Monday, July 14, 2008

In and out of the Ljub


We don't actually know how to spell the name of the city we are in, so we are forced to abreviate. Or you can do as Trina does and type in ˝L's, J's and B's, Slovenia˝ to find the actual name.

We arrived in the Ljub with pouring rain and lightning (hmmm, just like all of the other cities). Please remind us of the rain in a few days when we complain about how hot it is.

The train ride was uneventful for everyone but Staci. Originally she was sitting in a compartment with three nice old ladies. They got off the train a few hours into it and two ladies around the age of a Mom and a guy about our age went into the compartment. Everything was fine until the guy came to collect their tickets. Still have no idea what they were arguing about because it was in another language, but the people and the ticket guy were exchanging words and gestures in an angry tone for a good 15 minutes. After the ticket guy gave up and left, the ˝family˝ began to exchange words. Things got heated between the guy and one of the Mom type ladies and before she knew it hitting, punching and kicking began between the two. Not sure what to do, she hudled in the corner (kind of like the duck and cover method used before) when the ticket guy walked by and saw what was happening. He began to intervine and Staci tried to escape, but he wouldn't let her, thinking she was part of this ˝family˝. Finally the guy escorted the Mom type lady and the guy elsewhere and Staci was left awkwardly with the other Mom. Staci then left the cabin.

The Ljub gave us about 4 hours of decent picture taking weather (how kind of the Ljub). Sadly, Jessica found out from a local that it had been really hot and sunny the past few weeks, which we sadly missed. The locals were happy to see the rain. Us... not so much (good thing Staci has 2 umbrellas, anyone want to rent one for a Euro?). We walked around in search of food, only to find one place open. Apparently people don't believe in working on Sundays. The place we found was ice cream... not just ice cream, but American sized ice cream! One scoop really means 3. We found this out the hard way when we ordered 2 scoops and ended up with 6. Oh well it was really cheap and yummy!

The thunder rolled in and we headed back to our hostel, which is ironically a dorm for some college. A nice dorm compared to our ˝dorms like dungeons, number 2 in 2004˝ (see Princeton Review). But these are by no means ˝Palaces˝ like those at Peperdine (see Princeton Revies). By the way, we have no idea what school it is we are staying at.

Day 2 in the Ljub (aka half of Trina's real birthday):

We woke up at 6 because our dorm room does not have walls. It is a wall of cabinents and a door. The cleaning staff actually showed up (apparently they don't normally show up) and found the best method of cleaning the bathrooms in a hurry at such an un-godly hour is to scream and slam. We decided it was time to go out and see the day that was Trina's birthday in the Ljub (tomorrow is Trina's birthday in the states, got to love the time difference!).

We went out in search of food again (apparently the Ljub doesn't believe in food) and settled for ice cream again (hey, it's dairy, we met one section of the USDA food pyramid). Not sure what to do because of the extreme weather (just because we went to school in Oregon doesn't mean we are used to/ enjoy the rain) and went to the castle. Which isn't really a castle, rather than a modern art gallery. Staci, Devin, Trina and Kelly called the art ˝terrible˝ as they too are also capabale of painting an orange line on a piece of white paper. Because of the down pour we decided to head home and made the decision to celebrate Trina's birthday in Venice (cross your fingers for no more rain) (seriously).

Best meal of the day: Ice Cream
Worst meal of the day: This country does not believe in food.
Awkward moment of the day: Walking downtown and seeing a man stare at us as he pees on a wall.

Shout outs:
-Only Jennnnnnnnnna Mathies, because she is the only one that appreciates our blog and comments.
-The weekend and work is not an excuse. We know you don't have anything better to do.

P.S. Becky, we know you are reading this from class. Seriously, what else would you be doing in there?

P.P.S. Why is the Ljub obsessed with Dragons? THEY AREN'T EVEN A ANIMAL!

5 comments:

M.C. said...

Sorry the Lube Town has turned out to be not so terrific for you. But think of it this way...... will you ever meet another person who has spent time there? That's gotta count for something?

After Eastern European travel and only ice cream to eat Italy will feel like heaven.

And if I could boldly make a suggestion....Eurostar to Florence. Make the reservation as soon as you get to Venice. It will be faster(only 2 1/2 hours) and very comfortable.....I think Staci would love it.

Thank you thank you to continue to keep us in the loop.

And the happiest of birthdays to Trina.

Audrey said...

Happy Birthday Trina!!!

Sounds like you are on your way to Venice... a guaranteed hot place! You will be wishing for the rain again.

Trina, remember the hostel we stayed at in Venice with no air conditioner?! I hope yours does!

Keep the posts coming!!

P.S. LOVE the pictures.

Anonymous said...

Heads up when you get to Rome...there can be a long line for the Basilica and Sistine Chapel. Arrive early to avoid 3 hr wait. One each day is best. When entering these sites you must be covered from shoulder to knees or they will not let you in!

That water running off your skin is sweat from the heat and humidity not umbrella rain. Enjoy!

M's Dad

Unknown said...

Well Buongiorno to Italy!!!! At least you can enjoy the good food and warm weather.
Happy Happy Birthday to Trina!!!!! We loved the pictures.
When in Rome do as the Romans do!!!! So it is ok to fill your water bottle in the fountains by the Vatican.
Love Mom, Dad and Brody

Lynna said...

The pictures are wonderful! It's great to see all of your smiling faces! Trina you had a great birthday here at home. Dad and I had ice cream sundaes on your behalf. Who would have known you girls were enjoying the same treats. Those train rides sound a little grueling for Staci. Hope the next one is a better experience. WARNING! Enjoy Venice, but don't sit down at any of the tables in San Marco's square. As inviting as they look, trust me I am speaking from experience, they don't fit into the budget. Love to all, Lynna & Bob