Last night in Dublin

Here we are. It's 7:20pm in Dublin. We've come full circle. Since Latvia we spent a week and a half in St. Petersburg,Russia. Faith lived with Kristina Petrushina, and Rigel lived with AnastasiyaUshakova, Kristina's best friend. Our experience was lovely! We spent two daystouring the Hermitage (and barely scratched its surface...). It's the largestmuseum in the world, no big deal. Free entrance for students, by the way. Didyou hear that New York City? Anyway,in the museum we saw works by Monet,Picasso, Canova, Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and a multitude of others. The outside ofthe Hermitage was fantastic as well. A brilliant teal blue with ornatedecoration, and plenty of tourists with cameras (including us!). The city was full of history, and definitely the mostmajestic of any we saw. There are probably a million palaces crammed in...someare now home to mcdonalds and subway. Welcome to 2011! We loved thearchitecture and we managed to learn some about Russian history...we're tryingto keep some brain cells alive. The "history" of the city, though,was obvious in more than just the buildings. The metro, the tram, the planes,the buses...all were in need of an update. We bounced along underground in themetro with the wind rushing above our heads, and bounced our way from Latvia toSt. Petersburg on a bus that felt balanced on a rollerblade. We were a bitnervous for our lives at times...but around the travelling, we experienced allof this culture, so different from anything we'd seen yet. We ate borscht, wentto the "russian sauna", which is apparently a really common thing,tried russian salads, and wore heels (city russians are formal dressers. It washard to pull off the look with the supplies that we had, but...we managed.American style.) We met Kristina's grandma, who talked to us about the war andher time growing up, and familiarized ourselves with roubles, the russian currency. On the 24th, we gathered the two families together, and hada thanksgiving dinner with a russian twist. It had turkey, roast vegetables,and a bunch of russian salads...we did our best! It was delicious, and fun tomake it happen halfway around the world. The mixing of cultures was reallyspectacular to see. Our final stop was London. We stayed with Dirk Van der Walfor the first two nights in a flat on Weymouth Street in Westminster, and movedinto our own luxurious flat for the remaining 3 nights! Rigel spent hermornings running around Regents Park and scoping out the visible parts of theLondon Zoo from said park! Faith visited the National Gallery and mourned thehours-long que for the Da-Vinci exhibit...as well as the price. I really wantedto go! We walked down Oxford Street, saw Picadilly Circus, went to the movies(it had been ages! We're cinema girls), and caught the end of achoral/candlelight service on Marylebone Street. We spent lots of time walkingaround and exploring, seeing everybody rush around close to Christmas. We alsorelaxed...we're so tired. Our flat was...fabulous (thank you Dad's connectionswith apartment building owners), so we took advantage! We've really been so lucky. This trip wouldn't have beenpossible for us without the hospitality of so many people. We were alwayswarmly welcomed and helped around. We are so thankful. Also, we avoided majorcatastrophes. We're still alive, nothing is broken, and all of our valuablesare present (for the most part). As incredible as this adventure has been, we are ready forthe comforts of home. Family, friends, our pets, actually knowing where we arefor a change, and our beds are at the top of our lists of things we are excitedfor. If anyone is still reading this... We love you, and can't wait to see you.Really. Well, it's now 7:30... Lately, that can only mean one thing: Time for bed. Failte!

Latvia? Yes... Latvia.

Hello all!

Faith and I have been in Germany for the past week and a half, spending time with Philipp and his wonderful family. When we first got off the plane in Germany from Girona (a small one-night stop after Barcelona) we saw him and his mom, Martina, standing at a big glass window overlooking where we were coming off the plane. We were both overjoyed!

We spent a wonderful week and a half with his family: Martina, Andi, Caroline, and Moritz (Mo). Philipp's family lives in Bad Schon Born, very close to a train that takes passengers all over Germany. Because of that we had the opportunity to visit a lot of incredible German cities like Heidelberg, Karlsruhe, and Manheim. 

I spent a lot of time in elementary school reading about The Holocaust for personal interest in the subject. The Holocaust is a subject that a lot of German people don't like to talk about (while, on the other hand, some bring it up during relaxed conversation), so I was a bit nervous to ask about seeing a concentration camp. I got the feeling that Philipp didn't want us to think of Germany as 'the place where the Holocaust happened,' but when I asked about seeing a camp Philipp and his family were all very accomodating and understanding of my request. We went to Struthoff Work Camp in France. The camp was up a mountain and several miles away from a neighboring city so as not to draw attention. When we got to the top of the mountain I was struck by how beautiful the area was, how wrong that felt, and the feeling that something had happened there. It's an experience that is beyond my writing ability, or my ability to understand, but it is one that I will never forget. 

We met a few of Philipp's friends, spent time with his family, and watched a full season of the show '24'... I know... The best way to spend time in Germany? Well, we needed some downtime and even though that show brought a lot of stress into our lives (seriously, this show is insane) it was nice to just relax with one another at night after a busy day.

The food in Germany is AMAZING! My favorite is spetzel, which is essentially thick, short pasta. The breads are all very hearty and grainy, and everything in general is very rich: The chocolate, meats, sauces, everything. That being said it's very easy to find food for days when you're not especially hungry. It's really easy to stereotype a country into having food, music, or people who are a certain "type." What's important to remember and what we have been consistently reminded of is that so much of life and culture in a place has to do with who you are staying with, what their own personal tastes are, and what is accessible to you. Each nationality has pride, and the stereotypes I have been taught are becoming less and less of something I think about as I travel more. This is a good thing, I think.

And so now, we're in Latvia. We left Frankfurt yesterday afternoon and were planning on having a layover here for an hour. Instead, we learned minutes before boarding the plane to Russia that our visas aren't authorized for entry into Russia until the 20th of November. So here we are, in an awesome hostel in Riga, Latvia, enjoying ourselves! 

Love and more love,

Rigel

You Are Tired (I Think)

This poem has nothing to do with our travels.... I just really like it.
-Rig

You are tired,
(I think)
Of the always puzzle of living and doing;
And so am I.

Come with me, then,
And we’ll leave it far and far away—
(Only you and I, understand!)

You have played,
(I think)
And broke the toys you were fondest of,
And are a little tired now;
Tired of things that break, and—
Just tired.
So am I.

But I come with a dream in my eyes tonight,
And I knock with a rose at the hopeless gate of your heart—
Open to me!
For I will show you places Nobody knows,
And, if you like,
The perfect places of Sleep.

Ah, come with me!
I’ll blow you that wonderful bubble, the moon,
That floats forever and a day;
I’ll sing you the jacinth song
Of the probable stars;
I will attempt the unstartled steppes of dream,
Until I find the Only Flower,
Which shall keep (I think) your little heart
While the moon comes out of the sea.

- e.e. cummings

Holla

Hola (not to be confused with "holla"),

We're in Barcelona! It's currently 1:30 in the morning here. I know what you're thinking... "Oh that Rigel, what a teenager. Staying up late in Europe probably up to shenanigans."

False. I am an old woman in a 19 year old's body. Last night Faith and I took an all night train from Madrid to Barcelona and I was in a car with two Argentinean men. They snored. I didn't sleep at all. Today, after visiting the National Museum and 'Plaza de Espana' I went back to the apartment and took a nap. Much to my dismay, I can't sleep now. So here I am!

We have been in Spain for about a week now after staying in Edinburgh for a few days.

In Edinburgh we visited the National Gallery. We were both struck by the interior of the gallery as well as the artwork itself. Faith finds herself gravitating more towards sculpture, whereas I am interested in gothic architecture and figure drawings. We also had lots of fun exploring 'Old Town' and 'New Town'.  We did plenty of walking around, eating scones as per usual, hiked Arthur's Seat, and spent time with Hilary Lynd! We also saw the Occupy Edinburgh protest in St. Andrew's Square and climbed the Scott Monument (287 steps...the ultimate Stair Master).

Malaga was wonderful. We got to see Paula Fernandez, a good friend of ours from junior year in high school (gosh... high schol... that was just SO long ago...if you can't sense my sarcasm we need to have a chat). While Paula was at 'the university' we went into the city and explored. This mostly consisted of tripping over cobblestones and art galleries. The ground was covered in tiles in the  center of town, and there were plazas nearly everywhere. We saw an old roman ampitheatre and an ancient Arabic fortress from 1060, and a beautiful museum dedicated to the spanish artist Revello de Torro...it was wonderful. We also learned about the wonders of olive oil and salt on bread. How mediterranean.

(It's morning now...Faith here!) Then Madrid! Wow this is a lot... I realize we haven't blogged for a while *slap on wrist*. We stayed right near the center of the city, and were able to walk around quite a bit (our feet hurt). We spent a lot of time in Puerta del Sol, one of the city's central plazas, visited the cathedral, saw the Palace (but didn't go inside...these things are expensive!) and visited one of Madrid's famous museums. There was music everywhere, and people dressing up for halloween. We really loved it...we got a chance to meet up with Paula and some of her friends for lunch, also, before we left on an overnight train for...

Barcelona! Yes, here we are in Barcelona, blogging and eating oil/salt bread and a mango before going out to do more exploring. Yesterday we saw la plaza espana and the national museum, which used to be this amazing palace. At night it's all lit up and the fountains are going...we think we may have to see the spectacle, as cheesy as it may be. There's so much to do and see, lots of parks and the beach, of course. Statues everywhere. Gaudi's masterpiece buildings...I saw the Sagrada Familia yesterday which may be the most unique building I've ever seen. I think I may head to the Cathedral for mass so I can see it for free (we're on a budget...6 Euros is a lot of money!) Rig is off to bike about the city and read...
We leave for Frankfurt on Friday, and Girona Spain tomorrow, where our flight takes off. So...Chao!

We have less than a week left in Ireland. Wild!!

Rigel's first bunch! Such a proud mama.

Today I'm not feeling well so Edie and I have positioned ourselves on the couch and are watching Cinderella.

Our plans have changed a bit! Here is our new travel itinerary for the next few months. Something to keep in mind is that we are only allowed to bring a backpack for luggage that weighs under 20 pounds... This may be the ultimate challenge consdering a.) the climate changes we are going to go through, b.) the different activities we hope to engage in, and c.) my affinity for clothing and shoes.

October 22-25: Edinburgh, Scotland
We will be staying with a Dartmouth professor (most likely). We hope to do a lot of hiking and exploring the area. Hilary Lynd, a friend of mine from home who is studying in Edinburgh with Brown University will be a delightful addition to the trip as well!
October 25-28: Malaga, Spain 
We will be staying with Paula Fernandez, a girl who stayed with Faith during junior year for a few weeks as part of an exchange program.
October 28-31: Madrid, Spain
Staying with another Dartmouth professor! Faith is excited to speak spanish in Europe as opposed to Central America. I'm excited to have a translator!
October 31 -Nov 4: Barcelona, Spain
More sightseeing and frivolity. Mostly sightseeing.
November 4-15: Frankfurt, Germany
We will stay with Philipp Langer!! Hooray! Philipp has the time off from school so we'll have plenty of time to spend with him. Other than that I'm not really quite sure what's on the agenda... We shall see, and we shall take pictures!
November 15-30: St. Petersburg, Russia
Faith will be staying with Kristina Petrushina (!!), and I will be with Anastasia Ushakova, her best friend! I couldn't be more excited to be in St. Petersburg, even though it will be bitter cold. It is a challenge I accept.
November 30-December 5: London, England
That's right. Hopefully I'll get to see some of my fellow Skidmore classmates here... But not quite sure how that's going to work out. We shall see!
December 5-6: Dublin, Ireland
December 6-7: Flying home to all of you lovely people




Lydia is going to Paris with her best friend Freya this week and Faith and I are going to be picking strawberries this afternoon to make some extra money for our travels (aka "Ooooh I like that hat!"). Now if you'll excuse me I'm terribly preoccupied with cartoons.


Slainte! (Cheers)

Rigel, like.

Hello hello!

After being here for almost 3 weeks, we are feeling very settled in!

On Sunday, Faith and I took a trip in to Bantry, a quaint little town (but what isn't quaint here?) to the west of Clonakilty. After driving for less than an hour we watched the landscape change from farm land to a more tree covered landscape. Bantry is a peninsula right on Bantry Bay, and though the weather wasn't 100% in our favor it was still a wonderful day. We got lunch, spent time walking around, went to a beautiful estate with fabulous gardens... And in typical Rigel and Faith fashion (we go by 'Faigel' now, by the way) ended up in a cafe reading our books.

Faith's best statue impersonation!

The gardens

Feeding the swans

After a full day of flowers, coffee, reading, and cobblestones

Lydia came and picked us up. We went home and spent the night with our lovely family.

Tomorrow, we have a beach day! Thursday will be full of picking flowers, and Friday will be preparation for a wedding on Saturday! All hands on deck for this one.


- Rigel

Exploring Cork City...and settling in

It's sort of a lazy Sunday in Clontakilty today...we're all drinking tea and trying to keep warm. It's 15/60 degrees, but the wind makes it feel a lot colder. Brrrr.

Rigel and I went to Cork City this past weekend, a beautiful place an hours bus ride from where we are full of rivers, bridges, steeples, and plenty of Irish accents. The city centre itself is actually an island! It was voted the kindest city in the world a few years back, and is the second biggest port in the world. It's also our new favorite city in the world. Basically, it's fabulous.

We stayed at a hostel, and did plenty of exploring. Unfortunately we found a store called Penney's which is basically the cheaper, European version of Forever 21...that's no good for my bank account--steering clear of that general area in the future. We went to a cafe for breakfast, walked down the skinny streets, explored some of the gigantic churches that are squeezed oddly between both old and modern buildings, and took way too many pictures. Then we broke down and got subway because apparently nowhere else outside of city centre sells warm food...and it's cold here! We've made the decision from here on in to avoid chain restaurants from the US...sorry subway.

City slang: langers=drunkards

Anyways, we're getting used to the schedule here:

8:00: stumble out of bed, take care of the chickens, eat breakfast, help edie find a mismatched outfit
9:00...well....we try: Take Edie and Noah to School and go to the "tunnels" to pick flowers or weed and     do maintenance

Lydia's roses

1:00: FOOD! Bring buckets of flowers inside and make lots of sandwiches. Play with Edie. Shower (maybe). Hoover...or vacuum. Read. Get a rugby lesson from Noah. Pick tomatoes and peppers from the garden outside. Do laundry...basically whatever.
4:00: the daily walk! Everyone (except for me) power walks to who knows where for a good 45 minutes and comes back and stretches. Edie and I have a good time being bums and watching Dora!
7:00: Make dinner, which usually includes potatoes in some form. Yum!
8:00: Eat together, talking about anything from Becc's tardiness to Edie's excessive chatting habit.
9:00: Watch tv by the fire with Cougar and tea

Home

Our Backyard

The castle down the road...

We'll take it over essay writing for the time being...