Saturday, December 19, 2009
What Spain and Italy Taught Me - 10:17 AM
1) Everyone should aspire to age like the Europeans - Trim and stylish, but more importantly trim which seems to be a precedent to looking stylish when you are older.2) American coffee should best remain strictly domestic lest it gets laughed at by their Italian counterparts. Pray tell since when did putting men on the moon become easier than brewing a decent espresso?
3) All men should own an Italian (preferably Florentine) leather briefcase. I would had gotten one just for my makeup had it been justifiable.
4) A return trip to Rome is in order - 4 days does not do 3,000 years of history justice.
5) Bring a good book, do not rely on European TV to pass time back in the hotel. On the other hand, I have heard enough BBC commentary to forge a semi-decent accent.
6) I vow to lose weight in order to one day fit perfectly into Prada (or Zara, for that matter). European women don't get fat!
7) Shopping in Florence is an absolute joy. From street markets to the outlet malls to designer boutiques, the options are endless. You only wish you had more time.
8) Venice, oh venice. Learn the numbering system well or you will end up like us, spending more than an hour dragging suitcases up and down the Rialto bridge, through cobblestone streets that are really more like corridors, unable to find your B&B. May I add that it was raining as well? No one will be able to give you directions not because they are unfriendly, but because they don't know, you have to go by the numbers instead.
9) Unlike Singapore or the U.S. for the most part, strikes seem to be a common affair in the E.U. In the 3 weeks, we've encountered a few ourselves and heard of even more - water bus in Venice, Uffizi gallery in Florence, British Airways (thank you thank you for not going on strike when I am travelling). Nothing you can quite do about it but take it easy.
10) Travelling to the Mediterrenean parts of Europe in the winter is not such a bad idea than what most people think. The weather is nice though it could get slightly rainy, the crowds are very mild compared to the peak travel seasons. You will be able to score cheaper accommodations, save a lot of time waiting in lines, and score better discounts at the stores.
11) Serviced apartments are a good alternative for larger sized travelling parties (at least 3 or more). They offer more space at lower prices, kitchenettes, and can be found in prime locations too.
12) Cobblestone streets of Rome calls for sturdy walking shoes. Should anyone be looking for my feet, they can find them in rehab.
13) Wine is cheaper than both water and coke. Go figure.
14) Gelato should rule the world alongside lard and chicken fat.
15) There will be no Barcelona without Gaudi the Genius. Gaudi = Barcelona, Barcelona = Gaudi.
16) I believe I've more than made up for my cultureless existence in Vegas the past 1.5 years by making this trip to Europe.
17) Paying for your family-run accommodations in cash will get you a discount! Another tip to save is to take your coffee by standing at the bar instead of sitting at a table.
18) It's not always better to travel when you are young. Yes, its true - You won't remember a THING. If I had gone to Europe when I was say, 15 years old, how would I appreciate the masterpieces of Michelangelo and Gaudi? More importantly, how would I know that brands like Bottega Veneta and Tods existed? Then all I would had gotten would be crap key rings with imprints of the Colosseum. Trust me, I know because I have evidence of my past ignorance - tons of keyrings bearing the Koala and Kangaroo from previous trips to Australia.
Additionally, Europe is expectedly, not cheap. It would be fruitless if you decide to scrimp by forgoing certain admission fees and guided tours. All you would see is a bunch of ancient ruins and leave bitterly unimpressed.
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Counting down to Project London & Paris 2010!
Labels: Europe 2009