Vegetarians Beware; Barcelona with Captain and Mr. Schlussel

I know I am behind on blogging but that's only because I've been busy entertaining my parents.  Okay, that's only partly true because I'm more backed up than that but let's go with that excuse. 

I met my parents in Barcelona last weekend. I arrived on Thursday night and met my parents at the hotel.  My mom booked the hotel, brought along Rick Steves in her pocketbook, and my parents had already prepurchased our shabbas tickets in advance.  Oh, the luxuries of traveling with family! 

After a weak dinner (there was very little we could eat), we attended a flamingo dance.  I felt so cultured watching a flamingo dance performance the day after I went to the Italian Opera!

We had a fabulous weekend, taking on Barcelona like only the Schlussels seem to enjoy.  At least 4 of us do anyway.  I'm not sure where Adam came from since he actually seems to enjoy relaxing... weird! We hit up all the "touristic" spots (as Europeans like to say) within 2 days since we planned to visit Ramban's house on Sunday, outside of Barcelona.

How ergonomic these benches feel! 

Barcelona is a very confusing city that isn't marked very well with signs.  So, Friday we got to know the Metro system very well and considered posting it on TripAdvisor as a top place to visit. After an early morning Run (running with my parents deserves a capital "R" for intensity), we explored Park Guell.  There, we saw Gaudi's house (an incredible architect, way ahead of his time, who single handedly built most of Barcelona's tourist economy), and Gaudi's ergonomic benches among other things.  The ergonomic benches were a highlight because of their beauty, practicality, and fun name! 

Collegiate Randomness with Spanish Guitars 

Next, we decided to take the metro to Palais Reial, the next touristic stop on the list in my mom's head, and the furthest stop along the metro line.  Well, we arrived and there were no signs pointing to any attractions.  But we had to go to the bathroom very badly (I probably drank 10x the amount of water traveling with mom and dad than I did in Paris) and we were ready for lunch so we found the nearest building... And it happened to be a university.  We walk in as if we belong and accomplish our first goal.  We got distracted by music and noise coming from down the hall so we followed the fun and found ourselves amongst a bunch of college students in medieval costume playing Spanish guitar music, dancing, and distributing sangria. 

We eventually found something to eat and made our way back on the metro to Montjuic.  Finding out way inside and up the mountain was a challenge aside from fighting the overwhelming exhaustion that comes with a Schlussel vacation.  We walked around enjoying some beautiful views, and eventually did visit the Miro Museum and the Catalonian National Art Museum.  Apparently, you are not allowed to bring water inside so I chugged a liter bottle of water and immediately had to use the bathroom again.  The metro and the bathroom were fighting tooth and nail for most visited destination. 

Next stop: a supermarket for Shabbas food! It seemed like we bought food for an army but we finished everything but a few coffee flavored sucking candies by the time Shabbat was over.  After our lovely Shabbat picnic in the hotel room, leaving much evidence behind, we promptly passed out at an embarrassingly early hour. 

Saturday morning, we went for run numero due (#2) along the Rambla and boardwalk before a day of touring. We saw Casa Mila, another Gaudian treasure! My dad insisted that we check out this disgusting mud museum because it was included in our museum ticket package.  My mother and I gave it a fair shot but ended up enjoying a beautiful picnic snack on a sunny, non-ergonomic bench.  Barcelona is the city for people-watching!

Next, we made our way to the Barri Gotic area, the historic center of Barcelona.  After winding down several narrow alleys, the streets would open up to a large placa and an enormous cathedral. This happened several times during our stroll to the Picasso Museum. 

Later, we walked to the beach and strolled around until we couldn't move another inch, at which point we collapsed horizontally on benches to recover enough strength to walk back. 

Saturday night, we went to the ONLY vegetarian restaurant in Barcelona (probably) that Stef Groner's friend hooked us up with.  Great meal. FINALLY!

Sunday was a more relaxing day since our plans to see Ramban's house in Gerona didn't work out because it was too risky to travel so far with our flight to Rome that evening.  We had already seen everything on our list so we just explored and people-watched and enjoyed a beautiful day in Barcelona.  We walked back through Barri Gotic, to the Olympic Village, along the beach, and through Ciutadella Park, where we couldn't tear our eyes away from the funniest dog in the world playing soccer.

Scheduled relaxing by the beach? Check. 

The Incredible Pup

Eventually, we had to part ways with Barcelona and head to the wonderful country with way better food - Italy, of course!

Adios Barcelona!

A Weekend in Paris

Thursday afternoon, I headed to the train station to experience my first Ryanair adventure.  Apparently budget travel has its drawbacks because it certainly wasn't a breeze to get to Paris. I took the metro to a shuttle bus that apparently doesn't run as frequently as the website indicates. We hopped into cabs to the airport.  After a seat scramble and a 2 hour flight to Paris, a jingle came on the speaker system and a flight attendant congratulated us on "being on another on-time flight." That was a first. After a good laugh, we got off the plane and learned that the airport was an hour and a half bus ride from Paris. Excitement was bubbling and we got our tickets and climbed aboard.  The picture taking started immediately.

Our Apartment

Once in Paris, we took a metro to Hotel de Ville and followed our instructions to the apartment my friends and I were renting for the weekend. We arrived at Rue de Archives, 9. Check. We found the keys, worked our way through several doors, up the winding staircase to the top floor.  Key in place, door swung open and vwala, we were home! The 6 of us to arrive first (of the 9 girls staying there) went to explore the apartment. Only.... Where was the whole thing?!?! It certainly didn't have all the rooms and beds described online.  There was a kitchenette and a small entry way with a couch leading to a small bedroom with a double bed and a bathroom.  It was turning out to be one cozy weekend!

Notre Dame

I traveled with my friend from Amit, Talia.  Let's just say we didn't stop until we dropped. On Friday, we woke up early only to discover that in Paris, things don't open early so we explored until they did. Then we arrived at Champs Elyees and walked the famous street, taking tons of pictures, until we arrived at the Arc de Triumphe.  The view from the top was spectacular!!! You could see all the major landmarks - everything we planned to visit over the next two and a half days, and more! Afterwards, we headed to a scrumptious lunch, thanks to Opi, at Annapunda - an INCREDIBLE Indian restaurant in the area. 

Moulin Rouge in Montmartre

Next we headed over to Montmartre for a tour of the neighborhood leading up to Sacre Cour. Unfortunately for us, we were the only 2 people to show up and they require a minimum of 3 participants to run a tour. So we walked around on our own.  Montmartre and Champs Elyees were total opposites but both charming in their own way. It was a fun juxtaposition to start our adventures in Paris. 

We went back to buy food and get ready for shabbas. After a very cute dinner around our shabbas candles, we both passed out at a ridiculously early hour. I guess we were wiped. I successfully recharged for another full day of touring! We started the morning with a walking tour (Sandeman New Europe Tours). Our Irish tour guide, Patrick, was adorable and clever and every bit as charming as the city he was showing us.  We walked over Pont Alexandre III and some other really beautiful bridges and saw all of the locks on the sides.  For those of you who aren't familiar with this ritual, you go with your significant other and a lock and you write your names on it, lock it to the bridge and toss away the key.  This ritual is performed on bridges in Rome as well. It was Valentines Day weekend so there were tons of couples declaring their eternal love for viewing on our tour. 

Afterwards, we doubled back and visited the Louvre. Unfortunately, we left our sandwiches in the one-key apartment and couldn't meet up with our friends until after shabbas.  You can imagine my state of affairs by the end of the day. Those of you who have seen me when I'm hungry and weak are probably glad you weren't with me. ;-)

Eifel Tower

After getting food Saturday night (I was very French and ordered vegetable quiche), we explored the Latin Quarter.  I had planned to meet up with a friend studying abroad in Paris but it didn't work out. 

Sunday, we packed up and prepared to squeeze every last drop out of our last moments in Paris. We went to the Cathedral of Notre Dame and Saint Chapelle. Then, we picked up our bags to check out of our apartment. We went to the Orangie galleries and saw Monet's famous water lilies.  It was finally warm enough to eat outside so we ate sandwiches in the Jardin de Tuileries. We made sure to hit up the last important stops before heading to the airport including La Duree, Cafe Angelina, and the Eifel Tower. 

La Duree

Saint Chapelle

Infectious Kindness

I just got back from a flower shop in Trastevere.  The florist only spoke Italian, which made in an interesting "conversation." I went in armed with one Italian phrase that I was told to say to send flowers but the exact meaning I don't know.  After 20 minutes of drawing pictures, throwing around English and Italian words and trying the old speaking slower and louder in hopes of being understood, I walked out of the flower shop not very confident that my mission was successful. I can just hope and wait.  

I went there to send flowers to the Mimun family who has hosted Becca and me for 2 shabbat meals.  They are some of the nicest people I have ever met.  After generously opening their home to 2 students they had never met, they have continuously show us the upmost kindness.  My first visit was arranged by Chabad minutes before shabbas my first week in Rome.  When we arrived at their house late after getting lost, they were waiting on their porch scanning the streets to locate us and help us find our way in.  When they found out I am vegetarian, Mrs. Mimun pulled tons of food out of their fridge and loaded my plate with my own special meal.  The night concluded by 2 of the boys walking Becca and I to our separate apartments. Mine is a 50 minute walk from their apartment. 

We went back last shabbat for lunch and this time they prepared plenty of vegetarian food (for me and another guest). After lunch, they offered us leftovers to take back with us.  During my entire year in Israel, I invited myself for countless shabbat meals. The only people to offer me food to take home were my cousins Shmuel and Orly Kresh who rival the Mimuns for the kindness award. 

I am so appreciative to have met such warm and generous people here.  Being so far from home and all things familiar, it has helped so much to have met the Mimuns.  They truly make me want to be nicer and better.  There is something infectious about genuine kindness.  The world is an exponentially better place for the generosity and kindness of people like the Kreshes and Mimuns. 

Building My Zionist Rep From Scratch

In Business Ethics class, we were assigned to prepare a short presentation about an ethical issue in current events- preferably, but not necessarily about business.  I had a whole thing prepared from an article I read on Thursday on the electronics industry and companies including Apple using suppliers who expose workers to unpleasant and unsafe working conditions.  When the time came to present, I spontaneously discussed the Gilad Shalit prisoner swap for the class.  I presented the ethical dilemas: is it right to release 1,027 convicted terrorists for one soldier, one citizen? What about the victim's families? What are the consequences of releasing terrorists? Does it make a difference that theres a mandatory draft and the soldiers aren't voluntarily enlisting? What about the morale of the army? and the country? 

I wasn't sure how much people knew or how much to explain.  I quickly learned that the students who spoke knew nothing of the swap or the events leading up to it. One girl stuttered on the word "Israel" the way you do when you aren't sure how to pronounce the name you're saying.  The professor (who seems to be pretty informed and worldly in general) also didn't seem very familiar with the facts. 

I wasn't disappointed that people didn't know anything.  Actually, it made me feel empowered. I have the opportunity to educate peers from all over the world about Israel and the conflict.  

In Cornell, people already know me as an avid Israel advocate.  Here, I am steadily and surely building that reputation from scratch.  By the way, I decided to write my informative speech for public speaking class (see 'When Its Not All Fun and Games') on Better Place and Shai Agassi, who by the way is an Israeli entrepreneur.  And, did you know that Israel is the first country in the world to commit to an all-electric car infrastructure? So Girl-Who-Didn't-Want-To-Listen-To-Elie-Wiesel, you're about to hear about how oil consumption supports the economies of OPEC members like Iran and Saudi Arabia and funds terrorism and about how Israel is working towards a greener future.

I dare you to challenge me. 

Adventures in Interlaken

I promised I'd share some details of the fun I had in Switzerland so here it is:

The girls I was traveling with wanted to shop so we went to "town" and strolled the streets and took in the beautiful scenes and cute village.  We went up to the top of a hotel where there is a restaurant with incredible panoramic views.  As we sat down for drinks, my thumb started gushing again so a guide from the trip I was on (bus2alps) took me to a pharmacy to see a doctor and get help (see Old Habits Die Hard).  After the cheapest visit to a doctor in the history of doctor visits, we went to see one of the lakes Interlaken is situated between.  The water was BRIGHT blue glacier water.  I tried to take the opportunity to practice some of the techniques we learned in photography class... mostly a fail.

Later, we went to a chocolate show at a local chocolate shop where they show you how chocolate is made and then give you lots of delicious truffles and such.  I swear spending the semester in Switzerland would be way more dangerous for my weight than being in Italy.  After a yummy Thai dinner, I passed out in bed at 9:30 PM.  I think that's a record.

The next day I woke up early to ski the alps! I made a friend who ended up being a great ski partner for me.  It was incredibly beautiful and the trails went on forever.  Of course, vacationing like a true Schlussel, waking up at 6:30am and skiing all day wasn't a complete day without night sledding and a Swiss fondue dinner.  The sledding was fun but the girls in front of us, arguably the most annoying, immature, and dumb college students studying abroad this semester, detracted from the experience of enjoying the eerie, peaceful, and terrifying feeling of sledding down the mountains in the dark.

On our last day, my friends wanted to shop again so I went off on my own and met some awesome Indian travelers and we tried to figure out the bus system together to get to the other lake.  I ended up running out of time and not making it there since they didn't come frequently enough and I had to get back to catch our bus to Rome but the adventure was still fun.

5 movies later, we got back to Rome.  Home sweet home.

Old Habits Die Hard

Pumped for a weekend in Interlaken, Switzerland filled with winter adventures galore, I efficiently got through my to-do list on Thursday.  Lunch. Check. Go running. Check. Prep for phone interview. Check. Pack for the weekend. Check.  Supermarket. Check.  Everything was ready and I was running on time so it was time for dinner.  Waiting for my noodles to boil, I went with my roommate to figure out where to take the garbage and recycling.  [note: we've been in our apartment for almsot 3 weeks so you can imagine how much garbage has accumulated from 7 girls.] Maybe from my eagerness, maybe just a klutzy moment, maybe the stair moved at the last moment - I tripped on the last stair and fell forward, bag of wine bottles and all.  It happened fast. Once second, I was trying to catch my fall, and the next I was on the ground with blood and glass everywhere. My EMT crisis management training (or maybe just common sense) kicked in and I had myself cleaned up and elevating and compressing my wounds and someone else on garbage duty in minutes. My roommate Sydney (fellow vegetarian and great cook) stepped up big time and finished cooking my dinner for me. [Shout out to Katie whose recipe I borrowed - penne with sautéed spinach, roasted peppers, olive oil and feta cheese to perfection].

Of course, the major problem: leaving for the land of chocolate and fondue and my sliced open hand won't stop bleeding! I guess I had to stay true to myself and past patterns and get injured at the least convenient moment.  Some of you may remember my ankle injury and lice epidemic as I left for Poland a few years ago. I'll throw in a picture for your entertainment and a nice juxtaposition.  The good news is that Swiss medical care is supposedly better than Italian care.  More on my Interlaken and Alps adventures later. Here's a picture of me getting patched up by a Swiss doctor who looked at my hand and grunted (still not sure what to make of his "commentary"):

When It's Not All Fun and Games

My first reminder that I'm not in Kansas anymore, so to speak, came from my parents.  Let me back up. My school here in Rome has 2 holidays over the course of the semester where class is canceled. So John Cabot, my brilliant university, has make up days on Fridays.  I have class 4:30-6:30 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays so on Friday evenings it's on Shabbat.  I asked whom to contact to get excused (since attendance is incredibly strict here) and was directed to the dean.  From my experiences at Cornell, I assumed that this would be a no brainer and I would be excused immediately on grounds of religious observance.  Apparently I've been cushioned in America.  In her response, the dean told me that I better switch classes to an 8:30 AM Monday/Wednesday class because I knew about the make up days when I registered for classes.  Basically, it doesn't matter what their religious holidays policy says (that I should be excused), I can suck it up and go to class or suffer the consequences. I was furious.  My parents gently reminded me that this isn't America and I cant necessarily expect the same respect for religious freedom.

 

Today, I had another experience that made my blood boil.  In public speaking class, we were listening to Elie Wiesel's speech on "The Perils of Indifference" that he delivered in 1999 at the White House as part of the Millennium Lecture Series hosted by the Clintons.  About 7 minutes in, a girl in the front row complained in a thick unidentified accent, "Oh my God, can we stop?" The professor paused the speech to ask her what was wrong.  Expecting her to say that the story was emotionally overwhelming, I was in for quite a surprise. "It's so boring," she whined. "I cant listen to him anymore."

Excuse me, WHAT?!? I honestly cannot describe to you my initial reaction.  Bewildered. Angry. Confused. Upset.  What could she mean by that? Is she honestly that shallow that she cant listen to a Holocaust surviver and Nobel Laureate share his reflections? Is it ignorance? Was her statement more deliberate, rejecting Elie Wiesel and the story he was sharing? 

I think the professor handled it as well as he could.  He must have been surprised as well because he seemed flustered. He threw the question back to the class and asked what people thought of Elie Wiesel's speaking style.  Someone suggested that he was monotonous. Everyone else was still, silent, frozen. Okay, that strategy didn't work.  The girl with the original comment complained again, "Can we just read it ourselves or something?" The professor explained that Elie Wiesel is telling a story that only he can tell and that it's important to hear it from him directly.  The class was still unresponsive and the professor was saying that maybe his tone is monotonous but to remember that his experiences may have led to this way of speaking. At that point, I defiantly added that I did not find him boring and monotonous.  I actually found his words to be incredibly powerful - nods of agreement, but I wasn't through -  And not everybody worth listening to is 20 years old.  Older adults have a different but still quite valuable way of speaking!  

Saved by the bell.  Or maybe it would have been better if class went longer but time was up. The professor said we would finish listening to the speech on Thursday.  I left class feeling sickened.  Are my parents right that this is how things are in the rest of the world?  I hope not, but my reaction was: thank God I live in America. Nay, the northeast, not the America that eagerly and unquestioningly sang "Throw the Jews Down the Well" in a Borat stunt. 

Anyway, back to the present... I think I'll write my informative speech for next week on a Holocaust related topic.  At the very least on something Jewish.  Suggestions?