Pisa and Florence, Italy

June 22, 1990


We took the night train to Florence, Italy which I was super excited about. However, it was the train from hell! Small uncomfortable seats that 4 of us had to scrunch into. But the worst was making a 3am connecting train in Pisa - what a pain!!! After shaking off the cobwebs and getting off the train, we wondered through the streets of Pisa with our backpacks to the leaning tower of Pisa. What a freakishly cool architectural wonder. The tower really leans A LOT! It looks like its going to topple at any minute. It was neat, but I was still in a daze.

As if the whole 3am connecting train business was not enough, we were attacked by BATS on the walk back to the train! Yes bats. It was something out of horror movie. They flew every which way and almost crashed into us many times. We had to run with our lead-weighted, heavy, dirty-clothed, uncomfortable, backpacks through the streets to dodge them. My back was killing me! It all added to the experience. Now I could tell my kids one day that I was chased by bats in Italy in the deep of the night. Boy could I elaborate on that one.

We finally arrived in Florence at 5:30am and we hiked though the city to our Hotel Columba. The lady was so nice to let us in at 6am and give us rooms (check-in is almost always much later). I've never wanted a room so bad in my entire life. Exhausted from the craziest night of travel, I collapsed in a heap. Starring at the ceiling before closing my eyes, I noticed the extremely tall ceilings, adorned with ornate trim. The room was large and clean...ahhh I love Italy.


3 hours later, woke up and toured Florence. Now THIS is a city! The weather was stupendous! Clear sky, 75 degrees and cool breeze! We saw the Academia museum where the original David lives. What a sight. It's hard to believe a statue can be so spectacular, bu this is an exception. Almost 20 feet tall, it cast an ominous prescience, but it was truly perfect. IT's supposedly the perfect creation of a human body. Studying Michaelangeo in school, it was said that he was one of the most talented and prolific sculpture, artist and architect of his time, and just one look at this sculpture you knew in an instant it was true.


We wondered to the Palazzo Pont Vecchio where a single bridge housed many Italian folks and plenty of the city's leather and jewelry. Shops, shops and shops! They were all amazing - nothing cheesy like the tourist shops in NYC.

It was here in this city that I saw a greater density of beautiful women than in any other city. Gorgeous dark hair, green eyes, cool dresses. I don't know what people were thinking when they said Paris was the fashion capitol - the Italians KNOW style! The women and men were very good-looking compared to other cities, especially Paris.


On our way back to the room, we went to the Doumo Cathedral - the 4th longest in the all the world. The exterior design was intricate and magnificent. The interior was open and airy and very large and tall. Stained glass throughout. Still, the most breath-taking cathedral was Notre Dame. Nothing can touch it, except the Vatican in Rome which I keep hearing so much about it, but we'll see.

HDR photo by Trey Ratcliff, Stuck In Customs



Then I saw the Baptistery De Giovanni - the ceiling was unbelievable.Every inch of the dome was layered in gold and ornately decorated with religious figures and situations. The art of religion was life and it was so interesting to see how it ruled the world and was documented at the time. It's also so inspiring to see these ancient structures still intact and so well-maintained. History man - I love it!

I then took a separate private tour of the leather market - all I wanted to do was buy, buy, buy! O.K., until tomorrow... oh wait a second, I forgot to tell you - I witnessed a purse snatching right before my eyes! A shady-looking character cruised by on a scooter and swiped this lady's purse right off her arm - but the strap broke and he took off unsuccessful. Now I'm going to be extra careful with my things - especially during the World Cup. It's madness here in Italy!


Photo by Gary Vidson

June 23, 1990
This morning we went to the Firenze Jewish Synagogue. It was claimed to be the most beautiful and magnificently decorated Synagogue in all of Europe. I was can certainly agree. It was really spectacular. Every inch of the Synagogue was painted by hand and the Moorish-inspired architecture was built by 3 famous Italian architects in 1882. It survived a flood and bombs by the Nazis and still looks well-maintained, thanks to donations from around the world. I was able to appreciate sitting down so much more than other Cathedrals. Feeling comfortable and at peace gazing up at the Torah surrounded by ancient oil lamps keeping the "Eternal Flame" burning.

We then rushed over to the Palazzo Pitti Palace which was anything but petty. It was the grandest Italian Renaissance museum I had seen yet. It was half the size of the Louvre, but it was twice as ornate. Every single room, wall, ceiling, painting and frame was incredibly detailed. The works were fascinating and the ceilings were painted like the heavens. Every room had a different color and was ridiculously overdecorated...wow. Once outside the Medici, I walked through a massive Boboli Gardens filled with Renaissance sculptures scattered throughout. The gardens had mazes similar to "The Shining". It was a wonder to walk through and very fulfilling experience. This museum was up there at the top for me and must have taken decades to create.

You really feel like your in an ancient city because the Cathedral bells "ring" all day long - very cool! The weather is really sublime, nothing but clear blue sky - and makes your impression of a city 10 times better.

This afternoon, we witnessed the most bizarre sport - barbaric football. It was a grand ceremony with elaborate costumes and horses and swords. I twas transported back tot he Medieval days! When the game began, every man attacked each other - it was brutal! From my perspective, it was just "kill the man with the ball. The back story here is that the game has history dating back hundreds of years and is the original version of ruby. By the end of the game, they were carrying men off the dirt field due to the beatings they received trying to score a goal. This was definitely a fascinating pit-stop in in Florence. We were lucky to be walking through the area of the city to catch it . It was a once in a lifetime spectacle. I love Florence!

Nice, Cannes, Monte Carlo and the French Riviera

Wed June 20, 1990

We arrived in Nice, France after a 10 hour night train from Geneva. Upon awakening, we looked out the window to find that were were riding along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Vivid orange rocks and cliffs decorated the seashore. Not a cloud in the sky. It was a fantastic way to start the day. We checd into our hotel and soon raced to the topless beaches. But to my dismay, the beaches had no sand, only black rocks! What? We saw the beach frolickers lay on rolled straw mattes. It costs us $26 for sun screen! What a rip-off, but hey, we ARE in the South of France. It was a beautiful day - no clouds, 80 degrees, and plenty of beautiful female eye candy. After a few hours of sunning, we went for a stroll along the boardwalk. The hotels are ritzy and elegantly designed - I definitely "feel" like I'm in the South of France. Tomorrow, we are headed to the Matisse Museum and then to Cannes and Monte Carlo. I'm loving every adventurous second of this trip. Right now, I'm sitting on a the boardwalk across from the Casino Ruhl overlooking the Mediterranean Sea as the sun slowly sets behind me. As awe-inspiring as the mountains in Switzerland were, nothing makes me happier than the ocean.

Saturday June 23rd

Cannes was one glamorous beach! Golden sand and gorgeous sights all up the coast. To my right - incredible yachts, to my left - beautiful women. Flowering rose gardens and palm trees line the curve of Cannes' coastline along the promenade de la Croisette. I couldn't ask for more perfect weather - not a cloud in the sky. Up and down the boardwalk were shops of unprecedented opulence - Louis Vuitton, Ysatis Cartier, Mercedes just to name a few. Cannes was the playground of the ridiculousness wealthy.

photo credit: Monaco Yacht Show

Monte Carlo was in a class all by itself. The yachts were so gigantic and super-modern, but there weren't just a few - everyone had a billion dollar yacht. The hotels and casinos were outrageously ritzy, but not cheezy like Las Vegas. Their taste was unmatched against any architecture we had seen so far. It's the place James Bond goes to hang out. It's the ultimate place to take your wife. There were really no beaches (I guess you didn't need them when you have a yacht), but the shoreline drops off about 50 feet down cliffs.

Photo: Deviant Art


Monte Carlo is definitely the jewel of the French Riviera. Bjorn Borg won 5 consecutive Monte Carlo Open tennis championships in a row. Monte Carlo is located just outside of France in the Republic of Monaco. Borg was the sickest on the gorgeous red clay courts - and we've seen red clay tennis courts everyone in this region. The marina was the heart of the town and the center of activity. Views were amazing and we felt like millionaires for an evening. As you can see from this photo, Alan, Danny and I were reveling in the Monte Carlo glory.


Photo: Deviant Art

The next day we went to St. Paul De Vence, an artist colony in the hills of the French Alps. This colony was a tiny little village where only artists lived. I suppose if you are an artist, living on top of a mountain with panoramic views ain't so bad. Its quaint and small and not very touristy. Alan, Michelle, Deb and I had a terrific little lunch overlooking the landscape. We then cruised on to Vence where we visited the Matisse Chappel. We rented a car which was great b/c it allowed us to cruise on our own and see the sights that direct trains couldn't provide. However, the drivers suck and the little car that we rented eventually made us nauseous (insert wimpy kid sketch here). Anyway, the Matisse Chapel was interesting. It was a tiny little chapel where he designed colorful stained windows and drew primitive illustrations on the wall. He's done better work, yes in his later years, he became attached to the chapel because of his religious faith.

Geneva, Switzerland

Tuesday June 19, 1990

Geneva was a great little city located on Lake Geneva. It had many great shops and we were psyched to finally see a Wendys! They had the most beautiful Swiss watch stores. I'm you telling you, the Swiss *really* know how to make gorgeous watches.. We went to the United Nations building and saw the tallest man-made water fountain in the world. The city looked very wealthy. The nicest cars and beautiful women drove up and down the lakefront.


Photo by Kev Allen

There were many gardens and cafes along the lake. Here's a nice snapshot of the krewe after lunch, sitting along the lake.

Grindelwald, Switzerland

The train ride from Austria to Switzerland was ABSOLUTELY THE MOST BEAUTIFUL, SCENIC, BREATH-TAKING AND HEAVENLY VIEWS I HAD EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE OR IN DREAMS!!! Soft, rich rolling grass and tall timber trees covered the mountains which climbed higher than the clouds. Crystal fresh waterfalls poured down the mountainside into pools of icy blue. Quaint little homes dotted the landscape together with sheep, cows, and wild horses. Bright blue lakes anchored the base of snow-capped mountains that rose higher than the mind could fathom. Sun beams shot golden rays through the clouds like paintings of heavenly light. I haven't even fully arrived and I'm already making plans to visit later in life - and even have a 2nd home. This is definitely God's Country. This place seems blessed by peace. The land looks untouched by war, poverty or dirt. The land is delicately peppered with bright colored flowers. I can't say enough - it has to be seen by the human eye to be fully appreciated!

photo by Dennis Water

Saturday June 16th, 1990

Traveled up 10,000 feet into the Grindelwald Mountains. Hiked up even higher into the Swiss Alps. The skyride took us on a half-hour journey to the top of the mountains. It was even more beautiful than anything I had seen before. We were riding high above the pine treets, as the crystal streams poured down from the mountain's melting glaciers. It was so incredibly peaceful. It was the closest thing to heaven you could imagine. The air was so fresh and all I wanted to do was suck in the air and gaze into the panoramic mountains. No picture or movie can capture the awesome beauty of the mountain peaks - they were HUGE. I took a lunch tray and used it as a sled to slide down the mountainside - Sick! Cows were grazing up in the high ridges of the mountains - with cowbells. Real cowbells around their necks - like the kind you see in 70's funk bands, only they got their cowbells from these cows! When the heard of cows got together, it sounded like "Time" from Pink Floyd' "Dark Side of the Moon." All the cowebells were clanking at once.

photo by Wiki photo

Up that high, the air was very think and hard to breath. This was by far the most majestic, breath-taking days of my entire life. I don't think anything can match the view of these snow-capped peaks.

Sunday June 17, 1990

Took a boat ride on Lake Interlaken. This was also nice. Homes were scattered along the banks and up into to foothills surrounding the lake. We then hiked up into the mountains and took a tour into the St. Beatus Caves where they were inhabited way back in the sixth century. Great powerful waterfalls rushed through the interior of the mountainside. There were thousands of underground streams and passageways that were many kilometers deep and wide. Within the cave, the temperature never changed from 45 degrees - both winter and summer. The rocks were ice cold to the touch. The caves were stunning to look at, but I coudn't take any meaninful photos - not enough light. The rest of the day, we spent on the boat soaking up the sun. Finally, after 2 weeks of touring, we had glorious weather in the most glorious of destinations! Up at the top of the mountains, we had just been playing in the snow, and now were are on the lake and people are waterskiing. I LOVE Switzwerland! Next up... Geneva and the South of France.

Salzberg, Austria

Thursday June 14, 1990

Got up at 6:30am, took the train to Salzberg, Austria. Very quaint little town. Very scenic mountains surrounded the little village. This town also had a lot of old people, even more than in Munich. We went to Amadeus Wolfgang Mozart's house! This guy was born from the heavens to play music. He began to play the violin at age 5 and began composing symphonies by age 10! He was brilliant. The house was small and typical of an Austrian house. I like Austria better than Munich - at least because of the scenic vistas offered by the mountains. We stayed for 3 hours and left on a train for Switzerland.


photo: Deviant Art

Munich, Germany

Tuesday June 12, 1990

Arrived in Munich, arranged for a place to sleep. Of course it was raining which made things all the more enjoyable, not. Anyhow, our room was clean, and the shower was awesome (must be the German shower engineering)! When traveling, it's the most important thing sometimes! We went into town to the Hofbrauhouse and got smashed on only 1 liter of beer. The beers are 3x stronger than normal beers and they serve you mugs 50x the size of normal ones.



The town looked exactly like Disney World. It almost looked fake. Munich is exceptionally clean and very modern. The subway is hi-tech and ultra clean - unlike the sewer stench of Paris's metro. After the thrashing we received after only 1 beer, we were all tired and went to bed at 7pm, earliest yet.

photo: WikiFlick

Wednesday June 13, 1990 Cloudy and cold again. Today, we went to the Deutsches Museum which explored the historical development of natural science, technology and industry. It was really interesting to see how man developed wind power and converted it into electricity; dug tunnels for subways; developed the automobile engine, airplane turbines, etc. It was a brainiac's wet dream. Here's a photo of the interior architecture:

photo: Christian Yushimoto

Afterward, the guys went back to the Hofbrauhouse again, but I didn't drink and instead walked around on my own. Munich didn't interest me much. It's nice to look at, seems quaint enough, but I'm not sure I'd come back. On our way back to the hotel, we toured the 1972 Olympic Village. It was beautiful! Located in the most verdant park - and there were 15 gorgeous red clay tennis courts I was so fond of looking at! They were in terrific shape. It looks like the people of Germany really take care of their city. It's spotless. The Olympic stadium looks super modern even though it was built 18 years ago. It looked like the future - like something from the movie Blade Runner.

photo: postcard

Another interesting observation: the majority of the people I've seen just passing by in the streets and on the subway were very old. Older than 65. I mean everyone was old. I rarely saw anyone my own age. The German language is filled with pronunciations that sound like your gargling mouthwash. Names like Sventlikerhooptnk Street seemed unnecessarily, ridiculously long. I'm getting excited for the upcoming trip to the Greek Islands! I think that's going to be the highlight of my trip. I picture the Mediterranean to be paradise on earth. So far, there has been no sun since we've been touring. I'm enjoying myself incredibly, but as a Floridian, I need a little sunshine! I'm now on a train to Salzberg, Austria. My ancestors are from Austria. My grandfather on my mother's side. We are only staying a few hours and then we're off to Switzerland, supposedly the most scenic place on earth. I'm ready! Foot note about Munich: VERY expensive! I spent money faster here than in Paris! Everyone has either a BMW or Mercedes - even taxi drivers.

HDR photo by Trey Ratcliff, Stuck In Customs

Paris

Thursday June 7th, 1990

Arrived in Paris, raining. It's been raining everyday which kind of sucks for us touring, but up until now, it was just sprinkling. It's downright crummy now which definitely dulled my 1st impression of Paris. Though, I'm sure that once the sun shines, so will this city. This city is VERY old. There is so much history here.. I'm going to extend my budget to $50 per day because I can't see or do anything otherwise. Good thing the room is only $17/night.

Dinner was absolutely delicious - true to what they say about the food! Afterward, we strolled and ate crepes.

HDR photo by Trey Ratcliff, Stuck In Customs


This morning, we went to Musee D' Orsay. Spectacular! VERY beautiful! It's a former train station converted to an impressionistic museum. Matise, Van Gough, DeGas,Monet, Renior, together with some impressive sculptures. It's an architectural wonder. No one speaks English - or even tries. Communication is very difficult and frustrating. Tomorrow, hopefully we'll get some clear skies and see Notre Dame Cathedral and Eiffel Tower.

HDR photo by Trey Ratcliff, Stuck In Customs

Tonight was nice, we walked down Champs Eyleses, the famous French street with fine shops and great cafes. Paris at night was definitely magical. I loved seeing the bus stops with the fashion models on Vogue covers.



HDR photo by Trey Ratcliff, Stuck In Customs


Friday June 8th, 1990

Went to Notre Dame Cathedral. Spectacular and breathtaking! It's the most magnificent cathedral I've ever seen! It's massive and architecturally stunning. It had the most beautiful stained glass windows. The ceilings are about 200 feet tall! It truly makes you feel the spiritual presence of something larger than man. I kept thinking of the Hunchback, though.


HDR photo by Trey Ratcliff, Stuck In Customs






Later we strolled to the Georges Pompadue Center of Modern Art. What a CONTRAST! It was the most unique post-modern structure ever seen. Loved the glass and industrial steel elements, and the Miro-inspired dancing water garden. I only recently completed my art history minor at Tulane and was digging that I had just studied and recognized the master works by Leger, Dali, Miro, Picaso, DeBaffet, DeKooning, Kandinsky as well as some really modern objects of 1990. Very fulfilling jaunt to my favorite genre of art that I studied at school. After dinner, we saw the Eiffel Tower at night. It was simply divine! It's so romantic here at night, and while I'm without a lady on this cross-continental buddy trip, I'm enjoying myself to the hilt!


Photo by Stefano Pinci

Saturday June 9th, 1990
It's amazing what the weather can do. It rained all day again! Such a bummer! I'm really feeling down on this city right now. The people don'e even attempt to try and understand what you are saying. Just to go some place and sit down for a coffee costs an arm and a leg. Rain making me grouchy.

Sunday June 10, 1990
This was the most complete day in Paris. Went to the Louvre. It's enormous. I think it's the largest gallery in the world. I mean, can anything be bigger than this? Again, we saw all the major works of art that I studied in art survey at school, which I really enjoyed. Some of the paintings on the walls were enormous. How do they paint such staggeringly large images on canvas? The Mona Lisa was cool to see, but I never really got all the hype.


HDR photo by Trey Ratcliff, Stuck In Customs



After many hours, we needed a break. We were getting art fatigue. So where did we go next? Another museum! We went to the Muse D' Armery (The Museum of War) where Napolean's tomb was kept. Napoleon was worshiped by the French and his tomb was as large as the Lincoln monument. Inside was section of the museum devoted to WW II and the Holocaust. Seeing pictures of the concentration camps was extremely distrubing. After seeing the pictures, Danny is changing his mind about to going on to Germany with us. I can see why.

After the museum we finished our final night in Paris with a sunset trip to the top of the Eifel Tower. It was easily the most scenic and beautiful view of Paris. Rolling grass lawns surrounded by giant trees evenly planted in neat rows (like Oak Ally in New Orleans, only 100 times larger),. Water fountains shot up like hot springs in the earth - completely surrounded this magnificently constructed sculpture of steel. Me, Danny and Steve went to the top and had the most stunning view of the entire city. We were able to see every historical monument and cool sight from the top. I took many pictures so if you reading this and looking at them at the same time, then you're hooked and can envision what I was seeing - it was breathtaking! On top of the Eifel Tower, I bumped into Bryan Sher! That was so random - and I was psyched to see him. Danny, Steve and I are the picture kings - we took 4 rolls in just one day (editors note: lol). I feel so much happier than yesterday. I'm telling you, the bad weather really crushed my spirit in this city, but we were redeemed today!


HDR photo by Trey Ratcliff, Stuck In Customs


MJ on top of Paris:



Monday June 11th, 1990
Lazy day. Did wash, then went to Jim Morrison's grave at the Cemeteiere Pare Laishei. It was a beautiful cemetary where many illustrious personalities were buried. It was a cool thing to do and glad we checked it out.



On our way back, we walked down Champes Elyses and that was exciting too, but I kept looking for all the famous Parisian good looking super-models. Didn't see many attractive people here, actually. Wonder what that's about. We just saw very gaunt, high-cheek-boned (but sunken cheeks) skeletal looking people. No one uses deodorant here. What's up with that? I don't dislike this city, but I don't really love it either. It has so much to offer, but the attitude and vibe of the people are an issue for me. I would love to come back with my wife one day, with lots of cash, I'm sure that would be a much different trip. :) If you haven't been yet, you can look at my picutres, I'm sure they'll suffice.

Next stop: Munich, Germany and Lotz. What is Lotz you ask? That's easy...lotz and lotz of beer!