Returning to "real life"

I think I'm required to put this picture on a blog when I visit Rome, right? The catacombs are cooler but you can't take pictures :)

I had heard the renown of Italian "gelato" but we hadn't met until this day.

Above - the "800 dollar view" of Siena / Below - winning some extra money in front of the Parthenon
Well the bro/sis trip that was just beginning the last time I wrote has now come to an end leaving me with 600+ pictures, a lighter wallet and a postcard of Michelangelo's "The Birth of Venus" among other souvenirs.

Every now and then I think, "That'd be a good picture, story, anecdote, whatever to share with the blogosphere." I'm not, however, always able to pass these treasures onto you. Before the thoughts become as scattered as the ruins of Roman Forum, I want to tell you a few of my feelings about Italians. Put all you know about over-generalizing and stereotyping in a little box to the side.

So I'll just get it out there: I like Italians. I met one that really says, "Momma mia," several who gave me shoulder pats, squeezes or other friendly jabs, and an equally large number who greeted me with smiles. What's not to love? I was so encouraged to talk to people, er, say "scuzi," point to something on a map and then say, "grazie!" I onced stopped dead on the sidewalk with my sister and Rick Steves (our personal guide) and with a perky "scuzi" halted a small hord of Italian adolescents who were happy to show us with lots of hand gestures where the Piazza Michelangelo was.

I could go on, but you get the idea. Lawrence gives Italy two thumbs up.

Deutschland, Das ist gute!

Lawrence and Sarah in a state of pre-football match, face-painted vigor.

Preparing for Germany's victory over Portugal in the European Championship

Livin' it up earth-friendly style in Offenbach with Sarah and our friend Martin

Sarah snapped this scenic photo of the Frankfurt skyline as we cruised across the Mein river which meanders in and around the ultra-modern German city nicknamed "Meinhattan." We were told that the city is very American and experienced it for ourselves. We did feel at home there, but not due to imposing man-made structures.

We were happy to be with "family" in Germany where we stayed with good friends. They showed us generous hospitality and introduced us to some great German meals (no, we didn't have Frankfurters), sights, and ways of life. Thank you Herr und Frau Badzura, Martin and Jane too :).

We eased our way back into France through the Alsatian city of Strasbourg, a pleasing mix of French and German cultures. Sarah and I decided to do something BIG for the end of our time together. Providentially, France was having it's "Fete de la Musique" on the last night of our trip. We listened to everything from duling bagpipe bands in front of the beautiful, clay-rose colored cathedrale to Euro dance club mix with fog machine and everything in between.

What an unforgettable way to end Sarah and Lawrence's "Europe '08" Ich liebe dich, Sarah :)

Level Ground

Time is not going by any slower these days and I recently set off on "Europe '08" with my sister whom I met up with in Paris last weekend. Being able to show her Paris followed by the wildness and beauty of Brittany was a great pleasure. She was able to meet my best friends and we made some great bro/sis memories.

Sarah is here on vacation and vacationing we are. We're trying not to lose our minds in an attempt to see every last old rock or piece of artwork or whatever. I think we're doing a decent job of it. So far my most memorable moments have been a Sunday morning market in Saint Brieuc, a long sit at one of my favorite little spots overlooking the water called the "Pointe de Roselier," seeing my sister laugh with my friends, and now, in Italy using "Scuzi Senora...Grazi" with a lot of gestures in between while trying to communicate a question about apples in a supermarket :).

I know that English is very useful everywhere, but I am sad that I can't communicate with people the way I'd perhaps like to. Sarah and I are on equal ground now. We're both dependent on English speakers, hand gestures, and a bit of vocabulary. It's ever growing though. Tonight I learned "Saluda!" At least I think that was it. It meant "eat."

Ciao!