Rome

Ross and I are finishing up our second day in Rome. We were originally planning to stay another day, but we feel that most of what we want to accomplish can be done in 2. We took an overnight train from Geneva to Rome (somewhere around 12 hours) and then checked into our hosel. From there it was straight to the Vatican City. We weren't able to get into our room, so we didn't shower. It was super hot out, so we were sweating alot. I can't speak for Ross, but I was certainly in need of some freshening up. A book we have had mentioned the Pope may make an appearance, so we wanted to check it out. Unfortunately, PB was a no-show. Not that the Vatican was disappointing. The whole thing was huge, with St. Peter's Basilica the centerpiece. It was sweet to just chill on the steps of St. Peter's Square and watch people go by. tons of tourists like us, thats for sure. Inside the Basilica it was alot of statues of past popes. Pretty interesting and huge, but I think we've seen too many churches because it is taking alot to impress us now.

Today we went to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. It was neat to watch people excavating (I think) the ruins as we walked by them. It was kind of like there was still stuff to discover, right underneath our feet. The Colosseum was super neat. It was built in the 1st Century AD, but since then it has been used as a quarry for other projects and then restored again, so it is sometimes hard to know what is super ancient, and what is only kind of old. But overall, a very impressive building. Anyway, I need to go find some hostels so we can have somewhere to sleep come a few days.

see ya,

Nolan

untitled

this is our last day in switzerland. We seem to have exhausted most of the major things to do in Geneva, so we have spent our time today drinking coffee and taking the water buses across the lake. They have free bikes for loan, but we were not fortunate enough to get any as the bikes seem to be popular. It would have been a nice city to bike in, though. One of our biggest problems so far has been finding washrooms. It seems like there are not an abundance of public WCs in Europe. On our first night in Geneva we wanted to go to a movie, so we found the theatre playing Spiderman-3 in english. But we didn't have enough cash on us to pay, and we both had to use the washroom. We ended up walking for blocks in order to find an ATM so we could get some money so that we could buy a ticket and then use the washroom. Somewhat frustrating. But just one of those things, I guess. Tonight we travel to Rome on the train (12 hours) which should be exciting. Rome looks like a pretty crazy city, so we're looking forward to seeing what it offers.

Have a good day,

Nolan

Geneva

So we're in Geneva, Switzerland now. We took the train from Paris this afternoon. Tonight was Spiderman at the theatre, tomorrow, we'll see. Probably the UN Europe building and the Red Cross Museum. I guess Geneva is pretty much NGO central, so there is lots of english and guys in nice suits. But an interesting place, nonetheless. it is nice to have abit of a slower pace after the hectic London and Paris. The plan is to go to Rome from here on the overnight train on Saturday. After that, it may be Pisa and the Venice, but we are hearing rumors of a train workers strike in Italy, so that may change our plans. We're waiting to see.

Paris was cool. Most of the major sites were seen, but nothign too crazy to report.

See ya,

Nolan

Paris

not much time, but we have been in Paris for the last few days. I think most of the major sites have been seen. We spent much of the day today at the Louvre. tomorrow we take the TGV to Geneva. Then from there it is on to Rome. Thats all from me for now. I hope things are going well wherever you are.

Nolan

more london

So, two full days of touring in London has been pretty sweet. The jet lag hit pretty hard the day we got here, so we tried to do abit of stuff, but basically were just walking around this giant museum (British Museum) half asleep. So we went to bed and slept for a long time. Yesterday we did the Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, etc. Route. The Changing of the Guards was kind of cool in a sick, touristy, sort of way. Ross's guide book said something about the CoG being the only place and time where all of London's tourists are in the same place at the same time. I would tend to agree. It was packed. I think the most interesting thing about it was probably just watching thousands of people jostle for a position to watch these guys march past. It kind of seemed like the British put on this spectactle so all the tourists can go home happy. There doesn't really seem to be much of a purpose. Anyway, we left happy, so i guess it works. The House of Parliament and Westminster Abbey were also pretty interesting, but no real stories. Today we went to church at St. Pauls Cathedral, which was amazing. The sounds of the mens choir echoing off the stone walls was quite spectacular. We then toured the Tower of London and went to Greenwich to stand on the Prime Meridian, which was cool. Much of the fun has just been workign to get around the city. I think we pretty much have it figured out now - the day before we leave.

Tomorrow we take the train to Paris, where we'll be for a few days, pending the finding of a hostel, which I need to do now.

See ya,

Nolan

London

quick update: we arrived into London Gatwick around 6am. Took a train to the actual city of london, and then eventually found our way to the hostel using the 'tube'. That was pretty fun, but Ross and I are both getting tired, so a nap may be in order before the day is done. But for now I think we're off to see some sites. Perhaps Big Ben or something.
See ya,

Nolan

Nova Scotia

Here I am in Truro, Nova Scotia. My old hometown. The day started at 4am in order to be at the airport for a 6am flight to winnipeg then hamilton then halifax. pretty exciting stuff. I feel pretty tired from the flying. It felt like everytime I got on the plane, they had moved the seat in front of me further back, so I had less legroom. Maybe it was just my posture getting progressively worse. The plan is to sleep here then catch a flight to London tomorrow evening. Should be fun. I was looking at my Lonely Planet book and saw that the British Museum in London has tons of neat stuff and its free, so i'm thinking thats going to be a good place to visit. its pretty hard to turn down free. Anyway, not much to report here. Just a long day of westJet's somewhat cheesy service.

see ya,

Nolan