a lifted curse

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Thats right. Friday was Hadrians Villa, which is known for being a rather rainy visit, but mother nature was actually working with us. We were not quite as lucky thursday night when we actually decided to go walking around, maybe do a little shopping. Oh no, as soon as we stepped out of the center, it starts to rain...a lot. But it cleared up that morning. We ofcourse stopped at our one euro cappuccino place. We got there before they would serve anyone. We kinda just stood right outside the door. Im sure they appreciated that. We had to meet everyone at the train station. We rode bus 64 which is known for pickpockets, but it wasnt bad at all. We actually met a nice american from tampa on the bus and talked with him a little. The bus trip was pretty short. Hadrians villa is just right outside the city. It was pretty and it felt amazing. Ofcourse its beautiful pretty much everywhere outside the city with all the mountains and such. It never really got too hot. We did a tour around the villa and then stopped for lunch in this little grassy area. Lunch seemed rather picturesque. When i first walked up to the area i saw one random duck just walking around. I thought it quite odd until i looked about 20 feet to the left and saw a pond and ,you know, 10 other ducks. They all made their way over to us and got some bread from some of the other students. Unfortunately i had none to give. Then there was a random cat, just one. We sat on the bench and ate, others sat in the grass. It was great. Then after lunch we left the villa and headed for the fountains of tivoli. Oh god, this place was gorgeous. So many fountains and beautiful landscaping. I could have sat there for hours. There was one particular fountain that was so enormous. Dad, you would have absolutely loved this place. Dont worry, i'll provide pictures. We sat around and did a little sketching. And there was an awesome view of the valley. Then we headed back home. Laura, Sara, and I needed to try and get our tickets for switzerland and since we were at termini anyways we stayed to figure that whole business out. We first went to the information desk since we really didnt know what we were doing. We were debating rather to get just one round trip ticket or a pass which can include like 6 days of traveling in 4 countries. We quickly realized the pass was going to be worth the extra money. We got in line for the tickets but when we got to the counter we found out that you needed atleast a picture of your passport so we had to go back on sat. Not a big deal. We just went back the next day and picked up our passes and reserved our seats for the trip. We leave Thursday night, get there friday morning in interlaken. We have one stop the way there and 2 coming back. We are staying in this hostel. Its pretty cool b/c we get the 4th night free. We will be missing 2 days of classes and getting back tuesday evening. We get to ride the train during the day the way back which will be great b/c i want to see all the mountains and stuff. I cant believe we are actually doing this. The plan is to go paragliding which im really thrilled about. I plan to drink lots of hot chocolate. Last night we had a bunch of people over for a little party for Cassies birthday. We all went out to eat at the little chinese restaurant near our place and came back for wine and cake. Today i need to catch up on some reading for class, so it should be a one thrilling day.

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Photos

pond
this is where hadrian sat and ate

random duck
not really, i thought it at the time so clearly picture worthy

Comments

[Erin]

so exciting!!!!
The pics are beautiful! I'm so excited that you are getting to go to Interlauken. Unless it has changed, you can take a camera with you when you are paragliding so you can take pics up in the air. You might want to get a disposable one just in case you drop it. They wanted you to have a way to secure it. I wore a rain jacket with pockets to hold it until i got up in the air. Oh, I'm so excited for you. That trip continues to be one of the most amazing things i have ever done. Have Fun!

[Your other sister! :)]

This is sooooo nice.
Hey, man it seems like everywhere you go you are seeing more just breathtaking views. that's got to be awesome. glad you are having fun. Great pictures! Much love to you. Jamie, ya know, the sister that rocks!!!! :D he he