The Last...

When the girls and I decided to take on this adventure it seemed so unlikely to even happen, and yet, here we are at the end. I know there are some things I'm excited to go home to (a regular shower being in the top five) but I can't believe it's over. Andrea and I were talking about the flight over here and how it felt like we blinked and now we are checking in for our flight back.

I always get sad at the end of trips, but this seems different. It's like waiting a lifetime for something and then when it finally happens, it leaves a void of where that dream used to be. Dreaming about seeing all these places is something I have thought about since I can remember, what is next? What is my next dream? Kind of sad to think about, like loosing a security blanket or something (don't worry, I've still got mine) but also its kind of cool to think of experiencing my dream at 23... There are so many more years left to dream, and so many dreams left to dream!

This trip has been everything I wanted it to be. I can't imagine being closer to these girls than I am right now. We made a fantastic little travel family, learning (and sometimes working around) each of our little quirks. Dre and I learned inside voices, Lace saw the beauty in tennis shoes (though, still refuses to get any), and Brie learned to be assertive when dealing with three opinionated girls (she usually was the tie breaker). Lacey has walked farther than she ever has in her life, and Dre has convinced Brie and I to run a marathon with her, all while I planned my life and imaginary wedding in Paris (French husband included).

We spent our last night in Spain having dinner, drinking sangria, and being serenaded by men in tights. Seriously. Then the train ride was...long... Really... Really... Really... Long.

Finally, we arrived in Paris. We spent the day wondering down the Seine, rehashing our entire trip. The inside jokes still make me laugh as I type, and I don't know if we can ever relay the hilarity of Dre's "mmmm... Yummy" moment...or my "Mi padre es muy guapo"...or even Brie's "NO pigeon" or all of us saying "philidelphia is ugly" (which will be Dre's and my band name, with t-shirts that say 'we don't need philidelphia fans anyway')... or when Brie and Drea found this disgustingly rare burger on the pub crawl and insisted that Lacey (who was the least inebriated) hold it while we danced... Or Hank the sucker fish... Or when I was talking to a Parisian for about an hour and through my birthday druken haze asking him where he was from (after discussing how he was Parisian.)... Or all of us playing kings with the Spanish waiter's cards and Dre and I being amazed that we kept pulling the same cards (we would pull cards until they matched, and then insist it's because we were twins)... Speaking of twins, on my birthday Dre and I told everyone we were twins until someone asked Dre's age and she blew our cover... Dre trying to flamenco, and getting caught by a spaniard that could not be less amused... Or "Cait, how does 23 feel?" answer: "23 is spinny."...

I could go on, but I'm waking up the other girls by laughing. Thank you so much to my family for letting the girls and I have this moment in our lives, I don't know if you could have given us anything better. Also, thank you for enduring my lack of editing in these posts (who has time to edit in Europe?). Can't wait to see everyone! Love you! Avior, Ciao, Adios!!!

Flamenco... And Dre's Unknown Talent

Last night we went to the flamenco show that the girls had given to me as a birthday present, it was absolutely fantastic. Their feet move 1000 mph and their faces have the most intense expressions, it's like watching Spain come to life. Accented with loud stomps, the four colorfully dressed women danced with their whole body until it looked like the music was coming from the moves. Which actually was the case, the music accompaniment consisted of two guitars and claps from the gentlemen singing, the only other beat were the dancers shoes. There was also a male dancer that Dre and I would constantly call "Hey, Paulie" or "Hey, Tony"' he was obviously not into women but it didn't stop him from throwing various winks in our direction. Since it was my birthday, our waiter snuck me back to take pictures with him, he was one of the most incredible dancers I have ever seen. The night was amazing... And FULL of sangria.

Because of the copious amounts of sangria, Dre was doing flamenco during a bathroom break. Her flamenco consists of her jumping around and rolling her tounge to make a "drumroll" sound, mimicking the dancer's feet. This was hilarious until someone came out of the stall and caught Andrea mid shuffle. One of the best moments of the trip so far.

The end of the night was so much fun, Brie was dying for some McDonald's fries... Which sounded amazing to all of us... But apparently the Spaniards don't appreciate McDonalds like the Americans because it was closed. But it ended up as a win because several people on the street complimented all of us on our flamenco skills, which got better with each glass of sangria.

Today we are doing some shopping... Maybe going to see Real Madrid's soccer stadium (if it's open) love you guys! Adios!

Madrid... The Heartbeat of Spain

Today, we arrived in Madrid. This place is huge, in fact, according to Dre's super dorky tour guide books, it's the third largest city in Europe. These books have been a godsend though, we have used them for everything and they are super helpful. Being my fathers daughter, I hate looking like a tourist (even when I have no idea what I'm doing), but Dre insists on pulling them out, no matter how cool I'm trying to look.

Madrid feels like an enormous city that is brimming with culture and vibrant people. Walking around the streets is a great way to feel the buzzing heartbeat of the city and it's constant hum of activity. It was a Saturday night tonight, and Madrid did not disappoint. Dre and I spent time just walking around our hostel to get a look at our surroundings. If you take a right, the street leads down to a plaza that was filled with locals drinking wine, which is a custom on weekend nights. They all take there bottles of wine to a plaza and have a sort of "wine picnic" before heading to tapas bars. There was a really cool group of hoodlums doing bike tricks that were really impressive and the square was packed. We found the cutest restaurant in it's second day of operation, and the food was delicious (maybe my favorite yet).

We walked down the street directly in front of our hostel after dinner. It lead to a whole new set of street performers that were incredible. Dre and I spent 30 min with about 50 other locals listening to three men play guitar. There was a rendition of "Hallelujah" that sent shivers down my spine and a few other American songs mixed with some of the foot stomping Spanish rhythms.

It was around 11, and we continued down the street and came across a famous square, "Puerta Del Sol". Unfortunately, Dre and I had unknowingly walked right in the middle of a protest filled shanti town. Thankfully, Dre had left the tour books at home, and we tried to keep the English speaking to a minimum until we were out of the square. I'm sure we fit right in and no one noticed. (I'm hoping my sarcasm transcends the written words of the last sentence)

Tomorrow, we researched a ENORMOUS flea market that is said to be the largest in Europe. It's called Rastro and sounds like Lacey's heaven, but I think we are all really excited. It's now 2 am, and due to my 4 hour long siesta, I'm not the least bit tired... However, because of Lacey's ability to stay at flea markets for inordinate amounts of time, I better get some rest. I love you guys! Adios!

Happy Birthday!

I have had "Happy Birthday" sung to me in 4 different languages... I'd count that as a good birthday!

We started the festivities this morning at 1am when we started out to the club. At the door, the nice man waved the cover charge for all of us because it was my birthday. Then when we were inside, the bartender gave us all a free shot and then a free bottle of champagne in the VIP section. Needless to say, we were off to a good start. Brie and Lace's first time at a club was a success! The bar was hoppin' and reminiscent of Vegas, with lights that tend to make the dance floor seem like a constant sezure and people dancing so close that really the whole club is doing one constant side-to-side movement.

We met a man from Paris that sang me happy birthday in French, a spanish man who sang it in spanish, and a Swedish man who sang to me on the street (which I don't remember due to all the free birthday drinks).

Nursing a extremely bad hangover, all of today was spent mostly in bed. But when we finally emerged, we went to a fantasic dinner of seafood at this place that is the "oldest tavern in Barcelona". They are not afraid of their seafood here and we all spent some time braking the heads off our food and picking bones out of fish, but it was still fantastic.

At the end of dinner the girls sang me happy birthday in Spanish and then in English with the ENTIRE restaurant joining in. Then came the best part: presents. I received a bracelet that I loved in Paris and the girls went back to get it without my knowledge... And... They all got us tickets to a flamenco dance show in Madrid. It was perfect! I'm beyond excited and feel very lucky to have such great family and friends.

Another one down, here is to 23!

Scandals in Barcelona...

Well, the day started off with an adventurous four girls roaming the boardwalks for nudy beaches. Luckily, every beach in Barcelona is a nudy beach. It's awesome, and perfect for people watchers like Andrea and myself.

So we set off, loaded with SPF... The four of us were the whitest people there... And finally found a spot worthy of sitting down. The day wasn't so sunny to be unbearable but broken up with cool breezes. As some of you may know, Dre and I have no qualms about nudity. I feel like I was naked in 75% of all of our family videos (even when it wasn't an appropriate age) and Dre feels the same (though there is less documented footage). The two of us were all about the topless fashion of virtually every girl on the beach. When else are you in Spain, in your 20s, where nudity is not a crime, but in fact encouraged? The answer was: this is a once in a lifetime chance to do something crazy that we will never forget. Sans odd sunburns, I think it was a good time for all of us.

The beach was so nice, the water was a little cold, but the sand was soft. The European men had shorts on that rivaled George's short shorts, there was a little pink number that captured my attention... He rocked his short shorts.... The other girls were not impressed at the euro style and haven't stopped making fun of me.

The people are so expressive here. When they are in love, they show it. Which also makes for fantastic people watching. Once the sun proceeded behind the clouds, it was time to go home. We walked back to the music of street performers and are now siestaing before getting ready to discotec tonight.

My birthday is tomorrow, but people don't go out here until like 1 am... So technically I will be celebrating my birthday. Brie and Lace have Dre's mouth on lock down because of her insistence on telling me my birthday present... I can't wait. Here is to 23 years of fantastic family and friends... I love you guys :)Salud!

Zumba... In a thunderstorm.

So last night we were all set to go out, when a huge thunderstorm hit. It sounded like the sky was breaking in half and every time we saw the flash of lightning, we braced ourselves for the cacophony that followed.

Not knowing what to do, we started reminiscing about the old days. Soon enough we were on to music of our youth, creating a play list of hits from the 90s. With hits streaming, we talked about our obsession with them and how all of them invariably ended up with memories of the four of us tied forever to that melody. This went on for a good hour or so, when a song come on that Brie knew all too well.

I don't know if I wrote this in an earlier blog, but Brie zumbas. The way I found this out was at a roman salsa club when Shakiras "Waka Waka" came on and Brie started doing zumba in the bar line to get drinks. For those who don't know, zumba is a workout that is a cardio rendition of African dance. It was hilarious at the time and Dre and I have consistently made fun of Brie... Until last night.

Brie spent a good hour and a half teaching Dre and I this zumba dance... Normally I'd say "I wish I could show you how hilarious it was", but fortunately, unbeknownst to us, Lacey was filming. I really hope you can see the video because I have had problems uploading images. If not, we sent them to Michelle and I will load it here later.

A night that was supposed to be rained out, turned into such a fun party for four. Today we are going to see La Sagrada Familia and a few other Gaudi masterpieces. I love you guys miss you guys.

Hola!

Spain. Is. Gorgeous.

Barcelona has been great so far, honestly though, we have been here for maybe 4 hours. I'm just pumped about our hostel. I think it's the nicest we have had so far and its located right on this famous street, Las Ramblas. The street is bustling with tourists and street performers and the occasional frustrated local trying to get somewhere. The buildings remind me somewhat of the French buildings with flat roofs and blending of juxtaposed borders. The beach is located just down the street and on the way is about 100 tapas bars.

We are currently trying to "absorb the culture" by taking a 3 hour nap, from 1 to 4pm. Seriously. They shut down for at least 3 hours, something I think ACC should look in to.

We just made dinner reservations for my birthday that is on Friday. I cannot believe I'm 23. I have no idea where the last 5 years went. Birthdays get weirder and weirder as you get older. It's like every year leading up to 21 is a countdown, and every year after is a day to evaluate life. Like judgement day for yourself. Questions like: Where am I going?; What is next?; Where did I think I was going to be?; Do I still want to go there?; How do I get there?; they keep popping into my head. These questions are important, and very relevant to life, but if being out here has taught me anything, it's to make these questions apply to the now.

Let me explain: life goes so fast, especially when you are trying to see 3 countries in a matter of days. So when planning and evaluating the future takes away from the moment of experience, then all you are doing is planning for more moments of planning. You will be constantly evaluating how far you have come and how far is left to go. If you take the first question, "Where am I going?" and apply it to the now, it becomes less about trying to write a future and more about the fact that I want to see what tapas are like in Spain. So in answer to that question, I'm probably gonna head out to a tapas bar.

Do I have a lot I want to accomplish in the coming years? Yes. Do I have dreams that I have not yet attained? Yes. But right now, in this moment, I'm a 22 year old (going on 23) in Spain, and I intend to live every moment in the now. I plan on starting this revelation in 3 hours, when siesta is over.

Adios!

Florence is many things...

I heard a lot about Florence before I got here. I have heard of the small town feel, the glorious duomo, the out-door markets, the incredible food, but never...did I ever... hear about the mosquitos.

Ladies and gents, I have 24 mosquito bites. Yes. 24. Don't know how, or when it happened.... But they seem organized and I am enemy #1. My leg looks like I have contracted some sort of pox disease. It's like they knew I was on blood thinners, and all decided they were in the mood for fast-food. I have six on one foot. ONE FOOT! Did I miss memo somewhere about Florence and it's militia organized mosquitos? I mean the pizza is good, but not that good. Incase anyone is dreaming of a getaway to Florence, Italy... Invest in bug spray... And maybe a bee keeper's outfit.

Last night might have added fuel to the fire. We participated in a pub crawl that I insisted on wearing a dress to... Naked legs were a poor decision. However, before my leg turned into an all-you-can-eat buffet, the crawl was unbelievably fun. We went to several different bars, with a free "shot" at each (the shots were barely the size of half of an American one)(Note: sizing may be influenced by amount of alcohol intake). We met tons of new people: French canadian girls that were as in love with us as we were with them, a gaggle of Bostonian dudes that were pretty cute, another group of Canadian girls that had no regard for personal space, and a tour guide that reeked slightly of BO and was in love with Brie. By the end of the night, we had 13 new best friends that we were planning future trips with, inviting back to Albuquerque, being in pictures, etc.

Dre and I spent most of this morning in our room, avoiding anyone we might have made friends with. Except for the hungover "I want food" walk, we didn't leave the room and started referring to the lobby as landmine country. So much for my 4-month-long vacay to Quebec.

Tomorrow, we start our endless train venture to Spain. It's almost a full 24 hours of train traveling, which will be a no-go without a trip to the pharmacy, where I will purchase anything that even slightly resembles calamine lotion. Ciao, Italy... I hope to see you again one day.

America: Greatest nation in the world, and creator of Jersey Shore

So Florence is beautiful. The Duomo is possibly the prettiest building I have ever laid eyes on. It is made with white, pink, and green marble, and the sight takes your breath away. But on to more important things...

It has been a reoccurring theme on this trip that Dre was DYING to meet the cast from Jersey Shore. Little did I know, the cast had relocated for the upcoming season to the little town of Florence. Now, all throughout this trip, people have asked us about our travels and told us about theirs and whenever Florence was mentioned, Dre would ask if they had met Paulie D. Most legitimate people would look confused and then Dre would go on to explain the ridiculous show and how she was going to become best friends with snook. I would always pretend I did not know her.

Today, however, we ran into some luck. While walking down a street after the Ufitzi museum (if you want an intelligent blog where they would write about the wonders of seeing this museum, sorry to disappoint.) There was Paulie D sitting on the steps in front of the pizzeria that they are working at. Dre tried to get a picture but it wasn't allowed, the producer said we would have to sign a release form and then we could eat inside where Vinny and Sammy were. Dre almost trampled some of the camera men to get to a pen so she could sign, the rest of us were more hesitant. I was wondering where the hair and make up trailer was and Lacey wanted a bottle of water. However, while inside Paulie D insisted we get his favorite pizza so we had four of them after the lunch we had eaten prior to our Jersey Shore hunt. I'm sorry to say that now I will have to start watching just to see if we made it on.

They explained the rules to us before we went inside. We weren't allowed to talk about the show, act like we knew who they were, or have them sign anything. Paulie D came up to Dre and all she could say was "mmmmmmm... Oh my god I'm so nervous, can you sign something?" He politely refused saying he would get in trouble for it, but Dre couldn't stop shaking the entire meal. None of us could... It was pretty hilarious.

Tonight we have the pub crawl and tomorrow we are taking a wine tour through Tuscany. After that we are gonna see if we can find Snooki, I mean I think we would be friends.

Florence... And the first blow dryer I've seen in weeks.

We arrived in Florence last night, and as I type I'm sitting in the hostel waiting for Dre to get out of the shower. I cant tell you how different the hostel is from our experience in Rome. First, there is five floors, which may not seem like such a luxury, but after sleeping in what felt like some dudes apartment, it is. We even have an elevator that looks like it is from this century. We have a pool that changes colors with lights and a Turkish bath... Whatever that is. The funny part is that it is geared toward college aged kids, and it has consistently made Dre and I feel extremely old. Dre feels like she has to decide what sorority to rush (those days are gone sweetheart).

The funniest part is that Dre and I have said that in Europe, we don't look our best. And that's putting it lightly. I mean, getting ready has consisted of bushing our teeth, every so often brushing our hair, and putting on an outfit that looks only slightly worn. Let's just say, we haven't put our best face forward in Europe. However, last night... Drum roll please... We found out we could rent a hair dryer. Pause for shock and awe. I have never been so excited to use a hair dryer in my life, if I can even remember how. Ladies and gents, today we will get ready like queens. We still are left with a travel straightener that can only straighten three hairs at a time, but at this point... I'll deal.

Today, after blow drying our hair, we will check out The Duomo. We are planning to climb the stairs and see the panoramic view of Florence. I can't wait. We are also going to sign up for a biking tour at night and a pub crawl that are put on by our hostel. I love you guys and miss you guys! Xoxoxoxo

The best gelato in Italy

You can tell my priorities in life by the title of this blog. I have seen some of the most treasured monuments in Italy and the first thing to come to my mind is the dessert. But more on that later, first I would like to tell you that walking in Rome is like walking back in time (sans the constant hum of traffic punctuated by the sharp acoustic of sirens). Yesterday was our first full day in Rome, and we got to see some of the most fantastical sites most never get to see.

We started off the day with a tour of ancient Rome. It was one of the best things that I have done in my life and I really can't believe some of the things I got to learn about.

We started of in a square that looked plain enough. When the tour started, I learned that the square was the same shape as it was during the renaissance and that the buildings have changed around it, but the shape has remained the same (it was buit as a running track to train Olympians). It's a feeling I can't really explain when you are walking in the footsteps of thousands of years of history. I feel like tip-toeing to not disturb the greatness of it all. At the squares center was Bernini's Fontana Dei Quattro (the four rivers). Now, I have never been one to claim I have an affinity for art or even that I have ever truly apprieciated the subtley of it; basically, if it's pretty, I like it. This fountain was magnificent in it's detail. Each of the rivers were represented by a man, one for each major river on each of the known continents at the time. The American "river" (or man) was sitting on a cactus; the Indian "river" that was shielding it's eyes from the church built by Bernini's rival; the European "river" with horses underneath him... and this was just the start of the tour. From there, we went to the Pantheon, which has the same drainage system that it did when it was first erected as a pagan church in 120 AD. The reason for the drainage system? The enormous occulous in the middle of the dome, that is still open to the elements. To pay homage to this dome Michelangelo constructed St. Peter's Basilica 1 meter smaller so that The Pantheon would remain the largest dome in the world.

The next stop was the Trevi Foutain. It can be heard before it is seen which adds to the experience meant by the creator in 1697. I threw 3 coins in: the first to come back to Rome, the second to fall in love with a Roman, and the third to marry a Roman. We ended at the Coloseum, just after walking through the squares created by Cesar and the victory arches created by the emperor who conquered Jeruselem (with the only evidence of the famous golden menora that has never been found). The menora is depicted on the triumph arch carried by the slaves of war. Needless to say, the tour was fantastic and had a way of making me feel so small in the world (in the best way). We ended the day with the best spaghetti I have ever had. I could elaborate on the spaghetti, but I couldn't begin to explain the deliciousness so I will move on.

Today, we toured the Vatican. The history was amazing, once again, and made me really appreciate art in a way that I never thought I could. Michelangelo's masterpiece has such subtleties beneath it's greatness, that it would appeal to even the most unpoetic of souls. "The Creation of Adam" is the painting of God touching fingers with Adam. I have seen it 10000 times, but I never saw the eggplant purple surrounding the depiction of god, or the green scarf flowing down from the heavens. I will never be a art conoseur or any sort of historian, but I cannot help being awed by the complex and yet simple beauty of the timeless ceiling. And after that, my feet hurt... really bad. So gelato was necessary; don't bother finding the connection between ailment of the feet and ice cream. If you had been there you would have got it.

This gelato... Deserves a shrine of it's own. In fact, I'm not sure why Michelangelo didn't include it somewhere among the religious hooha. I called Ashlee to see where the place was and finally found it. I ordered coffee and chocolate, and I count this as one of the best decisions of my life. I don't know if you get where I'm going with this, but it was damn good gelato. Not to mention the canolies... And yes I had both... And I believe we are going back tomorrow, where I will, again, order both.

Tonight, we are going to try to go out to a discoteca... I, however, am running out of clothes. I must go decide on which over-worn dress to wear and stuff my still sore feet in some heels. I love you all and I miss you! Arrivederci!

When in Rome...

Do as the Romans do! Last night we arrived in Rome and with backpacks in tow, we followed Dre's carefully planned directions. Once we were lost, we asked some very nice Italians for directions to the street, and through their gesturing we were able to find the street we were looking for.

Our hostel... Oh boy. Well we have a short Italian man who turned his flat into a four bedroom hostel that he lectured on keeping clean. While very clean, it also smelled like walking into a candle. It was hot, I looked likes drowned cat, and one of the other hostel mates was making leud comments in broken English. Luckily we have a lock on our door. The short italian man was mad that we were "late", but warmed up to us and showed us on the map everything we would need to know about Rome, including places not to be at night. He also informed us that our hostel is in one of the safest parts in Rome because the ministry is right behind us. All in all, I'm glad we have our sleep sacks. I should have said "When in Rome, don't stay at Mason Jolie".

Brie and I were desperate to get out of the hostel and Dre wanted to stay with Lace, who was a little run down after the six flights of stairs with our backpacks. Needless to say, Brie and I ran down the flights of stairs and ventured out to get some roman pizza! We found a little place close enough to our hostel and it had some of the best pizza I have ever had! The man who was waiting on us was very nice and was my age, so we started asking him where to go out and what days everyone goes out. After he bought us homemade lemon cello, it was time to go to bed. He said he is working tomorrow night and then going to a club called "Destacco" and invited us. Not knowing how lame we really are, he seemed excited. We left it undone to allow for ways to get out of it need be. But I was impressed with the culture of welcomingness in all of the places so we have been far. It makes for a very fun vacation.

Today we have a tour of ancient Rome, which I'm sure will be amazing. Don't tell anyone, but think I might be more pumped about the gelato shop located next to The Pantheon with "the best gelato in Italy". Buonjourno!

Come to my winery...

This story begins as a Shakespearean romance. At first the characters are lost but, in the end, they come together for a happy ending.

It starts out on the streets of Venice, our four heroines running through the narrow streets and convoluted canals that make Venice magical. Each wrong turn gets them farther from the last chariot to take them back to their island. Finally, with the bright light of the moon reflected off the water by the port, they thought they were saved. Alas, the tail lights of the lastboat burned in the night as it floated away carrying their hopes of sound sleep with it. The girls had missed the last boat to their island. With defeated hearts and heavy feet, the girls waited for the next boat, hoping it was going where they needed to go.

In the mean time, a man and his daughter stepped on the dock and one of the four girls brightened. The family was speaking french, something the girl new a little about. The family was versed in several languages, in fact, one being English. Our heroines began to talk to the family about their fairytale life, and how the daughter has lived in Milan, Paris, Venice, and not to mention their home in Florida. They talked of the wine they made and how it was sold all over the world. They talked of their winery on the island the girls were so desperately trying to get to. They also gave the girls the exciting info that they would indeed make it back to the island, and offered a ride to save their worn feet. The four girls and the two daughters were alive with chatter in the back of the three wheeled vehicle. The daughter was only 13 and it felt like she had lived 1000 lives.

Once we had returned to the hostel, the daughters asked their father if we could go to lunch on the winery, which he replied in French spiced English, the girls would like you to come to lunch tomorrow. The four girls, never refusing wine, said they would love to and headed of to bed with dreams of vineyards and delicious food. The end.

Our next chapter begins in Rome which we leave for tonight. Buona sera!

The sinking city...

I never thought I would ever see a place like Venice! I don't know how I'm going to put in to words the amount of beauty this city contains. First things first, let's discuss the adventure we had getting here.

We left Paris last night... Backpacks and all. I don't know if you can picture this but imagine four stupid Americans on the French metro with ENORMOUS backpacks on that weigh more than each person. Plus they are like blinders, it's like you can't see anything behind you or around you... This makes for hilarity when the French man almost gets hit in the head with dre's backpack and then asks how much it weighs and Dre goes on to explain that she has had one to many croissants before I can explain he is talking about the backpack, not about her. We looked like a walking Saturday Night Live skit.

The train ride was uneventful until we hit the first three hour layover in a freezing cold French train station, where we got confused with homeless people by the security. Brie blames the fact that the only blankets we had were towels and my blanket, which at best, is a few threads hanging on. To add salt to the wound, our next connection was a bus, which was only found out when our "train" wasn't coming up on the screen. Ridiculous. But we made our ten minute connection to Venice. And thank god we did!

We arrived off the bus at five in what looked like a painting. The city is nothing like I have ever seen and absolutely everything I thought it would be. They use boat taxis like the metro and we found the one that lead to our hostel fairly easily. Our hostel is located on a little suburb island, and Oh. My. God. There are only vineyards and water as far as the eye can see. There is a ten minute walk to the nearest docking port where the boat taxis take you into the city. The walk is on a road that's about 6 feet across and lined with vineyards and houses that look like movie sets. I can only describe it by saying it looked so perfect that it could be a Disney movie. Once we arrived at our hostel allbrie could say is "oh my god", it has a small wooden bridge that leads to the yellow building with a wrap around terrace with pots of flowers everywhere and chickens roaming the grounds. With the sun just setting, we are currently in the process of washing the train off of us and heading down to the dinner at our hostel with wine included.

It's a storybook... I can't wait to venture into the city tomorrow after Dre and I's morning run along the vineyards! Love you guys!!! Buona sera!!!

Au'revior Paris, tu ais moi coeur!

Goodbye Paris, you have my heart!

Today we take off to Venice, and all of us are really excited. A small part of me is a little sad to leave this place, and I have to keep reminding myself of where we are going next to keep from getting too blue. Last night, Lacey and Brie were a little tired from the champagne tour (it went straight to all of our heads) so they ventured home after the wonderful dinner at Saint Basilic (to those who have been there: it's the place right up the street from Terrace Hotel)(for those who havent: its on the corner of the street hidden in vines and is absolutly fantasticly french) after dinner I wanted one more night in the city of lights and Dre decided to join me for "one" glass of wine.

It wasn't until we were in this little bar that I realized that I had been there before with my dad. It was the morning after a crazy night qnd my dad and me were super hungover from the french wine. We were looking for some sort of breakfast burritos, but ended up with a very french (very small) breakfast. Returning here felt like the right way to send off Paris, it came full circle. Not to mention the french lady who loved our drunken attempt at french and kept filling our glass.

I dont know when we will have internet available again, but when we do I will give a full update. So far: Caitlin is looking for rent controlled apartments in Paris, Brie has found a love of wine, Dre ate the best eclair she has ever had, and Lacey has been confused with being a local twice.

I love all of you! Goodbye from the city of lights!

Versailles, The waiter, 600 stairs, and pastries!

I'm sitting in our hostel right now, enjoying the best palmier I have ever had and nursing my sore legs. I cannot believe we are already consolidating our things to pack for Italy. And by consolidating, I mean I don't know how I fit so much in my backpack and I have no idea if it all will fit back in. We leave tomorrow for Venice, a day early due to train booking troubles.

We have decided that the best way to eat in Paris (and the cheapest) is picnics, and honestly, they are my favorite moments so far. The first picnic was in front of the Eiffle Tower so that we could see it twinkle. Dre later described it as "a permanent, chic, metal Christmas tree", and since Christmas trees are her favorite, I'd say she loved it. The food spread was equally impressive: cheese, bread, fig jam, french salomi, fresh fruit and wine...lots of wine. My favorite part, though, would have to be the macaroons that we all split from the chocolatier we visited earlier in the day. Absolutely amazing. Our next picnic was in the gardens of Versailles... I have never been so content. The rose wine went perfectly with the green manicured lawns. Not to mention we drank just enough for us to start welcoming tourists to our humble home, the palace. Needless to say, no one was impressed especially the security. Before we left, I was able to bottle some sand for my dad's collection. I know it's not a beach, but it's pretty cool.

After Versailles, we headed back to Mont Matre and shopped. Andrea and I found an awesome vintage shop where I bought two parissian dresses and this head dress that looks like it's from an old french movie. Dre got a dress, as well, and we both oogled this vintage purse for a good amount of time wondering how much 165 euros was in dollars (too much). We learned a lot of french ("can we try this on" "it's too big" etc.) which we both promptly forgot and had to ask again in the next shop.

We took a small break at the top of the hill (for those reading who have been here, it's right by the metro stop with the carosel) where I preceeded to get a tad tipsy and made everyone join me because "it's the french thing to do". Brie and I found my future husband and forgot that most people speak English here. Our volume should have been several levels lower while disguising how great he looked when he smoked. It was so much fun, but the highlight was when I got my first French "kiss on both cheeks" hello!

The first night we were here our waiter was really funny and endured my French so, naturally, we were all in love with him. The weird part is the next morning we saw him in a little breakfast place where we were eating. He said hello, but that's where his knowledge of English stopped so it was a short conversation. But then the NEXT day while we were at the little bar we saw him AGAIN!!! Hence the French "kiss on both cheeks" hello. His friend was with him and spoke some English so we talked for a little bit and got invited to another bar, but we never went because the girltalk was too much fun to break up.

Today, we climbed The Eiffle Tower (used the stairs)please hold the applause because I was ready to leave and if it wasnt for Brie's insistance, I would have. It was freezing, and no amout of "stair excerssizes" warmed me up. That was one of Brie and Dre's selling points, "climbing will warm you up". Liers. Once we made it to the top, they were forgiven. The sight was amazing, esspecially after working hard to get there.

We went to a cute little pastry shop for the reward, where the food looked fake because it was so beautiful. Dre, Brie, and I went nuts and got everything we wanted... so so so so so worth the carbs. We also stopped in a fresh market for some fresh squeezed orange juice (it rivaled Frountier's), and fruit.

This palmier is too good to ignore, so I must sign off. We are about to start getting ready for our champagne tour on The Sein, au'revior.

Je voudre un verre de vin...

This has been one of the most interesting trips... I finally recieved my bag from the airport today... of course mine got loss. But even in a shirt I had worn for three days, its hard to find things to complain about in Paris. I will complaign about the french key board I'm dealing with as I write this. They have moved the "a" and the "m" and almost everything else but those two are giving me a rough time.

The hostel is something we had to wrap our heads around. Needless to say, we have not spent much time in the room and there isn't a spa. The bathroom is a door down and the room is very small with a shower on the left side and beds on the right (in one room.) We have decided that Brie spotted one of the only upsides, Harry Potter stairs that go on forever!

Today was our first full day and it was perfect. First we had a tour of the Louvre in "english"; I put it in quotes because the man was impossible to understand. None the less, it was a blast and trè informative. After playing princess in the halls of the palace, we had lunch over looking the glass pyramids and it was one of the best meals of my life. Next, we walked the gardens of Tullerie and walked the length of champ-elessè to the Arche de Triumph. Dre insisted on climbing it. We all had our doubts, but it was so worth it! (and once I figure out how, I will post pics.) We ended the day with shopping at the suppermarche and had a picnic under the twinkle of the Eiffle Tower. We have not stopped drinking wine since we got here, mostly to numb the sore calfs and feet, but also because it is such good wine, even the cheap ones. Its really late here and tomorrow we are riding bikes, so au'revoir pour cette soir! (goodbye for tonight)

Twas the night before...

The night is upon us... tomorrow its off to Europe. I can't believe its finally here! Last night, I went to a country bar and tonight, I had a meal of BBQ. I am ready for some foreign goods. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have such a great family and to have 3 other girls supplied as best friends.

So the flight plan is this: Dre and I leave at 8 in the morning and fly to Washington, then catch a flight to Toronto, then yet another flight to Paris. We will not arrive in the city of lights until Sunday afternoon. Lace and Brie leave at like 12 tomorrow and get there an hour after Dre and I arrive.

The plan is to wait for the whole group to get together on the other side of the Atlantic, then head to the first hostel to get settled (and view the digs). After that, I think the first stop is the Eiffel Tower for the best crepes in town! Sucre y beurre, si vous plait! Nutella y fraises!

I have checked my packing list twice, packed, repacked, and checked again... yet I know I'm forgetting something. I keep checking my passport just to make sure its still there and its still not expired (I've got two more years until I need to renew) The nerves are there, but they are slowly giving way to the butterflies of excitement.

I cannot believe I'm going to Paris. I have an enormous crush on that city and I'm going on a week long date. Don't get me wrong, I'm very excited for the other cities, but.... there is something about Paris. There is a magic there that I haven't felt anywhere else, and underneath the twinkle of the city, I will fall in love all over again. I cant wait to show my crush off to the girls coming with me. I know they will fall hard, just as I did.

Bon Voyage!

So although we are 4 days away from departure, I just said goodbye to my parents and I have realized that I have never been away for this long before! I'm so excited, but part of me is a little nervous (and though I hate to admit it, a little homesick already). It's time to be a big girl and get ready for a trip of a lifetime. Dre and I were talking about it getting more real with each passing day, I can almost smell the french bread baking. This picture is one that I took of my favorite building in Paris, the opera building. Its so gorgeous, and I cant wait to go back! I just bought a book called "Not Built in a Day" and its all about Rome architecture. ITS INSANE THAT WE WILL SEE ALL OF IT! The author also talks about "the best ice cream in Italy"... definitely gonna hit that up, and its located a block away from the Pantheon.

Isn't it funny that people over there give directions like, "oh... take a right at The Pantheon, if you hit the Colosseum, you have gone to far".

Happy Birthday Lace! I can't believe you are 20, and I cant wait to celebrate with you in Paris! Cheers!

Remember When...

One of the things I'm most excited about is the "Remember when..." conversations. They inevitably (and constantly) come up with the four of us. I decided that since I'm new to the blogging world (in need of practice)and Dre wants more to read while she is procrastinating studying, I'm taking a look back at where we came from.

The other day I was writing my personal essay for my application when I came across the word "ambassador". I was taken back to when Dre and I used to dream of what we were going to be when we grew up. As you can probably guess, I wanted to be famous... big surprise; the lesser known story is Dre's dream of becoming an ambassador (like a princess, but smarter). I was laughing so hard that I had to call her and tell her so she could revisit the dream as well. Although "Dentist" is a far cry from the political figure she aspired to be, I think we all can agree its a better fit.

I think its good to have big dreams when you are little, it fosters motivation, strength, and also foreshadows who you are gonna be. I mean, Lacey wanted to be a cat... How can you get more creative/imaginative than that?

This trip is going to create so many more "Remember when..." conversations, and I can't wait for all of those moments. You know, the ones where you know that you could never recreate it, but it replays in your dreams 10 years later. Maybe it will be ordering crepes in front of the Eiffel Tower, or throwing pennies into the Trevi Fountain in Rome (pic above), whatever it is... I'm ready, 11 days!!!!

The Kids Table

After years of being "stuck at the kids table", I feel like we have finally arrived at the point where "kid" no longer applies; however, these ladies and I made the kids table what it is today. We have passed the torch to younger generations, but these girls are the only ones I want to be sharing a table with on the streets of Paris. Thus, the adventure begins...

In the 12 days we have left we all have to pack, two of us have finals and have to fly back from school, Brie has a trip for ACC, Lacey has her honey flying into ABQ, and I have to pseudo apply to medical school...Whew! So much to do and so little time, enjoy your bug-free beds and full sized showers ladies... its a luxury we will not have for a while!

On the other hand, we cannot wait to start our adventure. Here are some of the things we have planned: champagne tasting on the Seine, tour of the Louvre, day trip to Versailles (pic to the right), tours of Rome and Venice, a day on the beach in Barcelona, and hot chocolate in Madrid. Not to mention the pasta in Italy, the wine in France, the sea food in Barcelona, and the shopping (oh god, the shopping). Jealous?

I think I can speak for the other girls when I say, I can't believe this is real life! I don't think it will be real until we get over there. Keep checking back for pictures and more posts!