Day 17: 9/30/12 - I'm ready to go home

I had an even more chill day today - got up, lazed by the pool, ate some lunch at the marina, did some souvenir shopping, sat at the beach for a bit (rocky and cold water, boo), came back and napped/read, had dinner at the marina and am about to call it an early night.

The biggest thing that happened today is that I decided to cut my trip short and not do Rome. It was a sad decision but definitely the right one. My stomach and energy levels aren't nearly right and feeling sick after I eat anything and only being able to do stuff for a few hours a day is just not a state I wanted to be in while trying to explore Rome and enjoy wonderful Italian food. So I spent a bunch of time doing research and thanks to wonderful skyscanner.com found airfare that was not that expensive and bought a flight it for tomorrow. I have an overnight layover but if I can convince the airline to let me fly standby then I can avoid it. Otherwise ill hang with a friend that night and still get home 36 hours earlier than I was supposed to.

I know 36 hours isn't a lot and that I could have toughed it out but I realized that there are two ways traveling can make a person feel - free (95 percent of the time) and trapped (5 percent of the time). Right now I feel trapped, because I'm not feeling well, I can't do what I want to do and I don't have my regular comforts around me. And, well, what is the point of traveling an couple more days if it makes me feel that way? Why force myself to see stuff in Rome and not really enjoy it? I'd rather come back when I'm a hundred percent than do it like this. So, Jyoti looking out for Jyoti, I'll be home soon. And. I. Can't. Wait.

Oh below is a picture of my view from the marina during dinner today. Astounding sky eh?

Day 16: 9/29/12 - I <3 Capri

I'm writing this on 9/30 so will be short but had a wonderful day in Capri yesterday! My stomach is still bothering me so I was only up and about for 5 or 6 hours but I made the most of those!

I am staying near the port so when I woke up I took the Funicular (a tram) up the mountain to the main plaza in Capri. Now I know why everyone always says capri is so ritzy - because it is! All the streets surrounding the plaza had designer shops and even the restaurants were super nice and also super pricey. But I figured since I would be having my first real meal in days that I would treat myself.

I ate at this restaurant that Corrin recommended called Aurora. It. Was. Delicious. I tried to take it easy and so just had a little mozzarella appetizer and then half a thin pizza, but even that was a lot for my tummy to handle. the restaurant was also on a cute little side street, see a picture of my view during lunch below.

After that I wandered the town, ambling in and out of shops and eventually started searching for those handmade Capri sandal shops. Not only did I want a pair for myself but I thought it would be the perfect gift for Poops.

There were a couple of shops but I picked the one where I liked the styles the best (I don't have the name handy, I'll add it later). Basically I picked a style and then they handmade the sandals right in front of me! I could pick which leather straps I wanted and they custom fit it to my feet. Which, if you know my hot dog feet, was a deal-maker in itself. Check out a picture below of the guy (cobbler? That doesn't sound meaty enough ...) making my sandals.

The only sad part about this story is that I wasn't able to get a pair for poops. They are quite pricey, which I didn't mind, but I think a lot of the value is being able to custom fit them to your feet, which we obviously wouldn't be able to do for her. Ah, I guess we will just have to come to Capri another time.

After that I grabbed a quick bite of gelato, but only ate a couple spoons because my stomach was still iffy and headed back down the mountain to my hotel.

I spent a couple hours reading on my balcony with a view of the sea, which was great except that I got EATEN ALIVE by Mosquitos. And those who know me know it isn't a pretty sight when that happens. I have bites all over my body and the worst one had swelled up to now 3 inches in diameter and is red, rock hard and hot to the touch. Yummy, I know.

Anyway later that night there were random fireworks over the sea for some reason so those were cool to see and then I went to bed, super popped from such an eventful day. Note the sarcasm.

Day 15: 9/28/12 - Danke Berlin, Ciao Capri!

Well friends, it took a LOT of really slow walking and wearing my backpack without the hip straps but I made it to Capri. If there is any place to recover this is it.

Capri is a lovely little island off the coast of Naples and from what I have seen so far it is beautiful. Check out the picture below from the port, breathtaking.

Getting here was pretty easy too - flew into Naples, took the Alibus to Molo Beverello and then the quatrefoil fast-speed ferry to Capri. Oh and as a bonus picture, below is also the lady sitting in front of me on the plane. Check out her scrunchie. And shoulder pads. In a knit shirt. I can't make this stuff up.

I got here pretty late in the afternoon and the combination of my stomach/intestines still screaming at me (I had to take meds again, booo) with being exhausted from not having eaten anything except pretzels and water made me know that I had to take it easy today. So I just sat on my sea-facing balcony and read for a while and now am going to go to bed early. Tomorrow will be a day for some exploring and hopefully even some true delicious Italian food and gelato. A girl can dream can't she?

Day 14: 9/27/12 - One of the worst days ever

I really like traveling alone. I enjoy the me time and don't really get lonely or crabby. This day was different. This day was one where I would have paid millions to be able to be teleported back to my parents' place and be under their love and care. All that makes me happy about it is that it is now the next day and I am writing about it after the worst is over.

I woke up early this day, without an alarm, which, if you know me, is very very unusual for me. I quickly realized why. My stomach and intestines had raged a war. Let's just say for the next 5 hours I was in the bathroom at least every 20 minutes, expelling everything in my body, including 2 sips of water and even "nothing" when I hadn't ingested anything. Let me tell you, there is not a much more miserable feeling that that, and I didn't even have the energy to cry.

I reached out to my friend in London who had had something similar recently and she not only told me what OTC meds she took but was kind enough to call the concierge at my hotel who was then able to go get them. I tried those and they didn't work either.

After the 6th or 7th hour straight of this I decided I needed to see a doctor. Luckily the concierge (who I HAVE to write a thank you note to) was able to call one who came to my room in an hour or so and spoke some English. This guy was my savior. He gave me two injections to stop everything and the prescribed a bunch of meds to help on an ongoing basis (both of which I have taken multiple times over the last 24 hours). He said I had some gastroenteritis but that I wasn't too badly dehydrated and that I didn't need to go to the hospital (thank God). Also, he had to give me the injections in my vein (he had to mix it with some of my blood?) and I have to say, this guy was so skilled at that, more than most of the phlebotomists I have ever been to. I wish he was my doctor in the US!

After he left I basically slept for the next 16-18 hours only getting up to print my boarding pass, pack and expel everything in my body only 2 or 3 more times (that is progress my friends!). By the time midnight rolled around I was feeling about 50 percent better and knew I would be able to continue on to Capri but holy moly, that was awful. Like one of the worst days I have ever had. I'm so glad it is over.

Day 13: 9/26/12 - thank you London (part 2), Guten Tag Berlin!

I'm writing this post a few days late in account of the recent events but I'll remember as much as I can :)

I got up early for a flight to Berlin and happily (for me at least) Corrin had to be up early that morning for work too so I got to see her one last time.

The flight to Berlin was totally nondescript (a good thing) and then I took the train to the Friedrichstrasse stop which was near my hotel. Even though everyone was super friendly and helpful I don't know a lick of German so that made things tough.

After chilling in my hotel room for a but I went out to explore. I actually had signed up for a free walking tour but when I got to the meeting place I just couldn't do it. I wanted to be free to explore the city as I wanted and couldn't commit to someone else's itinerary. I guess that is the "P" in me.

Anyway I started off near Brandenberg gate and then walked over to the Reichstag. I then ambled around Tiergarten for a bit before heading off to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Both the memorial outside and the museum downstairs were beautiful and moving. Below is an iPhone pic of the opening to the museum, a quote that is very beautifully said.

After that I just walked around a bit and it was interesting to see how "modern" some of this city is ... At times I felt like i could have just as easily been walking around Boston or some other smaller American city.

Then I headed to the Checkpoint Charlie museum, which I had heard a lot of great things about. This museum was built where there used to be a checkpoint across the Berlin wall and has a ton of history about people who tried to cross and escape as well as about the wall and surrounding politics. I have to say, I was a bit disappointed by this museum. It was very poorly laid out, difficult to follow and had a lot of superfluous information. I really wanted to be excited by it but I just wasn't.

After that it was almost 10pm so I headed back to the hotel. I had been thinking about not going to Munich as I knew it would be a lot of partying and socializing with Oktoberfest and I just wasn't in the mood for that. So, I decided to go to the beautiful island of Capri instead. I spent a couple of hours looking up information and making bookings and finally went to sleep.

I had a very unrestful night of sleep, so I was extra glad that I had made that choice, but not as glad as I would be the next day ...

Day 12: 9/25/12 - No wingwalking. Sad face.

It's actually 9/26 and I am in Berlin but I don't want to fall TOO far behind so thought I'd write at least a quick recap of yesterday.

-Wingwalking was canceled because of the rain and windy weather. It ended up being beautiful and sunny but still too windy for us to go out. Sad. Sad. Sad.
-I did some laundry and lazed around and read in the morning.
-then I had lunch with Eyal and ate one of the best burgers ever. It was soooo good to see my old LT75 friend and he made me want to go to burning man more than I even have wanted to before.
-then I went over to Malte and Steffi's for a bit to watch Lukas because Steffi got super sick. Poor girl :( also poor kid - he was so overtired, also not feeling well and confused with the new people and so he was having a hard day too :(
-then had a lovely dinner with Corrin at the most delicious tapas place and of course with great conversation. I miss that girl so much!

Now I am in Berlin which is already such a fascinating city. More tomorrow when I'm not exhausted from the early am flight!

Day 11: 9/24/12 - Great times with great friends in London!

Short post today but had a great day, despite the pouring rain and freezing temperatures. I slept in at Corrin's place and then headed over just a couple blocks to see Steffi and the cutest 1-year old ever - Lukas. We spent the afternoon playing around and catching up. I can't believe the last time I saw her she was just starting to tell people she was pregnant! We had lunch at this cute little place called Med Kitchen and then I headed back home.

I took a little nap and did some reading and soon it was time to call the wing walking place to confirm that we were on for tomorrow. Saddest. News. Ever. They told me we had to cancel because he weather was going to be too windy. I am so bummed out, I had been looking forward to this for months :( Well, I guess that just means that I will have to come back to London in the spring.

After that I headed out to dinner with Corrin and two of my section-mates from bschool. It was really nice to just chill and catch up. Then Corrin and I headed back home, caught up for a bit and went to bed. A nice relaxing day in the middle of a hectic trip!

Day 10: 9/23/12 - Merci beaucoup Paris, hello London (part 2)!

Today was not only the last day in Paris but also the last day with mom and poops, booo!

We started the day pretty early with another breakfast buffet at the hotel and then stashed our stuff so we could head to the Louvre for the morning. We also were luckily able to buy our tickets to the museum at the concierge desk so we didn't have to wait in line at the museum. We got there and got in pretty speedily and basically did a quick tour of the highlights of the museum - Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, etc etc. We also saw a couple things that were new to me, mostly the basement part where there is the statue of Rasmus (I think that is what it is called) and then some of the original parts of the Louvre from when it used to be a fort.

After we left we lounged around a bit outside and then walked down the Rue de Rivoli to find a patisserie for mom to get dessert, but since it was Sunday lots of stuff was closed and we couldn't find anything :(

We headed back to the hotel, ate a little lunch and headed to the train station. The return back to London on the Eurostar was the same as getting there - pretty easy but freezing cold! I also love the assigned seating, I wish Amtrak had it in the US instead of the bum rush for seats that it usually is.

Once we got back to London we were actually all taking the same subway so we got in together. About halfway to heathrow I had to get off to go to corrin's, so I sad a said goodbye to mom and poops who headed to their flight.

It was crazy rainy in London but I pretty easily found my way to Corrin's new flat, yay! She and her roommate had just moved in today and it's so nice of her to still let me crash with her. We chatted and caught up for a bit and then headed to PJ's place for dinner.

We got lost on the way there (and were the worst house guests because we brought nothing!). PJ had so graciously out together a set of British foods and we hung out with him, his man and Florian for a bunch of hours and even played some Settlers!! It was so wonderful to see some of my ACT trainers again. Of COURSE we did our Ai Se Eu Tu Pego dance and also made Corrin watch the video from training. Haha. So much love.

After that we just headed back to corrin's apartment and hit the sack for the night. I'm a bit bummed because it is so rainy here and is supposed to rain all week which means I probably won't be able to do wing walking. So so so sad :(

Day 9: 9/22/12 - I love love love love Paris!

I had always dreamed about Paris as this magical place before I came here, and after the first time I did, everything I had dreamed of was confirmed. I absolutely love this city and had the most perfect day here with mom and poops.

We woke up relatively early and had breakfast in the hotel. It is a little thing but I love how the breakfast buffets here have fresh yogurt in the little glass bottles with fresh strawberries on the bottom. It just is so delicious and tastes not processed and without too much sugar. And, of course, who can beat the croissants in Paris?

Then we headed out for some sightseeing. Poops had told us that the weather was only 48 degrees and so not wanting to make the same mistake as London I really bundled up - leggings and jeans plus 4 thin layers and a jacket on top plus a scarf and my Toms. Well, that was a mistake. It was the most gorgeous day and I got so warm and whined about wanting my flip flops. Last time that I listen to that girl.

Anyway we headed to the Louvre and enjoyed the beautiful building and scenery. Then we walked through the Tulieres garden and over the Seine and all the way down to Notre Dame. We also stopped on this super cool bridge where people put locks on it to symbolize their forever love. I made a joke about how D and I hadn't put a lock in the bridge and so that's why we didn't last and mom immediately responses with "no D was a jerk and that's why you didn't last. You could have put all the locks in the world on that bridge and it wouldn't have helped". So hilarious.

Then we walked over to Berthillon for some ice cream and had lunch at a yummy tiny creperie down the street.

After that we headed to the Eiffel Tower, probably my favorite thing to look at in the whole world. We spent an hour or so there and mom and I just soaked in the view while poops was obsessed with some street dance going on. Weirdo we can see that in NYC anyday!

We then came back to the hotel and took a nap and after that headed out for another long leisurely dinner, this time a bit off the Champs Élysées. It was delicious and fun and after we walked to the river to see the Eiffel Tower lit up at night. On the way we passed this memorial and realized it was for Princess Diana at the entrance to the tunnel where she died. Super super sad.

Then we took a bunch of pictures in front of the eiffel tower and headed back to the hotel. I'm so sad that mom and poops are leaving tomorrow but am excited to hang out with my London friends!!

Here are some pictures from the day (don't judge our silliness).

Day 8: 9/21/12 - Thank you london (part 1), bonjour Paris!

Exhausted again so short post today but we have arrived in Paris. I love love love this city! London is ok, but this place is just the best.

We spent the morning in London going shopping - Topshop, Harrods and Zara. Then we went to go see Westminster Abbey (the inside) but when we got there we realized the entrance fee was 16 pounds a person. That is nuts!! So we headed back to the hotel to pick up our stuff and head to the train station.

We took to EuroStar train from London to Paris, which was super comfortable. A little under two and a half hours and we were there. The only thing is that it was freeeezing cold on the train!

It was raining when we got here and there was a long taxi line but we finally made it to our hotel (which is pretty lame to be honest). We then walked around a bit and had a long, leisurely dinner at this local yummy brasserie. Poops ate snails, ew, and we even got mom to try a sip of wine, which she also said was ew.

Now we are back in the room about to conk out for a fabulous fabulous day tomorrow in one of my favorite cities in the world. Yippee!

Day 7: 9/20/12 - Getting detailed on the sightseeing in London!

Exhausted so super short post today but we did a lot of sightseeing - The Royal Mews, the Queen's Art gallery with an exhibition of Leonardo da Vinci's scientific drawings and studies (which are so ridiculously amazing they are hard to believe), the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace (including the special exhibition on the Queen's diamonds) and then Westminster bridge and the outsides of Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. We then chilled and napped for a bit and went to this Indian restaurant called Woodlands that I would not recommend. And why is London sooooo cold?? But a great day with the Aggie girls and more fun to come tomorrow!

Ok some pictures from the day and off to Paris tomorrow!

Day 6: 9/19/12 - Chizzilin in London with the fan

The quote of the day is "THIS is Victoria Station" from the very aggressive Underground announcer.

We had a good first day in London. Mom and poops arrived pretty tired but especially mom because she couldn't sleep at all on the flight over from the states. Poor lady!

Anyways we all arrived at the hotel, dropped our stuff off, freshened up and headed out. We first had to pick up tickets for our buckingham palace tour tomorrow and so we headed over there but realized we were hungry on the way so stopped to eat. At Burger King. Embarrassing I know. Then we proceeded to get lost a million times trying to find the Buckingham Palace Ticket Office (all my fault mind you). We finally picked up our tickets and then headed to the bus tour we had lined up. And I got us lost again. I normally am super good at directions but I was wayyyy off my game today.

Then we got on the bus tour and it was ... ok. It was freezing cold and we had two audio guides going on and it was just too much for a travel day. So we got off mid-way through and headed back to the hotel. Before we did though I snapped the included picture of poops.

Back at the hotel we chilled for a bit and decided mom needed to rest up for our day tomorrow so she took a nap while poops and I headed out. We decided to do what we do best - go see a show. We went to the TKTS booth in Leicester Square and it was totally empty. Why isn't the booth in Times Square ever like that?? We wanted to see Les Mis but it was sold out. So we got tickets for Billy Elliot, which we were only feeling lukewarm about. Boy were we wrong! It was one of the most amazing shows I have ever seen. The lead was this 12 year old boy who just was phenomenal at everything - ballet, tap, hip hop, gymnastics, singing AND acting. This show may be my new obsession (replacing Book of Mormon now that Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad are gone) for the next few months.

Then we headed back to the hotel area where we wanted to find a pub with some food but everything was closed except McDonald's. Literally everything. Talk about and embarrassing food day.

Anyways now we are ready to hit the hat and are looking forward to another great day tomorrow. Yippee!

Day 6: 9/19/12 - I'm in London baby!

(name that tv character)

I made it safe and sound to London and am now waiting to meet up with poops and mom. Can't wait to explore this city and Paris with them!

Will probably do fewer posts since I have been here before ... But will at least try to recap daily so I can remember the trip!

Day 5: 9/18/12 - Picasso, Gaudi and Castellers, oh my!

Wow talk about a day of sightseeing. I'm pretty tired so I probably won't do it justice but I want to at least get it recorded.

I started the day pretty early (since I fell asleep at 9pm!) and had breakfast at the hotel. Then I headed over to the Picasso museum. I love love love Picasso. And this museum was pretty cool because it was mostly of his earlier works, starting when he was about 15. Even though he is famous for his more modern, abstract art, what a lot of people don't realize is how talented he was at realist art ( which I am totally sure made him what he was in terms of the more abstract stuff). Some of the paintings he did while so young were just amazing. The museum also had a ton of his ceramics work and after having done pottery for a couple of years with Annie, I was even more impressed with these.

After the museum I headed way up town to Park Guell, which Gaudi designed. To be honest I've never really had an opinion of Gaudi because I have never seem much of his work, but after today I was blown away. This park is huge and I kind of see it similar to central park in terms of how you can experience it - you can wander in and wander out relatively quickly to get a feel for it or you can spend some lengthy time in there just relaxing and using it as a true park. I did the first but was still pretty amazed. The first picture below is just one of many, many mosaics and sculptures that Gaudi did in the park. Breathtaking. (and free!)

Then, continuing my tour of Gaudi I went to Casa Batllo, which is a house that Gaudi designed and built for this rich family. Oh. My. Gosh. I have never seen anything like this. There is not one single straight line/wall in the house and it is just so beautiful. I don't know how someone can architect a house like that without it all crumbling to the ground. Sadly I forgot to take a picture on my phone here :(

Then I walked to another Gaudi house called Casa Mila but decided not to go in and just looked at it from the outside.

My last Gaudi stop was La Sagrada Familia, an unfinished church that Gaudi designed that is the most famous landmark in Barcelona. I was expecting to like it but not love it since it was so hyped and there are so many famous churches. But, I was wrong, I loved it. This place was unlike any church I have ever seen. So modern, so much light, so well designed and so interesting. Gaudi seemed to have thought of designing every little crook and nanny (is that the right saying?) of this place, but in no way does it feel over designed. It just feels interesting, unique and beautiful. Below the second picture is of the inside of part of the church. I can't explain how amazing it was. And the front of the church, wow. So much design, so many biblical scenes. Just breathtaking.

My last stop of the day was pretty cool. I've been wanting to see the Castellers since I decided to come to Barcelona but unfortunately there were no shows scheduled during my visit. However, I found out that the practices of the Barcelona Castellers is open to the public and free to watch! So I headed over there in the evening and I'm so glad I did. It was one of the coolest things I have ever seen. About 75 people were there to practice and they just kept building higher and higher towers. It all looks so haphazard but the science that went into it was crazy. When the base set up a guy would go in the middle and use his body to measure that everyone was the right distance apart and at similar heights. Then when the reinforcements started to support on the outside at the bottom they didn't just support anywhere, there was a clear method to where they put there hands and when. And then there was a caller that told each level when they should go up, what adjustments needed to be made and so on. Below is a picture of when they made it up 5 levels. They also did another one that was 6 levels and one that just had single people going up 4 levels (standing on each others' shoulders) and then the whole thing moved from one end to another and spun around. Crazy! The whole thing actually reminded me a lot of trapeze - both because they are training for something super cool and also because of the community feel there was there (which I have said many times is one of my favorite things about trapeze).

After that it was pretty late so I headed home and soon will hit the sack for my early flight to meet Poops and Mom in London, yay! All this walking and all these hills are definitely catching up with me too - had some calf cramping going on, but that just means soon I will have calves of steel!

Ok, more mañana!

Day 4: 9/17/12 - Barcelona is pretty neat!

So yesterday was my first day in Barcelona and I have to say it was pretty neat. I kept it relatively chill and mostly did walking around and exploring as opposed to lots of sightseeing but I enjoy that just as much :)

I am staying right off of Las Ramblas, which is this super busy, super touristy street that can only be somewhat compared to Times Square. I had heard lots of warnings about how dangerous it could be in terms of pick pockets but I had no issues at all and didn't see any issues. It was pretty cute though and I still can't believe when I look around how old everything is. I feel like if there was stuff this old in the us it would be behind barricades and super protected but here it is like "oh that was built in the 1700s? That's not that old lets just walk all over it".

Anyway my first stop was the most famous market in Barcelona - Mercat La Boqueria. It basically is this big market with lots of stalls for fruits, vegetables, candy, meats, juices, nuts, etc. It was nice but to be honest I don't understand the hype - aren't there markets like this all over the world? I don't know what makes this one so special, but I guess people are into it.

Then I spent the next 3 or 4 hours exploring the Barrio Gothic. I loved it. It is essentially a neighborhood with a ton of little intertwining streets that are too small for cars to go down so it is all pedestrians surrounded by these beautiful tall old buildings. If you really get inside away from the touristy parts there are some really great local shops and I just couldn't resist buying this handmade vase. No idea where it is going to fit into my apartment but I tries walking away and had to come back 3 hours later to get it because I couldn't stop thinking about it. The place is called 'La Caixa de Fang' and it is just wonderful with a great little shopkeeper too.

Anyway spent many hours just wandering and getting a feel of the area and stopped by this bar called "Schilling" to have a little 'Queso Manchego' tapas and a delicious Rioja (and a great view, yum).

Then I decided to be a bit touristy and see the Barcelona Cathedral and boy am I glad I did. It is interesting - for some hours of the afternoon (I think 1-5:15pm or something) it costs 6 euros to get into the basilica of the cathedral but then from 5:15 to 7pm or so it is free. Who knows why but something great to take advantage of! Anyway, this cathedral was just absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. I've included an iPhone photo above but the stained glass, the architecture, the statues of the gods, just beautiful. And another place where things had so much history. There were many stones laid in the 1700s or early and we were walking on them as if they had been laid yesterday. There were tombs of people from the 1000s (I thinks, from the Spanish I could decifer) and many, many paintings of biblical scenes from the 1400s. I just stared and stared at the history of it all. I also spent an hour or so sitting in the pews taking it all in and "being all spiritual". As Hinduism says (and as I agree strongly with) there are many paths to God and all are valid and so I always enjoy sitting in churches and going to services of many denominations. It was nice to just stop and sit for a while and feel close to something bigger than myself. Especially given how self-indulgent this whole trip is (not that it's a bad thing, but some balance is good).

Once I was Jesus-ed out I did some more exploring and was absolutely pooped, even though it was only 8pm (because of jetlag I had only gotten about 2 hours of sleep the night before). So I bought some wine and dinner and headed back to the hotel to relax and sleep and get up this morning. Well, I ended up falling asleep in my jeans at about 9pm and not waking up until this morning. I missed the couchsurfing meetup I was supposed to go to, but oh well. I guess I needed the rest!

Today I have eaten breakfast and have done a little more exploring. I'm in line for the Picasso museum (my favorite!!) and then will go check out a bunch of the Gaudi sites. Then hopefully this evening (if it doesn't rain!) I'll get to check out some calleres (might be spelled wrong, will have to check). So excited!

Overall I'm loving this traveling alone thing. I'm not tied to anyone else's schedule or whims and just feel very relaxed. Although there are moments where I hate it - mostly at altus airport. I hate being at airports alone. But I guess that is what I gotta do if I want to travel solo.

In other news, there is this funny accent thing going on. As my family can attest, I am very, let's say "influenced by" accents. Whenever we would go to India I would start talking in an Indian accent soon after we got there. The same is happening here but who knows what accent I have. It keeps changing and it is some totally non-descript pseudo-European accent. I don't think about it or intend for it to come out of my mouth but it just does! And I'm sure when I was in Lisbon with someone from South Africa, someone from Sweden, someone from the UK and a bunch of Portuguese it was even weirder. Ah, the awkwardness of being me :)

At a bar in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona and ...

... There is a guy with a tramp stamp tattoo. Of a butterfly. I think that gives Barcelona -2 points. But the gothic quarter is amazing so +2 for that and the Rioja is yummy so +1 for that. Net net, in the positive so far!
__________________________
Jyoti Agarwal

Sent from my mobile device. Please excuse spelling and brevity.

Thanks SPG Platinum

Wow, I'm getting upgraded here way more than I do in the us and to way nicer rooms. This one has 3 TVs including one in the bathroom. That's right, high rolling beyatches.

Day 4: 9/17/12 - Hola Barcelona!

Just a quick post while I wait for my room to be ready. Wow, my first impression of Barcelona is that it is way different from Lisbon. Much bigger, much busier and much newer. And lots and lots of traffic. About to go do some exploring so will see what holds true. I have my fingers crossed that I get to see some Castellers today (google it, it looks AMAZING! Other than that just museums and sights planned for the next couple of days. And perhaps some CouchSurfing meetups, but we will see. After being heavily social the last two days I may need some downtime. Who knows what Jyoti will win though :)

Day 3: 9/16/12 - I still love Lisbon!

My second day in Lisbon was just as great as the first but very different - way, way more chill. But first, two things I forgot from yesterday:

-Lisbon has this pastry it is famous for this dessert called 'Pastel de Nata'. I tried this last night and let's say that over the last 24 hours I have had 2 more! It's basically this flakey crust filled with custard, flamed on top and then sprinkled with cinnamon. I mean, could there BE a pastry that is more made for me (name that tv character)? The first picture below is of it (pretty bad quality - have no way of getting photos off my camera and so had to take a picture of the camera screen from my iPad. Ghe. Tto. I know.)
-My new friends made a hilarious comment last night ... They said that one of the reasons it is clear that I am an American is because of my hair. I was like what? And they said "all American girls have straight hair. You have really straight hair". I could not stop laughing because it is so true! Even those of us who do not have straight hair, a lot of us make it so!

Ok ... On to today. I met up with J, H and G today, starting for breakfast at 12noon (after I got totally lost on the subway). Then we basically spent the next 4 hours ambling around the city - walked up to the castle, through all these little streets and neighborhoods, to a bunch of viewpoints, through Roissi plaza and up the Avenue de Liberdado. Exploring a city like this is absolutely my favorite way to travel while i enjoy sights I WAY MORE enjoy experiencing a city for what it is and really get a feel for what life is like there. Everything I saw just further enhanced my view of how fabulous this city is. Also, they say that Lisbon is the city of seven hills and I will definitely be feeling that tomorrow. It's ok though, all part of the quest for calves of steel. Two pictures below - the first of this side street/set of stairs we walked up. I kept saying "this looks like Disneyworld" (so American, I know) because you never see streets and buildings and atmosphere like this in the US unless Walt's peeps have recreated them. So cool to see them in person. The second picture is a close up of these beautiful tiles that Lisbon is famous for. Tons of buildings have these intricate tiles covering the outside, in countless patterns and colors. Just so so beautiful.

Thanks again to J and G for showing us around this city. My two days here wouldn't have been nearly as awesome without you all and now the bar is super high for the rest of Europe. You better visit me in NYC sometime so I can return the favor!

Ok, now random thought:
I kind if like looking like an "ambiguous" race. I mean, some people can tell I am Indian, but I have been mistaken for a Portuguese tons here and all my life for Egyptian, Mexican, Persian, etc etc. It's actually really helpful in blending in in a new place and pretty neat (although we will see how well that holds up in Germany ... :))

And tonight just having a chill night in so I can wake up bright and early for my flight to Barcelona. See you soon Espana and obrigado Lisboa!

Day 2 (part deux): Saturday 9/15/12 - Lisbon rules!

Wow wow wow wow wow. What a wonderful first day in Lisbon. I'm pooped (hi poops!) with all the travel and it now being 2am when I got home, but. I. Love. This. City.

I got here and then met up with some people I had coordinated with via CouchSurfing for a protest that people were doing against the right-wing government here in Portugal. I have never been part of a protest so it was pretty cool and apparently at the end of the day more than half a million people marched. Below is a iPhone pic of it.

We left the march after a bit and walked downtown to see the area and then along the water. Then we sat at a super cool waterside bar where everyone was outside on the ground sitting on beanbags! Then we went to dinner at a local-ish place that was pretty delicious and after that a tiny little live music bar that was cool and chill. After that we walked around the famed Bairro Alto area which is nuts! There are no open container laws so it is just tons of people filling the streets, drinking, hanging out and having fun. I wish there was stuff like that in NYC! Then we walked to this garden area that overlooked the city and hung out outside for a bit and now I am home ready for some well-deserves sleep.

One thing to be said, I love love love my new friends. They are interesting, kind, funny and just awesome. I think ACT did a great job of helping me really get to know some Euros well, which I'm so glad I did before this trip. A bit about my friends:
-A from Lisbon. The first one to respond and just always positive, always willing to help, passionate about the cause and super interested in NYC.
-H from Lisbon. So proud of his city and so committed to making sure we have the best experience possible. I wouldn't have had even close to as awesome of a day without him.
-G from South Africa. Super smart with a super interesting story, and someone who is genuinely interested in others and making friends.
-J from Sweden. By far the friendliest Swede I have ever met and shares my dry, sarcastic sense of humor.
-H from Madrid. So sweet, and just one of the most easygoing people while also being really interesting.

I also have to say how great this city is. It is right on the water, super clean, wide streets, lots of sunshine, and super friendly people. It reminds me in different ways of both Wellington and Boston, which makes it an easy add to the short list of "I'd-move-here-in-a-heartbeat-if-all-my-friends-and-fam-were-here" cities. Lisbon, I heart you, xoxo.

Ok off to bed to make sure I have enough energy for tomorrow. This time no making political statements, just regular sightseeing. How blah ;)

Day 2: Saturday 9/15/12 I'm in Lisbon!

Woohoo, made it safe and sound to Lisbon. Short note now but it was an easy trip over. Slept on the whole flight to Madrid and then again on the flight here. I feel rested and ready to explore this city!

I also sat next to a really cool guy from Italy on the plane. He actually lives 5 blocks from me in NYC and was on his way for a trip home to Florence. Craziest thing is that his gf is in Tunisia and there is huge unrest there (a bunch of the protesters were killed yesterday) so he is begging her to get out but she doesnt want to leave. Very cool to already be making new friends!

Ok off to explore, until then a view of Lisbon from up high. A clean, cool city by the water? I'm already in love.

Weird things so far

So, on my first real "solo solo" trip a couple observations:

1) it's really weird leaving the city Friday evening by yourself with a big backpack on the subway while others are dressed up to go on dates, are out with friends or heading home from work. I'm used to heading to the airport by myself at 4am on a Monday in a suit and with a roll on, but this is different.

2) Yes, posse of Indian guys at the airport, I am traveling by myself. No, it is not a shame. And no, you most definitely can not join me.

3) Terminal 4 at JFK is where all the "bastard children" airlines are. I feel bad for the service people here - so many languages and harried people!

Now time to eat some dinner, take some sleeping meds, listen to Mumford and conk the f out for the next 8 hours. Ta-ta Etats-Unis!

__________________________
Jyoti Agarwal

Sent from my mobile device. Please excuse spelling and brevity.

Day 1: Fri 9/14/2012 - The adventure begins!

Well, this is it! The trip that I've been talking about for weeks (months?) is actually here and in just a few minutes I'm leaving for the airport. I am feeling so many things right now ... excitement for this adventure. Pride for having the courage to do this on my own. Apprehension for doing this on my own. Slight social awkwardness for all the new people I'm going to meet. Hyper excitement for all the people I am going to meet.

I'm usually a very heavy packer - I like to have lots of clothes, shoes, etc so I can have a bunch of options. This time, since I'm taking a bunch of little airlines and just for the challenge, I decided to only take a backpack. So, I guess you could say I'm "backpacking" Europe, but let's be clear, I'm not staying in hostels. I wish I had the bru-hah to do that, but I just don't. So, I'll be using my well-earned points for hotel rooms along the way :) So, 4 outfits, a couple shoes, some electronics and personal stuff, and that's all I'll have on the road. I'm so low maintenance, I know.

Ok, off to the airport. T minus 12 hours and I'll be in Lisbon, yippee!

My foot and my backpack (I can't figure out how to rotate this)

Thursday 9/13/20: Volleyball and packing for Eurotrip

Today was a pretty good day. I spent most of it getting ready for my trip - ran a bunch of errands, went to the spa, did laundry, got some Euros, packed up most of my backpack and purse and crossed about 90% of the things off my packing list and my to-do list. I know I'm not a "J" but I STILL get a thrill out of doing that :)

Then in the evening we had our first volleyball game with "Smells Like Team Spirit 2.0" for the Fall 2012 season with New York Social Sports Club. This is the second season that I have played and I just feel so incredibly fortunate to have met the people I met through this team in the summer. I believe I was meant to meet these folks at this point in my life, as they are people I can be completely open and honest with, both about things that make me happy and that are difficult for me. They are people that are true friends, who are there for me and with whom I can laugh for hours. And, most importantly, they are GOOD people, who I admire and hope to be more and more like each day that I know and spend with them. And, I guess, they are pretty fun too. I'm excited about the new people joining our team too, mostly because they are tall and can kill the ball. Today we won 3-0 against a cray cray pink team. Let's keep it up Team Spirit!

Smells Like Team Spirit 1.0 winning Spirit Champs for the Summer 2012 season!

With some of my favorites. Very quickly friends for life ... how lucky are we?

The start of 'Being Jyoti'

Hola amigos! I've always thought it would be fun to start a personal blog just to record the fun things that happen in life (as well as the ridiculous ones, I mean, what am I if not TMI?). And, I figured what better time to start this than when I am about to embark on my EuroTrip? We all know how bad I am at actually keeping a journal so we'll see how long it lasts. But, I figure why not do it as long as I can and at least have a record of memories from those times? Kapeesh? Kapeesh.