Getting Our Land Legs Back?

Ushuaia, Argentina
Wednesday, February 26th, 2014

Well, today was the day our trip to Antarctica officially ended. After breakfast we all made our way off the M/S Expedition and back to Ushuaia. Of course it was about 0800 when we had to leave so had a full day ahead of us. Many people would be heading to the airport (some of who we would run back into in Buenos Aires) but Jeff and I decided to stay a few extra days to see a bit more of Ushuaia. To our delight we were not the only ones so planned dinner with a few other people.

Met on land by a pretty rainbow.

We headed back up the street to our hotel but unfortunately were too early to check-in. So we wandered for a bit. Some shopping, some food...some combinations of each before checking in to the hotel and taking a nap (at least I did.).

My nap was momentarily interrupted by this little protest. 

Eventually it was dinner time and we made our way up to this great restaurant call Maria Lola. You have to walk up a hill to get there (well I guess you could also drive), but if ever in Ushuaia, I highly recommend it. Great food with a beautiful view.

Didn't even have to get out of my chair to enjoy a bit of that view.

But when I did, it got even better. The wine was also good, but then again we're in Argentina.....you can barely go wrong with the wine.

Eventually dinner was over we decided the night was still young so headed to the local Irish pub for a few drinks.

Southern most Irish Pub in the Word.

Me, Jeff, Shuri, Casey and Vanessa....before we got convinced to try some Fernet. But a great look at how much fun we had that night.

Vanessa's face is in reaction to the Fernet (con cola) that Jeff felt we had to try. Argentina is the only place you will find Fernet. If you check out some of the websites about Fernet, they say it is the best all occasion alcohol out there but no one really knows what it is made of because they keep Fernet recipes secret. I might be smiling but my reaction to Fernet is about the same as Vanessa's.....not good. I stuck to the beer.

After the pub, Casey (from Australia) left us for her hotel (she had an early flight) and Vanessa and myself went on a walking tour with Jeff and Shuri who were again looking for the Southern most strip club in the world. We found it this time.....but it was closed. From here Jeff and Shuri went back to the Irish pub, and Vanessa and I returned to our respective hotels and went to bed. 

It was a long, even though slightly unproductive day. But still more to come tomorrow.

Julie

Apparently I needed some retail therapy

Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Athens, Greece


Well today was my final day in Greece and I found myself not wanting to see anything. It almost felt like I no longer wanted to be a tourist and just wanted to have a normal day. I have been having some serious thoughts about the next step in life and the last couple days they all seemed to have collided. I spent what seemed like most of the night and morning working through some thoughts with a friend on Facebook but what I really needed to do was…....go shopping. So I headed to the shops. Nothing touristy and no souvenirs on this trip….just clothes.

That protest that I saw last night was still going on this morning. The police had actually blocked off several streets, there were riot police on every corner and there seemed to be a line of police blocking the way into a bank. The riot police looked a little bored though as most of them were standing around smoking so I was not too concerned that there was going to be trouble.

I headed back to the hotel with a much clear head about everything and have decided that it is almost impossible to make any real decision while I am still here so will try to stop thinking about real life for a while and just enjoy the trip.

A little video of the protest. I learned that the voice you can hear over the loud speaker is actually recorded.

I did head back out to the Plaka to enjoy my final night in Greece and some great Greek food. I must say I really have enjoyed the food here which says a lot considering I really do not care that much. The area is pretty quiet this time of year but you can totally feel the atmosphere and guess what this place must be like in the summer.

A night shot of the Acropolis.

So walking back to the bus stop in the shadow of the Acropolis I was thinking how great the last few weeks have been and how excited I am to head to Turkey.

I also discovered that I have not taken a single picture today....just 2 videos. So unlike me.


Julie

Ahhhhhh, David

Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Florence, Italy

I seem to be losing track of the days but I have confirmed that it is in deed Tuesday. I started a little late this morning but I am still on vacation so I can sleep in a little if I want to. My plan of action today was to hit the Galleria dell Accademia and then go from there. I was derailed a little bit as I walked downtown, around the corner…..and directly into a student protest rally. Ah, how I love a good protest rally.

I hope you can all read this because this is the entire theme of the rally.

From the signs and the age of the protesters I gathered that they were protesting an increase in university tuitions. It turns out I was really close and they were protesting a law (133) that would see funding to public universities cut (thus increasing tuition). I practiced my Italian for a while and then eventually asked someone who was wearing a t-shirt with some English on it what was going on. Turns out his English was not that good but he was able to explain it to me. Very exciting to be around that again. Takes me back to my university days (man do I sound old when I say that). It turned out I actually wore the colours of the day (red and black) without even knowing it. I totally could have joined the rally…but I didn’t. It’s not my fight but I did stand by and watch them (with some envy) for a little while.

A few of those students and professors and bystanders during the rally.

As the parade route took them past the museum I decided to head somewhere else first. I decided to climb the dome at the Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore.

The ceiling of the cathedral.

I figured that would give me a great view of the city and why not start there. I past several police officers who were directing traffic and I couldn’t help but notice how unprofessional the females looked. They all have long hair that hangs out freely over their shoulders under their hats. And their uniform seems to include a giant purse. Maybe that is where they carry thier guns. Not very intimidating I can say that for sure.

I know it's Italy and fashion comes first....but a purse?

Anyway, scaling those 463 steps was totally worth it as the view was great.

A few of those steps...really not so bad.

I could see the whole city. You also couldn’t help but see the very large parade of students parading in the streets. Really the whole atmosphere of the city could be soaked up in a few minutes.

I took this picture along the way....up all those stairs.

Exactly what I envision when I think of Tuscany.

Me with some of the scenery.

That protest rally from high above.

I then decided I would head back the Galleria del Accademia. The line was actually not that long (queuing seems to be a tourist attraction in itself here in Florence) and it only took me about 25 minutes to get in. I met some very nice boys from California in line who are on a break from classes (currently studying in London). They thought it was funny that students in Italy were fighting $3000 a semester tuition when they can easily pay $45,000 a year. I pointed out that that is exactly what the students were protesting against. They don’t want private universities like you see in the US. They are attempting to keep the public university system from dying in this country. I love my American friends but sometimes Americans really cannot see that we don’t always want what they have.

Another view from the dome. I could have also climbed the bell tower but decided one set of stairs was enough.

Anyway, back to my trip. The Galleria dell Accademia is of course home to Michelangelo’s David (the real one). There are a bunch of other things in the museum including some very interesting statues by Lorenzo Bartolini but really I found most of the museum uninspiring. Mostly religion influenced pieces that have actually been removed from churches. David on the other hand…….what can I say about David. I stopped breathing for a second or two and I did nearly cry (nearly). Much larger than I expected (we estimate about 14 feet tall). You cannot help but be in awe as you walk around the corner and see him standing at the end of the room. You can insert whatever descriptive word you want right here and I am sure it will properly describe David. Sorry, no pictures but I am sure you all know what he looks like anyways.

I then wandered my way through the streets on the way back to my hotel. I did stop by the market, just in case something caught my eye. There were all the usual knock-off everything’s, cheap David statues and every colour pashmina under the sun. I need none of those things so headed back to the Wash and Dry to finish the rest of my laundry.

I must say my day ended with one of the best meals I have had here in Italy at The Trattoria Armando. Good wine, good spaghetti, good Italian atmosphere.

I am off to Pisa in the morning for another fun filled day.

A little video from the protest.

Julie