Ciao from Cinque Terra! I have spent most of the day at the beach relaxing after a whirlwind day yesterday.

I took the train from Interlaken to Bern to Milan, but I did not feel well on the train (a little nautious from the height and motion sickness). Then I got to Milan and basically got hasseled by assholes the entire time. I got to Il Duomo and it but it was under renovation and is half covered in scaffolding. The one hostel I was aiming for was also closed for renovations, so I decided to skip ahead on my trip and head to Genova, home of Christopher Columbus.

This was a bit of a risk because it was fairly late in the day already and I was concerned about having to sleep on a park bench once I got into Genova. But alas I figured out the bus system, thanks to some Albanians, and found my way up the hill to Ostello (Hostel) Genova by 20:00. It was a shithole, but at least I had a bed for the night. This morning I got up early to head to Cinque Terra. Waiting for the bus, I met this dude named Christian. He is an Italian-American from Philly and basically he has been my guide here because he speaks Italian well. We split a hotel room just a few blocks up from the beach. This place is paradise. I will definitely be here a few nights. I will update you all with more from here tomorrow. More beach time!

- Paolo

God damn I kicked it hard last night... And I am feeling it this morning. I am about to leave Ballmers. Man I love this place. I have met some cool people here, including my roomate John. He looks and acts like Nate Krahn, except he is shorter, unmarried and will be joining the Marines next week. I also partied with a gang of Australians, Canadians and a dude in the Swiss army. Good times. Catching a train to Milan now. Arrivederci!

Hi all,

I am at Ballmers hostel in Interlaken. Great place. A lot of Americans and Canadians here. Let me tell you, it is relieving to speak to someone in English with confidence for a change. This seems to be a good night spot, too.

I spent the day up at Grindelwald (sp?). It is near the highest peak in Europe. The Swiss Alps are absolutely stunning. I will try to log back on from Italy tomorrow. I have not yet been able to find a way to upload photos on these pay-as-you-go computers. Nor can I use contractions. I will do what I can. Off to check email now.

Best,
Paolo

Update: I am not going to Interlaken. Apparently it is way too touristy. In the words of a fellow traveler, "Would you tell someone who wanted to see America to go visit Disneyland?" So I am sticking to the original plan and am heading to Milan tomorrow. Need to focus this trip on Italy. Plus the weather just sucks in Switzerland right now.

Speaking of Disneyland, I think the whole Disney company should be sued for fraud. From what have seen, the Swiss are not a bunch small children yodeling and singing "It`s a Small World." I feel deceived. What a crock of shit.
_____

Update Update: Going to Interlaken afterall. I have time for it. The weather is supposed to be better today. You have won the battle, Jeanna, but you have not won the war. Leaving now.

I am here in Europa. Flights were not a problem. Once I got into Zurich, that was another story. Three problems with Switzerland:

1. They speak too many languages, mostly German, so I cannot communicate worth shit.
2. They use Swiss Francs instead of Euros.
3. WiFi is sparse at best. Thus, I am journaling in addition to blogging.

God, typing on these foreign keyboards is a bitch. They need to switch the y and z letters back.

Everyone dresses very well here, and the women are gorgeous. I mean American women might as well turn their keys and start acting like men in comparison.

I have seen three Starbucks in Zurich thus far. One was three stories tall and it was packed! These people are seriously lining up to pay six bucks for a latté. Ridiculous.

I mostly ran around today taking pictures. I discovered the local university on accident. I think I have seen most of what I want to see out of Zurich and think I will head southwest to Interlaken tomorrow -- a little detour before Milan. I will post when I can. I miss you all.

- Paolo