Saturday, July 31, 2004

Au Revoir Paris :( Buon Giorno Verona :)

Well indeed, we saw the Eiffel tower under the stary Paris sky. It was beautiful. The grounds were littered with Parisians and tourists alike picnicking and enjoying the nothing less than perfect weather. After a walk around the area, we scoped out a spot underneath the tower for an evening gaze upward. Lying on the ground, I couldn't help but wonder if it was all a dream. Then, all of a sudden, the Eiffel Tower began to sparkle. An added bonus to our long awaited trip to the tower to conclude our 3rd day in Paris.

After a great nights rest, we made our way to the Louvre. We saw all the "must sees" and everything in between and we left discussing what the big deal is about the Mona Lisa. I decided that the signs leading to the painting looked better than the actual painting. Why did this smaller than expected painting become so famous? The world may never know. Following the Louvre, we made our way to the Paris Beach for some people watching/lunch/resting. Later in the evening, an attempt to join in the Paris Friday night jazz scene, turned into a nice relaxing evening with a great dinner. We scoped out a Jazz place, had dinner down the street (grilled tuna steak with a pesto sauce. Very good), and returned for the music. We sat down, took one look at the menu and decided that 18Eur was just too much for a glass of wine. However, right next door was an outdoor cafe with a Parisian guitar player, singing the Beatles. It's no jazz but it was the perfect spot for a glass of wine and a little dessert.

If I could give one tip to those visiting Paris, it would be to rent a bike. On our last day here, we have walked to, what feels like, every corner of this city; so we decided to rent bikes. It's faster than walking, but not too fast. The perfect pace for the wondering eye. And it's cooler than walking. Biking is a beautiful way to see the city and a perfect end to our stay. Now we shall make our way to Italy. Next stop VERONA!!! P.S. Neither of us speak Italian...an added bonus to our adventures!!!!! :)

Thursday, July 29, 2004

A note about FOOD

Ireland was great. Irish food...not so much. France is great. French food...amazing. Last night, at our French Bistro, Dan had lamb and I had veil....SOO GOOD. Dessert was equally satisfying. Fresh raspberries on a lemon/orange tart with pistachio ice cream.  And, as I have said before, the baguette sandwiches are to die for. Best French drink (besides wine) water and Cassis. Very refreshing.



Just another day in Paris :)

It is the end of our third day in Paris. Yesterday (Wednesday, I think) was spend running around.  Literally. We saw almost all of the major sights and sounds of this fine city. After our crazy day of running around playing tourist, we got ready for a great dinner on the town. We ate at a local favorite which was amazing. After a bottle of wine we were feeling great and wanted to see the Eiffel tower at night....It was not that easy. Its a long story but our jovial jaunt  turned into a frustrating fiasco. We were stopped by the metro police and fined 20euro for not having our old tickets. On top of all of this, all the metro lines were closed or closing. Needless to say, we skipped the tower.

Today, we walked around the Latin Quarters and Ste Germaine district. After a short nap on the comfy cobblestone across the river from Notre Dame, we decided to see the outer edge of the city. We attempted to see some big park on the east crest of the city limits, but instead we watched old French men play Boule for a couple hours. It was awesome. We picked up some good eats on our walk to Shakespeare and CO. (The much frequented bookstore of Hemingway).  It was an amazing bookstore on top of the Hemingway factor. Books in every possible corner. Tonight we attempt to see the Eiffel tower again. Wish us luck. Once the haze clears for me, I'll fill in more details.




Note to the Parents

Our phone cards are not working. No one can quite figure out all these access codes. I will call you from Italy on Sunday. Love you.

Tuesday, July 27, 2004

Today began our sojourn into France. I don't know quite what to say except that I must be dreaming. All day I can't help but look at Dan and giggle..That we are in Paris. The one and only, Paris. Despite Dan's efforts to be modest, his French is incredible. He was complimented today by a French man on his accent. I would be drownding in the Seine if I were alone.  Not only has Dan's vast French experience been well appreciated, but his company is irreplaceable.

There is a reason Paris is Paris. It is not tourist hype. Although some is. There is an air about this city that is unexplainable except to say that I don't know why everyone that visits this place does not decide to move here immediately. I have contemplated exactly how many heart attacks my mother would have if I decided to stay here. (just kidding mom)

I have picked up a few French words. It seems, though, that if you lived here you would pick up the language very quickly. At least enough to get around. I had the best sandwiches I have ever had, and probably will every have, today. I won't even attempt to explain the ecstasy of the culinary delight.

As we were walking through the streets on yet another attempt to get lost in an exotic city, we stopped to have gelato at an alley shop packed with locals. The lines do not lie. Very good. After a nice glass of wine, here I sit, recording my dream-like day. Then it's off to bed for an early start tomorrow, 7am.  I hope everyone's summer is going well. I miss you. Goodnight.


Here we are. Sitting in the Shannon airport awaiting our departure to Paris. Now the adventure begins. So much has happened since Dublin. Here are a few highlights:

*On the crowded train home from Dublin, Dan and I sat across from an older couple who were more than anxious to chat with us. As they explained some hot spots for us to visit on our travels, the wife filled in parts of the conversation she knew her husband could not hear due to his hearing loss. Finally I asked the couple if they knew where the rest room was. They responded by looking at each other and saying "No...No I don't think so." The wife: " Oh dear, do you need to lie down. You must be tired. " The husband "Nope. There is only a toilet back there." haha A little communications trouble I think.

Thursday*We took a tour of our castle. There are a couple towers that look like what you would imagine a castle to be. The owner, Betty, showed us around inside these creepy walls. For all those wondering, yes, we think there is  a ghost in our castle.

Friday*We drove to the Dingle pennisula. Most spectacular views in all of Ireland. Dan found a place for his hut, then we attempted to scale a mountain. We decided, though, that we didn't have enough time. Next time.

Saturday*After 13 hours of travels to the Dingle Pennisula, we decided to take a day off and relax.

Sunday*A final jaunt to Cahir for one last look at some Irish Heritage points. We saw the Cahir castle and the Swiss Cottage. Interesting but somewhat uneventful.

Monday*We decided that a day of rest was in order before we left. Everyone was out to see some sights so Dan and I were left with the castle to ourselves.  What else did we do but cook.  Directly next door to our castle is a very large organic garden where we bought most of our veggies. Then we walked to town and bought the rest.  After dinner we took a nice family stroll to the local pub and had a pint to finish off our stay in Ireland.

I can't wait to be in France.  It is 9:20 now. We will be there around 1:30 local time. AWESOME!!!!!

Mom: I miss you. We are safe and doing well.
Nicole: Maybe we will just sojourn on up to Croatia for you. I miss you. You rock my world. Send me your address so I can send u a postcard.
Maureen and Heath: I love you sister and brother. :) Email me your address also.




Wednesday, July 21, 2004

A Day in Dublin

Yesterday's post was a mad attempt to type a lot of information in a short period of time. So, I guess I succeeded. Today we are in Dublin. A city that my Oma treats more like a virus than a world renound literary center. haha. Needless to say, we did not visit Dublin on my first trip to Ireland. We flew into Dublin but drove out of this city quicker than a bat out of hell. Having seen it with my own eyes, the city is fabulous. Maybe it is just because I am a city girl at heart that I like it so much. Today, on our diligent quest to get lost in the spectacular place, we have found new treasures around every corner.  The 5:00am departure time was well worth the sacrafice. It is not even half way through the day and I am sure there are may adventures ahead of us. Tomorrow will be a great morning to sleep in followed by a tour of our castle from the inheritants and owners. Hopefully that will be the extent of our day; I could use a little time to relax and kick back.

We embarked on our adventure 6 days ago and we have been in Ireland only 4 but we have seen so much and created many memories. Before we left, I imagined that 6 weeks would fly by. I realize now, that while it will fly by, the time in between July 16 and Agusut 26th will become a part of me and my life that will never escape.  As we travel along and meet people, more than once a person will say "Oh you are backpacking huh? Yeah...I did that. I will never forget it" This quote is most often followed by their favorite story from their trip. I can only imagine that I will be saying that same thing to travelers I meet in my elder years.

Tuesday, July 20, 2004

OO yeah...24 weeks...It's finallly here

Well, here we are. Sitting in a cyber cafe in downtown Cork. Awesome. After the four day travel to finally arrive in Shannon. Our second flight, from Chicago to Boston, was delayed 4 hours due to weather. Thus we missed our flight to Shannon. We quickly discovered that this was just an adventure in disguise. Our colorful encounter with the American Airlines lady resulted in  complimentary hotel for the night,  dinner, and  breakfast.  Not only were we happy with our free nights stay,  we were ecstatic at our chance to see Boston, a place neither of us have seen before. Guido, our shuttle driver and his bodyguard, directed us to Jeveli's for a little late night dinner. After a good nights rest, we arouse the next morning (being Saturday at this point) to tramp around Boston. Our 4 hours turned out to be exactly enough time to see the city, come interesting people, and the harbor. We returned to the airport for a beautifully uneventful flight to New York followed by an equally quiet flight to Shannon. We were surprised to see my dad at the gate when we arrived because we had no way of letting them know of our flight fiasco. A hour later we found ourselves in the middle of a 200 year old castle eating breakfast with my family. Despite the 24 weeks of preparation and anticipation, nothing could prepare us for this AMAZING place we are in. Part of the castle we are in dates back to the 1200s...Need I say more. It is indescribable.  It now being Sunday morning, we were eager to begin (or continue rather) on this amazing journey we have waited so long for. After a refreshing nap, we joined my family for our first Irish dinner a half hour away in Croon. Not worth the drive, but still fun.  Yesterday, Monday, we woke up, drank some good 'ol Irish tea and coffee and headed our for the 2 hour trek to the cliffs of Moher. Soaring 650 ft above the groun, we crawled to the edge and stuck our heads over to see what we could see. What we found was absolute beauty which set us in awe. Our return home was welcomed by the (at least) 15 foot dining room table set for dinner. We are talking the kind of table where you cant exactly make out what the people at the other end are saying.  My aunt, the chef, made a great dinner. This morning we woke up, head out for Cork and here we are. Dan almost had a heart attack over the fabulous lunch we had. I am sure his blog will have quite a fabulous description. www.travelswithdando.blogspot.com check it out...he writes better than I do anyway.  We are on our way not to kiss the Blarney stone and gain some eloquence.

Thursday, July 15, 2004

T- 28 hrs till departure

Fianlly...Daniel and I started planning before Christmas for a trip that seemed so far away it could only be a dream. Here we are, the day before our flight leaves for Ireland, and it still feels like a dream. To good to be true? Maybe. Once our four little feet hit Irish ground, reality will set in and I might pass out. hehe. Anyway. I am excited, anxious, a little nervous, but mots of all lucky that this opportunity has navigated itself to my front door. Jamie - your awesome and 11 weeks will fly by. Actually, 10 weeks will fly by, the last week..not so much. CIO AMICOS!! I'll see you on the other side of the world. :)

Tuesday, July 13, 2004

Almost there!

It's official...we leave for Europe on Friday and I am aaaalllll packed. It all fits! I can't believe it. Six weeks + one backpack = 42 of the most incredible days. And really, could I have a better travel partner? Probably not. I have been very calm..surprisingly. I think my calmness is because I am clearing my mind to take in all the upcoming experiences.

Monday, July 12, 2004

A quick reminder: People are awesome

You know sometimes you hear something that touches you so much you just have to tell the world. Well I heard a story tonight. A woman whom, after taking care of a blind friend, inherited a very large sum of money. With this money and her husband's support, the couple has set out to help the world by sending people to college. They have taken in children as their own, raised them, and sent them, debt free, through college! When they heard the story of family friend who couldn't afford college, they offered to pay. The only condition is that they pay them back whatever they can afford, whenever they can afford it. Wow. Between the war and politics, I easily forget how awesome people can be.

Chicago Reunion

Dando and I drove to Chicago this weekend for a FABULOUS time with the cast and crew of Santa Clara/ sophomore year. I have been so focused on this trip (ps. in 4 days) that I have hardly thought about this coming semester. It is great to see everyone getting settled in our first real apartments...we are getting old kids. If I sleep in the next four days we can all consider that a miracle. I CAN'T WAIT!! :) :) :) :)