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Wow, so much has happened since the last update that I dont even really know what to say or how to fit it all in here. Since I last wrote, we have been to been to Cinque Terra, Rome, and are now back in Frankfurt enjoying the last day of the most amazing trip ever. Again, the moping is back, as I am not happy to be leaving Europe, but I suppose all good things must come to an end (if it came to an end about 3 weeks later though, that would be ok with me)
So Ill try and just give a quick update. After a day of travels, we made it to Cinque Terra, Italy. It is seriously the most beautiful place I have ever seen in my entire life. It consists of 5 small seaside villages at the foot of terraced hills that fall steeply toward the sea, so basically when you leave the water and want to get back into the small villages youre going up, up, up. Our little hotel we stayed in was a hiiiike. I think it was up about 180 stairs or so, which was not fun with our packs on our back, but when we got to the top it was totally worth it. I have never seen such a view. After crashing from exhaustion, we spent the entire next day hiking through all 5 villages, about a 10km hike and probably one of the toughest hikes of my life. My legs are still feeling the burn from that one. After reaching the last village we took the ferry back to our initial village (no way I was doing that hike again), ate some cheap pizza and again, crashed.
Being the crafty money savers we are, we took the night train to Rome to avoied paying for a hotel. Little did I realize the immense sketchiness on night trains in Italy, or just how packed it would be. We had to split up, and Ashley and I cozied up in a teeny tiny cab next to one gruff looking older man, one guy who never woke up, and two very openly gay but very friendly Austrians (I think. . . ). Yeah, I dont think I ever slept over 20 minutes. We still hit the ground running in Rome, trying to hit as many sites as possible. We decided to go to the Vatican first, to try and beat the crowds, and to our surprise the POPE was speaking that day!! And some random guy handed us tickets so we could get in and see him, so when he came cruising by on his Pope-mobile, we were about 5 feet away from him!!! Too cool. . . . Then I realized I dont understand a word of Italian and had no idea what he was saying, but it was cool anyways. Afterwards we did all the tourist spots we could - Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum, St Peters Basilica, Colosseum, Panthenon, Trevvi Fountain, etc etc. Basically every corner we turned in Rome was another spectacular and significant monument, statue, or some sort of ruin with incredible historical significance. I threw a coin over my shoulder into the Trevvi fountain, which legend states will assure my return to Rome. That cant come soon enough.
This is getting long, so Im going to try and wrap it up, even though theres so much more to say and tell, I dont think I could ever get through it all. We are back in Frankfurt now, and met some friends last night from Ireland, Scotland, and England at a small pub near where we are staying. One thing I love about it here is constantly meeting people from all over the world, something I am going to miss back in the US. Tomorrow I officially head out for Africa, and begin a new leg of this journey. At this point, Im feeling a little ambiguous, as I am not completely mentally prepared to leave Europe, but Im going to do my best to enjoy this last day and move on to the next adventure. Ill try to update when I get to Kenya, but I take off for Tanzania right when I get there, so it may be a couple days. Take care, I miss you all!
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Mary B
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Can't wait for pics
Bet you got some awesome pics, can't wait to see them! Have a safe trip to Africa and keep me posted as often as you can. PS Your car is so totally fun to drive!