The Roman Dilemma...is OVER!

Really quick, really short update. I'm back in Brighton! I got back a few days ago and I've basically been to lazy to post, but I just wanted to give an update. I managed to get a flight back. Thank goodness this nightmare is over. I guess it'll be a cool story for the kids one day.

Anyway I have a bunch of stuff to do this current week so I'll post again soon.

The Roman Dilemma of 2010, p. 1

Hello there. Well, there's a ton of drama going on right now so I may as well make it interesting.

And now, a first look into the mind of one of the thousands of stranded people due to the Icelandic volcanic eruption.

Yeah, that's right. I'm stuck in a foreign country with pretty much no hope of getting back any time soon. I'm in Rome right now. I got here last Tuesday and was set to leave on Friday. Only what happened? A volcano, that's what happened. And of course, it happened to me.

I'll update more another time, mainly because right now there are only two computers in the hostel and everyone is in freak out mode trying to figure out how to get back home. School starts this week. I have two essays due next week. I'm a student, which means I only have so much money. This is a nightmare come true, and you're getting a first look!

Right now I'm looking into a bus or something. It'd take forever, but all the trains are sold out. It'ds just a horrible situation. British Airways isn't doing a single thing---I'm stuck paying everything myself. Very, very not good.

I'll just write a quick summary of Rome then:

1. They drive like crazy people. Those scooters/motorcycles/whatever they are are everywhere, and they try to squeeze past you even when the "walk" sign is on.

2. There are pizza and gelato shops everywhere. It's awesome. One bad thing is that drinks are really expensive. If you plan on coming to Rome I'd suggest bringing a water bottle and just filling it up at the numerous water fountains located all around the city. That's free, and considering how expensive this city is, free is good.

Actually, that's all I'm writing for now. I have to go and try to find a bus or train or whatever. Stress galore.

Oh well. at least I didn't go all the way to the airport only to be told to go back. That would've been horrible. My WONDERFUL mother texted me the morning I was going to the airport and warned me about the volcano, saving me from a trip.

Laterrrr.

To be continued, muahaha......

Edinburgh :D

Hi! So guess what I did last weekend? I went to Edinburgh! Which I learned is not pronounced the way it is spelled. Who knew?

It was a nice trip. Of course, with my luck it started raining as soon as the train pulled into Waverley Station. Luckily the hostel was very close by.

I’d like to talk about hostels actually. I think students who’ve never done any research on hostels seem to think you’re going to end up murdered by a crazy person, due to that movie called Hostel. I’ve never seen that movie but apparently it’s gory or something. But in reality, hostels are a great place to stay. Yeah you won’t have a room to yourself (or you could if you’re willing to spend a little more) but that wasn’t an issue for me. The room held around 12 people I think. You can request a single sex room if you want (which I did), though some hostels don’t offer them. The hostel I stayed at had lockers so I felt my belongings were safe (no pun intended).

Since it was raining, the first day wasn’t amazing. I got there at around 2 in the afternoon after taking the train. I wandered down the Royal Mile after putting my stuff at the hostel. I went to a few museums like the Museum of Childhood (which had these really cool old pedal cars that kids could pretend to drive in; they only have those cheap plastic ones now). I tried going into the Palace of Holyroodhouse, but it was closed that day. Exhausted from all the traveling, I just went back to the hostel and went to sleep early.

The next day I got up and went to the castle, which was like a three minute walk from the hostel; it’s ridiculously close by. I really liked looking at all the old stuff inside (sorry, my ability to describe things properly is extremely lacking). It was a cool looking castle, and it was sunny, so that was a bonus. I had a sort of brunch at a café in the castle, and then I was off.

I went to the Palace of Holyroodhouse next. We weren’t allowed to take pictures inside. That’s where the Queens stay when they visit Scotland, or something.

After that I took a free tour around the area. The guide was very entertaining and it was nice to hear a bit of Edinburgh’s history. There’s this thing called the Mercat Cross where they used to nail thieves’ ears to the wall of it, and they had to stay there for 24 hours while people threw food at them and stuff. They could rip themselves off, but then part of their ear would be missing, so people would later know they were a thief anyway.

I also visited the Elephant House, the place where J.K. Rowling first started writing Harry Potter. I didn’t like the menu though, so I didn’t eat there.

I also tried to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens. To make a long, pathetic story short, that didn’t happen, and I ended up just getting something to eat and going back to the hostel.

I left early the next day. I decided not to go to Princes Street, because it’s just a bunch of shops, and I don’t need to waste any more money. I got breakfast at a place on the Royal Mile and then got the train back to Falmer.

Overall, the trip was okay. I didn’t see the highlands, but I wasn’t planning to. I think it might’ve been nicer if I’d shelled out some more money to take a day trip to the highlands or to loch ness…but really, I just don’t have that kind of money. Maybe another time.

It was a nice little getaway. I’m still on vacation until the 19th. I’m still working on my nano (I keep coming up with new ideas, it’s so annoying…I just want it over with) and some other stuff…I also have to pick courses for next year soon. That should be fun. I’m not being sarcastic either, I like picking new courses.

That’s that then. I’ll see you soon :) Happy Easter!