30 Days of Memories: Day 30

It was very hard to get a picture of the Colosseum, as it is always swarming with people. It looks like a busy anthill with ants scurrying here and there.

We did a self-guided tour and I was awe-struck by the fact that I was standing in a stadium with so much history. Even with so many people around, I could help but feel touched by the events past. We opted not to do a guided tour, but now that they've opened the underground chambers and passages to tour groups, I will definitely be doing that next time around.

Rome was an exciting, beautiful place to visit, but my inner country girl will always feel more at peace in the wide open spaces like Tuscany or in the small villages surrounded by nature like Cinque Terre.

30 Days of Memories: Day 27

Both of these were taken at Highgate Cemetery in London on our first trip to Europe. I never had much interest in history, but this cemetery was really eye-opening for me. There are grave markers that are older than our country! These pictures don't do it justice - the cemetery (the East one, at least) is breathtaking. It is surprisingly peaceful and full of life.

30 Days of Memories: Day 25

Creepy, muddy lane and the Scooby Doo gate

This might just look like a long, muddy road, but it leads to one of the most haunted castles in Europe. Chillingham Castle was a must-do on our first trip as a group across the pond.

The plan was to take the train from London to Alnmouth and then take a cab from Alnmouth to Chillingham. We noticed that one of the stops along the way was in Newcastle, and Hall was a die-hard Newcastle United fan, so the two of us decided to get off at Newcastle so we could go see St. James' Park.

We hopped off at the stop, planning to catch the next one through and meet up with everyone else at the castle. However, we did so without checking the train schedule. Turns out that the train only stopped at Newcastle during commuter hours, so we  were stuck in Newcastle until the end of the work day. This was back before cell phones were readily available and had decent international service, so we had no way of telling the rest of the group that we would be hours behind them, not just one hour. We walked around St. James' Park and enjoyed the day in Newcastle before hopping the first afternoon train to Alnmouth.

I don't recall how we managed to arrange for a cab in Alnmouth, because my memory of the station is just a stop in the middle of nowhere. I do remember that the cab from Alnmouth to Chillingham was not an actual nightmare, but neither of us could understand a single word the cab driver said and he apparently could barely understand us. We did understand when he pointed out Alnwick Castle, where they filmed Harry Potter. Those were about the only words we understood, "American Filmn Harry Potter". No, that's not a typo, he said filmn.

The gate at the end of the long, muddy lane in the picture is what we came to call the "Scooby Doo gate", full of creaks and groans just like the cartoon.

Shamelessly stolen picture of the creepy bridge on the grounds

While Brian and I were cooling our heels in Newcastle, the rest of the group took a tour of the castle grounds. I loved the picture of the creepy bridge so much that I stole a copy of it from someone (either Squid or Robs).

Being the off-season for tourists, the castle wasn't exactly bustling with activity and there was no food to be found, so the caretakers sent Hall and I into the next village to find some food. The rest of the group had given up waiting on us and had already gone on ahead.

The mile and a half into the village was the longest mile and a half I'd ever walked. It was like we'd been transported into American Werewolf in London, and I'm not exaggerating. It was dark, drizzly, and there were a bunch of noises we didn't recognize.

Unbelievably, we found the rest of the group in a restaurant in the village, just getting their dinner. We happened to look through a window of a restaurant and there they were! I was never so happy to see familiar faces in my life.

30 Days of Memories: Day 22

Back row: Shannon, Kev, Justin. Front row: Robs, me, Brandy, Mrs. Squid, Squid

It was hard to leave Sovigliano, but we were ready to continue our adventure in Italy. This is one of the few pictures we have of the entire group together, and our hosts were kind enough to take it.

Traveling with a group this large can be difficult, but we'd been friends long enough and traveled enough together that we could just set times to meet back up and go our own ways without anyone's feelings getting butt-hurt. There was never any pressure to stay together as a large group. We had plans at least once a day to do something as a group, usually food-based, but the rest of the day we split up and explored where we wanted to.

I'm so thankful that Squid is a planner extraordinaire and that this group was so easy to travel with. Too bad everyone grew up, got married, and started having families of their own. :)

30 Days of Memories: Day 10

Dinner in Steamboat during our girls' weekend. I'm still very thankful that I met them through Hall. I firmly believe people come into our lives for a reason. Part of the reason Hall came into my life was to introduce me to these phenomenal women, for which I will always be grateful.

30 Days of Memories: Day 3

Day 1
Day 2

(Yes, these are all pictures of pictures. I wanted to stay authentic to the memories on my new shelves, so I'm just snapping pics of what's on each shelf.)

In 2006, I was lucky enough to get to travel with a group of my friends to Italy for 15 days. It was amazing. I took this picture in the ruins outside of the Colosseum in Rome. I remember being absolutely astounded by all of the rich history in Italy. The U.S. is such a young country compared to the rest of the world that I felt like I'd stepped into a World History book. Despite losing my luggage and starting the day in soggy clothes (did you know that if you handwash your clothes and hang them to dry in a humid area, they won't, in fact, dry?), I had such a wonderful day.

I learned that the aqueducts (fontanelles) have some of the best water I've ever tasted. I'm completely a water snob, but I couldn't get enough of the aqueduct water.

30 Days of Memories: Day 1

After three years, I've finally been able to unpack my pictures and get them put up. Jay transformed two pallets into shelves for me, and I am once again able to see the pictures that bring me such wonderful memories.

I thought I'd take the next 30 days to post about each of my pictures and the memories they stir up. I'd love for others to join me, because it's going to be a lot of fun.

This was a girls' trip to Steamboat Springs one weekend a year or so after a bad breakup. I'm thankful for the relationship, because it introduced me to all of these wonderful women who were amazing and supportive through the whole thing. It was a weekend filled with hiking, fun, and laughter and I can't think of a better girls' weekend. (Unless, of course, we're talking about my surprise trip to the Women's World Cup, but that's another story.)

I sadly don't see many of these women on a weekly basis anymore, but I'm Facebook friends with most of them so we get to keep up with each other's lives. I firmly believe that people come into our lives for a reason - they might not stay forever, but the memories made will.

soulmates

I'm very blessed in the friend department.  This blanket-turned-tapestry was a gift and I loved it so much I couldn't bear to use it as a blanket, so it's helping to insulate the brick wall.  With the cold weather moving in, I'm sure it will be helpful, as this is the largest exposed brick wall in the apartment.

I just have to say, my next horse has some big shoes to fill.

Italy, Day 13

11 Apr 06

We had a great sit-down breakfast at the hotel today, then set off in a water taxi to Murano island to see the glass blowers. 

The water taxi was much more like a "water limo" with wood and brass cabin and cream-colored leather seats.

The glass on Murano was amazing!  Watching the glass blowers do their thing was unbelievable.  Even after watching them start with plain glass and work it, I'm still in awe at what they are able to do.  I took a ton of pictures of sculptures that I loved, but couldn't afford.

Robs spoiled herself and bout six wine glasses and a carrafe caraffe wine decanter for 325 Euro including shipping and handling.  She should have everything in 4 - 6 weeks, so we'll have to have a party to celebrate when she gets them.

Signing her life away.

I bought some very cool bracelets for my co-workers, a necklace for Nelle, horse for Mom, angel for Grandma Mary and mini-carnival masks for a couple of other people.  I spent less than 50 Euro for 12 gifts ~ not a bad deal.

Squid was kind enough to model the jewelry.

The rest of the day was very laid back and relaxed.  Mrs Squid and I walked around while she finished up her shopping.  Then Squid, Kev, Robs and I went for gelato.  I think I'm going to go through gelato withdrawal when I get back to the States.

NEVER pass up an opportunity for gelato.  Never.  Ever.  Never.

I've eaten so much pizza here because it's fairly cheap, that I don't care if I see another pizza again.

After dinner, Squid, Mrs Squid, Robs and I walked to San Marco Square again to see it at night.  I was hopeful that it would flood so I could get some cool pictures of the reflection of the square in the water.

That's the extent of the flooding, which is a good thing.

Venice at night is every bit at beautiful as it is during the day, and we had a good time wandering through all of the alleys, even if Robs and I kinda got lost and worried Squid.

Headed home tomorrow.  As much as I'd like to stay here, I miss the kids and home.  I just hope that I'll be able to bring them back with me one day.

Italy, Day 12

10 Apr 06

The train from Milan to Venice was absolutely packed!  I'm so glad we paid the extra 3 Euro to get assigned seats.  Squid had to kick people out of our compartment while Brandy, Robs, and I were stuck in the hallway at the other end of the rail car.  It took us nearly twenty minutes of shuffling people in and out of compartments for for the aisle to clear enough for us to squeeze through.  Brandy and I made it through by turning sideways, carrying one bag in front of us and dragging our backpacks.  We had to send Squid to extricate Robs from the hall.  Once we were in our compartment, with the door closed, we had to endure the glares of the people we kicked out of our assigned seats who were now sitting on fold-down seats in the hallway.

It was a long, but mostly comfortable ride to Venice, where we caught a water bus to the station (dock?) nearest our hotel.  Squid told us it would be almost impossible to find it on the first try because of all of the alleys and such, but we did manage to do it.

The hotel is very nice, but not nearly enough stairs.  There are only 20 stairs to our room, not hardly worth mentioning.  I've gotten so used to marching up a gazillion stairs that it's kind of cheating to only have 20.  I've been assured that all the walking around we'll be doing will make up for it.

And another four-legged friend for Mrs Squid

I loved these shower doors.  Until I had to use them.

We really got lucky our whole trip with finding great rooms.

No chance of using ass-towels here.

We met up with Kev and Shannon and went to see San Marco church, which was really a rip-off.  Admittance to the church was free, but no pictures and we got charged to see anything other than the pews.  After paying 3 Euro to see "the treasury", Robs and I decided we weren't going to continue to be nickle and dimed and looked at all of the "free" stuff in the church.  Frankly, I was much more impressed with the square itself and all of the flying rats (pigeons).

They sell bird feed with "birth control" for the tourists to feed to the birds.  One particular gentleman was overly persistent and did not believe me the first or second time I told him no.  A third, very sharp "NO!" finally got through to him, though I'm certain Squid wanted to die of embarrassment.

We walked around the stores lining the plaza and looked into a very cool art gallery (no pictures).

For dinner, we found a place that served a 5-course meal for 20 Euro ~ it was a good deal.  Bran and Justin opted to go their own way for dinner.  Sitting down for a two-hour dinner isn't everyone's idea of a good time.

It's funny, though.  We were all excited about the great wine in Italy and drinking it with every meal, but it's all we can do to kill a litre between us anymore.  I guess we've been wined-out.

Between the tannins in the red wine and all of the exercise we've been getting, our hearts must be extra healthy!

Italy, Day 11

09 Apr 06

Up bright and early today to take the train to Milan to see the Duomo (church) and AC Milan v. Chievo Verona.

The subway from the train station to the Duomo was much nicer than the subway in Rome.  There was much less graffiti and urine.

We climbed the stairs (164) to the roof of the Duomo  and walked around looking down at the square.  It's probably the only time I'll get to wander around the marble roof of a church.

With the drizzle, the roof was very slippery.

Our seats for the Milan game were not the best seats around, but at least we got to see them win 4-1.  I picked up shirts for the kids, which I hope they'll like.

Nothing brings a smile to Squid's face like futbol

When we got back to our hotel, the housekeepers had been in to straighten up and they left actual bath towels.  Then it dawned on me ... we had dried off after our showers with the towels hanging over the bidet.  We'd dried our bodies with ass-towels!

I wish we had more time to spend on Lake Como, but we're down to the last couple of days of our trip and we're off to Venice.