AT29 by train

From Rome to Florence, from Madrid to Barcelona, from London to Paris to Nice; one of the things I love the most about traveling by train in Europe, besides the price compared sometimes to flights, it is the beautiful and different views you get to enjoy!

Obviously, there are times when you will pass through ugly scenarios such as the back side of abandoned houses or even train stations all painted with colorful graffitis. However, the large green 'combine' with antique houses, farms, the sea and beaches, old towns and even castles, it is definitely a great experience during your Europe trip. 

I have been on trips that last an hour and others that last up to 7 hours and each of them were as great to appreciate the gorgeous view.  

Naturally, any trip, by car, by plane or by train, you will need your favorites gadgets or pastime to make enjoyable your trip. But, on a train, you have a cafeteria where you can sit on the other side of your actual seat (as I'm doing right now while writing these lines) while enjoying a coffee or maybe a glass of wine (as I'm doing right now on my way to Nice, France, because my seat is at the wrong view, I don't have an ocean view side). And if traveling, as I'm traveling now, with iDTGV, where you get the option of traveling relax and noise free on the ground level, or with various entertainment alternative as renting a movie or listening to great music accompanying you with the wine on the top floor. Plus, most of the trains, have plugs for your electronics devices. 

Mountains, hills, ocean, windmills, sunflowers fields, rivers, antique and modern bridges. Doesn't matter which side you are facing, the view will be breathtaking. Well, it matters to me in this trip because ocean side is always better for this beach lover :)

Just remember, if possible, travel light since you have to carry your luggages by yourself, in and out the train, and perhaps, you might need to run from one train to the other if changing at some point.

Èze, France

While in France, I took a train from Paris (Gare Lyon) to Nice (Nice Ville) to get to know part of the Côte d'Azur or French Riviera. The trip duration: 5:40hrs. 

As I was getting closer to Nice, even when my seat was at the wrong side of the train, the view to the ocean was amazing. When I started to see the water, I just walked to the cafeteria, got a glass of wine and sat on the right side to enjoy the view. 

In Nice, I had to take a regional train to Villefranche-sur-Mer, which it is in the same station. You can also take the bus for only 1€ 

I stayed for a weekend at Villefranche-sur-Mer, located between Monaco (to the east) and Nice (to the west). From there, only few minutes away, I visited Èze village. 

Èze is a small medieval town on top of a mountain where you can enjoy a gorgeous view of the Mediterranean sea and cities nearby. 

Since I didn't have enough time to visit everything I could, I had to decide to either go to Monaco or Èze. The first one, I've heard so many things I was curious to see it by myself. The second one, I've never heard of it but the little I read before deciding, it made it easier for me. No regrets about not visiting Monaco. Although, I will some other time. 

If like me, you only count on few hours to do a tour around a city, choose Èze. Unless you prefer casinos. My 1st day I spent it strolling around Villefrance-sur-Mer and Nice. My train back to Paris was leaving at 6pm from Nice, so I gotta be quick. 

I arrived at the small town by bus (another 1€) and all I could see from the bottom was a high heel to climb. It was going to be fun.

Started to walk by the cobblestone narrow streets, passing first by 'La Poterne' which it's the main entrance of the town. 

Squares as 'La Place du Planet' will make you stop to take pictures. That was the fountain where the residents of the village used to take fresh water. Nowadays, during summer time, you can simply refresh yourself. 

'La Chapelle Saint Croix' followed. This chapel was built by 1306, making it the oldest building in the village. Although this one was closed while I was in town, I visited 'Eglise Notre Dame de l'Assomption' which it was built between 1764 and 1778. 

I kept walking until I reach the top of the village, where the exotic garden is located. The view from there is AMAZING! And being surrender by plants from around the globe makes it even better.

Don't forget to visit Acceso Total 29 for our video (soon!)

Venezia

Did you know that my country Venezuela was named after Venice? 'Little Venice' Amerigo Vespucci thought when he saw my beautiful country. Well, it was my turn to visit the actual Venice. 

Being in Italy it was nice for us, since some of their customs are very similar to ours… or ours to theirs. 

Before I went to the old continent, again, of course, I told everyone about it and people kept saying to me 'Venice stinks' no because it's an awful city, but for the smell. Well, not even when it rained the whole - and only - day of my stay, I proved they were right. Or my smell sense sucks.

We arrived by train to the Santa Lucia station, and since  they announced we were close to the station, all I could see through the window was water. One of the things I liked about Venice, no cars/trucks/SUVs or anything like it, are allowed in this metropolis. Walk, walk and walk! There's not space for them, just boats, vaporetti (plural for vaporetto: a water-bus), traghetti (plural to traghetto, similar to the a gondola but to cross the canal only - hint: cheaper than a gondola), water taxis and of course, the famous gondolas. 

From the Santa Lucia Station, we took a vaporetto to get to Piazza San Marco because our hotel was close to it. Make sure where you are staying, since most of the time you could go walking to your hotel from the station, unless you are arriving by plane. 

Taking the water-bus to get to our hotel it was the best option, since we took a great view to the city through the Grand Canal. We passed by Ponte di Rialto, which it was the first bridge to cross the canal; by Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, and from there, the beautiful view to the San Giorgio Maggiore to the right, and to the left, Piazza San Marco showing us the top of the Campanile and the amazing structures nearby as the Palazzo Ducale and, surely, Basilica di San Marco. 

Another of my recommendations, wear comfortable shoes! Forget about Angelina Jolie looking gorgeous in heels in The Tourist, unless you are going to a party. From where the water-bus stopped to the hotel, we had to walk with our luggages through bridges with stairs. And to get around the city, to get to know it better, walking is the best option. Or a bike maybe.

During our first afternoon, almost night, we walked from our hotel to the Rialto bridge (about 10min.), from the hotel to Ponte dell'Accademia (at Campo San Vidal, about 10min.) and only 5min. from the hotel to Piazza San Marco. One thing I always kept on my mind, get lost in Venice is the best you could do to get to know it better. It's true! I mean, where are you going to end? It's an island! Besides, every where you go, there will be a sign pointing you to go to either the Rialto or San Marco square. Again, comfortable shoes and clothes!

During that night, or any other, we hung out at Piazza San Marco. Nice music, great ambience, and few cups of wine. In Italy and not drinking wine? But beware, I knew that usually they charge extra for silverwares and you don't need to tip in Italy (but come on, I mean, an extra for their job is never bad!). 

We just sat at the many cafes/bars around the squares to relax and enjoy the moment. When we've got the check, they charged us 18 euros for the music (a band playing in the square, not even at the local) and they asked us how much will they charge us for the tip. I complained (of course, I always do if I don't like something! :) ) Later, I went online to look up for that place and there were a lot of complains about it. Other than that, great time! 

Next day, after breakfast, I already had a list of things to do and visit, trying to get to the right streets, although I really wanted to get lost! First we walked (of course) to Piazza San Marco, even when we already went a couple of times the day before, we never got tired of walking around. It's amazing! We strolled by the square, went behind to see the canal and all the gondolas placed as ready for you to take pictures. Most of the stores or cafes around the square, are actually antique. Most of them are working since the 1800s or like 'Caffe Florian' which opened in 1720.

From the Piazza, we went to Ponte di Rialto through all those alleys and small bridges. We didn't get lost by that time. It might all look the same, but we couldn't stopped ourselves of taking pictures and capturing videos at every corner and at every little bridge with the canal and maybe some gondola passing by. And other thing we could notice, was the sky turning grey. 

We arrived at the famous bridge. Small stores, more restaurants and bares to both sides before crossing the Rialto. Even when the weather was telling me rain was on the way, every where I looked it was perfect for a picture. From a side to the bridge, from the bridge to the border of the canal. 

To cross the bridge it might take a little longer. Not because is long, but because in the middle you'll find lot of mini stores with the famous Venice masks and every object made with Murano's glass, every design, every model and all of them beautiful. I bought 3 small masks to decorate my room and some earrings to give to my girlfriends. 

By the way, Murano is an island to the north of Venice, there are water taxis and buses that will take you there. 

After some shopping and browsing around, we walked to the fish market, only few steps away. Ok, it was a fish market, there I could smell something. And they also have fruits, veggies, and few other delicious things you could get, as we did, for the rest of the day. After all, remember, you're going to be walking a lot!. One thing I found so funny, 'me' since I spend most of my time in the caribbean, but they are nuts about coconuts! I guess it's like for us, in Venezuela, when we go to La Colonia Tovar or Merida and cannot skip having some strawberries! (it's not that easy to get fresh strawberries any other city)

Right after we left the market, the rain accompanied us! It didn't stop for hours and we got - finally - lost in Venice! We wanted to go to Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. Usually the way would be around 10 minutes, I guessed, but for us it was for maybe an hour. It was fun though, but the rain wasn't helping us at all. With my little italian I knew, I kept asking for directions, which of course, I could understand a little bit and then I got lost in the rest of the help. Really, it was fun. We just walked, enjoyed our surrenders, and maybe the rain. Perhaps, in any other city, I would get frustrated for not knowing where I am. 

Our next stop was Galleria dell'Accademia. From Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari we passed by more restaurants and bars, that most of them were closed already because of the hour (after 3pm or 4pm they close). 

Still raining.

The one thing the rain couldn't stop us of doing, sitting at a cafe to have a cup of wine. 

By the end of the day, even after walking a lot, getting lost and knowing Venice; we went to our hotel room to rest a little and wait if the rain will be over. In just one day we've got to stroll around the city. A lot! 

By the end of the afternoon, we went back to the Rialto to have our last dinner and I think it was our best meal we had in Venice, 'Sole S.A.S. Di Coletti Davide' long name, but really great food, awesome ambience (in front of the Grand Canal) and very good attention/service. The waiter was actually married with a Venezuelan woman :)

We rode in a vaporetto from the train station to the San Marco square, and we had to take a taxi on our way to the airport. Well, we didn't have to, but we wanted to. We went through the canals, got out by Piazza San Marco, saw the day was going to be so beautiful and the sun shining, not fair; and went to the airport. 

I want to get lost again in Venice! And next time, I better go to Murano island! Ready? Let's go!

Our AT29 video: http://ow.ly/4V2bA 

Wonderful Rome

We went back to Europe and the first stop this time was the wonderful city of Rome. I believe that the best way to get to know a city it's by walking by its historical streets. Everything is close enough, and besides, strolling by the city, you'll get to discover more details of it that you won't see it as well as riding a bus or in a taxi. So wear comfortable shoes, take it easy and enjoy. 

We stayed at a hotel very close to the Coliseum. From the hotel by Via dei Boschetto to the Coliseum was about 10 minutes -walking- and to the Piazza Navona, about 30 minutes passing by many different historical sites and famous spots. 

We only got day and a half to get to know everything we could. Our first afternoon wasn't as relaxing as we thought, since we had jet lag, and for me, it's really difficult to get some sleep on a flight. However, I was so excited to be in Italy that a couple of cappuccino helped me. And, come on, I was in Rome! :)


Even when I was very sleepy, and I was amazed to be in Italy; while we were getting closer to the hotel, what actually pinched me and let me know I wasn't dreaming, was the sight of the great Coliseum in front of me.


After we checked in, we walked to Fonatana di Trevi, passing by Palazzo Quirinale that now days is known as the President house. From the square in front of the Palazzo, you'll get to see part of the city and even the Pantheon. After walking by many vendors, souvenir stores, and alleys; we stroll to Scalinata della Trinita dei Monti at Piazza di Spagna. 138 steps that leads you to the church Trinita dei Monti. 

Close to the Spanish Steps is the most famous street thanks to its stores, including Prada, Coach and Tiffany. Walk by Via dei Condotti and enjoy the gorgeous designs. Maybe do some shopping! -don't forget to get me something! ;)-


By the end of the afternoon, we couldn't skip to enjoy a delicious gelato in the middle of the warm weather. I guess having a cappuccino during winter time will do just great! For me, either one works amazing at any time of the year.

By our second day, the first stop was Vatican City. We took a taxi from the hotel to the world famous Piazza San Pietro. It was going to be a really long walk, though. The feeling, that at least I got, while arriving to this amazing place was unique. It doesn't matter what's your believe, the architecture is breath taking. Remember to wear clothes that cover legs and shoulder so you can enter to the Vatican (and any other religious building in Italy).  And if you want to visit the museum and the Sistine Chapel, check the schedule before, since it's not always open. 

After spending the morning at Vatican City, we went to Piazza Navona. A very attractive hangout to enjoy a late afternoon while having dinner or just some wine at many of its cafes and restaurants. There are some vendors and artist with beautiful paints and draws by the fountain in the middle of the square. 


By that time, I ran out of battery of my video camera, so remember to bring extra battery or a cable to charge. While having lunch, my camera was charging. You don't want to miss anything!


Few steps away from the Piazza, you'll find The Pantheon. Free to enter and great history behind it. The only light coming through, is a hole -window- on top of the dome. If it rains, it will rain inside, but the water will run directly to the center of the Pantheon. Take a walk inside this amazing structure that means 'temple of all Gods', and feel part of history.

One of the sights you cannot miss while staying in Rome, is the ancient side of the city, the world famous Coliseum, Roman Forum and the Palatine. They have a special ticket that will get you to those three places. Walking through the same streets that the romans, centuries ago, used to walked by, makes you feel from that era. Naturally, just missing their clothes. The Coliseum used to be the place where the gladiators fought. They also used it for haunting and recreations of famous wars. Now days, at those ruins, you can visit a museum and different levels of the Coliseum. The Roman Forum, used to be the center of the old city, where a lot of business took place.

Another point of interest you might want to see, is Altare della Patria where the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuelle II is located. I actually suggest you to walk from Piazza Venezia, right in front of Altare della Patria until you reach the Via dei Fori Imperiali, where the Roman Forum, the Palatine and at the end of the road, the great Coliseum are located.


We also visited Piazza Campo dei Fiori, which together with Piazza Navona, are the most famous squares in Rome. More cafes, restaurants and stores are waiting for you. 


One thing I loved from Rome, it reminded me of some cities in Venezuela (my country), at most of the squares we walked through, I saw people hanging out, very chill out, having few drinks. 


Check out AT29's video about this amazing city.  
Keep clean the city! :)