I took my final taxi ride back to Twin Falls for $40 then I departed on a flight from Twin Falls at 11a.m. and arrived back at Chicago at 1:30 p.m. This cost me $311.
Well goodbye everyone, I hope you had as much fun walking in Ernest Hemingway's footsteps as I did.
Happy Trails,
Nick Miller
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Ketchum, Idaho 8/11/09- 8/14/09
I arrived in Twin Falls, Idaho at 6:00 a.m. this flight will cost $484. I then took a taxi from Twin Falls to Ketchum. This cost me $40. I will be staying at the Clarion Inn. It cost $240 for three nights and is within walking distance of many of the place I want to visit. For food I am going to get eat at the local McDonald's for about 6 dollars per meal.
8/11/09
My first activity is visiting the Ernest Hemingway Memorial where a large sculpted head sits with engraved writings. It is a rainy day and it sets a somber tone for the day. It is hard for me to enjoy this place because I had just been around the world celebrating all of Ernest Hemingway's life and its joyous occasions. Although since having explored one extreme of Hemingway's life, why not explore the other. Hemingway had a troubled end which led to him committing suicide. He survived plane crashes, big game hunting, and a lifestyle of rebellious partying. Perhaps the only thing that was strong enough to kill Hemingway was himself.
8/12/09
In my second day in Ketchum I visited Sawtooth National Forest. Hemingway loved the outdoors and did all of his life. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and any competitive match. At this forest there was much vegetation and wildlife. It inspired me to think about Hemingway throughout his life and all of the crazy things that happened to such an extraordinary man.
8/13/09
My final stop before heading home was to Ernest Hemingway's grave site. This is also five minutes from the hotel. This grave site represents the death of one of the greatest American writers of all time, as well as the end of my trip. I was exhausted from the many travels I had taken in the last month and was ready to head home to sleep in my own bed. As my reflection shone back at me through the polished rock of Hemingway's gravestone. It helped me reflect on what I had really learned. All I came to find was that Ernest Hemingway was a nearly average sized man who had more impact on the world than one thousand men combined. All the places I had went to Ernest Hemingway left footprints the size of the Grand Canyon, not just on the places, but on the people and culture as well. Every place had a memorial to commemorate his life accomplishments or to acknowledge his feats in life. All the man did was fish, hunt, drink, and write stories, and yet he still left a trail across the entire planet that all I could do was follow. Even 100 years after his death we still read his stories and talk about his life like it was yesterday. Ernest Hemingway was a remarkable man in every sense of the word.
8/11/09
My first activity is visiting the Ernest Hemingway Memorial where a large sculpted head sits with engraved writings. It is a rainy day and it sets a somber tone for the day. It is hard for me to enjoy this place because I had just been around the world celebrating all of Ernest Hemingway's life and its joyous occasions. Although since having explored one extreme of Hemingway's life, why not explore the other. Hemingway had a troubled end which led to him committing suicide. He survived plane crashes, big game hunting, and a lifestyle of rebellious partying. Perhaps the only thing that was strong enough to kill Hemingway was himself.
8/12/09
In my second day in Ketchum I visited Sawtooth National Forest. Hemingway loved the outdoors and did all of his life. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and any competitive match. At this forest there was much vegetation and wildlife. It inspired me to think about Hemingway throughout his life and all of the crazy things that happened to such an extraordinary man.
8/13/09
My final stop before heading home was to Ernest Hemingway's grave site. This is also five minutes from the hotel. This grave site represents the death of one of the greatest American writers of all time, as well as the end of my trip. I was exhausted from the many travels I had taken in the last month and was ready to head home to sleep in my own bed. As my reflection shone back at me through the polished rock of Hemingway's gravestone. It helped me reflect on what I had really learned. All I came to find was that Ernest Hemingway was a nearly average sized man who had more impact on the world than one thousand men combined. All the places I had went to Ernest Hemingway left footprints the size of the Grand Canyon, not just on the places, but on the people and culture as well. Every place had a memorial to commemorate his life accomplishments or to acknowledge his feats in life. All the man did was fish, hunt, drink, and write stories, and yet he still left a trail across the entire planet that all I could do was follow. Even 100 years after his death we still read his stories and talk about his life like it was yesterday. Ernest Hemingway was a remarkable man in every sense of the word.
Sanfrancisco De Paula, Cuba 8/10/09
I took a taxi from the hotel to this place. Here I saw Ernest Hemingway's Cuban home which was unchanged since he had last been there. It was rather amazing because the Cuban people made it a landmark. His boat, The Pillar, also is situated on land just down the road from his house across from the very same dock that he fished at. You could walk on the same streets that Hemingway walked on in Cuba and imagine what his daily routine was like. Many people offered me tours of the city and of Hemingway's belongings. I paid this elderly man who spoke English to take me on a tour through the house and his boat. He showed me all of Hemingway's papers and unfinished letters that adorned his desk and house. It was a very beneficial experience and it helped me realize how down to earth Ernest Hemingway was and how he was just like me but perhaps a little stronger. After my tour I took the taxi to the airport to make my flight back to the United States.
Havanna, Cuba 8/6/09- 8/10/09
In order to get to Cuba I had to fly to Cancun, buy a tourist card, and a flight from Cancun to Cuba. This together will cost approximately 1,800 dollars or1,700 pesos. The hotel I stayed at was the Ambos Mundos Hotel. It will cost 628$ for four days in the same hotel Hemingway stayed in himself. Ernest Hemingway himself wrote the first few chapters of his book For Whom the Bell Tolls. I will be eating at various restuarants around Cuba. Some of the more famous Cuban cuisines are: Ropa Vieja, Picadillo, Moros y Cristianos, and Pollo con Quimbobó y Plátanos. These will cost an average of 10 pesos per meal. Taxi was the main means of transportation in Havanna. The fars came to a total of 50 dollars.
8/6/09
My first activity in Havana, Cuba was a trip to another bar. This time it was to Hemingway's all time favorite bar, El Floridita. At this bar they have a section in the corner of the bar roped off for Hemingway because he used to always reserve that seat. Again I spoke with the owner who told my some fascinating stories about Ernest Hemingway.
8/7/09
Today I went to room 511 in my own hotel where Hemingway wrote part of his novel For Whom the Bell Tolls. His typewriter is still in this room and it gives off an erie feeling when you stare at it and try to picture him sitting there typing away in deep thought. I stood beside other Hemingway fanatics trying to get a picture of the valuable artifact and what it symbolized. It was truly a valuable experience.
8/9/09
My final stop in Cuba is at the Cuban Cigar factory. This is something that Ernest Hemingway loved about Cuba. He loved a good drink and a good cigar. I payed 15 pesos for a tour of the facility and information on the factory. This tour was very limited because they could not risk giving out the secret to a good Cuban cigar.
8/6/09
My first activity in Havana, Cuba was a trip to another bar. This time it was to Hemingway's all time favorite bar, El Floridita. At this bar they have a section in the corner of the bar roped off for Hemingway because he used to always reserve that seat. Again I spoke with the owner who told my some fascinating stories about Ernest Hemingway.
8/7/09
Today I went to room 511 in my own hotel where Hemingway wrote part of his novel For Whom the Bell Tolls. His typewriter is still in this room and it gives off an erie feeling when you stare at it and try to picture him sitting there typing away in deep thought. I stood beside other Hemingway fanatics trying to get a picture of the valuable artifact and what it symbolized. It was truly a valuable experience.
8/9/09
My final stop in Cuba is at the Cuban Cigar factory. This is something that Ernest Hemingway loved about Cuba. He loved a good drink and a good cigar. I payed 15 pesos for a tour of the facility and information on the factory. This tour was very limited because they could not risk giving out the secret to a good Cuban cigar.
Venice, Italy 8/1/09- 8/5/09
I arrived in Venice at 10:00p.m. this flight cost me $390. I stayed in Venice for four nights. The hotel I stayed at was called Gritti Palace. This was where Ernest Hemingway stayed after his second plane crash in Africa. To stay here four nights it will cost 325 euros. While in Venice I ate at assorted bistros and restaurants for approximately 10 euros per meal.
8/2/09
My first activity in Venice was to visit Harry's Bar. This was Hemingway's favorite place to go and drink in Venice and it was only five minutes walk from the hotel. I ordered a drink and sat and talked with the owner of the bar and explained to him why I was here. He began to explain to me all of the stories that he had heard about Ernest Hemingway while he had been the owner of the bar. He told me that Hemingway spent his "greyer years" in Venice but still drank as if he was in his prime. We spoke some more about the beauties of Venice. He then recommended that I go see the Grand Canal and I told him I would do my best but I was on a tight schedule. As I was paying my tab and preparing to leave the bar he told me that I could keep the glass just as long as I didn't mention it to the regulars. I thanked him and headed back to the hotel.
8/3/09
My next activity was to visit the Luxury Suite in the Gritti Palace. This was where Hemingway wanted to stay after his second plane crash in Africa. he Invited many friends to see him and enjoyed the atmosphere as he healed. The gentleman who was currently occupying the room was kind enough to let me view the room free of charge. The best part of the room was the view. It portrayed the Venice canals beautifully no matter what the time of day it was. I offered the man a gondola ride on the Grand Canal the next evening and he accepted.
8/4/09
I arrived at the Grand Canal at 7 o' clock like we had planned the previous day. We split the gondola fare between us and it came out to be about 10 euros a piece. It was very pleasant sight that Ernest Hemingway enjoyed and so did I. The lights reflecting off of the water proved to be quite a sight. I was dropped off at my hotel and once again I packed my belongings and prepared for my next flight.
8/2/09
My first activity in Venice was to visit Harry's Bar. This was Hemingway's favorite place to go and drink in Venice and it was only five minutes walk from the hotel. I ordered a drink and sat and talked with the owner of the bar and explained to him why I was here. He began to explain to me all of the stories that he had heard about Ernest Hemingway while he had been the owner of the bar. He told me that Hemingway spent his "greyer years" in Venice but still drank as if he was in his prime. We spoke some more about the beauties of Venice. He then recommended that I go see the Grand Canal and I told him I would do my best but I was on a tight schedule. As I was paying my tab and preparing to leave the bar he told me that I could keep the glass just as long as I didn't mention it to the regulars. I thanked him and headed back to the hotel.
8/3/09
My next activity was to visit the Luxury Suite in the Gritti Palace. This was where Hemingway wanted to stay after his second plane crash in Africa. he Invited many friends to see him and enjoyed the atmosphere as he healed. The gentleman who was currently occupying the room was kind enough to let me view the room free of charge. The best part of the room was the view. It portrayed the Venice canals beautifully no matter what the time of day it was. I offered the man a gondola ride on the Grand Canal the next evening and he accepted.
8/4/09
I arrived at the Grand Canal at 7 o' clock like we had planned the previous day. We split the gondola fare between us and it came out to be about 10 euros a piece. It was very pleasant sight that Ernest Hemingway enjoyed and so did I. The lights reflecting off of the water proved to be quite a sight. I was dropped off at my hotel and once again I packed my belongings and prepared for my next flight.
The Nile River 7/25/09- 7/31/09
I arrived in Cairo at 1:30 a.m. this flight cost me $601. I immediately checked into my hotel to get some rest. The hotel I stayed in was the Nile Hilton Hotel. Throughout my stay at the Nile River I took various tours and cruises along the river itself to find out what it had in store The cost of my tours was approximately 200 egyptian pounds. It was a truley beautiful sight and I got many great pictures of the people and their activities. I ate at the hotel for around 20 egyptian pounds each meal. The guides informed me that it is the longest river in the world and that it floods once a year flooding peoples homes and more importantly fertilizing the soil. I left the nile on 7/31/09 at 2:45 p.m. headed for Venice, Italy.
Kenya Africa 7/14/09- 7/24/09
The main attraction of Kenya that I am here to visit is Mt. Kilamanjaro. I arrived in Nairobi, Kenya at noon. I picked up my rental car that I used for my ten day stay in Kenya. This nine day rental on an economy car cost me $412. For my food in Kenya I purchased 100 euros worth of imparishable foods in France to sustain me for this trip. Since there are no flight from Kenya to Uganda I drove the rental car. My first stop along my way to Mt. Kilamanjaro was in Nairobi National Park. There I stayed in the Nairobi Safari Club. I stayed here for two nights and during my stay I spoke with the president of the Safari Club and discussed the best hunting. As I told him about Ernest Hemingway he told me about how much the laws have changed since Hemingway was around. He informed me that before everything was allowed to be hunted. Now there are every strict restrictions on what can be hunted and how much. I was given a tour of the grounds and informed on the local lifestyle and customs. My stay at Nairobi National Park costed 190$ or 19,000 schillings. From there I drove to Amboseli National Park and stayed in the Amboseli Sopa Lodge there for two nights at a cost of 20,000 schillings. During this stay I traveled to Chyulu Hills which was Ernest Hemingway's favorite hunting spot. From here you could see Mt. Kilamanjaro and the entire plains of Africa. Of all of the places I have traveled to so far this one was the most unchanged. It was simply a large hill with a few scattered trees. They were probably the same scattered trees that Hemingway saw when he stood here. There was not much to do at the hills considering it was just a mound of dirt so I continued to my main destination, Mt. Kilamanjaro. The mountain was not far from the previous place I was sleeping so I continued to sleep there during my visit.
I arrived at Mt. Kilamanjaro on 7/19/09. I met my tour gide at the base of the mountain. He would be the one to guide me throughout my two day tour. The first day we traveled half way up the mountain, which is about as far as you cn go without oxygen tanks. My guide took me to a secluded spot on the mountain that gave you the best view of the surrounding area. I did not even try to take a picture because I knew the photograph would put to shame the beautiful sight that was bestowed upon me. I could see all of the plains and the clouds molded into one beautiful sculpture with animals scattered about in packs and herds. This sight was what Africa was and what it is about... harmony.The weather on the mountain was around 20 degrees Fahrenheit and on our walk down the guide described to me in fluent english that the mountain was actually a dormant volcano with three volcano cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. The second day we did more of the same and he showed me different views of the mountain and the things around it. After my tour of Mt. Kilamanjaro I felt like I had seen every nook and cranny of Africa and had seen all I needed to see.
My next destination was the Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. Entebbe is on the northern side of Lake Victoria. But before I reached Lake Victoria I stopped at a few places along the way. My first stopp was in Murchison Falls there a local man took me to the place where Ernest Hemingway survived his first plane crash. With broken English he described how his there was still some leftover scrapmetal from the plane crash. He even let me take apiece as a souvenir. This small piece of metal would mean little to anyone else but a true Hemingway fan. I thanked the man and payed him 1000 schillings for his services. Next, I traveled to Butiaba which was the area of the second plane crash.Finally I reached my final destination for the night. I arrived at Lake Victoria Hotel on 7/23/09 at approximately 1 p.m. This gave me enough time to tour Lake Victoria and to prepare for my flight to Cairo egypt the next day at 5:15 p.m.
I arrived at Mt. Kilamanjaro on 7/19/09. I met my tour gide at the base of the mountain. He would be the one to guide me throughout my two day tour. The first day we traveled half way up the mountain, which is about as far as you cn go without oxygen tanks. My guide took me to a secluded spot on the mountain that gave you the best view of the surrounding area. I did not even try to take a picture because I knew the photograph would put to shame the beautiful sight that was bestowed upon me. I could see all of the plains and the clouds molded into one beautiful sculpture with animals scattered about in packs and herds. This sight was what Africa was and what it is about... harmony.The weather on the mountain was around 20 degrees Fahrenheit and on our walk down the guide described to me in fluent english that the mountain was actually a dormant volcano with three volcano cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. The second day we did more of the same and he showed me different views of the mountain and the things around it. After my tour of Mt. Kilamanjaro I felt like I had seen every nook and cranny of Africa and had seen all I needed to see.
My next destination was the Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. Entebbe is on the northern side of Lake Victoria. But before I reached Lake Victoria I stopped at a few places along the way. My first stopp was in Murchison Falls there a local man took me to the place where Ernest Hemingway survived his first plane crash. With broken English he described how his there was still some leftover scrapmetal from the plane crash. He even let me take apiece as a souvenir. This small piece of metal would mean little to anyone else but a true Hemingway fan. I thanked the man and payed him 1000 schillings for his services. Next, I traveled to Butiaba which was the area of the second plane crash.Finally I reached my final destination for the night. I arrived at Lake Victoria Hotel on 7/23/09 at approximately 1 p.m. This gave me enough time to tour Lake Victoria and to prepare for my flight to Cairo egypt the next day at 5:15 p.m.
Paris, France 7/10/09- 7/14/09
fd7/10/09
I arrived in Paris at 11:30 a.m. My first visit in Paris was to the Auberge de Venice which was formerly known as the Dingo Bar. This was where Ernest Hemingway met famous American writer Scott Fitzgerald. Hemingway also met many other famous people that he wrote about in his books A Moveable Feast and The Sun Also Rises. After I paid the 6 euro taxi fare to get to my hotel in Paris, I checked in. I would be staying at the Le Méridien Montparnasse hotel. Just twenty yards away from the hotel was my first destination. I entered the cafe Auberge de Venice and ordered my lunch, an appetizer and a cup of coffee for 5 euros. The atmosphere was astounding and although I was in France the theme of the restuarant was Italian. I ate my meal and pondered the ties between Hemingway's stories and his actual encounters in life. Who did he meet that he based his characters off of? For dinner I had a return visit to the restuarant with some people I had met on my flight to Paris. They were a husband and wife from America who gave me a tour of the important monuments in Paris and helped familiarize me with the Parisian lifestyle. They were an exquisite couple and I enjoyed their company with my dinner of spaghetti and meatballs for 10 euros.
7/11/09
My destination today would be to 74 rue du Cardinal Lemoine which was Ernest Hemingway's Paris home. I take a taxi there and pay him the 5 euro fare. As I walked up to the building all there was on the building to recognize Hemingway is a small plaque with his name and picture. I greeted the concierge and asked to see the room which is described by Hemingway in A Moveable Feast as being on the theird floor and having a squat toilet outside on the landing. She told us that her parents knew Ernest Hemingway as she took us up the same spiral staircase that Ernest walked up to get to his third story room. It was a small cramped room witha small kitchen and is a little on the gloomy side. I thanked the man who currently resides there and walk out onto the street. Not much had changed about the street since Ernest Hemingway described it in A Moveable Feast. Some of the buildings were renovated but they are still the same buildings. It reassured me that no matter how far we go into the future, Hemingway's stories will still apply and remain timeless. Next I walked to the cafe across the street called the Café des Amateurs. It was also described in A Moveable Feast. I ordered a crêpe filled with ham and cheese for 7 euros and enjoyed the pleasant warm summer weather. Hemingway felt that this area was run-down and adventurous. I would definatley agree. Later in the evening I returned to the Auberge de Venice for another fine tasting meal. This time I ordered ravioli for 7 euros.
7/12/09
Today I took a break from Ernest Hemingway to watch the Tour de France. I watched the Tour de France which takes place from July 5- 27. It is the biggest event in bicycle racing. It has 21 stages in which cyclists race and the leader of the race wears a yellow jersey. Many people line the streets to cheer on their favorite riders and teams. I was one of those people today and boy did I see some wierd things. Many of the people around me were under the influence of alcohol and wearing less than appropriate clothing. There bodies were spray painted with different colors and names. Although, the bikers only pass by for at most a minute the spectators make this an all day affair. I enjoyed myself relaxing and watching this phenomenal sporting event. I had lunch and dinner at the race for a total of 15 euros.
7/13/09
Today I stopped by one of Hemingway's other hag out spots, a bookstore called Shakespeare and Company. The smell of the store was enough to keep you there forever. It had a very bohemian look and seemed very rugged and classic yet filled with much new and blooming literature. We spoke with the owner about Ernest Hemingway and he told us and interesting stoy about him that he had heard from the previous store owner. He said that Hemingway would regularly come to the store to read rewiews about his published literature. If there was a poor review about his books he would get very angry and throw the mangazine. One time he actually punched a vase breaking it and spilling the water over the bookcase. He also commented that he was terrible about returning library books. I found this quite amusing and pondered this fact over my lunch which consisted of a sausage bacon quiche slice and a glass of water with no ice. After lunch I decided to return to the bookstore to purchase a souvenir. I bought a French copy of A Moveable Feast with a very intriguing picture on the front cover. For dinner I ate at Auberge de Venice I was rather full from my lunch so I sampled some dessert, chocolate cake which was very reasonably priced at 3 euros. The waiter asked if he should start calling me a regular since I had been eating there so much. I laughed and told him that this was my last night in Paris though I wish I could stay longer. My flight left for Kenya, Africa at 12:00 the next afternoon.
I arrived in Paris at 11:30 a.m. My first visit in Paris was to the Auberge de Venice which was formerly known as the Dingo Bar. This was where Ernest Hemingway met famous American writer Scott Fitzgerald. Hemingway also met many other famous people that he wrote about in his books A Moveable Feast and The Sun Also Rises. After I paid the 6 euro taxi fare to get to my hotel in Paris, I checked in. I would be staying at the Le Méridien Montparnasse hotel. Just twenty yards away from the hotel was my first destination. I entered the cafe Auberge de Venice and ordered my lunch, an appetizer and a cup of coffee for 5 euros. The atmosphere was astounding and although I was in France the theme of the restuarant was Italian. I ate my meal and pondered the ties between Hemingway's stories and his actual encounters in life. Who did he meet that he based his characters off of? For dinner I had a return visit to the restuarant with some people I had met on my flight to Paris. They were a husband and wife from America who gave me a tour of the important monuments in Paris and helped familiarize me with the Parisian lifestyle. They were an exquisite couple and I enjoyed their company with my dinner of spaghetti and meatballs for 10 euros.
7/11/09
My destination today would be to 74 rue du Cardinal Lemoine which was Ernest Hemingway's Paris home. I take a taxi there and pay him the 5 euro fare. As I walked up to the building all there was on the building to recognize Hemingway is a small plaque with his name and picture. I greeted the concierge and asked to see the room which is described by Hemingway in A Moveable Feast as being on the theird floor and having a squat toilet outside on the landing. She told us that her parents knew Ernest Hemingway as she took us up the same spiral staircase that Ernest walked up to get to his third story room. It was a small cramped room witha small kitchen and is a little on the gloomy side. I thanked the man who currently resides there and walk out onto the street. Not much had changed about the street since Ernest Hemingway described it in A Moveable Feast. Some of the buildings were renovated but they are still the same buildings. It reassured me that no matter how far we go into the future, Hemingway's stories will still apply and remain timeless. Next I walked to the cafe across the street called the Café des Amateurs. It was also described in A Moveable Feast. I ordered a crêpe filled with ham and cheese for 7 euros and enjoyed the pleasant warm summer weather. Hemingway felt that this area was run-down and adventurous. I would definatley agree. Later in the evening I returned to the Auberge de Venice for another fine tasting meal. This time I ordered ravioli for 7 euros.
7/12/09
Today I took a break from Ernest Hemingway to watch the Tour de France. I watched the Tour de France which takes place from July 5- 27. It is the biggest event in bicycle racing. It has 21 stages in which cyclists race and the leader of the race wears a yellow jersey. Many people line the streets to cheer on their favorite riders and teams. I was one of those people today and boy did I see some wierd things. Many of the people around me were under the influence of alcohol and wearing less than appropriate clothing. There bodies were spray painted with different colors and names. Although, the bikers only pass by for at most a minute the spectators make this an all day affair. I enjoyed myself relaxing and watching this phenomenal sporting event. I had lunch and dinner at the race for a total of 15 euros.
7/13/09
Today I stopped by one of Hemingway's other hag out spots, a bookstore called Shakespeare and Company. The smell of the store was enough to keep you there forever. It had a very bohemian look and seemed very rugged and classic yet filled with much new and blooming literature. We spoke with the owner about Ernest Hemingway and he told us and interesting stoy about him that he had heard from the previous store owner. He said that Hemingway would regularly come to the store to read rewiews about his published literature. If there was a poor review about his books he would get very angry and throw the mangazine. One time he actually punched a vase breaking it and spilling the water over the bookcase. He also commented that he was terrible about returning library books. I found this quite amusing and pondered this fact over my lunch which consisted of a sausage bacon quiche slice and a glass of water with no ice. After lunch I decided to return to the bookstore to purchase a souvenir. I bought a French copy of A Moveable Feast with a very intriguing picture on the front cover. For dinner I ate at Auberge de Venice I was rather full from my lunch so I sampled some dessert, chocolate cake which was very reasonably priced at 3 euros. The waiter asked if he should start calling me a regular since I had been eating there so much. I laughed and told him that this was my last night in Paris though I wish I could stay longer. My flight left for Kenya, Africa at 12:00 the next afternoon.
Pamplona, Spain 7/6/09-7/10/09
7/6/09
When I got off of the plane at 10:30p.m. I took a taxi to my hotel and went strait to bed. The hotel room 217 that I stayed in is the same one Ernest Hemingway stayed in himself. It had a beautiful balcony view of the plaza which looked over the fireworks show and the running of the bulls. It was moderately priced at 70 euros a night and had large jbull heads mounted over each of the beds.Tommorrow was going to be a very eventful day.
7/7/08
Today was the first day of the running of the bulls. The running of the bulls is a major event of the festival of San Fermin. The San Fermin festival is from July 6-14. This festival features many important spectales and events. The running of the bulls takes place every morning except for July 6. I awoke to cheers and sounds of festivities as I looked out of my window. I stepped out on the balcony and greeted the already exuberant world with my Hemingway mug filled with a rich brew. I got dressed and prepared myself to see the same view that Papa Hemingway himself saw nearly 100 years ago. I patiently waited until I finally heard the stampeed of human feet followed by the hooves of bulls. I did not blink once as they ran buy, taking pictures as they ran, of some of the poor souls getting trampled and gorded by the wild bulls. It was truly a sight to see. Hemingway used this inspiration to write his story The Sun Also Rises. In intricate detail he describes this feat as well as the rest of the San Fermin festival portraying the images to ignorant minds across the world and informing the English speaking people of the world about this now international festival. The most important running of the bulls is on July 7th and I was fortunate enough to see it. I had planned my entire trip around this event and I'm sure glad I did. I walked down the street to buy my lunch and dinner at a local market for 15 euros. The best tasting food I perchased was a bocadillo. It was an eight inch long sub sandwich with cold cut sausage and tomato slices. It tasted fantastic and was well worth the money. I toured the rest of the neighborhood then I hit the hay.
7/8/09
Today I roamed the streets speaking with other people about what they thought of the festival. I was told many times to go see the bullfight at six thirty. Many people advised me to arrive there early so I could get a good seat and be able to see the action. Admission to the bullfight was 10 euros. I saw the bullfight and was extremely enticed. As I watched I tried to look at it from a Hemingway point of view in reference to his book The Sun Also Rises. After the bull fight I purchased another bocadillo and some souvenir fireworks for 10 euros from a small corner store. I headed back to the hotel and partied all the way there.
7/9/09
Today was the famous Pamplona fireworks show that takes place during the day. It was unorthodox indeed, but just as spectacular. Unlike other fireworks shows which focus on the visual aspect this show focused on the audible aspect. Everyone stood around the plaza and patiently waited for the ear drum bursting show to begin. Once it did it was hard to fight the urge to put your hands over your ears. It is the loudest fireworks show in the world and fits perfectly into the San Fermin festival. After it was over I found my ears ringing with joy. I left my balcony and socialized with the crowd around the plaza. I ate dinner at a local bar and grill for 8 euros. I headed back to the hotel and packed my suitcase and prepared for my flight to Paris, France the next day at 6: 50 in the morning.
When I got off of the plane at 10:30p.m. I took a taxi to my hotel and went strait to bed. The hotel room 217 that I stayed in is the same one Ernest Hemingway stayed in himself. It had a beautiful balcony view of the plaza which looked over the fireworks show and the running of the bulls. It was moderately priced at 70 euros a night and had large jbull heads mounted over each of the beds.Tommorrow was going to be a very eventful day.
7/7/08
Today was the first day of the running of the bulls. The running of the bulls is a major event of the festival of San Fermin. The San Fermin festival is from July 6-14. This festival features many important spectales and events. The running of the bulls takes place every morning except for July 6. I awoke to cheers and sounds of festivities as I looked out of my window. I stepped out on the balcony and greeted the already exuberant world with my Hemingway mug filled with a rich brew. I got dressed and prepared myself to see the same view that Papa Hemingway himself saw nearly 100 years ago. I patiently waited until I finally heard the stampeed of human feet followed by the hooves of bulls. I did not blink once as they ran buy, taking pictures as they ran, of some of the poor souls getting trampled and gorded by the wild bulls. It was truly a sight to see. Hemingway used this inspiration to write his story The Sun Also Rises. In intricate detail he describes this feat as well as the rest of the San Fermin festival portraying the images to ignorant minds across the world and informing the English speaking people of the world about this now international festival. The most important running of the bulls is on July 7th and I was fortunate enough to see it. I had planned my entire trip around this event and I'm sure glad I did. I walked down the street to buy my lunch and dinner at a local market for 15 euros. The best tasting food I perchased was a bocadillo. It was an eight inch long sub sandwich with cold cut sausage and tomato slices. It tasted fantastic and was well worth the money. I toured the rest of the neighborhood then I hit the hay.
7/8/09
Today I roamed the streets speaking with other people about what they thought of the festival. I was told many times to go see the bullfight at six thirty. Many people advised me to arrive there early so I could get a good seat and be able to see the action. Admission to the bullfight was 10 euros. I saw the bullfight and was extremely enticed. As I watched I tried to look at it from a Hemingway point of view in reference to his book The Sun Also Rises. After the bull fight I purchased another bocadillo and some souvenir fireworks for 10 euros from a small corner store. I headed back to the hotel and partied all the way there.
7/9/09
Today was the famous Pamplona fireworks show that takes place during the day. It was unorthodox indeed, but just as spectacular. Unlike other fireworks shows which focus on the visual aspect this show focused on the audible aspect. Everyone stood around the plaza and patiently waited for the ear drum bursting show to begin. Once it did it was hard to fight the urge to put your hands over your ears. It is the loudest fireworks show in the world and fits perfectly into the San Fermin festival. After it was over I found my ears ringing with joy. I left my balcony and socialized with the crowd around the plaza. I ate dinner at a local bar and grill for 8 euros. I headed back to the hotel and packed my suitcase and prepared for my flight to Paris, France the next day at 6: 50 in the morning.
Valencia, Spain 7/3/09-7/6/09
7/3/09
I paid $3,933.10 for a package flight to all of my destinations up to Nairobi. I boarded my plane at the Chicago airport with my two suitcases filled with all of my tee shirts and shorts because I would be traveling in many places around the equator. Also in preparation for these climates I packed much SPF 50 sunscreen and a sun hat to protect me from the unrelenting sun. I also packed sandals and my favorite pair of walking shoes.My second suitcase was packed with preparation for the opposite extreme: the harsh cold of Mt. Kilimanjaro. I packed my winter parka along with my waterproof hiking boots. Aside from the essentials like toothbrush, toothpaste, underwear, etc., I packed a digital camera with three extra memory sticks so that I wouldn't run out of space to take pictures. I decided to pack light to help make my multiple flights and transportations easier. I brought my credit card and plenty of cash to buy any necessities or other things that I would need in the many particular places I was traveling. My fourteen hour flight was far less than exciting, but I did get a chance to view the Spanish countryside and get a feel for the country I would be entering. I got off of the plane at 1:00 P.M. I was feeling energized from the many hours of sleep that I got on the plane. I then took a taxi to the hotel I would be staying at in Valencia, Hotel Confortel Aqua 3. This hotel was located just 2 km outside of the center of Valencia in the arts and sciences district. Once I checked in, dropped off my luggge, and got settled in, I walked down the street to pick up some dinner at a local restuarant. Right away I could see why Hemingway enjoyed Spain so much. There was excitement on every corner. There were bands playing Spanish music and children running around playing with each other and their homemade toys. It couldn't help but make you smile. I paid five euros for a chicken quesadilla which was considerably better than my lunch on the airplane, and sat and watched the people. I came to realize why Hemingway wrote so much good literature about his experiences in Spain... it couldn't help but inspire you. After my meal I began to feel some symptoms of jet lag and decided to head back to the hotel for a good night's rest because I had an early day of fishing the next day.
7/4/09
I awoke at five o'clock in the morning to head to the docks 1.5 km away fom my hotel. The sunlight barely crept over the horizon and I now knew what Santiago felt like in the early morning in the story The Old Man and the Sea. Today, I was meeting an elderly fisherman who was taking me out to sea in his boat to fish for marlin. The only things I brought with me were a sack lunch filled with part of my leftover quesadilla and some fruit, 20 euros to pay the man for his services, and sunscreen. When I arrived at the docks at 5:30 he was waiting for me and we shoved off immediately. His boat was very nice and it had a cabin and a large deck. He got my pole ready for me and we made our first casts at 6:30. At about 10 o'clock we still had not had a bite. I was very sleepy from waking up so early and was fighting to keep my heavy eyelids from closing. Then, I was suddenly jerked foreward as if I had been pushed out of my chair. My fisherman guide jumped out of his chair and began yelling very excitedly in Spanish. Apparently I had a fish on my line. My guide instructed me on what to do and the fight began. This is what Hemingway found so compelling about fishing: the fight. The Old Man and the Sea had taken on a new meaning as the adrenaline rushed through my veins. I fought with the fish for three strait hours until I finally got the marlin in the boat. I was terribly exhausted and went in the cabin to take a nap and eat my sack lunch. By the time I awoke it was time to head back to shore. We arrived back at the dock at 6 o'clock and I thanked the man and let him keep the fish I caught because I had no use for it and my experiences and knowlege I gained that day were worth more than any fish. I strolled back to the hotel ordered some room service and slept very soundly that night.
7/5/09
I awoke the next morning a little sore in my shoulders but prepared for another Ernest Hemingway filled day. I relaxed for most of the day until the evening when I had reservations at the famous La Pepica. This restuarant was Ernest Hemingway's favorite and nothing has changed. In his notes from The Dangerous Summer he said, " Dinner at Pepica's was wonderful. It was a big, clean, open-air place and everything was cooked in plain sight. You could pick out what you wanted to have grilled or broiled and the seafood and the Valencian rice dishes were the best on the beach. You could hear the sea breaking on the beach and the lights shone on the wet sand.” As I shut the door on my taxi I turned and looked at the restuarant. I walked through the enterance which was also the kitchen and looked at all of the paellas hanging from the ceiling. The paella was invented in Valencia. A paella is a shallow steel pan that the Valencian cooks use to cook their dishes. There was no doubt that I was in the epicenter of Catalan cooking. I ordered my food and just sat and absorbed the atmosphere and everything around me. After I filled my stomach with my lobster paella I paid the 50 euro tab and took my pleasantly plump self back to the hotel. I slept very well with my full stomach.
7/6/09
I would start off my final day in Valencia by paying a one euro bus fare to travel to a mesón a bar in Valencia to meet with a local bullfighter, Vicente Barrera, whos grandfather was featured in Hemingway's book Death in the Afternoon. We discussed the complexities of bullfighting over bull testicles which are a regular cuisine at a mesón. He discussed how he kills over 200 bulls a year and how it is exciting every time. I told him about Ernest Hemingway and how he found bullfighting to be one of the most beautifully exciting spectacles of all time. He agreed and replied," How can anyone not be amazed by bullfighting?" After we finished our conversation I paid my 6 euros for the bull testicles and paid for a bus ride back to the hotel so I could gather my things and board my plane at 7:40p.m.
I paid $3,933.10 for a package flight to all of my destinations up to Nairobi. I boarded my plane at the Chicago airport with my two suitcases filled with all of my tee shirts and shorts because I would be traveling in many places around the equator. Also in preparation for these climates I packed much SPF 50 sunscreen and a sun hat to protect me from the unrelenting sun. I also packed sandals and my favorite pair of walking shoes.My second suitcase was packed with preparation for the opposite extreme: the harsh cold of Mt. Kilimanjaro. I packed my winter parka along with my waterproof hiking boots. Aside from the essentials like toothbrush, toothpaste, underwear, etc., I packed a digital camera with three extra memory sticks so that I wouldn't run out of space to take pictures. I decided to pack light to help make my multiple flights and transportations easier. I brought my credit card and plenty of cash to buy any necessities or other things that I would need in the many particular places I was traveling. My fourteen hour flight was far less than exciting, but I did get a chance to view the Spanish countryside and get a feel for the country I would be entering. I got off of the plane at 1:00 P.M. I was feeling energized from the many hours of sleep that I got on the plane. I then took a taxi to the hotel I would be staying at in Valencia, Hotel Confortel Aqua 3. This hotel was located just 2 km outside of the center of Valencia in the arts and sciences district. Once I checked in, dropped off my luggge, and got settled in, I walked down the street to pick up some dinner at a local restuarant. Right away I could see why Hemingway enjoyed Spain so much. There was excitement on every corner. There were bands playing Spanish music and children running around playing with each other and their homemade toys. It couldn't help but make you smile. I paid five euros for a chicken quesadilla which was considerably better than my lunch on the airplane, and sat and watched the people. I came to realize why Hemingway wrote so much good literature about his experiences in Spain... it couldn't help but inspire you. After my meal I began to feel some symptoms of jet lag and decided to head back to the hotel for a good night's rest because I had an early day of fishing the next day.
7/4/09
I awoke at five o'clock in the morning to head to the docks 1.5 km away fom my hotel. The sunlight barely crept over the horizon and I now knew what Santiago felt like in the early morning in the story The Old Man and the Sea. Today, I was meeting an elderly fisherman who was taking me out to sea in his boat to fish for marlin. The only things I brought with me were a sack lunch filled with part of my leftover quesadilla and some fruit, 20 euros to pay the man for his services, and sunscreen. When I arrived at the docks at 5:30 he was waiting for me and we shoved off immediately. His boat was very nice and it had a cabin and a large deck. He got my pole ready for me and we made our first casts at 6:30. At about 10 o'clock we still had not had a bite. I was very sleepy from waking up so early and was fighting to keep my heavy eyelids from closing. Then, I was suddenly jerked foreward as if I had been pushed out of my chair. My fisherman guide jumped out of his chair and began yelling very excitedly in Spanish. Apparently I had a fish on my line. My guide instructed me on what to do and the fight began. This is what Hemingway found so compelling about fishing: the fight. The Old Man and the Sea had taken on a new meaning as the adrenaline rushed through my veins. I fought with the fish for three strait hours until I finally got the marlin in the boat. I was terribly exhausted and went in the cabin to take a nap and eat my sack lunch. By the time I awoke it was time to head back to shore. We arrived back at the dock at 6 o'clock and I thanked the man and let him keep the fish I caught because I had no use for it and my experiences and knowlege I gained that day were worth more than any fish. I strolled back to the hotel ordered some room service and slept very soundly that night.
7/5/09
I awoke the next morning a little sore in my shoulders but prepared for another Ernest Hemingway filled day. I relaxed for most of the day until the evening when I had reservations at the famous La Pepica. This restuarant was Ernest Hemingway's favorite and nothing has changed. In his notes from The Dangerous Summer he said, " Dinner at Pepica's was wonderful. It was a big, clean, open-air place and everything was cooked in plain sight. You could pick out what you wanted to have grilled or broiled and the seafood and the Valencian rice dishes were the best on the beach. You could hear the sea breaking on the beach and the lights shone on the wet sand.” As I shut the door on my taxi I turned and looked at the restuarant. I walked through the enterance which was also the kitchen and looked at all of the paellas hanging from the ceiling. The paella was invented in Valencia. A paella is a shallow steel pan that the Valencian cooks use to cook their dishes. There was no doubt that I was in the epicenter of Catalan cooking. I ordered my food and just sat and absorbed the atmosphere and everything around me. After I filled my stomach with my lobster paella I paid the 50 euro tab and took my pleasantly plump self back to the hotel. I slept very well with my full stomach.
7/6/09
I would start off my final day in Valencia by paying a one euro bus fare to travel to a mesón a bar in Valencia to meet with a local bullfighter, Vicente Barrera, whos grandfather was featured in Hemingway's book Death in the Afternoon. We discussed the complexities of bullfighting over bull testicles which are a regular cuisine at a mesón. He discussed how he kills over 200 bulls a year and how it is exciting every time. I told him about Ernest Hemingway and how he found bullfighting to be one of the most beautifully exciting spectacles of all time. He agreed and replied," How can anyone not be amazed by bullfighting?" After we finished our conversation I paid my 6 euros for the bull testicles and paid for a bus ride back to the hotel so I could gather my things and board my plane at 7:40p.m.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Oak Park, Illinios 6/29/09-7/2/009
6/29/09
I began my trip in Enest Hemingway's hometownof Oak Park, Illinios. Hemingway was born on July 21, 1899 in Oak Park. Since I myself live in Oak Park I did not need to wory about transportation or sleeping arangements because I slept in my house and drove my personal car. My first visit in Oak Park was to the Hemingway Museum. Admission to this museum costed seven dollars and there was a gift shop as well. In the museum I encountered all sorts of things to help me piece together Hemingway's childhood. Some of the most interesting things that I found in the museum were Hemingway's early writings such as his diary and letters. In his diary he describes his family and his antics as a child. What I found to be most interesting at this museum were the photographs. They portrayed the masculine, Hemingway that we know today dressed in little girls' clothes. I enjoyed this museum so much that I stopped at the gift shop on my way out to buy a coffee mug for ten dollars adorned with Papa Hemingway''s face and signature. It was a great start for my trip and I was looking foreward to the rest of my day. My stomach was feeling empty and my throat was feeling parched so I strolled to the Hemingway Bistro which was conveniently just down the street from the museum. As I walked in I felt immediately flooded with culture and history. This parisian style restuarant featured amazing French food and atmosphere that would explain every detail of Ernest Hemingway to any person without saying a word. I was seated at a table with a magnificent view. I ordered my twenty-five dollar meal and sat to reflect on what I had seen that day. As I turned to view the sun set on Oak Park I smelled my fillet of Halibut topped with Dijonnaise mustard sauce enter the room and for that moment I couldn't help but feel that Ernnest Hemingway himself was seated across the table. I snapped out of my fantasy when the waitress placed my meal on the table. After my meal I drove home and got a good night's rest to prepare for the next day.
6/30/09
I awoke at 9:00A.M. and headed to Ernest Hemingway's highschool to continue my excursions in Hemingway's childhood. At this location I found Hemingway's original desk that he worked at as a highschool student and some of his school work. I toured the school and spoke with the current principal there. Next door I visited the library where Mr. Hemingway rented books and studied. I then ate the school lunch for three dollars and spoke with a few current students at the school and asked them what they thought of Ernest Hemingway. Some replied with, "Who?" Others were responsive and commented on his lifestyle and stories. It was good to know that students still today are being educated on Ernest Hemingway and the stories he wrote.
7/1/09
The next day I traveled to The Hemingway Foundation in Oak Park. I paid my eight dollar admission and toured Ernest Hemingway's birthplace. It also had valuable photo galleries and a multitude of information about Ernest Hemingway. They were so nice that they even convinced me to donate fifteen dollars to the Hemingway foundation which helps them renovate his birthplace and carry out their tours. Here at this location there were true Hemingway fanatics who volunteered their time to help educate people on his life and his writings. After this visit to the Hemingway foundation I headed home to pack for my trip to Valencia, Spain which left the next day.
I began my trip in Enest Hemingway's hometownof Oak Park, Illinios. Hemingway was born on July 21, 1899 in Oak Park. Since I myself live in Oak Park I did not need to wory about transportation or sleeping arangements because I slept in my house and drove my personal car. My first visit in Oak Park was to the Hemingway Museum. Admission to this museum costed seven dollars and there was a gift shop as well. In the museum I encountered all sorts of things to help me piece together Hemingway's childhood. Some of the most interesting things that I found in the museum were Hemingway's early writings such as his diary and letters. In his diary he describes his family and his antics as a child. What I found to be most interesting at this museum were the photographs. They portrayed the masculine, Hemingway that we know today dressed in little girls' clothes. I enjoyed this museum so much that I stopped at the gift shop on my way out to buy a coffee mug for ten dollars adorned with Papa Hemingway''s face and signature. It was a great start for my trip and I was looking foreward to the rest of my day. My stomach was feeling empty and my throat was feeling parched so I strolled to the Hemingway Bistro which was conveniently just down the street from the museum. As I walked in I felt immediately flooded with culture and history. This parisian style restuarant featured amazing French food and atmosphere that would explain every detail of Ernest Hemingway to any person without saying a word. I was seated at a table with a magnificent view. I ordered my twenty-five dollar meal and sat to reflect on what I had seen that day. As I turned to view the sun set on Oak Park I smelled my fillet of Halibut topped with Dijonnaise mustard sauce enter the room and for that moment I couldn't help but feel that Ernnest Hemingway himself was seated across the table. I snapped out of my fantasy when the waitress placed my meal on the table. After my meal I drove home and got a good night's rest to prepare for the next day.
6/30/09
I awoke at 9:00A.M. and headed to Ernest Hemingway's highschool to continue my excursions in Hemingway's childhood. At this location I found Hemingway's original desk that he worked at as a highschool student and some of his school work. I toured the school and spoke with the current principal there. Next door I visited the library where Mr. Hemingway rented books and studied. I then ate the school lunch for three dollars and spoke with a few current students at the school and asked them what they thought of Ernest Hemingway. Some replied with, "Who?" Others were responsive and commented on his lifestyle and stories. It was good to know that students still today are being educated on Ernest Hemingway and the stories he wrote.
7/1/09
The next day I traveled to The Hemingway Foundation in Oak Park. I paid my eight dollar admission and toured Ernest Hemingway's birthplace. It also had valuable photo galleries and a multitude of information about Ernest Hemingway. They were so nice that they even convinced me to donate fifteen dollars to the Hemingway foundation which helps them renovate his birthplace and carry out their tours. Here at this location there were true Hemingway fanatics who volunteered their time to help educate people on his life and his writings. After this visit to the Hemingway foundation I headed home to pack for my trip to Valencia, Spain which left the next day.
Hemingway Trip Pre-Face
Hello, I'm Nick Miller and I am going to be following in Ernest Hemingway's footsteps. I will be traveling across the world to all of the exotic places that Papa Hemingway ventured to throughout his life as a writer. He enjoyed adventure and excitement as well as silence and solitude to write his intriguing novels and short stories. Hemingway was a man of extremes and the places he traveled were a reflection of this. I will be traveling to various places around the world that Hemingway lived, visited or wrote about. This includes his favorite restuarants, hotels, and landmarks that inspired this literary giant to write the compelling stories that he did. I posted the itinerary for my trip below. So please, follow me along in my endeavors as I try to follow in Ernest Hemingway's footsteps.
Hemingway Trip Itinerary:
1. Oak Park, Illinois
2. Valencia, Spain
3. Pamplona Spain
4. Paris, France
5. Kenya, Africa
6. Uganda, Africa
7. Venice, Italy
8. Havana, Cuba
9. Ketchum, Idaho
Hemingway Trip Itinerary:
1. Oak Park, Illinois
2. Valencia, Spain
3. Pamplona Spain
4. Paris, France
5. Kenya, Africa
6. Uganda, Africa
7. Venice, Italy
8. Havana, Cuba
9. Ketchum, Idaho
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