This past Thursday, Allie, Kathryn, Erin and I made the trek to Barcelona, Spain.
My journey started off slightly rough, as I got pinkeye in both eyes the day before we left. How convenient. But the pinkeye was nothing. Heathrow Security on the other hand... I have got some beef with them.
We were THANKFULLY flying British Airways, so we were four excited American girls getting ready to fly out of Heathrow. We waited in the loooonnnngggg line of security, and when it was finally our turn a security man pointed out that I had a titch of water left in my waterbottle. (Now, I fully realize that this was stupid of me to have water in the first place, but I am usually so prepared!)
He told me, "I am going to have to make you drink this when you are on the other side of security." I said, "Oh, okay. Thank you!"
He even put my gorgeous Camelback Iowa State waterbottle in its own tray. Not ONE minute later, I passed through security, was gathering my things and the same guy told me, "You are going to have to go back downstairs to throw this water away."
Excuse me? You mean all the way back down stairs, then back upstairs to wait in a freakishly long line to go through security again (even though I had just done it)?
Yes.
I tried to ask if he could just dump the water out. No. Then I asked if he could just throw the waterbottle away because I would not have enough time to do all that.
And then he chucked it across the security area into a rubbish bin. He was such a jerk about it. VERY RUDE.
And then I started crying.
And in an attempt to have the last word, I said - in a really mean voice with all the security workers watching me - "That was my FAVORITE waterbottle!"
I know. I really showed him. Don't mess with a girl and her hydration.
And yes, then I cried some more.
No worries, I recovered before even boarding the plane.
We landed in Barcelona and it took us about three hours just to get to the apartment where we were staying. We were exhausted when we finally got to our slightly dodgy neighborhood for the next three nights. We finally found the door, but since it was an apartment building, there was no front desk. Just a door. And no one there. Unfortunately, our cell phones weren't working either.
The girls started walking away to try to find a pay phone, but I just started hitting random buttons. I buzzed apartment 1a, and a nice, older lady came out on her patio, speaking in Spanish. We don't know what she said, but she let us in!
So now what? We are just in this random building, standing on the tiny staircase leading up to locked apartments.
Apartment 1a Lady had pink and red hair with a smelly, barking dog by her feet. We tried our best to use what Espanol vocabulary we remembered. (I took four years of Spanish in high school, and I have to be honest... Senora Yoder would not be proud of me.)
The nice Spanish women couldn't understand a word we were trying to say, so she called up the staircase for Juan to come help. Meanie Juan never came down.
Instead our favorite Spanish lady phoned the right person, and in a few minutes time we were in our apartment. Thank goodness we didn't have to sleep on the street!
The next day was beautiful out, so we walked around for a little bit before heading to the beach. We laid there all day - with our clothes on because it wasn't terribly warm, but it was still wonderful! After the beach, we went and had some sangria - so tasty! At night we cooked our own dinner back at our place and relaxed, taking in the Spanish environment around us.
On Saturday it rained all day. (I thought we left London??) We still walked around and saw all of Gaudi's architectural masterpieces. La Sagrada Familia was awesome, and I never would have thought, as a senior in high school learning about this place, that I would see it in person someday.
We walked down one of the main streets - La Rambla - and found an amazing market. I have never seen such perfect fruits and veggies. And no worries - there was ice cream there as well!
We also walked around the harbor area quite a bit since our apartment was just two blocks away from the beach.
At night we went out to eat at the Hard Rock Cafe. I know, I know. Very American. But it definitely still had Spanish flair!
After dinner? You guessed it! More walking around. Only with a stronger downpour and a fierce wind. (My shoes are still drying out...)
We thought we deserved more ice cream for enduring such harsh conditions.
After ice cream, back to the apartment to pack.
Sunday morning we took a taxi back to the Airport, and we journeyed back to London!
Our initial reaction once we were back in London: "Ohhhh, Brrrr! It's chilly!"
It was a great weekend in Spain with many laughs, and I have had to fight the urge to say "Hola!" and "Gracias!" since being back in England...
Monday, March 30, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
"So you're staying until May 8, right?"
19 Thursday
I had class during the morning, so Mark slept in for a little bit and then went on a run through Hyde Park. He also made a stop at Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of the Guards. I haven't seen this yet, but from his reaction... I would give it an "Overrated".
We met up after my class and went to my favorite place near High Street Kensington. It has a mom and pop shop feel to it. It is a tea room but also serves lunch. Thank you, Dad, for finding out about this place in an airplane catalog! We had tea and scones and loved every minute of it.
After that we headed to King's Cross Station to find Harry Potter's Platform 9 & 3/4s. (Yes, we did have to ask where it was... how embarrassing... I made Mark do that.)
We took three pictures, and we were on our way again.
Next stop: The London Eye. I was waiting to do this until Mark got here. The sun was setting, so it was difficult to take pictures, but the view was great! Our complete flight lasted about 25 minutes and afterward we walked around the Westminster Embankment area.
We had leftovers for dinner and at night: Karaoke! We sang 'Brown Eyed Girl' even though I have green/blue eyes... Our mics were turned off for half of the song, and to put it simply... we were not good. But I think that we were still cute and fun. Who cares about hitting the right notes? It's karaoke.
20 Friday
On this day we took the Tube out to Greenwich and walked around the park there. It was beautiful - especially compared to the last time I visited there in the snow/slush. We went to the Royal Observatory. I knew Mark would appreciate all the science stuff...
We ate at my favorite Mexican restaurant in Greenwich before walking through a small market and heading back into central London.
Friday night was our night on the town. We went out dancing but thankfully didn't stay out too late. I had gone to the same place dancing before Mark visited, but it was much more fun with him there. Seriously.
21 Saturday
Saturday was our day at Wimbledon. We spent over four and half hours there! I didn't know that much about tennis, but I appreciate it - and the Wimbledon tournament - so much more now. We went on a tour that took us to see Court 1, the player's area, the BBC studio and the press room. We went through the museum, which I thought was very impressive. And, oh yah, we stopped for tea and scones at the cafe there. Definitely a great Saturday.
At night we went to a small restaurant near Piccadilly Circus to eat. A three course meal for 8 pounds - yes please! It was fun sitting and talking on our last night over yet another British meal.
We walked back through St. James's Park and made plans for Mark's voyage back to the Homeland the next morning.
22 Sunday
Mark's flight left early, so I took a bus and then the Tube with him to the airport. We had such a fun week, and it was so nice to talk to my boyfriend face-to-face instead of trying to Skype or e-mail him. I felt like I could know all the tiny details from his life again instead of the, "Oh, what did you do today?" summary.
I was sad when he left but more thankful than anything. Although... he did really make me miss home and my family and friends... I really like them. And I really like America.
It took me a couple of days to adjust after Mark left just becacuse I was thinking so much of home. No worries, I am once again distracted by London and travel.
As I write this now, I only have six more weeks of separation from the ones I love spending my time with, and I can't believe how fast the time has gone.
Even though I asked Mark all week, "So you're staying until May 8, right?". I know I will be back in good ole' Iowa with my loved ones before I know it!
I had class during the morning, so Mark slept in for a little bit and then went on a run through Hyde Park. He also made a stop at Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of the Guards. I haven't seen this yet, but from his reaction... I would give it an "Overrated".
We met up after my class and went to my favorite place near High Street Kensington. It has a mom and pop shop feel to it. It is a tea room but also serves lunch. Thank you, Dad, for finding out about this place in an airplane catalog! We had tea and scones and loved every minute of it.
After that we headed to King's Cross Station to find Harry Potter's Platform 9 & 3/4s. (Yes, we did have to ask where it was... how embarrassing... I made Mark do that.)
We took three pictures, and we were on our way again.
Next stop: The London Eye. I was waiting to do this until Mark got here. The sun was setting, so it was difficult to take pictures, but the view was great! Our complete flight lasted about 25 minutes and afterward we walked around the Westminster Embankment area.
We had leftovers for dinner and at night: Karaoke! We sang 'Brown Eyed Girl' even though I have green/blue eyes... Our mics were turned off for half of the song, and to put it simply... we were not good. But I think that we were still cute and fun. Who cares about hitting the right notes? It's karaoke.
20 Friday
On this day we took the Tube out to Greenwich and walked around the park there. It was beautiful - especially compared to the last time I visited there in the snow/slush. We went to the Royal Observatory. I knew Mark would appreciate all the science stuff...
We ate at my favorite Mexican restaurant in Greenwich before walking through a small market and heading back into central London.
Friday night was our night on the town. We went out dancing but thankfully didn't stay out too late. I had gone to the same place dancing before Mark visited, but it was much more fun with him there. Seriously.
21 Saturday
Saturday was our day at Wimbledon. We spent over four and half hours there! I didn't know that much about tennis, but I appreciate it - and the Wimbledon tournament - so much more now. We went on a tour that took us to see Court 1, the player's area, the BBC studio and the press room. We went through the museum, which I thought was very impressive. And, oh yah, we stopped for tea and scones at the cafe there. Definitely a great Saturday.
At night we went to a small restaurant near Piccadilly Circus to eat. A three course meal for 8 pounds - yes please! It was fun sitting and talking on our last night over yet another British meal.
We walked back through St. James's Park and made plans for Mark's voyage back to the Homeland the next morning.
22 Sunday
Mark's flight left early, so I took a bus and then the Tube with him to the airport. We had such a fun week, and it was so nice to talk to my boyfriend face-to-face instead of trying to Skype or e-mail him. I felt like I could know all the tiny details from his life again instead of the, "Oh, what did you do today?" summary.
I was sad when he left but more thankful than anything. Although... he did really make me miss home and my family and friends... I really like them. And I really like America.
It took me a couple of days to adjust after Mark left just becacuse I was thinking so much of home. No worries, I am once again distracted by London and travel.
As I write this now, I only have six more weeks of separation from the ones I love spending my time with, and I can't believe how fast the time has gone.
Even though I asked Mark all week, "So you're staying until May 8, right?". I know I will be back in good ole' Iowa with my loved ones before I know it!
Mark Visit Continued.
I left you off at the 17th of March... St. Patrick's Day!
In the morning we were treated to a delicious homemade breakfast from the Loras College students. After that, we took the train to the city centre of Dublin... found our way and parked at a good spot for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. This parade was not your typical..."oh that's a nice float..." type of parade. It was more like a bunch of street entertainers/dancers dressed up in wacky garbage/recycled colorful outfits. It was definitely interesting and enjoyable.
After the parade, we went to the park - St. Stephen's Green - with the rest of the world visiting Dublin. I am not great at being a city girl, despite living in London, so sometimes large crowds are just annoying to me. Thankfully Mark felt the same way. In order to dodge all the crazy green-colored tourists, we headed south of Dublin to a small town called Bray.
The train ride to Bray was beautiful, as most of it gave a great view of the Irish Sea. We got off at Bray and took in the sea, the carnival and the hills/mountains in the distance. Michael had told us to go to Bray to climb Bray Head, which has a large cross on the very top of it.
We made the hike - almost all the way to the top, and then I stopped. I realized on top of the Eiffel Tower last month that I do not really like heights. Mark went on up without me, so I sat there for a couple minutes thinking, "When I am ever going to be in Bray, Ireland again? Those big rocks can't be that bad..." So then I went and met Mark at the top. I think he was quite surprised that I got over my wussy-ness. (I'm so glad I did... the view of the mountains and the sea was truly amazing.)
After that we were ready for a good meal, so we went to a local pub. I had the fish and chips and Mark had bangers and mash. We took that setting in for a while... the Irish are such kind people. So friendly and fun. It was definitely a dinner out I will always remember.
After our Bray excitement, it was time to call it a St. Patrick's Day... and a great one it was - especially when you spend it with your Irish American Boy.
18 Wednesday
The next day our flight left Dublin very early, so once we arrived back in London we were exhausted. We layed low around the Vandon area - got some groceries, ate a pasty (a pastry with your choice of hot deliciousness inside) and rested for the day before attending The Lion King at night.
Mark had already seen The Lion King before in New York, but I think the British accents added so much more to the performance in London. ;)
After some great Lion King songs, (do they ever get old??) ice cream capped off another great day and night across the pond.
19 Thursday....
We are getting closer!
In the morning we were treated to a delicious homemade breakfast from the Loras College students. After that, we took the train to the city centre of Dublin... found our way and parked at a good spot for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. This parade was not your typical..."oh that's a nice float..." type of parade. It was more like a bunch of street entertainers/dancers dressed up in wacky garbage/recycled colorful outfits. It was definitely interesting and enjoyable.
After the parade, we went to the park - St. Stephen's Green - with the rest of the world visiting Dublin. I am not great at being a city girl, despite living in London, so sometimes large crowds are just annoying to me. Thankfully Mark felt the same way. In order to dodge all the crazy green-colored tourists, we headed south of Dublin to a small town called Bray.
The train ride to Bray was beautiful, as most of it gave a great view of the Irish Sea. We got off at Bray and took in the sea, the carnival and the hills/mountains in the distance. Michael had told us to go to Bray to climb Bray Head, which has a large cross on the very top of it.
We made the hike - almost all the way to the top, and then I stopped. I realized on top of the Eiffel Tower last month that I do not really like heights. Mark went on up without me, so I sat there for a couple minutes thinking, "When I am ever going to be in Bray, Ireland again? Those big rocks can't be that bad..." So then I went and met Mark at the top. I think he was quite surprised that I got over my wussy-ness. (I'm so glad I did... the view of the mountains and the sea was truly amazing.)
After that we were ready for a good meal, so we went to a local pub. I had the fish and chips and Mark had bangers and mash. We took that setting in for a while... the Irish are such kind people. So friendly and fun. It was definitely a dinner out I will always remember.
After our Bray excitement, it was time to call it a St. Patrick's Day... and a great one it was - especially when you spend it with your Irish American Boy.
18 Wednesday
The next day our flight left Dublin very early, so once we arrived back in London we were exhausted. We layed low around the Vandon area - got some groceries, ate a pasty (a pastry with your choice of hot deliciousness inside) and rested for the day before attending The Lion King at night.
Mark had already seen The Lion King before in New York, but I think the British accents added so much more to the performance in London. ;)
After some great Lion King songs, (do they ever get old??) ice cream capped off another great day and night across the pond.
19 Thursday....
We are getting closer!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
I'm still alive!
My family has firmly reminded me that I have been slacking on my blog. Ooopsies!
On Saturday, the 14th, the boyfriend... aka Mark... traveled across the pond to spend some time in London-town. I had so much fun being an expert on my city, even if I was pretending at some points. I did brag quite a bit when it came to my navigation skills as well. It was so fun having him here, and he reminded me of America. (I had forgotten that in the U.S. we look left and then right when crossing the street instead of the other way around.)
Here's a rough overview and a few highlights from the week:
Saturday 14th: Mark had jet lag, but I still took him out for a nice lloooooong walk around 'my hood'. We went through the Winston Churchill Museum and War Cabinet Rooms, and it was great to see where the British War Cabinet actually met during WWII to make some tough decisions. At night we went to a pub just down the street for some British cuisine. I had cottage pie (or something like that) and Mark had lamb casserole. Mine tasted better.
Sunday 15: We walked around Covent Garden and watched some street performers before stopping at St. Paul's, the Millennium Bridge and Tate Modern. Then off to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge where we ate delicious ice cream (easy on the ice with plenty of the cream part... just how I like it!) while taking in the sights. We went to church in the late afternoon, and ate at another pub close by Vandon for some more British food. This time it was pork (Mark always eats pork) and chicken (I always eat chicken). It was cheap. And delicious.
Monday 16: I had class, so Mark went to the British Museum with Allie's boyfriend who was also visiting. We basically gave them a map and said, "Good luck!" I think it took them a while, but they eventually found it. It seemed like they liked the museum, and I am sure they liked the pub they went to after their history lessons.
During the afternoon Mark and I toured the Tower of London. There is a lot of history in this place, and it has been used for many different purposes over the years. Highlight: the crown jewels. RIDICULOUS!
After the Tower of London, we attempted to eat at a Spanish tapas restaurant but had no idea what we were doing... so we hit up the McDonald's across the street.
Monday night: Off to Ireland! We took a plane from London to Dublin, Ireland. St. Patrick's Day was the following day, and since Mark is Irish... and the tickets were really cheap, I thought this would be a fun adventure together! We had to wait a while in the Dublin airport to catch a bus, but we finally met up with Michael McCarty - my former lifeguard amigo who graciously let us stay at his apartment. We spent Monday night finalizing our plans for the following day...
It was so fun traveling with Mark because traveling is anything but glamorous. You never know how things are going to work out... what buses/trains will get you where and at what time... how much it will cost... yada yada... no matter how much you plan. Thank goodness Mark is laid back.
Tuesday: 17...........
To be continued... (I want to keep you all guessing so you don't have to read one really long obnoxious blog. I am tricky like that.)
On Saturday, the 14th, the boyfriend... aka Mark... traveled across the pond to spend some time in London-town. I had so much fun being an expert on my city, even if I was pretending at some points. I did brag quite a bit when it came to my navigation skills as well. It was so fun having him here, and he reminded me of America. (I had forgotten that in the U.S. we look left and then right when crossing the street instead of the other way around.)
Here's a rough overview and a few highlights from the week:
Saturday 14th: Mark had jet lag, but I still took him out for a nice lloooooong walk around 'my hood'. We went through the Winston Churchill Museum and War Cabinet Rooms, and it was great to see where the British War Cabinet actually met during WWII to make some tough decisions. At night we went to a pub just down the street for some British cuisine. I had cottage pie (or something like that) and Mark had lamb casserole. Mine tasted better.
Sunday 15: We walked around Covent Garden and watched some street performers before stopping at St. Paul's, the Millennium Bridge and Tate Modern. Then off to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge where we ate delicious ice cream (easy on the ice with plenty of the cream part... just how I like it!) while taking in the sights. We went to church in the late afternoon, and ate at another pub close by Vandon for some more British food. This time it was pork (Mark always eats pork) and chicken (I always eat chicken). It was cheap. And delicious.
Monday 16: I had class, so Mark went to the British Museum with Allie's boyfriend who was also visiting. We basically gave them a map and said, "Good luck!" I think it took them a while, but they eventually found it. It seemed like they liked the museum, and I am sure they liked the pub they went to after their history lessons.
During the afternoon Mark and I toured the Tower of London. There is a lot of history in this place, and it has been used for many different purposes over the years. Highlight: the crown jewels. RIDICULOUS!
After the Tower of London, we attempted to eat at a Spanish tapas restaurant but had no idea what we were doing... so we hit up the McDonald's across the street.
Monday night: Off to Ireland! We took a plane from London to Dublin, Ireland. St. Patrick's Day was the following day, and since Mark is Irish... and the tickets were really cheap, I thought this would be a fun adventure together! We had to wait a while in the Dublin airport to catch a bus, but we finally met up with Michael McCarty - my former lifeguard amigo who graciously let us stay at his apartment. We spent Monday night finalizing our plans for the following day...
It was so fun traveling with Mark because traveling is anything but glamorous. You never know how things are going to work out... what buses/trains will get you where and at what time... how much it will cost... yada yada... no matter how much you plan. Thank goodness Mark is laid back.
Tuesday: 17...........
To be continued... (I want to keep you all guessing so you don't have to read one really long obnoxious blog. I am tricky like that.)
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Paris: This is a really long blog entry
Last Friday Allie and I went chunnel surfing to Paris. Our train left London at 5:30, so just getting ourselves to the international train station was an adventure at four in the morning.
We slept the entire way on the train - about 2 and a half hours. It was so nice traveling under the English Channel via train instead of flying. So convenient!
We arrived in Paris, and it took us about an hour just to figure out how to leave the train station, get on the Metro (their subway) and get to our first stop, the Musee de Louvre.
After traveling through the metro (and wanting to cry because it smelled like someone was holding a dirty diaper in front of my face saying, "Smell me! Smell me!") we made it to the Louvre and stopped for a quick coffee at Starbucks. This was our first mistake, as the coffee tasted terrible. No amount of splenda could have saved it.
Finally we were in the Louvre, the oldest and biggest museum in the world. Our first room was FULL of naked statues, and we turned into 10 year-old, giggling girls. When I could get a break from my uncontrollable laughter I said, "Allie! I can't take this anymore! We need to get out of here!" How grown-up of us. (We then saw a class of elementary students sitting around a bunch of naked statues... and they were not giggling.)
We saw our girl, Mona... Mona Lisa, that is. She was in a glass case but still looked great.
Our next stop: Notre Dame. This church was amazing! The details on the outside were unbelievable, and the inside was just as impressive. I have seen a couple of cathedrals or two since being here, but this one steals the show.
After Notre Dame, we stopped at a cute little restaurant for an omelet and a crepe. I don't know why I have waited so long to eat a crepe. I would describe them as delicious thin pancakes. I had chocolate in mine. (Are you surprised?)
We then walked from Notre Dame all the way to the Arc de Triomphe. The walk there was great! I love the architecture in Paris. It is all very similar in style, and the view along the river is so... French... so Paris. (What great description, huh?)
The Arc was amazing, I thought. You see it in pictures, and think, "Oh, that's cute to have a neat statue/arc looking thing in the middle of a busy street..." but it is so grand in person. The setting is what makes it: staring up at the large arc that was commissioned by Napolean while modern day cars are whizzing by you!
Our last stop: The Eiffel Tower
I thought I would be disappointed when I saw it in person, but I was amazed.
There is something so special about seeing pictures of a place throughout your entire life, and then actually experiencing it. It leaves you feeling speechless and giddy all at the same time. I had this feeling the entire time in Paris - Mona Lisa, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower... everything! I snapped so many pictures in such a short amount of time...
We waited in line at the tower, and took the elevator to the top - 900 feet! It was COLD up there. The wind was very strong, but the view was amazing! I will always remember being on top of the Eiffel Tower, shaking from the cold, trying to control my flying scarf in the wind and taking as many pictures as my freezing fingers would allow.
After our tower experience, we thought we deserved a treat: hot chocolate and another crepe (which was even better than the first!).
Once we were full of chocolate, we thought we could function again. We headed back to the Tower, and it was lit up beautifully in the night sky. We snapped MORE photos, and then decided we should figure out how to get back to the train station.
It's amazing what you learn while you are studying abroad. I am fairly certain I will never run (literally run) around Paris - the Eiffel Tower as my backdrop - asking people where to find the nearest Metro station. (French is so hard to understand... and even harder when you are trying to read it on a metro map...)
Finally, after much panic (seriously), we got the right directions to the station.
We even had first class tickets on the way back (they were cheaper than the standard for some reason). We were so excited when we got a full can of pop! And then bread... and then a full meal! What a way to top off our day out in Paris.
This outing was another great reminder of how blessed I really am. Shame on me for the days I take this experience for granted!
After I got back from Paris, I was skyping with my parents, and they asked what I did that day.
"Today? Today I went to Paris."
I can guarantee I will never get to say that again.
We slept the entire way on the train - about 2 and a half hours. It was so nice traveling under the English Channel via train instead of flying. So convenient!
We arrived in Paris, and it took us about an hour just to figure out how to leave the train station, get on the Metro (their subway) and get to our first stop, the Musee de Louvre.
After traveling through the metro (and wanting to cry because it smelled like someone was holding a dirty diaper in front of my face saying, "Smell me! Smell me!") we made it to the Louvre and stopped for a quick coffee at Starbucks. This was our first mistake, as the coffee tasted terrible. No amount of splenda could have saved it.
Finally we were in the Louvre, the oldest and biggest museum in the world. Our first room was FULL of naked statues, and we turned into 10 year-old, giggling girls. When I could get a break from my uncontrollable laughter I said, "Allie! I can't take this anymore! We need to get out of here!" How grown-up of us. (We then saw a class of elementary students sitting around a bunch of naked statues... and they were not giggling.)
We saw our girl, Mona... Mona Lisa, that is. She was in a glass case but still looked great.
Our next stop: Notre Dame. This church was amazing! The details on the outside were unbelievable, and the inside was just as impressive. I have seen a couple of cathedrals or two since being here, but this one steals the show.
After Notre Dame, we stopped at a cute little restaurant for an omelet and a crepe. I don't know why I have waited so long to eat a crepe. I would describe them as delicious thin pancakes. I had chocolate in mine. (Are you surprised?)
We then walked from Notre Dame all the way to the Arc de Triomphe. The walk there was great! I love the architecture in Paris. It is all very similar in style, and the view along the river is so... French... so Paris. (What great description, huh?)
The Arc was amazing, I thought. You see it in pictures, and think, "Oh, that's cute to have a neat statue/arc looking thing in the middle of a busy street..." but it is so grand in person. The setting is what makes it: staring up at the large arc that was commissioned by Napolean while modern day cars are whizzing by you!
Our last stop: The Eiffel Tower
I thought I would be disappointed when I saw it in person, but I was amazed.
There is something so special about seeing pictures of a place throughout your entire life, and then actually experiencing it. It leaves you feeling speechless and giddy all at the same time. I had this feeling the entire time in Paris - Mona Lisa, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower... everything! I snapped so many pictures in such a short amount of time...
We waited in line at the tower, and took the elevator to the top - 900 feet! It was COLD up there. The wind was very strong, but the view was amazing! I will always remember being on top of the Eiffel Tower, shaking from the cold, trying to control my flying scarf in the wind and taking as many pictures as my freezing fingers would allow.
After our tower experience, we thought we deserved a treat: hot chocolate and another crepe (which was even better than the first!).
Once we were full of chocolate, we thought we could function again. We headed back to the Tower, and it was lit up beautifully in the night sky. We snapped MORE photos, and then decided we should figure out how to get back to the train station.
It's amazing what you learn while you are studying abroad. I am fairly certain I will never run (literally run) around Paris - the Eiffel Tower as my backdrop - asking people where to find the nearest Metro station. (French is so hard to understand... and even harder when you are trying to read it on a metro map...)
Finally, after much panic (seriously), we got the right directions to the station.
We even had first class tickets on the way back (they were cheaper than the standard for some reason). We were so excited when we got a full can of pop! And then bread... and then a full meal! What a way to top off our day out in Paris.
This outing was another great reminder of how blessed I really am. Shame on me for the days I take this experience for granted!
After I got back from Paris, I was skyping with my parents, and they asked what I did that day.
"Today? Today I went to Paris."
I can guarantee I will never get to say that again.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Oops, I did it again...
Just a quick update from this weekend: I was supposed to go to Oxford, but made a trip down the street to the doctor instead. I had been complaining about my jaw hurting all week and could not figure out what was going on. On Thursday night I could barely talk, let alone close my mouth or chew. (And trust me... when something interferes with my ability to chew food, I am going to take serious action...)
Turns out that I have a tube from my teeth to my inner ear that is blocked with mucus. I know... disgusting. Friday I steamed (put a towel over my head while breathing over a boiling pot of water... how enjoyable!) and drank lots and lots of water. Thankfully Saturday I woke up and could close my mouth. It's getting better - I plug my nose and try to pop my ear 20-30 times a day. (This kind of makes me light-headed, but I think it's working.)
After a weekend of rest (and steam), I had class this morning. It was a nice day here in London with a bit of sunshine. Flowers are starting to bloom, and the parks get busier each day with everyone enjoying the weather. Unfortunately, the forecast calls for snow tomorrow, but I am crossing my fingers this doesn't happen!
Tonight was the premier of Marley and Me, and although I vowed I would never do anything like the BAFTAs again... I couldn't pass up seeing Jennifer Aniston.
We waited for just a couple hours, and the weather wasn't freezing (thank goodness). We stayed for a short while - just enough time to get a couple photos and get out of the pushy, rude crowd. I saw Jennifer, and she is very tan. And skinny. Such nice hair too. I also saw Owen Wilson, but all I thought was, "Oh! It's Owen! Take a picture... take a picture... quick!"
It's just a silly movie premier, but it's free, and when else am I going to see Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson?
Thank you, again, London.
Turns out that I have a tube from my teeth to my inner ear that is blocked with mucus. I know... disgusting. Friday I steamed (put a towel over my head while breathing over a boiling pot of water... how enjoyable!) and drank lots and lots of water. Thankfully Saturday I woke up and could close my mouth. It's getting better - I plug my nose and try to pop my ear 20-30 times a day. (This kind of makes me light-headed, but I think it's working.)
After a weekend of rest (and steam), I had class this morning. It was a nice day here in London with a bit of sunshine. Flowers are starting to bloom, and the parks get busier each day with everyone enjoying the weather. Unfortunately, the forecast calls for snow tomorrow, but I am crossing my fingers this doesn't happen!
Tonight was the premier of Marley and Me, and although I vowed I would never do anything like the BAFTAs again... I couldn't pass up seeing Jennifer Aniston.
We waited for just a couple hours, and the weather wasn't freezing (thank goodness). We stayed for a short while - just enough time to get a couple photos and get out of the pushy, rude crowd. I saw Jennifer, and she is very tan. And skinny. Such nice hair too. I also saw Owen Wilson, but all I thought was, "Oh! It's Owen! Take a picture... take a picture... quick!"
It's just a silly movie premier, but it's free, and when else am I going to see Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson?
Thank you, again, London.
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