ALOMAS

or in English "a lifetime isn't enough for Rome". For those of you who have been there, you probably agree with this statement. Besides the long list of archeological sights and museums, there is something eye-catching around every corner. Whether it be one of Rome's gigantic monuments, or one of the MANY churches or statues, or just the beauty of people-watching in a place that's so cultured and alive, this city has it all. If a lifetime isn't enough for Rome, then 3 days DEFINITELY isn't enough, but we tried our best to see as much as possible in a small amount of time. I did this trip with one of my university friends, Ciara, who is also living in Europe as au pair. She was a great travel buddy as we were both very anxious ... read more

Upon arriving to the outskirts of venice, whether by plane, train or automobile, you reach a certain point where you can go no further. You leave these mainstream modes of transport behind you and you begin your adventure as pedestrian extraordinaire. From the train station, you cross the bridge over Canal Grande. You start to walk down a slightly narrower street, and then you cross another bridge, much smaller than the last one. The next road is even narrower, and the bridge even smaller. This pattern continues until you find yourself in the middle of a fairytale. You are LOST in a paradise of winding canals and impossibly stunning architecture, both centuries old. But you soon learn that lost in Venice is the ONLY way to be in Venice. Follow the sea of fanny packs and ... read more

I'm not talking about rotisserie chicken, I'm talking about a log house in the Swiss alpes. I've just returned back to Biella after 5 days in Saas Fee/Saas Grund, Switzerland! The family had invited me to join them on this trip before I even arrived in Italy, meaning I'd been looking forward to this trip since November! Every year, they do a house swap and often they choose mountain destinations, ideal for family ski trips! It's such a fantastic way to travel, as you pay nothing for your accomodation (you just have to trust complete strangers in your home). A lot of families in the house swap community have second homes which they generally use for swapping purposes. We arrived in the late evening to the coziest little chalet. The fire was already going and dinner ... read more

In the week since my last entry, I haven't been to Rome or Florence or Venice. I've been here in Biella adjusting to life in a new place with new people. On tuesday I started my au pair duties which mostly involve being a chauffeur. On tuesday morning it took me 15 minutes to get out of the driveway. During those 15 minutes of frustration I couldn't understand why anyone would EVER want to drive stick (in fact, this is something I'll never understand). I practiced for about an hour before I had to head into town to get Gaia. In that hour I angered A LOT of Italian drivers. I stalled in busy roundabouts and at green lights and at stop signs...just about everywhere, causing all the traffic behind me to stand idle. I really ... read more