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So, Ill start where I left off last time.
Helen and Roger's place near Carlise, Northern England. So early train means early rising, early as in 4.30, followed my hanging at a bus stop for the elusive 211, followed by a ride on the Victoria line early in the morning, and then hanging out at Kings Cross for an hour. I know, what fun British transport really is. So, train was at 7, and it was quite painful. Has to chnage at Leeds, which is incredibly out of the way, so the journey took 5 hours. The 2nd portion did take me over the Pennines, a wonderful Great Dividing Range of Britain, the setting of Bronte classics (one of which I happen to be reaidng at the moment, so that was good). Eventually got there, and then was exhausted, even though I had been sleeping most of the morning. That was Saturday
Then there was Sunday. Went on a wonderful tour of the Lakes. The tiny lanes, and steep hills give me a headache just thinking about, so I am ashamed to say I was not the best travelling companion, and feel I failed to appreciate the many lakes, and the effort of my aunt to get me there (sorry about that). What I did see, was beautiful. All those random waterfalls, and moss covered stone walls, that is the cliche Britain, and it was wonderful. Got back, and had a Roast for dinner. Oh how I miss roasts (i'm not sure if its and Austrian thing, but the fam I am with, doesnt eat red meat, its strange). Monday caught the train back to London. This one being a slightly more expensive ticket, only took 3 hours, and arrived at Kings Cross. Of course because it is London, the Victoria Line was not working from Kings Cross, so I had to catch the Northern, followed by an hour long bus ride. Oh London is a wonderful place.
That week flew by. For those not aware, I am in fact returning to the states for another camp experience, this time new camp and new state. However this fact means the whole CCUSA expericne must be relived, including the interviews, fees and orientations. So my interview was that Tuesday. Done it all before, so no stress.
On the Friday I woke up even earlier to get to Roma - 4. I know Im insane. Then sue to lack of tubes at that ungodly hour, caught a taxi to Victoria Station (momentarily forgot that there is in fact night buses), and then missed my bus to Stanstead, so had to wait for the next one. Got to Stanstead, then had to hang out there for almost 2 hours. I love airports. Eventually got to Rome. The hostel I had booked was full (of course), but they kindly shoved me off to one across the street. Pretty much, this was in a tiny alleyway, and the hostels were on one level of decrepid buildings. However the hostel I did get was great. Included bedding, breakfats and dinner for only 23 Euros for two nights, I was pretty happy with that, and there were heaps of great people there. For the first time I was the only native English speaker, everyone else was from France, Spain or South America. It was a great experiecne, although I have to say I felt like an idiot becasue everyelse spoke at least 2 and up to 5 languages, and I only spoke one. Ah the curse of Australian isolation. It also meant that everyone else had to say everything in English, even though I was the only native English speaker, it wasnt fun.
Rome, on the whole was great though. Saw the Colloseum, Trevi Fountain, the Forum, St Peters, The Vatican Museum, Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and about a thousand piazzas. On the Saturday I did a bus tour, which told me all about the history of the city, and took me to all these places I didnt even know were there. It is a wonderful city, exhausting and confusing, but wonderful.
Unfortunately the cheap flight I had booked left at midday on Sunday, so I was barely there 48 hours, and mcuh of the beginning and end was spent getting to the airport. Still I think I managed to see almost everything, even if only for a few minutes. The Pantheon in particular, was just walked past, as it was getting late, and the tiny laneways and confusing roads are lsightly intimidating and worrying once its gets dark.
I reserve an entire paragraphg for the food. First off the pizza, oh man, that is ome good stuff. Nice and crispy, with delicious cheese and tomatoe. I swear its worth the trip just for that. And theen there is the Gelato. I has five flavours over two and a half days, including Licorice, Pistcahio, Melon, Kiwi and Apple. Oh, soooo good. The best was Melon, it literally had chuck of rock melon in it, and it was so good. The fodd in Rome is wonderful.
Now, back in London, and it is Friday morning, however I am heading out this aftrenoon to Austria, and more snow, so stay tuned.
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