and Parc de St. Cloud. Definitely a thing you have to get used to, sorry mom!
That afternoon, I finished giving the kids their t-shirts and icebreakers and waited for our driver to arrive. As the ending neared, I took pictures with Malo and Julie out front and attempted to with Alex, but that didn't really work out. In fact, he wouldn't stand up or open his eyes, little stinker! I think as a combination of tiredness and denial that his (favoritely awesome) au pair was leaving, he wasn't up for the final goodbyes. Malo on the other hand, was full of hugs. He didn't quite understand the fact that this was his final time seeing me so he got pretty emotional after I had left according to Delphine. I love that kid so much! And then there's Julie. I gave her a second hug right before I left and as I went to pull away, she squeezed harder! We've decided that she has become the little sister I never had and I'm the big sister she never had. I mean, we nearly look related.
Either Alex's or Malo's attempt at taking a photo of Julie and I!
My goodbye with Delphine and Fred would come after I got back from Italy. And let me tell ya, it was a great good bye.
Our neighbor Martine arrived and took my mom and I to the airport. We tried communicating in French but apparently what I was saying didn't make sense to her....I dunno. But the Orly airport was so much easier to navigate than CDG so I think mom appreciated that. Especially since the trek to get to my house was insanity!
As we sat on the plane to Pisa, I got so heavy-hearted because 1) that was the last goodbye I would have with the kids, I was on a plane to Italy with my mom who's dream has been to visit Italy, and my contract as an au pair was OVER. I could not even express how magnificent it was to be done nannying. I kind of hated it.
As we took off, I looked out the window and saw the teeny-tiny little Eiffel Tower from the window and the Champs-Elysees and all the huge landmarks I lived around looking like little game pieces. Then we flew over the Alps! What an amazing view. Then we flew over the South of France and marveled at the beaches and basically just got super excited about heading to Tuscany where it was 100 degrees outside.
When we got to Pisa, the bus situation was kind of ridicules. We had to first figure out where the bus even was and then we had to figure out the chart that made no sense and we had to figure out which bus we needed in order to reach our hostel. Wowowowow it's hard traveling sometimes. As we parked our butts on the curb, we happened to witness the most magnificent sunset. I knew I was going to like Pisa. I already knew I loved Italy!
When we got on the bus, the bus driver was kind and basically waived everyone on without paying. As I sat there, I was all nerves trying to figure out what stop to get off at. Nothing was clearly marked or understandable because of, ya know, it being in Italian! I took the initiative (thank heavens) and asked the driver about our stop/hostel and he knew what it was! In very broken English, he personally stopped for us to get off and told us to walk down the street and where to turn at the church. What a saint!
Before we headed down the neighborhood road, we decided to get a pizza because we were starving and knew that we wouldn't come back out of the hostel. It was late and poor mom was still way jet-lagged. We went in and ordered a wood fired pizza to go that not only had a million amazing toppings, but had the authentic Napoli characteristics, was huge, and literally only cost 8 euros. MAGNIFICO. Welcome to Italy, mom.
We found the funky little hostel, opened the window to the 100 degree nighttime air, listened as the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack blasted from the courtyard party, and stuffed our faces with pizza. What a way to kick off the trip through Tuscany.
We took the kids to the park and walked the wretched hills all around Sevres and Parc de St. Cloud. Definitely a thing you have to get used to, sorry mom!
That afternoon, I finished giving the kids their t-shirts and icebreakers and waited for our driver to arrive. As the ending neared, I took pictures with Malo and Julie out front and attempted to with Alex, but that didn't really work out. In fact, he wouldn't stand up or open his eyes, little stinker! I think as a combination of tiredness and denial that his (favoritely awesome) au pair was leaving, he wasn't up for the final goodbyes. Malo on the other hand, was full of hugs. He didn't quite understand the fact that this was his final time seeing me so he got pretty emotional after I had left according to Delphine. I love that kid so much! And then there's Julie. I gave her a second hug right before I left and as I went to pull away, she squeezed harder! We've decided that she has become the little sister I never had and I'm the big sister she never had. I mean, we nearly look related.
Either Alex's or Malo's attempt at taking a photo of Julie and I!
My goodbye with Delphine and Fred would come after I got back from Italy. And let me tell ya, it was a great good bye.
Our neighbor Martine arrived and took my mom and I to the airport. We tried communicating in French but apparently what I was saying didn't make sense to her....I dunno. But the Orly airport was so much easier to navigate than CDG so I think mom appreciated that. Especially since the trek to get to my house was insanity!
As we sat on the plane to Pisa, I got so heavy-hearted because 1) that was the last goodbye I would have with the kids, I was on a plane to Italy with my mom who's dream has been to visit Italy, and my contract as an au pair was OVER. I could not even express how magnificent it was to be done nannying. I kind of hated it.
As we took off, I looked out the window and saw the teeny-tiny little Eiffel Tower from the window and the Champs-Elysees and all the huge landmarks I lived around looking like little game pieces. Then we flew over the Alps! What an amazing view. Then we flew over the South of France and marveled at the beaches and basically just got super excited about heading to Tuscany where it was 100 degrees outside.
When we got to Pisa, the bus situation was kind of ridicules. We had to first figure out where the bus even was and then we had to figure out the chart that made no sense and we had to figure out which bus we needed in order to reach our hostel. Wowowowow it's hard traveling sometimes. As we parked our butts on the curb, we happened to witness the most magnificent sunset. I knew I was going to like Pisa. I already knew I loved Italy!
When we got on the bus, the bus driver was kind and basically waived everyone on without paying. As I sat there, I was all nerves trying to figure out what stop to get off at. Nothing was clearly marked or understandable because of, ya know, it being in Italian! I took the initiative (thank heavens) and asked the driver about our stop/hostel and he knew what it was! In very broken English, he personally stopped for us to get off and told us to walk down the street and where to turn at the church. What a saint!
Before we headed down the neighborhood road, we decided to get a pizza because we were starving and knew that we wouldn't come back out of the hostel. It was late and poor mom was still way jet-lagged. We went in and ordered a wood fired pizza to go that not only had a million amazing toppings, but had the authentic Napoli characteristics, was huge, and literally only cost 8 euros. MAGNIFICO. Welcome to Italy, mom.
We found the funky little hostel, opened the window to the 100 degree nighttime air, listened as the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack blasted from the courtyard party, and stuffed our faces with pizza. What a way to kick off the trip through Tuscany.
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Ma Mere est la!
I could complain about the kind of benefits I don't get with this job but instead, I'll leave the griping out of it.
I walked the kids to school and ran into Mary and Benji who walked with us. At the end of the route, I said a final goodbye to Mary who happens to be a really cool person and I am so, so, so happy she stuck it out with me in the neighborhood. After all, we were the only two original au pairs left!
From there, I began the excruciatingly long journey to go get mom from the airport! From train to metro to RER (and then reverse with mom and her luggage), it was quite the trek. I couldn't help but feel sorry for her! A couple hours of sleep and now suddenly the lugging, dragging, pushing, and balancing of a super heavy carry-on bag and then an awkward rolling suitcase. That was just inside the airport. Next we had to conquer the RER and pray we didn't get caught without a ridiculously overpriced ticket for her. (Thank you Heavenly Father!!!!) We settled in on that train just to push our way through the crowd and get off at Chatelet. As any Parisian knows, Chatelet is a maze of twists and turns that never end nor do they make sense. Once again, the lugging, pushing, shoving, carrying, dropping, bending, balancing, and lifting of luggage ensued as we wove our way through the station. At this point, the handful of escalators weren't so bad. Then I mentioned the metro and she was like, "what!? Another train?" I kindly replied, "no, not a train- a metro! The train is after!"
*Laughing/crying emoji x a million*
I'm sure she wanted to die. I explained that we have RER's, metros, and trains; all of which we had to take to get home. "Oh Lordy" is all that came out, even after we ran into staircase after staircase in Montparnasse. Welp, I guess that was a rough dunk into Parisian culture!
When I was walking toward the Arrivals gate, I spotted her over by the wall and the biggest smile came over my face! I was so happy!! As I walked up, she looked up and saw me and squealed her usual "Ahhhhhhhh!" As much of a heartless rock as I try to be, I will admit, I nearly teared up giving her a big hug. So happy she is here!
To my utter surprise and delight, Delphine offered to pick us up from the Sevres train station which I would never refuse. We got home and as mom opened the case of American delights, my heart soared like a hawk! I actually wanted to cry out of happiness.
The gifts she get for the kids are so cute and I know they are going to love them! I may have swiped a couple of Chukar Cherry bags for myself too... We have Mac and Cheese, Icebreakers, Seattle t-shirts, key chains, chocolates, wine, and Funfetti cake and frosting! Ya, my kids better miss me a lot.
Now she is crashed in my bed thank goodness and refueling for our journey which starts tomorrow! Woohoo!
I walked the kids to school and ran into Mary and Benji who walked with us. At the end of the route, I said a final goodbye to Mary who happens to be a really cool person and I am so, so, so happy she stuck it out with me in the neighborhood. After all, we were the only two original au pairs left!
From there, I began the excruciatingly long journey to go get mom from the airport! From train to metro to RER (and then reverse with mom and her luggage), it was quite the trek. I couldn't help but feel sorry for her! A couple hours of sleep and now suddenly the lugging, dragging, pushing, and balancing of a super heavy carry-on bag and then an awkward rolling suitcase. That was just inside the airport. Next we had to conquer the RER and pray we didn't get caught without a ridiculously overpriced ticket for her. (Thank you Heavenly Father!!!!) We settled in on that train just to push our way through the crowd and get off at Chatelet. As any Parisian knows, Chatelet is a maze of twists and turns that never end nor do they make sense. Once again, the lugging, pushing, shoving, carrying, dropping, bending, balancing, and lifting of luggage ensued as we wove our way through the station. At this point, the handful of escalators weren't so bad. Then I mentioned the metro and she was like, "what!? Another train?" I kindly replied, "no, not a train- a metro! The train is after!"
*Laughing/crying emoji x a million*
I'm sure she wanted to die. I explained that we have RER's, metros, and trains; all of which we had to take to get home. "Oh Lordy" is all that came out, even after we ran into staircase after staircase in Montparnasse. Welp, I guess that was a rough dunk into Parisian culture!
When I was walking toward the Arrivals gate, I spotted her over by the wall and the biggest smile came over my face! I was so happy!! As I walked up, she looked up and saw me and squealed her usual "Ahhhhhhhh!" As much of a heartless rock as I try to be, I will admit, I nearly teared up giving her a big hug. So happy she is here!
To my utter surprise and delight, Delphine offered to pick us up from the Sevres train station which I would never refuse. We got home and as mom opened the case of American delights, my heart soared like a hawk! I actually wanted to cry out of happiness.
The gifts she get for the kids are so cute and I know they are going to love them! I may have swiped a couple of Chukar Cherry bags for myself too... We have Mac and Cheese, Icebreakers, Seattle t-shirts, key chains, chocolates, wine, and Funfetti cake and frosting! Ya, my kids better miss me a lot.
Now she is crashed in my bed thank goodness and refueling for our journey which starts tomorrow! Woohoo!
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