24, 24, 24 hours to go...

I wanna be sedated or constipated. Morocco did not agree with my stomach. OMG. And I really have 48 or so hours to go. Before my long flight where I may not have immediate bathroom access. Gross, I know, but a serious concern.

Since I last blogged, Matt and I have been through Italy (Rome and Venice); Spain (Bilbao and Barcelona); Morocco (Fes) and back to Barcelona.

The Colesseum, Pantheon and Vatican were amazing to see in person after years of viewing them in art history texts. Michelle Obama was at the Pantheon the first time we tried to go. She did look lovely in her yellow dress - and the foreign crowd loved her. The Vatican was beautiful but I was offended to see all of the people snapping photos - come on people, it is a holy site. Turns out 12 years of Catholic school left a mark on me. Then we had to loop through the Vatican museums three times to see the Sistine Chapel! I became increasingly frustrated with each loop. I am pretty sure that the people at the Vatican should ask themselves, "what would Jesus do?" and realize that the answer is not treat people like cattle. The Sistine Chapel was worth it though. Absolutely amazing.

Venice was super touristy, and incredibly frustrating. Hard to navigate. And so hot! We did eat well though.

The Guggenheim in Bilbao was awesome. Bilbao itself was one of the cleanest cities I have ever visited. They have twice-daily street sweepers and then individual people out with brooms and dustpans. It was maniacal! And the pinxtos (Basque tapas) were delicious!

We spent one night in a hostel in Barcelona, which reminded us why we were paying more to stay in hotels. Gotta love the Euro techno and stinky hippies.

Then we were off to Morocco - our first foray into Africa. Not what we thought it would be. There were no local artisanal crafts - everything was fake Louis Vuitton. It reminded us of a Middle East Mexico, but without any consideration of tourists or Americans or women - too bad I was all of the above. We felt safe in that no one could care less about us as Americans. There were no shops selling tourist items, there were no restaurants (we assume everyone eats at home and then the men venture out). It was weird to be the most scantily clad person there. We had a hard time finding restaurants, or really any place that catered to women. Outside all of the cafes sat men...and only men, who looked at me and Matt with utter disdain. How dare I be out in public and how dare Matt not know to keep me covered and at home.

Yesterday we arrived back in Barcelona and had a delicious dinner. Today we set out for the Gaudi houses but, alas, my stomach was not up for the adventure. We still have tomorrow before we fly back to Milan to come home so I hope we can be touristy then.

movie-quality hello

My Fourth of July consisted of a reindeer hot dog, a bit of walking, a chair exhibition and a nap. Not bad at all.

Matt met me in Milan on Monday with roses and a bottle of prosecco. Not bad after I traveled from 7.30 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. I walked, took a bus, plane, train, bus, plane, bus and walked. I was tired and kept asking myself if I was there yet.

Yesterday was a travel day and we flew to Naples. Today we visited Pompeii. Pretty amazing in person, especially after seeing the site in art history textbooks the past few years.

Did I forget to mention that last Friday was my last day of college? I am done with my second bachelor-s degree.

We are eating amazing pasta, pizza and gelato...and the wine is cheaper than water. Though we have been enjoying the H2O "with gas" and also drinking a lot of regular tap water. We have yet to contract the Italian version of Montezuma-s Revenge so I think we should be fine.

Before dinner we visited a fountain designed by Bernini and found the street with the "presepi" or nativity scenes. I cannot wait to set up the new one at Christmas.

Tomorrow we are hitting up the island of Capri before heading to Rome.

Matt, wine, gelato, art...life is good.
-A

P.S. Matt signed a lease. We get back on Tuesday/Wednesday and moving on Friday. Life is nothing but bold steps.

Bergen fun

Several guys in my class made this video one night:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=712_3EmYhCs

off to the islands

Tonight we are headed out to one of the islands for a bbq (Rori and Ken (my instructors) are staying with the family Rori nannied for 10 years ago and they invited us out to their summer cottage). We are taking a ferry, which is supposed to provide us with great views. Also, a few days ago we went swimming, and by that I mean we jumped into the salty, salty water. The water and the mountains are the things here...they remind me of home, but different.

Two and a half more days left to this degree! Woo hoo!