I'm actually writing this in the afternoon, despite the caption. Cherise and I distracted each other last night before I had the chance to write.
Now I'm sitting on a beach just ten meters from the water of the Mediterranean Sea. We arrived on a flight from Beauvais, France to Girona, Spain yesterday morning at about 10:30 a.m. We then took an hour-long bus ride to Barcelona. We began walking in the direction of the main plaza, Place de Catalunya, in order to get our bearings to find a hostel that had been propagandized to us by a Honduran woman waiting at the bus stop. Along the way, however, we found the hostel that we've ended up staying at, for 20 euros each per night.
Before getting there, we saw the Arc de Triomf, Barcelona's version of Paris' momument of the same name. After checking in to our room, we took the rest of the afternoon to explore the downtown, old section of Barcelona. We did a lot of walking, and I absolutely loved the city of Barcelona. We walked down the main street, Las Ramblas, where we saw what looked at first to be a statue of Che. But then it started moving, so I realized it was a man who bore a very striking resemblance to Che. It was crazy. After a little coercion from Cherise, I got a photo with him.
We continued walking throughout the stone streets of old Barcelona. The buildings around us were all about five stories, with balconies. Each balcony had plants or clotheslines. The streets were arranged in a random fashion, so the whole thing was a maze. It was also nice to see that the streets were so clean. Each street had various shops and cafes, and restaurants.
The climate is warm enough here that there are many palm trees. Last night, after so much walking, not only yesterday but since arriving in Europe, we decided to see a movie. It was a great relief to get off our feet and just be entertained for a couple of hours. For the same reasons, it is good to be at the beach today. But getting back to the movie, we saw the third installment of Harry Potter. The movie was broadcast in Spanish, without any subtitles. Since Cherise effectively knows no Spanish, I had to whisper to her at key moments throughout the whole movie.
After the movie, we walked around for a while looking for a decent place to eat dinner. We finally settled on a restaurant on Las Ramblas, where I ate a paella de pollo. Tonight, I'll try the more typical paella de mariscos. We ate dinner after midnight. So it isn't a surprise that we slept in this morning. When we got up, we started our long walk to eventually arrive here at Playa Bogatell. So far, I love Barcelona. I could live here if I got an opportunity, or make one.
As for Paris, which I really didn't write about due to our non-stop schedule there, it was good to see and good to visit. While there, I went to the very top of the Eiffel Tower, where I used their bathroom to take a piss. We also went to the Louvre, where we saw the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. We walked underground to see the six million bones of Les Catacombes. We saw the Notre Dame, which was so intricate in its architecture and very beautiful in appearance. We walked along the River Seine. We ate a lot of good bread and sat for hours at several sidewalk cafes. The coffee there was very strong, as a "cafe" is really a cafe espresso. We also walked along the Canal St. Martin, which was very nice too. Similarly we walked the Champs Elysses to the end, the Arc de Triomphe. Two nights, we went to the Bastille, which is a very hip area for restaurants and bars.
All in all, Paris was beautiful for its sights. But the French language was difficult, and so it frustrated me to be unable to effectively communicate. Paris also surprised me for not being very clean and for its citizens' bland style of clothing. In fact, the Metro stops reminded me of the Philadelphia subway, not so impressive.
Well, I done a lot of writing in trying to catch up. And now the sun is starting to go down. If I want to take another dip in the Mediterranean, I've got to do it now.
Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts
Friday, July 9, 2004
Monday, July 5, 2004
Paris, France -- morning
Well, things don't always go according to plan. Cherise and I have a room together at Mary's Hotel in Paris. The hotel has begun renovations, and we're in a newly-renovated room. The rate is 50 euros per night. Cherise's mother, brother, and sister have a room next door.
We arrived in Paris early yesterday morning. The bus didn't even stop at a station or terminal; it just dropped us off on the side of the road. We referred to a map on a nearby board that listed over a hundred hotels in the area, each classed by price range. In an attempt to locate the closest cheap hotel, we stumbled upon a hostel, whose owner was sleeping on a cot inside the window. We walked in and someone woke him up. He said he was full but recommended another hotel to us: Mary's Hotel. We told him we preferred to walk the twenty minutes. Unfortunately, as we found out twenty minutes later, he had sent us in the opposite direction. I really don't think this was malicious in any way. To get back on the right course, we got on the Metro to arrive in the vicinity of the hotel. From there, we navigated the haphazard streets of Paris to eventually arrive and reserve our rooms at about 10:00 a.m.
We arrived in Paris early yesterday morning. The bus didn't even stop at a station or terminal; it just dropped us off on the side of the road. We referred to a map on a nearby board that listed over a hundred hotels in the area, each classed by price range. In an attempt to locate the closest cheap hotel, we stumbled upon a hostel, whose owner was sleeping on a cot inside the window. We walked in and someone woke him up. He said he was full but recommended another hotel to us: Mary's Hotel. We told him we preferred to walk the twenty minutes. Unfortunately, as we found out twenty minutes later, he had sent us in the opposite direction. I really don't think this was malicious in any way. To get back on the right course, we got on the Metro to arrive in the vicinity of the hotel. From there, we navigated the haphazard streets of Paris to eventually arrive and reserve our rooms at about 10:00 a.m.
Saturday, July 3, 2004
London, England -- night
I just realized in answering a question that Cherise just asked me that I have been giving a standard response that I don't care. More specifically, Cherise asked me if I was excited to be going to Paris. As I write this, I'm sitting on a bus that will take me to Paris. I said that I don't care. Reflecting on my response, I realize that I say this because I won't be sharing my experiences with anyone. This really saddens me. All of my photos have been of major sites, but I haven't been in any of those photos. They're basically postcards. I have nothing to show that I was actually here in London. I hope that Paris is different. I have to risk going off on my own in Paris. It'll be more money, but its worth my happiness and independence.
London, England -- afternoon
Things seem to be coming to a head with Cherise and me. Since arriving in London, I have been very aloof from Cherise and her family. Cherise told me that her family has noticed, as I'm not surprised.
In the weeks leading up to our trip, and especially since we've been here, I realize in high definition that most of who Cherise is and what she does actually irritates me. Very simply, we are not compatible. I think what has kept us together this long is out opposite schedules, and so the fact that we see each other for only short periods of time, and our physical-sexual attraction for each other, which undoubtedly exists.
Unfortunately, it has become apparent to me that Cherise has little to no interest in anything historical or political, which are my two main areas of interest. Conversely, I have little to no interest in the world of musical productions, which is Cherise's main area of interest. Last night's viewing of Chicago solidified that belief.
Also, Cherise's sense of humor really irritates me. She likes to do dramatic impersonations of the people around her. The dramatic way in which she does them really annoys me. Conversely, Cherise has told me that she doesn't appreciate my sometimes sarcastic sense of humor.
Cherise just came with our flight information from Paris to Barcelona, and she wants me to get the flight information from Barcelona to Rome. I should really write this out, think out this whole situation. I'll come back to this very soon.
In the weeks leading up to our trip, and especially since we've been here, I realize in high definition that most of who Cherise is and what she does actually irritates me. Very simply, we are not compatible. I think what has kept us together this long is out opposite schedules, and so the fact that we see each other for only short periods of time, and our physical-sexual attraction for each other, which undoubtedly exists.
Unfortunately, it has become apparent to me that Cherise has little to no interest in anything historical or political, which are my two main areas of interest. Conversely, I have little to no interest in the world of musical productions, which is Cherise's main area of interest. Last night's viewing of Chicago solidified that belief.
Also, Cherise's sense of humor really irritates me. She likes to do dramatic impersonations of the people around her. The dramatic way in which she does them really annoys me. Conversely, Cherise has told me that she doesn't appreciate my sometimes sarcastic sense of humor.
Cherise just came with our flight information from Paris to Barcelona, and she wants me to get the flight information from Barcelona to Rome. I should really write this out, think out this whole situation. I'll come back to this very soon.
London, England -- afternoon
So here I am, another day. Look's like we're getting a late start. I really can't control when we leave since I'm following the group. I actually woke up much earlier today, but no one was awake, so I decided to just fall asleep.
Cherise's mother just came back to the room with bus tickets to Paris. We'll be leaving later tonight. Right now, I have no idea what we're doing today. Although I have a few ideas, I'll just follow along with everyone else. We'll have to carry our backpacks today since we'll have to check-out of the hotel in just a little bit.
The weather here has been cool, windy, and sometimes rainy. The very stereotype of London. Paris will be a change of temperature, as well as culture, language, and environment. I'm looking forward to the change, as much as I'd like to do some exploring of my own in London. As with any world-class city, I'm sure there's so much more to see. At least I can say that I saw all of the major sites in London.
The one thing that I need to figure out is how to reimburse Cherise's mother for the bus ticket, which was L32. All I have left is about L17. And I don't want to change one of my traveller's checks for pounds when we'll be leaving England in less than twelve hours. I'll just give her what I have, then give her some euros when we get to Paris and I can change a traveller's check for euros.
I'll make some brief reflections of London now while I have a chance. London is a very clean city despite having very few trash cans in public. The architecture is very noticeably Old World, very intricate, very beautiful. The city reminds me of Philly in that it is a generally flat city, that is very few high-rises. The difference is that all of Philly's high-rises are concentrated in center-city, whereas here in London they are dispersed. The tube is easy to understand and easy to use. It is also very clean and user-friendly, unlike the subways of New York and Philly. The tube rides very smoothly. I only saw two mice in the tube here, and they were much smaller than those in New York. All in all, London has been great. I wouldn't mind living here if I could deal with the weather. But now time for Paris.
Cherise's mother just came back to the room with bus tickets to Paris. We'll be leaving later tonight. Right now, I have no idea what we're doing today. Although I have a few ideas, I'll just follow along with everyone else. We'll have to carry our backpacks today since we'll have to check-out of the hotel in just a little bit.
The weather here has been cool, windy, and sometimes rainy. The very stereotype of London. Paris will be a change of temperature, as well as culture, language, and environment. I'm looking forward to the change, as much as I'd like to do some exploring of my own in London. As with any world-class city, I'm sure there's so much more to see. At least I can say that I saw all of the major sites in London.
The one thing that I need to figure out is how to reimburse Cherise's mother for the bus ticket, which was L32. All I have left is about L17. And I don't want to change one of my traveller's checks for pounds when we'll be leaving England in less than twelve hours. I'll just give her what I have, then give her some euros when we get to Paris and I can change a traveller's check for euros.
I'll make some brief reflections of London now while I have a chance. London is a very clean city despite having very few trash cans in public. The architecture is very noticeably Old World, very intricate, very beautiful. The city reminds me of Philly in that it is a generally flat city, that is very few high-rises. The difference is that all of Philly's high-rises are concentrated in center-city, whereas here in London they are dispersed. The tube is easy to understand and easy to use. It is also very clean and user-friendly, unlike the subways of New York and Philly. The tube rides very smoothly. I only saw two mice in the tube here, and they were much smaller than those in New York. All in all, London has been great. I wouldn't mind living here if I could deal with the weather. But now time for Paris.
London, England -- early morning
Today was a stereotypical day in London: rainy. Fortunately, though, it didn't rain all day.
We started the day by seeing the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Afterwards, we walked to the Houses of Parliament, and stood in line for about forty-five minutes in the rain to get into the House of Lords. But we couldn't get in, so I just got really wet. Then, we walked past another long line for Westminster Abbey, which was a very impressive structure.
Before I forget, I have to rewind. Immediately after leaving Buckingham Palace, we crossed over the River Thames to look at what I think is called the London Eye, a very-tall ferris wheel. It looked impressive, but it was too expensive to be worth going onto.
Fast-forwarding back to Westminster Abbey, we waited out the rain, then walked through Swiss Court and over to Piccadilly Circus. Cherise's family went into a lot of stores, but each time I waited outside and watched people walk by. Piccadilly Circus reminded me of a much smaller version of Times Square, New York. We also went into the London Trocadero, which is actually a mall, and so nothing like the Troc in Philly.
After a few hours of that, we took the tube back to the hotel to rest for a couple of hours. I actually took a nap, which was much-needed.
After the rest, we rode back to Strand Street to watch a production of Chicago. This experience solidified my belief that I do not like musicals.
I'm going to wrap this up now since it's late and time to wind down to sleep. If I have time to write in the morning, I should mention that Cherise got really angry at my apathy toward her, and by proxy, her family. I can explain my reaction and the rest of the day.
We started the day by seeing the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Afterwards, we walked to the Houses of Parliament, and stood in line for about forty-five minutes in the rain to get into the House of Lords. But we couldn't get in, so I just got really wet. Then, we walked past another long line for Westminster Abbey, which was a very impressive structure.
Before I forget, I have to rewind. Immediately after leaving Buckingham Palace, we crossed over the River Thames to look at what I think is called the London Eye, a very-tall ferris wheel. It looked impressive, but it was too expensive to be worth going onto.
Fast-forwarding back to Westminster Abbey, we waited out the rain, then walked through Swiss Court and over to Piccadilly Circus. Cherise's family went into a lot of stores, but each time I waited outside and watched people walk by. Piccadilly Circus reminded me of a much smaller version of Times Square, New York. We also went into the London Trocadero, which is actually a mall, and so nothing like the Troc in Philly.
After a few hours of that, we took the tube back to the hotel to rest for a couple of hours. I actually took a nap, which was much-needed.
After the rest, we rode back to Strand Street to watch a production of Chicago. This experience solidified my belief that I do not like musicals.
I'm going to wrap this up now since it's late and time to wind down to sleep. If I have time to write in the morning, I should mention that Cherise got really angry at my apathy toward her, and by proxy, her family. I can explain my reaction and the rest of the day.
Friday, July 2, 2004
London, England -- morning
As I expected, I am able to write this morning. This is good because I'm taking advantage of the free time. This is also good because I can keep my interaction to a minimum. In this way, I can keep to myself.
Now, as I see looking back to yesterday's entry, I had walked across the Tower Bridge. We crossed to the other side of the Thames to try going to the Globe Theater. It took a little bit of walking (including passing a long line for the London Dungeon) before we eventually arrived at the Globe. Although most museums in London are free, this was another site that had an entrance fee. So we only went into the gift store.
At that point, I went off on my own, being told that Cherise's mother and sister would actually go into the Globe (I found out later that they didn't actually go in). I walked along the Thames and then went up a path leading away from the river to find a bench with a rubber covering. I took the opportunity to lie down and relax. Finally I had a chance to be alone. The sun was out at first so it felt very good. But then the winds became blustery, and I even started getting cold. I think this probably has something to do with the fact that I'm eating very little, in an attempt to keep expenses down in this very expensive city. The dollar-pound exchange rate is horrible, being nearly two to one. I'm sure I'm already losing weight. But I'm not complaining since I expected as much.
Right now, I'm sitting in front of a mirror. My hair is buzzed, slightly shorter on the sides and the back. My eyes look tired and a little red. My facial hair is growing out to stubble right now, and I'll let it keep growing. My mouth seems smaller than usual. All in all, I don't look too happy. The reason for this is that I am almost constantly irritated by Cherise. Her sense of humor consists of impersonations, not the celebrity kind, but just re-enacting, in an exaggerated sort of way, someone else's behavior. I find it really quite annoying. When I speak, she doesn't seem to listen or pay attention over half the time. She doesn't seem to have any sense of appreciation for the historical, becoming animated only when we got to Oxford Circus, the main shopping district in London. She initiates very little conversation with me, unless she wants to try to hold my hand. But by that point, I don't want to have anything to do with her. I'm not going to hold hands with someone who doesn't talk with me most of the time. And I believe the reason we don't talk is because our interests are so divergent. We just don't appreciate the same things and so there a not many common topics of conversation. For example, if I try to give a historical background of something, she just nods her head then immediately moves on to the next thought. I realize very clearly in this type of situation that Cherise is not really a friend. She's a good person, but I'm beginning to realize that we are not compatible.
And this, as I wrote briefly yesterday, puts me in a very uncomfortable position to be with her and her family. I'm not one to put on a front. Since I'm not happy with Cherise, I'm not going to pretend to be happy to be with her. I'm absolutely certain that her family is aware of this since I barely talk at all to anyone unless I'm spoken to first, I'm not holding Cherise's hand, I'm not walking next to her, I'm not laughing with her, and I'm not having much of any kind of contact or interaction with her. Now it seems that everyone is coming along to Paris this Sunday. This only reinforces my anticipation of arriving in Spain. Although I will focus on my surroundings and enjoying the reality of being in London and Paris, I think I will consider my trip really beginning once I get to Spain. It will be the type of trip I want: sleeping in hostels not on the floor of a nice hotel, having independence in exploring a city, being happy and smiling. For now, I'll bide my time. I'll be as civil as possible, even though I won't put on any fronts. As much as possible, I'll remain in the shadows. Nevertheless, I look forward to getting out of this hotel room and seeing more of London. I came here to see this part of the world.
Now, as I see looking back to yesterday's entry, I had walked across the Tower Bridge. We crossed to the other side of the Thames to try going to the Globe Theater. It took a little bit of walking (including passing a long line for the London Dungeon) before we eventually arrived at the Globe. Although most museums in London are free, this was another site that had an entrance fee. So we only went into the gift store.
At that point, I went off on my own, being told that Cherise's mother and sister would actually go into the Globe (I found out later that they didn't actually go in). I walked along the Thames and then went up a path leading away from the river to find a bench with a rubber covering. I took the opportunity to lie down and relax. Finally I had a chance to be alone. The sun was out at first so it felt very good. But then the winds became blustery, and I even started getting cold. I think this probably has something to do with the fact that I'm eating very little, in an attempt to keep expenses down in this very expensive city. The dollar-pound exchange rate is horrible, being nearly two to one. I'm sure I'm already losing weight. But I'm not complaining since I expected as much.
Right now, I'm sitting in front of a mirror. My hair is buzzed, slightly shorter on the sides and the back. My eyes look tired and a little red. My facial hair is growing out to stubble right now, and I'll let it keep growing. My mouth seems smaller than usual. All in all, I don't look too happy. The reason for this is that I am almost constantly irritated by Cherise. Her sense of humor consists of impersonations, not the celebrity kind, but just re-enacting, in an exaggerated sort of way, someone else's behavior. I find it really quite annoying. When I speak, she doesn't seem to listen or pay attention over half the time. She doesn't seem to have any sense of appreciation for the historical, becoming animated only when we got to Oxford Circus, the main shopping district in London. She initiates very little conversation with me, unless she wants to try to hold my hand. But by that point, I don't want to have anything to do with her. I'm not going to hold hands with someone who doesn't talk with me most of the time. And I believe the reason we don't talk is because our interests are so divergent. We just don't appreciate the same things and so there a not many common topics of conversation. For example, if I try to give a historical background of something, she just nods her head then immediately moves on to the next thought. I realize very clearly in this type of situation that Cherise is not really a friend. She's a good person, but I'm beginning to realize that we are not compatible.
And this, as I wrote briefly yesterday, puts me in a very uncomfortable position to be with her and her family. I'm not one to put on a front. Since I'm not happy with Cherise, I'm not going to pretend to be happy to be with her. I'm absolutely certain that her family is aware of this since I barely talk at all to anyone unless I'm spoken to first, I'm not holding Cherise's hand, I'm not walking next to her, I'm not laughing with her, and I'm not having much of any kind of contact or interaction with her. Now it seems that everyone is coming along to Paris this Sunday. This only reinforces my anticipation of arriving in Spain. Although I will focus on my surroundings and enjoying the reality of being in London and Paris, I think I will consider my trip really beginning once I get to Spain. It will be the type of trip I want: sleeping in hostels not on the floor of a nice hotel, having independence in exploring a city, being happy and smiling. For now, I'll bide my time. I'll be as civil as possible, even though I won't put on any fronts. As much as possible, I'll remain in the shadows. Nevertheless, I look forward to getting out of this hotel room and seeing more of London. I came here to see this part of the world.
Thursday, July 1, 2004
London, England -- night
Today was simultaneously good and bad. The good part was that I saw many of London's well-known sites. The bad part was that I was not happy to be with Cherise.
I may not have much time to write now since I'm sleeping on the floor in Cherise's family's hotel room, and they are now getting ready for bed.
First thing this morning, I was ready to leave on my own, but then Cherise got angry at that proposal. So, in order to show respect to her and her family, I decided to stay with her and her family. Although I ended up doing most of what I would have liked to have done, I would have preferred to be alone. That way Cherise could have spent time with her family without me, and I wouldn't have to deal with her in any way.
As for the sites, I saw the Monument, a 202 foot obelisk memorializing the Great Fire of 1666. Later, I actually climbed to the top, where I got a great photo of the Tower Bridge. From about 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., we took one of the London walks, which led us through the narrow lanes (e.g. Pudding Lane, Lovat Lane) of old central London. We also saw the site of where the Great Fire began and the site of London's first-ever coffee-house. The tour ended at St. Paul's Cathedral, which is one of the tallest buildings in the city. Many business-people were eating their lunches on the grounds of the Cathedral when we arrived there. The end of our walk went through what seemed to be London's business/financial district. Most men were wearing really nice shirts and suits. Also during the tour, we went to the Guildhall, which is the center of London city government. For some reason, we couldn't go inside.
After the tour, we walked over to the Tower of London, which we decided not to enter since it was a bit expensive. From the outside, however, it looked impressive. It was a castle with a moat (sans water) around the perimeter, tall colonnades, and several drawbridges. It seemed to be a large complex, covering a lot of area. Adjacent to the Tower of London was the Tower Bridge, which we walked across.
Since everyone is now going to bed, I'll stop writing. I saw many other sites, and I want to write too of the negative aspects of the day to sort through the causes and effects. I'll do some writing tomorrow morning when everyone is getting ready. Now it's time to sleep on the floor, and escape to my dreams, where I'll be happy.
I may not have much time to write now since I'm sleeping on the floor in Cherise's family's hotel room, and they are now getting ready for bed.
First thing this morning, I was ready to leave on my own, but then Cherise got angry at that proposal. So, in order to show respect to her and her family, I decided to stay with her and her family. Although I ended up doing most of what I would have liked to have done, I would have preferred to be alone. That way Cherise could have spent time with her family without me, and I wouldn't have to deal with her in any way.
As for the sites, I saw the Monument, a 202 foot obelisk memorializing the Great Fire of 1666. Later, I actually climbed to the top, where I got a great photo of the Tower Bridge. From about 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., we took one of the London walks, which led us through the narrow lanes (e.g. Pudding Lane, Lovat Lane) of old central London. We also saw the site of where the Great Fire began and the site of London's first-ever coffee-house. The tour ended at St. Paul's Cathedral, which is one of the tallest buildings in the city. Many business-people were eating their lunches on the grounds of the Cathedral when we arrived there. The end of our walk went through what seemed to be London's business/financial district. Most men were wearing really nice shirts and suits. Also during the tour, we went to the Guildhall, which is the center of London city government. For some reason, we couldn't go inside.
After the tour, we walked over to the Tower of London, which we decided not to enter since it was a bit expensive. From the outside, however, it looked impressive. It was a castle with a moat (sans water) around the perimeter, tall colonnades, and several drawbridges. It seemed to be a large complex, covering a lot of area. Adjacent to the Tower of London was the Tower Bridge, which we walked across.
Since everyone is now going to bed, I'll stop writing. I saw many other sites, and I want to write too of the negative aspects of the day to sort through the causes and effects. I'll do some writing tomorrow morning when everyone is getting ready. Now it's time to sleep on the floor, and escape to my dreams, where I'll be happy.
London, England -- early morning
I arrived in London earlier today at about 7:30 a.m. local time. Cherise and I made the flight from JFK in New York. I've been exhausted for most of the day, especially after a brief visit to the British Museum. It didn't help that we arrived on a day when the Tube was shut down due to a strike. Fortunately, its set to re-open tomorrow.
I'm not going to write too much now. I want some time to just relax, think, and develop a plan for tomorrow. I want to get an early start, and I'm not sure to what extent I'll be with Cherise's family. I prefer to have my independence and freedom, but I have to spend some time with Cherise's family. I need to find the most delicate balance to show respect, while maintaining a great degree of autonomy to enjoy my choices.
I'm not going to write too much now. I want some time to just relax, think, and develop a plan for tomorrow. I want to get an early start, and I'm not sure to what extent I'll be with Cherise's family. I prefer to have my independence and freedom, but I have to spend some time with Cherise's family. I need to find the most delicate balance to show respect, while maintaining a great degree of autonomy to enjoy my choices.
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