ooops Mel-
I didn't get it until I tried to log onto couchsurfing.com. This site looks just like your other one and has all your blog entries. So now this one is bookmarked. I hope they have a backup.
Meanwhile, I willl continue to print out your blogs when I read them.
Mommy
Dont' worry Mel-
I was able to print out all of your blog entries. I wonder if the email you go might have been a hoax. The site seems to be working fine. Or at least your blog is working fine. I will check it out further to see if it has other problems. But, at least you know all is not lost!
Now's your chance! Re-invent the wheel kid . . perfect opportunity to resurrect the whole couchsurfing concept and website. ;) With all kidding aside, it's really unfortunate that happened. But, at least you were able to experience it while it was still alive and kicking. It's been good to you and has enabled you the chance to meet so many people; people who welcomed you with open arms into his/her home. Be grateful for that and take with you all the memories you've made.
obnoxious tourists I remember feeling the same way about obnoxious tourists and deeply embarassed about how many, if not most of them, were Americans.
You have gotten spoiled by seeing Europe as a nontourist. I am sure you will have a wonderful experience living in Barga for the summer.
Now I know I never heard what happened after I gave you the numbers for the couch surferers. I'm glad it worked out. Please post a picture of you with pink highlights!
Not surprised Hey M! Glad you're still enjoying yourself and I am definitely not surprised that you're exhausted and 'traveled out'. Rest up kid b/c you have about 70% more of the world to see :) . I'm certain that you will find yourself residing in a foreign country when the time comes and wish you a safe return to Italy. Take care peanut.
wonderful It is such a wonderful break from work to read your blog and imagine the fabulous time you are having. I will look up Schiele online to see his art.
I remember loving Vienna also--the city, not to mention the pastries! Have you had any good ones? I do know what you mean about being travelled out. I guess you are really ready to settle down--I know you will enjoy being back in Italy. I expect you will feel like its time to come home for awhile by August. I'm sure you will take many trips in the future, and it would not surprise me at all if you end up living somewhere abroad, at least for awhile in the future.
Meanwhile, enjoy your last travel days. Much love.
Amazing Mel,
You seem to be having an unbelievably amazing time abroad. Effortlessly, you encounter great people--just the people you need at the moment, like Marcus. You have great luck. I have to imagine that your return visit to view the Schiele's paintings gave you greater insight. As you point out, there is nothing like having someone who knows these paintings and artists intimately, to explain them to you!
Keep writing.
Please be careful You have 7 weeks left kiddo. PLEASE continue to be careful, ok? Your mom agrees with me and you should ALWAYS listen to your mother! :)Be safe and keep having a blast. You're in a fantastic position right now, given you have the luxury to be traveling so frequently and for the duration of time that you have. Post some more pictures when you have time. Miss you.
keep having fun Mel,
Copenhagen is a very interesting place, but when I (steven)was there it felt a lot like being in the states. It felt much less continental than the rest of Europe. You might want to venture up to Elisingnor, home of Hamet's castle. I'm sure you've seen their guardian mermaid.
All the train mishaps are reminiscent of our adventures on the Italien trains--you can't count on things being reliable except maybe in Switzerland. Did you check out the jewelry in Denmark-I (mommy)still wear some of the silver I bought there 30+ years ago.
I agree with Danielle-You need to be careful--you really have been very lucky that noone has taken advantage of you , and thank goodness that you were able to retrieve your Eurail pass!
Nap time Stop falling asleep on trains, Mel...someone may be smart enough to just steal YOU :). Make sure you update your map of places you've been.. be safe.
Sorry about train trip Sorry to hear about the problems you had getting to Copenhagen; I still felt responsible for you somehow. How scary that your train pass got thrown away, help!! Anyway, it was great having you here and getting to know you. We'll be in touch. P. S. Tobbe's name is spelled like that -- nickname for Torbjorn. Selma calls him Toby. Hugs, Barbara
We love the way you describe your experiences. It's almost as good as being there! Hope your bottom feels better. Sounds like next time you should lower the seat!
Where exactly is Upsalla, what city are you near?
Saw Kim at Margie's gala the other night. she said she didn't get your email with the blog address. I will send it to her.
Sweden Hey Melanie,
Crazy how fast plans change. Sounds like you're having a great time in Sweden. I hope to make it there sometime. I just got back from the Highlands and it's actually hot in Scotland. I can't believe it. People are freaking out. I've got my second surfer coming on Monday. She's from Brazil, so that's exciting. Do you think you could vouch for me on couchsurfing, btw? Of course only if you think I'm not crazy. Have fun on the rest of your journey.
Nicole
Chouette! (aka: 'cool!!!')
Melanie, I am so excited for you and fascinated to read all about your awesome adventures. Keep having the best time. You rock.
Many bises to you. (Don't forget your French! :P )
Love ya,
Em
Pictures Agree with your mom (again). Please post some new pictures. I enjoy reviewing your photography and the places you've been. I have to live vicariously thru someone..
The sites of the US Have you visited every state in the US? You had better put together a photo album, Mel. These blogs are great, but you'll appreciate and album with your photographs too..
Listen to your mother I agree with your mom on this one. Definitely make a point to take note of all their names. I can't remember names of profs. from college and that wasn't THAT long ago!
sheeps bladder Haven't seen any pictures lately--Please try to take some--it's nice to have the visuals. Would especially like to have seen the sheep bladder with oatmeal. I can't believe you ate that--how's your stomach?
gay pubs Are there gay pubs all over the place, or just in the more hip places like Cambridge and London?
How are you feeling about being a native speaker?
Amazing Looks like you've made it to about 30 % of the land in the world unless you also count the arctic regions, in which case its less. Knowing you, you'll be at 50% by age 30!
Just finished a semester studying abroad in Florence, Italy and am now making my way through Europe with a backpack and membership to couchsurfing.com!... full info
Danielle
non-member comment
Welcome 'home'
Glad to hear that you made it back to Italy safely. Enjoy your class!