Family, Part 3; Paris

Ah, Paris was amazing!!! The weather was perfect, the sights were amazing, and people were great! (Though, I would highly recommend learning at least some French before going to France. Might help.)

For the short time we were there, we managed to see the a good portion of the sights; the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Sacre Coeur, and Le Pere Lachaise Cemetery. 

Jake and I must have been delirious with exhaustion, because we decided it would be a good idea to go up the Eiffel Tower, taking the stairs... Totally worth the climb, but OMG that's a lot of stairs! At the Louvre we saw the Mona Lisa, and Winged Triumph, along with countless other priceless paintings, sculptures, and artifacts. Of course, I had to stop by the grave site of Jim Morrison while we were at Le Pere Lachaise Cemetery as well.

We found some great food, fresh pastries and breads, great salads, and more wine than I have or will probably consume again in the next year and a half. Everything seemed to be just as it should be for a holiday in the city of lights. 

   

We had to wake up early our last day there to catch the Eurostar back to London, then the family was off straight away to Heathrow to catch their flight back to MN. Our trip went by so fast, I can't believe they were here for nearly 2 weeks and that they are gone already! But, time is going by fast and every day I'm that much closer to having to go back to the states myself. Ugh! However, I am and will enjoy every minute that I have here, and I am so glad my family was able to share some in some of my overseas adventures! Love you guys!

Quick Update part 2: Spain in two days! Holy Crap!

Family, Part 2; London

Well I finally got the family to London, and we are all having a blast! There is so much to do and see, I've been here for months and still haven't seen it all! But we are doing our best to cover as much ground as possible in the time that we have, so we are hitting it and hitting it hard.

We were super lucky and had beautiful weather through out our travels and my family's visit, not only was it warm but it hardly rained at all. We managed to hit all of the main tourist attractions and sites with hardly a moment to spare.

After nearly a full week of nonstop sightseeing, the fast pace of city life as a tourist was starting to catch up to us all. But, we weren't done yet! Off to Paris for 4 days and 3 nights! Next post coming soon! 

Quick Update: Lauren and I just bought tickets to Spain! Spring break here we come!

Family, Part 1; Edinburgh, take 2

The family finally arrived to the UK safe and sound, and utterly tired. No time to sleep though, as soon as they got off the plane at Heathrow, I met them and we were off on another flight to Edinburgh! Had a nice quiet first night in Scotland, went out to one of the local pubs, got a pint (Jake's first legal drink!) and then back to the flat for some much needed rest. It was (and is!) so good to see them again!

 

We somehow managed to get up and out the door on Monday, and went out to explore the castle, the Royal Mile, and Calton Hill. By the time we got through all the main sights we were starving and tired. We found a place to stop for some Italian food at Bella Italia, had a quick pint at a local pub, and went back to the flat for the night. 

Then next day Dad and Jake were off to St. Andrews for a round of golf, and Mom and I took a day trip to the Highlands and Loch Ness. The Highlands were absolutlely beautiful, and we were able to go on a short boat cruise on the Loch Ness.         Our last day there, we were off and running straight away to the airport to catch our flight into London, but for having such little time in Scotland we were all able to see quite a bit of it.  We have been crazy busy here in London so far, and having lots of fun, hopefully I will have time to post before we leave for Paris, but if not don't worry, I will update as soon as I find time!

A Week In Review

This week has been absolutely crazy! So much going on and so many things coming up, I can't hardly stand it. Somehow it's Saturday again, and my family will be getting into town tomorrow!! But, since I have nothing to say about that just yet, I will recap the notable happenings in the past week or so.

• HEAVEN- Last Thursday night after a rather slow evening of karaoke at ISH, a few of my friends and I decided to walk down to Charing Cross to go to Heaven, a crazy and happening gay bar. It was so much fun! 
• REAL FOOD- Last Saturday I was kindly invited back out to Bicester for a good home cooked meal and, of course, (American) Dr. Pepper. As usual, my hosts were kind and welcoming, and I can't wait to see them again on Easter! 
• SCHOOL- Is going well....
• LAUREN- Finally found an internship and is now working at ISH in the events office! Yay!

That's really about all I can think of for now. Tonight will be busy with dinner, packing for Edinburgh, drinking, and sleeping. Up bright and early to meet the family at Heathrow! Can't wait! Updates with family from Edinburgh, London, and Paris soon to come!