European Tour Wishlist: Italy

16 Friday Mar 2012

Posted by Summer Chaser in The List, Travel

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Colosseum, Europe, European Tour, Florence, Italian Wishlist, Italy, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Roman, Rome, Rubicon, Souvenir, Statue of David, Venetian Mask, Venice

Wow, with England and France done at this point of the Euro Tour, this will probably be one of the busiest legs of the trip! There’s just soooo much to do in Italy. Every city has something unique about it that is a must-see. I can’t wait to see Rome, Venice, Pisa, shoot… I could go on and on!

The site of bloody gladiatoral duels, mock naval battles and ancient army clashes.

What:

Coliseum, aka Amphitheatrum Flavium

Where:

In the heart of Rome, Italy

Why:

This is perhaps the greatest work of the Roman Empire’s engineering. Built by Emperor Vespasian and finished by Emperor Titus, both of whom had the same family name, Flavius, where the coliseum derived its name from. This is a must-see during my trip, and as NWA knows well, I need to punch him in order to cross off an entry on my bucket list.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Duomo di Pisa.

What:

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Where:

Pisa, Italy

Why:

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is famed around the world. It’s one of those pictures that says “Yep, I’m in Europe.” This bell tower of the nearby cathedral is also the source of many comedic pictures employing a bit of forced perspective by trying to push the tower upright. You can bet that we’ll be trying our hand at getting a funny shot of this.

A Venetian Canal.

What:

The Canals of Venice

Where:

Venice, Italy

Why:

These gorgeous (and possibly smelly) canals are legendary. I remember a couple of James Bond flicks that took place here. I can’t wait to drive down the waterways! Ooh! And I totally have to get in a gondola too (preferably with one of the cute locals.)

The Pantheon houses all the Roman gods and goddesses.

What:

Pantheon

Where:

Rome, Italy

Why:

Since I probably won’t get a chance to visit the Parthenon in Greece this time around, I think it would be a good opportunity to get a little taste of what I’m going to be missing out on by seeing the Roman Pantheon. The difference between the two temples is easily distinguishable. The Greek Parthenon is dedicated to Athena, goddess of Wisdom and War while the Roman Pantheon is dedicated to all the Roman gods and goddesses.

The Statue of David.

What:

Statue of David

Where:

Florence, Italy

Why:

Possibly the most famous statue in the world. Created by Michaelangelo. I’ve seen the duplicate at Caesar’s Palace in Vegas… but somehow, I don’t think that one’ll stand up when compared to the real thing.

Rubicon derives its name from the latin 'rubico' meaning red. The river gets its red color from mud deposits.

What:

Crossing the Rubicon

Where:

Between the towns of Rimini and Cesena

Why:

As a huge enthusiast of history, particularly of the Roman Empire, I’d like to get some insight as to what Gaius Julius Caesar must have felt when he defied his enemies and crossed the red river with his legion, effectively initiating the Roman Civil War and taking him down his path of glory. The term “Crossing the Rubicon” has forever after become an idiom for “Passing the Point of No Return.”

Italian Souvenirs of Choice

For La Signora:

A tasteful Venetian Mask will allow the ladies to feel like they’ve been to a Renaissance Masked Ball and bring out the charm and grace in them (we hope.) It’ll be a very elegant centerpiece reminding you of the sights and sounds of the Italian Peninsula.

For Il Signore:

Well, I know for a fact that my buddy, NWA, is planning to get a suit tailored for himself. While I have my concerns as to how much this will end up costing, I really do want to get one for myself also, so long as it doesn’t drain me of my adventure fund, that is. Besides, getting a suit tailored for yourself in Italy is like learning to woo women from Casanova himself. And if this doesn’t pan out, you could always go for that Ferrari Key Chain…

European Tour Wishlist: France

09 Friday Mar 2012

Posted by Summer Chaser in Travel

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Arc de Triomphe, Champ de Mars, Eiffel Tower, France, Languiole, Louvre, Mona Lisa, Musée du Louvre, Pari, Paris, Souvenir

I’m definitely more of an anglophile, so I don’t have a whole lot planned to do in France for this leg of the Euro tour. Franky, (*snicker* Frankly – get it? Franc… nevermind…) I’ve heard a lot of negative stereotypes about the French. That, being the rudeness towards and dislike of [ignorant] Americans, and general distate of English speakers. Not to mention their strict, martinet sense of etiquette. While I tend not to discriminate others as I have had the awful experience of being discriminated against, the pragmatic side of me has set down a low expectation; one of caution, so that if France exceeds the expectations, I can be pleasantly surprised and report here on the misconceptions, if any, of said stereotypes.

All in all, I promise to enter their borders with an open mind.

Despite my (admittedly) conservative attitude towards what to expect, here are the few things I wish to do in the City of Love:

Is a caption really necessary?

What:

Eiffel Tower

Where:

Champ de Mars, Paris, France

Why:

For years since its construction by Engineer Gustave Eiffel, this has been one of the most prominent symbols of France. Movies often feature the tower to establish the fact that it is taking place within the country. You simply can’t go to France and not take a picture near the famous tower. Also, I can’t wait to eat at one of the restaurants on the lower levels of the elegantly tall, La Tour Eiffel. That would be quite an experience!

Arc de Triomphe by night

What:

Arc de Triomphe

Where:

Place Charles de Gaulle, Paris

Why:

This Iconic French Monument is a remembrance/tomb for those who died in the French Revolutionary War as well as the Napoleonic Wars. One thing I can appreciate from the French is the trait of not bowing down (anymore) to any King or Monarch. Liberté, égalité, fraternité for all!

Louvre Museum, home to many famous works

What:

Louvre Museum

Where:

Palais Royal, Paris

Why:

It is perhaps the world’s largest and most visited museum. Oh come on! Don’t you want to see the Mona Lisa with your own eyes!? I sure do! Even waaaaay before Dan Brown (Damn you! >.< ) made the museum a highlight of his novel, I sat in my classroom dreaming of the day I could see the famous paintings (printed in black and white on my workbook) in full color with my own wide-eyed amazement. I know Leo da Vinci won’t let me down! 🙂

Must-see exhibits are The Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, The Winged Victory and Madonna of the Rocks.

French Souvenirs of Choice:

For the Monsieur:

Languiole Pocket Knife. It’s small enough and comes for different functions, you could even get one that looks like a cheese knife. Might as well buy some cheese. France should be the best place to shop for cheese, considering they have hundreds of different varieties…

For the Madame or Mademoiselle:

France being a leader in the world of fashion, I figure it would be smart and trendy to stick with this category for gifts. However, I’m down to two choices and can’t seem to decide what to get the ladies in my life. Perhaps you can help a guy out? Should I be getting a Parisian Pocket Mirror or a French Shawl? I will probably end up getting both, but let me know which would YOU prefer to receive? Merci!

European Tour Wishlist: United Kingdom

02 Friday Mar 2012

Posted by Summer Chaser in Travel

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Buckingham Palace, England, London, Natural History Museum, Palace of Westminster, South Kensington, Souvenir, United Kingdom, Wiltshire, Wishlist

Since I’m traveling with a group of friends, and since our trip is quite flexible, we’ve decided to put together a wishlist of things we personally want to see in every country. We’ll get to compare our lists and if two or more people share something on that list, it takes priority. This way, we get to maximize the efficiency of the trip and not waste too much time. The plan is to start off in England and spend a day, perhaps two, in the surrounding areas.

What:

Big Ben

Where:

The Palace of Westminster, London

Why:

It’s one of the most iconic buildings in England and perhaps the world! It’s also something that pretty much screams “Look at me, I’m in London!”

What:

Stonehenge

Where:

Wiltshire, England

Why:

Ancient calendar system or alien landing pad?

What:

Changing of the Queen’s Guard

Where:

Buckingham Palace

Why:

To harass the guards while they stand at attention, why else? Oh come on! It’s in all the movies… You know you’ve always wanted to do it too…

What:

Natural History Museum

Where:

Exhibition Row, South Kensington, London

Why:

London is among the most historical cities in the world (Rome, Paris, Barcelona, etc.) Their exhibits ought to be amazing!

What:

Hadrian’s Wall

Where:

Northern England

Why:

If we still have the time, I’d love to see “the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain.” Think Great Wall of China, but a bit smaller and older. Not much of it remains these days, however the remnants are still evident. It used to mark the northernmost territory of the Roman Empire when Octavian declared Pax Romana. Later, Emperor Hadrian ordered this wall built to protect against the wild north.

What:

Stay in a castle, any castle!

Where:

Anywhere!

Why:

Seriously… who asks the question “So, why do you want to stay in a castle?”

What:

Scottish National War Memorial

Where:

Edinburgh, Scotland

Why:

If there’s still time, I’d love to see it. I have heard amazing accounts of this place. It is an amazing War Museum, housing the names of Scots who have fought and died in World War I and World War II as well as conflicts that followed. It is a constant reminder of the tragic costs of war as well as the reasons we fight these battles.

English Souvenirs of Choice

For the Ladies:

Tea set. Why not get one from a land famous for its tea time? A genuinely British tea set would be an excellent conversational piece as well as a classy way to advertise your travels in the isles, not to mention it simply goes hand in hand with that Earl Grey you have brewing. Don’t forget a squeeze of lemon!

For the Gents:

A Smoking Pipe, think Sherlock Holmes… I believe this would make a quintessentially English trinket or keepsake. Small enough to travel with and totally awesome when we get to sit in a cigar bar and smoke while reading the London Times and having a Johnny Walker Blue, neat, of course. Cheerio!

Summer Chasers

~ Sharing the Thrill of Travel

Tag Archives: Souvenir

European Tour Wishlist: Italy

European Tour Wishlist: France

European Tour Wishlist: United Kingdom