the land of beautiful cars and fabulous lives

AHHHH. So, I really do love MUNICH. I really can not say that enough. I can not wait to graduate and move over there. Before I was just joking and dreaming, but now I can really see it happening. I just can't spend anymore money, so I can save up enough to live there.

The weather was shitty this time: cloudy and rainy. Yeah... I wasn't prepared for neither. I did with what I had and I had a blast. I really could see myself living there. They wear warmer clothes all year round. haha. I really hate wearing tanks and shorts all the time and the sun KILLS me. But Munich so far has been perfect for me.

NYMPHENBURG -- Gorgeous. The Amalienburg. The rococo and stucco was everything I dreamed of and more. The panoramic isn't Neuschwanstein, but the grounds are HUGE. The decorations are lovely. Nothing compares to the Roman statues I saw in Rome, but it was a gorgeous palace.

ALTER PETER/OLYMPIAPARK -- I went when it was cloudy. I got to see the city center of Munich from a bird's eye view, but I didn't get to see the Alps.. I went up on the top of the hill in OLYMPIAPARK when it was partially cloudy, but from there I could see my beloved ALPS. My oh my was I overcome with sadness to realize that that could be the last time I could see those mountains. I suppose that if I love them enough I will make the trip back. I mean, I did say I was going to move over there.

And speaking of OLYMPIAPARK, I saw Bon Jovi in concert! My two Aussie roomies had an extra ticket and they sold it to me. And then there I was, in the middle of the pit sitting on Andy's (Flash) shoulders singing along with the man himself. It was great. I couldn't have asked for a better trip to Munich for the second time.

BMW MUSEUM -- I was in a land of beautiful cars. That's what my status was about. My eyes were treated to some of the most beautiful cars in the museum, on the road, and showcased. When I say beautiful cars, I don't just mean BMWs, I mean Porche, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Audi, Mercedes one right after another. All clean and sparkly. Well, most were well kept. I picked out my BMW. I just wish I could afford a 70.000 euro car. Ha!

I could go on and on about what I saw, but I don't want to over load you with too much information. ha. a little about what I ate now::

HOFBRAUHAUS -- Radler. love. Pork Knuckle. love. Bavarian bier in general. love.

<3 MUNCHEN.

Prego. ITALIA.

Long time no post. Sorry. I was traveling and experiencing everything I could, so that I could give you guys the best advice about traveling through ITALY. :D

The last two and a half weeks were incredible. I am allll carbed out. It takes effort to eat carbs now. Right?! Can't believe it takes me effort to eat anything. Wellllllll~and here is what I learned::

Things to do before going to Italy:

• Check for train strikes
• Carry extra money -- They don't believe in refunds. Therefore, make sure there aren't any train strikes so that you don't have to double book a night. && watch out for those Caesars around ROMA. They will hound you until you give them 10 euros for that single picture you took with him. && nothing is free in Venice. && the museums in Florence are overpriced and well worth it.
• Check for the cheapest train tickets
• Become a citizen of Venice -- Waterboat tickets are a MILLION times cheaper.
• Learn the language -- Most Italians were not very patient with us because we didn't speak Italian.
• Check for heat waves and spotty rain
• Pack swimsuit/hiking equipment -- especially to Cinque Terre.
• When the museums are free -- Some Tuesdays in Florence, the big museums are free.
• Is your guidebook up to date??????????????

Things to expect in Italy:

• Rude/impatient workers -- Learn the language. They might like you better. People said the French were rude... but dammmmn. The french seemed so much nicer compared to what I experienced during my trip.
• No managers working... ever in Venice.
• No free maps in Venice
• To cut costs - Buy from Billa and stay in the city center of Venice. -- sounds crazy right, but the waterboat ticket is SO expensive. Just stay IN Venice.
• Take advantage of continuously running water fountains found sporadically around the Rome.
• No tap water at restaurants
• A glass of wine costing the same as coke
• Good local wine -- especially in Cinque Terre
• Ordering from the bar is cheaper than sitting down
• Not being able to just order just dessert at a restaurant -- Venice
• Lots of gelato. ERRDAY -- KitKat. Spot on.
• Great scenery/stunning panoramic -- especially in Cinque Terre
• Hot days/cool nights
• Ask for fan if there is no A/C
• Expect the unexpected -- Jersey Shore in Florence. HELL YEAHHHH!
• Siesta.

Overall, the trip was an experience. Nothing can top what I felt while I was in Italy. I am blessed that I got to travel around for two weeks and a half. Just lovely.

<3