Lights, Cameras, TRAVEL!

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&gt1=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?

40 Days

In 40 days I will be boarding a cold, stuffy airplane and taking off for the adventure of a lifetime with four of the best friends a girl can ask for.

*sigh*

The Chronic Over-packer….over-thinker…over-sharer….

    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.

 

 

49 Days…not that I am counting or anything.

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 27^th – depart from Orlando, FL
December 28^th – 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 30^th- 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 2^nd – 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 3^rd- Head to Amsterdam. In Amsterdam we will be staying at the Marriot in Amsterdam (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/amsnt-amsterdam-marriott-hotel/). Yet another wonderful hotel. We start off our trip in budget hotels and end in style! I'm super excited!

January 5^th- Return to the good 'ol US of A.
January 6^th – 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 27^th. Thank God I have Christmas and a Birthday between now and then!

And the travel bug begins...

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.
  
  

52 Days....

52 Days!

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!