Road trip in Tuscany (Italy: part 3)

This is Tuscany! Isn't it ridiculously perfect?

Yet another thing I wanted to do when I returned to Italy. It was definitely good to have Mom around for this because I would never get to drive a car around solo in Italy. So, after repeating over and over again that I just physically can not drive a stick, we got an automatic car. However, it was still a little different. Sitting in the parking lot, I was wondering how this was going to work. I couldn't figure out why the car had no "park" gear, and couldn't figure out how to even get the engine started. I had a bunch of mapquest maps that I had stayed up until 2 am the night before printing, but now realizing that they were just useless pieces of papers with directions to roads that don't really have names. Luckily we had one huge map, although it was torn in many different places.

But, I like adventure and road trips and Italy, so here we go!Our Italian ride!

We ended up not getting terribly lost even though even major highways seemed to not even be marked. Thank goodness for the signs in the roundabouts pointing to which direction to go. Fortunately for the most part we went to major landmarks. Though sometimes the signs were hard to see and far and few between making us doubt our questionable direction.

Town #1: San Gimignano.

The mist rolling over the main church of San Gimignano

After a few hours of driving, and a few false sightings, we arrived at this little enclosed midival town has 14 preserved towers from when Lords reigned over it and were fending off from outside attacks. Now it sits nestled in the mountains welcoming visitors. The first thing we did was sit in the northern square by the church eating our packed lunch of bread, prosciutto and mozerella from the mama Ipata.

The clouds rolling over the town.
It started pouring rain while we were here and it actually made the town really beautiful and misty. We meandered here for a few hours and doing a little shopping.

Town #2: Sienna

The rain made the driving to our next destination, Sienna, a little more difficult. At some point I was almost ready to give up on finding Sienna as we seemed to be circling around and around, getting lost in the streets of the dorm universities and looking for the stadium (aka soccer ball picture) sign for parking. After about 30 min of circles we found the parking at last and were ready for a 15 minute descent into the town.Me in Sienna's main sqaure with the town hall in the backdrop. This square was striking as the entire ground sloped towards the main building in a semi-circular layout.

Sienna has piqued my curiosity for awhile because this was the town I would've studied in had I chosen to go abroad to Italy instead of Denmark. I loved Copenhagen with all my heart, though I must admit since 16 I had planned on studying abroad in Italy. It turns out that I needed to know Italian and didn't have time to learn it with all my science classes, so I chose Denmark. The first time I stepped foot on Italy a part of me was thinking, why didn't I come here? So warm and beautiful and good food. So, Sienna... what could've been.

The duomo here was beautiful, unlike any other church I had seen before (and by this time I had seen quite a few!). It was striking with it's horizontal dark green striped columns and beautiful tiled mosaics on the floor.

We only spent a few hours here and got the famous ricciarelli (intensely rich almond marzipan cookies) which Anna has bought back to the states for us before. We enjoyed dwelling on the balcony eating gelato yet again overlooking the sloping square.

Arezzo
Moving along to Arezzo. The only reason for going here was to stay in the bed and breakfast that Anna had been raving about for a year.

So, this place was a little local off the beaten track family runned property. Even Anna said it was hard to get to. So we arrive in Arezzo just fine, except for the B&B is outside of Arezzo, outside another little town of about 300. We circled in and out and around Arezzo for almost an hour... luckily I had at least a sense of North and we knew it was NE of town. Finally on one of the many roundabouts we saw a little sign and arrow to the town near the town near the B&B. Whew! We arrived much later, but it was worth it!

La Biblidole - our B&B

We had almost the whole place to ourselves. Traveling with Mom I got to stay in nice places. They had a pool, and a wondreful breakfast and patio to just lounge in.

Day #2: Round 2 of town hopping.

We started off the morning with a phone call to our B&B from Joy saying that they were arriving in Arezzo early. It's so wonderful to be able to meet up with Joy and Otto in so many different places. We grabbed them from the train station and headed out to Montepulcianno. Once we got on the right track it was smooth riding. Now these set of towns were really nestled in the rolling hills - classical Tuscany.

Town #3: Montepulcianno

Joy and I in awe that we are here!!! It is picture perfect!

Mom and me in a side alley exploring Montepulcianno.

Town #4: Pienza
The tiny streets of the second town for the day: Pienza. I had been reading about pint-sized Pienza for awhile in my Lonely Planet and it was not to be missed!

We left Joy and Otto in Pienza, and I planned to meet up with them in few days for the ferry to Croatia. Mom and I drove back to our B&B for a swim and a home made dinner and relaxing evening. The next morning we took it easy and drove the easy 2.5 hours back to the Pisa. A great road trip with no disasters and many wonderful views, towns, food and company. 10 hours of driving in 3 days across amazing scenery. Not too shabby.

We spent one more night in Pisa with the Ipatas, enjoying one last home cooked meal and the welcoming arms if our host family. I was sad to leave them. I would've loved to stay and just chill a few more days and I would stayed, perhaps the rest of the summer until the 'stans if it weren't for my plans to meet up with Joy and Otto to explore Croatia.

The next morning we dropped Mom off at the airport and I went to the train station, traveling solo for just a bit, but feeling a little empty after being surrounded by so many people for the past few weeks. After about 5 hours and 3 trains I arrived in Ancona train station and after waiting for a few anxious hours and a $30 one minute phone call, I found Joy and Otto for a 3rd time in yet a different part of Italy to head for Croatia.

A memorable Mom and Daughter trip!

We had a wonderful trip. We both survived. Good times, memories, food and adventure. It was the first time mom and I traveled alone together and the first time mom traveled without dad. And we spent time with wonderful friends along the way; the Ipatas and Joy and Otto. All in all, a great tour of Italy. Of course, I feel like I must return. I always have a place in Pisa. Hmm, when's the next trip? Hopefully sooner than 8 years!

And now off to Croatia with Joy and Otto!

The GREEK ISLANDS

The reason why I came to Greece was to get to the Islands ASAP and celebrate my finale of school and the start of travels in a relaxing way.

So, I took the 10 hour overnight ferry. It was an interesting experience. A new way to travel - sleeping wherever I could find legit bench, floor or sofa space.

But when you wake up to this view, you definitely can not complain!

Santorini

This was my first stop after asking around a little bit, I learned it was not to be missed and what you picture when you think of the greek islands.

The caldera (cliff) views did not dissappoint! This is from Fira, the capital at the top of the island.

Sure it was pretty touristy, but I could not deny the beauty of the views here.

Santorini is a volcanic island, so the cliffs are amazing and the terrain is rocky. The last explosion took place in the 1500's. Hmm, I do seem to like my volcanoes (Japan, Costa Rica, Guatemala and now here...)

Wandering around the town of Fira. I actually came upon a neuroscience conference. Oh dear!


Perissa - the black sand beach that I stayed near. You walk out on lava rock. Pretty weird, and slippery!

Tony's Villa - I stayed here for 3 nights in my own private room with bathroom! I decided to treat myself here for celebration.

Oia: This town on the northern part of Santorini was my favorite! No one was around, not even the Greeks. Only a few touristy. I loved meandering the winding white alley ways and getting lost in the various cobblestone paths and villas.

Ah, now isn't aren't these the Greek islands you imagine?

Gorgeous views all over the place and beautiful flowers.

Winding around different paths.

The famous blue church domes. Not sure why, but they are featured everywhere. They are striking. The blue and white is a nice contrast. And the sky was ALWAYS this clear bright shiny blue!

NAXOS: island #2

After talking around, i decided on this more family oriented, less touristy island to go to. I was not disappointed. I met another solo traveller, Ashley, from Taiwain studying in Innsbrook, Austria while stepping off the ferry, so we decided to check out a domatia (rooms for rent) together since it would be cheaper to share and about the same price as staying in a ghetto hostel. We got a beautiful studio right next to the beach and enjoyed each other's company.
Apollo's arch is famous. It was built 600 BC. This is just the start of the temple that never got finished.

The harbor was lined with restaurants and really came to life at night. The town is centered around the harbor.

Meandering the old town of Naxos, we found kids playing in their neighborhood.

The water was so clear, unlike in Santorini where it was black on the bottom

This sign is just RIDICULOUS! I had so many ice creams, including chocolate orange for Steph. But don't worry, this was ice cream. Gelato in italy is a whole different story!!!

The villages up in the mountains. We bussed up here and wandered around. Helki is one of the traditional ones left. It was pretty deserted and a lot of fruit trees. This island is actually very fruitful, and is one of hte few Greek islands that could survive without tourism. historically, the islands are actuully rather poor and war-torn. They didn't start thriving and becom,ing popular as we know it until tourism struck up about 25 years ago.

The sunsets on the islands were amazing!!!

And that's all for the islands! I made my way back to Athens, which I had to pass through and spend another night, much to my dismay, in order to fly to Rome. But it gave me some downtime to post. But I shall end now as internet is rather expensive, and our poor dollar is abismal. I'm off to Rome tomorrow to meet my mom! I'm super excited for the next two weeks. Until the next post....

GREECE!

OK, so here's my first post from abroad!

My arrival date and time in Athens' center! And it's pretty hot!

Athens
I only came here because that's where flights come into. So I arrived in the afternoon and spent the evening wandering around Plaka, old town. The next morning I woke up bright and early to beat the crowds and heat to make my way to the obligatory Acropolis. I must admit. It is pretty impressive.

Me in front of the parthenon at the Acropolis.

The theatre at the acropolis. I do love my shows!

The view of the city and a temple. Athens is pretty sprawling.

Winding my way up to the Acropolis in the morning. I could see it from afar, but couldn't find out how to actually get there! But I did see some nice neighborhoods and parents walking their kids to school.

The view of hte Acropolis from below in the Old City.

Food...

Of course one of the joys of traveling is trying th local food. I've had more gyros than I could ever imagine. This was my favorite - the pork one at Sabbas in Athens for 1.7 euros.

Pork gyros: the classic fast food here and normaly about 2 euros.

Greek salad. I always miss my veggies abroad. This was quite delicious and I took a leisurely hour lunch to break from the heat and ppl watch, one of my favorite pasttimes.

OK, so Athens itself is nothing too impressive. After the one night and day, I was on my way for the real reason why I came to Greece...

I'm off!!!

Hi! this will be a super quick entry because I have to leave for the airport in 3 minutes. I defended my thesis successfully last Wed, and for some reason I thought it would be fine to plan a 2 month trip, find a subletter, wrap things up at work, start a new job, pack up my entire room, see all my friends and pack for my 2 mth trip all in 5 days! Hmm...

So, first, I'm DONE with school! And I've been talking about this trip for AGES, and it's finally here! surreal! I'll give you a brief overview of my planned whereabouts and promise to update on the road.

week 1: Greece solo
week 2&3: Italy with my mom, plus some time with Joy and Otto
week 4: Croatia with Joy and Otto
week 5: getting to Istanbul (montenegro, bulgaria...) and Istanbul solo
week 6-8: the tri-stan trek (Kazakhstan, Kyrgzystan, Uzbekistan) with Jane

Then back in NYC on Aug 19 to find a new apt, move and start my new job!!!
Ciao!

CHINA AT LAST!

En route in style

I took a polar flight from New York to Tokyo (my third one). It literally goes up and over in a little less than 14 hrs. Then another 3.5 hrs to Beijing.

There goes my plane!

Now, one normally thinks this is awful, but lucky me I got into business/first class thanks to Dad giving me upgrade frequent flyer miles for my b-day! My first time ever. I mean, I'm happy if I get food on the plane. So, I felt like a little kid seeing Disneyland for the first time.

My first meal! Look - real silverware!

The flight attendants were getting a kick out of me (what do you mean have I decided? oh... you mean I get to choose my meal off of the menu?) and I was taking pictures left and right so the guy next to me definitely thought I was weird. You mean I didn't fit in with my north face backpack, ghetto sneakers and gear? As I was testing just how far back my seat went back on the 777 from Tokyo to Beijing, the stewardess on JAL actually said to me "You are lucky. This is first class." It was the first time I was disappointed to hear the flight was only 3.5 hours. Can't you circle around a few more times?

Daily Life in Beijing

OK. But yes, I was really excited to step into China and meet Lynn at the airport! It was sooooo awesome to see her smiling face when I landed. I hadn't seen her since she left in Feb. So, we immediately started chatting nonstop all the way back to her apt and into the night!

Lynn and I.

Some Beijing background: It's a huge spread out city. The best comparison is probably to LA - expanding over a large area with different pockets, lots of traffic and a ton more ppl. (15+ million) It's arranged in the "ring" system. The inner ring is the city center then the rings expand outwards to 1st ring, 2nd, 3rd and so on. Lynn lived in the 4th ring on the NW side of the city. The 5th ring is the boonies, but we just found out that there is a 6th ring. Beijing and its surround suburbs encompass ~7,000 sq. miles.

What I loved about this trip was that it was a good mix of living the ordinary life of Lynn in China and getting to know the ins of this crazy country at the same time mixed with the tourist-y stuff. I ended up spending a total of 11 days in Beijing, though the average traveler speeds through in about 4 days.

Lynn's apt. complex

My home in China. So, most people live where they work and work where they live. Lynn's place was in the Petroleum complex. It was about 1/2 car ride (w/o traffic) to the city center.

The living room. All apts. have a little balcony alcove for drying clothes since dryers aren't an option.The bathroom. No showers stalls/tubs. Everything gets wet. Getting a tub is a luxury like getting a dishwasher in NYC.

Construction workers (there are lots of them everywhere) grabbing food at the local stand. Most eat at the local canteen on the premises.

The local market where we grabbed many varieties of fresh pears, eggs, noodles, soy milk in a bag, etc.A small, but traffic-y road near Lynn's apt. Most roads have a side part for bikes and turning cars. But overall there is NO order. Traffic is insane and intense. Cars have the right away. Then bikes. Then pedestrians. And of course, pollution is out of control. View from the light rail station at Wudaoko. There's a good gathering of foreigners in this university ladened area near Lynn's apt, especially a large korean contingency. Everyone bikes around or takes the busses. The best thing I saw on a bike was a couch! After that even the full sized mattress looked dull in comparison.

Olympic Frenzy
Yes, they are crazy for the Olympics. There are countdown markers everywhere.

The Olympic nest - we saw it in passing while on the 4th ring road. It's north of the city center.

The Olympic mascots were everywhere. Lynn and I like the red one. Fire-y!

FYI: China is preparing for the Olympics (ie. getting its act together)
problem: pollution. too many cars.
solution: less cars on the road. Cars with license plates ending in even numbers didn't get to drive for 4 days.
problem: general rudeness and no order.
solution: cue day! Every Wed you have to cue (for the bus, at the store, etc). Go figure.