And that is why I try so hard to create a life I love living, even when it's not the easier or more socially acceptable option. I don't want to be that person.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
From PostSecret...
And that is why I try so hard to create a life I love living, even when it's not the easier or more socially acceptable option. I don't want to be that person.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Update From CA
I owe you a final blog post or two. And the remainder of my photos from the trip. I know. And I promise you're going to get them.
But...
At the moment, prepping for Burning Man is occupying all my time, energy, and attention. And next week being at Burning Man will be occupying all my time, energy, and attention. When I get back, I'll close this round of travel-blogging up officially. Maybe I'll even throw in a story or two from the burn for good measure.
In the meantime, the playa calls...
But...
At the moment, prepping for Burning Man is occupying all my time, energy, and attention. And next week being at Burning Man will be occupying all my time, energy, and attention. When I get back, I'll close this round of travel-blogging up officially. Maybe I'll even throw in a story or two from the burn for good measure.
In the meantime, the playa calls...
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
On Repeat
And while our blood's still young
so young it runs
we won't stop 'til it's over
won't stop to surrender.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Rome: 8.11.12
I've had some serious trouble keeping up with this over the last week - my apologies! It's not even that I've been terribly busy...just distracted, I guess.
I left off with our night out with Coreena, which was primarily memorable for the discovery that we are oddly well-known and loved in Malta. I spent the next night in, feeling a bit under the weather, and the night after that we went to see the newest Batman movie. It was not without its flaws, but I really enjoyed it. It was the kind of movie that makes me want to make movies (I know, I know...I want to do far too many things, and my biggest fear is that sometime soon I'm going to have to admit that, as sure as I usually feel about myself, I'm actually completely lost).
Now that I think about it, there aren't a lot of exciting things to report from Malta. I drank cappuccinos, ate seafood/gelato/crepes/British food...all the things I always look forward to doing in Malta. The most exciting day was the last one, because I FINALLY TOOK MY FIRST DIP IN THE MEDITERRANEAN!! It took a lot of trips to Southern European countries, but I finally managed it. And it was glorious. I stayed in forever. It was dark when I finally forced myself to swim back to shore. It's a tragedy that it took me so long to do that.
Did you know it's been 3 years since Jon and I embarked on our first 4-month-long world tour? I can't believe it. The anniversary is this month. The last 3 years of my life have been so wonderful and unexpected and wonderfully unexpected and unexpectedly wonderful. I can't imagine it any other way and I wouldn't change a thing.
Anyway, back to Malta! We spent our last night saying goodbye to Coreena and Marko, drinking (well, except for teetotaling me, that is) on the house. This visit was all too short, but it was great to see Coreena again. She says that the next time we come she won't be working in bars anymore, so we'll be able to spend much more time together. She also said that Jon and I give her hope for relationships, which I thought was quite silly, but cute. I think her actual words were that she finds it "comforting" to be around us because "you two are still so sweet to each other" despite being broken up. Staying close came completely naturally to us, but I'm glad we could help restore someone's faith in relationships anyway!
The most exciting thing Coreena said, though, is that she wants to try to visit us in the States! That would be amazing. She's looked at tickets since then, and says they seem totally doable. It would be so much fun to show her around my home for a change!
The next day we packed up our things and headed on to an unplanned stop: Rome. Getting to pretty much anywhere from Malta right now proved to be hugely expensive, with the exception of Pisa and Rome, so we decided to fly to Italy first and then make plans for Russia from there. We chose Rome over Pisa because I had yet to see the motherland, and that seemed like a tragedy. We were only there for a few nights (in fact, I'm on the plane to Russia as we speak), but it was nice to get a taste of it.
Our first night was spent in something that can only be described as "a bunker." Jon had to duck to get through the doorway. The ceilings were also abnormally low, although no ducking was needed inside. There wasn't much space beyond the bed/desk, just a bit to walk through. And there were no windows. I don't imagine it comes as much of a surprise when I say that we only spent one night there.
The food in Italy did not disappoint. Delicious grilled veggies. A seafood-packed soup. An incredible pasta with seafood and bean soup (sounds weird, but it was awesome). Gelato. And I realized that I can say "thank you" in at least 10 languages! Awesome!
The one night we tried to go out...didn't turn out so well. I'm sad to report that we had our first real mishap while traveling. Rome has a reputation for being full of pickpockets, and it appears to be a reputation well-deserved. Jon had a necklace stolen, directly off his neck. He'd had it for ages (a gift from his mother, I believe, that was a replacement for one he was given - and lost - for his confirmation). Needless to say, that kinda put a damper on the whole Rome thing.
We managed to get a bit of sightseeing in on our last day, but we didn't have time for much. We paid a quick trip to the Colosseum, which is one of the more spectacularly old things we've seen on our travels. I'd say the excitement of seeing the pyramids was greater, but probably just because Egypt feels like so much more of an adventure than Italy. The line was far too long for us to be able to go inside, but it was still cool just to see it from the outside. After the Colosseum we trekked to Vatican City (which could up our country count, depending on what you consider a country! It's not part of the UN, but it does issue its own passports, so...*shrug*). I managed to visit both St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel without bursting into flames! Success!
Vatican City was quite impressive, but there's no surprise there. Everything was grand and ornate and full of gold. We started with the Vatican Museum, but couldn't linger since we were short on time. They've amassed quite an impressive collection of statuary. There was one hallway lined with shelves and shelves of heads! What intersted me most was the building itself. It was massive. All the floors had detailed inlay, and all the walls and ceilings were covered in paintings. It was incrediby intricate. The quads outside were quite beautiful, too. Reminded me a bit of Oxford (but on a much larger scale). The award for most surprising part of the museum went to the collection of Egyptian art and artifacts (Jon, upon seeing a mummy: "Woah, is that an actual dead guy?!"). I had no idea (and still have no idea why) the Vatican Museum has an Egyptian collection!
The last stop on the tour was the most famous: the Sistine Chapel. It was a pretty spectacular place to be. The paintings are overhwelming even though you're expecting to see them. You're technically not supposed to take pictures, but I think Jon managed to sneak a couple. The guards are far too busy shushing people (they take silence very seriously) to notice a camera or two. After the Sistine Chapel we went to St. Peter's Basilica, which was just insane. I think I've run out of words for "huge" and "ornate," but it was both of those things several times over. The size and the level of detail was mind-blowing. As nice as everything was, though, I had only one thing on my mind at that point: gelato.
I know you're sick of this complaint, but it was flipping hot. Italy wasn't much cooler than Malta, although there was less humidity. We were dressed in long pants and respectable shirts since there's a dress code in Vatican City, so we were quite sweaty and uncomfortable by the end of our visit. Thankfully gelato was not difficult to find. :)
And that's about all I have to report from Rome...we had one last huge meal (Seriously, do Italians eat like that all the time? It's insane.), and now we're on our way to our final destination: St. Petersburg.
I left off with our night out with Coreena, which was primarily memorable for the discovery that we are oddly well-known and loved in Malta. I spent the next night in, feeling a bit under the weather, and the night after that we went to see the newest Batman movie. It was not without its flaws, but I really enjoyed it. It was the kind of movie that makes me want to make movies (I know, I know...I want to do far too many things, and my biggest fear is that sometime soon I'm going to have to admit that, as sure as I usually feel about myself, I'm actually completely lost).
Now that I think about it, there aren't a lot of exciting things to report from Malta. I drank cappuccinos, ate seafood/gelato/crepes/British food...all the things I always look forward to doing in Malta. The most exciting day was the last one, because I FINALLY TOOK MY FIRST DIP IN THE MEDITERRANEAN!! It took a lot of trips to Southern European countries, but I finally managed it. And it was glorious. I stayed in forever. It was dark when I finally forced myself to swim back to shore. It's a tragedy that it took me so long to do that.
Did you know it's been 3 years since Jon and I embarked on our first 4-month-long world tour? I can't believe it. The anniversary is this month. The last 3 years of my life have been so wonderful and unexpected and wonderfully unexpected and unexpectedly wonderful. I can't imagine it any other way and I wouldn't change a thing.
Anyway, back to Malta! We spent our last night saying goodbye to Coreena and Marko, drinking (well, except for teetotaling me, that is) on the house. This visit was all too short, but it was great to see Coreena again. She says that the next time we come she won't be working in bars anymore, so we'll be able to spend much more time together. She also said that Jon and I give her hope for relationships, which I thought was quite silly, but cute. I think her actual words were that she finds it "comforting" to be around us because "you two are still so sweet to each other" despite being broken up. Staying close came completely naturally to us, but I'm glad we could help restore someone's faith in relationships anyway!
The most exciting thing Coreena said, though, is that she wants to try to visit us in the States! That would be amazing. She's looked at tickets since then, and says they seem totally doable. It would be so much fun to show her around my home for a change!
The next day we packed up our things and headed on to an unplanned stop: Rome. Getting to pretty much anywhere from Malta right now proved to be hugely expensive, with the exception of Pisa and Rome, so we decided to fly to Italy first and then make plans for Russia from there. We chose Rome over Pisa because I had yet to see the motherland, and that seemed like a tragedy. We were only there for a few nights (in fact, I'm on the plane to Russia as we speak), but it was nice to get a taste of it.
Our first night was spent in something that can only be described as "a bunker." Jon had to duck to get through the doorway. The ceilings were also abnormally low, although no ducking was needed inside. There wasn't much space beyond the bed/desk, just a bit to walk through. And there were no windows. I don't imagine it comes as much of a surprise when I say that we only spent one night there.
The food in Italy did not disappoint. Delicious grilled veggies. A seafood-packed soup. An incredible pasta with seafood and bean soup (sounds weird, but it was awesome). Gelato. And I realized that I can say "thank you" in at least 10 languages! Awesome!
The one night we tried to go out...didn't turn out so well. I'm sad to report that we had our first real mishap while traveling. Rome has a reputation for being full of pickpockets, and it appears to be a reputation well-deserved. Jon had a necklace stolen, directly off his neck. He'd had it for ages (a gift from his mother, I believe, that was a replacement for one he was given - and lost - for his confirmation). Needless to say, that kinda put a damper on the whole Rome thing.
We managed to get a bit of sightseeing in on our last day, but we didn't have time for much. We paid a quick trip to the Colosseum, which is one of the more spectacularly old things we've seen on our travels. I'd say the excitement of seeing the pyramids was greater, but probably just because Egypt feels like so much more of an adventure than Italy. The line was far too long for us to be able to go inside, but it was still cool just to see it from the outside. After the Colosseum we trekked to Vatican City (which could up our country count, depending on what you consider a country! It's not part of the UN, but it does issue its own passports, so...*shrug*). I managed to visit both St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel without bursting into flames! Success!
Vatican City was quite impressive, but there's no surprise there. Everything was grand and ornate and full of gold. We started with the Vatican Museum, but couldn't linger since we were short on time. They've amassed quite an impressive collection of statuary. There was one hallway lined with shelves and shelves of heads! What intersted me most was the building itself. It was massive. All the floors had detailed inlay, and all the walls and ceilings were covered in paintings. It was incrediby intricate. The quads outside were quite beautiful, too. Reminded me a bit of Oxford (but on a much larger scale). The award for most surprising part of the museum went to the collection of Egyptian art and artifacts (Jon, upon seeing a mummy: "Woah, is that an actual dead guy?!"). I had no idea (and still have no idea why) the Vatican Museum has an Egyptian collection!
The last stop on the tour was the most famous: the Sistine Chapel. It was a pretty spectacular place to be. The paintings are overhwelming even though you're expecting to see them. You're technically not supposed to take pictures, but I think Jon managed to sneak a couple. The guards are far too busy shushing people (they take silence very seriously) to notice a camera or two. After the Sistine Chapel we went to St. Peter's Basilica, which was just insane. I think I've run out of words for "huge" and "ornate," but it was both of those things several times over. The size and the level of detail was mind-blowing. As nice as everything was, though, I had only one thing on my mind at that point: gelato.
I know you're sick of this complaint, but it was flipping hot. Italy wasn't much cooler than Malta, although there was less humidity. We were dressed in long pants and respectable shirts since there's a dress code in Vatican City, so we were quite sweaty and uncomfortable by the end of our visit. Thankfully gelato was not difficult to find. :)
And that's about all I have to report from Rome...we had one last huge meal (Seriously, do Italians eat like that all the time? It's insane.), and now we're on our way to our final destination: St. Petersburg.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Rome: 8.10.12
This is all I can think about while in Rome:
What's that? I'm in Rome?
Yep. It wasn't in the plans, but here I am.
Story as soon as I have a chance to write it!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Malta: 8.8.12
Today is a glorious day, for it is the day the Romano returns to the homeland. So nice to finally make your acquaintance, Rome.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Malta: 8.7.12
I have said it before, but I'll say it again: this weather is HORRENDOUS. I'm dying. I was not cut out for weather this hot. At least I now know that I will never be moving to Malta full-time!
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Malta: 8.4.12
I hate it when my entries suddenly end like that last one did and I don’t get to go back to them! I had to board the plane, and fell asleep as soon as I sat down. Entry forgotten. Sorry about that!
I am now in Malta, writing from a restaurant that Jocelyn and I discovered last time we were here. I came back solely for the amazing garlic-covered mushrooms. But before I dive into life in Malta, I know there was more to say about Portugal…if I can remember any of it. I think it was just a collection of random thoughts, like:
· Wow, the Portuguese are bad drivers. They are so fast. It’s a miracle we made it out of the country without either one of us getting hit.
· The Portuguese language was quite a surprise. I expected it to sound much more like Spanish than it actually does. Instead it sounded like a combination of French and Spanish and, of all things, Russian. I don’t know why I heard Russian in it. I think it had to do with the cadence, rather than the actual words.
· I heard “Sail” playing once when I was out walking. I was pleasantly surprised that it’s getting airplay outside of the US! It’s a bit of an acquired taste, but I love it.
· What I will not miss about Lisbon is the slipperiness. Odd complaint, I know, but it’s true…it was a seriously slippery city. The stairs in all the buildings were slippery. The curbs were slippery (I slipped off them several times). The streets and sidewalks were slippery…which really isn’t convenient in a city full of hills. I swear you need hiking boots to walk anywhere in Lisbon, or you’ll slide right down the street!
If there’s more, I can’t remember it…so let’s move on to Malta.
Ah, Malta. I love this silly little country so much. Although this trip has been a bit on the trying side so far.
It was early when we arrived, so we had a long wait before we could find a place to stay. We headed straight to Huggins, a restaurant we patronize frequently while here. It wasn’t open yet, but we sat at one of the tables outside and took advantage of the free wi-fi. When they finally opened, we indulged in a favorite tradition – the full English breakfast – and tried to find accommodations. It was not good (the trying-to-find-accommodations part, not the breakfast part…the breakfast part was delicious). Our usual place was all booked up, and that seemed to be the case all over town.
[Side note: My food just arrived. The mushrooms are amazing. And this smoked salmon is divine. And Malta has the biggest capers I have ever seen.]
We haven’t been here during high season before, so we didn’t know what to expect. For a country that’s generally so cheap, hotels are really expensive right now! Expensive and/or booked…it’s not a good combination. And to make things even better (a.k.a. “worse”), we found out that it’s probably going to cost us around €200 to get to Russia, no matter where we fly from. Yikes.
We ended up having to stay in a different town. Sliema isn’t terribly far away, but it’s just far enough to be a nuisance. We walked (2+ kilometers) to the hotel because it was still early and we had nothing better to do. Ugh…what an awful idea. We did not learn our lesson from Portugal: sun + hills + baggage = not fun. It is so hot here. As I said, we haven’t been here during summer before, and it’s way hotter than I expected. I will def be jumping in the Mediterranean at some point.
We had a late dinner at a place we’d never tried before in Balutta Bay (more Malta traditions: octopus and a seafood platter), and then trekked back to Paceville for a bit of the famous Maltese nightlife. It is so packed with tourists right now. There isn’t any room to breathe in the bars, much less dance. I’m not even sure how anyone has space to lift their arms and take a drink! I do not like being in crowds like that (not because I’m scared of it, but because I can’t handle that many people touching me), and I was tired and not in a party mood anyway, so we didn’t stay long. Had to fight with a bunch of cab drivers before we found one who would actually use the meter…it was good practice for the horrendous cab drivers of Russia.
To add to the list of unfortunate circumstances, our hotel in Sliema was only available for one night, so we had to do the torturous sun + hills + baggage walk again the next morning. No thank you. I have never been a very sweaty person, but God…I feel like I want to shower every hour here. No more Malta during summertime!
Random aside: just remembered that Armin is in Romania today and I’m not. L Tragedy.
Our new digs, though more money than we’d like to spend, are actually pretty nice. Good location, working Internet, and very spacious – we have a couch and a kitchen area with a small fridge and a table/chairs, and even a small outdoor patio space. Not bad at all! It was also only supposed to be for one night (and then we were going to have to do the awful walk AGAIN), but we found out this morning that we can stay. Thank God.
I had a lowkey afternoon on our first full day here, catching up on work, and sending out job applications. Have I explained that plan yet? I think that, after this trip and Burning Man, I’ll stay in New York through the end of the year. I’m thinking I can get a “real job” for a while, to save up some money for traveling/Oxford next year. And when I’m in one place, I can devote time to finding coaching clients! So that’s the plan at the moment.
But back to Malta. In between work sessions, I went for a bit of a wander. I browsed at the mall for a bit, and took a trip to the grocery store, and dunked my feet in the water for a while because STIFLINGLY HOT WEATHER. The real fun came at night, because we went out with Coreena. Let me tell you…a night out with Coreena is a night you will never forget, and by that I mean it’s a night you will never remember.
We started at Qube, the site of many a free shot last year (18 in one night, if memory serves). Turns out our free shot extravaganza left behind quite an impression, because the bartender immediately recognized us! Only 1 round of free shots this time, though. J
After Qube we went to Havana, which means all drinks on the house because Coreena works there. And once again, we found ourselves being warmly greeted by a bartender (Mario?) who remembered us! Coreena also introduced us to 3 friends of hers who each said they’d been hearing about us and our visit for weeks, and were very excited to meet us.
One in particular was so overwhelmed…you’d have thought she was meeting a celebrity! Apparently she’d never met an American before, so she was ridiculously excited about that. And then when she found out I live in New York…oh my goodness. I thought she was going to pass out from overexcitement. She was literally fanning herself and holding her hand to her cheek in disbelief and saying “I can’t believe this, I can’t believe this” over and over again. I told her I would be happy to show her around if she ever made it out there, and then she lost control completely. Just kept waving her hands around and shaking her head and saying “No, no, no, no, no” like it was all too much for her. It was like a teenage girl meeting One Direction.
So basically…Jon and I are famous in Malta. And I totally want that on a shirt: Famous In Malta.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Lisbon: 8.2.12
And it’s with that insightful thought about pastries and staircases that I bid the country of Portugal farewell. It was a lovely trip, and now I’m parked on the shiniest floor I have ever seen, passing the time between flights at the Barcelona airport. This is probably one of the most inconvenient layovers I have ever had the – well, “pleasure” isn’t really the word for it – of experiencing. We arrived at BCN sometime before midnight, and we’re stuck here until it’s time for our next flight…at 5:15am.
The good news? MALTA!
The bad news? 5:15am.
In Jon’s words, “Who the hell is getting up at the ass-crack of dawn to go to Malta?!”
I have no idea. Maybe we’ll be the only people on the plane. In which case I’m s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g out for naptime! Zzz…
The last couple of days in Lisbon were nice. Not quite the adventure I was hoping for, but definitely nice. I was hoping to pay a visit toSintra or the beach, but getting Jon to go anywhere during the day is like trying to get a…ok, so I can’t think of a good simile, but you get the idea. It’s difficult. We did manage a bit of an excursion to the Castle of SaintGeorge, which was fun to get close to after admiring it up on the hill all week. We didn’t feel like paying the fee to get in (and I’d forgotten to restock my nearly-depleted supply of Euros anyway), but we wandered around it for a while and enjoyed the various spectacular views of the city and river that our spot atop the hill afforded.
Afterwards we explored the picturesque streets of Alfama, the old part of town that sits beneath the hill, and a cathedral we found (Santa Maria de Meior, I think?). If I recall correctly, that was also an exceptionally delicious day…more Portuguese pastries, butter-and-garlic-soaked clams, and grilled octopus. I will definitely miss how well (and how cheaply!) we ate in Lisbon. In addition to our standard pastry breakfast, we’ve had great Indian food, cheese-drenched pasta, and seafood-covered pizza. Last night we paid a visit to a place I’ve lovingly nicknamed “The Preschool” because of its multicolored furniture and the bright murals covering its walls. We tried an amazing rib dish (meat fell right off the bones), a black bean soup that had a rich smoky flavor, and a guava dessert with a soft white cheese. We ended our food tour today with two more pastries and a to-die-for seafood and rice stew. The broth was so good that I would drink it out of a cup.
Nights have been quiet. I spent one in to work, and otherwise only went out briefly. We went back to the Swiss bar a couple more times, and the owner was kind enough to wish us farewell last night with shots on the house. I’m always impressed by how quickly we manage to leave an impression on the places we visit.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Musical Musings
Traveling always puts me in such a Mika mood. I don't know why.
Actually, scratch that...I do. I think it all stems from the first big trip (not counting the few days we spent in Paris a year or two before) Jon and I took, the four month extravaganza at the end of 2009. When we were in Budapest, Rachel sent me Mika's second album and it was on repeat (especially this one...and bonus points for the very Burner-like video) for the rest of the trip. Couldn't stop dancing to it. So I think Mika always reminds me of traveling now. :)
Lately I've been into watching live performances, because I had the great pleasure of seeing him live once back in college, and it was one of the greatest live performances I've witnessed yet. Totally on-point vocally, great energy, incredible connection to his audience, massive spectacle...his show is such a colorful, joyful experience. I'm dying to see him again. His 3rd album will be out this fall (September, I think), so perhaps he'll do a US tour soon!
In the meantime, here are some of the faves I've been enjoying lately...
In Any Other World:
Happy Ending:
I love what a spaz he is. The man cannot dance - and he knows it - so he just flails around the stage instead:
Then there's this one...
...which is this one, translated into French:
He's done it a few times, because he's fluent in French. This version is more complete (also, I want those pants!):
I think I also need this jacket:
And then there's this one, Underwater, which will be on the new album. Can't wait for a studio version...it sounds like it's going to be amazing:
Actually, scratch that...I do. I think it all stems from the first big trip (not counting the few days we spent in Paris a year or two before) Jon and I took, the four month extravaganza at the end of 2009. When we were in Budapest, Rachel sent me Mika's second album and it was on repeat (especially this one...and bonus points for the very Burner-like video) for the rest of the trip. Couldn't stop dancing to it. So I think Mika always reminds me of traveling now. :)
Lately I've been into watching live performances, because I had the great pleasure of seeing him live once back in college, and it was one of the greatest live performances I've witnessed yet. Totally on-point vocally, great energy, incredible connection to his audience, massive spectacle...his show is such a colorful, joyful experience. I'm dying to see him again. His 3rd album will be out this fall (September, I think), so perhaps he'll do a US tour soon!
In the meantime, here are some of the faves I've been enjoying lately...
In Any Other World:
Happy Ending:
I love what a spaz he is. The man cannot dance - and he knows it - so he just flails around the stage instead:
Then there's this one...
...which is this one, translated into French:
He's done it a few times, because he's fluent in French. This version is more complete (also, I want those pants!):
I think I also need this jacket:
And then there's this one, Underwater, which will be on the new album. Can't wait for a studio version...it sounds like it's going to be amazing:
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Lisbon: 7.29.12
I just realized I never told you
what actually happened to kaZantip, just prattled on about Lisbon in my
excitement over being in a new country! Here’s the story…
Adding to the strangeness of the night, it turned out that homeless-Viking-man knew the manager (or the owner...I can't remember!). Who would have guessed?! He spoke to his contacts about letting us jump the line, but the club was at capacity. We thought about sticking around until things cleared up, but we were sleepy and hanging out with a crazy bearded homeless-looking Viking is only charming for so long.
Adding to the strangeness of the night, it turned out that homeless-Viking-man knew the manager (or the owner...I can't remember!). Who would have guessed?! He spoke to his contacts about letting us jump the line, but the club was at capacity. We thought about sticking around until things cleared up, but we were sleepy and hanging out with a crazy bearded homeless-looking Viking is only charming for so long.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Lisbon: 7.28.12
When last we spoke, some very interesting things were afoot out here in Europe. Interesting things are still going on, but this time it's interesting things of the good variety! Lisbon, as it turns out, is awesome.
When we left off, Jon and I were at Kiado, killing time before heading to the airport, and had just fournd out that kaZantip in Portugal was closed. The news was...confusing, to say the least. What now?
In the short-term, the answer was easy: get on the plane to Portugal. But then what? We had no idea. The airport was surprisingly busy for 5am, but we passed through security easily and fell asleep as soon as we settled in on the plane. After a brief layover in Barcelona, we arrived in Lisbon. KaZantip was supposed to bus people from the airport to the event, so we had no plans to spend any time in Lisbon. Fortunately the airport had wi-fi, so we were able to book a hotel for the night.
Off we went via metro, which was fast and modern and clean. +1 for Lisbon. When we arrived at our destination, we were introduced to one of the most notable aspects of Lisbon: the hills. There are lots of them. And they are not so fun when you're dragging around luggage and it's super hot out. The hills make for a beautiful city, as does the weather, but they are a tough combination!
When we found the hotel, we were greeted by a drunk man who proceded to ring every buzzer for the building simultaneously and shout for the owner at the top of his booze-soaked lungs. "Antonio! Antoniooooo!!" Antonio looked less than pleased with our escort, but was more than nice to us. Apparently he'd given the drunk a beer once, and now he can't get rid of him. At least he makes an interesting welcome party for guests. :)
The hotel proved to be quite cool for a last minute find. It felt more like staying in an apartment than staying in a hotel. There was a terrace, and a tearoom, and a kitchen for guests to share that was stocked with a few essentials like coffee and cereal. Everything was decorated in old Portuguese style, and all the furniture was from the 18th century. Not too shabby. Antonio was insanely friendly and accommodating, but to a New Yorker it was the kind of nice that's too nice. New Yorkers find it disconcerting when someone is that helpful!
His niceness came in handy, though, because he recommended a great restaurant for our first dinner in town. I had high hopes for Portuguese cuisine, and so far I have not been disappointed. Portugal is all about creating delicious dishes from very little. It's all simple, hearty food, but so well prepared. Seasonings and sauces are kept to a minimum, so that the real food - the vegetables and the meat - can take the spotlight. We decided to go with something that Epic Meal Time would appreciate: a plate full of pork products. There were two kinds of sausage, "bacon" (thicker slabs of meat than the thin slices we would call bacon), and the best black pudding I have ever had. Who knew congealed blood could taste so good? :)
The other great success of the meal was its liquid accompaniment: a 6 Euro bottle of wine. "€6?," you say. "That must have been awful!" Nope. In fact, it was one of the better whites I can remember having. I'm not usually much of a white drinker, but this one was dry and perfect. Portugal takes wine very seriously, so I guess I'll have to drink plenty more before leaving.
Fun Facts: in addition to wine-making, Lisbon is also known for...
Our first night out was spent in an especially vibrant neighborhood called Bairro Alto. The streets were packed with people...it was actually kind of hard to spot the actual bars through the crowds! Eventually we heard live music emanating from a door, and popped in just in time to hear the band play a hilariously amazing version of "Baby One More Time." I managed to catch a video of part of it, which you can see in the Flickr account I posted recently.
After that we took our giant mojio (0.75L!) and joined the throngs in the street. We spent the rest of the evening wandering around, getting a feel for our new city. The highlight was stumbling upon a very awkward Canadian attempting to woo a local girl. I have never witnessed a more unfortunate date in my life...it was so hard to stifle the laughter. I hope he at least got a kiss out of all that hard work!
When we left off, Jon and I were at Kiado, killing time before heading to the airport, and had just fournd out that kaZantip in Portugal was closed. The news was...confusing, to say the least. What now?
In the short-term, the answer was easy: get on the plane to Portugal. But then what? We had no idea. The airport was surprisingly busy for 5am, but we passed through security easily and fell asleep as soon as we settled in on the plane. After a brief layover in Barcelona, we arrived in Lisbon. KaZantip was supposed to bus people from the airport to the event, so we had no plans to spend any time in Lisbon. Fortunately the airport had wi-fi, so we were able to book a hotel for the night.
Off we went via metro, which was fast and modern and clean. +1 for Lisbon. When we arrived at our destination, we were introduced to one of the most notable aspects of Lisbon: the hills. There are lots of them. And they are not so fun when you're dragging around luggage and it's super hot out. The hills make for a beautiful city, as does the weather, but they are a tough combination!
When we found the hotel, we were greeted by a drunk man who proceded to ring every buzzer for the building simultaneously and shout for the owner at the top of his booze-soaked lungs. "Antonio! Antoniooooo!!" Antonio looked less than pleased with our escort, but was more than nice to us. Apparently he'd given the drunk a beer once, and now he can't get rid of him. At least he makes an interesting welcome party for guests. :)
The hotel proved to be quite cool for a last minute find. It felt more like staying in an apartment than staying in a hotel. There was a terrace, and a tearoom, and a kitchen for guests to share that was stocked with a few essentials like coffee and cereal. Everything was decorated in old Portuguese style, and all the furniture was from the 18th century. Not too shabby. Antonio was insanely friendly and accommodating, but to a New Yorker it was the kind of nice that's too nice. New Yorkers find it disconcerting when someone is that helpful!
His niceness came in handy, though, because he recommended a great restaurant for our first dinner in town. I had high hopes for Portuguese cuisine, and so far I have not been disappointed. Portugal is all about creating delicious dishes from very little. It's all simple, hearty food, but so well prepared. Seasonings and sauces are kept to a minimum, so that the real food - the vegetables and the meat - can take the spotlight. We decided to go with something that Epic Meal Time would appreciate: a plate full of pork products. There were two kinds of sausage, "bacon" (thicker slabs of meat than the thin slices we would call bacon), and the best black pudding I have ever had. Who knew congealed blood could taste so good? :)
The other great success of the meal was its liquid accompaniment: a 6 Euro bottle of wine. "€6?," you say. "That must have been awful!" Nope. In fact, it was one of the better whites I can remember having. I'm not usually much of a white drinker, but this one was dry and perfect. Portugal takes wine very seriously, so I guess I'll have to drink plenty more before leaving.
Fun Facts: in addition to wine-making, Lisbon is also known for...
- Being the cheapest captial in Western Europe.
- Being the westernmost capital in Western Europe.
- Being the oldest capital in Western Europe.
Our first night out was spent in an especially vibrant neighborhood called Bairro Alto. The streets were packed with people...it was actually kind of hard to spot the actual bars through the crowds! Eventually we heard live music emanating from a door, and popped in just in time to hear the band play a hilariously amazing version of "Baby One More Time." I managed to catch a video of part of it, which you can see in the Flickr account I posted recently.
After that we took our giant mojio (0.75L!) and joined the throngs in the street. We spent the rest of the evening wandering around, getting a feel for our new city. The highlight was stumbling upon a very awkward Canadian attempting to woo a local girl. I have never witnessed a more unfortunate date in my life...it was so hard to stifle the laughter. I hope he at least got a kiss out of all that hard work!
Friday, July 27, 2012
Picture Post!
I promise I'll post a full update soon, but in the meantime, I've created a Flickr account with all my pictures from the trip so far:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/83575717@N04/sets/72157630775531310/
Enjoy!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/83575717@N04/sets/72157630775531310/
Enjoy!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
A Detour
I'm taking a quick break from all the traveling hullabaloo to bring you this, William Close and his Earth Harp on America's Got Talent:
http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/william-close-and-his-earth-harp/1401567/
William and the harp were at Burning Man last year, and I had the great pleasure of listening to them perform together while watching the sun set from the Temple. It was one of my more beautiful and moving experiences on the Playa, and a favorite memory of BM 2011, so it's great to see him succeed elsewhere!
http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/william-close-and-his-earth-harp/1401567/
William and the harp were at Burning Man last year, and I had the great pleasure of listening to them perform together while watching the sun set from the Temple. It was one of my more beautiful and moving experiences on the Playa, and a favorite memory of BM 2011, so it's great to see him succeed elsewhere!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Budapest: 7.24.12
Hello, lovelies!
I just happened to search “kaZantip” on Twitter today, and saw an article calling it a “fraud.” Naturally, I clicked. The writer said that the event – which wasn’t scheduled to open until tomorrow – is a total mess. Gross, muddy water…bleak-looking location (a few pics were posted)…no food or drinks being sold, etc. It could have all been BS, but I sent the link to Jon just to be on the safe side.
A couple of hours later, over glasses of Hungaria Extra Dry, he broke the news: “kaZantip is closed.”
I probably made a Scooby Doo noise (you know the one I’m talking about), as it’s really the only appropriate response to such a statement. My immediate thought wasn’t for the festival fun I would be missing out on, but for Jon…who was scheduled to make his spinning debut while we were there. L
Apparently, the event failed to acquire a required permit for selling food and drinks, and therefore had to shut down. They say they’re trying to fix it, but supposedly the organizer has fled to Switzerland, so I’m not exactly holding my breath for kaZantip’s glorious return.
It’s been on the quiet side here, so I haven’t had much reason to write. I’ve stayed in for the past couple of nights, working, which doesn’t make for particularly compelling journaling. The most exciting thing that’s happened was attempting to lighten my hair, which…sort of worked? I look at bit more like a redhead now, which is nice. Perhaps I can get more of the dark out another time, and continue the transition into red. For now, I’m busy trying to nourish it back to health with coconut oil.
Jon and I also managed to uphold a very important Budapest tradition: all-you-can-eat sushi at Wasabi. I believe we managed 60 plates between us this time…not bad. JNo luck, like last time, with the sesame balls I love, but other than that oversight, we scored particularly well with the desserts this time around. My favorite was a squishy, gelatinous, greyish blob (mmm…doesn’t that sound appetizing?) dusted with sugar and black sesame seeds, and filled with a soft black sesame paste. It looks a bit like a sea creature you’d expect to find stuck to the hull of a boat or nestled between anemones in a tide pool, but it’s really delicious! (And very sticky…you have to wrestle it off the plate.)
In addition to observing our personal Budapest traditions, we’ve even managed to do one touristy thing on this trip: a visit to the Szechenyi Baths, which we hadn’t yet seen while in town.
But that story will have to wait, because the lighting here is terrible and I can’t see what I’m writing…
* * *
Better lighting has been found! I am now sitting in a bar with my laptop open and headphones in my ears, while sipping coffee and writing in my journal. Life of the party, I am.
I would say I’m listening to Deadmau5, which would normally secure me at least a few party points, but it’s “The Veldt,” which is probably the most chilled-out song he’s ever released, so…negative points. Obsessed with it, though. Can’t listen to it without feeling compelled to sway like some kind of blissed out hippie.
Rather unexpectedly, it turns out that a lot has happened in the few intervening hours between my first attempt to write this entry and now.
A) Someone broke a window at Kiado (accidentally, I should mention) while we were there for our obligatory last visit before leaving the country. It made the most impressive crashing sound I have ever heard.
B) And, more importantly, kaZantip is cancelled. Yes, you read that right: kaZantip, the reason I am boarding a plane to Lisbon in a few hours, is cancelled. Holy ****.
You know that quote about love? Something like, “The course of true love never did run smooth?” Yeah, that quote should have been about traveling instead…being a nomad is never what you expect it to be, and never smooth. Here’s the story…I just happened to search “kaZantip” on Twitter today, and saw an article calling it a “fraud.” Naturally, I clicked. The writer said that the event – which wasn’t scheduled to open until tomorrow – is a total mess. Gross, muddy water…bleak-looking location (a few pics were posted)…no food or drinks being sold, etc. It could have all been BS, but I sent the link to Jon just to be on the safe side.
A couple of hours later, over glasses of Hungaria Extra Dry, he broke the news: “kaZantip is closed.”
I probably made a Scooby Doo noise (you know the one I’m talking about), as it’s really the only appropriate response to such a statement. My immediate thought wasn’t for the festival fun I would be missing out on, but for Jon…who was scheduled to make his spinning debut while we were there. L
Apparently, the event failed to acquire a required permit for selling food and drinks, and therefore had to shut down. They say they’re trying to fix it, but supposedly the organizer has fled to Switzerland, so I’m not exactly holding my breath for kaZantip’s glorious return.
How’s that for an unexpected turn of events?
They’re reimbursing everyone for ticket costs, but we were going for free since Jon was supposed to DJ, so it doesn’t affect us. What does affect us is that we now have an extra week of hotels to pay for. Boo. We’ll still be going to Portugal, since we’ve never been and we’ve both been looking forward to seeing a new country, but this development has certainly cast a shadow over our last night in Hungary…Friday, July 20, 2012
Budapest: 7.20.12
Feeling much perkier today, after several days of feeling utterly blah. I'm still not back 100%, but it's a vast improvement.
The most exciting things that have been happening lately haven't actually been related to my travels. On the travel front, I managed to drag Jon out (under great duress) to the Great Market Hall in search of cheap caviar. Last time I visited, Jocelyn and I found caviar for $1.50! There was no cheap caviar to be had today, but we found a delicious stuffed cabbage instead and the excursion was a nice excuse for a walk through the city. Jon was especially excited because we found a building where Katy Perry filmed the video for Firework (the balcony/rooftop she's on with the checkered floor). I think it made up for the fact that I forced him to leave the hotel room. :)
Last night was spent at Instant, as per usual. It turned out to be quite an international evening! In addition to all the Hungarians and at least these two Americans, we encountered people from Ireland, England, Canada, Australia, Spain, and Belgium (and probably more that I've forgotten). Afterwards we went home to work on Jon's upcoming set for kaZantip. It's been a blast trying to pick out songs for it!
The most interesting things lately, as I mentioned, have been un-travel-related. I've been carrying on an e-conversation a travel blogger/entrepreneur I've followed for a couple of years, which has been an excellent souce of amusement. He invited me to pay him a visit in Romania, if our travel plans happen to match up, so I may try to work that out before going to Russia.
The other decision I'm mulling over involves, of all things, Oxford. 8 years later and I still can't shake my love for that place. So here's what I'm thinking: 2013 summer creative writing course. There are several possible options, but the one I really want is an intensive course I would have to apply to. Obviously it would have nothing to do with a degree, but for someone who writes professionally I've had very little training as a writer. I've only taken 2 creative writing classes (one of which was during my Oxford trip in '04), EVER. And that just seems silly.
I think it's at least worth sending in an application, no? It would be both a chance to hone my skills and a chance to revisit one of my favorite places on the planet. And then perhaps I could do the UK tour I've always wanted to do before/after it. I think it sounds like a perfect plan...
The most exciting things that have been happening lately haven't actually been related to my travels. On the travel front, I managed to drag Jon out (under great duress) to the Great Market Hall in search of cheap caviar. Last time I visited, Jocelyn and I found caviar for $1.50! There was no cheap caviar to be had today, but we found a delicious stuffed cabbage instead and the excursion was a nice excuse for a walk through the city. Jon was especially excited because we found a building where Katy Perry filmed the video for Firework (the balcony/rooftop she's on with the checkered floor). I think it made up for the fact that I forced him to leave the hotel room. :)
Last night was spent at Instant, as per usual. It turned out to be quite an international evening! In addition to all the Hungarians and at least these two Americans, we encountered people from Ireland, England, Canada, Australia, Spain, and Belgium (and probably more that I've forgotten). Afterwards we went home to work on Jon's upcoming set for kaZantip. It's been a blast trying to pick out songs for it!
The most interesting things lately, as I mentioned, have been un-travel-related. I've been carrying on an e-conversation a travel blogger/entrepreneur I've followed for a couple of years, which has been an excellent souce of amusement. He invited me to pay him a visit in Romania, if our travel plans happen to match up, so I may try to work that out before going to Russia.
The other decision I'm mulling over involves, of all things, Oxford. 8 years later and I still can't shake my love for that place. So here's what I'm thinking: 2013 summer creative writing course. There are several possible options, but the one I really want is an intensive course I would have to apply to. Obviously it would have nothing to do with a degree, but for someone who writes professionally I've had very little training as a writer. I've only taken 2 creative writing classes (one of which was during my Oxford trip in '04), EVER. And that just seems silly.
I think it's at least worth sending in an application, no? It would be both a chance to hone my skills and a chance to revisit one of my favorite places on the planet. And then perhaps I could do the UK tour I've always wanted to do before/after it. I think it sounds like a perfect plan...
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Budapest: 7.19.12
Just a quick check in today, to fill you in on the (very
little) you’ve missed…
B City was Andrea’s last stop in Hungary – after that she gathered her bags and caught a cab to the airport (her flight was around 6am…ugh). The past couple of days haven’t been terribly exciting, I’m sorry to report. We’re in the customary post-festival recovery slump. I finally procured one of the famous chicken sandwiches, which was just as delicious as always, and paid second visits to Kiado and Instant. Other than that, it’s just been work, reading (finished the John Irving novel, started in on Jeffrey Eugenides’ first book), and recuperating.
Yep, reuperating. I’m sick. And so is Jon. And so is Andrea. Personally I think it’s a sign of a weekend well spent! And also a sign that I’m getting old (although if I feel old, I can’t imagine what Jon and Andrea must feel like...). Apparently I can now only stay up to see the sun rise for so many days in a row before my body breaks down and refuses to work anymore. Sigh. It was a great weekend, but I’m paying for its greatness with a sore throat, the sniffles, and an insane amount of snot…
Picture Post!
A few shots Andrea took over the weekend...
A doodle Andrea drew on my arm.
Looking like I'm about to make out with my lipgloss at B City.
The three travelers and their sexy new friend at B City.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Budapest: 7.17.12
A very happy birthday to the beautiful Miss Jocelyn!! Miss you!!!
We’re back in Budapest now, after an unexpectedly long journey and very little sleep. Following a final breakfast in our hotel, Jon and Andrea and I packed up and headed to the train station. The train arrived just as we did, but it was already stuffed-to-bursting with passengers. There was no hope of getting on it. We decided to wait for the next one, without knowing when it was due in, which turned out to be only a marginally better option. It was a gorgeous day, which made waiting around an ok fate, but which also meant we all got sunburned.
Fortunately mine is just a bit on the left of my neck, because I was trying to keep my face out of the sun. Unfortunately, we all got at least a small farmer’s tan! Not a good look. I think mine will fade into my camping tan, though, so it will be the least noxious of the 3 and I won’t be stuck with it for long.
When the train finally arrived it was only slightly less packed – no seats available, but room to sit on the floor just inside the door. I managed a small nap, after getting only 3 hours of sleep the night before, but it wasn’t a very good one. We came home to our new hotel (oh, how good it feels to be back in a Budapest-style courtyard building!) after being charged 5x more than we should have by a cab driver. Yeah, that part of Hungary I didn’t miss…
Our first stop after settling in was all about tradition: mudslides at Friday’s in Oktagon. Not classy, but delicious. Following that it was naptime, followed by work time for me while Jon and Andrea went for a walk, followed by a visit to Instant. It was great to be back, even if I rarely drink any more! We mostly just sat around chatting, taking pictures, letting Andrea doodle on us. I have a nice abstract drawing on my right forearm now.
Our second stop was B CIty, where we ran into two other Californians – one from somewhere in SoCal, one from Walnut Creek. It was awesome to see CA repped in Hungary!
Travel, young person
Why you should travel young
by Jeff Goins
As I write this, I’m flying. It’s an incredible concept: to be suspended in the air, moving at two hundred miles an hour — while I read a magazine. Amazing, isn’t it?
I woke up at three a.m. this morning. Long before the sun rose, thirty people loaded up three conversion vans and drove two hours to the San Juan airport. Our trip was finished. It was time to go home. But we were changed.
As I sit, waiting for the flight attendant to bring my ginger ale, I’m left wondering why I travel at all. The other night, I was reminded why I do it — why I believe this discipline of travel is worth all the hassle.
I was leading a missions trip in Puerto Rico. After a day of work, as we were driving back to the church where we were staying, one of the young women brought up a question.
“Do you think I should go to graduate school or move to Africa?”
I don’t think she was talking to me. In fact, I’m pretty sure she wasn’t. But that didn’t stop me from offering my opinion.
I told her to travel. Hands down. No excuses. Just go.
She sighed, nodding. “Yeah, but…”
I had heard this excuse before, and I didn’t buy it. I knew the “yeah-but” intimately. I had uttered it many times before. The words seem innocuous enough, but are actually quite fatal.
Yeah, but …
… what about debt?
… what about my job?
… what about my boyfriend?
This phrase is lethal. It makes it sound like we have the best of intentions, when really we are just too scared to do what we should. It allows us to be cowards while sounding noble.
Most people I know who waited to travel the world never did it. Conversely, plenty of people who waited for grad school or a steady job still did those things after they traveled.
It reminded me of Dr. Eisenhautz and the men’s locker room.
Dr. Eisenhautz was a German professor at my college. I didn’t study German, but I was a foreign language student so we knew each other. This explains why he felt the need to strike up a conversation with me at six o’clock one morning.
I was about to start working out, and he had just finished. We were both getting dressed in the locker room. It was, to say the least, a little awkward — two grown men shooting the breeze while taking off their clothes.
“You come here often?” he asked. I could have laughed.
“Um, yeah, I guess,” I said, still wiping the crusted pieces of whatever out of my eyes.
“That’s great,” he said. “Just great.”
I nodded, not really paying attention. He had already had his adrenaline shot; I was still waiting for mine. I somehow uttered that a friend and I had been coming to the gym for a few weeks now, about three times a week.
“Great,” Dr. Eisenhautz repeated. He paused as if to reflect on what he would say next. Then, he just blurted it out. The most profound thing I had heard in my life.
“The habits you form here will be with you for the rest of your life.”
My head jerked up, my eyes got big, and I stared at him, letting the words soak into my half-conscious mind. He nodded, said a gruff goodbye, and left. I was dumbfounded.
The words reverberated in my mind for the rest of the day. Years later, they still haunt me. It’s true — the habits you form early in life will, most likely, be with you for the rest of your existence.
I have seen this fact proven repeatedly. My friends who drank a lot in college drink in larger quantities today. Back then, we called it “partying.” Now, it has a less glamorous name: alcoholism. There are other examples. The guys and girls who slept around back then now have babies and unfaithful marriages. Those with no ambition then are still working the same dead end jobs.
“We are what we repeatedly do,” Aristotle once said. While I don’t want to sound all gloom-and-doom, and I believe your life can turn around at any moment, there is an important lesson here: life is a result of intentional habits. So I decided to do the things that were most important to me first, not last.
After graduating college, I joined a band and traveled across North America for nine months. With six of my peers, I performed at schools, churches, and prisons. We even spent a month in Taiwan on our overseas tour. (We were huge in Taiwan.)
As part of our low-cost travel budget, we usually stayed in people’s homes. Over dinner or in conversation later in the evening, it would almost always come up — the statement I dreaded. As we were conversing about life on the road — the challenges of long days, being cooped up in a van, and always being on the move — some well-intentioned adult would say, “It’s great that you’re doing this … while you’re still young.”
Ouch. Those last words — while you’re still young — stung like a squirt of lemon juice in the eye (a sensation with which I am well acquainted). They reeked of vicarious longing and mid-life regret. I hated hearing that phrase.
I wanted to shout back,
“No, this is NOT great while I’m still young! It’s great for the rest of my life! You don’t understand. This is not just a thing I’m doing to kill time. This is my calling! My life! I don’t want what you have. I will always be an adventurer.”
In a year, I will turn thirty. Now I realize how wrong I was. Regardless of the intent of those words, there was wisdom in them.
As we get older, life can just sort of happen to us. Whatever we end up doing, we often end up with more responsibilities, more burdens, more obligations. This is not always bad. In fact, in many cases it is really good. It means you’re influencing people, leaving a legacy.
Youth is a time of total empowerment. You get to do what you want. As you mature and gain new responsibilities, you have to be very intentional about making sure you don’t lose sight of what’s important. The best way to do that is to make investments in your life so that you can have an effect on who you are in your later years.
I did this by traveling. Not for the sake of being a tourist, but to discover the beauty of life — to remember that I am not complete.
There is nothing like riding a bicycle across the Golden Gate Bridge or seeing the Coliseum at sunset. I wish I could paint a picture for you of how incredible the Guatemalan mountains are or what a rush it is to appear on Italian TV. Even the amazing photographs I have of Niagara Falls and the American Midwest countryside do not do these experiences justice. I can’t tell you how beautiful southern Spain is from the vantage point of a train; you have to experience it yourself. The only way you can relate is by seeing them.
While you’re young, you should travel. You should take the time to see the world and taste the fullness of life. Spend an afternoon sitting in front of the Michelangelo. Walk the streets of Paris. Climb Kilimanjaro. Hike the Appalachian trail. See the Great Wall of China. Get your heart broken by the “killing fields” of Cambodia. Swim through the Great Barrier Reef. These are the moments that define the rest of your life; they’re the experiences that stick with you forever.
Traveling will change you like little else can. It will put you in places that will force you to care for issues that are bigger than you. You will begin to understand that the world is both very large and very small. You will have a newfound respect for pain and suffering, having seen that two-thirds of humanity struggle to simply get a meal each day.
While you’re still young, get cultured. Get to know the world and the magnificent people that fill it. The world is a stunning place, full of outstanding works of art. See it.
You won’t always be young. And life won’t always be just about you. So travel, young person. Experience the world for all it’s worth. Become a person of culture, adventure, and compassion. While you still can.
Do not squander this time. You will never have it again. You have a crucial opportunity to invest in the next season of your life now. Whatever you sow, you will eventually reap. The habits you form in this season will stick with you for the rest of your life. So choose those habits wisely.
And if you’re not as young as you’d like (few of us are), travel anyway. It may not be easy or practical, but it’s worth it. Traveling allows you to feel more connected to your fellow human beings in a deep and lasting way, like little else can. In other words, it makes you more human.
That’s what it did for me, anyway.
by Jeff Goins
As I write this, I’m flying. It’s an incredible concept: to be suspended in the air, moving at two hundred miles an hour — while I read a magazine. Amazing, isn’t it?
I woke up at three a.m. this morning. Long before the sun rose, thirty people loaded up three conversion vans and drove two hours to the San Juan airport. Our trip was finished. It was time to go home. But we were changed.
As I sit, waiting for the flight attendant to bring my ginger ale, I’m left wondering why I travel at all. The other night, I was reminded why I do it — why I believe this discipline of travel is worth all the hassle.
I was leading a missions trip in Puerto Rico. After a day of work, as we were driving back to the church where we were staying, one of the young women brought up a question.
“Do you think I should go to graduate school or move to Africa?”
I don’t think she was talking to me. In fact, I’m pretty sure she wasn’t. But that didn’t stop me from offering my opinion.
I told her to travel. Hands down. No excuses. Just go.
She sighed, nodding. “Yeah, but…”
I had heard this excuse before, and I didn’t buy it. I knew the “yeah-but” intimately. I had uttered it many times before. The words seem innocuous enough, but are actually quite fatal.
Yeah, but …
… what about debt?
… what about my job?
… what about my boyfriend?
This phrase is lethal. It makes it sound like we have the best of intentions, when really we are just too scared to do what we should. It allows us to be cowards while sounding noble.
Most people I know who waited to travel the world never did it. Conversely, plenty of people who waited for grad school or a steady job still did those things after they traveled.
It reminded me of Dr. Eisenhautz and the men’s locker room.
Dr. Eisenhautz was a German professor at my college. I didn’t study German, but I was a foreign language student so we knew each other. This explains why he felt the need to strike up a conversation with me at six o’clock one morning.
I was about to start working out, and he had just finished. We were both getting dressed in the locker room. It was, to say the least, a little awkward — two grown men shooting the breeze while taking off their clothes.
“You come here often?” he asked. I could have laughed.
“Um, yeah, I guess,” I said, still wiping the crusted pieces of whatever out of my eyes.
“That’s great,” he said. “Just great.”
I nodded, not really paying attention. He had already had his adrenaline shot; I was still waiting for mine. I somehow uttered that a friend and I had been coming to the gym for a few weeks now, about three times a week.
“Great,” Dr. Eisenhautz repeated. He paused as if to reflect on what he would say next. Then, he just blurted it out. The most profound thing I had heard in my life.
“The habits you form here will be with you for the rest of your life.”
My head jerked up, my eyes got big, and I stared at him, letting the words soak into my half-conscious mind. He nodded, said a gruff goodbye, and left. I was dumbfounded.
The words reverberated in my mind for the rest of the day. Years later, they still haunt me. It’s true — the habits you form early in life will, most likely, be with you for the rest of your existence.
I have seen this fact proven repeatedly. My friends who drank a lot in college drink in larger quantities today. Back then, we called it “partying.” Now, it has a less glamorous name: alcoholism. There are other examples. The guys and girls who slept around back then now have babies and unfaithful marriages. Those with no ambition then are still working the same dead end jobs.
“We are what we repeatedly do,” Aristotle once said. While I don’t want to sound all gloom-and-doom, and I believe your life can turn around at any moment, there is an important lesson here: life is a result of intentional habits. So I decided to do the things that were most important to me first, not last.
After graduating college, I joined a band and traveled across North America for nine months. With six of my peers, I performed at schools, churches, and prisons. We even spent a month in Taiwan on our overseas tour. (We were huge in Taiwan.)
As part of our low-cost travel budget, we usually stayed in people’s homes. Over dinner or in conversation later in the evening, it would almost always come up — the statement I dreaded. As we were conversing about life on the road — the challenges of long days, being cooped up in a van, and always being on the move — some well-intentioned adult would say, “It’s great that you’re doing this … while you’re still young.”
Ouch. Those last words — while you’re still young — stung like a squirt of lemon juice in the eye (a sensation with which I am well acquainted). They reeked of vicarious longing and mid-life regret. I hated hearing that phrase.
I wanted to shout back,
“No, this is NOT great while I’m still young! It’s great for the rest of my life! You don’t understand. This is not just a thing I’m doing to kill time. This is my calling! My life! I don’t want what you have. I will always be an adventurer.”
In a year, I will turn thirty. Now I realize how wrong I was. Regardless of the intent of those words, there was wisdom in them.
As we get older, life can just sort of happen to us. Whatever we end up doing, we often end up with more responsibilities, more burdens, more obligations. This is not always bad. In fact, in many cases it is really good. It means you’re influencing people, leaving a legacy.
Youth is a time of total empowerment. You get to do what you want. As you mature and gain new responsibilities, you have to be very intentional about making sure you don’t lose sight of what’s important. The best way to do that is to make investments in your life so that you can have an effect on who you are in your later years.
I did this by traveling. Not for the sake of being a tourist, but to discover the beauty of life — to remember that I am not complete.
There is nothing like riding a bicycle across the Golden Gate Bridge or seeing the Coliseum at sunset. I wish I could paint a picture for you of how incredible the Guatemalan mountains are or what a rush it is to appear on Italian TV. Even the amazing photographs I have of Niagara Falls and the American Midwest countryside do not do these experiences justice. I can’t tell you how beautiful southern Spain is from the vantage point of a train; you have to experience it yourself. The only way you can relate is by seeing them.
While you’re young, you should travel. You should take the time to see the world and taste the fullness of life. Spend an afternoon sitting in front of the Michelangelo. Walk the streets of Paris. Climb Kilimanjaro. Hike the Appalachian trail. See the Great Wall of China. Get your heart broken by the “killing fields” of Cambodia. Swim through the Great Barrier Reef. These are the moments that define the rest of your life; they’re the experiences that stick with you forever.
Traveling will change you like little else can. It will put you in places that will force you to care for issues that are bigger than you. You will begin to understand that the world is both very large and very small. You will have a newfound respect for pain and suffering, having seen that two-thirds of humanity struggle to simply get a meal each day.
While you’re still young, get cultured. Get to know the world and the magnificent people that fill it. The world is a stunning place, full of outstanding works of art. See it.
You won’t always be young. And life won’t always be just about you. So travel, young person. Experience the world for all it’s worth. Become a person of culture, adventure, and compassion. While you still can.
Do not squander this time. You will never have it again. You have a crucial opportunity to invest in the next season of your life now. Whatever you sow, you will eventually reap. The habits you form in this season will stick with you for the rest of your life. So choose those habits wisely.
And if you’re not as young as you’d like (few of us are), travel anyway. It may not be easy or practical, but it’s worth it. Traveling allows you to feel more connected to your fellow human beings in a deep and lasting way, like little else can. In other words, it makes you more human.
That’s what it did for me, anyway.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Balaton: 7.16.12
5:30am: I stumble home, with ears ringing and a massive smile plastered across my face, as a brilliant orange sunrise spreads out over Lake Balaton.
The past four days have been amazing. Balaton Sound went so far above and beyond my expectations…what an unbelievable festival. I’m even going to risk being disowned by my music-loving friends and say that, yes, I had more fun this weekend than I did at this year’s Ultra. I think it’s official. I know…I can hear your shocked gasps from here.
It’s something about being alone, I think. It’s just amazing in that context. Meeting new people, getting to dance however you want, being able to focus entirely on the music… It’s the Burning Man thing of being completely tuned in to what you want at any given moment,, and then doing it. Living totally for the now.
That strategy gave me a spectacular final day at Balaton. Words just…don’t even describe it. First, Armin Van Buuren at 9:30pm. Armin was his usual charming/amazing/perfect self. He’s always incredible, as are the crowds who come see him, although I do think I’ve heard him play stronger sets than that one. Oh well. Always happy to see him again. And I actually managed to hang out with Jon and Andrea, for a change! It didn’t last long, though, because they left for a bathroom break and I wasn’t about to leave Armin.
I felt a bit lost when his set ended…no new friends to hang out with, no clue who else was scheduled to spin. I decided my best bet was to float from stage to stage until something compelled me to stay. I danced at a pop-y stage for a while, followed by a dubstep-y stage, but nothing really held my attention.
I ended up in the big tent with a set by Nikola, who I’d never heard of. It was all right, but inconsistent. He’d play one or two songs I liked, then several more I found boring. I tried to go wandering again, but two boys immediately scooped me up and wanted to dance back in the tent. We accidentally got separated soon after entering (probably for the best, as they looked like the next in the long string of barely-legal boys who seemed to take a fancy to me at the festival), but I stuck around for the remainder of Nikola’s set.
It turned out to be a good choice, because the two sets that followed – Nicky Romero and Steve Angello – brought the house down. So incredible. I danced solidly through them both, way too lost in my own world of music and movement to think about anything else. Romero is another DJ I hadn’t heard of before, but I will definitely look into him. And Steve Angello I know well, because he’s 1/3 of Swedish HouseMafia. I’ve never seen the group live, or any of them solo, so I was psyched to finally have the chance. He opened with a favorite – Greyhound – so I knew the set was destined to go down in my personal musical history. It did not disappoint. Hopefully someone will upload it to YouTube later…
I still wasn’t ready to call it a night when Angello finished (and the next DJ sounded promising), but it was after 5am and we had to check out of the hotel at 10am. Besides, I’d been dancing solidly since 9:30pm, and I mean that literally – no sitting down, no bathroom breaks, no food, no drinks. I danced for 8 solid hours, stopping only to walk in between stages.
So I returned, once again, with a huge smile on my face and energy radiating from every pore. Jon and Andrea were already in bed (3/4 times I managed to party harder than the supposed party animals!! TAKE THAT!), so I quietly made my way to bed too.
What a perfect weekend. J
“Travel does what good novelists also do to the life of everyday, placing it like a picture in a frame or a gem in its setting, so that the intrinsic qualities are made more clear. Travel does this with the very stuff that everyday life is made of, giving to it the sharp contour and meaning of art.”
–Freya Stark, Riding to the Tigris
(1959)
–Freya Stark, Riding to the Tigris
(1959)Sunday, July 15, 2012
Balaton: 7.15.12
I am currently indulging in one of my favorite activities: hotel breakfast. Neither of the other two got up in time, so not only is it an opportunity for free food, it’s also an opportunity for blissful silence! I think those two are way more into each other than they’re willing to admit…it’s quite cute. I like the odd couple they make.
Did I mention that I’m eating French toast and that it’s awesome? Apparently making French toast in Hungary means slicing up actual French bread and deep frying it. Throw some Nutella and jam on it, and ugh…my arteries hate me, but it’s delicious!
There isn’t much to report from last night. Same deal as usual: Jon and Andrea left, I used the silence to work and went later. It was pouring buckets, and I couldn’t stop thinking about all the work I had to do, so I kept my visit short (Dubfire & some Carl Cox) and then came home. It turned out to be a good call – I got a sizeable chunk of work done.
I guess I’ll have to go for broke tonight… ;)
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Balaton: 7.14.12 (Part II)
Day Two of Balaton Sound proved to be just as awesome as Day One. Again, I stayed behind to work while Jon and Andrea went a-festivaling. And again, it proved to be a good decision. I arrived just in time for Gareth Emery's set, after being stopped on the street several times by people who were curious about me. It was a good set, but not as good as Solveig's (which, I should mention, Jon and Andrea apparently missed out on, because they had already gone to bed!). Here's a set by Gareth, to get a feeling for his style. It's not the set he played at Balaton, but it is a set I was in the audience for: ASOT 550, at this year's Ultra Music Festival.
Anyway...
The company proved to be the most exciting part of Balaton Day Two, as it had for Balaton Day One. For a while I floated, then settled down with two guys from the Czech Republic for a bit. One gave me a glowstick, and the other traded my sunglasses for his fedora...everyone knows I'm a sucker for a good hat!
We danced for a while and they did their best to flirt with me, but soon enough it was time for me to wander on in search of new foreign friends. We exchanged contact info and then I danced off, looking for a new group of temporary companions. I spent a bit of time dancing with some girls - and a small stuffed elephant - who I think were British, but we never really spoke so it was hard to tell. At some point I even caught a glimpse of Jon and Andrea, but decided not to join them. I was having fun on my own, and she's only here for a week so I want them to have as much time together as possible. I think they make quite a cute pair. :)
When Gareth finished Sander Van Doorn went on, and gave us another great set. He was playing a remix of "Somebody That I Used To Know" when a guy nearby and I sang the chorus to each other. It was obvious that we both speak English, so we started talking. He was there with 3 friends, all from London and all currently in the midst of riding motorcycles across Europe. Believe it or not, that's actually the second time in my life I've befriended someone who was motorbiking across Europe! I must give off some kind of secret signal that attracts all the awesome travelers to me...
I ended up spending the rest of the night hanging out with them, and they turned out to be tons of fun. Highlight of the night: being told that I out-Englished them, for my vast knowledge of British television. Finally, 24 years of insane Anglophilia have paid off!! I have never felt more accomplished.
Anyway...
The company proved to be the most exciting part of Balaton Day Two, as it had for Balaton Day One. For a while I floated, then settled down with two guys from the Czech Republic for a bit. One gave me a glowstick, and the other traded my sunglasses for his fedora...everyone knows I'm a sucker for a good hat!
We danced for a while and they did their best to flirt with me, but soon enough it was time for me to wander on in search of new foreign friends. We exchanged contact info and then I danced off, looking for a new group of temporary companions. I spent a bit of time dancing with some girls - and a small stuffed elephant - who I think were British, but we never really spoke so it was hard to tell. At some point I even caught a glimpse of Jon and Andrea, but decided not to join them. I was having fun on my own, and she's only here for a week so I want them to have as much time together as possible. I think they make quite a cute pair. :)
When Gareth finished Sander Van Doorn went on, and gave us another great set. He was playing a remix of "Somebody That I Used To Know" when a guy nearby and I sang the chorus to each other. It was obvious that we both speak English, so we started talking. He was there with 3 friends, all from London and all currently in the midst of riding motorcycles across Europe. Believe it or not, that's actually the second time in my life I've befriended someone who was motorbiking across Europe! I must give off some kind of secret signal that attracts all the awesome travelers to me...
I ended up spending the rest of the night hanging out with them, and they turned out to be tons of fun. Highlight of the night: being told that I out-Englished them, for my vast knowledge of British television. Finally, 24 years of insane Anglophilia have paid off!! I have never felt more accomplished.
Balaton: 7.14.12
I am loving this festival. When I'm through with it, Balaton Sound will have no idea what hit it.
Well…it’s been nice living just up the street from the festival, but I still think Andrea made the wrong call by booking it. To her credit, she paid for the first two nights, because she knew it was an unpopular decision. And Jon paid for the other two, I think because he felt a bit responsible as she’s his friend.
The festival, on the other hand, has been amazing. Totally makes up for any frustrating moments we had in the beginning. On both days so far, I’ve sent Jon and Andrea out first…that way I get a little bit of treasured alone time and some peace and quiet in which to work. Because man, is it loud when they’re around. Music is always blasting. They’re always play-fighting. Andrea keeps interrupting my work because she doesn’t yet understand that headphones + computer = hard at work, please do not disturb. It’s roughly the freelancer equivalent of the sign for housekeeping on a hotel door.
Well…it’s been nice living just up the street from the festival, but I still think Andrea made the wrong call by booking it. To her credit, she paid for the first two nights, because she knew it was an unpopular decision. And Jon paid for the other two, I think because he felt a bit responsible as she’s his friend.
The festival, on the other hand, has been amazing. Totally makes up for any frustrating moments we had in the beginning. On both days so far, I’ve sent Jon and Andrea out first…that way I get a little bit of treasured alone time and some peace and quiet in which to work. Because man, is it loud when they’re around. Music is always blasting. They’re always play-fighting. Andrea keeps interrupting my work because she doesn’t yet understand that headphones + computer = hard at work, please do not disturb. It’s roughly the freelancer equivalent of the sign for housekeeping on a hotel door.
That’s been a tad annoying, but it means I’ve been
going to the festival alone and oh my God…I love it. It’s been so much fun
flying solo! Why has it taken me 24 years to do this?!
On the first night, I was adopted by a group of
Hungarians – Katie, András,
Mathiász–
on the street while I was walking to the event. They were shocked, and ecstatic,
that I’m from New York, which is the reaction everyone here has been giving me.
I’d forgotten how much I adore being a foreigner!
Their English was passable (except for Mathiász
who only seemed to know a select few words, all of which I cannot post on a family blog), so we hung out for a while together. They taught me how to say “Put
your hands up in the air!” (useful at a concert) and “What’s up, man?” in
Hungarian. The rest of my limited Hungarian proved to be a big hit, even though
it’s frightfully inadequate. It got big smiles whenever I attempted to speak
it.
Eventually Katie and Mathiász,
who insisted on hitting on me despite being 20 years old, got separated from
András
and I. And Matthias was wearing my sunglasses…rats! András
and I tried to find them, but had to give up and continue on our way. We stopped
at a tent with one of the larger stages, and he bought me a beer. Always love it
when people who aren’t flirting with
you are still kind enough to buy you a drink!
We were standing outside talking when, out of
nowhere, Jon and Andrea popped up behind me and started commenting on my
bracelets. They looked so surprised when I turned around and they realized who
they were talking to!
They didn’t stay long, though, which was kinda
lame, but *shrug* I had new friends already, and plenty more new friends to
meet. The night turned out to be awesome, and I don’t think it would have been
nearly as awesome if I’d stuck with them. I rarely feel like a 3rd wheel, with any of my friends, but it
sounded like way more fun to become
everyone’s new BFF because I’m from New York!
I wandered the festival on my own for a long time,
chasing whatever music sounded good to me at the moment and meeting tons of new
people. I hung out with one Hungarian guy and his girlfriend for a while, but I
think she got upset that he was so interested in talking to me about writing. At
one point she just dragged him off in another direction! Whoops.
Then I hung out with a couple of Italian boys for a
while, then another Hungarian. I love being a wanderer…get adopted by a group,
make new friends, hang out for a while, then exchange contact info and move on
to the next group! Wash, rinse, repeat. For someone as social as I am, there’s
no greater fun.
I think a lot of the attention has to do with how I’m dressed.
No one here gets dressed up for electronic music, apparently! Meanwhile I’m in
day-glo colors and decked out in kandi bracelets and glitter…I clearly stand
out. I <3 it here very
much.
The crowning glory of the evening was towards the
end of the night. I was about to head home, but as I passed the big tent where
I’d run into Jon and Andrea, the music sounded great…and the Burner in me said I
had to check it out. Live for the moment, right?
It turned out to be the best decision of the day.
Martin Solveig was spinning, and his set was awesome. [Not the same set, but a good
one nonetheless: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J3QsbyrMVQ&list=PL589F35D9880F0B7E&index=1&feature=plpp_video]
I danced my a** off. And then, towards the end, a very cute
boy asked if I wanted to sit on his shoulders. It was an easy decision to make.
J He was quite tall, so I had an amazing view, and
he kept jumping up and down, which was slightly scary, but so
much fun.
Needless to say, I went home with a big smile on my
face.Thursday, July 12, 2012
Balaton: 7.12.12
This trip is already the hilarious misadventure that any Jon + Elyse trip should be. My failed attempt to travel into London clearly set the tone for the rest of this trip.
Let me fill you in...
I finally arrived in Hungary, 2 hours later than planned. It was about 2am when I made it to the hotel, so Jon and Andrea had already paid a visit to B City and Instant, two of our most-frequented bars in Budapest. They'd also managed to consume chicken sandwiches from the little shop that we adore, which I'm devastated to have missed out on!! We also all missed out on cheap caviar, which Jon had tried to find with no success. Oh well...he at least had tasty mozzarella waiting for me!
W spent the rest of the evening in, since we had to leave Budapest in the morning. We took a train from Budapest to Balaton (For those who don't know, we're here for Balaton Sound, a big electronic music festival on Lake Balaton) after a stop at Kiado, our favorite restaurant in the city, for breakfast. It's always good to be back at Kiado, although the basement area was closed for renovations so it didn't quite feel like home. The train ride was an unenventful 2 hours, occupied with sleeping and beginning a new John Irving novel. Yay for my new Kindle!
Upon arrival, we had, as is often the case when we travel, 0 plans. Our afternoon can be summed up in one word: wandering. We were homeless for, quite literally, hours. I believe it was around 5:15-5:30 when we arrived and it is only now, at 9pm, that I'm able to write to you from a hotel room. EVERYWHERE was booked. Which I can't say was unexpected, since there's a music festival. It all would have been fine, except that Andrea is not used to traveling like that. She was clearly getting upset and frustrated with our lack of planning. Jon and I should probably learn our lesson about bringing other people on our travels...we travel in a very unique way, and it's definitely not right for a lot of people!
We stopped for food because Andrea was starving, then Jon left us with the baggage and continued on the search for accommodations. The girls passed the time gabbing on the shores of Lake Balaton - which is HUGE! It's so enormous that you cant even see all the edges, just water meeting sky. It's like staring out at the ocean. And I thought Almanor seemed big last week...
When Jon returned, he had nothing good to report. Nowhere had rooms, in the whole town. Our options were: hotel in a nearby town, rent an RV, rent a tent. I definitely did not want the RV, as it seemed like the most likely to be expensive, and because old prejudices die hard. I am not an RV person! Andrea, on the other hand, was most in favor of the RV. I think Jon and I both liked the idea of the farther-away-hotel. He suggested finding wifi to look into all our options. Andrea was vehemently against the idea, saying we should just go to the event and ask about tents/RVs because she was tired of carrying around her stuff and tired of walking. I thought that was a bad idea, but I didn't feel like arguing with someone who as already cranky. I was perfectly happy just to be on the road again!
Sure enough, when we asked at the festival, they said they had no more space for RVs and no more tents. Nearby hotel it is, we figured. We wandered until we found a place with wifi, then settled in to review our options. Andrea decided to continue on in hopes of dining something. Jon and I found several possible options at decent rates, and awaited Andrea's return.
When she came back, she made the announcement: she'd booked us at the expensive hotel in town because she "didn't know what else to do." Bad call. Now the two people who weren't cranky became cranky! It's $175/night! When you're traveling with other people, you don't get to make decisions for the group. It just doesn't work like that. But it was too late to change, and at least we had a home. The room is nice, on the plus side, although there's something I actually kind of love about staying in awful hotels...
Let me fill you in...
I finally arrived in Hungary, 2 hours later than planned. It was about 2am when I made it to the hotel, so Jon and Andrea had already paid a visit to B City and Instant, two of our most-frequented bars in Budapest. They'd also managed to consume chicken sandwiches from the little shop that we adore, which I'm devastated to have missed out on!! We also all missed out on cheap caviar, which Jon had tried to find with no success. Oh well...he at least had tasty mozzarella waiting for me!
W spent the rest of the evening in, since we had to leave Budapest in the morning. We took a train from Budapest to Balaton (For those who don't know, we're here for Balaton Sound, a big electronic music festival on Lake Balaton) after a stop at Kiado, our favorite restaurant in the city, for breakfast. It's always good to be back at Kiado, although the basement area was closed for renovations so it didn't quite feel like home. The train ride was an unenventful 2 hours, occupied with sleeping and beginning a new John Irving novel. Yay for my new Kindle!
Upon arrival, we had, as is often the case when we travel, 0 plans. Our afternoon can be summed up in one word: wandering. We were homeless for, quite literally, hours. I believe it was around 5:15-5:30 when we arrived and it is only now, at 9pm, that I'm able to write to you from a hotel room. EVERYWHERE was booked. Which I can't say was unexpected, since there's a music festival. It all would have been fine, except that Andrea is not used to traveling like that. She was clearly getting upset and frustrated with our lack of planning. Jon and I should probably learn our lesson about bringing other people on our travels...we travel in a very unique way, and it's definitely not right for a lot of people!
We stopped for food because Andrea was starving, then Jon left us with the baggage and continued on the search for accommodations. The girls passed the time gabbing on the shores of Lake Balaton - which is HUGE! It's so enormous that you cant even see all the edges, just water meeting sky. It's like staring out at the ocean. And I thought Almanor seemed big last week...
When Jon returned, he had nothing good to report. Nowhere had rooms, in the whole town. Our options were: hotel in a nearby town, rent an RV, rent a tent. I definitely did not want the RV, as it seemed like the most likely to be expensive, and because old prejudices die hard. I am not an RV person! Andrea, on the other hand, was most in favor of the RV. I think Jon and I both liked the idea of the farther-away-hotel. He suggested finding wifi to look into all our options. Andrea was vehemently against the idea, saying we should just go to the event and ask about tents/RVs because she was tired of carrying around her stuff and tired of walking. I thought that was a bad idea, but I didn't feel like arguing with someone who as already cranky. I was perfectly happy just to be on the road again!
Sure enough, when we asked at the festival, they said they had no more space for RVs and no more tents. Nearby hotel it is, we figured. We wandered until we found a place with wifi, then settled in to review our options. Andrea decided to continue on in hopes of dining something. Jon and I found several possible options at decent rates, and awaited Andrea's return.
When she came back, she made the announcement: she'd booked us at the expensive hotel in town because she "didn't know what else to do." Bad call. Now the two people who weren't cranky became cranky! It's $175/night! When you're traveling with other people, you don't get to make decisions for the group. It just doesn't work like that. But it was too late to change, and at least we had a home. The room is nice, on the plus side, although there's something I actually kind of love about staying in awful hotels...
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