Galway and Dublin

Wednesday, November 10th, after Art History, Meg, Jacqueline, and I hopped on the bus and caught our flight to Dublin, Ireland.  Because Thursday the 11th was Armistice Day there were no classes, and since none of us have Friday class we were able to plan a long weekend in Ireland.

Thomas Dillon's

We arrived in Dublin around 5:30 PM and then promptly boarded the bus to Galway, a small town, on the west coast of Ireland.  After a three hour bus ride we arrived in Galway and were left to find our hostel in the dark.  While Ireland didn't welcome us with the most inviting weather we had come prepared for the worst and were excited to be there.  We checked into our hostel, which for only being 1 euro per person, was actually pretty nice, and then set out in search of some traditional Irish food, in other words potatoes.

Thursday morning we got an early start and went about exploring Galway.  We went to Thomas Dillon's, the original markers of the claddagh ring.  While there are thousands of productions of claddagh rings all over the world, Thomas Dillon are the only makers allowed to stamp original on each ring by the Assay Office, Dublin.  I had been wanting a claddagh ring for a while so I indulged and figured if I was going to get one I might as well get an original!

Jacqueline and me in Galway

While wandered through Galway and found ourselves at the Galway City Cathedral.  Freezing, after visiting the cathedral, we went to a cafe for some warm drinks then got back on the bus to return to Dublin.

                      

                              Galway City Cathedral

Meg and me along Middle River

Temple Bar

Four hours later we were on the opposite coast in Dublin.  Lucky for us our hostel was right by the bus stop so we were able to drop off our stuff and start seeing Dublin.  We first visited Temple Bar, both a bar and Dublin's cultural quarter.  The streets were lined with restaurants, bars, musicians and cobblestones.

Jacqueline and me in front of Trinity

Friday morning we got up early and started our day with a visit to Trinity College.  We took a tour of the campus and saw the Book of Kells.  The highlight of the tour for me of course was the two large Oregon oaks planted in the main square of the college.

Oregon oak

Trinity College

  

Meg in front of Christ Church Cathedral

After Trinity we made our way to St. Patrick's Cathedral and on the way stopped by Christ Church Cathedral.  I'm not very religious but the size and construction of the churches were pretty amazing.  There exist only two St. Patrick's Cathedrals in the world, one in Dublin and one in New York, at least that's what I was told.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Naturally, after visiting churches we went to the Guinness Storehouse where they produce over 3 million tons of Guinness a day.  There we took a tour and went through seven stories of the factory where they outline the process of what makes Guinness so "good."  I would have to say good is highly subjective in this case.  At the very end of the tour you receive a free pint of Guiness which we tried to enjoy at the Gravity Bar which overlooks the city of Dublin.

Tasting room

Trying to convince myself it's not that bad

Gravity Bar overlooking Dublin

To complement our day of colleges, churches, and beer we had a traditional dinner of fish and chips.

Henry St, downtown Dublin

Saturday morning we visited Henry Street, the pedestrian shopping area in downtown Dublin, and of course did some light shopping.

We then went on a bus tour of the North Coast around Dublin where we saw the coast, marina, and stopped at Malahide Castle, dating from the 12th century.  The tour stopped at the summit of Howth Head where we saw the sun set over Dublin Bay with Dublin and the Wicklow mountains as a backdrop.  

Malahide Castle

Dublin's North Coast

Overlooking Dublin Bay

Jacqueline, me, Meg at Howth Head Summit

Sunday morning, due to our pure exhaustion from such a busy trip and the time change (Dublin is one hour behind Nice), we mistakenly set our alarm clock for 6 AM instead of 8AM and got to the airport four hours before out plane left.  But we considered ourselves lucky because we could have easily been four hours late had we really messed up the alarm situation.  Groggy, weary, and cold we headed home to Nice.  While the wind and constant rain were a shock for us coming from Nice, I felt like I was back in Portland.  Every morning it was dark when we woke up and dark again by 5.  Despite the weather we all had an amazing time and can't wait to visit again!

As of this Thursday (November 18th) I have exactly one month before I return to Portland.  I can't believe how fast time has gone by!  Part of me never wants to leave here but at the same time I can't wait to see everyone at home.

The semester is definitely coming to a close though.  This weekend I am going to Antibes and Cagnes-Sur-Mer with the group, we're collectively celebrating Thanksgiving next week on the 26th, December 2nd I leave for Paris for the weekend with Jacqueline and Meg, when I come back it's studying for finals, and then I'm home on the 19th!

Villefranche

Saturday, after a few days of some much needed rest, we ventured out on a day trip to Villefranche, a small town located about 15 minutes east of Nice.  None of us knew much about the town other than other people had told us it was somewhere we had to go - so naturally we went!

We arrived hoping that we would able to go to the local craft market but we had just missed it so we headed to the old town to explore.  It was an overcast Saturday so we didn't find many people out but we were still able to enjoy the beautiful views.

The Port of Villefranche

  We walked down to the port and then found a place for lunch.  While my host family has been in Paris, Meg and I have been staying in the apartment which means we've been left to fend for ourselves.  As a result the only meals that we've had have been pasta.  Suffice to say that when we came across a place that had something other than pasta for lunch we were ecstatic.  After a satisfying lunch of hamburgers we climbed to a lookout point where we were able to get a better view of the town.

Overlooking the port

Meg in a really tiny doorway in Vieux Villefranche

Villefranche reminded me of the quintessential French town complete with small winding alley-ways and orange and yellow buildings.  In Villefranche there is also a beautiful beach but because it was a little cold that day we decided to leave our swimsuits at home.  Villefranche is only one of the numerous towns that lie just outside of Nice that you can reach by taking the public bus.  We all had a fun time seeing a new place and we plan on taking many more trips like this before we head back to the states!

Barcelona

Friday morning, October 19th, Meg, Jacqueline, and I headed to the Nice airport and boarded the plane to Barcelona.  This week throughout France schools are on break for the Vacances de la Toussaint so we were able to spend 5 days in Barcelona.

On the plane to Barcelona!

After we got to the airport we took a bus to the center of Barcelona to get to our hostel.  While waiting in line for the bus I ran into a kid, Scott, who goes to Kenyon who has been in my French class for the last two years.  Scott is studying in Granada this semester and was in Barcelona just for the weekend.  I was so shocked to see someone from Kenyon, let alone one of the 15 from my french class!

After some searching we finally found our hostel, Kabul.  The night before we left Meg and I were showing Sylvie, my host mom, where we were staying in Barcelona.  She had asked us earlier if our parents were worried about us traveling due to the various strikes and terrorist threats in France.  We both told her that they weren't too concerned.  When we told her that we were staying at Kabul, she told us that maybe our parents should be worried because Kabul is the capital of Afghanistan.  After hearing this news Meg and I were slightly concerned about the state and location of our hostel.  But, when we got there we were happy to see that we weren't in Afghanistan and that the hostel didn't look that bad.  

For our room we stayed in a 10 person mixed dorm.  At the time, when we booked our tickets in August, it seemed like the most economically friendly choice, but looking back a private room would have been the better choice.  Everyday the room acquired a different, unpleasant smell and we were constantly woken up at all hours of the night by people going in and out.  It was not the most pleasant experience, but it was better than sleeping on the street.  

Meg with Robot Man on Las Ramblas

After getting settled in the hostel we decided to explore Barcelona a little.  Our hostel was located just off one of the main touristy roads in Barcelona, Las Ramblas.  The street was lined with street performers, venders, and lots of people.  The most annoying part about the street was the hoards of people and the venders who sold little gadgets that made bird and other high pitch animal noises.  To escape the chaos of Las Ramblas we ventured into various stores and did some light shopping.  Hungry from shopping and walking we headed back to the hostel and went out to dinner.

I had heard, before coming to Barcelona, that the nightlife is much different there than anywhere else but I don't think I was quite prepared for what was install.  Most of the nightclub discotheques didn't open or start filling up until after 1 AM and people don't leave until after 4 AM.  And the way most clubs are set up is there are multiple rooms with dance floors and each room plays different music.  This was nice because if you didn't like the song that was playing in one room you just move on to the next.  We all had a really fun time going out Friday night but we definitely ready for bed after we left the club. 

Saturday morning, or afternoon rather, we woke up and decided to take a guided bike tour of Barcelona. The brochure made it seem like an enjoyable three hour ride through Barcelona where we would stop at various monuments, take pictures, and ride along the beach.  

Before the tour

In reality what we experienced was much different.  Starting out we wound our way through tiny alley ways packed with people as we desperately rang our bells to avoid collisions with innocent bystanders.  The tour guide, who had apparently trained for many years with Lance Armstrong, rode as fast as she could and as soon as we stopped to see a monument and the whole group caught up she would zoom off again.  To us it seemed less like a leisurely bike tour and more like an endless game of catchup.  On the tour we did get to see some beautiful parts of Barcelona that we probably would never have discovered on our own, as well as the Sagrada Familia, and the boardwalk along the beach.

Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia was started by Antoni Guadi and has been under construction since 1882.  Guadi was unable to finish the church because he was hit and killed by a train in 1962.  It was supposed to be complete in 2006 but now is estimated to be done in 2026.  

Along the beach

Four hours later, after madly pedaling all over Barcelona between people and cars we finally returned tired and sore.  That night we went out for dinner and then headed back to the hostel for some much needed sleep.

Sunday we walked to the beach and around the port.  On the way we stopped at the market that is held every weekend on Las Ramblas.  The market had tons of handmade jewelry so naturally we all had to buy some.  After the market we went to the beach and were happy to finally at a sandy beach!  

At the beach!

The port

Later that night I met up with one of my friends, Rachel, who is studying in Copenhagen this semester and was touring Spain for her fall break.  

Vegan food!

Monday we explored more of Barcelona.  While walking down a small side street we came across the Cat Bar which is a vegan restaurant.  Jacqueline, who is vegan, was so excited to have found a vegan restaurant as she has been living off of pasta and marinara sauce for the last two months.  We were all happy to find that they had really good veggie burgers and hummus and we made sure to make many stops there before we left!

 

Piccaso statue

Monday night we went to IceBarcelona.  It's a bar made completely of ice and the temperature of the bar is kept at -8 degrees celsius.  To insure your comfort and warmth they equip you with down coats and gloves.  As expected it was very cold so we only stayed a little but we were very amused by the fact that everything was made out of ice - even the cups!

IceBarcelona

Sagrada Familia ice sculpture

Going up to Parc Guell

Tuesday we took the metro to Parc Guell, which was designed and built by Gaudi between 1900 and 1914.  In the park there is a cave that was used during one of the seasons of America's Next Top Model as the final runway, as well as various mosaics and buildings by Guadi.  We spent the majority of the day walking around the park and then headed back into the city.

Parc Guell

Parc Guell

Parc Guell/America's Next Top Model Runway

Parc Guell

Wednesday morning we got back on the plane and headed home to Nice!

Florence

Friday morning, at 2 AM, Meg, Jacqueline, and I boarded a bus for Florence.  After 7 bumpy and restless hours we arrived tired and disorientated but excited to be in Florence.  When we made our hotel reservations we were under the impression that we would be able to check in upon arrival but were informed that we would have to wait until 3 PM.  So we left our bags at the hostel and set out to explore Florence.

Duomo

Our first stop, and pretty much only stop of the day, was the huge outdoor Florentine market.  Hundreds of booths selling scarves, jewelry, and every leather product you would ever want.  Naturally, I indulged and bought a leather jacket as well as a few gifts for people back home.  Amidst the market lies the Duomo.  It was one of the largest and most decorated buildings I think I have ever seen.  Tired after spending money and walking around all day we headed back to the hostel to check in, shower, and rest up before starting our night.

Duomo

Jacqueline and me on Ponte San Niccolo

Friday night we had plans to meet up with one of Meg's friends from Le Moyen who is studying in Florence for the semester.  She didn't live too far from the hostel so we were able to walk to their apartment.  

Street artist

When we got there we had appetizers and met Meg's friend Kat and her two roommates, who also go to Le Moyen, Libby and Laura.  For dinner we went to a restaurant Moyo where we had an aperitivo, which is basically a drink and buffet style appetizers for really cheap - perfect for college students like us!  After dinner they toured us around Florence and showed us some of their favorite places.  We were all exhausted from our trip to Florence so we ended the night early and returned to the hostel for some much needed sleep.

Meg and me on Ponte San Niccolo

Saturday was spent relaxing and recovering.  After a leisurely morning, we left the hostel around 3 went to the market again and walked through the streets of Florence.  Later that evening we met up with Meg's friends for dinner and drinks.  Towards the end of our night they took us to a place known as the "secret bakery."  It is essentially a hotel bakery where the workers sell fresh pastries "secretly" to the public and then pocket the money they make of their sales.  The pastries were hot out of the oven and so delicious!  

Outside the secret bakery

Sunday we went to the Ponte Vecchio and then to Meg's friends for one last visit.  We then had lunch at a small Italian restaurant where the pasta was amazing but the bread paled in comparison to the baguettes we have become accustomed to in France.  Around 5 we headed to the bus station where we boarded our bus and 7 and a half hours later we were back in beautiful Nice!  

We loved our visit in Florence but we missed the blue water, warm weather, and fresh bread of Nice so we were happy to be home, even if it was 2 AM and raining!

Florence from the Ponte Vecchio

Aix-en-Provence and Marseille

This weekend we went to Marseille, one of the biggest cities in France with a population of close to 1 million.  We left for Marseille Saturday morning at 8 AM so Friday was spent in Nice.

Thursday night Meg, Jacqueline, and I went out to dinner at our favorite restaurant, Pasta Basta.  We overheard the people sitting next to us speaking English so naturally we inquired if they were from the US. As it turned out they were from Los Angeles and were in Nice for a few days on a food and wine tour organized by the Tobin James winery in Pasa Robles, California.  We got to talking and by the end of the night they had paid for our dinner so we felt that we at least owed them a tour of Nice.

Friday morning we met up with the couple from the night before, Steve and Carla, as well as the owners of the winery.  We took them to Parc du Chateau, a castle in Nice that overlooks the city of Nice, as well as through Vieux Nice.  They were all very nice people and we enjoyed being able to show people where we live!

View from the chateau

View from the chateau

Saturday morning I got up before the sun and set out for Aix-en-Provence.  After a 3 hour bus ride we arrived in beautiful Aix.  There we visited the farmers market and walked through Vieux Aix.  After lunch we took a walking tour of Aix which highlighted places where artist Paul Cézanne lived and painted.  After the tour we boarded another bus to Marseille.

Jacqueline and me in Aix

We arrived at the train station in Marseille and then walked, for what seemed like an hour, to our hotel to relax and change before dinner.  We ate at a small restaurant by the port that had crepes and omelettes.  After a delicious meal we headed to the opera to see Andrea Chénier.  It was preformed in Italian with French subtitles.  I had never been to the opera before so it was a new experience for me.  I don't know whether I'm too young to appreciate the art of opera or if I was especially tired that night but my first impression is that maybe the opera isn't for me.  Finally it was time to return to the hotel and see what Jacqueline had in store for us the next day.

The group at the opera