Hi all,

Last night, I had an amazing dinner. That is, the food was amazing. Eel linguine with prawns... Mmm. However, my roomate Christian and I met up with some other Americans and they were absolute assholes at the restaurant. They had no respect for the culture or language and maintained a fratboy mentality and practice in this place, which doesn't deserve it. We ditched them and drank a bottle of homemade wine from an old dude named Benjamin who lives across from our hotel. His limoncello was excellent, too.

Skipping to today, Christian, Serena and I hiked the entire Cinque Terra, city to city. Incredible. Six hours of hiking. The words I could write here aren't worthy of the experience. It deserves an in person explanation, truly. Afterward, we hit the beach for a couple hours and had Appertizi (small appertizers like olives and chips with a sweet alcohol drink) at a local restaurant. Appertizi is THE SHIT and I am instituting it at the Ballard Burrow upon my return. We met a couple girls from London named Polly and Lindsey at the restaurant and played cards before being told that we could not play cards because the business did not have a gambling license. What the hell? You can serve 16-year-olds grappa (think everclear) at the bar, but you can't play cards? Weird. I am off to dinner now. One more full day in Monterosso (Cinque Terra's most northern city). I am looking forward to more beach time tomorrow, then off to Tuscany and wine tours before Roma!

Buona serata,
Paolo

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.