This is a journal where I chronicle the life of me. A girl who is constantly dreaming of the next thing, but who realizes she is blessed by the life she has.
With my trip exactly a week away (at this time I'll hopefully be snoozing over the Atlantic, I figurd I'd share some of my photos from my prevous trips to London and Paris. I hope you enjoy them as take a short trip down Memory Lane.
Originally given as a token of gratitude for Britain's aid during World War II,
the Christmas tree in London's Trafalgar Square has been the annual gift of the people of Norway since 1947. This tree is gorgeous and I think will make a nice background to my lion photo!
[Second Photo-Paris]
- Ooh la la Galeries Lafayette! In Paris , even the Christmas trees are chic. With its monumental, baroque dome, plus 10 stories of lights and high fashion, it's no surprise this show-stopping department store draws
more visitors than the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. I NEVER made it to Geleries Lafayette last time, but knowing that THAT tree is there....I can't help but make it a priority!
You rarely get second chances in life. Thank God, I am getting mine.
Sometimes your second chance involves a relationship, and sometimes it involves an opportunity......mine involves traveling.
In the summer of 2007 I was studying abroad in London, England and took a weekend trip with a few of my new found friend to Paris. I had a good time, I popped up accidentally in the middle of the Tour De France, I strolled through the Louvre, traveled to Versailles. The only thing I didn't do was go up the Eiffel Tower.
Sure, I SAW the Eiffel Tower....but I didn't go any farther than that. I didn't wait in line to climb the stairs or hop in the elevator to ascend to the top. Why? Why on Earth would I, someone who looks forward to every travel adventure who lives to experience things in different cultures, why didn't I wait in line to go up?
The answer is easy - I am terrified of heights. I get nervous, and I let my nerves get the best of me. As soon as my friends returned from their trip to the top I immediately regretted it. This is one of the most famous landmarks in the world and I failed to take advantage of the opportunity.
Like I said, thank goodness for second chances. When I return to Paris on December 30th, I will be making the climb, even if I have white knuckles from gripping - this is one experience I am not going to let escape me for a second times----because while many people don't even get second chances - ---- hardly anyone gets a third!
second photo: Ice Skating Rink on the Eiffel Tower - will I dare test my clumsiness and try to ice skate on the Eiffel Tower, I already have chills just thinking about crashing and falling over the side of the Tower!).
I woke up this morning to a slew of weather reports coming from Paris describing a heavy snow (4 inches) which is extremely unusual for Paris! So unusual that they had to shut down the Eiffel Tower for about 24 hours! WHATTTT. Apparently the ice made it slippery and they are unable to lay salt down due to the fact that it might damage the tower, and let's be honest I'm all for a non-damage let's not fall through the floor Eiffel Tower.
Anyways, this is a bit shocking and lets face it beautiful. This trip is beginning to take on almost a magical fantastical quality and an unusual amount of snow does nothing to diminish that. Sure, I may freeze my butt off, but I have a lot of extra butt and I can't imagine how beautiful snow is going to make Versailles and the rest of the city! I've seen it blossoming in the summer now I get to see it sparkling in the winter. Drinking Hot Chocolate at Angelina's will be maximized by the cold weather and falling snow, and the Christmas lights will sparkle reflecting off the pure white surfaces.
Okay, time to reign it in....watch I get there and the snow is melted and it's all replaced by an ugly gray slush. That's what I should prepare for......
Every morning I get to my classroom about 70 minutes before the day begins. Usually, I am set-up for the next day and all I do is just sit in my room and collect myself. I check out a few of my fellow bloggers, catch up on emails from the afternoon before and click around my MSN homepage or Lonely Planet emails to see what may intrigue me. Today was no different and I stumbled across this link (http://www.bing.com/travel/content/search?q=Sparkling+Holiday+Lights%3a+Leavenworth%2c+Wash.&cid=msn1116032&form=TRVCON>1=41000) and it brought me to a countdown of the sparkliest, most beautiful holiday lights in the world. This of course excited me as not only did the headline catch my attention but the picture as well!
That's PARIS! I'm going there!
I have always been a sucker for Christmas lights (who isn't?!) and I guess it shouldn't have shocked me that Paris made the list but it did!!! I can't wait to stroll through Paris and take in the twinkly Christmas lights. Granted, it won't be like it was when I was a kid riding around in the car with my parents oohing and ahhing over every house! But, I also never came across Champs-Elysses!!!
According to the information I read during the holidays they illuminate more than 400 trees with 1 million energy-saving lights and it alls adds up to the Champs-Elysses (which is where everyone says is the place to be in Paris when the clock strikes midnight!). The little tidbit goes on to explain that window-shopping in Paris during the holidays is a must-see for locals and visitors. Lord knows this girl will have to window shop because she won't be able to afford to do any other kind!
Anyways, another surprise that made the list is BRUSSELS!
I did not even entertain the though that Brussels would make the list! But look at the photo it's beautiful! This is a photo of the Gothic Brussels Town Hall which was built in the early 1400s. Apparently each holiday season they light it up for all to see. Apparently each night the area in front of the Town Hall, known as the Grand Palace or town square is filled with people because there is a evening sounds-and-light show that illuminates the whole building. Umm, hello, an awesome light show that happens to take place for FREE while we're in Brussels. I am crossing my fingers that it will still be going on January 2nd when we arrive! I'm dying, dying, dying to see this!
Until I leave for Europe I'll be trolling around Kissimmee/Orlando looking for beautiful holiday lights to kind of curb my craving for these! Anyone have any awesome holiday light secrets? Care to share?
So this weekend my mom cleaned out my car for my Birthday (thanks Mom!). Trust me it was a HUGE job and I am sooo greatful. Let’s put it this way, I drive a four door Ford Focus, and it was almost impossible for me to have one passenger in the car. MUCHO cleaning out was needed.
Example:
However, my mother cleaned it out for my Birthday and she found all my travel writing books! Woohoo! I have a ton of travel writing books from when I took my travel writing class in college. I look forward to reading, learning and seeing what the heck I can figure out!
The books:
*Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe. This collection of short stories by Bill Bryson are humorous accounts of Europe and everything Europe has to offer. I especially look forward to reading about Brussels!
*Paris in Mind- Is a collection of stories from writers that span many decades and even centuries and just focus on Paris.
*The Best American Travel Writing 2009. These are the best travel writing stories from 2009. I’m stoked!
I have few other travel writting books I'm getting into, but any suggestions out there?
With my trip now being 45 days away I have decided to countdown my favorite travel memories of all time. I'm not complaining they are the best things that have ever happened to me on a trip, but they are things that when I reflect back on them I cannot help but smile. Some are stupid, some are fun, and some are crazy….and some have just stuck with me throughout my 24 (almost 25!) years, for who knows what reason.
10. Sliding down the shark slide at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas.
It was my senior year of high school and my best friends 17th Birthday weekend, and we were in the Bahamas. It was an amazingly beautiful day and a day we had decided to use to explore the busier side of the resort. We were after the side of the resort where the slides, tourist and cruise people seemed to congregate. As Melissa, Lindsey and I sipped our virgin strawberry daiquiris and giggled over the fact that we had packed a Birthday cake in Tupperware and iced it with our hands for Lindsey's Birthday we prepared to stand in line to go down the slide. The slide was meant to be used with a tube and ended with you going through an almost lazy type river that went through a shark tank. AMAZING right? Not so much if you spent the last week of summer watching Shark Week and are terrified of anything that has a fin. I thought I could handle it, I mean I only got a little bit nervous while walking through the tunnels at Sea World, shooting through on a tube would be easy, right? Not so much. After shooting down the steep part of the slide I slowed to an almost crawl as I traveled through the shark tank. It was then that my fear of sharks and claustrophobia started to make itself known. As I slowed to an almost stop I noticed a shark (who in my mind was a Great White) LAYING on the tube. LAYING ON IT. In my mind there was no way that this could possibly be safe. With my butt still firmly wedged in the tube I stood up, bent over double and RAN out. I noticed Lindsey and Melissa watching me through the glass laughing to death as I ran for my life. When I finally reached the end of the tube I jumped for freedom into the plunge pool. Looking back I realize I was never in danger, but looking back I realize I would never put myself in that position again. My near-death experience in the tunnel was enough. Because even if that tube wouldn't crack and kill me I have a feeling a heart attack would.
9. Hiking in California.
To start off, I have no idea where this took place. I know we were outside of Los Angeles and were hiking along a river. I know I was in 4th or 5th grade and we were in the woods, up a mountain walking along a stream. I know that it was my brother, my dad, my mom and I. I also know it was around Spring Break because the Oscar's were going on while we were in California. This being said, as my brother, dad and I climbed across a slow moving stream to a giant rock to pose with our Dad for a picture we were just smiling, waving and enjoying the beautiful, crisp day. Everything was going fine until we had to climb across the river back to the bank. It was then that my dad slipped and fell and scrapped his knee/shin…it was then that he shit his pants. I guess he wasn't feeling well that morning and had the runs, and the fall, combined with his upset stomach made holding it in not an option. However, this is not the best part of the story…or the most memorable. Of course after my dad informed us of his predicament we got into the car to drive into civilization. My dad requested that we never share this story (SORRY DAD), and was of course grumpy about the whole thing, while my mother, brother and I attempted to hold in our giggles. It was then that the commercial came on. I have noooo idea what the radio commercial was promoting but I remember exactly how it began. "Do you have dirty underwear?" This of course caused Johnny, my mom and I to burst into giggles at the fact that our Dad was currently navigating our car to the closest bathroom to rid himself of his dirty underwear. And this is a family vacation memory that will forever stick with me.
8. Cama, Cama, Cama, Chameleon The Westin Hotel, St. John Island – U.S. Virgin Islands
To set the stage it was May 2008, and I had just officially graduated from the College of Charleston. My best friend Carolyn had received a week stay at any Westin Resort for a graduation present and Derek, Caitie, Carolyn and I traveled to St. John Island in the Virgin Islands to celebrate our accomplishment. We had packed our best friend dresses, and were ready for an adventure and adventure is what we got. It was our last night in St. John and we were feeling no pain. I had to leave earlier than the others so I was trying to contain myself. However, Derek was not exactly following my lead. We had spent a long evening at Woody's partying with the locals and enjoying our time. Anyways the time has come to leave and we catch a shuttle back to our hotel. At this point and time Carolyn, Caitie and I are literally carrying Derek. Now, I must explain to you something about these taxi/shuttles, they don't really have any doors, they are open on the side kind of like a jeep but they have multiple rows, like the parking shuttles at Disney. We get Derek up into the taxi and he promptly collapses to the floor of the shuttle and remains there for the entire ride back to the Westin. We get to the Westin, pull Derek out only have to him collapse on the lawn in front of the Westin, a lawn which is home to many HUGE iguanas that the Virgin Islands are famous for. Derek opens one bleary blue eye and is starring at a iguana which is inches from his face….it is then that Derek in his most hilarious state begins singing "cama, cama, cama, cama, cama chameleon" I to this day don't know the real words or if those are the real words, but I know the song and I know the tune and Derek's perfect timing and crazy self happened to say it right then, and this is a travel memory that I will never ever forget.
7. The Giant Chocolate Bar- Hershey Park, Pennsylvania
I don't know what year this happened in. I'm thinking around the time I was in 8th grade. My family and I traveled to Pittsburg to pickup my Grandma Marcy and Grandaddy and go on an adventure to Hershey Park, Pennsylvania and Gettysburg. We rent a HUGE Church van in which everyone in my family had their own row and we took off. The trip was amazing but the best memory of the trip was my chocolate bar. See, I have always loved dessert and my grandfather had mentioned before that he loved watching me eat dessert went I was little. My eyes would light up, I'd smile and laugh and just be the happiest little girl. Well, things haven't changed much I still love chocolate and at this point and time I was on a mission get the biggest chocolate bar possible. Well we found a 5lb chocolate bar at Hershey Park, and I didn't want to open it. My grandfather found it and bought it for me, I hugged it to my chest and walked around like it was my biggest pride and joy…and I never opened it. Well I can't say never, but I one day came home from swim practice find my dad had opened it L. However, I still have the wrapper and the memory of our trip around Pennsylvania.
6. Snowmobiling the Continental Divide – Colorado Christmas 2003.
It was the coldest Christmas ever, Christmas in Breckenridge, Colorado. It was also the most packed Christmas ever. My aunt, uncle, mom, dad, brother and I were saying in a two bedroom 1 bathroom loft and my grandparents were staying in their motor home in a campground a few miles away….meaning it was usually 8 of us in the tiny condo. It was freezing cold and wonderful on the slopes, but only my dad, mom, uncle, aunt and I could enjoy the slopes so one day we went snowmobiling. We all had our own snow mobiles (except my grandmother rode on the back of my Big Johns) and we zipped across the frozen landscape. Snow was deep and we were warned to stay on the paths or else we risk tipping or sinking. Unfortunately I did tip my snowboard once, and my dad ended up sinking when we took a break and he went to the bathroom and ended up sinking his snow up to his armpits! Anyways, the trip was beautiful and the weather was perfect, and as we climbed up the Rockies I realized we were slowly eclipsing the tree line. As we continued to climb the trees began to disappear and the air got the thinner. It was then that we reached the top and my whole family was perched on the top of the continental divide. I wish I could explain the feeling of gazing out and seeing all of Colorado, of the way it felt when my family came together and linked arms and stared down out and over the winter wonderland. It was an amazing site and an amazing feeling that actually warmed me inside and out.
4. Monument Valley, Summer 2006.
It was my brother's first time on a horse. My first time in Monument Valley, and my families first experience with a drunk Native American. It was the Summer I decided to live with my aunt and uncle in Arizona and Colorado and work for them, and it was when my brother came out to visit. We decided to take a trip to the Grand Canyon and to go horseback riding in Monument Valley. My Aunt and Uncle had done it before and had sworn by the experience. You had a Native American guide, he would take you on a tour of Monument Valley and show you the terrain tell you stories, folk tales and traditions and you'd get to see the unbelievable sites. Sounded awesome! We woke up early, left for the meeting point and waited, and waited, and waited. Thinking we were in the wrong spot, we took off looked around and waited some more. Finally our guide stumbled up reeking of alcohol and said he would be our tour guide. Obviously still drunk the night before, he saddled up our horses and climbed bareback on to his and off we went. As we were slowly going up a narrow ridge on the side of a mountain my Indian guide was turning around and flirting with me! I was worried about the fact that we were literally on a path that was about 2 feet wide and he was flirting! Our guide was leading, and I was right behind him followed by my brother, my Uncle Tom, and my Aunt Lisa who is quite good with horses and used to race them was bringing up the rear. It was then the guide told me "I can even ride my horse lying down with my eye closed sleeping." With this being said he laid down, closed his eyes and promptly FELL OFF HIS HORSE! Fell off! On to a tee tiny ledge that led to a rocky ravine below! My horse slammed to a stop and avoided stomping him by the narrowest of margins. Our guide seemed embarrassed and ended up trading horses with my Aunt, I guess hangovers/being drunk effect how long you can ride bareback. My Aunt ended up riding bareback and the guide took over her horse. That day we saw some beautiful sites, some old Native American caves and homes, and we saw our guide fall of a horse piss ass drunk. It was amazing, hilarious and my first travel adventure gone wacky!
3. Christmas in Charleston I am guessing it was 1991.
It was Christmas time in Charleston, South Carolina, a beautiful city that was blustery and cold and filled with hope. My whole family had arrived to Charleston in order to celebrate Christmas and to spend time with my Great-Grandaddy gene. Grandaddy Gene was in the hospital battling brain cancer and our family was there to spend Christmas close to him. It had been a long day of hospital visits any my brother who was four and I who had just turned six was a little to young to understand the full gravity of the situation. We knew our Grandaddy Gene was sick and we knew that we were spending Christmas in Charleston to be close to him. The family was a little down but my Great-Grandmother,Grandmother, Grandfather, Great Aunt, Aunt, Uncle, and parents were all there. It was late one night after we had left the hospital and decided to go to dinner. I don't know the name of the place we went but it was very fancy, and was dimly lit. My family was places at a large round table with a white table cloth and candles and we were enjoying each others company and laughing after a long day. To be honest most of the dinner is a blur but I remember feeling, happy, warm and safe, and ordering pecan pie (that was not as good as Grandma Orenes). It was here that some how my family got on the subject of attempting to touch our tongues to our nose. This of course caused everyone to be giggly and forget our problems for awhile as we all attempted to get our tongue to touch the tip of our nose, and of course only my mom succeeded. Finally after dessert we all calmed down and stopped trying to do it, when we looked over and noticed a fussy looking older company attempt to do the same thing…this of course caused our whole table to dissolve back into uncontrollable giggles. This was a rough Christmas but I remember being happy, I remember the electronic fireplace in the hotel room, and the giggles at dinner. I also remember my Grandaddy Gene and being able to spend that last Christmas with him. He died in February but that Christmas was a memorable one, and the memory of my whole family forgetting their troubles and attempting to lick their own nose is one memory that I was forever cherish and file under "happy childhood."
2.A lazy day in Edinburgh, Scotland. Summer 2007.
It was the summer of 2007 and I was studying abroad in London, England. My British Children's Literature class was taking a few day trips to Edinburgh, Scotland and our itinerary was brutal. Class every morning followed by fieldtrips and walking tours. We were constantly moving, constantly going, constantly studying and preparing for what was next. It was a great time and I was learning a lot however, I was exhausted! We were also staying in an old castle which was awesome but not the best for sleeping, creaky, noisy and spooky! Plus A group of us had just spent the day in London before traveling to Scotland standing in line for book 7 of the Harry Potter series (and standing in line and getting HP7 in my hands in LONDON probably should have made this list, in fact I might have to add it or give it its own list!), but we were exhausted and sleep-deprived and working out butts off. Anyways, we finally were given a full afternoon off. After a literary tour of Edinburgh, Scotland we were given the afternoon to do whatever we wanted in the beautiful city. A few of us decided to lay in Edinburgh's Royal Botanical Garden. It was a beautiful site and a beautiful day, in the 70's with a view of the old castle above us, the green grass below us and the flowers surrounding us we lay in the park, read our books, ate lunch, drank tea, and enjoyed our surroundings. We watched a soccer game; little girls run and play, an impromptu (friendly!) boxing match and just enjoyed life. It was sooo relaxing, so joyful and just amazing. It was the perfect afternoon during a perfect yet exhausting study abroad experience.
1. Westminster Abbey, London England – 2006
It was my first Europe experience and I had travelled to London with my best friend Lindsey. Unfortunately the trip wasn't going as perfectly as hoped due to the fact I had caught a severe cold, fever, chills, aches and bronchitis to boot! Lindsey of course being the travel buff she is was keeping me on the a grueling schedule. Wake up early, explore London, come back for a nap and tea, eat and then find food. In reality our naps were usually about 30 minutes and we were usually in pretty early. BUT, it was exhausting being as sick as I was. On the day we went to Westminster Abbey was the best day of all. After visiting Westminster Abbey Lindsey and I decided to sit and relax a bit (hmm my top to memories involve sitting on my butt in a beautiful part of the world and just enjoying life…). Anyways, Lindsey and I sat outside in front of Westminster Abbey playing with flowers, talking about trust (it's about trust in Jesus), and filming probably one of my favorite videos of all time. Despite the awkward couple basically having sex on the grass next to us, it was a great day to wind down and just bond after running all over London for a week.
So my countdown has officially crawled to 47 days. It seems like just yesterday it was at 48, oh wait…it was. I have been scouring the net looking at anything Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels or London related and I stumbled across this article in the Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/06/AR2005050600670.html. I want to do EVERYTHING on this list. Granted, I am poor so I have to savor every luxury I can…but hot chocolate at Angelinas? Check! Lipstick from Chanel….Check! Magnums of Champagne…..CHECK, CHECK!!
I just tried to enter pictures once again into my blog from my Microsoft word program and it doesn't work! I had pictures for my past few blogs and of course a picture of a magnum of champagne and maybe a picture of a person passed out with a magnum of champagne.
Anyways, I would like to introduce you to my travel companions and a few of the best friends a girl could ever ask for.
Travel Companion #1 – Linz. Linz and I traveled together to London at the conclusion of our sophomore year of College in May 2006. It was my first trip abroad and her first trip abroad without parental supervision (and maybe her only?). Linz and I have been best friends for as long as I can remember and is probably the person I can rely on most…and is probably the person I have the most fun with. (Lindsey and I Halloween 2010!).
Travel Companion #2- Mel, Mel and I have known each other since we were two, and fought with each other, and then have been best friends since high school. Mel is probably the most level headed of the group and the only one in a relationship! Mel, while the most serious and the most responsible of the group is always ready to giggle, drink and have a great time! (Melissa and I on our annual Fab 4 Vacation Summer 2005).
Travel Companion #3- Rachel, oh Miss Rachel. Rachel is someone who I read stories too when she was a girl and who I've enjoyed being around forever. I didn't truly start spending time with Rachel again until 2007, but she is a blast. We always have fun and we're kindred souls especially when it comes to the male variety. I can definitely count on her to have a blast in every city. Amsterdam here we come! (Rachel and I at WDW November 2010).
Travel Companion #4 – Jamie. Jamie, Jamie, Jamie. Jamie has been a good friend of mine since freshman year of high school on the swim team and has been someone I can count on ever since. Jamie has the most ridiculous laugh, is an amazing bartender and is always there for me. Powder Puff 2007 anyone? (This photo is us in Charleston on Halloween in 2005).
So the past few days I have been marveling at the fact that we have successfully planned a 10 day trip to Europe for fewer than 1500 dollars. Granted, this does not include food, drinks, museums or transportation (other than trains) or anything else we may decide to amuse ourselves with. However, I have been very proud and excited at out less than 1500.00 trip! However, today I spent 150.00 on things I need for the trip and I still have no idea how I am going to pack. I am not a backpacker, and I have bad shoulders and we are stealing in real hotels for more than one night every time (minus Brussels), and I do not think my suitcase will be a hindrance. However, my suitcase wheels are broken! Ugh! Do I buy a new suitcase? What size should I buy? Any suggestions out there? Can someone help this chronic wander luster who is a chronic over packer with her issue?
The funny thing is, is I still am trying to decide what to bring! What should I wear on New Year's Eve? I of course want to look cute, and I of course want to sneak a kiss from a cute cultured European boy at midnight (right Linz)…and I of course want my feet to be comfy. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO ACCOMPLISH ALL OF THIS? Moreover, how are Lindsey and Rachel planning on accomplishing all of this in a single backpack? It's mind boggling. I do know I have purchased a black trench coat, a black & gray pair of Ugg-type boots and a pair of leggings. I believe I am going to convince my mother to sew me a wool skirt of some sort. However, I feel like one of my friends may be doing this? So should I look into a dress? Any suggestions out there for the chronic worrier on how to look hott on New Year's Eve without having to worry about frostbite? Or pain? I know layering is key…but geeze almighty…how do you plan on layering constantly and then plan on fitting everything into a backpack?
Are any of you exhausted yet from my train of thought? Because I am. You know how Kermit always says it ain't easy being green? Well It's not easy being me! Anyone out there who happens to stumble across my rant and have some suggestions, or anyone out there who knows me, loves me and is willing to help me….well I'll love you forever and always. Oh and keep in mind that I am from Florida…I feel like that may be important when discussing winter clothing.
I am officially 45 days away from boarding a plane with four of my best friends and embarking on a trip to Europe. But until then…I am stuck in the real world….with my real world job. I have to notify my employer that I will be embarking on a trip that will take me away from my job for three days. Granted a wedding is involved but I hate to leave them Miss Singletonless! I'm sure my students won't mind my absence but I am sure my administration will!
Anyways our itinerary is as follows:
December 27th – depart from Orlando, FL
December 28th – arrive in London!!!! Stay at the wonderful Central House Hotel in London in the Victoria neighborhood (http://www.centralhousehotel.co.uk/). We will stay in Central House Hotel and enjoy all the sites London has to offer for two wonderful days. We may or may not visit Stonehenge. While I would LOVE to go since it is one of the things I've never done in London, I am fine if we don't go. It all just depends on what everyone else thinks!
December 30th- depart London for Paris at like 6:45am! Ahh! So early! We will be staying in the Garden Hotel in the Bastille neighborhood (http://www.garden-hotel-paris.com/). This hotel is a two star hotel, that is not very nice, but is in a descent area and is cheap! When I stayed there before while it wasn't the nicest it was clean and comfortable…which is really all we're really looking for!
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January 2nd – Leave for Brussels! We will be staying in the Sheraton in Brussels, which is basically 4 star bliss. I absolutely cannot wait to spend a night here. I feel like Brussels will be a great little quick stop. I'm mostly looking forward to the chocolate, beer and waffles…I mean honestly who can go to Belgium and NOT get a Belgium waffle? I feel as if that would be a sin! (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=488)
January 5th- Return to the good 'ol US of A.
January 6th – Return to Work. (That will be a rough two days!).
I am so unbelievable excited and grateful for this opportunity and also incredibly broke! I have a lot of saving and scrimping to do between now and December 27th. Thank God I have Christmas and a Birthday between now and then!
I’ve always felt this restlessness inside of me that has urged me to go. In fact I’ve been told many times that the longer I stay in one place the antsier I get, you may even say I get downright depressed. I suffer from wanderlust.
The first time I truly realized I suffered from wanderlust was my sophomore year of college. I was taking a travel writing course and was listening to all of the stories the students around me had to share; camping in the Amazon, skiing in the Swiss Alps, snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, shopping in London and I felt like I had nothing of the sort to share. Sure I had been to the Bahamas and I had an amazing horseback riding experience in Monument Valley, I had skied in Colorado and Utah, gazed over the Grand Canyon I had been to Disney World, strolled the streets of Boston….heck my life was most peoples vacation. I grew up in Orlando a stone’s throw from some of the most famous tourist attractions in the world, and I went to college in Charleston, South Carolina arguably one of the most beautiful historical cities in America, but I felt as if I had never been anywhere. This class introduced me to wanderlust.
Throughout the semester students would share their stories and my desire to travel grew. No longer was I satisfied with weekend trips to Tallahassee, the beach or Atlanta….I wanted to leave the country, I wanted a passport, I wanted to explore the world. Luckily it was about this time that my best friend Lindsey also was suffering for a desire to go to Europe.
That is how my disease of wanderlust became a passion for travel. My urge to go is now stronger than ever however I can now proudly say I’ve been to Europe I’ve traveled beyond my boundaries and I’ve discovered a passion that is costly but rewarding. In honor of this wanderlust itch I am constantly suffering from I am going to share with you my personal favorite travel destinations.
*Top Eight Favorite Travel Destinations
London, England
“When you tire of London, you tire of life.” This is definitely the truth when it comes to London. A city full of things to do whether its history you seek or the theater you love there is something to do in London. Amazing pubs and great people keep you coming back for more. Camden Town in London also allows for your inner punk to come out and play. Also the British Museum with the Elgin Marbles and the West Minister Abbey are amazing historical sites that will leave you in awe. Even if you tire of the city bustle London has many parks that were originally palace hunting grounds for you to escape to and relax. There is no better city than London.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Probably one of the most beautiful cities in the world Edinburgh is a site to behold. With the ancient castle overlooking the modern city and beautiful park there is no skyline that is more peculiar or entrancing. Also located in Edinburgh is one of the best bars in the world – Whistle Binkies, an “American Rock & Roll Bar” with a definite Scottish flair whether you want to jam out front with the live music of the night or hide in the caves in the back there is something to be enjoyed. Edinburgh is also not a far trip from a visit with Nessie, why not take a boat out on the lake and hope for a chance encounter? Also as an English Literature lover, its no surprise that the Literary Capital of the world would be one of my favorite cities. Why not peruse where JK Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter Book, or study the medical center where Robert Louis Stevenson studied. Also a trip to Edinburgh is not complete without a few hours spent in the park people watching, little kids, boxing matches, kites and soccer are a surefire way to pass the time
Charleston, South Carolina
Historic Sites, amazing food, gorgeous weather and a plethora of bars – Charleston is one city no one wants to miss. Charleston not only boasts the USS Yorktown and Ft. Sumter but it is also home to the Citadel and the College of Charleston. CofC founded in 1770 is the oldest Municipal College in the country and owns some of the most famous buildings in US History. A perfect day in Charleston starts with Brunch at Poogan’s Porch and is followed by a stroll down Market and King to peruse the shops, a quick lunch at the college friendly Kickin Chicken and a tour of the College of Charleston and other historical homes. A night in Charleston would also not be complete without a trip to 82 Queens followed by drinks at Henry’s, Big Johns and Mad River.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Situated about 2 hours outside of Denver, Breckenridge is the perfect place to escape to in the winter or summer. In the summer Breckenridge is a beautiful spot to hunker down. The quaint town has hundreds of little locally owned shop and is divided into by a beautiful river. Breckenridge is not only an amazing place to ski and snowboard but it is a great place for biking in the summer and is a short drive from White Water Rafting, Snowmobiling and Four Wheeling hot spots. So whether you want to go somewhere beautiful to relax and shop or you want to go on an X-Gamessque Adventure Breckenridge has something to offer.
Paris, France
Strangely enough the best things about Paris are not in Paris. While the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the many museums are amazing sites to behold the magic and beauty of Paris is located at Versailles. It is in Versailles that the magic of Paris is really felt. The over the top splendor of the palace and the beauty of the gardens shows how lavish and selfishness that the reign of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette was. Paris is beautiful and no trip to Paris is complete without visiting all the obvious tourist traps and eating crème brule drinking wine and eating the fine breads and cheese. Paris is a wonderful city and a beautiful site to behold. The only downfall to Paris is the difficulty of its subway system and the coldness of its citizens.
St. John’s Island – US Virgin Islands
Beautiful beaches …..check…….water sports….check…..lots of fun check…. Home of 2 of the worlds best beaches St. John’s Island is a wonderful place to escape and relax. Not only are the beaches wonderful in St. John’s but they have wonderful snorkeling spots. St. John’s also boasts a world famous bar/restaurant “Woody’s” that is favorite of country music star’s Kenny Chesney. St. John’s is the place where if you can ride a rollercoaster you can survive a taxi ride. Be weary of the over prices restaurants and stick to places like Woody’s which are filled with fun, food and drinks!
Boston, MA
Boston one of America’s greatest cities is also one of America’s greatest vacations. Whether it’s the beautiful gardens, historic tombstones or the shopping, Boston is an amazing place to behold. In Boston tombstone rubbing or hosting your own version of a Boston Tea Party is a great way to past the time for kids and adults a like, and an afternoon stroll through the Quincy Market for lunch is by far one of the best ways to spend a few hours. Boston a beautiful city with a historical past is one place in America you don’t want to miss!
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a beautiful town nestled into the Appalachian Mountains. The beautiful scenery and unique landscape make Asheville quite a wonder. In a town where hippies, young professionals, and artist come together you have an amazing downtown with high culture (great art, music and museums) as well as neat opportunities. In Asheville a trip downtown, and a trip to the Biltmore is a must. Asheville is an amazing vacation spot.
It is official I am going to Europe and I am going with four of the best friends a girl could ask for. On December 27th I, Lindsey, Jamie, Rachel and Melissa will be departing for Europe. Our whirlwind 10 day tour will include London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and a wedding. Things will be amazing.
I feel incredibly bad about having to miss 3 days of work, but it cannot be helped! As my trip approaches I automatically feel happier...nothing like the promise of adventure travel and good times to ensure that I am in a good mood. Who cares if I am/will be broke!
Anyways, here is to a FANTASTIC trip and too amazing friends! I'll actually be posting like I should now!
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